4 Fantastic Outdoorsy Activities To Keep The Kids Cheery This Weekend

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Are you are over the age of technology?

Maybe bringing up your kids in a world full of iPhones, internet and social media isn’t what you had envisioned for them. In order to prevent them from becoming addicted to the online world it is important to give them outdoor experiences to enjoy and remember. This weekend why not try and aim to have a technology free weekend and take in the wonders of the outdoors in the sunshine.

Whether you’re looking to have a fun filled family day out or stay at home and simply enjoy each other’s company. These super fun ideas will make your kids forget about television altogether!

1. Classic Camping

11 Years Of Marriage

OK, so I probably should of wrote a really soppy blog post last year on our 10 year anniversary but I never got round to it and suddenly here we are another year on.

I'm sure with all of our bickering plenty of people thought we wouldn't get to 11 years of marriage. Some certainly thought we were too young to get married, yet here we are.

Party Bag Tips!

Party bags can be a bit like wedding favours, in that they can sometimes be forgotten about until the last minute and if you rush them they can be very expensive!

When our little boy recently turned 4 he had his first proper big party. The venue provided the room, soft play and bouncy castle but we needed to provided food, cake and party bags. As I started to price things up I was concerned about how much filling the bags would cost. With just a few of our family and friends at his first few parties I hadn't really thought much about the cost but with well over 25 children in attendance this time I would need to give it a bit more thought!

With a bit of planning this is what I put together for £1.14 a bag!

Proceive Advanced Fertility Supplements

Gifted

Fertility, for those that don't know, is the very reason that I started this blog.

An outlet for emotions and a diary of experiences, starting the blog then called Katie C, was like therapy for me. After 6 years of trying to conceive, miscarriages, Endometriosis diagnosis, two laparoscopy, a tube flush, a batch of Clomid, multiple admissions for reduced movements and a traumatic birth, we have our boy! Woohoo! And he's now 4!

Sadly, though we haven't been blessed with anymore. Even after two rounds of Clomid there is no little brother or sister for JJ. 

I'm always keen though to try something different and in finding a natural approach to my Fibromyalgia works well, I've started to feel that it could be the way to go for our fertility too. 

So when I was asked to try the natural fertility supplement Proceive, I obviously said yes! 

Home Ed - What's The Story?

Recently I've become more and more aware of the amount of people that have chose to home educate their children. Whether it be in person or online there are certainly more people home educating than I first thought.

As our son's first year at school approaches, like many parents, I'm concerned about what school life may hold for him. If it doesn't workout for him, I don't know really know much about home educating.

My Fairy Garden

Gifted

We are big fairy fans in this house! Yes, we believe! 

So, when I came across the My Fairy Garden range I was keen to have a peek!

Down By The Riverside Festival

The Down By The Riverside Festival is a annual family friendly event based at Dolphinholme, Lancashire. In it's second year, the festival is extremely popular with locals and the buzz of the event has started to spread.

Top Ideas For A Hot Summers Day

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When the weather gets hotter, it can be a great time to be outdoors instead of being stuck in the house. You'll want to have some fun in the sun with the kids and enjoy the weather while you can.

Not all the games that you normally do in the summer though are a good idea when the weather is exceptionally hot!

Here are a few ideas for those that want to play in the sun!

Go to the beach!

Creating A Peaceful Bedroom

Your bedroom. When you become a parent it’s no longer just yours. From the newborn days of being up and down every hour, to the toddler days when little ones sneak out of bed and into yours, which usually results in elbows in backs and feet or even little butts to your face, your bedroom is overrun with little people.

For the times that you do have it to yourself, your bedroom could be the ideal place to relax and have some quiet me time. Having somewhere to relax after a busy and stressful day could help put you at ease and allow you the time to regroup. Maybe even close the curtains and have a sneaky nap!

Budget Wedding Favours

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Put the word wedding in front of anything and it quickly triples in price. The smallest and simplest of things suddenly become more expensive. Wedding flowers, wedding cake, wedding favours.

The latter of these is often forgotten about until the last minute but they can very easily escalate in price.

First, though do you know what wedding favours are? 

Traditionally wedding favours are given to each of your wedding guests as a souvenir of the day and a gesture of thanks for their attendance.  The act of giving wedding favours dates back for centuries, with trinket boxes containing sugar cubes. This moved on to almonds and then to sugared almonds.

Now though, wedding favours come in sorts of shapes and sizes and vary massively! Candles, chocolates, biscuits, shots and even the traditional almonds make an appearance.

Still have no idea of where to start or what to pick? Maybe you’re on a tight budget and looking for ways to save wedding budget? Well, here’s a selection of cheap wedding favours ideas to help!

Sweet Jars

Decorating Ideas For Your Child's Room

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Children’s rooms can sometimes be difficult to decorate, especially as their tastes and hobbies change as they grow.

Unicorn Sundae

The world is a little bit unicorn obsessed right now and that has now spread over to food! A quick flick round the internet and Pinterest will fill you full of ideas and hunger!

Inspired by all things unicorn the other day I created these!!!

Letterbox Cake by bakerdays

Gifted

Those that have read my blog since the fertility days or follow me on social media will know I love cake. Like really, really love cake. When dieting I've been know to skip meals to try and justify a dessert of, you've guessed it, cake! 

So, when I was asked to try the letterbox cake by bakerdays I jumped at the chance! A cake that fits through the letterbox!! Yes, through the letterbox!!!

Staccups

Gifted

Evenings in can get a bit repetitive! A movie here, a Netflix binge there, it's easy to end up doing the same things over and over. You might be a  bit bored. You might even contemplate doing the ironing!!!

Stop! 

There's much more to be done. After our recent fun with Yeti in My Spaghetti we decided to give another board game a go. This one though is for 8+ so is more for the grownups, so JJ sat this one out but he's keen to give it a try!

Staccups by University Games is a four player game, that sees you race against your opponent to stack all your cups first. 

Top 5 Must Haves For A Disney Day!

So you've saved and saved for a trip to Disneyland Paris but as it approaches you realise you're not sure what you'll need and what to take into the parks! As a Disney fan and having visited Disneyland Paris, as well as Walt Disney World, I am often asked what people should take with them into the park.

Our Favourite Book - The Ugly Duckling

It's time to share another of our favourite books with you!

We have a lot of different books in our collection. Classics, brand new and lots and lots of hand me downs!

This month's favourite book is The Ugly Duckling.

Yeti in My Spaghetti

Gifted

Our little boy is now 4 and the type of toys he plays with are changing. Suddenly he seems very grown up and he's started to take an interest in board games. As he does with many of the adverts on TV, there's lots of  'please, I have that' when he takes a shine to one, but with when it comes to board games I really felt he was just too little.

Recently, though I was offered the chance to review Yeti in My Spaghetti. 

Today You're 4

So many people that have had children say time speeds up on their arrival and I never believed it but looking at you today I know how true that is. 

Today you are 4. 

Easy Ways To Add A Little Something Extra To Your Crafts

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Whatever you're crafting, if you're a keen crafter you're probably always looking to find ways of making it a little more interesting. There are many ways of doing this and if you're happy to use your imagination and if you're happy to use your imagination you can make some exciting changes. 

Planning Your Dream Wedding On A Budget!

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Weddings, weddings, weddings! Weddings everywhere! Wedding fever has taken over the world due to the latest Royal Wedding, and if you have a wedding planned it may fill you with excitement and ideas!

Sadly though your budget maybe a little short in comparison to Harry and Meghan’s! That shouldn’t stop you having your dream wedding though. So, if you’re prepared to plan thoroughly, shop around and get creative then here are my top tips for your perfect day, the wedding of your dreams and your happily ever after.

First, make your guest list and check it twice!

Yes, check it twice just like Santa! Make a list of all the family and friends you’d like to invite, thinking of the ones close to you and those that are a big part of your life. Then add the ones you need to invite, like the family members your Mum will insist on to avoid a falling out. Then sit down with your parents and strip the list down. 

Picking The Perfect Wedding Venue

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You’re engaged! Congratulations! 

4 Kid Friendly Royal Wedding Activites

The time has come for another Royal Wedding! Whether you're a royalist or not there's no avoiding the hype that surrounds the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The marriage of a British prince to an American actress has got the world excited and many are braced to watch the wedding on Saturday! 

Are you having a watching party like Mammaprada? Do you want a couple of activities to keep the kids busy? Maybe you're doing a Royal theme with your Brownies, or maybe you're a Home Educator that wants to do some Royal wedding themed craft or activities on the run up to the big day?

Well, here's an easy four!

7 Quick Tips For A Pregnant Holiday

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As you know, we love to travel with our little one, and that comes with its own challenges but before holidays with children are holidays pregnant and they require a whole other level of organisation! Here are my 7 quick tips for a pregnant holiday!

Lighting Your Home

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Lighting can easily be forgotten about when doing home improvements. An old strip light here. A wonky lamp there. It can often become the unsightly factor of your home.

Hunkemoller

Gifted

Right ladies, lets talk bras. 

Top Tips For Blogger Outreach

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So you're a blogger and you want to start earning a few £££, but you're not sure what attracts a brand to link up with a blogger. What makes a brand head in your direction with an opportunity?

Maybe you're a brand who want to work with bloggers and you don't know where to start and how to contact bloggers. What makes a blogger want to work with you and promote your brand?

Well here's a few tips for bloggers and brands for successful blogger outreach!

When Your Baby Isn't So Little Anymore!

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As a parent it can be emotional when you begin to realise your baby isn't so little anymore. Our little boy starts school later in the year and the thought of his first day makes me feel incredibly emotional! How is he starting school already?

One moment they're small enough to hold and rock in your arms, relying on you for everything and in a blink of an eye they 're racing around the house, into everything and becoming more and more independent! 

Kedleston Hall

We love visiting National Trust places. It's something both my husband and I were brought up on and wanted to carry on with our little boy.

When we became members nearly two years ago I wondered if there would be much for us to enjoy as a family but we've been to so many places! Our latest visit was to Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, a country house built in 1759. 

3 Things Parenthood Makes You Realise About Your Own Parents

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Once upon a time your parents were the gatekeepers. The people that stopped you having fun, or at least tried to control it! Admittedly, every child goes through a phase (or five) where they think their parents are deliberately trying to sabotage their pleasure. The world is full of rules and to a child's mind they're just not fair.

Our Favourite Book - Katie & the Dinosaurs

Welcome back to our favourite book feature! This month we're loving Katie and the Dinosaurs. 

Our Home Improvement Adventures

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For those that follow me on Instagram, you'll know that we've been having some work done to our house.

Recently, our full large drafty windows are gone and our home is more cosy as a result, but that cosy feeling has been a long time coming! We'd originally planned to have the work done when we moved into the house seven years ago! The arrival of a certain little boy, a lack of funds and a need for a new car put that on the back burner. Then after a few too many evenings of sitting under more than one blanket and nights of our three year old waking up and saying he was cold it was time to get our finger out and have the work done.

It was messy. It was cold. It was slightly ridiculous to have new windows fitted in February. Oh, and I know I've said it already but THE MESS! There was so much mess!!!

Could Being A Mum Be The Skill That Builds Your Career?

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The idea of getting back to work as a mummy is always framed as a challenge. I can tell you from experience that it's difficult to get back into the swing of things you haven't done for some time. Not to mention the new family and work balance that you'll need to find. 

Instead of looking at motherhood as an obstacle though, can you look at it as a resource? 

There's a selection of careers where being a mum can lift you into a new role. Here's a few ideas that could shape your career.

Ooooo Craft Chocolate

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As a craft blogger I know that the word ‘craft’ can mean a lot of things. It can mean getting sticky with glue and glitter but it can also be related to food and drink. Craft all comes down to creativity and what the creator want to have at the end of it.

You might want to brew your own beer at home, with the possibility of opening a micropub if you have the knack for it. You might want to make birthday cards or wedding invites, with a view to starting your own online shop. Maybe you want to simply bake a few show stopping cakes to share with your friends.

A rise in craft beers and craft coffee came from people being passionate about what they were creating. This passion is spreading and recently I’ve discovered that craft in the food world is spreading over to chocolate! Yes! Chocolate!! Craft Chocolate! Obviously this has made me very excited! Chocolate is one of my fave things. EVER.

3 Ideas For A Very British Holiday By The Water

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More often than not, when you think of British summer holidays, it’s likely that you picture a sandy beach in Wales but drenched by the rain! Where holidaymakers dressed in waterproofs and wellington boots watch the horizon while eating fish and chips, huddled together under an umbrella.

There’s a form of grey, cold, damp misery that we repeatedly associate with the British weather, and of course British summer holidays, but it doesn't have to be like that at all!

If being by the sea is a key element of your holiday and you want to avoid the disappointing rain and dampness, here are three places for you to try! So if you're still planning your summer break add these to your list! Both abroad and in the UK they are all quintessentially British but bring you fun by the water!

Easter Leftover Rocky Road

Easter's been and gone, but if your home is anything like ours there's still signs of it everywhere. Mostly in the form of huge amounts of chocolate and bunny themed treats!

If you want to combine them and streamline your chocolate stockpile this little bake is ideal!

Living With Fibromyalgia

Today has been a crappy day. I've had to go back to my GP and am on another course of antibiotics. 

Eggcellent Easter Cake!!

So, you have your Easter all planned out. Perhaps you've planned to have friends or family round and you want an eye catching bake!

Well, how about this easy and quick Eggcellent Easter Cake!

Our Easter Buys!

If you've been into any high street shops recently you'll see that they've really upped their game when it comes to Easter. More chocolate treats, more food and more decorations!

Prices vary dependent on where you shop but there are great things to be found! Normally I'm all about the homemade and handmade, like the Easter Wreath and Bunting that we made last Easter but this year I have treated us a little and picked up a few things. Probably too many! 

I thought I'd share with you what we've picked up and what we have planned for the long weekend!

First, decorations!! These are what really sucked me in when out shopping and made me go a little Easter crazy! 

Gin & Tonic Lime Drizzle Cake

Gin is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks at the moment and as its popularity grows, more and more flavours and serving styles are being created. This has begun to include food and with this in mind I've created this very grown up bake, a Gin and Tonic Lime Drizzle Cake!

Look how yummy it looks!

Four Of The Most Useful Skills A Mum Can Teach Her Kids

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I waited a long time to become a mother and it's hardwork, but it's an incredible joy and privilege too.

The journey starts when you see a tiny bundle of cells grow into a fully formed little human, and then as they navigate their way through the world and begin to have thoughts, feelings and opinions of their own. It’s a magical and bamboozling miracle that’s truly humbling when you stop to think about it. Of course, it’s also a great responsibility.

Our Favourite Book - The Three Little Superpigs!

I love books and have created a little book worm in the shape of my 3 year old little boy. Our love of books was the inspiration behind the book of the week feature that has run on and off for over a year.

As I change things up a little with my blog I'm now going to be sharing our favourite book on a monthly basis and it will also have an accompanying vlog over on my YouTube channel!  

So, let's gets things started! Our current favourite book is.......The Three Little Superpigs!

My top 5 tips for planning a Disneyland Paris holiday!

Trips to Disneyland are full of magic, laughter and happiness but they can also be stressful, especially when you want to make the most of your trip. Planning your Disneyland trip well is the key to an easy and enjoyable holiday. It will also help you get the best value for money too!

Here's my top 5 tips for planning a Disneyland Paris holiday!