How blu e-Cigs have helped us spend more quality time with loved ones indoors

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. Readers must be 18 years of age or older. All opinions are mine alone. #bluForYou #CollectiveBias

The history of smoking dates back to BC in the Americas where they smoked pipes, and over the years spread through the world.  Fast forward to the 21st Century where smoking and technology came together, electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) were invented. e-cigs are now enjoyed just as much as the traditional forms of smoking.

One of my first memories of experiencing a smoker as a child is of my grandad sitting in his chair smoking his pipe, relaxing and always in deep thought. Whenever I think of my grandad this is a memory that pops into my head, along with his warm deep laugh.

My hubby is what you call a social smoker, he mostly only smokes when having a few drinks with friends and family. This is when and where he enjoys a smoke using an e-cig. And with the advantages of using blu eCigs it allows them to relax and continue the conversation indoors without having to feel they must go outside. They can stay in the warm without having to be unsociable and pop outside, they continue the conversation / fun whilst enjoying a smoke.

Enjoying a blu eCig is a sublime experience of sitting, smoking, chatting and reflecting, it delights the senses. The emissions are minimally invasive and the smell can be pleasant, depending on what flavour you are using.

The blu PRO™ Kit comes with everything you need to get started smoking e-cigarettes. Our experience with the blu e-cigs unit is a reliable and one of decent quality. They offer a fairly authentic tobacco taste, plus a decent back-of-the throat hit that is appreciated and enjoyed. The availability of interesting flavours makes vaping with your e-cig more enjoyable.

We found it very easy to use, you simply unscrew the mouthpiece from the clearomiser, place the nozzle of the blu E-Liquid bottle inside wall of the clearomiser and squeeze the bottle gently. Re-assemble and you're good to go.

You charge the battery with the supplied USB charger. Once charged to turn it on, you simply just push the button 5 times in quick succession. The lights will flash 3 times to show it's switched on. Push and hold the button every time you want to vape. To turn if off, just push the button 5 times again. When using the blu eCig the triangle on the bottom of the unit will glow.

In terms of overall looks and quality, it is aesthetically pleasing - slim and sleek.

 The blu PRO Kit offers a great vaping experience, great value for money, feels good to hold, a great taste and a long battery life.

Family Movie Night

I love watching a film with the children, together as a family. People have been doing since the television was introduced. families would gather together and watch whatever was airing on.  it's a great way to bring the family together.

There is an element of excitement as we prepare our snacks for movie night, and choosing a movie. The boys always want Popcorn, it is an absolute must.  We will snuggle up on the sofa, and enjoy the film together (even with the hundred and one questions Jacob and Summer will ask through the movie - but that is part of the fun). We don't have her around enough, but the boys love it when Nanny joins us for the evening she comes for dinner and joins us.

Gracewell a care home provider believe that their residents and families have individual needs for both their level of care and for the quality of life they deserve to have, and movie night is one of the many events Gracewell organize to contribute towards this.  It is a regular event at one of their many care homes, where the families are invited and encouraged to come along too.

And to celebrate the movie night initiative Gracewell sent us a DVD (Pan), along with packs of sweets and popcorn, everything we need for a great movie night ourselves.   We hadn't watched Pan yet, thus, everyone was super excited, especially Jacob as his favourite story is Peter Pan. We enjoyed the evening as a whole - it was how we love to do movie nights, but it also made me reaslise we need to do movie night more often.

For our next movie night we are already talking about what movie to watch - oh and of course they want 'Nanny' to join us and come around.

Equity used for home improvements

This past year we've humed and harred over whether to sell and move, or stay where we are and extend.  In the end, due to the horrendous experience we had when we moved into our current home, I don't think I could do it again and move, thus, we decided to extend.  What went so bad last time we moved...  

Everything went okay on our side of the chain, and funny enough it wasn't even the solicitors fault, it was the people we were buying the house off! They hadn't even packed the day we exchanged contracts, thus, we were left homeless for a few hours, and our home moving company guys sat waiting, all day in the lorry.  Our solicitors had to make a few threats to their solicitor, and then early evening the people finally allowed us to start to move our items in around them moving out (they didn't have a moving van, they had a little van and done it in their cars). In the end, they were still moving out very late in the evening, and we agreed to let them leave their belongings in the garage for them to move their final belongins out over the weekend.

Now, normally I don't let things get on top of me, but with the stress and emotions of moving, on top of being homeless for a few hours, and then having to move our stuff into the house whilst their stuff was still in there, I fell apart. I had a panic attack, and it was just horrible. 

Based on this experience if I can avoid moving I will. hence, we made the decision to take some equity out and extend.   It was a simple and seamless process for us, we increased our mortgage to carry out the home improvements we want.  

But, what if you are older, and you need the money for home improvements but don't want to increase your outgoings.

For the older generation, undertaking home improvements are the most common use for money generated through equity release. Equity release schemes can be a sensible and practical way of releasing cash from your home if you are over 55. It allows you to receive the money from the value of your home without having to move out or pay it back during your lifetime.

It's a big step and decision, thus, it is recommendable that you always seek expert advice beforehand.

Update Your Living Room With These Top Tips

The living room can be the one room in the house that get’s utilised for different things. It could be the place you unwind with your husband or wife. It might be the place you children watch TV, or read and do their homework. Perhaps it’s the room you entertain in the most. It has many functions, so it’s easy for the room to look lived in and tired. So I thought I would share with you some top tips for updating your living room space.

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How long ago did your living room get some attention? Perhaps your views have changed on the current colour scheme, or maybe you like it, and it just needs some TLC. Whatever your thoughts have your colour in mind. This will help with any decisions in regards to the walls and the styling of your living room.

Let’s get decorating

Sometimes it can be just as simple as decorating your living room walls to give the space a new lease of life. This is where you can change things up a little. Perhaps you fancy a feature wall this time. It’s a great way of drawing the attention and can make a huge difference to the room layout. You can achieve this look in a few different ways. You could paint the wall a different colour to the others. You could consider a wall art which could be a real talking point. Or you might want to consider photo wall murals. All will add to the overall feel of the room.

Does any furniture need replacing?

Perhaps your sofa has seen better days or your coffee table is looking a little worse for wear. Have a look round the room and work out if now is the time to change and replace. There are plenty of sales in some of the bigger shops at the moment so it could be a great time to grab a bargain.

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Let your imagination run wild

Another option would be to consider upcycling any older pieces of furniture you have. This is where you can let your imagination run wild. Perhaps painting a tired bureau a bright royal blue. Or sanding down your existing coffee table to create a different look. There is so much inspiration on websites like Pinterest. You could even consider checking out car boot sales and charity shops for unwanted pieces and having some fun by giving them a new lease of life.

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Think about the flooring

Finally, the last thing to consider would be your flooring. Is it time to replace that carpet? Maybe you have always liked the idea of wooden flooring. Changing things completely can be a costly job. So if the budget is tight, then another option would be to consider purchasing a rug. This could be in a bright colour or have a lovely pattern. It could cover up a worn carpet or floor without breaking the bank.

I hope these tips inspire you to update your living room space.

The Ultimate Guide To Decluttering Your Home

Most of us have good sized family homes that seem smaller on the inside than the outside. That’s because we have so much stuff! Family life often comes with clutter. We accumulate lots of toys, clothes, gadgets and gizmos over the years. And as the kids grow, so does our collection of things we no longer use or need.

None of us intend to be hoarders, but it seems to be a common problem. We may be sentimental about the things we have. Or we convince ourselves it might be useful in the future. The trick to clearing the clutter is to clear our minds first. We need to be strong and firm, committed to the clearout.

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Start in the rooms that you use the least. These are often the spaces that are filled up with all the things we thought we might want to keep. Dining rooms, garages, sheds, lofts and basements can be rendered useless by the clutter we keep. Wouldn’t it be nice to clear them out and make them more functional? If your spare bedroom is no longer fit for a good night of sleep, it’s time to clear it out.

Rubbish is easy to identify and remove. But old items that still work like gadgets or clothing can be harder to tip in the bin. Instead, photograph it and pop it online to sell. If it’s not gone within the week, take it to a boot sale. And if you still can’t sell it, accept nobody wants to pay for it. Give it away! Take it to your local charity shop for a good cause.

If you genuinely can’t bear to part with some of these items you don’t use, it’s time to consider some smart storage options. You can buy cupboards and plastic containers to help keep your belongings organised. A better option could be a secure self storage unit. This takes the clutter out of your home without you having to part with your beloved items forever. It gives you the time to work out if you can find a use for it again. It’s also ideal for those occasional items that take up too much space at home.

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Wardrobes are often full of fashion we rarely wear. Some it may only be useful in certain seasons. Using vacuum packing can free up so much space in your closets and wardrobes. Of course, if you haven’t worn these things for a long time, it could be a good idea to say goodbye. Gifting your old clothes to charity is a great way to free up rail space for your new fashion buys

Once you’ve decluttered your home, you may find you have space to take up a hobby. Perhaps you want to install a gym in the garage? Or maybe your family is growing, and you need that spare bedroom to be a bedroom! We do have a tendency to fill the space we’ve got. This is why you need to regularly clear out the old things to make way for the new. And if it’s not quite old enough, you can always use a self storage centre. Enjoy your clutter-free home.

50 Annoying Phrases You Hear At Work

We all have our own pet hates in the work office, especially when it comes to office jargon: words we love to hate.

I don't particularly mind "Reach out" or "Heads up" I use these two myself - but I also appreciate that these are more than likely annoying to some of my colleagues. But when it comes to "Move the goal post" this gives a little jolt of irritation whenever I hear it. 

Take a look at the infographic by GoToMeeting.co.uk’s video conferencing software and remember to try not cringe when you hear any of this annoying phrases next time in work.

An imaginary night on the town

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Having 3 boys and my granddaughter living with us kind of puts hubby and me time on the back-burner; not to mention having to go through the dreaded school applications which take up any and all free time we had. So we figured we’d have to make do with planning a night out for now rather than actually going on one – and decided on the theatre to see Guys and Dolls, a show about two spread betting type gamblers in a ‘10 things I hate about you’ kind of sketch.

Now I know that some of you might think the theatre is a little bit ambitious at the moment, but the idea of a night out with the hubby with a meal before and maybe some after-show drinks sounds fantastic, and would certainly keep me buoyed up for the upcoming half-term. After all, most of us parents tend to only get out on special occasions like Valentine’s Day or our birthdays, and even then the babysitter tends to only want to stay so long. When we do finally get some free time to ourselves, we are often dumbfounded with the idea that there is nothing to worry about or do that we normally just fall fast asleep!

So going back to my plan of the theatre – the show is one of my favourites and is currently back on tour again so I figure there has never been a better time to see it. For those of you who haven’t seen it already, I won’t spoil it but there’s plenty of romance and action to keep both me and the other half happy and some nice restaurant food will be a nice change from me continuing to practice my cooking (although hubby better not admit that he likes it better with all the effort I’ve been going to). Then after the show, we can find a nice bar to sit at and enjoy a few drinks in peace and quiet before the inevitable return home where our gorgeous kids will no doubt be sneaking up past their bedtime.

Anyway, rather than bore you all to death with yet more details of a night that might never happen, I’m going to trundle off and think about all the other wonderful things that could happen on a night out on the town but have to admit that even if it just remains a pipe dream, that I’ll secretly hold hubby to the promise of it even if he doesn’t know how either.

HP Instant Ink

I begrudge when I have to pop down to my local supermarket or electronics store to buy a new ink.  Trying to find the correct code, so you pick the right ink, is one big headache, and in fact I avoid buying new ink, to which we have previously struggled without ink for a few weeks. Then there are the times where you cannot find the ink that fits your printer, and you get stuck - I pop round my parents to borrow their printer - which I have done many times over the years.  It's suffice to say, I am rubbish when it comes to buying new printer inks.

So this is why HP Instant Ink Service is perfect for me.

HP Instant Ink service is a quick and cost efficient way of purchasing ink for your printer and you can save up to 70% on the cost. As part of the service, they will send you HP Instant Ink replacement cartridges and postage-paid recycling envelopes, before you run out. You pay a small monthly fee, and HP automatically send you ink when you are low and the smart thing is, this is all done automatically. 

Your billing plan and service start after you insert your first HP instant Ink cartridge, from then on, HP will deliver your HP Instant Ink cartridges to you once it detects you are low. Monthly price plans available: £1.99, £3.49 or £7.99.  You pick a plan based on the number of pages you print, not how many cartridges you use - your HP Instant Ink printer wirelessly monitors the ink levels in your compatible HP printer and orders new cartridges in time so that they never run out. 

Sounds great doesn't it? very convenient and no more trying to purchase the correct ink cartridge down the store, and no more running out of ink.

The video below shows how convenient the new Instant Ink feature is and how it fits into a family lifestyle.

Tips to Add an Ornate Touch to Your Home

Family homes can often be haphazardly decorated and sometimes a little plain. You might spend time decorating the kids rooms but neglect the family areas. A lot of people might say there's no point in spending a lot of time making it look nice when there are kids around. But just because you have to watch out for toddlers drawing on the walls or teenage piles of stuff, it doesn't mean your home can't be beautiful. It's easy to make your home look more ornate with just a few touches. So instead of being a boring blank canvas, it can have a luxury look that suits your family life. Here's how to do it.

Introduce Some Shiny Metallic

If you're going for an ornate interior style, you can't do it without something shiny. However, you have to do it in the right way. If you get too much gold and silver in, you risk making it look tacky and cheap instead. One of the ways to keep it toned down is to select pieces with a slightly dulled look. Don't choose anything that's so shiny it will blind you whenever you look at it. Instead, choose items that look unpolished. You can find some fantastic pieces from House Junkie, like their shiny gold planters. You need pieces with texture to them, not just flat, shiny surfaces. It can also help to go for copper and brass colours, instead of gold and silver.

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Hang a Fancy Frame

Hanging something on your walls is a quick and easy way to create a focal point in any room. If you want to create an impact, you should put something opposite the door, so you see it as soon as you enter. For an ornate look, you should start looking at some detailed frames. You could hang a mirror, or you could put up some paintings, photos, or whatever you want. It's easy to find an interesting frame, and it doesn't need to be expensive. Try looking in charity shops or at car boot sales. Even if you spot a frame you like with an ugly picture, just remove the image and replace it with something else.

Keep It Simple

The trick to creating an air of luxury is to avoid going overboard. If you try to put too much in one room, it will just look messy and cluttered. Simple is always going to be better, especially when you use ornate pieces. When they already have an impact on their own, you don't want to toss lots of them together. Pick out some statement items so the focus can be on them.

All About the Accessories

You don't have to refurnish your home to give it a new ornate look. Accessories are what really makes a room. You should select some items to display on various surfaces, such as vases and plants. It's also a good idea to think about textiles. If you feel like your sofa or bed isn't very luxurious, you can fix it easily with a new cover or set of bedding. Use things like cushions and throws too.

It doesn't take much to make your home more ornate. In fact, you could transform a room in just a few minutes.

Energy-Saving Tips For The Entire House

Every homeowner wants to save money, especially at the end of a tax year. If the taxman has just hit you with a big bill, you might not have the cash that you need to live comfortably. That is a problem because you have mouths to feed and clothes to put on your children’s backs. But, what are you going to do? It isn’t like you can magic a pile of money out of thin air is it? Well, maybe you can if you know how.

Like every homeowner, you will pay more for your energy than you need. That is unless you have already taken care of your energy problem. And, if that is the case, what are you doing here?! What most people don’t realize is that they are using excess energy. That sounds silly, but energy wastage is still possible even when you think you are operating at an efficient level. Here are a few of the ways you can make your home more energy-efficient and save money in the process.
 

Turn Off Appliances When You Are Not Using Them

Electrical appliances are a major part of living at home. In all honesty, most people can’t live without them because they make life so much easier. However, they also waste tonnes of energy. Okay, maybe they don’t waste tonnes, but they do waste a lot of energy. And the reason they do that is because you don’t turn them off after use. Every kitchen is full of appliances that are still live even though no one needs to use it for the rest of the day. Just think about your kitchen – are the microwave and the kettle still on at the socket? They are just two examples, but there are plenty more. Turn them off after use and you will save a fortune in energy and money.

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Turn The Switch To The Off Positio

Another big mistake you are likely to make is not turning the switch to the off position. Even if you unplug the appliance, the circuit is still live until you turn it off. It doesn’t matter if the appliances aren’t plugged in because there is still a connection. Plus, how is the energy board supposed to know when appliances are plugged in and when they aren’t? It is impossible, which is why they judge your energy bill off your energy usage. To cut down on your usage, make sure that the socket is off and the circuit isn’t live.

Turn Down Appliances

Most appliances are at either end of the spectrum – they are on, or they are off, and there is no in between. But, there are a few exceptions to the rule. And, they are exceptions that will help you cut down on your energy usage. The most obvious one is the fridge. Fridges have lots of settings, yet lots of homeowners just stick with the same one. Don’t. Turn it down even further to a setting that uses less energy to cool your groceries. A tip: don’t constantly turn it down because that wastes energy too. Another big example is the boiler. Boilers, like fridges, have lots of settings. And, just like fridges, they can work on lower settings. The trick is to find one that keeps your house warm, but that doesn’t burn money. Finally, start washing clothes at a lower heat. Conventional wisdom says that you should wash clothes at 40ºC. But, conventional wisdom doesn’t have a laundry budget! Washing clothes at 30ºC is just as effective, and it saves money.

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Any plumber will tell you that boilers are not easy appliances to deal with because they are complex. So, forget about that last boiler tip! Well, don’t forget about, but don’t just take it as gospel. Turning your boiler down is a great idea if you don’t have a thermostat. If you do have a thermostat, though, you need to turn it to its maximum setting. Thermostats work by regulating the temperature, so it will turn the boiler off when it reaches the right temp. By having it on its highest setting, it will reach that temperature a lot quicker. As such, you won’t waste money burning unnecessary energy.

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Choose The Perfect Central Heating Syste

As with all appliances, you need the best one for your needs. That is especially true of your central heating system as it is the biggest user of energy. So, you should do some research instead of picking the first one that you see. At the very least, you will have a heating system that is more efficient than your last one. That is a win because every little helps when it comes to saving energy. A good place to start is http://flame-on-boiler-installation.co.uk/central-heating-in-manchesterunitedkingdom-choosing-the-best-system. Webpages like this help guide you through the process. And that makes it easier to make a final decision. You can also talk to a professional if you know one. As industry experts, they know everything there is to know about central heating systems. As long as you provide them with the info, they will provide you with invaluable advice.

Forget About Storage Heaters

You should take a look at http://www.rorylofthouse.co.uk/how-much-do-storage-heaters-cost-to-run before you carry on reading. If you don’t know already, storage heaters cost a bomb to run, and that post explains why. The problem with them is that you need to put them on a high setting to get any heat. If you don’t, the heat dissipates quickly. When they are on high, though, they burn through energy like a hot knife through butter. There are ways to lower their energy usage, but they are somewhat pointless. All in all, you are better off forgetting about them and finding an alternative. After all, an alternative is much cheaper and better for your bank balance.

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Cover Up Draught

The best alternative to a storage heater is to stop cold air from entering your home. Then, you won’t have to spend money replacing the hot air that it displaces. It is amazing how many homes have draughts, yet they don’t do anything about them. These draughts are costing you a fortune, and now is the time to make a change. All you have to do is find it/them, and then cover them up by any means. A good example is installing cavity wall insulation. Thin walls let in lots of cold air, which is where the insulation comes into play. The insulation acts as a buffer between the outside and your home, making it warmer. The best way to cut down on your energy usage is not to use energy in the first place.

Change Your Home’s Interior

Staying on the subject, it is essential that you keep as much heat as possible. Covering up a draught is a good start, but it is only a start. Your next move is to change your interior to obtain said heat. Although that sounds like a myth, it is true. The best part is that it doesn’t cost much for you to make the changes. For instance, what type of window dressing do you prefer? If you want to cut down on energy, the answer is curtains. The thick fabric absorbs and reflects the heat as it tries to make its way outside. Also, install double-glazing windows over single-pane ones. The vacuum in the double-glazing stops hot air getting out and cold air coming in. Sometimes, the changes will cost a bit of money. But, think of them as an investment for the future.

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Invest In Energy-Efficient Products

As the whole world is obsessed with going green, manufacturers are trying to exploit the demand. Nowadays, every manufacturer makes appliances that are energy-efficient. From your fridge to your kettle, there isn’t an eco-friendly appliance that you can’t buy. Again, these appliances tend to cost a little bit more than their counterparts. But, you are paying for the technology. Plus, it is an investment because they will save you more than you spend on the initial payment. There is no doubt that you need to invest in energy-efficient appliances if you want to cut your bills and usage. The best ones are the biggest wasters, like the fridge, boiler or washing machine. If you don’t have a clue how to find them, go online and type it in Google. Also, the energy label is a pretty good indicator.

Curb Appeal

Homeowners often forget about their home’s exterior even though it is a huge money-saver. All you need to know are a few simple rules of heat transference. Quite simply, you need to know that dark, matte colours absorb heat. And, if you use these colours on the outside of your home, that heat will transfer into your home. The great thing about this tip is that you only need a few tins of paint to make it happen. Or, you can hire a painter and decorator. Whatever option you choose, make sure the exterior is dark and matte.

If you take these tips to heart, they will save you a lot of money. And, what homeowner can refuse extra money?

Your Family Holiday: What You Need To Make It Unforgettable

Who doesn’t want to make their family holiday unforgettable? There may be no guarantee that you get to go on one every single year, what with how much families cost to run. Plus, there’s getting time off school for the kids. Going during the holidays can be an absolute nightmare! Use the tips in this guide to make your trip an unforgettable one:

Plan in Advance and Relax

When you plan your holiday as far in advance as possible, you can relax when it comes to taking the trip. I find it helps if I make a list of everything I need to do or buy before going, so I can simply check them off as I go along. The earlier on I do this the less likely I am to forget anything or feel stressed. You want to feel as relaxed as possible to have an amazing time. Research the best places to visit as a family. Many people don’t consider Croatia for families, but it can actually be an amazing trip!

Know Where to Save and Where to Splurge

Knowing where to save and where to splurge is key on making sure you make the most of your budget on holiday. For instance, you might want to enjoy food at an upmarket restaurant one night, and enjoy street food the rest of the time. You want like to splurge on a souvenir each, or an activity that each person agrees on. If something seems to be a once in a lifetime opportunity, then it’s definitely a good idea to splurge on it. There’s no need to be frugal with the entire holiday if you’re smart with your planning. You don’t want to feel too restricted.

Let Everybody Pick Something to Do

To make your holiday unforgettable, you need to ensure that everybody is happy. You can do this by letting everybody pick something they’d like to do. Maybe you want to see a few popular sites, while your kids want to try out the water parks. Plan together and make sure everybody is going to enjoy themselves. While going on a cultural trip can be educational for kids, they’ll probably get bored if sightseeing is all you do.

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Take Safety Precautions

By taking safety precautions, you’ll have peace of mind. You can take safety precautions by keeping valuables safe, and noting down any important you might need in regards to the country you’re visiting. If you decide to do something with a company out there, make sure they are safe and legitimate before handing over your cash.

Do Lots of Research

Do plenty of research on the area you’re visiting so you have a good idea of what you want to do before you arrive. Planning a rigid schedule might work for some families, but it’s usually best to keep your options open. You’ll also want to have a quick look at safety precautions to take for the particular area, and anything you should look out for.

Have a brilliant time together!

Getting A Pet? Important Things To Remember

If you’ve decided to get a pet, you’re probably really excited! However, you need to make sure you’re not forgetting anything first. Getting a pet is a huge deal, as they pretty much become a big part of your family. Here are some of the most important things to remember when you get a pet:

You Need to Make Sure They Suit Your Lifestyle

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the pet you’re thinking of getting suits your lifestyle. You shouldn’t go and buy a huge dog if you have a small home with no garden, and no time to walk the poor thing. You might be better off getting a hamster. Make sure you consider your lifestyle, including the size of your home, how much time you have, who you live with, etc. All of these things taken into consideration will help you come up with the perfect family pet for you. You should never go and buy a pet just because you think it’s cute.

You Have More to Consider Than the Initial Cost

You have more to consider than the initial cost of a pet. You will need to pay for your pet, it’s toys, equipment to groom it, and more. Not only that, there will always be ongoing costs associated with keeping a pet. You may find yourself having to stock up on feliway refill products regularly, or even medication if your pet has a serious health issue. You need to be prepared for all of this and ready to commit.  

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You Need to Make Sure Circumstances Won’t Change

Ideally, your circumstances won’t be changing anytime soon if you’re getting a pet. For example, moving house might mean having to give up your pets if you’re renting. This isn’t fair on the poor pets who have lived with you and come to know you.  Also, what would you do if you had to take a pay cut or something similar? Would you still be able to afford the costs? You need to consider all of these things before making a big commitment!

Training

Training your pet may be necessary if you’ve chosen a dog, cat, or even a rat/rabbit. For some pets, training is optional. For others, it is crucial. Not only so you can live with them in harmony, but so your pet can be happy when you’re not around. A badly trained pet isn’t usually a happy pet.

Children

Children can change things a bit. If you already have them, you need to make sure you’ve picked a pet that actually likes kids. If you are planning on having them, it’s probably not a good idea to choose a pet that will get jealous and lash out. Do lots of research to find the perfect pet for you!

Remember these things before you get a pet and you’ll end up with the perfect pet for your family. Anything you’d like to add? Leave your thoughts in the section below! 

Here Are My Top Destination Picks For A Family Holiday This Year

Trying to figure out the best places to go on a family holiday is never easy. The kids in our house are all quite different ages which makes it a little more tricky. However, we’ve also got pets to think about, and work commitments too. I’m not sure we’ll be away for a proper holiday this year, but it hasn’t stopped me browsing a few travel brochures!

We’re quite lucky to have so many beautiful places in the UK to choose from. And staying in the country means we can get back pretty quickly. I’m not always keen to travel long distances with little ones. Small children can get bored and fidgety on road trips or on a long flight. I suppose it depends on their temperament how you cope with it. I can also get quite bored and fidgety although my Kindle is pretty good at keeping me occupied. Also, we have some pretty amazing places to go camping in the UK, and my son enjoys going camping with his mates. It is something we have talked about often doing but never got round to it. The first place I need to start though is getting the camping equipment, i.e. planetcamping.co.uk would be the perfect place to get us kitted up.

The whole of Europe is only a couple of hours away as well. There are definitely some places I wouldn’t mind seeing. The three boys are pretty active and adventurous. I think Norway in summer would be quite an ideal destination. There is plenty to see and do if you’re the outdoors type. And it’s all set in the most stunning landscapes. Who wouldn’t want to do some kayaking or hiking? I think a cycling holiday could be just the thing for my family.

Photography by Kaagen

I’m pretty sure the younger kids would love visiting Disneyland Paris. I like that it is so easy to get to. And there is always accommodation available. It’s not the cheapest family holiday, but I think it might be the most memorable! I’m not sure the eldest boys will be too keen at first, but plenty of Mums tell me their teenagers had a great time. It’s a good way to spend some quality time with each other too. I’d love to return to Cancun one day, but sadly, not this year.

When it comes to city stays, I always worry about keeping the family together on the busiest streets. I would love a city break, but I’m not sure it’s best for all the kids. However, you can’t really beat a holiday in a city for things to do. And there are always plenty of things you can do for free. I think that London is one of those cities where you can’t go wrong. Museums and iconic attractions are free to enjoy. Then there are all those great theme restaurants and excellent kids’ theatre activities to do in the holidays. Great fun.

I think holiday parks can be a great way for all the family to have fun together. Europe has plenty of destinations with a caravan, camping or even chalet accommodation. Some of them are on the coast so you can enjoy swimming in the sea. Others are in the woods so you can enjoy nature at its best. There’s something for everyone, and most of it are staffed and supervised so you can have a little break from the kids if you need it!

There are plenty of choices for the family this year. Perhaps we will find the time to get away for a few days. What are your plans this summer?

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!