Skittles rainbow experiment for kids!

 Hey readers,

What a fun and quick science experiment then you need to try this skittle rainbow experiment. Only needs four items and takes less than five minutes. It will totally blow your child's mind, perfect to do indoors and during the half-term holiday. 

what you will need

* Some Skittles.

* Some warm water.

* Funnel.

* White plate.

What to do.

   1. First place skittles in a circle on the edge of the plate.

2. I put the funnel in the middle of the plate, stops young kids who overexcited spilling it all over the place. The funnel helps keep water in the middle. Pour the water slowly on to the plate.

3. Remove the funnel and watch the magic happen. 

Behind the experiment.

Skittles are coated in sugar and food colouring. When you add warm water to the skittles the sugar and food colouring starts to dissolve. 

Now here is the thing because the skittles are pretty much similar in the amount of sugar and food colour on them they will dissolve and move at similar speeds and stay in their lanes. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 14/02/2021

5 gifts for someone with depression

Hey readers,

It can be hard to know what to do for someone that you care about who is suffering from depression. I wish there was a magic cure to snap fingers and it would vanish however sadly this is not a readily available option. 

That is why sometimes a gift can show you care and that you are thinking of them. 

Here are my top 5 gift ideas that would be perfect for someone who is dealing with depression. 

1. Bracelet.

I love this bracelet with the comforting quote of 'storms don't last forever'.  It is a positive quote of encouragement to keep you going and you can wear it times for when you need that comfort. 

2. Weighed blanket.

I can personally tell you as someone who suffers from depression and has a weighted blanket they are amazing and so comforting. They are especially helpful, for when you are feeling scared and in a dark place.

I find the weight gives me comfort and helps me relax my body. Definitely recommend in having one.

3. Sad lamp.

A sad lamp is particularly good during the dark and grey days of winter when it can really impact your mood.

 Basically, if you haven't heard of a sad lamp it replicas natural sunlight and triggers the feel-good hormone serotonin.

 Studies have shown that sad lamps during short dark days have been able to adjust the circadian system (which regulates sleep and distinguishes day and night) giving you much more needed energy within the day.

4.  The 6-minute journal.

 

This is an excellent idea if you are short of time but still what to paricipate in journalling then this 6-minute journal is the one. 

The idea is that it gives the person the opportunity to think of positive things in their lives and things to be thankful for. 

The page for the day is split up to 3 minutes morning when it can get you into a motivated mindset for the day. 

In the evening there is a 3 minutes section where the focus is on positive things that have happened to the person during the day. 

 There are also other features in the journal throughout that cover weekly reflections.

 It is a great technique to help you think more positive about yourself and what you have achieved. It doesn't have to big occurrences but small achievements should be celebrated. 

5. Fun organisation pills.

This is for the pill takers out there (I am one too so no shame). Let's make it fun to take the pills with these fun bright pill dispensers. 

They are great because they have a section so if you take medication the day it is easy then to separate the pills so they don't get muddled up. 

What do you think of my gift guide for someone who is dealing with depression? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

Virtual dates for long-distance relationships.

Hey readers,

It can be difficult if you're in a relationship but are socially distancing from one another. 

However, that does not mean you can't go on dates... virtual dates will be your friend and help stay connected with a loved one during the lockdown.

 I have some amazing virtual date ideas to get your inspired. 

1. Games. 

A fun way to spend time together is playing games online and there are many available that are really effective on platforms like Whatsapp. An example of this would be Pictionary and using the Pictionary dictionary play out the word and the other person tries to guess what that word is. 

2. Watch something together. 

There are many extension that allows you to watch something together and have a chat box is you can chat with one another. 

It is a great way to connect with someone and it means less lonely as you doing something with another through technology which is brilliant during the lockdown. 

There are a few on the block now obviously there is Teleparty but not fear if you do not have Netflix then there are many alternatives such as Uptime which is designed to watch youtube videos together. 

3. Order each other takeaway.

A cute thing to do as a virtual date is to buy each other a meal and be delivered to the person's home.

 There are plenty of delivery services that can deliver some amazing food such as Just Eat or Uber  Eats. 

4. Pancakes vs Waffles.

This a fun game to get to know someone better. Pancakes and Waffles is a game is where you answer questions on your preference between two similar items. 

It starts of questions such as pancakes and waffles? You have to choose one however that means the other option is gone from existence. 

Then it carries on with similar such as waffles vs chips. It can be lighthearted or deep as it gets you to discuss your reasons why you want something.

5. Walk outdoors.

Now when I say walk outdoors I mean separately but together through WhatsApp or whatever platform you find best to video call one another. It is a fun way to walk with some virtually. 

6. Video games.

Of course one of the most obvious ideas of a virtual date would be video games. If you have a Nintendo switch you could play animal crossing or Mario Kart.

 Alternatively, you can download a game app that you both enjoy and can play together via the app. 

7. Write letters. 

A traditional take on a virtual thing to do for your partner is to write a letter and send it to each other. 

There is nothing quite like getting a handwritten letter from someone in the post. 

8. Work out together.

Why not do a workout class together. There are plenty of personal fitness trainers streaming their workout online during the lockdown.

 There are so many different things from dancing to 80s music to doing aerobic classes, the world is your oyster on the internet. 

An additional benefit of doing exercise together it keeps you motivated and can encourage you to keep going. 

What do you think about these virtual dates? Have you tried any or done anything differently that I haven't mentioned? 

Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

How to stay happy during lockdown

Hey readers,

Lockdown and the whole coronavirus can make you feel like you are on an emotional rollercoaster with anxiety and uncertainty. 

It can be hard to be positive so here are some of my tips to help feel happier during the lockdown.

 I am no ray of sunshine, I have depression/anxiety and autism so that can impact me and know first hand it is important to look after your physical and mental health.

 These tips that I am going to suggest today are things that I personally incorporate in my life. Not saying it is a walk in the park but small steps have a make a difference.

1. Take one day at a time. 

This is a big learning curve during lockdown with all the uncertainty and not having control over a situation. 

It can be hard to know how to feel especially when you feel so powerless in such a serious situation that everyone is impacted with. 

It is key to take one day at a time because that is realistic during uncertain times. Focus on getting through one day at a time and it may not get easier but to focus on one day at a time can make you feel less anxiety. 

The more you practice this idea the easier it gets with time as you are consciously doing it and training your mind to rethink differently. 

2. News.

This next recommendation was a biggy for me. I for one was addicted to watching the news channel for hours at a time and searching the internet about the coronavirus. 

However, for me reducing the amount especially at night I just what the headlines at 6 pm and don't like at the news after. 

Otherwise, this effects my evening and how I sleep. You're not being ignorant just sensible in looking after your mental health, like everything it is all about moderation.

3.  Routine. 

Establishing a routine to breakdown the feeling of the overwhelmingness of the day ahead. It gives you a structure to manage your time and something to focus on. 

4. Talk.

A problem shared is a problem halved. It is important to not dwell on the negativity and let it eat up inside of you. 

Talking to someone even though it might not come with a solution can be a relief to get feelings out in the open. Just getting them feelings out in the open and not letting them just circulate in your head can really help. 

5. Phase. 

I know right now it feels weird to think of this lockdown as a phase but it is temporarily and one day life will be different. Hold on to the mantra and remind yourself often that it is just a phase.

6. You are doing well. 

I know it can be hard to think that you are doing well, but you are as your already managing the lockdown. 

You can do this and have the belief that you can. You have done two lockdowns before and now you are going through this current lockdown, which is tough but so are you. 

What things have helped you manage your mood in a positive way during the lockdown. Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 07/02/2021

How to make banana bread.

 Hey readers, 

Looking for something to do during lockdown then you have come to the right place.

 I have a simple banana cake you can make at home and use up unwanted bananas. 

Ingredients.

• * 250g self-raising flour.
• 
  
• * 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
• 
  
• * 100g caster sugar.
• 
  
• * 4 bananas.
• 
  
• * 1 egg.
• 
  
• * 75g butter.
• 
  
• * 1 vanilla pod.
• 
  
• * 2 tsp demerara sugar.
• 
  

* pinch of salt.

• 
  
• 
  
• Method. 
• 
  
• 
  
• 1. Preheat the oven to gas 4, 180°C, fan 160°C. Grease and baseline a loaf tin.

2. Peel the bananas and mash up with a fork in a bowl.

3. Sieve the flour, add the pinch of salt, cinnamon and caster sugar in a separate bowl. 

4. Make a hole in the centre of the bowl with the flour in and add the banana, egg, butter, vanilla pod (make sure that is chopped up first). Then you need to mix these ingredients so that the texture is of a cake mixture. 

5. Spoon the mixture into the bread tin and then sprinkle some demerara sugar on top. 

6. Bake for an hour to an hour and 10 minutes in the oven. 

7. When taking out the tin leave in on the side to cool down for 10 - 15 minutes before transferring the cake on to a wire rack. 

Enjoy,

Cheers for reading X

7 amazing reasons why you should go for a walk.

Hey readers, 

I know currently during lockdown gyms closed and with no sign of reopening soon. 

I thought I would share the reasons why I think walking is really good for you as a form of excise. 
Plus why walking is beneficial especially during the lockdown period. 

 1. Burns calories.

The good think about walking is exercise and is a good way to burn unwanted calories. Obviously, you won't lose a lot if you walk to the shop around the corner. Aim for a mile or two helps a lot with your health. 

2. Strength heart rate. 

If you walk at a brisk pace this can help strengthen your heart rate by making it work more therefore increasing the heart rate. 

The more you walk over a period of time strengthens the heart as it is a big muscle. So using the heart through walking can make it more efficient bringing more nutrients and oxygen to your organs.

3. Eases back pain.

When you are walking the body produces hormones in particular one called endorphins. This hormone helps decrease your perception of pain. 

Walking is especially good with lower back pain so if you suffer then getting walking as it can work wonders. 

4. Lift your mood.

Going for a walk even if it is to your local park can have a huge influence on lifting your mood. 

Simple things such as getting off the chair, change of scenery, being in nature and getting sunlight can all help make you feel good. 

When you are walking for a length the brain produces feel-good hormones called endorphins which make you naturally make you feel good.

5. Alllivate joint pain.

Incorporating walking into your routine can really help with joint pain. Maintaining a regular exercise helps reduce strain on your body and reduces pressure on your back. 

6. Free.

Walking is fantastic as anyone can dom, you can do it anywhere. It is free and perfect if you want to do something during the lockdown.

 You don't have to walk for hours you could do it for 30-45 minutes but that in itself has a massive positive impact on your overall health. 

7. Low-risk injury.

Walking is a brilliant form of exercise because it carries a low risk of injury. 

Of course, no exercise is immune to injury however the research tends to show that injuries that occur during walking are low.
|
Some of the reasons why you might get injured during walking are because of distraction whether that be on your phone, not looking where you are walking or checking the road for traffic when crossing. 

Another injury resulting in walking is if you do too much in one go could cause ligament injury. The key is to build up your stamina and not go to an extreme.

 It is important to find a balance that is challenging but not overworked reducing the element of injury on your body.

Do you like walking? What is your experience of walking? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 31/01/2021

8 of the best cardigans to wear at home.

Hey readers,

Since we are spending more time at home during a lockdown you may as well get comfy and cosy. Check out these stunning cardigans that can fit the bill. 

1. River Island.

This brown chunky ribbed and long cardigan is from River Island. is a perfect size for comfort to lounge around at home. The cardigan costs 42.00. 

2. Amazon. 

I don't know why but I always find the colour grey comforting in clothing. This is a lovely grey long cardigan with a chunky cable knit. Plus it has pockets which makes it an ideal candidate for a stable in anyone's wardrobe.  This cardigan comes from Amazon for 14.99.

3. Next.

For a bright cardigan, Next have you covered with this muster soft cardigan to brighten up your days at home during the lockdown. The cost of this cardigan is 26.00.

4 Simply Be.

Another grey number but this time with an edge to edge boxy design with ballon cuffs with a multicoloured knit. A great casual knit to go with jeans and a tee.  Comes from Simply Be and cost 20.50.

5.  Shein.

For something completely different now I give you this colour block piece from Shein. It is a roomy piece and it is a bit of fun as well to add to your outfit. It is currently in the sale for 14.99. 

6. Matalan. 

This grey cardigan from Matalan is super soft and comfy. It is a loose fit but made with marl fabric to keep you warm during the cold days. This cardigan costs 12.50.

7. George (Asda).

This ribbed cardigan with the cute frilly sleeves comes from George.  It is a buttoned cardigan and is waist length so not to heavy in the material if you want something lighter in material. This cardigan costs 14.00.

8. Boohoo.

This khaki coloured boyfriend cardigan is my favourite one in this list. I love the vibrant colour, looks awesome and has pockets. What more could you want and has 20% off and now costs 20.00 from Boohoo.

Do you enjoy cardigans? What do you think of my list of dream cardigans to wear at home during a lockdown? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

Why doing nothing is good.

 Hey readers,

It can be hard to do absolutely nothing without feeling the guilt that you need to be doing something. 

However, I feel that during the lockdown is a perfect opportunity to embrace doing nothing. I have written below the reasons why I support doing nothing. 

1.  Boost creativity.

When we do nothing it is a chance to release our imagination and then that entails unconscious thought ideas which can lead to new ideas. 

 Research has shown that whilst we stop and relax our brain produces the hormone dopamine which again helps improve our creativity. 

2. Mental strength.

When you are doing nothing it allows you time to think about situations and makes you reflect on what has happened. 

It could be a chance to accept certain problems that you may normally find hard to let go. Also doing nothing means that it allows you to be challenged especially when you feel the need to get up and go.

 Challenging yourself can give you the mental strength especially if you do regularly can make you feel that you have done something positive for yourself. 

3. Makes you happier.

When you are doing nothing you let go of the expectations that you need to be doing something to make you happy. 

That, therefore, means you learn to appreciate doing nothing and that can bring happiness because you appreciate the small things such as enjoying the moment. 

4. Increases activity.

By doing nothing and not putting pressure on yourself you're allowing your mind and body to relax. 

Therefore you have more energy because you're not using all your resources and then that gives you energy at a later date to more because of the rest. 

5. Improves concentration. 

If you allow yourself to do nothing it gives your brain time to heal or recover. This then makes you overall perform better and concentrate because you let go of things whilst doing nothing.

What do you think about doing nothing? Is it something that you participate in and enjoy? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

Why I love sleep.

Hey readers,

I won't lie but since becoming a parent I love to sleep and appreciate sleep more than ever. Here is why I heart sleep so much.

1. I love you sleep because you stop me from thinking about food and diet, therefore saving calorie intake.

2. Sleep gives me time to relax and gives my achy muscles time to heal.

3. Sleep is a place where I feel safe. Sleep is a lovely way to get lost in a dream which can take you away from reality.

4. Sleep gives me time to stop me listening and focus on attentively what needs to be done.

5. Sleep I appreciate you because I can stop cleaning after the kiddos for a while.

6. Sleep stops me dealing with emotions which quite frankly are up and down and around the corner.

7. I love you sleep and are my biggest fantasy.

8. Sleep you are free and that is all I need to say.

9. Sleep is a place where I can be myself.

10. Sleep helps clear my head and help me think clearer.

Do you love sleep? Have a missed a good reason to love sleep? Love to hear your comments down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 24/01/2021

The many facades of a parent

Hey readers,

You never really understand what it is like to be a parent until one day you become a parent. I know cliche but so, so true. 

When I am thinking about my role as a parent there are so many different roles that make up a parent. There is more than just the practical side of just keeping the child alive and well.

 So I am going to uncover some of the roles that I do when I am playing the role of a parent.

Entertainer: of course trying your best to keep your little ones entertained, thank goodness for the likes of Pinterest to get you feeling motivated.

Cleaner: Yep you clean them, bath them, do all the washing, cleaning, and cooking. Never would I imagine being one of those people that say that there is never enough hours in the day. 

Jeez, I am a fully-fledged parent now doomed to get pleasure from reaching the end of the washing basket for all the length of two minutes ;)

Counsellor: you will be there to comfort your little ones through the great pains of life. You will hold there hand and try to find the words that are suitable.

 You will try to listen to the irrational ideas and try to think like a child which for me is pretty dame hard. But a skill that you develop, some more than others, *ahem*.

Debator: as soon as your little joy learns to talk you will find that you have to learn the skill of saying the right thing and thinking on your feet for them tricky questions like why can't I be a woman? what is love?  why do people die young? 

Also, you need to have the right amount of information for suitability for the child. I personally find this tricky as you can easily get into a tangled web without even thinking about it.

Educator: You are responsible for educating your child, making sure that they know how to use the toilet, learn to speak, communicate, read, write, develop some sort of emotional intelligence. 

You don't realise how big this responsibility is. It feels like a never-ending journey, as soon as you smash one milestone another challenge emerges.

Negotiator: this is challenging especially if the child does not like the word no. It can be tricky during the time when they are two but let's face it they don't like being told what to do at any age. 

Sometimes you have to meet in the middle where both child and parent are happy. If you have two children you have to teach them that they have to share and they will soon learn the harsh reality that life is a bitch and you can't always get what you want. Although, sometimes you can and that is good enough.

Referee: this is aimed at if you have two children or more. All-day long I am constantly having to break up arguments, stopping the rough and tumble that gets out of hand and try d generally to stop World War Three from kicking over both of them wanting the blue sodding plate. 

The best advice I can give you if you have two children is ALWAYS to make sure that if you buy them something that is exactly the same for the other child.

 It doesn't matter whether it be a sweet or a 99p balloon, they will argue over it and moan about why they haven't got the same thing as the other child.

Are you a parent? Do you think there is more than one facade in being a parent? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

Why I hate being a woman.

Hey readers,

Sometimes as a female it is hard, it sucks and frustrating. Here are my top 10 reasons why I hate being a woman (sometimes).

1. Period.

Of course, the period is the first thought when it comes to being a woman. 

You have to have a period every month and not only is physical matter but it messes you up mentally as well. 

Then when you are pregnant you think you can miss this oh no wait until after you are cursed with a period for 28 days,  full-on heavy with a newborn, joy!

It is absolutely knackering and your emotions are all over the place from being ecstatic one minute to being really sad the next. Periods are a lot of work for us, women, to have to manage every. single. month. 

2. Social pressure.

I find in this modern world with so many noisy messages whether on tv or social media a lot of pressure to be a certain way. 

If that wasn't bad enough then there is a lot of judgement from the outside about the way we are as women and how we behave. 

3. Bitchiness. 

Being around women is definitely not all smelling of roses and the idea that you are part of sisterhood is something that I don't believe in. 

It can be brutal and women can go behind your back and be very bitchy. You have to have your wits on you and be careful who you trust.

4. Bras. 

Bras are a pain. Yes, they provide support for your boobies but they are uncomfortable after a period of time. 

One of the best feelings I think for a woman is after being out all day and that feeling of relief after taking your bra off!

5. Childbirth.

Childbirth is hell and painful. Just image a watermelon coming out of your fufu.

6. Hot weather.

Can't take your top off in the hot weather, unlike the other species.

7. Hormones.

Hormones are hard to deal with especially after childbirth and definitely I feel my hormones are worse during my time of the month.

8. Mood.

 If you kick off or in a bad mood people put it straight down to 'time of the month'. People instantly think it is your period that effects your mood. 

Actually, there could be something else other than periods that have triggered your bad mood. 

9. Stereotypes. 

Social stereotypical pressures, just because I am female does not make me automatically good at something like parenting or cooking. 

Let's be radical maybe see the person rather than the gender that plays out what they are good at. 

10. Running.

Running with a bigger chest is annoying especially if your late for a bus and need to run to catch it. It is annoying when your bangers bouncing about. Seriously, if I could chop them off I would they are merely an inconvenience.

Can you relate to any of these observations about being a woman? What do you think about being a woman love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below? 

Cheers for reading X