Do You Really Have A Good Nighttime Routine?

A nighttime routine is integral to getting a good night’s sleep, and even when you’ve redesigned your bedroom to truly suit the way you sleep, if you’re not feeling ready for bed when you climb in, it’s still going to take ages to fall asleep!

So, in the interest of ensuring you’ve got a good night’s sleep on the cards, and you will for at least 5 of the 7 days out of the week, make sure to keep in mind the potential nighttime routine improvements below. You deserve to have a good night’s rest, and with a tiny bit more effort, you might actually get some! 

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Pamper Yourself a Little

Do you know how to pamper yourself? Because you’ll need to pamper yourself before falling asleep! Go and light some candles for a good scent to swirl in your bedroom. Take a nice hot bath or shower, to help your muscles relax and your skin to feel refreshed. Turn the light’s down low and let your eyes get a little heavy as a result. Just go all out to ensure your body feels good before you get into bed, and you’re going to have a much healthier nighttime routine as a result. 

Settle Your Stomach

Your digestive system might go a little wild at night. After all, your body has the chance to work through anything you’ve put into it throughout the day, and that big dinner that took hours to cook is going to be still working the last drops through your gut. And for that reason, you may want to make settling your stomach a part of your routine. 

A bath could help make your body relax, both inside and out. Rubbing your belly a little, when you climb into bed at night, could do wonders for the muscles. Even some cbd gummies for sleep could be a big help here; all in all, if you’ve got a nice hot drink to sip on for 20 minutes before bed, or even just something small and soothing to chew on, you’re going to find bedtime a lot easier to get on with. 

Prepare for the Morning 

You should have a lot more time now than you do in the morning, and because of that, your nighttime routine should think about your future self, and how they’re going to feel rolling out of bed at early hours! So adjust your nighttime routine to prepare for the morning ahead as well. 

Get your outfit out, whether that be business casual for work or your gym clothes. Pack yourself a healthy lunch ahead of time, to ensure you’re not eating canteen or fast food on your breaks. And most of all, get the coffee or tea prepped! 

A good nighttime routine puts you first, and makes sure you’re feeling healthy and happy after a good night’s rest. Be sure to change up your routine if it’s not quite right at the moment, simply because you deserve to! 

What To Do If Your Furry Friend Goes Missing

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Most of the time, your dog will sit by your side dutifully, following you around wherever you go. Sometimes, though, he or she will go absent without leave, and you’ll be left worried sick. Where the heck have they gone? And will you ever find them again? 

For those of you with tags and tracking apps, hunting down a missing animal is a walk in the park - often literally. But if you’re not quite that high tech, how on Earth do you go about finding them? 

An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Cure

If you’re reading this and your dog hasn’t gone missing yet, take note: prevention is much more valuable than cure. Ideally, you need a collar to go around your pet with their name and address engraved on it. If you don’t know what we mean, visit Doggie Solutions - they have some examples. 

You should also consider getting your pet microchipped, especially if you own a thoroughbred. Some specimens can be very valuable, meaning criminals might deliberately target your dog. 

You should also make sure that your dog can’t escape from wherever you’re keeping it. Check for gaps under your gates or low fences that could be jumped over. 

What To Do If The Worst Happens

If the worst happens and your pet really does get lost, then what? 

Sometimes pets go missing despite your best efforts, and there’s not a great deal you can do about it. They might slip out if you leave the front door open and unattended for a few seconds. 

First, take a look along their usual walking routes. Dogs will usually retrace familiar steps they’ve made in the past, following scent trails. They’re most likely sniffing around outside your home, in which case you can usually find them pretty quickly.

If you have trained your dog to come to you, start calling for them or using a whistle. If they’re in the area, they’ll immediately begin making their way back to you.

Second, if you really can’t find them after an hour or so, call up your local animal shelters and give them the details, including the name on the tag. Even if you can’t find your pooch, somebody else almost certainly will. And when they do, they’ll bring them to people who can look after them, like shelters. 

The Center for Lost Pets is a great place to register if you’ve lost your dog. If anyone finds them, they can go onto this site and get your contact information to arrange a pickup or drop off. 

If that doesn’t work, you can leave signs up around your neighborhood. Somebody, somewhere, has probably seen your dog. 

Don’t Lose Hope

Dogs are hardy creatures and can usually look after themselves without any outside intervention for weeks. Strays, for instance, live out their lives on the streets. Even if it’s been several days, don’t give up hope. Eventually, the dog will turn up. If you find it after a long time, take it to the vet for a health check. 

How Covid Has Changed Our Beauty Routines

There have been many changes that we’ve had to get used to during lockdown. A slower pace of life, shortages in foods that we need and a lack of beauty regimes that we love to treat ourselves to.

We live in a world where we are very conscious of our vanity and it often defines who people are, even though it shouldn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.

However, when these luxuries are taken away, it forces you to find alternatives and wonder perhaps why you once relied so heavily on other people and habits. Here are just some areas that we now might have changed our ideas about moving forwards.

Hair 

It’s without a doubt been the treatment that people have missed the most since everything suddenly ground to a halt. Although it’s only aesthetic, it’s been really hard for some people to cope without having their regular hair cuts.

For many it’s a treat that they look forward to, whether it’s just a cut or whether it’s a colour treatment. A whole nation has been learning to trim, cut fringes and not manage to ruin their hair with home dye kits. 

Some have realised that they can manage without visiting the hairdresser and some have learnt to cut their families hair as well. It’s also given people the chance to grow out hair styles and embrace their natural grey.

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Nails

If you’re someone that is particular about getting your nails done by a technician every month, then you will have found it difficult to accept your nails as they are. 

A lot of the time it’s about convenience and paying for someone to do your nails is far easier and less messy than doing them yourself. It’s a treat and a little luxury that many women like to afford themselves.

This break away from the norm might have spurred you on to invest in a kit, so that you can do your own acrylic or gel nails. It’s also been a good time to let your nails breathe and strengthen from continuous treatments over the years.

Aesthetic treatments

It goes without saying that there are treatments and regimes that we will always want to have. If you fancy having lash extensions, a face peel or some fillers, then you will still want to be spending money on these treatments that are performed by professionals. The same applies to getting dental treatment carried out to correct any issues that you have with your teeth and you can find out more about how you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted by consulting a specialist in dentistry.

Skincare

The way we care for our skin has changed and a lot of this is largely down to the fact that many people have chosen not to wear makeup while at home. Whereas once they would be wearing full makeup to go to work, they now might only be putting on some makeup for carrying out a zoom call. However, it’s been a game changer for many people and actually quite liberating. The result of this is that we'll see much more of a focus on products that make us look fresh, healthy, alert and awake - rather than made up.

Out Of The Frying Pan & Into The Fire: Protecting Your Health During Eased Lockdown

Many will breathe a sigh of relief now that the lockdown measures in the UK have been lifted somewhat. As of Monday 1st June, Brits can once more visit friends and family outside of those in their own home. They can hang out with up to 6 people (albeit outside in a public space or private garden). While we may not be able to hold our loved ones close safely just yet, the fact that we’re able to set eyes on them at all will come as a great relief to many. But make no mistake, we’re not out of the woods yet. And as we try to reconcile our yearning for human contact with the necessity of keeping ourselves safe, we all have a balancing act to master. Matters aren’t improved when everywhere we look we see people flouting social distancing and failing to take precautions. Many, especially those who have been shielding, may feel like they’re going out of the frying pan and into the fire. 

Photo by Bára Buri on Unsplash

Here we’ll look at how to protect every aspect of your health during eased lockdown…

Get proactive about dealing with stress

These are unbelievably stressful times, and the current confusion and frustrations over the government’s perceived mixed messaging (not to mention the financial strain placed on many households) can’t be helping. Stress can be every bit as damaging to our health (even fatally so) as the COVID-19 virus, so we need to get proactive about dealing with it. It’s time to stop making excuses and start exercising even if gyms won’t open for some time. It’s time to start considering the benefits of taking CBD oil or mindfulness meditation. It’s time to put down your smartphone when you know that the constant stream of data is doing you more harm than good.

Mask up

Masks are uncomfortable, awkward and obscure that beautiful face of yours. But we need them! There has been an unbelievable amount of mixed messaging surrounding masks, but in light of new reports the general consensus among the scientific community is that even homemade masks can prove effective in preventing the spread of the virus. If you’re desperate to return to your old way of life, yet can’t shake the nervousness that comes with being in public spaces, wearing a mask can prove effective in keeping you (and those around you) protected. 

Keep washing your hands

Just in case you’ve been slacking off on this front, this is your reminder that washing your hands is the most effective weapon in the battle against COVID-19. Soap and warm water destroy the outer layer of lipids (fats) surrounding viral cells quite literally tearing the virus apart while you wash. 

Stay social, stay safe

Finally, being isolated from the people you love can be seriously detrimental to your mental health. And let’s face it, video chat just isn’t the same. By all means attend garden gatherings and barbecues. By all means spend time with the people you've missed. Just say safe and maintain social distancing no matter how much you may want to hug your friends and relatives. 

We’re on the home stretch. The above tips will hopefully keep you healthy and happy until COVID-19 is a mere memory.

How To Find The Right Personal Trainer

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Finding the right personal trainer is imperative to reaching your fitness goals. It takes a little more leg work than scouring social media looking for the trainer with the most followers and the best body. Though those factors may be important, they are not the only factors to consider when looking for the right personal trainer for you. If you are ready to take the next step toward your fitness goals and getting a personal trainer is something you are interested in, but you do not know where to start below are some tips on how to find the right personal trainer.

Where Can You Find Them?

It may feel like Instagram is your only option, but that is not true. If you are a part of a good gym chances are you can find a personal trainer through your gym. Next time you take a trip to your health club or gym, ask for a list of their trainers and what their specialties are. You do want to go to a trainer that focuses on injured clients if all you are looking for is to gain mass amounts of muscle. Their style of training and their personalized exercises will not be helpful for your specific fitness goals. Another way to find a personal trainer is through online directories like Ideafit. You could also ask friends and family if they have any good recommendations.

What Are Their Credentials And Qualifications?

So you have found a good trainer who seems to be the right fit. Your next step is to find out their qualifications and credentials. Make sure your trainer is certified at least by one of the national agencies and organizations like the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, or the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Anyone with a ripped body and an Instagram page can pose as a personal trainer, so it is good to ask for their credentials. Client testimonials are also a crucial part in finding a good trainer. For example, Andy Griffiths testimonies paint a picture for a potential client doing research on how this trainer works with their clients.

How Much Do They Charge?

Personal training costs vary because they factor in a lot of things like location, and your personal preferences. Angie’s List says personal trainers in bigger cities are typically more expensive per session than those in rural areas. Those trainers may be more expensive than those that are strictly online. There are ways you can reduce your costs, like negotiating the length of the sessions. You could also do a package deal as most trainers provide a discount. The packages can include a certain frequency of sessions, like on a monthly bases. Other packages could can include a certain amount of sessions.

These are just a few things to consider when looking for the right personal trainer for you. Research is your best bet along with asking the right questions.

Important Advice On Keeping A Horse

Horses make for amazing creatures to have around. They are one of those species which have a very close and unique relationship to human beings, a little like dogs and cats, but in many ways they are much more their own animal and more independent. Nonetheless, they do make amazing partners in many ways, and there are many joys to be had if you are thinking about keeping a horse yourself. Before you do so, however, you will want to think about how you are going to look after them and what you will need to do so. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most essential things that you will need to consider before you get a horse.

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The Costs

First of all, it’s a good idea to be fully aware of the costs of having a horse, so that you know what’s coming and you don’t get any nasty surprises along the way. Although it does take some money to get set up for having a horse, actually the ongoing costs are not too bad, so it’s something that you might find to be more affordable than you might have assumed. Ongoing costs will include bales of hay, mineral supplement, salt blocks, farrier, dewormer, dentistry and vaccination. If you are boarding your horse, that will likely be your main cost. And of course there are vet bills from time to time - though you should consider getting your horse insured, which could save you money.

The Stable

Of course, the main thing you need in order to keep a horse yourself and not board it is a stable. If you have the space for a stable in your land and you want to get one, make sure that you are aware of the size that you need. You might want to consider whether you are going to need space for more than one horse, or whether you just want a spacious one for the one horse anyway. In any case, take a look around - you are bound to find some beautiful bespoke stables for sale, and it’s just a case of finding one that looks suitable for you. If you are particularly handy, you can always consider building one yourself instead, although it is probably easier to just buy one.

Their Behaviour

It’s also important to make sure that you are aware of their behaviour and what it means, as this can be a clear indication of what they need. Over time you will obviously get a better and better sense of this, but at first you should research what their behaviour means so that you can ensure you are going to keep your horse as happy and healthy as possible. By doing that, you will be taking much better care of them, and you can develop a long and loving relationship with them which will last many years and bring joy to the both of you.

Five Simple Ways to Give your Garden some Oomph

Summer is on its way at an alarming speed, which means there is no time like now to make a few simple improvements to your outside space. Following these tips might be all it takes to encourage you and your family to really take advantage of the (admittedly occasional) sunny days and light evenings this summer.

Update the furniture

There is nothing more off-putting than a rotting wooden bench that looks that it might break under you the moment you sit down! Ok, this might be a dramatic example, but garden furniture is often completely neglected unlike the beautiful pieces that can probably be found within your home. Choosing a few practical, comfortable and indeed beautiful pieces of outdoor furniture can make a huge difference to how your garden looks, and more importantly how much you feel like going out there! If you’re after something comfortable, I am particularly fond of outdoor sofas, like those found on Unopiu, which really help to extend the comfort of your living room outside into the fresh air. You can even take out a blanket and cuddle up with the kids under the stars.

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Paint stones with the names of the flowers/herbs

Having flowers and herbs throughout your garden is amazing in itself, but you can spice it up even by more by adding some painted stones to highlight what you have throughout your space. Not to mention, it is a fun project to do! Choose colors and fonts that express your personality to highlight your flowers and herbs with fun painted stones. It can help separate your space and also be helpful in case you have a little helper venturing into the garden to pick some herbs (who could use some guidance).

Choose a feature

Do you have a favorite sculpture, tree or fountain that you just love? Make that the focal point of your garden! Mix it up and add new plants around it or do whatever you need to in order to pull your eyes towards your most beloved part of your garden. Not only will your garden gain a bit of extra oomph, but you also can guarantee that walking into your garden will always give you some sort of inspiration from seeing something you love.

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Mix up your planters

Mixing up your planters is an easy way to incorporate unique elements into your garden. You could even use things from around your house to paint and repurpose as planters. For example, you could use a vintage bed frame to make planters, recycled goods such as an old washtub, a birdcage to grow your flowers and decorate plants inside of, or even a ladder to simply display your favorite plants and pots. Having each member of your family decorate a planter is a fun way to make sure everyone’s personality is represented in the garden.

Introduce Some Feathered Friends

If you have space and time to look after some chickens in your garden this might be a good idea for you and your family, there are many benefits to owning chickens, they help keep insects at bay and they will happily lay you some eggs if you care for them correctly. There are lots of options for feed at Little Peckers and even if you don’t have time to take on these new additions, you can buy bird tables and feeders that will bring a whole host of new birds into your garden.

Avoid clutter

Adding new things to your garden can completely change your space, but so can organizing your space and de-cluttering. Take the time to make sure you love everything that you have in your garden, from plants to décor and give attention and care to all of it. That way, you will feel energized when you go out into your garden, not overwhelmed.

Whatever your inspiration may be to give your garden some oomph, it is well worth it to make it happen! There is nothing better than fresh air and a relaxing space, especially on those sunny days.

Do Reptiles Make Good Pets for Kids?

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Many children would love to have a dog or cat for their pet, but their parents might be hesitant to add these larger animals to the household. Whether the concern is cost, allergies, maintenance, or other reasons, reptiles may be a more fitting choice for your child’s first pet. 

Why Should Children Have Pets?

Having pets in your home can offer a lot of benefits to your child. Some of the best reasons to allow your child to have a pet include: 

• Learning About Responsibility. As adults, our duties and responsibilities make up a significant portion of our attention. You can teach your child about responsibility early by assigning them pet care duties appropriate to the child’s age and skill. 

• Teaching and Developing Empathy. Younger children can often be quite selfish, and giving them the responsibility to care for a pet can help them to learn empathy. It might be surprising how quickly your child learns the pet’s feelings about their environment and habitat. Reptilecentre.com has all of the equipment and care products you and your child will need to ensure the animal’s safety and comfort.

• Gaining Confidence. Aside from cleaning up their toys, taking care of a pet may be the first “job” your child is responsible for. As the pet thrives and lives happily, your child can gain confidence in their own capabilities. 

Do Reptiles Make Good Pets for Kids?

Since they don’t take up much space, and their needs are relatively simple, some species of reptiles can be excellent first pets for children. Reptiles are also cute and fun, and their different needs and activities can provide a unique learning opportunity for your child. 

Which Reptiles Are Best for Children?

There are many different reptile species, all with varying needs in terms of care and habitat. Some reptiles are ideal pets, while others are not safe to have around children. The key is to choose the right reptile for your child and your family, and always be sure the pet has the correct diet and habitat for their needs. The following are some of the best types of reptiles to have as pets for your child. 

• Turtles & Tortoises - As quiet, relatively small, and easy-to-maintain reptiles, turtles and tortoises can be great pets for kids. They are also reasonably intelligent and can even learn to perform basic tasks such as navigating a maze. A great species to consider is the Red Eared Slider Turtle.

• Geckos - Geckos make great pets for kids, but you’ll need to research to get the right breed. Some geckos are more social or aggressive, and others are very high-energy and might be too much for your child to handle. Generally, most gecko species that are best as pets are easy to care for and gentle in disposition. Consider the Leopard Gecko or Crested Gecko when looking for a good pet reptile for your child. 

• Lizards - There are thousands of species of lizard, so it might be a bit overwhelming to find the perfect pet lizard for your family. The best pet lizards are easy to care for and handle and have gentle temperaments for kids. Keep in mind that all lizards can excrete Salmonella, so you will need to ensure your child washes correctly after handling the pet. The Bearded Dragon is an excellent choice for a pet lizard. 

• Frogs - Since they are relatively inexpensive and easy to take care of, frogs can be great pets for kids. Some frog species also have a long lifespan and are very low maintenance. White’s Tree Frog is a good choice of pet frog for children. 

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Moving - there probably isn’t anything more stressful in a homeowner’s life. And, yes, that includes running around after the kids and trying to keep the spark alive in your relationship! If it wasn’t hard enough to find a suitable house, you’ve got to sell yours before you can move in (usually). 

This is by far the hardest piece of the puzzle because buyers are very particular. You’d love to hire an estate agent, list it online, and sign on the dotted line before they change their mind. However, covering every base before tying up a property sale is almost mandatory. So, sorry to say this, but you’re going to need to renovate.

The idea of speculating to accumulate won’t always appeal, not when you require every penny for the move. Still, it’s challenging to pull the wool over the eyes of buyers or convince them to invest when the property isn’t perfect.

Here are the reasons why, and why fixing up your home before selling is a wise choice.

A Cold Market

For the most part, the market is hot for buyers and cold for sellers. Of course, the COVID-19 outbreak has weakened your position and may continue to do so if there’s a recession. Even so, buyers have a lot of leverage because there are many more options available to them in 2020.

After all, the average person moves home between eight and ten times, so the supply is never low. Plus, online listing sites mean it’s easier than ever to view several properties and make a bid. There are times when demand will be so high that you’ll hold all the cards, but it hasn’t been that way for a while. Therefore, renovating or making repairs in advance could be the investment that encourages a person that’s on the fence to buy your home.

You can figure out if the market is in your favour by asking an estate agent that you trust. Alternatively, look back at previous sales and their asking prices, as well as how many listings didn’t sell, in your neighbourhood.

Value-Added Investment

If you’re worried about not securing a return on your investment, you should remember that renovations add value. A conservatory, for instance, will bump up the house price by as much as 5%, which is £5,000 for a £100,000 property. A loft conversion goes one further and increases value by a whopping 15%.

The trick is to choose your renovation wisely, as not every add-on will result in more money. Some are notoriously bad investments, such as a pool. In the UK, especially, there’s no demand for a swimming pool as the weather is never nice enough! Then, you have to include the maintenance resources, and the project results in a loss. An excellent rule to stick to is to add extra space and open up your house.

Buyers love room because A) nobody wants to live in a shoebox, and B) it’s a blank canvas. With an accessible attic, basement, or study, they have the option to convert it into anything they want, from a spare bedroom to a home gym.

Photo by Yoann Siloine on Unsplash

Cosmetic Touches

One reason fixing up your interiors and exteriors before selling isn’t as bad as it sounds is down to cosmetics. There’s no reason to go all out and add a conservatory if you don’t think you’ll recoup the investment because kerb appeal is the key. Buyers fall in love with a property as soon as they roll up in their car and close the door. Without kerb appeal, your home isn’t going to stand out from the crowd.

Thankfully, it doesn’t take a lot of money or effort to ensure your property shines from the outside. Often, a new coat of paint is all it takes to transform most house for sale as the gloss is eye-catching and pretty. Pair the colour and texture with the season - light and bright in the summer - and you’re onto a winner. Next, it’s time to focus on door and window frames. They take a lot of battering and appear old and fatigued. You can either replace them or add another layer of stain to remove any blemishes.

Finally, get the mower out and cut the grass. This is a particularly helpful hack if you have a front lawn as it will make the house appear neat and classical.

Discount Repairs

Imagine someone tried to sell you a broken or cracked product. Would you accept it at full price or demand a price cut? The answer is the latter because you wouldn’t be getting value for money. Houses are the same. When a buyer spots repair work, no matter how small, they’ll deduct it from the listing price. So, a property that’s worth £150,000 soon drops to £140,000. And, that’s before you’ve paid rates and estate agent fees.

The last thing you want to do is to give them an excuse to haggle. Buyers do it anyway because it’s an unwritten rule of real estate. Still, fixer-upper homes aren’t in a strong position due to their flaws. Eliminating them allows you to stand strong when the negotiations begin. 

In short, taking the time to complete repairs will save you money!

Photo by Julie Molliver on Unsplash

The Competition

Selling your home and buying a new one is a competition. You’re fighting against everybody else on your street who is trying to sell their properties as quickly as possible. If you don’t play the game, you run the risk of losing. With that in mind, it’s essential to do what all rivals do - analyse each others’ moves and motives.

Does a similar house to yours have an upgraded kitchen? Does it make your home appear smaller and less appealing? If so, you should follow their lead, even if there is nothing wrong with it. Their estate agent will use it to their advantage to discourage them from any other property, including yours.

Keeping up with the Joneses is more than a cliche!

Where do you stand on renovating before selling? Do you agree?

Tricky Conversations You Need to Have When Parenting a Teenager

As a parent, you have to complete lots of tasks that aren’t easy; that’s just part of the job. If you’re going to succeed in being the very best parent you can be, it’s important to know when to step in and when you need to take action. And for your son or daughter, one of the most turbulent times in their life is when they’re going through the changes that come with adolescence.

It’s a tricky time in anyone’s life and as their parent, you need to be there to help and guide your son or daughter as they go through this time. That means having quite a few tricky conversations and being able to help with a wide range of problems that teens often experience during this period of their lives.

To help make that task a little less daunting and a bit more clear for you, we’re going to cover some of the most important yet tricky conversations you’ll need to have when parenting a teenager, so read on to find out more.

Staying on Track Academically

When your son or daughter is reaching the age at which they want to go to parties and they’re more interested in their romantic lives than their academic lives, it’s up to you to try to keep them on track. Of course, that’s often easier said than done because you want your kids to do well but they’re not going to listen to what you’re saying if they feel like you’re nagging them all the time. Show them why their school work still matters and encourage and support them rather than nagging them.

Mental Health Challenges
There’s a range of mental health challenges that your teenager might be facing. More than ever, people in their teenage years are dealing with the pressure that comes with school work and everything else going on around them. This can lead to problems with stress, anxiety and even depression. It’s important you know the signs of these problems and are able to talk to your son or daughter about. When it comes to supporting your child’s mental health, open communication is key.

Talking About Love

It’s more than likely that your son or daughter is going to have all things romantic on their mind. And when that happens for the first time, things can get confusing and messy for them pretty quickly. You need to be there to impart a few words of wisdom when the time’s right, while also giving them the space they need. Sometimes they’ll need advice from you but at other times, they’ll just need you to be there for support. That can be really important at times.

Alcohol and Drugs

This is one of the toughest conversations to have but it also has the potential to be one of the most important. You should discuss with them the problems that come with using drugs and drinking too much alcohol. The risks are real and teens can experiment with these things and fall into problems if they don’t have the right kind of guidance from parents. It’s a difficult subject to deal with but it’s worth making the effort to get it right if you can.

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Money Management

Money management might not feel like the most urgent subject in the world when you’re bringing up your child and hoping to show them the ways of the world. But they’re going to be earning their own money and getting their first part-time jobs soon, so it makes sense to teach them about the importance of managing their money, saving it and spending it wisely. These are the kinds of life lessons that will eventually turn out to be incredibly useful, so don’t underestimate their potential impact later on.

Discuss Sexual Health and What to do About It

Another thing that your son or daughter is going to be doing for the first time is having sex. You might not like to hear that but it’s more than likely true, and you should make sure they understand what safe sex is and why it’s so important that they practice safe sex. You don’t want to be taking them for a treatment for chlamydia in a few months’ time, so it makes sense to teach them this now. Things like teen pregnancies are still common and that’s probably what you’ll all want to avoid.

Staying Safe Online

Staying safe online is vital and it’s something that parents should be focused on with their kids from an early age. When they’re younger, you should monitor what they’re doing online and who they’re talking to. But you can’t really do that when they reach adolescence and rightly expect a little more privacy. However, staying safe online remains important, so you should think about how you can talk to them about these issues and encourage them to talk to you if there’s anything they’re concerned about.

Working

As we mentioned above, your child will soon be entering the world of work and you should try your best to prepare them for that. Talk to them about what career path they might want to consider and think about what you might be able to do to assist them. It’s not easy when you’re young to know what you want to do and which directions you want to take in life, and it’s often a lot easier with parental support, so that’s what you should always try your best to offer.

Photo by Gez Xavier Mansfield on Unsplash

Physical and Emotional Changes

Adolescence and puberty bring about a wide range of physical changes, as well as plenty of emotional ones. You should do your best to talk to your child about these issues, put their mind at ease if there’s anything that’s worrying them and let them know the things they’re experiencing are perfectly normal. These things can be frustrating, confusing and so many other things all at the same time. Be there to help them through and answer any questions they might want to put to you at this time. It’ll help them a great deal.

Finding Their Own Way

Your child needs to start finding their own way in life at this age and this is something that can be very difficult for parents. Their views, thoughts and beliefs might start to differ from your home for the first time and that’s tricky. But it’s also a good thing because it means they’re growing into their own person. And you should let them know that. In the end, they’ll find their own way regardless but it’s easier for them if you help them with that process.

Guiding Their Talents

Everyone has their own set of talents and abilities and there’s nothing wrong with wanting to guide your child as they start to navigate these things for themselves. They might know that they’re good at certain things but be unsure of how to direct those talents. You can offer that structure, advice and guidance to them and help them to really develop and blossom. This isn’t necessarily a tricky conversation but they’re conversations worth having nonetheless.

Parenting a teenager is probably one of the most challenging things you’ll ever do in your life. There’s no easy mode and no one gets it right 100% of the time. But knowing how to interact with your teen and which conversations are most important is a vital part of getting this right.

Calculators.org a website offering free online math games

Homeschooling is new to our home, something I never thought I would have to do with my kids, and quite frankly, something that I never wanted to do. However, it’s not been so bad, not at all as bad as I imagined it would be, and that is partly down to the access of the vast resources online we have, i.e, websites like Calculators.org.

I dare say that I have actually enjoyed homeschooling with my two youngest, it’s been challenging, especially as my knowledge is not up to the standards needed, but I’ve learnt things with my kids, and I have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing and witnessing my kids knowledge, for example, Jacob is a whizz with Roman numerals, who knew?!

Luckily websites like Calculators.org have been a godsend. What is Calculators.org/games?.. it’s a website designed specially for kids; covering a wide range of math topics like: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. As well as resources to help with counting and number sequencing.

Each game has a star chart to show it’s level of difficultly and a brief description of the game. You simply click on the game you want to do, and it takes you directly to the game. In addition to the math games, there are also puzzles, word search and quizzes - plenty for you and your child to engage in as part of your homeschooling adventure.

The activities and games are engaging as they are visually appealing and the kids find it fun. All of the games are free with no adverts; free from any distraction.

My 4 Favourite Instagram Accounts

Below are 4 Instagram Accounts that bring me joy everyday I look forward to their latest shenanigans

Aaron Cascall, "see ya later". His 'Awkward phone calls' , 'Singing out loud to music when he's listening to music via earphones’ , 'Beat drops' (dances to a beat in public places). and many more are all hilarious. He films the reactions of unsuspecting public.

Celeste Barber, #CelesteChallengeAccepted. A parody star, she creates hilarious posts that contrast celebrity shots with her real-life reenactments. My son loves catching up with me to see what Celeste has been up to, he enjoys her parodies as much as I do - I love that we enjoy her page together.

Cat and Nat, ‘Cat and Nat's Mom Truths’: 2 best friends ranting and raving about real live in their card; sharing embarrassing stories to giving brutally honest advice on the daily lives of being a wife, mum and more. Full of fun and belly laughter, and as a mum myself, ‘they just get it!’

Wolfgang. the adorable adventures of a man who fills his home with senior and special needs dogs, bunnies, chickens and more. I love seeing his photos and getting updates on how his senior family of animals get on.

Like many people, I enjoy social media and following influencers, it feeds and connects interactions amongst us, it brings an increased awareness about a whole range of life, and it brings much joy and laughter.

Social Media is a gateway to find and interact with new people who have the same interests as you, it allows you to seek out groups that are focused towards your own interests and hobbies. This can be great for meeting new friends, educational or so much more.

You can also learn a lot from the brands who partner with influencers and personalities in unique, innovative, and joyous ways.

Social media extends into providing social help, connecting people, and providing essential comfort to those who need it.

Everyone Is an Influencer and there is something for everyone one of us.

10 Reasons to Visit Tennessee

Photo by Mason B. on Unsplash

From the Smoky Mountains to smoky barbecue, Tennessee has a lot of features that make it an ideal tourist destination. Whether you’re a sightseer, foodie, history buff, music fan, or a thrill-seeker, the Volunteer State has something for you.

Here are ten reasons you need to put Tennessee on your vacation bucket list.

10. Southern hospitality

It’s real, and it’s fantastic.

9. The Parthenon

No, seriously! You don’t have to go to Athens, Greece, to gaze upon this historic architectural wonder. There’s a full-scale replica in Nashville, built in 1897 to celebrate the Tennessee Centennial Exposition.

8. Dollywood

Dolly Parton once sang that “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You.” Well, nothing can hold a candle to Dollywood, the beloved songbird’s family-friendly theme park in Pigeon Forge. After all, what other amusement park in the world is home to not only some of the most intense roller coasters anywhere, but also the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame?

7. The Titanic Museum

If you’re in Pigeon Forge to visit Dollywood, why not stay a little longer to explore The Titanic Museum? This two-story building is itself shaped and painted to resemble that ill-fated steamship, and is the largest permanent collection of its kind in the world, housing over 400 artifacts commemorating one of the most historic tragedies the world has ever known.

6. Riverboat cruises

If that last destination didn’t scare you away from cruises for life, then you’re in for a treat. Three of America’s most scenic rivers run through Tennessee: the Mississippi, the Cumberland, and the appropriately named Tennessee. And what better way to experience those waters than with a relaxing sightseeing tour aboard a vintage riverboat, complete with live music and a delicious Southern dinner?

5. So much history

Fun fact: during the Civil War, more soldiers on both the Union and Confederate sides hailed from Tennessee than from any other state. Unsurprisingly, the place is a hotbed for history buffs, being home to such sites as Fort Donelson National Battlefield, President’s Andrew Jackson’s plantation estate Hermitage, and the National Civil Rights Museum.

4. The Grand Ole Opry

Nashville is often called the “Country Music Capital of the World,” and it owes that reputation largely to the Grand Ole Opry. Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, and Garth Brooks are just a few of the countless musicians who have graced the Ryman Auditorium stage to perform for the Opry’s weekly live-broadcast radio show, a staple of the airwaves since 1925.

3. The Sunsphere

Positioned at the heart of a prime piece of Knoxville real estate that once hosted the 1982 World’s Fair, this 600-ton sphere made of 24-karat gold-dusted glass sits atop a 266 foot-tall tower, providing a gorgeous view of the countryside that has to be seen to be believed.

2. Graceland

The King still reigns supreme in Memphis, where Elvis Presley’s 13.8-acre estate now stands as a tribute to rock ‘n’ roll royalty. Displaying such exhibits as his famous pink Cadillac, hundreds of gold records, musical instruments, stage and screen-worn clothing, and other memorabilia, while also providing a place near Presley’s tomb where fans can pay their respects, it’s no surprise that Graceland has become a mecca for more than 20 million visitors since its opening.

1. Three little letters: BBQ

No one does barbecue better than Tennessee, and anyone who says they do is lying.

How to Cope in 2 Emergency Situations

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Emergency situations are hard to prepare for, simply because they have the potential to arise at any given moment. You could go years without having to face any kind of trouble in your life, and then everything could go wrong in the blink of an eye.

 As stressful as it might be to deal with emergency situations when they rear their ugly heads, you have to find a way to cope with them if you’re to stand a chance of getting on with your life. Fortunately, advice on how to do that can be found below.

Here are two emergency situations you should always be prepared to face, as well as advice on what you should do to cope with them:

Home emergencies

You use the appliances in your home on a daily basis, which means that they are always going to be liable to break down and suffer with instances of wear and tear sooner rather than later. It is for this reason you should always be prepared to face emergencies in your home, especially if the appliances that you use haven’t been replaced in some time.

Predicting when home emergencies are going to occur is a difficult task, but you can deal with them if you act in a quick, calm, and efficient manner as soon as they strike. Here are just some of the home emergencies that you should always be ready to deal with, as well as advice on what you should do to fix them as quickly as possible:

Boiler breakdown

Boilers are used each and every day during the winter months, which means that there is always the potential for them to pack up and stop working. To deal with this emergency in a swift and safe manner, there’s no getting around the fact that you’re going to need to pay a professional to either fix or replace your boiler for you. Should you need a quick cash injection in order to pay for this service, then you might want to consider taking out logbook loans. This will see you secure a loan on your vehicle, which in turn will allow you to circumvent any problems you have with your financial history or credit score.

Frozen pipes

Frozen pipes are another home emergency that you are liable to face in the winter. Unlike broken boilers, however, this type of plight can be fixed by just about anyone. To deal with this emergency, you should open all of your faucets, locate the frozen area, and simply get your hairdryer on them. This should result in your water flowing steadily once again.

Roadside emergencies

If you’re a driver, you are liable to face roadside emergencies each time you head out on a drive. Whether this be your car breaking down or another road user crashing into you, you should always prepare to encounter some sort of problem/danger whenever you get behind the wheel.

Should you ever find yourself in the midst of a breakdown emergency, you should:

 •   Park in a position where your vehicle can be seen 200 feet in both directions

•   Turn on your hazard lights

•   Make sure your passengers exit the vehicle and stand away from traffic

•   Raise the bonnet

How to Encourage Healthy Spending Habits in Your Children

In our increasingly materialistic world, we need to make sure that our children are growing up with realistic and healthy spending habits. We always want to make sure that our children will be able to support themselves and smart spending habits are an important life lesson. Here are some of the best ways you can encourage healthy spending habits in your children.

Monitor Their Influences

With access to media like never before, you can never know exactly what your children are seeing online. YouTube is incredibly popular and there are so many channels your kids could be viewing. However, the top YouTubers also earn a sickening amount of many. They often spend it on the best clothes and designer goods which they then flaunt in front of their cameras. 

If you are careful, your children might start wanting designer goods of their own simply because their favourite YouTube star has them. This is not a healthy attitude for them to have and it might take a lot of work on your part to get them to understand this. 

Encourage Saving

One of the best ways you can encourage healthy spending habits in your children is to encourage them to save up money for any items they do have their eye on. Imagine, for example, that despite your best efforts your child has decided to covet a pair of Gucci sneakers. These are obviously going to be incredibly expensive shoes. 

First, you can source the shoes with your child to ensure that they are getting a genuine pair from a reliable seller. SSENSE have plenty in stock by Gucci and they also have a fair price for genuine goods. This will let your child know how much they are going to cost. Together you will be able to come up with a savings plan to help them get what they really want, and they might even be motivated to pick up some extra chores or a job if it means they can save up faster.

Explore Alternatives

A brilliant way to instil good spending habits in your children is to look at alternatives you could use instead. Instead of teaching them that everything has to be bought new, take them to charity or vintage shops. This will teach them that you can find all sorts of great clothes in near-perfect condition even if they aren’t new. 

If you feel crafty, you could even teach them to knit. This is a great way to give them a fun hobby which could also give them something new to wear. 

Even if your children have a taste for the finer things in life, you can still teach them that this is alright. All you need to do is make sure that they understand that such things need to be earned instead of being given to you. If you can instil good spending habits in your children, they are likely to remember them their entire life. Whether it is a small lesson here and there or a trip out for a purpose, teaching your children good spending habits takes many forms.

3 great ways to make your home child friendly.

Photo by Alesia Kazantceva on Unsplash

As your little one/s gets older you will need to adapt the home to make it more child-friendly.  Unless you have been a parent before I don't think you will believe me when I say that little children are walking hazards.  They will find everything that is dangerous in your home and they will play with it.

This blog post is here to show you 3 great ways of keeping your children safe in the home.  If you have any tips that you think we should include add them in the comments section at the end of the post, we would love to hear from you.

According to Bathroom Supastore, over 1 million children per year are admitted to hospital each year with injuries sustained at the home.  Hopefully, by reading this post, you will be able to avoid some of these accidents.

1) Keeping your child safe when bathing.

When bathing your child it's important to keep an eye on them at all times and never be distracted.  Get rid of that mobile phone, turn the cooker off and lower down the TV. Don't let any distractions get in the way of giving your child your full attention.  

When filling your bath make sure to only cover your child's legs in water, this could be between anything from 5cm to 9cm depending on the size and age of your child.  You only need enough water to clean them, you don't need to fill the bath so they can swim in.  

The water you put in your bath is also important and the temperature shouldn't go above 37 degrees Celcius, any higher and you will burn your child's skin.  Judging water temperature is hard and to make sure you don't scald your child I would highly recommend buying a water thermometer. You can get them from baby shops or online sites like Amazon.

You should have the bath ready before putting your child in it, this is to ensure you don't burn them when you need to adjust the temperature of the water by running the warm water tap.

Some parents recommend non-slip mats, personally, I don't like them and find they still slip in the bath which causes a major slip or fall hazard. 

2) Keeping your child safe when sleeping.

Sleeping especially as a newborn is a dangerous activity if the babies sleeping area isn't prepared the way it should be.  Most parents think that their baby needs to be kept wrapped up and really warm, but this is dangerous for your child. Invest in a room thermometer and adjust your baby's clothing to the temperature that is shown.

When sleeping you should always put your baby on its back to minimise the chance of suffocation.  Families with pets should also becareful that the pets (cats) can't get into the babies cot. If you do have a cat make sure to install a cat net on your babies cot.

Co-sleeping is a no-no with most parents, and I would recommend against it, the risk isn't worth it.

3) Keeping your child safe when walking.

When your baby gets to their crawling and walking stages then your home will become even more dangerous for them.  At this stage, it is very important not to leave them alone on chairs or beds as they can easily fall off and injure themselves.

If you have any windows in which your child can open make sure to install a window guard to prevent this from happening.  If you have patio doors you should add stickers to the windows so your child can see that there's glass in the way, this will prevent them from running into the door.

When your baby becomes mobile there is a greater risk of them falling down the stairs, at this stage you should install baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairs.  I'd also recommend adding them to the kitchen entrance too as they could wander in when you are cooking something hot.

Finally, there are companies out there that sell plastic that covers any hard corners to protect your child if they fall into them, I'd avoid these and buy some bubble wrap.  Bubble wrap does a better job and is cheaper.

Conclusion.

Protecting your child in the home can be tough, but with a little common sense, a lot of watching over them and by reading the tips above you should be in a much better place to protect your child at home.

Thank you for reading, if you enjoyed this post please share it on your social media.

Help with your kids studying

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A Tutor Can Help Your Child Catch Up at School 

You want your child to be an independent learner, and be excellent at school. Unfortunately, it’s not always the case. Your expectations don’t meet your child’s performance. At some point, you might have to consider hiring a tutor to help your child catch up. You might think it’s embarrassing as it points out the fact that your child is academically weak, but your child needs help, and a tutor might be the best person to help your child get up to speed.

Your child needs help with tests 

Although academic tests aren’t necessarily conclusive of your child’s intelligence, consistent fails could be alarming. Therefore, if you see that the results are on a downward spiral, you need to consider hiring a tutor. It’s not yet too late for you to act on this issue. Gradual increases in the test results might happen after hiring a tutor. 

Your child doesn’t feel motivated to study

Observe what your child does upon arriving home. If it doesn't involve reading books or studying lessons from schools, it's somewhat alarming. Although the teachers try their best to give what your child needs, it's not enough. They have to take care of several students at school, and students need to catch up by learning some more at home. If no one helps push them to be more responsible in studying, a tutor could help.

Your child doesn’t learn as fast as the others

The problem of being in a large class is that not all kids learn at the same pace. Others are behind because they're quite slow in absorbing information. It doesn't mean they're stupid, but they don't understand information at the same pace as average learners. It's a weakness that you can remedy with the help of a tutor. Your child needs a one-on-one lesson to absorb specific information. It's possible to get lost and left behind when the class is too big. 

The lessons are getting more difficult 

As your child moves towards the next level of education, the lessons start to become more difficult. Some students don't do well when the degree of difficulty increases. The problem is once they're behind, it will continue until it's too late to solve the problem. Therefore, while there's still enough time to solve the issue, you need to act. A tutor could help your child understand difficult concepts. Tutors can break the information down in a way that students with a learning difficulty can easily absorb.

You want to instill the value of studying

It's frustrating when your child doesn't see the importance of studying lessons. If you're going to change this attitude, a regular session with a tutor could help. Your child will have no choice but to sit and study. It will eventually become a habit, and even without a tutor, your child will continue to study.

You can also consider the use of educational apps for kidslike Kidsmart since there’s an option for a live tutor. You can help make learning fun and exciting through this approach.

How to make Money Last Until Payday

Money can be tight and unexpected things happen and it can happen at anytime, washing machine or car breaks down, or maybe your water bill is higher than you expected. Sometimes you just take your eye off the ball financially. Whatever the reason, and it can happen often, you find yourself left with almost nothing in the bank. And, you ask yourself 'how long to payday?'.

Money is a big part of our lives.  How we earn money and how we spend money has changed a lot over the past decade.  Learning to budget effectively wasn't something that came easy to me, it took a while and some months I spend far too much than I should. So, below I have put together some tips on how to try and make money last until payday. Or if you do ever find yourself short on cash and you won't last until payday, there are many options available out there for you, i.e. look online for a loan company.

Boosting your income:

Do a car boot sale, either on your own or with others. Make gifts of food, sewing items or woodwork to sell to people. Or if you have extra space, rent out your garage or a room in your home. Sell unwanted items on eBay is also a great way to boosting your income.

Review your spending:

Take a look at where your money is going. You know that you’re being stretched to the limit, but what exactly is causing you to struggle until payday? Review your bank statements to see what you need to cut out completely and what you need to start spending less on. 

Every little helps:

The little things can help big time. There are many ways you can make savings. From the obvious things, like leaving the car at home and walking the kids to school, cancelling an unused gym membership or taking packed lunches to work. 

Save a little:

Put a little aside each month, so when you do have any unexpected emergencies or bills, you have those savings available and ready to help you out. There are some great apps out there that allow you to set up automatic saving.

Find ways to lower your bills:

I love doing this, it's so very easy and simple to do to as well. You can use the many comparison sites to establish if you should move to a different provider or not. If they are cheaper, you can reduce your bills. Don’t forget to use cash back sites when signing up to a new provider, you will often find they offer great cash back.

Getting Started With Recycling at Home

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Recycling is one of the most simple and effective ways that everyone can reduce their impact on the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency recently released a study showing that 17 trees and a whopping 26,000 litres of water are saved for each ton of paper that is recycled.

But paper and cardboard aren’t the only materials that we can recycle at home. In fact, most homeowners would be surprised by the amount of materials they’re throwing away that could be recycled instead. Aluminum cans, foil and trays, glass bottles, empty aerosol cans, and a variety of plastics are just some.

Paper 

Paper products such as magazines, cardboard boxes and packaging should be stored in a dry and clean environment, such as your home office or spare room. You can save space by folding boxes flat and shredding papers. Remember that toilet paper, phone books, birthday cards, paper towels, envelopes, and some wrapping paper can also be recycled.

Metals and Plastics

Most food cans can be crushed to save space, but recycling centres usually prefer if you don’t crush aluminum cans. Paint and aerosol cans should be kept separate from other metals and have clear labels so that recyclers know they’re toxic waste. Metals can also be recycled, including bronze and brass. 

As for plastic products, recycling centres usually only accept a certain rating, so be sure to check up on this before disposing of anything. Ratings #1 and #2 are widely accepted, while a #7 rating refers to polycarbonates that cannot be recycled. While polystyrene (#6 rating) is not biodegradable, some recycling centres are starting to accept it.

Glass

While you can crush tins or plastics to save space, glass objects should be kept intact for safety reasons. Be sure to give your glass bottles a quick rinse before putting them in the recycle bin. It’s not necessary to remove the lids or labels from glass bottles. Finally, glass bottles can be recycled infinitely, so don’t hesitate to stick them in the bin for another run. 

Other Products

Some recycling centres also accept electronic goods. If this isn’t available in your area, consider passing on your old computer or smartphone to someone else instead of throwing it away. This applies to just about everything in your home. If it cannot be recycled, there’s inevitably someone who can make good use of it.

That said, it would be wise to take an occasional look at what recycling centres in your area accept. For example, your old mattress can be recycled in a variety of locations around the UK. For more information, you can look here to learn how to recycle your mattress in your local area.

Conclusion

Once you have a clear idea of what the recycling centres in your area accept, you can get started with creating sorting bins for each material. It may take some time and effort in the beginning, but the satisfying feeling of knowing you’re doing your part to save the environment is one that we can all appreciate. 

Be wise and recycle

Whenever we talk about recycling, it can sometimes sound as if we are giving away our unwanted goods for free, but that's doesn’t always have to be the case. Although most of us end up giving away old clothes and shoes to charities, we can always use Facebook market place to sell them. Additionally, there are many other household items which can be recycled for cash rather than putting them straight into the tip, these are items that we tend to believe that they hold no monetary value . Once I threw a laptop away as it didn't turn on, but now, I wonder if I could have made some money by recycling it via selling it to one of the online recycling companies. 

Recently I had a bit of a clear out and found 3 old mobile phones, 200+ DVDs and an old PlayStation one! These were all put away and forgotten items which haven't been used in months (some years). So I decided to sell them. Here is how much I managed to make.

• Broken iPhone 7 £80

• Working iPhone 6 £84

• Old Samsung s6 £60

• Over 200 DVDs25 Gaming DVDs £15

• Sony PlayStation one £20

I made £249 with little effort.

When I was conducting my research on how to sell them, I was surprised to find out how these gadgets lose their value over time, but at the same time I could have made more money if I sold them as soon as I didn't need them. Also, I wasn’t aware of how easy it would be. I am not an eBay savvy person, thus, I didn't want to sell and post the items individually.

If you own any of these items, I would definitely recommend on selling them.. My research revealed that the best place to sell your mobile phones is via an online recycling company, where for example, you can sell an old Samsung s6 or sell a Samsung J3. But make sure you remove all your personal details before you send them your devices! It's easy,  most of the companies even show you how to delete your personal information from your old mobile phones on their website.

To sell the PlayStation I managed to find another company through simple research on Google and managed to sell it, but I did receive less than what I was expecting. With regards to the DVDs, I managed to sell them through the Facebook market place. It was that simple - making £249 with minimal effort.

Above the fact that I made money from recycling my unwanted goods, I also really appreciate that I Was able to recycle these items, rather than throwing them in the rubbish.