Why Buying a Horse Could be the Best Thing You Do for Your Child

When thinking of hobbies you can introduce your child to, you might have considered horse riding. Horse Riding is a very healthy hobby, and it can teach your child so many skills! It can help them to develop in all areas of their lives. However, this hobby isn’t exactly one of the cheapest. You both need to be committed to it if you’re going to make it work. To help you make your mind up, here’s why buying a horse could be the best thing you do for your child:

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Teach Them to Be Responsible

Horses teach children how to be responsible from a very young age. There are all kinds of things you need to do to take care of a horse properly. There are lots of things for them to remember, and in turn they mature and become responsible at a much younger age. When it comes to feeding, grooming, riding, and even bonding with the horse.

Build the Immune System

As your child will spend a lot of time in the outdoors, mucking out the horse, sorting out horse bits and doing things of a similar nature, it can really help to build the immune system. They should find that they are healthier most of the year round, and rarely get sick at all.

Improve Confidence

Having a horse teaches your child how to make decisions that are best for them and the horse. They’ll need to do this when riding the horse regularly, and it can help them to improve their confidence and self-esteem. As they learn new skills and things, their self-esteem will go through the roof!

Teach Patience

Your child will need to be patient as they work with the horse. They’ll need to take things slowly as they both get to know one another and develop their skill set. This teaches great patience, which is a wonderful skill for a child to have.

A Long-Term Healthy Lifestyle

Owning a horse isn’t something you do once or for a little while and then forget all about. Almost everybody who owns a horse becomes addicted to the lifestyle that comes with it. What could be better than having a long term healthy lifestyle? While other children are doing unproductive things or even getting into trouble, yours will be doing healthy things with their horse.

Plenty of Like Minded Friends

The horse riding community is great, and your child will be introduced to many like minded friends. They’ll always have a party to go to and somebody to ride with!

Exercise

Horse riding is exercise. It might not be the first thing you think of when you think of exercise, but it’s a great way to stay fit and healthy.

See just how many great benefits horse riding can offer your child? This is something they’ll really thank you for once they are a little older. They’ll love the skills it teaches them and the experiences presented to them. It’s expensive, but worth it!

Making Vacations With Kids Easier

Heading off on vacation with kids? Thought it sounded like a good idea at the time, but are now feeling quite stressed? Well, relax. There are certain ways to make holidaying with kids easier and more manageable. Read on for some ideas.

Take Time To Pack Right

Firstly, consider the basics you’d take anywhere. This goes for your clothes, your underwear and your shoes, for example. Then, consider your holiday essentials. This is stuff like allergy tablets and sun cream. You might also want to take shampoo and conditioner for hair that has been in the sea and sun all day. If you’re flying, check rules on how much you can take, and carry the items in a clear, ziploc bag.

Go Self Catered

Staying in a hotel might seem like the best option for an easy holiday with kids, but think again. First of all, you have no control over the food served. Picky eaters or not, kids can get fussy when faced with foods they’re not familiar with. Furthermore, the hotel you pick is likely to be over-run with other people’s kids. This doesn’t make for a very calming environment.

Instead, consider a villa. They come with kitchens and all the necessary equipment, so you can feed the kids yourself. If you want to be a bit more cut-off, they can give you this too. Or, if you want the kids to have some other children to play with, get a villa in a complex. This means privacy while still having other families around. France is a great option, as it is generally very safe, has a reliable climate and amazing food! These villas are some of the best that France can offer.

Plan Activities Beforehand

Once you arrive at your destination, phone signal and internet connection might be weak, expensive or both! Plan things to do with the kids before you leave home. Look up local tourist spots, theme parks and day trips. Also make a note of opening times and prices. Finally, save an image of the route you’ll need to take. This can help you direct taxi drivers or bus drivers if you’re not fluent in the local language. Arrange some back-up ideas as well, just in case anything is unexpectedly shut.

Take Medicine With You

Once again, if language might provide a barrier, be sure to take your medicines with you. This goes for both you and the children. If you’re poorly you won’t be able to look after them properly. If they’re sick, you’ll want to look after them with the medicines both you and they trust. Take things for all eventualities, from colds to cold sores.

Pack Entertainment

If you have kids that love to read, make sure you take enough books to keep them entertained for the entire time you are away. Also take things like colouring books and games for the beach or by the pool. If you have tablets, pack those with their chargers. Don’t forgot adapters too.

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Family Easter Favourite Movies with Rabbits

Happy Easter everyone. 

Easter weekend is forecast a weather washout! Thus, if you would like to spend some quality time with the family this Easter, then plan a night in watching movies with bunnies (of course) staring in them.  

My top 5 bunny movies are perfect for spending a little extra time with the people who mean the most to you.

Hop

A great film for the entire family, E.B. is the son of the Easter Bunny, and he has the sweetest life (literally), but he has a hidden passion that he can hide no more, drumming. Thus, he follows his dreams and runs away to Hollywood. It's a fun movie full with comedy.

Rise of the Guardians

This is a family favourite and although it's centered on the main character Jack Frost, it features the Easter Bunny, who helps Jack Frost battle the Boogeyman. Rise of the Guardians is a great movie to watch this Easter. A great action packed movie to watch together.

Watership Down

A tale of a group of rabbits in search of a home. Fiver, a small, young rabbit, has a gift: He can tell when things are going to happen and he can sense whether they will be good or bad. Fiver foresees great danger to the rabbits' home warren. A more serious story, and a lovely touching film - no matter how many times I've seen it (hundreds) I cry.

Bambi

One of the most famous animated films, a movie that is forever in my heart, Bambi and his fluffy friend Thumper the rabbit.  An enduring and endearing tail as we follow Bambi's story. 

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Toontown, a suburb of Hollywood where toons and humans coexist. Roger Rabbit is the devoted hardworking husband who just wants to know that his wife isn’t sleeping around.  A great movie, and full of laughs.

What better way than to watch these fantastic family movies this Easter than on a Panasonic Viera TV.  

*This is a collaborative post.

No More Sleepless Nights

There are many things that can prevent you from getting a good night's sleep: money worries, work stress and of course, the kids bouncing on your bed in the early hours of the morning, but there are also things affecting your sleep that you may not even be aware of. If your bedroom is too chaotic or even if your colour scheme is all wrong, you will not be making the most of what should be the most relaxing room in your house. By following these simple tips, you can reclaim your sleep and make your bedroom the haven it was always meant to be.

 Throw Some Shade

Badly fitted blinds or unlined curtains will allow sunlight to bask your bedroom in the unwelcoming glare of early morning light. The solution is clear, invest in blackout blinds, in both your bedroom and the kids' room, as sunlight could also be the reason they are rising early to come into your bed. If you prefer curtains, then make sure they are thick with lining and the right size for your windows: gaps are a no-no. 

Is Tired Furniture Making You…Tired?

When was the last time you changed your mattress, or your bed frame for that matter? Old, lumpy and threadbare mattresses are often the cause of many a sleepless night and as you spend approximately 24 years of your life asleep, it really is worth investing in both a sumptuous mattress and a sturdy, yet attractive bed. Your bed should beckon you into its comforting softness and not merely be a place you have to lay your head. It is also important to get the right mattress for your needs, so if you are sharing the bed with a partner, always go for as large a mattress and bed as possible to give yourself the stretching space you need. There will also be the materials and firmness of the mattress to consider and this is where a reputable company such as Bedstar will be able to help, by assisting you with selecting the perfect mattress for your precise requirements. And here's a little extra tip: your new mattress may be the most comfortable thing you have ever experienced, but don't let the kids bounce on it though this time, as this treat is just for you.

Log-off For Longer Sleep

It may be tempting to take a final look at your emails before bed or for one last sneaky peak at what your friends are up to on your favourite social networking site, but staring at a computer monitor or mobile 'phone screen could be why you are finding it difficult to go to sleep. Research has found that prolonged exposure to the blue light from PCs and mobiles before you go to bed will stop you drifting into a natural state of sleep. It is believed that it is specifically blue light that tampers with the production of melatonin, a hormone associated with inducing sleep, so if you turn off your devices a few hours before you go to bed you are more likely to slip easily into slumber.

Be Careful with Colours

Scientific research has shown that exposure to certain colours can impact upon your mood and eventually your overall well-being. For example, the colour red is said to be a stimulating colour with connotations of aggression and excitement, which is certainly not when you need when you are trying to get some sleep. In the bedroom you will want to concentrate on colours that will not overstimulate you but will promote feelings of relaxation and calm. Although blue light from computer screens can hinder sleep, the colour blue on walls and furnishings can actually encourage serenity and peacefulness. Green is noted to improve feelings of harmony and peace. Therefore think about decorating your bedroom in palettes of blue or green, accentuating the comfort with plump pillows and cushions, and additional soft furnishings.

Sun Care Advice For The Whole Family

Sunburn is a nasty thing to have to deal with. It doesn’t matter how old we are; we can all be badly affected by sunburn. The younger we are, the more vulnerable we are to its damage. Now that summer is almost upon us, it is the best time to get prepared for the sun’s heat and rays.

So get ready now to protect your family this summer. All you need are a few small additions that will help you have fun in the sun safely.

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Sun Cream

Sun cream is very important. Especially for kids. Whenever they go to play outside, slap on some strong sun block. All creams come with an SPF number. This number tells you how much protection the cream provides and how long it will last for. For small children, apply a cream that has an SPF of 30 or higher.

Garden Furniture

Garden furniture helps us to enjoy our garden. It gives us somewhere to sit, and it can also protect us from the sun. Parasols are a great addition to any garden. Pop one over an outdoor table so you can enjoy an al fresco meal out of the way of the sun’s rays. Sitting in the shade will protect you from being burnt, but you’ll still be able to enjoy the warm summer weather.

Sun Hats

Whenever you go outside with your family, make sure everyone is wearing a sun hat. A good sun hat will have a wide brim. Larger brims will shade bigger areas of skin. Some children’s hats have mesh flaps that can cover their entire neck. The neck is the most important part of the body to protect. If it is exposed to too much sun, you could suffer from sunstroke.

Peak Hours

It is very important to know when the peak hours of sun are during the day. Often, they are between 11 am and 3 pm, although this could change slightly depending on your exact location. It is best to stay indoors as much as possible during this peak time to prevent any unnecessary exposure. If you do have to go outside, make sure you put on plenty of sun cream and cover up as much as possible.

Stock Up On Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an exceptionally good aftersun lotion and can soothe and help burnt skin. Keep applying the lotion until all the sunburn is gone completely. You shouldn’t rub the aloe vera into your skin too much as this can aggravate the irritated skin. Aloe vera is very good at soaking into the skin itself, anyway.

Sunglasses

Every member of your family will need their own pair of sunglasses. It can be tricky applying suncream around your eyes, so this area of skin will need a physical barrier between it and the sun. Like with suncream, sunglasses can come in different strengths, so make sure you pick a pair that are blocking out enough UV rays. If your kids already wear regular glasses, ask your optician about prescription sunglasses.

You’ve got plenty of time to prepare for the sunny summer. Start today!

Marketing your Home the Right Way

Brits are a nomadic bunch. We move home a lot. Most people, in the UK, end up living in at least ten different homes.

Other Europeans move home far less, for example, most Spaniards only move three or four times in their lifetime. In the UK, life is a bit more complicated and we regularly have to move to accommodate the changing needs of our family.

Therefore, the chances are that a big percentage of the people that are reading this now are in the process of moving home. They are either looking for a new house or trying to sell their property, often both, so, this page should be of use to quite a few of you.

Here are a few tips to help you to market your UK home.   

Find a good agent

The most important step is finding a good agent. Estate agents are still the place people go when they want to buy a new home, so using one is still a great way for you to market your house. The best Estate Agents in York and other cities and towns have the necessary experience to market your property effectively, and secure a good price for you.

Prepare your home

Once you have done that, the next step is to get your house ready to market. Your agent can help you with this. They understand what modern buyers are looking for. Therefore, it makes sense to ask them for advice. For example, your local agent will be able to tell you whether you should be presenting your box room as a spare bedroom or as an office.

De-clutter

Going through each room and clearing away some of the clutter will greatly improve the way your home looks. It will make your home look cleaner and tidier. De-cluttering is a chance for you to get ahead on the packing, and ditch some of the junk you have.

Putting some of your furniture in storage or giving it away is also worth considering. Doing so will create more space and make your rooms look bigger, which will make your house more appealing to prospective buyers.

Redecorate

You need to present your home in the best possible light, so it is worth doing a bit of decorating. The idea is for a prospective buyer to walk into your home and be able to see themselves living there. Giving each room a lick of paint, in a neutral colour, can really help with this. It freshens up the property and provides a neutral palette for prospective buyers to work with.

Spring clean

Going through your home and spring-cleaning is also well worth doing. Getting the carpets cleaned and cleaning the windows will not take long, and will greatly improve the way your house looks.

Once you have done all of this get the agent round. That way your home will look as good as possible in the photos. This will help it to stand out from other properties.

If you would like to learn more about the moving habits of UK residents, you can do so here.

Going on holiday? Don't Forget to Do These Crucial Things!

When you’re going on holiday, there is a lot to plan in advance. Gone are the days where a weekend away meant throwing some clothes into a bag and heading out the door. Having children puts paid to all that sort of spontaneous behaviour. Most people think that all there is to do when they go on holiday is make sure any loose ends at work are tied up, and pack their bags. If only life were that simple! With a little preparation, you can make sure your holidays goes without a hitch!

Image via Flickr

Don’t leave it until the day before your departure - there are things that need doing before you’re ready to go anywhere. Make sure you have all your documentation for travel all available and in one place. We’re talking passports, tickets, visas, proof of your bookings and your travel insurance. It makes sense to make a copy of everything and keep it in a separate place. This will save you a lot of time, money and heartache should you run into any problems later on. Don’t forget your driving licence and proof of address if you want to hire a car on your vacation.

If you’re going on holiday in Europe, you’ll want to make sure you have a European Health Insurance card. When you book your holiday, you should check to see if you need any particular vaccinations. Don’t be tempted to skip these, there’s a reason they are meant to be mandatory!

Have a pet? Then you need to book a kennel or a cattery if you don’t have anyone your furry friend can stay with while you are on holiday. It makes sense to leave a trusted person a key, too, in the case of an emergency. They can also make sure everything’s ok in your home while you have your well-earned break.

Image via Flickr

If you want to ensure you’ve got everything you need to take with you, then don’t do what so many of us are guilty of. Yes, packing the night before you’re going on your vacation. The best packing hack is to start a few days before - but don’t actually put it in the suitcase yet. If you need to use something you’ve already packed, then you’re going to undo all of your hard work. Make a some room that’s cleared for you to lay out all of your stuff, and make a list of everything you need. Use this as a tick list when you do finally come to put everything in your luggage.

Before you leave, make sure you spend some time getting your house in order. It’s depressing enough coming home after a holiday, never mind coming back to a tip! Take the bins out, take any perishable food out the fridge and make sure you’ve done the dishes. No one wants to come back to a smelly house full of flies! And lastly, don’t forget to cancel milk or newspaper deliveries.

By just following these tips, you can make sure your holiday goes smoothly. Have an awesome holiday!

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.

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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?

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.