I have always been told since my children were very little to not wish the time away. But it can be easy to do so when you’re up in the middle of the night for the fifth time and someone just won’t go back to sleep.

But the reality is that I don’t wish the time away, although as they do get older, things do change and I think I mother in a very different way. For example, now that my son can read and write, which he loves to do, I am getting notes and letters from him all the time, telling me that he loves me so much and drawing cute pictures. This kind of thing, in many ways, does make those hard newborn days worth it. They can seem quite thankless at the time, but now is the time that it all comes back in droves. I know that will all change again when he hits his tween and teen years, but I’d take a handmade gift from them any day.

Handmade at Amazon London Kids Aprons by Victoria Eggs, £15

Handmade at Amazon English Dinner Apron by Victoria Eggs, £22

But if papier-mâché isn’t your thing, then why not check out some of he lovely ideas that are over at the Handmade at Amazon store (or leave this page open for a loved one to find…). It isn’t something I had looked at before, but the store is exclusive to artisans to show off their unique, handcrafted goods.

Handmade at Amazon Cake Tin by Jonny’s Sister, £42

There are plenty of homewares and kitchen items, as well as clothing and accessories, so there would be something for every mum / wife / sister / grandma. There are around a third of items that can be personalised too, like the cake tine, which for me, is always a winner.

They say that motherhood changes you in many ways and does change you forever. And while those ‘tiger stripes’ (hate that phrase) are here to stay, there are plenty of other thing that do change when you become a mum. One of things? Breakfast in bed. Are you for or against?

Prior to having children, I was completely against it. My memories of bringing breakfast in bed to my mum involved soggy cereal, burnt toast, with a few lumps or butter and jam. I just didn’t understand why you’d want to get crumbs all over your covers. Plus, I loved my sleep and didn’t want anyone to wake me up prior to when I needed to be awake.

Roll on years later and here I am with two children in tow (still love my sleep, though). But my idea of breakfast in bed has completely changed. First of all, not having to make my own breakfast once in a blue moon has got to be a good thing, and then being allowed to stay in bed a little longer, with my cherubs around me, is like the definition of hygge. Sign me up!

So if you, like me, love a bit of breakfast in bed, then again, keeping this page open for children or a partner to take a peek at could be a good thing. This recipe is for a homemade apple and cinnamon porridge, and if you’re anything like me, will make your Mother’s Day start off just as it means to go on (fingers crossed).

Apple & Cinnamon Porridge

I know that this recipe does sound a little autumnal, but with the snow we’ve been having, who knows what Sunday will be like? I love porridge as the oats set you up for the day, give you lots of energy and keep you full. Just garnish with as much fruit as you’d like (raisins, apple slices, and grapes would work well), and even a sprinkle of something like maca powder if you’re after a superfood boost.

Ingredients to serve a family of 4:

• 200g rolled porridge oats
  (I use gluten-free)
• 2 of your favourite apples, peeled, cored and chopped*
• ½ tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 570ml almond milk (or water if you’re so inclined)
• Maple Syrup (optional) to serve

What To Do:

1. With 300ml cold water, add to a bowl of the oats. Leave to soak for a short time. Meanwhile, the apples, coconut oil and 3 tbsp of cold water can all go in a pan. Stat with a high heat and then reduce heat to simmer. Covering the pan with a lid and leaving for around ten minutes, or until the apples are soft, is a good idea.
2. Once the apples are soft, pour the soaked oats and soaking liquid into the pan, then stir in the cinnamon and the almond milk. Make sure the heat is on low and simmer gently for about fifteen minutes. Stir regularly to make sure that the oats don’t stick to the bottom of the pan!
3. When the porridge has the consistency that you desire, take the pan off the heat and leave to cool slightly before serving. Add a dash of manly strip to serve and any fruit garnish you’d like.

*If you’re short on time, two of the pure apple baby food purees can work to just add straightaway to soaked oats.

What have you got planned this Mother’s Day? Have you got any last minute gifts to get? Remember that you could use Amazon Prime for free next day delivery if you’ve not got time to get to the shops.

Have a fabulous day whatever you do and whoever you’re with!

*collaborative post – all words and opinions are my own.