Monthly Archives: February 2019

What to do with the kids for half term when you don’t drive

February 18, 2019 By in Kids Section, Lifestyle Tags: , , , , , , , 18 Comments

Half term is here and at last, and we are excited to get a break from school. The kids have had a good few weeks at school, but have been very tired as well. So this half term break is needed. Although I have my car, I currently don’t drive (can’t drive on my own) because I am yet to pass my driving practical test. The plan is to get that sorted in the next few months. I am currently taking 2 hours driving lessons every week, and I am also driving outside those hours, so my confidence is growing. The lessons are going really well. I am looking forward to smashing the driving test but the reality for now is cabs/trains to get out and about when alone.

Many parents secretly dread half term weeks and the big summer break because they never know what to do with the kids. So the privileged amongst us always make sure we have all sorts of activities planned so the kids don’t drive them mad.

 

Kiddies image

 

No plans this half term?

Well, this half term, we have no major plans. And with me not being able to drive without M (he will be at work), it means our activities are quite limited. I am dreading the half term week and the kids are not bothered they won’t be going away. It is the fact so being bothered won’t change it anyway. But I need to think outside the box in order to keep the twins busy.

Last half term in October, we spent it in Portugal, and we had a lovely time exploring the city of Algarves. This half term we were tempted to go for a short break in a different city in the UK, but decided not to for many reasons. So this half term will be spent at home with us relaxing and taking it easy activities wise.

Here are some fun things we plan to do this half term –

 

Go for walks

The weather has been good here in Cheshire for the last couple of days, and I hope it continues to be good. We have long walks planned in for the half term break. We will put on comfy shoes and coats, and head out exploring our little village. The kiddies love going for walks, especially my son, so we will be doing a lot of that. We will also be getting out the bikes and scooters for some fun rides.

 

Swimming

The kiddies have swimming lessons planned out. They are learning to swim and developing the skills they need, so we will be have more of the lessons this half term week. The swimming centre is not too far away, so a short taxi or bus ride would work.

 

Indoor play

There will be a lot of Indoor play this half term. The kids never really have the time to play with their toys as they are very tired after school and homework. So they will be making the most of the free time they have this week, which will hopefully allow me get some peace and quiet.

 

Travel Blogger Image

 

Meet-up with friends

It is always nice spending quality time with friends and family. We will be meeting up with friends during the week, and playing catch up over a cup of tea. It should be fun.

Working on their new skills

My children are now free readers. They are reading and writing amazingly well for the age, and they enjoy practising. Which is why they are always happy to pick up a book from their bookshelves to read. You can also easily find them colouring in their colouring books, playing with some play-doh, or writing on their writing pads. I know a good couple of hours will be spent doing these activities this week.

 

Outdoor play

We are blessed to live in a great neighbourhood with 2 playgrounds very close to us. We will be visiting both playgrounds for some outdoor fun this week. I know the kids would spend hours doing this if I left them. I am hoping I won’t have to drag them home when it is home time.

 

Soft play

The kiddies love soft play centres, so we will be visiting a couple this half term week. They never get tired of running around the centre and I can have some peace (hopefully) watching them from a distance. We have some soft play centres not too far away from us.

 

If you don’t drive, what plans do you have for the kids this half term? If you do drive, please share your plans in the comments section as well.

Thanks for reading. Have a great week.

Are Tattoos Becoming Uncool?

February 17, 2019 By in Beauty Tags: , , , , , , 6 Comments

Do you have tattoos? I’m sure you’ve probably got one because it looked cool or because they symbolized something special to you. Maybe they were used to mark an important period in your life, the time when you fell in love or when you had your first child. Or maybe you know someone who has a tattoo and admired it from afar – or at least admired their courage.

 

Tattoos Becoming Uncool Image

 

The History of Tattoos

The history of tattoos dates as far back as 12000 years. It all started with a need of protection and identity. They were used as a means of differentiating one tribe from the other. For some cultures tattoos were used as a means of protecting themselves magically from harm – more or less like an indelible amulet of some sort.

Fast forward to the 21stcentury, tattoos were used as a means of self-expression. Some do it for fun or just because it’s fashionable. It’s no longer uncommon to see celebrities and other influencers proudly flaunting their tattoos. But it took a lot of time before tattoos became socially acceptable.

There was a time when displaying your tattoos was considered a taboo. Tattoos were associated with gangsters and nobody wanted to be associated with such people. So if you were caught were with a tattoo, you were automatically given “the look”.

Interestingly, there has been a shift. Tattoos seem to be gradually losing its appeal. For example, when Adam Levine took his shirt off during the last Super Bowl, it wasn’t welcomed warmly by viewers. His body was covered in tattoos and people saw the tattoos as looking too fresh with such dark ink.

Of course, this is not the first time the public is seeing someone with their body covered in tattoos. But it seems like the bias against tattoos that was present several years ago never really left our systems.

 

Did tattoos suddenly stop being cool?

It’s hard to tell. But lately there has been an increase in the number of people going under the laser to have their tattoos removed. The increase in the demand to remove tattoos made tattoo removal a lucrative venture on its own.

Although the reasons why people are running to have their tattoos removed varies from person to person. However some of the common reasons are regret, acquired religious beliefs, the end of an amorous relationship gone bad, the need to be socially accepted and to meet employment requirements

The procedure is not cheap. You may be required to do between 4 to 6 sessions depending on how old your tattoo is. And it hurts more to remove the tattoo than to have one done. But this doesn’t stop people. In fact, their numbers are on the increase.

Tattoos have certainly come a long way. They fought the battle, going from being frowned at to being cool and then back again. We can never know for sure what will be the latest trend in the next couple of years. But we can know one thing for sure, that too will change.

 

5 Bridal Skincare Dos and Don’ts

February 16, 2019 By in Beauty Tags: , , , , , , 34 Comments

The big day is right around the corner. Just like every bride, you want to look flawless. As your wedding day is drawing nearer, you need to give your skin the much-needed attention. However, there are some dos and don’ts that you need to take note of to avoid any last-minute mishaps.

If you’re a bride to be or you have a friend who is, then here are some bridal skincare dos and don’ts you should keep in mind.

 

 

Wedding image

 

DO start early

It takes time for skincare products and skin treatments to work their magic. So the earlier you start working on your skincare the better. It’s better to take the safe approach and give your skincare products the time they need to improve your skin.

 

DON’T try out a skincare treatment without the help of an expert

It’s tempting to think that you can DIY your way through perfect skin in time for your wedding. Although, I’m not saying it’s not possible to make use of home remedies for great skin, it’s only wise to consult an expert before you start applying homemade skincare treatment on your skin.

Just like other chemical-based skincare products, your skin may react to them differently from others. And taking into consideration that your skin needs to look flawless on your wedding day, not consulting an expert is too much of a risk to take.

 

 

5 Bridal Skincare Dos and Don’ts picture

 

DO nourish your skin from the inside

Many women are so focused on the creams and serums to apply on their face that they forget that the skin also reacts to how well it’s being fed on the inside. Let’s face it, topical skincare treatments is only just one way of ensuring beautiful skin. So as you’re working on have perfect skin, make sure you don’t forget to tackle it from the inside.

 

DON’T use a new facial treatment one month before the wedding

Everyone’s skin works differently. No matter how highly praised or recommended that facial treatment is, stay away. You can never tell for certain that same treatment will work well on your skin. Unless your dermatologist is 100 percent sure that your skin won’t freak out when you apply the new facial, it’s better to not take any chances. You wouldn’t like to end up with a crazy reaction on the big day, would you?

 

DO remember that one blemish is not the end of the world

You know those moments when you go to bed with clear skin only for you to wake up the next morning with a huge pimple on your nose? Yes, we’ve all been there. Even with all the right products, proper skincare routine and expert advice, no one can guarantee for certain how your skin will look the next day.

 

So if you see a blemish on your wedding day, just know that it’s not the end of the world. Thank Heavens for makeup artists. Skilled makeup artists know exactly how to cover blemishes that no one will ever know the blemish existed.

 

 

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