One thing I wish was emphasised to me before I had children the sheer speed that school shoes deteriorate even before the end of the school term is on the horizon. Freddie has trashed, I mean completely trashed so many pairs just through play time football and general rough and tumble that I had pretty much given up expecting any longevity. We have tried expensive shoes, the cheapest shoes and middle of the road brands. Honestly, it makes no difference. It gets to a point when even some shoe polish and a quick buff up is futile as the leather is embarrassingly obliterated beyond recognition. I was curious when Treads…

As much as I hate to admit it, the winter is here and it’s time to pack away my flip flops. I find the transition of summer clothes to my autumn/winter the annual ritual I need, much like putting the clocks back, to get me ready for the colder weather. Wardrobe weeding I start with getting mine and the kids summer clothes and packing them in our suitcases, all folded into little piles ready to grace us next year (also praying that we don’t have a fluke warm autumn so I won’t be sweating in my tights and baggy knit!) it’s hard to tear Freddie away from some of his…

Our family unit has never been just the kids, hubby and I – ours extends to include three cats and two dogs, the fur babies that we had long before our two legged sprogs. They complete our family and our Springer spaniel litter mates, Bella and Ludo are very much the heart of our family. We had the pups back in 2011 and I’m so pleased my boys are growing up with pets just as we did, they learn responsibility with walks and feeding aswell as having the love and bond that you get with a dog that is so special, you can’t really sum it up but its just…

#Ad. There is nothing more miserable and sad than a baby with sore, red raw nappy rash. Sadly both of my boys had Cows milk protein allergy and this was the culprit for some violent nappy explosions and the worst nappy rash – bleeding blisters giving way to red raw skin, this used to heighten at teething time when the acidic poo would just strip the skin and burn. The first 12 months we had lots of nappy rash and this is when it’s most common too. From two weeks old Dexter’s milk allergy was on full pelt and he was also on strong anti reflux medication, a side effect…

Once spring shows itself I have the urge to update everything or add a new feature somewhere in our home. A small change that just brings a fresh feel. Last year we did this with redecorating to bring some brightness in our home. This year we have been asked to review some gifted pieces of our choice from vertbaudets new range. I chose a giant floor pillow, outdoor rug and some denim jackets for the boys. Dexter’s room has been finished for quite a while but it always had something missing, so I knew that when I saw this giant floor cushion it was exactly what the room needed. The…

Myself and my husband are pretty much hit and miss with Valentine’s Day, as in we celebrate it one year to the next. Both of us prefer a practical gift that isn’t so much of just being brought for the say so, but also on the flip, a surprise traditional gift is always lovely to recieve! Here is my Valentine’s gift guide, featuring a mix of traditional and practical gifts that will impress your loved one on February 14th. Posh Totty designs at Findmeagift I love jewellery and last year I had a beautiful necklace with both the boys names on. In the same vein, this gorgeous ring necklace from…

When you watch kids TV day to day, there is nothing quite like the excitement of a new series to get everyone in the family in a frenzy! New characters, new theme tune, new learning opportunities. You can therefore imagine the buzz in our family when Tinpo arrived – the new TV programme for preschool children from the creators of Nelly and Nora (who we also love here) Keeping the kids engaged and entertained whilst learning is always easier with new fodder and so it was a relief to meet some new characters! The dynamic of TV has changed a little in our house since Christmas as Freddie received his…