IT’S ALWAYS difficult when your child doesn’t fit the stereotypical images of childhood peddled out on TV and in books.

The day your little one asks you why they can’t see themselves in these forms of entertainment – is quite simply heartbreaking.

And that’s why, whenever I hear of something which addresses this problem, my heart sings!

Lolade Coker found herself in this situation and decided to do something about it.

With a four-year-old who loved colouring but never saw kids like herself in colouring books, the search started for Lolade and culminated in the creation of My Colourful World: Best Friends.

She said: “My Colourful World is an educational tool that promotes fine motor skills whilst teaching children about diversity and inclusion.

“This colouring book will help to build a strong community for all kids who are often misrepresented by mainstream media.”

The book contains 30 pages and are single sided to prevent the dreaded bleed through as those little artists get to work.

They can also easily be removed from the book for easy access.

Available to buy from Amazon.

2020 is definitely the year which made us realise how important it is to think of others and those less well off.

While many of us now have the choice to spend Christmas with our loved ones, feasting on turkey and opening multiple gifts around the tree – many people will not have that option.

And so it was great to hear that leading gift retailer Thumbs Up has partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Salvation Army to create the 2020 Charity Gifting Appeal and donate a massive 2,000 presents to those who might not otherwise receive anything for Christmas.

To help them carry out their target Thumbs Up are asking people to contribute just £5 for postage and packaging.

The donation will see each individual receive a package full of presents worth £30.

You read that right people! All they’re asking is for £5 towards postage and packaging!

Times are hard, but if you feel you can help please visit thumbsup.com to choose from four different packs (Teen Girls 12-17, Teen Boys 12-17, Male or Female 18+).

Spread the love this Christmas (not Covid!).

LOCKDOWN life has become way too much of a reality for my liking, but, it’s also been a chance to explore the opportunities out there, open new doors and find comfort in talking to strangers who you can’t help but connect with over this crazy shared experience.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m struggling with this new way of life just as much as the next person, but I’m desperately trying to remain positive.

For me it was a great moment when I was asked to be involved in Joanne Warren Moore‘s amazing photography series raising funds for Smart Works, a UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for their job interview.

After months of being stuck indoors with a hyper toddler and the challenges of homeschooling a tweenager, I was more than ready to put on some lippy and (attempt to) strike a pose! Not to mention the challenge of juggling all that with my ‘day job’ as a journalist AND my clothing and home decor business, By Kala X.

The project is entitled This Woman’s Work and in her own words, Joanne, who is a fellow East Londoner, explained: “I’m an advocate for women supporting women and this project is designed to do just that.”

“Juggling homeschooling, a business & in general keeping everyone alive & well is not easy!”

She went on: “I also want to provide a platform where women can share their strengths in having to adjust during very difficult circumstances and to tell other women of any success stories or top tips in business reform.

“In return for the photography session and images I am asking those that can for a voluntary donation to Smart Works to help support unemployed women into work during the recovery of this pandemic.

“All proceeds raised will go directly to this cause. There will be so many more women in need of support during these uncertain times.”

I couldn’t have put it better myself and to date, Joanne has helped raise over £3,000 for the much-needed organisation.

I loved having the chance to focus on just me for my session with Joanne and as you can tell by the resulting pictures we got on like a house on fire!

And what was my own little Lockdown Lesson, I hear you ask? Read on for my pearls of wisdom…

“I think lockdown has helped thousands of us to realise just how strong we are. Juggling homeschooling, running a business and in general keeping everyone alive and well is not easy!

“For me forward planning went out of the window, but I found it easier to deal with smaller, daily, bite-sized tasks. It felt more manageable and much more of an achievement when completed.

“I’m also very lucky to have a network of friends who regularly remind me to not be too hard on myself.”

To find out more click here.