• Family Life - Local Review - London

    The Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair

    November 22, 2018 - By 

    A few weeks ago my husband treated us to a family Afternoon Tea to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary. Whilst Afternoon Tea in London might not be most people’s way of celebrating, we thought it was the perfect treat for our little family. I had spent the morning at a botanical papercutting workshop, so after it had finished I headed over to Mayfair in London’s West End to meet up with the rest of the family. Afternoon tea in London It’s been a while since we’ve treated ourselves to Afternoon Tea in London. Over the last few years ago we’ve…

  • 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.…

  • Family Life - mindfulness - Monday Happy List

    Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things

    November 19, 2018 - By 

    Happy Monday everyone. Hope you had a great weekend. Each week I start off by writing my Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things blog post. It’s a great chance to reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures – it’s a post I always enjoy writing. Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things I’d like to think we had a quiet week after our adventure-packed weekend in Oxford last weekend. However, like most weeks, it’s been super busy at work and at home. Did you notice I have…

  • Disney's Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 review
    Family Life - film review

    Disney’s Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 review

    November 18, 2018 - By 

    This afternoon we were invited to go and see a preview of the highly anticipated sequel to Wreck-It Ralph that sees Ralph (John C. Reilly) and his racing driver best friend Vanellope (Sarah Silverman) leave the arcade world behind to explore the uncharted and thrilling world of the internet on a quest to save Vanellope’s racing game! We just loved Wreck-It Ralph. Can you believe it came out on 2012? In the first film arcade-game character Wreck-It Ralph is tired of always being the “bad guy” and losing to his “good guy” opponent, Fix-It Felix. Finally, after decades of seeing…

  • Carnival Games on Nintendo Switch
    Family Life - Tech!

    Carnival Games on Nintendo Switch

    November 17, 2018 - By 

    My 8 year old loves playing computer games. I limit his screen time but it’s his favourite thing, after playing with his Lego. We were kindly sent a copy of Carnival Games for the whole family to try. Carnival Games was released earlier this month priced at £34.99 and available for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Carnival Games on Nintendo Switch My children love to go to the Fair and play on the games and rides. Carnival Games brings the Carnival home and the whole family is invited. There are 20 total mini-games to play – hit home runs,…

  • competition - Family Life

    Win a copy of Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Monster

    November 14, 2018 - By 

    I love reading a book with my children, especially at bedtime. My daughter loves picture books and I couldn’t wait to share Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Monster with her. From the team behind Ten Minutes to Bed Little Unicorn, it’s all about a little monster who would rather do anything but sleep. . . sound familiar? I have a sleep thief, her mind is just so active from a day at school that it can be hard to calm her down and get her ready for sleep. Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Monster is a lovely picture book and a perfect…

  • Blogger Board Game Club review: Carcassonne
    Blogger Board Game Club - Family Life

    Blogger Board Game Club review: Carcassonne

    November 13, 2018 - By 

    A few weeks ago we were kindly sent a copy of Carcassonne to play and review. The game was first launched in 2001. The idea is simple: Carcassonne is a clever tile-laying game based on the southern French city of Carcassonne, famous for its unique Roman and Medieval fortifications. Players develop the area around Carcassonne and deploy their followers on the roads, in the cities, in the cloisters, and in the fields while creating a perfect city landscape. Blogger Board Game Club review: Carcassonne As members of the Blogger Board Game Club we were sent this copy of Carcassonne to review.…

  • Remembrance Day painted rock
    Family Life - Monday Happy List

    Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things

    November 12, 2018 - By 

    Happy Monday everyone. Hope you had a great weekend, especially if you were taking part in the Remembrance Day events. Each week I start off by writing my Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things blog post. It’s a great chance to reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures – it’s a post I always enjoy writing. Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things I’ve managed to get my crafting groove back! It’s been tricky juggling work with my children but I’ve been making a conscious effort to…

  • Family Life

    How to Begin Adopting

    November 7, 2018 - By 

    Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash At the beginning of the adoption process, you understandably have an overwhelming number of questions. This article aims to address the most common questions individuals have about the adoption process and how to start. You are likely coming to adoption from a range of different backgrounds. You may already have children who have grown-up, or you’re looking to start your family through adoption. You may have suffered a loss or be looking to adopt your step-child. These differences mean there can be some differences in approach. This is a broad overview of the adoption process for children from the care system. The basics…