Today I am sharing yet another gift guide today it is one for the Women. Before Joe who I know reads my blog thinks he has cracked it and found everything that I want that’s not the case.  I am sharing with you gifts which we have purchased for other people so if you are reading this and you know I purchase for you click off now.  I only have 6 women to purchase for and this can be hard because there are so many amazing gift sets. I am going to share with you a few.  Usually, instead of setting huge a gift set I like to make my own for people because for some reason feel like this is a lot more personal.

Fluffy Socks

The ones in the picture are actually children’s but feel like there is nothing better than getting fluffy socks. I love to be cosy there is nothing better in my eyes than been cosy. There was a stage where m and one of my best friends always bought a pair or two of fluffy socks. I love being warm in the winter and because I spend a lot of time out in the cold because of rugby and February now been the coldest month. Even when I am trying to keep warm fluffy socks is something which I may have on because my office is actually laminate floor I have found them to be so cold.  Primark I have found to be one of the best places to go and purchase fluffy socks from. They always have a huge range at this time of year and of course, they are not that expensive.  I have hundreds of pairs of these and they last such a long time which is always a great thing.

Face masks

Self care is something which the majority of us forget or claim we do not have time to practice. Personally I think there is nothing nicer than been able to stick on a face mask even if it is while you are doing something else. There now is so many amazing Face masks which you can purchase on a budget. Who knows it may make a person who does not really bother with a strict skin care routine change their ways. I think these are amazing as part of a bigger gift. Sheet masks are all of the fashion at the moment and can be picked up everywhere. I purchased some from Superdrug for next to nothing. Of course. if you are purchasing for a Disney fan there is always the ones which Primark are selling which also look like they could be effective.

Bath Bombs

As someone who is obsessed with Lush I do not understand how I could not feature some bath bombs. They do have a wide range of bath products which are limited edition and only for the Christmas season. A problem which I have found with this is that if they really like them you can get them for long after Christmas. This is one of the reasons why I usually purchase from the regular line because then this means that they can be repurchased. If you do venture into Lush this festive season there is so much more than just bath bombs. I think there is not a section which I have tried that I would not recommend. If you are purchasing bath bombs make sure they they have a bath there is nothing worse than getting bath bombs as a gift and not having access to a bath.

Mugs

There is nothing more that I love than a good cup of coffee, of course for this you need a mug. I know there is a lot of people who adore hot chocolates at this time of year. I am not a huge hot chocolate fan but when I saw these initial mugs when I was in Superdrug. These mugs are huge and deep this does mean that you can fill a hell of a lot of hot liquid on this. If you are having a hot chocolate it does mean that you can fit a ton of whipped cream and toppings in and I know this is what some people I am purchasing for will do. Others are like me and will just fill it with coffee because you can never have too much. I managed to pick these up for half price I am unsure if this is because of the fact that it was last Christmas stock or maybe they were on the offer. They did have limited amount of of initials. I know there is some amazing mugs which Cath Kidston do as well as Emma Bridgewater both I find big enough. And I do actually love big mugs.

Candles

Can you tell a running theme with this gift guide of self care. Candles are something which I love to burn to me they make a home a home sometimes. I think they help on the dull damp cold days bring a lot of joy and of course this is something which we all need. As the colder months come who doesn’t want amazing fragrances filling their home.  Depending on the budget which you have to spend their are a wide array of candles which you could purchase. Naturally there is some amazing Yankee candles which throw off a lot of scent. If you do not want to spend all of the money which Yankee can cost of course there is some amazing cheaper candles which have as much throw. TKmaxx and Homesense usually have great candles which you can get with a huge range of scents. You can pick up some amazing bargains and for a fraction of their retail price. I have also found that Home Bargains have been doing great candles I think they are a dupe of Jo Malone ones and also some Yankee ones these have been all available for under £5. For larger jars so these could be amazing if you are doing something like secret Santa or do not want to break the bank on candles.

Shower Gel

The body shop are not somewhere which I shop a lot anymore. This could be due to the fact that I have a large collection of shower gels. So I do not need to purchase them as often as I am trying to run my collections down a little bit. However, recently I was in the body shop outlet and I saw some of their Christmas range which usually is amazing anyway. There was a couple of the scents which once I smelt them the first one was a peppermint candy twist shower gel because this for sure is going to be one which is going to wake you up. A problem which I can find is the around Christmas some of the scents become way to sweet and I know I would not appreciate them so I do not gift over sweet scents. Another one which I purchased was the Berry Bon Bon and for this one it actually smelt like Christmas. For me there is something which is Berries make me think of winter and Christmas. These do last a long time. You could always make your own own gift sets with a range of your favoruite brands which you think the recipient may enjoy.  Soap and glory shower gels always make presents as well bundled together.

Make your own hamper

This is something which I did last year for a number of the females in my life. This was something which they all appreciated more than a gift which they did not want. I made them up something similar to a self care package which is something that I am planning on doing in the future. I have been using the Yankee Votives which always goes down so well. Who does not want their house to smell amazing. I have also been including bits which I love the most because some of my friends then can try presents which I love as well. December is a month which people struggle to do a lot of self care and this is when we should be doing it more.  This year I have actually used Lush to make a couple of hampers. The reason behind this is they have amazing products which can wrapped in knot wraps. These are something which we love because you can use them so many times. Lush do not just do amazing bath bombs they also do some amazing skincare. I love some of the body scrubs which they also stock. If you do not know what you want. There staff are amazing and can help you.

Experiences

Having an experience is something which I have gifted before I even did a post on it last year. It can mean that you spend precious time with someone which you may not have done previously. I do this often with my mum I have gifted her several times spa trips and this does mean we have had so much time. I use sites such as groupon and wowcher to get amazing deals. If you know one of their favourite bands are touring why not get them tickets to their show because of course this is something which they would love.  An experience which we have loved in the past and Indoor Skydiving something which we have continued to do. This is something which I have gifted as well because it is something which I love so much. I will be doing a post about indoor sky diving soon because so many of you have asked me questions about it.

Mini Lipsticks

I was browsing on ASOS to try and find a lipstick for my graduation shockingly I ended up using an old one which I love. I might include it in a November Favourites if I remember. MAC lipsticks are something which I have had before but now do really like spending the money on because they have gone up so much in price in a couple of years. I saw that they do these mini sizes which are only £10. I find it so hard to use a whole lipstick because I like to change them up so often. These would be a great present for someone who you know likes MAC or like me wants to try so more products without spending the earth.

I hope this has given you some inside into you could purchase some of the females in your life this Christmas?

Charlotte xx

As you may know, if you have been reading my blog for a while we have purchased our first home. We purchased it way back in June and are looking to move within the next month. It is all systems go here so this means that we have been doing a lot of decluttering, packing and all sorts. Today I thought I would share with you some of the things which we have been doing in order to be prepared when we do finally move in . If you do not know we are actually purchasing our first home together so this does mean that we are combining two houses at least. So we are not moving as you may traditionally and we are actually moving around 1 hour away from my family home and around 40 mins from York which is home at the moment for us.

Make a list

Making a list of what we needed it something which helped me so much because this meant that I did not purchase things which we did not need. Even though we did by some bits which I am sure we have more than we need of. I know there are only a small few bits which I need to order now.  I also found that making sure that I have the Quidco cashback toolbar on has helped me manage to get a chunk of money back. For example, on our washer and fridge we got £17 back and of course, every little bit helps.

Sell what you don’t need

This for sure is something which we have been doing because of the fact that we had all of Jess’s things from when she was a baby down at the grandparents. This has meant that we do have several things twice so it has allowed us to be able to sell one of the highchairs for example so of course, this does mean that we have been able to get more pennies. We have been able to sell a 3/4 bed which we no longer have a need for because of the fact that it is way to small for to adults to share and it is so low. This does mean that we do not have to move this and end up storing it in the garage someone is actually getting some love out of this. I have also been able to put this money towards something else which we need for the house.

Make sure you’re getting the best deal

This is something which we have been doing before moving into the house. We have made sure that we could get the best deal for the things which we need on sky because what is the point of having things which we do not need. For example, the cinema package is something which we would not get the best used out of so we might as well spend the money on the sports package which is something for sure I know I will be using. We made sure that we go the fastest internet as this is something which we need because Joe is always gaming using the internet. While of course I like to spend a lot of time doing things on my blog.

Pack slowly

This is something which of course we have had had the luxury of doing because it has taken so long for us to be moving into the house. This has meant that instead of having the stress of packing everything in the last few weeks we have been able to spend time slowly making sure that thing is in boxes related to the room which they are going to be going in. For example all of the things which are going to be in Jess’ room are in a box which says Jess on it. This is something which is going to be able to help so much when we move because we are going to be able just to take the boxes straight to that room.

Have an essentials bag

This is more for when you do actually move into the house on the day you get the keys you do not want to have to be opening every box to find a phone charger for example. This is something which I am going to create in the next couple of weeks before we do move. In this bag/ box I am going to make sure that we have our phone chargers because of course, we need them to have power. We will end up making sure that we have our kettle to hand when we move because of course who can live without coffee. This is something which we are going to make not long before moving and making sure that we have them to hand. I think the plan is to actually put them in the car boot because then there is no way where we actually end up losing the box on the day of the move.  I think also in the box we are also going to have some loo roll and some snacks. The fridge we have ordered does not get delivered for a few days after we actually move in so we can only have small shops till it is in.  We have choosen this so that I do not have too many people coming with deliverys when we first move in.

What tips do you have to someone moving house before they actually move?

Charlotte xx

It seems like a long time since I did a personal kind of post. I thought today seemed like one of those times I should update you in the things which have been happening in our lives. For sure there had been some big changes.

The first change is that I have actually completed my degree. It is scary because it’s had taken me 5 years and now I don’t have uni work. I currently don’t know my grade it has to be confirmed because it is on the border line of two grade barriers. It has been amazing to finish I can’t wait to actually graduate now so I can have the pictures but this doesn’t happen till November for me.

So since I finished university as some of you know I wanted to do a physio masters. This is something which I have not got on to this year I think I am going to try and get some more experience and then possible apply in a couple more years. When Jess is older and maybe we will do less solo parenting.

Solo parenting is something which I will be doing more very soon. As you may know I get a lot of support of my family when Joe goes away however, WE BOUGHT A HOUSE. Yes this is something which has happened in the past month or so at the moment we are looking to complete mid August and hope to move in at the end. Our house is actually an hour away from my parents. So this is why I am going to be alone more when Joe is away but I am going to throw myself into work and my blog. You can expect more lifestyle and homey posts coming up in the next few months.

In only a couple of weeks I have trailwalker which I did mention way back at the start of the year. I have been walking miles in order to get some fitness and used to actually walking distance. Most week days now I have been hitting between 8-10 miles which soon adds up more so in this heat. I would love it if you had any spare money to donate to me in order to raiser as much as I can for Oxfam and the Gurkhas welfare trust. As I write this I am close to hitting £550 which is amazing. If you would like to donate to me I’m sure it would help the blisters which I know are going to happen you can here

There also has been some personal things going on which I may share in the future but at the moment this does not feel right. And also i am not ready to share yet.

What have you been up to lately?

Charlotte xxx

Traveling abroad is something which I want to do in the very near future. However, one thing which does scare me is been delayed with Jess in an airport because it would be the first time she has traveled on a plane.  Knowing my luck we would actually end up having a delay.

Air travel can be complicated at the best of time and if you have children with you it can be even harder. Then if you delayed at the airport, you will not only have to cope with your own annoyance, entertainment, hunger etc, you also have to deal with theirs. There are things that you can do though, to help things to go smoothly.

Have plenty of toys/games

Obviously, you will know that you will need things to entertain the children on the plane but if you do not expect a delay then you may not have enough. It can be easy to forget how quickly children can get bored with playing with one particular item and want to move on to something new. It might be a good plan to buy something completely new for them as that might keep them entertained for longer, although it could be a risk if you are not sure whether they will like it. Thinking of small things can be tricky, but you should be able to find some small books, a pack of cards, small amount of Lego, small games and electronic devices. Make sure that you also have batteries for items that need them or rechargers. However, do not rely on being able to easily recharge things as you never know if there will be a free socket, to ensure there are other options as well. It could be wise to start with the board games, books, and cards and then move onto the mobile devices when they get tired as these are more absorbing and likely to keep them sittings till and settled better at a time when they might be more prone to temper outbursts or upsets.

Make sure they enough food/drink/snacks

If we do not have enough food or drink it can have a direct effect on our mood. We can find that we will be irritable, tired, low in energy and things like this if we do not get enough. This means that you need to be aware of how the children are and whether they have had enough. It is also wise to make sure the adults with them also have enough food and drink so that they have the right mind set to be able to deal with them too. Airport food is expensive and so it is a good idea to have some food with you. However, if you are delayed for a significant period of time, the airline may compensate you with some food and drink vouchers to spend at the airport. It is worth checking with your airline before you go to eat, to see whether this is the case and then you not pay for food unnecessarily when you could have used a voucher. It is good to watch the type of food as well. Lots of sugary foods could give them too much energy and they may feel like they want to run around or make a lot of noise. Foods that give a slower and more constant release of energy could be a much wiser idea, so things like dairy foods, nut and seeds, wholegrain sandwiches and anything with fat or protein in it.

Stay calm and entertained yourself so that you can help them

When you are caring for children, it is much harder to help them when you are not feeling good. If you are annoyed about the delay or bored, then this will reflect in your parenting. Many parents do not look after their own needs and put their children first. However, you need to look after yourself so that you can be a better parent and so do not be worried about doing this. It is easier if there is more than one person to look after the children as one can have a rest, nap, read or whatever while the other takes over parenting duties and then they can swap.

Explore the airport/watch the planes

Children do like watching planes and all of the activity going on at the airport. Therefore standing by a window or sitting near to one can be a good way to pass time. It can be great to see if they can see their luggage being put on the plane or something similar to that, which will keep them watching and enjoying for a long time.

Consider whether you need to nap/sleep and where you might be able to do that

If you have a long delay then you may feel that the children and adults need a nap or a sleep. It can make a big difference if you can get some sleep as being well rested makes a big difference to your feelings and how positive you feel about the situation. If the delay is really long, then the airline may be able to compensate you for the cost of a hotel room. It is good to find out if this is the case as you will be a lot more comfortable than sleeping in the airport.

How have you coped if you have been delayed while travelling with children?

Charlotte  xxx

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As the summer approaches or we can all hope that it is.I know I find it hard to get some nutritious food within me at breakfast time as I usually do not want something like toast due to the the heat and I always like coffee and toast. I get bored of things such as cereal because this you do not get that much variety and it is something which I have had all winter long. With the summer coming up it seems that fruit does become a lot cheaper and now a days with places like Aldi do fruit so cheap. I am trying to lose weight a little bit and have been speaking to a firend who is having food similar to this however, he has it in juice form rather than a bowl.

Today I am going to share with you 4 recipes which you could have for breakfast in the summer months this would not take you very long to prepare in the morning either. This is great for someone like me due to the fact that I do not have a lot of time in the morning to prepare something which is going to take a lot of time.

Warrior Fuel Protein Bowl

Ingredient

1 Sambazon Original Superfruit Pack

1/8 – ¼ c Non-Dairy Milk of Choice

Handful fresh Spinach or Kale

1 scoop Nut Butter

½ c Frozen Mixed Berries or Frozen Mango

1 Banana

1 tsp Maca Powder

¼ c Shredded Coconut

All you need to do is put all ingredients except for your superfruit packs and toppings. While cutting our açai packs in half and break the pulp into your blender. Start on low, using the plunger attachment to get things going. Add more liquid as needed, but only so it just combines. The less liquid you use, the thicker your blend! Once combined, scoop into a bowl and top with all the goodies. This for sure looks like one which I would love to try even though I may add some fresh fruit as I rarely have room in the freezer. 

Purple Immunity Smoothie

Ingredient

1 Sambazon Original Superfruit Packs

1 c Orange Juice

½ Banana, frozen

¼ c Pineapple Chunks, frozen

½ tsp Ginger, ground

Top with Fresh Berries

All you need to do is put everything in the blender (make sure to break up your Superfruit Packs), blend until really thick – adding more liquid if necessary – then pour into a bowl, top with your favorite fresh berries and enjoy! This is for sure one which I could have on the go well without the fresh berries on top.

PBJ Protein Bowl 

Ingredient 

2 Sambazon Original Superfruit Packs

1/2 Banana

1/8 c Apple Juice

1 handful of Blackberries

1 spoonful of Nut Butter

I think that this is one of the most simplest one that I am going to share today. All you need to do is blend all ingredients until smooth. Scoop into a bowl and top with granola, more blackberries and a drizzle of honey. I know this is one which I fancy however, I think I would actually end up skipping the honey.

Vitamin Boost

Ingredents

1 Sambazon Original Superfruit Pack

1 c Blueberries

½ Ripe Avocado

1 c Coconut Water or Non-Dairy Milk

½ c Non-Dairy Yogurt

1 tbsp Nut Butter

1 tbsp Coconut Oil

Put it all in a blender and enjoy. If you want to make it a bowl: add another Sambazon Superfruit Pack and a frozen banana. Blend until thick, pour in a bowl and top with your favourite granola and fresh fruits.

I hope i have inspired you to change up your breakfast this summer and have something more nutritious. Will you be trying any of these.

Charlotte xx