• parenting

    Smart Shopping Practices to Stretch the Household Budget

    January 14, 2026 - By 

    Rising household costs have become an unavoidable reality for families in the UK and around the world. This is especially the case for those with children. From increased food bills to higher energy usage from laundry, cooking and heating, parents often face huge financial pressure when compared to smaller households.  On top of this strain, electricity prices are projected to rise once again in 2026, and even though this is a modest increase (around 0.2%), with wider economic uncertainty to contend with, this is not great news. Of course, there is no one change that can offset any of these…

  • Christmas Countdown panel
    The Weekly Edit

    The Weekly Edit {Week 2/2026}

    January 12, 2026 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Weekly Edit is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the little or big things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. The Weekly Edit {Week 2/2026} Last week we packed away the Christmas decorations. This is always bittersweet as I love having them around, but am also happy to have my house clean and tidy again. We had a real Christmas tree so I was happy I didn’t need to clean…

  • education

    Head Start on Success: Can Online High School Prep You for College?

    January 5, 2026 - By 

    As you navigate the labyrinth of high school, face the challenges of growing independence, and grapple with preparing for college, have you considered the role online education could play in your journey? With the rise in technological advancements, online high schools have begun to emerge as a viable alternative to traditional education. But does this virtual route truly equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for college? It’s a question that’s ignited a fascinating debate, and one that may shape your academic future. So, let’s explore it together, shall we? The Evolution of Online High Schools How did online…

  • Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 1/2026}

    January 4, 2026 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the little or big things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 1/2026} I love the week after Christmas. I had the whole week off, as did the teens, so we planned a few trips. Our first event was for me Lil’ Sis to go and watch Elf the Musical at the Aldwych Theatre. We didn’t manage to…

  • Crafts for adults

    Christmas Countdown embroidery {part 3 & 4}

    January 3, 2026 - By 

    I can’t believe my two weeks Christmas break is at an end. I’m trying not to think about work on Monday, instead focusing on my beautiful Christmas Countdown embroidery. I thought I’d write a post about part 3 & 4 as I’ve had so much lovely time to stitch over the last two weeks. Christmas Countdown embroidery {part 3 & 4} Part 3 was motifs 13-18 and included wrap gifts, make eggnog, go ice skating, dry oranges, Christmas film night and send a card. These were so much fun to stitch whilst watching tv. Part 4 was motifs 19-24 and…

  • days out - London Borough of Westminster

    Elf The Musical at the Aldwych Theatre

    December 31, 2025 - By 

    We’ve been fortunate to book a couple of trips to the theatre over the Christmas holidays. Last weekend we went to Ally Pally to watch A Christmas Carol, and earlier this week we booked tickets for Elf the Musical. Elf The Musical at the Aldwych Theatre Based on the beloved 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, Elf is the funny and charming tale of Buddy, who mistakenly crawled into Santa’s bag as a baby and was raised as an elf! Way too tall and not so great at his job, Buddy is the North Pole’s biggest misfit… and knows he’ll never…

  • Crafts for adults

    What I made December 2025

    December 30, 2025 - By 

    The end of the year has arrived quickly and December has been the busiest month of all. It’s been a busy month with pretty much non-stop activity. There has been gingerbread making, tree decorating, card writing, reading, stitching and visiting exhibitions, making for a truly analogue end to the year – a trend I shall be carrying on into 2026. What I made December 2025 December was a month for making miniatures. Our Maileg mice gingerbread house came out and was decorated for the Christmas season. We made more mini Maileg Christmas costumes and crafted cardboard tube crowns to celebrate…

  • Camden - days out

    The Gingerbread City at Coal Drops Yard

    December 29, 2025 - By 

    It’s not Christmas without some gingerbread. We’ve been baking a lot of gingerbread over the last few weeks and decided to make a visit to this years The Gingerbread City. The Gingerbread City at Coal Drops Yard This is an annual exhibition of gingerbread buildings, organised by the Museum of Architecture. We try and visit every year and enjoy seeing what people have created from gingerbread. This year’s theme, The Playful City, celebrates the power of fun, curiosity and design to make our cities happier, healthier and more connected. From colourful, interactive public spaces to rewilded rooftops and buildings that…

  • The Gingerbread City at Coal Drops Yard
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 52/2025}

    December 28, 2025 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the little or big things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 52/2025} Each year my husband bakes a chocolate yule log. This year he made it into a Stick Man chocolate yule log which looked amazing and tasted good too. We’ve already planned next years one. We made our annual trip to view The Gingerbread City at…