Some Autumn sunshine in the Dominican Republic

Over half term we were lucky enough to get away for some sunshine and warmth in the Dominican Republic. We booked our holiday as a package with Tui, staying at Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa. The hotel is located in Bayahibe, about an hour transfer from Punta Cana and the airport. We chose this resort because the beach is on the Caribbean Sea rather than the Atlantic, so we were hoping that the water would be a little warmer and calmer.

Unfortunately our holiday did coincide with Hurricane Melissa, and although we were well away from the direct path I do think that it made the sea conditions a little rougher, especially at the beginning of the week. The sea was also quite cloudy, fine for swimming but unfortunately no good for snorkelling. The water temperature was really warm, it was lovely to float out there bobbing up and down and it felt very safe.

We had two rooms which each had two double beds. The rooms were next door so we felt comfortable letting the teenagers share a room, and they loved the independence. 

My favourite part about the room was the balcony. I absolutely love a balcony, especially one that is high enough to be tucked away from the world and with plenty to look at. I spent hours out there every day reading on my Kindle, enjoying the warmth and watching the birds and the people going past. Even when it rained I sat out there until the wind picked up and turned horizontal!

There was a brilliant cafe in the lobby which was always open and served drinks and delicious cakes as part of the all inclusive. Every afternoon I went down to fetch a fruity tea and a couple of cakes to take back to my balcony to enjoy.

The holiday did involve speaking a little more Spanish than I was expecting. Spanish isn't one of my languages although both children can do pretty well. I managed to learn the words to order cheese (there wasn't a huge selection of veggie food) and bottled water as well as a few bonus words like watermelon and butter!

The resort also has a water park which was excellent and not too busy. There was a lazy river with plenty of rubber rings, and although it featured several instances of unavoidable waterfalls they were spaced very well to let you get nice and hot before you were swept underneath to cool down!

On our last morning we were floating happily along when my husband spotted what he thought was a dead crab in the water. A lady by the side of the pool came over and fished it out with her flip flop - it was actually a dead tarantula! I had no idea there were freely roaming tarantulas in the Dominican Republic, I'd been walking around every evening through grassy areas in my sandals!

We had a lovely holiday, and it was a great chance to relax and enjoy some last warmth before heading for cooler temperatures and dark evenings. 

The books that I read while on holiday:

American Sky by Carolin Dasher - an Amazon First Reads selection that was excellent, much better than many of them that I've struggled through, a historical novel that follows three generations of women and in particular their connections to aviation.

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose - a sequel to the The Maid, I enjoyed this very much.

The Restoration Garden by Sara Blaydes - ticked a lot of my boxes - an overgrown garden, secrets to uncover, a time jump between WWII and present day narratives.

The Memory Library by Kate Storey - a simple plot but with the lovely idea of choosing and collecting books for others and explaining their special meanings.

Very, Very Lucky by Amanda Prowse - fairly predictable but a fun easy read.

The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan - a group of women with compelling stories connected by life on a remote island.

Simple craft projects that are great for sharing on social media

Some of my favourite crafts are simple ones that don't need many materials, and it's even better if you don't need to go shopping and can use things that you already have at home. 

Today I'm sharing some of my favourite crafts that are great for beginners. They also look fantastic when shared on social media, or they can be used as a way to enhance your online content. You can find the tutorial for each craft by following the links below.

Felt heart bunting

Felt bunting is a great way to use up scraps of felt that you may have lying around from other projects, and it is so simple to make. All you need to do is cut out small hearts (or you can try different shapes like circles or stars) from colourful pieces of felt, then string them together. I used a sewing machine to connect the hearts, but you can make it even easier by just glueing them to a length of cord or ribbon. The bunting looks great strung up for a colourful background, or you can use it as decoration in the background of another craft post or image.

You can find the tutorial here - Simple felt heart bunting

Recycled book crafts

If you have any old or damaged books that are headed for the recycling bin, there are some lovely photogenic crafts that you can make with the pages. My favourite is making simple bookmarks, which are a great fit for pairing with book reviews, blog posts about reading or images of books.

See how I made them here - Bookmarks made from old book pages

Tin can lanterns from upcycled cans

All you need for this project are some old tin cans, a hammer and a nail. My tutorial below explains how to make punching the holes for the lantern really easy, and how to make them look cheerful even during the day with colourful beads around the rim. The lanterns look great when photographed at dusk or at night, and would be a great accessory for content related to outdoor parties or as a backdrop to lifestyle content.

The full instructions are here - How to make simple tin can lanterns

Fabric covered plant pots

These flowerpots are another great craft for using up scraps of fabric which you may have lying around. You can match the fabric to your home decor, and they look great in photos if you use bright, cheerful fabrics in a range of different designs and pots in a variety of sizes. They would brighten up images of a bookshelf or windowsill, and would work well with content about gardening or houseplant care.

Find details here - How to make fabric covered plant pots

Easy beaded bracelets

Stretch beaded bracelets are so easy to make, all you need is some stretch elastic, a selection of beads and some superglue to keep the knots secure. You can make bracelets for special occasions like a concert, and take colourful photos of your arm covered with bracelets as you sing along to your favourite group or singer. They can be made in different colours to reflect the changing seasons, or to co-ordinate with different outfits, making them a great accessory for outfit posts. You can also use them in flat lays. 

Here's how I made my ocean themed stretch beaded bracelets

All of these crafts are really fun and simple to make and they also look great if you are planning on sharing the results on your social media or as a part of your online content creation!

How to pack light for a longer holiday

We have been lucky enough to enjoy some longer holidays over the years, but as the children have grown so has our need for suitcases! 

Before children we managed a two week trip around Europe with just hand luggage, we also survived nearly six weeks away with a suitcase and a holdall. I even lived in Germany for a year with mainly just the contents of a 22kg suitcase. So I like to think that I'm quite good at planning my packing to be as minimal as possible. 

Travelling light isn't just about saving on your weight allowance, it's also much easier when it comes to moving around airports and stations with a suitcase, and with less to keep track of it takes away some of the worries.

Here are some tips!

Try to wash clothes while you are away

If you can, book accommodation with laundry facilities. This is the reason that we usually book a villa stay when we travel to Florida - I'm able to keep up with washing as we go and we only need to pack clothes for a few days. It can be a pain taking time out of your holiday to faff with the washing, but it makes such a difference with the packing and it's so nice to come home with a suitcase of clean clothes! On our recent trip to Seoul we stayed in a hotel with a coin laundry which was fantastic, I would never pay for a hotel laundry service so it's definitely worth looking for self-service facilities.

If there aren't any washing facilities you can always wash by hand in the sink or bath, especially underwear that will dry quickly. You can either take some hand washing liquid with you, or in the past I've just used shower gel! Take clothes made from lightweight materials like sportswear and they will dry more quickly if you wash by hand.

Plan your clothes packing carefully

Unless you are an Instagram influencer then you really don't need a fresh outfit each day. Obviously underwear needs to be changed, but outer layers like trousers and jumpers can be worn a few times. 

Make sure that everything you pack goes well together, with neutral colours that can be mixed and matched.

Pack lightweight clothing that can be layered depending on the temperature or your activities.

Choose items that can be worn in different ways. For example I might wear a summer dress during the day, then add leggings and a cardigan for the evening. 

Bring the clothes that you enjoy wearing at home, don't bring clothes that you will avoid wearing and will turn out to be a waste of space.

Don't pack extra 'just in case' clothes - you will always be able to make do with what you have even if it means washing a few things out after unexpected accidents.

Photo credit Nick Fewings via Unsplash

Check what is included in your accommodation

Don't pack towels unless you are absolutely certain that you will need them. If you are going self-catered you can shop for essentials like toilet rolls, tissues, bin bags or dishwasher tablets when you arrive. 

Remember weight rather than size

If you are flying, it will usually be the weight that limits what you can take with you. I find that the heaviest things are usually shoes, so try to pack pairs that can go with all of your outfits. I try to limit myself to a pair of trainers for walking and some comfortable sandals if we are going somewhere hot. Depending on the type of holiday you might also want a pair of dressier shoes.

Books also add to the weight, so if you are an avid reader consider using an e-reader. When we went on our long holiday in the days before Kindles I chose one nice thick book - Anna Karenina - which kept me occupied for the entire trip!

Another way to save weight is to decant toiletries into smaller bottles, or do what I do and plan to use toiletries provided by your accommodation. If you arrive and there aren't any supplied then you can always just buy some when you arrive.

If you are packing heavy clothes like boots or winter coats then try and wear them for travel days.

A luggage scale is a great investment if you are worried about going over a weight limit - we have a simple strap one that you hang the suitcase from and it's very accurate. You can keep track while you are packing, and it helps you to think more carefully about what's going in.

Modern suitcases are much lighter than older ones, so it might be worth upgrading if you are wasting some of your weight allowance on bulky luggage.

Look for travel sized items

If you travel regularly it's definitely worth investing in some lightweight accessories. For example a small, light umbrella or a device charger with multiple USB ports. Thin, foldable ponchos are a great alternative to a bulky raincoat if you aren't sure whether you'll need one.

Remember that other places have shops too

Most of what you need can always be purchased while you are away. Even if you are staying in a remote resort there will always be a shop for essentials.

I always consider the things that absolutely couldn't be replaced, and anything other than that is a bonus. Apart from travel documents, for us that is our glasses as we are glasses wearers (and a spare pair is essential too!) and medication that would be difficult to replace or find an alternative.

Do you have any tips to add?

The things that make me love a book

Recently I've been making really good progress working through my to be read pile, and part of that has been becoming much more strict about the books that make it on there in the first place. I've become more inclined to put a book aside if it isn't grabbing me within the first few chapters, and I've been ruthless with some of the free books that had been piling up on my Kindle. 

It's taken me a good number of years of reading to work out what it is about a book that makes me love it! Here are some of the things that I've narrowed it down to:

Female authors and a female main character

Until a few years ago I never really thought about whether the book I was reading was written by a man or a woman. But now I've realised that although I do enjoy many books written by male authors, it's usually the female ones that really grab me. I find that they tend to focus more on relationships and characters rather than just what is happening in the plot. There is often more observational detail, and more focus a character's inner thoughts and feelings.

Plenty of description

I love books that really immerse me in a place, whether it's somewhere familiar to me or somewhere that I can learn more about. I enjoy detailed descriptions, and I tend more towards a rural or coastal setting rather than a city. For example - Where the Crawdads Sing (Delia Owens), The Paper Palace (Miranda Cowley Heller).

A twist, but not too obvious

Twists in a book are great, but I don't want to spend the whole time trying to work it out. I want to concentrate on the story, not be looking for hidden details and double meanings that might or might not end up being important. My favourite book of all time is like that - Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier) and I also enjoyed We Were Liars (E. Lockhart). But the best twist in a book that I've read comes in I Let You Go (Claire Mackintosh).

An element that leaves me thinking

I'm especially drawn to speculative fiction, stories that are set just a few years in the future but where things have changed either as a result of society or technology. Some of my favourite examples are The Handmaid's Tale (Margaret Atwood), Klara and the Sun (Kazuo Ishiguru), The School for Good Mothers (Jessamine Chan) and Never Let Me Go (Kazuo Ishiguru). I like to be left with something unsettling to ponder.

Photo credit Zooey Li via Unsplash

Unreliable narrators

I enjoy books that are narrated by a character that you can't be sure is telling the complete truth, and where you have to read between the lines to work out what is really going on. Many of Kazuo Ishiguru's books fall in to this category, and one of my favourites is The Remains of the Day. I also like books that are written as a stream of consciousness, like I Capture the Castle (Dodie Smith). Rebecca ticks this box too - so much of the book is things that don't actually happen, they are just imagined by the narrator.

Booker Prize shortlisted books and winners

For some reason, Booker Prize shortlisted books and winners always seem to appeal to me. Recently I've loved Orbital (Samantha Harvey, winner in 2024) and Great Circle (Maggie Shipstead, shortlisted in 2021). I would love to have the funds to be able to buy the Booker Prize shortlist every year when it's announced! World of Books, where I buy second hand books when I'm after a specific title, even has a dedicated section on their website for previous Booker prize books which is very handy.

A nice cover

Yes I know, I'm shallow! But the cover of a book does make a difference to me when I'm browsing, especially in the library or a charity shop when there is less money changing hands and less pressure to pick the perfect book. Covers are very carefully chosen by a publisher, and I can usually tell from a cover what type of book it is. Or at least I know which ones to avoid - like those with gory pictures!

What do you find grabs you in a book?

Hobbies which calm the mind

Earlier this year I wrote about my obsession with jigsaw puzzles, and how it was helping me to calm my mind when I was going through a difficult time. I found it a great way to slow down, focus, and also feel that I was bring some order out of the chaos of jumbled pieces.

I've found a few hobbies that help to relax me when I'm feeling anxious or worrying about something, and so I thought I'd share them here in case they can be of help to others. These hobbies can help to take your mind off what you are worrying about, and their repetitive nature can be meditative and calming. They also offer a sense of achievement when completed.

Jigsaw puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles force you to slow down and concentrate on the shape and colour of the pieces in front of you, and you get a small hit of satisfaction with every one that you slot together. I like to have a jigsaw puzzle out on the table whenever I can so that I can work on it a bit a time. It's a really absorbing process watching it all come together.

Running or walking

I enjoy getting out for a run or walk a few times a week. I enjoy my surroundings, and I also have the mental space to sort through anything that's on my mind. Some fresh air and exercise always makes me feel better, and the feeling continues for a long time afterwards. Running is a great hobby to start because it's really easy to track your progress, and you can feel the satisfaction as you begin to complete longer runs and manage a faster pace. 

Colouring

Adult colouring is very popular at the moment, and there are a huge range of colouring books and pens available. Try to keep away from social media and just focus on colouring for yourself rather than feeling the need to compete with others. You really don't need many supplies, I'm sure most people have some colouring pens or pencils tucked away and there are lots of free printable colouring pages available online.

Cross stitch

Cross stitch or embroidery is another hobby that is easy to pick up and put down, with a repetitive and mediative nature. I like to work on large projects that take me years to complete, but I do intersperse them with smaller pieces that can be finished in just a few hours. I like the feeling of the thread running through the fabric and watching the pattern come together.

Similarly, knitting and crochet are great hobbies to quieten those racing thoughts with some tactile repetition as you follow a pattern, count the stitches, and watch your project take shape in your hands. Even though it's repetitive, it's challenging enough not to be boring.

Gardening

My garden is new so I have lots of empty beds, which very quickly fill up with weeds! I've found that I can easily spend a couple of hours out there weeding away and the fresh air and job satisfaction always leaves me feeling calmer afterwards.

Yoga or stretches

I don't do serious yoga, but I do have some stretching videos that I enjoy which often include yoga poses. Just closing the door and rolling out my yoga mat already helps me to feel relaxed, and because I follow videos that are familiar to me I don't have to concentrate on following the routine. I just go along with it and feel lovely and relaxed afterwards.

I think it's important to remember that taking the time for a calming hobby isn't indulgent, it's something that is really important for good mental health. Just making time for a few minutes doing something enjoyable and relaxing can make a big difference, and help you to face the world when things feel overwhelming.

How I survive long haul flights

I've been lucky enough to enjoy some wonderful holidays to far flung destinations, and I like to think I'm a pretty seasoned traveller when it comes to flying long haul. So I thought I'd share some tips for things that have helped me survive a long haul flight and emerge at the end ready for a new adventure, or prepared to get back into the swing of things at home!

Before flying

We try to pre-book seats or check in on time to choose seats together. I like an aisle seat, so I usually have the children next to me by the window. Bulkhead seats are nice for extra legroom, but I'm short and I'm personally not a fan - hand luggage has to go in the overhead compartment, the table and screen are awkwardly positioned, the toilet queue is right beside you, and it's where they keep the noisy babies! 

As soon as I sit in my seat I change my phone clock to the new timezone and sync my watch. I try to get myself in the mindset for the new time, so if it's suddenly evening I imagine being ready to go to sleep.

Finally when packing for peace of mind I always make everyone pop spare underwear and a clean top into hand luggage. You never know when you'll spill a drink down yourself, or whether your suitcase may end up in a different place. 

Daytime flights

I find long daytime flights the hardest. I keep the flight map up on the screen and sometimes it can just go so slowly! 

I download plenty of entertainment to my phone. I only found out recently that you can download videos from YouTube to watch offline! I choose light, easy to watch videos that normally I pass over for something more substantial. There's usually something that I want to watch on the entertainment system, maybe an old film that I've not watched in years or some episodes of a sitcom that I enjoy.

I take plenty of reading material. Mostly it's on my Kindle, but I always make sure to take at least one physical book in case of a Kindle mishap. I'll choose a book that I've been looking forward to reading (making sure that I've read the first few pages and know it's one I'm going to enjoy). A few days before we go away I have a good browse of the Prime Reading Library and free Kindle books to make sure that I've got plenty of options, and I have lots of old favourites in my Kindle library.

I like to take a notepad and pen too, useful if anyone needs to be entertained with some pen and paper games and it's somewhere to jot down random thoughts that come into my head when I'm bored and staring into space!

I pack plenty of snacks, and I try to include things that I don't eat often and are a bit of a treat. Minstrels are good because they don't melt if it's hot, and I like savoury snacks like the little packs from Graze. 

I also try to nap even on a daytime flight. It's not easy when people are going up and down the aisle or the children need something, but it does make the time pass more quickly.

Photo credit Suhyeon Choi via Unsplash

Night flights

For me night flights are all about sleeping, as much as possible. Whether it's because I want to make the most of our first day in a new location or so that I can arrive home and not need to fall straight into bed and make the jet lag worse.

I have an unusual neck pillow which is called a trtl pillow. I'm not sure it's much more comfortable than a classic neck pillow, but it packs down small in my hand luggage and it has a long fleecy scarf which I wrap around almost my whole face. I use it with a black sleep mask and ear plugs, and that combination really does help me to get some sleep.

Before a night flight we try to eat dinner at the airport. For a longer flight I'll wait for the meal on the plane, but for a shorter long haul flight I'll just make sure that the children are comfortable and then I'll tuck myself up for sleep straight away. I don't have an alcoholic drink, it's tempting because I know it would make me feel dozy, but I think I would wake up during the flight feeling worse.

Even if I can't sleep during the flight I try to avoid turning on the screen or a reading light. Luckily night flights on planes are set up for sleeping with disturbances kept to a minimum so I can usually at least doze. It's such a nice feeling to wake up from a sleep on the plane and check the map to see that you are nearly at your destination.

After landing

I make sure that I'm mentally in the new time zone immediately. Even if it feels like the middle of the night I try to stay awake as long as I can, and eat meals at the correct times - sunlight, fresh air and exercise can help to stay awake. If we've landed early morning and I know that I can't manage the whole day awake then I will have a nap early afternoon, but I'll set an alarm and force myself to get up and keep going!

A look at my current 'to be read' pile

Back in June I shared my to be read pile, and it's changed quite a lot since then as I've been making a big effort to sort through it! So I thought I'd do a little update post. Here's how it looked in June:

And here is how it is currently looking:

Yes that's right, just five books! You may notice that two of the heavy hitters, War and Peace and the Steve Jobs autobiography have vanished. They had been there a long time and I was not realistically going to read them when there are so many other lovely books around. I will hang on to War and Peace because I really would like to read it someday, but I found the Steve Jobs book very dry so that's heading for the charity shop!

The remaining books are:

The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon - This is a book that I like to dip in and out of so I like to keep it by the bed.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami - I enjoy Murakami's books but I've not really got into this one yet, it's not a long book, I just need to make a start.

Demon Copperfield by Barbara Kingsolver - This was a recent World of Books purchase and I'm really looking forward to getting to it because it sounds right up my street. I'm saving it to take on holiday!

A Saunterer in Sussex by A. A. Evans - One of my Dad's books that caught my eye, it's a series of chapters about walks through various locations and landmarks in Sussex. I'm about halfway through, it's quite a dry and old-fashioned read but I'm enjoying it.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks - Another book that I'm halfway through. It's an interesting non-fiction read, filled with case histories of patients with different neurological disorders. I put it down because I found that it was getting a bit repetitive, so now I've had a break I'll be picking it up again!

Now this might seem good, but conspicuous by it's absence is my Kindle!

Currently there are 17 items in my To Be Read collection, which is actually better than it was a few days ago when I had a bit of a cull. Most of these books are part of the Amazon First Reads scheme which offers one or two free books a month to Prime members. These are mainly all new books by new authors, and it's a great way to find new writers. Unfortunately I have found that they can be a bit hit and miss, with quite a few more misses than hits. So now that some of them have been out long enough to build up reviews on Goodreads I've been a bit ruthless with removing the ones that are getting terrible reviews, or the ones that haven't grabbed me after the first few chapters.

I have a holiday coming up and I'm hoping to fit in plenty of reading time, I really want to get those Kindle books down, and I also want to get back into the habit of going to the library because I have a huge list of new books that I want to read!

How many watts does a monitor use - A guide for parents choosing baby monitors

This is a collaborative post

When you’re picking out a baby monitor, your mind’s probably racing with a million questions. Somewhere in there, you might start wondering, “How many watts does a monitor use?” It’s a fair worry, especially if you are planning to use a video baby monitor that basically never takes a nap. 

This article outlines the various factors that influence a monitor’s wattage, the comparison between different display technologies, and the reasons behind varying energy consumption of monitors. Furthermore, you will become acquainted with the simplest ways to calculate power usage and the corresponding cost as well as receive some tips that will help you save energy.

Photo credit Isaac Quesada via Unsplash

Understanding the Basics of Monitor Power Consumption

Shopping for a baby monitor is kind of a rabbit hole. You start out wanting to keep an eye on your kid using a video baby monitor, and suddenly you’re comparing energy bills and wondering how many watts does a monitor use by squinting at “wattage” numbers like you’re prepping for a physics exam.

Here’s the deal: Monitors that suck up more watts usually have flashier screens or a bunch of bells and whistles—think night vision, lullabies, the works. But honestly? You probably don’t need a monitor that could double as a disco ball. The lower-watt ones do the basics just fine and won’t make your electric bill weep. Pick something that keeps tabs on your baby without eating too much power.

Key Factors That Influence a Monitor's Wattage

Energy usage of baby monitors can be changed due to multiple factors and understanding these factors will allow you to make better decisions. What features, size, and the type of the display determine how many watts does a monitor use. Extra-function or continuous monitoring, as in the case of a video baby monitor, are usually a higher power consumption source. 

Here’s the real scoop on what actually messes with how much power your baby monitor uses:

Display type and size: Size totally matters. A massive, high-resolution screen? Yeah, it’s gonna suck up way more power than some tiny, basic display. You also need to know the difference between LED, LCD, and OLED—each one’s got its own power-hungry quirks.

Extra features: Monitors with built-in night lights, temperature sensors, or those video baby monitors have a higher power consumption than simpler models. More features equals more energy getting slurped up. 

Volume and alert settings: Crank up the volume or set your monitor to chirp at every little noise? That’s gonna eat a bit more electricity, too. Not a ton, but it adds up.

Connectivity and wireless functions: Wireless devices that use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth? Keeping that connection alive drains a steady trickle of power, so don’t be surprised if your battery cries for help sooner.

Standby and active modes: Some monitors in standby mode hardly use any power, but when you change them to “active,” they consume a lot of power very quickly. 

The Role of Display Technology: LED vs. LCD vs. OLED

What kind of screen your baby monitor rocks actually matters a lot, both for how it looks on your nightstand and how much juice it sucks from the outlet. How many watts does a monitor use can vary widely depending on the screen technology and features.

Let’s break it down real quick:

LED displays: These screens are energy-efficient and bright, making them a popular choice for standard baby monitors. Some models with a video baby monitor feature still manage to keep power use low.

LCD displays: LCDs are widely available and can handle larger screens, but they tend to slurp up more watts than LEDs. Not exactly what you want if you’re chasing efficiency.

OLED displays: If you want to use an OLED, expect gorgeous colors, and blacks so deep you’ll lose a sock in them. However, that kind of eye candy needs a lot of power, especially when you throw in extra features. 

Why Gaming Monitors Use More Power Than Standard Displays

Usually, gaming monitors are more power-hungry as they feature fast refresh rates, big screen sizes, and high brightness levels to be able to show detailed graphics. A regular computer or TV screen are simple standard displays that consume less energy unless they are also designed to meet the same performance requirements. 

Besides those displays, there is also a video baby monitor which is a more compact, multifunctional device that includes a screen, a camera, and a microphone for a live watch. When you consider how many watts does a monitor use, the difference becomes clear between high-power gaming models, standard displays, and those that are made for baby care. 

Calculating Your Monitor's Energy Usage and Cost

Parents can get an idea of the baby monitor's energy consumption when they calculate how much it will cost them to run their baby monitor daily. The easiest method is to find out how many watts does a monitor use, then multiply that by the number of hours the monitor is on and by the electricity rate in the house. 

For instance, a video baby monitor running during the night can lead to a considerable power consumption, however, by knowing the figures it is possible to make a budget of the expenses and still have your safety and peace of mind kept. 

The Difference Between Active Use and Standby Mode

A baby monitor uses power differently depending on whether it is fully active or in standby. In active use, the screen and sound run the whole time, which means higher energy demand. Parents asking how many watts does a monitor use should know that standby mode lowers power draw by dimming the screen while still picking up important sounds.

So, if you’re stressing over your power bill (honestly, who isn’t?), knowing the difference between the active use and the standby mode is a game changer. The bottom line is mess with those settings for a bit. You still catch every peep and squawk from the nursery, but you’re not wasting electricity like some kind of rookie. 

Simple Changes to Reduce Your Monitor's Power Consumption

Figuring out how many watts does a monitor use is honestly a lifesaver if you’re trying not to cry at your next electric bill. Tiny tweaks here and there—stuff you barely notice—can seriously drop your energy use, and you don’t have to turn your setup into some boring, bare-bones operation either. Even a smart monitor can be handled in a way that allows it to work effectively and efficiently. 

To put it simply, here are some changes that you can attempt: 

Adjust the brightness and volume. Don’t blast it unless you want your room to lit up like an airport runway. 

Stick the baby monitor at a spot where you don’t need it cranked to full brightness just to see what’s going on. Even those video baby monitors don’t need to be set to 100% brightness mode 24/7.

Turn off the features you don’t actually use. Nobody needs continuous lullabies or disco lights going all day. The less fluff, the more cash you save. 

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice for Efficiency

Knowing how many watts does a monitor use isn’t just about saving a couple bucks on your power bill—it’s also about making sure your baby’s nursery doesn’t turn into a mini sauna or some sort of electrical hazard zone. Seriously, some of those fancy video baby monitors suck up way more power than those old-school audio ones. However, you do get to watch your little one snooze in real time, so it’s a trade-off.

If you know how much power different monitors use, you can avoid spending too much on a large HD screen monitor, a night vision monitor, or a lullaby playing monotone machine. That way you can keep an eye on your baby, save the power of your home, and avoid the extra cost on your electric bill.

A look at some Christmas themed kits from Rolife

I received these kits in exchange for a review

I love crafting for Christmas - mainly for the enjoyment of completing a craft project but also having some unique finished festive decor that I can bring out every Christmas and admire for many years.

I've been sent some gorgeous miniature crafting kits from Rolife to try this Christmas, and so I'm going to share a quick preview before I start my crafting and share the finished results!

First is this DIY Miniature House - Gingerbread House. This lovely kit comes with all sorts of tiny accessories to build a light-up Gingerbread Bakery shop filled with delicious Christmas goodies. I've always wanted a miniature Christmas village and this looks like it could be the perfect start - I can't wait to begin putting it all together! This kit is a 3 star kit so I'm expecting it to be a little more complex than the basic sets, and I know that I'm going to really enjoy assembling it.

Secondly I will be working on these two kits from the Story Frames Series - Christmas Eve Party and Santa's Toy Shop. These two kits are built inside a deep plastic frame which holds the contents and also a lighting kit. Christmas Eve Party features a lovely little Christmas themed interior with a table set with treats, a Christmas tree, and lots of tiny festive decorations. Santa's Toy Shop is the exterior of a toy shop filled with Christmas treasures including decor and toys.

These Christmas frame kits are both 2 star difficulty kits with an estimated build time of two hours, so I could probably complete these in one sitting. But I'll be working on them a little slower because I want to enjoy every minute of the build process! 

I'll be sharing a full review of the kits when I've completed them, but in the meantime I've made a start on the Christmas Eve Party frame kit. I just love the idea of these frames which can be hung on the wall or displayed standing as part of your Christmas decor. They are packed with tiny details, just look at all these sweet little accessories that will be carefully placed into position. I expecially love the tiny gingerbread house!

Assembling the kit is straightforward with clear instructions to follow. The assembly is broken down into individual stages for each component, so you need to gather everything that you need for that step and then carefully follow the guidance to put it together. The kit is designed to be assembled without glue, with the pieces being adhered using small strips of double sided tape. However I liked to keep some glue handy as I wanted the extra security of knowing that things were firmly glued together.

So far I've build a little display case filled with festive plates, a corner display shelf, a chair holding a wooden teddy and a couple of small gifts. The thing I love about these kits is that you can work on them when you have time available, as the short steps mean that you can stop and start at any point. I like to keep everything ready, and then when I have a few spare minutes I can put a few pieces together ready to be placed inside the main frame.

I'm going to be very busy working on these kits, ready to have them on display as part of my Christmas decor!

My Autumn themed jigsaw puzzle wishlist

This post contains Amazon affiliate links

I've been struggling lately with browsing for jigsaw puzzles on Amazon. Firstly, many of the puzzles are from "alphabet soup" brands, complete with poorly translated descriptions stuffed with key words. Secondly lots of them look very much like AI generated images with colours that are too vibrant, fuzzy details and they just look a bit off. Now AI does have it's place in the modern world, but for me at the moment that's not in jigsaw puzzles, so I've tried to pick out puzzles from respected brands. They may be a little more expensive but I hope that they are likely to be better quality in terms of both image and construction.

Unfortunately I can't link images from Amazon, so I hope that my descriptions will be good enough to encourage you to take a closer look. If you are searching for some good quality Autumn themed jigsaw puzzles for some puzzling as the nights draw in, I hope that you enjoy looking through my selection!

Galison - Autumn in the Meadow - 1000 piece (affiliate link)

This 1000 piece jigsaw features an illustration of an overgrown footpath which passes through a vegetable patch filled with pumpkins and chickens towards a tiny cottage half hidden by floating autumnal flowers. The colours are gorgeous, and this one looks like it would be pleasantly tricky and very satisfying to put together.

Elena Essex - Sunset Valley - 1000 piece (affiliate link)

Perhaps not quite strictly Autumnal, but with a rich palette of reds and oranges this illustrated scene features rolling hills with colourful cottages nestled in between. This puzzle has plenty of interest and I think would not be too challenging once you had sorted out the different areas.

Galison - Nature in Autumn - 500 piece (affiliate link)

I love a smaller puzzle that can be completed in an evening or two, and jigsaw features images of various flora and fauna which you might see while out and about in Autumn. There's a lot of detail in the pictures and a lovely selection of colours.

Cobble Hill - Country Diary: Autumn - 1000 piece (affiliate link)

This puzzle features illustrations from The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady and so it's a group of nostalgic paintings along with handwritten inscriptions. There is a huge amount of detail in the image and it seems realistic in the types of things that you might spot in Autumn. The colours are muted in style with the vintage design, and this would be a lovely relaxing puzzle to slot together.

Galison - Autumn in the Neighbourhood - 1000 piece (affiliate link)

Another Galison puzzle with gorgeous Autumn colours, this is a street scene featuring a row of terraced houses framed by trees in their autumnal colours and decorated with wreaths and pumpkins. The houses would be really fun to put together and the beautiful smudged leaves would be a great challenge!

Galison - Autumn at the City Market - 1000 piece (affiliate link)

This Autumn scene features a city skyline with a row of lovely coloured trees across the centre, with market stalls and yellow taxi cabs in the foreground. It's a great contrast between nature and the city, and there are plenty of details to spot with the intricate stalls and the passersby. 

What reading gives me

I've always been a reader. I read quite widely - various genres, historical and modern novels, long and short books, mainly fiction but also non-fiction. I always have a book on the go, as well as a 'to be read' pile on my bedside table, and a notes document detailing the books that I want to add to my collection.  

I've been reading even more lately as I try to replace screen time with books, and it led me to reflect on all the benefits that being a regular reader gives me.

At the moment, I'm really noticing how reading helps with my ability to focus. Not just when I'm actually reading, but I'm finding that in situations when I can't read (for example when I'm exercising or cooking) I'm quite happy to just think my own thoughts. Especially if I'm reading a book which has really grabbed my interest - I'll be thinking about the characters and scenarios.

I love a book that gives me an insight into a different time or culture. Particularly those written by women about women - I like to learn about how life has changed over time. I'm especially drawn to books written and set before the internet and smartphones. Like classic novels where people write long, descriptive letters to each other and spend time together just enjoying each other's company.

I prefer to read in long, uninterrupted stretches, especially in bed at the end of the day. But that doesn't happen very often so I have to find moments when I can - I read while eating lunch, in the car while I wait at school pick up, when I find myself with a few spare minutes during the day. I find it relaxing and a way to switch off from what's around me.

Photo credit Clay Banks via Unsplash

Sometimes reading a book will inspire me to try something new. If I read a book about someone that grows vegetables then then it makes me want to get out in my own garden, or I might feel like trying a new way of cooking or a new craft. I enjoy books about people that make positive changes in their lives and it helps me to think about things that I could change.

There are some books that I turn to when I need some help in stressful times. I have a whole shelf of comfort reading books which are mainly children's books - The Swish of the Curtain series, A Little Princess, the Little House on the Prairie books. I can pick them up, I know exactly what will happen, and can often finish them in just a few sittings. 

Reading is so important to me, and I want to make sure that I'll always be a reader even as screens become more and more addictive!

Weekend gardening

Even though we are well into October it still feels very mild outside. Last week I even had our bifold doors fully open, although I am expecting that to be the last time for this year! Our garden remains full of flowers. We have some beautiful red and yellow canna lilies that have been in bloom since I planted them in early May, and I also have some lovely pink dahlias and purple salvias that both really took off over the summer. I'm so pleased with how I have been able to fill my garden with colour.

A few weeks ago I drove past the garden centre and spotted a banner outside saying that the bulbs were in, so we took a trip over and stocked up. I've never bought bulbs before and I got a little carried away! I bought large bags of simple tulips and daffodils, and then I added some fancier varieties. Luckily we do have plenty of beds that still need filling, but I hadn't really thought through the logistics. I've made a start but it's going to take me a couple of weeks to find the time to get them all planted!

Our front garden is looking rather messy as we still haven't decided what we are going to plant along the front border. We took down a large, overgrown hedge and I intended to replace it with something similar, but the longer we've lived without a hedge the more I appreciate not having to maintain it. I'm thinking a row of some kind of low lying shrubs, something to create a border but not be too difficult to keep cut back. In the meantime the bed is just filling up with weeds that I go and pull out every few weeks.

We are also having a lot of weeds growing in the new pebbles at the front. I was hoping that the membrane underneath would hold them off for a couple of years at least, but I think they are just growing on top of it. So we borrowed a weed burning tool from my Mum to see if that would be any good at getting rid of them!

I was very wary because I'm a bit scared of fire, and when I tried using it with my Mum in the summer in her garden it was very dry and we had a couple of occasions where the grass caught fire. So it's definitely a two person job - one on standby with a watering can! It's really satisfying to use, and it's much easier on the back and hands than stooping down to pull the weeds out, so we might look to get one at some point.

I know that the next job will be picking up leaves - there are three large trees that drop leaves into our garden and it's always quite an effort to keep it all tidy. I'm also interested to see what happens to all my lovely plants when it starts to get really cold - I hope that at least some of them survive the winter!

Tips for keeping on top of clutter in the home

Sometimes I feel as though I'm constantly decluttering, and that's because I am! Decluttering isn't something that you can do once and never again. Like housework and gardening you need to keep on top of it, and I thought I'd share some tips that work for me when I'm trying to maintain an organised and calm home.

Have a donation bag or box ready to go

I actually have two. I keep a bag in my wardrobe for clothes, ready for a charity recycling bag to come through the door. If my bag is full before one arrives then I drop it off at a local textile recycling bank. I have a second bag in my spare room for charity shop donations. I usually wait until I've got a decent amount before making a trip to drop them off just to save time and effort, but it is ready to go at any time in case of sudden guests!

Make an effort to pass on difficult items

I think we all have a number of things in our home that we would like to get rid of but don't know the best way to do it. Maybe it's not good enough to give to charity, it's too big to fit in the household bin, or it was an unwanted gift that you feel bad getting rid of. But if you can find a way to remove things these awkward items then it will also remove the pang of guilt that you feel every time you see it, which will make you and your home feel much calmer. 

Declutter clothing while packing for a holiday

When packing, think about the things that you aren't choosing to put in the suitcase. Is it because you no longer wear them, they are uncomfortable or they just don't suit you? I've always sorted out the children's wardrobes when packing because it's a really good opportunity to empty out the drawers completely and see the things that have been outgrown or aren't being worn.

Photo credit Sarah Brown via Unsplash

Match what comes in with what goes out

Some people like a strict 'one in, one out' rule but this doesn't work for me. But if I've brought home a few of a particular item, like books or jigsaws from a charity shop haul or a seasonal Primark shop, then I'll think about where I'm going to store the new items and what I can clear out to make room for them. 

Clear hotspots daily

I have several clutter hotspots in my home. The main one is our kitchen island, but I also have the kitchen worktop nearest to the door and the coffee table in the living room. Every evening I make sure that the kitchen island and coffee table are completely clear. The worktop is a place to store things which may be needed in the next few days, but I sort this through once a week when I do my full kitchen clean. The key thing is to look at the items that build up in these places and make sure that they all have a home that they can be tidied away to. Clutter attracts more clutter, so making an effort to keep surfaces clear stops it all piling up and becoming unmanageable.

Deal completely with laundry as you go along

I do laundry regularly so I am usually on top of it and each load is sorted, folded and put away as soon as it comes off the line or out the dryer. Well, I put mine away at least and I leave piles for other family members to put away at their leisure - but it is in their rooms and not all over the house! Have a routine for the washing, whether that's putting a load on first thing or later in the day when you have time to deal with it.

Photo credit Daniele Bissoli via Unsplash

Sort paperwork as it arrives 

This also includes digital paperwork like e-mails. A lot of our post is junk and it goes straight from the doormat to the recycling. I deal with as much as I can straight away and then the physical papers can be filed or recycled.

Model good habits to younger family members

If you involve children in keeping the home clean and clear then they will hopefully use these systems in their own areas. We've developed habits for having regular clear outs of clothes and shoes, school books, toys and trinkets, as it's much easier to pass on things as you go along rather than letting everything build up. I wrote a detailed post about using the Marie Kondo method with an older child or teenager, and this is something that we return to once a year or so to keep things under control. It's especially important with children because they grow so quickly and their interests change as they get older. I hope that I'm instilling good habits for their future homes!

I hope that this article was helpful, if you have any more tips please do share them in the comments!

Why I like to keep track of the books that I've read

I've been tracking my reading for a long time now - I joined Goodreads back in 2013! I have tried other ways of remembering the books I've read but they just didn't work for me. Before that for a short time I used a physical reading journal but I felt obliged to offer some insightful thoughts about each book, and that put me off. 

When I record a book that I've read I very rarely add a review - instead I just want to keep a note of the title, author, dates read and a vague star rating. My Goodreads star ratings are quite skewed because I don't think I've ever rated a book less than three stars - if a book is that bad I just stop reading it!

I usually have too many books in my to be read pile to keep track of them separately. Instead I only add a book when I start reading it and I don't update my progress as I go along, I just log that it's finished and select my rating. I like the idea of sharing the information with friends and family like a social media account, but I only have a few friends that use it!

I usually try not to read the reviews that others have left on a book. Often I think that someone will write a provocative review in order to get more views/comments and raise their own profile. I also don't like reading the bad reviews of a book that I've really enjoyed as it makes me wonder if I was just too stupid to notice something negative about it!

Tracking my reading helps me in two ways. Firstly I enjoy looking back on the books that I've read. I don't keep a count for the year or have any other kind of reading goals, but I do like to look back at the end of year summary that Goodreads provides and see some stats about what I've read. My favourite insights are my most and least popular books as shelved by other users, and the average book length.

Secondly, I've lost count of the times that I've gone to add the book I'm reading into Goodreads and discovered that I've already read it. On one occasion I had finished it just three months prior! I'm terrible at remembering the titles of books that I've read, especially if I've read them on my Kindle. Without having a physical book in front of me I'm often not even quite sure of the title of the book that I'm currently reading!

Do you track the books that you've read, and if so how?

Get organised - A guide to heavy duty and warehouse racking

This is a collaborative post

We’ve all been there. That moment you open the door to the garage, shed, or stockroom, and you're met with a mountain of stuff. Finding anything feels like an archaeological dig, and the thought of tidying it all is enough to make you close the door and walk away. But what if there was a simple, effective way to reclaim that space and bring a sense of order to the chaos?

This is where heavy duty racking and warehouse racking come in. While the name might sound industrial, these storage systems are incredibly versatile and can be a game-changer for homes, workshops, and small businesses alike. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right system to creative ways you can use it to transform your space.

What Exactly Are Heavy Duty Racking Systems?

At its core, a racking system is a structure of upright frames and horizontal beams designed for storing items. Unlike standard household shelves, heavy-duty and warehouse racking are built to handle significant weight and bulk. They are the workhorses of the storage world, designed for durability and strength.

Think of them as the ultimate solution for anything that’s too heavy, awkward, or numerous for your average bookshelf or plastic container. From stacks of inventory for your small business to boxes of seasonal decorations and heavy gardening equipment, these racks are designed to keep things organised, accessible, and, most importantly, safe.

Beyond the Warehouse: Racking in Everyday Life

The term "warehouse racking" can be a bit misleading because its uses extend far beyond large commercial spaces. Many of us could benefit from this level of organisation in our own homes. It’s all about seeing the potential in your space and finding a system that fits your needs.

For the DIY Enthusiast and Gardener

If your garage or shed is overflowing with tools, paint tins, and bags of compost, racking can be a revelation. Imagine having all your power tools neatly arranged, your collection of screws and nails in labelled bins on a sturdy shelf, and your lawnmower stored safely off the floor during winter. You can create zones for different activities—a section for car maintenance, another for woodworking, and a dedicated area for all your gardening supplies.

For the Craft Room Connoisseur

Crafting can accumulate a surprising amount of supplies. Bolts of fabric, boxes of yarn, large cutting mats, and bulky sewing machines can quickly take over a room. Heavy-duty shelving provides the perfect home for these items. You can use clear storage boxes to easily see your supplies, keeping them dust-free and ready for your next project. It frees up your desk space for what it’s meant for—creating!

For the Small Business Owner

Whether you run an Etsy shop from your spare room or have a small stockroom for your business, efficient storage is crucial. Warehouse racking allows you to organise your products logically, making stock-taking and order-packing much faster. It helps you professionalise your operations and can scale with your business as it grows. You can store finished products, shipping materials, and raw supplies all in one organised space.

Photo credit Jacob McGowin via Unsplash

Types of Racking Systems to Consider

Not all racking is created equal. The type you choose will depend on what you need to store and the space you have available.

1. Pallet Racking

This is the most common type you’d see in a large warehouse, but smaller versions are available. It’s designed to store pallets of goods, which makes it ideal for businesses that handle bulk deliveries. The wide bays are perfect for large, heavy items. Even for home use, a single bay of pallet racking in a garage can be perfect for storing things like quad bikes, large tool chests, or even a small boat for the winter.

2. Cantilever Racking

Cantilever racking is unique because it doesn’t have front posts getting in the way. It consists of a central column with arms extending outwards, making it perfect for long, awkward items. If you need to store timber, pipes, lengths of plastic guttering, or even kayaks and surfboards, this is the system for you. It keeps these items off the floor and prevents them from getting damaged.

3. Longspan Shelving

Longspan shelving is perhaps the most versatile option for homes and small businesses. It looks similar to pallet racking but is designed for storing non-palletised items. The shelves are typically made from steel or chipboard and can hold a substantial amount of weight. It's perfect for creating organised storage for archive boxes, product inventory, or heavy equipment.

The Benefits of Getting It Right

Investing in a good racking system offers more than just a tidy space.

● Maximise Your Space: Racking makes use of vertical height, freeing up valuable floor space. You can store more in a smaller footprint.

● Improve Safety: Piles of boxes and precariously stacked items are accidents waiting to happen. A proper racking system stores everything securely, reducing the risk of trips, falls, and falling objects.

● Increase Efficiency: When you can see what you have and access it easily, you save time and frustration. For a business, this translates directly into faster order fulfilment and better inventory management.

● Protect Your Belongings: Storing items off the floor protects them from damp, pests, and damage.

Tips for Choosing the Right Racking

Ready to get organised? Here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy.

1. Measure Your Space: Measure the height, width, and depth of the area where you plan to install the racking. Don’t forget to account for any obstructions like light fittings, doors, or fuse boxes.

2. Know Your Load: Have a clear idea of what you’ll be storing. Consider the weight and size of your items to ensure you choose a system with an appropriate load capacity. It’s always better to go for a higher weight rating than you think you’ll need.

3. Think About Access: How will you get items on and off the shelves? If you’re storing very heavy things on high shelves, you might need a small step ladder. Ensure you leave enough aisle space to move around comfortably.

4. Consider Assembly: Most modern racking systems are designed for easy, boltless assembly. However, it's worth checking the assembly instructions before you buy. It’s usually a two-person job, so you might need to enlist a friend to help.

A Personal Touch: My Racking Project

A few years ago, our garage had reached a critical point. It had become a dumping ground for everything that didn't have a home in the house. We had old furniture, half-used tins of paint, kids' outdoor toys, and my growing collection of gardening tools all competing for space.

We decided to invest in two bays of longspan shelving. We spent a weekend clearing everything out (which was a task in itself!) and assembled the racks along one wall. Suddenly, we had a system. We used the bottom shelves for heavy items like bags of soil and the kids’ go-karts. The middle shelves became home to my tools and pots, organised in labelled plastic tubs. The top shelves were perfect for lighter, less-frequently-used items like Christmas decorations. It was transformative. The garage is now a functional space, and we can finally fit the car in!

Take Back Your Space

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a home improvement hero, or just someone craving a bit more order, heavy-duty racking is a practical and effective solution. It might seem like a big project, but the reward of a well-organised, functional, and safe space is well worth the effort. So, take a look at that cluttered corner and imagine the possibilities.

How to use Hama beads in crafts this Halloween

I love crafting with Hama beads, and I also love remembering some of the many Hama bead crafts that I've shared here on the blog over the years. Today I'm revisiting some of my favourites, all of them Halloween themed crafts.

If you haven't used Hama beads before then you might find this post helpful - Ironing tips for Hama beads.

Start small

If you are new to working with Hama beads or you don't want to purchase too many supplies, start by practising with some smaller pieces. I've created a set of small Halloween art pixel designs which are perfect for all sorts of projects - Halloween party place cards, keyrings, party bag gifts and favours, mini bunting, magnets, pendants...all sorts of things! They are easily made using the basic square pegboard and whatever beads you might have lying around.

Work with what you have

If you already have some Hama bead supplies then it's easy to do some Halloween Hama bead crafting just using what you already own. 

These Hama bead witch designs are made using the princess pegboard. With a bit of imagination the board can be used in lots of different ways to create some spooky witches.

I also repurposed the Hama bead house pegboard to create a Hama bead Halloween house. I just chose colours that worked with a Halloween theme and added a pumpkin and some bats.

If you have a selection of Hama bead pegboards already lying around, think about how they could also be used for Halloween themed designs. Even the basic shapes like circles, hearts or stars can become perfect Halloween decor if you use a spooky colour scheme or glow in the dark beads.

Halloween themed tableware

Following on from the above, another use for the basic circle shaped pegboard is to make some Halloween Hama bead coasters. You can find designs to copy, like the ones in my post, or just work on stripes or concentric circles in Halloween colours.

For your Halloween table you could also make some Halloween themed Hama bead napkin rings. These designs are really simple, using only the square pegboard, and by shaping them slightly when they are still warm from ironing they fit perfectly around a rolled napkin.

Halloween decorations

If you already have some suitable finished Hama bead crafts lying around the house then maybe there is a way that you can re-use them for some Halloween decor. For example, I used the Hama bead witches mentioned above to create some Hama bead witch displays using shoebox lids. We painted the lids black and used glitter and sequins to decorate before mounting the Hama bead witches.

I also used a pattern which I developed for Hama bead sugar skulls to make some Hama bead sugar skull bunting. I love how the sugar skulls use the same template yet they are all individual, and it's also a great way to use up small quantities of leftover beads.

Think about wearable accessories

This same sugar skull pattern can also be used the the tiny mini Hama beads to craft some gorgeous little sugar skull earrings. Great for Halloween themed parties!

You can also use the mini Hama beads to make some little Halloween themed pin badges. All you need to do is create the design and then add a pin badge backing. 

I hope that you liked my ideas for some Halloween themed Hama bead crafting!