On #mamamondays I always try to include anything that is making us happy – and hopefully you – even though it’s a Monday. And, I have to say it really making me try to make the most of this often ‘depressing’ day
It has been anything from what we’re doing or planning to what we’re eating, watching or reading. I’ve even included items I’m lusting after or buying and anything else that has been inspiring me to make Mondays – and the rest of the week if need be – just a little more bearable.
I really hope that #mamamondays is inspiring you to make the most of this fresh start we get every week…
WATCHING
Over the weekend we caught an early screening of Moana – the new movie from Disney. I have seen the Moana merchandise in the Disney store but other than that I haven’t really read or heard that much. So, was just as excited at Miss Marnie to catch Disney’s 56th movie offering.
We went along with Mothers Meetings to a Sunday morning screening at Soho House – sometimes I wonder why I do this to myself on a weekend – early trains, buses and tubes to get anywhere on time. But, I do know we’re extremely lucky to get invited to these events.
Moana looks set to be this year’s Frozen – it may not have instantly catchy songs but the story is the most modern to date. It’s the story of Moana an adventurous daughter to the chief of a Polynesian tribe who sets out on a daring mission to save her people and her Island – ultimately though it’s a tale of a young woman carving out her own identity.
HOORAY! to Disney for giving us a strong-willed female heroine who is not looking for a prince, love or marriage – but herself. As with the tale of sibling love in Frozen; family, friendship and self-discovery is at the heart of Moana. And, it’s an absolute must-see for any girl and boy this Christmas.
MAKING
For the last few years I have looked for alternative advent calendars as Miss Marnie isn’t really a chocolate fan – and that suits me fine. I even did a round up a few years back – have a peek here as some are still available now.
This year I was so pleased to discover the KalenderHaus by Clever Gretel. KalenderHaus is a beautiful pre-baked gingerbread house that you put together and decorate each day of advent.And, I mean how darn beautiful is the packaging for a start?
Presented in a beautiful keepsake wooden box. The inside of the box then becomes the advent calendar – where you can place the 24 pre-packed and numbered bags that contain a little treat to decorate your house with – and the lid is your cake board to build the house on (I love it when every part of something has a purpose and use).
KalenderHaus also come with a pliable ready-made icing tub and icing bag – that you just need to load up and keep in fridge so it’s ready to use each day when you need to ‘glue’ on or down either an edible treat or a special hand-selected decoration.
OK, so how much those this slice of Christmas Scandi-cool cost?
I admit this set isn’t cheap at £75 – but weighing up the appeal and the longevity of this calendar. I mean the box, decorations and bags can all be kept and each year after – you just need to get a new gingerbread house and icing (something I think may need to be added to KalenderHaus shop in the future to buy separately?)
As Christmas traditions go – this may be one of my new favourite ideas and I can’t wait to get started this week. I will be sharing our progress on my Instagram feed over the next few weeks. But, for now why not watch the fonder of KalenderHaus Nicola and her family show you how it works in the little video below.
Ready, set MAKE!
** Order today or tomorrow and it should arrive in time for December 1st. See shop for details**
BUYING
Not quite in the Christmas spirit? Then head to Marks & Spencer and pick yourself up a bag (or 2) of Percy Pigs! But, not just any Percy Pigs – festive pigs in the form of ‘Merry Percymas’.
This is the first time the infamous pig has worn a Santa hat (in sweet form anyway). I have been buying them as they make great little stocking filler treats – that’s if you can resist them (I however cannot ever resist a Percy Pig and may have eaten some already…)
