Monday 28 November 2022

How to make a homemade hot chocolate in a jar.

 Hey readers, 

If you like making homemade presents or giving something with a personal touch then these cute homemade hot chocolate in a jar might be the one for you. 

I think they look really good and perfect to make for someone as a Christmas present. 

How to make homemade hot chocolate in a jar.

How to make a homemade hot chocolate in a jar.

What you will need. 

* Mason jar.
* Cocoa powder.
* Sweets.
* Chocolate drops.
* String.
* Christmas tag.
* Hole punch.
* Straw.
 
Method. 

1. Get a mason jar with a lid.

2. Layer each ingredient.
 - starting with 1 cup of cocoa powder.
- 1 cup of sugar.
- 1/2 a cup of chocolate drops. 

3. Finally add a handful of Smarties (or any chosen sweets).

4. With the hole punch place the Christmas tag in and punch one hole. 

5. Next get some Rippon threat through the hole and wrap it around the neck of the jar. Use the ribbon to tie the straw.

6. Finally place the lid to secure. 

How to make a homemade hot chocolate in a jar.

Cheers for reading X

Sunday 27 November 2022

My Sunday Photo 27/11/2022

 

My Sunday Photo 27/11/2022

My Sunday Photo 27/11/2022

My Sunday Photo 27/11/2022

My boys made some wooden Christmas decorations for the tree ☺️

Friday 25 November 2022

My top 10 christmas songs.

Hey readers,

I have compiled a playlist of my favourite Christmas songs to get you dancing around that Christmas tree. 

My top 10 christmas songs.

I love a bit of everything from Jazz, to hip-hop to even the 80s (of course has to be done doesn’t). So grab a mince pie and enjoy.

Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea.



My favourite Christmas song EVER is Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea. I just think it is a really beautiful voice and that sense of love to it, makes me smile and feel all googly inside.

Let It Snow – Dean Martin.



I love jazz music when it's Christmas time, it just feels classy and a bit like you got to sh*t together. It just has the right collection of notes. Dean Martin’s voice just captures Christmas for me and it makes me think of fires and all the jazz (excuse the pun there).

Winter Wonderland – Frank Sinatra.



My favourite Jazz singer has to be Frankie baby with this classic of Winter Wonderland. it is a perfect compliment when wrapping presents and decorating the Christmas tree.

Baby, it’s Cold Outside – Tom Jones and Cerys Matthews.


Let’s move along in time to the late ’90s with this amazing duet from Tom Jones and Cerys Matthews. It is cheeky, it is fun what more could you want?

Merry Christmas – Mel and Kim.


I can not miss out on adding an 80’s classic to my Christmas song wish list with this timeless song that you hear. It is, of course, Merry Christmas by Mel and Kim. You know this is a fun pop song and you be guaranteed to want to sing along to it.

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of Year – Andy Williams.



A beaut of a song is this is one of the most popular songs of Andy Williams with it’s the most wonderful time of year. What a credible voice and perfect to add to anyone’s Christmas playlist.

Merry Christmas I Don’t Want to Fight Tonight – The Ramones.



Now I have picked something a little alternative and not such a popular Christmas track. It is a song by The Ramones called Merry Christmas I don’t want to fight tonight. I like this track because it is got a raw edge to it. 

 It is a bit more realistic regards to the pressures of family life at Christmas. Let’s face there is a lot of pressure whether it is financial or whatever it can take its toll.

The Little Drummer Boy (Peace on Earth) – Bing Crosby featuring David Bowie.


A beautiful duet with David Bowie and Bing Crosby. To think a glam rocker and a crooner could work so well but it did and thank goodness it was released because it is brilliant!

Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto – James Brown.



Now we are moving on to a bit of soul with the Godfather of Soul James Brown. If you ain’t tapping along with this one what is wrong with you, it is upbeat and full of funk with a mix of Christmas blended in.

Christmas in Hollies – RUN-DMC.



For fun and one you want to turn the volume up Run DMC with Christmas in hollies, for awesome Christmas raps to get you in the spirit of Christmas.

Cheers for reading X

Monday 21 November 2022

Christmas punch recipe.

 Hey readers, 

What a festive treat is a Christmas punch and it is so easy to knock up. Below is the recipe which takes minutes to do but packs all the punch in a drink. 

Christmas punch recipe

What you need. 

* Ice

* 200ml vodka

* 200ml cranberry juice

* 200ml orange juice  juice

* 6 tsp brown sugar (optional)

* 300ml soda water

How to make it. 

1. Fill a large jug or punch bowl with ice. Add the vodka, cranberry and clementine juice and stir to combine. I

2. If you want to add a little sweetness to this naturally sharp-tasting punch stir in the sugar and mix until dissolved.

Enjoy X

Sunday 20 November 2022

My Sunday Photo 20/11/2022

 

My Sunday Photo 20/11/2022

Friday 18 November 2022

31 blog ideas for December

Hey readers, 

Seaming as we are approaching December I have drawn up 31 blog post ideas perfect for December so don't worry but just write. Enjoy :)

31 blog ideas for December


1. What is on your wish list this year?

2. New year's resolutions. 

3. A gift guide.

4. Host a giveaway.

5. A list of books you have read this year.

6. Write your year in a review.

7. Create a fiction story that you have made up.

8. Share a cookie recipe.

9. Things that you have learned this year. 

10. What's on in your local area? 

11. Tips and hacks to survive the winter.

12. Share your favourite holiday activities.

13. What can you think during winter? 

14. How do you conquer cabin fever?

15. Write a winter bucket list.

16. What are the best Christmas markets near you? 

17. How do you get over the Christmas blues? 

18. What are your favourite Christmas movies? 

19. Christmas outfit ideas. 

20. Gift ideas for kids. 

21. Share your holiday decor. 

22. Write a letter to Santa. 

23. Favourite slow cooker recipes. 

24. Write about your Christmas traditions. 

25. Have a day off, it's Christmas day after all. 

26. Best activities to do in Winter. 

27. Share your favourite Pinterest boards and explain why. 

28. How do you organise your blog/time?

29. A guide to Christmas stocking fillers.

30. Your Christmas wishlist.

31. Skincare for the winter.

Will you be using any of these blog post ideas? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Cheers for reading X 

Monday 14 November 2022

Charity at school

Hey readers,

My son received a letter the other day about BBC Children In Need day, where you can come to school dressed up in something spotty and raise money for the occasion. 

Charity at school

The problem I have with this is that I am against schools trying to a) push parents into giving and b) in making a child feel isolated if they do not join in.

With regards to a) my problem is I believe people should have a choice and not be forced by peer pressure to feel included. 

What happens if the parent is skint they can't afford money nor can they meet the requirements, i.e. having anything spotty?

 I know some people who are so stressed about such events that they lie and call in sick due to not having the money to give.

 When will the school be actually about education and not about charity? I am all for charity but I think it is wrong to do it in a school setting. The child has to be there as it is the law so why don't we stop the charity and do it in a location where the person has the choice to attend or not?

It never stops with the charity raising in school and again I think this is wrong. Some organisations for whom I don't trust certain charities to fully give money to the direct charity, which I believe they should because that is the whole point. But that is a different post entirely.

Another point I would like to put forward why is some fundraising is allowed and who gets to choose which charity is more important than another one.

Where is the cut-off to allowing fundraising in school, it just seems to me a growing number of charity events are ever-increasing days and I don't think it will stop any time soon?

My b) point is I don't think it is fair, especially with schools in more deprived areas that may not have the funds to give to charity in the potential to make the parent feel isolated by not giving. It again can have the risk of making the parent feel even more worthless because they can not provide for their child to participate.

So there you have it that is my argument against all fundraising in a school setting. I am going to be brave and speak out as I know this is controversial but I feel that it needs to be talked about.

What do you think about the charity at school? Are you for or against it? I would love to hear your comments in the thought section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

Sunday 13 November 2022

My Sunday Photo 13/11/2022

 

My Sunday Photo 13/11/2022

My boys had their first Covid booster and they even got a sticker ✅ 💉 

Friday 11 November 2022

80 would you rather questions.

 Hey readers,  

A fun game to play with kids, family and friends is would you rather... doesn't really involve much just a load of random questions asking a situation of would you rather and choosing the best option. It is fun and something everyone enjoys. 


80 would you rather questions


I have 80 fun would you rather questions to get you thinking.....

 1. Would you rather have the ability to see 10 minutes into the future or 150 years into the future?

2. Would you rather have telekinesis (the ability to move things with your mind) or telepathy (the ability to read minds)?

3. Would you rather team up with Wonder Woman or Captain Marvel?

4. Would you rather be forced to sing along or dance to every single song you hear?
5. Would you rather find true love today or win the lottery next year?

6. Would you rather be in jail for five years or be in a coma for a decade?

7. Would you rather have another 10 years with your partner or a one-night stand with your celebrity crush?

8. Would you rather be chronically under-dressed or overdressed?

9. Would you rather have everyone you know be able to read your thoughts or for everyone you know to have access to your Internet history?

10. Would you rather lose your sight or your memories?

11. Would you rather have universal respect or unlimited power?

12. Would you rather give up air conditioning and heating for the rest of your life or give up the Internet for the rest of your life?

13. Would you rather swim in a pool full of Nutella or a pool full of maple syrup?

14. Would you rather labour under a hot sun or extreme cold?

15. Would you rather stay in during a snow day or build a fort?

16. Would you rather buy 10 things you don’t need every time you go shopping or always forget the one thing that you need when you go to the store?

17. Would you rather never be able to go out during the day or never be able to go out at night?

18. Would you rather have a personal maid or a personal chef?

19. Would you rather have Beyoncé’s talent or Jay-Z's business acumen?

20. Would you rather be 11 feet tall or nine inches tall?

21. Would you rather be a genius and know everything or be amazing at any activity you tried? 

22. Would you rather dine alone or catch a good movie by yourself ?

23. Would you rather end world hunger or stop crime? 

24. Would toy either wear trousers 3 sizes two big or shoes 3 times too small?

25. Would you rather have to walk backwards forever, or crawl on all fours?

26. Would you rather be able to play every instrument, or speak every language?

27. Would you rather be able to swim like a dolphin, or fly like a bird?

28. Would you rather be a famous actor or a famous singer?

29. Would you rather eat rotten eggs or sour milk?

30. Would you rather only ever eat ice cream or never eat ice cream again?

31. Would you rather have ants crawling all over you, or be bitten by a bee?

32. Would you rather be the richest person in the world, or live forever?

33. Would you rather lose your sight or lose your hearing?

34. Would you rather look like Shrek or look like Donkey?

35. Would you rather have hair to the ground or be bald?

36. Would you rather be a zombie, or marry a zombie?

37. Would you rather eat a bug sandwich or drink a bug milkshake?

38. Would you rather wear summer clothes in winter, or winter clothes in summer?

39. Would you rather never eat chocolate, or only ever chocolate?

40. Would you rather live in the sky or underwater?

41. Would you rather have green hair or a red face?

42. Would you rather have to sing or dance at the school assembly?

43. Would you rather be as tall as a giraffe or as short as a mouse?

44. Would you rather moo like a cow when you cry or squeak like a mouse when you laugh?

45. Would you rather eat your snot, or have a fart milkshake?

46. Would you rather be able to see in the dark, or never be tired?

47. Would you rather live without running water, or electricity?

48. Would you rather be covered in red dots or be as hairy as a gorilla?

49. Would you rather blink all day long, or sneeze every time you want to talk?

50. Would you rather wet your pants every time you laugh, or burp every time you want to smile?

51. Would you rather eat breakfast for dinner, or dinner for breakfast?

52. Would you rather be locked in a room with 100 rats, or 1 hippo?

53. Would you rather need to be always laying down while awake, or sleep always standing up?

54. Would you rather win a million dollars, or find 100 friends?

55. Would you rather have a dragon or be a dragon? 

56. Would you rather always be 10 minutes late or 20 minutes early?

57. Would you rather have one wish granted now 3 wishes granted in 10 years? 

58. Would you rather see into the future or change the past?
 
59. Would you rather speak every language in the world fluently or be the best in the world in one area of your choosing?

60. Would you rather live in the Harry Potter universe or the Pokémon universe?

61. Would you rather have an incredibly annoying high-pitched voice or a really deep manly voice?

    62. Would you rather have a full-blown moustache for a year or permanently hairy legs for tears?

  63. Would you rather give up your phone or only wear Crocs for the rest of your life?

64. Would you rather clog the toilet on a first date or first day at a new job?

    65. Would you rather have an abnormally big toe or an abnormally big ear?

  66. Would you rather be three feet tall or eight feet tall?

    67. Would you rather have to be naked at work for an hour or be dropped off two miles from your house whilst you're naked and you have to try and get home?

68. Would you rather smell like cheese (which has been left in the sun) or a hamster cage (which hasn't been cleaned for a fortnight)?

69. Would you rather be a mad genius or popular but dim?

70. Would you rather have a nose that never stops growing or ears that never stop growing?

71. would you rather have arms as long as Mr Tickle or legs as short as E.T?

72. Would you rather empty a swimming pool using just a fork or get in a swimming pool for half an hour with a jellyfish?

73. Would you rather drink soup out of a farmer's welly or from a binman's sock?

74. Would you rather have no sense of smell or no sense of taste?

75. Would you rather have your name tattooed on your forehead or have no front teeth?

76. Would you rather let a crusty old man drink milk out of your belly button every day for a year or drink milk out of a crusty old man's belly button every day for a month?

77. Would you rather fight a kangaroo or a badger?

78. Would you rather eat a wet loaf of bread or drink a pint of whipped fish?

79. Would you rather live in a world where you dance instead of walking or instead of talking?

80. Would you rather share a bed with a walrus or an eel?

Cheers for reading X
 

Monday 7 November 2022

8 signs you are a introvert.

 Hey readers,

You may ask  yourself if you are a introvert and what are the signs or perhaps you are pondering whether someone in your life fits this description.

Although an introvert may be thought of as a shy wallflower who prefers to stay at home alone rather than socialize, there are many different types of introverts with a wide range of characteristics. 

8 signs you are a introvert.

The three categories are as follows: This kind of introvert prefers small groups to large ones. They would rather spend the night in peace at home than go out.

Introverts as thinkers: This group of introverts typically spends a lot of time thinking. They are imaginative and reflective.
Introverts and we anxious: During social interactions, anxious introverts frequently feel uneasy or nervous around other people.

Introverts with inhibitions: This type of introvert has a propensity to overthink, considering a decision for a significant amount of time before acting.   

However, you might discover that many introverts combine characteristics from all four types. Additionally, a lot of introverts exhibit traits that you might not think are typical of their personality type.  

For instance, there are a lot of introverts who enjoy getting together with others. You might even be surprised to find out that many people you think are "social butterflies" are actually quite introverted. 

A few of the signs that you, or someone you know, might be an introvert include the ones listed below.

1. Energy.

Your energy is drained by being around a lot of people Do you ever feel drained after being around a lot of people? 

Do you frequently need to retreat to a quiet location and spend more time alone after a day of interacting with others? In contrast to extroverts, who gain energy from such interactions, introverts must expend energy in social situations.

Which is one of the major traits of this personality type. However, introverts should not completely avoid social interactions. Even though many introverts enjoy spending time with others, they typically prefer to be with close friends.

An extrovert might go to a party with the intention of meeting new people, whereas an introvert might go to talk to friends.

2. Alone time.

Because you are an introvert, your idea of a good time is spending a quiet afternoon with yourself to indulge in your interests and hobbies.

You can feel refreshed and reenergized by engaging in activities like time alone with a good book, a tranquil nature walk, or watching your favourite television show.

This does not imply that introverts desire constant solitude. Socialising with familiar faces and spending time with friends is a favourite pastime for many introverts.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that an introvert will probably want to go to a quiet place to think, reflect, and recharge after a long day of socialising. You might be an introvert if spending a few hours by yourself sounds like a good time.

3. Group of close friends.

One of the most common misconceptions about introverts is that they dislike people. You only have a small group of close friends. Introverts enjoy having a small group of friends with whom they are particularly close, despite the fact that they typically enjoy little social interaction.

Introverts prefer to stick to deep, long-lasting relationships marked by a great deal of closeness and intimacy rather than having a large social circle of people they only know on a superficial level.
People with this trait tend to have fewer friends, according to researchers. 

One of introverts' many advantages is their propensity to forge deep and significant relationships with those who are closest to them. Additionally, they prefer to interact with individuals one-on-one rather than in large groups. If your social circle is usually small but very close, you might be an introvert.

Introverts typically select their friends with much greater care, whereas extroverts typically have a larger circle of friends and acquaintances.

4. Personality.

It may be hard for people to get to know you introverts are often mistaken for shy because they are described as quiet, reserved, and mellow.

People shouldn't mistake an introvert's reserve for timidity, even though some introverts are definitely shy. People with this personality type frequently simply choose their words carefully and prefer not to waste time or energy on unnecessary conversation.
You are probably an introvert if you tend to be quiet and reserved.

5. Overwhelmed.

When introverts have to spend time in activities or environments that are very busy, they may end up feeling disoriented and overwhelmed.
 Too much stimulation causes you to feel distracted. On the other hand, people who are extroverts tend to do best in situations where there is a lot of activity and few chances to get bored.

Researchers have discovered that introverts are more likely to be distracted than extroverts, which may explain why introverts prefer environments that are quieter and less frantic. You might be an introvert if you frequently feel overwhelmed in crowded social situations.

6. Analysing.

You Spend a lot of time analysing your own internal experiences because introverts tend to turn inward and are very self-aware. You might be more of an introvert if you think you know a lot about who you are, what drives you, and how you feel.

Thinking about and analysing things in their own minds is a favourite pastime for introverts. Introverts place a high value on self-awareness and self-understanding, so they frequently devote a significant amount of time to learning more about themselves.

You might be more of an introvert if you think you are self-aware and enjoy learning more about yourself.

One of the many strengths of introverts is self-awareness. They frequently engage in engaging hobbies, reflect on their lives, and read books that examine themes and subjects that are significant to them.

7. People watching.

You like to learn by watching introverts typically prefer to learn by watching, whereas extroverts typically prefer to jump right in and learn through hands-on experience. 

Introverts prefer to observe before attempting something new, whereas extroverts learn through trial and error.

Introverts enjoy repeatedly observing others perform a task until they believe they can do it themselves. When introverts do learn from personal experience, they prefer to work on their skills in a private setting where they don't have to perform in front of an audience.
You may have a more introverted personality if you prefer to learn more by watching than by doing.

8. Independence.

You are attracted to jobs that require independence as you might expect, jobs that require a lot of interaction with other people typically do not appeal to introverts.

 However, for introverts, careers that require independent work often make excellent choices. For instance, a writer, accountant, computer programmer, graphic designer, pharmacist, or artist might enjoy their jobs.

So, are you a introvert or not and what do you think to the signs do you relate to any of them? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.  

Cheers for reading X

Sunday 6 November 2022

My Sunday Photo 06/11/2022

 

My Sunday Photo 06/11/2022

Friday 4 November 2022

The Cat Lounge Coventry review

Hey readers, 

The other day, my eldest and I went to check out The Cat Café Lounge in Coventry, which is easy to get to as it is in the city centre. 

The Cat Lounge Coventry review

The address is 26 Market Way, Coventry, and CV1 1DL.

The opening times of the Cat Cafe are: 

Monday - 11am until 6pm. 

Tuesday - 11am until 6pm. 

Wednesday - 11am until 6pm. 

Thursday - 11am until 6pm. 

Friday 11 am until 6pm. 

Saturday10am until 6pm. 

Sunday  11am until 5pm. 

Remember that kids under 10 are not allowed in, and if children do not look their age, they must provide ID. 

The Cat Lounge Coventry review

We arrived on Saturday afternoon, which was fairly busy, so we had to wait a few minutes, which was fine. 

You must make sure when you enter to close the doors for obvious reasons.

The Cat Lounge Coventry review

You do not need to book tickets to come here; you can just  turn up. You can, though, mind, sometimes be busier than others. 

We were then greeted at the reception desk and given instructions on what we could and couldn't do, such:

* Couldn't pick up the cats.

* If a cat comes near you when you drink or eat cake, stand up as a couple of cats will try to steal your food and drink your drink.

* No flash photography. 

* No chasing cats. 

* Not allowed to feed the cats. 

After reading the instructions (most of them are common sense), you need to sign your name and time in, as it is a record that

 You are paying per minute. 

The Cat Lounge Coventry review

Once that is done, you can go further to the end of the café to order drinks and food or can still go down at your allocated number to your sitting area. 

The cost of visiting the café is  £1.10 for 5 minutes and £2.20 for 10 minutes. 

If you use a card, payments must be a minimum of £3.30.

 Just outside the opposite is a Tesco with a free cash point to get cash if needed

If you stay after 15 minutes, you get free drinks. They accept card and cardless payments.

See the below picture regarding the prices of the extra time. 

The Cat Lounge Coventry  review

The cakes and drinks are £3.00. The cakes are really lovely. The hot chocolate is also nice and comes in a big mug with marshmallows and cream. 

The Cat Café Lounge, if you couldn't tell by its name, is a café where you can sit down for coffee and cake and get to pet cats. 

There are various cats, and they are all pedigree cats. They have short-haired British cats, lynx dolls, persons, and calico main, to name a few. 

Some cats are timid; well, other cars love a fuss and are happy to jump up and greet you. 

The Cat Lounge Coventry review

You can walk up to them and fuss with them, and they even have cat toys if you want to play with the cat. 

They have comfortable sofas and tables and lots of room for the cats to walk about explore, scratch posts and areas to climb up on.

 It has a chilled vibe with low music and soft lighting to create a calm ambience. 

The Cat Lounge Coventry review

Overall, I enjoyed the experience as it was something different to do with my son. 

We both have autism but found the atmosphere relaxing and calming.

 I highly recommend it if you're around Coventry City centre you won't regret it ☺ 

Cheers for reading X