Christmas Favourite Films

Christmas is my favorite season for many reasons, but I do love the early evenings where we get to snuggle up on the sofa together, wrapped up in blankets, eating pop-corn and watching some festive fun films with the family.

The best part of the Winter season is the TV channel surfing and stumbling upon a film that you haven't seen in a while, a film that captures a festive feeling, putting you in a jolly good mood.

The best movies are the classics festive family films that we re-watch time and time again every year.

Below are our favorite Christmas movies:

The Grinch

Based on the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss. The reclusive green Grinch who lives up in the mountain decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. That is until he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who.

Home Alone

When Kevin is accidentally left Home Alone while his family head to Paris for Christmas, he somehow finds himself in the middle of a robbery plot. Plenty of booby traps later, he single-handedly saves Christmas.

Germlins

A family favorite since the 80s, the cute Mogwai, vs the horrid gremlins and all the dastardly behavior they get up too.

Elf

My favorite Christmas film. I love watching Buddy through his adventure. He grew up working in Santa’s workshop in the North Pole, discovers that he is not, in fact, an elf, but a human. He goes on an adventure to New York City to find his father, where his love for all things Christmas wreaks havoc. 

The Polar Express

Based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express.  This is an animated film that follows the journey of a boy that doubts Christmas. The boy finds himself on a magical train destined for Santa’s home in the North Pole, and during the journey he discovers that magic never fades for those who choose to believe.

What is your favorite movie/s to watch during Christmas?

*This post is in collaboration with Share It Quick. 

Jacob's Winter Footwear and Accessories Wish List with Shoetique

I've recently post Summer's winter shoe wish list, thus, I thought I would do one for Jacob too.

We are off to Center Parc's Winter Wonderland soon - our annual winter holiday, and Jacob is in need of some good wellies for all the woodland walks, some nice snugly slips for the cold evenings, flips flops for around the indoor pool and an umbrella - as it always rains when we go.

Here is our wish list:

 

Hunter KIDS Original Contrast Boots Pillar Box Red Now only £29.50. These fun, pull on wellies will be perfect for Jacob, not only for our Center Parcs weekend, but also when we take the dogs for a walk - Or maybe we might just want to go out in the rain and jump in some muddle puddles!

Just Sheepskin Kids Slippers Adelphi Midnight Now half price at £12.50. The kids are always wearing my slippers, thus, these super snugly slips would be perfect for Jacob, keeping his feet warm in the cold months, and great to wear around the villa when we go on our Winter holiday.

Kid's Military Red Hunter Original Moustache Bubble Umbrella costs £20. Love this umbrella, Jacob's broke recently, this would be a great replacement.  

Havaianas Kids Sandals Brasil Logo Citrus Yellow now £13.00. Jacob goes to swimming classes and always wears flip flops, and with all the swimming we are planning for our Winter holiday, flips flops are a must. He loves his flip flops and owns a couple of pairs, but our puppy chewed his favorite pair and I promised him some new ones.  These Havaianas for kids would be perfect - Jacob loves the bright colors.

Cookies and Milk #milkdrinkersmilk

Cookies and milk, probably one of the most iconic pairings of food and drink. A classic snack time - the soft sweetness of the milk coupled with the crunchy goodness of the cookie. The two work perfectly together. 

I have fond childhood memories of dipping my cookies in milk,  normally after school in the winter months or late-night. A soothing combination, making it the perfect wind-down time snack.

Some people have a preferred cookie, I don't mind as for me it is all about the milk, the milk has to be light and fresh, which is what you get with Cravendale.

Cravendale milk is filtered much more than regular milk and it not pastaurised, therefore, it has less bacteria, and it stays fresh for seven days after opening it.

Nowadays I prefer to eat my cookies dry and drink my milk without bits of cookies in it, whereas when I was a child I used to dunk - My children love to dunk their cookies into the milk, eat them soggy and drink the milk afterwards with bits of crumbs in - They say cookies taste so much better when dunked into milk.

My kids love the combination of cookies and milk and have it most days. 

And, when it gets colder, we will heat the milk to a nice warm temperature and drink it warm, which always takes me back to the cold winters we had as a child. A ritual by many is to drink a warm glass of milk as is said to help you wind down to sleep - it's not just an old wives tale. Milk is rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which helps in the production of the sleep inducing brain chemicals, serotonin and melatonin.

How do you prefer to drink yours? are you a dunker?

This post is an entry for BritMums #MilkDrinkersMilk Linky Challenge, sponsored by Cravendale and linking to the Cravendale Twitter account <https://twitter.com/cravendale

Autumn / Winter Boots Wish List

As the cold weather moves in, the winter clothing comes out, as well as the coats and the boots.

I am a boots person through and through. I would much rather wear boots (except during the warmer months). They look great with everything and they are more comfortable than most shoes (no edges cutting into your foot, you can wear socks and have room for super soft insoles). 

Thus, I have put together my wish list with Brantano, my must have boots for this winter:

I like to have brown boots and well as black in my shoe cupboard - these brown Lotus Cristal Ankle Boots Casual Boots (£40) are great casual boots to wear with jeans or a dress / skirt with thick tights. 

Clarks Taylor Storm Ankle Boots (£70), stylish and trendy, perfect to be worn with a nice dress and thick tights, or with skinny jeans. These are my favourite (I just might have to treat myself to a pair)

Free Step Snug Mid Calf Boots (£50), are a must have for the school runs in the cold and wet months.  They are a Suede boot with faux fur lining treated with micro-fresh technology, that fit onto your feet snugly and keep them warm.

Finally, everyone should own a pair of wellies.  These are perfect for the days I take the dogs for a walk.  These Cotswold Fairisle Wellington Boots (£18) have a seasonal feel and look pretty. 

What's your must have boot/s for winter?

World Smile Day Help Primula Cheese #spreadasmile for Make-A-Wish

It's World Smile day today, and I am supporting Primula Cheese with their campaign to help spread the smiles. 

Primula Cheese are working with Make-A-Wish® UK to raise funds to help grant magical wishes to seriously ill children. Throughout October and November, they will be donating 20% of the profits from the sale of their special ‘Just Say Cheese’ tubes to Make-A-Wish® UK.

You can help by posting a picture of someone or something that makes you smile using the hashtag: #spreadasmile. And, not forgetting, you can get yourself a limited edition of Primula Cheese in stores now.
So, what makes me smile?

No matter what mood I am in, no matter what is happening, seeing my children makes me smile. Every day I realise how lucky I am, but I also understand that not everyone is as lucky, thus, let's help as many seriously ill children as possible, by sharing #spreadasmile.

Halford's First Motoring Workshop for Women

I am completely guilty at avoiding to check or doing anything with my car and instead I get my hubby to do it for me. We have two cars, hubby drives his company car, whilst I drive the family car.  And, I would love to be more confident in knowing what, where and how to check and maintain the car - the basics. 

I've ran out of oil before, to which I only knew as I told hubby the car was overheating. I've even ran out of petrol before and didn't realise why the car wouldn't start until the AA guy told me (embarrassing moment that was), and I run out of screen washer often - It's safe to say, I am useless when it comes to the car.

But I am not the only one. A recent study by Halford's found that more than three-quarters of women (77%) don’t check their cars themselves for winter, with a third (32%) not knowing how. When it comes to oil, 21% of women didn’t know how to identify if oil is low, and a third (29%) not knowing which oil is right for their car. 

I didn't even realise that you had to consider buying the right type oil for your car.

When Halford's got the results from their research, they knew there was something they could do for their customers to help them feel more confident when it comes to maintaining and checking their car. Thus, they have teamed up with motoring star and supermodel Jodie Kidd with the aim to encouraging women to become motoring savvy. 

Jodie Kidd said, “My love of cars and driving is no secret, and over my years of racing I’ve learnt the mechanics of a car – I think it is so important for women to know how to maintain their cars and to understand what’s going on beneath the bonnet.” 

And, with this new collaboration, Halford's have launched a free Women’s Winter Motor Workshops. They are trialling the free workshops, worth £10, as a one-off session in 420 of its stores on the evening of Monday, 12 October.

If you would like to learn how to check the oil, wiper blades and lights, along with expert advice and tips on the basic maintenance during the winter months, please visit here, to book your free spot.
  

“Our workshops are aimed at women who want to know more about the basics of car maintenance ahead of winter, when cars take more strain with colder weather and driving conditions can become more hazardous.” 

Halford's also holds free Kids’ Bike Workshops, which have been attended by 62,000 children and their parents, as well as free Women’s Bike Workshops which were attended by 2,500 women.



  

LBD The Little Black Dress

The Little Black Dress often referred to simply as LBD is a staple addition to any wardrobe, the little black dress never goes out of fashion. Every woman should have one in their wardrobe, ready to be worn for any occasion - I've owned many different shapes and styles over the years - it is my go-to dress, one that can be complimented with accessories - whether that be sparkly jewellery, shoes etc. or brightly coloured additions. 

Whatever your shape or size there's an LBD out there for everyone - Wearing one makes you feel elegant and beautiful.

In the infographic below are 12 most iconic Little Black Dresses throughout time, starting with Chanel's LBD in 1926 going right up to Angelina Jolie in her leg-baring infamous pose in 2012. My favourite being Tina Turners - simple but stunning. 

What one is your favourite?

Virtual Health Service with Smartphone Apps

Would you use a smartphone app to receive a video consultation with a doctor? Skipping the long queues and waiting times.. does it sound like a service you would pay for and use?

Yet again I was at the doctor's last week, for my Acne; it had flared up and was very sore and I was embarrassed to go out again. So I booked a doctor's appointment, and I was lucky to get one the following day. I had to bring Summer along with me as no one was available to look after her, and I had a to cancel a couple of work meetings.  All because if I didn't take the appointment the following day, I would have to wait over another week for the next available appointment.  90 minutes later, and trying desperately to keep Summer entertained and quiet, failing miserably, she was very bored and getting very loud - I finally heard my name called out. Yes! here we go. 

Quick 5 minutes with the doctor and I was prescribed antibiotics and we were off home. 

With a whole morning missed, no wonder I avoid the doctors.

It was the other week when I see a television advert for the latest smartphone app 'Dr Now'. These apps offer immediate consultations and diagnosis/medication with a qualified doctor at the comfort of your own home/bed via video call for a small fee.

Wow.. sounds like something out of the future right?! But no, it is here and available now, and a service that is likely to grow as people start to trust it - As that is what it is, all about confidence and trust with using such a service and as the word gets out, and people start to use it more, I am sure in a few years time, consulting doctors via an app will be a convenient service used often.

However, as this is new, people are more likely to be wary.

Pryers Solicitors have recently been carrying out some research into these new online doctor apps. They asked adults in the UK if they would be willing to use an app like this. Interestingly 68% said no. The full release can be found here. 

My thoughts. I would use the app for myself, but when it comes to the children, I wouldn't, I would still want the presence of a doctor and therefore always opt for a surgery appointment when it comes to the children. The app service does involve a cost, roughly £25 for a consultation. I think depending on demographics, age, and lifestyle, this app will suit some and will be a welcomed convenience, but for others it would definitely not be a considered option.

Inman Aligner with Sensu

Braces are beneficial not just for the aesthetic appeal, but they can also be because misaligned teeth affect more than just a person’s smile. Misaligned teeth may cause different problems like tooth decay, TMD, and grinding of the teeth. 

I am a grinder which I have previously wrote about here. My dentist identified a few years ago, that I was wearing away a lot of my enamel caused by clenching and grinding my teeth. When my teeth are together the top teeth cover up the bottom ones quite a bit, thus my dentist recommended to me getting an Inman aligner fitted, which would help straighten my teeth and ease some of my grinding.

I always thought I grinded my teeth due to stress, anxiety etc., while emotions do come into play, physical factors like misaligned teeth can also cause you to grind your teeth. And, grinding my teeth over a period of time (ever since I was a child), has caused me all sorts of issues: jaw pain, migraines, clicking jaw, and chipping of teeth. These issues come from a lot of pressure on the joints caused by the grinding, the joint is the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull, thus, this is why I suffer from clicking, migraines etc.

I've worn a gum splint in night for a while now, and although, I still suffer from aching jaw, clicking jaw etc.. my migraines have almost stopped. So, what else can I do to help alleviate the jaw pain and clicking. Well, as my dentist suggested, to try by getting my teeth aligned.

So what is an Inman Aligner?

They are a slim brace which is made up of a coiled spring and a metal bar. The spring and the metal bar generate forces, which effectively and painlessly push and pull the teeth into position to straighten the teeth. 

The Inman Aligner is not invisible because the fine metal bar runs along the front of the teeth, but this is a very discreet treatment and treatment time is short. The cost of Inman Aligner treatment will depend upon the severity of the crowding, but typically it is a more affordable option than other forms of cosmetic braces.

School Shoes Wish List

Only 2 more weeks before the kids head back to school, a new school-year. Liam's final year taking his GCSE's, Lewis's 2nd year at secondary school, Jacob is moving up from Reception to Year 1, and Summer is starting Nursery.  And, it is time to sort the kids school shoes out - 4 new pairs, and one big hole in the pocket. 

I always look for well-made shoes, shoes that will last the wear and tear kids put them through, something they are happy to wear and a pair that are comfortable.

My wish list of shoes from Charles Clinkard :

Summer starts Nursery in September, she will be going to the same school as Jacob! Summer loves the Lelli Kelly shoes, and these would be perfect for her first pair of school shoes (especially as she loves anything with a bow on it).

Jacob, needs a tough shoe, one that will give the wear and tear a 5-year-old needs. A comfortable shoe, that is also smart looking and will last, Geox Junior Giant.  Geox is a brand I have used over the years - shoes that I trust and love.

Lewis, pre-teens would like something more mature, but still easy and comfortable for him to wear, thus, these Kickers Reasan Strap youth shoes, are perfect for him.

Liam will be 16 in a few months, he is in adult shoes, so for Liam these Josef Seibel Douglas slip on shoes are perfect for what he needs (and what he will wear) they are in the sale at the moment as well!

Baby On Board: Harnessing Your Safety Knowledge

From birth to 12 years (or up to 135cm in height) your child should be seated in the car with a car seat - it is the Law and there are very few exceptions.

Car accidents are the leading cause of deaths in children aged 1 - 12, but did you know that using the correct car seat and installing it correctly, can reduce the risk of a child's death by a whopping 71%. Not only is it our responsibility as the driver, but it is our duty of care to make sure the child is restrained safely and correctly.

Car seat safety is something that we should feel passionately about. 

Below are lots of important points to consider when thinking about car seat safety:

Holiday Essentials

We off on holiday soon, we were booked to go to Tunisia at the end of this month, but for obvious reasons it is now cancelled and we find ourselves trying to re-oganize our holiday.  In the meantime, I continue to get myself organize, buying the last of the kids clothes, cosmetics and most important all the sun creams and medicines.

I was offered £50 credit to order what I wanted from Chemist Direct, thus I ordered a few items that we will need to take on holiday, from sun creams to plasters. I managed to get quite a bit with my £50.

With 4 kids, keeping medicines and first aid items close to you during your travels is important, as you never know what you may need - i.e. from a wasp sting to an earache. 

The Basics:

• Painkillers: For headaches and hangovers (or in my case a bit of sun stroke).
• Stomach medicines: From all the travelling your tummy might play up a bit to something you eat at the hotel might not agree with you - just not diarrhoea but constipation.
• Allergies: Tablets or liquid antihistamines are effective for itching, skin rashes and insect bites.
• Plasters: For blisters, and any minor cuts and scraps.
• Sunburn: The most important item to pack! Sunburn is prevented with a sunblock cream that has a high sun protection factor (SPF). We always pop some after sun as well.
• Decongestants: I suffer with my sinuses and it is essential for me to have my decongestants near me.
• Ears: for ear infections or blocked ears.
• Extras: Tweezers, safety pins and mini scissors.

Are you going on holiday or been recently what are your essentials?

Hair Care Summer Tips

I had my hair cut short was when I was 13; that was 23 years ago and since then I have had long hair, until a few months back. I have very thick and coarse hair, and back when I was a teenager there was no such thing as hair straighteners, so for me, having short hair kind of looked liked I had a helmet full of frizz - not a look I liked, thus that one hair cut 23 years ago, put me off having short hair, until last year. 

It was just before Christmas when I decided to go short (knowing I had the tools to control my hair), thus, I had a long bob that sits just on my shoulders and I love it.

Although it is easier and looks healthy in some sense, it does force me to pay more attention to it, purely because I can't just pile my hair in a bun like I used to!  - I wear it down a lot more now, which is great.

However, it also means I am using hot straighteners on my hair alot more, causing damage, thus my tip in protecting your hair from heat, is to add a tablespoon of coconut oil in with the condition. This adds a layer of protection, and locks moisture in.

Below are some further great tips on hair care by allcures.com on how to achieve healthier hair:

Click on the image for the full resolution version, for more great tips for your summer hair care go to: http://allcures.com/blog/7-great-hair-care-tips-for-summer/

Peer to Peer Lending

Lending Works is a social lending website where you can directly lend to other creditworthy people without using a bank as an intermediary. The people benefit from low-cost loans while you earn interest.

It's a concept where you put your money up to lend to people - it feels just like putting your money in normal fixed-rate savings account. You choose how much cash and how long you want to lock it away for, and you'll get a return.

Peer-to-peer lending
Is a way to invest your money through P2P websites like Lending Works. These websites are basically online financial matchmakers; matching individual borrowers with savers (AKA the lender / investor) willing to put money in, with the aim to achieve a good return. There is no middle-man, thus borrows may achieve lower rates than going to a traditional bank and the saver will get a much-improved headline rate.

Risk

Your money isn't just lent to anyone, borrowers do have to pass through rigorous application and credit checks. But, your returns (and indeed your capital) aren’t guaranteed. The primary risk is, of course, not being repaid. These websites do all the repayment chasing on your behalf - so there's no legwork.

Each P2P site has its own way to control this risk, and most work well, however, it is a crucial factor to research and consider when choosing.

Protection

Lender insurance - not all P2P sites offer this facility, but Lending Works is one website that do - designed to protect your money in the unfortunate event of your borrows defaulting on the loan you lent them.

Tax
The interest you earn is subject to income tax, thus you will have to fill out a self-assessment each financial year, and you may have to pay tax.

Pinata Party

Next month is Summer's birthday! She will be 3.

We plan to throw her a little party with family and close friends. As it is peak summer, it will be perfect for a BBQ, and a party theme in what she loves - anything princess.

Party games are important - Piñata is a popular game in parties, we always have piñata for birthday and Halloween etc. and I plan to have a piñata party for Summer's birthday - Dazzle have a fantastic range of pinata's from racing cars, to butterflies. For Summer's birthday we got her the Frozen piñata - I know she will love this.

But I was thinking the other day, what else can I put in the piñata besides sweets - something different, new and something the kids won't be expecting.

Why is it that pinata’s are always filled with sweets? Yes, sweets are really yummy and of course, the kids love it – but the actual thrill of a piñata is whacking it, hoping and watching the things drop out. But why not try something different! Here are some fun and unique ideas on what to put in your party piñata:

Erasers, Crayons, Notepads/Colouring Books,Gliders, Key-rings, Bubbles, Yo-yo’s, Spinning tops, Stickers, Water squirt guns, Finger Puppets, Glow sticks, bouncy balls... many more

The list of things to fill your piñata with is just endless. All you need to do is mix it up - put something different in bar sweets. You can imagine how fun it would be if you are having a party and something different fell out of the piñata - the kids would love it.

What to Wear in Bed for a Good Night's Sleep

One of the biggest reasons many people have a hard time sleeping each night isn’t to do with the mattress, it’s that they are not properly dressed for spending several hours under the sheets. When the body is uncomfortable, you wind up tossing and turning through the night and not only interrupt your own sleeping pattern, you make it a challenge for your partner to get a full night sleep too.

Comfortable Cotton Flannel Pajamas

The most important thing you can do when you go to bed is to wear loose fitting clothing. As you toss and turn in your sleep, tight-fitting pajamas can begin to restrict and cut off circulation in parts of the body. This can be one of the reasons why you wake up frequently during the night. If the pajamas that you wear to bed are snug, consider getting a pair the next size bigger to allow the body to move freely through the night. This will improve the quality of your sleep and allow the body to remain cooler longer.

Onesie or Teddy

Many inexpensive onesies are made from materials that can irritate the skin during the night. If the nightwear is not made of silk or cotton, chances are the body is not staying cool each night and you are overheating under your duvet. Light-weight cotton or silk onesies are designed to breathe, allowing air to flow through the material and keeping the skin temperature more comfortable. While these might cost slightly more money, they are worth the investment to get a sound sleep every night and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on all the challenges of the day.

Lightweight Vest Tops

Once you get under the sheet or duvet, your body will slowly get acclimated to the warmer temperature. There really is no reason to wear heavy pajamas or long sleeve shirts to bed each night. To stay cool in bed, sleep in cotton pajama bottoms but a vest top. The reduction of the clothing on the upper portion of your body will greatly reduce your body temperature and make it more comfortable to fall asleep. If you get a chill, you can always add another blanket.

Pensions for the Self-Employed

So what is a pension! it is a tax-free pot of cash you, or if you are employed, your employer (and sometimes the Government) pays into, a central way of saving up for your retirement.

Retirement, pfft I haven't even considered thinking about my retirement, not when my priorities have been my savings for my children and my current career. I've really not given a pension much thought.

But, I know I must! I am self-employed, thus I do not have an employer paying into a plan for me, unlike my hubby does. And because I am self-employed I face a particular challenge in saving for retirement, and I need to recognise this, especially as I am not getting any younger - the responsibility lies entirely with me.

But then how easy is it to start a pension? to merge all my smaller pensions from the employee jobs I have had over the years - A pension whilst being self-employed is a minefield of information you need to research, you want to get the right one that suits you the best, right? And, if you are like me you just don't have the time or desire to go sit down with a financial adviser for a couple of hours.

With Nutmeg you have either option to start a new pension from scratch or if applicable, you can bring all your existing pensions under one roof. Then you have the control where you can grow your pension automatically by Direct Debit, or you organise for your employer to contribute directly. Nutmeg allows you to build up a retirement pension fund in a tax efficient way.

If you do start a pension, then don't forgot about the available tax relief (as per the annual allowance). Because if you are self-employed you will automatically receive 20% tax relief as an additional deposit into your pension pot. You can also reclaim tax relief from the previous three tax years.

My Petite Wish List with House of Fraser

As our holiday draws closer I've been doing lots of window shopping and starting to think more about the clothes for myself. I've already bought lots of clothes for the kids, but now I need to pick some items up for me. Thus, I have started to put together a wish list of a few of my favourite items from House of Fraser petite range.

Being petite, I do struggle to find clothing that I like and that fits me, so I always appreciate a brand that offers petite clothing, and my favourite is House of Fraser - they always have a great range available.  

I've have put together my 5 pieces that I would love to get for my upcoming holiday this summer.

This Miss Selfridge Petites Denim T-Shirt Dress  is on-trend, versatile, and a staple piece; perfect for the summer months with some flats, or perfect in the 

winter months with some thick tights and my ankle boots. Just a lovely summer dress.

I am also loving Daisy Printed Joggers. I wear jeans too often and would love to start wearing different types of trousers; comfy and stylish. Light and cool to wear in warmer weather, can be worn either during the day as casual, of find the right top, and they would be great in the evening sitting by the poolside watching the hotel entertainment.

Shorts, or half short half skirt, also known as a Skort. These beautiful Petite Blossom Print Skorts are perfect for the summer days and are just so pretty. 

I very rarely buy maxi dresses due to me being petite, but this beautiful Miss Selfridge White Crochet Maxi from the petite range would be perfect for an evening out on holiday; simple, but stunning.

I can't go on holiday without a cardigan. A cardi is a must-have for the cooler evenings, where you can wrap yourself up in your cardigan whilst sitting outdoors drinking a cocktail and watching the hotel's entertainment. This white cardigan, with the embellished neckline, can be worn with almost any outfit and perfect to keep the chill off in the evening.  

So that is my wish list of items from the House of Fraser Petite range for my upcoming holiday, with quite a few light and summery pieces, nothing bright, all of which is just how I like it; safe but stylish.

Garden Refresh

The past couple of years we have almost neglected our poor garden, we've done the bog standard maintenance of cutting the grass regularly, but that is it, and when it comes to the rest of the garden, i.e. the decking that looked old, the shed that looked drab, and the patches of mud around the shed, nothing has been refreshed or changed recently.

The shed was positioned on the grass very near the decking area, and whenever the boys went in the shed to get their bikes or scooters out, or if we popped something in the wheelie bins which were positioned next to the shed, we would always traipse mud into the house and all over our carpet - it became very frustrating, even all the mats we placed outside and inside just didn't help.

I came to the conclusion that the garden was in desperate need of some love and attention.

Hubby had the week off so we started cleaning up the garden, we moved the shed, painted it, dug out a patio area, laid the slabs, positioned the shed on the patio area, painted the decking, and decorated the garden with some fresh new accessories. A lot of hard work and effort has finally gone into our garden, although, we are not quite finished, we are pleased with the changes thus far. It looks much better, brighter, and appealing. 

Below you can see our two new favourite decorations that we received from the lovely people at Millrace Garden Centre; we've added them into our garden and we think they look fab, they bring character into our garden, and the kids enjoy them, as do I.

These two the bright cute ladybirds climbing up our house.

The new solar silhouette owl that sits silently on our garden wall, watching over the garden and in the night glows.

St John Ambulance’s Big First Aid Lesson

St John Ambulance is reaching out to parents to inform their child’s school about the Big First Aid Lesson, an educational event that aims to equip over 50,000 young people with the skills to act in an emergency. Television star Claudia Winkleman is set to host the biggest free first aid lesson in the country on Friday 12 June 2015.

The Big First Aid Lesson is a one hour free, online first aid session streamed live into classrooms across the country. The lesson will combine first aid training and 999 scenarios with real life stories, as well as opportunities for pupils to join the conversation via Google Hangouts. It is aimed at students between seven and 16-years-old.

The only equipment schools will need is an internet connection and a screen (such as an interactive whiteboard) for their pupils to watch in the classroom or during assembly. This year, the event will focus on first aid skills that might be needed over the summer holidays and pupils will learn how to confidently deal with head injuries, asthma attacks and anaphylactic shock, which can happen to people who have allergies.

Last year over 32,000 young people tuned into St John Ambulance’s first Big First Aid Lesson – and this year the charity wants even more to take part. By 2018 the charity is aiming to train two million children a year in life saving skills.

Claudia Winkleman, a TV presenter and mother of three, said:

‘The Big First Aid Lesson is a fantastic and engaging way of teaching students the skills they may need to help keep a classmate or a family member safe in an emergency while they’re out on the playground or enjoying their summer holidays. All schools should make teaching young people basic first aid a top priority.’

Wendy Human, Director of Charitable Initiatives and Training, St John Ambulance said:

'We’re asking teachers to commit just one hour of their timetables to the Big First Aid Lesson so every student can learn how to save a life - it could be the most important lesson your child ever learns.

‘We’re looking forward to working with Claudia to create a fun first aid hour, so more young people can feel confident to deal with any first aid emergency.’

Young life saver

St John Ambulance frequently hears stories of schoolchildren needing to give first aid. 17-year-old sixth former, Austin Sullivan put his life saving skills to the test when a classmate had a seizure.

The student remembered the first aid training he learnt at school less than 12 months earlier on a St John Ambulance course as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award. He immediately took control of the situation and applied his first aid knowledge to help his friend who was having an epileptic fit while they were playing football at lunchtime. Austin’s classmate went up for a header and when he crashed to the ground he started to have a fit.

Austin stayed calm and asked other students to clear back so his friend had enough space around him and then asked someone to go and get a teacher and call for an ambulance.

‘I waited for my friend to finish fitting and then put him into the recovery position. I tried to reassure him that he was going to be ok and stayed with him until the ambulance arrived. No one at school knew he had epilepsy.’

Austin added: ‘If I hadn’t have had first aid training, I wouldn’t have had a clue what to do that lunchtime. When I did the course last year I thought I would probably never need to use first aid on anyone in the real world, but I’m really glad that I had the skills to help a friend. Everyone should learn first aid.’

St John Ambulance believes first aid should be on the National Curriculum, so that we can teach first aid to an entire generation. The charity is asking parliamentary candidates to promise to support first aid in schools on a special website: thepromise.sja.org.uk Members of the public can also pledge their support on the same site – so that politicians know first aid in schools is important – and check which candidates in their constituency have signed up.

For more information about the Big First Aid Lesson or to register, go to www.sja.org.uk/bigfirstaidlesson