This Father's Day, Dad Rock Turns Retro Into Relevant, Ushering in a New Era

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For a Father's Day celebration, how about frightening your kids half to death with this ultimate dad rock mix? 

Here is the "Ultimate Dad Rock Driving Playlist for Father's Day," which features an intriguing blend of old and new Spotify songs, courtesy of Regtransfers, the private number plate transfers. Let's define "Dad Rock" before talking about the new music that could surprise younger dads. The term "dad rock" has long been used to describe the music that older people, particularly dads, enjoy listening to. It typically consists of classic rock, which is identified by real drumming, guitars, and a genuine rock sound. 

Every generation says that the greatest music comes from the past, and then its tastes are recycled to create the next "dad rock." Now, we remember with nostalgia what was once bold and courageous. The term "dad rock" describes the classic music worn as a show of respect by many dads and even grandfathers. Dad rock is getting more and more popular, as seen by the growing demand for dad rock CDs and playlists. 

However, as fathers age, so does the next generation of "Dad Rock," which may cause some fathers to feel as if they were born in the Stone Age! Nowadays, a number of the Beatles' most well-known songs are categorised as "Dad Rock." 

You may not have realised that these songs were "Dad Rock" 

Limp Bizkit's "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" is too modern for dad rock fans, even after more than 20 years of release. Green Day's "American Idiot" and Blur's "Song 2" both include early 2000s dad rock mainstays. You may be surprised to hear that several songs you may remember—like "Can't Stop" by Red Hot Chilli Peppers and "Morning Glory" by Oasis—are now considered to be in the dad rock category. Unexpected aspects such as Kaiser Chiefs' "Oh My God" concert and Garbage's "Stupid Girl" have been part of dad rock's evolution. Two singles from the 2000s, "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis and "All the Small Things" by Blink-182, have earned a place in the dad rock hall of fame too. 

Add to the evidence that the early 2000s were a turning point in the development of dad rock with the inclusion of covers of Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal" and Sum 41's "In Too Deep" on the list. "Learn to Fly" by Foo Fighters and "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers are two more recent album songs that meet the requirements. Dad rock classics like Fall Out Boy's "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and The Offspring's "Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)" should not be disregarded. Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is a timeless classic, and Bowling for Soup's "The Girl All The Bad Guys Want" is a funny addition. The song "Numb" by Linkin Park, which demonstrates how dad rock impacted nu-metal, closes the evening. 

From which location did the name "Dad Rock" originate? 

When the term "dad rock" initially gained popularity, it was used to mock the musical tastes of the elderly, particularly dads who were avid followers of bands from the 1970s and 1980s. Imagine a father addressing everyone who would listen while sporting a frayed tour t-shirt and jeans, declaring, "They just don't make music like they used to." The term "dad rock" originally appeared in internet forums and music reviews in the new century, referring to older classic rock tunes that were mostly popular with men. It was said that your musical preferences became irreversible at a certain age, usually around twenty. 

The "Dad Rock" issue often surrounded artists like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Eagles in the 2000s. But the definition of the phrase changed throughout time. The moniker, which was formerly thought to be fairly derogatory, is now seen as an honour by many. Dads embraced it, taking immense pride in being seen as "dad rock" heroes. These were the songs that summed up their early years, went along with their carefree childhood, and eventually provided comforting background music for their family life. 

Given how straightforward "dad rock" is, it has a certain allure. It isn't exclusive to any one genre or era. While punk, grunge, and heavy metal gained popularity in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, classic rock may have started in the 1960s and 1970s. In other words, if you're old enough to be a dad, the music you used to enjoy with your kids has become known as "dad rock." It is a dynamic goal that evolves with each generation. 

The real 'Daddy Rock' 

When the Ford Fiesta was first released in the 1970s, what kind of music was available on its speakers then? It might feel like a very long time ago but much of the music is still being played today and can be called a "dad rock" classic, so this Father's Day why not take your kids or grandkids for a drive and tell them all about the music you and your father loved!

Driving Instructor Discusses The Most Common Driving Test Faults

 

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A driving test represents a major step during our years as a young adult, and it’s often accompanied by a considerable amount of nerves for both the test-taking teen…and their parents! To help lessen these anxieties, Regtransfers, a provider of personalised number plates, partners with Sophie Stuchfield, an experienced driving instructor. With a rich experience of 15 years teaching students and an online presence as @TheOnlineDrivingInstructor, Sophie imparts key advice on the most common faults made in UK driving tests over the past decade.

Observations at Junctions 

Starting off at the top, Sophie highlights the need for vigilant observation at junctions - the leading fault seen in driving tests over the past ten years. “If you don’t pay close attention to road markings or road signs, you may be completely unaware that you are approaching a junction,” she warns.

In fact, an examiner may need to intervene in these scenarios. “If you miss a junction, your examiner may have to step in verbally or engage the dual control brake to manage the vehicle’s speed or bring it to a stop.”

Sophie also highlights the importance of carrying out proper checks when leaving a junction: “A single glance isn’t enough; confirming that the road is clear is a really important step before joining it.”

Mirror Checks During Direction Changes

Mirror checks should be carried out before signalling, turning or changing speeds. The "Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre" process should be second nature to learners by the time they take their test, but it can easily be overlooked under the stress of test pressure.

Sophie emphasises, "Focus on your wing mirrors when changing lanes or moving around obstacles. Check the corresponding wing mirror for the direction you’re heading." She relates these common mirror-related errors to the stress of being assessed, where learners might lose focus on their natural hazard management, and instead be concerned with how their test is going.

Right-Hand Turns at Junctions

For executing right-hand turns at junctions, Sophie insists on strict lane adherence. "Remain in the proper lane at all times, irrespective of the traffic situation," she advises.

She further explains the importance of proper positioning: "Approaching the turn, if there is no oncoming traffic, drivers will often drift to the wrong side of the road before turning. It’s really important to stay on your side of the road until you reach your point of turn".

Invictus Flooring

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Easy to Maintain, Affordable and Stylish 

Are you looking for luxury flooring that is easy to maintain and stylish, yet still budget-friendly? Look no further than Invictus Flooring! As one of the top leaders in laminate vinyl tile (LVT), this company has something for everyone. From traditional wood look styles to modern ceramic designs, these flooring options are certain to make any room look beautiful. Their family-friendly solutions allow anyone to transform the look and feel of their home while staying within a reasonable price range. In short, there's something perfect for every taste when it comes to Invictus Floorings' selection of high-quality LVT products! 

Why Luxury Flooring is Right For Your Home 

Luxury flooring is the perfect flooring option for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their home. With a variety of styles, patterns, and materials to choose from, you can find the perfect flooring to complement any room in your home. Whether you're looking for a traditional hardwood floor or something more modern like marble or concrete, luxury flooring options will not disappoint. Not only are they beautiful and durable, but they also add value to your home. So if you're looking to upgrade your flooring, consider investing in luxury flooring for a chic and stylish home. 

What is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)? 

When it comes to flooring options, you may have heard of hardwood, tile, or carpet, but have you heard of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)? This type of flooring has become increasingly popular due to its durability, affordability, and versatility. LVT is made up of multiple layers, including a clear protective layer, a high-definition print layer that mimics the look of natural materials such as dark grey vinyl flooring stone or wood, and a thick vinyl core for added stability. Unlike traditional vinyl, LVT is available in various sizes and shapes, making it easy to customize and create unique patterns. Plus, it can even be installed over existing flooring, making it a great option for quick home renovations. With the advantages that LVT offers, it's no wonder it's becoming a go-to choice for homeowners and interior designers alike. 

How to Install Invictus Flooring 

Installing new flooring can be a daunting task, but with Invictus Flooring, the process is easier than you might think. The first step is to ensure that your subflooring is clean, dry, and level. Next, measure the room to determine how much flooring you will need, adding 10% for cuts and waste. It's important to acclimate the flooring to the room's temperature and humidity before installation. Then, start laying the boards, making sure to stagger the seams to create a cohesive look. Use a tapping block and hammer to secure the boards together, and trim the edges as needed. With the right tools and a little bit of patience, even a novice DIYer can successfully install Invictus Flooring and transform the look of their space. 

Easy-to-maintain Care Suggestions for Invictus Flooring 

Taking care of your floor shouldn't be a daunting task, and that's why Invictus Flooring has made it easy for you. To ensure its durability, all it needs is a few simple steps. Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to keep it free of debris, this will prevent scratches and stains. When cleaning, avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials and use pH-neutral products. For spills, wipe them up immediately with a damp cloth. And if you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to prevent damage to your Invictus floor. These easy-to-follow steps will keep your Invictus Flooring looking as good as new for years to come. 

The overall Advantages for Invictus flooring 

Invictus luxury flooring is the perfect solution for busy homeowners looking to turn their homes into something special. It's ideal for families and pets because of its durability and easy maintenance while also maintaining a luxurious look and feel. With Luxury Vinyl Tile, you can rest assured your floors will be resistant to water, stains, scratches, and more, ensuring your home truly stands out amongst the crowd. What’s more? Installing Invictus flooring is surprisingly easy- no matter what type of project you’re attempting. Finally, with quick and manageable care tips like vacuuming regularly, using protective mats and chair pads as well as cleaning spills as they happen – your new luxury flooring can look amazing for years to come. Invest in your future with Invictus flooring today!

The Distinctive Season for Vinyl Flooring

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Rain, snow, and heat affect how you design your home. Not many people factor it in, but how the weather is outside has a great influence on how you want to live inside - which goes to the walls, the ceilings and naturally your floor. It is here that all interior designers recommend a cost-effective, easy to install and wholly durable option - luxury vinyl flooring.

Each different seasons bring about it's own challenges to your flooring-

Spring

The Spring weather can go one of many ways; nice and sunny or bleak and rainy. No matter how it falls, the Distinctive flooring range of vinyl flooring has the built-in tools to handle it all.

Spring is a high rain-tested season, providing more than its fair share of water risk from wet clothes or footprints soaking through carpets. This makes vinyl a much safer and more satisfying solution. Distinctive offers a 100% waterproof manufactured design, where moisture in the air cannot breach the floor planks or tiles and seep through to damage the subfloor.

Luxury vinyl flooring provides a quick with the sunny outlook for your living room during the Spring.

Summer

With the hot season upon us, outside activity is high for homes with small families. This poses a fair amount of challenges to carpets or real hardwood floorng options.

Other types of flooring can become a victim of grass stains and children tearing through the home forgetting to take their muddy shoes off. Distinctive vinyl ensures that your flooring is protected with the safeguarding of scratch-proof design and easy to clean wear layers - so your kitchen and living area remains glorious with minimal effort. During the summer months, it's good to know humidity will not affect your flooring and cause tiles to come loose or rise.

Laser Hair Removal Tips For People With Dark Skin

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Laser body hair reduction has time and again surpassed the popularity of all traditional hair removal solutions like waxing and shaving. In this context, it is good to know that the treatment is being improved with every passing year and this is one of the many reasons why the treatment is now considered safe for people with all types of skin.

Back in the day, people with dark skin could not get laser hair removal but that has now changed.

How Laser Hair Reduction Treatment Can Benefit People With Dark Skin?

 

As per the opinion of an expert associated with a leading laser hair removal London clinic, people with dark skin can get a lot of benefits from this treatment. For starters, laser body hair reduction treatment helps people with dark skin to not only reduce body hair in their skin but at the same time, reduce razor bumps. On top of this, people with dark skin will also get respite from hypo-pigmentation and hyperpigmentation.

Hair follicles treated with a laser will not get inflamed – the common after-effect of traditional body hair reduction solutions like shaving and waxing and it can also help people with dark skin to witness an overall improvement to their skin’s texture.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella - A Brilliant Musical!

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Back in October my husband and I took the girls up to London to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella and straight off, I'll tell you, we all loved it! It truly is the most brilliant show, but I suppose you'd expect that as I've never seen a bad show written by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It was also a bonus that we were able to use a Theatre Tokens gift card I had been given for my birthday in the summer. 

This musical comedy show is loosely based on the story that we all know but don't be fooled into thinking this is a panto or anything like Disney's version of Cinderella. This one is much more adult in content and it has quite a few laugh-out-loud moments. I think it was so clever the way that Emerald Fennell recrafted the story; there are still all the poignant moments of the original show that we know - the mean stepmother, the glass slippers, the Fairy Godmother, the clock sticking midnight and the handsome prince, but there are also clever twists and a deeper tale. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber describes David Zippel's lyrics as "hugely witty" and he is so right. There were many bits in the songs where I looked at my husband with wide eyes and smiled! The witty and racy lyrics were just perfect to engage my teenage daughters that had come with us, but I wouldn't advocate the show for children under about the age of 12, as they just won't get some of what is going on. There were a number of occasions when children sat close to us were heard asking their parents what was going on, or why people were laughing. Here is the official trailer, to give you a little taste.

      

Occasion Wear for Teens from Femme Luxe

 

{This is a paid collaboration with Femme Luxe}

No matter your age you want to feel comfortable and beautiful in the clothes you wear and when you're a teenager you don't have infinite amounts of money to spend on fashionable clothes, so it is great to be able to go to an online shop like Femme Luxe which has a massive selection of on-trend clothes at really reasonable prices.

Miss M's friend El was happy to help us out with modelling some new items from Femme Luxe. With it being winter she wanted items that she could wear over Christmas to parties, ice sharing with friends, Christmas shopping in London and maybe a meal out with her boyfriend. Luckily Femme Luxe can provide for all occasions. 

Let me show you what E chose. 

Black PU Faux Leather Long-Sleeve Button Detail Blazer - £22.99

I'll be honest when I opened this blazer I wondered what E had chosen as it just looked really crumpled, but after a couple of days on a hanger the creases from being folded had dropped out and just look how amazing it looks on her. She choose to team it with a lovely bright red top and stonewashed jeans for an elegant look that will work well for a special day trip out or maybe a date. 

It's a double-breasted jacket that you can wear undone or done-up and it has 2 front slant pockets. It is super lightweight to wear and feels comfortable. Available in sizes 6-12.

2022 The Perfect Year for a Trip of a Lifetime - Four Ideas

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We've had a really tough couple of years thanks to Covid and most of us have had to cancel trips and holidays, which has been miserable but necessary. Thankfully, as the vaccine program has rolled out and more has become known about this disease we are able to travel more freely again. This is like music to my ears as there is nothing I love more than travelling to a new place or country and exploring somewhere new and exciting.

With a serious dose of wanderlust, I've spent a very enjoyable few hours fantasising and researching where I could travel to next year if money was no object. Sadly, for me, money does play a part in the choice of where I can travel to and therefore if I want to make any of these trips a reality I'll need to play the Lottoland online lotto with the hopes of winning a few million pounds! Or even up to £188 million if I play the US Powerball. Just think what you could do with that kind of money, nothing would be an obstacle again, you could live off the interest!

Here are four trips that I would love to take, all a little different, but each one uniquely special -

1.  See the Wildlife in Costa Rica

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My husband is an enthusiastic wildlife photographer and it would be his dream to see toucans up close and personal. A trip to the Tortuguero National Park and the Toucan Rescue Ranch would be amazing and would also allow us the opportunity to see wildlife that is native to Costa Rica (or the Rich coast as it translates) such as sloths, hummingbirds, jaguar, puma, sea turtles scarlet macaws and crocodiles.

Costa Rica is a country of great diversity and as well as the wildlife we could indulge in some thrilling activities such as white water rafting, zip-lining and cave tubing. It doesn't all have to be action-packed though as there are plenty of white sandy beaches with warm tropical waters where we can enjoy some downtime and the beautiful sun on our faces. 

Getting Autumn Cosy with Femme Luxe

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The weather has definitely made a turn towards the colder climes and the trees are now starting to change colour, so we know Autumn has arrived. With the change of weather comes a desire to stay home and be cosy, especially for one of my twins, Miss E. She got a nice new double bed about a month ago and I can hardly get her off it, or even out of it now. Her bedroom really is her sanctuary.

Femme Luxe gave Miss E the chance to choose some new clothes that she can be snug in this Autumn. They have a wide selection of loungewear, joggers and hoodies to choose from and practically every colour of the rainbow. I think she made a great selection of items and the colours all tone so well together. 

What is the Best Flooring for Everyday Peace of Mind?

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Life tends to be hectic no matter who you are. You may work from home or be constantly outdoors but there are times when you just need to relax without finding distraction from the next thing that needs your attention.

For nine out of ten people your space to destress and relax will be a room within your own home. So it is important that the room is well decorated and has flooring that helps you to unwind and feel calm. You'll want comfort in both how the flooring feels underfoot when you walk on it, as well as what you can visually see and of course, how little time you have to invest in looking after it.

Thankfully you can find a great solution for all your needs with luxury vinyl flooring, such as the lowest price Amtico flooring.

Less Cleaning

When choosing a new floor covering one of the first thing you are going to consider is cleaning the floor. There is no denying this is a major concern for anyone looking to install new flooring and have a simple life.

Whilst many people begin to look into what carpet cleaning devices and chemicals they required and others want to ensure their flooring for damages, Amtico vinyl flooring provides some peace of mind guarantees. Such as, it is super easy to clean simply with warm water and a sponge or mop. You can clean up spills of food or drink, or even trampled-in dirt in moments. 

Also, there is no chance of spilt water seeping through the floorboards to your subfloor due to the moisture-resistant manufacturing process. Both of these factors are reason enough why many households choose Amtico vinyl flooring.

Comfort Levels

Luxury vinyl flooring provides you with a natural cushion feel underneath your feet and it lends itself as a perfect partner for underfloor heating, meaning you'll be snug and warm in your home.

Unlike other types of flooring which could rise or bubble due to temperature changes, vinyl will stay in place and keep it's professional look. Also, the cushion quality of the Amtico vinyl flooring increases the safety of household objects that would usually smash when dropped. That means plates, glasses and ornaments have a higher chance of bouncing than being destroyed upon impact if you do have a little accident. 

Larger Selections

No need to be intimidated by the sheer size of the selection you have of the lowest price amtico flooring as you can quickly narrow down your choices and there are enough designs to guarantee you the right flooring for your needs.

Whatever home look you enjoy, that allows you to relax, feel safe and spend time without worrying about your home, you can have it the way you want with luxury vinyl tile flooring.

Making an Inexpensive Letterbox Gift for Fathers Day

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After a year of hardly being able to see anyone other than those we live with, I have become an expert at sending gifts and care parcels by post, but what I learnt early on was that it can end up costing a fortune. So, the way to do it cost-effectively is to send letterbox gifts. You can still make a really nice personalised gift but do it on a small and lightweight scale.

I send mine via Royal Mail and second class post, and this currently costs me £1.53 for a parcel up to 250g and £1.99 for up to 500g. The dimensions of the box need to be a maximum of 2.5cm thick, and up to 25cm wide and 35.3cm long. You can make your own boxes (if you're clever at that sort of thing), recycle ones you've been lucky enough to receive or I buy mine for as little as 30p each.

With Fathers Day coming up in the UK in June, I thought I'd show you an idea for making a letterbox gift to send to your Dad or a man you love like a dad. The great thing about making something like this, rather than buying it, is that you can make it really personal and include things you know the recipient will love.

Keeping the Creativity Going Post Lockdown

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I think we are all feeling optimistic now that the end of lockdown is insight. The UK roadmap out of the restrictions may be slower than some of us would like but it looks like it might actually happen this time. Thank goodness for the scientists who developed an effective vaccine so quickly and for the task force who have done an amazing job rolling out the vaccine effort. Add that to community testing and we have a much better handle on the damage that Covid can do in our country. 

Whilst some of us are raring to go and for normality to resume, there is also the chance to think about what habits we have developed over the last year that we want to carry on with us into our new normal of everyday life. With more time at home in the last year and not so many places to go many of us have taken to crafty pursuits and been really creative. 

For me, and I suspect for many others, creativity has been a wonderful outlet for expressing myself in this difficult time. So here are some suggestions of ways to keep the creative juices flowing in the coming months as we can go out more and do more things.

1.  Create with Others

Once we can meet our friends again, why not set up or join a crafting circle/ group. There are plenty of groups like 'Knit and Natter' or the W.I. where groups of like-minded women meet and create things together, but with separate projects. Do a shout-out in your local area Facebook group, ask in the library or keep an eye on community notice boards. I bet you'll find loads of groups already established, or set something up yourself if it isn't already there. It doesn't have to be complex, just 3 or 4 women meeting in a coffee shop to crochet together. 

DIY World Book Day Costumes on a Budget

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It’s nearly World Book Day, which means it’s time to start thinking about costumes. And with 40% of us parents choosing to make our kid’s costumes, according to a recent survey from Kiddi Caru, it’s time to turn to the arts and crafts, and for some, even dig out the sewing machine.

Whilst the majority of parents seem to enjoy making costumes for their children, dressing up for this event can soon rack up in costs, as over half of parents surveyed admitted to spending up to £30 on their child’s World Book Day costume. But if you’re on a budget this doesn’t have to be the case. We’ve put together some of the most popular costume ideas for World Book Day and given you an insight into how to create these characters’ looks easily and cheaply.

Read on to find out more about our top tips and tricks.

Harry Potter

According to the survey by Kiddi Caru, Harry Potter is expected to be the most popular costume for this year’s World Book Day. And it’s easy to see why, as it’s a pretty simple costume to pull off. Pair some grey trousers, or a skirt, with a white shirt and a V-neck jumper, and you’re already most of the way there – plus you’re likely to already have these items in your child’s wardrobe.

If your child wants to be in the Gryffindor House, then make sure to also include a red and gold tie. See if a family member has one in a similar style to borrow, or you can use some fabric paint to draw the stripes onto a plain tie. Simply change up the colours if your child would prefer to be in Ravenclaw (blue and silver), Hufflepuff (yellow and black) or Slytherin (green and silver). You could also make things even easier for yourself by using felt, which can be stuck onto a coloured tie, or added as a trim of your chosen House colour to their jumper.

If it’s Harry Potter that your child wants to be, then add some round lens-less glasses that can be bought online for an affordable price, or make some from a piece of card. Add a black cape that can also be handmade (see below) and draw a lightning bolt on their forehead using a makeup pencil, and the costume is complete.

But the wizardry costume ideas don’t have to stop at the main protagonist. Add some funkier glasses and unusual clip-on earrings to create Luna Lovegood, or re-use a wizard costume from Halloween, with the addition of a fake beard, for a Dumbledore-inspired look.

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An Easy Guide to Understanding Allergies

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{This is a paid collaboration with Klarify}

It's reported that over 20% of the UK population is affected by one or more allergy (1) nowadays. I find this a staggering figure and the growth has been rapid over the last few decades. I suspect none of us have managed to go through life without being impacted by allergies. One of my earliest memories is of my Nan being stung by a bee whilst we were shopping on a summers day. Within 30 minutes we were calling an ambulance for her as she had gone into analphaltic shock. It was a scary experience that has stayed with me and reminded me never to underestimate the potential severity of allergies.

I, personally, had manged to live an allergy free life until I was 41 and developed asthma; my GP and I believe this was bought on by the gasses and pollen emitted from the rape seed fields that I had moved close to and decided to take a walk though to appreciate their beauty. Even with a pretty mild case of intermittent asthma I've realised that there are life changing implications of having allergies. 

What is an allergy?

You can go through most of your life allergy-free and then all of a sudden your immune system is exposed to something new and it becomes sensitised and can go on to evelop an allergy. Simply put, an allergy is an overreaction of your immune system to a substance that is normally harmless. The first time you are exposed to this substance, that we'll now refer to as an allergen, your immune system memorises the particular structure of the allergen so that it can produce specific IgE antibodies in defence. This is called sensitisation.

Each time in the future that your body is exposed to this allergen it will produce IgE and some people can go through life sensitised to a substance/ allergen but never experience any symptoms and thus it is not an allergy, as they don't have any outward or adverse impact to being sensitised.  Other people will have symptoms and thus they have an allergy. Your allergies can flare u and subside throughout your life. 

The Whole Family Can Go Greek: Child-Friendly Holidays to Greece

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I have to be honest, when I think about child-friendly holidays Greece isn't the first place that comes to mind but actually, when you start to investigate and look a little deeper Greece is a wonderful place to take all the family. Be it the mainland or an island, there is such diversity of the places to visit. Some of the islands are developed and ready to embrace British culture and families, but others still remain traditionally Greek and very unspoilt.

Greece has everything that you need for a stress-free family holiday - sun, white sand beaches, beautifully clean and warm seas, hotels with children's clubs and amazing pools, friendly locals, stunning villas and history in abundance. Alpharooms have a good guide to Greece for you to check out.

Here are a few of my Greek highlights for places to stay and visit -

Crete

This is one of the largest Greek islands and has something for everyone, couple this with its low crime-rate and it is an island where you can feel safe to take your family. Across the island you have Acqua Plus for waterpark thrills, Dinosauria park for the younger ones and amazing underground caves at Dikteon. Depednign on the age of your children, one of these is sure to be a hit. 

You also have the beach lagoon at Elafonisi which many hail as the best beach in the whole of Greece, and there are hundreds and hundreds of islands with amazing beaches, so that is no easy accolade! It is exceptional as it is a long narrow peninsula with white sandy beaches on both sides. At times to reach the island you have to walk through the sea and of course kids love the excitement this brings. 

Enjoying Ye Olde Oak Hot Dog Fajitas

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I don't know about you but I get quite bored with trying to come up with different meals that all the family will eat, whilst not taking too long to prepare. Of course, I enjoy a good roast dinner or a slow-cooked casserole but sometimes I just need a filling and wholesome meal that I can put together in 20-30 minutes.

Fajitas is one of my go-to meals as all the family like to be able to get hands-on and make their own choice of what will go in their wrap. We range from Miss E who likes a fairly plain wrap with meat, sour cream, cheese and sweetcorn to my husband, who will pack a little of everything in.

In past times we have normally opted for chicken in our fajitas or we've had veggie ones with sweet potato and mixed beans, but yesterday we tried something new and had hot dog fajitas. Hot dogs may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fajitas but I know all my family enjoy them and let's be honest, they are a really cheap way of adding protein to your meal.

Femme Luxe - Perfect Clothes for Relaxing during Lockdown

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I had a call from the girls form tutor at school today to ask how they were and if they were finding this lockdown time difficult? I had to be honest and say no, they were loving being off and just acting as if they had the longest summer holiday ever!

Of course, it helps immensely that we live in a gated community with 220 acres, so they can go swimming in the lake, climbing on the low ropes course or cycling through the woods. Also, being twins, they always have a playmate and that is great. As young teenagers though, neither of my girls want to be outside and being busy all the time.

The one thing they really do miss is their friends, so chatting via zoom, Instagram or FaceTime are essentials for them and I often come into my lounge or bedroom to find them lounging about and talking very loudly.

One of the things I've found a bit tricky since lockdown is that the girls both seem to have had a growth spurt and whereas we'd normally pop along to the high street and pick up some clothes, we can't do that right now, so online shopping has been a lifesaver. We've ordered from a couple of the high street stores that we know well and I'll be honest, I've been really disappointed with their delivery times and choice of courier.

Review - Azul Board Game: Great Fun for all the Family

{This is a collaborative post & as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, 

any affiliate links will be marked with #ad)

During this Coronavirus lockdown, we have been so lucky to have a new game to play. I was first introduced to the board game, Azul (#ad) in February when I played it with a few friends and I was hooked from the start. It seems to retail for around £32 - £35 but I came across a brand new copy on eBay for £12 so I was very chuffed with that. Read on for our Azul review -

Azul is suitable for 2 - 4 players and adapts well to whichever number of players we've tried it with. I think 2 player is probably my favourite though as the gameplay is quicker and feels more exhilarating. It says it is suitable for ages 8 plus, but our friends have it too and they play with their 6 and 8-year-old daughters, so the concept is quite easy to grasp, but they may just need a little help with the scoring.

The box contains:
100 Resin Tiles
4 Player boards
9 Factory displays
4 Scoring markers
1 Starting player resin tile
1 Linen bag
1 Rulebook

The aim of Azul is to score the most points by placing various coloured tiles onto your game board, over a number of rounds. It sounds simple but there is actually a little more to it than that, the skill is in deciding which tile/s to pick up each turn and where to put them to gain the advantage against your opponent/s.

Set-up is super easy and the instructions are clear and give all the details you need. My 12-year-old twins had it mastered after one game and have played it dozens of times since. My 16-year-old has also joined them a few times to play and he plays a more cunning and devious game, as he likes to strategise and project where others might want to go. It is certainly more challenging when he is playing.

The quality of the board and tiles is really good. They are sturdy and feel like they will last a very long time. You get a large bag with the tiles, to hide them whilst you deal them out at the beginning of each round and that it is a bit flimsy and has already lost one of its strings in the first week. I really can't moan though, given the £12 price tag I paid.

Azul has only been on the board game market since 2017 and in 2018 it won the Spiel des Jahres award, making ti the board game of the year, a highly coveted accolade in the board gaming world. This seal of approval means that board gamers the world over agree with me and find it a fabulous fun game for all ages. That engages but is easy to learn and play.

Gameplay takes about 30-40 minutes and again that makes it very easy to play, or you may get hooked like us and still be playing 3 or 4 games down the line. There is also a more freestyle version of the game on the back of the game boards, but we haven't tried that as yet.

As I just had a look on Amazon I was pretty excited to see there are two newer versions of Azul as well - Azul Stained Glass and Azul Summer Pavilion, so I know what I might be buying if this lockdown goes on for too long!

(#ad) Azul is currently for sale on Amazon for £37.36

If you want a good instructional video on how to play Azul, rather than reading the instruction booklet, have a watch of this one, it is clear, concise and very accurate.



Why not pin this post for later?

Can you believe Cashback can be exciting? It is with Boom25...

We all love money for nothing and that's why more and more people are signing up for cashback sites, but with traditional sites normally only offering between 1 - 10% cashback on your purchase (and that's if they don't catch you out with some reason as to why that purchase wasn't eligible) its not likely you're going to get rich overnight.

However, I've learnt about a different site, offering a different way, and Boom25 certainly is exciting and may just help you along your path to riches. If you're a gambler and like to take a risk then Boom25 might work perfectly for you, as you could win back the whole cost of the purchase you've made. So if you're spending around £2,500 like I did with Oak Furniture Superstore a while back, you could literally win every penny of that back, just by going via the Boom25 site.

That sounds pretty great doesn't it? And I suspect you might be wondering what the catch is, but there isn't one. To open an account with Boom25 costs you nothing, you only have to give them minimal information and they will never charge you anything, ever. The only risk you take is not getting the traditional 1-10% back from a regular cashback site. So for example with my £2,500 purchase, if I got the 1% cashback, I could have made £25 but if I went via Boom25, I have a 1 in 25 chance of my whole purchase cost being won and paid back to me. Of course that means I also have a chance of getting nothing, but that is the excitement and where the name comes from - it's boom or bust!

Pink Parcel Monthly Box to Cheer You Up!

{This is a collaborative post}

Talking about female health has been a taboo for too long, but regular readers will know that I aim to change that. Everything that goes on with the female body is natural and we can't help having periods, or excessive bleeding, or maybe even catching an STD but we can normalise these things and make sure we get the help we need. I've already had one TCRE for my menorrhagia and will have another next month.  I've never had the need to go for an STD test as I've been with my husband for such a long time, but it might be different for you and I'd encourage you to book for a full STD test panel if you know that it might be a different scenario for you.

I'm very keen to help my young daughters to be open about their female and even genital health, and back in November,  they received a Bettybox each. This is a box aimed at young girls who have started their periods and need a little pick-me-up at 'that' time of the month, as well as their practical sanitary protection, needs too. You can read our review of it over on Mummy from the Heart but in short, we all loved the concept and the girls felt really special. At 10 years old they are both still a little young to actually need the Bettybox as yet but I have promised them I will get them a box each to celebrate when the time comes. Not because we'll need the towels (because we have so many of those now) but because you get a fabulous range of goodies in every box, that is worth so much more than the £12.99 price tag.

I liked the Bettybox so much that I then ordered myself one and after finding a code online the box cost me just over a tenner and I was able to choose sanitary protection that suits my needs. As before, I loved this box and all the wonderful items that came with it but what was best was the free voucher inside to get myself a Pink Parcel. The older sister of the Bettybox and a monthly subscription box designed for ladies like me, Pink Parcel is also £12.99 a month (or it will work out a bit cheaper if you sign up for 6 or 12 months).

Then as well as the freebie box, I also received one for me to try out and review, so now I have duplicates of everything and you know what? I can never have too much sanitary protection and I have twins, so my girls will be super pleased to receive some of the goodies as a little pressie each in the new year.

With the Pink Parcel, you can personalise your box to choose the sanitary protection that suits you. The box can be just tampons, just towels or a mix of the two and the items are always big, well-known brands like Always, Tampax and Lil-lets. I choose to have Lil-lets super heavy flow tampons and I received 21 of these, as well as 6 towels for night-time extra protection and 7 tiny knicker liners (that I'd never use in a million years as my flow is far too heavy). I think this is a good amount to receive each month.

As you can see you get a pretty cotton bag 'for now' and this had some tampons and your panty liners in it. Then a box 'for later' and this has loads more tampons in it and a 'for bedtime' box with bigger towels.

However, the really exciting bit is the 'for you' box and here is what I received in the December 2017 Pink Parcel 'for you' box -

I was very pleased with all the health and beauty treats that I received in my parcel. There are well-known brand names and good size products. I received -

• English Laundry Signature Purse Spray (£16)
• Maggie Anne Nail Polish - in Metallic Silver or Gold (I got one of each! - £10.50 for 11ml)
• POM Secret Santa Snowflake Earrings (£8.00)
• The Beauty Crop 3 Amigos Eye Shadow Trio (£8.00)
• So Susan Mesmer Eyes Liquid Eye-liner (£18.99)
• Sanatio Naturalis Sweet Orange Aromatherapy Oil (£15.00 for 10ml)
  
• Fudge Kitchen Orange Caramel Fudge Square
• Whittards Earl Grey teabag (Just one!)

I make this just under £80 worth of goodies, so I think you can say that is a pretty awesome bundle for just £12.99 or in my case this month totally for free!

I worked out that the sanitary protection is about £3's worth, so that means I had effectively paid £9.99 for the £80 'for you' box of products and I think this is great value. Having looked at many reviews and past packages online it looks as if the quality of the items sent is always as good as the ones I received and as such I can imagine I'll be treating myself to these boxes again!

Disclosure: Thanks so much Pink Parcel for sending me out a box to review, I've really enjoyed it. I have not been instructed what to write and I remain honest.