Christmas present idea - my gingerbread family

Fancy creating a homemade and personal Christmas present? I'd like to share a gift that I made last year. It was so simple, fun and I have it on good authority that the recipients loved them! The Big Idea So, my idea was to immortalise my family in the form of gingerbread people! Gingerbread is a traditional Christmas treat - I was...

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Supporting local businesses this Christmas - Studio Style of Art

First, a quick apology It's been an awfully long time since I last put finger to keyboard and wrote a blog post... In my defence, I've been busy holidaying (back in September which is pushing it as an excuse in November!) and also trying to get my freelance career going. That and managing a pint-size toddler with more demands than your...

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Weaning your baby - Home cooked vs Jars

There's a story in the news today that caught my eye - it turns out that the factory produced jars and pouches sold to help parents wean their babies, aren't as nutritious as home cooked food. Seriously. No schizzle Sherlock! Baby weaning foods found 'lacking' I'm not going to wax lyrical about why home cooked food is better for your...

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Travelling with a baby - Baby Friendly Boltholes

I'm a big fan of holidaying (who isn't?) so when Bobble arrived we were determined that we were still going to be able to travel as much as we did in the pre baby days. I think it can be easy to lose your confidence a bit after having a baby, in so many ways, including travelling. Aside from perhaps not having quite a many spare pennies...

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A unique and personal wedding present idea - 12 months of treats

One of my oldest and dearest friends is getting married this summer. I'm going to be a bridesmaid and can't wait to help her celebrate the big day! When it came to choosing a wedding present for them, the bride and groom opted for what a lot of couples now seem to do - a request for no gifts, or some cash towards their honeymoon. I can...

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I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike

A couple of months ago, around the time that the prices in the car parks of my local town were increased (again!), I made an ebay purchase. I bought a barely used Hamax Kiss bike seat to go on the back of my bike. As well as saving money, I thought this would be a great opportunity to dust off my old bike and have some gentle exercise at...

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An aMAZE-ing day out for the whole family - Milton Maize Maze

If you live in Cambridgeshire or you're visiting the area on holiday, there's one place that I recommend you visit - the Milton Maize Maze. We had an absolutely brilliant day there recently and as a I make a point of recommending it as a great day out for the whole family (to everyone I know!), I had to share it on here too. But...

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A lesson in cupcake decorating with the Butterlicious Cake Company

My finished creations! I struggled slightly to think of birthday present ideas for myself this year - I must have had too many birthdays! But it wasn't long until I hit upon an idea that satisfied a couple of things that I miss in my new life as a Mummy. Firstly, a chance to do something by myself (whilst Bobble enjoyed some Daddy time)...

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Introducing Joolz Day - A great pushchair for tall parents

Before I tell you about why we went for the Joolz Day and why I love it, let me describe what we were looking for in a pushchair. In no particular order, this is what was on our must-have list. Top features we wanted in a pushchair Carry cot and toddler seat - either two separate parts or something that would covert. I personally...

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A-Z of saving money

Airmiles. If you or your partner travels for work, check whether you're allowed to keep and spend the airmiles personally. Avios (BA) now lets you redeem them against flights, hotels and car hire. We once enjoyed a 4 night break in a 5* hotel in Jersey with flights and car hire for £56, for both of us. What a bargain. Budgeting. It's kind...

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The secret to sitting down comfortably after your baby is born

As I write, the Duchess of Cambridge is at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, in labour. I can't help but feel a little bit sorry for the poor gal. We opted to only tell immediate family when my labour began. No such privacy for Kate, she has the whole world clammering to know the minute-by-minute details of her labour. For her sake, I hope...

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Through the lens - hello you!

When I started the 'through the lens' theme, I planned to share photos of places rather than people. To inspire some wanderlust if you like. But I've been thinking lately about what makes a great photo. You can spend hours setting up the perfect angle, lightening and subject. But sometimes, a picture is brilliant because it's a shot that...

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Introducing Myakka - fairtrade furniture

An exciting delivery arrived at our house last week - Bobble's birthday present from his paternal grandparents, Granny and Grandad. A lovely little giraffe bookcase, made from solid monkey pod wood. Luckily as Bobble is only 1, he didn't seem to notice that his present had arrived four months late. I'd almost given up hope that it was ever...

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If it ain't broke... - how to mend the 'new' Gmail inbox

I'm not a big fan of change. I like order. I like things to be the same. No surprises. You get the picture. So you'll understand my dread when I log in to my Gmail account to be greeted with a 'welcome to your new inbox' message. Uh oh. So is my dread justified? Absolutely. Don't get me wrong. I love Google. I love Gmail. It's generally...

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