Sunday, 19 July 2015
Saturday, 18 July 2015
What have you done today to make you feel proud?
DESIGN AN UMBRELLA & SUPPORT G.O.S.H.
If you have creative children aged 5-14, perhaps a fun thing to do this holiday would be to join in supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, by asking the kids to create their very own funbrella to add to Fulton’s kid’s range of funky umbrellas.
The Kid's Choice competition will be judged by Fulton Umbrella’s Chief Executive Nigel Fulton, fashion designer Cath Kidston, and Fulton’s head designer Rose Barber, and the winning design will be put into production at the beginning of next season. In time for all the rainy weather! The winning funbrella will support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, a life-changing hospital charity, providing world class care whilst pioneering new treatments and cures for childhood illnesses.
To enter the competition, budding designers can upload their designs by 31.08.15 at:
Friday, 17 July 2015
DON’T THINK ABOUT PURPLE ELEPHANTS - a book review
Thursday, 16 July 2015
THE DAILY GRIND - Should YOU give up coffee? (1)
Yes. Instantly. I'm just wondering why on earth I didn't do it before?
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
Starting school at just 4? Or already 5? A feature
after the point at which they could have begun?
Yes, you probably knew that. But. Did you know that they don't actually have to go straight into Year one. You can get them into reception a year later... it is not widely shouted about, but campaigning for just this is: summerbornchildren.org
Meanwhile, exploring the debate between Summer V Autumn babies, my latest feature
which you can read here in the current issue of Little London Magazine
Sunday, 12 July 2015
28/52 The GraceFaith year long art project - Code writing
Esme devised a secret language last week and it kept her occupied for ages.
Wish I could say I'd thought of this as an activity for her, but I can't take the credit.
Saturday, 11 July 2015
Friday, 10 July 2015
Post maternity Swimwear from Speedo
...just a thought - and a nod to post maternity(!) swimwear - Life As It Is found this gorgeous
Crystalsun swimsuit by Speedo recently...
Crystalsun swimsuit by Speedo recently...
Onboard Maternity Swimwear from Splash About
Splash About got in touch with LIFE AS IT IS because they've recently launched OnBoard, a collection of maternity swimwear
And no, I've not something to share... you all know my baby days are done with (refrains from dancing a jig), however, I asked an expectant friend to help out. To see if a swimsuit that was billed as especially tailored to fit and flatter, shape and support perfectly throughout all stages of pregnancy, from first trimester to full term, could deliver. Ha, deliver!
I thought it would be nice for this friend to receive a swimsuit. All she had to do in return was go to the beach - oh and give me her thoughts on the product. Here's what she had to say...
Thursday, 9 July 2015
Wednesday, 8 July 2015
Tuesday, 7 July 2015
Animal Architects - A book review
This September, Laurence King Publishing brings you a wonderful new book from their Children's range, entitled Animal Architects.
This book is an original exploration of how animals build their homes and the fascinating structures they create.
Each spread contains a beautiful, colourful illustration of each animal and its home, plus a unique fold-out information panel, with stats and a simple architectural diagram showcasing the creation of the 'architect'.
Look inside chimpanzee nests, beaver dams, termite mounds, stork nests and many more - and get to know the clever animals who build them!
VERDICT:
A beautifully constructed and really rather exquisite book for all enquiring minds; especially those that love the animal kingdom.
DETAILS:
TITLE: Animal Architects
AUTHORS: Daniel Nassar & Julio Antonio Blasco
ISBN: 978 1 78067 653 1
Published by: Laurence King Publishing
Release date: September 2015 (hardback)
Price: £10.95
Emma Oliver and LIFE AS IT IS received a copy of Animal Architects in exchange for a review on the parenting/lifestyle blog LIFE AS IT IS.
For DISCLOSURE & DISCLAIMER, please view my page on LEGAL STUFF
Monday, 6 July 2015
LIFE AS IT IS - This week in July 2015...
We danced non-stop, continuing to celebrate Simon's 40th and now we're exhausted, spent. Loving the summer sun though, and managing to sap energy from that and the odd can of Redbull to keep us going through the partying. Seriously, our sitter has never seen so much action. And by the way, we love our local pub. The couple that run it have done so much to turn it around. Great arrows.
Sunday, 5 July 2015
Saturday, 4 July 2015
Friday, 3 July 2015
Car Seats - the low down
I wonder how many of us parents are law-savvy when it comes to car seats? Having just reviewed a car, I figured it sensible to follow up with today's news... haven't got time to change copy, so have literally posted the press release for all to see.
Which? reveals child car seat confusion
New Which? research has revealed a worrying lack of public awareness about using child car seats, leading to some parents with school age children unintentionally breaking the law.
Thursday, 2 July 2015
Ford C-Max review (includes the infamous Test Drive Dummy footage)
FORD C-MAX 2015 - REVIEW
PROS
Economical, comfortable, family friendly, with good safety
features.
CONS
C-Max (five-seater) is unable to sit three car seats
in a row, and the Grand C-Max,
(seven-seater) sits four car seats, but leaves little boot space.
(seven-seater) sits four car seats, but leaves little boot space.
Back in 2012, MadeForMums tested the then new Ford
B-Max and found it to be an eerily
futuristic ride. So much so, we were left wondering what on earth could possibly come next?
Hello the C-Max range, and the recent launch of which, proved Ford are still heading
up technological advancement.
Make no mistake, as the 2015 offerings are unveiled, MadeForMums found themselves going
back to the future and a ‘Look mum, no hands’ experience.
The new five-seat C-Max (and seven-seat Grand C-Max with sliding doors), are designed
with families in mind, making day-to-day living easier - and safer with hand-free tech
and numerous smart driver assistance features. But a few years on, would the new car prove
to be a help or a hindrance when put to the test?
futuristic ride. So much so, we were left wondering what on earth could possibly come next?
Hello the C-Max range, and the recent launch of which, proved Ford are still heading
up technological advancement.
Make no mistake, as the 2015 offerings are unveiled, MadeForMums found themselves going
back to the future and a ‘Look mum, no hands’ experience.
The new five-seat C-Max (and seven-seat Grand C-Max with sliding doors), are designed
with families in mind, making day-to-day living easier - and safer with hand-free tech
and numerous smart driver assistance features. But a few years on, would the new car prove
to be a help or a hindrance when put to the test?
Tuesday, 30 June 2015
Peas in a Pod - A book review
This charming children's book brings the important message of being an individual to life. Told through the quintuplet characters, Pippa, Pia, Poppy, Polly and Peg, it demonstrates how we learn to think for ourselves, express ourselves, and ultimately be ourselves.
DETAILS:
TITLE: Peas in a pod
Suitable for: ages 3-7
AUTHOR: Tania McCartney
ISBN: 978-1-921966-71-2
Published by: EK Books
Release date: 29/6/15
Price: £7.95
When I gave birth to a second daughter, I was amazed how different she looked to my first. Even then I imagined the girls would be clones of each other personality wise. How wrong was I? They've grown to be chalk and cheese. Thankfully - life is never dull! Peas in a pod is a book which sums that individuality up brilliantly, reinforcing the message that we are all unique and it is okay to be different.
Sunday, 28 June 2015
Saturday, 27 June 2015
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
Expressing PND... a poem
So it's almost two years ago since my PND kicked in...
...I was writing about Esme's pregnancy, and her subsequent birth and special care on this blog, when the unprocessed grief hit me. Along with baby number two, who was 12 months old when I began LIFE AS IT IS, and a year later ended up on Omeprazole for ulceration due to silent reflux. I can remember saying to my mum that I felt I had post natal depression. Her reply was frightfully British: Not to be ridiculous. You aren't getting any sleep. You have a baby screaming at you all the time. A three-year-old throwing non-stop tantrums. You are exhausted. (Oh yes, and I was doing it all by myself at the time as well as working). Grrr. That British attitude to grin and bear it, has a lot to answer for. If only I'd gone to the doctor at that point, but no I struggled on. Eventually, time helped. That and this very blog. Where I typed through the bleakness until I resolved it myself and found calm. (Now, like all of us bringing up little ones, I just have the usual motherhood stuff to deal with). Anyway... if this is you reading this, don't not go to the doctor, post natal depression can be sorted far more easily than by typing your life down into black and white for you (and the world) to understand! The good news is, it is almost a year ago since I worked through it and came out the other side ;-) So what to say about it? Now that I can? How to express PND? Here goes...Sunday, 21 June 2015
Part creative, part cathartic, LIFE AS IT IS & Post Natal Depression
If you've read a lot of my blog, you'll know by now - almost three years in - that for me, writing is part creative, part cathartic. Blogging, albeit cheaper than counselling, has most definitely been therapeutic, but also allowed me a creative freedom I don't get with work. Writing and meeting deadlines for others is a great day job, but blogging for me, is more.
Writing down my thoughts has helped me no end. By writing about them I've worked through lots. One such thing being Esme's pregnancy and her difficult start in life - a process which only when I wrote about it - after her sister was born - led to Post Natal Depression (PND). Not a lot of people know that. But then that is the tragedy of something like PND. Often viewed as failing, many suffer in silence. People fear the consequences of reporting it as a problem. (58% of new mothers with PND, according to the NHS UK website chose not to seek medical help). We know it is widely common, and yet it remains a difficult illness to admit to suffering from. That maybe so, but that needs to change. I want to share my experience. What I went through.
Writing down my thoughts has helped me no end. By writing about them I've worked through lots. One such thing being Esme's pregnancy and her difficult start in life - a process which only when I wrote about it - after her sister was born - led to Post Natal Depression (PND). Not a lot of people know that. But then that is the tragedy of something like PND. Often viewed as failing, many suffer in silence. People fear the consequences of reporting it as a problem. (58% of new mothers with PND, according to the NHS UK website chose not to seek medical help). We know it is widely common, and yet it remains a difficult illness to admit to suffering from. That maybe so, but that needs to change. I want to share my experience. What I went through.
25/52 The GraceFaith year long art project
Thursday, 18 June 2015
Sometimes you speak to someone...
...totally out of the blue.
For the first time.
And you get them.
And they get you.
You realise quite quickly that you are on the same page.
Although worlds apart.
(In more than one sense).
You are actually neighbours.
Actually united.
It's a funny thing, destiny.
Intended collisions.
Sometimes, they'll hit you hard.
With power.
Right between the eyes.
To inspire you.
Encourage you.
Lead you.
And love you.
So that you can love too.
If it talks to you.
Listen.
It talks sense.
Destiny.
For the first time.
And you get them.
And they get you.
You realise quite quickly that you are on the same page.
Although worlds apart.
(In more than one sense).
You are actually neighbours.
Actually united.
It's a funny thing, destiny.
Intended collisions.
Sometimes, they'll hit you hard.
With power.
Right between the eyes.
To inspire you.
Encourage you.
Lead you.
And love you.
So that you can love too.
If it talks to you.
Listen.
It talks sense.
Destiny.
LEGO Mixels Series 4 - A review
New from Lego...
When Lego recently asked Life As It Is to trial their Mixels series 4, the GraceFaith girls (and their cousins) were only to happy to help...
Wednesday, 17 June 2015
Non-negotiable musings of a 3YO - how to deal with defiance
Sofia is precariously balanced on a chair.
When asked to get down she refuses point blank.
We both know the drill.
I begin to count to three.
On arriving at two, Fia decides that standing on a chair, plus winding mummy up, is potentially a risk worth the taking.
For the first time ever, she asks, "Mummy, what will happen if you get to three?"
"You will lose your bedtime story darling."
And not for the first time, I fight to keep a straight face.
When asked to get down she refuses point blank.
We both know the drill.
I begin to count to three.
On arriving at two, Fia decides that standing on a chair, plus winding mummy up, is potentially a risk worth the taking.
For the first time ever, she asks, "Mummy, what will happen if you get to three?"
"You will lose your bedtime story darling."
And not for the first time, I fight to keep a straight face.
Monday, 15 June 2015
Sunday, 14 June 2015
24/52 The GraceFaith year long art project
This week Sofia made a picture of a house for the first time.
Something tells me, it won't be the last.
Friday, 12 June 2015
Go-Carts, Catapults & Midnight Feasts - A book review
101 Vintage Pastimes for modern kids
DETAILS:
Go-Carts, Catapults & Midnight Feasts 101 Vintage Pastimes for Modern Kids
Author: Catherine Cox
Published: June 2015
Available from: thehistorypress.co.uk and all good book shops
Priced: £9.99
ISBN: 978-0-7509-6429-6
Published: June 2015
Available from: thehistorypress.co.uk and all good book shops
Priced: £9.99
ISBN: 978-0-7509-6429-6
If you like retro and you have children, then here is a book for you.
If you would rather your children not resort to digital escapism, then here is a book for you.
If you have forgotten what it was like to be a child and have serious amounts of silly fun, then here is a book for you. Oh hoorah!
Whether it be making a periscope, building a camp, or simply remembering what it is to be young and roll down a hill, then here is a book, that is not actually only for you, but more importantly, for you and your children. A book full of fun ideas that will help nurture your precious relationships.
If you would rather your children not resort to digital escapism, then here is a book for you.
If you have forgotten what it was like to be a child and have serious amounts of silly fun, then here is a book for you. Oh hoorah!
Whether it be making a periscope, building a camp, or simply remembering what it is to be young and roll down a hill, then here is a book, that is not actually only for you, but more importantly, for you and your children. A book full of fun ideas that will help nurture your precious relationships.
Thursday, 11 June 2015
Summer style - How to do a fishtail plait
My girls have beautiful hair.
It's a shame that all too often, they take on the birds nest look!
Last night, I actually wondered if the inhabitants of the lane suspected murder, as I took to Fia's dread(ed) lock.
It's a shame that all too often, they take on the birds nest look!
Last night, I actually wondered if the inhabitants of the lane suspected murder, as I took to Fia's dread(ed) lock.
Today, Fia has plaits.
So does Esme.
Plaiting hair is a great way of preventing tangles.
Plaiting hair is a great way of preventing tangles.
I've often wondered how tricky it might be to do a fishtail plait?
Turns out, it's not difficult at all.
Turns out, it's not difficult at all.
Want to have a go?
Here's how to create the perfect fishtail plait:
Here's how to create the perfect fishtail plait:
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
Tuesday, 9 June 2015
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Saturday, 6 June 2015
Going forward... - A poem
Going forward,
...carry optimism.
You will realise your future.
With a little bit of love along the way.
(Alright, a lot of love along the way).
Hope and determination of course.
Grace and Faith carried within.
Go forward.
And realise your future.
That your dreams are coming true.
...carry optimism.
You will realise your future.
With a little bit of love along the way.
(Alright, a lot of love along the way).
Hope and determination of course.
Grace and Faith carried within.
Go forward.
And realise your future.
That your dreams are coming true.
Thursday, 4 June 2015
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
Eight years of marriage later & on our wedding anniversary...
...I look back at how I met my husband (and how serendipity lent a hand).
I was a prefect at school. Leavers year, age 16 and taking my badge seriously, even if I did mess about in maths - sorry Mrs Mellow.
Monday, 1 June 2015
Candy from a baby
The sun had come out and we were walking to the park, catching up the children while chatting.
Aware that my friend's child had joined the queue for ice cream, I was instantly amused and taken back to the time that Esme had done the same at just three, but had been turned away by an on-the-ball vendor.
When a moment later I spotted Fia at the front of the queue being handed an ice lolly, wholly animated and turning to smile at the crowd, I had to look again. The woman behind her was saying to the ice cream man, "Oh no, she's not with me," at which point he poked his head out and shouted "Oi!"
I didn't have my purse with me - and I concluded this was both good and bad in equal measure. As I handed back the lolly still encased in its wrapper, Fia balled in disbelief. She continued to ball for some time, burying her head in my shoulder, sat on my lap on a park bench. She must have sensed I was trying not to laugh, because five minutes later, she yelled merry hell at me, screaming that it was not funny. That at least seemed to cheer her up.
Aware that my friend's child had joined the queue for ice cream, I was instantly amused and taken back to the time that Esme had done the same at just three, but had been turned away by an on-the-ball vendor.
When a moment later I spotted Fia at the front of the queue being handed an ice lolly, wholly animated and turning to smile at the crowd, I had to look again. The woman behind her was saying to the ice cream man, "Oh no, she's not with me," at which point he poked his head out and shouted "Oi!"
I didn't have my purse with me - and I concluded this was both good and bad in equal measure. As I handed back the lolly still encased in its wrapper, Fia balled in disbelief. She continued to ball for some time, burying her head in my shoulder, sat on my lap on a park bench. She must have sensed I was trying not to laugh, because five minutes later, she yelled merry hell at me, screaming that it was not funny. That at least seemed to cheer her up.
Sunday, 31 May 2015
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
Sunday, 24 May 2015
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
When your children manage to make you feel like shit
It was 24 hours away.
For work.
But also for me.
A much needed break from the constant stream of the demands of a 3 and 6 YO.
My life as a mother.
For work.
But also for me.
A much needed break from the constant stream of the demands of a 3 and 6 YO.
My life as a mother.
Sunday, 17 May 2015
Sunday, 10 May 2015
LIFE AS IT IS This week in... May 2015
Britain turned from red to blue as the Tories swept to victory in the G.E. The other three leaders of the main oppositional parties all resigned. David Cameron pledged to govern as a party of one U.K.
I pledged to teach my eldest how to make a cup of tea, for Esme Grace (our capable 6YO) decided she would make breakfast in bed for her parents, and what's that without a cuppa? (N.B. What's that, happens to be toast with a smidge of jam, minus butter).
I pledged to teach my eldest how to make a cup of tea, for Esme Grace (our capable 6YO) decided she would make breakfast in bed for her parents, and what's that without a cuppa? (N.B. What's that, happens to be toast with a smidge of jam, minus butter).
Saturday, 9 May 2015
Flair Plasticine (2) - A review
If you saw my recent plasticine vlog attempt here, you're probably breathing a sigh of relief that this next review is written?! Sticking to what I do best, these are my thoughts on the (somewhat ridiculously large amount of) plasticine we were sent to try...
Friday, 8 May 2015
Flair Plasticine (1) - Ninja Turtles Squidgems - A vlog review
Funny little things these.
Plasticine and pop out card pieces that together design Ninja Turtles.
Sunday, 3 May 2015
18/52 The GraceFaith year long art project
A trip to the fabulous Haslemere Museum, just isn't complete until you've seen Arthur!
(He looks very much like this).
(He looks very much like this).
Friday, 1 May 2015
Crocs - Women’s RainFloe Boot - A review
Ladies... Want to wear a welly that isn't a welly? One that is far more stylish, comfortable and warm? Then these are the boots for you...
Tuesday, 28 April 2015
Hope Springs Eternal
Every now and again, we are reminded that life is really bloody good.
Take for example Fri - an impromptu get together with friends on the lane, or Saturday, not impromptu at all, but a get together with friends of long ago.
Or today, a phone call reminding me of good times gone by.
Then there is the news that my nephew (and his parents) are coming to visit from Ecuador.
A word out the blue from an old colleague.
A nod of the head from an ally.
The potential agreement of funding for a new project at nursery.
The blue skies and bluebells that have graced the Spring days of late.
It's all good.
Life is all good.
Take for example Fri - an impromptu get together with friends on the lane, or Saturday, not impromptu at all, but a get together with friends of long ago.
Or today, a phone call reminding me of good times gone by.
Then there is the news that my nephew (and his parents) are coming to visit from Ecuador.
A word out the blue from an old colleague.
A nod of the head from an ally.
The potential agreement of funding for a new project at nursery.
The blue skies and bluebells that have graced the Spring days of late.
It's all good.
Life is all good.
Sunday, 26 April 2015
Thursday, 23 April 2015
Nut Free Chocolate People to the rescue at Easter - a shout out
Chocolate at Easter? Of course.
With a peanut allergy? Not so simple.
Wait a minute...
Nut Free Chocolate People to the rescue.
Ah.
Pure brilliance!
And quite delicious.
With a peanut allergy? Not so simple.
Wait a minute...
Nut Free Chocolate People to the rescue.
Ah.
Pure brilliance!
And quite delicious.
Wednesday, 22 April 2015
Peanut Allergy & Anaphylaxis - A feature
CAUSE FOR CONCERN - Peanut Allergy & Anaphylaxis
EMMA OLIVER REVEALS A STORY THAT’S VERY CLOSE TO HOME AS SHE INVESTIGATES THE EXTREMELY HARMFUL ALLERGIC REACTION ANAPHYLAXIS
New Year’s Eve didn’t quite turn out how it
was planned. Sitting in A&E with my
six-year-old daughter having steroids for an
allergic reaction to peanuts, had definitely
not been on the agenda. She only ate four,
and then began to swell immediately, saying
her lips felt funny and her throat hurt.
 |
| Esme a few minutes after eating peanuts |
En route to A&E, as Esme began to
cough and wheeze, I was just thankful to
have administered anti-histamine. And to
have left straight away.
20 minutes later at hospital, the steroids eventually calmed her hive-covered body, and after a few hours we were all able to leave: with an epi pen and a referral for blood and skin prick tests.
We’ve yet to discover the severity of Esme’s peanut allergy. The doctor thinks it is likely she will suffer with anaphylaxis, as this first reaction was both intense and immediate.
Anaphylaxis will take some getting used to for all of us, but especially Esme. A peanut allergy is almost certainly for life, and of course she does not yet fully understand the implications, saying: “At least I get to go to the front of the dinner queue at school now Mummy.”
20 minutes later at hospital, the steroids eventually calmed her hive-covered body, and after a few hours we were all able to leave: with an epi pen and a referral for blood and skin prick tests.
We’ve yet to discover the severity of Esme’s peanut allergy. The doctor thinks it is likely she will suffer with anaphylaxis, as this first reaction was both intense and immediate.
Anaphylaxis will take some getting used to for all of us, but especially Esme. A peanut allergy is almost certainly for life, and of course she does not yet fully understand the implications, saying: “At least I get to go to the front of the dinner queue at school now Mummy.”
Tuesday, 21 April 2015
Settling into motherhood sometimes takes time
Not so long ago, I wrote a feature about settling into motherhood, and how finally, I appeared to have managed it.
I put it down to the fact that my two daughters were over their allergies and intolerances.
How wrong was I? My eldest, Esme Grace was diagnosed with peanut allergy last New Years Eve - we await testing to see how extreme it is, and Sofia Faith, my youngest, has an appointment for gut related problems next week.
Although the allergic issues continue, I am more settled as a mother than ever before. It is probably worth reminding other mums though, that sometimes accepting motherhood takes time.
I put it down to the fact that my two daughters were over their allergies and intolerances.
How wrong was I? My eldest, Esme Grace was diagnosed with peanut allergy last New Years Eve - we await testing to see how extreme it is, and Sofia Faith, my youngest, has an appointment for gut related problems next week.
Although the allergic issues continue, I am more settled as a mother than ever before. It is probably worth reminding other mums though, that sometimes accepting motherhood takes time.
Sunday, 19 April 2015
16/52 The GraceFaith year long art project
The weekend that I was test driving a family car for Ford, the GraceFaith girls decided to test drive their own...
...steering obviously needs tightening.
...steering obviously needs tightening.
Saturday, 18 April 2015
Tuesday, 14 April 2015
Sunday, 12 April 2015
15/52 The GraceFaith year long art project & a girly gift to love
Getting creative - with a little bit of science thrown in, as Esme makes perfume - with GALT
Friday, 10 April 2015
Scandi Living
Until last week, Scandi Living was a shop up the road from us. But then my family disappeared into Finn Air, only to be seen again disembarking at Rovaniemi Airport, Lapland - into Arctic conditions. The sign announcing 'reindeer burgers' greeting us, acknowledged Scandi Living as our new reality; and so, Finnish Lapland and an adventure courtesy of Activities Abroad, began...
Northern HIGH-Lights will be out in the Oct/Nov issue of Little London Magazine - available to buy Sept 2015.
Wednesday, 8 April 2015
Sunday, 5 April 2015
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