What I have been loving in February

Hey readers,

Wow, that is February gone so what have I been loving this month? Let me enlighten you below. 

1. Warmer weather.

Oh yes, I am totally embracing the milder weather. I don't even bother with a coat as I hate wearing as they make me feel claustrophobic. I have even dusted down the old slip-on pumps and not worn socks, let me tell you absolutely bliss!!!!

2) Alan Partridge.

This to me is a biggy as I love Alan Partridge and to see the show with a new layout is awesome, it was one of my favourite comedy show ever. 

3) Daffodils. 

What can I say they remind me of spring, don't cost a lot and brighten up a room. Win-win for me and my boys are uber cute letting me know when each daffodil has opened up fully.

4) Santigold (album title Santigold). 

I love this singer Santigold but searched out the old album and have been listening to the album a lot. Great for having on when Iand out and about walking. 

5) Fitbit. 

I have finally saved my pennies and purchased a Fitbit again. I broke my last one and didn't invest in one again till now after two years I think, lol. Anyhow, it is a great motivator and has helped me become more active with the target of 10,000 and I am a bit of a geek and enjoy looking at my progress through the Fitbit graph. 

6)  Colouring in.

My youngest has been getting into colouring in and I have joined in and taking very seriously. I love it and it is so relaxing. Not to mention the fact that it calms the kids down. Which is brilliant when you have two energetic boys is a blessing in its self because whilst they are colouring they are concentrating which means they are not talking, peaceful bliss.

What have you been loving in February? 

Cheers for reading X 

Slip in the moment

Warm

Hey readers,

My word of the week is:

because I do not know if you are aware but the sun has been shinning a lot. I even dusted down my sandals, bliss to have air circulating around your feet.

  Now, that the temperatures have been mild I have also taken advantage of this factor and washing on the line all week, of course, I had to mention washing because I am a mum right and it feels like I am permanently in and out of the washing machine, lol. 

I am also walking more now that I treated myself last week to a Fitbit, it is a great motivator and much better than the old pedometer. I am definitely been out more and opted to walk instead of not doing any exercise which feels wonderful, of course, it also helps that the sunshine has been out which makes it much more of an enjoyable affair. 

Hope you have had a good week., 

CHeers for reading X

5 places to find royalty free photos

Hey readers,

If your blogger or thinking about doing a blog you may what some nice crisp pictures but your not that good yet or you just don't have to take the time to take them. One way to deal with this issue to use royalty free images which you are allowed to use on your blog without getting into trouble with anyone.

1. Pexels.

This website hosts thousands of photos for you to pick uploaded by talented photographers each day so the database expands with more choice for users to pick the right photo for them. They are all free and can even be used for commercial use as well. All images are Creative Commons Zero License. You can use them on whatever project you are doing whether it is a blog, app, websites etc.

2. Unsplash.

Another website that showcased a beautiful showcase of photos. The site claims to have 100,000 contributors and generates more than 9 billion photo impressions per month on their overgrowing collection of photos. There are all sorts of photos from abstract, colourful, nature, macro, industrial, you name it the sites showcases it all.

3. Pixabay.

Pixabay state that they have over 1.6 billion royal free stock photos, vertical design, clip art and videos. shared by individuals uploading for you to use for free. You can use the images for personal or commercial use.

4. Burst Shopify.

This is a smaller website compared to the above sites but that doesn't mean a great place to find good quality photos for you to use on commercial and personal use. You can use the images for such projects as mug image, means or even shirts for a few ideas. The photos are all royalty-free and that is constantly updating new images to feast your eyes on.

5.  Kaboompics.



This site offers model released images of people which is quite hard to find from I site shares royalty free images. Though there are not as many photo choices as bigger sites it still gets 4 million times been downloaded which indicates a rather popular site to check out. 

Do you use royalty free stock images? What is your favourite sire to use?

Cheers for reading X

Why I like shopping in charity shops.

Hey readers, 

I love charity shopping, it such a cool habit to do. It is so fun because you don't know what to expect because it is so random and such a variety of items.  So, why do I like charity shopping? Well, let me tell you why below. 

1. Money. 

Going shopping in charity shops is a great way to be frugal and save so much money.  Not to mention the fact that you good value as there is still plenty of wear in the clothing. Not only can you get clothing from charity shops but other items such as homeware and children's toys. The shops tend to check beforehand the quality. I would 90% are really good at that with the odd that shop doesn't give a monkeys. However, you can check it before buying anyway so it is absolutely fine. 

2. Unique. 

The items that people kindly donate to charity shops is so varied in the choice that it can be a really fun way of thinking outside of the box in terms of creating pieces for outfits. You definitely going to feel unique because you can pick up something different and create your own style. Most items tend to be out of trend which is good because you know that not everyone is going to wear the same item at the same time, which is refreshing. If you are into vintage clothing charity shops are the place to be as they are a lot cheaper then say Ebay because there is less focus selling the idea of 'vintage'. 

3. Charity. 

You know when you buy from a charity shop the money that you pay for the items goes straight to the charity and causes that will benefit greatly for your contribution to buying items from the charity shop. 

4. Environmental.

Buying from the charity shop means that you are recycling old items and reuses them, meaning less material is being used and affecting the environment whilst doing this. With regards to throw away fashion, it means it is more sustainable and that you are not just buying more clothes but instead buying old clothes but are new to you. 

Do you like charity shops? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

Companies that reward you for recycling

Hey readers,

Do you want to get some cash for old items that you do not use then one way to do this is to exchange your old items for new? Not only do you get some cash but also recycling will help the environment win-win.  

There are many companies that now offer money for the exchange of old items and below are a list of some companies that offer this service. 

H&M. 

So H & M offer a point service where you drop a bag of old clothing and doesn't matter about the condition you can still get rewarded. Every bag you hand into H&M you can get a £5  voucher off your next £30 shopping in H&M. 

Lush. 

Lush are very good with reducing packaging on their items. With your empty tubs, you can return 5 empty containers and you can get a free Lush fash mask. 

Mac Cosmetics.

Mac is promoting ways to reduce waste and you can be part of the Mac recycling programmes (which has been running for many years). What you have to do to receive a reward is to return six empty man containers and Mac also collect 'primary packaging'  that material that encases the product. You can return the recycled items to a Mac store or online. For your reward in returning the item, you get a MAC lipstick for free. 

Windows.

Windows offers you a Microsoft reward card when you return computers or games and then you can buy something new in store. 

Colgate.

Colgate since last year has started doing a recycle reward scheme in conjunction with Terracycle.  For each shipment of waste over 200 grams, the sender will receive TerraCycle points, which can then be redeemed to the charity, non-profit or school of the sender’s choice. One kilogramme of waste will earn 100 points, worth £1 – so the larger the shipment, the greater the reward, making it beneficial for large organisations and councils to sign up and create community collection points.

Costa. 

Costa coffee gives 25p off your coffee when you bring in your own reusable cup instead of using a Costa disposable one. 

Tesco.

If you have any old ink cartridges knocking about then take them to Tesco as they will reward you in points for recycling old ink cartridges. The points vary from 25-100 Clubcard points. There is also a minimal of 100 cartridges each year for Tesco card holder. 

M & S. 

M & S have teamed up with Oxfam where if you donate branding clothing or soft furnishing you can get £5 off voucher a £35 M & S shop.

  

Monki.

Monki offer when you hand in your old clothes and textile items a 10% off voucher in one purchase. Bear in mind that the voucher lasts up to 6 months as a way of saying thank you. 

Do you do recyling? Is there a place that offers rewards that I havent mentiuoned. Love yo hear tour comments in the comment secition. 

Cheers for reafing X 

My Sunday snapshot 24/02/2019

Half term

Hey readers,

My word of the week is 

because we have just had a week off school for half term holiday. My eldest really enjoys the break and rest from school as he has told me. 

Both boys have had some extra swimming lessons so that has helped burn up some energy. 

But let's not forget the homework, which I feel is relentless but we cracked on with it to get it done. 

We have also been to the dreaded dentist

 I had really bad intrusive thoughts over the fear of all my teeth falling out.

 I had a new dentist and he was really understanding. He understand and talked me through what was happening which helped my anxiety a lot. 

The boys loved the dentist and the novelty of the dentist chair lol plus they even got free balloon, simple pleasures and all that hey. 

Hope you have had a good week. 

Cheers for reading X 

Chocolate Rice Krispie cakes recipe

Hey readers, 

 Looking for a fairly easy recipe to do with kids then check this one out - chocolate Rice Krispies cakes. On a side note, it would be perfect for Eater time as well. 

Ingredients. 

❉ 120g /4 oz unsalted butter. 

❉ 6 tablespoons of golden syrup. 

❉ 1 bar of 100g of dark chocolate. 

❉1 bar of 100g fo milk chocolate. 

❉ 180g/6oz of Rice Krispies. 

❉ A handful of cacao nips. 

❉ A bag of chocolate micro eggs. 

Method. 

1) melt the chocolate in small bursts in the microwave or over a Bain Marie (in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water).

 

2) Add the butter, cut in to small pieces, stir until melted. 

3) Add the syrup, stir. 

4)  Add a handful of cacao nips into the mix. 

5) Add the Rice Krispies and stir into the chocolate mix, gently. 

6) Spoon into 24 bun cases. 

7) Add the micro chocolate eggs on top of the mixture. 

8) Leave to cool. 

9) Eat!!!

Cheers for reading X 

Twist

I see the light, 

you thought 

you owned me,

turns out

I am smarter than you 

think. 

You forget 

I have a brain,

you try,

twist it around, 

controller, 

not now, 

I have seen the light 

for what you are. 

I am not worthy

I feel I am not worthy, 

I ask myself how,

I ended up here,

Doing this,

When I am clearly 

I am not enough. 

I am a fake!

I am a fraud!

Hide me,

I am not worthy.

6 ways your cat says I love you.

Hey readers,

We all know cats rule ;) (Ok that is just my opinion) but so many people assume cats are cold therefore I thought I would share how a cat shows there love to their owner with 6 signs below.

1. Head-butts.

You know where your cat likes you by the way they come over and rub against your leg, clearly very happy to have you in their presence and like to be close to their owners.  Also, when cats are rubbing up against your legs they are rubbing their scent onto you as a way to say you are accepted to them and they are happy to have you in their home.

2. Sleep.

One of the lovely things about owning a cat is when the cats come and sleep on you or close by in your bed when you’re sleeping. They clearly want your company and feel safe with you around them. They can be vulnerable when they are asleep and they are happy and contented to sleep in your presence.

3. Cattail.

Though there are many different meanings to a cats tail and how the cat is feeling. A positive sign is when your cat's tail is twitching at the tip of the tail that is an indication that the cat is happy and feeling blissful around you.

4. Blink.

A cat that slow blinks at you can be interpreted that the cat is showing you affection and that they like you in their company. Cats don't willingly like to give eye contact to everyone so you’re really lucky if they do slow type blink at you as this is their way to show that they love you.

5. Kneading.

 Do you notice when your cat moves their paws up and down whilst purring on you, well this is called kneading? When a cat was a kitten they would knead against their mothers to stimulate milk production. These habits don't die out when they get older and this is their way of giving you affection.

6. Greetings.

When I come home from a long day out my cat greets me with his tail up and this is another positive sign that they are happy to see you. It also shows that they have missed you and want some love form you as well.

Do you have cats? What ways do they like to show their love for you?

Cheers for reading x

How to deal with a cold

Hey readers,

This time of year there is a lot of coughs and colds knocking about. As a parent, they just feel a constant one after the other. So in this post, I am going to tell you some tricks and tips on how to beat that nasty cold.

what are the cold symptoms you may experience?

sore throat
 high-temperature
 pressure in your ears and face 
 headache
 sore muscles 
sneezing loss of taste and smell

1. Sleep.

One of the best ways to get over a cold is to sleep it off. It allows your body the time to rest and fight of the germs that are in your body.

2. Vapour Rub. 

If you have a blocked nose from all the mucus built up it can be quite tricky to breathe. So using vapour rub can help tremendously to give you some comfort that helps clear the airways to make it more bearable to breathe through your nose.

3. Hydrate.

Keep on top of your fluid levels as it is important when you have a cold or a sore throat to keep make sure you are hydrated. When. your coughing, sneezing or have irritation from a cough at the back of your throat you can feel thirsty. That is why it is key to be mindful and stay on top form by continuing to drink to keep up with the loss of fluid caused by a cold.

4. Medication.

Of course, there is the trusted medication you can buy over the counter to help with pain relief. There is cough medicine to help soothe your throat. There is also medication to give relief like tablets with paracetamol. Lozenges are cough sweets that you can suck on to help relieve painful sore throats.

5. Gargle water.

Putting 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8oz glass of warm water and failing that water at the back of your throat can give temperature relief of a sore or scratchy throat.

6. Hot baths.

Having a hot bath can help relieve painful muscles that comes with having a cold. Also though uncomfortable at first climatizing to the heat can help raise your temperature and make you sweat. Therefore can help boost your immune system to fight the germs in your body.

7. Eat soup.

Eating soup can help a cold as it breaks down congestion that is linked to a cold. Plus soup is really comforting for when you are not feeling well.

9. Humidifiers.

Humidifiers are brilliant at helping you breathe more easier and with the cooling sensation of the steam. You can even now get humidifiers designed to have in your bedroom at night time to help you feel comfortable and get a good night sleep. Doing anything to help get sleep and rest makes all the difference when you are not feeling 100 per cent.

What things help you when you experience a cold? love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Cheers for reading X