It's been a while. Life has been busy and a bit stressful lately and remembering to take photos of our meals has proven rather tricky. But, finally, What we we really eat is back - and it's all bit orange! Monday: Fish fingers, roasted new potatoes and baked beans My eldest son had a friend ...
Joules Raincoats
You may have heard me mention my raincoat obsession before. No? Well, I definitely have one and tend to end up buying a new one every year or so. I always spend ages looking around, but usually end up coming back to Joules - I'm now on my third coat from them. They look great and - crucially - ...
A mini masterpiece
On my last visit to Ikea I bought a really lovely, square frame. Buying frames in Ikea always seems like such a good idea - until you get them home and realise that literally nothing is the right shape to fit in them. I love Ikea, but why does everything have to be so awkward and ...
My Week
As I write this, the weather is hot and sunny. June-like. Proper hot. But a few days ago it was freezing and I was wearing three jumpers, huddled over the electric heater. Yet, just a few days before that, I'd caught the sun and proclaimed it was summer! What's going on? Give me some ...
Travel journals for children
A few weeks ago my mum was having a clear-out and unearthed one of my old childhood notebooks. I vividly remember this notebook - it started out as a little travel journal of a holiday to Yorkshire when I was about six. I'm the one standing on the rock, pictured with my Mum and older sister, ...
My bedroom
Last year we gave our bedroom a big overhaul - new bed, wardrobe, colour and curtains. Before then, it had been in a bit of a sludge-coloured state - with clutter and mess everywhere. Once we'd finished, It looked amazing - but just lately, I've let things slip slightly and it's all got rather tired ...
10 things I’ve learnt about boys (so far)
1. Boys are sensitive. Don't be fooled by the stereotypes peddled by the media - boys can be thoughtful too. When you have boys, the assumption is that they're these delightfully naughty, cheeky monkeys - always loud and boisterous. This is so one dimensional. Yes, my boys can be noisy, but they're ...
Open Farm Sunday 2015
Yesterday was Open Farm Sunday. This is an annual event, organised by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) and the idea is to provide everyone with a chance to visit a working farm and 'discover at first hand what it means to be a farmer and the fabulous work they do producing our food and ...
My Week
Last weekend was a lovely end to a busy half-term. On Saturday, the weather was good, so we devoted the day to the garden. First, we went to the garden centre and stocked up on new pots and summer plants. We also indulged in one of their delicious ploughman's lunches before heading home with our ...
Town or Country? Part 2: Walking
This is part two in an on-going and slightly rambling series in which I try to decide if it's better to live in the town or the countryside. It's not a definitive debate, but rather a place to gather my thoughts and try to make some sense of them. If you have any advice, I'd love to hear from you in ...
A few of my favourite vintage finds
I love old things. Antique, vintage, pre-loved - whatever you want to call them. Something old looks fantastic mixed with new items, and really lends your home a unique bit of personality. Lots of vintage things are also so much more affordable - especially paintings and furniture. I used to ...
A painting a week
This morning didn't get off to the best start. Gloomy and windy weather combined with a bad school run, followed by mad dash to get to a physio appointment. But when I got back, I made a huge coffee and did a quick half hour painting. Last week I really enjoyed watching the blue tits in my ...