Independence Market: A New Concept In Shopping And Cooking

During our West London bloggers' meet up last week, I was lucky enough to sample some dishes from a new company, Independence Market. This new concept, which lies between an online grocer like Ocado and a food delivery service, offers fresh meal kits to order. Aimed at busy families, where typically different family members eat…

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Urban Villa & Reunion Bar: An Ideal Base For Visiting Families

Last week I attended an Ealing and Brentford Bloggers' meet-up* and had the opportunity to visit Urban Villa, a superb concept hotel, positioned between Ealing and Brentford just off the M4. Although I live in Ealing so wouldn't stay there myself (well, unless I leap into some more big home improvements as I am wont…

Ready For Rainy Days: Easy, Fuss Free Activities.

There's a certain type of Pinterest mum who manages to have both a clutter-free, largely white/grey house and the entire back stock of Hobbycraft hidden somewhere for rainy day activities. That's not me! And frankly I wouldn't want it that way either. But being springtime in the UK, sometimes we have a sudden downpour (or…

Social Media, Selfishness Shaming and Motherhood.

I stumbled upon a blog I am not going to share the other day. I'm not going to share it because it disturbed me deeply. Luckily - from a position of privilege, knowing a bit of basic psychology, and a lot of mindfulness - it disturbed me on a sort of theoretical "Oh my days,…

Beautiful Easter Gift Idea: Briege And Rose Bows

What to gift at Easter, if not chocolate? Today I'm going to introduce you to a Briege And Rose, a brand which makes beautiful, handcrafted bows here in the UK. They make superb seasonal gifts, and this year I am really, really glad they have an Easter range... "Mummeh. Mummeh? I am going to eat…

West London Parks: Horsenden Hill

Ok, so first off I'm not sure if this is really a park, although the local council considers it so and it has three play areas. It's more - well - a hill. Because it's Horsenden Hill. A bit like how Ruislip Lido is a lake. It's more than a park: wilder, older, richer and…

Sunshine Blogger Award

I was crying over my blog stats the other day in a fug of impatience and denial (I'd neglected it for about a week, actual real life was up in my face all week ... although I do know how to schedule posts so yeah - my fault) when I got a lovely surprise. Chomeuse…

Quick, Easy, Family Dinner Ideas for Lent.

Do you celebrate the fast of Lent? I was chatting with my friends the other day and realised that many people, regardless of faith, use the season as an opportunity to cut back and reflect in different ways. Even within Christian communities, Lenten traditions vary from place to place: some cut out rich foods and…

Things We Won’t Be Doing This Half Term

Having a kitchen, mostly. On Thursday, I was looking forward to spending the first half term I've had in over a year with no accidents, car break-downs, family illnesses or personal health problems hanging heavy over my head. The first in over a year. Working full time in a school means that holidays are my…

Giving Myself Permission

OK so I'm the parent, I give the permission round here. I like to think of it as giving, not restricting because I'm a horrendous old hippy at heart. But in terms of who has to adhere to guidelines for their own good, it would be The Childe. Except (and I honestly think this is…