The Whispering Winds: Learning to Listen in Outdoor Spaces

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In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the subtle yet profound melodies of nature often go unheard. 'The Whispering Winds: Learning to Listen in Outdoor Spaces' is an ode to the enchanting sounds that nature plays and a guide to truly tuning into this delightful symphony.

The Melody of the Morning 

Dawn is nature's soft awakening, a time when the birds announce the start of a new day. The first light filters through the trees, casting a golden hue over everything. This is the moment to step outside and immerse in the morning's serenade. Let the chirping of the sparrows, the cooing of doves, and the gentle rustle of leaves become your morning music. Pay attention to how these sounds differ between weekdays and weekends, seasons, and weather conditions. 

 

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! 

6 Decorating Trends You Shouldn't Follow

People who are fond of keeping their homes looking beautiful don't often think before heading to the high street and splashing the cash on the latest décor trends. They like to follow the famous interior designers on Instagram, read relevant home interior blogs and try to keep up with everything fashionable when it comes to their living space.

There are however a collection of trends, from over the years and present times, which are debatably outdated or inappropriate - would you have any of these in your own home?...

1. Panelling

Panelling on walls was once a widely accepted trend but if you have it in your home today then perhaps it’s time for a change. You could replace the panels with some bold colour paint or even some textured-look wallpaper which is currently very popular. Panelling is apparently quite a turn off for prospective buyers so if you're looking to sell it might be best to eliminate it as soon as possible.

7 Ways To Improve Your Credit Rating

Looking for a loan and struggling to get accepted? Your credit rating could be to blame! Thankfully there are quite a few ways to improve it so you could find it easier to make those purchases, whether it's a new car, a holiday or some essential furniture for your home, in no time at all...

• Your credit score is based on the details within your credit reports so it's best to get a copy of these at the earliest opportunity to check that they are accurate. You may find that there are some minor errors, which can greatly affect you score, so you can ensure that these are amended quickly by contacting the relevant creditor.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month - Plus Your Chance to Win #COMonsters

At this time of year many of us are busy shopping for gifts, sorting out our Christmas dinner menu and booking visits to see Santa so ensuring your boiler is serviced and your home is safe is unlikely to be a priority - it probably feels like an unnecessary expense at an already expensive time of year. It is however incredibly important, especially as a carbon monoxide leak can often go unnoticed (it can't be seen, smelt or tasted) and the festive period is when we generally have lots of gatherings with friends and families who could potentially be at risk without realising.

November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month which is the perfect time to find out how to identify a leak, learn about the symptoms of being poisoned and how to protect your home with help from npower.

Keeping the Kids Hydrated with Highland Spring

As quite a busy family that loves to travel and take part in new activities, hydration plays a vital role in our day to day lives. Saying that, being incredibly busy we can sometimes forget to consume enough fluids so this summer I've been particularly eager to ensure the Mini Mes get plenty of water with the help of Highland Spring.

Highland Spring have launched their #BraveByNature campaign which focuses on the natural drive in children to succeed without anything getting in their way and the importance of staying hydrated to do so. We received a huge crate of water, the only drink with no calories, sugar, preservatives or additives, to help make dehydration a thing of the past for the Mini Mes' first fishing trip and beyond. After all, its incredibly important to drink plenty whilst playing sports and if you're looking to get active like us you might want to visit this website for some great equipment.

SING Family Movie Night

*This post is in partnership with Universal Pictures Home Entertainment*

It's always a good idea to have a few indoor options when it comes to keeping the kids entertained and there isn't much better than a new film and some delicious snacks to devour, well, certainly not for my sweet tooth and the movie buffs that are the Mini Mes. We were thrilled when SING popped through our letterbox and as it's now available on both DVD and Blu-ray you can grab your copy for lots of family fun throughout half term and beyond.

Earn Points with Pampers

Let’s be honest, changing nappies isn’t exactly our favourite pastime and as a mum of two, aunt and godmother I've changed more than my share over the last few years! However, Pampers have come up with a great way to turn the moment when you spot that familiar #pooface into a far more enjoyable experience - they’ve launched an exciting new app called Pampers Club which rewards you when you purchase Pampers. So poop now means prizes!

Calypso Holiday Hacks #4 - Summer Activity Jar

The Holiday Hacks app from Calypso has been a really useful resource this summer. It has provided us with lots of great ideas to keep the Mini Mes occupied, regardless of the weather, and we've spent time reading, enjoying time outdoors as a family and photographing animals at the safari park over the past few weeks.

As the summer holiday draws to a close you may want to squeeze in lots of last minute trips and activities or be looking for low cost entertainment to fill the last remaining days and this craft suggestion is a wonderful one that we decided to put to the test. Especially when after purchasing all of the new uniform and shoes for the return of school funds may be a little low.

"We have a big jar of notes, each with a free or cheap activity on it - we pull one out every day and do it! It adds some variety and you're never left wondering what to do."

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."

Feeling Lucky with Lottoland

You really do have to be 'in it to win it' yet with so much going on with work and raising the Mini Mes, which certainly keeps me busy, purchasing lottery tickets often slips my mind until it's too late and the draws have been made. Therefore using an online service is far more convenient and I've been putting Lottoland to the test recently. After all, it would be wonderful to have a few million in the bank and a jet-setters lifestyle to go with it wouldn't it!

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.

World Book Day Costume Ideas with Duck Tape

When the letters come home from school about World Book Day I generally look online and purchase a costume for the Mini Mes and we've had some great ones over the years. But this time, to save money and to have a little fun in the process, we decided to create our own. After all, nothing beats a little imagination and effort for a home made design.

It gives us all a great sense of achievement too.

What the Ladybird Heard is a lovely rhyming tale by Julia Donaldson. The illustrations are bold and bright and the glitter adds even more magic to the pages. Ladybirds have always been a favourite creature of Minxy's so she has dressed as one quite a few times.

To create this Ladybird costume we just used a large cardboard box, red and black Duck Tape - it really is that simple!

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?

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Pumpkin Carving Ideas (PLUS Your Chance To Win A £250 Voucher)

Halloween is our second favourite time of year (after Christmas) so with the date fast approaching we have been getting more than a little excited! We've been baking some spooky treats, preparing for our party, trying on costumes and enjoying some creative fun by carving designs into pumpkins.

 Gravelmaster understand the importance of having fun as a family outdoors and they have therefore created a competition. If you have organised something for 31st October don't forget to share your pumpkin pics too as you could win a £250 voucher!

Source

There are many places where you can pick your own, with Hatton Country World being our local farm of choice, although you can easily pick up your giant orange veg from the supermarket for convenience. 

#HolidayAtHome with Carpetright

Forking out for school uniform and new shoes over the summer can be a little expensive so you may want to think about having a #HolidayatHome with Carpetright! There is no need to pack your bag and catch a flight abroad or spend money on local attractions to have a good time with the family this August, you can have lots of fun without passing your front door for a fraction of the cost.

 

 

Den Building

Whether you want to build a cardboard castle or a furniture fort, getting creative and making a hideout with the kids is really entertaining. Sneak in some snacks and pop on a movie too to enjoy.

 

How To Have A Low Cost Family Holiday

One of the benefits of working hard is playing harder and escaping for a family break is a great way to have fun while spending those well earned pennies. Holidays can however be a little costly, with everything from your transportation to your entertainment to cover, so if you're looking to save a few pounds on your booking these tips from the pay weekly store PerfectHome may be the answer!

Race for Life with Kiqplan

Like many women (and men) I've battled with my weight over the years. Before having children I could eat whatever I liked, whenever I wanted, but unfortunately since having Minxy, 11 years ago now, I've struggled quite a lot and my dress size has increased by a few numbers!

 

I seem to eat a lot more and exercise a lot less since becoming a mum, which is a huge contributing factor to the extra pounds. I've tried calorie counting, various clubs and diets to get back in shape but I never seem to stay motivated long enough to follow through. However, setting myself a challenge for a very worthy cause might be what's needed to stay on track.

 

 

 

 

I've been looking at raising money for Cancer Research UK with Race for Life and using Kiqplan to help me get fit to achieve my goal. I know it's the taking part that counts rather than the finish time but at the moment I get out of breath running a bath not to mention a 5km so I certainly need some support!

Planning the Perfect Family Vacation

Choosing what to do for your family holiday can be a difficult decision to make as there are so many types of offerings that all provide their own advantages. All inclusive vacations allow you to relax and not have to lift a finger while self-catering rentals give you a seclusion and ability to choose and cook your food when and how you want. So if you’re trying to decide what type of vacation best suits your needs, here are some tips to choosing the option that will make your vacation as fun as possible and help you avoid those holiday nightmares.

 

 

Self-catering

The option to self-cater your holiday can be a great one for couples and families alike, it is

Days Out With A Difference

The summer holidays are fast approaching and if you aren't jetting off for some sun, sea and sand you may wish to book a few days out nearer to home for entertainment. These fun and quirky ideas might be just the thing you're looking for!

The Abbey Pumping Station is the museum of technology and science in Leicester and it has some rather interesting exhibits! Apart from the restored Beam engines, steam shovel and narrow gauge railway you can also explore the history of bodily waste. That's right, there is a talking toilet, Victorian loos and Roman water pipes. The transparent bowel and cistern allow you to follow the journey of poo - the kids are going to love this one!

With over 800 figures in a picturesque woodland setting, the opportunity to decorate your own and a little tea room for treats, Gnome Magic is an unusual yet low cost attraction. There is a relaxing atmosphere as you take a stroll in the gardens but keep your eyes open for the terrapins and snakes! They may be slithering around the natural ponds along with the ducks.