I am delighted to be hosting the Artificial Wisdom blog tour today with the lovely folks from LiterallyPR.

This debut sci-fi thriller from Thomas R. Weaver immediately caught my interest, not just due to the epic cover but because I’m a sucker for a dystopian future premise - and this book certainly did not disappoint.

Now October is all about Halloween and Halloween equals pumpkin carving. But pumpkin carving is one of the most wasteful activities known to man! Last year an estimated 22.2 million went in the bin after they were carved. The only inedible part of a pumpkin is the stalk, meaning the rest can be put to great use and the experts at Ocado have come up with some fabulous seasonal recipes, including this delicious pumpkin gnocchi recipe, to make use of every part of this versatile vegetable.

Stepping into a bathroom, a space often regarded as utilitarian, we often underestimate the profound impact that its aesthetics can have on our overall experience. The choice of wallpaper, seemingly a simple decision in the grand scheme of interior design, holds the power to transform this functional room into a sanctuary of style and relaxation.

Beyond its decorative role, the right wallpaper can play a pivotal role in setting the mood, enhancing the perception of space, and even influencing our emotional well-being during those private moments of self-care. I've teamed up with James Mellan-Matulewicz, Creative Director at wallpaper brand Bobbi Beck, to uncover the often-overlooked significance of selecting the perfect wallpaper for your bathroom, and how this seemingly minor choice can make a world of difference in creating a harmonious and rejuvenating environment.

While I enjoy the odd G&T, I tend to opt for mainly alcohol-free these days, esspecially since struggling with long covid. With the rise of so many great non-alcoholic alternatives it is no surprise searches for ‘non-alcoholic drink alternatives’ are up by +100% in the past year.

Enter these three delicious mocktail recipes from Ocado, perfect for summer entertaining. And really what is better than a delicious, refreshing mocktail that doesn't leave you with a hangover the next day?

If you are currently putting off writing your will, then you’re not alone. It’s a sobering, solemn document – one that focuses on a part of life we’d rather forget wherever possible – and it’s understandable that so many of us would rather delay it, then dash it off as quickly and painlessly as possible. 

But you don’t need me to tell you that this is a mistake – one that thousands of people make each year. A will plays a pivotal role in our loved ones’ futures, and how they are able to move on after we die. 

Still, does it have to involve a meeting with a solicitor? Here’s what you need to know. 
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I was super lucky to receive tickets to see Moulin Rouge the Musical for Christmas from my lovely Mum. I’d heard rave reviews about the show currently playing at the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End based on Baz Lurhmann’s iconic film. Now, I hold my hands up and admit Moulin Rouge it isn’t one of my favourite films (mainly because I’m not a Nicole Kidman fan) but I was super intrigued to see how such a visual movie would transfer to the stage.

Little I is off on her first school residential next week. She will be spending two nights away from home staying in a yurt and having loads of fun with her school friends. This seemed an apt time to share the tips and tricks I have learnt over the past few years when packing for her big sister's residential trips.

My blog is now 10yrs old, which seems impossible but it is true! I've also hit another big milestone this month - 1000 posts!

The adventure began as a pregnancy diary during my second pregnancy. I was battling to get an elective C section approved and I was struggling with anxiety. This blog was a place to vent and also gave me something else to focus on, a welcome distraction.

Over the years I have been very lucky to link up with some fantastic brands including Chicco, Tesco, Amazon, Aldi, Maxi-Cosi, Disney and Smiggle to name a few. Little E and Little I loved being Baker Ross bloggers throughout their toddlerhoods (there were a couple of years where every surface had a fine haze of glitter on). We've been on some amazing press launches and had lots of fun trying new places, foods and experiences. I've written a ton of gift guides yet I'm still surprised when new ideas get pitched.

Slowly my blog has become less about the kids antics and more about the things I enjoy, like reading and Netflix binges. Lately it has touched upon my struggles with long covid. Hopefully my posts have been for the most part either educational or entertaining - perhaps sometimes both.

Little E and Little I are no longer little but they will have a lot of memories to look back on and show their own kids perhaps one day, In another ten years (or 1000 posts) they will be adults (at least according to the law) and this blog will have changed again. Bitter sweet is a great way to describe parenthood when you love watching them grow but also want to freeze time.

One of the first books I reviewed on the blog was The Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) series which I read mainly at night on my phone whilst breastfeeding. I've been waiting a decade for the next book in the series and refuse to watch the TV show. The big question is will George RR Martin actually finish the books before this blog celebrates another decade?

There's just something about the way a great piece of jewellery can elevate an outfit and make you feel super special. As someone who has always had a deep appreciation for the beauty and intricacy of jewellery (and an exceptionally large collection of statement and classic pieces), I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try out a selection of beautiful pieces from Meideya Jewelry, a woman-owned business selling sustainable, high quality jewellery. 

Mum guilt is a feeling of inadequacy and self-doubt that many mothers experience regarding their parenting decisions or actions. It is a common phenomenon that can arise from various sources such as parenting choices, work-life balance, and personal time. Mums may feel guilty about not spending enough time with their children, not being present during important moments, or making choices that do not align with their own or others' expectations. Mum guilt can be triggered by societal or cultural expectations, comparisons with other mothers, or even by their own high standards for themselves. It is important to note that dad guilt or parent guilt can also occur in fathers or other primary caregivers.

That’s why Qualified Counsellor & Psychotherapist, Andrew Chan for Delight Counselling, has put together six tips to help overcome Mum guilt.