Journeys Are My Diary - Life, Adventures, Entertainment and more

Stuck For Home Decor Ideas? Why Not Switch Up Your Style?

September 16, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

We all have those moments where you’re suddenly filled with the desire to make some changes in your home. Perhaps you’ve been living there for a little while, and it’s started to feel a little bit stale, and you’re looking to liven things up, or perhaps you’ve just moved in and you want to make it more personal to you. But then when you actually start thinking about how you’re going to make it happen… nothing. You find yourself completely stuck for ideas on what you can do to your home in order to make it just a little bit more unique and interesting. If you feel like you’re in that position, here are a few styles that you can try out to get a little more out of your home decor.

European

Embracing a traditional European style of home decor is fantastic if you really want to bring a sense of luxury and elegance into your home. A huge of ornate furnishings contrasted with plain walls and a lot of natural light help to make into an incredibly classy style. Things like a dark wood bureau or a tan chesterfield sofa make fantastic focal points for any room and help to reinforce that sense of luxury. And don’t worry, there are plenty of places where you can find these kinds of pieces of furniture for a lot less money that you might be expecting.

Rustic

The rustic style of home has been incredibly popular for the last few years and with good reason! This style of interior design is all about making things feel natural. Think of a cottage in the countryside with exposed beams, warm light, and a wood burning stove. Of course, you don’t need those things to create a rustic aesthetic in your own home. The key is to make things feel as though they could have just grown up about of the ground. This means that you’re better off with vintage furnishings and a lot of wood, rather than anything more modern. And don’t worry about things like symmetry or clean lines, the more natural it looks, the better.

Industrial

This is one of the most popular interior design styles at the moment, and it’s something that a lot of people struggle to use effectively. Industrial style basically involves being able to combine a sense of home comfort with a more sparse, minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes things like exposed brickwork and natural wooden floors. The key to making this style work is to create a much open space as possible. You should also work hard to bring in a lot of natural light if you can. Otherwise, this kind of style does run the risk of feeling a little bit cold.

Of course, these are far from the only things that you can do in your home to make it more interesting. There are dozens, if not hundreds of different styles that you can embrace in order to really make the most of your living space. Do some research and try to find the perfect style for you.

Blogger Board Game Club – Ticket to Ride, My First Journey

September 4, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

As you may know, I love board games and have often posted about them previously. Even before meeting my current partner Chris, I used to host board game nights with my friends and as a child we were always bought board games as Christmas presents. Since meeting Chris (and watching a YouTube show called Tabletop) I have really found a love for playing games and have quite a large collection. That said, the board games we play aren’t really your typical Monopoly, Game of Life, Cluedo etc (though we do have those too). When I was asked if I would like to joing “Blogger Board Game Club“, I jumped at the chance and the first game I was sent was Ticket to Ride – My First Journey.

Ticket to Ride (the original game) is one of my most favourite board games of all time. I have played both the USA edition and the European version and we currently own a copy of the USA one. Though we had played Ticket to Ride with my eldest daughter, we had always felt it was a little too complicated for my youngest daughter. So when this arrived as our first game, I was actually thrilled that she would now be able to play it too.

The concept of the game is really simple. You have a board with cities, and routes connecting them. Each route has between 1-3 spaces. Players draw 2 route cards at random and keep them hidden from the other players.

Players have plastic trains, each with their own player colour, which they will lay down on the board to claim the route. In order to claim the route, you need coloured train cards – the same amount as the route requires. For example Paris to Madrid requires either 3 blue train cards or 3 red train cards.

You cash in the cards, place your trains and claim the route from city to city. The aim being, to collect the full route listed on your card. Once you have claimed the full route, whatever that is, you lay the card down where players can see and then pick up another random route card.

There are bonus cards available for Coast to Coast routes and these count towards your final route card count. The winner of the game, is the person who gets 6 route cards (with or without a bonus card) first. That winner then receives the Golden Ticket!

When we previously played the original Ticket to Ride versions, my partner always used to come last but when we played My First Journey, he won all three time (clearly he’s a child at heart). Both my daughters loved the game and although some might consider it a dumbed down version for children, the excitement and competitiveness is still there, whereby it’s not always going to be an adult that wins, just because its a child version. Geographically it could be classed as an educational game too. The game uses some major cities for connecting routes and its always good for kids to get a feel of where in the world these cities are.

Ticket to Ride – My First Journey was a really enjoyable game to play. It helped having played the original first, to explain the rules, but the rules are also so simple that it isn’t at all hard to grasp how to play. We played three times in one evening when we first played and have played several times since. The box hasn’t even been put away in the board game cupboard all summer holidays, just because the girls always ask if we can play it. I highly recommend all versions of Ticket to Ride, to adults and children alike.

4 Cars to Learn to Drive In

September 4, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

Everyone has their dream car, and for some, they can turn this dream into a reality. However, for most, it’s about compromise and settling for second best – especially when it’s your first car and one you’re learning to driving in. You need a vehicle that is reliable, safe, and that is efficient. You may want a Ferrari, and even if you can afford it, it is not the most practical of vehicles. However, the car you learn to drive in will also be your first car, so you want it to be flashy and you want it to be upmarket. How to do you find a balance and purchase the best car? These are the best cars to learn to drive in.

Volkswagen Up!

If you live in the city, you need a city car. One that is small, efficient and looks great. There is also a chance of you doing minimal driving, and so there is no need for spending a great deal on a car that will only be traveling short distances.

The VW Up! has everything a learner could ask for: a built-in dock for your smartphone, sleek design, small and simple design, and enough space for friends. Plus, you do not have to fret about your car guzzling the petrol.

Fiat 500

The Fiat 500 is proving a popular car. This is due to its modern aesthetics and alternate but pleasing exterior. Although popular for women, the Fiat 500 is more than its retro looks. The perks of the Fiat 500 are similar to that of the VW Up! – it is small yet spacious, modern, ideal for city driving (as well as further afield), and small enough to manoeuvre easily. Ideal for those drivers who are looking for fun, such as interesting shape and colours, this neatly designed car is perfect for learners – check out homersdrivingschool.co.uk, who allow learners to choose from a selection of modern cars such as a Fiat 500.

Volkswagen Polo

Polos are usually seen on the road at a constant rate. There are many models and styles to choose from, so whether you love an older version or one with a more modern twist, there’s a large selection. Not only will you look good when driving this car, but will also be incredibly safe. VW Polo’s come equipped with many safety features such as door impact protection, so if a learner (whether it’s you or your child) comes into contact with another car or object, you know the risk of trouble is diminished.

Ford Fiesta

If you’re after reliability, then look no further. The Ford Fiesta collection – both old and new – is notorious for being reliable. The Ford Fiesta has remained one of the best-selling cars for a while now. This is because of its easy driving and safety technology – if it’s for your child, then the latest Fiesta come with a MyKey system, where you can restrict the maximum speed and stereo volume of the car. There are also seven airbags and an autobrake if needed.

Happiness Happens Month

August 31, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

August is by far one of my favourite months of the year – the kids are off school and I work from home, meaning I get to spend 100% of my free time with them. Whether we’re all just kicking around the house together, or whether we’re out and about on a holiday or day trip, we still get to be together all of the time. However I have to admit that my friendships have been a little neglected this August too. We haven’t seen our friends in Gainsborough since we moved in June, one of my best friend’s came for a visit at the end of July but I haven’t seen her all month either and my other best friend I hadn’t seen for ages – until today.

Did you know that August is Happiness Happens month? And that NRS Healthcare are big advocates of helping people feel better about themselves. They try to help adults feel connected and combat loneliness and with this in mind they made a great post called How to make new friends as an adult and live happily. While I absolutely love spending time with my family, there’s nothing like spending time with some adult company too. And while I’m not really one for heading out and making new friends, it does make me more determined to try and keep in touch with my current friends.

Send a quick text

My nearest friend lives only about 30 minutes from me and we tend to see each other once a week, or once every other week. However this summer we have both been so busy that I actually haven’t seen her since the very beginning of school holidays. Today I knew I was heading to a place very close to where she lives, taking the kids to a Maize Maze. A quick text, enquiring if she was about, lead to us meeting up unexpectedly and having a good old chat while the kids played on the adventure playground.

Comment or Like on Social Media

These days its very easy to keep up with friends, with things like Twitter and Facebook – and of course blogs. You read about someone’s life and often feel like you’re keeping in touch, even when you’re not. However why not take a few minutes to leave a comment on a post and let your friend know you are following their adventures. My other best friend is in Disneyland Paris this week and unexpectedly we had a quick chat this morning, just because she commented on my Instagram story.

Host an event

For a few years now, I have been Queen of Organisation in our social group. Most years there are at least 3-4 Murder Mysteries, several board game nights and dinner out for birthdays. However as of last year, organising events definitely slowed down and lives got very busy. It’s so easy to invite a couple of friends round, or even a whole host of them. You can keep it simple with a takeaway and games like Jackbox on the TV, or you can host a full on murder mystery of escape room evening. I’ve been eyeing up an escape room game, so it might be something I have to get organising!

Family are friends too

It’s easy to forget that hanging out with family, can be just as nice as hanging out with friends. Again, with busy lives its sometimes hard to coordinate but if you make an effort it’s usually possible. This summer break we arranged to meet up with my brother and his partner for a coffee – which then turned into going out for lunch – which then turned into going out the following day to Bradford and visiting the Museum of Science and Media.

Of course there are loads of ways to keep in touch with people and everyone has their own preference. It’s just important to remember that we can all feel lonely at times and its good to have some company. Apparently loneliness can be as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day – so keep in touch with your friends!

Let’s make your neighbourhood safer!

August 31, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

For many homeowners, your home is your castle – however, there’s no reason why the area surrounding it should be treated as anything less than your very own kingdom. From speeding, to littering, dog fouling and bad parking, your neighbourhood doesn’t get it easy. But with a little help from custom signs from smartsign.com, you and your fellow citizens can make your empire the envy of every visitor and surrounding neighbourhood.

Parking

There’s nothing more frustrating than someone that’s parked poorly or inconsiderately. Whether it’s over your drive, in a disabled space that’s designated for you at your home, on a grass verge or somewhere completely unsafe, there are options to deter poor parking in your neighbourhood and hopefully banish it for good.

From bold, reflective “STOP” signs to more gentler reminders, there are a variety of different forms to choose from. You can purchase a wide range of “Disabled” signs in a variety of sizes, colours and styles as well as “Reserved parking” signs with customisable numbers and names. Place them somewhere that’s clearly visible and the battle is practically won.

Speeding

A menace in any neighbourhood and a danger to residents, young, old and in-between, speeding isn’t something that’s easy to combat. However, it can be reinforced with large, easy to read and clearly visible signage.

Whether you’re telling a driver to “SLOW DOWN” or reminding them of the speed limit, these signs can be positioned in numerous places along your streets and again, can be customised to suit. This could be reinforced with the introduction of CCTV warning signs. A secondary deterrent that’s proven to make a real difference.

Children at play

Every child should have the right to feel safe when they play outdoors and with a neighbourhood full of children, sometimes it’s best to really drive home that speed in your area is dangerous. You can remind drivers to slow down around parks, events, schools, playgrounds and even outside your own personal home., with large, bold, reflective signs that everyone can see.

Whether its “Slow Down Children at Play” or specific speed limits around a play park, with high quality signage your neighbourhood can be a safe haven for children for generations to come.

Beautifying your neighbourhood

Signage in your neighbourhood doesn’t have to be ugly. There are many different options available that not only send out the right message, but also give your home kerb appeal.

From stylish and elaborate custom address signs to hard waring signage that reflects your property number. With a little imagination, you can make your property stand out for all the right reasons, as well as sending out the right message, whether that be safety, an instruction or information that any passer-by may need to know.

From Beware of the Dog, to Animals Running Free, No Littering, or even Please Leave Packages at the Gate, there’s a way to convey your message that will not only look good but will stand the test of time.

Getting ready for “Back to School”

August 26, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

There’s still one week left in August but already I’m beginning to think about the kids going back to school. As much as I love having them around for the summer holidays (and I promise I’m not sick of them and looking forward to sending them back again), I do dread the expense of “back to school”. For some reason, Summer seems to be that one time when they need loads more school uniform, new shoes and then a school bag, lunch boxes stationery etc.

School Uniform

With Lily’s school uniform, I’m very lucky that a school jumper or cardigan with the logo on, is not compulsory. As such, all her uniform tends to get bought from places like Asda and Tesco, who have tops, skirts, trousers etc. all around £4-5 mark. These are also great places to get PE kit, socks, underwear etc. Megan on the other hand, wears school uniform that is all very specific to her school and is quite regulated too. Last year, when she started in Year 7, I spent almost £200 on new school uniform and that was only one blazer, one pack of shirts, one skirt, one trousers etc. Luckily this year I don’t have much she needs to top up on, other than some more short sleeve blouses.

Shoes

Ever since the girls first started wearing shoes, I have always taken them each year to get their feet measured at Clarks and then buy a pair each to last the year. While I’m all for shopping on a budget, £35-40 is well spent on a pair of Clarks shoes, given that they do last the whole year. Today I took the girls to get their shoes and funny enough the girls ended up with the exact same pairs as this time last year (except in bigger sizes of course). Megan is now fitting in a 3.5, while Lily is in a 1.

Backpacks

As well as the obvious school uniform necessities, there are plenty of extras that are needed for the school year. Last year Megan had a backpack from Asda Living which was really cute, but unfortunately it lasted about 3 months before one of the zips broke. In the end, she made her way through three backpacks during the whole year and we’re anticipating similar this year. That said, all the backpacks we bought previously were fairly cheap and so after quizzing her on what friends seem to have, Jacks Wills seems to be a brand we could try. Luckily Lily bought herself a Joker bag during the middle of last year and she is very keen to continue using that, along with her every growing collection of pom pom keyrings.

Stationery

Last but not least of course, is all the stationery, notebooks, calculators etc, that are needed – especially for Megan at secondary school. For the most part she has everything from last year, but a trip to Smiggle last week gave us a top up on some mechanical pencils and highlighter pens. To be honest there was a lot more there that we could have bought, but we behaved ourselves for the time being. Megan did join the Smiggle VIP club however, so no doubt we’ll be back there before too long.

5 THINGS TO DO TO HAVE A GREAT VAPE EXPERIENCE

August 16, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

Here are five tactics to ensure that you always have a great vape experience;

1. PROOF IS IN THE JUICE

Flavour is the heart of your vape experience. Most vapers try new ones for the absolute novelty and term it their favourite part of vaping. Also, the delicious taste is one of the main reasons why they keep on vaping. There are hobbyists known as flavour chasers, who are continuously looking for the best tricks and equipment to come up with strong DIY e-liquids they want to experience. These vapers would try a clear majority of e-juices, and experiment with them to come up with new customised flavours tailored to their specific needs to the core.

Before investing in e-liquids you need to find beneficial suppliers whom truly care about their consumers, wanting them to have the best vaping experience possible. Discounts and offers on vaping products is something you should be on the lookout for. One well-loved example is www.vaperswarehouse.co.uk who have some unbeatable offers on. They have hundreds of different flavours featured on their site from top industry leading brands to lesser-known ones which you can experiment with.

Vapers love experimenting with flavours because whether you have an addictive sweet tooth or savoury taste buds, you can find e liquid that can flip open a party in your throat arena. Today, backed by the power of PG, VG, flavouring, and nicotine, vape juice manufacturers are racing to come up with new flavours to inhale a puff of your sweet vapour money. Therefore, despite loving a flavour to its core, it is admissible to change your taste and use a range of e-liquids to expand your vape experience and avoid the vaper’s tongue.

2. UPGRADE YOUR VAPE SET UP

A proven way to enhance your vape experience is by upgrading your hardware. Often, you do not realise how long you’ve been using a mod or a tank until your friends start calling you an artefact because you have gotten too comfortable with the archaic equipment. A simple Google search would display a wide array of products from starter kits to mechanical mods, and from tanks to RDAs.

With an RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer) the vape is in your hands, depending on the coils you may create. You insert a wick in your coil and saturate it with e-juice. After that the top cap mounts, and you are vaping. A postmodern option is the Aeronaut RDA, which is designed by a UK based aeronautical engineer, who apart from being a vaping aficionado wanted to create a better vaping experience.

3. LEARN VAPE TRICKS

Learning and exhibiting innovative vape tricks have become a popular subculture in the vaping stratosphere. Here are two of the most common vape tricks;

O-Rings

Blowing vapour out in the form of a massive ring is a standard practice among vapers. Admittedly, O-rings were common with smokers from ages but vaping just made it much hipper since it tastes better, looks better, and does not hurt your throat. Here is how you can do it;

Take a healthy hit of vapour from your e-cig.
Purse your mouth into an O shape with your lips tightly clenched rather than jutting outwards.
Mildly attempt a cough, or at least a coughing motion.
If all is in the order, you should be blowing o-rings with your vapour with a little practice.

The Ghost (French Inhale)

Take a long, satisfying hit of vapour from your e-cig.
Gradually lower your bottom jaw, and softly blow out a bit of vapour.
Immediately, inhale that vapour through your nose.
Of course, it is harder than it appears.

4. AVOID VAPER’S TONGUE

Your tongue has got a covering of 2,000 to 10,000 taste buds (medically known as gustatory calyculi), and the term vaper’s tongue (also called vaper’s fatigue) signifies a broad range of taste related ailments. It is a condition where going off an individual flavour of your liking to losing the taste for all things edible. While the first condition is a common occurrence, the second one is possibly more severe, with causes including vitamin deficiency, dehydration, and illness.

In the majority of cases though, the condition is a temporal affair and soon takes care of itself. However, the following remedies are recommended to cure a vaper’s tongue;

1. Change the vape flavour.

2. Use a stronger e-liquid.

3. Drink water to avoid dehydration.

4. Slurp on a fresh lime or lemon.

5. Use mouthwash.

6. Using steeped juices.

7. Avoid dual vaping.

8. Use unflavoured vape juice for a while.

5. REPLACEMENT COILS ARE YOUR FRIEND

A vape novice is forgiven for underestimating the power of replacement coils. The coil is responsible for heating the e-juice, which enables it to turn into a vapour. Replacement coils (also known as atomiser coils) are offered in either single-coil with one heating element, or dual-coil, whereby two heating elements are vaporising the vape juice at the same time.

Specifically, multiple factors such as your daily vape consumption, the power level of your vape hardware, and the acidity of your e-juice are all reasons that can lead to an extended or shortened lifespan of your replacement coil.

9 expert tips to make sure you get the best out of Orlando

August 7, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

There’s a staggering degree of choice in Orlando. However, if you are visiting this Florida city yourself, you could have so many options right in front of you that you overlook alternatives that are more concealed but also, ultimately, better. Here are tips for avoiding such oversights.

Book your ticket for Universal Studios Florida in advance

This theme park is undoubtedly among the city’s biggest attractions. However, don’t buy your ticket at the gate; TIME‘s Money website advises that you can save money by instead paying for that ticket through the Universal Studios Florida website.

Spend a day less at Universal than you had initially planned

Buy a pass that lets you visit Universal for one fewer day. You can spend that day buying food that is less expensive than what is available in the theme park.

Consider buying passes strictly for the water park

This is because Universal charges much less for a pass just to its Volcano Bay water park than for a ticket to any of its other Orlando parks.

Have food sent to your accommodation

Amazon can provide this service for you – and it can save you money compared to buying food from a resort restaurant instead. However, first check that this service would be allowed at your accommodation.

Use rideshares, not rental cars

Parking can be expensive, but you can avoid potentially heavy costs by having yourself transported around Orlando through lifts provided by Lyft or Uber instead of renting a car to drive yourself.

Reconsider buying souvenirs from Universal

Many souvenirs sold at Universal Studios Florida might be available from outlets outside the park – and, if it is, one of those outlets might offer the souvenir you want at a cheaper price.

Consider visiting Fun Spot for family fun

Fun Spot is an attraction recommended on the Independent.ie website. It’s got bumper boats, a wooden rollercoaster and more – and you are unlikely to have the problem of big queues.

Try some indoor skydiving at iFLY

This company offers a base for indoor skydiving near Universal Studios – and even kids can safely try it. This certainly provides something a bit different to the more stereotypical Florida attractions.

Plan ahead with booking accommodation

You can get good deals by doing this. Ocean Florida is currently offering enticing accommodation across a pleasing variety of locations for Orlando holidays in 2018, so don’t needlessly delay booking.

Our Summer Holidays so far!

August 4, 2017 by Bel Leave a Comment

The kids have now been off for two full weeks (and a couple of days) so I thought I would update with what we’ve been up to so far – especially since I’m not keeping up with my monthly updates at the moment.

The school holidays couldn’t really have been off to a worse start, than a weather forecast like this ^^ However, I am grateful to work from home and so no matter what the weather, at least I get to spend time with the kids! As they broke up on the Wednesday, we had a couple of extra days that week, to fit in some fun. Thursday was one of my favourite days actually as we went to see Despicable Me 3 (which was average in my opinion), then went to Chimichanga for dinner (which we had never been to before) and finally we went to our local park – Hartsholme – for a lovely walk around the lake.

On the Friday, the girls made a video of themselves doing the Beanboozled challenge and I really must remember to upload it, plus we seemed to watch a ton of movies over the first few days including; Definitely Maybe, 10 Things I Hate About You, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Phantom of the Opera and Save the Last Dance. We also got an invite to my mum’s on Sunday for a roast dinner and that was amazing.

The following week was the first full week and for the first four days we had visitors in the form of Amy and Liv. The girls were at their dad’s on the Monday so Amy and I just spent time catching up, then in the evening Chris, Amy and I had chinese takeaway and watched Game of Thrones. The other days were mostly spent sewing, though Amy and I did manage to go fabric shopping too.

The weather was fairly rubbish all week, starting off raining and ending up sunny or vice versa. After dropping Amy and Liv at the station though, the girls and I took a trip to Norton Disney (a place we had joked about visiting for a while) and luckily the sun stayed out for some pics.

That weekend, we went to LFCC (which is London Film and Comic Con). I had been once before and really enjoyed it, but this time was a flying visit really – all so I could meet Wil Wheaton. Chris was working until 4.30pm Saturday so we headed off down to London after that and stayed at a Travelodge near Heathrow. In the morning we drove to North Ealing station, parked there and caught the train to Earl’s Court and then walked to London Olympia. Grabbing a virtual ticket for Wil Wheaton’s queue was first priority but after that we did some shopping and wandered around stalls. We ate lunch and shopped some more until finally we could meet Wil Wheaton. I had taken a blank Flux card with me for signing and had decided a CREEPER would be best. These are cards that if laid in front of you in the game, means you can’t win. Since Wil is pretty notorious for not winning on his YouTube show “Tabletop”, I thought this would be perfect. He seemed to agree and wrote “IT SUCKS TO BE YOU” and then signed it. Sadly as he was passing it back, he smudged the card but I didn’t mind as I still knew what it was. He said “Now it really sucks to be you!” which made us all laugh.

As I’m writing this post, I realise this all happened almost a week ago (it was Sunday and today is Friday) but it honestly only feels like yesterday! Anyway the next day the girls were with their dad and went to a National Park and built a den. They have a video of that too which I hope to upload soon. The rest of this week has really just been spent at home. I had a lot of work to catch up on after Amy’s visit and so the girls have really just entertained themselves on Minecraft, Slime Rancher, Theme Hospital etc. Yesterday though they started a jigsaw with my mum and once my work was done I joined in too. Then mum left and I couldn’t bear to leave the jigsaw unfinished so we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening making sure it got done!

That pretty much sums up the last two weeks and I’m so glad its been a combination of lots and nothing. I always think its important to have plenty of down days during the holidays so you don’t feel completely knackered, but you also need days were you do things together, or else you end the holidays feeling like you didn’t do anything! Hopefully I’ll update again soon with whatever else we get up to!