This week my Word of the Week is: Jobs! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

This week hasn't been any less chaotic than last week, in fact it has been worse! Stu worked Monday, his usual day off. Becky stayed out at a friends on Monday night, she never stays out on a Monday and Ellie has been all over the place. She even went to college on a day she didn't have to be there just to catch up with friends who were in for an exam. Even one of her teachers said she was crazy to be there when she didn't have to be. I am just embracing the chaos. Even today things are going to be out of whack with the girls taking Stu out for the day as an early treat for Father's Day. I wasn't invited as it's his treat. Hmmf. hehehe

I have got lots of little jobs done around the house this week. Just silly one's that I don't usually do like getting rid of the stains in the sink, mowing the grass out the front, pricing up some things for the garden for next year, cleaning the stair carpet, thinking about what the girls want for their birthdays, tidying and reorganising the cupboard under the stairs and moving some furniture about. Yesterday I spent the day with my dad doing some jobs with him. Lots involved being in his workshop, using tools which was fantastic fun for me and him too showing me what he was doing. It was lovely to have that time together. I've also found time to weed the back garden (it still needs mowing), keeping on top of the housework and getting Ellie to wash the dishes.

Ellie hates washing the dishes, if she can find a way to get out of it she will and sometimes flat out refuses even if it means time without the internet or not being able to go out with friends. She is so stubborn, she gets it from me. lol Anyway, now I've learned to use it to my advantage. I had spent a couple of hours out in the garden and just as I was thinking that I couldn't be bothered to wash the dishes she text to ask if she could stay out a little longer with friends so I said yes, as long as you wash the dishes when you get in. It worked like a treat, she was happy staying out with friends and I got out of washing the dishes. Win, win!

It feels like the start of summer here with Ellie winding things up at college until September so that means that Ellie has about 10 weeks of not having much to do but she has been applying for jobs. Any that she can find which sometimes I know won't work out. She applied for one 2 bus rides away and a 20 minute walk, it would take a couple of hours to get there and 2 hours back by the time she's waited for the buses and it doesn't seem worth it for 12 hours a week spread over three days. She would have been travelling the same amount of time she would be working. I am not discouraging her though, I am letting her apply for anything that she wants to and some of the jobs have surprised me. She is not a people person but has applied to shops in customer service roles, she has applied to places that she hates going and for evening work too. It is a shame that she isn't 18 yet as then she will have more options. She only has a couple of months to go but by then she will be back at college and has to be more choosy about jobs so they will fit around her time in college. I am just glad she is willing to work, she has finally realised I don't have a magic money tree growing in the back garden.

So my family are out enjoying themselves today and I have jobs to do. Washing to wash, dry and put away! I am going to change the bedding and if I feel like it give mine and Stu's bedroom a deep clean. 

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay for her Word of the Week linky!

What I have loved this week! Week 24. #FridayFavourites

Happy Friday! I hope you have all had a good week. I have, it seems like the rain has stopped for a little while and it's warmed up again! I am so happy with the temperature now. It has been around 24/25C all week which is about 75F which is hot enough for me. If it could stay like this all summer I would be grateful! I am of course linking up with Erika and Andrea to share the things that I have loved over this past week.

Embracing the chaos! 

My Word of the Week last week was Chaotic and this week hasn't been much different, my routine is all out of whack but I am just trying to go with the flow and embrace the end of the school year chaos and Stu and Becky working different days. It is really starting to feel like summer having Ellie home for some extra days and I am all for that!

An empty house!

I woke up on Tuesday to a completely empty house! Usually on a college day I would set an alarm and make sure Ellie is up and has breakfast but as she was only going to college to finish a few things off and could go anytime during the day there was no pressure. I didn't set my alarm and woke up naturally just before 8am. Ellie had already left and Becky had slept at her friends the night before. Usually at least one of the girls is at home so it felt so strange! Is this what it feels like to be an empty nester? I don't know if I like it but it was nice not to have to fight for the bathroom.

Gardening!

The grass at the front was getting out of control with all the rain we have had and it was wet every time we had chance to cut it so earlier on in the week when it hadn't rained I jumped at the chance to get the lawnmower out. I hate cutting the grass, watering plants and weeding yes but not mowing. Anyway I got it done and I was so proud of myself. Then later in the week I spent some time in the back garden doing some weeding. I keep saying it but it's a never ending job. It was nice to be out in the sunshine though.

A clean sink!

Obviously our kitchen sink gets cleaned more than once a day but it always seems stained but I made the effort during the week to get rid of the stains. All it took was a bit of bleach, I know I shouldn't use chemicals and there will be something better to use but I wanted a quick fix and it came up sparkling!

Father's Day!

The girls have plans for my fella over the weekend, in fact they're going to be keeping him busy all weekend! I love how they are taking charge about gifts and what they are treating him too and that I don't have to nag or encourage them. They're taking him out for the day doing things that they all enjoy and I think it's so sweet of them.

Birthday lists! 

The time has come for my girls to come up with what they want for their birthdays. My youngest is turning 18 and my eldest will be 23 in a just over a couple of months. I have started making lists of things that they might like. In fact I have two lists. One list filled with things that I need to run by them and a shorter list of things that I am getting them as a surprise. I do love this time of year, planning their birthdays.

What have you loved over the past week?

Parenting Teenagers: Things I thought I’d never say out loud but did!

Before I became a parent, I knew I’d say some strange things. I’d heard other mums shout "Get that out of your nose!" or "The cat does not want to wear a nappy!" and I assumed that phase would end with toddlerhood but how naive I was!

Parenting teenagers introduces you to a whole new world of bizarre sentences, things that leave your mouth before your brain can even catch up and often the moment you say them, you pause, blink and think did I really just say that out loud?

Here are some of my favourites. All real. All said out loud.

"Snapchat is not an excuse for being late."

“Oh, sorry, I had to finish my Snap streak.” Imagine explaining that your boss at work when you are late, apparently for my youngest it is a valid excuse for being late!

"Yes, I am listening. I’m just trying to Google what you just said."

The teen slang changes weekly. I once thought rizz was a new fizzy drink. It’s not and “drip” is apparently a compliment now.

"We do not microwave socks."

Yes, it happened!! Cold feet plus laziness apparently equals a singed pair of fluffy socks and a microwave that smelled of burnt polyester for a while. Lovely!

"No, you cannot revise while watching Netflix."

Multitasking has its place but revising for exams while half watching 22 seasons of Grey's Anatomy doesn’t exactly scream academic success.

"You cannot put your phone in the fridge just because it's ‘overheating."

Thinking about it now it was quite a clever solution and I did almost let her but thought better of it.

"How many chargers do you need? You’ve got more cables than NASA."

My girls buy them when they are out and about then come home and lose them, once in a while they'll tidy their bedrooms and find all the wires which ends with a huge pile in the cupboard which all end up getting tangled.

"You cannot live on cereal bars and iced coffee."

They have both tried it and one ended up being sick on the bus after a breakfast of a cereal bar and iced coffee.

"If it smells like feet, clean it or bin it."

Some of the things in my girls bedrooms stink! I refuse to deal with it, they are old enough to sort it themselves.

"No, you cannot wear pyjama bottoms to the shop"

I don't mind too much in the winter when it's dark out but not in the middle of the day when anyone could see. The shame!

"You don’t need a £40 pair of jeans with holes in them. That’s not fashion!"

If I had holes in my clothes I would be made to sew the holes up or throw the item out. Now it's t-shirts, hoodies and of course the ripped jeans!

"No, I’m not texting you from the next room. Come here."

My girls even text each other when they are in the same room, there is no hope.

"Please don’t call your sister/dad/grandad bruv."

I don’t care if everyone else does it. They are not your bruv!

"Yes, you still have to brush your hair, even if you’re not leaving the house."

My girls get extra lazy when we have a day at home.

"Socks with sliders, really?"

When I was younger socks were not to be seen but now my girls wear them with everything including sliders which I just can't get my head around.

Parenting teenagers is chaotic, unpredictable and wildly entertaining and I wouldn't change them for anything even when I do find myself saying the most ridiculous things!

What gems have you said to your little darlings lately?

This or That: June Edition!

June always feels like the warm up act for the summer’s big performance! The days are longer, the sandals are starting to make an appearance and there’s a constant debate about whether or the weather is OK for a BBQ. To celebrate the start of sunny season I’ve put together a little round of This or That questions perfect for getting into the summer spirit.

Hanging baskets or garden gnomes?

Ohh! I love both but think I would have to go for the gnomes, especially the fun, cheeky looking kind. I keep thinking about buying a few for the garden but my family keep talking me out of it.

Deckchair snooze or hammock nap?

A hammock nap for sure! I wish I had somewhere to hang one, I do love the idea of them. They seem so much more relaxing than sitting in a deckchair.

Watering plants or mowing the lawn?

Watering the plants, definitely! I hate mowing the lawn, that is my fellas job and mine is to deal with the plants and I do love watering them.

Making daisy chains or playing swingball?

It depends on how energetic I am feeling. I think I will go for making daisy chains. It reminds me of being a child and sitting on the school field at break time with my friends making them. My family for sure would choose swingball! It is such fun!

June rain or surprise heatwave?

I will take the rain for June as long as we get a little bit of heat in the following months.

Pimm’s in the garden or cider at the pub?

Cider at the pub, yes please! I am not a fan of Pimm's. I know it's a real summer thing but it isn't for me.

Strawberries & cream or scones with jam & cream?

Strawberries and cream! Especially when the tennis is on the TV, it's such a British thing eating strawberries and watching Wimbledon.

Day at the beach or picnic in the park?

I would love a day at the beach, it seems such a long time since we went to one. The nearest beach to us is either a bus and train ride or 3 buses away. We are determined to go during the summer though.

Paddling in the sea or rock pooling?

I like a paddle in the sea. Rock pooling makes me anxious, the rocks are always so slippy and the little critters hiding in the rocks scare me. My girls do love it though.

Seaside arcade fun or fairground rides?

A seaside arcade! I love the 2p machines and the grabber machines. Such fun! I am not a fan of fairground rides unless they are really slow one's.

Glastonbury on TV or a local festival?

I love watching Glastonbury on the TV, it is one of the highlights of my summer. A local festival is nice but they're always so expensive so it's staying home for me.

Garden centre mooch or car boot rummage?

I love a good rummage at a car boot sale. You never know what bargains you will find.

Caravan trip or camping in a tent?

Give me the comfort of a caravan any day! The idea of camping in a tent fills me with dread!

Flip-flops or comfy sandals?

Comfy sandals, I have never been able to find a comfortable pair of flip flops!

What would you answer for these questions?

Share our Lives - Unique things about where you live!

It's time for me to share some of my life, linking up and joining in with the Share Our Lives bloggers! This months thing to talk about is unique things about where you live! I wouldn't say these are all unique things but they are interesting!

I live in Scunthorpe which I imagine not many people outside of the UK have heard of. It is a town in the north of England, in a region called North Lincolnshire. If you're looking at a map of England, it's sort of in the middle upper part, not far from the east coast. It’s about a 40 minute drive from the historic city of Lincoln and roughly an hour from the bigger cities of Sheffield, Leeds and Hull. Scunthorpe sits in a mostly flat, rural part of the country surrounded by countryside, farms, and small villages.

Scunthorpe is best known for its steel industry. For over 100 years, it has been home to some of the biggest steelworks in the UK! During World War II the steelworks in Scunthorpe played a critical role in supplying steel for the war effort, producing materials for tanks, aircraft and other military hardware. Scunthorpe steel has been used in projects across the world, from Canary Wharf to parts of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There has recently been concern about plans to replace its traditional blast furnaces with two electric arc furnaces which could have led to a lot of job losses but the government stepped in and even got themselves together on a Saturday which never happens to sort things out.

Scunthorpe is greener than you might expect. Central Park is a lovely spot for a stroll with open green spaces, flowerbeds, a cafe and even a splash park for the kids. Normanby Hall Country Park just on the outskirts, is another gem. It’s got beautiful gardens, woodland walks, a working farming museum and a stately home that’s steeped in history.

Scunthorpe is nicknamed “The Industrial Garden Town”, famous for its steel industry but it also prides itself on its green spaces. Making it a bit of a yin-yang town!

Scunthorpe’s name actually comes from Old Norse! “Scun” likely comes from a personal name, and “thorpe” means village or hamlet. So it might have started as “Skuma’s village” or something similar. Makes it feel quite ancient, doesn’t it!

Scunthorpe United FC are the “Iron”. The town’s football club is nicknamed "The Iron" in tribute to its steelmaking roots. Their stadium, Glanford Park which is now known as the The Attis Arena was the first purpose built football stadium in England after WWII.

Rumour has it Scunthorpe was one of the first towns in the UK to get broadband internet, because of a trial by BT in the early 2000s.

Another quirky bit of history: during the early days of the internet, Scunthorpe found itself accidentally banned from some online platforms because of an unfortunately placed set of letters in the middle of its name. lol

Scunthorpe has produced its fair share of famous names:

Kevin Keegan - The football legend and former England manager, spent some of his early years in Scunthorpe and even played for Scunthorpe United at the start of his career.

Ian Botham - Cricketing royalty! While born in Cheshire, Botham spent some of his childhood in Scunthorpe, and he’s often associated with the area.

Liz Smith - The late, great actress best known for her roles in The Royle Family and The Vicar of Dibley was born in Scunthorpe.

Kaya Scodelario - Known for Skins, The Maze Runner, and Pirates of the Caribbean has family links to Scunthorpe proof that you never know who’s connected to the town.

The Beatles played in Scunthorpe at the Baths Hall on December 20, 1963, just before they truly exploded into global superstardom. Imagine seeing them just before they became The Beatles!

I actually learned lots about Scunthorpe writing this blog post! What is something interesting about where you live?

I am linking up with:

Adrienne from Mom Life with Adrienne.

Dara from Not In Jersey.

Jen from Show me & Sweet tea.

Joanne from Slices of Life.

Sarah from Toronto Sam.

Our weekly meal plan! 9th - 15th June! #MealPlanningMonday

Last weeks meal plan went really well. It was so strange not getting a Gousto Box but it was nice to enjoy some of our favourite meals and it was also a bonus that I didn't really have too much cooking to do. I made a big pan of Bolognese which did two days and the slow cooker helped one day too! I am planning on cooking curry this week which will do two days.

We had a good weekend. I was practically home alone on Saturday with just Becky in bed sleeping. I spent the day pottering which was nice and yesterday was a lazy day. I caught up with watching the wrestling and nothing much else.

I said how last week felt chaotic in my Word of the Week post and this week is going to be no different. Stu is working different hours this week, Ellie is not at college every day that she usually is and Becky has plans too. I thrive on routine and this week is going to have none of my usual routine. Oh well, I am sure I will still have a great week even if things are mixed up a little. Then at the end of the week is of course Father's Day. The girls got his presents and cards a few weeks ago and they have plans with him which they are really looking forward to.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Vegetable fingers (like fish fingers but with just vegetables)with BBQ pasta which is just pasta coated in mayo and BBQ sauce. I may add some sweetcorn to it too.

Tuesday - A lazy chicken curry but using Tikka Masala sauce instead of Korma. We will have it with rice and naan bread.

Wednesday - Leftover curry with chips. 

Thursday - Home made quiche and salad. I don't know what type yet but will use up what random things we have in the fridge.

Friday - Fish finger tacos.

Saturday - A picky tea. Sticky chicken kebabs, onion rings, garlic bread, garlic mushrooms and whatever else I find in the freezer..

Sunday - Stu's choice of takeaway with it being Father's Day.

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 1st - 7th June! Week 23 of #Project365

I have had a busy week but not at the same time. I feel like I've not stopped but at the same time feel like I have got nothing done. It's fine though, all is good. Things have been chaotic with my routine thrown all over the place because of the girls not being in their usual places but they are enjoying life and Ellie has been working hard at college with exams and finishing the last bits that she needs to before the end of term at the end of this month.

The weather has been a bit chaotic this week too. Rain, sun, rain, sun. I am looking out of the window now (yesterday) and it doesn't know what it wants to do. I feel annoyed that I have had to use my tumble dryer a few times this week just to get through the washing pile. It's such a first world problem but I expect to get washing out on the line to dry at this time of year. lol

We have no plans for today apart from cutting the grass if it's dry out. It will be a quiet day, watching TV, playing games on our computers and just relaxing.

Now for a photo every day!

152/365 - 1st June

Pretty purple flowers have appeared in my garden. Apparently they are Campanula, commonly known as bellflowers. They're so pretty.

153/365 - 2nd June

Stu and I went out to eat and I had a lovely Full English breakfast! I was so happy when it arrived, it had fried bread on! Breakfasts never have fried bread on now, what a treat! It also came with toast and jam which felt like a dessert, I was very happy!

154/365 - 3rd June

I saw this plant and thought "Ohh! That's pretty! It might be but after reading about it, I am not so keen. Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia) is considered a weed and produces a toxic latex sap which can cause skin irritation or blindness if it gets in contact with eyes. Eek!

155/365 - 4th June

Ellie was given a couple of Pokemon cards and got it into her head that she wants to collect them. That is all on her, I will not be funding this new hobby. I have heard that some can sell for hundreds of pounds.

156/365 - 5th June

The weather couldn't make it's mind up on Thursday! Rain one minute and sun the next. It was such a moody looking sky!

157/365 - 6th June

Just me. Another mixed day with the weather. Left the house with a coat and was thinking about taking an umbrella. I am glad I left it at home as the sun came out and it was quite warm so off came my coat.

158/365 - 7th June

Stir fry for tea and I actually remembered to buy the Prawn Crackers, they're always something that I seem to forget.

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This week my Word of the Week is: Chaotic! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

Do you ever get to the end of the week and think what just happened? That’s exactly how I’m feeling, in a good way though. It has been a chaotic week. Over the last couple of weeks I have seen my friends from the US mention May-cember, that May feels as hectic and full on as December with the end of their school year but I think we have had a touch of June-cember in my house with Ellie wrapping things up at college.

Ellie had a couple more exams this week. She was in college on days she usually isn't so that added chaotic feeling during the week and on the days she's usually in college she was off out with friends. Her social life is way more exciting than mine. Don't ask me what days she's in college next week, I have no idea and I don't even think she is 100% sure. The only way I am keeping track of her is using Snapchat, hooray for their Snap map feature and the odd text I get asking for money. I keep saying no but then she makes me feel guilty by saying she needs to buy something to eat or a drink. I swear I'm going to send her out with a packed lunch if she carries on being so sociable. hehehe Becky has been all over the place this week too. Working of course, spending time with friends, sleeping out one night and back here because she had training at work and then back out with friends. It’s like they’re living their best lives and I’m just trying to keep up but I am loving it!

We had a real moment of chaos early on in the week. I was just about to make my way up to bed when Ellie came downstairs saying she needed help! I panicked but it turns out a bug of some sort, we're thinking a big moth flew in her room and now that she's right next to the window hit her in the face, she jumped up by grabbing her curtain and pulled the whole thing down, well almost. It got stuck next to her TV. I said to her she'll have to sleep without a curtain for the night and her dad will fix it the next day. Oh and shut the ruddy window! I would like to say she learned her lesson but every night this week she's had her window wide open, it hasn't been that warm. lol

I wouldn’t say I’ve done much this week but somehow I’ve been busy every single day. You know those days where you’re not exactly being productive but are still ready for bed when that time comes! I spent more time trying to remember what day it was and why I walked into a room than actually ticking things off my to do list. It got to 7pm on Wednesday when I realised I needed to do the online food shop to be delivered the next day. Oops. I got it done and more amazingly got a decent delivery slot. My head has been all over the place and I don't know why. Things are good but I think it's because I like routine and my life has been far from routine this week because of the girls being so busy and all over the place.

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay for her Word of the Week linky!

What I have loved this week! Week 23. #FridayFavourites

I have had a chaotic week, one of those where I don't know if I am coming or going but in a good way. There'll be more about that tomorrow but today I am here linking up with Erika and Andrea to share the things that I have loved over this past week.

Nonnas.

I have heard so many people mention this movie off Netflix so I had to give it a watch. After losing his beloved mother, a man risks everything to honour her by opening an Italian restaurant with actual grandmothers as the chefs. It was such a sweet story and even more so since it was based on a true story! It is one of those movies which make you feel happy even when things are a little bit sad.

Exams!

My youngest has had 2 more exams this week. The big one was the practical one for the electrical engineering course that she is doing and it makes up a big percentage of her end of year grade. She had a board and had to add all the wires, plugs, steel conduits and things like that to it and then of course make sure it was all working. It took two whole days at college to complete but she got there in the end. Then there was her English exam. I am hoping this time she passes so she doesn't have to resit it this time next year, we will find out in August.

A better bedroom!

We decided to make more space in my youngest girls room by shortening her bed. It was a metal frame so it was quite easy, well I am saying that, my dad and brother did the hard work. Anyway we got the bed back and it fitted perfectly, freeing up a ton of space in her tiny room.

The pillows were moved the other end of her bed, shelves have been moved, her TV twisted around on the bracket holding it up and Ellie is so happy! Now we're trying to find a decent priced dressing table. I refuse to pay a silly amount of money when I know I can get a second hand one for a fraction of the price. My dressing table only cost £2 from the local auction, we jazzed it up a bit and it is fantastic so I'm hoping to find similar again for a similar price.

Lunch out!

My fella and I had a lovely lunch out on Monday. Our local pub launched their new menu and on a Monday there is 30% off so it would have been rude not to pay a visit. It is the first time we've eaten out in over a month so it felt like a real treat. I had the Sesame Chicken Bites for starters and a Full English Breakfast for my main! I was so happy when it arrived, it had fried bread on! Breakfasts never have fried bread on now, it was such a treat! The bill was too! It was just under £30 for two courses each and a soft drink for my fella and I.

Goats!

I don't know how or why but a few weeks ago TikTok showed me a woman, Katie Van Slyke from Tennessee who has a farm. She breeds horses and other animals but I am hooked on watching her goats who are pregnant. Each day she has been doing an update, looking at their udders seeing if they are close to giving birth. I feel so invested and probably by the time this goes live there will be baby goats as one goat is so close to giving birth!

Soreen Malt Loaf!

I had some of this as an afternoon snack during the week. It was something I bought and had forgotten about so it felt like a real treat when I saw it in the cupboard. Do you get it around the world or is it more of a UK thing? Malt loaf is a type of sweet, malt flavoured bread/cake. It has a chewy texture and often contains raisins. Eating it took me right back to my childhood, it was my grandad's favourite thing to have with a cup of tea.

What have you loved over the last week?

What to buy Dads for Father’s Day (Especially the ones who want nothing)

Father’s Day. That yearly occasion where we all panic about what to get the man who says he doesn’t want anything, already owns everything and insists he’s just happy with a nice cup of tea. It is classic Dad behaviour! My dad always says he doesn't want anything but I bet if I got him nothing the worst daughter award would go to me! 

While the shops are full of socks, beer mugs and “Best Dad Ever” keyrings it’s tricky trying to pick something that feels thoughtful, without spending a fortune especially if your dad is the kind of bloke who doesn’t want a fuss. Here are some ideas of what to avoid and what would make a great gift!

Let’s get the least wanted gifts out of the way, you know those gifts that just scream "I just grabbed you at the supermarket as I couldn't think of anything else". Here are a few of the most common least wanted Father’s Day presents:

Another novelty mug - He already has 27 in the cupboard, including one from 1994 with a fading “World’s Best Dad” sticker.

Gimmicky gadgets - Like a self stirring cup or a golf ball shaped ice cube tray. Fun for five minutes, then they get put straight to the back of the drawer.

Socks with jokes on them - Unless your dad specifically asks for socks that say “Grill Master”.

Toiletry gift sets - Unless they are good one's. I am thinking the ones with a weird body spray scent that’s half Lynx, half petrol station air freshener.

Ties - Unless he still wears them regularly. In which case, fair play. But for most dads? Nope.

Now let’s move on to the good stuff! Here are some budget friendly but brilliant gift ideas for the Dad who wants nothing!

A Dad Voucher book - Homemade or bought!

Make your own mini book of “Dad Vouchers” with things like: One car wash (done properly!), a cooked breakfast, an afternoon of watching whatever he wants on TV with no moaning allowed or a trip to the chippy on you. These are fun, personal and cost very little, just your time. You can print them at home or find pre made versions online for just a few pounds.

A personalised keyring!

Not the cheesy kind! Look on places like Etsy for keyrings you can personalise with a little message or even a soundwave of your voice. Lots are under £10 and feel a bit more special than your standard “Best Dad” fare.

A box of his favourite snacks!

Not just a multipack of crisps, I'm talking a mini hamper of his favourite bits. Think of his favourite snacks: those posh peanuts that he only gets at Christmas, pickled onion Space Raiders which are a blast from the past, fancy beer (or alcohol free if that’s his thing), chocolate covered raisins or even a few retro sweets from his youth. Wrap it up nicely and it’s a winner.

Something for his hobby!

Even if he says he doesn’t want anything, if he’s got a hobby, there’s usually something he’ll appreciate. Into gardening? A new plant label set or a decent pair of gloves? Loves football? A pint glass with his team’s badge or a funny football themed book could do the trick. A music lover? A set of guitar picks, vinyl record coasters or a print of his favourite band. These don’t have to break the bank and even £5 to £15 can get you something thoughtful.

A DIY night in kit!

Put together a mini Father’s Day movie box. Include: A film or series suggestion (maybe even write it out like a cinema ticket!), his favourite snacks, a pair of comfy socks (plain, not punny) and a little note saying you’ll watch it with him, no phones allowed! Sometimes the best gift is just making time together feel a bit special.

A memory jar!

This is a really heartfelt one. Get a jar or tin and fill it with notes, funny memories, things you love about him, jokes you share, quotes from your childhood or even old photos folded up small. It’s thoughtful, it costs next to nothing and it’s guaranteed to bring a tear to his eye (even if he pretends he’s “just got something in his eye”).

A cheap & cheerful DIY project!

If you're a bit crafty, make something. Paint a rock with a message, make a framed photo collage or turn an empty jam jar into a “Dad’s Treat Fund” with a label and a few coins to get him started. It doesn’t have to be perfect it just has to come from you.

Not everything has to be a physical gift. Sometimes experiences are better, especially if your dad truly doesn’t want stuff. Think things like breakfast in bed, a walk and a pub lunch or an afternoon with a no to-do list.

You don’t have to spend loads to make Father’s Day meaningful especially for the dad who says he doesn’t want anything. Skip the generic tat, focus on things that show you know him and remember that time, effort and love are worth more than any shop bought gift!

What are you getting your dad or father figure for Father's Day?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge! #17

I hope you are all having a good week? It's Wednesday which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up?

I love celebrating my families birthdays and they of course do too. During the summer my fella, eldest and youngest daughter all have their birthdays in the space of 25 days. Last year for their birthdays we didn't do much as we had a lot going on in our real lives. There was still the usual meals out and too many presents (I do go overboard). Most years we have a special day out. In 2023 we went to an arcade place for Ellie's birthday and had a night in a hotel for Becky's. When the girls were younger we didn't really bother with big birthday parties for them, it was more of a family celebration. Ellie's birthday is right at the end of the summer and Becky's usually fell around the first day of school when us and everyone else had lots going on! 

When I was growing up birthdays were not a big thing, I think my parents thought it was just another year. I think that's why I go over the top now with birthday banners, too many presents, days out and making the birthday boy or girl feel extra special. Giving my family the birthdays that I never had growing up. 

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses...what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate.

I'd be hoping for Rainbow roses, I want all of the colours. They look so pretty. A few years ago Stu bought me a bunch for Valentine's Day and I did love them!

I’m more the type to be accused of seeing the world through foggy, slightly cracked glasses I found in the bargain bin at the back of a charity shop. If someone did accuse me of looking at the world too positively, I’d probably look behind me to see who they were actually talking to. I’m a realist, I expect things to go wrong not because I want them to but because I like to be mentally prepared for when the proverbial hits the fan!

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day...will you celebrate? What's something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese?

I am not a big lover of cheese. From the age of about 9 until about 25 I didn't eat it as it caused me to have the worst migraines. It was only when I was a lot older I realised it was cheddar or darker coloured cheese which caused my migraines, I am fine with Mozzarella, Feta, Brie and Mascarpone. The only time I really eat cheese is on pizza. My family on the other hand are cheese lovers and will have it on everything given the chance! 

4. 'tis the season...any weddings on your June calendar? What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage?

Nope, there is no one we know tying the knot this year. The last wedding we went to was a couple of years ago when my fellas niece got married. Everyone we know is either married or just not bothering with marriage.

When I think of marriage, the first word that pops into my head isn’t romance or forever it’s teamwork! That’s what real, day to day marriage is built on. It’s not just candlelit dinners and anniversaries, it’s helping each other find missing socks and tackling life together whether it be good or bad. 

5. What are you most looking forward to this June?

The start of summer, my youngest finishing college until September, Glastonbury Festival (watching on the TV, not going) and having a quiet month because after June things get busy for myself and my family! We have plans for July, August, September and October! 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am writing this on Sunday afternoon. Usually on a Sunday everyone is home but it's just me and Stu. The girls are out doing their own thing. We had planned to go for a pub lunch, making the most of it just being the two of us but that would mean having to make an effort and get ready to leave the house so we're having crisp sandwiches and a cup of tea in our pj's. Sundays are meant to be a day of rest and that is just what we're doing.