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

This week my Word of the Week is:

I love the word Pottering, it means doing small tasks in a relaxed, unhurried way. Often around the house or garden. It’s not about tackling big jobs or rushing through a to do list but more about gently moving from one little task to another, usually for pleasure or light productivity. That is exactly how my week has been!

The girls and I went to town on Tuesday and that was exciting as our week got and I am fine with that. I've spent the last few days pottering around the house dipping in and out of little jobs that have been waiting for my attention, those that never make my to do list but need doing all of the same. I cleared little corners of the house that have become shrines to random bits and bobs, I've sorted my wardrobe and I have been working in the garden when it hasn't been raining. As much as I complain about the rain I do like cosy, rainy days at home. There is no pressure to go out and do things. I have also found time to cook some lovely meals that have went down well with my family, had time to get ahead in writing some blog posts and scheduled them. I've kept on top of the housework and done some life admin too. I feel like I am winning at life this week without doing any big things.

Ellie has been off college for half term and has spent the week at home with me. All of her friends seem to be away on holiday or their parents have them being busy. It was the perfect time for her to stay home, her bed was dismantled and taken away for it to be shortened, the frame is a good foot longer than the mattress so in theory my brother can chop it and weld it back together and it will fit under her window and free up space. Anyway with her big bed frame out of the room it gave Ellie the motivation to give her bedroom a deep clean. I think she has used half of the cleaning products that we have in the house but her room is sparkling now. Even her windows were cleaned, just the inside although she was wanting to climb out, stand on the extension roof and clean them. Eek! That can be a job for Stu. Upstairs is in chaos at the moment with Ellie sleeping on the mattress on the floor and all of the things out of her bedroom stacked in boxes in mine and Stu's bedroom. Hopefully the shortened bed will be back either today or tomorrow so we can sort her room out. Now we're on the hunt for a dressing type table. All she wants in life is somewhere to put her make up and a mirror so she doesn't have to do it downstairs in the bathroom.

Over the weekend Stu will be pottering, sorting out Ellie's bedroom, moving her TV and shelves. There is a lot I can do but I don't trust myself drilling holes into the wall then there will be holes to fill in and I am glad I ordered an extra roll of her wallpaper when we decorated her room, I think we might need it after we move the TV. 

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 22. #FridayFavourites

How is it Friday already? This past week flew over. My youngest has had the week off college, it was half term. The last break before her long summer break! Come to think of it the last year school year has flown over, it doesn't seem that long since she went back to college in September. Today I am linking up with Erika and Andrea to share some of the things that I have loved over the past week.

Planting plants.

The plants that I grew from seeds were getting too big for my little greenhouses and pots, despite me moving them into bigger pots so I planted them in the garden in the ground this time last week, not thinking about the weather we had to come. So far so good despite the rubbish weather we have had over the last week, wind and rain. If they can survive that they should do well, even the sunflowers are still standing.

A day out with my girls!

It's a rarity having both my girls available for a day out at the same time so I made sure to take advantage when they were both free to have a trip to town. They had Father's Day gifts to buy and did well and got some fab bits, they both needed odds and ends and I needed to drop some paperwork off for something. It was a successful day out even if we did have to buy a couple of umbrellas when it started chucking it down, we were expecting lighter rain not the downfall we had.

Progress with the bed!

I mentioned last week about my brother coming up with a good idea to shorten Ellie's bed so it will fit the other way in her bedroom and free up some space. The metal frame is a good foot longer than the mattress so in theory it will work. We took the measurements again and again just to check, the bed was dismantled and taken away mid-week for my brother to work his magic, Ellie has deep cleaned her room and now we wait! Hopefully it will be returned sometime over the weekend.

A rainbow!

Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story!

Off Netflix. Recently discovered police recordings and first-person accounts tell the story of Fred and Rose West, two of the UK's most prolific murderers. I was a teenager when the news was filled with the horrors about what Fred and Rose West did and have obviously heard a lot about it since. This documentary was so interesting but awful at the same time, those poor girls.

Appropriate Adult!

Of course when I watched the documentary this this two part miniseries was suggested to me by Netflix. Based on actual events it tells the story of Gloucester housewife Janet Leach who played an important role in uncovering the crimes of Fred and Rosemary West as an appropriate adult, a volunteer who sits in on police interviews with vulnerable adults to help safeguard their rights. The drama centres on the time between Fred West's arrest, his 1995 suicide and the conviction of Rosemary West.

The end of the football season!

It all came down to the last match of the season to see if our team would be playing in the UEFA Champions League next season. Ideally they had to win their match but they went the hard way around. They lost their match so it all depended on the score in another match. I am not usually a fan of Manchester United but I was so happy when they won, it meant we came 5th in the league and we're on our way to Europe. 

What have you loved over the past week?

My most viewed blog posts ever!

I have been blogging for over 12 years, that seems such a long time and at the end of the year when I saw people recapping their blogging year I saw some mentioning their most viewed posts and it got me wondering about mine. The last time I listed my top 10 blog posts ever was in 2020 and I am surprised to see the list has changed a little.

We had rats under the floorboards upstairs!

When I last did my top 10 this was quite a new blog post but I am guessing there are a lot of people who have problems with rats under their floorboards upstairs. It was an awful experience and I am glad to say that they have never been back!

50 before 50!

This blog post from last year has had quite a few views, I am guessing that many people around my age are looking for 50 things to do before they turn 50 years old too. I have done at least 12 of the 50 things that I have listed and have a few more that I am working on!

How we clean Mega Bloks....

Way back in 2015 we were giving some Mega Bloks away but needed to clean them. Stu had the idea of cleaning them in the washing machine, I didn't think it was going to end well but it did! Thinking about it now I don't think there are any instructions on how to clean Mega Bloks.

How to make Beanies!

It makes me so happy that people know what I am talking about when I mention a Beanie from a fish and chip shop, not the hat! hehehe A beanie is baked beans wrapped up inside sausage meat and then battered and deep fried! I have come to the conclusion that they are a North East thing.

Making bath bombs with the So Bomb DIY, 3 Pack Bath Bomb Kit!

I am guessing people have bought their children this and needed some real life instructions? They weren't the easiest things to make but my youngest loved the process so much that she got another set for her birthday that year!

Giving Colour B4 hair colour remover a try - Review!

The colour remover was a bit hit and miss and removed the colour but did dye my hair green. I am guessing the same happened to others and they came looking for some sort of reassurance. It didn't leave my hair in the best condition and I have never used it since!

Iceland I'm a Celebrity Bushtucker Trial Game - Review!

This blog post always gets a ton of views when I'm a Celeb is on the TV! I bought this set from I bought Iceland in 2014. I wish Iceland would go back to sponsoring the show just so we could try it again. It was disgusting but so much fun! There were no actual bugs in it just things made to look like bugs but that was bad enough.

Preparing for the GCSE exams. The stationery!

I love it when blog posts like this gets viewed as it feels like I am helping someone a little. It was such a simple list but I am guessing people needed it.

10 is officially the most difficult age for modern children?

I did not expect to see this in my top 10, it has came from nowhere! Are parents struggling with 10 year olds now? I think there is so much pressure put on kids now a days from school, friends and even things online. This blog post was from around 7 years ago so I imagine things have changed even more now.

Pringles Chicken - Recipe!

This is a new one to the list and it was something that I had seen on TikTok. I did them in the oven as at the time we didn't have an air fryer, I think I need to try the recipe again!

Have you read these posts? If your are a blogger what is your top post ever?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge! #16

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's your favorite room in your house and why?

This is really hard to answer, I can tell you my least favourite rooms. My girls bedrooms! They're just too unorganised and chaotic, I have tried to help them organise things but they seem to like the chaos. I love all the other rooms in my house for different reasons. My bedroom has my bed, the living room has my comfy armchair, I love the shower in the bathroom and the kitchen is where I spend a lot of time. I think if I had to pick one I would choose the living room. It is where I am comfiest and happiest. I blog from there, watch TV and spend time with family in here.

2. What's something that will instantly annoy you?

Unnecessary noise! Not everyday noise which can be annoying like a loud car going past while I am on a phone call or my fella mowing the grass when I am trying to watch TV with the window open. I am talking about noises which are not needed. My first thought was the keyrings which my girls have got. Duck one's which when you press them they quack.

The noise is not needed and I have shouted at my girls more than once for quacking them. I saw one attached to a keyring on the stairs and did think about just stamping on it but that would just be mean. The thought was there though. Come to think of it most of the unnecessary noise comes from my girls. The bickering, silly noises that they make, the random singing which puts annoying songs into my head. I do love them really. hehehe

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...will you celebrate? How do you like yours? If you're not cooking at home is there a favorite place you like to go for a burger? Did you ever work in a fast food restaurant?

We love burgers here and have them in some form at least a couple of times a month. I am basic when it comes to my burgers when I make them at home for myself I will have a beef burger, with fried onions, sliced tomatoes and ketchup in a brioche bun. If we get a burger while we are out we usually head to McDonalds and my family always go for a Big Mac but prefer a chicken burger. I was allergic to cheese for about 10 years so I don't even think about ordering burgers witch cheese on.

Yes, there was a time where I worked in McDonalds. I loved that job but it was chaotic! It was the first full paid job that I had after leaving school. I had the job of making the beef burgers and adding the toppings. It was fun apart from on a Saturday lunch time when no one could keep up with how many burgers were ordered.

4. What are three scents you like?

Coconut - Creamy and tropical and makes me think of holidays.

Vanilla - Sweet and soothing, like a hug in a scent.

Cinnamon - Warm and spicy and makes me think of cosy times in the colder months.

5. What do you miss most about being a kid?

I miss the simplicity of being a kid. There were no real responsibilities. I could spend a whole day building Lego or watching cartoons without feeling guilty. I didn’t have to plan meals, clean the house, juggle schedules or pay the bills. The only thing I had to really do was go to school. I never believed the adults when they said your school days will be the best of your life. They were right! Life was so much simpler as a kid!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am writing this Sunday afternoon. We had a lot of rain yesterday (Saturday), well not a lot in the grand scheme of rain but more than we've had for weeks. It was needed and I was happy about it! I am not so happy about the rain that is forecast for during the week. I have places to be and things to do and I don't want to get soaked. It won't ruin our plans though, there are dry days forecast for during the week so we'll just change some things around.

Dear younger me: A letter from the future!

Hi there 16 year old me! It’s me, well technically it’s you, just with a few more years of life experience under my belt. I know you’re in the thick of it right now navigating the chaos that is being 16. You’ve got college, friendships, boys and a whole lot of uncertainty swirling around in that head of yours. So I thought I’d drop you a line and share a few things I’ve learned since then. Spoiler alert: It’s all going to be okay!

You might feel like you don’t quite fit in but that’s a good thing. You are special. Don’t waste time trying to mould yourself into someone you’re not just to fit in with a crowd. You won't be friends with the people that you hang out with now in the future, they will have moved on with their life just like you will. Those people you distanced your self from at school and college because they were not cool are your people. In fact you are still friends with them now in 2025!! 

Stop choosing boys over the most important thing in life now. College! Boys will come and go but those relationships don't last. Think long and hard about what you give up for boys. Stick with college, you enjoy it and despite not really liking kids at the moment you were good with them. There will be plenty of time for love when you are older.

You’re going to hear a lot about having a “plan” and knowing exactly what you want to do with your life but guess what nobody really has it all figured out. I'm in my mid 40's which you think is a proper grown up but I sometimes don't have a clue what I'm doing. I feel like I am winging life some days. I have had a plan many times which hasn't worked out, sometimes winging it isn't that bad!

I know you’re not the biggest fan of stepping out of your comfort zone. You like to play it safe but some of the best things in life come from taking risks. Apply for that job, even if you don’t think you’ll get it, make sure you chat to that lad online in about 25 years even when you think a long distance relationship won't work, speak up, even when your voice shakes and try that pizza, one day you will eat cheese again after it causing you the most terrible migraines for so long! 

Listen to our dad! Save, save, save! You don't think it at the moment but dad has some great advice to give, especially when it comes to money. You have had some tricky times with money when dad has bailed you out but it will all work out in the end thanks to his advice. Stop buying takeaways and having too many nights out. They really aren't worth it. Top tip for in a couple of years: Stop taking your shoes off on the walk home from the club, there's always glass on the ground! Oh and while I am sharing some tips about nights out try Rose wine sooner, you'll love it even if now you think it's a fancy drink!!

Speaking of dad, when he is giving you driving lessons there will be a time when you both end up shouting at each other after seeing your friend walking by and nearly crashing the car! Don't give up! One of my biggest regrets now is giving up learning to drive and not passing my driving test. There will be days when relying on public transport is more of a pain in the bum then it is now. You won't always live in the city centre.

Sometimes it feels like your family just doesn’t get you. The arguments, the misunderstandings, the feeling that you’re living on different planets but beneath all that they love you more than you realise. Try to cut them some slack and remember that they’re in your corner even when it doesn’t feel like it. Dad will be there for you just like you will be there for him too, mam not so much. She makes some choices which changes everything in our family. You and your dad will get through it and be closer because of it.

You are fit and healthy now and still are but in the future when you think something isn't right when it comes to yours or your families health push for a 2nd opinion. Those who should be the experts are not always right, sometimes they might miss something like a little hole in someone's heart.

I know you’re a strong person but even the strongest among us need a break sometimes. It’s okay to seek help when you’re struggling. There’s no shame in asking for help, now there isn't. I know back when you are 16 we were told to just get on with things. You should ask for it when you need it instead of waiting until things come to a head and your brain is scrambled. You will always be a worrier but don't let those worries grind you down!

So, that’s it just a little advice from your future self. I’m proud of you and me, even if I don’t say it enough. You’re stronger and braver than you realise and you’re going to do amazing things. Life has its ups and downs but I promise you it’s a beautiful journey. Take care of yourself, have a little fun, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!

With love and a whole lot of hindsight,

Your Future Self.

Our weekly meal plan! 26th May - 1st June! #MealPlanningMonday

Last weeks meal plan went to plan apart from me swapping a few days around. We all really enjoyed the meals and even though they looked like unhealthy, processed meals if you just read my meal plan but they were all cooked from scratch using fresh ingredients from our Gousto box. It was just what I needed to get back into enjoying cooking and food again.

My favourite meal was the Chinese-Style Chicken Curry With Egg Fried Rice And Chips. I didn't add all of the curry powder, I've done that before and it was too spicy. This time I only added half, it was just right I could taste the spice without my mouth burning. It was one of those meals which I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did.

This week is half term with Ellie off college for the week and we have a few plans so I can see us changing things around depending on what we are doing on that day. One weather forecast that I look at says it's raining all week but the other says we will have a couple of dry days so I'll just be looking out of the window and making our plans on the day.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto meal - Mushroom Wellington With Onion Gravy And Mash. We love this meal, I don't even think my family have realised it is a vegetarian one.

Tuesday - We will be busy during the day so it will be a help ourselves type of evening.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Sticky Honey Mustard Posh Dogs With Chips.

Thursday - Gousto meal - Herb-Crusted Roast Pork With Apple Sauce And Garlicky Gravy. I think I will make some roast parsnips to go with this, they're my favourite vegetable and I've not had them in ages.

Friday - Home made pizza sort of. I will buy the ready made bases and just add our own toppings.

Saturday - Gousto meal - Sweet Chilli Basa With Veg-Packed Rice.

Sunday - A roast dinner of some sort.

What are you eating this week?

A photo every day for a year! 18th - 24th May! Week 21 of #Project365

I have had a fab week. I am over the tonsillitis and feel back to normal which works out great as it is Ellie's half term break from college and she is ready for it after working hard at college for the last few weeks, they're trying to finish everything off before the end of the college year which is just a month away. She had a couple of exams during the week and yesterday she said her English one went OK which is more positive than the last twice that she has taken it.

As I am sitting here yesterday writing this. It's grey, cloudy and it has been raining. Usually I complain about the rain but not this time, it seems ages since we have had any rain and my garden needed it! I could have done with being out there today doing some weeding but that can wait. I am enjoying a rainy day inside.

It's another bank holiday weekend and we have no plans at all. Everyone will be at home today and tomorrow and we're just going to stay home and probably spend too much time on computers and in front of the TV. 

Now for a photo every day!

138/365 - 18th May.

Football on the TV. The second from last match of the season and Newcastle needed to win to go to 2nd place in the table. They lost. Hmmf. They're still 4th with the last game of the season today so it's not all bad, they have had a really good season.

139/365 - 19th May.

Duck keyrings! Ugh! Becky ordered these just after Christmas, one for her and Ellie and they only arrived this week. I am starting to wish they never arrived. Every time you press them down they quack and they are very annoying and the girls have been pressing them a lot!

140/365 - 20th May.

After Ellie had her practical lesson on Tuesday and half term coming up meant that she could get some fancy nails. I really couldn't function with nails that long but she seems to manage OK.

141/365 - 21st May.

Frothy coffee. I was taking a risk and had it mid-afternoon but I really fancied one and I thankfully I slept OK that night.

142/365 - 22nd May.

I stocked up on hair dye that should keep me going for a while! Someone keeps telling me that bright hair means I am having a mid-life crisis and only people under the age of 18 should have bright unnatural colours in their hair. hahaha Well I've been dying my hair bright colours since October 2019 so it must be an extended mid-life crisis. lol

143/365 - 23rd May.

The cherries are doing well on my dad's tree! I will not miss them this year, I will get some picked. The birds will not get them all this time.

144/365 - 24th May.

Grey skies and rain was very welcome here.

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

This week my Word of the Week is:

It is exam season for lots of youngsters in education (I hope they are all doing well) and it's no different for Ellie. She has had a couple of exams this week.

The first exam Ellie had was for the electrical engineering course she is studying. It was all about the maths and science of electrical engineering. Those are Ellie's strongest subjects so she wasn't worried at all. She has already got her results and she passed! Hooray! It wouldn't have been a worry if she didn't as the pressure isn't there like with other exams, they get to resit it until they get a pass and it's only a small percentage of the end of year grade. After half term Ellie has her practical exam and I know she will do well at that. Ellie has always been better at hands on things rather than writing things down. She is looking forward to it, she has to build a whole electrical circuit on a board. Cutting wires, using conduits, making sure it works and looks tidy. It all sounds simple enough but I am sure there is more to it than I am thinking.

Ellie's second exam was her English Language one and that was yesterday. It is a rule that if don't pass your Maths or English GCSE at school you have to resit them in college and keep resitting them until you pass. Ellie got a 3 which is an old D last year and the same in school, she needs a 4 which is an old school C. She wasn't feeling very confident but I know she would have tried her hardest. She hasn't had the greatest English lessons in college, I am not going to go into why but I feel like it really isn't all her fault that she has struggled. She is trying her hardest and that is all I can ask. Ellie doesn't think she will pass her English so has been thinking a lot about what the future holds, not in a bad way, she has been making a plan.

Last year Ellie didn't need the English GCSE to continue her studies or even become a qualified electrician but in September things are changing and she won't be able to go onto the Level 3 electrical engineering course without the GCSE. My girl won't let something like needing a GCSE stop her though, she's thinking about changing career paths doing a Mechanical Engineering course. Ellie has already covered lots of the basics in the electrical course which will cross over to the mechanical side of it and has done plenty of research.

From what I have read mechanical engineering deals with the physical and mechanical aspects of systems, like engines and machines, while electrical engineering focuses on electrical circuits, power, and electronics so in the long run Ellie already has learned the basics on how to power the mechanical parts of whatever she's working on so that must be a bonus! I feel so proud of my girl, when things potentially won't work out for her she always finds a way to make things work!

I have been looking online and there are more opportunities out there for young adults just out of college with a mechanical engineering qualification. I actually found her an apprenticeship earlier in the week but she needs the mechanical qualification, maybe next year!

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 21. #FridayFavourites

Ahh! Friday!! Things have been 100% better this week than last week! All the little real life issues I had going on are being dealt with and I am feeling a lot better than I was. Having tonsillitis really took it out of me. I thought I was better on Saturday so went out to town shopping and when I got home I felt wiped out for the rest of the weekend. Thankfully now I am feeling just about back to normal. Phew! Today I am linking up with Erika and Andrea to share some of the things that I have loved over the past week.

The Eurovision Song Contest!

Did you know The Eurovision Song Contest is the longest running, annual international televised music competition in the world! If you are not from Europe you might not have heard of it but this is a video explaining it! The final was on Saturday night and it's something we always watch as a family! It is such a fun evening even though we know the UK very rarely comes close to winning. It's all about hearing the music and seeing the fun costumes. It's all a bit tongue in cheek and fun but this year seemed very toned down, there wasn't too much craziness.

Football!

The football season is coming to an end and it all got a bit exciting. Our team Newcastle United were in 3rd place of the Premiership League and were playing the team in 2nd place Arsenal. They didn't win but we're in 4th place now with one match left to play. Our local team also had a big match, Scunthorpe United and they won too which means they are promoted into the next league! How exciting!

Our meals this week!

When I ordered the recipes to come in our Gousto Box I wanted some fun meals and one's I would enjoy after being off my food last week. We had Bao Buns, chicken curry, lamb mince and potatoes and garlic bread hot dogs. It might seem like processed junk food but everything was cooked from scratch using fresh ingredients and we really enjoyed the meals! It was just what I needed to get back into the routine of cooking and eating properly again.

Mummy Pig having her baby!

It has been years since I thought about Peppa Pig and family, my girls used to love that show but a few months ago I saw on social media that Mummy Pig was to have another baby which made me smile and this week she had that said baby!! She gave birth in same hospital as Princess Kate, at the Lindo Wing in London! It actually made it onto the news, it was that much of a big deal. lol The baby is called Evie pig in case you were wondering.

My brother coming up with good ideas!

Ellie's bedroom is tiny, she has a mid-sleeper bed with drawers underneath, some shelves and that's all we can fit in until I came up with the idea of building her a bed and putting it under her window instead of down the long wall. She would then have a huge space behind her door. The only reason the bed isn't under the window now is because the metal frame is too long. So... My brother came up with the idea of just shortening the bed frame by chopping some off and then welding it back together. The mattress will still fit as it's much shorter than the bed frame. My brother knows his stuff when it comes to tools and things like that and it's much simpler than building a whole new bed or paying a silly price for a custom built one. It's now on his to do list. hehehe

Half term!

Today is the start of half term, the last break before the end of the educational year. At college Ellie has been working hard since Easter to get all of her work done and learn everything that she needed to for the exams that she coming up. She had a couple of exams this week which I am going to talk about more tomorrow but for someone who is better at practical work than written work it has been hard going for my girl. She is ready for the break!

What have you loved this week?

Spring cleaning your digital life: Decluttering your devices!

 Spring is well and truly here and it's sometimes feeling a little like summer so while we’re all busy sorting out our wardrobes and deep cleaning the house there’s one area we often neglect our digital lives! If your phone storage is constantly full, your laptop takes ages to start up or your inbox has more unread emails than you care to admit then it’s time for a digital declutter!

Here’s how to freshen up your tech and reclaim some space both physically and mentally.

Declutter Your Inbox

That dreaded email notification number doesn’t have to haunt you forever! Start by unsubscribing from newsletters you never read. You can click through each email and unsubscribe or there apps and programmes which do it for you. Next delete old emails you no longer need and create folders for the important ones to keep them in order. I hate seeing a full email inbox, my youngest never clears hers and it makes me cringe when I see that she has thousands of unread emails.

Clear Out Your Phone

How many of your apps do you actually use? Delete the ones you never open, clear out old text conversations and remove duplicate or blurry photos. Transferring pictures to cloud storage or an external hard drive can also free up space. Don’t forget to clear your cache and temporary files for a performance boost! I got a new phone a couple of months ago and it was a great way to start afresh with just having apps that I use.

Tidy Up Your Laptop or Computer

A cluttered desktop is the digital equivalent of a messy room. Organise your files into folders, delete anything outdated and empty your recycle bin. Consider backing up important documents to an external drive or cloud storage to prevent future headaches. I will admit the desktop on my laptop is chaos and cluttered but I do use everything on it.

Sort Through Your Social Media

Spring cleaning applies to your social media too! Unfollow accounts that no longer inspire you and update your privacy settings. If you haven’t changed your passwords in a while now’s a good time to do that too.

Streamline Your Subscriptions

From streaming services to apps and software it’s easy to forget what you’re actually paying for. Go through your bank statements and cancel anything you no longer use your wallet will thank you! For a few months after getting Netflix with our Sky subscription I still subscribed to my account and ended up paying for a few months. Oops.

Refresh Your Digital Workspace

If you spend a lot of time on your computer, give your digital workspace a little refresh. Change your wallpaper, organise your bookmarks and try out a productivity app to keep you on track. A clean, organised space can do wonders for motivation!

Back Up Everything

Now that you’ve tidied up your devices, make sure you don’t lose any important files. Use cloud storage, an external hard drive or both for extra security. You never know when technology might fail you!

A digital spring clean doesn’t just help your devices run better it also helps clear your mind. Less clutter means less stress, so take a little time to refresh your digital life and enjoy the benefits of a more organised, streamlined space.

Do you ever have a digital declutter?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge! #15

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. May 20th is World Bee Day...what's something that's kept you 'busy as a bee' lately?

Just life in general. I feel like I have had a lot going on in my real life lately and being sick last week means that I feel like I am playing one big catch up at the moment. It's just day to day things like the housework, life admin, oh and of course the laundry. That is a never ending job!

2. Do you like honey? What's something you make or enjoy that calls for honey?

I use honey quite a lot now, some of the Gousto meals that I get include it in the recipes. Our favourite meal is the Sticky Honey Mustard Posh Dogs With Chips!

Last week when I had a bout of tonsillitis I was eating honey by the spoonful to ease my throat. It really helped when nothing else was. I did try to get a doctors appointment as I felt that poorly, I never go to the doctors unless it's serious but they had no appointments until next week and I hoped I would feel better by then. I do, just!

3. "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24. What's a proverb you love, or one that speaks to you or has helped you in some way?

Fall seven times, stand up eight! It is so simple but it speaks volumes about resilience. Life is full of setbacks but this reminds me to keep going when things are hard.

4. Tell us about a 'sweet' moment in your life recently that filled you with joy, gratitude, or peace.

Last week when I wasn't feeling great people helped me out when they didn't really have to. I was so grateful! Becky buying me lunch one day when she knew I was off my food but ordered take out. I couldn't not eat it when she had paid, my friend just checking in with me, online friends offering advice and support, my dad dropping off ice lollies to help my throat and the girls being extra helpful around the house. 

5. When you were a child, what did you want to 'be' when you grew up? How close did you come to that?

As a child I loved horses and was lucky enough to live on a farm with plenty of horses and ponies. I went through phases of what I wanted to do. When my dad was buying and selling racehorses I wanted to be a jockey, my dad would compete at show jumping events and then I wanted to be a showjumper. As I got older my dreams changed and I wanted to be a groom looking after other peoples horses. I actually ended up getting a Saturday job at some stables near where we lived when I was about 13. When I was 15 I wanted to own my own riding school after doing work experience from school at one. I got a job at another riding stables when I was 16 and ended up wanting to own my own stables but it was not meant to be. My family sold the farm, we moved to the city and I lost touch with the horsey world so my dream was over.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Now that the flowers are starting to appear in my garden there are more bee's buzzing around and I do love them, just watching them makes me happy. They just do their own thing bothering no one. Wasps on the other hand are evil! A few years ago we had a wasps nest in the roof above our bathroom and now whenever I see a wasp I get flashbacks to my bathroom being filled with the pesky things!

6 Fun things for families to do in Scunthorpe!

Scunthorpe sometimes has a bad reputation for being a rough, not so nice place but every time we have been there we have had nothing but good times. Scunthorpe nestled in North Lincolnshire and offers a wonderful blend of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures and plenty of family friendly spots.

Immerse in Art at the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre!

Start your day with a splash of creativity at the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre. Housed in a former church, this contemporary gallery offers a variety of exhibitions that are sure to inspire both kids and adults. There’s a dedicated space for children where they can engage in hands on art activities and workshops. It’s a fantastic way to spark their imagination and creativity! Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am until 4pm, it is free to enter and no booking is required.

Explore Nature at Central Park!

Central Park is a lush oasis in the heart of Scunthorpe, perfect for a family day out. The park features beautiful gardens, play areas and plenty of open space for a picnic or a game of frisbee. There's a lovely fountain and the kids will love the splash pad on a warm day. Don't forget to check out the sensory garden, designed to stimulate all the senses and make sure you look out for all of the squirrels, there are a lot!

Learn and Play at the North Lincolnshire Museum!

Just a short walk from Central Park, the North Lincolnshire Museum is a treasure trove of history and learning. A visit to the Museum is a step back in time through fascinating hands on displays. Learn about some of North Lincolnshire’s amazing objects and stories. Explore the geology, local history and archaeology galleries. Plus a programme of changing family friendly exhibitions and events for all ages.

Go Wild at Ashby Ville Nature Reserve!

For families who love the great outdoors, Ashby Ville Nature Reserve is a fantastic spot to explore. This tranquil nature reserve offers a variety of walking trails, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more adventurous hike. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife, including birds, butterflies and even deer! The kids will enjoy the opportunity to connect with nature and perhaps even spot some interesting creatures.

Step Back in Time at Normanby Hall Country Park!

A short drive from Scunthorpe, Normanby Hall Country Park is an ideal destination for a family day trip. This historic estate features a stunning hall, beautiful gardens, and a farming museum that’s great for curious kids. The adventure playground and splash park are perfect for burning off energy, and the park’s woodland walks offer a peaceful escape into nature.

Adventure at the Pink Pig Farm!

For a fun-filled day that’s both educational and entertaining, head to the Pink Pig Farm. It’s a great place for kids to learn about farm animals and agriculture. The farm offers a variety of activities, including tractor rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a chance to meet the animals. Don’t forget to visit the farm shop for some delicious local produce!

Have you ever visited Scunthorpe before?

Our weekly meal plan! 19th - 25th May! #MealPlanningMonday

Last week was not a good week, it was a rough week. We had a lot going on and I was a little bit poorly. I am the worst person at being sick. I think it's because I am rarely ill which I am grateful for but when I am it always comes as a bit of a shock and I feel so sorry for myself. So, the meal plan did not go to plan at all. We ate two of the meals that I had planned, the fresh food that I had from the Gousto box was either put in the freezer or used up when my family were fending for themselves.

We had a lovely weekend, Stu and I went for a walk around town on Saturday but I feel like I really tired myself out and didn't feel great again yesterday. I had planned to have a little lie in but the Gousto box was delivered early. Stu got it in but I couldn't get back to sleep. 

I don't have much on this week, I think I will just be catching up on things that I didn't do last week. Ellie has a busy week though, she has a couple of exams. She is not looking forward to them but at the same time she is quite relaxed about them. I am sure she'll do great.

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto meal - Bacon & Egg Bao Buns With Sriracha Ketchup. This was moved from Saturday as I forgot I had ordered the box to come on Sunday.

Tuesday - Gousto meal - Chinese-Style Chicken Curry With Egg Fried Rice And Chips.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Lamb Mince & Buttery Tatties With Minty Peas.

Thursday - Gousto meal - Garlic Bread Hot Dog With Cheesy Rosemary & Truffle Fries.

Friday - Pizza, probably out of the freezer one's.

Saturday - Gousto meal - Bacon Fried Rice With A Fried Egg And Spicy Ketchup.

Sunday - A roast dinner of some sort.

What are you eating this week?