• The Marvellous Moon Map
    competition - parenting

    Win a copy of The Marvellous Moon Map

    November 30, 2017 - By 

    I’m so excited for the 1st December. Not only do the kids get to discover which Advent calendars the cheeky Elf on the Shelf brings, but we also get to see our Book Advent. The kids love our Christmas traditions, and books play a big part at Christmas. One new book we have added to our festive reads is the lovely The Marvellous Moon Map by Teresa Heapy, illustrated by David Litchfield, published by Penguin Random House Children’s. The Marvellous Moon Map “I’ve got you, and you’ve got me – so we’ll be all right”. One day, adventurous Mouse sets off to find…

  • Cleaning up packed lunches with Tinyme
    parenting

    Cleaning up packed lunches with Tinyme

    November 29, 2017 - By 

    My son has now been taking packed lunches to school for 11 weeks! That’s a lot of sandwiches I’ve made. I’ve been working this week which means I’ve been making his lunch the night before and leaving it out in the morning for him to take. Working outside of the house means I have to be super organised – we’ll gloss over the fact I drove to work with both my children’s winter coats on the back seat this week! Cleaning up packed lunches with Tinyme My son enjoys his packed lunch but it annoys me every day that he…

  • Little Sis turns 6!
    birthday - parenting

    Little Sis turns 6! {Netflix birthdays on demand}

    November 28, 2017 - By 

    Today Little Sis turned 6! It’s hard to believe she is 6, its such a cliche but it really does feel as though she was born yesterday. We had her birthday party a few weekends ago so the house has been full of birthday cards, balloons, a birthday banner and presents. I was super organised and bought and wrapped all her presents a few weeks ago, so all I needed to do last night was bring the presents down – ready for this morning. I woke Little Sis early this morning as I was working. Fortunately she woke with a…

  • Easy Unicorn cupcakes {thanks to Lakeland}
    baking - homestyle

    Easy Unicorn cupcakes {thanks to Lakeland}

    November 28, 2017 - By 

    A few weekends ago my daughter had a party for her 6th birthday (which is actually today!). We bought the cake, a rather spectacular PJ Masks one, but wanted some special cupcakes to share with friends who were coming back for a playdate after the party. When I was shopping in Lakeland I spotted this rather fabulous Make your Own Unicorn Cupcake Kit. It was pretty pricey for a box of cake mix – but my daughter loves unicorns – so I bought it. The kit contained everything needed to make and decorate the cupcakes – cake mix, icing, sprinkles…

  • Decorating for Christmas with JDWilliams
    homestyle

    Decorating for Christmas with JDWilliams

    November 27, 2017 - By 

    Am I allowed to be smug and tell you I’ve finished my Christmas shopping? My husband took a day off a few weeks ago and we smashed my to do list. I actually found the stockings the most difficult as the stockings we have are huge! I fill them for 4 people so it takes a while to find little things to put in them. As well as getting the things people wanted I got a few extra special gifts. Decorating for Christmas with JDWilliams I love to shop in-store and browse online. This year I found some lovely Christmas…

  • cupcakes to celebrate #TheStarMovie
    homestyle - Monday Happy List

    Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things

    November 27, 2017 - By 

    Happy Monday everyone, time for me to sit down and write my favourite Monday mindfulness post, focussing on the 5 happy things from the previous week. Last week was busy but good so it was a struggle to make a short list! Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things On Monday my daughter was invested into Beavers. I’m sad she gave up on Rainbows but I’m really hoping she’ll stick with Beavers (especially now I’ve bought the uniform and sewn on her badges!). The programme is really well structured and incentivises the children so I’m hopeful she will be as happy…

  • Speak Out Kids vs Parents {game review}
    Hasbro Toy Tribe - parenting - toy review

    Speak Out Kids vs Parents {game review}

    November 26, 2017 - By 

    Sunday afternoons are perfect for playing family games. We were recently sent the popular Speak Out Kids vs Parents from Hasbro to try out at home and we can’t wait to tell you what we thought! Speak Out Kids vs Parents Speak Out Kids vs Parents includes 6 plastic mouthpieces for kids, 4 plastic mouthpieces for adults, 200 double-sided cards (100 for kids and 100 for parents), a sand timer, and instructions. I’ve heard a lot about this game and was excited to try it out. The idea of the game is quite simple with this ridiculous mouthpiece challenge game! Players…

  • Preparing for the Elf on a Shelf
    Christmas - Elf on the Shelf - parenting

    Preparing for the Elf on a Shelf

    November 26, 2017 - By 

    A couple of years ago we started the Elf on a Shelf tradition in our house. I know not everyone likes the idea of Elf on a Shelf but I think it’s fun and so do my children. Last year was the first year I managed to move him every day of Advent and you can see a round up of what the Elf got up to in this post. As well as our Elf we have the book he came with, An Elf Story. I also bought a little elf door to explain how he arrived in our house.…

  • 8 ways to hold onto summer vibes in winter
    homestyle

    Top tips for holding onto summer vibes in winter

    November 25, 2017 - By 

    In the depths of winter it can be hard to remember that everything is seasonal and although Summer is behind us, it’s not long until the shortest day (check out our winter solstice lamp craft) and we can look forward to Spring. I love living in the UK where life is totally shaped by the seasons. As a parent I get to enjoy the long days of summer with my children. Life is easier in the summer. You can wear minimal clothes, spend all day outside and eat ice cream and salad all day. The winter months are harder. It’s…