PARENTHOOD: 10 Ways to Reduce Stress and Get Prepared for Christmas

There is no doubt that Christmas is a stressful time of year, perhaps even more so when you become a parent. Creating the magic of Christmas for children is both incredibly special, as well as being a lot of pressure, so how can we reduce the stress and get prepared? Being a parent is busy at the best of times and this is our first Christmas as a relatively new family of five. Time is a luxury when you have children, so multi-tasking, being productive and preparing well in advance are all essential. This time of year is my favourite and it brings out the organiser in me; any excuse for a list, making people happy and adding that all important sprinkle of magic. But it doesn't just happen, so I've shared my top ten tips for getting prepared during the festive season...

HOME: Renting as a Family - What are the Positives?

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With more and more people renting well into their 30’s, renting as a family is becoming more commonplace. Although for many people this might not be the ideal situation, it’s time to stop thinking of renting as a compromise or a temporary solution. It is still possible to live a fulfilled and colourful life with our children whilst living in rented property. 

PARENTHOOD: How to Support your Childs Gross Motor Skills Outdoors

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Gross motor skills are those that require your whole body to move, as well as the use of the larger muscles in our bodies to perform everyday activities including walking, standing, running and jumping. Hand-eye coordination is also a big part of our gross motor skills, which enable us to complete activities such as throw, catch, kick, ride a bike and swim. Supporting your child's gross motor skill development is really important as it allows them to do everyday activities, like climbing and walking, but also self-care skills like getting dressed, getting out of bed or climbing into a car. We use our gross motor skills almost constantly throughout the day, so ensuring children develop them successfully from a young age sets them up with skills for life. 

CHRISTMAS GIFTS: Creating the Perfect Festive Organic Food Hamper with Abel & Cole

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Giving the gift of delicious food at Christmas couldn't be more perfect, whether it be for your friends, family, work colleagues or neighbour. Everyone loves a treat over the festive period, so taking the time to put together a hamper filled with everything the lucky recipient loves makes for such a special gift. Abel & Cole are the home of all things organic and have been for the past thirty years; their passion for organic produce, commitment to the environment and support of smaller producers makes shopping on their website an absolute joy. 

CHRISTMAS: Gift Guide for Him & Her £20 and Under 2019

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When it comes to shopping for family and friends it can be a challenge to think of gift ideas, especially for those who always ask for nothing. My husband is one of those people who consistently asks for nothing, but I'm sure if I actually didn't get him anything he'd feel slightly disappointed! Do you have anyone like that in your life? In this Gift Guide I've tried to include something for everyone and all of the presents are £20 and under, so purse-friendly too.

CHRISTMAS: Gift Guide for Him & Her 2019

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Grown ups are often tricky people to buy for in one sense, as they'll often ask for 'nothing', but at the same time the reward when they open a present perfectly suited to them is just the best. I try to keep a list throughout the year of things my loved ones have said they like, which makes Christmas shopping a bit easier but there are always more ideas needed. Focusing on someone's interests is a good way to ensure that the gift will be used, enjoyed and cherished. Giving the gift of an experience is another fun way to not only help make more happy memories, but also they bring people together in a time when life is busy. I've tried to include gifts that will suit a range of ages and interests here, so hopefully you find something perfect for your loved ones. 

CHRISTMAS: Gift Guide for Children 2019

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When it comes to present shopping for children I always find it exciting yet overwhelming. The choices out there are vast, not to mention the adverts on television/ billboards/ magazines showing children the latest toys on the market and then there's all of the beautifully crafted gifts smaller businesses have to offer too. Christmas is all about the magic for children, them excitedly writing their wishlists, sending them off to Father Christmas, then counting down to the big day with so much anticipation. This is the second year Isabella has been able to express what she's hoping for at Christmas, which really does add to the magic when dreams come true on Christmas morning. If you're also shopping for children this year then I hope that this Gift Guide will help and inspire your present shopping, as I've put together some of my favourite gift ideas for children this year. There is a mixture from high street stores, online websites and small businesses, so however you like to shop for Christmas hopefully there's something that catches your eye.