| Bakes, Books And My Boys

KEEP CALM, IT’S ONLY THE SCHOOL RUN

Monday, October 08, 2018

School has started and for many mums there is a battle of stress and dread facing you every morning. Not only do you have to get tired kids washed and into clothes, food down their throats and teeth brushed there is then the PE kits to pack, the books, the homework to hunt down, water bottles to be filled and of course shoes to be put on feet!

Jenni Donato, Life and Family Coach at Chance Coaching, said, “The school run might not be as tough as a supermarket tantrum, but some mornings can be pretty soul destroying. While the other parents might look Instagram ready at 9am, I can guarantee that you are not the only person pretending everything went like clockwork and that life is perfect.”

She added, “Leaving your children to go into the classroom after a rocky start to the day isn’t great and can leave you feeling upset all day. By putting plans in place approaching things in a different way can help make things run smoother and ensure that the smile you give your friends at the gates is the real deal.”

Jenni has shared with us some great top tips for getting rid of the morning chaos:

Plan, plan, plan
Sticking to a routine can make a big difference to how well your mornings. Whether you empty bags as soon as you get home, make pack lunches in advance, put out clean uniforms the night before or get older children to unload the dishwasher and set the table for breakfast, planning ahead works. What may start off as a struggle should only take a week or so to adjust to and you should make things easier.

Make it a team effort

Sounds simple but talking about how the whole family feels about your morning routine can be helpful and enlightening. You might want everyone to come downstairs dressed but they may prefer to eat their porridge in their PJs and put on their sweatshirt after they’ve washed their face, go with it and see if it makes a difference.

Make Time for You

Yes, the morning is about getting everyone ready for the day ahead but remember that includes you. I work with many women who look after their families but forget about their physical and mental wellbeing and this can lead to stress and resentment. Whether you have a shower in the evening, get up early and have a cup of tea while you watch the news or add a swipe of red lipstick before you walk out of the door, if you make time for yourself, you’ll be able to deal with all the morning throws at you that little bit better.

So, while the dog might eat the maths homework and the toothpaste will drip on jumpers, try to keep calm and remember, we are all just trying to get to school before the bell!

More details can be seen at www.chancecoaching.com

lifestyle

Celebrate Grandparents day with John Adams

Friday, October 05, 2018

Book Review

Beardies' World by Joyce Ives

Friday, October 05, 2018

Hi all, today I’m the last stop in a book blog tour. The book is Beardies’ World by Joyce Ives and is the story of her 26 years that she and her husband cared for and loved their four Bearded Collies. The book covers the years from 1986 through to 2012 covering every high and low of owning a dog.

The book is “written” as it were by the Bearded Collies who belonged to Joyce & John Ives. It did throw me a little as the story is told as the dog voices and it’s not something I’m overly use to when reading a book. It did take a little while to get into the swing of the book because of this but don’t dismiss it because of this quirk.

The book is not just a story of the dogs, but it also features as an education on owning and also travel guide. The book is sprinkled throughout with tips for owning a dog and the best places they have found in their travels to visit with dogs in the UK.

Once you get use to the telling of the book its very fun to read. It really is full of amusing tales that can’t but make you smile. The book is incredibly open and friendly and really does remind you of all the highlights and worse times that come with owning your own dog. The book made me chuckle out loud and also have me shedding tears as with all such books. However, it’s worth it. The book is started with describing the Rainbow Bridge, the end that all owners know too well, and she talks about it with such positivity that while you might shed a tear or two there’s a lovely optimism to it.

This book is the sort of book you can curl up with while the outside is so grey and dismal, and it will warm you and comfort you. It’s a real must for dog owners.

About the author:

Ever since she was a young girl, Joyce Ives has had a soft spot in her heart for dogs. So when the time came, she decided to leave her full time job to become an owner to her very first Bearded Collie – Kizzy. After this initial decision, they soon became owners to three other beautiful Beardies – Emma, Muffin and Solei. Unfortunately, due to ill health, both Joyce and John no longer look after any dogs but Joyce will always dream of owning more. Joyce now resides in Seaford, East Sussex, and is glad to finally have had time to write her first book.

Review

Hatchimals Colleggtibles Series 3

Tuesday, October 02, 2018

lifestyle

5 reasons why caravan holidays are the best.

Monday, September 24, 2018

The humble caravan. The image that springs to mind is perhaps one of a 1970s cream and orange shell, its tiny wheels bumping along a country road.

Or perhaps it’s a sleek, elegant, streamlined beast with tinted windows and its own jacuzzi.

Either way, caravanning is an icon of summer holidays, and its popularity is continuing to grow.

Ever wondered what it’s all about? Here are five reasons why caravan holidays are the best.

Freedom to travel

In the era of data privacy, Google location tracking, and digital connectivity, you’d be forgiven for thinking that real freedom is a thing of the past.

However, caravanning is one arena in which it still exists.

Whilst most people choose to hitch their van in a designated caravan site, where they will have access to electricity and water, you can, in theory, park up almost anywhere.

Take your home comforts with you

Some of us love nothing more than to throw a few essentials into a backpack and head off into the sunset for a night under canvass.

Most of us, however, are much more comfortable with a favourite pair of slippers and a snuggly duvet. When traveling with a family, home comforts can make the world of difference.

It’s important to understand how to balance the weight ratio in your caravan, but once you’ve got the basic maths covered you can bring everything from your scrabble board to your oven gloves.

Remember to check with your home insurance provider to see whether or not you’re caravan contents are covered!

Delve into some DIY

Not all caravan holidays are mobile. Static caravans offer a much more cost-effective alternative to taking on the burden of a second home. Roomy, comfortable, and a home-from-home, static caravans are often located close to beauty spots such as rivers and beaches.

Perhaps more importantly, you can really make them your own. Many static caravan owners indulge in a complete redecoration, plant gardens, and add verandas.

Static caravans can be a little more complicated to maintain than their mobile cousins. Whilst the caravan park will take care of many things, it’s a good idea to get a decent independent static caravan insurance policy. One Sure Insurance offers a wide range of specialist insurance policies that cater for business vehicles, campers, and caravans. All moving caravans must also, by law, have insurance.

It’s a learning experience for everyone

Nothing says ‘learning curve’ like a new experience, and bedding down for the night in a tin can is up there with the best of them.

In the grand scheme of things, caravanning is very easy. However, there are plenty of things to get to grips with, such as weight ratios, gas bottles, chemical loos, and efficient storage.

Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll never look at a hotel in the same way again.

Get away from the screens

More and more of us are expressing our frustration with technology. From the mobile phones that are permanently glued to our hands to the virtual office space of our laptops, technology has seeped into every one of life’s crevices.

Except the caravan. The caravan will always have one wheel in a bygone era, and that’s increasingly being recognized as something to cherish.

And with doctors and professionals advising us that we should all make a digital detox part of our routine, there are few more enjoyable ways to unwind than by taking a home-from-home on the open road.

Closing thoughts

There’s nothing not to love about caravanning. It’s a fun, carefree way to see the world without the hassle of hotels. Next time you’re wondering how to make your family holiday that little bit more memorable, consider the endless possibilities of the combination of fiberglass and an open field.