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Mamma Fairy

Features

The Benefits of Drama Lessons for Students

Drama lessons offer so many benefits to children. They help to build confidence, develop communication skills and increase creativity.

Drama is a statutory part of English in the National Curriculum for England and it supports many other academic skills. It also allows children to develop personal skills, which they can carry through to adulthood.

I have teamed up with an independent school for boys in Buckinghamshire to explore more of the benefits associated with drama lessons…

Confidence

child reading

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Drama lessons are an ideal way to develop a child’s confidence. Speaking clearly and confidently doesn’t come naturally to everyone. However, this can be taught and practiced through drama.
Drama lessons also require children to perform in front of their classmates; this can also help to boost your child’s confidence. It gives students an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone in a safe and structured environment.

Teamwork 

Drama lessons encourage teamwork. The ability to work as part of a team is a crucial life skill for youngsters, because it helps them to form friendships and put differences aside in order to reach a goal. Furthermore, in drama students will experience different opinions and perspectives, as well as receive feedback and advice.

Empathy

Drama lessons help children to understand more about the world around them. By exploring different cultures and lifestyles, children tend to become more inquisitive. What’s more, by acting out a variety of different emotions and experiences, children are able to become more appreciative of how others think and feel.

Production

For those children who are not happy to take centre stage, there are other important tasks they can learn through drama. For instance, they could help to make costumes or get involved in set design. School shows also provide an opportunity for students to help with lighting and sound. Furthermore, children will learn about famous plays and movies and may even write a script of their own!

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Home & Interiors

Kitchen Renovation tips

As you may have read already on the blog we have undertaken quite a mega renovation project. In fact you may say two large renovation projects in the last five years – our home house – mega undertaking and a smaller renovation on our holiday home.  I remember starting out on this journey and my dad said to me to buy the best you can afford in terms of tech and functionality and if im honest I didn’t fully appreciate how good this advice was until now when we are almost complete on both projects.

For us the kitchen was the biggest undertaking as I knew I wanted a large kitchen which would be the heart of our home. Our kitchen gets a lot of compliments and if im honest I can take very little credit for its transformation. My husband who does work in the construction sector, very much took the reins here. However, what I can say is I have learned a huge amount from this project and im more than happy to share the tips and tricks I gleaned on this journey.

  • Budget – the kitchen is can be a costly project therefore very important to know how much you are willing to spend plus a little contingency for the unforeseen.  Stick to it!!
  • Theme – know the style or theme you want to go with it. Be that rustic old school or cool and contemporary and stick with it. There is often a temptation to sway to the latest fads for part of it which then ends up a jumble with little or no consistency.
  • Electrics – I am no expert in this but you can never have too many sockets! We installed the USB ones too which are a god send. Love them.
  • Plumbing – We had no choice but to move some of the  key plumbing elements and let me tell you….this is where you can loose a huge chunk of your budget and not see much for it. Take advice for the experts here and cost it out versus your budget.
  • Doors/ Windows -Similar to the plumbing the glazing can be a huge part of your budget however the difference is with the glazing you will be looking at it day in and day out so you would want to like it! Key here is to balance, look, functionality and the best your budget can afford.  Always look for reputable suppliers. For me I wasn’t prepared to scrimp on my bi-fold doors.  I envisaged on a nice day opening the entirety of the back  of my house out and having almost one mega seamless indoor-outdoor space. We did push the budget for the doors we really wanted and we are still absolutely thrilled with them.
  • The work flow – This sounds like im stating the obvious but do give time and consideration to your preference for the flow of the kitchen and the workspaces included in it.
  • Lighting – Somewhat linked to the above, I like good lighting for my key work stations and as well as being functional it can add to the mood and the theme of the kitchen.  Lightening can even function as a statement piece.

The below should hopefully give you some tips to go on.  If you have any other useful tips please do drop them in the comments below.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post.

 

Features

Back to college tips for students

I have been involved in the education sphere for over 10 years now and this time of year I would often get a lot of questions on preparing for returning or starting college. However this is a start/ return like no other and tech will really be at the forefront of this and  choosing the right college tech is going to be more important than ever before. Irish brand Mint+, one of Ireland’s leading providers in smartphones and home tech has revealed five top tips for students to consider when purchasing their college tech essentials. They have very kindly let me reproduce these tips below.  Check out www.mintplus.ie for a wide range of back to college  tech offers including, ipads, iphones, smart watches, home tech and more!

Mint+ Back to College Tech Tips include;

  • Memory – Make sure to buy a laptop or iPad that will stand the test of time. Remember whatever you buy needs to last for the duration of the course, so when buying a brand new laptop or refurbished iPad make sure it has enough storage space to store all your college assignments, lecture notes and whatever else needed over the duration of your course. Saving your files down on the cloud will keep documents  safe for years to come and free up some extra space on your device.

Mint+ Top Tip – if buying an iPad make sure it has at least 64GB space to  ensure you don’t run out of storage space any time soon.

  • Size – While it looks unlikely that university students will be returning to lecture halls anytime soon, buying a lightweight, transportable iPad or laptop is important to ensure you get the most use out of any device. There is nothing worse than having to carry a heavy laptop or an iPad that does not fit in your bag. If your iPad or laptop makes your college day a little bit more awkward, the likelihood of it being left at home is high!

Mint+ Top Tip – Buy a small iPad or laptop that is easy to transport and is lightweight.

  • Functionality – Be logical when choosing a new device, buying the latest and greatest products on the market can get very expensive. Buying an older model of an iPad saves a lot of money but does not downgrade the quality of the device. The latest advances in laptop and iPad technology aren’t huge and you won’t notice the differences in a model that is slightly older in comparison to a brand-new device.

Mint+ Top Tip – Do some research into the device your thinking of investing in before purchasing.  Compare the functionalities of brand-new devices with devices that are a few years older. Differences between slightly older devices and brand-new devices are not huge and buying the latest models on the market may not be worth spending money on.

  • Think Green – Like fast fashion, technology and the production of smartphones and other devices has a huge impact on the natural environment. Buying refurbished or pre-owned devices can not only save a lot of money, but also helps protect the environment. Pre-owned and refurbished devices have a considerably lower impact on the environment as they do not require the same amount of natural resources, human manpower or international airfreight as brand new devices require.

Mint+ Top Tip – When buying pre-owned or refurbished devices make sure you buy from an experienced retailer who offers you a warranty and is established in the consumer electronics/refurbished device market.

  • Guarantee – Always look for a guarantee with any tech product purchased. It’s not common but faults can occur from time to time, a guarantee will confirm that the manufacturer will repair or replace an item, if a fault occurs within a certain time frame after purchase.

Mint+ Top Tip – All Mint+ iPads and phones come with a one year warranty.

Hoping to ease the financial strain for one lucky student, Mint+ has launched its ‘Back to School Product Bungle Giveaway’, where one lucky student will win all their college tech worth €2,000. The Mint+ bundle giveaway includes a brand-new Apple iPhone 11, an iPad Mini 4, an OtterBox Cover of your choice, Beats by Dre Solo 3 Headphones, Smarter ikettle, an Apple Watch Series 3 and lastly a Google Wifi Home Router, which will ensure the transition of back to college is that little bit easier!

To enter is simple, check out @Mintplus.ie on Instagram and Facebook for details, competition is open until the 30th of September.  Wonder could I enter?!!! What a great prize.

Fairy Travels

Alaska – a 2021 bucket list destination

Back in 2010/ 2011 when we were planning our honeymoon we toyed with an Alaskan cruise. It’s one of those destinations that has always been on my bucket list.  Now that we have two wonderful boys some day I hope to be able to take them and share my bucket list trip with them. Maybe 2021 will be the year.  For anybody sharing this bucket list destination – American Holidays and Royal Caribbean have a mega offering to tempt us back to into the world of travelling again.

Escape to Alaska in 2021 with American Holidays and Royal Caribbean

Famed for its jaw-dropping landscapes, unspoiled natural beauty and incredible wildlife, a holiday to Alaska truly is a once in a lifetime experience. Boasting a longer coastline than all other US states combined, what better way to experience the breath-taking scenery of Alaska than with American Holidays on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Don’t forget, you can now book your 2021 Alaskan cruise with peace of mind with American Holidays’ new Book and Travel with Confidence promise, giving you low deposits, from £/€100pp, up to three free amendments, and free cancellation up to 10 weeks before departure, should you need to make any changes. American Holidays trusted partners have your safety and wellbeing at their core, and all adhere to our robust health and safety audit. Learn more about how you can book and travel with confidence here.

Discover some of the world’s most stunning sights and make memories to last a lifetime as you sail through the wilds of the Last Frontier on your Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Sail on Serenade of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship to sail Alaska, where you can pay a visit to the North Star, a glass pod rising 300ft above sea level from which you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding scenery as you sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point or past the Hubbard or Dawes glaciers.

Ovation of the Seas offers you the chance to experience rock climbing walls and surf simulators to beautiful swimming pools and luxurious spa services, Royal Caribbean cruise ships are the ideal place for you to soak up breath-taking views of Alaska’s unspoiled landscape! Treat your taste buds while onboard, with incredible dining services, whether your craving Far East flavours, family-style Italian dishes, American steakhouse classics, there’s something for everyone onboard.

The amazing experiences don’t stop there. Your Alaska cruise holiday will take you to the port of Juneau, home to snow-capped mountains, misty rainforests, massive glaciers and bounty of wildlife as well as Skagway, the site of the famous Klondike Gold Rush. Anchorage is the state’s largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Take a trip to Denali National Park, the tallest peak in North America! This can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day! Covered in wildflowers, rushing rivers and calm lakes, an up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your holiday.

Whether you’re interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers, whale watching excursions or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska’s inside passage provide a variety of unique outdoor adventures.

No trip to Alaska would be complete without experiencing some of the local delicacies. Alaskan food focuses on using locally sourced ingredients, without compromising on flavour! Try some locally sourced fresh black cod or fresh king crab. Fancy something sweeter? Alaska is famous for its abundance of wild berries so, be sure to try some wild berry cobbler on your travels – you won’t be disappointed!

Get the best of both worlds and combine your Alaskan cruise with a city break with American Holidays…

Family Alaskan Cruise Adventure

Planning a family holiday to remember? American Holidays’ Family Alaskan Cruise Adventure begins with one night in Seattle before boarding Royal Caribbean’s incredible Ovation of the Seas for a 7-night Alaskan cruise.  Firstly, you and your family will arrive in Seattle, a wonderful blend of nature and urban beauty, the perfect city break destination and spend one night here.

On the second day of your family holiday you’ll board the incredible Ovation of the Seas for your cruise to Alaska from Seattle. This is a fantastic cruise ship and the perfect option for families as there are so many amazing fun features onboard. Scale the heights of the rock wall, experience the thrill of a free fall on RipCord® by iFLY®, or catch a wave on the FlowRider® all against the backdrop of the stunning Alaskan glaciers you sail by. Another real highlight will be a visit to the North Star pod which lifts you 90ft above sea level for breath-taking panoramic views of the Alaskan landscape.

On this cruise holiday you’ll experience some of the most beautiful places in Alaska. You’ll sail through Alaska’s Inside Passage which spans 500 miles of shoreline, covering some of the world’s most breath-taking landscapes and wildlife. You’ll stop at the ports of Juneau and Skagway, home to an abundance of exciting outdoor activities for the whole family! You’ll also sail through the Endicott Arm Fjord which is surrounded by granite cliffs, mountain valleys and dozens of gushing waterfalls. Finally, your last stop on your cruise is in Victoria, British Columbia, known as the ‘cycling capital of Canada’, this is the perfect spot for the whole family to rent bikes and explore the area on two wheels.

Take me there…..sounds just incredible.  Starting from €1,699, my interest is seriously captured. Now just to convince my husband……

Home & Interiors

TOP TIPS FOR RERESHING THE GARDEN

welcome sign

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Have you noticed that your garden is beginning to look a bit rough around the edges? Do you look at your neighbour’s garden and feel a pang of envy? Then perhaps it’s time for a refresh. There are plenty of little jobs you can do to give your outdoor space a lift. A really good start is to tidy up the lawns and flower beds, making sure the edges are trimmed and the wilted blooms are removed. It can also be helpful to invest in some good gardening tools like a mower and a Worx cordless blower, just to make those jobs quicker and easier. If the task is dauting it might even be worth considering hiring in some expertise in this area.

To find a quality local service, you could chat with your neighbours for a personal recommendation or even search online to locate reputable and well-reviewed handyman services near me in Houston (or wherever you are!). You are bound to find a wealth of useful options to help you fresh your garden.  Below are some top tips for making your garden look appealing again.

Repair the fencing

Fences are often the forgotten part of home maintenance, but fixing them will make a big improvement to the whole look of your garden.  You may find that the fencing only needs minor repairs.  But if a lot of the panels are broken and uneven, you may discover it’s better to look at replacing them all.  When you’re installing fences there are a few different styles you can go for, but be sure you consult your neighbours before making any decisions that will affect them.

Put up a mirror

With solid fencing now firmly in place, you could look to adding some decorative features to it.  Putting up a mirror has a few distinct advantages.  Firstly, it will add some interest, and secondly it will help make your garden space look bigger.  There are plenty of mirrors on the market that are designed especially for outside spaces, but you may decide to upcycle an old mirror instead.  Whether you go for a country cottage style wooden framed mirror or a cool and contemporary metal edged mirror, it will create an excellent focal point.

Add a simple water feature

Another garden item you could use to create an interesting focal point is a water feature.  Don’t worry, this doesn’t need to be anything as extravagant as a pond.  A container water garden with a small selection of aquatic plants is just as ideal.  Alternatively, there are plenty of ready-made, compact, water features available to buy.  You might prefer this style of water feature if you’re not particularly green-fingered!

Introduce some solar lighting

Finally, it makes sense to add some instant night-time sparkle to your garden with solar lighting.  Whether you hang string or festoon lights from your fencing, or light a path with a set of lights or lanterns is up to you.  Whatever you go for, you will be able to create a magical night-time glow with little effort or expense required.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post
Fairy Travels

A weekend in the Volkswagen California Camper

On a Friday at the end of August, just prior to the schools returning, I earned the best accolade!! Officially declared the best mammy ever! Why you might wonder…….

Well, I announced that we had been kindly offered the use of a Volkswagen California for a weekend. I am sure the squeals of excitement could be heard for miles! I mean what is not to love, the freedom of being able to hit the road and stay pretty much where we wanted. It didn’t take too long to formulate the plan of where to go. The kids wanted to show their cousins so it was decided pretty quickly we would head for quite possibly our favourite place….Donegal.

As luck we have it, we happened on possibly the only weekend where the weather was akin to a mini heatwave.  We packed up Friday after the oldest had finished soccer camp and we were off down the N3 with everything but the kitchen sink, and some very happy kids and adults.

The Volkswagen California 6.1

The model we had the use of was the California 6.1 – 2020 so brand-new version with the very eye-catching two-tone paint work.  That copper bronze is really fab! It has a 2-litre diesel engine with automatic transmission. I am informed that the annual road tax is a very reasonable €102.

Some initial thoughts on the spec

  • The way the space is designed is impressive, a very clever use of space. There is a decent size fridge (42l), 2 ring gas hob, sink, cutlery drawer and an abundance of storage. The front seats swivel around, and the table is pulled up to make it the perfect dining/ chill out space. I could ramble on about this for ever, it’s the little details.  The outdoor table is stored in the sliding door frame, the chairs literally in the boot door. No space is wasted. It’s so ergonomically designed and its ease of use I feel is a big selling point.
  • Its deceptively spacious, from just looking at the outside I didn’t expect to have so much space inside.
  • The kids went wild for the sleep set up. The roof rises (push button electric) and there is a decent size double up there and the two back seats lie flat to form the other double.  Plenty space for 2 adults and 2 kids. The base of the bed can also be pushed up into the roof to allow standing room too. Each window has blinds including very cleverly designed front windscreen blinds.

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Mamma Musings

How to Look After Yourself as a Busy Mom

relaxing with coffee

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Being a mom is one of the most demanding jobs that there is both physically and mentally. This is particularly true during the pandemic when it has been difficult to keep kids happy and entertained while they are off school. Of course, it has also been an incredibly stressful and worrying time for all, meaning the last few months have taken their toll on many parents.

So, how can you look after yourself as a busy mom? Read on for a few ideas which will hopefully help you manage.

Get More Sleep

It is amazing the difference that regular sleep can make, but this is something that very few parents manage for one reason or another. Making sleep a priority and finding ways to improve your sleep (such as not using screens an hour before bed or going to bed earlier) can make a big difference to your physical and mental health.

Have Your Own Hobbies

While you certainly do not have as much time to yourself as you once did, it is still very important that you have your own hobbies which allow you to enjoy yourself and relax. There are many hobbies which are well-suited to parents because they do not take much time and can be done at home, such as:

  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Reading
  • Gardening
  • Painting/drawing

Have Recovery Time

wool jumper

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Being a busy mom can take its toll when you spend all day on your feet, so it is important that you schedule time for recovery especially after full-on days. Go2 compression socks can aid with recovery by improving blood flow, reducing pain and even preventing varicose veins and blood clots. So, these can be a good investment and you can recover with your feet up as you watch TV in the evenings.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

When you spend all day keeping the kids entertained, cooking a healthy meal for the family can feel like another big chore. But a healthy diet is vital not only for your own well-being, but the entire family. Many parents find it helpful to plan their meals for the week and then cook as much as they can in one session, with Sunday often the best time to do this. This will help you to maintain a healthy diet which is important for looking after yourself and your family while also giving you one less thing to do each day.

Have People to Speak To

Every parent feels stressed from time to time, especially in the current situation. This is why it is important that you have people that you can speak to, whether this is other family members, friends or even people online. There are also many great parenting blogs and communities online which can be good places to vent, share experiences, and ask for advice.

Being a busy mom can certainly take its toll, but this post should help you to look after yourself so that you can be the best possible parent and feel energized throughout the week.

Note: This is a collaborative post
Mamma Musings

Is My Child Ready for a Phone?

Mobile phones are a great way for us to keep in touch with our family anytime and anywhere. However, when is the right time to let your child have a phone? Read on for some helpful advice from an independent day school in Abingdon…

The Law

You may be surprised to learn that there is no legal age to own a mobile phone. Therefore, the right age to allow your child to have their first phone is really up to you as parents. To help you decide if your child is ready to own their first phone, ask yourself these two questions:

  • Do you trust your child to use a phone sensibly?
  • And are they mature enough to look after one?

Secondary School

It is common for parents to wait until their child starts secondary school, before they let them have a phone. At this age, children begin to make their own journeys to and from school, and socialise with friends in their spare time.

Which Phone?

social media icons

Pic Credit: Pixabay

If you are considering purchasing your child’s first phone, a basic ‘feature’ phone might be a good option. This type of phone will allow your child to call or text you, without the risk of browsing the web unsupervised. Feature phones are also a cheaper alternative to smart phones, which may lessen the worry of the phone becoming lost or damaged. Alternatively, a smart phone does offer the added advantage of GPS technology. This allows parents to track their child’s location and can even help you to locate your child’s phone if it is lost or stolen.

Phone Safety

If you decide that your child is ready to have a mobile phone, it is essential to discuss the importance of using it safely and responsibly. You should also help your child to set up their phone and add important contacts in case of an emergency. If your child will have internet access on their new phone, be sure to add any necessary parental controls and discuss online safety.

Hopefully this advice will help you to decide when your child is ready for a phone and will also help to ensure they use one safely.

Note: This is a collaborative post
Mamma Musings

Affordable Hobbies To Try With Your Kids

Doing hobbies as a family is a great way to strengthen family bonds and spend quality time together. Hobbies will also allow you to have fun new experiences, learn new skills and make lots of exciting memories. There is an endless choice of low-cost or free activities that you can do as a family. Here are some affordable hobbies to try with your kids.

Cooking

Cooking and baking as a family will teach your kids valuable skills that will benefit them in later life. It is also a fun way to spend time together and educate your kids on the importance of a healthy diet and good nutrition. You can make cooking more enjoyable by giving your kids the freedom to pick new recipes that they would like to cook. You could also try ordering a cooking subscription box from Compass Cooks. These boxes are specially designed to get kids interested in cooking by delivering a monthly food box containing exciting easy-to-follow recipes from around the world.

Gardening

Gardening will encourage your kids to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. It is also a good workout that will help your family get the recommended exercise and increase their overall fitness levels. Along with the physical benefits, gardening also has therapeutic properties and can be a great way to relax and unwind. According to advice on minigarden, you can encourage your kids to try gardening by planting interesting plants and flowers, giving them a dedicated plot in your backyard, and starting a family gardening journal. You can also try growing fruit and vegetables in your garden such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and beets. Once harvested, you can cook tasty family meals using fresh home-grown ingredients.

Hiking

hiking

Pic Credit: Pixabay

Hiking is a cheap hobby that offers fantastic health benefits. Not only is hiking an excellent source of physical exercise, but it can also boost your mental health and wellbeing. This is because exercise releases chemicals that increase feelings of happiness and reduce stress. Going for regular hikes as a family will help you stay fit and allow you to enjoy time outdoors in natural surroundings. You can look for hikes in your local area by searching for recommendations online. Make sure that you choose a route that will suit the fitness levels and abilities of your family and remember to pack plenty of water and energy-rich snacks. Another fun way to enjoy hiking is by visiting a national park. There is a good selection of national parks across the UK and you can take part in many exciting outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking or cycling. You can find nearby parks by visiting the National Parks UK website.

Final thoughts

Having new experiences doesn’t have to break the bank. Trying new hobbies is a fun pastime that has plenty of benefits including learning new skills and improving your lifestyle. There are dozens of fun and low-cost activities that you can enjoy with your family. Try doing the above hobbies with your kids to reconnect and bring your family closer.

Doing hobbies as a family is a great way to strengthen family bonds and spend quality time together. Hobbies will also allow you to have fun new experiences, learn new skills and make lots of exciting memories. There is an endless choice of low-cost or free activities that you can do as a family. Here are some affordable hobbies to try with your kids.

Note: This is a collaborative post
Features

Teaching Your Kids to Respect Other Cultures

Teaching your children about the many cultures of the world is a great way for them to learn how to respect and celebrate diversity. It will also give your kids a deeper understanding of the traditions and customs their school friends may follow. The ability to respect other cultures is a skill that will benefit your child throughout their lifetime.

Here are some great tips from an independent girls’ school in Surrey, on how you can teach your kids to respect other cultures…

Make a calendar

kids globe classroom

Pic Credit: Pixabay

A really fun way to teach your kids about other cultures is to make a calendar of holidays and traditions celebrated around the world. For example, Chinese New Year, Diwali, Hanukkah and Ramadan. Add these events to your calendar and use each one as an opportunity to teach your child about the celebrations that are taking place across the globe. Discuss the people, the religion, the music, the food and any other interesting facts about the special occasion.

Get cooking

Expand your child’s cultural awareness through food. By cooking together you can introduce your child to many different foods from around the world. In addition, your child will learn about various ingredients, utensils and dining etiquettes shared by other cultures.

Watch and learn

Reading books and watching documentaries is an ideal way for your child to learn about different cultures and traditions. Books and media can help to transport us to anywhere in the world and experience new lifestyles. Spend time with your child exploring various cultures online and by reading books together.

Be a good role model

It is important for parents to be good role models and demonstrate cultural empathy and sensitivity. Parents must lead by example and always embrace diversity. If you are not open-minded about other people, you can’t expect your child to be. When your child asks questions, use them as an opportunity to help your child understand and respect cultural and ethnic differences.

 

Note: This is a collaborative post