• Lockwood-packshot
    What I'm reading

    The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey

    October 6, 2019 - By 

    I know I’ve been reading this one for a few weeks, but over the weekend I finished The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey. It was a great book, I’ve just struggled to make time to read over the last few weeks. I received a copy of the book to review via NetGalley, read on to find out more about it. The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey A terrible secret lies buried at the heart of this house. August 1939. As the world goes to war, Hetty Cartwright arrives at Lockwood Manor, to take up her new…

  • The Pop Up Farm PYO pumpkin patch
    Family Life - Hertfordshire - Local Review

    A wheelbarrow full of pumpkins from The Pop Up Farm

    October 5, 2019 - By 

    If you’re looking for a pumpkin patch near London then you’ll want to hear all about our trip to The Pop Up Farm’s Pumpkin Patch today! Over the Summer we visited The Pop Up Farms Sunflower Festival and we couldn’t wait to come back and visit their pumpkin patch. The PYO Pumpkin Patch opened today and we were delighted to visit ahead of a very busy October. A wheelbarrow full of pumpkins from The Pop Up Farm We had such a good experience at the Sunflower Festival that we knew what to expect at the Pumpkin Patch. As we entered…

  • Black Widow Spider line activity for kids
    Crafts for kids - free printables - Halloween crafts

    Black Widow Spider line activity for kids

    October 4, 2019 - By 

    I was so happy to find pumpkins when we went food shopping this week. I admit I bought a few to bring a touch of Autumn indoors. The children are getting excited about Halloween and have been busy planning their outfits when they go Trick or Treating. I’ve shared a few fun Halloween crafts for kids this year and am delighted to add this Black Widow Spider line activity for kids. It’s a fun craft activity which will help develop kids fine motor skills. Black Widow Spider line activity for kids supplies: Construction paper (or card) Black Marker Scissors Glue…

  • Win a copy of Michael Rosen's Book of Play
    competition

    Win a copy of Michael Rosen’s Book of Play

    October 2, 2019 - By 

    I’ve followed Michael Rosen for quite a long time on Facebook. I’m sure that all parents, and non-parents, will have heard of him. He’s one of the best-loved figures in the children’s book world, renowned for his work as a poet, performer, broadcaster and educational campaigner. We’ve been huge fans of his fiction books for children, which include We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Chocolate Cake. About Michael Rosen He was Children’s Laureate from 2007-2009 and is currently Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths University of London. He’s written books for adults, books to help people write poems, and…

  • Family Life

    5 things to check on your car before your next trip

    September 30, 2019 - By 

    Photo by Jantine Doornbos on Unsplash Disclosure – post in collaboration with Ossett Tyre House. We had a really busy weekend with family staying. It felt like I used my little car a lot as I usually only use it for my short journeys to work and back. It’s so handy to have my own car though, and it reminded me that I really need to give it a little more TLC. Thankfully my husband knows more about cars than I do, but I thought it would be fun to share 5 things to check on your car before your next trip. 5…

  • 11th wedding anniversary card
    Monday Happy List

    Monday Happy List {Week 259}

    September 30, 2019 - By 

    I love to start the week by writing the Monday Happy List. It’s a chance for me to sit down and 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 Happy List {Week 259} Family Last week we started the process of looking for a Secondary School for my son to apply to. Although he’s only in Year 5 we wanted to make sure we looked round a few schools this year as there are quite a few schools…

  • Mythologica: An encyclopedia {book review}
    What I'm reading

    Mythologica: An encyclopedia {book review}

    September 29, 2019 - By 

    I always encourage my children to read a wide range of books. Thankfully they enjoy fiction and non-fiction so I was delighted to be gifted a copy of Mythologica: An encyclopedia of gods, monsters and mortals from ancient Greek. I know that my daughter will be learning all about Greek history and culture as it is covered in KS2 in the Summer term of Year 3, I am excited she can get a head start on the topic. Mythologica: An encyclopedia of gods, monsters and mortals from ancient Greek An illustrated encyclopedia of Greek mythology like no other, Mythologica features…

  • Spooky accordion fold bat craft for kids
    Bostik Family Craft Bloggers Network - Crafts for kids - free printables - Halloween crafts

    Spooky accordion fold bat craft for kids

    September 29, 2019 - By 

    We love Halloween and with October in sight we are excited to make a start on some new Halloween crafts to share with you. We have a huge bank of Halloween crafts for kids but there’s always room for more. We recently saw a local bat walk advertised and this inspired our spooky accordion fold bat craft for kids to make. You will need: Black, pink, white and red card Blu Stik (and Blu Tack to hang up) free bat craft template googly eyes scissors How to make our spooky accordion fold bat craft Print and cut out the templates…

  • books for toddlers giveaway
    competition - Family Life

    Win 2 x board books for toddlers from Little Tiger Kids

    September 28, 2019 - By 

    We’re a family who love to read which is why I’m delighted to have teamed up with Little Tiger Kids for a book giveaway today! Reading with kids helps foster really healthy habits, and I’m a huge fan of encouraging everyone to pick up a book. Sometimes I wish my kids would put their book down and go to sleep but I love that they enjoy reading. Little Tiger Kids have recently published some brand new bright and chunky books to enjoy with your little ones. My Little World: Flamingo – A Colourful Book of Counting and My Little World:…