The Play That Goes Wrong - Bristol Hippodrome Review

The Play That Went Wrong is presented by Mischief Theatre, and consists of a very small cast and one equally small, but remarkably flexible, stage set. The whole vibe is reminiscent of traditional theatre, as opposed to the more showy West End musicals we've become used to and this is an aspect that I found really appealing, it brought back memories of school trips and local theatre shows I've seen in the past. The local theatre look is very deliberate and gives a clue to the theme of the show, which is a local theatre production that, well, that goes wrong. The clue is also in the title. 

Thoughts on Homophobia #Pride

I was brought up in an era where being gay wasn't yet fully accepted. It was getting there, but homophobia and bigotry take a long time to die. Relationships in general weren't really talked about and I don't remember ever encountering an openly gay couple until I was in my teens. The word 'gay' wasn't spoken out loud, particularly around children, and it was an era of many, many euphemisms and wildly inappropriate expressions. I can talk quite openly with my children about sex, relationships, anything really, (age appropriately, of course!) but in those days, grown ups were excruciatingly embarrassed. All the time.

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Why I Love Instagram but Still get it Wrong

There are certain things I really like about social media, and certain things I don't. It has great power to affect a person's mood, outlook, even relationships, which isn't good, but on the other hand, it can provide a lifeline for people who are lonely, or just not very confident socially. The key seems to be not to take it too seriously, which is why I'm particularly fond of Instagram. It's mainly inoffensive pictures and quotes and a mindless scroll is quite relaxing. Also I love taking photos and looking at other photos, so it's perfect for me. It seems, though, that I've been doing it all wrong, but I'm not about to change. Here's why.

Thoughts From a Mum on the NHS at 70

Like most parents, I've had a lot of dealings with the NHS over the years, and I thought it was only right that I should recognise its 70th birthday. I have written political commentary previously on the struggles that the NHS faces and I still  do worry about our government's commitment to this service and the effect of budget cuts and sneaky privatisation. Today isn't about that, though, today is about celebrating a service that many of us, including me, don't often stop to appreciate. It's about recognising what the NHS, as a whole, actually means and what it gives to us as a nation. 

What is the Best Age to Start a Family

Having children is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make and many thoughts will cross your mind as you consider your options for starting a family. Maybe you've always known how many children you would like and what age you hope to be, or perhaps life has made that decision for you. Either way, there is always a lot of debate and advice about the best age to have children, with really no right or wrong answers. I have got together with some brilliant parent bloggers to give you the low down on the best bits of parenthood, at different ages and life stages to help you get some perspective on what to expect when the time comes.

5 Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy on Holiday

A guest post in collaboration with Insurancewith 

Regular rules get thrown out of the window when you’re on holiday. You’re in a new place, discovering new things, and every day is different. As a consequence, the little steps you normally make to take care of you and your family’s health tend to be at the back of your mind. Fortunately, there’s a way you can balance your well-being and all the fun you’ll be having while you’re away — follow these five tips to keep your family healthy on holiday and you’re all bound to reap the benefits.

The Truth about Fortnite - A Parents Guide

There has been an awful lot of noise in the press recently about a free multi-platform video game that children have gone absolutely crazy about. The press have not been kind, and many parents are concerned about potential harmful effects from this gun-toting war game on their enthusiastic offspring. I'm talking about Fortnite - Battle Royale and this Parents Guide is here to bring you the facts behind the headlines. What it's all about, what I've learned from watching it and how you can help your children play it safely, or not, if that's your choice after reading these facts about the game.

Free Printable Fun Bathroom Reminder Signs

We all know that potty training can be a tricky time, with some children taking to it straight away and others needing a lot more encouragement. However long it takes, there is definitely a sense of euphoria that this potentially messy milestone has been nailed successfully. However, often it doesn't end there and phase two is encouraging children to use the toilet correctly, and hygienically. These fun, printable bathroom signs, offer a timely reminder to everyone, with simple rules we all need to follow, presented in a light-hearted way. As we all know, it's not only children who need an occasional nudge in this department!

Top Tips for First Time Flying with Children

I recently flew with my son abroad for the first time and I was really nervous about how he would take to it and if we would encounter problems. I needn't have worried, he was absolutely fine and it all went pretty smoothly, leaving me wishing I'd done it years ago. I was never brave enough to take mine abroad when they were small, but I really wish I had, as it's such an amazing experience for them. If you're thinking of taking a foreign holiday with your little one, I have got together with some brilliant parent bloggers to create the ultimate guide for first time flying with children. It's everything you didn't know you needed to know!

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Giving Up Smoking - One Year Later

There follows a guest post update on my husband's new smoke-free life, after successfully giving up a year ago. Due, in no small part, to the amazing book Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking, it took an enormous amount of determination and self-belief to give up completely and the effect on the family has been quite profound. Not especially dramatic, but lots of little improvements in every aspect of our lives. I no longer sit alone in restaurants, I don't have to avoid hanging the washing near where he smokes, we are better off financially and our son doesn't have a feeling of dread every time those awful anti-smoking ads come on the TV, to name a few. That's enough from me, though, this is his story, in his own words. 

5 Quick Ways to Cut Your Monthly Costs

Sometimes, the key to reaching your financial goals is taking a lot of little steps. Most of us can't afford to pay for big things straight away, like a new car or a family holiday. However, when you commit yourself to saving a little bit out of each wage slip, you can reach your goals faster than you might think. This is particularly true when you know how to cut down your outgoing expenses too. While cutting your monthly costs will mean making some compromises, it's important to remember why you're budgeting in the first place. Whether you're hoping that you'll soon be able to afford that next big purchase, or you simply want to stop living from pay-check to pay-check, these tips might help.

Encouraging Children to be Tidier

Over the years, I have developed a few ideas for encouraging children to be tidier, I have also learned what doesn't work. In this post I will endeavour to impart this knowledge, so that you can learn from my successes and failures and hopefully have a tidier home and an easier parenting life. I make no guarantees, however, as all children are as individual as all adults, so you may have your work cut out, since I know quite a few adults who find being tidy a challenge. Perhaps, though, starting young might be the answer and you could maybe break the cycle of untidy child to untidy adult. Future housemates will thank you.

A Nutritious Protein Shake Recipe with Indigo Herbs

Everyone has heard the assertion that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but, if you are short of time, or money, or both, it can be really tricky to consistently find morning meals that are inspiring and appetising when you first wake up. I've recently started experimenting with protein shake recipes and have found simple ways to make them quickly and cheaply. When Indigo Herbs sent us some of their nutrient-packed protein powder free to try, I thought it would be a great opportunity to share one of my favourite recipes with you, along with some money-saving tips!

The Psychology Behind Product Placement

We all know that advertising is designed and made to encourage us to buy things and spend money. However, what we may not realise is just how often we are influenced and the different approaches that product advertising can take. One of the most subliminal ways that companies try to advertise and then sell their products is with product placement. This is when products are placed within a film, music video or TV programme, offering a promotion to the product to anyone who watches it. But does this actually work when it comes to influencing our purchasing decisions? The product is seen in a natural environment or in use.

The Spectacular Miss Saigon: A Bristol Hippodrome Review

I love going to the theatre, which might be apparent to anyone not new to the blog. This is the main reason why I get so excited when we get invited to review performances at the Bristol Hippodrome, and Miss Saigon was no exception. What might be a bit more surprising is that, despite its 29 year history, I've never seen it before. It has an impressive reputation and is considered one of the greats, alongside Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and other stage masterpieces, and I've always wanted to see it. So the big question is, did it live up to its hype? Could a show almost in its 30th year still wow an audience? Damn right, it could. 

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The Benefits of Pocket Money - Little Minds, Tough Decisions

There is a lot of debate about whether or not pocket money is appropriate for children and from what age. Another question raised is how much to give. I did a little Googling, in the way of research, and found that in 2016 Netmums set the figure at £6.55, The Sun suggested £5 was average in 2017 and earlier this year HuffPost produced an article which quoted a figure of £11.20 for 2018. This would suggest children's annual pay increases are far more impressive than their parents, but do they really need pocket money, or is it just another expense for parents? After handing out fivers for quite a few years, this is my experience of the benefits of pocket money. 

Ruka: The Best Lapland Resort for Children

In March we were lucky enough to stay in Ruka Ski Resort, which is in Kuusamo, Finnish Lapland. It is a truly remarkable place and I strongly recommend that if you can, go. What this custom-made Lapland resort offers, in terms of magic and wonder, for little (and bigger) ones cannot be beaten. It has a depth and realism to it, with no plastic or gimmicks, that appeals to children of all ages. It is also really educational, you absorb so much about the culture and landscape just from being there. We found so many aspects about Ruka that made it family friendly, that we have written this guide on all the best bits for children.

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3 Tips to Help a Student Manage Their Finances

It's not easy for students starting out at university to stay in credit and spend wisely, when they are suddenly responsible for rent and bills and getting your money in big chunks every few months requires a lot of forward planning. It would be so easy to become overwhelmed with suddenly having a lot of money in the bank and unlimited access to shops and bars! It's most likely the first time they will have been given a lot of money and it's good for them to have some preparation for how to handle it. So, I've invited Braant Accounting to provide some tips on how to help your child when they head off to pastures new. 

20 Natural Remedies for Common Illnesses and Ailments

No one wants to get sick. It's depressing, often painful and, honestly, who has the time? As soon as most of us come down with something horrible, t's perfectly natural to want to get better as soon as possible. Whether it's a short term virus, or a long term problem that won't give in, this often means heading to the chemist, or even the doctor, for something scientific-sounding and probably expensive. For common conditions, though, it's often surprising how well natural remedies can work and this is a list of my personal favourites. They might not work for everyone, but are cheap and easy and definitely worth a try. 

Avengers: Infinity War Parents' Guide

Marvel are back with another offering in the never-ending super hero saga. Avengers: Infinity War promised to be an epic, with an awful lot of favourite characters popping up to do battle against the big, scary guy. Thus, children all over the country are pestering parents to go and see this film, mainly because those characters are marketed at very young children, with toys, games and costumes a-plenty. The film, however, is a 12A, meaning it may not be suitable for under-12s. This parents' guide will help you decide if the level of violence and language in the film will be appropriate for your little one, or if you are better off leaving them at home. 

Daddy Day Care - Review and Signed Giveaway for Father's Day

Fun Facts about Finland

I must admit, when I travelled to Finland recently, I knew very little about it. I assumed, being very naive in such matters, that as it was in Europe it would be a little bit familiar, that we would have things in common and it wouldn't feel like too far from home. But it turns out it is further than I thought, 1598 miles to be precise, and there are quite a few differences that I hadn't expected, including a very different landscape, made up of better snow than we get here in the UK! If you've ever wondered what's different about Finland, I have the answers. Enjoy our fun facts and fascinating findings, full of Finnish flavour!

All the Reasons not to Share your Child's Details Online.

By details, I mean full name, full birth-date, school, family members, or location, which can include photos with your house or car in the background, or any other identifying features which could pinpoint exactly where he or she lives. Before you think I've gone internet-safety crazy like some kind of social media nosy-neighbour, I promise I will explain, and if you have ever tagged a photo of your child with their full name, which also includes the logo on their school jumper, please take a moment to read. I really would appreciate it, because this is something that really worries me and, each to their own, but I would love it if you could make sure you are aware of these security concerns first.

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The Band Musical Theatre Review - A Fantastic Nostalgic Show

Take me back, take me back, to where I used to be... 

I have been to quite a few Bristol Hippodrome productions as a reviewer, but this one was a bit different. I was a huge Take That fan in my youth and I was anticipating a walk down memory lane, experiencing all the songs and dance moves I remembered from my dim and distant past. It certainly didn't disappoint on that score, but there was so much more to it. This is the story of how I ended up watching what could have been part of my own life story unfold on stage, in the hilarious and touching tale that is The Band Musical.

Reima Review and the Story Behind #MillionHoursofJoy

I may have mentioned, once or twice, the fantastic press trip I attended recently to Finnish Lapland, with our friends from Reima as part of the #millionhoursofjoy campaign. As well as being brilliant, it was also the perfect opportunity to learn more about the brand and put their specialist performance kidswear through its paces. I've been looking forward to writing this post, as I have never been in a position to write such a thorough, comprehensive review before. Read on to find out how Reima's clothing range stood up to mountain night-hikes in -19C temperatures and lots of snow, as well as the bigger picture from a brand leading the way in encouraging children to be more active all over the world.

Activision's Live Stream and Spyro - A Huge Letdown

LD is very interested in video games. Not just playing them, but also learning about them, reading, researching, and anticipating new releases. Activision announced a livestream, promising to reveal details of a new release, which he was hoping against hope would be Spyro, because he had been waiting for news for a very long time. It mattered to him, and he was so excited about the release finally being confirmed, that I thought it would be fun to see the announcement live, so I let him watch the livestream, which went on til 2am UK time. Despite many promises, though, they actually announced nothing, leading to anger and disappointment for those who had put themselves out and had their time wasted.

Siblings with a Large Age Gap - Pros and Cons

Not so long ago, it seemed almost expected to have children close together and it was common to have two or three siblings just one or two classes apart at primary school. These days, times have changed and advances in fertility treatment, blended families, and career choices have led to more diverse family units. There are many advantages to having children with a larger age gap, such as spreading out the costs of childcare, school uniform, trips, etc. There are also drawbacks, though. If you are considering spacing out your offspring, here is everything I’ve learned from having children ten years apart.