Category: Lifestyle

1. 5 Tips for Relaxing When You’re an Overwhelmed Parent

   Posted on 4:00pm Monday 19th Jun 2017

   Nobody ever said that being a parent would be easy, but we’re sure nobody said it would be so hard at times either! When baby duties and all the other details of life are beginning to stack up around you, it can be difficult to keep a calm and relaxed attitude. However, just because that attitude doesn’t come naturally doesn’t mean you can’t get it! You just need to put the systems in place to make it so. Below, we’ve put together five tips to ensure you can remain a calm parent no matter how hectic things get.

    

   

   Source: Pexels.com

   Advice from the Experts

   Believe it or not, you’re not the first parent to be overwhelmed by the responsibilities in front of them! Every other mum in the world has been through the same thing, and there’s a lot of literature out there that can guide you on how to navigate the difficult periods. Pick up a few good parenting books and use your downtime to read through them. It’s much better than scrolling through Facebook, especially as reading naturally calms us, too.

   Finding Your Moments of Zen

   Besides your duties as a parent, how are you spending your time? What we do reflects how we feel. If we’re moving at a million miles per hour, then using our non-baby time to do things that don’t relax us, then there’s no wonder we’re stressed! Start your morning with a jog or some yoga, or whatever it is you like to do. It’ll put you in the right frame of mind to tackle the day head on.

   Camille from www.thefloatspa.co.uk said: ‘Yoga is not only used for fitness, it can be a very effective relaxation technique that can calm the mind and motivate you for the day ahead.’

   Being Prepared

   We can eliminate a lot of issues from our life if we’re just prepared! For example, if you wake up in the morning and have to take care of clothes, meals,  figuring out a plan for the afternoon, and so on, then, of course, you’ll feel overwhelmed. However, if you took care of all of them the night before, you’ll be free and clear. This preparation extends to little time-saving hacks, too. If you have a GP at hand via your smartphone or web browser, you’ll be able to easily get medical advice when it’s needed, without having to book an appointment for the doctor. Getting your supermarket shopping delivered can also save hours each week. In essence, it’s all about using the most of the technology and time-saving hacks available to you!  

   Don’t Let The Small Things Cripple You

   We’re all confronted by little things each day that threaten to derail our happiness. The next time it happens to you...just let it go (it’s unimportant). Don’t let it work its way under your skin. Ignore, and move on. Life is much easier when we have a relaxed attitude: and it us just an attitude; anyone can have it!

   Calling in the Help

   And finally, don’t be afraid to rope in the help of your friends and family. Just having people around can be enough to calm us down. There’s no reason to battle through alone!

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2. 5 Gorgeous Italian Locations You Simply Cannot Miss

   Posted on 11:00am Thursday 15th Jun 2017

   Italy is the must-see country that sits at the top of most bucket-lists. The combination of romance, stunning architecture and delicious food is irresistible.

   I have wanted to go to one of the many gorgeous Italian locations for years and I might add it to my list of things to do before I am 40, so if you have been saving up for a break away this year, Italy could tick all of your boxes. It is a safe, family-friendly destination if you want to take the kids and a romantic getaway if you decide to have a break away without them. Here are 5 gorgeous Italian destinations that you simply can’t resist.

   

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   1. Impressive Rome

   Rome is the glorious capital of both modern Italy and the ancient Roman Empire so you get to see two cities in one. There are so many sights to see in Rome, it is important to get organised before you go to make the most of your time there. European Tours are the easiest way to make sure that you are not missing anything. Your itinerary will be planned perfectly to ensure that you get to experience both the major sights and hidden gems. You get your own tour guide so you can ask whatever questions you like and learn as much as you can from the experience. Obviously, you cannot miss the Colosseum and the St. Peter Basilique in the Vatican but you will also love the Spanish steps of Piazza di Spagna.

   2. Beautiful Florence

   Florence is the classic Renaissance city, packed with charming elegance, architecture, art, and culture. It is hard to pick out the most beautiful aspects of Florence because it is all stunning but the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria are both places where you can view the highlights of Florentin architecture. They were once the political and religious centres of this historic city and give an insight into the Florence of the past. If art is what you are seeking, you need to head straight to the Uffizi Gallery where you can find the most famous paintings by Leonardo and Raphael. For a taste of modern Italy and an injection of Italian culture, book a performance at the new opera house in Florence for an evening that you won’t forget.

   3. Stunning Cinque Terre

   Translated this means the ‘Five Lands’ and it is a set of five linked villages which are located on a cliff on the Italian Riviera. They are an impressive sight. It is not surprising that this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of tourists every year who come to see that colourful houses and fortified towers. You can view the houses from the sea or there is a panoramic hiking trail called the Sentiero Azzuro (light blue trail) which connects the five villages. However, be warned, it ends with a climb up 368 steps and so is not suitable for very young children or those with mobility problems.

   4. Unique Venice

   There is nowhere quite like Venice anywhere else in the world. It is built on a lagoon and transport is via a series of canals. There no roads or cars. It’s packed with history and art and is simply the most romantic place on earth. It is best to visit out of season when it is cooler, less busy and you get to avoid all of the cruise ships that visit in the height of summer. On the other hand, in the winter it can be chilly and covered in sea mist so you will miss the beauty of the city. Early Spring is probably the best option. Don’t miss a ride in a traditional gondola but be prepared to pay a high price for it!

   5. Gorgeous Amalfi Coast and Capri

   Here you can combine relaxation with some sight-seeing. The area is steeped in culture and nature and you are never far from the breath-taking rocky coast. The first villas here date back to Roman times and there have been settlers here ever since leaving a rich tapestry of history and architecture. At one point is was one of the four Marine Republics ruling Italy. The three hotspots for tourists are the unmistakable Cathedral of Amalfi, Ravello and Postiano. Then you can head out to the wonderful island of Capris. Dubbed the ‘Garden of Eden’ this island is incredibly popular with tourists and can get very busy.  It was once home to an emperor and a monastery so there is plenty of history to discover. The best view is from the north of the island from which you can spot Vesuvius in all her glory!

   Have you ever been and is there anywhere you would recommend as a must see part of Italy?

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3. 5 ways to protect your child from the sun

   Posted on 12:00am Wednesday 14th Jun 2017

   Summer is well and truly here. We’ve been promised some hefty heatwaves in the UK over the next few weeks, and I wore a skirt, so I can confirm that we’re all ready for it.

   

   In theory, that is. In reality, we’ll have to shed our cardis and give up our cuppas – we’ll be wishing for autumn again in no time. But for now, let’s imagine the bliss of the summer sun, bbq's in the back garden, and children happily playing outside, heads in the clouds rather than attached to screens.

   As parents, we all understand that sun comes with safety issues. The best way to protect little ones from harm is to keep them covered. Sunblock is advised from birth to five years, with factor 30+ sunscreen thereafter. You should also be sure that your selection protects from both UVA and UVB rays.

   Sun cream aside, there are other ways to keep our youngsters safe in the sun, whether you’re holidaying at home or venturing abroad.

   Invest in a sun safe swimsuit

   Unlike other items in your kids’ wardrobes, sun safe swimwear is made from material that offers a specific level of ultraviolet (UV) protection. Look for a swim piece that provides UPF 50. This will block 98 per cent of the sun’s UV radiation. All very scientific, but in practical talk, it means not having to reapply sun cream every single hour of the summer holidays. I know it is nice to get a bit of colour but I would rather have the peace of mind than the worry of sunburn.

   

   Aim for the shaded areas

   Keep the kids in shaded areas. It may seem like common sense, but sun worshippers out there can be too quick to dismiss the risks of being out in direct sun all day. Give your children’s sensitive skin a break from harmful UV rays and find a cool spot out of the sun. It is also possible to buy sun safe play tents for young children, which provide shade and additional UPF protection.

   Stay out of the midday heat

   The sun is at its strongest between midday and 3pm, wherever you are in the world. This is the best time for children to take a break from being outdoors. Head inside, grab some lunch. If you’re out and about, find somewhere cool to sit inside for a little while. When holidaying with nippers, try to build in a daytime nap just after noon. That way everyone gets some rest, and the children miss the glare of the midday heat.

   Pack a sun hat

   Sun hats can help prevent the scalp from burning, while providing shade over sensitive facial areas. UPF protector caps are now available to buy too, which usually include sunshade neck flaps as well. Keep the head undercover, there’s nothing worse for children than a serious bout of sunstroke on holiday. Or for us grown-ups, for that matter.

   Reconsider your holiday dates

   Sure, it’s good to getaway to Greek isles in the peak of summer, but have you considered holidaying slightly out of season? As well as getting more holiday for your money, temperatures are likely to be much better for young ones. April to May and early October are ideal times to fly to typical holiday destinations, which is what we did this year. A May half term holiday was a novelty for us but it was also a tolerable temperature for the children. 

   Do you have any other tips?

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4. 5 Reasons Why I Am Never Going To Be The Picture Perfect Parent

   Posted on 12:00am Wednesday 7th Jun 2017

   I’ve seen you all, all over Instagram, the picture perfect parents… and kudos, I don’t know how you do it! I dream there may be days when I will successfully juggle PTFA meetings with perfectly timed homemade paella, served with a kale breakfast smoothie, and a side of successful Pinterest crafts. But, alas, it just doesn’t seem to be for me.

   

   And, according to recent news reports there are a number of mums feeling exactly the same way, so I have come to accept that I will never quite make it into the perfect parent ranks, and I’ve assessed why.

   The kids don’t eat quinoa

   The kids eat spaghetti hoops and chicken nuggets, they eat pizza, and they eat hot dogs. They also eat vegetables, fruit, and a variety of fresh, homemade dinners. What they don’t do is live by a strict health regime that only allows wholegrains and clean eating options. While I take my hat off to mums who make this work, sometimes you’ve just got to head to the freezer for an easy meal. Plus, what is childhood without a jam sandwich.

   The house isn’t always "Insta" ready

   The house isn’t even always best-friend ready! Keeping the house in such a pristine condition that you can post immaculate, well-lit photos of your munchkins making memories is, in itself, a full time job. My house is clean, full of toys and laughter and for now, that is okay with me (despite my Instagram envy).

   I sometimes fake the bake sale

   It’s 8:15am, we’re on the way to school, we see masses of ecstatic mothers proudly parading cakes and buns. And that’s the point when I have to smile to myself that not only will I be sending in a shop bought bake today .....I may have made it look homemade with a few additional sprinkles on top :-)

   My crafts go in the bin, not on Pinterest

   All crafts sessions begin as well-meaning attempts at quality family time. Half the effort is in the planning; just purchasing all the bits and bobs ups your parenting ranks to almost perfect. Yet these are the days when I feel like pulling my hair out and needing a Hair Transplant because try as I might, I cannot create anything with my children that remotely resembles anything I’ve seen on Pinterest. It goes in the bin. So shoot me. You need a BA in Arts to do that stuff.

   Sometimes I am still finding my way.

   I frequently say the words "because I said so" and I am just waiting until my girls are old enough to perfect a reasonable argument against my instructions because some of the time I am simply just winging it. Overall my girls are brilliant, they are funny, engaging, messy and gorgeous and I have had friends say to me that they don't know how I juggle it all with work, the kids and still trying to rock a killer pair of heels on the school run but we all find out own way ..... I still still finding mine.

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