The boys made Pain Au Chocolat (from a can lol) but nevertheless still exciting for them :)
Review of Best Before Its Gone.
Friday, 11 February 2022
Hey readers,
Want a cheap way to reduce food bills then one suggestion is to check out this website called Best Before Its Gone. The site sells food at a lower price due to the products being close or past the end of the best before date. With this in mind, you can save a whopping 50% off retail price and there are many branded items from Walkers, Pepsi, Astonish, Cadbury, Special K, Kellogs for example.
The idea is to one obviously get a bargain but also what is important is to reduce the amount of wasted food that gets chucked in the bin and then on landfills. So not only are you saving money but also helping the environment at the same time, win-win in my eyes.
On the website, it states the best before date as some items have got a few months still left and other items can have a best before item from 2020.
The cost of postage is £6 which is quite a lot but I brought a lot and when I make the next purchase I will wait till I need a load more stuff to help compensate for the cost of delivery.
The type of products you can get range from crisps, chocolate, cupboard food, condiments, cooking sauces, cleaning items, soft drinks, coffee, tea, squash, and the list goes on.
With the fact that different items get added on to the site frequently stock changes so you never know what will be there from one week to the next, so always good to keep an eye open and a bit of excitement to have a surprise on the new things that come into stock.
I just want to point out due to current situations with coronavirus delivery was delayed, which is to be expected and they do highlight this. What I really liked is that the company emailed me to explain this and said if I wasn't happy with the delay I could get a refund. I obviously took into consideration extra time in length so was happy to wait for my parcel because I didn't need anything desperately anyway.
My parcel delivery ran smoothly. They send me emails to confirm on the day of the delivery. They gave me a tracking number so could see when the courier was on the way. I also had a second email to tell me the time slot of the delivery. You could also leave the parcel with a neighbour, or a collection place or a safe place if you weren't in, which I think was really good.
The delivery arrived with no problem, signed for, and I was happy. The items came in a massive box ( I did order 24 cans of Pepsi Max and about I think 24 cans of sentiments elderflower water plus many more items).
The packaging was really well wrapped as I did have glass bottles in the order and that was really well wrapped with bubble wrap. Other large items were in individual boxes to keep them all together, with no issues with any leaks or damage to the items, so that was positive news.
Below are pictures of my order.
Total spend on the items: £21.67.
Delivery: £6.00.
total cost: £27.67.
You can make a payment with your bank card or there is the option of Paypal as well.
I think it is a good value and definitely, be making another order in the future.
Cheers for reading X
Money saving tips for parents.
Monday, 7 February 2022
Hey readers,
Being a parent can be costly but that doesn't mean you need to spend loads. I have a few money tips that have really helped cut down costs.
My first money parenting tip would be is to not have kids...jokes!
When I use the term preloved it basically means second hand but sounds nicer. Nowadays it is less frowned upon to buy second-hand. You can get some cracking bargains from second-hand shops such as baby clothes (you don't need to spend a ton on clothing because babies hardly last a long time as they are constantly growing). Other places to find good bargains are facebook marketplace, vinted, eBay is really good for things like toys, baby bottles, pushchairs. A good old clean-over and wash will bring things out clean so don't worry if something has been used by someone else before it still has plenty of life in them, and why pay silly prices for stuff when you can get good bargains pre-loved.
2. Family day-out vouchers.
Check food items such as check cereal boxes, crisps, and chocolate bars as they often have vouchers on days out for a 2 for 1 deal. For example, a current deal is Kellogs cereal and snack packs have 2 for 1 voucher where adults get in free (as long accompanied by a paying child) to merlin places such as sea life center, Legoland, Alton Towers. These vouchers are valid up to 30th June 2022. It is advised that the vouchers should be used in advance to guarantee entry.
3. Plan meals.
A good way to save money on food is to plan your meals ahead. For example, write down your week's meals. You can then write down what you need on a list, stick to that list which means then you are less likely to act on impulse and save you money.
Batch cooking is also a good way to save on money and time as though you doubling up you will have cooked the meal in one go saving time. It can also work out cheaper if you buy in bigger quantities which in turn will save you money in the long term.
4. No spend day.
Having a day a week where you have a no-spend day can be really good and stop you in your tracks and make you think about the things whether you really need them.
5. Loyalty cards.
Loyalty cards don't offer instant rewards, but instead, keep points for how much you spend and then offer you a coupon once you've spent a certain amount of money. Some loyalty programs earn you cash or credit instead of coupons and discounts that you can use for future purchases. It can be handy to save your loyalty points for Christmas as this will help reduce the cost of Christmas.
6. Picnic.
If you do go on a day out pack a picnic and bring your own drinks, ethics can save a small fortune, especially going to attractions that overcharge for food and drink.
7. Emails.
Unsubscribe from all the shop emails trying to entice you to come back and spend money, out of sight out of mind. Yes, they can give good offers but there is no point if you don't actually need the item. when you did need an item you will find good deals by simply researching on Google.
8. Library.
Make use of the library - save money on books and have a free app where you can read a variety of magazines digitally and cost nothing. Not only that they also do free classes for kids such as storytime and creative sessions so check your local library for what events are on.
9. Meat-free.
Eating meat, especially good quality meat can cost a lot of money. Things like beans, grains, and vegetables can be a lot more reasonable and still be nutritious. Even if it is just once or twice a week where you go meat-free can save some money.
Have I missed anything that you think is a good money-saving tip for a parent? Love to hear your thoughts in the comments section down below.
Cheers for reading X
How to help kids who have trouble sleeping.
Hey readers,
Often parents will have to deal with their child's bedtime anxiety for whatever reason it could be simply something new happening, fear of the dark, or worries about monsters under the bed.
These are all valid examples of why your child might fear going to sleep at night. So, below I have some top ideas that have helped in my experience that may work for you and your child to help settle your child at nighttime.
1. Read a book.
A way to help relax a child at bedtime is by reading a book. Now you can get a variety of books (though do check out your local library save some pennies if you can) that focus on a child scared of the dark.
Sometimes it can help a child know that they are not the only ones who struggle at night. Also, it gives your child reassurance to know that things will be fine.
2. Audiobooks.
My eldest loves listening to audiobooks at night as it helps relax him as he focuses on a soft voice and story. It distracts him from the anxiety and hearing a friendly voice makes him feel less alone at night time.
3. Calming sound apps.
Another idea is to have white noise, or certain sounds to help relax your child at nighttime. Both my boys love listening to jungle sounds and it relaxes them so they drift off to sleep. Again the sound is a great companion especially when it is dark at night.
4. Talking time.
A problem shared is a problem halved so, therefore, making time for your child to voice their anxieties can help them greatly. It can also be a time where you can reassure them and feel that valid with how they feel. This then can help them feel safe as they know that there is protection from the parent.
5. No screens before bed.
Say no to screens in bed as this can be a big trigger for making children's minds work overtime especially if they are watching something that is intense can overstimulate them.
It is best to watch something in the living room where they can leave it there. Making the bedroom a place where it is associated with relaxing can really help settle a child.
6. Lighting.
If the darkness makes a child feel anxious then maybe investing in a nightlight could be of use. Nightlights can aid relaxation before bed, reduce fear of the dark, and provide lighting at night for better visibility.
Having a night light can be helpful as well if your child is scared of monsters under the bed as it can provide comfort and knowing that they are safe will help ease your child off to sleep.
7. A worry jar.
Introducing a worry jar to the child is an effective tool to help with bedtime anxiety. What you do is to get the child to write down on the piece of paper their worry and put it into the jar.
Giving the child an outlet to write down a worry feels relief that it is out of their mind and put away in the jar so they can then feel more relaxed to go to sleep at night.
Of course, when it is morning it would be a good time to explore the issue and maybe think of solutions to the problem, or if not then discussing it might help them feel better.
What do you think of my ideas to help with a child's bedtime anxiety? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.
Cheers for reading X
Why you should visit a theme park as a family.
Friday, 4 February 2022
Hey readers,
If you have been thinking about taking your family to a theme park and wondering whether to go or not then let me outline the reasons to go.
1. Step into a different world.
One of the reasons to visit a theme park is the simple fact that you can step into a different world. You can leave your worries for a few hours to escape into the world of having fun trying out new rides. It is like being a big kid again but this time you are with the whole family to enjoy it with.
2. Spend time with the family.
Going to a theme park takes a day to explore and it is a great way to come together as a family to have a fun-packed day out. Going to a theme park helps create fun memories that will last a lifetime. There is something for all the family to enjoy whether it is a thrilling or just relaxing theme parks have it covered.
3. Burn calories.
For a healthy benefit visiting a theme park is a great way to burn calories as you tend to have long hours at the theme park. Walking around from one side to the next, you can easily push past 10,000 steps of your step allowance.
Theme parks are usually quite large areas with different sections meaning you might walk to one area and then the next to get on to your favorite rides.
4. Conquer your fears.
Not everyone is an adrenaline junkie and loves the upside-down and fast rides that theme parks cater for. That doesn't mean one who may be a little timid to thrillers ride can not go on one and conquer the fear because sometimes in life you have to do something out of your comfort zone.
5. Escape stress.
Life can be tough trying to get through each day with the worries that we have. It can really be mundane and draining so it is good sometimes to take yourself away from the situation to have a break from the constant stress you have in life.
That is why theme parks are the perfect day out as it is a great ambiance around other families having fun and you can relax with your family whilst at the theme park.
So there you have my reasons why you should visit a theme park. Have I missed any reasons that you think would be good to support the idea that theme parkas are great for families? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.
Cheers for reading X
Things you should never, ever say to a mum!
Monday, 31 January 2022
Hey readers,
Being a parent for over 10 years now the amount of comments you get regarding your own parenting is unbelievable. It is amazing how people are quick to judge so below are 10 things you should never, ever say to a mum from my personal experience.
1. Breast is definitely the best... well actually it is a case of fed is best and whatever works for you. But just because I used formula does not make me a failure!
2. I had all the cooking and cleaning done before 9am in the morning.... chill out I mean especially when to have a newborn or even they are older I opt for sleepover housework cheers!
3. Cherish these moments - this phase really annoys the hell out of me because it is just more pressure and guilt to try and be a perfect parent, which we all know will never be happy. Plus I am not sure I want to cherish every moment, sometimes I just can't wait for bedtime so I don't have to deal with them having an attitude because they are so tired.
4. Oh it's not that bad.... come again I think that would be up to me to decide on that one. I thought we were all meant to be different so what is good for one may be totally manageable for another. But instead of downplaying how I feel why not try to listen?
5. You look tired... well no shit sherlock that is called parenting whether it be knackered from worry or just general exhaustion parenting is bloody hard work and takes a lot of energy out of you.
6. I didn't do that with my kids.... and so what, I do what is right for me and my kids. Just because you have experienced parenting doesn't mean you are right about everything. Instead of making judgments why don't you provide me with some support instead.
7. Boys will be boys... It has got nothing to do with whether my kids are boys or not. Kids are kids regardless of what gender they are.
8. That kid needs a good-hiding.... erm no get out of here, that is never going to happen to my children end of!
9. That's not autism, that is lack of parenting... oh do shut up and stop being ignorant, try learning about autism then you might understand the child better.
10. Your kid has too much screen time... I don't care because they are happy and sometimes they just need some time out or I need space for my own sanity. TV is not evil and I have no worries about my children watching tv, in the end, they get bored and walk over so I turn it over anyway!
What are your thoughts on the unnecessary comments told to mums? Have I missed any of the lists that should never be spoken out loud to another mum? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.
Cheers for reading X
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