Category Archives: Seasonal

Seasonal, Christmas and Easter

Is there an optimum age for Christmas?

15 Monday Dec 2014

Posted by in Family, Motherhood, Seasonal

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Polar ExpressI remember when I was in my early twenties and hearing people say Christmas becomes even more fun when you have kids, and thinking, “Yeah, whatever.” I mean – when you have kids of your own it puts you firmly in the role of “Fun Maker” instead of “Fun Taker”. You have to worry about grown-up things like how long it’ll take to cook the turkey and whether all the presents have been wrapped. Christmas as a parent must be rubbish, yes?

Well no, actually. Since I’ve become a mum I’ve loved Christmas even more than ever (and I loved it a whole lot to start off with). There’s something infectious about my four year old’s excitement as the day draws nearer. It makes doing all those pre-Christmas activities totally worth it.

Christmas has always been pretty amazing since Frog was born – even on her first Christmas when our oven broke and we had to go to my parents’ for an emergency Christmas Day. This year though, it’s something else.  Continue reading »

Christmas – the one time of year I actually enjoy baking with my child

01 Monday Dec 2014

Posted by in Recipes, Seasonal

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When I was pregnant with my first daughter I imagined cosy afternoons in the kitchen with my child, whipping up a batch of fairy cakes and sausage rolls. I’ve always enjoyed baking and my love of the kitchen comes into its own around this time of year.

But then I experienced the reality of baking with a toddler: every square inch of kitchen surface covered in flour, smashed eggs on the floor and, ultimately, a tantrum because the cakes can’t be eaten IMMEDIATELY – they actually need to go in the oven first. (Sidenote: that CBeebies I Can Cook show has a lot to answer for, cooking with kids is NEVER that easy.)

Baking with kids

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A beach picnic

04 Monday Aug 2014

Posted by in Family, Recipes, Seasonal

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Beach picnicHave you ever noticed your child eats more and is open to a wider variety of food when they’re eating in a different environment? This is definitely the case with my own four year old.

She’s not fussy when it comes to food, but lunchtimes often seem to be a bit of a battle. I think it’s a mixture of tiredness, boredom about what she’s eating and an eagerness to get on and play. But when we have a picnic she’s almost always more interested in what’s on her plate.

When Organix asked if I was interested in taking part in their next #NoJunk Challenge it was a big yes – all I had to do, they said, was go on a picnic. I was keen to prove that picnics can be a great time to introduce kids to new foods, so I said yes. Yesterday, we put that theory to the test.

We’re on holiday in Cornwall at the moment, staying in a beautiful corner of the county called Crantock, just on the edge of Newquay. Crantock Beach is a huge sandy beach, with a lagoon area perfect for little ones to splash about in. It’s also the perfect spot for a picnic. Continue reading »

More baby confusion

02 Wednesday Apr 2014

Posted by in Pregnancy, Seasonal

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“Mummy, is it Easter soon?” asked my three and three quarter year old at the breakfast table yesterday morning.

I saw this as a good opportunity to have a Meaningful Conversation and impart some of my extensive knowledge.

“Yes, and do you know what happens at Easter?” I replied.

The answer was a predictable one, mainly revolving around chocolate and holidays. Determined to press on, I mentioned Jesus and the idea of celebrating new life. We’re not a religious family, but I thought it important my almost four year old had some idea of the story behind Easter.  Continue reading »

An afternoon in Brixham

23 Sunday Feb 2014

Posted by in Family, Seasonal, Travel

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Brixham

For the first time in ages we had a free day together as a family – and it was sunny. The day stretched before us like a blank piece of paper, full of possibilities and blue sky.

But first we had to do the boring stuff, like a supermarket shop, meet a couple of work deadlines, do a load of washing and (the biggest challenge considering our daughter’s current phase) get our three year old dressed.

Once that was all dealt with it was 12pm and the clouds had gathered. Ignoring the impending rain we bundled into the car and set off for Brixham, a little seaside town about half an hour from our village on the edge of Dartmoor. We bickered part of the way, then got lost looking for a car park, then realised we had no change for said car park. But, finally, we were there.  Continue reading »

Being a blogger at Christmas

13 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by in Family, Seasonal

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We have entirely missed the Christmas build-up at home this year. With a house move on the cards, constantly changing dates and, at one point, staring Christmas in a caravan in the face, we weren’t feeling particularly festive.

Being a blogger has many benefits though, not least the chance to be “festivised” by fellow parents who blog. The brilliant sense of community in the blogging world is evident all over the internet this year, not least in the huge support of this post at Thinly Spread for Christmas Jumper Day.

When things were getting frazzled with the house purchase (and we thought, at one point, we definitely wouldn’t be moving before Christmas) it has been friends I know through blogging who have carried me through. Gemma, Jane, Alison, Charlotte, Kelly, Katie, Ellie and Erica have all been there with a joke or a *hug* when I’ve needed it most. If I didn’t blog, I’d have missed out on all those little pick-me-ups.  Continue reading »

Elf on the Shelf – another win for Mother Guilt?

02 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by in Family, Motherhood, Seasonal

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Elf Free Zone

I’d like to start this post with a disclaimer: I love Christmas. I like the sparkle and the glitter and the festive build-up and the sense of anticipation surrounding the main event itself. But I am not a fan of a certain craze that has swept across my Twitter, Instagram and Facebook timeline this weekend.

Elf on the Shelf is an American idea. It’s a little toy that parents purchase pre-December. Billed as a “special scout sent by Santa from the North Pole”, the elf is meant to keep an eye on kids, updating the naughty and nice list before the big day.  Continue reading »

The Nativity play rehearsal

28 Thursday Nov 2013

Posted by in Behaviour, Seasonal

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My daughter is in a Christmas play. It’s her first Christmas play, she is three.

I am already fearful of the big day. It’s not the concern over crying in public (although, knowing me, I will be an emotional wreck). It’s not even the immense feeling of parental responsibility at helping her learn her lines. No. It’s something far, far worse.

At pre-school drop-off yesterday, I was given a sheet of paper with lyrics to the songs in Frog’s Christmas play. Contained within the package was a CD. Oh good, I thought, we can have a jolly sing-a-long when she gets home this afternoon. I pictured some good mother-daughter bonding. Possibly even an early mug of mulled wine for Mummy. We made an imaginary stage and Frog stepped behind the curtain… Continue reading »

Granny chic and a bit of ethical shopping

20 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by in Fashion, Home, Seasonal

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There’s something very pleasing about shopping with independent traders. For me, this is the time of year when the lesser-known brands come into their own, offering items that are a little bit different, made with love, and perfect for giving at Christmas.

If you’re a fan of farmers markets, craft markets and those gorgeous independent shops dotted around high streets up and down the country, you will love MyHigh.St.

I discovered this website while browsing online recently, searching for pretty interiors accessories with a difference. It features products made by independent traders based from the across the UK and comes from a team based in (my beloved) West Country. It’s ethical, often handmade, often vintage, pretty, delicious and vibrant.  Continue reading »