School Reviewer - An unmissable FREE resource for UK parents

If you are a parent chances are your questions and worries about what school they will go to, how they are getting on, what the next step will be... began long before you signed any registration form. As parents we worry and we question, that's our job.

For parents in the UK there is now a wonderful resource to help you not only choose the right school for your child, but also chat to other parents, watch invaluable videos on specific exam paper questions, view catchment areas, buy and sell uniforms and other items, find tutors in your area and much more.

School Reviewer

schoolreviewer.co.uk previously provided a database of detailed profiles, academic data and OFSTED reports. The number of establishments currently covered is apporx 40k.

schoolreviewer.co.uk is the only site in the UK that not only gives parents the invaluable stats and knowledge about every UK school at every level,  it also lets them know which homes fall into which catchment areas.  

The site allows parents to talk with other parents on school forums, both individually as single schools and nationally.

It’s also the only site with walk through question by question downloadable videos for GCSE math’s, SATS and 11+ papers.  The only one to show how a 100% A+ grade can be scored on all papers. It's an impressive resource. The mathematics consultant is a maths teacher at Surrey University who has over 30 years experience in teaching all levels of maths, and who currently sets and marks the national papers such as SATS and GCSE.

It is also the only site with a unique buy and sell section that allows parents to sell old, outgrown and no longer needed school items - something that almost all of us could do with after totting up those back to school costs.

It is also the only site that is also recruiting tutors for free on its site so all parents will have access to the right and nearest tutors to help their children again through their educational journey.

Clever doesn't even come close!

The site's main aim is to guide parents through the whole school experience - from rating available schools in their catchment area, to discussing tips and issues with other parents, to sourcing or selling on related items, to getting the very best grades for their child. It's a wholesome approach that takes on an impressive amount of details in order to provide a one stop site covering everything parents may need.

The site is constantly being updated and improved, with new resources being added all the time.

Whether you're starting out on the educational path, or nearing the end of your school journey - it is well worth a look.

Even Baroness Karen Brady thinks so. You can see her interview live on School Reviewer website now.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. 

Girls Summer Dress Wishlist - with House of Fraser

The older they get, they more opinions they have. Fact.

With my daughter now 11 (gulp), gone are the days of me picking out my favourite dresses in my favourite colours and assuming she will love them. Nowadays it's more of a team effort - she picks and I pay. Clothes need to be the right shape, the right feel, look good, but not be restrictive for her climbing trees or lazing around on the sofa days. It's a tough gig.

But with Summer slowly easing it's way around the corner it's time to start looking at some holiday dresses again. Joy!

With her. (Reduced joy rating).

Browsing through House of Fraser shows there are plenty of beauts on offer though - and happily she agrees.

Here are our top picks - but if you're lucky enough to own a child with less opinions on what she will and won't wear then the options are endless. Just pop over to House of Fraser and enjoy a look around.

How gorgeous are those?

Oh to be 11 again!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All words, opinions and selections remain my own. 

Blind spot

I've been slowing getting my house in order, and not in a metaphorical sense.

The LiveLagom project with IKEA has helped me become aware of wasted energy and how small changes can make a big difference. Sheepskin rugs and bright light bulbs are my new best friends.

I also managed to get the notoriously grubby hall, stairs and landing painted and bought new prints to hang. It brings a little bit of happiness to me multiple time a day.

Then this week I had a delivery from the fabulous Wayfair (more on that later) that helped me cosy up my bedroom into a haven or loveliness.

So what's next?

Well back to that waste energy. Unfortunately there is a cool breeze blowing from my bedroom window into my room. And no, the window isn't open. In fact there are drafts coming through all my windows, and seeing as I'm broke and renting - there's no way there are new ones going to be fitted any time soon. So the next best thing? Curtains and blinds.

The problem is that as soon as I started looking for blinds on the VELUX site I realised there was a slight issue.

I am no longer picturing new blinds.

I am now imagining an attic conversion...a gorgeous new bedroom for me...which would free up my room for an au pair...which would allow me to get a new job.... with a big salary... so I could buy a new house... which would mean no more renting... which would clearly show I had my life sorted... and then I really would have my house in order....

And all from a few blinds.

Who'd have though it...?


Disclsoure: This is a sponsored post for VELUX, but sadly, all too true. 

Sponsored Video: It's time for Magic and Sparkle with M&S

Christmas in our house means new pyjamas and a new outfit for all the kids. It's the one day of the year that I can coax the boys out of their tracksuits and into some shirts. I'm also wondering how many more years I have of dressing Kaya up in a sparkly dress before it becomes uncool. (Probably one. Possibly zero).

Our Christmas eve tradition is that they all get to choose one small gift to open and then we choose one gift for them to open. We always choose the pyjamas so that they wake up on Christmas day looking all fresh and loveable. Hmm, now that I think about it I should be getting myself some too... 5am wake ups tend to do the opposite when you're over, erm, 21.

When it's their choice we try to sway them towards a new book - what's lovelier than going to bed on Christmas Eve in brand new pyjamas and having a new bedtime story to listen to?

If you've taken a look around the kids section of M&S recently (or in fact - ever) - you will know how tempting their children's clothes are. Gorgeous design, great quality - I adore almost everything they have on offer.

We've had one pair of hand-me-down pyjamas from M&S that went through six different kids before some holes in knees started to appear. Not bad going!

My picks this year so far include...

Or take a look at this cute video they've put together for some more inspiration.

M&S are also running a wonderful Magic & Sparkle Fairy Game where you can be in for a chance of winning €2000 and making this your best Christmas ever!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Marks & Spencer. All words and opinions are my own.

Warm Up on the Cool Nights: Ten Essential Items for All the Family

Advertorial:

At the moment, with the weather being hot and sticky, it’s essential that you try and prevent overheating – especially when it comes to your children and babies. However, as the seasons change, cooler nights will be upon us, and it will soon be time for us to pull out all of the nice, snug and warm clothing that will help to keep us all toasty afterdark. Check out these ten essential items that will ensure everyone in your family can warm up, and stay warm, on cool nights, without having to spend a fortune on heating bills!

Slippers                                           

Slippers are a must-have for all family members, and with grownup’s, girl’s and boy’s slippers at George being as affordable as they are fun, you won’t have to break the bank to kit your kids, and you, out in a pair that will last.

Dressing Gowns

It doesn’t matter how old, or young, you are, dressing gowns are a perfect way to warm up on cool evenings. They’re also fabulous for the mornings as well, and are available in some amazing prints and styles, including this gorgeous pink spot print one for £8.

Electric Blanket

Bear in mind the effect on your electricity bill before you turn on the electric blanket. However, it’s a lovely appliance that can really warm you up when nothing else will do.

Hot Water Bottle

The cheaper alternative to an electric blanket, a hot water bottle is a great addition to any chilly bed or sofa. A quick boil of the kettle and you’re away!

Baby Sleeping Bag

You can buy sleeping bags for babies in various different sizes and togs, depending on the age of the baby and the warmth of the room. For summer, a 1 tog bag will suffice, but as it gets cooler, you may wish to trade this in for a warmer tog alternative. Either that, or layer them – but not too much!

Onesie

Onesies are a great way to look fun and funky, at the same time as being warm and cosy. Available for all of the family, in various colours and prints, there’s bound to be one that you love.

Slipper Socks

If you’re not one for a pair of slippers, slipper socks are the next best thing!

Thermals

We’re certainly not at the stage where we need to dig out the thermals just yet, but it won’t be long until the winter months are upon us. Thermals are a great way to keep toasty during the winter – they’re also a great item to take with you if you’re heading to a muddy field for a festival at any point over the next couple of months.

Heart-warming Food

It’s known that when it’s a little cool outside, heart-warming food is the way to go. Rather than summer salads and pulling out the barbecue, dust off the slow cooker and make some scrumptious stews, soups and casseroles. There are plenty of slow cooker recipes online for you to have a go at.

A Nice Cup of Hot Chocolate

How can you say no to a lovely, milky cup of hot chocolate during the cooler evenings? Not only is it yummy, but warm, milky drinks help to warm you up too. Go all out with some marshmallows and whipped cream!  

Stay warm on the cool nights, and make the most out of the sunny days that we have left!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. 

Holiday Heaven - Sponsored post

I have been very good so far about not mentioning the forthcoming holiday. With the grey skies and steely wind still surrounding us I thought it might just be a little too much to bear.

But sorry, I just can't hold it in any longer.

In a few weeks time we will be swooped off to sunny Florida by my fabulous in-laws to enjoy two weeks of sunshine, super-sized lunches, and maybe one or two theme parks.

Naturally my thoughts have now turned to shopping. I need some basics to get me through the busy day times and into the busy night times without spending a fortune.

When I was given a nudge to start looking through New Look's site I didn't realise that two hours later I would be sitting with an overflowing shopping basket totaling £127.... but them's the breaks. Hard to resist when you see t-shirts for £5.00 and perfect summer shorts like these:

Slouching round the theme park

I also spotted these beauties below (among many, many others). I actually tried on an almost identical pair of those shades the other day but they were Chanel so cost, oh about £127....

Hmm, that overflowing shopping basket is seeming like a very sensible option right now.

Mojitos as the sun goes down

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however I may actually have bought a number of these items already... just don't tell the husband that.