7 Top Tips for Spending Christmas Away from Home

*Collaborative Post*

Whether you're heading abroad, setting off for a getaway in the countryside or staying with relatives for the festive period these tips should make it a success - you can keep the spirit yet remove the stress from travel over Christmas.

• Before leaving home it's a good idea to ensure you have all the essentials to hand, just in case the weather causes any delays. Pop a box in the boot with some snacks, blankets, drinks and even pyjamas so if you're stuck at night you can transfer the little ones straight to bed with ease. You may also wish to take out one day insurance for your car if someone else wants to take the wheel for a change so you can make the most of your family break from the very start.

• If your little ones are believers allow them to write letters to Santa in advance so they don't worry that he wont know exactly where they are to deliver their gifts! It may sound simple but it will mean so much to them and remove any unnecessary upset. You can even receive a free letter back from Royal Mail if you post them to Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ before 6th December - something that will definitely put smiles on faces!

Colic Awareness Month (A Giveaway With Infacol)

*Sponsored Post in Collaboration with Infacol*

Whether you've just had a baby and become a parent for the first time or you've a newborn, toddlers and teens in tow, parenting can be challenging. All of the smiles, cuddles and giggles are incredibly rewarding but there are, and will be, days when you struggle to comfort a poorly or upset baby and you stress, panic and get emotional - all of which are totally normal reactions! That's why it's so important to speak up, share how you feel and support other mums and dads on their journey into motherhood and fatherhood. It only takes a moment to reach out to someone and ask if they're okay and it can have such a huge, positive impact on their lives.

As it's Colic Awareness Month, Infacol may be able to make life a little easier for you and your family. September is a time for parents, carers and healthcare professionals to swap stories of soothing crying babies and to offer support, solidarity and information to anyone that might be going through a rough first 6 months with their newborn. We've also got a giveaway below where you can win a 'bubbly bundle' for your little one when you simply share a time when you've needed some extra help as a parent, to reinforce the fact there's nothing to be ashamed of if you need a helping hand or extra guidance, or offer some advice. I've even shared a personal letter to my partner, as we approach a time where we are thinking about trying to conceive to show I too can be worried - and this will be my third baby! 

5 Safe Valentine's Day Activities for Expectant Mothers

For couples in the first throes of romance, Valentine's day often means romantic treats, dinner dates and the giving of very personal gifts. However, for couples expecting a baby, St Valentine's day is perhaps written off as something that is for the young and free. However, these five Valentine's Day activity ideas prove that romance can blossom during a pregnancy when the day arrives. 

1. A Maternity Photo-Shoot

Most young couples will wait until their little bundle of joy arrives before thinking about taking some quality photographs, but a pregnancy is part of the journey towards parenthood, and it should be savoured. A romantic way to share a pregnancy with your partner this Valentine's Day is with a maternity photo-shoot. Professional photographers often offer special packages for expectant couples, which sometimes include themed clothing and various backdrops - for a selection of photos that will capture this magical time in your life forever. 

Feel Good With Heart

The music you listen to can have such a big impact on your everyday mood. I have the radio on during the commute to and from school each day and I opt for tunes over the TV when working from home. Music is a big part of my life and I therefore choose to listen to Heart, the UK's biggest commercial radio brand, which provides feel good music to keep me smiling from dawn til dusk. If I pop out of the house I even leave it on for the dog to keep him company too! It's the happy soundtrack to our day.

Heart have created their #HeartFeelGoodChallenge this year which has inspired me to do something fun and active based on a favourite song of mine to boost my mood even further. Each time 'Shape of You' by Ed Sheeran is played it brings back some lovely memories of meeting my boyfriend for the first time, as it was released around the same time we met, and it reminds me of my admiration for his physique. Being in the military he is in very good shape and he is incredibly fit. The song lyrics 'I'm in love with your body' have since encouraged me to focus on myself a little bit more, in terms of my health and fitness, this January and I've been trying hard to love my own shape as much as I love his.

Keeping Your Children Mobile Safe At School

With both of the Mini Mes now attending secondary school it seemed quite natural for them to have mobile phone contracts of their own. They are beginning to be quite independent individuals having recently turned 11 and 13 years of age and having a handset each ensures that I can contact them at when required and, more importantly, they can get in touch with me when needed. It also allows them to chat with friends in the evenings and at weekends to arrange their social lives, which are actually far more exciting than my own already, which they really appreciate.

How To Remodel Your Kitchen On A Budget

Our homes are the largest investment most of us will ever make. Over time, styles change and rooms begin to show wear. Remodeling is necessary for the comfort of your family, and the value of your home but it can be a big job - it can be expensive and often time consuming. 

The following tips have been gathered from people who have found great ways to remodel their kitchens on a budget. Try these methods and use your own creativity to create the kitchen of your dreams.

Money Management - If I Won the Lottery...

Each week when checking my little pink ticket I always hope for a big win, I mean who doesn't? I imagine seeing the numbers appearing on the screen, glancing down at the piece of paper between my fingers and realising that they actually match would be so unbelievable. I'm not sure how I would cope with the excitement! 

Money is such a big part of life, whether you worry because you don't have enough or because you never know what to spend your bank balance on, and receiving millions would alter your lifestyle forever. It could even have a huge impact on the lives of important family members and special friends that mean so much to you too - you could help loved ones or your community out financially.

The Future of Energy - Hoverboards and Hats

Technology has evolved so much over recent years and thinking about the future, the next gadgets that will be available and what energy will look like is rather interesting - especially through the eyes of a child as their imaginations are so incredibly vivid. I've spent many an afternoon sat under an umbrella propped up blanket which the Mini Mes have informed me is a huge palace or a fort filled with knights and princesses, watching them drive a cardboard box sports car and lay beneath a row of chairs which was, obviously of course, a flying bus or rocket on the way to the moon.

Jamster was asked by E.ON to draw what he imagines the future of energy will look like and as he loves a good challenge he quickly grabbed a pad of paper, some gel pens and began to doodle... 

Jamster drew himself, after a good session at the gym it would appear, holding Pokeballs (the Pokemon craze is real) and wearing a hat which allows his thoughts to control and power his hoverboard! Naturally this has solar panels to charge it as and when required too and apparently there are wheels underneath that come down so he can do stunts at the skate park with friends while his boots are magnetic, enabling him to turn upside-down without falling off if needs be. I love it!

Calypso Holiday Hacks #3 - Family Photography at Woburn Safari Park

Calypso have created the Holiday Hacks app which is a collection of great ideas, gathered from parents in the know, to keep the kids busy all summer until school restarts in September. We've already spent time reading some new books and enjoying time outside as a family which were super boredom busters suggested by the app, and now we've picked a third activity to keep the Mini Mes entertained - it was perfectly timed for our trip to the zoo!

"Take a disposable camera wherever you go - the kids love to see how the photos turn out at the end of the holiday, it's creative, and a lovely afternoon when we all sit together to see how the photos have turned out."

5 Home Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners

Pets soon become a part of the family and if they aren't rolling around on the floor for tummy tickles and learning tricks they can often be found snoring away comfortably on the furniture! Despite our love for four legged friends they can be a little messy at times and trying to get rid of dog smell along with fur and muddy paw prints can be a struggle. 

As a pet owner myself I've tried and tested a few methods over the years so hopefully my tips will help to keep your home fresh and clean all year round.

• When purchasing a bed for your pets opt for one with a removable cover if possible so you can take it off with ease to wash regularly. Using an anti-bacterial washing powder will also help to remove stains while killing germs in the process. Choose a brand like Ariel which provides a fresh scent without it being overpowering - pets have sensitive noses so detergents that are fragrance free are always best to prevent irritation. Also wash family bedding often, especially as pets like to sleep on duvets and blankets!

5 Top Tips on Encouraging Children to Share

Sharing can often be difficult for little ones. They may not want to let friends or siblings play with their toys but it's an important life skill which can bring lots of joy to them and others. As they grow they will also learn that sharing good news can actually increase happiness further, as shown in the video below - even if it's meant to be a secret!

Sharing is certainly beneficial and our tips may help your child to share more so.

Lead by example

Sharing with your child will let them learn what is expected of them and let them understand the nice feelings sharing brings for themselves and others. Talk about what you're sharing, whether it's cake, a story book or pieces in a game, and explain how kind it is to do so. Ask them how they would feel if people didn't share with them and talk about how hurtful that can be. Also tell them details on your day and ask them how their day has been to improve information sharing.

Creative Fun with Angel Delight

I remember enjoying Angel Delight quite frequently as a child but it was only when approached by the brand recently that I realised the Mini Mes had never even tried it before! With a new chocolate mint flavour now available, which was selected by their Facebook followers, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to introduce it to them.

Along with an array of treats and fruit to decorate their dessert, of course!

Minxy opted for an Easter look in the form of a cute and crazy looking chick. She used edible eyes and yellow, green and orange sprinkles to create a body. She finished it off with a chocolate bean for the beak.

DC Super Hero Girls

When you think of Super Heroes it's more than likely Spider-Man, Batman or Thor spring to mind - strong male characters, but it's important not to forget the women too. They can be equally as powerful despite not often getting a mention, and with it being International Women's Day earlier this week there is no better time to introduce DC Super Hero Girls!

If your kids are looking for action-packed girl power, look no further. DC Entertainment’s latest animated series features a dynamic group of Super Heroes on their journey of discovering the power of their unique abilities and friendships. The characters are really dynamic, from strong and fearless to edgy and fun so it's definitely worth a watch.

You can visit the YouTube channel here for your little ones to watch their favourite characters on any device and the website here for games, free printables and more! Jamster and Minxy are loving the episodes so far.

Educational Apps - WordBuzz: The Honey Quest

When the kids use mobile phones and tablets to have fun it may give us five minutes peace to pop the dinner on, sort the laundry or drink a coffee while hot, but there are far greater benefits - certain apps can be really educational and children can learn through play.

There are some great versions aimed at adults too and I've been putting a fast moving, and free, spelling game to the test recently which is ideal for parents.

WordBuzz is a bee themed word search game (from Scribble Games Ltd) with varying levels of difficulty. There are over 100 challenges to complete and achievements to unlock as you progress with 4 quick game options available too. If you're feeling competitive you can even connect via social media and play family and friends to find the spelling champion!

7 Useful Tips For Your First Holiday With A Baby

We spend so much time planning for the arrival of our bundles of joy. After all, in the best possible way, our beautiful babies can turn our world upside down. But amid the raft of changes they bring to your sleeping patterns, your house, the size of your car and everything else, it’s easy to forget to take care of number one, and your special someone too.

You need your R&R, and having a baby shouldn’t mean you miss out on your holiday when summer rolls around. So how to ensure that your first trip away with the new addition to your family is a trip to remember, at a suitable location, and that a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone results? Here are seven bits of advice which should hopefully go some way to helping you out…

Look far and wide

If your dream is to go afar, and your baby is not yet mobile, this may be your time to go long distance. Flying with a very small child is a good deal easier (and more affordable) than doing so when they are a crawling (or walking) toddler, so there’s no time like the present to go to Santiago or Sydney.

Pampers Want To Help Make Life #BetterForBaby!

Today, our friends at Pampers released a short film which showcases just how babies bring out the best in us all, highlighting that there’s nothing we wouldn’t do to make life #BetterForBaby - if you haven’t seen it, you can watch it here:

I must admit, my eyes got a little watery watching it!

Whether for your own beautiful brood, grandchildren, nieces and nephews or friends’ children, we all make changes to ensure that their lives are as happy as possible. And, what better time to celebrate the love that babies bring than Christmas?

This festive season, Pampers want to help spread the cheer by pledging to help make life #BetterForBaby in local communities. Celebrating all that people do to ensure that babies can live their lives to the fullest, Pampers are offering five £1,000 bursaries, to help people like you and I make life #BetterForBaby in our neighbourhoods! 

How you can make life #BetterForBaby?

Is there something you’d really love to see built in your community? Maybe you want to improve some much-needed changing facilities, supply nappies and blankets to a local shelter, or update playtime equipment for a community nursery… anything goes! If so, Pampers want to know exactly what you’d do to make life #BetterForBaby - tell Pampers your pledge using #BetterForBaby to be in with a chance of winning one of five £1,000 bursaries!

Scooter Tips and Tricks

With Christmas just a few days away, excited little ones across the country will have written their letters with care and popped them in the post box for Santa. Whether they long for the latest gadgets, dolls or craft sets, many will have a scooter at the top of their wish list for some great outdoor play throughout 2016 and beyond!

The tips below from Halfords are ideal for those with a two wheeled toy already or for those receiving one this December. The Mini Mes often ride theirs to the shops as a fun mode of transport from A to B but I'm certain they will soon be trying these tricks out safely soon too...

Does your child have a scooter under the Christmas tree this year?

You can follow me here:

Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest

*Collaborative post*

How to Help Your Kids Learn About Recycling

To many in the older generation, recycling was something that we should have been doing when we were younger—but it wasn't really enforced. Although it can seem like what we do now with our waste won't have an effect on our lives, it definitely will for our children and grandchildren. One of the easiest and best ways we can ensure our future generations are living on a healthy planet is to teach them about recycling from a young age. 

Decorate your recycling bins

Kids love an excuse to get messy! Give them a bit of artistic freedom and load them up with paints, pictures and glitter to decorate your recycling bins. Remember to have separate bins for plastic, glass and paper, and why not give each one a colour theme?

Making Predictions For The Year Ahead

On New Years Eve 2013 we began a new tradition. It is just a bit of fun and a great way to bring the extended family together, to not only celebrate the end of a fantastic year but to make our predictions for the year ahead too. 

It all simply began over a few glasses of wine cups of tea and a buffet dinner by discussing what exciting things we had planned for 2014, with holidays and weddings being mentioned by all. We then decided to make it competitive, as families often do, so the pads of paper came out, the glasses went on and there was hush in the room as we sat on the edges of our seats.

Three Fantastic Activities For Animal-Loving Kids

Whilst young children naturally have widely differing interests depending upon their individual tastes, a love for all things animal-related is usually one uniting factor. It is a love that many never lose, with even myself still going slightly crazy over new-born kittens and big lumbering dogs!

A healthy love and interest in animals can lead to many things and here are three fantastic activities for animal-loving kids:

Cheltenham Festival, Gloucestershire

 by Carine06