The blackberries finished early this year. We picked our share, and have more in the freezer. Blackberry-picking with YoungestGirl is a chore; for every one you manage to get in the pot, you have to put at least three in her gawping mouth, or else the shouting starts. In the meantime, EldestGirl will either prick … [Read more…]
Earlier this week I had the very rare chance to go into town by myself. This was approximately twice as exciting as Christmas Day, as I didn’t have to scour the streets for dropped kerbs for the buggy, steel myself for getting the buggy wheels caught on every narrow aisle, or deal with a meltdown … [Read more…]
I am fairly sure EldestGirl is going to grow up to be a hoarder. She wants to keep everything that ever passes through her sticky little hands – not just the crappy McDonald’s toy (no, of course we never go to McDonald’s) but the Happy Meal box, plus any packaging. Not only does she want to … [Read more…]
Last week, my friend Mel and I decided we would take our children “somewhere nice”, and hopefully try and fit a conversation in somewhere along the way too. We decided on Willows Farm, who categorically have not paid me for this review. I wish they had. I’m happy to take cash retrospectively. Just let me … [Read more…]
I have a fairly high embarrassment threshold. As a former stand-up comedian, there is quite a lot I am willing to put myself through before beginning to feel embarrassed or awkward in any way. I wasn’t always like this. As a teenager, I had overactive blushing syndrome, where if any adult, especially but not limited … [Read more…]
EldestGirl is due to start school in September. She is lucky enough to be going to a brand new school where she will be within the very first cohort of children. The school is so brand new that it hasn’t actually been built yet. The children are going to be in mobile classrooms for the … [Read more…]
This weekend, YoungestGirl has us to herself. EldestGirl is visiting Grandma and Grandad, as she felt she hadn’t been spoiled enough recently. It is astonishing how much easier it is with one child rather than two. Where we are normally wrangling porridge out of the children’s hair, this morning we managed a bacon sandwich and … [Read more…]
Pinterest loves to tell me all of the beautiful things I should be doing with my children. From homemade silly putty, to baking soda volcanoes and gorgeous, photogenic activities that you too can do with your lovely offspring. None of this has worked for us. Not ever. Here are some of the highlights. 1. Baking … [Read more…]
Every few months I do something stupid. I think it’s over-confidence. Nobody has had a tantrum for a couple of days. Nobody has thrown their dinner on the floor. I decide I’m obviously the best parent who ever lived, and it’s time to branch out a bit. Today we decided we would have a No … [Read more…]
Forget day-spas. Forget personal shopping experiences. Forget makeover counters. If you want to feel like a supermodel – more attractive, thinner and more glamorous than anyone else in the area, I highly, highly recommend a visit to Butlins Skegness. Originally we’d planned a cottage in Cornwall. This will be our last family holiday where we aren’t tied … [Read more…]