LIFE AS IT IS...

Undeniably this blog has taken a back seat while my LIFE AS IT IS has been completely turned upside down. (You think I'm joking, but no, the downstairs is currently upstairs). It's nuts. Completely and utterly. We are into the sixth week now of our extension build and still retaining a sense of humour. Doors are being hung, skirting is being stapled, and our kitchen is about to be assembled. It is so exciting. And we are almost there! Woo hoo!

48/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year...

FRAMED - Life As It Is

Goodbye kitchen wall...

47/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year...

My minion!

Seven drum lessons later -

Sandwich musings of a 4YO

M: Sofia, what would you like in your sandwich? Cheese, tomato and salad cream?
S: No thanks.
M: Cheese and salad cream?
S: Just salad cream.

46/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year...

(Or in this case, the art that's been hung on my kitchen door over the years -
before said kitchen door very soon turns into a wall).

FRAMED - the back of our house

Cadbury's Christmas Chocolate 2015 looks like...

...this. But don't come to me looking for it, I gave it all to Esme's school for the PTFA to help raise funds. Seemed like a good idea at the time but now, in the middle of a house build... Doh!

45/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art each week of the year

FRAMED - Letting the dust settle...

Perfect Christmas gift ideas for children

Perfect Christmas gift ideas for children

Do you know something? In all of my editorial career, I've never before written a top ten of Christmas gifts, that all came from the same place, where quite literally each one on the list is as good as the others. Until now. So here it is... Let me introduce you to the fabulous products of Laurence King publishing house (or ten of them anyway)... and to my mind, perfect Christmas gift ideas for children.

Number one on the list and perfect for the puppy obsessed is Dog Bingo. This classic game of numbers and chance is brought stylishly up to date with canine illustrations. Don't under estimate how dog species differ, and how much fun it is learning about them by playing this game. Eyes down and away you go! Priced £19.95

44/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

43/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Travel Musings of a 4YO

As we touch down on the runway of Thessaloniki, Sofia stares out the window and exclaims:
S: Hooray, we are here! We are in Lyme Regis.

LIFE AS IT IS - This week in October 2015...

This week has been a roller coaster. A metaphor often bandied about, but used to full effect here. The ups and downs and twisty unexpected turns, sudden jolts, stops and starts have each been stressful. So much so, that the out of control week long ride resulted in bruising and torn ligaments.

Autumn Winter Trends 2015 MUCK BOOTS - A review

Last week we started building an extension, and our once garden just outside the front door is fast approaching mud slide status as the rain arrived this week. However, these gorgeous Muckboot wellies also arrived this week - how is that for good timing?

DETAILS:
Brand: The Original Muck Boot Company
Style: Women's Breezy Tall Insulated Rain Boot
Price: £95
Sizes: UK 3-9
Available from: The Original Muck Boot Company


Tagged as the welly boot that doesn't need a sock, the new Breezy Tall Insulated Rain Boot keeps you comfortable, warm and dry in the 'muckiest' of weather. 
Really?

42/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

This week, Sofia proves it is all about the detail

NORTHERN high LIGHTS - A travel feature

Travel writer Emma Oliver takes her family on the 

trip of a lifetime to experience Arctic conditions in Lapland 

Do you want to build a snowman? Or an entire snow family for that matter? Then this is the place to head. And while you are here, pop in on Santa (of course).

Families will appreciate all that Lapland has to offer though - not just the Father Christmas magical experience of a lifetime, which kids of any age will love. We found a destination to suit families that enjoy the great outdoors - and all manner of unique activities that the Arctic Circle provides. 

Since 2002, the award winning tour company Activities Abroad has been bringing families (children aged 4+) to Luosto in Finnish Lapland, to revel in adventure; including husky safari, reindeer sleigh ride, amethyst mining, cross country skiing, and my particular favourite, ice fishing.

Just imagine sitting on reindeer skins holding fishing rods, the worm end of which dangles down through the metre thick ice you just drilled a hole into. There's no doubt that seeing my young children settled a la Eskimo style is going to stay with me forever, but that's the thing about this sort of visceral holiday; it is the trip of a lifetime.

Christmas Musings of a 7YO (yes, already).

E: I think this morning I'll play the 100 Best Christmas Songs CD. After all, 
it is only ten weeks to Christmas.