Project 365 - Week 19/52
6th May 2018
7th May 2018
8th May 2018
9th May 2018
10th May 2018
11th May 2018
12th May 2018
We've had glorious weather for most of the week, so as per usual we've spent so much time outside enjoying it. That being said I had to keep Noah off nursery all week because he's not been well, he caught some sort of viral infection. He's had a bad chest, cough, temperature and runny nose. It wasn't fair to send him in and midweek both Ava, Nick and I caught it too. We've all been so poorly! Despite the bugs we've still done a lot this week, with a trip to the spring fair, trips to the park and the paddling pool has been out again too. We still aren't 100% but we are hoping we'll feel better by Tuesday as we are going on holiday! We are so excited, cold or no cold!
What have you been up to this week?
What have you been up to this week?
Making Your Home Safe For Your Family
From time immemorial, teaching kids routines has been considered a best practice for instilling discipline within them. Even the legendary philosopher, Socrates, would approve! At a young age, it’s pretty easy for kids to gain constructive habits that can help them transition effectively from childhood, into adolescence, and eventually adulthood.
That being said, here are a couple of great security habits that kids can pick up from the word go! Keep in mind that these habits will help them become responsible adults in the future, and eventually help them avert the dreadful feeling of ‘learning from experience.’
Picking up after themselves
This is a pretty neat routine to help the kids build a sense of responsibility for their stuff. Putting their toys back in their respective positions, helps them develop the sense of looking after their possessions.
Learning How to Operate the Home Security system at an early age
At a young age, it is essential to teach the kids basic security measures like locking the door. In fact, one should even teach their kids how to use the alarm system the right way! As they get older, they can get into the habit of enabling and disabling the alarm every time they attempt to exit and enter the house. Having an easy passcode in place can make it possible for the child to build up this habit. Verisure Alarm Systems are my go-to - they offer up a wide selection of alarms and a plethora of help and advice.
Having the habit of not answering the door or phone when an adult is not present
This is one habit that most parents have mastered by teaching their kids at an early age. Moreover, it should transition to answering the phone. If the parent happens not to be at home, the kids can be taught to take a message in order to obtain the caller's details.
Another important rule that kids should be taught at an early age is never to tell the callers that they are home alone. When strangers with a predatory nature are privy to such information, they might pay your kids a most ‘unfortunate’ visit. This also applies when answering the front door. In such an event, if someone rings the doorbell, then they should first look through the peephole to confirm who it is. Thankfully, with wireless doorbells that have integrated video cameras with cloud storage and face recognition, the kids can see who is at the door while safely in the house. If they do not know the person, then they should not open the door whatsoever. That being said, if one would like to add a wireless doorbell for extra security to protect their kids at home, you can look into purchasing the best wireless doorbell for your home.
Teach the kids important skills to respond to an emergency
If there are young kids, it’s essential that they learn how to use the phone in case of an emergency. For instance, they should be able to make 911 calls to all emergency services using their mobile phone. This might just save their lives in the event of a fire or a serious accident!
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The Benefits of the Arts in Education
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Some people think of the arts as an inessential embellishment to the curriculum, a light-hearted pastime between more serious subjects. This attitude has led to the arts receiving decreased funding over the years, resulting in children having less exposure to creative fields in their formative years. In reality, art education actually provides a multitude of benefits for children and can aid their personal development and academic success. Take a look at the following insights from a theatre school in Hertfordshire to learn more.
The arts allow children to explore their sense of self and unlock their potential. Experimenting with different creative outlets challenges children to step out of their comfort zone and nurtures their self-esteem. Performing arts are particularly useful for building confidence as children will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of an audience, cultivating their presentation and communication skills.
Visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, and drawing also help promote self-esteem as children have a certain amount of creative authority over their work. This allows them to develop independence and initiative as they will have to look within for inspiration, rather than simply following set guidelines or instructions. As children see their skills improve over time this will give them a sense of accomplishment and will teach them the value of persevering with a project.
Not only do the arts fuel personal development, they can also fortify core academic subjects. Art brings topics to life and makes subjects more accessible to students with different learning styles. Exploring history through art and music gives students a deeper understanding of historical periods and appeals to those students who struggle to absorb information from textbooks.
Performing arts incorporated into the study of literature immerses students into the writing and breathes life into the characters. Maths can be explored through studying shapes, angles and symmetry in artistic mediums such as painting and sculpture. Art has the benefit of providing a more holistic approach to education, allowing students to visualise and engage with topics they might otherwise struggle to grasp.
PJ Masks Romeos Lab Playset - Review & Competition
PJ Masks has got to be one of our favourite children's TV shows. There's just something about those pint size, PJ wearing superheros that have us tuning in at every given opportunity. With being such big fans of the show, we've love the toys too and were so excited when we were given the chance to review the new PJ Masks Romeo's Lab Playset. I made the mistake of telling Noah that he was going to be reviewing this and he asked for updates every single morning, and every time I picked him up from nursery. When it arrived he was so excited yet waited patiently as I got everything out of the box and ready for him. This did take some time too, bless him!
Once opened we were really impressed with the playset, it really has the wow factor! Romeo's lab is on wheels and once inside there are two levels of play to discover. Included with the set is a light and sounds control panel, a rolling lab charger, working crane, laser launcher, robot, set of three tools and of course a Romeo figurine.
Our favourite feature has got to be the light and sound control panel as it's the perfect place for Romeo to create his next plan of action. The kids enjoy pressing the buttons and hearing all the different sounds and phrases from the famous characters. Another great feature is the laser launcher which can be set up ready for the PJ Masks to attack. The three little tools are a great addition but keep an eye on them as they'll be very easy to lose.
What else is great about this play set is that additional PJ Masks toys can be used with it too. For example, a few months ago we reviewed the PJ Masks Turbo Blast Racers and these are perfect additions to go with it. With these additions, I watched Noah catch Gekko in the crane and then Cat Boy came to the rescue! Once defeated Romeo packed up his lab, closed it all up and drove off. The lab was on the move and Romeo was making a break for it!
We're really impressed with the Romeo's Lab Playset! It's such a fantastic quality toy, one which has really kept Noah and his friends busy and entertained for hours on end. It's suitable from 3 years+ due to the small parts, is available at Argos and retails at £49.99. This might sound pricey but if I'd had paid that price I'd be really happy it, it's well worth the money.
To celebrate the launch of this fantastic new toy I have a competition for you guys! How would you like to win a PJ Masks Collectible Figure 5 Pack? To enter simply watch the video above, then use the Gleam form below. Good luck and don't forget to enter my other blog competitions!
We're really impressed with the Romeo's Lab Playset! It's such a fantastic quality toy, one which has really kept Noah and his friends busy and entertained for hours on end. It's suitable from 3 years+ due to the small parts, is available at Argos and retails at £49.99. This might sound pricey but if I'd had paid that price I'd be really happy it, it's well worth the money.
Terms & Conditions.
1. There will be 1 winner who will the prize mentioned above.
2. Prize sent directly by the PR.
3. Competition ends 10/06/18.
4. Incomplete entries with be disqualified.
5. UK entries only.
3 Gift Ideas For My 30th Birthday
Yes, you read it right, it's not long until it's my 30th birthday. In just 8 days time I'll be turning the big 3-0 and waving goodbye to my 20's! I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet, but to be honest I'm trying to not think about it. Back when I was a teenager I thought that people in their thirties were ancient, so it freaks me out to be almost that age myself.
This year however, we'll be spending my birthday in Majorca. I really think that having a bit of sun, sea and sand, with a jug of Sangria hand will help keep any midlife crises at bay, and will be the perfect way to celebrate the big day! Being on holiday for my birthday, with my partner and our two children is the best present I could have ever ask for but I've been asked to put together a few ideas too. I think I'm quite easy to buy for but for some reason I'm told otherwise. This post shows my top three gift ideas which may give you a little inspiration if you are struggling with gift giving too.
This year however, we'll be spending my birthday in Majorca. I really think that having a bit of sun, sea and sand, with a jug of Sangria hand will help keep any midlife crises at bay, and will be the perfect way to celebrate the big day! Being on holiday for my birthday, with my partner and our two children is the best present I could have ever ask for but I've been asked to put together a few ideas too. I think I'm quite easy to buy for but for some reason I'm told otherwise. This post shows my top three gift ideas which may give you a little inspiration if you are struggling with gift giving too.
1. Micheal Kors Handbag
Now this is a little materialist and rather indulgent but I've always dreamed of owning a Micheal Kors handbag! Maybe it's because of the years I've spent lugging around a hefty baby changing bag which has made me lust over a serious upgrade? I think it's the perfect time and excuse to totally indulge and add a touch of luxury in my life.
Now this is a little materialist and rather indulgent but I've always dreamed of owning a Micheal Kors handbag! Maybe it's because of the years I've spent lugging around a hefty baby changing bag which has made me lust over a serious upgrade? I think it's the perfect time and excuse to totally indulge and add a touch of luxury in my life.
I've always wanted to book a couple of experience days but I struggle to know which to go for, there's so much choice! The Perfect For Her Gift Box is the perfect way to treat that special lady in your life, whether it be your Mother, Grandma, Sister, Auntie or best friend. It allows them to choose their own experience, from gourmet lunches and spa days through to tours and zip lining. There's an experience for everyone and Tinggly have received some fantastic reviews.
3. Coco Mademoiselle Chanel Intense Perfume
I've been a fan of Chanel perfumes ever since I was gifted my first bottle of it on my 18th birthday. With this in mind it delighted me to hear that they are about to release a new version of their signature and classic scent. I've read that it will be similar to the original, with notes of Sicilian orange and bergamot but it's a more sophisticated and mature scent. I have to have this, I need it!
What gifts are on your birthday wishlist this year?
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