LivingwithKids

I’ve always loved Habitat and I’m over the moon that they’ve now joined KidStart, which means you get money back for your kids every time you shop! And they also have up to 50% off in the sale right now! (Can you tell how excited I am?!)

Here are some of my favourites from their new outdoor collection (it IS going to be a fabulous summer, I tell you. If you think it, it will come):

This kids' outdoor playtent (£85) is utterly fab and will keep them entertained all summer long and they’ll also love the Automoblox sports car (£17.50).

I’ve got a thing for garden lights and this TOTO garland is just beautiful (£39).

The colour of this Maui deckchair sling – Gerbera – instantly conjures up summer for me (£49).

And I also love these Karin herb pots (£3.50 and £6).

Have a look and let me know what you’re planning to buy!

I LOVE looking at new things for the home and listening to expert advice, which is why I'm definitely planning to go to this year's Ideal Home Show.  It takes place at Earl's Court in London from 20th March to 5th April, and among the well known faces appearing at this year's show are Linda Barker and Monty Don - total TV legends!

The fantastic news is that we have 10 pairs of tickets to give away (travel not included). All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is send an email from your KidStart registered email address to competitions@kidstart.co.uk including your name, address and daytime telephone number by the closing date February 24th.

If you are not a KidStart member click here to join.

A young mum of four faces certain eviction shortly after Christmas for non payment of her mortgage, despite having had an allowance of £8k a month to live on. It would be easy to dismiss Kerry Katona's latest trauma as an inevitable disaster in her rollercoaster life. She's had more opportunities than most of us to turn things around, for the sake of her kids, yet she's blown it again.

And yet, and I never thought I'd say it, I can't help feeling a bit sorry for her. This is someone who doesn't seem to have any grip on the reality the rest of us have to cope with - mortgages, like rent, have to be paid, otherwise you lose your home. Her own mother, who has been less than perfect throughout Kerry's life, is thinking only of herself ('she's ruined her life, and now she's runing mine.')

I wouldn't wish eviction on anyone, particularly a mum with four young kids, and so close to Christmas. For her sake - and theirs - I hope someone finally intervenes and gives her the help she so desperately needs.

Are you planning to redecorate your house from top to bottom in time for Christmas? No? Me either. Terri Dwyer, the former presenter of 60 Minute Makeover, convinced me a while back that it's really easy to transform a room if you haven't the time/money/inclination to paint it. 

'Just use soft furnishings - cushions and throws, maybe a new rug - and a few simple accessories,' she told me.  Of course it's easy enough to make cushion covers (very little sewing required) but if you want to really treat your sofa then M&S have a fantastic selection of festive-looking cushions, including a stunning red sequin one (£15) and emerald leaf silk cushion (£35).

For finishing touches this berry red tealight holder (£3.50) is incredibly pretty, and if you want to add a welcoming touch to your front door then the light up amarylis wreath (£25) is just the thing.

And every purchase made via KidStart today (with any retailer) will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win an £100 M&S voucher! This is not just Christmas...

Last night my friend Kitty rang me for a chat. We've known each other since we were 11 (I know, long time) and our kids are close. She's also godmother to No1 son. But we hardly ever get to see each other because she works full-time in a hospital.

'It's your birthday in two weeks - why don't me and Fiona (another friend) take you out for dinner?' she suggested.

It was such a lovely gesture and I must admit it brought tears to my eyes, because I know these people will be part of my life forever. One of my mum friends has 'edited' her address book, taking out anyone she no longer sees/wants to see. I can understand not wanting to see toxic friends, but I think real friends should always be part of your life. I have some friends I hardly ever see, because they live so far away, but when we do get together it's like we've never been apart. And of course facebook and twitter makes it much easier to stay in touch.

What do you think? Would you ever edit your address book? I'd love to know.

Have a great weekend.

I'm not a natural housekeeper, and I'm sure Kim, Aggie and Anthea Turner would be horrified if they saw our house. But I do recognise when a job can't be put off any longer. Our Cupboard Under The Stairs has been getting seriously out of control, and it has become more and more difficult to find what you need in it (for example, a pair of matching shoes.) And apparently, judging by the footwear left in the hall, I'm the only one who knows where it's located, too.

So yesterday morning as I was up early anyway with the puppy, and while everyone else was sleeping, I decided to tackle the Cupboard. Unfortunately this didn't yield any treasure, but I did find the following:

I wonder how long it will be before it becomes messy again. I give it a month.

They've been making a TV advert in our road for the past few days, which has all been very exciting - there's a big camera crew, lots of Hollywood-style lights and actors dressed up in vintage clothes (the houses along here date from the Twenties).

Which I completely forgot, of course, when I had a bath this morning and then wandered into the blindless spare room in my next to nothings. Oh the shame!

Fortunately I don't think they saw much... and it wasn't my most embarrassing moment (I'll tell you about that another time - and I'd love to hear about yours.)

It reminded me though that I do need a new dressing-gown. Fortunately Debenhams have up to 25% off at the moment in their New Season Spectacular (but hurry, it ends tomorrow). And Laura Ashley have some amazing bargains at the moment too on homes and fashion - plus if you shop through KidStart  you get 4% back for your kids, and you could win a £200 gift card!

In fact, I think I'll have a look at Laura Ashley's blinds right now...

Have a great weekend!