How I've decluttered my home over the past year

I've carried out several decluttering challenges over the last few years, like the #minsgame and decluttering 100 items in a week. I do try to keep on top of organising and decluttering my home, but recently I've really noticed that the unwanted things were starting to pile up.

With the building of our extension and having new carpets fitted we had to empty most of our rooms, and it really makes you realise how much clutter you have lying around when you have to pack everything up and store it somewhere that's in your way. Our garage was also in a mess as the workers had been sawing wood and storing rubbish there, and we had huge piles of cardboard everywhere.

Another thing I realised is that there were lots of items lying around the house that I didn't want anymore, but just didn't know what to do with. Every time I saw these things it reminded me that I needed to do something about it, and now that I've passed on many of those tricky items I feel so much calmer when I look around the house.

So I've had a really good clear out! Here are some of the ways that I moved things along:

Friends and family

This is always the first port of call, just on the off chance that someone needs something we are getting rid of. I have a friend who is a primary school teacher and so I pass on lots of toys and books which she can use in her school.

eBay

I had great success with selling things on eBay, in particular Lego. It was a lot of work - I had to build sets, find missing pieces, photograph, research key selling points and prices, and then keep an eye on the listings and make sure I was posting things out on time. But now that it's done and I've made several hundred pounds I can't believe we were just sitting on all that money!

CEX

Another way we've found to successfully sell items is with CEX. You can use their drop and go service to create a basket of the items that you want to sell, choosing the item and condition from the lists on their website. Then you just take it into the store to drop it off, they do a quick check and then call you within an hour or two to confirm the price they will offer. We filled several shopping bags with old electrical items, some which had been sitting around for years, and they took almost everything. We made a decent amount, and even the things which weren't worth a great deal will at least be recycled if they can't sell them. They will also offer more money if you choose a store voucher rather than the cash.

Facebook free sites

We have an active 'Free before the tip' Facebook group which I've made a great deal of use of. It's brilliant for larger items like furniture and random things which you know could be useful to someone. I have been messed around a few times - it's funny how you can post something and someone will jump on it immediately in the comments. but when you try to arrange pick up they go silent for days! But overall I've had a good experience, and it's a great feeling to pass on something useful that someone wants.

Charity shops

We have a new charity shop and donation centre which has opened in an old petrol station on my school run. It's perfect - plenty of parking and they are always grateful for donations. I can never resist having a quick browse myself though, I'm always on the lookout for books and jigsaws!

Photo credit Julien-Pier Belanger via Unsplash

Textile recycling

There are plenty of textile recycling bins in the area which are easy to get to, and I also use the charity bags which we get through the door. I sometimes use these for the clothing and household linens that aren't in good enough condition to donate to a charity shop.

Local metal collector

There's a local man who is always happy to come and collect scrap metal for free. I usually wait until I've got a pile together and then message him on Facebook, he comes straight away.

Local licensed waste collector

We had to say goodbye to Mia's loft bed over the summer as she had outgrown it and it took up so much space. There was no way we could remove it ourselves - it took us a whole day to assemble and the larger pieces wouldn't fit in our car for the tip. I found a local company that disassembled and removed it for a very reasonable price.

Council recycling and waste

We managed to get away with only one trip to the tip over the summer for those larger items of rubbish that wouldn't fit in the bin. Otherwise I sent a lot of rubbish out with our council recycling collection and waste collection. We are very lucky at the moment because they will take extra rubbish, next year we are switching to fortnightly collections and a smaller bin so it won't be as easy.

Now when I look around my home I love seeing all the empty space. I've cleared many corners where things were piled up, and it makes me feel so much calmer. Of course there is still plenty to do, because decluttering is a job that is never finished. But I've had such a good go at getting it under control, and I know that now I can keep on top of it all. 

What I've been up to lately - September 2025

It's time for another catch up! Here are some of the things that I've been up to lately:

Reading

I've read some great books recently! You can see all of my reading over on Goodreads, where I track what I've read and give it a star rating. Some of my recent five star reads - Four Seasons in Japan by Nick Bradley, Abroad in Japan by Chris Broad and One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Planning

Two of these books have been very helpful, because I've been busy planning a holiday which we have booked for next summer. We are going to Japan which is very exciting, it's somewhere that I've always wanted to visit and I like to think that I'm reasonably knowledgeable about the country thanks to the fact that I've read a lot of books set in Japan and by Japanese authors. 

I'm using ChatGPT a lot in my planning and I'm finding it really helpful, in fact I'm intending to write up a blog post with some tips for using ChatGPT to plan a holiday. It's great for a quick but more obscure question that might take a long time to Google the answer, for example opening times for a less popular attraction or one that doesn't have much information available about it in English. ChatGPT will tell me the answer, but also give me a link to an official website where I can check the information. 

This step is crucial as you do need to check everything. It can make things up, and also does things like skip a day if you are asking it to plan an itinerary, but it's a really good starting point and definitely speeds up the searching. It is especially helpful for grouping together close by attractions that can be visited in the same day, and for suggesting day trips that I might not have thought of. I'm getting a really good plan together!

Puzzling

A few months ago I became a little obsessed with jigsaw puzzles. Working on a puzzle was very helpful to me at a time when lots of things were out of my control. I slowed down a bit over the summer but I've taken it up again recently, I'm back to touring the charity shops looking for bargains and I've been redoing a few of my favourites. 

Recently I've worked on some older puzzles including a vintage wooden puzzle that my Mum had been given. The box didn't come with a picture so I had to work it out as I went along, maybe not the kind of image that I would have chosen for myself but I enjoyed the challenge and loved the different shaped pieces. It's called 'A Tiresome Sitter' from Victory.

Watching

I've not been watching a lot lately, but my husband and I have been enjoying re-watching Extras on iPlayer, I've watched it a few times now but it's still very funny! I also watch content on YouTube. Even though I don't have TikTok I love videos by creators that discuss trends on TikTok, like #teachertok or #coloringtok and include the viral clips which are really over the top and just filmed in order to generate interaction and promote their products (these videos also make me glad that I'm not on TikTok, I couldn't keep up!)

Sorting

I've been having a good sort out in the house recently. We had new carpets in a lot of rooms, which meant we had to empty them completely, and that was a really good way to have a think about what would go back. We have also reorganised our rooms a bit, moving Mia's bedroom upstairs and creating a communal room for exercising, playing games and watching television. That room had been a bit of a dumping ground before, and it's really nice that now each room in the house has a purpose and all the random things have either been put away properly or passed on. 

Crafting

I've been doing a lot of miniature crafting recently. I've shared my reviews of two miniature kits - the Cutebee Mrs Hunt Bakery and the Rolife Silent Corner Study which I loved assembling. I have another kit from Rolife to work on which I'm looking forward to getting started with, I know that it's quite a long and complicated set so I'm a little daunted, but once I get it out of the box I'll be fine!

Looking forward to

I've loved working on our garden this year, and I'm still enjoying the masses of flowers which I've managed to grow and keep alive. I'm looking forward to having a good tidy up this autumn and thinking about what worked well and what I want to try for next year. I've already been buying bulbs and making lists of the seeds I want to buy for the spring!

We also have a holiday coming up in October which I'm very much looking forward to, it will be an opportunity for a last bit of summer sun before we head into winter.

What have you been up to lately?

A journey on the Shanghai Maglev train from Shanghai Airport to the city centre

The Shanghai Maglev runs between Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road Station in Shanghai city centre. Completed in 2002, it wasn't built to solve a transport need but rather to showcase the advanced technology and boost Shanghai's international profile. It's the only high-speed maglev line in commercial service. 

Although capable of running up to 431km/h, the typical operational speed is around 300km/h, a speed which is only maintained for about 50 seconds due to the short route. The distance between the two stations is approximately 30km, and the journey lasts between 7 and 8 minutes. There are plenty of other ways to travel from the airport to Shanghai city centre, but if you want to have a unique experience then the Shanghai Maglev is definitely the way to go! 

What is a maglev train?

A maglev train is a train which levitates above the tracks using magnets instead of wheels, which means that it can travel very fast with little friction. However both the trains and tracks are expensive to build, and there are only a very few short commercial lines worldwide. It's a technology which has a lot of potential for high speed long distance travel, but because of the significantly higher costs involved and greater energy consumption it hasn't yet realised its potential. 

Practicalities for travelling on the Shanghai Maglev train

The train travels between Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road Station, and trains run every 15-20 minutes throughout the day from around 7am to 9.40pm. You can check the exact timetable here - Shanghai Maglev timetable. From Longyang Road Station you can transfer to Metro lines 2, 7, 16 or 18 to reach downtown Shanghai, although we chose to travel by taxi to and from our hotel as we had several large suitcases.

The journey takes between 7 and 8 minutes, and even though you'll only be travelling at top speed for less than a minute, it still feels super fast! There's a display board in the carriage showing your current speed which is fascinating to watch.

You can buy your tickets when you arrive from ticket counters and self-service machines at the stations. We bought a round-trip ticket which is valid for return within 7 days using one of the ticket machines, the current price for this ticket is 80 yuan. We used Alipay to buy the tickets from the machine, which we had already installed on our phones before travelling to Shanghai. This was our first time attempting payment in China so it did take a little while to get it working, and if you are planning to visit China from another country you definitely need to do some research into payment methods so you are all set up before you arrive.

When you've bought the tickets you then use them to enter the gates which take you to a waiting area and there is also a security screening area. In the airport waiting area there is a model of the train along with some information boards.

At the station, when the train is close to arriving you are directed by staff down to the platform. There is a marked out queuing area, and then it's easy to board once the train arrives. It was a lot less chaotic than our experiences of using the Shanghai Metro, and it wasn't busy on either of our journeys. The seats have plenty of space around them for suitcases, or else there are large luggage storage areas at the ends of the carriages. 

There are no stops on the way, it's just a direct train between the stations. There are some great views along the way, and you can definitely feel the speed that you are travelling! It's something that you can't experience in many places around the world, so if you are visiting Shanghai I would definitely recommend it.

Reflections on the start of a new school term

September is well underway and there are some big changes for our family as the children start this new school year. The routine that we've been following for a good few years has been completely shaken up, mainly because Harry has started at a new sixth form which is a fair distance from our home. He's having to deal with a long commute by train, and I need to add regular trips to the station in addition to the school run that I'm already doing. 

He's already been given plenty of work to do, and Mia starts her GCSE options this year, so she's also feeling the pressure. They have both been exhausted at the end of the day. It's going to take us all a couple of weeks to get used to the new timings and to get settled!

It's difficult having to take a step back from them as they become more independent, even though I am also glad that I don't need to be so involved with their day to day anymore. One thing that I'm really grateful for is being able to drop them off and pick them up without needing to leave the car - especially on a rainy day like today. We can just keep in touch by phone and they can come and find me where I'm parked!

I'm trying to get the balance right between them knowing that I'm there for them to try and sort out any issues, but also giving them the opportunity to work out problems by themselves. They relish their independence, but I am also very much needed!

Photo credit Deleece Cook via Unsplash

Things that I want to do by the end of the year

It has been a long time since I was at school, but September always feels like the chance for a reset. Even though it has still been really warm today I can sense the approach of Autumn, and a few months to countdown before a fresh start in January.

Here are some of the things on my current to do list:

Sort out our digital photos

I try to keep up with our digital photos, but sometimes I get a bit behind. Last week I finally finished off the 2024 photos - removing the blurry ones, random screenshots and duplicates - making sure that I keep only the very best photos. Now I need to work through the 2025 photos, and I'll aim to keep on top of them as we go along.

Make a plan for displaying my favourite photos

Whenever I sort through photos it makes me realise that I want to see them more often. We haven't printed out any photos out for years, and I'd love to put some more recent ones on display. We have a photo frame in my study which holds 15 photos that were printed around the time that Harry started school in 2013 - that definitely needs updating!

A longer term project is to think about putting together some photo books. I'd love to make one for each year, with the best photos in chronological order along with some text and other memories. Actually making the books will be a job for next year, but I'd like to make a plan for what I want to do and maybe start setting aside some photographs.

Sort out our family history archives

My Dad died earlier this year and left behind his life's work on researching our family history. Many large boxes have been piled up in my Mum's dining room for months, and it's finally time to go through it all. I've volunteered to be the custodian and store the majority of it, but having gone through it with him a little bit last year I know that there is quite a lot there that I feel we don't need to keep. I want to curate everything so that the most interesting and important things are easily accessible to myself and my siblings. It's a big job and also an emotional one that the family will be working on together, but I'm now ready to make a start on sorting it all out.

My Nutcracker cross stitch

This has been a work in progress for far too long! It's not a particularly difficult piece as there aren't very many colours, but it can be tricky working on the dark fabric if the lighting isn't good. It's stitched in two layers, a basic cross stitch layer underneath and then a top layer containing some more elaborate embroidery stitches. I've completed over half of the first cross stitch layer, so I'd really like to finish the rest of the cross stitch base before Christmas as a minimum.

Pick up my journalling again

My journalling has sadly fallen by the wayside. It's been a busy year with lots going on, and some of that would definitely have benefitted from being worked through in my journal. I need to get in the habit of writing again, even if it's just a small paragraph every day.

Finish my current decluttering round

I've been having a major declutter this year, and I'm loving how the house is looking clearer and tidier. Decluttering is a job that is never really finished as more things are always appearing, but I'm determined to just get a few last things out of the way and the remaining spaces sorted out ready to go into the new year.

What would you like to achieve by the end of the year?

Review - Rolife Miniature Craft Kit - Silent Corner Study from the Book Nook and Wonderland series

I received this miniature craft kit in exchange for a review

A little while ago my husband and I had a lot of enjoyment completing a miniature craft kit from Rolife - Cathy's Flower House. It occupied us happily for quite a while, and I love admiring the finished model sitting on the bookshelf. So I was really pleased to be given the chance to review a couple more miniature kits from Rolife.

I began with the Silent Corner Study, which is part of the Book Nook and Wonderland series. The assembly level is 3 stars which makes it slightly easier and quicker to complete than Cathy's Flower House, which is a more advanced kit with a 4 star rating. The Silent Corner Study kit doesn't even require any glue - all that you need in addition to the kit contents are two AAA batteries for the light.

Inside the box are a selection of wooden sheets with press out pieces, a printed cardboard sheet, a printed sticker sheet, a lighting kit and a few other accessories. Then a large instruction book which I found clear and easy to follow. 

The first thing to do is to find some batteries and check that the light works, then you can get started. What I really liked about this kit was that one of the first parts to complete was the battery box and lighting wires - I find this part of the kit a little intimidating so I like to get it out of the way early! It was really easy to install though so I didn't need to worry.

To assemble the kit it's just a case of working through the instructions in order, and pressing out the pieces as you need them. Most of this kit is made using pre-printed and cut wooden pieces, which are really good quality. The finish of the printing is excellent, and all the pieces popped out easily and slotted together well.

When I first saw the picture of the kit I thought that it would take a lot longer as there are so many books to make. But it is deceptive, because many of the books are just printed onto a wooden or cardboard piece which slots into place on the shelf. There are still a few books that need to be assembled individually, and then it's just a case of carefully placing a book cover sticker onto the correct wooden piece. It's easy to reposition a sticker if you get it slightly out of alignment. 

There is never any doubt when it comes to assembly because most of the time pieces can only be placed in one position, and if it's more complicated then there are either guide arrows or extra help in the instructions to make sure that you get it right. 

I love the bookshelves crammed with not just books but also small paintings, vintage suitcases, a clock and even a cat walking along the shelf! There are so many tiny details. 

Although this kit doesn't require any glue, there is still some sticking to be done with supplied pieces of double sided tape. I did find that I wanted to add a dot of glue on a couple of occasions just to make sure everything was stuck firmly, so it's worth having some on hand just in case.

As I mentioned above, the lighting for this kit is very simple. There is only one bulb which is positioned outside the window, and the wires run neatly up the back and are later covered by the back panel. The battery box is at the top with a hinged flap which allows you to easily access the batteries. The switch for the light is affixed to the bottom of the wooden floor piece, and when you touch the discrete power symbol it turns the light on.

I found that this kit was a really good level of difficulty - easy enough to not need to worry about getting it wrong, but complicated enough to make for a satisfying craft project that kept me interested and engaged in the process.

I spent about a week working on this kit from time to time. I would imagine that you could probably finish it in a couple of evenings if you sat down to work on it, but I liked taking my time and enjoying the process!

I've completed a few miniature kits now, and I think that this is definitely my favourite so far. I love the theme - anything to do with books is a winner for me - and it fits beautifully on my bookshelf. The kit was simple to put together but also very satisfying, and I enjoyed every minute working on it. I loved that I could work on it a little bit at a time without having to sit down for hours - it's perfect for busy people that need to snatch some time to themselves when they can. The quality and finish of the kit was excellent and I love admiring the finished product.

If you are interested in trying out a Rolife kit for yourself I have a discount code which will give you 10% off kits from the Rolife website. Just use the code Jennifer10.

The second kit that I have received to review is a DIY Miniature House called Elsa's Tailoring. The kit is a vintage sewing studio with plenty of tiny details, and I'm really looking forward to making a start. It's a larger kit and a higher difficulty level, so I'm anticipating that it will take me a little longer to complete. I'll be sharing my progress soon!

Attending a recording of The Show K-pop music television show in Seoul

One of our favourite experiences on our trip to Seoul this summer was the chance to watch a live recording of The Show - a South Korean music television show which is broadcast live every Tuesday from the SBS Prism Tower in Seoul. If you are a K-pop fan, or are travelling with one, it's a fantastic opportunity to watch some K-pop performances live on stage and to see how a live music show is put together.

We booked our tour with Trazy - SBS MTV The Show & Seoul Tour Package. The Show takes place every Tuesday, and this tour is available for foreigners only. The current price is £75 per person. There are other tour operators that offer this experience so you might want to shop around, but we were very happy with Trazy. We did notice that each tour operator entered the studio in turn and Trazy was first, so our group was seated in the front rows. 

We met our tour guides just inside Hangangjin Station and it was easy to find the group. The tour includes a sightseeing tour before you head to the studios. You don't have to do this - you can just meet the group at the SBS Prism Tower later in the day for The Show. However numbered tickets are allocated when you arrive at the station, so if you join the tour later you will receive a higher number. You'll still have a good view in the studio, but it's something to bear in mind.

The itinerary of the sightseeing tour changes seasonally, so you need to check what your tour includes. We visited in July and so our tour was the Gwanghwamun King Sejong Course. This included a self-guided visit to The Story of King Sejong Underground Museum, a stop and photo opportunity at the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin which is right outside the museum, a short walk and rest along Cheonggyecheon Stream and a visit to Hikr Ground. The bus took us between these locations, then dropped us off at the SBS Prism Tower. After the show it was up to us to make our own way back to our hotel.

Although our reason for booking the tour was to see The Show, we were really glad that we had chosen to do the optional sightseeing tour. It's always nice to be taken around places rather than having to find your own way, and our tour guide (Jamie) was really friendly. The King Sejong Underground Museum was very interesting, and there was the chance to learn how to write your name in Hangul. The river walk was lovely, and there was time to have a sit down with your feet in the clean water. The Hikr Ground part of the trip was a bit chaotic as it was very busy and also a bit confusing, but there was a nice cafe on the top floor and it got us in the K-pop mood!

Once we arrived at the SBS Prism Tower for the show there was quite a lot of waiting around. There is a cafe area and toilets but not much space to wait inside, so we were encouraged to wait outside with our group. We lined up by tour group in number order according to the tickets we received when we registered, and this was very strictly controlled. There were also separate lines for what I assume were the South Korean K-pop fans that can receive tickets by ballot to stand in front of the stage. Then we were taken into the studio in turn and directed to our seats. Once inside it wasn't too long to wait until the show started, and there was plenty to see as the studio prepared for the broadcast.

The line up for the show is only released just before the broadcast. We were given the details on the tour bus, although we had already looked it up online. On the day that we visited this was the line-up - Han Seung Woo, KARD, ONEUS, H1-KEY, POW, Baby DON'T Cry, AHOF, NouerA, TIOT, DPNS, RESCENE, Blingone and DIVA-X. 

All of these groups apart from Baby DON'T Cry were present in the studio. However not all of their performances were being filmed live - sometimes they danced along to a pre-recorded video, and they didn't always perform the whole routine. In spite of this, because the show moved very quickly from act to act there was plenty to keep us entertained. 

I'm fairly certain that apart from one group none of them were actually singing live, but they all showcased excellent and energetic dances. There was a great atmosphere in the studio, with the local fans in the standing area at the front and also in one of the seating blocks - they had light sticks, signs, balloons and so on and were very enthusiastic supporters. 

Here's a clip from the end of the show that we watched when they announced the winners:

For the K-pop fan in our family, going to watch The Show being recorded was an incredible experience. Even those of us less enthused by the magic of K-pop really enjoyed going along to watch and seeing how the broadcast was put together. I would absolutely recommend this tour if you are visiting Seoul and have even a vague interest in K-pop!

A couple of things to note before you book - Check the age restrictions. The tour that we chose was for children over age 10 only and children under the age of 15 need to be accompanied by an adult. You need to be at the studio in plenty of time, and you cannot take any photographs or videos inside the studio, even before the show starts. You cannot leave the studio once the show starts so make sure to use the restroom first. The Show is subject to cancellation, and if that happens you should receive a full refund, but do check with your tour operator.

If you are interested in more K-pop themed experiences in Seoul then you might find this post useful - Embracing K-pop in Seoul - K-pop activities, things to do and see in the city.

Seven Changi Airport attractions to include in your social media stories

This is a collaborative post

Singapore’s Changi Airport has reclaimed the title of World’s Best Airport in the 2025 Skytrax rankings, and many travellers feel it was only a matter of time. After all, this airport is more than a major aviation hub. It has become a destination in its own right. 

Moreover, the variety of attractions within the airport itself offers more than photo opportunities. There are many attractions that will invite you to create short, authentic stories that can reflect the most interesting parts of your journey in the Lion City. 

For travellers looking to capture memorable moments, here are seven Changi Airport attractions that will give you experiences no other airport can match: 

1)  The Rain Vortex

The Rain Vortex is the crown jewel of Jewel Changi, which is located in Terminal 1. At 40 meters tall, this indoor waterfall is already impressive in scale, but what makes it extraordinary for social media is the way it changes with time and light. In the morning, you can shoot serene clips of the water cascading softly under natural daylight. At night, however, the vortex becomes a stage for a light-and-sound show, which will give your videos an otherworldly quality.

Photo credit CHUTTERSNAP via Unsplash

2) The Forest Valley

Surrounding the Rain Vortex is the Forest Valley, one of Asia’s largest indoor gardens. Get close to the leaves and flowers to highlight the tropical biodiversity, or film the way sunlight filters through the glass panels overhead. If you’re shooting video, walk slowly down one of the sloping trails while keeping the waterfall in the background. This creates a smooth transition between nature and architecture, reminding viewers that this garden is part of an airport. It’s a subtle way to show just how unique the experience is.

3) Canopy Park

At the top of Jewel lies Canopy Park, where you can blend play and creativity into your content. For example, stand at the top of the Discovery Slides and frame your shot to include the Forest Valley and Rain Vortex below. Or record a video while you slide down for a playful reel.

The Foggy Bowls are another favourite. Mist rises from shallow concave bowls, making it look like you’re floating among clouds. Kids love it, but adults can also get creative here. Try a slow-motion video of someone running through the mist, or a boomerang of a leap into the fog. This can serve as lighthearted, whimsical content that fits well in any travel story.

For a little challenge, step into the Hedge Maze. As you weave through, record clips that show the winding paths closing behind you. Once you reach the central tower, don’t forget to film the bird’s-eye view of the maze’s design. Nearby, the Mirror Maze creates illusions of endless greenery. If you stand in the right spot, you can capture multiple reflections that make it look like you’re walking through infinite gardens. 

If you prefer something more thrilling, the Walking Net and Bouncing Net are ideal. The Walking Net lets you look down 25 meters through gaps under your feet, so recording from your perspective can give your audience that dizzying, weightless feeling. Meanwhile, the Bouncing Net is perfect for slow-motion clips of you jumping high while suspended eight meters above ground.

4) Butterfly Garden

Moving beyond Jewel, Changi’s other terminals also hold surprises of their own. The Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3 is the first of its kind in an airport, housing hundreds of butterflies in a lush, two-level greenhouse. 

For social media, the colours and movement of the butterflies create natural magic. Instead of only wide shots, wait for a butterfly to land on a flower or perch gently on your hand. A close-up video of delicate wings opening and closing against the greenery will make for some mesmerising content. The garden also has a waterfall, which adds an extra layer of sound and motion to your stories.

5) Orchid Garden and Koi Pond

In Terminal 2, the Orchid Garden offers a quieter but equally photogenic escape. With displays of Singapore’s national flower alongside koi ponds, it’s a place that balances calm and colour. Wide shots of the orchids in bloom work well, but a better approach is to highlight contrasts—bright orchids in front of still water, or koi gliding past beneath them.

6) Sunflower Garden

Up on the roof of Terminal 2, you’ll find the Sunflower Garden. With dozens of vibrant yellow blooms turning toward the sun, this space will add a cheerful splash of colour to your feed. 

Because it’s outdoors, timing matters. Try visiting in the late afternoon when the light is softer and the runway in the background glows with golden tones.

To make the most of the setting, angle your camera low so the sunflowers fill the frame, with planes taxiing in the distance. This blend of nature and aviation is unique to Changi and works especially well in short panoramic videos.

7) The Slide

Finally, don’t leave without trying The Slide in Terminal 3. At four storeys tall, it is the world’s tallest slide inside an airport. Beyond the thrill, it’s an attraction that adds energy to your content. Record your descent with a GoPro or phone securely strapped, and you’ll have a dynamic clip that stands out from the usual travel posts.

If you’re filming from outside, position yourself near the bottom to capture friends or family shooting out of the slide with wide smiles. The combination of speed, surprise, and laughter will make it one of the most shareable moments you can create in Changi.

Photo credit Shawn via Unsplash

Changi Airport: Where Travel Becomes Content

Changi Airport is no longer just a place you pass through. It's a destination designed to turn every moment of your stay into an unforgettable experience. From capturing the magnificence of the Rain Vortex to the whimsical charm of its themed gardens, you'll find countless opportunities to craft content that's as unique and unforgettable as your travels. This makes your time at Changi worth capturing and sharing with the world.

How to create memorable branded clothing items

This is a collaborative post

Most cheap branded clothing gets forgotten. A flimsy t-shirt from a trade show, a cap with a logo nobody recognises - they end up stuffed in a drawer or thrown out. That’s just wasted money - if you’re going to use clothing as marketing, it has to be something people want to wear. 

Something they’ll reach for without thinking, because it feels like part of their wardrobe and not just an advert. Let’s take a look at how you can go about making these kinds of items.

More than just a logo

The easiest route is the least effective: sticking a logo on the chest of a cheap t-shirt and calling it a day. People aren’t interested in being walking billboards for ugly logos. They want clothing that looks good first, brand second, ideally the two combined.

That means playing with design. A bold colour scheme, a graphic that makes people smile, a simple phrase that feels clever but still ties back to the business. The branding can be there - just not in a way that seems too obviously branded. If the piece works as clothing in its own right, it stands a chance of being worn again and again.

Don’t skimp on quality

This part is where many brands go wrong. Cheap fabric, thin stitching, or a print that just crumbles after two washes doesn’t do you any favours. No one wears uncomfortable or badly made clothes twice if they can absolutely help it.

On the other hand, a thick hoodie from Screen Textiles that keeps its shape, or a tote bag that actually carries heavy shopping, has some more staying power. Each time it gets pulled on or carried out the door, your brand gets another outing. 

Photo credit Redicul Pict via Unsplash

Quality costs more up front, but in practice, it means your investment keeps working for years instead of weeks.

Make it useful

Clothing that’s purely decorative can still work, but usefulness takes it a step further. A warm jacket people grab in winter. A cap that actually fits comfortably. Even something simple, like a sturdy gym bag. When branded clothing is useful, it finds its way into daily routines. And once it’s in the routine, the visibility takes care of itself.

Match the audience

What works for one set of consumers won’t work for another. Students might prefer oversized hoodies. A fitness-focused audience may lean towards breathable fabrics, or sporty fits that can double up as gym wear. Professionals at a tech conference might respond better to something minimalist.

The closer the design matches the lifestyle of the wearer, the more it gets used. And the more it’s used, the longer your brand stays visible.

Memorable branded clothing doesn’t need to be loud and colourful. What it needs to be is good. Well made, thoughtful in design, useful in real life. When people wear your clothing because they like it, not just because it was free, that’s when the brand message actually spreads, and your merch investment pays off.

A visit to Shanghai Zoo, China to see pandas

When we were planning our trip to Shanghai this summer we knew that one thing we really wanted to see was giant pandas. We discovered that in Shanghai there are two options to see them - Shanghai Zoo and the Shanghai Wild Animal Park which both have giant pandas as well as a range of other animals. In the end we settled on Shanghai Zoo because we were more interested in some of the other animals that they have there - in particular the monkeys as we really enjoy seeing monkeys and other primates!

We travelled to Shanghai Zoo by taxi from our hotel in central Shanghai, as we found that booking taxis in Shanghai using the Didi app (which is very similar to Uber) was really easy and the rides were very reasonably priced. But if you prefer to use public transport then the Metro Line 10 stops at Shanghai Zoo Station which is right outside. We used Alipay to buy our tickets on the gate.

We arrived at the zoo as soon as it opened, around 8am, which meant that as well as avoiding the summer crowds we could also make the most of the very slightly cooler temperatures. Because the pandas were the main attraction for us we headed straight to their enclosure which was a really good move. There were only a couple of other people there, and the two pandas were out and about. 

We were able to see both pandas really close up and moving around in their outdoor enclosures, and we stayed for quite a while watching them.

Another draw for us was the penguins which were near the entrance, so we made our way back through the zoo stopping at various exhibits along the way. The zoo is very large and we found it quite difficult to navigate - and be prepared for a lot of walking! It's a good idea to take a photo of one of the maps to help you find your way around. There are a few places to buy snacks or water, and also some vending machines.

We found the penguins, and also enjoyed seeing the golden snub nosed monkeys, the lions and tigers, and the elephants.

The zoo was clean and tidy, and not at all crowded when we visited on a weekday in mid July. It was very hot which meant that we didn't feel up to spending the whole day there, but we comfortably saw everything that we wanted to in a couple of hours. Something to note about the toilets - almost all of the toilets were squat toilets which as Western visitors we aren't used to. If you need or prefer a pedestal toilet then look for the disabled toilet, we found one in every toilet block.

There is a lovely Swan Lake which features other water birds as well as swans, and overall the zoo was really open and pleasant to walk around, with plenty of green and scenic areas.

I found the design of the zoo a little old-fashioned and quite charming. Many of the enclosures had gorgeous hand painted signs showing the animals inside, inside which I loved. 

Almost all of the signage around the enclosures was entirely in Chinese, so if you don't speak Chinese you will need to make sure that you have a translation app on your phone - I like to use the Google Translate app. You can't use Google products easily in China, but I made sure to download the Chinese dictionary ahead of time and it worked really well. 

One thing that I had read before we visited the zoo was that the living conditions for the animals aren't perhaps quite as high as you might be used to seeing in other zoos around the world, and there is possibly some truth in that. We found that we saw every single animal, and often when you visit a zoo there are some animals that you never see because they are out of sight. 

So although the animal enclosures were a good size and clean, I think they are built so that they don't have many areas where the animals can hide out of view. Although this makes for a great visitor experience, it may not be so good for the animals. Otherwise though the enclosures were clean, and the animals appeared healthy.

You can find more information about the zoo on the Shanghai Zoo official website (the website can be translated to English!)

Review - The Cutebee Mrs Hunt Bakery miniature wooden craft kit

I received this craft kit in exchange for a review

Today I'm sharing a review of the Cutebee miniature craft kit Mrs Hunt Bakery. This kit is completed by slotting small wooden components together to produce a sweet little bakery shop filled with breads, cakes and other delicious goods. It's a part of the City Walk series which contains a number of different shops, and the miniature kit is recommended for ages 14+.

The craft kit comes neatly packaged and contains everything that you need apart from glue and batteries. 

Inside the box is a selection of wooden sheets with press out parts, as well as some moulded plastic pieces, the electrical components for the lights, a screwdriver and hinges and the instruction booklet.

The first thing to do is to find some batteries and check that the lights are working, then you can start to work through the instructions. I found them clear and easy to follow, with a logical progression through the kit. You just press out the pieces that you need for each part and slot them together. Some of the pieces require glue so you may need to wait for things to dry, but you can always skip ahead and come back when it's ready.

I loved watching the bakery come together. The little pieces are so sweet! The printing on the wooden sheets is really good quality and looks very realistic. I didn't have any problems with pieces not fitting together. There are spares for some of the more fiddly pieces in case you break them, but that wasn't a problem for me.

The pieces fit together well and look really good. You can work on the kit a little bit at a time as each section only takes a few minutes to put together, so you can pick it up and put it down as you get chance.

The finished bakery has a hinged part to the side which can open up to reveal the side wall which I thought was a lovely part of the design. The front door also opens and closes.

The bakery is perfect for displaying on a bookcase, and the solid construction and plastic windows keep the inside free from dust. The kit also contains a lighting kit to highlight different parts of the construction which is easily accessed from outside the casing.

I've put together a few tips in case you are considering working on one of these kits!

Tips for completing a Cutebee wooden miniature craft kit

Before starting, set up your work area. Find a tray or box to keep pieces that aren't needed yet, and make space to spread out all the wooden sheets so you can easily find the one that you need as sometimes a component requires pieces from several different sheets.

Press out the pieces as you need them so that you don't lose track

If a piece doesn't pop out straight away there is a small wooden piece that you can use as a tool to help. As you get going with the kit it becomes easier as you get the hang of it, so don't force it.

You need to provide your own glue, and batteries for the lights.

When slotting pieces together, double check the orientation because some are designed to be viewed from only one angle and you need to make sure the printed side is facing the right way.

Take time to follow the instructions carefully and check the assembly order.

Don't throw anything away until the end as some of the pieces are tiny and easily missed.

Don't rush, take the time to enjoy the process as well as the finished product.

If you enjoyed this review you might also like to see my review of the Christmas Wish Store Book Nook - Review - The CuteBee Christmas Wish Store Book Nook craft kit.

Smart tricks for feeding hungry children on busy days

This is a collaborative post

Busy family life often means mealtimes become a juggling act. Between the school run, work obligations, and endless extracurriculars, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to feed children something quick, affordable, and vaguely nutritious. Many parents face the constant dilemma of finding meals that don’t take too much time or effort but still satisfy hungry kids without resorting to daily takeaways.

Although it’s tempting to grab whatever’s convenient, the pressure to maintain some sense of nutrition and routine can weigh heavily. Fortunately, a few clever habits and time-saving tools can take the stress out of family feeding routines. From smart use of food ordering apps to batch cooking and weekly planning, there are several ways to keep things running smoothly even on the busiest of days.

Quick meal solutions when time is against you

The after-school period is one of the most intense times of day. Children are often hungry and tired, while parents are dashing between work commitments, homework support, and prepping for the evening. When dinner feels like one task too many, fast and reliable solutions become essential.

Fast food apps have become an invaluable resource for parents trying to save time. Many allow you to place an order before the school pickup or during a short break at work, ensuring food is ready and waiting when you are. You can find deals with the Burger King app to make this process even more affordable, which helps relieve the pressure when you're short on time and energy.

Ordering ahead cuts waiting time, which matters when you’ve got impatient children in tow. It also allows parents to plan mealtimes with more control, choosing when and where to pick up dinner, which can help avoid food-related meltdowns.

Batch cooking and freezer prep for busy evenings

Spending a little extra time on weekends can set you up for an easier week ahead. Batch cooking involves preparing meals in larger quantities, then freezing portions for quick reheating on weeknights. It takes the guesswork out of dinner and limits the need for midweek shopping trips.

Photo credit Ella Olsson

A big pot of chilli, stew, or pasta sauce can be divided into meal-sized containers and frozen. When you’re low on time, pulling a homemade option from the freezer is far quicker than starting from scratch. Pancakes, muffins, or oat bars can also be made in advance and stored, which makes mornings less chaotic.

Children can help out with prep, too. Even small tasks like portioning or labelling containers can help them feel involved while teaching valuable kitchen skills. The key is to match portions to your family’s appetite to reduce food waste and ensure there’s always enough.

Making smarter fast food choices

Fast food doesn’t always have to mean unhealthy. Many apps now display clear nutritional information, allowing parents to compare options and guide their children toward better decisions. Some offer swaps, apple slices instead of chips, water or milk instead of sugary drinks, or grilled over fried items.

These small changes can help create a balanced approach to occasional takeaways. Parents who use the nutritional tools on fast food apps often find that their children become more open to exploring healthier options when they’re part of the conversation.

It can also be a teaching opportunity. Involving children in the decision-making process helps them understand moderation and feel more in control of what they eat. Having occasional fast food as part of a week that also includes home-cooked meals builds a routine that’s both realistic and sustainable.

Family meal planning to simplify the week

When you already know what’s for dinner, the evening feels far less stressful. Taking 15 minutes on a Sunday to create a basic weekly meal plan can reduce daily decision fatigue. Some families stick to themes, like pasta on Mondays or takeaway on Fridays, to keep planning simple.

Having a rough guide gives you structure without being rigid. It also reduces the chances of last-minute panic ordering or defaulting to less healthy choices. Children can be involved in choosing meals or deciding between two options, which improves their mealtime buy-in.

Saving favourite meals or orders in your chosen food app also speeds things up when time is tight. This means fewer repetitive decisions and a faster route to a reliable dinner. Click-and-collect services are especially useful if you’ve got young children; no need to queue with tired toddlers in tow.

Keeping expectations realistic at mealtimes

Hungry children are rarely patient. Having a supply of quick, nutritious snacks on hand, like cheese, crackers, fruit or yoghurt, can help bridge the gap to dinner without spoiling their appetite. These are easy to prep ahead and keep in the fridge or car for emergencies.

Setting clear routines helps children understand what to expect. Eating meals at roughly the same times each day can help regulate hunger and reduce stress. Visual timers or countdowns can help younger children understand when food will be ready.

Disagreements about treats are common. Some families find that designating one specific “treat day” each week works well. It gives children something to look forward to while setting boundaries that help reduce repeated requests or emotional bargaining.

Talking openly about food choices without using words like “bad” or “naughty” encourages healthier attitudes. Children learn the difference between everyday meals and occasional treats without attaching guilt or shame to either.

Keeping mealtimes budget friendly

Feeding a family doesn’t need to break the bank. Fast food meals can seem cost-effective during a busy week, especially with family deals and app-based discounts. However, costs can add up without careful planning.

Using apps that offer rewards or loyalty points makes it easier to stick to a budget. Many major chains now offer free items after a certain number of purchases or limited-time offers that are only available through the app. These benefits are especially helpful for families who use takeaways more frequently during busy periods.

A mixed approach also works well. Pairing homemade sides with a purchased main, like a fresh salad with a burger, can stretch your budget further and improve the meal’s nutritional value. This hybrid strategy gives children some of their favourites while still incorporating fresher elements.

Photo credit Filip Mishevski via Unsplash

Another great way to control spending is to buy pantry staples like pasta, rice, and tinned vegetables in bulk during supermarket sales. A well-stocked kitchen means you're less reliant on last-minute purchases.

Most food apps also store your order history, making it easy to track how often you’re relying on takeout. If you notice an uptick during busy weeks, you can plan with more home-cooked meals or prepare extra freezer-friendly options to keep things balanced.

Make mealtimes easier with simple strategies

Juggling daily family life doesn't have to compromise mealtime quality. With some basic planning, freezer-friendly recipes, and smart use of ordering apps, feeding children on a busy schedule becomes less of a struggle.

Try preparing snacks and breakfasts in advance, keeping a go-to list of ten-minute dinners, and using app tools to order ahead when you're short on time. Click-and-collect options, flexible meal templates, and small, smart swaps for more balanced meals can take the stress out of busy evenings.

These small changes quickly add up to better routines, fewer food-related meltdowns, and more calm at the table. With the right habits in place, even the busiest families can enjoy smoother, stress-free mealtimes.