Sunday 17 February 2019

7 websites for free videos

Hey readers, 

You don't have to spend tons of money to access video entertainment, there is plenty online that is FREE. Here are my top 7 places where you can access free videos for your pleasure. 





1. Youtube. 

Image result for youtube image

Obviously, the top contender would have to be good old Youtube - it is so much you can view from vlogs, interviews, festival sets to even movies. Not to mention the topics are so varied so there really is something for everyone. 

2. DailyMotion. 

Image result for daily motion

A similar site to Youtube is DailyMotion. The site provides a daily Pulse that is tailored to give you the latest news so you are up to date in one place making easier for you to keep up with current affairs. There is also music and sports as well. You can even use the DailyMotion when you are offline if you have stored your data of videos on your own library that you like. 

3. Metacafe.

Image result for metacafe

This video sharing site is focused on short videos so you don't have to waste hours watching one video. The videos are a variety of music, entertainment, sports, tv and even comedy to keep you entertained. 

4. Veoh. 

Image result for veoh logo

This is a free movie and tv site that stream a variety of popular content in many different languages so accessible for a variety of different places in the world. What is even better is that the videos come with subtitles. 

5. UKTV. 

Image result for uktv

UKTV is an online platform that showcases programmes from popular Freeview / Freesat channels such as Challenge TV and Dave. Most of the channels are free so you can watch the programmes however don't forget that channels like Gold are part of a separate subscription package that you have to pay for,

7. LiveLeaks. 

Liveleak logo

This is an interesting site and could get lost down the rabbit hole. It provides videos that are unedited and polished and a lot of content that I would class as political. I like the fact it is unfiltered but before clicking be careful what you watch. 

What free video sites do you watch online? Love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers for reading X 

The fear

I hear it,
I feel it,
It's coming
To get me,
The fear,
So real,
Haunting my every move. 
I awake with that 
Familiar feeling,
It creeps up, 
Till I am 
Scared to death. 

My Sunday snapshot 17/02/2018



You snooze, you lose!

Friday 15 February 2019

Cold

Hey readers,

My word of the week is


oh my gosh I had a horrible cold that which left me with really painful sinuses and none stop snot and total exhaustion. 

So, it was a lazy weekend for me and the boys as we all feeling pretty bleugh.  But it was kind of nice to just do nothing and my body clearly needed it.

Anyhow, I had parents evening for both boys this week. My youngest is settling well in reception and loves playing outdoors.

My eldest has improved with his handwriting, we have had lots of problems since school began with pen control. He also had his mock sats and has done really well.

So we are very proud parent of both my boys and happy thlookey are doing OK at school as it is a worry.

I had an oopsie moment this week, I kept thinking Tuesday was pancake day. Turns out it is next month. Oh well we still had pancakes on Tuesday lol!

Hope you have a great week.

Cheers for reading X

Tuesday 12 February 2019

10 reasons why I love Spring.

Hey readers,

Finally, we have reached the light and next month is March which means it will be spring. I can't wait to have a much warmer temperature for one. So, below I have listed 10  reasons why I love spring. 


1. Blossom.

You got to admit blossom is so pretty especially when it fills up a tree that has been so bare over winter. Then when the blossom gets blow away and makes the pavements much more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

2. Mild weather. 
Spring brings with it warmer weather to enjoy which is bliss because I actually hate having to wear coats and find them quite suffocating. When you go outside and shock horror your not freezing your t*ts off that is awesome as well. 

3. Birds.

Now that I am older I love the early mornings when you get to have your first hot drink and you can open the windows and listen to the beautiful birds singing.

3. Flowers.

During winter everything feels flat and dead. Spring feels all most like a new year, when new flowers grow and come into full bloom, making the area so much brighter and cheerfuller. 

4. Longer days.

As the clocks go back the day's getter longer, brighter and other all your mood lifts with more sunshine shiny brightly in the sky. 

4. Cute baby animals. 

In the spring baby animals are born and so cure seeing them all fluffy. You can see baby swans and fluffy ducks at your local farm. Like I said before spring is all about the new and fresh feel to the environment. 

5. Fresh breeze.

As the weather will become warmer in spring that means it is not too cold to have the windows open. I just love that fresh breeze that enters the room. My home with the freshness doesn't feel stuffy like the colder months not where rooms don't get much fresh air because of the coldness. 

6. Nature walks.

Again another positive with the warm weather and growth in flowers means that nature walks are a great time to particulate in and see nature grows during spring.

7. Easter.

Though I don't believe in God or anything like that I do like Easter because quite frankly I just bloody love chocolate, I have no shame in that. plus I love a good old lamb roast. 

8. Pastel colours.

I love a bit fashion and I just love light, pastel colours to add to an outfit. I find delicate and pastel colours is another extension to the notion that spring is here. 

9. Lighter evenings.

A couple of nights during the week I get home late and presently have to walk in the dark. Well not for long as with spring means lighter evenings which is a lot safer for me in my mindset and I like that golden hour to just take time out and walk home.

10. Wind.

I just love that sound of the wind going through the trees and making then dance. 

what things do you like about spring? love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Cheers for reading X



Sunday 10 February 2019

Let's stop period taboo.

Hey readers,

Today I would like to discuss periods and the fact that I think in this day and age that we should stop the taboo surrounding periods. 


I don't know why we have such funny attitudes around periods, it is a natural event for women and it happens every month because that is the way I bodies are designed. It has nothing to do with the person we are or to do with how pure we are. Every woman (other than ones with problems related to their period) has periods. 



I recall back when I first had my period at the age of 10 and no one talked to me about it. I remember this feeling in my pants and when I went to the toilet and looked down I was horrified. I literally thought I was dying.

 It was scary because no one told me about periods and what to expect. If I was told then I could be prepared and embrace it for what it was. 

I know a lot of people have similar experience and even now when someone mentions periods in the media they get a backlash of hatred and disgust.

 They view periods as the most disgusting thing in the world. But it is not, it is just nature doing what it was designed to do. 

What is a period?

The body releases tissue it no longer needs. This tissue is found in the uterus and it is designed to be removed from the body in order to make room for the baby to be grown in the uterus. Every month the uterus lining gets thicker so that is prepared for a fetus egg if the women become pregnant. If the egg does not get fertilised then what happens is that the lining gets released as blood from the vagina. This process is called menstruation or period as it is commonly known. 


It is nothing awful or deadly, it is just a process of life, which one of the main reasons us humans are alive is to reproduce. Yes, blood is not pleasant, it is not something I enjoy, I don't choose to have a period nor anyone I know would say they enjoy their period. It is just life and something that you have to manage every month. Not to mention it messes up your emotions. 

I am not ashamed of my periods. I have accidents where I am not expecting my period and there is blood everywhere. I get up and clean the mess which is fine. This does not make me dirty, it means I wasn't expected it and it happens you know. I can't know everything I am not Mystic Meg. 


One thing that bothers me with periods and peoples view is that somehow because I am a woman and have a period that I am somewhat below a man. I am disgusted and dirty but why? because blood comes out of my vagina once a month? It is just a ridiculous way of thinking which again stems back to religion and this idea of uncleanness. 

How can we improve the whole notion of breaking down period taboo? well, the key is to talk more especially when having children, though my sons are male and won't experience periods they know what happens to mummy.

 Why is mummy wearing sanitary towels? Why she is moody or a bit shouty at daddy? Kids like to explore from a young age and it is important to talk about these things.

 I think it is important for especially girls to understand what happens beforehand so they don't feel scared and that they can learn to embrace periods for what they are.

 We should celebrate when a girl starts periods as opposed to casting fear into them. We should see it as a practical element to being a woman and reducing the fear. Overall it is important to keep talking about periods. 



Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Snapshot 10/02/2019



My son went to Pizza Express this week with the school and made his own pizza. He was delighted with the results as you can see in the picture.

Friday 8 February 2019

Experiences

Hey readers, 

My word of the week is:



This is because we have been to do a couple things. On Saturday was a really busy day for us as a family. My youngest had his work displayed at a different school as it was an entry piece for the local young artist's competition. 

Later on in the afternoon, my eldest had free tickets to see Coventry City play at the stadium. My boys were desperate to go and watch a football match. I am not a fan of football, to be honest, but now my boys can say they have to a match and experienced it first hand. 

Also, this week we have started getting more SATS homework for my eldest as he is year 2 and the tests will be coming soon. It is a bit annoying as he has five different types of homework to complete and I think at his age is too much for him personally, but you what can you do.  

Anyhow hope you have had a good week. 

Cheers for reading X 

Thursday 7 February 2019

10 gifts for new parents.

Hey readers, 

If you know someone who is expecting and then you need to check out my new parent gift guide, full of thoughtful and sometimes funny ideas to celebrate the milestone of being a parent.  




1. 'mum to be' Letterbox gifts.

Month 1- Mum to Be Gifts Set
This is a three-month prescription box of crafted items that would make a new mum have a smile on their face. It includes lots of chocolate (who can turn their nose up and that) and luxury pampering items such as bath salts and candles to help give someone that special 'me time'.

2. Firestick Alexa TV stick. 


This is an amazing idea and I love the fact that you can control the stick what you watch simply by speaking to it. We all know when having babies can be a handful so this makes flicking through channels so much easier and believes me you spend a lot of time watching tv as I did. 

3. Coffee machine. 

This coffee machine vital item parents need to have in their life and it is a coffee machine because let's face it in the early days of sleep deprivation of any new parent needs caffeine to keep them afloat and not go into zombie mode. 

4. Pacifier Temperature. 

VP Natura pacifier clone thermometer 1ud

I know that is a genius idea to get a good recording of a baby temperature especially if you do decide to use a dummy. The temperature reading is incorporated inside the dummy so works once the baby is sucking on the dummy. Anything that makes parents lives easier is key when considering a present for any new parent.

5. I Adulted!: Stickers for Grown-Ups [Book]

Who says achievement stickers can't be used in the adult. Their fun stickers celebrate the achievements of getting stuff done, perfect for when your knackered and don't a lot of time so important to celebrate the small stuff. 

6. Rad dad t-shirt. 


This is a cool t-shirt for any new day out there. It is quirky and has an eighties vibe going on, what is not to love? 

7. New parent quotation in a jar. 

New Parent Quotations In a Jar. Month of Funny and Thoughtful Quotes in a Jar. Perfect Gift for New Mum & Dad. Take One A Day & reflect on new parenthood. In a Premium Orcio Glass Jar. With gift box.
When  I spotted this browsing the net I really liked it and thought it was such a thoughtful and fun idea for new parents. It is a jar that is filled up with funny and thoughtful quotes that will make a new parent smile. Sometimes you just need a little word of encouragement and this is fab as you can pick out a random quote which probably speaks to you somehow. 

8. pNeo baby shusher. 

pNeo Baby Shusher

When my boys were younger this product wasn't around, oh how I wish it was. This is a pNeo baby shusher creatures calming nature sounds quickly soothes a fussy baby with rhythmic "shush" sound Parenting technique from "The Happiest Baby on the Block" Timing options - 15 or 30 minutes with the built-in sound sensor and user controlled volume Makes a great gift; good for newborns and up. 

9. Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood (Mr Men for grown-ups).


This is a humour present and it will bring a smile to a mums face because who didn't like Little Miss and Mr Men books when they were young. This is a brilliant paradoy book that will tell lighthearted trials and tribulations of motherhood. 

10. Search Engine New Parent card. 


I thought this spot on as I recall the many times I visited Google in the early days of parenthood to seek the ultimate answers from Dr Google. I think this card pretty much sums up parenthood in the modern digital age. you can buy it from Etsy



Cheers for reading X 


Wednesday 6 February 2019

Day in the life of a supermum.

Hey readers,

I am not a super mum more of the side to a slummy mummy but what does a super mum's day look like? I have found the answer below. 



My day!

4 am - wake up and iron children's uniform.

4.30 am - do all the washing, drying and making sure the kitchen is sparkling.

5 am - time for some yoga darlin'.

5.30 am - shower, get ready, full makeup, straight hair, make sure number one priority is to smell of roses.

6.30 am - make a smooth which involves spinach, apple, banana, water and a splash of lemon for ultimate yummy mummy treat.

6:46 am -  makes organic fresh homemade breakfast muffins for my cherubs. 

7.15 am - make organic fresh juice to serve with breakfast muffins. Whilst they eat that I get the shower ready for them. 


7:30 am - My little darlin's are showered, hair dry and dressed. Of course, put all homework in and on time along with all letters dealt with and paid for school actives. My motto is, "only the best will do, can't be going around being late or poor". 


8 am - Reading on the go whilst a little bit of Bach played in the background as I sip my freshly brewed coffee. This is the life, I love motherhood it is perfect, I am the best mummy in this town. 

8:15 am - say bye to husband, he is working from home so popped the fresh coffee and breakfast into bed for him as a nice surprise. One must keep her husband happy, it is the ultimate lesson in keeping marriages strong. 

8:30 am -  plenty of time to warm up my gorgeous Land Rover, you have to drive in style. Nobody wants to be a plan Susan, do we?


8:45 am -  Drop the children off to school, arranged the PTA meeting (of course I am head of it as a natural born leader and a real interest in my children's school environment). 

10 am - meal plan for the week. 


10:30 am - time for a catch up on Mumsnet, gotta love a good connection with like-minded people. 

11 am - get the lunch ready for husband and myself, a lovely smashed avocado on toast does the job.

1 pm - top to bottom clean of the house so it is spick and span. 

3 pm - collect the boys from school and I was ten minutes early so I could chat with all my yummy mummy friends at the gate. 


3:15 pm - snacks and drinks dished out and now they are changed, this mummy life is the easiest isn't it!


Now time to prep dinner from scratch - I don't do processed food or stuff from a packet, oh no not I must be organic, fresh and prepared with my own fair hands. 

4 pm - get children doing their homework, must do it before playtime as I like plenty of time to get it done. No one likes to be rushed or late in this household. 

6 pm - time for a wind down where I play with my boys, talk and relax into the evening. 


7.30 pm - settled children into bed, no problem, sound asleep, they are a dream because I love routine and like to have everything together. 

8 pm - Now time to plan a cake to bake for the school fete at the weekend. Also, got to share on my Facebook the children competition results for the black belt in karate. 


9 pm - got the table set for the night before, I like to be prepared. Remember if you want something done, you need to get up and do it, Beyonce can so can I as we both have 24 hours in our day. 


10 pm - skincare routine completed and now time to settle down with a green tea and read up on some crafts on Pinterest to do with the children at the weekend. 

11 pm - time for beddy byes.

Cheers for reading X

**Disclaimer** This is a work of fiction. characters and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.







Tuesday 5 February 2019

My 5 faviourite things about January.

Hey readers,

Finally, after a long old month, it is no February, so I thought that it would be good to reflect back over the month of things that I have been loving. I want to share you my five highlights over the past month that I have been enjoying, it is a great way to celebrate the good things in life. 




1. Pure. 

This is a new programme on Channel Four that shows the effects of a women's life living with pure O OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) where the main symptoms of the condition is that have obsessive and intrusive thoughts. 
As a suffer from OCD it is rather refreshing to see a portrait of the deliberating condition that is not cleaning based for once. Plus, I think it is great to see pure O being made aware off as not many people have heard of this type of OCD. 

2. Minimalism. 

I have kind of been doing this for a few months with having two days a week where I don't spend a penny. I find following this method really helped. It does get easier and it makes you think about money in a different light. 

I have also been conscious of what I have been buying and trying to reduce impulsive buying. I have also made sure that I follow a list of items that I have banned from buying such as nail varnish. I already have a ton of nail polishes for example and as lovely as it is getting something new, there is something more pleasurable about getting something that is needed as opposed to desire. I feel I am not wasting money on stuff that I don't need. Instead only buying items that I genuine need makes me feel more happy about the way I view money. 

3. Bath. 

I don't often have a bath but have had a couple in the past month and I have been enjoying just lying back in the water and just being present without any distractions. I feel as I get older I am becoming more relaxed with being still, which I have always found pretty hold to do as I have a short attention span and feel the pressure to be doing something. Just letting go element is really beneficial to my mental health. 

4. Wolly jumpers. 

As the weather has drastically changed and plummeted in low numbers in January I have embraced woolly jumpers. They are so warm and comforting. I basically just love being snug and wrapped in warmth.

5. Soup. 

With continuing with the theme of warmth and whether I have been enjoying eating soup to warm the old cockles up. I find soup so comforting especially after you have been out in the cold and eating something warm is bliss to me.

So, there you have my five favourite things about January that I have been loving. What kind of things has been making you happy last month? Love to hear your thoughts. 

Cheers for reading x

Monday 4 February 2019

10 things that suck about Facebook.

Hey readers,

I hate Facebook, don't get me wrong Facebook has a place, for instance, I like the selling pages and promoting my blog. However, there are some things on Facebook that really gets on my goat, so let me share them with.




1) the first one involves the selling pages when you're scrolling through what people are selling and the price is free and then you go into the description of the item and it says to make an offer. To me, this is misleading as you think it is one thing and it turns out it is something completely different. I would much prefer it to be free or have a price tag, know where you stand.

 frustrated fuck my life head desk bang head GIF

2) Facebook friends that promote pyramid schemes such as Younique beauty products. I don't want your spam on my timeline with the advertisement for this scheme nor do I want your request to buy a £23 mascara, enough said.

3) The need to portray a false perception of life where everything is Rose-tinted and perfect. This can make you feel crap when you're at home and your life is nowhere near as beautiful as their false perception. I believe that this is not healthy just to constantly see the positive, you got to have the Ying with the yang.

Cheezburger facebook memes social media sad but true GIF

4) When people statues are cryptic with messages about having enough or can't coping anymore and then when someone asks why they say oh it's nothing don't worry about it. reeks of attention seeking behaviour so don't bother or if you want to talk to someone in private then direct message them.

5) The constant gamers requests, I do not want to help you harvest your field in FarmVille. I will not change my mind even on the 5000th time.

weinventyou animation facebook animated gif social media GIF

6) When you get friends to request from Rita, Sue and Bob who you haven't heard from for 20 years, suddenly decide to want to be your friends on Facebook, thank you but no keep your sticky beak out of it.

7) Over the years Facebook has changed. Facebook now appears to focus on commercial ads or sponsored content and it's just something that's not appealing to me. If I wanted to shop I would go and hunt for something, I don't need any recommendations.

 facebook crying cry thailand annoying GIF

8) Now I know there is Pinterest which is the modern time waster but Facebook still has a place in this role. You can lose valuable time getting lost in random stuff.

9) The fact that Facebook app uses so much RAM and kills your battery and you need another app for Facebook Messenger.

10) I have questions about how much power Facebook has over data and how they store in that information.

Cheers for reading X

Sunday 3 February 2019

10 cheap dates for nature lovers


Hey readers,

I am a big fan of being outdoors as quite claustrophobic and it got me to thinking about date ideas to do with nature lovers. So, here are my top 10 date ideas for the nature lovers out there.


1. Stargazing.

silhouette photo of two person watching stars

A lovely way to spend an evening with someone outside (unless it is raining) is to get a throw to go somewhere grassy have some drinks and star gazing. it is so peaceful and calm.

2. Nature scavenger hunt.

 A quirky date to do outdoors is to print a nature scavenger hunt and go someplace that is full of nature. A fun thing to do as well competes with one another and it is a great way to connect with someone.

3. Walk in the woods.

trees on forest with sun rays

I love trees, they are just so beautiful so going to woods is in my eyes totally escapism. It is the beautiful natural environment and it just enjoyable disconnect from everything for a little while with someone.

4. Go hiking.

If you like a challenge and have the stamina then try going on a trek, it is a great way to do something that you have to work hard physically and feel really good after.

5. Outdoor picnic.

brown wicker picnic basket on red textile

During the more milder seasons, a brilliant idea is to get some lunch food and a blanket again if you look locally there are plenty of places you explore. if you have the funds then maybe go further afield and look for somewhere that is eye pleasing. it will make a really good day out and you can't beat eating Al fresco, food just tastes much more enjoyable being out in the fresh air.

6. Go geocaching. 

If you have a smart phone download the free app geocaching where you use the map to locate containers called geocaches or catch at a specific location where you use coordinates to find it, which is basically a fun treasure hunt. You did need to have a GPS device to play, but everything is free just need to type the location and a map will appear of where the geocaches are for you to find. 

7. Go to the beach.

ocean wave at beach

Alternatively to green type locations why not check out the beach with golden sand and watching the waves come crashing down is a fantastic place to chill out to someone.

8. Have a BBQ.

 Another fine Al fresco choice to do on a date outdoors is to have a BBQ in your back garden or some a place that allows BBQ, but be best to check beforehand instead of turning up to a place disappointed. 

9. Rent a bike.

silhouette of white bicycle during sunrise

You don't need to own a bike to enjoy bike rides as there are places now that cater to people loaning bikes for the day, which is awesome to go on a bike ride with someone. Also, check out places that allow bikes too as there many facilities that offer people riding bikes. 

10. Attend a festival.

This more apt for summer but check out where you live, as for instance I live in Coventry and every year they host a three day festival in August that has free music gigs outdoors in the beautiful Memorial park. 

What kind of date ideas do you like to do outdoors?

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Snapshot 03/02/2019


Friday 1 February 2019

Change

Hey readers,

My word of the week is:


This is because I've had a couple of changes and that something I struggle with. but hey go carry on and all the stuff. 

My youngest had an awful cough and was sick because of the mucus. His temp was also up and on Monday he was like death. So he had a couple of days to recuperate.  

Also, this week both my boys had the opportunity of parents coming to have lunch with them. Sadly my youngest was sick but my eldest was fine so he had the choice of mummy and daddy. 

So he picked me eek was expecting that. Still, even though my anxiety was through the roof I did it by myself so was that slightly nerve-wracking. my eldest was also very tense and anxious so I something to focus on to try and keep him calm. 

He also is not good with the change to routine and he doesn't like the noise which was a lot more now that there were more people than normal in the dinner Hall. 

Anyhow, hope you have had a good week 

Cheers for reading. X