• What I'm reading

    Mudlarking: Lost and Found on the River Thames by Lara Maiklem

    I first came across the concept of mudlarking when I worked at the Museum of London years ago. I was briefly responsible for meeting the mudlarkers and documenting their finds which would then be photographed and discussed at monthly meetings, to see if the museum wanted to acquire them. It was fascinating meeting the mudlarkers and seeing what they had discovered along the banks of the Thames. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of London so was delighted to receive a copy of Mudlarking: Lost and Found on the River Thames by Lara Maiklem to review via Netgalley. Mudlarking:…

  • Crafts for kids - What I'm reading

    My Big Book of Sewing {book review}

    I love sewing but didn’t really know where to start with my children when they said they would like to learn. We were #gifted a copy of My Big Book of Sewing published by CICO Kidz to try at home and both my children, aged 7 and 9, enjoyed looking through it. They quickly bookmarked the crafts they wanted to try – a pretty long list I thought! My Big Book of Sewing The projects are split into 4 chapters: Fashion Fun (cozy scarf, hat rosettes, summer skirt, phone case), For Your Home (lavender bags, felt egg cosies, stripy quilt,…

  • Family Life

    Science You Can Eat: Putting what we eat under the microscope {book review}

    My kids love a hands-on book that they can have fun with and learn from. The both love science so were happy to be #gifted a copy of Science You Can Eat: Putting what we eat under the microscope by Stefan Gates and published by DK Books. With the summer holidays coming up I’m delighted to have some practical books to keep them busy and learning. Science You Can Eat: Putting what we eat under the microscope Join TV presenter Stefan Gates for a fun-packed edible adventure and discover the seriously impressive science that goes on every time you cook…

  • Family Life - What I'm reading

    Simple Happy Parenting by Denaye Barahona {book review}

    I love a parenting book. I don’t think it matters what stage your children are at, there’s always something to be learned or improved upon. I’m always happy to learn new tips to be a better parent. We were #gifted a copy of Simple Happy Parenting, published by White Lion Publishing, to review. Simple Happy Parenting: The secret of less for calmer parents and happier kids Simple Happy Parenting proclaims a revolutionary approach to parenting, full of practical tips to help you step back from the system overload so common in modern family life and, instead, create more time to…

  • competition - What I'm reading

    Giveaway: Confessions of a Single Mum by Amy Nickell

    I’ve been stocking up on books to read this Summer. We’ve been planning some really fun trips way and I can’t wait for some time to read whilst the children play. I know my readers love to get their hands on the latest books too, so you’re going to love my latest giveaway where you can win a copy of Confessions of a Single Mum: What It’s Like When You’re Expecting The Unexpected by Amy Nickell. Confessions of a Single Mum by Amy Nickell Single mum Amy Nickell is a showbiz journalist and broadcaster, fast establishing herself as the leading voice of…

  • Family Life

    Fortnite Battle Royale Pro Gamer Guide {book review}

    My son just loves playing Fortnite. It’s pretty much all he talks about and has taken over all aspects of his life with the clothes he wear and the toys he buys too. We were recently #gifted a copy of the brand new Fortnite Battle Royale Pro Gamer Guide published by Carlton Books. Fortnite Battle Royale Pro Gamer Guide Fortnite Battle Royale Pro Gamer Guide is the one-stop guide to the in-depth expertise that would take months of play to learn; it’s perfect for beginners or experienced players aiming to boost their skills. Pick up tactics on fighting, building and loot-finding, and find a special section…

  • competition - What I'm reading

    Win a copy of Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay

    We’re counting down through these last few weeks of term. I can’t wait to finish my school job and spend 6 weeks with my children. We have a family holiday booked at Duinrell in The Netherlands as well as some weeks at home to relax. The kids can’t wait to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at our local library, I really wish there was something similar for us adults! Last week I told you about Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay by Ali McNamara. It’s a classic rags to riches tale, all about Amelia, who discovers she is…

  • Family Life - What I'm reading

    Boy oh Boy: 30 coming-of-age stories {book review}

    I love being sent books to review. We’ve been really fortunate recently and I have a lovely pile of books to tell you about over the coming weeks. Today I wanted to tell you about Boy oh Boy: from boys to men, be inspired by 30 coming-of-age stories of sportsmen, artists, politicians, educators and scientists, written by Dr. Cliff Leek, illustrated by Bene Rohlmann. I bought my daughter a book of stories about inspirational women for Christmas but couldn’t find anything similar for my son, so I was delighted to be gifted a copy for review. Boy oh Boy: 30…

  • Family Life - What I'm reading

    Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay by Ali McNamara

    A few weeks ago I was sent an early copy of the latest book from Ali McNamara. You may remember that I’ve reviewed some of her previous books including The Summer of Serendipity and Daisy’s Vintage Cornish Camper Van. Tomorrow Sphere will be publishing Ali’s latest book, Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay! They are also celebrating 10 years of publishing Ali’s fantastic books. About Secrets and Seashells at Rainbow Bay Amelia is a single mother, doing her very best to look after her young son, Charlie – but money is tight and times are tough. When she first hears that…