Up until the chaos of 2020 turned everything topsy turvy, Rafiki and I were in Uganda. I'd been living there since 2014, parenting since 2017 without the convenience of next day delivery from Amazon, or the like.

What we lacked in material goods, we gained in the abundance of always available playmates. Our house often became the one that kids would come and play in. We'd make up games, experimenting with junk from around the house. Inventions were made from containers, and bottles, and boxes. Sometimes they'd be a roaring success, other times less so. It didn't matter either way. 

When lockdown hit, I started making activity packs to try and help keep the kids entertained while their mums worked. I wanted all the activities to be child led, vaguely educational, with a tiny set up time, without going out to buy anything. 

I've desperately tried to hold onto that mentality as I single parent back in the UK. Because it's not just about saving money. Although, of course, that motivation looms ever larger in all of our lives. It's also about accepting whole heartedly that we cannot keep taking more from the earth that we really, truly need. Climate change terrifies me. 

So, I'd urge you to give it a go. Let charity shops be your first port of call for everything. Hit up the craft box, rather than the mall when it's gift giving time. Glue, and paint, and explore, and invent, and giggle and ta-daaaaaaaaa! I hope this website can serve as inspiration. 

Big love

Lucy