Let’s be frank, it’s been a rubbish 11 months and there’s no denying that this third lockdown feels much harder than the ones that have come before.

Needing something positive and enjoyable to do together during lockdown to help break up the mundane day to day activities and give us a different focus, we thought it would be fun to make short entertaining videos to share with you, will take requests when we can and perhaps mark some special occasions. We also plan to share some of the fun videos we have of Amari from over the years, all of which we hope will make you smile.

Whilst doing this, we have decided to raise funds and awareness for a charity that supports young people and mental health.

The last of the winter months can be a difficult month at the best of times and in these circumstances it’s no wonder we’re all feeling the strain just that little bit more. The days are longer, the weather is pants and everyone is struggling with something, be it difficulties and frustrations around homeschooling – for the kids as much as the parents, job/financial loss, loneliness, health issues and deeply missing our friends  and family. There’s no doubt these are troubling times and the worry, fear and uncertainty just amplifies all of these things.

We have experienced many of the above and wanted to do something to help give us a little lift and at the same time hopefully help to make other people’s days a little brighter and spread some smiles. The thing that lights up our little corner of the world is this little lady - Amari, aged 5. She has a love for music that was evident from when she was in my tummy – dancing around and kicking like crazy to the sounds of Take That, The Beatles, AC/DC, the list goes on. Amari absolutely adores singing and entertaining in general and there are very few greater joys in this world than music and the love and hope that children bring.

The pandemic has had a major impact on so many things and the lasting effect it will have on our children and their mental health is a very real worry for many, so ‘Young Minds’ felt like a relevant and important cause to raise money and awareness for in these times.

It is our hope that if we are able to put a smile on your face with a little light hearted entertainment, you might consider making a donation to this cause – no amount is too small and every penny helps. If, for whatever reason you are not able to give, please don’t worry! Perhaps we will have helped you to open up a conversation around this topic, inspired you/your family to do something similar and raise money for a cause that’s important to you, or even just interrupted your thoughts with a few minutes of much needed distraction – it’s all good at this stage!

Stay strong and keep smiling (it seems to help) – spring is on its way and better days are a coming! As Albus Dumbledore once said, “happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light”.

Virtual hugs, love and thanks from Amari &
Family xxxxxxx

P.S. As we cannot upload the videos directly on to this page, you can view all of Amari's clips on YouTube at:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCry6WEuLL_YfbgKCU2nxo9A