• Win a copy of The Not-So-New Mum's Notebook
    book review - competition - Family Life - parenting

    Win a copy of The Not-So-New Mum’s Notebook

    December 23, 2018 - By 

    I know that we haven’t even had Christmas yet but my thoughts are already turning to the New Year. I don’t go for New Year’s Resolutions at all but one thing I do want to try next year is a little bit of journalling and making more notes about my children. It’s a well known fact that children grow up far too quickly. Today I wanted to share with you something that could help you note the milestones, The Not-So-New Mum’s Notebook. The Not-So-New Mum’s Notebook The Not-So-New Mum’s Notebook is every mum’s essential companion and journal beyond the first year – whether…

  • book review - Family Life

    The Christmas Lights by Karen Swan

    December 14, 2018 - By 

    I love a good book and seem to read a lot more during the Winter months. I have just finished reading The Christmas Lights by bestselling-author Karen Swan, set on the scenic fjords of Norway, it’s a moving Christmas tale of love and heartbreak. The Christmas Lights by Karen Swan December 2018, and free-spirited influencers Bo Loxley and her partner Zac are living a life of wanderlust, travelling the globe and sharing their adventures with their millions of fans. Booked to spend Christmas in the Norwegian fjords, they set up home in a remote farm owned by enigmatic mountain guide…

  • The Cactus by Sarah Haywood
    book review - Family Life

    The Cactus by Sarah Haywood

    November 21, 2018 - By 

    It’s been a while since I read and shared a good book with you. I love to read and have been reading more since we started Drop Everything and Read at school this year. It encourages me to read just as much as it does the students, and I look forward to swapping book recommendations in the Staff Room at break. I picked up a copy of The Cactus at my local library as I found the cover image so eye catching. I read the blurb on the back and knew I had to read it, so bought a copy.…

  • Nature Month-by-Month A Children’s Almanac for 2019
    book review - Crafts for kids

    Nature Month-by-Month {A Children’s Almanac for 2019}

    November 1, 2018 - By 

    We love celebrating the seasons here at the gingerbread house. We can’t resist a beautiful new book for children so were delighted to receive a copy of Nature Month-by-Month. This is a lovely book which takes you on an inspirational month-by-month journey through the seasons. Nature Month-by-Month {A Children’s Almanac for 2019} Beautifully illustrated in full colour throughout by Elly Jahnz and written by nature-lover and wild swimmer Anna Wilson, this fantastic guide to the year includes nature spotter and animal behaviour guides, indoor and outdoor craft and activity ideas, seasonal recipes, and celebrations of religious festivals and special days…

  • Review and giveaway: 10 Step Drawing: Animals by Heather Kilgour
    book review - competition - crafts - Crafts for adults - Crafts for kids

    Review and giveaway: 10 Step Drawing: Animals by Heather Kilgour

    October 28, 2018 - By 

    With two creative children I need a constant stream of ideas to keep them occupied. Having exhausted our crafting cupboard and my patience I was so thankful when a copy of 10 Step Drawing: Animals landed on our doormat over half term. Both my children love to draw and have endless notebooks full of their scribbles. It was time to take their drawing to the next level and 10 Step Drawing: Animals has been a great introduction for us all. The books aims to help you learn to draw 75 different creatures in an illustrated style, in 10 simple visual steps. 10…

  • Ladybird Tales of Adventurous Girls
    book review - Family Life

    Ladybird Tales of Adventurous Girls

    October 15, 2018 - By 

    We are lucky to receive some lovely books to read and share. Both my children love to get lost in a good book and we still read together at bedtime. Today I wanted to tell you about the new Ladybird Tales of Adventurous Girls book from Ladybird Books. It is a gorgeous book, beautifully illustrated and perfect for sharing! Ladybird Tales of Adventurous Girls Join six adventurous girls from around the world as they use their wits, courage and strength to overcome the odds in this colourful, illustrated collection of Ladybird Tales. This is a gorgeous collection of fairytales for our time –…

  • The Spectacular City by Teresa Heapy
    book review - competition

    Win a copy of The Spectacular City by Teresa Heapy

    October 2, 2018 - By 

    One day, adventurous Mouse determines to set off to the bright lights of the spectacular city, accompanied by his friend Bear. But the city is full of distractions and dangers, and Mouse might need his steadfast friend more than he realises … With Autumn here it’s time to wrap up warm and take things a little slower. Curl up with your little ones and read Teresa Heapy’s gorgeous new adventure tale. With instructions on how to make your own paper aeroplane included, this is the perfect activity for a rainy afternoon. Why not take a crisp afternoon walk to your…

  • book review - What I'm reading

    The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton

    August 3, 2018 - By 

    I love a good book and was so excited to receive an early copy of The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton to read from NetGalley. From the bestselling author of The House at Riverton, The Lake House and The Secret Keeper, Kate Morton brings us her dazzling sixth novel, The Clockmaker’s Daughter. The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton My real name, no one remembers. The truth about that summer, no one else knows. In the summer of 1862, a group of young artists led by the passionate and talented Edward Radcliffe descends upon Birchwood Manor on the banks of the Upper Thames. Their plan: to…

  • Easy Wood Carving for Children book cover
    book review - Crafts for kids

    Easy Wood Carving for Children {book review}

    June 30, 2018 - By 

    With the Summer holidays looming I am beginning to collect ideas of days out and activities to keep my children busy. Like any children, they can get bored during the school holidays, so I like to have some ideas up my sleeves to bring out. Easy Wood Carving for Children Following on from the success of his previous book, Snitte: The Danish Art of Whittling, Frank Egholm seeks to extend the appeal of this traditional hobby to a younger generation in his new book, Easy Wood Carving For Children. Wood carving is the ideal activity to help them reconnect with…