Gifts for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is THIS Sunday the 6th March, and if you are like me you haven't sorted out the cards and gifts out yet - fear not we still have time to shop. 

Mother's Day is a day dedicated to saying 'thank you mum', to show how much your appreciate them and how much you care.

You can do this in many ways of course. Cook them a dinner, take them out to dinner, make them a gift, or like many people, buy them a gift.

If you are still looking for Mother’s Day presents then look no further - I have put together an array of beautiful gifts from Tesco that I feel any mother would surely love and appreciate. - I know I would.  But for myself, although these ideas are lovely, for me I would be happy with just the kids homemade cards and a big kiss - and maybe a cup of tea in bed in the morning. But, as we get older, I like to take the opportunity to treat my mum and mum-in-law with a gift to say a special thanks for all the help and love they give to us and the children through the year.

And, for the past few years, we have bought my mum and mother in law candles, thus, I am keen to give something different this year, something they aren't expecting.

So I've put together a selection of gifts I feel would they would love.  

My gift list:

• Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs is a beautiful Floral fragrance for Women. This is a 30ml Spray Eau de Toilette. RRP £42.54
• Beautiful Ceramic Vase - This would make a lovely centerpiece. RRP £39.99. 
• Parlane Set of Two Glass Photo Frames - x2 rustic wall hanging photo frames - Both Hold 8" x 10". RRP £29.90 - don't forget to add some special photos in the frames.
• A premium bunch of Roses included with the glass vase - 12 premium roses with gypsophila. RRP £30.00
• Freshwater Pearl Rose Clasp Bracelet - A gorgeous creamy white freshwater pearl bracelet with a stunning sterling silver rose feature clasp fastening. Length 7.5". Gift boxed. RRP £29.95
• Maxwell Williams 3 Tier Heart Cake Stand - Perfect to entertain in style. RRP £24.95

My favourite is the cake stand, with its heart-shaped tiers, it looks simple but stunning, I would love this on my table with beautiful cakes sitting on it. What better way than to have family or friends round and to present them with this cake stand full of cakes.

Toddler Sleep Problems? All The Secrets You Need To Know

Toddlers. They are adorable and frustrating all in one go right? Especially if they are having problems with their sleep. They need sleep to function, to be happy and settled. Why don’t they realise that? However a lot of the time when a toddler is having difficulty with their sleep it’s normally something easy to resolve. Here are a few of the most common toddler sleep problems and a few secrets to help you combat them.

My toddler won’t nap.

You know he still needs that time during the day. He always sleeps much better at night when he has had one. But yet your little one won’t go down for their nap in the day anymore. This could be a few different reasons. But they may be overstimulated, or had too much TV or Screen time on a tablet.

The way to try and resolve this would be to establish a little nap time routine. It could be a less time-consuming version of bedtime such as reading a story and having a cuddle.

It’s also worth trying to stick to a regular time and consistency is the key.

Sourced through Flickr

My toddler is getting too big for his cot.

It’s inevitable that our little ones will grow and soon be out of the cot and ready for a toddler bed. This can be quite a daunting time and can unsettle their sleep. It’s worth looking into some children's cabin beds and making the transition.

The way to do this smoothly is by a gradual process. First allow them to spend nap times in it, and the bedtime routine. Making a slow transition into the “big boy” or ‘big girl's” bed. Being in the bed instead of a cot will help with their sleep as they have more space to get comfortable.

Sourced through Flickr

My toddler is over-stimulated and won’t settle.

Everything is new and exciting for toddlers, so it’s no surprise that they can get overstimulated easily. Just meeting a new person or being out for the day can cause it. Although you can’t predict when it will happen there are few things to remember to try and avoid over-stimulation.

Alternating the type of play between something stimulating and quiet time can help your toddler to relax throughout the day. It’s also worth establishing a consistent routine and even a naptime if they need it. Consistency is always the key as unpredictable days from one extreme to another can have a stimulating effect on your little one.

If they go to bed later, will the sleep in later?

The thought process behind it makes total sense. Later to be, later to get up but this is not the case. Like us, toddlers have that natural wake up point. An over-tired child will never settle as easy, and it could cause more problems in the long run.

Of course, there are ways to combat an early riser. Things like explaining about light and dark. Dark is nighttime; light is morning. Also, if you hear your toddler wake try and leave them for a little way. They may have a whinge or cry but quite often they will settle back to sleep for a little while. Of course, if they sound upset, then go to them.

I hope some of these secrets will help you combat some toddler sleep problems. Please note that this is a post written on experience and any persistent problems should be checked by a doctor.

Once Upon A Holiday

In the spirit of Mark Warner's search for bloggers to join their team of ambassadors for 2016, one of the options was Creative Writing profile, thus, I thought I would have some fun and try my creative writing skills out, sharing what the perfect holiday would be - Which in hindsight is simple, as long as it is with my hubby and kids, no matter where it is, then that is the perfect holiday to me - although one dream is to take the boys skiing for the first time and sharing that experience with them.

Here is a little piece I put together:

This is the tale of a blogger and her family and a dream.  

Once upon a time, there was a blogger....

who had a dream, lots of dreams, probably too many dreams of that extra special holiday.   

This blogger lived in a 'castle' with her family.  She was lucky in love, with 4 beautiful children, she had a good job and enjoys a hobby she loves (blogging). This blogger considers herself a very lucky person, with 3 gorgeous princes's that make her proud every day, a king who is her best friend and more, and she gets to take care of her step-grandprincess as her full guardian.

Life in the blogger 'castle' is full of love and laughter, but it is also fast and furious - the days rush away with no hope of slowing down.

And, sometimes the blogger would like time to slow down, a couple of weeks to fly away, to a holiday 'castle' leaving behind all the daily royal tasks - this would be the dream. A new abode for the week in a foreign country, somewhere special, so this blogger can spend time with her family, sharing new sights, sharing memories and experiences.

Enjoying each others company and just being together, whether sunbathing next to each other on a white sunny beach or skiing (attempting) down a piste.

But once upon a time.... they had a special holiday abroad booked, one that was long overdue and one that the whole family were looking forward too. But then one morning an evil villain marched onto a beach, and everything changed. Thus, that dream holiday abroad was lost - but not was all lost as the blogger and her family stayed in a beautiful woodland lodge, surrounded by deer, squirrels and large pigeons; along with typical British weather, it rained a lot, and instead of golden surrongs and glass flipflops they holidayed in macs and wellies.

One day maybe one day the blogger's fairy godfather will appear, and this blogger will get to wear her beautiful golden surrong and her children will get to play with their magical snorkels. 

This blogger awaits her 'happy' ending...  she waits for her knight in shining armour to maybe make her a #MarkWarnerMum.

This is my entry for to become a MarkWarner ambassador 2016 as a creative writer profile.

Make a quick sale by styling your house on a budget

If the time has come for you to move on from your current home, you don’t have to break the bank to improve your chances of selling. Today, I’ll be looking at the best ways for you to style your home, but without spending unnecessary money on a new kitchen or pricey furniture.

Always Upcycle

If you haven’t come across it before, upcycling is when you take an old, tired piece of furniture and give it a new lease of life, whether that’s with just a coat of paint or the use of some vibrant fabric. If you have come across this before, you should know that it’s also a lot of fun. 

It’s so satisfying to make something yourself, especially if you can get the kids involved. Go around your home and look for pieces of furniture that are making your rooms look a bit drab; old wooden coffee tables can be re-painted and distressed to give it that oh-so-desirable shabby chic look.

Style Un-used Rooms

I think everyone is guilty of having a room or a cupboard that they use purely to throw things in. Then you can forget they exist when people come round to visit. Unfortunately, this can really put off a buyer; they might desperately need that extra room but discount your house because they can’t even see if it is a room.

Take everything out of there and either throw it away or find new home for it. It’s time to give this room a new purpose. Whether it’s a study or a nursery that you want, remember that this is about saving money, so don’t rush out and buy a tonne of new expensive furniture. Furniture rental companies are a life-saver in these situations, because you can get top-quality furniture without the price tag. Plus, they often have expertise with show-homes and interior styling, so you might be able to pick their brain for ideas!

Simple Improvements Can Make All The Difference

The little details are the ones people will notice the most. Don’t be afraid to use accessories in a room to enhance it. Darker rooms will benefit from some soft lighting, while larger rooms need to look as though they’re actually lived in, so add some personal touches.

Then, focus on making small improvements like boxing off exposed piping in the bathroom, as well as taking care of any grouting that has gone mouldy. Do you have any loose wiring in places or peeling wallpaper? If it means stripping it down and re-painting it a neutral colour then so be it! People will notice, and you don’t want to give them an excuse to leave early. You can find more of these little improvements here.

I hope this tips on budget home-styling will help you make that quick sale. Let me know what happens - do you have any tips of your own?

3 amazing ways to spend a happy evening

After spending a busy day, we tend to laze around in the evenings and when we do that, it seems like a long time before we can actually call it a night. So, have you ever wondered what can be done to make your winter evenings a bit more fun and interesting? If not then just rethink on that, as happier evenings is a gateway to receive more from life. Keeping this in mind, I am listing down 3 amazing ways for you to make your evenings healthier and happier: 

Yoga

Exercising in the evening is an impressive way to get rid of the stress we encounter through out the day at work or at home. Just be careful, and stick on to some mild exercises which wouldn’t affect your sleepy time. Especially yoga work wonders as it helps you to stay healthy along with getting a good night sleep.

Play

Isn’t it fascinating that we have the world of entertainment right at our fingertips? All we need in an internet connection to enjoy all kinds of online gaming activities. The type of online gaming that I usually prefer is online bingo as it is relaxing, fun and economical at the same time. Online bingo game is now available online as well as on the mobile devices. These games are perfectly suitable for those times when you are zoning out and still wants to have fun. As all you need to do is select your kind of bingo game and play to your hearts content. On reliable sites like New Look Bingo and goldenbingo.co.uk you can even get free bingo bonuses and play all the free games as it wouldn’t cost you a thing. Don’t you feel it’s an excellent way of relaxing after spending a hectic day?

Read

If you’re among those people who loves reading, then trust me it is a great way of relaxing your mind before winding up for the day. In addition to this, you get to learn a lot of things and enhance your knowledge on it.

These are just a few but effective ways of making your evenings healthier and productive. So just give it a try!  

#MotherToAnother Charity - How You Can Help

What do you do with your kids old clothes?  throw them away? stash them in your loft? Well, there is a much better way, a more rewarding way - you can help put those old clothes to good use.

Between now until the 5th March JoJo Maman Bebe are helping vulnerable families in the UK via the Trussell Trust’s food banks, and Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. Their aim is to get thousands of parents involved in donating outgrown and unwanted children’s clothes.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: 

Put together 2 or more complete outfits from your child’s wardrobe, the outfit quality should be either a little worn, nearly new or outgrown clothes - sizes 0-6 years. 

Make sure the outfits are clean and tidy - good enough for what you would dress your own child in.

Place in a clear plastic bag and label with size/sex/season. E.g. 0-3mths/unisex/summer. 

Drop the outfit of at a JoJo store between 2nd February and 5th March 2016. 

As a Thank You, JoJo Maman Bebe are offering a £5 thank you gift voucher when two or more unwanted or outgrown good quality outfits are donated to store. (One voucher per customer. Valid with a £35 minimum spend). 

WHAT WILL JOJO MAMAN BEBE DO NEXT: 

They double check all donations and where necessary will add extra items. They will then pack into gorgeous gift bags to deliver to our partner charities for distribution. 

They cover the cost for sorting staff and all delivery costs to our charity partners. 

They cover all the shipping costs, import tax and onward distribution to the Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

What an excellent opportunity for you to give your old child's clothes to a good cause.

Will 2016 be your year

Would you like to have a bit of fun and take a look to the year ahead and see what 2016 will bring you?

Paddy Power, have created a fun starter guide to deciphering your magic number! All you have to do is play along with the easy quiz below and see what 2016 will bring you - just 3 quick questions.

This fun quiz uses the ancient methods of numerology. Numerology is a science based on numbers and their effect on our lives. Each number is influenced by a different planet in our Solar System. The numbers under which we are born predict our fortune. Numerologist believe that the calendar years go in cycles of 9 and each year is personal to you.

Do you believe? then give it ago, if you don't then give it a try anyhow. 

I like taking and sharing quizzes like this, it is interesting to see the conclusion and reading my fourtune. My number for 2016 came up at 7 and my fortune read, it should be a spiritual year for me, but I am going to feel like I am pulled in different directions.

Sponsored by Paddy Power Online Bingo’

Paulie Winter Outfit Wish List

With my recent trip to Paris I've been inspired to pick a new outfit to add to my winter wish list. I would like some pieces that are elegant, smart-casual and comfortable for the cold weather. Thus, I have been browsing the womenswear London retailer, Paulie. Paulie stock a wide range of contemporary designer brands including Rag & Bone, AG Jeans, etc.; as well as their own in-house designer range.

I've put together 5 pieces to create the perfect casual outfit:

Faux suede in Black leggings: On trend leggings with a mid-rise fit finished with ties at the waist. Made from a soft faux suede. Available in black or taupe - these are versatile leggings that can be worn during the day, or for a night out.

Paulie’s Breton striped top:  Made from 100% soft wool and designed with a loose fit – perfectly comfortable to wear during the day. And, I would wear this tucked into the leggings. This top would look amazing with jeans too.

I am swooning over these gorgeous Joie Suede Fringed Ankle Boots. A definite southwestern look that would wear very well with skinny trousers.

Harris Wharf This tailored safari jacket would be perfect for the cold months - it is stylish and would compliment skinny trousers perfectly - keeping you warm too.

I love a scarf. I own many, they are warm, cosy and add a new layer of texture/style to your outfit. thus, I am in love with this Max & Moi Tasseled Floral Print Scarf in Grey,

Monuments and Wonders of The World Dream List

After completing Karcher’s fun quiz on monuments of the world, it got me thinking about the places I would love to visit, the wonders and monuments in the world that I have heard about and seen the beautiful pictures, but not yet been in the presence off. To be in awe of the magnificence of the heritage and to experience and feel the history.

I want to see the world, visit unique places, experience history, learn cultures, and so much more. There are many wonders and monuments, to which I have put my favourite dream list below.

There are so many beautiful places to see in the world, rich in history. However, just a few are iconic. Whether it is a natural wonder or an architectural site, these famous landmarks are definitely among the most recognizable in the world. How many of them have you seen?

Easter Island—known locally as Rapa Nui is a volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean. One of the remotest islands in the world tucked away in the South Pacific Ocean which was once home to a Polynesian population, whose history remains mysterious. It is most famous for the hundreds of large carved monolithic statues, known as moai, that were created to represent ancestors by the Rapa Nui people from approximately the ninth to the seventeenth centuries.  The moai are carved human figures with oversized heads.

The Colosseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome in Italy.  The largest amphitheatre to have ever been built during the Roman Empire. The Amphitheater was built to host gladiator contests and games like hunting animals, to which the public could also view it in the open.

Machu Picchu “lost city of Incas”, is the pre-Columbian, Inca empire site that is located almost 8,000 feet above the sea level. The site is located on a mountain ridge above the valley of Urubamba in Peru. At the height of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th Century, but was shortly abandoned as a result of the Spanish Conquest.

Petra  - Established during 312 BC as the capital city of the Arab Nabataeans, it is a symbol of Jordan. Famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system, also known as the Rose City due to the colour of the stone. It lies on the slope of Jebel al-Madhbah in a basin among the mountains which is part of the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba.

Pompeii -  located in southern Italy’s Campania region. Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman city, Pompeii was buried in meters of ash and pumice after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79AD. The site features excavated ruins that visitors can freely explore and see some of the victims that have been entombed in ash and now plaster for 1,900 years.
 

Travelling with Kids

With a bit of know-how and sprinkle of good luck, travelling with children needn't be a headache.

After 3 perfect little travellers, came Summer, the not so perfect little traveller. We couldn't drive down the road for 10 minutes before she would go into meltdown, and it wasn't pleasant for anyone in the car, hence we used to avoid travelling as much as possible.

The drive from A to B became a challenge, and after a lot of patience and experience, she is not so bad now, and I think we finally managed to master it. The past few months we've managed a few long trips with no tears, and no more headaches. Over the past couple of years, we've final mastered a few different road trip activities for traveling with Kids.

Below are my ideas of lightweight, travel-friendly amusements that we found helped us on our car journeys. The idea is it has to be entertaining but portable for the kids to enjoy.

-Pillows and blankets: I've found if they can snugly up, get comfy, they will more likely doze off to sleep. Pillows and lightweight blankets are a must.

-Coloring pad and crayons: These keep the kids busy for a short period during the journey, but it offers fun and contributes to the other activities - colouring offers a bit of versatile during the trip.

-Books: I recommend books specifically that have interactive features, such as pop-up flaps, which are very popular with younger pre-readers who might not sit still for a whole story otherwise. For the older children, Where's Wally is a fun choice, this keeps the boys content for a while.

-Smartphone/Tablet:  If you have a smartphone, it's easy to download free children's games to amuse the kids of all ages wherever you and your phone/tablet are. 

-Snacks: plenty of snacks keep them content, although, I avoid too much water/juice on the journey - but making sure they are well hydrated at the same time, otherwise the wee stops are relentless. 

-Have some games in mind: Eye Spy is a great one that keeps the kids entertained for ages. Or, my boys play Yellow Car - first one to spot the yellow car simple as that, although, they do change the colour now and then - it is as rubbish as it sounds, but it keeps them entertained so I am not complaining.

What are you tips for keeping the kids entertained on road trips?

Christmas Stocking Fillers Round-up

Not long to go until Christmas.

I've been reviewing and trying out a few items recently, all reasonable priced, they would make some lovely stocking filler gifts for Christmas.

Audition by Kelly Brook Eau de Perfume - a light and fruity fragrance, this perfume is reasonably priced and smells lovely. Presented in a classy and vintage style packaging, this would make a lovely stocking filler for Christmas. It is my go to fragrance I use each morning. Approx. £15 for 50ml bottle.

Helping Hands Kit from AA Skincare:  A lovely well-presented gift box, that includes a divine Peppermint & Ginger Uplifting Liquid Soap and the Almond & Sandalwood Moisturising Hand Cream. The products are divine! They smell gorgeous, work very well (caring and moisturising) and made from pure and ethically sourced essential oils; they are very reasonably priced.  I am quickly becoming a AA Skincare fan. Price: £16.50 including P&P.

Lylia Rose Stag Scarf: Quite possibly my new favorite accessories website. They sell unique and beautiful scarfs, fashion jewelry, purses and so much more.  The Turquoise Stag Foil Print Scarf is now my favorite scarf, with the luscious color and the beautiful gold stag print, this scarf is versatile and stylish.  I love wearing it. Costing just £14.99 with free delivery, this would make a lovely gift for someone.  

AA Bergamot Mini Pot Candle: I've been enjoying candles and using them more often recently. I do like a good candle that creates and changes the atmosphere of the room with its aroma.  And with AA's candles you find they do just that - a unique scent that fruity, warm and comforting - small glass potted candle that would make a lovely stocking filler. Only £5.50 as well.

 

How to protect your home

 It happened in our old house, it was our first home, a small terraced house, with a yard. I was pregnant at the time. It was the middle of the night, my hubby was sound asleep snoring next to me, and I was wide awake unable to get comfortable; then I heard it.  I could hear noise, very faint, but it didn't sound right. So I go up crept to the window in the bedroom overlooking the yard. It was there I spotted two men climbing over our back gate. For a couple of minutes, I watched in stunned silence as they crept up to the back door and when I saw some kind of object pulled out, I then banged on the window and shouted - they ran, hubby jumped up out of bed (wondering what the hell was going on).  It's safe to say I didn't sleep at all that night, and probably not for a few nights after. 

It scared the bejeebers out of me.  You want your home to feel safe; like I always tell my kids 'home is the safest place in the world' and so it should be.  But what steps can you do to help make your home feel safer and put off burglars from breaking in. Some of these steps can also help keep down the cost of your house insurance.

Lock all windows and doors.

If you are going out for a long period of time, or on holiday, then always check the windows and doors of your home to make sure they shut and lock 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. o

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 or check on pets via security cameras. Plus, your insurance provider may discount your home insurance premium with one installed.

Pet Dogs

We see our dogs as part of the family and we love them very dearly, but they also offer that extra bit of security - having dogs will discourage potential burglars.

Care homes

I am a bit young to be thinking about care home for myself, and my parents are a bit young, but what about the older generation of the family members.  My great-grandmother spent her final years in a care home, many years, as she lived to the grand age of 102.

No-one likes to think about the time when family members may come to a point in life when they cannot live independently as they may need help. And, we live a lot longer nowadays as medicine is always evolving and advancing, and we are set to all live longer, but what does this mean when family members may come to a point where they can no longer live independently anymore.

I don't believe care homes are such a taboo as they were in the past, they have come along way since then, and I know my great-grandmother was well looked after and was very content during all her years in a care home. But, depending on the care home, they are many different options and choices for people.

Like most things in life, choosing the right care home and service can be a challenge. Costs for example depend on different circumstances: where you live, the amount of savings you have and the level of care you need, etc..

Barcherster Healthcare winners of the RoSPA Gold Award in 2015 have produced an e-book  designed to help people understand the options available on care home costs and what you get for your money.

So if you are stuck or you would like to find out more, then download the e-book which is designed to help and guide you through this new journey, to make the process a little easier, clearer and better.

Depending on the Care homes provider, each price their services differently -  there is no one size fits all so it is vital to know exactly what is included.

CO Awareness week

CO Awareness Week is organised by a charity aptly called CO Awareness. The week is designed to increase awareness of the deadly silent gas, carbon monoxide poisoning, and to support victims of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

This silent killer, CO Poisoning kills 30 people a year, with the elderly and the young at most risk. CORGI HomePlan’s 2015 research revealed that 1 in 10 adults in the UK believe they have suffered CO poisoning to some extent.

To lower the risk you should get your fossil fuel and wood burning appliances regularly checked by a registered engineer - not just for your home, but your caravan, camping, etc. In addition, for an extra level of protection it is advisable to have a CO alarm fitted.

CO alarms are designed to provide warning when CO levels in the air reach dangerous levels, potentially saving someone's life. Remember that you cannot smell CO and, as symptoms of CO poisoning take over, you may become confused and less capable of making decisions that could save your life. 

Education through awareness weeks such as this are vitally important in improving your CO safety and sharing the message that all gas appliances (not just in the home) must be regularly serviced to work safely. CORGI HomePlan is committed to making this happen.

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.