A pocket of my life

July was a busy one for us, from theatre trips, days out and even a little trip away for me and Liam. July started with our first trip to the theatre, this was a pretty inpromptu trip as a friend offered a ticker for me to see 2:22 A ghost story  and wow what a show it was. The next weekend was our second, and last show of the month was one mainly for Olivia but enjoyed by all of us, Bluey's big show .  The next week was the lasy week of school, it been a hot tem and I was/am so ready for the rest. It was an emotional one leaving the children and moving to another year group but I am excited for the experience. Lilly took part in her sports day in the last week of term too and came home with 4 medals, a 1st in the 100m sprint and 2nd in three other events, she honestly smashed it. The first week of the summer holidays brought mine and Liam's minimoon to life, a night away in a shepards hut not too far from where we live. We took a walk together, had a tasty milksh...

With the summer holidays fast approaching its that time of year where I create an activities envelope to keep the kids (and me) entertained with some fun things to do. This year we have a different location to explore with the move late last year. I am going to share 15 free / budget friendly ideas with you that can help keep the boredom at bay. Rock painting, then go and hide them Park days / beach days Den building using sheets and pegs Baking Lego challenges The arcades (£5 budget) An indoor scavenger hunt The summer reading challenge with your local library Icecream sundae station with movie Slime play, make your own ( Cloud dough recipe ) Look out for free local events Go swimming Natural tie dye Go on a nature walk Make and decorate paper airplanes to fly somewhere. And finally make a memory jar filled with treasures from your adventures such as shells so you can look back together. We really enjoy the summer holidays and I always make a little montage of our summer u...

April is always an emotional month for me, in good and bad ways but we get through it every year and here we are, saying goodbye to April and hello to May. This month started with half term and Easter, probably one of my favourite parts of the year with baby lambs, flowers and warmer days. I am also grateful for the lighter evenings, it makes everything feel a little less heavy.  We took a trip to tibbs farm for a duck hunt , enjoyed baking and an at home Easter egg hunt, anything to keep the kids occupied when off school. I also managed to take a day for myself and see Waitress in Brighton which was incredible.  It was then back to school/work for us, its only a short term but we have so much to do, along with planning the wedding too. The first day back was the 9th anniversary of losing Mum, I always go to the crematorium with flowers and take a few minutes to remember her.  We celebrated Olivias birthday, my baby girl turned 6! How is that even possible. W...

 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

With half-term term officially starting next week I wanted to share a few ideas that don't break the bank. Trying to keep the kids occupied for a week can be tricky when they are out of routine but I am one of those Mums who loves these weeks, the time to have a slower week and make memories if possible.  1. Cinema: This may sound crazy but I have just got 3 tickets, 1 adult and 2 children for under £10 with ODEON Kids. Throw in a shop bag of popcorn or some of their favourite sweets then we have a morning planned.  2. Make a den: We love making dens in our house with mattresses on the floor with blanket and sheets for a roof. I try to make these as cosy as possible as sometimes they like to sleep in them too.  3. Baking: This is great in many ways, it's good bonding time, they are learning maths if you help them with weighing and you get a yummy treat at the end. We love baking from scratch with many  recipes  on my blog, but we also lov...

I know its late but I am finally getting around to writing my September recap. This last month has been the busiest I have been in years and I have loved mostly all of it.  September has brought a lot of change for us as a family, both me and Lilly celebrated our birthdays, I turned 33 and Lilly turned 12. I didn't do a lot for mine as I have just have a night out for my birthday but that will be in next month's recap. Lilly requested a family meal with a friend aswell.  I also started my new job as a teaching assistant, I am loving it but it's hard and full on. I never fully realised how much a TA does behind the scenes of a school. But I love that I am able to help in so many ways. The next new change is that Lilly has started secondary school, a huge step and one that I really have struggled with mentally. It seems inly yesterday she was starting primary and now she is in full swing of Secondary life, she os of course smashing it and making us proud. And also Olivia star...

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 ...