LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 39/52: AUTUMN DECOR

This week I finally got out our Autumn decor so that I could decorate our fireplace. 

First of all I have to mention the pumpkins. The glittery ones and the two that say boo were poundland bargains I found in store last year. The other pumpkins are a set I found on Amazon. They are great as are ideal for using as props in autumn photos too. 


The leaves are again from Amazon and they come in a pack of about 100. We use them for quite a few different things such as Blake and I used some last year to make a wreath with a paper plate and I use them also as props in photos.


The "It's the most wonder-fall time of the year" print is from Leanne Cornelius Creates. I did buy the frame for it to go into from B&M which was really cheap.



Last of all is this bespoke painted gin glass with tea light which I got from a lovely little business Manor Crafts.


 Do you tend to decorate for fall? 

6 TYPES OF DRIVEWAY SURFACES TO CONSIDER

*In collaboration with Build A Drive 

Driveways have a big impact on your homes kerb appeal. Which in return has a high impact on your homes valuation. So if you live in a home that has a driveway it's definitely something you may want to consider especially if you are planning to move any time soon.

If we lived in a place with a driveway I think it would be important to search for driveway companies near me and so would advise you to do the same. As it's such a big job it's worth while getting a professional to do the job.


 There are many types of driveway surfaces to choose from with many pros and cons to them.
Here are six options you can potentially to choose from:

LIKES & LOVES | SEPTEMBER 2020

September has meant alot about getting back into a routine.  Blake has been too exhausted for us to do much at the weekends. By Friday school has wiped him and all he wants to do is cuddle up on the sofa. I'm starting to get more into a routine again to get housework and errands done giving me enough time to myself each day whilst Blake is in school.  

I've not really brought much this month but I have started on Birthday/Christmas shopping for presents for Blake which I've currently hidden in the attic but I've a few things I've liked and loved this month.

The Handmaid's Tale
I read the book last year and had been wanting to see the series. When I realised it was on Prime I slowly started making my way through episodes this month. I've not watched anything else as I've been mainly all about my books this month but the Handmaid's Tale I've been making time for. I'm enjoying it much more than the book and think its because I can understand a bit more about what is going on.


2020 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN SEPTEMBER

With Blake being back to school I have found once chores and errands are done I'm able to have a bit more time to myself. I've used this time mainly to pick up a book, although i've also checked out this top online casino's

I like for September I've managed to read a good mix of books.  I've included a book I'm planning to read next week as I'm pretty sure I'll have finished it before October 1st. Seven out of the eight books have been for the popsugar reading challenge prompts and I'm pretty confident that I will complete the challenge before the end of the year. 

Lord of the butterflies by Andrea Gibson 
I picked this short poem book for the prompt a book by a trans/non binory author. Lord of the butterflies is a wonderful collection of poems that looks at gender, romance, loss and family. 


REVIEW | GEOMAGS CONFETTI KIT

Ad – review. I was sent the Geomags Confetti for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Blake has recently got really into construction toys such as Lego and stickle bricks. Geomags are the next step for us and lots of fun too.

The Geomag Confetti sets are a great way to introduce children into the world of Geomags. Geomag classics are an inventive system of simple construction made of 58 mm magnetic rods and steel spheres. A huge number of shapes, geometric figures and models of every kind can be constructed. Geomag stimulates creativity and logical reasoning. The variety of the shapes and their transformations make it possible to create different structures continuously.


LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 38/52: BUBBLES

One of the simple childhood pleasures are bubbles. From the moment when Blake first saw bubbles he has loved them. I remember going to a particular baby and toddler class with him where there was always bubbles at the end. 



Blake has had a fair few different bubble machines too. Our first one was a whale one from mothercare and lasted us a good few years. His second one we had this year which didn't last long and now we have another whale one which I'm hoping will last us. Blake has also had various bubble wands and kits over the years too. Bubbles are also popular for party bags and I've yet to come across a child that doesn't like bubbles.

We've had a few days of warm weather this week and so we have taken to getting outside into the garden where we got out the bubble machine. Blake loves sitting watching the bubbles and also running and jumping through them. 


Book Tour| Summer of Madness by Alexander Raphael

 

Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I'm involved in the book tour for A Summer Of Madness a short read by Alexander Raphael. 



About the author:
Half-Welsh, half-Mexican and growing up in London, Alex Raphael was surrounded by different influences and interests. But it was always books that spoke to him most and had the greatest impact.

He started writing when at college, where his love of reading evolved into a desire to write, in particular focusing on poetry and short stories. Studying English and American Literature at university meant he took a break from writing, as well as giving him the chance to see more of Mexico on his travels. He concentrated on his journalistic career while working on different writing projects, but his favourite genre of literature has always been short stories as they are what first inspired him to write.

That’s why his first book was The Summer of Madness, a romantic short story that tells of a guy who goes out to try to win his ex-girlfriend back. Will you be rooting for Kurt and his big public gesture or is it more complicated than that and you don’t want her to date him again? Either way you’ll get to know a memorable set of characters along for the ride.

His second book Illusions, Delusions reflects Raphael’s love of alternative short stories from the writers of his childhood and challenges the idea of the narrative. Will your favourite be the story in the form of a questionnaire, a poem or a set of jokes, among the seven very different styles?


Alex Raphael is currently working on his third collection of short stories, which will provide a wide blend of genres and an assortment of very original premises and distinctive character, with his trademark imagination, humour and memorable dialogue.
 

About the book:
In the summer of love, or rather of madness, a whole set of stories are emerging. But there is one that has got everyone talking. When Kurt Vannes decides to win back his ex-girlfriend with the help of a literary classic, he sets off a string of events that will build to a dramatic finale.


I enjoyed this sweet short story. It's an easy read so ideal for when you want to read something that doesn't take long to read or if you don't read that often. It sees the character Kurt try and win back his ex after realising that he took her for granted and so he reads her favourite book out in public. It shares how far somone could go for love. I like out it ended and do feel that it was the right ending too.


WIN| A £20 AMAZON E-VOUCHER

It's been awhile since I've run a giveaway in fact I can't remember the last one. So I've decided as a Thank you to my readers new and old ones who have continued to read my blog over the years. 

I've opted for Amazon with them selling near enough everything it gives the winner a chance to do what they like with it. It could be to treat the kids, put towards Christmas gifts or towards something you really need. The choices really are endless. 


For the chance to win check out the rafflecopter below on the various simple ways you can enter.

Terms and conditions
-To enter you must be 16 and over 
- This competition will close on 30th September 2020 at 12.00am GMT 
- The winner will be chosen at random and notified via email, twitter or facebook
- If the winner doesn't reply within 30 days another winner will be drawn
- The prize will be sent by email directly from myself
-Please have a look at my privacy policy on how how I collect, store and use data and please do contact me if you have any questions. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 37/52: BACK TO SCHOOL

This week was back to school for Blake. The past 7 weeks of the summer holidays have been incredibly hard for the 3 us. Blake has struggled with not being in school and we've been struggling with him lashing out.  Now he is back in school we are definitely glad for the routine.  

Blake is staying in reception year which we think is definitely the right decision for him. He was only at his current school for 2 weeks before lockdown. Although he was able to still go in it was on a reduced timetable and only 3 days a week. 


Unfortunately he was only in 3 days this week as when he came out of school on Wednesday we were told he had some spots which could be chicken pox. With a few more popping up we kept him off Thursday to keep an eye on him. No more spots appeared so we had a chat with our GP who doesn't think it is chicken pox after all. We kept him off Friday too but he seems fine so he will be back to school tomorrow.

AD| FW20/21 SKIWEAR TRENDS WITH PROTEST

*Collaborative post

Fall/Winter is fast approaching and visiting Ski resorts or indoor snow slopes are a fun way to enjoy the colder months. Today I get to share with you Dutch brand Protests FW20/21 Skiwear trends.  



The Fall/Winter collection for women is a true representation of what Protest does best. The collection is a three-way fusion of evolving fashion trends, incredible colour and mountain functionality.

REVIEW GEOMAGS MECHANICS CHALLENGE GOAL SET

Ad – review. I was sent the Geomags Mechanics for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Construction toys are a popular and long lasting option for children of various ages. The great thing is that they are learning at the same time without realising it. We were recently sent the Geomags mechanics challenge goal set

Geomags are great for STEM learning, and are sets that usually have different shapes, plastic tubes and metal balls and you can build up different fun structures. The Mechancs sets are a bit more complex so older children (7+) are a bit more challenged.













Inside the box you will find 96 pieces, 15 metal balls and 81 building pieces. There are 3 level options for firing balls at. As it's a serious bit of kit children towards the younger age limit will definitely need help with it. It's definitely a fun piece of kit for children to enjoy together with an older sibling or adult as fun little project.


You can build various different structures with this kit. It's a bit like an interactive marble run with magnets. With the use of the magnets and gravity you can get from one end of the track you have built to the other. The bits can be a bit fiddly to put together and so it's definitely something to get out when you have a bit more space and time to concentrate. 




Overall it's a great piece of kit especially for children who love construction, STEM learning as well as using their imagination. 


LITTLE MOMENTS 2020: 36/52: Change is in the air

September through til after Christmas are my favourite months of the year. I love how it feels like change is in the air. There are of course downsides to the approaching autumn season. I'm not a fan of the nights drawing in and the rain but I love everything else about the season. I love the feeling of getting all cosy and drinking hot chocolate in the evenings and so much more. 

I've definitely noticed that it is starting to feel colder and have dug out my trusty boots. It's not cold enough to have the heating on or get out my jumpers and cardigans just yet but I'm sure it's not far off.


Blake is back to school tomorrow and back into reception class. It's a change that is needed for him after 7 weeks off. It's meant new uniform, new shoes and new coats etc. Everything is lablled and ready for him. All that we need to do is hope we all manage to get up and out the door in time.

SHOULD WE REPLACE OUR STAIRS/LANDING WITH SOLID WOOD FLOORING?

 *In collaboration with Flooring365

We live in a three storey house and the only places we have carpet are the stairs and upstairs landings. Recently I've been thinking about if it's a good idea to eventually replace the carpet and instead of going for a new carpet opt instead for wooden flooring.

As much as I don't mind the carpet, I do find that other flooring types are much easier to clean especially when you have a child. Carpet I find gets dirty quickly and can be unhygienic. Blake has managed to get playdough, kentic sand and even slime on the carpet which have been a pain to get out.

4 FAMILY FRIENDLY BATHROOM FLOORING OPTIONS

*In collaboration with Flooring365

When it comes to renovating a bathroom one of the important options is the type of flooring to go for. Whether you have a family or not it's got to be easy to maintain. Carpet for me in a bathroom is definitely a no go. Not only is it unhygienic but it also isn't easy to keep clean like  other flooring types.


So what are your flooring options that are suitable especially for a family bathroom? Well, below you will find 4 options.

BOOK TOUR| For When I'm Gone By Rebecca Ley

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I'm involved in the book tour for  "For When I'm Gone" By Rebecca Ley. Rebecca Ley is a journalist who wrote a column for the Guardian, Doing it for Dad, about her father's dementia. She has previously worked at the Times, the Sun and the Daily Mail. For When I'm Gone is her debut novel.


WHY YOU SHOULD YOU OPT FOR PARQUET FLOORING

 *In collaboration with Flooring365

Are you thinking of getting new flooring in your home? One of the things I recommend doing first is looking up the different types of flooring as one thing I've learnt is there are many different options available. 


Parquet flooring is an option, which I'm going to share more about.  


First of all, what is Parquet flooring?

Parquet flooring consists of blocks or strips of wood that are laid geometrically. Parquet flooring is gaining popuarlity, especially with people sharing their beautifully laid geometric designs on social media.


There are quiet a few reasons that Parquet flooring is a great option which I'll be sharing below: 

Aesthetically pleasing
If you are wanting a design that stands out Parquet flooring is an aesthetically pleasing option. The shapes in Parquet Flooring are like triangles, squares, and rectangles. The geometric look is one of the reasons it's popular and can be a great focal point to your home. The most popular Parquet flooring pattern is Herringbone.

Affordable 
Parquet flooring is a lot more affordable these days. Of course the more intricate the design the more it will cost so less intricate designs are best if you are on more of a tight budget. 

Durable 
Parquet flooring is a durable option which means you are less likely to have to worry about repairs.

Easy to maintain 
Parquet flooring is low maintenance and just needs regular cleaning. You can use different cleaning methods such as vacuuming, using a mop or a proper detergent.


Last of all although you could lay Parquet flooring yourself it's reccomend to get it installed by a professional. 


Top Ways to Spruce up Any Garden

*collaborative post


Are you looking for some ways to revamp your garden and give it a new lease of life? In this short guide, we’ll lay out ways that you can achieve this!


Firstly, you may wish to have flower bed or potted plants added to your garden. In the case of the former, you could have three rows of flowers added with the tallest at the back. You could also consider ideas for unique planters that you can hang on a fence .



Among the most popular flowers in the UK are lilies, tulips, sunflowers, daffodils, sunflowers and orchids. 


If you’d like to have potted plants added, there are many spots throughout your garden where they would fit well such as along the walls, on the decking or on a patio. 


Whichever approach you take, any flowers/plants in your garden should complement the various colours that surround them.


Not only do flowers add a wonderful aesthetic to a garden, they help to hold the soil better together (for an in ground flower bed) and improve air quality!



Flowers/plants can of course also attract wildlife as is the case with water features. Some of the most common water features are garden ponds, water gardens, streams, drilled rocks, rills, water blades, fountains and reflecting pools. 


Each has their own advantage but ultimately water features in general can offer calming sounds and soothing sights while alike flowers can enhance air quality. Water features can also help with humidity levels. This post on how to build a wildlife pond is sure to come in handy.


Another way to encourage nature into a garden is with a birdfeeder. Some of the most commonly used birdfeeder types are platform, window, house, tube, nyjer, nut & nibble, seed, ground and suet feeders.


A great way to improve the look and utility of your garden is with decking. This can act as the perfect social focal point for your garden. However, laying a patio is a more straight forward alternative.


As for garden benches, the most common materials used are cast iron, timber, cast aluminium, rattan and stainless steel benches. Straight, backless and lutyens benches are some of the most used designs.


Other additions that you may want to add to a garden are a new shed, fencing or fresh turf. Whatever changes you choose to bring to your garden, keep an open mind, do a bit of research and plan it out well. Once you do, you’ll be well on your way to sprucing up your garden!