Why libraries are good for children

Hey readers,

I adore the library because it has an enormous selection of books that anyone, regardless of age or financial situation, can check out and read.

 I want to make reading a relaxing habit for my kids because it is so enjoyable.

 I will be discussing the benefits of libraries for kids in this post; you can read my opinions below. 

Firstly, if you make it a fun day out for your child, such as getting on a bus, grabbing a drink, and checking out the books that are available at your local library. 

This can be a positive influence on the way that child views reading and furthermore can create excitement and a sense of adventure.

The library is an amazing place because it is accessible to everyone, regardless of background. 

It is not necessary to worry about how much books will cost because the library has a wide selection of free books that you can check out.

Your child can develop a sense of independence by selecting books that interest them by visiting the library. 

 Additionally, this can encourage your child to read about topics they find interesting.

As soon as your kids sign up for a library card, they become independent and bear responsibility for the library. 

 It teaches the child to take care of books and ensures that they are returned on time. Alternatively, it instills in them an early understanding of the consequences of breaking rules. 

In my opinion, a child should learn this valuable lesson early in life: having options.

Allowing a child to use the library's resources fosters learning, comprehension, and the development of their imagination. 

 It can assist the child's education, learning, and independence in acquiring new knowledge. It can also help the child grow more self-assured.

Do you enjoy bringing your kids to the library? How do you feel about children visiting libraries? I would love to hear your opinions below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 27/02/2022

The boys were impressed with our city's mayors car :D

Cheers for reading X

             

The day in the life of a depressive.

Hey readers,

Today I woke up elevated with thoughts of all sorts of possibilities and within ten minutes everything got shot down again. You see depression for me anyway is not where you sit in the corner and cry 24/7 - though there have been times when I have done that. But I feel depression is not simply the black cloud that hangs above but it is all sorts of emotions that I experience during the day.

This may seem an odd thing to say but there are glimpses of happiness that can last 30 seconds to five minutes and I have even been known to laugh. You would think nothing was wrong with me, but you will be fooled.

Then my brain reminds me of how shit my life is and how I mess up everything, and the majority of the time it can be rooted in my autism. I don't care what people's views are living with autism is no walk in the park and it is hard to deal with. Sometimes, I just want to have a break from myself and then just stop the work. It is exhausting and emotionally draining, which affects my mood deeply.

The next feeling could be agitation and just the general hopelessness of being stuck in a situation that I have no control over.

Anger comes along when I have to listen to the next person who tells me that it is mind over matter and that I can achieve anything if I put my mind to it. Don't let the autism get the way they chant, but basically, everyone can fuck I want to be dead. For that one second sometimes you think the world would be better if I simply didn't exist than having to deal with the nonsense that circulates around my head.

But then there are moments that are beautiful that are full of wonder and amazement that I can almost think I have achieved something good that day.

Until you start crying randomly at some music that brings it all back and all the negativity is refaced.

You see depression isn't just one set of emotions, I have only named a few in this post but I want people to be aware that this mental illness is not just a dichotomy and that it is much more complicated than what the media portray.

Cheers for reading X

Figure Out What You Can About Freebies Today!

You'll want to learn about freebies because they can save you time and money. They're a great way to get familiar with a product. Plus, they are free for the customer and so they are something that a lot of people will enjoy.

There are a lot of freebies you can get, you just have to know how to search for them and use websites like bestfreestuff.co.uk. In that way, you'll be sure to get a great idea as to whether or not you're getting a freebie that will get to you in time for it to be useful. Don't order a bunch of freebies that are from an older promotion, try to find those that just came out. That way, you can be sure that they didn't run out and that you can get your free items as soon as they come out for you.

When you get a freebie you need to make sure you check over it as soon as possible. If it's a food item, for instance, it may not last that long. A sample size isn't going to be as big as a regular portion in the way of food or products you can use that expire after a certain amount of time. There should be a date on everything, so follow that for the best results. Don't use anything you get that accidentally was opened or anything of that nature so that you can be sure to be safe.

Now it should be more clear to you what you need to know about freebies for them to be something you can enjoy. There are quite a few out there that will meet your needs in the right way. Just be careful to select what is going to work the best for you!

If you want to win a Lindt Gold Bunny then all you have to do is simply visit here and enter. They have 300 available.  

Easy pancake recipe.

 Hey readers,

Who doesn't like a good pancake and with Shove Tuesday this year on 1st March then you need my easy pancake recipe, no stress just tasty pancakes. 

Ingredients. 

* 100g flour

* 2 large eggs

* 300ml milk

* 1 tbsp on sunflower oil plus a bit more for the frying element. 

* Lemon juice (optional). 

* Caster sugar (optional). 

How to make pancakes. 

To make the batter sieve the flour, then make a well in the middle. Pour the egg slowly into the well and slowly whish the milk to make a smooth batter. He should be the consistency of pouring milk. 

Heat the frying pan and put a little oil to coat the pan. When it is hot enough get some kitchen roll and wipe away the access of oil left in the frying pan. Add a small ladleful of batter and tilt the pan to swirl the batter evenly and thinly. Cook the pancake for 1-2 minutes or until the pancake is golden underneath. 

Losen the edges of all the pancake with a palette knife. Flip over and cook for another minute or until golden. Slide on the plate and sprinkle some caster sugar and lemon onto the pancake. Of course, you don't have to that you can simply but whatever condiment you enjoy to have on your pancake. 

Enjoy X

My Sunday Photo 20/02/2022

Half term holiday mayhem 😂

             

15 of the best mum hacks

 Hey readers,

As a parent, we all want to have ways to make life easier for the things that we do and that is why mum hacks are brilliant as they give you ideas of how to make your life easier. 

Below I have 15 of the best mum hacks for you to take away and use if you so wish. 

15 of the best mum hacks!

1. Rotate toys. 

Kids get bored of toys and to make it more manageable for them only get a few toys out of a time. Then keep them out for a suitable time and then every now again swap them over for different toys, this helps reduce boredom. 

2. Chores.

Kids love to imitate parents so why not get your kids to help out with chores, it keeps them entertained and you could get some chores done as well.  

3. Minor burns. 

The healing properties of acetic acid in vinegar can help relieve the pain, itching, and inflammation that comes along with the vinegar. The vinegar also pulls heat from the burn, thereby nulling the pain naturally. Take a cotton swab dip it in a teaspoon of vinegar and dab on the burn area gently for the desired effect. The astringent properties of vinegar will also keep you burn from becoming infected.

4. Sale. 

 Save money by buying kids toys when are on sale as stores have sales throughout the year such as Sainsbury's 25% off toys now and again.  

Hide them away for when needed and save some pennies plus you don't have to get so overwhelmed when say it is Christmas or birthday as you have brought some presents during the year and is not one go. 

5. Preparation.

Preparing lunches the night before saves time and one less thing to do in the morning. 

6. Batch cooking. 

When cooking meals double the amount and then freeze it for another day when it is manic, so quick and easy meals with no stress. 

7. Declutter. 

Every six months go through kids' toys and declutter any that is grown out of or broken etc then it doesn't get so overwhelming with clutter when you get birthdays and Christmases happening. 

8. Things to put in a car. 

If you have a car put a toothbrush, paste, and spare PJs in the boot for when you are out late then you get them ready for bed with ease.

9. Soggy shoes.

Trying to get soggy shoes to try out then try scrunching up some old newspaper and put it into the shoes. This will help soak up moisture in no time at all.

10. Sandy feet. 

 Hate sandy feet at the beach than simply rub talc on the feet and you will be amazed at how the sand will come off the feet. 

11.  Washing kid's hair. 

When you are washing your kid's hair in the bath get them to hold a flannel on their face. This means then they won't get shampoo in the eyes which makes it so much easier to do the job of washing kids' hair. 

12. Storage hack. 

 Store play-doh in a carousel for k cups, so handy all tidy and in one place. 

13.  Shoes.

coat hank near the front door stops shoes from going missing and is handy for when you are in a rush and want to grab and go.

14. Snack. 

A clever little snack for kids is to freeze yoghurts to make them into lollies. All you need to do is put a stick into the top of a fromage frais and freeze it there you have a lolly, kids really love these lollies. 

15. Car toys. 

Need someone where to store car toys then why not use a magnetic knife holder to put the toy cars on, simple solution and can put the magnetic knife holder onto the wall which clears up space, win-win :) 

What do you think of my mum's hacks? is there any I have missed that you think is a brilliant hack to making life easy? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

Why are kids....

Hey readers, 

Kids are still a mystery even after 10 years into motherhood my boys still have the ability to amaze me.

Why do kids produce so much snot, it just constantly streaming and if you think that is bad they wipe it on their sleeve and smear it all over their face or if you are really lucky they may share it with you, Ewww!

Why do kids have an issue with sitting on their bottoms and constantly have ants in their pants? Why can they never sit down correctly for example when I was at the bus stop the other day waiting for the bus my eldest did everything he could to not sit his bum on the seat. 

Why are kids more of a hindrance than a help with housework? I know we are meant to be encouraging this behaviour and I am grateful that they are willing to help but between you and me it is a right pain at times with taking extra time and not doing it correctly. 

Why do kids always have sticky fingers? and they get everywhere including my phone, the bathroom mirror, and all over the TV for goodness sake!

Why do kids always find talking about their wellies so funny, seriously it is not that funny so please stop now! I was glad to move on from the talk about poo but now as they have gotten older and going to school everyone is talking about penises, it is like a novelty. After hearing the jokes about them for the 5858495 time it really does get tedious. 

When my boys are not talking about penises they are constantly twerking. Then the friends come round and they all twerk. Then go to school and again they are twerking. Why is it so hilarious shaking your bum in the air? I don't get it!

Why do kids always have to be in a rush with everything? Even getting a pint of milk down the local shop, they do a bolt down the aisle like it some Olympic sport. however, in constant the only time they go into slow motion is when we need to get to school or when it is bedtime, funny that!

Why do kids always bounce on you first thing in the sodding morning when you are like a zombie and then for extra loveliness decide to lick your face, why????

Why do kids ALWAYS do the fucking complete opposite of what you wish for, it is like they go out of their way to be an arse to you.

Why do kids lie so blatantly obvious, "mummy I haven't eaten chocolate," they say whilst looking at you with chocolate smeared all over their chops. Or when you sit there and literally watch what they do with your own eyes and they still deny it, do they think I am thick or something. 

Am I missing something or is it something you can relate to? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 13/02/2022

The boys made Pain Au Chocolat (from a can lol) but nevertheless still exciting for them :)

             

Review of Best Before Its Gone.

Hey readers, 

Want a cheap way to reduce food bills then one suggestion is to check out this website called Best Before Its Gone. The site sells food at a lower price due to the products being close or past the end of the best before date. With this in mind, you can save a whopping 50% off retail price and there are many branded items from Walkers, Pepsi, Astonish, Cadbury, Special K, Kellogs for example. 

The idea is to one obviously get a bargain but also what is important is to reduce the amount of wasted food that gets chucked in the bin and then on landfills. So not only are you saving money but also helping the environment at the same time, win-win in my eyes. 

On the website, it states the best before date as some items have got a few months still left and other items can have a best before item from 2020. 

The cost of postage is £6 which is quite a lot but I brought a lot and when I make the next purchase I will wait till I need a load more stuff to help compensate for the cost of delivery. 

The type of products you can get range from crisps, chocolate, cupboard food, condiments, cooking sauces, cleaning items, soft drinks, coffee, tea, squash, and the list goes on.

With the fact that different items get added on to the site frequently stock changes so you never know what will be there from one week to the next, so always good to keep an eye open and a bit of excitement to have a surprise on the new things that come into stock. 

I just want to point out due to current situations with coronavirus delivery was delayed, which is to be expected and they do highlight this. What I really liked is that the company emailed me to explain this and said if I wasn't happy with the delay I could get a refund. I obviously took into consideration extra time in length so was happy to wait for my parcel because I didn't need anything desperately anyway. 

My parcel delivery ran smoothly. They send me emails to confirm on the day of the delivery. They gave me a tracking number so could see when the courier was on the way. I also had a second email to tell me the time slot of the delivery. You could also leave the parcel with a neighbour, or a collection place or a safe place if you weren't in, which I think was really good. 

The delivery arrived with no problem, signed for, and I was happy. The items came in a massive box ( I did order 24 cans of Pepsi Max and about I think 24 cans of sentiments elderflower water plus many more items). 

The packaging was really well wrapped as I did have glass bottles in the order and that was really well wrapped with bubble wrap. Other large items were in individual boxes to keep them all together, with no issues with any leaks or damage to the items, so that was positive news.

Below are pictures of my order.

Total spend on the items: £21.67.

Delivery: £6.00.

total cost: £27.67. 

You can make a payment with your bank card or there is the option of Paypal as well. 

I think it is a good value and definitely, be making another order in the future. 

Cheers for reading X

Money saving tips for parents.

Hey readers,

Being a parent can be costly but that doesn't mean you need to spend loads. I have a few money tips that have really helped cut down costs. 

My first money parenting tip would be is to not have kids...jokes!

1. Preloved.

When I use the term preloved it basically means second hand but sounds nicer. Nowadays it is less frowned upon to buy second-hand. You can get some cracking bargains from second-hand shops such as baby clothes (you don't need to spend a ton on clothing because babies hardly last a long time as they are constantly growing). Other places to find good bargains are facebook marketplace, vinted, eBay is really good for things like toys, baby bottles, pushchairs. A good old clean-over and wash will bring things out clean so don't worry if something has been used by someone else before it still has plenty of life in them, and why pay silly prices for stuff when you can get good bargains pre-loved. 

2. Family day-out vouchers.

Check food items such as check cereal boxes, crisps, and chocolate bars as they often have vouchers on days out for a 2 for 1 deal. For example, a current deal is Kellogs cereal and snack packs have 2 for 1 voucher where adults get in free (as long accompanied by a paying child) to merlin places such as sea life center, Legoland, Alton Towers. These vouchers are valid up to 30th June 2022. It is advised that the vouchers should be used in advance to guarantee entry. 

3. Plan meals.

A good way to save money on food is to plan your meals ahead. For example, write down your week's meals. You can then write down what you need on a list, stick to that list which means then you are less likely to act on impulse and save you money. 

Batch cooking is also a good way to save on money and time as though you doubling up you will have cooked the meal in one go saving time. It can also work out cheaper if you buy in bigger quantities which in turn will save you money in the long term. 

4. No spend day. 

Having a day a week where you have a no-spend day can be really good and stop you in your tracks and make you think about the things whether you really need them. 

5. Loyalty cards. 

Loyalty cards don't offer instant rewards, but instead, keep points for how much you spend and then offer you a coupon once you've spent a certain amount of money. Some loyalty programs earn you cash or credit instead of coupons and discounts that you can use for future purchases. It can be handy to save your loyalty points for Christmas as this will help reduce the cost of Christmas. 

6. Picnic. 

If you do go on a day out pack a picnic and bring your own drinks, ethics can save a small fortune, especially going to attractions that overcharge for food and drink. 

7. Emails.  

Unsubscribe from all the shop emails trying to entice you to come back and spend money, out of sight out of mind. Yes, they can give good offers but there is no point if you don't actually need the item. when you did need an item you will find good deals by simply researching on Google. 

8. Library. 

Make use of the library - save money on books and have a free app where you can read a variety of magazines digitally and cost nothing. Not only that they also do free classes for kids such as storytime and creative sessions so check your local library for what events are on. 

9. Meat-free. 

Eating meat, especially good quality meat can cost a lot of money. Things like beans, grains, and vegetables can be a lot more reasonable and still be nutritious. Even if it is just once or twice a week where you go meat-free can save some money.

Have I missed anything that you think is a good money-saving tip for a parent? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

How to help kids who have trouble sleeping.

 Hey readers,

Often parents will have to deal with their child's bedtime anxiety for whatever reason it could be simply something new happening, fear of the dark, or worries about monsters under the bed. 

These are all valid examples of why your child might fear going to sleep at night. So, below I have some top ideas that have helped in my experience that may work for you and your child to help settle your child at nighttime. 

1. Read a book.

A way to help relax a child at bedtime is by reading a book. Now you can get a variety of books (though do check out your local library save some pennies if you can) that focus on a child scared of the dark.

 Sometimes it can help a child know that they are not the only ones who struggle at night. Also, it gives your child reassurance to know that things will be fine. 

2. Audiobooks.

My eldest loves listening to audiobooks at night as it helps relax him as he focuses on a soft voice and story. It distracts him from the anxiety and hearing a friendly voice makes him feel less alone at night time. 

3. Calming sound apps. 

Another idea is to have white noise, or certain sounds to help relax your child at nighttime. Both my boys love listening to jungle sounds and it relaxes them so they drift off to sleep. Again the sound is a great companion especially when it is dark at night. 

4. Talking time.

A problem shared is a problem halved so, therefore, making time for your child to voice their anxieties can help them greatly. It can also be a time where you can reassure them and feel that valid with how they feel. This then can help them feel safe as they know that there is protection from the parent. 

5. No screens before bed.

Say no to screens in bed as this can be a big trigger for making children's minds work overtime especially if they are watching something that is intense can overstimulate them.

 It is best to watch something in the living room where they can leave it there. Making the bedroom a place where it is associated with relaxing can really help settle a child. 

6. Lighting. 

If the darkness makes a child feel anxious then maybe investing in a nightlight could be of use. Nightlights can aid relaxation before bed, reduce fear of the dark, and provide lighting at night for better visibility. 

Having a night light can be helpful as well if your child is scared of monsters under the bed as it can provide comfort and knowing that they are safe will help ease your child off to sleep. 

7. A worry jar.

Introducing a worry jar to the child is an effective tool to help with bedtime anxiety. What you do is to get the child to write down on the piece of paper their worry and put it into the jar. 

Giving the child an outlet to write down a worry feels relief that it is out of their mind and put away in the jar so they can then feel more relaxed to go to sleep at night. 

Of course, when it is morning it would be a good time to explore the issue and maybe think of solutions to the problem, or if not then discussing it might help them feel better. 

What do you think of my ideas to help with a child's bedtime anxiety? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 06/02/2022

Squirrel with a nut!

               

Why you should visit a theme park as a family.

Hey readers,

If you have been thinking about taking your family to a theme park and wondering whether to go or not then let me outline the reasons to go. 

1. Step into a different world. 

One of the reasons to visit a theme park is the simple fact that you can step into a different world. You can leave your worries for a few hours to escape into the world of having fun trying out new rides. It is like being a big kid again but this time you are with the whole family to enjoy it with. 

2. Spend time with the family. 

Going to a theme park takes a day to explore and it is a great way to come together as a family to have a fun-packed day out. Going to a theme park helps create fun memories that will last a lifetime. There is something for all the family to enjoy whether it is a thrilling or just relaxing theme parks have it covered. 

3. Burn calories.

For a healthy benefit visiting a theme park is a great way to burn calories as you tend to have long hours at the theme park. Walking around from one side to the next, you can easily push past 10,000 steps of your step allowance.

 Theme parks are usually quite large areas with different sections meaning you might walk to one area and then the next to get on to your favorite rides. 

4. Conquer your fears. 

Not everyone is an adrenaline junkie and loves the upside-down and fast rides that theme parks cater for. That doesn't mean one who may be a little timid to thrillers ride can not go on one and conquer the fear because sometimes in life you have to do something out of your comfort zone. 

5.  Escape stress.

Life can be tough trying to get through each day with the worries that we have. It can really be mundane and draining so it is good sometimes to take yourself away from the situation to have a break from the constant stress you have in life. 

That is why theme parks are the perfect day out as it is a great ambiance around other families having fun and you can relax with your family whilst at the theme park. 

So there you have my reasons why you should visit a theme park. Have I missed any reasons that you think would be good to support the idea that theme parkas are great for families? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X