GARDEN: A Beginner's Guide to Growing Your Own Vegetables

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Life is all about finding the small joys that you love and then embracing them on a daily basis. Gardening is a small joy that I've recently indulged in and it has quickly become part of my day-to-day life that I love. It isn't in fact a new love, however since having my first child seven years ago I had struggled to find the time to garden, as there was always a little person toddling around needing my full attention. Now that my children are all that bit older I'm able to rediscover my love for gardening and if it is something you think you'd find joy in then I urge you to do the same. 

HOW TO: Fill your home with comfortable seating for the whole family

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After a busy day at work or school most of us will be looking forward to sitting down, relaxing and enjoying the comfort of being at home. But how can you create a cosy, comfortable environment both indoors and outdoors within your home without spending thousands on new sofas or armchairs? Big Bertha Original have this problem solved with their incredible range of Bean Bag Chairs, Giant Bean Bag Sofas, Children's Bean Bags, Outdoor-Indoor Bean Bags, Cushions, Blankets, Oversized Hoodies and even your furry friends aren't forgotten with their Dog Beds. Bean Bags are one more affordable way to add comfortable seating to both your indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as bringing that fun, nostalgic feel from childhood. 

GLAMPING: Escape to the Herefordshire Countryside to an eco-cabin called The Carn

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Down a steep, bumpy track you'll discover The Carn, an eco-cabin nestled in the Herefordshire hills, right on the border with Wales. Be prepared to escape every day life, internet, television and get back to nature with a touch of luxury that makes staying at The Carn so magical. Glamping is such a unique experience and something that I fell in love with prior to having children. Now that we are a family of five it can be very challenging to find a glamping experience that can accommodate five people, as well as being child-friendly. But The Carn has brought to life all our glamping hopes with it's five beds, ample space for the children (or dog) to explore, a fire pit for s'mores, a flushing toilet inside the cabin, a chest full of games and an outdoor bath for yet another magical unique experience. As you open the large glass door you're surrounded by plants, earthy hexagonal terracotta floor tiles and a decision of which side of the cabin to explore first. 

HOW TO: Have a more Sustainable Valentine's Day (+ Exclusive Discount Code for Nordgreen)

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Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, so why not make celebrating it more sustainable this year? A lot of us are trying to make small changes towards living a more sustainable and eco-friendly way of life, which is so important for our planet and can be relatively easy to do too. Many of the Valentine's Day gifts, decorations or accessories are plastic based and not aimed for more than one use, so below there are a few ideas of how to swap those for alternatives that are more sustainable and reusable. I absolutely love any excuse to celebrate, make someone else feel special and spread joy, especially after the past two years. I think that we are all in need of little pick-me-ups and Valentine's Day can be the perfect time for that, whether it be celebrating with your husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, best friend or your children. Let's kick start 2022 by spreading lots of love and kindness!

INTRODUCING: My Small Business...Isabella Mai-de - The Home of Personalised Hand Printed Gifts for Everyone

Starting this post feels a bit de ja vu because I wrote a very similar post back in 2016 when I originally launched Isabella Mai-de. Back then it was all about hand printed children's leggings and joggers, but after only a few months of being open I had to close due to morning sickness with my second pregnancy and then we entered the busy life of two children and I just didn't get around to reopening. However, in the spring/summer of 2021 I started to wonder whether I should open Isabella Mai-de back up again. Our middle daughter was due to start school in September, leaving just our youngest at home, so I felt that I'd have enough time to really concentrate on it this time. Then followed many excited months redesigning the logo, setting up the Etsy shop again, photographing products, making reels, filming TikToks, writing listings, trialing products, carving stamps, putting together new designs/patterns, sourcing stock, hand stamping labels/thank you cards, finding more sustainable packaging options etc. Along with the inevitable questions like 'will this work?', 'what if no one buys anything?' that I think are all part of launching your own business. 

REVIEW: BabyBjörn Harmony 3D Mesh Baby Carrier

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Baby carrying will change your life as a parent, whether you're expecting, have a little one or even a toddler, it will honestly make your life so much easier. When I first became a parent back in 2015 I didn't know how much my life was going to change, but it certainly did, in every way possible. The most simple task became a challenge and every waking hour (and there are a lot of those!) was dedicated to our little bundle of joy. It was hard, a learning curve, challenging, as well as being magical, precious and filled with more love than could ever be expressed. But what I didn't know back then was quite how much of a game changer baby carrying is. 

FAMILY: Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for Everyone 2021

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Christmas is almost upon us and I'm sure, like me, you're either starting or in the middle of trying to think of thoughtful, special gift ideas for your loved ones. It seems to get trickier every year to think of unique gifts that our loved ones don't already own, which is why I'm here with this year's Family Christmas Gift Guide 2021! Usually I split my yearly Gift Guides up into categories, but this year I thought I'd keep it simple for you and have everything all in one place. Your ultimate gift guide for the whole family, friends included too of course. I hope you leave this post feeling inspired and manage to get a few more people ticked off your 'to buy for' list, so without further ado...

BLACK FRIDAY 2021: The Biggest Discount for Nordgreen Watches You'll Find Anywhere!

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Black Friday is nearly here, which is probably one of the most anticipated shopping days of the year. Start your Christmas shopping early, while making the most of all of the incredible one-off deals available. Black Friday was very different last year, due to the pandemic, but it's back this year and things are starting to look a lot more 'normal'. After the last year and a half I think a lot of us are really looking forward to treating our loved ones to thoughtful gifts and best of all hopefully be able to see their reaction in person! If you're looking for a really special gift then look no further than Nordgreen, who create the most beautiful women's and men's watches, as well as having a real sustainable focus. This Black Friday they are offering an incredible 35% off their entire range of men's and women's watches using the code 'TEM35' (valid from the 14th to the 30th November 2021). 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! 

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. 

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: 60 Activities to Keep Children Entertained at Home

After only three weeks back at school after lockdown in the UK and the Easter Holidays are already almost here! Inset the panic of how we're going to keep the children entertained at home once again. From the 29th March 2021 two households can meet outdoors, which means that small playdates can happen in gardens or at the park again. But other than that we are still mostly advised to stay local and typical school holiday days out (zoos, farms, theme parks etc.) are still all shut. As someone who likes to plan in advance and considers preparation as key I thought I'd put together a whole host of different activities that will keep children entertained over the school holidays, whether that be the upcoming Easter holidays or looking forward to the longer summer holidays.

PARENTHOOD: Organisational Tips for Going Back to School after Lockdown

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Three months into 2021 and we are finally starting to see the end of the third lockdown in the UK and the second lockdown that involved having all schools closed to the majority of pupils. The last time our children were at school was in 2020, so it is fair to say WELL DONE to everyone who has just got through the past few months of home learning. It's been a rollercoaster to say the least, but now that my eldest is back at school and my middle child is back at pre-school the house is a lot quieter. I have to admit I miss the chaos, the feeling of being so involved in Isabella's learning and the extra 'bonus' time together, but seeing them with their friends again made me realise how important school/pre-school is for them. 

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! 

CHRISTMAS: Gift Guide for Children £10 and Under

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If you're listening Father Christmas, this is the Gift Guide for you! It is filled with stocking filler ideas that will keep children entertained, excited and learning new skills over the festive season. From edible treats and stationary heaven to learning new magic tricks and imaginative play, there are affordable ideas for all interests. These presents would also be perfect for children to give their friends and I've tried to include gifts suitable for a range of ages too. 

CHRISTMAS: Gift Guide for Grown Ups 2020

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Thinking of gift ideas for grown ups can be such a challenge, but when you find that present you know they'll love it is just the best feeling. Gift guides for grown ups are also a source of inspiration for yourself too; maybe you stumble across something that will make life easier, encourage self-care or bring you joy. This guide is filled with the treats and slightly bigger gifts for giving this year. I have also put together a Gift Guide for Grown Ups £20 and under that is filled with loads more ideas. Hopefully between both of these you'll be left full of ideas for your loved ones and are then able to tick off a few more people from your present buying list. 

ADVENT CALENDARS: A Guide for the Whole Family 2020

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Well, what a year it has been. I don't think any of us were expecting a worldwide pandemic and the impact that had on every area of life when we were sitting around eating Christmas dinner last year. It's quite shocking to think back really, but we can't let the ever changing restrictions and regulations ruin the run up to Christmas. This year, more than ever before, we all need something positive and exciting to focus on. It is looking like Christmas won't be a 'normal' one, but something we can do is treat ourselves and/or loved ones to an advent calendar that will bring a smile to their face every day during December. Each year the world of advent calendars becomes even bigger, better and more exciting, as the offerings provide excellent value for money and the designs simply wow.