Jungle sale

It's winter and a Saturday afternoon and everyone is bored. I'm left wondering what to do with three kids, plus and extra one who's here for a sleepover. 

TV, gets boring! There's only so much Peppa Pig and Charlie and Lola that any of us can take. My 8 year old finds movies too scary. A hint of dramatic music or the lowering of lights and she's running out of the room screaming, so that's a no go! I tell them to play with their toys and before we know it there are arguments over who had what first, and an annoying little brother who is trying to take over. So we come up with the idea of having a jumble sale (or jungle sale as the kids were calling it) on the drive. It gets them from under my feet, they get fresh air and learn some entrepreneurial skills.

So they go around the house looking for toys to sell. We get some cookies on a plate. Make up some marshmallow snowmen and out they go. They decide on a charity to donate the money to and everyone is happy. So not to take over, I leave them to it (well hovering at the door to keep an eye on them) and they love it. They get independence, have a sense of responsibly and do something for a worthy cause. 

So if your little one is bored and frustrated this weekend give it a go! It's fun for all :) xxx

We all love the faux fur!

The winter is all about the faux fur. I've been reading about fur snoods, fur coats and fur waistcoats. 

I've been loving the fur on my sofa. It totally warms up the room, protects the sofa from little sticky fingers and looks just lovely. 

It seems I'm not the only one who likes the fur. These four beauties love the fur throw, snuggled up to watch a movie. Bliss!! 

Here's one online at a bit of a steel!

http://m.direct.asda.com/george/george-home/George-Home-Wolf-Faux-Fur-Throw/002030780,default,pd.html?cgid=D26M02G02C06

Keeping the peace

So my husband is away. So I thought it would be a good idea to let my 8 year old have her best friend over for a sleep over (sheer moment of madness, instead of dealing with 3 kids we now had 4!) The logic was, if there's more kids around its more likely they would keep themselves entertained. Yeah?? 

It was totally jam packed, with a few fall outs. Mainly the target was annoying the little brother and disputes over who's turn it was in the iPad. All in all peace was easily restored and the house stayed relatively tidy (somehow??)

By bedtime it was time to spoil them with the yummiest of hot chocolates around the table. Smiles all round, nice warm tummies and off to bed. Perfect!!

Add a bit of light to your life,

Making my home look pretty is more of a hobby it's an obsession. I try and think of ideas all the time of what to do with this space and that. 

Lighting is a really important part of this. I wanted something different into living room, so I found myself stacking up some books that I love and placing my beloved shabby chic lamp on top of them. The end result works pretty well I think.

If you have a space at home you don't know what to do with, why don't you try it. Stagger the books from large to small, make sure you have a platform big enough for your favourite lamp and viola. You have a statement piece without any extra cost.

Enjoy xx

I just need a shower!

Have you ever had one of those mornings where you just can't seem to get showered and dressed. The little one that you adore is driving you crazy as they are demanding you're attention. Drinks, food, nappy changing, food spilages, more drinks, more nappy changing. And before you know it, it's somehow midday and you're not dressed or had that shower your desperate for.

Here's an idea for mornings (or afternoons) just like that. Pop you're little one in an empty bath with their bath toys. You probably have 15 minutes of piece as they will have fun playing in a safe place and you get to have you're well deserved shower.

Enjoy!! Xx

Dinner time conversation, getting your kids to talk.

Dinner time with the kids is total mayhem. Getting the right plate, sitting in the right seat. Each person wanting to tell you about their important day, both at the same time. Once everyone is settled, everyone is calm (ish) and the food is out I try to find out as much as I can about their little lives and what they have so done during the day.

I want to share it with you as it helps you get to know your little one, their loves and fears. In our house we each take it in turn to tell each other about the 'best part of the day' and the 'not so best part of the day'. I don't like to ask them 'what's the worst part of the day' as I prefer to use positive language.

So Amélie's best part of the day was that in wet-play a girl did some arts and crafts with her. I ask some open questions to help her expand on this so she can't just give 'yes' or 'no' answers. For example, 'what arts and crafts did you do?' 'What colours did you use?' Etc

Then I ask 'what was the not so good part of the day?' She said when her teacher got cross with the class. Again I asked her some open questions 'what was she cross about?' 'How many times was she cross?' I always find it imperative during this conversation to ask 'how did it make you feel?' This helps to expand the conversation and they get to explore their feelings. I also get an insight into how big an issue something is. 

Sebbie's best part of the day was playing in the playground, even though he got wet ( I think that was what made it so great ). The not so good part was hurting his finger.

I love these conversations, I get a total insight into their day and I'm always amazed and impressed by the things they get up to. 

Why not try it with your children, or even your partner. Remember to use the open questions, everyone loves to talk about their day and it helps bring you closer together.

Happy chatting xx

Egg free cake

I got it into my head that I wanted to make an Easter cake for my family this year. The problem is that one of my children has an egg allergy. I have found this wonderful tasty recipe that is easy to make  and everyone loves it.

I wanted to share it for anyone out there who also has an egg allergy. This recipe is based on a war recipe, written up when eggs were rationed. People still wanted to enjoy a sweet treat with a cup of tea and this was the alternative. Works well today for egg allergy sufferers. I especially like it because of the history of this scrumptious treat.

- 175g/6oz plain flour

- 3 tsp baking powder

- 70g/2½oz margarine

- 60g/2¼oz sugar

- 1 tbsp golden syrup

- 150ml/¼ pint milk

- 2-3 tbsp jam

1. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Grease and line two 18cm/7in sandwich tins.

2. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl.

3. Cream the margarine, sugar and golden syrup together in a bowl until light and fluffy. Add a little flour then a little milk and repeat until all of the flour and milk has been added and the mixture is smooth and well combined. (Add a little extra milk or water if the mixture is too stiff.)

4. Divide the mixture between the two sandwich tins. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until risen and golden-brown.

5. Remove the cakes from the oven and set aside to cool slightly. Remove the cakes from the tins and set aside to cool completely.

6. To serve, sandwich the cakes together with the jam.

You can decorate it to your choice. I have covered it in a chocolate butter icing. Then put chocolate fingers all around the sides and chocolate eggs on the top. The kids love helping with this bit, and licking the bowl!!

Why not give it a try. Enjoy

Xx