10 signs of Spring.

Hey readers,

The first signs of spring are emerging so here are some signs to help tell if we are entering the season of spring....

10 signs of Spring.

When does spring officially start?

We officially enter in spring on the Spring Equinox that this year is on the 20th of March. That isn’t to say that nature waits until the Equinox to show off her spring signs.

 1. Clocks go forward.

That “Springing Forward” can be a little bit painful when your alarm goes off in the morning, but it does give us some longer days.  More light and sunshine is definitely a sign of spring.

2. Fresh, soft scents.

Ever notice that entrancing smell of spring? The Earth is awakening and it does indeed smell more, well, earthy. With warmer weather, misty mornings and soft wet smells fill the air.

3. Frogspawn/toad spawn.

Who, as a child, didn’t watch avidly as frogspawn became tadpoles and tadpoles became frogs? So go check out your nearest pond to see if there are an frogspawn has appeared. Frogspawn normally presents its self as clumps while toad spawn is in long chains.

4. Bees.

Blossoming trees are a sign that it’s time for bees! With the return of flowering plants and trees, bees emerge from their winter nests and get ready for a new year of nectar collecting.

5. Flowers blooming. 

This year, the first snowdrops were seen well in advance. The delicate flowers are now making their brief appearance and in some places daffodils are already out. Many of us can usually tell when spring has sprung when all these flowers start to bloom in parks, gardens and woods.

6. Dawn Chorus. 

Singing us into spring, the birds really get going with their morning melodies by early March as they seek to attract mates and defend their territories. The early-worm-catchers are the skylarks, song thrushes, robins and blackbirds whereas smaller birds such as wrens and warblers seem to stay in bed until it’s a bit warmer.

7. Longer and warmer days.

This is a pretty obvious sign of spring, but oh so pleasant! The days are getting longer and more and more often we wake up to beautiful sunshine. Staying outdoors in the evening becomes a pleasure as the temperature goes up and it’s lighter outside. 

It also means waking up in a good mood, longer walks with your children and more outdoor activities in general. It might still get chilly in the evening, so don’t forget to pack a warm jacket for you and your growing explorers.

8. Trees.

Similar to flowers and wild plants, there are also trees which blossom earlier on in the spring. So look out for the small buds on their branches that will appear before the flowers do. The trees you should look for are ash, beech, oak and rowan.

9. Nest building.

We don’t just hear birds more in springtime, we see them more too! Once they have claimed their territory and attracted a mate, we will start to see them zipping around our gardens with beaks full of grasses and twigs as they begin nest-building. 

10. Shorts and swimsuits. 

The next time you’re out grocery shopping, pay attention to the clothes for sale. If you see lots of shorts and swimsuits for sale, you know spring isn’t too far off.

What are your  signs of spring? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 


How to dye Easter eggs.

Hey readers, 

Easter is coming up and a fun Easter activity to do is flying eggs to celebrate Easter. Check out below how to do the simple craft. 

How to dye Easter eggs.

What you will need. 

 ▪️ Eggs.
 
 ▪️ Vingear. 

 ▪️ Food colouring of your choice. 

How to do it. 

1.  In a big saucepan, gently arrange the eggs in a single layer.

 Give the eggs an inch of cold water's worth of coverage. Cover. Over high heat, bring to a quick boil. Get rid of the heat. 

Observe for 12 minutes. (Change the time by three minutes for each larger or smaller size.)

2. Eggs should be quickly chilled by being ran under cold water or placed in ice water until totally cooled after removing them from the hot water.

3. To create desired hues, combine 5 tbsp of boiling water, 1 teaspoon vinegar, and 10 to 20 drops food colour in a cup. 
With each colour, repeat. For around five minutes, dip hard-cooked eggs in the dye.
 
To add and remove eggs from the dye, use a slotted spoon, a wire egg holder, or tongs. Let the eggs dry.

How to dye Easter eggs.

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 12/03/2023

My Sunday Photo 12/03/2023


It snowed! 

 

I like repetition!

Hey readers,

I like repetition (unless I'm in an ADHD one where I am being reckless), but I would say my kind is more autistic, or it is currently.

As we know, though, life is not linear, it is messy, and things change... Boo!!!

I like repetition!

I was thinking in bed one night as I often do that; omg, soon my eldest, who is 11, will quickly hit puberty, and I will have to deal with changes in hormones etc. I'm scared because, once again, it is not under my control. 

It is something that I will have to wait until the time comes. I can somewhat prepare, but no need for definite because I won't know how my son will react to puberty plus, add to the mix, he has autism, so this shall be fun (I jest).

I have lost my train of thought and don't know what I am getting at. I want to write about repetition and being autistic. 

I like repetition most of the time unless I get hit with boredom due to god dame adhd.

Repetition, to me, is comfort. I know what to expect from the situation as I have gone through it over and over again. 

It is not new that we have to guess how to behave. Repetition comes with less anxiety as I know how to respond and what to get compared to the latter, which filled me with dread. 

I will admit I am a control freak, and I am on edge when not knowing what is to come because I have to guess or do something wrong. 

I also like to get it right, and if I don't, I torture myself with hatred because, once again, I have failed.

Failure is my old friend, and I experience it often, being autistic and getting the cues or not saying the right thing or not saying anything at all.

I like repetition because I know I have done it before and know what to expect.
It is emotionally draining when you constantly fail, time and time again. 

You lie awake in bed and dread getting up the following day, not knowing what to do or what is happening.

Repetition is comforting because, though at times tedious, you know what to expect and are less likely to fail because you're more prone to practice masking how to perform.

The problem with being an autistic parent has to deal with new situations and developments. 

Luckily, I have my husband, who is good with the social side, as I am terrible. I dread thinking of the next instalment thinking. 

Yes, I got through one stage of development, which is a good thing, and then the fest comes as it is all new, and I wonder once again how the hell you will get through it...

Cheers for reading X 

Mother's Day gift guide 2023.

Hey readers, 

Mother’s Day is almost here, so it’s time to celebrate the incredible men in our lives. For gift ideas, flowers and recipes that will make them smile, you’re in the perfect place. 

Get inspired and give your mum the special day she deserves.

Mother's Day gift guide 2023.

1. The Gourmet Chocolate Co. - Chocolate pizza - £8.

Mother's Day gift guide 2023.


Complimentary delivery, including postage and packaging. Is your mother a chocolate lover? Pizza, too? She'll adore this, I'm sure. Although chocolates for a Mother's Day gift might seem a bit cliché, these chocolate pizzas are genuinely unique and reasonably priced.

If this pizza from The Gourmet Chocolate Co. with Belgian chocolate, brownie biscuit, and vanilla fudge isn't (somehow) to your mother's taste, they're sure to have another one that is.

2. Card Factory - Floral jewellery & keepsake box - £3.99.

Mother's Day gift guide 2023.
Remind them that they're cherished and loved every day with this beautiful jewellery box featuring a sentimental message and a floral design. The box makes a lovely gift for any occasion.

3. Amazon - Dear mum mug - £8.99.

Mother's Day gift guide 2023.

Without an ironic mug, Mother's Day isn't complete. The words "Dear Mum" are imprinted on this premium ceramic mug. 

Thank you for putting up with a bratty, dirty, spoiled child like my sibling—your favourite, love. It's funny and practical at the same time, to be honest.

4. IWOOT - 100-day mindfulness challenge scratch poster - £8.99.

Mother's Day gift guide 2023.

Invest in your well-being with the 100-Day Mindfulness scratch poster. 

Whether you're looking to reduce stress or improve your general well-being, this giant scratch-card challenge will help you to reset with daily tasks, including 'Take a walk in nature' or 'Focus on your breathing for 5 minutes'. Destress, stay focused and stay happy.

5. Funky Pidgeon - No 1 mum photo socks - £14.99.

Mother's Day gift guide 2023.

Create your own awesome novelty socks, personalised with any face on, with these fun face socks! A great gift idea for your mum this mothers day!

6. Asda - Mum slogan print short sleeve pyjamas - £12.50. 

Mother's Day gift guide 2023.

If a lazy Mother’s Day is on the agenda, your mum will need some comfy clothes. Look no further than this perfect mum's pjs are so soft and comfortable that she won't want to get out of them. 

7. B&M - classic rose & lily bouquet - £18.99.

Mother's Day gift guide 2023.

This gorgeous arrangement includes a mixture of pink oriental lilies and beautiful white roses, which are entwined with the freshest pistache.

 This exclusive bouquet is simply stunning and makes the perfect gift for all occasions. Why not add a box of chocolates to make this gift extra sweet? 

If you can't see your mum face to face, then don't worry, as there is an option to deliver at the cost of £2.99. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 05/03/2023

 

My Sunday Photo 05/03/2023

My youngest dressed as a minion for world book day. I eldest wasent a el to do it this year as he had a school trip so only one child Photo. 

How to recycle your old phone.

Hey readers, 

Up to 80% of your phone can be recycled, so avoid throwing it away or putting it in a drawer. 

How to recycle your old phone.

Modern mobile phones contain a variety of components that can be removed and used again, such as metals, plastics, and expensive materials like silver. The options for recycling and reusing old cell phones are expanding daily.

When you buy a new phone, ask the salesperson how you may recycle your old one?

Online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores like Cash Converters and CeX will buy your unwanted phone if it's in good working order and is reasonably current, especially if it comes with the original box, charger, and instructions. You can find the ideal business for you with the aid of comparison websites like Compare and Recycle.

The majority of charity will take used smartphones, functional or not. By transferring them to mobile phone recycling businesses, they can generate significant revenue.

Broken mobile phones can be disposed of in the bin for minor electricals at most recycling centres.

Where can I drop off my used mobile phone for recycling? 

Many organisations in the UK accept used mobile phones that can be recycled or resold if you want to aid those in need. Several instances include:

One of the biggest charities in the UK, Oxfam, accepts both functional and malfunctioning smartphones. The functional phones are donated to communities recovering from natural disasters like floods or earthquakes so they can stay in touch with loved ones and rescue personnel, or they are given to people around the world who would not otherwise have access to one to help them improve communications.

WaterAid: This non-profit organisation works to provide access to basic, necessary hygiene, clean water, and adequate toilets for people living in poverty all around the world.

They have a programme where you can donate your used cell phone, which WaterAid will sell or recycle and utilise the proceeds from to support their deserving causes.

Local churches, civic associations, and charities: Large charities are not the only ones that accept used smartphones. You should inquire with any smaller local charity, community organisations, or even churches.

 These kinds of organisations and groups are nearly always ready to accept used equipment anywhere in the UK because they can significantly increase fundraising efforts for their projects.

Trade in.

Many high street tech stores and mobile phone providers will accept your phone, laptop, or tablet in exchange for cash off a new purchase or a gift card.

For instance, you can exchange your Apple iPhone for up to £315 in store credit on the Apple website. You may be eligible for a credit of up to £45 even with an older model like the iPhone 7.

The additional businesses with which you can exchange gadgets are listed below. What you want—cash or a credit to use towards future purchases from the same brand—determines who you choose.

Only mobile phones are accepted by Carphone Warehouse, but they guarantee quick payment and will deposit the money specified for your phone into your bank account as long as it is in the condition you described.

Currys accepts trade-ins for a variety of goods, including computers, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, smart watches, and more.
Three accepts used smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology. If your device is received by Three by 1pm, payment is made the same day.

Smart watches, tablets, and phones may all be traded in with EE Trade-in. According to EE, users traded in smartphones with an average value of £170. (between January and July 2022).

Vodafone accepts mobile phones. You can exchange for bank transfers, monthly savings on your airtime bill, or credit on your Vodafone account.

Check whether free postage is offered or whether you need to visit a store before you trade.

Have you recycled your old phone?  How did you do it?  Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X