Monday 25 February 2019

5 Things to do for Spring Household Maintenance

You may have read my recent blog post about how to give your home a Spring Makeover. As well as a makeover, spring is the perfect time to do some household maintenance. Here are some things you should check:


Central Heating/Boilers
I'll fully admit checking my boiler is something I don't do enough, so it's now on my spring checklist. I definitely didn't check my central heating systems last year. It's quite warm this year so you may turn your central heating down or even off completely so it's very important to check that it's working safely if you do especially central heating boilers as I did know someone who's boiler blew up and wrecked their home and left them homeless for months. 


Reseal Exterior Woodwork
Fences, decking, flooring etc could have been damaged during the winter. Get everything patched up and resealed before the summer.

Paint Exteriors
Now I the time to repaint your house, fence and doors to give it a fresh look.


Check your Roof
This is particularly important if you've had a bad winter through storms and snow. 


Clean your Tumble Dryer
If you're anything like me then you're tumble dryer has been on all winter. Check and clean the vent. A clean vent will save you money in the long run.

*This is a collaborative post*


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Minnie Mouse Dapper Day Inspiration

For those that don't know, Dapper Day at Disney is when you are encouraged to dress up in clothing of refined style from yesterday. Here is a Minnie Mouse inspired Dapper Day outfit. 




The Dress:
This beautiful dress is called the 'Layla' Red Polka Swing dress which is available from Lindy Bop. It's perfect for Dapper Day. The sweetheart neckline gives it a feminine look. There were at least 5 dresses on their website that I could've picked for this post. If you search dots or spots, you will find them all. 
At the time of publishing the post, the dress was priced at £35.

The Bolero:
The Bolero is also from Lindy Bop and gives the outfit more vintage style. It's also super handy for the evenings at the parks when it gets a little cooler. At the time of publishing it was available for the very reasonable price of £18. You could probably also reuse it for a Marvel character Disneybound.

The Umbrella:
How beautiful is the lace umbrella (or sun shade as I should call it)?! I found it on Amazon but you could probably try Etsy or Ebay too. You could also have yellow lace gloves to match.

The Ears:
The Minnie classic ears are available from the Disney parks but you can get similar ones from shopDisneyuk.

The Shoes:
These shoes just scream Minnie Mouse. They are so cute. These are the Angie Heeled Sandals which are available from Lindy Bop. 

The Bag:
Last up is the bag which you can get from shopDisneyuk. It's actually a swim bag but the the vintage print is the perfect match for a Dapper Day outfit. 




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Sunday 24 February 2019

Give your home a spring makeover

With the weather warming up and spring flowers starting to bloom (even if they are early), now is the time to give your home a spring makeover. There are lots of different things you can do, large or small to brighten up your home.

New Windows
Whilst daylight is longer it should be embraced. If your windows/frames are looking a bit tired then you may consider replacement windows. We don't have a lot of windows in our home so there's not much natural light in our house. However, we do have double glazed windows which keeps the heat of the spring sun inside.



New Furnishings
If you can't afford to redecorate you can always just replace your furnishings with some new spring colours. Changing things such as curtains or cushions can make a huge impact on how your home can look.


Redecorate
Repainting a room in pastel spring colours will make it feel brighter, warmer and more welcoming. Think of using colours such as yellows, greens, light blues, oranges and pinks.


Add Plants/Flowers
When I think of Spring, I automatically think of plants and flowers. Try adding some more of these in your home to give it a fresh look. It's nice to bring the outdoors in.


Build a Conservatory 
Finally if your budget is generous then why not think about having a conservatory built. It'll add an extra room to your home which will also add value to your house. It's the perfect way of embracing spring/summer.

What would you suggest for a spring makeover for a home?

*This is a collaborative post*
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Wednesday 20 February 2019

Things to do near Butlins Minehead

This weekend we are off off to stay at Butlins Minehead. It'll be our first time visiting Butlins but I've also heard there are lots of good things to do in the local area. Last year we went camping in minehead but the campsite was so lovely we rarely left it and therefore didn't see much of the area. 



I've asked others for recommendations of things to do near Butlins Minehead:

Blenheim Gardens
Karen who blogs at Really Missing Sleep suggested visiting Blenheim Gardens. It's a 6 acre park situated in the centre of Minehead which is popular with locals and tourists alike. Karen said she enjoyed a family walk there when the flowers etc were in bloom.



The Hairy Dog
If you're looking to eat outside of Butlins or to have a drink and a change of scenery then Beth from Twinderelmo suggests The Hairy Dog which is a family friendly pub in the centre of Minehead. It's award winning and has a huge adventure playground for kids to run wild in.

The Torre Cider Company 
The Torre Cider Company looks lovely and was suggested by Katie at Mum of 2 point 5. It has orchards, a farm shop and some farm animals. She also said that the cream tea was lovely. 

The West Somerset Railway
A ride on the railway was suggested by Elaine at Entertaining Elliot and Jane at Hodge Podge Days

Other suggestions
Minehead Beach
Cleve Abbey
Dunster Castle
Luckyard Farm
Dunster Beach
Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre

Have you been to Minehead? What do you suggest to do?



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Tuesday 19 February 2019

Tips for moving to London

Moving to the big city of London can be very daunting, lonely and incredibly stressful. Here are some tips to make the move easier so you can get settled into your new life.



1) Find people to help you pack
Packing up can get tedious when moving house so find as much help as you can.

2) Get a removal company
Make sure you get various quotes from removals companies to take the stress out of navigating your belongings around the busy streets of London. Removals London will know where they are going and they will make life much easier for you.

3) Get a great location 
Look for a house or flat that's close to travel links such as the tube or a bus stop. Find an area with local shops that also has a bit of greenery for escapism too.


4) Make sure you have a job
The cost of living in London can be much higher than the rest of the UK so make sure you have a stable job to meet your mortgage or rent requirements.


5) Make new friends
London is a big place which can feel very lonely. Try and join clubs or arrange to go out to places with existing friends/work colleagues in order to meet new people.

6) Know your way around
Try and practice your commute before you actually have to make it. Know alternative tube lines, bus lines etc. Download apps on your phone to show you times and routes.


7) Get into a routine
Try and get into a daily routine as soon as possible so you can enjoy your new life. 

8) Don't forget to still be a tourist 
There are so many wonderful places to see and visit in London. Try and do one at least once a week.

*This is a collaborative post*



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Sunday 17 February 2019

Introducing Elvi Clothing

Elvi was a brand that I had not heard of until I was contacted by them to see if I'd like to be sent some clothes from their collection. 

Elvi ooze style and luxury whilst ensuring their designs look gorgeous on all shapes and sizes. They believe all women should feel special, fashionable and above all included. 

As soon as I browsed their website I knew they were unique. Their pieces looked exquisite.

I chose 3 different dresses. All 3 were long and they were all different.

The first one is a throw-over in a colour I adore which is copper. It's a perfect colour for both winter and spring. I wore it with nothing underneath so it looks more like a dress but it could be worn with clothing underneath for a more daytime/casual look. It's currently on sale so grab it while you can.




Next up is my favourite dress of the 3 I was sent. I think given the right accessories it could be worn to a summer wedding. The floral print is just beautiful. It unfortunately isn't online anymore. 




Last up is a bohemian style dress. I think I should have worn it with a belt around the waist line but I couldn't find any of my belts to fit me. It would look perfect with a pair of boho style slouch boots.





The have some fab new styles for the new season. My favourites pieces are below (all pictures taken from the Elvi website):



This longline funnel neck jumper is ideal for transitioning from winter to spring and worn with leggings or trousers and ankle boots.


I love the detailing of this denim dress. It's so unique. I've not seen one like it on the high street.



The colour of this shirt is divine and just makes me think of spring when I look at it.


This dress is great for pairing with ankle boots for a smarter look or trainers for a sporty day look.

Have you heard of Elvi? What's your favourite from the pieces I've chosen?

*I was sent 3 dresses from Elvi in exchange for this blog post*






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Tuesday 12 February 2019

Unarguable Reasons to Eat More Real Foods


For many centuries, humans only ate real foods. There were no additives, chemicals or preservatives that many processed food contain. No one could ever claim that processed foods are good for you and although they might be convenient, the fewer of them you consume the better your health will be. There are so many reasons why real foods are better for you, and here are just a few of them.

Vitamins and Nutrients

Unprocessed foods are high in vitamins and nutrients. Eating a varied diet will give you everything you need, with some real food having more things in than others. Nuts are especially good and just one Brazil nut a day can provide all the selenium you need. Just avoid the roasted and salted varieties to get the most benefit. Fish, lean meat, fruit and vegetables should all be part of you diet.

The variety of meals you can make with real foods is endless, and you can add extra flavour with herbs and spices, which all have their own health benefits. Erbology is a site that will inspire you to try some of these such as sea buckthorn, black seed, milk thistle or rose water.  It also explains how each one can contribute to your health.

Sugar

If you want to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease or obesity, avoid processed sugars. The natural sugar found in fruits, for example, is less concentrated and mixed with fibre so will do you much less harm. In fact, it can be as bad to have too little sugar as too much, making the sugar from real foods ideal. This will help to keep your glucose levels as they should be, making it easier for you to stay alert and energetic.  


Fibre

Fibre is a crucial part of our diets and some real foods are packed with it. Fibre helps to keep you feeling more satisfied, so you are less likely to overeat.  It is also good for your digestive system and metabolic rate. It occurs naturally in whole grains, avocados, and blackberries, which are all high in fibre, as well as in many other foods. This is a much better way to get the amount you need rather than eating processed food with extra fibre added.

Healthy Fats

Everyone needs some fats in their body, but having the right sort is important. Naturally occurring fats are fine. Things such as olive oil are good for the health of your heart and coconut oil has been shown to help with burning body fat weight loss.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as salmon, herring and sardines. Nuts, seeds, and avocados also have good fatty acids in them.

Real Foods – The Healthy Option

There are so many health benefits from eating real foods that many people just do not realise. They contain antioxidants, which will help to reduce the risk of disease as well as keeping your skin looking younger and healthier. They are also good for your dental health and generally will keep you in better condition.

*This is a collaborative post*



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Be in the Picture - Weekly Favourites 8

Welcome back to the Be in the Picture weekly roundup. Once again there were lots of wonderful pictures shared on instagram and I struggled to pick just a few favourites. I could have featured so many. If you missed the last roundup you can catch up with it here, Be in the Picture 7.


For those of you that haven't heard of #beinthepicture, it is an instagram hashtag that myself and Alana from Baby Holiday created. It is designed to encourage you to get in-front of the camera as opposed to behind it. I used to always be the one taking the pictures and I was never in them myself. 

You can use the hashtag on any pictures that feature you whether that be fashion, parenting, travel, with your partner etc. You name it, we want to see it.


This week I've decided to feature some ladies on their own who were rocking life and work.


First up is, Zenaida Bocian who sends some great advice for anyone struggling who says to push through your obstacles and you can make yourself proud. She had lots of images I could use too so I'm sure you'll be seeing her on the roundup again soon.



Next up is Emily and Indiana who managed to deal with something that had set her anxiety and PND off with a smile on her face. Keep going lovely mama, you got this. 




Lamb and Bear is the ultimate mum boss. She runs her own business making clothing and accessories herself. This is her with her gorgeous latest design. 




Next is Laura Sidestreet who was talking about her positivity for a new month and how she's looking forward to spring.




My favourite image from my own feed was one where I discuss the fitness goals I smashed in January which was an amazing achievement. That also brings me to tell you about another Instagram hashtag community I have started which I will also feature on my blog. #freetochangeforme is all about pictures of you achieving or attempting to get through your goals for the year whether that be fitness, cleaning, journaling, meal planning. I want to see them all so please join in.






You may remember me talking about goals a few images back and how I think it’s ok to set them. Well here we are almost at the end of January and let me tell you what I’ve smashed already this year. Hard work and dedication pays off in more than ways than one. First up I’ve dropped a dress size after my Xmas binge. Smashed it ✅ I’ve taken a minute off my 1k run time. Smashed it ✅ Lifting heavier weights. Smashed it 🥰#✅ But most importantly I’ve stopped my antidepressants and I 100% credit that to my new lifestyle. Exercise has given me a new state of mind. It’s made me strong, fearless, powerful and above all happy. The endorphins it releases are amazing. All credit goes to my awesome personal trainer @elliotwill_pt at @creazionefitness . I may be scared of him, he may sometimes be scared of me but I am 100% feeling better than ever 💪🏻💪🏻 #freetochangeforme #lbloggers #beinthepicture #welshbloggers #fitfam #fitnessmotivation #positivevibes #fbloggers #wiwt #ootd #asseenonme #stylediary #fashionover30 #mumsthatslay #mumdresscode #mumsthatshop #sharewithnext #nextofficialbrands #moodliftmarathon
A post shared by Kerry Norris (@kerrylouisenorris) on

Make sure you join in with #beinthepicture over on instagram and also follow it to see everyone's pictures.


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