PARENTHOOD: Why I'll be homeschooling my own way and you should too

What a start to 2021. Not exactly the positive 'Happy New Year' we were all so hoping for after the experience of 2020. Yet we find ourselves here and all we can do is make the most of it I guess. Lockdown #3 is here in the United Kingdom and once again we are being told not to leave our local area, home school our children and most importantly stay at home in order to save lives. It's vital that we do do this, as the NHS is already at saturation point with the 'worst yet to come'. However, after five or so months of homeschooling in 2020 I didn't think for even a minute that I'd ever need to home school again. Perhaps completely naively, but it was a real shock when Boris Johnson announced that the schools were shutting for the foreseeable future. Like so many, the shock and sheer panic set in, however this time we all had the experience of last time weighing on our minds too. The juggle looks different for every single one of us, but there is no doubt about it it is there for everyone. 

HOW TO: Easy Decoration Ideas for a DIY Frozen Cake

There is no denying the popularity of Frozen; the characters, story lines, spin offs and endless merchandise are loved by children of all ages. My two daughters are big fans, so when Poppy turned three years old this year she requested a Frozen inspired day and cake. Embracing the challenge I started to look into Frozen cake designs on Pinterest, but was a bit overwhelmed at the idea of having to roll out fondant icing and cover a cake myself. Poppy's birthday was back at the start of summer, so we were still in lockdown and it wasn't very easy to just nip to a shop. I knew the cake needed to 'wow', yet be easy to put together and relatively quick too because lockdown life meant making a cake secretly was a real challenge!

CHRISTMAS: The Ultimate Gift Guide for Children 2020

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The gift options for children are vast and can be overwhelming at times. The television adverts, posters, endless toys in shops etc. all inspire the present possibilities for children. However, actually deciding which ones are worth the money and will be played with for longer than a couple of minutes can be the tricky part as a parent. In this gift guide I have put together a wide range of presents that would suit an array of ages, interests and price points. I do also have a £10 and under stocking fillers gift guide, if you're looking for slightly smaller gifts too. The excitement children have for Christmas is part of the reason it is such a magical time of year, so I always find it really special putting together my children's presents each year. Imaging their excited little faces as they open them is just the best feeling, isn't it?  

CHRISTMAS: Gift Guide for Toddlers 2020

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The world suddenly becomes so much bigger when our little ones become toddlers'; there's so much to explore and discover that it makes buying gifts for Christmas really exciting. Once babies become toddlers they are more aware, interested in 'playing' with toys and learn at such an impressive rate. I have to say that buying presents for toddlers has to be one of my favourite ages because there is just so much choice and you can start to appeal to their personal interests too. This year I have tried to include a whole range of gift ideas within this Gift Guide, so that it covers all price points and interests, while being mindful that the world we live in at the moment isn't what it used to be. 

CHRISTMAS: The Home of Gifts, Experiences and Hampers for the Whole Family

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It's so exciting that Christmas is coming! I think this year more than most we all need the magic of Christmas to lift spirits, be a welcome distraction and generally spread cheer, love and joy. When it comes to thinking of gift ideas for loved ones it can be a tricky process, especially if your family are like mine and they often want 'nothing'. Of course, if I did in fact get them nothing I'm sure they'd be sad, but luckily for them I absolutely love thinking of thoughtful, meaningful presents to give. The sheer joy of making someone else feel loved, thought of and important on the special day (whether that be Christmas, birthdays or other special occasions) is one of the best feelings.

BLACK FRIDAY 2020: The Biggest Discount Code for Nordgreen Watches

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Black Friday is nearly upon us, which is perhaps one of the most anticipated shopping days of the year. Discounts and deals can be found everywhere, as we all get some Christmas shopping done and best of all, it can be done from the comfort of our own homes. Black Friday this year is going to look different for obvious reasons, but it doesn't mean there aren't any big discounts to be had. One of these is Nordgreen, who are offering an incredible 35% off their entire range of men's and women's watches for the Black Friday period using the code 'TEM35' (valid from the 21st November to the 1st December 2020). This is the biggest discount you'll find online for them for their Black Friday watches, so is truly an offer not to be missed. Don't miss out on this chance to pick up a Scandinavian designed watch for a third of the price!