Home & Holidays

garbage-3259455_1920

2 comments , , ,

I need to stop throwing my life away in 2020

This is something I know I should have done a long time ago, and I’m quiet ashamed to admit I haven’t changed my ways. Until now! In 2020 I vow to stop throwing my life away. What do I mean by this? I’m going to stop leading such a disposable lifestyle! I am super guilty of buying things that are disposable for ease of cleaning or storage and I realise now it’s a terrible way to be. With baby number 2 due in around 12 weeks I’m taking a vow that this year I will do away with all things disposable. From nappies, to cleaning wipes, food cling film and foil and dare I admit it even throw away foil baking trays! This has got to stop I know. So I am reaching out to you, what things do you have in your home that used to be disposable but now aren’t? Give me inspiration on where to start. I’ve seen some fantastic beeswax reusable food wraps I’m going to order for the pack up boxes as well as more durable glass water bottles to slow down plastic consumption too. Another thing I will need to do is research local recycling centres like bottle banks and tin can recycle stations as I feel when my boxes get full I find myself struggling to recycle and the odd item slips into the normal bin, again naughty I know but we should be provided with bigger recycle bins. Update I have just contacted my local council and there is a recycle station in my local Morrisons which is two minutes down the road from me. So if you wants to know where your local station is don’t hesitate to contact them they were super helpful. So i’m going to end this post here and go on an online mission to find my first purchases, if you have any reusable items you love please drop them down below. TTFN T xxx      
gift-553149_1920

0 comments , , ,

Do Children Need A Main Gift At Christmas?

This year I am suffering a major case of mum guilt so Im hoping by tapping out this post I am going to either get some reassurance or help other mums along the way.

It’s the time of year where we can all be guilty of playing keeping up with the Jones’, out doing the friends and neighbours with what we buy our children just to feel like a great parent.

Well this year I am really up against it! Funds are low due to lack of working due to what you may have read in my previous posts  and the fact that my house looks like a toy shop already and we with be adding another child to it in the new year.

So my question to you is Do children need a main gift at Christmas?

Our son has an abundance of toys even after taking lots to charity and car boots throughout the year and he already has the usual main gifts from previous years of

  • Bikes
  • Scooters
  • Ride On Car
  • Tablet
  • DVD player
  • Shop
  • Kitchen

You name it our boy has it all so there isn’t really anything large that he needs, but now one week before the big day and I am feeling the guilt. He doesn’t have a main present for Christmas!

What would you do? Give your head a wobble and head out a grab and expensive gift quickly or stop being so hard on yourself and be happy with what he has?

All he has asked for this year is Toy story toys and Pen lids ( Don’t ask lol an ongoing joke as his felt pens have gone dry)

Help mums do you have a main gift EVERY year?

TTFN

T

xxx

 

img_0548

0 comments , , ,

3 Plumbing and Drainage Issues That Can Turn Into Emergencies

We will all experience plumbing and drainage issues in our homes from time to time. The issues are inevitable, but it ishow they are addressed that is more important. Someplumbing and drainage issues can develop into major problems if left unattended, it will not only cause massive inconvenience, it can also result in some fairly expensivebills. 

 The first thing that many people noticed when they have a drainage problem is a foul smell in the air. Aside from upsetting the neighbours, a blocked drain can also be unhygienic. Although not generally a very serious problem, it is important to contact a drain clearance specialist as soon as possible. The blocked sewer experts at 24/7 Drainage Solutions is one such company that can be relied upon to get to your home or business premises quickly and rectify the issue. Aside from blocked drains and sewers, there are a number of other issues that may arise that you might not be immediately aware of. Three common issues are listed below in no particular order of importance:

 1. Trees and Roots – Although many of us have trees in our gardens, they can be invasive and cause damage if not carefully managed. The tree roots will naturally seek out any moisture in the ground and if this moisture is emanating from around your pipes, there is a chance they will cause damage. A good drainage expert or plumber should be able to remove any roots from near the pipes and prevent the problem from reoccurring.

2. Poor Elevation At Foundation – Whilst not immediately noticeable to the homeowner, if left untreated can impact upon a home’s interior and lead to foundation failure in a worse case scenario. An experienced drainage expert should be able to identify a suitable course of action to address this issue.

 3. Collapsed Drains – The first sign you may notice if you have a collapsed drain will be signs of damp on your walls or floors. It is important to call a qualified drainage specialist as quickly as possible. Constantly blocked toilets can be a sign of a collapsed sewer pipe, so again prompt action from a drainage expert is highly recommended.  

 There are of course, a multitude of other drainage related issues that can arise at any time, day or night, so it’s important to have the contact details of a trusted and reliable drainage specialist who can diagnose any problems and make recommendations as to how to rectify them.

Hiring A Drainage Specialist

Before you hire a drainage specialist, it’s important to make sure they are qualified to do what is required. Of course, some issues can be solved with a plunger and drain rods, but if you suspect a bigger problem, you will definitely need to contact the drainage experts. For instance, if water is accumulating in your basement, installing a sump pump drainage system can help prevent flooding by directing excess water away from your home.

Most drainage companies will offer a 24/7 emergency call out service. You might not need their services now, but you’ll be glad to have their details at hand when you do need them. A drainage company that is local to you is also important as they will be able to get to your property more quickly than those from further afield.

Have you had any drainage issues which have caused damage to your home?

TTFN

T

xxx

*** This is published is partnership with mediabuzzer***

 

 

img_0547

0 comments , , , ,

Why I Want To Take My Son To Florida While He’s Young

This year was the first year that we have taken our son abroad and he is nearly 4 years old now.

I was nervous that he would not been keen on travelling and the long waits and delays that travelling can bring, so for our first trip with did a short 4 hour flight to Side -Turkey.

Our son absolutely smashed it! He didn’t moan once or ask the dreaded “Are we nearly there yet” I partly give credit to the amazing hand luggage bag that I packed for him with loads of fun items but a post about that will follow shortly.

Since undergoing this holiday we have decided within the next year to 18 months we are ready to take an adventure to Florida while Our son is still young.

Here are a few reasons we want to visit Florida while P is young.

  • The magic of Disney is so much more intense when a child is young and Florida hosts the best Disney experiences in my eyes
  • Going to Florida in term time can save a lot of money so we would like to go wild P is not in full time education so we can make the most of going when most kids are at school
  • While he is still young enough to go in a pushchair we can go on long sight seeing walks without him saying he cannot walk for long because Orlando is more than just theme parks. It also offers ample shopping opportunities, restaurants and nightlife. For those of you who are culture vultures, Orlando is also inundated with art galleries, gardens and a thriving arts scene.
  • P loves beaches right now he loves making castles and paddling in the see which I know as I got older I found boring but right now he could spend hours on the beach. Florida has many beaches to visit. As a peninsular, most of Florida is beach-lined. However, the creme de la creme has to be along the Gulf Coast to the west. With 210 miles of brilliant white sandy beaches backed by rolling dunes to choose from, you’ll soon see why Florida’s beaches draw visitors all year round.

I love the fact there is always deals on Florida available if you check out the right sites and companies. If you want to visit Florida check out Ocean Florida for some amazing deals as well as to take advantage of the free dining packages which can save you a fortune on your holiday for 2020.

Have you visited Florida with a preschooler? What would you recommend to do with them?

TTFN

T

Xxx

***This is a collaboration post***

britain-2938_1920

1 comment , , ,

5 Places to take your child in London

Accounting for 54% of all tourist spends in the UK, London, with its unmistakable sights and culture, is clearly the main point-of-interest for visitors in the country. If you’ve got a child, and are wondering what some of the best places are to take them in the capital, then why not take a look at this list of 5 places to take your child in London.

Hamleys Toy Shop | Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop

The oldest and largest toy shop in the world, Hamleys stands alongside Harrods and Selfridges as one of the most popular destinations for those wishing to spend in London. With over seven floors, and everything from stuffed bears to robots, there is surely an item to make every child’s day, and also no doubt a few things that will put a smile on the adults’ faces too. For something a bit more traditional, Covent garden hosts another toy store, Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop, which specialises in Victorian-era puppets and theatres.

Remember, shopping in London can be expensive, especially if you’re spending time in a toy shop with a child! Make plans for how much you can afford to pay on bits and pieces throughout the day and give your son/daughter an allowance for how much they can have. This can prove to be a great way of teaching your child about money from a young age.

Did you know? Shopping in London is not the only thing that costs a lot of money. Due to the concentrated amount of people living in and around the capital for work reasons and alike, it is an extremely expensive place to live.

For the price of one house in London, buyers can get three in an area such as Liverpool or Manchester, and it’s for this reason that property companies such as RW Invest are offering listings in these popular northern areas.

 

Hyde Park

Particularly in the summer, when the weather is on your side for a change, taking your children to one of London’s many parks for a picnic or play can be a great way to take some time away from the overwhelming congestion of the city. Hyde Park is a great one to go for, as it has plenty of space, it’s close to the centre of the city, and there’s even a play area for the kids to go on.

 

Open-top bus tour

When thinking of the best way to travel around the city, the famous London tube probably springs to mind. However, handling up to five million journeys a day, the underground can be a tricky place to navigate at times, particularly for tourists with children. Instead, why not opt for one of London’s many open-top bus tours instead? With a great view of the city’s landmarks, on a route that goes around in a loop, not only can you jump on and off as you please, but it saves a lot of tiring walking around. Most bus tours have guides or built-in audio guides to listen to as you ride around, which can be an excellent opportunity for your child to learn about the history of the capital city.


Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Here’s one for the football fans. Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium, opened only a couple of months ago in April this year, is a massive stadium with over 62,000 seats, one of the biggest in the county. Its state-of-the-art grounds are opening up for guided stadium tours in July, allowing fans to go behind the scenes this summer.

With a bowl design inspired with American football stadiums in mind, to retain high visibility and atmosphere, and even a hybrid turf-surface to make the stadium useful for other sports in the future, it’s an impressive feat to view, and located just outside of London for easy access when visiting.

What is your favourite thing to do in London with Kids?

TTFN

T

xxx

*** This is a collaboration post***

 

img_3970

0 comments

Should You Hire An Interior Designer Or A Decorator

If you currently have a renovation project on the go or a new build, you may be getting to the point where you are starting to think about the interior of the building that you are creating. You have an excellent opportunity to decide whether you are going to use the services of an interior designer to set the space of your building apart, or whether you are going to do the design yourself and use the services of a professional decorator to create your dream space. Below is a summary of some of the options that are available to you and you may also enjoy reading some of the information that you can find online.

 

Hiring An Interior Designer

 

When you hire the services of an interior designer, they will sit down with you and go through all the options that are available and try and work out your tastes and what it is that you want. Once this stage is complete, you will give them a budget, and they will start the process of creating a unique space within your home. They will not only look at the decorating of the house but will also look at the furnishing as well. Whether they choose to furnish your space with the latest antiques and collectables from LoveAntiques or go for a more modern look will depend on both your tastes and budgets. Many people find that working with interior designers can be frustrating, so it is something that you will need to consider carefully before taking the plunge.

 

Hiring A Professional Decorator

 One of the benefits of designing the interior of your space yourself and hiring a professional decorator is that you can put your mark on the decorations and make it personal to you. You can also choose the furniture that you like to furnish the space with and ensure that it not only looks great but is also comfortable. A professional decorator will give you advice but ultimately the design is all up to you, and they will follow your instructions. As such, you will need to think about what you want carefully and make sure that you are 100% sure before you ask them to start the job, it could prove to be expensive if you change your mind halfway through the job! However, hiring professionals can be costly, so if you are looking to do things a bit cheaper, then you still have options available to you.

 

Designing & Decorating Yourself

 

If seeking the expertise of professionals on decorating is way out of your budget, you can also choose to save money and do both the designing and decorating yourself, which will most assuredly put your mark on the space that you are decorating. Benefits of doing it this way are that you have time to experiment and see what works best before making up your mind. The job will most likely take a little bit longer, but once finished you will also have a sense of achievement which you would not get if someone else did the job for you, and you also get to save money as well! 

 

For excellent tips and tricks on designing and decorating the interior of your home, you may want to check out some articles you can find online. There are articles that will explain to you how the professionals do it.

TTFN

Trini

Xx

***This article is published in partnership with Mediabuzzer ***

kitchen-2165756_1920

13 comments , , , ,

5 Tips To Maintain A Clean and Tidy Family Home

Being a mother who works as well as looks after the home can be super hard one. One thing I struggled with in the beginning was keeping the home clean and tidy with a toddler running around and into everything.

Now my son is 3 years old I have learned tips and tricks along the way that may be of use to some of you.

  1.  Antibacterial sprays – Kids touch all kinds of filthy things then rub them around the house. I always make sure I have anti bac sprays to clean all surfaces and door handles at the end of everyday in a hope to not spread too many germs.
  2. Storage Solutions – Toys can soon take over the house and make it look untidy and keep them clean and off the floor storage solutions are key. My preferred type of storage are cube shelves were you can organise the toys into categories and give them a wipe down on a night before putting them away all organised ready for the next day.
  3. Minimal Carpet – A major change we had in our home after kids was removing any unnecessary carpets around the home. Kids spill drinks, have accidents when toilet training and crunch food into carpets and the idea of that gives me the chills. Laminate Flooring was the answer for us. A steam clean surface which dirt can be vacuumed, swept, steamed and easily seen has meant we can keep hidden dirt and germs to a minimum.
  4. Make a Rota – Some cleaning things like skirting and Sils can sometimes be overlooked until its too late. By making a rota of what you clean and when means everything will be done on an even cycle. Like my mum always said if everyone did a little, no one would have to do a lot. I find this method better for spreading the work load rather than spending all my work free weekends cleaning.
  5. Green Clothes- I Love to do my bit for the environment, some times in the house you need to change some items regularly to keep a clean sweep but that doesn’t mean we need to throw everything away. Rather then buying throw away clothes I have built a stash of well designed clothes and scowerers that will last for years to come if they get washed as per instructions. My top tip would just to always wash the cleaning clothes on a high heat on there own and run a cleaning cycle after you have done them.

What do you do to keep your home clean and tidy?

TTFN

Trini

xxx

*** This is a collaboration post but all words are my own***

hare-4093851_1920

12 comments , , , ,

What To Do This Easter Holiday

The kids are off school and the sun is shining what better way to spend your time off work and school then with some well deserved family time.

Over the years we have developed a few traditions of our own to do over Easter, so here is some inspiration for your family too.

The Hunt Is On

Without a doubt a tradition of ours and I’m sure thousands of families is a good ole fashion Easter Egg Hunt.

Nothing is more fun then seeing a child hunting high and low in the hopes of finding some chocolate treats. Our hunt included things for all the family from Cadbury, Divine Chocolate, Tesco and Crayola…. Who knew crayola did Easter Eggs.

These brands were perfect for our family as the Divine chocolate was rich and luxurious for us adults and the Cadurys creamy and fun for the kids.

Bake-Away

With lots of spare time on our hands over the weekend we decided to make some lovely Easter treats for friends and family as we love to bake. It just so happened that we ended up hosting a cake stall full of Easter treats that we donated all proceeds to a local charity for children in need.

It wouldn’t have been possible to make the amount of cakes we did on the scale we did without the use of the fantastic Vonshef Stand Mixer. This amazing mixer made making 300 cupcakes seem effortless. It comes with everything you require to make amazing cakes, breads and doughs.

The mixer is super modern and ties in with my existing kitchen appliances and fits in seamlessly on my worktop due to the sleek design. Normally when making cupcakes my kitchen is dust filled room of icing sugar but thanks to the super hand splash guard my clean up time is now minimal. It has a wide range of speeds and my favourite feature is the stainless steel bowl. Now making Ganache doesn’t make a thousand pots and pans!

Keep an eye on the blog for my Creme Egg cupcakes recipe as well as many more. These were a hit with buyers and people love them.

Bounce Into Summer

With the weather fairing up beautifully we spent a lot of time outside but also took advantage of some inside activities that would normally be ram packed on rainy days.

Our local trampoline park offered 99p entry over the weekend which make a family few hours off really affordable for all families. Not to mention the exercise we got while there working off all the chocolate treats.

Its worth checking out indoor activities social pages over the summer to see what bargain deals they are offering to entice you in!

What did you get up to this Easter

TTFN

T

xxx

*** I was lucky enough be to gifted some lovely items included in this post but all views are honest and my own ***

76E7708C-EC93-4457-B640-EA0C47915AEB

0 comments , , , ,

Family Activities To Do In Liverpool

One thing that is my guilty pleasure is I absolutely love going for weekends away, whether it be as a couple, as a family or with the girls.

Recently we have been exploring what things there are to do in Liverpool as a family.

Liverpool as so much to offer for people of all ages but especially for people who like to explore new places and take advantage of what they have on offer.

Liverpool ONE has a massive variety of things for the family do to and here are just a few of the things we plan to do on a future trip.

Dinosaurs Unleashed

I’m sure anyone with a toddler a similar age to mine is no stranger to Andy and his Dinosaur adventures. Well there is a Dinosaur unleashed event happening very soon which I know my son would love, and more than likely daddy will too.

Build A Bear

Parker has collected build a bears from being tiny as they are the most beautiful hard wearing bears with a lovely story behind them being made.

Build a bear is hosting a workshop that tells you more in-depth about each stations as you learn to make your Bear. The more time Parker spends in build a bear the happier he is so this is win win.

Eat at Ed’s

One of my favourite chains when we go to large cities or shopping centres is Ed’s Diner.

Our nearest one is an hour away so when we get near one we jump at the chance. My inner soul is American I swear as I cannot get enough of the American diner style fried tasty goodness!

Night at the Museum

Museums are my other half’s secret pleasure so when we know there is one we make a conscious effort to visit.

Liverpool has many museums including a British music experience one which sounds fab! This one we would prob visit while P Is napping in the buggy after all the fun! I will be gutted when he grows out of his mothercare one it’s so compact and great for trips like this.

Have you visited Liverpool before?

If so what were your favourite bits?

TTFN

Trini

Xxx

*** This is a Collaboration post but all views are honest and my own ***

bathroom-1336167_1920

1 comment , , , , ,

Essential Tips for Designing the Bathroom

Its coming up ten years in March since we moved into our current home and with that in mind I have possibly wanted to update the bathroom for the last 5 years.

After having children and being on maternity leave funds become stretched and prioritised.Since returning to work and starting a business the funds are slowly becoming available to make this happen. Here I share with you essentials tips for designing a bathroom.7

Make A Plan

I am for sure one of the fly by the seat of my pants people. I make purchases without a second thought and don’t do enough research generally. That being said home renovations and bathrooms in particular can be quite costly, so planning for this one is key.

Visit A Showroom

Find a showroom who stock the types of styles and brands you are looking to incorporate and visit their showroom. If your close to Harrogate why not Visit Bathroom showroom in Harrogate. Showrooms offer great inspirations and ideas into what the whole completed project could look like as well as a feel for if you like it on a larger scale than a flat lay picture.

If your a shower person check out Insignia Shower Cabins for some great inspiration.

Modern Living

Choose a style of bathroom that’s as modern so if won’t feel out dated just a few years down the line. A purchase as big as this you want it to last a fair while. Choose whats right for you and your long term needs. Buy toilet, sink and baths that are in a neutral colour that you love, for example, then it will really last.

Set A Budget

We all know one of the most common falls outs between partners is the money. Set yourselves a maximum budget that you can comfortably afford and agree together that you will not exceed that.

DIY

If you are handy and can do a few things around the home yourself, do it. Its surprising the amount of costs of renovations that can purely be made up of the labour charges. As long as it’s not something that will cost you a tonne to repair if it goes wrong, I am all for a bit of DIY.

Utilise Space

Make sure you make the most of the space you have to work with. I found the best way to do this was to have a play around on an app when you can get the blank lay out of the room and move around all the fixtures and fitting you want to have on the plan.

Storage Is Key

I find storage makes miles of difference to a bathroom being cluttered or clear. There are some great storage solutions available whether it be some space-saving hooks on the back of a door, to an under sink cupboard. Work out what storage you need in terms of what you have to keep in the bathroom. TIP – I keep all toiletries in my dressing room so as not to have a “busy” bathroom.

Trust The Trader

If you do need to hire in a professional make sure you gather numerous quotes and really get a feel for the person. After all they will be making your dream a reality and getting paid a hefty sum for doing so. We have all seen cowboy builders haven’t we so please go about hiring a skilled trades person down the correct avenues.

If you have updated your bathroom what tips would you give me?

TTFN

Trini

xxx

*** This is a collaboration post***

 

 

«‹ 5 6 7 8 9 ›»
Back to Top
BritMums
TOTS100 - UK Parent Blogs
TOTS100
© Trinimamabebe 2026
Proudly Designed by 9to5WebDesign

Disclaimer Trinimamabebe uses affiliate links. Affiliate links means that sometimes if you click through to a website and register or purchase something, I get a commission from that sale at no extra cost to you. All opinions and reviews are my own.