The weather yesterday was GLORIOUS. Beautiful bright sunshine, cool air, a gorgeous day where both autumn and winter were jostling for space. We decided to make the most of a day with no plans and visit Leith Hill, a national trust spot in Surrey. It was so beautiful! I would really recommend it to anyone…
Read MoreWhat’s under our tree?
For Christmas / Chanukah (we are not religious but will be celebrating both as my family celebrates Christmas and my husband’s celebrates Chanukah), we have bought Frida: Four books Two wooden animals A Schleich horse family A felt playmat Some simple figures Stickers Frida will be 20 months at the time. We had also ordered…
Read MoreIn Frida’s stocking…
I have just put together Frida’s “stocking” for Christmas. I say stocking, but actually we’re using one of her socks! I figured she’s only small, and the temptation of a big stocking would be to fill it… so an 18-24 month size navy sock it is! I didn’t have a stocking growing up, but I…
Read MoreToddler craft: sparkly Christmas trees
With December fully in swing, I thought it was time to do some seasonal crafting with Frida. We have put our tree up (we have a tiny, fake tree this year, as I had read lots of things suggesting that was the safest thing with a kitten in the home. It turns out we can’t…
Read MoreSeasonal shelf: Winter
Happy December! I have updated Frida’s seasonal shelf in her bedroom, and wanted to share it with you. Although I know it’s not technically winter yet from a meteorological perspective, if we go by the calendar I think it’s justified! The books on her winter shelf are: The Snowman; Winter (Gerda Muller); Robin’s Winter Song…
Read MoreToddler craft: making a jar lantern
Last week at Frida’s playgroup we made a jar lantern together, and it was such a lovely and simple craft to do that I wanted to encourage you to have a go! To make the simplest jar lantern, all you need is: a clean jar; some tissue paper; some clear drying (child safe!) glue; and…
Read MoreMuddy Fingers! Setting up an outdoor playgroup
Anyone who reads my blog regularly will know that I am a big believer in going outside as much as possible. We try and get outside at least once a day, whatever the weather, to a park or playground or common or farm, or even just for an exploratory walk around the block. Last week…
Read MoreThe ultimate Montessori gift guide: infants and toddlers
I have been meaning to write this post for so long, and with the festive season fast approaching (eeeek!) I thought I should actually get to it rather than leaving it too late for this year. Below are a selection of toys I feel pretty sure would be welcomed by any family with an interest in the…
Read MoreWhy we chose a Steiner playgroup for our Montessori toddler
Imagine the scene. A church hall filled with loud, single-purpose plastic toys. Children of all ages running around, ignored by their childminders who sit chatting on the benches at the side. Noise. Pushing, snatching, shouting, scolding, threats. No one welcoming you, no one leading the session or seemingly in charge, no structure whatsoever. Biscuits and…
Read MoreThe start of the birthday celebrations
I was in early labour for four days before Frida was born, so it makes sense that we should be celebrating her birthday over the course of a week! To kick things off we threw an afternoon tea for a few family members. I baked a haphazard lemon cake, which went wrong in many different…
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