• Win tickets to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace
    competition - homestyle - Local Review - London

    Win tickets to the Knitting and Stitching Show London

    September 20, 2017 - By 

    Are you looking for inspiration for your next craft project?  Ticket lines are now open for The Knitting & Stitching Show London which takes place at Alexandra Palace (affectionately known as Ally Pally) from 11th-15th October 2017. This unique show is the biggest event for the UK’s textile art, craft and design community and there is no better place to get great ideas, learn new skills and meet like-minded people.  The show attracts over 30,000 visitors and hosts Textile Galleries by world-leading artists and groups. Headline exhibitions for 2017 are: Units of Possibility – The Reknit Revolution (supported by Rugby…

  • homestyle

    Top tips for keeping your family gas safe

    September 20, 2017 - By 

    Did you know that this week is Gas Safety Week (18-24th September)? Today we’re partnering with the energy company SSE to share 5 simple tips to help you and your family stay safe at home. Now the weather has taken a decidedly chillier tone I have to admit that the doors and windows are closed, the heating is on and the winter duvet is out! I love Autumn as you know, I can’t stop writing about it! I love an Autumn clean as much as I love Spring cleaning and it’s a good time to check all your appliances are safe for…

  • trying to be a savvy shopper (1)
    homestyle - shopping

    Trying to be a savvy shopper

    September 19, 2017 - By 

    Did you know that a third of Brits now believe it’s harder than ever to get a good deal when shopping around? A few weeks ago I was asked to take part in a fun shopping challenge with E.ON. This email couldn’t have landed in my inbox at a better time. I find the school holidays a little stressful money-wise. The children eat a lot, seem to grow out of all their clothes (or go through the knees!) and demand a lot of day trips and days out. Despite your best planning I think good intentions can go out of…

  • Sylvanian Families Ballet Theatre
    Friends of Sylvanian Families - parenting - toy review

    Sylvanian Families Ballet Theatre playset review

    September 19, 2017 - By 

    We’ve reviewed some amazing Sylvanian Families sets recently. Both my children adore Sylvanian Families and I love that it feels like such a timeless, classic toy. As Friends of Sylvanian Families we were recently sent the Sylvanian Families Ballet Theatre to review. Before I tell you all about it why don’t you watch our unboxing video to find out more: Sylvanian Families Ballet Theatre Hop, skip and pirouette along to the Ballet Theatre and admire a special performance from Freya Chocolate. Complete with a practice barre, chair and entry tickets, the theatre has everything you need for your Sylvanians to…

  • Join BEAR & Puffin's Big Book Club!
    Happy By Nature - parenting

    Join BEAR & Puffin’s Big Book Club!

    September 18, 2017 - By 

    Little bookworms are going to love the new partnership between BEAR Nibbles and Puffin Books! BEAR & Puffin’s Big Book Club is an online hub packed full of resources and book related activities to keep little ones busy. A new ‘Book of the Month’ is launched every month, these include favourite childhood classics as well as new releases. Create a reading den, stock up on your favourite BEAR Alphabites and spend the perfect afternoon reading a good book. Let us show you how we did it! Creating the perfect reading den The blanket den under the dining room table has…

  • too early for Christmas carols?
    homestyle - Monday Happy List

    Monday happy things {Week 155}

    September 18, 2017 - By 

    We had a really busy weekend so it’s nice to finally sit down and go back over the past week. Time for my weekly Happy Things post. The first full week of school was a bit hard on my children. My 5 year old has not been enjoying the transition into Year 1 as she has far less time to play. Her reading has improved so much since she’s been back at school though so all the extra hours of working are obviously paying off. Now the children are back at school I’ve been planning a few craft projects. I…

  • Halloween hand painted rock monsters
    Bostik Family Craft Bloggers Network - crafts - Halloween crafts - Painted rocks

    Halloween hand painted rock monsters

    September 17, 2017 - By 

    My children are all about painted rocks at the moment. It’s the latest craze and they are fully embracing it! Have you heard about painted rocks? It’s quite simple, people are decorating and hiding painted rocks! This is great fun for adults and children, and pretty cheap too. I recently bought a big bag of smooth pebbles from our local garden centre. These are perfect for creating story stones but also for crafting painted stones. Halloween hand painted rock monsters With Halloween coming up we wanted to create Halloween themed painted rocks. I’ve seen some awesome pumpkin painted rocks on…

  • The Handmade Fair at Hampton Court 2017
    days out - homestyle - Local Review - London

    The Handmade Fair at Hampton Court 2017

    September 17, 2017 - By 

    Yesterday I went to The Handmade Fair with my sister for the third year in a row. I really love going to The Handmade Fair at Hampton Court, it’s a great way to learn some new skills and of course go shopping for craft supplies! The Handmade Fair takes place on Hampton Court Green, opposite Hampton Court. It’s a nice location although pretty difficult to get to from our corner of London. We arrived with plenty of time to go shopping before our first workshop. Full experience tickets include a Grand Make, Skills Workshop and the Super Theatre. I booked…

  • Glimmies Rainbow Friends {Glimtree and Glimwheel}
    parenting - toy review

    Glimmies Rainbow Friends {Glimtree and Glimwheel review}

    September 16, 2017 - By 

    Earlier this year we told you about Glimmies, sweet little collectible star fairies. Well we were delighted to be sent the new Glimmies Rainbow Friends Glimtree and Glimwheel playsets! Glimmies are the little star fairies sent by the moon to take care of “Glimmieswood” forest animals. Each Glimmies Rainbow Friends has her own name and bio. During the dark, Glimmies magically light up the wood shining bright, creating a beautiful and magical light like a firefly. Glimmies always shine bright at night and hide in the light… but held cupped in the hand they will also reveal their beautiful glowing…