Experience Swim Serpentine 2023 Being a Slow Swimmer

This is my experience of Swim Serpentine 2023 as a slow swimmer. Regular readers will know that the Swim Serpentine was cancelled in 2022 due to the tragic passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. Then we had the option to refund or defer in 2023 due to blue algae. This actually made things a bit … Read more

Swim Serpentine: Training and Planning for Slow Swimmers

For those who do not know Swim Serpentine is part of the London Classics, along with running the London Marathon (even virtually) and Ride London (100). However, you have to do the 2 mile distance to qualify. One of my friends had looked at previous results and declared that we could do it quicker than … Read more

About Our National Express Nightmare for Swim Serpentine

The day of Swim Serpentine had arrived after various setbacks. Seven us of had a coach booked with National Express because I felt that it was the best, most stress-free way to travel. This was even before the train strikes. How wrong was I! I will begin by saying that National Express have offered us … Read more

Why Standon Calling Festival is the Ultimate Family Experience

We were invited to Standon Calling Festival this year and last. Standon Calling Festival is a remarkable event that perfectly blends music, arts, and community spirit. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the vibrant world of Standon Calling and explore why it has become one of the most beloved festivals around. From its captivating … Read more

What to Know about National Outdoor Expo Birmingham NEC

This March I went along to the National Outdoor Expo at the NEC. Attending briefly on both the Saturday and Sunday and thought I would share with you my experience. This is of course to inform you if you want to attend in later years, but also as a reminder for myself! About The National … Read more

Back to Work After a Long Break & What It’s Like

Sixteen years ago this July I went on maternity leave. In the end I opted not to return as it would make breastfeeding more difficult, and the eldest was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome that year and needed extra support. Since then we have managed on any disability related benefits and my husband’s wage. But now … Read more

How Did the February Spends Go?!

For those who saw my previous post on January spends you will know that I have been trying to keep a closer eye on where our money is going. Hence this February spends recap – which is more for me than any readers but I thought why not update you too. Those of you who … Read more

January Spends – How Well My Trying Not to Spend Went!

Spoiler alert our January Spends were still high despite trying to cut back in order to catch up on my post Christmas Credit card bill! This January I decided to try to cut back on spending. In order to help with this I wrote down every time I spent money. Then I added on the … Read more

What you Need for the First School Skiing Trip

What you need for the school skiing trip covers what you need to pack and how to help prepare physically. Let’s face it when it comes to sending your children off on their own you do not want to get it wrong. Especially if they are going to get wet and cold in a foreign … Read more