Wow what a crazy, exhausting, mentally challenging first month of Finn starting at school. I thought I'd share what I've learnt from Finn starting reception with you as I have to say it has been so much more of an emotional rollercoaster than I ever imagined! A new routine, a realisation that he's left the fluffy cocoon of his private nursery and is entering into the real world with more independence, less adult support around and more structure to his days.
Read moreHalloween Edit
Halloween is once again upon us. With a 4 year old the pressure is on this year to really get involved with the trick or treating in our neighbourhood which is pretty epic! The effort some people go to with their costumes is impressive and as usual we will be taking the easy route with a shop bought outfit (one year I will be more original!) with face paint always does the trick.
Read moreNew Season Kids Picks at Olive Loves Alfie
With rapidly growing kids and a new season upon us it's time to purchase a few new bits for their Autumn/ Winter wardrobes. Honestly, they have a better wardrobe than me these days! Olive Loves Alfie is my go to independent store for the best pick of unisex, unique brands and fun clothes for kids.
Read moreToyhood Store - Fab Gifts for Under a Tenner
When you become a parent it's nice to have a good source for somewhere to buy affordable toys and gifts for all those important dates and milestones. Be it Christmas presents, stocking fillers, fancy dress, goody bags, pocket money and birthday parties - we always need those 'little' gifts.
Read more4 Cool Maternity Fashion Brands
It's really nice to see some new maternity brands emerging onto the market. With so many high street retailers either dropping their maternity ranges or moving them to online only it can be a struggle to shop for this important time in your life. I only wish these new brands had been around when I had been pregnant...
Read moreBohemian Kids Brand - Apolina
I'm a complete sucker for embroidery, ever since a trip to Mexico when I was 22 and the brightly embroidered smocks of Oaxaca caught my eye. There has been a lot of embroidery around the last couple of years and the bohemian look has been a big trend we have all bought into.
Read moreNew Season Mama Picks
The new season Autumn/ transitional styles are slowly hitting the stores and websites and on those rainy, cooler end of summer days its nice to start thinking about knitwear, boots and coats! I'm a complete summer person but am genuinely excited about what I've seen so far from the brilliant high street and smaller more independents.
Read moreBack To School
So it's finally here - Finn starts school next month (why does September always suddenly turn up so quickly?!) and I finally get to experience those first day at school nerves for him and the whole end of summer/ back to school feelings.
Read moreTable Talk with Nana's Manners
With Finn starting school in September we felt it was a good time for him to start learning a key skill - using a knife and fork properly. Meal times are a bit of an ongoing battle for us still as he is such a fussy eater but he does love to feel like he is doing more 'grown up' things, including staying up late and having dinner with us, so it felt like the timing was right to start.
Read moreSummery Days in Cath Kidston
I don't want the summer to end! We are all completely obsessed with the weather here in the UK and it's so nice to be able to wear lighter weight and summery clothes at this time of year, well ok often running to grab the rain mac and wellies too!
Read moreFlexing It - the update
So back in December I wrote about why I was taking the giant leap and quitting my 'proper' 9-5 job and turning to 'flex' (flexible working) to suit my changing lifestyle with two kids in tow (see here). I wanted to make the most of spending more time with my family and working around their needs.
Read moreDamp Bestival
So we've only just returned from Damp Bestival, sorry Camp Bestival in Dorset, so I thought it would be good to write a few words whilst things are still fresh (as fresh as they can be after a muddy festival) in my mind! I actually survived and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought and Finn was a total legend and as for the husband...
Read more🎸DIY Rock Guitar for Camp Bestival🎸
With Camp Bestival less than 3 weeks away we are in full prep mode! With the 'Popstars and Rockstars' theme this year we decided we wanted to make a guitar as a fun prop for Finn to take with him.
Read moreFIERCE! Warrior Woman Project
The pics are back!! I've been championing #BodyPositivity for a while now so I was very excited to take part in Natalie from Style Me Sunday's recent Warrior Woman Project in conjunction with Dove. A big group of women, in all shapes and sizes from all walks of life came together at The Clapton Laundry last month to take part in a day of inspiring talks, live art, comedy and of course brave photoshoots!
Read moreJuly Mama Picks
Here is my July edit of some lovely mama things spotted out and about. It's time for summer sandals and some seriously gorgeous dresses. Too many good ones out there! Also loving the take on the summer dungaree/ jumpsuit vibe - wear with a tee underneath on cooler days.
Read moreKimono Love
Kimonos are definitely having a bit of a moment right now! I am loving how comfortable, easy to style and versatile they are, plus you just instantly feel feminine in them. I've been wearing mine as a top, under dungarees and dungaree dresses, with denim shorts, skirts, skinny jeans, heels, open as a lightweight summer jacket and I'm hoping in August I can wear it over my bikini as a cover up on the beach on holiday.
Read moreIf Finlay Fox had a nappy range...
So the kind folk over at Kit & Kin sent me a lovely box of their goodies to try out and review on the blog. If you haven't heard of Kit & Kin (one of the founders is none other than Emma Bunton aka Baby Spice!) they recently launched their new range of high performance eco nappies and skincare after being frustrated by the increase of harmful and unsustainable products on the market.
Read moreBorn At Dawn - You Can Still Shop With Friends!
When you became a mum you hardly ever get to go and browse the shops anymore, let alone shop with friends and get a second, honest opinion. In fact the odd time I'm in town I tend to have Violet with me and a mad dash into a shop is a fairly stressful event so I have to say it's been all about the online shopping for me these days.
Read moreTop 12 Unisex Kids Shoes for Summer
I get asked all the time to write posts on nice kids shoes as I'm always being told how hard people find it to know where to look. It is hard to find functional and practical styles that look nice too but the kids shoe market has massively improved in the last few years.
Read moreDaddy Cool // Father's Day Gift Ideas
Sunday 18th June is Fathers Day... A sleep in and breakfast in bed is always a good gift but if you want to buy the man or dad in your life something special for it here are our top picks this year. From 'Dad Bod' hack cards and slogan tees/sweats to a 'man package' box of goodies, take you pick.
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