Category: Lifestyle

1. Why friends are like furniture

   Posted on 4:00pm Monday 20th Aug 2018

   Ok, so this sounds like a weird blog post. Strange title, and all. I know. But bear with me, hear me out, because I bet a lot of you ladies – and men, for that matter – will be in the same boat. Just a few hundred words in, and you’ll be considering whether Carol is an dark oak console table, I promise you.

   

   I just want us to think how much time we invest into our homes. Sure, you may not be the obsessive type who hoovers five times a day and always keeps an immaculate home, but once you own your own place, we all become a little more house proud.

   We care how things look, we want it to be as perfect as can be. We design the décor, we take care selecting colours, we choose furniture that is built to last.

   We ditch the convenience of the cheap flat-packs and opt for pieces from higher end retailers such as Cox and Cox because you can rely on it, it’s going to do you good. It’s not going to bend and bow, and it certainly isn’t going to fall apart when you use it to support your stuff.

   Can the same be said for your friends, and likewise, could your friends say the same of you?

   As we get older, it becomes harder to make new friends. Friendship circles tend to grow smaller. We all go off, get married, have children, build our careers. There tends to be less and less time to fit in friendship. The flat-pack friends are the first to buckle under the pressure, and that’s when you realise who your solid friends are.

   When you’ve less time for gossip and trivialities, as adults we start to realise whose company we truly cherish. Who we would do anything for. Who would do anything for us. Who is going to bear the weight of our problems in the tough times, and who we will do the same for when the tables turn.

   After all, we choose furniture that is comfortable and makes us happy, and so surely our friends should be chosen in the same way?

   While we realise these things, it’s important to make time to care for these relationships. Go for a coffee, share a bottle of wine over a home-cooked dinner, take the kids on a playdate.

   And I guess that’s food for thought.

   While it’s trusty and always there when you need it, you must care for your favourite oak cabinet. Dust it, polish it. Don’t overcrowd it with your clutter, without being willing to take some of that away again to see it gleam. In the same way, although our dependable friends may always be there, we must make time for them too.

   Choose wisely and nurture the friendship. Invest in friendships that are built to last and care for them for years to come.

   

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2. 5 cheap ways to keep the kids cool this summer

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 11th Aug 2018

   Despite the slight drop in temperature and a few rainy days, it seems that the Great British summer is here to stay. Never have we ever – since having our own children, at least – known such scorching summer sunshine. With a bounty of beautiful days on the horizon, it will be easier than ever to have a chilled-out summer with loads of cost-efficient garden fun.

   But the heat isn’t always so awesome. High temps often equate to tired, cranky kids. And, if you’ve got more than one, that’s sure to mean sibling squabbles peppered with tears and tantrums. It’s not the one at all. I’m not about that.

   So, in an attempt to keep the kids comfortable, calm, and collected, I’ve rustled up five tips for cooling down your young ones. It’s OK, thank me later.

   1. Pop some iced water in front of a fan

   Yes, you’ve officially become your mother. But, the truth is, placing iced water in front of a fan really can keep the room cool, *shrugs*. If you’ve never heard of such a contraption, be warned: it isn’t all that glam, but it defo does the job. Pop a washing up bowl, mixing bowl, any-old bowl filled with ice water in front of your fan. The ice water will cool the air above the bowl, which the fan then circulates around the room. Science, huh. Obviously if you don't want to keep refilling ice bowls, you could always look for and actual air cooler or humidifier.

   

   2. Make some lollies out of fresh juice

   Is there anything as luscious on long summer days than a homemade ice lolly. Not only will this keep the kids cool, it also serves as a fab family activity. Lolly moulds can be picked up cheap as chips from the Pound store, and towards the middle of summer you can get them discounted in most supermarkets.

   3. Stock up on strawberries and suchlike

   Believe it or not, too many ice lollies can actually trick the body into warming up! While one or two will certainly be refreshing, if you really want to cool down, it may be better to give the kids other snacks instead. As well as yoghurts, watermelon and strawberries, drink plenty of tap water, and if your little ones are a fan (pun unintended) anything spicy will set the body off sweating and work to cool you all down. It’s true.

   4. Seek out the shade

   When you’re all spending a day at the beach, the park, or even in your back garden, it can be tempting to set up stall in the direct sun. But think more long term. Whether you’re reading, playing football, or building sandcastles, shade is a must. Look for an area that gives you the best of both and don’t forget water and suncream.

   

   5. Pull out the paddling pool

   An oldy, but always a goody. Nothing keeps kids cool in the high heats of the summer sun quite like a paddling pool. You don’t need to invest in a deep tub or anything fancy, just a small inflatable pool is enough for laughs and splashes. Pulling out the water pistols and balloon bombs is always a hit, too.

   How do you keep the kids cool in the summer?

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3. Why reading is saving me money!

   Posted on 12:00pm Wednesday 18th Jul 2018

   I love to read but what with all the girls activitives, school, work and general life being bonkers busy most of the time, reading seems to take little priority. So along with my 40 things in my 40th year list, I have challenged myself to read more this year and I love that it is also saving me money!

   Why is reading saving me money you may ask (or may not) but I am going to share it anyway.

   

   I have never been a big fan of reading on a tablet, I love the smell and feel of a paper book but trying to squeeze in a couple of chapters before I go to sleep isnt practical when you have a husband who likes to sleep in the pitch black. Reading on a tablet gives me a solution to this. 

   

   I can download books instantly.

   I can download free books. 

   I can download the latest releases without going to the shops and spending money unecessarily on other things I don't need.

   I can read on the sofa and not spend my time browsing online websites and spending money.

   I can read in the dark (saving on the electricity .... okay I admit that this is a very loosely hinged money saving point).

   My most favourite thing though? It might keep my pennies in my purse but it keeps my mind rich too! I am looking forward to reading on holiday this summer ..... I just hope the iPad doesn't overheat! 

   

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4. 5 ways to upgrade your old family car with new car tech!

   Posted on 9:00am Thursday 24th May 2018

   My husband loves his car and as he was a biker for many years, he was never going to be the one with the "family car", so while I like a nice car, it has to work for the family too.

   Automotive technology has evolved rapidly over the years and made our rides safer and more comfortable. The best thing is that you don’t have to buy a modern car to take advantage of the innovative technologies. There are a number of car gadgets in the market today that you can install on any car regardless of the age, make and model. 

   Here are some of the best gadgets to upgrade your old family car:

   1. Heads-up display

   Head-up display, also known as HUD, reduces driver distraction by displaying important information directly in the driver's line of sight. It displays a variety of information including your car’s current speed, speed limit, turn-by-turn navigation, traffic alerts and estimated time of arrival among others.

   This gadget connects wirelessly with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. It works by receiving information from your smartphone and projecting it onto a reflective film on your windshield or an attached reflector lens.

   Most HUDs are compatible with vehicles manufactured within the last decade. Therefore, you are sure to find one that works with your old family car.

   2. Seat heaters and massagers

   These gadgets are designed to keep you and your passengers warm and comfortable during a ride. They can be installed on virtually any vehicle and any seat including the driver, passenger, and rear seats.

   Some of the best seat heater and massager kits you may want to try out include the Comfitech car seat massager and 3D Shiatsu seat massage cushion.

   3. Bluetooth stereos

   A Bluetooth stereo allows you to connect your smartphone to your vehicle via Bluetooth. This way you can stream your favourite music from your smartphone. Some Bluetooth stereos have a built-in microphone that allows you to make hands-free calls. (this is a particular favourite of mine, so I can talk freely AND safely).

   If you’re looking to go on a road trip and want your family to stay entertained but don’t want to install a Bluetooth stereo on your car, leasing a car can be a great option. There are several car leasing companies in the UK like Intelligent Car Leasing that have modern cars with Bluetooth stereos.

   

   4. Parking sensors 

   Installing parking sensors to your old car is a great way to ease parking pains. These gadgets use either electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles while parking. Additionally, they send clear audio warning alerts when an obstacle is detected.

   Parking sensors can be installed on a licence plate frame or into holes drilled into the bumper of your car. Be sure to purchase a parking sensor that’s compatible with your car.

   5. Rearview camera

   A rearview camera is a simple yet important safety feature. It gives you a clear view of everything that’s behind you which helps to reduce rear blind spots accidents. Statistics show that rear blind spots cause about 300 deaths and 18,000 injuries every year in the United States. A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that back up cameras help to reduce blind spots by about 90%.

   Most rearview cameras are easy to set up and are compatible with old vehicles. Be sure to purchase a camera that is waterproof and has night vision.

   So those are our top tips, would there be anything else you would add?

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