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lifestyle

Festive fingerprint cards

December 15, 2018

It seems that every day this week I’ve come home covered in glitter and glue. ‘Tis the season for carols, chaos and crafts. Especially in school; when normal lessons seem to be put aside and everything is coated in Christmas. We’ve decorated the tree in our classroom, learned the words to countless Christmas songs, and (tried) to embrace the festive spirit of sharing and being caring. Its funny now that I can look at Christmas from their perspective, it reminds me of how exciting it all was when I was young. I loved this time of year; the buzz, the lights at a dark time. Continue Reading

Dogs lifestyle thoughts and dreams

The Fall Report

November 16, 2018

You know I once hated this season. I’m a summer girl; bright sunshine, long warm days, cloudless skies. But I’ve slowly started liking Fall. And this year in Bergen, surrounded by auburn and marigold colored leaves and spiralling sycamore seeds, I decided Fall was beautiful too. Some of the sunrises; getting ready to cycle to work, dawn breaking. And the glorious evening sunlight bathing everything in a rich, buttery glow. There were still so many days of lovely weather, too. But you started to feel the shift, that it might be warm in the day, but evening’s cold air would creep in sooner and sooner. And during the week of my half-term break, it was clear what season was in charge.

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Holland lifestyle

Bergen by bike

October 24, 2018

Biking isn’t the same to me as running, and I do miss my long runs outside. But when in Holland, bike. And I’m glad I finally got back on mine, literally. On a perfect autumn day, there is just something about free-wheeling along the tree lined lanes, wind in your hair, sunglasses on. Biking to and from school each day is so quick, just ten minutes. Five minutes on two wheels to the town. In Holland, where biking is more like a form of transport, its easy and safe. Continue Reading

Holland lifestyle thoughts and dreams

Beginning in Bergen

September 30, 2018

So today I saw five wire-haired daschunds. Each being walked by someone different, so I know they weren’t all the same one. And yesterday I saw another three, last weekend I saw at least six others. I’m not kidding, I’ve never seen so many daschunds in my life, let alone in one small town. Continue Reading

destinations Dogs Holland lifestyle thoughts and dreams

Late summer Zeeland

August 31, 2018

That funny time of year in Europe. When the heat hangs on, but the sun takes longer to surface in the mornings, and the moon is still a feature of the sky when you first step outside. The last week of my admittedly very long summer holiday. It was hard to leave family in England, but the dogs were along for the final ride. A week in Bruinisse, a chance to enjoy our soon-to-be-home, before I started my first real job. Continue Reading

Dogs lifestyle thoughts and dreams

Summer Tails

June 22, 2018

You know its rare that I say this but sometimes it really is nice not to travel. At least, not during the summer when you have a huge garden and patio and the roads are crowded and the airports stuffy. Of course, there’s the weather to consider. It might never get as hot as the continent, or as bone-dry as Southern Europe, but as we like to say, rain and stuff just tend to ‘blow over’ and not linger too long. Hence, a summer at home. Which also makes sense since this is likely our last summer in Norfolk.  Continue Reading

lifestyle

Redwings and I

June 14, 2018

There are not many places I can say I keep returning to, but Redwings is one of them. We have been going to see the horsies for at least 10 years now. Prune has celebrated her birthday there, Suzi just paid her first visit. And I’m sure, this summer, we will be back. Continue Reading

Dogs lifestyle thoughts and dreams

The Dogs

April 20, 2018

Those two monkeys never fail to make me laugh. I think I appreciate them even more when I’ve been away, and all their funny little quirks. This Easter we did a lot together- Holland, with Suzi lying on my lap and Prune resting her head on her in the car. Exploring the dykes, watching boats at the marina. Redwings, Suzi’s first time meeting the horses. Enjoying the garden and the new patio- sunny spring days meant the three of us could be outside often. And of course, drives in the Mini- those two love leaping in for an adventure. Continue Reading

lifestyle

Origami Spring flowers

March 26, 2018

Spring has sprung supposedly, although I’m not so sure this part of the world has gotten the memo. Even if there are no blooms yet where you are, you can add a bit of flower power to your room with paper. Its time for an origami masterclass- introducing the Spring bouquet.

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lifestyle

Origami animals

February 12, 2018

Since the kids had Japan as their topic in school, origami was obviously on the menu. You all know what an arts and crafts nerd I am so I wanted to practice before showing my class how to do the folding. Needless to say, I got addicted to this seemingly simple art form, which I found is very relaxing. I thought I’d share some of my favorite things to make in a few of my posts, starting with some animals. Here they are, from the easiest to most challenging. If my P7s could do it, anyone can. Trust me. Continue Reading