Seeing Rainbows

Where is this Going?

September 25, 2016 By: Michelle McNultycomment

I’ve been looking at my long list of draft posts for the last few weeks and been struggling to know which post to finish, or alternatively which idea to write about. But it’s been a struggle. Writers block? Perhaps, I’m not sure. But I think it’s maybe more to do with the fact that I am not happy with the focus that this blog has been taking recently.

Where is this going? Well, I started blogging as a small hobby, to diarise our life and the children’s upbringing. To share funny stories, document parenting fails and to let off steam about the stresses and strains that come with the parenting role. But as the kids have grown older, I’ve realised I want to write less about them, and more about other things that I am passionate about. As the readership grew, so did the offers of work and collaborations all of which I am grateful of but I think I’ve reached a crossroads in terms of niche.

So what does this mean?

Well, I am still going to be a ‘Parent Blogger’ per se (as much as I HATE pigeon holes..) but, I am likely going to focus more on my life, my opinions and the local community. I will of course, still write about the kids and our family life but this will most likely focus on days out, events and rites of passage. In 2017 I will also covering more festivals too, which are a huge passion of mine, as you may have guessed by now!

Also, instead of having a separate website for my shop, Minnies Macaroon I am slowly adding the products to this site, to keep everything together. (Bear with me… it’s a HUGE job! I will be adding a launch for this soon, so watch this space!)

Community wise, my Local Folk-Us series will continue and I have very exciting interviews coming up. I am also adding my Keighley People site (You can find more about this HERE) to this blog too. I love Twitter and the concept of rotation-curation fascinates me. The account ran successfully for two years so I think it’s about time it returned, I also want to tie the two sites together so they are easier to manage, for now anyway!

For local and not so local but interested people, I am also hoping later this year to create some content for Haworth village so keep your eyes peeled for this too. For those of you interested Haworth is where we moved to June, it’s a beautiful little village in West Yorkshire, and where the Bronte Sisters both lived and gained inspiration for their novels. You can find out more about Haworth here.

So yes.. lots in the pipeline for the rest of 2016 and well into 2017 and it’s pretty exciting. I’ve enjoyed my time blogging, I’ve met some fabulous and inspirational people and been given some amazing opportunities, but it’s good to have a focus again!

Thanks for all your support and ongoing readership, despite the reduction in posts this last year or so. I appreciate you all!

Michelle x

Silent Sunday 25.9.2016

September 25, 2016 By: Michelle McNultycomment

Silent Sunday 18.9.2016

September 18, 2016 By: Michelle McNultycomment

Silent Sunday 11.9.2016

September 11, 2016 By: Michelle McNultycomment

Getting Kids Into Golf With Online Golf

September 4, 2016 By: Michelle McNultycomment

A few weeks ago we headed into Leeds city centre to visit to Hilton Hotel, to play golf. Yes- that’s right, to play golf. Of course it wasn’t any usual game of golf, it was all part of Online Golf’s idea to try encourage kids to learn both how to play golf and also be taught new skills.

Gabriel and Willow had a fabulous afternoon. I will be honest and admit I was surprised at just how much they enjoyed themselves. Golf, let’s face it is something that is associated with middle age men. Yes if we go to the seaside we will often dabble with crazy golf, but the kids have never been ‘shown’ how to hold a club correctly, had any proper tuition or even held a full sized array of clubs before so they actually found it exciting!

We played three different games, after a brief introduction and some tuition for us all, we split into groups and headed off for some golfing! We were sent over to the ‘golf bowling’ station first. Straight away the kids were pleased, having recently discovered ten pin bowling, they loved attempting to knock down the pins! They each had a go at the target practice too. With each attempt, their skills were definitely improving, it was great to see their self confidence growing too.

Next we played crazy golf (my favourite..) and it was hilarious. Again Gabriel and Willow loved it, and Willow even managed a hole in one! Gabriel took to the tuition especially well here, he listened and acted upon the instruction quite seriously, it was great to see him acting so maturely, I think school has definitely taught him these learning skills.

The ‘chipping’ station consisted on several nets with scores. This was difficult for the kids actually, but there was also a competition for adults. Kellie from Big Fashionista took the trophy here, superb performance Kellie, well done!

Online Golf provided us with lots of golfing fun and so I’ve decided to share with you 5 reasons why kids should get into golf:

1. More kids can play golf! For golf you don’t have to be tall, strong or fast or lean. Successful golfers come in all shapes, sizes and ages.

2. It’s low-risk! Chances of injuries in golf are very small to non-existent compared to other popular sports like football or rugby. Being no-contact, golf is a very safe, respectful sport.

3. It’s healthy! Golf is an outdoors sport giving kids the opportunity to exercise al fresco whilst enjoying nature.

4. It creates bonds with friends & family! Whether your child plays golf with family members, friends or takes lessons with a pro, mentoring and playing together will create unique and close bonds that will last a lifetime.

5. Your child will learn important life lessons! Playing golf, kids will experience highs and lows, from the first hole-in-one or birdie to a misplaced shot in a bunker. Golf will teach them that though we can’t always win, we always have another shot in life and skill comes with practice!

Overall we had a fabulous afternoon. It was good to see lots of blogging friends and also catch up with some old faces I’ve not seen for AGES! Goodie bags were handed out and we had a tasty lunch too. Special thanks to Online Golf for the invitation to such a fun event!

Silent Sunday 4.9.2016

September 4, 2016 By: Michelle McNultycomment

BML1

Silent Sunday 28.8.2016

August 28, 2016 By: Michelle McNultycomment

Silent Sunday 21.8.2016

August 21, 2016 By: Michelle McNultycomment

Keeping Your House Safe When You Go Away

August 18, 2016 By: Michelle McNultycomment

Having just moved house and then going on holiday for a week, I have to admit I was a little nervous about leaving our home whilst we were away, in a safe condition. Whether you’ve lived in your home for five days or fifty years though, being extra careful to looks after your belongings and home is important, so I have decided to put together a sure-fire list that you can check off before you head off on your well-earned holidays!

Your home and possessions can be at risk to anything from sneaky burglars to accidents & overheating appliances.A little extra vigilance will help keep your property and belongings safer. Plus, let’s face it; you don’t want to be sat worrying about home when you should be relaxing (or sat in the sunshine drinking sangria…) After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

1. Lock the doors

This is fairly obvious. It’s your home and you want to protect your belongings. If the door is locked it’s another protective factor there. It stops others from entering your home without a key (usually!) and so like you do every other time you leave your house unattended, turn that key/s and walk away with some good peace of mind. Garden furniture, outdoor toys, bikes and expensive potted plants are all very tempting. Ensure sheds, gates and garages have secure locks and fix gaps in fences to prevent opportunists from gaining access.

2. Make sure you have valid and decent a home insurance policy!

If the worst did happen at least you would be covered financially for help from theft, damage or disaster. Definitely worth its weight in gold this one!

3. Check appliances, then check them again.

Unplug electricals to avoid over heating or at worst, fire. Granted, you’re probably taking most chargers, phones, tablets and batteries with you, but check anyway and unplug electrical items that do not require to plugged in whilst you’re away.

4. Invest in the light sensors / timers.

This makes is well, less obvious you are not at home and therefore less likely to be burgled. Thieves would much rather be sure you are not in, makes their nasty task far less risky doesn’t it.

5. Leave a key with someone &/or inform someone you trust to keep an eye out with your key holder’s details.

This is pretty important. Sometimes, things happen and the Police may need to access your property, or re-secure it. It’s far better to do this properly and fix a new lock etc, rather than go for a temporary boarding up. By simply leaving a key with someone you trust, this makes life easier. Plus, they can always leave milk in the fridge for your return? Boom.

6. Don’t help Billy* Burglar!

Leaving your ipad on the window, on full show, leaving keys in the back door, spare car keys for the Porsche (on the drive) on the kitchen side. It’s all a temptation for Billy. He wants an easy life and he also wants your valuables. Ladders and tools can come in very handy and make the job of breaking in a lot easier for a visiting burglar. Make sure you store them out of sight, don’t make his life easy.

*Billy could of course be a lady and she wants your stuff too.

7. Hide shit!

Release your inner child and hide things that you don’t want to be found. Just don’t forget where you put things- it once took me months to find some diamond earrings…

There are some great places to hide stuff in the home. Think outside the box! After all, if you were so unlucky to be broken into whilst you’re away, you’ll be glad you stuff that jewellery inside the peanut butter*

*I accept no responsibility for damaged items..

8. Don’t broadcast you’re away..

It’s all very tempting to brag on social media about your month-long trip to Oz, but be careful. Sure tell your mates, they can always keep a watchful eye out, but unless your security settings are water tight (again, perhaps check this?) be aware that a lot of what you publish online is public consumption. Not an exact science, obviously but definitely worth considering.

9. Be savvy with the usual

Cancel deliveries of milk, papers. Mow your lawn, water plants and arrange animal care in advance. This all leads to a smoother exit and also doesn’t arouse suspicion from the neighbours or those mentioned in point 6…

10. Always look back

One of my most favourite teachers at school taught me many things, but one thing in particular was to always look back when you’re walking away from anything to check you’ve not left anything! Go back, one last glance may just save you a load of headache in the long run. Plus, you may just realise you forgot your phone/purse/child….

Hope these tips are useful, have a fabulous holiday and fingers crossed for a safe home upon your return!

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*Disclosure: This post was written by myself however it does contain a sponsored link. For more information please see my disclosure policy*

Derbyshire Days

August 14, 2016 By: Michelle McNultycomment

The last few months have been pretty hectic and for me, the end of term could not come quick enough. It was bittersweet, as ever when ever an era comes to an end; especially due to the fact that Gabriel had completed his Reception year but we were so grateful and thankful that we now had some time together. Some fun days and some peaceful days and also, a little holiday to Derbyshire to look forward to with my lovely family.

We went to Parwich with my Mum and her husband Mark, my Brother Kev, Sister in Law Hannah, my nephew Cameron and their not so baby son, Beck. Me and the kids packed ourselves into the car and drove down to the gorgeous little cottage which incidentally, was in a gorgeous little village!

Straight away, the cottage felt relaxing. We spent time on an evening talking, catching up and playing games. It was just what the doctor ordered! My Mum loves organised fun as such, (as do I!) and so had brought with her an array of games for us to play. It was really good to kick back, enjoy the company of those you love and miss, and enjoying the simple things in life.

During the days, we made the most of the sunshine and daylight. We hired bikes and cycled the Tissington Trail, we hired boats and kayaks on Carsington Water. We played games including football, tennis in the parks. We walked, we explored and we took in a lot of fresh air.

During the week we went to the Heights of Abraham cable cars and caves and had a fantastic day. Gabriel loved the caves and was super excited to be underground and learn all about the miners and their history. The cable car was fun and the scenery was lovely too. Definitely worth a visit if you are ever in the area of Matlock Bath.

We also visited Gulliver’s Kingdom on a rather wet day. This did not matter as such, as the kids loved riding the log flume and dinghy ride that we were soaked anyway! The theme park is no Alton Towers, but that’s not a bad thing actually. It’s relaxed and there are plenty of rides to entertain little ones. We really enjoyed our time there.

We spent time in the nearby towns of Ashbourne and Buxton too. Both were lovely and it was good to enjoy coffee and cakes with a little bit of shopping thrown in here and there. We stumbled across some lovely little parks too which the kids loved. Overall it was a fabulous week in Derbyshire and we returned home relaxed, full of good food and ready to rock the rest of our summer!