Two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to take part in a class run by Theatre Sans Accents (TSA). Fairly new to the Edinburgh scene, TSA teaches French in a practical, non-academic environment – and I should add, incredibly fun way. Founding member, Marion Geoffray has really given me a whole new appreciation of how much fun learning language can be – and actually, how it SHOULD be taught in schools! Read More »Theatre Sans Accents
For some people watching their three year-olds leap into swimming pools unaided may be slightly terrifying – but for me, it is a joy to behold. Although I am always close by, I am absolutely secure in the knowledge that Katie has the skills to get herself out and won’t panic being underwater. She absolutely adores the water and will do anything to prolong her time in the pool.
However, this isn’t confidence that she has gained overnight and a huge amount of thanks must go to Karina Reinhardt – her first swimming teacher!
I’m therefore obviously delighted that she has agreed to guest post on the blog and share a little more about her own journey and the benefits of swimming with your baby: Read More »Turtle Tots Edinburgh and East Lothian
Michel de Montaigne is perhaps one of my favourite philosophers. Rather than spouting obscure phrases or finding ethereal ideas – his writing was very much based upon the real world. He could be considered something of a narcissist as he largely wrote about himself, but as his anecdotes were largely combined with insightful observations about the world… I think he can be forgiven.
Montaigne believed that many people were unhappy because they felt inadequate in some way. For anyone who has lacked self-esteem at any point, this is an easy concept to identify with!
Montaigne identified different areas that he felt were particularly problematic – our own bodies, society as a whole and the world of intellect. It strikes me that although Montaigne was writing in the 15th century – his ideas still pervade the world today.Read More »Philosophy series: Montaigne edition
I’ve been reminded recently of the Burn’s quote, the ‘best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray’. I had in my mind that introducing food to Baby T would be a doddle – I waited until he was six months, I attended a brilliant and informative class… but he really was not interested in anything I was giving him.
Stuff on a spoon was met with disgust and something put on a tray quickly discarded. Obviously, I kept trying but really we were making very very slow progress, if any. Thankfully, I got in touch with Tricia from Nurture Me – I’ve written about her class before – but I was reminded of how reassuring she was and how good it can be to have someone to turn to for advice.
Tricia suggested that I try offering Thomas food at different times of the day as we had been generally trying only at dinner time. This made sense as we were all at the table eating, but I had totally failed to take into account how tired he was by this point in the day.Read More »Food: Baby-led weaning muffins
This past weekend, my friend Megan and I were looking for a suitable activity for our moody threenagers. It seems like they are going through that common phase where life seems utterly unfair at all times. I’m fully aware that often Katie’s difficult mood is entirely my fault – if only I would let her drive the car or play with the gas hob things would just be wonderful!
After some consideration, we set about looking for something active, preferably outdoors, and that didn’t require lots of sharing!
I was very surprised to find that there we were not inundated with adverts for Spring walks or Easter egg hunts. It seems that all of those are actually on Easter weekend and no one is cashing in early!
With nothing else to lose, we knew it was time to get our Pinterest research hats on and create our own Instagram-worthy egg hunt going.Read More »Ultimate Home Easter Egg Hunt
When Thomas was four months old, I took part in the Real Nappy Project run by a local organisation, Changeworks. Operating within Edinburgh and the Lothians, they provide trial and lending kits so that parents can try out real nappies alongside ‘Nappuccino’ mornings where parents can find out more about using real nappies and receive support from a team of volunteers.
Thomas’ skin had been reacting badly to disposable nappies, and keen to save money I decided to give the trial a go. It took me less than two weeks to be convinced that changing to ‘real nappies’ was the right thing for us as a family. Sadly, the Council has changed it’s funding priorities and the future of the project is very uncertain. Changeworks are hopeful that the subsidies for the lending and starter kits will continue, but nothing is certain at this point. If you’re keen to try out Real Nappies, or attend one of their Nappucino events – now it the time to do it!Read More »A photo session with Anna Moffat
Anyone who lives in a household that involves food allergies will be familiar with the heartache of parties and festive seasons. I don’t know about… Read More »Food: Dairy-Free Easter Gifts
The Easter holidays are fast approaching so naturally thoughts are forming as to how best to celebrate this festival with the kids. As with Christmas, I’ve been concerned that Katie knows a bit too much about chocolate and bunny rabbits, rather than the actual meaning of Easter.
Whilst we’re not a particularly devout family, we do attend church from time to time and I do actually have a degree in Theology. But how on earth do you explain Easter to a three year-old? Especially a three year-old who sobbed her heart out through the entirety of ‘Tangled’ because the bad woman took the baby and tried to hurt people.
Can you imagine how this conversation would go?Read More »Parenting: Explaining Easter to small kids
Katie had surgery last Friday to fix an umbilical hernia she had been born with. The operation went really well and we were home by Friday afternoon.
Thankfully we had Ben for the evening, who was amazing at sitting with her – and has a MUCH higher threshold for Paw Patrol than me. But by Saturday she was insisting that ‘flying’ i.e. jumping from the coffee table was a good idea!
On Sunday thought that she would go camping.
Although this was obviously a great sign that she was healing, it caused me no end of worry that she would do herself harm! She’s still incredibly bruised and having regular doses of Calpol and Nurofen which seems to turn her into Superwoman. I just wish she was at an age of appreciating naps!
My usually smiley boy, decided to scream the street down on Friday night and by Saturday morning had reached banshee level. My appreciation for the NHS increased further still after getting an out of hours appointment an hour after calling NHS 24. Suspicions were confirmed and he’s now on antibiotics for a nasty inner ear infection – screaming quite understandable!
The last few days have involved a LOT of time at home indoors and I have had to work on getting Katie to take it slowly. After exhausting all patience with the offerings of Netflix and Disney, I turned to Pinterest and our small collection of craft books for some Spring craft ideas.Read More »Activities: Three Craft Ideas for Spring
We will have been in our house for six years this summer, but the room most neglected is the one that probably matters the most : the hallway.
If you think about it, the hallway is actually the most used room of any house. It’s also the room that guests first see upon entering your house, so it makes sense to make a good first impression.
Put bluntly, I’ve completely failed in this aim. Although I’ve added various bits of art and photography over the years there are several things that need to change.Read More »Design: Things to Consider when Decorating your Hallway