I’ve always enjoyed reading DK books so was happy to receive an unexpected parcel of books from them earlier this year. I’m going to review them together here as they all fall within a crafty category. First up is Crochet, the complete step-by-step guide, which contains all the essential techniques and more than 80 patterns. I have to admit that I can’t yet crochet but it’s been on my to-do list for a while. DK are well-known for their highly visual books and craft books lend themselves well to this style. Crochet is the go-to compendium which takes readers through…
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This week we’re enjoying a sunny break in Devon at our favourite cottage. The front door of our cottage opens out onto the beach and the children have been perfecting the art of sandcastle making and hunting for pirate treasure. pirate treasure straight from the beach There has been plenty of time for me to browse round the local charity shops. I was imagining discovering armfuls of vintage games, linens and quirky seaside souvenirs to brighten up our home. However, despite much looking, my bag is pretty empty. I lucked out on playing cards, picking up a pack of the…
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I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. I’m a Diet Coke addict and have been since I was pregnant. I dread to think how many cans and bottles I have drunk my way through and placed in the recycling bin over the last few years. Which is why I was really interested to read about the new PlantBottle plastic on the Coca Cola website which contains 22.5 per cent plant materials (renewable resources that will grow again) and combined…
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We love to read and we love to craft, often one inspires the other and vice versa. This year sees the 45th anniversary of Eric Carle’s phenomenal children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar Written in 1969 the book has sold over 33 million copies across the globe and it has been translated into over 45 languages. With his distinctive shape and colouring The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an instantly recognisable character born from the much-loved children’s book. To celebrate the landmark anniversary, Puffin has released a special 45th anniversary edition of the best-selling story. Available…
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From Aardman, the acclaimed creators of Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep™ Spring Cleaning follows Shaun and pals as they get into more mischief than ever before around the farmyard. Featuring ten short episodes, viewers are welcomed to Mossy Bottom Farm to follow Shaun, the leader of the flock, Bitzer and the rest of the gang as they embark on madcap adventures. In the comical episodes, the flock run into skateboarding trouble, take on a vicious pet rabbit and try out window cleaning on the farm. As well as a range of exciting behind-the-scenes features, the DVD also includes one…
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A few weeks ago we were invited to check out the Spring/Summer collection from Nutmeg – Morrisons very own clothing range. Whilst the children were kept entertained I was shown some of the collections for boys and girls. I really enjoyed looking at the different collections and it was fascinating talking to the designer and hearing about what influenced her. The clothes are all very affordable but that doesn’t mean they’ve scrimped on quality. As well as being on trend there were lots of nice touches, like chunky zips on jackets so little fingers have something to grab on to,…
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With a 2 and a 4 year old our house is filled with Lego. It’s brilliant for imaginative play and I love watching my children interact with it for hours on end. Lego Duplo aims to inspire, empower and enable 21st century parents around the world to share the fun, imaginative, and playful ways the rock stars of their world, their children, play with Lego Duplo. gingerbread house Lego Duplo style Today I wanted to share an exciting campaign from Lego Duplo with you. Called How Do You Play, the global campaign and competition launched on 31st March, 2014 and…
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On Sunday we headed to our local ASK Italian for a Mother’s Day meal. We ate in the ASK Italian in Northwood which is in a converted Post Office. I’ve often walked past but never gone in so I was excited about finally venturing inside. I booked online in advance as I knew it would be busy so when we arrived we were immediately taken to our table. The building is really light and airy and makes excellent use of the old sorting office for a spectacular environment to eat. Although there was a special 3 course menu we opted to…
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I have a quick and easy Easter craft to share with you today. It involves two of my favourite things recycling cardboard toilet roll tubes and Spring time. The weather has been beautiful today so we’ve thrown open the back door and spent some happy hours crafting away, we have lots to share over the next week or two. How to make toilet roll chicks To make some sweet little Easter toilet roll chicks you will need: empty cardboard rolls from paper towels or toilet rolls, yellow paint, orange cardboard, glue stick, scissors, sticky tape and a black pen. Cut…
