What To Pack For A Cruise

Are you gearing up for an exciting cruise vacation? I've discussed about when the best time of year to go on a cruise is and now we can focus on the packing.

Planning your cruise wardrobe can be both fun and challenging, as you'll want to be prepared for various activities and occasions while keeping luggage space in mind. Whether you're cruising through the Caribbean, exploring the Mediterranean, or embarking on any other exciting cruise destination, I've got you covered with this comprehensive packing guide for your cruise adventure.


Cruise Documents

These documents are the most important thing to pack for your cruise and have access to for your trip. 


They include:


- Your passports and visas (if required): It's important to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your cruise's return date. Check any visa requirements in advance for each port of call on your itinerary as they may vary.

- Cruise itinerary, tickets, and boarding passes: Keep these in a secure, easily accessible folder or pouch.

- Travel insurance documents: Review your policy coverage and emergency contact information.

- Driver's license or other forms of ID: These are handy for domestic cruises, as you might need them during check-in and when boarding.

Cruise Clothing Essentials

The clothing you need to pack for your cruise will depend on the time of year that you are cruising as well as your destination. Consider packing:


- Swimwear: Consider the types of swimsuits you'll need—bikinis, one-pieces, swim trunks—and bring a variety to suit different occasions.


- Casual wear: Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen work well for day-to-day activities on the ship.


- Formal wear: Verify the dress code on your cruise line. Formal nights often require cocktail dresses, tuxedos, or suits. You can also opt for semi-formal attire.


- Activewear: For fitness enthusiasts, you may want to pack workout gear and comfortable sneakers so you can maintain your exercise routine onboard.


- Outerwear: Depending on your cruise destination and the season, pack a light jacket or cardigan for those cooler evenings and indoor venues.


- Sleepwear: Something that you are comfortable in to sleep in.


Footwear

Tips For Baking Homemade Bread

Homemade bread is definitely my preferred preference instead of a shop brought loaf. Not only is homemade delicious and much more fresher tasting, but making it can be therapeutic to make as well. Making your own bread can give you a sense of accomplishment and it also can give you a feeling of nostalgia. Not to mention the amazing smell that comes from your kitchen.

Homemade bread is the perfect treat at breakfast or for a mid-morning snack. It's also an easy and inexpensive homemade gift. You can use an assortment of different types of flour to make your own bread, including whole wheat, white, rye and more. The type of flour you choose will affect not only the taste but also the texture and nutritional value. Baking bread is also a great way to get creative in the kitchen.

There are many reasons why you would want to make your own bread. For example, baking your own white or wheat bread can help you save money on your grocery bill. Eating whole wheat bread is also a healthier option that may even help you to lose weight.

The process of making your own bread is surprisingly easy and not as hard as often thought. It can also help you to save a significant amount of money. 

You can enjoy your homemade bread in your own home like we do or even start baking for friends and family members to enjoy.

5 Crucial Car Parts You Should Never Neglect to Replace

 *This is a collaborative post 

Being a car owner is a big responsibility. To keep your car running smoothly, you have to take it for regular maintenance and repairs. 

Sometimes a big part of car maintenance involves removing and replacing car parts that have been damaged or become worn down. By properly carrying out these replacements and maintaining your vehicle, you are able to minimise future repair costs, preserve its value and extend its lifespan.   

However, if you fail to do so, it could result in expensive damage or even serious accidents that could’ve been otherwise avoided. 

That’s why in this blog, we will be exploring five vital car parts that you need to replace on time.


1) The Emission System

Your car’s emission system begins at the front of your car and extends all the way to the back of your vehicle. Its main purpose is to move exhaust fumes away from the engine and passenger compartment to your car’s tailpipes.

If your car exhaust systems or mufflers are damaged, this will cause your car to have poor acceleration and be unnecessarily loud when driving.  

To prevent such issues, you need to have your emission system looked at annually. This will ensure that your car runs smoothly, silently and effectively.


2) Car Battery

Whether you’re driving a family-friendly minivan or a luxury sports car, both vehicles require a battery to help power them down the road. In a similar way to other batteries, your car’s battery could also die at an inconvenient time.

As the battery is a vital part of your car’s engine, you need to always ensure it’s working properly. Typically, your car battery can last between 3-5 years, depending on how you use your vehicle.

Although low charge and acid stratification are the biggest causes of battery failure, poor driving habits can also result in lower battery life. That’s why it’s important to examine your car battery regularly and get it replaced when needed.


3) The Engine

Your engine is the heart of your car. As such, if you want your car to operate effectively, you need to keep the engine running. If you’re experiencing engine issues, it might be time to take a look at your spark plugs. 

Spark plugs generate a fuel mixture that is used to power the engine and spark that ignites the air. They are key components of your car that play a big role in keeping your vehicle in peak condition.

Buy Rolex On A Budget With These Top 6 Models

*This is a collaborative post

The allure of a Rolex watch is undeniable – be it the precision, craftsmanship or historical significance. There’s a reason why the Crown brand is so acclaimed worldwide. However, for many, the dream of owning a Rolex seems distant.


But now, the winds of change are sweeping through the watch-collecting realm, and the idea of owning a coveted Rolex model is no longer reserved for the elite. Several fantastic Rolex timepieces, both modern and vintage, can be added to your collection for a reasonable investment. You just have to know what to look for and where to shop!


Join us as we embark on a journey to discover the top Rolex models that not only capture the essence of timeless elegance but also make luxury accessible to a broader audience.  



 Top 6 Budget-Friendly Rolex Models 

1.Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1002

The Oyster Perpetual is Rolex’s entry-level watch, combining the brand’s two most important features – an automatic ‘Perpetual’ movement and a water-resistant ‘Oyster’ case. The watches adhere to a minimalist set of features while still offering all the hallmark traits of a true Rolex. This includes a clean design, durable build, and versatile style.

The Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1002 is a vintage model crafted mainly from stainless steel. The watches are fitted with a smooth steel bezel, a classic dial with indexes, a chronometer-certified movement and a steel Oyster bracelet.

Key Features

  • Case Diameter: 34mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Dial: Multiple Options

  • Bezel: Fixed, Steel, Smooth

  • Crystal: Acrylic

  • Movement: Calibre 1560/Calibre 1570, Automatic

  • Bracelet: Steel Oyster Bracelet


2.Rolex Air-King Ref. 5500

The Rolex Air-King pays homage to aviation history with its vintage-inspired design. The watches were built after Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf heard that the pilots in WWII were wearing Rolex pieces that stood out with their superior reliability and precision. The Air-King watches merged simple features with a budget-friendly tag, appealing to collectors who appreciate both history and value.

The Air-King Ref. 5500 is a fantastic vintage model with a long production run from 1958 to the beginning of the 1990s. The timepieces boast a clean and straightforward design featuring a steel case, a classic dial with indexes and a smooth steel bezel. The option of an Oyster/Jubilee bracelet makes it suitable for various occasions.

Key Features

  • Case Diameter: 34mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Dial: Multiple Options

  • Bezel: Fixed, Steel, Smooth

  • Crystal: Acrylic

  • Movement: Calibre 1520/Calibre 1530, Automatic

  • Bracelet: Steel Oyster/Jubilee Bracelet


3.Rolex Explorer Ref. 14270

For the adventurous soul seeking a Rolex companion without breaking the bank, look no further than the Rolex Explorer. The Explorer is a stellar choice designed to withstand the rigours of exploration, combining rugged aesthetics with affordability. The watches are celebrated for their robust design, exceptional functionality and a rich history rooted in exploration.

The Explorer Ref. 14270 arrived at the end of the 1980s and holds a significant place in the Explorer collection. With a smaller case, a classic black dial featuring big 3/6/9 hour markers and the Oyster bracelet, the watches emphasise simplicity, and the perpetual rotor ensures continuous energy supply, contributing to the watch's precision.

Key Features

  • Case Diameter: 36mm

  • Material: Stainless Steel

  • Dial: Black with Luminous Hour Markers

  • Bezel: Fixed, Steel, Smooth

  • Crystal: Sapphire

  • Movement: Calibre 3000, Automatic

  • Bracelet: Steel Oyster Bracelet

Benefits Of Travelling Alone: 5 Reasons to Go It Alone

The idea of solo travelling can often feel scary however solo travel is a liberating adventure that offers more than just a change of scenery. It's an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and a unique sense of freedom. While travelling with companions can be wonderful, there's something truly special about setting off on your own. In this article, I'll delve into the unique benefits and personal growth that can come from solo travel experiences.


Self-Discovery Beyond Comfort Zones

It's easy to stay in our comfort zone and shy away from adventures. Solo travel thrusts you out of your comfort zone and instead encourages you to confront challenges head-on. When you're alone in an unfamiliar place, you only yourself to rely on for navigation, decision-making, and problem-solving. This pushes you to discover strengths and abilities you might not have known existed, fostering self-reliance and resilience. Embracing the unknown becomes a source of empowerment, as you learn to adapt to different cultures, languages, and environments.


Freedom to Follow Your Own Path

When you travel solo, you are the master of your itinerary. There's no need to compromise or follow someone else's schedule. You can explore at your own pace, linger at places that resonate with you, and change your plans on a whim. This freedom allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience, making your journey truly yours. It's a chance to rediscover yourself, your passions and interests without any external influences, allowing you to connect more deeply with the world around you.

Mother's Day Giveaway and Gift Guide

Mothers Day is just around the corner, as its earlier this year it seems to be coming round pretty fast. You can find this year's gift guide from me here. This year I've collaborated again with some other bloggers to give you some amazing prizes.



Welcome to the ultimate Mother's Day Giveaway and Gift Guide. This is brought to you by a collaboration of some of the UK's leading bloggers. We understand that finding the perfect gift to express gratitude and love for the special women in our lives can be a daunting task. That's why we've come together to curate an exceptional selection of prizes that are sure to delight any mother. This guide not only aims to make your gift shopping easier but also adds an exciting twist with a giveaway that could win you these wonderful items. Join us in celebrating motherhood this year by taking part in this fantastic opportunity to spoil your mum - or yourself! Show her just how much she means to you.

Meet the Bloggers

In order to be able to bring you this incredible giveaway, some of the UK’s top bloggers got together. A massive thank you to our bloggers! The bloggers taking part are:

My Balancing Act | Pounds and Sense | Boxnip | Jenny in Neverland | Crazy Little Thing Called Love | Best Things To Do In Cambridge | Two Plus Dogs | Afshanesque | My Frugal Wife | Crafted With Perfection | Mrs Pinch | Make Money Without A Job | Hannah and the Twiglets | Paternal Damnation | Accidental Hipster Mum | Birds and Lilies | The Happy Budget | Notes from a kitchen | Cats Kids Chaos | Everything Enchanting | Life with Jupiter & Dann | Effervescent Kelly | You Have To Laugh | My Tunbridge Wells | Edinburgers | Discover Kent | Mummy and me x2 | Catch Up With Claire | Synderella Slims | Beauty & Flowers | We Made This Life | My Life Your Way | We Made This Vegan | Real Girls Wobble | Lifestyle Original | Dog Friendly Things | Joanna Victoria | At Home With The Bayfords | Cosy Cottage Chronicles | Diary of the Evans-Crittens | A Suffolk Mum | Sustainable Business | Anything and Everything Else | Cyprus Property Blog | The Money Making Mum | The Property Investor Blog

The prizes

FEBRUARY 2024: BEING THRIFTY

Another month of being thrifty but first up I have a confession to make. I under budgeted when it came to the cost of getting new glasses. I had an eye test this month and knew that I was going to need new glasses and set aside an amount. However I hadn't considered the extra cost for my lenses to be thinned as I have such a high prescription, definitely a mistake I won't be making again. I've now set a new sinking fund up ready to put money aside for new glasses that I will need in the future for now though fingers crossed I'll get at least two years wear from these new ones.


Frugal anniversary and Valentines

Our anniversary was on the 4th of February and both Stuart and I agreed to not get each other any gifts this year. We did order a Chinese in for our anniversary meal instead of going out which saved us money as we spent less than we would have at a restaurant. We also had left overs we heated up the next day for lunch. As for Valentines Day we opted for a supermarket dine in deal. Again we agreed not to do presents and we didn't do each other cards either.


E-cards

We've made the decision to no longer send out cards as postage is expensive. Instead we will be doing E-cards which I'll make using Canva. The exception is my nan who is in her 80s and not tech savvy.


Make our own bathbombs

B loves using bathbombs but as they are expensive we make our own. This way he can still enjoy bath time at a fraction of the cost. We've been doing this for awhile now and as we needed to make up another batch I thought it was a good time to share with you.


Free National Trust Day Out

We managed to get a free family day out voucher to visit a National Trust property so we used it during half term to visit Clumber Park. They were only giving out a certain number online and we luckily were able to get one. A few different newspapers also had the vouchers in them so it's worth looking out for.

AMIRO R3 FACIAL DEVICE UPDATE

 Ad – review. I was sent the AMIRO R3 Turbo Facial RF Skin Tightening Device for review purposes, all thoughts are my own. 


Over the past two weeks I've been using the AMIRO R3 Facial Device. The aim of the device is to rejuvenate your skin using radiofrequency skin tightening. This  is ideal for women (and men) who are looking at toning their skin and smoothing wrinkles. My previous post explained about how the technology works along with what you should get in the limited-edition set. Today I'm sharing with you my experience of using the device and my results after two weeks. 


As a reminder the facial device has 3 mode settings for:

- Eye area for a lightening and brightening look

- Contour for a refined jaw line

- Full face for anti-aging 





The device is easy to use once you turn it on you have 3  different modes to choose from as well as level settings to choose from. It's reccomended to start at level 1 especially your first time using the device until you are use to how it feels.

Before use of the facial device make sure that you cleanse your skin so your skin is clean and fresh of make up and/or oil . Then you can choose which of the three modes to use.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE 2024

Ad - I was sent the items featured for the purpose of this gift guide.  


Spring is in the air and Mother's Day is a bit earlier this year and falls on Sunday 10th March here in the UK. We prefer to do Mother's Day on a budget and so I like to share affordable gift options. 

 




I love to read and know many mums who also like to also read in their down time, so I like to include books in my gift guides.


"What matters more, your place as a daughter or as a mother?"

Androulla is twenty-four and newly married when she learns that she is infertile. In a bid for Cypriot citizenship she is undergoing adoption by her stepfather, and wondering if she will have to adopt a child one day herself.

As this reality sets in, Androulla's marriage unravels. Between migration departments and doctors' appointments, she must question what it means to be from somewhere, what it means to be a woman and, when an impossible choice presents itself, which of those things means the most to her.



She Can Prosper by Diane Watson | Literally PR 

Diane Watson is an award-winning, distinguished financial advisor, entrepreneur, and the passionate founder of 'She Can Prosper.' With an unshakable belief in empowering women to achieve financial independence, Diane has dedicated her career to guiding individuals towards a secure and prosperous future.

The book aims to provide women of all backgrounds with the knowledge, tools and support they need to take control of their financial destinies.This book shares not only Diane's insights and advice on the importance of financial education but also the stories of women who have successfully achieved their financial goals and those who made serious errors of judgment.

When is the Best Time of Year to Go on a Cruise?

Cruises offer a fantastic way for you to explore the world, providing travellers with a combination of adventure, relaxation, and of course luxury. However, choosing the best time of year for your cruise can significantly impact your overall experience. In this blog post, I'll explore the factors with you that will influence the ideal time to embark on a cruise, helping you make an informed decision for your next holiday.




Consider Your Destination


The first and most crucial factor in deciding the best time of year for a cruise is your chosen destination. Different regions of the world have specific cruising seasons, and the weather, attractions, and prices can vary significantly.


Caribbean


The Caribbean is often a popular cruise destination, known for its stunning beaches and tropical climate. The peak cruise season in the Caribbean typically runs from December to April, offering warm and dry weather. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, consider sailing during the shoulder seasons (late April to early June and September to early December). However, be mindful of hurricane season from June to November.


Mediterranean


Mediterranean cruises are popular during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are also excellent times to visit, due to milder temperatures and fewer tourists. Winter cruises in the Mediterranean can be an option for those seeking lower prices, although you will find some attractions may be closed.


Alaska


Alaska cruises are best enjoyed during the summer months (May to September) when you can witness breathtaking scenery and wildlife. June and July are the months that offer the longest daylight hours for sightseeing.


Northern Europe


Cruises in Northern Europe are most popular from May to September, with milder weather and the opportunity to explore historic cities like St. Petersburg and Copenhagen.


South Pacific


Cruises to the South Pacific, including destinations like Tahiti and Fiji, are ideal during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October.