Holiday packing tips.

Hey readers,

One thing when it comes to holidaying with a family is remembering that preparation is key. 

It is important to be prepared for all emergencies and planning is essential. 

So here are some of my tips to help with family packing that may be of benefit to you and your family to make a smooth experience.

1. Washbag.

With having a family on holiday, there will be a lot of dirty washing. However, you don't want to mix dirty clothing with clean clothing so a great tip to deal with this situation is to simply pack a spare bag to keep your dirty clothes in.

2. Spare clothes.

We all know young children especially get dirty easily it is a fact of childhood. So it is always a good idea to pack more clothes then necessary. As you do not want to stress about running out of clean clothes in the middle of the week because that is a nightmare believe me and you. Also, don't forget extra pants and socks as well.

3. Packing cube.

Although they are pricey at first they can be a good investment and keep your luggage organised when your away on holiday. The packing cubes come in sets of different square type fabric containers. 

They are great because they save space, you can divide different items into sections and not only clothing.

 Some items are just for travelling so you can keep them stored away in the cubes for a later date. This will save time next time around and you don't have to worry about losing items as they will be safe in the storage compartments. 

Such items that can be left for a later date are batteries, toiletries etc. Also with using cubes for clothing, they make an impromptu pillow if need be. 

4. Roll clothes.

A fab packing hack is to roll your clothes into your suitcases as these reduces space needed. You can pack more stuff into your suitcase which is always a win.

5. Medication. 

I find that it is easy to keep medication close by in your everyday bag or someone where you know it will be such as the inside pocket of the suitcase. 

6. Packing. 

Always best to keep heavy items at the bottom of your suitcase so they don't squish clothes and make them wrinkly because let's face it none has the time for ironing on holiday right?!

7. Outfit. 

To save stress with the travelling and getting used to the new routine one best tip I suggest is packing your first-day outfit at the top of your suitcase. This, therefore, means it is there ready there and waiting for the first day of your holiday. 

8. Washing powder.

A good product to buy for travelling is washing powder for the sink. 

This is brilliant in an emergency where something happens for whatever reason and you want a quick solution to get something clean. 

Well, you can place the item of clothing in the sink and hand wash your clothing. The washing powder stuff comes in a small bottle so handy for travelling with as it doesn't take too much space up.

What are your go-to packing tips that make your life easy? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Cheers for reading X 

You know your a school mum when...

Hey readers,

My eldest is in year one in primary school and I have noticed some things that happen once you become a school mum. Here are some of the signs you are definitely a school mum.

Mornings.

are a slapdash affair, trying to remain calm but more frequently than not losing your s**t about the fact, your child can take 30 bloody mins and still not got their shoes on.

Letters, Letters, Letters.

How many? the never-ending forms of dates of book sales to trips and parents evening. It is non-stop and at times a bit overwhelming trying to keep on track of it all.

Homework.

 is now something you have to get done and let's face it on a Sunday night mad dash to get something coherent down.

Social Pressure.

Knowing that you are losing the walls of protection of your child and social pressure is a big player now and that it is just the start.

Money.

Having to keep a check on making sure that you have paid for XYZ. You basically need a diary to keep on top of all the payments and dates that are happening.

Lost Property.

Constant arguments of wondering how your son could lose this and that. Bringing home someone else's jumper or at the end of the term accidentally losing his pumps from three weeks ago and not mentioning it to us, which coincidentally it is now half term holiday so you can't do naff all about it.

PTA.

 is there pestering you every week about this or that just so they can look good amongst all us other parents who are totally below there standards?

Assembly.

Having to sit and listen to this and that committee every week it is something, why can't they just let kids be kids and actually learn to fail instead of constantly trying to see positive in everything.

School Run.

Arguing with your spouse with who is going to collect your child as you know it is mayhem and you can't stand the small talk waiting for your little child to be returned to you.

Statistics.

When teachers can't be arsed to listen to you and feel totally helpless because all they see is one side of our child and they seem more bothered about attendance.

Cheers for reading X

10 things great about being a parent

Hey readers,

I thought I would share a positive post all about the awesome things that come with parenting. Here are my top 10 things that are great about being a parent. 

1. Bringing up children gives you a new sense in life. Like you have a direction and you have a goal to raise good humans. 

2. Nothing beats unconditional love a child, it is pure and true and I don't think anyone could love you like a child loves a parent regardless of all their flaws. 

3. Their imagination is amazing and how they can think outside the box will astound you. 

4. Being a parent you want to be the best person you can be for your children. 

5. I have learnt to be more patient since having children, especially when you are teaching them something new and a little bit tricky.

6. You get to watch your child shape and form into their own person. 

7. Being with children and looking after them makes you feel young again especially when you have to learn how to think like them to get them. 

8. One of the best things about being a parent is making a kid laugh, it truly is wonderful especially when the smile is bright and they just go into a full giggly mode. 

9. Keeping all the best artwork and turning your home Tate Modern. Just a sense of children around is lovely to have because it is important to you as you are so proud of your little darlings. 

10. Hearing your child say "Mum" and wondering who that is, then realising - it's YOU!

What do you think is good about parenting? Do you recognise any of these observations about why parenting is good? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

my Sunday photo 15/03/2020

My top 5 kids apps

Hey readers,

Technology is so great, you can learn so much and it is for everyone. What I love though is that my boys can use the tablet for fun or learning and it gives me five minutes peace.

CBeebies play app.

I love this because it is an app based on most of the children's programmes on Cbeebies, so there is familiarity.

 There is also more than one choice you can paint with Mr Tumble, to Nina and the neurons where you programme the floor for the robot to follow the instructions. So, there is a mix of fun and educational games to play.

Kids Doodle.

This is a fun one for letting your little ones be creative and there are no rules. 

My eldest is autistic and this has helped him when he is stressed or having a meltdown, can help relax him and take the mind of his worries. You can make pretty patterns, glow in the dark.

Minions.

What kid doesn't like minions. It is a platform game and even though my 4 year does play on it, I am not sure he strictly follows the runs but nonetheless still enjoys it.

Whereas my 6-year-old understands the rules and likes to play competitively. This is one of the longest we have and it gets used the most.

Fish Farts

This a funny game, it involves touching the fish on the screen and hearing them move with the vibrations of the fart. 

Both boys find this so hilarious because let's face it what kid doesn't find the sound of farting funny.

Zombie Smash.

Zombies is a good game (some parents may frown) but it is fun. It makes silly noises and pictures and they not allowed to squash the children which makes them laugh they do.

What apps do your children enjoy?

Cheers for reading X

Review of Birmingham Sea Life Centre.

Hey readers,

Last week I and the family went to visit the sea life centre in Birmingham. If you haven't ever been to the sea life centre they showcase a variety of different sea life creatures for you to go and see them in their natural habitat.

The types of sea life available to look at.

At the start of the centre you could see the penguins playing, squabbling, and swimming that type of thing.

There is a section for octopus and you can see the way they transform into the spaces and sometimes got to see their long tentacles.

There is also seahorses which are really elegant and very beautiful to watch.

The centre has the option for children to touch a starfish. This is a great experience for children to interact with fish. A child can feel what a fish feels like and work out the different textures on their fingers.

There is a massive fish display at the beginning like an upward tank that hols different fish swimming around.

There are rays in a big area further along that swim a big area and the glass is clear so you can watch them swim about.

We really enjoyed seeing the different types of jellyfish and you even got to change get to change the lighting in the tank by a touch screen which I thought was rather cool.

One of the big features is the 360c transparent tunnel where you can walk under the fish and see them go around you. You can walk on the glass floor while the big sea turtle and sharks swim by, totally blow your mind.

Obviously, there are much more fish but I am just giving you a general feel of some the types of fish you can visit.

Extra fun parts for children.

At the end of exploring all there is to see at the sea life centre there is a soft play which is free. It is small but wonderful for kids who love to have a free play and to run around and get in the ball pit. There are two tiers so you can climb as well.

At the reception desk where you pay for tickets or enter the centre, you can get a stamp sheet where you go and collect six stamps around the location. During the Halloween period as well there is a list where you write all the Halloween items you have spotted that are hidden in various location. At the end you can collect a medal and a cup as a price, no change occurred, which I thought was really good as one it is Merlin and we know they don't do cheap normally and secondly, most places that similar activities normally just give you a sticker.

Photography.

With the witch though lucky that the camera was broken so could use your own camera and was free saving made of £10-£15. However before in the middle section, there is a green screen where you could sit in a boat and present you're being attacked by a shark. We did actually buy them pictures for £15 which I think is a lot but my hubby is a sucker for things like that, lol.

4d cinema experience.

4d cinema experience (free and part of the price ticket) is great fun for kids and adults too. We saw a show though I have been before and it is different so they do change the films. Not only do you get to experience a short film based around a fish but also there is plenty of balls, the vibration of the chair you get randomly squirt water unexpected making it more fun. Plus with the 3d glasses, you feel the fish are coming out of the screen.

Location of Birmingham sea life centre.

The location of the sea life centre is fairly easy to get to as is in the city centre and not far from Lego Land adventure world and the arena and ICC.

Cost of tickets.

How much does a ticket cost, well as national sea life centre is part of the Merlin attractions you can get a combined ticket that includes another attraction such as Warwick Castle or Lego Land discovery centre they start from £23 24 hours in advance online? For just your basic sea life centre is from £13 through if your carer and have a letter to confirm you can go free. You do also have to book 24 hours advance on the website.

Car parking.

With regard to parking there is a car park very close by and in walking distance however due to location costs a lot more. We go to paradise parking car park which is a lot cheaper but five minute but very easy to get to. So always best to check before going where the parking is and the pricing.

Cheers for reading X

April blog ideas.

Hey reader, 

It is nearly April and if your looking for some content ideas then check out my 30 April blog ideas to get you excited. 

1. A list of April fools day ideas. 

2. Decoration Ideas for April.

3. My personal blogging goals.

4. Things to do during Easter.

5. National car clean month - share how you clean your car.

6. How to make a kite for National Kite Month.

7. Stress awareness month - share some tips on how to reduce stress. 

8. National walking day.

9. Easter basket ideas.

10. If my life was a soundtrack....(share your favourite songs).

11. My favourite things to wind down. 

12. Top trends of April. 

13. Fun ways to decorate Easter eggs. 

14. Your favourite egg recipes. 

15. A list of things you enjoy doing on a rainy day.

16. A spring clothing wishlist. 

17. Nature walk with photos - practice your photography skills and share some snaps from a nature walk.

18. A round-up of the best chocolate eggs for Eater. 

19. Deals and bargains in April. 

20. How to save money shopping? 

21. Places to go walks locally where you live. 

22. Favourite hashtags for Eater time to use on Instagram/twitter.

23. Share 7 things about yourself. 

24. 9 ways to save money for Easter. 

25. 5 nail polishes you must try during Spring. 

26. How to make your own Easter Eggs.

27. 5 movies that shaped who you are.

28. Easy coffee cake recipes.

29. April bucket list.

30. Spring activities.

Have I missed anything off the list? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X

my Sunday photo 08/03/2020

Rubbish bits about motherhood.

Hey readers,

We all know there are wonderful parts of motherhood but also sometimes motherhood can sometimes feel a bit crap. So, here are the rubbish elements of motherhood and let's have good old rant shall we.

1. When kids make that hideous wingy noise especially when they are tired everything will bother them and cause so much distress, even simple things like do you want a drink or put your pyjamas on for bed. 

2. When siblings constant think it is funny to jump on one another or you if you dare lie down. 

3. Having to entertain children when it comes to imaginary play sucks because I am so crap at it and it is 100% harder when you are not good at something. 

4. The never-ending feeling of being tired, does it ever stop I wonder?

5. Nothing belongs to you anymore, when I say nothing I mean NOTHING. 

6. You lose a sense of direction with fashion etc, don't even ask what the number 1 is in the chart.

7. The relentlessness of it all.

8. Boredom... cause lets be frank here at times it can feel like GroundHog day especially when it is rubbish weather outside and you stuck in the four walls going slightly mad.

9. Everything takes a whole lot longer to do.

10. The pace of a child walking, honestly, you think they were a snail the rate they walk at especially when trying to get to school first thing in the morning. 

11. Having to blow their nose constantly.

12. Shit programmes you have to watch, I mean some examples Peppa Pig, Power Rangers and Shimmer and Shine to name a few, though the list could go on forever.

13. The constant squabbling between my two children, I literally have to be the referee and split them apart at times. 

14. Not being able to go to the toilet without one of my little darlings wanting to smash the down like they were part of MI5. 

15. Having a consistent alarm clock in the form of your child who wakes you up without fail EVERY.SINGLE. DAY without fail. 

16. You are excluded from that day once a year where you don't get an extra hour in bed but more like an extra a wake courtesy of kids not getting the memo that clocks go back means stay in bed.

17. The non-stop washing, even when you get to the end of it like magic another item appears. I think children have a secret sensory where they get a message to tell them that the laundry bin is empty, my theory anyway ;).

18. The never-ending walking around the home and saying who has left the light on? Whos left there cup here? Why is this sticky? 

What bits do you relate to? Have I missed anything off the list? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

How to put a spring in your step.

Hey readers,

I know it is grey and rainy outside and can sometimes it can be hard to find the motivation to do anything. Which is a sad case as it Spring but it is hard to believe when looking out of the window.  So, here are my five ways to put a spring in your step.

De-clutter.

There is nothing more cathartic than having a good clean out, sort out the things you want and not need. If there is the stuff that is suitable sell it on eBay or give it to charity.

 I also love to get organised as sometimes as a parent always have the time or energy to put things in order. 

So, this could mean putting items in the right location to sorting out your paperwork so that it is in order and clear to find.

Go outside.

It can be hard to feel motivated when it is so wet and grim outside but sometimes it is good to get outdoors for your soul. 

Put your wellies on and go out with the kids, they love splashing in puddles and you feel tons better after getting fresh air.

Flowers.

A lovely way to bring Spring into your home and some colour are to buy some flowers, even if it is just a bunch of £1 daffodils they really do brighten up your mood.

Spring Clean.

Nothing says Springtime like good old deep cleanse around your home, dusting them cop webs of and giving the place a good old bleach. 

It is lovely now and again to feel like a new page has turned and you feel so much better in your home.

Try something new.

Sometimes, as parents or adults, we can get stuck in a rhythm and we do the same old because change is scary or hard work. 

However, trying something new can recreate the excitement, whether that be doing exercise, learning a new hobby or visiting somewhere you have not been before is a great way to get that buzz back in life.

Cheers for reading X

My top 25 frugal tips.

Hey readers,

I love to save money and being frugal is something I strive for in my life. So, if you like me and like to save some pounds then check out my top 25 frugal tips below. 

1. Only go to the supermarket twice a week.

2. Don't go to the supermarket when hungry.

3. Swap from branded items to supermarket own branded items.

4. Write a plan for food shopping and stick to it.

5. Use discount sites such as eBay or everything for five pounds.

6. Each week meal plans your meals.

7. Ask yourself before buying do you I really need this.

8. Try cheaper cut meats.

9. Wait 21 days before making a purchase on a big item such a TV. This will give you time to assess whether you need it or not.

10. Use something up before buying something that does the same job.

11. Use trials to get free temporary items such as Amazon Prime and Spotify. 

12. Check out the yellow sticker section of the supermarket, ost stuff is fine if you use it up immediately or freeze it. Saves a small fortune, especially as the supermarket, knocks off a lot when it is about an hour before the supermarket closes. 

13. Before going out buying something specific check out mysupermarket.co.uk to find the best deal. 

14. If you have short journeys such as taking your children to school, ditch the car and walk. 

15. It will do you and your car the world of good. 

16. Buy second hand because it is more environmentally friendly and tends to be of good quality 90% of the time, checks out eBay or Facebook market to find some fab deals. 

17. Use a budget tracker to keep on top of your finances. 

18. Instead of buying a meal deal whilst at work for your lunch takes five to ten minutes the night before to knock up lunch for yourself, you will be saved so much money it is unreal.

19. Instead of buying coffee from coffee shops buy little sachets take them to work. You still get a treat but cuts the cost down a lot.

20. Shop for season stuff when it is at the end and being reduced, e.g Christmas items in January at knocked down prices.

21. Sometimes, when you are out and about in clothing shops you can forget how much stuff you own. That is why it is good to have a list of all the items you own and refresh your mind when out and about.

22. Rotate your wardrobe so clothes at the back get a chance to be seen and worn instead of instantly going for the easiest items to get hold of in the morning.

23. Check out your local library where there is an array of books and magazines you can read for free.

24. Check out websites like Groupon for cheap family days out.

25. When buying items online use Topcashback to get cashback for buying items on certain websites.

What are your favourite frugal tips? I love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 01/03/2020

Masking it at a cost.

Hey readers,

 I have had a visitor come round. Every time this happens I feel completely and utterly exhausted. 

I literally can not do anything for the next few hours as it has taken me all my power to deal with the social situation.

 It is not the person, it is just the way that I am programmed with my autistic brain. I just really struggle with long periods of socialising. 

I feel awful for saying this like I am totally anti-social and I am not but I need my time out as well.  

It doesn't help that I also have to parent as well as having to deal with the social situation. I have my children with me and to be quite frank they are not the calm and placid type. 

They go absolutely go bat shit crazy when a visit comes round and trying to calm down is an absolute nightmare when they are this age. 

Therefore, for me it is just so tiring trying to keep both children calm and then deal with the stuff that is happening in my head is a lot of work for me.

 By the end of the social situation, I want to scream and when the person leaves I feel like my whole body just collapses and de-intensifies (if there is such a word).

 I just feel really angry right now, I think it is a direct response from all the frustration and having to pretend all the hours to appear a certain way. 

Yeah, I could be myself but no one wants to see me wild, believe me, and you. Acting is hard for an autistic person because nine times out of ten the individual is already anxious, but then they have to work that much harder to manage the situation.

 What you see is that us autistic people have to learn the art of remembering social equities as we are not naturally social people. 

So, therefore days like today are basically are a mental workout for me and I can guarantee the following day I will have the consequences where I can hardly do anything, other than rest. 

 Cheers for reading X

A list of common misconceptions.

Hey readers,

We have all heard information that has been taught as facts however, somethings are misconceptions.

 So here are a few of my favourite misconceptions that I have learnt over time not to be true, which makes me laugh about it now.

Fortune Cookie.

The fortune cookie is not Chinese but brought to the US from Japan.

 They are rarely found in China and are often seen as a symbol of American cuisine, even though nowadays they are regularly given out in Chinese restaurants.

Earthworm babies.

People believe that when earthworms are cut in half, two baby earthworms are born. 

However, this is not true as only the front half may survive - the back end dies. Very few kinds of the worm are able to do this.

Vaccines cause autism.

Vaccines do not cause autism or autism spectrum disorders.  

Although fraudulent research by British doctor Andrew Wakefield claimed a connection, repeated attempts to reproduce the results ended in failure, and the research was ultimately shown to have been manipulated.

Budda was a laughing fat bloke.

The historical Buddha was not obese. The "chubby Buddha" or "laughing Buddha" is a 10th-century Chinese folk hero by the name of Budai.

 In Chinese Buddhist culture, Budai came to be revered as an incarnation of Maitreya, the Bodhisattva who will become a Buddha to restore Buddhism after the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama, have been forgotten.

The Earth revolves around the Sun.

Technically, the Earth, sun and all of the other the planets are orbiting around the centre of mass of the solar system, not specifically the sun.

   The Great Wall of China can be seen from space.

The Apollo astronauts confirmed that you can't see the Great Wall of China from the Moon. 

In fact, all you can see from the Moon is the white and blue marble of Earth.

 Dropping a penny from the Empire State building would kill someone.

A penny only weighs about a gram and it tumbles as it falls.

 Because of the tumbling and the lightweight, there's so much air resistance that the penny never really gathers that much speed before it hits its terminal velocity. 

A gram of weight travelling at a relatively slow speed might hurt a little if it hit you on the head, but it's not going to kill you.

  Shaving hair comes back thicker.

This is actually true praise be! Apparently scientists have known about this idea since the 20s.

 It might feel like your hair comes back thicker and darker after a shave, but that's just because of the shape of the stubble that grows back.

Its blunt ends feel coarser to the touch, but as the hair grows out, the end tapers and softens once more.

Your blood is blue before it’s oxygenated.

While many believe that de-oxygenated blood is blue, it is actually a myth because human blood is always red. Although the level of redness does differ depending on how oxygenated it is.

What misconceptions have you learnt about that everyone believes is true? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Cheers for reading X

Advantages of school uniform

Hey readers,

Thinking about school as we are coming up to the new academic year, it got me thinking about school uniform and why is it so important to have it. 

I think school uniform is an actual positive step towards a child's education and I am going to explore my reasons below.

Appearance.

Having a school uniform can teach children how to dress smart and take responsibility for the way they present themselves. 

This lesson will come in handy at a later date with regards to job interviews and the way that impressions count.

Equal playing field.

Allowing school uniform it gives the opportunity of being equal for everyone regardless of background because the children are all wearing the same clothing.

 This can reduce the change of a child is a target of a bully because of what they are wearing or not be having the latest trends.

Universal.

Children wearing the same uniform means that the children don't have the anxiety about what they look like, they can, therefore, allowing them to concentration on focusing on their schoolwork and in turn will affect their overall performance.

Pride.

School uniform is designed to distinguish which children go to which school by the design of the uniform they wear. 

Making children wear school uniform, therefore, brings a sense of togetherness with being in the same school as fellow pupils. 

This can bring feelings of pride for the school that the child attends. Children wearing a school uniform can give a sense of identity because it is something you can see can bring that sense of ownership and the fact that you belong with the same children in your class can help create a safe environment to work.

Morning routines.

The next point for why school uniform is a positive is that it brings a smoother morning for getting children ready for school. 

This is because the parents and children know what to wear so there isn't that doubt of what to wear that day, plus the child anxiety about trying to fit in as all children wear the same uniform.

Discipline.

School uniform encourages good disciple as it basically the school rules of what to and what not to wear. Therefore, you have to abide by the rules and follow what is expected off you. 

Making sure that you follow the school rules on the uniform gives that conformity and can put that mindset in place when the child is learning, by listening to and following the commands of teachers. 

This, in turn, gives can give a positive outcome on the child's performance with discipline and working well in the classroom. 

Having a school uniform so that everyone has the same in regards to clothing reduces the conflict that happens within the classroom because of all being the same there is less attraction for arguments. 

Furthermore, with children being in school uniform it reduces the risk of preventing children from forming gangs and the risk of bad behaviour.

What do you think about school uniform? love to hear your opinions.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 23/02/2020