tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65032186234907866922024-03-27T06:37:36.983+00:00The Mini Mes and Me Family | Life | Food | TravelThe Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04178725358409313573noreply@blogger.comBlogger1875125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-41434185909888618002024-02-12T06:30:00.007+00:002024-02-12T12:10:50.993+00:00Embrace the Old World Charm: Unforgettable Europe Holiday Packages for Your Perfect Getaway<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/p/legal.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ad</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Europe, a continent steeped in history and culture, never fails to captivate travellers with its old-world charm. From the historic streets of Rome to the picturesque villages of Provence, Europe offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to every type of traveller. If you're dreaming of an unforgettable vacation, consider exploring the continent with Europe holiday packages that promise to immerse you in its rich heritage and breath-taking beauty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>The Allure of Europe Holiday Packages</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://guidetoeurope.com/best-vacation-packages" target="_blank">Europe holiday packages</a> have become increasingly popular for travellers seeking a well-rounded and hassle-free vacation experience. These packages typically include accommodation, transportation, and guided tours, ensuring that you make the most of your time in Europe without worrying about the logistics. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an art lover, or an adventurer, there's a European holiday package tailored to your preferences.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUz4Bmdpxp1WwKCp7qmknYmc8g8F48-Sce14JWRU0dz8UFJqj9xkfY9NwVSkH27xr144P4MbUfnnX1wVx8KNPx5peH7kZKRNciMLaEngQw2wuWathvINQVqc8b9Jeh4TIP5K3kyUPlzxhclWXiunrV0dutRMHByYWd-spJOfa0I70JNmjM406sv8igjrc/s4928/chris-czermak-7ybKmhDTcz0-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUz4Bmdpxp1WwKCp7qmknYmc8g8F48-Sce14JWRU0dz8UFJqj9xkfY9NwVSkH27xr144P4MbUfnnX1wVx8KNPx5peH7kZKRNciMLaEngQw2wuWathvINQVqc8b9Jeh4TIP5K3kyUPlzxhclWXiunrV0dutRMHByYWd-spJOfa0I70JNmjM406sv8igjrc/w640-h424/chris-czermak-7ybKmhDTcz0-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Pilgrimage to Lourdes</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For those seeking a spiritual and serene journey, Lourdes holidays are an excellent choice. Lourdes, a small town in southwestern France, is renowned for its religious significance and stunning natural beauty. The town gained international fame in the 19th century when a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto. Today, Lourdes attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists alike, all drawn to its peaceful ambiance and healing waters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Lourdes Holidays: A Spiritual Retreat</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lourdes holidays offer a unique opportunity to embark on a spiritual retreat and explore the town's religious landmarks. You can visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which includes the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and the Basilica of the Rosary, both of which are architectural marvels and important pilgrimage sites. Take a stroll along the Gave de Pau River and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this sacred town.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Exploring the Rest of Europe</b></div></b><div><br /></div><div>While Lourdes holidays provide a tranquil escape, Europe offers a plethora of other enchanting destinations to explore. Let's take a closer look at some of the continent's must-visit places that can be included in your Europe holiday packages.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYzlaJac-4oaeMZhi_hGQAHNBkgq3IEc6bIG9CqWs6dA0-vs9cCYrzKCOwfzALfV5zFBxTPn135FqRtpFXvpct42ikisFlOrY1h-f05hi1bG-a05Hn9sgxoLzKGOAnMFBF91xgof_fnHrSDH8zA-sw3jE7FY8F3XmALF7o4CGeoHOWq-0o9plU8V6rw4/s3363/nick-castelli-mnctB7nxJiQ-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2242" data-original-width="3363" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYzlaJac-4oaeMZhi_hGQAHNBkgq3IEc6bIG9CqWs6dA0-vs9cCYrzKCOwfzALfV5zFBxTPn135FqRtpFXvpct42ikisFlOrY1h-f05hi1bG-a05Hn9sgxoLzKGOAnMFBF91xgof_fnHrSDH8zA-sw3jE7FY8F3XmALF7o4CGeoHOWq-0o9plU8V6rw4/w640-h426/nick-castelli-mnctB7nxJiQ-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Roaming the Streets of Rome</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rome, the Eternal City, is a living testament to Europe's rich history. From the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum to the grandeur of the Vatican City, Rome is a treasure trove of ancient wonders. Stroll through the charming streets, savour authentic Italian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the art and culture of this magnificent city.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Romantic Retreat in Paris</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;">For couples in search of romance, Paris is the ultimate destination. The City of Love beckons with its iconic Eiffel Tower, charming Montmartre, and world-class museums like the Louvre. Share a croissant in a cosy café, take a leisurely boat ride along the Seine River, and create timeless memories in the most romantic city in the world.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Wandering Through the Villages of Provence</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you yearn for a more tranquil escape, the villages of Provence in southern France offer a picture-perfect setting. Explore the lavender fields of Valensole, stroll through the charming streets of Gordes, and savour the flavours of Provencal cuisine. The beauty and serenity of these villages will transport you to a bygone era.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Embracing the Old World Charm</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Europe holiday packages provide you with the opportunity to embrace the old-world charm that defines this remarkable continent. Whether you choose to embark on a spiritual journey to Lourdes, immerse yourself in the history of Rome, indulge in the romance of Paris, or discover the beauty of Provence, Europe has something to offer every traveller.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BpdxCPZp-SDjmKCPyW6h_WpWfCKPPvxVFKkjVSXigepx3YD9FzA4uvVYPtKw-GprxhVjIxcPCCpRu57G_UxU7pSN8JGQJ-79nO1d9kNiAkzPm6pfPNL7cw9YnSyKxVpAxsauvCXvaMrDapQys60Sl6Yt546zjZI7sIsrFdDUf3eBUlTBzEiv2bYREK4/s5016/michele-bitetto-2y6ojwauKJI-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3344" data-original-width="5016" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_BpdxCPZp-SDjmKCPyW6h_WpWfCKPPvxVFKkjVSXigepx3YD9FzA4uvVYPtKw-GprxhVjIxcPCCpRu57G_UxU7pSN8JGQJ-79nO1d9kNiAkzPm6pfPNL7cw9YnSyKxVpAxsauvCXvaMrDapQys60Sl6Yt546zjZI7sIsrFdDUf3eBUlTBzEiv2bYREK4/w640-h426/michele-bitetto-2y6ojwauKJI-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you plan your perfect getaway, remember that <a href="https://guidetoeurope.com/france/best-vacation-packages/in-lourdes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lourdes holidays</a> provide a spiritual retreat like no other, allowing you to find inner peace in a place of profound significance. Meanwhile, iconic cities like Rome, Paris, and the picturesque villages of Provence offer a wide range of experiences, from history and romance to relaxation and adventure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Europe's allure lies not only in its famous landmarks but also in its hidden gems, quaint villages, and warm-hearted locals. Whether you're sipping wine in a charming Parisian bistro or hiking through the pristine Swiss Alps, every moment in Europe feels like a page from a fairy tale. Furthermore, Europe's efficient transportation systems and well-planned itineraries in holiday packages ensure that you make the most of your time, allowing you to explore multiple destinations in a single trip. This convenience is especially valuable in a continent where there's so much to see and experience.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Europe holiday packages are your passport to an unforgettable adventure filled with history, culture, and enchantment. So, embrace the old-world charm, savour the flavours of Europe, and create memories that will last a lifetime on your perfect European getaway. Pack your bags, and let the magic of Europe transport you to a world of wonder and discovery. Your European adventure awaits!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210699125776734223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-38264714713394652672024-01-20T00:00:00.016+00:002024-01-22T16:46:48.189+00:00Dining Out with Kids - Top Tips for a Great Experience
<div style="text-align: center;"><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/p/legal.html" target="_blank">ad</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The thought of stepping into a restaurant with your toddler, or even teen, may leave you a little hot under the collar. You might be wondering if your child will behave or if the menu will cater to their needs but these top tips for dining out with kids will hopefully make your night away from the kitchen an unforgettable experience, for all of the right reasons.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb9NsmXmAgslKTyM1ojfj0OHZ586kD4NqRPNZ3P7POVzxKt0fivcmeUMr1ty4HJit2wAOLzrV0pLP3uUxG9dIG-t8EoJqkaZmwFcLrhX6xyz1EdhXNJKs6ZyqSMdmacPkimPrqcfaNIAdA6MnvmzeQLoLRPLzcF6cqEl8akLAmhpWfetH74JukMRsBTc/s4032/IMG_3284.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb9NsmXmAgslKTyM1ojfj0OHZ586kD4NqRPNZ3P7POVzxKt0fivcmeUMr1ty4HJit2wAOLzrV0pLP3uUxG9dIG-t8EoJqkaZmwFcLrhX6xyz1EdhXNJKs6ZyqSMdmacPkimPrqcfaNIAdA6MnvmzeQLoLRPLzcF6cqEl8akLAmhpWfetH74JukMRsBTc/s16000/IMG_3284.JPG" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Be prepared</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before booking a table at your usual establishment, take a look at <a href="https://www.squaremeal.co.uk/restaurants" target="_blank">Square Meal</a> which shows the best restaurants that are local to you. The website provides details on cuisines, ambience, food safety ratings and average price per person so you can feel confident when trying somewhere new and ensure that you eat somewhere that is both affordable and best suited for your family before you even step outside.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Check the menu </b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's definitely best to check the menu in advance to ensure there is a dish or two that appeals to everyone in your party. Not only does this save time upon arrival, when it comes to placing your order, but it helps if there is anyone with a food allergy or intolerance too. Don't forget to check each course - if you have a sweet tooth and love a <a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/2014/01/brownie-hearts-with-raspberry-filling.html" target="_blank">brownie</a> or torte you'll probably want to make certain there's a dessert that you'll love beforehand!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ordering</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're planning on enjoying a meal of many courses, you may wish to order any food for the kids at the same time as organising your starter, or even your drinks. Generally kids can be quite impatient when it comes to meal time and they often eat at a slower pace. Getting their dishes on the table ASAP can prevent any negative behaviour due to hunger and ensure you all finish eating at around the same time.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHiC64mIiTM1rUsVtHW5buUS8MpiWb-4frGmLJZPimlstgQnC_sx6_nCg9ApcfwDO0AVkdzbqW9PyEF0diSrfzR0U_vdgWeBbudNBlNKXN_8Wuip6Za1ZxC036P3bxB1ChSgq9nTVtABfjMdcgcTO9OqCeuHjHE18LUCUAHYceA7nthR_cT2VxMAxrEQ/s4032/IMG_9528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHiC64mIiTM1rUsVtHW5buUS8MpiWb-4frGmLJZPimlstgQnC_sx6_nCg9ApcfwDO0AVkdzbqW9PyEF0diSrfzR0U_vdgWeBbudNBlNKXN_8Wuip6Za1ZxC036P3bxB1ChSgq9nTVtABfjMdcgcTO9OqCeuHjHE18LUCUAHYceA7nthR_cT2VxMAxrEQ/s16000/IMG_9528.JPG" /></a></span></div><span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Entertainment</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Little ones can become bored when seated for too long so it may be wise to have some entertainment to hand. That could be in the form of a book, toys or a tablet with a TV show or educational game to keep them occupied. You might even find a scribble board useful for some doodling or noughts and crosses with your tweens. Themed restaurants like </span></span>Jurassic Grill, with dinosaurs galore, have plenty<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to look at or you could choose somewhere like </span><a href="https://northampton.playhouse-bars.com/" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Playhouse</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to dine where there are arcades and a vintage photo booth you can have fun with while you wait to be served.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Bill</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It can sometimes be difficult to catch the waiters eye when seeking the bill for a swift exit, so you can always ask for it when your last plates arrive for you, if you won't be ordering anything else. Look out for QR codes on your table or menu to pay with ease while seated too.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;"><br /></p></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210699125776734223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-86821119956599588292024-01-15T00:00:00.000+00:002024-01-22T13:25:45.997+00:007 Tips for Beautiful Hair this Spring
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At this time of year, which sees the return of the cooler weather, our beautiful tresses can often suffer, becoming dry, brittle and losing shine, but keeping your hair in great condition need not be as difficult as you think. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These 7 simple tips should certainly help to keep your locks looking luscious until the arrival of summer - there is minimal effort involved too...</div>
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If you're entering the season with hair that is already damaged from the winter sun and chlorine filled pools (if you were lucky enough to get away) you may want to work on repairing it before the cold wind and rain worsens it. Look at purchasing some <a href="http://amzn.to/2yngyLY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hot oil treatments</a> or <a href="http://amzn.to/2fJRGmt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">masks</a> to deeply moisturise your hair. These can usually be used once or twice a week and they can really improve the condition.</div>
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If you regularly use styling sprays, wax or mousse on your hair it might be time to clarify it. By using a <a href="http://amzn.to/2fQdbp6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">clarifying shampoo</a> you can remove the build up of styling products which can make it appear limp, greasy or heavy and restore the shine.</div>
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Many of us will suffer from hair loss at one point or another which can be caused by pregnancy, stress, vitamin deficiencies or a number of other reasons. Although you may want to hide under a bobble hat this season it can be helped - try regular scalp massage to improve blood circulation and encourage faster regrowth or <a href="https://amzn.to/32zDG7Z" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">caffeine enriched products</a>. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Try to reduce how frequently you use heated equipment and opt for lightly towel drying your locks or letting it dry naturally from time to time. If you need to use curlers, straighteners or a dryer then opt for a product like the BLOW Hairdryer from <a href="https://mdlondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">mdlondon</a> which is quick and efficient to use and helps to minimise time under the heat. Ensure you use protective spray too!</div>
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Take a look at your diet as what you eat and drink can have a big impact on your hair. Ensure you consume lots of water, fresh fruit and veg if possible and you will soon start to notice a real difference, not only in your hair but with your skin and nails too. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you haven't had a hair cut in a while it might be worth a trip to the salon. By adding a few layers and losing those split ends it can instantly make your hair look and feel so much better. </div>
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Although wool hats and hoods keep you warm and looking stylish, they can cause friction which damages and breaks your hair. Try ear muffs or put your hair up when the weather is really bitter as an alternative.</div>
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<b>What tips would you add to the list?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
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<!--Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QkbzHbZ3lz4%2FVFTNBJfkh_I%2FAAAAAAAAW48%2FbhqXq1_1Xs4%2Fs1600%2FEmma%252Bsignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png"-->The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04178725358409313573noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-85563087846145021192024-01-01T00:00:00.004+00:002024-01-01T13:19:34.118+00:00The Whispering Winds: Learning to Listen in Outdoor Spaces
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{170}" paraid="29240430" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" color="windowtext" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/p/legal.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ad</span></a></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{170}" paraid="29240430" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" color="windowtext" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the subtle yet profound melodies of nature often go unheard. 'The Whispering Winds: Learning to Listen in Outdoor Spaces' is an ode to the enchanting sounds that nature plays and a guide to truly tuning into this delightful symphony.</span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{170}" paraid="29240430" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" color="windowtext" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_AhNrixzI5gLCvfnGdd5Ahbv0t779cuYJUFqAIbBdfFs10P5NKbHRLfQTpf0exgo5EU_zxoNf63b3TpGuuwJJR1iy0IYdVh4MraYh3EiQkmpK2pY9rVqPjpIF2wwMALrh6Q5U-AMsSg2TtpulMi7-ZGSAOCUeLW_zwLw8Z5vM-c_TKeE97WPtImM0-s/s800/Girl%20on%20trampoline.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_AhNrixzI5gLCvfnGdd5Ahbv0t779cuYJUFqAIbBdfFs10P5NKbHRLfQTpf0exgo5EU_zxoNf63b3TpGuuwJJR1iy0IYdVh4MraYh3EiQkmpK2pY9rVqPjpIF2wwMALrh6Q5U-AMsSg2TtpulMi7-ZGSAOCUeLW_zwLw8Z5vM-c_TKeE97WPtImM0-s/w640-h640/Girl%20on%20trampoline.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{170}" paraid="29240430" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{187}" paraid="91928318" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">The Melody of the Morning</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{193}" paraid="1338700252" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Dawn is nature's soft awakening, a time when the birds announce the start of a new day. The first light filters through the trees, casting a golden hue over everything. This is the moment to step outside and immerse in the morning's serenade. Let the chirping of the sparrows, the cooing of doves, and the gentle rustle of leaves become your morning music. Pay attention to how these sounds differ between weekdays and weekends, seasons, and weather conditions.</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{199}" paraid="934107294" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> <span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{203}" paraid="271416095" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Midday Chorus in the Garden</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{209}" paraid="1004077042" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">As the sun reaches its zenith, gardens burst into life. Amidst blooming flowers and buzzing bees, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">there's</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a rhythm to discover. The symphony of butterflies fluttering, birds flitting from branch to branch, and the occasional squirrel's chatter creates a vibrant soundscape. This is also the perfect </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">time to add playful notes with a </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW36686084 BCX0" href="https://www.tptoys.com/collections/infinity-trampolines" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">large trampoline</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">. The joyous laughs, the rhythmic bouncing, and the sound of feet softly landing on the trampoline add a unique layer to nature's midday concert.</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{222}" paraid="249543881" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{226}" paraid="945431716" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Afternoon Whispers Among Trees</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{232}" paraid="1966896435" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">The afternoon breeze whispers stories best heard under the shade of towering trees. The rustling leaves speak a language of their own, telling tales of the wind's journey. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">It's</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a time for reflection, where even the subtlest leaf quiver adds to the outdoor narrative. Here, the wind is not just felt but heard, a reminder of nature's gentle yet omnipresent force.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{238}" paraid="728312992" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{242}" paraid="2095168711" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Evening Serenade by the Water</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{248}" paraid="2064918914" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">As daylight fades, waterside locales become stages for nature's evening performances. The soft lapping of waves, the distant call of waterfowl, and the occasional fish jumping create a tranquil harmony. This is a moment to sit back, relax, and let the water's melody wash over you. Notice how the sound of water changes with the tide, the weather, and even the phases of the moon.</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bd1540cd-9c44-4553-896f-51aca6eab817}{254}" paraid="1334398194" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{3}" paraid="1633275733" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: none; text-align: start; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Night Time</b></span><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: inherit; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> Whispers and Wonders</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{9}" paraid="1299434890" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Under the starlit sky, the night unveils a quieter yet equally </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">mesmerising</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> sound palette. From the distant hoot of an owl to the symphony of crickets and the rustle of nocturnal creatures, the night's soundtrack is a testament to the unseen wonders of the natural world. The contrast between the silence of a calm night and the sounds </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">during a storm </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">provides</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a rich auditory experience.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{19}" paraid="1856045803" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{23}" paraid="838459077" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">The Role of Silence in Listening</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{29}" paraid="1508107913" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Appreciating these natural concerts </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">isn't</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">just about listening</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">; </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">it's</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> also about embracing silence. In the absence of </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">man-made</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> noise, we begin to appreciate the subtlest sounds that often go unnoticed. Silence in nature is not the absence of sound but the backdrop against which the sounds of the natural world play.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{35}" paraid="386919869" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{39}" paraid="1495279763" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Integrating Playful Sounds</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{45}" paraid="1103201048" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">While enjoying the natural sounds, incorporating human elements like a trampoline can add to the experience. For instance, adding </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW36686084 BCX0" href="https://www.tptoys.com/collections/trampoline-accessories" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">accessories for a trampoline</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> can create a playful </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ambience</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> without overpowering nature's chorus. The giggles of children, the gentle creak of the trampoline springs, and the sound of feet softly landing mix seamlessly with the chirping of birds and rustling leaves, creating a joyful harmony.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{60}" paraid="936309908" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{64}" paraid="428452054" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">The Dance of Seasons</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{70}" paraid="1360973764" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Each season brings its unique symphony. Spring is a time of rebirth, where the sounds of budding leaves, blooming flowers, and returning birds fill the air. Summer's heat brings the chorus of cicadas and the buzzing of bees. Fall is the time of rustling leaves and the soft, melancholic call of migrating </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">birds. Winter, often perceived as silent, carries the crisp sound of snow underfoot, the whistle of the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">cold wind</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, and the quiet world waiting beneath the snow.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{78}" paraid="638937759" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{82}" paraid="514332193" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Urban Nature Sounds</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{88}" paraid="828744855" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Even in urban settings, nature's music persists. The sound of a distant lawn mower, the rustling of trees in a city park, and the occasional bird song amidst traffic noise remind us that nature is always around, waiting to be heard.</span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{88}" paraid="828744855" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{94}" paraid="594017271" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF12lRGUnE0oPD_rdT1yFqB325trxnM3jCivpS9ETRhl_TysIk_puHOQJVIwJrC-BhLiHJwmy9D75lYyevfs-VcwbstvbfIss9B9ijRabGkKwr-Tkpvmytrz-84nFQoAylOvpGJIqLEicJiVsYiqe6LIknTQQWHncJ4qgA9LFQ5oYtXW3gUzHge9naXM/s800/Boy%20on%20trampoline.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlF12lRGUnE0oPD_rdT1yFqB325trxnM3jCivpS9ETRhl_TysIk_puHOQJVIwJrC-BhLiHJwmy9D75lYyevfs-VcwbstvbfIss9B9ijRabGkKwr-Tkpvmytrz-84nFQoAylOvpGJIqLEicJiVsYiqe6LIknTQQWHncJ4qgA9LFQ5oYtXW3gUzHge9naXM/w640-h640/Boy%20on%20trampoline.webp" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW36686084 BCX0" paraeid="{bbdfa1db-9d2a-4fa0-962e-849638ccdd43}{105}" paraid="311231692" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-kerning: none; margin: 0px 0px 10.6667px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="TextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-GB" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">The journey of listening to 'The Whispering Winds' is more than an auditory experience; </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">it's</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a lifestyle choice. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">It's</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> about finding harmony in our coexistence with nature and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">recognising</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW36686084 BCX0" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> the intricate melodies that the natural world offers to those willing to listen. By opening our ears and hearts to these sounds, we learn not just to hear but to listen and connect with the world around us in a more meaningful way.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW36686084 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span></p></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210699125776734223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-15495419825760315902023-12-11T06:00:00.003+00:002023-12-13T20:08:26.318+00:00Slow Cooked Lamb Rogan Josh #LivePeasant<div style="text-align: center;">
With a busy week ahead I wanted to ensure I had some quick and easy meals on the planner and <a href="https://capitaloneshopping.com/p/crock-pot-7-quart-oval-manual-sl/PKZZMDCZHJ" target="_blank">slow cooker</a> recipes are so ideal for this. I can literally pop all of the ingredients into the pot in the morning, head out to meet friends/work/appointments and serve up a delicious meal in the evening. Minimal effort and amazing food - the perfect combo.</div>
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We really enjoyed the <a href="http://www.theminimesandme.com/2016/04/slow-cooked-beef-with-gnocchi.html" target="_blank">Slow Cooked Beef with Gnocchi</a> I made a while back so I decided to put another #LivePeasant recipe to the test. The Live Peasant campaign encourages you to boost your lamb and beef intake through slow cooked, hearty and rustic style meals that are often far more affordable and far more convenient for families. This time we opted for a dish featuring lamb as the protein and with a little more spice - Rogan Josh! What I love about this is that it only takes a few minutes to prep and as the carbs and veg are all cooked in the slow cooker with the meat so I didn't need to worry about cooking extras or sides to accompany it, although there are some suggested below.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">Ingredients</span></u></b></div>
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<b>Preparation time: </b>10 minutes </div>
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<b>Cooking time: </b>High 4-6 hours or low 8-10 hours</div>
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<li>450g/1lb lean lamb shoulder or leg cubes, cut into 2.5cm/1 inch cubes</li>
<li>2 medium onions, peeled and chopped OR 1 x 500g pack prepared diced onions</li>
<li>1 garlic clove or 5ml/1tsp garlic purée</li>
<li>1 x 420g (approx.) jar prepared Rogan Josh sauce</li>
<li>200ml/7 fl oz good, hot lamb stock</li>
<li>6 small new potatoes, quartered</li>
<li>100g/4oz prepared cauliflower florets (frozen are good too)</li>
<li>Salt and freshly milled black pepper</li>
<li>Natural yoghurt, to garnish</li>
<li>Freshly chopped coriander leaves, to garnish</li>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQicj6eW5nY/VxDkQWDhETI/AAAAAAAAbIE/dCnqq5moOtsYEBfG2oF8YCkZK2Uf8fHIwCLcB/s1600/lamb%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ingredients to make Lamb Rogan Josh" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQicj6eW5nY/VxDkQWDhETI/AAAAAAAAbIE/dCnqq5moOtsYEBfG2oF8YCkZK2Uf8fHIwCLcB/s640/lamb%2B1.jpg" title="Ingredients to make Lamb Rogan Josh" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3sRiW9_M7s/VxDkQSiRQTI/AAAAAAAAbII/IOrf7s-Qq4Yah4SvOdrE9D3_Zi3dtTXOwCLcB/s1600/lamb%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chopped potatoes and diced onion" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X3sRiW9_M7s/VxDkQSiRQTI/AAAAAAAAbII/IOrf7s-Qq4Yah4SvOdrE9D3_Zi3dtTXOwCLcB/s640/lamb%2B3.jpg" title="Chopped potatoes and diced onion" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">Method</span></u></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;">Put all the ingredients, except the yoghurt and coriander, in a large slow cooker.</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Turn the slow cooker on HIGH for 4-6 hours or LOW for 8-10 hours, or according to your manufacturers’ handbook.</li>
<li style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Turn off the slow cooker, garnish with the yoghurt and coriander and serve with prepared basmati rice and a selection of Indian relishes and poppadoms or naan bread.</span></li>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ceLjH-NWNNc/VxDlLPE6ybI/AAAAAAAAbIU/OW6XI6eqX_kcrvex7M_FZSq2iYxjXQ2LgCLcB/s1600/lamb%2B5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lamb Rogan Josh" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ceLjH-NWNNc/VxDlLPE6ybI/AAAAAAAAbIU/OW6XI6eqX_kcrvex7M_FZSq2iYxjXQ2LgCLcB/s640/lamb%2B5.jpg" title="Lamb Rogan Josh in the slow cooker" width="640" /></a></div>
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We like to buy produce that has a quality mark when we can, like the Red Tractor logo, to ensure the food is farm assured. </div>
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This was such a tasty meal and there were clear bowls all around, a sign of success. The Mr was eager to take the leftovers to work the following day where I'm sure the aroma captivated his colleagues too - it smells heavenly while simmering away all day in the kitchen.</div>
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Take a peek at the <a href="http://www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/campaigns/peasant-food" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Simply Beef and Lamb website</a> for more Live Peasant dinner ideas and pop over to our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/theminimesandme" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> to watch our video for the recipe which features some funny outtakes too.<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Sponsored Post*</span></div>
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If you're looking for a chewy and gooey treat that is incredibly simple to make then your search stops here. These slices ooze with chocolate and caramel when cut and they are bound to satisfy any sweet tooth. They are great served warm with ice cream, wrapped in ribbon as a gift or devoured at home by the family as a delicious dessert.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IOdNxA6xRk/V2_T3ppqZqI/AAAAAAAAbqQ/HOPxxgUOLGgy7wcdQlwBYgFYC7FYuAAyQCLcB/s1600/blondies%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rolo Blondies stack a delicious recipe" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0IOdNxA6xRk/V2_T3ppqZqI/AAAAAAAAbqQ/HOPxxgUOLGgy7wcdQlwBYgFYC7FYuAAyQCLcB/s1600/blondies%2B3.jpg" title="Rolo Blondies" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">Ingredients</span></u></b></div>
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110g butter<br />
1 egg<br />
200g brown sugar<br />
165g plain flour<br />
80g chocolate chips (we used chocolate buttons)<br />
18 rolos </div>
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<b><b><u><span style="color: magenta;">Method</span></u></b></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;">Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line a 10" by 12" baking tray with foil. Also grease the foil with a little oil to prevent the blondies from sticking later on</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Melt the butter in a pan over a low heat and set to one side to cool</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">In a bowl, combine the egg and sugar together with the cooled butter</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Mix in the flour and once combined, stir through the chocolate chips</li>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdRWw3uEdOs/V2_VI3PaM0I/AAAAAAAAbqc/Dz3yoWQoudsoGDAyzFpaNUQaFwBCpodIACLcB/s1600/blondies%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cadbury chocolate buttons chopped" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdRWw3uEdOs/V2_VI3PaM0I/AAAAAAAAbqc/Dz3yoWQoudsoGDAyzFpaNUQaFwBCpodIACLcB/s1600/blondies%2B1.jpg" title="Chopped chocolate pieces" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;">Place half of the mixture into the baking tray, ensuring it is level</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Spread the Rolos evenly on top and then use the remaining mixture to fill in the gaps and cover the Rolos</li>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGAYCW2q61k/V2_VZ4HRI3I/AAAAAAAAbqk/KtX0HwzDmu0Y8Wjeta9hKRjKdY0j9VGZACLcB/s1600/blondies%2B2%2B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rolo chocolates delicious blondies recipe" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGAYCW2q61k/V2_VZ4HRI3I/AAAAAAAAbqk/KtX0HwzDmu0Y8Wjeta9hKRjKdY0j9VGZACLcB/s1600/blondies%2B2%2B.jpg" title="Rolos spread across half of the mixture" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">Bake for approx 25 minutes until the top is firm</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Let the blondies cool completely before slicing in 8 large or 16 small pieces</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Scoff</li>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5eOh2Kf25w/V2_VtejM2LI/AAAAAAAAbqw/l8d_RIhX8qYN_ATE_Kul0a9OXIY4GqsuwCLcB/s1600/blondies%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Delicious Rolo Blondies recipe" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5eOh2Kf25w/V2_VtejM2LI/AAAAAAAAbqw/l8d_RIhX8qYN_ATE_Kul0a9OXIY4GqsuwCLcB/s1600/blondies%2B4.jpg" title="Sliced Rolo blondies" /></a></div>
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<b>Tips</b><br />
- Drizzle caramel or chocolate over the top<br />
- Use the same recipe with different treats inside for a variety of flavour combinations<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfimfBv3KqM/V2_eoF5guZI/AAAAAAAAbrE/iqMl5b4vFxsbY2Milo1A-n0HJiow4aJ5gCLcB/s1600/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pinable Rolo Blondies Recipe image" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfimfBv3KqM/V2_eoF5guZI/AAAAAAAAbrE/iqMl5b4vFxsbY2Milo1A-n0HJiow4aJ5gCLcB/s1600/1.png" title="Rolo Blondies" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">As we enter another lockdown and homeschooling is on the agenda for many families once again, it's important to be as prepared and organised as you can be to make the transition as smooth as possible. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopefully these 8 tips will help to make being in charge of your child's education that little bit easier.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--74JXERlOXs/X_Ry0GBYqyI/AAAAAAAADy8/hgSSTAImDaEtStb9P1QaA0BhCAVBOyRcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/homeschooling%2Btips%2Bfor%2Bhome%2Blearning.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--74JXERlOXs/X_Ry0GBYqyI/AAAAAAAADy8/hgSSTAImDaEtStb9P1QaA0BhCAVBOyRcACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/homeschooling%2Btips%2Bfor%2Bhome%2Blearning.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Although learning from home allows some flexibility, it's a wise idea to have a clear written schedule available that you and the children can see. Not only will this provide structure for your day, similar to school, it prevents you getting sidetracked. Try to stick to the school's timetable as closely as you can, including taking regular breaks - I've created a free template at the bottom of this post that you can download/print to assist.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Plan ahead and have everything you need ready in advance. This will prevent time wasting searching for pens, paper or calculators when required and keep stress levels low. You can even make packed lunches the evening before so when it's time for food you can put your feet up for a while without having to worry about sorting sandwiches!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Schools often have reward systems in place for good work or behaviour and it's often useful to have one at home too. Let your little one pick something they would like, perhaps a movie of their choosing or something fun outdoors, so they can work towards it and feel a sense of achievement for doing well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Designating a specific place to study can help keep children focused and although your dining table may be for meals, making it a working space temporarily will be wise. It also means you can leave essentials in place and not have to worry about setting lots of things up each morning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Try to keep the TV and radio off whilst it's time to learn and ensure any other distractions, even cats and dogs or mobile phones, are out of the way. As your home isn't the usual setting for work children may lose interest easier and this will help to keep their focus on you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqZxmWcCph4/X_R3eYaOtdI/AAAAAAAADzM/YlSLtEaErtcoI6vKi-7z3q0tiMC-ln6FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/homeschooling%2Blearn%2Bfrom%2Bhome%2Btips%2Badvice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqZxmWcCph4/X_R3eYaOtdI/AAAAAAAADzM/YlSLtEaErtcoI6vKi-7z3q0tiMC-ln6FwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/homeschooling%2Blearn%2Bfrom%2Bhome%2Btips%2Badvice.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Home schooling doesn't have to involve being sat down at a table all of the time - you can get practical too. Pinterest is a great source for crafts and <a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/2015/03/fun-science-how-to-make-dough-volcano.html" target="_blank">science experiment</a> ideas so why not add a few to the agenda. You could even do some cooking, grow plants or try a new sport.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh air works wonders for your mental wellbeing so try to spend some time outside every day. This could be going for a walk before or after your schooling or incorporating nature into your lessons. Learning through play is fun and memorable. It really is up to you what you do but it's a great way to burn off excess energy and get your steps in as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Be forgiving to yourself and your child. If things don't go to plan then that's fine - remember you are doing your best and that is enough. It's a learning journey for everyone, not just the kids. If you're really struggling there is usually support available from the school too so don't be afraid to reach out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do you have any tips to add to the list?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<img alt="" border="0" height="110" id="Image-Maps-Com-image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" orgheight="110" orgwidth="165" src="https://i.postimg.cc/J0Ry2xKH/iconcollectionblockallsocialmediaminimesandme-zps21aaa2d2-1.jpg" usemap="#image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" width="165" /><map id="ImageMapsCom-image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" name="image-maps-2014-09-23-081832"><area alt="" coords="110,56,165,109" href="http://www.pinterest.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="55,55,106,110" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnYR5-isQmZ2fM3IYYhiZcA" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="0,56,52,109" href="http://www.instagram.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="110,0,165,52" href="https://plus.google.com/+EmmaGarratt/posts" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="55,0,107,54" href="http://www.twitter.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="0,0,53,52" href="http://www.facebook.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="Image Map" coords="163,108,165,110" href="http://www.image-maps.com/index.php?aff=mapped_users_0" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" title="Image Map"></area></map></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Download or print the FREE timetable here:</div><div><iframe height="48" src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-RZVKdJex6P_ZrAiOeIZzGt18yM71pDu/preview" width="64"></iframe></div></div>
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If you haven't been out to fill your baskets with berries yet this summer, now is the final time to do so - you can make your own jam! Although you can of course use shop bought if you prefer so that you can dive straight in to make this delicious recipe. Our preference of filling has to be raspberry for a beautiful burst of deep red but feel free to use whatever you have to hand or prefer. Blueberries and strawberries are great alternatives and they too create a sweet and sticky centre to contrast nicely with the the crisp yet flaky exterior of these slices.<br />
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We like to pop a batch into some plastic pots to take on day trips or when visiting friends as a tasty afternoon treat. The Mini Mes enjoy making these themselves, they are great for tweens to bake, and they get great satisfaction from layering the ingredients nicely before popping them into the oven to turn golden.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XEKrOnluTA/V13NI_RtADI/AAAAAAAAbkY/0ebvRlQSORISVud7tPbDXc1DzpsSYt9jgCLcB/s1600/crumble%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raspberry Crumble Slices" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XEKrOnluTA/V13NI_RtADI/AAAAAAAAbkY/0ebvRlQSORISVud7tPbDXc1DzpsSYt9jgCLcB/s1600/crumble%2B6.jpg" title="Raspberry Crumble Bars Squares" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">Ingredients</span></u></b></div>
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140g self raising flour<br />
120g rolled oats<br />
90g light brown sugar<br />
120g butter<br />
Raspberry jam</div>
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<li style="text-align: center;">Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line a baking tray approx 8" by 10" in size with foil. Grease the top of the foil also to prevent the slices from sticking later on</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">In a bowl, mix together the flour, oats and sugar then mix in the butter to form your crumble</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Take 2/3 of the mixture and spread it evenly into the dish, compacting it slightly so it becomes more firm</li>
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<li style="text-align: center;">Use the back of a spoon to spread over a generous amount of jam ensuring you leave a gap of approx 1cm minimum around the edge</li>
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<li style="text-align: center;">Sprinkle over the remaining crumble mixture to cover the jam and push it down gently to keep it in place</li>
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<li style="text-align: center;">Cook for 28-30 minutes until golden and remove from the oven</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Leave to cool completely then carefully take it out of the tray and take off the foil </li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Cut into slices </li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Scoff!</li>
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<b>Tips</b><br />
- Use different flavour jams<br />
- Drizzle icing or melted chocolate over the top for added sweetness<br />
- If you don't have the size dish mentioned above then simply cut the foil to size, place it inside a larger tray and use the foil as a guide for the mixture<br />
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The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04178725358409313573noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-20409922867567610192023-08-20T00:00:00.000+01:002023-08-28T13:11:42.765+01:007 Things I've Learnt As A Parent<div style="text-align: center;">
Since the very first moment I held my newborns in my arms it has been an incredible learning journey. You may think as a parent you're the one teaching your child as you raise them but you certainly do develop and change as a person too. You grow as your little one does.<br />
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Here are seven things I've learnt as a parent...</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">Your best is good enough</span></u></b><br />
Parents really give themselves a hard time but you should know that you're doing a wonderful job and you are a good parent. If you're worrying about how well you're doing that alone is a sign that you care enough to be concerned and you're therefore a pretty good mum or dad. It's okay for your child to have chicken nuggets and chips from time to time and you shouldn't feel guilty, it's okay to raise your voice or get grumpy when you're sleep deprived and it's okay to leave the dishes on the side for a day. People may judge you at times for your choices on breast/bottle feeding or disposable/cloth nappy usage but if your kids are happy and healthy that's all that matters.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">Time goes so quickly</span></u></b></div>
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It really does. The first few months of sleepless nights with nappy changes and feeds on repeat all roll into one and by the time you have created any sort of real routine your baby is on their way to becoming a toddler. The years zoom by so treasure every single moment. There will come a time when you wish your tweens were tiny just one more time. That you could smell that fresh newborn scent, have them grip your finger and stare into your eyes as they lay on your chest with so much love and trust. Take photos, take videos and really focus on them. Nothing else matters as you can't get that time back.</div>
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">You will lose friends... but you will make more</span></u></b><br />
Certain people will leave your life when you become a 'baby bore' as they won't understand the importance of your children and the impact that they have on your daily routine - you will often be too tired or too busy to meet up with everyone in the early days and some won't be accepting of that. It won't be long however until you make new friends at play groups, nurseries or the school gates and these friendships will often last a lifetime. It's also nice for your little ones to make some new pals in the process too - my three best friends are all mums that I've met through school and Netmums and they are a huge support while also being great fun to be around.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">You should accept help if you need to</span></u></b><br />
Being incredibly stubborn I like to think I'm in control at all times and that I can plod along completing any task at hand but there may be a time when help is needed. Reach out to loved ones and accept a cooked meal from a friend or let someone else do the ironing. It doesn't mean you're weak, in fact standing back from it all can actually provide more focus in the long run and provide a well needed breather. You can also return the favour at some point I'm sure which will be appreciated no end. If you need help with child care using a service such as <a href="https://toddle.com.au/" target="_blank">Toddle</a> will enable you to find the most suitable care for your little one.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">You still need to make time for your partner</span></u></b><br />
Don't forget that before you became a parent that you were a person with a partner and that partner needs attention, as do you, even when babies make an entrance. Take a night off and go to the cinema, drop the kids with Gran and go out for a meal or just stay home and enjoy the peace and quiet for a few hours. Time is precious and you should make some for your other half. Even leaving a magnet message on the fridge or making them a cup of tea can make all the difference and shows them that they are appreciated. Pop a note in with their lunch or surprise them with a little gift of some sort - it really is the little things that mean so much.<br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;"><u>You can rediscover your own childhood</u></span></b><br />
Parenting is hard work, there is no denying that, but it's also such great fun and very rewarding too. As you encourage your child to jump a little higher on the bouncy castle, ride their bike a little faster and dance a little more vigorously you too can get involved and have a magical time doing so. Be a big kid, dive into that ball pond and be there to witness your child having the best times, with you by their side. Don't be the parent that stands by and watches as they're too worried about what others think. Join in and make your own memories and they will remember these moments forever.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta;">You shouldn't take other people's opinions to heart</span></u></b><br />
Although many people will only be trying to help when offering advice I do believe that the parents of a child generally know what is best for them and that you should follow your instinct. I've been told many times over the years like I should wean before the recommended age, let them cry themselves to sleep or host a chickenpox party and although I will listen, those weren't the right choices for me personally so I followed my gut and did what I felt was right.<br />
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<!--Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QkbzHbZ3lz4%2FVFTNBJfkh_I%2FAAAAAAAAW48%2FbhqXq1_1Xs4%2Fs1600%2FEmma%252Bsignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png"-->The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04178725358409313573noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-83976294535637462472023-05-11T00:00:00.000+01:002023-08-28T13:12:25.511+01:00Surviving the Summer with Allergies<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/p/legal.html" target="_blank">Ad</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With summer on the way many of us may notice an increase in itchy, watery eyes, congestion and sneezing but determining whether this is due to allergies or illness can be tricky. These tips should help you to identify a seasonal allergy and help you to deal with the symptoms until they begin to naturally subside in Autumn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oW8yJ9CDblE/YIAJucYB-fI/AAAAAAAAD5s/DlWz5_RBXwME_lxnThW717K9Lu_GkbpqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/How%2Bto%2Bidentify%2Bhay%2Bfever%2Band%2Bcope%2Bduring%2Bsummer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oW8yJ9CDblE/YIAJucYB-fI/AAAAAAAAD5s/DlWz5_RBXwME_lxnThW717K9Lu_GkbpqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/How%2Bto%2Bidentify%2Bhay%2Bfever%2Band%2Bcope%2Bduring%2Bsummer.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're suffering from symptoms that indicate an allergy, before taking action and seeking treatment, you need to confirm that what you're experiencing is actually due to an allergic reaction. Weather changes can play havoc with our bodies and sometimes it's hard to identify an allergy from a virus or cold. You could book an appointment with a GP but if you would prefer to take a test in the comfort and privacy of your own home, when it's most convenient for you to do so, it may be worth getting yourself a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">home allergy test</a>. These easy to use kits just involve a quick <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">allergy blood test</a> (finger prick) which is sent off to a lab for analysis. Hay fever is usually worse between March and September when it's often humid and warm outside so keep this in mind.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you do have a seasonal allergy (also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis) your local pharmacy will have appropriate medication to ease your symptoms, unfortunately there is no cure, which you can usually purchase without a prescription. Antihistamines are a popular option and they come in a variety of forms including capsules, tablets, sprays, lotions, drops and gels. Make sure you check the side effects of anything you do take however to ensure it's suitable for your situation - you might want to opt for loratadine, fexofenadine or cetirizine if you need something non-drowsy but chlorphenamine, hydroxyzine or loratadine if your symptoms make you struggle to sleep at night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you're looking for something more natural to assist your allergy symptoms a <a href="https://amzn.to/3vd0vKd" target="_blank">neti pot</a> (sinus rinse) can really help to clear allergens to provide relief. Vaseline or a <a href="https://amzn.to/32MABRr" target="_blank">barrier balm</a> around your nostrils can trap or block pollen, dust and mold from entering your body whilst wraparound sunglasses can protect your eyes too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When returning from work or being outside try to change your clothes immediately and take a shower to remove allergens from your hair and body to prevent them from getting into your home. Try to ensure shoes are removed before going inside and make sure pets have their paws wiped after playing in the garden or going for a walk. The less contact you have with allergens the better you will feel so avoid cutting the grass and keeping fresh flowers if possible.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stay inside on days where the pollen count is high and if possible keep windows and doors shut - it may be worth getting an air conditioning unit or fan if you need to remain cool. Vacuuming and dusting frequently with a damp cloth will help to remove any allergens that may get into your home alongside using pollen filters and an <a href="https://amzn.to/3xaFiCl" target="_blank">air purifier</a> wherever possible. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>How do you cope with allergies?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<img alt="" border="0" height="110" id="Image-Maps-Com-image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" orgheight="110" orgwidth="165" src="https://i.postimg.cc/J0Ry2xKH/iconcollectionblockallsocialmediaminimesandme-zps21aaa2d2-1.jpg" usemap="#image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" width="165" /><map id="ImageMapsCom-image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" name="image-maps-2014-09-23-081832"><area alt="" coords="110,56,165,109" href="http://www.pinterest.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="55,55,106,110" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnYR5-isQmZ2fM3IYYhiZcA" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="0,56,52,109" href="http://www.instagram.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="110,0,165,52" href="https://plus.google.com/+EmmaGarratt/posts" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="55,0,107,54" href="http://www.twitter.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="0,0,53,52" href="http://www.facebook.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="Image Map" coords="163,108,165,110" href="http://www.image-maps.com/index.php?aff=mapped_users_0" shape="rect" style="outline: currentcolor;" title="Image Map"></area></map></div>
<!--Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QkbzHbZ3lz4%2FVFTNBJfkh_I%2FAAAAAAAAW48%2FbhqXq1_1Xs4%2Fs1600%2FEmma%252Bsignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png"-->The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210699125776734223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-37130047614885448512022-08-21T00:00:00.072+01:002023-08-20T09:59:36.118+01:00Summer Fun as a Family with Everyone Active #EveryoneIsFamily
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/p/legal.html" target="_blank">AD</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> As a mum of children with ages ranging from 7 months to 18 years, it can often be difficult to find things to do or places to go that cater to everyone's needs. The teens tend to spend far too much time in their bedrooms gaming or binge-watching something on Netflix while I'm usually found out of breath chasing the baby around the lounge! Our time spent indoors has definitely increased since the pandemic and it's about time things changed. When <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/everyone-is-family/" target="_blank">Everyone Active</a> reached out to collaborate for their Everyone is Family campaign it felt like perfect timing. Especially with my eldest duo both at home, bored post-exams for the summer, and myself wanting to shred a few pounds post-birth and return to some level of fitness. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We all felt spending a bit more time together being active would be beneficial, both physically and mentally.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Everyone is Family campaign celebrates families in all forms and encourages them to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the summer break with free activity plans throughout August. The plans include indoor and outdoor sports, activities for the entire family and also a variety of recipes to try from celebrity chef Chris Baber. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are Commonwealth inspired activities like athletics and swimming to try along with things that are a little more adventurous such as climbing in certain centres. There really is something for all and after a quick discussion we decided to pick badminton, which is a favourite of mine, table tennis for some competitive fun and soft play, mainly for the youngest one to enjoy. It's great having so many things to do under one roof. We also selected 2 at home activities of bucket catch and balloon keepy ups along with a tasty Instant Fro Yo recipe to make. Perfect to cool down with after being active, especially with the heatwaves we've been having.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone Active manages over 200 sports and leisure facilities across the country in partnership</div><div style="text-align: center;">with over 60 local authorities - our local centre being in <a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/" target="_blank">Daventry</a>. The leisure centres provide a community hub for local people and families and it was lovely to see such a variety of ages enjoying the facilities. When we arrived for our first session of badminton the staff were friendly and helpful, showing us to the hall where our court was located, and ensuring we had the equipment required to begin. We certainly felt welcome and there was a very relaxed atmosphere - I didn't feel out of place being a bit overweight at the moment and out of practise. There were people present of various abilities and I felt at ease. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had the court for a couple of hours so by the end of our session we were all exhausted but it was actually really good and the adrenaline rush was quite unexpected. Instead of feeling like I had no place there and wouldn't be eager to return I felt exhilarated and keen to try our next activity the following day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbBsMW-NJ66ccTvYPzZkaJLmrdcH13hfwo7qPJdgTHiJSTAt0PUY-zeISoWhotBZl3uBtFxWjV-cXB-SV7F0b3qhmNYulwFMwCH0PlCgWgVdKBVcrSAAuFcqW1gctXx3QmEaZnF98PogbktvwmTIuLrEBuUqmxKDerxQ8WT6CjevQq1AQIo2JS9T3/s4032/IMG_4408.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbBsMW-NJ66ccTvYPzZkaJLmrdcH13hfwo7qPJdgTHiJSTAt0PUY-zeISoWhotBZl3uBtFxWjV-cXB-SV7F0b3qhmNYulwFMwCH0PlCgWgVdKBVcrSAAuFcqW1gctXx3QmEaZnF98PogbktvwmTIuLrEBuUqmxKDerxQ8WT6CjevQq1AQIo2JS9T3/s16000/IMG_4408.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our next booking was table tennis and we had an end table which was cordoned off by a large green curtain. It felt quite private but also prevented the ping pong balls from going everywhere and disturbing other people! We took it in turns to play each other and again it was a lot of fun. All of the equipment was clean and in good condition. It reminded of us of our evenings abroad on the terrace playing there. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our final indoor activity at the leisure centre was soft play. It's a great way for the kids to run about and burn off some energy, or in my case get worn out exploring the ball pond, slides and ramps with the baby! The soft play at the Daventry centre is quite small in comparison to some we have been to in the past but this actually makes it perfect for younger children/toddlers in particular as you can easily keep an eye on them if you didn't want to play as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Our little one really enjoyed playing in the area with his Dad and I. It was in fact his first time ever going on a slide which he loved. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIEXBQAITGkCDvdx8qn9EnK02WkcWayzbMWKDGJfbR6tKp8jivSjWVAgMzMqsEvjOuQra_NUJSIJ7UcGLaugsXzj_CUZzzE0uNmsc_Km6pi8yY0Zfh-YLxLeowwpoVyYNzRGP-Uer7VBDrBm6P_-qrSbSgt1B40q3kIgeKesSfoiCjzU1iGqmV8MV/s479/frozen%20red%20berries.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIEXBQAITGkCDvdx8qn9EnK02WkcWayzbMWKDGJfbR6tKp8jivSjWVAgMzMqsEvjOuQra_NUJSIJ7UcGLaugsXzj_CUZzzE0uNmsc_Km6pi8yY0Zfh-YLxLeowwpoVyYNzRGP-Uer7VBDrBm6P_-qrSbSgt1B40q3kIgeKesSfoiCjzU1iGqmV8MV/s16000/frozen%20red%20berries.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lastly, I followed one of the healthy recipes from Chris Baber. I do happen to eat quite a lot of ice cream throughout the summer (I do love a caramel core) so this was a tasty but far lower calorie option which turned out to be really delicious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Instant Fro Yo</span></u></b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div><b><u>Ingredients:</u></b></div><div>2 Small Handfuls frozen berries of choice </div><div>6 tbsp Greek yoghurt </div><div>1 tbsp Honey </div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Method:</u></b></div><div>Put the berries and yoghurt into a food processor with a squeeze of honey. </div><div>Wizz up until smooth </div><div>Eat straight away or make a larger batch and store in the freezer</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I doubled up on the ingredients and left out the honey to make it baby friendly. It was nice and refreshing and so quick to create. I've since made this recipe a few times with different fruits and popped some tubs away in the freezer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1Cc8By6lI6Cd_IJ_5CvAhc4f_zygzObWiC2j-t9VgLmHRXojwUfQ2OVzn9ha7TB4kKjWTLJsPFUQbooa1I0sppDWSClUyOIMhoOETnMbBN86Ff52rX9z9wUA5PULRLtHb-ySRHIkWkHazJxlueHT1PGoPN-_p-u9G2xuQcSHzhTck1JxbIk-DZyu/s450/Everyone%20Active%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="450" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1Cc8By6lI6Cd_IJ_5CvAhc4f_zygzObWiC2j-t9VgLmHRXojwUfQ2OVzn9ha7TB4kKjWTLJsPFUQbooa1I0sppDWSClUyOIMhoOETnMbBN86Ff52rX9z9wUA5PULRLtHb-ySRHIkWkHazJxlueHT1PGoPN-_p-u9G2xuQcSHzhTck1JxbIk-DZyu/w640-h352/Everyone%20Active%20logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We thoroughly enjoyed our week with Everyone Active and I feel as though it definitely made us closer as a family. By signing up to the Everyone is Family activity plans at the moment there's also a chance to win a bundle of fantastic prizes worth over £600 which is another lovely incentive.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can find more information and sign up here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www-everyoneactive.com/promotion/everyone-is-family/" target="_blank">https://www-everyoneactive.com/promotion/everyone-is-family/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210699125776734223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-9460326509381552872022-07-18T00:00:00.001+01:002022-07-22T17:22:13.928+01:005 Tips to Maintain a Healthy and Well-balanced Lifestyle as You Age<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/page/edit/6503218623490786692/5897350160404480098" target="_blank">Ad</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ-VprRkc-idvP8TOSrVKA1T5aoE2OXTe8RpoMUEXptgmtpP-4etTVV7N2WBXdgoHjxgpIMovAzC2w7v7ZfMmvSpRDoMRvwvSnM-tx9RxwZnR7suuLAJEjUZwo2L610FyeYtsDtRV9hocoBq3YwFv30ghV_sclkweCWrXl2wDxXr6k0tDsHi0Bf-E/s5491/Runner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3599" data-original-width="5491" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ-VprRkc-idvP8TOSrVKA1T5aoE2OXTe8RpoMUEXptgmtpP-4etTVV7N2WBXdgoHjxgpIMovAzC2w7v7ZfMmvSpRDoMRvwvSnM-tx9RxwZnR7suuLAJEjUZwo2L610FyeYtsDtRV9hocoBq3YwFv30ghV_sclkweCWrXl2wDxXr6k0tDsHi0Bf-E/w640-h420/Runner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As you age, a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle is important if you want to live a long, productive life. This will involve every aspect of your life, from what you eat to your attitude and what you do every day. A combination of healthy habits can ensure that you face life as you age in the best possible way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1. Healthy eating is essential</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Healthy eating habits are more important than ever when you start to age. Your metabolism slows down, and your sense of smell and taste can weaken, giving you less of an appetite.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You need to ensure that you eat enough protein, fruits, fibre, vegetables and whole grains. Health practitioners often recommend the <a href="#">Mediterranean diet</a>. It has an emphasis on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils like olive oil. These foods can help support energy levels and a strong immune system. It can also help you to sustain a healthy weight, which can prevent certain diseases such as diabetes or arthritis.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For anyone trying to find new ways to improve their health, IV therapy should be on your radar. If you want to try <a href="#">NAD IV therapy in Los Angeles</a>, companies like Drip Hydration, Cienega Med Spa and Solution IV will administer treatments in your home to help you combat some of the negative signs of aging.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>2. Find ways to stay active</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Exercise can add extra years to your life, and it is never too late to start. Some of the benefits of exercise are:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>It makes you more flexible and improves your posture and balance</li><li>It strengthens your immune system</li><li>It releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals)</li><li>It improves the quality of your sleep</li><li>It benefits the brain due to increased blood flow</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The muscles get stiffer and shorter without exercise. Just five to 10 minutes of stretching exercises every day can help to increase flexibility. It’s best to start off gently and increase exercise over time. If you make sure it’s something you enjoy, you will be more motivated to stick to a consistent routine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>3. Improve your sleep quality</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sleep problems often increase as you age, but there are tips that can help you get a better night’s sleep.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li> Make your bedroom conducive to good sleep by ensuring you have a comfortable mattress and your room is cool, quiet and dark</li><li>Incorporate whatever relaxes you in your bedtime routine, whether this is some calming music or reading, before you put the light out</li><li>A good practice is to turn off the TV or computer an hour before going to sleep to reduce the effect of blue light on your sleep</li><li>Melatonin is the hormone responsible for making you feel sleepy and artificial light can reduce melatonin production. Try to get as much <a href="#">exposure to natural light</a> during the day as possible</li><li>Getting exercise during the day will help you sleep better</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_7ZtvPGRIcK9DAx9pevj-r-Ch4_wCCAWssfKVHq8S_jNCjGLJgQ54ccw-GwY47AmE7M03G30YgYoqaWZeGTUhROC2WxmjBFOUmWusow2nToU9X0MhTpuj6w-iyorZUNn6OKaFhQL29WHQufyee4509OKYTLwt9NEtWN6kpmyS6X2gVSP6bks4cn7/s6000/Vegetables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_7ZtvPGRIcK9DAx9pevj-r-Ch4_wCCAWssfKVHq8S_jNCjGLJgQ54ccw-GwY47AmE7M03G30YgYoqaWZeGTUhROC2WxmjBFOUmWusow2nToU9X0MhTpuj6w-iyorZUNn6OKaFhQL29WHQufyee4509OKYTLwt9NEtWN6kpmyS6X2gVSP6bks4cn7/w640-h426/Vegetables.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>4. Keep a positive attitude</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Getting older can be difficult, especially if your health deteriorates and you start to lose your independence. It can be tough to stay positive, but a negative attitude will simply make things worse.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some tips to help you stay positive: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>Remember what you have to be grateful about, such as family and friends</li><li>Try to accept the changes in your life and make the most of what you can do rather than dwelling on what you can’t do</li><li>Don’t suppress your emotions but try to find healthy ways to deal with them, such as writing in a journal or talking to a family member</li><li>Consider volunteer and social activities such as joining a book club or volunteering at a soup kitchen</li></ul></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>5. Make sure your brain stays active</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Your brain is like a muscle that you either use or lose. You can keep your brain healthy as you age by doing the following:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>Play word games</li><li>Do crossword puzzles or Sudoku</li><li>Read</li><li>Play cards</li><li>Learn a new language</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Think about it like <a href="#">cross-training your brain</a>. The more you challenge your brain, the better it will work.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Watching too much television is not a good idea as it’s a passive activity that does not stimulate your brain. You don’t need to do any fancy brain-training exercises to make sure your brain stays active. You can get just as good a brain workout by reading, putting together a jigsaw puzzle, or trying to learn a new skill.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210699125776734223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-67851438116760833902021-12-14T00:00:00.003+00:002021-12-22T15:21:14.093+00:00Why you should consider using a mortgage broker and advisor<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/p/legal.html" target="_blank">Ad</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-bb2f2dd0-7fff-db22-a5f8-cff2e04f65d0"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether you're looking to get on the housing ladder for the first time, seeking somewhere new to live or trying to purchase a property to let, buying a home can be an exciting yet somewhat daunting experience. There can be lots of jargon to interpret and paperwork that needs completing so if you're unsure of the process, you can be left feeling a little lost! </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A mortgage broker is a licensed and regulated professional who works as an intermediary for mortgage lenders and individuals wishing to get a mortgage. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and require specific qualifications to work in the industry. They will look at your financial situation and provide information on the best lenders and deals to suit your circumstances then get your mortgage approved. Using a mortgage broker can definitely help to make things run smoothly from start to finish.</span></p><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some of the reasons why you should consider using a </span><a href="https://mortgagelight.co.uk/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mortgage broker and advisor</span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for your home purchase...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr0X2Jv-nCg/YXtTkYaQMeI/AAAAAAAAEGc/CmOpnhBcB-Q5b99xJip2DUDXQ4qBSdVaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Reasons%2Bto%2Bhave%2Ba%2Bmortgage%2Bbroker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr0X2Jv-nCg/YXtTkYaQMeI/AAAAAAAAEGc/CmOpnhBcB-Q5b99xJip2DUDXQ4qBSdVaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Reasons%2Bto%2Bhave%2Ba%2Bmortgage%2Bbroker.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-6851f67e-7fff-51b4-d71a-e55a1b546405"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They could save you time and money</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We don't all know where to look for the best mortgage providers and rates or have the time to do so around our busy schedules. This is something a broker can assist with. They will know, and understand the market well, so whilst you're busy at work they can crack on behind the scenes to provide a selection of mortgages for you to consider. Using a mortgage broker can potentially result in getting a better mortgage deal than if you'd gone directly to a lender yourself which in turn could save you a lot of money, especially as some lenders work exclusively with brokers too.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They provide professional advice</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After potentially finding a variety of mortgage deals for you, a mortgage broker will be able to go through these thoroughly and discuss the pros and cons of each in detail. They will take the stress out of the decision making by ensuring everything is clear and straightforward for you to understand. A mortgage broker will explain the different types of mortgages (this may include tracker, offset and standard variable-rate mortgages), the fees involved and suggest which would be the best option for your personal situation and why. </span></p><div><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l85YGtlQ9nw/YXtpj-Mu4AI/AAAAAAAAEGk/kbYCxcW_bIs7c3Nj5kWJCGQO9vOL3ArGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5%2Breasons%2Bto%2Buse%2Ba%2Bmortgage%2Bbroker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l85YGtlQ9nw/YXtpj-Mu4AI/AAAAAAAAEGk/kbYCxcW_bIs7c3Nj5kWJCGQO9vOL3ArGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/5%2Breasons%2Bto%2Buse%2Ba%2Bmortgage%2Bbroker.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a164c4b9-7fff-b196-0989-7b101ab13fd8"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They do the admin</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mortgage brokers will know which lenders require what information and documentation from you enabling them to gather everything required for your mortgage application at once - preventing you from going back and forth with requests and causing unnecessary delays. A broker will fill in the paperwork for you or with you, which again prevents any issues or errors from occurring, and it's likely that they have dedicated contacts within each mortgage lending team so that they can process things quickly, get updates and chase anything up with ease. </span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you used a mortgage broker before?</span></p><div><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pipkins Productions, the creators of new preschool CBeebies children’s series Monty & Co has launched a merchandise range available on the Monty & Co online store boasting a full range of merchandise of the series favourite characters.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Monty & Co made its debut on CBeebies in summer 2020 and is a live action puppet series about a mix of lovable characters who live behind their shop where anything can be mended, repurposed or recycled. The series also deals with feelings and the everyday clash of personalities, conflicts and issues, but these are resolved within each episode with an emphasis on caring and comedy. Monty & Co is on CBeebies every Saturday and Sunday at 11.10am.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The merchandise range features a range of kids and adults T-shirts and aprons. Kids hoodies, mugs, baby bibs as well as birthday message videos and a cookbook from our favourite Welsh terrier, Charlie Pickle all available at <a href="https://montyandcoshop.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://montyandcoshop.com/</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRshvW2-0Nc/YXt6f96HoqI/AAAAAAAAEG0/Ku1HAtmg3hY9pUnsADjwd9CHD7peFu24ACLcBGAsYHQ/s450/WIN%2BUSE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="450" height="178" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRshvW2-0Nc/YXt6f96HoqI/AAAAAAAAEG0/Ku1HAtmg3hY9pUnsADjwd9CHD7peFu24ACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h178/WIN%2BUSE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For your chance to WIN a pair of mugs and two t-shirts (one adult size, one child size) you can enter via the Gleam entry form below.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The giveaway is open to UK residents aged 18+ and closes at midnight on 29th November 2021.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Good luck!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/o5fVU/win-monty-co-merchandise" rel="nofollow">WIN Monty & Co Merchandise</a>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">How do you help the wildlife at home?</span></b><br /><br /><br />
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Parenthood is a rewarding and joyful experience and with September being the busiest month for births there will be lots of mums and dads beginning their adventure within the next few days.</div>
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No doubt they will have their nursery decorated beautifully for taking their new arrival home, storage units stacked with neatly folded sleepsuits and nappies, but I wonder if they will they will be prepared for colic? According to a recent survey as many as 1 in 3 British mothers had never heard of this ailment, which affects as many as 140,000 babies each year, so it's certainly a topic that should be more openly discussed.</div>
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Infant colic is a common problem that affects up to 1 in 5 babies, and usually begins when the infant is only a few weeks old. This is a time that can be a little scary as it is, adapting to becoming a family and the change in routine, so it's definitely wise to know what the symptoms are in advance:</div>
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<li style="text-align: center;">Intense crying bouts</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">Crying in the late afternoon or evening that lasts several hours</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">The baby’s face is red and flushed when they cry</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">The baby clenches their fists, draws their knees up or arches their back while crying</li>
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Although colic is not harmful to the affected baby it's never nice to see your little one distressed and the effects of sleepless nights with a colicky baby, on both mum and dad, can be huge - I remember Minxy suffering for days and having an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. It was very upsetting to deal with and it even had a big impact on my relationship with my partner, mainly due to the tiredness and negative mood created. I really wish that there was more information readily available back then so I didn't feel so in the dark.</div>
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Infacol, Britain’s Number One Colic Remedy, and Cry-Sis, the only parenting charity dedicated to supporting parents through excessive infant crying, have launched the first Infant Colic Awareness Month in September 2017 which strives to educate and support parents to ensure they can experience the joys of parenthood to the full. </div>
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With so many new parents living with a colicky baby it's peace of mind to know that you are not alone in your journey and if you need additional details or guidance you only need to reach out for it. There is even a useful app to help you to identify it if you feel unsure.<br />
: <a href="http://www.infacol.co.uk/about/colic-awareness-month/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.infacol.co.uk/about/colic-awareness-month/</a></div>
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<b>Have you had a baby with colic? </b></div>
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<b>What advice and tips do you have to share?</b></div>
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However, for those on a budget, replacing their entire lawn with <a href="https://www.grass-direct.co.uk/artificial-grass" target="_blank">cheap artificial grass</a> is not always possible. Even with its water-saving features, replacing a lawn entirely with artificial turf can be a major financial investment. Thankfully, there are cost-effective alternatives that still use artificial grass but incorporate other dynamic aspects.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Introducing Your New Patio with Pavers</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Using pavers to transform a section of outdoor space into a budget-friendly patio can give an element of colorful leisure instead of a single-toned grassy lawn. To liven up your open-air setting, you can use brick, rustic stone, or even concrete blocks, depending on your design choices. Natural stone pavers are a beautiful addition to any yard and can be carved into a variety of shapes to meet the design of any patio or walkway. They can provide a relaxing space for reclining around fountains and fire pits, as well as a stylish addition to an outdoor entertaining area.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xq8iefyBxCg/YOzRztdgGvI/AAAAAAAAEAY/hoW6py28t3QizRNfe6duhhla3as0oMzQACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/oxana-melis-bqkaS-JlImk-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A large garden with a pathway" border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xq8iefyBxCg/YOzRztdgGvI/AAAAAAAAEAY/hoW6py28t3QizRNfe6duhhla3as0oMzQACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/oxana-melis-bqkaS-JlImk-unsplash.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Create a long-lasting landscape design with a rock garden.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the simplest, cheapest, and most appealing methods to fill space in any front or backyard is to install a rock garden beside artificial turf. Garden rocks, crushed stone, and gravel come in a variety of colors and can be grouped into attractive designs to outline edible gardens, trees, and artificial grass.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgF4K-4iupQ/YOzSGbU5VaI/AAAAAAAAEAg/bmAVQXNW_jIAqbr9eyw6e-MmWdlEVP6bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/dimitry-anikin-IfPmy_JmIY8-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Large doors to a building with flowers and rocks either side" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgF4K-4iupQ/YOzSGbU5VaI/AAAAAAAAEAg/bmAVQXNW_jIAqbr9eyw6e-MmWdlEVP6bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/dimitry-anikin-IfPmy_JmIY8-unsplash.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Make a Pathway</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Large slabs of stone may be acquired for a low price at home and garden stores, making them an affordable design feature for outdoor spaces. Instead of cutting artificial turf to line the stone steps, use mulch to pad the stone steps a few feet on either side before enclosing it in fake grass.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mulch is a great way to break up green space</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mulch combined with artificial grass is a great technique to break up green space and make place for your dream garden. Mulch, as gardening's hidden weapon, makes establishing an edible garden, trees, or lovely rows of flowers more healthier, while also helping to improve soil fertility and weed control. It is also quite inexpensive and requires little upkeep (although you may need to re-mulch once a year if you buy organic mulch). And there are no limits to what you can do with mulch in terms of creativity. Mulch can be used to frame a beloved tree, create an eye-catching flower bed, or complement bright green plants.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tired of paying for a house that isn't yours? Want to move out from your parents or council property into something that actually belongs to you and that you can make your own? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Saving money for your mortgage deposit can be tough for many but these tips may help you towards getting a mortgage and your first home.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JhzOzvv-YY/YKtlWDB6VpI/AAAAAAAAD8g/xQLidpnbltwW99eyJ69cxkfpma3bVQ39ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Own%2Byour%2Bhome%2Bget%2Bmortgage%2Bdeposit%2Btips%2Bkeys.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JhzOzvv-YY/YKtlWDB6VpI/AAAAAAAAD8g/xQLidpnbltwW99eyJ69cxkfpma3bVQ39ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Own%2Byour%2Bhome%2Bget%2Bmortgage%2Bdeposit%2Btips%2Bkeys.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>How Much Will I Need?</b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b><br /></b></u></div><div style="text-align: center;">You will need at least 5% of the property value as your deposit with the bank lending you the rest via a mortgage. Use a website like Rightmove to view property prices in the area you are looking to buy and then try a <a href="https://www.mortgagecalculator.uk" target="_blank">mortgage calculator</a> to see what you should be able to borrow. What you earn will obviously impact the the mortgage you can get and therefore the deposit size required. Make sure you take into consideration fees for valuations, surveys, stamp duty etc too as these can soon add up.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>How Can I Save Money?</u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: center;">You may think that you already have a good deal with your bills but you still may be able to reduce your outgoings. Have a look on <a href="https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/energy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Money Saving Expert</a> where you can find many ways to cut costs when it comes to your energy, broadband and mobile phone suppliers. You can also look at balance transfers for any cards you have and lower interest rates for any loans. </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: center;">Read through your bank statement and see where you may be overspending. Having regular takeaways? Opt for a fakeaway instead and meal plan throughout the week to reduce food waste and save financially. Make sure you cancel any subscriptions you no longer use or need and shop from your own wardrobe instead of buying new clothing frequently - less expenditure each month will give you more spare money to put away. Try to only purchase what is essential for the time being. </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: center;">For the things you do need to buy, there are many <a href="https://www.quidco.com/raf/10300154/" target="_blank">cashback sites</a> which will offer money back on your purchases. You can use discount codes and <a href="https://swf3j.app.goo.gl/XANmo" target="_blank">loyalty cards</a> to claim free items or to save the pennies, which soon turn into pounds. <a href="https://www.swagbucks.com/p/register?rb=18749778" target="_blank">Survey sites</a> can be useful to earn extra money too for a few moments spent answering questions.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: center;">Skimming your bank account is where you round your account down to an even number and it is a great way to save little and often, usually without notice. You can do it manually or use apps like Plum to do it for you that move funds to a locked pot - perfect to pop away towards that deposit.</li></ul><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok6vk1X6Mx0/YKy1aUQWeQI/AAAAAAAAD8o/yksFSkRtnqstkYZpctfBPu64Os1WtKZdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Spring%2Bclean%2Bclear%2Bout%2Bwardrobe%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bmoney.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok6vk1X6Mx0/YKy1aUQWeQI/AAAAAAAAD8o/yksFSkRtnqstkYZpctfBPu64Os1WtKZdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Spring%2Bclean%2Bclear%2Bout%2Bwardrobe%2Bto%2Bmake%2Bmoney.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>When was the last time you looked up in the loft or cleared out your closet? Selling what you no longer need or use is a great way to make additional money whilst clearing out the clutter in the process ready to move. If you've not worn something for a year, taking into consideration the current impact from Covid also, then it's time to get rid. Not only is there eBay and Facebook Marketplace to list your items, there are also apps like Vinted, Depop and Shpock to advertise your items for sale.</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul><li>Set up a standing order, just after pay day, to move money from your wages straight into your savings account and then budget with what's left for the rest of the month. You will soon adapt and with the money going out, like a bill each month, it won't be long until have a nice amount built up. At the end of the month, if there is anything left in your bank account before payday, you can transfer that into your savings too before getting paid. Don't forget to add any loose change or notes from your wallet/purse into a savings tin as well.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you own your own home? Do you have any tips to add to the list?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QkbzHbZ3lz4%2FVFTNBJfkh_I%2FAAAAAAAAW48%2FbhqXq1_1Xs4%2Fs1600%2FEmma%252Bsignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png" -->The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210699125776734223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-36684770141270092552021-04-27T00:00:00.006+01:002021-04-27T11:19:35.011+01:00Family Fun at West Lodge Farm Park (WIN Tickets)
<div style="text-align: center;">Like many families we've been counting down the days to not only pubs and restaurants reopening (hello beer gardens) but farms and zoos too. We are big fans of animals and with it being spring we've been excited to see, pet and feed all of the newborn lambs, kids and calves, so I decided to book tickets to West Lodge Farm Park which is situated in Desborough, Northamptonshire. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is quite a small attraction in comparison to many but the price reflects this with tickets costing just £7.50pp for a weekend booking (peak time) and just £2 for toddlers at the moment. It's definitely good value for a nice morning or afternoon out. There is a large adventure playground and barrel rides for little ones but with my teens in tow we were particularly keen to visit the paddocks, signed walks and nature trails on this occasion. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LugiPNTKNYg/YIF3EkEbjnI/AAAAAAAAD6I/BH6b3a5MvlUUhrkoNtLbEr-fp4b5Bno4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LugiPNTKNYg/YIF3EkEbjnI/AAAAAAAAD6I/BH6b3a5MvlUUhrkoNtLbEr-fp4b5Bno4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_6147.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Upon entry (there are currently staggered entry times currently to minimise social contact) you can purchase animal feed for 50p a bag before walking through a large gift shop and the new delicatessen which is full of different toys, meats and eggs to purchase - the perfect place to pick up a little souvenir from your trip. </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We headed straight to Cuddle Corner and the Display Barns ready for the animal handling session where there were guinea pigs, a rabbit and a chicken placed on stands for everyone to stroke in turn. It was lovely to see so many happy children getting hands on and the member of staff was really friendly and approachable. There are great hand washing facilities and several large toilet cubicles nearby to clean up afterwards too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flQrMIBME7E/YIakU9FKPTI/AAAAAAAAD6c/440KpO1WoVoHUjSCwYD9kWuSh3wg9SV7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flQrMIBME7E/YIakU9FKPTI/AAAAAAAAD6c/440KpO1WoVoHUjSCwYD9kWuSh3wg9SV7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_6200.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In this area you will also find ducklings, geese, peacocks, turkeys, donkeys and goats. You may even catch a glimpse of Smokey the farm cat who roams around freely. We followed the pathway around to the left where the animals in the paddocks were located and with our paper bags of dried food ready, we were soon feeding the goats and lambs who ran over excitedly upon our approach. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We spent quite a lot of time here admiring the animals in the sunshine before taking a peek at the tiny piglets and heading towards the woodland to begin our walk.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEBirSRKiYA/YIaoROGBz_I/AAAAAAAAD6o/1P369et5OBML5m0W95XAHiEKujlsBM0XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6186.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1663" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEBirSRKiYA/YIaoROGBz_I/AAAAAAAAD6o/1P369et5OBML5m0W95XAHiEKujlsBM0XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_6186.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The 5 walks available vary in length so you can choose from something quite short to a slightly longer trek, the latter being what we opted for. We usually go for a walk on a Sunday so we wanted to incorporate this into our visit and it was nice to have different themed trails to pick from here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We entered the Caterpillar Tunnel, went down some steps and then followed the pathway between the trees where there were butterflies to spot. There was plenty of wildlife here and we saw a number of rabbits and wild deer along with tadpoles in the stream. We could also hear and see a variety of birds so it's a nice place for avid watchers. We went over the troll bridge, climbed trees and then looped back around towards the cows, more sheep and goats to feed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDWZDezNDbI/YIaszuqhQ9I/AAAAAAAAD60/gPg2gfAMTZY6Y3DiY3pLbgQEmz0WwomygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6177.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDWZDezNDbI/YIaszuqhQ9I/AAAAAAAAD60/gPg2gfAMTZY6Y3DiY3pLbgQEmz0WwomygCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_6177.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOSICDjyOSs/YIaszuj_TLI/AAAAAAAAD6w/cAPzm7RxbrcE__6d0i0V5Aj_tSt-2rxJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOSICDjyOSs/YIaszuj_TLI/AAAAAAAAD6w/cAPzm7RxbrcE__6d0i0V5Aj_tSt-2rxJACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_6224.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was now nearly lunchtime so we picked out a picnic table (there are plenty to choose from both in the sun and shaded areas) and sat down to eat. I also popped over to The Udder Place to grab some chilled drinks at this point (£6.45 for 4 cans, so a little pricey) as it was really starting to get warm outside and we all required something to cool us down. They also sell ice creams, breakfast rolls and cold snacks to take away if you're feeling peckish!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Normally we would eat at the attraction cafe but as the indoor facilities were closed due to Covid restrictions we thought taking our own bag of sandwiches, savoury nibbles and treats was the best option. We do however look forward to returning and trying the Rickyard Restaurant, and playing at the Old Grain Adventure Barn, which looks great.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_G1oGgyp8g/YED5dxKzSVI/AAAAAAAAD2k/D6DHwP5gR2APfMQWXtzCdX7EOglJ9KTtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s450/WIN%2BUSE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_G1oGgyp8g/YED5dxKzSVI/AAAAAAAAD2k/D6DHwP5gR2APfMQWXtzCdX7EOglJ9KTtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WIN%2BUSE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For your chance to WIN tickets to West Lodge Farm Park you can enter via the Gleam entry form below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The giveaway is open to UK residents aged 18+ and closes at midnight on 24th May 2021.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Good luck!</b>
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/kgiI8/win-tickets-to-west-lodge-farm-park" rel="nofollow">WIN Tickets to West Lodge Farm Park</a>
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For more information on West Lodge Farm Park or to book tickets you can visit the website here: <a href="https://westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://westlodgeruralcentre.co.uk</a>/</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QkbzHbZ3lz4%2FVFTNBJfkh_I%2FAAAAAAAAW48%2FbhqXq1_1Xs4%2Fs1600%2FEmma%252Bsignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png" -->The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210699125776734223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-46625339210584865562021-04-16T00:00:00.014+01:002021-04-21T13:31:26.555+01:005 Top Tips For Updating Your Digital Branding<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/p/legal.html" target="_blank">Ad</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With April and May being the perfect time for a little spring clean it's also the ideal time to update your online space, whether that's in the form of a blog or business page, and provide it with a fresh new look. Afterall image, alongside content, is so important when it comes to keeping your audience interested and returning for more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2-ak18XcKs/YH7CO3Q7aiI/AAAAAAAAD5g/Pf_78cUODLA7oUYv5OLoH-sKDYqYZEprgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Update%2BYour%2BDigital%2BBranding.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2-ak18XcKs/YH7CO3Q7aiI/AAAAAAAAD5g/Pf_78cUODLA7oUYv5OLoH-sKDYqYZEprgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Update%2BYour%2BDigital%2BBranding.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Making a good first impression is vital. If you had a job interview you would more than likely turn up looking smart and being organised to have the best shot when it comes to getting the role and your digital branding should look professional too. You could fork out a small fortune for someone trained to take the reins, if you have the budget available, but with so many free resources online, including <a href="https://fontbundles.net/free-fonts" target="_blank">free fonts on this site</a>, it can be fairly straight forward to do yourself. There are plenty of tutorials as well if you want to give it a go, even if you're a complete novice. Just make sure your branding reflects who you are and what you have to offer.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Think about your target market. If you are a family lifestyle blogger, like myself, or someone running a small bakery business, make sure your website is easy to navigate and fit for purpose. If it's difficult or time consuming for your audience to get the information required, or place an order, they may look elsewhere and it's unlikely they will be back again anytime soon. Once you've made your changes and updated your page ask friends and family to take a peek and provide feedback. Feedback is valuable as often others may notice something you have missed or offer some handy advice. Don't forget to make your website accessible for all with the option to increase font sizes and have your content displayed in different languages if applicable. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Be consistent. If you have social media pages to share your content and connect with possible clients, customers and the general public, try to ensure the branding is the same across each and every platform. It not only makes them more attractive in appearance but it gives you an identity and makes spotting you from the crowd that little easier. Make sure you have social media icons on your website and a link to your website on your social media accounts as well to link everything together nicely. Also ensure everything looks the same regardless of the device it's used on and use the same colour schemes throughout.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Video content is bigger than ever before with many influencers and companies creating regular reels and stories on Instagram, heading to TikTok and Snapchat to network, and opting for Facebook Lives alongside YouTube. Try to follow trends and let your audience see you, the face behind the brand. Connecting on a personal level allows you to appear more relatable and will help to increase your audience.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you plan on creating a new logo make sure that it is still similar to your existing version in some way. Logos help brands to be recognised so if you change regularly or too extremely it may lose that identity you've spent time to build. If your brand has always featured bees or butterflies for example, try to incorporate them somewhere or stick with the original colours and change other areas instead. Doing anything too drastic, unless you're incredibly well known already, could have a negative impact.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Do you have any tips to add?</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png" /> </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="110" id="Image-Maps-Com-image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" orgheight="110" orgwidth="165" src="https://i.postimg.cc/J0Ry2xKH/iconcollectionblockallsocialmediaminimesandme-zps21aaa2d2-1.jpg" usemap="#image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" width="165" /><map id="ImageMapsCom-image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" name="image-maps-2014-09-23-081832"><area alt="" coords="110,56,165,109" href="http://www.pinterest.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="55,55,106,110" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnYR5-isQmZ2fM3IYYhiZcA" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="0,56,52,109" href="http://www.instagram.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="110,0,165,52" href="https://plus.google.com/+EmmaGarratt/posts" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="55,0,107,54" href="http://www.twitter.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="0,0,53,52" href="http://www.facebook.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="Image Map" coords="163,108,165,110" href="http://www.image-maps.com/index.php?aff=mapped_users_0" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" title="Image Map"></area></map></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QkbzHbZ3lz4%2FVFTNBJfkh_I%2FAAAAAAAAW48%2FbhqXq1_1Xs4%2Fs1600%2FEmma%252Bsignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png" -->The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210699125776734223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-8553656767592061392021-04-15T00:00:00.010+01:002021-04-20T17:08:16.966+01:00Photography Advice for Your Big Day
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/p/legal.html" target="_blank">Ad</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Picking the perfect photographer for your wedding is essential because after the day has come to an end the pictures are one of the few things left to remind you of your special celebration. You want the moments captured to be beautiful, reflect the mood and bring back the rush of emotions felt each and every time you look at them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I married just over a year ago and from my own experience I have a few additional tips, relating to wedding photography, which may help any bride or groom to be...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gg_xukTqci8/YH36zlJ5e4I/AAAAAAAAD5Y/1EeK25ZjlVoW2kqUSLLc5Z3C-p-om4ymACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/The%2BMini%2BMes%2Band%2BMe%2Bwedding%2Bphoto%2Bbouquet.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gg_xukTqci8/YH36zlJ5e4I/AAAAAAAAD5Y/1EeK25ZjlVoW2kqUSLLc5Z3C-p-om4ymACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/The%2BMini%2BMes%2Band%2BMe%2Bwedding%2Bphoto%2Bbouquet.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wedding bouquet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>If everyone sits with their phones and cameras snapping away during your vows, the professional photographer will have trouble capturing pictures of your guests - they are likely to have their faces hidden with whatever device they have to hand. Picture taking can also be noisy and distracting which you really don't want on your big day when nerves are already running high! It might be worth popping up a sign at the entrance to your ceremony to ensure the only photos being taken at this point are by the person you hired. This is something we did and it enabled everyone to be fully focused on the event itself.</li></ul></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>Having a wedding hashtag means it's easy to find related pictures on social media but a wedding app, like Wedding Photo Swap, is a great idea too for <a href="http://www.weddingphotoswap.com" target="_blank">wedding photo sharing</a>. Guests can pool their pics in one place and it prevents any issues with private accounts preventing access. You could print a QR code which guests can scan to download the app on the day or mention it beforehand on your wedding website and invites.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>If you have children attending the wedding, place some disposable cameras on their tables and provide a checklist that they can work through during the day. Not only will this keep them entertained but it's always nice to have the pictures developed and see the day through a child's eyes. You can find <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">wedding photo checklists</a> over on Pinterest to print for free or make your own. Pinterest is also ideal for general inspiration and <a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/2019/08/your-wedding-aesthetic-wedding-themes-wedding-planning.html" target="_blank">wedding aesthetic ideas</a>, floral arrangements and as a place to <a href="https://www.promdressfinder.co.uk/promdresses/articles/promdressesbodytype" target="_blank">find a prom dress to suit you</a>r bridesmaids if you want less formal and lower cost attire for your wedding party.</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul><li>When planning the schedule for your wedding day, try to ensure your professional group photos are taken straight after the ceremony. This makes it easier to find relatives and friends to have their picture taken, who may otherwise be dancing the night away or a little worse for wear from a few trips to the bar!</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul><li>Having a polaroid camera or photo booth along with a collection of props will make your guest book that little more fun and interesting. Guests will really enjoy dressing up, taking photos and sticking them down beside their messages as a wonderful keepsake. Anything that makes weddings a little more interactive will usually be appreciated. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>What advice do you have to add?</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<img alt="" border="0" height="110" id="Image-Maps-Com-image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" orgheight="110" orgwidth="165" src="https://i.postimg.cc/J0Ry2xKH/iconcollectionblockallsocialmediaminimesandme-zps21aaa2d2-1.jpg" usemap="#image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" width="165" /><map id="ImageMapsCom-image-maps-2014-09-23-081832" name="image-maps-2014-09-23-081832"><area alt="" coords="110,56,165,109" href="http://www.pinterest.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="55,55,106,110" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnYR5-isQmZ2fM3IYYhiZcA" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="0,56,52,109" href="http://www.instagram.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="110,0,165,52" href="https://plus.google.com/+EmmaGarratt/posts" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="55,0,107,54" href="http://www.twitter.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="" coords="0,0,53,52" href="http://www.facebook.com/theminimesandme" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" target="_self" title=""></area><area alt="Image Map" coords="163,108,165,110" href="http://www.image-maps.com/index.php?aff=mapped_users_0" shape="rect" style="outline: none;" title="Image Map"></area></map></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-QkbzHbZ3lz4%2FVFTNBJfkh_I%2FAAAAAAAAW48%2FbhqXq1_1Xs4%2Fs1600%2FEmma%252Bsignature.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png" -->The Mini Mes and Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03210699125776734223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503218623490786692.post-82601795598109587572021-04-14T00:00:00.004+01:002021-04-15T00:36:06.916+01:008 Activities to Inspire Creativity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.theminimesandme.com/p/legal.html" target="_blank">Ad</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Creative play goes far beyond being fun. It allows little ones to express themselves, helps them to cope with their feelings and often enables them to explore new ideas and learn through their curiosity. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">These simple ideas will help to encourage and inspire their creativity, both at home and outdoors, this summer and what's even better is they shouldn't break the bank.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SayOFCTDE4/YHdVdjOyEMI/AAAAAAAAD5E/Rcwt9mrZwCInwXCXm5SeyLElE38ZI4IKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Coloured%2Bpencil%2Bcircle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1SayOFCTDE4/YHdVdjOyEMI/AAAAAAAAD5E/Rcwt9mrZwCInwXCXm5SeyLElE38ZI4IKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Coloured%2Bpencil%2Bcircle.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whether you want to take a drive to a picturesque spot or just use your back garden, pop on your sunglasses and take a few moments to lay on the grass to stare up at the sky. The clouds can form all sorts of shapes so use your imagination and see what the clouds resemble. You could then extend this activity by making up a story based around what you spot, discussing the weather and drawing the water cycle or by trying this at night in the form of stargazing!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">When you next take a trip to the park have a chat with your child about what they love the most there and what their favourite play equipment is. You could then get out some straws, Play-doh, lolly sticks etc and ask them to build it from memory or design a new climbing frame to see what they come up with. You can even use cardboard boxes and egg cartons, or anything else you find in the recycling, to save on buying craft materials.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Birthdays and special occasions are a great time to get creative. You can decorate your home in all sorts of pretty displays with plenty of resources like <a href="https://designbundles.net/collections/4th-of-july-clipart" target="_blank">4th of July clipart</a> or <a href="https://designbundles.net/collections/easter-clipart" target="_blank">Easter clipart</a> being easily available online - they're perfect for making your own cards, invites and posters too. Paper alone can be made into lanterns, paper chains and pom poms. Take a peek at Pinterest for directions or ideas.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lego, K'NEX and Magformers are great for creativity as those little pieces attach together with ease to build whatever your imagination desires. Set your child a task of designing something specific, whether that's a dream home, zoo or car and watch as they get busy building. If your little one has time for tech, you can always set them a project on the PC or games console - The Mini Mes often make theme parks and farms on Minecraft!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skNKC4t8qO4/YHdxQdNYHMI/AAAAAAAAD5M/qotFR6vMJ7YBUIfeLkIhLDeZxZoPwUvugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Lego%2BSuperheroes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skNKC4t8qO4/YHdxQdNYHMI/AAAAAAAAD5M/qotFR6vMJ7YBUIfeLkIhLDeZxZoPwUvugCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Lego%2BSuperheroes.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Take a different route to school or the shops and hand your camera over to the kids for the day - seeing the world through their eyes can be really interesting but it gives them the opportunity and freedom to capture whatever they are drawn to. You could ask them to photo shadows, reflections, certain colours or shapes and then enjoy talking about the photos, editing them and even printing them to frame when home. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids often like to pick out their own outfit for the day so why not take it a step further and let them make it too! Letting them design a t-shirt or piece of clothing will allow them to be creative with colours and patterns whilst being educational at the same time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you had a super power what would it be? Kids and adults alike may wonder what it's like to fly, to be invisible or to have the ability to teleport, so have fun as a family making a superhero of your own and designing their costume. You could even cut up old magazines to create a collage style picture from the different pieces. Don't forget to give it a name.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The next time you're going for a walk collect a couple of items, like sticks and blossom and make a masterpiece. Making a picture from what you find on your nature trail can be a lot more fun that using traditional pens and pencils with leaves being layered to form wings. You can also collect some stones to decorate and rehide for others to find the next time you return.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What activities do your children enjoy?</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png" /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://i.postimg.cc/J0Ry2xKH/iconcollectionblockallsocialmediaminimesandme-zps21aaa2d2-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rocky Road is one of those treats that we make time and time again as it's fairly foolproof, quick to create and serves quite a few hungry tums. With Easter on the horizon I decided to create a batch that was a little more seasonal - the bunnies, pastel coloured sprinkles and white chocolate on top certainly helped to provide a springtime look...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5ud7IAt4eY/YGh0NLNKTFI/AAAAAAAAD4I/kHcurDw4wRILtC9Ln2GUAvoGd0QraLoBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Easter%2BRocky%2BRoad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5ud7IAt4eY/YGh0NLNKTFI/AAAAAAAAD4I/kHcurDw4wRILtC9Ln2GUAvoGd0QraLoBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Easter%2BRocky%2BRoad.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;">Ingredients</span></u></b></div><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">100g butter</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">2 tbsp golden syrup</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">200g dark chocolate</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">40g Rice Krispies</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">120g digestive biscuits</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">60g glacé cherries</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">85g marshmallows</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">150g white chocolate</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Sprinkles</div></span><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Malteser Mini Bunnies</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;">Method</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></u></b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: center;">Line a tray/tin, approximately 12" by 8" in size, with greaseproof paper</li><li style="text-align: center;">Place the butter, golden syrup and dark chocolate into a saucepan on a low heat and stir until melted. Set to one side. </li><li style="text-align: center;">Break the biscuits up into small pieces, around 1cm in size, and place them into a mixing bowl. Cut up the cherries and add these in too before adding the marshmallows and Rice Krispies. Give everything a stir</li><li style="text-align: center;">Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the top and stir thoroughly to ensure it's evenly distributed and all of the ingredients are coated nicely</li><li style="text-align: center;">Tip into the lined tray/tin and level</li><li style="text-align: center;">Place into the fridge for an hour to set</li><li style="text-align: center;">Remove the Rocky Road from the fridge. Melt the white chocolate in a saucepan over a low heat</li><li style="text-align: center;">Pour the chocolate onto the centre of the Rocky Road and use a spatula to spread it out to the edges</li><li style="text-align: center;">Add the chocolate bunnies and sprinkles then return to the fridge until set</li><li style="text-align: center;">Remove the Rocky Road from the fridge, lift out carefully using the greaseproof paper and cut into chunks approx 1" in size</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">If Easter isn't a good enough excuse to indulge with tasty chocolate treats and enjoy some time in the kitchen, I really don't know when is! These delicious chunks are so easy to make and could be a nice gift solution as an alternative to a more traditional egg (that's if you want to share).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIhFS9A8hEs/YGcMBRJ6y1I/AAAAAAAAD3w/i1CkXFqm5c8b4lcGA3XMdK51VJ-HrudNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Easter%2BBake%2BMini%2BEgg%2BChocolate%2BFudge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIhFS9A8hEs/YGcMBRJ6y1I/AAAAAAAAD3w/i1CkXFqm5c8b4lcGA3XMdK51VJ-HrudNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Easter%2BBake%2BMini%2BEgg%2BChocolate%2BFudge.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;">Ingredients</span></u></b></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">75g Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">300g Soft light brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">130g Condensed milk</div><div style="text-align: center;">230g Marshmallows</div><div style="text-align: center;">300g Milk chocolate</div><div style="text-align: center;">80g Dark chocolate</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mini Eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;">Method</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: medium;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><ul><li>Line a tray/tin, approximately 12" by 8" in size, with greaseproof paper</li><li>Place the butter, sugar and milk into a saucepan and heat gently until everything has melted</li><li>Turn up the heat, add the marshmallows and boil for 5 minutes. Ensure you stir the mixture continuously to prevent it from burning or sticking</li><li><br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mQcfnR1SuE/YGcgEym7WVI/AAAAAAAAD34/8pwV2j1lfp4YfxCoWzn4tF9BZy_8bNv_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0mQcfnR1SuE/YGcgEym7WVI/AAAAAAAAD34/8pwV2j1lfp4YfxCoWzn4tF9BZy_8bNv_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_5404.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><ul><li>Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir through until the chocolate has melted, is fully combined and the mixture is a dark brown colour</li><li>Pour the mixture into your lined tray, carefully push in your Mini Eggs and place into your fridge to set</li><li>The fudge usually takes 2-3 hours to set. You can then turn it out, remove the greaseproof paper and slice into 1" cubes, smaller if you prefer</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dG9TMaBhXtU/YGcgRRfM-RI/AAAAAAAAD38/dcfZa4N6jmQUjM9bp9Ay6BjLHiQiYNukACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dG9TMaBhXtU/YGcgRRfM-RI/AAAAAAAAD38/dcfZa4N6jmQUjM9bp9Ay6BjLHiQiYNukACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_5627.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkbzHbZ3lz4/VFTNBJfkh_I/AAAAAAAAW48/bhqXq1_1Xs4/s1600/Emma%2Bsignature.png" /></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;">Wings carry a number of associations, so whether you're seeking jewellery to depict heaven, freedom, travel, dreams, or even wisdom, this pendant necklace from Jana Reinhardt is the perfect piece to add to your collection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SEEONnJrrw/YED4YlPz4qI/AAAAAAAAD2c/6zUQFi7TObgZTMDQbtndQjY13UcWnp06wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/original_9ct-gold-wing-necklace.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SEEONnJrrw/YED4YlPz4qI/AAAAAAAAD2c/6zUQFi7TObgZTMDQbtndQjY13UcWnp06wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/original_9ct-gold-wing-necklace.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Jana Reinhardt designs are inspired by the natural world and the naive art movement. They don't use machine manufacture, preferring the old techniques of wax carving and fabrication to create their products - making Jana Reinhardt a more sustainable choice for jewellery lovers.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All metals used are from accredited suppliers, based in the UK and Germany, that continually buy back and recycle scrap metal, thus helping to create more environmentally friendly jewellery.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Product Information:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li>Handcrafted in the UK</li><li>925 Sterling Silver,</li><li>The Wing is 20mm long x 10mm wide</li><li>Wing has a matt brushed finish</li><li>The chain fastens with a 5mm spring ring</li><li>Comes with a 1.2mm trace chain</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_G1oGgyp8g/YED5dxKzSVI/AAAAAAAAD2k/D6DHwP5gR2APfMQWXtzCdX7EOglJ9KTtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s450/WIN%2BUSE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_G1oGgyp8g/YED5dxKzSVI/AAAAAAAAD2k/D6DHwP5gR2APfMQWXtzCdX7EOglJ9KTtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WIN%2BUSE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For your chance to WIN a Wing Pendant Necklace enter via the Gleam entry form below. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The giveaway is open to UK residents aged 18 or above and closes at midnight on 3rd April 2021.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Good luck!</b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/Sf1Lm/win-a-wing-pendant-necklace-worth-92" rel="nofollow">WIN a Wing Pendant Necklace Worth £92</a>
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