7 Things I've Learnt As A Parent

Since the very first moment I held my newborns in my arms it has been an incredible learning journey. You may think as a parent you're the one teaching your child as you raise them but you certainly do develop and change as a person too. You grow as your little one does.

Here are seven things I've learnt as a parent...

Your best is good enough
Parents really give themselves a hard time but you should know that you're doing a wonderful job and you are a good parent. If you're worrying about how well you're doing that alone is a sign that you care enough to be concerned and you're therefore a pretty good mum or dad.  It's okay for your child to have chicken nuggets and chips from time to time and you shouldn't feel guilty, it's okay to raise your voice or get grumpy when you're sleep deprived and it's okay to leave the dishes on the side for a day. People may judge you at times for your choices on breast/bottle feeding or disposable/cloth nappy usage but if your kids are happy and healthy that's all that matters.

Puddles Win Prizes

Budding photographer in the family? This might be the competition for you. With the arrival of autumn and the colder weather on the horizon there will be many opportunities for some puddle jumping fun - just make sure you take your camera to capture the outdoor action when you go!

WELLY foods invites you to grab your boots, head outside and snap pictures of your favourite puddles for the WELLY foods Puddle of the Year photography competition.

Currently Coveting - My Autumn Wish List

Autumn is my favourite season by far. I love wearing over sized jumpers, snuggling up by the fire with a fluffy blanket and watching the gorgeous golden colours from the window. Not only that, the colder weather sees the return of slow cooked casseroles and stews with homemade crusty bread - some of my favourite comfort foods. 

It's about time I prepare for the new season so I've had a look online and pulled out a few items I can't wait to purchase. I'm currently coveting grey, browns and reds in terms of clothing and makeup, to compliment the autumn colours, and sweet fragrances to match the scents of rich desserts and pastries that I will soon have baking away in the oven!

Magical Family Fun for Halloween

Gross Magic is a much sought after favourite of tricksters everywhere! This set features props and ideas for more than forty revolting magic tricks and illusions so your little ones can impress their audience (or should we say victims) this Halloween with the practised use of a ‘clean to dirty’ toilet and ‘poo paper’, hatching cockroach eggs, slime in a dustbin, jumping and vanishing bogies, pretend veins and a squidgy telepathic brain, to name but a few.

These conjuring feats are guaranteed, with a bit of preparation, to produce groans of nausea from friends and family.

Silent Sunday

A rainy walk back to school today. When did my boy get so big?! *sobs* 💕 . . . #ukparentbloggers #pbloggers #celebratingmotherhoodig #theirwonderfulworld #simplychildren #childofig #worldoflittles #themagicofchildhood #curiouslittleexplorers #cameramama #simplepleasures #pixel_kids #simplethings #thehappynow #littlestoriesofmylife #myhappycapture #noordinarykids #backtoschool

A photo posted by Emma (@theminimesandme) on Sep 5, 2016 at 1:14am PDT

The Future of Energy - Hoverboards and Hats

Technology has evolved so much over recent years and thinking about the future, the next gadgets that will be available and what energy will look like is rather interesting - especially through the eyes of a child as their imaginations are so incredibly vivid. I've spent many an afternoon sat under an umbrella propped up blanket which the Mini Mes have informed me is a huge palace or a fort filled with knights and princesses, watching them drive a cardboard box sports car and lay beneath a row of chairs which was, obviously of course, a flying bus or rocket on the way to the moon.

Jamster was asked by E.ON to draw what he imagines the future of energy will look like and as he loves a good challenge he quickly grabbed a pad of paper, some gel pens and began to doodle... 

Jamster drew himself, after a good session at the gym it would appear, holding Pokeballs (the Pokemon craze is real) and wearing a hat which allows his thoughts to control and power his hoverboard! Naturally this has solar panels to charge it as and when required too and apparently there are wheels underneath that come down so he can do stunts at the skate park with friends while his boots are magnetic, enabling him to turn upside-down without falling off if needs be. I love it!

Spanish Omelette Recipe

As our little ones prepare for the return of school and the leaves start to turn golden brown, dining alfresco will soon be replaced with stews, soups and hearty autumn meals. Lunches of sandwiches will be swapped to something a little warmer and this is the perfect time to whisk up omelettes aplenty - you can team them with salad on the days where the sunshine makes an appearance or with thick warm bread smeared with butter when it's a little cooler.

They are incredibly quick and simple to make too which is always a bonus as busy parents.

Ingredients

Celebrating National Organic Month

September is National Organic Month and to celebrate we will have a number of giveaways where you can win organic goodies right up until the start of October.

The first prize comes from Discount Supplements and we have four fabulous products up for grabs!

Returning to Hatton Adventure World

Hatton Adventure World in Warwick is just a matter of minutes from our home so we make regular visits, especially during the summer months when it is generally a little warmer - we should probably get an annual pass thinking about it! It's a great value attraction when compared to many others at around £14.95 per person, less in off peak seasons or if booked in advance, so you can enjoy a full family day of fun for a pretty bargain price. 

We particularly like the fact that there is plenty to see and do both outside and indoors so even if the weather isn't on your side you can still have a superb day.

My favourite trio panning for gold at @hattonworld this morning. The Mini Mes were proud to collect their medals afterwards before going on the inflatables.

A photo posted by Emma (@theminimesandme) on Jul 23, 2016 at 2:20pm PDT

We packed a picnic as usual, although the cafe does have a good variety of both hot and cold meals on offer, and travelled by car for the 10am opening. After a stroll through the shopping village taking a peek at the homemade fudge and ales, we grabbed our wristbands and headed straight to the goats and guinea pigs for some feeding and handling sessions.

Head to Nick Jr for More Fun than Ever Before!

The Nick Jr website now has a cool new look and to celebrate we have a goody bag along with a Wacky Hair Dough kit to give away!

“Our aim was to rejuvenate nickjr.co.uk to match our young audience’s constantly evolving digital habits. We now have a platform which encourages and inspires children to use their imagination whilst providing them opportunity to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favourite Nick Jr. shows.” 

- Suzie Adams, Nickelodeon Digital Director

Silent Sunday

A photo posted by Emma (@theminimesandme) on Aug 14, 2016 at 5:49am PDT

Speedy and Splash Children's Book

Speedy and Splash, like all raindrops, love to race, but Splash has never won a race and now he would love to win - just this once! But it seems that this time he's not going to be lucky either. 

He has all kinds of problems to overcome with a leaf blocking his path, an argument between a snail and a caterpillar, and a mysterious monster. Then, finally, when his luck seems to be on the turn, something totally unexpected happens that puts all thoughts of winning right out of his head. 

Feeling Lucky with Lottoland

You really do have to be 'in it to win it' yet with so much going on with work and raising the Mini Mes, which certainly keeps me busy, purchasing lottery tickets often slips my mind until it's too late and the draws have been made. Therefore using an online service is far more convenient and I've been putting Lottoland to the test recently. After all, it would be wonderful to have a few million in the bank and a jet-setters lifestyle to go with it wouldn't it!

Silent Sunday

This beautiful sunshine is making me think of holidays and this evening I've been looking through the photos I took in Madeira. It's so beautiful there!

A photo posted by Emma (@theminimesandme) on Jul 19, 2016 at 2:10pm PDT

Beat the Bugs with Zap It!

Mozzies and little biting insects... they’re universally unpopular and guaranteed to put a dampener on things when you’re outside, with their dive-bombing and blood-sucking antics. So whether you’re back-packing through South America, honeymooning in Asia, out for a run or just barbecuing in your back garden with the kids - make sure you’re armed with Zap-It!

Calypso Holiday Hacks #1 - Outdoor Family Fun

Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a list of tried and tested tips and techniques suggested by parents for parents to keep the kids entertained all summer holiday? Thankfully, this year Calypso have created such a thing with their Holiday Hacks app so you can enjoy healthy fun (hopefully in the sun) with the whole family until the return of the school routine! 

We shall be giving 5 different ideas a go throughout July and August to keep the Mini Mes occupied and hopefully this will inspire you to get involved too. What's even better is that the majority of the activities are free!

The app suggests activities based on the weather and your child's age so you can take a peek out of the window and select something that is suitable on a specific day. The weather here in Northamptonshire has been a bit of a roller coaster recently but as we have had a few nice sunny spells we decided to give this tip a go first:

Silent Sunday

A photo posted by Emma (@theminimesandme) on Jun 17, 2016 at 9:19am PDT

Silent Sunday

A photo posted by Emma (@theminimesandme) 

Families Framed from This is Nessie

I've always loved displaying my favourite moments captured on canvas around my home as a constant reminder of the fun times we share as a family. I think it gives guests a little look into our lives too and allows them to see some of the adventures we have enjoyed over the years together.

I actually have a wall in the lounge which is purely dedicated to bespoke artwork and when This is Nessie got in touch to add to my collection I was pleased to accept their offer.

Launched in 2002 they began their business by providing stationery, but after some success, they now create illustrations, commissioned pieces and prints, including the lovely classic wellies version we received. As a family that loves the great outdoors and spending afternoons walking the poochie in the woods getting muddy, this really captured my attention, especially as I could really personalise it in so many ways and with such ease.

It would also make an unusual yet sentimental gift for someone special and there is a Mother's Day version available.

How Clean is the Air in Your Home? uHoo Product Launch

Ensuring the air we breathe is as clean as possible is important for families, especially those with allergies, and uHoo is here to make this a far easier task. It not only alerts you when there are toxins present but it also provides recommendations on how you can keep your home safer for you and your little ones. After all, we all want is best for our children and this air quality sensor helps to keep you healthier.

• 6 out of 10 homes are hazardous to their owner’s health

• 72% of toxic chemicals we come into contact with are indoors

• 10% of toxic exposure is due to cleaning products