Family Diary – End of May 2021 Roundup

*This post contains gifted samples, affiliate links are marked with a *

These end of month roundup posts always come around so soon! Apologies this one is later than normal, but we had such a fantastic half term, that I kind of took some time off and wasn’t working at full speed! May was a great month, apart from the weather – raining for most here in Cornwall! But as it was always wet, Mr B couldn’t cut the lawn so we ended up doing no-mow May! It’s where wildflowers in your lawn bloom, as you have locked up your lawnmower providing a feast of nectar for the hungry pollinators. We have lots of buttercups, pink clover and dandelions on our front and back lawn. But half term started off well for us weather-wise and it kept sunny all week! A change from May!

No Mow May – End of month family roundup – May 2021

At the start of May we had a couple of friends over for a BBQ in the garden which we haven’t seen in ages. It was a lovely catch up and can’t wait to do it again! We had a few wet school runs and weekends mainly at home throughout the month. But as we got closer to half term we started making some plans of things to do. On one hand it’s lovely to book your time slot at places and so it’s less busy than pre-COVID. But on the other hand it’s tricky to book ahead when the Cornish weather could catch you out!

May saw L losing her first tooth, our first parents evening (via zoom) and the beginning of potty training little Dottie.

We live just a couple of minutes from a stunning water gardens. And recently they have set up a coffee, light lunches and cake hut. On the Bank Holiday at the end of May they set up a free Gruffalo Trail around the woods. It was fantastic ! We had such a great time!

Penrose Water Gardens Near Truro, Cornwall

Things we’ve tried this month

We have been very lucky with the fabulous items we’ve been sent to try, and read this month!

The Positively Awesome Journal

I love this journal! It’s bright, fun, and perfect for encouraging self-care and mental wellbeing. The artwork will make you smile! It’s jam-packed with tips and activities and guides you through your own journaling journey.

*The Positively Awesome Journal – Released 8th July 2021, paperback £11.99

Happiness Habits Jar – 30 days of self-kindness, journalling and motivation.

Sometimes we all need a little positivity in our lives. Introducing the Happiness Habits Jars. The jars are handmade in East London and have been spreading positivity between family, friends, and colleagues throughout lockdown, bringing a bit of fun and helping people manage their mental health.

The jars feature a month of messages. Take a note each day and reflect on what it means to you. Each glass jar is packed full of 30 colourful notes and the lid is wrapped in jute twine with an instruction tag, recycled tissue and is presented in a kraft gift box. The jars make a great gift for friends and relatives and after the month is up, the jar can be passed on, a gift that keeps on giving.

The Happiness Habit jars are available with free delivery from adbra.co.uk at £12.50

The Year We Muddled Through by Lauren Fennemore

2020, the year we just muddled through. The year we all sat at home. The year that changed the world. This wonderful storybook is a great reminder of that year. It gives a lovely spin on the situation for kids with rhymes and rainbows. For us adults a time to reflect. A great book to keep as a reminder/keepsake of the year that changed the world. I must point out that the illustrations are stunning!

Available to buy from *Amazon

WILD by Dawn White & Annette Demetriou

As a regular reader of Annette Demetriou’s blog, I knew her children’s book would be fantastic and tackle a challenging topic. WILD gives a gentle glimpse into the world of gang culture/toxic masculinity through the eyes of two young brothers ‘Wolfie’ and ‘Wilfie’. Carefully crafted for younger readers, it deals with themes of peer pressure to follow and join in with unruly behaviour or be shunned by ‘the popular ones. The book aims to open up conversations and help children realise that they don’t have to follow the pack, give them the confidence to do the right thing, and stay true to who they really are. It’s perfect for young children in this timely age. Illustrations are fantastic by Ryan Sonderegger who also illustrated one of our long-term favourite read What Wesley Wore.

Available to buy from *Amazon

Tree Families

Tree Families is a beautifully boxed card game for the whole family. Play with 2-5 players while learning about the trees in a beautifully detailed accompanying booklet written by Tony Kirkham. The illustrations are simply beautiful! I love looking through all the cards with the girls.

Collect all the different component parts of a tree – leaf, flower, and fruit – plus the tree itself, to form a tree family in this game based on Happy Families. Did you know that not all trees have fruits and flowers? Discover eleven of the most beautiful flowering, fruiting trees with Ryuto Miyake’s stunning, detailed illustrations and text about each tree written by the Head of the Arboretum at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, Tony Kirkham.

A Botanical Card Game written by Tony Kirkham, illustrated by Ryuto Miyake. Released 10th June 2021, £12.99, laurenceking.com

A Friend To Nature by Laura Knowles

An illustrated book celebrating the natural world and ways to appreciate it, filled with practical activities and ideas to help wildlife and the environment on your doorstep and worldwide. It’s simply stunning! We have loved taking it out and about on our nature walks. It’s jam-packed with tips, info, and activities. The perfect book for outside Summer fun!

Books I’ve Read

I always love to do a little round up of all the books I’ve read that month. I found this cute Instagram story template that fits perfectly!

Thanks for stopping by today, I will be back soon with June’s roundup!