Mums Make The World Go Round

Mums really do make the world go round!  If I ever have a problem, or need advice my mum is the first person I turn to, and she always knows what's best.  I can appreciate this even more now that I'm a mum too, it really is a 24 hour job no matter what age your child is!

For this you will need:

1 A4 piece of paper

A circular stencil

Letter stamps

1 picture frame

Pencil and eraser

Firstly choose the size you want your circle to be.  I improvised and drew around a tea cup as I didn't have a compass, but this worked just as well!  Then, spacing the letters generously, begin stamping your message, turning the page as you go to ensure even wording.   Add a heart, or whatever else you'd like in the centre in a contrasting colour, and erase the stencil lines, taking care not to smudge the ink.

Lastly, cut down to size and frame to finish.

Simple, cheap yet thoughtful :)

Much love,

Michelle x

Upcycled - Jars into Tea Lights

There are tons of old baby food jars lying around our home.  Some are now vases, others store buttons, ribbon, pens and a whole assortment of other odds and ends.  I think I have a problem with throwing things away.

Now I've found yet another use; shabbychic tea lights!

You will need:
1 glass jar
2 or more roles of Washi Tape
1 tea light

Firstly clean the jar and remove any labels and glue.  Then using the Washi Tape, simply wind the tape around the jar to decorate.  

Lastly, pop in a candle and enjoy your new upcycled shabbychic tea light!  Use one on its own, or group three or four different sizes together to create a display.

Great for your own home or for an extra Mothers Day gift :)

The vanilla scented candle smells delicious

Much love,

Michelle x 

The Butterfly House

Noah and Nana at Ashton Memorial

It's days like these that are why I love being a stay at home mum.   At 19 months Noah is at such a great age; he's learning and accomplishing new things every day.  My time with him is now more rewarding than ever, and our days varied and exciting.  From exploring the park, to family hikes and afternoons at the train station watching the 'Choo Choo's', both he and I are eager for any new experiences.

This week, our best adventure was at Lancaster's Butterfly House.  Lancaster has a long history and we even have Roman ruins here, but architecturally speaking it's predominantly an Edwardian city.  Ashton Memorial dominates the city skyline, and at its base stands the Butterfly House.

The Butterfly House, picture courtesy of Lancaster Council

One of the many species of Butterfly to be found within the house.

Its light-filled entrance was striking, as was the humidity.  At only £3.50 per adult, we will be frequent visitors on cold or rainy days! Noah ran off excess energy along the leafy paths and even recognised the butterflies from one of his favourite books; 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' - Though admittedly he was more fascinated with the Koi Carp!  Included in the centre is also a Mini Beast House (although these are less photogenic) and both an Avery and Mammal House.  

I've fallen in love with the high ceiling and spiral stairs, the storey high windows, the rain forest canopy and the creeping vines.  The best adventures are always those that provide a little escapism, and discovering a rainforest in the centre of a city was exactly this!  It was as though we had stepped suddenly into another world. (I don't think I'll ever outgrow my imagination!)

It was a fantastic day out, and yet another reason why I love Lancaster.

Much love,

Michelle x