BABY & TODDLER: How to Create Sensory Messy Play at Home with Messy Senses

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Since lockdown began back in March we haven't be able to go to any children's classes because essentially it isn't safe enough to do so. This not only has had a massive impact on the businesses themselves, but also has meant our babies, toddlers and children have missed out on the opportunities these classes offer too. As we are now six months into this 'new' way of life and it is becoming evident quite how tricky it is for baby and toddler classes to resume; now is the perfect time to consider how we as parents can recreate some aspects of these classes at home.

FAMILY: Why I Love Routine and Think you Will Too

Routine. When you become a parent I think you either learn to love it or hate it. Loving the familiarity of routine or resenting the repitiviness, either way routine becomes a part of your life. Prior to your child starting any form of childcare you can generally be in control of how your days go, whether that be going with the flow or creating a routine. However, as soon as you're back at work and your child is in childcare and then school we are all suddenly controlled to some extent by external forces. Drop offs, pick ups, naps, meal times, bed times etc. are all contributing factors within a family routine of younger children and then as they get older you may have to throw in homework, reading, spellings, after-school clubs, sports clubs etc. There's no denying that life as a parent is one big juggling act, which is why I find creating a family routine that works vital to our happiness and wellbeing. 

GIFT GIVING: How to Send Edible Treats by Post to Loved Ones

When lockdown started back in March we faced the realisation of missing loved ones birthdays and special occasions, which has been hard and this challenge continues as the Government in the United Kingdom have just announced that only six people are allowed to meet inside or outside. As a family of five that means we can only see one person from outside of our family at a time, but determined to not let this mean loved ones special occasions pass uncelebrated I decided to put together treat boxes to send in the post instead. 

RECIPE: Lotus Biscoff Cookie Butter Cake

Lotus Biscoff Spread is a thing of beauty, isn't it? The caramelised, slightly spiced, flavours have the power to make anything it comes into contact with undeniable moreish. The combination of Lotus Biscoff Spread with a caramelised sponge and sweet buttercream is truly heavenly, which is why this cake has to be one of my favourites. It's perfect for afternoon tea, celebrations, play dates or for baking with your children. My daughter's absolutely love the flavour of Biscoff, which all started with my Lotus Biscoff Loaded Caramel Swirl Ice-Cream. By using light brown sugar in the sponge you create an almost caramelised flavour, which compliments the Biscoff favour perfectly.

DIY: Personalised Class of... School T-Shirt Tutorial

Our children grow up way too fast; the saying 'the days are long, but the years are short' couldn't be more true when it comes to life as a parent. The years fly by and before you know it you're baby isn't a baby anymore. Capturing those years can be so special, especially to look back on altogether in years to come. The traditional 'first day of school' and 'last day of school' comparison photographs are such a perfect way to see quite how much our children grow up within a year of school. As my eldest child finishes her first year at primary school I really wanted to capture her growth throughout primary school in a slightly different way.