QUIET TIME

As 2016 began the realisation that my baby goes to school THIS YEAR hit me (excuse me while I pause to weep a while). With Phiney at nursery three afternoons a week, plus Thursday at my Nan's house, we only have Friday quiet time - two hours when Coralie's sleeping, after lunch - where it's just Josephine and I. I made the decision to spend the first half an hour at least of this time creating, baking, reading, puzzling or playing something specific to ensure some real quality mama/daughter time. It can be hard with two children (especially when Coralie's still very much into destroying puzzles and eating colouring pencils and sequins!), meeting friends, nursery and park trips to find the time, but it's vital for both of us.
Josephine loves her quiet time. It's her opportunity to play, read or watch her favourite film without the attention of her (adored, of course!) baby sister, so I didn't want to take all her time. So having something planned ensured time was well spent.
A couple of weeks ago I ordered some of Cotton Twist's kits, which I've been long admiring on Alexis' IG. They're sweet and simple and take just the right amount of time to create. I went with the Pirate Catapult and Football Game, and Alexis was kind enough to pop in a couple of others to try too.
Last week Josephine picked the Football Game to try out and I can't recommend these little packs enough. They include everything you need and Josephine was able to do it all (except tie the string to the goal posts) herself, which left her feeling very proud. Perfect for our Miss Independent. She loved moulding the clay, personalising the little goalie and constructing the goal posts.
And the best thing about all Cotton Twist's crafts are they offer plenty of playtime once they're made. We took it in turns to flick the pompom ball at the goalie and we even had a penalty shoot out (Josephine won.) It's been living on our dining table since Friday and we've all been playing with it. Phiney is really excited to make another this week, and I can't wait for more precious allotted time to sit down and do this with her.
Time goes so fast, and carving out these moments is so worth it. We both had a lovely time, laughing and talking and creating. The perfect mama/daughter date.

This is not a sponsored post, just a lovely product I wanted to share :)