A Fun, Free & Easy Activity for Kids: We're Going On A Nature Hunt

It may be cold out, or warm - who knows?! The weather is so temperamental these days! It is also an expensive time of year - with back to school and dare I say it? Christmas is on the horizon! That said, it doesn't mean that you are stuck in the confines of your home - there is so much that you can do that is FREE. Noah and Ava climb the walls if they are stuck indoors so we are always out and about - no matter the weather!

There are countless free and exciting things you can do with your children, right on your doorstep. A favourite of ours is an activity that I like to call "Nature I spy" and although it's pretty self-explanatory I decided to write about it as it was very popular on my Instagram stories on the day.

This activity is suitable for most children as it's easy to adapt it to your child's age and what level they are at - you know your own children and their capabilities. For example, Noah had written words and mathematical questions, whereas, Ava had simple hand-drawn pictures with tick boxes. I chose to use cardboard that was in our recycling bin as I like to reuse where I can, however, I'm sure others would prefer to print lists from the internet. You can also make this into a quick activity, or make a whole day of it.

So, all you need is a few bits of cardboard, a couple of pencils, your wellies, hats, gloves and coats and you are ready to go. It's a quick, easy and free activity - one which is fun, educational, and ideal for all the family. It can add more excitement to regular walks, is great for stretching your legs, getting fresh air, and creating fond memories with your children.

5 Ways To Spruce Up Your Home For Spring

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It's almost spring, I can feel it in the air. I can't wait to soak in all the natural vitamin D after a dark, cold winter. I like to spruce up my home at the start of each season, it's become quite the tradition over the years. With this in mind, I thought I'd put together a post featuring my top tips, and feature a couple of ideas from some blogging friends of mine too.

1. Deep clean

I start my spruce by undertaking a full-scale spring clean, throughout the house. I tackle a room a day and focus on the areas that are easily forgotten about (back of cupboards, behind sofas, skirting boards, and so on.) I make a list of every job which needs to be done in each room and check them off as I go. It's very rewarding to see all the boxes checked off at the end of each day.

2. Clear out

While I'm spring cleaning a room I make a pile of items that I no longer need and ignore it until I'm done. Once I've finished cleaning I sort them into two sections, a charity shop pile, and a bin/recycle pile. It feels so good to take bags of clothes, books, toys, and bric-a-brac to the charity shop because not only am I doing something good but I'm also decluttering my home.

3. Invest in a new storage
We started our home renovation over five years ago. It's been such a work in progress but we are now at the stage where we have money left over to buy new pieces of furniture, and storage for our home. I would like to invest in a fitted dressing room from Urban Wardrobes. Not only do they look super chic and stylish but they are functional and very useful.

4. Update your decor & furniture

A simple way to brighten your home for summer is to change up accent pieces in certain rooms. I like to switch my cushions, rugs, and ornaments around, however, I don't always buy new. I like to look in charity shops for bargains or even buy and sell pages online.

5. Choose a home fragrance

I'm quite new to the world of home fragrance and I'm hooked on finding the perfect scent. The subtle use of home fragrance can freshen up your home, especially if you have young children and pets like I do.

Do you have any tips you would like to share?