OUT OF TOWN
Weekend Getaway: A Cotswold gem, the historic Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Surrounded by lush hilly greens, Sudeley Castle is perfectly placed in a lovely valley in Gloucestershire, England. It is an absolutely stunning area of the UK and after our recent babymoon weekend away (with all four of us before we become a family five!) I wanted to share our trip with you. Sudeley Castle & ...
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BOOKS
Nell & the Circus of Dreams -- an inspiring book about dreams coming true
For seven years I have been to the most magical and inspiring summertime event in the UK called Gifford's Circus. I wrote about our family trip to Gifford's Circus last year, (if you live in the UK, book tickets today! It is truly amazing!!!). And last weekend, as our last holiday as a family of four ...
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TUESDAY TIPS
Tuesday Tips: Enjoy some extra sleep with a homemade 'Surprise Station'
Our children are really good at entertaining themselves at home, but it seems the minute we go away on a mini weekend break, or even for longer, they wake up earlier, with more energy and excitement! I get it, it's the excitement of being somewhere new, but man is it exhausting! Now that our kids ...
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PREGNANCY
Maternity products -- a few little luxuries and some practical tips too!
When you are pregnant with your third child, you just have less 'me' time. So instead of getting new and lovely items for your pregnancy, you inherit hand-me-down maternity clothes from friends, you pull out some of your old clothes from storage, and you make do -- which is a great way to recycle and ...
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PREGNANCY
Baby on Board -- helpful badge of honour for pregnant mamas?
I have taken this little simple badge for granted until recently when one of my American friends was visiting. She was so impressed that mums-to-be in London get to have these pins to wear while commuting so they can easily get a seat, and have a rest. It is the Baby on Board badge. Have ...
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LONDON CITY GUIDE
Circus Sauce -- the UK's only roaming outdoor restaurant
Circus Sauce Restaurant is one of the most enjoyable family dining experiences and meals we have had in a while. Set under a tent, with long banquet style tables, the food is served family style. All items are seasonal and everything is prepared from scratch. Supporting all the local smallholdings, loyalty boxes, farms, fishmongers, butchers and ...
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PREGNANCY
Why a home birth is not my first choice...
I am now 38 weeks pregnant, and I just visited the midwife at our Birth Centre last week to discuss my Birth Plan. I am in full-on preparing and nesting mode! And the top item on the list, is, of course, having the baby! The midwife said I was a good candidate for a home birth ...
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BIRTHDAY PARTIES
An Art Adventure Party for Beatrice's 6th Birthday
Beatrice had her sights set on a special sixth birthday celebration. She wanted to 'Paint the Town Red', and have a A London Art Adventure. The party started by taking the red number 6 bus (for our 6-year-old) with a few friends to Trafalgar Square then going to one of her favourite museums, The National Gallery. It ...
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RECIPES
Eton Mess -- a classic English summertime dessert
Eton Mess is a family favourite. My daughter refers to it as 'Messy Mash' and that is exactly what it is. A delicious, sweet, fruity bowl of soft and fluffy meringue bits with juicy berries and delectable whipped cream! We have taken this tradition, and given it a twist adding more berries. But the history ...
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CRAFTS AND DIY
Blown Easter Eggs -- a lovely yearly tradition and beautiful decoration too
Every year, for as long as I can remember since my childhood, we have had a tradition of beautiful spring branches covered in blooms with blown eggs to welcome spring in our home. An Easter Egg tree essentially! A great way to welcome the new season and bring colours indoors. Growing up, we had a ...
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RECIPES
Bunny Cake -- fun for Easter celebrations and birthdays too!
We recently celebrated a friend's birthday, and surprised them with this fun bunny cake. It is perfect for any Spring celebration, especially Easter, and actually very simple to make. You choose your favourite ingredients, and then simply follow our tips for decorating! Even less adventurous bakers or cake-makers can replicate this idea with success. You ...
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WEEKEND GETAWAYS
Weekend Getaway: The Cynefin Retreat in Wales
Make hay while the sun shines! On our recent weekend getaway, we did just that. We went to wonderful Wales, and enjoyed every ounce of sunshine, nature, and fresh country air. A completely relaxing holiday, which left us fully recharged -- no easy task for a family of four with a pregnant mama! Our home ...
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RECIPES
Carrot Salad -- a perfect Spring & Easter dish for the family
I have been craving carrots this pregnancy. Interesting, huh? But instead of my usual carrot sticks with lunch, I decided to try something new. And this salad is ready in just a few minutes and is undoubtedly the Best Carrot Salad EVER! Packed with tonnes of healthy items, it is simply delicious and nutritious. Also ...
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CRAFTS AND DIY
Easy Homemade Easter Stamps - Hoppy Bunnies & Eggsellent Egg Cards
This is my favourite new reuse of recycled toilet rolls, loo rolls, kitchen rolls or paper towel rolls...whatever you prefer to call them! It's super simple and great for Easter bunnies and eggs! We used one paper towel roll to make two bunnies and two egg stamps ... which can make millions of cards. But ...
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CRAFTS AND DIY
Quick as a Bunny -- a fast and easy Easter craft for all your bunnies!
Hop into the Easter mood with these very simple and sweet Spring Easter Bunny Headbands. Using only paper and glue, they are 100% handmade, and fun for kids of all ages to make and wear. They take 5 minutes to make, so you can easily make them for a whole group of kids too! Of ...
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BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Little Robot Birthday Party -- a fun theme for a 3-year-old
Joseph is three and to celebrate we had a little party for him and his friends. He has a few simple passions, and loves the idea of robots, painting, the colour orange, eating fruit, and how things work. So that is just what we did -- a little robot party, with orange decor, handprinted invites, ...
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EAT
The Tiger Who Came to Tea -- a 50th anniversary afternoon tea at The Savoy, London
The Tiger Who Came to Tea is a famous children's story in the UK. I did not grow up with this book, but it is truly part of the culture here, and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. So what better way to celebrate a British book than with an afternoon tea for children? And The ...
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FASHION
Indoi -- slow fashion for women -- maternity and breastfeeding friendly too!
Buying better and buying less for my wardrobe is something I have not yet perfected but am attempting to make a real effort at. But often fast fashion seems easier, especially with a growing bump, unless you can find well-made pieces that evolve and grow with you -- silhouettes that have flexibility and are long-lasting, ...
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BOOKS
Witchfairy -- a book about being brave and finding your place in the world
Witchfairy by Brigitte Minne and Carll Cneut is a new favourite book in our house. This is a book about finding your own place in the world, and I can't imagine any child wouldn't like the delightful messages in this book. An adventurous and brave daughter fairy who has an independent and curious spirit questions her ...
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CRAFTS AND DIY
Embroidered Name Shirts -- a great DIY craft and gift too!
This may be my new favourite gift to make -- personalised and hand embroidered shirts! I have now created shirts with both monograms and full first names, and they are always so well received! And I often do pairs of them so siblings can each wear one. Embroidery is really very simple, and you do ...
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RECIPES
Fluffy & Moist Homemade Cornbread
I love cornbread, but it is not a common food in the U.K. I recently had a craving (hello, pregnancy!) and got cooking! This American cornbread recipe is super moist and a little sweet, with a light and fluffy texture. The edges are just a little bit crispy-crunchy, which is a result of using a ...
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RECIPES
Valentine's Cookies --Jammy Dodgers with Lovehearts!
Do you know what Jammy Dodgers are? Well I didn't until I moved to the UK, and they are too cute not to share. You can buy them in packages, but I loved the ideas of homemade ones. Basically they are a jam cookie sandwich, with a jewel like centre and a vanilla or shortbread ...
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PREGNANCY
New Baby, New Year -- Pregnancy after a Miscarriage
At 26 weeks, it's time to share the news that we are having a baby! Yes, I am pregnant, and baby number three is on the way. We are very excited that a beautiful little being will join us soon... a new year, a new baby! We have always wanted this moment. New life is always worth ...
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