Batch prepping craft projects like you do meals

Recently this video ended up in my feed and I really enjoyed it, so I thought that I would share it:

It's all about batch prepping crafts in advance, so that when you have some time for a crafty project you have everything that you need all in one place to get started. The video shares a few examples of simple craft kits that the creator has put together, including a cross stitch embroidered journal and a paper garland kit. 

I remember a similar idea from back when I used to lurk on scrapbooking forums - people would discuss preparing their pages in advance by gathering together photographs and co-ordinating supplies in a plastic sleeve, ready to put a page together when they had some spare time. 

I thought this was such a great idea! But for me, it's not so much about preparing some new crafts that I want to try, but rather using this technique as a way to use up some of the craft supplies that I have lying around. 

I have my craft supplies stored in various locations around the house - fabric in drawers in my wardrobe, beads in little wooden drawers in my study, patterned papers in the toy cupboard and so on. As well as various unfinished craft projects, mainly cross stitch kits, that are waiting to be continued. When I want to do something I often need to gather things from all over the house, and then return the leftovers once I'm done. 

Photo credit Eric Prouzet via Unsplash

I've been having a think about the craft supplies that I have in my stash, and brainstorming some projects that I can work on to use them up. Some ideas that I have so far - bracelet making using my enormous bead stash, some kind of project that will use up tiny scrap pieces of fabric, finding a use for my patterned paper and collage supplies. 

I'm going to challenge myself to bag up five craft projects, as far as possible using only supplies that I already own, and then complete them by the end of the year. I'll include all the materials that I'll need, as well as any printed instructions or templates. As we head towards Christmas I'll try for some seasonal theming, and I'll attempt to choose projects that will leave a noticeable dent in my crafting stash. 

Watch this space to see what I come up with!

Creating healthy boundaries in a hyper-connected world

This is a collaborative post

Being connected all the time can make life feel efficient on the surface, but it can also leave people mentally crowded. Messages arrive late into the evening, work follows people home through laptops and phones, and social media has a way of filling every small gap in attention. The wider conversation around digital wellbeing has grown in recent years because more people are noticing that constant connectivity doesn’t always feel empowering. Sometimes it can frankly be suffocating.

Recognising the Signs of Digital Overload

Digital overload often shows up before people name it properly. It can look like restlessness when the phone is not nearby, feeling mentally “on” all the time, struggling to focus on one task, or noticing that breaks are no longer really breaks because they are filled with notifications and scrolling. Particularly when working from home, blurred boundaries can make it harder to notice when stress is building. That makes regular digital pauses more useful than they may sound. Even short breaks from screens, notifications, and constant input can help reduce that feeling of mental overcrowding. 

Setting Boundaries on Social Media

Social media tends to become less draining when it is used more intentionally. That might mean turning off non-essential notifications, setting app timers, unfollowing accounts that reliably leave you feeling worse, or deciding that certain times of day are off-limits for scrolling. The point is not to become perfectly disciplined overnight. It is to make social media feel more like something you use and less like something that is always tugging at your attention. Creating a little more distance can also make it easier to notice what kind of content actually supports your mood and what simply fills time without giving much back. Practical limits usually work best when they feel realistic enough to stick.

Protecting Your Privacy Online

Healthy boundaries are not only about time and attention. They’re also about privacy. That’s why basics still matter: strong passwords, secure connections, regular updates, and being more selective about what is shared online. It is also a natural point to consider privacy tools more seriously. When thinking about how to keep personal data safer while browsing, using public networks, or managing online accounts, some people look at a vpn download as one additional layer of protection alongside better passwords and safer habits.

Photo credit Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Achieving Work-Life Balance in a Remote World

Remote and hybrid work have made digital boundaries even more important because the line between “working” and “being at home” can disappear quickly and the blurred boundaries can make burnout harder to spot. Work-life balance is rarely created by intention alone. It usually needs structure: clear start and finish times, a workspace that can be mentally “left”, proper breaks, and some resistance to the idea that being reachable all the time is the same as being productive.

Moving Forward with Confidence

The encouraging thing about setting digital boundaries is that they don’t need to be dramatic to be effective. A few more breaks, quieter notifications, stronger privacy habits, and clearer limits around work can all start to shift how daily life feels. 

Review - Rolife Super Creator kit - Pop Bubble Bathroom and lighting kit setup

I received these items in exchange for a review

A few months ago I shared my review of some new kits from Rolife in the Super Creator series. These miniature house kits are part of a modular series that can be completed as individual rooms and then stacked together to create a larger miniature world. The kits can be stacked together in a variety of ways, and you can use the roof accessory kit to add ceiling lighting.

These kits are quite simple kits and they don't take very long to build, so they are ideal for beginners or younger miniature crafters. My daughter is 15, and she loved the Lovely Pink Bedroom kit, so she was delighted to be able to work on the Pop Bubble Bathroom and connect it to the bedroom.

This gorgeous bathroom features a free standing bath with bath shelf for decor and a book - a perfect fantasy bathroom! There's a shelf unit with toiletries and other bits and pieces and a lovely raised sink. There are gold fittings, a little mirror, and all sorts of other tiny details. The kit is mainly assembled by slotting together the plastic accessories. All the sticking is done using tiny double sided adhesive dots, or you can use glue for smaller areas to give a neater finish.

I love the tiny hair dryer that sits on top of the laundry basket, and the little toilet roll perched on top of the opening and closing toilet. Although the kit suggests how the accessories could be positioned you are of course free to arrange the room exactly as you would like it. If you chose not to stick everything in place then it would be sturdy enough for an older child to play with.

The Pop Bubble Bathroom comes with a side light which is powered by a USB-C power cable (not supplied). This is great because you don't need to worry about supplying and replacing batteries.

If you would like to install the ceiling light then you will either need the separate roof accessory kit, or you can install the light on the bottom of another room kit which is positioned above. We used the roof accessory kit to add the ceiling light. 

The roof accessory is pre-built and is very easy to slot onto the room kit. The ceiling light and wiring box is supplied with the individual room kit. The light slots underneath with the cable running down the outside of the house to a small wiring box attached to the outside.

First we added a roof and ceiling light to the Lovely Pink Bedroom and she was so pleased with how it looks.

Then we installed the roof and lighting kit to the bathroom. As you can see, this kit has two lights - one on the ceiling and also a wall light. The side light can be used without requiring the separate roof kit.

Then we joined the two kits together so that the bedroom now has an en-suite bathroom! You will need to supply power to the lights using a USB-C cable which is not supplied. However the kits do come supplied with a short USB-C to USB-C cable to connect two or more rooms together. So you only need to supply one power cable which can be used to power lighting to several kits that are joined together.

For now we have chosen a side by side connecting option, but it is would be very easy to rearrange the kits so that they are the other way around, or one sits above the other.

We love the kits in this series, they are simple to put together but have lots of detail and they look lovely when out on display. You can see the full range here - Rolife Super Creator kits.

How I made an Everest notebook to track my niche interest

I have a large collection of notebooks and journals that I write in regularly. There is my day to day journal, my garden journal, my book recording notebook, a small notebook where I collect quotes and a rough notebook for general thoughts and ideas. I'm also about to start a media journal to keep track of my media consumption. 

Another new notebook that I've recently added into the mix is my Everest journal, and I thought I'd share that one today. I do love when people have a niche interest, maybe Everest isn't that niche, but I would imagine that most people in my demographic aren't that interested! 

Luckily I've collected plenty of blank notebooks, so I usually have one to hand when I need one. This is just a basic lined notebook, with a picture stuck on the front to cover up company branding. 

I always leave a few pages blank at the front of a new notebook, as I find this helps me to feel less intimated. I'm numbering the pages as I go along, so these front pages will become a contents page, an index, or a place to add stickers and random images. 

I've also started the journal from the front, the back and the middle! I add new information at the front as I go along. At the back I've started writing book reviews from my Everest bookshelf, and in the middle I've been making notes on the Everest films and documentaries that I've been watching.

Here is the sort of information that I've been collecting in my notebook:

Maps - both detailed and more general. It's a really good reference to be able to look at when I see a mention of a location.

Lists - like a list of all the 8000m peaks, a list of the highest mountains on each continent, and other facts and figures. This helps when a writer refers to other, similar peaks and I can remind myself about them.

Photocopies of interesting paragraphs from books I've read - for example I have a couple of pages from Ed Viestur's No Shortcuts to the Top when he writes about all the equipment that he uses.

Pictures and photographs - sometimes from travel guides but usually ones that I've printed out and stuck in.

Reviews of books, films and other media - sometimes written as I go along, sometimes when I've finished. I find that this really helps the information that I've learned to stick in my mind.

Anything else that I've found interesting - for example I did some reading about hypoxic tents that are used for acclimatising to altitude, and gathered information about famous climbers.

Planning for hypothetical adventures - I know that I'll never hike to Everest Base Camp but I still sent off for some brochures, researched different itineraries, and watched videos from people that have done it!

As the notebook has filled up I added tabs to some sections. I've also added a pocket at the back to store any loose pieces of paper before I decide what to do with them.

During the climbing season this year I enjoyed a daily ritual where I watched a short update video and made a few notes on what had happened that day. I enjoyed reading it back at the end of the season, and maybe I'll compare it to next year!

I've really enjoyed putting together this notebook. As well as being a good reference guide it's also helping me to remember and learn from all the Everest media that I've consumed. Now I'm thinking about making them for more of my interests!

Exploring Vienna without the burden of heavy bags

This is a collaborative post

A Practical Guide to Making the Most of Austria's Elegant Capital

Vienna is a place that has a mix of Imperial past, classic music present, and also contemporary culture. It has everything from large palaces and very popular museums to quiet coffee shops and beautiful parks. Each neighbourhood has its own character. Whether you are in for a short or long stay, which will exhaust all the city’s assets, proper planning is required. Also a tip a lot of travellers don’t think of is how to handle your bags before getting into your hotel or after you leave it.

Travellers looking for Luggage Storage Vienna options often choose secure storage services so they can enjoy sightseeing without carrying heavy bags throughout the day. At large is the case with Radical Storage, which maintains a web of convenient drop-off points across the city, thus enabling visitors to easily get in and out of storage as they see fit while they explore all that Vienna has to offer.

Why Traveling Light Improves the Experience

In crowds of city streets, at the airport, or in busy train stations, you’ll find yourself worn out while checking in your suitcases. In Vienna, though, whose charming old streets and squares are present, you will find it better to leave the walking to the locals; that way, you’ll enjoy your stay lighter.

Without heavy luggage, visitors can... 

• Walk longer distances comfortably.
• Go to museums worry-free.
• Use public transportation more easily.
• Stop by any café or restaurant.
• Take unpaved routes through parks and shopping districts.
• Travel with little baggage, which in turn gives you more options when your flight’s time is off or you’re in to claim at the hotel late.

Photo credit Daniel Plan via Unsplash

Must-Visit Attractions in Vienna

Vienna is home to a great many landmarks that tell the story of Europe’s past.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

In the city center is St. Stephen's Cathedral, which is a trademark of Vienna. Its Gothic architecture, colorful tile roof, and observation towers bring in visitors from all over the world.

Schönbrunn Palace

The former home of the Habsburg emperors is a great place that also includes beautiful gardens, historic interiors, and panoramic views. Many visitors report spending over 300 minutes on the palace grounds.

Hofburg Palace

This historic imperial palace is home to museums, libraries, and cultural institutions that display Austria’s royal past. Also in the nearby streets you will see Viennese architectural beauty.

Belvedere Palace

Art aficionados enjoy the Belvedere for its Baroque architecture and also its impressive collection of Austrian art, which includes works by Gustav Klimt.

Getting Around the City

Vienna has an excellent public transport system, which is what you would expect for a European metropolis. Trains, trams, buses, and suburban rail networks, which all integrate very well with each other to get you to all the main points of interest.

Visitors can buy day passes for when they plan to do multiple trips. Also, in the city’s touristy areas, which are very much the popular ones, many points of interest are within walking distance of each other, especially in the historic center.

Wear comfortable shoes if you can, as you will be doing a lot of walking, which is the best way to see and feel Vienna’s atmosphere.

Best Times to Visit

Each year brings a different view of the Austrian capital.

Spring

Blooming flowers and mild weather make spring the best time for sightseeing and outdoor cafes.

Summer

Long sunny days are great for park exploration, outdoor concerts, and riverside activities.

Autumn

Colorful leaves and less of a crowd give you a calming travel experience in mild weather.

Winter

At Christmas time Vienna comes alive with festive decorations and classic concerts and becomes a top European destination for winter atmosphere.

Local Food Worth Trying

Vienna’s food culture is a big part of the travel experience.

Popular local dishes include:

• Wiener Schnitzel
• Tafelspitz
• Apfelstrudel
• Sachertorte
• Kaiserschmarrn

Traditional coffee shops also present an authentic setting in which to enjoy pastries and at the same time experience Vienna’s famous café culture.

Practical Travel Tips

Easy preparation can make any visit go more smoothly.

Carry a reusable water bottle.

Purchase tickets for your travel in advance when possible.

Have some cash on hand for small businesses.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Start your tourism early.

Travellers also may wish to take out travel insurance, which also includes copies of their important travel documents.

Managing Luggage During Your Visit

Many people check in early or stay past the check-out date. For those that don’t want to drag their bags around all day, secure storage is a great option that greatly improves the enjoyment of sightseeing.

Radical Storage has a network of partner locations throughout many areas of Vienna, which in turn allows the service to offer luggage storage to travellers who wish to store their luggage while they continue with the rest of their trip. Locations are close to transport centres as well as popular tourist spots, which in turn at large helps travellers make the most of their time in the city.

Other luggage storage options that travellers may use include Usebounce, Stasher, and LuggageHero.

Making the Most of Every Hour

When in Vienna for a day or a week, do what you can to plan out your itineraries in advance, which in turn reduces stress. Travellers will find that more attractions can be visited and more planned activities can be enjoyed, which in turn leaves more energy to spend on museums, which may not be accessible if weighed down by heavy bags. Also there will be more energy to enjoy the local food, to wander historic streets, and to relax in the fine parks.

Through organisation of transport, efficient planning of itineraries, and the use of practical storage for luggage as needed, travellers are able to focus on what Vienna has to offer, which in turn creates great memories from this journey.

Moving on from Goodreads - my new reading journal and notebook

Recently I wrote about how I had fallen out of love with Goodreads, and had started tracking my reading in a different way. So today I would like to introduce you to my new physical reading and book journal!

How I chose my reading tracker journal

I spent a lot of time looking for a reading journal. I wanted something that wasn't too intimidating, and one that didn't oblige you to write a full page review for each book. I wanted the basic info - title, author, dates read, a rating system and ideally a place to write a few notes. I wanted to be able to customise it, especially to add extra information about books that I had really enjoyed.

I eventually settled on this one - a simple book rating tracker. I like that it is small and light, has plenty of space for lots of books, and although there are only a few lines for each book you can add more space by covering up some of the review slots. It is quite expensive for what it is, and I will need to strengthen the flimsy cover at some point, but on the whole it is just what I was after.

What I intend to use it for

My main goal is to both help me remember more about the books that I've read and to be a place to make short notes on any topics that I might want to explore further. For example, one book that I read briefly mentioned the concept of psychogeography and when I looked it up I found it all really interesting! Even though it was only a few weeks ago, there's no way that I would have remembered the title of the book that introduced it to me.

How I've been using it so far

I'm only a few books in, but I'm already pleased with it. I've found that most books make enough of an impression on me that I want to fill up several of the individual book rating sections. This is messing with the pre-printed numbering system a little bit so I need to find a way to make a better table of contents.

I've been using washi tape and stickers to try and give a flavour of each book. For example, romance books get a heart sticker, books with a baking theme might get a cupcake. I've been printing out some of my favourite quotes from the book and sticking them in, I've also added maps and photographs of things mentioned in the books.

I'm really enjoying flipping through to refresh my memory on the books that I've read, and that's only going to become more enjoyable as it slowly fills up.

Some books that I've enjoyed recently

In this hot weather I'm finding that reading is one of the few activities that I can do comfortably! I've read some really good books lately, so I'm sharing some of them here. I've made a big change to the way that I record my reading - I'm no longer using Goodreads. I wrote about it here - Why I've fallen out of love with Goodreads - and I've started using a physical book tracker and journal. It's working really well for me, and I'll be sharing how I use it at some point, it's really helping me to remember the books that I've read!

A Single Thread - Tracy Chevalier. 

I picked this book up in a charity shop as I remembered enjoying other books by the author (Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Lady and the Unicorn). I really liked it because covers several themes that I found interesting. It's a historical novel with a single timeline, set after WW1 and following Violet, a 'surplus woman' who lost her fiancé and brother during the war and is now expected to remain unmarried and live at home with her mother. Instead she manages to break away and assert her independence.

There were some really interesting topics in the story. My favourite - Violet discovers an embroidery society in Winchester Cathedral, a group of women who are creating kneelers, cushions and other items under the guidance of Lousia Pesel. This is based on a true story, and I enjoyed looking up examples of the actual kneelers and finding out more about the embroidery. For example the use of the fylfot symbol which is a variant of the swastika and also serves as a foreshadowing for the looming WW2.

Violet also befriends a bell ringer, and I enjoyed learning about the different ways that bells are run in churches and cathedrals around the country. It has inspired me to go along to our village church one evening when they are doing their practice ringing!

Photo credit Tanya Barrow via Unsplash

The Housekeeper's Tale - Tessa Boase

I was inspired to buy this non-fiction book after I attended a lecture given by Tessa Boase at a local Arts Society. The lecture was actually on a completely different topic (London's Lost Department Stores) but I spotted that she had also written this book and I'm so glad that I bought it.  

I've always been fascinated by old country houses and how they are run, and very different housekeepers feature prominently in my two favourite books - Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. 

This book takes a close look at five housekeepers, from 1832 until 1971, along with an epilogue from a woman who does a similar job today. It's meticulously researched and I was left in awe - some of these women left very few traces behind them and the author has collated these tiny snippets from a variety of sources and fleshed them out into really interesting and very readable stories. 

Photo credit Silas Köhler via Unsplash

David Copperfield - Charles Dickens

I wanted to read this after I loved Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I knew that Demon Copperhead was a modern re-telling of the story, but I didn't realise quite how closely it follows the original - down to names of characters, locations and events. I enjoy reading long books from time to time, and this one did take me several weeks. I didn't find it particularly difficult to read - there is just so much of it!

Although I probably read them in the wrong order, having read Demon Copperhead did help me to follow the plot, and I enjoyed spotting the references. The book was originally published in serialised form so each chapter is quite self-contained and can be read in a single sitting. There are also plenty of places online that you can read a chapter summary just to make sure you are following!

I'm not sure that I would rush to read any more Dickens, as although I enjoy the classics there are other authors that I prefer. But I'm really glad I made the effort to read this one. 

Book Lovers - Emily Henry

This was a quick palate cleanser after my weeks of Dickens! I borrowed it from a friend and quickly realised that I'd read it before, but I knew I had enjoyed it so I read it again! It's an easy romance, slow burn, and a little bit spicy. It's an attempt to subvert the small town romance trope and it works really well, with a satisfying ending that feels realistic.