A few evenings ago I was having a very rare night out and we were discussing Christmas. Someone asked if we had any special Christmas traditions and I’m not sure I realised until then that we have lots. Perhaps having young children helps, but I want to make Christmas a magical time for all of us and create some special memories. My Christmas preparations start early as Advent marks the beginning of Christmas for our family. I bring out the Advent Box and set up the Book Advent tower in the lounge. I’m not sure how I heard about a…
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It seems a while since I shared a great craft book with you. Have you started your Christmas crafting yet? Are you making any handmade gifts this year? I’m not making any big gifts but I’ve made some small decorations. I’ve always enjoyed working with felt so when I read about ‘Tis the Season to be Felty I knew I would be pre-ordering a copy. It’s a follow up to Fa la la la Felt! which came out a few years ago and many of the same designers have contributed to the 40+ projects in this book. As soon as…
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I’ve become quite addicted to adult colouring books this year. It’s easy to see why they are so popular as it such an easy way to relax. There seems to be a colouring book for every possible subject and I really hope to find a few for me under the Christmas tree this year – any vintage or sewing related ones please! Notebook Doodles Colouring Books for tweens If your tween happens to like picking up your colouring books then I have some great news to share with you today! Notebook Doodles Colouring Book Series is the first contemporary colouring…
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I love Autumn and I’m happy that I seem to have passed on a love of seasons to my children too. They have really embraced Autumn this year. My 3 year old can’t walk past a leaf or acorn without picking it up and my freezer is full of little bags of acorns after I found a little maggot crawling out of one! Last month we went to our first proper Apple Day event, held at Hughenden Manor, our local National Trust place. Did you know that 21st October 2015 marked the 25th anniversary of Apple Day – first initiated…
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It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of Roald Dahl. I’ve been reading his books with my 5 year old and working our way through Roald Dahl’s Completely Revolting Recipes book too. So far our favourite has been The Twits, my son loved the tricks they play on each other and we even cooked the Wormy Spaghetti recipe – although I refused his request to include some real worms! I think my children are lucky to benefit from some amazing apps on the iPhone and iPad. I was so excited to hear about a new app based on The Twits called…
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First published in 2008, Stick Man is Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s most festive picture book and is now the latest animated film by the Oscar nominated makers of The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and Room on the Broom films. “Stick Man lives in the family tree With his Stick Lady Love and their Stick Children three.” But it’s dangerous being a Stick Man. A dog wants to play with him, a swan builds her nest with him. He even ends up on a fire! Will he ever get back to the family tree? Perhaps Father Christmas can help… Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s most festive picture book…
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We recently received a lovely new Peppa Pig picture book which both my 3 and 5 year old have been enjoying. Much more than a picture book, Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Post is reminiscent of Janet & Allan Ahlberg’s The Jolly Postman. The invitations are sent, rehearsals are complete, but who is the mystery guest coming to see Peppa perform? Promoting communication, dress-up role play, puzzles and friendship, Peppa’s first pantomime experience is just the ticket… (Oh, yes it is!) Six envelopes, all integrated within the book, open up to reveal a fabulous selection of items specially designed to be enjoyed…
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Yesterday was the fourth annual Stars Wars Reads Day which celebrates everything Star Wars and reading. We reviewed some of the wonderful new Star Wars titles from Egmont and I’m so excited that I have an amazing bundle of Star Wars story and activity books to give away, including those pictured below. One lucky winner will receive a selection of Star Wars books from the following list: Where’s the Wookiee (a fun search and find book) Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Activity Book Star Wars Doodles Star Wars Doodles Star Wars Absolutely Everything You Need to Know Topps Journey…
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Have you heard of Star Wars Reads Day? The aim is to celebrate both the Star Wars galaxy and reading. Today (10th October) sees the fourth annual Star Wars Reads Day being celebrated around the world with the launch of new books, events and activity sheets. Our family are big fans of Star Wars but this is the first year my son has really understood the films and he’s been really excited about Star Wars Reads Day. To get him (and the family!) in the mood, Egmont kindly sent him a lovely parcel of Star Wars goodies, including a selection…
