July Goals Review

Here's how I did this month:

• Take a family photo. - done!
• Finish sewing the dress. - sooo close but lots done so I'm happy.
• Revisit my 30 things list. - done!
• Do some kind of sport. - cycling, running, swimming...done!
• Research a memory box system. - done!

Productive month all things considered - bring on August!

Date Night

During our week away, we made the most of the free babysitters and have our first date in over thirteen months!

Nico took me to a grill restaurant in Schneverdingen and we went to the ice cream parlour for dessert and coffee. It was delicious.

Isabella was not happy when we left but got used to it - a good sign for nursery in September. Her babysitters loved it - I wouldn't have put it past them to hide her when we left yesterday.

It felt very strange to be out without her but we enjoyed it and I do think it makes us better parents to have a bit of time off mummy and daddy duty.

Reading Review

Redemption - Jussi Adler-Olsen

Another exciting easy read in the Department Q series. I always wonder how the writer is going to follow up his last work but he never disappoints. Each story is so different but equally thrilling.

The characters really make the series so gripping. Looking forward to the next obe.

The Given Day - Dennis Lehane

My Dad passed this one on to me and it took a while to get into but it was well worth it. The story is set after world war one in Boston and follows two main characters - a second generation Irish American immigrant and a black American through those years.

The story is interesting and I learned a bit of history in between too.

A Town Like Alice - David Parker

This came from my classics list and I'm glad I found that list if only for this book. It's a fictional story about a young woman and her exeriences during and after the second world war.

It's so interesting and it is based on a true story - at least the part I found the most interesting is. I don't want to spoil the story here but it's definitely worth a read.

Summer Manifesto #1 Grill fish on the BBQ

Nico recently bought a new barbecue and we have been making the most of it and grilling lots of meat.

Last week we changed it up a bit with fresh fish which is extra summery and delicious.

Looking forward to trying some different types of fish from our local supplier.

Make It Monday - August Birthday Cards

Lots of birthdays this month. A mix of ages and gender too. I stuck to my new cut out stamps and mixed it up with colour and ideas.

I really like the contrast and finding different ideas with these shapes.

Weekly Wisdom

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The Saturday Update

After a productive long weekend, it was a short work week. It was busy though.

I got back into sewing and knitting at every chance I got. Lots of creativity in time for the holidays!

At work, we finished up our anti-bullying project week, went swimming, had a class breakfast with parents and Isabella, and handed out the reports. We also said goodbye to some colleagues.

The last two days have been about settling into the holidays and relaxing. I've been enjoying lots of family time and crafting. I'm also reading more.

We're spending some time with Nico's family and going to a wedding today. Nothing planned for next week and it feels good to write that!