Back to School checklist

My kids are back to school this week. Im so sad about it, even though they are driving me round the twist with tablet time and arguments! Today alone I have heard things like "stop putting your feet on my castlleeeee" "how many times have i told you not to fart on my beeeeeddd?" "Why are you looking at my faceeeee" (the ends of the sentence always drone when they are moaning)

With this in mind I thought I'd do my back to school checklist!!

• Uniform.Cardigan/Jumper/Dress/Skirt/Shirt/Tie
• Jacket.
• School shoes.
• Pe kit and trainers/plimsolls.
• Lunchbox.
• Water Bottle.
• Backpack/Bookbag.
• Stationary. Pens/Colouring pencils/Writing pencils/Rubber/Ruler/Sharpener/Highlighters/Whiteboard pen and cloth.
• Label absolutely everything!!! 

I also like to print out a monthly calendar where I list everything from homework due in days to cake sales and dress up days. That way I am always in control and not frantically rushing to sainsburys the morning before a cake sale! (Been there too many times!) 

Good luck to everyone who's children are starting school and going in to new years and classrooms. Such a daunting time for these babies of ours!!

Camping Essentials for a First Timer

Having been camping this month for he first time as a family I now know what I would and wouldnt bring next time. That in mind I thought I would compile a list of camping essentials that I would 100% bring on our next camping trip.

• Torches or Lantern. It is dark at night time!
• Porta-Loo or a potty of sorts. Midnight runs to the communal loos, in the dark and cold are not fun!
• Lots of Layers. It is freezing at night time, even in the summer!
• Dry shampoo. Communal showers are not the nicest of places so a quick body wash and spritz of dry shampoo (or strip wash in the tent with a bowl and flannel) is a cleaner option i found.
• Kettle! Early mornings are cold and is nice to have a cup of tea in he comfort of your tent is well worth it. Hot chocolates with marshmallows of an evening is so cozy too!
• Picnic Blanket. I bought the type with plastic backing from primark. This doubled up as carpet for the front part of our tent which made it slightly cosier.
• Black bags! When rain was forecast I bagged any electrical stuff up just incase. You also dont realise how much rubbish you accumulate until you don't have a bin!
• Windbreaker or something to contain younger children and toddlers during times when you need them to be contained. 
• Lots of patience and positivity. Camping is not for the feint hearted. I found it quite tough a first but soon relaxed and got in to the spirit. There are wonderful family memories to be made!