The Tiny Joys Journal Volume 6

This week, I’ve been camping.

That’s why i’m a little late sending this out. The washing pile is colossal.

I feel like camping is one of those things that completely divides the country.

I absolutely love it.

Adam... not so much.

We stayed at Bolmynydd Campsite in North Wales (Llanbedrog) and if you’re into camping, I can’t recommend it enough.

There are two beautiful beaches within walking distance on either side of the site, and we were incredibly lucky with the weather. In fact, the Factor 50 wasn’t doing its job! I came home looking like a warning light... and can you believe I even burnt my lips? I’m normally so vigilant, but I think when the sun comes out in the UK we all underestimate just how hot it actually is.

The highlight? We watched two dolphins swim past. I was completely dumbstruck.

There’s just something about being outdoors that fills my cup. I’m a sucker for a beautiful view, an outdoor adventure and a campfire.

Marshmallows though? Absolutely not. S’mores? not for me.

I’ve already started researching places for next year, and now I somehow need to convince Adam that camping should become a regular thing. I might even invest in a paddle board... who knows?

If you’ve got any camping tips, favourite campsites or little luxuries that make camping even better, pleasssssssse share them with me.

Let's settle this...
Camping: love it or hate it?

It’s been proven that simply going for a walk outdoors can make you feel better.

Sometimes taking those first few steps is the hardest part, but once you’re moving it feels like the mental load starts to lift with every step.

There’s only one thing that makes a walk even better...

The perfect company.

Nalla, my dog, is now 17 years old. I still remember bringing her home when I was 25 and my mum giving me the biggest lecture about responsibility.

She later admitted she was wrong.

Getting Nalla was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and in many ways, she saved me.

My children often ask why Nalla loves me the most. I usually joke that it’s because I feed her.

But the truth is...

Some bonds can never be broken.

Somewhere between the fresh air, muddy shoes and quiet moments...

...you remember why you love being outside.

I wasn’t completely convinced after the opening scenes, but by the end of the first episode I was in.

This five-part British crime thriller stars Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha as Leanne and Matty, two casino employees stealing money out of desperation.

The series explores both of their lives, a desperate mother trying to survive and a man battling trauma and a gambling addiction.

If you’ve got nothing to watch, I’d definitely recommend giving it a go. It’s not quite a “drop everything and rush to the sofa” kind of series, but it’s a really enjoyable watch.

I’ll admit it...

I gave in to the Stanley trend.

When enough people recommend something, eventually you have to stop refusing and accept they might be onto something.

But here’s the real game changer...

Ice.

Adding ice to my Stanley is like adding sugar to porridge.

It just makes it and on these hot days and evenings it has been incredibly satisfying.

If you’re a camper, this is my number one recommendation.

It’s basically like wearing a giant hug.

Perfect for those middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet when the temperature drops and you instantly regret leaving your sleeping bag.

Be warned, it is absolutely the least glamours thing you will ever wear.

I don’t do “the big light”.

Ever.

So when I discovered rechargeable bathroom lamps, I was genuinely excited.

Mine are from Amazon, and I’ve been using them for months.

If you think your evening bath couldn’t get any more relaxing...

Add a lamp.

They’re not the most stylish at the moment, but they’re incredibly practical. I think as they become more popular, the designs will improve.

For now, the soft, ambient light is more than enough to win me over.

I’m working my way through the house having a proper declutter, clean and tidy ready for Autumn. I think most people start this in September, but for me with a seasonal business I have to get in there early.

It’s brilliant for my brain.

But my favourite part comes at the end of the clean...

Lighting a couple of wax melts and filling the room with the most amazing fragrance.

There’s nothing quite like a clean house that smells incredible.

The fragrance of the room is the icing on the cake.

We’ve applied to leave Not On The High Street.

I’m not going to lie... this wasn’t a decision we wanted to make.

Running a small business is hard enough right now without having more costs piled on.

NOTHS already take a significant commission from every single sale we make. If they choose to promote one of your products, they take an even larger percentage. We also paid a substantial joining fee when we first became a partner.

So when they announced they were introducing a new monthly fee, with very little notice, it was the straw.

For us, it simply isn’t sustainable.

It feels incredibly disappointing that a platform built on supporting small businesses has chosen to increase the financial pressure on the very businesses that helped it grow. That said, we also understand that every business has to make the decisions it believes are right for its own future and success.

So, we’ve made the difficult decision to leave.

It’s scary because NOTHS has been part of our journey for years, and walking away from that income is a big decision. But there comes a point where you have to do what’s right for your business, even when it feels uncomfortable. We’re hopeful we can navigate this transition and come out stronger on the other side.

If you’ve ever chosen to support us, whether that’s through NOTHS or directly, thank you.

Every order genuinely makes a difference, and we hope you’ll continue this next chapter with us.

"Walk without intention and see where the road takes you."