Category: Lifestyle

1. Struggling with mum guilt? How you can feel more positive

   Posted on 12:00pm Saturday 8th Jan 2022

   We have all been there I am sure. Mum guilt is something that can hit us all very hard at any stage of parenthood. It doesn’t matter if it is feeling guilty because you gave your child chicken nuggets or fish fingers for dinner again, or that you haven’t had a chance to spend time with them and you have relied heavily on the tablet. These are just a few examples but mum guilt can strike at any time for any reason and it can make us all feel pretty rubbish. However, you are not alone, and there are some positive solutions that you can try if you find yourself struggling with mum guilt at the moment.

   

   With that in mind, here are some of the things to consider. 

   Take some time out to breathe

   One thing you must do if you are starting to feel overwhelmed and feeling all of the mum guilt is to take some time out to breathe. It might sound simple, but it can be very effective. Just vake yourself away from the situation, or find some time to be on your own for a few minutes, and just try some regualr breathign exercises. Take deep breaths and try and clear your mind in the process. This will help you to calm a busy mind and start to see a little more clearer. It might not necessarily banish the feelings entirely, but you will start to feel more logical and be more realistic when you have stepped away for a few minutes. 

   Head out for a walk 

   Another thing that can be super effective is to head out for a walk. There is something about the general activity, the fresh air and being closer to nature that can help you to think clearer. When you start to feel mum guilt you can feel like your mind is working over time as you start to try and justify the feelings. It can feel too much. But just heading out for a walk and being closer to nature can help you to feel more at ease. You mind becomes clearer and you can start to rationalise the situation, rather than feeling so negatiave about it. 

   Text a friend or make a phone call 

   If you want to feel better then one great way to do is to text a friend or call someone. Communication is so key when you are a mum and talking about your feelings honestly can help you feel better. A friend who understands your situation and how they feel can help you to see clearer and feel better about yourself. A friend who is also a parent will know exactly what to say to help you feel more positive. 

   Address what is making you feel this way

   Finally, if something specific has made you feel guilty address it. For example, if you ended up shouting at your children out of frustration in the morning then write them a little note apologising for when they get home from school. If you haven’t been happy with routines or behaviour then look at ways to make some changes. Sometimes addressing what is bothering us can help us to feel more in control and positive. 

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2. 5 tips to reduce your waste and save more money

   Posted on 10:00am Tuesday 28th Dec 2021

   When it comes to your home one main focus you may have is to reduce the waste which in turn can save you some money. Waste is a big problem right now, and many households can struggle with the amount they throw away or get rid of. However, with a bit of focus and attention, you can reduce the waste in your home and save some extra money in the process. But what can you do? Here are some of the tips that could help you to reduce your waste and save more money. 

   

   Focus on food waste

   One of the big areas of waste in any household is food. It is a huge problem for many however with a few changes in habits you can start to reduce what you throw away and also in the process eat better and save money. For starters, meal planning can be a great way to reduce what you throw away. It means you have a list and only buy what you need. The next thing to consider is batch cooking. It will stop you from resorting to a takeaway if you are rushed one evening. Finally, make use of all your vegetables and best before items. Freeze what you can, cook up what is needed, and love your leftovers. 

   Avoid single-use items like plastic bottles

   Another thing that you could try is to avoid single-use plastic in your home. This means water bottles and other items that you might get in single-use plastics. Shop individually for the vegetables and fruit you need rather than having to buy pre-packed items that might go to waste. You could also try refill stores now for cereals, flours, and also other things like shampoo and washing up liquid. 

   

   Collect rainwater 

   Rainwater is one of those things that we have little control over the waste. But you can collect rainwater by putting a container in the garden. You can then use this for things such as watering your plants. 

   Shop your home first 

   Before buying anything why not shop your home first? This can work in so many different ways. For example, shopping your fridge can help you to create a meal out of leftovers and items that you might ordinarily throw away. It can also help you to avoid buying unnecessarily. Shopping your home can also work for things like clothes. Look at what you have rather than feeling the need to buy something new. 

   Repair it instead of replacing it 

   We can all be so quick to replace something if it is broken rather than repairing it. So why not try and repair it instead? This can work for furniture or any item in your home. If it isn’t fully repairable could the parts be used in another way? You could create a different piece of furniture simply by upcycling things or putting the furniture in a different room. Repairing things in your home can help you to avoid having to spend. 

   Hopefully, these tips will help you to reduce waste and save more money. 

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3. Smartphones For Students: Get the Guaranteed Phone Contract You Need

   Posted on 12:00pm Monday 8th Nov 2021

   When I started this blog, my eldest daughter was in junior school and she is now at college and a full time student. As a parent there are so many challenges you face along the way but for teenagers, there are a whole other list of challenges that are important in their world.

   

   For example, when you're a student, it can be challenging to find the best mobile phone deal as you typically need to undergo a credit check, and most students don't have enough financial history when they turn 18 for network providers to be confident lending to them. Fortunately, there are now many providers who offer guaranteed phone contracts for people who don't want to have a credit check due to a lack of financial history or bad credit.

   However, with so much choice available on the market today, it can be overwhelming when looking for the right deal with the best phone to suit your needs. In our guide, we'll help you understand what you need to know in order to get the guaranteed phone contract you need.

   Compare Network Providers

   The first step is to compare network providers, and you need to look for one with a positive track record that has been in business for a few years to ensure you are in safe hands. You will need to compare crucial factors such as their handset selection, cost, and coverage in your area. However, comparing network providers one by one is a time-consuming task, which is why it is better to utilise companies like AcceptPhones who can provide you with a list of the best provider to suit your requirements and expert advice to answer the question 'could you get a guaranteed phone contract?'

   Weigh Up The Tariffs

   Once you have a list of network providers, you need to weigh up the tariffs available. For this step, it is recommended that you consider your needs for texting, calls, and data for a typical month before you make a choice in order to select the deal that will meet both your budget and your usage needs.

   Read Customer Reviews

   When you find a provider with a tariff that matches what you are looking for, you need to read the customer reviews before you make a commitment. There is no better way to learn about a company than from the reviews left by previous and existing customers as they can tell you what to expect from the network providers service and if they are reliable in your area. You can also take the time to seek recommendations from your friends and family before you read the customer reviews if you are having a hard time narrowing down your list of providers to ensure you are on the right track for the best deal.

   Check The Small Print

   In today's busy world, most people skip the terms and conditions without reviewing them. However, if you want the right deal at the most affordable price for your guaranteed phone contract, you need to understand any charges or fees that could be applied to your account if you don't follow the terms and conditions. Typically, these fees only apply if you miss payments, but in some cases, network providers have policies in place for charges relating to going over your usage limits. While it may seem tedious to read the terms and conditions thoroughly, you should never sign or agree to a contract unless you have read the small print. 

   

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4. DIY Halloween ideas to do with the kids this October

   Posted on 12:00pm Tuesday 26th Oct 2021

   These days, Halloween is just about as big in the UK as it is across the pond in America. Because of that, the 31st of October perhaps carries a bit more fanfare than it used to – more parties, bigger and better costumes, and a notably more expensive sweet bill for the month. With said fanfare comes the potential to spend more, and that's not ideal for many of us with credit card bills to think of for the upcoming Christmas and New Year period.

   

   That doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Halloween in style, though. With these DIY ideas for the coming holiday, you can enjoy the 31st with your kids without your spending getting scary.

   Pumpkin carving

   Ah, pumpkin carving; the ‘OG’ of Halloween past times – and still a rather popular one at that. Pumpkin stocks skyrocket through October and getting one shouldn’t set you back more than £1 from your local supermarket. The rest comes down to you and your kids’ creative genius and craftsmanship.

   Whether you’re making a scary greeting for your front doorstep or making your own little carving competition for the family, it’s a cheap but very cheerful way to get into the Halloween spirit.

   Whip up your own treats

   Keeping the creative/craft theme going, there are loads of awesome DIY Halloween treat ideas that you can make at home with the kids. From chocolate pudding gravestones to Oreo spiders, you can whip up some seriously fun, tasty and unique treats for the kids to enjoy – plus, it’s a great activity to keep them engaged.

   It is much cheaper (and probably tastier) than buying the pre-made Halloween treats you’ll likely find out and about. You’ll no doubt still want a few Haribos and mini-Snickers by the door for knocking trick or treaters, mind.

   Spookify the house

   Just as you can concoct some freakishly fun DIY treats, you can also create some haunting handmade house fittings on the cheap. Alliteration aside, ideas like a swarming bat lightshade, mummified lanterns and ghostly candles are all simple to make, and the items you need to build them are all easily found and cheaply bought.

   

   It's another great way to engage the kids at home, and there are plenty more ideas you can come up with yourself. Heck – you could even leave that spider’s web you saw under the sink for a day or two. Well, maybe not.

   Halloween might be getting more costly for families, but you don’t need to get too heavily involved with the commercial side of the holiday to enjoy it. With plenty of DIY tricks and treats to take advantage of, Halloween 2021 needn’t be too frightening if you’re working to a limited budget.

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