5 June 2023
Enhancing Balance and Coordination in Toddlers As toddlers grow and begin to explore the world around them, the development of balance and coordination becomes a crucial aspect of their physical […]
organising, decorating, DIY
31 May 2023
Engaging Activities for Developing Skillful Hands Fine motor skills are crucial for the development of small muscle groups in the hands and fingers. These skills play a significant role in […]
2 February 2021
Spending time outdoors with your child is beneficial to both you and them. If you have a garden with trees or a nearby woodland, then I recommend building a den. […]
8 October 2015
As the mornings and evenings start darkening and the weather turns crisp and cold, my thoughts turn to chunky jerseys, thick leggings and woolen socks. Out come the beanies and […]
17 July 2015
We’re Going to See Hetty Feather! Being big Jacqueline Wilson fans, we jumped at the chance to go and see and review the stage adaptation of Hetty Feather, one of […]
11 June 2015
A Photo book is a beautiful way to keep and share your memories! I am the official memory keeper in my family. I love being able to look back at […]
11 June 2015
Ideas for using Balloons… (other than simply blowing them up). Balloons are not only delightful decorations for parties and events but also versatile objects that offer various uses and opportunities […]
1 June 2015
Leaving your little one at home with a babysitter can be a very scary and anxiety causing event. I know it took me a long time before I was comfortable […]
30 May 2015
When you’re pregnant, people excuse you those many lapses of memory and cognitive function. They call it ‘baby brain’. When you still can’t figure out which way to turn a […]
14 May 2015
The funniest kid in fiction is back! Follow his life’s ups and downs told through laugh-out-loud letters, emails, texts and more! This is the first time I have read a […]
3 April 2015
Holiday Travel can be simple. If you are like me and you have several children, holidays in the school holidays can be a little bit expensive. However, the price I’ve […]
16 March 2015
Another Superb book by Jacqueline Wilson! My daughter is a big fan of Jacqueline Wilson and has read many of her more recent books. At Christmas she was given The […]
10 March 2015
We love books in our home. In particular, books for children. Through my years as a teacher, I collected a large and varied selection of picture books, beginner reader and […]
7 March 2015
We all want to spoil and treat our children on their birthdays but sometimes it’s not always possible. If money is tight and your child’s birthday is on the way, […]
4 March 2015
I’ve never met anyone who does not like or love the children’s book The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. It has been a favourite in our home for the last 8 […]
28 February 2015
How to make a Gruffalo cake My son wanted a Gruffalo cake for his 4th birthday. It was such fun to make and far easier than I expected! It was […]
27 February 2015
Toddler activities can become repetitive and mundane when you’re stuck at home. With the cold wet weather encouraging us to stay warm and indoors it is no wonder the youngest […]
23 February 2015
What little guy doesn’t enjoy playing dress up as a superhero? When my son was almost 5, he informed me that he wanted a superhero dress up party for his […]
21 February 2015
A great theme! When my daughter turned 7, she wanted a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party or Alice in Wonderland party. She had recently watched the film and read the book […]
24 January 2015
When my daughter turned 3, we decided to have a Teddy Bear’s Picnic party. She has loved her bear since very young and it just seemed a really cute and […]
31 December 2014
As a child I always thought staying up late and going out on New Year was so exciting and cool. Then as a child-free young adult I got to go […]
24 December 2014
Well, Christmas eve arrived and was the usual flurry of activity. We attended the Crib service at church and then had our annual Christmas Eve concert at home with friends […]
23 December 2014
This festive season my children were invited to a Kids Christmas party at their cousins. Ages ranged from 6 month old twins to my almost 9 year old daughter. Ages […]
22 December 2014
We had the most wonderful time attending the Cinderella Pantomime at the Hexagon theatre in Reading. Here is the link: Hexagon Theatre Cinderella Pantomime Today’s festive treat brought by Jingle […]
18 December 2014
The adventures of Jingle, Our Christmas Elf Day 18 3 Little Pretend Elves During the night , Jingle crept into my boys bedroom. They had chosen to sleep together on […]
17 December 2014
The Adventures of Jingle, Our Christmas Elf, day 17 Jellybeans for breakfast anyone? We were led on a bit of a hunt this morning by a series of messages Jingle […]
16 December 2014
The Adventures of Jingle, Our Christmas Elf Day 16 A letter to Santa Jingle thought it about time we wrote our letter to Santa. So when we found him this […]
16 December 2014
Get a circular wreath shape. There are ones made from florists foam, willow sticks, polystyrene, and plastic. All you need to make sure of is that it can have wires […]
14 December 2014
The Adventures of Jingle, our Christmas Elf – Day 14: Our sweet and generous Christmas elf was snuggled up inside one of the stockings that are hanging from the mantel […]
13 December 2014
The Adventures of Jingle, our Christmas Elf Day 13 Indoor Snowball Fight! Jingle was found sitting behind a huge pile of Snowballs in our lounge. The snowballs were soft, white […]
12 December 2014
The Adventures of Jingle , Our Christmas Elf Day 12 Today Jingle was found sitting on the windowsill in the kitchen inside a sleigh ornament. He had put Christmas hat […]
11 December 2014
The adventures of Jingle, our Christmas Elf, Day 11 How to stay on the NICE LIST At almost the half way mark, Jingle decided to remind us of some ways […]
10 December 2014
The adventures of Jingle, our Christmas Elf, Day 10 Wow! I can’t believe it’s already the 10th of December! I am embarrassed to confess I have done absolutely no Christmas […]
9 December 2014
The adventures of Jingle, Our Christmas Elf, Day 9 This morning Jingle made, what he called a ShoeShoe Train. This is essentially a row of shoes lined up and filled […]
8 December 2014
Jingle, our elf visitor, played it lo-key after his busy weekend and was found sitting at the top of our newly trimmed Christmas tree this morning. So instead of writing […]
7 December 2014
The Adventures of Jingle, Our Christmas Elf, Day 7 You know that cosy place when you’re dozing all warm in bed somewhere between awake and asleep? Well that is where […]
6 December 2014
The adventures of Jingle, our Christmas Elf, Day 6 Jingle was really sweet this morning. It was a really, extremely cold night and I guess he was too cold to […]
6 December 2014
How our elf has become an important Christmas tradition: When I decided that we would welcome an elf to our home as part of our Christmas celebrations and traditions, I […]
5 December 2014
The adventures of Jingle, our Christmas Elf, Day 5 Jingle was hanging off the mantel holding onto a silver coin and holding onto a candle when we found him. We […]
3 December 2014
The adventures of Jingle, our Christmas elf, Day 3 Bright and early I hear a shout. “There’s toilet paper everywhere! It’s going down the stairs!” and then “Mom! Come see […]
2 December 2014
The adventures of Jingle, our Christmas Elf, Day 2 I had forgotten that Jingles visits mean early morning wake ups! Our usual house rule is stay in your room or […]
1 December 2014
The Adventures of Jingle, our Christmas Elf, Day 1 It’s the first day of December and things are starting to get Christmassy over here. We arrived home from school to […]
28 November 2014
Have you got an excess of apples, or some sitting in the fruit bowl that are a little less firm than you like them? Turn them into this tasty loaf […]
27 November 2014
Betty Crocker cupcake box mix review I love to bake, I always make my cupcakes from scratch as they are so delicious and I am known for them in my […]
24 November 2014
Apples are such a versatile fruit. You can use them in chutneys, relishes, jams, cakes and drinks. Apples are often an important ingredient in many desserts, such as apple pie, […]
22 November 2014
Throwing a party for a group of children can be a daunting experience. This article highlights the do’s and don’t of throwing a birthday party for young children The whole […]
21 November 2014
The Pajama Elves URGENT DELIVERY by Hayden Edwards! Our family already enjoys the Christmas Elf tradition where an elf visits your home in the lead up to Christmas and gets […]
20 November 2014
What is your must have make up?
15 November 2014
It’s Children In Need fundraising time and my children’s school has asked that all to dress up as their hero or a superhero for the day. My youngest was the […]
14 November 2014
Family nights in together don’t have to be big fancy affairs! We try to do one a fortnight, on a Friday so that if we run a little late for […]
13 November 2014
All about a fairy party This was my daughter’s First birthday party. I wanted to do a really girly theme and settled on fairies as I found some sweet fairy […]
12 November 2014
We spent a crisp clear winter’s day driving and walking around Woburn Safari Park. We bought our tickets online so arrived and just had to show a booking reference. We […]
10 November 2014
15 child friendly advent calendar ideas Advent calendars can be any sort of count down you wish. Many people opt for the simple store bought chocolate calendars, but what if […]
8 November 2014
North Pole Breakfast A wonderful part of the Christmas Elf tradition is to have a North Pole breakfast . This is usually the first of December or the first weekend […]
7 November 2014
When in England, when the weather turns foul, head to a nearby museum..you won’t be disappointed. We’ve had a few less than outdoorsy weather days this week and in the […]
3 November 2014
These are really simple but effective candy cane decorations to make. Great for even your youngest child to help out with.
2 November 2014
Spending on a trick-or-treat bag to collect your Halloween treats can often feel like a waste of money. If you have not already got reusable buckets or fabric trick-or-treat […]
1 November 2014
Every year about a week or two before Halloween, we go pumpkin picking. Well, technically it’s not pumpkin picking, just choosing and buying as they are already cut from the […]
31 October 2014
Family Movie night can be such fun! Snuggling up on the couch in front of a warm fire and munching on popcorn and snacks is a fabulous way to spend […]
29 October 2014
13 Fantastic Face Paint ideas Gallery Does your child like having their face painted? Mine do. So much so that whenever we go to any festivals and fairs we end […]
27 October 2014
As autumn gets under way, pumpkins and squashes of all shapes and sizes seem to be filling the store veggie departments. Signs inviting me to pick my own pumpkins are […]
26 October 2014
Looking for some inspiration for your children’s Halloween costumes? Take a look at our picture gallery. These are my three kid’s costumes from the last 8 years. I always go […]
13 October 2014
Surprise your friends or family members with a little pre-prepared cookie mix gift in a jar. Home made gifts are always well recived. I often make gift in a jar […]
6 October 2014
Hidden Courgette Chocolate Cake My children are not fans of vegetables. I’m always disguising them in foods. Grating carrots or courgettes into bolognaise sauce, finely chopping onions into stews and […]
2 October 2014
I’m always looking for ways to create childhood magic for my children. I like to keep the fun, laughter, and silliness of being young alive for as long as possible, […]
1 October 2014
I like to make bran muffins for my children to have as break time snacks or for a quick filler after school. They already enjoy bran muffins with a […]
29 September 2014
Another courgette recipe? Yes! During the late summer and early autumn, I have a huge amount of courgettes growing in my garden. I always seem to plant to many […]
26 September 2014
Spinach Salad Spinach is well known for its nutritional qualities and has always been thought of as a plant credited with the ability to restore energy and improve the quality […]
24 September 2014
Meal planning – how to get started Save each week’s meal plans, especially the ones that have have worked well with recipes that have been the most popular, and you […]
15 September 2014
Ever thought of putting courgette in a muffin? Well you should. As odd as it sounds, the courgette barely adds flavour, at least in this recipe it is masked by […]
8 September 2014
If you’re anything like me, you too will hate having to make sandwiches for your families lunchboxes everyday! Cue a busy morning of dressing, feeding and making sure everyone […]
23 June 2014
During the world cup football, I wanted to teach my children a few things about the various countries participating in the event. Since it was being held in Brazil, i […]
22 June 2014
Spaghetti, a long, thin, cylindrical, solid pasta, is thought to have first been made in Sicily, Italy. Like other pasta types, spaghetti is made of milled wheat and water. Traditional […]
21 June 2014
Sometimes it is just not possible to get fancy with the evening meal. Busy days at school and work mean that often, a quick solution is needed. Here are some […]
22 April 2014
St George’s Day is a time to celebrate the patron saint of England. It’s a super excuse to enjoy or learn about some of England’s customs and traditions, and also […]
21 April 2014
The Victoria sponge or Victoria sandwich cake was named after Queen Victoria of Great Britain. It is believed that she enjoyed a slice of the sponge cake with her afternoon […]
15 April 2014
In this article I have ideas and hints for making those everyday chores a little easier and less yucky! And some of these are “why didn’t I think of that”!
8 April 2014
A modern day scone is a single-serving cake or quick bread. Scones are usually made of wheat, barley or oatmeal. Although many countries have their own version of a scone, […]
8 April 2014
Here are some great tips and ideas for making your time in the kitchen more economical. Some of these are just plain clever! Great Grating – Leave cheese for 15 […]
4 April 2014
Just when you thought you couldn’t enjoy chocolate any more than you already do, along comes an insanely delicious and decadent chocolate pudding recipe that has you swooning! Chocolate […]
3 April 2014
Whilst chatting to readers on social media, one of the mums, whose child has recently started school asked this question. I am now a mom to a son who goes […]
2 April 2014
At the end of the long summer days, when you are harvesting your cucumbers and you have more than you could possibly eat in a salads, what better way to […]
1 April 2014
I enjoy cooking. Ok, let’s qualify that. I like to cook for guests and entertaining. I’m am bored senseless by cooking for the kids everyday. My children don’t have adventurous […]
27 March 2014
My LO is turning one on Saturday. I have no idea what to do. I didn’t plan on anything other than a cake, a hat, balloon and a photograph (given […]
26 March 2014
Everyone has a least favourite household chore. Mine, along with ironing, is cleaning bathrooms. There is something about cleaning up after everyone’s mess in the bathroom that really bugs me. […]
25 March 2014
What a super fruit! Deliciously sweet with a firm and creamy flesh, bananas come ready packaged in their own skins and are freely available year round. Easy to eat from […]
22 March 2014
Packed lunches can be very stressful for a busy parent and often the easier option is to order a school dinner. But what do you do if you have a […]
21 March 2014
The skies are bluer, the breeze is warmer, the flowers are blooming and cute, cuddly baby creatures are being born. Along with all these marvelous changes to our environment, it […]
19 March 2014
This cookie recipe is truly a miracle cookie recipe. I had never used a cake mix to make cookies before and can’t believe how simple and quick and fuss free […]
17 March 2014
My older boy just turned 6 and for his special day he wanted a Minion Party based on the Minions from the movie Despicable Me. Here are some ideas to […]
17 March 2014
Mother’s Day is an annual holiday that recognizes mothers and motherhood and is set aside so that families can show their appreciation and gratitude for their mothers.
16 March 2014
My son recently had a birthday and for his special day he wanted a Minion Party based on the Minions from the movie Despicable Me. Here are some decorating ideas […]
15 March 2014
My gorgeous middle child just turned 6 and for his special day he wanted a Minion Party based on the Minions from the movie Despicable Me. Here are some ideas […]
25 February 2014
Here is a quick kids meal for those rushed after school days. It uses a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your store cupboard or fridge. Add […]
7 February 2014
We asked parents how they managed flying long distance with small babies and toddlers and compiled a list of tried and tested ideas. Flying with babies can be especially daunting. […]
5 February 2014
It can’t get simpler than this. A paper heart for any occasion from Valentines Day to just a everyday show of love, this love heart is sure to please the […]
10 December 2013
When you have small children, it can be difficult to create a fun and child appropriate Christmas eve celebration. Make Christmas eve a special and entertaining one for the whole […]
1 December 2013
Very few poeple I know don’t enjoy gingerbread. My children like to make gingerbread,m but only if they get to use the cookie cutters and create shapes out of the […]
1 December 2013
Do you have a stash of leftover bits from wrapping paper? Don’t like to throw them out but have no idea what to do with them? In this article I […]
23 November 2013
Mella’s Makings – providing beautiful handmade gifts that will bring a smile to the faces of those you love! Embroidered Keepsake Hearts, Bunting, Cushions, Lavender Bags, Christmas Decorations and many […]
20 November 2013
Now this one really is made for an emergency at Christmas – when all your guests have gobbled up the other cakes and biscuits. You may also prefer this as […]
19 October 2013
Are you tired of the usual carrot left for the reindeer? Tired of answering the “Do the reindeer come inside to eat the carrots?” question. The “why do we only […]
1 January 2013
After the excitement of unwrapping all those gifts on Christmas morning, how can you make the thrill of all those new items last? Organising your Christmas toys This article explores […]
15 December 2012
If our last list of ideas wasn’t enough to get you started, here are 25 more!
5 December 2012
Ever wondered what all the decorations mean and why we use them to decorate our homes at Christmas? Here are some of the more common symbols of Christmas and why they are used… […]
19 October 2012
A friend recently had a Facebook status asking for ideas about starting Christmas traditions with her 2 year old son. So I literally spewed all my family traditions into her […]
12 October 2012
Read here to find out how to move home successfully with toddlers, how to prepare them for the move and getting them to help. Moving is a stressful experience for […]
16 October 2011
I make no apologies, this Christmas cake has been in print for over 21 years. I have been making this cake since 1994. Over the years I have adapted […]
29 September 2011
Autumn is a lovely transitional time of year when the fresh colours of summer give way to all things red, orange, golden and brown. I adore how the landscape changes […]
19 May 2011
Every parent wants to ensure that their child is healthy. How do we do this? By making sure that they eat from each food group each day. Healthy Eating for […]
13 April 2011
I love to bake with my children. It is a lovely way to spend time together. It is a valuable teaching possibility and you end up with something delicious you […]
1 February 2011
Valentine’s Day is often considered a more adult celebration. But it need not be. Have some lovey dovey fun making hearts, homemade heart shaped cookies or sweets and decorating the table […]
30 January 2011
A good balance of your time is needed for work, goals, recreation, and relaxation. Take a close look at your daily routine, examine your findings and come up with a […]
20 December 2010
Are you having a Christmas Party? Here are a few cheap and easy ideas to keep the little ones amused and having fun.
20 December 2010
There is nothing as wonderful as walking into a home literally smelling of Christmas! These can even be used as a gift-in-a-jar present and are cheaper then buying Christmas oils […]
19 December 2010
Christmas can be a stressful time for those who are hosting or organising a Christmas event. One of the things that should be fun, it styling your home for Christmas. […]
18 December 2010
This is especially for all those enjoying the snow and who need something to keep them warm on those chilly nights…And it makes a nice alternative to mulled wine. Spiced Cider […]
17 December 2010
This is a really Quick Christmas Fruitcake for all of us who are rushed off our feet and haven’t found the time to do the Traditional “thing” — or couldn’t […]
14 December 2010
Here are some great Christmas decorating ideas to make this Christmas just that more special for your kids and family.
13 December 2010
The kiddies will love making these in all sizes and shapes. They smell really great and look gorgeous on your tree…and if anyone is really starving after Christmas lunch, they […]
12 December 2010
For all chocolate lovers and reluctant bakers…this brownie mix is such a lovely gift to give at Christmas! Spend a little time layering the ingredients so that they look attractive […]
11 December 2010
What would Christmas be without some genuine Scottish Shortbread to nibble on? Here is a delicious and simple shortbread mix to prepare in advance for your own home baking or […]
11 December 2010
I love baking with my children. Measuring and weighing, chopping, mixing and decorating our home bakes make for a fun and educational activity. It also gives us special time. We […]
10 December 2010
This yummy chocolate is just what is needed for the cold winter days. Make a jar ahead of time to for your family to enjoy, or as a special treat […]
9 December 2010
Here’s a great gift for those Moms who did so much cooking, baking and decorating for Christmas. A wonderful way to relax after all the guests have gone home. 1. Coloured […]
8 December 2010
People always appreciate gifts that are thoughtful, home made and unique. That is what makes this Gift-in-a-Jar something different and special. For the nut lover , this is an especially decadent […]
8 December 2010
I’s only Twelve days until Christmas. Here are 12 fun things to do with your children. One for each day from now til Christmas Eve. Let the Christmas countdown begin! […]
7 December 2010
Making beautiful Christmas Gift in a Jar presents is fun, inexpensive and very unique. The kids (of all ages) can really get involved with this and make Christmas giving even […]
6 December 2010
Fruity Apple Raisin Christmas Stuffing 3/4 cup of minced onion 1 1/2 cups of chopped celery 1 cup of butter 7 cups of soft bread cubes 1 tablespoon of salt […]
20 October 2010
Good ideas fromAmazingMoms.com – to which I have added my own points. Combine dressing up in costumes with free candy and you create a kid friendly holiday! Although Halloween is […]
8 August 2010
Make a tasty, edible goldfish bowl that will be a great hit with your toddlers. Age group: 2+ years What you need: Blue jelly or gelatin and blue food colouring. […]
1 August 2010
After going to a pick-your-own farm to pick strawberries, why not make your own jam? Here is a recipe for NO COOK Strawberry Jam. Let your child mash the berries […]
24 July 2010
It’s exciting when your baby starts eating solid foods. But, just as there are foods you like or dislike, there will be foods they like and ones they don’t. That […]
23 July 2010
Get baking with your toddlers this holiday and make these incredibly simple yet scrummy brownies… So yum, they may not even have enough time to cool down before they disappear! […]
16 July 2010
Your baby’s introduction to “baby food” will set his tastes and favourites for many years to come. So when should you start? The best time to wean your baby onto […]
15 July 2010
You know how you get stickers that you can scratch and sniff? Well here is my version of fun and smelly homemade paints! Well technically it’s not homemade paints, but […]
14 July 2010
This yummy fruity banana recipe is perfect for the summer while Strawberries are in abundance…try it with other berries too! Preheat oven to 375° F. PASTRY 1 1/3 cups flour […]
10 July 2010
For many parents, the idea of six weeks of summer holidays is terrifying. How will you keep your children amused and happy? What can you do to make sure they […]
29 May 2010
Feel like a grown-up drink with the ladies but worried about your unborn baby or the quality of your milk whilst breast feeding? Try these delicious cocktails that look the part […]
24 May 2010
Here’s a fun dessert recipe to try after a day working in the garden and digging up bugs, worms and other creepy crawlies…or just because it’s fun to be icky! […]
14 May 2010
Fussy eaters can be a worry, especially if your child refuses to eat. BUT it is worth knowing that it is extremely rare for a child to starve themselves! In […]
28 April 2010
Banana and chocolate are a great combination, so why not try these scrummy banana chocolate muffins as an alternative to the usual chocolate muffin? OK, so the picture definitely does […]
26 April 2010
Personally I don’t need any excuses to eat either chocolate or strawberries, so this decedant dessert is perfect for me…and I’d wager, some of you find the combination very appealing […]
21 April 2010
This recipe makes around 12 delicious muffins so you will probably need to double it to keep everyone happy. Why not use it to make Muffin baskets for friends and family […]
15 April 2010
What better way is there to get your little ones thinking about our planet than by filling a week with activities about it. We have put together some practical ideas […]
20 March 2010
These adorable chicks are a great way to celebrate Springtime.
15 March 2010
St. Patrick’s Day remembers the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. This public holiday has grown into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special Irish foods, […]
28 February 2010
Saint David’s Day is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1 March each year.
15 February 2010
Here are some pancake fillings to try this Pancake Tuesday. From savoury to sweet, I am sure you will find some to make your pancake day especially yummy.
14 February 2010
It’s nearly pancake Day, so with that in mind, we have put together some fabulous pancake recipes that can be enjoyed for breakfast lunch or dinner…as starters, main meals or […]
