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. When to be extravagant at Christmas ... and when not to be

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    Without a doubt, Christmas is the season of over indulgence. From October onwards – some of us sooner – we begin to plan just how excessive we can be, come the 25th December. Whether we’re drafting out Christmas lists as long as our arms, stocking up on bottles across the weekly shops, or planning a festive feast fit for kings, we’re prepared for extravagance at any cost.

    A one way road to tinsel town

    Whoever you are, you’re well within your rights to go all out over Christmas. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Yet, amidst all the excitement, it can become all too easy to go way overboard, spending savings, racking up the credit bills, plummeting down to the breadline just in time for the January blues.

    But it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s definitely a fine line between nailing the niceties and going OTT. If you sense you’re on a one way road to tinsel town, reign yourself in and assess what’s important and what’s not. Once you know where to place your efforts, your time, and your hard-earned money, you’ll know exactly when to be extravagant at Christmas and when not to be.

    Lilypad at Christmas logo

    Personalising your Christmas

    We have all sent those Christmas cards with the family photos on them (haven't we) but this could be the just start, you could personalise almost everything about your Christmas by creating your own family logo like our Lilypad one above. We tried out the company Logojoy who make creating logo childs play. You could use your logo for a seal on your Christmas cards or have your Christmas napkins embossed to really be extravagant this year.

    Christmas with the kids

    Many of our Little Lilypad readers have children, and definitely place personal value on creating the magic of Christmas for their young ones. I think it is fair to say that when your Children are small, going all out to see those eyes sparkle is certainly a priority.

    Most would agree that the ‘parenting era’ is when you can go OTT, for sure. Yet, while it’s a pleasure to pile presents under the tree, it’s sometimes more worthwhile to spread out those festive feels throughout the month.

    Rather than ploughing all your pounds into prezzies, make Christmas an event. Look at experiencing theatre shows, pantos, Christmas markets, ice skating, Santa visits, woodland walks, Christmas craft activities, Elf on the Shelf, Christmas films and snacks… there’s so much to do around Christmastime, it really is the perfect opportunity to create family memories.

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    All I want for Christmas is… 

    While giving gifts to loved ones can be a particularly pleasurable gesture, seriously give your budget the once over. What can you afford without dreading the sight of your bank balance? Often thoughtful, personal gifts are worth so much more than fortunes spent on the high street. If you have time, consider crafting some homemade creations with the kids.

    And remember, not everything has to be so matchy-matchy. Don’t buy a new dinner set because you’re plate short, and don’t buy a new set of chairs because Auntie Eileen has invited herself along for a bit of your best turkey.

    Cast your mind back to when you were young. Much of the charm was in the family being together, along with the odd bits and bots that made the day perfect in its own imperfect kind of way.

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    Be as extravagant as you want this Christmas but remember to be extravagant with children, with love, with well wishes, and with warmth this Christmas.

  2. Tis the season to sparkle

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    Christmas time is very often the season to sparkle and there will undoubtedly be many proposals over the festive period, however engagement rings are beautiful and delicate things. That means that they are not exactly suitable for all activities we go through every day. If you tend to wear your engagement ring all the time, you should know that it is possible to damage it. (eek)

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    Despite the fact that diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance, they are not unbreakable, and neither is the precious metal used to make the band and the setting.

    Fortunately, even if you do damage your ring, there are places where you can repair it. Here are some of the most common ways engagement rings get damaged.

    Damage to the Stone

    Most engagement rings have diamonds as the primary stone. As mentioned before,

    diamonds areincredibly hard, but they can still get damaged. Despite their brilliant and polished looks, all diamonds are flawed. The amount and the visibility of these imperfections determine the value of the diamond. However, these imperfections can make your diamond susceptible to cracking and scuffing. In most cases, the damage is minor and it can be repaired by simply filling the cracks. On the other hand, if your diamond is severely damaged it may need to be replaced completely. Still, even in doesn't need to be a bad thing. A skilled jeweler can incorporate the broken diamond into the new design, thus giving you a new and updated ring. 

    How Engagement Rings Get Damaged

    Other kinds of stones are less durable than diamonds, which is why some of them are not recommended to be used in engagement rings. However, if you have an engagement ring with any of these stones, take extra care not to damage the stone.

    Damage to the Stone Setting

    This is the most fragile part of the ring. It is especially true of die cast rings. These rings are exceptionally beautiful, but also fragile. The setting of these rings, as well as other rings, is usually delicate, which makes it more prone to damage. You can learn more about die cast rings here https://emersonandfarrar.com/pages/die-struck-engagement-rings

    The material also has some effect on the likelihood of damage. Yellow gold is relatively soft and can be damaged more easily than, for instance, platinum. The most likely damage is warping of the prongs which hold the stone in place. However, they can even break if the damage is not taken care of as soon as possible.

    Repairing the setting is mostly easy, by reinforcing the damaged setting, or even replacing it altogether if it is too far gone. You may also opt to exchange the material for something more durable.

    Damage to the Band Itself 

    Even though it is not very likely or often, the band itself can be damaged, especially if it is worn all the time. Just like with stones, the most common kind of damage are scuffs and scratches. Fortunately, it is easiest to repair as well. Less extensive damage can be repaired by simple polishing, whereas deeper damage requires more complex repairs, like re-coating. Finally, your ring may warp and bend as a result of a serious damage. It can happen to any kind of rings, but seeing how engagement rings are more delicate, it is far more likely that it may happen. Warping is easily repaired by reshaping the ring, but you need to inspect the setting and the stone after it is done since it can become damaged in the process.

    Engagement rings are a beautiful tradition which has created some true masterpieces of jewelry, but they can be fragile and can be damaged if treated badly. So, if you do get a proposal this Christmas take care of your ring and keep it safe for years to come.

  3. 5 Gifts that last long past Christmas

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    You’ve not got long left, guys and gals. Christmas is a mere week away. If you’ve yet to get gifts to pop under your Nordmann Fir, you’re cutting things mighty fine. But, maybe you don’t need to trawl the highstreets after all. While everyone loves a pair or two of plush fluffy socks, some festive flannel PJs, and a box of Lush’s best bath time treats, think outside of the box and gift a prezzie sensation that lives on long past Christmas morning.

    5 Gifts that last long past Christmas

    Transforming present buying into a dreamy process, these are the easy-to-get gifts that just keep on giving, even long after the season is done and dusted.

    5 of the best gifts that keep on giving

    1.    Gift experiences

    Is your hubby into all things aeroplanes. Forget those Airfix models and PC pilot games, and book him in for a flight simulation or even a helicopter adventure. Perhaps mum fancies herself as a bit of a gin connoisseur? Ditch the wine glass set, and send her on a gin tasting event. Brother a Game of Thrones fan? Cancel the limited edition box set and arrange a visit to the show’s set in Ireland. Groupon is fantastic for a range of gift ideas and whatever hobbies and interests your friends and family have, there’s a gift experience out there that hits just the right spot.

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    2.    Magazine subscriptions

    From FourFourTwo to Vogue and all that’s in between, if you have an avid rag reader in the family, then a magazine subscription is a priceless prezzie. With on the pulse topical info delivered to their door every issue, this is truly twelve gifts rolled into one. Browse online for hot deals and discounts on popular glossy titles.

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    3.    Handcrafted gifts

    Homemade gifts have made quite the comeback in recent years. Along with the Kilner jar, homemade jams and chutneys are right up there on Santa’s delivery list. People can’t get enough. From bakes to makes, whatever your creative vibe, let it flow over the festive season and delight your nearest and dearest. If you’re not so good with arts and crafts, check out Not on the Highstreet. This online store will link you up with some of the best of British personalised presents.

    4.    Craft courses

    Invest in your loved ones interests. From watercolour art and to felt animal creations, cupcake decorating to flower arranging, craft courses run all across the country. Have a Google and see what’s near you. You’re a few keywords away from a pretty spectacular surprise prezzie.

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    5. Cinema membership

    Let’s face it, we’re not all wine-tasting, wreath-making, cake-decorating enthusiasts. Some of us simply prefer to sit in front of the big screen and get lost in the latest blockbuster. If that sounds a bit of you or your significant other, a cinema membership is the one. Or, if you prefer to stay cosied up indoors, Netflix subscriptions, Sky Movies, and even specialist channel subscriptions, such as the WWE Network, make for a valued and unexpected gift.

    So you see, it might not be long till Christmas but you can still find the perfect gift that will last long after the tree has been taken down. 

  4. What would you give up in exchange for a little luxury?

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    What would you give up in exchange for a little luxury? Most of us aspire to the finer things in life (I am always coveting some designer shoes or bag) but on a day to day basis they are generally out of reach. 

    My eldest daughter is hurtling towards her teenage years and her friends are already planning an "trip of a lifetime" for their 18th birthdays. Looking at the holidays they are suggesting, I think we may need to start saving now but maybe it doesn't need to be a massive undertaking, maybe I just need to give up my hot chocolate in Costa or make my own lunches on a daily basis rather than "picking one up" from the local shop.

    We have been reading this ‘How to get more luxury for your money’ infographic, created by villa holiday specialist, Oliver’s Travels this week and it is amazing to see how giving up a few small things can make a big difference. 

    How to get more luxury for your money

    I don't know about my daughters 18th but I have a big birthday before then ....... anyone for Afternoon Tea at the Ritz??