Sea Life vs. Space Life

I was one of the many people that followed astronaut Scott Kelly tweets and all his amazing images that he shared during his 12 months in space last year. He was able to share amazing photos and even replied to tweets and answered questions. This interaction allows for a more insightful exciting experience for all. Roll on to 2016 and we get to share the experience with our very own British astronaut Tim Peake. 

But did you realise astronauts are better connected than Sailors?  Sailors, depending on the Ship they are on limits what communication services they have access to, whereas astronauts have access to full communication services, albeit a lot slower up there than down here. 

Below is a fun and interesting infographic that explains the difference between Sea Life vs. Space Life communication in more detail:

Money Saving Tips for Your Business

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All business owners need to keep their eyes on the expenditure. Although sales and marketing are often the focus of the day-to-day running of a commercial venture, controlling business costs is just as important. All too often, businesses can be wasteful with their spending, either purchasing too much of something or not getting the best value for money. To minimise your business costs, follow the tips below. Each of them will improve your balance sheet no end and provide you with an improved gross profit in years to come.

Research Your Energy Costs

Often thought of as a fixed cost, energy consumption can vary greatly from business to business and there is no reason to think that the amount you use means you cannot find a better deal. Many businesses need power to run equipment, but even if it only comes down to nothing more than heating and lighting costs, electricity bills and gas charges are frequently a high proportion of a company's ongoing quarterly costs. Look into low energy measures, such as thermal insulation, or using energy at times when it is cheaper. Price comparisons, based on current usage, can be highly beneficial too, when looking for a cheaper supplier.

Increase Your Business Space

Expanding the size of your business premises can mean that you can simplify workflows and clear clutter, leading to fewer mistakes. This can lower costs because things don't have to be repeated or orders re-despatched. However, renting more space is costly. Instead, fit a mezzanine floor. This means you can effectively double the amount of space that you have available without needing to increase your rental or heating costs. Different companies provide mezzanine flooring services such as Warehouse Storage Solutions which offers its customers this service. By installing one, you can add more workspace, find room for a better-organised warehouse or even use it for office-based staff if wanted. Installing mezzanine flooring opens you up to other beneficial space-saving warehouse additions like industrial stairways (found on websites such as https://www.platformsandladders.com/industrial-stairways), as they can be fitted to the floor and then put away without any hassle. Your warehouse will be kept in good condition as well as safe.
 

Use a Franking Machine

When you have lots of posts that need to go out, heading to the Post Office to weigh and despatch parcels is time-consuming and costly. Even if you use stamps for standard-size envelopes, the price per item that is posted is greater than if you use a franking machine. By leasing one, you can spread the costs without having to find capital outlay. On average, users of franking machines save a penny for every item that they send, so they can soon lead to sizeable cost savings for companies that post goods or use the postal service to send invoices and statements to their customers.

Outsource Payroll

If you have a small amount of staff, then your payroll function may take up a disproportionate amount of your time. By employing a payroll clerk who runs your payroll function each month, you may not be getting the best value for money. Firms with fewer than a dozen or so employees can often save money by using a specialist sub-contractor who works exclusively in the field of payroll. Not only will you save money over a year, but costly mistakes are often avoided by engaging the services of an expert.

Switch to Electronic Services

By sending out paper invoices instead of electronic ones by email, you are potentially wasting thousands of pounds each year. Why not consider the virtues of dealing with customers electronically? Many businesses are now set up to handle customer enquiries via their website, thus reducing the amount of time spent dealing with commonly asked questions. A properly organised company website - and other electronic services, such as corporate mobile phone apps - should be able to reduce the amount you spend on staffing customer service lines and dealing with the same sorts of enquiries time and again.

The Intimate Truth with Vagisil

18 years hubby and I have been together, and this year we will be celebrating 12 years of marriage. We've shared and experienced so much in those 18 years, but we've remained in a strong, close and loving relationship. I especially love how he loves me and makes me feel; he chases and lusts over me almost every day, he makes me feel beautiful, sexy and so much more. However, like most long-term relationships, there are periods of when 'life happens events' that affects the blissfulness of our close and intimate relationship - but we understand lulls are inevitable and we will always bounce back, and during these periods we take a philosophical approach as in, we look forward to finding our intimacy again 'soon' and we always do.

Long-term relationships require a lot of work and trust. Keeping the love alive despite the years can be challenging yet it can also be fruitful and rewarding, and intimacy and sex are powerful tools for any relationship, especially long term ones.  Those feelings keep you bonded, happy and close. And yet it can be the one thing that gets dismissed.

As the relationship grows sometimes we become too comfortable that we can forget that part of the relationship. You can arrive at a stage where you would rather read a book or just sleep rather than have sex. 

No relationship captures feelings of pure happiness all the time. It's normal for relationships to go through periods of lesser and greater intimacy, but that is okay,  there's nothing wrong with losing a little passion now and again; it's normal. The important thing is putting in the effort to sustain the relationship even during those lull periods. 

Using a product like Vagisil ProHydrate is designed to help you find that blissful intimacy and maybe even help your journey to reconnect and rediscover each other.

The Vagisil ProHydrate range is specifically designed to relieve intimate dryness so that you can feel comfortable, confident and enjoy intimacy when you want to. From Vagisil's research, they found that when it comes to relationships, over half of women (56%) say that they want to feel more connected to their partner. The top three things associated with ‘intimacy’ among women in a committed relationship are; ‘closeness’ (69%), ‘togetherness’ (65%) and ‘love’ (61%). Thus, when it comes to intimacy, women associate this with closeness, togetherness and love. 

The Vagisil ProHydrate range is available at Boots and Superdrug.

Why You Should Make London Your Next Family Holiday Destination

Nothing in this life beats a great family holiday. It’s a chance to break away from the mundane, and enjoy something out of the ordinary. More crucially, it’s a fantastic chance to create those magical memories that your family can cherish for a lifetime.

We all have travel bucket lists. However, you don’t need to go chasing exotic adventure to have a great family vacation. In truth, a city break to London could be the best option at your disposal. Most British families will take the occasional day trip to the capital. But it’s also the perfect destination for your next family holiday.

Here are 11 compelling reasons why you should consider on your shortlist.

Travel

When holidaying with children, you should never forget the importance of the journey. Let’s face it; a difficult trip can instantly put a downer on your vacation. Not only does it put you in a bad mood from the off, but it also leaves you fearing the return legs.

Early morning airport runs, long-haul flights and further travel to reach your final destination can be very testing. However, travelling to London is relatively easy from anywhere in the UK. The London Underground and public transport facilities make it a simple task to access the city once you’ve arrived too.

For foreign travellers, international links through Eurostar and multiple airports make life equally simple. Easy travelling will set a solid foundation for a less stressful vacation for parents and kids alike. What better starting point could you need?

Familiarity

Visiting a new country can be very exciting, but it can be a little daunting for children. Aside from the fear of travelling to another country, they’ve also got to handle the prospect of being in a different culture. That lack of familiarity can be quite scary, so staying in England can be very beneficial.

Simple pleasures like using English currency shouldn’t be underestimated. London is a fascinating place unlike any other in Britain. But there’s still the familiarity of seeing shops and other items that they get back home. Removing the prospect of language barriers can have a telling impact on your enjoyment.

Multicultural Pleasures

The general familiarity of being in your home country is great. But one of the wonderful things about London is the diversity. If you want to, you can embrace the city in a way that lets you enjoy a world of different cultures.

This could entail taking in different types of art and entertainment. Alternatively, it might be something as simple as trying worldwide foods. Not only is a great way to share some time as a family, but it also enhances those feelings that you are away on vacation.

London is home to such a vibrant culture that you can always tailor the adventure to suit your specific family requirements. Perfect.

A Chance To Educate

Travel broadens the mind, and holidays are a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the world and ourselves. Moreover, it’s a chance to impart wisdom onto your children. In turn, this could be very beneficial as they develop their individual passions in life.

Quite frankly, there’s no place like London for achieving this goal. Apart from the many galleries, the city is home to cultural landmarks that everyone should visit at least once. Walking around the Westminster area alone can bring you to Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, and Big Ben to name just three. Alternatively, you could book a bus tour at https://www.theoriginaltour.com/. Either way, it’s the ultimate chance to educate your children with one of the most enjoyable days out imaginable.

London also has some of the best museums, pop-over to read the Motherhood the Real Deal blog post covering the best ones to visit.

Celebrate Passions

Those educational rewards can help develop new passions. But your family already has favourite pastimes; London is an ideal place to embrace them. As far as entertainment is concerned, you cannot find anywhere better.

Arranging your trip to fit in with events on the sporting calendar could be the perfect answer to making this an unforgettable trip. It could mean watching the latest West End theatre show. Or perhaps your family is more focused on tennis and would prefer a trip to Wimbledon. Whatever you love doing, London will provide the ideal destination to fulfil those dreams.

The key to enjoying a great family holiday is to do things together. These events allow you to do that, and it’s something that you’ll all remember for years to come.

Luxury

The perfect family holiday should offer plenty of adventures and excitement. However, modern life is frantic, and we can all appreciate the chance to recharge the batteries a little too. When travelling with kids, you’re never going to rest for a full week. But that doesn’t mean you can’t invest in a little you time.

You could partake in these delights as a family. Alternatively, you could drop the kids off at an organised club for the day. Either way, finding a spa or place to relax in London won’t be difficult. In truth, there’s a strong possibility that the accommodation will provide facilities too.

Value For Money

One of the key items putting people off of London is the cost. However, the perceptions are often far worse than the reality. If you’re not careful, the capital can be very expensive indeed. As long as you’re responsible, though, it can still be a lot cheaper than an international holiday. For starters, you won’t be paying through the nose on travel.

Sightseeing and visiting places like Trafalgar Sq doesn’t have to cost a penny. Meanwhile, a trip to Hyde Park is truly wonderful for an afternoon of family fun. Likewise, you can often find street performances in Covent Garden and the Southbank. Aside from being cheaper, it’s a chance to see the true beauty of London too – the people.

Accommodation will probably be the big expense. But if you can’t find a decent solution, then there’s always the option to stay in the surrounding areas and get a train into the city.

Fun 365 Days A Year

Advancements to international travel have made the world feel like a smaller place than ever before. And there are some truly wonderful destinations out there. Many of them are very reliant on the seasons, though. Not London. Regardless of the timing, the capital will always offer a brilliant holiday.

You can never rely on the weather, but London has plenty of indoor facilities to battle those potential issues. Meanwhile, winter months can be a wonderful time to visit too. Along with the markets, Winter Wonderland is the perfect attraction for family fun. It’s a great way to build those festive spirits too. Find out more at http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/.

In today’s busy world, simply getting time off work can be a hassle. No matter when those breaks come, London will guarantee a great vacation.

Less Planning

As with any holiday, organising your trip to London does require some work. However, it’s far less stressful than alternative options.

For starters, you don’t need to worry about planning months and months in advance. Quite frankly, you could decide to make a late decision and still have a great adventure. There’s no need for worrying about VISAs, injections, and special holiday outfits. With travel and accommodation booked, you’re virtually set to go.

The spontaneous adventures are often the best ones too. And with less time spent planning, you can spend more time enjoying the capital with those people you love most.

No Boredom

By now, you’ve probably realised that London has a bit of everything. Some holiday destinations are brilliant for a short trip but become boring quite quickly. Conversely, London is a place where even the locals don’t have time to soak it all in. And keeping your kids entertained on holiday has to be a key priority.

Being bored on holiday feels like a waste. Furthermore, being asked when it’s time to go home can be rather demoralising. In London, your stay will never feel too long. Best of all, it’s suited to people of all ages. And as long as you’ve enjoyed the trip, it can only be considered a success.

Great Photos

Enjoying the holiday is one thing, but it’s also nice to have reminders of that great trip. You can always find souvenirs to reminisce about the vacation. However, the best item is those family photographs.

With so many world famous backdrops, London is a great place to take photos that will eventually brighten up your home. You can find out about turning those images into canvas art http://www.my-picture.co.uk/. Not only will it give the home a unique vibe, but it’s a constant source of happiness to pick you up when you’re feeling down.

When combined with the immediate rewards of the holiday itself, it creates the perfect full package. And don’t worry about it ruining future day visits to the capital, they’ll still be as exciting as always.

Easily Entertaining the Kids

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When you have a long summer ahead of you, figuring out how to keep the kids entertained can be a bit of a daunting task. School might be boring for them, but they’ll certainly remind you of just how bored they are at home when you don’t line up activities that will keep them occupied all summer long. Whether it is sending the kids to summer camp, finding a swim program, playing with crafts at home, or going outside, you need to find something that will keep your kids entertained.

Whether you decide to stay at home or go on a long road-trip, there will come a time when you need to fall back on good old-fashioned television. By now, you’re probably wondering just what new program you can even introduce to your kids. They’ve already developed favorites that they turn on weekend mornings, and you’d like to find something somewhat educational at least, so hopefully their little brains won’t turn to mush before school resumes in the fall.

You’re in luck, thanks to HMV and Groupon Discount Codes. At HMV, you can search through every genre of media ever made… selecting the right titles for each kid, and even a flick for yourself once they’re all settled in. Those Tuesday afternoons just got a whole lot easier now that you can put in their favorite action movie and go take a nap, instead of having to field a dozen “Mom, he hit me” and “He started its.”

If your car is equipped with DVD or Blu-Ray players, you are in luck. When you decide to take the family on a long drive to go camping, you can entertain them with a movie, instead of having to listen to a dozen of the classic “Are we there yet?”

Summer doesn’t have to be an endless series of days of you searching desperately for activities that will keep your kids happy. Thankfully, every kid loves watching a movie or television show every now and then. Pay a visit to HMV and you’ll find everything you need to easily entertain your kids all summer long.

Quiz Clothing Wish List

I am off to Amsterdam on a business trip in a couple of weeks, and I am looking for a new outfit to wear when travelling the day before. I will have a 2-hour drive to the airport and then the flight, thus, I am looking for an outfit that is comfortable, but casual-smart too. 

I am looking to travel in comfy but smart trousers, with a lightweight but warm coat - and I am thinking a comfortable top with a bit of colour. Looking at the Quiz Clothing website I've put together my outfit below.

Grey Fleece Long Sleeve Jacket: Perfect, a cozy fleece coat with long sleeves to keep me snug and warm whilst travelling. Smart looking, it looks great when worn with skinny jeans/trousers. RRP £26.99.

Black Crepe Elasticated Waist Trousers: You can't go wrong with black trousers, these are a slim fit, smart-causal style.  RRP £16.99

Cream and Blue Crepe Flower Print Top: A flower print design with short sleeves and chiffon hem. Would wear really well with the slim trousers.  RRP £19.99

Silver Glitter Jelly Wedges: I really like these, and they would finish the outfit off perfectly.  RRP £16.99

I like Quiz clothing they offer good quality clothing at great value.

Charity gifts: giving a present with a feel-good factor

 Perhaps you’re struggling to find a present for the person who already has it all, or you’re looking to surprise that someone special with a truly unusual offering. Let’s face it, gift buying can be difficult. If you’re not careful, you can end up wasting your cash on items that people don’t need or particularly want. So, why not think outside the box next time you’re hunting for a present and put your money towards a good cause?

Charity gifts are becoming increasingly popular as people switch onto the fact that these offerings have an undeniable feel-good factor. Organisations such as Oxfam make the process easy by offering tailored packages that come with personalised charity e-cards. If you still need to be won over by this form of gift giving, consider the following benefits.

An array of options to choose from

There’s a surprisingly wide range of charity presents for you to choose from, so regardless of who you’re buying for or the occasion you’re celebrating, you shouldn’t struggle to find something that suits. For example, if you’re purchasing on behalf of an animal lover, you could get a gift that provides people living in poverty with creatures that help them put food on the table and earn a sustainable income. From putting money towards initiatives that provide families with goats, sheep or chickens to contributing to an entire farmyard, there are a variety of options available.

Other great causes include providing lifesaving soap and sanitation to communities, giving clean water to families, providing children with school supplies and kitting out classrooms. Whatever your budget and whoever you’re buying for, you’ll be able to find a gift that makes a real difference to people’s lives.

Simple and quick 

The best thing is, as well as being worthwhile, charity present buying is easy and quick. You can search the web for great ideas and purchasing your gift should take a matter of moments. Also, if you go to an organisation like Oxfam, you’ll be able to personalise and send an e-card informing the recipient of the contribution that has been made on their behalf. This means no traipsing around shops or standing in queues and it’s ideal if you’re looking for last-minute or long-distance presents. 

Whether you want a present for a birthday, Christmas, wedding or any other occasion, forget worn out clichés and consider putting money towards a good cause instead.

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.

Picture credit Lauramusikanski

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.

Picture credit Flickr.com

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.

Photo from ErikaWittlieb

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?