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parenting blog

#MySundaySnapshot

#MySundaySnapshot this week is (one of many) out takes from our annual trip to photograph the oldest (Bluebell) in bluebells. We've photographed her in the same bluebell wood in Bushy Park, next to Hampton Court Palace, every year since she was born, making this year [...]

5 reasons to fly from Luton Airport

Planning your next holiday? Wondering if it’s worth travelling from one of London’s smaller airports instead of sticking to the likes of Gatwick and Heathrow? Then read on! Luton Airport is 28 miles from Central London and offers everything from city breaks to all-inclusive family [...]

10 things they don’t tell you about the first week of parenting

So the new royal baby has finally arrived. Within minutes of the announcement my inbox was inundated with pre-prepared press releases and commentary from parenting brands and experts, all hoping for a slice of the royal baby action. Such advice is all well and good [...]

What Channel 4’s When I Grow Up has taught me about parenting

'Children can only aspire to what they already know exists'. That's one of (many) thought-provoking quotes from Channel 4's latest fly-on-the-wall documentary about kids, When I Grow Up. And it's one that's given me food for thought ever since I heard it. If you haven't [...]

#MySundaySnapshot

#MySundaySnaphot comes from our allotment for the second week running, where everything is on the brink of bursting into flower and fruit. In the foreground our strawberries have lots of white flowers on and even some little green strawberries emerging, and in the background the [...]

Breast vs bottle: why do we get so mad?

So the latest research from the World Health Organisation on the benefits of breastfeeding over bottle feeding has caused a hoo-hah. Again. And the World Health Organisation has been lambasted simply for reporting the facts. Again. It all started when the results of a new [...]

12 tried & tested ways to zap nits & head lice (without losing the plot)

One in 10. That’s how many primary school children have head lice in the UK at any one time if the latest statistics are to be believed. Which is enough to make your skin (or head) crawl if you think about it long enough. Despite [...]

How to achieve your financial goals in 5 easy steps

Got something you’re saving up for? Something you want to buy or see or do, but not sure how to achieve it due to the small matter of finances? We’re currently in the process of saving up to renovate our flat, something that’s easier said [...]

#MySundaySnapshot

#MySundaySnapshot this week comes from our allotment, where everything has gone a bit bonkers since the heatwave over Easter weekend. Things that shouldn't be out are out, things that should be out have finished, and at this rate summer will be over before it's even [...]

10 things I wish I’d known about co-sleeping

Seven years. That’s how long we’ve been co-sleeping for – sometimes with one, sometimes with two and sometimes with all three kids in our bed. And it turns out there’s a lot they don’t tell you about co-sleeping. Exactly what they don’t tell you about [...]

5 simple ways to give your home a makeover

Planning on giving your home a makeover this year? Got lots of ideas but not sure where to start? Me too! It’s been six months since we became home owners for the first time and after breathing a new lease of life into the most [...]

8 golden rules for sun safety in childhood

Did you know that getting sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer? And that sunburn in childhood dramatically increases the chance of skin cancer in later life? Those are among the sobering statistics [...]

#MySundaySnapshot

#MySundaySnapshot this week comes courtesy of my super talented cousin Jackie at Pampered Nails by Jackie, who helped the oldest and I get Easter ready by painting our nails this week. Aren't they cute? When we discovered we could have actual bunnies on our nails I'm [...]

Getting Easter ready with Smiggle

Looking for an alternative to chocolate eggs this Easter? Or perhaps you’re after just one more treat for little people ahead of the big day? Either way, Smiggle could be the answer! If you’re a regular follower of the blog you’ll know we’re big fans [...]

5 alternative Easter gifts for wine-loving mums

Forget chocolate. Come Easter Sunday there’s going to be plenty of that when the kids open their eggs (and let’s face it, it’s not like they notice if you break a bit off when they’re not looking). If you’re on the hunt for a gift [...]