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. 

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! 

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. 

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.

CHRISTMAS: Gift Guide for Grown Ups £20 and Under 2020

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Grown ups can be a challenge to buy for at the best of times, let along when you have the task of buying for all of your family and friends on the run up to Christmas. Whether you're on more of a budget or are looking for a smaller gift to pair with the main event, then this is the gift guide for you. Non-intentionally this has ended up being a gift guide mainly filled with edible options that will be sure to bring smiles to faces, introduce new exciting brands to loved ones and provide a variety of taste explosions at perhaps one of the most indulgent times of year. 

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. 

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.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS: Unique Gift Ideas for Five Year Olds

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Celebrating special occasions is such an exciting time for children, whether it be a birthday, Easter, Christmas or Christening. The anticipation, build up and then opening up presents is all such a magical experience for children, however finding unique gifts that they don't already have can be challenge for parents. By the time a child is turning five years old they have had a fair amount of gift giving events that they may have been lucky enough to receive an array of special gifts. Finding those unique gift ideas to give your own children or to others can be hard, which is why I've put together this range of inspiration for all budgets and interests.

REVIEW: Jooki - The Smart Player with ToyTouch Technology

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Turning up the volume, having a boogie, listening to stories or bringing a performance alive children love to be surrounded by music. A day doesn't go past where we don't have a kitchen disco dance or Isabella wants to show us her latest dance performance. However, to access music children often need an adult to select a certain playlist or song, which in turn limits their ability to be creative with sound. Jooki have created The Smart Player with ToyTouch Technology to solve this exact problem and allow children to safely access music and stories; bringing back their creativity and enabling them to enjoy screen-free time.

PARENTHOOD: 5 Ways to Stay Organised as a Busy Parent

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As soon as you become a parent it is quickly evident quite how difficult it can be to stay organised and on top of that ever expanding to-do list. A baby doesn't leave you with two hands free very often, toddler's need watching constantly and pre-schoolers are all about the adventure. Then they go off to school and it is the juggle of school runs, doing homework, practicing phonics, organising play dates, keeping up with birthday party invitations and going to any after-school clubs. Throughout all of these stages staying organised is key as a busy parent, which in turn helps to reduce stress. We play so many roles in our children's lives: carer, feeder, councillor, party organiser, gift buyer, magic maker, driver, security keeper, cleaner, hugger and so much more. Balancing it all is never going to be easy, but these five tips make life that little bit easier and more organised. 

MOTHER'S DAY: Giving thoughtful gifts that are inspired by your own childhood memories

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You’re always told you turn in to your mother, and since becoming a mum, I have definitely noticed I am transforming into mine. From the phrases I never thought I’d utter, to the array of “mum-essentials” in my handbag. The things “you would never do as a parent”, that inevitably you end up doing, to the unending admiration once you realise your mum raised you without iPads, Peppa Pig on repeat and dedicated children’s tv channels! With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it got me thinking about all the things that remind me of my mum, and how we can use those memories to get our mum's really thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS: Creating the Perfect Festive Organic Food Hamper with Abel & Cole

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Giving the gift of delicious food at Christmas couldn't be more perfect, whether it be for your friends, family, work colleagues or neighbour. Everyone loves a treat over the festive period, so taking the time to put together a hamper filled with everything the lucky recipient loves makes for such a special gift. Abel & Cole are the home of all things organic and have been for the past thirty years; their passion for organic produce, commitment to the environment and support of smaller producers makes shopping on their website an absolute joy.