I had no idea about Android TV boxes when I started researching tech for our home. I’d heard about them and people raving about its benefits. But I didn’t really know how they worked, exactly. It’s fair to say that our TV gets a fair bit of use in our house. CBeebies is constantly playing in the background and then once children have gone to bed, we often settle down to watch something that doesn’t involve puppet hospitals or patrolling pups. We are subscribers to both Netflix and Amazon Prime but as we don’t have a smart TV, we are thinking of getting an android TV box so we can…
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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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Laminate Floor Maintenance Tips
We have laminate floor in our house and it is forever getting mucky thanks to muddy footprints or food being dropped on it. Luckily, it is pretty straightforward and easy to clean and maintain laminate flooring to keep it in tiptop condition. Here are a few ways to keep your floors in shape. General Cleaning Methods Regularly sweep the floor to get rid of dirt. If you are punctual in terms of sweeping, dirt and dust won’t accumulate and your floor will be safe for a long time. Use either a dry dust mop or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Remember, do not use standard floor brush as…
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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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5 Things to Learn Whilst You Travel
This is a collaborative post Travelling, albeit fun and exciting, is also something you can learn from. In my early 20’s I spent some time with my now-husband exploring small corners of the earth. There’s something rather liberating about heading out on your adventures with nothing but a backpack and a vague idea of where you want to go. There are plenty of things to take from the experience – here are just five things to learn whilst you do it. How to be alone Travelling solo may be a daunting prospect, but it’s one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things you can learn to do. Leaving your friends…
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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.…
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The Family Holiday Bucket List – Spain
As the children get older, I’m putting together a bucket list of all the places we’d like to visit. Buoyed by our fabulous holiday to Spain, I have been researching child-friendly holidays and places to explore in the region. While I love spending lazy days going from the beach to the pool and back again, there are plenty of sights in mainland Spain and islands that I am desperate to see and for the kids to enjoy too. Spain is a wonderful and welcoming place for people with young children so I know it is a place we shall be spending many more sun-soaked family holidays. As the kids are…
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Quotes to Help You Rise Up After Defeat
Last night, England’s dreams of World Cup glory were shattered. It’s hard not to feel heartbroken when the team got so close to the final. I think we all thought that maybe, just maybe, we’d make it all the way. But it wasn’t meant to be. Croatia got the better of us and the England team, not football, is coming home. As we cry into our coffee this morning, we must remember there is a huge amount to be proud of. The team and Gareth Southgate did something that seemed impossible a few weeks ago. They lifted up a nation torn down by Brexit and politics and made us believe…
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Our First Family Holiday Abroad to Spain
We have recently returned from a wonderful family holiday in El Campello in Spain. Jack is soon starting school so we avoided the school holidays to enjoy our first family holiday abroad. After spending years alternating between Devon and Suffolk for our annual holiday, I was desperate for a ‘proper’ sunny holiday. Spending 10-hours in a car, constantly checking over my shoulder to make sure the kids weren’t getting car sick and hovering a bucket underneath Jack’s chin as he turned pale. I didn’t want that hassle. Surely catching a 2-hour plane journey is easier? You know what, it is easier. Don’t get me wrong, we had tantrums, late departures…
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Father’s Day Gift Guide
It’s that time of year again when we show our dads and granddads just how much we appreciate them. Having said that, buying gifts for the men in our lives can be pretty difficult so with the help of some brands I have come up with the ultimate father’s day gift guide. So whether they are foodie dads or like to indulge in a bit of grooming, this guide might be that spark of inspiration you’re looking for. Personalised Letterbox Cake Is there anything better than cake being delivered through your letterbox? This is a wonderful gift for dads who have a sweet tooth. There are loads of designs to…
