A few years ago we took the opportunity to climb up and over the O2. It was a fun experience which has stuck with us ever since, it’s not often that we find an activity that impresses the teens. We discovered that you could climb over Ally Pally, this is one of my favourite buildings in London, so we booked it for an Easter treat. Summit at Ally Pally with teens Ally Pally, or Alexandra Palace, is a beautiful historic building in Haringey. We visit it frequently for gigs and the theatre and the views over London are worth a visit. Our meeting point was the west hall at Ally Pally where we checked in and put our personal belongings into a locker. If you want to take your mobile phone with you then you need to pay extra for a clear phone pouch. We were also given a QR code which was used throughout our trip to take photos of our group, we were able to purchase them at the end. There were only 6 people in our group, plus the guide, so we walked out of the building and along the front of Ally Pally to the rose window. From here we walked up a small staircase and came out on the balcony beneath the window. This was a great viewing platform to see over London, and time to put on our harnesses. Then it was more stairs up to the roof level. From here we stepped outside into the fresh air. It was incredibly windy on the day of our visit so we were pleased to be clipped on to the safety wire. We stopped at various points and our guide told us more about the history of the building and what we could see. There was a small viewing platform at the top of the roof over the great hall. We were able to see most of the buildings which make up Ally Pally, as well as a lot of London. Soon it was time to climb down the other side of the building and back inside the internal staircase to the ground. Our experience took just over 60 minutes and we were able to buy the photos which our guide took at the end. The experience was totally different to our climb over the top of the O2. The climbing wasn’t nearly as strenuous but it was still a really great experience and the teens loved it. Let me know if this is something you would try?

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Many of us have dreamed of our summer wedding since we were young. Whether that dream is a nature-centred ceremony held under the canopy of an oak tree, or a luxurious affair in the fanciest hotel you can imagine, it’s only when you really start planning the big day that you realise how much there is to take care of.  Luckily, you’re absolutely not alone, and you can learn from the experiences of those who have trodden this path before you. From your venue to the importance of flexibility, here’s what you need to prep for your summer wedding.  Venue The main factor you’ll need to prepare for any wedding is your venue. For summer weddings in particular, you’ll often find that you need to book months – or even years – in advance to get the one you want.  Look for an option that suits your requirements, ideally one with both indoor and outdoor spaces and seating like Heaton House Farm. English summers can be glorious, but you can always get a storm at the drop of a hat. Vendors Venues aren’t the only thing that will get booked up early – you’ll also need to get your vendors locked in as soon as possible. Get your catering and entertainment sorted early on, and then make sure you’ve also covered floral arrangements and an event photographer.  Guest comfort There are some really important little things you can prep that can make a big difference to the comfort of your guests.  For a summer wedding in particular, having cold water on hand at all times, and some shade from the sun if it’s an outdoor wedding, can be absolutely critical.  Standing around in a suit or dress in the boiling sun can be intense, and you want to make it as easy and comfortable as reasonably possible.  Timing Planning how you’ll time the events of the big day can be surprisingly difficult. Ideally, you don’t want to pack too much in – for example, you don’t want people to have to move on too quickly from big meals, when all they really want to do is have a nap.  With summer weddings in particular, make sure that you consider how you’ll optimise each of the various parts of the day, from peak midday heat to golden sunsets.  Be flexible Lastly, you will have to accept a certain degree of flexibility. While you can control a lot of things, there are some factors – such as the weather – that you just can’t, and you’ll have to let your wedding flow around these variables.  Have contingency plans in place, and try to keep a more general atmosphere at the heart of what you’re trying to create, rather than a strict, rigid procession of events.  Prepping for a summer wedding should be a joyful process, allowing you to experience some of the wedding excitement ahead of time. Leave enough time to get everything taken care of, and remain flexible. If you can do that, everything will inevitably slot into place.

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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 14/2026} My teens started their Easter break after a busy Winter term at school. My son has been doing lot of revision as his exams start in April and my daughter has been making lots of crystal art. We made our favourite chocolate nests for the Easter weekend and went to the cinema to watch The Magic Faraway Tree . The film was great, as long as you treat it as an Enid Blyton-inspired adaptation, rather than a literal copy. My daughter has been making Rolife 3d craft kits for a while and I thought I would like to try making one. I bought the Rolife Childhood Toy House (Little & Warm Space Series 2) kit. Rolife kits, those intricate DIY miniature houses and 3D wooden puzzles, have carved out a massive niche for people who love working with their hands. It’s a mix of engineering, interior design, and extreme patience. I needed a lot of help from my teen but enjoyed trying a new craft. On Saturday we took the teens to Camden Market for amazing food and street art, followed by a trip to Summit at Ally Pally. A few years ago we did the Up At The O2 experience so thought it would be fun to climb over Ally Pally too. The weather was extremely windy but it was great fun, with amazing views over London too. We don’t tend to cook a roast dinner very often but we enjoyed a delicious roast lunch on Easter Sunday. The kids were spoilt with a variety of chocolate Easter eggs, although we didn’t have time for the planned Easter Egg hunt round the garden. My teen had a book clear out and we took the unwanted books to our local free library. Someone has built little book libraries and there is one near the kids old school. We dropped up some colourful kids books for someone else to enjoy!

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My teen loves to read as much as I do. She also loves a trip to the book shop and has a longer TBR pile than I do. She’s always on the lookout for  a new book to read and I couldn’t be happier that she loves to spend time reading. She recently spotted that one of her favourite authors, Ravena Guron, the bestselling author of YA books, had a new book out. Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron From the bestselling author of This Book Kills comes a murderous YA thriller of cliques, backstabbing and mind-blowing twists. Perfect for fans of Holly Jackson and Karen M. McManus. Myra is new to town and so desperate to make friends that she lets the popular clique hang out at her parents’ restaurant – until Scarlett freezes to death in the walk-in chiller. Wannabe journalist Myra suspects foul play and is plunged into a twisty world of envy, backstabbing and death. Who killed Scarlett? And who will die next?   What did my teen think of Your Murder Next? She read the book over her school holidays and couldn’t put it down, which is a great sign. She is really enjoying this genre of books at the moment, and loved the story. Your Murder Next by Ravena Guron  is published on the 7th May by Usborne. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.

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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. 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. March’s post is all about punch needle & sashiko. The Monthly Thread: March’s punch needle & sashiko Earlier in the month I attended The Stitch Festival in London. I try to visit every year, mainly to try a new craft at one of the workshops that runs through the day. This year I signed up for punch needle and sashiko classes and they were both really good. We’ve been using our Preusa Mk3 to make 3D decorations for our Lego inspired wreath. It makes a pretty cool decoration to have up all year so printed some flowers for Mothers Day. I usually do a lot of jigsaws over the winter months but I recently came across Happily jigsaws and have been buying them from Vinted. This month I did a 1980s themed one as well as one featuring vintage matchbook covers. Puzzles are the perfect screen free activity and a great analogue hobby. The teen and I have been crafting miniatures for our Maileg mice. We made them a mini quilt, some bunting, a shelf unit from craft sticks, as well as costumes for St Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day! Miniatures are fun to make and are a great way for us to spend time together. I love small English Paper Piecing so was delighted to find a dinky needle book from Pretty Fabrics and Trims. It fits inside the little sewing kit tin I purchased and was really fun to make. I used up some up my Liberty fabric stash, choosing pretty greens for Spring. We recently discovered Rolife kits, they are fun to build 3D craft kits and feature small rooms or book nooks. So far we’ve built a book nook, wooden flower and corner bookstore. They are addictive to make, and another great analogue hobby. Explore our previous posts to see what we’ve been making this year: The Monthly Thread: January The Monthly Thread: February

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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 13/2026} Last week was a musical week for us. My son took part in his final school concert before he leaves to take his GCSEs, and I also performed with my local choir. We are both looking forward to a break from rehearsals over the Easter holidays. My son celebrated his 16th birthday a few weeks ago and received a driving lesson as one of his presents. It took place at an old airfield and we enjoyed watching him drive a manual car. He’s previously had driving experiences at Mercedes Benz World, so this was more experience for him. I can’t believe we will be paying for proper driving lessons soon. I’m still on a roll with my jigsaw puzzles and completed a 1000 piece Happily jigsaw featuring vintage matchbox covers. This was another fun design. Over the weekend we went for a walk in our local woods and the bluebells were already beginning to flower. This feels so early but is a lovely sign of Spring. My dog loves a walk in the woods so it was lovely to be out. I finished the little patchwork needle book pattern which I bought a few months ago. I can’t resist making small EPP hexagons, especially when I’m using beautiful Liberty fabrics. I used green and white fabrics for the needle book, some of which I bought at The Stitch Festival recently.

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Last week I spent a day at The Stitch Festival at the Business Design Centre in Angel. Living in London means I am spoilt for craft shops and creative workshops, but I can’t resist seeing everything under one roof. The Stitch Festival 2026 As well as my ticket, I also booked my workshops in advance – choosing punch needle, adding embroidery to knits and a sashiko class. I love the opportunity to learn something new and thought these three classes would be fun. The punch needle class took place before the festival opened, so I had a very early start from west London. I made the class on time, and managed to squeeze in a quick breakfast pastry on the way. The Business Design Centre is moments from Angel station and a good venue, with plenty of space for the main shopping area, as well as exhibition space and workshops. I’ve previously bought a few punch needle kits but not managed to even thread the needle. I knew I needed some face to face tuition and the workshop gave me that. I tried three different punch needles and three types of fabric. It was great to have time to play around and my thread stayed in the hessian! I tried the different materials and compared the three next to each other. They all look pretty similar but I came away with some knowledge of which material I preferred and worked for me. Whilst not my favourite craft, I’m hoping I can make the craft kits I have at home. My second workshop was embroidering on knits. This was the most disappointing workshop as the group was given one small flower pattern to embroider. The flower was drawn onto a water-soluble stabilizer with a self-adhesive, fabric-like backing. The idea was to apply the pattern to a piece of clothing and embroider it. I’ve used this kind of transfer paper before but I was hoping to learn something new. The class lasted 90 minutes but I left early as it was so basic. I did some shopping in the main hall before heading to my final workshop, embroidering a sashiko pin cushion. I love sashiko stitching, a Japanese technique which uses a running stitch to create decorative geometric patterns. This is one of the most relaxing forms of embroidery and it was fun too. I learned lots of new techniques thanks to a great teacher, and although I didn’t finish the panel I had a lovely time stitching. I finished the pin cushion when I got home. I enjoyed my punch needle and sashiko workshops. Have you ever tried these crafts before?

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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 12/2026} Last week we celebrated my son’s birthday and mine. There were a lot of presents, cards and birthday cake. My son asked for a homemade Battenberg cake and I asked for a Jellycat inspired birthday cake. My husband was very busy baking all week! The weather was bright and sunny which meant my daughter had a dry weekend for her Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition. She already goes hiking and camping with Scouts so she was well prepared for her adventurous weekend. She walked 7.5 miles on Saturday and 11.5 miles on Sunday. I took a day off work to attend The Stitch Festival in London. I booked myself on a couple of workshops to try some new crafts, including punch needle and sashiko. I enjoyed the workshops and bought some more Liberty fabric for some projects I want to make. Although my son is taking his GCSEs this summer we are already thinking ahead to post-Sixth Form. We attended a local uni open day so he could have a look around the campus and find out more about the courses they offer. I am not ready to think about this stage yet, but it is exciting for him. I received a new Persephone Books book for my birthday, but I decided to read one from my collection first, So I’m reading Bricks and Mortar by Helen Ashton. 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.

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DIY book nooks have become a favorite project for hobbyists who enjoy miniature design, creativity, and hands-on craftsmanship. These small diorama-style scenes, designed to fit between books on a shelf, combine elements of model building, painting, and lighting. While building a book nook can be highly rewarding, it is also easy to make mistakes along the way that affect the final result. Understanding common pitfalls can help both beginners and experienced builders avoid frustration, save time, and achieve a more polished finished piece. The following sections highlight typical errors that occur in DIY book nook projects and offer guidance on how to prevent them. Rushing the Planning Stage One of the most frequent mistakes is starting construction without a clear plan. Successful book nooks often begin with a well-thought-out design, including the scene’s layout, dimensions, color scheme, and lighting placement. Skipping the planning stage can lead to: Misaligned components that don’t fit properly Insufficient space for lighting or electrical elements A cluttered or uneven appearance Hobbyists who use detailed wooden book nook sets benefit from pre-cut pieces and instructions, but even then, taking time to review the plan ensures smoother assembly. Planning also helps decide how layers will be arranged, which materials to use, and where to place miniature details for maximum visual impact. Neglecting Proper Measurements Accuracy in measurement is crucial for DIY book nooks. Even small discrepancies can result in pieces that do not fit together correctly or an overall scene that looks disproportionate. Common issues include: Incorrect spacing between layers of scenery Misaligned walls, doors, or windows Uneven height or depth of shelves inside the nook Measuring twice before cutting or assembling components can prevent mistakes. Using a ruler or caliper to confirm dimensions ensures that each element fits precisely within the intended space. Accuracy also matters for lighting installation, as wires and LED strips must fit neatly without interfering with other pieces. Overcomplicating the Scene Another mistake is adding too many elements to a small space. While it can be tempting to include multiple miniature objects, excessive details may overwhelm the scene and reduce the overall visual impact. Problems caused by overcomplication include: Crowded layouts where individual details are hard to see Difficulty arranging components in a limited space Increased risk of damaging delicate elements during assembly Focusing on a few key features or focal points often produces a more aesthetically pleasing result. Using layers effectively and allowing negative space can help maintain depth and visual clarity. Poor Lighting Placement Lighting is one of the most impactful aspects of a book nook, but incorrect placement is a common issue. Poorly positioned lights may create shadows, glare, or uneven illumination, which can detract from the miniature scene. Typical mistakes include: Installing LEDs too close to walls, creating harsh shadows Using overly bright lights that overpower the miniature details Placing wires where they are visible or interfere with the scene Planning lighting before assembly and testing it throughout the building process helps avoid these problems. Many DIY kits provide recommendations for LED placement, which can guide hobbyists in achieving balanced illumination. Skipping Drying and Curing Time DIY book nooks often involve paint, glue, or resin. A frequent mistake is rushing through the drying and curing process. Applying additional layers or moving pieces before they are fully set can result in smudges, warping, or structural instability. Tips to avoid this issue: Allow each layer of paint to dry completely before adding another Let glued components set for the recommended duration Avoid handling the scene excessively during drying periods Patience in this stage ensures a stronger, cleaner, and longer-lasting final product. Ignoring Material Quality Using low-quality materials is another common pitfall. Cheap wood, weak adhesives, or poorly pigmented paints may compromise the durability and visual quality of a book nook. Issues caused by inferior materials include: Warping of wooden pieces over time Fading or inconsistent paint coverage Fragile miniature elements that break easily Investing in higher-quality components, such as sturdy wood, reliable adhesives, and richly pigmented paints, can make a significant difference in the overall look and longevity of the project. Conclusion DIY book nook projects are a rewarding way to combine miniature modeling, painting, and creative storytelling. However, common mistakes can reduce the quality and impact of the final piece. Rushing the planning stage, neglecting accurate measurements, overcomplicating the scene, misplacing lighting, skipping drying or curing time, and using low-quality materials are frequent pitfalls that hobbyists encounter. Being mindful of these errors and taking steps to address them can help creators produce polished, durable, and visually appealing book nooks. Careful planning, attention to detail, and patience in the assembly process ensure that each miniature scene becomes a charming addition to a bookshelf or display area.

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When to start using pregnancy ball to keep you comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy? Of course, expectant mothers are curious about the best time to start with a pregnancy ball to alleviate body pain, correct postures, and keep you moving while you are pregnant. A pregnancy ball, sometimes referred to as a birthing ball or exercise ball, can certainly help in keeping you comfortable while you are pregnant. This article will address the question of when one ought to begin utilizing the pregnancy ball, the best time during pregnancy, as well as useful tips. When you have read this article, you shall know exactly how you can make use of a pregnancy ball. When to Start Using Pregnancy Ball Safely When to begin using pregnancy ball is determined by the stage of pregnancy you are in and how comfortable your body is. Most mothers find that the ball can be used from the first trimester for support in good posture and exercising, but the second and third trimesters are found to be most beneficial. If the ball is used correctly, it will provide the best benefit in terms of pregnancy comfort. To truly reap the benefits of it, a good ball must also be in place. The Momcozy BirthEase Maternity Exercise Ball Set has a supportive design with its anti-burst and non-slip aspects that are also BPA-free and come with a stable base. With the help of its related phase through the Momcozy App, it allows mothers to exercise with care and confidence from prenatal through the post-delivery period. Ideal Pregnancy Weeks to Use a Ball Understanding when to start using pregnancy ball can help maximize its use throughout your pregnancy. Despite it being safe for use by many expectant mothers, there comes a time when the use of the ball and its exercises differ from one trimester to another. A guide on the best time to utilize the ball is below. Pregnancy Weeks Recommended Use Benefits/Notes 0–12 weeks (First Trimester) Sitting gently, posture correction and mild stretching Helps relieve early pregnancy back tension, improves posture, and encourages gentle movement. 13-27 weeks (2nd Trimester) Sitting exercises, pelvic tilts, gentle bouncing Helps stretch the abdomen and alleviate hip and back pain, helps open hips for childbirth preparation. 28–40 weeks (3rd Trimester) Labor prep exercises, rocking, hip circles, relaxation Prepares the body for delivery, relieves pressure on the pelvis and helps with sitting and resting. Pregnancy Ball Use for First Time Moms For first-time mothers, it can be beneficial to have some understanding of when to start using pregnancy ball. First-time mothers may find it unusual when they introduce the first use of the pregnancy ball, but this is a healthy and productive method of relieving pain in the lower regions of the body and preparing the mother’s body for childbirth. When used properly, new mothers can certainly gain effective benefits from the usage of the pregnancy ball. Below are tips that first-time mothers can use: Go slowly: Begin gradually with a few minutes per day, say 5 to 10 minutes, and then increase the time of practicing to get an idea of how to sit and Select a safe place: Make sure that the ball is placed in a non-slippery place to prevent it from slipping and falling. Keep your posture straight: Make sure your feet are on the floor and your hips remain aligned. Move gently: Perform the action of a light movement until you feel the engagement of the core muscles. Body awareness: Rest or stop if pain, dizziness, or discomfort arises. These tips will ensure new mothers feel confident and comfortable using a pregnancy ball. For extra support, help, or more guidance, consider the maternity exercise ball. This offers a stable and comfortable ball which makes every exercise or movement safe. How Pregnancy Stage Affects Ball Use The stage of pregnancy matters when it comes to effectively employing the usage of a pregnancy ball. In the first trimester, exercise activities using the pregnancy ball that are important for you are those done while sitting, which involve using the ball to develop your posture, as well as stretching exercises for back pain. In the second trimester, exercises for tilts, circles, and bounces for the relief of back and pelvis pain should be incorporated. The third trimester will concentrate on preparing for delivery. Rocking and circling around the hips and other movements may be able to alleviate pressure in the pelvis region and incorporate comfort and delivery preparation into the body. Modulating the use of the ball depending on the trimester ensures the utmost safety and utilizes the full pregnancy period for maximum gain. When Pregnancy Ball Use Is Not Recommended Pregnancy balls can be very helpful in making you relax and perform gentle exercises to get your body ready for delivery. But there can be circumstances where the use of a pregnancy ball is not advisable. Just as it is important to know when to start using pregnancy ball, it is also very important to know when not to use it in order to protect not only yourself but also the unborn child. Do not use a pregnancy ball if you: Are pregnant and high-risk or have a history of preterm labor. Sudden movements or irregular positioning could pose a risk. Are diagnosed with placenta previa or placental issues. Suggest limiting movement to keep it safe. Have severe lower back, hip, and pelvic pain. Sitting and/or movement on the exercise ball may not be stable or even safe. Have balance problems, get dizzy easily, or have a tendency to faint. Your chance of falling or injury is greater when using the ball. Be aware of any pain or discomfort. If you notice any cramping, pressure, or loss of balance sensations, you can just stop at once. Always consult your doctor before starting any pregnancy ball exercises or continuing them. Doing these tips will help you to get the advantages of a pregnancy ball and know when to start using pregnancy ball for the most comfort and support at just the right time. Relieving back and hip discomfort, improving posture, and strengthening core muscles can be achieved with the use of this ball at the right stage of pregnancy and even prepare your body for labor. Conclusion Exercising with a pregnancy ball can help ensure that you’re more comfortable and deal with your postures and movements during pregnancy effectively. Understanding when to start using pregnancy ball and when to refrain from exercises with the pregnancy ball can just help ensure the safety of you and the baby. A good, stable ball is quite an asset. The Momcozy BirthEase Maternity Exercise Ball Set will serve as a constant guide in doing appropriate exercises for expecting mothers, and this will make them feel comfortable and confident. Applying proper timing and knowledge, having a ball throughout your pregnancy can be a wise decision. By listening to your body, slowly getting started, and following professional advice, every single movement is going to be safe and fit in your pregnancy journey.

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