Mamma Fairy

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Going on holiday is a wonderful, well-needed break from the craziness that is life, particularly when you can get the whole family together and travel with everyone, although that might be just as stressful if you aren’t prepared. Travelling with your whole family might mean travelling with children or seniors, which can be overwhelming if it’s your first time or if you don’t know what to expect. 

Being prepared for any kind of challenges while you’re on a trip can help make everything go smoothly, and knowing what you’re getting yourself into is one of the ways to prepare. 

In general

Give yourself plenty of time to get anywhere. Travelling with children or seniors can make everything take longer than you would think, mainly because you’re thinking in terms of your own speed. Going through airports, eating at restaurants, and getting from place to place will all be slower moving than if you were travelling alone or with a partner, so try and leave lots of buffer time. Try to be at the airport or train station a bit earlier than usual, and don’t jam-pack your daily schedule with too many activities in case you’re late for something – your entire day will be thrown off, and it will become stressful. 

Pre-book as much as you can. Showing up in a foreign city with no hotel reservation doesn’t work if you have kids or elderly parents with you. Make sure you know where you’re staying before you get there, and if you’re travelling by train or bus anywhere, book those in advance as well, so you have a schedule or plan to stick to. Also, pre-booking the entertainment is a good idea, so there’s one less thing on your brain to worry about while on your trip, especially if you’re going on a trip during a holiday period. 

Plan ahead

The Kids passports should also feature as you plan for the trip. Without proper documentation, international travel is impossible. British Passport Renewal or having passports issued for your children is a relatively simple process as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. If your passport has expired or is close to expiring, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it along with two photographs and the appropriate fees. You will also need to provide proof of identities, such as a birth certificate or previous passport. Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a new passport that is valid for ten years. While the process of renewing your British passport is relatively straightforward, it is important to allow plenty of time for your application to be processed. In most cases, it will take at least six weeks to receive your new passport, so be sure to plan accordingly.

With kids

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Always have snacks available. My kids don’t do hangry!!!  You don’t want your fun excursion turned into a miserable one because of a cranky, hungry, screaming child. One thing we have done which I can highly recommend is invest in good quality water bottles. My pair drink a lot of waste and aside from the obvious environmental benefits I find it so much more convenient to refill our  personalised water bottles  when we are travelling. As a family who love to travel I cant stress the importance of investing in good quality bottles, they aren’t equal and adding personalisation means they know their own and tend so far anyway not to get lost!

With elderly parents

Take it slow. While it’s important to note that some seniors will still have the mobility and ability to travel, there are some conditions like dementia, for example, that are more limiting and require specialised care. It’s vital to check with a doctor or caregiver and get the go-ahead to travel before booking any trips with your elderly family members. Trying to see and do everything at your destination might be overwhelming for a senior, and they might not have the energy for it. It is also worth considering investing in GPS trackers for both generations, parents and kids and also items like cars, trailers, caravan etc. We have done this and the peace of mind is immense. We do a lot of multi-generational travel and off the beaten track travel so investing in  good GPS trackers was important to us. 

Setting them up for an unenjoyable time will just put undue stress on the whole family, so consider their physical limitations when planning activities. Can they walk around for long periods of time? Is there a lot of standing required, and can they handle it? If it’s outdoors, will the weather be comfortable? There are a few aspects to consider, and it might be helpful to discuss this with them prior to booking anything. 

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Potty training represents one of the earliest forms of adaptive learning and in the past, it was often used to determine the “mental aptitude” of a child. In fact, studies have shown that more than 60 per cent of children are fully potty trained at 36 months. However, some will naturally progress faster than others. As a parent, should you be concerned if your little one seems to be lagging behind? 

This is actually much more of a common occurrence than you may realise and in the majority of cases, it is no cause for alarm. Let us therefore examine what the professionals have to say before concluding with some practical advice.

Why Might Delays Occur?

There are several reasons why your child might have difficulty adapting to potty training. Some have simply not yet reached the developmental level necessary to acquire this school (after all, each child learns at his or her own pace). However, this does not necessarily signify that a problem exists. 

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Another lesser-known issue could involve a slight amount of mental resistance. Some children perceive potty training as a means to control their activities and thus, they may choose to passively “rebel” by deliberately not following your instructions. 

In rare cases, difficulties with potty training may be associated with a real-world condition such as slight constipation (not at all uncommon when dealing with toddlers). While this is no cause for alarm, it is still a good idea to speak with a doctor in order to determine what solutions are available. 

Accidents Still Happen

Another common mistake which some parents make is assuming that a child will be fully potty trained by a certain age. On the contrary, even children who are four or five years old can still have accidents on occasion. This could be caused by an upset stomach or simply due to the fact that they were preoccupied with a fun activity. Once again, this is perfectly natural and it should not be viewed as any type of failure. 

What Additional Steps Can You Take?

One excellent recommendation is to monitor the progress of your child once potty training is introduced. For instance, targeted EYFS tracking by Educater will provide you with a proactive means to record daily schedules and to identify any variables that might be impacting the learning process. Here are some other practical suggestions:

• Place the toilet in a familiar and convenient location.
• Try to create a regular daily schedule.
• Invent a potty-training song or rhyme.
• Heap praise upon your child for a job well done.
• Avoiding chastising him or her in the event that an accident occurs.

Every adult learns new skills at a unique pace and this is just as true in terms of potty training a child. As always, do not hesitate to refer back to the information outlined above in order to start off in the right direction.

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Sometimes we don’t know what constitutes an electrical emergency – especially if there doesn’t seem to be much going on. However, there are a few big indicators that you need to call your local emergency electrician asap. One thing we did when we moved was have our emergency on call utilities emails and phone numbers to hand so that in the event of an emergency you can easily source the contact details. There are also sites like www.totallyampedelectrical.co.nz  who can provide you with a range of numbers in case you are finding it difficult to locate a contact. This example is for Auckland but im sure they have similar in most areas, so it worth taking the time to find your local one. 

Keep an eye for these things: 

Property age

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If you have recently moved into an old house, and the writing is more than 20 years old, there will be a lot going on on the walls. And it might not be an emergency yet – but it is worth calling asap to make sure you can have the wires carefully inspected. 

Humming and buzzing

If you notice that your electric box is making strange noises like a hum or a buzz, it is time to call the emergency electrician. The circuit breaker protects your poverty from electrical surges and other disasters; if it is damaged, you and your home are vulnerable. 

The moment you hear any noises from the breaker box, make a call. 

Tripping

The vital function that your circuit break plays is to automatically shut off when it detects overload. If you notice that your switches are often tripping, this could mean there are surges or other complications. An electrician will be able to check out the issue and let you know if it is serious or not. 

Sometimes if you plug too many items into one room, you might notice that the switch trips – or if too many appliances are on at the same time. This is well worth calling an electrician for and perhaps planning how to make the electrics in the home more beneficial for you. 

Lights 

If some rooms in your house seem to have flickering lights, lights that don’t seem to hold steady and flicker instead, this can be a huge issue. Over time any wiring in your home will deteriorate or be gnawed at by pests. Either way, an electrician can take a look and make sure that the wiring is safe for you and your family. 

It is worth keeping in mind that with old systems when you plug in heavy electrical usage items, they might cause a moment of flickering – in which case you should still get them checked out. 

Burning

Ignoring a burning smell coming from the sockets when they are in use, any discolouration or slight malted appearance can have dire consequences. The smell is the socket overheating, and if you get that smell, unplug anything that is in it and call an emergency electrician immediately. 

You might also notice sparks when you plug in an appliance, and that can also be a sign that there is an overload, fault or that it is not installed correctly. 

Electrical fires are catastrophic and rip through homes at speed, so if you smell anything like that, don’t ignore it because it can save lives. 

When you put off calling emergency electricians and plumbers, you run the risk of needing a much bigger repair. It is much more cost-effective to have regular maintenance than to have the costs of repairs: The 10 Most Expensive Home Repairs.

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Starting a home business when you’re a parent can feel like a nightmare, especially if you have young kids who aren’t at school all day. It can be challenging to find a balance, but it is not impossible to make a success of your small business and still smash your parenting needs at the same time. It’s not something that everyone can do immediately, though, so here are some tips to balance being a mum and running a home business. 

Get Outsourcing Help 

One of the best ways to balance parenting and small business ownership is to reduce the amount of work you have to do every day. Outsourcing offers the perfect solution, especially if you are running a one-woman show. 

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There are many outsourcing choices to choose from. If you need a Small Business Accountant to balance your books, you can find a reliable company with ease. The same goes for content marketing and website maintenance. The benefit of outsourcing lies in how these companies are specialists, so even if you think you can handle it all, their results will be much more professional and successful. 

Establish Workday Boundaries 

If your kids are at home all day, they will call on you for anything, even minor things that aren’t emergencies. While you may be happy to help out, especially making lunch or other essentials, you still need to set boundaries. 

Having a dedicated workspace and explaining that you can’t be disturbed is one boundary to consider. If your kids know that a closed door means you’re busy, they will wait until you’re free before bothering you. Many parents will work in the same room as their kids playing, but although this means they can keep an eye on them, it also increases the chance of distractions and disruptions. 

Outline Family Time 

It’s easy to work all day because you know you have so much else to do. But, this could mean you miss out on essential family time and childcare. Hopefully, your partner can carry some of the load, yet you also need to be there for your kids. 

Outline some family time each day, whether you spend time with your kids during your lunch break or read them a bedtime story every night. This helps maintain the bond between you and your kids and won’t make you feel guilty for ignoring your work. 

Make the Most of the Small Breaks 

It isn’t just childcare you need to worry about. There are also plenty of household chores that require attention. While you can’t spend hours deep cleaning your home, you can make the most of small breaks. 

Loading the dishwasher or putting laundry on are two things you can do when you take a break from your computer. You can also fold laundry while on calls with clients as you don’t need to be as focused on what you’re doing. Everyone needs a break during the workday, and you can manage your household easier if you make the most of these breaks whenever possible. 

Perfectly Balanced 

Balancing your home business with parenting allows you to stay on top of all your responsibilities. While it can take some getting used to – for yourself and your kids – these tips should make it easier for you to consult with clients and provide all the love and attention your kids (and your home) require. 

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A 2019 study highlighted how many Irish people want to live more sustainably but don’t know how and this number has undoubtedly increased since then. For many homeowners and renters, it can feel like the effort to be more sustainable is a losing battle as it’s too easy to fall back into non-sustainable ways in favour of convenience. This is especially true if you run a large household where it feels like every room is occupied all day. Despite this, it is possible to run a sustainable household, you just need to know where to start.  

Purchase Eco-Friendly Products

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If you want to make an immediate change to your household’s sustainability habits, purchasing eco-friendly products such as laundry detergent sheets, hand soap, and other cleaning products is a fantastic place to start. 

As you use these products every day, you can reduce the environmental impact by choosing options that reduce the environmental impact. These products are made using sustainable practices and many contain safe and renewable ingredients that minimise the substantial damage that manufacturing can have. 

Track Your Energy Usage 

Energy usage is a significant problem for all homes, but large households often bear the biggest brunt. Rather than have a couple in one room using energy, whether watching TV or working, there are often multiple rooms that consume energy at the same time. 

Tracking your energy usage can go a long way towards solving this. By knowing how much energy you consume each day, you will find it cheaper to run your household in winter without spending exorbitant amounts. You can also teach your kids to switch off the lights whenever they leave a room.

Spend More Time Outside 

Spending time outside means you won’t use energy in the house, but simply not switching appliances on isn’t exactly a solution. However, you can combine reduced energy usage with an eco-friendly garden that allows you to source fruit and veg from your backyard. 

You can also create environmentally friendly gardens. Rather than mowing the lawn to a pristine condition, leaving a patch of wildflowers will attract bees and butterflies, giving them much-needed sustenance and helping them to pollinate other plants. 

Upgrade Your Appliances 

If you haven’t upgraded your appliances since moving in, now is the best time to do so. As your appliances, whether your fridge or washing machine gets older, they become less efficient. Pipes and filters become blocked by dust, meaning the unit needs to work twice as hard. 

You can clean these appliances first and see if that makes a difference, but a modern energy-efficient unit will make the essentials easier to maintain. You will still consume energy, but they will not use as much, which means you save money on energy bills and reduce overall consumption, which is environmentally beneficial. 

Running Smoothly

Running a household is far from simple. Once you have cleaned one room, you must attend to another issue somewhere else. Your kids also don’t understand why they don’t need the lights on during the day. While they will learn in time, you can take steps to make your home a more sustainable place, doing right by the environment and creating a happy and healthy home. 

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Moissanite vs Lab Diamond Rings

Lab created diamonds have risen in popularity in recent years as people are seeking out ethical engagement rings. It poses the question: What is the difference between moissanite rings and lab diamonds? Luckily enough, we have the lab grown jewellery experts from Lily Arkwright here to run you through the main differences between these two gorgeously similar gemstones because there’s a bunch! 

To begin with, lab diamonds and moissanite are not the same gemstone but they do in fact share similar visual properties. 

So what exactly is moissanite? 

Moissanite is one of the world leading alternatives to gemstone but extremely rare to find, first discovered in 1893 by acclaimed French scientist Henri Moissan. He found traces of the moissanite gem in a crater in Arizona that was created by a meteorite that fell to Earth. The crystals in moissanite are composed of silicon carbide, and because of their origin, natural moissanite is incredibly rare. Moissanite is a rare and precious gemstone made of silicon carbide that works as a beautiful alternative to the traditional mined diamond engagement ring, and is a wonderful option in its own right.

With a striking similarity identical to a diamond, the brilliance of moissanite is reflected in its unbeatable ranking for durability, radiance, brilliance and colour. 

What are lab diamonds? 

There are no chemical, physical or visual differences between lab diamonds and mined diamonds, therefore the quality is still an amazing standard of UK fine jewellery. As the name suggests, lab diamonds are created in a lab through recreating the extreme temperatures and high pressures which occur in the Earth’s crust where natural diamonds form.

There are no differences to be seen by the naked eye. You can be sure to receive the same fire and brilliance displayed in the finest of naturally mined diamonds. 

Durability of moissanite and lab diamonds? 

As lab diamonds are 100% real diamonds, they share the same chemical composition as natural diamonds which includes the hardness of the gemstone. It is common knowledge that diamonds are the hardness mineral on the planet and lab diamonds share the same score of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is used to measure the hardness of a mineral based on scratch resistance. Moissanite on the other hand is also extremely durable with a score of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making moissanite a perfect option for engagement rings, ideal for everyday wear. 

Moissanite and lab diamonds are ethical and sustainable

Have you ever considered where your jewellery is sourced from? Conventionally, natural diamonds have always been used in traditional engagement rings. However, alternative engagement ring lab grown gems have been on the rise since consumers are increasingly becoming conscious of their purchases. Moissanite for jewellery is exclusively produced in a laboratory, this eliminates the need for mining. Therefore, the overall impact on the earth and communities is significantly reduced. 

Due to the elimination of mining, it means that moissanite has a carbon footprint the fraction of the size of naturally mined diamonds. The same applies to lab diamonds, making them the perfect ethical and sustainable option for your lifetime ring! 

Lab grown rings are affordable 

If you opt for a lab diamond, you receive the exact same brilliant sparkle that natural diamonds have, for a fraction of the price because lab diamonds are roughly 30% less than a mined diamond. 

However, if you’re seeking something slightly unique a moissanite stone choice is a great choice if you’re on a budget. Moissanite equates to roughly 90% less than a mined diamond making it the perfect option for price savvy newlyweds! 

Want to learn more about lab diamonds?

If you are interested in booking a consultation or would simply like to learn out more about lab grown diamond, coloured gemstones or moissanite engagement rings or Lily Arkwrights lab grown collections, please call them on 0161 537 6773, alternatively you can email the jewellery consultancy team at hello@lilyarkwright.com.

Thanks to the Lily Arkwrights team for this really useful insight.