Save money and make memories with family experiences

Last year, we moved house to our ‘forever home’, which, aside from a massive increase in our mortgage and bills, came with the realisation of just how much STUFF we have. Unpacking boxes and attempting to find a place for all our belongings is really hard when you’re a sentimental old bean like me - it’s difficult to throw things away! (I’m no Marie Kondo) With a new baby, we seem to have acquired even more items to keep and store and I started to dread Xmas and birthdays and the imminent arrival of even more ‘things’. We decided therefore, to have a focus this year on ‘doing’ things together as a family, using the gift of time rather than collecting more belongings. Consumables were ok, but we really wanted to plan days out, visits to new places and some nice meals or treats to enjoy now that the world seems to be getting back to some level of normality!

 

Disclosure: Paid Partnership

When covid lockdowns hit the UK, Arthur had just turned 5 and Charlotte was 2. Along with millions of other children, they’ve missed out on so much over the last 3 years. We all did our best to keep life at home fun and happy, with lots of play experiences, but now is the time to try and make the most of getting out and about! Especially now that the warm weather is approaching…we are hoping that Easter will bring us our first germ free school holiday of this year so that we can really enjoy ourselves.

Can Teaching Babies Sign Language Delay Them Learning to Speak?

As a parent, you want to do everything possible to promote your child's development and ensure they reach their milestones on time. One question that often comes up is whether teaching babies sign language can delay their ability to speak.

 

 In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of baby sign language and Makaton, and how it can actually help promote speech and language development in babies and toddlers.

How to Look Like a Stylish Mum Even in Winter

Are you the type of person that tends to regard winter as the season for hibernation? Maybe it’s the season when you typically take a break from worrying about fashion and style as you figure it’s just not possible when you’re bundled up in multiple layers. The fact is that fashion has come a long way and, thanks to today’s trends, there are many ways you can look like a stylish mum even in the winter months. Here are some great tips you can use as inspiration in the final stretch of winter...

Collaborative Post

18 ways to use a beanbag

Beanbags are a versatile and comfortable seating option that can be used in a variety of ways. From a cozy seat for reading a book to a fun prop for photo shoots, beanbags have become an increasingly popular addition to modern homes. Their uses don't end there however, in fact, there are numerous ways to use beanbags that you may not have thought of before. In this blog post, we'll explore 18 different ways to use beanbags to maximize their comfort, convenience, and style. Whether you're looking for a creative solution for seating or a fun prop for your social media photos, these ideas will help you get the most out of your beanbag. So, let's dive in!

Disclosure: Paid Partnership 

If you're looking for a beanbag to test out some of these ideas, Big Bertha Original have lots of fab beanbag options. 

EZ Shopper height adjustable desk | Review

If you read my earlier post on home office essentials for dealing with back pain, then you will know that an adjustable height, standing desk was on my wish list for when my small office room was finally complete!

 

Disclosure: gifted item

This was the last room in the house to be renovated (for this first phase of renovation!) and we were torn for a while about how best to use the space. We considered whether it should be a nursery room for Annabelle, a small playroom for the children, or an office for me (hubby has taken over my previous desk and office space for when he works at home and there definitely isn't room to share...especially when he has moved most of the tea/coffee mugs and lunch plates in there too...) If you follow me on social media you will know that Charlotte is very creative and is constantly making things - her new bedroom carpet was getting ruined SO...this room is half craft room, half office for me. On one end of the room we have a makeshift craft table for Charlotte (we are looking for a suitable permanent option) and the other end we now have an adjustable standing desk which I have been sent by EZ Shopper. The fact that the desk can be made lower is also a bonus for when I am 'crafting' alongside Charlotte too - so that she can reach when needed. In this blog post, I am going to show you more of this space, along with some additional information about the standing desk such as assembly and how it works... (youtube video available at the end of the post)

How to raise kids' self-esteem

Create Your Own Confidence is a brand-new fun and colourful activity book by psychotherapist Becky Goddard-Hill.

The book looks at a variety of issues impacting kids’ confidence and each topic includes an activity for kids to try out and is backed up by science and research. It is full of simple, practical ideas to help children to feel confident, strong and happy. They can try out out power posing, create a control wheel or set mini goals.
 

Here Becky shares an extract from the book…

Co-Parenting as a Stepdad

Co-Parenting as a Stepdad: Building and Maintaining a Family Together | A guest post by Daniel Grabowski: 

 

In my previous article all about advice for new step dads, I talked about what to expect if you choose to become a stepdad. To go a step beyond that, in this piece I’ll discuss co-parenting as a step-parent. As the novelty wears away and you simply become a family, there are still obstacles to overcome.

I mentioned before that the two most important things are respect and communication. You’d be correct in thinking nothing has changed there. If those two things are a healthy part of your relationship already, you’re off to a great start.

Pregnancy after PND

Post natal depression, and/or post natal anxiety are no small matter. When you’re in it you can’t see through the fog to trust there is ever going to be an end. When you’re out of it, you never want to go back there. It’s easy to decide in those moments that any future pregnancies are off the cards, simply because the risk of spiralling back feels too great…

  

...but what if that tiny little flicker somewhere inside that clings onto the possibility of another baby never goes out? What if that small flame turns into a roaring fire of determination to do it all again and all of the risks feel worth it for the sake of a new life… because here you are, and you made it through. Should you reside yourself to the fact that PND is your destiny? Are you certain to suffer again? Will you definitely get PND again after your pregnancy??

Why flowers make the ideal present for your loved ones

Finding the perfect gift for your loved one for any occasion is not as easy as it seems. You may find yourself wracking your brain trying to find that one gift that will make someone feel special, but at the same time show them your emotions that just can't seem to be expressed in words.

 

                                                  

                                                  Disclosure: Collaborative guest post

However, now it is easier than ever to buy and send flowers, which might be exactly what you are looking for. You can go to the nearest flower shop or order a bouquet without even leaving the house through sites like https://flowwow.com/en-en/london/ and many others. In this article, we're going to share with you why an ordinary bouquet can actually be the perfect gift.

When is the best time to put a TV in your child’s bedroom?

Whether or not to have televisions in children’s bedrooms is a contentious issue for both adults and children alike. There are those who sit firmly in the ‘no’ camp, and those who often grew up with a TV in their room and see it as no big deal.

                                                  Disclosure: This is a collaborative post

In a time where virtual nannies  have become an actual ‘thing’, online games on tablets, phones, Nintendos and PlayStations are at an all time high in order to ease the burden on parents who are trying to ‘do it all’, does having a television in a bedroom add to this?

The WHO (world health organisation) recommends no screen time for children under 1, no more than an hour a day for 2-4yr olds, recommending that children sit less and play more  with a focus on good quality sleep, with experts recommending switching off screens at least an hour before bed