My Little Love Heart Baby Girl Gift Set / Review

Just after Christmas, I had an exciting delivery all the way from Australia!

The lovely Luisa from My Little Love Heart had asked me if I wanted to review some of her gorgeous hand made baby items and I was more than keen to say yes.

Luisa decided to send me the Baby Girl gift set in the print botanical.

What's included in the gift set?

A Burp cloth,

Baby Bib,

Bandana dribble bib,

Bunny teether,

and a little headband.

This botanical print is one of their newest prints and has already become a favourite.

It is part of their Australiana range which is the perfect gift for any Australian or overseas baby girl. 

The Australiana range includes the Koala, Kangaroo, Eucalyptus, and floral gumnuts prints.

All items are lovingly handmade by Luisa and the gift set retails at $74.95 Australian dollars which equals £42.52. 

Which I think is a very reasonable price for five handmade items.

I love the print and that the fabric is super soft, I've washed everything in preparation for the baby's arrival and all items washed up a treat.

You can wash the items in a normal 40-degree wash, which makes life easier as sometimes handmade items need to be washed on a slightly different setting to your usual but Lusia has made sure everything is simple and no extra fuss is needed.

I can't wait to see our baby girl wearing her bibs, the print is fresh and bright and the pink is just the perfect shade!

I love all the little details on the items and can tell Lusia has really put a lot of love into making them.

If you are having a baby soon or know someone who is, I highly recommend checking out My Little Love Heart, along with the baby gift sets, items are also sold separately with an amazing range of prints to choose from. 

I also wouldn't let the fact that the shop is in Australia, as the waiting time really wasn't that long at all, it usually works out at 10 - 30 days shipping all depending on how busy the postal team is.

 

The Benefits of Drama Classes for Children

 

 

Drama lessons may not seem like a majorly important element of a child’s education, but they actually provide many benefits that promote overall learning. The skills learnt in drama tend to support other areas of a child’s academic endeavours, while helping to build confidence, improve one’s ability to communicate effectively and boost creativity.

 I have teamed up with an independent school in London to explore the benefits of drama classes for children in further detail below.

 

As mentioned, drama lessons promote confidence and communication. This is because children are encouraged to speak clearly in front of the rest of the class and perhaps even in front of a larger audience. They are given positive feedback and constructive criticism, which are great for encouraging one’s self-esteem. 

Drama is essentially an opportunity for young people to step outside of their comfort zones in a safe and structured environment.

 

Children will also have to learn to read from a script, which will help them with their literacy skills. It’s a chance for them to expand their vocabulary and improve pronunciation.

 

Drama also encourages teamwork, promoting healthy peer relationships. Teamwork is a vital skill that not only benefits children in other areas of their education but also as they grow up and enter the world of work. 

Students are encouraged to put their differences aside during their drama lessons, to ensure a performance plays out successfully. What’s more, drama students must learn to take on board different opinions and perspectives.

 

For children who do not feel comfortable taking centre stage, there are other important tasks they could take control of during a drama production. For instance, they might be able to help with lighting, music, or stage design. 

They might even find a calling in scriptwriting. So, while becoming a famous actor might seem like a long-shot for your child, drama lessons provide other values that are worth considering when weighing up its pros and cons.

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Exploring STEM Subjects with Your Child

 

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths and refers to any subjects that might fall under this umbrella. STEM is a critical aspect of your child’s education because they are subjects that promote a range of important life skills, from teamwork to problem-solving. Lots of industries require graduates with STEM-based qualifications, so it’s worth exploring these subjects at home and helping your child find a love for them. 

 

There’s no time like the present to start exploring STEM subjects with your child. Most schools integrate STEM learning into their curriculum, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to enhance this learning at home. Read on for some advice from an independent school in Surrey.

 

Start by helping your child learn more about the importance of STEM subjects in the real world. Next time you’re out for a drive, talk about the car and what makes it work. When you’re walking through the woods, ask them about the trees and plants and what wildlife might be living there. When you’re shopping, encourage them to calculate what the overall cost will be at the till and how much change you should receive if you pay with cash. The trick is to stimulate their minds and encourage curiosity. 

 

There are lots of other ways to help your child engage in STEM-based learning and you’re probably doing many of them already, without even realising it. For example, even something as simple as letting your child stroke your friend’s dog or feed the goats at your local farm could be classified as a STEM activity. 

Water-based play is also great for younger children because it helps them understand how different objects sink, float, or absorb the water. Play lots of brain teaser games together and do jigsaw puzzles to promote problem-solving. Bake a cake and encourage your child to calculate the measurements of each ingredient. Let them play outside and learn about bugs and birds and develop their spatial awareness.

 

The list is endless when it comes to STEM, but don’t be afraid to contact their school if you require some additional information. The teachers will be able to share some information about the curriculum with you so that you’re prepared for what might be coming up in lessons, which will allow you to tailor your at-home learning to complement school learning.

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Setting Up the Perfect Study Space for Your Child

 

Research has found that the more involved parents are with their child’s academic endeavours, the more likely they are to perform well. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sit next to them every time they’re completing a piece of homework. 

Equipping your child with the right tools for success is one of the easiest ways to show you support them on their educational journey. 

Even setting up a dedicated study space in your home will prove your commitment to their success. Here are some tips for setting up the perfect study environment for your child, from an independent school in West Sussex.

There are lots of things to consider when setting up a study space for a child. Lighting is important and it would be great if your child’s desk could be near a window, as natural light is better for productivity. 

Without decent lighting, your child may suffer from eye strain and headaches, which will reduce their ability to concentrate and give their all to their schoolwork. The same applies to the desk and chair because if your child is not comfortable when doing their homework or exam revision, they will rush through it. 

 

The study space should also be equipped with all of the necessary books and equipment and kept neat and tidy. If your child has to search for a ruler or a particular textbook, they will waste valuable study time. 

This might mean you have to invest in some storage boxes or a bookshelf, but it will be worth it if your child is able to focus on their work rather than the clutter that surrounds them.

 

It goes without saying that a study environment should be free from distractions. If your child can spot their PlayStation from the corner of their eye, or someone is watching TV in the same room, they have very little chance of being able to concentrate.

Other members of the family should also be respectful of your child when they are studying and try and refrain from interrupting them. 

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Top Tips for Helping Your Child with Maths

Parents are always looking for ways in which they can support their children and help them with their academic progress. This is easier said than done for those who don’t feel proficient in the subject they’re trying to help their child with. However, you can still support your child’s learning at home using the following tips from a Junior School in the Cotswolds.

Believe it or not, even just singing nursery rhymes with your child when they’re young like “10 Green Bottles” or “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” will help them with their numeracy skills. It’s also crucial to maintain a positive attitude towards learning.  

Avoid saying things like “I was rubbish at Maths when I was your age” because it will only make your child more fearful of the subject.

 

Try and incorporate maths into everyday activities. Cooking/baking, certain board games and paying for goods at a shop are all great ways to help your child practise basic equations without even realising it. Once they’ve grasped the basics, they should be able to tackle the more challenging questions. 

You could even try and find some games online to help maths seem more fun for your child. If your child understands how crucial maths is in daily life, they might feel more obliged to pay attention during their lessons. 

 

If your child is a visual learner, it might benefit them to have posters up around the home with things like the time's tables, so that they can look at it on a regular basis. Auditory learners might prefer to listen to the time's tables in song form. 

Have a look on YouTube for some options. Understanding your child’s learning style, and therefore how they absorb information, is a great way to support them academically because it enables you to provide them with the right tools to learn. 

 

Get in touch with your child’s maths teacher if you are struggling, as they will be able to talk to you about the curriculum and perhaps even suggest a few resources you could use to help with home learning. Building relationships with your child’s teachers will show your child that you a committed to helping them learn, which might encourage them to try harder.

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33 Weeks Pregnant

 I'm 33 + 5 weeks pregnant and the last three weeks have been a bit of a challenge, I'm currently been monitored for Obstetric Cholestasis which means weekly blood tests at the hospital and constantly being itchy, I have been given some creams which help for a bit but then the itching comes back, after constant use they also started blocking my pours up which in turn made me itchier, so I have thankfully found some lotions and oils that are currently helping which I was given for Christmas and my birthday.

The Welda nursing oil and Neal's Yard Mothers Balm has been my saviours and have really helped calm my itching. Unfortunately, the only way it will completely stop is when the baby has been born.

Other than being an itchy mess, nesting fully kicked in once Christmas was over and I got all the baby clothes out and gave them a wash ready for her arrival.

I actually really enjoyed folding up all her little baby grows and blankets. It was nice having a basket full of pinks and whites rather than the dull array of boys clothes that I am usually folding up on a daily basis.

I love crochet blankets and always lust after them when I see them on Etsy or up on Instagram, so for Christmas Jon bought me a little easy to follow baby blanket kit, which I was excited to start but worried it would end up like most of my other crochet, not very good and put back in the bag but so far I've been really impressed with my attempt. I can't wait to see it finished!

Along with getting all the baby clothes washed I went out and bought some nappies and bits to help me feel more prepared for her arrival.

I've decided I am going to be using Kit and Kin nappies as they are eco friendly and gentle on baby's skin. I'm not quite ready to jump back into cloth nappies straight away but I do think I will end up using them again, as I loved seeing Ru crawl around in his colourful nappies.

I'm also going to be using Welda baby products as they are all-natural and I know that they are good products, as I use the brand too.

I know they are in the higher price bracket but I do think spending a little on decent skincare due to most of the boys having sensitive skin I can guess this baby will be no different and eco-friendly products is my way of doing a bit to help the planet, I have sent so many nappies to the landfill thanks to the twins and Noah.

I have also purchased a few more items off my to-buy list and that is my changing bag and changing mat.

The changing back is from The Nest Planner and my changing mat is from Mabel and Fox.

I think the only thing left to buy off my list is my carrier and I will be buying that at the end of January.

Only 7 weeks to go!

Birth Bag

 

The other week I won an Instagram giveaway over on birth bag's page, I haven't won a giveaway in a long time so I was over the moon. 

I had previously been looking at the kit and thinking it would be a good idea to buy myself.

I usually pack a bag even for home births as 1. its handy to have everything you need to hand and 2. incase I do have to go into hospital and thought this bag would be perfect for it.

I'm so impressed with it, that I thought it would be rude not to share it on the blog.

I love the fact it has a ready-packed washbag with everything you could possibly need for a few nights in hospital.

What's inside the washbag?

• Breastpads
• Anyah toiletries 
• Bamboo dental kit
• Wooden hairbrush and hairband
• vaseline
• Washcloth.

A big hit for me is that is very eco friendly and that theme carries on through the bag.

What's inside the big bag?

• 100% biodegradable baby wipes
• slippers
• cosy bed socks
• eco-friendly mamabamboo nappies
• cottons maternity pads

What's inside Baby's first outfit bag?

• Booties
• Muslin
• announcement milestone disc
• Baby hat.

The bag is a perfect size to be able to fit two outfits in, perfect for those overnight hospital stays with your newborn.

Along with winning the birth bag I also got to pick an outfit from Carrianna's Boutique which specialises in young children's and babies clothing.

I decided to go for this little pink knitted outfit as it reminded me of something my mum had for me when I was a babe.

It's in a size 3-6 so I have to wait a little while before she can fit into it.

Both prizes turned up the very next day and both businesses were lovely to talk too.

The birth bag tote retails at £39.99 and that is with everything included! Which I think is an amazing bargain.

My little outfit from Carrianna's Boutique was £22.00, again another bargain. 

I will be sharing what I am going to pack inside my birth bag in a couple of weeks, so stay tuned.