Best places to visit in Coventry.

Hey readers, 

Coventry, located in the West Midlands region of England, has a rich history and various attractions. 

Here are some places to visit in Coventry:

1. Coventry Cathedral.

This iconic cathedral was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

 Its modern architecture and impressive stained glass windows make it a must-visit attraction.

2. Coventry Transport Museum.

If you're interested in cars and transportation, this museum is a must-visit.

 It houses the largest collection of British road transport in the world, including bicycles, motorcycles, and vintage cars.

3. St. Mary's Guildhall.

Dating back to the 14th century, St. Mary's Guildhall is a historic building with beautiful architecture. 

It has served as a meeting place for royalty and is now open to the public for guided tours.

4. Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.

This museum showcases Coventry's art, history, and culture. 

It features a diverse collection of artworks, archaeological artefacts, and interactive exhibitions.

5. War Memorial Park.

A peaceful and well-maintained park, it is dedicated to the memory of soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

 The park offers ample green spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities.

6. Coombe Abbey Country Park.

 Located just outside Coventry, this park offers scenic landscapes, woodlands, and a lake.

 Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnicking, birdwatching, and even overnight at the Coombe Abbey Hotel.

7. Fargo Village.

This creative quarter is a hub for independent retailers, artists, and food vendors.

 It's a great place to find unique gifts, handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and delicious street food.

8. Coventry Music Museum.

If you're a music enthusiast, this museum showcases the rich musical heritage of Coventry. 

It highlights the city's contribution to various genres, including ska, 2 Tone, and punk.

9. Coventry Building Society Arena.

If you're a sports fan, catch a game or event at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

 It's a multipurpose stadium that hosts football matches, rugby games, and concerts.

10. FarGo Village Street Art.

Coventry is known for its vibrant street art scene, and Fargo Village is a great place to explore it. 

Take a walk around the area to discover colourful murals and graffiti.

These are just a few of the many attractions Coventry has to offer. 

Make sure to explore the city's shopping districts, restaurants, and cultural events to make the most of your visit.

Cheers for reading X 

5 tips to ease migraine pain.

Hey readers, 

All you want during a migraine attack is relief, which is where medication can help for some people. 

Is there anything more you may do, however, to help lessen the attack or ease the symptoms before the medication begins to take effect?

Try the following treatments if you need immediate migraine relief.

 The majority are free and without negative consequences.

1. Apply a cold press.

The effectiveness of temperature therapy is well known if you've ever used an ice pack for a wound or a heating pad for a sore back. 

When you have a migraine, this can be beneficial.

Even though cold therapy has been used to cure migraines for over a century, there isn't much research to support this claim. 

According to some hypotheses, cold therapy may help constrict blood vessels or reduce the nerve signals that cause migraine headaches.

Even more recent research hasn't been able to determine exactly how cold can aid with migraine pain relief Trusted Source, but two recent studies did discover that applying ice packs or neck bands at the beginning of a migraine could dramatically lessen the perception of pain.

To find out what feels the greatest for you, you might need to experiment. Some discover that placing an ice pack on their heads provides peaceful, numbing comfort. 

This is especially useful if the sun or heat causes your migraine.

2. Find a quiet and dark place to relax.

One of the most typical migraine symptoms is sensitivity to light and sound. Suppose you can get away from these things. 

You may experience less pain and tension as a result of this.

Lay down and focus on your breathing. Try inhaling slowly and deeply via your diaphragm.

 As you inhale, feel your tummy rise; as you exhale, feel it descend. You might find this relaxing.

3. Keep a migraine diary.

Maintain a diary to identify your specific migraine triggers. 

If a pattern starts to form, you may be able to lessen the intensity and frequency of your episodes by changing your food and way of living.

Caffeine, alcohol, stress, or relief from stress (the letting go of tension can be a trigger), dehydration, missing meals, getting too little sleep, and lie-ins are some common migraine triggers.

 Certain foods, such as cheese, chocolate, or ice cream, affect some people.

Avoid as many triggers as possible, eat, drink, and sleep regularly, and give up all forms of caffeine, including coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate.

4. If you can go to sleep. 

Go to bed if you can. The greatest thing is probably sleep, which tends to reset the body.

 If you have the option to sleep through a migraine, do so. It's not always doable. (Regular, high-quality sleep may also lessen the risk of migraines.

5. Diet. 

Your body can be significantly impacted by the foods and beverages you consume. Particularly well-known migraine triggers are alcohol. 

In addition to drinking alcohol, anything that alters your body's physiology can cause a migraine episode. 

Because of this, eating often and in sufficient amounts throughout the day is advised to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

What do you think of my tips to help with migraine relief? 

Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 03/09/2023

 

We went on holiday this week to Cornwall and what better way to spend it than eating ice-cream 😉 

What are some common Autism traits.

 Hey readers,

Autism is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts and perceives the world. There is no single way to be autistic.

Some common traits or characteristics are.

 

* Finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling.

* Getting very anxious about social situations.

* Finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own.

* Seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to.

* Finding it hard to say how you feel.

*Taking things very literally – for example, not understanding sarcasm or phrases like "break a leg".

* Having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes.

* Noticing small details, patterns, smells or sounds that others do not.

* Having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities.

 * Liking to plan things carefully before doing them.

* Having difficulty with reading comprehension, fine motor skills or attention span.

* Being hyper- or hypo-reactive to sensory input, such as avoiding eye contact, getting too close to other people, or getting very upset if someone touches or gets too close to you.

Autism can sometimes be different in women and men. Autistic women may have learned to hide signs of autism to ‘fit in’ - by copying people who don’t have autism, be quieter and hide their feelings, appear to cope better with social situations, or show fewer signs of repetitive behaviours.

Autism is not a disease. It is a natural variation of human diversity. Autistic people have strengths and challenges, just like anyone else. They may need extra support in some areas of life, but they can also contribute positively to society with their unique perspectives and talents.

If you think you may be autistic, you can see a GP or a health professional to get diagnosed. Getting diagnosed can help you get any extra support you might need.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects communication and behaviour. People with ASD have difficulty with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours.

Here are some of the most common autism traits:

Social communication and interaction: People with ASD may have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. They may also have difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations, and they may not understand or respond to humour.

Restricted or repetitive behaviours: People with ASD may engage in repetitive behaviours, such as hand flapping, rocking, or lining up objects. They may also have a strong interest in certain objects or topics, and they may become upset if these objects or topics are changed.

Sensory sensitivities: People with ASD may be sensitive to certain sounds, smells, tastes, textures, or light. They may also have difficulty processing sensory information, which can lead to problems with attention and learning.

Learning and attention: People with ASD may have difficulty learning new things, especially in social situations. They may also have problems paying attention, which can make it difficult for them to complete tasks.

It is important to note that not all people with ASD will have all of these traits. The severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person.

If you are concerned that your child or someone you know may have ASD, it is important to talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and intervention can help improve the quality of life for people with ASD.

Here are some additional signs of autism in children and adults:

Children:

* Avoids eye contact.

* Does not respond to name.

* Does not show facial expressions.

* Does not play interactive games.

* Does not share interests.

* Does not point to show you something interesting.

* Does not notice when others are hurt or upset.

Adults:

* Finds it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling.

* Gets very anxious about social situations.

* Finds it hard to make friends or prefers to be on their own.

* Seems blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to.

* Finds it hard to say how they feel.

* Takes things very literally.

* Has the same routine every day and gets very anxious if it changes.

* Notices small details, patterns, smells or sounds that others do not.

* Has a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have autism, it is important to talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and intervention can help improve the quality of life for people with ASD.

Cheers for reading X

5 benefits of journaling.

Hey readers.

There are many excellent reasons to journal, not the least of which is that many journals available for purchase nowadays have attractive designs.

 While keeping a notebook as an adult may seem silly and writing things down may seem old-fashioned, the advantages of journaling tend to grow with age and the complexity of your ideas.

You should occasionally sit down with a diary and collect your thoughts since, as an adult, it's simple to become lost in the hectic and complex environment we live in. 

Everyone has different motivations for keeping a notebook, but you can find solace because it's a place where you can focus entirely on yourself without fear of criticism.

We urge you to try journaling because it is a valuable and therapeutic technique. And before you get started, look at our top five reasons for journaling.

 1. Keep thoughts organised. 

Journaling enables us to clarify and organise our thoughts. You can jot down daily occurrences, ideas, and emotions related to specific encounters or viewpoints. Your journal entries can be archived and tagged in Journey.

2. Health benefits. 

The benefits journaling can have on your health are some of the most significant and frequently disregarded benefits. 

Journaling can help with anxiety relief and stress reduction, among other health advantages.

 Finding techniques to reduce these sensations is essential since stress and anxiety can negatively affect mental and physical health.

Journaling has other positive effects on your health, such as enhancing your emotional intelligence, mood, and memory.

 Therefore, grab a pen and diary and write everything down if you're feeling anxious or uncertain about anything in your life.

3. Writing practice.

Writing in a journal is a great writing exercise. Anyone who wants to become a writer must put in a lot of practice to master the craft. 

One of the finest strategies to improve your writing is to keep a journal. Writing for a brief period each day will help you develop good sentence structure, word choice, grammatical usage, etc.

4. Changes.

Journaling records development and subtle changes. Human nature makes it easy to miss the subtle signs of growth when you're in the middle of something. 

On those difficult days when it seems like everything is imploding, it's easy to lose sight of the progress you're making. 

You can read about your past to understand how far you've come and gain the perspective that a terrible day isn't indicative of a bad life. 

5. Encourages self-confidence. 

In several ways, journaling can increase your self-confidence. If you keep a notebook to organise your thoughts and routine, you could discover that being organised lessens worry.

 Your ability to effectively manage your time and constantly cross things off your to-do list might serve as positive reinforcement for yourself.

You can discover that being kind to yourself also enhances your general relationship with yourself if you use your notebook to practise good self-talk and fight negative thoughts actively. 

What do you think about journaling? Is it something you do? I would love to hear your thoughts down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 27/08/2023

My boys experienced going ice skating this week ⛸ 

Dirt pies recipe.

 Hey readers, 

If you want a fun and yukky recipe for kids, look no further, as I have the perfect mud pie recipe.

Ingredients.

* Ready to roll puff pastry. 

* 150g of chocolate buttercream. 

* 2 ready-made chocolate muffins. 

* 2 tbsp of golden caster sugar. 

* 75g black ready-to-roll fondant.

* Handful of chocolate-covered raisins. 

* Handful of mint leaves.  

Method. 

1. Use a cuttie cookie and cut out nine cookie shapes. Place them into a Yorkshire pudding tray, and cook them in a 180c fan oven for 15/20 minutes. 

2. Place them onto a cool rack for 5 minutes to cool down. 

3. Spread a teaspoon of chocolate frosting into the bottom of each pastry shell and use the back of the spoon to smooth it down.

4. Crumble the muffins into a bowl and stir the sugar. Sprinkle on top of the chocolate frosting. 

5. Sprinkle more sugar on the crumbled muffins to resemble sand. 

6. To make the slugs and bugs, roll the fondant into sausage shapes and add two little antennae on top. Add a few small fondant sausages for the legs of the bugs. Use a knife to add a little detail to the back of the slugs. 

7. Add the chocolate-covered raisins as a pebble path, then small bunches of mint leaves as bushes and chopped chives as grass. Add your slugs and bugs on top as a finishing touch. 

Enjoy. 

Cheers for reading X

Ibs what is it?

Hey readings, 

Although the exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are unknown. 

Correlations to oversensitive gut nerves, food moving through the gut too quickly or slowly, family history, and stress have been made.

You may take steps to assist in alleviating and regulating symptoms even when a remedy has not yet been discovered.

What are the symptoms of IBS? 

IBS symptoms might vary, but they frequently last for a long time. The most typical ones are:

* Abdominal discomfort brought on by having a bowel movement, such as cramps or bloating.

 *  Alterations in the way that bowel movements look

alterations in the frequency of your bowel movements.

* The feeling of incomplete ejection and a rise in gas or mucus in the stool are additional symptoms that are frequently associated.

What causes IBS? 

IBS can be treated in various methods, but its aetiology is uncertain.

An abnormally sensitive immune system or colon are potential culprits.

 A prior bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal system is the root cause of post-infectious IBS.

 It's challenging to avoid IBS because of its many potential causes.

The process of getting a diagnosis of IBS. 

The doctor will want to rule out other illnesses but should be able to diagnose the patient based on the symptoms provided. 

You may occasionally experience IBS symptoms from medications you take for other health issues. 

To investigate if a medication swap is possible, it could be worthwhile to bring up this topic with your doctor.

Blood tests may be utilised as additional examinations and will be used to evaluate the following:

* Whether or not anaemia exists.

* Functional liver and kidney.

Any indications of bowel irritation. 

*If celiac disease could be the problem. 

To ensure that another bowel condition is not causing symptoms, doctors are now using a stool test called faecal calprotectin to detect inflammation. 

The doctor can therefore be assured that it is IBS. 

IBS and diet. 

There isn't a single IBS diet that will reduce your symptoms. 

This is because the precise origin of IBS is still unknown, and every person's body responds differently to certain foods.

However, studies and evidence-based recommendations have revealed that while some food groups can trigger IBS, others can help ease symptoms.

Take into account the following crucial aspects to attempt and manage your IBS symptoms:

Potential IBS trigger foods and drinks.

 

A successful IBS diet plan entails more than just selecting healthy foods.

 Additionally, it involves avoiding foods and beverages that could cause unpleasant and painful symptoms.

 You may already be aware of the foods that are difficult for your body to properly digest and therefore aim to replace them in your diet.

A wonderful approach to keeping track of what you eat and figuring out which foods can cause IBS flare-ups or symptoms is to keep a food diary.

There is no list of foods to avoid if you have IBS because various people may experience symptoms in response to different foods.

Common foods that cause IBS, however, can include:

* Nuts, beans, potatoes, and whole-wheat flour all include insoluble fibre, which can be more difficult to digest and worsen bloating and pain.

* Dairy products - For certain IBS patients, foods like milk frequently cause symptoms.

* Despite being rich in protein and fibre, beans and legumes can be difficult for some individuals to digest, leading to bloating, gas, and other IBS symptoms.

* Processed foods, frequently heavy in fat, sugar, and salt, can cause flare-ups of IBS.

* Caffeine and alcohol are both known to make some IBS sufferers' symptoms worse.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 20/08/2023

 

A good game of monopoly taking over 4 hours to complete 😂

No churn Daim bar ice cream recipe.

Hey readers, 

The ingredients for this no-churn ice cream recipe can be combined in only 10 minutes, and then the mixture is left to freeze. 

It's an excellent dinner party dessert to prepare in advance.

 

Ingredients. 

* 397g of condensed milk.

* 600ml cream. 

* 6 Daim bars, roughly chopped. 

Method. 

1. Pour the condensed milk and double cream into a large mixing bowl. 

Beat with an electric mixer for about 10 minutes until thick and voluminous. 

Fold in 4 of the chopped Daim bars. Freeze in a lidded freezer-proof container until firm.

2. Scoop into bowls and sprinkle over the remaining chopped Daim bars to serve.

Enjoy. 

Cheers for reading X

5 wonderful benefits of reading books to kids at night

 Hey readers, 

The activities your kids engage in before night may be the reason for their difficulty sleeping.

 Before going to bed, watching TV or playing video games may affect how well they sleep. 

The good news is that reading at night can ensure they sleep better and wake up feeling rested and ready to take on the day.

 Continue reading to learn more about the advantages of reading at night.

1. Bonding time.

Whatever their age, having you all to yourself during a bedtime reading gives your child a chance they might not otherwise have during the day.

A night-time book shared with your child when they're snuggly and ready for bed is the perfect time for cuddles, bonding, and making cosy memories that will last a lifetime.

2. It enhances attention. 

Why read to your kids?

Their focus will increase if they remain still and listen to a beautiful bedtime story!

Reading is much more complicated than watching TV, which makes it easier for the brain to strengthen and form new connections.

If a youngster reads frequently, paying attention to the story will aid in information retention.

3. Helps lower stress levels.

Reading-based stress reduction is just as helpful for children as for adults. 

Reading allows your child's imagination to wander to new locations and sends them on an adventure outside their surroundings. 

In adults, reading helps put our problems behind us and relaxes and loosens our muscles.

 In contrast, reading a bedtime tale while cuddling with a parent lowers cortisol levels in children, improving their ability to unwind and focus.

4. Expands their vocabulary.

Because it allows us to interact with others and our environment, communication is a vital life skill.

 Additionally, an extensive vocabulary significantly improves your capacity for communication. Numerous studies have also shown how reading expands vocabulary.

5. Helps build a routine.

Reading bedtime stories to your child fosters a passion for learning. Additionally, it aids your youngster in developing a reading regimen. 

Children must comprehend the significance of adhering to everyday routines. Even for adults, this promotes stability. Additionally, this will enhance their education and personality. 

Building a healthy routine that includes reading bedtime stories at the same time every day helps teach kids the value of time. 

These habits will undoubtedly alter and mature as they get older.

What do you think about reading to children at bedtime? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 13/08/2023

 

We went on the road train at our local park and the boys loved it ☺ 

Malteser tiffin recipe.

Hey readers, 

A delectable chocolate traybake that doesn't require baking. Making beautiful Malteser tiffin are biscuits, Maltesers andchocolate. Check out the recipe below. 

 

Ingredients. 

* 200g milk chocolate. 

* 100g unsalted butter. 

* 2 tbsp golden syrup. 

* 125g digestive biscuits.

 

* 135g bag of Maltesers. 

For the topping. 

* 200g milk chocolate. 

* 25g unsalted butter. 

*1 tsp golden syrup.

Method.

1. Use baking parchment to line a 20 cm square baking pan.

2. Melt the 200g of chocolate, butter, and syrup in the microwave or over a saucepan of gently simmering water.

 Once almost completely melted, remove from the fire and stir gently until any last remaining chocolate specks are melted. Allow to slightly cool.

3. Place 35g of the Maltesers and the biscuits in a freezer bag, seal it, and pound with a rolling pin. A few tiny biscuit chunks are okay, but crumbs are what you want the most.

4. Stir the melted chocolate until everything is thoroughly coated before adding the crushed mixture and whole Maltesers (save 1 or 2 for yourself). Make the topping and press it into the prepared pan.

5. Melt the chocolate, butter, and syrup for the topping as before, then distribute it over the biscuit foundation.

6. Before cutting into squares, wrap the tin in foil or cling film and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Enjoy. 

Cheers for reading X 

The benefits of meal planning.

 Hey readers, 

The idea behind meal planning is to organise your meals in advance. 

Meal planning can be done for a variety of reasons, and it is becoming more popular with the cost of living and people trying to save money where they can. 

What are the benefits  meal planning than? Well read more below to find out. 

1. Learn portion control.

You can monitor how much you actually consume if you plan your own meals. This also helps you avoid overeating at restaurants, which frequently provide portions that are far larger than you should be consuming.

2. Meal planning takes away indecisions.

Nothing is more annoying than checking everything in your kitchen cabinets while you wait for inspiration to strike over what to make, only to find that nothing jumps out.

Procrastination, which is never a good thing, and time wastage are both caused by indecision.

Instead of wasting time considering what to make, spend that time actually making the food so that you may spend more time later on doing something else you want to do.

When you have a meal plan, you may operate more automatically because the preparation and planning are already done, and you are likely to have the necessary time and ingredients. I'm sure you'll agree that it's lot simpler this way!

3. Saves money. 

It has been demonstrated that by scheduling your monthly meals at least a week in advance, you may significantly reduce your food expenses each month. Plan your meals and snacks in advance.

The cost of a takeaway dinner can often equal the cost of 4 home-cooked meals, which shows how expensive eating out has become. You can "repurpose" meals by using leftovers to make an entirely new dish when you learn how to cook at home. Double Discounts!

4. You will eat healthier.

Once you get the hang of meal planning, it will help you control your frequent hunger pangs and peckish feeling, which encourages you to buy canned and boxed foods that aren't the healthiest options. 

When you want to make the move to being healthier, it's important to eat nutritious foods. Making a meal plan in advance can help you decide what you will eat each day of the week and guarantee that the components are very nutritious.

5. Reduces stress.

You won't have to worry about what you will prepare or scramble to locate anything at the last minute if you write up a meal plan for the next week and stick it on your refrigerator. 

What to you think to meal planning? Is it something that you do? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 06/08/2023

 

How to help your child start secondary school.

 Hey readers,

Starting secondary school can be an exciting but challenging time for children. 

As a parent, there are several ways you can help your child transition smoothly into this new phase of their education. Here are some tips:

1. Communication. 

Talk openly with your child about their feelings and concerns about starting secondary school.

 Please encourage them to share their thoughts and listen attentively to their worries.

 Assure them that it's normal to feel anxious and that you're there to support them.

2. Attend orientation events. 

Take advantage of any orientation programs or open days the school offers. 

These events allow your child to familiarise themselves with the school environment, meet teachers and staff, and connect with other students.

3. Visit the school beforehand. 

If possible, visit the school with your child before their first day.

 This will help them become familiar with the layout of the building, locate classrooms, and identify facilities like the cafeteria, library, and restrooms.

 It can also alleviate some of their anxiety about navigating a new environment.

4. Establish routines. 

Establish consistent practices and schedules to help your child feel organised and prepared.

 Plan regular bedtimes and wake-up times to ensure they get enough rest. 

Help them pack their school bag the night before and lay out their uniform or clothing for the next day.

5. Encourage independence. 

Secondary school often requires more freedom and responsibility from students. 

Please encourage your child to take ownership of their school-related tasks, such as organising their materials, completing homework, and managing their time.

 Teach them organisational skills and help them develop a system for keeping track of assignments and deadlines.

6. Foster social connections. 

Encourage your child to make new friends and build social relationships at their new school. 

Encourage participation in extracurricular activities or clubs that align with their interests. 

Remind them that many other students are also starting fresh and looking to make new friends.

7. Stay involved. 

Maintain open lines of communication with your child's teachers and stay engaged in their school life. 

Attend parent-teacher meetings, stay informed about their academic progress, and address any concerns or challenges that may arise. 

Showing interest and support will help your child feel more secure and motivated.

8. Monitor stress levels. 

Monitor your child's stress levels during the transition period. 

Please encourage them to talk about any difficulties they may be facing and offer guidance and reassurance. 

If you notice persistent stress or adjustment difficulties, consider contacting the school's counselling services or seeking professional support.

Remember, every child is different, and their needs may vary. Be patient, supportive, and understanding as your child navigates this significant transition. 

With your guidance and encouragement, they will gradually settle into their new school and thrive academically and socially.

Cheers for reading x