The festive holiday is around the corner and a time when many of us will start Christmas shopping in earnest. For me, by about the middle of November, I start to think about how I’m going to save money at Christmas. Having been a stay at home mum and freelance copywriter for a number of years, I’ve had to become quite savvy with my cash, especially when it comes to buying Christmas presents. It’s not always been easy and I have been known to quite literally count out my pennies to see if I can afford to buy a gift. With little cash coming in and my bank account draining,…
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Travel guide for a Family Vacation in Southern Italy
Some of my family’s best memories have been on holiday, especially ones where all the family can join. It gives such a different opportunity to get to hang out with one another and just bond. I love picking a destination from our bucket list and knowing that it will be another trip that our family will remember forever. Especially as the kids get older! One destination that has topped all expectations is Southern Italy. Sicily No matter how many times you have been to Sicily, there will always be more to do and see. It is so rich in culture and history, with extraordinary beaches and hilltop views. In Sicily…
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Review of Cilla The Musical – The Grand Theatre, Leeds
It’s been four years since the brilliant Sheridan Smith appeared as Cilla Black in the ITV drama. Her achingly good portrayal of the singer lauded rave reviews and was a big hit with the audience. The TV show revitalised interest in Cilla and her rise to becoming a national treasure. As a child of the 80’s, I spent many a Saturday night watching her in Blind Date and Surprise, Surprise. While I knew she had been a singer before her successful TV career, I had little knowledge about her background in music and subsequent rise to stardom. We saw the silver screen immortalise her early career from cloakroom assistant to…
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5 Tips For Keeping The Whole Family Healthy on Holiday
When planning a family holiday, there is so much to consider, from which bucket list destination you are going to go to, to what activities you can plan that will keep everyone happy from Grandma to the baby! One thing that is always important as a parent is keeping your family healthy, and this is just as important when you are on holiday too. Here are five tips to help you keep your whole family healthy while on holiday. Get active When you are on holiday, it can be easy to fall into the trap of doing nothing but laying on a beach all day, but there are so many…
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How to Quiet Your Anxious Mind When Living With A Panic Disorder
According to statistics from No More Panic, there were 8.2 million cases of anxiety in the UK in 2013. Mixed anxiety and depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in Britain with 7.8 percent of the population meeting the criteria for diagnosis. Mental health charity Mind states that nearly 6 in 100 of us are suffering from generalised anxiety and 0.6 in 100 have a panic disorder. And women are more likely to suffer from anxiety and panic than men. That’s a lot of people, living in a cycle of fear and probably waiting for the next panic attack. What is a Panic Attack? Whether you suffer…
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Easy Sweet and Savoury Slow Cooker Recipes
Autumn is in the air, which means it’s time to dust off the slow cooker. I love coming home to the scent of dinner that has been cooking all day filling the house. It’s the epitome of autumnal cosiness and marks the start of a new season. Plus as busy routines start up again after a summer break, it’s good to know that dinner is one thing that can be sorted in advance and pretty easily too! While putting this list of easy slow cooker recipes together I came across some amazing sweet treats which I am just dying to try. I may even consider investing in a second slow…
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Should You Limit Your Child’s Screen Time?
As a parent of the digital age, it seems like the goal posts for screen time for children are always on the move. While I love its convenience and the freedom it offers, I am terrified of its power to consume hours of your day. It didn’t surprise me that a recent study found that we check our phones every 12 minutes. I check my phone more regularly than I should. I aimlessly scroll from app to app for no reason at all. Most of the time I’m doing research for my next article or replying to client emails. We have a complicated relationship with screen time. It offers a…
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116 Blog Post Ideas Perfect for Family and Lifestyle Bloggers
Writer’s block happens to us all. You rack your brain for blog post ideas and wait for that flash of inspiration. You open up your laptop and wait for the words to come flowing out. The blank page taunts you. Believe me when I say that every single blogger and writer has been there at some point. That little spark of creativity doesn’t always come so easily. If you’re starting a new blog or need a sprinkling of inspiration then here is the definitive list of blog post ideas to kick-start your creative mojo! Travel and Days Out Blog Post Ideas Bucket list of things you want to do, travel…
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30 Messy Play Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers
We love messy play in our house but coming up with messy play ideas can be a bit of a challenge. I often need an activity that will engage both a toddler and a preschooler at the same time. As it’s school holidays, I search for activities that will help both children play harmoniously without ‘he ruined it!’ being shouted my way. Aside from it being a great way to fill the time, sensory play is important for a child’s development. Research shows that by engaging in sensory play, it helps build nerve connections in the brain’s pathways which help them complete more complex tasks. There are many ways in…
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Healthy Breakfast Ideas for the Family
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Most mornings we go straight for a bowl of cereal and a cup of tea so I’ve decided it’s time to shake it up with some healthy breakfast ideas. Like most families, our mornings can be pretty hectic. With racing in and out of the shower, searching for a matching pair of socks (or shoes) for the kids, coaxing our pre-schooler out of the house and a stressed husband that’s going to be late (again). Adding a carefully prepared breakfast to the mayhem is one step too far. The other day Jack asked if he could have egg for breakfast instead.…
