How To Be More Involved With Your Child’s Education

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Believe it or not, research has found that the more involved a child’s parents are with their education, the more likely they are to succeed in school. With that said, you’re probably wondering what more you can do for your youngster. A private school in London have put together the following advice to help get your started.

A Clean Family Home ~ Top Tips To Keep On Top Of Mess

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Staying on top of the cleaning in your home when you have the responsibilities of looking after your little ones (and yourself) as well as working or providing for your family can seem pretty much impossible. Turn your back for a couple of seconds and your children can successfully flip a room upside down and leave it unrecognisable amongst clutter, mess and grime. Not only is an untidy house stressful, it also poses several potential risks to your family that might otherwise have been avoided, such as bacteria infections or illnesses from particularly dirty areas, or cuts and bruises from trips and falls. So, if you’d like to know more about how you can have a clean and tidy family home, then read on to uncover some of the best top tips to help you get started today!

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 19

Welcome back to A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas!! It's week 19!!! 

Halloween is done and dusted! Mariah is warming up and Buble is about to come out of his cave!! The shops are ready and thanks to our weekly tasks so are we!! 

This week's task involves getting the kids involved in our Christmas prep!

Being Creative With DesignBundles.net

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Creative handmade and homemade pieces are a great way to bring personalisation and individuality to your home.

Whether you create them yourself or buy from crafty types, they can make your home standout from the rest. I often find that the pieces or ornaments that I like the most or get compliments are those handmade items.

Tips For Bloggers ~ How To Get More Views

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Blogging is a fantastic tool for sharing your expertise and generating more traffic to your website. However, it can feel quite demotivating when you invest your time into a blog post that no one is reading. 

Driving traffic to a website is a big challenge for bloggers, but there are plenty of clever tactics you can use in order to see results. Read on for some helpful advice from an award winning digital agency in North London…

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 18

Welcome back! It's week 18 of A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas and it's time to talk about Christmas clothes!!

Preparing Your Child For The School Bus

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We're a full term into the school year and now you're back in a routine you might be considering letting your children having a little more independence, especially if they have started secondary school this term or are in their last year of primary school.

One way of doing this is by letting them make the journey to and from school. If the walk is a little long for them or involves walking along busy roads, you may want to consider letting them get the bus. If your school runs a bus service or there's a regular bus that most of the children use it's a good opportunity to let them practice their independence.

My Favourite Bathroom Interior Trends

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Those of you that have been reading my blog or following me on social media for a while, will know that last year we had a lot of work done to our house. New windows, carpets, a bit of decorating and a new bathroom were all on the spruce up plan.

There was a lot of mess but the cleaning wasn’t the hardest part. The simplest jobs and decisions turned into the most difficult ones. I thought picking a bathroom would be the easiest part! I was wrong! Very wrong!!

Eyeball Jelly

Lots of you loved the Eyeball Cakes and Brain Jelly I created last year for Halloween. So, I thought I'd combine the two strange and spooky creations and great this Eyeball Jelly!

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 17

Welcome back to A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas! It is week 17 and this week we're looking at preparing your home for Christmas again.

Exploring Creative Writing With Your Child

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Creative writing is a fun way for children to practice their creativity and develop other important academic skills. Children have wonderful imaginations, which parents can help to nurture using these great creative writing tips from Orchard House School…

What Do With Pumpkin Leftovers!!

With pumpkins in season over the autumn months they are a key part of Halloween celebrations. The supermarkets and greengrocers are full of them and many of us will buy one to carve with the kids. 

When carving a pumpkin though, the mushy filling can often go to waste but what can you do with it? Well, here's some ideas on what to do with pumpkin leftovers!

Marzipan Pumpkin Bites

I love a good themed treat and Halloween is a great reason to create a new tasty recipe. These cute little bite-sized treats are great for a Halloween party or a simple spooky treat.

They are quite easy to make and don't take too long either!

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 16

Welcome back to A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas!!!

As we enter week 16 it's time to discuss Christmas shopping!

Slap Ninja!

[Gifted]

We're are incredibly lucky to be sent another great game to review! This time it's Slap Ninja!

When I heard we'd be getting the chance to review Slap Ninja I was really looking forward to it, especially as this is one of the many items that our 5 year old, JJ, has ticked in a certain toy catalogue for Christmas!

Shaun The Sheep Bookstagram Tour

[Gifted]

We're super excited for the latest Shaun the Sheep movie, Farmageddon and it's on our watch list for half term fortnight!

Along with the movie there's a great selection of books being released and over on Instagram I'm hosting a stop on the bookstagram tour! If you're not familiar with online book tours I'll explain! Over a week or two, bloggers and Instagrammers host a spot on the tour with a review and today it has been our turn!

Thunderbirds Are Go!!!

[Gifted]

If you have children that are TV fans you'll probably be well aware of the new Thunderbirds animation series! It's a favourite of our 5 year old son and it's one of his first picks when he has tablet time. 

As he was already playing with Daddy's vintage Thunderbird toys there was lots of excitement when the new series started and again when a brand new range of toys were released!

When Bandai and the Thunderbirds team offered us the chance to try the toys it was an obvious YES!!

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 15

Another week has passed so it's time for A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 15!!

This week we're looking at two items you need to buy before it's too late!

My Happy Journal

[Gifted]

My Happy Journal  is a beautifully designed children's activity journal, created to promote a positive mindset and gratitude skills. It is full of inspirational ideas to spur on our little ones imagination. 

October Giveaway!!

It's a brand new month, so it's time for a brand new giveaway!!!

Regular readers will know that last month I reviewed the EcoPanda Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads and loved them! Now, it's your chance to try them too by entering this month's giveaway!

A Very Snowy Christmas - 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 14

Welcome back to A Very Snowy Christmas, 25 Weeks For An Organised Christmas Week 14!!

The week's seem to be passing so quickly and there's signs of Christmas popping up in the shops and on the TV. So, what's next for planning? Well, it's time to talk food!!

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.