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. 

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. 

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...

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

HOW TO: Create an Easy Halloween Grazing Board

Halloween is just around the corner and things are about to get all kinds of spooky! However, as a parent of young children (and not one to like scary things in the first place) I much prefer to keep Halloween a fun, slightly spooky time of year. There are loads of non-scary bakes, crafts and decorations ideas, so to add to this I thought I'd put together a Halloween Grazing Board full of treats. The most important part of this Halloween platter is that it is quick and easy to put together, yet effective and can be enjoyed by all ages. The popularity of platters has rocketed in recent years and I think the pandemic has only increased their popularity further, as we all look for ways to celebrate different events from the comfort and safety of our own homes. 

HALLOWEEN: 30+ Non-Scary Crafts, Bakes and Decorations

Halloween is quickly approaching and after the year we've all had/are having it's the perfect excuse for a happy distraction. Although it is usually a time of the year associated with being scared, gruesome finds and spooky decorations, it doesn't have to be like that. I have three young children, so am mindful of avoiding the scarier side to Halloween and instead use the opportunity to craft, bake and do fun activities that aren't too scary. If, like me, you prefer to keep Halloween a non-scary time then hopefully this blog post is filled with loads of ideas and inspiration. 

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. 

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. 

BACK TO SCHOOL: Supporting Children with the Return after Lockdown

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In the United Kingdom our Primary and Secondary Schools have been shut for six months now, with only select years allowed back for a short time prior to the summer holidays beginning. These past six months have been a rollercoaster of emotions to say the least, as many parents suddenly found themselves needing to juggle home learning, their own work and dealing with the constant unknowns of this pandemic. However, fast forward six months and we've made it! Personally, I've been teaching Isabella whilst looking after a three year old and a five, six, seven, eight, nine and finally ten month old and trying to keep up with work. It's been such a struggle at times, but I have to admit I feel so proud of, not only myself, but of every single parent out there who has survived this time too. 

CHILDREN: How to Throw a Frozen Party at Home

Making birthdays special during lockdown or while socially distancing can be a challenge and the magic of birthdays is especially important to children. Recently it was Poppy's third birthday and as our second birthday during lockdown (Isabella celebrated her fifth birthday right at the start of lockdown, which was tried to make as special as possible) we felt much more equipped on how to make it one to remember. Like many children, Poppy loves everything Frozen related so her birthday couldn't really be based around anything else! Luckily, throwing your own little Frozen party at home is a relatively simple theme to follow and there are lots of DIY additions you can add throughout the day to add that extra special touch. These ideas aren't exclusive to lockdown life and can be utilised whenever we are able to throw 'normal' parties for our children or if you simply want to celebrate at home. 

CHILDREN: 7 Fun Activities for Learning all about Oral Hygiene

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Teaching children how to look after their mouth and teeth isn't just important for their independence, but is also a skill that will set them up for life. If children learn the basics when they are young it will become second nature to them and hopefully result in good oral hygiene for the rest of their life. Brushing teeth is only part of oral hygiene, an important one, but not the only aspect children need to learn. Below are seven ways us as parents can help support our children learn all aspects of oral hygiene in both fun and engaging ways.