Meet the Makers – Chiara Hayes Jewellery

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So it’s safe to say the small Irish directory of businesses has been a huge success. The businesses are still rolling in and it’s becoming a wonderful resource for people especially now in the lead up to Christmas. To compliment the directory I’m going to do a Meet the Maker series – a short questionnaire that gives some insight to the people behind the brands and businesses listed. That’s half the point of buying from a small business, you are not only investing in a beautiful, quality product you are investing in real people who use that money to pay their bills, or pay for dance classes for their kids, it’s a win win for everyone involved.  Continue reading

Thinking outside the box with fashion this Christmas

This is a sponsored post with F&F Clothing 

Ahhh the festive season is upon us! I have to say it is without doubt my favourite time of the year especially now that the girls are totally into it all. Being a Mum though I have no Christmas party to attend per se but I have plenty of nights out planned with friends. For this blog post I was tasked to talk about party wear ultimately, but I want to think about it a little differently. I’ve spoken a bit about this on my social media but I’m starting to rethink my attitude towards shopping and clothes in general. Lately I find myself thinking more about where Continue reading

Lottie Dolls – realistic, inspiring dolls for young girls

I have long since been a fan of Lottie Dolls. I think the whole ideal behind the brand appeals to me, making dolls for small girls that actually look like small girls. I mean really when you think about it it makes perfect sense, why should a 4 year old be playing with a doll with boobs far larger than her mothers and a waist almost the same size as her mothers!!! I jest but in all seriousness I love the concept of it, it means kids can identify with it and can play games around the idea of kids rather than adults.  Continue reading

3 essential tools for craft and DIY

I won’t lie, I have a fair few crafty tools around the house. And also lots of craft material from buttons to paper every available space is filled with my bits and pieces mainly because I like to be prepared if I see an idea on Pinterest I have no patience to wait to get to the shops for materials! There are definitely a small number of craft tools I use over and over, they have multiple uses from making things for the girls rooms to fixing things up for myself the possibilities are endless. I’m no expert when it comes to DIY, I just love it and the satisfaction is immense when you complete something that is lovely or useful. Here are three of my favourite tools that are just so versatile and at least one gets used every single day!  Continue reading

Sustainable denim from F&F

I would estimate that, despite having a wardrobe bursting with pretty dresses, the reality is that I spend 95% of my days in jeans. And in doing so I would consider myself to be fussy when it comes to finding the perfect pair. There are a few keys things I require when I look for jeans, the main thing is, possibly somewhat obviously, comfort. I spend my days walking to and from school and preschool, I am up and down off the ground constantly, and I spend the vast majority of my day bent over picking things (toys, babies, puzzle pieces, food, discarded sippy cups, paper, twistables, dolls, dolls shoes, you get my drift!). Continue reading

Reading Eggs online learning for young children

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There’s one thing we can’t avoid in this world and its the fact that technology is going to play a big part in our kids lives. While we do not allow any real screen time apart from a small bit of Netflix on days when I need a dig out and a virtual babysitter, I have been looking for ways to get the girls au fait with technology in a way that works for us, and that way is via learning. The big lady is only one year into her formal education and it constantly blows my mind how Continue reading

Is the Dyson V8 Absolute worth €500?

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Ah I have to say, the day this Dyson V8 arrived in the post, hand on heart, it was the best thing that I have ever been sent as part of this blog. Don’t get me wrong, I have received some amazing things in the past but to a Mammy who spends a good portion of her day cleaning up after small people, a vacuum that promised to make my life easier was greatly welcomed. Given the cost of it I put this through it’s paces, I didn’t want this review to be in any way to be swayed by the fact I got this for free. I have been using it now for over two months and *spoiler alert!* every time I use it a little piece of me smiles inside.  Continue reading

Bloggers and #ad – what does it all mean?

When people ask me what I do of course the first thing I say is I parent, I am first and foremost Mother and Mammy to my three darlings and lets face it that in itself takes up a fair chunk of my time both day and night. But lately I’ve started to wave my hand flippantly around in the air and with the hint of a red face I mutter something about doing something online with social media. The title blogger seems to have Continue reading

Ultimate guide to Tayto Park with young children

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When I was first contacted about going to Tayto Park, I turned down the offer with the explanation that I thought my five and three year old were too young for it. I had for some reason a notion that it was all rollercoasters and things more suited for teenagers through to adults. Well how wrong was I! When I looked into it more and spoke to friends who had visited it I was assured there was more than enough to keep my two ladies happy for hours. Continue reading

DIY hanging photo wall with Fotostore

This is a sponsored post!

I am a pure sucker for Pinterest, I was obsessed with it prior to our wedding, picking up so many little tips and tricks to add a flavour of us as a couple in our own way. Surprisingly, when it came to our home I was a little less obsessed, but I still find it a fantastic place to pick up the most random ideas from storage to art it’s all there. So when Fotostore approached me to work with them, having received the email surrounded by bare white walls, I jumped at the opportunity to do something a bit different to try and make this house a home. Continue reading