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8 December 2019

Simple Star Mince Pies

I do love mince pies, they are great to leave out for Santa, to serve to guests over christmas or just to relax whilst you have a cup of tea, however you enjoy them, it is important to get the correct mincemeat to pastry ratio.

So, on a mission to find the perfect combination and delight both to the eye and the taste buds, I set about searching the internet for inspiration. By combining the results of my internet searching, with my mum's recipe for sweet crust pastry, I created my very own star mince pies, you can enjoy them too by following the recipe below.



15 August 2019

A Day Out Aboard the SS Great Britain


On our way from Weston we stopped in Bristol for the night, I had been there with a friend a few months back and it really seemed like the perfect place to take the kids.

With plenty of museums, eateries and lots to see and do it is a really vibrant city, which I feel we didn’t even touch the surface of.

We got up early on Saturday morning and headed to the SS Great Britain. We had seen this stunning ship on our way down into Bristol, with a view of Clifton Suspension Bridge too, we were most excited to learn about this magnificent feat of engineering.

The walk down the docks is really wonderful and you get a sense of the history of the place from the sheds, cranes, boats and trains that are still visible.

On arriving at the SS Great Britain we were greeted by a gentleman dressed in the clothing of the time the SS Great Britain was built, the tall hat that was so typically Brunel.

13 May 2019

A Day Out at Yorkshire Sculpture Park


A few weeks ago, I took the children to Yorkshire Sculpture Park. I've wanted to visit for ages, but the right moment and the right weather never seemed to coincide.

With a few sunny days forecast in the half term and what looked like the most amazing art installations, I decided to take us there.

I had seen over on Instagram images of a beautiful mirrored room at the park, along with some of Damien Hirst's work too, so it really did seem like the perfect time to go.

It is really easy to find just off junction 38 of the M1 and although the parking fees may sound a little steep at £12 per day, this also covers the entrance fee to the park and galleries. In my opinion, £12 for three people for the whole day is very reasonable 

18 March 2019

Snowdrops at Hodsock


We visited the Snowdrops at Hodsock Priory several years ago and I have been desperate to go back ever since.

After a terrible time with rain last year the gardens were only open for a couple of weeks, so we made the most of an inset day just before half term and headed there for a few hours.

With the sun shining and the weather most inviting it felt like the perfect opportunity to go. And we weren't disappointed, the wind blew through the trees and the sun shone making it a very tranquil place to sit and reflect.

There is a small cafe in the centre of the woods with a log fire burning throughout the day, the smell of which wafted through the woods and made for a very back to nature experience.

My daughter wore her bridesmaid skirt from my brother's wedding last year and everyone stopped to comment on the small fairy princess darting through the trees and snowdrops.

Hodsock and the Snowdrops was one of my grans favourite places to visit, she loved those tiny delicate white flowers so it felt like we were there to walk amongst them with her.

10 February 2019

Easy to Make Valentines Cards


If you are looking to get crafty with the kids for Valentine's Day and want a simple, easy to make card on a budget then this is for you.

Using some craft bits we already had in our craft boxes along with some left over sweets from my daughters birthday last week, we created these super easy Valentine's Cards.

We used Love Hearts, but you could use any sweet or heart shaped item from whatever you have already. However, I love that the Love Hearts already have words on them, so you don't even have to worry about thinking of something witty for the front of the card.

5 February 2019

Chocolate Tasting at Luisa's Vegan Chocolates in Sneinton Market



A couple of weeks ago I was invited along, to sit in on the first ever chocolate tasting at Luisa's Vegan Chocolates in Sneinton Market.

I have been chatting to Luisa for several months now, she is a really lovely person with a passion for creating wonderful chocolate. All her chocolates are made with a range of indulgent natural ingredients, and can be enjoyed in the knowledge that the beans used are traceable back to their  farms. This direct trade ensures the farmers are paid a fair price, enabling them to support their families and empower local communities. 


9 December 2018

Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood at Nottingham Playhouse

Last weekend we were invited to see the opening night of this year's pantomime at the Nottingham Playhouse, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood.


You may remember last year we were invited to see Cinderella; it was the first time my children had seen the Christmas panto and it was such a wonderful experience, so I was really looking forward to seeing it again this year.