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The Christmas Holiday By Phillipa Ashley Book Review

I apologise now for any or all mentions of the word Christmas in this blog post, but with a lot going on in life and work I just have to go with whatever calls to me in my reading pile, which this time was The Christmas Holiday by Phillipa Ashley.  Released last year, this book will always have a special place in my bookish heart because I helped with some crafting inspiration for it, and to see my name in the credits of this paperback is something I will always treasure. I was so excited to see how and where my ideas were used, but managed to control my impatience and not skip any pages. Although I have been a member of Phillipa's Facebook group for a while, this is my first read of hers  (have another in my reading pile) so I opened this book with a mix of anticipation and a slight fear of the unknown - I really wanted to love the book I helped with! And love it I did. It made a refreshing change to read a novel set in the Lake District, and also one which wasn't just a stere

Hobbycraft Lino Printing Online Workshop Review

 One of the things that has been great to see now we have come through the worst of the Covid pandemic, has been companies continuing with the online activities they launched during the lockdowns. Hobbycraft now offer a wide range of workshops online and in-store through the year, and I recently took part in an online lino printing workshop, so I thought I'd blog a bit more about what's on offer and the workshop I took part in. What workshops are on offer?  These vary through the year, and can involve seasonal, adults, and kid's workshops in-store and online. If you click on the workshops you are interested in finding out more about, you can find out about what's included in the price, what you'll learn, and the available workshop dates, there's also the opportunity to request private events for groups. While I'm writing this, there are workshops on Cricut, watercolour painting, knitting, paint pouring, seasonal wreath making, using clay, sewing, and a new

Hocus Pocus 2 Film Review

Halloween is one of my favourite times of year for films, and I've loved all the witch and wizard magical, spooky-themed films since I was young. I was really looking forward to seeing Hocus Pocus 2, but I had no idea what to expect from the sequel. Would they pick up where they left off in 1993, move on a bit but with a strong connection to the original, or do something completely different? This Disney + release turned out to be the latter, and I found myself watching a modern-day Salem on screen. The old town is now a 'historic district' which has the air of a novel tourist attraction, complete with a mystical magic shop which presents the story of Salem and the Sanderson Sisters as some kind of commercial entertainment enterprise - hear the story, buy some magical merch.  The detail in Gilbert's shop and his stage show presentation are very apt for the modern day, and the feeling that the Sanderson sister's legend has become less powerful and more humorous myth

Get Packing Family Game Review

It's already June, and I have only just logged on to blogger for the first time this year. It just goes to show how life can run away with you. I'm going to do a life update kind of post another time, but for now, wanted to use some free time (escaping the heat of the sun for a bit) to do something fun. It's been interesting now we have a (growing up way too quick) child in the house which games we've bought, kept, revisited and still enjoy as a family, and Get Packing is definitely one of those.  Its bright colourful box suggested this is every inch a kid's game, but don't be fooled, this really is one all the family can enjoy, and come back to long after you've first bought it. The premise seems simple, with each player having a small suitcase that needs packing for a trip to a certain destination, but it's not as simple as it looks. Not only are there three different levels to play, with multiple destination cards in each, but you have to fit all kind

Beach House Summer - Sarah Morgan Book Review *gifted

Hi everyone, I am slowly getting back into blogging after a break, my nan passed away a few months ago and work has been really busy, but it's good to get back into posting, and there's much more going on around here to hopefully see, photograph and share with you all. I was lucky enough to be invited to join the blog tour for Beach House Summer, the latest release by Sarah Morgan recently, although too much screen time and late arrival of my review copy mean I am a little behind posting, so I am sorry for that, but let's get into the review. Beach House Summer follows the story of Joanna Whitman, the ex of celebrity chef Cliff Whitman. When Cliff passes away she discovers another secret from a marriage full of secrets and lies; he left behind a daughter. The story follows Joanna connecting with Ashley, Cliff's daughter, and a pregnant, vulnerable young lady. Joanna takes Ashley under her wing and whisks her off for a 'Beach House Summer' that neither of them wi

Birthday Present Card Project

Hey Everyone, I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine. I've been meaning to post some more papercraft projects and ideas on my blog for a while now, but I couldn't decide what to do or write about. I recently bought some gift tags from Doodle Bugs Handmade at a small business & craft market where I live, and I thought whatever use I have for them would be a good blog. For some reason, I've always struggled a bit using gift tags in the past, and I'm not quite sure why. I just end up laying them out in so many different positions and am never happy with how they look. With this project, I decided to make a card to look like a birthday present, with a tag and bow as if you are looking at something wrapped up. It's quite a simple idea, but I love the end result, and the easier use of a gift tag - no procrastinating with this card! I'll put the instructions below so you can try it out for yourself. I'm already planning on trying it out again, this time for