Last week we visited my grandparents. They live on a country park, in a cabin/lodge (It's brick at the bottom and then like a wood effect above that) I honestly can't describe it very well but it's beautiful! Anyway, basically they have a shared swimming pool with other people that live within in the park and family members are allowed to use! Which is handy for us, hehe. And it's free! Bonus! So whilst we were visiting the kids went for a swim in the pool! I sat on the side picnic area and tried to read my book, didn't get much reading done though, I was too busy keeping an eye on the kids.

Harry wasn't keen on the idea of getting into the pool but he did have a paddle and I'm pleased to say he did actually get in, in the end! He wouldn't let me take any photos of him IN the pool though and I respect that. Charlie and Ellie both wore arm bands to begin with but honestly, after a while, Charlie figured he didn't need them and was swimming like a fish without arm bands. Only in the shallow end because he isn't an advanced swimmer but I am super proud of how confident he is in the water! And he was teaching Ellie to swim too, she wouldn't take her arm bands off which honestly, I'm glad about because if she isn't confident without them just yet, that's fine and it's safe, you know?





We went back to my nans for lunch after a couple of hours. All that swimming made the kids hungry! We also had a walk around my granddads beautiful garden and I took some photos of his pretty flowers! I wish I could explain how lovely and florally it smells but I'm no good at describing scents haha. He is very proud of his garden, he's very good at gardening and I don't think there's anything he doesn't know about flowers and plants, haha. Enjoy the pics! :)

It's almost 9pm on Tuesday night and I have literally just sat down. I have been SO busy today! I'm tired, its been a long day. Anyway, it's the time of the week again - The weekly bits and bobs. Here are our best & worst moments from the past week.

Negatives:

• I've been feeling anxious (what's new?!) and stressed (again, what's new?!) on and off. I think because I have hospital appointments coming up, Charlie starting high school, trying to sort out school bus passes, other school and kid stuff. It feels like it's all getting on top of me. 
• Lack of sleep is another negative this week. I don't know why I struggle to sleep, I wish I could sleep solid for more than 2 hours! 
•  I've not been feeling too well the last week or so, I don't know if it's a cold or sinus thing - Both?! I do feel much better today though! 

Positives: 

• We had a fab day last Thursday! We went over to my grandparents and used there swimming pool (they live on a country park and have shared pool which family are allowed to use! It's awesome. And FREE!) The kids had a wonderful time! Charlie can actually swim, I am SO proud of him. It was lovely watching him trying to teach Ellie. Love those precious moments, they truly make me smile. 
• The boys school uniform is DONE! Woohoo. I just need to buy Ellie's now, she doesn't need much as most of hers still fits (I only purchased it in June as hers was getting a bit too small) 
• I've started being more organised with my planning. My new organiser from paperchase really helps me! I love it. I love it A LOT! I'm also enjoying lists and bullet journaling. 
• We had a lovely day today. The kids and I went grocery shopping (which honestly I always dread) which was surprisingly alright. It was busy but was nice to get out of the house. The kids enjoyed a bus ride and I read some of my book. I'm currently reading the book thief. I loved the movie but I think I need to watch it again after I've read the book. Yay!

• I've cleaned and organised my house yesterday and this afternoon! I'm going to do some more tomorrow. I'm trying extra hard to keep on top of everything! 

Things I'm looking forward to: 

• A picnic tomorrow (Fingers crossed the weather stays nice!) my little nephew is coming along with us. He's only five, I am looking forward to our picnic! As are the kids. 
• Seeing my fella. Long distance is hard but I'll make the most of the time we do have together! 
• I need to organise my airing cupboard... I still haven't done it! I was suppose to do that last week. I have done a lot of other chores though, so it's all good. 
• I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

So there's our week in a nutshell! It's been a fairly good week. I need to relax more though and try and get a good nights sleep! I also would like to make more time to read as I've been slacking and reading really helps me relax :)
How has your week been?

It's no big secret that I love stationery. Actually, I adore stationery and stationary shopping is my favourite kind of shopping. I really detest shopping - for anything! But when it comes to stationary that's a whole different story. I could spend hours (and a lot of money... Money that I don't have) on stationary. I've recently started a bullet journal using my 'Pukka Pad' and other random note books. I am a notebook junkie and seem to collect them! However, I didn't have anything organised, something I could add dates and my own personal calendar to. My fella bought me this lovely planner/organiser from paperchase, which is currently on sale (at the time of writing this post) It's the A5 Butterfly teal deboss A5 organiser currently priced at £11.00. (Reduced from £15.25)
(Please note: No one asked me to write this review, I just love this organiser so much, I wanted to share with you all!) 

This organiser is perfect for me because it keeps me organised and I can customise it until my heart is content! It comes with 2016 diary inserts, a 2016 and 2017 overview calender, it also has an insert for personal details (which I haven't pictured because I've already filled in my name and address etc and it wouldn't be safe to share that on my public blog), 10 'To Do List' inserts which are double sided (so 20 lists!) and some extra dividers which can also be used as dashboards. Stickers are also included such as 'Follow up' 'Reminder' and 'Prioritise' just to name a few.




The organiser itself is made from a soft leather like fabric. It's a medium teal colour which I think is truly beautiful. The embossed butterflies are a lovely touch and effect, too! When you open the organiser you can see the pockets that can hold small notepads or cards, business cards and even envelopes or extra sheets of paper if needed.  There is also a larger pocket in the back of the organiser too.

The organiser takes A5 inserts but the binder/cover/folder is slightly larger. Which I really like! My pages stay nice and crisp because the cover is larger, the corners and edges of the paper is well protected. It does fit into my small hand bag but doesn't leave much space for anything else - I think I need a bigger bag.

I love the clasps because it's a press stuff button which means it holds the organiser together nicely. I can insert my own pages into the binder and take them out to decorate and add my daily tasks if needs be! There is also an elasticated pen band which holds pens perfectly, too!
The inserts are made from good quality paper and are printed lovely. These can also be purchased from paperchase separately but the organiser does come with some inserts so no need to worry about that right away. I'd like to add some blank pages to mine and perhaps some dotted pages, too :)

Overall I truly love this organiser. It's beautiful, it's great value for money and I love the fact I can add my own inserts and paper. I can customise it if I wish. This would be perfect for students, busy mums, and anyone who is looking to stay organised basically!
If you are looking for an affordable planner or organiser, I highly recommend the deboss A5 organiser from paperchase.

What's your favourite stationery item?



Sarah xXx