The two edible things that I successfully grow in my garden

I always try to make an effort with planting fruit and vegetables, and I've had a few successes over the years as well as quite a few misses. But there are two things that I've consistently been able to grow, use and enjoy.

Firstly we have a lovely apple tree in our front garden which must have been planted when the house was built about twenty years ago. I don't know what type of apple they are but they are cooking apples, and I'm guessing Bramley apples. Every couple of years I prune the tree back quite a bit in the Autumn and we don't get many apples the following year. Then every other year we get a bumper crop, and this year is one of them!

I offer bags to visitors and I use as many as I can for my own baking. I particularly love making apple crumble, even though I'm the only one that really eats it. I use a super simple recipe from BBC Good Food - Easy Apple Crumble although I halve the quantities because it makes loads. Delicious!

Then the second thing that I can grow successfully is tomatoes. Historically this part of the country has been good for growing tomatoes because apparently we get quite a lot of sunlight. I grow the plants directly in my main vegetable patch and also in large pots and I am quite lax about their care - I do  remove the side shoots and I keep them from getting overgrown but I always forget to fertilise them. They also often get neglected if we go away. But in spite of this they usually do quite well!

They are a little behind this year because we were away over Easter and I waited until we got back before I planted the seeds. There's a chance we may be going away in a few weeks time, and I'm really hoping that I don't miss the harvest!

How cruising has changed since Covid

A couple of weeks ago we embarked on our first family cruise post-Covid. My husband found an amazing last minute deal on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas - a ship that we were actually due to sail on back in April 2020. We cruised for a week from Southampton, visiting La Rochelle and Le Havre in France and La Coruna and Bilbao in Spain. 

Cruise ship testing rules are changing all the time. When we cruised, all over 12s needed to be fully vaccinated and all passengers needed to have a supervised negative lateral flow test result within 48 hours of the cruise date (unvaccinated children under 12 within 24 hours). We did our lateral flow test online with DocHQ the day before which was very straightforward, although I did feel that I couldn't start properly packing until we had received that negative result!

Once onboard we noticed very little change to our usual cruising experience. We purchased expensive FFP2 masks which we wore whenever we were walking around the ship and we avoided the lifts and other crowded areas whenever we could. However we were definitely in the minority. Although the crew wore masks, only a handful of fellow passengers wore them.

There were a lot more hand sanitiser stations than I've been used to seeing on a ship, but generally handwashing is very much encouraged on cruise ships anyway. There was plenty of signage to encourage social distancing but no actual enforcement. The buffet and other eating areas were operating as normal. 

Of course we knew that the Covid risk on a cruise ship would be very high, and so despite the precautions that we took we weren't particular surprised that both me and my husband caught Covid on board. Judging by the comments in our cruise Facebook group we were far from alone, and a huge number of people came down with it. 

It's difficult to know what we personally could have done differently to avoid it. Perhaps mask wearing needs to be more strictly enforced among passengers, but I'm not sure that would make much difference. 

I think if you are taking a cruise holiday you just have to be realistic about the fact that there's a good chance you'll be bringing Covid home and if you are particularly at risk of serious complications from Covid then you need to consider whether it's the right holiday for you at this time.

Six common dental problems and how to fix them

This is a collaborative post

Although we all strive for excellent dental health, maintaining it can be difficult. People can experience many common dental problems throughout their lifetime, like bad breath, a gap in teeth, gum disease, and much more. It can damage your confidence, but the important thing to remember is that some issues are much more common than you think. This article will discuss six of them in more detail and tell you everything you need to know to fix these issues and achieve optimal dental health. 

Bad Breath

Bad breath is a common dental problem that most of us will experience throughout our lifetime. It can make people feel rather self-conscious, and you may question whether your dental hygiene is up to scratch. The important thing to remember is sometimes bad breath can be triggered by factors that are out of your control. For example, certain medications, or infections, can trigger it. You can learn more about bad breath triggers online. Bad breath can also be a product of poor hygiene. Luckily, there are some things you can do to address the issue. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and using fluoride toothpaste can help. You should also clean your tongue once a day using a scraper. 

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious gum infection that can lead to symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums. It can also cause bad breath. Without the correct treatment, gum disease will continue to damage the soft tissue and bone that supports your teeth. Be aware that gum disease is not necessarily painful. Some people may live with it for a while until they are aware of it. Initial symptoms include bleeding and swollen gums, which is something to look out for. Luckily, there are treatments available for gum disease. Maintaining a good level of oral hygiene will certainly help. Make sure to visit your dentist, who will be able to offer guidance on this. They may also offer to clean your teeth for you to remove any plaque that has built up. 

Photo credit Diana Polekhina via Unsplash

Teeth Spacing

If you have a tooth gap, you may feel quite self-conscious about it. The important thing to remember is you are not alone. Many people have a tooth gap, which can often be corrected with dental treatment. A Tooth gap results from gum disease - or when the jaw is overly large. They can be corrected with the help of a clear aligner. This is a plastic form of braces that are formed into the shape of your teeth. Not only are they discreet, but they have been proven to correct any tooth gap, regardless of its size. If you are interested in knowing more about clear aligners, Straight My Teeth are an organisation that can help. Their team of experienced orthodontists can tell you everything you need to know and guide you through the process, to give you a smile that you are proud to show off.

Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth can result from an injury - or even from chewing hard foods - and are very unpleasant. It can cause pain and knock your confidence, so you must get it checked out as soon as possible. Make an appointment with your dentist who will discuss your treatment options with you. Some of the most common treatments for cracked teeth include a crown, veneer, or filling. If you are suffering from swelling due to the cracked tooth, you can rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the area. Your dentist may also advise that you take some anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen. This can be purchased over the counter in your local pharmacy. 

Sensitive Teeth

Once the enamel on your teeth starts to wear down, you will notice that your teeth become much more sensitive. This is a common problem that many people face. Your teeth can become susceptible to certain foods and drink, and it can cause you a lot of discomfort. Although the wearing down of enamel plays a huge role in the development of this issue, it can also come down to other factors such as gum disease, receding gums, broken teeth, and much more. Luckily, specific toothpaste and mouthwashes have been designed for sensitive teeth. They can help minimise discomfort, so they are worth checking out.

Cavities 

A cavity results from tooth decay. Unfortunately, the damage they cause is permanent - but can be repaired with a filling. So, how do you know if you have cavities? You may start to notice some symptoms, such as tooth sensitivity. Some hot and cold foods may cause you a lot of discomfort. You will also notice that you are regularly experiencing tooth pain. It often feels like a sharp, stabbing pain. At first, it can be mild, but it will worsen without treatment. If you want to minimise your risk of cavities in the future, make sure you regularly brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and visit your dentist regularly. 

Emerging from Covid

Last week Covid-19 finally caught up with me. By now I had assumed that I was either immune or had already had it but been asymptomatic, so it was a bit of an unwelcome shock to actually test positive. Although it wasn't exactly unexpected - I caught it on a cruise and was fully aware that it was a high risk holiday.  I also wasn't alone, my husband caught it again too as well as a large percentage of the people on our sailing judging by the cruise Facebook group. 

But it did surprise me just how ill I have been with it. I'm not overweight, I exercise regularly and I'm in general good health. Even though I didn't really suffer any respiratory symptoms apart from congestion and a cough I did have a couple of days in bed with a fever and dizziness, and then after that it's been fatigue and just generally feeling unwell. 

I'm into the second week now, and after spending far too long lying about on the sofa mindlessly scrolling through my phone I'm finally beginning to feel a bit more like myself. I've managed to take the children out to the beach, I've caught up with the holiday washing, sorted out some of the poor dead plants in the garden that died during the heatwave and even made a half-hearted attempt at cutting back some of our overgrown front hedge.

Soon I'm hoping to turn to the tasks that need a bit more brain power - I feel like everything is still all foggy! I have lots of e-mails to answer, blog posts to write, not to mention trying to do a bit of the work that I do from home. I've just not been able to concentrate properly on anything!

I'm definitely on the mend and I had my first negative test today so it has officially left my system, just hoping that I'm starting to feel normal again soon!

Photo credit John Cameron via Unsplash

New York Itinerary - Here's how to spend a perfect week in New York

If you're looking for a New York itinerary, look no further. This post will show you how to spend a perfect week in the Big Apple. We'll start with the basics - where to stay and what to do - then get into more specific recommendations for each day of the week. So whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, read on for our tips on how to make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps.

Photo credit Patrick Tomasso via Unsplash

Day 1: Arrive and Get Oriented

After you've arrived and settled into your hotel, take some time to get oriented. Walk around your neighbourhood and familiarize yourself with your surroundings. If you're new to the city, this is also an excellent time to get your bearings by checking out some iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building or Rockefeller Center.

If you're feeling hungry, there are plenty of great places to grab a bite. For lunch, try one of New York's famous delis like Katz's Delicatessen or Carnegie Deli. For dinner, head to Chinatown for some authentic Chinese food or Little Italy for some delicious Italian cuisine.

Day 2: Explore Lower Manhattan

Start your day with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, one of New York's most iconic landmarks. Then, head to lower Manhattan and explore some of the city's most historic neighbourhoods. Visit the World Trade Center site, pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial, and walk through Battery Park.

For lunch, grab a slice of pizza at one of the many pizzerias in the area or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the restaurants in Little Italy. Then, take a ferry ride to Staten Island for some great views of the New York skyline. Adding some excitement to your trip is always a good thing. You may research more about the fun things to do in NYC online. Find points that fit your budget. Consider securing tickets to various destinations online.

Day 3: American Museum of Natural History and Central Park

No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the American Museum of Natural History. Spend a few hours exploring the museum and learning about different topics, from dinosaurs to space.

Afterwards, walk over to Central Park and explore one of the largest urban parks in the world. Rent a bike or go for a stroll, and be sure to check out some of the park's iconic landmarks like the Bethesda Fountain and the Belvedere Castle. For the meal, stop by one of the many food carts around Central Park or grab a bite at one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 4: The Upper West Side 

Start your day by taking a stroll through Central Park, one of New York's most beloved landmarks. Then, walk along Museum Mile and visit some of the city's most famous museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Guggenheim Museum. 

For lunch, grab a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area. If you have time, explore the Upper West Side neighbourhoods of Harlem and Morningside Heights. End your day with a Jazz concert at one of the city's many legendary music venues.

Day 5: The Upper East Side

Head to the Upper East Side today and explore some of New York's most affluent neighbourhoods. Start by walking along Fifth Avenue and window shopping at some of the city's most exclusive stores, like Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton. Then, visit the Museum of Modern Art or the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.

You can enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the many upscale restaurants in the area. In the afternoon, explore the neighbourhoods of Yorkville and Carnegie Hill. Consider closing the day with a performance at Lincoln Center or a show at one of the city's many Broadway theatres.

Day 6: The Battery Park (Financial District)

Start your day with a walk along the High Line, an elevated park built on an old railway line. Then, head to the Financial District and explore some of the city's most historic neighbourhoods. Visit the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

When hunger kicks in, grab a sandwich at one of the many delis in the area or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in Battery Park. Consider taking a ferry ride to Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty. 

Day 7: West Village (Chelsea/Greenwich)

Photo credit Nathalia Segato via Unsplash

From the best pizza to some of NYC's finest dining experiences, the West Village will not disappoint. During the day, stroll around the quaint streets lined with adorable brownstones and do some people-watching in one of the many cafes. Walk along Bleecker Street for some great shopping options, then end your day with dinner and drinks at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area.

Whether you're looking to explore New York's vast array of museums, stroll through Central Park, or shop on Fifth Avenue, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in the city. Have a safe trip!

Plans for the summer holidays

Term finished yesterday and the summer holidays are here! I used to sit down with the children and come up with a list of things that they wanted to do, but nowadays they are a lot easier to keep entertained and we are also lucky enough to have a couple of holidays booked so we will be busy. But there are a few things that I want to get done over the next few weeks:

My big job is sorting out Harry's room. It's a mess, it needs a good clean, and it is packed with old toys and things that he has outgrown. I'm tackling his room using the Marie Kondo method where you sort by category and it's working really well. So far we've done clothes, books and paperwork. The next categories to work on are stationery, stuffed toys, Lego, and then we will move on all the other toys. Toys will be sub-divided into small toys (little plastic figurines etc.), boxed toys (like jigsaws, activity sets, construction sets), games, decorative things and so on to make it all a bit easier to tackle.

As we work we are having a good clean, and also coming up with better ways to organise what he has left. His room could also do with re-painting, but I'm not sure I've got the energy for that!

I'm also going to be spending time with Mia. I've been helping out with my four year old niece recently and have been criticised by Mia for not doing the same activities with her. So we are going to be making rice crispy cakes and doing crafts and drawing together.

I'm hoping to get a bit more blogging done. Our holidays should provide me with plenty of blogging inspiration and I'm also planning to work on my seasonal crafts and related blog posts. I have quite a lot scheduled in for Christmas already, but I could do with some more Autumn and Halloween content.

There are a few craft projects that I want to get on with. I was really pleased with the fabric laundry bags that I made recently and so I want to make a couple more before our travels. I have some Christmas cross stitch pieces that I want to finish and frame, and I have some Autumn felt crafts planned.

I want to make the most of any nice weather and get down to the beach more. We like to go in the evening when it's quieter and not too hot. Hopefully we can also make lots of use of the barbeque and pizza oven.

It would be good for all of us to have some screen free time. I've always been quite relaxed about screen time as long as it's easy to get the children away from it when they need to be. But we've agreed that we could have a go at a few screen free days (as long as Mia can get her Roblox log in rewards!) 

Here's to a fun summer!

Things that I have in my craft stash

Over the last few weeks I've been making a real effort to craft only using items from my stash. Like most crafters I have a rather large stash. Over the years I've collected lots of things, some from my own shopping but also many things that have been passed on to me or that I've received as part of blog collaborations. 

These are the things that I have most of:

Felt - I have a massive plastic drawer full of felt in a huge range of colours. My felt projects are small so I don't get through it very quickly. But I love working with felt and I have lots of ideas for things to make!

Fabric - I have another massive plastic drawer packed with fabric. I've been writing recently about some of the things that I've made with my fabric stash. It doesn't feel like I've made much of a dent though! I have a few larger pieces but mainly smaller cuts which would be great for patchwork.

Buttons - Many of these came from a collaboration that I did with a button company a few years ago, although I also save buttons that come as spares with clothes. Most of them are in lovely bright colours and I have some really pretty ones. They are sorted in plastic pots by colour and in a gorgeous button tin that I bought years ago (which also came full of buttons).

Beads - I've always collected beads and I've had a few happy shopping trips to the bead shop in Brighton. I was recently lucky enough to be given a box of beads along with a book on beading and I'm definitely inspired to get on and make something. I love wearing bracelets but I always forget to put one on, so I quite fancy having a go at making a few, I definitely have everything that I need.

Ribbon - I save any ribbon that I encounter, from hanging loops in clothes to ribbon from fancy boxes of chocolate. I also have some from ribbon blog collaborations and a few reels that I've bought for various projects. 

Embroidery thread - I have masses of embroidery thread in every colour that you can think of. I have very rarely bought it, most of it I have been given or it is leftover from various embroidery and cross stitch kits. This part of my stash is brilliant because I can always find exactly the colour of thread that I need for any project!

Hama beads - I have so many Hama beads and pegboards, both the mini and the midi sizes. I need to work on some more mini Hama bead projects because I really love how they look.

In addition I also have lots of crafty bits and pieces that I don't consider to be part of my stash. I have paints, pens, pencils, coloured paper and card. I also have my in progress cross stitch projects - two large and a few smaller ones. Finally there are the craft books - but not too many and I love browsing through them for inspiration.

In many ways it is great having such a large and varied stash, because it means that I usually have something on hand when I'm looking. It also inspires me when I hunt through my stash. But I definitely need to challenge myself to complete some projects by working through what I have.

Do you have a craft stash?