• Win a copy of Ronald the Rhino from Twinkl
    book review - competition - parenting - Twinkl Blogger

    Win a copy of Ronald the Rhino from Twinkl

    October 20, 2017 - By 

    Have you heard of Twinkl? They provide instant access to a complete range of award-winning teacher-created, engaging and inspiring teaching, planning and assessment materials. These are not just for teachers however, and are also great for parents, childminders and home educators. It’s a great resource and I find a lot of inspiration for learning at home. You can find out more about them here. Earlier this year we reviewed their new ebook, Ronald the Rhino. I’m delighted to say that this is now a proper book and I’m delighted to have a copy to giveaway today. Ronald the Rhino is big and…

  • parenting - Siblings

    Siblings {October 2017}

    October 18, 2017 - By 

    You can tell we’re back at school as there was such slim pickings for my monthly Siblings post. Looking back over my photos it doesn’t feel like we’ve had many adventures, just homework, after school clubs and not too much fun. Thankfully I found a few photos for my monthly post. Now my children are at different schools it seems that they look forward to seeing and playing with each other after school and at weekends. I’m not sure how long this will last but it has been so lovely watching them play together, read books together and help each…

  • Making tracks with a Family and Friends Railcard
    Buckinghamshire - days out - parenting

    Making tracks with a Family and Friends Railcard

    October 16, 2017 - By 

    On Saturday we planned a grand day out. Our diary was free of play dates and parties and we really wanted to go somewhere new. We live on the edge of West London and we’re so lucky to have the countryside on our doorstep.  We decided to head over to High Wycombe for the day. We’ve passed through many times on our way to Hughenden Manor or Odds Park Farm but decided it was time to stop off and see what it had to offer. My husband loves to drive but we were recently offered a Family and Friends Railcard which…

  • Star Wars Coding Projects
    book review - parenting - Star Wars crafts

    Star Wars Coding Projects {book review}

    October 15, 2017 - By 

    My 7 year old is really enjoying his lessons in the computing room at his new school. In Year 3 they start to learn Scratch which he’s really excited about. He loves computer games, especially Minecraft, Cars 3, Mario Kart, Splatoon 2 and anything Lego. We’ve played around a bit with Scratch at home, he can make a sprite walk across the screen and move around. It’s something he loves to do with his Dad and it’s great to see them doing something together. Star Wars Coding Projects Combining the beginner coding language Scratch with the indomitable Star WarsTM empire, Star…

  • POWER UP! MONOPOLY GAMER
    Hasbro Toy Tribe - parenting - toy review

    Power Up! with Monopoly Gamer

    October 15, 2017 - By 

    A few weeks ago we established a new family tradition. Family traditions are really important to me and I think our Friday night game night is pretty cool. The kids look forward to it all week and for me, it’s the start of the weekend, the end of another busy week, and a great way for us to spend time together away from the tv or laptop. My 7 year old is (already!) a huge gamer. He loves the PS4 and Nintendo Switch and if he isn’t playing computer games then he’s probably reading a book of watching YouTube for…

  • Snot: the toy that nobody wanted
    Christmas - parenting - toy review

    Snot: the star of Smyths Toys Christmas advert

    October 13, 2017 - By 

    If your kids want to know what the hottest toy is going to be for Christmas 2017 then you’re in luck. Meet Snot. The star of the Smyths Toys Christmas advert, the toy that no one wanted. Snot, a toy who begins as a factory line error but goes on to become this year’s most wanted toy. The story follows the cute and curious Snot as he wanders through the streets looking for a place to call home. Though he encounters a series of misfortunate events on his travels, including being chased by a 50ft monster, Snot ends up saving the…

  • book review - competition - parenting

    The Dancing Bear by Michael Morpurgo {review and giveaway}

    October 11, 2017 - By 

    Did you know that World Animal Day was celebrated on October 4th? We love animals so are excited to be participating in a really fun book tour. Michael Morpurgo is one of the UK’s most celebrated authors, having written over 140 books in a career spanning over 40 years. He has won numerous prizes, including The Children’s Book Award for a record fourth time last year for his novel An Eagle in the Snow. Many of his novels have been adapted into stage shows and several of his titles have been made into films, most famously the Steven Spielberg-directed War Horse. Some of Michael’s most…

  • Kingdom of Sweets Gob Stopper Challenge
    Local Review - London - parenting

    Kingdom of Sweets Gob Stopper Challenge

    October 9, 2017 - By 

    I have a terrible sweet tooth. I just love sweets and they’re a huge part of who I am. Some of my happiest memories are of going to our little corner shop to spend my pocket money with my older sister. Mmmm, sheets of rice paper, shrimps and Hubba Bubba! My sister always went for the packs of Pacers whilst I always spent ages choosing my favourite penny sweets. I can re-call growing up through my favourite sweet shops. I remember I was allowed to walk to a sweet shop after school whilst my mum finished work, and I remember…

  • 80 Poems by Roger McGough
    competition - parenting

    Win a copy of 80 Poems by Roger McGough

    October 9, 2017 - By 

    80 sees eighty favourite poems from one of the nation’s best-loved poets. Roger McGough, brought together for the first time in a hugely enjoyable new volume. Poems include The Power of Poets, Apostrophe, Snuggles, Teapet, Trees Are Great and The Rolling Meatball. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, always inventive and often unexpected, the enormous variety of poems will never cease to amaze and delight children of all ages. 80 is a wonderful collection, truly with something for everyone, to be enjoyed again and again, read together or independently, at home or in a classroom. Published around National Poetry Day and in…