Christmas this year was different from usual. As we spent a few days over the holidays with Stuart's family the routine was different especially for Blake. We had a death in the family near the end of November so we wanted to be together and it didn't really feel like Christmas.
We did the usual tradition of a mince pie and a glass of milk for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer before bed. In the morning Blake had a few presents to open however most were at ours so we didn't have to try and cart them around on the train.
This week we were glad that Blake could finally get out of isolation and back to school on the Friday. This meant that we were able to get out and about at the weekend.
Saturday was an early birthday celebration for Blake with a few of his friends at soft play. We were so glad that this was something that we didn't have to cancel as Blake was so excited to see his friends.
We then headed to Specsavers with Blake for an eye test. It went much better than we had expected it to go and are very proud of how he coped with it all. They want to see him again in 6 months time so he gets used to it and in hopes that they will be able to be able to do more tests and get a better look at his eyes.
*In collaboration with BBright
Boilers are an important part of keeping your home warm, especially this time of year. Boilers don't have an expiration date, however they can last up to approximately 15 years. Over time you may notice that your boiler doesn't work as well as it is meant to. There are some tell-tale signs that your boiler is on it's way out before it gives up completely. Today I am sharing with you about those tell-tale signs to look for.
By encouraging your child to look for the good in life and express gratitude on a regular basis, you will help them in a number of ways. For instance, they may feel more appreciative of the people around them and will therefore build stronger relationships. What’s more, they might feel more confident about their abilities and the support they have, encouraging them to take risks and overcome challenges more easily. They will become more empathetic towards those less fortunate. They may feel more optimistic about the future because they know that life is full of wonders. As you can see, there are lots of benefits to exploring gratitude with your child. If you’re wondering where to start, here are some tips from a prep school in Hertfordshire.
*This is a collaborative post
STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. When referencing STEM subjects, one is usually talking about a subject that falls under one of those four categories, like Biology, Psychology, Astronomy, or Coding, to name but a few. With so many career opportunities nowadays seeking applicants with STEM qualifications, you may want to consider ways you can explore these subjects with your child at home. I have teamed up with a secondary school in Bath to share some advice.
*This is a collaborative post
Most schools in the UK provide students with modern foreign language lessons and you may be looking for ways you can help your child. It can be quite daunting, particularly if you don’t speak the language yourself, but there are still lots of ways you can help. Here are some tips from a boarding school in Wiltshire…
Some of the items featured in this post include affiliate links. I’ve added a * next to those items for reference. Purchasing via these links does not cost you extra.
This month we've done a fair few things we went to a fireworks display, Illuminate Gainsborough event plus managed to get most of our Christmas present shopping done.
Netflix
The Chestnut Man
A figurine made of chestnuts is found at the scene of a grisly murder; from this creepy clue, two detectives hunt for a killer linked to a politician's missing child.
Disney +
We've been making our way through most of the Disney classics this month and Blake has really enjoyed them. Dumbo, 101 Dalmatians, The Aristocats and Lady & the tramp have been Blake's favourites so far.
*This is a collaborative post
Some children find science pretty boring, while others are completely fascinated by it. If given the right sort of encouragement, it’s highly likely that you can help your child find a love of science from an early age. There are lots of ways you can achieve this, as explored below by an independent school in Surrey.
*This is a collaborative guestpost
Far from being a politically correct gesture, the embracing of neurodiversity in the workplace brings with it a whole host of benefits, not only to society at large, but also to the many businesses that are engaged in the process. Before we move on to explain the benefits and offer advice on how to go about embracing neurodiversity it is worth offering a definition.
Neurodiversity defined
Judy Singer was a sociologist with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and it was she who coined the term "neurodiversity" in the late ‘90s. The term refers to the wide range of fluctuations in individual brain function and behavioural traits, considered part of normal variations within the population. Among those considered “neurodiverse” or “neurodivergent” are those with autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia and ADHD among other conditions.
Yesterday evening we headed out to a local event to commemorate Gainsborough’s 400th anniversary marking the town’s connections to Pilgrims’ heritage.
*This is a collaborative post on how artwork from Desenio has made a simple update to areas of our home.
I don't know about you but every now and again I like to change up some of the areas in our home. One of the most easiest way to do this is with wall art. Artwork really completes a space and can actually make a big difference to how the area looks.
Remember, Remember the 5th of November.
This year we decided to take Blake to our local bonfire night event. We have avoided going to these events in the past as Blake is very sensitive to sounds and loud sounds can distress him.
However on Friday night we had sat out in the garden with our neighbour and her children watching the fireworks together and Blake absolutely loved it!
Image via: https://twitter.com/SamL17401277
Life can be crazy, particularly for any busy mothers out there. Whether you’re juggling your duty as a mum with your professional life or you’re at your wits end after a day exploring a local castle, being a mum can be tough and, on occasions, stressful. It happens to every mum.
Sequin Art has become a trend for both children and adults as a calming and de-stressing activity. You don't have to be artistic to do these sets but just have fun and do them at your own pace.
Everything you need is inside the boxes: sequins, pins, image/guide and a polystyrene frame to mount the sequins on. All you have to do is use the pins to fix the sequins to the frame, following the guide to create your sparkling design.
*This is a collaborative guestpost
Welcome to Antalya, a seaside resort on the shores of the Mediterranean, an earthly paradise and the capital of the Turkish Riviera. The 9th largest city in Turkey has a rich history, natural beauty, intense topography, and it is no coincidence that it hosts over 11 million visitors from around the world annually. As the fourth most popular city in the world, Antalya is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world that offers you a unique experience.
Some of the items featured in this post include affiliate links. I’ve added a * next to those items for reference. Purchasing via these links does not cost you extra.
There is something about lollipops as a child. Especially the large colourful ones that you spot in shop windows. Blake spotted a picture of one on the side of a local sweet shop and the joy on his face when we said yes filled me with nostalgia from my childhood and wanting the same sort of lollipop.
It brought back that feeling of being a child and so wanting the sugary treat. I remember getting one from a cousin one year as she had been travelling and came home with ones for my sister and I from when she went to Disney World. I remember how as a child they looked huge and was such a treat for us to have. I can't remember if I ever did finish it but I do remember it being just as bright and colourful as the one Blake got.
*This is a collaborative post
In the UK, it’s easy to forget that there is life outside of London.
But while the nation’s capital may have international attention, the humble city of Leeds has been ranked the best place to live and work in the north of England, and is ranked as the 12th best city overall! This vibrant, exciting metropolis has risen in popularity over the last few years, attracting businesses, families and professionals from all over the country.
*This is a collaborative post
Learning an instrument isn’t just about being able to perform a piece of music; there are many other skills that youngsters can learn through musical hobbies. With this in mind, there’s certainly no reason why you shouldn’t encourage your child to learn an instrument, as long as it’s something that interests them. I have teamed up with a private school in Gerrards Cross to explore the benefits of learning an instrument below…
*This is a collaborative post
Critical thinking skills are an important aspect of a child’s educational development. They are essentially what allow us to analyse and compare our existing knowledge with new information to form a logical conclusion. So, critical thinking skills help us make decisions, come up with a line of argument and resolve conflict. With this in mind, you may be wondering how you can help your child develop their critical thinking skills. Here are some tips from a senior school in Northwood.
*This is a collaborative post
The great outdoors is abundant with a range of learning opportunities for children, and its something that parents should encourage where possible. So many of us are worried about the amount of time our kids spend playing on their phones and games consoles, so getting them out and about is a great way to give them a much-needed digital detox. I have teamed up with an international school in Hertfordshire to share the benefits of outdoor learning.
*This is a collaborative post*
Maintaining an optimistic attitude can be challenging at times, even for the most upbeat of people. However, it’s a valuable mindset to possess because it helps us find contentment and overcome difficulties with a positive approach. With that said, parents should try and find ways to instil a sense of optimism in their children, using the following tips from a girls’ prep school in Surrey.
*This is a collaborative post*
Baking your favourite treats
A wonderful activity to do with kids when it is raining outside is baking. Trade those screens for spatulas and bake your favourite sugary treats. Think about pumpkin spice cookies; a lovely treat for tea.
Your home will smell like a real bakery and your kids’ bellies will be full and happy. If you want to make it a full-day activity, make that layered cake that you’ve always dreamed of! Invite some friends or family and treat them to your masterpiece.
Start a crafting project
A good way to stimulate your kids’ creative ability is to start a crafting project. Prepare well and find a project that is suitable for you and your child(ren). Get all the materials you need at the art supply store and start crafting.
The past two weeks have been a bit all over the place. I've had an awful sore throat on and off still, but made sure we went to soft play on Saturday 2nd October as Blake had been asking to go. We actually had a great time there minus a little hiccup when Blake lashed out at another child. But other than that he loved running around and burning off energy. Whilst we were out and about I managed to stop via Greggs to grab a pumpkin spiced latte. I must admit they are one of my favourite autumn drinks.
*This is a collaborative post*
Home improvements can be the secret to making your humble abode feel good as new.
Unfortunately, though it may be cheaper (and less effort) than moving house, it can come with a hefty price tag of its own and cause chaos.
It’s better than the alternative right? And thankfully home improvement doesn’t need to be nearly as high maintenance as you might think. Whilst some of these five products will require a little DIY skill, others will yield instant improvement – take a look and find out how you can transform your home.
*This is a collaborative post*
The internet is populated with famous names setting trends across industries, whether its fashion, makeup or interior design.
There are major misconceptions about how much money these individuals make – while there are many making five-figure sums for single posts, others generate very little revenue and simply create content for the love of it.
Many of these are micro-influencers – creators with follower counts of a mere(-ish) five or six figures. They aren’t working on big budgets, minus a PR package here and there, but many of them are running widely followed interior design accounts that inspire countless homemakers.
Whether you dream of being a trendsetter or simply want your home to resemble an Insta-ready haven, these are just a few secrets of social media stars and how they perfect their palaces.