Individualism is great

We had a lovely drive out today and visited the delightful town of Melbourne in South Derbyshire. Not only is this gorgeous town steeped in history claiming to be the birth place of Thomas Cook, but
there is something very special about this pretty market town with new things to discover on every street.

As we walked around exploring the area, they are some stunning Georgian houses which simply make you stop for a while and admire their beauty. You cannot help but admire the beautiful parish church which has been described as a "cathedral in miniature" and if you enjoy a relaxing stroll you can walk alongside Melbourne Pool and feed those lively ducks.

Whilst I appreciate the history and the beauty of the area, one thing which I found so very refreshing was the town centre. It was wonderful to discover a selection of superb local independent retailers all passionate about their businesses and all delighted to see us. We had a fab coffee in
Forteys and then purchased some traditional sweets from the vast selection of jars on offer. We explored the stylish shop Lily and Lime as we looked for Christmas gift ideas and gazed at the stunning flowers in the Blossom Tree. This town has every service each modern family needs and it was wonderful to see a town centre that did not replicate those up and down the country.

So if you fancy a lovely day out for a bit of history, walks and shopping that offers you something a little different, then check out Melbourne.

Crossroads

I have reached a crossroads in my life at the moment and am really unsure which path to take.

I am in my mid thirties with one gorgeous child, who is smart, funny and everything we could have ever wished for. I have had a career break for several years and however during this time I set up a small business to work from home to earn some money but also keep my brain active.

I am conscious that the old biological clock is ticking but also I have been out of the wider world of work for a long time and worry if I leave it too late I won't be able to have a good solid career, which will challenge and excite me.

Mr H and I have gone round and round in circles trying to decide whether we should have a second child or whether we should stick as we are. We have gone through the usual conversations about feeling selfish if we only have one as we are denying our daughter the chance to have a sibling who she could become great friends with.

Being a mum these days is so very different to the time when my mum stayed at home. We were raised being told we could achieve anything - go to university and have a great career. I was ambitious and I did all those things, but nobody told me how hard it would be once you have a child what happens then?

Do you ditch all your hard work and ambitions to stay at home and devote 100% of your time to your children? Do you work part time and try and have the best of both worlds? or do you go for full time and feel wracked with guilt that you are not looking after your little ones properly?

I love being a mum and I will cherish all the magical moments Miss H and I have shared together whilst we were at home. Believe me we have had lots of fun and created memories we will both have for always. The question is can I do it again? or is my desire to get back into a suit stronger? If I delay my career for another two years will I feel frustrated or will everything just work out fine?

I am really unsure where to turn at the moment and what decision to make.

The joys of being a modern mum.

Everyone's a winner

It's that time of year again where the school sports day is in the diary and we pray for some sunshine to watch the little ones put their heart and soul into the races.

I have been shocked after speaking with friends how many schools now do not allow there to be winners for the races, they operate a policy where everyone is a winner and it's taking part that matters.

Of course it is important for children to appreciate that taken part is wonderful and they can have lots of fun with their peers. However, taking the competitive element out of sports day to me is just out right crazy.

Where is the life lesson here for children? Is real life like this, where everyone wins?

Of course not, we all have different talents and all excel at different things and I feel it is important for children to learn that sometimes you simply don't win. I believe it is important for them to learn the skill of being pleased for someone else, who at the end of the day is better at you at that event.

I was thrilled to hear that Miss H's school will be awarding medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the races and stickers for those taking part. I think it's important for children to learn about real life in this fun and social setting.

Right, time to dig out my trainers ready for the mums race.....wish me luck!

I love flowers

Like most women I love flowers both in the garden and in the house. However, I sadly don't have the budget to buy fresh flowers each week, so it was time to get creative.

The garden is full of colour this time of year so why not use what is there and bring some of the outside in. I am spoilt for choice on the variety of flowers I can choose at the moment and really enjoy my weekly ritual of taking my scissors and choosing my flowers to create a unique display.

Today I have chosen these beautiful purple flowers with some greenery and have arranged them in this gorgeous enamel cream bucket, with a simple pale green ribbon added for an extra touch.

As I had a few flowers left, I placed a couple into this vintage glass bottle that used to belong to my dear Grandma. A really simple idea, but it adds a splash of colour to the kitchen.

A really simple and cheap way to bring flowers into the home and also add continuity from the garden to inside.

Gangsta Granny

Miss H and I have always enjoyed reading together at bedtimes and as her love of books grows we treasure this time of day.

However, this cosy quiet time over the past few weeks have developed into a time of laughing out loud and desperate excitement of wanting to read more.

What is this book I here you cry? The hilarious and moving 'Gangsta Granny' by the comedian David Walliams. I don't know whether you have read this book with your children, but we would both recommend you do. For those who don't have children - please read it as you too will laugh and cry out loud, as the images of Granny will trigger memories of your own Grandmas.

We have never laughed so much when reading at bedtime and yes we did cry at the moving bits too as we watched the relationship with Ben and his Granny develop. (I won't tell you what happens as I don't want to spoil it for you - as there is nothing more annoying).

I would just advise you to have a read, take it on holiday, read it on the train - so what if it's aimed at children, David Walliams has written a great book and as an adult I would be proud to read it in public.

Jubilee memories

Like most people our family have really enjoyed celebrating the Jubilee over the past week and we have shared moments that we will always cherish for years to come.

Our talented Miss H created this wonderful Jubilee memory box at an art workshop, to keep safe her memories from the week's events. Inside she has included a union jack money box from her best friend, a bible given to her from school, pictures from a family wedding we went to at the weekend, a flag and a red London bus - to name but a few of the items. I thought it was a fantastic way to store all those precious keepsakes and I know she will cherish it for always.

Coffee and cake

As the school holidays are coming to an end, Miss H and I decided to pop into town on this wet and windy Friday to treat ourselves to a magazine and indulge in coffee and cake (well water for Miss H). We both had a scrummy lemon tart at Costa Coffee which I would recommend to you all.

It was lovely chatting together and being all cosy in the cafe whilst the rain poured outside and on the way back to the car we splashed in the puddles and laughed as our umbrellas blew around in the wind.

A lovely morning with my little Miss.

Sweet idea

I was just going through my photographs taken at a wedding on Saturday and thought you would like to see this image:

A gorgeous sweet shop had been set up for guests to enjoy. We all received a pink and white striped paper bag and then we could choose our favourite sweets. It was a big hit with all the guests big and small. I especially liked the marshmallow tree.

Yum yum.

A place to relax

Like most people these days, we are all busy dashing around and leading manic lives with work, children and homes to run. So for me my garden is a very important place to relax and unwind. There is something very therapeutic about being in the garden and listening to the birds signing and the sheep in fields nearby.

To lengthen my stay in the garden I have created a pretty sitting area where I can relax with a magazine and a coffee and recharge my batteries. I add cosy cushions to the seat, which can be moved at the end of the day.

Hope you like it.