Written by Kim - The Shawver Family Having a mixed heritage family is full of learning, travelling and of course, extra holiday celebrations. One of which for us is the all American fourth of July! This year is special as it's the 250th anniversary of independence day. The fourth of July dates back to the beginning of USA independence from the UK in 1776. Originally the act of the celebration itself was based on the annual celebrations they would normally have each summer t

The days are at their absolute longest, the school gates have reopened after a gorgeous May half-term, and the British summer is finally doing what it does best—giving us those beautiful, golden evenings. When the sun is shining, there’s a collective urge to drop everything and get outside. But between school runs, work, and the never-ending laundry pile, it can feel tough to make the most of it. The good news? You don’t need a packed suitcase or a grand plan to catch those s

Can you believe we are already down to the wire? Here at Boom Magazine, our absolute favourite part of the job is shining a spotlight on the incredible people, places, and businesses that make our local community so incredibly special. From the magical children's activity classes that save our rainy Saturdays, to the independent cafes that keep us fuelled with caffeine, the Boom Magazine Awards are all about celebrating you. And right now? We are officially entering the final

Written by Hannah Marriott - Boom Buddy Family The Marriott/Fallon People often say, "Enjoy every moment, it goes so fast." What they don't say is that those moments often involve someone crying, someone climbing the furniture, and someone else shouting "Muuuuum!" from a different room while you're just trying to drink a cup of tea that's been reheated three times. I am a mum of three boys, all aged four and under. Life in our house is less "calm family home" and more "extrem

By Steph, Co-Owner and Director, First Time Mum There’s something magical about a family picnic—fresh air, happy children, and food that somehow tastes better outdoors. Whether you’re heading to the park, beach, or even your own garden, a little planning can turn a simple outing into a stress-free highlight of your week. 🧺 Start with the Essentials Before you even think about food, make sure you’ve got the basics covered. A large picnic blanket is a must (bonus points if it’

By Jess, Co-Owner and Director, First Time Mum Becoming a parent - whether for the first time or again; has a way of quietly rearranging your entire world. Your routines shift, your priorities change, and somewhere in-between the blur of feeds, naps, and logistics, it’s easy to feel like the version of you that existed before, has slipped out of reach. Alongside that, friendships can feel harder to maintain, let alone build. But finding your way back to yourself and connecti

By Kendall - The Tiddlekicks Family As a mum of three, one thing I’ve learned about routines and family life is that no two families are the same - and that’s completely okay. When we hear the word ‘routine’, it can sometimes sound a bit like we need to have every hour planned out. But in reality, routines don’t have to be strict at all. For me, routine is about consistency - creating a pattern in family life that our children can recognise and rely on. Simple things like me

Written by Steph, co-owner & first time mummy There’s something special about a Bank Holiday when you have children – a little extra time together, and a chance to pause the school rush. It doesn’t have to be packed with big plans to feel memorable. Start simple; a morning with no alarms, a pancake breakfast, or even a lazy morning in pyjamas can feel like a treat for little ones. If the weathers nice, head outdoors – a local park, a nature walk, or a family picnic. These ca

Written by Jess - Director & Co-Owner of Boom Magazine, Mum to Flynn, Dog Mum & Working Part Time Spring cleaning used to mean a full weekend, industrial-strength products, and a level of focus I simply do not possess anymore. With kids aged 0–11 in the house, “deep clean” now happens in short, scrappy intervals between snacks, naps, homework, and someone shouting “MUM!” from another room. And honestly? That’s okay. If you’re a busy mum who gets overstimulated easily (hi, sam

Written by Steph, First Time Mum, Co-Owner & Director Every year in March, children across the UK celebrate World Book Day — a special day dedicated to books, stories and the joy of reading. World Book Day was created to spark a lifelong love of reading in young people, encouraging children to discover books that excite them and helping families to make reading a fun part of everyday life. In the UK and Ireland, children in full-time education are given a special book token

We all know the "holiday hangover" well—it’s that familiar mix of festive fatigue, a house full of new toys, and the inevitable arrival of the December bank statement. Between the magic of gifting, the cost of travel, and those extra-special grocery hauls, it’s completely normal for the family budget to feel a little stretched thin. But the New Year isn't just about resolutions; it’s the perfect moment for a financial "reset." For busy parents, we know that saving money isn't

Written by : Rebecca Marshall Mum of One, Business Owner & Accountant of Strive Business Limited Christmas is often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but let’s be honest—it can also be the most financially demanding. As a mum of one, running two businesses and managing a household, I understand how quickly festive spending can get out of hand. Between buying gifts, filling the fridge, decorating the house, and keeping the kids entertained, the pressure to make it

Written by : Jack Ford, Group Aftersales Manager, Ron Brooks Ltd Cold mornings, icy windscreens, darker evenings — winter driving can be a real challenge. But don’t worry, that’s where our Winter Health Check comes in. It’s a simple way to make sure your car is safe, reliable, and ready for the season ahead. Here’s what we cover when you bring your car in: 1. Antifreeze and Engine Protection We’ll check the strength of your antifreeze to make sure your engine won’t freeze up

Written by The Watkiss Family Every year, on the 17th November, World Prematurity Day shines a light on babies who arrive too soon. A baby is classed as premature if they’re born before 37 weeks, in the UK that’s around 1 in 13. For us, this isn’t just a date, it’s a reminder of our daughter’s beginning, and a world we knew nothing about until we were suddenly living it. Our daughter arrived unexpectedly at just 30 weeks, weighing 3lbs 8oz. Nothing could have prepared us for

Are you celebrating firework night at home this year? If so, make sure you read this blog first – it is predicted that this year 500 children and their families will join the growing number of people who will remember bonfire night for the wrong reasons . . . Here are the facts: Over 550 children under 16 are taken to A&E in the 4 weeks surrounding Bonfire Night alone Most injuries happen at private or family displays The vast majority of firework burn injuries are to the e

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids — costumes, sweets, spooky fun, and lots of imagination! But not every family chooses to go trick-or-treating. Whether it’s for health reasons, age, weather, or just personal choice, that doesn’t mean your little ones have to miss out on the magic. Here are some fun, safe, and creative ways to enjoy Halloween at home. 🎨 1. Host a Costume Parade at Home Let your child dress up in their favorite costume and do a

There's truly something for everyone. From family fun days to woodland toddler classes. From tree climbing to craft workshops. And from theatre performances to museum events. Have an amazing summer!

Cancer Pitstop for Women is a new support group in Belper for cancer patients and survivors.

The Smartphone-Free Childhood movement suggests that children don’t need smartphones to have a healthy, connected, modern childhood - and delaying is not only possible, but often better.

Sarah Briggs, photographer of our beautiful issue 40 cover image, shares her insider knowledge of the best Derbyshire photoshoot spots and how to get the best from your shoot.