Dear May,
I thought April had zipped by but then May you went in the blink of an eye. The months seem to be speeding up at a dizzying rate. One minute you were here and the next you had galloped off into the distance. Months we need to slow down, we need to take time to appreciate the little moments. June, I hope that you are taking note.
Whilst April was a very mixed month there was nothing mixed about May. You were just one very glorious month. The weather was much more settled. I have come to realise that I am indeed obsessed with the weather, a very English trait. I really do measure how good a month has been by the weather and May you did not disappoint. You were a month full of sunshine and you even began to feel warm. June now promises to be a great month weather wise (touch wood).
What were the May highlights?
- Norway. At the start of the month we escaped the rock and we were lucky enough to be able to explore Norway. It is such a stunning country. You can find me sharing our travels every Saturday.
- Film making. I started the Xanthe Berkeley course and I am LOVING it. It is such an inspiring course and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn how to make films. This week our prompt was portrait. I am finding the editing of the film quite tricky and it took me all morning to edit this one minute film. I am in awe of the vloggers who do this on a regular basis. I am hoping that I will get quicker as the course progresses. I would love to hear your thoughts on the film. This is my portrait of Youngest.
- Finding new places to explore on Jersey. Jersey is such a small island but you can still discover little gems hidden away. This month I found St Catherine’s Woods (it actually features in the above film). There are no signposts for this little words and I only managed to find it after I stopped and asked a local. But it was worth it, the woods are a joy! A magical little woods with bubbling brooks and stepping-stones. A lovely place to while away a couple of hours.
- I was on BBC Radio Jersey again and I really enjoyed myself. Charlie, if you are reading this and ever need a stand in co-presenter or maybe a roving reporter/tea maker then give me a shout 😉 I have loved my brief dalliance with the media and working in the media would be my dream job. When I was a student I auditioned to be a c-beebies presenter. I never got the call-back *sigh*
- I am now an advocate for Penwizard which means that I have a lovely discount code for all of you lovely readers (see more about it below)
- I found out that I am a finalist in the BiBs - thank you again lovely people. I am one very excited lady 🙂
I am already really excited about June and it looks like it could be another great month. I am hoping that it will be finally warm enough for us to enjoy some BBQ action at the beach. As soon as the weather warms up we hit the beach with our picnic blanket and BBQ and spend the weekends lazing by the sea. Both my girls are real beach bums and like nothing better than a day spent paddling in the sea and foraging in the rock pools. When we lived in Yorkshire we were a good hour away from the beach and now we are a 5 minute walk at the most. It is the summer when we can really appreciate how our lives have changed for the better. Nowadays we really do have a slower pace of life and more family time too. June will also see Mr C have his birthday and of course it is Father’s Day! Mr C always makes a massive deal about this day. I think he lives in fear that because it is so close to his actual birthday that we might forget and not get him anything. Of course we always get him something but this year I am wondering if I should be a bit cheeky and use the exclusive discount code (ISLAND2 😉 ) that I have for Penwizard and get him a book. You can personalise the book so that your favourite people can appear in it. You can really make the characters in the book look just like Daddy/Granny/Grandad etc does in real life. If you fancy getting a personalised book for Father’s Day or just a book as a present then you can use the discount code below. Just click on the badge and it will take you to their website.
Also in June it is the BML 16 and I can’t wait. I am so excited about meeting everyone and learning lots from the conference itself. It should be an amazing day. I just hope that I don’t get lost in London.
What are you looking forward to in June?
Love Em xx
You won’t get lost! I’ll look after you! Am jealous of the beach, I really miss it. Especially when the weather turns (not that it’s very nice here!) xx
The beaches are great in the summer, hurry up summer!!
BBC Jersey should definitely get in touch with you! Summer in Jersey sounds idyllic. What a great place to bring up kids.
Not long now til the BIBS. Of course it’s lovely for me to see u in amongst the finalists. Plus my train tickets are booked and some off the Nottingham blogger’s are coming down so there’ll be safety in numbers lol!
Wouldn’t it be awesome if you are looking back on June as a winner of the bibs and with your own little BBC Jersey press pass!
haha, would love a BBC Jersey press!
Oh I’m sorry I missed your second radio interview - you were a natural in your first - media is the way forward for you my lovely. Am so interested in your film course - I’ve thought about vlogging with the teens - a different subject kind of chat each time around the table but I didn’t realise there was so much about editing - maybe I need to find a course locally too - will let you know! Enjoy June - hope the sun shines lots so you can enjoy the beach - I’m so envious of your location! #ablogginggoodtime
I think what you are proposing will be easier to edit! So I think you should give it a go. I did think about including my radio interview but I then I decided not to, maybe I will do another post and include it 🙂 x
We live by the sea here in England, wouldn’t swap it for the world to be honest but if we ever did go anywhere else, the beach will always remain a must! Norway sounds great!
Yes, we really love living close to the beach and I don’t think we could ever not live by the beach now 🙂
Awww I wish that you were coming too!
Tell me about it May zipped by in a blink of an eye. How lovely you found the woods love that place as a kid getting muddy in wellies! Top tip the bestest and hugest jersey ice cream 99’s at St Catherine’s breakwater. Perfect reward after woodland activities. Really hope the weather turns and holds for my trip back, my tan will fade hehehehe.
Oh we have discovered those ice-creams! So HUGE! Fingers crossed the weather gets nicer for your return. Wasn’t the best day today :-/
I love reading about life in Jersey. To me it is a very romantic place and I love the idea of finding new local hideaways away from the tourists and playing in the rock pools. Also as you say being obsessed with the weather you get better weather than we do, so more time for BBQs and beach time. I would love to visit Norway, this must have been quite exciting. I see it as still relatively unknown to Brits, which makes it all the more appealing. Congratulations on being a BiBs finalist! #ABloggingGoodDay #Triballove
Thank you! Jersey can be very romantic but its lack of road signs can be frustrating at times too. Luckily, you are never lost for long as the island is so small 🙂 x
I have also realised how weather obsessed i am. Or rather light obsessed. The minute the sun showed it’s head I have felt my happiness levels rise. How lucky you are to be five minutes from the beach. Your film is beautiful what a special time to capture. Good luck in the BiBs hun. I’m routing for you! TY for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime and sharing such a great post
Awww thank you for your lovely comment 🙂 x
Beautiful video, very fitting for #thislittlebiglife you sound like your having an amazing time off the back of BiBs.. Hope you get a media contract off it!! #thislittlebiglife #triballove
Aw sounds like a lovely month - and June will be fab too as we have #BML16 whoop whoop! Your instagram video is amazing, can’t wait to see more vlogs from Jersey…so jealous of your gorgeous beach. xxx PS: you would be a great CBeebies presenter! #triballove
Haha thanks for your vote for confidence in me making a great cbeebies presenter! Yaay to Brit Mums-can’t wait. Not long now - eeeeks!
Just popping back from #KCACOLS - you have my full confidence in Cbeebies. I could teach you the Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday song so you can bring to the audition. So exciting that BritMums is super close, hope you’ve been practising your speech 🙂 xx
Haha, no speech! What are you like!? I really think that we don’t have to worry about me needing to make a speech!! But thanks for the vote of confidence 🙂 x
Aw, I’m so jealous of you living on Jersey (it’s the one Channel Island I haven’t visited but I’d move down there in a heartbeat). Thanks so much for linking up to #ThisLittleBigLife.
Some say Jersey is the best Channel Island, but I couldn’t possibly comment as I haven’t seen all of the others 😉
I love the idea of a book you can personalise! #KCACOLS
The books are really fab! 🙂
Congratulations on the BiBs - and on your radio slots. You’re a star now!
Would love to go to Norway - am jealous. Although obviously I’d have to leave the kids at home.
#KCACOLS
Haha, thanks for your kind words. Yes, Norway was lovely but yes maybe you should leave the kids at home 😉 xx
That’s so great that you were on the radio! And i read about your Norway trip, or parts of it and it looked absolutely stunning. I still can’t believe we’re in June, but here’s to another great month! x #kcacols
Thank you lovely xx
Back for #KCACOLS my lovely 🙂 xx
Yaay always great to have you back! x
That is a busy month, makes me feel like I should get out and do more! Congrats on the BiBs again btw, looking forward to seeing who wins! #KCACOLS
Thank you lovely lady! x
Can’t wait to meet you at BML16 and cheer you on at the awards!
Loved your little film. I did this as my university degree and editing is an art. I loved the theme of feet/legs as children move so fast, they loved to go explore and I think a lot of people would be tempted to focus on faces, but this was really lovely.
Hope June slows down too 🙂 #KCACOLS
Nadia - ScandiMummy x
Aww thanks, It was so tricky editing it. It is slow-mo this week so I am not sure how I will find that 🙂 x
Sounds like you had a great month, and I bet Norway was fab! I have never been to any Scandinavian countries and they always feel suitably intriguing. The video course sounds very cool. So much to look forward to in June. I am looking forward to, hopefully, better weather as my husband always says that I am solar-powered. Happy June! #KCACOLS
Yes, fingers crossed for better weather!
Eep! So excited for June! And dinner plans 😉 but that is by the by. Your film is amazing - what do you film on? I am not only too scared but I hate the way I sound so I am never going to venture into I think, I have this weird heavy breathing thing going on?! I digress - your video is fab and the key to expat living is fully exploring I’d say xxx
Yaaay to dinner. I just film on my iPhone. I know what you mean about heavy breathing that is why I cover my films with music 😉 x
It sounds like it’s been a great month - I love that first photo with the window too, it’s a great shot! Living by the beach sounds so fab. I really want to go on a few daytrips to the beach or something this year.
Good luck for the BIBs too! 🙂 #KCACOLS
Thank you. Yes, you have to make time to go to the beach!
You’ve had nice weather in May? We didn’t up in Yorkshire, you made. Good move! Sounds like it was pretty successful all round. #KCACOLS
haha, thanks I do miss that Yorkshire weather though 😉 xx
Im just praying for better weather (Im weather obsessed too, and I swear it makes a huge difference to my moods lol) but the fact it is June already is totally scary!! You’ve had a good May though… and June seems busy for you too.. have fun!! before its winter again!! haha #kcacols
Weather really does make a massive difference to mood doesn’t it!
I love your video, so much outdoor fun! How exciting to go on a course to make a film, I’m still muddling through on trial and error and cursing our upload speeds! Looking forward to meeting you at BML #KCACOLS
Thank you, I am having great fun filming and I can’t wait to meet you too 🙂
Sounds like you had a great month. Hope June is fantastic as well! I’m happy that with May and June our Canadian summer is finally coming out and the sun is shining again! #KCACOLS
Yaay to the sun shining again 🙂 x
Wow great video, I loved it. I am going to be honest, I never watch the videos in the posts. I am not a video fan. That said, I had to watch to see what you did. You did great!! Thank you for sharing! #KCACOLS
Aww thanks, I am glad you watched it and enjoyed it! 🙂
back from #KCACOLS - lovely to see you hosting over here xx
Thank you lovely 🙂 xx
Sounds like you’ve had better weather than us! I can’t wait for the sun to shine so we can get outside more. Congrats on the BiBs! #KCACOLS
As soon as I wrote that post the weather turned again, typical! I should learn to keep my mouth shut 🙂 xxx
I just adore your little film, it’s a wonderful way to capture memories isn’t it. She is such a darling I love watching our children exploring the environment. We have just gone into winter here and we really felt it this weekend. You are lucky to living so close to the beach now! Enjoy your beautiful weather #Kcacols
Aww thanks lovely. I am really enjoying capturing our little days out 🙂
We live near the beach on the south coast and I love it. So many days spent lying on the sand.
I am looking forward to my son’s 18th birthday in June, can’t believe how quickly it has come around.
#KCACOLS
The time is flying! Perhaps it is something that happens when you have kids! 🙂 xx
Film-making is so much fun. My mother is a film producer and when we were smaller we used to ‘star’ in some of her documentaries. The editing took SOOOO long but was fascinating. I am hanging out for when my two get to school and I have one whole day a week (I work four days) to start something similar! Can’t wait to see more. Thanks for co-hosting - LOVE #KCACOLS!
Oh wow! You must have had an amazing childhood 🙂 xx
Sounds like a fab month! I always fancied to visit Norway as I have a friend there, hopefully in the near future. I’m looking forward to a more glorious month of June too, more BBQ and more outdoor activities for the kids. #KCACOLS.
Yaaay, thanks for your lovely comment 🙂
The video portrait looks great - will definitely get quicker with practise 🙂 Norway sounds amazing - never been but would like to.
Cbeebies missed a trick there.. 🙂 thanks for sharing #KCACOLS
Thanks, I hope it gets quicker. Took hours to edit a one minute film!!
What a really lovely video, your editing was superb. A really great way to keep memories.
Amanda. #kcacols
Thank you 🙂
Oh my parents live near Southwold, I love it down there 🙂 x
Oh how lovely that you grew up in Cornwall, you must really miss it there 🙂 x
Yay thank you xx
Ah lovely. The months are speeding by so fast! I am looking forward to seeing one of my friends in June and going out for tea for two - a rare treat 🙂
#KCACOLS
Oh that will be lovely - enjoy 🙂 x
These are some lovely highlights in May 🙂 Would love for you to link this up to my #gratitudegoals linky 🙂
#KCACOLS
Would love to link up. Thanks 🙂
I really enjoyed watching that video. Beautiful! A visit to Norway is on my bucket list.
#KCACOLS
Oh thank you, that is very kind of you to say 🙂 x
Jersey looks lovely, so full of sunshine and beaches! I would love to live near the beach, but not in Mexico - too hot and humid! Your film is lovely, I know nothing about making films or videos but it would be really interesting to learn. I agree the months are flying by too fast! #KCACOLS
Thank you for your lovely comment. I hve always wanted to visit Mexico! One day 🙂
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Good luck in the BiBs! We will be there with placards. Perhaps we should all get Island Living T-shirts printed as well, with your face on them, like they do on X Factor. Or maybe I am just getting carried away. #KCACOLS
Haha, no I think we should just wear matching boiler suits instead 😉 xxx
I’m going to britmums too - so nervous about it! How amazing you were on the radio!! #KCACOLS
Yaay to Brit Mums! I hope we get to meet 🙂 x
Ohhh Penwizard.. I’ll take a look 😉
Thanks! 🙂
I visited Jersey years ago and loved it would love to take my children there one day. In June I am looking forward to school sports day and summer concert. Have a lovely month x #KCACOLS
Oh summer concert sounds lovely, I’m not so keen on sports day, it’s the mums race that makes me feel like that 😉 x
Sounds like you’ve had such a fan month - hope June is just as exciting for you!!!
I love June, it is my birthday month and this year I will turning 31. My twin sister is also getting married in June! She will have been with her fiancée for 13 years this year - they met in our first week of uni - can’t believe it’s taken this long for them to have a wedding. So exciting though. #KCACOLS
Oh lovely, enjoy the wedding! You must all be so excited.I hope you all have a lovely day 🙂 x
Your video is lovely, my eldest is just one and it made me feel a bit emogional knowing we have all of that to come! Great post 🙂
#KCACOLS
Aww thank you 🙂 xx
That video is gorgeous! Made me well up a bit - I’m getting soft in my old age 😉
Really looking forward to meeting you at BML.
#KCACOLS
Yay, thanks for your lovely comment re video and I can’t wait to meet you either. Going to be FAB! 🙂 x
Ah, the months are indeed flying by and it is getting so scary that it is almost the longest day. Having come back from Norway too, I’m so glad that the weather has been lovely this weekend. We’ve got a busy June with school induction bits, birthday celebrations etc. I do love being by the sea, so will try and take a trip to the coast at some point. 🙂 #KCACOLS
Oh I hope school induction goes ok! 🙂 xx
I had my stag do in Jersey so first of all apologies for that! I’m heading there for a break with my wife in October so perhaps I’ll check out St. Catherine’s Wood! Congrats on the BIBS news #KCACOLS
haha, I hope it was a good stag do! I enjoy it when we see stag dos, makes the island more lively 🙂
Ah this makes me want to move to by the sea. We live in the Midlands & so the only foraging of rock pools we get is when we tip out the paddling pool into the garden rockery!! Have a wonderful June!!x
Thank you, yes we are very lucky to live near the beach 🙂 x
OOOOOO…. Think i’ve found a father’s day present! #KCACOLS
Yaaaay! 🙂 xx
I live about 4 hours from the beach, and it’s so tough to find a convenient time to travel that far! I would love to live closer-maybe one day! I think you did a wonderful job on your editing video-but how hard can it be with a subject that cute?! (:
May did fly by, I’m hoping June drags a little more, ha! Thanks for sharing your wonderful month #KCACOLS
Thank you for your lovely commen. Yes, let’s hope for a sunny and slow June 🙂 x
It sounds like you accomplished quite a lot in the month of May. That is so exciting that you started a class. I am always trying to learn how to do new things. I think it keeps you young and sharpens your mind. Good Luck at BML I hope you have a fabulous time! #KCACOLS #TribalLove
I agree, learning new skills really does keep you young 🙂 x
I’ll come and say hello! 🙂
Mentally adds Jersey to list of holiday destinations
Haha,thanks for the visit :- ) x
Its crazy isn’t it how time flies!! I cant believe its June now already! Sounds like you had an amazing month and have lots to look forward to this month too!
We have Fathers Day to look forward to aswell and then we are aiming to go out (just the 2 of us) by the end of the month which would be amazing! 🙂
#KCACOLS
Oh lovely, enjoy your date night! Thanks for your comment 🙂
What an amazing month you’ve had! The BIBS short list is such an achievement, I’ve already said it but I so hope that you win! I hope that June is equally wonderful and I will wait for the BIB awards with baited breath!! #KCACOLS
awww thank you lovely - that means a lot 🙂 xx
A lovely little film! The first shot was beautiful, and the reflection in the puddle, just gorgeous! I sometimes find the editing a bit tricky too depending on how many clips I have to chose from, but I think the more we do it the quicker we’ll get. Thanks for joining in with #ThisLittleBigLife xx
Thank you. I did find the editing process quicker this week so fingers crossed it is all starting to fall into place 🙂 x
Wow! What an exciting month for you! Congratulations!
The course sounds really interesting. I haven’t ventured into the world of vlogging yet.
Jersey sounds lovely. I still haven’t been there but really must as hubby’s family roots are there! It sounds like life is good for you there, especially in the summer.
Enjoy June and its exciting events! 🙂 #KCACOLS
Oh my goodness if your husband has roots here then you have to visit Jersey!!! Jersey is really lovely in the summer 🙂 x
I absolutely love your portrait of your daughter - just beautiful in every way! I find it hard to cut things out when I edit a video - I feel kind of guilty! It’s also hard to find the right music too, but yours was perfect. I love the photo at the top of the page too, so full of atmosphere. Just gorgeous. #KCACOLS
Oh thank you for your lovely comment 🙂 x
I was sure I read and commented on the post before, but couldn’t find my comment? Weird. Anyway enjoy going to be amazing I am gutted not to be going though. Good luck with the awards I have everything crossed for you! Hope you get to enjoy the beach and some BBQS xx #KCACOLS xx
Aww thank you lovely and I wish that you were coming too 🙁 x
I’ve realised that I’m totally obsessed with the weather too! I literally get more like my mum every day. It’s so lovely that you live by the beach, I would love to live closer to one. You’ve reminded me that I really need to get the Father’s Day pressie sorted asap! xx #KCACOLS
Haha, I think the weather obsession really is an age thing! Something that kicks in after children as well. Thank you for your lovely comment x
Your pictures are stunning! Sounds to me like you have been having an amazing month and year!!! #KCACOLS
It has been pretty amazing! Thank you for your lovely comment 🙂 x
Me again, Emma! June has started off with a very busy co-hosting job at #KCACOLS but it’s a great thing to be part of. You were the one who introduced me to #KCACOLS and I have discovered some lovely writers because of it. Thanks v much! #kCACOLS
Lol, just read my comment back… Do I get bonus points for saying #KCACOLS three times?!!
Yaaay for me being the one to introduce you to the fab #KCACOLS 🙂
What a fab month! I’ve only been to Bergen in Norway but it was completely beautiful. congrats on being a BIBs finalist too! #KCACOLS
Thank you 🙂 x
Sounds like you had a great May! We didnt have good weather in May (Ireland) so I’m holding out for June. So jealous of trip to Norway , Scandanavia is amazing #kcacols
Fingers crossed you get some nice weather now! x
Love your video clip, you did a fantastic job on it! You’re so lucky to live so close to the beach. Haha have you ever thought of pretending that you forgot about father’s day? I have to admit it’s something I would do just to see his reaction lol. Xx #KCACOLS
haha, good idea, I will pretend to forget Father’s Day. That would not go down well!
I miss living near the sea. It sounds like you had a lovely month! Unfortunately I couldn’t get the video to play so I will have to watch it another time. Hope you have fun at BML 16 - don’t worry, I am sure you won’t get lost!
Thank you lovely x
I miss living near the sea. It sounds like you had a lovely month! Unfortunately I couldn’t get the video to play so I will have to watch it another time. Hope you have fun at BML 16 – don’t worry, I am sure you won’t get lost! #kcacols #ablogginggoodtime #triballove
Well, looks like you’ve had a hugely busy month. I loved your youtube video and I think you’ve done amazingly well. I found the music really moving aswell. The choice fitted so well with video, well done you!
mainy x
#KCACOLS
Oh thank you for your lovely comment 🙂 x
Looks like may was a great month. The Portait video is absolutely charming. I think you have a talent there! And well done so much on making it to the BiBs finals! Penwizard sounds really interesting so need to investigate that! #KCACOLS
Thank you for your really lovely comment. I am loving making films and it is something that I want to explore further 🙂 x
Sounds like you’ve had a great month, hopefully June is even better! The personalised book sounds great especially as I’ve managed to get baby K back in to reading, off I go to check it out x #KCACOLS
Great! They are fab books x
Thank you and yes Norway was really cool 🙂 x
I can’t wait to get sandals on!!
I hope you have a lovely time at Britmums I am totally gutted (I keep telling everyone) I can’t go. We live really close to the beach it’s lovely to be able to visit easily when the weather is nice isn’t it! #kcacols
What a shame that you can’t make it to Brit Mums. There is always next year 🙂 x
Hi Em,
the film making course sounds great. I’d love to hear more about it. I really liked the portrait of your youngest - you have a really good eye. Pen x #KCACOLS
Thank you for your lovely comment 🙂 x
Sounds like you had a really interesting & exciting month. I’ve actually never been to Norway or Jersey. I really should go to Jersey some day. I do live on the South coast, in a port city, so I’m sure getting to Jersey is doable! Congratulations on the BiBs! #KCACOLS
It would be so easy for you to visit Jersey, you will have to visit soon!
Congrats on the Bibs - that’s fantastic news. I hope to meet you at BML in a couple of weeks! Sounds like you had a great May #KCACOLS
Yay, thank you and I hope to see you at BML
Sounds like a fab May lovely! And the video is awesome! You have edited it beautifully! I know how hard it can be to edit! I cannot wait to see more! I’m also really looking forward to meeting you at BML! Good luck with the awards lovely! so chuffed for you #KCACOLS xx
Thank you for your lovely comment 🙂 x
You definitely had a brilliant May! Well done in the BiBs and your radio experiences! #kcacols
Thank you lovely x
Another busy month! The film making course seems to working out well - love the video of the youngest. The little wood you found on Jersey sounds amazing. The only place I remember going was the underground hospital… Love that you applied to c-beebies, bet they are regretting that now you are a big radio star! You go get that BiBs award, its much deserved xx #kcacols
haha, thanks for your lovely comment 🙂