A pocket of my life

 The summer holidays can be scary for some parents knowing that there budget doesn't stretch far, I try to keep to a strict budget so we don't go beyond our means, this means that some days are in with free activites and crafts. So here are some free/cheap ideas to keep you and the kids entertained over the holidays. Rock painting and hiding Lego building Pet pals workshop (Pets at home) Den making Baking ( Cookies , Cupcakes ) Cinema (kids club) National trust (vouchers are very useful) Beach/park  Summer reading challenge (local libraries) Scavenger hunt / nature hunt These are just a few things that we get up to in the summer holidays. I normally put these and more in an envelope and get the girls to pick something out when the day is slow or there bored. I really hope these help and would love to hear what you get up to as well. Victoria x

Wow! What a place! We took a family trip out to Hever Castle and gardens last weekend and I could not have fell in love more with somewhere. Hever Castle was once the home of Anne Bolyn and her family so for me this was an extra reason to love the place. Over the weekend Hever was holding a 1950's event with dancing, a spitfire on display, and lots of artifacts including rifles, prams and bits and bobs that take you straight back to the time. So many people had dressed up for the occasion and if you wanted to you could get your hair done in the 1940s pin style.  The whole day was amazing, we parked in the main car park and entered though the Italian garden, a beautiful pergola running down the edge of some well kept lawns one side and waterfalls the other side. This leads onto one of the many lawns thay surround the castle. The castle itself is beautiful, surround by a moat which was being used to show off some amazing model boats and Chitty Chit...

We have recently been picked for the latest trying box, it has been a whole since we got a full box so I was excited to try the items. This box was a great mix of things that we have tried before and brands that we have not heard of too. 1. Corona extra can - This is a very familiar brand for us and one that both me and Liam enjoy, especially on those summer evenings with a slice of lime in too. 2. Rock face deodorant - This is a new brand to us and me and Liam have both been impressed, the scent was strong and long lasting and it actually worked for keeping him fresh too. 3. Ensure nutravigor drink - I have never been keen on things like this and it was sadly the same with this. It makes a vanilla tasting watery drink which wasn't for me but don't get me wrong it wasn't the worst thing ever. 4. John west tuna chunks in brine - I am the only tuna lover in the family and this was a winner for me. This has less liquid in so they can reduce some of there wastage. I...

I feel it's only right to share about our Race for life experience this year as I feel like it is an achievement for both me and Lilly. This is the second year that we have taken part and I wanted to firstly take part again as it's such a great way to raise money to find treatment for cancer, something that is really close to our hearts. But secondly I did want to beat last years time for the 5k and we did it! Race for life comes in two different forms, either a normal walk/run or a mud run. The normals runs consist of 3k, 5k and 10k races, they are always well organised, the route is easy to follow and the Marshalls are there to cheer you on. I am yet to do a muddy one but I really hope to do so one day. We managed to raise just over £150 between us and beat our time but 5 minutes bring us in at 48 minutes.  It is honestly an amazing event with such a lovely atmosphere and we will definitely be signing up again. Donate here Victoria x

                                          Being a family of 4 we can get through a lot of plastic use, so when Wild contacted me to try there body wash, I jumped at the opportunity.  Wild is a company that is making beauty more sustainable by cutting out single use plastic and creating packaging that is compostable. In there collection there is deodorant, body wash, lip balm and hand wash. I have been sent a starter kit for the body wash, this included a beautiful powder blue case and two different scents of the body wash, these included 'Juicy Mango' and 'Honey and Almond'. The product is so easy to change by just unscrewing the case, popping your chosen scent in and screw the case back together, it's as easy as that. I am currently using the 'Juicy Mango' which smells amazing, it's such a summery scent and also works well, leaving you feeling clean and fresh. If you are intere...

Where did May go? It has been and gone within a flash but we have managed to get so much done in just one month! May started off with the end of half term and May day, Hastings celebrates May day in a different way to many people with an event called Jack in the Green . This is a day that I really enjoy, the atmosphere and the mood is so positive and fresh and then you get the added bonus of the bike run too. Its one day that we try not to miss and Lils got to be in the parade too. We have spent lots of time enjoying the garden, cycling and getting out in the sunshine while it lasted. We have planted the sunflowers and started to grow some strawberries too. Still can't believe that we actually have a garden. The next half term was here in a flash, it started with mine and Liam's 17th anniversary, we enjoyed fish and chips on the beach with the girls and just had a really chill day. During the holidays we took a trip to the playpark with Grandad, granny and Lils cous...