Lavania Oluban This post is written in collaboration with Start-Rite. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. A few weeks ago, Arlo chose the Start-Rite Rhino Warrior shoes ready for Year 5. After wearing Start-Rite shoes for the last few years, we already had high expectations, but I was interested to see how this particular … Read more
This post is written in collaboration with Start-Rite. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Every year, the final school term seems to fly by and before I know it, I’m already thinking ahead to September. School uniform shopping can feel like a never-ending list, but there is one thing I never leave … Read more
Peppa Pig Space Adventure is a brand new immersive walkthrough experience at the NEC Birmingham and it already looks like one of the biggest preschool attractions coming to Birmingham this year. As somebody who loves Peppa Pig myself, I was ridiculously excited when the opportunity to visit during launch week landed in my inbox. We’ve … Read more
Finding a family activity that genuinely works for a big age range can be surprisingly difficult. Usually somewhere is either aimed at toddlers, or the older kids are bored within ten minutes. The Lost Valley is one of the few places we’ve found that actually works for everyone. The mini golf and High ropes in … 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 a pair of tickets to give away for Sunday 21st June 2026 at the BBC Good Food Show Summer and BBC Gardeners’ World Live, taking place at the NEC in Birmingham. How … Read more
When family life starts to feel cramped, creating extra space quickly becomes a priority. Whether it’s children needing more room, hybrid working taking over the dining table, or simply wanting a home that functions better day to day, many families start comparing garden rooms with a traditional home extension. Both options can add valuable extra … Read more
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how on earth families are supposed to make space for everyone these days, you’re not alone. With house prices still eye-watering, childcare costs through the roof and more families supporting ageing parents, it’s no surprise that garden annexes are becoming a popular solution. For some families, moving simply isn’t … Read more
You have your dream home almost ready, the builders have finished their work and you enjoy the fresh paint, new floors, and a kitchen that smells like sawdust and coffee. Then the invoices arrive and the totals take you by surprise. Homeowners often underestimate the hidden costs of home renovation, focusing on builder quotes rather … Read more
For parents with more than one child, or a large extended family, parenting can feel like a second job. Unfortunately, for many modern parents, taking time off work to be a full-time parent simply isn’t an option. With a third of working families unable to afford basic necessities and the rising cost of childcare, many parents have … Read more
Getting exhausted in your home business isn’t likely due to an abundance of working hours, but rather a tiring, time-consuming, low-benefit type of work. The morning mantras and motivational playlists won’t help you with that. Time to re-engineer the entire setup. Build a workspace that signals work is happening The problem with a home office … Read more
If you’ve typed bluebell woods near Birmingham into Google recently, same. This is a list of the ones actually worth your time. Every year around April, woodland floors across Birmingham, Worcestershire and the wider West Midlands suddenly turn purple. It looks incredible for a couple of weeks and then it’s gone again. Some places are … Read more
As a secondary school teacher, one thing I see all the time is this: children don’t struggle because they can’t learn. They struggle because they don’t have a point of reference. This is why real life experience matters more than you think. If you’re wondering about ways to help your child learn at home, it’s … Read more
I’ve done weddings both with and without a baby, and taking a baby to a wedding is a completely different experience and that’s probably the best place to start. If you get an invitation to attend a wedding then that’s what it is, if you do not want to go, the thought of taking a … Read more
I first saw this show back in 2021, just after lockdown, and I remember it feeling like more than just a performance. Everyone was just so glad to be out, in a room together, and it had that almost electric festival atmosphere where people were cheering at things that probably would not have had the … Read more
A realistic GCSE revision timetable that actually works. Learn how to use the Pomodoro technique, avoid common revision mistakes, and download free printable planners.
When people talk about single parenting, they often focus on the practical struggles – the finances, the childcare juggle, the loneliness. And yes, those things are real. But what people rarely talk about is everything else that comes with it. The things you only discover when you’re thrown into it and have no choice but … Read more
Spring has finally sprung! The daffodils are poking their heads out, the days are getting noticeably longer, and the shops are suddenly overflowing with enough chocolate to sink a ship. It’s a lovely time of year, full of fresh starts and bright colours, but it can also be a bit of a nightmare for the recycling bin. … Read more
Access to essential care is often viewed as a fundamental part of maintaining health and wellbeing. Yet for many people, financial constraints remain one of the biggest obstacles to seeking timely treatment. Whether it’s dental care, medical procedures, or preventative services, the cost can lead people to delay or even avoid care altogether. This raises … Read more
A property transaction can feel like a moving target. With multiple parties involved, strict lender requirements and detailed legal processes to follow, even a minor delay can have a knock-on effect across the entire chain. Keeping your property transaction on track requires careful coordination, prompt communication and a clear understanding of the legal steps involved. … Read more
Every parent wants to show their child the great beauty of the world. Travel experiences from a young age can be important in terms of broadening their horizons, introducing them to new cultures, and building confidence and a worldview. Of course, travelling with kids is not always easy, and there are many factors to consider. … Read more