The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and rewarding post-16 qualifications available. Unlike many other curricula that focus primarily on end-of-year exams, the IB DP employs a holistic approach to evaluation. This system doesn’t just measure what a student knows, it assesses how they think, how they apply knowledge to real-world scenarios, and how they manage independent research. Understanding the specific mechanics of this assessment is the first step toward academic success. While the workload is famously intense, the right strategies can make the journey far more manageable for every learner. Read along to discover the unique features of the IB DP and how you can master your revision. A Balanced Mix of Internal and External Assessment One of the defining features of the IB DP is its dual assessment model. Most subjects are graded through a combination of internal assessments (IAs) and external examinations. IAs are typically coursework projects, such as science lab reports, historical investigations, or oral presentations, which are marked by your own teachers and then moderated by the IB. This allows you to demonstrate your skills in a controlled, non-exam environment. External assessments, on the other hand, consist of the traditional written papers taken at the end of the two-year course. These are marked by independent examiners to ensure global consistency. Because your final grade depends on both, it’s vital to treat your coursework with the same level of importance as your final revision. If you manage these tasks early, you’ll find that the final exam period is much less daunting. The Influence of the IB Core The IB DP is unique because of its three mandatory core components: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). These elements are designed to develop critical thinking and research skills that go beyond standard subject boundaries. The EE is a 4,000-word independent research project, while TOK asks you to reflect on the nature of knowledge itself. These core elements contribute up to three points to your total diploma score, but their real value lies in the academic discipline they instill. For many students, balancing these projects alongside six subjects requires exceptional time management. To help you stay on track with these complex requirements, Save My Exams provides syllabus-specific resources created by expert teachers to simplify your preparation for the IB DP. Using such expert-led study tools ensures you’re focusing on the exact criteria examiners are looking for. Mastering IB Command Terms In an IB exam, it’s not enough to simply know the facts. You must understand exactly what the question is asking you to do. The IB uses specific command terms such as evaluate, analyse, contrast, or to what extent. Each of these terms requires a different style of response. For instance, if a question asks you to outline, a brief summary is sufficient, but discuss, requires a balanced argument with supporting evidence. Students often lose marks because they don’t tailor their answers to these specific instructions. To avoid this, you should familiarise yourself with the command term glossary for each of your subjects. When you practice with past papers, pay close attention to how the mark scheme rewards different types of responses based on the verb used in the question. Strategic Preparation and Revision Tips Success in the IB DP is a marathon, not a sprint, so your preparation should reflect that. Effective revision involves moving away from passive reading and toward active recall. Testing yourself regularly is the best way to ensure information sticks. Here are a few ways to structure your study: Break the syllabus down into small, manageable chunks and use it as a checklist to track your progress. Practice with past exam papers under timed conditions to improve your speed and get used to the exam format. Use flashcards for key terms and formulae to help with quick-fire memory retrieval. Focus on your Higher Level (HL) subjects early, as these contain more in-depth content and complex theories. Don’t ignore your Standard Level (SL) subjects. Consistent performance across all six groups is key to a high total score. Closing Message The IB DP assessment is unique because it values academic breadth and independent inquiry as much as exam performance. By understanding the weight of internal assessments, mastering the core components, and learning the nuances of exam command terms, you can approach your finals with confidence. Remember that consistency is your greatest asset. If you start your revision early and use high-quality, teacher-made resources, you’ll find that even the most complex topics become easy to handle.

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Before You Redecorate an Older Room, Check the Windows First Redecorating an older room is one of those projects that feels wonderfully satisfying at the start. You choose new paint colours, look at fabric samples, save ideas for curtains, perhaps even plan a fresh layout for the furniture. In a family home, it can feel like a small reset: a colder bedroom becomes a cosy retreat, a tired living room becomes more welcoming, and a neglected spare room finally starts to earn its place. But in older British homes, especially Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian properties, there is one feature that is easy to overlook until the work is already finished: the windows. Original timber windows are often part of the charm of the room, but they can also be the reason fresh paint does not last, new curtains do not solve the cold, and the finished space still feels a little uncomfortable. If your room has sash windows, casement windows or original wooden frames, it is worth checking them before you start decorating. A previous guide on sash tweaks explains how small window improvements can help with bills and comfort. This article looks at the step before that: what to notice before the dust sheets go down and the decorating begins. Why windows matter before decorating It is natural to think of decorating as a surface job. Paint, wallpaper, shelves, curtains, flooring and accessories all change how a room looks. Yet the success of a room makeover often depends on what is happening underneath and around those surfaces. Windows sit at the point where the outside world meets the room. They deal with rain, wind, changing temperatures, condensation, sunlight and daily use. In an older property, timber frames may have been repaired, repainted and adjusted many times over the decades. Some may still be in excellent condition. Others may look acceptable from a distance but have hidden gaps, softened timber, cracked putty or paint that is no longer properly protecting the wood. If these issues are ignored, the room may look lovely for a few months but still feel draughty, noisy or damp around the edges. In some cases, moisture problems around the window can spoil new paintwork, stain curtains or make the room harder to keep warm. The common mistake: decorating around the problem One of the most common mistakes in older homes is treating the window as part of the background. The walls are repainted, the skirting boards are freshened up, new blinds are fitted, and the old window is simply wiped down and left as it is. At first, this can seem sensible. If the window still opens and closes, why disturb it? But original timber windows often give early warning signs before they become a bigger issue. A sash that rattles in the wind, a frame that feels cold to the touch, flaking paint on the sill, blackened sealant or a musty smell around the reveal can all suggest that the window needs attention. Decorating over these signs rarely solves them. It usually hides them for a short while. Once winter arrives, or once condensation builds up again, the same marks can return and the room may feel unfinished despite the money already spent. Signs to look for before you start Before choosing paint or ordering new curtains, spend a little time looking closely at the window. You do not need specialist equipment. You simply need a careful eye and a willingness to check the parts of the room that are normally ignored. Look at the lower sections of the frame and sill first. This is where rainwater and condensation often cause the most trouble. If the timber feels soft, cracked or crumbly, it may need repair rather than another coat of paint. Peeling paint can also be a warning sign, especially if it returns quickly after previous decorating. Then check for draughts. On a breezy day, stand close to the frame and notice whether cold air is coming through the meeting rails, pulley stiles, staff beads or around the sash. A little movement in an old sash window is normal, but noticeable rattling or cold air can make a room feel uncomfortable even when the heating is on. Condensation is another clue. A small amount of condensation on cold mornings can happen in many homes, but regular moisture pooling on timber, mould around the edges or staining on the wall nearby should not be ignored. It may indicate poor ventilation, cold glass, failed paint protection or gaps that allow cold air to meet warm indoor air. When simple decorating is enough Not every old window needs major work. Sometimes the timber is sound, the sashes move well and the main issue is tired paint. In that case, careful preparation and repainting may be enough to protect the wood and improve the look of the room. A good decorating job around timber windows is rarely just a quick topcoat. Old loose paint should be removed, bare timber should be properly primed, cracks should be filled with suitable materials, and the finish should protect the frame from moisture. If the window is in good condition, this kind of work can make a big difference. It is also worth thinking about the rest of the room. Lined curtains, a well-positioned radiator, rugs on bare floors and thoughtful furniture placement can all help an older space feel warmer. But these finishing touches work best when the window itself is not letting in draughts or holding moisture. When the window needs repair before decoration If there is rotten timber, loose joints, broken cords, failed putty, damaged glazing or a sash that is painted shut, it is usually better to deal with the window before the rest of the room is finished. This avoids damaging fresh paintwork later and gives you a better foundation for the whole makeover. For homes with original timber windows, a specialist assessment can be useful at this stage. A company such as Chameleon Windows Restoration can help homeowners understand whether the existing frames can be repaired, draught-proofed, reglazed or restored before decoration begins. This is particularly helpful in period homes where replacing the windows may not be the best first option. Many people assume that an old wooden window is either “fine” or “needs replacing”. In reality, there are several stages in between. A rotten section of sill may be repaired with new timber. A rattling sash may need draught-proofing. A stuck window may need careful release and adjustment. A tired frame may need decoration after repair, not before it. This is why checking the windows early can save both stress and money. It helps you avoid paying for a beautiful room finish, only to discover that window repairs are needed afterwards. Original windows can often be part of the finished look One of the nicest things about older homes is that the original details give each room a sense of character. A restored timber sash window, with clean lines, working cords and a neat painted finish, can look far better in a period room than a modern replacement that does not quite suit the proportions of the house. Original windows are also part of the story of the building. Their glass, timber profiles, mouldings and opening style all contribute to the architecture. When they are repaired properly, they can sit comfortably alongside modern decoration, family life and improved energy performance. This does not mean every window must be preserved at all costs. Sometimes replacement may be necessary if a window is beyond practical repair, badly altered or structurally unsound. But many timber windows are more repairable than homeowners first realise. Before committing to replacement, it is sensible to compare the options. Think about comfort, not just appearance A room can look beautiful in photographs and still be unpleasant to sit in. This is especially true in winter, when draughts, cold glass and traffic noise become more noticeable. If you are redecorating a bedroom, nursery, living room or home office, comfort matters as much as colour. Draught-proofing can reduce cold air movement around sash windows. Repairing gaps and loose sections can make the room feel quieter and more settled. In some homes, upgrading the glass may also be worth discussing, especially where the original windows are suitable for slim-profile double glazing or other sensitive glazing options. The right solution depends on the condition of the window, the age of the property, the budget and any planning considerations. Listed buildings and homes in conservation areas may need a more careful approach, and requirements can vary depending on the local authority. That is another reason to ask questions early rather than after the room is finished. What to ask before you order materials Before buying paint, blinds or curtains, ask a few practical questions. Does the window open and close properly? Is there any soft timber? Are there draughts around the sash or frame? Has the paint failed in the same place before? Is there condensation damage near the glass or sill? Are the cords, locks and catches working as they should? If the answer to most of these is yes, you can move forward with more confidence. If several answers are no, it may be better to pause the decorating plan and deal with the window first. It is also useful to think about the order of work. Window repair, draught-proofing and repainting can create dust and require access around the frame. If new curtains, wallpaper or freshly painted walls are already in place, the job may become more awkward than it needed to be. A better order for an older room makeover In an older home, the most sensible decorating order often starts with the structure and fabric of the room. Check the windows, walls, floor, fireplace, skirting boards and any signs of damp or movement. Then deal with repairs. After that, move on to preparation, painting, soft furnishings and styling. This approach may feel slower at the beginning, but it usually leads to a better result. The room is not just made prettier. It becomes warmer, more comfortable and easier to maintain. For general care and maintenance ideas, this article on wooden windows is also useful reading, especially if you are trying to keep original timber features in good condition for longer. Final thoughts Redecorating an older room is not only about changing how it looks. It is about making the space work better for everyday life. In a family home, that means warmth, comfort, durability and details that can cope with busy mornings, quiet evenings and changing seasons. Original timber windows should not be treated as an afterthought. They can be one of the most valuable features in the room, but only if they are sound, properly maintained and suited to the way the home is used today. Before you choose the final paint colour or order the curtains, take a closer look at the window. If you are unsure whether it simply needs repainting, more careful repair or a fuller restoration, a professional survey can help you compare the options before committing to unnecessary replacement.

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Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 18/2026} We visited the rhododendrons at Langley Park. It has been years since our last visit so we were excited to see them again. They are just starting to come out in every colour. Last week I started to reading Shrink Solves Murder by Philippa Perry. I have a huge TBR pile, but wanted to read something a little different. This is a cosy crime novel, with psychology thrown in. I finished making my Happily jigsaw puzzle called In the 1970s. I bought it from Vinted and only realised it had a missing piece when I tried to finish it. I still enjoyed doing it and loved the illustrations which included a telephone, slinky, Simon Says toy and Pet Rock. My teen had lots of questions about all of these! My oldest teen had a celebration morning at school, he officially leaves this week! They all signed their school shirts and had a special assembly. After school finished early, he went out for lunch with his friends. My younger teen took part in her first athletics competition of the season. She did really well so fingers crossed she will have a successful year.  

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There’s a difference between a home that looks good in photos and one that actually works for real family life. Shoes get kicked off in the hallway. Drinks get knocked over. Pets race through the house like it’s a racetrack. And somehow, every surface becomes a landing zone for something. The real test of a family home isn’t how it looks on day one. It’s how it performs after months, even years, of daily chaos. So what actually holds up? Flooring That Can Take a Hit (and Keep Going) If there’s one surface that takes the most wear, it’s the floor. Between muddy footprints, dropped toys, and constant foot traffic, flooring needs to be more than just visually appealing. It needs to be resilient. Materials like natural stone tend to stand up well in busy households because they don’t scratch or wear in the same way softer surfaces do. They also don’t demand constant upkeep. A quick clean is usually enough to bring them back to life, which matters when you’re dealing with everyday mess rather than showroom conditions. That’s why many families lean towards options from specialists like Quorn Stone, where durability and timeless design go hand in hand. It’s about choosing something that doesn’t just survive family life, but still looks good doing it. Storage That’s Actually Within Reach Storage is often talked about, but not always designed for real use. In a family home, it’s not enough to have storage tucked away neatly behind closed doors. It needs to be accessible, practical, and quick to use. Think low-level baskets for shoes, easy-to-reach cupboards, and spaces that don’t require a full reorganisation every time something is put away. If storage feels like effort, it won’t get used. And clutter builds fast. Surfaces That Don’t Show Everything Glossy finishes and delicate materials might look impressive, but they rarely survive the realities of daily life. Fingerprints, smudges, crumbs, and marks show up instantly on high-shine surfaces. In contrast, matte finishes and textured materials are far more forgiving. They soften the appearance of wear and reduce the pressure to keep everything spotless at all times. This is one of those subtle details that can completely change how manageable a home feels. Layouts That Allow Movement, Not Obstruction Family homes aren’t static. People are constantly moving through them. A layout that works well on paper can quickly become frustrating if it doesn’t allow for natural movement. Narrow walkways, awkward furniture placement, or blocked pathways can make everyday routines feel harder than they need to be. Open, flexible layouts tend to perform better because they adapt to changing needs, whether that’s children playing, guests visiting, or simply moving through the house without obstacles. Furniture That’s Meant to Be Used Some furniture is designed to be admired. Other pieces are designed to be lived with. In a busy home, comfort and durability matter more than perfection. Sofas that can handle spills, tables that don’t show every mark, and chairs that can be used without worry all contribute to a more relaxed environment. When furniture feels too precious, it creates tension. When it’s built for real use, it removes it. Materials That Improve Over Time One of the biggest differences between short-term design choices and long-term ones is how they age. Some materials deteriorate quickly, showing every scratch, dent, or stain. Others develop character. Natural materials like stone and wood often fall into the second category, gaining a lived-in quality that adds to the home rather than detracts from it. This shift in mindset, from preserving perfection to embracing longevity, can make a home feel far more comfortable and authentic. Easy-to-Maintain Finishes No one wants to spend hours maintaining their home every week. The most successful family spaces are the ones that are easy to clean and maintain without constant effort. Surfaces that wipe clean, finishes that don’t require specialist care, and materials that hold up without regular treatment all make a difference. When maintenance is simple, it becomes sustainable. The Real Measure of a Home A well-designed family home isn’t one that avoids mess or chaos. It’s one that handles it. It’s the floor that doesn’t show every mark. The storage that actually gets used. The layout that supports movement instead of restricting it. The materials that look better with time, not worse. These are the details that pass the real-life test. Because at the end of the day, the best homes aren’t the ones that stay perfect. They’re the ones that keep working, no matter what daily life throws at them.

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I love the start of a new year. Each month I love to write a round up of what I’ve been making and my analogue hobbies. This helps me to see what I’ve made, and holds me accountable for projects half started or bought. This year I’m calling my series The Monthly Thread. April’s post is all about quilts & cake. The Monthly Thread: April’s quilts & cake Baking There has been quite a lot of baking this month, mainly due to Easter. We made the usual Chocolate Easter nests filled with chocolate eggs. There was also a delicious rhubarb, lemon and ginger picnic cake. The recipe was included in a subscription box and it was fun to bake a cake with fresh fruit. The recipe was so good I made the cake twice. Making At the start of the month I made a really cute diy kit from Rolife. My teen is obsessed with making these kits so I decided to try one for myself. I made the Rolife Childhood Toy House – Lovely Room with bright pink shelves stuffed with toys. It was fun to make but so so small, I think I will be sticking to my fabric crafts. I stitched a linen cutlery wrap which was the main project inside my Spring Craftpod subscription box. I love working with linen and the colours were really lovely. I can’t wait to plan a picnic and use it. I’ve been doing a lot of jigsaw puzzles lately, they make a great analogue hobby for me (and the whole family seem to enjoy it too). This month I did the Teatime puzzle from Gallison and Stationery from Happily, I currently have a third puzzle on the go. There have been small makes too, such as the laser cut banner I bought from Vinted, to the sashiko bag bought at The Stitch Festival last month. There has also been the cross stitch bookmark, another Vinted purchase, even though I swore there would be no more cross stitch (it makes my eyes hurt!). I was totally inspired by Kith & Kin: the Quilts of Gee’s Bend at the American Museum and Garden in Bath. I recently did another jigsaw featuring the quilts of Gee’s Bend so was excited to see some of them in person. They were beautiful up close and I really loved the vibrant colours and the fact that they grew out of a genuine communal tradition and personal necessity, rather than being manufactured for a commercial market. Reading You all know I’m obsessed with the Persephone grey books, they publish forgotten women writers of the twentieth century. I read Bricks and Mortar by Helen Ashton which I really loved. It’s a novel about the life of a London architect from the 1890s to the early 1930s who realises that he may have married the wrong woman. I loved all the architectural detail in the novel. I’m so happy to look back over the last month at all the lovely things I’ve enjoyed!

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Is throat pain in pregnancy something to be worried about, or is it simply one of many other pregnancy symptoms women experience in anticipation of having a baby in the last stages of their pregnancies? It is only quite normal in pregnancy that pregnant women develop throat pain. This is because pain in the throat during pregnancy may result from hormonal imbalances, an immune system deficiency, acid reflux, or just dryness of the throat. Through this article, pregnant women will be able to know if having throat pains during pregnancy is normal or what could be contributing to this type of pain. Also, they will be able to obtain the right advice on how to alleviate this type of pain without any risks associated with their health or that of the unborn children. Common Causes of Throat Pain in Pregnancy Every Mom Should Know Throat pain in pregnancy may be irritating as well as quite troubling, but often it may be due to some common conditions that may be easily treated. Changes in the levels of hormones may cause dehydration in the throat as well as the nasal tract, while the immune system may be lower during pregnancy. It may also be due to acid reflux as the expanding uterus presses against the stomach, thus leading to inflammation of the throat lining from the stomach juices. In some instances, poor posture or additional physical discomfort might exacerbate any sore throat associated with reflux; so, proper posture through the aid of supportive products such as the Momcozy belly support band can really work in promoting good posture and relieving pressure in the abdomen area. Knowledge of some of the most common aspects contributing to throat pain in pregnancy will give expectant mothers some confidence in taking preventive measures in staying comfortable throughout their journey. Natural Home Remedies to Soothe a Sore Throat While Pregnant A sore throat can be very painful during pregnancy since all the medications are not recommended for expectant mothers. Having a throat pain in pregnancy is actually not that severe since there are several home remedies that can be applied without any negative impacts on the mother as well as the unborn child. These are the following: Warm salt water gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can be of some assistance for a sore throat. Honey mixed with warm water or tea:Warm water would thin the saliva, making the honey flow easily over the surface of the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. Hydrate plentifully: Hydrating plentifully or hydrating appropriately will help in ensuring that the throat is hydrated and not dry due to dehydration because dehydration causes irritation to the throat. Humid air: The humid air will also help alleviate the drying in the throat as one can achieve with the help of a humidifier or steam inhalation while under the shower. Give your voice a rest: This involves trying not to talk much in order to recover on your own. Hot soups or broths: These will provide the baby with hydration and act as food for the baby. Safe Over-the-Counter Medications for Pregnancy Throat Pain Relief Although many women swear by home remedies, there are conditions wherein additional pain management is required for throat pain during pregnancy. To ensure that the over-the-counter medications you select are safe for you and for your baby, please consult with your healthcare provider, as follows are some OTC medications that are recommended for throat pain management with less risks for you and for your little one: Acetaminophen (Paracetamol): This is commonly prescribed as pain relief in pregnancy and can be taken for relief in throat pain in addition to being quite safe for the baby as well. Gargling and throat lozenges: Throat lozenges made from nonirritating ingredients such as honey, glycerin, and pectin can provide some measure of throat irritation relief. Saline throat sprays: Such sprays work to keep the throat area hydrated while removing irritants without any medication. Pregnancy-safe cough drops: Cough drops that are not medicated may help alleviate symptoms temporarily as they help stimulate the secretion of saliva within the throat. Antacids for reflux-related throat pain: Antacids that have been recommended by your doctor can control the low levels of stomach acid often associated with throat irritation due to acid reflux. Saline nasal spray: It helps to alleviate postnasal drip to which your throat may be prone due to pregnancy. Alcohol-Free Cough Syrups: Some mild, alcohol-free cough syrups may prove helpful in relieving a sore throat. These can only be used under a doctor’s supervision. Important: Do not take products with ibuprofen, aspirin, or especially decongestants if not prescribed by your physician. Please always check the labels before using over-the-counter medications during pregnancy. When to See a Doctor for Severe Throat Pain During Pregnancy Though throat pain in pregnancy is mostly not so severe and can be taken care of at home, there are some instances that seeking expert care is a must. When the throat pain persists for several days, worsens, or fails to respond to normal home care practices, it could be an indication that certain infections or other conditions require expert care. You should also consult a doctor in case you are experiencing pain in the throat along with a high fever, swollen nodes in the area where the throat meets the chin, white spots in the throat, or body pains. Other symptoms include when you have constant acid reflux in your throat. You should see a doctor to make sure that both you and the unborn baby are in good health. Preventing Throat Irritation and Boosting Immunity for Expecting Mothers Throat pain in pregnancy can be quite uncomfortable, but many instances can actually be prevented by some simple and safe practices. Following are 6 ways on how to effectively avoid throat pain and build immunities when pregnant: Hydration: This would ensure that the throat is well moisturized. It can also assist in eliminating the toxins, if there are any, in the throat. Maintain cleanliness through hygienic habits: Such is possible only if one washes his or her hands frequently or avoids contacting infected persons. Eating healthy foods: Foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins can be considered healthy foods because it helps improve the immune system. Avoid irritants: You would want to avoid smoke, perfumes, and other conditions existing in the environmental surroundings that may irritate the conditions existing in the throat. Support your back and alleviate reflux: A pregnancy belly support band will provide back support, relieve pressure, and prevent irritation of the throat caused by reflux. Get enough sleep: Having proper sleep enables the immune system to work at its best and keeps a person away from illnesses. Conclusion Throat pain in pregnancy is quite normal and can be easily treated with proper care and preventative practices. By practicing safe and healthy home remedies for the sore throat and using safe medications if needed during pregnancy, and with the aid of products such as the Momcozy belly support band, one can effectively prevent irritation associated with reflux.

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Starting my week with the Weekly Edit is a ritual I’ve kept for years. It’s my favourite Monday morning anchor—a chance to slow down, celebrate the ‘small wins,’ and gather the smiles from the week behind us. Part reflection and part record-keeping, it’s my way of documenting our family’s adventures before the next chapter begins. The Weekly Edit {Week 17/2026} Last week I finished watching the tv adaptation of The Other Miss Bennett, which was based on the book by Janice Hadlow. I really loved the book so was slightly sad that the tv adaptation didn’t follow it word for word. The tv show was good and well acted, but I was very glad to have read the book first. Over the weekend my daughter completed her 2 day Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Her walk took place from the Thames at Maidenhead all the way through to Gerrards Cross. They had lovely weather for the walk and a pretty good campsite, although unfortunately she came home with some blisters. My son had his first GCSE exams for art last week, they took place over two days. I think they went quite well and he now only has a few days left at school before he is on study leave. This academic year has gone so quickly! To celebrate St George’s Day my son took part in the St George’s Day gathering with our local Scout group. He is an Explorer but also volunteers with Scouts so was kept busy helping out. I carved out some time for myself in between dropping the teens at all their events, and made the linen cutlery wrap from my latest subscription box. It used some gorgeous linens and was a real pleasure to stitch. I also enjoyed making something to use, as I have far too many embroidery hoops to ever display. I can’t wait to use it on our next picnic. That’s my five for the week! Now it’s your turn: what is one small thing that made you smile this week?

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Cliveden in Buckinghamshire is one of our favourite historic houses to visit. The house is currently run as a hotel (afternoon tea there is on my bucket list) but we try to visit throughout the year to enjoy the gardens and tearooms. Did you know that the Cliveden estate runs along part of the Thames, and you can hire riverboats? This is something we discovered a few years ago and finally got round to doing. Boating has only just opened for the season, but the weather was amazing, so we jumped online to book a boat. Our boat was for 5 people, and we were able to take the dog, which is always a plus point for our family. Self drive boating at Cliveden You need to know that if you are going boating a) you need to purchase a ticket for Cliveden, and b) that the boating is quite a way from the car park.   Fortunately, we are lifetime members of the National Trust, but this doesn’t come with priority parking and on the day of our visit, a Bank Holiday in the UK, even the overflow car parks were bursting with visitors. Thankfully we had given ourselves plenty of time so walked through the beautiful grounds around the house and down to the river at Cliveden Reach. We hadn’t visited this part before and were surprised to see pretty estate cottages along the riverbank. There were a couple of boats available for hire and we were shown ours and given brief instructions. The instructions were simple: drive on the right, keep to the main channel, and stay well away from the weirs. We had the boat for an hour and took it upstream to Cookham Lock before heading back the way we had come and further downstream to Boulters Lock. Everyone had a go at driving the boat and the dog seemed quite happy to sit and watch the world go by. There was lots to see, with other river users, people walking, as well as lots and lots of birds. It’s a lovely stretch of the river with fabulous views back to Cliveden House and gardens. Unfortunately the battery kept going on our boat so we had to re-start it  few times. It eventually gave up completely so we had to be towed back to shore! We were given a voucher for another visit and we can’t wait to go again.

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If you’re looking for a fun activity with the kids, then I can recommend a trip to Mundo Pixar World London at Wembley. This is a pop-up immersive experience, and something my teen really enjoyed. My teen grew up watching Pixar films because I’ve always loved them too. We watch a lot of films and it’s something fun to do as a family. My teen had spotted this experience online but as soon as she mentioned it to me, I began to see the posters advertising it too, mainly as they feature some of my favourite Pixar characters! Mundo Pixar Experience London I booked tickets online and we headed into Wembley for some shopping and food before the experience. Wembley is easy for us to get to, and I like we have somewhere on ‘our’ side of London. The experience is tucked away behind the main walkway leading between Wembley underground station and the Stadium. Once through the security check we showed our tickets and could pose for a photo – but we decided that wasn’t for us. There were toilets and a cloakroom if needed. We had to queue for a while to get into the introductory video which explained a but about the experience, before being able to walk through the 13 unique rooms at our own pace. There were a lot of families with little kids in the video, so we opted to let them all run ahead so we could enjoy each room with less people in it. There are 13 rooms, each has its own smell. There were camera symbols, so you knew the sweet spot for taking photos. There was also a guide in each room, in case you wanted someone to take a photo of you! My teen loved that each room contained a small Pixar ball which gave her something to look for. We took a ton of photos as each room was so much fun and reminded me of our favourite Pixar films and characters. We discovered we had seen all the films featured in the Mundo Pixar Experience and it made us want to watch all of them again. Since 1995 Pixar have made over 30 films so they are only able to showcase a small number of them here. However, I guarantee that your favourites will be featured. From the beginning we walked through: Up exterior; Up interior; Monsters, Inc.; Toy Story Andy’s bedroom; Sunnyside daycare from Toy Story 3; Elemental; Inside Out; Ratatouille; Coco; Luca; Cars; and Finding Nemo. Having visited other immersive experiences and been disappointed, I was a little apprehensive about paying so much to visit this experience. However, we spent round 50 minutes inside, and both enjoyed ourselves. You can count on Pixar for bringing you childish delight and there is something fun about becoming small and taking your photo in a box at the Sunnyside Daycare!

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