2020 END OF THE YEAR BOOK SURVEY

 After joining in doing the book survey last year I found on the perpetual page turner I decided to join in again. 

**2020 READING STATS**

Number Of Books You Read: 73
Number of Re-Reads: 0
Genre You Read The Most From: Thrillers/Crime 


1. Best Book You Read In 2020?

Thriller: All The Rage by Cara Hunter 

Fantasy: The Lunar Chronicles (can't pick a particular book from the series) by Marissa Meyer 

Classic: Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

 Romance: The Flatshare by Beth O'leary 

General Fiction: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

None Fiction : Reasons to stay alive by Matt Haig


2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Has to be Big Sky by Kate Atkinson I found it be average it really didn't excite me and found myself getting a bit bored reading it. I was expecting to love it more especially with it being my go to genre.

 3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read?  

The Jane Austen book club by Karen Joy Fowler i had hoped it was going to be a good one but unfortunately for me it was a big let down.

 4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)?

I like to share my reads on book Facebook groups I'm in.  I can't say if they have been purchased on my recommendation. I do hope so though.

 5. Best series you started in 2020? Best Sequel? Best Series Ender of 2020?

I started and finished the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer which was an amazing series. The best series sequel other than the Lunar Chronicles for me has to be All The Rage by Cara Hunter which is the 4th in the DI Fawley series. 

 6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2020?

Beth O'leary I'll definitely be reading more of her books. I've her next book on my tbr pile and also plan on getting her 3rd book when it comes out.

LIKES & LOVES| DECEMBER 2020

Despite a different December than usual we actually still managed to have a good month. We've had Blake's Birthday this month too which fell on a school day but he still had a wonderful time. We've eaten alot of delicious food, listened to Christmas music and watched Christmas films. 

Overall we've made the best of the month. So here is what I've been liking and loving for December.



Christmas films/ series

We've watched alot of Christmas films and a series on Netflix. As well as favourites such as The Grinch we've watched some new releases too:

- Home for Christmas (series)

- Christmas Chronicles 1 and 2

- Holidate 

- Jingle Jangle 



Christmas decor


Most of our Christmas decorations were the same this year but I did purchase a light up bottle from the lovely Suzy and Suzys crafty creations. I absolutely love it and its definitely going to be a decoration that comes out each year.

2020 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN DECEMBER

 I've finished the Popsugar reading challenge! So happy that I've actually managed to complete it. I've decided I won't be doing a reading challenge in 2021 though. Instead I plan to start getting  through the pile of books I own already. Now let's see what I've been reading this month.


Jane Eyre By Charlotte Brontë 

It was my first time reading this classic and I absolutely loved it. It was picked for the prompt a book that passes the Bechdel test. It's worth looking it up as I'm not the best to explain what the test is. Jane Eyre is definitely near the top as one of my favourite classics now. 

LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 52/52: OUR CHRISTMAS

Just like that Christmas 2020 is over. With Christmas being different this year for many,
I still hope you managed to have a lovely day. 

We still managed to keep Christmas as magical as we could. It has definitely been strange especially not doing the usual Christmas days out this month.


LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 51/52: BLAKE'S 6TH BIRTHDAY

 This week Blake turned six. Due to the current situation with the pandemic we couldn't have a party or see family however he got to open his presents before school and then when he got home he got to see family members via video chat.

We chose to do McDonald's for his birthday tea as it's Blake's favourite and we've not had it that much this year. He loved being able to his best friend and have chocolate birthday cake too. 

He broke up from school on Thursday ( day after his birthday) so he's loved having his new toys out to play with. He was definitely spoilt as usual with such wonderful gifts and has some money and vouchers to spend. We tend to take him to a toy shop after Christmas so that he can choose what he wants to buy. It gives us a chance to see what he gets for Christmas first so we don't end up with him choosing something that someone has already got him. 



LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 50/52: CHRISTMAS CARDS AND CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY

This week we received the pack of cards Blake had designed at school in November to send out to select people. We've kept a spare one to add to his memory box as well. 

Friday was Christmas jumper day at school. I didn't get a chance to get a photo of Blake because as soon as he got in from school he wanted it off. 


We had originally had planned a festive weekend by going to visit the Christmas lights in town. I had been looking forward to getting a festive hot chocolate and grabbing a bite to eat at the new German food stand. But unfortunately Friday night saw me start coming down with a bug which then Blake caught and then Stuart so all 3 of us have had an awful few days. Hopefully we can do our originally plans on Friday since Blake breaks up from school on the Thursday. 

LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 49/52: IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK ALOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

 This week has been all about getting ready for Christmas. I've yet to write/post out cards however our Christmas present shopping has finished and we are now in full swing of getting other Christmas bits sorted out. We put up our tree on Monday which is  bit early for us. Lots of houses down the road and even Blake's school had trees and lights up which Blake absolutely loves. This was why we prompted to get up our tree and decorations a little earlier. 

CHRISTMAS 2020 BUCKET LIST

Christmas is definitely going to be different for us this year. We won't be seeing family and not sure when we will next see them. There will be no visiting santa, Christmas markets, Christmas meals out, Christmas shows etc that we usually do this time of year. But it doesn't mean that we can't have a good Christmas. Christmas is definitely not cancelled and so I've written up a Christmas bucket list of activities we can do together to make most of the festive season. Hopefully this list will give you some inspiration.


Best Places To Own A Home In Wirral

*In collaboration with Wirral.co.uk

Wirral is known for its diverse landscape, beautiful beaches, industrial towns, and quaint villages hence it is natural for one to feel confused when it comes to choosing the best place to own a home.

This is the reason why the following sections in the post will enunciate some of the best places in Wirral that one can buy a home.


LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 48/52: SOFA DAYS

 This week we have spent quite a few days on the sofa. Unfortunately I had a call Thursday from school saying Blake was unwell so had to be picked up. Poor little man was not himself at all and was pale and shivering. The rest of Thursday he just stayed cuddled up with me not moving, eating or drinking. Friday he was starting to feel slightly better and was able to eat and drink again in small amounts and had much more colour back in his cheeks.

It's been nice just snuggling up under a blanket on the sofa watching some of Blake's favourite shows. Once Blake was in bed one evening I treated myself to a bath followed by some white hot chocolate which was delicious. 

BLOG BOOK TOUR: LETTERS FROM THE DEAD

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.


Last year I took part in the book tour for Sam Hurcom's debut novel A Shadow on the lens which i really enjoyed. Now Sam's back with his second book Letters From The Dead which is a standalone  but follows the same protagonist, Thomas Bexley, who is one of the world’s first forensic photographers. This is a stifling and atmospheric gothic crime novel set in the early 20th century.



LIKES & LOVES| NOVEMBER 2020

 We maybe in the second lockdown but we still have managed to find little bits of joy where we can. I've almost finished with our Christmas present shopping, have a food delivery slot booked for December and am pretty much sorted for Blake's birthday next month too.

With that said let's jump in to what I have liked and loved this month.


Podcast

Shagged, Married, Annoyed was recommended to me by my neighbour and her sister. It's hilarious and really cheers me up on days when I need a laugh.


Netfllix

I've watched a good few films and shows this month and fully recommend these ones:

- Emily in Paris (series)

- Queens Gambit (series)

-Dash and Lily (series)

- Over the moon (kids film)

- Game Night (film)

Smart Watch 
I purchased this smart watch from Amazon so I can keep an eye on my sleep and steps. It's been  eye opening and I definitely recommend this watch if you want a cheap one that is simple.

2020 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN NOVEMBER

 I'm a bit early this month with my monthly reads as I'm involved in a book tour this week so had to change my schedule a bit. I've read a total of 4 books this month which isn't too bad considering I've spent quite a bit of my free time binge watching some stuff on Netflix and listening to episodes of a podcast. 


Big Sky by Kate Atkinson 

I picked this up for the prompt a book with a bird on the front cover. I'm not sure if it's because I've not read the other books in the series but I did find it hard to get into. It wasn't as gripping as I was hoping either.



CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR THE ADULTS

  * I was sent the items featured in this gift guide in return for inclusion.

I hope you enjoyed my Christmas Gift Guide For Kids 4+ yesterday. Today though is for adults to give you some inspiration whether it's for those hard to buy people in your family, a gift for a secret santa or even something to add onto your own Christmas wishlist. There are also some great items featured that would be great as stocking fillers.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR KIDS 4+

 * I was sent the items featured in this gift guide in return for inclusion.



It's been a pretty awful year with covid, lockdowns and social distancing. So this year I'm trying to make Christmas extra special for Blake. With lockdown 2.0 it means alot of Christmas shopping is having to be done online. If your stuck with what to buy this Christmas I'm here to give you some inspiration. Tomorrow I'll be sharing a Christmas guide for the adults but today it's all about the kids. 

LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 47/52:TRACKING MY STEPS

I've been umming and ahhing about getting a smart watch for awhile so that I could track my steps and sleep. I caved in and purchased a cheapish one as I didn't want to spend alot on one  incase I ended up not using it. 


Since starting to use it last Sunday it has been a real eye-opener. On average I do around 7,000 steps a day. The most I've done is just over 11,000 steps and the lowest was just under 3,000 steps which was on the Sunday which in general is a lazy day for us.


 I've found it so interesting to see how much light and deep sleep I've been having and how long I've been awake each night. The watch I went for has other features such as heart rate and sports mode. The sports mode I've used for when I do the school run to track how many steps I do, how long it takes me, my heart rate etc. There are a few other features I've chosen not to use such as messaging and alarms but overall I'm happy with my purchase. The app is easy to use to and look back at my data, change settings etc.



MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH SAVEMONEYCUTCARBON

 Ad – Review. I was sent a Sustainable Swap Box and a years membership for the purpose of this post.  


We all know that our lifestyle choices are impacting on the decline of our planet's natural resources. Overuse of plastics has an impact on our landfills and oceans. However there are sustainable swaps we can do today that can help us save money and cut carbon! 


SaveMoneyCutCarbon now have a groundbreaking home club membership which I've had a chance to find out more about and share with you. Originally SaveMoneyCutCarbon were a wholesale retailer but since they have launched the home club they have become a one place shop for individuals who are buying eco swaps.


The Sustainable Swap Box and a years membership to the home club is £49.99. The Sustainable Swap Box is a way of helping you to get started on your eco friendly journey. It gives you ideas on 10 swaps that you can make and samples of products to help you on your way. The box contains the following items: Compostable sponge cloth, beeswax wrap, bamboo toothbrush, a sample of bamboo cotton buds, compostable bin liner, a sample of bamboo plasters, waterflow bag and antibac cleaning drop. Once you have activated your membership you will then be sent the full size eco egg, detox tablet and LED light bulb.


As a home club member you will get unbeatable pricing guaranteed on purchases. Everything eco is all in one place making ease for making your eco friendly purchases. Within a week of activating your membership you receive eco babble which is emails sent to you throughout the year with step by step guides, tips and practical advice to help you to learn and save. 



REVIEW| DERMAVIVE CBD MOISTURISER

Ad – Review. I  was sent the Dermavive CBD moisturiser for review purposes. All thoughts are my own. 

So to begin with I must tell you about my skin in general. I've been lucky with my skin and these days only get the rare spot/blemishes. Since having Blake though there has been one major change to my skin and that is that it is incredibly dry. This has meant that over the past 5 nearly 6 years, I've been trying out different moisturisers in hopes of finding one that really works with hydrating my skin.


For the past 2 weeks I've been trying a new moisturiser out from Nutrivive. Dermavive Premium CBD moisturiser by Nutrivive is a super nourishing moisturiser that is formulated with CBD hemp that’s rich in essential omega-6 and omega-3 acids. It calms and hydrates skin and is infused with Blackberry and Yang Yang.

REVIEW| THE SNARK BY JUSTIN DAVIS

Ad – Review. I  was sent a copy of The Snark for review purposes

I love reading to Blake, especially when it's a new book that I know he will love. We were recently sent a copy of The Snark by Justin Davis which we absolutely love. The Snark is a light hearted story that helps your child with night-time anxieties, suitable for children aged 4-8 years.

About the Author:
This fabulous picture book aimed at young readers is the fifth publication from Justin. His previous books have attracted international praise from adults and young readers alike, and won him a rapidly growing young fan base. Justin lives in Northamptonshire, England, with his wife and three children.


Synopsis:

"What's a Snark?" I hear you cry.

Night-time can be scary, and this delightfully illustrated story shows us how natural those fears and anxieties are. Once children can identify and understand their fears, they can begin to overcome them, and we can all have a good night's sleep! 

 

This story reveals that when we are brave and face our fears, they are often not as scary as we first thought!

 

Told in lyrical prose and with a dash of humour, this light-hearted story will help you and your child deal with night-time anxieties in a safe and reassuring way.


 Blake and I absolutely love this book.  The book is beautifully illustrated with bright and vibrant colours. We love that it's written in a rhyming style and repetitive in parts. Blake definitely is a lot more engaged when it comes to listening to books that have rhyming and/or repetitive elements. After reading a good few times I found Blake was picking up some of the wording and knew when to say certain parts of the story. 

The aim of the book is to help children who have night-time anxieties. Blake is pretty good at night but we do have the odd night here and there where he wakes up crying and we wonder if it's night terrors or maybe he has seen a shadow that has scared him. 

The Snark is about reassuring children. The child in the book thinks he can see and hear a monster but it's not a monster really. On reading the book you will find out what actually is making the child panic.

The Snark is sure to be a fun and engaging read for you and your child. With monsters to find on each page and a fun page at the back to make your own monster. 

You can purchase a copy of The Snark over on 

LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 46/52: APPLE CRUMBLE AND AUTUMN SCENTS

 A day late this week but I can't not do my Little Moment's post. Blake was playing up big time this weekend. I think he has been overtired from school and not liking that we can't really go anywhere.


We've had some cooking apples to use up so as well as batch cooking some apple sauce we made some apple crumble. It's one of my favourite desserts for this time of year especially with custard although it's also great with ice cream.  I recommend trying apple crumble with the limited edition Vientta biscuit caramel ice cream it's so good especially when the ice cream melts a bit.



I also purchased a new autumn candle which I lit for the first time this week. It's autumn glow by Yankee candle. I do love a good autumn scent and this was lovely without being overpowering. I love cosy evenings and lighting a candle really gives me them cosy vibe feelings. 





WAYS TO BEAT A COLD

This time last week I got my covid test results saying I'm negative for the virus. This means the cough and change in my sense of taste was luckily just a cold. 

I seem to catch colds very easily this time of year which leaves me feeling run down. Luckily I've found certain things I do from home can help with easing the symptoms. There are also some great products I've come across too which really help. 


Staying hydrated
I definitely tend to drink lots more water and juice as it helps to loosen congession and  prevent dehydration. I also tend to prefer warmer drinks and soups too.

Rest 
Easier said than done but when you can having a rest really helps. Of course, if you are particularly congested, getting rest might be more difficult than expected. If this proves to be the case, investing in some natural products like CBD oil from Gold Bee can help you to relax and unwind. Just remember if you are considering using any natural remedies then it is important that you do plenty of research first as not all products are suitable for everyone.


Salt water gargle 
Yep this works with easing a sore throat. It's advice  i keep putting off doing and advice I've always been given by a GP. I do find sometimes that lozenges work as well too but not ideal for children to use due to the risk of choaking.

 

BENEFITS OF TAKING UP YOGA

*In collaboration with Pixels 

Yoga is a form of exercise that has many great benefits. There are many different types of yoga practices so anyone can start even if you are a beginner. 

You don't need to go to a class either as you can find videos online. With Yoga you don't need much equipment either - just something comfy to wear, space and yoga mat



Some of the physical benefits of yoga include:

-  Lessens chronic pain such as lower back pain and arthritis

- Lowers your blood pressure 

- Helps to reduce insomnia

- Increases your flexibility, muscle tone and strength

- Improves your energy levels

- Improves your athletic performance and protects you from injuries

- Maintains a balanced metabolism and weight reduction.

- Helps your posture

- Protects your spine

- Lowers your blood sugar

- Helps to improve your balance

As well as the physical benefits yoga is great for your mental health too. Yoga is a great way at relaxing your mind which can ease stress. Stress can have such a negative impact on your body both physically such as aches and pains and mentally. Yoga is also great for helping with anxiety and depression. 


LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 45/52: LOCKDOWN 2.0

 It's been no surprise that we are back into lockdown again in England.I've spent most of the week isolating due to waiting  results of a covid test which luckily has come back negative meaning I don't have the virus. 

Blake was thrilled to be able to go back to school on Thursday since he had to be kept off too. Currently schools are still allowed open and the rules are a bit more lenient than the first lockdown.

It's a bit harder to get out in the fresh air as much this time of year due to rain and cold. But I'm going to try and get out with Blake at the weekends when possible and wrap up warm.


Blake does struggle with being inside and definitely is a child that likes to be outdoors as often as he can. So one of the main things we need to do when it comes to lockdown is keep him busy with various activities, to stop him from getting bored and having a meltdown.

Luckily we have found crafts, games and activity books are a hit with him. Changing what toys he also has out every now and again seems to work too.


WHAT DIFFERENT WALL ART STYLES ARE AVAILABLE

*In collaboration with Fine Art America

Having a range of wall art such as posters, framed prints and even tapestries can make a difference to a room. If you are wanting a change and don't want to necessarily decorate than changing your wall art is a wonderful and simple way to make a difference.

The great thing about wall art is that you can choose from so many different options and styles and find something that is personal to you. We have quite a few different styles of prints in our home from floral to geometric.


TIPS & TRICKS TO HELP DESTRESS

Did you know that it is Stress awareness week? and that in particular today (November 4th) is Stress awareness day?

I'm sure that alot of people right now need to destress more than ever. It's a tough year and with lockdown 2.0 happening, now it means that we need to start thinking of ways to help us as stress can have an impact on our mental health.


Here are some ideas I've compiled to give you a helping hand:

Why Should I Consider Broad Spectrum CBD?

*In collaboration with Quicksilver scientific 

For many, broad spectrum cbd is considered the better choice, because it delivers the full medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant but without the psychoactive effects of Tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is one of more than 113 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. It is a plant that has been used by humans dating as far back as the third millennium BC. The plant now, apart from being of value for its use in making fibre and rope, now has value as a medicine. The oil has medicinal properties that many have not explored yet, and as a result, gone on to suffer without this oil’s help. We shall explore what broad spectrum CBD is, what we can use it to treat, and where we might consider buying it from. It is an alternative treatment, a plant-based treatment, that is not widely publicised yet now widely used, and to great effect and comfort.


LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 44/52:OCTOBER HALF TERM

We've had a rather chilled out half term. We managed to get out and visit a few places and Blake got to his Granny and Jim for a few days too. Because of covid we chose not to make any definite plans as things are changing day by day and now it's been announced that all of us in England will be going back into lockdown as of Thursday. 

I'm self isolating due to a cough and am getting covid test done Monday. I'm pretty sure it's just a cold but it's best to be safe.

So here is what we have got up to the past week.

Monday
We didn't do much at all Blake had lots of free play mainly in his rocket tent which he absolutely loves. My in laws arrived around 4pm and we had a fish and chippy tea.

Tuesday 
We headed out to Shepards Place Farm near Doncaster. We had to book in to use the soft play in advance and they had a slot available for the afternoon so we had McDonald's and then headed there. We had a great time the soft play was kept clean and they had a limit of how many children were allowed in hence why you have to book in advance. The farm was small but it was a lovely little place to look around and we definitely want to visit again.





Wednesday
We headed to Whisby as they had a little pumpkin patch. We had lunch in garden centre cafe first before heading to pick a pumpkin and then to soft play. As like Shepards Place Farm the soft play was kept clean and they had a limit on how many children could access the soft play. Whilst Blake was playing us adults had hot drinks and when Blake wanted a break he had ice cream.  We then headed outside to see the animals. As it was the in laws last day with us we had dinner out in the evening at a local restaurant. 

Thursday 
We were exhausted from 2 days of full on fun, especially Blake. So we decided to just have a day of relaxing on the sofa watching Halloween films to pass the time. 

Friday
Woke up with a sore throat and a bad cough. Decided to book for a covid test for safety and have been sent a postal test to do on Monday.
So Friday was spent with lots of free play and watching films.





 

LIKES & LOVES| OCTOBER 2020

October has been a fairly good month. We've had a few fun days out during half term, watched Halloween films and done some Halloween crafts too. 

Films and Series

We've watched quite a few films this month and been making our way through some of the Halloween/Spooky films mentioned here.

There are also some great films and shows I've watched that have recently come out on Netflix too:

- American Murder: The Family Next Door

- The Haunting of Bly Manor 

- Slender Man 

- Hubie Halloween 

- Rebecca 


Whisby Animal Park

Whisby is one of our favourite places to go especially when family are up to visit. We headed there this month to pick a pumpkin and use the play facilities that were open.


Shepards Place Farm
This month we also headed to a nearby farm to enjoy some fresh air, spotting animals and a bit of soft play. It was lovely to visit a place new to us and we will definitely go again.


Halloween Crafts

Rock painting
This was an activity I had planned to do with Blake but he unfortunately had no interest and so I ended up doing them on my own. I did 3 different designs and my favourite has to be this Mummy one pictured below.


Pumpkin Painting
As Blake wasn't interested in the rock painting I thought a simple pumpkin painting would be best so I drew a pumpkin and let him paint it.



Mummy Jar Tea Light Holder 

We have plenty of empty glass jars so decided to use one to make this fun mummy tea light holder. All we needed other than the jar is glue, a bandage and googly eyes. 


Chocolate Orange 
I've been loving Chocolate Orange this month especially the Giant Chocolate Orange buttons from Cadbury and the Chocolate Orange fingers. 

Cinnamon Swirls 
We made cinnamon swirls the other week. We did use  jus rol ones but they were delicious and would definitely next time want to have a go from scratch.



2020 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN OCTOBER

October has been ok reading month, more prompts for the popsugar reading challenge have been ticked off.


The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 
I picked The Bell Jar for the prompt a book written in the 20th century. It's a classic I had been meaning to read for awhile so I'm glad I managed to fit it in for the challenge. In case you haven't heard of The Bell Jar it's about the life of Esther Greenwood who is a college student who dreams of becoming a poet. She is selected for a month long internship at ladies day magazine. But in New York she struggles with her identity and societal norms. 


REVIEW| COOL MAKER GO GLAM NAIL SALON AND HOLLYWOOD HAIR EXTENSION MAKER

Ad – Review. I was sent the Cool Maker sets  for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Self care and having a  pamper tends to be something you hear about adults needing to make time for. However it's something children also love to do as well. These Cool Create sets I have been sent are ideal for that. As a child I would've loved these sets as I was really into having my hair and nails done.


The first product I want to share with you is the Go Glam Nail Salon. This at home nail studio includes everything you need to decorate 125 nails of any size. You can easily stamp and style custom manicures and pedicures and it even includes a built in nail dryer.

LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 43/52: CINNAMON SWIRLS AND HALLOWEEN CRAFTS

 Thursday Blake broke up for half term and so we are making the most of it. We have the in laws visiting us next week for a few days and are looking forward to pumpkin picking etc.

Friday we made cinnamon swirls and they were absolutely delicious. We didn't make them from scratch but instead used the Jus-Rol premade dough which you can get six out of. Next time I definitely want us to have a go making them from scratch. 



We have also had lots of fun doing some Halloween crafts together on Saturday. They were all pretty simple to do.

The Mummy tea light holder was simply a jar that we cleaned out. I spread glue all over the jar and then we wound bandage around the jar and added more glue over the top. Once dry we added the two googly eyes. You could use self adhesive bandage and googly eyes but we didn't have them in.



I decided to have a go at doing some spooky stone painting. I did this on my own as Blake wasn't interested. All you need is stones and paint. I painted a base coat on all of the stones and then let them dry before using acrylic paint pens to do the spider, mummy and pumpkin designs . I wish I had decided to do another layer of base coat but they still look good. All I've got to do now is seal them using either modge pod or varnish.






Last of all I drew a pumpkin on a sheet of paper for Blake and then let him paint it with his paintsticks. Such a simple idea and Blake loved it.



HALLOWEEN 2020 PLANS: STAYING HOME

Halloween is definitely going to be different for a lot of people this year. For us Halloween has always been pretty low key.

If you love Halloween and you feel covid is spoiling your plans than I have some ideas of things you can get up to at home. There are some things we do each year and some ideas we are going to start doing featured to.


 

LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 42/52: MCDONALD'S

We had an update on how Blake is getting on at school. He is doing really well and has started playing with other children, being good at listening and trying new foods. He has also been talking alot more and so we decided to let him have a treat.



Blake loves McDonald's chips and so we decided to take him there as his treat. We still find it so strange at how quiet it is inside and that we are able to get a seat. Before covid it was always packed and hard to find anywhere to sit. Where we live is medium risk and so getting use to track and trace is a thing now too. McDonald's is one of them treats I looked forward to as a child too.




LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 41/52: WEARING YELLOW FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

In the week I had an email from Blake's school that on Friday they wanted us to encourage him to wear a yellow top to school. This was because of World Mental Health Day being on the Saturday and they were planning to do a special assembly to raise awareness.



Luckily Blake has a mustard yellow top and jumper as it's a colour I love for the autumn season. On Friday when we popped him into them he was a bit confused and we tried to explain to him what was happening. He was eventually OK with the idea but wouldn't let me take a photo.

 I think it's great that school chose to raise awareness for World Mental Health Day. I feel it's such an important topic as it's not just adults that struggle with their mental health. I wish as a child I had known more about depression and anxiety as it would've been a big help to understand what I was feeling as at times I felt awfully alone.

AUTUMN 2020 BUCKET LIST

Autumn is in full swing and today I'm finally getting around to writing up my autumn/fall bucket list. I'm looking forward to ticking them off especially as it's my favourite season.



LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 40/52: COSY EVENING'S

This past week I've really been enjoying the cosy evenings a lot more. I've definitely noticed the darker evenings and it's definitely been raining alot more. It's been much colder too although we've had to put the heating on only a few times so far. One thing I do miss is that our house doesn't have a fire. We used to have an electric one at the flat we lived in but here the fireplace is blocked off with tiles. 


My perfect cosy evenings have been either under a thermal blanket on the sofa or wrapped up in bed. I'm loving getting in my pj's a bit earlier or wearing a thick cosy jumper and socks are a must. I've loved eating stews and casseroles and drinking hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows. Once I've been feeling all warm and cosy I've been either reading or watching a film/show on Netflix. 

How have you been spending your evenings recently?