Autism Awareness Day 2019
Autism Parenting

World Autism Awareness Day 2019: What I Know about My Daughter’s Autism

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There are many lessons I’ve learnt since my eldest daughter Polly’s autism diagnosis in 2015. Some things have come fairly easily, others have felt like a perpetual battle. For world autism awareness day 2019, I thought I’d share some of these with you. Sending love to anyone struggling, I hope this piece helps. Almost all meltdowns and episodes of ‘bad behaviour’ stem from anxiety It took me a while to figure out that every single time Polly acts up, there is a deeper reason. As all autism mama’s and papa’s know, meltdowns are not the same as temper tantrums, they come …

authentic penang curry
Food: Paleo Recipes and Gut Health

The Most Authentic Penang Curry You’re Likely to Find this side of Thailand (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo, can be Vegan)

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As I mentioned in this piece, the cookery class we did in Chiang Mai was one of my main highlights from our recent family trip to Thailand. I especially enjoyed making curry paste from scratch, and learning all about the different spices and why they are used. I’m a sucker for a truly authentic Penang curry, and can never resist the dish if I see it on a menu. Making curry paste from scratch is a true labour of love Thai people heavily frown upon the use of food processors and blenders to make curry paste. Advocating instead, the old …

Playbrush smart sonic
Unsugar Coated Motherhood

Review: Playbrush Smart Sonic aka How I Got My 5yo to Willingly Brush His Teeth #ad

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**Disclaimer: this is a sponsored post. We were sent a Playbrush Smart Sonic for the purposes of this review, and I have been compensated for my time. Words and photos are my own. Click here for my full disclosure policy.** Freddy (5) has been an avid teeth brushing avoider, pretty much from the get go. We’ve had a few short lived successes, but largely it’s been a struggle getting him to cooperate. Especially since our recent holiday, which has sent his sensory sensitivities into overdrive. He doesn’t like toothpaste, because it smells and tastes too strong. Regular toothbrushes are too …

Thailand with kids
Travelling, Days Out and Child Friendly Events

Thailand with Kids Aged 5, 7 & 9: Our February 2019 Adventure

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I first travelled to Thailand in 2002 and spent ten weeks treading the well trodden path many a backpacker had before me. SangSom buckets featured heavily, as did sore heads, new friends and chilling in hammocks. The land of smiles stole my heart and further visits followed in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Needless to say, lots of appropriate fun for my early twenties self was had. We’ve just returned from a two and a half week holiday as a family of five, with children aged 5, 7 and 9. As you can imagine, Thailand with kids was a vastly different experience. …

spring seasonal food
Food: Paleo Recipes and Gut Health

Spring Seasonal Food: What’s Best Right Now and 5 Super Easy Recipes (GF, DF)

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March is one of my favourite months because Spring is officially in the air. The sun is shining, it’s getting a little warmer and the seasonal food is just wonderful. Eating seasonably couldn’t be easier in Spring time, here in the UK. Between our fabulous farmers markets, and special offers in the supermarkets, eating the seasons is great value too. Plus there’s no guilt attached to excessive food miles. Veggies at their best right now include leeks, kale, cauliflower, savoy cabbage and spring greens. So much potential for awesome dishes packed full of flavour, not to mention nutritional goodness.  Five …