Believe it or not but with the clocks going forward on Sunday, Spring is here; and with the lighter evenings it makes me really want to make the most of light in the house.

I’d always been under the impression that living in a ground floor maisonette meant that I’d never be able to take full advantage of light from above; however I’ve discovered that skylights are a real possibility for a side extension in a kitchen and with VELUX blinds they can become a real design feature of the room maximizing the light flowing into the room but also preventing glare.

The theme of our home interiors is white – yes I know that may seem crazy with a three year old but I can honestly say it’s never been a problem. For me white is the complete opposite of bland, I love how white on white layering works to give a room so much depth, plus it’s so simple to change the look of a room just by adding or removing an accent colour, with VELUX blinds and window accessories the possibilities are endless and with their unique and oh so simple fitting, a room can be transformed in a matter of minutes.

I love light in the house any which way I can get it, so the idea of adding skylights to draw as much natural light into the kitchen where let’s face it, I spend a lot of time is great – because if I’m honest if I’m not blogging, cooking dinner and talking on the phone then I’m not doing it right, ha!

Today was a big day in the world of Boo, today Boo had her best friend from nursery over for a play date this afternoon. She’s been on play dates a few times, but this was the first time hosting.

Listening to Boo as I opened the front door and let them scamper in was priceless “This is my bedroom , and here’s the living room and the bathroom is here, and if you need a wee wee I will take you”- she was positively giddy with pride and happiness that she, Queen Boo of the Universe had a friend over to play.

The afternoon was delightful but rather uneventful; the usual cupcake decorating, dress up, jumping on beds and watching Disney – but that’s what was so lovely; watching them play it dawned on me… The art of friendship is timeless. No internet connection or latest must have toys just two little girls finding their way in the common play space and helping each other to love, learn, laugh and grow.

Also it’s another milestone and one that I was happy to see, no reluctance to see her become old enough for lasting friendships – but I’d be quite happy if we could slow it all down… No amount of prep will soften that my baby is four in less than four months!

Life seems so fast, I seek comfort in the ordinary moments; it’s almost as if I store them up in the memory bank for when life seems hectic or more often when Boo is ill and I’m questioning if she’ll ever be ‘ok’ – this afternoon shows she as normal as can be…

Towards the end of the social soiree for two, they sat me down (imagine what you will as to who was in charge for those five minutes, ha!) and asked when they could have a sleepover…WOAH hold your horses ladies, you need to ease me into this whole mummy to a big girl thing! Plus I’m quite content with kicking back and indulging in popcorn and Beauty and The Beast on a springy Monday afternoon.

A couple of weeks ago we were super lucky to get one of the first sneak peaks of the new Hogwarts Express as part of Platform 9 ¾ which opened to the public on March 19th; a friend invited both Boo and I along to a ‘Nearest and Dearest’ tour on Tuesday evening.

We found it super easy to find, with clear signposting from the M25 with ample car parking which is always good.

I have to admit I was a little skeptical as to whether Boo knew enough about Harry Potter to enjoy the tour: how wrong I was – from the minute we arrived she was so excited, obviously watching some of the earlier films at home with me over Christmas had been enough to for her to be hooked, she kept asking if we were going to see Harry and Dobby? How adorable!

First things first I was so happy to see Starbucks and a restaurant before you begin the studio tour, which is great as it gave us a chance to refuel after the drive and the children had a play.

The tour itself is almost indescribable, yes I like Harry Potter so I knew I’d enjoy it on a certain level but I wasn’t prepared for the whole scale of the experience, from walking into the great hall, to flying on broomsticks, to Diagon Alley – everything was so real, it wasn’t just a case of feeling as if you were in the films it was more that these did in fact exist, the level of detail I think is what sets this apart from anything I’ve ever experienced.

The new Platform 9 ¾ with the Hogwarts Express was amazing and was my favourite part of the tour; the steam train is amazing and you can even go inside one of the carriages which Boo loved. The platform is so realistic and you can have a photo of you crashing into the wall with a trolley – brilliant!

Butterbeer was as peculiar as I imagined yet also tasty, let’s just say Boo was reluctant to share! And then it was time to have the iconic snap on Privet Drive…

The tour wins on so many levels for Mummy and Boo, it’s not often that we can enjoy a day out that we both enjoy in a different ways but still come away with happy memories, definitely plenty of Kodak moments created thanks to Warner Brothers.