LIKES & LOVES| AUGUST 2023

 *Some of the items featured in this post include affiliate links. I’ve added a * next to those items for reference. Purchasing via these links does not cost you extra. Items I've been sent are marked with a #


Phew what a busy month it has been. The summer holidays are almost over and Blake will be back to school on September 6th. Let's have a look at what I've been liking and loving during this busy month.


Super Mario Bros movie

We have finally got around to seeing this film and we really enjoyed it. Blake loves it and I can say it's one of his favourite films now with Luca being number 1.

Netflix

I've hardly watched anything this month. Next month I hope to be able to find more time again.

Angela Black 

Angela Black seems to be living her best life. She is married to a hard-working family man, has two sons and lives in lovely suburban London. However, Angela's picture-perfect life is hiding a terrible truth: she is suffering daily abuse from her controlling husband Olivier, and cannot escape him. Angela is then approached by a private investigator, Ed, who reveals all of Olivier's sinister secrets to her. She must decide to either endure her husband's abuse or trust Ed, and fight for her freedom.




Hotel collection no 39 Poppy and Barley Eau de perfume
I picked this up in aldi which is a cheap dupe of the Jo Malone scent. I absolutely love it and have been wearing it almost every day this month. 

2023 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN AUGUST

Four books this month is pretty good for during the summer holidays for me.  One was for a book tour the others are what caught my eye when I was at the library. 


The Cornish Rebel by Nicola Pryce 
Set in the 1800s in the beautiful background of Cornwall,  Pandora escapes her father and heads home to the UK after her late mother's death. More info on this book can be found on my book tour post here

ULTIMATE FAMILY BEACH PACKING LIST

Some of the items featured in this post include affiliate links. I’ve added a * next to those items for reference. Purchasing via these links does not cost you extra. Any products sent to me which I've featured are marked with a #.


Whether you are going on a beach trip for the day or going on a beach vacation there are items you are going to need to take. I like to have a checklist so I can tick off items as I pack them. Making a beach packing list every time helps to take the stress out packing.  

Going to the beach together as a family should be fun and a great way to make memories together. So lets talk about those essentials you need.


Suncream 
It's one of the most important items to pack. Whether you are going abroad on vacation or staying in the UK you are likely to burn. Make sure you choose a good suncream and apply it regularly.


Swimwear
Kids love to have a dip in the sea so make sure you take swimwear. Ones that have more coverage, like a *rash guard will help protect them from getting burned. Don't forget to bring swimwear for you and other family members too. Oh and for younger children don't forget *swim nappies.

Armbands
*Armbands are a  definite must especially for children who are unable to swim. 

GUIDE TO POND DIPPING WITH KIDS

Pond dipping is a fun must do activity for kids to get close to nature. Ponds are actually fascinating for children to explore and learn about wildlife. It's a great free activity to do together as a family and easy to do to. All you need to do is find a pond and get the right equipment together. In this guide to pond dipping with kids I'll be sharing the equipment you need and how to go pond dipping.



We are going on holiday soon and pond dipping is an activity we have booked to do together as a family. The best time to go pond dipping is between May and August as that is when there is more pond life to spot. However it doesn't mean you can't other times of the year. 


BACK TO SCHOOL 2023 GUIDE

Ad - I was sent some of these items featured for the purpose of this gift guide those will be marked with a #. Some of the items featured in this post include affiliate links. I’ve added a * next to those items for reference. Purchasing via these links does not cost you extra. 


Even though it's a few weeks away yet, kids will be back to school before you know it. We definitely like to keep ourselves organised so we aren't running around last minute in a panic. I've complied a list of items that we've purchased ourselves and also things we have been kindly gifted.




It is not just the school uniform you have to think about. It is also things like coats, PE kit, socks etc.

Home Makeover Tips: 4 Simple ways To Transform Your Home

*This is a collaborative post


Your home is more than just four walls and the ceiling, it is a masterpiece that sometimes screams for a makeover to reclaim its charm.


We all reach that point when the charm of our space starts to dim, and the layout might feel a bit lackluster. But guess what? There are some home makeover ideas at your disposal to turn your Danville home into a space you'll cherish for years to come.


And the best part? You don’t have to be an interior designer or invest in expensive elements to restore your home's lost beauty. Even making a few changes here and there and upgrading some fixtures can do the trick.





Ready for a transformation? Here are some unique home makeover ideas to create an inviting and welcoming haven.

How Hair Transplants Enhance Your Appearance

 *This is a collaborative post 


It's no secret that your hair plays a starring role in how you look and feel. But you know what? Your fast-paced life may often leave you little time for proper hair care. This further causes issues like thinning hair, hair loss, and lower self-esteem.


But wait, here's the fantastic news: modern technology has come to the rescue with an effective solution – hair transplants! Yes, that’s right! It is a great way to improve your appearance and bring back the confidence you deserve.


Now, you may ask, how? Read on to find out!




Reshape Your Hairline

Have you ever wished to have a perfect hairline? If yes, that's where the magic of hair transplant forehead reduction comes into play. During this procedure, the surgeon carefully selects hair follicles from areas with healthy growth and relocates them to the forefront of your scalp. 


This process redefines your hairline, achieving a balance that enhances your facial symmetry. As a result, you get a balanced face structure that can bring out the best in your features. 

Teaching Your Toddler About Personal Hygiene

*This is a collaborative post

Amongst the many lessons you will need to teach your child, you will need to teach them about basic cleanliness and how to look after themselves. The first few years of life are the best time to start as this is when they are learning about the world and will be preparing for school. A private nursery in Newport shares guidance on how parents can explore personal hygiene with their toddler.



Top Tips for Supporting Your Child with their Exams

*This is a collaborative post 

Exam season is possibly the most nerve-wracking time in a child’s academic life. There is immense pressure to do well and vast amounts of content they must memorise. Parental support is therefore vital during this time. Below we’ve shared guidance from a private sixth form in Cambridge on how you can make the process easier for your child. 




5 Educational Activities for Children During the Summer Holidays

*This is a collaborative post


Now that the school year’s over, your child will have six weeks to themselves. They can spend it however they choose, in the company of friends and family, and exploring their hobbies. During this time off however, it’s important that their brains are still kept active so there is no “learning loss” and an easy return to school. Below are five educational activities to explore from an independent girls’ school in North London.




Equipping Your Child with Skills to Overcome Life's Obstacles

*This is a collaborative post

As part of developing a child’s independence, parents need to teach them how to overcome obstacles that come their way. Below is guidance from a private school in Guildford on how you can make them appear less intimidating, develop their confidence, and teach them to handle such situations correctly.




BOOKTOUR| THE CORNISH REBEL BY NICOLA PRYCE

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



Today I am involved in the book tour for The Cornish Rebel by Nicola Pryce. Nicola Pryce trained as a nurse at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London. She has always loved literature and completed an Open University degree in Humanities. She is a qualified adult literacy support volunteer and lives with her husband in the Blackdown Hills in Somerset. Together they sail the south coast of Cornwall in search of adventure.


REVIEW | CONNETIX BALL RUN

 * I was sent the CONNETIX Ball Run for the purpose of reviewing. All views and opinions are 100% my own.


Having enjoyed the CONNETIX Transport Pack we were sent we were happy to be asked if we wanted to extend our CONNETIX collection with the CONNETIX Ball Run. 


As a reminder CONNETIX are magnetic tiles that are great for open ended play. They are a great STEAM toy that helps to develop imagination and creativity whilst are educational too. There are lots of different packs available from starter sets to ball run sets and even extention packs. 




What do you get with the CONNETIX Ball Run?
The CONNETIX Ball Run is a 92 piece set that includes:
- 36 x Connecting squares
- 6 x Wooden Balls
- 2 x Y Shape Split Tubes
- 2 x Long Stairs
- 2 x S Bend Tubes
- 8 x U Shaped Tubes (180 degree bend)
- 8 x Slide Tubes
-12 x Right Angle Tubes (90 degree bend)
- 6 x Long Straight Tubes
- 8 x Short Straight Tubes
- 2 x Bowls
- Idea Booklet

Please note this pack does not include any standard tiles