Can you believe I am 54 and have only just got my first chest freezer? I know, right? I dont think my neighbour was quite ready for the enthusiasm I greeted her with when she asked recently if I knew anybody who might like one. They are demolishing their garage so no longer have space for one and were looking to off load it. Instead they got to see it
Exploring
A Charming Day Out in Shaftesbury
If you’re looking for a delightful day out in the heart of England, Shaftesbury is a town that should be at the top of your list. Located in the picturesque county of Dorset, Shaftesbury boasts historic streets, stunning viewpoints, and is where we are headed this weekend so I have been doing some digging on where to eat and what to sea. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at
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HomeLife
The Bit of the School Run We Forget About
These days, I only do the school run occasionally, when it’s my granddaughter’s turn to be chauffeured home to help out when her parents are tied up with work. Or it’s been a while since I saw her little face and I need my fix of a five year old for a few hours. It’s a far cry from my old routine of juggling three different schools at once (yes,
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Self Care
Why is being a healthy now a problem?
Over the past year or so, I’ve noticed a quiet shift. Or maybe it’s not so quiet anymore. It feels like there’s a growing unease — even judgment — around women saying they want to lose weight. Not because they hate their bodies. Not because they’re trying to squeeze into a certain dress size or please anyone else. But because they want to feel better. Stronger. Healthier. I know this,
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Musings
A One-Handed Guide post CT surgery
I have always considered myself a fairly competent human being. I can cook a meal without setting the kitchen on fire, dress myself without assistance, and maintain basic hygiene—at least, that’s what I thought before I had carpal tunnel surgery. What I failed to realise is that once you take away the use of one hand, the world becomes a far more complicated place. If you, like me, are about
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HomeLife
Funeral Potatoes
Few dishes have a name as intriguing as funeral potatoes. This creamy, cheesy potato casserole has long been a staple of American comfort food, particularly in the western United States. Despite its somewhat sombre title, funeral potatoes are not exclusively reserved for sad occasions. They are equally popular at potlucks, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. I hadn’t heard about them until Mr B sent me a DM on instagram (he is
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GrannyBarrow
The Great Big Dinosaur Show — Review
The Great Big Dinosaur Show is a joyous, riotous celebration of all things prehistoric, and my four-year-old granddaughter absolutely adored every minute of it. From the moment we took our seats, we knew we were in for a treat. The atmosphere was electric, with children buzzing with excitement, eagerly awaiting what was to come. And it did not disappoint. Led by poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko it is loosely
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Exploring
voco Winchester — a review (ad)
There are lots of reasons to visit Winchester. It is after all the ancient capital of England, famous for its grand cathedral (which once had a diver fixing its foundations), King Arthur’s legendary Round Table (which, let’s be honest, isn’t that round), and the high street where you can buy everything from antique books, artisanal gin and over a hundred different teas at Char. It boasts medieval history, literary connections,
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Musings
February 1st is my new New Year’s Day
Ah, January. The month that drags on forever, filled with cold, grey skies, failed resolutions, and an overwhelming sense that we should be doing better. But what if January isn’t the fresh start we’ve been led to believe? What if, instead of fighting through the gloom, we just accepted that this month is a total write-off and started the new year properly on February 1st? As it turns out, this
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Supporting
Eye Health 101: Easy Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Vision
Brits are increasingly neglecting their eye health, often brushing aside warning signs of potentially serious issues. Research involving 2,000 adults found that four in 10 Brits avoid addressing vision problems, believing their eyesight is “good enough to get by.” Alarmingly, 41% admitted that their eye issues are negatively impacting their quality of life. Despite this, 62% delay seeking professional help, fearing they might need surgery. The study also revealed that
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HomeLife
Dad
When I was ten we were skiing in St Anton and in a rare navigational snaffoo we ended up on a short black run. Having fallen over in a small dip I sat on my bottom crying, and steeling myself to walking uphill for the last bit. Dad skied down to meet me and immediately sat down in the snow. He opened his jacket, took out a
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HomeLife
Bedside vigil
1.08am. Tick tock. Tick tock. A shout at 1am saying Dad’s breathing has changed sees me running down the landing of my parents house. By the time I get there a nano second later, his breathing is back to his new normal. I perch on the stool telling mum to get more sleep, I’ll carry on the watch so she can rest. Glad now I bought new pyjamas. Dad was given a terminal diagnosis