Plutonium Sox

Holidays

A family Glamping holiday with Feather Down at Fountain Violet Farm

A family Glamping holiday with Feather Down at Fountain Violet Farm

Last weekend, we had one of those short breaks that feels like a proper holiday. It was my first experience of glamping but it definitely won’t be the last. What a wonderful way to holiday. All the benefits of camping like being outdoors in the fresh air and that happy, tired feeling at the end of the day. Yet at the same time, you live in the lap of luxury. Comfy beds with snug, warm duvets. A toilet and hot shower, kitchen, dining table, wood burner and a sofa. Better still, Fountain Violet Farm is such an idyllic location that…

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Ethical shopping

Is there such a thing as ethical fabric?

Is there such a thing as ethical fabric?

There was a time, quite a lot of years ago, when I loved shopping. Strolling around the local shops on my lunch break from university or work. Choosing clothes based on what I loved without a thought for how they were made. These days though, I rarely shop at all. I can’t justify the self-indulgence of spending money on me. More importantly though, I worry about how ethical my purchases are. So, I’ve been looking into which fabrics are more ethical. Second hand My first choice when it comes to shopping is to get things from charity shops. If I’m…

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School

Back to primary school checklist

Back to primary school checklist

What’s your back to school style? It seems that most of us are either last minute wonders or super organised. My preference is to buy uniform at the start of the holidays to avoid the early September rush. That said, it’s often sensible to leave it to the last minute to buy shoes. If you buy those early, you can almost guarantee they’ll grow during the school summer holidays. Here’s my checklist for what to buy before they go back to school. What have I forgotten?? School uniform I always buy uniform a little on the large side and either…

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Outdoor swimming

Wild swimming exploration

Wild swimming exploration

The thing about wild swimming is that if you love it, it gets addictive. That first swim is exhilarating, you leave the water wanting more. Days later, you’re back. Staying in for longer. Safely pushing the boundaries and getting to know your body. How you cope with the cold, whether you’ll suffer from after drop. Soon, you realise that being in the water is all-consuming. You can’t think of anything else while you’re in there. No phones or technology to distract you. Just you and the water. The feeling after a swim is like nothing else. You feel refreshed, awake…

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Reviews

A child free break at Point A Liverpool Street

A child free break at Point A Liverpool Street

When I go to London, I tend to either go there and back in the day or stay with my sister who lives nearby. Occasionally though, it’s nice to treat a work trip as a short, child-free break. We’re not the sort of couple who go away without the children. My husband will occasionally have a few days away but it’s rare for me to do so. Last week though, a work event in London was the perfect excuse. I caught the train down after my husband got home from work and checked into Point A Liverpool Street hotel.  About…

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Our Thursday Photos

Thursday photo #270

Thursday photo #270

Why is it that when everything seems to be going smoothly, something always comes along to throw a spanner in the works? This week, both girls have been struck down with a sickness bug at different times. Thankfully they’re over it and back to school now. It has been a while since we’ve had one in this house and I hope that’s the last for a while. School reports It’s that time of year again when teachers are handing out end of year reports. A little reassurance that school is going well. It’s not about the academic side of it…

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Ethical shopping

Sustainable hen do party bags

Sustainable hen do party bags

If you’re arranging a hen do, party bags are a lovely touch. A little memento for everyone to remember the weekend and make it feel even more special. However with the focus on sustainability, many party bag staples are best avoided these days. Badges and balloons for adults? Unnecessary. Putting things in a plastic bag? Out of the question. So, here are a few ideas for creating a sustainable party bag. A reusable tote Gone are the days when it was acceptable to put post-party gifts in a little plastic bag. Whilst you could use a paper bag instead, it’s…

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