Over the weekend I attended the inaugural Mumsnet conference. I applied to join the Mumsnet bloggers group when it launched but I never heard back, so you might wonder why I would pay money to spend a day with them. conference essentials: programme, iPad mini and Orla Kiely I saw it as a day off from my children and yes, I’d happily pay for that pleasure. When I saw my old blogging friend Liska she told me I looked radiant. Yes, I told her. I have a child-free day. I had make up on. My clothes were clean and I’d…
-
-
The South Ken Kids Festival brings you a marvellous mash-up of music, live drawing, and fun for the whole family! This children’s book festival features dozens of literary events, workshops and talks for kids of all ages. Quentin Blake, Emile Bravo and Tony Ross are all on the bill. This year we have Franco-British drawing duos, a preview screening of “Ernest and Célestine”, and many many workshops….see their website for full details. I have a great give away for 2 pairs of tickets to the Drawing Jam with David Coulter as part of the South Ken Kids Festival on Saturday…
-
I’m not really sure how old this knitting bag is but I couldn’t resist its wooden handle or vintage fabric. I’m not a big knitter but it’s perfect for holding my latest sewing project. It’s currently holding my purchases from my rather extravagant trip to the Knitting & Stitching Show at Ally Pally. It’s my favourite sewing event of the year and I had the joy of visiting last week without children (thanks hubby!). Anyway, I admit I was excessive but living in London I just find it impossible to go searching for lovely sewing supplies. Faced with 200 sellers…
-
A couple of weeks ago the husband and I were invited to spend a day at Yeo Valley, the people behind the delicious organic Yeogurts, milk, butter, cream, compotes and rice puddings, on one of their farm tours. We jumped at the chance as we love Yeo Valley and, more importantly, the children weren’t invited. Yeo Valley is perhaps best known for making yogurt which started back in 1972. Today there are four production dairies (at Blagdon, Cannington, Crewkerne and Newton Abbot) and the company employs over 1500 people. It is an independent, family-owned farming and dairy business and…
-
So far we’ve had an inexpensive school holiday. We’ve stayed local and enjoyed play dates, trips to the park or library. We’re often put off going further afield as the cost of days out can really add up. However it is possible to save money on days out and there is plenty of advice from money saving expert Sarah Willingham on Morrisons website – just look under M Savers/Savers Summer for lots of inspiration. Cheap activities Your local council will have loads of great activities planned all summer. Some will be free, and others much cheaper than the private options.…
-
Yesterday we took the toddler to Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, the world’s oldest, original model village. It has a model train so we knew the toddler would love it, and he did. It was a little hot for me but he ran round, pointing out the little houses and people and shouting “TRAIN!” every time one of the model trains went past. Beaconsfield charity shops The model village is in Beaconsfield which has been labelled Britain’s richest town so I knew the charity shops would be worth a look. I only managed two because I spent too much but…
-
As a self-confessed pram addict I feel the need to keep up to date with the latest launches which is why yesterday I found myself at the UK launch of the Orbit Baby G2 buggy. Afternoon tea in the beautiful Loft Lounge at The Hospital Club, Covent Garden, was an added bonus. The Orbit Baby G2 is a pioneering buggy which launched in the UK for the very first time yesterday. It is the product of a two-year process of user research, and has already experienced tremendous success in the United States, with an A-list celebrity following (Natalie Portman, Maggie…
-
P&G is providing more reasons than ever to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games with three exclusive salons for Mums, athletes and media to enjoy complimentary beauty and grooming treatments throughout the duration of the London 2012 Olympic Games. P&G Salons during the Olympic Games The Salons are located in The Olympic Village, The Paralympic Village, the International Broadcast Centre and Main Press Centre (IBC/MPC) complex and the Wella Studio in central London. Guests will be treated to a range of treatments including professional haircuts, colour from Wella Professionals, party styling by Pantene, grooming by head&shoulders, Gillette and Braun, skin…
-
I’ve been quite naughty and shown the 8 month old the iPad and now she knows it is a window to a whole new world of fun! She is very like her brother and will be tech-happy, like daddy too. We were offered a new iPad app to review and as it combined two of my favourite things – buttons and museums – I said yes. Following in the footsteps of the hugely successful book published by the V&A, Clara Button and her adventure at the museum has come to the iPad. Using the original illustrations by Emily Sutton and…