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Dear Daisy, It is your first day at school...

Dear Daisy... You will Always be our Little Girl


At the end of the week you will be 3 years old. I have no idea how this is even possible, I feel like I have had you forever yet at the same time the last few years have just flown by. It feels just a few months ago that I was writing to you on your 2nd birthday. I really hope you don't cringe as you read this letters.

Dear Daisy... You will Always be our Little Girl


In particular the last year has gone super fast and I think it is because we have been so so busy with your little brother and things.

It wasn't until I sat and watched some old vlogs that I noticed just how much you had changed. You have really grown up and turned into a little lady from a wibbly, wobbly toddler. You're toilet trained, you eat better (still very much beige mind you), sleep well, interact well and have some great conversations!

The things you say really do make me chuckle, you come out with some great one liners. Only today you were telling your dad about Rapunzel's boyfriend and made him act it out, I mean how do you even know what a boyfriend is?

Then in the bath you said look mum I'm crossing my legs, we do this at preschool? Your baby ways seem to be running away, never mind slipping.



I remember writing how you are a strong willed little flower, who does what she wants, and only what she wants and when she wants to do it! Once you've made your mind up its very difficult to persuade you otherwise! And nothing has changed, in fact you're stronger than ever and your attitude really is something. Nothing holds you back, just as we expected.

You're now a preschooler, which to me feels a little bittersweet. I love to see you grow and learn new things but at the same time I want you to stay tiny forever.

You absolutely love being outdoors and would spend all day every day out there if you could. You don't mind what the weather is, you just like to be free and exploring. Getting filthy most of the time, which is a bit strange considering you're also incredibly girly and princess obsessed. Although who says a princess can't love a bit of poo muck as you would say!

You're just like us and absolutely love a holiday. We try to get away as much as we can, even if it is camping in North Wales. We have been on some lovely holidays this past few years and you have done lots of travelling already. We have been to Cyprus, Wales, The  Lake District, Italy (Venice, Verona & Lake Garda!), London, Menorca, Cornwall you have been very busy!

I expect this year will be the year we really see some big changes, as you prepare to go to school next year and as you become so aware of everything and everyone. I am excited yet a little nervous of what is to come!





Have fun little lady xxx

#Getmessy Making chocolate Eggs*


So I love a bit of craft or messy play with Daisy. I am by no means a Pinterest mum and our scope usually goes as far as cupcakes, sequins and lots of paint and glue! Not all at once, but you get my drift.

We were sent a lovely package from Waterwipes for Easter for both Daisy and Alex so they could make their own Easter eggs. I have never done anything like that before but knew that Daisy would just love it and that it may keep her busy for at least half an hour.

I was super grateful as Good Friday was a rainy day here in the Midlands and it gave us something to do together while Alex napped.

I pulled a little video together here of how we did it and how we got on.

It was actually really easy and Daisy really enjoyed it, what is not to love about chocolate and getting messy?

If you are new to hearing about Waterwipes then you I have done a few posts previously about them and how they are a staple in our house, especially with a little boy who has very sensitive, dry skin. You can find one of those posts here.

So on to a few photos from activity:

#Getmessy Making chocolate Eggs* chocolate craft

#Getmessy Making chocolate Eggs* chocolate craft

#Getmessy Making chocolate Eggs* chocolate craft


*This post is not sponsored but samples were recieved in return for personal opinions and experiences. 

Be Bold & Beautiful with Boden: Giving Birchbox a go...


The jury is still out with the service I am afraid.

I have just had my second Birchbox; March & April. And if I am honest, which I always am on here, I am not completely sold on the service. I was disappointed with the first box, my only saviour was the They're real Duo lipstick from Benefit, which wasn't full size but was close enough for me. Otherwise I went away feeling a bit MEH about it.

I wasn't going to order a second box but I got home one day and found the next box on the doorstep, I didn't realise I had set up a subscription. I thought I had just bought a one off purchase. That rubbed me up the wrong way a little if I am honest. But upon opening it I was pleasantly surprised.

It was the collaboration with Boden edition and the box itself is gorgeous, floral and bright. And it was a little drawer which was quite useful unlike the bog standard beige box from last month. It felt like you got a little more value for your money which is always nice.

Inside the samples were so much better from last week, I may actually use all of them at some point.

It seems that most people have had the Nip & Fab full size item but sadly I didn't. I would have liked to have tried some of that range and it would have been a perfect opportunity to. But my personalisation isn't quite right I don't think, so if I was to get another box then I would need to look into that. My box did however contain the Manna Kadar Cosmetics HD Powder, which prevents shine and sets makeup into place. It’s ideal for my normal-to-oily skin which can feel quite shiny in these warmer months. Again it was a brand I have wanted to try too. Which I guess is the plus about these boxes, you get to try brands you wouldn't usually reach for.

All subscribers receive an exclusive £10 Boden Gift Card to use on new season items which is a fab little bonus too. Some of their new range is gorgeous, especially the children's new seasons range. I am sure it will get spent! Some of my favourite items include:

Be Bold & Beautiful with Boden: Giving Birchbox a go... Boden childrens SS17

One great thing about this box is that it lead me straight to Boden and I have rediscovered my love for them. I am not sure my husband will see it that way though...

In case you are interested the standard Birchbox subscription costs £10 (plus £2.95 p&p).

Hayley

Top Tips for Long Car Journeys with Children


I talk about travelling a lot over on my blog but I rarely mention how the car journeys can go and what we do to make them a bit easier. As we tend to travel all over the place quite regularly, our children have been taken on long car journeys from being tiny. I am often told that we are brave and/or crazy for this but you just need the right frame of mind and a little preparation.

Top Tips for Long Car Journeys with Children


1. Snack, Snacks, Snacks...

For everyone. All the snacks and all the drinks!
Kids love snacks, and so do I. Not a lot more to say except it passes time, keeps them quiet and keeps me from getting hangry!

2. Go at the right time

If we are going a long way we tend to leave early. Waking them up early, giving them a light breakfast, wash and change of clothes, ready for them to fall back to sleep again in a short time and sleep through a good chunk of the journey. Late at night is also good, that tends to be how we come home from a holiday. Have a full day and then leave, when you get home you can just transfer them straight to bed.

Try to avoid rush hour, by avoiding the peak times it can make a big difference to journey times and stress levels.

3. Entertainment

I am always thinking about how we can pass the time or how we can calm a het up toddler when we need to . The ipad or phone always gets packed first with short films or programmes loaded on and some simple games. We also pack magazines, books and a few of Daisy's favourites like her small dolls, barbies and cuddly toys.
4.Sit back and enjoy the ride!

4. Sit back and enjoy the ride! 

Stay calm. If you hit traffic does it really matter? If you go the wrong way? Take it in your stride, stop when you need to, don't worry how long it takes. If you’re relaxed, the babies are more likely to be relaxed.

5. Be prepared

As in know where you are going. Have in mind your first stop for a stretch and a walk. How long will your journey take (in an ideal world)? Have spare clothes at the top of the pile in the boot. You know the rest...