Can it really be true? A proper mini heatwave is on it’s way! Which usually means a last-minute scramble for sun cream, sun hats and the paddling pool you swore you’d put away properly last year. (This brings back memories of my paddling pool fail!)
So this week is a bit of a get-ahead edition. A few things worth sorting now, heatwave hacks, fun in the sun, and last minute essentials for anyone heading away!
🧴 Last-Minute Packing Essentials
The things you always think you have until you don’t.
This is for the half-term trips or any quick getaway coming up, the in-between bits that always end up on a last-minute list. Travel-size everything, sun cream, lip balm, and the small extras that make travel mornings feel a bit less rushed.
And if swimwear or summer clothes are still on the list, check out my recent fashion edits.
🌞 The Sunshine Edit
For the heatwave we definitely deserve.
This is the stuff that makes a hot day at home feel like a proper occasion. Paddling pools, water guns, freezer pop moulds, and a bit of shade for the smaller ones. The kind of bits worth having ready before the temperature climbs, rather than trying to find them mid-week when everyone else is doing the same.
🏠 Heatwave Home Hacks
This is the stuff you don’t think about until it’s 27 degrees, no one can sleep, and you’re standing in front of an open freezer at 11pm. Fans, blackout blinds, cooling pillows, proper ice cube trays — the everyday extras that you don’t realise you need until our weather does a 360°!
🌳 Still Sorting Half-Term?
If you missed it, my full May Half-Term Guide is here, plus the Kids Eat Free round-up for the week. A bit of everything — days out, slower days, and the bits that quietly make the week run smoother.
And one extra find worth sharing…
The Mayfair Chippy Knightsbridge are doing a kids-eat-free deal this half-term for every adult main, one kids’ meal is free. Fish goujons, halloumi fingers, grilled sausage, all the proper bits.
What makes it brilliant is the location. It’s a 7-minute walk from the Natural History Museum, V&A and Paradox Museum, and the V&A has a free splash area outside for cooling off on hot days. Museum, splash, chippy, home.
Read My Full Half-Term Guide >
🌿 Discount Alert | 50% Symprove
As part of the wellness journey I’ve been on this past year, I’ve been focusing more on what I can do to actually help my body out. Symprove is a gut health drink I now have every morning, and I’ve genuinely felt the difference — better sleep, skin, the lot. Oh, and it’s delicious by the way!
They’ve kindly given us a code: GOTIT50 for 50% off a 12-week subscription. Give it a try!
💛 Small Business Shout Out – Soundlings
This week I wanted to share Soundlings, who make phonics activities for kids aged 3+.
The brand was founded by two brilliant teachers, Jemma and Claire, who were later joined by Kate Lawler after her own positive experience with it, what a lovely way to become part of the team!
That early-reading stage can feel like a lot to navigate — when to start, what counts, whether you’re doing enough. What I love about Soundlings is that they take all of that and turn it into something properly playful and low-pressure. The kind of thing you can pull out on a rainy afternoon, or for a screen-free twenty minutes before tea.
A real gem to know about if you’ve got a little one finding their way into reading.
Blue skies have a way of resetting everything.
Whatever next week looks like for you, try to actually be in it where you can.
Louise x
*Affiliated links used for some products and brand partnerships.