50 things to throw out today!

 Hey readers,

January means a time to do some cleaning so what better way to feel fresh and new than to sort out some clutter that you no longer need. Below I have 50 things that you can declutter and throw out straight away. This will help immensely with having more space and less rubbish. 

50 things to declutter and throw out now. 

1. Puzzles with missing pieces. 

2. Old nail polish that is all dried up. 

3. Earring without a match. 

4. Old socks.

5. Broken toys. 

6. Old glasses (you can donate them at your local options). 

7. Take out menus.

8. Worn out shoes.

9. Old make-up.

10. Old newspapers and magazines. 

11. Empty bottles.

12. Old perfume. 

13. Old razors.

14. Clothes that don't fit. 

15. Old underwear.

16. Broken hangers. 

17. Old shopping bags. 

18. Rubbish from your handbags. 

19. Old spices.

20. Junk mail. 

21. Old cords.

22. Expired coupons.

23. Old calenders.

24. Old receipts. 

25. Cardboard boxes. 

26. Open bottles.

27. Old condiment sachets.
 
28. DVDs. 

29. Old medicines. 

30. Old towels. 

31. Lidless containers. 

32. Extra cleaning rags.

33. Old phone covers or screen protectors. 

34. Old paint. 

35. Plastic cutlery.

36. Jewelry you don't wear.

37. Expired food. 

38. Stretched out hair ties.

39. Little shampoos that you got from a hotel 5 years ago. 

40. Kids' old art projects. 

41. Kids' clothes that are too small. 

42. Travel mugs that leak. 

43. Expired sunscreen.

 
44. Plug-in air freshers without a refill. 

45. Old batteries (can take them to the supermarket as they ask for them).

46. Goody bag toys from an old birthday celebration. 

47. Hair products you don't use.

48. Phonebooks. 

49. Borken Christmas lights. 

50. Catalogs.

Have I missed anything on the list of items to declutter today? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section. 

Cheers for reading X

kids activities to do while stuck or driving.

 Hey readers,

Do you dread the prospect of traveling long distances with kids in the car? Then you need to read this post. I have some cracking activities your kids can do in the car to keep them entertaining and stop them from asking are nearly there yet. 

1. I spy. 

Starting off with a classic game of I spy. It is a really straightforward game where the person asks I spy with my little eye something beginning with a letter. Then the other people taking part have to guess that something with that letter they can see with their eye. Once the person guessed correctly it is then their turn to say the phase I spy...

2. Name that song. 

A fun game is for one person in the car to hum a tune whilst all the other people have to try and guess the name of the song. 

3. Car bingo. 

For this game, you will need a pen and print the bingo sheets beforehand but it will be worth it as it is lots of fun. Below is an example of car bingo (there are many free printable ones, just type into google car bingo UK printables). 

As you can see reach square has something you will come across journey so hold on to paper and circle of every item on the sheet. The person who circles all the boxes and shouts out bingo is the winner. 

I got the above bingo sheet from Startrescue which is free to use and print if you're looking for a good resource check that one out. 

4. I went to the shops and bought...

.

Someone starts off with the first person saying I went to the shop and bought and they have to think of something beginning with A (e.g. apple). 

The next person continues by saying the previous item (apple) and then something beginning with B (e.g. banana).  This then continues with each person having a go and working through the alphabet, adding one more item to the end of the list each time.

 

5. 20 questions.

Designate one player (the thinker) to think of a person, animal, or thing familiar to all the players.

The other players (guessers) take turns asking yes-or-no questions to help them guess the person, animal, or thing. 

The thinker must keep track of the number of questions asked. If you like, distribute twenty counters (pennies, beans, or paper clips) evenly among the guessers. 

As each guesser asks a question, she gives a counter to the thinker. When the guessers run out of counters, the game is over.

Any guesser may try to guess the person, animal, or thing on her turn. If she's right, she's the thinker for the next game. If she's wrong, the guess counts as one question, and the game continues until someone guesses right or until twenty questions have been asked. 

If no one guesses right within twenty questions, the thinker reveals the person, animal, or thing and starts a new game by thinking of a different person, animal, or thing.

Are there any good car games that I have missed out that you enjoy? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 09/01/2022

                                                  

Salted caramel truffles recipe.

Hey readers,

Truffles are fairly straightforward to make so why not have a go with my recipe below and enjoy :)

Ingredients.

* 70g of milk chocolate buttons. 

* 20g of salted butter caramel pieces. 

* 8g of chocolate powder. 

* 40ml of double cream.

How to make the chocolate truffles. 

1. Put the chocolate buttons into a bowl. 

2. Measure the cream into a jug and boil it in the microwave (this will take approximately 40 seconds). Alternatively, you can boil the cream in a pan on the hob. 

3. Pour the cream over the chocolate and allow it to stand for 3 minutes. 

4. Using the spatula, combine the chocolate and cream until you reach a smooth texture. Then add the caramel pieces and combine these fully into the ganache. 

5. Put it into the fridge to set for approximately 2 hours. You'll know when it's set when the ganache is firm enough to roll into a ball into your hands. 

Rolling the truffles.

The ganache will typically make 11 truffles using a teaspoon. Make sure you have clean, dry hands before rolling the truffles. 

6. Put the chocolate powder on a plate ready to roll the truffles. 

7. Take a teaspoon of the ganache and in the palm of your hands, roll it into a ball. 

8. Roll the truffle in the chocolate powder coasting fully and plate it on the plate. Repeat for the remaining ganache. 

Once made. 

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and consume them within 3 days. Enjoy at room temperature.

Cheers for reading X

100 outdoor things to do with kids

Hey readers,

Sometimes I can find it hard to think of ideas on how to entertain children especially outside. So if you're looking for inspiration then look no further as below I have a whopping 100 children's activities. The activities vary and different seasons depending but it is always good to plan now and again. 

 1. Roll down a big hill.

2. Camp outdoors.

3. Skim a stone.

4. Build a den. 

5. Create some wild art. 

6. Go paddling.

7. Watch a sunrise.

8. Explore a cave.

9. Discover what is in a pond. 

10.  Catch a crab.

11. Fly a kite.

12. Make a campfire.

13. Toast marshmallows.

14. Pooh sticks.

15. Make a leaf collage.

16. Play conkers.

17. Collect shells.

18. Go sledding.

19. Swing on a rope swing. 

20. Make a daisy chain.

21. Plant a tree.

22. Run a mile. 

23. Climb a tree.

24. Go fruit picking. 

25. Count 60 when hola hooping. 

26. ride a bike. 

27. Blow some bubbles.

28. Play frisbee. 

29. Play duck, duck, goose.

30. Make a birdfeeder. 

31. Feed a horse.

32. Visit a farm. 

33. Have a picnic in your garden. 

34. Go bug spotting. 

35. Enjoy a nature walk. 

36. Create an obstacle course in your garden.

37. Enjoy some tie-dying outside.

38. Paint some rocks and put them in the park for others to spot.

39. Create a nature diary.

40. Make up some potions.

41. Do some bird spotting. 

42. Find a shady tree and read.

43. Make a floral crown. 

44. Learn cartwheels. 

45. Have a water fight.

46. Build a fort.

47. Dance in the rain. 

48. Imitate a bird's call. 

48. Blow dandelions into the wind.

49. Dig up worms. 

50. Sleep under the stars. 

51. Explore a skate park. 

52. Jump in a pile of leaves.

53. Build a snowman. 

54. Make a walkie-talkie out of two tins and some string. 

55. Go fishing. 

56. Find a walking stick. 

57. Catch snowflakes on your tongue. 

58. Make a crayon leaf rubbing. 

59. Whittle a stick. 

60. Collect 6 different types of rock. 

61. Rollerskate.

62. Draw a hopscotch board on the floor. 

63. Eat homemade ice lollies.

64. Sing as loud as you can.

65. Water the plants. 

66. Run through a sprinkler. 

67. Pick flowers.

68. Walk barefoot on the grass. 

69. Make nature confetti. 

70. Ice-skating.

71. Snow paint. 

72. Christmas light walk.

73. Go caroling. 

74. Construct a mud pit. 

75. Jump in muddy puddles.

76. Photograph flowers.

77. Go on a scavenge hunt. 

78. Paint fairy houses.

79. Stargaze. 

80. Go for a swim. 

81. Kick a ball. 

82. Create twig frames. 

83. Battle with shaving foam. 

84. Float a paper boat down a stream. 

85. Use a compass.

86. Yoga outdoors. 

87. Listen to a waterfall. 

88. Nerf gun wars.

89. Geocaching.

90. Pokemon Go. 

91. Fly a drone.

92. Go ape.

93. Orienteering. 

94. Hide and seek. 

95. Plant a vegetable garden. 

96. Go to the beach.

97. Build a sandcastle. 

98. Jump over waves.

99. Press flowers.

100. Pick up rubbish. 

Have I missed any good activities that you think are perfect to do with children outdoors? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 02/01/2022

 

                                                  

6 ways to earn amazon vouchers!

Hey readers, 

Looking to earn a few quid which would be ideal as we are heading closer to Christmas.

 Well, I can tell you some simple money apps that you can earn Amazon vouchers simply by scanning your receipts and it is really simple to do. 

1. Snap My Eats.

With Snap Eats you have a set amount of receipts you can upload which is  25 receipts. They need to be done within the month and then you get a £10 reward. 

Of course, if you don't have 25 receipts depending on how many you upload you will receive £1-£4. 

Once you are up to £10 you can cash it out as a gift card which can be used in selected stores such as Virgin, Amazon, and Google Play store. 

The receipts are for anything food-related, whether it be food from the supermarket, restaurant, or coffee shop. As long as something that is food-related is purchased then it will be accepted.

The app can be downloaded via the Play store and the Apple app store. 

2. Shopprize. 

Pretty simple all you need is receipts, take a picture of them and scan them into the app.

 Make sure that you tap to focus your camera and take a picture of your receipt. Check that your photo is readable and not blurry or cut-off.

 Use your coins to enter to win the offers give-away or save up your coins in exchange for Amazon or play gift vouchers. 

To qualify for a gift card you will need to have 500 coins to cash out a £5 Amazon or play gift card. 

Once clarifying you want the gift card you will receive an email confirming your details fairly shortly after and you can use the code straight away. It on average takes about 2 weeks if you are consistently scanning in receipts. 

3. Huyu. 

My referral code is GVCXNXFR and gets 50 points. 

Again another receipt app where you can earn points from your receipt. 

You can cash out once you hit the 500 points which can be exchanged for a five-pound Amazon voucher. 

They do send you an email with the gift code which then you just copy and paste to your Amazon account under managing your gift cards when you can it to so don't have to spend it straight away. 

4. Shoppix. 

Shoppix is similar to Receipt Hog where you can scan in your receipts and collect rewards.

Also, you get scratchcards also given an opportunity to win additional coins. 

There are also quick surveys where you can win more points.

 Once you reach certain coins you can exchange them in Amazon vouchers, below is how much money equals the number of tokens. 

3200 Tokens = £5

6000 Tokens = £10

11500 Tokens = £20

5. TopCashback.

Referral link - http://www.topcashback.co.uk/eef/member634642761305.

Basically, go on the website before purchasing anything and click on the shop page (you will find it by typing the name of the store into the search bar). 

Then just click to shop which will take you to the site that you want to go to. Each shop has percentage money back and you can request to transfer money earned on Top cashback in Amazon vouchers.

6. Storewards.

Storewards is the latest app you can get rewarded for uploading your receipts and there is no limit to how many receipts you upload.

The receipts can be anything such as a supermarket, bus ticket, and even charity shops.

This app is now my favorite app because it is the quickest one to earn coins which you can transfer money into your Paypal or other gift codes available. 

Make sure you check in each day as you will be rewarded 600 coins for simply opening the app.

It is also levels involved so the more you snap and earn coins you go up a level and this means more bonuses for you. 

Cheers for reading X 

How to deal with post Christmas blues.

Hey readers,

Well, it is officially the end of Christmas and the holiday season but what now? It can be a hard period where you deflated and in a post-slum. These feelings can be hard to shift so let me give you some tips on how to overcome the holiday blues. 

Get outdoors.

It can be easy to sit at home feeling meh, ok you don't have the money, you might have put on a few pounds and just a general feeling of flatness. One way to help lift your mood is to shake off the cobwebs and go out for a walk and breath in the fresh air. Walking in the open can be really beneficial and trust me you feel so much better after choosing to do it.  

Plan. 

With all the fun and games of Christmas end sometimes you need to have a plan on how to move forward and do something constructive like choosing a book of your reading list or sorting out your wardrobe. Anything, that can distract you and do something that can benefit you and make you feel good at doing something that day.  

Have something to look forward to. 

Just because Christmas has ended doesn't mean you can't plan something to look forward to, whether it is going for a coffee somewhere or checking out the local art gallery, you can still get excited about doing something worthy after Christmas.  

Expect some letdown.

They say preparation is key and one way is to expect some letdown after Christmas. Doing this can cause let emotional response to the end of the event meaning it might suck a shock mentally and easier to manage when Christmas has ended.  

Be kind to yourself. 

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy, it is important to understand that sometimes life can be tough and be gentle with yourself. It takes a little time to adjust from the comedown of Christmas and get back to reality and normality kicks back in. 

Make healthy choices. 

With planning and preparation instead of just eating all the crap food focus on eating healthy as this will have benefits of feeling better in your mood especially in reducing the feelings of sluggishness. Not only that but it will also give you more energy to cope with emotions and get more productive with your day. 

Write about it.

They do say that sometimes the best way of dealing with emotions is to write the feelings down, it can help clear your head and many come with some ways to help overcome the negative feelings of post-Christmas blues. 

Reflection. 

Looking back over the Christmas period and focusing on the positives and the fun times can help you feel better. Knowing that you have created happy memories and there will be many more Christmases in the future to experience the fun times of Christmas again can help with the pain of holidays ending. 

Write thank-you notes. 

Another way to bring on happiness after Christmas is to write out thank you notes to friends and relatives for the presents they have to send you. 

What ways help you overcome the holiday blues? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X  

My Sunday Photo 26/12/2021

Merry Christmas everyone 🎅 

 

                                                  

My christmas traditions

Hey readers,

Today I want to talk about Christmas traditions that I and my family partake in.

So, where do I Start I guess with Christmas Eve I tend to now tune in to Channel Four's special Christmas movie they air each year.

 I have done this since the boys were little and it is just a lovely way to settle down in the eve before Christmas. Channel four are normally good at picking some really calm films perfect to watch just for bed. The kind of thing is The Snowman and the snowdog or we are going on a bear hunt.

Along with watching the Christmas Eve film, we make a luxury hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows, yummy.

Each year my boys 'help' with putting up the Christmas tree whilst blasting out old classic Jazz Christmas songs, I also prefer that music, and reminds me of my own childhood.

On Christmas day I love to go for a family walk, normally ending up at a park. When we go to the park it is bizarre because it is so eerily quiet when normally it would be buzzing with kids everywhere.

Can't be Christmas without an advent calendar to lead us up to Christmas. Nothing like getting tiny chocolate in the morning, lol.

Every year we go visit Santa locally (it was the same one I went to as a kid so happy memories associated) so it holds happy memories not just for my children but for me as well. It is really fun as there is a Santa sleigh ride where you are still in a sleigh and it moves. It is really pretty with the lights and the kids get all excited to go meet Santa.

My boys are now at that age where they love to write Christmas cards to relatives and friends. They love personalising it with their drawing and stickers - it is a lovely activity to do during Saturday afternoon.

Every Christmas I put up two stockings for the boys to enjoy small little presents and random items, which ironically are some of their favourite things they get over Christmas.

This tradition is more of my husband's thing, which is Christmas crackers at the table. 

Me personally I think they are a waste of money but I am sure I waste money on other things over Christmas. Nonetheless, the boys the surprise by the noise from pulling on crackers and we can have a laugh at the rubbish jokes that come with the crackers.

Going to school play at Christmas is magical to go and see as parents and see your little ones dressed up and singing Christmas songs. I always come away feeling cosy inside and the boys feel proud of all the effort they put into their roles.

Awful cheesy Christmas jumpers that are just glorious to wear during Christmas. My boys love Christmas jumpers especially when one of theirs has lights on it and sings songs, which adds to the excitement of Christmas.

Finally, the last tradition is, of course, leaving a plate out for Santa that consists of a glass of milk, mince pie, and a carrot for the reindeer. My kids after being super happy in the morning to see the plate empty bar a few crumbs, hehe.

Cheers for reading X

  

10 reasons to love Christmas

Hey readers,

It is now less than a month away from the big day of Christmas and what better way to get you in the festive mood than to give you all the good reasons why you should love Christmas.

1. Christmas. 

Christmas is a time where you can relax and you don't have to feel like you have to be doing something because it's a holiday and that means you can be as lazy as you want bliss.

2. Twinkly lights.

Christmas is all about the decorations and twinkly sparkly colours to decorate your home with. I'm partial to twinkly lights because they are not so daring. I like them also because they are relaxing and they just make everything so magical.

3. Hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate is the beverage of the festive season. There are so many varieties now in the coffee shops perfect to take time out from Christmas shopping. Alternatively, hot chocolate is delightful when at home when you want to snuggle down watch a film and feel all cosy hot chocolate is a drink for you.

4. Food.

Christmas is a time to fill up with glorious food that has a million calories but it doesn't matter because it doesn't count because it's Christmas. Food can vary from mince pies to a full roast dinner with all the trimmings followed by trifles. Therefore when you are full-on Christmas day you can sniffle down on the soda and have a nap. so that 

5. Music. 

I am partial to a bit of Christmas music especially from old-time crooners such as Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin. Them jazz notes are perfect to relax in the evening or when you are wrapping Christmas presents with a little drinky poo. 

6. Food containers. 

Isn't it lovely when food comes in something where music plays and lights up? I am such a sucker for this type of product us it also makes a wonderful gift for someone? 

7 TV specials.

For once Christmas is an opportunity to have at least one or more decent programs to watch at Christmas time. For my children, they channel 4 special films aired on Christmas eve. However, for me this year I can not wait for Gavin and Stacey's Christmas special. 

8 Dark nights. 

With winter being dark and cold nothing is better when closing the doors pulling the curtains closed and getting cosy with the family, perfection. 

9. Knitwear. 

Christmas is all about being cosy and happy. What better way to achieve this than wearing coy knitwear perfect for staying warm and snug especially after Christmas Dinner where you can have a checky nana nap in your warm, cosy jumper because it's Christmas and it is socially acceptable. 

10. Booze. 

Booze is lovely especially a glass of Babycham to make you feel merry. What is even better is the fact that is not frowned upon for one day only on Christmas day where you can drink before 10 am without any judgment made, get in! 

What do you love about Christmas? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 19/12/2021

Yay my youngest returned home after a week in hospital with two infections in his foot. 

 

                                                  

The A to Z of Christmas

Hey readers,

Not sure if you are aware that it is the month of December which can only mean one thing..... Christmas! Get ready as I give you the A to Z of Christmas, Ho Ho Ho.

A - Christmas would not be Christmas without an artificial tree to set off the living room decor nicely and place them Christmas presents under.

B - The bells, the bells yep them lovely shiny gold and chiming away in the classic Christmas hit of Wizard's 'I wish it could be Christmas every day. Though personally not sure I would want that as it would be a hell of a chore to do every day.

C- Well as December is the Christmas month that means it is socially acceptable to have chocolate EVERY day and shock horror you can even have it after breakfast, whoop! No guilt is needed, it is all about getting in the spirit of Christmas ok people!

D - Decorations are one of the main features at Christmas time. Some people like traditional plain baubles or glittery baubles but not me, I have a cow, ice cream, and a pink fluffy silhouette. I personally, got more interested in tacky and non-related Christmas decorations when I learned how much my husband hated them, lol you have to get your sh*ts and giggles somewhere.

E - Christmas is all about exchanging gifts, who doesn't like a Lynx gift set or a pair of socks, this is the dream right there.

F - In the UK it is freezing during December, so remember to wrap up warm.

G - Christmas is all about making memories and having a good time. But you need to have at least one argument because you know it is bloody Christmas and it is stressful.

H - The ultimate beverage is no other than the hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows - now your talking!

I - Irrational fear about where you left the Christmas presents that were saved from the January sales. Arghh, they are hidden so well you have forgotten where you have left them, PANIC!

J - Everyone has to be jolly and plaster that fake smile because it is all about having a good time ;)

K - Kris Kringle is the main geezer of this big event, every single year.

L - If you do have an argument you can sit in the room having a sulk and staring at the twinkly lights.

M - Moody me? Not only when my husband decides to lie back and snore and I can't watch The Royal Family (not the real one but the comedy).

N - Nob is my favourite word to mouth at my husband when he is stressing me out and we need to sort out dinner.

O - Organised because that is how I like my life.

P - Panic when you forgot the goose fat, these things matter at Christmas.

Q - queues everywhere, heating whacked up in the shops. I think I might be sick with this overload of chaos. Christmas in the air when you enter a shop so be warned because everyone is on the same mission.

R - Rejoice it is 8 pm on Christmas day and now we can sit back and check out the sales.

S - Must remember to stock their stockings.

T - Trimmings are crucial in the Christmas dinner game.

U - Unwrap and leave your mummy to move around like a ninja with the black bin bag.

V - Visit from Aunt Sue who sits there and moans.

W - Wintery because it is freezing.

X - Is for Xmas in case you might have forgotten.

Y - I blinking love a chocolate yule log just for your information.

Z - ZZZ because this Christmas business is knackering init.

Cheers for reading X

How to reduce food waste at christmas

Hey readers,

How often do we buy too much food over the Christmas period and end up chucking that food away? well, here I am going to tell you ways to help reduce food waste at Christmas time.

Shopping List.

Instead of just going full force when you go food shopping make a list beforehand and plan your meals so you know exactly what to get and use up.

Link up food.

Make food last longer and use up more by putting groups of food that are used in different items.  For example - If you're going to make custard with the yolk of the egg, you can save the yolk-white for making meringues instead of just throwing the used egg away it is going to get used in something else.

Frozen.

Instead of buying fresh food swap it for frozen then you can take out what you need and freeze the rest for a later date. You don't have to worry about going off quickly as it will last longer in the freezer.

Fruit and Vegetables.

Instead of going for the perfect vegetables use the wonky vegetables, not only is it cheaper but also it is not getting wasted win-win.

Buy the exact amount needed.

When you go shopping instead of buying a bag of carrots say go for the desired amount such as three carrots - therefore you know you are going to use them and not have food lying about rotting then end up in the bin.

Buy seasonal produce.

When looking at the seasonal product it is what the farmers are harvesting and are ready to be sold to the supermarket. It is fresh and full of flavour. Depending on the season would equate to what food would be the season.

In season right now the types of food would be Brussel sprouts, goose, potatoes, parsnips, and apples to name but a few.  

This will cost less because it has not been needed to travel to get to supermarkets as far and doesn't come with the premium prices, therefore, saving you money on your shopping.

Supermarket deals.

It can be very tempted to buy the deals that are in the supermarket such as buy two products and get the third three or buy one get one free. 

They are easy to spot in the supermarket as they have bright yellow labels and bold text to stand out and catch your eyes whilst shopping. 

But don't be fooled as you may not actually be saving money as they may be items that are hard to shift or close to their sell-by date. 

Also, check the quantity as you may get as much as you would if you brought the same pack on its own.

 For example, if one pack of digestives is 150g for 50p but you get 75g for buy 2 to get one three. It may be cheaper just to buy one pack and not have an unwanted stock of food at home.

Cheers for reading X