• Mr Kipling Cake Stand
    parenting - playing - toy review

    Tea time with the Mr Kipling Cake Stand

    May 19, 2016 - By 

    I’m lucky that I still have my youngest daughter at home with me in the mornings, for the next couple of months before she heads off to Reception in September. Our mornings are filled with playing, baking, crafting and playdates. Today we baked a batch of daisy cakes, so called because the tops are decorated with cherries and flaked almonds to look like flowers. Whilst they were in the oven my 4 year old got out her Mr Kipling Cake Stand playset. Everyone adores Mr Kipling’s cakes! The Mr Kipling Cake Stand playset from Casdon features replicas of the much-loved cakes…

  • British icons
    family - parenting

    Things which make me proud to be British

    May 18, 2016 - By 

    I love having something to celebrate with the whole family and we’ve been busy celebrating The Queen’s 90th birthday for a few weeks now. Last week both children had tea parties at school and my 6 year old keeps sharing everything he has been learning about The Queen, her homes, her children and everything! At times like this I feel very proud to be British. I think my love of the Royal family has something to do with my Grandparents as I remember my Nan kept a scrapbook of all her favourite newspaper cuttings about the Royal family. I have some…

  • Jump aboard for Thomas & Friends: The Great Race
    family - film review - parenting

    Jump aboard for Thomas & Friends: The Great Race

    May 17, 2016 - By 

    I have some exciting news to share for any fans of Thomas & Friends as they are back with a new feature length adventure, including a line-up of 13 magnificent new international engines, steaming in to cinemas nationwide for a special weekend of screenings on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of May. My children were lucky to receive a sneak preview of Thomas & Friends: The Great Race and it’s a really fun and entertaining film. Thomas & Friends: The Great Race sees Thomas wishing he could represent Sodor at the Great Railway Show, which is taking place on the mainland. But the bigger…

  • baby - baby products - parenting

    Celebrating Little Champions with Pampers and Jessica Ennis-Hill

    May 16, 2016 - By 

    My children have kept me on my toes since the day they were born. After a particularly busy weekend, once again running around after my children, I am beginning to wonder if it will ever end 🙂 Pampers have teamed up with Jessica Ennis-Hill CBE, Olympic Heptathlon Champion, to launch the ‘Little Champions Campaign’ which will help to shine a light on the next generation of little athletes and encourage parents to celebrate their own little champions too. You can take a look at the video by clicking here. Celebrating Little Champions with Pampers Did you know – a crawling baby moves…

  • 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…

  • 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.…

  • Sylvanian Families Fresian Cow family
    Friends of Sylvanian Families - parenting - playing - toy review

    Small world play with Sylvanian Families

    May 8, 2016 - By 

    Whenever I pop into my 4 year old’s nursery they always say how much she loves small world play. In fact she loves it so much they make a point of showing her other activities to make sure she gets the right balance of play. At home her favourite small world toys are her Sylvanian Families and she now has the most amazing collection. She has a range of buildings but she can often be found with the animals and their accessories. The recent warm weather has been perfect for small world play outside. We’ve been taking our Sylvanian Families outside…

  • Bratz Remix Doll Asst FW 01
    family - parenting - toy review

    TweetABeat with Bratz Remix

    May 6, 2016 - By 

    I have two children who love music. We always have music streaming in one room or another or in the car, and the children are able to pick the music they want to listen to as they go to sleep at night. We all use one streaming system in the house which means the children have access to our musical tastes, and vice versa! So when we were asked if we wanted to take part in the new Bratz campaign it was an easy decision. My little 4 year old loves singing and I often hear her humming away when…