What to put in a care package.

Hey readers,

Sometimes it can be hard to meet people that you care about physically due to time, commitments etc.  So a good way to show a friend or relative that you are thinking about them is by sending a care package.

What is a care package?

A care package is basically a package of things that are useful or something that the person enjoys. It is carefully packaged in a box. This box can be decorated with a personal touch and send them a box to their home address in the post. 

You tend to not tell the receiver that you are sending it as it is a nice surprise for them to receive in the post. This can bring joy to them as it shows that you are thinking of them. 

You can buy prepacked care packages on the internet but making your own care package yourself is much better at tailoring to their needs. It also feels a lot more special and gives the idea that you have thought about how to bring it all together for that specific person.

Below I have 55 item ideals that may inspire you, Of course, you don't have to put all these in.  It could simply be five items, whatever you do I am sure the receiver will be grateful for the kind gesture to show them you care. 

55 item ideas to put in a care package. 

1. New flavour coffee/tea. 

2. Fluffy socks. 

3. A book.

4. A facemask. 

5.  A mix cd of your favourite songs. 

6. Cookies.

7. Alcohol.

8. Magazines.

9. Eye facemask.

10. A mug. 

11. Cacti.

12. Popcorn.

13. A card.

14. A postcard. 

15. Colourful straw to put in the box. 

16. A foot mask.

17. Lip palm such as these juice box lip balm set from Claire's.

18. Hand sanitiser.

19. Keyring. 

20. Nuts.

21. Bathbomb.

22. A candle. 

23. Wax melts.

24. Bath salts. 

25. A friendship bracelet.

26. Incense sticks. 

27.  A small water bottle. 

28. Sunflower seeds. 

29. Puzzle books.

 

30. Letters.

31. Photos.

32. Sweets. 

33. Face mask. 

34. Pens.

35. Soap.

36. Pop-it.

37. Facial roller. 

38. Head massager.

39. A stress ball.

40. Makeup.

41. Pin badge.

42. Laptop sticker.

43. Bookmark.

44. Jigsaw puzzle.

45.  A crossword book.

46.  Colouring book.

47. Colouring pencils. 

48. Personalised message in a bottle. 

49. Self-care book.

50. Paint by numbers. 

51. Baking kit.

52. Spiral art like this one for example from Hobby Craft.

53. Photoframe.

54. Sharie pen set like this set below from Tesco.

55.  Wall art. 

What do you think about my list of items to put in a care package? Have I missed anything out? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 08/08/2021

 

How to keep cool at home in the summer.

Hey readers, 

It is summertime which means that rooms can become hot in your home so here are some tips on ways to cool down your home.

 1. Close the curtains.

If you have pale-colored curtains then it is better to close them during the day to stop heat from coming in. However if you have dark curtains and metal blinds it is best not to keep them closed as it will make the room hotter.  

It is recommended by nidirect to keep windows closed if it is hotter outside than inside during the day. As temperatures drop during the night, it is advised to open the windows to let air circulate in the room. 

2. Bowl of water in front of the fan.

A really good hack to cool down in the heat is to put a bowl of ice in front of a table fan. When the ice melts, the fan will blow cooler air towards you. It is important to be close to the fan to get the benefit of this method. 

3. Chose cotton.

Cotton is one of the best materials to wear during the summer period. The benefits of wearing cotton are it is cheap. It is available but also the fact that cotton is soft, light, breathable, and helps soak up sweat, allowing heat to leave the body and make you feel cooler. 

4. Hot water bottle.

Put a hot water bottle in the freezer about half an hour before bed and then take it out and place it on the bed. Best to keep a sheet between you and the bottle as you don't want to get frostbite. It is great and giving you some cool relieve when it is hot in the room and can help cool you down ready to go to sleep. 

5. The floor. 

When it is really difficult to sleep it may be worth considering to take your pillow and sleep on the floor or even better to go downstairs if that option is available for you. 

Huffington Post says the reason behind this suggestion to sleep on the floor is simply that heat rises so sleeping on the floor means you get a cooler sleeping experience.

 Also consider having sheets instead of a quilt as it is lighter and won't hold the warmth as much, making it a much more comfortable feeling. 

6. Have the shower warm.

Though you might think it is better to have a cold shower to keep cool it is better in fact to have a warm shower. Though when first having a warm shower will feel warm compared to a cold shower after a few minutes will provide better comfort in the long run 

7. Keep hydrated. 

It is important to make sure that you are getting enough drink inside of you. Getting enough fluid is key in keeping your heart health in good condition so that it can help the heart move easily when pumping blood through the blood vessels and then on to your muscles.

Another key factor why you need to make sure your drinking more during summer is that you are sweating more (as a direct response in keeping us cool) there you need to replace the lost fluid to help keep you cool. 

Have I missed anything that you think is important to keep your home? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday

Why being a parent rocks!

Hey readers,

I am sure know by now that I am a parent of two boys who are 7 and 9. So I have a go at this whole parenting malarky for a bit and today I am going to focus on the positives and reasons why being a parent rocks!

1. Recreates childhood joys.

A beautiful element of parenting is recreating the childhood joys that you had as a child. For me for example it is getting a Mr frosty ice maker. Watching my children have the same amount of fun I got from using it when I was a child. 

It could be playing paper, rock, and scissors and always makes me smile and think of me being a child. Another classic kind of thing would be to watch a cartoon that you watched a child and rewatch it with your own children such as The Chuckle Brothers and Futurama. 

2. Having children makes you a better person. 

When you have children you have to focus on your children's needs first and being less selfish. I also think having children makes me more understanding and emphatic. This is particularly true when I see others parents out and about having a rough time. 

I am not the most patient person but I definitely think it has made me more so when having children and having to give extra time to get ready and out the door. 

3. Adding sense of purpose.

I think as an adult it can be hard at times to find meaningful things in life. One thing is for sure once you have children there is a sense of purpose. 

Bringing up children to be responsible and independent is a big goal for parents because you want them to be good adult in later life. When they are young making sure they are cared for, fed, loved, and educated all helps in shaping them into the person they will become as an adult and this is a big priority as a parent to focus on.  

4. Excuse getting out of things.

This next point is definitely one of the best because you can literally get out of anything and blame the kids haha. It comes in very handy on the dark winter days when you want to stay at home and snuggle. 

5. Watching a miniature version of yourself.

I don't know whether watching a miniature version of yourself is a blessing or a curse, lol. Jokes aside when you see features in them that you have is lovely such as seeing my youngest enjoy reading books much like myself. 

6. Focus. 

Having children gives you more focus on what is really important. Happiness and memories are much more important than materialistic objects (though to some extend are important such as a roof over your head).  Watching children having fun and not be bothered about the big stuff just makes you realise what is important. 

7. Laughter.

One of the most beautiful sounds in the world is hearing children laugh and to have laughter in the home is a blessing. 

8. Unconditional love.

Once you have experienced unconditional love from your children then there is no other experience that can top that. To be accepted fully for who you are is something that should be cherished. 

What do you think of my list of reasons why parenting rocks? Have I missed any points of the list that you think are good reasons why parenting is good? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 01/08/2021

Last night me and hubby went on a date night and watched the funny comedian Milton Jones.

What you need to know about visiting Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Hey readers,

The other day we visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) in West Yorkshire. I thought it was really good so I decided to tell you all about it in this post.

Regarding Covid.

People were wearing masks (this was prior to the 19th of July so not sure about the new covid rule changes). There is social distancing in place and also plenty of sanitiser stations should you so wish to use them. 

As we went during the covid period it is important to note that you do have to pre-book tickets beforehand. 

YSP is where nature and commentary art come together. It is located over 500 acres of historical parkland. The parkland is situated on the grounds of Betton Hall dated from the 18th century.

 Checking out the reviews on Google it is rated in the top things to do in West Yorkshire. On the site, it actually says that it takes an estimate of more than 3 hours. Although that is also a decision can make though believe me there is a lot to explore at the YSP. 

Tickets.

The cost of the tickets is £6 for adults, carers and children go in for free. The cost of the ticket includes the car parking and also open-air galleries. 

Even though children are free they still need tickets. Blue badge holders need tickets and there are spaces at the front of the car park for blue badge holders.

 Make sure you have your tickets on you as they will be checked at times in the park either printed or on the phone. 

Make sure you wear suitable footwear as you could literally spend the whole day there. We went during the heatwave so spend 4 hours there which was a lot considering the temperatures.

 But that is ok because we took out time and left when it got too much for my boys. We didn't manage to see all the sculptures as there is an impressive 80 sculptures dotted about in the park (some are indoors). 

Damian Hurst - Myth. 

Henry Moore - Large Totam Head. 

Henry Moore - Two Large Forms.

Damian Hurst - The Virgin Mother (2005 - 2006). 

Damian Hurst - Charity (2002 - 2003). 

Sean Scully: Crate of Air. 

Damian Hurst - The Hat Makes the man (2004-2007).

Henry Moore - Upright Motives No.1 (Glenkiln Cross): No 2; No7. 

Lucy + Jorge Orta: Diana.

Lucy + Jorge Orta: Gazing Ball. 

Mark Di Suvero: The Cave.     

The park is perfect for picnic areas as plenty of grassy areas and also some benches. Yorkshire Post has listed YSP in the top list of places to have a picnic in Yorkshire.

There is also a cafe if you want to buy food though quite pricey but if you are fine with that then the option is there should you need it. 

It is fantastic for kids because they can run about, there is plenty of open spaces along with a foresty area and a lake where wildlife can be spotted. 

Also within the wooded area, there are highland cows and we went around to see the cow it was just casually sitting down on the ground eating grass and didn't seem bothered by the presence of humans, see below for photo evidence.

You can take photos of the sculptures but bear in mind that they ask you not to climb on them so that they are protected and looked after. 

The area is accessible for pushchairs and toddlers so makes a good day out for young children. 

Bloomberg Connects App. 

There is a free app called Bloomberg Connects so you can see all the sculptures and information about them. It is available on Andriod and IOS. 

On the app, there is a digital map although you can get free paper maps in the centers within the grounds. On the app, it has pinpoints on where the exact sculptures are and information about. 

Also on the app, it shows where your nearest toilets are to where on located which makes it a lot easy especially with children when you locate a toilet quickly. 

Toilets.

There are toilets at the top near the car park where the learning centre is and also further afield near The Weston Cafe are also toilets (included disabled and baby changing room). 

There is also a gallery you can visit as well if you are in the building. 

Disabled-friendly and if you require a mobility scooter you can hire one out at the YSP. 

Dog.

You can take your dog but it must be on a short lead at all times.

Address.

West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG. 

(SatNav) WF4 4JX. 

What 3 Words - hypnorist.stump.island. 

Tel - (01924) 832631.

Opening time. 

Apart from 24 - 25 December, YSP is open every day between 10am until 6pm. 

Cheers for reading X

Hurry grab a free J'adore perfume.

Hey readers,

I love a good bargain especially when it is free. Never has there been a better time with finding freebies online than right now! 

Here you can get free samples, you won't be disappointed when checking out the site. 

Just now I have found this sample of free perfume by Dior called J'adore Asbsole are giving away 1,000 samples of the perfume, a great chance to try out some new perfume for free!

To be with a chance of winning a free sample is fill in the form here with your details (name and email) and click send there you have it that easy. 

One thing to mention is you do have to be over the age of 18 and be living in the UK. When you do sign up for the freebie you will be automatically signed up to the Free Stuff newsletter which will keep you up to date on the latest freebies so you don't have to miss out. 

Enjoy.

Sam.

This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

You know it is half term holiday when...

Hey readers,

I have seen many associations with myself and other parents with children when it comes to half term. Here is the list of my favorites.

1. Ice lollies. 

If it is sunny the ice lollies come out and are a lifesaver to keep kids cool. 

2. Bedtime.

What bedtime you say, we all need a break the rules it is a holiday, and definitely bet that bedtime routine after a week off for summer has gone truely out of the window ;).

3. Extra time.

At the beginning of the holiday, it is so lovely having the kids off and spending extra time with them. Then at the end of the week, I need a break up the kids from all the stopping about or the bickering between them. Let's also not forget about the hell of boredom kicking in and constantly asking what can I do? Then you give them suggestions and there like NO!!! I give up! According to The Sun kids after days into the 6 week holiday are already complaining of boredom!

4. Shopping.

You need to add a couple more hours to do your shopping trip. Not only for your children but also all the other children clogging up the Isles ;). Not to mention like Manchester Evening News when highlighting the stages of shopping with kids the endless times have to hunt down the toilets for little bladders. 

5. Money. 

You are guaranteed to spend more money on shite that you don't need and to add more clutter to your home. We Buy Books has a fab post on how to save money during the 6 week summer holiday. 

6. Getting anywhere. 

Every day is becoming a bigger mission to walk around your home because of all the toys everywhere.

7. Free places. 

You have explored every free art gallery in your area. The beauty of these places is that it's free and your skint from buying all the state that you don't need. Not to mention that indoors which is always won especially with the unpredictable weather of the UK!

8. Cinema.

 You have been to the cinema at least once as it's pouring again and you need to get away from one set of walls to go and be in another. What is better than being in a busy room full of kiddies on a sugar rush, Whoop!

9. Youtube. 

Yet again your days are filled with Gamers playing videos on youtube and your there wo0ndering why you bothered to get toys when they prefer to watch others play.

10. Programmes. 

 You go cold turkey with adult shows because you can't hear them with the sound of your little cherries arguing over a £1 water bucket.

Happy days and hope you had fun this half term. Is there anything I have missed or any signs you know when it is the summer holidays? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 25/07/2021

75 acts of kindness

Hey readers, 

sometimes it is good to do something for someone else with not wanted something in return. It can really make the person feel good regardless of how big or small the gesture is. Below I have 75 ways to show someone an act of kindness. 

1. Bake cookies for the elderly.

2. Hold open the door for someone.

3. Do a favour for someone without expecting a favour in return. 

4. Snap a photo of a couple. 

5. Hole the lift for someone. 

6. Send flowers to a friend.

7. Make someone laugh. 

8. Send an interesting article to a friend.

9. Say good morning.

10. Make a drink for your work colleague. 

11. give an unexpected compliment. 

12. Return a lost item to the owner.

13. Give blood. 

14. Donate your old glasses.

15. Sign up for a shift at your local soup kitchen. 

16. Sign up for the bone marrow register.

17. Become an organ donor. 

18. Donate unwanted items to the charity shop. 

19. Read stories to school children.

20. Leave positive notes in random places. 

21. Go litter picking in your local park. 

22. Comment something positive on Instagram. 

23. Donate to someone's go fund page.

24. Offter to babysit for free. 

25. Tell a new mum she is doing a good job. 

26. Let someone go in front of you in traffic. 

27. Let someone go in front of you in the queen. 

28. Volunteer at an animal shelter. 

29. Smile at a stranger.

30. Organise a fundraiser or raffle. 

31. Mow your neighbour's lawn.

32. Read a book for an elderly person.

33. Leave a nice note on someone's car.

34. Give your favorite book to a friend.

35. Send a care package to someone you miss. 

36. Participate in a charity walk or run.

37. Buy the person behind you a coffee.

38. Take a neighbors dog for a walk. 

39. Wash someone's dishes.

40. Give your seat up for someone on the bus.

41. Share your umbrella with someone. 

42. Cheer someone on. 

43. Offer to drive.

44. Donate gifts to children in foster homes.

45. Offer to tutor a struggling student.

46. Donate your hair after you have had a haircut to a charity.

47. Instead of birthday gifts request donations to a charity.

48. Help someone declutter their home. 

49. Practice patience by reframing from road rage when driving. 

50. Help someone find a job.

51. Wash a neibours car.

52. Plant a tree.

53. Collect recyclables.

54. Feed the birds in a local park.

55. Offer someone your last piece of chewing gum. 

56. Actually, put the shopping trolley back to its original place.

57. Make a bird feeder and put it outside for the birds to enjoy.

58. Plant flowers for the bees. 

59. Buy or build a compost bin for use in gardens. 

60. Visit an animal shelter.

61. Reduce the amount of meat you eat. 

62. Help make dinner. 

63. Leave a thank you note above the post box. 

64. Write to your mp about something that could be improved in the area that you live in. 

65. Make everyone's bed for them.

66. Hug someone today. 

67. Get someone to go on an adventure with you. 

68. Give someone a list of things you love about them. 

69. Treat someone to the cinema. 

70. Prepare breakfast in bed for the family. 

71. Teach someone a new skill. 

72. Tip generously. 

73. If you see a parent trying to take a photo of their children offer to take a picture for them for the whole family. 

74. When someone speaks, listen tentatively. 

75. Do your best to make people feel included in the conversation.  

Are there any acts of kindness that I have missed on the list that you think are good ideas? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

A to Z of parenting

Hey readers,

Parenting invokes all times of emotions and ideas. So I thought it would be fun to do a blog post of A to Z of all things parent-related.

A - arguments because the changes of arguments are high whether it be a disagreement with your partner or your child giving you check it happens, it's normal and sometimes it is good to have an argument to clear the air. 

B - besotted with your baby when it is born and being mesmerised with how you have created this small creature.

 
C - chores are forever there with children it just stops cleaning, even if you do now and again go on a strike it will be there. The list will never end so do what you can don't stress about it. 

D - Discipline - because it is really important to teach your child right from wrong. It will help them be a good person and also making parenting so much easier. 

E-education is so important in our lives because it is where we get knowledge and learn vital skills such as reading, forming opinions, and reasoning to name a few. 

F - fathers - because they are part of the deal of parenting. 

G - google - thank goodness at times to find helpful information for example I learned how to clean milk bottles (trust me I needed several times to master this skill). So, Google helps me and gives me confidence in learning knowing that some answers are available. 

H - homework - My kids are currently at primary school and do homework and I hate it. Sadly, it starts at reception and finishes right at the end. Hopefully, as my kids get older it will be less of a chore as I need to motivate them as not kids want to comply. 

I - imagination - Kids love this stuff, me not so much. 

J - jokes are so important to help manage life parenthood. You need some lightheartedness to help get through them bleak periods. 

K - kindness - sometimes we can be really heard about ourselves as parents because we want to do the best for our children. But you also need to give yourself some slack and be kind because that too will impact parenting in the long run.  

L - laughs- nothing is as cute as hearing kids have innocent fits of laughter. 

M- mothers - the other part of the parenting world. 

N - no - is the most overused words when being a parent. 

O - opinions are raff everywhere you will find them. Whether it is family members, other parents, and the odd moaning cow at the bus stop looking down at you. You have to learn to go with what feels right for you and sometimes you seek advice that is fine but when it comes down to the unsolicited variety just take it with a pinch of salt, you can't please everyone. 

P - parenting welcome along, it is a long journey and I don't think it will ever end until you die I think. 

Q - quiet  - these times you appreciate and savor like never before. 

R - routine - some enjoy like myself find comfort in having some sort of control and it helps children as well to feel settled.

S - shouting - you will shout at times, you feel crap after however sometimes you little darlin's just don't listen.

T - tears - whether it is from you worrying about your child, them crying over something dear to them, or being overtired there be many tears shed. 

U - unpredictability - just when you think you have this parenting lark sussed something comes along and tests you out. 

V - volume because especially when kids go to school it seems they get louder when they come home even though they stand right next to your eardrum and shout. I have lost count on how many times I have to say quiet or use your indoor voice. 

W - worn out - this is often a feeling, especially during the earlier years. 

X - xylophone - why did you think was a good idea to get this musical instrument for your child to smash the crap out of it. 

Y - you - because you count as well and do something for you that you enjoy. 

Z - zombie - the times when you become a parent and you lose so much sleep you are walking around like a zombie. 

Cheers for reading X

Confessions of a Crummy Mummy

30 day minimalism challenge

Hey readers, 

 I bet you are wondering what the 30-day minimalism challenge is? well, let me tell you about it.

Basically, the 30-day minimalism challenge can be done any time that suits you. The idea is to challenge you to do some sort of decluttering in your life. The lists I have produced are some easy and a bit harder.

The goal is to do complete each challenge every day. It is good sometimes to have something to aim for and hopefully by the end of the challenge you feel more organised with less clutter in your life. 

There are many benefits to cluttering with reducing stress, boosting your creativity, and making your home be a bit tidier.

Here is the list of the 30-day minimalism challenge. 

1. Purge your wardrobe. There is a good post by Simply Saving that goes into more detail on how to declutter items such as shoes, clothes, and bags. You can find out more detail here.

2. Throw out old socks.

3. Avoid spending for a day. 

4. Cook at home for the day - all three meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

5. Clean out your fridge.

6. Clean out your email inbox.

7. Create a morning ritual. 

8. Practice single-tasking.

9. Go through your books.

10. Spend 30 minutes outside. 

11. Evaluate your current spending.

12. Delete the unwanted apps that you don't use.

13. Write tomorrow's to-do list before bed.

14. Say no to something.

15. Turn off notifications.

16. Empty your junk drawer.

17. Clean out your car.

18. Clean your makeup brushes.

19. Recycle old receipts and paperwork.

20. Write out some new minimalist rules to live by.

21. Act of kindness.

22. Get all your errands done.

23. Ditch makeup for a day.

24. Declutter 5 items.

25. Organise your digital files.

26. Make a new dish.

27. Take a long bath.

28. Write down 3 things you are grateful for.

29. Unsubscribe from at least 4 email newsletters. 

30. Don't complain all day.

Have you tried the declutter challenge? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 18/07/2021