With the big move set to happen – fingers crossed – within the next 8 weeks, I’m really starting to think about interiors and decoration; and with my love of all things white, there are set to be some big changes made. However the first priority will be to get Boo’s bedroom decorated ready for us to move in.

When we moved into out current home, Boo had just turned two so the décor choices were entirely mine and I kept her room in keeping with the theme of the house… white everything! Despite people telling me that white and a young child don’t mix, here we are nearly three years later and our love affair with a white house is as strong as ever.

When it comes to decorating Boo’s bedroom in the new house, I’m keen to let her have an input; although if you were to ask her how she’d decorate her bedroom you’d be sure to hear of plenty pink faux fur, glitter and Disney princesses galore! Something tells me there’s going to be a lot of negotiations… Whilst I can’t get started just yet on Boo’s bedroom, it’s great to start researching girls bedroom ideas. Whilst we have her lovely white wooden furniture and a day bed that Boo’s convinced is only for princesses – it’s always good to seek inspiration on ways of updating Boo’s bedroom look; I think it’s safe to say we’ll be aiming for a mix of traditional and Scandi style.

Boo’s new room is a couple of square metres bigger than her current one so I’ll also be looking for clever storage ideas for the mountain of fancy dress we seem to accumulating whilst also adding some ‘big girl’ touches such as a bedside table and a desk with a mirror.

For me I’m excited about thinking outside the box when it comes to storage, I’ve noticed that some of the most stylish yet practical children’s bedrooms look up for storage inspiration and I love the idea incorporating a feature wall (maybe in Boo’s beloved pink) as well as layering different textures to create a space that is not only a bedroom, but a play room, an Aladdin’s cave- where the only limit is Boo’s imagination…

In collaboration with Homify.

Once you have a child it can be really hard to get some alone time with your partner. For the first few months, you might find you hardly have time to brush your hair let alone enjoy a romantic evening with your other half. However, there comes a time when your little one is at a sleepover at Grandma’s and you do finally have a little breathing space. In situations like this, you have two options; you can either go out somewhere or stay in. I’d almost always opt for the latter as not only will you save pennies, but you won’t have to factor in other people. It can just be the two of you.

Set the mood

You want the night to be as romantic as possible, so to some extent it helps to try to forget where you are and who you are. Have a relaxing bubble bath and ditch your mummy clothes for something glamourous. Spending a little time pampering yourself, you deserve it.

There might be a million and one toys in the corner of the living room, but if you use your dimmer switches, you can almost hide them from view – and you can create an intimate and relaxing ambiance. If you don’t currently have dimmer switches, it’s worth considering getting some to use in future. They are simple to install and they can help you transform the look of your rooms. You can find out more about these handy accessories in lighting stores and by visiting specialist websites like Lighting Superstore.

A few candles on the table will add to the atmosphere and you can cook a lovely meal that you’ll both enjoy. If you really want to push the boat out, you could recreate the first meal you ever had together. Why not share the cooking? Perhaps you could create the main and leave the starter and dessert to your partner.

Hide the remote

If your other half is a bit addicted to the sports channels on a weekend, you might want to hide the remote so that they aren’t tempted to flick on the TV as soon as the meal is over. Mobiles can also ruin the mood, so why not hide yours upstairs and ask Grandma to ring your house phone if there are any problems.

Enjoy being together

Whether you decide to cuddle on the couch, spend time talking about your future plans or just enjoy having the house to yourselves, you’ll have a great time. Date nights are always special and much needed.

What’s your idea of the perfect romantic night in? I’d love to know…

This is a collaborative post.

So, it’s time to put the days of impractical, two-seater convertibles behind you. When it comes to shopping for a family car, there are many considerations you need to take into account. Whether you’re doing the school run, embarking on a family camping trip or you simply want to make everyday life that little bit easier, having the right car can make all the difference. But with so much choice on offer, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you narrow down your options and find the perfect vehicle to suit your family’s needs, take a look at this simple guide.

Cost

As most cash-strapped parents will know, raising a family can leave you out of pocket, so getting a good deal on your new motor is likely to be at the top of your agenda. As well as the overall price of the car, you’ll want to make sure that it is economical to run by taking into account the cost of fuel, tax, maintenance and insurance. Luckily, there are now a range of family cars that are fuel efficient and fall into low tax bands, helping you to keep running costs down. Meanwhile, when searching for a car insurance company, you may benefit from enlisting the help of a broker to compare different quotes and help you find the most affordable policies.

Space

Space is another consideration that should be high on your checklist. If you have more than two kids, or you’re planning on having a large family in the future, you may want to think about getting a larger car with more room, such as a people carrier or 4×4. You’ll also need to check that the car has enough room to fit car and booster seats, as well as plenty of storage to house food, drinks and toys. Of course, boot space is another important factor to consider, especially if you regularly transport bulky items such as pushchairs, bikes, luggage and grocery shopping. Having back seats that can fold down or slide forward can be a lifesaver when you need to increase boot space.

Ease of access

To make life go a little bit smoother, make ease of access a top priority when purchasing a family car. Wide opening doors can make loading in your youngsters and their car seats much simpler. They can also come in useful if you regularly drive with members of family who are elderly or have limited mobility. Sliding doors, such as those found on mini vans and MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles), offer even more ease of access and can be particularly handy when getting everyone in and out of cramped spaces. You can also get raised rear seating in some models, which can make buckling in your kids less of a chore.

Child-friendly features

Then there’s a range of kid-friendly features to think about. Cup holders, power sockets, built-in sunblinds, UV-blocking rear windows and built-in entertainments systems can all come in useful for long journeys with your family. To protect your little ones, don’t forget child safety locks on rear doors either. When it comes to the upholstery, it’s a good idea to opt for a dark coloured interior as this will be much better at hiding the inevitable wear and tear. Leather is also a practical choice as spills can be cleaned easily.

By bearing points like these in mind, you should find the search for your ideal family car to be a straightforward and hassle-free process.

This is a collaborative post.