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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Category: Views & Ramblings

  1. Ten things to love about half term

    Posted on

    Half term, some parents love it, while others loathe it. I am not sure if it is the lack of routine or the need to occupy the children 24/7 but it doesn't need to be fraught, as the best thing is there is no school run!

    So after chatting with some friends about what they have enjoyed this week, there are some that say the best thing about half term is the end of it but on the positive side, here are our top ten reasons to love half term.

    1. No School Run. This really needs no further explanation but the thought of a few days without the mad morning dash and the questionable parking by the school gates, that inevitably leads to someone's wing mirror being clipped every day. Road rage, harrassed parents and a traffic warden is not an ideal combination before 9.00am.

    2. Pyjama (or Onesie) Days. Having a lie in maybe an ask too far but what other excuse do you have not to get dressed till lunchtime .... or indeed at all.

    3. Not having a schedule to keep to. Most mornings (and afternoons) are like a military operation in our house so not having to keep to any kind of schedule might mean that the days roll into one but it is lovely not to have to clock watch.

    4. Having time off work. If you are a teacher, you benefit from enjoying the school holidays too or if you book time off to spend with the children, it can be a great way to escape the rat race and just enjoy your time together.

    5. No packed lunches to make. I have to admit that I repeatedly try and get my daughter on hot dinners, especially in winter but apparently my lunches are better than school meals. I fear that this says more about the school meals than my packed lunch prowess! Either way, half term means no morning panic to create an appetising and healthy lunch that they "may" want to eat at lunchtime!

    6. No more Groundhog day arguments. Brush your teeth. Get your shoes on. Have you got your bag. Where is your coat? Every. Single. Day.

    7. Weekday movies. Films are always cheaper in the week, so it is the perfect time to take advantage of great prices and entertainment. (whilst trying to get the children past the popcorn and pix n mix without remortgaging your house). If you want to be even more frugal, you can just download a film at home and watch in your own lounge, just make sure you have a good TV stand to cope with the widescreen TV action.

    Cinema ticket

    8. Playing games. Whether it is Pictionary, board games or good old fashioned lego, having the time to sit and play with the children is a great way to reconnect with them .... and your inner child.

    Lego

    9. Enjoying time. With the madness of the daily school routine, the after school clubs, homework, bath, bedtime stories, there is rarely a chance to take time and out actually just enjoy spending time with those little people that you brought into the world. So just enjoy the time.

    10. No School Run ..... Oh did I mention this already?? 

    Would you add anything to the list?

    Thank you so much to the lovely Emma, Andrea, Rebecca, Cat, Jen, Helen, Cas, Sarah, Anya, Helen, Vanessa, Penny, Alice, Annie, Angie, Joy and Cass for a great debate about what is to love and loathe abotu half term!

     

    This post is brought to you in collaboration with Homebase.

  2. When age is more than just a number

    Posted on

    I talk a lot about my girls growing up but I never really think about them growing old. It is inevitable obviously and I can't imagine not being here to share in their own children and grandchildren. Age comes to us all and with my own Grandmother turning 89 next month and a good friend's mother in law going into a home, being conscious of the care available is something I am becoming more aware of.

    In-home care

    It is interesting to learn that huge changes are arising for anyone involved with in-home care. Such changes are in place due to various causes, including altering population demographics, new healthcare regulations and the ever-changing and uncertain economic times.

    With over 10,000 people turning 65 everyday (this is an amazing figure), more and more are choosing to retire. New trends indicate that a large proportion of the elderly population are choosing to indulge in assisted living as opposed to retiring in a home. 

    Due to this factor alone, more expertise is being applied to this area, meaning there is now a growing need for individuals to be trained on this.

    Retirement

    Independence 

    Instead of migrating to a home by the sea, elderly retirees are choosing to live out their later years in thriving cities, often in assisted living accommodation. Thankfully, due to demand, a number of retirement villages are popping up left, right and centre. Many of these homes boast the likes of in-house help, curved stairlifts and on-site communities. Living in such accommodation allows the older generation to worry less about maintenance responsibilities and more about living life to the full.

    It’s also a great option for those who wish to remain independent whilst having access to help when they need it. This is also a great way to free up a little collateral, which can then be put towards the likes of travel, hobbies and lifestyle changes. (My Grandmother has more holidays than anyone I know!!)

    Alternative therapies 

    It’s no secret that people are living longer in this day and age and this is possible due to an ever-expanding list of alternative therapies. From yoga to video games to green living, seniors are now embracing a variety of diverse therapies as opposed to more traditional retirement rules. I am a huge fan of Reiki and looking after both the mind and the body is more important than ever, especially for seniors.

    Accepting new technologies is certainly one way to keep the mind active, whilst indulging in various workout classes is a great way for the elderly to stay in shape whilst allowing retirees to meet new people, learn new skills and make new friends. We bought my Grandmother a tablet last year, so that she could email us and relatives in Austrailia but a year on, she is not quite confident with it so a class would be great for her.

    Looking further afield

    A number of elderly individuals are now looking to retire in homes further afield. The reason for this – a less costly service that still provides residents with a high quality of living.  

    This is a change set to become even more apparent in 2014, especially with the way in which the economic climate stands. Certain venues abroad are able to cater to those with family members who suffer from the likes of Alzheimer’s and dementia, allowing them with access to the professional care they deserve. 

    Age comes to us all but for me, I just hope that it also brings wisdom (!!) and a retirement home by the sea!

     

    Disclaimer : This post is brought to you in association with Stannah Stairlifts but all elderly relatives with email troubles are our own!

  3. Is it time for summer holidays yet?

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    Today we have had snow showers. I am cold and already thinking about summer holidays.
     
    With children so little, I have never been brave enough to consider long haul flights but with the diversity of travel destinations near to the UK, you can explore a variety of cultures, historic landmarks, cuisines and landscapes, just on a trip around Europe and the North coast of Africa.
     
    So while I am wrapped up warm inside, I have been looking at destinations for a summer break and here is what I found. 
     
    Sunbathe or Ski in Bulgaria (yes really!)
    When it comes to natural beauty, Bulgaria is one of Europe’s star attractions. The wild charm of its Black Sea beaches, mountain ranges and forests makes it a great summer destination. In winter the mountains are also transformed into some of Europe’s best and most reasonably priced ski resorts and at a little over 3 hours flight time from London, it’s easily within reach this year. Our friends have been trying to get us to go skiing for ages but I don't think they do ski's with heels!
     
    History and Adventure in Turkey
    Turkey’s history and culture can take you on an enchanting journey from the mosques (not moquitos_ and palaces of Istanbul to the ruined city of Ani. Its coastal hiking trails also make it ideal for lover of the outdoors, while beach resorts such as Bodrum apparently makes Turkey a favourite with families.
     
    Beaches and Culture in Portugal
    Several of Portugal’s Algarve beaches have been named amongst the best in Europe with excellent family hotels and secluded coves stretching along the coast. A number of UNESCO world heritage towns and sights make Portugal an excellent option for cultural and historic visits, too. We went many years ago to Portugal (with no children), so it would be lovely to return as a family.
     
    Mythology and Romance in Greece
    My other half loves Greek mythology and this coupled with the lure of their stunning beaches, traditional villages and candle-lit tavernas makes this his top choice. For the frugal amongst us, the package prices are attractively low since the recession.
     
    Diving and Desert in Egypt
    Some of the best SCUBA diving sites in the world can be found along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, and a trip there is made even more special by the desert landscape that stretches inland. I always wanted to do Scuba diving until the day I actually got in the water with the breathing apparatus. I was petrified but wouldn't let it beat me and swimming through the corals was truly amazing.
     
    Scuba Diving
     
    Travel restrictions to Cairo have now been relaxed and Egypt is welcoming visitors back to its pyramids and other ancient sites. Though outside of Europe, Egypt is very accessible and a number of low-cost airlines now fly there.
     
    Self-Catering in Spain
    I remember our self-catering holidays to Spain as a child and my mom always bringing tins of baked beans in the suitcase but the gorgeous Spanish coast is a great option as prices remain cheap as the economy recovers. You could always try the Costa Brava, Costa del Sol or opt for a cheap apartment rental in Barcelona or Madrid if you fancied though?
     
    As always, we are looking for the most family friendly deal but if you’ve been lucky enough to visit some of these countries already, your knowledge could win you a €500 travel voucher towards this year’s trip, with Falcon Holidays’ Passport Challenge competition. All you need to do is answer a series of questions correctly about three of the countries mentioned above to be entered into their prize draw. Simple eh?
     
    So which of these destinations are on your list and which ones have you ticked off?
     
    Oh and tell us where you would go with your winnings??
     
     
    Disclosure : This post was brought to you in association with Falcon Holidays but all Scuba Diving and self catering experience are my own!

  4. Why we love Joules : Review

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    It is no secret that I have a love affair with shopping.

    It is no secret that I have two adorable daughters.

    It therefore comes as no surprise then that when I buy something, I usually have to buy two of them and whilst there is 6 years difference in age, from time to time, they do like to dress in similar clothing. (Not all of the time, obviously, as the 2 year old can still get away with cute bunny ears on her dressing gown but that is considered not cool by the 8 year old!).

    So you can imagine my delight when we were asked to review items from the new Joules range. I have to be completely honest and admit that I always thought that Joules was all about delightfully bright wellington boots and attire for country folk and whilst this may have been part of its original creation, the colourful range and beautiful prints are perfect for my "floral" named girls. 

    We choose the gorgeous quilted jackets from Joules and when I say we, I really mean me. I loved how they have a classically British look but the burst of floral lining gives them a beautifully girlie look.

    The quality goes without saying, the jackets are warm and it may sound silly but the zips work and the children can use them! I cannot tell you my frustration with childrens coats where the zips get stuck. This may sound like a small thing but when you are on a strict morning schedule, those few minutes dealing with a zip matter! Also trying to wrestle a toddler out of a jacket with a stuck zip is no fun .... but I digress. 

    Why we love Joules

    Joules clothing isnt high volume, low price, it is all about quality, style and standing the test of time. Unfortunately for me, I have now found other things on the site that my girls will look adorable in, I just don't need to let them see the horse print attire as knowing my two, they will want a horse to go with it!