My Sunday Photo 08/08/2021

 

How to keep cool at home in the summer.

Hey readers, 

It is summertime which means that rooms can become hot in your home so here are some tips on ways to cool down your home.

 1. Close the curtains.

If you have pale-colored curtains then it is better to close them during the day to stop heat from coming in. However if you have dark curtains and metal blinds it is best not to keep them closed as it will make the room hotter.  

It is recommended by nidirect to keep windows closed if it is hotter outside than inside during the day. As temperatures drop during the night, it is advised to open the windows to let air circulate in the room. 

2. Bowl of water in front of the fan.

A really good hack to cool down in the heat is to put a bowl of ice in front of a table fan. When the ice melts, the fan will blow cooler air towards you. It is important to be close to the fan to get the benefit of this method. 

3. Chose cotton.

Cotton is one of the best materials to wear during the summer period. The benefits of wearing cotton are it is cheap. It is available but also the fact that cotton is soft, light, breathable, and helps soak up sweat, allowing heat to leave the body and make you feel cooler. 

4. Hot water bottle.

Put a hot water bottle in the freezer about half an hour before bed and then take it out and place it on the bed. Best to keep a sheet between you and the bottle as you don't want to get frostbite. It is great and giving you some cool relieve when it is hot in the room and can help cool you down ready to go to sleep. 

5. The floor. 

When it is really difficult to sleep it may be worth considering to take your pillow and sleep on the floor or even better to go downstairs if that option is available for you. 

Huffington Post says the reason behind this suggestion to sleep on the floor is simply that heat rises so sleeping on the floor means you get a cooler sleeping experience.

 Also consider having sheets instead of a quilt as it is lighter and won't hold the warmth as much, making it a much more comfortable feeling. 

6. Have the shower warm.

Though you might think it is better to have a cold shower to keep cool it is better in fact to have a warm shower. Though when first having a warm shower will feel warm compared to a cold shower after a few minutes will provide better comfort in the long run 

7. Keep hydrated. 

It is important to make sure that you are getting enough drink inside of you. Getting enough fluid is key in keeping your heart health in good condition so that it can help the heart move easily when pumping blood through the blood vessels and then on to your muscles.

Another key factor why you need to make sure your drinking more during summer is that you are sweating more (as a direct response in keeping us cool) there you need to replace the lost fluid to help keep you cool. 

Have I missed anything that you think is important to keep your home? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday

Why being a parent rocks!

Hey readers,

I am sure know by now that I am a parent of two boys who are 7 and 9. So I have a go at this whole parenting malarky for a bit and today I am going to focus on the positives and reasons why being a parent rocks!

1. Recreates childhood joys.

A beautiful element of parenting is recreating the childhood joys that you had as a child. For me for example it is getting a Mr frosty ice maker. Watching my children have the same amount of fun I got from using it when I was a child. 

It could be playing paper, rock, and scissors and always makes me smile and think of me being a child. Another classic kind of thing would be to watch a cartoon that you watched a child and rewatch it with your own children such as The Chuckle Brothers and Futurama. 

2. Having children makes you a better person. 

When you have children you have to focus on your children's needs first and being less selfish. I also think having children makes me more understanding and emphatic. This is particularly true when I see others parents out and about having a rough time. 

I am not the most patient person but I definitely think it has made me more so when having children and having to give extra time to get ready and out the door. 

3. Adding sense of purpose.

I think as an adult it can be hard at times to find meaningful things in life. One thing is for sure once you have children there is a sense of purpose. 

Bringing up children to be responsible and independent is a big goal for parents because you want them to be good adult in later life. When they are young making sure they are cared for, fed, loved, and educated all helps in shaping them into the person they will become as an adult and this is a big priority as a parent to focus on.  

4. Excuse getting out of things.

This next point is definitely one of the best because you can literally get out of anything and blame the kids haha. It comes in very handy on the dark winter days when you want to stay at home and snuggle. 

5. Watching a miniature version of yourself.

I don't know whether watching a miniature version of yourself is a blessing or a curse, lol. Jokes aside when you see features in them that you have is lovely such as seeing my youngest enjoy reading books much like myself. 

6. Focus. 

Having children gives you more focus on what is really important. Happiness and memories are much more important than materialistic objects (though to some extend are important such as a roof over your head).  Watching children having fun and not be bothered about the big stuff just makes you realise what is important. 

7. Laughter.

One of the most beautiful sounds in the world is hearing children laugh and to have laughter in the home is a blessing. 

8. Unconditional love.

Once you have experienced unconditional love from your children then there is no other experience that can top that. To be accepted fully for who you are is something that should be cherished. 

What do you think of my list of reasons why parenting rocks? Have I missed any points of the list that you think are good reasons why parenting is good? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 01/08/2021

Last night me and hubby went on a date night and watched the funny comedian Milton Jones.

What you need to know about visiting Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Hey readers,

The other day we visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) in West Yorkshire. I thought it was really good so I decided to tell you all about it in this post.

Regarding Covid.

People were wearing masks (this was prior to the 19th of July so not sure about the new covid rule changes). There is social distancing in place and also plenty of sanitiser stations should you so wish to use them. 

As we went during the covid period it is important to note that you do have to pre-book tickets beforehand. 

YSP is where nature and commentary art come together. It is located over 500 acres of historical parkland. The parkland is situated on the grounds of Betton Hall dated from the 18th century.

 Checking out the reviews on Google it is rated in the top things to do in West Yorkshire. On the site, it actually says that it takes an estimate of more than 3 hours. Although that is also a decision can make though believe me there is a lot to explore at the YSP. 

Tickets.

The cost of the tickets is £6 for adults, carers and children go in for free. The cost of the ticket includes the car parking and also open-air galleries. 

Even though children are free they still need tickets. Blue badge holders need tickets and there are spaces at the front of the car park for blue badge holders.

 Make sure you have your tickets on you as they will be checked at times in the park either printed or on the phone. 

Make sure you wear suitable footwear as you could literally spend the whole day there. We went during the heatwave so spend 4 hours there which was a lot considering the temperatures.

 But that is ok because we took out time and left when it got too much for my boys. We didn't manage to see all the sculptures as there is an impressive 80 sculptures dotted about in the park (some are indoors). 

Damian Hurst - Myth. 

Henry Moore - Large Totam Head. 

Henry Moore - Two Large Forms.

Damian Hurst - The Virgin Mother (2005 - 2006). 

Damian Hurst - Charity (2002 - 2003). 

Sean Scully: Crate of Air. 

Damian Hurst - The Hat Makes the man (2004-2007).

Henry Moore - Upright Motives No.1 (Glenkiln Cross): No 2; No7. 

Lucy + Jorge Orta: Diana.

Lucy + Jorge Orta: Gazing Ball. 

Mark Di Suvero: The Cave.     

The park is perfect for picnic areas as plenty of grassy areas and also some benches. Yorkshire Post has listed YSP in the top list of places to have a picnic in Yorkshire.

There is also a cafe if you want to buy food though quite pricey but if you are fine with that then the option is there should you need it. 

It is fantastic for kids because they can run about, there is plenty of open spaces along with a foresty area and a lake where wildlife can be spotted. 

Also within the wooded area, there are highland cows and we went around to see the cow it was just casually sitting down on the ground eating grass and didn't seem bothered by the presence of humans, see below for photo evidence.

You can take photos of the sculptures but bear in mind that they ask you not to climb on them so that they are protected and looked after. 

The area is accessible for pushchairs and toddlers so makes a good day out for young children. 

Bloomberg Connects App. 

There is a free app called Bloomberg Connects so you can see all the sculptures and information about them. It is available on Andriod and IOS. 

On the app, there is a digital map although you can get free paper maps in the centers within the grounds. On the app, it has pinpoints on where the exact sculptures are and information about. 

Also on the app, it shows where your nearest toilets are to where on located which makes it a lot easy especially with children when you locate a toilet quickly. 

Toilets.

There are toilets at the top near the car park where the learning centre is and also further afield near The Weston Cafe are also toilets (included disabled and baby changing room). 

There is also a gallery you can visit as well if you are in the building. 

Disabled-friendly and if you require a mobility scooter you can hire one out at the YSP. 

Dog.

You can take your dog but it must be on a short lead at all times.

Address.

West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG. 

(SatNav) WF4 4JX. 

What 3 Words - hypnorist.stump.island. 

Tel - (01924) 832631.

Opening time. 

Apart from 24 - 25 December, YSP is open every day between 10am until 6pm. 

Cheers for reading X

Hurry grab a free J'adore perfume.

Hey readers,

I love a good bargain especially when it is free. Never has there been a better time with finding freebies online than right now! 

Here you can get free samples, you won't be disappointed when checking out the site. 

Just now I have found this sample of free perfume by Dior called J'adore Asbsole are giving away 1,000 samples of the perfume, a great chance to try out some new perfume for free!

To be with a chance of winning a free sample is fill in the form here with your details (name and email) and click send there you have it that easy. 

One thing to mention is you do have to be over the age of 18 and be living in the UK. When you do sign up for the freebie you will be automatically signed up to the Free Stuff newsletter which will keep you up to date on the latest freebies so you don't have to miss out. 

Enjoy.

Sam.

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

You know it is half term holiday when...

Hey readers,

I have seen many associations with myself and other parents with children when it comes to half term. Here is the list of my favorites.

1. Ice lollies. 

If it is sunny the ice lollies come out and are a lifesaver to keep kids cool. 

2. Bedtime.

What bedtime you say, we all need a break the rules it is a holiday, and definitely bet that bedtime routine after a week off for summer has gone truely out of the window ;).

3. Extra time.

At the beginning of the holiday, it is so lovely having the kids off and spending extra time with them. Then at the end of the week, I need a break up the kids from all the stopping about or the bickering between them. Let's also not forget about the hell of boredom kicking in and constantly asking what can I do? Then you give them suggestions and there like NO!!! I give up! According to The Sun kids after days into the 6 week holiday are already complaining of boredom!

4. Shopping.

You need to add a couple more hours to do your shopping trip. Not only for your children but also all the other children clogging up the Isles ;). Not to mention like Manchester Evening News when highlighting the stages of shopping with kids the endless times have to hunt down the toilets for little bladders. 

5. Money. 

You are guaranteed to spend more money on shite that you don't need and to add more clutter to your home. We Buy Books has a fab post on how to save money during the 6 week summer holiday. 

6. Getting anywhere. 

Every day is becoming a bigger mission to walk around your home because of all the toys everywhere.

7. Free places. 

You have explored every free art gallery in your area. The beauty of these places is that it's free and your skint from buying all the state that you don't need. Not to mention that indoors which is always won especially with the unpredictable weather of the UK!

8. Cinema.

 You have been to the cinema at least once as it's pouring again and you need to get away from one set of walls to go and be in another. What is better than being in a busy room full of kiddies on a sugar rush, Whoop!

9. Youtube. 

Yet again your days are filled with Gamers playing videos on youtube and your there wo0ndering why you bothered to get toys when they prefer to watch others play.

10. Programmes. 

 You go cold turkey with adult shows because you can't hear them with the sound of your little cherries arguing over a £1 water bucket.

Happy days and hope you had fun this half term. Is there anything I have missed or any signs you know when it is the summer holidays? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X