Fast Food

To say we are busy this week is the understatement of the year.

We need something healthy (I have to fit into this dress on Saturday!) and suitable for guests (my mother-in-law is on her way!) for tonight's dinner. Oh, and super quick and easy.

BBC Good Food to the rescue!

BBC Good Food's Haddock and Spinach Cheese Melt

Kid tested, and mother (in-law) approved. Who could ask for anything more?

No Frog Left Behind

We are off to the Cotswolds in England for the weekend, and this lovey will be hopping across the pond with us:

Bunnies by the Bay Tadbit's Bye Bye Buddy

Our boy loves sleeping with his Bunnies by the Bay Buddy Blankets (thank you, Ali and Jill!), and this one (thank you, Sinead!) is great for traveling as it is a bit smaller, with a "security loop" for safe keeping.

In Dublin, you can find Bunnies by the Bay at Brown Thomas.

What a sweet gift idea for your favorite little frequent flyer!

Mother's Little Helper

Hey moms, ready to flaunt those post-baby curves?

I found this fabulous figure flattering dress today at Reiss to wear for a friend's upcoming wedding, and immediately vowed to come out of hiding:

Reiss Livia Dress

Add a trusty pair of Spanx, and that's all you need for your very own yummy mummy meets Kate Middleton moment!

Puppy Love

Attention all animal lovers!

Dublin City Council and Ireland's Dogs Trust are coming soon to a library near you to teach kids about responsible dog ownership.

Ireland's Dogs Trust

This FREE workshop runs throughout July at various locations around town. Click here for more details, or contact your local library.

A dog in a library? You can't miss this!

Reel Fun

Guess what's on next week in Temple Bar?

IFI Family Festival

Featuring movies for young people from around the world and workshops for aspiring filmmakers, the IFI Family Festival runs from Thursday, 14 July through Sunday, 17 July.

Book your tickets in advance here to avoid disappointment.

My pick? The Gruffalo!

Dee-licious

Looking for some inspiration in the kitchen?

Check out Weelicious for fabulous healthy no-fuss meal and snack ideas your whole family will love, especially the kids.

Weelicious

I love Catherine's philosophy, and hope you enjoy her site as much as I do!

Crazy Fore!! You

Who says baby boy clothes are boring?

Fore!! Axel & Hudson Railroad Stripe Cotton Shorts

Fore!! Axel & Hudson is a fantastic eco-friendly line of golf-inspired clothes for boys, leveling the playing field in baby fashion.

My boy got this pair of shorts from Born Yesterday (swoon) in Philadelphia (USA), but you can find this brand online and in various boutiques.

Hey Serendipity and Pearl, are you listening?

Happy shopping!

Culture Club

Our wonderful friend Aine organised a lovely outing to the uber- kid friendly Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) this morning for a group of parents (plus a grandparent!) and their babies.

While we waited for the guided tour to begin, my boy kept himself quite busy with this entertaining book in one of the museum's learning areas:

The Game of Mix-Up Art, Herve Tullet

He had so much fun turning the book's flaps to make his own pictures that I ordered a copy for him in the museum shop.

If you can't make it to IMMA, The Game of Mix-Up Art is available on Amazon.

Oh So Crafty

Calling all young artists and crafters out there!

If you are looking to get creative before lunchtime in Dun Laoghaire, make your way over to Art & Hobby in July and August for a FREE art and craft hour every Monday thru Friday from 11-12pm.

Art & Hobby Kids Art and Craft Table

Afterwards, why not head to People's Park for a picnic lunch and afternoon playground session?

Cheers to summer sunshine!

Born in the USA

We headed north to Maynooth this afternoon to celebrate USA's Independence Day with some expat friends at a bbq, and my boy had to represent.

Gap's Patriotic Graphic Tee

Even though he's Irish, he just happens to also hold an American passport, you know...

Happy Fourth of July, a day early!

The Big Picture

I can't stop thinking about these fascinating photographs, and wanted to share them with you.

Where Children Sleep, James Mollison

Where Children Sleep is available on Amazon.

A picture really is worth a thousand words, wouldn't you say?

Wiz Kids

Interested in making some magic for children in need?

Unicef Ireland

Head to Hamleys School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Dundrum to support Unicef on Saturday, 16 July from 3-5pm!

Enjoy wizardry lessons, a sorcerer's banquet, face painting, a magician, cup cake decorating, prizes and more.

This is an invite only event, so be sure to visit Unicef for tickets to attend by 10 July.

Click here to download Unicef's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry poster, and please help spread the word for this worthy cause!