Finding joy in every day life
Hello, I am Dina, a mom, a wife and a person who loves life. This blog is my virtual jar of notes on what brings me joy in day to day life. It includes time with kids, time without kids, food recipes and much more.
Summer Dreams
Summer is here and so are school holidays. My daughter has made it through her first Reception year at school and I couldn’t be more proud of her. I have also hugely missed our time together with her and all the activities we used to do. So I couldn’t be more excited to be off work for a month and to plan to spend this month at home with my two sweet little kittens, I mean children! The girl 5,5 and the boy just turned 3. As I dream of what I’d like to do with them this summer I wanted to share my favourite things here as well.
January Blues and Consolations
It’s hard to go back to work and routine after holidays. Even harder when it’s dark and cold outside. And even harder when living in a global pandemic. I put together some little joys that help me to lift my spirit day-to-day and to enjoy living in the present.
Best Recipe for White Mulled Wine
Christmas holidays might be over, but the winter is still here, more cold days are to come and so there is no reason to stop drinking mulled wine! I want to share with you my family’s mulled wine recipe. It’s absolutely delicious, the best mulled wine I ever tried and it’s passed through generations in our family.
Easy Christmas Craft for Toddlers, Kids and Adults
I have to admit I enjoyed this craft as much as my kids! It was so easy and so fun! My company was my 17 months old boy and my 4 years old girl. I have ordered in advance on amazon a set of wooden Christmas tree decorations and we painted away altogether! The results are absolutely wonderful and a delight to look at on our Christmas tree!
Light Toys for the Dark Season
The dark season is upon us. December is the darkest month of the year, but also the most sparkling! All the decorations on the streets and outside the houses make me think of December as a sparkling month! And why not bring the sparkle indoors?! Kids absolutely love the magic of lights in the dark! To help navigate the choice I made the selection of the best light toys from our experience. They would make fantastic Christmas presents and would continue to make your house glow all winter long after Christmas is gone!
Autumn Food Ideas for Busy Parents
Autumn is calling for comfort food, cinnamon, warming spices, and of course all things pumpkin! I had such a big craving for pumpkin soup one weekend that I dreamt about a friend making it for me! A busy Mom’s dream - someone else is making food for us! If you like me are craving Autumn food but have limited time to spend on cooking, this post has a few ideas.
Ten Ideas for a Fun Date
Dates during the days are the best. Not only because I actually have the energy for quality time together, but dates during the day also offer such a fantastic variety of activities. Basically, pretty much everything that can be done in the evening and much much more fun is possible during the day. This post is a collection of ideas for the dates during the day.
What’s in Mom’s Bag and Why is It So Big
Have you ever wondered why mom’s handbags are so big? What’s inside? Or maybe you are a mom who is curious about what other moms carry? Here are all the essentials from my backpack that I take with me everywhere I go!
Preparing to Come Back to Work after Maternity Leave
My maternity leave is coming to an end, It’s an emotional time. I could surely spend longer with kids enjoying cuddles and the beautiful baby smell that comes with all the hard work and sleepless nights. But I am also ready for a change, ready to have a bit of life of my own and to do something different in a day. Here is how I prepare.
Boosting Immune System Tips for Kids and Adults
As my kids are starting nursery we are expecting a tough year ahead. Not one, but two little immune systems will be challenged and tested. And with them, our adults’ immune systems will be challenged too. I know this first year will help to build my children’s immune system for the life ahead. But I also can’t help wanting to ease the process and reduce the amount of nose-blocked suffering they and us have to go through. Below are some ideas on how to boost the immune system that we will try to follow and I hope you will find them helpful too!
Two Annual Memberships for Days Out with Kids
As the lockdown eases here in the UK and more and more places reopen, we as a family try to stay cautious and see how the pandemic continues to develop. Still, there are places we missed very much and are excited to buy the annual membership back! If anything I’ve come to appreciate and value the places even more! They are fantastic for days out with kids!
8 Ideas for Spring Walk with Kids
Spring is my favourite time of the year, and I am excited to share my love for the season with my little ones, and also with you. Here is what we love to do in Spring outdoors.
Two Ten Minutes Meals Inspired by Greek Holidays
Holidays are on many people’s minds. After a crazy 2020 year and a similarly crazy start to 2021, we all feel we deserved a bit of rest and sunshine. Let’s dream of holidays with food while hoping traveling will become possible soon! Below are the two ten minutes meals inspired by Greek cuisine. They are great for lunch, brunch, or any time of the day and go well with wine too.
Our Favourite Bedtime Stories
Reading at bedtime is such a bonding experience. We love to read stories for our kids. In this post, I share two sets of bedtime stories that have become our firm favorites.
Post-Pregnancy Fashion Picks for Spring 2021
If, like me, you feel excited to dress up for spring and summer, but can not yet comfortably wear pre-pregnancy clothes, here are my picks that make me feel fabulous in my post-pregnancy form!
Three Ways For Kids To Learn About Nature
I like to teach my kids about nature. I find nature fascinating, I always have. And I think it’s really fun to explore and learn about nature together. And of course, it helps to raise conscious children. I want to help them find a connection with nature and feel part of it. Here are the three ways we learn about nature.
Every Child Needs Yoto Player (Review)
My daughter received her Yoto player from Santa this year and has been in love with it ever since. It has cards with stories and music, radio, podcast and it’s very child-friendly, easy even for my three-year-old to start, stop, control volume or skip to the next track. Learn more about why we love the Yoto player and get a discount to buy!
Three Healthy, Easy, and Delicious Breakfast Ideas
Three breakfast ideas, that are full of nutrients and health benefits, easy to make, and bring energy to start the day. They are colourful and kids friendly too!
My Giant Busy Craft Box Review
If you are looking for two weeks of fun creative projects with young children look no further! This box is of fantastic value, and will have you sorted for Easter break or any other holiday in no time!
It has everything you need and can be taken on holiday or staying away from home too.