...finding fun things to do in wet weather

These last few weeks have been quite tricky. The rain has prevented us from getting out and about and exploring, and this makes us cranky and agitated. Plus, having the little fella is quite like having a puppy; he needs to be walked at least twice a day. So we have been thinking of other things to do to occupy/stimulate/entertain/exercise him, whilst resisting the temptation to switch on Cbeebies. This is what we have been up to-

• making pizza
• using our year family pass for the Oceanarium
• taking the train into town and back
• going swimming
• getting together with other mama friends at each other's houses whilst playgroups are closed for the holidays
• getting the 'wet weather' gear on and 'free-running' in the rain (ie. jumping over drains, splashing through puddles, etc)
• puzzles
• making little plays up from the stories we read
• spending a looooooong time in the library
• finger painting
• washing up (seriously-the boy loves washing up-strange)
• learning some basic letters-eg. 'm' for mama, etc.
• playing hide and seek
• visiting the garden centre and looking at the plants and gnomes
• visiting the local fish pet shop (what are these called?!)

Do you have little ones? What do you do when the weather turns (or stays!) rubbish?

Maria x

..teaching my sister how to throw a pot!

At the beginning of the hols my sister came to stay. Like me she has found a love for playing with clay and is a regular at the Hackney Farm pottery. But hasn't yet mastered the wheel, so I booked us in for a couple of hours at Trad Pots Pottery in Lytchett so I could show her how to do it! (With some expert help from Mark Baker the Potter)  I have been coming to a weekly evening class here for the last 3 years and I really enjoy it. If your are ever in sunny Dorset this little pottery is bursting with lots of lovely pots made by Mark and other local artists. I love pottery I could do it all day, one day maybe that is what I will do!

Here is a little vid of our throwing fun!

Kylie arms deep in clay! 

Whilst Kylie was on the wheel I used the time to sand down my most recent projects 

and started on the under glazing. 

One of Kylie's finished Pots! (I think I have some twin competition) 

Current Projects ready for final clear glaze before their final firing in the kiln.

Some of my finished work (invading every spare surface in my room) 

Newest Creature to hatch from the Kiln

Finding lots of uses for my multiplying pots - Nut pot! 

Cactus pots! 

Suspicious Hippo - Looking after my pennies in his tum! 

Over the summer I am going to get myself organised and get some of my pots onto Folksy.

Have any of you started selling your wares? I would love to hear from 

you if you have any advice. 

Gem x

...spending the afternoon at Honeybook Farm

It's been a delight to have some time off together, just the three of us. We have made it our mission to relax, unwind, and spend some time outdoors enjoying all that our local area has to offer. Fortunately, you can take your pick in Dorset-there are so many exciting and beautiful places to visit. 

The other day we decided to visit one of our favourite little farms. Honeybrook Farm in Wimborne is a lovely day out. We love to take the little fella because there are plenty of animals to get up close to, a warm and reasonably priced cafe, and a wicked play park  The boy adores this place as there is so much to see and do; tractor rides, and lamb-feeding to name a few. Oh, and it is seriously good value for money. If you are local, or are in the area, then you should definitely pay a visit. 

 Saying 'Hey' to the pigs

 Feeding the ponies

 Snoozing piggies

 The bouncy 'pillow'-hours of fun (no grown-ups allowed-we were a bit jealous)

 Pretty views

We're loving our family days out this Easter. Been anywhere nice yourselves?

Maria x

... discovering Kinfolk

KINFOLK

This beautiful looking magazine keeps popping up on instagram, with it's lovely photography and simple design. I was feeling a little indulgent in February and decided to order (volume 7) The magazine has a collection of articles written by a variety of writers that share their thoughts and ideas on small gatherings and sharing and cooking for others. I'm not going to write to much; it's simple design and photography is stunning. It has inspired me to arrange more dinner party's with friends and enjoy everything that life has on offer, friendship, family, food and fun! I can't wait to arrange a dinner party and bring on the days where the party can be taken under a tree or onto the beach.

Hello Spring / Hello to eating outside

Hope you've had a lovely sunny weekend! 

Can't wait for (issue 8)

Gem x

.... making a little case for my Tablet

Today has been the first day of my holiday's that I have had at home just to do my own thing. I have loved being with family and catching up with friends, but have also enjoyed having some head space and having the day to be creative.  I started the day at pottery followed by a quick and very cold bike ride and then I  came back and dusted down my sewing machine. I've been meaning to make a little case for my tablet since I got it, my brother gave me his neoprene case but it looked a little 'techy'. There are some lovely ones online but they are really expensive so I thought I would make my own.

It was very easy (Just a fabric envelope really) No zip or buttons

My sewing machine stopped working half way through and after an hour battling with the bobbin I decided old fashioned hand sewing would do.

Beach Material found under my bed 

It is always a source of forgotten treasures (mostly stray socks) 

I used the case as a guide for size and gave myself a large margin down the sides, 

I should have given myself more room for the envelope flap (never mind) 

You should probably measure and draw a line with fabric chalk then pin, 

but I just pinned :) Make sure your clean seam is on the inside (I used the bound edge so I didn't have to hem the seam) 

Closer look at the envelope 

(imagine it reversed so the inside flap will be neatly folded over and about a 3rd of the top)

I think my seamstress Busy Bee needs a service (She was only very busy breaking) 

Some chai tea and a few grey hairs later  

(I took out the case and pinned it on the front so I could see where to sew) 

When you have finished sewing the two sides - Trim the access material down the two sides and 

fold it in on itself - ( To reveal finished case) 

And whalllaaaa! 

If you don't have a squashy case to cover you 

could do this pattern but double sided with wadding in-between for protection. 

What tips have you got for personalising your Tablets and iPhones? 

Gem x 

...taking road trips around Dorset

The husband took a few days off this week so we had an extra long weekend. We decided to brave the freeeezing cold weather and head out for a drive around Dorset. As you may have already gathered, we are totally bias here at ohidoliketobe, and consider 'our' county to be the most beautiful. Days like this one make me even more certain of that fact.
We got the chain ferry over to Studland and had a little drive to Swanage.

A quick play in a park, and a womble around some charity shops, and we were off again-this time to Church Knowle where we passed this amazing view of Corfe Castle-

We stopped at the animal sanctuary where we were very tempted to adopt a little white cat. We resisted (just). Sorry-we didn't take any photos-but would totally recommend this charming place. It's free to get in and perfect for little ones as it is small and you can pet the horses and donkeys.  

For the last leg of our journey, we called in at Purbeck Larder-one of my favourite places to roam around and get inspiration for our home. The hot chocolate wasn't bad either.

Taken any road trips of in your local area recently?

Maria x

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...Easter walk and mini egg hunt

Like Maria, we had a lovely day yesterday energised from the sun that seems to have been on holiday for the last 6 months. It's not often we are all home together so we jumped into the car and went for a walk around the ponds at Bath Spa uni, it is such a nice campus and your guaranteed to see at least one Heron. It was still bitterly cold though so we didn't hang around too long. There was also the knowledge that mums casserole was bubbling away in the oven. I got carried away in Lidl buying up lots of Easter treats and have been inspired by other blogger's to make an Easter Hunt. Mum got her clue straight away but my Dad and Brother and Sis took a little longer. Today I am definitely coming down from a sugar high, and vow to get outside and do some exercise. I think I have had to much of a good thing, come on summer!!

 Piggy (lily) Enjoying a little stroll

 Who is the baby of the family?

 Easter Egg hunt clues

The hunt begins! 

Getting Hotter

Haha (well done mum)

Look High! 

Chuffed dad 

My brother also found his after a few hints! 

Easter bounty on top shelf for another day! 

Choc filled good night! 

Gem x