So our Secret Santa is once again on and we wanted to help you along with some great Secret Santa gift ideas, all under £20!
Giving gifts to anyone can be hard, but Secret Santa can be even trickier.
So our Secret Santa is once again on and we wanted to help you along with some great Secret Santa gift ideas, all under £20!
Giving gifts to anyone can be hard, but Secret Santa can be even trickier.
Filed Under: ADVENTURES, HOME, LIFE, UK //
One of our favourite things about the festive period is the Christmas markets & they are all starting in the next week or so (if they haven’t already)! Is there anything better than getting wrapped up, eating lots of delicious food & shopping with lots of small businesses? We have put together a list of the best UK Christmas markets so hopefully there is one local to you on this list for you to check out. We’ve also included the dates they are running AND their exact locations to make it easier for you.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram where we will be sharing our Christmas market visits!
MANCHESTER – 12TH NOVEMBER 2021 TO 22ND DECEMBER 2021
📍 – MANCHESTER CITY CENTRE
YORK – 18TH NOVEMBER 2021 TO 23RD DECEMBER 2021
📍 – St Sampsons Square YO1 8QT
BIRMINGHAM – 4TH NOVEMBER 2021 TO 23RD DECEMBER 2021
📍 Victoria Square and New Street
GLASGOW – 6TH NOVEMBER 2021 TO 23RD DECEMBER 2021
📍 St Enoch Square
EDINBURGH – 19TH NOVEMBER 2021 TO 2ND JANUARY 2022
📍The West Princes Street Gardens, The George Street event & East Princes Street Gardens
WINCHESTER – 19TH NOVEMBER 2021 TO 22ND DECEMBER 2021
📍 Winchester Cathedral SO23 9LS
NOTTINGHAM – 4TH DECEMBER 2021 TO 24TH DECEMBER 2021
📍 Old Market Square & Trinity Square
CHESTER – 18TH NOVEMBER 2021 TO 22ND DECEMBER 2021
📍 Town Hall CH1 2HQ
NEWCASTLE – 29TH NOVEMBER 2021 TO 26TH DECEMBER 2021
📍 Grey’s Monument
Are you planning to visit any Christmas markets this year? Which is your favourite?
Filed Under: GUEST POST, MENTAL HEALTH //
Autumn is well and truly underway. For me, this calls for leafy walks, chunky jumpers, cosy blankets and hot chocolates. I sometimes think I should have been a bear in a previous life. The idea of binge eating, followed by hibernation sounds like a dream come true. But as the nights are drawing in and it’s darker and colder, others might begin to struggle.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that comes and goes throughout the year, and is triggered by the changing seasons. SAD is more commonly seen in the autumn/winter, but can also affect people in spring/summer.
Most of us might get the ‘winter blues’ at this time of year, but SAD is the next level. It can be debilitating to an individual and impact their ability to function on a day-to-day basis. Any sense of motivation and enjoyment seem at an all-time low, and it shouldn’t be dismissed as just a bad few days. Symptoms might also become more severe as the season progresses. Some might also experience alternating emotions season to season – manic highs one season, followed by manic lows the next. This sounds like one big never ending rollercoaster of continuous symptoms to me!!
One of the main symptoms you’ll see with SAD is a change to sleeping and eating patterns, whether this is an increase or decrease. This can be a bit of a viscous circle, and have a further knock on affect to an individual’s mood.
Factors that can have an impact on a person and their SAD, is their location, and if there is a history of depression. For example, those who live in warmer climates are less likely to be affected by SAD than those in colder climates. The amount of sunlight exposure can affect serotonin and melatonin levels, which influence a person’s mood and sleep.
SAD needs to be taken seriously. As with other types of mental illness, if left to fester, it can take hold of a person and affect all aspects of their life. A whole season is a long time to be struggling too.
As with anything, acknowledgement is the first step. Self-care is important at any time of year, but especially if you feel like you’re beginning to suffer.
Some people dislike the thought of taking medication, but it doesn’t have to be anti-depressants. As a common trigger is to do with levels of light/sunshine, an effective way to help give yourself a boost could be taking vitamin D and/or melatonin supplements, which we would naturally otherwise get from being exposed to sunlight. This could be done alongside using a light box. By sitting in front of this for a set amount of time each day, this mimics natural sunlight, helping to change chemicals in the brain that regulate your mood.
It’s also good to try and reframe your thinking, by trying to see the season as an opportunity, instead of a hardship. What can you only do during that particular season? By trying to make the most of it and embracing it, you allow yourself to be present in the moment, instead of wishing it away longing for the next season. And we all know a watched kettle takes longer to boil. You may not miss it when it’s gone but you don’t need to hide from it either. Happiness can be found, we just need to be on the lookout for it ☺
I know this is easier said than done. It doesn’t matter what it is that you do, it’s all about putting yourself first. We worry so much about looking after others, that we forget about our own needs.
It is estimated that up to three in 100 people in the UK are affected at some point in their life. Whilst it’s more common to occur during the autumn/winter months, it can also happen in spring/summer. Whenever it occurs, it’s important to acknowledge it and to be kind to yourself.
Written by @my.little.mountopia
Filed Under: GUEST POST //
Just because we were not raised in, or have moved away from the country of our heritage, does not mean we are lost. It doesn’t mean we have forgotten who we are and where we are from.
We still belong… We just belong to more than one…This is o.k.
OK. So, the quote above? That is something I wrote a while back and it is central to what Dinky Mix is all about.
My cultural identity is something that has had a great impact on how I define myself. It’s not just skin colour and hair type. It is so much deeper than that. It’s the way of dressing, the food I eat. It’s the intangible things. The stories passed down from my older relatives. It’s the language used, the idioms and proverbs that some members of my family throw out. I mean, anyone heard the ‘what concerns a monkey with a toothbrush’ one???
Apparently, that means it’s none of my business, so I’ll leave it alone!
That’s the type of thing I’m talking about.
As bizarre as it seems to some, it’s what I was raised with, it’s what my parents and grandparents were raised with.
It’s the generations of traditions passed down that make me, me.
I also think the culture of the place or places I was raised in are part of this. Although those traditions in my case may not be as deeply ingrained as the generational ones, they still play a part in my self-definition. When speaking with family and friends, I’ve found cultural identity to be a subject that brings out a whole load of feelings and emotions in relation to connections, foundations, and self-worth. They ranges from tragic to absolutely hilarious.
The whole idea of ownership, belonging and home in regards to culture is something that resonates strongly with me. It was something I struggled with at a much earlier age. I am British born Igbo Nigerian, and I remember from a young age being taught about my Igbo heritage, I loved being taught about it, my Mum and Dad would refer to Igboland as being my ‘home’. This was at a time when I had never been there and didn’t even know what it looked like. At that age, my understanding was, because that’s where my parents are from, then that’s where I belong, and I truly loved the feeling of belonging, but I wasn’t living there.
I was born, raised and living in the U.K in the 80s, dealing with the almost weekly occurrence of outright rejection of racism, felt while being raised in a country different to that of my parental heritage. It’s easy to see why as a primary school age kid I ended up almost disowning my Britishness. It was a rebellious ‘if you don’t want me here, I don’t want you, and it doesn’t really matter cos ‘home’ is Nigeria anyway’ kinda thing. But that came from a place of hurt.
I was born and raised in Manchester, England. But my Igbo name, my skin, my hair was unaccepted and ridiculed, Everything about me was excluded from the mainstream and made to feel abnormal unless it was to reinforce a negative stereotype or to keep you in the acceptable if you’re black box. Sometimes I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere.
I look back on it now, knowing that those similar to me go through this or similar. However, at the time I felt so lost. It was a very confusing time.
Friends who have a multi-racial or multi-heritage background also expressed similar feelings to me. It wasn’t just me, it seemed it was more common than I had imagined.
I think we can agree that even though sometimes we want them to ‘get lost’ (in the nicest and safest possible way of course!). Lost isn’t one of the feelings that we aim to nurture when raising our precious cherubs. I certainly didn’t want my kids to feel the same way I had during my childhood. I didn’t want them to be overrun by the negative stereotypes that are readily available for them in the media. Or to be upset by the erasure of their skin tone or their culture in vast areas of life.
I wanted them to be able to imagine and see themselves as the princess, the superhero, the fairy, or even the adventurer. With that in mind I decided to create illustrations that represented them culturally and racially, and that didn’t cram them headfirst into a gender-stereotyped box. In fact, superheroes were the subject of Dinky Mix’s first illustrated art print range. My daughter, who at the time would happily wear her full Batman costume through every walk of life, shouting “I’m Batman” at unsuspecting passers-by, was the inspiration.
My kids absolutely loved the illustrations, and was I’m happy that was the case, but really that wasn’t enough for me.
I wanted my kids to see the good and the beauty in EVERYTHING they are.
Whether it pertains to beauty standards, career or the ability to imagine the impossible, I needed my children and others like them to understand that they are part of it, and every part of their being is valuable. Every part that makes them ’them’ is worth so much. Their skin colour, their hair texture, their accent, their languages. ALL OF IT! All the cultures that they are part of belong to them. They are not one or the other. They are all, and how they wish to express it is solely their call and nobody else’s.
If other ‘people’ don’t understand them, or simply don’t want to, that’s not their problem. After all, ‘what concerns a monkey with a toothbrush’? Right?
This was the main driver for starting Dinky Mix, a brand that allowed me to follow my passions of design and illustration, while being able to fulfil the dream of giving little ones everywhere the three little gifts that Dinky Mix has become known for, and what I needed when I was a little girl. The gifts of pride in cultural heritage, a positive self-identity, and a sense of belonging.
I want all children to feel included wherever they find themselves. To see themselves portrayed in a positive light. To be proud to share their beautiful heritage with other kids and welcome all who want to enjoy it with them. I want them to share and to be interested in others. Celebrating the differences as well as the similarities of the vast array of people, cultures, and races that reside on this amazing planet.
I want them to understand that with all the different cultures and races that they encounter there is a common thread. Humanity. And this is where we all belong.
I would love for them to grow up to be the leaders and decision makers that make a difference and make this world a better place… That would be cool, and that is the reason for Dinky Mix.
Written by Kelechi Opara
Owner of Dinky Mix
November is finally here and that means Christmas is well underway in both our personal lives & here at TMC HQ.. We have so many exciting things coming your way and we are here to bring you some kids Christmas activity printables!
We have Christmas countdowns, colouring sheets, playdough mats & lots more! They are all free to download and you can print as many copies as you like.
If you want to use the sheets for play dough mats, we recommend laminating or sticky back plastic them so you can reuse over and over again. We also recommend printing some on card if you want them to be more durable! If you missed the Christmas planning printables we shared last week, you can download them here
Make sure to tag us on Instagram if you use the printables using @thatmamaclub #thatmamaclubig
Filed Under: GUEST POST, MOTHERHOOD //
I love this time of year for so many reasons, one being Diwali, the festival of light and the victory of good over evil.
Some of my greatest childhood memories were during this time of year. I remember watching my grandma make delicious food at home, there was Chukri, Mathia, Chevdo, Ladvo and so many other Gujarati delights being cooked in our kitchen. I would always have the day off from School for Diwali. It was exciting going back to school with so many stories to share with my friends about our celebrations.
We spent Diwali and New Years Day with our family, making colourful rangoli patterns, coming together, celebrating, eating, laughing, and just appreciating one another.
Now that I am a mother, I take a deeper interest in why we celebrate the days we do in our culture. I want to explain it right to my daughters when they ask me questions about our culture. I want them to love Diwali and value our culture as much as I do.
Diwali is the celebration of good over evil. It’s a celebration following the end of prince Rama’s 14-year exile, returning after defeating the evil demon Ravana. We light diva’s (candles) at this time of year to symbolise the victory of light over darkness. Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Newar Buddhism.
The story is beautiful and has so much more detail than what I have explained above, for one, we have a 5-day celebration for Diwali with many other traditions involved – I am no expert so the above is all I can tell you from what I have come to learn and understand. Please find below some books I would recommend for children to gain a better understand of the festival. My toddler really enjoys reading these books and is hooked to the story of Rama and Sita, she even tells me she wants to be like Sita which is sweet.
Both books in the image above can be found on Amazon, one is about the traditions during Diwali festivals and the other is the story behind why we celebrate Diwali.
There is also a lovely collection of books by a company called The Jai Jai’s who make beautiful children’s book, explaining the history of our culture and festivities in the loveliest way to young kids. I will be honest, I haven’t had the opportunity to purchase a book from them yet, but I have read the one’s which my family members have, and they are wonderful for children, with lovely pictures and simple but clear explanations – I will definitely be ordering a few.
Our culture is full of so many beautiful stories, colours, delicious food, and fascinating traditions. I feel so proud to be born into such a beautiful culture and there is so much more to learn which I am excited to do with my two daughters.
Below are a few activities I did for Diwali with my toddler, it’s a great time to get creative.
Wishing you all a Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year from @mum_without_instructions.
Filed Under: BABY //
With Metanium’s resident midwife, Heather Morris
When your baby is suffering from nappy rash, it can be upsetting to see your little one in discomfort. So, as a parent, you want to ensure you are following the correct advice when it comes to both treating nappy rash and protecting your baby’s delicate skin. With a vast amount of information out there, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction, but to help shed some light, Metanium’s resident midwife, Heather Morris, answers some of the most frequently asked questions around nappy rash.
“Nappy rash is an irritation to the skin that is often caused by wet or dirty nappies being in contact with a baby’s bottom for a long period of time. It is recognised by a well-defined red rash with some areas of the skin appearing raised or swollen around the nappy area. It does not tend to involve the skin creases and your baby may be distressed or agitated due to itching or pain.
“An allergic reaction will appear red and itchy around the areas that have been in contact with the irritant, such as the elastic part of the nappy, around the waist and thighs. There may also be visible swelling, or small blisters.
“An eczema rash is unlikely to develop in the nappy area as this is often a well-hydrated part of the body. However, if there is a family history of very dry skin, this should be considered – particularly if the rash appears within the skin folds.”
“Nappy rash can be itchy and painful for your baby, but by following these simple steps you can help to alleviate discomfort”
“When nappy rash does occur, use an effective treatment such as Metanium’s Nappy Rash Ointment (the Yellow One) to soothe irritation and reduce redness.”
“Nappy rash is common when teething, possibly due to the increase in saliva production in the mouth being swallowed. This can bring on diarrhoea, meaning a higher chance for nappy rash.”
“Common, uncomplicated nappy rash is unlikely to cause a fever in your baby. However, if the rash is severe or there are many infected areas, it is possible for a fever to develop. It is important to consider other symptoms that your baby may have – for example, diarrhoea or constant crying may indicate an alternative cause for the fever.”
“It is unlikely that nappy rash will spread beyond the area that the nappy is in contact with. If your baby does have a rash that extends beyond the nappy area, then please see your GP for some advice.”
“Yes, uncomplicated nappy rash can go away naturally, especially if your baby is allowed to spend time without the constraints of a nappy on. Most babies really enjoy that feeling of freedom when they can kick freely.”
“Yes, your choice of nappy can affect nappy rash, particularly if the nappy is too tight or too loose for your baby’s size. Too tight and there’s no air circulating around your baby’s bottom and chaffing can occur, too loose and your baby’s wee and poo can spread further across the surface area of the skin.”
“Disposable nappies are made in many different shapes and sizes for the weight of your baby, and you will probably need to try a few brands before you find the one that best suits your own baby.
“Parents should also avoid tight fitting plastic pants over nappies as they hold moisture easily and can make symptoms worse.
“Whichever nappy you choose, it is important that they are changed frequently throughout the day, and that your baby’s skin is cleaned with water or fragrance-free wipes. The key to preventing nappy rash is protecting your baby’s delicate skin. After cleansing, dry the skin gently and apply a thin layer of barrier cream such as Metanium‘s Everyday Barrier Ointment and try to allow as much nappy free time as possible to enable air circulation.”
“Whilst nappy rash isn’t fungal, prolonged dampness within the nappy can sometimes lead to a fungal infection. Fungal nappy rash usually has a bright red appearance and can be widespread.
“If your baby has a course of antibiotics for an infection, this may also lead to a fungal nappy rash. Fungal nappy rash is treatable, and your GP will be able to offer you advice.”
Nappy rash is not an uncommon irritation in a baby’s life, so, from the moment your little one is born, until they are out of nappies, the Metanium range is here to help look after your baby’s delicate skin all year round.
Applying a thin layer of Metanium’s Everyday Barrier Ointment after each nappy change forms a protective layer on baby’s bottom, helping to shield the skin from irritation-inducing nasties. As well as protecting the skin, the gentle formula seals in the skin’s natural moisture keeping skin soft, smooth, and supple too.
It also comes in a handy spray bottle – Metanium’s Everyday Easy Spray Barrier Lotion is quick and simple-to-use, especially when you are out and about. No need to rub in, simply spray twice and pat gently for even coverage.
For those moments when nappy rash does occur, choose Metanium’s Nappy Rash Ointment.
Suitable to use from birth onwards, the Yellow One is specially designed to treat and soothe irritation and redness, so your little one can be back smiling in no time*.
All Metanium products are unscented and 100% vegan friendly. Available from: Amazon, Asda, Boots, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug, Tesco, Waitrose, Wilkinson, Lloyds Pharmacy and independent chemists.
Join the Metanium conversation at www.metanium.co.uk or on Instagram and Facebook
*Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.
Filed Under: BOOKS, THAT MAMA BOOK CLUB //
Can you believe that 2021 is almost over?! As we stepped right into spooky season this October, the TMC Book Club delved into the chilly and macabre this month, with Riley Sager’s ‘Lock Every Door’.
Okay, okay.. we are well aware it is only October, but if you are anything like us – the Christmas planning is well underway! We have put together a whole bunch of FREE Christmas planning printables for you all, including a monthly planner for December.
Whether it is planning family days out, what movies we are going to watch over the festive period or different activities I want to do with the boys over the month of December. We have already booked our breakfast with Santa, which I am incredibly excited for! We are such huge Christmas fans and have so many printables planned for you all, that we can’t wait to share.
To download and print, all you have to do is click the image of the printable you want! If you want to print ALL the printables, scroll down to the very last image and click that. As simple as that! We’d love to see you tag us via Instagram on your stories of using the printables! Tag us using @thatmamaclub or #thatmamaclubig
We have also created a “Books I Want To Read In December” for all us book lovers to plan our December TBR’s.
One thing that I always find is at this time of the year us bigger kids forget to treat ourselves alongside the kids so that’s where my Spiced Apple Punch recipe comes in to play because it can be tailored for the little monster or bigger ones.
If your walking around trick or treating with the kids and fancy something to warm you up then this is your go to beverage this autumn/winter.
This recipe takes approximately 5 mins to prep & 30 mins to cook up – 100% worth it!
If the bigger kids fancy a tipple simply add Apple Cider instead of Apple juice for your parents only potion – Go on, treat yourself!!
Place all ingredients into a large black cauldron (or pot if your cauldron is in the dishwasher) over a roaring fire (or on a hob if your house has one) Bring the potion to a boil and then simmer down low for 20 minutes to allow the magical spices to infuse.
Strain the punch to a clear liquid & use a magic wand (or ladle) to pour into heatproof flasks or mugs. You can even garnish with an extra cinnamon stick if your feeling fancy.
Drink up & Enjoy!
Filed Under: BODY POSITIVITY, HOME, MOTHERHOOD //
We download the apps for conception, we read the books for pregnancy and we prepare ourselves for life as a new parent. We attempt to arm ourselves with as much knowledge and equipment to raise this tiny human as we physically can as we run in bewildered into the world of the new born. I am sure you are 100% prepared for this! Or are you? Did anyone mention or happen to tell you what you’re going to notice within yourself after you give birth? Has anyone actually first hand told you what to expect to see when you look in the mirror after childbirth. No, no one told me either. So here it is. The honesty, the raw information you need to know including preparing you on how to welcome in those new found wobbly bits ladies and gain post partum body confidence.
We spend our lives attempting to fit into societies framework of how we are ‘supposed’ to look. We try fad diets, couch to 5K programmes and all sorts of changes to help convince ourselves that our bodies are beautiful & in optimum health. We allow ourselves to become categorised by a shape like hourglass, pear, apple and so on but what about the shape of a mother. You’ve probably spent years perfecting your figure and learning to love yourself the way you are however you’re about to start the journey again.
When you have a baby your pre baby body shape will pretty much be gone. You will have created a new shape which more than likely will be the polar opposite to the shame you where before your beautiful bundle of joy came along. This however isn’t a bad thing at all so don’t panic however it’s the start along a very delicate journey of self acceptance that no one tells us women about. We pretty much have to learn to love ourselves and our bodies all over again including parts that we may not even be able to look at yet let alone accept.
Remember ladies this is not a sprint, its a marathon and its a slow and steady journey. Every women’s journey will be individual to them however were all going to be there with one another.
The first thing i would say you need to do is look in the mirror naked! That’s right mama get those girls out in full frontal view and look at yourself, look at the body that carried and birthed life into this world and before you say anything else i want you to feel gratitude towards this body, feel happiness that you managed something so beautiful and wonderful & don’t ever hate the vessel that carried a life because without it we wouldn’t have the next generation.
Now those wobbly bits – I know i know, i hear you shouting but honestly we ALL have them. Some in the same places and others in totally different. You don’t have to like them but you do need to accept them for what they are otherwise you wont be able to learn to accept yourself and new found shape. Your shape has changed so here’s what we do, we SHOP! Get your partner to have the baby or if your not ready then head online for the goodies and grab some garms because you need to figure out what works for your new founded shape and the only way to do that is to try it all on. Try on silhouettes you previously wouldn’t have even considered because trust me, you’ll be very surprised with what suits you now. Give yourself the time to do this and all the while learn about your body as you go.
As comfortable as they are girl we cannot live our lives in oversized tees and leggings – trust me tried it & it damaged my self esteem and mental health. I found about 18 months after my son was born i hated myself, so i drowned myself out in oversized tees and ill fitted leggings in the hopes i would wake up and feel differently and this just led to damaging mindsets and depression. I needed to make a change. So i did the on-line shopping business and learned my body had taken on a new shape that i actually learnt to love – The Mummy Shape! I wore jeans again, fitted tops, dresses and dumped the oversized shitty tees that where not doing me any favours and my self esteem began to rebuild, don’t get me wrong i didn’t LOVE my new wobbly bits but i took the time to accept that i have changed and I work with it instead of fighting against it and that’s the hardest part.
Some women will go through a phase where they mourn their pre baby body and i absolutely get that however don’t let that mourning turn into a depressive mind set, exchange it for determination and fuel to help you love yourself again. Lets not forget ladies we birthed a child, a full human was carried by us safely. We then delivered that child using our bodies . Let that sink in.
If you cannot find it within yourself to show your body some love right now because your journey is only just beginning i totally get that however the very least your body deserves is gratitude for doing what it has. There’s no one to teach us how to carry babies and deliver them, we are just guided by other peoples experiences and advise which in turn can be a far cry from what we experience. Essentially we are the ones with all the skills that we don’t even know we have yet. So be grateful that your body can adapt, change, grow and keep safe something so precious.
Now i don’t know about you but i have been left with some scars from my babies delivery and a handful of stretch marks. I was so relaxed in my pregnancy amount getting stretch marks however i know a lot of you worry about this aesthetic change but don’t worry yourself too much because the stretch marks carry a reminder of how incredible your body was to adapt, don’t look at them as ugly, horrible, obvious and silvery change you’re focus and look at them as inspiring, beautiful, strong & womanly. Those glittery silver streaks remind me daily of how my body adapted in one of the most beautiful ways it could. Embrace them and love them, don’t cover them up or hide. They are apart of you and you’re journey and story into motherhood.
Grab a piece of paper and notice how flat and perfect it is, now scrunch that bitch up and squeeze it to a inch of its life. Now flatten it out again and make it look the way it used to – It wont, no matter how hard you try because those creases left behind are reminders of how that paper had to adapt under intense change and pressure. They are a sign of survival & strength similarly to our stretch marks. Learning to love and accept them will change your relationship with how you see yourself & this will help you self esteem bundles. I promise.
We are incredible women, who achieve incredible things and one of those is carrying a life and birthing it and if that doesn’t make you honour your beautiful body then nothing will. You are beautiful just the way you are, wobbly bits and all. Loving yourself and self care is a journey so don’t rush yourself, travel at your own pace but if you do one thing positive every day let it be this – Remind yourself how beautiful you are even if you don’t feel it. Make this your daily mantra.
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL & YOUR BODY IS INCREDIBLE!!
I think everyone out there would agree that children learn best when they’re engaged and having fun, right? Yet I know from personal experience it can be completely overwhelming to find the right activity for the right development stage. Children of any and every age can be learning through play – it is never too early or too late – so let’s dive in and explore some of the most common areas of play!
If you have spent even five minutes on Instagram, I am confident you will have seen some of the thousands of beautiful sensory play set ups being posted every day (and if you haven’t, be sure to check out #catkinplay for some fantastic eco-play ideas). They can be incredibly beneficial for children as it allows them to develop a whole host of skills simultaneously.
Sensory play helps to develop fine motor control, hand eye co-ordination and problem-solving skills as they move and manipulate the various materials. Not only that, but sensory experiences help to improve memory, concentration and even build nerve connections in the brain.
Some sensory materials are unsuitable for children under 3, (such as chickpeas due to small parts) however there are plenty of taste safe alternatives that are suitable for all ages. Rainbow drops, mash potato, cooked pasta or ice are all great options. Don’t forget to use a play mat or tuff tray – it makes everything much easier to clean away afterwards!
An increasingly popular approach to learning and development is Montessori. I couldn’t begin to cover the topic fully here, but my two favourite Montessori mottos are to ‘Follow the child’ (allowing their current interests to guide you) and ‘Play is the work of the child’ (meaning that every activity a child completes should be considered as their work for the day).
I particularly love the simplicity of Montessori activities, such as simple shape puzzles or even learning to peel and/or cut a banana independently. Furthermore, children are encouraged to ‘work’ in an uninterrupted space and with minimal adult guidance so they can develop their sense of independence and feel a true sense of accomplishment when they finally succeed.
This is perhaps one of my favourite types of play to set up. Small world play is creating a mini universe for your little one to explore. For example, if your little one is starting school or nursery, creating a small world classroom is a perfect way to explore that situation ahead of time. If they are an animal lover, setting up a farm scene is a perfect way to visit the farm without setting foot outside the door.
Small world play is great for developing language, exploring real life events and developing emotional understanding.
Loose parts play is all about gathering items (of course for children under 3 each piece should be large enough not to go in the mouth!) that can be explored in a completely ‘no wrong answer’ way. The items have no specific function or goal, but can be moved, arranged, ordered and sorted in any number of different ways.
It is the perfect opportunity for children to explore in an open-ended way while developing creativity and imagination.
Loose parts play can be done with regular household items, such as bottle caps, or specific loose parts sets.
Nature themed play can encompass a range of play ideas. It could mean bringing nature inside to explore in more detail or getting out into the big outdoors and exploring what it has to offer.
For children, a walk through the forest can be the most exciting play set up of all time. Everything has different textures, smells, colours and nothing is off limits.
Nature play is the perfect way for children to explore cause and effect, to understand their bodies and its capabilities, learn about the environment and can even help better sleep routines and a healthy lifestyle.
The benefits of learning through play are countless, but I have definitely saved the best for last! Learning through play is – fun! Don’t be afraid to get messy, throw out the rulebook, experiment and above all else, enjoy making memories together.
I hope you found some inspiration or new ideas. For more ideas, resources or help & support, pop over to our Instagram @CatkinToys.
Filed Under: HOME, MOTHERHOOD //
Today we have the lovely Emily from @sebtheseries, sharing her experience with extended breastfeeding! As someone who breastfed their oldest until they were almost 3, I am a huge advocate for extended breastfeeding and would love to help stop the stigma around it!
After working out the initial logistics of getting my breasts out in public, I was never too bothered about what anyone else thought. When my baby needed feeding, I fed him, and there was no way I was going to do it in a toilet, thank you very much! I did find it immensely helpful living in Switzerland; having only a passable working knowledge of the language meant I was oblivious to any negative comments if there were any. In fact, other than some run-ins with old ladies who seemed to think it was appropriate to say hello to the baby with their heads a little too close to my nipples for comfort, I grew in confidence as there was nothing to deter me.
And then he turned one.
Comments started flying in from all angles. Family members, friends, colleagues. I had been given the use of a private room to pump and additional time when I returned to the school where I worked, but when my son turned one that was no longer on offer.
‘You’re still feeding him?’
‘You must be exhausted!’
‘Isn’t it more for you than it is for him now?’
Somehow there seemed to be a stigma attached to feeding a child who could walk, talk, and had teeth, but things were going so well, and I didn’t see any need to stop. Instead, I armed myself with some blistering comebacks and went underground with feeding, becoming a little more discreet when we were out and about, silently resenting the perceived judgement.
Eventually at two and a half, it felt like time to stop. Unlike starting, however, there wasn’t that much in the way of support! I was advised to try picture books but couldn’t find any that appealed to our situation. In the end I decided to write my own and now my mission is to help other mums in a similar position!
‘Big change for Seb: a breastfed toddler’s weaning story’, contains gentle weaning tips that are respectful to the child whilst also exploring some of the emotions they may feel. Change can be scary and unsettling, and the narrative explores positives about growing up and becoming more independent that can give parents a starting point to prompt conversations with their own child.
You can order a copy from www.sebtheseries.com and make sure to follow me @sebtheseries on Facebook and Instagram for more breastfeeding related content!
We have another Halloween post for you & today’s is all about kids Halloween book recommendations! We have put together our top picks of all the Halloween books out there for children. We have a mixture of books suitable for toddlers and ones for slightly older children who love a good story. Reading a bedtime story is a part of all our daily bedtime routines and we love switching things up with the seasons.
Don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune on books; make use of your local library! We love visiting ours every week and seeing what books they have for us to pick. We’ve found some new favourites that we never would have bought ourselves!
We hope you have found some new ideas based on our kids Halloween book recommendations!
We are SUCKER for anything seasonal whether it is decorations, candle scents, book genres OR our personal favourite.. pyjamas! Specifically Halloween pyjamas for kids! I never dress the boys the same during the day, but at night time I can’t resist them in matching pyjamas. There’s something so incredibly cute about it. We have put together our top picks from the high street of kids Halloween pyjamas that we think you’ll love too.
We hope you liked seeing our top picks for Halloween pyjamas for kids! There are so many gorgeous sets out there and we are already so excited to see what they release for Christmas!
Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, HOME, LIFESTYLE //
If you are anything like us, you equal parts love & hate horror films. We love them, but hate being scared. Does it make sense? To us, yes LOL. That being said, there is nothing better than getting snuggled up once the kids are in bed, grabbing your favourite snacks, putting on your horror favourite and hiding your face behind a cushion for the next 90+ minutes. We thought we would compile a list of the scary movies to stream, so they are all in one easy to find place if you ever need a recommendation.
Based on the novel by Stephanie Perkins, the graduating class at Osborne High is being targeted by a masked assailant, intent on exposing the darkest secret of each victim, and only a group of misfit outsiders can stop the killings.
After a family is forced to relocate for their son’s health, they begin experiencing supernatural behaviour in their new home, and uncover a sinister history.
Washed-up true crime writer Ellison Oswalt finds a box of super 8 home movies in his new home that suggest the murder that he is currently researching is the work of a serial killer whose legacy dates back to the 1960s.
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. There is quite a few in this series/franchise and they are all worth a watch!
On Halloween 1968, Stella and her two friends meet a mysterious drifter, Ramón, and uncover a sinister notebook of stories.
The Candyman, a murderous soul with a hook for a hand, is accidentally summoned to reality by a sceptic grad student researching the monster’s myth.
A young couple staying in an isolated vacation home are terrorized by three unknown assailants.
A caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.
Based on the novel by Stephen King, Dr. Louis Creed and his wife, Rachel, relocate from Boston to rural Maine with their two young children. The couple soon discover a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home.
After hearing a young boy’s cry for help, a sister and brother venture into a vast field of tall grass in Kansas but soon discover there may be no way out…and that something evil lurks within.
Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.
Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin, where they get more than they bargained for, discovering the truth behind the cabin in the woods.
A grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.
We hope you find some new films to watch this Halloween! We’ve made sure to include some newbies and oldies but goldies!
The smell of a bonfire, autumnal leaves on the ground, the crisp chill in the air, mittens at the ready and excited faces for a display in the sky all spell Bonfire Night. In today’s blog I am going to give you some Stay at Home Bonfire Night Ideas, with a tasty family recipe that I have used for years without fail every bonfire night that adults & little ones will enjoy & keep them toasty and warm throughout the evening.
Head out to your local licensed fireworks shop and purchase a pretty selection of fireworks for your display. There are plenty to choose from including rockets, cathryn wheels & even smaller quieter indoor fireworks for those with sound sensitivities or for our super young wild ones. Always ensure you read the direction for use & the best way to enjoy your fireworks is safely, so make sure you’re aware of safe practices.
It’s time to create a cosy set up in the garden. Grab some twinkly fairy lights for the fence, trees or anywhere else they could be draped. Get some seating put together well away from where the fireworks will be lit/placed & grab all the pillows and blankets galore for a true cosy cuddle up while you watch the show unravel. If you have the space and fancy it why not make a little bonfire to toast some marshmallows on or make s’mores.
One thing we love the most is our favourite comfort foods to indulge in on Bonfire Night. To really warm our belly’s we always enjoy my signature Bonfire Night soup which I have included for you at the end of this blog so that you can make yours for all of the family to enjoy. My sweet potato & butternut squash soup is naturally Gluten Free & suitable for vegetarians/vegans & a great way to start a cosy evening in.
We then always do hot dogs (either frankfurters, sausages or vegan alternatives) in fluffy rolls, with mustard, ketchup & onions if you fancy. A bonfire night comforting but cosy dinner.
Grab your family’s favourite mugs and line them up ready to rock n roll. Place out your family’s favourite hot choc powder, some warm milk in a pourer, a bowl of mini marshmallows, a bowl of chocolate flakes, a bowl of sprinkles & a squirty cream. Then when you’re all snuggled together toasty warm outdoors enjoying the fireworks you have a scrummy sweet treat to enjoy plus it’s great fun for the kids to make their own.
The big kids of the bunch could enjoy a nice warmed apple cider to enjoy guilt free or how about some homemade cupcakes with chocolate flakes standing upwards to look like little bonfires. The choice of treats are endless.
Once the fireworks and sparklers have all gone out you could get ready for a movie of the night. Cosy Pjs at the ready & fluffy blankets. We have a little projector we bought on amazon, so we just chuck an old white bed sheet up and pop the film on the projector, so it feels like a cosy indoor cinema where we all get toasty and warm after the fireworks.
Grab a selection of your family’s favourite sweeties and pop them along the table with little paper bags for the kids to create their own Pick n Mix. Pick n Mix is the best treat for movie time and a lovely little way to round off a cosy family bonfire night created in the comfort of your own homes.
Here’s my family’s traditional Soup lovingly created for generations in my family, now lovingly passed down to you & yours!
Enjoy x
Serves 4-6 people
3 tablespoons of butter (or butter alternative, I use dairy free spread) & melt in a large saucepan with ½ a finely chopped white onion
Peel and dice 1 squash and place into the saucepan
Peel and dice 3 sweet potatoes and place into the saucepan
Add 1 litre of vegetable stock (preference is your own but i always use Knorr) to the pan.
Add a few grinds of pepper
Bring the saucepan to the boil and simmer until all vegetables are very soft (patience is key).
Either transfer to a blender & blend to your preferred consistency (we always go for slightly thicker options with this recipe) OR use a hand blender and blend and combine all the ingredients while still in the pan. If you have a little one who’s weaning blend to preferred consistency to suit their weaning journey so they can enjoy the same foods as you.
For those who love a splash of heat (like we do) add a sprinkle of chilli powder or ½ 1 red chilli before blending to add extra warmth.
Serve in a bowl with warm crunchy bread.
(TIP if you have any left over pop into an airtight container and refrigerate to reheat on the hob another day, it tastes just as good OR pop in to freezable pots for your little wild ones weaning journey)
As soon as Autumn hits, the countdown to Christmas is officially on. Sorry, but actually not sorry in the slightest. Perfect timing for us to start donning our Santa hats as the Marks & Spencer Christmas food has just been released and you can get your orders in now! We have collected our top picks for starters, mains & desserts. Ohhh the desserts… drool worthy!
Marks & Spencer is one of our absolute favourite places to order our yummy Christmas food from, it’s always feels a little bit more special as they really go above & beyond with their creations. There’s something unique every year and especially great if you are entertaining guests.
It is super easy to order, you simply book a collection slot, choose your dream Christmas menu, pay only a deposit and collect in store between 22nd-24th December.
Ricotta Stacks (Serves 2) – £7
Spanish Meats & Manchego Cheese Selection Platter (Serves 8) – £15
The Perfect Turkey Joint (Serves 8-10) – £45
Plant Kitchen Vegan Beef Wellington (Serves 4) – £15
Sticky Toffee Pudding Crown (Serves 12) – £20
Golden Blond Chocolate Star Christmas Pudding (Serves 8) – £12
Triple Choc-a-Block Churros (Serves 6) – £10
We hope this has given you some ideas of food you’d like to see on your Christmas table! We’ve just placed our order….
Click here to pre-order your Christmas food direct from the Marks & Spencer website.