Blog : Little Lilypad Co

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The Little Lilypad is a lifestyle blog mostly written by a mum to two beautiful, cheeky and entertaining daughters. It is sometimes written by the Man on the Pad or by one of our baby bloggers. Occasionally we accept guest posts too. There is frequently talk of sustainable living, saving money, lifestyle and travel. It is hopefully helpful, sometimes funny and always honest.

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  1. _LLP - Pin - Toddler Safety

    Creating a comfortable and practical space for toddlers requires thoughtful consideration and planning. This space is not just where they sleep, but also where they play, learn, and experience the world on their own terms. It's crucial to establish a room that is cosy, stimulates their curiosity, and is equipped with the right elements to support their growth and development. Balancing comfort and practicality ensures that toddlers have the right environment to explore and parents have peace of mind knowing their children are safe and content. A well-designed toddler space should consider safety, stimulation, independence, and of course, fun, creating a harmonious balance between a practical living space and a nurturing learning environment. Below you will find some tips to help you achieve a balanced, inviting, and functional space for your little ones. 

    Consider Functional Furniture 

    Choosing the right furniture is key to balancing comfort and practicality in your toddler’s space. Opt for versatile pieces that serve multiple purposes, like convertible beds that can adapt as your child grows, and consider furniture with built-in storage to help keep the room organised and clutter-free. Tables and chairs should be sturdy and of the appropriate size for your toddler, promoting comfort and independence as they play and learn. And remember, practical doesn’t have to mean boring, so make sure you choose furniture in fun, vibrant colours or with playful designs to keep the space lively and engaging. 

    Optimise Space 

    When balancing comfort and practicality in a toddler’s room, optimising space is crucial. Utilising multi-functional furniture can save space and provideadditional storage solutions. Children's Bed Shop offers a range of versatile and stylish options to maximise room utility. By opting for smart solutions like Children's Bed Shop’s options, parents can create a room that is spacious, organised, and adaptable to their child’s growing needs. This way, the room remains clutter-free, leaving more room for play and exploration, while also ensuring that everything has its place, promoting a sense of order and structure in your toddler's space. 

    Create A Comfortable Sleeping Area 

    A cosy and inviting sleeping area is key, if you want to ensure your toddler gets the rest they need. Choose a comfortable, supportive mattress and soft, breathable bedding to create an inviting sleep environment. Consider adding a canopy or a tent over the bed for a touch of whimsy and to give your toddler a sense of privacy and security. Keep the sleeping area free of distractions like toys and electronics to promote better sleep, and use blackout curtains to keep the room dark and conducive to rest. 

    Select Stimulating And Educational Toys 

    Toys play a vital role in a toddler’s development, aiding in the learning of crucial skills. When balancing comfort and practicality in your toddler’s space, select toys that are not only fun but also educational. Make sure you gettoys that encourage creativity, as well as the development of other key skills. Keep in mind the available space and opt for toys that can be easily stored away when not in use to maintain a tidy and organised room. A well-thought-out selection of toys can turn your toddler’s space into a hub of learning and development. 

     Use Soft Furnishings And Warm Colours 

     

    Another key thing that you can do is add soft furnishings like rugs, cushions, and curtains. They can add a layer of comfort to your toddler’s space, making it feel cosy and welcoming. Be sure to opt for fabrics that are soft to the touch and in warm, calming colours to create a relaxing atmosphere. These elements can also serve as practical solutions, providing cushioning and reducing noise in the room. However, while choosing soft furnishings, it’s important to prioritise ease of cleaning and maintenance, selecting materials that are machine washable and durable to withstand the rigours of toddler life. 

    Ensure Safety Is A Priority 

    When creating a space for toddlers, safety must be at the forefront of every decision. From the furniture you select to the toys you provide, every item should be evaluated for potential hazards. It’s vital to avoid sharp corners on furnishings where little ones might bump their heads. Additionally, ensure that small objects, which could pose a choking hazard, are out of reach. Safety gates can be used to confine toddlers to safe areas and keep them away from stairs or kitchens.  

    Encourage Independence And Exploration  

    Promoting a sense of independence and a love for exploration is essential when designing your toddler's space. Arrange furniture and storage at a height accessible to them, allowing them to reach their toys and belongings independently. Create various zones in the room for different activities like reading, playing, and crafting, encouraging them to explore their interests. Providing an environment where your toddler feels secure and confident to explore and learn independently is crucial in fostering their development and self-reliance. 

    When balancing comfort and practicality in your toddler's space, consider their safety, space optimisation, and a harmonious balance between functionality and cosiness. This way, you will ensure your children have a space that suits their needs while also being a cosy, welcoming place where they can thrive and grow. 

  2. LLP - Pin - Work from home

    Working from home can be a great solution for mums who want to balance their career with their family life. However, it can be challenging to find flexible work opportunities that fit around school runs and baby nap times. Here are five top tips to help you find family-friendly work from home opportunities.

    1. Freelance Writing and Blogging

    Freelance writing and blogging are great options for mums who want to work from home. Many companies and individuals hire freelance writers to create content for their websites or blogs. You can work on your own schedule and choose the projects that interest you. Blogging is another option that offers flexibility, as you can write and publish posts whenever you have time. Plus, it can be a great way to share your own experiences and connect with other mums.

    2. Virtual Assistant

    Many businesses and entrepreneurs need help with administrative tasks, such as email management, scheduling appointments, and social media management. As a virtual assistant, you can work from home and provide these services remotely. This is a great option if you have good organizational skills and are comfortable working with technology.

    3. Online Tutoring

    Online tutoring is a great option for mums who have a teaching background or expertise in a particular subject area. Many companies hire online tutors to provide one-on-one instruction to students. You can work from home and choose the hours that work best for you. Plus, it can be a rewarding way to help others learn and grow.

    4. Direct Sales

    Direct sales is another option that offers flexibility and the potential for a good income. Many companies offer opportunities to sell their products directly to customers, either through parties or online. You can work on your own schedule and choose the products that you want to sell. Plus, it can be a great way to connect with other mums and build a community.

    5. Remote Customer Service

    Many companies are now offering remote customer service positions, which can be a great option for mums who want to work from home. As a remote customer service representative, you would handle customer inquiries and provide support via phone, email, or chat. This is a great option if you have good communication skills and enjoy helping others.

    When looking for family-friendly work from home opportunities, it’s important to keep your priorities in mind. Consider your schedule, your family’s needs, and your own interests and skills. With a little research and some creativity, you can find flexible work that allows you to balance your career and your family life.

     

  3. When it comes to Christmas it can not only be a joyous time but a period in which we can feel totally overwhelmed by our homes. After all, Christmas means that we bring more things into our home after the kind gifts we can receive. Especially if you have children, however, it is also the perfect excuse to get organised and embark on some decluttering to get your home back in order. There is nothing quite like that feeling of entering a new year feeling fresh, tidy, and free from the clutter that can often hold you back in your home. So if you want to get started then here are some of the best ways to declutter your home after Christmas. 

    Pastel Purple and Blue Modern Blog Tips Pinterest Pin

    Start off with a cupboard or drawer 

    Decluttering can be a huge task and one that we are likely to procrastinate over or avoid. So the best way to get started is to start with a small area. Something as simple as a cupboard or drawer. Working through each space you can decide what stays, what goes, and what needs another home. 

    Use the box method

    If you are tackling a room then a great way to stay on top of things is to use the box method. A box for things you want to keep but perhaps need a new place to be stored, a box for things to donate or sell, and a box to recycle or get rid of appropriately. This is perfect for children’s rooms as you may accumulate or store things that they no longer want or need. It enables you to go through drawers, cupboards, and storage boxes. Organising as you go, and removing things that need to be stored elsewhere or need to be gotten rid of. 

    Organise children’s rooms before bringing new things into them

    Children often accumulate a lot of toys and things at Christmas time, so instead of adding them to their bedrooms or playrooms straight away, now is the time to organise them as they are. As you rearrange and store things away, think about their new toys and where they may go or be stored at the same time. Remove items they no longer want and create space ready for the new things ot be slotted in. Many people do this before Christmas, but it is just as easy to do it after as you are aware of precisely what needs storing. 

    One bag at a time

    If it feels too much, simply walk around with a bag. Use a bag for recycling and go into each room and remove things that is seemingly rubbish or need recycling appropriately. The next day take a bag or box and remove things you know are for selling ot donating. This gets rid of any surface clutter so that the task can seem less daunting as you delve deeper into cupboards and drawers. 

    Finally, don’t be too worried about how your home looks or how it may look as you start to declutter. Things may get messy as you work through cupboards, and drawers or tackle different.

     

  4. After managing and supporting small businesses for over 10 years, I have seen a lot of change in what can help and market your SME. As a social media consultant, I would always say to start with social media but after that, it has to be business awards.

    LLP - PIN - Business Awards

    But which one? How do you decide which awards to enter? There are usually two types of awards, one is voting and the other is a panel. If you have a good social following and extensive network, a voting could be beneficial however ultimately a panel awards system is completely impartial and independent (and my personal preference).

    If you have a great product, amazing vision or simply a story to tell then an award can be a new platform to a wider audience (not to mention the kudos). However, if you need any more convincing, here are our top 5 reasons to enter business awards.

    1. Free marketing - if you are nominated or a finalist, you will undoubtedly get additional exposure and social mentions.
    2. Increases credibility and customer retention. An award win can give a business more credibility and is a sign of quality for potential customers.
    3. Exposure - we know that exposure doesn't pay the bills but CAN put your business in front of influencers and key people within your industry.
    4. Recognition - public acknowledgement of your achievements is not only a great feeling but by pitching yourself as the best you can attract the talent you need to push your business forward.
    5. Who are your audience more likely to use if you’re THE award-winning business in your sector?

    LLP - PIN - Business Awards (1)

    It is not a secret that we are an award sponsor this year but again for us, working with the very best is important for our own brand. The Business Success Network Business Recognition Awards are designed and developed to celebrate SME’s business success throughout the UK and have a range of catergories, suitable for all businesses at any stage of their journey. 

    The BSN Awards celebrate the fantastic work being done by businesses and individuals within the UK business community and we will be sharing more details on our socials of the 2022 event at the awards next weekend. I shall also be spending the next week debating over my awards outfit but in the meantime, if you can't wait for the BSN Awards 2023 and you are considering entering your business for an award, make sure you carefully choose your awards process and category to best suit your business and its achievements!

    Good luck!