I love it when a classic storybook character is brought to life which is why we’re very happy that the iconic white bunny, Miffy, is the star of a new iPad app. Miffy was created by Dutch illustrator, Dick Bruna, nearly 60 years ago and the App offers a great new way for parents with young children to share the delights of this classic storybook character. Miffy’s garden app The App features Miffy’s Garden based on the story by Dick Bruna , and brings to life the story of when Miffy first discovers the joys of gardening with her parents.…
-
-
Toys Naturally is a lovely online shop which prides itself on stocking a range of ethically minded, beautifully crafted open ended wooden toys. The aim is to be sensitive to children, to nurture and develop their growing minds to their fullest potential, to be intelligent, creative, robust and happy. Above all, Toys Naturally goodies aim to be enjoyable, FUN and appealing to both child and parent. Toys Naturally have offered readers of the gingerbread house the chance to win a Miracle Pounding Toy – perfect for inquisitive toddlers like mine! Gross motor skills and hand eye co-ordination develop exponentially when…
-
I love washi tape. If you haven’t heard of it before it’s a style of paper that was first made in Japan. Now it’s used to describe pretty sticky tape. It has a multitude of uses from wrapping gifts, sealing envelopes and sticking up my favourite recipes on my kitchen cupboards! Until recently I’ve been using some really pretty washi tape which I picked up at Cath Kidston. However it was ridiculously expensive so I made my own. You will need: double-sided sticky tape, scissors, fabric, an old cotton reel. Simply roll the tape along your fabric and cut…
-
It’s been a while but I couldn’t resist this wooden abacus in my local charity shop. They must be quite common as after buying it I saw another one in a different shop. Big Brother won’t be using it just yet but I like to think (everything crossed) that it’s robust enough to withstand his full force. He seems to be going through a ‘stage’ where he’s a little, dare I say, manic. He’s 2 next month and not afraid to let me know he has his own opinions, regarding the clothes he wears, the food he eats, the toys…
-
Little Sis loves watching us when we eat so we’re beginning to think about starting weaning in a couple of weeks. I loved weaning her brother and still enjoy cooking for him so I’m really hoping it will be as straightforward as I remember! I’ve been busy stocking up on products such as hard wearing plates and bowls and pretty bibs and dusting off my recipe books. Boots is helping parents put a spring back in their step with plenty of savings across selected baby products including change time, toys, feed time and skincare. Make the most of these offers…
-
I know how much my son loves getting messy so thought we would break out the paints for St Patrick (in honour of our Irish heritage). We cut an ordinary green pepper in half and dipped it in some green paint. Sounds simple but somehow we ended up breaking the plate – oops! Then the toddler was let loose, creating pretty shamrocks over sheet of paper. Four-leafed clover anyone? Our version of the shamrock, symbol of Ireland and associated with St Patrick.
-
On the 19 September 2010 I started a Day Zero list: a place to record your goals, discover new challenges, and gain motivation to achieve them. I have a list of 100 things I want to do over 1001 days. The list is due to be competed by 16 June 2013. January went by in a bit of a blur (just like November and December, hmm in fact ever since Little Sis was born) so there was no Day Zero update. I have been busy though. 9. Lose baby weight No, I haven’t managed a miracle but I have signed…
-
Last week Kate Middleton was photographed wearing an Orla Kiely coat, which for a long time has been my favourite brand. My small collection is limited to handbags, bedding and stationery. However, an exciting partnership between Orla Kiely and Uniqlo might just make the brand more affordable for me and many others. Speaking about the collaboration, Uniqlo said the Irish born designer’s ‘distinctive graphic and stylized motifs with their clean repeat constructions achieve a very modern style whilst her love for all things mid century adds a nostalgic quality.’ Teen blogger Tavi Gevinson and the singer, Cyndi Lauper star in…
-
The downside of having one child at nursery and a newborn too is that the older sibling tends to bring home germs, along with his paintings and scuffed knees. Ever since Big Brother started nursery late last year he’s had an endless runny nose and cough. I spend all weekend feeding him up in the hope he’ll have a strong enough constitution to fight off the germs! Thankfully this warmer weather seems to be helping so I’m hoping we’ll be germ free until autumn. All this has meant that poor Little Sis had her first cold within weeks of being…