March 2020 - Plutonium Sox

Natalie Ray March 30, 2020 Outdoor fun

The pros and cons of living in Narnia [AD]

One of the things nobody warns you about before having children is the horror of tissues in the washing machine. Granted, it happens occasionally even when you only live with adults. But with children, it’s virtually every wash. In go nice, smart, dark coloured clothes. Out comes a snowstorm Mr Tumnus would be proud of. Living in Narnia If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll probably realise that where we live in Malvern was said to be the inspiration for Narnia. C S Lewis used to walk on the Malvern Hills with his friend, J R R Tolkien. Legend…

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Natalie Ray March 27, 2020 Home and Garden

Redecorating on a budget

A few months back, my two girls decided that they didn’t want to share a bedroom anymore. Having shared since they were tiny, it was time for a change. This meant that I’d lose my office, which needed a complete overhaul ready to become a bedroom. We were on a budget for decorating. I didn’t have loads of time but couldn’t afford to pay someone to do it for us. Of course, as soon as I got started I realised it was a much bigger job than anticipated. How we saved money Preparing the walls and skirting boards ended up…

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Natalie Ray March 26, 2020 Our Thursday Photos

Thursday photo #307

It seems things are changing every week at the moment. Last Thursday, I wrote about the seemingly huge alteration of the schools closing. Now, things have moved on even further and we are all at home for the foreseeable future, leaving for only a few specific reasons. During such a difficult time for us all, I can only feel gratitude that we are in such a fortunate position personally. We are all well, our home has space both indoors and outdoors and we have all we need. I couldn’t ask for more than that. How social distancing will change our…

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Natalie Ray March 19, 2020 Our Thursday Photos

Thursday photo #306

The funny thing about writing a regular weekly post is how much you notice the changes. What a different place the UK is from a week ago. With schools closing on Friday, most of us are becoming home educators. We are incredibly lucky that the children’s school are setting work online. They’ve also provided a suggested timetable, which is a great way to keep some structure to their days and mine. The singing competition Saturday suddenly seems like a really long time ago. After much speculation, the singing competition that Libby was due to take part in went ahead. She…

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Natalie Ray March 16, 2020 Health and Fitness

Training for a postponed marathon

For many runners, the past week has been full of disappointment. Races all over the world have been postponed or cancelled, including both the London Marathon and Brighton Marathon. London has been postponed to 4th October and Brighton is now taking place on 20th September. When a race is postponed, training has to go on but with a different date in mind. I’ve done some research and settled on a plan of action for training for a postponed marathon. My marathon journey Brighton won’t be my first marathon, but it might be my last. I’ve done London twice and ran…

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