The compact SUV you already own made perfect sense when your family was smaller. But now there's another car seat, the kids are bigger, there's more gear to carry, and you've run out of room inside. That's why the best used SUV for a growing family usually isn't the one with the longest list of … Read more
When did you last ask someone out for a first drink, and who were you then? For many people leaving a marriage, the answer is more than a decade ago. In 2023 there were 102,678 divorces in England and Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics, and the median marriage had lasted 12.7 years … Read more
Planning a kitchen can be quite a complicated task since we’re talking about a room that has to blend functionality with aesthetics and serve multiple purposes at the same time, shifting its identity to match the rhythm of the day and the residents’ lifestyle. Planning a family kitchen is even more challenging, as the space … Read more
If your regular childcare needs stay within 45 hours a week with no day over 10 hours, an au pair can be a workable fit. If you routinely need more than that on any day or across the week, it won’t. The hours come first, and the lifestyle fit comes second. Start with your real … Read more
A lawn that copes well in summer can look quite different after weeks of autumn rain and children running across the same patch every day. Mud near the back door, worn areas around a goal and grass that never quite recovers can turn a family garden into a space everyone avoids until spring. A lower-maintenance … Read more
Ordering cookies for Christmas sounds simple until you need to coordinate a bakery, a delivery route and someone else’s holiday plans. Choosing a Christmas cookie delivery service starts with a few practical questions before you pick flavors. Ask them early and you’ll have a better chance of sending a gift that arrives on time and … Read more
Choosing a Cornish cottage is not simply a matter of finding enough beds and an attractive sea view. For a family, the property becomes the base for every breakfast, beach day, wet-weather change of plan and quiet evening. Its location and layout can determine whether a week feels relaxed or dominated by driving, parking and unpacking. Padstow … Read more
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Moving in lifts you up and wears you out at the same time. You want to unpack the kettle, line up the books, and have breakfast in your own kitchen. Before the radio goes on, though, run through a few checks. They save money and headaches in the early weeks when small problems turn expensive. … Read more
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
A gentle 30 day self care challenge for busy parents and families, with realistic ideas to help you rest, recharge and look after yourself.
There is always a little apprehension when you go to see a musical you already love. Will it live up to previous productions? Will it bring anything new? Having always loved Stephen Sondheim’s work, I arrived at Birmingham Rep excited but slightly nervous to see their interpretation of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet … Read more
“Have you tried going for a walk?” is the kind of advice that can make someone in early recovery want to scream. When you’re barely sleeping, on edge all day, and fighting cravings, a jog sounds almost insulting. But underneath that eye-roll suggestion is something real. Movement does measurable things to a body and brain … 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
As a teacher, I’ve found Cognito to be an invaluable resource for supporting classroom planning and exam preparation. Its straightforward design, subject-specific materials, and emphasis on independent learning make it a standout revision platform
The first test of a new home can be the walk to school. Not the bedroom colour or the welcome meal, but the moment a child steps outside and starts working out where they are, who they pass, and whether the day has a pattern they recognise. For children who have moved, streets and routines … Read more
There’s something deeply satisfying about a set of wheels that perfectly complements your car. Whether you’re cruising through Birmingham city centre or heading out on a weekend road trip with the family, the right alloy wheel packages can transform not just how your vehicle looks, but how it feels to drive. If you’re considering upgrading your wheels, this guide covers the key … Read more
Looking for exciting family outings? Explore top Birmingham and Midlands destinations tailored for older children and teens, combining gaming, adventure, and unique experiences for memorable day trips
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
Most people do not realise how much effort goes into wearing glasses or contact lenses until they stop and think about it properly. If you have worn glasses for years, or you have children or family members who rely on them, the constant little inconveniences become part of everyday life. The Everyday Frustrations of Glasses … Read more