Have you ever heard of a book advent? I think I first heard about it on Pinterest and thought it would be fun to do with the children. Instead of a tacky Advent calendar with cheap chocolate, we’ll be unwrapping a Christmas book every day of December leading up to Christmas Day. This way we will get to spend more time reading together, which is something we all love, and some time each day to enjoy the festive season. The hard part has been finding the books. 24 Christmas-themed books can be difficult. I really wanted to buy second hand…
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The South Ken Kids Festival brings you a marvellous mash-up of music, live drawing, and fun for the whole family! This children’s book festival features dozens of literary events, workshops and talks for kids of all ages. Quentin Blake, Emile Bravo and Tony Ross are all on the bill. This year we have Franco-British drawing duos, a preview screening of “Ernest and Célestine”, and many many workshops….see their website for full details. I have a great give away for 2 pairs of tickets to the Drawing Jam with David Coulter as part of the South Ken Kids Festival on Saturday…
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The toddler is very lucky for he was recently sent a lovely picture book and audiobook featuring Myro, the smallest plane in the world. Aimed at pre-schoolers, this is a series for children which follows the adventures of Myro as he settles into his new home in Australia. Myro is created and published by Nick Rose, who bought a Microlight in 2004 and flew it around Australia. He then began developing the series when he realised there was a gap in the market for a quality series of children’s story books and iPad story Apps about aeroplanes that encourage children…
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We’re currently counting down until Little Sis’ first birthday. I’m not sure where the year has gone, it’s been fun but not without it’s difficulties. Her cheeky little smile seems to have got me through the worst of the sleepless nights and days of screaming. Yes, my child is not perfect and has only just started sleeping through without waking! So far, the handmade birthday card has been sent in to CBeebies, 6 weeks early as requested. We’ve had a dry run with making Peppa Pig biscuits. The final version were flooded with pink icing but I forgot to photograph…
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I’ve always wanted a slow cooker, which is lucky, because I was offered the new Morphy Richards Sear and Stew Slow Cooker to review as part of my role as a Morphy Richards Innovator. Initially I turned to Twitter for help and was inundated with recipe suggestions. So far we’ve tried pulled pork and rice pudding and I’ve ordered some Slow Cooking recipe books for inspiration. The Slow Cooker is incredibly easy to use, light and goes in the dish washer – what more could you ask for?! The Sear and Stew Slow Cooker allows searing and slow cooking in the…
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I was invited to take part in Good Natured’s Winter Warmer recipe challenge. Good Natured produce a range of pesticide-residue fruit and vegetables, including the wholesome Splendid Spuds. I was sent a bag of freshly picked Splended Spuds and have hopefully created a ‘winter-warmer’ potato recipe you will enjoy. It’s a family favourite in our household and a great variation (I think!) of a British classic with a modern twist. Here is my recipe for Indian Shepherd’s Pie (Shepherd’s Pie with an Indian twist!) You will need: Oil 1 medium onion, diced 2 tbsp garlic puree 2 tsp ground ginger…
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There are so many Christmas crafts I want to make this year. For the first time in my adult life I have decided we’re having a colour theme so hopefully the house will look co-ordinated for once. The theme is very simple – red and white, with a vintage vibe. Vintage letter cards banner I’m ashamed to say we already have our advent candles up on the mantle piece, which I de-cluttered specially. They look lovely and I’m wondering if I’ll want to light them when the time comes. We’re trying to keep the house tidy and clean as we’re…
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We thought we would try something a bit different. Our garden is beginning to look very bare, the leaves have fallen from the bushes and trees and what is left is looking very brown. There’s nothing to attract birds so we made some handmade bird feeders using cookie cutters. What you need: bird seed raisins pack of suet string scissors cookie cutters This is a really easy activity and there is plenty of scope for little fingers to get involved. Empty the pack of suet into a bowl and add the bird feed and raisins. Mix with your hands so…
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I spent yesterday afternoon baking my first apple cake. The recipe was suggested by Sian Hallewell, and was handpicked by Jean Christophe Novelli to appear in the new cookery book Let’s Get Cooking! by Flora Cuisine. Let’s Get Cooking! contains 30 everyday recipes, from simple suppers to great cakes, by mums and dads from across the UK. It was created after they ran a recipe competition on their Facebook page earlier in the year. Flora Cuisine is a healthy cooking oil which is great for frying, roasting and baking. It has 45% less saturated fat than olive oil which means…