18th November 2016

We've reached the halfway point of this pregnancy! At 20 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of an endive! She (yes, it's a girl!) is roughly 10 inches long and weighs about 10.5 ounces. I'll explain more about the jump in her length further on. Here's what's been going on during my twentieth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

20 weeks pregnant woman in 30s with dark brown hair wearing black and white stripey top holding bump with one hand and smiling

Pregnancy Diary: Second Trimester - 20 Weeks

18th November 2016

We've reached the halfway point of this pregnancy! At 20 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of an endive! She (yes, it's a girl!) is roughly 10 inches long and weighs about 10.5 ounces. I'll explain more about the jump in her length further on. Here's what's been going on during my twentieth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

20 weeks pregnant woman in 30s with dark brown hair wearing black and white stripey top holding bump with one hand and smiling
Jenni from Chilling with Lucas has tagged me to answer a few questions about our year.


The (Not Big or Fat) Quiz of the Year!

Jenni from Chilling with Lucas has tagged me to answer a few questions about our year.


When you think of pregnancy symptoms, a few come to mind straight away. Morning sickness for a start, a growing tummy, cravings. But what about the night time? No one really tells you that night time can be a whole other ball game! Now that I am over half way through my pregnancy, I am noticing more and more symptoms that occur during the evening and during the night. Perhaps it is because I am so busy during the day, that I am kept occupied and often distracted. I've been working with Secret Saviours as one of their brand ambassadors and they thought it would be a great idea to share some of the things I have been dealing with during the wee hours (no pun intended)! Can any of you mamas relate?

Bump in the night... A pregnancy confessional!

When you think of pregnancy symptoms, a few come to mind straight away. Morning sickness for a start, a growing tummy, cravings. But what about the night time? No one really tells you that night time can be a whole other ball game! Now that I am over half way through my pregnancy, I am noticing more and more symptoms that occur during the evening and during the night. Perhaps it is because I am so busy during the day, that I am kept occupied and often distracted. I've been working with Secret Saviours as one of their brand ambassadors and they thought it would be a great idea to share some of the things I have been dealing with during the wee hours (no pun intended)! Can any of you mamas relate?

11th November 2016

At 19 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a courgette! She (yes, it's a girl!) is roughly 6 inches long and weighs about 8.5 ounces. I'm really feeling the strain of my changing shape now. Here's what's been going on during my nineteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Pregnancy Diary: Second Trimester - 19 Weeks

11th November 2016

At 19 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a courgette! She (yes, it's a girl!) is roughly 6 inches long and weighs about 8.5 ounces. I'm really feeling the strain of my changing shape now. Here's what's been going on during my nineteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Last month I was busy visiting local schools ready for when Little N starts reception next year. One thing that really stood out was when a headteacher of one of the schools was talking about their use of technology, and how our children would grow up to do jobs that hadn't even been created yet, because technology is moving and developing so quickly. Even now Little N is learning about coding and he is only in nursery! 

Review: Hands on coding with Cubetto

Last month I was busy visiting local schools ready for when Little N starts reception next year. One thing that really stood out was when a headteacher of one of the schools was talking about their use of technology, and how our children would grow up to do jobs that hadn't even been created yet, because technology is moving and developing so quickly. Even now Little N is learning about coding and he is only in nursery! 

You might remember a few weeks ago I showed you a gorgeous breton striped maternity jumper that Jojo Maman Bebe had sent me; if you missed it, you can take a peek here! This time, I'm showing you another of the tops that was in the package of beautiful maternity wear: their fabulous adjustable rouched top.

Mama Style: Jojo Maman Bebe Adjustable Rouched Maternity Top

You might remember a few weeks ago I showed you a gorgeous breton striped maternity jumper that Jojo Maman Bebe had sent me; if you missed it, you can take a peek here! This time, I'm showing you another of the tops that was in the package of beautiful maternity wear: their fabulous adjustable rouched top.

Is there anything better than getting lost in a book? Getting completely wrapped up in the magic of a story? I have always had a love for books and it is something that I want my children to love as well. They love being read to, especially at bedtime, and we were sent these lovely three books from Penguin Random House and Britmums just in time for Christmas.

The magic of books for Christmas

Is there anything better than getting lost in a book? Getting completely wrapped up in the magic of a story? I have always had a love for books and it is something that I want my children to love as well. They love being read to, especially at bedtime, and we were sent these lovely three books from Penguin Random House and Britmums just in time for Christmas.

Preparing for the birth of your baby is an exciting time, but it can sometimes feel a bit daunting. Even though I am expecting my third baby, like a lot of mums I still have worries. My second birth experience was a straightforward natural birth so you would think I'd take it all in my stride. But my first birth experience was a very scary, very traumatic category 1 emergency caesarean section. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with what happened, and if I'm completely honest, I don't think I will ever truly get over it. I've been advised to plan for a home birth for this baby, which I love the idea of, but I can't help thinking, "what if this birth goes like the first?" That's why I've decided to do Natal Hypnotherapy's Online Hypnobirthing Class.

Why hypnobirthing with Natal Hypnotherapy is right for me

Preparing for the birth of your baby is an exciting time, but it can sometimes feel a bit daunting. Even though I am expecting my third baby, like a lot of mums I still have worries. My second birth experience was a straightforward natural birth so you would think I'd take it all in my stride. But my first birth experience was a very scary, very traumatic category 1 emergency caesarean section. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with what happened, and if I'm completely honest, I don't think I will ever truly get over it. I've been advised to plan for a home birth for this baby, which I love the idea of, but I can't help thinking, "what if this birth goes like the first?" That's why I've decided to do Natal Hypnotherapy's Online Hypnobirthing Class.

Music has always been a huge passion of mine. Before I had my children, I used to go to a gig or festival at least once a month, usually more. I had new albums being delivered all the time and loved discovering new bands. Of course, life has changed and I can't even remember the last time I went to see a band perform live. But I still love to listen to music so I can't tell you how excited I was to receive an Electric Jukebox device to review! 

Review: Electric Jukebox - Music Streaming Service & Device

Music has always been a huge passion of mine. Before I had my children, I used to go to a gig or festival at least once a month, usually more. I had new albums being delivered all the time and loved discovering new bands. Of course, life has changed and I can't even remember the last time I went to see a band perform live. But I still love to listen to music so I can't tell you how excited I was to receive an Electric Jukebox device to review! 

Have you heard of Hygge? It is the Danish concept of cosiness, calm and simplicity and it's such a simple idea that to Danes I am sure it must seem bizarre that we need to be told about it! I love the way we can embrace ideas from other countries and cultures and make them part of our own lives in some way, such as the way we do with music and food. Denmark is the happiest place in the world, so perhaps this lifestyle has something to do with it? 

How to Live a More Hygge Lifestyle + GIVEAWAY

Have you heard of Hygge? It is the Danish concept of cosiness, calm and simplicity and it's such a simple idea that to Danes I am sure it must seem bizarre that we need to be told about it! I love the way we can embrace ideas from other countries and cultures and make them part of our own lives in some way, such as the way we do with music and food. Denmark is the happiest place in the world, so perhaps this lifestyle has something to do with it? 

I've been vegan for almost a year now and it's always so surprising that people think I must miss out on all the good stuff, like cake. I don't! I just make it a little differently, and a lot of the time the recipes are even tastier than the non-vegan version I used to make. I Just Love It sent us a personalised baking kit so we could get busy in the kitchen creating a festive recipe. You can't beat a good brownie and these ones are super gooey, really chocolatey and have a hint of peppermint which makes them just perfect for Christmas! 

Recipe: The Best Vegan Christmas Brownies | I Just Love It

I've been vegan for almost a year now and it's always so surprising that people think I must miss out on all the good stuff, like cake. I don't! I just make it a little differently, and a lot of the time the recipes are even tastier than the non-vegan version I used to make. I Just Love It sent us a personalised baking kit so we could get busy in the kitchen creating a festive recipe. You can't beat a good brownie and these ones are super gooey, really chocolatey and have a hint of peppermint which makes them just perfect for Christmas! 

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 




Happy Days: Wow, wow, wow!

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 




I have never been good at packing a bag to take to hospital. With my first baby, I took quite a lot useless stuff. I read far too many "what to pack in your hospital bag" lists and packed virtually everything that all of them said! With my second, I'd got maternity pads and some nappy samples and that was about it, which meant Ian nearly missed the birth because he was at home trying to throw together some bits in a bag for me! Now I'm expecting my third baby, so surely I'll get it right this time, won't I?

Preparing for Baby: Little Bambino Bags

I have never been good at packing a bag to take to hospital. With my first baby, I took quite a lot useless stuff. I read far too many "what to pack in your hospital bag" lists and packed virtually everything that all of them said! With my second, I'd got maternity pads and some nappy samples and that was about it, which meant Ian nearly missed the birth because he was at home trying to throw together some bits in a bag for me! Now I'm expecting my third baby, so surely I'll get it right this time, won't I?

Welcome to #SundayBest! Hayley from Sparkles & Stretchmarks and I host this weekly linky to show off your favourite posts. We want to keep things nice and simple, there are very few rules and if we all play nicely then everybody benefits!

Sunday Best #16

Welcome to #SundayBest! Hayley from Sparkles & Stretchmarks and I host this weekly linky to show off your favourite posts. We want to keep things nice and simple, there are very few rules and if we all play nicely then everybody benefits!

On Friday the boys and I headed to our favourite woodland area here in beautiful north Hertfordshire, armed with a gorgeous feather-filled balloon kindly sent to us by The Feather Balloon Company, to do something very special: the gender reveal! Is the baby a boy or girl, what do you think?

It's a... Our Gender Reveal! The Video

On Friday the boys and I headed to our favourite woodland area here in beautiful north Hertfordshire, armed with a gorgeous feather-filled balloon kindly sent to us by The Feather Balloon Company, to do something very special: the gender reveal! Is the baby a boy or girl, what do you think?

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 


Happy Days: Giggles, Tea & Vlogging

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 


4th November 2016

At 18 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a sweet potato! He is roughly 5.5 inches long and weighs nearly 7 ounces. I'm getting bigger by the day and I'm losing sight of my feet! Here's what's been going on during my eighteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Pregnancy Diary: Second Trimester - 18 Weeks

4th November 2016

At 18 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a sweet potato! He is roughly 5.5 inches long and weighs nearly 7 ounces. I'm getting bigger by the day and I'm losing sight of my feet! Here's what's been going on during my eighteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

For years, I used to share what I received in my Birchbox beauty box every month but for some reason I stopped doing it. I don't know why because I still get them and still love them as much as ever! It is my little treat to myself each month, and I thought I would start sharing the contents with you again. So, if you'd like to know what I received in my December Birchbox then do read on! 

Beauty Spot: December's Birchbox

For years, I used to share what I received in my Birchbox beauty box every month but for some reason I stopped doing it. I don't know why because I still get them and still love them as much as ever! It is my little treat to myself each month, and I thought I would start sharing the contents with you again. So, if you'd like to know what I received in my December Birchbox then do read on! 

I remember when I was writing my post about the 2016 Stick to Stigu Planner I had thought my life was busy. And it was. Two children, two step-children. Wedding planning, holiday planning. Volunteering and blog life. Well, 2016 ended up being even busier! With the start of school for Little N, another baby on the way and working from home added to my ever growing schedule. The need to be organised is a priority, but so is the need to switch off for five minutes. And that's where the Stick to Stigu Planner comes in.


Review & Giveaway: Stick to Stigu 2017 Planner

I remember when I was writing my post about the 2016 Stick to Stigu Planner I had thought my life was busy. And it was. Two children, two step-children. Wedding planning, holiday planning. Volunteering and blog life. Well, 2016 ended up being even busier! With the start of school for Little N, another baby on the way and working from home added to my ever growing schedule. The need to be organised is a priority, but so is the need to switch off for five minutes. And that's where the Stick to Stigu Planner comes in.


Do you have any family Christmas traditions? It's only since becoming a mama that Christmas has become an important time of year for me; I want to make it the most wonderful and magical day for the children and create special memories! Each year I have discovered something new that we enjoy doing and that adds a bit more magic to the festive season.


Our Family's Christmas Traditions

Do you have any family Christmas traditions? It's only since becoming a mama that Christmas has become an important time of year for me; I want to make it the most wonderful and magical day for the children and create special memories! Each year I have discovered something new that we enjoy doing and that adds a bit more magic to the festive season.


28th October 2016

At 17 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a pomegranate and is about 5 inches long. The weeks are really flying by now, especially with antenatal appointments and checks to take up the time! Here's what's been going on during my seventeenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Pregnancy Diary: Second Trimester - 17 Weeks

28th October 2016

At 17 weeks pregnant my little Pip is about the size of a pomegranate and is about 5 inches long. The weeks are really flying by now, especially with antenatal appointments and checks to take up the time! Here's what's been going on during my seventeenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 


Happy Days: Hello December

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 


Santa Claus has arrived at Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne Woods, where he will be from now until Christmas Eve. Everyone is welcome to come and visit him as well as seeing the park's reindeer, including the herd's new addition, Aurora! As ambassadors for Paradise, we are really excited about visiting the Park this month and getting to see Santa!

Santa's Grotto at Paradise Wildlife Park!

Santa Claus has arrived at Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne Woods, where he will be from now until Christmas Eve. Everyone is welcome to come and visit him as well as seeing the park's reindeer, including the herd's new addition, Aurora! As ambassadors for Paradise, we are really excited about visiting the Park this month and getting to see Santa!

It's the most wonderful time of the yeeeear! Yes, I know there are a few more days until December, but we are already embracing our Christmas jumpers and festive socks. The air is crisp and chilly and we are ready to get our tree up next weekend! On Friday Noah had an inset day, which I had NO idea about until the night before, being the super organised mama that I am. So with no plans for the day, the boys and I headed to the nearby woods for a little stroll.

Mini Style: A Festive Walk in Polarn O. Pyret

It's the most wonderful time of the yeeeear! Yes, I know there are a few more days until December, but we are already embracing our Christmas jumpers and festive socks. The air is crisp and chilly and we are ready to get our tree up next weekend! On Friday Noah had an inset day, which I had NO idea about until the night before, being the super organised mama that I am. So with no plans for the day, the boys and I headed to the nearby woods for a little stroll.

On Saturday it was time for us to put on our Christmas jumpers (well, just the boys as I can't find a maternity one!) and head over to Willows Activity Farm in London Colney, St Albans, for what is now becoming our annual visit to their Christmas event. Set in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, Willows Activity Farm offers a wonderful family day out with a fun packed programme whatever the weather, but their Santa Spectacular programme is just amazing.

Days Out: Santa Spectacular at Willows Farm, Hertfordshire

On Saturday it was time for us to put on our Christmas jumpers (well, just the boys as I can't find a maternity one!) and head over to Willows Activity Farm in London Colney, St Albans, for what is now becoming our annual visit to their Christmas event. Set in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, Willows Activity Farm offers a wonderful family day out with a fun packed programme whatever the weather, but their Santa Spectacular programme is just amazing.

Every now and then a new wonder ingredient hits the beauty world, and the latest must-have is cacay oil. It is being touted as the "new argan oil"; an anti-aging elixir that has 50% more vitamin E and twice as much linoleic acid than argan oil, and three times more retinol than rosehip oil. Cacay Naturals sent me a bottle of their 100% natural cacay oil to try so I could find out for myself exactly why people are loving this Amazonian nut oil.

Beauty Spot: Cacay Naturals Face Oil

Every now and then a new wonder ingredient hits the beauty world, and the latest must-have is cacay oil. It is being touted as the "new argan oil"; an anti-aging elixir that has 50% more vitamin E and twice as much linoleic acid than argan oil, and three times more retinol than rosehip oil. Cacay Naturals sent me a bottle of their 100% natural cacay oil to try so I could find out for myself exactly why people are loving this Amazonian nut oil.

Welcome to #SundayBest! Hayley from Sparkles & Stretchmarks and I host this weekly linky to show off your favourite posts. We want to keep things nice and simple, there are very few rules and if we all play nicely then everybody benefits!

Sunday Best #15

Welcome to #SundayBest! Hayley from Sparkles & Stretchmarks and I host this weekly linky to show off your favourite posts. We want to keep things nice and simple, there are very few rules and if we all play nicely then everybody benefits!

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 


Happy Days: Kind People & Proud Moments

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 


When I received a package full of beautiful maternity wear from Jojo Maman Bebe a few weeks ago, my head was full of ideas: whimsical autumnal photos in the local woodland area, surrounded by crisp fallen leaves while the sun shone... Except, it turned cold. And it rained. And now the beautiful woodland area is muddy and the trees are naked. So instead I decided I'd stay home, in the warm and dry, to show you my gorgeous new breton striped maternity and nursing jumper.


Regular readers and followers on Instagram will know that I have a bit of a thing for stripes. I'm drawn to them like a magpie is drawn to shiny objects, I just can't resist and the boys and I are often dressed in stripes. So as you would expect my maternity wardrobe is also full of stripy clothes! As soon as I spotted the Breton Maternity & Nursing Jumper I was sold. It comes in two colourways: ecru with navy stripes and navy with ecru stripes. They are both gorgeous, but I went for the ecru with navy stripes. To me that is classic nautical chic. 


The jumper is so soft, made with a comfortable cotton mix. It is fairly long, at 28 inches in length; on my 5'2 stature the jumper just about covers my bottom, while on someone taller it would probably sit on the hips. It is designed to fit comfortably during pregnancy, accommodating a growing bump, and after pregnancy as well. The jumper has poppers down each side, from the armpit to the hemline to allow for easy access when breastfeeding. 


I've been pairing my jumper with some skinny over-the-bump maternity jeans that I picked up in New Look. The whole look works well with either flats like my Converse hi-tops or my chunky tan ankle boots. I can see myself living in this outfit over the winter months, it's just so warm and comfortable, as well as being flattering to my growing shape and being totally on trend. Breton stripes will never go out of style!

What's your go-to maternity look?



With thanks to Jojo Maman Bebe for sending this gorgeous jumper to feature.

Mama Style: Jojo Maman Bebe Breton Jumper

When I received a package full of beautiful maternity wear from Jojo Maman Bebe a few weeks ago, my head was full of ideas: whimsical autumnal photos in the local woodland area, surrounded by crisp fallen leaves while the sun shone... Except, it turned cold. And it rained. And now the beautiful woodland area is muddy and the trees are naked. So instead I decided I'd stay home, in the warm and dry, to show you my gorgeous new breton striped maternity and nursing jumper.


Regular readers and followers on Instagram will know that I have a bit of a thing for stripes. I'm drawn to them like a magpie is drawn to shiny objects, I just can't resist and the boys and I are often dressed in stripes. So as you would expect my maternity wardrobe is also full of stripy clothes! As soon as I spotted the Breton Maternity & Nursing Jumper I was sold. It comes in two colourways: ecru with navy stripes and navy with ecru stripes. They are both gorgeous, but I went for the ecru with navy stripes. To me that is classic nautical chic. 


The jumper is so soft, made with a comfortable cotton mix. It is fairly long, at 28 inches in length; on my 5'2 stature the jumper just about covers my bottom, while on someone taller it would probably sit on the hips. It is designed to fit comfortably during pregnancy, accommodating a growing bump, and after pregnancy as well. The jumper has poppers down each side, from the armpit to the hemline to allow for easy access when breastfeeding. 


I've been pairing my jumper with some skinny over-the-bump maternity jeans that I picked up in New Look. The whole look works well with either flats like my Converse hi-tops or my chunky tan ankle boots. I can see myself living in this outfit over the winter months, it's just so warm and comfortable, as well as being flattering to my growing shape and being totally on trend. Breton stripes will never go out of style!

What's your go-to maternity look?



With thanks to Jojo Maman Bebe for sending this gorgeous jumper to feature.
This is a collaborative post.

Christmas is such an exciting time of year, especially for children. To make this festive period the best it can be, (while also taking care of a few rainy/snowy days stuck inside!) why not prepare some festive indoor activities that will help to shape your family Christmas.

Keep it simple with a selection of things to do for the whole family, including preparation for the big day itself…

reindeer-soft-toy-on-brown-sofa-with-grey-blanket

Festive Indoor Activities for the Whole Family

This is a collaborative post.

Christmas is such an exciting time of year, especially for children. To make this festive period the best it can be, (while also taking care of a few rainy/snowy days stuck inside!) why not prepare some festive indoor activities that will help to shape your family Christmas.

Keep it simple with a selection of things to do for the whole family, including preparation for the big day itself…

reindeer-soft-toy-on-brown-sofa-with-grey-blanket
21st October 2016

At 16 weeks pregnant my little Pip is the size of a pear, is about 4 inches long and weighs about 4oz. Things are starting to improve and it's beginning to feel a lot more "real" now! Here's what's been going on during my sixteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

pregnant woman wearing black and white stripy top and pink flower in hair

Pregnancy Diary: Second Trimester - 16 Weeks

21st October 2016

At 16 weeks pregnant my little Pip is the size of a pear, is about 4 inches long and weighs about 4oz. Things are starting to improve and it's beginning to feel a lot more "real" now! Here's what's been going on during my sixteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

pregnant woman wearing black and white stripy top and pink flower in hair

For me, Christmas is all about making it a magical time for the children and I just love browsing for gift ideas for them. This year the children are all getting bicycles, but we have also been looking out for other gift suggestions for when relatives ask and, you know, Father Christmas needs some ideas, too!


How freaking awesome are these Star Wars Itty Bittys? There are several different characters in the Itty Bittys range and they'd make brilliant individual stocking filler gifts or you could get several from the same set for a larger gift idea. I've got my eye on the BB-8 and R2-D2 ones next!


I adore the towels from Cuddledry; not only are they ridiculously cute with lots of fun characters in their dress up towel collection, they are scrumptiously soft. Made with pure cotton and bamboo, they are the softest towel you'll ever find, and really absorbent too. I just wish they made them in my size!


When you have more than one child it can be hard to find fun gifts that older siblings don't already have. This Peppa Pig themed magnetic play set from Milly & Flynn is really fun and engaging. It is double sided and has 30 magnetic play pieces so children can create their own scenes and stories. Both of my boys love to play with it, coming up with their own imaginative Peppa Pig stories.


I have always had a love of wooden toys for my children and they are particularly big fans of the wooden push along toys like this Peppa Pig themed one from Milly & Flynn. Milly & Flynn also have other characters such as Dear Zoo and The Snowman in their range of wooden toys and books for hours of delightful fun and entertainment.


Sandy the Bear is a super-soft talking stuffed toy that combines education and innovation. It has five interactive buttons which when pressed makes the bear talk and guide children to learn about numbers, shapes, letters and colours. It also has lots of nursery rhymes and songs, and has a large interactive heart shaped button in the centre which lights up.


Another great interactive toy from Clementoni, this baby t-rex is available in pink or green. It teaches numbers, letters, animal sounds and habitats, sings songs and nursery rhymes, and when the buttons are pressed the dinosaur can twirl and walk around. It also has a rattle which activates the sounds and movements!


This is one of the most sought after toys - by parents as much as children! Ten wooden pieces make up the set and there are so many ways it can be played with: as a puzzle, to make a bridge or making patterns are a few examples.


The "That's not my..." series of books are much loved by all children and this lovely set features the book with five cheerful snowmen to meet, with squashy noses, fuzzy mittens and fluffy scarves, and a plush snowman for little ones to cuddle while they listen to the book read aloud.

Hatchimals - £59.99

Hatchimals are THE must-have toy for this Christmas and kids are going crazy for them! Shops are selling out left, right and centre, but keep checking as they are coming back into stock all the time. You just have to be quick!


Get cooking in the Chef Club Kitchen! The Shopkins are ready to make and bake. Take the Shopkins for a spin in the microwave. Cook up a treat in the oven. Pop down the surprise breadboard for a slice of the good life! Store your recipe books on the shelf and Shopkins in the cupboards and drawers. Display your Shopkins on the two stools and the cake stand! The kitchen playset comes with 2 Exclusive Shopkins and 2 recipe books.

What are your children wishing for this Christmas?


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This is a promotional post and contains some affiliate links.
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Christmas Gift Guide for Children


For me, Christmas is all about making it a magical time for the children and I just love browsing for gift ideas for them. This year the children are all getting bicycles, but we have also been looking out for other gift suggestions for when relatives ask and, you know, Father Christmas needs some ideas, too!


How freaking awesome are these Star Wars Itty Bittys? There are several different characters in the Itty Bittys range and they'd make brilliant individual stocking filler gifts or you could get several from the same set for a larger gift idea. I've got my eye on the BB-8 and R2-D2 ones next!


I adore the towels from Cuddledry; not only are they ridiculously cute with lots of fun characters in their dress up towel collection, they are scrumptiously soft. Made with pure cotton and bamboo, they are the softest towel you'll ever find, and really absorbent too. I just wish they made them in my size!


When you have more than one child it can be hard to find fun gifts that older siblings don't already have. This Peppa Pig themed magnetic play set from Milly & Flynn is really fun and engaging. It is double sided and has 30 magnetic play pieces so children can create their own scenes and stories. Both of my boys love to play with it, coming up with their own imaginative Peppa Pig stories.


I have always had a love of wooden toys for my children and they are particularly big fans of the wooden push along toys like this Peppa Pig themed one from Milly & Flynn. Milly & Flynn also have other characters such as Dear Zoo and The Snowman in their range of wooden toys and books for hours of delightful fun and entertainment.


Sandy the Bear is a super-soft talking stuffed toy that combines education and innovation. It has five interactive buttons which when pressed makes the bear talk and guide children to learn about numbers, shapes, letters and colours. It also has lots of nursery rhymes and songs, and has a large interactive heart shaped button in the centre which lights up.


Another great interactive toy from Clementoni, this baby t-rex is available in pink or green. It teaches numbers, letters, animal sounds and habitats, sings songs and nursery rhymes, and when the buttons are pressed the dinosaur can twirl and walk around. It also has a rattle which activates the sounds and movements!


This is one of the most sought after toys - by parents as much as children! Ten wooden pieces make up the set and there are so many ways it can be played with: as a puzzle, to make a bridge or making patterns are a few examples.


The "That's not my..." series of books are much loved by all children and this lovely set features the book with five cheerful snowmen to meet, with squashy noses, fuzzy mittens and fluffy scarves, and a plush snowman for little ones to cuddle while they listen to the book read aloud.

Hatchimals - £59.99

Hatchimals are THE must-have toy for this Christmas and kids are going crazy for them! Shops are selling out left, right and centre, but keep checking as they are coming back into stock all the time. You just have to be quick!


Get cooking in the Chef Club Kitchen! The Shopkins are ready to make and bake. Take the Shopkins for a spin in the microwave. Cook up a treat in the oven. Pop down the surprise breadboard for a slice of the good life! Store your recipe books on the shelf and Shopkins in the cupboards and drawers. Display your Shopkins on the two stools and the cake stand! The kitchen playset comes with 2 Exclusive Shopkins and 2 recipe books.

What are your children wishing for this Christmas?


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In this post written in collaboration with Tots To Travel I'm sharing some top tips for travelling with young children. Tots To Travel are family holiday specialists who handpick the best family-friendly villas and cottages in the UK and around the world. 

With four children aged between 9 and 2, and another due next spring, family holidays can sometimes feel like they need more planning than a military operation! Really though, you just need to factor in a few things and everything should go smoothly so that everyone can enjoy the perfect family holiday.

10 tips for travelling with young children

In this post written in collaboration with Tots To Travel I'm sharing some top tips for travelling with young children. Tots To Travel are family holiday specialists who handpick the best family-friendly villas and cottages in the UK and around the world. 

With four children aged between 9 and 2, and another due next spring, family holidays can sometimes feel like they need more planning than a military operation! Really though, you just need to factor in a few things and everything should go smoothly so that everyone can enjoy the perfect family holiday.

Welcome to #SundayBest! Hayley from Sparkles & Stretchmarks and I host this weekly linky to show off your favourite posts. We want to keep things nice and simple, there are very few rules and if we all play nicely then everybody benefits!

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Welcome to #SundayBest! Hayley from Sparkles & Stretchmarks and I host this weekly linky to show off your favourite posts. We want to keep things nice and simple, there are very few rules and if we all play nicely then everybody benefits!

Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 




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Welcome to Happy Days!  Katy and I host this linky with the purpose of inspiring you to make the most of each day, no matter what you've been up to, and to find happiness in every day. It's where I share the little moments that have brought me joy. 




I absolutely love reading birth stories as every experience is so unique, and after sharing my own two very different birth experiences [emergency c-section and natural VBAC] I decided to ask other mums and dads to share their beautiful birth stories with me, too. If you’d like to share your birth story, send me an email or get in touch via Twitter or Facebook.

The very lovely Karen from Two Tiny Hands is sharing her birth story today. Karen is one of those people that seems to "get things done", and her birth experience was no different! 


Beautiful Births #21: Karen's Overdue Birth

I absolutely love reading birth stories as every experience is so unique, and after sharing my own two very different birth experiences [emergency c-section and natural VBAC] I decided to ask other mums and dads to share their beautiful birth stories with me, too. If you’d like to share your birth story, send me an email or get in touch via Twitter or Facebook.

The very lovely Karen from Two Tiny Hands is sharing her birth story today. Karen is one of those people that seems to "get things done", and her birth experience was no different! 


14th October 2016

At 15 weeks pregnant my little Pip is the size of an avocado and is nearly four inches long. Supposedly this is the week where I should start to feel better... hmmm, check out how tired my eyes look for a clue as to whether that's been true for me! Here's what's been going on during my fifteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

Pregnancy Diary: Second Trimester - 15 Weeks

14th October 2016

At 15 weeks pregnant my little Pip is the size of an avocado and is nearly four inches long. Supposedly this is the week where I should start to feel better... hmmm, check out how tired my eyes look for a clue as to whether that's been true for me! Here's what's been going on during my fifteenth week of pregnancy with baby number three.

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