We couldn’t live with our hotch-potch, partly-removed 1960s kitchen anymore. I loved the colour, the look and our industrial worktop with integrated sink, but the […]
Main Content
The Kids’ Sweetie Jar as a Parenting Tool
Imagine telling a child that they can have all the candy from their sweetie jar they may want!Are you getting visions of horror? Unruly kids […]
New IKEA kitchen- a first walk-though [Video Post]
A video post of our new IKEA kitchen walk-though.
New Year, New Me… If Only!
In the past years I’ve ranted enough about New Year’s resolutions and how inefficient they are. It’s the wrong time of year to make most […]
How to…Living Small to Travel More
Renovating & Decorating a Small Family Home for a Family of 5
Just 700 square feet / 65 square meters for a family of 5? That's a very small apartment for all of you! ...we hear this quite often! How do you fit? How do you make it work? There … ... read about Renovating & Decorating a Small Family Home for a Family of 5
Small Sailing Boat Adventures
Boating festival in Southampton
Just add water...The Southampton Boat Show is so much more than a flashy show of beautiful new … [more...] about Boating festival in Southampton
Sailing Diary #2- Narrow Rocky Passages & Swedish-style Mooring
After days of being in the depth of the engine compartment, sorting out the engine cooling problems … [more...] about Sailing Diary #2- Narrow Rocky Passages & Swedish-style Mooring
Sailing Diary #1- Our First Sail, a Collection of Minor Disasters
For weeks we kept pushing the launch of Mariposa back: boat works, finding a new home and moving … [more...] about Sailing Diary #1- Our First Sail, a Collection of Minor Disasters
Safety gear on a sailing boat
Safety on board a sailing boat is high priority, especially with kids. In preparation for our … [more...] about Safety gear on a sailing boat
Dinghy and liferaft options for a 28 foot sailing boat
Even as we signed the papers to buy S/V Mariposa we joked that we now need to get 2 extra boats to … [more...] about Dinghy and liferaft options for a 28 foot sailing boat
Family Travel
WeeDo Turtle Snowsuit Review
How cute are these snowsuits? View this post on … [Read More...] about WeeDo Turtle Snowsuit Review
Homeless and vagabond in Sweden
As of today, the 3rd of May, we still have nowhere permanent to live from the end of the May. We … [Read More...] about Homeless and vagabond in Sweden
Finding somewhere to live in Uppsala, Sweden
Oh no! We got the dreaded email: our homeowners are returning home. Not totally unexpected, but I … [Read More...] about Finding somewhere to live in Uppsala, Sweden
Gårdsjö älgpark, a daytrip to a Swedish Moose Park [video]
Did you know that the moose crossing traffic sign is the most collected item by tourists visiting … [Read More...] about Gårdsjö älgpark, a daytrip to a Swedish Moose Park [video]
Slow travel- Exploring Eriksdalbadet, Stockholm
These were the sheds for the allotments! A stroll in Eriksdalbadet, Stockholm was perfect for … [Read More...] about Slow travel- Exploring Eriksdalbadet, Stockholm
Family Life
15 Last-minute Gift Ideas, Experience Gifts
Gift-giving is so fought with pit holes : we give and get so much stuff, that we don't really want … [Read More...] about 15 Last-minute Gift Ideas, Experience Gifts
Have an Imperfect Christmas!
Christmas, over the last century has morphed into this "magical" holiday where we are all supposed … [Read More...] about Have an Imperfect Christmas!
Nando’s restaurant: our first time
You go into McDonald's and most people will know what to do, what to order, right? Well not always! … [Read More...] about Nando’s restaurant: our first time
The Second Bedroom Renovation & Changing Plans, Small Family Apartment
Continuing on from the master bedroom renovation, we shifted our efforts on to the second bedroom … [Read More...] about The Second Bedroom Renovation & Changing Plans, Small Family Apartment
Family Tech
OnePlus 5, what I love about this mobile phone
My dear OnePlus 5, We've only been at each other's side for 6 months, but I've truly grown to … [more...] about OnePlus 5, what I love about this mobile phone
How is technology changing family healthcare?
Anyone else hooked on the Netflix series, Black Mirror? The moral dilemmas the series presents are … [more...] about How is technology changing family healthcare?
Video editting with Magix Fastcut… a free, automated tool
A couple of years ago I discovered Magix for video editting. I liked their different tools and the … [more...] about Video editting with Magix Fastcut… a free, automated tool
BlackBerry KEYone- First Impressions
Have BlackBerry just launched the best mobile handset for the demanding social media user, digital … [more...] about BlackBerry KEYone- First Impressions
Instagram Genuine Engagement of a Blogger vs Automated Engagement #Instagate
Instagram is my favourite social media platform. Personally, I've put a lot of effort into the … [more...] about Instagram Genuine Engagement of a Blogger vs Automated Engagement #Instagate
Campervan conversion
Installing a Dometic Heki Midi skylight
The ambulance came with a small skylight. It was an opaque one that looked fairly dirty, but … [more...] about Installing a Dometic Heki Midi skylight
Campervan Insulation with closed cell matting
The ambulance came panelled and insulated. Sadly, the old insulation we had in Campy Van- rockwool … [more...] about Campervan Insulation with closed cell matting
Campy Van- further deconstruction and back to barebones
It feels like I've made so little progress on the campervan conversion, yet I have: I now have a … [more...] about Campy Van- further deconstruction and back to barebones
Creating a Master Bedroom, Small Family Apartment
After a summer of travelling we returned to chaos of 2 adults, 3 kids and a small dog in … [Read More...] about Creating a Master Bedroom, Small Family Apartment
Till What Age Do You Brush Your Kids Teeth?!
A couple of months ago we went for a routine dental check up with the boys. (Angelina had had … [Read More...] about Till What Age Do You Brush Your Kids Teeth?!
Renovation priorities- Where to start
When you move into a house or an apartment that needs total renovation, where EVERYTHING needs to be … [Read More...] about Renovation priorities- Where to start
Small Family Apartment Remodelling- Taking Down a Wall
So, does 700 square feet for a family of 5 plus dog count as a small apartment or a tiny … [Read More...] about Small Family Apartment Remodelling- Taking Down a Wall
3 Family-Friendly Features for Upgrading Your Home
Having just moved to a small flat, we are immediately considering what to do about upgrading our … [Read More...] about 3 Family-Friendly Features for Upgrading Your Home
What Should Kids Do In Case Of A Shooting, The Uppsala Shooting Discussion
There was a shooting today, on May 30th, 2018 at midday in the quiet university town of Uppsala, … [Read More...] about What Should Kids Do In Case Of A Shooting, The Uppsala Shooting Discussion
Small Family Apartment Remodelling- Creating a Spacious Family Room
The original bedroom in our new small family apartment will have to acquire a new role: the living … [Read More...] about Small Family Apartment Remodelling- Creating a Spacious Family Room
Can a family of 5 live comfortably in 700 square feet small apartment?
Good news is: we are buying a flat! Read about the ordeal of buying in Sweden The bad news … [Read More...] about Can a family of 5 live comfortably in 700 square feet small apartment?
We bought a Sailing Boat!
After years of dreaming, years of planning, years of chartering, years of borrowing and a summer of … [Read More...] about We bought a Sailing Boat!
Blog Reset at Flea Retreat 2018, Somerset #inpictures
The Flea Retreat ... was like no blogging conference I'd been to before. (Well, blogstock came … [Read More...] about Blog Reset at Flea Retreat 2018, Somerset #inpictures
Is there such a thing as an ideal blogging conference? Thoughts on Flea Retreat 2018
There are so many blogging conferences happening, it's really hard to pick a good fit. Blog … [Read More...] about Is there such a thing as an ideal blogging conference? Thoughts on Flea Retreat 2018
Snowmageddon dressing hack for kids (and adults)
Snowmageddon: The weather is treacherous and the UK is so unprepared. As lots of us parents are torn … [Read More...] about Snowmageddon dressing hack for kids (and adults)
Laugh more! The theme of 2018
Over the Christmas holidays we snuggled a lot, ate even more, played and watched movies. It was … [Read More...] about Laugh more! The theme of 2018
My favourite shopping and travel sites
Shopping Amazon- buy almost anything you can think of. I have lists of favourite … [Read More...] about My favourite shopping and travel sites
Super easy, beautiful Advent and Christmas table decorations kids can make
Each year the first Sunday of Advent just creeps up on us and I'm frantically trying to make or buy … [Read More...] about Super easy, beautiful Advent and Christmas table decorations kids can make
Kids’ Advent Calendar, your tool for staying organised in the pre-Christmas mayhem
The Advent Calendar has to be more than just a little window of chocolates or sweets, right?! The … [Read More...] about Kids’ Advent Calendar, your tool for staying organised in the pre-Christmas mayhem
5 reasons to go Charity shopping and Hygge Challenge #2 [video] #hyggechallenge
Heading home after dropping the kids off at school and nursery, there was an unusual traffic jam … [Read More...] about 5 reasons to go Charity shopping and Hygge Challenge #2 [video] #hyggechallenge
How to make the holidays great for all you work with
The holiday season can be stressful. Business may be booming but with never-ending shopping lists … [Read More...] about How to make the holidays great for all you work with
How to Hygge- Challenge #1 [video] #hyggechallenge
As the darkness closes in again this winter, I'm clinging to anything to get me through these short … [Read More...] about How to Hygge- Challenge #1 [video] #hyggechallenge
How to organise a lastminute, super easy kids’ birthday party
The birthday was quickly approaching and we had done NOTHING to get anything, especially not a … [Read More...] about How to organise a lastminute, super easy kids’ birthday party
Dear Decathlon…an Open Letter
Dear Decathlon, We've shopped with you for a few years now, first discovering a Decathlon store … [Read More...] about Dear Decathlon…an Open Letter
9 tips for Eating Out with Kids
Eating out is such a treat: no cooking, no dishes, lots of choice. Eating out with kids is a lovely … [Read More...] about 9 tips for Eating Out with Kids
The Gadget-loving Mum’s perfect Mother’s Day present
The kids arrived back from the post office with a lovely package today: It was filled with lots of … [Read More...] about The Gadget-loving Mum’s perfect Mother’s Day present
Is a Hostel for a 40 plus, Lone Female?
I return to the hostel, to my dorm room shared with 5 others, after walking about 10K, … [Read More...] about Is a Hostel for a 40 plus, Lone Female?
Panasonic DMC-FZ200 Camera Time-tested Review
What makes an ideal camera for a blogger and travel writer? We bought the Panasonic DMC-FZ200 in … [Read More...] about Panasonic DMC-FZ200 Camera Time-tested Review
The WIAT Diet.
What the hell is the WIAT diet?- you're probably asking Well, let me introduce you to the … [Read More...] about The WIAT Diet.
10 Awesome Holiday Tips … for Aruba
Aruba, the Happy Island, is in the Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela. This island a perfect … [Read More...] about 10 Awesome Holiday Tips … for Aruba
Boost kids’ Reading Confidence with Reading Eggs
Reading Eggs is not new to us; We've subscribed on and off for the past 5 years for Angelina and … [Read More...] about Boost kids’ Reading Confidence with Reading Eggs
How to Help an 8 year old Struggling and Reluctant Reader?
For years I've had pangs of guilt for failing my child, failing to rescue him from his struggle to … [Read More...] about How to Help an 8 year old Struggling and Reluctant Reader?
Family Ski and Snowboarding Experience at Kläppen Ski Resort, Sweden
This winter we decided to take our first family wintersport holiday. Super exciting! (After … [Read More...] about Family Ski and Snowboarding Experience at Kläppen Ski Resort, Sweden
Happy Home: My Meditating Frog from Sri Lanka
Every home needs some quirky, happy pieces, right? In an attempt to live with less, we’ve tried … [Read More...] about Happy Home: My Meditating Frog from Sri Lanka
Santa’s Grotto at Wyevale Garden Centre and the Dreaded “Does Santa really exist?” Question
Here's a confession... as far as I can remember, our kids had never been to see Father Christmas in … [Read More...] about Santa’s Grotto at Wyevale Garden Centre and the Dreaded “Does Santa really exist?” Question
5 Steps to Mastering Hygge- Lessons from Living in Sweden
I know, I know Hygge is Danish, not Swedish! The Swedes have a word for Hygge too: mysigt, and … [Read More...] about 5 Steps to Mastering Hygge- Lessons from Living in Sweden
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
The Winter Wonderland is a huge pop-up festive theme park in London's Hyde Park, returning each … [Read More...] about Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
Pledge to be Real… for my Daughter’s and Sons’ Sakes
Parenting fail...I thought I was doing a decent job with raising my kids to be happy with how they … [Read More...] about Pledge to be Real… for my Daughter’s and Sons’ Sakes
Making a Pledge to be Real
The statistics are rather depressing of how women and girls aren't happy with how they look: … [Read More...] about Making a Pledge to be Real
Blenheim Palace, a winter wonderland family day out
Blenheim Palace has always held a special spot in my heart: It's a beautiful estate just a stone's … [Read More...] about Blenheim Palace, a winter wonderland family day out
Aruba- What’s the Renaissance Resort really like?
As we pulled upto our hotel, the Renaissance Resort in Oranjestad, Aruba the utter disappointment I … [Read More...] about Aruba- What’s the Renaissance Resort really like?
What to expect at Countryfile Live 2016 at Blenheim Palace?
A stunning palace, with it's own lake, forests, landscaped parklands- this is Blenheim Palace in … [Read More...] about What to expect at Countryfile Live 2016 at Blenheim Palace?
3 easy steps to ensure your digital content is safely backed up
The past year has been full of upheaval for us as a family. I've been working away a lot, … [Read More...] about 3 easy steps to ensure your digital content is safely backed up
How I’ve gained 1000 engaged real followers on Instagram month on month
Instagram is my favourite social media platform. If Facebook is a curated view of people's lives … [Read More...] about How I’ve gained 1000 engaged real followers on Instagram month on month
Celebrating spring with the Cow release- Uppsala, Sweden
The long, cold winter in Sweden has shaped the way things are done in all different walks of … [Read More...] about Celebrating spring with the Cow release- Uppsala, Sweden
Exiled with a goal
The past 7 weeks have seen our family split up across two countries and 3 homes. I've been in a … [Read More...] about Exiled with a goal
The secrets behind an ITB trade stand for Qatar airlines
Sorry, this is one of those posts that I'm writing because what I learned is totally fascinating to … [Read More...] about The secrets behind an ITB trade stand for Qatar airlines
Keeping warm in deep minuses
A good winter jacket is always an asset in the cold winter months. I was lacking one, when Trespass … [Read More...] about Keeping warm in deep minuses
Super cute Easter tree in the making
Easter is a mere 5 weeks away! Is it just me that keeps having to remind myself that it's so close. … [Read More...] about Super cute Easter tree in the making
Dressing the kids for winter and wintersports, the Swedish way
Deep minuses had had me worried and it wasn't long after arriving in Uppsala before we were to … [Read More...] about Dressing the kids for winter and wintersports, the Swedish way
Moving to Sweden from the UK: Our moving logistics were a bit nuts :-D
For months I tried to pack and sort our lives while Dadonthebrink worked away during the week and … [Read More...] about Moving to Sweden from the UK: Our moving logistics were a bit nuts :-D
We bought an ambulance
Yeap, you read that right! We bought an ambulance, which we will gradually transform into CampyToo, … [Read More...] about We bought an ambulance
A rubbish day… or was it? #EmbraceHappy
As I reversed I heard the crumble of metal. I turned to look back in disbelief, not just through the … [Read More...] about A rubbish day… or was it? #EmbraceHappy
- 10 Awesome Holiday Tips … for Aruba
- Boost kids’ Reading Confidence with Reading Eggs
- How to Help an 8 year old Struggling and Reluctant Reader?
- Family Ski and Snowboarding Experience at Kläppen Ski Resort, Sweden
- Happy Home: My Meditating Frog from Sri Lanka
- Santa’s Grotto at Wyevale Garden Centre and the Dreaded “Does Santa really exist?” Question
- 5 Steps to Mastering Hygge- Lessons from Living in Sweden
- Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
- Pledge to be Real… for my Daughter’s and Sons’ Sakes
- Making a Pledge to be Real
- Blenheim Palace, a winter wonderland family day out
- Aruba- What’s the Renaissance Resort really like?
- What to expect at Countryfile Live 2016 at Blenheim Palace?
- 3 easy steps to ensure your digital content is safely backed up
- How I’ve gained 1000 engaged real followers on Instagram month on month
- Celebrating spring with the Cow release- Uppsala, Sweden
- Exiled with a goal
- Installing a Dometic Heki Midi skylight
- Campervan Insulation with closed cell matting
- Campy Van- further deconstruction and back to barebones
- How to loose 500kg or 1100lb in a week
- Campy Van layout plans
- The secrets behind an ITB trade stand for Qatar airlines
- Keeping warm in deep minuses
- Campervan conversion inspiration
- Nuances of converting an ambulance to a campervan- The bad
- Super cute Easter tree in the making
- Nuances of converting an ambulance to a campervan- The good
- Dressing the kids for winter and wintersports, the Swedish way
- Moving to Sweden from the UK: Our moving logistics were a bit nuts :-D
- We bought an ambulance
- A rubbish day… or was it? #EmbraceHappy
- #Notinmyname – Damned if we do, damned if we don’t
- Memories of a Moroccan souk
- Time tested review: GTech Air Ram vacuum cleaner
- How much is your data worth?
- It’s November…so why are so many Christmas trees up?!
- Family bonding over Afternoon Tea at St Ermin’s hotel, London
- 10 steps to get the kids enthusiastic about housework: vacuuming with the Dyson v6 total clean
- It’s more fun in the Philippines
- Octonauts birthday cake- Kwazii and Gup-B
- Breaking a Guinness World Record inspiration- Could you do it too?
- How an ink subscription is changing what my fridge looks like
- Capturing memories in times of change
- A Quiet House
- Recovering from Gallbladder operation aka cholecystectomy
- Travel: returning to familiar places
- Good-bye Dear Loyal Friend
- Cowes Week Ladies Day with Sunsail
- LittleLife needs YOU!