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.

Days Like These... Were Meant for Marking

Known and loved this man for a lifetime

Top by H&M (find similar ones here) | Leather look pencil skirt by ASOS | Lips by MAC

Kids' Arts & Crafts: Creative Card Making

Spring Break is upon us in all its full two-week force. So, what better excuse to pull out the arts and crafts box to keep your little ones busy over the holiday. I always have lots of different types of media for the kids to get creative with and they really enjoy the freedom of choosing/combining water paints, acrylics, pencils, felts, chalk, sequins, feathers, paper, etcetera. L's teacher had a birthday recently and so I ought to publish this post now, instead of letting it languish in my drafts folder.

Cards, whether it's a birthday card or seasonal greeting card, are just the best for kids to get their creative mitts into; it's messy and it's fun. Two very key ingredients right there, for some. So find a clear space at the table or even on the floor, lay down some protective covering if you plan on going a little wild, set the scene with all of the tools and media you'll be using, round up the clan and get sticking.

We're using paper, card, sequins, glitter glue, feathers and pencils.

The kids are likely to take off all on their own initiative once they see everything and you'll probably end up taking the back seat as an observant supervisor. L pulled together this card up from its paper foundations and built her own little googly eyed feathered friend. She didn't even want/need my help. I just sat and watched with encouraging "ooohhs" and "aaahhs" - secretly wanting to get involved. I restrained my urges.

Look around the house for reusable items (carrying on the recycling theme a bit from my last post, which you can read here), such as old cartons, egg boxes, toilet roll, plastic lids, old buttons, packaging, bubble wrap, cotton wool... The list is endless! And if you are still stretched thin for ideas, there is always Pinterest. Have a go and capture the imaginative hearts of your kids this holiday.

'Cool Mum' badge earned without lifting much of a finger.

The Early Kiss of Spring Calls for Tulips

Seeing as we have only just recently had our first official day of Spring, I realise this post couldn't have been better timed. As the days get a little brighter and the chill in the air begins to slowly fade away - with it - we are greeted by the early blooms of the jolly yellow daffodils and the delicateness of the seasons first tulip blooms.

Not long ago, a dear friend of ours came to visit with her parents and they brought with them bunches of beautiful tulips (red, pink and purple) and, of course, some delicious Romanian treats for the kids. My son immediately went for the 'pufuleti' and the girls beamed with delight at the flowers and wanted to put them into some water straight away. Having placed them gently in the kitchen, I found three slimline vases; definitely not wide enough to fit all of the flowers. And so this is the story of how re-purposing old sauce jars and reusing them as vases became an ingenious way to add a rustic touch of sophisticated elegance to ones home.

I had a few empty glass sauce jars saved to one corner, which were all ready to be thrown out into our weekly recycling box but what better way to recycle something than to make second use of an item that I was just going to get rid of anyway. I removed the labels, cleaned and washed them out and put them to some crafty good use; if you're someone who likes having cut flowers liven up your living space, then perhaps you might consider this idea. An excellent little tip found via a quick Google search revealed that rubbing some peanut butter will help to remove the stubborn glue left behind from the labels on the jars (be sure to soak jars in warm water first).

It's such a great way to make productive use of the things you have around the home, whether it's something you plan on recycling or just throwing out, think of how you can reuse different items?

Spring in a jar

Reusing glass jars is not a new thing; I'm sure it has been done plenty but the only reason the thought occurred to me in the first place was because I came up short on actual vases and so I was forced to think outside the box and make do with what I could find around the house. I am really pleased with my results.

Play around with your floral arrangements and perhaps try displaying them on an unconventionally shaped wooden chopping board. The contrast of the tulips against the grain of the wood will help to create a warm natural look and look beautiful as any centrepiece.

Try it yourself