Here’s How To Throw The Most Amazing Baby Shower

Posted on January 6, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

So a friend or family member has just told you they are expecting and have asked if you can throw them a baby shower a little down the line. Of course, it would be an honour but you aren’t sure how to pull this off.

There is no actual wrong way to throw a baby shower or any party. If you know the person well enough you will pull it off with flying colours. 

Take a look below for a few suggestions and what to include in the party. 

A group of women at a baby shower with their hands on the pregnant woman's stomach. Shared at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.

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Guest List

Before you invite everyone, make sure you check who the mom-to-be actually wants there. A lot of people alienate themselves when friends or family become pregnant because they are not sure how to mix with pregnant people. Inviting someone the mom doesn’t like or want to be around could be disastrous. If she can give you a list of the people she either wants there or doesn’t want there then you can send out invites accordingly. 

You can get shop bought invitations or you can have fun making your own. You could even go one step further and get personalized ones from online retailers such as Etsy. 

Presents From Guests

On the invites, it may be a good idea to include a wish list of gift ideas that the mom-to-be and yourself have put together. A lot of people struggle to know what to buy for a baby shower as there are so many options for baby gifts. It is a lovely idea to not only get the baby and present but also the mom. Being pregnant and having a baby can be hard work so why not think about what would make her feel better. A lovely idea could be a bouquet of chocolates or a gift voucher to buy herself something nice when she is feeling up to it. 

Wherever you decide to host the baby shower make sure there is a special place to display the presents before the mom-to-be opens them. You don’t want them laying around the place as this presents a trip hazard. It is hard enough to waddle around being pregnant you don’t want to make an obstacle course for everyone. 

Games

What is a baby shower without some traditional baby shower games? You can take a look online to find some classic games such as who is quickest to change the diaper on the doll or pin the pacifier on the baby. These are all a great laugh and will brighten up any exhausted pregnant lady. You could even go for something completely unrelated as she may be sick and tired of being pregnant. You could ask each guest to bring a baby photo of themselves, stick them all up on the board and the mom-to-be and all the guests have to try and guess who is who. 

Food 

Finally, it wouldn’t be a party if there wasn’t any food. The party guest may be too bloated to enjoy a full lunch so why not just have a buffet-style laid out on a table where guests can help themselves throughout the party. Remember to include traditional food such as sausage rolls and quiche. 

If the party guests don’t yet know the gender then this could be the perfect time to reveal it, if the mom-to-be wants to of course. You could have cakes with icing revealing the gender or a coloured filling inside the cake revealing it instead. 

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LGBT fantasy novel set in Manchester, England. “Return of the Vampire Hunter” by Catherine Green.

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How to Be a Witch

Posted on January 5, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

It feels like I haven’t written about magick and mystery for a while. I started this blog with the intention of promoting my debut novel (featuring vampires, witches and werewolves) and then the blog turned into a chronicle of motherhood and magic. It reflects me.

Today I will reflect on me as a witch and lightworker.

A woman with short ginger hair wearing glasses and a floral top, standing next to a river beneath a weeping willow tree. Photo of Paranormal Author Catherine Green copyright SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Paranormal Author Catherine Green

What does a witch look like?

If you think about witches, what do you see? I used to see the fictional stereotype: a woman who stands by a cauldron making potions, flies on a broomstick and casts spells using her wand. I believe we have Shakespeare to thank for this. The reality is quite different. Being a witch can mean many things, but it is quite simply a person who feels affinity with Nature, who recognises that there is something more in the world, something that can be felt but not seen. A witch could be a person who works well with animals, who cares for the land, who tries to balance the need for technology and traditional ways of living.

Can I be a witch?

Yes, you can. Witchcraft is about working with something that makes sense to the individual, something that feels natural. For me that is energy healing, although being a reiki practitioner doesn’t automatically make me a witch. It means I recognise energy as a separate entity and as something essential to humans and non-humans. Other witches might use creative cooking for their outlet, or specialise in herbs, divination, alchemy, or any number of practices. I tend to dabble in different subjects when they attract my attention. For example, I am a Tarot card reader but now I don’t feel the need to read Tarot regularly. I work with the cards when I feel drawn to them, or when I feel them calling my attention.

Intuitive witchcraft and knowing how you feel

I consider myself to be an empath, which is both a blessing and a curse. It means I know people on a deeper level, and I feel emotions to the extreme. My reiki self-healing work has helped ease the burden and has shown me how to separate my feelings from those of people around me. It is important not to get overwhelmed with other people when you are an empath. It can be physically draining and can leave you feeling exhausted, especially if you live in close contact with an energy vampire. That is a person who always seems to need help, or who stumbles from one drama to another, and who you feel inexplicably drawn to try and save. Believe me when I say that they cannot all be saved, and indeed they don’t want to be. I have learned to limit my contact with energy vampires, and to put up my own shields when I feel the pull of someone else’s needy, consuming personality.

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LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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How I find Living with Cats and Dogs

Posted on January 3, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

My kittens are now almost seven months old. We experienced our first Christmas with them, and it was interesting.

I thought it would be nice to share my experiences of living with cats and dogs, how I find life as a cat mom, and why I wouldn’t change a thing despite the stress they cause.

My black cat playing with her cat toys. SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Our black cat, Nora, enjoying her Christmas gift.

Living with Cats and Dogs

I never thought of myself as a cat person. I liked cats but I grew up with dogs in the family and always felt an affinity for my canine companions. Marley is the fourth dog I have lived with, and he is proving the most challenging. I thought my Yorkshire Terrier, Toby was hard work, but he was just a taster! It came as a surprise when Marley seemed happy to accept kittens into our home last summer. Despite my worries that he would try to eat them, he has developed a bond and all three animals play together and cuddle together. They also steal each other’s food.

What is it like living with cats and dogs?

Stinky! I am forever checking the house for pet mess although truthfully the kittens took to their litter boxes straight away and rarely made a mess where they shouldn’t. We had a few accidents in a small area, but I think that was largely due to our work on the house, confusing the kittens when we moved furniture around during our bedroom renovation project. We plan to let the cats outside soon now that they have been neutered and microchipped so that should reduce the inside toilet accidents.

What type of food is best for kittens?

I think it is time to switch over our kitten food for something more filling. My kittens usually have kitten biscuits for breakfast, and half a sachet of meat for lunch and dinner. During the day they sneak into the kitchen and eat the dog food we leave out, which leads me to think they are ready for adult cat food now. Over Christmas they started sneaking leftovers from our dinner plates and it hasn’t made them ill, so they must be ready for more substantial food. I will explore our options for healthy cat food and decide what to try them with.        

Should you get a cat?

Yes! Well, only if you are prepared to look after it properly. Cats are slightly easier than dogs because you don’t need to take them for walks and generally, they require less interaction, or so I thought. Our kittens are both affectionate and stroppy in equal measure. They love to jump on our feet in bed and one of them will scratch and bite my toes if she finds them sticking out from under the duvet. Two kittens prove better in the long run because they keep each other company and you don’t feel as bad leaving them home alone when you need to go out for the day. They are entertaining and adorable just like puppies, and I am kitten smitten!

#MummyMonday Dog Mom and Cat Mom we are a dog and cat family by SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday Dog Mom and Cat Mom

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Linda Barker Expands Exclusive Homeware Collection with New Cushions Range

Posted on December 24, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

Interior designer and former Changing Rooms star Linda Barker has expanded her exclusive homeware collection to include a brand-new range of cushions.

#FreeforallFriday Linda Barker at Terrys affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#FreeforallFriday Linda Barker at Terrys

Linda Barker Exclusive Homeware Collection

The collection, which is available exclusively online at home furnishings retailer Terrys, includes the designer’s most popular fabric patterns now available in a range of filled cushions, just in time for the cosy winter period.

With a total of eight different cushions to choose from, the Yorkshire-garden inspired range incorporates jewel tones and luxury digitally printed velvet fabrics to create a capsule collection.

Each cushion has been specifically designed to be used either in isolation or to be paired with other designs in the collection for a ‘pattern on pattern’ effect, which is particularly adored by Linda herself.

Linda Barker says, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be expanding my homeware collection with Terrys. Cushions are such an important part of making a home cosy and because of this, we’ve really paid attention to the finer details, including intricate pattern work and piped edging.

“I’m a big fan of layering prints to create a clashing effect, but if you’d prefer to stick to a single pattern and colour palette, the option is there too, there’s something for everyone.”

The Linda Barker Home Cushions collection is available to purchase now with prices starting at £28.

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#FreeforallFriday Get More for Less at Terrys

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Enhance The Health Of Your Family While Spending More Time At Home

Posted on December 16, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

The health of your family should be of the utmost importance to you. Taking care of your partner and your children is possible with the right household essentials.

Seeing as more families are spending more time together at home, it is the prime opportunity to implement certain strategies to take better care of them.

On that note, here are some tips to help enhance the health of your family while spending more time at home.

Infant Feet Father – Free photo on Pixabay

Introduce blue light glasses

Most people in every household will use more and more technology when spending more time at home. Therefore, it is a good idea to implement a strategy to improve everyone’s eye health. 

You can introduce the best blue light glasses so that everyone can wear them no matter if they are working from their laptop, playing a video game, or watching a movie. It will help to reduce eye strain and enhance eye health.

Fill your kitchen with healthier foods

You can improve the health of your whole household by introducing healthier foods in the fridge and cupboards. Filling your kitchen with healthier foods will help yourself and your family makes better food choices. 

Adding plenty of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins to the fridge will ensure that you cook and eat healthier meals, as will your family. Make sure to use your collective time together to cook and eat the same meals. This will mean that you can all eat healthy meals together and keep on top of everyone’s nutrition. 

Spend more quality time together

Speaking of spending collective time together, it is useful for everyone’s mental health to spend more quality time together while spending more time at home. Make use of the hours in the evening that you don’t normally get together to sit and chat about life, issues, and occurrences. 

Likewise, you could even spend more quality time together in the mornings by having breakfast or tea together before you split off to work. Or, you could spend time together when cooking or watching a movie.

Get fit together

Spending more time at home means less movement, especially if you are working from home. Therefore, it will help you and your family to do exercise together. You can stay active and get fit during your downtime. 

You could schedule a specific hour to all work out together. To make sure everyone is engaged to join in on the workout, it will help to change up what exercises you do. You could ask everyone their preferred exercise and create a schedule to make sure that everyone gets to perform their favourite exercise. 

Some great family exercises for everyone to join with include:

  • HIIT circuits
  • Boxing
  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Tai chi
  • Zumba
  • Dance

Use this guide to make more time of your time at home with your family, help each other stay on top of their health, and enhance everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing. It can be as simple as exercising together and wearing blue light glasses while working or playing video games.

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LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

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Tips To Make Your Vacation Memorable as a Beginner Traveller

Posted on December 16, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

The year’s close is around the corner, and people are thinking of going on holiday. International tourism is one of the best ways to enjoy your holiday.

All you need is to identify the site of interest for your upcoming vacation. Then, consider the vacation time at your disposal before deciding where to go to avoid inconveniences. If your time and money allow you, consider touring another country from your home country.

If you are a travel master, planning your vacation will be simple. However, planning a successful trip can challenge a novice traveller. These ideas will help you plan your vacation trip as a first-time traveller.

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What Attractions Are There?

Make sure you answer this question before embarking on a trip. Many novice travellers choose a vacation destination based on price, which is the first blunder when planning a trip.  It would be terrible to pick a location because the price is low only to find nothing to do or see. 

Instead, suppose there is a specific adventure you want to enjoy; research where you can find it. If you are travelling with kids, ensure that the destination is child-friendly. Make reservations if necessary. If you cannot ask people around, consider researching from the internet.

Available Accommodations and Cost

After deciding on your destination, research the accommodations around the tourist area. Read on several hotels and campgrounds to determine which one suits you best. Consider the cost in each and choose where to stay during your vacation. If you have decided to tour a different country, the first thing to do on arrival is convert your money to the local currency. 

Then, you can look around for more accommodation options on top of what you saw earlier. You want an extraordinary experience; hence, a magnificent hotel is a good choice. Touring the U.S.A, you can find a luxurious hotel with jacuzzi NYC to crown your experience. 


What Is the Anticipated Climate

Find out the type of climate in the country you want to visit to avoid disappointments. Many beginner vacationers often arrive at destinations only to discover that they do not have adequate clothing. Check the weather and climate forecasts and consider which season you are travelling to pack appropriately. 

Remember to carry some creams if the weather changes and you need sunscreen. It will be a grand idea to take an emergency kit with you if you get sick while travelling. You can include general necessities like anti-diarrhoea medication and insect repellents in the kit. 

What Foods to Expect

Check out the kinds of food you expect if you are touring a new area, especially if you have special dietary needs or allergies. Many tourist hotels serve food from all over the world, but it is good to be sure to be on the safer side. If you are taking an all-inclusive holiday, inform the hotel about your allergies so that they can accommodate you to avoid reactions.

The checklist for planning a successful vacation is long, and it might seem pointless following all these for a short break. However, if you borrow these ideas when planning your first vacation trip, you can be sure to have an experience of a lifetime.

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Haven Dog Friendly Family Holidays
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My Chronic Pain Journey: Seeing Christmas with Blurred Vision

Posted on December 13, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

I would usually share my Chronic Voice Link Up blog post at this time of the month, but Sheryl is hosting a huge Christmas giveaway for chronically ill people so there are no prompts today.

Instead, I will share an update on my chronic pain journey.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Seeing Christmas with Blurred Vision

If you want to enter the giveaway, here is your link.

It seems that my condition has mutated into something new. The double row of eyelashes is growing inwards less frequently and thanks to my autologous eyedrops from NHS Blood and Transplant, my severe Dry Eye Syndrome is finally under control. And yet I am still struggling. I am experiencing blurred vision on regular occasions despite my wearing glasses full time. I have my eyes tested regularly and there is nothing obviously wrong, so it must be a symptom of something else.

Ah yes, the something else. I appear to have developed something called corneal neuralgia. It means that the nerves around my eyes have become over sensitive due to the pain caused by my congenital disorder and Dry Eye Syndrome. I have been in pain all my life with this condition, and I have tried just about every medical treatment option possible, some of which have left me with scars on my corneas. Those scars become inflamed regularly because I have no natural barrier to protect my eyes, but hopefully the autologous eyedrops will go someway towards relieving that problem since they are made with my blood serum.

Hypersensitive nerves cause me to feel pain

My new eye doctor suggested that my hypersensitive nerves cause me to feel pain sensations when there is nothing physical to attribute to the pain. It makes sense. My cheeks feel heavy just below my eye sockets and sometimes I can hardly bear to wear my glasses because they feel like a dead weight on my face. I rarely wear makeup because it has the same effect, and I have to be careful which products I use. I had a telephone consultation with someone from a specialist pain clinic and they suggested I might need to try a course of medication designed to relieve nerve pain. I am waiting for a response on that when the doctors decide who needs to authorize my prescription and who I need to see or speak to next. For now, I hope that I can see my way through Christmas. Perhaps a glass of wine or two will help…

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LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

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Getting Your Children The Best Education Possible

Posted on December 8, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

Many parents often worry about whether or not their child will grow up and develop properly when they become adults, and it’s important that you make sure you’re a part of that. They have a lot to learn in life, and it’s up to you to teach them a lot of the important lessons that are due. School doesn’t cover everything, and some of the most important things you can learn about aren’t within the school curriculum. 

Things like ambitions and mindsets are often things that have to come from parents, and the best way to do that is through setting an example. If you’re not willing to be ambitious, why should your children?

Source

Teach them to enjoy learning

If you want your kids to grow up with a good education, the first step is teaching them that learning can be fun. A lot of people find the idea of learning to be tedious if it’s not about something they’re interested in, but you can teach against that idea. Teach them that being curious is important, and there’s a lot of value in knowledge, no matter the topic. If they grow up to be curious about things they don’t know about, they’ll find ways to learn about them.

Taking a positive attitude towards learning is a great way to ensure they make it through school and have a positive experience while they grow up.

Start complex topics early

It might sound like a lot to teach children, but sometimes complex things are best learned from an early age. Even if they don’t know much about the world, or have experience with tough activities – complex topics can be made simpler if they start early. A lot of children pick up instruments once they’re old enough to learn, and by the time they’re old enough to appreciate it; they have a well-developed talent.

Learning such things later in life can be much more difficult. The main thing is finding something along those lines that they show some interest in. it’s no good having them learn an instrument or a talent if they’re not going to use it when they grow up.

Keep an open mind

If you’re going to teach them to be curious about the world, you need to be ready to give them opportunities to learn. As a parent, the idea of watching your children go far from home can be daunting, but when it comes to things like school trips to France, or days out to historic places – it’s too great an opportunity for them to miss! There’s so much to be learned outside of the classroom, and they’re not going to have many chances at their age.

Be a part of their learning

At a young age, children might be reluctant to new things, or things that they don’t enjoy if you’re not actively taking part in it. As mentioned earlier, setting an example can be the best way to teach. Learning with your child isn’t just a great form of encouragement, but a great way to connect with them at the same time.

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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#BookTalk: Meet Marcus Scott from “Christmas With the Vampires”

Posted on December 8, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

Happy festive Hump Day! Here is an excerpt from my Kindle short story, “Christmas With the Vampires.” This features our favourite vampire bad boy, Marcus Scott, and his Christmas adventure in Edwardian London.

Gothic image of a vampire drinking blood from a wine glass while a woman lies unconscious on the bed behind him. 3D eBook cover image for “Christmas with the Vampires” by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
“Christmas with the Vampires” by Catherine Green. An Edwardian vampire short story.

Excerpt from “Christmas with the Vampires”

Marcus cut a striking figure in his dark red velvet frock coat, jaunty black silk top hat, and impeccable tailored suit. The rough corduroy trousers, linen shirt and leather waistcoat of his human days were long forgotten, although he had kept his old work clothes as a reminder of his youth. The man did not look a day over twenty-five in age, but then his physical body was frozen in time due to his vampire genetics. His eyes alone betrayed the experience of his age, and many unsuspecting humans were left mystified when they tried to talk down to Marcus Scott only to be politely rebuffed when he demonstrated his knowledge and expertise in the matter at hand. He rarely lost his temper, but when he did, he was a force to be reckoned with, vampire or not.

Buy the Books

You can read the story of how Marcus Scott became a vampire in “The Darkness of Love,” a Victorian vampire novel. Click here for details about this book and the companion short story, “Christmas with the Vampires.“

Image of a woman in period dress wearing a masquerade mask, surrounded by two men who are naked and being intimate with her. Vampire fantasy books. 3D book cover image for The Darkness of Love by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers.
Victorian vampire romance novel “The Darkness of Love” by Catherine Green

Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

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My Home Renovation: Child’s Bedroom Update

Posted on December 6, 2021 by SpookyMrsGreen

Have you been following my home renovation project on the blog? I’ve been quiet for a few months, but that’s because we have been busy working in the background. We moved our attention upstairs and decided to renovate our elder daughter’s bedroom. 

Read on to see what happened.

My Home Renovation: Childs Bedroom Makeover at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
My Home Renovation: Childs Bedroom Makeover

My Home Renovation: Child’s Bedroom Update

Ok, time for a recap.  We have lived in our 1950s semi-detached house for about three years. When we first moved in, we had to completely rewire and install a brand-new central heating system, removing the old water tank and back boiler that were older than my husband and me. Then we installed a multi-fuel stove in the living room. Then I stripped all the wallpaper from the living/dining room and our hall, stairs and landing and set about painting them. Then I had a short break. Then I removed the grotty old carpet from the living room and revealed our original parquet flooring. Phew!

And now the bedroom. Eventually we discovered that our younger daughter didn’t like sleeping in her bedroom alone. Her sister also missed the company as they had shared a bedroom in our old house. They wanted to be together again. This prompted the bedroom renovation. My husband had promised our elder daughter that we would create a modern bedroom that would see her through her teenage years. We stripped the wallpaper and painted the walls grey using a satin paint that I found in our local Community Repaint centre. I then painted the skirting boards and door to brighten them up as the original white paint had yellowed over time.

We ordered a new carpet

We ordered a new, grey carpet, and when we had the old carpet removed, we discovered an original receipt underneath, proving that the carpet was also older than my husband and me. This house is vintage! I love finding these little nuggets of social history and have kept the original receipt along with the paperwork that we inherited for the old back boiler. I took down the curtains and washed them, and when I put them back up, they looked quite nice against the grey. My daughter decided to keep them for now, until she finds suitable replacements.

Then came the furniture. I have to say that I am grateful to my husband for embracing the enormous DIY task that ensued. We wanted decent, hard-wearing furniture that can stay put for many years. There was an old fitted wardrobe and dressing table in the bedroom when we moved in, and just removing that gave a sense of space and light because it was a dark wood that had been popular in the 1970s and 80s. We replaced it with a large, double wardrobe from Bensons, complete with sliding doors, one a full-length mirror, the other white gloss. It came with additional inserts, so it was a huge assembly task for my husband, but he managed it and now it looks lovely.

We chose a white wood bunkbed

We chose a white wood bunkbed, also from Bensons, and it has a wider gap between the bottom and top bunk so is suitable for our ten-year-old daughter underneath and her eight-year-old sister on top. It proved to be another lengthy assembly job. Then came the white wooden desk from IKEA, slightly easier to build and perfect for doing homework on and for building LEGO projects. We ordered grey velvet swivel chairs for the girls, and they had to be slightly different. Our younger daughter chose a shell design chair, and our elder daughter chose one that was more upright. Finally, we added a cupboard for extra storage, also from IKEA. This was the most recent, and hopefully the last assembly project in our girls’ bedroom. We may add some shelves eventually, but they are not a priority right now. I think my husband deserves a break for Christmas!

White Ikea Desk and Grey Velvet Office Chair from Amazon. My Home Renovation: Childs Bedroom Makeover at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
My Home Renovation: Childs Bedroom Makeover

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