Yay! We made it, today is the official first day back to school for the kiddos and I have to say this summer literally flew by, but I am not complaining, especially as now normality has started to settle in, plus with the weather being lush this week, I guess we are on the up.
This time of year for many parents can be a little manic, I’ve still loads of cute back to school essentials to get for Leonora from funky stationary from Rymans to thermals from Marks & Spencers for when the winter months arrive ,so to help all you lovely rents out I found loads of adorable bits to help see your kids through.
Hands down any money, by the end of the week all Leanora’s lovely white polo shirts will be grey, with a splash of tomato sauce and various pen stains in them for extra good measure, or her brand new trackies will have holes in it, bet ya any money hands down this will happen, I mean kids right! So I’ve got a few good back-ups from various sites, who do a quick delivery if needed and linked them all below for you to peruse through.
Footwear is an obvious essential, to fresh shiny black school shoes, cute Mary Janes, trainers for PE, wellies, warm boots the list goes on, and below are a few must haves.
With the kids eager to get back out and get back in to school, have fun in the playground and see their friends again a coat is an essential item to get them to and from school, they don't have to be boring they can be uber cool and I've found some perfect ones for them to rule school in.
Goes with out saying really, the major must have is the back pack and I have to say I've seem brilliant ones out there, especially this morning on the school drop and I've got my bigger hitters linked below.
I hope this list all helps with your little ones back to school essential needs as I thought it be fun to share, after all sharing is caring.
Happy back to school kiddos and well done rents to getting them in.
Let me know what you think of the list and how has the first day gone for you guys?
Don’t forget you can also follow me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin!
Lindsey
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links used
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Are you ready for them? Make way, there is a new colourful toy on the scene now, it’s the loveable Moji Pops! Have you heard of them? Neither had we until recently. They are a fun new range of toys made up of everyday objects brought to life as fun characters with an array of colourful emotions based on popular emoticons.
I knew Leanora would love them the moment we got them and I must confess I enjoyed playing with them too, my favourites are the limited edition rare sparkly ones.
She was super excited to receive her gift pack and couldn’t wait to open her blind bags, it’s the unknown that kids love the surprise of not knowing which emoji pop you will find hidden in the bag. It was also great to see her get right in and create a story play it’s the I like Playset, she was able to build on that with the Story Playset, she was able to jump from a beach party to a sing-off between the cat and teapot, with Mr television acting as Simon Cowell.
There are a whopping 90 different characters from cats, ice creams, tea pots and even a television to collect which means endless fun and role play set up for the kids, which is great to get there imaginations going in the form of play, with loads of emotions and moods thanks to the interchangeable faces its a great way to get the kids creative as well as learning about different emotions through the art of play.
My thoughts on these cuties are great, not just for the collectibility but helping Leanora with any emotions she may have, for example her teacher told me the other day that she and her friend squeezed out and used all the soap up in the toilets at school, so by using these Moji Pops, I was able to express to Leanora that it is not a good thing to do, which makes everyone sad, but if she wants to use hand soap in the future, don’t forget sharing is caring and using a little is good, plus it will mare her happy knowing that there is soap to help clean her hands to protect her from germs #TrueStory
Not only are the great for expressing our feeling and exploring the world of play, but they are also affordable too as the blind bags are only 90p perfect for the kids to buy if they get pocket money along with Story Playset SD as they are only £2.50. The large play sets are £12 each and the Blister Glitter Surprise are £10 each. Leanora is desperate for more playsets and with her 5th birthday coming up, she may jus5 be in luck, well as long as there are no more soap accidents at school.
You can purchase the Moji Pops now at Amazon and The Entertainer.
London Mumma
Disclaimer: This post was in collaboration with Magic Box Toys
The cold snap is on its way back round, which potentially could bring round a bout of snow. We all love snow, but it can cause problems a lot of problems for those that work with travel delays as well as becoming considerably costly on your gas bill.
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Swimming
Yes it may be cold outside, but it's warm inside the leisure centre, so scooter on down to your local and practice your breaststroke. Swimming pools will be a lot less busy during the week, freeing up some space to help teach the kids to swim, we are taking some new gear from finis to help guide us and make me look like a pro.....I hope.
Science museum
Just because it's cold and the kids face a possibility of a few days off from school, does not mean learning should stop there, head down to the science museum as we have a few days of British Science week for some fun learning perfect for the whole family to get stuck in.
Easter Ready
With a visit from the Easter bunny not too far away, what not hop on into the kitchen and get making some delightful Easter treats with the kids.
Movie date
Pack up your treats and head off to the movies, a lot is coming out soon perfect to get everyone into the half term and Easter spirit and watch movies such as Peter Rabbit, which Leanora is super excited about watching along with a new family fantasy a wrinkle in time.
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London Mumma xx
I'm not going to lie to you, there is nothing better than the smell of warm banana bread wafting in your home, the aromas are simply heavenly and truly inviting.
This Bitchin Banana bread is rich in flavour and tasty as hell. I am a firm believer in spoiling yourself and this is certainly a big tasty treat, I mean a bitchin one at that!
I have found a new found love in baking, especially with Leanora, I'm not a clean baker I have to confess, the kitchen looks like a bomb site after, but oh boy it is so worth it once it's ready. We normally grab a few forks, sit on the floor with Milo purring at our feet and us in a fit of giggles enjoying our spoils.
This requires next to no work at all, especially if you have little helpers at hand, as soon as we wake up we like to make this first thing in the morning, as we find the whole house smells warm and comforting from the get-go and gently reminds us when we are back from running errands that there may, just maybe, a few slices left over to tuck into.
Leanora and I will certainly be getting a little bit more creative with our baking, we are actually making something just in time for Chinese New Year, which we are super excited about next week, but until then why not try out our Chinese sweet sticky wings until then.
Ingredients
100 grams of softened butter
175 grams of caster sugar
225 self raising flour
1 tbsp of baking powder
2 tbsp of oat milk (or any)
2 eggs
2 ripe bananas
Directions
1. Lightly grease your tin and line with non-stick parchment paper, pre heat oven 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.
2. Mash bananas in a bowl and set to one side. With the remainder of the ingredients whisk together with a wooden spoon add in your bananas until well blended.
3. Pour into your greased tin and pop into the oven for about an hour until well risen and golden brown.
4. Pop out of the oven and set to one side to cool for a few minutes.
5. Slide out of the tin and slice up the bad boy largely and enjoy.
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Bon appetit.
London Mumma xx
So..We have kinda gone a little bit Unicorn and Pony mad in the London Mumma household, not my own doing, but toddler related. Whilst I love the magical creatures and real-life ponies too, Leanora has been going crazy over it. Whilst before I never thought I would be for it, I am totally indulging her every magical whim......Well, how else am I going to get my glasses back!
There is no real reason for this post, but I love these pictures so much, I just could not resist sharing, plus we had a blast this weekend, partying it up with BFLF we just had to share it with you.
I think as parents and being a single parent I just want to capture every single moment of my little Cha-chi, so when she is older I can show all the pictures, which she will undoubtedly think is totally shaming, but I rule the roost..........hmmmm! So she has to endure it and strike a pose.
With Halloween not too far off, the stores are awash with fab kids Halloween inspired clothing, from Leanoras unicorn jumper dress from good old M&S to sleepwear from LIDL (my new fave store). I mean have you seen the new range of clothing H&M has to offer for kids, us big kids too. For those who are not the dressing up type i.e ME there are wearable clothing and accessories out there too.
We had a little tastier of dressing up on Saturday gone, we got down and party liked rock stars at Big Fish Little Fish, a good time family rave. One thing I miss about pre-Mumma days was just to get up and go out and shake my money maker like there was no tomorrow, and then probably stumble in tomorrow! But gone are those crazy single days, it is a new story now, which takes me weeks of military precision of getting a babysitter, reconfirming, then having to get the grandparents in or sister down from Notts, which can all be a pain in the arse, but I guess that comes with parenting. But not one to miss out on a party and one that is not just catered to adults, but most importantly the kids, it makes for a great family day out, where you get to meet other parents just like you, and with loads to do from face painting, disco raving, to various arts and crafts, you are spoilt with loads of things to keep everyone happy and entertained, plus they have a bar, so if ordering a glass of your choice, no one frowns upon it, whilst living it up with the kids. Big Fish, Little Fish is something that I would honestly encourage any family or 80's babies, with babies to go and get your party on!
A massive thank you to Big Fish Little Fish, for having us and looking forward to the spooktacular events coming up.
Stuck on ideas on what to get the kids to wear this Halloween, check out my shoppable real for inspo or check out my Pinterest page.
I am still deciding on what to wear this Halloween, do you have any ideas?
London Mumma xx
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I love shopping for knitwear for Leanora, just as much as I do for myself. I get so excited browsing the web when she is in bed or I should be working and I am hoping when purchasing she will be as excited as I am when they arrive.
With so many brands out there you are literally spoilt for choice, I have firm few who never disappoint and a bit more fashion forward and bang on trend, but there are a fair few stores, that I go to, time and time again as it is a brand I've grown with and love.
I always, like to buy a size bigger so it lasts longer as well as it being a little more cosy, plus when it gets colder, I like Leanora to be able to wear thermals underneath or a shirt. Better to take a layer off if it gets to warm, but who are we kidding, it is the beginning of Autumn and it is going to get colder.
Also when choosing for Leanora I never was a fan of it before, but now and having no choice as I have a very bossy Threenager I make sure I get her, something with a unicorn, currently going through a magical stage, no more teddies! I am also keen on a stripe or a nice colour block, plus a little bit of sequins.
I have lined up a fair few for you guys below, along with some fab skirts which I have paired them with. Let me know if you spot any you like and purchased. Plus when you do, tag me on Instagram and show off the kids new knitwear.
Happy Browsing and happy Autumn.
Let us know what you think of the knitwear lineup and if you would like for one for the boys too.
OUTFIT DETAILS
Jumper - Zara
Skirt - Cos
Boots - Zara
London Mumma xx
Deciding to have a child changes your life in so many different ways, good ways and bad ways too, not everything is always rosy, but fret not, the good triumphs the bad ALWAYS!
Life will never be the same, neither will your tits, but I mean this is to be expected, your whole outlook and lifestyle changes when you become a parent, but just how much you will never know until your little babe is in your arms. This is not something that you can talk about, well I mean I did and you will too in your antenatal class, but to really grasp the idea of how your life changes with kids, is going to have to be from your own personal experience arrives.
I knew my life would change once becoming a mother, but in honesty I just did not envision how much so, obviously my lifestyle has changed no more late partying, getting up and going when I want, eating what I want and even when I want, or just having carefree lazy brunch day with friends! Now it is always forward planning, cooking, cleaning, scheduling in play dates, swimming lessons, princess and ponies, Spanish lessons, taking the cat to the vet, or cleaning him after Leanora used him as a doll and applied makeup all over him, re-painting walls a million times over, due to sticky fingers and paws too, the list goes on, as crazy as it sounds I do love it, I might be knackered as hell but boy it is a ride and one that I am happy to be on and would not change for the world. But I thought I delve a little further in how your life changes with kids.
Social Time
Totally goes out the window as I said, you can not just get up and go your gotta schedule everything in, and plan, re-plan book a sitter, or get the grandparents and that you just going to a much-needed yoga session, date nights pah! That's you curled up on the sofa, with a bowl of popcorn, kid perched in the middle with the cat sitting on your head, like it's a normal thing.
Get Perspective
Life becomes a little clearer, gone are all those hazy wild partying days, it is now a sensible life you will lead, but becoming a parent really opens your eyes to all the bullshit and bullshit people too, nothing else matters and you are able to put things into perspective, those meaningful things that used to bother you before, will become meaningless.
No Personal Space
Bloody Nora! I tell you there is nothing more than a little bit of blood me time, think about hiding under the bed like I did, the kids find you, they are like a pack of wolfs, on the hunt, you can hide nowhere in your own home, you have a 24 hours 7 days a week audience.
Determination
Your little bambino gives you this strength, this perseverance and drive that you never knew you had in you before, it is like they awaken something inside you, from the very first kick. Nothing can stand in your way and you literally feel like a kick-arse parent ready to conquer the world.
You Understand Love
I never knew what love was before, not really nor have I actually felt that I have ever been truly in love, but regardless of the leaky boobs, your favourite honey roasted cashews you have hidden have been found and devoured, sleepless nights, bags under eyes, no privacy, being used as a permanent supplier of princesses, ponies, superheroes galore, there is nothing like the love between a parent and child, that unconditional love, even after the grouchy mornings with no milk to make your coffee, and looking like crap, because all you have done all night is watch your sleeping babe, just thinking this is your little human that you carried and brought into this life has blessed you with love, that feeling has been bestowed upon you, by your darling child.
Are you a parent or parents to be, how has your life changed?
London Mumma xx
This little beauty brings me nothing but smiles and giggles, ok, ok, ok I admit she can be a little madam, you remember some of the stuff that I've had to say to her. But in honesty, she is a babe!
As a working parent I make sure that I set time for our girlie day dates, to get to know one another, to grow and learn from one another, after all, special time, leads to a special bond, between parent and child, plus before you know it, my threenager, well in actual fact be a teenager, so I want to get as much time in with her as possible, before she runs off, gets married and leaves me with Milo!
Day dates are the best, we literally get up to know good, but dare I say it on unhealthy food, which normally consists of crepes with lashing's of chocolate and strawberries, after all, we gotta get in one of our 5 a day in some way. To running around in the park to burn off all those calories, to a leisurely stroll around the park, normally a day ended in Waterstones to pick up new books to read or tiger to stock up on painting supplies which if I'm not careful ends up on my wall (thankfully B&Q and Homebase are 20 mins down the road).
But the best part about our Day Date's, no not me having to carry her because she has zonked out and I'm laden with goodies from the day (note to self, buy a rucksack!) but that she makes me feel like the luckiest Mumma in the world and that my little Cha-Chi is growing up and you know what, as hard as I am on myself, I've not done too bad, she is happy, healthy and loving life, well unless she is arguing with the cat, God knows why, oh yeah because he is not putting on her Frozen dress, then has a pop at me, because he is ignoring her, God forbid she realises that he is Cat and just wants to be fed and wants cuddles!
How are your day dates with your kiddos and what do you get up too. Would you like a list of what to do or, maybe what's on throughout the month?
I'm currently on route to the office for a few
short hours and I've just realised it's half term. Mother and Auntie duties
will certainly be taking up my whole week, but it's dawned on me, what on earth
are we going to do, but don't worry I realised I planned for this weeks ago and
made a little to-do list for this halftime term.
Flip Out
Flip Out quite literally you will flip out! A
few weeks ago Leanora, my nephews & I were invited to try out the new FlipOut branch in Brent Cross, what is it may I ask! Think old school Gladiators,
just minus the tackling the warriors but an indoor bouncy
castle-trampoline-assault course for kids and us big kids too! You get to spend
90 minutes jumping for joy, all whilst leaving you in a fit of giggles trying
to get out of the foam pit.
Get crafty
Nothing like a little creativity with the
kiddos, not sure on what to create don't worry I've got loads of ideas over on
my Pinterest page.
Movies
All week, the majority of the cinemas have
kids am screening, showcasing not the latest movies, but recently released ones
at a fraction of the cost from £2.00, that's for adult tickets too, so why not
check out your local cinema to see what is on offer.
Eat out
We love to eat out and try new foods, being in
London there is so much to offer, with the weather nicely warmed up, why not
get something to eat out and dine alfresco. Dining out for dinner try going
before the mad rush of dinner service, so maybe try a 5/5:30 pm slot or if out
and about and in the Clapham area I certainly recommend Baba Boom, they have an
awesome menu loads of tasty meats and veggie options for you to try, plus they
have a great kids menu. I did do a post about them, but deleted it like a
muppet, but trust me, it’s good!
Bike Rides
You can not be cooped up all day, so get some
fresh clean air into your lungs, head down to the park and go for a leisurely
bike ride with the kids, a great source of exercise for the whole family.
What do you have planned this half term?
London Mumma xx
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