Toby Carvery, Almondsbury - Review

Considering how close we are to a Toby Carvery, it's quite surprising that we've never been. I'd heard good things about it and driven past many times, so when I was asked if I'd like to review the menu and newly refurbished interior, in return for a free meal, I jumped at the chance. As always, the meal was offered as compensation for my time in writing this review and does not affect my opinions. I have actually booked a table for tomorrow that I'm paying for, because my husband wants to go, now I've told him how good it was. You will also find that this review contains lots of photos of the lovely food and decor and the camera never lies!

Win Disney Princess Headphones

The Saturday Comic Issue 3

30 Last Minute Easy World Book Day Ideas for Boys

When mine were younger, I always found costumes for boys much harder to think of and it got harder every year to think of something different. So, if you had no idea it was World Book Day, didn't get the letter, or are just generally really busy, here are some last minute World Book Day costumes for boys that should get you out of trouble. They can hopefully be created from items you already have at home, just pick the one that suits what you can find. Don't worry if they haven't read the book, it's a great opportunity to learn a new story and all the costumes come from either classic children's books or the top 100 children's book list. 

25 Last Minute World Book Day Ideas for Girls

If, like, me, you are prone to leaving things to the last minute, or, you just don't have a lot of spare time, you might be in search of easy, quick, World Book day costume ideas. Here are the easiest costumes I could think of for girls, hopefully using items you will already have at home. You may not be able to do all of them, the idea is to pick one that suits what you have in your house. If they don't know the book, then start reading, quick! It's a great opportunity to learn something new, and all the books I chose are either children's classics or from the top 100 children's book list. The costumes are meant to be easy, not perfect, but they should get you out of trouble!

Win a Star Wars Projection Watch

The Saturday Comic Issue 2

What's in My Make Up Bag

Thanks to Lauren from Scrapbook Lives for tagging me in her post, asking what's in my make up bag. I was really keen to take part, since I've only recently started wearing make up more often. I used to only wear it for evenings out, but since hitting 30ish, plus VAT, I am finding I resemble the unfortunate victim of a Miss Marple episode, if I don't make at least a bit of an effort. So this post features the products I love enough to give them their own bag. In most cases, it's because they are great products, but there's at least one that I only keep in there for the name. Welcome to the shallow world of my make up bag!

Flooring Options for a Family Home

I have a dilemma. We really need to update our home interior, which includes replacing our downstairs carpet, but we can't decide what with, and it's getting more and more threadbare by the day. I would love to try wood flooring, as I am fed up with trying to keep the thoroughfare between the kitchen and the dining table clean, but the husband isn't keen. I wondered if other people have this issue too, so thought I would set out the pros and cons of different flooring types, to try to help me decide, and maybe help out anyone else who's undecided too. So here it is, my guide to modern flooring for a family home and what I like about them all!

An Easy Cupcake Recipe that Saved the Day

Who would have thought an innocent cake could cause so much trouble? It all started when The Husband innocently suggested he would make a cake to take into work, like he has done many times before. Except he forgot that this day was stock take, which involves 25 people, more than twice the usual cake-consumers. One cake was never going to be enough. What he didn't realise was, when you increase the volume of cake, the potential for disaster increases too. Here's what happened next, and how a decent fool-proof cupcake recipe can always put things right. Save this one for when you need your cakes to turn out right the first time!

Win A Despicable Me Bathtime Fun Set

The Saturday Comic Issue 1

Is Autism Even Real?

Anyone who knows me at all, particularly if you've read my Awesome Autism post, will realise pretty quickly that this is an ironic title, not something I personally believe, or have even considered. It is, however, something I hear a lot, so I would like to take this opportunity to explain why, in my view, the title above is a really stupid question. This will be based on observation and experience, which, in fairness, is something people really ought to rely on, before making silly statements that are likely to cause upset and distress to others, instead of just letting any old garbage fall out of their open mouths. Is Autism even real? Let the ranting begin.

Win a Zoella Keychain and a Journal Notebook

No School Attendance Policy will Prevent Childhood Illness

School absence is a subject that comes up a lot these days. It's a society-wide issue, for many reasons and is often a subject of media scrutiny. It can be to blame for everything from criminal activity to unemployment statistics and, whilst I am not denying it's an issue, I'm really starting to think Ofsted have got it a bit wrong. To be clear, I fully support the need for children to be in school, but there are always going to be issues that cause a child to be absent, such as illness, and this is partly what I want to focus on. I realise holidays in term time are another issue, but that is a big enough issue for a whole new post!

House Cleaning: Budget Tricks and Short Cuts!

I do love a good old fashioned housewifely remedy for a tricky cleaning task. In our current economy, you can really save a lot of money by having a few household staples in your cupboard for tackling a variety of cleaning tasks. Sometimes, even if you are really short of cash and everything is looking a bit tired and dated, a good spring clean can make you feel so much better and give your home a much needed lift. It's also much better for the environment and your health too. Everyone would love a sparkly clean home, but no one once the bleach smell and rough hands that often comes with it. 

Win His and Hers Flask Sets worth £30 for Valentine's Day!

What Walking Stick Users Want You to Know

When you have a hidden illness, you get used to people not realising that there's anything wrong, so when you are out and about, there can be a lot of tutting and general impatience. Recently though, I've thrown vanity to the wind and started using a stick sometimes. I found it on a camping website and it didn't look too much like a walking stick, more like a hiking aid, so I thought I would give it a try and it's bliss. It means I can walk for longer with less pain, or go out when I wouldn't normally be able to. I have been surprised by people's reactions though. Most are considerate, but some seem oblivious to the limitations of the stick user. 

What to Pack for a Lapland Holiday

Now that Christmas has come and gone, our holiday to Lapland is fast approaching. As the rest of the country are despairing at the horrible British weather and planning, or hoping for, a trip somewhere hot and sunny, we are very much looking forward to 'real snow' and sleigh rides in Ruka, Finland. This does, however, pose a little problem; I have absolutely no idea what to pack. I've never been on a winter adventure holiday before, and I was lucky enough to win this one, so I'm not likely to go again. I need to know what to buy and, more importantly, what I won't need, so that I can save money and vital packing space for the trip and this was the question I posed to a group of previous Lapland adventurers.

Win a Luxury Faux Fur Hot Water Bottle in Mink

6 Books to Help Children with Anxiety

Anxiety has become a lot more recognised in children in recent years and it's really not surprising, with everything they are expected to cope with these days. From school SATs tests, and the new, more demanding curriculum, to social media peer pressure, childhood can have a lot of obstacles to negotiate. Children, like adults, can become anxious or stressed for many reasons and it isn't always the result of an underlying condition. It could be something they are worried about or changes they are finding hard to cope with. Books can provide reassurance, as well as open the doors to talking about worries, even for little ones. These books are all recommended by parents. 

Win a Copy of The Children's Meditations in my Heart

Blogging versus Blagging: The Social Influencer Debate

Sometimes it's a struggle to explain your job, when you make money from writing a blog. I started blogging in 2012 and my blog was, and still is, something I wanted to be proud of and hoped might bring value to others. The fact that people pay for ads and some of the content is a happy bonus, particularly as my health has worsened, I am grateful to be able to earn money doing something I love. The beauty of blogging, Instagramming, YouTubing, etc, is that you can make money out of something you enjoy. There are no barriers, there is an audience out there for everyone and that's a wonderful thing, so why are some people so negative about it

Top Ten Tips for Sensory Issues and Fussy Eating Phases

Originally posted in 2014, this is one of the posts I get asked about most often. Since I wrote it, I've found out a lot more about the sensory issues that can affect children and have come to realise that, regardless of where, if at all, they land on the autism spectrum, or what other issues they may have, they can still feel anxious around food, so it's really important not to make it worse. As I mentioned, this post was originally written some time ago, before I was as aware of sensory issues as I am now. I've updated it a bit, but, whether it turns out to be part of a wider issue, or simply a phase, I hope these tips, from myself and other bloggers, will help.

Plus Size Beachwear Inspiration

I got brave last year and started going to my local swimming pool. This inspired my recent post Plus Size Swimwear Inspiration, where I talked about confidence-boosting swimwear, to assist those New Year's resolutions and get even the most self-conscious swimmer back in the water. The post, and subsequent comments, got me thinking; why shouldn't we take advantage of these cleverly designed advances in swimwear and extend it to the beach? Instead of the usual New Year's diets, this could be the year to embrace the body you have and unleash a new found confidence on the beach this summer.

What Was in my Ladies Lucky Box from Approved Food

Approved Food have been around for quite a few years now and I have always liked the idea. The basic principle is simple; in this country we throw away a lot of food unnecessarily and Approved Food sought to change that, by sourcing those foods that might have passed their 'Best Before' date, but were still perfectly fit to eat, and selling them on to consumers at insanely reduced prices. Fast forward almost ten years and they have branched out into other areas, including cosmetics. I thought I would what was in the Ladies Lucky Box with you, as I was really impressed with what I received. I bought this myself, alongside my usual food order.

Plus Size Swimwear Inspiration

I've often wondered if plus-size is a state of mind. Not literally, of course, you can't deny what clothes size you are, unless you have a lot of free time and a good pair of scissors. However, the actual concept and subsequent stigma around clothing for the curvier lady is a different matter. I've started swimming recently, and before that I used to do Aquafit. During this time, I've seen a number of really lovely swimwear, containing, what would probably be described as, bigger ladies. Some of them much bigger, but they look great and have an air of confidence that made me wonder if perhaps it's time to stop worrying about what size we are, and start making the most of what we have. 

Help Hannah's Head Shave!

My friend Hannah is losing her hair. Not through stress, or to relive the skinhead days of the 80's, but for a very good reason. Like me, she is a previous supporter of The Little Princess Trust, donating her hair to make wigs for children, but this time, she is going a bit further. As Hannah is one of life's lovely people, who is always the first to offer support or help to others, I thought it would be really nice to get behind her and share her story in the hope of raising more publicity, and hopefully more money, for a very worthwhile cause. I would really appreciate it if you would read on to find out all about Hannah, her mum and the fate of her lovely hair. 

2017 A Year in Review

I am convinced as I get older, that time goes more and more quickly. I find that the year starts off slowly enough, full of promise and good intentions, but once we get to the summer holidays, it suddenly speeds up. We try to cram in as much fun and adventure as we can into the holidays, wringing out the last remnants of summer for as long as possible, but once everyone is back at school, Christmas starts creeping in  and then *boom* I'm sitting here writing this post! This is one of the great things about blogging. though, I can look back over the year and remind myself that we did do a lot of fun stuff along the way. This is 2017, our year in review.