LIKES & LOVES| SEPTEMBER 2022

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September has flown by and Blake had started to settle into year 3.  We are slowly getting back into a routine with regards to school drop off/pick up. Blake has been spending a few evenings a week outside playing with friends while we still have some days when it's not wet and dark outside. Anyway here are some of the things I've been loving this month.

Prime:

Sonic the hedgehog 2

We really enjoyed the first film and the second in my opinion is better. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove that he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of a mystical emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

Netflix

The Sandman

When the Sandman, aka Dream, the cosmic being who controls all dreams, is captured and held prisoner for more than a century, he must journey across different worlds and timelines to fix the chaos his absence has caused.

What types of air fryers are there?

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Air fryers are growing in popularity, and it is easy to see why. They can create healthier versions of your favourite fried food and use less energy, helping you to save money on your electricity bill. This is especially important for alot of us at the moment with the cost of living crisis.

There are so many types of air fryers out there though that it can be a bit overwhelming to know which one would be best for you.

There are four popular types of air fryers on the market today, these are:

• Basket-style

• Air fryers with a paddle

• Oven-style

• Rotisserie air fryers

These air fryers are all very different from each other so it pays to know the features of an air fryer, including the pros and cons for each type of air fryer, so it’s easier to pick the perfect one for you and your kitchen.

What to consider when buying an air fryer

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If you have decided that you want join the bandwagon and get the ever-popular kitchen appliance - the *air fryer then you might be wondering what you need to consider when buying an air fryer. There are actually quite a few things you may not have thought of when it comes to the options available.

What is an air fryer and how does it work?

Air fryers are a great addition to your kitchen. They use the power of hot air to cook food. This is a much healthier alternative to deep-frying, where you can end up adding too much oil and fat to your diet. Air fryers are also more efficient than ovens or microwaves, which means you can save on electricity costs in the long run. We've not actually used a traditional oven in a good few years as we use both an air fryer and halogen oven instead. This is something that works well for the 3 if us as a family.

Will using an air fryer save you money?

Part of the reason why air fryers are gaining popularity is that they can save you money as they are cheaper to run than traditional ovens. Since air fryers are smaller they also sometimes cook food alot faster than a oven, meaning the running cost is a lot less than using a traditional oven. This is definitely important right now with the cost of living crisis.

Not only are you saving on energy costs you will be using less oil when cooking with an air fryer. Instead of using large quantities of oil to cook your favourite foods, you will be using little to no oil. With the price of oil increasing, this can also add up to a considerable amount that you are saving.

Some people might be hesitant about buying an air fryer because they think it will be too expensive in the long run. But if you look at how much money you would spend on a takeaway or fast food every week, it might make sense for you to buy an air fryer instead!

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A NEW FRONT DOOR

The front of house and in particular the door is one of the first things that people see when it  comes to your home. So you may want to think about the things to consider when choosing a new front door. With that in mind we offered a lower price for our house as it was one of the major things that we needed to replace ASAP.

We replaced the door as soon as we could especially as the key got stuck in the lock and we ended up having to call out a Locksmith to sort it for us. This was not long after we moved in whilst awaiting our new door to be made and installed.

A new front door also has some great positives for one first impressions count. A new  door brings great kerb appeal, which then adds a bit more value to your home. Then there is that it also improves your  home's security and energy efficiency. 

A GUIDE TO GETTING BACK INTO EXERCISE

Prior to having Blake I lost 6 stone doing Slimming World and during that time I'd got into an exercise routine that worked for me. However over the past almost 8 years I've gained the weight back on and an exercise routine has been non-existent. 

Getting back into exercise is something I want to work on. Motivation is one of the main things that is holding me back. I've come across these motivational fitness quotes which will hopefully give me a push in the right direction. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CORD BLOOD BANKING

What is Cord Blood Banking?

*This is a collaborative post

During your pregnancy you may hear about something called cord blood banking. But what is that? How does it work? Does it affect your birth plan? 

In this post we hope to answer some of your questions. Read on if you are curious.

GIVEAWAY| THIS OR THAT GAME

Ad/Gifted – The This or that gamefeatured in this post was gifted to me from Wicked Uncle in exchange for this post. All thoughts are my own.

And just like that, the summer holidays are officially over and kids are back in school! That doesn't mean you can stop having fun though so why not try the This or That game! This fun and fast card game for two or more players helps you to explore and learn cool facts. Players must race against each other, as teams or individuals, to answer one simple question: This or That? Which was first on Earth - the crocodile or the T-Rex? Which came first Google or Netflix? Avoid the red herrings and maybe even learn an interesting truth or two - like the fact that Oxford University is 330 years older than the Aztec Empire!

REVIEW | TOPIX A GAME OF RAPID RECALL

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

I think game nights with the hubby are going to become a thing. Thanks to Cheatwell games we got to enjoy TOPIX, a board game that is suitable for ages 12 years over. The game is for 2 or more players and can be played individually or in teams.

The game comes with playing board, topic tiles, counters, answer pad, pencils, sand timer and rules.

5 birthday party ideas for children

*This is a collaborative post 

From your child's first birthday to their fifth, planning a birthday party can be both fun and stressful at the same time. Every parent dream of throwing the most unforgettable get-together for their child but can be stuck when it comes to ideas. Creating a memorable time for your child doesn't necessarily mean reaching for the most expensive items and decorations. The simplest party ideas can be just as fun and exciting. Here are 5 birthday party ideas for children from a venue hire in Northwood. 

Teaching your child to manage their emotions

*This is a collaborative post 

Controlling emotions is the ability to manage emotions in order to complete a task or achieve a goal. Emotions that aren't controlled can be the reason for most people to get into trouble and fall off track. This applies to children too. Children don't always understand the emotions they feel which leads to getting upset or angry. It is important to teach your child to not repress their emotions either as this just leads to higher chances of them lashing out when it all gets too much. Here is some advice from an independent school in Potters bar on teaching your child to manage their emotions. 

Model the right way to manage emotions

When your child yells and lashes out, this response is not innate and usually is learnt by parents themselves. Modelling the right way to handle big emotions will help your child process their feelings better from a younger age. Teaching children young is always the best time if you want them to pick up lifelong habits. Do your best to stay calm in front of your child when dealing with something hard or leave the room if you feel as though you need to blow off some steam. 

Guide your child's behaviour whilst resisting the urge to punish

 Spanking and time-outs never work out long-term. Children end up believing that their tantrum is what led them to be punished and can perceive these emotions as bad. In turn, children will repress these emotions leading to far bigger problems. Help your child by giving them positive guidance and helping them process what they're feeling instead.

Allow them to feel safe enough to feel their emotions

 Children lash out not because they are bad, but because they are hurting and need to release the overwhelming feeling. Stay compassionate and allow your child to feel safe enough to cry and express how they're feeling. You'll find over time your child will learn to avoid the tantrum and communicate straight away.

Children who learn to manage their emotions well tend to have a healthy emotional life because they've been given the space to feel their emotions without being punished or shamed. With some hard work from your end, your child will be managing their emotions well in no time.

How to raise a team player

 *This is a collaborative post 

Are you on the hunt to find out how to raise a team player? Every parent wants a child who helps out at school and home whilst knowing how to lead when necessary. There are many reasons to teach your child how to become a better team player. These types of children tend to be more respectful, responsible, resilient and less self-centred. Learning to share these responsibilities helps in the classroom and at home too. If you would like to know how to raise a team player, continue reading.

The benefits of theatre school for children

*This is a collaborative post

Does your child have a natural talent for creativity? Then theatre school might just be what they need to get the right experience for a future career. Don't be put off by the name, theatre schools offer the same learning as a regular school, just with the addition of working on their passion alongside. Academic progression rates stay the same. Carry on reading to find out some of the benefits of theatre school for children.