• Aquabeads Minnie Mouse Playset
    Aquabeaders - crafts - playing - toy review

    Aquabeads Minnie Mouse Playset review

    May 14, 2016 - By 

    I’m always surprised that my children love anything with small beads but they do. It’s been drilled in to them that they have to be careful, but they are, and I love that the benefits of this kind of toys are huge. Both children love Aquabeads and I like the fact the beads stick with a simple spray of water. Last week we received one of the new Aquabeads Playsets to review – the Minnie Mouse Playset. We’d actually seen this Playset in our local toy shop so my 4 year old was really happy to open it. I think this is…

  • BKD mini bakers box showing contents
    baking - crafts - Kids crafts

    BKD Mini Bakers Club review

    May 13, 2016 - By 

    My children enjoy receiving subscription boxes as much as I do. We’ve already tried some crafty ones but were excited to hear about BKD Mini Bakers Club, perfect for my little mini Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. The boxes are personalised which is a lovely touch and come filled with activities. We received the gingerbread biscuit kit which my daughter really enjoyed opening. Each baking box is personally addressed to your child and include a different flavour BKD artisan baking mix (100% Natural) along with a beautifully illustrated baking guide full of exciting baking themed craft projects. There are instructions…

  • Simple dream catcher tote bag
    crafts - die cutting - Sizzix crafts

    Simple dream catcher tote bag

    May 13, 2016 - By 

    I’m embracing the crazy British weather with a simple make using one of the latest Sizzix dies. Dream Away is a lovely die and I used it to create a simple dreamcatcher tote bag, perfect for carrying supplies to the beach. You can find the full tutorial over on the Sizzix blog today.   Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 3PK – Dream Away (661245) You may be interested in my other Sizzix makes: Easy felt flamingo badge DIY flamingo drinking straws Kid-friendly floral bracelet Simple dreamcatcher luminary Easy heart shaped wooden pegs DIY sandcastle flags My Little House gift box Easter treat…

  • Fine and Wide Glu Pen from Bostik
    Bostik Family Craft Bloggers Network - crafts

    Weather observation craft for kids

    May 12, 2016 - By 

    Each month we are sent a surprise box of crafting supplies and a new Bostik product to try. This month the theme was the weather and we received the Fine & Wide Glu Pen from Bostik. This is a clever glu stick with two ends (one thin and one thick) which makes it perfect for all kinds of craft projects. We have been experiencing lots of crazy English weather lately so the contents of the craft box were great for us to talk about the weather. Inside were lots of foam weather stickers, wooden pegs, the Glu Pen and other…

  • travelling with children
    parenting

    How to Travel with Toddlers Without the Tantrums

    May 12, 2016 - By 

    We know how wonderful it is to let your kids experience the joys of going on holiday. When you have younger children, it can sometimes be a trip full of trials and tribulations that don’t make for much of a relaxing getaway – and let’s face it, sometimes we all need a break. Here are a few top tips to get your holiday with your little one(s) off to a great start. Choose Somewhere Family-Friendly With the smallest bit of research you can find a whole host of places that are family friendly and will provide all the facilities and…

  • #ILoveMrFrosty
    parenting - playing - toy review

    Mr Frosty Crunchy Ice Maker review

    May 11, 2016 - By 

    Did you have a Mr Frosty when you were younger? I vividly remember watching the adverts for them in the 1980s but sadly never had one. Which is why I was so happy to hear they have been brought back so I can try it with my children! It no longer comes with unhealthy syrups and and is now easier for children to use. With the Mr Frosty Crunchy Ice Maker you can make your own delicious frozen treats. He comes with everything you need to create your own crunchy ice, fruity ice shapes and ice lollies! We filled up our ice trays…

  • The One and Only elephant parade Colouring Book
    book review - crafts - mindfulness - What I'm reading

    Adult colouring reinvented in postcard form

    May 10, 2016 - By 

    You all know how much I love my adult colouring books. I now have 2 shelves full of them from Orla Kiely to Vogue covers and everything in between. They are my favourite thing to pick up when I need some quiet time away from a screen. I’m always Instagram-ming my latest title and my only teeny tiny complaint is the size of them. I think my friends would tell you I’m a tiny bit impatient to fill in a hugely intricate design on an A4 sheet. Which is why I’m really enjoying the fact that the adult colouring book…

  • Queen's 90th birthday craft
    crafts - Crafts for kids - tutorial

    Queen’s 90th birthday sun catcher craft

    May 9, 2016 - By 

    We’re really enjoying crafting around the theme of the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations. Both of the children are taking part in special tea parties at school this week and getting dressed up in red, white and blue clothes. We’ve carried on the fun at home with this special Queen’s 90th birthday sun catcher craft which we’re sharing today. Queen’s 90th birthday sun catcher craft We love sun catcher crafts as they are so quick and easy. We used a blank template of the Queen from iChild.co.uk, you need to create a free account to download it. Both children went over the outline…

  • mindfulness - parenting - sewing

    Monday happy list – week 85

    May 9, 2016 - By 

    It’s been such a busy week but as usual I’m happy to sit down and share the 5 things that have made me happy in the last 7 days. I started the week by buying a new car. It’s only my third ever car but definitely a step up from old, much-loved one. My new-to-me car has a (working!) radio, two sun roofs and central locking. I’m still getting used to it but it feels so good to have a decent car. I’ve made a real effort to catch up on some sewing projects this week which has been lovely.…