What I've been up to lately - February 2025

It's been a difficult start to the new year and my mind has very much been elsewhere - I've not been feeling like blogging or in fact like doing many things. But now I'm trying to pick up some of the things that I've let go, and so here are some of the things that I've been up to lately.

Organising

There's something about sorting through someone's possessions that makes you re-evaluate the things that you have lying around, and I've definitely been feeling in the mood for some decluttering.

Since the beginning of the year I have been working through the clutter in our spare bedroom, mainly old toys. I spent hours sorting out all the old Lego sets, checking them, finding all the missing pieces and then listing on eBay. I've been very successful! Now that I've got the hang of eBay I'm having a good look around the house to see what else I can get rid of. It's not even all about the money (although that's certainly a big motivation!), I also like the satisfaction of knowing that something has gone to a good home. 

This weekend I've been working on organising our new space now that our extension is finally finished. My new bookcase had remained empty for weeks, and I've finally had a big sort through and re-homed books which were lying about all over the place. Now I have fiction books in the living room and non fiction in the orangery and I still have plenty of space to fill!

Reading

I have been doing lots of reading! Here are just some of the books that I've particularly enjoyed over the last couple of months:

Fourteen Days (Various authors)

All Over Creation by Ruth Ozeki

What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine by Laura Pearson

Eating

I've been trying to eat healthily as we all do in the new year, but I'm afraid that I have given up a little bit. I've been eating far too many biscuits and Maltesers, and drinking far too much tea. I'm being kind to myself at the moment but I'll definitely be making more of an effort to eat better food in a few weeks time.

Shopping

When visiting my Mum she introduced me to a lovely new shop which has just opened in her town - Søstrene Grene. She described it as Flying Tiger for grown ups and that's exactly what it is - a shop filled with beautiful things that you didn't know you needed, laid out so that you don't miss anything. I rarely impulse buy, but on my first visit I came home with three rolls of washi tape, a bowl and a jigsaw. The next visit added more washi tape, a bag of loose tea leaves and hot chocolate. I wonder what I'll pick up next time?!

Watching

I've really been enjoying the television adaptation of Earth Abides which is based on one of my favourite books. Although they've changed the time period from the 1940s to the modern day it has a nostalgic feeling to it, and I think that the casting is excellent. It's quite a slow watch which appeals to me, and because I know the story really well I don't need to concentrate too much!

I'm also watching the latest series of Sort Your Life Out which I watch on iPlayer. Every episode is essentially the same but it definitely gives me inspiration to have a sort through my cupboards!

Crafting 

My crafting has fallen by the wayside a little lately, I've just not been feeling like picking anything up. I haven't journalled in ages and I really wanted to get back on with my cross stitch this year. I'll be picking it up again soon but in the meantime I've been working on some jigsaws. I have some that I received for Christmas and some that I bought on holiday so I have a few to keep me busy. The one below is called The City That Never Sleeps by Galison. I like that I can work on them when I have a few spare minutes and it's really satisfying to watch the picture build up.

Listening to

I've been doing a lot of driving recently so I've been making full use of the Spotify subscription. I've been enjoying singing along to the Wicked soundtrack and also listening to podcasts. At the moment I'm liking the Feel Better Live More podcast with Dr Rangan Chaterjee - he has such an easy voice to listen to!

Looking forward to

I'm looking forward to feeling a bit more like myself again and picking up my neglected projects. We are lucky enough to have tickets to lots of concerts this year (including Jason Donovan next week - I can't wait) and we have also booked a very adventurous holiday for the summer. So there are plenty of exciting things to think about!

Review - The CuteBee Christmas Wish Store Book Nook craft kit

I received this craft kit in exchange for a review

Earlier this year I shared a preview review for the CuteBee Book Nook craft kit with a Christmas theme, and I'm delighted to say that I have now finished this lovely kit and I can share a full review!

The Christmas Wish Store Book Nook is designed to sit on a bookshelf and offer a glimpse into a magical world nestled within. This kit has a Christmas theme, and not only does it feature Christmas toys, gifts and decorations it also has interactive elements - there are cleverly positioned lights which can be turned on and off, the Christmas tree can be rotated using a cog at the back, and there is even a music box tucked inside for some Christmas music!

The kit contains almost everything that you need to create the book nook - all that you need to supply is some glue and batteries. The kit is very well packaged in a handy box which you can use to keep everything together while you are working on it. 

You complete the kit by carefully working through the instruction booklet. Most of the elements that you need for the construction are small wooden pieces which are pressed out from clearly labelled wooden sheets. It's best to pop them out as you need them, otherwise you would easily get into a muddle! I found that all the pieces were easy to remove from the backing. Some of the very tiny or fragile parts have a spare in case you have any problems with removal or build.

I found it very straightforward to work through the instructions and assemble each component at a time. Some of the parts aren't needed until later on, so it's helpful to have a box or somewhere to keep pieces as you build them, and make sure that you don't miss the step to add them later on! You do need to be quite firm when it comes to pressing the pieces out and slotting them together, sometimes I was a little timid but you do need to use a small amount of force. 

I didn't add much extra glue apart from where it was recommended, but if a piece felt a little loose I added a small amount just to make sure it remained sturdy. You need to make sure to follow the instructions very carefully - for example the pieces are printed on one side and you need to make sure that the printed side will be the one facing outwards when complete.

There are several lightbulbs that need to be secured in the correct places. There is no wiring involved but you do need to be careful to make sure that you are working with the right piece of wire as they are all different lengths. This was a little fiddy in places but not too complicated.

When finished the book nook forms a sealed unit with a plastic sheet at the front to keep it dust free. I did have to make one modification, because I found that the sensor for the lights didn't work through the wood as it is supposed to. I ended up cutting a small corner from the top of the box and posting the wires through so that the switch is accessible from the outside. It's not the prettiest solution, but it's much easier than having to remove the front each time to turn the lights on and off.

Below is a photograph with the plastic front removed so that you can see the inside fully without reflectio. There is a lot of detail inside, and I love the bright colours and cute elements. The printing on the pieces is really clear. There are also some plastic pieces which are glued in place, like the tree and snowman at the front. Several of the elements are accessorised with shiny tinsel, for some sparkle when the lights are turned on.

I really enjoyed putting this kit together - it was complicated enough to be challenging but still fun to put together. I assembled it over several evenings and I found it an absorbing craft that I wanted to keep working on. I loved clipping together all the tiny pieces and seeing how it all fitted together so beautifully to make a really sweet little festive decoration.

There are lots more of these craft kits in the series and they would make a great gift for the crafty person in your life.

Key considerations for taking an impromptu road trip with your baby

This is a collaborative post

Road trip planning becomes a whole new ballgame when you have a baby. An impromptu trip may seem challenging at first, but with the right preparation, it can become a cherished experience. Whether escaping daily life or visiting family, traveling with a baby requires a balance of spontaneity and thoughtful planning.

In this guide, we’ll explore key factors to help you navigate the joys and challenges of traveling with your little co-pilot. 

Photo credit Maksim Tarasov via Unsplash

Safety First: Check Your Vehicle

Before setting off on an impromptu road trip with your baby, your vehicle must be in top condition. Start by thoroughly inspecting the lights, tires, and brakes. Ensure your tire pressure matches the manufacturer’s recommendations and that there’s no excessive wear on the treads. 

Check your car seat to confirm it is securely installed and age-appropriate for your child. Car seats provide substantial protection for children in crashes, mitigating the danger of injury by 71-82% compared to seat belts, according to the CDC. For children ages 4–8, booster seat use decreases the risk of serious injury by 45% when compared to seatbelt use alone. 

Also, the study found that booster seats reduce the occurrence of moderate and serious crash injuries in children ages 7–8. 

Be prepared for unforeseen circumstances by including an emergency kit in your vehicle. A pre-trip visit to a mechanic for a quick tune-up can save you from unexpected breakdowns. Remember, safety encompasses both your baby and your vehicle. A reliable vehicle ensures a smoother and more peaceful trip.

Plan Your Route and Stops

Even with an impromptu itinerary, a thoughtful route is essential for a smooth journey with your baby. Incorporate regular stops for feeding, changing, and stretching at rest areas or family-friendly locations. Utilize navigation apps to proactively address potential traffic challenges and ensure a smoother trip.

Plan your driving schedule around your baby's routine, such as starting the journey after a nap or during their usual sleeping hours. HealthyChildren advises that you and your baby should get out of the car every few hours to stretch and prevent restlessness. 

For day trips, stop every 2-3 hours; for nighttime travel, stop every 4-6 hours to change or feed. Avoid breastfeeding while the car is moving. 

Packing the Essentials

Efficient packing is crucial for a smooth journey. Pack generously on diapers, wipes, and extra clothes to handle unexpected messes. Ensure you have sufficient feeding supplies, including bottles, warmers, and bibs. Don't overlook the importance of comfort items like blankets and favorite toys to soothe and entertain your baby.

A well-stocked diaper bag with essentials, including a first-aid kit, is indispensable. For easy and hygienic diaper changes, pack handy changing padding and throwaway bags. Keep a stash of snacks and drinks for yourself, as well as a few small distractions for when you're at a stop.

What are some effective ways to organise baby supplies for easy access during car travel?

Organise baby supplies in a compact, easy-to-reach diaper bag with compartments for essentials like diapers, wipes, and snacks. Use labeled pouches or zippered bags for smaller items. Keep frequently used supplies in the car's front seat or a designated organiser. This ensures quick access without disrupting your journey.

Baby Feeding Essentials

Ensuring your baby's nutritional needs are met during a road trip is paramount. Pack sufficient feeding supplies regardless of your feeding method. Consider packing ready-to-feed bottles to minimize preparation time. 

If using the formula, pack more than you anticipate needing. Research has shown a link between some baby formulas and NEC, a severe intestinal disease. Consult with your pediatrician about the safest formula options for your baby before your trip. Prioritize safety by carefully considering brands, especially those with a history of NEC lawsuits.

Families impacted by NEC due to specific formulas have sought compensation through lawsuits. Each NEC lawsuit is unique, and an experienced attorney can provide a more accurate assessment based on your case specifics. According to the latest NEC lawsuit update, payout amounts for individual cases may range from $50,000 to over $500,000.

TorHoerman Law states that NEC lawsuits are being pursued in state and federal courts, with federal cases consolidated in multidistrict litigation in Illinois. Separate state court cases follow their timelines. Major trial verdicts, like the $495 million and $60 million awards, may impact settlement negotiations.

What should I do if my baby is on a specialised formula that needs to be kept cold?

If your baby requires specialized formula needing refrigeration, pack it in a well-insulated cooler with ice packs to maintain a safe temperature. Refrigerate the prepared formula within 1 hour of mixing at temperatures below 5°C and use it within the next 24 hours. Use a portable bottle warmer for feeding on the go and restock ice as needed during stops. Always check the formula's temperature before use to ensure safety.

Monitor Your Baby’s Comfort

Ensuring your baby’s comfort is essential for a stress-free road trip. Dress your baby in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows for easy movement. Adjust the car's temperature and avoid directing vents towards your baby. Use sunshades for windows to block harsh sunlight and prevent overheating.

Look for signs of discomfort like fussiness, crying, or rubbing their eyes. Prioritize your baby's adequate sleep during the trip. ScienceDirect explains that babies' brains are still forming synapses, which are crucial for learning, attention, and memory. 

Sleep helps these neurons develop and connect, establishing lifelong brain functions. Disrupting this process through frequent waking can have lasting effects on brain development and behavior. 

Be Flexible and Patient

Road trips with a baby rarely go exactly as planned, so flexibility and patience are essential. Be flexible with your schedule to account for unforeseen circumstances. A calm attitude helps you adapt quickly and keeps the journey enjoyable for everyone.

If your baby becomes restless, take a break to stretch and reset. Be prepared to adjust your route or itinerary to prioritise your baby’s comfort and well-being. Remember, a relaxed approach creates a more positive experience for both you and your little one.

How can I make road trips more enjoyable for both me and my baby?

To make road trips enjoyable for both you and your baby, plan regular stops for feeding, diaper changes, and playtime. Bring toys, soothing music, or white noise to calm your baby, and align travel with nap times. Pack essentials, including snacks for yourself, stay patient, and embrace the journey for positive memories.

Embrace the Journey with Confidence

Spontaneous road trips with your baby can create lasting memories and offer opportunities for exciting new discoveries. By planning ahead and prioritising safety, you can manage the challenges of traveling with a baby while ensuring everyone’s comfort. With proper preparation and the right mindset, your road trip will become a memorable adventure you and your baby will cherish.