Impatient kids complain about being bored an average of 122 times every month – that’s nearly 1,500 times per year - according to new research by BIC as part of its Young Artist Award  (It feels like double that in my household!). The study also revealed that 69 percent of us parents dread hearing the words “I’m bored”. But experts claim parents should be doing more to encourage boredom as mechanism to inspire creativity. We should be letting their minds wander rather than plonking them in front of the TV or electronic tablet.

Here are my screen-free top tips tips to help promote imagination and creativity in our kids.

If you are looking for a good excuse to get creative then my latest giveaway is perfect for you. These fabulous Metallic Marker pens from Spectrum Noir are stunning dual-tipped markers which cover beautifully, for a perfectly smooth and highly reflective metallic finish. They are ideal for use on black or dark surfaces where their effects will really pop! I have the full range of 12 pens, both the Rare Minerals and Precious Metals packs, to giveaway to one lucky winner!

It is now November, which means by law it’s time to start celebrating Christmas. Jokes aside, Christmas is fast approaching and we all want to be able to prepare for the festive season ahead.

As part of this you may be looking into buying a tree for the house, lighting it up like Blackpool illuminations, and be sending out cards and gifts through Shiply to family members you won’t see in time for the big day.

Now that you are ready to start Christmas shopping, you might be already working out your budgets and writing down some great ideas for presents for the family and friends. Just remember, you can still buy great gifts for a low price, and here are some ideas which will cost you less than a fiver.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... 
​You can bring the creative force into your life with my fantastic Star Wars Aquabeads competition!

Have you seen the new Beauty & the Beast film yet? Belle is certainly the Princess of the moment and to celebrate the new movie Hallmark has launched a range of stunning Beauty & the Beast cards at Tesco - the perfect choice for a Birthday Princess! We held our own Princess Party at home to bring some Disney magic to tea time!

Just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend organic clothing brand Frugi have created some fantastic free customisable door sign printables - perfect to keep kids busy on a rainy day (which is highly likely on a Bank Holiday weekend!)

Been feeling quite stressed this weekend so am spending some time colouring in an attempt to relax

Linking up to #mysundayphoto

Little E has just turned 6 and up until now her school have really focused on learning to read but since Christmas I have seen a shift with much more emphasis on writing. Little E has always loved to draw but she is less inclined to write. Apparently it is hard work! I was intrigued to find that STABILO make a range of children's pens to help them write correctly.

We were sent the STABILO EASYoriginal pens and the EASYgraph pencils. ​Little E is right handed but these pens and pencils come in both left and right handed versions so you can get the version perfectly suited to your child. They are teacher recommended too.

It is freezing outside but Spring is just around the corner and our latest Baker Ross Blogger delivery is jammed packed with Spring crafting to keep us going until Easter arrives.

Here's Little E modelling the craft kits in our pack. The delivery includes a Mother's Day Handprint Poem kit (£3.60 for 4) and Easter Bunny Train Kit (£1.99 for 1) which Little I is desperate to make but we are going to keep them for nearer the time and instead have cracked on with the Spring Kits.

December is here! We can officially embrace Christmas! We've got a bit ahead of ourselves this week and have been getting our festive groove on early trying out some of the fab craft kits sent to us by the lovely elves over at Baker Ross.