Engaging children with nature, the outdoors and food
Read on if you have a Harry Potter-mad tween or teen because a funky (and stylish) Potter-themed clothing range has just been released and I have two full sets to give away. Way back in 1997 (in my early 30s and pre-children) I randomly picked up a copy of JK Rowling’s first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. From that ... read more
Last week I wrote a list of suggested activities you could introduce into your son’s life that might encourage him to more readily unplug. Today I thought I'd do a list for the girls. Only the merest hint of pink I promise. Many on this list will also be of interest to boys but I know some will more readily resonate with your ... read more
Are there some things which you do that mortifies, amuses, embarrasses or gladdens the heart of your friends and family? Here are mine... Insisting that my children are my “friends” on social media. I have had to solemnly swear that I will never tag or share anything with them but I figure because their weapons of choice are Snapchat ... read more
There’s a quiet revolution going on in the suburban back gardens of Australia. Rather than sitting back and admiring our perfectly manicured ‘outside rooms’, gazing lovingly at our Mondo Grass, perfectly coiffed hedges of Gardenias and Buxus or newly acquired Agaves perched in copper pots on our Cotswold Collection Outdoor Setting, we ... read more
With my children now charging through adolescence, heading towards the pointy end of their schooling and with extra-curricular and social commitments coming out their ears, it can sometimes be tricky to find time to have “those conversations” with them; well any kind of conversation really. Sure, we have dinner together each night sans ... read more
Teenage boys can turn into slugs over the holidays. And I get that. They are exhausted after the end of a long year at school and, thanks to puberty, many are swarming with hormones which means most of the time they just want to chill out and sleep for inordinate periods of time. They are generally also happy eating nothing other than ... read more
Food is such a great memory-maker, don’t you think? Whether it’s the first time you crunch into a freshly-picked apple from your Grandma’s orchard, eat vegemite toast with the butter running down your fingers, grill prawns on a BBQ on a late summer’s day, bake a cake from scratch with your toddler (or grandchild) or prepare something on a ... read more
2016, despite way too much global conflict and some truly scary political outcomes was actually a good year for me. I had a book published. My children kicked some academic goals at school. Our eldest daughter got married. I watched many of my friends achieve some great things in their personal and professional lives. And a few nights ago ... read more
Life can be rich without riches. And it can be full without a cupboard overflowing with toys or a drawer stuffed with computer games. In 2017, it will be 16 years since I became a mother. Whilst I was overjoyed at having a healthy baby boy, followed closely by a beautiful little girl just 18 months later, I still recall ... read more
Are you looking for some quirky Christmas gifts? Then read on. I present to you, Caro's inaugural Christmas gift guide. Catering to the person looking to buy something a bit different for family and friends... Something that will make them snort with laughter, wince with derision or head immediately to Ikea... Given the number of ... read more
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