Have you been getting outdoors and enjoying nature this autumn? We’ve been trying to make the most of the mild weather, and enjoying all that nature has to offer at this time of year. If you read the blog regularly you’ll know that we’re partnering with RSPB on lots of fun nature projects, and this month we’ve been trying out another of their Wild Challenge activities. RSPB Wild Challenge is all about helping wildlife and connecting with the ...
Ideas for enjoying autumn outdoors with children
I just love autumn. The weather is still mild, the sunlight is at a fabulous angle, and nature is visibly changing everywhere you look. My kids love it too; it’s such a tactile time of year with all those crisp leaves, changing colours, and of course the conkers!As September marches on, I’ve been thinking about how to make the most of being outdoors with the kids as much as possible before the colder weather arrives. Autumn is such a ...
How to prep your heating system for winter
Is your home's heating system ready for winter? We’ve only just waved goodbye to summer, and temperatures are still mild enough to avoid flicking the heating on, but now is the ideal time to check your heating system and make sure it’s ready for the colder months. The colder seasons of the year place the greatest strain on your heating system, which is why most boiler breakdowns happen during winter. Our old combi boiler packed up during a ...
Product Showcase: Wickey climbing frames
The kids may be back at school this month, but autumn is still a great time to get them playing outdoors. Mine have been heading straight out into the garden to let off steam after a day of lessons. To be honest, after a summer of reduced working hours and the shock of getting back to normal working patterns, I feel like doing the same thing! If you read the blog regularly you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of outdoor activities. I ...
Create Your Own Happy: happiness-boosting activities for 7-11 year olds
As my kids are getting older, I’m finding that less of the time I spend looking after them is focused on doing ‘stuff’ for them, and more time is spent helping them to grow and develop emotionally. As a parent, it’s all a bit of a learning curve - like every other aspect of having kids I guess! - and it feels like we’re exploring this whole new area of growing up together. Is it the same for you? I’m always singing the praises of physical ...
What to consider when replacing windows
Are you planning any home projects this autumn? It's a popular season for renovation projects, with summer holidays out of the way, kids back at school, and weather that's still mild - well, usually!We're about to start a major kitchen renovation, and I'm really excited to get cracking because it will make such a difference to how efficiently we use our living space. As well as some structural work, a new fitted kitchen and new flooring, I ...
Five ways to make moving house easier
Moving house. When it comes to stressful life events, it’s pretty close to the top of the list. Given that it usually involves lots of admin, dealing with various experts, uncertainty around prices, competition for property, and completely uprooting your life and all your possessions, it’s no wonder we find it tough! Add kids into the mix, and the whole process becomes even more challenging. As well as dealing with all the logistical ...
Review: Stihl RMA339C Cordless Lawn Mower
Have you explored the world of cordless garden power tools yet? Cordless power tools have come a long way in recent years, and the current generation of lithium ion batteries are capable of delivering more than enough power and performance to rival the more traditional electric and petrol options. Our current mower is an electric model, and to cut the whole lawn we need a conga line of extension leads - it’s a faff to set up, a nightmare if the ...
Nature craft: painted rocks
Painted rocks are a classic nature craft, and one that my kids never tire of! It's a great little craft that doesn't need much preparation, and suits pretty much all ages of child. It's also brilliant for those days when the weather isn't fantastic but you'd still like to get hands-on with some natural materials.Here's how to make your own painted rocks.We use rocks and pebbles from our garden for this craft (I'm pretty sure it's ...
Ways to Ensure Your Home Sells Fast
Looking to move house? This guest post has lots of house selling tips for making the process as speedy as possible.There are some circumstances in life that mandate a move, whether you want to or not. For example, imagine you just received news that you’re in line for the promotion for which you have worked so hard. There’s only one caveat: the job opening is in another location. You have to move, and you have to move now. Can you sell your ...