LIKES & LOVES| APRIL 2021

Some of the items featured in this post were provided for us to feature. I’ve added a * next to those items for reference.

 April has been a mixed month for us. We've had lovely weather and been able to get outside more. Unfortunately Blake was in close contact with a covid positive case so we have been in Isolation this week which is incredibly hard. But there have been some things we have really been liking and loving this month so read on to find out all about them.

Prime:

I purchased a few films this month on digital download that we have been really enjoying. First was the first 3 toy story films (we have the 4th on DVD). I also got The good dinosaur which we really enjoyed especially Blake.

DVD:

Blake got a new DVD as an Easter gift from Granny and Jim called Soul we really enjoyed this one.

Netflix

Marriage vs Mortgage 

A wedding planner and a real estate agent compete to win the hearts and budgets of couples who must choose between a fairytale wedding and a dream home.

Invisible City 

While investigating a murder, a detective is drawn into a battle between the visible world and an underground realm inhabited by magical creatures.

Bigfoot Family

Father Bigfoot has become world famous and wants to use his fame to change the world. He agrees to help an environmental organization protect a nature reserve from being destroyed, but then he suddenly disappears without a trace.

Secret magic control agency

Hansel and Gretel of fairy-tale fame -- now acting as secret agents -- must use magic, clever thinking and teamwork on a mission to find a missing king.

Small Foot

Migo, a friendly yeti, faces banishment from his home after he claims that humans exist. However, he embarks on a mission to prove himself and earn the respect of the villagers.

We can be heroes

When alien invaders kidnap Earth's superheroes, their children must team up and learn to work together if they want to save their parents and the world.

Yes day

Always feeling like they have to say "no" to their kids, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a "Yes Day," during which the kids have 24 hours to make the rules.

Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stick

I came across this diamond cleaning stick on amazon and it works really well with my engagement and eternity rings. I'll be trying in on my earrings next. 

2021 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN APRIL

This month I managed to get through five books. I'm hoping to pick up the pace next month and try and do it that I read 6/7 books each month so that I can meet my goal of 75 for the year.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 

As a child I enjoyed the film and always thought the idea of a secret garden being so magical. I'd never read the book before until now. The story tells of Mary Lenox a 10 year old girl who is sent to live in Yorkshire, with an uncle she has never met after the death of her parents. Initially Mary is seen as a rude, aggressive and selfish child. She dislikes her new home and the people living in it.In exploring the grounds Mary finds the key to the locked garden which is neglected and overrun with weeds. She sets her mind to bringing it back to life. In doing so, Mary finds a purpose and an excitement in her lonely existence. However, apart from the garden, there are other secrets to be revealed at Misselthwaite Manor such as the strange cries in the night and the identity of Colin, a disabled boy, whom she discovers in the hidden bedroom.

MOVIE NIGHT PACKAGE WITH RAZZLE AND DAZZLE STORE

Ad -  We were gifted the 2 person movie box for the purpose of this review. - All thoughts are my own.

We are currently in Isolation due to Blake being in contact with a covid positive case at school. So the movie night box we received from Razzle and Dazzle store came at a great time.

When having to stay home it's incredibly hard with Blake to keep him occupied. This is especially so as he prefers being outside so other than playing in the garden, we have to come up with fun things for him to do. 

A movie afternoon with Blake was a big hit, especially as we had treats to enjoy too.  Blake has got into enjoying movies over the last year and now will sit through a movie start to finish with us. We've yet to take him to the cinema but I wanted to give him the chance to have a bit of the cinema experience at home. 

TIPS FOR PICKING THE RIGHT WEDDING SUIT

When it comes to your special day the focus maybe on the bride and her dress but don't let that stop you from finding a special suit for your wedding. It's important to find one that not only is comfortable but makes you look and feel good in. There are my ways the groom can make his wedding outfit more luxurious. 

Suits come in a range of colours and fabrics. It's not just about the suit either - there are accessories such as shirts, ties, waistcoats and cufflinks to consider.

LITTLE MOMENTS: WASHING MACHINES |17 /52

Blake has had an obsession with washing machines from a young age. He loves to help us out putting the washing on but also likes to sit and watch it spinning round and round. For Christmas last year Blake got his own toy washing machine from Granny and Jim and he has been obsessed with it ever since. 

He loves filling it with small clothing items such as flannels and socks. He then will pretend to fill up the draw with washing powder and then turn it on. Sometimes instead of turning it on he will spin the drum himself and makes the noises.

This past week we have had such gorgeous weather which has meant being able to get outside after school. Blake had enjoyed getting toys out and playing with friends. I'm sure you can guess that he got his toy washing machine out to play with as well.  I must admit his toy washing machine actually keeps him occupied for quite awhile. 

 

I GOT MY NOSE PIERCED

On Wednesday I did it, I went and got my nose pierced! I've been umming and ahhing over it since last year and to be fair I've been wanting it for much longer. It wasn't a decision I took lightly and it wasn't a spur of the moment decision. I made sure that I did a lot of research, especially on how to clean the area to prevent infection, different types of nose studs and rings etc as I wanted to be fully informed before going ahead with it.

In general I take awhile to make decisions like this as I don't want to do something that I end up regretting. The tattoos I have are a great example as I have always chosen something that means something to me and not just because it looks pretty. Once I know what I want I tend to wait months before getting it as I want to make sure I still like the idea before going ahead.

LITTLE MOMENTS: EASTER HOLIDAYS |15 & 16 /52

The past two weeks have been the Easter holidays. We have been blessed with some days where the weather has been beautiful and we've got outside. It's not been all plain sailing though as Blake has had quite a few meltdowns. Yesterday's meltdown was the worst so far during this holiday period. We aren't too sure what set him off but he was constantly asking to go to school. I think the main thing at the moment is that he is missing his friends and the school routine. 

The ice cream van has been out now that the weather has been warmer and Blake has managed to have some a good few times now. We've also treated him to McDonald's twice as it's his favourite place for chips. 

We have the insect lore butterfly garden and it's been so interesting watching them grow the past two weeks. They are much bigger than the photo below now and are actually getting ready to build a chrysalis. 

Looking for a Floor That Lasts longer

One of the biggest frustrations when it comes to laying a new floor is that we just don’t know how long we are going to go until it needs replacing once again. This has been one of the deciding factors of why luxury wood effect vinyl flooring is among most preferred and recommended options by interior designers and industry critics.

Vinyl flooring over the last decade has advanced into areas of low maintenance, authentic look and ease in installation to the point where it now pushes ahead of other flooring options, but are the benefits as good as they are presented or is it just a quick sales pitch?

ANTI BACTERIAL SLIME FROM CANAL TOYS

Ad -  We were gifted some antibacterial slime for the purpose of this review. All thoughts are my own.

Slime is popular in our house especially as it's very sensory for Blake. I always make sure that when Blake plays with the stuff he uses it in a tub to keep mess to a minimum. Canal Toys have released a new type of slime to the market - antibacterial slime. 

LITTLE MOMENTS: BALL GAMES |14/52

How wonderful is it that we have been lucky enough to have a few days of sunshine recently. Blake broke up for the Easter holidays on Wednesday so Thursday-Sunday have been spent outdoors as much as we could. I'm so looking forward to easing of restrictions I'm missing be able to eat out and have a drink in a pub. Not going to lie I'm also missing charity shops and having a rummage for some bargains.