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 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. 

CHRISTMAS: How to Transform your Family into Elves with The Little Picture Company

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Christmas is coming, which is beyond exciting and a welcome distraction from the world around us at the moment. An excuse to decorate our homes, find thoughtful gifts for loved ones, sing merry songs and generally have lots of fun! The Little Picture Company are the home of meaningful personalised gifts for the whole family, as well as an exciting range of Christmas decorations. They have an array of different personalised Christmas bauble designs to choose from; all of which either make a special gift for loved ones or a bespoke addition to your own Christmas tree.

HOME: Creating a Green & Rose Pink Reception Room

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Since lockdown began back in March a lot of us have spent so much time at home that we've noticed areas that would be lovely to decorate, places that could do with a better method of organisation and a feel of wanting to make our safe spaces cosier, clever and beautiful too. Home renovations don't need to be big projects or really expensive either; with some smart shopping around, clever bigger pieces and a calming colour palette you can totally transform a room within a couple of weeks. Like many, we decided to change up a few rooms in our home, do a spot of interior shopping and increase the amount of storage we have around the house. As parents to three young children we have a seemingly endless supply of 'things' that need storing, whether that be toys, clothes, books, activities or blankets etc. A lot of our previous storage was visible, in the sense that it was baskets or boxes without lids, so you could still see the items. This was something I really wanted to change going forward for a few reasons; they made areas look cluttered, our youngest child was able to constantly empty them out and everything was poorly organised. It was always inevitable that the one toy our children wanted to play with was going to be right at the bottom of the box or basket!

FAMILY: Rory - One Year On

Well, I can't exactly say that Rory's first year of his life was how I imagined. Back in October last year we were blissfully unaware of what was to come, but despite lockdown and a worldwide pandemic Rory's first year has been so incredibly special. I honestly I can't believe that this time last year I was willing to go into natural labour after two inductions. We had been booked in for an induction on the Sunday, so with no real signs of labour off we went to hospital for 2pm. I was checked into the induction ward, my husband went to Costa for supplies and we were told that I could be in for a few days as they were really busy. I was feeling Braxton Hicks, but I was so bored of telling everyone I was 'definitely' in labour (like I had 2957503804 times during the previous few weeks) that I just kept quiet. 

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. 

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. 

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.

CHILDREN: How to Make Aquabeads Bunting and a 'We Miss You' Rainbow Card

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Keeping children entertained during lockdown has needed some creativity and thinking outside of the box. The lack of freedom to visit places has meant that so many of us have to stay at home the vast majority of the time. Home learning has been keeping us busy for a lot of the day, but it gets to a point when Isabella needs some time to play and relax. This has been when we've been bringing out the Aquabeads and letting her imagination run wild! If you're not familiar with what Aquabeads are then they are small little beads that can be put together on a tray to create a design, sprayed with water, left to dry and they stick together. No need for irons and such a fun activity for children fours years+ to enjoy. The possibilities for lockdown crafts using Aquabeads really are endless and below I've included a long list of ideas to hopefully inspire you to get creative too.