As I type Santa has just tweeted that we have just 60 sleeps to Christmas, so we are offically on the countdown to the big day. Many of us have started our Christmas shopping and planning how we are going to decorate our home and entertain the descending family and friends.
I wanted to share with you my top tips to help plan a happy, fun and stressfree Christmas.
(1) When you return home from buying all those Christmas gifts pop all of your receipts into an envelope, then if you need to return any items after the big day - you will have everything you need in one place.
(2) Once you have opened your wrapping paper place an old toilet roll around it, to stop it from unravelling.
(3) Make your Christmas cake at the end of October/beginning of November to allow time for it to mature. It's also one less job before December.
(4) Wrap some lovely chocolates or bottles of wine and have them to hand just incase you need an extra gift for surprise visitors.
(5) Spend a fun afternoon with the little ones writing letters to Santa Claus - a great excuse to get the glitter out. Check out the link for the address to the big man http://www.royalmail.com/letters-to-santa
(6) Stock up on batteries ahead of the big day - ready for those toys from Santa which always seem to not include batteries.
(7) Not sure what to buy your brother or sister this year? Go through your stash of photographs of your niece/nephew and choose your favourite. Select a frame which would match their interiors at home and pop in the photograph. A perfect gift for any parent.
(8) Do you have any plain paper carry bags? Personalise them for Christmas with gorgeous ribbons and embellishments, it really does add a personal touch.
(9) Write a list - always spend time and write a list before you head out to the shops. This way you will not forget any gifts or food for the big day. It will save time in the long run.
(10) Make time for you - this is important before the big day. It's such a busy time with school plays, work parties, carol concerts and seeing friends and family. Make sure to set aside some time to do something for you - book a massage, facial or reflexology treatment or simply relax and unwind in a bubble bath.
I hope you find these tips useful - please feel free to share and add your own too :-)
Happy planning x
Saturday, 26 October 2013
Christmas preparations begin
A wet half term in our house seemed a perfect opportunity to start our preparations for Christmas. Miss H and I spent a fun afternoon baking the family Christmas cake, the first one we have made together.
Miss H loved being part of this, I really hope this will be the start of a new family tradition for us. As we both mixed the fruit into the cake mixture (bowl nearly overflowing) we both made a wish, I wonder if it will come true :-)
After patiently waiting several hours for it to bake (with Miss H asking numerous time "is it ready yet"), here is the result.
Our fab Christmas cake has now been tucked up in it's tin and we will both loving feed it each week as we count down to Christmas. The exciting part lies ahead - oh how will we decorate it? #exciting.
Miss H loved being part of this, I really hope this will be the start of a new family tradition for us. As we both mixed the fruit into the cake mixture (bowl nearly overflowing) we both made a wish, I wonder if it will come true :-)
After patiently waiting several hours for it to bake (with Miss H asking numerous time "is it ready yet"), here is the result.
Our fab Christmas cake has now been tucked up in it's tin and we will both loving feed it each week as we count down to Christmas. The exciting part lies ahead - oh how will we decorate it? #exciting.
Friday, 24 May 2013
Pretty Girls Party
A few weeks ago we celebrated Miss H's birthday and decided to throw a party at home for her.
We invited friends from school and had the most amazing time. Please check out the photos of how we celebrated the day, enjoy!
We invited friends from school and had the most amazing time. Please check out the photos of how we celebrated the day, enjoy!
 |
| Come on in! |
 |
| A warm welcome |
 Party Bags  |
Craft time.
Chocolate game - lots of laughs :-)
Picking up mini eggs - how many could you pick up?
 Sweet treats :-) |
Saturday, 29 September 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Crossroads
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.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
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 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!
Saturday, 16 June 2012
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.
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.
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