Win a free family ticket to see the new Octonauts stage show

The OCTONAUTS AND THE DEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTURE 

full length theatre experience

Yes kids, there's a brand new stage show coming, 

and it's touring the UK from Oct 2014 into 2015.

Life As It Is has a family ticket to giveaway.

More funding for children's drama please

David Wood, a playwright that has written around 75 productions for children including The Tiger Who Came To Tea - one of my favourite books, spoke out recently, saying that children who took part in drama workshops were "very unlikely to be going out with knives" because they would learn teamwork and tolerance.

DAY 30 OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

27/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Architecture by a 2YO

I love Mothercare...

...and I think that's probably because I remember being dragged around the store myself when I was a child. Nostalgia is a massive part of a brand's success. But then, so is being British. We all love a home grown brand don't we?

Can't concentrate? Udo's Choice Ultimate Oil Blend - a review

Did you know that the brain is around 60% fat? And therefore needs feeding fats - essential fats, Omega 3 particularly. Here's one great way of doing that... 

DETAILS: 
Udo's Choice Ultimate Oil Blend 

PRICE: £21.99 (500ml)

AVAILABLE FROM: Udo's Choice and selected retailers

Can't concentrate? I try an in-house experiment (5)

If you follow Life As It Is, you'll know that back in November of last year, Esme Grace (my fidgety 5YO), was struggling to concentrate. In class this was particularly obvious to the teacher, who then raised it as an issue one parents evening. Esme was unable to focus for long periods of time. Often, she would be in a world of her own;  not listening to what the teacher was saying.

I'd heard that omega 3 could be beneficial in this scenario, and as a result, I wanted to try Esme on a blend of omega oil. I was interested to know if it could help. For more about this, read here and follow the posts Can't concentrate? I try an in-house experiment, of which the last post (4), concludes:

The result of my in-house experiment with Udo's Choice blend of plant omega oils, and my fidgety 5YO is therefore, that this product does indeed have a positive effect on a child's ability to concentrate. It will help your child to sit still and focus for longer periods of time - not to mention the other health benefits it brings. Whacko. As a consequence, I'm putting Sofia on it too. 

When I began Esme on Udo's Choice, it was back in November 2013. As far as I knew, my in-house experiment was one of a kind. How naive of me. Turns out that's not the case at all. Udo's carried out its own study at Lever Park School in Bolton, with remarkable results:

Parenting is...

…putting yourself last - just not every time.

DAY 24 OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

DAY 24 OF FRAMED
CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

Today the chrysalis is suddenly much darker in colour.
The protected pupa within, is nearing the end of this stage of its life cycle.
Any day now it will emerge.
Oh and I for one have learnt something new... a moth makes a cocoon - a silk covering.
And a butterfly makes a chrysalis - a hard, smooth covering with no silk.
So there you have it, we have a butterfly on our doorstep after all.
Whether we get to see it or not, is another story.

School Summer fete 2014

Me. The only mother at the school summer fete today with a screaming 2YO under her arm. Oh how I love winning the public humiliation award. Again. And the tatty teddy tombola. Although Esme's choice this year looks to be reasonably clean. Well, flea free at least. 

26/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Legendary musings of a 5YO

E: Mummy, when Connor grows up he's going to be King Arthur. 

Travel Beyond Automatic Barriers - A poem

Rammed on an endless platform -

Fighting for breadth of space and breath of air.

So many of us, 
All destined for somewhere...

All rammed.

Need to eat gluten free? Did you know about this free app?

My sister was visiting from Ecuador recently, complete with all her food allergies and intolerances. 

I'm really not into phonics mum...

...I just want to draw

DAY 18 OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

DAY 18 OF FRAMED
CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

The chrysalis has shown no external changes since my last FRAMED shot, eight days ago. But what about within? Inside its protective casing, the caterpillar is transforming - radically, and will eventually emerge. It takes approximately three weeks. But will it be as a butterfly or a moth? That's what I'm currently trying to identify.

Destination: Tylney Hall Hotel - A travel review

Home from home: Relaxing with the family at Tylney Hall

Set in stunning Hampshire countryside, the splendour of Tylney Hall is apparent from the moment you approach its grand redwood lined drive. Indeed, everything about this family friendly hotel is grand: accommodation, food, activities. No doubt that’s why it’s sitting pretty in the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World book.

A red bricked Victorian build, once used as a hospital, home, school, even donkey sanctuary, it’s now a Grade II listed mansion house hotel, steeped in history, about which the amiable staff are only to happy to share.

A wedding, #BritMumsLive & A+E - where else does one end up?

I figured that inside-out knickers were a better alternative to none at all - on this occasion at least. And as I sat there chatting to other bloggers and wearing my husband's roll on, I wondered if my breath smelt fuzzy from having had no tooth-brush.

25/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year
I'm posting the art one day earlier this week, as we are off to a wedding.
Here are the bride and groom to be, as sketched by Esme Grace

Tumble tot musings of a 5YO

Mummy, I've decided that when I grow up, I'm going to be in the circus...
And I'm practising right now.
Do you know what I'm going to be? (hanging off the wall somehow).
An acrobat. (Falls).
It obviously needs me to be barefoot.

FOOTNOTE:
Massive improvement on Esme's recent musing about when she grows up, which was...
When I grow up I'm going to live with you.

Parenting is...

…sometimes feeling like you have no control whatsoever - argh!

Peppa Pig World (Paulton's Park) - a review

A trip to Peppa Pig World will complete your Summer   

Yes, that's right... if you didn't already know, Peppa, a very pink and very bossy pig turned Hampshire Hog, has an attraction all of her own. And you should prepare to be as equally enthralled as your tot... But take a towel! 

DAY TEN OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

DAY 10 OF FRAMED
CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

Currently my 1Grace1Faith

Silent Sunday (15)

My family and other animals...

Romantic musings of a 5YO (and her 6YO friend).

I was inside out of sight, but not out of earshot.
Esme and her friend Axel were digging in the sand box, when Esme said:

E: Axel, do you know who I am going to marry?
A: Me?
E: No (giggling), Connor. In fact I think I'm already in love with him.

A: Do you know who I'm in love with?
E: Who?
A: Thomas.

Meanwhile, the very next day...
E: Mummy, Connor told me today he isn't in love with me.

M: Oh. Really. How does that make you feel Esme?

E: It's okay, I'll marry Max or Axel instead.

Priceless!

24/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Three ballerinas dance, but the spot light shines only on one - and it isn't Sofia!

Tesco Mum of the Year Awards, the RNIB, & a gig for a good cause...

When I started working on Tesco magazine as a writer/editorial assistant in 2004, little did I know that I would become heavily involved in the Mum of the Year Awards. Little did I know, that a couple of years later I would become a mum myself - yet hardly one in the same calibre of the many amazing women this competition manages to find. Ah, I managed to find. What a responsibility that was. When I say heavily involved, part of my role was to read all the letters and emails (thousands of them) and select the possible winning mums to put forward. Of course there were a few tears and tantrums along the way. It was emotional! And wonderful! And a reminder that mums - yes that's you - are quite remarkable.

I'm only human after all...

Did you know that the 26th of June is Forgiveness day?
Loving that... for the day before is my darling OH's birthday.
The perfect get out clause, should I forget. Ha!

DAY SIX OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

DAY 6 OF FRAMED
CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

This photo is taken from a slightly different angle and shows how the chrysalis is turning darker. It reminds me of a bat!

And a new look for something else...

I found an old wood shelving unit on a neighbour's rubbish heap last week. I did knock on the door before helping myself, but as soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew it would be a great addition to Esme's somewhat over-cramped bedroom. Less the cobwebs of course.

A new look for LIFE AS IT IS

Good morning!

So what do you think of my brand new design for the GraceFaith blog LIFE AS IT IS?

I love it. Do you? 

I love that the talented Helen Braid, has captured the essence of my LIFE AS IT IS - right down to the subtle coffee cup stain and spill!

If you want Helen to design something for you, get in touch with her here:

Ellie Illustrates

Can't concentrate? I try an in-house experiment (4)

The news from Esme's teacher at the parent conference evening, that Esme (my 5YO) was now able to settle into class of a morning so much better, and remain focused for far longer periods of time, was great to hear.

Yet I was left wondering how much of that was down to the fact that as time had passed, my daughter had settled into her new school year, had settled with her new friends. Not forgetting too, that she had also developed in all areas generally.

I felt I could not be sure it was solely down to the omega oil, and I knew to prove that I'd have to carry out an experiment within an experiment. So I brought Esme off the Udo's Choice oil for six weeks. And guess what? Within four, all the old habits had returned. 

Can't concentrate? I try an in-house experiment (3)

Yesterday, I posted about a probiotic, a windy baby and an in-house experiment. But it's not the first in-house experiment I've carried out. Here I revisit the omega oil trial...

A wee while ago, I set out trialling omega oil to see if it could help with my fidgety five-year-old's concentration levels. Her school day was particularly affected. You can read about that here. 

I had noticed after eight weeks that Esme Grace, having had Udo's choice (an oil which is a blend of plant omegas 3,6 and 9) was far more able to concentrate at home, and things were better in general as she was able to focus for longer periods of time. 

I last visited this experiment here, and was about to find out what Esme's parent evening was going to bring... Had the omega oil made a difference to Esme's school life? She had been finding it difficult to sit still, to listen and to focus on what her teacher was saying. I had seen the difference at home, surely there would be a difference in the classroom too?  I was intrigued to find out...

DAY FOUR OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

DAY 4 OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

There aren't any obvious changes that have appeared over the last 24 hours to the chrysalis. But inside the metamorphosis continues: 

"To become a butterfly, a caterpillar first digests itself. But certain groups of cells survive, turning the soup into eyes, wings, antennae and other adult structures."
Ferris Jabr

A probiotic suitable from birth? A review & in-house experiment (1)

After my Cows Milk Allergy Explained post, I've been sent details of a new product that hits the shelves from August, called Bio-Kult Infantis. 

I've found the information very interesting, and have given the product to a friend Andrea, for her three-month-old baby to try. Zak hasn't yet settled, and is very windy with potential allergy issues. It appears to have lots of good stuff in it for babies with problematic guts, which the press release blurb explains below. 

For me, the following par has shed some light as to why Esme Grace (now my vivacious 5YO), had such an unsettled gut as a baby, and was in and out of hospital within her first year. (She was flushed with antibiotics in my womb during labour, and then given ten days of intravenous antibiotics immediately after birth for suspected meningitis).

'As 70% of the immune system is located in the gut a balanced gut flora from birth is essential to stimulate the development of the infant’s immature immune system. A balanced gut flora could help to avoid conditions such as colic, diarrhoea and allergies including eczema, hay fever and food intolerances.'

DAY THREE OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

DAY 3 OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

Continuing its metamorphosis, changing colour.

DAY TWO OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

DAY 2 OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

My my, the caterpillar has been busy! 

He is going to sleep now. 

For approximately three weeks. 

I will watch and record any changes with my GraceFaith blog girls.

And you can share in this miracle of nature. 

That is right on our doorstep.

DAY ONE OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY (Silent Sunday 14)

Yesterday we found a caterpillar crawling on the porch ceiling.

I didn't take a picture - we all had a good long look instead.

I never imagined the caterpillar would still be there in the morning.

Or that it would choose that spot to carry on with its life cycle.

But this is what we found today - and we are all very excited!

DAY 1 OF FRAMED - CATERPILLAR TO BUTTERFLY

23/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

COWS MILK ALLERGY EXPLAINED

So your baby is inconsolable and having trouble feeding. Maybe it’s colic? Or is there more to it? As a mother, sometimes it’s simply a matter of gut instinct…

COW'S MILK ALLERGY (CMA) - SOME COMMON QUESTIONS EXPLAINED 

A little more detail (10) Esme starts school & Fia's allergy issues plague us all

Thankfully, Esme began school at the end of the summer holidays. It was emotional. She was only just four... But on the whole, I didn't feel guilty about her missing out on time at home with me, due to Fia's constant shouts and demands. I figured she would probably enjoy the peace - I'm imagining her with her hands over her ears, begging me to stop the baby crying. Again.  

Sofia now one-year-old was walking. Running in fact. Cheeky. Naughty. Oh my. Everything went in her mouth. Everything. Even dishwasher Rinse Aid. (Miraculously, we didn't have to visit A+E that time, we took advice from the NHS Poison Line who assured us she would be fine). 

#Britmumslive ticket

Can't sell it, can't give it away.
I might as well accept it, it is clearly meant to be mine.
I might be mad, but I'm going to try and make it in for the keynote speeches on Saturday.
After all, they're saving the best til last right?!

'Kicking A Ball' by Allan Ahlberg - A book review

Considering the title, this book has hit the shelves at a rather opportune time - what with the World Cup just around the corner...

DETAILS:

TITLE: Kicking a ball

AUTHOR: Allan Ahlberg

ILLUSTRATED BY: Sebastien Braun

PUBLISHED BY:  Puffin

PUBLISHED: May 2014

AGE SUITABLE FOR: 2-5 years 

PRICE: £6.99

AVAILABLE FROM: Online and at all good book shops

When you first read Kicking a ball to your little one, you have no idea of the journey you are about to embark on. And I don't just mean the rhythm, language and drawings. But the journey from childhood to fatherhood. And with it, the bonds of love and friendship. 

I'm NO LONGER going to Britmums Live 2014 - would you like my place?

...As for me this year, it's not happening. Even though as a consequence of missing out last year, I got in early for a 2014 ticket. You see, shortly after paying for it, I received this...

Parenting is...

...Realising that your 2 and 3/4 YO is still a long way off potty training.

Doughnut musings of a 5YO

In the bakery aisle at the supermarket...

Mummy: Shall we have doughnuts this week Esme???!!!! 
Esme: Ooh yes! 
Mummy: Iced, jam, ring or apple?
Esme: Apple please. Are they peeled?

Best foot forward - Crocs Stretch Sole Flats - A review

How very considerate of Crocs to put a spring in my step this summer season with their newly designed Stretch Sole Flats. I've bounced my way across London Underground to wear them in the office, and I've sauntered through airport lounges to wear them on the beach. Truth is, one shoe really does fit all!

DETAILS

CROCS 
STYLE: Stretch Sole Flats

COLOURS: vibrant violet/orange, espresso/electric blue, khaki/stucco and black/light grey
SIZES: 3-8  

PRICE: £64.99
AVAILABLE FROM: www.crocs.co.uk and selected retailers

IDEAL FOR: Work or play

An Anniversary Poem

I love you.
Today as much as ever. 
And then some.

22/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Inspired by a trip to Hampton Court Palace - Esme is currently studying the Tudors. 

21/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

20/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Sofia surprised me on the plane last week, when she took my drawing of a face and added a body. This week she has taken it further, with one person sitting, and another skipping!

Travel musings of a 5YO & 2YO

En route to Stanstead airport:
E: Mummy, Miriam's been to Greece. She says it's awesome. So it must be.

Pulling into South Mimms Services:
S: Yey! Greece. We're here!

FRAMED Greece - a natural beauty

Journey Buddies by Cardooo - A review

Cardooo, the clever people that have put an 'ooo' into cards, have gone one step further with their latest creation Journey Buddies.

DETAILS

TITLE: Journey Buddies

PUBLISHED BY: Cardooo

PRICE: £3.50 (and free delivery in the UK)

AVAILABLE FROM: cardooo.com

SUITABLE FOR: children age 5-10

Want to keep your child occupied on a long journey? With something that captures their imagination? Stimulates creativity? And most importantly holds their attention? If so, then this pocket-size travel fun is a must...

FRAMED - a great way of keeping kids occupied on a journey

To find out what's caught Esme's imagination here, see my next post - 

- A review of 'Journey Buddies' by Cardooo.

Parenting is...

…settling back in with angels turned brats, after a most indulgent week away in Greece

19/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

The girlies get busy in the Eagles Palace 'Kid's Club' 

this week, massive thanks to you Ilia!

18/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

LITTLE LONDON - a book review

DETAILS

TITLE: LITTLE LONDON Child-friendly days out and fun things to do

AUTHORS: Sunshine Jackson & Kate Hodges

PUBLISHED BY: Virgin Books

PRICE: £12.99

AVAILABLE FROM: All good book shops & online

IDEAL FOR: Families with children of all ages

Want to experience London like a Londoner? To be aware of the big smoke's little gritty details that you would otherwise miss? Such as knowing to spot peregrines on the rooftop at Tate Modern? Or that you can build sandcastles at Chalk Farm's Roundhouse beach? If so, then this book's for you...

Parenting is...

…accepting the snot stains

Syringes & sirens (2)

Peering through the kitchen window, the image of the boiling pan hit me. 

Shit. Crap. Holy smoke. So much smoke. 

Very black smoke. 

Syringes & sirens (1) - A recap

Not too long ago, I wrote about a horrible choking incident that resulted in Sofia going to hospital in an ambulance. It took me back to another time we had the emergency services. The time the fire brigade came to the house...

Matilda Mae, SIDS, & the bravery of a mother raising awareness

Feature ideas for parenting mags often come to me in a flash, and indeed, it is not unusual for me to have loads stacked up each month. 

As the time to submit for Autumn issues has come closer however, I've just not been sure of what I wanted to write about...

For some reason this afternoon, it sprung to mind to write about Edspire and Matilda Mae. To raise awareness for The Lullaby Trust and SIDS. 

Destination: The Luton Hoo Hotel - A travel review

Born of aristocracy, the Luton Hoo Hotel is a destination that has five stars. Rather brilliantly, it is also toddler friendly. 

17/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Have you seen this powerful film with the very talented (and handsome) child actor that raises awareness on and for #UndiagnosedChildrensDay? Watch it and please help spread the word if you can.... #itsamystery
http://www.justbringthechocolate.com/medical-2/undiagnosed-medical-2/undiagnosed-childrens-day-2014-official-video/

A MELANCHOLY MOMENT

Sofia Faith (my feisty 2YO) binned her dummy, transferring from a cot to a bed the same day. Now, two weeks later, she has started Montessori... 

Easter, family & origami

So Easter was chocolate-filled, friend-filled and family-filled, and the school holidays were a great break. Mainly great as I spent much of it with my long lost sister Kate who has been visiting from Ecuador. It is two years since her last visit and catching up with her, her other half and my nephew, has been refreshingly good. Indeed, we have spent more quality time together in the last three weeks, than we have in the last ten years. We needed too. Distance and children have brought us closer, and I like the way it feels.

Musings of a 5YO

Esme: You're my favourite Mummy

Currently my 1Grace1Faith (Easter 2014)

16/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Blow into water based paint with a straw until you have lots of bubbles, then press card lightly on top of the bubbles and leave to dry. Add essential cotton wool tail for Easter bunny. You might want to give him an eye too?!

FRAMED - A remarkable aquarium (London Zoo)

London Zoo - A thought-provoking review

I knew the girls were always going to have a good time at the Zoo, that was a no brainer. But me? I don't particularly like zoos, they've never felt the same after visiting Africa. However, I decided to check out London Zoo with my girls - and am delighted to say, that on the whole it really was a great day out. It's just a shame it's not all that cost effective... 

Off to @zsllondonzoo today...

...haven't been for years. Hope it doesn't disappoint. Not wild about caged animals, which is why I love #Africa so. To say the children are excited is an understatement. I just hope my 2yo Sofia Faith can stand the pace.

Musings of a 5YO

Question is... how do the Mummies in Stow feel about this?

LIFE AS IT IS...

...sometimes having a grumpy husband

Silent Sunday (13)

15/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

This week: architecture by Sofia

LIFE AS IT IS... Giving up a comforter proves harder for Mummy!

I've made a cuppa and am writing this post while my 5 & 2yo daughters are separated. In their bedrooms they now play alone, as quite clearly today, they cannot play together. Esme winds Fia up. Fia bites back. Literally.

I have my suspicions as to why... Sofia Faith dropped her dummy at night this week, and has gone into a bed. Two massive hurdles. Some would say too much in one go - and they are probably right. It happened that way:

Parenting is...

…alternating between moments of sheer frustration and immense pride.

Spring/Summer 2014 collection - A CrocsLights review

If you thought Crocs were cumbersome and ugly, its time to think again. 
There's not an ounce of clobber about these, they are practical, and pretty.

Musings of a 5YO

Esme watched Sofia make a hash of her part of the pie we were all making together. Raising her eyes to the sky she sighed: "Heavens below." 

14/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Esme: Lemony Snicket style

A blind eye...

The girls are running towards the other side of the field; the climbing frame, swing set and zip slide. The sun's out and I'm enjoying the dawdle. Their confidence soars with each step they take further away from me.

Of course they are safe. Or so I think. For when I catch up, I realise that both of them are examining their hands.

As soon as I see it, I smell it, and immediately it's apparent that some poor soul has not only trodden in dog foul, but has trodden it up the ladder of the climbing frame too, leaving a great wodge of it on the third step.

Keeping kids safe in the sun (2) - A review

Keeping kids safe in the sun is vital. Protecting them from sun damage and the pain that sunburn brings, not to mention the risk of melanoma in later life, is our responsibility as parents.

It is not always easy to apply sun cream all over little tots that do not want to sit still. Or reapply for that matter. And that's just one reason why a sunsuit, or rashkini® is a brilliant buy.

Currently my 1Grace1Faith

Esme Grace (chatty 5yo) and Sofia Faith (naughty 2yo) wear Rockley Cove

Keeping kids safe in the sun (1)

As mums we are pushed in all directions. And told one thing and then another. From the moment we conceive, there seems to be conflicting advice about how we ought to be doing things for the best of our offspring.