I’m pretty evangelical about Pilates — in fact, I’d go as far as saying Pilates changed my life! And I’m not overexaggerating! So, with that in mind, I thought I’d share my favourite 5 Pilates exercises with you.
Looking for an inexpensive way to decorate your home for the holidays? An effortless and cost-effective way to pretty up your home for the festive season is to make a simple Christmas tree garland from yarn.
With not long to go until Christmas, I thought I’d create a printable template letter to Santa to help everyone with their Christmas lists.
The festive season can be such an expensive time of year. One of the areas in which you can save money is by creating Christmas crafts for gifts and home decor.
Use this free space SVG as a wall decal or t-shirt logo. Or print it and pop it in a frame! The uses are endless.
Want to make an easy DIY gingerbread house Christmas gift bag? It’s such a simple & effective make, to level up your Christmas wrapping.
What quick and nutritious meals can you rustle up in just 15 minutes — from scratch? Scrambled eggs? Cheese on toast? How about a delicious lentil and bacon soup recipe? Ordinarily, lentils take an age to cook, but with the help of our trusty pressure cooker, we can whip up the most amazing, thick, and delicious lentil soup in just 15 …
Use these free printable Scandi-inspired Christmas stickers on gifting, Christmas cards and scrapbooking projects.
For those lucky enough to own a property with a Victorian basement, or cellar, it offers a brilliant opportunity to extend down — rather than up or out.
Want to fold a bat napkin for your Halloween table? So simple — all you need is a black square napkin or piece of black fabric.
I’ve created a free Sweet Dreams Wall Decal for you to use in your home. Either as a wall decal or you can print it and pop it in a frame.
Learn how to keep your skin and hair looking radiant this season with Green People. Autumn never looked so good!
Plants are not only lovely to look at but can add a touch of nature to any home. Common houseplants help to purify the air, and their calming presence can create a sense of peace and tranquility in your living space.
This free printable labels template is perfect for creating pretty jam labels to personalise your homemade jams and chutneys.
Bring order to the chaos of your wardrobe. Our guide to Wardrobe Organization will help you make the most of every single piece with tips and tricks to get it all in shape.
Flowers, leaves & fall berries create this handcrafted floral alphabet. SVG and PNG files are free to download.
Some thoughts on being a mom… I did a little quiz the other day entitled ‘What Type Of Mum Are You?’. The answers were surprising!
Want to know how to paint a piano in 3 easy steps — without priming? My simple piano makeover tutorial will tell you everything you need to know!
Remember we once did a DIY caravan renovation? Took an ugly little beige van and turned her into something lovely? Well, last month, I mentioned that we’d traded our beloved caravan — Dolly 1 — in for a ‘new,’ larger model. I use the term ‘new’ very loosely. The new van may have preceded her chronologically but certainly not in any other …
From wallpapering to painting caravan cupboards; here’s ‘Decorating a Caravan Part 1’.
Flower wallpaper. A trend that is a perennial favorite among both homeowners and interior designers that never seems to waver in popularity.
Can you put laminate flooring in a caravan? Absolutely. If you’re looking for new RV flooring, here are a few reasons why laminate is a really good choice.
A review of our Kendal Calling experience! Asides from rain & mud, we saw dinosaurs, Tom Jones, lots of shiny happy people.
How d’you fancy making a gingerbread garland to deck the halls this Christmas? This gorgeous edible decoration not only looks good but will fill your home with the festive scent of gingerbread. And it tastes great, too!
There’s nothing lovelier, in the run-up to Christmas, than going to fetch the Christmas tree or visiting a Christmas market. But if you want an extra special treat, why not book a trip to Blenheim Palace Christmas Lights trail. We went for the first time in December 2020. It was the first time we’d been out of our village as a family …
Bees are a popular choice for Halloween costumes, especially for children. Best of all, this DIY Bee Costume is easy to make and can be customized to fit any age.
AD | I have been (or could be if you click on a link in this post) compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See the full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details. Even before we began the renovation of our listed home, I had so many plans and ideas …
AD | I have been (or could be if you click on a link in this post) compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See the full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details. I get lots of messages on my Listed Home Instagram account, asking about my stone floor …
Ever wondered how to make salt dough? This is the best recipe I’ve ever made! Plus, it’s no bake and has just three ingredients!
Have you ever wondered how to modernize a caravan? Our first caravan makeover was a bit of a gamble. We’d bought a little touring caravan; plain, boring (and a bit beige). And I’d decided to upcycle her. As you do. But it was well before the days of Pinterest and Instagram. There was no reference. …
Browsing through Instagram — or Pinterest — can be a dangerous pastime for an interiors lover. There is so much inspiration, but what if your budget just doesn’t stretch to the look you want? For example, dream asthetic bedrooms don’t come cheap. Wall prints, cushions, and lighting are all costly. But designing an aesthetic bedroom …
Looking for a free summer SVG to create some cool craft projects? I’ve created a ‘Baby It’s Hot’ free icecream logo which is perfect for embellishing a whole range of items. From t-shirts and beach-bags, baby-vests to postcards.
Perhaps if more adults took up childish pastimes — building Lego, colouring in, playing board games, making pom-poms — ‘adulting’ might be a little easier; the world might be a gentler, nicer place.
Orange. I love it. And Pantone Tangerine is one of the most accurate representations of the colour orange. Fresh, zingy and bright. I thought about doing an interiors colour story, to begin with, but that would be too easy. There are so many beautiful — iconic — things for the home in this shade; Arne Jacobsen’s Swan chair, Orla Keily’s …
Looking to update your walls with pink floral wallpaper? Check out these covetable designs, to give your home an instant refresh.
A recent study showed that most modern mothers get just 17 minutes of ‘me time’ to themselves each day. How do you spend yours?
Every once in a while, a zodiac story does the rounds, suggesting that NASA ‘discovered’ a 13th zodiac sign. As the new star sign sits between Scorpio and Sagittarius, the ‘discovery’ meant the entire astrology chart would shift to accommodate the new zodiac sign. If this was the case, Scorpio’s reign would last just seven …
Torticollis is a common complaint with many babies. And more often with multiples; in fact, around 1 in 250 babies will show symptoms. Here’s how we got our son diagnosed and treated.
Looking for a free SVG to create some cool crafts? Our ‘Miss Independent/American Flag Heart’ design is perfect for creating crafty projects.
Planning a twin bedroom can be a daunting but fun task! Here are my top tips for zoning and decorating a bedroom for twins.
A little reminder to cherish the ordinary. Practice mindfulness, make every second count & live life to the fullest.
Choosing made to measure curtains can sometimes be a little bit overwhelming but Couture Living make the whole process a breeze.
Looking for an honest review of Montcalm East, Shoreditch? A couple of my friends — Amy from Everything Mummy and Sarah from Extraordinary Chaos — and I had been invited by Mumsnet to do a little filming job at their Workfest event, which took place last weekend in London. Although Workfest was on Saturday, with …
Biophilic design. Is this just another buzzword like ‘hygge’ and ‘cottage core’? Or something a little more? Biophilia is a term that’s been around for years. It is the inherent human desire to surround ourselves with natural, living, or nature-inspired things. And biophilic design celebrates that. What is Biophilic Design and Why It Matters? Biophilic …
Planning a kitchen makeover? There’s so much to think about — and stuff to remember. These tips will help you plan and action your dream space
Floral wallpaper has graced the walls of countless homes over the decades. From the palace of Versailles to The Listed Home. Here’s why…
Mixing and matching old and new is a lovely way to make a home feel more unique. Here are some tips to make vintage decor work in your home.
Fancy a tour around our gender-neutral twin nursery? As we didn’t know if we were expecting boys or girls, our nursery works for any gender.
Have you ever had Mini Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic and Chilli? They’re the most delicious accompaniment to a meal—and the perfect comfort food too. The Origins of Hasselback Potatoes Hasselback potatoes are named after the restaurant where they were first created, Hasselbacken, in Stockholm, Sweden. It is a delicious and visually appealing way to prepare …
Wild camping. Are you aware of the term? Perhaps you’ve done it without even realising it! Let’s explore and find out where the best wild camping places to pitch up in the UK are.
AD | I have been (or could be if you click on a link in this post) compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See the full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details. When we were looking at new flooring options for the extension on our grade 2 listed …
A round-up of the most notable UK Festivals for 2023. From raucous rock to gentle family friendly festivals, here’s a list of 32 of the best.
Have you ever wondered how to create easy faux wall panelling? I’ve always loved the elegant panelling that can be seen in stately homes; it’s a really effective way of adding charm to a plain wall. And, although our little cottage is full of period features, the walls are fairly plain. Particularly the wall up …
Our cool caravans —Dolly 1 & 2— were featured in Reloved magazine! A full 4 page article talking about my caravan makeover ideas!
Ever wondered what to do with edible flowers? I made some edible flower shortbread a few year’s ago and as spring is finally here, and the garden is coming to life, I thought I’d share the recipe again! Which Flowers Are Edible? There are so many flowers that are edible. More than you’d probably think! …
A list of 50 edible flowers that you can find in UK gardens or hedgerows.
Make sure you you go through your spring caravan checklist, before you embark on your first adventure this year!
AD | I have been (or could be if you click on a link in this post) compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See the full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details. I haven’t done a round up post for so long! But as the shops are now …
Looking for some idea for a pirate themed party for your little one? Here’s a few ideas from my twins’ third birthday!
Make some simple salt dough Easter egg ornaments to decorate the home this Easter
Painting caravan cupboards is a really cheap and easy way to give your caravan a facelift. Here’s how I do mine…
Disclosure: This post ‘How To Make Chocolate Bark For Easter’ contains affiliate links of products that I’ve bought myself. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra; but I may receive a few pence if you click on a link and buy something. With Easter weekend coming up, I thought I’d share one …
Everywhere I go, people seem to be talking about spring. And namely where is it?! Everywhere is still so cold and grey. So I thought I’d brighten the place up by making a simple DIY bunny garland for Easter. I made the spring door wreath last week and that little pop of colour makes all …
Ever found yourself wondering how to how to organise the perfect Easter egg hunt for toddlers? The boys have been to a fair few Easter egg hunts over the years and I’ve come to the conclusion that — whilst they are a fun way to while away a morning — they’re not always weighted fairly …
If anyone had told me that a coffee gin and tonic was a thing, I wouldn’t have believed them but it really is! It’s called a turbo gin and tonic — and I thought I’d share the recipe. I’ve spoken often about my love of gin. I’ve created a little gin bar at home; made …
Disclosure: This post ‘Homemade Chocolate Slab Recipe for Valentine’s Day’ contains affiliate links of products that I’ve bought myself. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra; but I may receive a few pence if you click on a link and buy something. What could be a sweeter gift for your sweetheart than …
Make a cute DIY tealight holder using my free love heart cut file for the Cricut!
A clove and orange pomander is a lovely thing to make for the Christmas season. Plus it will make the house smell gorgeous and festive too.
Have you ever come to do your decorating prep and wondered how to easily remove a wall plug? This simple method works a treat!
A little post with a few persuasive reasons why you should put Camp Bestival tickets on your Christmas list this year….
Looking for a no carve pumpkins idea? With Halloween is just around the corner, some of us want something a little more chic than the average orange carved pumpkin (!); I thought I’d share my method for simple decoupage pumpkins. These do it yourself pumpkin decorations are so simple to make — and look really …
Is Hibiscus tea good for you? If you’re looking for a healthy tipple to balance out all the excesses of the upcoming festive season? Forget the cocktails — here are seven health benefits of Hibiscus tea. Health Giving Hibiscus Humans have enjoyed the health-giving properties of Hibiscus for many years, but it’s a relatively new …
Introducing Desenio. One of the best websites I’ve come across for inexpensive artwork.
When our boys were born the house went from magazine-worthy to mega-mess almost overnight. Our wonky little cottage — that seemed roomy for two grown adults — felt like a bit of a squash. The kitchen went from clear to cluttered, just hours after bringing them home. It’s single meagre work surface housed an extra kettle, bottle …
The team that brought us Bestival and Camp Bestival, have added a new baby to their stable; Camp Bestival Shropshire. Here’s the lowdown.
My favourite kind of food is the sort that you eat with your fingers and this recipe for sticky glazed chicken drumsticks is delicious!!
I’ve had a few people ask recently ‘what is Bluedot Festival all about’? So I thought I’d do a little FAQ; all you need to know about Bluedot
This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation and this is always disclosed to the reader. This blog is a personal blog written and/or edited by me Caro Davies of The Listed Home. For questions about this blog, please contact caro@thelistedhome.co.uk The compensation received will never influence the …
With a heatwave on the horizon I thought it might be nice to celebrate, by creating a faux flower DIY door wreath for summer.
Disclosure: This post ‘A Recipe For Gin and Tonic Ice Lollies’ contains affiliate links of products that I’ve bought myself. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra; but I may receive a few pence if you click on a link and buy something. Ever fancied making gin and tonic ice lollies? This …
I was chatting to a friend the other day about fancy dress costumes for festivals. She was saying that she’d got to buy four lots of fairy costumes for one festival they were going to, for her little girls. I mentioned that I’d once made a bumble bee costume and the easy DIY bee wings …
I created this recipe for shortbread biscuits with edible flowers a couple of years ago but I thought it would be a nice thing to share again. What Can I Do With Edible Flowers? Edible flowers can be used in so many ways! I love to use them as a garnish, to make meals look …
Looking for a recipe for homemade Mini Milk Ice Lollies? This variation is so like the real thing — but the great thing is, you can make them as big as you like! There is not a great deal nicer in life than an ice lolly on a hot day is there? When I was …
It’s been a long old winter hasn’t it? Just when we think that the temperatures are rising and the flowers are starting to bloom, the cold takes hold once more and we’re reaching for our woolies! I thought I’d speed things up a bit, and bring a bit of much needed spring colour to our …
The days are getting longer and warmer and spring is on its way. Thank goodness! Remind yourself that brighter days are coming by creating this DIY indoor planter from a recycled coffee tin. Perfect for spring bulbs. It’s so simple to make. You can even add a little phrase if you have a label maker …
Rolling the clock back to 2015, when I turned a cheap IKEA shoe rack into sweet little bathroom bench seat, in this Ikea bench seat hack. I’d been desperate to do something lovely with this sad little shoe rack for a while — it was the perfect size for our bathroom and offered great storage …
With Mother’s day fast approaching, I thought I’d stick a little list in here — just in-case (dear husband are you reading ;) ? ) someone might like some Mother’s Day gift ideas! This little round up contains the usual — flowers and chocolates — but also a couple of curve balls because, well let’s …
With spring on the way and caravanning season on the horizon, some of you might be wanting to give your caravan a brand new look. I regularly get asked what paint to use on the outside of a caravan and in this post, I give you my tips on what I think is the best …
I thought I’d celebrate the Year of the Tiger by making the boys some t-shirts! I have designed a free tiger striped font for you to download and use on your own projects. Striped Fonts — Tiger or Zebra Alphabet Letters If you put an orange background behind this free striped font, as I’ve done …
Looking for something a little different to give to the love of your life on Saint Valentine’s this year? These sustainable Valentine’s day gift ideas offer something a little more thoughtful than traditional flowers or chocolates; and will last longer too. What Can I Send Instead of Flowers For Valentines Day? There are so many …
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I’ve been busy making things for my own Valentine; my lovely husband, Mr D! I’ve designed card for him — the word LOVE in leopard print. And from it, I’ve created a free leopard print cut file. Perfect for use on cards, gifts — or pretty much anything …
One of the things I wanted to know when we were doing our kitchen last year was how to age bronze quickly. When I was younger, I learnt how to age brass with salt and vinegar, so I could give a patina to my belt buckles. I wondered if the salt and vinegar method worked …
Pantone’s colour of the year 2022 is Very Peri — a rich hyacinth blue shade. I’ve chosen 8 things to buy in Very Peri for the home and wardrobe. Easy staples to inject a little of this violet toned blue shade in to your life.
Simple, homespun interiors have been in fashion for decades; under different guises. The Cottagecore aesthetic appears — once again — in this year’s top 10 interior trends. And it shows no signs of slowing down or decreasing in popularity. In this post, I’ll show you how to paint a chest of drawers in Cottagecore style. …
I love creating seasonal garlands. Edible biscuit garlands at Christmas; paper Halloween banners or cute Easter bunny garlands. They’re always fun to make; plus they help make the house look seasonally festive too. My new creation makes use of all the delivery boxes that keep arriving at this time of year! It’s a cardboard dove …
I shared this idea for an alternative Christmas tree a few years ago but —with Christmas looming on the horizon — I thought I’d resurrect it! Folk are always looking for creative new ways to decorate their homes (Pinterest is full of alternative Christmas decor) and this alternative Christmas tree is too good not to share. …
Looking for a really easy, crafty make for the holiday season? I’ve been making wallpaper circle fans for many years now. I first wrote about them in 2016 and they were made out of pretty wallpaper; perfect for a summer party. But DIY paper fan decorations are also fantastic for Christmas too! These round paper …
There are loads of kids scooters available — some cheap, some very expensive. But are Micro Scooters worth the money? As a parent of twins, I’m always looking for things that will give the boys their own identity. I was so excited to find out that Mini Micro Scooters had a ‘create your own’ service. …
Looking for the very best spiced pumpkin soup recipe? This simple spicy pumpkin soup is my go-to every year. It’s simple and delicious and the perfect way of using up those Halloween pumpkins! We’d bought two for All Hallows’ Eve, from the pumpkin farm, and only carved one of them, so the other was patiently waiting for …
The clocks went back this weekend. Did you enjoy an extra hour in bed? Or is the change in time wreaking havoc with your body clock? We had some family fun and went pumpkin picking in Staffordshire! We’ve got a run of short, dark days ahead and I want to fill the days with as much …
Since we bought Dolly, our first caravan, we’ve been on a mission to find the absolute must have caravan accessory. Now I’m not talking basics — and I’m not disputing that wheel chocks and beautiful melamine plates are ‘must have’ items — but I’ve been on the look-out for something a little different, that really …
Although I wouldn’t call myself a slave to interior trends, I love to update things on a fairly regular basis. Richard would roll his eyes at this point. I think ‘fickle’ might be a good description. But things don’t always have to cost a lot. You can always update on a budget. For example; our …
AD | I have been (or could be if you click on a link in this post) compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See the full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details. I’ve spoken before about my beauty regime and how it’s changed over time. Much as I …
About 15 years ago I was asked if I would decorate a friend’s daughter’s bedroom; with some hand painted wall murals. It was years before the advent of wall decals and vinyl stickers. But my friend wanted something fun and pretty to break up the vast expanse of magnolia. The room was a bit of an odd shape …
Give your caravan a makeover and wn a £500 John Lewis gift card with Ripe Insurance! Head over to the blog to find out how…
Looking for an honest Babyliss Big Hair Care review? If you want the perfect blow dry at home — without employing a personal stylist — then read on! The Perfect Blow Dry at Home As a rule, I think I’m inherently lazy when it comes to my appearance. I’ll never be one of those girls …
I’ve written about my love of faux flowers that look real before. From my glorious hydranges from HomeSense to the fabulous faux florals from Jane Packer, I’ve had a thing about everlasting flowers for as long as I can remember. Once upon a time they were considered a bit ‘naff’. After all, plastic and silk …
Have you ever considered decorating with custom wall murals? Made to measure wall murals have been around for a while now. They’re a little like wallpaper but — more often than not — they feature scenes or photographs. Some even have hand-painted, freeform designs; rather than a traditional repeat pattern. There are various options; you …
If you’re buying a used caravan, one of the things you may have heard about is a CRiS check. Question is… what is a CRiS caravan check? And do you really need one? When we bought our first van — Dolly 1 — I had never heard of a CRiS check. I spotted her in …
Looking for a simple rhubarb gin recipe? It’s that time of year again, when gardens and allotments in the UK are starting to bloom and you maybe lucky enough to already have a few rosy red stalks of rhubarb, ripe for the picking. Rhubarb works beautifully in desserts and is always paired with custard, but …
I’ve just created a space theme bedroom for the twins just by painting a wall and adding a few new accessories.
I suddenly realised the other day that — although I post every day on The Listed Home Instagram account — I don’t often share those images and updates over here on the blog. And, let’s face it, if Instagram ever disappears in a puff of smoke ( anyone remember My Space?) it would be nice …
We were given the Playmobil Camper Van for the purposes of this review. All thoughts, words and images — as ever — are entirely my own. I always wanted a VW Camper Van when I was younger. They always seemed so much cooler than boring, beige caravans; and the hippy in me was desperate for …
This is a paid partnership with Femme Luxe. I was gifted these comfy clothes for working from home for the purposes of styling this post. All thoughts, words and images — as ever — are entirely my own. Working from home is the new normal for a lot of people, since Covid struck last year. Home …
I posted a pic on Instagram yesterday. I’d been baking gingerbread biscuits in the kitchen and wanted to show the baking area our kitchen designer had created for me. In the past I’ve not had any dedicated storage in our kitchen. Instead, my baking paraphernalia has been scattered within drawers, boxes and cupboards. It’s definitely …
Looking for a simple recipe for pressure cooker lentil soup? This one pot cooker version is my absolute favourite. It’s so easy to make and tastes way better than a shop bought version. Things are so grey at the moment. Lockdown restrictions means we’re all hunkering down inside. It’s cold and damp and we all …
Anyone who’s been reading my blog for a while, will be aware that we’ve been living through the chaos of the renovation of our listed home over the last 17 months. I began writing the progress on here initially (here’s what happened in weeks 1-4); and had every intention of keeping regular updates and writing …
Have you ever wanted to know how to age brass and bronze? If you don’t want to wait for it to age naturally, I’ve got a little trick, using just a couple of household staples; that takes hours — rather than years — to work! Aged Brass = Lots of Brass We’ve been having the …
Have you ever wanted to learn how to make a pom pom wreath? Last Christmas I saw an amazing pom pom wreath in Anthropologie. I loved it — but it was so expensive. I decided to try and see if I could make one myself! Ever since the twins and I learnt to make pom …
Ever wanted to know how to make pom poms the easy way? I once wrote about our Camp Bestival adventure where we all spent a brilliant afternoon in a pom-pom making workshop. It was such a different method to the one I used when I was a child. I remember spending ages cutting out my templates (usually from …
This creamy ‘Courgette Leek and Potato Soup’ is the perfect lunch or supper for colder days; it takes just 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook.
Pretty good when you consider that it’s made from scratch and full of hearty goodness!
Ever wanted to know how to make a bumble bee costume? With Halloween just around the corner, I thought I’d share one of my favourite DIY fancy- dress outfits. It’s made in very much the same way that I created the DIY grasshopper costume — you can read that tutorial in another post. This bumble …
‘This is an unpaid review of the OLPRO View 420 Caravan Inflatable Porch Awning. Disclosure: I received an OLPRO View 420 Caravan Inflatable Porch Awning, as part of my ambassadorship with OLPRO. With half term on the horizon, we’re dreaming about going away in Dolly The Caravan again. I can’t believe we’ve only been away …
Have you ever wondered if we celebrate Grandparents Day in the UK? It’s on the national day calendar, but it’s not something we generally celebrate in our family. It’s the kind of thing that I feel is an American marketeer’s creation; a ‘Hallmark holiday’ if you like. But, when we were given a Land Rover …
The nights are starting to draw in and there’s a nip in the air — which can only mean one thing. Halloween! To celebrate, I’ve created a free printable Halloween banner. Perfect for turning your home into a spooky Halloween house! This year’s Halloween will be a little different, as the Covid-carousel is in full …
With autumn nearly upon us — although it’s a month or so away — this is the perfect time to start planning a Halloween party and maybe think about some Halloween baking. I found a biscuit recipe courtesy of The Biscuiteers a few years ago. I’ve used it for all sorts of iced cookies; from …
Disclosure: My summer in lockdown post contains gifted items from Lighthouse Clothing. A big thanks to the lovely folk at Lighthouse Clothing for the boys fabulous shirts and my beautiful dress and bag. This is not the post I’d planned to write. Initially when Lighthouse Clothing got in touch, to ask if we’d like to share some of …
So today I read something which made me almost spit my tea out! The star signs have changed! WTF?! Initially I thought it was an April fool’s joke. After all, the whole Covid Lockdown has messed with my time clock. I genuinely haven’t known what day it is for the last few months. But I’m …
Tired of dull caravan accessories? Upgrade with floral prints, bright crocks & classic Bunting to make your caravan unique!
When I first looked at the Bosch Unlimited Cordless vacuum cleaner, my first thought was — I already have a cordless vacuum cleaner — what makes this one any different from the one I’ve got? Then I read the brief; the New Bosch Unlimited Cordless Vacuum is SO different from the others — and I’ll tell …
I’ve written about my papercuts every once in a while, over here on the blog, but I often forget to mention when I’ve created a new one. Until now! With father’s day coming up next month, I thought I’d share my latest creation. It’s a hybrid of a genuine cassette tape and a papercut and …
Do you have a favourite simple and balanced meal? One that you can create (practically in your sleep) with no recipe, using mainly store-cupboard ingredients at home?! Mine is pasta and meatballs with a simple Puttanesca sauce. It’s a balanced meal that our whole family enjoys! Deep and rich, flavoured with anchovies, olives and capers, …
As much as Crittall doors bring a real sense of style to a property, they also offer a unique challenge when it comes to finding suitable window dressings!
Mindfulness Exercises are a good way to promote good mental health and focus the brain when things get a little bit tough.
With the weather turning warmer — and the Covid-19 lockdown in full swing — I raided our pantry on the weekend and, as a result, have come up with an alternative to my homemade Mini Milk ice lollies; creamy Caramel Ice Lollies. They’re such a delicious alternative; sweet, creamy and very moreish. But, best of …
Creating a gallery wall at home is so easy with Desenio. It’s one of the best places to look, as their website is a one-stop shop for affordable art.
Hands up who has a couple of blackened bananas left in the bowl every couple of weeks!? I tend to keep a few back now because I love this recipe so much. I adapted it from a non gluten free Nigella one — this is my own version of easy gluten free chocolate banana muffins. …
‘This is a paid partnership with QVC’ When I was asked recently if I’d conduct a Silentnight Comfort Control mattress topper review for my blog; I didn’t have to think for very long. Anyone that knows me, knows I love my bed. I definitely didn’t need to be asked twice. We changed our mattress a …
AD | I have been (or could be if you click on a link in this post) compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See the full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details. With the thread of Covid-19 looming ominously over us all, so many people have had to …
This time last year we were preparing for our long awaited, family road trip from LA to San Fran. Mr D grew up in San Francisco and — even though we’ve spent loads of time in the USA as a couple — we’d never gone to the west coast together. We’d planned our holiday for …
Remember when I learned how to make pom poms at Camp Bestival? The boys and I went a bit pom pom crazy and made TONS of them in the weeks that followed! I trimmed our laundry basket with some of the larger pom poms. But with all the tiny, colourful ones we made, I created …
Have you ever considered updating a room with a radiator cover? I’ve spoken about our ensuite bathroom before and how I was desperate to give it a makeover. Although it’s a nice sized room — with a lovely, old cast iron, roll-top bath — it was fairly bland; and uninspiring, to say the least. It certainly wouldn’t …
Disclosure: This post for Mens Smart Casual Clothing is a paid partnership with Samuel Windsor and was kindly given a voucher to buy products to photograph for the purposes of styling this post but all thoughts, words and images — as ever — are entirely my own. Although I’ve written about menswear on the blog …
‘This is a paid partnership with Panasonic’ CLAXON SOUNDING! It’s nearly that time of year folks. ‘V-day’ is just around the corner and in just two weeks time you can bet your life there’ll be a queue at every garage in the country, for overpriced roses. But if you’re quick and fancy spoiling your lover …
One of the things I’ve found the hardest, since we’ve been renovating our house is the kitchen organisation… Or lack of it. Washing up in the bath for weeks on end was definitely a low-point! Here are some kitchen organisation tips, that might help you if you’re planning on renovating your home. Sort Before You …
As we’ve now almost completed the extension on our listed home; I suddenly thought that it might be useful to talk about the planning process. Getting planning permission for a Grade 2 listed building isn’t as straightforward as for a regular house. So it’s definitely worth bearing a few things in mind. There are definitely …
Last week, Pantone announced that their Colour of The Year 2020 is Classic Blue. Amazingly, this shade appeared 4 years ago, in the 2015 Pantone spring forecast! It’s unusual to see a colour make a reappearance — and particularly to then be promoted to colour of the year. Last time, I created a post full …
So here it is folks. December is finally here and silly season is officially underway! If you want to mark the occasion by making something to get you in the Christmas spirit, here’s a little tutorial showing how to make nutcracker iced biscuits. Regular readers of my blog will know that (along with festival season) …
‘This post contains gifted items’ Looking for the best trick scooter for a 6 year old? Our twins have been putting the Micro Scooter MX Trix through its paces. And this is why we think you can’t go wrong with the MX Trixx. Four years ago I wrote about the boys and their new Mini …
Honey bees are fascinating insects, and as they pollinate plants, they’re also extremely beneficial to us humans. But they can also be a nuisance if they build a hive in your home. We suffered from bees in the chimney for eight years before we considered honey bee removal and called in a professional beekeeper. If …
OK — so you know that for years I’ve been banging on about extending our home? But as our 16th century cottage is Grade 2 listed, a listed home renovation isn’t just as simple as getting planning permission and off you go. But undeterred, in October last year, we finally put in some plans to …
A week ago I had some really REALLY exciting news — I’ve only been nominated in the Britmums Brilliance in Blogging Awards 2019!!! *cue clapping of hands and high pitched squealing* Amazingly, The Listed Home has been shortlisted in the Lifestyle category; along with four other blogs. I say ‘amazingly’ as the blogosphere is absolutely …
Ever wondered how to make a grasshopper costume? Since my little twins started nursery and school, I’ve had various demands for fancy dress outfits — for plays or theme days. A new school term is underway and I’m wondering what weird and wonderful costume requests will be coming my way over the next few months. …
Unbelievable to think that the boys will be back to school again next week. Our hotly anticipated lazy, six-week holiday has been gobbled up, Gone in a merry-go-round of festivals, camping trips, days out and sports camp. It feels as though it’s ending just as soon as it began. I don’t want it to be …
The internet is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? Want to learn to make a curry? Ask Google. Want to know how to get wax crayon off a table? Google it. Want to know how to make a silk flower wreath? Hopefully your search has sent you over to my blog! I’ve seen so many beautiful …
It feels a bit sad to be writing this but the time has come for us to say goodbye to Dolly 2! We’ve bought another van and are planning another makeover project, so we’re looking for a new owner for our little upcycled caravan. She’s taken us on so many adventures — and given us …
Occasionally, you go somewhere and for whatever reason — sometimes good, sometimes bad — it sticks in your head and you can’t shake the memory of it. I’ve had this with The Queens Head Troutbeck for the last twenty years. My boy and I had gone up to the Lake District for a wedding and …
We’ve been to many types of festivals over the years; dance music, food, family, folk — as well as the grandaddy of them all, Glastonbury — but until a few weeks’ ago, we’d never been to a science festival. Bluedot festival at Jodrell Bank is not just science though. I wrote a post about it …
It’s that time of year again; festival season is in full swing folks! And just 6 sleeps until Kendal Calling 2019! We’ve been maniacally checking the weather report, planning multiple outfits; for rain, sun (and everything in between) and getting generally over-excited about the prospect of hanging out in a field with likeminded people — …
Were gifts for teachers a thing when you were at school? I certainly don’t remember ever taking a present into school for my teacher, when I was young. I may have at primary school (a very long time ago) but it’s not surprising that I didn’t when I was at high school; I hated it. …
AD | I have been (or could be if you click on a link in this post) compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See the full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details. For the last four years — during the last week of July — we’ve made our …
‘This is a paid partnership with Modius’ So, in the third part of my Modius review, I answer the question that I’ve been asked — countless times — since I started testing it. Does Modius work? Since I began trialling the Modius device back in March, and wrote my initial thoughts, I’ve had lots of people …
Last weekend we finally got around to celebrating Mr D hitting a massive age milestone. His actual birthday was back in March; but our idea of a little wild camping party with friends wouldn’t have been such a success with the temperatures in the minuses, and snow on the ground. That said, a couple of …
As I’m typing this, the rain is hammering down on the roof of my office and the skies are an ominous gunmetal grey. It’s a far cry from last Friday, when we were visiting the British Airways i360 experience in Brighton. We had the bluest, clearest, skies last Friday; which was perfect for a little …
‘This is a paid partnership with Modius’ It’s been 7 and a half weeks since I began trialling the Modius weight-loss headset. I’ve had lots of interest from friends and family — and readers of my blog — asking for updates. So I thought I’d share my recent thoughts. Plus a step by step guide …
Oh spring! How I love you! The light, the heat. The newness, growth and greenery. This is — unquestionably — my favourite time of year. Although, the cold temperatures and grey skies of last week (and also this morning, as I write this) combined with the fact that we’ve already had our family ‘summer holiday’ …
The best way to treat holiday blues? Suffolk Secrets have a brilliant rage of gorgeous holiday boltholes; even beach huts!
OK folks. You may have gathered, from the title of this post, that I have exciting news to share. Let’s have a quick show of hands… who wants to win a family weekend pass for Bluedot Festival?? Yes?!! Read on… You may remember that I wrote about Bluedot back in March. We’re lucky enough to …
I’ve been meaning to write this post for AGES. I’ve had so many messages from people over recent months, asking what I use for painting a caravan exterior. So I thought I’d finally jot down my method; before another year passes by. Caravan painting is nothing new — people have been doing it for years! …
Disclosure: I was asked to conduct this Modius review as part of a paid partnership with Modius. All words, thoughts and images are — as ever — my own. I have struggled with my weight my whole adult life. Granted, I’m not the biggest woman on the planet — 12 on the top and 14 …
Ever planned a staycation in Cornwall? So once again, the Met office are forecasting an unusually warm spring. Of course, The Sun have reported this as ‘a three month heatwave’ — with 26°C predicted next month’. Never let it be said that they don’t like to make a juicy headline out of the British weather. …
Aaaah… (breathes a huge sigh of relief) spring is here. Finally. And whilst we didn’t have a return of the Beast From The East (thankfully), the weather over the last couple of months has certainly still been a little bit ‘unpredictable’ and challenging at times. To say the least. I spent quite a lot of …
Can spas reduce stress? Or are they an overpriced gimmick? I generally feel that Pilates is the best thing for helping me; but even simple things like colouring in have definitely helped me to relax over the years. How are you at coping with stress? Are you impervious to it? Do you take it in …
Ever since I was a teen, I’ve had love/hate relationship with fashion. In some respects I love it. I love the creativity, the drama. Seeing the models stomping down the catwalk at London Fashion Week is a joy to behold. Particularly when they’re wearing something weird and wonderful. But that’s it, isn’t it? The majority …
How do you react when you see a famous person? Do you stare? Rush over and ask for an autograph? Or do you side glance them — then studiously pretend you’ve no idea who they are; that their fame and popularity are of no interest? I definitely used to fall into the latter camp. When …
‘This honest ford Kuga review is in paid partnership with Vertu Motors. However all thoughts, words and images are entirely my own.’ Although we’ve never pushed gender specific toys on the twins — always offering them a choice — like an inherent magnet, they’re inexplicably drawn to cars and trains. Ever since they were very …
So today, the clock rolled over once again and I’m celebrating yet another year. Age is a funny old thing, isn’t it? When we’re young, we’re desperate to look older. We want to sashay past the bouncer in a club, without being confronted and asked if we’re old enough to be admitted. We want to stand …
Happy, happy new year everyone! I had so many grand plans to share more Christmas decorating posts over the festive period but, if truth be told, switching off from the screen (and social media in general) was way too appealing. Once I’d cracked open that first mince pie, my resolve went straight out the window. …
Oh how I love this time of year. It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of autumn and winter but December is most definitely excused. I LOVE the festive season; the run up to Christmas is magical. Preparation for the big day seems to consume my every waking minute and I love the way …
Fancy decorating your staircase with honeycomb balls and paper pom poms for the festive season? Not long now folks… just a few more days and the Christmas countdown will be well and truly on! A month today, we’ll probably just have finished our Christmas dinner and will be lying comatose in front of the TV. …
Looking for smart living room storage for toys? Toys literally seem to be taking over our home. We’ve gone from having the ubiquitous Jumperoo — in duplicate — sitting in the corner of our sitting room; to mounds of Lego, a giant play festival food van, and loads of teeny tiny Playmobil accessories. I wrote …
Ever heard of The Style at Home Christmas Tree Challenge? I hadn’t either until a couple of weeks ago. Occasionally life throws us a curve-ball doesn’t it? Sometimes it’s bad, sometimes good and every once in a while it’s downright extraordinary. Picture this: you’re heading off in one direction, only to find that — at …
There has been so much in the news about ‘sustainability’ in the last few months hasn’t there? Documentaries like Blue Planet II, showing sickening images of plastic pollution; closely followed by Stacey Dooley with her hard hitting report on cotton production and the fashion industry. I feel as though there’s been a real shift in …
Terrarium Moss. Whilst it’s an odd name for a colour — without even seeing it — you can imagine exactly what shade it is from those two words. I was given a lovely terrarium a few years ago. I’d intended to fill it with tiny plants — succulents or cacti — but I ended up cramming …
Looking for an honest review of the VQ Lark? You’ve come to the right place! Working from home is something that I’m so grateful I’m able to do. I’ve been freelance for 11 years now and there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t feel thankful that I’m able to do what I …
Looking for a Good Life Festival Experience Review? Here’s mine from 2018. We’d narrowly missed the boat for tickets to the 2017 Good Life Experience, so this is something that I’d been looking forward to for an entire year! And it absolutely didn’t disappoint. I wrote about Good Life back in April; a little potted history, …
This is a paid post with McDonalds to promote the McDonald’s character visits. Although this is a collaborative post all thoughts, words and images — as ever — are entirely my own. Through the mists of time (OK — I’m exaggerating — throughout my lifetime) there has been an unequivocal link between children’s happiness and McDonald’s. Our family …
Would you ever consider taking part in a family sustainability challenge? There’s such a buzz around ‘sustainability’ at the moment, isn’t there? Everything from banning single use plastics, to reducing meat production; saving energy to recycling. It seems to be everywhere you look. I think we humans are starting to become increasingly more aware of …
When I talk to people about our festival antics, some people occasionally express surprise about the kind of things we get up to when we’re there. I guess, festivals come in all shapes and sizes, and if you’ve only ever witnessed Glastonbury on the TV, you could be lulled into thinking that all festivals resemble …
Disclosure: This post for Homemade Ginger and Rhubarb Gin contains affiliate links of products that I’ve bought myself. Purchasing via an affiliate link doesn’t cost you any extra but I may receive a few pence if you click on a link and buy something. Fancy making a delicious homemade ginger and rhubarb gin? Then read …
Summer 2018. Since I began this blog, it’s been my life’s mission to capture as many family moments as I can; to preserve them for when the boys are old enough to read and understand just how much they mean to their daddy and me. What began as a cathartic exercise — and something that …
AD | I have been (or could be if you click on a link in this post) compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See the full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details. As a lone woman in a houseful of boys, there’s not a lot of pink in …
AD | I have been (or could be if you click on a link in this post) compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See the full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details. I’ve spoken before about my love of our bed. My boy and I bought it for …
I often wonder what the Pantone Institute were thinking when they named some of their shades. Some have such obscure names; think Serenity and Lucite Green. Whilst others are really obvious; Tangerine and Custard, for example. I wonder if the big-wigs at Pantone ever argue? Disagree on what something should be called? One thing’s for sure, I bet …
Aaah the sun is shining, summer is well and truly in full swing and — more importantly — festival season is here folks! Hurrah! Regular readers of my blog will know that this is my favourite time of year, bar none. The boys and are already getting excited about the festivals that we’re booked to …
A couple of week’s ago I left the confines of my desk — I know, amazing right. It’s been a while ;) — to go into London and catch up with a couple of my girlfriends; Heledd from Running In Lavender and Bonnie from the blog Mama’s VIB for the White Stuff Press Show. The …
How do you start your day? Are you a coffee fiend or a tea guzzler? Me? I am most definitely the latter. I do drink coffee but not first thing in the morning; I am strictly a ‘tea only’ kinda gal before 10.30am. And I’m also quite fussy about how I take it. Milk no …
I wrote last year about finding the perfect narrow hallway bench seat for our wonky little cottage. We didn’t have to look very hard, as I found the perfect small hallway bench with storage from GLTC. The Abbeville storage bench is SO useful and a master of disguise. It works well as a little reading nook. …
Looking for a St Tropez Gradual One Minute Tan Review? You’ve come to the right place! Read on… It’s that time of year folks. The first sunny weekend of the year has passed us by and bodies that haven’t seen the light of day for months were de-robed — in all their milky white glory. …
There has been so much chat on my social media feeds about last week’s mini heatwave. We Brits are obsessed with the weather aren’t we? It’s either too wet, hot, cold, too snowy or windy. We don’t ever seem to agree on what’s the perfect temperature. I think — a bit like queuing — it’s …
Oh hello sunshine! So nice to see you. This weeks’ predicted heatwave has finally arrived and I’m sitting here feeling a warmth that — unusually — isn’t coming from the central heating; for the first time in months. I think spring is actually here at last. A little late to the party but fashionably so, …
What’s that shining, golden orb in the sky? I *think* it might be the sun but, it’s been such a long since I last saw it, I can’t be totally sure. The breeze feels warm today; we’ve thrown open the windows and the stale, winter fug that has been occupying the rooms of our little …
Well, hurrah for the clocks going forward. I don’t think I have ever, ever been so grateful to lose an hour! This winter has felt very, very long indeed hasn’t it? That extra hour of daylight made the world of difference yesterday though. Added to the fact that spring finally seems to have sprung. At …
This is the longest, coldest season I can ever remember. Just as I think we’re turning a corner — and spring tries to make an appearance — the cold bites back and we’re in the throes of winter once more. I thought we’d seen the last of the ‘Beast of The East’ but more snow …
‘Pilates changed my life‘ — sounds a bit extreme and sensationalist doesn’t it? But never a truer word was written. It really has. I’ve written about my love for Pilates before. In all the chaos that life presents; the constant merry-go-round of juggling work with motherhood — being a wife, a homeowner, a responsible adult …
Just as I think we’ve finally turned the corner — and winter seems to be making an exit — Mother Nature chucks us another curve ball. Although it was still light at almost 6 o’clock yesterday (a couple of weeks’ ago it was dark at 4pm so a vast improvement) we’ve had yet another sprinkling of …
We went away for a night at the Wood Norton Hotel and it made me think… every once in a while, getting away with your significant other and rediscovering ‘why’ you got together in the first place is a wonderful thing. And before you get carried away with the smutty references; I wasn’t *necessarily* referring …
A new year means only one thing here on The Listed Home — a new colour of the year! I had no idea that when I started this blog series three years ago that I’d still be writing them so far down the line. But I adore this little collection of posts; and I especially …
Happy, happy new year! I thought I’d kick off the year by introducing my new Breville Curve Toaster and Kettle. Although — as we’re exactly two weeks into January — is it appropriate to say happy new year still?! It’s been a slow start for me. I’ve been taking my time and easing myself into …
Is Lapland UK worth the money? I thought I’d write my Lapland review for any parents looking to book tickets. There’s no denying that it’s expensive — but is it worth it? Read on… ‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house,Every creature was stirring,As they’d all been kept awake by two very …
What will be on your Christmas pudding menu this year? Sherry trifle? Traditional Christmas pud? I can tell you that both of those will be on ours — along with this little beauty. A super easy no bake Malteser Cheesecake. Nom. I made it a couple of week’s ago for a festive get-together with friends …
Thought I’d start my Breville DiamondXpress review with an admission — I’m not the one that irons in our house! So thankful my husband is the king of ironing! Anyone who knows me will tell you that ironing is just not my bag. I am rubbish at it. Tricky when I like a classic white …
The first week of December has given us a bitter wind and the clearest, bluest skies. As you know, I’m not keen on the short dark days but I make an exception for the final month of the year. I love December. From the very first day — to the very last — it’s a month …
When you have a child with an egg allergy, you spend a lot of time googling things like — ‘How to make egg free Royal Icing‘ and ‘What is the best eggless pancake recipe EVER?’. And so on. It’s all a bit daunting to begin with but eventually you realise that there are some fabulous …
When you think of Cornish holiday cottages, what’s the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to decor? Blue. Whitewashed wood. Seaside themed accessories. Certainly not punchy brights, designer prints and funky furniture then? No. Me either. I must admit, they certainly wouldn’t be top of my ‘Cornish cottage decor’ list. So when …
Want to know how to make the perfect Mojito? Read on! I was dreaming of cocktails and summer yesterday; winter has us well and truly in its grips. It snowed here yesterday morning! Funnily enough, it snowed in November in the very first year we moved into this village too. Proper snow. Big fat flakes …
I am not a fan of the cold, I think it’s fair to say but a walk in Joules autumn collection will put a smile on my face and some roses in my cheeks. Hibernating for six months of the year just isn’t an option, with two very active little twin boys to entertain. Embracing …
Why are we Brits so obsessed with all things Scandinavian? We seem to love Scandi design; type ‘Scandi’ into Google and every major high street brand has a listing on the first page. Each one trying to tempt us to come and check out their Scandinavian inspired offerings. Plus there’s a very well known blue …
Looking for perfect play-wear for your little one? Read our Kidunk review to find out why we think we’ve found the best kids’ clothes EVER!
I’ve gone to great lengths in the past to make sure our guests have a good night’s sleep when they come to stay. We’re lucky that the basics are already covered. Our guest rooms are on the back of the house so there’s very little traffic noise; visitors won’t be woken by lorries rumbling by in …
We went back to my mum and dad’s a couple of weekend’s ago. It was my friend’s 40th birthday and we left the boys with my parents overnight and went up to the Wirral; footloose and fancy free. The next day we were not *quite* as chipper. Mr D had the hangover from hell and …
I read something last week about Swedish Death Cleaning. Huh?? Yes quite. I thought Marie Kondo’s decluttering method was a bit full on but this new practice makes that look fairly tame! What is The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning? This new craze is based around a book called The Gentle Art of Swedish …
When we celebrated my mum and dad’s golden wedding anniversary in Sherwood Forest, our Encounter with Owls at Center Parcs experience was definitely one of the most memorable parts of the weekend. I can’t actually put into words just how brilliant and worthwhile this was. If you’re looking for an experience for the whole family, that …
I’ve read many reviews for Hucks some positive, some negative.
I thought I’d share my thoughts of eating out at Huck’s Center Parcs Sherwood.
One of the things that will stay with me to the grave, is my mum (when I was about 12 or 13) occasionally saying, before I went anywhere. ‘I hope you’ve got clean pants on? You never know when you’ll be hit by a bus’. It’s SUCH a weird thing to say but really really …
‘This is an unpaid Land Rover Discovery Sport Review. Disclosure: we were given a Discovery Sport HSE LUX to test-drive for a long weekend, in order to give an honest review. The Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE LUX might look like a total babe but it doesn’t just have a pretty face; it definitely has a …
Disclosure: we test drove a Discovery Sport HSE LUX for a long weekend, to celebrate the launch of The Discovery Adventures Podcast. This is an unpaid post. Recently I received an email to ask if we’d like to try a Land Rover Discovery Sport for a weekend, to celebrate the launch of The Discovery Adventures …
On Saturday, as part of our Landrover Discovery Adventures, we took the boys to The Chiltern Open Air Museum for the afternoon. It’s a really fascinating family day out I’d highly recommend it, if you’re looking for something a little different to do. Founded in 1976, with the aim of rescuing threatened buildings; more than …
Disclosure: I received a set of Tetbury bedding from Bluebellgrey and paint from Farrow and Ball to style this colourful bedroom makeover. Amazing how quickly the summer has passed. It seems that no sooner as the first snowdrops appear — and we joyfully wave goodbye to the cold and grey — that we we have …
AD | I have been (or could be if you click on a link in this post) compensated via a cash payment, gift or something else of value for writing this post. See the full disclosure policy and privacy policy for more details. Is Just So The Best First Family Festival? A question that I’m often asked is; ‘Of …
You know how certain things are made for each other; jam and cream, black and white, Liz and Richard etc etc Well there is currently the most amazing collaboration happening — like two planets colliding — it’s a spectacular pairing. Basically, my two very favourite brands have put their heads together and created the most …
Colour is such a tonic isn’t it? It brightens up the dullest of days and definitely forms the largest part of my wardrobe. I’ve never been one of the chic, black brigade; I’ve tried — in vain — to be dark and interesting. But it’s just not me; I always end up feeling drab and …
Smart storage. Does the ‘smart’ mean clever? Or does it mean dapper and debonair? Well in the case of the Abbeville Storage Bench from GLTC it means both of those things. This is one bit of furniture that’s as clever as is it good looking. The Perfect Reading Nook. When we first bought the Abbeville …
So whilst Camp Bestival may be over for another year, festival season is still in full swing — hurrah — and the boys and I are now counting the days until Just So Festival, which is on the 18th-20th of this month. We’ve never been before, and I am beyond excited!! It’s now in it’s …
What makes Camp Bestival 2017 stand out from any other year we’ve been? It rained. And rained and rained and rained. But as a very wise man, called Gilbert K. Chesterton, once said; ‘When it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.’ And I think that perfectly sums up …
we’re planning to give the twins room a little makeover. Everything from mountain murals to constellations on the ceiling; there are loads of cool themes for a boys roo
Mid July. What kind of images does that conjure up to you? Sweltering days and balmy nights. Paddling pool in the garden and alfresco dining. Barbecues and cocktails. Or grey skies and thunderclouds? Over the weekend the sun did a bunk and it didn’t resemble summer in the slightest. I had one of my oldest …
After our St Mawes adventure in February, we followed it up with another trip down to Cornwall in May. This time to Bosinver, near St Austell. I wrote a little post saying that we’d booked to go, back in September of last year, and we’d been looking forward to it for the best part of 8 …
Mum style. It’s a term that gets bandied around a lot these days doesn’t it? Women pushing against the ‘frumpy mummy’ stigma and trying to remain cool and fashionable, with little ones in tow. Personally, I don’t feel as though I’ve ever been particularly ‘fashionable’ — even when I was in my teens and twenties. I …
Our garden has been amazing over the last few weeks. I’ve never seen so many blooms on the rose plants before and the alliums that we planted last year have been flowering for the first time. I’ve spoken about our garden many times on the blog. It’s a decent size — not too big, not …
Over on Instagram last week there was a flurry of inspiring posts on ‘positive body image’— one of my favourite being from my blogging buddy Alison who posted a pic of herself and her daughter in matching swimming costumes. When I saw it I literally did a double take and thought— ‘Wow — she’s so brave’ — and …
Part 5 of Operation She Shed is all about painting the interior. I said from the start that these posts weren’t going to be that sexy — and I wasn’t kidding — but in order to see the butterfly, you have to begin with a dull old chrysalis. Or something like that. Anyway. Just to put this …
