Making Home Link Up #39: The Real Morning of a Mummy

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up! 

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

This week for me has been a mixture of wonderful moments and high stress levels. Multi tasking has taken on a new meaning over the last couple days as I have had to keep on task for all of my VA clients, keep the blog a float and most importantly, celebrate a very special birthday. 

Baby B turned a big ol' 5 this week. I cannot believe that it was 5 years ago that my first born made his dramatic entrance into the world. Most odd is the feeling of how long ago it seems but at the same time it feels like yesterday. I remember the whole experience perfectly and our journey as parents at Crafty Bs HQ has been amazing. Every day throws up its challenges but equally brings joy, smiles and complete heart wrenching love. 

Let's be real though. We all have those days. Remember this post about The Morning of a Mummy? Mummy's I know you identify...

Making Home Link Up #38: A Legoland Adventure

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up! 

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

The past week seems to have passed by in a blur. Whilst I am trying to figure out how to reset the anti-flood system on my dishwasher, I'm recalling what I have to update you on.

Making Home Link Up #37: How To Survive The Summer Holidays

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up! 

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

We're back! I hope you have missed the #MakingHome link up as much as I have for the last couple of weeks. We took a little break whilst we shared some great interviews with exhibitors and crafty folk who will be attending Kirstie Allsopp's, The Handmade Fair this September. If you missed the series, you can catch up with the interviews here. I recommend you do. If you are heading to the fair, there are some exclusive offers on the blog and if you haven't got your tickets yet, there is a special discount code to be found in each post as well as a link win tickets for the event! To say I am excited about the fair is an understatement and having interviewed lots of the people going, that excitement is now top level. I have already planned what food I want, what coffee I want, what stalls I NEED to go to and in some cases, I already know what is going to be on offer and I have started a fair fund! Anyway, I digress.

Making Home Link Up #36: The Ultimate Caravanner’s Cook Book

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

Whilst we are enjoying making our homes beautiful, it's always nice to go on an adventure. The summer months are upon us (well, sort of) and we are seeing caravans appearing on the roads being towed by excited families ready for their summer jollies. 

Very recently, I was invited to contribute to an e-book with these families in mind. With hundreds of thousands of Brits every year taking their home away from home, 'The Ultimate Caravanner's Cook Book' is an essential guide to easy home cooking in the caravan.

The Ultimate Caravanner’s Cook Book

Making Home Link up #35: Upcycling Furniture #NationalUpcyclingDay

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

I took a leap. I have been so inspired by some of the posts that I read on other blogs, that I decided to try something new. Something a bit different for me. I am dreading it and I am excited all at the same time. I hope you're going to offer up some tips, some advice and some posts to inspire my next project; upcyling some furniture!

Making Home Link Up #34: Raising Money for MS Trust

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

This week's post from me is not so much craft or decor related, but the topic is close to my heart. As the day that my sister gets thrown from a plane draws nearer, I wanted to re-share a post I wrote a short while ago: MS: A Personal Account.

Making Home Link Up #33: Win a Pair of Full Experience Tickets to Kirstie Allsopp's The Handmade Fair

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

It probably won't be a surprise to you that I am a big fan of Kirstie Allsopp. I have always enjoyed a bit of Location, Location, Location and Relocation, Relocation. When Kirstie ventured into the world of TV shows demonstrating her love and enthusiasm for crafting and 'handmade', I couldn't help but identify with her. Mostly the way she gets overly excited and enthused about the tiniest (but pretty/cool/lovely) things. It is very much like watching someone imitate my reactions! 

This September, I will be heading the The Handmade Fair to indulge in all things crafty and, well, handmade. You #CraftyBs can join me by getting your discounted tickets by using the your very exclusive #CraftyBs code which is valid until the 31st August 2016. Whilst you are here though, you may as well enter our giveaway to win a pair of full experience tickets! 

Making Home Link Up #32: 101 Budget Friendly Ideas for Your Summer Adventures

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

With the icy cold winter months finally starting to fade in our memory, the recent heatwave starting to warm us back to life and the summer holidays just over the horizon you may be starting to plan your summer adventures.

If your bank balance is already showing the early signs of a panic attack with the endless requests of day trips to theme parks and pricey soft play centres, you may be thankful to hear about this fab new ebook. Created with the input of over 100 of the best British parenting bloggers, the book contains a serious plethora of budget friendly activities and destinations.

101 Ideas for Having Fun with the Kids this Summer 

Making Home Link Up #31: Making Wind Chimes With Your Mini Makers

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post which is a tutorial by Amy of Hooked showing us how to make wind chimes with our little ones. 

Making Home Link Up #30: Needle Felting Project For The Home

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

This week I have learned a new craft. Ok I am still learning but I am totally loving needle felting. I fully intended to give this ago around the time I moved house (ahem...18 months ago) but I found that the equipment you apparently needed was fairly pricy just for giving it a go. Last year I picked up a little kit to make a seascape picture which I thought would fit nicely with a decor scheme I had in mind in the utility room. The kit contained a foam mat, a single needle and holder (with a spare needle) a piece of felt and enough fibres to create the picture. It was just £9. This week I took it out of the pack on a whim and just, went for it. It was so easy and very therapeutic.

Making Home Link Up #29: How To Make Overnight Oats

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

Hello you crafty lot. No guest poster this week. I am here to rave to you about my new discovering for super easy breakfast times!

Recently I have been on a bit of a lifestyle shake up. As I am now working from home and being a full time Mummy, I have found a need to change things up a bit, increase my energy and productivity levels and reduce my stress levels. I have gradually changed my eating habits over the last year, very slowly (but hopefully permanently) lost 2.5stone (16kg) and I'm working on becoming fitter; yes I have ACTUALLY been exercising! 

Part of my little re-jig in lifestyle has been making life easier and I have discovered overnight oats. I am sure you have seen these all over the place along with some intricate recipes with all sorts but I am all about keeping it simple. They are great to grab out of the fridge in the morning and the Little B's love them too.

Making Home Link Up #28: How to Crochet a Heart Shape

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post which is a fabulous crochet tutorial from Eve over at Little Miss & Mummy.

Today I'm sharing this really quick and easy pattern for a crochet heart, prefect for using up those odd bits of yarn you have lying around.

Making Home Link Up #27: How to Make Coasters with Fimo Clay

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post by Angela from Garden Tea Cakes and Me who is showing us how to make coasters with Fimo clay.

Making Home Link Up #26: Gardening Jobs For April

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in this week and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

This week, Joanna from Adventures and Tea Parties offers up a list of jobs you can do in the garden in April to get a head start on a beautiful garden this summer.

Making Home Link Up #25: Guest Post and Host for #MakingHome

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in this week and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

The purpose of 'Making Home' is to create a collaborative and interactive network of like minded bloggers who can provide great reading and inspiration for others in their creative and home making journeys. As our network is growing I thought what better way to invite linkers to guest post and host the #MakingHome link up! 

Making Home Link Up #24: Free Printable! A Change of Address Checklist

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in this week and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

A few weeks ago I shared a free printable of a moving day checklist. Moving home is considered to be one of the most stressful things to do in life. It makes sense to be as organised as you can where possible. The actual moving day is one thing but what about all the things you have to do before and afterwards?! One such task that might see your blood pressure rise is letting everyone know about your change of address. There are so many people and companies to remember.  

As soon as I found out we would be moving, I started making a list of all the things I received via the post. I sorted out all of our paper work before moving and this helped me to build on the list with the intention of not forgetting  anyone. Today I am sharing that list with you in the hope that you might find it useful too!

So here is a checklist of who you may need to contact with your change of address. 

Free Printable: A Change of Address Checklist

Making Home Link Up #23: Making a Lampshade With Wallpaper

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in this week and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

Ok confession time. We are in excess of bare bulbs in our house. That is to say that we have not really focused on putting lampshades up. In our home office we just popped up an old Ikea paper shade and a while back I shared how to make a lampshade using fabric. This is probably why we have no shades up. The creative side of me has already decided I need to make them all but of course time is lacking. Recently however I did make a lampshade using superhero wallpaper for the Little Bs.

Making Home Link Up #22: Pirate Themed Party Snack Treasure Chest

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in this week and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

Just a quick update from me this week. As those of you who follow me on social media will know, this week I celebrated a 'big' birthday and so I have been a bit unprepared with all the celebrations going on ;-) I did however do a bit of shopping this week again! We made an impulse buy of a lovely mirror and a photo frame for our utility/downstairs toilet as well as some paint samples and a roll of wallpaper. On a whim! So not something I would normally do. The picture frame is for some photos that Hubby B took on our holidays and this particular space is going to be nautical themed. I will post some pictures of all of our goodies very soon and I am so excited to get this project underway.

Hoping you will join in with #MakingHome this week. With it being the week of my birthday I would love to see a few posts on handmade gifts, maybe cake recipes or party themes. All other posts welcome too of course! Here's a contribution from me; a treasure chest made from a loaf of bread for a pirate themed birthday party! 

Making Home Link Up #21: Spring Craft Projects

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in this week and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday.

Spring is on the way for sure. Can you feel it? I can feel a new motivation brewing and spring craft projects are the cutest. On the agenda this weekend is an easter bonnet and a 'happy hat' for Baby B's class assembly. I have also been DIY shopping to get me started on a few projects on the coming weekends. Some metallic paints and decoupage papers made their way into my basket to experiment with decorating jars because....well why not? I also finally purchased some paint for the walls that is washable online the paint that was used when the house was built to allow it to 'dry' out. White walls + two little B's. Argh. 

I am looking forward to getting some more crafting time in over the next few weeks. You may have seen the Crafty Bs online craft group that we started recently which has helped me to dedicate a chunk of time to JUST crafting and chatting with like mined people. Come and check it out if you haven't already. 

Making Home Link Up #20: Free Printable! Moving Day Checklist

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in this week and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

When we moved house, it was a bit of a trek. We didn't move within the same town and it was difficult to organise the logistics especially as our entire home contents was being driven by a removals company. We had to stay in the old house over night with nothing but airbeds and a takeways, put the cat into a 'kitty hotel' and follow on to meet the movers the next day. 

In order to help the day go smoothly, I created myself some documents that I could share with you lovely lot in the future. Those of you moving house; whether you have rented or purchased may find this free printable useful. 

Free printable: Moving day checklist