BACK TO SCHOOL: 5 Fun Activities for Children who are Returning to School

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At the start of the summer holidays the amount of time seems quite daunting and filled with all of the questions...How will I keep the children entertained all summer? How will balancing work commitments and childcare happen? What will the weather be like? Are we going away? Shall I organise some play dates? Then, just like that, we are almost at the end of the school summer holidays and I'm wondering where the time went? The days and weeks seem to just fly by this year and I think the new sense of freedom helped with that. Last year's summer holidays all seemed to roll into one, as an almost extension of home learning and lockdown. However, this year we are allowed to visit family, go on holiday, meet as many friends as we like, go for meals out, celebrate special events together, give brilliant children's gifts in person, enjoy days out again and most importantly spend quality time with loved ones. 

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. 

CHILDREN: Why Playing Outside Is So Important

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The great big outdoors...a place for learning, exploring and adventuring for all ages, but why is embracing it so important for our children? Anyone who has children will know how hard it can be to keep them entertained; they seemingly constantly need stimulus or focus and making the most of outdoor play is the perfect way to take a step back from technology. Technology is a big part of all of our lives nowadays, there's no escaping it; whether you're watching television, playing computer games, browsing social media, taking photographs or learning via apps it creeps into our day to day life with worrying ease sometimes.

WEDDING: Preparations, Flower Girls and How to Create a Sweet Table

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This year marks five years since my husband and I got married, which I can barely believe. Where does the time go? It's been a busy five years with buying houses, having two children and job changes, all of which with my husband by my side. We absolutely loved planning our wedding and because we did a lot of it ourselves it really was a long journey. Although the world of weddings seems a distant memory, it has recently been brought back to the forefront of my mind with the exciting announcement that my sister and brother-in-law are getting married this year! I am beyond excited to watch, help and support them on their journey towards their wedding at the end of this year.

PARENTHOOD: 4 Ways to Futureproof your Child's Bedroom

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As a parent there are a lot of changes, milestones and exciting moments that change your family life. When both Isabella and Poppy were approaching six months and quickly outgrowing their Moses basket I knew we had to make 'the big move' into their own bedroom. It was an anxious time, but luckily it resulted in more sleep for everyone and we really enjoyed creating a peaceful, adaptable space for them to call their own. Planning your child's bedroom is such a fun process, as you consider colour palettes, furniture, storage and where all of their toys are going to go?! But something that is worth considering during this process is how to futureproof their bedroom, so that you're not having to spend yet more money in only a few years to once again adapt it to their older age.

PARENTHOOD: How has the first 1000 days of parenting been second time around compared to the first?

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Entering the world of parenting is a steep learning journey, filled with both magical and challenging times. But how do those vital first 1000 days differ between your first and second baby? In 2015 Isabella made us parents for the first time and by the time she was six months we had spent many hours simply staring at this little bundle of joy that had entered our world. Life as a parent is a juggling act of feeding, burping, nappy changing, sleeping (baby, not us!) and a lot of first experiences. We learnt together, cried together, shared the excitement with family/friends, had so many questions and laughed beyond belief at what our life had become.

PARENTHOOD: The Wonder of Reaching the Walking Milestone with Poppy

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We recently reached a very exciting milestone with Poppy...she can now walk! It's the milestone I was nervous and excited about in equal measures because life with two children is busy at the best of times, so how would I manage with two children on the move? Would I spend my days trying to look after two children running in opposite directions? In reality I've been surprised at how much reaching this milestone has had a positive impact on our family life. Life has changed, that's for sure, but in ways I certainly didn't anticipate. Poppy is now on a new and exciting journey into the world of being a toddler and it is an absolute honour to witness all the wonder that comes with it.

TRAVEL: 5 of the Prettiest Places to Visit in Cornwall

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Cornwall is like a haven, tucked away on the West coast, somewhere you wouldn't pass unless travelling there. Its stunning turquoise sea, rugged coastline and cute little fishing villages dotted around all over the place. It's a photographers dream, whether it's simply for your photo albums at home, sharing on social media or when taking photographs is your job. It also holds a special place in my heart because St Ives is where my husband proposed to me, overlooking the beach from our own private cabin. Though that life seems a long time ago now, we have been back to Cornwall as a family of three and then four quite a few times. If I think where I'd want to go for a staycation then Cornwall is almost always my first thought, if you haven't been then I'd highly recommend organising a trip there soon. You won't be disappointed!