I hate baths.

 Hey readers,

I will let you into a confession.... I don't like baths. I have tried several times but I just don't gel with them. I have discussed below my reason why I hate taking baths.

1.  Baths are filthy. 

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty in that baths are filthy. Think about it your filth from your body, sweat, and dead skin is swirling around in the water that you are bathing in. How is that appealing? It just makes me feel a bit sick if I am being honest. I never feel clean after a bath, unlike showers which I do feel so good after. 

2. Baths are boring. 

Let's just be honest baths are boring AF. I am not the type of person who enjoys sitting in water and waiting for ultimate relaxation. I am a person who enjoys doing something physical whether it is reading a book or writing a blog post for example.

 I can get in the zone with that. Yes, I could read a book in the bath though sadly I have tried doing it and it is just an uncomfortable position to lie in the bath. So that is a definitely no for me. 

 I also spend time thinking about when is it time to get out of the bath.  We have a clock on the wall and I just sit there listening to it tick every second. 

3. Lifting your body out of the water.

There is nothing more annoying than trying to get out of the bath. It is just so dame uncomfortable. You have to be careful as I have learned you can potentially slip which is painful, to say the least.

4.  It takes ages to fill up a bathtub.

Filling up a bath is irritating as it takes so long to get the bath filled up. You have to keep an eye on it and that is not good for me as I get distracted by other things that are happening. Therefore I have to sit there and watch the tub fill up for ages and it is dame boring. 

5. The water doesn't stay warm for long.

And another thing about baths is that when you eventually do fill up the bath full of lovely hot water sadly it doesn't last long. It actually is either lukewarm or cold in such a short space which I think is unpleasant to just in the bath with temperatures like that. 

8. Shampoo your hair is a pain.

I hate shampooing my hair in the bath, it is an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience. I always get shampoo in my ears which is gross. 

Let's not forget the painful experience of getting shampoo in your eyes and you cant use dirty water to wash your eyes out. Then you have to move awkwardly to the taps to get fresh water to clean your eyes out. It is just an all-around pain to do. 

So, there you have my reasons and why I opt for a shower. What are your thoughts on baths? Do you like them or hate them? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

**AD** 5 game based date ideas for gamers.

 Hey readers,

Are you a fan of gaming and want to meet someone who loves games that you want to date also who is into dating then you're in luck as there is a niche market for gamer daters? 

I think with the internet there are a lot more people who enjoy gaming and it is a fun way to connect with someone via playing games. 

A fun website to check out is gamerdates. It is a site designed for gamers, geeks, and cosplayers who are looking for love.

So when you do arrange a date with someone you probably want to have a game-based date which a great way to connect and get someone better. Doing someone that both people enjoy on a date makes feel relaxed and being able to connect with someone.

As restrictions are easing and more establishments are opening it will give you several options to chose from for a game-based date with someone. 

Below I have 5 game date ideas to get you inspired to go and arrange a date with a fellow gamer. 

1. Visit an arcade.

A retro place to visit on a date is going to an arcade as there are many different types of classic games to play. Whether it be racing games, shooting games, air hockey, coin pusher machines are just a few examples. It is a loud and excitable environment and one worth a go if you are of a competitive nature. 

2. Escape rooms.

 Most people have heard of escape rooms where you are locked in a themed room and you have to work out riddles, puzzles, and clues in order to get out of the room. It is a way to work together and see how well you communicate as a team and is a unique date idea to do. 

3. Board game cafe.

A more relaxed setting for a game date would be to go to a board game cafe. At the cafe, you can get food and drinks whilst having the opportunity to play board games of your choice. A type of place that is popular is The Dice Box in Leamington Spa that offers great food and a variety of games. 

 Sometimes board games are the most fun to do. At the board game cafe, there are a variety of board games to choose from card games, strategic games to silly games. Also, you don't have to worry about getting away from the table as they offer table service. 

4. Gaming convention. 

A great way to explore gaming together and checking out all things gaming-related is to go to a gaming convention.  Not only can you play games you can also go check out gaming panels and hear talks on gaming topics. 

5. Laser tag. 

If you like hands-on gaming and like games such as Call of Duty, Fortnite and Warzone then laser tag is something to consider to go on a gamer's date.  You get to play with laster guns and run around in the dark whilst trying to shoot one another. It is a unique idea and if you have a competitive nature then is the perfect date to go on.

6. VR gaming centres.

If you want to escape then go to VR gaming centres as you can put on a headset and emerge yourself in a game with your date. You can play together and work as a team but if you want some real fun you can work against each other for laughs, perfect for a game date for someone that you have met online sites such as dates for gamers.

Cheers for reading X

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

Things that will be missed after lockdown

Hey readers,

Now I know there is the potential risk of the final stage of lockdown restrictions being eased going to be delayed. One day soon hopefully we can look back to the time of lockdown. Below are some of the things I will miss about the lockdown. 

 1. The stillness on the streets and it is eerily quiet. 

2.  Being able to appreciate the small things.

3. Not having to meal pre-packed lunch because let's face you are home all the time.

4. In the earlier days when kids first went back to school and parents actually bothered to queue in an orderly fashion at the school gates.

5. Spending hours scrolling through TikTok without a care in the world, they were the days. Well let's face it you ran out of anything to binge-watch on the telly and who can be arsed to cook for the 89th day. 

6. People keeping their distance and actually made an effort with rules, distant memory now. 

7. The bus was empty that was a strange but also an enjoyable experience. 

8. Not having to worry if someone sits next to you on the bus that absolutely stinks of bo.

 

9.  Not missing on delivery because you are mostly at the home bar the walk you went on.

10. Knowing your neighborhood a lot more due to the number of local walks you took.

11. It was so quiet on the road you could breathe in the clean air.

12. As above during lockdown it is a lot quieter so that you could clearly hear the birds singing. 

13. Slowing down day-to-day and focusing on the small stuff. 

14. Nor experiencing FOMO (feeling of missing out) as we were all at home.

15. Having more time to do personal hobbies.

16. No crowds anywhere.

17.  Less rushing around and just being.

18. Spending more time with family.

19. Saving money whether that be eating out, going to the cinema, visiting the pub. 

20. Cooking more at home and enjoying meals together. 

What things will you miss when lockdown ends completely? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X 

Confessions of a Crummy Mummy

My Sunday Photo 30/05/2021

Why education is important

Hey readers,

 I have two children currently in primary school it got me thinking about education and why it is so important for children. 

So what does education actually mean?

In the Cambridge directory, it is defined as the process of teaching or learning in a school, or the knowledge that you get from a high school/college education.

What are the reasons why education is important?

 

1. Dreams and ambitions.

Having the opportunity to have an education gives you a chance to learn and through that, you can work out what you like and do not. This in turn helps provides dreams of where you want to go. For example, if you want to go into engineering then you would have the ambitions to work hard in the areas needed to be an engineer. Also, if you have a goal of where you want to go it will provide motivation for keeping to reach the desire you want.

2. Confidence.

Knowledge is power and this can through education help you feel more confident with knowing things that will help you out in life such as working out an equation or reading a book to further your education. 

3. Money.

Let's face it we all need some money to survive by paying for things like a roof over your head or food in your belly. Getting an education will help put you on the ladder to get a drop or further your career for a further drop that has a good salary. 

4. Equality.

You are lucky if you live in the UK as everyone regardless of background is entitled to free education. This makes it much fairer given everyone the opportunity to learn and grow without being held back because of their background. It means it is fairer for all and allows everyone the same opportunities to get in life such as a top job. 

5 Stop you being fooled.

Having an education allows you to have knowledge which means less likely to be a target of someone exploiting you. Being in the UK means that we have certain rights and freedoms. Having an education means you learn to write and read and therefore less likely to be fooled into signing a document that you cant read which could result in you being trapped into some sort of agreement you can't get out of. 

6.  Provides stability.

Having an education is something that no one can take away from you. Having a good education especially if you a degree means that you are more likely to get a successful job. This, therefore, provides stability as you have a secure job, get money in your bank and have a comfortable life. 

What do you think about education? Do you agree or not with my points about education? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

The benefits of pets

Hey readers,

Today I want to discuss why families should have a pet and the positive aspects of getting one. My reasons are listed below.

 1.  Teaches about responsibility.

Having a pet comes with responsibility such as walking an animal, making sure it is fed and cared for. Having to do this every day teaches you that having a pet comes with responsibilities that you have to continue to make sure the pet is looked after. Looking after a pet helps build a child's empathy with others and also looking after a pet gives the child a sense of achievement. 

2. Comfort. 

Having an animal to care for gives a child comfort as they have an animal that gives cuddles and company if they are feeling good or bad the pet is there for the child. It has also been found that children with pets feel less anxious and withdrawn.

Having a pet also reduces loneliness as they have a company with a pet being around and giving cuddles helps reduce stress and anxiety. Also giving a child comfort knowing they have an animal that caters can help them feel happier dealing with life's difficulties. 

3. Confidence.

Pets are known to help young children with their confidence when they are learning to read. Getting a child to read with a dog gives them encouragement to read and feel less anxious therefore giving them the confidence to read and learn more. 

4. Improve health.

Having an animal that goes for a walk or bounces around the garden will help improve a child's health by exercising more and getting fresh air. 

5. Strong bonds.

Having a pet and taking care of it helps build a bond between animals and children. Taking time to look after the pet such as grooming, cuddles and feeding give the child a feeling of something needing them. It creates a bond between the pet and child with trust over time and knowing the animal is there for them. 

What do you think about pets for the family? Are they good or bad? love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

 

Confessions of a Crummy Mummy

My Sunday Photo 23/05/2021

So proud of my youngest getting star of the week at school for his positive attitude towards his learning :)

4 reasons to take the family on a hike this summer

Hey readers,

A good thing to do for a family day out is to take a hike somewhere in nature whether it be through fields, up mountains, or longer trips overnight.  

There are many good reasons why you should consider going hiking with your family. Below I discuss the positives of hiking with the family down below.

Before we get into the reasons for hiking a quick look at the Oxford dictionary defines hiking as, the activity of going for long walks, especially across the country. So what the benefits you are asking? well...

1. Appreciate nature. 

When being surrounded by nature you can really appreciate the beauty it has to offer. Just the simple act of walking through nature and breathing in the clean air can be so good for the soul.

 If you live in an urban area it can be a pleasant change to see a setting that is all about nature. Getting connected with nature can make you appreciate natural beauty. 

2. Free.

Most places in the countryside are free to walk about (though do check before you head out that it is allowed for the public to walk on). It is a great form of exercise to do with the family. 

3. Building self confindce.

When you regularly take up hiking it can help build your confidence as you get past the challenges  - through building strength through working your muscles and having the resilience to go on long journeys though you may not be used to them. 

3.  Available for everyone.

Hiking is accessible for everyone, young or old anyone can do it as long as they are willing to take on the challenge. It is fantastic to do with the whole family as you are working together through the hike and encouraging each other when difficult times occur.

 It is also an opportunity to do something together and create memories. During hikes, it allows you to be switched off from modern life and can give you the chance to talk and learn about each other along with bonding more. 

4.  Minimal equipment.

With hiking, you don't really need much equipment as long as you know ow the route you are taking and have some decent footwear you are ready to go and explore the countryside with your family. 

Do you like hiking with the family? Have I missed out on any benefits of hiking together with the family? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

Problems only bigger boobed women will understand

Hey readers,

I have a confession to make I hate my breasts because I am a bigger breast woman and the right pain in the back and not the fact that buying bras is a breast ache and having to get a bloody loan out to pain for them.

Here are my reasons why big boobs suck!

1. They give you a backache and that kills, especially when you have to carry a child to bed in the evenings.

2. They are harder to finder and then become more expensive.

3.  No way would I suit a bralette, which is a shame as they are so God damn pretty.

4. I can't run As the boobies bounce everywhere so I may as well kiss goodbye if I want to run after that bus and accept that I am going to be late ;)

5. The prospect of going bra shopping sends you into a sweat and there is nothing worse than trying to find a size that actually fits you in a 'normal' shop.

 6. You dream of having the funds for breast reduction.

7. The pain of a button shirt and constantly having a gap there. You can't go out in public because you are scared your pop open.

7. What do my toes look like?!

8. You thought it was bad enough until you get pregnant and then they grow some.

9. In the summer you have under breast sweat....joy!

10. I hate having to wear a swimsuit because it never fits right and has a major fear of my boobies pop out in the swimming baths.

11. Can never wear anything backless.

12. Can't wear low tops without looking like a bag of s**t.

13. Never sleep on my stomach, I would never get any rest but pain.

14. I can never wear long necklaces because they make me feel self-conscious and worry they may go right in my cleavage.

Are you a bigger boobed woman? Can you relate to my points above? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

Confessions of a Crummy Mummy

My Sunday Photo 16/05/2021

 

My eldest did his first session of canning with his cub group this week and absolutely loved it :) 

11 changes on Monday that families can enjoy!

 Hey readers,

It is lovely to see things slowly reopen and with more restrictions relaxed from Monday (17th May) there so many good things to look forward to for the family.

1. Eat indoors.

The good news is you can on Monday eat indoors which is a relief with this awful weather we are experiencing. You can enjoy a meal in the warm...bliss. However, you will have to remain at your table as it is only table service allowed albeit you are allowed to go to the bathroom. 

2. Soft play areas,

Finally, the good news of parents with young children have all been waited for is that soft play areas are opening which is great for doing something different than just going to the park. You will have to book in advance and adults have to wear a mask. 

3. Cinemas. 

If you like watching films on the big screen the good news is cinemas are being reopened. You do have to wear a fash mask whilst watching a film unless you are eating or drinking. 

4. Indoor entertainment.

Places like theatres, indoor aquariums, bowling alleys, ice rings, model villages, and amusement centers will all open on Monday meaning more things to look forward to doing with the family.  

5. Hugging is allowed.

If you have missed hugging a friend or family member then this news is for you as from Monday you get some physical contact and give hugs again. 

6. Sleepovers. 

Sleepovers can happen now and if you want your child to stay over at your grandparents it is now doable. Also, your child can have friends over for a sleepover. 

7. Gatherings of up to 30 people. 

You can meet friends and family at the park, gardens, or other outdoor locations and the limit of people is 30. You can have a family party or go on a day out as a family of four and go with other groups that make up 30 people. 

8. Indoor play dates.

What this means is that you can gather inside someone else's home with a limit of 6 people or groups of people from a maximum of 2 households. 

This means you can have your child's friend visit or have a meal with the family in your own home with knowing that it doesn't matter if it is pouring down with rain but know that your safety as you in the dry with no worries. 

9. Kids parties.

As mentioned before with the rule of gatherings of 30 people, this too can apply to children's parties. So you can have that party outdoors or have people over to the maximum of 6 people to celebrate at home. 

10. School masks.

If you have a secondary school child on Monday they do not need to wear a mask in the classroom or communal areas as they are ditched. 

11. Holidays.

Indoor hospitality will reopen on Monday which means you can take your family on holiday if you so wish. You can book hotels, cottages, self-catering, caravan or lodge on Monday can be done. 

Holiday abroad is also allowed on Monday though it will have to be on the green list. These countries include:

- Portugal. 

- Israel.

- Singapore.

-Australia. 

- New Zealand.

- Brunei.

- Iceland.

- Gibraltar. 

- Falkland Islands.

- Faroe Islands. 

- |South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

- St Helena, Tristan de Cunha, Ascension Island. 

Although these countries above have been approved some countries still have their borders closed so make sure you research before booking a place. 

What are you looking forward to on Monday that is being opening up? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

    

How to make a stress ball

 Hey readers,

A fun to do at home with kids to make a homemade stress ball. It is perfect for kids to use when they are feeling angry, frustrated, or anxious. It is great relief putting your frustrated squishing a stress ball for some relief. Plus it is easy to make and fun sensory activity to do with kids. 

What you will need. 

* A balloon. 

* Funnel.

* flour. 

* Pen/pencil. 

How to make the stress ball. 

1. blow up the ballon then deflate it, this helps stretch the ballon. 

2. put the ballon end on the funnel. 

3. pour the flour into the funnel which will trickle down into the ballon. 

4. If a problem occurs with the flour not moving from the funnel into the balloon simply use a pen or pencil and gently push it through. 

5. Pour the flour into the ballon until you feel happy with the amount that is there. 

6. Take the funnel out and tie in a knot to the top of the ballon. 

7. There you have a stress ball. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 09/05/2021

why you should never read a parenting book

Hey readers,

As a parent in the earlier days especially when I was a first-time parent I read parenting books because it was all new and scary.

  I hadn't ever experienced what it was like to be a parent before I turned to information that was available for me.

 Of course, the most places a parent turns to is so-called parenting books who think they are helping you provide this available information to help you understand how to parent.

 But do you know what after 9 years of being a parent I can confirm that parenting books are a waste of time and if you are considering checking out parenting books I would suggest ditch them books? 

Why do I dislike parenting books? well, there are a few reasons. For one there always seems a rigid formula that you have to follow for all children even though let's face it all children are different. 

One box does not fit all and sadly that is one major reason why parenting books fail. Children and parents have different personalities and they may not work well with one formula. 

I think with parenting books there is so much pressure to be a certain type of parent and if you do fail then that then it could potentially impact your mental health negatively. 

It could be more detrimental with reading books because you sink into feeling not good enough, This is not good for a parent when it should be focused on forming a bond.

 If the parent is not fully in the zone because they feel not good enough how much damage will that do to the parenting that they try to do? 

Not only can reading parent books make you feel inadequate that can put on stress to try to be something that you may not reach because you work differently from what the book tells.

 I for one have felt absolutely rubbish when reading parenting books because I can't meet that standard that they try to portray in the words of the book.

 I felt at times feeling of despair and anger at everyone around me because I couldn't reach this ideal parenting model. It impacted my relationship with my husband as I was feeling bitter and angry with the world. 

I as an autistic person struggle with communication so it caused some rifts between my relationships. It then after a period of time affected me and the way I viewed myself as being a bad mother causing me to have suicidal thoughts.  

I think there is so much pressure with parenting books and the number of different types of parenting books can feel really overwhelming.

 Which one is supported to work? Bear in mind that parenting books will be focused on the zeitgeist at the time on what is trendy. For example, one time it was acceptable to follow weaning with purees the next it was all about baby-led weaning.

The problem with both these ideas is they are extreme ends and that middle is best and mixing it up to suit you and your child's needs. Again it chisels at your self-esteem especially if you are a first-time parent you don't have the confidence to go with the flow.

 I think because it is a new experience you're trying your best to succeed out what is right so you become vulnerable to the parenting guides feeling like that the information they give is gossip and if you don't follow it you're a bad parent. 

As you can see there is that pattern that your mental health is fragile and reading parenting books can contribute to worsening it when you need to grow to help give you the confidence to be the best parent that you can be. 

What are your views on parenting books? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

 

50 kid friendly snack ideas for the beach

Hey readers,

As we are getting more warm weather and staycations are still very much popular this year a picnic to the beach makes a perfect family day out.

 Sometimes it can be hard to know what to bring along to a picnic so below I have 50 ideas of a perfect food for kids and adults that would make the day amazing. 

Before I go into the food list I am just going to mention a few things to bear in mind when you go for a picnic at the beach.

Now obviously the changes of it being hot are high and you may have a day out at the beach. It is important to use ice packs to keep your food safe and fresh. It is something to make sure you pack.

Another item to remember when you go to the beach for a picnic is a blanket so as to make it comfy and separates the food away from the sand.

You may want to consider having a picnic box as they are a good size and shape to keep hold of your food.

When you do pack it might be good to back a spare bag for rubbish so you can keep it all together and check it in the bin at the end of the day.

With kids, one of the most important items to remember to take with you if your eating out is wet wipes as they are a godsend to keeping kids clean. There is nothing worse than sticky fingers smearing food everywhere.

Don't forget to pack cutlery and cups as so handy to make eating and drinking a lot easier forever.

Now, let's crack on with the ultimate kid-friendly picnic food for the beach.

1. Bread rolls.

2. Wraps.

3. Carrots/peppers/cucumbers/tomatoes plus hummus.

4. Sausage rolls.

5. Pork pies.

6. Cheese pre-cut cubes.

7. Fruit - strawberries, apples, raspberries, watermelon slices.

8. Breadsticks. 

9. Scotch egg.

10. Coleslaw.

11. Potatoes salad.

12. Crisps.

13. Crackers.

14. Ryvita's. 

15. Cheese strings.

16. Flapjacks.

17. Brownies.

18. Lemon drizzle cake. 

19. Quiche.

20. Chicken Satay.

21. Chicken drum sticks. 

22. Salmon slices. 

23. Salami.

24. Chicken tikka skewers.

25. Tail mix.

26. Nuts.

27. Granola bars. 

28. Boiled eggs. 

29. Samosas.

30. Falafel.

31. Koftas

32. Olives.

33. Shredded chicken. 

34. Prawns.

35. Couscous. 

36. Salad.

37. Corn on the cob.

38. Seafood sticks.

39. Cheese and onion rolls.

40. Feta and spinach parcels.

41. Ham and Edam rolls.

42. Chorizo and gouda rolls.

43. Mozzarella balls and tomatoes.

44. Fruit salad.

45. Hot dogs.

46. Pasta salad.

47. Tortilla chips and salsa.

48. Pitta bread and hummus.

49. Pizza. 

50. Sushi.

Have I missed anything off the list of picnic food that you nothing is a good item to bring along to the beach? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 02/05/2021

My cheeky little monkey 😝 

guilt over every moment.

Hey readers, 

 I have a kind of confession to make and that is when someone says, time goes fast embrace every moment of your child or similar times of things. 

But the whole idea was that I should embrace that moment. Maybe I find it difficult because I am autistic and I take every word literally. I feel stressed or guilty because I don't embrace every moment.

 I might be selfish may be preoccupied. I just feel suffocated with this feeling of trying to encapsulate and treasure every moment.

 This is the side of social media that I found not helpful for parents and truth be told adds more pressure/guilt. It really can drag your mood right down and feel not good enough.

 I bet if I weren't around in the social media time it would be a lot less stressful and less pressure to be perfect and enjoy every moment of my child. 

 The thing is life gets in the way, and sometimes I really can't wait for my kids to go to bed, does this make me a bad mother? Of course, I love my children dearly but life isn't always peachy.

 I just get so bogged down with the guilt about not enjoying every moment or not fully occupying my time with my child. 

But when I reflect I don't miss it. I don't miss the times I had. There are fun times, sad times, anxious times. 

It is an experience and something I am glad that I have experienced but would I seriously want to encapsulate that if I had the magic powers to make time stop? 

Honestly no I wouldn't. I am trying to let go of the guilt, I make mistakes and coming to terms with that and accept I am only human. 

I can't stop time or my children growing up that is just the nature of the beast. I do weirdly actually like seeing the change and growth in my child's development. 

Seeing them grow and become their own person in their own right. 

 Motherhood is tiring and challenging and all the other emotions are attached to it. 

I am trying not to be hard on myself and just take each day as it comes. 

As long as my children are happy, healthy, and achieving the best they can that is the goal for me. I need to accept my best is enough. 

 Cheers for reading X