We feel like very lucky ducks indeed because last night we were invited to go to the opening of Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park! You simply can’t get more Christmassy than that now can you – well not until it’s Christmas morning, the big man’s been and you’re on the end of your bed opening your stocking! We visited last year and simply loved the fact that although essentially it’s a just a big fun fair, because of the […]

I’ve long been a fan of Mookie Toys who sell all sorts of indoor and outdoor toys. They first introduced me to the now famous Scuttlebug (which is suitable for both in the house and out) and I love it for three simple reasons! It’s small and simple to store because it folds up, is very easy to use and the cost is just fantastic at under £30! Florence has a Ladybird one and my Mum was SO impressed with it and how […]

Give me a girlie girl and I’ll give you a girl who likes Bratz dolls! There’s not much to dislike really, funky clothes and foot wear to change, pretty faces, hair to brush and accessories galore! Add into the mix a shop with a ringing cash register and little girls will be in raptures! And that’s exactly what my little girl is in right now because she’s been testing out a new Bratz Boutique toy of which there are four […]

For the past two weeks Tuesday night has become my Asda night. Not for shopping, that would be far too simple for me; I usually choose to go mid afternoon on a Saturday or a Monday evening when the rest of the world also descends instead. I’m not organised enough to think a Tuesday might actually be the perfect night for an Asda night as it’s probably fairly quiet and low-key and would give ample time for browsability! I LOVE […]

CHRISTMAS TREE COOKIES (Asda’s ‘Extra Special’ All-Butter Christmas Trees) To Decorate:   2 x 100g bar Extra Special dark chocolate, melted 50g chopped hazelnut pieces 50g chopped almond pieces     Break the chocolate up into squares and place in a small heatproof bowl. Half fill a small saucepan with water and heat until it simmers. Turn off the heat, then place the heatproof bowl containing the chopped chocolate, over but not touching the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate […]

STAR TOPPED MINCE PIES   RICH SWEET SHORTCRUST PASTRY 170g plain flour Pinch of salt 100g unsalted butter 2 tablespoons caster sugar 1 egg yolk 2 tablespoons iced cold water FILLING 1 jar of Extra Special mincemeat   TO SERVE 1 Tablespoon of icing sugar for dusting Sift the flour with the salt into a large bowl. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the 2 tablespoons of caster sugar and mix through. Mix the egg yolk […]

CHRISTMAS PUDDING (DARK) MAKES ONE PUDDING- FOR A TWO PINT PUDDING BASIN 85g raisins 55g currants 100g sultanas 40g chopped mixed peel 110g mixed dried apricots and figs, chopped 145ml brown ale 1 tablespoon rum grated zest and juice of half an orange grated zest and juice of half a lemon 55g prunes, stoned and soaked overnight in cold tea, then drained and chopped ½ dessert apple 110g butter, softened 170g soft dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon of treacle 1.5 […]

I really like winter, especially the build up to Christmas but I always worry about the cold and my children not being wrapped up enough. I can’t stand it when you see a child being pushed in a buggy done up to the nines with a coat, hat and gloves but then their legs are left uncovered! I always think they must be chilly so I like to make sure my little ones have lots of layers which can be […]

As with all the Sassy Toys we have (and we have a few cause they’re fab), the one we’ve been trying out most recently has impressed me no end! Jimmy has until recently (when two came through) been really struggling with his teeth and before long the next round will start and this particular toy will be oodles of help (as well as fun for him)! It is, of course a teether, but a rather fab one at that, it has […]

In the past I have only ever practiced yoga from a flashy gym. As part of the membership I had prior to having children, when time and money were not really much of a thought let alone a problem, both my husband and I were avid gym fans! I mainly went because I liked the sauna and steam room and would push myself through a punishing workout with that as a reward at the end. I tried (and ended up […]