• Easy bottle top mandalas for kids
    crafts - Recycled crafts

    Easy bottle top mandalas for kids

    October 28, 2016 - By 

    I love to craft and am a complete hoarder. So when I heard this months’ theme for the Project Recycle and Create blog hop was bottle tops I was pretty happy because I have been collecting them since the children started weaning. I tried making my own fruit purees but they preferred the shop bought ones. We went through every variety there was and as a result, have a pretty good collection of bottle tops waiting to be played with! I brought the box of bottle tops out and the children immediately remembered them. My 4 year old still asks…

  • Christmas - crafts - gingerbread

    Hama bead gingerbread man

    October 27, 2016 - By 

    I’m trying really hard not to think about Christmas – but pretty much failing miserably! My children are excited about Halloween on Monday and my daughter has her birthday at the end of November. I try to concentrate on my daughter’s birthday but I know a few lots of Christmas crafts will be slipping in during November. A few weeks ago I spotted a cute nursery rhyme themed hama bead set. It included a gingerbread man so I had to buy it for me my children. As soon as my son saw it he wanted to make the gingerbread man. He…

  • Rag Rugs, Pillows and More book cover
    book review - Craft book review - crafts - What I'm reading

    Rag Rugs, Pillows and More book review

    October 26, 2016 - By 

    It’s not often I get sent a lovely adult craft book to review, but I am so pleased when I do! The latest book on my bedside table is the wonderful Rag Rugs, Pillows and More by Ragged Life founder, Elspeth Jackson. This is a wonderfully modern approach to a traditional, and rather forgotten, craft filled with beautifully contemporary projects all illustrated with gorgeous photography. Elspeth also includes all the techniques and tools you’ll need to get started on an exciting new craft. In this stunning new book, crafter Elspeth Jackson reinvents the old (and somewhat forgotten) technique of rag…

  • TNMT: Out of the Shadows DVD Cover
    competition - days out - London - parenting

    TNMT: Out of the Shadows skateboarding masterclass and DVD giveaway

    October 25, 2016 - By 

    Yesterday we were invited to KidZania London for a turtely awesome skateboarding masterclass to celebrate the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. My children love visiting Kidzania and I knew this would be a fun start to their half term week. My 6 year old loves his mini-skateboard so I knew he would love the opportunity to learn some moves from the professionals at Camp Rubicon. KidZania was the perfect location for the masterclass and as soon as we arrived we were taken to the Stadium and the children were kitted out with knee pads, elbow pads…

  • Bob the Builder logo
    competition - playing - toy review

    Win a Bob the Builder Tool Bag from Smoby Toys

    October 24, 2016 - By 

    Over the last few weeks my children have had the lovely task of putting some of the latest Bob the Builder toys through their paces. Smoky Toys have brought out a new range of toys which I want to tell you about today. Read on for your chance to win one of them too! Bob the Builder First Work Bench This was the largest item so the first item we got out. It required a little effort putting it together but my children have been enjoying this toy. Work like Bob the Builder with the Bob the Builder First Workbench. It includes over 30…

  • Year 2 school book
    days out - homestyle - Monday Happy List

    Monday Happy List – Week 109

    October 24, 2016 - By 

    It’s Monday and it’s half term which makes me very happy. This half term has felt long and I am glad the children can relax for a bit. Don’t let’s mention the ridiculous of amount of homework they were given considering they are in Reception and Year 2! Anyway, time for my weekly Monday Happy List post. Last week both my children were ill and missed a few days of school. It’s tough having sick kids at home but they both seem to be on the mend now. We did manage to make it to Parents’ Evening and they both had…

  • The Nightmare before Christmas picture book by Tim Burton front cover
    book review - Halloween crafts

    The Nightmare before Christmas picture book by Tim Burton

    October 23, 2016 - By 

    I count myself as a bit of a Tim Burton fan but I never realised he wrote The Nightmare before Christmas! A new version has just been published, not only written by, but also illustrated, by the talented Tim Burton. We were kindly sent a copy to review. This is the book that came BEFORE the film. This is the book that fans of all ages will be coveting. This is the book that contains exclusive, never seen before original sketches. This is the book filled with skill, craft, cunning and misery. This is the book of the Pumpkin King.…

  • A spooktacular Halloween at Warwick Castle
    days out - parenting - Warwickshire

    A spooktacular Halloween at Warwick Castle

    October 23, 2016 - By 

    Yesterday we were invited to visit Warwick Castle and see how six all new spine-tingling attractions have turned Warwick Castle into The Haunted Castle over Halloween! It’s been a long time since I last visited Warwick Castle so I was looking forward to going back with my children. My 6 year old is currently studying castles in Year 2 so I knew he would love it. A spooktacular Halloween at Warwick Castle Prepare to be scared this half-term at The Haunted Castle, returning this Halloween at Warwick Castle (22-31 October), with six all-new thrills and spine chills. By day, there are fun and friendly…

  • autumn leaves banner for kids
    Autumn - Baker Ross Blogger Network - crafts - Crafts for kids

    Celebrating Autumn with Baker Ross craft kits

    October 22, 2016 - By 

    Last week I helped on a trip my son went on with his Year 2 class. We stopped to look at the colour of trees and the children loved picking up conkers and pine cones on the way. Autumn is a great season as I think it is easier for children to see the change in the weather, the leaves changing and falling, and there are so many opportunities to craft! Baker Ross sent us some of their new Autumn craft kits to try at home and these have been great as both my children have been off school this week.…