Lavania Oluban
What used to be predictable patterns shaped by tradition or convenience have now evolved into more conscious, values-driven decisions. From sustainability to tech-enhanced convenience, the motivations behind what people buy, and why, are deeper, more personal, and more dynamic than in years past. Let’s explore the choices shaping modern consumer trends and why understanding them matters for … Read more
At the start of July we unboxed a brand-new pair of Engineer school shoes from Start-Rite, ready to put them through the wringer over the final term of school. If you missed it, you can catch our first impressions and why we chose this style in our unboxing post here. Now that the school year … Read more
Pets are more than animals. They’re family. They share our days, lift our moods, and give us love that asks for nothing in return. But what happens if they stop breathing or their heart skips a beat? Panic takes over and time is lost. You don’t have to feel helpless in an emergency. With the right knowledge, you … Read more
Yard work doesn’t have to take up the whole day. A few smart habits and the right tools can turn it into something quick and easy. Most people want a yard that looks clean, but without spending their whole weekend on it. The good news is, that’s totally possible. Keeping a lawn tidy is all about consistency … Read more
Aging may bring changes, but it never takes away the need for joy. Joy becomes even more important with time. For seniors, days filled with meaning, laughter, and connection are just as valuable as good health. That’s why fun and thoughtful activities are not just extra-they’re essential. Activities help bring life to the everyday. They … Read more
The sunshine has been glorious lately, and naturally, so many of us are heading outdoors to cool off. From lakes and rivers to canals and reservoirs, open water can be beautiful, refreshing and tempting. But it’s also unpredictable. Sadly, there have been some devastating local incidents this summer, and it’s a sobering reminder that water … Read more
We’re heading into the last leg of the school year, which can only mean one thing: chaos. Sports days, end-of-year trips, after-school clubs, and a solid attempt to squeeze every drop of energy out of these longer, warmer days. It’s also the perfect time to put a new pair of school shoes through their paces … Read more
If you’re looking for free ways to entertain the kids or cut the cost of days out, the answer might just be hiding in plain sight…the Blue Peter badge. Yes, the same one from your childhood! Blue Peter badges are still going strong and are available for children aged 6 to 15 who submit something … Read more
When children face big changes at home, everyday routines can quickly feel unfamiliar. Finding supportive activities gives them space to process their emotions, feel more secure, and begin adjusting to their new reality. Across Birmingham, local programmes help children explore their feelings in creative, active, and supportive ways. From outdoor spaces to libraries and art … Read more
We’ve all been there. You fork out for a big day out – tickets, parking, snacks, something that barely passes for lunch, and then spend most of the day queuing, overheating, and trying not to snap at your own child in public. You get home thinking you’ll have a few quiet days in… then your … Read more
If you’re looking for a day out that blends inspiration, flavour and a touch of celebrity sparkle, this one’s for you. I’ve got two sets of tickets to give away for Sunday 15th June 2025 at the BBC Good Food Show Summer and BBC Gardeners’ World Live, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham. Whether … Read more
AD – This post is part of a collaboration exploring single parent holidays Jet2 currently offer. All thoughts, opinions, and recommendations are entirely my own. Why we chose the Algarve As a single parent, booking a holiday comes with a few non-negotiables. It needs to be simple. It must be safe and worth the effort. … Read more
Before I became a single mum, I didn’t even have the time to think about self-care. I let myself go, because honestly, I didn’t feel good in myself. I was stuck in a cycle of emotional exhaustion, sarcasm, and trying to please someone who barely noticed whether I’d made an effort or not. I didn’t … Read more
One of the scariest parts of becoming a single parent is the moment it hits you that it’s all on you. The rent, the bills, the childcare, the food shop. When you’re suddenly the only adult in the house, everything feels like a cost and the pressure can be overwhelming. But there are things you … Read more
Going on holiday as a single parent is a whole different experience. You’re excited to make memories, but the logistics and responsibility can feel like a mountain. Everything is on you: the planning, the packing, the childcare, the navigating. You don’t get to tag anyone in or take a break, and at first, it can … Read more
One of the most liberating things about becoming a single parent is realising you don’t have to keep paying for someone else’s life. You get to choose what stays and what goes. You start to see what you were spending money, time and energy on — and how little of it was actually for you. … Read more
If you’ve been following our adventures for a while, you’ll know how much I love documenting days out, mini missions, and little magical moments with Arlo. That’s exactly why I created the Amazing Adventures of Me Journal, a playful, practical, and inspiring space for kids (and grown-ups too!) to record the fun things they do, … Read more
Colouring might seem like something you grow out of, but I’m fully grown and fully obsessed. It all started on a flight to Edinburgh. I’d picked up a cheap colouring book for Arlo to keep him busy, but I ended up hogging it. For twenty minutes, I wasn’t glued to my phone or mentally juggling … Read more
There’s something about spring that just feels like a reset. Maybe it’s the sunshine starting to peek through or the buzz of Easter holidays, but it always gets me in the mood for fresh air, animals and a bit of adventure. Last weekend we packed up the car and took a trip to Cotswold Farm … Read more
The joy of planning your dream garden can quickly turn to regret when you realise you’ve invested in a paddling pool that’s now sitting deflated in the shed or a massive slide that’s never used. We’ve all been there—getting swept up in a Pinterest-perfect vision of what our outdoor space could be, only to find … Read more
Introducing "The Amazing Adventures of Me" - A fun filled kids journal designed to help little explorers record their big moments, silly stories and awesome ideas. With some hints and tips for grown ups to help plan and plenty of journal pages to fill in.
This is perfect for recording memories of road trips, school holidays, travel, weekend activities and more.
Great for curious kids aged 5+
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