Simple Autumnal beaded bracelets

This Autumn I have challenged myself to work on five different craft projects, which I batch prepped back in August ready to work on when I had the chance. 

Welcome to the first completed craft project!

These Autumn themed stretch beaded bracelets are a really simple project that I had been putting off for a long time. Most of these basic coloured beads were purchased on our last trip to the US - which was nearly two years ago. I added them to my bead stash and just didn't get around to using them which was a real shame because in the end it took me just one evening to make this set of eight simple bracelets.

Here are the supplies which I gathered together to make the bracelets, along with some superglue for finishing. The beads that I bought were sold in long strings and mixed together, so I had to sort out the different shapes and colours, but luckily that didn't take too long. Then I went through my remaining bead stash and pulled out a selection of beads that were similar sizes and matched my Autumn colour scheme of red, orange, brown, green and gold.

For stringing bracelets I always use Stretch Magic 0.7mm which works perfectly. It's a clear plastic stretch cord which fits most smaller beads and is really easy to tie tightly. I've never had a problem with it breaking.

This project is about working through my stash, so I made an effort to prioritise smaller quantities of beads that I could use up. I didn't have much of a plan apart from that, other than picking beads that looked good together and trying to space the more decorative beads evenly, like the gorgeous gold rose beads. 

I also made a couple of 'filler' bracelets that use random combinations of smaller beads, a great way to use up the odd beads. 

To finish a stretch beaded bracelet you just need to tie a few tight knots in the elastic and then add a small blob of superglue. Cut away the loose ends, and the knot should be pretty much hidden by the beads. 

Eight bracelets felt like the perfect number - I love how they all overlap as you move around, and so it looks different every time you look at it. 

I'm really pleased with them and I'm so happy that these stashed beads are finally seeing the light of day. I'm planning to wear them a lot this Autumn!

If you liked these bracelets then you might also like my ocean themed stretch beaded bracelets which are very similar but using blues, greens, and pretty sea glass style beads. I still have plenty of beads left in my stash, so I'll soon be planning some more sets in different colour combinations!

Six things you need to check before a road trip abroad

This is a collaborative post

Excited to get away from it all for a while? You’re not alone. According to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), 65% of Brits say their holiday is the most important time of year.

But let’s be honest: holidays, especially with a family, can be scarily expensive. Finding ways to make savings here and there is always helpful, and taking a road trip is just one way to enjoy a more affordable family break abroad. You can drive to several places in Europe, for example, and avoid the cost of planes, trains, and taxis. 

If you’re taking a family road trip abroad, you need to check that you have everything you need. Otherwise, you could overlook essential details and scupper your own holiday.

Photo credit Artur Zudin via Unsplash

Check Your Car Insurance

All vehicle insurance issued in the UK covers driving in EU countries, Switzerland, and a few other nations. But your policy may not offer coverage for some issues, such as car theft, outside the UK. 

Check with your insurer while planning your holiday to make sure you understand what they do and don’t cover. If you need to buy insurance add-ons before your trip, it might be worth doing, as without the right coverage, you could be left seriously out of pocket in an emergency.

Check Your Car’s Condition and Safety

Ask a trusted mechanic to examine your car well before your road trip abroad. They should perform a thorough safety check and highlight any points that need attention. 

Having your car examined is an extra expense, but it’s best to make sure your vehicle is reliable. You want to feel free to enjoy your holiday, not worried about your car surviving until the next stop. 

Check Your Digital Safety

You’re bound to depend on your phone while you’re away. But connecting to Wi-Fi networks and using apps abroad can create privacy risks.

Make sure you set up reliable security features and apps on your phone. For example, installing a virtual private network (VPN) can keep your data safe abroad. 

But check that your security measures are working before you enter any new country and go online. Asking “is my VPN working?” or “are my anti-theft features on?” can help you avoid security risks.

Check Your Kids’ Entertainment

Keeping your little (or not-so-little) ones happy on the road can be hard work. You may spend a few hours playing ‘I Spy’ and other games as a family, but you’ll all need some quiet time eventually. 

Downloading films and shows onto devices will give your kids extra entertainment when you need to focus on driving. Don’t like the idea of putting a gadget in your young child’s hand? Set strict time limits to stop them from overusing. 

Check Your Documents

For a family road trip abroad, you’ll need to pack the right documents to prove your identity and car ownership.

Some of the must-have items are:

● Driving licence

● Passport

● V5C logbook/certificate

● Proof of updated MOT and tax payments

● Travel insurance details

Unless your number plate features the UK identifier and Union Jack, put a UK sticker on your car’s rear. In some European countries (such as Spain), you’ll also need to carry a reflective jacket to wear in an emergency. Pack a warning triangle to display if you have an accident or break down, too.

Check Your Navigation and Guidance Apps

Navigation and guidance apps will come in handy when you’re driving abroad. Basic maps are standard on most phones, but you may need detailed ones for certain hikes or outdoor activities. 

You can also download apps offering insights into local traffic patterns, toll fees, and landmarks to help you find your way. 

But always check the privacy policies for apps before you install them, and read reviews written by other users. Make sure apps are safe, secure, and comply with data-handling regulations.

Preparing for Your Family Road Trip Abroad

Taking a family road trip is an amazing opportunity to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. Plan your routes carefully, research destinations, understand exactly what’s expected of you as a foreign driver, and always follow the local rules of the road. Take all the documents and items you need, so they’re ready in case of a routine stop or an emergency, too. When you’re properly prepared, you can relax and fully commit to enjoying yourselves.

Batching up five craft projects for September

A little while ago I shared a video that had caught my attention about batch prepping craft projects like you do meals. I loved the idea of planning out a craft in advance and getting everything that you need ready so that you can get started when you have the chance.

I set myself a challenge to batch prep five craft projects, using supplies that I already own from my craft stash, and to complete them by the end of the year. September always feels like a good time to start new things, and so here are the five craft projects that I've put together. There are a couple of Christmas ones, so that will help with my self-imposed deadline!

Autumnal beaded bracelets

I have had the supplies for this for so long, it's been about two years since I picked up a string of beads on holiday and thought they would be perfect for some bracelets in Autumn colours. I've sorted them by colour and also hunted through my bead stash for other beads which fit the theme. 

Beaded fish key rings

A second beading craft, because I definitely need to make a dent in my beading supply stash. I came across this craft in an article I was reading about alternatives to doom scrolling - the author had made a huge pile of them! I've watched a video tutorial online to make sure that it's something I can attempt, and luckily I already have some wire and the clasp. When I was watching the video I counted up how many beads are needed of each colour and gathered them all together. 

This is the video tutorial that I'll be using:

The gorgeous tiny cat plate was a souvenir from Kappabashi Street in Tokyo, isn't it lovely!

Christmas fabric gift bags

I have had some Christmas fabric lying around for far to long, and I've had no clue what to do with it. It's nice but it's not really my favourite, and I don't even remember buying it. So I've decided to make some drawstring gift bags to hold groups of smaller gifts under the Christmas tree. I love making drawstring bags, they are so easy, and very forgiving if your seams aren't quite straight, I don't even line them. I also have a pile of Christmas ribbon and cotton in various colours to use up from my stash.

So in my tub I have five pieces of Christmas fabric, a co-ordinating ribbon for each, and some coloured cotton which I will use in my sewing machine.

Christmas mug rugs or coasters

I saved some of the Christmas fabric, along with a few other co-ordinating pieces from my fabric stash, to make some Christmas themed mug rugs.

This is the pattern that I'm intending to use - Super Simple Mug Rug Tutorial for Beginners. To make each 5" by 5" mug rug you need four strips of different fabrics each measuring 2 1/2" by 6" which you then cut in half. So when I was preparing the fabric for my Christmas gift bags I chose my two favourite fabrics and cut a strip from each to use, along with other matching fabrics from my stash. I intend to make four mug rugs. 

I really hate measuring and cutting fabric, so having it all ready to go will definitely make me more likely to start the project! Both fabric projects are now stored next to my ironing board, so next time I am ironing I will iron the fabric pieces too.

Felt pumpkins for Halloween

For my final project I had my eye on my felt stash. I wanted to make something that used up quite a bit of felt (I have a whole drawer full!) and that was also something seasonal. I decided to have a go at some felt pumpkins and I found this tutorial to use which comes with a free pattern - DIY Felt Pumpkins with free printable pattern. 

My only problem is that I don't have much orange felt in my stash! So I pulled out some pieces in other seasonal colours which I'm hoping will work. I'm also using green felt for the leaf instead of fabric and I'll be using gold twine - I'm making sure that all my materials for these projects come from my extensive craft supply stash.

I have gone ahead and cut out the felt pieces - which is always the most off-putting part of any fiddly felt project - and I have the stuffing stored close by. So it's all ready to go!

Those are my five batch prepped crafts, I'll share updates as I complete them!

Place to stay near Disneyland Paris: The complete guide to choosing the best accommodation

This is a collaborative post

Every great adventure begins with a bold decision, and choosing where to drop anchor before a voyage to Disneyland Paris is one of the most important ones you'll make. Whether you're setting sail with little pirates in tow or a crew of thrill-seeking explorers, your base camp can make or break the entire expedition. So hoist the sails, grab your compass, and let this guide chart the course to your perfect stay.

Why your choice of accommodation matters

Disneyland Paris is a destination unlike any other, a place where imagination runs wild and the magic never sleeps. But after a full day of rides, shows, and wonder, even the most seasoned explorer needs a place to rest, recharge, and dream of the next day's adventures. The right hotel isn't just a bed for the night; it's part of the journey itself.

Location is king. Staying close to the Disney Parks means less time commuting and more time living the adventure. It also means you can head back for an afternoon nap and return refreshed for the evening fireworks, a luxury that families with young children know is absolutely priceless.

Photo credit Toni Pomar via Unsplash

What to look for in a Hotel near Disneyland Paris

When scouting for the ideal place to stay near Disneyland Paris, there are a few essentials every smart explorer should check off their list:

Proximity to the parks. Every minute saved on transport is a minute gained inside the magic. Look for hotels in Marne-la-Vallée, the town that borders the Disney Parks, for the shortest possible journey between pillow and pixie dust.

Family-friendly facilities. Pools, play areas, themed rooms, and on-site dining are not just nice-to-haves, they transform your hotel into a destination of its own. Kids shouldn't have to wait until they walk through the park gates to feel the excitement.

Value for the whole crew. Paris is one of Europe's most visited destinations, and accommodation costs can quickly spiral. Look for hotels that offer all-inclusive or bundled packages, breakfast options, and spacious rooms that can comfortably accommodate a family without the need for two separate rooms.

An atmosphere with soul. The best hotels near Disneyland Paris don't just offer a place to sleep, they immerse you in a world of their own. A themed hotel turns check-in into the start of the adventure.

Setting sail at the Explorers Hotel

For families who want their entire trip to feel like one continuous expedition, the Explorers Hotel in Marne-la-Vallée is a destination that stands completely on its own. Designed around the spirit of discovery, adventure, and the golden age of exploration, everything here, from the décor to the atmosphere, is built to fire up the imagination.

The hotel's universe is one of ships, maps, and far-flung destinations. The common areas feel like the interior of a grand explorer's vessel, with details that delight children and quietly charm adults. Sir Archibald, the hotel's beloved explorer mascot, embodies the spirit of adventure that runs through every corner of the property.

Families will find multiple pools, a dedicated kids' club, a range of dining options, and spacious rooms designed to welcome the whole crew. And with shuttle connections running directly to the Disney Parks, the magic is never far away.

Tips for booking your stay

Book early, especially for school holidays and summer. Hotels near Disneyland Paris fill up fast, and the best rooms at themed properties go first. Look for packages that bundle hotel nights with park tickets — they often represent significant savings. And don't underestimate the value of staying an extra night: arriving the evening before the parks open means you're rested, ready, and first through the gates.

Ready to embark?

The greatest adventures are the ones you remember forever. Choose your accommodation wisely, pack your sense of wonder, and get ready to explore — because the journey truly begins before you even reach the park.

Sharing some of my Japan junk journal pages, and some travel junk journal tips

I've always enjoyed documenting my travels. Even when I was a child I would fill notebooks with things that I collected on holiday - tickets, postcards, food labels and pictures cut out from tourist leaflets. Over the last few years I've sadly fallen out of the habit, but I was determined to make an effort on our holiday this summer to Japan, and I'm so glad that I did! 

Here is a look at the Japan junk journal that I put together with ephemera and notes from our trip. 

Some people like to make their own journals from scrap materials. But to make things easier I used a really simple sketchbook as the base for my travel junk journal, one from a pack of three from Hobbycraft. I removed the centre two pages so that I had enough room to add some extra bulk, and I glued everything in using a glue stick. In total my junk journal has a title page, back page, and fifteen double page spreads. 

I chose to work on my journal when I returned home rather than try and find time while I was away. I took with me a couple of plastic wallets so that I could collect things as I went along, and I did pack a small pair of scissors so that I could cut up leaflets and magazines while I was away to save on luggage space.

I'm quite a neat person, and so I have quite a tidy junk journal compared to others that I've seen online! Most of the items that I've glued in are completely flat. One exception is this paper crane which I folded as part of my Hiroshima page. Paper cranes are such a huge part of the Hiroshima memorials, and I wanted to reflect that, as well as the experience of folding my own crane for the journal. The crane and background are made from some lovely origami papers which I picked up in one of the stationery shops.

Sometimes I had a larger leaflet that I wanted to include so I added some fold out elements, like on this page from Osaka. I'm so glad that Japan still has printed tickets for many attractions, I really miss having a physical ticket to remind me of somewhere that I've been now that everything is done with QR codes!

One of my Kyoto pages features the wonderful Arashiyama Monkey Park. I also added the packaging from the fan that I bought, which barely left my hand during our visit during a heatwave, and a small folded paper fortune that I bought from a box by the side of the road. I didn't even unfold it because I was worried I wouldn't be able to put it back together, so I hope that it's a lucky one!

We spent two days at Tokyo Disneyland, which was amazing. My Disneyland pages have a little more journalling because I wanted to make some notes about the rides which are exclusive to the Tokyo parks. I found a couple of postcards that I could take from the hotel room, and I had a roll of stickers to decorate with featuring the most popular Japanese Disney characters, which I received once as a gift on a Disney cruise ship.

My page from our visit to Mount Fuji features some of the tourist souvenir stamps which are everywhere in Japan. A regret from our holiday is that I didn't bring a separate notebook to collect these stamps, although I think that I would have become obsessive about collecting them so it's probably a good thing that I didn't - we might have missed some trains while I was hunting for a station stamp!

Finally, I couldn't resist a page dedicated to cats, as they are so popular in Japan. I used the leaflet from the Cat Café that we visited, added some of the many cat stickers that I bought, and stuck in some of the little leaflets from inside the gachapon vending machines, where we spent far too much money and I was specifically hunting for cat themed items. 

I'm so glad that I invested a little bit of time and effort into putting together this travel junk journal. It's a really simple way to remember a trip and to have a home for all the little bits of paper and other ephemera that you collect when travelling.

Here are some (mostly free!) items which are perfect to collect and add to your travel junk journal:

Postcards

Tourist leaflets, maps

Stickers, washi tape, patterned papers, tissue paper

Food packaging, tea bag tags

Train tickets, attraction tickets, receipts (be aware that anything printed on thermal paper may fade)

Business cards from hotels, restaurants etc.

Napkins, straw holders, paper coasters, tray liners from fast food restaurants

Newspaper and magazine cuttings, especially if anything newsworthy happened while you were visiting

Hotel amenity packaging, key card holders, hotel postcards, writing paper and envelopes

And some things in my journal which are specific to Japan - souvenir tourist stamps (carry some sheets of blank paper with you if you don't have a dedicated notebook!), fortune papers from shrines, gachapon toy leaflets (look for machines with items local to the place that you are visiting), origami paper, newspaper cuttings

My 'to be read' pile in August 2026

It's been ages since I last posted my 'to be read' pile, so I thought that I would do a quick update, and share a bit about how each book has ended up there! 

This is what the shelf looked like in February - My February 'to be read' books - and it now looks quite different. 

There is only one book still on the shelf - Into the Silence by Wade Davis. I must admit that this book has been there for a while because it's quite hard going. It's a history of the very earliest Everest expeditions, but also looks at some of the motivation in that era behind the drive to climb and explore. I've read the first part and it's an enjoyable read but there is a lot of information to take in. I think that I need to attack it with some post-its and break it down a bit because I really do want to read it.

Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain is a book which I've read many times. It's actually a trilogy of three books detailing the memoirs of a young woman who was just twenty when World War I was declared. It upended her life completely, and it is an account of how she survived those years, despite devastating losses. Something else that I was reading inspired me to move it from my bookshelf so that I was reminded to read it again when I have the chance.

Powers of Persuasion by Winston Fletcher was an impulse second-hand purchase after I read a news article about expensive and memorable advertising campaigns. It looks really good, and it's a subject that I want to learn more about. London's Lost Rivers by Paul Talling was a similar impulse purchase. I love finding a book that I'm after for a reasonable second-hand price! It's about the hidden rivers of London that have been covered up and relegated to tunnels under the city, I find it fascinating. I've flipped through it but I want to give it a proper read.

Photo credit Daniela Muntyan via Unsplash

The other books are all charity shop purchases that I've picked up over the last few weeks. Three of them I've actually already read, but I spotted them and fancied a re-read - The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps by Allan and Barbara Pease. There are a couple of travel books in there for when I fancy some non-fiction - Himalaya by Michael Palin and The 8.55 to Baghdad by Andrew Eames. 

Then finally a couple of vintage books which I couldn't resist because I loved the covers. I'm not sure that I'll be getting through Paradise Lost by John Milton any time soon, but it's such a beautiful copy. I'll have more luck with Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe, in fact I've already read the first few short stories. 

There's my Kindle too of course, I loaded up with books from the Prime Reading library before we went on holiday this summer and then hardly had time to do any reading so there's plenty to keep me busy there. But I think it's a very manageable pile, and I'm looking forward to working through it!

Would you be interested in reading any of these books?

Arashiyama Monkey Park in Kyoto, Japan

When we were planning our visit to Kyoto this summer I found one place that I knew we had to visit. Arashiyama Monkey Park is located on the outskirts of Kyoto and is easily accessible by train with a short walk from the station, or a lovely air-conditioned taxi if you are visiting on an unbearably hot day like we did!

To visit the Monkey Park, you buy your ticket at the entrance and then you need to climb up the hill to get to the monkeys. It only takes about 30 minutes, but when we visited in July during a heatwave it was a long, hot walk and it was quite tough. There are benches along the way as well as fans, and it's quite shaded, but you definitely need to be careful in the heat. We had cooling towels and fans which really helped, as well as plenty of water. At the top there was a lightly air-conditioned indoor rest area, and there were also vending machines for drinks at the top and bottom.

On the way up there are plenty of signs in English to remind you how to behave around the monkeys. Both warning signs, like not carrying loose articles that they might grab, and reminders not to feed them your own food, not to approach them too closely, and not to stare into their eyes as that may make them aggressive.

When you reach the top there is a wide, open area with some wonderful views over the surrounding area. And of course you are surrounded by monkeys! They walk around you and can be seen in the forested areas nearby, some even with tiny babies. There are staff to make sure that they are kept safe, but all the visitors were being really respectful to them and keeping a good distance.

In the middle there is an enclosed hut with wire windows. You can buy some food (peanuts and fruit) for a very reasonable price, and then feed it to the monkeys through the windows. This was an amazing experience! The monkeys were so polite, they came up and reached through with their sweet little fingers to take the food. 

This was definitely the highlight of the visit. There's no pressure, if you don't want to actually feed the monkeys yourself you can just stand there, watch other visitors, and enjoy being so close to the monkeys. It's fascinating to watch their behaviours, and very strange to be the ones in the cage while the monkeys roam free!

We had a lovely visit here and I'd really recommend it. It felt completely safe and I definitely had the impression that the owners of the attraction really care about the monkeys and making sure that they are in an environment where they feel comfortable. 

After visiting the Monkey Park there are some other great places in the local area to enjoy. We visited the popular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the walk there takes you down a lovely touristy road filled with pretty souvenir shops and lots of fun themed character cafés which my daughter recognised from social media. We also visited the beautiful Tenryuji Temple, where there were some shaded benches with wonderful views across the gardens and pond. You could easily spend a whole day here exploring and seeing some really unique sights.