Christmas Gifts for Mums

If you're struggling for Christmas gift ideas for your mum then this post is full of great suggestions. There's something for every personality.

A Calendar*

Every busy mum needs a family calendar to keep on top of where everyone needs to be. Calendar Club have a huge range of family planner calendars. They have ones that are themed with Disney, animals, gardens and much more. Family planner calendars are great as they have multiple rows or columns for adding in family members. Being a big Disney fan, one of my favourite ones is this Thomas Kinkade 17 month family calendar. You can view the full range of calendars here, Calendars.

A unique piece of Jewellery*

Every mum deserves to feel special so a unique but beautiful item of jewellery from Lily Blanche would make a perfect gift to unwrap on Christmas Day. They have lovely necklaces, earrings, rings and much more but they also have lockets which make a great, personalised and thoughtful gift. 

I was lucky enough to receive some earrings from the Birthstone Jewellery collection at Lily Blanche and they truly standout. The Aqua Chalcedony Earrings are elegant but vibrant at the same time. 

The jewellery comes beautifully packaged so you don't have to worry about wrapping paper and boxes. to view their full range and find that unique gift visit here, Lily Blanche.

Cozy Pyjamas

There's nothing nicer than having a new pair of cozy pyjamas in the winter. Chelsea Peers are my go to brand for luxurious feeling pyjamas that are reasonably priced. Their Christmas range this year is gorgeous with plenty of matching family sets to choose from. Here are some of my current favourite prints. You can view the full range here at Chelsea Peers.

Images taken from Chelsea Peers

Perfume

Jo Malone perfume always makes an extra special gift at Christmas. It's luxurious, the scents are incredible and last all day. They also offer an engraving service for their packaging which is a lovely idea. My favourite new scent is Orange Bitters which is a limited edition fragrance this festive season. Another great gift would be the Christmas Ornament which comes with a mini sized English Pear and Freesia Cologne and a Myrrh and Tonka body creme. You can view the full collection here, Jo Malone.

Image from Jo Malone

Charm Display Box

Stackers have lots of great but practical gifts. They offer perfect storage and travel solutions for jewellery, makeup, handbags etc. One item that I think would make a fab Christmas gift is the Classic Charm Display Box. If you have a mum that has a charm bracelet then this is the present for her. It comes in a range of colours and sizes so depending on her collection you may need a bigger or smaller one. You can view the full range here, Stackers.

Image from Stackers

Bodycare*

L'Occitane has the most gorgeous range of body care. Their scents are amazing and their Christmas gifts are cutely packaged. I always adore their hand wash and hand creme. They are gentle on your skin whilst having an intense but beautiful smell. You can view their full range here, L'Occitane. 

Images from L'Occitane

Reed Diffuser

Reed diffusers are one of my favourite things for the home. Here in South Wales there's a local business who make beautiful ones and they are Bloomhill. They are based in Rhiwbina, Cardiff but you can also order online. What makes these reed diffusers unique and extra special is their dried flower bouquet. They are gorgeous. You can choose your bouquet and a scent which makes them more individual. My current favourites can be seen in the photographs below but you can view their full range here, Bloomhill.

The Maya. Image from Bloomhill

The Austen. Image taken from Bloomhill

What gifts would you like to receive from what has been suggest above?

*Items marked with an Asterix have been gifted to me for inclusion in this gift guide, however all words and options are my own and truthful*

The Best Advent Calendars 2022

Advent Calendars have become bigger and better than they've ever been. There is one to suit any age or interest. Here are some of the best advent calendars for 2022.

L'OCCITANE Classic Beauty Advent Calendar*

L'occitane provides lovely beauty, skincare and well-being products. Known for its incredible, intense scents, this advent calendar will suit any L'occitane fan or someone who likes good quality beauty products. It includes 24 days of their bestselling pampering products worth over £100. The mini sized treats are perfect for testing out their range and for someone that likes to travel as they can be popped in a toiletry bag for overnight stays or hand luggage items. You can purchase their full range of advent calendars and more here, L'OCCITANE.

Sephora Advent Calendar

If you're a beauty fan then you will have been ecstatic to finally see Sephora selling in the UK. I think it's something I've been waiting for for years. They have their own advent calendar which includes a 34 different beauty must haves worth over £700. 17 of which are actually full-sized beauty products so it's really worth every penny. You can purchase yours here, Sephora.

Build a Bear Advent Calendar

If you have children in your family who love Build-a-Bear then their Beary Merry Plush advent calendar will be perfect for them. It includes 25 pieces so they have one door to open on Christmas Day for an extra treat. The calendar includes 6 mini plush friends and 19 clothing and accessory pieces. You can get yours here, Build-a-Bear.

5 Surprise Mini Brands Limited Edition Advent Calendar

If you have children like mine who are obsessed with opening these kind of surprise toys then this is the calendar for them. It's packed with 24 minis including a few limited editions which cannot be found anywhere else. It also includes 2 ultra rare minis. You can purchase this calendar at all good toy stores.

Image taken from the website

Hannah Marie Magic 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

For Disney fans what more could be better than 12 days of handmade Disney magic. These calendars are truly unique. Hannah Marie Magic makes the most incredible Disney ears and accessories so I'm sure this advent calendar won't disappoint a true fan. It's also great to support a small business especial during the festive season. You can grab yours here, Hannah Marie Magic.

Sandwick Bay Christmas Advent Candle*

This candle is a great alternative to a traditional advent calendar. Available in 2 festive fragrances, this will fill your home with a Christmas aroma throughout December. It can also be reused and enjoyed every year by placing a new candle in the jar. You can get yours here,

Sandwick Bay Candles.

Electronic Games Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is truly different. It contains components to build your own games. When you finish opening all the doors you will be able to create 24 games such as codebreaker and whack a mole. Due to the small pieces it's suitable for ages 14 and up. You can purchase it from Menkind

Star Wars Original Stormtrooper Beer Advent Calendar

(Photo from the Menkind website)

For the Star Wars fans this beer advent calendar includes 12 delicious beers. It's officially licensed and only available at, Menkind

*Please note items marked with a * have been gifted to me to include in a blog post*

5 Out-Of-The-Box Ways To Get Your Daily Exercise

Like most people, you probably associate exercise with going to the gym, running on a treadmill, or lifting weights. But what if we told you that there are other, more creative ways to get your daily dose of exercise? In this blog post, we'll explore five out-of-the-box ways to get your daily exercise. So whether you're looking for something new to add to your workout routine or you're just not a fan of the gym, read on!

Via Pexels

1. Go For A Walk Or Run In A Park Or Nature Reserve.

One of the best things about getting your exercise outdoors is that you can appreciate the beauty of nature while you sweat it out. So instead of hitting the gym, put on your sneakers and head to your local park or nature reserve for a walk or run. Not only will you get some fresh air and vitamin D, but you'll also be able to take in the sights and sounds of nature, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

2. Take A Dance Class.

If you're looking for a fun way to get your heart rate up, why not try taking a dance class? There are all sorts of dance styles to choose from, from salsa and ballroom dancing to hip-hop and breakdancing, so you're sure to find one that's perfect for you. And not only will you burn calories and tone muscle, but you'll also get to meet new people and maybe even learn a thing or two about another culture.

3. Take Up Roller Skating.

Remember the days of roller skating or rollerblading as a kid at the local rink? Well, dust off those skates and hit the pavement for a fun and low-impact way to get your daily exercise; just be sure to wear safety gear! Not only will you burn calories, but you'll also improve your balance and coordination. Bonus points if you can learn some cool tricks! This is a great way to get in a full-body workout without having to enter a gym.

4. Go For A Bike Ride.

Hop on a bike and explore your neighbourhood, or even take a day trip to a nearby town. Not only is biking great exercise, but it's also eco-friendly and can be a great way to bond with friends or family members. And if you want an extra challenge, try finding some hilly terrain to really get your heart pumping. You could even consider riding your bike to work or to the grocery store instead of always jumping straight in the car.

5. Do Yard Work Or Take The Stairs.

Sometimes getting your daily exercise doesn't have to be complicated; you can simply do yard work or take the stairs instead of the elevator when given the opportunity. Of course, if you really want to make things challenging (and fun), try doing yard work while wearing a weighted vest or running up and down the stairs instead of walking. Trust us; your heart (and muscles) will thank you later!

Conclusion.

There are all sorts of ways to get your daily exercise; it doesn't always have to involve going to the gym or working out alone. So if you're looking for something new and exciting (or maybe even something less time-consuming), consider one of these five out-of-the-box ideas for getting your daily dose of fitness. And who knows? You might just have some fun in the process!

*This is a collaborative post*

Making the Move to A Retirement Home Easy and Without Stress

Making the decision to move into a retirement home can be challenging. It can be very stressful, especially if you are unsure of what to expect. This blog post will discuss tips on making a move as easy and stress-free as possible and also provide you with information on the different types of retirement homes available so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you!

1) Do your research:

When considering moving into a retirement home, it is important to do your research. There are many types of retirement homes, each with its unique features and benefits. Therefore, you will want to read up on the different options so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

In addition, it is also a good idea to talk to other people who have already made a move into a retirement home. They can offer you first-hand advice and insights that you may not be able to find elsewhere.

Via Pexels

2) Make a list of your needs and wants:

Before you start looking at retirement homes, let's sit down and make a list of your needs and wants. This will help you narrow down your options and make it easier to find the perfect retirement home for you.

You should consider the home's location, size, amenities, cost, and whether or not the home is pet-friendly.

3) Get organised:

One of the most stressful parts of moving into a retirement home can be the actual process of packing up and moving all of your belongings. To make this process as easy as possible, it is important to get organised ahead of time.

Start by making a list of everything you need to pack, and then start packing them up little by little. You can also decide to make use of https://www.storagearea.com, to store some of your things until you have finally decided what to keep and what to let go. This will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and make the whole process much smoother.

4) Don’t be afraid to ask for help:

Moving into a retirement home can be a big undertaking, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. If you find yourself feeling stressed out or unsure of what to do next, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Many people have already moved into a retirement home, and they can offer you valuable advice and support. In addition, professional moving companies can assist you with the physical aspects of moving, such as packing and loading your belongings.

5) Take your time:

One of the most important things to remember when moving into a retirement home is to take your time. This is a big decision, and it is important to make sure that you are comfortable with your choice.

If you feel rushed or pressured into making a decision, then there are better choices for you. Take your time, do your research, and make sure that you are making the best decision for your unique situation.

In conclusion, deciding to move into a retirement home can be a stressful process. However, following these simple tips can make the transition as easy and stress-free as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that your move into a retirement home is everything you hoped it would be!

*This is a collaborative post*

Top Tips To Help You Manage Your Sleep

A healthy lifestyle requires adequate amounts of sleep each night. But what exactly is it that makes for a restful evening? The quantity and quality of one's sleep are both affected by a variety of different things. These include the time that you get out of bed in the morning, the time that you go to bed at night, and your circadian rhythm, also known as your body clock.

There are a few things, including stress, noise pollution, and the temperature in your bedroom, that can make it difficult for you to get a good night's sleep. You must schedule some time for yourself and make an effort to provide your body with the rest that it is due and that it requires for you to be able to function the following day. To assist you in getting the much-needed rest that you deserve, here are some tips.

image

Are you snoring?

There are a few things that you can try to put an end to your persistent snoring if you are one. In addition to ensuring that your mattress is firm and supportive, you should try to avoid sleeping on your stomach or back whenever possible. In addition to this, you should not sleep on the same side of the bed night after night, and you should try to keep your room cool at night. In addition to that, you should get checked for sleep apnea. Snoring is a symptom of this disorder, which causes the individual to have difficulty breathing normally while sleeping, which in turn causes them to snore.

Using natural supplements to have a better night's sleep

It has been demonstrated that CBD, a naturally occurring compound, can reduce inflammation in the body. It has been shown to have a sedative effect in addition to its ability to help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. CBD treats many health conditions, the most common of which are epilepsy and chronic pain. It does this by affecting the endocannabinoid system, which in turn helps to promote sleep, appetite, and even an elevated mood. You should get some Delta 9 THC Gummies if you want to improve the quality of your sleep and relax more. These have no adverse side effects and are highly effective in assisting our bodies in settling.

What are some of the things you can do to ensure that you do not wake up too early in the morning?

There are a few things that you can do to prevent yourself from waking up way too early in the morning. The first thing you should do is adjust the time that your alarm is set. Because of this, it will be more difficult for you to wake up in the morning because you will have more time to sleep. You can also establish a routine for yourself in which you get up at the same time every morning and go to bed at the same time every night. Finally, if you want something that is going to help you stay asleep, then you should try using earplugs or headphones with noise-cancellation technology.

Try some natural remedies such as milk or lavender oil before bedtime in the hopes that they will assist in relaxing both your body and mind while you are sleeping.

What are some of the reasons why a person might not be able to get the amount of restful sleep that they need? And what kinds of solutions are there?

Late at night, it's not uncommon to see someone working on their phone or laptop since both are common in today's world. This can result in an insufficient amount of sleep as well as poor quality sleep.

A person's inability to get enough restful sleep could be caused by several factors, including the following:

- Psychological and physiological sources of tension

- Social media use

- Concerns Relating to One's Work

- A lack of physical activity

Avoid screens for at least two hours before bedtime

The blue light that is emitted by digital screens is known to make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Additionally, it has the potential to mess with your circadian rhythm, which can then lead to a variety of health problems.

The wavelength of the blue light from electronics like TVs, computers, tablets, and smartphones lets you tell them apart. Blue light can be harmful to your eyes and has been shown to disrupt standard sleep patterns. This is because blue light inhibits the production of the hormone melatonin, which is responsible for making you feel sleepy.

This is one of the most important things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep. It is essential to limit the amount of time spent in front of electronic devices before going to bed because doing so can have a detrimental effect on the quality of sleep you get.

 You should try your best to put these suggestions into practice to improve the quality of sleep you get each night.

*This is a collaborative post*

6 Useful Skincare Tips For Your Newborn

6 Useful Skincare Tips For Your Newborn 

Image credit 

A newborn's skin is usually fragile and more susceptible to infections and thermal and chemical damage. Therefore, prioritising their skincare becomes essential to build their skin's resistance to these. Moreover, you can reduce their risks of developing conditions like flaky skin and melanoma. Here are some great skincare tips you can leverage for the best results. 

1. Adopt the proper bathing routine 

You may be tempted to bathe your baby regularly, although this may be more harmful than beneficial. Excess exposure to water can dry out their skin and increase their risk of eczema. On the other hand, bathing them too little can also trigger other skin infections. The key is to determine the best times to bathe your newborn. You don't need to bathe them daily- experts recommend doing this twice or thrice weekly. 

Instead, consider topping and tailing, involving washing their neck, face, hands and bottom. As a tip, do this when your baby is awake and content, and ensure that the room has a suitable temperature. You can consider these techniques if you need help performing topping and tailing. You also want to stick to sponge baths until your newborn's umbilical cord falls off, so keep this in mind.  

2. Choose the right skincare products 

As stated earlier, your baby's skin is fragile and susceptible to chemical damage. Therefore, you want to be particular about what skincare products you purchase. You want to avoid products with synthetic fragrances, as they can irritate sensitive skin. Phthalates and Phenoxyethanol should be avoided since they can interfere with human development and cause skin blistering. Other ingredients to avoid are formaldehyde, parabens, sulphates, talc, and so on. Instead, consider products with natural ingredients like avocado, beeswax, aloe vera, jojoba oil, shea butter, olive oil, and calendula, among others. Your newborn may need products such as petroleum jelly, soaps and shampoos, baby oil and lotion, so keep this in mind when shopping for skincare products. 

3. Don't expose your baby to direct sunlight 

Spending time outdoors may be great, but you want to avoid taking your baby out if the sun's up. Their skin is still maturing, and direct exposure to sunlight can burn their skin severely, causing pain and itching. Moreover, they risk developing skin cancer and overheating, which can cause heatstroke. Experts advise keeping your baby away from the sun until the sixth month. If you must step out with them, ensure that a canopy or an umbrella properly shades them. Also, giving them breastmilk or water can keep them hydrated in hot weather, so feel free to consider this. While sunscreen is great, you should consult your healthcare provider before applying it to your baby's skin. 

4. Massage your baby regularly 

Baby massage is beneficial for many reasons. For starters, it improves blood circulation to the skin, reducing dry patches and improving its appearance. In addition, it reduces stress and improves their heart rate. Seeing these benefits, you want to consider massaging your baby if you haven't already. And you can begin by setting the mood, playing soft music, and dimming the lights. Consequently, ensure that your touch is gentle and you target the important body parts like the feet, arms, hands, chest and back area. You can also heighten the experience by leveraging coconut oil or diluted essential oils, so keep this in mind. 

5. Don't hesitate to change their wet diapers

You don't want your baby to be in wet diapers for a prolonged period, as it can trigger diaper rash. If your baby begins to act fuzzy and you notice sore, tender skin in the diaper area, your newborn may have developed the condition. In this case, remedies like hydrocortisone acetate can be effective. Wet diapers can also cause yeast and bladder infections, so keep this in mind. Changing your newborn's disposable diaper every two to three hours is advisable. However, 90 minutes is ideal if you use a cloth diaper, so feel free to consider this. 

6. Invest in the right clothing 

Admittedly, some clothing may appear beautiful. However, you want to only purchase them after determining the kind of fabric used. As a tip, avoid buying synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester; these fabrics aren't breathable and can cause itching and eczema flareup. You also want to avoid wool as it can irritate the skin due to its rough nature. Instead, invest in cotton, bamboo rayon, gauze and Minky. 

Prioritising your baby's skincare is beneficial for many reasons. And you can achieve this with the tips listed above. 

*This is a collaborative post*

Dealing With Stomach Issues

Image Source

If you’re finding yourself regularly experiencing stomach problems, from bloating to stomach cramps to diarrhoea, constipation and more, you should take some time to get to the bottom of your problems and to figure out what you need to do to to alleviate some of your symptoms. All too often, we will ignore issues and pain, as we try to get on with day to day life and responsibilities. But nobody should be inconvenienced in this way on a regular basis. Here are some tips that can help you on this journey.

See Your Doctor

Your first port of call when you experience any issues with your stomach or digestive system is your doctor. Your doctor will be able to help you discuss what has been happening and will be able to diagnose any underlying conditions that you may have. This may be during your appointmnet, or you may find that you get sent for testing to get to the root of the problem. Once you know what’s wrong, your doctor will be able to recommend treatment or lifestyle changes that could help to alleviate your symptoms and make you more comfortable. Whether that’s diarrhea medicine, eating more fiber, eating at certain times or anything else.

Consider Allergies and Intolerances

If you find that your doctor tells you that you have an allergy or intolerance to something, it really is important that you take this seriously and cut this food or drink out of your diet. All too many people with issues such as lactose intolerance will still eat foods that they know aren’t food for them. Sure, they may taste great, but nowadays we have more and more plant based options and alternatives available. Opt for these, as they will give a similar effect from a taste and use perspective, but won’t irritate your stomach in the same way.

Choose Gut Friendly Foods and Drinks

There are plenty of foods that are good for your gut and you should make sure to incorporate plenty of them into your diet. Most of them are packed with healthy bacteria, which can help your gut to function at its best. Here are a few suggestions that you might want to try out.

Kombucha

Kombucha is one of the best drinks you can add to your diet for your gut health. While relatively few people would have known of this five years ago, it is becoming increasinlgy popular in the West. It is a drink with years of history and use and is essentially a fermented, sweetened black tea drink that can work wonders for your gut. In terms of taste, it is fizzy and has a distinct, sour taste, meaning that for many, plain kombucha isn’t the most enjoyable. It can definitely be an acquired taste. However, with its increasing popularity, many companies are now adding different flavours, including the addition of fruit, herbs or flavourings. You can find ginger, raspberry, ginger, lemon and a host of other flavours in health food stores and even some supermarkets.

Kimchi

If you’re looking for a gut friendly food, you might want to try out the traditional Korean side dish, Kimchi. This is another dish that has experienced a lot of popularity in the West in recent years. It is a fermented cabbage dish that is absolutely packed with flavour. It is most commonly made using napa cabbage and Korean radish. It is then fermented and flavoured with gochugaru, spring onions, garlic, ginger and jeotgal. You can then choose different spice levels, which incorporate different amounts of chilli.

Kefir

If you don’t suffer from lactose intolerance, give kefir a try. This is another fermented drink, but this time, it is made of fermented milk. It has roots in Russia and Eastern Europe and has been popular for many years. Again, it is a drink that is gaining popularity in Western culture, as more and more people look to boost their gut health. Of course, it is not suitable for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant, however for those who can tolerate it, it is made from kefir grains and is also a great source of calcium, protein and B vitamins.

Sourdough

Most of us incorporate bread into our daily diet, so why not opt for more gut friendly bread? Sourdough is a great option, as it can function as a prebiotic. Enjoy yours however you please. It’s available in most stores nowadays, so shouldn’t be hard to get your hands on.

Each of the steps above can really help you when it comes to stomach and gut health. Give them a try and see how you get on!

*This is a collaborative post*

What Does an Ideal Post Work-Out Routine Look Like?

Everyone knows that there’s a lot of value in working up a sweat in the gym. It’s not only good for your body but for your mind, too. Indeed, even during your workout session, you will likely feel all those sweet, sweet endorphins rushing through your body. But of course, those sessions can take quite a lot out of you, and as such, it’s important that you spend some time thinking about your post-workout routine. This won’t just help you to recover more quickly but will also help to maximize your results. If you’re going to push yourself in the gym, then you should aim to get as much from it as possible!

In this blog, we’ll take a look at what an ideal post-workout routine entails. 

Pexels - CC0 Licence

Cool Down

You can’t go from sixty to zero. If you’ve been pushing your body, then it’s a good idea to spend some time cooling down. This will help to prevent some of the stiffness or soreness that your body may otherwise experience. The type of cool-down you do will depend on the activity that you’ve been doing. If you’ve been running on the treadmill for 45 minutes, then it could involve slowly walking until your heart is back at its normal resting beat. 

A Cold Shower

Not everyone likes the idea of having a cold shower. In fact, forget that — very few people like the idea of a cold shower. But there’s a reason why it’s worthwhile taking one, even though you may not want to. If you’re looking to get the most amount of energy and happiness, then a post-workout cold shower can do wonders. Indeed, if you go for an early morning run and top it off with a freezing cold shower, you’ll have a buzzing energy all day long. 

Filling Up With Goodness

Experts say that your fitness goals are half what you do in the gym and half what you consume after the workout. If you’re looking to build muscle, then it can be a good idea to consume protein after your session — this can come in the form of a protein shake, or you can cook yourself some eggs. If you’re looking to lose weight, then bananas and peanut butter or greek yogurt with berries are two good options. 

Relaxing Your Muscles

If you’ve pushed yourself in the gym, then your muscles could be feeling a little overworked and tired. And that can result in a tense, painful sensation that disrupts your evening. As such, it’s a good idea to look at relaxing your muscles. You can do this by investing in some Delta 8 Gummies and having one after you’ve finished, or you can buy some deep heat gel and apply it to the sore areas. This way, you’ll be giving your muscles the best chance to sink into a relaxing state.

A Good Night’s Sleep 

Finally, be sure to invest in your sleep. It’s the perfect time for your body to recover! You can do this by winding down properly, creating a sleep-friendly environment in your bedroom, and managing any potential disturbances. 

*This is a collaborative post*