Autumn quotes to fall in love with.

Hey readers, 

Autumn is my favourite month because it is not too cold, you don't need a coat and it makes you feel all cosy and fuzzy. 

What better way to get you in the mood for the current season is good old quotes to fill you with joy. 

So, in this post, I am going to give a treat of the best autumn quotes to make you feel relaxed on a cool autumn day. 

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

- Albert Camus.

“It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.”

― Sarah Addison Allen, First Frost.

“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves,

We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!”

― Humbert Wolfe.

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."

- Stanley Horowitz.

"How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days."

- John Burroughs.

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."

- F. Scott Fitzgerald.

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."

- Emily Brontë.

"Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale."

- Lauren Destefano.

"Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature."

- Friedrich Nietzsche.

"Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence."

- Yoko Ono.

"Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits."

- Samuel Butler.

"Designers want me to dress like spring, in billowing things. I don't feel like spring. I feel like a warm red autumn."

- Marilyn Monroe.

What quote do you like about autumn? I love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X

8 ways to to stay safe online.

Hey readers, 

The internet is amazing and you can get so much out of it.

 However, it does come with dangers so it is important to be mindful of what you are doing and making sure that it is safe. 

Below I have given you my top 8 tips on how to be online.

1. Personal information. 

A simple rule to stay safe online is don't give out personal information and limit what you share such as your address, mobile number or email address. 

Think before you post online such as videos yourself, once you put out the information out there it is easy for people to see and download. 

Don't befriend people you don't know if you have any concerns talk to someone you trust. 

Remember that not everyone is who they say online so always be cautious. 

2. Careful what you are downloading.

A big thing for cybercriminals to use apps to trick you into downloading that contains malware. It is important to check beforehand if an app is legit and if something doesn't feel right or you don't trust that app then it is best not to. 

3. Invest in a VPN. 

A good thing to invest in a VPN which stands for Virtual Private Network.How VPNs work is by providing a secure and encrypted connection to provide greater security. 

You can access the internet through a remote server and then hiding your real location, browsing history and encrypting your data.

 Overall it gives you to be safe and anonymous and less risk bad happening when browsing the internet. 

4 Look out for the latest scams. 

Scammers occur frequently on the internet. Be mindful of the spelling and the wording of emails, normally the email looks odd and the spelling is dreadful.

 Also when an email is to send it doesn't use your name but something like a dear customer. There is normally a link that the scammer is trying to get you to click on and also desperate for your personal information. 

Finally, the email is done in a text within the picture and the image contains a hyperlink embedded within the image is a bogus site. 

5. Strong passwords. 

A key way to protect your safety online is to create strong passwords. Make the password with 12 characters, including numbers, include & and % and capital letters. 

Make sure you use different passwords instead of one password for each site. 

6. Avoid HTTP websites. 

It is better to avoid HTTP websites and use https as they have a lock and are secure to use. 

7.  Use caution when meeting someone new online. 

Remember to meet people in a public place and make sure that someone knows who you are meeting and when. If something does not feel right walk away and find somewhere safe to call someone. 

8. Internet history.

It is advised to clear browsing history often to maintain your privacy and not hold onto old cookies which can still be used. 

What ways help you keep safe on the internet? I love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

Ongoing minefield of parenting

Hey readers,

Sometimes I lie in my bed at four in the morning and I am just staring at the ceiling and my tummy is filled with dread. My thoughts are filled with fear and I wonder how I am going to get through another day as a parent.

I don't feel confident at all and I am always questioning everything. Sometimes, I get annoyed with my husband, how he could allow me to be a parent when I am totally useless. I am always tired and things seem to take a long time to master. I seem to make the same mistakes over and over again.

I am now sitting in my son's assembly hall waiting and feeling yet again that familiar feeling of being a true outcast or black sheep. This feeling is not new to me, it comes frequently where I feel like I am an outsider looking through the glass where I just can't reach through. It feels so close yet so far away.

There are other times when I get jealous of my husband, he can just get things and communicate really well. I am sitting back permanently struggling and my tummy is in knots with anxiety. 

He does try to understand my neurosis bless him but he is the complete opposite of me. I watch on as he mingles and just gets these social rules that I seem to get muddled and fail all the time. I just get things, or I am just an anxious state of a person. 

That is one good thing about summer holidays even though I am dealing with the change but not having to think. I over-analysis I know but at least it gives me a break where I don't have to feel completely sh*t again. I know I will never be one of them, good parents that I so desperately want to be, I mess up it is a natural talent of mine. I just get so fed up with it all and after takes its time.

 It hurts deep and it so damn frustrating. It is a minefield and just getting through the day is a challenge in its self. The thoughts that trigger me are so strong, they keep me awake and let me every time my downfalls. I just need to a breather, time away and not to think that would be totally blissful.

I remember when I was pregnant dreaming of being this type of parent that would swim into motherhood like flies to poo. Sadly, it hasn't happened, to delusion, I am nothing that I expected. I thought I would be good at communicating because I was living this role as a mother that it would all somehow come to a place.

 That I would have this maternal instinct. The only thing that I am good at it appears to be is hanging up the washing and creating random fun stories for my boy. It is not much, I am never good at small talk but I take it now and I got to learn to accept the situation for what it is.

Cheers for reading X

Win a AirPure Scented Candle Advent Calendar. **AD**

Hey readers,

The nights are drawing in and now is no better time to get snuggly at home away from the wet and cold outdoors.

 I can't help myself in creating a relaxed ambiance espeically after a long tiring day of parenting with a candle and the days are getting darker. 

Candles are a great way to indulge in a bit of me time and they can really help settle you and make you feel chilled without actually participating in much, such as the power of smell. 

So, how about getting your hands on an AirPure scented advent calendar? Now it is your chance to enter a competition because let's face it Who doesn't like free stuff?

 Well, you could be in a chance of winning a free AirPure scented candle advent calendar just in time for the lead up to Christmas. 

All you need to do is head over to WowFreeStuff website to enter this smellarific competition as they are giving away 1 of 50 AirPure Scent advent calenders. All you have to do is fill in the form and enter...boom!

The AirPure scented advent calendar allows you to enjoy a relaxing lead up to Christmas by giving you 23 Tea Light Candles in These Festive Fragrances: apple cinnamon, mulled wine, festive vanilla, Christmas greetings and silent night. Finally, the piece de resistance for Christmas Eve is a votive candle in the scent of silent night.

Don't forget to read the terms and conditions below. Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Terms and Conditions 

> This competition ends on the 1st of December 2019.

> By entering you agree to sign up to WOW FreeStuff Newsletter.

> Must be over 18 and based in the UK.

> By entering you agree to WowFreeStuff’s Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions and to receive our daily freebie newsletter.

Cheers for reading. X

This is an ad for WowFreeStuff. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

My Sunday photo 06/10/2019

My youngest loves building towers ☺ 

Nothing to you

I see you,

Looking at me,

Not knowing how

To work me out.

Again I end up

Nothing,

insignificant. 

I go back to hating

myself. 

I go lower,

Hating me,

Dreading, 

Feeling sick. 

I am nothing, 

Less value, 

No one wants.

8 Ways to save money this autumn.

Hey readers,

As we are now in autumn and it won't be long before Christmas you may be thinking of ways to save money. 

 Well, I have complied with 8 ways to save money during autumn. Let's go...

1. Pumpkin items. 

In the UK over recent years the sense and flavour of pumpkin spice has gotten very popular. You can be sure to find pumpkin flavoured pastries, coffees, hand wash, and candles to name a few. 

Everywhere you turn it feels like something has pumpkin in it. The thing with pumpkin spice being a hype is that it has risen the cost of products to premium prices. Therefore meaning you will have to pay more because it is in-demand what with the influence social media has. 

You don't need everything in pumpkin spice, your world won't stop just be sensible with your consumption and remember don't be fooled by social media who want you to buy pumpkin spice.  

2. Seasonal foods. 

Buying seasonal food can save you money because food that is produced closer to home is cheaper because it cost less to produce and transport to the supermarket. 

Keep on track of what fruit and vegetables are in season as it is normally cheaper compared to out of season foods. 

3. Do I need that?

When shopping it can be easy to impulsively and buy stuff that you may deep down not need. 

A tip I love and use often is asking yourself do I really need that? Once you use this it does get easy and it is amazing how much you don't actually buy because you really think about whether you need something or not. 

4. Christmas shopping.

I know it is not Christmas yet but it is a good time to start Christmas shopping. There are a lot of deals slowly coming out such as Tesco toys half-price sale and B & M sale where you can buy x2 toys for £16. So now is the grab a good deal. 

5. Review your energy bill. 

Now is the time to check if you are paying the right amount on your energy bill. Have a check around to see what company has the best deal. During the colder period, energy companies known for at times to raise their prices due to the high demand. 

6. Cancel gym membership. 

You don't have to be at the gym to get fit, you can go autumn walks or do exercise at home. You will save so much when your not tied down to a gym.

7. Autumn sales. 

Autumn sales are the best time to get stuff for a good price. Remember though don't buy if you don't need it. 

8. Draught proofing.

Autumn is the time to make sure that your home is draught-proof as this can keep your home warm and also save money on your energy bill.

 All you need to for a simple effective way is to get draught strip and place it in the gap between the window/door and opening so it is sealed to stop any draught coming through. 

 It has been said that if you draught-proof your doors and windows you can save £20 a year. 

Another tip is to have thick curtains to keep the warmth in as well. 

There is also the option of buying draught excluders where you simply put at the bottom of the door to stop the draught coming into the room. 

What way do you like to save money during the autumn season? I love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

Wordless Wednesday 02/10/2019

How to cope with insomnia.

Hey readers,

I have suffered from insomnia on and off my life to have had some ways that have really helped me and I thought I would share with you. You may find them helpful, obviously, everyone is different.

Caffeine.

One of the most obvious things to do is cut back on caffeine as that is a stimulant and that will keep you more alert. I recommend not having things like tea or coffee an hour before you go to bed as this can help slow down the mind and help you get you in a relaxed mood.

Cold bedroom.

A cold bedroom is recommended as your body needs to drop below your core temperature to help initiate sleep. It is much easier to get to sleep when it is cooler because your body eventually will warm up. I have always found this really helpful to do. I sometimes open the window half an hour before to get that breeze going through.

Write down how you are feeling.

With insomnia, there could be a psychological reason why you are struggling to sleep. I find writing down your thoughts in a constructive way to help as writing it down is concrete rather than festering and going round and round in your brain. When you wrote down I feel a release and it really does help reduce anxiety, I might not have a cure but seeing it on paper makes me feel less stressed.

Watch something relaxing.

I find if I watch something serious or scary then that can trigger thoughts and cause me to have a restless sleep. I now much prefer to watch something light-hearted and preferably something to do with comedy as laughing is good for the soul and it helps you relax too.

Electronics.

Leave your electronics in another room because they are a devil a keeping you wide awake and alert. Plus it is difficult especially late at night on eBay *ahem*. It is better to read a book in bed if you feel the need to do something (not an e-reader).

Bath.

Having a soak in the bath is a good way to relax and get you in a sleepy frame of mind. It allows you to soak your muscles.

Exercise

Doing exercise is a great way of getting rid of any frustration and can help make you feel sleepy by all the physical working out you do.

Avoid naps.

Now having naps during the day is glorious. However, if it becomes a habit then it can really affect your sleeping pattern and could stop you from drifting off easy when it comes to bedtime. It is best if you can avoid naps as it really makes you want to sleep when it comes round to going to bed.

Get up.

if you can't sleep get up because there is no point just lying around waiting to go back to sleep when we all know it is not going to happen. It is more practical to come back to bed when you are feeling more sleepy. They do stay clear of the electronic devices.

Doctors.

Now if you feel that you do have a long-term problem and it is affecting your life then your best option is to go to speak to the doctors as they are the professionals and they can help you on a medical term.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 29/09/2019

My eldest boy was super happy that he is gone from a  beaver into a cub the other day at Scouts :)

Merlin attractions to visit in Blackpool.

Hey readers,

If you have a Merlin pass you might what to think about visiting Blackpool as they have several attractions in the same area, so you can visit a  load and save money. 

If you want to know more about Merlin Pass then you can check my post out here where I explain it all in more detail.

So, I visited Blackpool a couple of weeks and go and checked out some of the Merlin attractions. 

Here is what they are and well worth a visit if you are looking for something fun to do with you and your family.

The Blackpool Tower Circus. 

Within the Blackpool Tower is a circus where you can experience a circus performance. 

There is a variety of different performances from Bollywood dancing, to the jaw-dropping stunts and intermittent interaction from the hilarious Mr Moo and his slapstick humour. 

I really enjoyed this performance. I was a bit apprehensive beforehand but I am glad I went as I really enjoyed it as did my 5 and 7-year-old. 

Blackpool Tower. 

Of course one of the most popular tourist attractions in Blackpool is the Blackpool Tower. You clime right up to 380ft to the top of Blackpool Tower. 

In between levels, there is, of course, thrilling glass floor where you can walk on and look down below at the floor ground watching everyone go by. 

Not to mention the stunning views of Blackpool beach with the pier and see the Irish sea in all it's the glory. 

You can walk all the way around on each level and see all the skyline and the urban feel of Blackpool. 

Beforehand going up to the tower you can watch the 4D film at the cinema in the Blackpool Tower. 

The film follows a family and their experience of having a family day out in Blackpool and the history of Blackpool.  

Be warned there is water and bubbles but definitely lots of fun. 

Madame Tussauds. 

Madame Tussauds in Blackpool is a wax museum that showcases popular households names. There are different sections that showcase the skill and craft of making figures out of wax. 

You can get close up to the likes of Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole if that is your bag. 

Of course, being in Blackpool couldn't have a special section for Strictly Come Dancing where there are the hosts Claudia Winkman and Tesa Daly and the judges. Plus a room with disco balls and stairs to walk around like you are the show. 

There is a music section with Freddie Mercury, Shirly Bass, and Lada Gaga to name a few.

There is the sports section with wax figures to get close up to like Mo Farah and Mohammad Ali. 

Thereof course film and television with the likes of James Bond and Coronation Street with the set of Rovers Return to get you in the mood of a bit of Corrie.

So, definitely something a bit different to experience and enjoy with the family. 

Blackpool Sea Life Centre.

Naturally, with Merlin, there is a sea life centre. I really enjoyed this sea life centre it is really calming because there is a lot of water features. 

Also, we came to the sea life centre an hour and a half before closing time so less busy. 

You can see all the sea life, you can touch the fish in the pool section. There is the gorgeous jellyfish which are stunning to observe in their natural habitat. 

There is a walkthrough so you can look up and see the sharks swimming around you. 

Also, you can take part in an activity sheet for the children so they go and the hunt and answers questions and in return. You get a free pop badge of your choice. 

Blackpool Dungeons.

I took my 5 and 7-year old on the tour of the Blackpool Dungeons and they were fine and not scared of the content that was talked about.

 Most of the time they found it funny as others were there and it was the light-hearted ambience. 

The tour takes you down to the dark dungeons where each room a different performance guides through what it was like in the olden times, with fun effects and different scenes to keep you entertained through the experience. 

Cheers for reading X 

50 autumnal activities.

Hey readers,

Autumn starts on 23 September this year and what better way to celebrate the new season than doing a list of 50 brilliant autumnal ideas to have fun in autumn, enjoy!

1. Go pumpkin picking. 

2. Carve a pumpkin. 

3. Kick the leaves. 

4. Collect conkers and use them as a decorative piece in your home.

5. Go apple picking. 

6. Go on a hike.

7. Watch an autumn sunset. 

8. Borrow a book from the library. 

9. Celebrate Oktoberfest with a beer and a sausage. 

10. Watch a scary movie.

11. Start Christmas shopping.

12. Build a bonfire. 

13. Make an apple pie. 

14. Drink hot chocolate. 

15. Collect pinecones. 

16. Use sparklers during bonfire night.

17. Make leave art.

18. Go stargazing. 

19. Fly a kite. 

20. Take a scenic drive. 

21. Use corn cob for art. 

22. Make homemade caramel apples. 

23. Plant autumn plants. 

24. Make some homemade soup. 

25. Open your window to let some crisp autumn air to circulate around your rooms.

26. Drink some apple cider or if you want to make your own.

27. Learn to cook something new.

28. Host a Halloween party. 

29. Read some scary stories. 

30. Collect autumn leaves and make a garland. 

31. Toast marshmallows on an open fire. 

32. Find an orchard to go apple picking. 

33. Dig out the slow cooker and start making hearty meals for when the weather cools down. 

34. Buy a new scented candle. 

35. Go to a bonfire display.

36. Do a scavenger hunt.

 37. Do an autumn deep clean of your home. 

38. Make some autumnal potpourri.

39. Visit a haunted house.

40. Decorate your home with Halloween decorations. 

41. Make a scar grow. 

42. Dress up spooky and go trick or treating.

43. Go to a harvest festival. 

44. Go on a welly walk. 

45. Make some s' mores. 

46. Change your wardrobe to suit an autumn season.

47. Get cosy in a knitted jumper. 

48. Visit a farmers market.

49. Cosy up to your home.

50. Roast pumpkin seeds. 

What are your favorite things to do in autumn? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 22/09/2019

Mum life is where you allow the child to stick their stickers on your jumper haha X

How to stay safe when exploring BDSM dates **AD**

Hey readers,

Dating has many different ways in which people meet and explore one another. One such way would be the world of BDSM dates.

BDSM is short for is an acronym that refers to a specific type of erotic behavior or play, that may involve any of the following: bondage and discipline (B&D), dominance and submission (D&S), and sadism and masochism (S&M)  (Dictionary.com, 2019). 

Now, this is a grey regarding safety and risk so it is important to make sure that both parties are safe. So here are my tips to be safe when dating.

Nowadays it is very easy to meet like-minded people and the BDSM community is large. There are a variety of different BDSM partners on such as domination mistress to name but one. 

Safety tips.

To start with when it comes to searching for a date and using the internet it is wise to go for dating sites that have a good reputation. 

Also, make sure the company has a high value of safety for its clients. 

One such recommended website is bdsm dates

which are protected by online dating protector, VeriSign secured and Norton Secured. 

Be careful what you download and make sure when it comes to using a password to have a strong with capital letters and symbols.  

When thinking about personal information regarding the profile name you use on a dating site. 

It is important to use a neutral name that is not associated with you as a person or connected to other profile names used on other sites. 

Consider when thinking about the location being vague so you can feel safe knowing that the bigger location further away you are is less easy to track down. 

Don't rush to meet someone, take your time to know who they are as a person and that you get to a stage where you feel comfortable with them. 

One tip maybe would be is to have a separate email address used for BDSM websites so less likely to find out other information found associated with personal information. 

When the time comes if you feel comfortable to hook up with someone then it is best on the first date to meet up with someone in a public area. 

This will give you that security that you are safe and it means you can relax and get to know the person.

 When you leave it would be best to drive yourself home or take public transport, though you may feel comfortable later on in the evening it is important to put safety at the top of your priority. 

Remember at any point you can say no and it is your right to have them wishes be heard. 

It is ok to make someone feel uncomfortable or offend as it best to get out what you want. Then this leaves everyone clear and knows what is happening from the start without the upset at a later date. 

Communication is really important when it comes to BDSM because then everyone is happy and they know what each other wants. It is important that boundaries are clearly set from the start. 

Don't be afraid to say what you like and what you don't like at the end of the day you are an adult and you can participate in anything as long as it is legal and the other person is happy with it. 

Finally, if you plan to participate with risky behavior that could cause safety issues when in a dominating role then it is best to beforehand to establish with your date a safe word or hand gesture. 

Therefore if a situation does occur the person is safe and something can be done about it straight away. 

Cheers for reading X 

This is a sponsored post. However, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Lessons you learn as a parent.

Hey readers,

I have been parenting for over 7 years now EEK and can hand on heart say is one hell of a learning experience and has taught me so much through it. So,  in this post, I am going to write about some of the lessons I have learned as a parent. 

1. Admit mistakes. 

It is ok to get things wrong because I sure have made a lot along the way of motherhood. In actual fact sometimes the best lessons are the ones that we make. Let's face it we are all human after all and error will occur. No one is perfect so it is ok to admit you know what I made mistakes. 

2. Patience. 

Once you have children you soon need to the art of patience (all as much as possible) because it can be really frustrating and time-consuming. 

I definitely have learned to be more patient, not saying I am the most patient person in the world. That being said my tolerance levels have improved especially waiting for my son to finish is never-ending poo or waiting to get to the end of the story about finding a stone on the floor at school. (Turns out it got wet in the rain next to the door, the important information here people). 

3. Unconditional love.

This is the best bit of being a parent in my eyes is the unconditional love from your child. Regardless of what you can and can not do in my child's eyes, they love me all and warts included. I feel blessed and having that love is something that is not easy to find. 

4. Learning to be unmaterialistic.

Of course, it is lovely to have the stuff to enjoy but I think you can learn a lot from children. My sons have helped me appreciate the moments and happiness over materialistic things. My boys have taught me how to just have fun at the moment and be creative with my time instead of just throwing money here and there. 

5. Compromise. 

As soon as you have a child you quickly grasp the concept of compromise. I think learning this skill is really important in the relationship with my children because it is about listening to the needs of me and my son and working through how to come up with a solution that is right for both people. It has taught me that you can't control everything and sometimes you have to give and get a bit back to work out the dilemma.

6. Sleep.

Suddenly once hitting parenthood you see sleep in a new light. It is sexy and something I fantasize about a lot especially when on holiday when let's face it sleep is disrupted. 

7. Criticism. 

It is important to learn to listen to your child, something that I don't always do. I get it wrong or I am on a short fuse. But over the 8 years, I have grown to be calmer and listen to the voices of others and try my best to take on board. Parenting is a constant learning journey and you never stop envolving. 

What things have you learned as a parent? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X