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- Cottage Core | April 25
Cottage Core | April 25
Cottage Core with The Pea Family
Welcome back, Pea Family!
I wish I had an exciting update for you this month, but truthfully, I’ve been so unwell. Nothing throws off family life quite like a sick parent! By day 5 of a stubborn fever, I ended up at the GP and was prescribed antibiotics for a suspected sinus infection riding alongside a viral one (which, of course, antibiotics can’t fix).
After that fun combo, I was hit with Post-Viral Fatigue - and wow, it SUCKED. Being a mum and feeling that unwell is scary, especially when the fever dreams kick in. I’m so grateful this was short-lived. It really reminded me how much we rely on our health - and how easy it is to take it for granted. My heart is with all the parents navigating chronic illness. We’re not replaceable, and good health truly is a gift.
We did squeeze in a lovely sunny trip to Box Hill over Easter weekend — such a great spot for families (and dogs!). There’s a brilliant kids’ trail with building activities and hopping logs to burn off energy.
Easter Sunday was spent egg hunting with friends, followed by an incredible roast at The Old Plough in Cobham — honestly, best pub roast ever. 10/10! The kids are back at school now, though I can’t believe they’ll be on half term again by the time the next newsletter rolls around!
Fingers crossed this sunshine sticks around!
Also - I absolutely love making these newsletters for you and would love to hear directly from you about what you want to see in them!
Some links in this email may be affiliate.
The warm weather is coming and I love how this Table is functional and fun! Even has a tap on the side. So excited for all the outdoor water games.
We have had this Tricycle since Sophie was a toddler, my brother bought it for her. All my kids are obsessed with it.
Sophie did some camp over the Easter break and this Lunchbox came in so handy.
Uniqlo Crewneck White Tee - I’ve always been an overshirt or sweatshirt/jumper guy, which often presented the issue of what color t-shirt I should wear. Turns out, white tees are the answer—they go with everything. These ones from Uniqlo look great, feel great, and won’t break the bank.
G/Fore Golf Shoes - Golf in the UK means walking. A lot. I lucked into a couple pairs of G/Fore shoes, and honestly, they’re the comfiest I’ve tried. The little massage nubs inside? Game changer.
Vessel Player V Pro Stand - If you’re carrying your clubs, comfort matters. This bag’s not the lightest, but it’s super durable, looks sharp, and has all the space you need. A solid pick.
Great Little Trading Co. is all about making family life a little easier—and a lot more beautiful. Their clever storage, cosy furniture, and wooden toys (powered by imagination, not batteries!) help create calm, happy spaces where children can play, learn, and grow.
Everything in their award-winning range is made with safe, child-friendly materials and sourced responsibly, so parents can feel good about every purchase. It’s no wonder they were crowned Best Children’s Brand 2024 by LovedbyChildren!
Our personal favourites are theirTownhouse Shelves - super cute for decorating the kids bedrooms and making storage + tidying up fun, now 30% off!Dinosaur Wooden Hooks - I mean, how can you not love these?! Now 30% off!Wall-mounted Bookcase - perfect for displaying your kids favourite books, now 20% off!
Alongside my favourite products above, I’ve been mixing up my make-up routine now the sun is out and am currently OBSESSED with Milk Makeup’s Highlighter!
It’s the perfect mix of a bronzer and a highlighter, and is perfect to add that extra *glow* to your springtime look.
Preheat oven to 200°C.
Cook pasta, drain, and set aside.
In a large pan, cook onion with salt and pepper until soft. Add garlic.
Add mince, break it up, and cook for about 7 minutes until browned. Stir in tomato purée and paprika; cook for 3 more minutes.
Mix in stock, ketchup, Philadelphia, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir until smooth.
Add a handful of grated cheese, then stir in the cooked pasta.
Transfer to an ovenproof dish, top generously with cheddar, and bake for 20 minutes - until golden and bubbling.
Serve with your favourite veggie (peas, anyone?!). Enjoy!
We’ve been so lucky with the weather lately! With the kids off for Easter, we’ve made the most of it outdoors — here are a few of our faves:
Hampton Court Palace - Pack a picnic and blanket for the palace grounds, then let the kids run wild in the Magic Garden.
Wisley Gardens - Great for a relaxed day out. Enjoy a picnic or café lunch, followed by water play, sand fun, or a chilled soft play area.
Hobbledown Adventure Park - A full day of fun! Animals, soft play, outdoor adventures - both Epsom and Hounslow locations are brilliant.
Hound Hike – A remote challenge for May! Walk 100 miles or 100km with your pup and raise funds along the way. More info here.
Charity Golf Day – A fab day out, especially for corporate teams, but open to everyone! Details here.
Heli Hikes – Happening across counties from August to October (plus a night walk in Mote Park, Maidstone!). Choose a 3 or 7.5 mile countryside route, then enjoy the Heli Fun Day after – with food, games, stalls, and the brand new Mini Medic Mile for kids! Hike info here.
Caroline Parker | London, United Kingdom | Powered by StudioTaggy Content StudioUnsubscribe