Pumpkin Fun

So this year we have had a lot of fun when it comes to Halloween preparations and the most enjoyable being carving pumpkins, now I know ours are not masterpieces but Mr A was very much involved and under guidance and supervision got to do some of the carving as well. So we opted for a large and small pumpkin with the larger one taking on the form of John - well sort off, it has a moustache instead of a beard but according to Mr A that is Daddy. So we went for quite traditional carvings this year and I am sure with each and every year our designs will become more elaborate but for now it's very much a toddler craft. The magic came when we put the candle in the pumpkin, Mr A could of spent hours staring at it. We love crafts that involve nature and natural objects and this time of the year is perfect for it with Autumn, Halloween and Christmas, even though it's getting colder, these sort of activities make us forget the weather. When it came to the bigger one we ......

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Hotter shoes getting hotter

Recently I was lucky enough to be asked to review the Hotter shoe store in Cardiff St Davids, a fairly recent store to the city and not one I had shopped in before. I was familiar with the brand Hotter and had recently seen there latest campaign of surprisingly on trend and stylish designs, as most people when they think Hotter think orthopaedic shoes for the older generation but fear not this really is not the case as I found out. Being a busy mum I want a shoes that are not only going to be stylish but also durable, lightweight and fingers crossed very comfy, which at times can be a huge ask, but I am pleased to say Hotter really hit all of those on the head, especially the comfort side of things. Laura wears - Pure Collection capelet, M&S tee, Max Studio trousers, Hotter boots,  vintage bag and Linea necklace The store was dynamic in layout and I love the green colour scheme and inspiring imagery on the walls. I also have to say how friendly, welcoming and kn......

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Getting ready for Halloween with M&S

So we are really excited about Halloween this year as it's the first year the little man it actually old enough to be involved and he has learnt a few tricks already. We don't like things to be too scary so we have gone light on anything with realistic skulls or scary motifs and have sticked to carving pumpkins (separate post to come) as well as enjoying making paper chains and playing with our shadow theatre from M&S . We mixup home baking and crafting with little bits and bobs we pick up as with being in the middle of a house move it's much easier doing it that way and a lot of fun. We always make paper chains for christmas but I have to say for little ones the M&S paper chains is easier as it comes with a pre-glued area you strip off and stick together, perfect for a three year old. Having fun making paper chains The puppet theatre has also provide a lot of entertainment and the little man has actually look forward to it getting darker so he can pla......

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Johns Big Night - NHF Wales

John and his work colleague Ieuan Som of you may already know that John is a Barber, he works at the gentleman's retreat Bentley and Co , in the city centre and this year he was very lucky and honoured to be nominated for Wales Best Barber, something that came as a real surprise. He didn't win but it really was amazing to have his clients put him forward for the award and a great night was had at the sold-out red carpet event in Cardiff, part of Cardiff Fashion Week and organised by NHF - National Hairdressers Federation John in his element  Unfortunately I was under the weather last week and could not attended but John reported back saying it was a great night with lovely food, friends and a catwalk show to start of the evening and a band to end it. It's always great to see Cardiff holding events like this and putting it's name on the map when it comes to retail/hairdressing and events sector and I cannot wait to go with my man next year, fingers cross......

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Keep smiling with healthy gums

So I am going to put my hands up right now and say, I have problems, well had problems with my gums, especially during my pregnancy, I put up a real fight and it took a long time to win the battle but I can now say my gums are looking so much better. They took a real battering during pregnancy and I know I am not alone with around 1 in 2 two experience some kind of issues with their gums from bleeding to being swollen, it's not nice and can be unpleasant. After putting my mind to it and implementing a good dental routine, such a brushing, flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash daily until it was under control was the easy part but after talking to my dentist he advised that using things like Corsodyl longterm was not a good idea and it stains your teeth - not a good thing. So when I got the chance to try out Oral-B Pro-expert premium gum protection toothpaste I could not wait. Now that my gums are healthy again I want to use a product that is going to keep them that wa......

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Puddle suit, wellies and Tractor Ted Giveaway

Inseparable  So there has been a lot of rain of late, which is all the more fun if you ask me, when the weather has broken we have made the most of it, although always going outside prepared in case the skies should open again, which has meant we have got a lot of use out of the puddle suit we bought the little man over the summer for the festival season. I recommend them as they go over the clothes and keep them dry as well as working as a wind breaker and Mr A loves putting his on Well prepared for any weather Since this is now the 5th or 6th week without a car, we have stayed pretty local and luckily we have a few decent parks and a bicycle track near us. I try to mix it up when it comes to outdoor activities, some days we take the bus into town and walk back through the park, or we go cycling or potter around in the garden looking for little beasties or maybe we just enjoy a little bit of puddle hunting, but we try to do something different each day Finding sn......

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Style and Parenting - what we have learnt so far

So anyone will be able to tell you, as soon as you become parents your life changes forever, although personally my buying habits changed the first day I found out I was pregnant, I immediately went into budgeting mode. This however did not happen with John who until the day Mr A arrived didn't really have to justify his clothing purchases, although now his thought process has changed and he really takes his time to decide what he really wants each season rather than making purchases on a whim. When you have a child your priorities change, you suddenly have a little one who depends on you and you naturally want to provide the best for them, you start to see the world in a different light and if you could see into the future, have a tarot reading or a crystal ball you may have some understanding on how to prepare for the most amazing life changing event - becoming parents. Personally I have always preferred natural products and grew up spending many hours outdoors and want......

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Spelt Muffins and Sponsor Love

Lately this healthy muffin recipe has really been hitting the spot with both Mr A and I, they are packed with carrots, apple, whole-grains and low in added sugar. We used nearly all organic ingredients although you can substitute various things to accommodate what is in your kitchen cupboard. I get the little man involved in the baking as much as possible although of course grating the carrot and apple is left to me, but as soon as these come out of the oven and cool down they disappear. So if your looking for a yummy healthy alternative give these a go                                    100g Wholegrain Spelt flour                 1 medium apple, pealed, cored and grated                                     75g Plain Wholegrain flour     ......

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Christmas came early - John Lewis Press Day

So last week both John and I were lucky enough to be invited to the John Lewis Christmas Press evening and what a wonderful evening it was. As soon as we stepped into the Kuku Club it was like being in a winter wonderland of beautiful settings, christmas decorations, wonderful nibbles, pick and mix and of course amazing christmas cocktails and mulled wine. If we were not in the Christmas mood before this night we both certainly are now, with so much inspiration I cannot wait to move into our new house and start getting the decorations up. It was great to socialise with other bloggers, friends and creative people on the evening, with so much to do and see, we even got the chance to make our own Christmas card, although I have to say my favourite part was trying all the different dips, chutneys and nibbles and loved the big bowl of jellybeans, like being transported back to childhood. I also got to show off my new haircut and wore a cute little sixties style shirt from Zal......

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Best of British

So both John and I are really excited by the collaboration between M&S and the British Fashion Council to create Best of British , it's designs are modern but timeless and pulls on British culture to create an amazing heritage collection with a hint of the MOD era running through. The great thing is all the garments are made in Britain using premium fabrics such as Scottish cashmere to fine Yorkshire clothes with every piece being finished off to highest level. There really is nothing better than supporting the local textiles industry so we just had to share our favourite picks with you Amazing isn't it? With prices starting form £25 for a belt right up to £799 for suit there is something for everyone's price range and I love how they have really drawn on iconic British Fashion to create such a sharp and stylish collection, another surprise from M&S, a brand that keeps us on our toes as they are really pushing there creative flair in the right......

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Conkers and a Slow worm

I never grew up with conkers and to my memory I don't recall ever seeing a conker tree in South Africa and with the little man really coming into his own now he is three we have had a lot of excitement over finding our own secret conker tree, which has yielded an abundance of amazing conkers of which no other child has seemed to have discovered, leaving us with the pick of the bunch. Last Autumn we were living in another village that had a huge school and although we knew where all the conker trees were we never actually even found one as all the school kids got to them first. As I have said the conker tree has been pretty much untouched - it actually makes me wonder how many local kids actually explore this pretty field which lies next to a river, a place we visit regularly, anyway back to the point we had found a few conker still in there spiky shell and have had a lot of fun getting them out. We have also been collecting leaves and acorns for our natural table ......

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