LIFE UPDATE/ ROUND UP: FEBRUARY 2025

February flew by as always, with the mornings getting lighter and it starting to finally feel a bit warmer my mood has definitely improved. Our 13th Anniversary was on the 4th and we decided to just have a takeaway in the evening to celebrate. Half term was a busy one with days out and a few events that were on etc.



Days out/Events

- The first event we went to this month was the Time by Luxmuralis at the Lincoln Cathedral. It was an impressive light show. B wore ear muffs to help with how loud it was and was completely fine there and loved it. 

- We went for a little walk at Owlett Woods near Blyton followed by some food including ice cream at Blyton Ice Cream. 

- B asked to go bowling during half term. One game is enough for him before he gets bored and he likes going to the arcade bit after. 

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a New Front Door

*This is a collaborative post 


When it comes to your home’s exterior, your front door plays a crucial role in both the aesthetics and functionality of the space. A new front door such as bespoke timber front doors can transform your home’s kerb appeal, increase security, and enhance energy efficiency. But with so many materials, styles, and features to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect new front door for your home. 



Consider the Material
The material of your front door is one of the most important aspects to consider, as it influences durability, security, insulation, and style. Here are some of the most popular options:

uPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride): uPVC doors are affordable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient. They come in a variety of designs and colours and are great for homeowners looking for a long-lasting, cost-effective option.


Aluminium Doors: Known for their sleek and modern aesthetic, aluminium doors are incredibly durable and low-maintenance. They offer excellent security features and are also highly energy-efficient, as they can be designed with thermal breaks to improve insulation.


Composite Doors: Made from a blend of materials, composite doors offer the best of both worlds: the classic look of wood with the durability and low-maintenance qualities of uPVC or aluminium. They’re a great option for security and energy efficiency.


Style and Design
Whether your home is modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, there’s a door design that will fit perfectly. Some key considerations include:

Traditional Styles: If your home features classic brickwork or a cottage-style look, opt for a traditional door designed to resemble wood. Choose a classic panelled or half-glazed door to maintain the charm.


Contemporary Styles: For modern homes, sleek and minimalist aluminium or composite doors are great options. Choose a full-glazed or side-light design to maximise natural light and create an open, airy feel.


Custom Features: Don’t forget to think about any additional features that can make your front door truly unique. This could include decorative glass panels, custom hardware, or unique finishes like stained or frosted glass.


Security Features
Your front door is the first line of defense against intruders, so ensuring it’s secure is paramount. Look for doors that offer:

Multi-point Locking Systems: These are standard in high-quality doors and provide superior security by locking at multiple points along the frame.


Quality Locking Cylinder: Opt for a door that has a good-quality locking system, for example an ABS lock like those offered on composite doors from Trade Window Centre.


Reinforced Materials: Choose a door with reinforced or solid construction, especially if you’re opting for composite door.

The Best Ways to Add More Greenery to Your Home

*This is a collaborative post 

Adding more greenery to your home is one of the simplest ways to create a refreshing and calming atmosphere. Whether you have a spacious garden, a compact balcony, or just a few windowsills, there are plenty of ways to bring plants into your living space. Not only do they enhance the aesthetics of your home, but they also improve air quality and contribute to well-being.

For those looking to embrace more greenery, the key is finding the right balance between indoor and outdoor planting while making the most of the space available. Whether it's through houseplants, hanging baskets, or a dedicated growing area, even small changes can make a big difference.



Using Houseplants for a Natural Touch

Houseplants are one of the easiest ways to introduce greenery into your home, requiring minimal effort while offering plenty of benefits. They help purify the air, boost mood, and add a natural element to any space. Some plants, like snake plants and pothos, are excellent for beginners, as they thrive in low light and require little watering.

For those who enjoy a touch of colour, flowering houseplants such as peace lilies or orchids are great options. Meanwhile, herbs like basil and mint can be kept on a kitchen windowsill for easy access while cooking. Here’s a simple guide to some of the best indoor plants based on care level:


Placing plants in the right location ensures they grow well and complement your home decor. If space is limited, wall-mounted planters or floating shelves can help maximise the available room while keeping plants in optimal conditions.

Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space

Even a small outdoor space can be transformed into a green sanctuary with the right approach. Whether you have a compact patio, a narrow balcony, or a modest garden, there are clever ways to maximise greenery without overcrowding the area.

One of the most effective solutions is vertical gardening. Using wall-mounted planters, trellises, or hanging baskets allows plants to grow upwards rather than taking up valuable ground space. This is particularly useful for small gardens or balconies, where every inch counts. Herbs, strawberries, and even small tomatoes thrive in hanging containers, while climbing plants like clematis and jasmine add beauty and fragrance to walls or fences.

Another option is to use raised beds and container gardening. Not only do these allow for more control over soil quality and drainage, but they also make it easier to move plants around as needed. Containers work well for seasonal flowers, compact shrubs, and edible plants, offering flexibility in how greenery is arranged throughout the year.


For families with children, incorporating kid-friendly planting areas can make gardening a fun activity. Letting children grow their own sunflowers, strawberries, or even a small vegetable patch encourages outdoor play and hands-on learning.

VALENTINES DAY ON A BUDGET

Valentines day is now only a few days away. It's a time for celebrating love and the connection with those that are dear to us. You don't have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentines day. You can celebrate the day with your children, family or friends or even by yourself as self love is important too. Whoever you decide to spend the day with , remember that you don't need to spend a small fortune on gifts and days out as you can do Valentines day on a budget.

Doing Valentines day on a budget can be fun and a way to save money. So here are some ideas of some cheap ways to spend time together with those that mean the most.


Dinner and a movie at home
Dinner and a movie is a date night classic. However, if you book to go to a restaurant and cinema then it can get pricey pretty quickly. Instead set up a candle lit dinner at home and find a film on whatever streaming service you use. If you don't fancy cooking from scratch together, than supermarket dine in deals are a great option for when it's just the two of you. Most supermarkets now offer high quality dine in deals where you get a starter, main, side, dessert and either a bottle of wine or soft drink.


Have a game night
We love game nights in our home. If you have the kids with you,  you can get out a family friendly game to play together. Don't just think board and card games for a game night think video games if they are more your thing and even a murder mystery game is a fun option for adults to get into.


Take a scenic stroll
A simple stroll through a park or woodland is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Grab a hot drink and enjoy the fresh air together. Whether you opt for an early morning walk or sunset stroll,  being outside together away from screens and chatting is a brilliant way to connect.

LIFE UPDATE/ ROUND UP: JANUARY 2025

January definitely felt like such a long slog of a  month. Having something to look forward to each week has really helped with my mental health this past month. I'm definitely looking forward to when the days start to be more lighter and the weather warms up. It's definitely been a rather dark and cold month. 




Days out

Land of lights Milton Keynes 
As we were visiting Stuart's mum for a few days we booked in advance to go to the Land of Lights in Milton Keynes. It was incredible and definitely worthwhile going to! Its similar to the Winter Illuminations we went to at Yorkshire Wildlife Park a few years ago. So a walking trail where you see a stunning collection of beautiful lanterns and light displays. 


The Arcade Warehouse 
A new arcade place has opened up in Gainsborough so we headed there on opening day. For £5 per person you get to spend 2 hours playing free play arcade games. We will definitely be back and can see it being popular, especially during the school holidays.




Things I've watched and read in January 

Watched 

I've been to the cinema twice in January. The first was with Stuart at the start of the month. We made use of our Amazon Prime benefit of 2 tickets for £10 with Odeon. We saw Sonic the Hedgehog 3 which was brilliant! I feel that each of the Sonic movies have just got better and better.


Then I went on a solo trip to our local cinema that does tickets for £4.99 per person and saw Wicked. I'm so glad I got out of my comfort zone by going on my own and the movie was amazing! I can't wait for the second one to come out later this year. 


I finally got around to watching It ends with us based on the book by Colleen Hoover. Although I liked it i feel the book was better. 


Family movie wise we watched Inside Out 2 which we had got Blake on DVD for his Birthday. 


Last of all I binged watched Missing You over on Netflix which is based on the book of the same name by Harlan Coben. I've surprisingly not actually watched anything else on Netflix in January.