How To Live A More Energy Efficient Life

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We all look for ways to be more energy efficient and save money in our daily lives, which can include making changes to how we use and buy things. But, it’s also worth taking a closer look at how we get the energy that we’re using in the first place. Many of us are already aware of the reasons that we should be reducing our energy use in our lives, but what are the steps we can take towards actually getting it done?

A 14 Things To Consider When Adding Extension To Your Home

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Regular readers will know I love a bit of DIY. A couple of years ago we made some changes to our home and, like many, the constant of being indoors lately has left me wandering around the house, wondering what we can change.

The next thing would be an extension but I'm currently unsure if that would work with our home set up, layout and outdoor space, but I know from research and those that have already have extensions that there's a lot to do and a lot to decide on when extending your house

So, I've stuck it all together and here's...........14 things to consider when adding an extension to your home.

Wondering If You'll Get A Holiday This Year? A Family Road Trip Might Be The Perfect Alternative!

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Right now, we're all stuck inside for the foreseeable future, mostly on reduced incomes and tight budgets. So, if the chance for a holiday does arise, what can we do? 

A road trip is a great low cost idea for a family holiday, and it’s the perfect way to explore a new country. You could even stay at home and take a road trip around some nearby spots that you haven’t visited before. When you are driving instead of flying, you get to see so much more of the country and discover exciting new places along the way, so it’s perfect for adventurous families that want a different travel experience. It also means that you don’t have to deal with flying with kids, which can be very stressful. 

Planning and preparation are key if you want your road trip to run smoothly. If you are planning a family road trip, here are a few important things to remember. 

Battle Fun With Bakugan!

(Gifted)

Our son JJ has been a big fan of Bakugan since he first started watching the TV show on Netflix last year. The anime series centres around a group of biomechanical creatures called Bakugans and their human friends and battle brawlers.

As with all successful TV shows, toys are sure to follow!! A few months ago JJ saved up his money to buy a Bakugan and he's been desperate to get more ever since! So, when Spin Master gave us the chance to try more of the range we were super excited!!!

Dancing It Up With 44 Cats!!!

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We love a bit of a boogie in our house. Getting ready in the mornings, cooking dinner or just a dance round the kitchen, you will often find one of us playing music!! We all have a massively varied taste, as individuals and as a family.

But this can be a little bit of an issue! With massively varied playlists you have to be considerate of having a child in the house and make sure you pick the kid friendly tracks. Being home more over the last few weeks we've definitely being playing more music and we've found that sometimes our playlist, even the kids friendly ones can go off and start playing our favourite songs, which aren't always suitable for little ears. Especially when you really listen to the lyrics!!! 

So, we're filling our playlists with more kid friendly music!!

Getting Crafty This Easter With Baker Ross

(Gifted)

Easter is right around the corner and with lots of plans on hold for everything and anything right now, it's likely that your Easter break, and the foreseeable future, will be spent inside. 

Recently, Baker Ross gifted us a fantastic big box of Easter craft supplies! It was full to the brim of so many different crafts to do this Easter. 

Win A Hatchimals Pixies Vacay Style Surprise!!

Hatchimal Pixies are off to travel the world!! The super stylish Pixies are traveling to 5 international cities. 

5 Homeschooling Must Haves!!

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Who'd have thought a few months ago that nearly everyone in the country, if not the world, would be homeschooling!! There's a lot to take in and there's a lot to learn, and that's just for us grownups.

There's also a lot to think about at the moment and you may feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders and a lot of plates spinning. Let's try and make homeschooling something you can control and simplify with a few must haves.

Here's my must haves for homeschooling.......

44 Cats - Toys To Rock Out To!!

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Just before Christmas we shared our review of a brand new kids TV show, 44 Cats. At the time it was a bit of light relief from all things Christmassy and a change from Scooby Doo!! But we've continued to watch and enjoy the adventures of Lampo, Milady, Meatball and Pilou since and I'm excited to share that there's now 44 Cats toys too!!!

Why I'm Going To Stick To A Routine Whilst Homeschooling

The news is out and so is school!! From now until who knows when school is cancelled and with support from teachers and a host of online resources we will now be homeschooling for the foreseeable future. 

Lots of people have been sharing what their approach will be, with many saying they will hold off for a few weeks and think about school later. My approach will be a little different though. This was probably clear from the night that the announcement of the school closure came through. With others chatting online about it, I was already in Poundland buying more crayons, paper and workbooks, ready for the challenge. 

A few people have asked why I'm sticking to a routine whilst homeschooling and not taking a do maths in your PJs, try phonics if you can be bothered or wait a while approach, so I wanted to share why I'm going to stick to a routine whilst homeschooling. 

5 Tips To Ensure Your Family Stay Friends When Stuck Inside

So, if you're reading this you're possibly stuck inside with your family, or face being inside with them, for a long time. Be it a snowstorm, a virus or a hurricane, you're in your home for a long period with those you love the most, but will you like each other by the end of it??

Here's 5 tips to ensure your family stay friends when stuck inside!

8 Things To Do Before You Self Isolate

There's lots in the news about self isolation and for those that are older or vulnerable health wise to stay indoors. Many are making the decision to self isolate before the virus hits them or their loved ones.

As a family our son's school and my husband's workplace remains open but we are reducing our contact with the outside word and are asking older or vulnerable family members and friends to do the same. That's if they will listen!!

I've been having a bit of a think about if we do have to fully self isolate or go on a full lock down and what I could do to plan ahead. Obviously, if you're unwell already this won't apply. Anyway, I've made a list and thought I'd share it with you, but before I do I'd like to add something. This is advice from someone that likes to plan ahead, someone that also has elderly and vulnerable people to watch over and someone that copes by being organised and writing lists. This is not to encourage stockpiling and selfish behaviour.

How we deal with this situation happening around the world will me marked in history. Our children see us. They take it all in. Stay calm. Only take what you need. Help others if you can. Just like a few weeks ago, be kind.

Now, here's 8 things to do before you self isolate.