Family Category

Spread a little Joy this Christmas

  • Christmas Joy

It is fair to say that recently things have felt a little bit bleak, both home and away – and we could all do with a bit of festive joy this Christmas season.

The spirit of the time is one of giving; there is no better gift than one’s time and thoughtfulness.

If you have the time and means, then; why not carry out an ‘advent calendar’ or ’12 days of Christmas’ acts of kindness for others, and spread a little joy to those around you?

I’m sure you will have your own ideas, but here are some to get you started:

Charity

Now, more than ever – people are visiting food banks. Why not check where your local bank collects from; and if there is anything specific, they need? At this time of year, they are often; short of non-food items like toiletries, household cleaning supplies, and some festive treats.

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Festivals are Back!

festivals

There is no doubt that for many, the pinnacle of music festivals is Glastonbury. However, it is expensive and very difficult to get tickets.

Many events have been cancelled in the last two years, due to Covid.

So, if you would like to know what is on offer in the UK during July – then read on:

24th June – 10th July – BST – Hyde Park

Who can you see: Adele (sold out), Duran Duran, Eagles, Elton John, Pearl Jam and the Rolling Stones to name a few.

www.bst-hydepark.com/events

8th – 10th July – ALSO – Warwick

There is something for everyone – from talks, comedy, woodlands, food trucks galore and London Afrobeat Collective, Nuha Ruby Ra and Pynch.

www.also-festival.com/events/also-22/feed?tags=Music

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We’ve all gone baking mad!

Baking

That headline could easily have been confused with barking mad, as let’s face it the lockdown has sent us all feeling a little loopy at times! But, for many, a salvation has been found in baking…

Anyone that tried to track down baking staples like flour, yeast, eggs and baking powder in the early stages of Covid-19 will know just how many people out there were giving it a go.

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Books for the Festive Season

Books
Photo coutesy of publishers: Seven Dials

For those that love to cook

One Pot Wonders – The Hairy Bikers

Even cooks that like to be in the kitchen want an easy meal to get on the table every now and again. This book provides plenty of inspiration, but with the added bonus of less prep/washing up – as all can be cooked in one pot!

For the vegetarian in your life

VEG – Jamie Oliver

This book is not just for vegetarians, but will certainly help them and vegans make interesting meals. But also, for those looking for ways of boosting their 5-a day habit.

For the one who loves a good romance

A Wedding in December – Sarah Morgan

With an Aspen setting, and wedding day looming – is all well in the world, or does it seem that everyone is hiding a secret? Maybe it’s time to get everything out in the open…

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Christmas Movie Night!

Christmas Movie Night

I don’t know about you, but I always enjoy a trip to the movies during the festive season. In the United States Christmas Day is the busiest day of the year for cinemas. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to find a movie theatre open here! However, we make up for it on Boxing Day, when many flock to the cinema to see the latest blockbusters. Here’s a few films you might enjoy for your Christmas Movie Night.

Two Christmas Movies

Cats – 20th Dec

It’s the time of year, when the cats gather, as the Jellicle Ball approaches! The big decision – who will ascend to the Heaviside Layer, coming back to a new life in the process!

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Superstitions: New Home

Superstitions

Many home moves will take place in August, probably because spring is still one of the most popular times to place a house onto the market, and by the time all of the legal wrangling is done, it is summer before the actual move happens.

So, come September, people are really starting to think about how to make their property a real home. For some, that might also include taking into account Superstitions!

Superstitions Abound!

Superstitions abound when it comes to Hearth & Home! Whether you are renting or buying, live in an apartment or house – it all means the same thing. Safety and security, on a practical level it provides shelter, on an emotional level it means so much more…

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Travel Money Savvy

Travel Money

Photo Credit: Ascannio / Shutterstock.com

Take expensive items with you. In this day and age with baggage allowances getting smaller, and airlines charging extras for every piece of luggage it can feel easier to travel light and leave many holiday essentials at home. However, once in a resort, you may find that many items are much more expensive abroad, for example sun tan lotion, insect repellent, first-aid medications, baby items etc.

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Holiday Planning

Avoid any last-minute hiccups and start researching/sorting now:

Holiday

Many people will have already booked their summer holiday, but having poured over reviews to select the best accommodation, we often leave the finer details to the last minute. Brexit – whether we leave the EU or end up with a no-deal situation, may add further complications to your holiday planning.

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Summer Solstice: Embrace the Season

The summer solstice is upon us, arriving on Friday 21st June. Why not use this date as a jumping off point to embrace all that the summer months have to offer?

Summer Solstice

Unplug

If you are guilty of a bit too much social media and screen time generally, then now may be the perfect time to switch off devices and notifications and really connect with your family, loved ones and friends on a face-to-face basis. You might be really surprised by how much more you feel ‘connected’ for stepping into the real world once more, and not spending so much time virtually.

Sunrise/Sunset

There is something very spiritual about witnessing a sunrise and sunset. Try to find time to experience both, and feel reenergised by the magic.

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Angel Crafts

Angel CardsSchool holidays are in full swing, so ifyou have children at home and are doing some arts and crafts, why not join in the fun and create your own Angel Card deck.

Making the cards

  • Angel card decks vary in number from 34-48 cards.
  • You will need to cut pieces of card, all to the same size – you can base these on the size of playing cards; or go bigger if your shuffling abilities are not great, or you really want to go to town on the design of the cards!

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