The Step-By-Step Guide To buying a House in Ireland

Hubby and I bought our very first home, 18 years ago, it was the perfect terraced house; 2 up and 2 down.  It was a quaint snug home; but, with very steep stairs (Oh! the amount of times we slipped down those stairs). We weren't earning a lot of money back then, but we did manage to invest in the home, we added double glazing windows and decorated it to our taste. Also, our family started in this house, we had our first baby and my 9-year old step-son came to live with us.

We lived in our quaint little home for just under 3 years before we needed a bigger home as our family was growing and so we moved. We moved and bought three homes over the past 18 years, our current home we've been in for the past 9 years and don't plan to move anytime soon.  

These days buying a property is an issue that faces people across both England and Ireland. Increasing property prices all over England and Ireland have left many first-time buyers wondering when and if they will get on the property ladder.  

The recent announcement from the Irish Government and its Help to Buy incentive in Budget 2017 is designed to assist first-time buyers obtain the required deposit to secure a mortgage to buy or build a new home

AIG Ireland has designed a step by step guide to buying a house a Ireland  which you may find helpful. The infographic takes you through the steps you will have to take to get through the process. For example, did you know at the time of buying your first home that lenders require you and your partners to not only have life insurance but home insurance too?

Christmas Around the World

It's not long until Christmas 2017! Christmas is the highlight of the year, every year. It's a time to gather, be close to family and enjoy each others company; eat, drink and be merry.

Around the world, people celebrate the Christmas holidays in many different ways. Many Christmas celebrations reflect local culture and traditions and the festivities can be very different from country to country, focusing on different aspects. 

No matter where you are in the world, if you celebrate Christmas you are sharing in the wonder and magic of the Christmas season. 

Bright Horizons Nursery in Twickenham designed a fun fact infographic full of interesting information. It shares some lovely facts about Christmas Around the World and how it is celebrated in different countries; how to say Merry Christmas in different languages, about different cultures’ idea of ‘Santa Claus' and much more

Which E-Cig Should you Choose

Over the past few years we've seen more and more people turning to vaping, and for different reasons, whether they're trying to find a healthier alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes, or maybe they would like a cheaper option.  There's also people who try out vaping and love it even if they don't have a smoking habit - I know a couple of people who social vape, they've never smoked before, but now they are vaping -  I also know quite a few people that have moved from smoking tobacco cigarettes to vaping.

I quite smoking along time ago and vaping doesn't appeal to me at all, but I've also seen how vaping has become an alternative option to a few people around me.  It seems to have helped them, which I feel is a positive move which I support - vaping is better than tabacco!

This new pastime isn’t going anywhere, and if you are considering changing to vaping, what e-cig should you choose - take a look at this helpful Infographic:

Peer to Peer Borrowing

Borrowing money with a peer-to-Peer lender.

What is peer to peer lender?

It's a community lending/saving circle. An alternative way to borrow money.  You borrow from individuals, who invest their money by lending it to you.  This concept allows the borrowing and lending between individuals or a group of individuals, or ‘peers’, without a traditional financial institution such as a bank or building society being involved.  

All this is arranged with the peer to peer company; they pair up people who want to earn a return on their money, with those who want to borrow it. There are a few peer to peer lender websites, and each should be researched fully before making a decisions -i.e, what one meets your needs best?!

Why peer to peer borrowing?

The benefits of this format, namely, the rates are very competitive and you can pay it off early without having to worry about additional charges. The rates can look more attractive on loans, i.e. a £5,000 loan from a peer to peer lender over a three-year term comes with a rate of 6.9% APR. 

So no matter what the reason for the loan, whether it be for home improvements or to buy a car, if you want to borrow money, the peer to peer lender's websites put you in touch with individuals that want to lend it to you. As such, the companies behind these services act as intermediaries between a borrower and a lender or lenders, dependent on certain factors such as your credit score.

If you apply for a loan, you will be credit checked using a credit reference agency and also have to pass the peer to peer company’s own credit tests.

So if you prefer to take a loan without the need of bank or building society, perhaps you've been turned down by one in the past, or simply the peer to peer competitive interest rates and the flexible loan terms the websites offer, then peer to peer borrowing may be an option for you.

ONE IN FIVE CHILDREN DON’T KNOW THAT MILK COMES FROM COWS

A child's thought process is uniquely fascinating, their logic and reasoning as they learn can be charming and endearing and somewhat amusing. Children think outside the box and their minds are full of imagination. What they believe and the myths they pick up over can lead them to understand / perceive things differently.

A recent research survey* carried out by Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons has found out what children between 4 and 8 years old believe where their food comes from and the results are, interesting:

• Over one in ten boys (11 per cent) believe milk comes straight from the supermarket
• A fifth (20 per cent) of five-year-olds believe that chocolate is made from eggs
• Almost a third of children (29 per cent) believe a cow’s diet consists of sandwiches and pizza

The survey also captured parents opinions and how a large 73 per cent stated that knowing where their food comes from is important to them. As a parent myself, I would be within the 73%. But, when it comes to the children, one in five don't realise that milk comes from cows.

To help the younger generation , Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons has partnered with Giovanna Fletcher has partnered with Cadbury Daily Milk Buttons to help kids understand food provenance; in particular where the glass and a half of milk used to make each packet of its iconic Buttons comes from. In the video, Giovanna takes some parents and kids back to the farm to learn some truths:

*The research was conducted between 10th – 24th October 2016, on a sample of 1,500 parents and their children, living in the UK British parents and their children aged 4-8.

How to budget for Christmas

With Christmas right around the corner, there has never been a better time to look at your spending.

Setting a budget for the festive period can be tricky but Logbook Loan provider Auto Advance have outlined some top tips for not only setting a budget but sticking to it.

Setting a budget

Firstly look at what you need for Christmas, gifts, food, decorations etc. Prioritise them. The core of your budget should be based on the absolute essential items.

Once you know how much all the essential items are likely to cost look at how much you can afford to spend towards them, either as a portion of a monthly salary or a weekly figure.

This should be a sensible figure; something that means you can put money aside while also covering the costs of bills and other common costs that would be present with or without it being Christmas.

Make sure you give yourself some wiggle room on this figure too, particularly as some prices can fluctuate over Christmas depending on retailers, items and how close to Christmas you are.

Remember:

• Some items like chocolates or wine can be bought well in advance
• Keep an eye out for special offers and deals in the run up to Christmas
• Set a sensible budget that won’t leave you struggling financially

How to stick to a budget

It can be really easy to use “It’s Christmas” as an excuse to go a bit overboard.

Keeping that urge to go over the top in check is really tricky at this time of year but it can save a lot of financial difficulty in the long run.

It isn’t so much a case of being strict but being sensible with what you buy. A budget shouldn’t make life difficult or make you feel like you are missing out on things, careful budgeting just means showing restraint in certain areas. Forgoing the occasional take-away or night out in order to have more money for the Christmas period for example.

The key to a Christmas budget is understanding that due to the time of year there will be a slight hit to your finances regardless of what you do. The key is giving you time to financially recover. This means resisting the call of the Boxing Day sales and relaxing at home, instead of spending more.

Going into the sales often means you are armed with vouchers from relatives and many people don’t realise how much they wind up spending when they use the voucher, then put some of their own money towards a purchase too.

If you aren’t mindful your careful budgeting up until Christmas Day can come unstuck. The whole point of Christmas is to enjoy yourself and spend time with friends and family. Putting a sensible budget in place can help you enjoy Christmas more knowing that you are in better financial shape going into the New Year.

Keeping Your Home Safe Whilst You Go Away

Each time you go on holiday and leave your home, it becomes vulnerable to thieves.

We've been lucky enough to have family members temporarily move in and look after our home every time we go away, but, there are many people that don't have that option available to them.

When you go away, you want your home to feel safe; as I tell my kids 'home is the safest place in the world' and so it should be.  

There are steps you can take to help make your home feel safer and put off burglars. Some of these steps can also help keep down the cost of your house insurance.

Lock all windows and doors.

Always check the windows and doors of your home to make sure they shut and locked properly and that they are secure.

Secure the garden

Make sure all your valuables are locked away securely: bikes, and tools – make sure the ladder is put away, so a bugler cannot use it to his advantage.  And, make sure the gate is shut and locked.

Motion detector lights

Install motion detector lights to deter the burglars. Above the garage, on the shed, in the back garden etc. 

Install a monitored home security system.

With today's technology, you can install a home system that allows you to remotely access your home security via your phone. You can even use your device to lock/unlock doors via security cameras. 

Talk to your neighbours/family

Ask a neighbor and/or family member to watch your home and report any suspicious activity. 

Protect your possessions

Insurance gives you the safety net of covering your possessions. If you go for the cheapest home insurance then make sure it covers everything you need it to.

Gentlemen's Gift List

Why is it so hard to find the right gift for a man? whether it's your teen son, you hubby, your brother or your dad, I struggle every time, it drives me crazy. 

Christmas is coming, the woman in my life are easy to buy for, but when it comes to the men, not so easy! I try and avoid the clinch gifts - but, at the end of the day, it is the thought that goes into finding the gift, and I always give it a lot of thought! 

Every year I struggle to find the perfect gift for my dad. I normally ask mum and she will tell me clothes, or a hat (last year it was a hat for his walks).  I got him a furry trappers hat that covered his ears, which he loves, and is perfect for him during the cold months.   

I do think I overthink it when trying to find a gift, especially when it comes to the men in my life - my dad, my hubby, my sons.  So this year, I am going to keep it simple - nothing wrong in cliche gifts, as long as there is thought gone into it.

I've put together some ideas for Christmas gifts below from Chums website.

Baker's Dozen Initalled Handkerchief Set- when I was a little girl, my dad always had a hanky, thus, I always have a hanky still to date I keep a hanky with me during the winter months (dropped with Olbas Oil to help clear my sinus).  I would get these lovely personlised hankies, because they remind me of my dad! I just know he hasn't received hankies as a gift for many many years - he probably still owns the same ones since I was little!

Mock Sheepskin Trapper Hat - my dad was over the moon with his hat we bought him last Christmas, perfect for him when he takes the dogs on walks.  But, he only has the one hat, so I new addition would be nice for him. 

Dunlop Twin Gusset Slipper - I am such a fan of slippers. I love my slippers. I know my parents love wearing slippers (it's where I get it from), thus, this pair are a lovely choice for my dad.

Aramis Aftershave - You can never have enough Aftershave, it gets used every day, and it's a bathroom essential. 

Sandalwood Shaving Set - My dad has always had a mustache, but apart from that has always been clean shaven. I remember my dad having a shaving brush when I was younger, but I don't think he has owned one for many years, this would make a lovely retro gift. 

Choosing Not to Go to University

Finding out I was dyslexic a couple of months before my GCSE exams, was both a revelation and a knock of confidence. Any thoughts I had of going to university to achieve the business career I so wanted were rapidly thrown out of the window. 

I went on to college as I wasn't ready to leave my friends or go into the workforce.  And, so I did business studies. I left college and embarked on work, but at this point in my life, I also made a promise to myself that I will push myself to learn and work hard. 

Having a family put my climb up to my career on the back burner for a few years. Then after a lot of hard work, a bit of luck and lots of determination, I worked my way up. I got the dream job and I did it without going to university, so is the cost of university degree really worth it?

With the increased costs of going to university and a lifetime debt, many people could well be wondering whether it is worth it anymore. 

For many, they have no choice but to go down the route of going to university to achieve their dream job. For example, my oldest son has just started college, the courses he is currently taking is Law and Criminology - he wants to be a Lawyer, thus, that means he has to go to uni to achieve his goal. Then my middle son, who is 13, he has had a dream since he was young to become an Architect, again this is a career where achieving a uni degree is compulsory. Both my boys are prepared and understand they have to go onto university.

For them, it's more than about the money, the cost of achieving a university degree is an investment and hubby and I encourage and fully support; but it does break my heart that they will, in the end, have large debts, and to think, the amount of time it will take for them to pay it off... heart breaking.

University isn't right for everyone, and depending on what career you want, having a degree is not always necessary, there are other options out there. 

The online money saving and voucher code website MyVoucherCodes have taken a look at the British University system to see what students are getting for their money. The research finds that the average starting salary for graduates is £25,000, whilst the approx. cost of gaining a university degree sits at around £44,000, so depending on what career they want, is the investment worth it? Of course, there are degrees that provide a graduate with a significantly higher starting salary.

You can read more on the research here.

How to Raise a Complaint to Question Your Treatment

If you believe there has been injustice or hardship because a health organisation has not acted properly or fairly or you received a poor service and they've not put things right, what do you do?

If you are not happy with the medical treatment that has been provided to you or a member of family you are legally entitled to have your concerns investigated and to receive a full response from the healthcare provider - Dentist, GP, Optician, pharmacist or private health care body.

First and foremost you have to submit a formal complaint to your healthcare provider following the NHS complaints procedures. This can be done either by written format, email or verbally.

The aim of the formal complaint is to receive answers and an explanation to your questions to which you have with you have regarding the treatment you received.

Once you submit your formal complaint to the healthcare provider, they must acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days after receiving it. Here they will also confirm how the complaint will be investigated and give you an estimated time period of when you can expect a full response.

When you receive your full response and if for any reason you are not happy with it, what do you do then?

If you are not satisfied with the response for whatever reason you can seek a review by the Health Service Ombudsman. They will look at unresolved complaints for all healthcare providers and if they conclude that the healthcare provider got things wrong, the Health Service Ombudsman will look to make recommendations to put it right. This can include explanations, apologies, and recommendations for the service to improve.

What next? What if you feel this is not enough?

The decision about whether or not to sue is a very personal one.  You have to consider if this route will give you what you are looking for? Closure... Would it help you to feel that your situation has been taken seriously and that lessons have been learned?!

The next stage would be for you to speak to a Solicitor that has experience of similar cases to see if this is something that they can assist and support you in. You may also find it helpful to take a look at First4SeriousInjury site.

The solicitor will then provide support directing you through process.

But, it is important to realise that you have the right to question your treatment and to raise complaints and the potential right to compensation they have too.  By speaking up and shining a light on issues you may have faced, you can make sure this doesn't happen to other people. Compensation will never make up for what's happened but compensation can ease the burden and support families with their situation. 

Rattan Direct's Wildlife Photography Competition

I took this photo in the Carlton Marshes this year.

Shortly after I started blogging was when I discovered my love for taking photos, especially capturing moments of the kids, but many times on our days out I enjoy to take photos of the beautiful wildlife. And, I always have to take my camera with me when we head out.

Do you enjoy taking photos? If you do, Rattan Direct have a fabulous competition for you.

Rattan Direct are hosting a Wildlife Photography competition for all to enter, whether you are a keen photographer or someone that enjoys taking the odd photos now and then, you can submit your favourite wildlife photo you captured to be in with the chance to win a gorgeous Rio (Armed) 4 Chairs And Open Leg Square Table Set. 

You could submit a picture of wildlife that you found in your garden, or maybe it's a photo taken out in the woods, along the beach or anywhere else; it could be a photo of a creepy crawly, a bird or any other wildlife you captured.  

Once you have your wildlife photo you would like to enter, you upload it to the Rattan Direct website - it's as easy as that.

Rattan Direct will then choose their favourites and place those onto their Facebook page for the public to vote for the best one.

The Rattan Direct Wildlife competition closes on 30th October 2016, so don't delay and get your entry in today. Good Luck

• Website:- Rattandirect.co.uk
• Facebook
• Twitter

5 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR WOMEN

Your wardrobe has seen trends come and go, but the basics are ones which lasted forever. Your favorite pair of black trousers or a plain white button-down, are key pieces you know would never go out of style or lose their street-chic appeal. With few of these key pieces on hand, though, you’ll always know what to reach for!

1) BLACK TROUSERS-  Black trousers are one of the few wardrobe mandatory that would work with just about anything else in your closet. The perfect pair has the power to truly transform how you look and feel!

2) WHITE SHIRT-  This being my personal favorite, a plain crisp white button-down would be the most timeless classic you could invest onto and team it up with almost anything and look really sexy in it!

3) PRINTED SCARF- One of my friend who I met while playing bingo online suggested me, that even on a day, where you almost feel that you have nothing to wear, a plain tee accessorised with a nice printed scarf as the 'bright' piece would just complete your look.

4) BLACK BLAZER- Laying up with well-fitting blazer is an effortless way to look classy and feminine. The best thing about it is that it look great on all body types, for both day or night.

5) NUDE PUMPS-  This fashion favorite has withstood the test of time because it is the go-to shoe for day or night, jeans or trousers or skirts, dressy occasions or more casual events. Whether worn as heels or perfect flats, a pair of nude pumps adds polish to any outfit.

So here were 5 tips of timeless pieces that can be paired with almost anything you have. If they are still missing from your closets, it's high time you get them for they would be an investment worth!

Beautify your Restaurant Business with Ceiling Tiles

Are you thinking about a nice improvement in your restaurant? Maybe you don’t need to think about spending a fortune on renovations. Perhaps the best way to beautify your restaurant is starting with the walls...Choose a different paint color and brighten up the entire space by applying ceiling tiles. There is a very wide palette of ceiling tiles available through www.TalissaDecor.com and they offer top quality products at reasonable prices.

All you need to do is start browsing among the products and choose the tiles that you like the most. There are Styrofoam tiles or faux tin tiles available, and each sub-category has dozens of models and patterns you can choose from. The best part? The ceiling tiles can be applied through a DIY project, and you don’t even have to hire specialized help. Just pay attention to the installation instructions, and purchase all the tools and accessories that you need. Then, within a few hours, you can set up a brand new ceiling within your restaurant. Your guests will be definitely impressed. 

Source: https://www.talissadecor.com/gallery/575725c573729RM23web.jpg

About Styrofoam ceiling tiles

The Styrofoam ceiling tiles represent the best solution if you wish to cover up an unsightly ceiling (such as a popcorn ceiling). The good news is that you do not have to renovate the celling first, but you can just simply cover up that ugly ceiling with the Styrofoam tiles. Also, Styrofoam tiles are 100% paintable in any color that you wish. Therefore, if you do not wish to have a white ceiling, you can just paint your ceiling in any color that you wish.

Here is a handy video tutorial on how to install ceiling tiles over popcorn ceiling. Watch it, and then you will be able to perform your own project and make it look top professional. With some research online, you can come across dozens of such high profile tutorials on how to properly install Styrofoam ceiling tiles. The secret to a perfect job is to purchase only high quality tiles offered by reputable providers. Also don’t forget to purchase a few extra tiles than you need, in case you accidently cut or damage a piece. This way, you will have spare replacements to complete your project.

Styrofoam ceiling tiles can help bring more class and style to your restaurant. The Styrofoam tiles also require a relatively small investment, but you can make a big difference with your project. Why is it worth it to choose Styrofoam tiles?

• Because you do not have to go through the tedious job of removing an old and unsightly popcorn ceiling
• TalissaDecor produces top quality Styrofoam tiles that are manufactured from extruded polystyrene. This material is much more durable than regular polystyrene.
• Extremely lightweight and easy to handle during the installation project
• Tiles that are moisture proof
• Very easily to clean & practically maintenance free
• Paint them any color that you wish
• No special equipment required for the installation of the Styrofoam ceiling tiles
• Apply them over traditional flat ceilings or popcorn ceilings. Cover up instantly any unsightly ceilings

Source: https://www.talissadecor.com/gallery/5757351cb4c20web.JPG

You can get plenty of design ideas regarding the installation of Styrofoam ceiling tiles here. Just browse through the top quality pictures and you will be able to check out hundreds of DY ceiling tiles projects for both commercial and residential purposes. As you can easily note, you don’t really have to invest thousands in order to beautify your restaurant. You can just opt for the simplest yet most effective solution, represented by ceiling tiles.

If you would like something even more impressive, you can opt for the faux tin ceiling tiles. These are available in several pattern and colors, and with the help of these tiles, you can recreate the looks of authentic tin. You will instantly brighten up your space and make it much more beautiful and glittery with faux tin ceiling tiles.

Faux tin ceiling tiles are available in plenty of colors so that you can choose the one that suits best your locale.

• White pearl and brass- goes wonderfully in an elegant restaurant where glitter and eleganceare your number one priority
• White pearl and red- white in combination with red will give an instant ‘bright’ spirit to your entire space
• Silver and purple- classy, elegant yet extremely trendy. Does this represent your business? Then, you might want to check out these beautiful tiles…
• Aged copper- an extremely classical choice, which gives an instant “historical’ feel to your entire space. There are 11 different patterned tiles available in this color, so you should definitely check them out

The faux tin tiles offered by Talissa are extremely lightweight and easy to install. The tiles have 3D embossing in order to recreate that special appearance of authentic tin. The tiles are water, stain and moisture resistant which are all important requirements in a restaurant. The tiles are easy to clean, and they are virtually maintenance free. Moreover, the faux in tiles are guaranteed fire tested, and they are suitable for both residential and commercial projects.

So why start with extremely expensive investments in order to beautify your restaurant? Maybe all your business needs is a beautiful new paint finish and a new ceiling. This improvement will not even cost you a lot and these can be performed as DIY projects. 

Source: https://www.talissadecor.com/gallery/5751c5a623c85kitchen_ceiling_009.JPG

Take a look at the impressive faux tin tiles available on the main website of Talissa, and decide which pattern would best suit your interiors. If you want to, you can so get the opinion of an expert to inform you which exactly pattern or design would go best for your restaurant.

The faux tin tiles are extremely attractive and versatile because they can even be mounted framed on the wall to create a 3D pattern that is amazing. The tiles can be mounted directly onto a flat ceiling, and you don’t need any specialized help. Start beautifying your restaurant today!

Kwik Fit - Nostalgia Lane Competition

When I look back on my childhood family holidays, I will often look back with a certain fondness, but there is one holiday that stands out for me,  the most memorable holiday from my childhood. 

It was one summer holiday in my teens when we travelled Europe, through France, Luxembourg, Germany to Switzerland and back to France.  We holidayed in our caravan, my dads' pride and joy - we had some amazing holidays and trips in that caravan, lots of fab memories.

When I look back at my time in Switzerland I often fondly reflect back on, the beautiful buildings, the turquoise lakes, the mountain with snow tops, our day splashing around in a waterfall, the wildlife - snakes swimming in the lakes or the hedgehogs that raided our awning. I remember going into a village searching for a traditional cuckoo clock. (which hung on our living room wall for years).

Switzerland is a beautiful and magical place, leaving lasting memories.

Now a days I am making holiday memories with my children, ones I hope they will look back on fondly too. Holidays bring holiday memories, and, often a sense of nostalgia for good times long gone. 

We've taken our children on some amazing holidays too, from Lapland to Mexico.  But, over the years our holiday habits have changed due to many reasons. A few years ago we looked forward to holidays abroad, but the past couple of years we have immersed ourselves more into staycations and are particularly enjoying it. It does mean we are travelling via car more, which is the only negative - as we have 2 boys that suffer from travel sickness and they dread the road trips.

Keeping kids occupied in the car has changed over the years, from when my oldest two were younger we would pack and take a portable DVD player and they would watch films, but now with the younger two they take iPads and watch YouTube and play games. But, as two of my boys suffer from travel sickness they do avoid too much screen time as this enhances the sickness, thus, they like to do simple things like i-Spy game etc.

Along with other bloggers, I've collaborated with Kwik Fit and shared my top tip for when it comes to keeping the kids entertained on a long family road trip you can see all the tips here.

Kwik Fit are running a  Nostalgia Lane Competition in their Family Hub, where you can enter to win £150 worth of Amazon vouchers, simply by describing a memorable road trip.

#DreamsExplained Campaign - What Dreams Mean

Adjustamatic make adjustable beds and riser recliner chairs and recently got in touch to invite me to share one of my dreams as part of their #DreamsExplained campaign. The campaign leads up to the launch of their new video which will be featuring Ian Wallace, a top dream psychologist. There will be 5 dreams from the #DreamsExplained campaign selected to feature in the new video. 

We all dream, and they fascinate me.

My kids will often tell me of their dreams, good or bad.  I love hearing about their dreams as they describe them, it's so sweet.

I've always been fascinated by my dreams and my kid's dreams. Some of my dreams can often be epic, so much so they can have an impact. Depending on the dream and how vivid or lucid it has been, I can wake up and the effect stays with me for a time, mostly in a positive way.

I'm very much someone that needs at least 8 hours sleep. If I don't get my 8-hours sleep, I will have a quick nap on my sofa and during my naps is when I often dream more vividly. These are the best ones.

And, as part of the Adjustamatic #DreamsExplained campaign I was invited to share one of my dreams, which could be picked to be 1 of the featured dreams in the video Adjustamatic are making.

My dream: 

I come home to find my hubby had got us a second beagle, which I am shocked, as I've been considering getting another one and trying to talk hubby into it, but I know the time isn't right, not with our 1-year-old beagle Poppy, who is a handfull already, not just for me, but for our little old Lhasa Apso, who is 11 years old, and our 2 old cats who are both 19 - getting another beagle would not be fair, thus, it's not the right time at the moment.  So I was shocked to come home to find we had a second beagle, more shocked because hubby is the sensible one and advises against getting a second beagle, but in this dream he was the one that went out and got me one. However, in the end the second beagle had calmed down our Poppy, thus, they were both calm, even the cats cuddled up with them and everyone was happy.

That was pretty much my dream summarised. It's my most recent weird dream, because, for starters, my hubby would never go out and get a dog, I'm the one that normally has to persuade and bargain with him. And, secondly, I think the part about the dogs being calm (anyone that knows beagles know they're not calm dogs) is wishful thinking. Also, the cats go nowhere near Poppy, cuddling up to them - it just wouldn't happen.

The Veranda

We're making a lot of changes to our home at the moment, a new extension, a garage conversion, knocking walls down, putting new walls up. But, the poor garden has suffered this year. For the past 6-months it has been a building yard and as you can imagine, it's looking a little worse for wear.  But as our extension is built, and almost done, we've started to tidy up the garden.  We're currently extending our decking to bring it around the extension and this past week I've been thinking on what I would like to do to my garden - to make it look presentable again, for me to fall back in love with it.

We're considering a few options, but one option that has caught my imagination is a veranda. 

A veranda is a stylish addition to the outside the house, one that can enhance the outside of your property. It blends your home with garden and creating a bespoke outdoor living area. 

A veranda offers a waterproof area allowing all year round use of your outdoor patio/decking area, perfect for al-fresco dining. Furthermore, these structures can provide protection for your garden furniture - there is no need to cover it or try and find somewhere to store it away during the winter, as a veranda offers some protection from the weather. In addition, it can provide UV protection and a shaded area allowing you to sit outside comfortably all day long.

And, a veranda would be the perfect extension to your home for parties! It will allow you to enjoy being outside in your garden whilst still being protected from the elements - even if it is raining.

I'd love to be able to open the french doors to the garden, especially when it is raining just for the smell. Without a veranda, you couldn't do this without soaking the lounge. 

 

Back to School With House of Fraser School Bags

We're halfway through the summer holidays and had loads of fun thus far, although, I am knackered. Working from home in a full-time job with the kids is hard work.  I try my hardest to keep them busy and entertained throughout the days and most weekends, when hubby is off, instead of resting we are doing things together as a family. But, I wouldn't have it any other way, I love having the kids around.

We're also at that time where I need to sort out the school uniforms and bits and bobs.  Liam will be starting college this September, Lewis, and Jacob will be returning to school and Summer will be starting school. Exciting, but expensive times ahead.

I have an array of things to buy, Lewis's school has changed uniform, thus, he needs a whole new uniform, trousers, blazer, shirts, school shoes etc.  Jacob will need new school shoes and new tops, and Summer needs new school dresses and shoes.  Then there are the accessories.  School bags, pencil cases, lunch bags, water bottles, p.e bags etc.  So I have been having a look on the House of Fraser website, and school bags on my todo list first.

Summer and Liam have school branded satchels, but with Lewis being at secondary school he needs a backpack, and the same for Liam.  Lewis always has school dinners, but Jacob and Summer the fussy eaters will only have packed lunch. 

Below is my Wish List of school bags and lunch bags for the kids:

This Skylanders lunch bag is perfect for Jacob, and it is in the sale at £8.  

For Summer she will love this Doc McStuffins lunch bag, this is also £8.

The Karl Lagerfeld Boys Backpack would be perfect for Lewis, it is half price too.

For Summer's and Jacob's snack boxes, I am loving these Tulipop lunch boxes. You get the three in a pack for just £12.

Liam starting college this September, he would love this Hugo Boss bag.

Is The Microwave An Essential Kitchen Appliance?

I love my small kitchen appliances, they make live so much easier and are super convenient.  My favourite has to be the microwave and then the kettle.  My newest small appliance that I recently treated myself to was my first ever Food Stand Mixer. I'd wanted one for so long I can't remember how long. 

But the Food Stand Mixer is a luxury/bonus of sorts, where as I see the microwave as an essential element of the kitchen. We use the microwave everyday and it is something I couldn't live without. It makes life so much easier for the whole family. It does take quite a bit of space up on the worktop, but, I feel the benefits of owning, is a good compromise.

Microwaves come in all different, colours shapes and sizes, from small to large to curved to the standard boxed shape. And, if you want one that does more than just reheat, you can opt for a microwave with a combination of features, allowing you to grill, bake, and roast as well, like the Panasonic Combination Microwave.

The microwave makes reheating leftovers quick and easy. The extra step of turning the oven on, the longer reheating time, some days it feels like a chore and can be a frustration.

In this fast-paced world and busy households we're living in, people don't have much time for anything. That's why we often find ways to do tasks more quickly, and more often than not, we find the means through technology. Thus, the need for microwave ovens has become even more essential. 

Even if use a microwave just for small tasks like to heat up food. You can buy a microwave designed to sit on the counter, or hang on the wall, there are even fitted microwaves.

Seconds Matter - World Arthritis Day

Premier Bathrooms are raising awareness for World Arthritis Day (12th October 2016) with their 'Seconds Matter' awareness campaign.  The campaign is to bring awareness to us on what it can be like to live with the disease, Arthristis. Did you realise that a simple thing like getting out of bed can be a big challenge? or simply trying to take a bath can be daunting?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks normal joint tissues, causing inflammation of the joint lining.  The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. It's a disease that affects people of all ages across the UK. 

To mark World Arthritis Day 2016 and to put themselves “in someone else’s shoes” Premier Bathrooms have simulated what it would be like to live with arthritis – by challenging a guy to wear an arthritis simulation suit that is designed to demonstrate what it is like to live with the disease.

Arthritis can really affect how quickly and easily you do everyday chores. The simplest of movements can be painful and challenging - the below video demonstrates this.

The video shows 2 able-bodied twins with one of the twins wearing the simulated suit.  It follows them both as they start their day,  to compare and highlight the struggles people with arthritis endure on a daily basis.

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. It is debilitating and cruel illness that inflicts pain and stops you right in your tracks. It's progressive and floods your body like a dam breaking it's banks. You can donate to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and seeing all of the amazing work that they carry out by clicking here. 

Bathing Solutions and #breakingbarriers

Many elderly people struggle to bathe, there can be a fear of a slip or fall or getting stuck in the bath. It can often be physically daunting for them.

It's strange to think the bathroom, the smallest room in the house can be the most dangerous for the elderly. But, it doesn't have to be, there are solutions available.

So what are the options?

Wet rooms or walk in showers or walk in baths. All these are designed and installed to give the elderly and disabled an unrestricted showering experience.

My nanny before she passed away, was wheelchair bound in her last few years, and so they had a wet room that was made to measure to fit her needs. And, it worked for her, as I am sure it would many people who have them fitted.

One of the big benefits of a wet room is allowing the elderly to keep their dignity. It means they can shower independently and without the need for a carer to get them in and out of the bath/shower etc. 

In addition, you can adapt your wet room to fit your needs, for example, a shower stool can also be used to allow the person to sit down whilst showering. This is a good option if they struggle to stand for a prolonged period of time. They can also have furnished handrails designed to accommodate wheelchairs and walking frames. A wet room can easily transform a bathroom into a safer and more comfortable experience. 

Companies like Bathing Solutions offer a range of equipment designed to improve and make life easier. From wetrooms to door ramps and much more. And, they are one of the first companies to specialise in the supply and installation of bathrooms specifically designed for the mature customer.

Bathing Solutions also take a great interest in supporting the elderly in a unique way by encouraging them to learn or share new skills and hobbies, all done through their #breakingbarriers campaign.

If you are interested in finding out more about Bathing Solutions and their fantastic campaign #breakingbarriers you can read about it here. The campaign is designed to encourage the elderly to skill share and learn new things.  As they enjoy learning new skills, taking up new hobbies and even taking up part-time employment.  The main reason we are seeing this break-through is because, for the first times in history we are about to see the number of our senior generation surpass that of the youth, with those 65 and up making up 15.6% of the global population by 2050!.