Honest Mummy Reviews

This Father's Day, Dad Rock Turns Retro Into Relevant, Ushering in a New Era

2024-06-13T10:32:00.004+01:00

Image Credit: Pexels

{This is a collaborative post}

For a Father's Day celebration, how about frightening your kids half to death with this ultimate dad rock mix?

Here is the "Ultimate Dad Rock Driving Playlist for Father's Day," which features an intriguing blend of old and new Spotify songs, courtesy of Regtransfers, the private number plate transfers. Let's define "Dad Rock" before talking about the new music that could surprise younger dads. The term "dad rock" has long been used to describe the music that older people, particularly dads, enjoy listening to. It typically consists of classic rock, which is identified by real drumming, guitars, and a genuine rock sound.

Every generation says that the greatest music comes from the past, and then its tastes are recycled to create the next "dad rock." Now, we remember with nostalgia what was once bold and courageous. The term "dad rock" describes the classic music worn as a show of respect by many dads and even grandfathers. Dad rock is getting more and more popular, as seen by the growing demand for dad rock CDs and playlists.

However, as fathers age, so does the next generation of "Dad Rock," which may cause some fathers to feel as if they were born in the Stone Age! Nowadays, a number of the Beatles' most well-known songs are categorised as "Dad Rock."

You may not have realised that these songs were "Dad Rock"

Limp Bizkit's "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" is too modern for dad rock fans, even after more than 20 years of release. Green Day's "American Idiot" and Blur's "Song 2" both include early 2000s dad rock mainstays. You may be surprised to hear that several songs you may remember—like "Can't Stop" by Red Hot Chilli Peppers and "Morning Glory" by Oasis—are now considered to be in the dad rock category. Unexpected aspects such as Kaiser Chiefs' "Oh My God" concert and Garbage's "Stupid Girl" have been part of dad rock's evolution. Two singles from the 2000s, "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis and "All the Small Things" by Blink-182, have earned a place in the dad rock hall of fame too.

Add to the evidence that the early 2000s were a turning point in the development of dad rock with the inclusion of covers of Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal" and Sum 41's "In Too Deep" on the list. "Learn to Fly" by Foo Fighters and "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers are two more recent album songs that meet the requirements. Dad rock classics like Fall Out Boy's "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and The Offspring's "Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)" should not be disregarded. Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is a timeless classic, and Bowling for Soup's "The Girl All The Bad Guys Want" is a funny addition. The song "Numb" by Linkin Park, which demonstrates how dad rock impacted nu-metal, closes the evening.

From which location did the name "Dad Rock" originate?

When the term "dad rock" initially gained popularity, it was used to mock the musical tastes of the elderly, particularly dads who were avid followers of bands from the 1970s and 1980s. Imagine a father addressing everyone who would listen while sporting a frayed tour t-shirt and jeans, declaring, "They just don't make music like they used to." The term "dad rock" originally appeared in internet forums and music reviews in the new century, referring to older classic rock tunes that were mostly popular with men. It was said that your musical preferences became irreversible at a certain age, usually around twenty.

The "Dad Rock" issue often surrounded artists like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Eagles in the 2000s. But the definition of the phrase changed throughout time. The moniker, which was formerly thought to be fairly derogatory, is now seen as an honour by many. Dads embraced it, taking immense pride in being seen as "dad rock" heroes. These were the songs that summed up their early years, went along with their carefree childhood, and eventually provided comforting background music for their family life.

Given how straightforward "dad rock" is, it has a certain allure. It isn't exclusive to any one genre or era. While punk, grunge, and heavy metal gained popularity in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, classic rock may have started in the 1960s and 1970s. In other words, if you're old enough to be a dad, the music you used to enjoy with your kids has become known as "dad rock." It is a dynamic goal that evolves with each generation.

The real 'Daddy Rock'

When the Ford Fiesta was first released in the 1970s, what kind of music was available on its speakers then? It might feel like a very long time ago but much of the music is still being played today and can be called a "dad rock" classic, so this Father's Day why not take your kids or grandkids for a drive and tell them all about the music you and your father loved!

Driving Instructor Discusses The Most Common Driving Test Faults

2024-01-17T22:28:00.001+00:00

Image Credit: UnSplash

{This is a collaborative post}

A driving test represents a major step during our years as a young adult, and it’s often accompanied by a considerable amount of nerves for both the test-taking teen…and their parents! To help lessen these anxieties, Regtransfers, a provider of personalised number plates, partners with Sophie Stuchfield, an experienced driving instructor. With a rich experience of 15 years teaching students and an online presence as @TheOnlineDrivingInstructor, Sophie imparts key advice on the most common faults made in UK driving tests over the past decade.

Observations at Junctions

Starting off at the top, Sophie highlights the need for vigilant observation at junctions - the leading fault seen in driving tests over the past ten years. “If you don’t pay close attention to road markings or road signs, you may be completely unaware that you are approaching a junction,” she warns.

In fact, an examiner may need to intervene in these scenarios. “If you miss a junction, your examiner may have to step in verbally or engage the dual control brake to manage the vehicle’s speed or bring it to a stop.”

Sophie also highlights the importance of carrying out proper checks when leaving a junction: “A single glance isn’t enough; confirming that the road is clear is a really important step before joining it.”

Mirror Checks During Direction Changes

Mirror checks should be carried out before signalling, turning or changing speeds. The "Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre" process should be second nature to learners by the time they take their test, but it can easily be overlooked under the stress of test pressure.

Sophie emphasises, "Focus on your wing mirrors when changing lanes or moving around obstacles. Check the corresponding wing mirror for the direction you’re heading." She relates these common mirror-related errors to the stress of being assessed, where learners might lose focus on their natural hazard management, and instead be concerned with how their test is going.

Right-Hand Turns at Junctions

For executing right-hand turns at junctions, Sophie insists on strict lane adherence. "Remain in the proper lane at all times, irrespective of the traffic situation," she advises.

She further explains the importance of proper positioning: "Approaching the turn, if there is no oncoming traffic, drivers will often drift to the wrong side of the road before turning. It’s really important to stay on your side of the road until you reach your point of turn".

Steering Control

Drawing from her lengthy history as an instructor, Sophie knows that steering difficulties, like many test issues, are often rooted in nervousness.

“Test nerves can lead to tension in the body, causing us to stiffen up,” Sophie notes. “This, coupled with the mistaken belief that crossing arms while steering is not allowed, often results in rigid steering and ineffective hand manoeuvres.”

In fact most instructors - including Sophie - promote flexible steering techniques, provided they maintain vehicle control: "Crossing your arms can sometimes be necessary for swift steering responses."

Responding to Traffic Signals

Sophie’s advice on handling traffic lights focuses on the need for constant attention. “Stay alert at red lights, and be ready for the green signal. Though it may seem simple enough, it’s easy to lose focus, especially during a test, resulting in overlooked signals and added stress.”

She also promotes foresight as an important skill for learners to develop. "Do not cross the stop line at an amber light. If you’re approaching a green light that’s been on for a while, it’s best to prepare for a possible change."

Moving Off Safely

In the UK driving test, examiners will evaluate a candidate's ability to safely start moving from a stopped position. It will come up a few times in a test, and learners should expect to be asked to stop on the left at least four times.

Sophie recommends completing a full visual check to ensure safety before moving, and moving only when doing so won’t cause other vehicles to change their speed.

“Check you're in the correct gear, the handbrake is down, and perform a full surroundings check before moving," she advises. Highlighting safety, she adds, "Avoid making other vehicles reduce their speed, and only move when there’s a safe gap."

Normal Road Positioning

Sophie’s direction for typical driving positioning is straightforward: "Reserve the right-hand lane for overtaking or right turns only - other than this, stick to the left. For those accustomed to right-side driving, sufficient practice on the left side is crucial to become comfortable."

Move off (control)

Addressing the issue of stalling during a test, Sophie reassures, “Don't worry, stalling doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Pause, take a deep breath, then start again”.

She reiterates the importance of composure when starting to move, "Stay calm and ensure you're properly prepared before moving off.”

Following Road Markings

Responding correctly to road markings is a significant part of the test, assessing responses to lines like stop and give way, box junctions, and traffic calming measures.

Sophie's guidance focuses on alertness: “Always read the road”, comments Sophie. “This means keeping an eye out in advance for any arrows which will help you to select the correct lane for your direction at all times."

If road markings (or signs) are poor, Sophie reminds learners an examiner will direct test candidates. “Remember, you can always ask for clarification if you need it, provided you ask in plenty of time."

Reverse Park (Control)

In reverse parking tasks, candidates need to demonstrate their ability to choose a suitable parking spot, correctly position the car, prepare for reversing, and remain aware of their surroundings.

“Take your time when parking”, comments Sophie. “You can make adjustments, dip door mirrors, open windows to see and even get out and check that your position is correct."

Conclusion

Sophie identifies two main causes for not passing the driving test: nerves and insufficient preparation. She advises, "Keep a calm and focused mindset, similar to how you would drive normally. Additionally, avoid rushing into your test; make sure you're thoroughly prepared in agreement with your instructor."

With these insights from an experienced driving tutor, candidates and their families can approach the driving test with more confidence, focusing on the key areas that need attention for success.

Invictus Flooring

2023-05-13T13:02:00.005+01:00

Image Credit: Floorbay

{This is a collaborative post}

Easy to Maintain, Affordable and Stylish

Are you looking for luxury flooring that is easy to maintain and stylish, yet still budget-friendly? Look no further than Invictus Flooring! As one of the top leaders in laminate vinyl tile (LVT), this company has something for everyone. From traditional wood look styles to modern ceramic designs, these flooring options are certain to make any room look beautiful. Their family-friendly solutions allow anyone to transform the look and feel of their home while staying within a reasonable price range. In short, there's something perfect for every taste when it comes to Invictus Floorings' selection of high-quality LVT products!

Why Luxury Flooring is Right For Your Home

Luxury flooring is the perfect flooring option for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their home. With a variety of styles, patterns, and materials to choose from, you can find the perfect flooring to complement any room in your home. Whether you're looking for a traditional hardwood floor or something more modern like marble or concrete, luxury flooring options will not disappoint. Not only are they beautiful and durable, but they also add value to your home. So if you're looking to upgrade your flooring, consider investing in luxury flooring for a chic and stylish home.

What is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)?

When it comes to flooring options, you may have heard of hardwood, tile, or carpet, but have you heard of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)? This type of flooring has become increasingly popular due to its durability, affordability, and versatility. LVT is made up of multiple layers, including a clear protective layer, a high-definition print layer that mimics the look of natural materials such as dark grey vinyl flooring stone or wood, and a thick vinyl core for added stability. Unlike traditional vinyl, LVT is available in various sizes and shapes, making it easy to customize and create unique patterns. Plus, it can even be installed over existing flooring, making it a great option for quick home renovations. With the advantages that LVT offers, it's no wonder it's becoming a go-to choice for homeowners and interior designers alike.

How to Install Invictus Flooring

Installing new flooring can be a daunting task, but with Invictus Flooring, the process is easier than you might think. The first step is to ensure that your subflooring is clean, dry, and level. Next, measure the room to determine how much flooring you will need, adding 10% for cuts and waste. It's important to acclimate the flooring to the room's temperature and humidity before installation. Then, start laying the boards, making sure to stagger the seams to create a cohesive look. Use a tapping block and hammer to secure the boards together, and trim the edges as needed. With the right tools and a little bit of patience, even a novice DIYer can successfully install Invictus Flooring and transform the look of their space.

Easy-to-maintain Care Suggestions for Invictus Flooring

Taking care of your floor shouldn't be a daunting task, and that's why Invictus Flooring has made it easy for you. To ensure its durability, all it needs is a few simple steps. Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to keep it free of debris, this will prevent scratches and stains. When cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials and use pH-neutral products. For spills, wipe them up immediately with a damp cloth. And if you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to prevent damage to your Invictus floor. These easy-to-follow steps will keep your Invictus Flooring looking as good as new for years to come.

The overall Advantages for Invictus flooring

Invictus luxury flooring is the perfect solution for busy homeowners looking to turn their homes into something special. It's ideal for families and pets because of its durability and easy maintenance while also maintaining a luxurious look and feel. With Luxury Vinyl Tile, you can rest assured your floors will be resistant to water, stains, scratches, and more, ensuring your home truly stands out amongst the crowd. What’s more? Installing Invictus flooring is surprisingly easy- no matter what type of project you’re attempting. Finally, with quick and manageable care tips like vacuuming regularly, using protective mats and chair pads as well as cleaning spills as they happen – your new luxury flooring can look amazing for years to come. Invest in your future with Invictus flooring today!

The Distinctive Season for Vinyl Flooring

2022-05-28T14:28:00.001+01:00

{This is a collaborative post}

Rain, snow, and heat affect how you design your home. Not many people factor it in, but how the weather is outside has a great influence on how you want to live inside - which goes to the walls, the ceilings and naturally your floor. It is here that all interior designers recommend a cost-effective, easy to install and wholly durable option - luxury vinyl flooring.

Each different seasons bring about it's own challenges to your flooring-

Spring

The Spring weather can go one of many ways; nice and sunny or bleak and rainy. No matter how it falls, the Distinctive flooring range of vinyl flooring has the built-in tools to handle it all.

Spring is a high rain-tested season, providing more than its fair share of water risk from wet clothes or footprints soaking through carpets. This makes vinyl a much safer and more satisfying solution. Distinctive offers a 100% waterproof manufactured design, where moisture in the air cannot breach the floor planks or tiles and seep through to damage the subfloor.

Luxury vinyl flooring provides a quick with the sunny outlook for your living room during the Spring.

Summer

With the hot season upon us, outside activity is high for homes with small families. This poses a fair amount of challenges to carpets or real hardwood floorng options.

Other types of flooring can become a victim of grass stains and children tearing through the home forgetting to take their muddy shoes off. Distinctive vinyl ensures that your flooring is protected with the safeguarding of scratch-proof design and easy to clean wear layers - so your kitchen and living area remains glorious with minimal effort. During the summer months, it's good to know humidity will not affect your flooring and cause tiles to come loose or rise.

Autumn

It’s getting slightly chillier and the nights are getting longer as the summer winds up for another year.

Luxury vinyl flooring is the preferred companion for underfloor heating systems, so you can continue to feel the benefit until the sun returns throughout every room of the house. No stepping out of a hot shower to a chilly bathroom and no breezy trips downstairs in the night when vinyl flooring is providing that extra level of comfort.

Winter

A typical English winter is either snow, sleet, rain or ice, or maybe all of them within a few hours of each other! This means typical wooden floors feel cold to the touch or need to be draped with a rug to try and keep some warmth.

This is why Distinctive remains a high-demand product for winter living. Not just for its natural partnership with heating systems installed underneath, but also for its natural comfort underfoot.

With Luxury vinyl flooring, such as dark grey vinyl flooring, you find yourself unlimited in the selection of the designs and styles they provide. No matter if you choose one room, two rooms or every room, you have comfort with the option of a vinyl floor to support you all year round.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts

by following this blog.

Laser Hair Removal Tips For People With Dark Skin

2022-01-04T21:33:00.003+00:00

Photo by Jackie Parker on Unsplash

{This is a collaborative post}

Laser body hair reduction has time and again surpassed the popularity of all traditional hair removal solutions like waxing and shaving. In this context, it is good to know that the treatment is being improved with every passing year and this is one of the many reasons why the treatment is now considered safe for people with all types of skin.

Back in the day, people with dark skin could not get laser hair removal but that has now changed.

How Laser Hair Reduction Treatment Can Benefit People With Dark Skin?

As per the opinion of an expert associated with a leading laser hair removal London clinic, people with dark skin can get a lot of benefits from this treatment. For starters, laser body hair reduction treatment helps people with dark skin to not only reduce body hair in their skin but at the same time, reduce razor bumps. On top of this, people with dark skin will also get respite from hypo-pigmentation and hyperpigmentation.

Hair follicles treated with a laser will not get inflamed – the common after-effect of traditional body hair reduction solutions like shaving and waxing and it can also help people with dark skin to witness an overall improvement to their skin’s texture.

How To Know That You Are The Right Candidate For The Treatment?

Dark-skinned people who have black or brown thick, dark and coarse body hair are ideal candidates for this treatment.
Laser hair reduction treatment is not suitable for pregnant women

What Are The Best Places On Your Body To Get This Treatment?

Laser body hair reduction treatment is ideal when the person receiving this treatment chooses to get rid of body hair from their –

Upper Lip
Groin Region
Pubic Area
Bikini Line
Underarms
Back And Chest Areas (For Men)
Thighs
Legs And Arms

Tips For People With Dark Skin

There are several tips available for people with dark skin looking forward to a laser body hair reduction treatment.

Some of the most important ones are mentioned below -

Before booking an appointment at a leading laser hair removal London clinic, make sure that your skincare routine will not get in the way of the treatment. Consult with your dermatologist at the skin clinic to see if the skincare products you use contain ingredients like salicylic acid.
You need to stop shaving your skin well in advance of having the treatment.
You make sure that your skin doesn’t have sunburn.
Your skin should be clear of any condition such as eczema.
Your skin needs to be free of cuts and injuries – especially in the areas where you intend to get the treatment.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts

by following this blog.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella - A Brilliant Musical!

2021-12-19T21:24:00.001+00:00

Image Credit: https://andrewlloydwebberscinderella.com

{This is a collaborative post}

Back in October my husband and I took the girls up to London to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella and straight off, I'll tell you, we all loved it! It truly is the most brilliant show, but I suppose you'd expect that as I've never seen a bad show written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It was also a bonus that we were able to use a Theatre Tokens gift card I had been given for my birthday in the summer.

This musical comedy show is loosely based on the story that we all know but don't be fooled into thinking this is a panto or anything like Disney's version of Cinderella. This one is much more adult in content and it has quite a few laugh-out-loud moments. I think it was so clever the way that Emerald Fennell recrafted the story; there are still all the poignant moments of the original show that we know - the mean stepmother, the glass slippers, the Fairy Godmother, the clock sticking midnight and the handsome prince, but there are also clever twists and a deeper tale.

Andrew Lloyd Webber describes David Zippel's lyrics as "hugely witty" and he is so right. There were many bits in the songs where I looked at my husband with wide eyes and smiled! The witty and racy lyrics were just perfect to engage my teenage daughters that had come with us, but I wouldn't advocate the show for children under about the age of 12, as they just won't get some of what is going on. There were a number of occasions when children sat close to us were heard asking their parents what was going on, or why people were laughing. Here is the official trailer, to give you a little taste.

The show opens with us being introduced to Belleville, the most beautiful fairytale town there ever was, but it isn't all sweetness and roses in Belleville. Oh no, the job of being perfect and beautiful is taken very seriously and is a back-breaking full-time job. The only person letting the town down is Cinderella who very much has her own style and refuses to become an identikit beauty.

Cinderella is desperate to leave and finds solace with her friend Prince Sebastian, but then things start to change when the sex-god Prince Charming disappears and Sebastian has to step into his incredibly large britches and get ready to become King. His mother, the Queen is devasted when Belleville has a PR disaster and she decides the answer to save the town is a Royal wedding. This means Sebastian needs to choose a bride, something he doesn't want to do. Then throughout the process, both Sebastian and Cinderella start to release there is more than friendship to their relationship and upon meeting the Fairy Godmother Cinderella wonders if she needs a nip and a tuck to become more like all the other beauties of the town.

I won't tell you any more, as it's great to see the show for yourself and find out the ending, but needless to say, it was superb and there is a very neat twist that most people are not expecting in the second half.

Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton

One of the things I really loved was the theme of being yourself, being unique and not following the crowd. Cinderella really is a wonderful example of girl power and believing that we can all achieve our dreams and happiness without compromising our values. This certainly spoke loudly to my twin girls and was just what they needed to hear, as school is proving pretty tough with some of these areas at the moment.

The other thing that really caught the attention of my girls was the soundtrack. The songs in this musical are superb and so catchy. We have been listening to many of them time and time again, singing our hearts out, especially to Bad Cinderella. Just take a look at some of the lyrics in the song, they are really powerful -

I am me, Cinderella
I've a style all my own
And I will not change it for you
Wild and free Cinderella
You can laugh, you can groan
If you think I won't ignore you
I think "poor you"
They call me a wretch, a witch, well, choose one
Every fairytale, for sure, can use one
Sorry I'm so rude
Sorry you're so lame
I won't play your game
Call me bad Cinderella
I take pride when you sneer
I am proud that I'm not like you
Ironclad Cinderella
I face life with no fear
And a more than sky high IQ

It's probably not politically correct to say it nowadays but there are lots of very handsome half-naked men in the cast and plenty of beautiful women but they do seem to remain more dressed, which makes a nice change to most things in life. I know some people took exception to this though.

Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton

The casting is fantastic and I don't think there was anyone who disappointed in the show we watched. My favourites were Carrie Hope-Fletcher playing Cinderella, Rebecca Trehearn as the Queen and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as the Stepmother, who projects a really clever character voice. The scene with the Queen and the Stepmother is probably my favourite one and they sing the duet "I know you" which is so engaging and clever.

I'd definitely advocate a trip to see Cinderella at the Gillian Lynne theatre near London's Covent Garden. It is a brilliant theatre and I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. All the chairs are comfy with good leg room and it is probably my favourite theatre in London from a practicality point of view. Easy to use toilets, large and airy lobby for interval drinks and a grat auditorium.

Things are a little tricky at the moment with the covid situation, so I'd suggest that you invest in a Theatre Tokens gift card as a Christmas gift for someone you know would love this show and then they can book for a time that is convenient to them. There are plenty of fun designs of Theatre Tokens and they can be easily purchased online and emailed to your recipient or you can print it and present it as a gift. I have theatre tokens as they do not have an expiry date, you can buy them from as little as £5 and they are accepted in 260 UK venues, both in London's West End and in the best local venues across the UK.

Do check out Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella, it really is truly fabulous! You can also listen to many of the tracks on the official YouTube channel, or look on Facebook at their page.

Pin this post for later?

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts

by following this blog.

Occasion Wear for Teens from Femme Luxe

2021-12-07T15:21:00.002+00:00

{This is a paid collaboration with Femme Luxe}

No matter your age you want to feel comfortable and beautiful in the clothes you wear and when you're a teenager you don't have infinite amounts of money to spend on fashionable clothes, so it is great to be able to go to an online shop like Femme Luxe which has a massive selection of on-trend clothes at really reasonable prices.

Miss M's friend El was happy to help us out with modelling some new items from Femme Luxe. With it being winter she wanted items that she could wear over Christmas to parties, ice sharing with friends, Christmas shopping in London and maybe a meal out with her boyfriend. Luckily Femme Luxe can provide for all occasions.

Let me show you what E chose.

Black PU Faux Leather Long-Sleeve Button Detail Blazer - £22.99

I'll be honest when I opened this blazer I wondered what E had chosen as it just looked really crumpled, but after a couple of days on a hanger the creases from being folded had dropped out and just look how amazing it looks on her. She choose to team it with a lovely bright red top and stonewashed jeans for an elegant look that will work well for a special day trip out or maybe a date.

It's a double-breasted jacket that you can wear undone or done-up and it has 2 front slant pockets. It is super lightweight to wear and feels comfortable. Available in sizes 6-12.

Black High-Wasited Front Split Tailored Trousers - £12.99

These tailored trousers are a real bargain at the moment, at just £12.99 and there is currently an extra 20% off everything at checkout with the code Party20, which means they come down to just £10.39. When my daughter first opened these trousers she wasn't sure about them and thought they might look a bit old-fashioned due to the material but as you can see they look fabulous.

The high waist is really on-trend and they have a zip at the back to give a seamless look at the front. The split front trousers work well with both a pair of chunky trainers or heeled shoes and unless you're really tall you might need the heels or a bit of a platform as the trousers are fairly long. They available in a size 6 to 14.

Navy Checked Oversized Button-up Shacket - £15.99

A few months back, my twins Miss M and Miss E got shackets from Femme Luxe and they've been enjoying wearing them. They've also received a number of compliments from friends and E wanted one of her own. She chose this beautiful shacket in tones of navy and white, making it really easy to team up with jeans or any other outfit.

This is perfect for wearing ice skating or for a day shopping with the girls, as it is nice and easy to get on and off and will keep you warm. E originally wanted a Medium, but we went for a small and as they are designed to be oversize, it still looks a good size on her with plenty of room. There are metal buttons to do it up, 2 front slant pockets and two patch pockets at the chest.

These shackets are available in Sage, Pink, Lilac and Navy checked colours and they're all really nice. Sizes available are XS - XL.

Here is my girls, Miss E and Miss M in their lilac and sage shackets. They've had them since March and they are washing up really well and look as good as new still.

Buying from Femme Luxe

If you are a teenager looking for trendy clothes then you are sure to love Femme Luxe, especially if you are more petite and they seem to cater to sizes 6 - 12/14 really well with the odd few items that go bigger or are oversized and thus fit a bigger frame.

There always seems to be a good deal available so make sure you check for current discount codes before you buy. They also have an extra 25% off for students, apprentices and under 25's, so their prices are getting better and better by the minute for the younger woman.

You will be bowled over by the massive selection of clothes available, loungewear, party dresses, shoes, jackets, lingerie, knitwear and every other kind of clothing that you can think of. You are absolutely spoilt for choice. For example, when I search under the category of black dresses, I get 165 options come up.

You need to spend £25 for free delivery, or it is £1.99 otherwise, which is really good value. They say to expect it to take 3-5 working days for your items to come but I have always found Femme Luxe to arrive really promptly (and I've probably had about 6 deliveries now).

If you wish to return something you normally have 14 days from receipt but over the Christmas period it is 28 days and they have an easy to use returns portal.

Why not go and have a look and see if Femme Luxe has something for you, or maybe your daughter. I'm just about to browse their £5 and under section, as I've not spotted that before and there are literally thousands of bargains to be had!

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts

by following this blog.

Perfect Personalised Christmas Gifts from ASDA Photo

2021-11-06T22:16:00.000+00:00

I love giving personalised gifts for presents to my family. Sometimes you're just not too sure what to get someone as it feels as if they already have everything but who doesn't love photos of their nearest and dearest?

I've used ASDA Photo quite a few times over the years on both gifted projects and ones I've paid for as I know their quality and trust their products. Here, I have rounded up some of the items that I have made as there is such a great variety available nowadays. I hope this helps you to choose something suitable for someone you love.

ASDA Photo Cushion - £26.00

I've made a few cushions over the years and the ASDA one is by far the best. Miss M just created one for herself this year and it isn't what I'd have chosen but it suits her personality and makes her smile, so that is what is important. I wasn't sure how well it would turn out as she used lower quality photos than ASDA recommends but actually it is fine. See below -

The images are not anywhere near as crisp as Miss E's cushion below, as I used much higher quality ones when I made that cushion. Miss E has had this cushion for over 3 years now and it is still in perfect condition, despite her sleeping with it each night. She really loves it and the suede martial is so soft to the touch. The size is 25" x 14.5" and the cover is removable for washing at 30 degrees.

ASDA Photo Blanket - £45.00

If you like a classic fleece feel blanket then this one is for you. It comes in a variety of colours and also ways you can have your photos, either a combination like mine or just one larger photo. I went for the 57" X 37" size photo blanket, which is big enough to snuggle with on the sofa and to sit well on a single bed. There are two smaller sizes too.

The photo/s are on one side and the other is a plain colour of your choosing. We went for black as it matches our cat and helped the photos to pop. The material is 285gsm fleece and it is nice and soft, with a traditional stitch around the outer edge, which makes it look hand-finished. Thankfully the blanket is machine washable, so we can keep it hygienic when our cat decides it really is his blanket!!

ASDA Personalised Kitchen Calendar - £9.00

Each year I make my mum a personalised photo calendar with pictures of her grandchildren and she loves it. The range of prices for slim kitchen calendars can really vary but £9.00 is a very good price. You can customise the calendar how you fancy with just one picture to a page or multiple ones. It is 13cm x 30cm, so slightly smaller than some others I have bought before, but the pages are a good quality paper and I'm happy with the print quality too.

Personalised Beach Towel - £37.00

We went for a large size towel - 160 x 80cm and it is really generous. As with the blankets, there is a whole range of colours and designs for you to choose from. We made our towel for Mothers Day with wildlife photos that my husband had taken, so it is unique for him. The photos are printed edge to edge, so it looks very professional.

The towel is 400gsm towel material and it feels very soft and plush on one side where it is printed and then the other side is like a more traditional terry towelling material. It washes up super well at 30 degrees and has not lost any colour at all. I also tumble dry it and it tolerates that well too. We're very pleased with it.

Personalised Glass Chopping Board - £24.00

I've had a few glass chopping boards before and I really like them, as they are hardy for chopping on and easy to keep hygenic. The glass is toughened and heatproof so it can be used for oven-hot dishes. |The photo goes from edge to edge, or you can choose to have a variety of photos.

The chopping board is 39 x 29cm, so it is well bg enough for your everyday needs. I leave mine down on the side as a decorative item too. It has 4 anti-slip feet that keep your board sturdy whilst you prepare your foot.

Personalised Thank You Cards - £12.00

I nearly always order a pack of personalised thank you cards to send after Christmas as I like my kids to send their thanks, but realistically they are now at the age where none of them is interested to sit down and write a load of cards and this makes things very easy.

Our thanks get sent and our relatives are able to receive an up to date photo of our family too. I think these flat (postcard style) cards are great value at £12 for 20. So that is 60p each. The cards are personalised on both sides with your photo and text and you received envelopes too.

This is just a small selection of the wonderful gifts available on ASDA Photo, why not take a look and see what else they have on offer?

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

2022 The Perfect Year for a Trip of a Lifetime - Four Ideas

2021-11-03T17:07:00.002+00:00

Photo by Nadine Rupprecht on Unsplash

{This is a collaborative post}

We've had a really tough couple of years thanks to Covid and most of us have had to cancel trips and holidays, which has been miserable but necessary. Thankfully, as the vaccine program has rolled out and more has become known about this disease we are able to travel more freely again. This is like music to my ears as there is nothing I love more than travelling to a new place or country and exploring somewhere new and exciting.

With a serious dose of wanderlust, I've spent a very enjoyable few hours fantasising and researching where I could travel to next year if money was no object. Sadly, for me, money does play a part in the choice of where I can travel to and therefore if I want to make any of these trips a reality I'll need to play the Lottoland online lotto with the hopes of winning a few million pounds! Or even up to £188 million if I play the US Powerball. Just think what you could do with that kind of money, nothing would be an obstacle again, you could live off the interest!

Here are four trips that I would love to take, all a little different, but each one uniquely special -

1. See the Wildlife in Costa Rica

Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

My husband is an enthusiastic wildlife photographer and it would be his dream to see toucans up close and personal. A trip to the Tortuguero National Park and the Toucan Rescue Ranch would be amazing and would also allow us the opportunity to see wildlife that is native to Costa Rica (or the Rich coast as it translates) such as sloths, hummingbirds, jaguar, puma, sea turtles scarlet macaws and crocodiles.

Costa Rica is a country of great diversity and as well as the wildlife we could indulge in some thrilling activities such as white water rafting, zip-lining and cave tubing. It doesn't all have to be action-packed though as there are plenty of white sandy beaches with warm tropical waters where we can enjoy some downtime and the beautiful sun on our faces.

2. Drive the Scottish Highlands in a Luxury Motorhome

Photo by Cierra Henderson on Unsplash

You could be lulled into thinking this trip will be a cheaper or less luxurious option than some of the others, but it is quite the contrary, the trip I have planned across the Scottish Highlands lasts a few weeks and is done at a very slow pace, moving between playing golf on the world-famous course at Gleneagles to taking a trip onto the Island of Eriska to enjoy the spa experience and see all the wildlife like grey seals, highland cattle and golden eagles in their natural habitat.

There is no shortage of five-star resorts in Scotland and my plan is to move between some of them and also some private residences (with chef and housekeeper in situ of course) by luxury motorhome. There will be plenty of room for my husband and me to enjoy the space and the glorious views as we cross the Scottish Highlands. We could even employ a driver for part of the journey if we want to relax fully as we travel.

3. Stay in a Glass Igloo in Iceland to experience the Aurora Borealis

Photo by Luke Stackpoole on Unsplash

Doing a straw poll of a group of friends recently it was over 50% who have a trip to Iceland to see the northern lights as a dream they one day want to achieve. Living in the UK makes it a lot easier for us to be able to make this dream a reality as Iceland is under 3 hours by plane and there are plenty of excursion companies who can take all the stress out of this trip and organise it for you.

Iceland is the perfect place to experience the northern lights between October to April as you can see the magical lights show most nights and the temperature is warmer than in many other Scandinavian countries where the lights can be spotted. Your fun doesn't just stop with spotting the Aurora Borealis though as there is a great variety of things to do in Iceland from sleight trips pulled by a husky to riding a high-speed snowmobile to bathing in the therapeutic waters of The Blue Lagoon, Iceland's most famous geothermal spa.

4. Take a Cruise with Disney

Photo by Mike Arney on Unsplash

If you have a young family or if Disney is your thing, then you'd probably love to go cruising on one of the Disney liners. These offer the heady combination of luxury cruising and that special and unmistakable Disney hospitality. Nothing you could ask for would be too much trouble.

There is everything you could possibly want or need on the ship. From dozens of different dining experiences to full-scale nightclubs and theatres, to a spa and salon, to multiple pools from quiet adults-only serene water zones to full-on splash extravaganzas with slides and funnels for all the family. Of course, there are kids and teens clubs too, Disney is famous for them after all.

You might want to choose a specific sailing if you have a particular love such as Halloween, Star Wars or Marvel. As you'd imagine their theming and costumes are phenomenal and even the most sceptical person will feel as if they have been immersed in the Disney dream.

So, which one do you fancy? Or would it be somewhere entirely different that you'd like to visit in 2022 if money were no object?

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

Getting Autumn Cosy with Femme Luxe

2021-10-04T21:50:00.004+01:00

{This is a collaborative review post}

The weather has definitely made a turn towards the colder climes and the trees are now starting to change colour, so we know Autumn has arrived. With the change of weather comes a desire to stay home and be cosy, especially for one of my twins, Miss E. She got a nice new double bed about a month ago and I can hardly get her off it, or even out of it now. Her bedroom really is her sanctuary.

Femme Luxe gave Miss E the chance to choose some new clothes that she can be snug in this Autumn. They have a wide selection of loungewear, joggers and hoodies to choose from and practically every colour of the rainbow. I think she made a great selection of items and the colours all tone so well together.

The great thing about the clothes we received is that Miss E can mix and match them, to create a variety of outfits. You can see in the top photos she is wearing the Lizzie cuffed joggers in pale coral. Both my girls love these joggers as they are a great size, nice and long for their long legs. At 5ft 9" they don't always find joggers that are long enough. They are available in sizes 6 - 16 and come in all sorts of colours. There is a hidden drawstring and pockets too. We've had a number of pairs of these and they wash up well. Currently they are £12.99. However I see there is an extra 15% off deal for use sitewide at the moment, so it is always worth checking.

Also if you are a student, apprentice or are under 25, they do a standard 20% off their products which is a great deal too. Add that to free postage when you spend £25 or more and it makes their items very attractive for young women who are fashion conscious and are not worried about items lasting for years, more about them being fashionable and comfortable right now.

Miss E was pleased to find that this rust coloured set is actually from Brave Soul and we've always been impressed with their clothing before. Again the joggers are nice and long but these ones are a slimmer fit, and are high waisted with a drawstring. The top is slightly cropped and has long sleeves and a round neck. It is currently £14.99. This set is available in 6/8 through to 12/14 and I'd say it comes up slightly small.

Another set that Miss E chose is this pretty two-piece loungewear set in pale pink. I love the off the shoulder top which is cropped and I think looks really feminine. It is teamed with skinny fit cuffed joggers with a mock-tie waist and 2 slant pockets. This is selling for £14.99 at the moment.

It comes in sizes 8/10 through to L/XL 16/18 but it comes up very small, as this is Miss E in the L/XL and she is a size 12.

Lastly Miss E received a white cropped casual top, also from the Brave Soul brand. It has a zip neck with a hoop feature zip. This is really good quality and still looks pristine after washing. It says it is oversized but I'd actually say it is true to size. It retails for £11.99 currently.

Miss E is pleased with the new casual additions to her wardrobe, they will keep her nice and cosy this Autumn and beyond.

Why not check out Femme Luxe for glam party wear as well as loungewear.

You can check out the other items the girls have chosen from Femme Luxe before over here, here, here and here.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

Finding Freedom with Modibodi Period Pants

2021-07-28T22:19:00.000+01:00

{This is a review post, we received these pants in exchange for an honest review}

As someone who has seriously suffered with her periods over the last decade, I really wish I had known about Modibodi. It is a brand designed by mum Kristy, offering period, pee and sweatproof underwear - knickers, bras, camis, active leggings and swimwear.

I introduced my teenage girls to their period pants about a year ago and it was interesting to see the response I got. The one with the heavier periods was on board from the start and excited to see if the knickers could stop us from having to change her sheets frequently and the other one just looked at them and declared them old people, ugly granny pants! She's now having a change of heart when she saw how well they are working for her twin and she asked me to get some knickers for her too. So now I have two converts in the house!

Thankfully my periods seem to have gone away, thanks to my second TCRE operation in January this year so I had assumed I had no need for Modibodi pants anymore, but actually, I'm now seeing a pelvic health specialist about those little 'opps' moments and realising that I probably ought to get myself some Modibodi pants to try out too. It will be far more comfortable than having to wear pads all the time.

Sustainable Agenda

Talking of pads, who realised that it takes 500 - 800 years for a pad to biodegrade. I had no idea it was quite as bad as that, so moving to a reuable product like Modibodi pants can really make a big difference as each woman will use around 11,000 single-use sanitary products in her life and if you're a heavy bleeder like I was then it would be far more. Modibodi is serious about sustainability and making a difference.

Variety of Styles

There are a whole range of different style knickers and a variety of absorbancies too. Personally, I think my favourite style is the sensual high-leg as they look and feel like a regular pair of knickers but my girls like the thong and the boyleg designs. As well as the full brief being super comfortable and giving the best peace of mind for overnight wearing when you are on your heaviest days.

You can see in the pictures below that the absorbent part of the knickers is black and inside, but from the outside when you are wearing the knickers no one will know that they are period pants. The gusset area is just 3mm thick and feels super soft.

The absorbancies available are -

Heavy/overnight absorbancy (these hold around 3-4 tampons/ 4 teaspoons/ 20ml of liquid)
Moderate/ heavy absorbancy (these hold around 2-3 tampons, 3 teaspoons/ 15mls of liquid)
Light/ moderate absorbency (these hold around 2 tampons/ 2 teasponns/ 10mls of liquid)
Super light absorbency (these hold around1 tampon/ 1 teaspoon/ 5mls of liquid)
Moisture wicking (absorbing moisture droplets)

The heavy/ overnight full briefs we received retail for £25.50 each and the classic bikini for £22.00, but there is a huge variety of price points, starting from £14 for a superlight absorbency thong.

New for this Summer

I really like that Modibodi as a brand never seems to rest on its laurels, there is always something new being introduced. In July there was various new prints and colours released, like the black and pink you see above, this is 'strength' and ti has been designed in a collaboration with designer Keisha Leon. The pale blue above is also new for this summer and is Mykonos colour. I think it is great that Modibodi is getting away from the assumption that you have to wear dark colours when on your period.

There is also a new maternity and postpartum range, which is fabulous. Just imagine how much use a leak proof bar would have been to me when I was breastfeeding twins!

Looking after your ModiBodi Products

To keep your ModiBodi pants looking at their best and remaining fully absorbant you need to follow the care instructions carefully.

Rinse in cold water after use, until the water runs clear.
Pop your pants in a delicates bag and put them in the machine on a cold wash. Don't use any fabric conditioner.
Line or airer dry them, do not put them in the tumble dryer.

and that's it. Super simple and totally manageable.

Extra Plus Points

Free shipping for all UK orders
60 day risk free trial forall new customers, so you can see what the hype is about and if the pants aren't for you, it was a cost and risk free investment
10% discount with studentbeans or youth discount
Massive range of sizes from UK 4 to 26, so they cater to all shapes
Striving to end period poverty and as such they are donating 100,000 pairs of knickers

As you can tell, we really like the Modibodi products and I'm sure we'll be getting more in the future and recommending them to friends.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

Super Summer Giveaway - Win a £100 M&S e-Gift Card

2021-07-25T19:07:00.000+01:00

At long last, the summer has arrived and I have certainly been enjoying some days on the beach and the sun on my face. It's not quite the same as going abroad though and I'm dreaming of a break in Spain with nothing to do except sip long cool drinks and read my book. Maybe a bit later in the year if I'm lucky.

But how about you? Do you have a holiday planned for this year, or have your plans been put on hold? Whichever it is, I bet you could use a £120 e-gift card for M&S to buy yourself some nice new clothes, lingerie or swimwear. Or if you're already all kitted out for the summer then why not use the money to get some beautiful accessories for the garden, fabulous meat for a BBQ or maybe one of their luxury picnic hampers. Whatever you choose, you know it will be high quality as it is M&S.

Meet the Bloggers

The Giveaway Prize

One lucky winner will win a £120 M&S e-Gift Card! An M&S eGift Card can be used online at marksandspencer.com or in over 700 M&S stores across the UK.

Terms and Conditions

1. There is only one prize of a £120 M&S e-Gift Card. 2. There is no runner up prizes. 3. This giveaway is open to UK residents aged 18 and over, excluding all bloggers involved with running the giveaway. 4. The closing date for entries is midnight on 08.08.21. 5. The same Rafflecopter widget appears on all the websites involved, but you only need to enter on one website. 6. Entrants must log in to the Rafflecopter widget below and complete one or more of the tasks - each completed task earns one entry in the prize draw. 7. Tweeting about the giveaway via the Rafflecopter widget will earn five bonus entries into the prize draw, increasing your chances of winning. 8. One winner will be chosen at random. 9. The winner will be informed by email within 7 days of the closing date and will need to respond within 28 days with their email address, or a replacement winner will be chosen. 10. The winners' names will be published in the Rafflecopter widget (unless the winner objects to this). 11. The prizes will be dispatched within 14 days of the winner confirming their address. 13. By participating in this prize draw, entrants confirm they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

To enter the giveaway, simply complete any or all of the Rafflecopter entries below: a Rafflecopter giveaway Good luck!

What is the Best Flooring for Everyday Peace of Mind?

2021-06-17T15:46:00.005+01:00

{This is a collaborative post}

Life tends to be hectic no matter who you are. You may work from home or be constantly outdoors but there are times when you just need to relax without finding distraction from the next thing that needs your attention.

For nine out of ten people your space to destress and relax will be a room within your own home. So it is important that the room is well decorated and has flooring that helps you to unwind and feel calm. You'll want comfort in both how the flooring feels underfoot when you walk on it, as well as what you can visually see and of course, how little time you have to invest in looking after it.

Thankfully you can find a great solution for all your needs with luxury vinyl flooring, such as the lowest price Amtico flooring.

Less Cleaning

When choosing a new floor covering one of the first thing you are going to consider is cleaning the floor. There is no denying this is a major concern for anyone looking to install new flooring and have a simple life.

Whilst many people begin to look into what carpet cleaning devices and chemicals they required and others want to ensure their flooring for damages, Amtico vinyl flooring provides some peace of mind guarantees. Such as, it is super easy to clean simply with warm water and a sponge or mop. You can clean up spills of food or drink, or even trampled-in dirt in moments.

Also, there is no chance of spilt water seeping through the floorboards to your subfloor due to the moisture-resistant manufacturing process. Both of these factors are reason enough why many households choose Amtico vinyl flooring.

Comfort Levels

Luxury vinyl flooring provides you with a natural cushion feel underneath your feet and it lends itself as a perfect partner for underfloor heating, meaning you'll be snug and warm in your home.

Unlike other types of flooring which could rise or bubble due to temperature changes, vinyl will stay in place and keep it's professional look. Also, the cushion quality of the Amtico vinyl flooring increases the safety of household objects that would usually smash when dropped. That means plates, glasses and ornaments have a higher chance of bouncing than being destroyed upon impact if you do have a little accident.

Larger Selections

No need to be intimidated by the sheer size of the selection you have of the lowest price amtico flooring as you can quickly narrow down your choices and there are enough designs to guarantee you the right flooring for your needs.

Whatever home look you enjoy, that allows you to relax, feel safe and spend time without worrying about your home, you can have it the way you want with luxury vinyl tile flooring.

Review: Dinner at Mill Arms, Dunbridge, Romsey, Hampshire

2021-06-10T15:42:00.004+01:00

When we stayed at Michelmersh Manor Farm near Romsey recently we wanted to try some local fayre one night and when I started to look for pubs that were close by, the first two that came up were the Bear & Ragged Staff and The Goat. They both looked really nice but they also looked pretty pricey and the menus appeared quite limited. As we were going to be eating with our twin 13-year-old daughters we wanted to make sure there were some comfort food type dishes or crowd-pleasers like pasta/ pizza on the menu. We, therefore, choose to dine at the Mill Arms, Dunbridge.

It turned out to be a good choice as we all enjoyed our meals and we paid £53.00 for a main course and soft drink for each of us, so that was good value. That worked out to just £13.25 each.

From the direction we arrived at the pub, we entered through a side door from the front car park, where there are just a few spaces but then there is a large car park to the rear as well. The pub/ restaurant was not very busy at all and I took this to be because the Covid restrictions had only just lifted and people were still being cautious. On that note, we felt very happy with the precautions put in place.

I had booked in advance, which was fuss-free by sending a message via their website and we were given a table in the conservatory, which was nice as it was very light and airy. We quite enjoyed watching the level crossing and the trains going by, I can imagine a toddler would love this! There was also plenty of seating outside, which looked nice and comfortable but we were happy indoors.

It is so nice to find a pub that is independent and still feels like an old-school country pub. Very welcoming, clean and lived-in. There are also rooms that you can hire if you need somewhere to stay over and once times change with Covid they also have a function room and a skittle alley, which I thought sounded very cool.

The menu is a typical country pub one with a pie of the day, bangers and mash, burgers, lasagne, cod and chips and those sorts of comfort foods. The prices tend to be around £11 - £14 and there are also steaks available with a 10oz rump being £17. We also got offered a few specials of the day. At first, I couldn't decide between pie of the day, as that is always my favourite (and on this day it was steak and stilton) but I happened to see someone having one of the specials as we walked by and my mind was made up, liver and bacon it was.

Below is what we had, left to right, liver, bacon, mash, mixed vegetables and onion gravy - £13, Burger with Monterey Jack Cheese and Smoke Bacon (which also came with coleslaw and a tomato & onion chutney) - £13 and 10oz Gammon Steak with chips, pineapple rings, portobello mushrooms, grilled tomato and peas - £14. The quality of all the food items was very good and it was clear the meat was good cuts.

One of my daughters said she wasn't too hungry so she'd have a look at the children's and smaller appetites menu and what great value that was. The top three items on this menu we assume were directed at children, as they were £6 and it was fish fingers, sausages, battered chicken bites with chips (or mash) and peas, beans or salad. You also got an ice lolly included in this price.

The other items on this menu seemed to duplicate the regular menu but just be smaller portions. So my daughter had 2 butchers sausages (they were huge), mash, peas and onion gravy and just look at the size of it, all for £7. So this was the best value and next time I think most of us would go for the small appetite menu.

We didn't go for dessert as we were all full but we'd try it there another time. Drinks-wise we had a 1/2 pint of Diet Coke, which was £1.50 and a pint at double that and a pint of lime and soda was £1.50, which felt a bit steep considering soda is free, so all you're paying for there is a dash of cordial.

Our service was really good with our waitress being attentive and friendly. The wait time for our food to come out was fine as well.

In all, it was an enjoyable meal and we would happily return to the Mill Arms. They seem to have good reviews on Trip Advisor too, so it isn't just us who like this pub.

Why not pin this post for later?

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following this blog.

Making an Inexpensive Letterbox Gift for Fathers Day

2021-04-03T20:41:00.002+01:00

{This is a paid collaborative post}

After a year of hardly being able to see anyone other than those we live with, I have become an expert at sending gifts and care parcels by post, but what I learnt early on was that it can end up costing a fortune. So, the way to do it cost-effectively is to send letterbox gifts. You can still make a really nice personalised gift but do it on a small and lightweight scale.

I send mine via Royal Mail and second class post, and this currently costs me £1.53 for a parcel up to 250g and £1.99 for up to 500g. The dimensions of the box need to be a maximum of 2.5cm thick, and up to 25cm wide and 35.3cm long. You can make your own boxes (if you're clever at that sort of thing), recycle ones you've been lucky enough to receive or I buy mine for as little as 30p each.

With Fathers Day coming up in the UK in June, I thought I'd show you an idea for making a letterbox gift to send to your Dad or a man you love like a dad. The great thing about making something like this, rather than buying it, is that you can make it really personal and include things you know the recipient will love.

Above is the box we have made for my dad, ready for June. I downloaded a free Fathers Day graphic from Design Bundles and I put one on the outside of the box and one inside so it feels really apt for the occasion. I love Design Bundles as they always have free design resources, as well as a massive variety of graphics and clipart, from dinosaur clipart and dragon clipart right through to flowers graphics, card making templates and mockup bundles.

My dad is pre-diabetic and trying not to eat too much sugar but I still wanted him to have some treats, so we added in some healthier snacks. I made a photobook with his favourite people (his grandchildren), he loves a cup of tea, so I added in an assortment. I also added a little 'Dad, you're my superhero' plaque and an olive wood holding cross. The total of the contents in this box is less than £20 and bear in mind that he has a photobook and holding cross that will last for years to come, ao I think it is great value.

I just used tissue paper as an inner for this box as my dad really won't be too concerned with the design aspect and the aesthetics, but you could use handmade paper with a sticker or ribbon closure, or maybe shredded paper for a bit of a different look.

The great thing about letterbox gifts is that they are so versatile and you can make them for any occasion. I have a friend who is having an operation in a couple of weeks and she'll need to rest and take it easy afterwards, which means I won't get to see her for her birthday, so I have been putting together a letterbox gift for her too and you can see what I've included below,

Why not get creative and have a go at making a letterbox gift yourself, or if you like the idea but haven't got the time then have a goggle and there are loads of websites that specialise in making these gifts for you and you can just pay a set price for the number of items you choose and pick out which bits you think your recipient will enjoy.

Happy crafting friends!

Why not pin this post for later?

Keeping the Creativity Going Post Lockdown

2021-03-26T09:30:00.004+00:00

{This is a paid collaborative post}

I think we are all feeling optimistic now that the end of lockdown is insight. The UK roadmap out of the restrictions may be slower than some of us would like but it looks like it might actually happen this time. Thank goodness for the scientists who developed an effective vaccine so quickly and for the task force who have done an amazing job rolling out the vaccine effort. Add that to community testing and we have a much better handle on the damage that Covid can do in our country.

Whilst some of us are raring to go and for normality to resume, there is also the chance to think about what habits we have developed over the last year that we want to carry on with us into our new normal of everyday life. With more time at home in the last year and not so many places to go many of us have taken to crafty pursuits and been really creative.

For me, and I suspect for many others, creativity has been a wonderful outlet for expressing myself in this difficult time. So here are some suggestions of ways to keep the creative juices flowing in the coming months as we can go out more and do more things.

1. Create with Others

Once we can meet our friends again, why not set up or join a crafting circle/ group. There are plenty of groups like 'Knit and Natter' or the W.I. where groups of like-minded women meet and create things together, but with separate projects. Do a shout-out in your local area Facebook group, ask in the library or keep an eye on community notice boards. I bet you'll find loads of groups already established, or set something up yourself if it isn't already there. It doesn't have to be complex, just 3 or 4 women meeting in a coffee shop to crochet together.

2. Seek out Free Resources

There are loads of free resources that you can use to enhance your crafting. Depending on what you like to do you can google, join interest groups on Facebook and ask your crafting friends for recommendations. I like to make cards and I recently did an internet search "find freebie fonts site" and came across Font Bundles and I've been enjoying importing their free fonts into Canva to make the posters and social media graphics that I make for my work so much more interesting. I show you how to import the fonts on a post on my other blog, Mummy from the Heart.

Vladimir Proskurovskiy on Unsplash

3. Join an Evening Class

A few years back I did a sewing evening classes and I loved it. I thought I'd just do the introduction to give myself a challenge and to meet a few new friends in a local area, but I ended up doing the beginner. intermediate and advanced classes and happily making myself and the kids some clothes and bags. It really was such fun and I'm already looking into a local photography class for this September.

There are adult education classes all over the UK and they never cost too much, just google for your area and see what is on offer. I called them evening classes but actually many offer a day or an evening option to suit your life.

4. Craft Outside

As the weather gets nicer, who says you can only craft inside. Taking your activity with you is a great way of ensuring that you still stay creative once lockdown eases and the weather is better. Something like knitting or crochet is easy to put in your bag and take anywhere but you can do most creative pursuits outside. Get yourself an easel and head off into the countryside to paint a landscape.

Or how about turning an old shed into your crafter's paradise or investing in a summer house. That would be my idea of heaven, to leave the family indoors and to head into my own beautiful crafty world.

5. Set Aside Intentional Time

You know what it is like, you have good intentions but unless you are intentional things can get forgotten. So maybe set aside an evening a week, or a weekend a month, whatever suits you and be intentional in your creativity. Make sure that you still get to enjoy your new (or long-established) habit way after lockdown finishes and we can all move about more freely again.

If you want to be really decadent how about going on a crafting holiday, either alone or with friends. A few years back my family stayed with Eurocamp at Camping Club Farret in France it was amazing. They have a massive warehouse on site where you can paint, silk paint, make pottery, glass fuse, collage, make mosaics and so much more and all for an absolutely minimal cost with expert tuition. It was fantastic! Maybe one to consider for 2022 when we are (hopefully) free to move about again more easily.

Whatever you choose to do, I hope you still keep crafting long after lockdown finishes and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something fun and wonderful.

Why not pin this post for later?

Teen Spring Looks with Femme Luxe

2021-03-25T12:14:00.001+00:00

{This is a paid collaboration with Femme Luxe}

Thank goodness the weather is starting to improve. We all need some good news and things to help us feel a bit more positive this year, so the easing of lockdown and the sun are definitely positives. My twin girls ordered some new clothes from Femme Luxe ready for this warmer weather and are looking forward to being able to get out more and wearing them.

They both opted for a shacket (a cross of a shirt and a jacket) as they are the perfect item for layering. In the warmer weather, they can be worn open over a long or crop top as a jacket and in the colder weather, they are still thin enough to be worn under a thick coat. Femme Luxe has a range of shackets. in checks and plain colours, as well as regular length, longline or even a hoodie version.

The girls went for the oversized button front shackets, Miss E chose the lilac colourway and Miss M wanted the sage colour. These are currently £21.99, although there is a 15% sitewide discount at the moment, which takes the price down to £18.69 which is great. They are styled with breast pockets, slant pockets at each side and metal buttons down the front. As you'd expect with fast fashion you do get some hanging threads etc, but I think the quality is commensurate with the price and we've found that our items from Femme Luxe wash up fine.

The shackets are really comfy to wear, as the material is nice and soft, feeling really fleecy and the girls are super happy with them. They seem true to size and are available in XS through to XL, although I'd say the XL is only about a size 16.

Geometric prints and houndstooth are very current and make a bold statement when you wear them. Miss E loves the brown and black cropped jumper and I think it looks great on her. This jumper retails for £16.99 or £14.44 with the current 15% discount.

It's available in S/M (8/10) and M/L (12/14) and it has batwing sleeves. She teamed it with jeans but high waisted leggings would look great too.

Miss M went for the houndstooth mini dress but at 5ft 7" she found it really is very short and opted to wear it as a jumper with her leggings. She said she is going to try it out with thick opaque tights and a belt for a more dressy look.

The mini dress is available in S/M, M/L and L/XL. We ordered the largest size and it was a good fit for Miss M. It is for sale at £14.99 at the moment, or £12.74 if you use the 15% discount code that is being advertised and that makes it a real bargain.

I think Femme Luxe is a great website for young women who want the latest fashions and don't want to pay too much for them. There is always a bargain to be had and there is loads of variety of styles and colours. You can check out some of my girls other Femme Luxe pieces over here, here and here.

One of the things I have really loved about Femme Luxe is that their delivery is amazing. It always arrives quickly, either via Royal Mail or Hermes and I have always received the right items in the correct sizes. This is something I haven't consistently experienced from other online clothes retailers.

Go on, go and have a peek and see if there is anything you might like on Femme Luxe. Spring is here after all!

Why not pin this post for later?

DIY World Book Day Costumes on a Budget

2021-02-25T15:22:00.000+00:00

Photo by Steven Libralon on Unsplash

{This is a collaborative post}

It’s nearly World Book Day, which means it’s time to start thinking about costumes. And with 40% of us parents choosing to make our kid’s costumes, according to a recent survey from Kiddi Caru, it’s time to turn to the arts and crafts, and for some, even dig out the sewing machine.

Whilst the majority of parents seem to enjoy making costumes for their children, dressing up for this event can soon rack up in costs, as over half of parents surveyed admitted to spending up to £30 on their child’s World Book Day costume. But if you’re on a budget this doesn’t have to be the case. We’ve put together some of the most popular costume ideas for World Book Day and given you an insight into how to create these characters’ looks easily and cheaply.

Read on to find out more about our top tips and tricks.

Harry Potter

According to the survey by Kiddi Caru, Harry Potter is expected to be the most popular costume for this year’s World Book Day. And it’s easy to see why, as it’s a pretty simple costume to pull off. Pair some grey trousers, or a skirt, with a white shirt and a V-neck jumper, and you’re already most of the way there – plus you’re likely to already have these items in your child’s wardrobe.

If your child wants to be in the Gryffindor House, then make sure to also include a red and gold tie. See if a family member has one in a similar style to borrow, or you can use some fabric paint to draw the stripes onto a plain tie. Simply change up the colours if your child would prefer to be in Ravenclaw (blue and silver), Hufflepuff (yellow and black) or Slytherin (green and silver). You could also make things even easier for yourself by using felt, which can be stuck onto a coloured tie, or added as a trim of your chosen House colour to their jumper.

If it’s Harry Potter that your child wants to be, then add some round lens-less glasses that can be bought online for an affordable price, or make some from a piece of card. Add a black cape that can also be handmade (see below) and draw a lightning bolt on their forehead using a makeup pencil, and the costume is complete.

But the wizardry costume ideas don’t have to stop at the main protagonist. Add some funkier glasses and unusual clip-on earrings to create Luna Lovegood, or re-use a wizard costume from Halloween, with the addition of a fake beard, for a Dumbledore-inspired look.

Photo by Rhii Photography on Unsplash

Superheroes

With so many to choose from, and a simple costume to make on a budget, superheroes are a go-to option for a lot of parents, and also a top choice for children. Although some may argue they’re not exactly recognisable book characters and are more known from the DC and Marvel film franchise, 68% of parents actually insisted that superheroes are an acceptable costume for World Book Day. Hooray!

Building the basics of a superhero costume is easy. Depending on which superhero your child would like to be, first pick a long-sleeved top and some trousers or leggings in the same colour palette as your hero – red and blue for Superman, all black for Batman, grey and red for Thor, etc. This is very budget-friendly as it can be items that your child already owns.

Next, cut out a mask in coloured card, or if you don’t have any to hand, cut out the same shape in cardboard and colour it in – you could even get your child to help design the mask for their specific character. Thread some string or ribbon through some holes and it’s ready to wear.

For the cape, you’ll be glad to know there’s no need for sewing. You can take an old pillowcase or bed sheet, some felt or any piece of fabric you have to hand – drape around your child’s shoulders and cut to the right shape and length. You can then tie the end of the fabric together in a knot or glue on some Velcro as a fastening. Get your kids involved to add some felt decoration to match their chosen superhero. Put all the elements together and your child will be more than ready to save the day!

Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash

Gruffalo

This bright and colourful character is another favourite, especially for children of pre-school age. In fact, 17% of parents thought that the Gruffalo would be this year’s most popular World Book Day costume. To create this costume, felt is your friend once again – not to mention quick, easy and cheap.

First, download a Gruffalo mask stencil which will make cutting out the shapes in card or cardboard even easier. Cover all of the parts in felt, in the right colours, and stick together, which your kids can help you to do too. Punch some holes in the sides and thread through some string or ribbon to hold the mask in place. With some brown shades of clothing, your child’s Gruffalo costume is done. It’s that simple! Plus, you’ll have all the fun of doing the DIY costume with your child too.

There is no need for World Book Day to feel daunting and expensive. With just a little imagination and effort, your child can have an outfit that they are happy and comfortable in.

Have fun!

An Easy Guide to Understanding Allergies

2021-01-21T19:15:00.004+00:00

Image by cenczi from Pixabay

{This is a paid collaboration with Klarify}

It's reported that over 20% of the UK population is affected by one or more allergy (1) nowadays. I find this a staggering figure and the growth has been rapid over the last few decades. I suspect none of us have managed to go through life without being impacted by allergies. One of my earliest memories is of my Nan being stung by a bee whilst we were shopping on a summers day. Within 30 minutes we were calling an ambulance for her as she had gone into analphaltic shock. It was a scary experience that has stayed with me and reminded me never to underestimate the potential severity of allergies.

I, personally, had manged to live an allergy free life until I was 41 and developed asthma; my GP and I believe this was bought on by the gasses and pollen emitted from the rape seed fields that I had moved close to and decided to take a walk though to appreciate their beauty. Even with a pretty mild case of intermittent asthma I've realised that there are life changing implications of having allergies.

What is an allergy?

You can go through most of your life allergy-free and then all of a sudden your immune system is exposed to something new and it becomes sensitised and can go on to evelop an allergy. Simply put, an allergy is an overreaction of your immune system to a substance that is normally harmless. The first time you are exposed to this substance, that we'll now refer to as an allergen, your immune system memorises the particular structure of the allergen so that it can produce specific IgE antibodies in defence. This is called sensitisation.

Each time in the future that your body is exposed to this allergen it will produce IgE and some people can go through life sensitised to a substance/ allergen but never experience any symptoms and thus it is not an allergy, as they don't have any outward or adverse impact to being sensitised. Other people will have symptoms and thus they have an allergy. Your allergies can flare u and subside throughout your life.

Are allergies hereditary?

There is no evidence to show that allergies will pass from one generation to the next, but there is evidence to suggest that if one member of a family suffers from allergies, others may too. So it is the tendency to develop an allergy that seems hereditary, rather than the actual passing on of allergies.

Do all allergies have the same symptoms?

Of course, we all know people with all types of allergies, some far more severe than others but I never realised that where your allergy shows its symptoms is where your body has the immune reaction to it, for example, you'll have sneezing or a runny nose with a nose reaction, dry or itchy skin with a skin reaction, bloating, gut pain or maybe diarrhoea with a food allergy felt in the stomach or in my case wheezing and coughing with a reaction in the chest to the allergens.

So, no, not all allergies give the same symptoms but many will present similarity and can thus be confusing.

How do you diagnose the allergen?

This is where it becomes complex. You'll know where you are feeling the symptoms and this might give you a clue, for instance if your issues are felt in yoru gut it is probably a food allergy but then you have the difficult job of pinning down which food is causing the irritation. One easy way of finding out what allergens you are sensitised to, is by doing a simple home allergy test. You can buy a complete kit from Klarify, and with precise instructions you'll extract about 6 drops of blood to send off to their laboratory for full analysis. Within a few weeks you'll have online results that you can discuss with yoru doctor and agree a good way forward. There are lots of useful articles on the Klarify site and you can find out more about allergy blood tests, travelling with allergies, hay fever or symptom relivers, to name just a few articles.

Types of allergies

Allergies can be categorised into a few areas -

Allergic skin reactions, such as hives or eczma
Respiratory allergies such as asthma, hay fever or pollen allergy
Food allergies, some of which like gluten and lactose are becoming more common and some like shellfish and peanuts can be very severe and even life-threatening
Drug allergies - primarily to antibiotics
Insect sting allergies, when your body reacts to the venom the insect stings into you. Reactions to these can be very severe and cause anaphylaxis
Latex or sticking plaster allergies

What's analphaltic shock?

This is a very severe and potentially life-threatening reaction by the immune system to a detected allergen. The most frequent triggers are insect stings, food such as shellfish and nuts and certain drugs. The response can be almost instantaneous and it is important that the person gets help straight away. If they know they have a serious allergy they should be carrying two adrenaline auto-injectors with them.

As soon as they feel the first symptom it's important to use the auto-injector and call 999 for professional help. They can either inject themselves or you can if you know what you're doing and it is important to stay with them until the paramedics arrives.

Want to know more?

It's easy to dismiss an allergy as a small factor but for some people it is life changing and can cause a multitude of issues. Why not check out my recent post with tips for living successfully with your allergies and if you're interested to find out more, there are so many good sources of information out there. I'd recommend Allergy.uk as a great starting place.

Why not pin this post for later?

Sources

(1) https://www.allergyuk.org/information-and-advice/statistics

The Whole Family Can Go Greek: Child-Friendly Holidays to Greece

2020-10-03T12:43:00.002+01:00

Photo by dylan nolte on Unsplash

{This is a collaborative post}

I have to be honest, when I think about child-friendly holidays Greece isn't the first place that comes to mind but actually, when you start to investigate and look a little deeper Greece is a wonderful place to take all the family. Be it the mainland or an island, there is such diversity of the places to visit. Some of the islands are developed and ready to embrace British culture and families, but others still remain traditionally Greek and very unspoilt.

Greece has everything that you need for a stress-free family holiday - sun, white sand beaches, beautifully clean and warm seas, hotels with children's clubs and amazing pools, friendly locals, stunning villas and history in abundance. Alpharooms have a good guide to Greece for you to check out.

Here are a few of my Greek highlights for places to stay and visit -

Crete

This is one of the largest Greek islands and has something for everyone, couple this with its low crime-rate and it is an island where you can feel safe to take your family. Across the island you have Acqua Plus for waterpark thrills, Dinosauria park for the younger ones and amazing underground caves at Dikteon. Depednign on the age of your children, one of these is sure to be a hit.

You also have the beach lagoon at Elafonisi which many hail as the best beach in the whole of Greece, and there are hundreds and hundreds of islands with amazing beaches, so that is no easy accolade! It is exceptional as it is a long narrow peninsula with white sandy beaches on both sides. At times to reach the island you have to walk through the sea and of course kids love the excitement this brings.

Corfu

This is a great island to hire a car and explore, as it can easily be done in just 4 or 5 days without it feeling stresfull. You do need to be very mindful as you drive as there are lots of narrow roads and hills to climb, but as long as you go slow and are respectful of the locals, you should be fine.

We especially loved the town of Paleokastitsa when we visited and a stop off at Sidari beach for some watersports and inflatable fun is a must. Crofu is one of the most green of the Greek islands and that makes it diverse and rich to explore.

Photo by Diana Măceşanu on Unsplash

Zante

If you have a keen sailor amongst you then a stay on Zante and a few trips out on a boat to explore the coves and local area are a must. If confident you can hire a speed boat and explore yourselves, or otherwise charter a boat with its own captain, or join an organised tour. Of course you have the iconic 'Navagio' on Shipwreck beach for the children to be able to safety climb across and explore the boat stranded there in the 1980's. Or opt to explore less-known areas and more up close to the coves and dive off for a swim and water explore. The seas are so clear here that you never know what you might be lucky enough to spot.

Laganas Beach and the National Marine Park are also a must-visit, as you may just come face to face with a swimming turtle in the summer months, as they choose to nest in this area.

Rhodes

This is a popular choice for families, but if you don't want the hustle and bustle of the school holidays, travel out of season in May or October and you'll still find some amazing weather to delight you. Rhodes has loads to do with stunning white sandy beaches with shallow water, perfect for little ones to paddle safely. There is also the Rhodes Aquarium, Butterly Valley, Aqua Park and explore The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights for a bit of history.

The medevil town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and worth a look around. You can wander the quaint streets and see what local wares are for sale, have an exceptional and authentic greek meal or if you have older teens with you they will probably enjoy the lively nightlife.

Photo by Lucas Albuquerque on Unsplash

These are just few of the amazing places in Greece that are family friendly and ready to welcome you in the coming months. Due to the current situation surrounding COVID-19, it is of course very important to keep an eye on the latest travel updates so you know whether Greece remains a travel corridor. Right now you can travel to mainland Greece and many of the islands without the need to self isolate upon your return and that makes Greece a very attractive place to get away to this Winter or next year.

I hope you enjoy planning your perfect break to Greece.

The Ion8 Leakproof Water Bottle I didn't know I needed!

2020-09-04T19:17:00.000+01:00

Every parent is fully aware it is back to school time and we've all been getting our kids kitted out with all the things they lost or had stolen before term finished back in March. If my twin teens had their way they would have everything new, every time a new terms starts but, of course, that would be super expensive and not very eco either, so I put my foot down and with some things that are still in good condition they have to make do.

This new term has been an expensive one as they had both grown out of their blazers, one needed new school skirts and the other shoes. Add on PE kit, some stationery, calculators and face masks and I'm a few hundred pounds down. I was therefore super pleased when Ion8 offered to send me a couple of water bottles for the girls, as they didn't really need any but I knew they'd like them.

Naughty mummy that I am though, I haven't given the girls the bottles as theirs were fine and I have fallen in love with the pastel-coloured leakproof water bottles that were sent to us. So I now have one for taking out in my handbag and when I'm walking and one beside my bed for in the night when I need a drink.

I've often seen Ion8 bottles and they've always looked stylish and we already have a Friends of the Earth steel water bottle so I know they are good quality and last well too. I genuinely had no idea I'd like these ones sent to us so much. Looking on the website they are sold as a child's bottle, but I really like them for me and here are 9 reasons why

At 350ml they are the perfect size to carry with you, without being too heavy or cumbersome.
There is a lock to keep the kid closed and make them leakproof
You can open the lid with one hand and it is super easy
The opaque bottle with white lid looks so stylish
Easy to drink out of, as there is a vented smooth liquid flow
Made from BPA free, phthalate-free, non-toxic TRITAN
It's just the right width for my cup holder in my car
It's odour resist
It can be used for hot or cold liquids (-10 c to 96c)

I think you can tell I'm a bit taken with my new Ion8 bottles and I've been using them every day since they arrived with us. They retail for £11.99 and for a sturdy bottle that will last a long time I think that is OK. I was able to find various Ion8 bottle of this size and shape on Amazon with prices from as low as £8.99, so have a good shop around.

Disclosure: We received these water bottles free of charge for the purpose of an honest review. I have not been instructed what to write and I remain honest.

Enjoying Ye Olde Oak Hot Dog Fajitas

2020-07-24T08:54:00.002+01:00

{This is a collaborative post}

I don't know about you but I get quite bored with trying to come up with different meals that all the family will eat, whilst not taking too long to prepare. Of course, I enjoy a good roast dinner or a slow-cooked casserole but sometimes I just need a filling and wholesome meal that I can put together in 20-30 minutes.

Fajitas is one of my go-to meals as all the family like to be able to get hands-on and make their own choice of what will go in their wrap. We range from Miss E who likes a fairly plain wrap with meat, sour cream, cheese and sweetcorn to my husband, who will pack a little of everything in.

In past times we have normally opted for chicken in our fajitas or we've had veggie ones with sweet potato and mixed beans, but yesterday we tried something new and had hot dog fajitas. Hot dogs may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fajitas but I know all my family enjoy them and let's be honest, they are a really cheap way of adding protein to your meal.

We were sent a couple of tins of Ye Olde Oak jumbo hot dogs. These are 6 large (50g) hot dogs for £1.00, so the value really is excellent and they fit in so well when you are on a tight budget. Just recently the Ye Olde Oak brand has had a make-over and now the tins are bright green and very easy to spot on the shelves. The range has also been expanded, with there now being a posh option, fiery, peri-peri, low salt, American style, cocktail and of course the classic too. We've been buying the classic ones for years as the kids love to have chopped hot dogs on a cheese and beans jacket potato.

It was the first time we had seen the fiery ones and I decided to use those for the fajitas for a bit of extra kick. Here is what you'll need if you want to prepare easy and quick fajitas for the family -

Ingredients

2 peppers
2 onions
1 easy fajitas kit (wraps, fajita spice and salsa)
1 tin of Ye Olde Oak jumbo hot dogs
Grated cheese
Sweetcorn
Sour cream or creme fraiche
Guacamole

Method

Slice up your onions and peppers
Slice your hot dogs. I left ours in big chunks for a good bite
Decant your cheese, sour cream, guacamole, sweetcorn and salsa into bowls for sharing with the family
Heat some oil in a large wok/ pan and then fry the onions and peppers until they soften. Add some fajita spice mix and fry some more.
Add in the hot dogs for the last few minutes and make sure they get coated in the spice mix too

Viola, your meal is ready to take to the table for you all to sit and enjoy together. It really is such a social dish and great for getting people chatting around the table. And on that note, if you struggle to get the kids to chat at dinner time, why not introduce a new family meal tradition?

Since our kids were young we have tried to share one good thing from our day that we are grateful for. One thing that didn't go to plan or wasn't so good and something we have learnt. It is excellent to have these prompts to get the kids to think before they even come to the table as they know they'll be asked.

Enjoy!

Beautiful Leather Gifts for Fathers Day from Trendhim

2020-06-15T23:36:00.004+01:00

Fathers Day is just a week away and if you haven't got organised yet, then I have the perfect gift idea for you. How about a beautiful leather wallet, cardholder, belt or bag for the dad in your life?

Both my dad and my husband are getting one each from Trendhim, a Swedish men's accessory site that was new to me until a couple of weeks ago, but I'll happily use it again as the site was super clear and easy to use, the delivery was excellent (quick and tracked) and the actual products I received were really good quality, nice soft leather, that I'm proud to give as a gift.

I was also pleased to see that the wallet and cardholder that I ordered both arrived packaged in smart black boxes with tissue paper and they look like really premium products.

For my dad I ordered the Luca black leather wallet at £35. It is a simple wallet with an elastic closure that has space for notes, credit cards and your ID. He never puts coins in his wallet, so it is nice to get him one that doesn't have a pocket for that, as it just takes up unnecessary space.

We opted for the black colour, but this wallet is also available in dark brown and tan. It has a lovely pebble grain finish and I am impressed with the soft leather. It's also really reassuring that it provides complete protection from RFID skimming.

For my husband, the kids choose a leather Loren cardholder (£35), as he likes to have a really slim one in his front pocket. Often he has a plastic cardholder as he hasn't found a leather one that he likes as yet, and many of them are much bigger than he wants, but at 10.6 cm x 8 cm this one is really slimline.

Yet, it can hold up to ten cards, so there is plenty of space and there is the RFID blocking technology used on this one too. Again it is a nice soft leather and there are various colourways, so you can make it personal to you. Or got a step further and for another £12 you can have the cardholder debossed with the recipient's initials. Of course, it comes well presented in black tissue paper and box too.

In all, I found Trendhim really good to order from. They have free delivery when you spend over £29, or otherwise, there are various delivery options starting at £4 and you can get your item as quick as the next day if you're willing to pay for that service.

I placed my order on the evening of June 5th (which is a Friday) and the products were dispatched on Monday 8th. Each was sent separately (not sure why) and I received one on 12th and one on the 13th June. So there is a little wait with them coming from Denmark and probably due to the coronavirus situation too. I was able to track my packages the whole way, which was reassuring.

Trendhim has a great back story, having been the brainchild of two 18-year-old friends back in 2007, and it has gone from strength to strength. Nowadays you'll find fabulous leather goods, as well as men's jewellery, sunglasses, suit accessories and bags.

However, if leather accessories are not your thing and you are buying for a man's man, then check out the Manly Man Co! site for some really fun gift ideas all based around jerky and being able to give the man in your life a gift he'll love that is the equivalent of flowers, but just a bit more... well, manly!

Disclosure: I received these two wallets free of charge for the purpose of writing this review. I have not been instructed what to write and I remain honest.

Femme Luxe - Perfect Clothes for Relaxing during Lockdown

2020-05-24T20:00:00.001+01:00

{This is a collaborative post}

I had a call from the girls form tutor at school today to ask how they were and if they were finding this lockdown time difficult? I had to be honest and say no, they were loving being off and just acting as if they had the longest summer holiday ever!

Of course, it helps immensely that we live in a gated community with 220 acres, so they can go swimming in the lake, climbing on the low ropes course or cycling through the woods. Also, being twins, they always have a playmate and that is great. As young teenagers though, neither of my girls want to be outside and being busy all the time.

The one thing they really do miss is their friends, so chatting via zoom, Instagram or FaceTime are essentials for them and I often come into my lounge or bedroom to find them lounging about and talking very loudly.

One of the things I've found a bit tricky since lockdown is that the girls both seem to have had a growth spurt and whereas we'd normally pop along to the high street and pick up some clothes, we can't do that right now, so online shopping has been a lifesaver. We've ordered from a couple of the high street stores that we know well and I'll be honest, I've been really disappointed with their delivery times and choice of courier.

We've also tried out a couple of online retailers who were new to us, but recommended by the girl's friends and Femme Luxe has been amazing. I ordered some clothes from them on Tuesday and by Thursday they had arrived, as they choose to use the Royal Mail 48 hour service, which I find so reliable.

Femme Luxe seems to be aimed at the younger, fashion-conscious woman and the clothes only go up to a size 14 (in the main, there seems to be the odd thing bigger than this), so you need to be aware of that when you browse. I'll be honest, at first sight, I wasn't sure there were clothes for my young teens on there as there is a lot of skin-tight and revealing clothes that I feel are aimed at an older girl but after a browse, they both found loungewear that they really like.

Miss E chose this grey short sleeve oversized leggings set, which I think she looks great in. The material is nice and thick and the top is really generous. She ordered it in an M/L, which is a 12/14 and she felt the leggings could have been a bit longer in the leg and bum area, as they didn't allow much room for someone with a peachy bum! This set retails for £19.99.

The other items they chose were T-shirts and there is a superb selection of slogan ones that I'm happy to let them wear; nothing too sexually overt or mature for them. These T-shirts are great to team with joggers, jeans or the girls favourite - leggings! I think my favourite slogan one, was this one below that Miss E chose, it sums her up and it says "In a world where you can be anything, be kind" and I think that is particularly relevant in this time when we are all staying in and people seem to be losing their patience an awful lot on social media. This t-shirt is £6.99 and the M/L (12-14) size is a good fit for her, but probably comes up a bit small as she has never needed a 14 before.

Miss M had also chosen a couple of items and she is less about the body fitting top that Miss E favours and more about comfort and wearing oversized items, so this white Bo$$y oversized T-shirt was perfect for her, both in size and in explanation of her attitude! It retails for £8.99 and comes in sizes S - XL (which is basically 8 - /1416) and it is a decent quality cotton crew neck.

Look at her face, so much attitude. This T-shirt really is perfect

The other t-shirt that Miss M choose was a black one with the slogan "babe", it is a really nice T-shirt and I was pleased with the quality of it. The seams and cuffs etc are all good and well sewn, which is important for an item washing well. This one retails for £6.99 and only came in an S/M or M/L, so we ordered the bigger size, which is supposed to be a 12/14 but Miss M has given it to her twin as she felt it was too body-hugging for her.

In all, we've been pleased with our experience of ordering with Femme Luxe and we would use them again. There is a massive selection on the website, the prices are really reasonable and the pieces we received were good quality for the price paid. We also loved the quick delivery.

There seems to always be a deal available too, so keep an eye on the website, I see there is an extra 10% off code live on there right now, as well as free next day delivery if you spend over £25.

Photo Gifts from Funky Pigeon for Fathers Day and Beyond...

2020-05-20T18:59:00.002+01:00

Fathers Day is fast approaching (21st June, in case you were wondering) and I always like to be a bit organised for these kinds of events so when Funky Pigeon got in touch to see if I'd like to try out a few personalised items, I was very happy to say yes. My Dad is the kind of man who wants nothing for any occasion such as his birthday or Fathers Day, but he does love his family, so anything with photos is a massive hit with him.

I have to admit that I didn't realise Funky Pigeon did anything more than cards, so it was good to look through their gifting range and they have a great variety of items, including alcohol, which goes down a treat with most people.

Let me share with you what I chose -

Full Photo Upload Socks - £14.99

These socks are great fun and I showed them to my husband and son and they both agreed they love the feel of them. They are totally seamless and I was worried that as they are 100% polyester that they may lead to sweating but, Funky Pigeon has that covered as they are infused with antibacterial agents and are sweat-wicking.

You can choose any full photo you like or there are other socks with smaller repetitive photos on them and they come in two sizes 4-7 and 8-11. We just love them! I think my Dad will crack up when he sees his dog on his socks!

Personalised Cushion - £19.99

There are so many different options for personalised cushions that there must be something for everyone. I choose a design for my Dad, to come from the children and then put his three grandkids and his dog on it, to create something that is special and aesthetically pleasing for him. The one we received is 40cm x 40cm.

The inner cushion is removable and is really nice and soft, it's a mix of cotton and polyester and the outer is 100% cotton. All the pillows appear to be white and I would have liked an option for a different colour, as it is a very stark white and probably won't take long to get a bit grubby. Then it is hand wash only. The photos printed on to the pillow are good quality and there is nice clarity in the images but they do change the feel of the pillow, making it feel a little rougher. I'm going to give it a wash and see if this helps. Ultimately, it won't matter as it's not a bed pillow, but more one you'd put on a sofa.

Craft Cider Gift Selection - £14.99

These three different craft ciders made by winning UK based cider producers, displayed in a box make a great gift. My husband loves his cider and he likes to try new ones, so these will work out well for him. He often shares a bottle with my son, so a 500ml bottle is a good size.

It is worth noting that you don't necessarily get the ciders shown on the web page, you will receive three 500ml bottles from a selection. The ones we received were Celtic Marches Slack Alice Cider (4.6%), Lilleys Cider Fire Dance (4.5%) and Staffordshire Brewery Strong Farmhouse Cider (6.5%).

I was a bit disappointed that the brown box I received the ciders in was totally blank, whereas the one shown on the webpage has some nice branding on it. I don't know if this is due to the current coronavirus situation and maybe a supply issue. In truth at £14.99 for three ciders, that probably cost around £2.50 each and a plain box, the price tag is a bit high for me.

They do offer packs of personalised cider and beer with photos of the family and individual messages on them and I think these are very nice and would order one next time. As at £15.99 for a personalised three-pack, they feel better value.

Great points about Funky Pigeon

It was super easy to upload the photos and create the products online. Also, what I saw online was the same as what I received, which is great
I was pleased to see you can get 5% cashback with Quidco when you shop online at Funky Pigeon
You can set reminders within Funky Pigeon, so you get notified of any special dates coming up and have a chance to order in advance
You can pre-pay to save for when you need the money if you add £20 credit, Funky Pigeon will give you an extra £5 credit, so that's a 25% bonus, which is cool
I found delivery excellent. Each of the items arrived separately, but all in good time and given the current situation, I think that is superb
You can download the app and make cards and gifts on the move. No need to set up your laptop

Disclosure: I received these three items free of charge for the purpose of an honest review. I have not been instructed what to write and I remain honest.