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Monica

Hi, I'm Monica! This is my family lifestyle blog where I share posts about motherhood and microadventures.

I’ve had my Danner Boots for three years now and I thought it was finally time to write a Danner Boots review! A lot of you guys ask if they’re worth it because they’re so nice…but so expensive. Danner boots also look a bit different to your modern hiking boots so I get a lot …

Read More about Danner Boots Review: Women’s Mountain Light Cascade

This is the first year we’ve made homemade damson gin using the damsons that grow in our garden. We’ve lived here for five summers now and I can’t believe we hadn’t done it sooner because damson gin is so delicious!  Our first batch of homemade damson gin is rich and fruity and sweet. It’s so …

Read More about Making homemade damson gin for DIY gifts

Christmas Eve boxes are a fairly new trend in the UK so if you’re after Christmas Eve box ideas then I’ve got a load for you! I think we’ve adopted Christmas Eve traditions from a few different countries and made our own new tradition which is a lovely little box filled with goodies on Christmas …

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This self care Sunday post has been created in partnership with WeDrifters and their gorgeous loungewear with anti-insect technology. There’s more info about WeDrifters at the end of the post plus a 20% discount code. Self care is a real buzzword at the moment. It seems that for years we’ve all been taking care of …

Read More about Self care Sunday: Why my self care routine is different!

Today I’m reviewing the Micralite ProFold, a compact stroller perfect for both travelling and everyday adventures. As the name suggests, it’s the fold of this pushchair that is a real selling point and one of my favourite features! This pushchair was gifted in exchange for an honest review. We’ve had a few compact strollers over …

Read More about Micralite ProFold compact stroller review: The best one-handed fold!

If you want to know how to get your baby to sleep through the night and in their own bed then you’ve come to the right place! Today I’m sharing what we did to get our baby to sleep through the night and some tips to help you transition your baby into their own bed …

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If you’re trying to cut down on the amount of single use plastic you use then I can’t recommend beeswax wraps enough. I’ve been using beeswax wraps for about six weeks now and my first reaction was, ‘Why haven’t we always used these!?’ What are beeswax wraps? Beeswax wraps are simply cotton sheets infused with …

Read More about A beginner’s guide to using beeswax wraps: Colourful reusable food wraps

I’m fairly new to using natural beauty products but I’ve had loads of questions from you guys about what I’m using, how I’m using them and what I think. Before we go any further, can I just say – wow. Wow, wow, wow. I LOVE using these natural beauty products and now I’ve discovered them …

Read More about Getting started with natural beauty products and homemade facial oils

We’re almost two weeks into our second lockdown in Wales and as England are going into their second lockdown, I thought I’d share some tips that have really helped me this time. I’m sure we’ve all seen lots of tips by now suggesting we go for a daily walk, FaceTime our friends, bake a banana …

Read More about What was the second lockdown like in Wales and tips to get through Lockdown 2.0

COVID-19 has affected us all in one way or another but small businesses have really felt the impact of lockdown. Being closed for weeks on end combined with the nation’s financial uncertainty means they’ve been hit hard. Lots of my friends run small businesses and it’s been heartbreaking to see the struggles they face. Even …

Read More about How small businesses can use social media to promote themselves during lockdown

I asked if you had any blogging related questions on Instagram stories last night and when the questions started coming in I realised they all required much longer answers than what I could give on a quick story! Many of the same questions came up a few times, such as if it’s worth starting a …

Read More about My blogging Q&A for 2020: Is it worth starting a blog in 2020?

Have yourself a merry little Fishmas… Hang on, that’s not right. Or is it? Today I want to tell you about Fishmas and my posh, homemade fish and chips which is approximately eight billion times better than the fish and chips you’ll find at your local chippy!  Sam and I had it last night for …

Read More about Icelandic Fishmas and making the best homemade fish and chips

There’s something magical about Anglesey that gives me tingles whenever I cross the bridge. The beautiful island on the northwest coast of Wales is one of my special places where I instantly feel happy. We all have our special places; we have countries that hold our hearts, cities filled with special memories, towns we return …

Read More about A historical cycling tour on Anglesey with Green Lane Bike Tours

Alton Towers is a place of childhood dreams so we were really excited to take our kids there last week. After a long and difficult summer, it was the perfect treat before our kids went back to school! But, like many of you, we did have some reservations about visiting Alton Towers during the COVID-19 …

Read More about Visiting Alton Towers during the Covid-19 pandemic

Today’s Hidden Gem has been sent in by Jessica Friend from The Weekend Tourist as she’d like to share more about The Rollright Stones, a hidden gem in Oxfordshire and the county’s answer to Stonehenge!     The Rollright Stones are always the first place that I take anyone who might be visiting us – …

Read More about The Rollright Stones, Oxfordshire’s answer to Stonehenge

    Have you heard the theory that it takes 21 days to form a new habit?   There’s evidence to support the theory that you can form a new habit by doing it consistently for 21 days but, to be honest, there’s just as much evidence to say it takes longer. Some studies suggest …

Read More about Does it take 21 days to form a new habit? Trying it out with Morning Pages

Three kids. Wow, that’s a lot isn’t it! Today I’d like to share what life is like having 3 kids! We’re nearly nine months into having 3 kids now so I thought it was time for an update to tell you what life with three is like. In the UK, the average woman currently has …

Read More about What’s it like having 3 kids? The good, the bad and the chaotic!

Today’s hidden gem about Chee Dale in the Peak District is by Rob Haggan from The Outdoor Adventure Blog. Rob thinks Chee Dale is the perfect alternative to the busy Monsal Trail. The Monsal Trail is an undoubtedly gorgeous trail to walk or cycle along but it does become extremely busy during these beautiful summer …

Read More about Chee Dale: A secret alternative to the Monsal Trail in the Peak District

    Have you heard about Blue Zones? Blue Zones are areas in the world where people live considerably longer than average.    A few years ago I had to do a lot of research into the world’s Blue Zones for a project I was working on for a client. After that I became a …

Read More about What are Blue Zones? And what can Blue Zones teach us about living a longer, happier life

Today’s blog comes from Sophie, the blogger behind Sophie’s Suitcase. Sophie wants to share more about the gorgeous Newburgh ‘seal’ Beach in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where you can spot seals all year round! I’ve been asking bloggers to share their favourite hidden gems around the UK and, while this beach might not be hidden, I’m sure …

Read More about Seal spotting in Scotland at Newburgh Seal Beach, Aberdeenshire

Welcome to the first in a series of blog posts about the UK’s hidden gems. I don’t know about you, but since lockdown began I’ve discovered so many local hidden gems. My local area has even more to offer than I imagined! I’ve asked some top bloggers to share some of their favourite hidden gems …

Read More about Anderton Nature Park, a hidden gem in Cheshire