10 fun things to do on a rainy day.

Hey readers,

When days are wet and you can't bear another day trapped in the four walls while you slowly go insane then you must check out my safe list of places to go indoors. They are child-friendly, dry, and more importantly cheap.

10 fun things to do on a rainy day.

1. Library.

Go to the library, read some books, choose some books and let the kids check them out. It is all very exciting and costs nothing.

2) Garden centre. 

Your local garden centre is great as it has lots of random tat and they tend to have a coffee shop. Not to mention if you are lucky enough fish to see and everyone is happy!

3) Ikea. 

Got to love going to IKEA.  Child-friendly, free play for 3yo, cheap food, and child-themed play areas. Both my boys love this place and they can run around causing them to tire them out, #winning.

4) Coffee shop. 

Hit a coffee shop, my boys adore the mini cups as they feel like an adult. I also appreciate the atmosphere as it is a great chilled vibe.

5) Mcdonalds. 

McDonald's where you can go get a happy meal and it comes with a toy, what more could a child want.  I have written a post here about why I love this place so much!

6) Bus trip. 

Get on a bus for an adventure. My boys love a good trip out on a bus.

7) Green conservatory area.

We live near a free (whoop) green conservatory area for the public. It had plenty of green and a pond full of fish. Beautiful settings and makes a change for me and the boys.

8) Museums.

Faithful museums are free and educational.

9) Pets at Home. 

If in dealt go to Pets At Home, it is basically a free zoo.

10) Odean. 

If you won't have a sit down in a quiet, dark room, go to your local Odean where every morning during holiday time and weekends term time they have tickets for children films for £2.50.

Have I missed out on some good places to take kids when it is pouring down with rain? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X


My Sunday Photo 13/03/2022




         RachelSwirl


50 of the best Mother's Day captions for Instagram

Hey readers, 

Mother's day is happening on Sunday 21st March 2022 this year and what better way to show your mum some love with a few kind words. Below I picked a variety of captions suitable to add Instagram photos to celebrate your mums in your life. 

50 of the best Mother's Day captions for Instagram
Cute mother's Day captions. 

1. No matter how old she may be, sometimes a girl just needs her mum.

2. Not always eye to eye, but always heart to heart.

3. There aren’t enough flowers in the world to show you how much you mean to me.

4. Mum: A title just above queen.

5. Life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mother.

6. Who needs a superhero when I have her?

7. Home is wherever my mum is.

8. A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.

9. Mums are like buttons — they hold everything together.

10. A mother's hug lasts long after she lets go.

11. The only thing better than having you for a mum is my children having you for a grandma.

12. To the world you are a mother, but to our family, you are the absolute world.

13. Out of all the mums in the world, I am so glad you are mine.

14. My mother is a walking miracle.

15. I love my mum to the moon and back.

16. Behind every great woman is an even better mother.

17. No matter how old she is, sometimes a girl just needs her mum.

18. Mum, I can’t see your heart, but I know it’s made of gold.

19. Thanks for giving me the best things in life: Your love, your care, and your cooking.

20. If I didn’t have you as a mum, I’d choose you as a friend.

Funny captions. 

21. Cheers to the woman who gave up wine for nine months, just for me.

22. Mum, I'm sorry for all the times I didn't take the chicken out of the freezer. I get it now.

22. You're not a regular mum, you're a cool mum!

23. Nothing is really lost until your mum can’t find it.

24. Thank you for giving me life. And thank you for not taking it back during my teenage years.

25. Mum, I forgive you for replacing me with cats.

26. I love how we don’t have to say out loud that I’m your favorite child.

27. My Mother's Day gift to you is apologizing for ages 12-17. Sorry I was terrible.

28. Love you loads, Mum! Speaking of... can you do my laundry?

29. Mothers are a gift to humanity. End of story
.
30. Mum—you’re definitely one of my favorite parents.

31. Sometimes when I open my mouth, my mother comes out.

32. I still can't fold a fitted sheet, but you did a good job.

33. Thanks for always loving me, even though all of my awkward phases.

33. In a surprising turn of events, my mother was right. About everything.

34. Everything I learned about being awesome, I learned from my mum.

35. Mum, you were right about everything. There, I said it!

36. She wore Mum jeans before it was cool.

Quote Captions.

37. "I love you 3000." — Tony Stark, Avengers End Game.

38. "My mother was my role model before I even knew what that word was." — Lisa Leslie.

39. "My mum is a strong woman and I love her for it." — Tom Hiddleston.

40. "To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power." —Maya Angelou.

41. "Mother is a verb. It’s something you do. Not just who you are." — Dorothy Canfield Fisher.

42. "Acceptance, tolerance, bravery, compassion. These are the things my mum taught me." — Lady Gaga.

43. "A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s." — Princess Diana.

44. "All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." — Abraham Lincoln.

44. "Call your mother. Tell her you to love her. Remember you're the only person who knows what her heart sounds like from the inside." — Rachel Wolchin.

45. "He didn't realize that love as powerful as your mothers for you leaves its own mark." — J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter, and the Sorcerer's Stone.

46. "My mother is a walking miracle." — Leonardo DiCaprio.

47. "Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face." — George Eliot.

48. "Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."  Oprah Winfrey.

49. "I would say that my mother is the single biggest role model in my life... She was the love of my life." — Mindy Kaling.

50. "A mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible." — Marion C. Garretty.

Cheers for reading X
loopyloulaura

10 of the best Easter eggs 2022

Hey readers,

Easter is on Sunday 17th April 2022 this year and what better way to celebrate than with a chocolate egg. There is so much choice out there and I have picked a variety of my favorite that I have found that are available to buy this year. 

10 of the best Easter eggs 2022

1. Hotel Chocolat -  Extra thick you crack me up Easter egg - 400g - £30. 

10 of the best Easter eggs 2022

Of to a cracking start with this luxurious egg from Hotel Chocolat with this extra-thick chocolate. The egg has 40 percent milk chocolate on one side, and creamy caramel-white chocolate on the other, you can decide which side to break into first. Once you decide to manage to get inside the £30 400g egg, you will find praline and caramel bunnies and egg-face treats which can feed the whole family. 

2. Ocado - Lindt Gold bunny and egg - 360g - £12.

10 of the best Easter eggs 2022
Lindt gold bunny milk Easter egg gift set made with the finest Lindt milk chocolate wrapped in gold. Make them smile from ear to ear with our iconic Lindt gold bunny, accompanied by the finest milk chocolate egg from Lindt.

 Made with the finest ingredients, sourced from world-renowned growing regions. A delicious and indulgent gift for Easter. Since 1845, the Lindt Master Chocolatiers have been dedicated to creating the perfect chocolate delights to bring joy into your home at Easter

3. Aldi - Moser Roth white chocolate lovers duo egg 290g - £5.99.

10 of the best Easter eggs 2022
Aldi are offer nothing but eggceptional in their budget eggs. This duo egg is perfect for chocolate lovers it is made up of two parts, one half white chocolate with redcurrants, raspberries, and blueberries. Whilst the other section is made up of white chocolate and caramel  Top quality chocolate but also kind on your bank balance, perfect combo. 

4. Marks & Spencer - cereal milk-egg - £8.

10 of the best easter eggs 2022

This year Marks & Spencer is bringing something a bit different to the table with the cereal milk Egg. If you’ve become as obsessed with anything cereal milk-ba then this is going to be right up your street.M&S’s “extremely crunchy” Cereal Milk egg is a white chocolate egg that’s stuffed full of sugar confetti, marshmallows, cornflakes, and cereal crisp pieces.”

5. Fortnum & Mason - Easter praline scotch egg 130g - £17.95.

10 of the best Easter eggs 2022

This next Easter egg is a bit different as it is mimicking an Easter egg, it is described as a  praline scotch egg. Taking inspiration from the classic scotched egg which was created back in 1738, it's made from a simnel-flavored milk chocolate praline with a delicious orange ganache centre and a roasted hazelnut and cocoa nib coating. 

6. Morrisons - Cadbury Twirl orange large Easter egg 241g - £1.99.

10 of the best Easter eggs 2022

If your fan of the orange twirl then good news as this year Cadbury have brought out an orange twirl easter egg which contains a milk chocolate egg with a hint of orange and two orange twirl bars to get your zesty taste buds going, 

7. Thorntons - Continental statement Easter egg257g - £12.00.

10 of the best Easter eggs 2022

Decorated with swirling loops of white and dark chocolate, this smooth milk chocolate egg is a must for anyone who loves our Continental range.

With a selection of 8 delicious Continental chocolates, including Alpini Praline and Sicilian Lemon, treat someone special this Easter.

8. Waitrose - No1 Blonde chocolate with salted caramel truffles Easter egg 215g - £10.00. 

10 of the best Easter eggs 2022

White chocolate with caramelised sugar, feuilletine wafer, and salt egg with 4 salted caramel truffles decorated in edible lustre. A luxurious Easter egg made of creamy caramelised white chocolate with feuilletine and fleur de sel, with a secret box of four salted caramel truffles hidden underneath.
9. Chococo - Giant milk chocolate honeycombe studded Easter egg 400g - £27.50. 
10 of the best Easter eggs 2022

This is a giant honeycombe-studded egg with 45%Venezuela-origin milk chocolate. Full of rich, full of flavour cocoa notes & very creamy. Studded with sweet, crunchy honeycombe chunks. The honeycombe is made with local Dorset honey. 

10. Cocoa Loco - Marbled chocolate Easter egg - £12.99. 

10 of the best Easter eggs 2022

Organic dark, milk, and white chocolate mixed beautifully together...The fairtrade marble chocolate Easter egg is nothing but divine! The perfect Easter egg for anyone who can't decide what their favourite chocolate is or anyone wanting a bit of everything! You can be guaranteed that the chocolate that is used in the chocolate is organic, fairtrade certified, palm oil-free, and handmade with love in West Sussex!

What Easter egg on the list tickles your fancy? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 06/03/2022

My Sunday Photo 06/03/2022





It was World Book Day on Thursday (03/03/2022) and the boys love Dr. Who so of course, they wanted to dress as Dr. Who (Matt Smith) so they were super happy with daddy amazing outfit he gt all the bits. They were just so cute!


             RachelSwirl


5 ways to unplug from technology

 Hey readers,

Today is a national day of unplugging. So first of if you haven't heard the term unplug you may wonder what that mean. Well essential it means just not using technology (mainly your phone or computer) to have some time away from the screen to recharge your batteries and do things that are not needing to use your devices such as running a bath, playing a board game, reading a book or simply having a chat with a loved one. 

It is found that if we spend a lot of time on social media it can make us feel negative with feelings of missing out, not being good enough, and so on and so forth.

5 ways to unplug from technology

 
That is why coming away from the screen gives us a break and time to just stop and think about what is happening around us physically rather than in the world of the internet.

So here are my 5 tips on how to unplug from technology. 

1. Alternative activities. 

I often pull out my phone when I don't know what to do with myself. One of the best ways to unplug is to simply find better things to do. Whether it's spending time with friends, reading, or a hobby, engaging with the world around you is an easy way to stay away from technology.

2. Put down your phone at mealtimes. 

When I eat with certain friends and family members, we put our phones in the middle of the table. Anyone who simply has to check their phone gets lighthearted public shaming.

3. Read a book. 

 Too much screen time is wreaking havoc on our eyes, posture, and brains. Taking breaks from the screen to read a book is a nice way to still get information and enjoyment, but without the physical strain induced by an electronic device. If you like to read in bed, prop a pillow behind your head so you are not looking down at the book, this ensures your neck is in a neutral position.

4. Airplane mode. 

 When you need a mental break throughout the day, take advantage of your phone’s “airplane mode.” Uninterrupted time is critical not only to ensure you complete tasks but also to unleash your creativity. Your brain needs time to think, ponder and plan. And you need some peace!

5. Notifications. 

 To avoid information overload and apps piquing your interest each time your screen lights up or your phone beeps or buzzes, turn off notifications on all apps that don’t require immediate action. 

To start, some apps that are easy to turn off are news apps, store apps, social media, and notifications of random apps that require no attention (for instance camera apps). This will lighten up your phone and make you less distracted.

5 benefits of unplugging.

This will instantly enable you to become more present in your life and that, in turn, will do the following;

* Strengthen interpersonal communication and your relationships.

* Boost creativity and focus.

* De-stress and calm anxiety or fear.

* Improve gratitude.

* Create inner peace and joy.

Try to incorporate these tips into your daily routine and life will suddenly become more engaging and less stressful!

What do you think of my tips on how to unplug from technology? Are there any tips I have missed that have worked well for you? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

loopyloulaura

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. 

Why libraries are good for children

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




             RachelSwirl


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.

The day in the life of a depressive.

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

loopyloulaura

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.

Figure Out What You Can About Freebies Today!

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. 

Easy pancake recipe.

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 😂



             RachelSwirl


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!

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


loopyloulaura

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 are kids....


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