Winter Day Out Ideas for the Family

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Winter can be a tricky time to find things to do with the family. The weather gets colder, and often wetter, and you’re just not too keen on leaving the house. There are however some fun things you can do and I’m going to share a couple of them with you in this post...

Grab your bikes… or trikes

If you’re willing to brave the outdoors, there are some great places you can head to and take your bikes or trikes with you. Often bikes can be quite hard to transport but you should look at a folding tricycle. These are, as you’d expect, three wheeled so are sturdier on tough terrain. They also fold away nicely for easy storage, with adults and kids’ versions available. Heading to the countryside gets them out and about, burning off some energy and gets fresh air into their lungs. Taking bikes or trikes out is also seen as more fun than walking and you can cover longer distances. There’s some great locations across the UK, you just need to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly before you head out!

Visit your local museum

The weather is likely to be damp most of the time, so when time outdoors isn't very inviting why not head over to your local museum? There are loads all over the country and if you’re willing to go a bit further afield, you’ll find some real hidden gems. Kids absolutely love exploring museums and they can learn so much from a visit. You never know, you might learn something new along the way too! There’s everything from trains to local history to mines and electricity - do a bit of research to find out.

Summer Snack Ideas for Kids

With summer on the horizon we will soon see the return of regular dining al fresco, BBQs and picnics at the park but deciding what is best for little ones to eat can be tricky at times. 

Getting the balance right when the kids may be fussy to feed can be difficult but hopefully these healthy snack suggestions will help...

Get Creative

Letting the kids join in when it's time to prepare and cook meals can often encourage them to try new foods. Pizza is a great way to be creative in the kitchen and if you let them help make the dough and add the toppings they may select some vegetables without persuasion as the bright colours can be so appealing. Pizza is delicious served hot or cold, it's very versatile, so you can eat it immediately or pop it into your wicker baskets to take out with you on your travels. If you're in a hurry you can save time by using muffins, baguettes or tortillas as bases and if you want to sneak some extra goodness in make your own tomato sauce.

7 Tips for Beautiful Hair this Spring

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At this time of year, which sees the return of the cooler weather, our beautiful tresses can often suffer, becoming dry, brittle and losing shine, but keeping your hair in great condition need not be as difficult as you think. 

These 7 simple tips should certainly help to keep your locks looking luscious until the arrival of summer - there is minimal effort involved too...

If you're entering the season with hair that is already damaged from the winter sun and chlorine filled pools (if you were lucky enough to get away) you may want to work on repairing it before the cold wind and rain worsens it. Look at purchasing some hot oil treatments or masks to deeply moisturise your hair. These can usually be used once or twice a week and they can really improve the condition.

Slow Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh #LivePeasant

With a busy week ahead I wanted to ensure I had some quick and easy meals on the planner and slow cooker recipes are so ideal for this. I can literally pop all of the ingredients into the pot in the morning, head out to meet friends/work/appointments and serve up a delicious meal in the evening. Minimal effort and amazing food - the perfect combo.

We really enjoyed the Slow Cooked Beef with Gnocchi I made a while back so I decided to put another #LivePeasant recipe to the test. The Live Peasant campaign encourages you to boost your lamb and beef intake through slow cooked, hearty and rustic style meals that are often far more affordable and far more convenient for families. This time we opted for a dish featuring lamb as the protein and with a little more spice - Rogan Josh!  What I love about this is that it only takes a few minutes to prep and as the carbs and veg are all cooked in the slow cooker with the meat so I didn't need to worry about cooking extras or sides to accompany it, although there are some suggested below.

Why you should consider using a mortgage broker and advisor

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Whether you're looking to get on the housing ladder for the first time, seeking somewhere new to live or trying to purchase a property to let, buying a home can be an exciting yet somewhat daunting experience. There can be lots of jargon to interpret and paperwork that needs completing so if you're unsure of the process, you can be left feeling a little lost! 

A mortgage broker is a licensed and regulated professional who works as an intermediary for mortgage lenders and individuals wishing to get a mortgage. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and require specific qualifications to work in the industry. They will look at your financial situation and provide information on the best lenders and deals to suit your circumstances then get your mortgage approved. Using a mortgage broker can definitely help to make things run smoothly from start to finish.

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider using a mortgage broker and advisor for your home purchase...

Colic Awareness Month

Parenthood is a rewarding and joyful experience and with September being the busiest month for births there will be lots of mums and dads beginning their adventure within the next few days.

No doubt they will have their nursery decorated beautifully for taking their new arrival home, storage units stacked with neatly folded sleepsuits and nappies, but I wonder if they will they will be prepared for colic? According to a recent survey as many as 1 in 3 British mothers had never heard of this ailment, which affects as many as 140,000 babies each year, so it's certainly a topic that should be more openly discussed.

Getting out for activities and day trips, how mobility aids can make it easier

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Even with lockdown still affecting many areas, getting out and about is all the more important and the benefits of fresh air and a change of scene can really help lift the mood. There are many activities and day trips available, even with the limited facilities in some areas, and the countryside has many options for quiet escapes or opportunities for exploring and exercise.

If you have any type of disability, or you are recuperating from an injury, sometimes it’s not quite as easy to get out and about and it can feel quite isolating when you need equipment and transport to get out of the house. The thought of using mobility aids of any kind is not something you generally search for when you are perfectly fit and healthy, but if there are mobility concerns for some family members, then it’s a good idea to look at the many options available, as they really can help.

It’s not always about the large pieces of equipment, like a mobility scooter or a wheelchair, sometimes it’s the simple travel accessories that make the trip out easier, more comfortable and ultimately safer. Daily Living Aids refer to the tools, gadgets and aids that can be used either in the home, garden, or when travelling. 

What to look out for when applying for a reverse mortgage

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The guaranteed side effect of retirement is a definite change in lifestyle, in particular when you suddenly see a massive decrease in spending money compared to what you were used to during the time you were still working. Rather than remortgaging your house and setting yourself up for a further debt trap, look at the alternative for people of 62 years of age and older - chase mortgage. As soon as you reach the minimum age you will be able to apply for a home loan as long as you are compliant with a full range of loan conditions, such as being the full-time owner and resident of your house. 

Updating Your Home On A Budget

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From time to time I like a little change. It might be a splash of fresh paint on the walls or skirting boards, some new furniture or just rearranging what already exists within a room for an alternative layout. It's a great way to make your home feel a bit different without needing to spend a small fortune.

If you're looking to do similar this summer these tips may be just what you're looking for...

• If your walls are fairly bare and neutral in colour you can make a feature wall as a focal point with some patterned paper or by adding a beautiful mural. These methods save time as you don't need to decorate an entire space and it therefore saves your pennies too. Some websites even allow you to transfer your favourite photos onto paper to pop up so you can really personalise it - which is ideal for children's bedrooms in particular.

Quick and Easy Tips for Taking Care of your Tyres in Winter

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As the winters in Scotland are really long, taking care of your tyres is a must especially when you’re taking your car out too frequently. Local areas like Stirling have busy traffic and being stuck on the road with a flat tyre won't be a pleasant experience. So with the weather being all chilly and snowy, we all need to know a few quick tips to keep our tyres in a good condition these winters! Here’s a few you can easily follow:

Make sure your tyres are clean

This seems like a simple one but cleaning your tyres in winters can be very hard yet very important. Cleaning your tyres after every few weeks will reduce the chances of tyre damage and corrosion as cleaning will remove all the dirt, salt and snow. Not to forget, you will be easily able to locate any punctures or other damages on your tyres when they’re clean!

5 Things To See And Do In Canada

*Collaborative Post*

If you're seeking a holiday destination with breathtaking views composed of beautiful lakes and snow-capped mountains Canada is the place to go. There's plenty to explore and so much to keep you occupied during your visit that you will probably be booking your return trip before you've even left! 

Here are a few of our favourite things to see and do whilst there...

Banff National Park

There's no doubt you will enjoy a trip to Canada with so many uninhabited natural spaces to witness. Niagara Falls is one of the most popular attractions, with around 14 million visitors each year, and it's not surprising to see why. These 3 iconic waterfalls are based between the province of Ontario and the state of New York. There are boat tours to get up close to the water, the Rainbow Bridge to venture across and also exciting tunnel trips to view the Horseshoe Falls (the largest) from behind. You can even book a helicopter ride above for some amazing photography opportunities.

With over 50 acres of land, available to access all year round, Butchart Gardens is a great attraction in Central Saanich. The variety of colours and aromas will captivate your senses regardless of the season or weather - with winter having the addition of an ice rink for skating and a carousel to ride. This is an ideal place for festive family fun with the pretty lights and decorations at the moment.

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!

Planning the perfect sleepover for your kids

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We all remember back to the days when we used to have sleepovers as kids. It was one of the most exciting times of the year and was incredibly important for us to develop relationships with other people our age. For all the fun that kids have, for parents it can be very stressful. We’ve put together a post with some hints and tips you can put in place to make sure that your kid’s sleepover runs as smoothly and as stress free as possible.

Bedtime

Start at the end. Although the kids will be full of energy they’ll still need to sleep. You’ll need to make sure that their bedroom is prepared for more than just your child. There’s a great range of kids and guest beds from Bed Guru that have multiple functions, including a spare bed underneath! You might need somewhere that has additional storage so you can keep the bedroom clutter free so take a look at cabin beds, they’ll help to keep the floor clean and the clutter well out of the way.

Play Time

To the kids, this is the most important time of the sleepover. Whether you have a group that wants to play Fortnite until the sun comes up or have a tea party, the fun (for them) never ends! Make sure you have an activity lined up that will burn their energy out so when it comes to bedtime, they’re ready to crash out. Sit them down in front of the tele with a healthy snack to let them wind down.

Millennial Saving Habits And How To Improve Them

*A Collaborative Post with Shepherds Friendly*

Despite the bad press that millennials often receive for regularly spending money on dining out and entertainment, they are in fact some of the best savers within the country with 59% putting money away at least once a month. Admittedly funds are generally saved towards short term goals like a holiday in preference of a home or retirement, but it's possible that this is due to the general cost of living being higher and these longer term goals appearing less obtainable in today's society.

The above infographic shares some important stats about the saving habits of millennials (those aged 18-34) and Generation X (those aged 35-54). Although many are saving money frequently which is great to see there's still a big percentage that aren't regularly popping the pounds away, if at all, which of course is a little concerning.

There are a few tips included which can certainly help you to save but being someone who puts funds away every pay day, without fail, and sets yearly targets, I have a few suggestions of my own which should have a positive impact on your bank (or ISA) balance.

How To Make A Small Room Seem Bigger

Many of us have a small room, which is essentially a dumping ground for “stuff” so why not

transform your box room into a spare bedroom, office or snug? You just need to declutter and add a lick of paint to brighten up the space. You could also invest in a modern Scandi light for a touch of trendiness.

Paint the walls light colours

When painting a smaller room, you want to open up the space with light colours, such as whites and pastels. This will make the room feel more spacious and airier.

Darker colours will only make the room feel boxy and claustrophobic. You want to bring light into the room, not take it away.

Use hidden storage

It’s time to get crafty with your storage techniques. Floor to ceiling wardrobes are a great option for utilising space and hidden storage under the bed is a life saver.

Opt for furniture with multiple purposes. Invest in some wooden baskets to put under

the bed or your window seat. There is no need to take up extra space with large drawers when you can secretly tuck away items.

4 Clear Signs Your Tyres Need To Be Replaced

Cars have become an almost inseparable part of our lives and we are often totally dependent on them for our commute. But even when we know they are extremely important for our safety, we ignore our car tyres to a great extent and continue to use the old and worn out ones - just to avoid breaking the bank. But if we talk about long term, this negligence only magnifies the repair costs because if tyres are not performing, they tarnish the overall vehicle performance too. For example you live in Birmingham and you want to travel out of town by road for a business trip - you need to make sure your tyres are in good condition otherwise you will face inconvenience.

You can follow this simple 4 step checklist to know if this is the right time to make a tyre replacement.

Seeing Unusual Bulges

If you see uneven bulges in your tyres surface that means that they are in the depreciating state and continuing to drive with them will be very dangerous. Inspect the surface carefully and you should be able to find any bulges or cracks.

How to Enjoy the Ultimate Mum and Child Pamper Day

Want to enjoy the ultimate pamper day with your kids without stepping foot inside a spa? There’s a wide range of products you can buy which can be used to pamper yourself at home and no matter what your budget, you’ll always be able to find items to match it.

Stock up on pampering products

You’re going to need some basic products to pamper yourselves. Face masks, moisturisers and maybe even foot scrubs will all come in useful for some well deserved R&R. While you can potentially save money shopping online, it may be a good idea to actually go shopping.

This is especially true if you’ll be hosting the pamper day pretty soon. With online deliveries, there’s always a risk the parcel could get lost or simply not turn up on time (we've all experienced that). So, going physically shopping will eliminate any stress for on the day.

Putting Hill's Pet Food To The Test

*Sponsored post in collaboration with Hill's Pet Nutrition*

It's not long until puppies and other pets become a big part of the family and Spartan is no exception. It feels like only yesterday we were collecting him as a tiny bundle of fur and bringing him home for the first time, but he is now fast approaching his 8th birthday and I don't really remember life without him.

If we are travelling I always seek out pet friendly accommodation so that he can join us and he often comes along for day trips to the beach, fishing and beyond.
I even refer to him as my third baby at times as he really is quite a pampered pooch!

Ensuring he has a good diet, like the rest of the family, is vital for his health and wellbeing and selecting products that meet the nutritional requirements for his age is essential. We were offered the Hill's Science Plan food for Spartan to try, specifically the Canine Mature Adult 7+ Active Longevity bag, and after reading about the brand in Good Housekeeping I was happy to accept on his behalf.

Making the Perfect Arts and Crafts Space for your Child

It’s important that you encourage your children to be creative – as it has many benefits for them. It can help them to develop their social skills as well as to develop mentally and emotionally. It can also be a great way for them to learn how to problem solve. They will be learning without even knowing it. They will count colours, develop motor skills by using a paintbrush and more. Here we discuss how you can create the perfect arts and crafts space for your child.

Why You Should Consider a Honeymoon in Santorini

When it comes to planning a wedding, you want to make sure that everything is perfect so you can make sure your day goes as best as it can without any problems or disasters. But as well as the planning for the big day, you also want to make sure your honeymoon is planned out perfectly so that everything runs smoothly from the big day up until the honeymoon.

If you are still looking to find the perfect honeymoon destination, then you have come to the right place, this is because, in this article, we will discuss the reasons why you should consider a honeymoon in Santorini. If this is something you are interested in, then make sure you keep reading this article to find out more information.