Cup of Tea and a Bex

Creative inspiration for busy mamas

My five favourite Instagram photo challenges

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My winning entry to IG #itsamoodywednesday

So I’ve mentioned before that I am slightly addicted to Instagram! It is such a fun and supportive community and just full of inspiring images and inspiring people. If you don’t have an account, go and get yourself one today. Okay, good!

One of my favourite things about the Instagram community are all the competitions and challenges people run.  No matter what you love photographing – your kids, your house, your dinner, your floor (yes really @ihavethisthingwithfloors) – there will be a hashtag and a challenge you can join.

If you are new to Instagram this is a really fun way to make new friends and find lovely accounts to follow. And if you are having one of those weeks when you have lost your photo mojo joining a challenge is a surefire way to get that inspiration bubbling away again. [Read more…]

Why you can’t beat a handwritten letter

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Helsinki postcardDid you have a pen pal when you were growing up? I had a really lovely one called Caroline. She was from Northern Ireland and we met when our families were both on holiday in Spain.

I can’t remember much of what we used to write about, but I do remember the thrill of getting her letters.  I just loved seeing a pretty envelope or postcard appearing in the letterbox with my name on it.

In this digital age where spam emails crowd our inboxes and social media pings all day and night, a handwritten letter is even more special, don’t you think? There is something so personal, intimate even, about reading a friend’s handwriting. An email just can’t compete. [Read more…]

My Sydney: The Boathouse, Balmoral Beach

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IMG_5643-15Balmoral Beach on Sydney’s lower north shore has always been one of my happy places.

It’s a harbour beach so there are no waves as such and the shallow waters are perfect for Pommy paddlers, like myself.

Soft yellow sand runs all around the bay, which is fringed with majestic Moreton Bay Fig trees.

There are lots of places to grab a coffee or a bite to eat as you stroll along the esplanade, but one of the most lovely would have to be The Boathouse. [Read more…]