Friday 19 July 2019

Final

Hey readers,

My word of the week is: 



This week is the final week of school for both boys which means six weeks of no school. Kinda happy I don't have to deal with the social aspect. I know both boys will be more relaxed and let's hope not too much squabbling before I end up turning into my mother ðŸ˜‰

My eldest after growing his hair for two and a half years got it cute. So strange seeing it so short and can, see his head haha. He loves it because he really struggles with the sensory aspect of brushing his hair so I am hoping for less screaming in the morning.

My youngest has moved upon his book band which makes me so proud and he has worked so hard with his reading. 

We are planning to do the reading challenge at the library so that should help with continuing with his progress. 

Hope you have had a good week. 

 Cheers for reading X 

Wednesday 17 July 2019

Fed is best

Hey readers,

So you probably heard of the news story today regarding midwives been told to respect the decision by the mother if she decides not to breastfeed her baby.


This is such good news to hear because when I could not breastfeed my baby I was devasted and thought that was it I am officially the world's sh*test parent. Even though I tried my hardest I just didn't have the co-ordination due to my spatial awareness difficulties due to being autistic.

I remember going to a breastfeeding group pre-baby and the sheer pressure from the group was scary. I felt like if I didn't do this then I would be such a bad person.

After my eldest was born I tried for two/three days to breastfeed. I was in the hospital for the two days due to complications. Every single time I needed help. I could not do it myself. Even after when I returned home I had my husband do it for me. Again it made me feel like a massive failure and it stopped me bonding with my son. I felt so angry with myself and feel that I was not adequate in being a mum.

I think the guilt of not being able to breastfeed was one of the things that triggered postnatal depression sadly.

Luckily, however, I saw a brilliant midwife who told me to just bottle feed, I was baffled but then I thought well actually yeah why not. She told me she bottle-fed her children and it made me feel so much better knowing that it was OK to formula feed. Having that support was a big deal. Just knowing it was OK to do so and nothing bad was going to happen helped make me feel relief like I have never felt before.

So to hear the changes is such a positive step forward. I am not knocking breastfeeding but I think it is important to be mindful that not every woman can do it and that is OK. As long as the baby is the feed that is much more important.

Cheers for reading X

Sunday 14 July 2019

5 things to use with vinegar and baking soda.


Hey readers, 

You don't have to spend a lot on branded cleaning products to make your home clean. There are so many good ways to clean and you only need in some cases white vinegar, baking soda or both combined (which is a really cheap way to clean). Here are 10 ways you can use this natural, green and eco-friendly cleaning products. 



1. Pans. 

Pour a small layer of equal amounts of water and white vinegar at the bottom of your pan, Next heat the dilated water on the hob so that the liquid in the pan boils. After boiling for a minute remove the pan from the hob and drain the fluid down the sink. Then allow about five minutes cool down and scrub with a normal washing pad to remove the stains, voila.  

2. Washing machine. 

Add two spoons of baking soda into the determinate draw and 1/2 a cup of white vinegar add to the drum where the washing goes in. Run a normal warm wash but don't make it hot. 

Keep an eye on the washing machine as there may be build up residue that can cause high levels of soap suds. (However, if you regularly clean your washing machine the less change of this will happen. 

It is recommended that you clean your washing machine every 2/3 months). 

This cleaning method will help break down the residue and also give a clean smell afterwards, win-win. 

3. Microwave.

Fill a microwave bowl with two cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Putting in a toothpick into the bowl will help stop the water from overflowing.

 You can also add a drop of essential oil to make the vinegar smell more pleasant. Then after be mindful that the bowl is hot so be cautious and use oven clothes and place the content down the sink carefully. Next, get a cloth and wipe over the microwave there you have a clean microwave and smells lovely as well. 

4. Unblocking your drains. 

Pour a pot of boiling hot water down the drain.

 Next, add a half a cup of baking soda down the drain. 

Leave the mixture to settle for a few minutes then add a mixture of hot water and white vinegar down the drain.

 Leave the plug on the drain for 10 minutes then flush the drain with water to get rid of the mixture. 

5. The Toilet. 

Sprinkle one cup of baking soda into the toilet. 

Next, get a bowl of white vinegar and pour that into the toilet.

 Put the toilet lid down on the toilet and allow 30 minutes for the magic to happen.

 After the time is uplift the lit and clean the toilet with the cleaning brush. 

Finally, flush the toilet and don't worry about the plumbing as vinegar and baking soda will not harm it!

Do you use vinegar or baking soda for cleaning? Have I not mentioned anything that really uses the cleaning products to clean with? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 


My Sunday photo 14/07/2019

Who needs toys when you can have boxes.


Friday 12 July 2019

Science

Hey readers,

My word of the week is:



Because we had to do some really complicated and in-depth science report for the science fair. 

It took a lot of hard work by doing the experiment and write up. 

Sadly, the school made each child write up the same report individually which took a lot of time and patience. 

It was fun but you needed a lot of time to do so defiantly won't be doing that again next year. 

Both I and my husband thought it was ridiculous the amount of work needed to go into the science report. We believe that it was more suited for twelve years old.

So, it has been exhausting so glad for this weekend where it is going to be a much more relaxed fair and less pressure to constantly be writing or glueing. 

Hope you have had a good week.
 
Cheers for reading X 

Wednesday 10 July 2019

why museums are important

Hey readers,

Today I want to talk about why museums are important. Well first of they tend to be free which means it gives an opportunity for everyone to access and explore history and culture with the world around us.

 It doesn't matter on your background, race. gender or financial the museum is open for all to access if they so desire.


It is a great place to take the children especially, like myself who do not have loads of money. It is a good way to educate a child and to learn through visual ideas and artefacts found in the museum.




They offer free events which are a great way to connect within the community. It allows you to appreciate the different types of expression people can do. It allows you to explore freely with like-minded people who also enjoy art.

Children enjoy learning about history and how different peoples lives are or how they used to live. It is an alternative way to learn and it allows a fun way to communicate with children and grasp the complexities of people.

Often the free activities available at the museum can help inspire children to express themselves and get creative. 

It is a safe place where they won't be judged and encouraged to do as they wish and with what they feel comfortable doing.

 Children can learn different forms of art and can get excited with the information they have learnt meaning they can expand further when at home or school.

It is a Breathe of fresh air to go to a place like a museum that it is not just based on modern information but alternative ideas of thinking.
Museums are a place to remember the past and celebrate the achievements of others have done and created history for it.

Thinking about the importance of the museum for society then there are financial benefits of having museums in places because they can help boost the economy. They provide reasons for other people that don't live in the area to come and explore the museum.

Also, if you have some money you can be tempted to check out the local shop or go for something to eat and drink therefore putting money back into the economy. 

Therefore keeping the attraction open for all to explore and have the opportunity.

Do you enjoy going to a museum?

Cheers for reading X

Tuesday 9 July 2019

Competition win Maybelline Colossal Mascara **AD**

Hey readers,

Who doesn't love a freebie because it sure brings me joy!

It can be hard sometimes to know where to look for freebies. However, you don't have to spend ages anymore as there is this brilliant site called Wowfreestuff. The website provides a list every day of hot new freebies that you can get your hands on with links to the places making it so easy to do within minutes. 



What kind of things does wowfreestuff offer? 

Well, variety is the spice of life with the freebies that wowfreestuff have to offer. You can get your hands on free makeup, free perfume, free food and even free household goods. The website is so easy to navigate around with clear lists with individual boxes. So you really have the choice to pick and choice freebies that suit you and your lifestyle. 
If freebies weren't enough to get excited wowfreestuff are giving away 1 of 100 Maybelline Colossal Mascara. If you want to be in a change of winning this mascara all you need to do is head over to the site to get the change of win freebies.

All you have to do is fill out the form and like wowfreestuff Facebook page, it is as simple as that. 

Terms & Conditions

This competition ends on the 1st September 2019.
 By entering you agree to sign up to WOW FreeStuff Newsletter
Must be over 18 and based in the UK
By entering you agree to our Privacy PolicyTerms & Conditions and to receive our daily freebie newsletter.


Good luck!
Cheers for reading X
This is a sponsored post for wowfreestruff. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 












Sunday 7 July 2019

30 of the best life hacks.

Hey readers,

Life is hard right and if you can do anything to make it that bit easier than your safe hands as I have compiled 30 of the best life hacks. You won't regret reading this post, check them out below!




1. Don't you just hate trying to find clothes at the bottom of the draw that you can't see, well no more because the problem is solved and it is all about the way you stack them?

Image result for folding clothes life hack

2. Remember them things called cassette tapes, well now they have a use, genius!


3. Need help getting organised with leads then check this little hack. 

Image result for life hack

4. Why did I not think of this before, now I can hope not to trip up on that wee ;).

Image result for life hack

5. What a brilliant way to store items especially if you are limited with space. You can put your toilettes on shower curtains with clips, bravo!

Image result for life hack

6. Save some time when moving with this neat hack, all in one transport, boom!

how to move clothes easily

7. What to keep all you’re shopping together then you need this hack in your life.

hacks-42

8. Did someone say fresh sparkling wine?!

life-hack-1

9. Nothing is worse than wrapping paper unravelling, no more of that nonsense with this valuable hack.
hacks-5

10. Get annoyed with ads stopping you playing games on phone, not anymore....

Wizard move: You won't get texts or phone calls of course, but perhaps the game is more important anyway

11. Have no candles, need instant light check this savvy hack.

Flare: The paraffin wax in a crayon keeps it alight and the paper covering it acts like a wick

12. Who knew cola and blood worked well together?


13. How annoying is it slipping around on the rug, here is a solution to the problem?


14. You learn something every day.

enhanced-buzz-4139-1376440616-13

15. Want to clean in between the keys of your keyboard, well here is a smashing idea get a sticky note perfect for getting in them awkward small spots.

enhanced-buzz-8405-1376441398-3

16. No asbestos fingers, now you don't have to worry about getting your cheese on toast out of the toaster just move that toaster about.

grilled-cheese-in-toaster-life-hack

17. Of course, I knew the hotel TV would come in handy.

18. There is a spring in that hack.

23 Mind-Blowing Hacks You Will Want To Share On Facebook

19. Keep it all together in one place with this simple hack.

Shopping bag trash

20. No need to spend the earth on kids during summer with this cost effect delight.

Be the master of your garden with these easy gardening hacks.

21. Cut down on the space in the kid’s bedroom with this fantastic idea of using zipped freezer bags to store jigsaws in. You would be amazed at how much space you gain from getting rid of all those boxes.

Puzzle storage without bulky boxes: Cut out the picture from the box lid and store puzzles in bags.

22. Do you get fed up of all the playing cards getting lost then get hold of a soapbox to keep everything in place?

Store cards in a soap box

23. You know them Lego manuals keep them all together in a folder.

Store all the Lego manuals in one binder so you have them at your fingertips (plus find a bunch of other great Lego storage ideas in the link under the photo).

24. No more spillages with the paint brush.

cool-lifehacks-20

25. How infuriating are leads getting in a mess, thank goodness for toilet roll?

life-hacks-how-to-make-your-life-easier-18

26. Anything is worth a go.


27. Whoever thought about this is amazing, what a brilliant idea.


28.Cheap storage for spaghetti.

Photo | 1000 Life Hacks | Bloglovin̢۪

29. No bumps in the night with one.

Genius Lifehacks for an Easier Life – 22 Pictures

30. How frustrating is it losing where the tape ends, here is a clever trick to sort that out.

Je n’arrive pas à croire qu’on ne faisait pas ça avant ! Ces…

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 7/7/2019


Friday 5 July 2019

Hot

Hey readers,

My word of the week is:



I will be honest I am not a fan of humid weather and was it hot on Saturday. We did go for a walk, 
 and park in the heat so spend a lot of it hiding in the shade 😂
I much prefer the cooler breeze that came on Sunday.

I helped my son do his homework and it was about when he had a day at school called special values day.

He needed to write about that day. He said his favourite part of it was stroking the dog as it felt like a silk throw on him, which I just loved that description and wanted to share it in this post.

We had a meeting with the psychologist about ds1 and low and behold they said there are some things but not enough to take action. To be honest, didn't expect much cause let's be frank now as school has a tight budgetx and my son doesn't display overt behaviour at school.

My youngest went on a another school trip this week. I swear he goes on so many and has another one lined up next week. He is happy though as he got to play at a play village where it all pretends to play.

Hope you have had a good week.

Cheers for reading X

Wednesday 3 July 2019

How to help a child read.

Hey readers,

My youngest has started to read and bring books home. So, it inspired me to write some tips that have helped my eldest and youngest to read.

Read at home.

I think the most important thing to do when it comes to encouraging your child to read is to just simply read to your child and get them involved with listening to the story. This is a great way to get your child familiar with books, it is also a great way to bond. Reading books at bedtime is important to incorporate as it is relaxing and can help get your child to sleep. When reading to your child or getting them to read to you dot pressure them too hard, make it light and fun - they are more likely to want to do it.

adult baby book boy

Talk to your child.

My second tip to help get your child to read is to talk to your child about the book and let them tell you what the story is about, you could ask about their opinion of the book.

Wordless books.

Wordless books are a great tool to help with introducing reading to your child, they can talk about what is happening on the pages and it helps familiarise with reading.

Think positive and encourage praise.

toddler reading book

I know it can be frustrating when you want to do something and want to get your child to meet the expectations. But don't worry, think positive that they will learn but don't aim for them to do such and such with regards to reading at such a certain time. It is important to be laid back, encourage praise because children can sense the negativity especially when you are short tempered. If it is relaxed they are more likely to enjoy reading and want to do it all by themselves.

Be interested in what they are reading.

When listening to your child take an interest in what they are reading, encourage them by asking questions and how they feel or rate the book.

Library.

From a young age, you can take your child to the library and get them interested in books. There are free music and story time books allowing them to have fun and it is something free to do with your little one. Also, during the summer there is the reading challenge where you read x amount of books and receive stickers, activities at the end of a certificate and medal. A great encouragement to read. Another thing to do at the library is to let your child pick out books that interest them, it is free to borrow them. There is a wide selection of books, fiction, and non-fiction.

Space.

When your child is reading to you before jumping I and helping them (which is all too easy as I am guilty of this one) allow them the space to try themselves to break down the word and say it. Sometimes the best way to learn is through practicing yourself and getting familiar with words.

photo of a boy reading book

What things have you learned to help your child to read? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X

Sunday 30 June 2019

Cafe Rouge Groupon review.

Hey readers,



The other day I treated my husband to a meal out to Cafe Rouge in Coventry. If you haven't heard of Cafe Rouge it is a chain of French bistro and they have 70 restaurants in the UK. 


 



I also need to mention that I love a good old bargain so took the chance and brought a 3-course meal for two from Groupon for £23.00 which saved me 60% of my meal, yes, please! 




**Just to be clear this is not an AD, I just love a bargain and thought people might find this helpful.**

The menu includes:

Starters: French onion soup | garlic mushrooms | pea and mint tortelloni | breaded whitebait | breaded camembert.




Mains: poulet Breton | Moules marinière | steak and frites | duck confit | Leffe beer battered fish | summer salad with chicken | Croque Monsieur | pea and asparagus risotto | boeuf bourguignon | omelette | chargrilled chicken burger | black Angus burger.




Desserts: beignets | chocolate tarte | crème brûlée | tarte au citron | ice cream.




Also, note that you have a link after purchasing the coupon from Groupon that directs you to the Cafe Rouge website. It is important for you to book the table with a time that suits you.




Review of the restaurant. 




We arrived at Cafe Rouge at 12.30 on a Monday so luckily fairly quiet. We were quickly greeted by a member of staff who told us to chose any table we wanted, we went for the table near the window as we are nosey, like people watching hehe. 




We were asked for drinks - now here are the catch drinks aren't included. However, we ordered anyway as I was parched. Hubby ordered a flat white coffee and me a standard diet coke.




Hubby thought the coffee was really good quality and had lovely art decoration on top. 





Next, we ordered food and started with our start. I ordered garlic mushrooms on sour toast whilst my husband ordered breaded whitebait (which game with mayonnaise to dunk the fish in). 


 

We didn't have to wait for ages (though I don't mind as we didn't have kids so we could actually have an adult conversation).



The food tasted fresh and really good flavours.




The waitress cleared our plates and was super friendly and helpful. She then took got our next meal the main. 




I had a black Angus burger with fries whilst hubby had muscles and fries. Oh, my word people, myself and hubby assumed he would get a small dish of muscles however it was a massive dish of muscles (as you can tell from the photo below). 


 





Again, the food was fresh, though I didn't like the smokey flavour fo the burger, that is just my taste. One downfall with the fries is they did taste a bit undercooked for my liking as I like the centre of a chip soft fluffy. But can't really fault it because of the meal.




Soon the waitress took the plates away which we didn't have to ages like some places. We then asked for the dessert menu and I chose the chocolate tarte whilst husband picked the crème brûlée.
My chocolate tarte was beautiful, dark not too sweet and the cherry morello coulis really complimented the chocolate flavour. 





Husband really liked his crème brûlée though cold (but this might the norm in France) but he really enjoyed the taste and texture. He was a bit sad that it didn't crack when breaking the top.





The waitress got our receipt and we paid the extras for our meal. 




Overall, cant thought it and a fab deal via Groupon. Staff were friendly, polite and did a really good job of service. 




The place its self was clean, the staff kept on top of the tables so there weren't leftover plates from previous customers. The ambience was relaxed, the music was chilled and overall an excellent experience. 




Would I recommend getting a Groupon voucher? yes, I would but the only thing I would highlight is to make sure you clear in what you're getting and be mindful that drinks aren't included in the menu.




Cheers for reading X