• crafts - handmade - Kids crafts - Recycled crafts - tutorial - upcycling

    How to make a cork sail boat

    Edward is used to boats as we often travel by car ferry or catamaran to visit family on the Isle of Wight. Last week we managed a couple of trips by boat which Edward loved. He really enjoyed holding on to the side of the boat and looking over the side. He’s always loved water play and our weekly swim sessions so this was a great crafty project for us. Looking around the house we had limited supplies so I thought we would make a cork sail boat, reminiscent of the boat in which Julia sails to the island. Sadly…

  • competition - Family Life - holidays

    A week in Teignmouth

    Our first family holiday was to Looe in Cornwall last summer. We had a great time but Edward was only a couple of months old so didn’t really know what was happening.  This year we went to Teignmouth with slightly less family and rented an amazing fisherman’s cottage right on the beach. The weather forecast was mixed but we didn’t let it stop us from exploring and we visited the local children’s park, the beach, castles, a steam train, a boat trip as well as plenty of quaint cafes serving Devon cream teas. A week in Teignmouth It was great…

  • playing - reviews

    Any one for tea?

    We were offered the chance to review a High Tea Shape Matching Set from John Crane. This is a lovely wooden toy and the first thing we were impressed with was the presentation as each cake sat in its’ own little compartment inside the box. It was simple to put the cake stand together and each cake has a number which corresponds to its place on the cake stand. The High Tea Shape Matching is aimed at 3+, contains 19 pieces and is great for developing spatial awareness, hand-t0-eye co-ordination as well as communication and role play. Edward really enjoyed…

  • baby products - Gingerbread house finds - vintage

    Gingerbread house finds…

    Last week we were on holiday in Teignmouth in South Devon, an area full of charity shops. Despite taking a bag full of toys with us, Edward did very well. He has just discovered tractors and I picked up a collection of Bob the Builder vehicles in perfect condition from a gem of a PDSA shop. Edward spent many happy hours lying on the floor pushing his new tractors around when the weather turned wet. My favourite shop was a Cancer Research shop in Newton Abbot which specialised in second hand baby and children goods. The shop was beautifully presented…

  • competition - pregnancy - reviews

    Dental health and pregnancy

    *****Competition has now closed and the winners notified***** As I’m sure you know, there have been some articles in the news lately about how brushing your teeth can directly increase your chances of fertility. Oral care is really important during pregnancy as growing evidence suggests a link between gum disease and premature, low-birth-weight babies. Seeking professional dental advice during pregnancy is really important as your oral health needs do change during this time. If you are registered as an NHS patient and have a current maternity exemption certificate you are entitled to free routine dental treatment until your baby’s first birthday.…

  • Cath Kidston - crafts - sewing - tutorial

    How to re-size a pillowcase

    Edward’s bedtime routine is pj’s, bottle and climbing the stairs to his bedroom. In his bedroom he has a cuddle with both of us and we give him his dummy and a little noo noo (made from an old muslin) to take to bed. I’m not sure how it started but we’ve done this for months and it’s very cute to see. For a long time Edward has put the muslin under his chin and cuddled up with it in his cot and lately I’ve been thinking he’s ready for a pillow to lie on. I picked up a lovely…

  • bathing

    Guest post from Show and Tell

    Hello all!  I’m Betty B and I’m delighted to be doing this guest post on this fantastic blog, The Gingerbread House.  When I opted in to the Britmums blog swap/guest post, I thought it would be easy.  I’ve been blogging since the start of this year and never seemed to suffer from writer’s block…until now! That’s just great, I offer up myself like a sacrificial lamb to another blogger’s readers and now I can’t even think of anything decent to tell them!  Fortunately, I have an active 19 month old daughter who is willing to spice up my daily life,…

  • baby products - competition

    Win a Babylicious or Kiddylicious Hamper!

    *****Competition is now closed and the winner has been notified***** Today I am pleased to offer you the chance to win a hamper of Babylicious or Kiddylicious goodies. As a busy mum I put a lot of thought into Edward’s meals as I want to provide delicious and nutritious food which he’ll enjoy. It’s hard work and I’m very happy to buy pick up suitable alternatives when I can! Babylicious was the idea of Sally Preston, a mum of two who also happens to be a expert food scientist and qualified nutritionist. She has done all the hard work so…

  • pregnancy - reviews

    Too posh to push and other myths

    Last week I was invited to The Portland Hospital for a look behind the scenes. I’ve lived in London for a long time and regularly see pictures of celebrities being papped outside The Portland with their new arrivals. As I’m currently pregnant I was interested in the maternity services at The Portland and they offer an impressive service including 14+ antenatal appointments, all routine blood tests, 3 scans, active birth workshops and hypnobirthing classes and access to complimentary therapies. I met a couple of the midwives and they were lovely, doing a job they clearly enjoyed in a wonderful environment.…