Tweens and teens – what the heck do you get them for Christmas these days?! No longer little kids, yet not yet adults, trying to get something for somebody in the 10-17-year-old bracket that they will actually appreciate can sometimes feel pretty daunting. It is all too easy to just stuff some money in an […]

6 years ago

Visitors, visits, presents, shopping, excitement, Santa, sweets and everything else December throws at us – is it any wonder the Christmas season can seem a little overwhelming to young kids? Much as Christmas is lovely, and a time when we finally have time to just be and enjoy spending time with those we love, let’s […]

6 years ago

Confession: I am always slightly nervous when my kids colour. Mostly, to be honest, my little boy. Because, well, never mind staying inside the lines, he has actually been known to doodle on both my coffee table, walls and even the floor. Sometimes with crayons, certain times with black markers… Anyway, I am sure you […]

6 years ago

The best thing about Christmas, if you ask me? Those long, lazy days in between Christmas and New Years, when all the stress of shopping and presents are over and done with, and all there is left to do is lower your shoulder, stay in pyjamas and just soak up beautiful time with everyone you […]

6 years ago

The festive season is upon us, and many of us are travelling this time of year, eager to make it home to see family and friends for Christmas. The excitement of going home for the holidays is real… but what if you are travelling with an active toddler? Some people dread the thought of flying […]

6 years ago

It’s the gift that keeps on giving. One of my best friends (who is also my little boy’s Godmother) happens to also be working in the world of children’s books. This, combined with the fact that she is also a total bookworm herself, has ensured that whenever Christmas or their birthdays roll around, my children […]

6 years ago

If you have ever been in possession of a five-year-old, this will resonate with you. I read somewhere that five-year-olds asks an average of like five million questions a day (maybe not exactly five million, but you get my drift), and having a boy who is currently five himself, I am all sorts of willing […]

6 years ago

Meet Ferris, a baby boy who has an amazing, real-life story about his entrance into the world. When author Tess Kossow found herself at loss for how she would explain the story of how babies are made to her young son, conceived via IVF, she decided that she is clearly not the only parent in […]

6 years ago

Nollaig Shona Duit. Christmas is around the corner, and this year, we will be gifting amazing Irish-made gifts to friends and family – and do you know what? It’s not just because we love supporting Irish business, which we do, but also because seriously – have you seen some of the amazing things the clever […]

6 years ago

We all want to raise children that grow up to be good, capable, helpful, functioning adults. The thing is, though, this doesn’t happen by itself. Encouraging your child to help out, both by doing things for themselves and also by helping out at home, is crucial, and while it may feel like you are showing […]

6 years ago

Fancy bringing the kids to a super-fun panto, but not prepared to deal with the manic city centre in December? Well, then you should be heading to Dundrum instead this festive season, where the dlr Mill Theatre has just kicked off this year’s panto – Robin Hood. The classic story gets a panto-style makeover thanks […]

6 years ago

This week, American colour company Pantone picked the “universal favourite” Classic Blue as its colour of the year for 2020. The colour, the company explained, brings a “sense of peace and tranquillity to the human spirit, offering refuge,” something we all are in dire need of these days, especially as we are getting ready to […]

6 years ago

Confession: I still keep a Filofax. Or; not really a Filofax as mine is from a Swedish stationery store called Ordning & Reda, but still, the same principle applies, you put in new calendar sheets for every year, and jot down all your to-do lists and important appointments. I know this makes me seem positively […]

6 years ago

Perfect for your kids’ table this Christmas. It’s really beginning to look a lot like Christmas – especially now that M&S have revealed their brand new range of Christmas food for 2019. We must admit, we are especially excited about the festive version of their iconic Colin the Caterpillar cake, you know the one – […]

6 years ago

We have previously written about how more women go into labour earlier during hot summer days, and especially if there is a heatwave. And now a new study has been able to find that birth rates are as much as five percent higher on days when the temperature reaches 32 degrees Celcius– and above. The […]

6 years ago

Rising in popularity. If you are due your baby in 2020, I bet you have already started thinking about a name for your little bundle. And if you have – are you considering something classic and elegant? A vintage-sounding name, perhaps? Or how about something very out there and totally unique? Picking a name is […]

6 years ago

Need to work on your Christmas spirit? Well, then we know exactly the place to go. From this week, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Co. Down will be dressed for the festive season in the theme of ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ and guys, it sounds like the most magical of outings, we think. With fun […]

6 years ago

Flawless. I think anyone who has ever set foot in an Avoca store could not have been able to help feel blown away by the sheer magic of their offerings, from the decor to the food to the details to everything about Avoca. I know I feel that same way every time I walk into […]

6 years ago

This is so lovely. December is a busy time a year for families. There are so many things happening, from end-of-year ballet shows to carol services and class Secret Santa and present shopping. So busy, in fact, that it can be hard to take a moment and ponder what this season really is – or, […]

6 years ago

Time to sparkle and twinkle. Got a stream of social outings coming up and want to look your absolute glowing best? Here are seven seriously impressive beauty buys I have been testing lately that are all perfect for when you want to literally be the belle of the ball: 1. Urban Decay Naked Honey Eyeshadow […]

6 years ago

Trying to decide if having kids is for you? Well, then you might be interested to know that several studies have found that becoming a parent will, to most people, make you happier than staying childless. However, the effects aren’t immediate, apparently. In fact, a new study has revealed that yes, having children will indeed […]

6 years ago

What were YOUR essentials, mamas?

6 years ago

Yes, there are some truly swoon-worthy hipster names out there – and more and more parents are jumping on the unusual name bandwagon. But there is also a reason why a classic is a classic, if you know what I mean. And if you fancy something a little more timeless for your tot, we reckon […]

6 years ago

Irish mothers are not only having fewer children than before, we are also leaving it later and later to become mothers. In fact, the average age of first-time mums in Ireland now stands at almost 31, which makes us only second to Italy here in Europe in terms of what age we are when we […]

6 years ago

Just for YOU. I don’t know about you, but I am a big beliver in giving personalised gifts – gifts that show the person you are gifting them to that you have put a little bit of an effort into finding something for them. A book you know they are going to love, a voucher […]

6 years ago

The most anticipated dinner gatherings of the year. Much as I love the idea of the food we are all going to be gathering over come Christmas, I must admit, I am always almost more excited about setting the table for the events. Why? Because, really; is there anything nicer than sitting down to a […]

6 years ago

The trend of late has been very much in favour of picking a rather unique or even way out there name for you new bundle. But it looks like the tide is about to change, with more and more mums and dads opting to give their little heirs a name with a tad more history […]

6 years ago

Having guests this festive season? December is here, and to most of us, that means a social calendar that is far busier than all the other months of the year put together. And if you are hosting a party this Christmas, or attending one and have promised to bring along something, I have two words […]

6 years ago

Are you too dreaming of a green Christmas? I think most of us, this year maybe more so than ever, are feeling like we need to all make an effort to make Christmas a little less wasteful. And although big changes are needed on a global scale, change starts at home, with our own habits […]

6 years ago

Fancy a family break to London this winter? We don’t blame you – it’s a city literally crawling with things to see and do that the whole family will enjoy. As for accomodation when you are there – we think the kids (and you too) will feel right at home at these five seriously amazing […]

6 years ago

Mum-of-two! In honour of the American holiday of Thanksgiving, which took place earlier this week, Lauren Conrad clearly decided it was the perfect occasion to give her followers a peek at her brand new baby boy, Charlie – and how lucky she felt to be his mama. “So much to be thankful for this year,” […]

6 years ago

My little girl will turn 10 this Christmas. And so suddely, I am on the cusp on the tween and teen years, and part of me is terrified. I am not sure if I am ready. If she is ready. If we are all ready. We have talked about periods for a couple of years […]

6 years ago

Every day I want to press pause. Every day since my children were born I waver between feeling so totally delighted to watch them grow and thrive and change and learn things, while also feeling something akin to grief that they are growing up so much, much too fast. That every morning when I wake […]

6 years ago

Rockin’ around the breadstick tree! You know when you are having people over, and you are looking for something that will not only require a minimal amount of prepping and cooking, but that will also both taste delicious and impress the pants of your guests? I know – it’s very hard to find something that […]

6 years ago

The weeks before Christmas sure are busy. Most of us have a whole list of things we have to sort out, buy or make. And if you are dreaming of the pitter patter of little feet, you might want to add ‘make a baby’ on to your to-do list for December. Yep, really. Because both […]

6 years ago

Hell-bent on making your children’s childhood choc-a-block with happy memories? Did you go on a family holiday this year? Was there protests? Why? Well, research has suggested that family vacations are not only fun and a luxury – they are essential. Why? They make our kids (and us) happier and build bonds and memories. In […]

6 years ago

Knee-deep in potty-training your toddler at the moment? Sending you love and light, girl. Also – if you find night time harder than day time when it comes to quitting nappies (I know this sure was the case with my babies), you might care to hear about these new pajamas– designed to make life just […]

6 years ago

Brought to you by safefood “Mummy, I’m huuungry!” A few days ago, my five-year-old was slumped on the kitchen floor, rolling around my feet as I was frantically trying to chop vegetables for the dinner I was going to make later, after I had collected his big sister from school and we had raced out […]

6 years ago

December is a time for making things. Gingerbread cookies, Christmas puddings, babies. Yes, really. This time a year is peak baby making season here in Ireland, and so clearly we are all doing a heck of a lot more than just kissing under the mistletoe. How do we know this? Well, easy. We know how […]

6 years ago

When it comes to Christmas trees, people tend to fall into two very distinct categories. On one side are the ones who cannot stand mopping up needles for weeks and love the easy convenience of getting their plastic tree out of the attic year after year, all perfectly shaped and ready to decorate. And then […]

6 years ago

Having guests come stay with you this festive season? Then why not give your guest room (or spare room) a cozy makeover ahead of their arrival? There is just something about a super-cozy room that will have people feel so totally wanted and welcome to your home. And fear not – all this does not […]

6 years ago

Take all our galleons, Penneys. For every witch or wizard, no matter young or old, Penneys have just revealed their brand new Harry Potter party collection, annd guys – it is supercute. Just take a look: Se dette innlegget på Instagram Introducing our magical party range for every witch or wizard, no matter […]

6 years ago

Childhood obesity is a growing problem worldwide. And our sedentary lifestyles and use of ready-made, processed foods are both contributors. However, now a new study has found that this risk is even bigger for children growing up with no siblings. In fact, according to the research by the University of Oklahoma, only children are “7 […]

6 years ago

Back in April of this year the World Health Organisation issued new screen time recommendations for parents, reaffirming that prolonged screen time has a negative impact on kids, and declaring that children under one should not have any screen time at all. There is no denying that the majority of us, children included, spend more […]

6 years ago

In one week from today it will be December 1st. This means a lot of things. Now you only have 24 days left to buy presents. It’s advent calendar time. The next few weeks will no doubt be a whirlwind of end of year ballet shows and carol services and nativity plays and gingerbreak house […]

6 years ago

We have been obsessed with the Baby Exclusive range at H&M ever since it launched. The problem? The sizes only went up to about 24 months, and we were dying for the gorgeous and very luxe looking items to be available in sizes that also fitted older children. And now H&M have heard our wishes […]

6 years ago

Pregnant – or planning for baby – and wondering about your rights around parental leave? The challenge for parents in managing work and childcare has been addressed on two fronts of late by the Irish Government. Parents of babies born on or after 1 November 2019 are now entitled to two weeks’ parent’s leave, paid […]

6 years ago

Earlier this week I was looking after my friend’s two little boys for a couple of hours one evening as she went out to dinner. They were good as gold, playing away with my own two, we made popcorn, traded Pokemon cards, watched a movie and while one of the boys had a little cough, […]

6 years ago

All the festive feels. If you are looking for something a little different to the usual ‘Santa’s Grotto’ visit this festive season, we reckon this Christmas Lantern Workshop migth just be perfect. At the Cool Planet experience in Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow, crafty kids who love making and creating things will be able to sit down […]

6 years ago

Ready to dazzle? Christmas party season is upon us, and sure look – we all want to look our best, most glowing and radiant selves. And to give us all a head start on all the gorgeousness, I have rounded up 10 of my very favourite beauty buys that have landed across my desk in […]

6 years ago