dream home improvements wish list. **AD**

Hey readers,

Thinking about ideas that I would love to incorporate into home improvements would be first to choose aluminium windows. 

This is because of the quality that is given with A-rated efficiency, making it value for money in the long term. With the windows comes a 10-year guarantee so you have that security knowing they will be of good quality.

 Also, with the windows, there are high-security locks given you that peace of mind especially if I am away on holiday, for instance, I can relax that bit more.

If I had the money I would invest in underfloor heading all around my flat because it is comforting and luxurious. It helps the floors keep warm and just generally feel more homey with it incorporated into my dream home improvements. 

Within my kitchen, I would upgrade my home appliances to be more energy efficiency with star rated meaning it is more environmentally friendly.

 Not to mention that it cuts costs down your energy bill by using less energy meaning I would save money. 

If money was no object then I would choose to update my outdated kitchen with a new one. The kitchen is the centre of our home and gets used every day so deserves a little update.

 I would look into good storage as we don't have a lot of space.  I would choose good solid oak worktops, I would rip out the old cupboard and go for a light colour kitchen unit that draws the light in but is easy to clean with. 

Regarding the cupboard hands, I would probably add some quirky handles to stamp my own design on it to add character to the room.

I would paint the kitchen as well something light and airy and not to mention more lighting strips so there is more light which is practical as well when it comes to cooking in the kitchen. 

I would consider incorporating into the kitchen area a breakfast bar. The kitchen is a place to come together for my children and husband and vice versa to sit and be sociable in the kitchen whilst someone is working away in there. 

My kitchen floor is not perfect nor is it straight so it would be lovely to add fresh new tiles like these ones and get them professionally fitted. I like the pattern and I think again they are easy to clean as I think being practical when it comes to working space is also key. 

With regards to my bedroom, I would like to take off all the wallpaper, make the walls all smooth and then decorate all the walls including the ceiling with a new lick of paint. I would like the ceiling wall to be painted in a colour that is white as it would give a fresh feel. Then the other walls I would paint them a light blue colour.  I find the colour very calming which would be perfect for helping me get to sleep or be a place where I can go to chill out. 

Finally, I would invest in getting a new mattress to help with my quality of sleep. I think making sure the small things are taken care of are important. 

Cheers for reading X

This is an AD for Three Countries LTD. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

It's a causal thing **AD**

Hey readers,

Sometimes in life, we want a bit of fun? Some people just simply want no strings attached fun. This allows the person to enjoy some time together with another like-minded person but without the commitment where you are looking for casual adult dating.

 That is why if this is your thing you should check out this site called no strings dating . Sometimes, life can be stressful and that is why it is important to do something that you enjoy that is why connected to like-minded people is an awesome way to go because you know what is happening and that you ok with that. 

I know in the UK there is quite a taboo that sex outside a relationship is odd but sometimes people want and have needs that are just simply friendship and sex. They don't want to get tied down or they just want a bit of fun that is why sex dating sites have emerged. There is a selection of people that seek out to find like-minded people who want casual adult dating.

I think sometimes in modern society people assume that sex is linked to love which is not the case. We as humans have sexual needs and they may just be physiological rather than have the emotional connection. 

 Some people can be friends and have a sexual element in their relationship but they don't want it to be limited to a long term relationship which is absolutely fine if this is what you agree on. 

I think being more open and breaking down stigma can mean better quality of life. This then allows the person to get enjoyment without feeling ashamed or feared that you are viewed negatively because of your decisions of choosing a causal relationship. 

We need to remember that as an adult we can make our own decisions. We can choose what we want as long as it is not hurting anyone. If both parties are happy with the arrangement then go ahead and do what makes you happy because life to short to worry just embrace your designs and do what feels right for you.

 You have a choice to say yes or no and if you say yes then check out sex dating site to find similar like-minded people. 

Other times individuals have just come out of a relationship and don't want that commitment but just want a bit of fun. A fun thing to do is to check out dating sites because they give you a chance to meet the right sort of person for you especially. as we live in busy times and there is a lot more variety online for you to choose the best.

I know that some people who have had the no strings set up can actually change their mind and they may go more committed down the line where they have good friendships or even stronger have a more committed relationship, which is absolutely fine because life is never black and white and we can feel different at different times. You may get to know the person more and your views change and vice versa.

Cheers for reading X 

This is an ad for No Strings Dating. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

We Love Dates **AD**

Hey readers, 

In this modern age, it is more common to meet people through the internet. Dating online is so convenient when we are living in a busy world and meeting people especially as an adult can be tough so that is why free dating sites are the way forward. 

The beauty with internet dating is it allows you to have access to a more diverse range of people that may tickle your interest. The world is your oyster especially when it comes to online dating. 

What is better than online dating having a platform that is free and doesn't cost you anything and allowing you the opportunity to meet new people.  

We love dates is a brilliant WeLoveDates to check out if you want an easy way to meet new people. However, there is more to these dating sites as there are people who work at We Love Dates who can help match you up to the right person best for your needs and desires. 

Now as I sit here and consider what I would do if I would choose to be a professional matchmaker I would think about getting the right two people to connect with. 

I would not focus on perfection because we all know that doesn't exist. Sometimes you hit a hard rock in the journey of dating. I feel it is important to know that it is ok and to encourage the individual to stick at it even though they want to quit. 

Sometimes you have to take make mistakes to find the right person for you. It is a little known fact that mistakes are the best way of learning. 

I think when it comes to matchmaking you may think too much about the chemistry between two people but sometimes you just have to do it like Nike would say.

This is because if you don't test out you don't know where the baseline is. You will never know what success is if you don't try. At least if mistakes happen when dating you can learn and move forward with your journey. Just remember that a diamond doesn't start of polished and you need to work hard to reap the reward at a later date. 

I think to be a matchmaker takes a lot of dedication and you might know the individual you are helping more than my own partner. 

This is because of the lengths that I would go to make sure that the individual has the best chance to catch the right fish for them. 

It would be a big commitment to be a matchmaker because you need to get to know the individual. 

It is like a cheap therapy session potentially for the matchmaker and client especially if the individual has trauma from past experiences. 

They may naturally have anxiety especially with vanity apps such as Tinder. It can be hard so you have to learn to build the confidence of the person so that they can go forth and date. 

I think having a sense of humour and not taking the situation too seriously when being a matchmaker helps. 

This theory would help therefore ease the client and be more open with you about their needs and desires. 

I think having an open and honest communication when it comes to dating is key to get the best results for the individual.

I imagine that being a matchmaker is time-consuming and the key is being there for the client.

 Hey, you never know spending more time with a client can be more refreshing than having to listen to a boring chat with my husband. 
It would be almost like I am having an affair minus the sexual element. I would have to get to know the client well and make sure I was their personal Godmother being there for them through the roller coaster ride of the dating game. 

It is vital I imagine if I was a matchmaker being reliable for the person seeking love so that they know that they could trust me with their fate and happiness.

 I think if I had success with matchmaking it would make me feel like I am buzzing because I got a match right and I contributed to not just one but two peoples happiness and future.

It is a big commitment in which a big part of helping with this one wish that the person has in wanting to find that one special person in their life.

 I feel that matchmaking is a unique kind of job opportunity that can be challenging and rewarding in good measure and I am sure along the line I would also learn a lot about myself on the job.

Cheers for reading X 

This is an ad for We Love Dates. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

50 June blog ideas

Hey readers,

Are you a blogger stuck for ideas for June? Then you need to check out my top 50 blog ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

1. How to have a summer party. 

2. On a tight budget June's best 5k race.

3. Musical festival survival tips.

4. Tips for bearing summer boredom.

5. How to have an ace BBQ.

6. A  collection of your best blog post and link at our faviroure ones.

7. Summer bucket list.

8. Host a giveaway.

9. Tips for decorating with seashells.

10. Fathers day gift guide.

11. Write about your current favorite TV show and summarise it.

12. Share a recipe.

13. Beach day beauty tips.

14. How to survive a road trip with kids.

15. Your best Road trip destinations. 

16. Best festival gigs. 

17. Festival clothing wish list.

18. Ways to save money on summer sports.

19. How to organise your nail polish collection.

20. Tips for having a baby in June.

21. Self-care ideas for fathers.

22. June photography challenge.

23. June homeschooling ideas.

24. A list of  June twitter chats.

25. June gardening ideas.

26. International yoga day and local yoga events near you.

27. Last minute summer holiday saving tips.

28. Share tips and advice about potty training for potty training awareness month.

29. Last minute father's day gift guide.

30. Summer cocktail recipe.

31. Summer playlist.

33. Local events on in June.

34. Picnic tips.

35. Create a roundup of bbq recipes.

36. Make what's in my beach bag post.

37. How to stay safe in the sun.

38. How to deal with kids not winning at the school sports day.

39. Write about the great outdoors.

40. A recipe on how to make homemade lemonade.

41. Ways on how to do acts of kindness.

42. How to get a perfect tan.

43. Write about national donut day.

44. Write a July blog post ideas post.

45. Reasons to blog.

46. Do an A to Z of all things summer.

47.  A list of your best parenting hacks.

48. 10 reasons to ride a bicycle.

49. Teaching children the importance of recycling.

50. Why it is important if you can to donate blood.

Have I missed any blog ideas that you think are great? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 26/05/2019

Sleepyhead

Hey readers,

My word of the week is:

I don't know what happened over the weekend but I was bone tired and my body felt exhausted.

 I believe this is a time that I should listen to my body and take a res. This is because I think I had overdone it the past few days beforehand with anxiety and suchlike.

In other news, the boys did a Beaver sponsored walk and they walked over 5 miles and they raised a lot of money for Beavers. I was really proud of them and what they had achieved.

I had a lovely time on Sunday evening cuddling my eldest and taking it in turns to read Fantastic Mr Fox. 

Which sometimes is hard to get my eldest motivated to read so that was rather lovely because he was quite relaxed as well.

Both my boys also have been loving their new panda soft onesies and I am rather envious of them as I too would love to have one.

Hope, you have had a good week.

Cheers for reading X

Ways to embrace change

Hey readers, 

In life, there are going to be times when the change will occur and it can be hard but here are my top tips to help adjust to change in your life.

1. Personal growth. 

Sometimes to move on with your life and envolve change has to occur. Learning something new or having change your environment can have a positive impact on your personal growth. 

2. New Beginnings. 

Change can be good because it means you are open to new directions and allowing things to happen rather than being closed off and staying in the same life. We don't know what the future has to hold but trying something new means you are open and you never quite know what is around the corner. 

3. Acceptance.

Acceptance can be really calming because you have accepted the situation and allowing change to occur means that you have let go and allow the anxiety to sleep away. Being prepared and open allows you to keep hold of the positive energy and give you a better chance of succeeding with the change. 

4. Question your fears. 

Sometimes reflecting on the reasons why you feel anxious and going through positive affirmations to help ease anxiety when dealing with change. 

5 Ask for help. 

If you're really struggling sometimes asking for help such as having someone to talk to or getting someone to do something while you adjust to the situation can help adjust to the change in your life. 

6. You are not alone. 

I know sometimes dealing with anxiety regarding change can feel like you are the only person in the world to feel like this. However, you have to remember that everyone has fear over change and you not alone. 

 7. Victories.

When going through change it is important to celebrate the little victories to help you can confidence to move forward. 

8. Positives. 

A clear and defined way to help with change is to write down the positives that have come as a result of the change to help with the acceptance of the new direction that you are travelling down. 

9.  Back up plan. 

Always good to have a backup plan if you are scared then it might be useful to have something in place. You can slowly build your confidence by taking small steps to move forward. 

10. Vulnerability. 

It is ok to allow yourself to be vulnerable because we can't all be strong and have our sh*t together all the time. Sometimes, it is ok to vulnerable and not know what is happening with the time you will get through it and overcome the fear of the change and hey you may even be thankful of the change at a later date.

How do you deal with change? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X 

Purple swirl meringues recipe.

Hey readers, 

Check out this twist to the classic meringues with these fun and colourful swirl meringues.

Ingredients. 

★ Blue and purple colouring. 

★ 4 eggs. 

★ Caster sugar (we have golden as it is what we bake sponges with but use any you have).

**The sugar should be the same weight as what the eggs (with the shell on) are**. 

Method.  

1. Heat oven 150°c fan or equivalent. 

2. Make sure that everything is washed with a load of detergent even if you think it is clean as a tiny bit of oil/grease will stop the egg white from whisking. Wiping the bowls with lemon juice works a treat as a degreaser and speeds up the whisking later.

3. Measure out the same weight of caster sugar as your whole unbroken eggs. 

being stuck with golden castor doesn't matter because it only slightly dulls the white colour of the meringues. 

4. Separate the eggs and keep hold of the whites. Separate one egg at a time then put that white in the main bowl, this way if one yolk breaks you only lose one egg, not all the ones already separated (doing it this way with our children resulted in two individual eggs lost but thankfully not the whole batch each time) 

5. Put the sugar in a bowl with the eggs white. 

6. Whisk the mixture - a couple of minutes slow speed, couple of minutes medium speed and then medium or high speed until you get 'stiff' peaks. 

When you pull the whisk out the peaks should pull up and fold down on themselves gently. This is when you should be able to tip the bowl upside down. 

7. For the colour, take out a spoonful of the mix and put in one bowl and the same again in another bowl. 

8. In each colour bowl and a good squidge of colour and mix in a little. 

9. Put the blue mixture down one side of the piping bag. This was messy but we just did the best then laid the bag flat and squashed to the side with a silicone spatula on the outside of the bag. 

10. Repeat on the other side with the purple mixture - much messier.



11. Add all the white mixture in the centre of the bag the best you can, we used a tall jug to stand the bag in but a pint glass or vase works well too.

12. Pipe the mixture on the baking tray. Make sure that there is space between each meringue as they expand a little when baking in the oven. A little tip- put a tiny bit of meringue mixture on all the corners of the baking tray to help stick the greaseproof paper down.

13. Put the meringues into the oven on a low shelf and turn the oven down to 140°c - bake like this for 50 minutes. 

14. After 50 minutes, turn the oven off but leave the meringues in there and the door closed for a few hours until they are dried out and cold.
  

15. Put the meringues on a rack and melt some chocolate whichever way you find best - we use supermarket own milk 30%  cocoa and dark 70% cocoa mixed together- very nice. The easiest way for us is to break the chocolate up and place it in a bowl in the oven at either 40°c or 50°c for a few minutes.

16. Finally, the children dipped their bottoms into the chocolate then into either sprinkles or chopped hazelnuts. (the meringue bottoms, not their own!)

17. This produced a lovely light crisp meringue, if you want chewy or soft on the inside then you can experiment with a softer whisk consistency for chewy or couple of drops of vinegar and a small amount of cornflour for softer innards. Another method of bake we used to use was 120°c for 2 hours then turn the oven off, this seems to leave the meringue less 'hollow'.

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 19/05/2019

Happy

Hey readers, 

This week I have felt HAPPY!

This is because I just have got loads done and having the energy to do something has put me in a good mood. 

I had a lovely weekend with the boys and my eldest was much calmer compared to some weekends where is very anxious (loads of different reasons why). 

We enjoyed a spot of baking, went to the local park and just had a nice time without too many squabbles. Makes a big difference where there is more of a chilled vibe. 

I have also enjoyed the return of the sunshine of course and it has helped lift my mood. I found watching the new Louis Theroux documentary moving like someone who suffers from mental health issues along with parenting knows how tough it is. 

So, yeah I am rather happy and just enjoying the moment which often doesn't always come easy to me. 

Cheers for reading X 

5 things to remember when you feeling anxious.

Hey readers,

When in the depths of anxiety it can feel like aq turmoil in your brain. It can be hard to get past the feelings of anxiety. So here are five things to remember when you are feeling anxious.

1. It will pass. 

I know this probably obvious to people however when you are experiencing anxiety it is hard to see anything else. But remember it will pass as time goes on and they feels will end. Hold on to this thought and if you can reflect back to previous feelings of anxiety and remember that they passed.

2. Facts. 

Remember that anxiety thoughts are not facts but feelings. You don't have to believe them as they are just thoughts. There are millions of thoughts going through your mind and you have the choice to listen to them or not put any value on them, It is amazing when you let go the anxiety thoughts will disperse, however, it holds work so stick with it be worth it in the end. 

3. Change.

Sometimes it is easy to opt to stay in one place and feeding them anxious thoughts. A good way to help think about something else is to change the scenery, it does not have to be complicated it could simply be a walk down the road or around your local park. Changing the scenery is great for the mind especially getting fresh air makes a big difference. 

4. You are not alone. 

When going through an anxious time it can help so lonely and like you are the only one person suffering from anxiety, however, that is not true and there are many people who suffer from anxiety and from all walks of life. It doesn't matter what your age, wealth or background anyone could experience in anxiety. It is a known fact that people in the UK 1 in 4 people experience mental health problems each year. 

5. It is ok. 

It is ok not to be ok. It is ok to have anxiety and sometimes just accepting the anxiety can help reduce the stress and pressure that builds up from the stress of worrying about it all.  

Cheers for reading X

Reasons to love lego

Hey readers, 

I assume most people have heard of Lego which is a toy for children and adults. The idea is to follow the instructions and build an item made of Lego bricks such as say a car or a hospital. Lego is brilliant and I have listed the reasons below why you should check it out.

Fine motor skills.

Lego can be fiddly and tricky but with the time you can strength your fine motor skills. It is a skill to hold one brick and using the other hand to place the brick into its slot.  

It's ageless. 

The brilliant thing with Lego is that there is so much variety. There are different blocks and skills fro different ages. Lego is available for toddlers right up to adults. Therefore doesn't matter what age you can still get that buzz from building something spectacular. 

Patience and organisation skills.

With Lego, you need a lot of patience because it takes time to organise the pieces in colour because in my opinion the easiest way to follow Lego. Then the process of building the model takes time but you will be rewarded with latent satisfaction. 

Planning ahead.

This key with Lego is to be organised with planning ahead and getting the bricks in order. It is important to read the instructions and then have a go at putting the bricks in place. 

Teamwork and communication. 

Now with teamwork and communication, this only applies if your working with someone else. Each person needs to know what they are doing and what the plan is. Say one person gets the brick, whilst the person reads the instructions and builts. Communication is important when it comes to Lego. You have to talk to one another as you need to know what each person is doing so there is no confusion or arguments. 

Facing challenges. 

With Lego at times, it can be challenging you may not have the strength or struggle to identify the colour brick in the instruction manual or working out the diagram to which way the brick is facing. Sometimes, you get it wrong and only later that it isn't going right and you have to go back and redo. This is rewarding as it helps you learn I think via your mistakes and accepting that you know things go wrong. 

problem-solving. 

Lego can be tricky where you have to work out how to solve a problem. Sometimes you have to do trial and error and this teaches you how to come up with a solution through trying different scenarios. 

Spatial awareness.

Using Lego can help with improving spatial awareness by working out how mentally rotating objects and planning how bricks will be placed before building can help understand where to place the bricks. 

Rewarding. 

Finally, the best part of Lego is the reward you get for all the effort and time you put into building into making the Lego item to then be able to tangibly see it at the end and know you have created that design through the Lego instructions. 

Do you like Lego? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 12/05/2019

16 thoughts whilst on my period

Hey readers,

Today I am going to talk about periods and that thought that occurs when I am going through the dreading menstruation. Some people may think this is a bit too much information but at the end of the day, it is so important to talk about periods to help period taboos.

So, what kind of thoughts do I have when I am on my period.....

1. Everything is annoying me, even the bloody kettle that leaks are getting right on my nerves right now. 

2. I hate my husband, absolutely 100% because he doesn't have the pleasure of having to deal with a period every sodding month.

3. I am hungry, from the moment I wake till I sleep I can not stop thinking about food and eating. 

4. I feel like someone is stabbing me in the stomach or kicking me as the cramps are taking over and I hate life. 

5. Why do they say periods last 5 days, this is a joke because mine don't and maybe Mother Nature hares so much she tortures me with a prolonged period time. 

6. Right now I am so full of emotions, one minute I am happy and then the next I am having a full-on breakdown because of the anxiety and fear that comes with having a period. 

7. I am definitely not wearing white because that is too dame risky.

8. Got to reach in the bottom of the draw for my 'period pants', all black, big and comfy around the waist.

9. I am out and randomly my period has arrived is it alright too makeshift and use toilet tissue for a pad? 

10. I think I am dying because there is no other way to explain this pain right now. 

11. If I sneeze whilst on my period that is a risk attached and probably best not to do in public unless you want it to look like a murder scene. 

12. I have eaten this tub of ice cream which is acceptable since I am on my period. I now have dealt and think I may become ever fattier and my life is destroyed by one single action. 

13. I wish I could live my bed for the next few days with my heated blanket on to deal with cramp pains and killing two birds with one stone by hiding away from the world because everyone annoys the hell out of me. 

14. Chocolate should be mandatory with sanitary wear just because it is helpful for when you are on your period, fact. 

15.  Why do men think they understand periods? you don't know the half of it so does all a favour with your advice f*ck off with it. 

16. When I start my period it comes to the realisation of why things happened recently and has enlightened me since being on my period. 

Have you experienced any of these period related thoughts? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

Why is silence good?

Hey readers, 

Since recently I have found that I have really enjoyed now and again just sitting in my room in the evening when it is dark and just lying down on the bed. I just find it really calming and it got me thinking about silence the benefits of it for your health. So, in this post, I give you my reasons why you should embrace the silence in your life. 

Sleep. 

It is good to engage in silence during periods throughout the day as it can help with getting to sleep and insomnia. I think one the reasons is because you are taking time out to allow the noise to disperse and have the time to wind down during periods of silence which can help reduce the overactive thoughts that can occur during the day. This help calms down your mind when you go to bed at night because you are dealing with the thoughts. 

Relax.

When you actively enhance with having moments of silence in your day it is dealing with the tension so you can relax more. This, therefore, can help relieve tension as it is not being built up in your body as you are having periods when you calm and peaceful in silence.

Brain.

The brain needs time to rest without having constant stimulation. When you are embracing the silence you are shutting off more noise, therefore, allowing your brain to have a much-needed rest. 

Noise. 

Participating in silence allows me to think more and cut down on the noise. 

Rest.

  When I am having silent periods I allow my body and mind to rest. Therefore this opportunity of silence gives me the time to replenish our energy sources making my day much more manageable. 

Repair. 

  

Again the idea that having silence helps generate brain cells which mean overall will lead to a more better productive day because you are giving the brain change to heal and grow through silence and being still during the day.

Health.

 Research has shown that being silent during the day can help with lowering blood pressure which helps prevent a heart attack and boosts your immune system.

Mood.

  Being silence helps to get rid of frustration by letting go and just being quiet.

Listen.

 When you take up the art of being silent it allows you to listen to your mind and body with the messages it wants you to hear. 

Ways in which you can embrace silence in your day to day life. 

One way of embracing the silence is lying in your bed for five minutes before getting up or vice versa but don't turn anything on and just lie down and embrace the silence. 

Alternatively, you don't need to be inside to allow silence in your life just going for a peaceful walk outside but with no music on and just be present with the environment around you. 

Just sit die down on a bench and just watch the world go by.  

Do you enjoy the silence? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 05/05/2019