Morrisons Monday with Britmums

Something really fab happened to me during the week. I got a lovely letter from Britmums, saying I had been selected as a #MorrisonsMum! They were giving me a generous amount of  Morrisons Money, or gift vouchers, to put it another way, to spend in store on a fabulous Bank Holiday banquet! I was ridiculously excited at this prospect, as it combined two of my favourite things, shopping and doing something special with the family.

Shoeps Can Make All Laced Shoes into Slip-Ons.

I heard about this new alternative to shoelaces as a fashion accessory, but I approached the company and asked if I could review them for a different reason altogether! They do come in a pretty amazing range of colours, so I understand how they would be popular as a fashion item. However, I saw a world of infinite possibilities for these. Take, for example, children's hobbies. It is very difficult to buy footwear such as football boots or golf shoes, particularly in the smaller sizes, with velcro fastening. Shoeps are reusable, so each time they grow out of them (or switch to a new hobby!), their shoeps go with them!

A Secret Agent Saves the Day!

Weeks of anticipation, mounting excitement and endless playground chatter and it was finally here! Saturday night was long and relatively sleepless. Excitement crescendoed long after bedtime had normally passed and continued unabated until reluctant sleep finally arrived. Not sure who went first, if I'm honest! Sunday morning began inconsiderately early with the question; "How long is it til 2pm?". Errr... about eight hours, son! You know, as in a whole normal person's day?! Someone who is not expected to get up at ridiculous-o'clock on a Sunday, just because the most exciting party ever is occuring that day! I was feeling pretty pleased with myself by 9 o'clock. Cakes baked, and preparations in full swing. Then I got an email.... 

How to Make a Lego Cake

For my son's birthday, he wanted a Lego cake, because he is 8 and that is what 8 year olds like, apparently. There were definite advantages to this cake, in that it needed to be square, which took a lot of the hard work out of the design. I was also very lucky, because I managed to borrow a little brick mould for the fondant decorations, but I thought I would show you how I made the little Lego men. The cake is far from perfect, as I was struggling with my back at the time, but I imagine if you had more time, you could probably do a better job! The method for creating the figures was actually quite easy, as you will see.

What Kids Learn on Holiday

 This is a tricky post for me to write, as it's been a long time since we've been able to afford a 'proper' holiday. We are very lucky though, as we live in a lovely part of the world, with easy access to other lovely parts of the world. Wales to the West, The Cotswolds to the North East, the Forest of Dean to the North West, Somerset to the South and in the South West is Weston super Mare and the South West coastline. So, for the last few years we have mastered the 'stay-cation', and had lots of lovely picnicky daytrips instead. That's not to say I wouldn't love a holiday somewhere different, away from our every day home life, but what's the point in wasting time thinking about what you don't have?

Sunday Photo; Messing About with Perspective

Secret Agent Surprise for a Birthday Boy!

My son is eight on Tuesday! How quick the time goes. It's scary to think he's my last little one. I don't think it matters how many children you have, every milestone matters. This was no exception, but I have to say, I really struggle with little boys birthday parties! There's all that 'keeping up with the Jones's' stuff to contend with. I know we shouldn't care, but it's always hard to feel that you don't quite measure up in the Fab Parent Playground Xfactor. It's not really about the cost, I don't think. I've hosted every kind of party imaginable in my eighteen years in the parent game (see what I did there?!).