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Mamma Musings

Mamma Musings

Easier Ways To Move Home

couple moving house

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From time to time, it is necessary to move home, and when that time arrives, you’ve got to make sure that you are aware of the best possible way to do that. This is not always obvious, and you might find that it requires a lot of work and patience, but on the whole it’s important to make sure that you are doing it right. In this post, we are going to discuss some of the ways you can make moving home a lot easier. You should find that all of the following are really helpful for that, so they are worth considering.

Hire The Right Vehicle

What vehicle you use for moving your items is really important. For one thing, you need to of course make sure that there is enough space in the vehicle for your belongings, as otherwise it won’t be much use. But you shouldn’t have too much space either, because that can be unwieldy to drive and operate. On the whole, you should also aim for a vehicle that has easy access for loading and unloading, so it might be worth looking to sydneyutehire.com.au for an example of that kind of vehicle.

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Early on in the process, long before you have moved home, you should spend some time decluttering the home as much as you possibly can. The more items you get rid of, the better, because it will just make it so much easier to do everything right on moving day. It can be hard to get rid of certain items, of course, but it is nonetheless something that is absolutely worth doing if you want to ensure that you are moving home in the best way possible. So try to be strict with yourself, and you should find that it helps.

Get Professional Help

As we all know, there are also lots of professional movers out there that you can make use of, and you might want to consider getting in touch with some of them if you are keen for the moving day to be as straightforward as you would hope. With the right professional help on your side, the day will be a lot easier and go a lot smoother, and all for a usually quite low cost. So that is definitely something that you are going to want to think about if you are keen on making this experience a lot easier.

Time It Right

Finally, make sure that you are choosing an appropriate time for your home move. There is a lot to be said for getting this right, because it makes a huge difference to the experience of moving home on the whole. You need to make sure that you are not busy at work, for instance, and that you generally have the mental room to be able to move home when you need to. So think ahead on this, and it should make a huge difference to how you move home and how well it goes.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Mamma Musings

Looking To Tie the Knot at Sea? Here’s What You Need to Know!

boat wedding

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Weddings at sea can be the ultimate romantic experience. The lapping waves, the unsurpassed views, and the San Diego skyline all combine to provide the perfect setting. A beautiful bride, a handsome groom and you are on your way to a romantic dream come true.

If you are planning a wedding, consider the latest trend of merging the wedding ceremony with a trip at sea. Basing your day out of beautiful San Diego, your wedding will be an occasion no one will ever forget.

1. A Perfect Theme

Tieing the knot at sea gives you the perfect nautical theme. Whether you choose something lighthearted and fun, or want your scheme to be more refined and elegant, a wedding at sea makes planning your colors and decor easy.

2. An Intimate Guest List

Choosing a wedding at sea means your guest list is necessarily intimate. You will be able to give the people closest to you a luxurious, intimate experience they will never forget.

3. Surprisingly Affordable

A wedding at sea can be surprisingly affordable. All-inclusive boat wedding packages can allow you to stay within your budget and still have a dreamy day.

4. Magnificent Setting

Celebrate your love with views of both a beautiful horizon and a dramatic San Diego skyline. No restaurant or wedding hall can compete with that.

5. Share an Adventure

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A boating trip is an exciting adventure; an outing at sea with your guests allows you to share the magic of an already joyful celebration.

6. Easier Planning

Whether a  yacht charter San Diego or an all-inclusive boat wedding, planning is easier at sea. Photography, music, food and dining arrangements are easy to make with the help of Next Level Sailing.

7. Natural Beauty

Whether your wedding is scheduled for daylight hours or at night, nature provides an extraordinary backdrop. You and your guests can enjoy the natural beauty that the water provides no matter what time of day.

8. A Unique Ceremony

Getting married aboard a ship is out of the ordinary. Your event will be dramatic and exciting, and unlike any other wedding your guests have ever been to. Booking the best dinner cruise San Diego has to offer will create the opportunity to plan an unforgettable event.

9. Amazing Photographs

Your romantic wedding in the middle of unsurpassed natural beauty will give you amazing photographs to cherish for the rest of your life. With the ocean and sky for a backdrop and the stunning San Diego skyline in the distance, your photographs will be stunning.

10. A Great Party

Without concerns about traveling between ceremony, photography and reception sites, your wedding can offer you and your guests a great party. When your wedding is at sea your ceremony slips seamlessly into a celebration. Guests will have nothing to worry about besides having a wonderful time celebrating your big day.

There are many great reasons to consider having a wedding at sea. Experienced professionals at Next Level Sailing can help you create the romantic wedding of your dreams.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Mamma Musings

Ways To Teach Kids About Money – And Why It Matters

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One of the best ways to teach kids about money, it’s value and relevance in everyday life, is to include them in daily money activities, starting as early as possible.

Children often have a hard time understanding money, including the concept of earning it and paying for things. Our modern, cashless society makes money even more abstract. 

Make it Fun

Playing games with or about money makes learning lots of fun, and few kids dislike games. You could go for familiar board games such as Monopoly or introduce them to online games with money as the theme.

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Mamma Musings

How to Keep Your Kids Busy During the Holidays

One of the biggest challenges parents face during the holidays is keeping their kids entertained. It can be tough to come up with new ideas, especially if your children are already bored of the usual holiday activities. This blog post will discuss several ways to keep your kids busy and entertained during the holiday season!

How to Keep Your Kids Busy During the Holidays

Create an obstacle course

This is an excellent activity for kids of all ages. You can use household items to create an indoor or outdoor course. If you have younger children, make the obstacles easier. For older children, you can make the course more challenging.

children having fun in the snow

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First, you will need to gather some materials. You can use anything you have around the house, such as chairs, tables, blankets, pillows, and so on. Once you have gathered all of your materials, it’s time to start creating your course! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Use furniture to create a maze that your child has to navigate through
  • Set up a series of challenges that must be completed in order, such as jumping over a pillow or crawling under a table
  • Time your child as they complete the course and see if they can beat their previous time
  • Make the course more difficult each time they complete it

This activity is sure to keep your kids entertained for hours!

Plan a family adventure

The holidays are the perfect time to plan a family adventure. This could be anything from camping in the backyard to visiting a new city. Talk to your kids about what they would like to do and make a list of activities that everyone can enjoy. If you’re stuck for ideas, there are plenty of websites that offer adventure holidays for families.

If you have older kids, they might enjoy planning the trip themselves. This is a great way to teach them responsibility and give them a sense of ownership over the holiday. Plus, it’ll free up some time for you to relax! Once you’ve decided on your destination, start booking accommodation and tickets. Make sure to leave plenty of time for spontaneity – after all, part of the fun of an adventure is not knowing what’s going to happen next!

Get creative with arts and crafts

Arts and crafts are a great way to keep kids entertained, especially on rainy days. There are endless possibilities when it comes to art projects, so you can let your kids’ imaginations run wild! If you’re stuck for ideas, there are plenty of resources available online. You can also take a trip to your local craft store for inspiration. Some simple ideas that your kids will love include:

  • Painting rocks or leaves
  • Making paper aeroplanes
  • Creating collages from old magazines
  • Drawing pictures of their favourite holiday memories

Crafting is also a great opportunity for quality family time. Sit down with your kids and make some holiday decorations for the home. You can even frame their artwork and hang it up as a permanent reminder of this special time.

In conclusion, there are many ways to keep your kids busy during the holidays. By getting creative, you can ensure that everyone has a fun and memorable time.

Note: This is a collaborative post

Mamma Musings

Is it safe to breastfeed when you have silicone breast implants

breast feeding mother

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With cosmetic surgery procedures becoming more popular, and more easily attainable for the average woman, the question about breastfeeding has emerged. Breast augmentation procedures are particularly popular amongst new mum’s. It’s a great way to turn back the clock and regain that pre-pregnancy size and fullness.  But what about those women who have already had breast implants, and now face the choice between breast and bottle?  It’s natural that these women might anticipate some complications or difficulties due to the surgery.  But what is the truth when it comes to breast feeding with silicone implants

Breast feeding alone can be a contentious issue amongst mum’s. Deciding what suits your lifestyle and what is best for you and your baby are choices that only you can make.  Mum shaming and internet trolling aside, you will get advice and tips that you never asked for, and are of little use.  Everyone, it seems, is an expert and they all want to give you their opinion, regardless of whether you want to hear it or not. Add breast implants to the mix and you could well send some of these ‘experts’ into a seismic spin. Keep in mind that the decision is yours to make.  Choosing to breastfeed is just that – a choice. Only you should decide what is best for you.  You are the expert in this case, and you know what suits your lifestyle better than anyone else. 

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Mamma Musings

The Benefits of Holiday Camps for Children

There are many reasons why parents choose to send their children to holiday camp during school breaks. Of course, there’s the obvious advantages that it provides a childcare option for those who have to work throughout the holidays, but there are also various benefits specifically for children. I have teamed up with a children’s’ holiday camp in Kensington to explore further. 

Holiday Camps Promote Physical Activity

kids playing football

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Children are spending far too much time glued to digital devices nowadays, and holiday camp is a great way to encourage them to put their tech down and get moving. Lounging around, spending hours in front of the TV, is not a healthy way to spend their break, whereas holiday camp will offer various activities to improve fitness.

Children Develop a Range of Skills

When children attend a holiday camp, they are given an opportunity to develop various skills. For instance, socialising with other children who they otherwise might not have met is great for their communication skills. They will also be given the chance to practise problem solving and decision making, which will help them with their independence. 

Holiday Camps Improve Academic Performance

At holiday camp, children are able to participate in learning activities outside of a classroom environment. This untraditional way of learning is often more engaging, meaning children are more likely to pay attention and remember what they have learnt. As a result, when they do go back to school, they will have a wider general knowledge and additional skills that will help them perform well.

Children Are Given a Confidence Boost

By developing various skills and building strong relationships with new people, holiday camps allow children to feel more confident in themselves and their abilities. As a result, they are more likely to try new things and take risks, as well as approach challenges with an optimistic outlook. 

Note: This is a collaborative post

Mamma Musings

The Benefits of School Uniform for Children

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Lots of kids aren’t particularly fond of school uniform, but they actually provide many benefits that you may not have even considered. They create a sense of identity for the school, by demonstrating that each student is part of a community as such, which helps them feel like they belong somewhere. As a result, students can feel a sense of pride. 

Parents may begrudge having to spend a lot of money on school uniform at the start of term, but it actually works out much cheaper than having to fill your child’s wardrobe with different outfits for each day, especially if they want to keep up with the latest trends and designer fashion. School uniform shops often have payment systems in place to help spread the cost over a few months so that it doesn’t seem as dear. I have two boys so have been lucky I can hand them down to the younger sibling and our local parents group take donations if you wish to pass on or swap uniform jumpers etc. 

Tip: Sew name tags into your child’s uniform so that if anything is misplaced, your child has more of a chance of getting it back.

Tip: Purchase the uniform in a slightly bigger size so that your child has room to grow.

School uniforms also makes it easier for teachers to ensure all students are dressed in a smart manner so that they represent the school with pride. For my boys school the uniform is prescriptive from the crested jumper and tie right down to the colour of the school socks. While my pair often moan that they would love to be able to wear their own clothes (ie football jersey!) I am fully supportive of the uniform. It helps the parents an the teachers in my view.  For example even for the teacher when out and about with their class on field trips, if each child was wearing something different, it would be much harder to monitor what they were all wearing and enforce rules about what’s acceptable. Wearing a uniform at school will also help prepare your child for the future when they may have to wear a uniform for work. 

One of the most important benefits of school uniform is that it reduces bullying and peer pressure amongst students. If children had to wear their own clothes to school, they might feel anxious that they’re not “cool” enough or worry what their friends are going to say. My boys football team have also introduced a “uniform” as the regular Saturday morning training had descended into a battle of the Premier League teams.   It makes it a lot more cohesive and gives the sense of “one team”.  A child cannot be judged or harassed about what they’re wearing if they are all wearing the same thing. 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Mamma Musings

Is Your Garden Prepped For The Winter?

garden

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With the arrival of the colder weather, trees’ leaves have already begun to fall from their branches, potted plants have begun to die, and it has become simply too chilly to spend any amount of time in your garden. It’s understandable, though, that you want to preserve your garden for the winter season in order to keep it looking presentable and to reduce the amount of work you have to do when it comes to making your garden look beautiful again come springtime. Get ready for the cold weather by reading these tips.

Mow the lawn and trim the hedges

Lawns and hedges don’t grow nearly as much in the winter as they do in the summer because of the extreme cold. Before the onset of exceptionally cold weather, take advantage of the opportunity to trim your grass and cut your hedges one last time to ensure that your garden remains nice and tidy throughout the winter season. Trimming your hedges back significantly will give you more than enough time before they need to be done again in the spring. Using treatments such as evergreen to treat your lawn can help to keep it in the best condition possible.

Out with the old, in with the new

Plants and trees may have died due to the cold weather, and now is the time to remove them so your garden doesn’t appear untidy in the winter. You should also prepare ahead if you plan to conduct any landscaping work in your yard next year, such as updating your garden furniture or purchasing a new shed, so that you can have a bin hire ready when springtime rolls around. Get rid of the old so you can make room for the new when springtime hits!

Plant evergreen trees

Your garden may look a little sparse in the winter after you remove all of the dead plants, but if you’re entertaining guests, you’ll want to make it look its best. Plant some evergreen plants in your garden to keep it looking good even if the leaves start to fall on other shrubbery.

Accessorise your winter garden

Certain people simply enjoy being outside regardless of the weather, and if you’re one of those people who enjoys being outside in the fresh air, it might be a good idea to invest in some of the following winter accessories to make spending time in your yard that little bit more enjoyable:

  • A clay fire burner for an open fire where everyone can snuggle up and enjoy the conversation.
  • If you don’t want to use a clay fire, consider a patio heater.
  • A gazebo providing weather protection, particularly against the wind and rain.
  • Outdoor fairy lights to add a festive touch.

A small amount of work now will ensure that your garden is ready for winter and will spare you from a lot of work in the spring.

Note: This is a collaborative post 

Mamma Musings

Popilush Black Friday 2023: These Shapewear Worth Paying Attention for You

Popilush these hot offers that will make you invest as much as possible in clothes that can flatter your body. When you invest in yourself, you are increasing your self-love and encouraging other women to be the same. 

Invest in black friday shapewear that is worth it for you. Pay attention to pieces that are right and that match your personal style. Maybe it’s even the key to the turnaround you’ve been waiting for.

Seamless Square Neck Sport Jumpsuit 

How about investing in a seamless sports jumpsuit in Ivory color and with a square collar to create, perhaps, an Old Money look that is very popular as a trend these days.

It has highly elastic fabric in 4 directions to make you have a more comfortable experience! It supports the muscles in the upper part of the leg, thereby significantly reducing muscle vibrations. The waist becomes thinner due to the tighter fabric in this region.  

Built-In Shapewear Modal Lounge Dresses 

If you want full body modeling this is the right choice. A dress can make you even more feminine and provides practicality. The shapewear dresses are available in three styles: 

  1. Slip Maxi Dress 
  1. Long Sleeve Midi Dress 
  1. Long Sleeve Maxi Dress 

 

Double-layer waist control features to draw your belly in a more structured way, as well as helping to align your spine as well. The butt lifting technology has the BBL effect to make you more beautiful. The modeling bodysuit comes underneath, aligning your curves naturally without markings. The bodysuit is invisible, giving you all the benefits without anyone knowing what you are wearing. 

Strapless U Plunge Thong Bodysuit Backless Bra  

Now imagine a bodysuit that can model any and all clothes you have in your closet. It exists and it is this one. An invisible shapewear that even models low-cut dresses or dress codes for weddings and parties very well. 

It has transparent adhesive wings for greater flexibility, comfort and adjustment. The deep plunge cups are ideal for support and the thong bodysuit is light, giving you a very attractive detail. The cotton-lined hook closure makes your life easier when going to the bathroom.

Built-in Shapewear Corset Style Thong Bodysuit 

How about a more structured shapewear bodysuit, with satin-like fabric that can give you a sexier appearance? Here is the right option for you. It’s ideal for everyday use, but it also fits perfectly into a trendier party look. 

It is made of soft fabric, with 360º elasticity, made of 75% Nylon + 25% Spandex. You can’t go wrong with a classic design! It is possible to look very beautiful with a 3/4 cup three-dimensional piece. The herringbone detail draws a curve to its extremely attractive silhouette. 

The breast is supported through the steel ring that is already incorporated into the bodysuit. Furthermore, the adjustable straps are adaptable to different female body shapes, making Popilush a democratic choice.  

Note: This is a collaborative post 

Mamma Musings

Helping Your Child Develop their Problem-Solving Skills

In life, we all encounter problems. To raise an independent child, it’s important to develop their problem-solving skills. This can be rather difficult to teach as there is no set way to solve a problem. However, at its crux, problem-solving consists of 6 main areas. Teamwork, research, emotional intelligence, risk management, decision making and creativity. 

We have joined an independent school in Surrey to share tips on how to develop your child’s problem-solving skills. 

Brainstorming

Lateral thinking is the ability to create new solutions by looking at a problem in different ways. This can help your child to overcome problems that are difficult to solve. To exercise this skill, ask your child brainstorming questions. This could be a question like ‘how many jobs require driving and what are they?’. There are very different ways to answer this question, prompting your child to think about all of the possible answers.

Group Sports

Sport is a good way to teach children how to work effectively in a team. Although it might not seem as obvious, team working is vital to problem-solving. It allows you to gain a better understanding of a situation, find help and collaborate with others.

Theorising Outcomes

Forward-thinking is an essential part of problem-solving and to correctly solve a problem we need to consider how suitable the solutions are. This involves an element of risk management and to get your child to practice this you can start with play. What would happen if they were to remove a block from a building they’ve built or if they balance too many things on top of each other? These are all things that you can explore together.

Emotional Intelligence 

Recognising emotion can allow children to understand problems better. By teaching your child what body language means. By knowing that another child is sad, your child can understand why they might not want to play and think of what to do to help.

Note: This is a collaborative post