Bringing Some Life to 'Jack & The Beanstalk'

This quiet and restful Sunday morning started of with some much hankered for dryness (having rained much of yesterday evening), which was accompanied by some short lived sunshine and momentary warmth and with nothing much on my 'to do' list I decided that the girls and I would focus of some academic recapping on the school week just gone. My eldest daughter, (E), was all levels of enthusiasm, as usual and spent the entire day conjuring up an array of suffixes to best describe her daily encounters with her friends in the school lunch hall. And then there is L, my youngest daughter who really does takes things in her own mellow pace and only commits to learning as and when she is inspired to do so. So when the opportunity arose  to do a little seed planting in relation to the studied text of 'Jack and the Beanstalk', she jumped at the task of writing out some instructions and hoped dearly to see just one of Jack's beans sprout. We replicated what L remembered doing in class and here's how it turned out.

1. Firstly, we had to put four black turtle beans into a glass as we recounted the events that took place in the story of 'Jack and the Beanstalk', a book that L had studied in class.

2. Then we tore up two small buds of cotton wool and gently dropped the pieces into the glass and on top of the beans.

3. Next, I was told that we had to pour in some water and there was some dispute over the quantity but we settled on just an egg cup full and L promised to keep a very watchful eye and make sure that it didn't dry out.

4. Once the water matter was over with, we placed the glass on the window sill in direct sunlight (we're obviously hoping to get some more of that sun).

L loved this added activity as part of her homework and it really helps to reinforce learning in a home environment for younger children; it captures their imaginations and gets them recalling events and information they have acquired at school. It gives them something to think about and look forward to as they wait for the first signs of sprouting.

Spring is Clearly in My Step

Spring is officially here! And so are the sandals. There's nothing better than sandals in the Summer time. My only issue with them is that I often find it difficult finding a pair that are as comfortable as flip flops. Under the trusted recommendation of a friend, I ordered these gorgeous black strapped Carvela sandals called 'Kazoo' and they do not disappoint on aesthetic appeal as well as comfort.

Straight out of the box and with next to no restraint of excitement, I present to you the must have summer sandals from Carvela by Kurt Geiger for this (technically last) year. And their name... 'Kazoo' (*immature chuckle*). Technically, I am not in any dire need of many sandals as I'd be more than happy walking around in flip flops all summer long. But sometimes, you just want a little shoe candy. Yes. Admittedly, I am clearly developing a problem with 'shoe addiction' here. But hey, insanity is a long way away.

Carvela for Kurt Geiger: Branding at its very best

Boasting black diamond patterning on its sturdy leather upper straps and with gold barred hard wear (which you can adjust ever so slightly to preference), these sandals easily check my style and comfort boxes. They sport a low heel - perfect for me because I spend most of my time running around after three young children - a single buckle fastening at the ankle and a synthetic beige tone-friendly sole.

I bought these online from Shoeaholics for a fraction of the original (£85) price tag at just £19.99, I do believe I snagged an excellent deal. They also come in a white/nude shade, which have currently sold out on Shoeaholics' website but from a quick cursory Google search, you can still find a pair via Next's website here, albeit at full price. Either way, if you're on the market for a similarly styled sandal, get your Spring/Summer 2016 look on and shop your own favourite styles here for less; they have a terrific selection that you'll love.