Agricultural and county shows are on the horizon and they really are the highlight of many country people’s year. A time to catch up with friends, find out what everyone is doing, check out new machinery and eye up everyone else’s livestock. Our local show is the Royal Cheshire County Show which takes place on … [Read more…]
Getting children into gardening is something I strive for a lot. I am lucky that my three are interested somewhat but as always, everything can be improved. Gardening teaches care and the importance of looking after something by nurture. It is also good for mental health of both children and adults and it gets kids … [Read more…]
We love picnics. There is something to be said for relaxing on the floor-totally at one with nature, enjoying a shared meal with family and friends. Since joining the National Trust, we have packed a picnic at most visits and we always troupe off on the farm to eat al fresco. I recently bought an … [Read more…]
This month’s sibling’s relationships is largely sponsored by lambing. The children are playing lambing when they are inside and helping with lambing when they are out. Our middle boy is a natural with animals but his little brother is yet to have the gentle gene kick in. We have to watch him closely as he … [Read more…]
If you had asked me in my teens and early twenties what I thought being middle aged was, I would have probably said owning a chest freezer, driving a family car and being members of the National Trust. Indeed I think I offended an older work colleague once when I joked ‘you’ll be National Trust … [Read more…]
I’m sure you know by now that nothing goes quite right here. I wouldn’t go as far as saying everything goes wrong but sometimes it feels like it isn’t far off. I have always loved Cath Kidston. I love the florals very much but it is the farm inspired ranges that resonate the most with … [Read more…]
For every one person buying gifts, probably on behalf of children, there is probably another five who will only remember at the eleventh hour when the shops have closed. Fear not, just because you have forgotten someone’s birthday or that it is Mother or Father’s Day, doesn’t mean the recipient will be left empty handed. … [Read more…]
Don’t you love a sun-filled summer getaway to Spain? It’s become one of the most popular countries for holidaymakers in recent years, and with its glorious weather, stretches of golden sand, and bustling resorts, it’s easy to see why. One must-visit area is the country’s stunning Costa Blanca. From its 200 kilometres of captivating coastline … [Read more…]
I had half watched Escape to the Chateau a few times before but this Christmas, a dear friend mentioned she had caught up on all episodes over the festive period and spoke of the way one of the stars, Angel, had inspired her to mend a pair of curtains rather than buy new. View … [Read more…]
Every one is going mad about decluttering. I admit I have tried to do it myself but, rather than be excited about throwing things away, the thing to excite me the most recently is that charity shops are being flooded with treasures that their previous owners have discarded. Now that makes me happy. While there … [Read more…]
