Author Archives: kirsty

5 Fun Ways to Spend your Mommy Down-Time

Being a mom is wonderful, but sometimes, we just need some time away from the screaming, crying and fighting of the little ones. Luckily, my children are great nappers so every day in the afternoon, I have two quiet hours to myself which I can spend however I want. While sometimes I’ll take advantage of the time to get things done or to rest, there are times when I want to have some fun and enjoy my afternoon!

With that in mind, here are a few fun ways to spend that wonderful mummy down-time:

1. Crafting
I love to craft for the holidays and I find it a lot of fun to either create something completely new and unique, or follow instructions from a craft I found online. It can be such a joy to create a beautiful craft that will adorn the home, and the process itself can be a great way to blow some steam and get the creative juices flowing. Plus, once the kids wake up, they often like to help me out, so I give them small tasks they can handle. It’s a good educational tool and keeps them busy.

2. Watch a movie or TV show
The one thing about parenting that no one tells you is that you can forget about having a favorite TV show or watching the latest movies. You will soon discover that you will either (a) not have the time (b) be too exhausted to watch anything or (c) your movies and TV shows will now be cartoons and children’s shows. So sometimes, I take those two daily hours to sit in front of the television and watch whatever I want! Whether it’s sitcoms, drama, a superhero movie that is not meant for little kids, or even a talk show, it’s enjoyable to watch the screen and let go of responsibilities for a short while.

3. Online games
I love the challenge and adrenaline rush of playing online games, especially casino games, which have been a long time favorite of mine. I used to player card games with my friends long before we all had little ones tugging at our skirts, so now we either play with each other online or I go into casino sites and amp up the excitement by gambling a little. Finding the best online casinos to join is not difficult because there are plenty of reviews and lists online. For more details see wwwOnlineCasino.ca where you can find an easy-to-read list of the best casino sites.

4. Call your friends
As busy moms, we tend to forget about our friends, especially those that are not yet moms. For the sake of our sanity, our social life has to reach out beyond play dates with other parents. I like to spend my down-time to catch up with my friends by phone, hear what they are going through, the latest gossip, their relationship issues, and so on. There used to be a time when speaking on the phone with them was a regular occurrence so although we can no longer have that, I still enjoy our sporadic conversations and catch-ups!

5. Zumba
This may sound strange, but I’ve noticed that the best time to exercise at home is during the kids’ naps! I found some amazing Youtube Zumba instructors whose choreography I can follow easily. I watch the videos on full screen, put some sound on, and enjoy about an hour or so of fun Zumba dancing. Not only do I have a fun time with the choreography, it’s also a great work out that keeps me healthy, fit and looking great for my husband and most importantly, for myself!

So there you have it! This is how I spend my mommy down-time when I want to have fun.

4 Ways to Earn Money Working Online You May Not Have Considered

Whether you are a stay at home parent or work in a low paid job, you may be looking for ways to earn extra money to supplement your current income. Nowadays, there are plenty of money making opportunities online via an internet connection and a personal computer. Besides the usual things such as selling things through eBay or Amazon and writing blogs, there are still other options out there that you may not have even considered.

Sell Your Own Music

Many years ago you may recall Radiohead making headlines by self-promoting and selling one of their albums ahead of the physical release by offering it through a “name your price” format. Although your music might not have the same commercial pull as Radiohead, selling your music online can be a great way to build a following and a name for yourself. By cutting out all the middlemen involved in traditional recording and promotional contracts, the small number of sales you might make might be more than what you would earn doing it the other way.

Work as a Freelance Designer

There are a number of options open to you if you are a particularly creative person and have qualifications and experience working as a designer. You could either create your own website that showcases your portfolio or work through various existing freelance sites such as oDesk and Freelancer. Although it may take a bit of time to really get the income flowing by working this way, it is much easier than other options out there and means you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.

Sell Stock Photos

If you have an interest in photography, you may be able to turn your hobby into a money making enterprise. Millions of people use search engines every day to find stock photos. Although you will obviously have to get out and about to take the snaps, it is hardly the most taxing or boring type of work you could be doing. It should be noted that while you will not earn very much per image and sale, the more images you upload and put up for sale, the more money you will earn on a monthly basis. One of the best things is that once you have uploaded the photos you don’t really have to do anything else.

Sell Articles or Essays

Writing is one of the best and easiest ways to earn money online, well if you enjoy writing that is. If you have a real skill for writing, you can use that skill to earn money either by writing articles for internet marketers or by working through an essay writing service such as essaybro.com. Millions of people out there are looking for content either for their websites or as part of their coursework for University and are willing to pay good prices for you to do all the hard work.

There are many other ways to earn money online, but we highlighted the ones above as they are particularly interesting methods that you may not have considered before.

Easy Ways to make a Little Extra Cash for Christmas

Although you (quite rightly) might not be feeling especially Christmassy just yet, the season of joy and giving is creeping up on us slowly but surely. Christmas is such a magical time of year when you’re a parent, but unfortunately, all of that magic comes with a rather large price tag. All of this expense can mean an awful lot of stress, especially if you’re trying to do Christmas on a tight budget. If you want to make a little money in time for Christmas then now is the time to do so. From selling your unwanted items online to renting out your spare room, here are some easy ideas to make money and help you to save a little extra money to make your holidays extra special.

Rent out Your Spare Room
No doubt most of you will have heard of websites like airbnb and HomeAway, these websites are a fantastic way of making money by renting out anything from a single room in your home to the entire property. You simply upload a photo or photos of your home, write a brief description, then choose the days that suit you and you set a price. Once your property is listed on the website, people can view it and contact you to book. You opt to share your home, or rent it out whilst you’re away yourself. It’s as simple as that and not only is this a great money making idea, it’s a great way for you to meet people from all around the globe too.
Sell Unwanted Belongings
Whether it’s an unwanted birthday or Christmas gift or simply an old childhood toy, it seems that just about everything has a value these days. It’s no surprise then that people are listing and selling their belongings via online auction sites such as EBay. Online auction sites are such a simple way to make money you list the item and once the auction is over you simply post it to the highest bidder (once they’ve paid of course). It’s important that your packages get to their recipient swiftly and safely and so using couriers such as TNT guarantee your package will make it there safe and sound. This is the perfect excuse for you to get rid of some of your children’s unwanted gifts from last year to make room for this year’s!
Offer Your Services
If you’re a stay-at home-mum (or dad), why not make a little extra cash by doing jobs other people don’t have time to do. From dog walking to ironing, there are plenty of jobs you can take on that won’t affect your own chores or time with your children. Starting your own business like this, means you can take on as much or as little as you like and you can make a little extra cash whilst doing things you’re likely to be doing daily anyway.

These are just a few ideas to help inspire you, but there are plenty of other ways in which you can make a little extra cash before Christmas. Whatever you choose to do, good luck!

Tips for Taking Care and Handling the Stress of Aging Parents

Taking care of elderly parents may be the highest calling of your life. Although it is possible that it takes away a significant portion of your time and money, with a few tips you can make the entire experience less stressful and manageable. Aging parents may need assistance in a number of everyday chores and activities, such as bathing, eating, dressing and personal grooming. You will have to be free and shift personal appointments according to their situation. Everyday chores and constant assistance may start to cause stress between you. To avoid any such discomfort, a good option is to seek the services of a reputed nursing home in Crawley, West Sussex.

Top Tips to Make Home-Care Less Stressful

There are a number of things you can do at home to make it friendlier for the elderly. Those who are extremely busy and cannot take out the time to properly tend to all of their parents’ needs can choose an acclaimed nursing home in West Sussex like Ashton Grange Nursing Home. Here is a list of things you can keep in mind to provide a convenient and healthy stay for your elderly parents.

Install special nightlights so that the elderly do not trip over something in the dark. Make sure the hall and stairs are well lit.
Get grab bars fitted along the stairway and in the bathroom. This can provide support and assistance to your parents.
Do not leave clutter, paper, toys or dirt lying around the house. They could be responsible for your parent falling down.
If you aging parent uses a wheelchair, it is a wise idea to install a ramp. Do not let them climb or descend stairs by getting a ramp fitted for them.
Today, there are a number of fall detection devices and multiple safety systems designed for the elderly. Get one of them installed at home.
You can make them feel more at home by getting most of their personal belongings to your house. They may miss their old home and certain aspects of it. If possible, try and incorporate some of the design or style in your home.
Do not forget to invite your parents’ close friends and loved ones over whenever possible. Seeing familiar faces and social interaction can do a world of good.
Once they are well settled in, avoid tampering and changing the position of things and furniture. Do not think of getting new interior design at such times. Change and newness can cause stress in the elderly.
Do not leave them alone or make them feel lonely. Whenever you have the time, engage in activities you previously enjoyed doing, like playing cards or board games. Those who are out of home most of the day must provide some assistance to parents or opt to send them to a nursing home in Crawley, West Sussex.
Discuss and assist in medical planning, healthcare policies and legal documentation.

With these simple tips in mind you can assist the elderly in meeting all their needs in the comfort of your home. A nursing home in Crawley, West Sussex, is a good option for the elderly, especially if they are suffering from medical conditions like Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

London for Shopaholics

Apart for the various branded shops that London offers, there are a few markets that are a must see in this city. This is where you can find real individuality with all the antiques, handmade and organic items and a great spread of quirky fashion.

For a well-connected shopping experience, consider choosing hotels near Eurostar London, like Comfort Inn Kings Cross St Pancras London near Kings Cross station in Central London, which offers clean and comfortable accommodation at budget rates.

Top 5 Markets in London

Here is a list of some of the best markets in London that could offer you a truly fulfilling shopping experience.

Berwick Street Market: From fruits to fabrics, this market has it all. It dates back to 1778 and continues to be a rich trading spot. Positioned in the heart of Soho, it is a very busy market that doubles up as a great eating spot. Berwick Street is surrounded by wholesalers and cafes, so there is more to it than just the shopping experience.

Camden Market: This is a line of many fun and funky shops wrapped in one wholesome unit. The market offers a wide array of clothes, antiques, crafts, jewellery and furnishings. To sum it up, just about anything can be found here. If you do not like the crowded alleys, this is the market for you. While you are in the area, you could plan some time to see the British Museum, Regents Park, the British Library and the London Zoo. Camden Market is also located very close to cheap and budget hotels in Central London, which can prove to a good option for easy transport.

Portobello Road Antiques and Flea Market: This Notting Hill market is a colourful and dynamic stretch of London that is full to bursting with the latest trends. When we say sales, this place has some epic sales for everything from books to lace and even exotic cooking ingredients. Thousands of people swarm at the stalls and if you really have the patience, you might get a fantastic bargain. It is best to go in the morning, since the crowd starts by mid evening.

Spitalfields Market: Located in the heart of the city, this is where you will find excellent quality products that offer outstanding value for money. The market is closed on Saturdays and Mondays, however Sundays sees the market at its busiest, with over 200 stalls in action. More than 50 designers showcase their work at the Fashion Market every Friday. And with the huge range of eateries, it attracts the city’s young crowd for a wholesome treat.

Camden Passage: This “hidden” market hosts an array of whimsical antique shops. Traders here are specialists and can give you so much more information that anything on the internet. Endeavour for a good bargain, since prices can be high. It is less than 2 miles from St Pancras Station, and on a cold wintry day, it can prove to be a great walk.

These are places that are the epitome of British culture that still shows some signs of the Georgian and Victorian eras. So, as you look for places around your hotel near Eurostar London, be sure to check out these famous markets.

De-stress with Online Bingo

If I were to ask you to describe a typical day in one word in your lives, am sure all you mothers out there would say in unison – ‘TIRED’. Yes, that’s what I feel too because keeping a family in place and raising the kids is no less than a mini warfare and we all do it seamlessly each day, the after effects of which is seen our deteriorating healths. The obvious question that then rises in all your minds is – what can be done to get rid of the fatigue apart from eating healthy, ‘cos food is not the solution to all our woes always.

So all you mother’s for whom “raising kids is part joy and part guerrilla warfare” as I say, here’s what I found to de-stress – Bingo. Yes ladies the refreshing feeling is simply amazing and I say it out of first hand experience. I have been at it for the past month or so and I indulge in my sinful craving atleast for an hour each day and I just can’t begin explaining how refreshing it is. Oh yes, I say ‘sinful’ ‘cos it’s hard to stop ‘bingo-ing’ (as I call it with much love), but since money is involved it’s always better to be in control.

Here are some of the reasons why we all must indulge in Online Bingo (even if it’s just a little bit)

Amazing Bonuses: Online Bingo is the only form of bingo where you get bonuses for simply joining a site. The same is not applicable if you go to a bingo hall to play bingo. Also you would get bonuses for depositing the first time and it many a time as high as a whopping 500%. Bonuses are received when you redeposit, if you are a loyal player on the site and if refer your friends. Online bingo sites simply wont cease to surprise you and they all believing in pampering their players. Whereas if you play land based bingo the same is not applicable.

Play from Anywhere: With the technological advancements all the bingo sites are available on mobiles and tablets. So you don’t need to sit in front of your computers to play bingo. You can do so while you are going for work or while you are putting your child to sleep. The best part however is almost all the online bingo sites offer some special bonuses to their players you register through mobiles or tables. They also have some exclusive games for mobile and tablet users.

Making New Friends: We all have these social networking sites which do an amazing job of making us meet/connect to new people. But the only problem lies in the fact that these people are not always genuine and they more often than not don’t have similar tastes and thus the so called ‘friendship frizzles out in no time. But the online bingo sites are an amazing place to meet like minded people. Also since these sites urge players to put in their personal details like email addresses, phone numbers and card details (whether one deposits or not) it’s likely that we tend to meet genuine people.

Free Bingo: Lastly online bingo allows you to indulge in free bingo games. This simply means that once you join any online bingo site you can go to their free bingo rooms and play bingo for free, where you need not deposit on the site or buy tickets but still win real cash.

So folks, indulge in online bingo and de-stress yourselves. One cool site I came across is Game Village Bingo. It’s a standalone site with their proprietary software. So you can expect some unique games and offers on this site which would make your online bingo experience all the more worth while. Click this site to know more about their fabulous offers and promotions.

5 Top Tips for Dating Online

In recent years, dating websites have helped completely transformed the world of dating. Now, instead of drunken meetings in random clubs, bars and social events, it’s possible to find potential partners through reputable dating sites. Definitely the best thing about this process is you’ve got a greater chance of a relationship developing into a long term thing simply because you are privy to important information about other single people in advance that you don’t have if you’ve met someone randomly on a night out.

So dating websites have changed the dating process largely for the better, or so it would seem.

Admittedly, online dating cannot guarantee you’ll find love, but it’s certainly worth giving a good go. I’ve included a few tips below that may be useful if you’re considering giving online dating a try…

1. Be honest in your personal profile.

Honesty is by the best policy when putting together your personal profile. It’s hard not to feel the pressure to add a plethora of hobbies and interests simply because everybody else seems to have added loads and because you don’t want to appear boring. This will only result in immense difficulties and embarrassment further down the line when somebody questions you about your “hobbies”. Remember, it’s only worth being with somebody who likes and respects you for you.

2. Don’t disregard a nice person based on a picture.

Despite it being a dead cert that the vast majority will have selected their most flattering pic to submit as their profile picture, some people simply just don’t take a good photograph. It’s worth remembering this fact if you find someone with interests and hobbies that match your own, and who you find you enjoy interacting with because you may discover you’re attracted to them in person, if you choose to later meet up.

3. Consider what is essential to you in a life partner.

It’s good to establish a concrete idea of what qualities are important to you in a potential partner before you start chatting to people. One fab aspect of dating online is that, technically, you could meet someone who is close to exactly what you are searching for. Although, of course, nobody will ever be perfect, online dating gives you a degree of control over certain characteristics, for instance, your potential partner’s level of education, or their earnings, whether they smoke, drink, want (or have) children. These things often don’t matter in the short term, but can quickly and easily become sources of conflict later on, so thinking carefully about what you want or don’t want can aid you in finding somebody who matches you and your needs in important areas.

4. Remember that practically everyone finds online dating hard!

Although you should aim to be as natural as possible in your interactions online, remember that the people you’re chatting to are likely to also be finding the online dating process tough, so perhaps their messages may not be truly reflective of their actual personalities. They may appear to try too hard, or go the opposite way by keeping their communications simple to the point of being boring, or they may hide their sense of humour because they haven’t got to grips with your humour yet.

Remember, online interactions don’t convey tone, facial expression or body language, which often results in points being misinterpreted all too quickly and easily. Remember this when you’re communicating via the site and give people a bit more time to get to know you and relax a little and, consequently, for their true personality to come through.

5. Don’t be embarrassed about meeting someone through a dating website.

There was once a stigma associated with online dating, but this is definitely now a thing of the past. In some cases, older generations not quite as au fait with the wonders of the Internet as the younger generation is may not completely understand or appreciatethe process, but with such a dramatic increase in the popularity of online dating sites it’s inevitable that the stigma has been practically eradicated.

This post was written by Becky Stretton, author of the parenting blog, Green Duo. Visit her blog to read all about Becky, her husband Steve, their new baby daughter Phoebe-Rae and all their adventures in their green, eco-friendly household.

Want To Buy A Static Caravan – Check Out Our 8 Hot Tips!

Want To Buy A Static Caravan – Check Out Our 8 Hot Tips! A static caravan can be a great and affordable alternative to costly holidays abroad or in hotels. If this is something you are considering, but have never purchased this type of holiday home in the past, then you are probably interested in some helpful tips and advice. Look no further as you have come to the right place. In the following article we will look at some handy tips that will help you to find the best static caravan for you and your family, like the ones available to buy from Park Resorts.

Assess Your Financial Situation

It’s a good idea before you start mentally moving into that nice caravan by the sea that you look at your financial situation and see if you even have the budget to afford a static caravan.

Remember the Running Costs

When you are purchasing a static caravan, it is important to keep in mind that it is not just the initial cost of the unit that you need to factor into your calculations. It is likely that you will be buying from a holiday park and therefore you need to be aware of and budget for any additional costs such as pitch and management fees, utility bills and insurance.

Look At what’s Available

Static caravans not only come in different sizes and dimensions, but also different room and interior layouts. It’s a good idea to look at as many different sizes and styles of caravans to find the one that suits not only your special requirements but your personal tastes.

Visit the Location

After spending time researching and compiling a shortlist of places you are interested in, you should try to visit as many of them in person as you can. It is particularly wise to stay for a couple of nights at the park so that you can see what it’s like to live there.

How Far Are You Prepared To Travel?

Having a nice hideaway in an idyllic location is all well and good, but you need to make sure you will be able to realistically travel to it, to make use of it.

Bear In Mind Your Reason for Wanting a Caravan

Caravans should always be looked on as a short term investment as they depreciate over the course of time, no matter how well they are looked after. So think carefully about how long you would want to use it for and just see it as a fun and relaxing getaway for you and your family.

Carefully Read the T&C

Before you sign off on buying a static caravan, you need to make sure you read through the holiday park’s T&C carefully to make sure you understand what is expected and what you are eligible to with ownership of the caravan.

Consider Reselling

There may come a point in time when you want to resell your static caravan, so another consideration you need to make is the park’s surcharges and commissions that may be involved in reselling.

Child Friendly Holiday Destinations In Europe

Today’s fast-paced life can make it difficult for you to spend some time with your children. That’s why it is essential for you to bring your kids along, as take a much-needed holiday. But, where on the face of the earth can you spend a fun and rewarding vacation with your family? Well, fortunately, Europe has a ton of child friendly destinations that can give you and your family a blast for your next holiday.

From the nostalgic islands of Greece to the stylish cities of Italy, Europe has a dazzling collection of destinations for tourists who are traveling with kids. If you are planning to travel with your family on your next holiday, here’s a list of some of Europe’s best and most sought-after child friendly destinations, as highlighted by Baby Friendly Boltholes.

Greece

Very few destinations in the world can rival the majestic beauty of the land of Hellas. Furthermore, there aren’t a lot of destinations that have witnessed legends and historic figures as much as this Mediterranean haven. Known as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, this beloved utopia is truly a blissful hub that will amuse you and your kids in a variety of ways.

Apart from its ancient ruins and historic landmarks, you and the rest of your family can enjoy a plethora of other family-oriented attractions in Greece as well. With miles stunning aquamarine coastline, kids can spend a day enjoying the lovely white sands and sapphire waters on a pristine Greek beach. Plus, it has a load of energetic theme parks, such as Crete’s Cretaquarium, Marine Park in Zante, and Allou Fun Park,

Algarve

With its scenic whitewashed towns, brash resorts and pretty beaches, it is no wonder Portugal’s Algarve reputation is often praised as the ultimate family holiday destination in Europe. While this destination has a frenetic party atmosphere, it surprisingly appeals to family-oriented tourists, thanks to its long sandy islands, scalloped beaches, natural bays, wide golden sands and awe-inspiring cliffs. Besides its natural beauty and amazing scenery, this Portuguese destination is also speckled with child-friendly attractions, such as tennis clubs, the Hot Wheels Raceway, Centros de Ciencias Vivas, Aqualand, Zoomarine, and a whole lot more.

Italy

Italy is arguably the most family-oriented holiday destination in all of Europe. Here, you will find an endless selection of child-friendly restaurants, beautiful villas, beach clubs and shopping centers. What’s more, this beautiful country has hundreds of attractions that kids will love, such as the ancient Colosseum, Villa Borghese, Villa Ada, Bioparco (a zoo in Rome), Explora Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica, lakes, mountains and caves. Of course, the country has culinary delights that would please your children’s palate, including pastas, pizzas and gelato, which is considered the best ice-cream in the world.

Traveling with your children is truly one of the best ways to spend your well-deserved holiday. As a parent, going on a holiday with your little ones is a blissful and rewarding experience that you will cherish for years to come. More importantly, a family holiday vacation gives you a chance to spend quality time with your loved ones. Ciao!

Top 5 Inexpensive Ways to add Colour to your Home

Colour is a very effective and inexpensive way to add personality to your entire home or individual rooms. In fact, it can change the whole mood of a space! Below you will find some simple and affordable ideas for bringing colour and character into your home.

1. Artwork

You don’t have to be an art expert or collector to adorn your walls with artwork. Your pieces should reflect who you are and also tie in with the overall theme of your home. Think outside the box; art doesn’t have to be a painting. It can be some of your favourite family photos made into canvas prints or stunning nature photography. Wall decals (removable vinyl stickers) have become incredibly popular and you can get some super stylish or even customer-made designs .

2. Paint Selection

For a truly dramatic effect in your home, you can’t go past a new coat of paint. If you’re building, you’ll get to choose the entire colour palette throughout your new home. While this sounds exciting, it can also be a bit daunting. Fortunately, some home builders – such as Coral Homes – will offer their expert opinion on home design for free – just get in touch!

3. Decor Soft Furnishings

When it comes to decorating your home, the choices are endless. The best way to tackle decor selection is to decide on a theme, unless you’d prefer to run with a more eclectic style. You can inject tremendous amounts of colour – whether it be soft and warm or bold and bright – through your choices in rugs, curtains, cushions, lampshades, table runners, napkins, etc. This is a great option if you’re renting and want to personalise your space to feel like your own. Grab yourself some interior design magazines for great tips and tricks and get your creative juices flowing!

4. Furniture

Furniture is another great way to bring colour into your home. You can breathe new life into old and damaged pieces by stripping, sanding and painting with bold colours to really make a statement. If you’ve got a tatty old sofa, don’t throw it out. Instead, pay a visit to a restoration company and take a look at some of the stunning colours and patterns now available in upholstery fabrics. It’s not just about recycling anymore, it’s about ‘upcycling’!

5. Plants

Plants add a beautiful natural and tranquil element to homes, both inside and out. There are a huge range of indoor varieties now available and you choose from dark green foliage to bright limes and yellows. Some species (e.g. bromeliads) also flower to offer that extra burst of colour. For outdoor areas, potted plants add a wonderful design dimension to your home. You can go for bold, architectural plants like yuccas and agaves or softer, finer foliage like ferns and flowering shrubs.

If you’re wanting to spruce up your home, but your budget is limited, adding colour is a truly cost-effective way to decorate. There are so many ways to incorporate colour into every room of your home, as well as outside living areas. You’re really only limited by your imagination, so what are you waiting for, hit the design mags, the shops and hardware store and start creating!

Revolution Mother