• Alethiometers and daemons
    book review - Family Life - What I'm reading

    Alethiometers and daemons {La Belle Sauvage}

    February 26, 2018 - By 

    The Book of Dust is a story in three parts. The first part, La Belle Sauvage, is set 10 years before the events of His Dark Materials, and the rest of the story takes place 20 years after that. Did you know that the Book of Dust was published 22 years after Northern Lights was published in 1995? I’m not sure where the years have gone but I loved His Dark Materials, so I was excited when Penguin Random House sent me a copy of  La Belle Sauvage to read. I received it over Christmas but it was such a hectic time I didn’t really get into it.…

  • Ferrari exhibition at the Design Museum
    Family Life - Monday Happy List

    Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things

    February 26, 2018 - By 

    I love starting off each week 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. Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things The first part of the week was pretty quiet. We finished watching the first season of Altered Carbon on Netflix which we both really enjoyed. I have to admit the last few episodes got stranger and stranger but overall I really enjoyed it. I finished reading The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage, completed Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and watched Three…

  • Mine It! review
    Family Life - toy review

    Mine It! review

    February 22, 2018 - By 

    A while ago my children spotted Mine It! in a magazine and really wanted to try it for themselves. The idea is that you can  mine for real Diamond and Gold in a block. Mine It! is a reveal and discover play pattern and each Diamond or Gold block has a precious stone inside. We were sent one Diamond and one Gold block to review. Each box contains everything you need: Chisel, Hammer and Magnifying Glass, to chip away and find the surprise. The children decided to open theirs after school today. There are 12 Gold blocks and 12 Diamond blocks,…

  • Personalised birthstone bracelet from Molly Brown London
    Family Life

    Personalised birthstone bracelet from Molly Brown London

    February 20, 2018 - By 

    Now the children are back at school I finally have some time to sit down for a catch up. A few ago I was contacted by Molly Brown London, a lovely children and girl’s jewellery brand. They offered me one of their gorgeous personalised birthstone bracelets which I knew my 6 year would love. Jewellery is a really special gift. I have a few favourite items which are special gifts from special people. My mum designed a beautiful necklace for my 21st birthday and I have some pretty pearl items I bought to wear at my wedding too. It’s our…

  • Poppy Chancellor Valentine card
    Family Life - Monday Happy List

    Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things

    February 19, 2018 - By 

    I love starting off each week 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. It’s been pretty busy as my children have been on half term for the last week. We’ve also been away for a few days in Wiltshire and spent some time at home too. Monday mindfulness – 5 happy things We were away for Pancake Day so managed to enjoy it twice – once at my mum’s and again at home. Netflix sent us a fun parcel…

  • Tired as a mother candle
    Family Life

    Tired as a mother

    February 18, 2018 - By 

    Yesterday I was out shopping with my daughter when I spotted a candle with the words “tired as a mother” on it. I love candles so bought it and lit it this evening. There’s something really soothing about lighting a candle after the children have gone to bed. Then it’s finally my time to relax and let’s face it, after half term I’m feeling pretty tired. As much as I love my children, looking after them is a full-time job. We have had a busy half term with days out, trips to the park, playdates, baking, crafting and watching films.…

  • SuperZings giveaway
    competition - Family Life

    Win a selection of SuperZings Series 1

    February 18, 2018 - By 

    Last month I told you a little about Series 1 of SuperZings. They are everyday objects brought to life in a fun, hero vs villain rivalry theme. Clad in iconic superhero capes and eye-masks, there are more than 80 multi-coloured figures to collect in total, each with a matching ‘rival’, which adds a fun new dimension. SuperZings are perfect for ages 4-8 and my children love them. They are the perfect pocket money prices which means it’s easy for them to collect and swap with friends. My son was sent a very generous selection which included a Starter Pack, Blind Packets,…

  • Vampirina toy review
    Family Life - toy review

    Disney’s Vampirina {toy review}

    February 17, 2018 - By 

    My 6 year old has completely fallen under the spell of Vampirina, the hot new Disney Junior TV show which celebrates friendship and difference – with a spooktacular twist! The show is based on the Vampirina Ballerina series of books written by Anne Marie Pace and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Vampirina follows the story of Vampirina “Vee” Hauntley who becomes the new kid on the block after she and her family move from Transylvania to Pennsylvania to open a local bed and breakfast called the Scare B&B for visiting ghouls and goblins. Now there’s a cool new toy range to accompany the show from Flair, featuring dolls, accessories and playsets…

  • Family Life - toy review

    Schleich new Wildlife animals {review}

    February 16, 2018 - By 

    Over half term my children have been discovering all of their toys which has been really lovely to see. After school clubs and activities mean they don’t get to play nearly as much as they would like to! Today was a Schleich day and they set up some of their favourite sites all over the living room. Learning about animals opens up a fascinating world for pre-school children and with Schleich’s vast collection of farm and wild life animals. This kind of toy is perfect as little ones can learn as they play. I love the fact that each Schleich…