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Driving Me Crazy

September 7, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

This morning on the way to school, some idiot overtook me and two other cars, just before a bend and narrowly missed an oncoming car. Sadly this is not the first time that something like this has happened and I hate that heart stopping moment when you worry not only for your own life, but that of your kids in the back too. The worst part is, our Lincolnshire roads aren’t even that bad – they’re not always narrow or bendy – so why do so many accidents seem to happen?

I thought I would share this infograph by Chill (specialists in cheap car insurance) about Ireland’s most dangerous drives. When we were kids, my Uncle John used to live in Ireland and so holidays there were quite common. Dad always used to drive as mum refused, due to the roads being so awful. While I wasn’t a driver myself back then, I do remember how often the roads would be narrow or bumpy, plus several times when passing seemed quite dangerous. I have to admit that since becoming a driver myself (almost 20 years now), I’ve never once had the desire to holiday in Ireland – largely because of the driving. All of that was on regular roads, however some of these places mentioned in the infograph look absolutely terrifying.

Mind you, its not always Ireland that has the dangerous roads as I’ve come across many on holiday too. The main one which stands out was definitely Sa Calobra, a road in Majorca. Again, luckily I wasn’t the one driving but this is the most scared I’ve ever been on a road. Passing was almost impossible anyway but coming across a coach and choosing between going off the edge or scraping along the coach itself, were not great options!

When driving has the potential to be so dangerous anyway, it amazes me that roads like this exist at all. I’m glad that for the most part, you have to be quite a bit older and have several years experience, before you can drive abroad. That said, you can never be sure of all the idiots on the road and really all you can do is take extra care yourself and always be alert. I love being able to drive and I would never change that, but it does scare my somewhat that you take your life (and that of your kids) in your hands, every time you get behind the wheel!

Now is the Time to Plan Your Family’s October Half Term Holiday

September 3, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

You may only be just starting to think about sending the kids back to school in September, but whether you’ve had the chance to take a family holiday or not these summer holidays, now’s the best time to start planning your break for the upcoming October half term. Putting together your plans now for your half-term break will mean for a more relaxing, less stressful and even cheaper time. There are many great reasons why being savvy and booking your October getaway as soon as possible is a great idea, and we’ve listed just some of them here.

Get the Best Deals

The longer you wait to book your October half term getaway, the less deals you’ll have to choose from as you’re in with a bigger chance of losing out to parents who’ve all had the same idea. Booking your half-term stay from awaywiththekids.co.uk means that you’ll be one of the earliest to book, giving you a better selection of choices and perhaps even reduced prices due to a lower level of demand. The longer you wait, the more in-demand your holiday destinations will be – meaning you’ll have less of a selection.

Save Money

Planning and booking your October half-term family break in good time rather than at the last minute also means that you could save money in the long run. Even though it’s widely believed that you can often get the best deals by booking at the last minute, this isn’t always true and you have to run the risk of paying increased prices instead. Along with that, if you’re not going down the package route and are booking your flights and hotels separately, you may find that you get a good last-minute price on one, but not on the other.

Less Stress

The longer time you give yourself to plan your holiday, the less stressful the whole process will be. This is especially important for busy mums and dads who have a lot to think about anyway especially with the upcoming new school year. By planning your October half term family break now, you’ll be able to get it out of the way and focus on getting everything done for a successful holiday, such as exchanging money, booking transfers, and buying luggage.

Get Better Deals

Booking your half-term family break sooner rather than later means that you will be in with a better chance of getting more for your money. Booking early not only means that you’ll have access to more choices and deals available, you may also be able to take advantage of special offers and deals that travel agents and booking companies may not hold later on in the year.

Although the summer holidays are barely even over, it’s definitely a great time to start thinking about booking your next family break during the upcoming October half term. Booking now gives you more time to make sure that you have an enjoyable break and can also save you money on a better deal.

Harry Potter Ball – take two

August 30, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

As you may remember, I posted a little while ago about a Harry Potter convention and Ball that I went to with my best friend and two daughters. It was a little disappointing to be honest and left me feeling like I could have done better myself. Having talked it over with Nat (or maybe ranted in the car on the way home) we decided that maybe we should plan our own – perhaps for her 30th next year.

This got me to thinking about what I would wear – the changes to what I wore this time and what I could improve. The largest change of all, would be to lose some weight. We’re hoping in fact that this may motivate us! She got so many lovely compliments in the dress she was wearing, that I really want people to look at me and say the same. For that reason I would definitely pick the same dress. I have worn it twice now and I love it. However I definitely think I could do with some accessories so I’ve been doing some research.

Gryffindor Ball

I love the idea of a heavy piece for a necklace – something like this beautiful Victorian necklace from Berganza. I also love this cuff bracelet from House of Fraser and these ruby earrings from India Times to really give the Gryffindor vibe (I’m sorry, but I love red far too much to not be a Gryffindor). The ring probably isn’t that necessary to the outfit but I love to pull a bit more of the ruby in and this would be a nice subtle touch.

Since the girls are Ravenclaw and Slytherin (Lily is like me, torn between Gryffindor and Slytherin), I decided to look for some ideas for them too. They won’t be going to Nat’s 30th but just in case we find another decent Harry Potter ball to get invited too, I thought it would be nice for them to have accessories.

Ravenclaw accessories

Megan is quite delicate so all the pieces I picked are delicate too. They all feature sapphires as I figured this suited Ravenclaw colours. Of course no ball outfit would be complete without Rowena Ravenclaw’s Diadem too.

Slytherin accessories

Lily likes to be fierce in everything she does so I know she’d rock the brightness of the emerald pieces. The snake earrings (despite the fact her ears aren’t pierced yet) and the snake bracelet are by far my favourite choices. She also has a huge amount of hair so this beautiful comb would look great. Finally the necklace is nice and solid so it would hang nicely around her neck.

Sorry Hufflepuff but you lucked out. No one in our house is interested in being from Hufflepuff so I decided not to do one for you! Besides, really not a fan of Amber or yellow coloured stones either.

What would you pick if you were supporting your favourite Hogwarts House to a Yule Ball?

Lets Go Paperless

August 23, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

With how much more focused we are on the environment these days, being green and going paperless is not a new concept. My HSBC bank account is green by name, something I opted into almost ten years ago, meaning it would be paperless completely. I don’t get bank statements or letters (unless important), everything is done with secure online messages. In fact, the other day I was contacted to say that the account would no longer be called green, since all their accounts these days are green.

While I love getting post, I hate getting bills and I have to admit that these are largely limited these days. Most online accounts and bills I have, message me via email and then I pay online – meaning no need for statements and bills in the post. In fact, even some of the people I buy things from on Ebay, opt to send receipts and invoices via email, rather than print and enclose with the actual item.

Sadly I don’t believe I could go completely paperless in my office, but I do know that I limit it a lot more than I used to. My printer is even set to a 50 page limit each month (I use HP instant ink). Also with things like laptops, tablets and smart phones, being paperless is so much easier these days. In collaboration with IDBS and their electronic laboratory notebook, I wanted to share my top 5 tips for going paperless in the workplace.

Track the amount of pages you print. For me, having my HP instant ink set to 50 pages, is a great way to know how much I’m printing each month. I get a warning when I get close to my usage and any unused pages get carried over to the following month. I always try to stay under 50 pages as this also keeps my monthly cost down.
Request paperless statements from banks, online store, catalogue accounts etc. Every month you are sent something on paper that you can easily see by logging in online and viewing your account. Save both paper and space in your recycle bin, by ticking the button for paperless in as many places as you can find.
Connected to the one above, pay bills online wherever possible – reducing the need for cheque books, paying-in slips and envelopes, etc. Pay friends and family via direct bank payments and use cards in stores. You can even say you don’t need a receipt (if you don’t!) and save a little more there.
Recycle any non-confidential paperwork and envelopes. Need to write a note for the kids, or perhaps a shopping list? Use the back of a used envelope or bill. Kids looking for paper to draw on? Nearly all letters and bills are only printed on one side so be sure to use the other.
Many of us find ourselves having ideas or thoughts outside of the house, outside of work etc. This means that often we carry notepads and pens to jot them down. Consider opening up a note on your phone or tablet and jotting it there. It’s quick and easy to do, often saves searching in the bottom of your bag for a pen and if you sync it up well, often transfers to your computer or email program automatically.

The truth is, I love reading proper paper books, way more than I enjoy reading ebooks on my kindle. I like to write down my orders and cross them out, to keep track on them. I scan and print the cover of each pattern I use, filing it in a poly pocket and then a binder. Although I try my best to be paperless, I don’t think I can go all the way. However with the use of my iPad, iPhone and Laptop, I definitely give it a good go.

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How to Get the Latest Design Trends on the Cheap

August 18, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

Guest Post – By Tom Brialey, owner of Action Storage.

You’ve got Pinterest boards filled with décor dreams but a bank balance that brings you back to reality. Almost everyone wants a stylish home, but unfortunately a stylish home comes with a hefty price tag meaning that most settle for magnolia walls and generic flat-packed furniture. This doesn’t have to be the case. Getting the home you dream of can be achieved with a little bit of budgeting and minor DIY skills.

This article will show you how to get four of 2016’s hottest interior design trends without breaking the bank:

Industrial

Source/s: littlehouseoffour.com & madaboutthehouse.com

The industrial look has gained in popularity over the last few years. A mixture of raw wood and steely metallics have been brought together to create the ultimate ‘hipster’ industrial feel, which resonates with cool bars and independent coffee shops, giving a relaxed vibe.

As soon as you type ‘industrial furniture’ into any search engine or shop you will be faced with a price tag of £150+ and after two pieces you are priced out. Don’t let this shatter your industrial hipster dreams. The look (above left) can be achieved by buying modern school lockers, and a metal paint to give it a gunmetal grey look, this will cost approximately half the price of a vintage locker. If you are not the painting type, a mesh locker (above, right) may be a better option. Use the mesh locker to display cool trinkets, maybe your record collection, or just use as general storage.

Team your new locker with an inspirational quote hand painted on a canvas and the Pinterest board ‘hipster/industrial’ becomes a reality right in your own living room.

City Skyline

Source/s: instagram.com/alexkatehare/ & nicestthings.com

If you are someone with itchy feet but life and various responsibilities, such as your job and bills, are stopping you from travelling, you can wake up to a view of the city (almost) in your own bedroom.

City skylines are becoming prevalent due to the minimalist trend which is popular in 2016. Simple black outlines on blank walls have hit it big and it is really easy to achieve the look for just a couple of pounds at home.

All you will need is:

Pencil
Spirit level
Washi Tape
Picture of your chosen skyline
Ruler
Eraser

Start by carefully drawing the outline of the skyline you have chosen in pencil, use the ruler and avoid skylines with too many curves, the tape will only be able to make straight lines.

When, using your spirit level, you think you have all your lines straight, and are happy with your pencil drawing, start covering the pencil with the tape. Remember to stand back and look from a distance as you go along. Hey presto! A chic city skyline for less than £10.

Upcycling

Source: diy-enthusiasts.com

A few years ago the idea of upcycling popped into a few peoples heads. Instead of buying something new, why not repurpose or refurbish something old and unloved, and so the trend was born. Often referred to as a waste product, pallets became the star of the show when a few clever busy bodies decided to create all kinds of furniture out of them.

Those without the imagination, or necessary DIY skills, lusted after these items and suddenly there was a demand, and with demand comes the supply, at a hefty price. A pallet coffee table can go for as much as £200 online. This price for something that, once upon a time, was essentially rubbish.

Luckily, if you would like to add a piece of pallet furniture to your décor there are hundreds of FREE online DIY tutorials, either found through Pinterest or on YouTube. Ask local businesses if they have any pallets that they can spare or you can pay a small price for. Failing that you can spend time scouring eBay, Gumtree or Freecycle to see if people want to get rid of them but don’t fancy a trip to the tip.

Your only issue will be not having enough space in your house for all the amazing pallet furniture you will end up making.

Geometric

Source: susanyeleyinteriors.com/blog/ & entermyattic.com/

The geometric trend allows those who like minimalism to enjoy bursts of colour in their home. Although geometric décor is big for 2016 it is in no way a new trend, bold geometric patterns could be seen on walls, art and clothing in the 1960s.

Luckily you don’t have to be Piet Mondrian, or pay those kinds of prices, to achieve the look. All you will need is:

Thin masking tape or Washi tape
A Canvas
Acrylic paints
A paint brush
Pencil
Ruler

Section the canvas into a geometric pattern, it is best to have an image in mind to ensure you know what the finished piece will look like. You can lightly use a pencil and a ruler if you are not confident putting tape on freehand.

Paint the different parts of the canvas in different but complementing colours, if you don’t want to have white lines between the shapes you will have to wait for sections to dry before moving the tape.

When it has all dried, carefully peel the tape off and you should have a beautiful geometric work of art, perfect for the minimalist and those who rent will be pleased to know that canvases are generally quite light, this means no nasty holes in the walls as well as ensuring you get your deposit back.

There you have it, four ideas to help you make sure your house stays on trend without costing you a lot of money.

If I could dress my other half…

July 25, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

Men’s clothes

In association with House of Fraser, I was asked to consider what I would dress my OH in, if given the chance to dress him for the day. I have to admit I’m not great at guy clothes (I have two daughters and myself to dress) but since my OH has very little fashion sense himself, I decided just to pick out a few items I liked the look of and also in his favourite colours.

The men’s shorts were actually the first thing I picked out and they were one of many great choices that House of Fraser had to offer. I like the idea that they are like cargo pants, with several pockets, but shorter than the usual three quarters he would normally wear. In fact he usually wears greens (especially camouflage print) so these blue are quite different from anything he has in the wardrobe. Next I picked out a shirt and this was from Topman. In theory I would have him just wear the shirt, but I know he likes to wear them more of an “over t-shirt” style so I picked out the t-shirt from ASOS too. I love the colour combinations and I’m pretty sure they would all suit him.

Finally I picked out a few accessories. These trainer style shoes pull in the colours of the clothes, while also being pretty awesome. They’re by Ted Baker, though technically I found them on a site called Zalando. The watch is both cool and practical – and since Chris never wears a watch, I figured it would be a nice change. This particular one comes from GShock.

If you could dress your man for the day, what would you pick?

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Summer Bucket (and Spade) List

July 15, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

With summer holidays fast approaching I have to admit I’ve started to wonder what I can do to occupy the kids. For the most part they’re fairly happy kicking around the house or even going out to the local park, but its always nice to get out and about – especially as we live so close to the beach and other beautiful countryside. I’ve flicked through Molly’s Guide and the Primary Times to see if there are any good vouchers for local attractions, or even free activities days. I’ve even been scouring the net for things to do that won’t cost the earth. I came across an article on Haven’s blog about alternative beach activities and since Mablethorpe and Skegness are so close to us, I figured I could put some of the ideas to use.

Anyway, with the help of the kids, I put together some bucket list items that we’d like to tick off this summer. Here’s what we came up with.

Visit the beach (preferably on a day sunny enough to paddle/swim and build sandcastles – easier said than done in the UK)
Travel on a double-decker (preferably open top) bus.
Go to London on the train and catch a theatre show. We’d love to see Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Aladdin. Maybe even Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Swim at the local pool, preferably once a week.
Catch a movie at the cinema, especially on the cheap kids show either Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Walk to the local park, play and have a picnic lunch.
Get out the tent and go camping. Megan spent a few nights in her sleeping bag last week and now they’re both obsessed with the idea of going camping.
Go to a theme park. I recently saw that Drayton Manor had a discount on their tickets, or places like Alton Towers and Legoland often have 2 for 1.
Attend a Yule Ball and Harry Potter convention. We actually have tickets and dresses for this already. We’re pretty excited to be attending a ball.
See the poppies at Lincoln Castle. These are here till September and I would love to see them before they leave.

As I was finishing off the list of things we’d like to do, Lily added “buy a new house”. While it’s not really part of my Summer Bucket List, I do wish that it was! I think selling the house that fast at this stage would be a bit of a dream, but I guess we can hope!

What do you have planned for the summer?

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Visiting the USA: Chicago

July 11, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

As the third largest city in the United States, Chicago, has come to represent all of the culture, commerce, entertainment and politics that have made this region famous. Known as the Windy City due to the constant crisp breeze that rolls in off of nearby Lake Michigan, Chicago is also renowned for some especially frigid winds that blow down the city streets during the colder months. However, you can always warm back up in a cozy Chicago hotel, and the sights and sounds of Chicago will have you on your feet far too much to let you catch a cold!

Illinois’ Windy City has been wowing foreigners for many years with its many wonderful attractions. Although Chicago may not be the first choice for people going on a holiday in the US, it usually ends up being chosen for the reason that most people find it very accessible and rich in sights and sounds. The city’s attractions range from the deeply historical to downright recreational. Indeed, its mystique is working on a lot of people as shown by the steady increase in the number of tourists coming to experience the city every year.

Things to Do and See in the Windy City:

Explore:

If you are traveling to Chicago for the first time, there are a handful of attractions that are certainly not to be missed. First off, the famous Magnificent Mile is a great place to start. With upscale shopping opportunities as well as the finest hotels in Chicago, it’s a must-visit location. Next, the legendary Chicago Theatre is one of the most iconic theatres in the country and a great introduction to Chicago’s thriving entertainment industry. Art enthusiasts should be sure to visit the Art Institute of Chicago with its collection of over 30,000 treasures. The gallery is one of the top in the nation and art lovers could get lost for days in this cultural gem. It houses some of the most famous paintings in the world, so it is perfect for aficionados and students alike.

Get Out on the Water:

Chicago is a waterfront city, and you haven’t got the full experience until you have spent a little time down along the harbour, particularly Lake Shore Drive. If you’re on a budget and the weather is nice, there’s no better way to enjoy Chicago than with a stroll or drive along Lake Shore Drive. There are many parks and beaches and best of all – it’s free. The Chicago Architecture foundation run a famous tour which takes in more than 50 buildings along the riverfront and educates visitors about their history, it’s well worth a trip!

Discover the Outdoors:

Chicago is a wonderfully green city and is filled with gorgeous parks and outdoor spaces. Millennium Park, with its giant ‘bean’ as the main attraction is one such park. There are plenty of activities on offer here, such as concerts, exhibitions and even yoga!

Lincoln Park Zoo is another attraction well worth a visit. The zoo is situated on 35-acres and is completely free! Over 1,200 animals call this place home, and you can see everything from Snow Monkeys to Camels here.

Navy Pier, a 3,300-foot-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan that was built in 1916. Today it plays host to a vast range of activities and events, including tall ship exhibitions, restaurants, a giant Ferris wheel, and a cinema.

During a visit to the city, it is advisable to have a Chicago Go-Card it is important so you can get to the must-see places conveniently. Whether you’re traveling with the family or with your partner, you’re sure to find Chicago an unforgettable place. Chicago and the surrounding area are filled with little neighbourhoods that have a culture and a language all of their own, and you’re sure to find the perfect area that matches your tastes and lifestyle. Like most cities of this size, Chicago can be slightly dangerous in some areas, so just be sure to ask around before you set off to explore on your own. In saying that, you will find that vast majority of residents in the city are unusually warm and welcoming.

Get Ready for Summer with a Whole New Look for your Home

June 10, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

Summer has got to be my favourite time to change up the décor throughout my home. This is the perfect season to introduce exciting splashes of colour and to invest in some key pieces of furniture to make your living space look and feel refreshed. If you are thinking of redecorating your home, have a look at my tips which I hope will help you give certain rooms in your home the revamp they need.

Perky Painting

New colours can instantly refresh a room and don’t think you need to just stop at painting the walls. Tired furniture can be revived with a lick of paint, and dining chairs, each painted in a different pastel shade, will give your dining area or kitchen a stunning new vibe. Now is the time to paint your kitchen an entirely different shade and bright yellows will help keep your home feeling summery even during the inevitable wet days of summer in the UK.

Refresh Your Bedroom

If you have had the same bedframe and mattress for many years, now is the time to invest in a brand new bed. I’d recommend browsing the selection at Bedstar as they have a great choice of mattresses to suit all body types, which is ideal for summer months when the warm weather can have the potential to interrupt your sleep. White bed frames and bedroom furniture are in this season and this shade is perfect for introducing relaxing summery elements into your home. Complete the look with white or pale bed covers and throws and a white cotton rag rug beside the bed for a beach-shack feel.

Lush Living Rooms

As the place where you are most likely to relax, the living room needs to be a cocoon of comfort for you and the entire family. One of the most enjoyable things about summer is seeing the sunlight stream into the room and if you still have heavy curtains, you cold be missing out on enjoying the full impact of the sun in your living room. Choose light, translucent curtains which will allow light to flow into the room and opt for white or pastel shades rather than darker colours. Brighten up the living area with a colourful rug rather than completely overhaul your flooring and if you don’t want to purchase a new sofa, buy a few light-coloured throws and cushions.

Garden Ideas

Summer’s here, which means its time to dust off the barbecue and get your friends and family around for a garden party. Make sure your garden looks its best by choosing quirky, colourful garden furniture where your guests can relax. Ensure you can keep partying into the night by draping outdoor fairy lights on fences and in hedges, and invest in an outdoor heater or two so you won’t feel the need to retreat indoors.

Although we are already well into summer, it isn’t too late to get decorating, so grab a paint brush and don some overalls and get your home summer ready!

How to Create Your Own Shabby Chic Furniture

May 25, 2016 by Bel Leave a Comment

The shabby chic look is incredibly popular right now. People everywhere are ditching their IKEA furniture and snapping up old bits of antique furniture, purely so they embark on a furniture restoration project. There is no doubt that distressed furniture is a really cool look, but if you don’t know the difference between milk paint vs chalk paint, or you are not sure which paint to buy from www.realmilkpaint.com, where do you begin?

Choose a Piece of Furniture

The shabby chic look is ideal for any piece of furniture, with the exception of modern veneer items. Basically, as long as the piece is solid wood, you are ready to go. So take a look up in your attic and see what you can find, or start hunting through garage sales or junk shops. One man’s unwanted furniture is another man’s shabby chic masterpiece!

Prepare the Surface

Once you have found your perfect piece of furniture, you need to prepare the surface. The item needs to be clean, so wash it thoroughly with some soapy water and leave it to dry naturally. If there are any holes or cracks, fill them, and if the item has metal hinges or handles, remove them for now.

Pre-painted or varnished pieces of furniture need to be sanded down. You don’t have to go too far overboard, as a bit of paint or varnish will give you a nice distressed look with zero effort on your part, but it is a good idea to apply sandpaper to the surface so the paint has something to adhere to.

What Paint is Best?

There are lots of boutique paints in the stores. Chalk paint comes ready mixed in a can. It doesn’t need a primer as it grips well to non-porous surfaces. Milk paint comes in powder form, so you mix only what you need. Milk paint doesn’t grip well to non-porous surfaces, so you may need to add a bonding agent to the mix. Both paint finishes will benefit from a final topcoat of wax or oil. Both paints produce lovely finishes and both are easy to work with. Ultimately, you should try both and see which one you prefer, as it is a personal choice.

Add Resistance

To create the shabby chic look, you need to add some resistance to the surface of the item, as this prevents the paint adhering. You can do this with oil or wax. Use a wax candle to rub over any areas where you want the base color to show through.

Apply the Paint

Apply a base coat of paint and follow this up with a second coat. If you want a two-tone look, use a darker color as your base coat.

Distress the Surface

To distress the surface, use some fine sandpaper to rub away the top coat of paint. You can also mark the surface using sharp tools and fill in the cracks and holes with tinted wax.

Once your restoration project is complete, invite family and friends over to admire your handiwork!