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A Joyful Ordinary Life
  • Pork and Apple Meatballs with Brown Sugar Glaze (Easy Party Appetiser)

    Pork and Apple Meatballs with Brown Sugar Glaze (Easy Party Appetiser)

  • Mini Mac and Cheese Cups

    Mini Mac and Cheese Cups (Perfect Party Appetiser)

  • Pork and Fennel Pie (Easy Make-Ahead Comfort Food for Entertaining)

    Pork and Fennel Pie (Easy Make-Ahead Comfort Food for Entertaining)

  • mini biscoff cheesecakes

    Mini Biscoff Cheesecakes: An Easy Make-Ahead Dessert for Entertaining

  • Apricot chicken pie

    How to Make Apricot Chicken Pie Everyone Will Love

  • Sweet Potato Mash

    Sweet Potato Mash (Easy Make-Ahead Side Dish for Entertaining)

  • How to Make Easy Corn Chowder That’s Rich, Creamy and Delicious

    How to Make Easy Corn Chowder That’s Rich, Creamy and Delicious

  • Escape Room Party

    How to Host an Unforgettable Escape Room Party at Home

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For years, many of us were told to put everyone el For years, many of us were told to put everyone else first. Now it sometimes feels as though we've swung to the other extreme, where every message is about putting ourselves first. I don't think either approach brings the happiest life. The people I know who seem to have found real contentment have learned something different. They look after themselves and they continue to show up for the people they love. They understand that rest is important, but so is purpose. Boundaries matter, but so does generosity. We need both. I've shared my thoughts in my latest blog post: 🤍 Self Care and Caring for Others: Finding the Balance That Truly Fills Us Up I'd love to know where you think the balance lies. Read the article through the link in my bio. #creatingacalmhome #simpleliving❤️ #lifewelllived❤️ #joyfulliving❤️ #livingwell
Thankful Thursday 🤍 Hazel has given this week a b Thankful Thursday 🤍 Hazel has given this week a big thumbs up 👍 — and honestly, have you ever seen a cuter little thumb? 🥹 Another week with so many little moments to be grateful for: 1. Looking after our gorgeous little Hazel for a few hours. She is such an angel, and those precious cuddles never get old. 2. Celebrating our friend’s 70th birthday. We had such a great day, made even more special because it was their first time meeting Hazel. 3. Finally getting in another stitching day with my bestie. I absolutely love those days — plenty of stitching, chatting and catching up. 4. Getting all the washing done despite the wet weather! Sometimes it really is the little victories. 😂 5. Finalising our next celebration box for The Joyful Celebration Studio. It’s so exciting seeing another idea come together and I can’t wait to share this one with you! A week of cuddles, celebrations, friendship, productivity and a little creative excitement thrown in. Lots to be thankful for. 🤍 I hope you’ve all had a wonderful week too. What’s one little thing you’re grateful for this week? #thankfulthursdays❤️ #feelingblessed❤️ #feelingblessed❤️ #gratefuleveryday❤️ #thankfulthursday🙏
As part of this Retirement Reflections series, I'v As part of this Retirement Reflections series, I've been exploring the many different aspects of preparing for retirement. Not just the financial side, but the things that shape whether this next chapter of life feels joyful, meaningful and deeply satisfying. As I've moved through my fifties and started thinking more seriously about retirement, I've found myself reading books, listening to podcasts and learning everything I can about what helps people truly flourish in their later years. There have been plenty of interesting ideas along the way, but one keeps appearing again and again. Curiosity matters. In fact, I think it may be one of the most important ingredients for a joyful retirement. #entertainingtips #hostingtips #easyentertaining #howtohost #entertainwithconfidence
One of the best pieces of hosting advice I was eve One of the best pieces of hosting advice I was ever given was this... Never apologise. Don't apologise because the house isn't perfect. Don't apologise because dinner is simple. Don't apologise because you wish you'd had more time. Your guests aren't looking for perfection—they're looking for connection. Instead, greet them with a smile and simply say... "I'm so glad you're here." 🤍 Those five little words change the atmosphere before anyone even sits down. Save this as a reminder for your next gathering, and follow along each Tuesday for a new edition of The Joyful Host, where we're gently taking the overwhelm out of entertaining so confidence has room to grow. #entertainingtips #hostingtips #easyentertaining #howtohost #entertainwithconfidence
Our little walk-in wardrobe might be one of the sm Our little walk-in wardrobe might be one of the smallest rooms in our home, but it’s one of the hardest working. 🤍 With a few thoughtful DIY updates and better storage, it became brighter, more organised and so much easier to use every day. It’s proof that you don’t need a huge renovation to make a home feel calmer and more beautiful. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference. For all the details check out the post (link in bio) #wardrobemakeover #diyhomeprojects #smallspaceliving #homeorganisation #walkinwardrobe
It’s hard to believe this renovation has been fini It’s hard to believe this renovation has been finished for quite a while now, but it’s still one of my favourite spaces in our home. 🤍 As I’ve been updating some older projects on the blog, I thought it was the perfect time to revisit our small master bathroom remodel. What I love most isn’t just how it looks—it’s how well it works. The storage, layout and timeless finishes have made everyday life so much easier, proving that good design isn’t about following trends, it’s about creating a home that functions beautifully for the people who live in it. One of my favourite additions was actually the second small vanity without a sink. It has become the most practical feature in the room—a dedicated spot with great natural light and a magnifying mirror that’s perfect for doing my hair and makeup. If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, I’ve shared the renovation journey, the lessons we learned (including a mistake we’d avoid next time!) and all the styling details over on the blog. You can find the full post through the link in my bio. 🤍 #bathroomrenovationideas #smallbathroomremodel #bathroomidea #homerenovationinspo #traditionalbathroom
Another week with plenty to be thankful for 🤍 Thi Another week with plenty to be thankful for 🤍 This week I’m grateful for… 1. A wonderful Saturday that started with a little vintage shopping (always a good idea!) and ended with a lovely visit with family. 2. Another consistent week at the gym. I’m really enjoying getting back into a good routine and showing up each week. 3. A quick visit with my Dad at Em’s. Although it did mean I had to share Hazel with him, which I suppose is only fair. 😂 4. Having some time to potter in the kitchen and get a little cooking done for the weekend. There’s something I really enjoy about having the time to cook without rushing. 5. And last, but most definitely not least, our sweet little Hazel. She’s smiling and cooing all the time now, which somehow manages to make her even cuter. I didn’t think that was possible. 🥰 Nothing particularly grand this week — just family, little outings, routines I’m enjoying and time spent doing things I love. And really, those are often the very best weeks. I hope you’ve had a wonderful week too. 🤍 #thankfulthursdays❤️ #feelingblessed❤️ #feelingblessed❤️ #gratefuleveryday❤️ #thankfulthursday🙏
Is this controversial? 👀 I am a holiday planner!! Is this controversial? 👀 I am a holiday planner!!! There. I said it. 😂 The idea of arriving somewhere new and “just wandering around to see what happens” sounds wonderfully carefree... and fills me with dread!!! But here’s the thing—I don’t plan every minute of every day. I simply like to have one thing to focus on each day. A tour. A place we want to see. A lunch spot we’ve been looking forward to. It gives us somewhere to start. Then we walk, wander, stop for a cuppa, discover beautiful places and let the rest of the day unfold. For me, a little planning doesn’t take away the spontaneity. It removes the overwhelm and helps me enjoy the holiday more. I’ve shared more about how Tony and I travel and why I will never be a “the world is your oyster” kind of traveller 😂 over on A Joyful Ordinary Life. You will also find some fun travel printables xx Now tell me... are you a planner or a go-with-the-flow traveller? And be nice—we planners have itineraries and we’re not afraid to use them. 😂🤍 #travelplanninghelp #holidayplanningmadeeasy #ʀᴇᴛɪʀᴇᴍᴇɴᴛᴘʟᴀɴɴɪɴɢ #retiredliving

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