Wednesdays are Boo’s swimming lesson day, every week we head straight to our local pool after school for her half hour swimming lesson. I’m duty bound to report that Boo is a yellow hat now meaning she’s in the big pool and swimming lengths out of her depth which is a pretty big deal when you’re very nearly six and a half.

Swimming is big part of our lives; from me learning to swimming at the late age of nine I’ve developed a real love of being in the water and swimming. In my late teens I discovered sea swimming and now whenever I get the chance when on holiday (there’s no way I’m braving the cold waters of the UK) I always make time for a sea swim once Boo is safely with my Mum or in kids club. There’s something about swimming out so far that you feel the temperature drop, with it coming the realisation that you’re out in deep water; it consumes all of your energy both of body and mind and is one of the best ways to really reconnect with yourself. The sense of accomplishment and genuine fatigue mixed with elation when you emerge from the water often nearly an hour later is a feeling that no words can do justice but one that I would highly recommend everyone try at least once.

With my love of swimming it was a given that I wanted to introduce Boo to swimming at an early age – she’s been having swimming lessons since she was a babe in arms with the aim of making her super confident in the water and I’m so happy that we achieved just that. Some of our happiest memories involve being in the water; as Boo’s got older she’s wanted to be like Mummy and swim ‘out to see with the mermaids’ so whenever I can I take her out in the water just deep enough so she thinks we’re really far out yet in reality we’re still in the shallows. I’m so happy that Boo has inherited my affinity with water and passion for swimming – it’s a brilliant shared interest to have between us.

One of our favourite brands when it comes to swimwear is Speedo – I can remember my first speedo swimsuit (it was pink and grey – hello 90s!) and it’s been my brand of choice ever since. I like the many style options that are perfect for either pool or sea swimming. I also find that once you know your sizing when it comes to your preferred swimwear brand it’s much more convenient to shop online as there is a much bigger range available which isn’t affected by seasonal trends and stock levels.

My current swimsuit quest is a classic red one piece, forget Baywatch and instead imagine a timeless Mediterranean classic – the Dolce and Gabbana of swimsuits, one that works from the pre dawn lengths that set you up for a busy week to the ankle depth paddling while making memories with Boo wherever our travels may take us.

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Christmas is around the corner and for families up and down the country that means it’s time to decide what makes it onto the Christmas lunch plate. This year we’re heading to my Mum’s for the Christmas lunch (I’m not going to lie, I’m so looking forward to having a year off from cooking) and as yet there’s no guarantee that turkey will make an appearance on the big day. We’re fans of mixing it up when it comes to Christmas – but one thing that will always feature no matter what is roast potatoes.

We’re big fans of Aunt Bessie’s from being the hero of midweek roasts to lending a hand to making a change with a vegetarian roast. Aunt Bessie’s Roasties are rated by Mumsnet (check out the Mumsnet badge on the packet) with over 75% saying they would recommend them. They’re super convenient, no more part boiling; 25 minutes in the oven and they’re done – always a winner when you’re playing oven tetris trying to juggle everything in the oven. I’ve learnt that Aunt Bessie’s Roasties are also vegetarian and gluten free – perfect for those guests over Christmas who like to casually drop into conversation their dietary requirements while you’re dishing up lunch.

With a break from the duties of Christmas lunch I’ve focused this year on a number of festive feasts for our nearest and dearest throughout December. Anyone who knows me will know that I like to be the hostess with mostest and for me that means not spending too long in the kitchen away from our guests and with Aunt Bessie’s roast potatoes heading straight for the oven from the freezer, it’s one less part to prep and frees me up to enjoy the festive period.

Last weekend we kept hosting laid back with a roast but with a difference – lamp rump wellington, with honey roasted parsnips, carrots and shallots plus the obligatory bowl of Brussel sprouts (hands up who else are secret lovers of Brussel sprouts? Me and Boo love them and eat them throughout the year!) with my famous and ever faithful fool-proof Yorkshire puddings plus the one tradition that’s here to stay: a bowl of roast potatoes.

Christmas is a time of year that should be spent being merry with those closest to you not being tied to the kitchen, Aunt Bessie’s roasties are a tasty hack that aren’t just for Christmas… although it’s a pretty good place to start.

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity. A fee has been received for this post.

Boo first discovered Smiggle nearly two years ago and ever since then she’s been on a one child campaign to own every single item. From backpacks to cola scented pencils she has it all and loves spending birthday and Christmas money on new collections and firm favourites.

Whilst I’m normally a big fan of online shopping of which Smiggle has a great website, when it comes to children, they enjoy heading out to a store and seeing everything in real life and enjoying the shopping experience as a whole. We would either head to the Epsom store or Westfield for Boo’s Smiggle fix but it’s now got a whole lot easier and closer with the opening of the brand new Smiggle Store in Sutton.

The bold and bright new store is on the upper level of St Nicholas shopping centre next to Primark and Pandora. I headed down to the new Smiggle store last week and was pleasantly surprised to see it is one of their bigger stores; it’s nice and wide with plenty of space to browse. I managed to pick up a couple of last minute presents for upcoming birthday parties as Smiggle is always a present winner for Boo and her friends.

Boo’s love for Smiggle is nothing new – she’s currently loving a small stationary goodie every morning with her Smiggle Advent Calendar and with the new Smiggle store now open in Sutton, it’s easier than ever for Boo to check out the latest Smiggle products to make it on to her must have list.

When you travel as much as we do, it’s no surprise that I have a soft spot for luggage. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect luggage set for Boo and I that will be versatile enough for all types of travels; from last minute city breaks with and hand luggage only right through to long haul holidays with extra large luggage allowances.

There’s a few things that are a must for us when it comes to luggage: wheels – who wouldn’t want wheels! Our luggage doubles as an impromptu chaise lounge for Boo between terminals. I also think it’s important to consider the material of the luggage, for me it has to be lightweight and durable, no one likes doing the dance of prayer at the luggage carousel waiting to see if your suitcase survived the baggage handlers.

Tumi Canada is a versatile brand that not only has a brilliant range of luggage in all sizes but for those trips that are a little outside the family travel box they’ve got you covered. I never thought I’d by the person who wants a travel backpack, but the time has come where I’ll admit to browsing different backpacks int eh search for one that’s practical enough for hands free travel with Boo but also stylish enough to hold it’s head amongst the designer bags in the lounge. I especially like this Tumi Voyage Calais Leather Backpack – it ticks all the boxes for what I need and more. There’s also a canvas fabric option but for me the leather gives that little bit more and makes it less a piece of luggage born out of necessity and more out of style.

What are you must haves who it comes to luggage? Let me know in the comments below..

Disclosure: A fee was received for this post.