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July AND August Round-up

September 1, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

Can you believe it got to August 21st before I actually got around to writing my July round-up? I had remembered earlier than that but with one thing or another, I just didn’t find time to write it up. However by that point it seemed a bit random to post so late in the month and I decided to save it and do July and August together. July will be far more vague but here they both are anyway!

Watching: Fringe (Season 4-5), Vampire Diaries (Season 7), Wayward Pines (Season 1-2), Sleepy Hollow (Season 3), Grimm (Season 6), Suits (Season 6), Transformers – Age of Extinction, Bones (Season 6+)
Reading: Cinder.
Sewing & Making (for Closet Geek): A few more ears, some bunting, an Anna skirt, along with the usual orders of bows, pencil cases and clothes.

And in other news…
– Pokemon Go became a big things for Lily. She doesn’t have her own phone and it won’t work on her iPad so I let her use it on my phone. I have to admit I don’t mind encouraging it – especially the walks to hatch eggs.
– Probably the most notable part of July was the girls finishing school for the summer, coupled with Megan leaving primary school altogether. The last two weeks were very emotional with School play, Leavers Do, Church Services, Leavers Assembly, Sports Day etc. However even though she was sad, school ended on a high note and hopefully she’s looking forward to Secondary School in September.
– We had some beautiful weather, actually like Summer for a change. It was really nice but of course didn’t last long!
– The girls washed Chris’s car, outside with Chris. They started on mine too but soon got bored and Chris ended up finishing it.
– Dentists. Enough said.
– Our first camping trip took place at the very end of July. We went to a place called Staxton, near Scarborough for the weekend and actually had a great time.

Watching: I completely caught up with Bones, right up to the end of Season 10. Criminal Minds (from Season 2-), Captain America: Winter Soldier (finally), X-Men 1, 2 and 3 with the kids. Daredevil (Season 2). Containment, Musketeers and Vikings.
Reading: Cinder, Reliquary.
Sewing & Making (for Closet Geek): Harry Potter bunting, loads and loads of pencil cases.

And in other news…
– We went to Meadowhall shopping, to get Beauty and the Beast tsum tsums, shoes for Megan and of course FIVE GUYS! It was Nat’s first time too.
– Nat, Megan, Lily and I went to a Harry Potter convention and ball. We had an overnight stay at the Premier Inn, Nottingham.
– Chris bought Lily a starter set of Pokemon cards and then taught her how to play.
– We took our second camping trip, this time to Chichester, where we spent the day on a boat in the marina and got a brand new tent too!
– We got an ice cream maker to review AND made ice cream. It was pretty amazing.
– Placed an uber Hobbycraft order which was pretty exciting!
– Closet Geek turned ONE! I still can’t believe it really but its actually a great feeling. I love my work more than I ever thought possible.
– Went to see Suicide Squad at the cinema. It was really nice as Chris and I went with my best friend and her boyfriend Dan.
– I took the girls to the beach and we had a really great day. We went to Mablethorpe and the weather was beautiful. We had candy floss, ice cream and the girls got an airbrush tattoo.

Looking forward to in September:
– Megan starts school on 2nd September so that is both terrifying and exciting. I can’t believe she’s old enough for secondary school. I hope her first day goes well!
– Amy is hopefully coming to visit next weekend. I haven’t seen her since May so it will be lovely to see her and Liv again.
– (Not entirely sure I’m looking forward to this but..) Seeing the Halloween orders flood in for Closet Geek. I’m hoping its not as crazy as last year but its nice to be busy.
– Other than that there isn’t much going on this month so we’ll just see how it goes!

Camping trip number 2 – Chichester

August 20, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

Last weekend we headed off on a very last minute camping trip down to Chichester. We were loaned a brand new tent (a Vango Airbeam Evoque) my friends got at a wall tent shop, which we needed to pick up on the way and didn’t arrive until 10pm. We had huge amounts of fun, putting up this brand new tent, in the pitch black, with only my car headbeams to light the way. However the tent is awesome – did you know you could get fully inflatable tents that don’t require poles?!

Anyway after pretty much arriving and going to sleep (it was midnight by then mind you), we woke around 7am the next morning and got ready for a day at Chichester Marina. The girls grandparents have a boat there and they had invited us all down for the day. We just had to change the boat batteries and then it’s ready for an adventure.

I have to admit I always feel at home with Bob and Andrea (the grandparents) even though I’m separated from their son. After nipping out to the nearby village and getting some cash out (to pay for camping), we arranged to travel to the marina and meet Bob and Andrea. We parked the car and boarded the boat for the day. We saw many used pontoons at Chichester Marina.

The day was beautiful and the water was really calm, at least until we got out of the main marina area. We spent quite a few hours just “driving” around, before mooring up and having some lunch. Andrea made a fab spread and I was given a glass of prosecco and wine too. It was so relaxing. Next we moved the boat slightly and the girls went crabbing off a dock. Lily wasn’t really sure she was up for the idea but I persuaded her into it and both of them seemed to enjoy themselves. After what seemed like ages, Megan finally caught a crab and Lily freaked out and refused to fish for them after that. It was pretty funny. We named the crab Kevin and fed him bacon lardons, while trying to catch some more. However we were unsuccessful and in the end just placed Kevin back in the water.

Finally we headed back towards the marina to dock the boat and go for dinner. The girls both had a go at steering, as did Chris. However when we got near to the marina, Bob took over. Sadly there is a lock that you need to go through and there was a queue, so we ended up delayed for about an hour. In the end we moored up and headed to a place called The Boat House Cafe. Bob and Andrea had already told us it was there treat so it was lovely to enjoy a nice meal out. Chris, Lily and I all had burgers, while Megan had BBQ chicken breast. There was lots of wine flowing and it was such a pleasant evening. Lily ended up playing Pokemon on my phone, while Megan drew on the serviette. It was just very relaxing. Click here to check out more details about boats

We headed back the campsite and relaxed for a while before grabbing an early night. The next morning we were up early again but this time we needed to pack up the tent and head home. It took quite a lot longer than we expected so it was around 10am when we set off. We stopped for food on the way home, but ultimately we were getting back for my sister’s house warming party so we didn’t have much time to spare.

It was a very rushed trip and a long way to go for the weekend but we had a great time. I’d love to go again next summer, but maybe for a week so we can see more of the south coast.

Our First Camping Trip

August 10, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

For ages now I’ve wanted to take the girls camping (I used to go a lot myself), but they were either too young or we didn’t have the tent, or we didn’t have the time. Finally we decided to bite the bullet and a couple of weekends ago, we went on our first camping trip. Though we had the tent, we had very little else. We bought a couple of camping mats, Lily needed a sleeping bag and I had to dig out all sorts of old bits and pieces like the airbeds from our youth, the car cigarette lighter air pump and things like that. We made sure to bring an axe to split woods since we wanted to build a campfire. We also borrowed a few bits and I bought a book with campsites in it, all before we were ready to go (I later found a site called Planet Camping which would have been great to buy things from). We settled on a weekend away, up in North Yorkshire. The village was called Staxton, though technically we were only a few miles from Scarborough.

We set off after Chris finished work and the journey was only about an hour and a half. The place we were staying at was called Spring Willows and it was specially picked (partly by availability) because it had a swimming pool. We arrived around 7.30pm and quickly set up the tent. It took a while as it had been ages since I last used it, but we got there fairly easily. Next we blew up the kids airbeds, got the sleeping bags ready and settled in for the night.

In the morning, we had a light breakfast of cereal bars, brioche and iced coffee. Afterwards we headed to John Bull Rock in Bridlington, only to realise the factory was closed and it was a wasted trip. However we stopped for a coffee anyway and then headed back to Scarborough. When we arrived and parked, we decided to walk around the shops. We stopped at Subway for lunch and eventually made our way to the beach and the amusement arcades.

After a while spent in the arcades, we went for a walk along the promenade. We stopped for a drink and to catch Pokemon (!!). Eventually we wanted back to the town and then back to the car, before heading back to the campsite. After relaxing for a while, we went out for dinner. There was a local fish and chip shop which we had decided to eat at and it didn’t disappoint! Afterwards we went back to the campsite and chilled out. We spent a little time in the games room, playing pool, air hockey and pinball. However in the end we went back to the tents and slept (we’d caved to buying air beds for Chris and I while shopping that day so it was a comfier night sleep!). Trout fishing is one of the most popular types of fishing in America. It’s a great way to enjoy time with friends and family while getting some exercise and fresh air. If you’ve never caught trout before, it can be difficult to land them at first. But don’t worry – here are some trout fishing tips for beginners! Usually, mornings are best because there’s less movement in the water due to less sunlight.

When we woke in the morning, we had breakfast again and then packed up the car. We had missed the swimming times the day before so we made it our mission to catch swimming that morning. The pool was amazing but I actually enjoyed the shower afterwards even more. Once we were finished, we headed to the car and drove to York. Since we still wanted to enjoy our weekend, we had decided on another day out, walking around the shops and having lunch out in York.

The weather was lovely as we strolled around York, popping in and out of shops. We visited the Disney Store (of course) and then had a late lunch at Bella Italia as we all love it there. Eventually though we headed home, getting back for around 5pm. We had a lovely weekend away and can’t wait to go camping again!

Life Lately (Summer Holidays)

August 5, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

I’ve been a little quiet lately and that’s partly because I’m busy with Closet Geek but also because the kids are off on Summer holidays. While we haven’t done much so far, we have been camping (last weekend) and we’re going to a Harry Potter convention this weekend (followed by a Yule Ball).

I have updates to make including my round up of July, our camping trip to Staxton (near Scarborough), of course the Harry Potter convention and maybe even a review of Curlformers. Please understand that it’s not because I don’t want to be here, its just that I want to enjoy my time with the kids and of course, complete my orders!

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August 1, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

This weekend we went camping with the kids for the first time ever. We headed up to a place near Scarborough and so one of our days out was spent there. Of course a trip to the coast wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the arcades. Lily won herself Joker and Batman in the 2p machines while Megan got Iron Man for me and Captain America for Nat (not pictured).

Summer Bucket (and Spade) List

July 15, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

With summer holidays fast approaching I have to admit I’ve started to wonder what I can do to occupy the kids. For the most part they’re fairly happy kicking around the house or even going out to the local park, but its always nice to get out and about – especially as we live so close to the beach and other beautiful countryside. I’ve flicked through Molly’s Guide and the Primary Times to see if there are any good vouchers for local attractions, or even free activities days. I’ve even been scouring the net for things to do that won’t cost the earth. I came across an article on Haven’s blog about alternative beach activities and since Mablethorpe and Skegness are so close to us, I figured I could put some of the ideas to use. However we will most likely spend our time in our pool if the weather gets too hot to go out, if you plan on doing the same with your family then you may want to get some swimming pool refurbishment done before summer comes around.

Anyway, with the help of the kids, I put together some bucket list items that we’d like to tick off this summer. Here’s what we came up with.

Visit the beach (preferably on a day sunny enough to paddle/swim and build sandcastles – easier said than done in the UK)
Travel on a double-decker (preferably open top) bus.
Go to London on the train and catch a theatre show. We’d love to see Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Aladdin. Maybe even Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Swim at the local pool, preferably once a week.
Catch a movie at the cinema, especially on the cheap kids show either Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Walk to the local park, play and have a picnic lunch.
Get out the tent and go camping. Megan spent a few nights in her sleeping bag last week and now they’re both obsessed with the idea of going camping.
Go to a theme park. I recently saw that Drayton Manor had a discount on their tickets, or places like Alton Towers and Legoland often have 2 for 1.
Attend a Yule Ball and Harry Potter convention. We actually have tickets and dresses for this already. We’re pretty excited to be attending a ball.
See the poppies at Lincoln Castle. These are here till September and I would love to see them before they leave.

As I was finishing off the list of things we’d like to do, Lily added “buy a new house”. While it’s not really part of my Summer Bucket List, I do wish that it was! I think selling the house that fast at this stage would be a bit of a dream, but I guess we can hope!

What do you have planned for the summer?

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A weekend in the Cotswolds

July 17, 2015 by Bel Leave a Comment

This summer, its looking very much like we’ll be taking a Staycation. We don’t have any plans for time away or even day trips, though hopefully we’ll end up doing something! That said, after sorting out our tent a few months back, I’m dying to head out camping. My partner and I have discussed a few places we might like to head and for me the Cotswolds is top of the list.

Since we live in Gainsborough, the Cotswolds are about two and a half hours away from us. This is pretty good for a few days camping as it would be too far for a day trip but perfect if you know you can just pop up a tent when you get there. We have the majority of our camping equipment already, but Lily and I both need a sleeping bag and I think I might need to buy a tent repair kit in order to mend a small hole I noticed in the tent! That’s not to say I wouldn’t want to popping into somewhere like Cotswolds Outdoor, just to see what they have. Perhaps pick up a camping stove or a power adapter so I can still charge my phone!

So why the Cotswolds? Well for a start its beautiful. I love the countryside and there’s nothing more spectacular than seeing all the landscape spread out in front of you. However that’s not to say I don’t love visiting the towns and cities too. Gloucester Cathedral is said to be absolutely breathtaking and I’d love to see Tewkesbury Abbey.

As well as that, I think the girls would love to go to Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens. We’ve already been to Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Twycross Zoo this year, but they both seemed to enjoy it so I’m sure they’d love this too. There is also a Railway to visit, a mueums and a Dragonfly Maze that I think all of us would enjoy.

For me though the main enjoyment is always heading away as a family, getting some time together and exploring somewhere we haven’t been before. Will holidays like Florida, few and far between for us, I really think it would be great to make the most of the UK. There are so many places even in this country that I’ve never been to, let alone in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Sure I love to jump on a plane and visit somewhere abroad, but maybe once a year I’ll be planning a UK break and making our way around the beautiful country we live in.

Week 18 – Monday Round-up

May 4, 2015 by Bel Leave a Comment

A little late again this week but what’s new? It’s been another nice quiet week this week and honestly after Florida, I’m glad for it. Last Monday both the girls were back at school and Chris was at work. It felt like a long time since I’d had a day to myself so I was glad to be home alone for once. I spent most of the day relaxing and catching up on TV but I had some other bits and pieces to do around the house. After school I went to pick the kids up and we headed to Asda Living to look for some School Uniform and then to McDonalds to meet Chris and get some dinner. We headed back to the girls school for 5.30pm as they had a school concert. Chris and I stayed to watch and though it did drag on a little, the concert itself was pretty good and as always I was proud of my girls. We got home and the girls went pretty much straight to bed. I spent the evening with Chris, catching up on TV.

Tuesday I was in work for the day (the new job I mentioned last week). I’m working in the school office, helping out with this and that, whenever I’m needed. I went in at 9am when I dropped the kids off and didn’t finish till almost 4.30pm (the kids were with their dad). I was exhausted when I got home so just collapsed onto the sofa and read a book. I spent the whole evening, even once Chris was home, curled up on the sofa reading (I still wasn’t feeling well) and we ordered takeaway for dinner. Chris was up early and I was tired so we headed to bed fairly early.

Wednesday I took the girls to school and then headed to the storage unit we have nearby. I met my mum and we sorted out the containment box, waiting for my brother to arrive. We pulled out all the camping stuff and shoved it into the car, eventually heading down to my mum’s to sort it out. We stopped for a coffee and then cracked on. There were two main tents to sort out and so we took one and made sure all the bits were there and then we took the other and did the same. In the end, Chris (my brother) took one and I took the other. He was going camping that weekend and it really made me want to go too – especially as my partner Chris was off Saturday, Sunday, Monday for a change. Anyway once we were done I sat at my mum’s, reading more of my book and wasting time until school finished. I then picked up the kids and headed home. The girls had dinner and then a bath, while I finished off the book I was reading. Nat was coming around that evening and I needed to pass the book to her. Once the kids were ready for bed, I let them stay up to see Nat and then shuttled them off to bed. Chris got home around 9pm and I had to shove him off upstairs too. Nat and I spent the whole evening chatting and she arranged to come again the next day to help me make a start on all the DIY. Once she left, Chris and I headed to bed.

On Thursday morning I took the kids to school and then came straight back. Chris had a driving lesson before work and so he was already gone when I got back. I waited for Nat though as she was only five minutes behind me and we popped out to the shop before cracking on. Well, when I say cracking on, I mean having a cup of tea and a chat, before eventually deciding what to do. We started on the hallway, getting all the glossing done. It took majority of the day with a brief stop for lunch but then at 3pm we were pretty much done and I had to get the girls from school, but Nat was happy to do more. While I popped out to get the kids, she cleaned all the window area in the dining room, ready for us to do more when I got back. When I did get back, she was hoovering my stairs and she had done my dishwasher too! We decided to gloss under the window and this lead to me doing some of the skirting board and around the door in that room too. We called it a day and Nat went home, the girls getting themselves some dinner and then us all sitting down to relax for a while. I spent the evening on the computer, waiting for Chris to get home from work. We spent a little while watching TV and then headed to bed.

Friday was such a relief when it came around as it was the first day I didn’t have plans. I dropped the girls off at school and then went to get a salad from Morrisons, along with an iced coffee. I then came back and spent the morning watching Gone Girl, for our From Page to Screen feature over on Twice the Mum. I then spent the rest of the day on my computer, getting some blogging done and just generally catching up. During the day my tickets to Phantom of the Opera arrived and that was pretty exciting! Later I headed out to get the girls from school and then we came home and relaxed. It was so nice to know we had nothing to do for the next few days! I honestly don’t remember what I did that evening but I imagine it was nothing exciting.

Saturday was a lovely day where we did nothing! I didn’t get up for ages and Chris brought me a cup of tea in bed. Megan joined us for a while and then Lily turned up too. Eventually we were all four in the bedroom, doing nothing! Lily was supposed to be going to a party in the afternoon but she decided not to go so we didn’t actually leave the house all day. We watched some TV, played on computers and just hung out. It was really nice to just lounge around the house as a family and do nothing! Sunday was even more exciting, with the fact I didn’t even get up till almost midday! We’d originally planned for a DIY day but sadly that didn’t happen. I did manage to convince Chris to go and chop down the tree at the front (he owed me some hard work since Nat and I had a day of it on Thursday) but that didn’t actually take him all that long. Mum called in briefly, just after lunch, to say hi and bye to us all before she headed off on holiday again. After she left, I potted around the house and got some washing done, the dishwasher etc. In the afternoon Megan and I worked on their Florida scrap book but we stopped to have dinner and didn’t end up doing any more. We had another relaxed evening and headed to bed fairly early because despite the fact I didn’t get up till midday, I was exhausted!

So that was my week, though it feels incomplete tying it off there, especially with Bank Holiday Monday feeling like it was connected to that weekend. However you’ll have to wait till next weekend for that one, but I did have a lovely Monday! Already this week is shaping up to feel busy but I have a sneaky feeling it will die down a little I hope so anyway. Till then…!