It's no secret that photography styles are a hot topic in the creative community as we get ready for an exciting new year. From abstract to black-and-white and beyond, finding new ways to express your creative side through your camera constantly evolves. While these styles may seem intimidating, they're not so bad once you get the hang of them. Here are some trending styles that will add value to your portfolio. Saul Leiter Photography Style Saul Leiter is one of the world's most famous and well-known photographers. He has been featured in numerous ... read more
The Hidden Benefits of Playing Games Online
Playing video games wouldn't be considered one of the most educating past-times to be taking part in, but it's still something that shouldn't be overlooked. Video games have the ability to teach people in many different ways, you've just got to give them a chance in most instances. Some people are so firm on the fact that video games have nothing to offer the growing mind, but that isn't true at all. As a matter of fact, video games could even help improve the cognitive functions of senior citizens – when they're constantly problem-solving and keeping their mind/fingers nimble, it's bound to ... read more
As easy as riding a bike…
Do you remember learning to ride a bike? For years I struggled so much with balancing, then one day I was round at a friends house on a playdate and somehow I just mastered it. I've still no idea how I did it, but things just clicked and the next thing I knew I was happily riding around her garden as if I'd been doing it for years. There's something about riding a bicycle that I just love. A sense of freedom as you ride along with the wind in your hair. Or more accurately nowadays, with the wind rushing past your aerodynamically designed cycling helmet! It may not have the same romantic ... read more
My inspiring WI Summer
Yes, I know it's October. And mid-October at that, but I'm still catching up with the very, very long list of things that have been going on in my life that I want to capture here. In a way the summer seems like it was a life-time ago, but strangely it also feels like only a couple of days since it started. And boy did the summer start with a bit of a bang! I've blogged several times on here about the things that I've been getting up to at the lovely Herts Belles WI group that I joined here in St Albans a couple of years ago. Up until earlier this year though I only really went along to ... read more
Ladybird Tuesday: Christmas Special!
Ladybird Tuesday often goes a bit AWOL over the festive period, but seeing as I always mean, but fail, to do a round up of Ladybird inspire gifts before each Christmas I though that instead I'd do a quick round up of the Ladybird presents I was lucky enough to receive on Christmas day. First up was a gift from my husband that I'd actually put on my Christmas list - The Ladybird Story. This book started life as a PhD thesis on the history of Ladybird books and whilst it is written very much in an academic style, it is completely fascinating. I've not yet had the time to read it all ... read more
Review: Pamper Parcels
It's is exhausting being a mum. To be honest I'm finding having a four year old and a two year old more exhausting than the newborn days. There are still some sleepless nights, but there's also all the stuff that needs doing in the daytime. Masses of laundry, school homework, forms that need returning, pre-school visits to do, school run, nursery run, swimming lessons, playgroup, shopping, cleaning, school uniform to mend, school shoes to buy, the daily routine of getting through meals and bath and bed time. It can feel like an endless treadmill. Christmas just adds to the workload. There ... read more
A morning of pampering at the Verulamium Spa
Every so often an email appears in my inbox that I just have to jump and answer in a split second and an invitation to spend a morning at the Verulamium Spa was one such email! Ever since the new Westminster Lodge leisure centre opened in St Albans I have been a regular visitor. Little Miss C does weekly swimming lessons there, we go swimming there as a family and the kids have attended several other classes and events there. In all that time I've walked past the entrance to the Verulamium Spa, but it wasn't until Tuesday this week that I finally stepped through the door and discovered that ... read more