Category Archives: General

My Top Money Making Survey Sites

General, Personal

Everyone wants to make a little extra cash in their life for a rainy day or to put into savings.  My husband and I work full time, we have a toddler who is in nursery 3 & half days a week and some months we do struggle financially, but a little extra cash is always appreciated.   If you want to make a little bit of extra money you have to find the right places to go, and it won’t be a quick fix either, but every little bit helps, right.

four 20 Euro banknotes

So I started doing surveys to help us out.

Here are my top sites that I used to help us out.

Inbox Pounds

My husband actually found this site for us one night and is another good one except it does take a while to get build up the money if you are only doing it part-time and in between work it does take time, but you will get emails telling you when there are surveys available, some are as little as 1p for just confirming a paid message which takes only a few seconds, you can answer surveys to try and earn more and you can also receive spin’s which could win you 1p or more on each turn, you have a maximum of 10 spins per day. Once you reach £20, you can request the payment.

YouGov Surveys

This survey site is similar to the Populuslive surveys, but instead of 50 points you have to get 5000 points to receive £50, so this one certainly takes a lot longer but is more comfortable.  I have been doing these since July 2018, and so far I have racked up 4,125 points out of 5000.  You can earn anything from 10 to 150 points, the average generally been 25/50 points.  YouGov is quick and easy to register for, and they will send you emails once surveys become available to complete.  Their survey results are often quoted in the recent news, which is unusual. They post updates about the surveys that you have completed, and there are several regular surveys that I see.

Minimum payout: £50 via cheque. This can take 28 days to arrive.

Populuslive Surveys

This website is my top of them all, as you get £50 once you get 50 points and this can take no time at all to achieve this, and each survey can be worth anything from £1 to £5 which equals 1 – 5 points.  You have to be quick as they can expire or you may not be suitable for it.

I’ve only been doing this since February 2018 so just over 12 months and in that time I have earned £150 already.  I have put this straight into my savings account so we can use it towards something we want.

Thank you to Katy Kicker for introducing me to these

Do you get involved in surveys to boost your bank balance if so which ones are your best ones?

Do We Really Know How Clean Our Water Is?

General, Health and Lifestyle, Product Reviews

*AD – Gifted

person opening faucet

We drink a fair amount of water in our house whether it is in hot drinks, Squash or straight from the tap with very little thought of what chemical or nasties maybe in it.

ZEROWATER 12 CUP / 2.8L JUG – £39.99

I received the zero water 12 cup/2.8L water jug and it was really easy to set up and it comes with one filter.  It is quite large and does take up pretty much the whole fridge door pocket up.  It also features a one-handed, pull and pour button spout for easy pouring from the fridge or for filling bottles.

Unlike other leading water filter jugs, ZeroWater benefits from a patented, 5-stage Ion exchange filtration system which removes virtually all dissolved solids from your water. This provides great tasting water without the dissolved solids which may include minerals, salts, metals, chemicals and runoff.

Four additional stages of water filtration ensure larger particles and other contaminants are removed, ensuring the filter delivers a “000” reading on the included laboratory-grade water quality meter.

I set this up as soon as I received it as I drink a lot of water and wanted to see if you really can taste the difference, the answer is YES, yes you can, really.  It’s even got the husband drinking more water.  Moreover, it reduces 99% of all Fluoride and other inorganics, such as nitrates, from your water.

I would recommend this product but if you wish to keep it in the fridge and only have a small one you may struggle to fit it in so suggest getting a smaller version.

*I received this product free of charge.  However all thoughts and opinions are my own 

Why We Have A Set Bedtime Routine

General, Pregnancy, Babies & Kids

Ever since Freddie was born, I knew I wanted him in a bedtime routine to help him and help us.  When he was newborn, that was different, but he has always slept reasonably well anyway.  He was in a Moses basket next to me when we first brought him home and then when Freddie was only a few months old we had to move him into his room and his cot as he had outgrown the basket.

He slept well in the day, and we always made sure he had his last bottle when we went to bed.

When he got older, we started putting him to bed at about 7 pm and have slowly increased his bedtime, and now at 22 months he goes happily to bed at around 7.30/8pm depending on his nap time in the day or at nursery and whether we are out visiting friends and family.

We put him down with a bottle of milk, kiss him goodnight, turn the lights out and put his lullaby bear on, and without a fight, he drifts off to sleep.  We rarely hear a peep till around 6.30/7am and some mornings we even have to go in and wake him up.

He has all sorts of weird sleeping positions and is still in a sleeping bag due to him fidgeting, as I can’t bring myself to getting him a pillow and quilt.

Don’t get me wrong we have had some horrendous nights too where he has been in with us since the early hours or I have had to get in with him but as often as we can we try and get him settled in his own bed.

Do you have a bedtime routine?

How We Survived The Chicken Pox

General, Health and Lifestyle

So, exactly two weeks after Freddie was exposed to Chickenpox going around the nursery, he started getting the signs and symptoms of it, then the spots.  We noticed it Wednesday evening of the week before Easter when we were getting him ready for bed. I sent pictures to my parents, and my mum went straight to the chemist to get us some ointments to helps us get through it, especially as it was forecast to be extremely hot over the next few days.

The following morning he had got a few more than they started coming out thick and fast over the next few days.   My mum and dad had him at ours on Thursday as he couldn’t go to the nursery and I couldn’t work from home, but luckily they’ve all had it.

His worst affected area was his nappy because it’s warm so wherever possible we allowed him to go around in the nuddy to let the air get to him and hopefully help with the healing process.  We’ve had a lot of tears when we have tried to change him and wipe him down to make sure he is not getting sore or any infections.  He did lose his appetite but has since made up for it.

Touch wood, he hasn’t been too bad despite been clingy.  We have just tried to distract him with toys and playing frequently and not draw attention to it.

Finally, after just over four weeks the majority of his spots have scabbed over and disappeared.  I am so proud of how well he has cope with it and only hope we don’t get it again.

The products we have used to help us get through and highly recommend were:

Virasoothe Chicken Pox relief gel – £9.50 75g

This gel has been amazing, especially in the hot weather we have experienced, every morning and every night we have smothered him top to toe to make sure he is keeping fresh and not scratching his spots.

Image result for offer ViraSoothe Chickenpox Relief Cooling

Where to buy: Boots

Antihistamine Syrup

We haven’t used much of this as it only recommends you to give 2 x 2.5ml in 24 hours, but I would rather avoid using medicine where I can, for when we do need them.

Calpol

This was for when he had a temperature, it hasn’t been used much, but we have given it a couple of times, especially as we had a heat wave over the Easter holiday.

Image result for calpol

Where to buy: Majority of supermarkets & chemists

 

Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff 2in1 Shampoo Milk Edition

I was sent and told by several different people about this, and we have been using it every time Freddie had a bath to try to help. I don’t know if it has helped him as he can’t tell us yet, but I’m hoping it was still.

Image result for Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Anti-Dandruff 2in1 Shampoo Milk Edition

Where to buy: Majority of supermarkets

What are your top tips for dealing with Chicken Pox?

The A to Z Of Me

General, Random

I saw this on Northumberland Mum, so thought I would join in too as I like things like this.  I did a slightly different one a while ago here.

A – Age: 31
B – Biggest fear: Dying, I know we are all going to go but it just terrifies me
C – Current time: 14.00pm
D – Drink you last had: A cup of tea at work
E – Everyday need: Tea, I drink about 6 cups a day just at work
F – Favorite song: Pink – A Million Dreams
G – Ghosts, are they real?: No, but I’ve never seen one.
H – Hometown: Birmingham, Solihull
I – In love with?: My husband Tom
J – Jealous of?: People who have the money to go on lots of holidays.
K – Killed someone? Not yet! There have been times I have wanted to though.
L – Last time you cried?:  A few weeks ago over personal issues
M – Middle name: I have two, Jayne, Nicola
N – Number of siblings: 1. I have a Sister
O – One wish: That my family are always happy & healthy
P – Person whom you last called: My parents
Q – Question you’re always asked:  When are you having another baby
R – Reasons to smile: My little boy Freddie, My husband, My family and Friends
S – Song last sang: ” If your happy and you know it” with our little boy
T – Time you woke up: 5.30am
U – Underwear colour: Red, I just had to check.
V – Vacation destination: There are several places I would like to go, but mainly Australia.
 
W – Worst habit: Swearing. I’ve got worse
X –  X-Rays you’ve had: Teeth, ankle & knee
Y – Your favourite food: Lamb chop dinner
Z – Zodiac sign: Libra
Feel free to copy and join in yourself and tag me!

My Top 6 Favourite Perfumes

General, Health and Lifestyle

I do love perfumes, like most women, I don’t wear it everyday but I like to try new ones every so often after having the same old ones over again for the past few years, but they don’t have to be expensive.

I have 3 bottles open and on the go at the moment and alternate between them depending on the occasion.

My Top perfumes are:

In no particular order I have…

Gucci – Rush

I can’t remember how I came across this one but it is just gorgeous, it is a strong, but sweet fruity smell, reminding of the rush of first love.   It is presented in a gorgeous bright red box.  Prices start from £34.99

Marc Jacobs – Eau So Fresh 

Unfortunately I don’t have a pictures of this as I haven’t brought any since I used my last one up.  This is again quite a sweet smelling scent.  Presented in quite a chunky bottle.  The bottle is just beautiful with it floral display on the cap.

Paco Rabanno – Lady Million

This perfume is presented in the most stunning golden glass shaped bottle with a gold top.  The smell is quite a sweet smelling one but the scent seems to also last when sprayed in on in the morning.  Prices start from £46.50

Chanel – Paris

For my birthday last year I decided to ask the wonderful world of Facebook for recommendations for a new perfume from friends and family.  I got quite a big response so then gave the list to the husband and he made a decision, and a good one at that.  I have never owned a “Chanel” perfume as I feel it is very expensive and I most defiantly will only use this on very special occasions as I don’t want to waste it.  Prices start from £55.00

Ralph Lauren – Romance

This one is quite strong and if you spray too much you know about it.  The bottle isn’t at all attractive. I would say it is probably near the bottle of my top  6.  Prices starting from £60.00

Ghost – Deep Night

Firstly let’s admire just how beautiful this bottle is, I hate throwing them away but have no use for them after.  The smell of this one again seems to last a long time and is quite a sweet scent.  Prices start from  £25.00.

I do find it amazing how people can create such wonderful scents

So there you have it, my favourite perfumes, what are yours and why?

Mother’s Day Gift Guide | 2019

General, Product Reviews, Reviews

*AD – Some of these products featured in this post were sent for inclusion in this gift guide

Sunday 31st March is Mother’s Day in the UK , since becoming a first time mum back in 2017 all  I wish for is a semi decent lie in and someone to bring me breakfast in bed but any of the below would also suit me perfectly.

Here are my ideas for some great gifts for that special lady figure in your life.

Botonique Blush

If you just fancy a soft drink with a difference, the non–alcoholic wine from Botonique is one to try for sure.  It’s fruity and delicious.

blush drink.png

Where To Buy: Botonique

If wine is not on her gift list then flowers or a plant maybe?  The red anthurium would make a perfect and brighten up any room.

Red Anthurium

With it’s beautiful vibrant red flowers and glossy leaves this will brighten up any room in your house and make a lovely gift.

Image result for red anthurium

Where To Buy: Beards & Daisies

Princess Prosecco

How about a subscription box?

Princess prosecco offer subscription boxes and gift a box option.  They do a different box theme each month dependent on the birth stone for that month so I received “purple rain”.  I can’t wait to make the cocktails.  I would be sure to send these as a gift to family & friends.   They are priced at £29.50 plus £4.70 P&P.  I think for different contents each month makes a really good present.

Where to Buy: Princess Prosecco

Seams Hand Cream 75ml

Delightfully fragranced with Fragonia Oil, Shea Butter and Macadamia Nut Oil to mend, moisturize and protect your hands. I have featured this in a previous gift guide but like it so I felt it deserved another show.  It is priced at £14.00

Where to Buy:  Seams Beauty

Solid Silver Star Pendant 

I love jewellery so when I received this I immediately fell in love with it.  It is engraved with my son’s name “Freddie” on it and is perfect for any female as a gift with any wording on. I featured this in my Christmas gift guide but loved it so have included it again.  It is priced at £34.99

Where to Buy: The gift experience here

What will you buy that special lady in your life?

My Favourite Mugs

General, House

Our kitchen cupboard is over flowing with mugs of all different shapes, colours and sizes, yet I only like to use a few of them, the rest get pushed to the back to gather dust.

Here are my favourite mugs that I have collected so far.

We were gifted a set of these as a wedding present and we both said how nice they are.  The handle is the perfect shaped to hold it securely and easily.

My mum brought me this from our little boy for mother’s Day as a little extra gift from him, even though my husband had brought me gifts.  It came with a matching coaster and I love it.  It is a little on the big side and heavy but I still love to use it every day.

This mug was the first mug I received with all 3 of us on it.  I love it, it was included in a review here.

My nephew brought me this mug a few years ago now, so it is special to me.

I love Tea and drink quite a lot when I’m at work daily so was very appropriate for me to purchase this mug.

I brought the set of these for me and hubby after we had our little boy from next.  It’s a small and lightweight mug perfect for those spare 5 minutes you might have to yourself while baby is sleeping.

So there you go my favourite mugs to drink Tea from.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MUG? OR DO YOU JUST GRAB WHICHEVER MUG IS AVAILABLE FIRST?

Creating Our Photo Wall

General, House

We’ve lived in our home 4 years now, and in those 4 years we have done so much to the house, decorating, rewiring, building work, and a new bathroom last year and more but one thing, and the most important to me is photos.  We hardly had any photos up around the house of us, our families or nieces/nephews.

A house to me is a not a home without memories in the way of photos, so I changed this immediately and decided on creating a photo wall in the lounge.

I wanted all the photos in one place for everyone to see when they visited our home, the first picture frame I ordered was the “Daddy” frame for Father’s Day here and we have built it from there.  I then brought the “Freddie” and “Mummy” frames a few months later to make the set complete, but yet to still fill them with photos.  We built the rest around them in no particular order, and still have Christmas photos from the last two years to frame and put up.

We did have loads of photos but none were printed out as we’ve never got round to it.  The large middle frame my husband gave me for my birthday it’s a professional photo shoot we had done a few months before.

I want to change the end one of the 3 of us at our pre wedding photo shoot as my husbands head is chopped off.  We have got new additions to add of Freddie’s first nursery photos.

We will then move and start with some memories up the stairs and in the bedrooms

Have you got a photo wall in your house? would love to see yours for inspiration.

Vax Blade 2 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | Review

General, Product Reviews

Hands up if you actually enjoy vacuuming?  I don’t!

I can’t say it’s ever been one of my most favourite jobs to do,  lugging a vacuum every which way wherever you need it to be, finding or been able to access a plug socket, doing half a room before having to unplug and plug it in somewhere closer to get it to reach into those hard corners.

We had asked for one for Christmas from my parents, the continual thought of dragging one up and down the stairs until we could save up for a decent one had filled me with dread, but it’s no longer something I need to worry about.

With having a dog that is forever malting and a toddler who throws/drops food everywhere I wanted a vacuum I could quickly whizz around the house daily.  We were given the Vax blade 2.

The Vax Blade 2 is cordless, so I don’t have to worry about any cables getting in the way anymore.  The part I hated the most was doing the stairs and trying to balance the vacuum while trying to clean, now that has gone and it so much easier.

It’s as powerful as a conventional vacuum. It takes four hours to fully charge and gives you 45 minutes cleaning time – more than enough time to do the whole house.  There are lights on the handle to let you know how much power is left and lights when the brush is rotating to allow you to see what’s on the floor.

We use it with the long pole attached to do the laminate throughout the downstairs and the carpets upstairs, but  also included with the vacuum was a selection of other attachments to do other jobs.

It retails at around £200 and is well worth every penny.  I would highly recommend this vacuum.

  • We were given this product as a Christmas present.  However all words and opinions are our own.