Spending Time with my Girl at Arlington Bluebell Walk, East Sussex

A couple of years ago we visited Arlington bluebell walk as it a family. It was mid-May and the bluebell season was coming to an end but we loved our visit and I've been meaning to go back ever since. This year I was ahead of the game and we visited on 20th April just as the bluebells were really coming into their own, but there was still evidence of the beautiful white wood anemones. So it made for some interesting pictures with both the white and blue flowers.

This year the bluebell walk and farm trail is open from 11th April to 19th May (10am - 5pm each day). I'd definitely recommend a visit, and it is so much more than just pretty woods with lots of bluebells.  You can choose from five walks of differing lengths, and each has a unique view and some pass through local working farms so you may see horses, cows, sheep and chickens. The walks are really varied with lake views, fields, rivers, woodland and farms.

Spring and Easter Inspiration - 30 Great Ideas for Families

Tulip Garden Image, thanks to Shutterstock

Hip, hip hooray Spring is finally arriving. There are gorgeous yellow daffodils all over my house, the sun has been out more days than not this week and Easter is only five weeks away. Spring is my favourite season of the year, the days get longer, it’s sunny without being too hot and I just adore seeing the cherry blossom everywhere.

It, therefore, seems perfect to share this round-up of Spring and Easter inspiration from loads of amazing bloggers. Read on....

Crafts

1.  Fancy some fun with Easter crafts with the kids, then Cat has nine great ones for you, including chick bookmark corners and paper bunny ornaments.

2.  Make your own Easter Egg Sun catchers from Hodge Podge Days

3.  If you need to craft your little one a costume for some Easter celebrations, then what about a donkey costume to remind you of Palm Sunday.

4.  How to make a complete Easter tree for under a tenner. I love any excuse to have a decorated tree even when it is not Christmas.

Dear So and So - A Very Happy Easter Weekend

Dear Kings Church,

Thanks so much for such a powerful service on Easter morning, it was perfect to come and celebrate with you all that our Lord is risen and the drama was awesome. We are really lucky to have found a church as great as you and I'm loving how involved we are becoming with the Food Bank, my small group and dh's men's discipleship group.

I'm also so grateful to see God working with the new Move dance group. We have just given notice for the girls to finish gymnastics as it is very cost intensive and the girls were not getting what they needed from it. This feels like an answer to prayer; for them to have an active club that is also able to encourage their expressive worship.

So grateful, Mich x
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Dear Miss M,

You can be such a cutie.  Most people just see the vivacious and loud young lady but they don't know your soft side.  They are not the lucky one who you grab when you are walking along and wrap your arm around nor the one that you ask to pray with at night. It is such a privilege to sit alongside you and hear your inner most thoughts as you chat to Jesus. Thank you for your trust you place in me.

Love you so much, Mummy xxx
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Dear Ash family,

It is not always easy living in community but for me I am more blessed than not. The fact that I never have to cook a Sunday lunch anymore and I can just enjoy church and my family on a Sunday cannot be underestimated. I hope I never take for granted all the activities that you organise like the egg hunt, prayer days, celebration services and community time.

I feel like one of the luckiest girls alive, Mich x
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Spring has sprung and that makes me feel so happy.  Thank you God for your amazing creation. The colours that come alive and make me want to smile so wide. As the kids played over the long weekend and we enjoyed the warm breeze on our skin I silently thanked you and life felt just that little bit better.

Your loving daughter, Michelle xx
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Dear Premier Inn,

You are so reliable and it is fantastic. I got asked today if I'm an ambassador for you as I'm always waxing lyrical about your hotels but no I pay for every stay and there seems to be lots of them. The comfy beds, the hot shower, the brilliant breakfast with kids eat free and now free wifi too mean you are my home away from home.

Thanks, a very satisfied customer, Michelle
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Oh Miss E,

I know you enjoyed it as much as I did but you falling asleep in my arms last night in our big hotel room was just perfect. You calling me your big teddy bear (sorry daddy) and me stroking your silken hair was delightful. You really do have to treasure these simple but special times.

Love you sweetheart, Mummy xxx
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Now it is over to you, do you have letters or notes that you wish to share (as few or as many as you like)? Link up your post and leave a comment and I'll come visit and do the same for you and also share your post on twitter.

Wishing you a blessed week, Mich x



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Five Great Activities for Spring

Thank goodness that Spring has finally arrived; the rain seems to be easing and we are having some beautiful moments of sunshine. It sure does make me feel lighter and improve my mood.

If you are seeking some ideas of what you could get up to in March, here is my top five for Spring -

1)  Head to the beach and watch the sunset. 
Whether you have children or not the beach is always a great place to be. Sure you can't sunbath right now but how about a romantic walk with your partner close to the waves lapping the shore or maybe a game of volleyball with a group of friends?

For my family it is all about the fun of scooting along the prom, beach combing and then having an ice-cream!

2) Get out and smell the roses.
Well perhaps not roses as they are not in bloom yet but what about the azaleas, camellias, blossom trees and daffodils. This time of year is beautiful for both wild and garden flowers alike so take a nice long walk and see what you can spot. Not only is the exercise good for you, you will also enjoy the visual delights of our beautiful world.

3)  Take some time to look after yourself.
We all have different ways to nurture our soul and to take time out. For me it is a night away with my husband, a relaxing swim and a back and neck massage. For you it might be a long hot soak in the bath, a fabulous book or going to the theatre.

Whatever it is, I think we need to create time to look after ourselves and when better than at the start of each new season?

4)  Enjoy some local culture
How many times have you been past a local tourist attraction or park and wondered what it was like inside? We often forget the things that are on our doorstep and I think Spring is the perfect time to explore close to home. Bodium Castle is just a 20 minute car ride from our house and it is the perfect place to visit, with or without the children for a variety of reasons - a historical learning experience, to enjoy its beauty, a good cream tea or lots of grass for the kids to run on.

5) Make the most of your home
Whilst the weather is still warming up there might be days when you just want to stay in and I can't pretend that most people will find spring cleaning a joy, but it is essential to keep on top of the chores. So why don't you set aside a day with the whole family when the weather is not too great. Draw up a list of all those jobs that never seem to get done and each of you tackle a couple. The kids can be involved too.

Then once you have all worked hard enjoy a nice easy buffet lunch and settle down for a family movie with popcorn and a board game. Sometimes the simplest activities can be the most fun.

I hope there is something in my list that you might fancy doing this Spring. Do leave me a comment and let me know what your favourite Spring activity is.

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No Tech Sunday #CountryKids

Last Sunday when dh was away for the weekend I gave JJ a taster of what it will be like once we move and instigate our 'no tech Sundays'.  His verdict 'this will be alright, won't it Mum?'.  Yes son it sure will, time out and about together is great....

Linking up with Fiona over at Coombe Mill for her #CountryKids linky.

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If you like what you have read and want to stay up-to-date then subscribe by email for free and receive blog posts directly to your in-box - just click the link Subscribe to Mummy From The Heart... by Email or perhaps you like to keep all your blog reading in one place, if that is the case you can follow me on BlogLovin too!