• Summit at Ally Pally with teens
    days out - Haringey

    Summit at Ally Pally with teens

    April 9, 2026 - By 

    A few years ago we took the opportunity to climb up and over the O2. It was a fun experience which has stuck with us ever since, it’s not often that we find an activity that impresses the teens. We discovered that you could climb over Ally Pally, this is one of my favourite buildings in London, so we booked it for an Easter treat. Summit at Ally Pally with teens Ally Pally, or Alexandra Palace, is a beautiful historic building in Haringey. We visit it frequently for gigs and the theatre and the views over London are worth a…

  • wedding

    Here’s what you need to prep for a summer wedding

    April 8, 2026 - By 

    Many of us have dreamed of our summer wedding since we were young. Whether that dream is a nature-centred ceremony held under the canopy of an oak tree, or a luxurious affair in the fanciest hotel you can imagine, it’s only when you really start planning the big day that you realise how much there is to take care of.  Luckily, you’re absolutely not alone, and you can learn from the experiences of those who have trodden this path before you. From your venue to the importance of flexibility, here’s what you need to prep for your summer wedding.  Venue…

  • street art in Camden Market
    The Weekly Edit

    The Weekly Edit {Week 14/2026}

    April 6, 2026 - By 

    Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 14/2026} My teens started their Easter break after a busy Winter term at school. My son has been doing lot of revision as his exams start in April and my daughter has been making lots of crystal art. We made our favourite chocolate…

  • Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron {book review}
    What I'm reading

    Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron {book review}

    April 4, 2026 - By 

    My teen loves to read as much as I do. She also loves a trip to the book shop and has a longer TBR pile than I do. She’s always on the lookout for  a new book to read and I couldn’t be happier that she loves to spend time reading. She recently spotted that one of her favourite authors, Ravena Guron, the bestselling author of YA books, had a new book out. Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron From the bestselling author of This Book Kills comes a murderous YA thriller of cliques, backstabbing and mind-blowing twists. Perfect for fans…

  • 3d printed lego wreath
    The Monthly Thread

    The Monthly Thread: March’s punch needle & sashiko

    March 31, 2026 - By 

    I love the start of a new year. Each month I love to write a round up of what I’ve been making. This helps me to see what I’ve made, and holds me accountable for projects half started or bought. This year I’m calling my series The Monthly Thread. March’s post is all about punch needle & sashiko. The Monthly Thread: March’s punch needle & sashiko Earlier in the month I attended The Stitch Festival in London. I try to visit every year, mainly to try a new craft at one of the workshops that runs through the day. This…

  • EPP
    The Weekly Edit

    The Weekly Edit {Week 13/2026}

    March 30, 2026 - By 

    Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 13/2026} Last week was a musical week for us. My son took part in his final school concert before he leaves to take his GCSEs, and I also performed with my local choir. We are both looking forward to a break from rehearsals…

  • sashiko pin cushion
    days out

    The Stitch Festival 2026

    March 25, 2026 - By 

    Last week I spent a day at The Stitch Festival at the Business Design Centre in Angel. Living in London means I am spoilt for craft shops and creative workshops, but I can’t resist seeing everything under one roof. The Stitch Festival 2026 As well as my ticket, I also booked my workshops in advance – choosing punch needle, adding embroidery to knits and a sashiko class. I love the opportunity to learn something new and thought these three classes would be fun. The punch needle class took place before the festival opened, so I had a very early start…

  • punch needle at the Stitch Festival
    The Weekly Edit

    The Weekly Edit {Week 12/2026}

    March 23, 2026 - By 

    Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 12/2026} Last week we celebrated my son’s birthday and mine. There were a lot of presents, cards and birthday cake. My son asked for a homemade Battenberg cake and I asked for a Jellycat inspired birthday cake. My husband was very busy baking…

  • Crafts for adults

    What Are the Most Common Mistakes in DIY Book Nook Projects?

    March 21, 2026 - By 

    DIY book nooks have become a favorite project for hobbyists who enjoy miniature design, creativity, and hands-on craftsmanship. These small diorama-style scenes, designed to fit between books on a shelf, combine elements of model building, painting, and lighting. While building a book nook can be highly rewarding, it is also easy to make mistakes along the way that affect the final result. Understanding common pitfalls can help both beginners and experienced builders avoid frustration, save time, and achieve a more polished finished piece. The following sections highlight typical errors that occur in DIY book nook projects and offer guidance on…