A Parent's Perspective - Home Education

When I was younger home education was extremely rare. Often seen as something that was more popular abroad than here in the UK, home education was usually for children unable to attend mainstream school due to health or behaviour. These days though it's a little different and home ed is becoming more and more popular, with more children being educate at home.

A Sustainable Change - EcoPanda Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads

Gifted for review

I love trying products and sharing my reviews with you, and as I talk more about sustainability and making simple changes, I'll be looking more at eco-friendly products and alternatives.

I'm starting by making a change from the usual cotton pads to these EcoPanda Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads.

5 Tips For Managing Building Work With Kids Around!

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Upgrading and renovating your house can take a lot of organisation at the best of times, but throw in kids, school runs and the mess and it can be even harder!

When we had work done last year, I was working a 9-5 and had our son to take back and forth to nursery, so I know too well how difficult it can be to balance things!

So, here's 5 tips for managing building work with kids around!

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 13

Welcome back to A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas! It's week 13 and it's time to do a little more scheduling so get the diaries back out!!

Townend

Set in Troutbeck Valley, in the Lake District, Townend, offers an insight into the farming life of the Brownes family.

Zuru Smashers Dino Eggs With Smyths Toys

[Gifted for review]

I don't know about your kids but our son, JJ, loves pretty much anything dinosaur related! So he was super exited when he first tried the Zuru Smashers range last year.

When we heard about the new dinosaur themed range the excitement reached fever pitch! As our box of gifted Dino Smashers arrived there were squeaks of joy and JJ was excited to get smashing!

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 12

Holidays are coming, holidays are coming................

Yes, Christmas is soon creeping up on us and we're already into week 12 of A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas!

So far we've wrote our lists, checked them twice, cleared our freezers, started our shopping, cleared out hiding spots, had a declutter, ordered our crafty bits, booked to see Santa, the panto and arranged nights out and much more!

What's next? Food of course!

Teaching Your Kids To Respect School Rules

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Rules are a huge element of school life and children must try their best to respect the rules if they hope to do well throughout their education. Children, however, are not born knowing how to follow rules and just like reading and writing it's something that has to be taught.

Here are some tips on how to achieve this from an international school in Spain.

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 11

It's Christmassssssssssssssssssssssssssss! Well, it's not but we are into week 11! Where did those weeks go?? It'll be here before you know it. 

With this in mind lets get on with this week's task! Diaries at the ready!

September Giveaway

It's a brand new month so it's time for another giveaway! This month's prize has kindly been gifted by Epaderm. 

Low Budget Rock Painting

Over the last couple of years rock painting has become really popular and you can often spot decorated rocks and pebbles whilst out and about, but especially in local parks or nature reserves.

JJ and I have wanted to try this for a while and after we gave it a try on our recent visit to Wordsworth House we thought we'd try it at home. I soon discovered that the special pens can be a little pricey! With prices starting at £12 and going upwards to £25, this craft does can be pricey! But at Wordsworth House I found a more affordable way to rock paint and now it's time to share it with you!

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 10

It's week 10 of A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas!

We are now well into getting organised and on top of things. This week it's back to the diaries as we do the next lot of scheduling.

Making A Sustainable Change

Plastics, wet wipes, recycling, rubbish, bee decline, climate change. All of these things are mentioned in the news regularly and the truth is as a country, a nation, a planet, we've got problems. Although politics take up most of the news right now, we have other big issues too and one is the environment.

August Giveaway!

It's a little late in the month but let's see it out with a competition! This month I'm giving away a £20 Amazon voucher!

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 9

Welcome back to A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks To An Organised Christmas.

As we enter week 9 we continue with the diary planning and appointment making, so grab your diaries and let's get started.

Return To Wordsworth House

Back in 2016 we visited Wordsworth House with a very little JJ. Having missed it on our last visit we decided to return this year on our most recent trip to the Lake District.

One of the many National Trust properties in the Lake District, Wordsworth House sits next to the river in the heart of Cockermouth. Birth place and childhood home of the Poet Laureate, William Wordsworth, the house is fixed in the 1770's and even has traditional food to try in the kitchen!

Understanding The Early Years Curriculum

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The Early Years Curriculum, or the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a learning framework set by the UK Government. The EYFS is important in preparing children for later schooling. For many children this journey begins as they start nursery, play group or with a childminder. At a private nursery in Surrey, Banstead Prep, children enter into EYFS at the age of 2, where they believe that a secure, safe and happy childhood provides the foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow.

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 8

Welcome back to A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas. As we head into week 8 it's time to get the diaries out as we make appointments and plans for the festive period.

19 Books For 2019 - The Life Of Rylan by Rylan Clark-Neal

Can you believe it! I’ve read another book and this one I read in a few days. Maybe it was the piece and quiet and lack of tech on our holiday or maybe it was simply because it was such a good read.

Book 4 of my 19 books for 2019, was Rylan Clark-Neal’s autobiography, The Life of Rylan.

Why You Should Encourage Your Kids To Read

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There are countless benefits to reading. Reading helps us to learn and it can help us to relax. Reading is also used as a form of entertainment. Whether your child reads to learn or for pleasure, a prep school in London share a number of great reasons why reading should be encouraged by parents…

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 7

Welcome back to A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas. This week is week 7 of our Christmas prep journey, and with the current damp and dreary weather it certainly feels like Christmas is closing in!

Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood

Nestled in Derbyshire, Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, combines a historic country home and childhood memories of the past.

Arriving at Sudbury over a bank holiday weekend we found it to be quite popular. With the car park situated across the road from the main hall and museum, the walk takes you on a picturesque view up to the property.

Beach Scavenger Hunt - British Beach Edition

Lots of you love my spotting activities and there's one for nearly every season, the seaside and even Halloween and Christmas. Spotting activities are ideal for keeping the kids entertained as they look out the window on long car journeys asking 'are we there yet?!', or when they get bored whilst out for a stroll, but what about when you'd like to keep them entertained elsewhere?  Perhaps at the beach or in a forest? Maybe add in a little adventure too?

Well, this is where a scavenger hunt comes in! So, for the first time ever welcome to the Mummy Snowy Owl Scavenger Hunt!! As it's summertime and lots of us will be off for a paddle at the seaside, I thought a beach scavenger hunt was the perfect way to start.

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 6

It's a brand new week, so it's time for week 6 of A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas.

19 Books For 2019 - This Is Going To Hurt By Adam Kay

Reading 19 books for 2019 is not the easiest task I've ever set myself but we're getting there! I'm now three books in, having just finished This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay. 

The Deep

Day out gifted for review purposes.

Set overlooking the Humber estuary, The Deep, is one of the leading aquariums in the world and is home to over 5000 animals. Operating as an educational and conservation charity, The Deep, is also a key player in international marine conservation. 

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 5

Yes, it's Monday already! So, it's time for another festive post as part of our A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas!

This week is week 5, which means there is just 20 weeks until Christmas week! Don't worry if you've fallen behind or not made a start yet, as there's still time to catch up and have a very snowy and organised Christmas!

Helping Your Teenager Decide On University

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Will the next school year see your child prepare for university?

When the time comes for your teenager to start applying for universities, you’ll probably feel quite overwhelmed. As natural as that is, it’s probably nothing in comparison to how they are feeling. With that in mind, try and do your best to support and encourage your son or daughter and help take the pressure off them as much as possible by giving positive feedback. Unsure where to start when it comes to helping them select a university? Here’s some advice from a Sixth Form in Kent.

A Parents’ Guide To The Key Stage 2 Curriculum

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A child’s education is divided into four key stages; Key Stage 2 is taught to pupils aged 7-11 in Years 3 to 6. If you’re a parent of a child in this age range, you probably have some questions about the curriculum and what your child is learning about in their lessons. A prep school in Leatherhead have put together the following guide to help parents understand the KS2 curriculum a little better.

How To Get More Involved With Your Child's Schooling

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Taking the time to read this post shows that you're keen to get involved with your child's education. It shows that you care about your child’s success, their comfort in their education, and that you are willing to make a difference. Many parents simply haven’t the time, means or maybe just don't want to do something like this, so you should pat yourself on the back for even trying!

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 4

Welcome back to another week of A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas.

We've already made our list, checked it twice, done our budget and cleared our hiding space, so now it's time to start shopping!!

Why You Should Attend School Open Days

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When it comes to choosing a new school for your child, attending open days a huge part of the process and one that shouldn’t be neglected. Touring the school and getting a feel for it in person is really important and can help make or break your decision. A prep school in Surrey explore the benefits of attending a school open day below.

Another July Giveaway

July has already brought us one board game giveaway, but now it's time for one for the grownups! 

If you saw yesterday's post you will know that we recently reviewed the eco-friendly board game, Nudge. The creators have been super kind and have gifted a game for a giveaway.

Nudge Eco-Friendly Board Game

Gifted

We love a good board game and once our son has finally stopped the bedtime roulette of 'I'm not sleepy, I'm thirsty, I'm too hot, I'm too cold, I need the loo' etc, we try and take the time to put down our phones and do something a bit different.

Over the years we've collected a selection of board games, puzzles and playing cards and these are our usual go to's when we are looking for something that isn't tech based to do. Recently though I've become very aware that a huge majority of board games are plastic based. From the counters to the packaging there's a lot of plastic involved, but is there an alternative?

Well now there is! Nudge is a strategy based, two player game that is made from fully recyclable materials. The packaging is made up of cardboard and paper and the counters are made from bioplastic.

The Importance Of Sports Day In Schools

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Summer is here and that means many schools are preparing for their sports day activities, but what exactly is sports day and why is it such a big part of school life? 

St. Hilda’s School in Harpenden have put together some of the key benefits of sports day and explain why this special day should be celebrated by students, staff and parents…

Beginner's Guide: How To Start Racing With A Dirt Bike

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Recently, we have become more and more outdoorsy. More walking, more time spent outdoors and more time having fresh air adventures. Even on our quieter weekends the boys head out on their scooters to our local skate park or we go to our local nature reserve for a stroll and to feed the ducks.

As our adventures becoming more regular we have discussed trying lots of different things and one being dirt biking, but with only one holiday experience of it, I'm unsure of where to start and what we need to know. 

Bike Bandits have created this post to share what you need to know about dirt biking and racing, so it's super handy if you're thinking of giving it a try too. 

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 3

Welcome back to A Very Snowy Christmas.

This week is week number 3 and we're getting ready for all those presents you're going to buy early!

July Giveaway!

July is here so it's time for another giveaway!

This month's prize is for a pair of travel games. These travel board games are great for holidays, whether it be for travelling or rainy days.

Helping Your Child Develop Their Social Skills

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Social skills are essential to a child’s development. Well established social skills can not only help with friendships and personal relationships, but they can also support your child throughout their life and in their future careers. Some children are naturally very sociable, while others may need a helping hand to build these invaluable skills. 

There are many ways in which you can help your children to improve their social skills. Oaks International School have put together the following advice for parents…

Keeping The Kids Safe When Crafting

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Crafting with your children has many advantages. It’s a brilliant chance to spend some time together doing something fun. It’s a chance for your kids to see you get stuck in and learn something new. It’s a wonderful and exciting way to teach them more about the world, and a way to support their school work with inspiring and colourful home projects. It’s one of the few times that you will encourage them to be messy at home. 

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 2

Welcome back to A Very Snowy Christmas!! 

This week we are going to go over last week's lists and brace yourselves because we are going to be strict and thorough! So, pull out your lists and a pen and make yourself comfy for week 2 of A Very Snowy Christmas!

19 Books For 2019 - Part-Time Working Mummy, A Patchwork Life By Rachaele Hambleton

Book two of my 19 books for 2019 has been read and it's a good one! Part-Time Working Mummy, A Patchwork Life By Rachaele Hambleton, tells the story behind the success of her blog and social media channels.

Rachaele is open from the start as she details her childhood and eventful teenage years. She shares her experiences of a violent, often volatile relationship with the father of her eldest daughters and the subsequent relationship breakdowns that follow. Rachaele's story is an eyeopening insight into the life and recovery of those suffering domestic abuse. 

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 1

If you happened to be hanging around social media around the 25th June you might have noticed the 'only 6 months until Christmas' posts. For some six months is a longtime but for many, especially those on a budget, it could only be five or six pay days away and that makes it a bit scary. 

Then there's the planning. Who to buy for, what to buy, cards to write, food to order, baking to do, the list grows, and to be honest, we probably put way to much on ourselves in a bid to achieve what we think is the perfect Christmas.

Spreading out the jobs to do and the things to buy over a number of week's can make you stay on top of all that's to be done and help you spread the cost too. When it comes to Christmas I'm one of those plan as early as possible type of people. I've already done some lists and yes, I've even picked up a couple of presents! It's the Snowy Owl and Brownie Leader in me!! Be prepared!

So, do you want to be super organised? Have a more relaxed Christmas and maybe save a few quid too? Well, join me for A Very Snowy Christmas as we plan over the next 25 weeks for an organised festive period. 

How Poor Diet Affects Your Health

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If I've learnt anything from living with Fibromyalgia, Endrometriosis and other health issues, it's that your diet can have a huge affect on your health. 

If you would like to make the most out of your health, you will have to start paying more attention to your diet. We talk about recipes and diet in particular a lot but it all seems like hard work. In case you just need a bit of more motivation or would like to understand the health benefits of having a balanced diet, have a little read of this post. 

Knowing myself about the health risks of not managing your diet, I know that sometimes you need to see the facts in writing before you take them seriously and make a change. 

Helping Your Child Perform Well At School

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We all want our children to perform well at school and most schools take pride in their ability to work with parents to identify and nurture their pupils’ potential. Below are a couple of tips from a private school in Hertfordshire on what you can be doing at home to help support your child to perform well at school.

The Importance Of School Trips

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School trips are an essential part of your child’s learning. They not only help to consolidate and contextualise the learning that has taken place within the classroom but they give your child the opportunity to explore and extend their understanding of what is being taught in a completely different environment. This helps bring leaning to life!

New Home, Too Much Space: Tips For Furnishing A Larger Property

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For most families, the need for more space is one of the most significant influencing factors on the decision to move home. However, while more living space will always be appreciated, the initial stages of making the most of a larger property can actually be a little trickier than you may expect.

How To Identify Your Child’s Learning Style

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As parents we are actively keen to support our children’s development as best we can in order for them to reach their full potential and for them to experience success. The question is, how can you identify your child’s learning style in order to best support their learning journey? 

A private school in New York have put together the following information and advice to help.

Why Are The Foundations Of Your Home So Important?

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Just like in relationships or family life, solid and well-built foundations are vital to the strength and durability of your home.

The foundations of a home are important for a number of reasons; they support the weight of the building, they provide strength against the elements and they help to isolate the structure of the building from any moisture in the ground.

In order to protect your home from damage and maintain its value, it is essential that your home is built upon a strong foundation. 

Read on to learn more about the importance of house foundations from the experts at Screwfast Foundations Limited…

Why You Should Install Outdoor Lighting

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There are many benefits to adding outdoor lighting to your home. Outdoor lighting can help to improve the safety and security of your property, as well as extend the use of your garden well into the night.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of outdoor lighting from the team of expert designers at Inspyer Lighting …