Monthly Archives: September 2018

It’s Time to Read & You Could Win!

September 18, 2018 By in Giveaways, Kids Section Tags: , , , , , , , , , 44 Comments

I have been reading to my twins since they were babies. That is partly because I love reading and have books everywhere in our house. But it is also because I know the importance of reading to kids. Extensive research has been carried over the years, and it has shown that a child who reads for pleasure will do better at school.  It has also shown that a family who read books together would have the opportunity to bond and talk about the day more. Now this is a win-win for me, which is why it is always time to read in our house.

There is an opportunity to win a Book Bundle from BookTrust Time to Read Campaign. All the giveaway details would be at the end of the post.

 

Time to read BookTrust Image

 

Like I said, I have been reading to the kiddies since they were born and have carried on doing so even now that they are now in Reception year. They enjoy reading a lot and have many books in their bookshelves. Having bookshelves in their bedroom encourages them to keep reading as they can reach the books they want to read themselves.

 

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The Benefits of Reading to Children

I could go on and on about the many benefits of reading to your children but I will just list the top 3 benefits here.

 

It is a great way to bond with your children

I read to kiddies everyday when I can, and I encourage them to open a book on their day each day too. Reading together is a great way to bond with children. We can easily spend an hour reading book after book in our house, and the kids look forward to the reading time. Having both kids on my laps as I read to them is so precious. Reading to kids is time well spent.

 

Reading to kids helps them perform better at school

when it comes to educating your kids, reading is at the top of the list. Reading to children helps them perform better at school even in subjects like Maths. When you read to kids, it helps the child’s development. It helps your child get to know sounds, words and language. Reading helps children develop early literacy skills which also help them excel in other subjects at school. The kids pick up on new words and sounds when we read together, which is fantastic.

 

Helps the children stay creative

Colourful books with great illustrations help children become more creative and think independently. I find my kids tend to interpret the illustrations they see before I even start reading. Their imagination brings the books to life, and it helps them stay creative which is fantastic.

 

 

Time to Read Children’s Books Bundle

We received this Time to Read Children’s Books Bundle some weeks ago and we have been busy reading the books. The kiddies love all the books in the bundle and I can see why. Their current favourites are Little Monkey by Marta Altes and First Day at Bug School by Sam Lloyd. All 6 books tell an interesting story they can relate to. Plus they are filled with colourful illustrations that the kids find very fascinating.

 

Children Books ImageLittle Monkey Book image Children read books image

 

 

First Day at Bug School By Sam Lloyd

The kiddies found this book very relatable as they just started Reception. They kept comparing the Bug School to their “Big School”, which was fun to listen to. I like this book a lot because it got them talking about what they do in their school, which I found very informing.

First Day at Bug School Book helped settle the kids into their new school routine. They liked the idea of going to Primary School, and have been looking forward to going all summer. But it was a new experience for them with the early starts and longer school days. and I think us reading this book together calmed their nerves and helped settle the twins into their new school routine.

This book is great read for kids starting school for the first time.

 

I AM AN ARTIST By Marta Alters

My kids found this book really funny and loved colourful illustrations. The little boy in the book was up to all sorts of mischief – writing on the walls, painting the furniture and all. He thought he was an Artist and needed to express himself everywhere. His Mum wasn’t impressed and I bet we Mums can relate.

 

Vera Jewel is Late for School By Nicola Kent

This book was an interesting read. We all enjoyed it and it is another favourite in our house. My daughter is a huge fan of Vera Jewel. She thinks she is cool! This book is another great option for kids starting school as it is all about Vera Jewel school run journey.

 

 

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YOU’RE CALLED WHAT? By Kes Gray and Nicki Dyson

This book was hilarious! We laughed as we turned each page. It is a great funny read and the kids enjoyed making fun of the crazy funny names. I found some of the names very funny as well. The writers have a great sense of humour for sure.

 

Little Monkey by Marta Altes

This Little Monkey is another current favourite. It tells the story of a little brave Monkey. The Kiddies find this book very entertaining and are always reading it. The Little Monkey is an inspiration in our house.

 

Time to read and you could win image

 

Time to Read Giveaway Details

There is an opportunity for one lucky reader to win this Book Bundle. Here are all what you need to do to take part in this giveaway –

 

  1. Follow me on Twitter.
  2. Retweet this post.
  3. Leave a comment telling me why you want to win this Book Bundle. Remember to include your Twitter name in the comment box so I can find you.

 

This giveaway is open to all UK residents 18 years and over. It ends 1st October at 10pm. I will contact the winner on Twitter.

 

What do you think of these books? Do find out more about the Time to Read campaign, visit booktrust.org.uk for more information. Also, I will be taking part in the Time to Read Twitter Party on Thursday 20th September 8pm – 9pm. You can join in to chat about reading to children and win book vouchers. The hashtag is #TimeToRead and the Twitter handle is @BookTrust

See you there!

 

Time to read image

 

*Collaborative post.

 

 

Want younger looking skin? Read this first.

September 17, 2018 By in Beauty Tags: , , , , , 24 Comments

There comes a point where we really have to start thinking about our skin routine. Did you know that as soon as you hit 21 your skin is classed as “mature”. Shocking, right? Your skin might feel drier, your foundation might appear patchy on your face, you might have sudden blotches or red marks, or even oily, shiny patches that can ruin a good photo. So when your skin does hit its “old age” what can you do to keep it looking at feeling youthful? Switch up your moisturiser for something that targets dry skin? Get more facials? Discover the best bb cream for combination skin? With so much to think about and so many products to choose from it can be difficult to know where to begin. But don’t worry.

Read on for some skin maintenance tips and beauty ideas that will keep your skin looking as young as you feel!

 

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Avoid those long, hot showers!

We all like a hot, steamy shower to help wake us up in the morning – it’s almost as crucial as a cup of coffee. But you might want to swap those long hot showers, for shorter, cooler sprays if you want to keep your skin looking and feeling soft and young. Hot showers strip your skin of their essential oils and effectively dry out your skin by stripping it of its moisture. So keep the shower cool and keep it to about ten minutes.

 

Look for the signs

Unsure if you need to exfoliate? Or need to moisturise more? Take a finger and lightly scratch your skin, if it leaves a white mark then your skin is not only dry but crying out for you to rid it of all those dead skin cells. Get yourself exfoliated and moisturised, pronto.

 

Keep it simple

When it comes to beauty products for your face, the simpler the better. Steer clear of products that contain perfume, colour, bubbles and anything that claims to be anti-bacterial. All these will irritate you skin and might make blotchy red skin look angrier.

 

Want soft hands and feet?

If your hands are dry and your feet not much better, then this little trick will help. On an evening before bed, slather lots of moisturiser on your feet and hands, then cover with a pair of light fabric gloves/socks. When you wake in the morning, your skin will feel incredible.

 

Get sweaty

Surely getting all hot and sweaty will clog your pores right? Wrong! Did you know that working up a sweat is a natural way to eliminate the toxins that build up under your skin. And, regular exercise gets your blood pumping – which means better circulation and blood flow – which is good for your skin!

Skin destroyers

We know the dangers of tanning and UV rays but so many of us take the risk. If you want youthful looking skin then you must steer clear of these infamous skin destroyers: tanning beds, smoking and sunbathing. All of these age your skin prematurely!

 

Do you have any skincare tips to share?

 

*Collaborative post.

 

Product Review – Harley Street Skincare

September 17, 2018 By in Beauty, Product Reviews Tags: , , , , , , , , 39 Comments

I have heard of Harley Street Skincare prior to trying out these products. So I was super thrilled when I got the opportunity to review these skincare products from the brand. For those who have never heard of Harley Street Skincare, it is a skincare brand founded by Dr. Aamer Khan. This brand focuses on producing products derived from both natural and scientific ingredients.

I got the opportunity to try out the 24-7 Daily Cleanser and the Regenerating Body Moisturiser.

 

Harley Street Skincare Products ImageSkincare Products Image

 

Harley Street Skincare 24-7 Daily Cleanser £20

This Harley Street Skincare 24-7 Daily Cleanser is a unisex product that gently deep cleanses the skin. I apply it to my damp face and massage it in gently. Then I take off with a damp face cloth and rinse well.

 

PROS
  1. I like the simple packaging. The pump makes it easy to use.
  2. It deep cleanses my skin. I have no trace of makeup on my face after using this cleanser.
  3. I like the texture, it feels great on my skin.
  4. It leaves my skin clean, fresh and supple.
  5. This cleanser moisturises and nourishes the skin as it cleans.

 

Harley Street ImageBeauty Blogger UK Image

 

CONS

None.

I really like this skincare product. It works great for my skin.

 

 

Harley Street Skincare 24-7 Regenerating Body Moisturiser £25

This Harley Street Skincare 24-7 Regenerating Body Moisturiser is a great unisex body lotion. It gently exfoliates the skin, moisturising dry, rough, and flaky skin.

 

PROS
  1. I like the compact packaging with the pump.
  2. It has a light fragrance which I like.
  3. This Body Moisturiser leaves my skin soft, smooth and moisturised.
  4. I like the fact that it is a unisex product. It means I can share it with M.
  5. It helps reduce acne.

 

Skincare Products Image

 

CONS

None.

 

These Harley Street Skincare products are great for my skin. They are now part of my daily skincare routine and my skin is thanking me everyday.

What do you think of these beauty products? Have you tried any of them before?

 

*PR samples.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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