Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts

Thursday, 20 November 2025

My favourite blog posts from the last year!!

My blog turned 13 a few days ago and as I do every year I’ve been looking back at my favourite posts from the last twelve months. These might not be the ones that got the most views or comments but they’re the ones that made me smile the most, brought back good memories or reminded me why I love blogging in the first place.

My favourite blog posts from the last year

I loved writing this one. The York Christmas Market is just magical with the lights, the food, the smells and of course the mulled wine! hehehe It was such a lovely day out and I really enjoyed sharing all the photos. There’s something about a proper festive market that just puts you in the best mood and I’m already hoping to go back this year with the girls and make even more memories.

This one was harder to write because 2024 wasn’t exactly an easy year but now looking back I can see how far we’ve come and how much stronger we are as a family. It’s one of those posts that felt emotional to write but also really healing.

This post was fun to write. The things we used to get up to in the 90's with no phones, no tracking apps, just chaos! I had so much fun comparing my teenage years to what I’d actually let my girls do now. Times really have changed, and it made me realise just how wild and wonderful we all were back then.

I don’t often write about my fella but Valentine’s Day felt like the perfect excuse. It was lovely to sit down and actually think about all the reasons I adore him. Sometimes life gets busy and you forget to say those things out loud so this was a nice little reminder of how lucky I am.

This felt like proper old school blogging, the kind where you just chat about your day. I loved joining in with the Share Our Lives bloggers and giving a peek into what a normal day looks like for me. It’s the kind of post I love reading on other blogs too because I'm nosy and I love seeing how other people live their ordinary days.

Becky treated me to a night away and we had a great time. Good food, seeing a show and then a couple of drinks afterwards. Having older kids definitely has its perks. hehehe

Raising awareness for hearing loss is really important to me because of Ellie being deaf in one ear. I always try to use my little corner of the internet to talk about things that matter and this one definitely did.

Parenting teens is basically a daily mix of confusion, laughter and did I really just say that moments. I could’ve written about a hundred things that my girls have said, they keep me on my toes, that’s for sure!

We go every year and it’s always one of my favourite days of summer. There’s something about the local shows, the animals, the food and the random stalls selling things you never knew you needed. What's not to love!

Every year I write a post about CHDs on the anniversary of the girls surgery. It’s not always easy because it brings up a lot of memories but it’s important to me to keep raising awareness. It reminds me how far we’ve come as a family and how strong the girls are.

I was ridiculously proud of myself for this one! I’d never made jam before and it actually turned out amazing. It felt like such a wholesome, autumn-y thing to do. I had to share!

I don’t do many reviews these days but when I find something I love I have to share it. These boots are my favourites. Comfy, warm and they go with everything. I’ve basically been living in them for a few years!

Looking back over these posts makes me so proud. It’s been another year of ups and downs, laughter, a few tears and plenty of cups of tea in between. Blogging still brings me so much joy even after all these years and I’m already excited to see what the next year of posts will look like! Thank you all for reading!!

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

13 Years Blogging!

It has been thirteen years and two days since I started this little blog of mine! It somehow seems crazy to me that I have been tapping away on my keyboard for this long, sharing random bits of my life, opinions and little joys with the internet. It started as something small and somehow turned into this big, wonderful part of my world. I’ve laughed, learned, cried over broken links and photo uploads that wouldn’t cooperate and grown so much since my first post went live. When I hit publish for the very first time I never imagined I’d still be doing it thirteen years later. Blogging has changed a lot since then and so have I but my love for it is still as strong as ever.

13 Years Blogging

My blog is my little piece of the internet where I can ramble and connect with people who just get it. There’s something addictive about creating something from scratch and watching it come together even if it’s just a chatty post about what I’ve been up to. Some people unwind by painting, others go for a run but I write blog posts and the best part is that people actually read it! Every time someone leaves a comment or messages me saying they related to something I wrote makes my day.

If someone told me thirteen years ago that I’d end up friends with people from all over the world because of a little blog, I’d have laughed but it’s true! Blogging has introduced me to some of the kindest, funniest and most inspiring people. I’ve chatted with bloggers in the US, swapped messages with creators in Australia and bonded over tea and biscuits, virtually of course with others here in the UK! It still amazes me how blogging can connect people who might never meet otherwise. I think that’s what makes the blogging community so special. Even though platforms have changed the sense of community hasn’t disappeared. Bloggers still cheer each other on, share tips and celebrate milestones like old friends. It’s such a supportive world and I’ve met people I truly consider friends for life because of it.

Thirteen years of blogging teaches you a lot. You get very good at laughing off mistakes. Posting something before it’s finished and totally messing up the layout of my blog. Been there, done that! On Sunday I messed up, my Project 365 post read the 19th - 15th of November, it should have been the 9th. lol I’ve learned that perfection is overrated!

Looking back I’m proud of this little corner of the internet I’ve built. It’s grown and changed with me from the clunky posts of my early days and let’s not talk about the un-edited photos from years ago. It’s been a journey full of lessons, laughs and late night writing sessions that turned into something I truly love. Thirteen years in I still feel happy when publishing a post, that’s how I know blogging isn’t just a phase it’s part of who I am now.

So here’s to thirteen years of blogging and hopefully many more ahead. To everyone who’s read, commented, or connected with me over the years, thank you!!

Tuesday, 11 November 2025

Share our Lives - Habits to make time for reading!

It's that time of the month again, to share some of my life and join in with the other Share Our Lives bloggers. This month the prompt is: Habits to make time for reading. This one seemed difficult for me at first as I am not a big reader of books until I started to think outside of the box, I read blogs and lots of them so thought I would go with that.

anime image of a woman reading blogs off a laptop

Life is busy and it’s amazing we have time to do anything fun but I always seem to make time to sit down each day and read some of my favourite blogs! There’s something so comforting about blog reading. It’s like catching up with a friend who always has something interesting, helpful or funny to say. Whether it’s tips, parenting stories, movie reviews or just someone’s weekend recap, I love it. It is sometimes it's hard to make time to read our favourite blogs but I came up with some ideas to help you out and get your blog fix!

Start your morning with a blog instead of social media!
I know I am sometimes guilty of scrolling on social media at the start of my day. Instead you could use that time productively. Try swapping that five or ten minutes for a blog reading instead. It’s a simple habit switch and it can make your morning feel calmer. I like reading blogs that inspire me or make me feel productive first thing on a morning. It’s a nicer start to the day than being bombarded by news stories and ads.

Use a blog reader app!
You can use blog reader apps like Feedly or Bloglovin’ so all your favourite blogs are in one place. You simply add the blogs you love to your list and whenever those sites post something new, it appears in your Feedly or Bloglovin feed. I prefer Feedly over Bloglovin. Feedly looks a bit intimidating at first but once you sign up and start adding blogs to your list it is quite simple to use. I have used Bloglovin it in the past and only stopped when it went down for a while a few years ago.

Set a time slot and treat it like an appointment!
This one sounds a bit formal but if you can carve out even 10 or 15 minutes a day and actually protect that time it makes all the difference. For me, I’ve claimed mid morning, everyone’s doing their own thing and I feel like I've earned a sit down after doing jobs around the house.

Use blog reading as a mini break!
Instead of reaching for snacks or doomscrolling when you’re feeling bored or need a sit down, read a blog post instead! It’s a quick mental reset that can leave you feeling inspired or at least a bit more cheerful.

Comment or Share!
When you read a blog and really enjoy it, leave a little comment or even share the post with someone you think would like it. It turns reading into a more interactive habit and you're more likely to remember what you read, go back for more and feel connected.

Declutter your blog list!
Sometimes we don’t make time to read blogs because we’re overwhelmed by how many we’ve bookmarked or followed. Give your blog list a little tidy up. Keep the ones that make you smile, teach you something or leave you feeling uplifted. When your reading list feels lighter you’ll be more inclined to dive in.

Pair it with something you already do!
If you want to read more blogs pair it with a habit you already have. Maybe you always have a cup of tea mid morning or like to unwind with a bath in the evening bring your phone or tablet and catch up on a post or two. When you link blog reading to a habit you already enjoy it becomes second nature.

Let go of the guilt!
Don’t feel bad if you don’t read every blog post by every blogger you love. Blogs are there to dip in and out of when it suits you. Some weeks you’ll read loads, other times none at all and that’s OK! The point is to enjoy it and not turn it into another item on the never ending list of things you should do.

I love reading posts from people all around the world and because of reading blogs and commenting I can now call some of those bloggers friends.

How do you manage reading other blogs?

Share our lives

I am linking up with:

Adrienne from Mom Life with Adrienne.
Dara from Not In Jersey.
Joanne from Slices of Life.
Sarah from Toronto Sam.

Tuesday, 1 July 2025

How I Blog!

Blogging has become such a huge part of my life that I can’t imagine not doing it. I have been blogging for over 12 years now. While it’s all fun and there’s a lot that goes into the process. People often ask me how I manage to keep up with daily blogging and honestly, sometimes I ask myself the same question!

Blog Letters on Brown Wood

I blog from my armchair with my laptop on my lap. I don't have a desk or a fancy office and I don't think I would actually like that. I am comfy where I am with the TV for entertainment and the world passing by the window.

I’ve always heard that successful bloggers plan their posts well in advance and while I admire that level of organisation I'm not great at sticking to it and I really don't write my posts that far in advance. Most of my blog posts need writing in the week that they go live. Friday Favourites, my Word of the Week post, it is a linky that I have been joining in with probably over 10 years and it is a great way to recap my week. Then there's Project 365 - A photo every day I love recording all the random moments in my life and of course my meal plan can only be written the day or two before it goes live. Recently I have been joining in with The Wednesday Hodgepodge and on a Sunday I usually write that blog post when I see the questions from Joyce are live, it is really becoming one of my favourite posts to write for the week.

The only blog posts I write in advance are one's which go live on a Tuesday and Thursday and they could be about anything and my Share Our Lives blog post which is on the 2nd Tuesday of every month! The people who run the linky kindly gave the prompts I think in December for the whole year so I could get ahead writing those.

Thursday's are my day to panic! I feel the pressure to write posts for the weekend, those that I mentioned above. Thankfully they practically write themselves and being in the blog post writing zone it always gives me a kick up the bum to write other blog posts too which can go live at any time. I often lose track of time on a Thursday afternoon and the next thing I know is that Ellie is coming in from college.

My brain is full of ideas at the most inconvenient times like in the shower, just as I’m about to fall asleep or while I'm in the kitchen making tea. I could scribble down notes of my ideas but I don't and then when I come to writing a blog post my mind sometimes goes blank! Sometimes I’ll have a little burst of inspiration and write five posts in one afternoon and then nothing, apart from my weekly posts. Thankfully I always have some posts in reserve.

Taking photos should be easy except I’ll make a delicious meal, gobble it down and then realise I meant to blog about it or I’ll tidy a little corner of the house just right, perfect light streaming in but forget to snap a photo. I use Pic Monkey to edit my photos and I would be lost without it. I have tried using other apps and programmes but they all seem so complicated. My photos really have improved since my early days of blogging, I really do cringe at the one's in my early posts.

Blogging isn’t just about writing blog posts it’s also about engaging with other bloggers. One of my favourite parts of blogging is commenting on other blogs. I love reading what others have to say and leaving my thoughts. I am pretty consistent with commenting, if I join in with a linky I will try to comment on most of the other bloggers linking up. Linkies used to be such a big thing here in the UK but many of them have stopped now and over the last couple of years I have been joining in with quite a few from American hosts. It feels like the old days of blogging and there is an amazing community. I also go through my Feedly list every day, it is a feed of all my favourite blogs and the new posts that they have published.

I used to be big on promoting and being active on social media but I don't really bother any more. Life got in the way last year and I have never really got back into it. I share my new blog posts each day and that is about it. I think the only social media account I have kept up with is Instagram, I really do like sharing little bits of my life and seeing little snippets of other peoples lives.

How do you blog? Are you super organised or more of a last minute blogger?

Thursday, 29 May 2025

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.

Macbook Laptop  Google image
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!

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!

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.


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.

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!

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!


I'm a Celebrity Bushtucker Trial Game

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.

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.

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.

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?

Thursday, 20 February 2025

The A to Z blogging challenge.

A few years ago I did the A to Z blogging challenge where I shared a blog post for each letter of the alphabet, I have so many more blog posts since last time and thought it was a good way to share some older things here on my blog.

Wooden letter blocks

A is for Apple! More specifically pork and apple burgers. They are a favourite of mine and we had them a few weeks ago. Stu made them and loved the recipe as it was so simple!

B is for Becky! I don't write about Becky as much as I used to, she has her own life now and is doing pretty well for herself if I do say so myself. I still stick with what I said a few years ago when Becky came out as gay, I don't care what my girls are as long as they're happy. She is happy, in a same sex relationship.

C is for Christmas! This post was all about how we celebrated Christmas a couple of years ago. Things sure have changed since my girls were little, there's less toys and actually more time to relax when all the cooking has been done.

Christmas table set

D is for Doctors! We have had our fair share of dealing with doctors over the years with the girls hears, Ellie's hearing loss and other things but what a difference a good doctor makes after a run of seeing not so great one's.

E is for Ellie! How is it coming up two years since Ellie left school and went to her prom. She still says prom day was one of the best days of her life. The getting ready, getting there and being there with her friends.

F is for Friends! The hardest part about teenagers is letting them make their own choices about friends. It is such a minefield especially when you throw social media into the mix! My girls have learned a lot from the friends they have chosen, some good one's and some not so good one's.

G is for Gousto! I have been getting Gousto boxes for a few years now and I love using them, I wrote a blog post why I love them couple of years ago.

Gousto meal

H is for Hot Chocolate! Does anyone miss drinking hot chocolate in the warmer months? Last year I shared some hot chocolate recipes. I never think of drinking it when it's warm out but at this time of year I drink one most days.

I is for ICEBREAKER Pop! A faff free kitchen gadget that makes ice cubes. I reviewed it years ago and actually bought another as it was so good. We always have ice cubes in our freezer now.

J is for Jungle! Every year when celebrities go into the jungle for I'm a Celebrity, Get me out of here I get so many views on my Iceland I'm a Celebrity Bushtucker Trial Game - Review!! It was such a laugh and we still talk about it now when I'm a Celeb is on.

The Iceland I'm a Celebrity Bushtucker Trial Game

K is for Kim! Me! I did an introduction to me a couple of years ago for a linky which I join in with. Nothing much has changed about me since that blog post apart from my hair colour, as of writing this it's a brighter pink.

L is for Lemon! Lemon & Blueberry Muffins! I have made these a few times over the last year. My girls refuse to eat a normal breakfast so things like this are great to get something in their stomachs on a morning. They can grab and go!

M is for Movies! A couple of years ago I shared lots of my favourite movies, my top 5 from different genres. I think my favourite to write was the Christmas one although it was so hard to pick just 5.

N is for Night! It seems ages since I had a girly night out. I do like the idea of putting some make up on, wearing a nice dress and drinking some cocktails but I think I have got to that age where I would much rather stay in my pj's with a couple of glasses of wine in front of the TV.

O is for Outside! I shared 50 outdoor family activities to do this summer. We do a lot of these things every year!

My girls playing swingball

P is for Pizza! I shared a bit of a story about pizza and how I was allergic to cheese for a long time and how I discovered that I wasn't. hehehe

Q is for Queen! My word of the Week was Sombre around when the Queen died. It really was a sad time and seems much longer ago than a couple of years ago!

R is for Rats! This is one of my most viewed blog posts ever! All about how we had rats under the floorboards upstairs!. I am guessing it is a pretty common thing. I can happily say since 2020 the rats have not been back.

S is for Shein! Last year I bought quite a bit from Shein and I know it's sometimes frowned upon but it's cheap and everything I have bought has been decent quality. I bought some fab clothes for summer and they are all good for this summer too.

T is for Tag! I do love a blog tag and my favourite over the last couple of years to do was the Doctor Who one. All of my family love Doctor Who, especially Ellie. We made a point of watching the new series together.

U is for Update! I have found my Project 365 blog posts a great way to do a little life update. Sharing the normal things which have been going on in my life from the past week.

V is for Vacuum! Years ago I was sent a couple of Dyson Vacuums to review and can you believe the big one is still going! It does get blocked easily and sometimes overheats but it still does the job!

Dyson Vacuums

W is for Wrestling! I am a big fan of the WWE, the wrestling and I got back into watching it again last year. I love it! I don't miss a show now!

X is for X-Rays! I only have one blog post to do with something starting with X. All about mine and my families broken bones.

Y is for - Yearly! I love writing the blog post at the end of the year, recapping how it went and what we got up to. Last years was an interesting one to write.

Z is for Zero! I have Zero tolerance for bullies! My girls have had their fair share of bullying throughout their lives and I won't stand for it and neither will my girls.

So there you go. Some letters were easier to choose than others and it took a couple of days with my thinking hat on but I got there in the end.

Wednesday, 20 November 2024

My favourite blog posts from the last year!

My blog turned 12 a few days ago and each year I like to share my favourite blog post from the previous year and these are them. They may not be my most viewed posts or have the most comments but they are the one's that bring back happy memories for me and the one's that I enjoyed writing the most!

Cupcakes with candles on

November - 50 before 50!
I made a list of 50 things that I want to do before I am 50 and I have made a slow start on the list. I have completed some, I'm working on a few more but did have to put a lot of things off when we had other things going on in our lives this year.

I wrote about my favourite things about Christmas. I love Christmas. Just skimming over it now has made me feel all warm, fuzzy and excited for Christmas this year.

This was my first week writing a proper Friday Favourites blog post with all the things that I have loved from that week. I really do enjoy writing these blog posts and of course reading all the other blogs which join in with the linky!

I did dry January and wrote all about it. I felt so proud of myself, healthier for it and it saved us some money. It wasn't life changing but it was a great way to start the year. I will be doing it again in 2025.

I wrote a blog post all about Becky and her clothing choices. She isn't a girly girl and sometimes gets mistaken for a boy, we laugh about it most of the time.

This blog post came about after I wrote a blog post about thinking about getting a pet. I realised when writing the last few lines of that blog post I had to write about some of the animals that my family had rescued when I was younger. We always had a house full of pets.

I wrote a blog post all about how being a parent is just one big worry. I can tell you more than 6 months after writing that blog post I am still here worrying about my girls. lol I did say in that blog post " I have been lucky with my girls, they are on the whole good girls, they don't go looking for trouble and thankfully stay out of drama." On the whole it is still true but drama just seems to find them. lol

I wrote about how we are finding living here after 5 years. I loved it when we moved here and still do. I can see us being here forever it is such a lovely, little town!

I wrote about a little break that we had in Hull. Hull is not far from us but it was nice to get away for a couple of nights. It was such a lovely weekend away. I am in the process of planning another little weekend away maybe for just Stu and I. 

I said a thank you to everyone who supported us over a difficult time that we had in my families life. I had no idea that so many people cared about my family and I. Thank you!

I wrote all about Why I love meal planning. I think if I didn't blog, I wouldn't meal plan and my life would be even more chaotic than it is. Blogging is how I got into meal planning! I can't imagine a life without meal planning or my blog now.

Some of my favourite things to write about is my real life experiences. This was the night we spent without any internet! It is such a first world problem and so trivial but it made me realise how much we rely on something so small as the internet!

Have you read these blog posts of mine?

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

12 years blogging!

Happy birthday to my blog! Just over 12 years ago, (I forgot about the anniversary of me starting to blog) on the 16th of November 2012 I published my first blog post! They shouldn't have bring and buy sales so close to Christmas! All about how Becky was doing a nice thing buying her sister a present from the school bring and buy sale. The same ruddy present we had bought Ellie for Christmas. lol I jumped straight in, there was no introduction post or why I decided to blog, there was no messing about. hehehe

photography of assorted colour balloons

You would think after all this time of blogging I would have ran out of things to write about but no, I'm still here and still have plenty more things to say! I have had a strange year of blogging, it's had it's ups and downs. There was a point this year where I was all set to give up just because I felt like I had enough because of various things going on in my life then something happened over the summer and I took almost a weeks break from blogging and it motivated me again. That break was the best thing to happen and I fell back in love with blogging again.

I was looking back at my blog, the posts in the early days and it has changed so much. Can you remember when my blog was Northumberland Mam? That was such a good name for a blog until we moved house and we were no longer in Northumberland. lol I went on the Wayback Machine website and I cringe when I see how my blog used to look. It might not look the best now but it does look better than it did!

Northumberland Mam

I started the year joining in with a new linky to me, Friday Favourites, sharing my favourites from the week. For the first few weeks/couple of months I felt like a bit of an outcast as it was mainly American bloggers but as the year has gone on I have felt more welcomed. I'd love to mention all the fab ladies, I went from just reading their Friday posts to now reading most of their blog posts that they publish. 

In January I got quite a few messages asking if I was doing blogger outreach and offering guest/sponsored posts. It turns out someone with the same name as me was emailing people. I wrote a blog post about how it wasn't me. I spent a day in tears panicking that someone was pretending to be me. It really freaked me out as my name is not a common one. I spoke to the wise people in a Facebook bloggers group and they said people like that use a name that people trust. It carried on throughout the year. It got to a point when people messaged me saying they had a strange question, I knew what was coming. I am glad they messaged me though.

Bloggers are amazing people! One of my best bloggy friends is Jayne from Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs. She has been a great help to me over the past year. She has given me advice about my blog, always hosts the fab Monday Morning Blog Club linky, has been there when I needed a chat and she does make me laugh out loud. Ruth from Play, Work, Eat, Repeat is such a kind hearted person and even though she's at the other side of the world she dropped me an email just when I needed it, she cares and there's Suzanne from Chicken Ruby is the person you need in a crisis, she is so practical and gave me advice about things that I had not even thought about when I was going through a rough time!

I have got a blog post tomorrow sharing my favourite blog posts from the last year, not those with the most views or comments but those that I loved writing and sharing.

Thank you for reading whether you are a new reader or have been reading for years! Thank you as well to anyone who leaves a comment or shares on social media. I appreciate you all! I am not ready to stop blogging yet, I am here to stay! 

Wednesday, 11 September 2024

50 ideas for Autumn blog posts!

Autumn! The season of cosy jumpers, pumpkin everything and shorter days! There's no better time to curl up with a warm drink and dive into some autumn themed writing. If you’re a blogger looking for inspiration here are 50 great ideas for autumn blog posts!

person wearing grey sock standing on stairs

The ultimate autumn bucket list: From apple picking to visiting pumpkin patches to enjoying a bonfire night with fireworks.

Why Autumn is the Best Season: Make a case for why autumn tops the seasonal charts and why you love it.

How to Create a Cosy Autumn Atmosphere at Home: Think blankets, candles, and warm lighting. What makes your home cosy?

The Best Autumn Walks: Share some scenic routes to enjoy the autumn colours local to you!

Autumn Wardrobe Essentials: What are the must have items for your autumn wardrobe?

A Cosy Sweater Guide: Share some of the perfect knits for the season.

Comfort Food Recipes: What are some of your favourite dishes to keep the chill at bay.

Pumpkin Spice Everything: Delicious pumpkin spice recipes you need to try like the pumpkin spice latte.

Hearty Soups for Chilly Evenings: The best soups to warm up with.

Autumn Baking: Share some classic autumn recipes like pies, muffins, and more.

DIY Autumn Wreaths: Craft your own wreath for the front door.

Boosting Your Immune System for Autumn: Foods and habits to stay healthy.

Mental Health Tips for Seasonal Changes: How to combat the autumn blues.

Easy Autumn Slow Cooker Recipes: Set it and forget it with these seasonal dishes.

Autumn Crafts for Kids: Fun, easy projects for little hands.

Back-to-School Tips: Helping kids adjust to the new school year.

Must Have Accessories for Autumn: Hats, gloves, and more to complete your look.

Tips for Starting a New Hobby in Autumn: Encourage your readers to pick up a new hobby during the autumn months, whether it’s knitting, baking, or learning a musical instrument.

Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids: Creative and easy to make costumes.

Halloween Party Planning: How to throw a spooktacular bash.

Bonfire Night: Ideas for celebrating Guy Fawkes Night.

Goal Setting for the End of the Year: Finishing the year strong.

Building New Habits in Autumn: Why autumn is a great time to start fresh.

Reflecting on the Year So Far: Take some time in to reflect on your achievements, challenges, and personal growth throughout the year so far.

DIY Autumn Candles: Make your own scented candles for the season.

Autumn Scrapbooking Ideas: Capture memories in a creative way.

DIY Halloween Decorations: Spooky and fun crafts for your home.

Autumn Movie Night Ideas: Films that capture the spirit of the season.

Skincare Routine: Adjusting your skincare for the autumn weather.

Autumn TV Show Lineup: What to watch as the nights draw in.

Budget Friendly Autumn Decor Ideas: Spruce up your home without breaking the bank.

Seasonal Beverages: Homemade autumn drinks to warm up with.

Best Autumn Themed Children’s Books: Stories to enjoy together.

Autumn Travel Destinations: Best places to visit in the UK during autumn.

Seasonal Cleaning Checklist: Essential autumn home maintenance tips.

Autumn Festivals Around the World: How different cultures celebrate the season.

Layering Tips: How to layer clothes stylishly in autumn.

Autumn Hair Care Tips: Provide tips for keeping hair healthy and shiny as the weather changes, including recommended products and treatments.

Autumn Photo Challenges: Inspire your readers to capture the season.

Best Books to Read This Autumn: Curate a list of must-read books that are perfect for curling up with on a chilly autumn evening.

Preparing Your Garden for Winter: Tips for the end of the growing season.

How to Make the Perfect Cup of Hot Chocolate: Share your tips for creating the ultimate hot chocolate.

An Autumn Playlist: Create and share a playlist of songs that evoke the mood of autumn, perfect for listening to while on a walk or relaxing at home.

Prepping Your Car for Winter: Essential checks and changes.

Budget-Friendly Autumn Activities: Suggest low cost or free activities that capture the spirit of autumn without breaking the bank.

How to Stay Active in Autumn: Share fun and practical ways to stay active during the cooler months, from hiking to home workouts.

Best Boots for Autumn: Reviews of the season’s best footwear.

Your favourite Autumn traditions: What do you like to do every year at this time of year?

Gift Guide for Autumn Lovers: Presents for those who adore the season.

Hosting the Perfect Autumn Gathering: Tips for a seasonal get together.

Do you have any ideas to add?

Thursday, 8 August 2024

A big thank you!

Over the last few months there has been a lot going on in my families life, I am not going to share what has been going on, this blog post isn't about that it's about me saying thank you to the amazing people which have been there for me.

Thank you

There has been the professionals which have our backs. They have been quick to respond when they were needed, a phone call away and one in particular is going to get a bunch of flowers from me for going above and beyond to support us.

We have had people in real life, who are local go out of their way to help us. They didn't really know us but came running when help was needed. They have been keeping an eye on us and being there when they can since. A lovely guy had something to tell us but didn't want to knock at our door until he had seen Stu come home from work in case it scared my girls and I. It's thoughtful little things like that which have warmed my heart. 

My dad of course has been amazing! He knew what to say when I was sobbing down the phone to him, he has made phone calls on my behalf, sent his partner to sit with me when I needed a bit of company and a distraction and done lots of other things to keep us safe and happy. I feel so lucky that we live so close to him. He rushed here one evening and I have honestly never seen his old car move as fast. lol

Then there has been you, readers of my blog and other bloggers. You have kept me going when things have been really bad. 

There was a woman who offered practical advice with links where I could find support for my family. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't have rang a number which resulted in me getting some answers when I felt totally lost and in total despair.

Another blogger friend has been a total rock to me. She has been there just to listen to my rants. I knew I could always go to her to chat but was worried I was bothering her but this week has just proved what a true friend she is. 

I have received emails from the US and Australia, letting me know people are thinking about me and my family. Just knowing people are thinking about us boosted my mood. Kind words and prayers were more than enough to make me smile when I really needed it. I am not a religious person but to know someone is praying for you and your family is something special.

Thank you for your continued support. Our dramas might not be over anytime soon but I don't feel so alone now knowing that I have such a strong support network!