Kedleston Hall

We love visiting National Trust places. It's something both my husband and I were brought up on and wanted to carry on with our little boy.

When we became members nearly two years ago I wondered if there would be much for us to enjoy as a family but we've been to so many places! Our latest visit was to Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, a country house built in 1759. 

3 Things Parenthood Makes You Realise About Your Own Parents

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Once upon a time your parents were the gatekeepers. The people that stopped you having fun, or at least tried to control it! Admittedly, every child goes through a phase (or five) where they think their parents are deliberately trying to sabotage their pleasure. The world is full of rules and to a child's mind they're just not fair.

Our Favourite Book - Katie & the Dinosaurs

Welcome back to our favourite book feature! This month we're loving Katie and the Dinosaurs. 

Our Home Improvement Adventures

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For those that follow me on Instagram, you'll know that we've been having some work done to our house.

Recently, our full large drafty windows are gone and our home is more cosy as a result, but that cosy feeling has been a long time coming! We'd originally planned to have the work done when we moved into the house seven years ago! The arrival of a certain little boy, a lack of funds and a need for a new car put that on the back burner. Then after a few too many evenings of sitting under more than one blanket and nights of our three year old waking up and saying he was cold it was time to get our finger out and have the work done.

It was messy. It was cold. It was slightly ridiculous to have new windows fitted in February. Oh, and I know I've said it already but THE MESS! There was so much mess!!!

Could Being A Mum Be The Skill That Builds Your Career?

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The idea of getting back to work as a mummy is always framed as a challenge. I can tell you from experience that it's difficult to get back into the swing of things you haven't done for some time. Not to mention the new family and work balance that you'll need to find. 

Instead of looking at motherhood as an obstacle though, can you look at it as a resource? 

There's a selection of careers where being a mum can lift you into a new role. Here's a few ideas that could shape your career.

Ooooo Craft Chocolate

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As a craft blogger I know that the word ‘craft’ can mean a lot of things. It can mean getting sticky with glue and glitter but it can also be related to food and drink. Craft all comes down to creativity and what the creator want to have at the end of it.

You might want to brew your own beer at home, with the possibility of opening a micropub if you have the knack for it. You might want to make birthday cards or wedding invites, with a view to starting your own online shop. Maybe you want to simply bake a few show stopping cakes to share with your friends.

A rise in craft beers and craft coffee came from people being passionate about what they were creating. This passion is spreading and recently I’ve discovered that craft in the food world is spreading over to chocolate! Yes! Chocolate!! Craft Chocolate! Obviously this has made me very excited! Chocolate is one of my fave things. EVER.