A pocket of my life

July has been an emotional one, one full of tears and closing of chapters but one full of fun and memories.  We started off the month with a lovely badge ceremony at Guides where we learnt that lils has earnt both her bronze and silver awards along with some other badges too. Olivia also had a fun start to the month with a teddy bear picnic at her new school, this was an opportunity to meet other children that are joining along with meeting their teachers again before joining in September. We then get on to the moments that brought a tear to my eye, firstly was Lilly's year 6 prom, an evening to celebrate the years 6's together before them breaking up, she picked a beautiful dress off vinted which was a lipsy one and had photos on the red carpet before going in. Lils had an amazing time and will hopefully take those memories with her. Me and the girls took part in Pirate day in Hastings, its a huge day for our local town and we currently hold the world record for t

So Lilly is coming to the end of her primary school time and to celebrate she has just attended her year 6 prom! A night which I don't think she will ever forget by the sound of it. The school provided a dj, food, lights and photo opportunities for her and her friends to enjoy. Some were dressed for the occasion whist others opted for more of a casual look.  I wanted to share Lils look for the evening and prove that these outfits don't have to break the bank.  Her dress is a Lipsy dress which I purchased of vinted for just £7.50, it was still new with tags and was I'm excellent condition.  Her shoes are ones that she already owned, these were just some black comfy trainers which is the in thing to do these days.  Her make up was all from primark and she did it herself, she looked amazing. This was paired with an initial necklace which was also purchased from Primark for just £4. She seemed to have an amazing time and came out which a huge smile on her face as we

To Lilly,  This week marks the last full week of you being at primary school, take it all in, enjoy these last few days  and makes some lovely memories to leave with. Me and your Dad are emensely proud of you and who you have become. It only feels like yesterday when you started, we were sat on the sofa watching 'time for school' to prepare you. We made a treasure box to take which bits and bobs in and took you up to the door on your first day. You have smashed every year and taken each hurdle as it came (including home learning during covid). I know both mine and your emotions are high and I know that you are excited for your next chapter but I also know that you will feel sad and grieve this part of your life being over. The friends that you will leave behind will make space for new ones but will never be forgotten and I am grateful that you will still be able to contact them which we never had. Have the best week, enjoy prom and your graduation and remember that we love you.

With the summer holidays fast approaching I am trying to think of ways to keep the kids entertained that don't break the bank. Its so hard to find different things to do but I have managed to come up with some activities that are either free or cheap that I have put into an envelope for the kids to pull out, I wanted to share these ideas with you in hope that they will help you too. If any other items are required for the activity I have written in below or linked it.  Painting secret stones and hiding them  Baking some tasty treats Slime baff or gelli baff  from zimpli kids Film night with popcorn and sweets Beach day if you have one close LEGO afternoon Park and ice creams Go to the penny arcades (£5 each) Make a den. A penny hike (tales left and heads right) the penny chooses where you go. Sign up to the summer reading challenge (local library) Find free local activities/events Find a new play park Indoor scavenger hunt Geocaching  Create and summer holiday

Goodbye June and hello July, it has been a crazy month with so much going on and so many highs! We started off last month with a job interview for me and I am pleased to say that i got the job, I start in September which is so exciting and hopefully a new chapter for us. Liam has been enjoying his job and has a tan that many people would envy. The girls have had transition days and meetings for there new school and have done amazing! This certainly was the month of change. Me and Lils took part in the  race for life  this month which I am so proud of, we raised £150 for cancer research, a charity very close to our heart and are so grateful for everyone that sponsored us. Liam was sadly working on Fathers day so we celebrated on the Saturday, on the Sunday we spent time with my Dad at Bodiam castle, a beautiful national trust location with lots to explore. We had lunch and watched the steam train on the local track from the tower. Lils has been on her year 6 residential whic