By Kate Hodges
28th March 2019
DO and MAKE In Bloom
The country seems to have burst into blossom this week. Why not go for a bloom-filled walk this weekend? Find ideas for places that are particularly pretty here or find your nearest community orchard here. Perhaps you might scoop up some of the fallen flowers and make blossom perfume? Find easy instructions here. Or why not craft your own spring tree? We love this colourful, bird-filled design from Red Ted Art.
MAKE Thanks Mum
Mothering Sunday falls this weekend. We’ve been searching for some fresh ideas for home-made gifts. A smudging stick not only looks beautiful, but smells divine, and will fill your house with good vibes. There’s a good little guide to making one here. Alternatively, give the gift of a relaxing bath with this home-made Lemon Sage Epsom Bath Soak. Or why not have a charity shop forage then pour your own cute tea-cup candle?
EVENT and RECIPE Big Day Out
Mother’s Day is a good excuse to do something extra special together as a family. There are events at some English Heritage properties (if you’re on a budget, find a list of those with family tickets for under £20 here or search for a free place to enter here). Take in more history and traditional crafting for free at Wales’ magnificent open-air St Fagans. Or why not treat your mum to some culture? We adore the free daily Portrait of the Day talks at the National Portrait Gallery that combine social and art history and the outdoor and free Yorkshire Sculpture Park is always a joy to wander. Pack up a picnic and get out and about.
EVENT and DO Earth Angels
Celebrate your commitment to the planet by marking Saturday’s WWF’s Earth Hour. From 8.30pm–9.30pm office buildings across the world, from cottages to skyscrapers, will turn off their non-essential lights. Perhaps you could mark the occasion in an exciting way with your family; go stargazing in the park, play board games by candlelight, explore your garden by torchlight, or go and marvel at the spectacle of a city a little darker than usual. Or check online for organised events near you
DO Cheap Tricks
Monday is April Fool’s Day – best start planning your pranks now (or working out how you’re going to negotiate that door with the bucket of water carefully balanced on top). But did you know that there’s a long and strange tradition behind the morning of tricks? Find out about its Roman history and the 17th century ‘Washing of the lions’ hoax here. Need more inspiration? Read about the greatest pranks ever played here, including the monkish mystery of the rocking apple.
PLUS! Dreading the clocks going forward this Saturday? Find some gentle ideas to help your family cope with the shift here
