Together a different time and generation.

Together through adversity , surviving dramatic childhoods, adulthood was no less traumatic yet it is a love story that endured time and went against society. My grandparents were very special to me , my granddad was a forgiving person , whilst my Nan was not. Yet despite being like chalk and cheese they had a unique quality  their togetherness, lasted through the ages they lived in the same road for over 40 years.

A different time, a  generation reeling from the complexities of war with mysteries of working for the government and secret work that included working for Winston Churchill and Bletchley Park. To my Nan who endured tuberculous like my Grandad and who also spent many a year recovering in hospital from another ailment so meeting my Mother had to be fostered.

My Grandad together with a friend in a sanatorium.

My Grandad at his brothers wedding.

My Grandparents together.

My Grandad.

My Grandparent & Mother together.

Holiday Ideas to do with Children

This is a lovely guest post from Maggy Woodley the most wonderful 'crafty' lady !

Holiday Ideas

Well.. the Easter Holidays are upon us – personally, I am looking forward to NO SCHOOL runs, leisurely mornings and general level of relaxedness. But with that, comes the price of “child boredom ness” and a child that is bored, can clearly drive you up the wall. Before, I delve into some crafty distraction, I just wanted to say, that a little boredom is GOOD. Boredom allows your child to get creative and have their own ideas. A box is far more likely to be turned into a boat or a den, pretend picnics invented for cuddly toys.

But needless to say you need a balance – some down time for the kids to do nothing, let their minds relax and after all that is why holidays were invented (I think).

So. My approach to the day is – half a day’s activities, half a day’s “free play” (i.e. the kids need to work out for themselves what to do and it does not involve TV or technical gadgets). Our activities tend to comprise visiting friends, going to the park of going into to town to a museum or gallery (no time for those during term time). But of course, we also love to get CRAFTY!! YAY.

Here are some of our favourite ideas:

Grass Heads – we LOVE LOV LOVE making grass heads – you pretty much only need a handful of grass seeds (we scrounged some off our neighbours) and bits and pieces from around the home. Then watch the hair grow, trim, style and keep “alive”. A great learning about basic plants and caring for them.

Handprint Alphabet – though the holidays is for down time, reminding them of their Alphabet does no harm. Why not write the kids names in Animal Alphabet handprints. Makes for a great keepsake too.

The ABC of Bakingwith Kids – we put together a list of 26 Baking Ideas for you to check out and be inspired by. I am sure you are bound to find something you all fancy making. My kids could bake every day! But don’t stop at baking.. get them in the kitchen do a little Cooking with Kids too.

Stick & Stones Crafts – why not go to the park – have a good day out in the fresh air. Then find some sticks and stones.. and come back and be inspired by these Stick Crafts or Stone Crafts.

Hope that these are enough and varied to keep you going through the holidays – remember a balance of downtime and activity is key to getting the most out of your break. And it is reasonable to say to your kids they should entertain themselves for a bit if you have had a “quality activity” session with them already!

Maggy Woodley is a mum of two – Red Ted aged 5yrs and Pip Squeak aged 3yrs and blogs over at Red Ted Art where they regularly get crafty! She also writes at Life at The Zoo and about Theatre,Books and Movies for those interested! You can find her on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Top to Top Feel Good Factor tips

There are times in out lives when we all need a bit of a perk up , it is our fundamental right to look and feel right but sometimes we all need a bit of help when it comes to what products to buy and use.








 Listening to the  Boots feel good forum to pick up some tips on hair and skin and the first tip I came across was not to use to much serum when it comes to hair care. For example when using serum don't use to much just use a pea size amount at first.

The next one was dark circles due to lack of sleep ( sleep is the natural remedy to this)  but due to children this is not always the case, sometimes we just have to fake it.I often to need to perk up my complexion ! Prevention and sunscreen is of using the day but at night products using retinol
 is of benefit ( but these are not a quick fix and will take 6-8 weeks to see the benefit ) A light reflective eye (under eye concealer )serum is also one of the suggestions.

Then came the taboo subject of female air thinning which is the last female taboo there are various remedies for this ( talk to the your Pharmacist ) there are supplement your can take or products you can put on your hair.

Low maintenance tips for hair include turn your head upside down and blow dry your hair forward going against gravity to provide root lift. ( try to about 80 % dry )


Tops 3 hairs tips include :

Finding the best saloon . Look for the best looking salon, ask for a free consultation and see if they understand you.

Sun is the most damaging thing is out there so cover it up with a hat or scarf.


Keep your ends in good condition and a trim every 6 - 8 weeks.


Top 3 skin tips:

Exfoliate regularly.

Use sunscreen on a regular basis.

Be smart with your money products that stay on the skin are of more benefit than this that was off.

Sunday 31/3/2013

Round and Round the Garden

Today we thought we would all blow the cobwebs out of heads and hearts, a fraught week in the sense it's end of term and nerves are getting frayed.we decided to go to Calke Abbey and amble round the garden, it's the house and garden where time stood still as if the Head Gardener has just popped out for a crafty homemade cider and will be back any minute. Also I am reminded of that beloved children's classic by Frances Hodgeson Burnett "Secret Garden".

I always go to National  Trust properties with the thought its only me going there it my secret world , this of course is not true but it's what I imagine. My son is getting taller now though he's growing up and the baby years are behind us and he's childhood is hurtling along at an alarming rate he will forever and always be my son.