Who doesn’t love playing with snow? Whether it’s a full snowball fight or simply enjoying the texture of it, snow can be so much fun and interesting too. Sometimes though, whether in the depths of winter or during the bright summer months, there is just none to be seen, so we improvise and make ‘snow’ in our kitchen. The first … Read More
Meal Planner
I was thrilled that so many of you have contacted me to say that you found my weekly meal planner (here) useful, so I thought I would write a second edition. To be totally honest, my meal planning goes from being super organised to being a ‘freezer surprise’ as a friend calls it, but on occasion I do plan in … Read More
Reading with Panda Post
Many children, as they start primary school, take an interest in the written word. They might notice signs around them, books on shelves, to-do lists pinned to the fridge door, and of course post being delivered. Panda Post have expertly linked this early interest in learning to blend and read simple words, with the excitement of receiving real post through … Read More
The Snowman Tour – Review
As the sun was setting over Coventry, the lights from the Cathedral sparkled across University Square and the scene was set for the most magical of winter events: The Snowman Tour. You may recall that I mentioned a few weeks ago how delighted I was to have been invited to this event and what special memories this story has for … Read More
Calendar of Goodwill
Every year, for the past seven years, we have undertaken what we call a ‘Calendar of Goodwill’ through the month of December. The idea is that during this busy festive period we shift focus from receiving, to giving. We consider our cosy home with radiators and fresh linen, and take a moment to think of those who have nothing more … Read More
Rock Cakes
Ahhh, rock cakes! They take me right back to my childhood. When everyone else was making beautiful biscuits, butterfly cupcakes and marbled flapjack, I was chucking the mix on a baking tray and enjoying the misshapen rock cakes that emerged half an hour later. Over the years I’ve perfected my recipe for these, and now my boys are masters at … Read More
Things To Do Whatever The Weather
We Brits talk about the weather a lot. A lot a lot. Seemingly this can be somewhat confusing for others but let me try to explain this continuing theme. Put to one side that it is considered a polite (read: unlikely to cause a major argument) topic of conversation, it is also on occasion a necessary and interesting one. We … Read More
Pea Thing
Yes, you read that right, I really have decided to call this ‘Pea Thing’. On the back of a conversation with a friend we thought that it was both fitting and memorable. So, here are the ingredients and method for ‘Pea Thing’. Sure to go down well at summer buffets! Ingredients (makes 15 pieces): 200g peas (I use frozen peas which … Read More
#30DaysWild – Week Four (plus one)
I cannot believe that we’re already in July and the #30DaysWild challenge has finished for the year! We have thoroughly enjoyed getting out and closer to nature and will continue to incorporate this into our adventures over the coming months and years. We’ve enjoyed learning more about the world around us too, delving into non-fiction books regularly, sharing our knowledge … Read More
#30DaysWild – Our Big June Challenge
This year I have been delighted to have been involved with the #30DaysWild challenge. Run by The Wildlife Trusts, the idea is that every day throughout June you do one wild thing. This could be as simple as watching the clouds pass by overhead, to growing flowers, to surveying the birds that visit your garden or local park. Before starting … Read More