Vietnam

Southeast Asia is the abode of some of the most beautiful places in the world. It is so vast and with so many different places to visit. Planning a trip to some of these places should be on your bucket list.

From the sprawling city of Singapore to the idyllic beaches of Thailand. And from the streets of Bangkok to the pristine beaches of Bali, there is something for everyone.

El Nido, is the crown jewel of the Philippines, where limestone cliffs tower majestically over the turquoise lagoons, hiding secret beaches and enchanting coves. An island-hopping boat tour is more than an activity, it is a voyage of discovery through an aquatic dreamland. Dive into the crystal-clear waters to discover an underwater paradise filled with diverse aquatic life and vibrant coral reefs.

When you visit Penang, you get to explore George Town, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where colonial architecture and street art tell the story of the city’s past. Discover the spiritual angle of Penang as you visit the Kek Lok Si Temple, a hilltop sanctuary of tranquillity. Your taste buds lead the way as you visit the Gurney Drive well known for its delicious street food and gastronomic experiences.

Conclusion: Southeast Asia is huge and full of natural beauty, so finding the best destinations can be a real challenge.

Bali, Indonesia

The enchanting Island of the Gods is best explored with the Bali Tour. Where the lush verdant landscape of terraced rice paddies meets the golden hue of pristine beaches. In Bali, the sacred entangles with every day, presenting a unique blend of culture and nature. Delve into the spiritual core of Bali at Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temples, as they rest precariously on the edges of rugged cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean and their mystical charm only enhanced by the dramatic sunsets. Ubud is the cultural heart of the island, as it invites you for a stroll through the vibrant art markets, and discover tranquillity in the Sacred Monkey Forest. Travel to Seminyak and Kuta for an exhilarating mix of vibrant beach clubs and impressive surf spots.  From rejuvenating yoga retreats in the middle of lush landscapes to the rhythmic beat of traditional Kecak dance shows, Bali is a kaleidoscope of experiences that inspire, stimulate, and enchant.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Located on the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, Phnom Penh is a city of vibrant contrasts. Explore the opulent Royal Palace, the solemn Killing Fields, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, each narrating a different story about Cambodia’s Past. It is Cambodia’s busy capital and was once the hub for both Khmer Empire and French colonialists. Phnom Penh, along with Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, are significant global as well as domestic tourist destinations for Cambodia. The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda are set adjacent to each other, cover an area of 174,870 square m, and are a fine example of Khmer architecture. Cambodia Living Arts- Apsara and Traditional Khmer Dance is a non-profit organization that hosts traditional and Apsara dance performances at the National Museum of Cambodia. Central Market (Phsar Thmey) means “New Market” and is an indoor market designed by French architects Jean Desbosis and Wladimir Kandaouroff in 1937. It reflects traditional Southeast Asian architecture, featuring an enormous yellow-painted central dome with four wings stretching to huge hallways, with an array of shopping stalls. One of the best places for shopping enthusiasts who want to sharpen their haggling skills.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Explore the capital city of Hanoi with the Vietnam tour as it is known for its rich centuries-old architecture and culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences. The streets of the Old Quarter date back to the fourteenth century. As one wanders through these tree-lined lanes past crumbling colonial structures will transport one back in time. Old Quarter Is also known as the Hoan Kiem District or simply 36 Streets and is one of the oldest neighbourhoods, and most popular attractions. It is home to famous hotels, historical attractions, cafes, and tourist street shops. Hoan Kiem Lake or Turtle Lake is a serene spot in Hanoi. It is a perfect location for unwinding after a long day. The lake is encompassed by the Ngoc Son Temple, with its iconic red bridge, as it paints a pretty picture. As the lake lies close to the Old Quarter, it gets busy with life early morning and late evening. People can be seen here exercising, practising tai chi and line dancing, or just casually hanging out. Hoa Lo Museum is all that remains of the Hoa Lo Prison. It was used to capture Vietnamese and American political prisoners during the colonial period and the Vietnam War. The museum stands here today to recreate the living conditions of the colonial era and the Vietnam War.

Bangkok, Thailand

The busy street markets and ancient temples compete for space among the skyscrapers with astounding heights. With its fabulous floating markets, its alluring architectural works of art, intermixing modern design and traditional influence, Bangkok is a must-visit destination for everyone looking for something a little outside the box. Baiyoke Sky is a hotel with an observation deck from where you get a bird’s eye view of Bangkok. Built in 1990 it has risen to popularity because of its size, delectable buffets and restaurants, and offering incredible hospitality and ultra-luxury to its guests. Treat your eyes to the unique floating markets of Damnoen Saduk, as merchants row through canal waters on their fully stacked boats to sell fruits to locals and visitors on their boats. While in Bangkok explore Chinatown as it is located away from the Bangkok City Center, and is considered to be the largest Chinatown in the world. Visit Yaowarat Road where a large area is dedicated to the best Chinese food and seafood specialties like shrimp and stir-fried crab. Royal Grand Palace is not only the biggest attraction but also one of the best things to see in Bangkok. It is a palace of immense importance, from being the residence of Thai Royalty in 1782 to being the holy space for Buddhism.

Singapore

Singapore with its futuristic gardens and its towering skyscrapers, is a wonder that bridges East and West. Around every corner, one finds something new to explore, a new adventure to endeavour, a new selfie to take. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands is an architectural masterpiece as it houses over forty restaurants, a three-story large art gallery, a museum, the world’s most expensive standalone casino, two shopping malls, and the world’s longest elevated pool. The infinity pool here is 150 meters long with a height of 200 m and stands on top of the three towers featuring a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Gardens by the Bay is a 250-acre garden that spans over three waterfront parks in Singapore’s Marina Bay area. It features many attractions, including a 22-m tall cloud forest dome, both indoor and outdoor waterfalls, and most importantly it is a horticulturist’s paradise with 200,000 plants. Sentosa Island is the ultimate playground which includes attractions like beaches, theme parks, and Singapore’s first casino. Universal Studios, without a doubt, is a must-visit attraction for your itinerary, regardless of how long is your visit. There is something for everyone with rides for kids and adults to shops, cafes, and kiosks selling refreshments.

Conclusion: This group of countries between the Indian and Pacific oceans are like tropical paradises full of fun and adventure. Here one can trek through dense forests, dive in some of the best coral reefs or chill out by hanging at the beach. With so much to explore it can be a little difficult to choose where to go.

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car safety essentials

I had lunch yesterday with a friend (boast) and she was telling me a story about her son’s car. He lives in residential care and has carers that drive him in his car. What these carers apparently didn’t realise though was that my friend has trackers on it so she can check in on where her son is and what the carers are doing with the car. Last week she discovered that one of them had been driving her son up the motorway at 93 mph. She reported him and he was promptly sacked.

It was a shocking story about what this carer was happy to do when they thought no one was watching, and one of the many benefits to fitting your car with a GPS car tracking device. Of course not everyone has such a specific set of conditions as my friend, but anyone who owns a car risks that car being stolen. If someone were to make off with your car, wouldn’t it be great to know that you could easily find out where it was?

The PAJ GPS car tracker is incredibly easy to set up and uses a simple app to allow you to keep track of your car. Within the app there are a range of cool features including of course live tracking – this is the information that you can share with the police should the worst happen and your car be stolen. You can also set up a geo-fence so that are alerted any time your car goes within a certain zone. Another great feature is the route history option – this allows you to see where you’ve been and the distances you’ve covered in the last year.

PAJ doesn’t just make car trackers mind you, they have a whole range of tracking products that would be super useful for loads of people. Pet trackers for instance – if your dog goes for walks off-lead and tends to run off out of site then it would be great to know exactly where they were the whole time. It could also add an extra layer of protection and reassurance against the possibility of your pet getting lost or being stolen.

As well as protecting your car from theft, I’m sure there are loads of other uses for a car tracker. Perhaps you share you car with teenage children and you want to make sure they’re going where they say they’re going? Or maybe you use your car for business and the route history is useful for you to work out your mileage for the tax year?

What I really want to know though is this: Is it worth me getting a GPS tracker for my car just so that I remember where I parked it in a large car park? I suspect it might be.

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Research paper writing is tough. However, the research paper format makes it more organized and easy to follow. If you consider research paper writing a hurdle, we will tell you the simplest format to follow.

You can connect with expert writers for the best online research paper writing help and advice. However, since you are here, let us give you a brief idea of how to write one:

  1. Title Page

A title page is the very first page of the paper. This gives an idea of the major things you will discuss and personal information. So here is what you need to mention on the title page:

  • Title of the research paper.
  • Author(s) name and affiliation.
  • Contact information (email address)
  1. Abstract

A concise summary of the research is called an abstract. This highlights the research’s objectives, methods, results, and conclusions. It helps the readers to judge what the purpose of the writing is quickly.

  1. Introduction

An introduction is mandatory in any writing form and research writing. This provides an overview of the research problem along with background history. The significance of the topic and the writer’s intention with it are also stated.

This presents the research question or hypothesis to be covered. It also offers a literature review to provide context and background for the study.

  1. Literature Review

Next comes a literature review, which discusses relevant literature and prior research related to the topic. Here, prior work related to the topic is mentioned to give readers on the progress made. This identifies the gaps or shortcomings in existing knowledge that your current study aims to address.

A survey showed that 40% of students are not even proficient with college paper writing. So, research paper writing will be tough. In such cases, get help from seniors and professors to save time from confusion.

  1. Methodology

To conduct research, there are certain methods which are followed. This describes the research methods and materials used in the study. Talking about the samples, sizes, data collection, and analysis techniques also counts.

This gives clarity to the writers about the techniques and how to follow them.

  1. Results

After the methods are performed, the results need to be mentioned too. This can be done utilizing tables, figures, and charts to illustrate data. An accurate representation of the numbers is crucial, or the data can be misleading.

Remember this section is only for stating data and no discussion on results.

  1. Discussion

This is where the results are interpreted in the research question or hypothesis context. Address the research’s implications, limitations, and significance. State the benefits and shortcomings to create awareness for other scholars.

Overall, this provides a critical analysis and synthesis of the findings.

  1. Conclusion

Finally, summarize the key findings and their implications. Restate the research’s contribution to the field. This also offers potential prospects for future research.

  1. References

In the end, cite all sources, studies, and literature referenced in the paper. One should follow a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, and Chicago) per your institution’s guidelines. Not doing this can result in plagiarism issues.

  1. Acknowledgments (optional)

Acknowledge individuals or institutions that supported the research. This adds a final touch to professionalism, although it is not mandatory.

This is the basic research format that stands united for any research topic. Here is more information on how to format using the three most followed formatting styles:

How to Format Using MLA Format?

Formatting a paper using the MLA (Modern Language Association) style involves following specific guidelines. Here is how to format a paper using MLA style:

  • Keep 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
  • Use a legible 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman) throughout your paper
  • Double-space the entire paper, including the title, headings, and the text.
  • In the upper right corner of each page, include your last name followed by the page number (e.g., Brown 1). Use the automatic page numbering feature in your word processor.
  • The MLA style typically does not require a separate title page, but some instructors or institutions may have specific requirements.
  • If required, place your name, instructor’s name, course title, and date in the upper left corner of the first page.
  • Center the title of your paper below these details.
  • Use title capitalization (capitalize the first and last words and all major words).
  • Do not underline, italicize, or enclose the title in quotation marks.
  • Do not add extra lines or formatting to the title page.
  • In-text citations are typically done using the author-page style. This means you include the author’s last name and the page number where the information can be found, enclosed in parentheses (Brown 45).
  • If the author’s name is mentioned in the text, only include the page number in parentheses: “Brown argues that this is true” (45).

How to Format Using APA Format?

Here is how to format a paper using APA style:

  • Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
  • Use a clear, legible 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman or Calibri).
  • Double-space the entire paper, including the title, headings, and the text.
  • In the top left corner of each page, include a running head (an abbreviated title) and the page number. The running head should be in uppercase, and the page number should be right-justified.
  • Center the title of your paper in title case (capitalize the first and last words, as well as all major words). Keep it concise and descriptive.
  • Below the title, type your name.
  • Below your name, include the name of your institution.
  • In the header area, insert the running head (title) and the page number in uppercase.
  • The title page is page 1, but the page number does not appear on the title page itself.
  • For direct quotations, include the page number (Brown, 2019, p. 45). If the quotation is longer than 40 words, format it as a block quote.
  • Center the word “References” at the top of a new page.
  • List your sources in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. If there is no author, use the title.

How to Format Using Harvard Style?

Here is how to format a paper using the Harvard style:

  • In Harvard style, in-text citations should include the author’s last name and the publication year in parentheses. If you are quoting directly, you should also include the page number.
  • For multiple authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” when there are more than three authors.

Examples

  1. Single author: (Brown, 2019)
  2. Two authors (Brown & Johnson, 2019)
  3. Three authors (Brown, Johnson, and Lou, 2019)
  4. More than three authors (Brown et al. 2019)
  5. Direct quote with page number: (Brown 2019, p. 45)

There, you have all the guidelines for formatting using different styles. However, remember that the format styles may vary depending on the documents to be formatted, like books, journals, etc.

Hopefully, this guide has given you all the information you need to format a research paper effectively. These are the only tips you must follow to format flawlessly. Follow these tips and start enjoying the research paper writing process.

 

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do i need to go to the dentist?

Our oral health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being. It goes beyond the perfect smile and fresh breath; it affects our ability to eat, speak, and even impacts our systemic health. Maintaining good oral health requires a multifaceted approach that includes regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene, and a balanced diet. However, in recent years, advanced antimicrobial solutions have emerged as powerful tools in the fight against oral health issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore the role of advanced antimicrobial solutions and mention the revolutionary product, Ldental Edermix, that is changing the game.

The Importance of Oral Health

Before delving into the advancements in antimicrobial solutions, it’s essential to understand why oral health is of paramount importance. Our mouths are teeming with bacteria, both good and bad. The balance between these microorganisms is crucial to preventing dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Poor oral health can lead to various problems, including:

  1. Tooth Decay: When harmful bacteria produce acids that erode tooth enamel, it results in cavities or caries. Left untreated, cavities can lead to toothaches and even tooth loss.
  2. Gum Disease: This chronic inflammatory condition, also known as periodontal disease, can lead to the loss of teeth and has been linked to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
  3. Bad Breath: The presence of odor-producing bacteria in the mouth can lead to halitosis, causing social and self-esteem problems.
  4. Oral Cancer: Neglected oral health can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
  5. Systemic Health Issues: Emerging research has suggested that poor oral health is linked to systemic health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.

Clearly, maintaining good oral health is not just about appearances but is a matter of overall well-being. This is where advanced antimicrobial solutions come into play.

The Role of Advanced Antimicrobial Solutions

  1. Advanced antimicrobial solutions are innovative products designed to maintain a healthy balance of oral microorganisms and combat harmful bacteria. They can be used in various forms, such as mouthwash, toothpaste, gels, and more. These products are formulated to target specific issues and offer a range of benefits, including:
  2. Bacterial Control: Antimicrobial solutions help control the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing dental issues like cavities and gum disease.
  3. Fresh Breath: They combat the bacteria responsible for bad breath, ensuring a lasting feeling of freshness.
  4. Improved Oral Health: Advanced antimicrobial solutions can reduce the need for extensive dental work and maintain oral health effectively.
  5. Convenience: They provide a convenient and easy way to supplement your daily oral hygiene routine.

Ldental Edermix: A Game-Changer in Antimicrobial Solutions

One product that has been making waves in the realm of advanced antimicrobial solutions is Ldental Edermix. This innovative oral care solution is designed to address a wide range of oral health issues while being easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Here are some of the reasons why Ldental Edermix stands out:

  1. Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ldental Edermix offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection, targeting a wide range of harmful bacteria that cause dental issues. This comprehensive approach ensures thorough oral care.
  2. All-Natural Ingredients: Ldental Edermix utilizes all-natural ingredients, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice for oral health. The absence of harsh chemicals is a significant advantage for those with sensitivities or allergies.
  3. Convenience: Incorporating Ldental Edermix into your oral care routine is hassle-free. It can be used as a mouthwash, a pre-brush rinse, or a post-brush rinse, making it adaptable to your specific needs and preferences.
  4. Eco-Friendly Packaging: Ldental Edermix is committed to sustainability. The product comes in eco-friendly packaging, minimizing its environmental footprint.
  5. Suitable for All Ages: Ldental Edermix is safe and effective for people of all ages, making it a valuable addition to family oral care routines.
  6. Proven Results: Users of Ldental Edermix have reported significant improvements in their oral health, from fresher breath to a decrease in dental issues like cavities and gum disease.

Incorporating Ldental Edermix into Your Oral Care Routine

To incorporate Ldental Edermix into your daily oral care routine, follow these simple steps:

  1. Choose Your Preferred Application: Ldental Edermix can be used as a mouthwash, a pre-brush rinse, or a post-brush rinse. Select the method that suits your needs.
  2. Measure the Solution: Pour the recommended amount of Ldental Edermix into a cup. The product’s label will provide clear instructions.
  3. Rinse or Gargle: Swish the solution in your mouth for the recommended duration, then spit it out. For best results, do not rinse your mouth with water after using Ldental Edermix.
  4. Repeat Regularly: Incorporate Ldental Edermix into your daily routine, ideally after meals or before bedtime.

Final Thoughts

Oral health is a critical component of overall well-being. Neglecting it can lead to various dental issues and even impact systemic health. Advanced antimicrobial solutions, like Ldental Edermix, have emerged as valuable tools to maintain a healthy oral microbiome, combat harmful bacteria, and prevent oral health problems.

By incorporating Ldental Edermix into your daily oral care routine, you can enjoy the benefits of broad-spectrum protection, fresh breath, and improved oral health. With all-natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, Ldental Edermix is a sustainable choice for individuals and families looking to prioritize their oral health.

Remember, preserving your oral health is an investment in your overall well-being, and with advanced antimicrobial solutions like Ldental Edermix, maintaining a healthy smile has never been easier or more effective.

 

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Advertisement feature

I used to work with a guy who went on a Caribbean cruise every year. Every year he would come back saying he had put on half a stone, mainly in prawns. It sounded amazing honestly. I had visions of seafood buffets as far as the eye could see.

As I’ve got older my urge to cruise has become stronger and stronger. I love the idea of waking up somewhere new every morning without having left my bed, the slow pace, the enforced rest and relaxation. And the prawns. Did I mention the prawns?

In my mind of course I would be strolling along the deck, drop my handkerchief and bend down to pick it up at the same time as Captain Hastings. Poirot would doff his hat to me and call me ‘mademoiselle’ and we would chat about the views and they would probably invite me to join them for dinner. I would become embroiled in an exciting mystery where Poirot would use me as bait to seduce the handsome scoundrel who had been swindling beautiful women across Europe out of their inheritances and together we would extract a confession and save the day.

Caribbean cruise

Like this but fewer pyramids

Wait, where was I?

Oh yes, cruises.

What I really need to do is to make this cruise dream a reality. I need a spend a happy afternoon browsing MSC cruise deals and making Pinterest boards of cruise outfits and practising my lock picking skills, just in case. A good amateur sleuth can always pick a lock, ideally with a hat pin, which I will always have to hand because of the stylish cruising hat I will be wearing.

I picture my cruise in the Caribbean because why not? The Caribbean is beautiful and lends itself very nicely to a book title – ‘The Curse of the Caribbean Swindler’ perhaps. Reese Witherspoon will play me in the film. I will wear something long and flowing to the premiere.

And in the meantime I will stick with swooning over cruise118 and maybe having a prawn sandwich.

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It’s autumn. The leaves are starting to fall, the nights are drawing in and everything is starting to slow down—everything, that is, except our breastfeeding routines. But the cosy season doesn’t mean breastfeeding mums have to stay at home.

Us UK mums are well used to the unpredictable British weather, so we know that whatever autumn throws at us, it’s not going to stop us getting out and about with our babies. We might need to stretch our legs in the park, catch up with the girls for brunch, or make good use of our maternity leave by taking a day trip to one of Britain’s many historical sites.

We can do the things we always did, it’s just now we need to fit our nursing schedule into the good times. And why shouldn’t we? Breastfeeding in public should never be a cause for concern, especially in the UK where breastfeeding mothers’ rights are clear.

But maybe you’re a new mum or you’ve been uncomfortable breastfeeding in public in the past. If that’s the case, I want to share my advice for breastfeeding in public with other UK mums. So, here are my top tips that’ll make breastfeeding when you’re out and about easy and stress-free.

  1. Practise at Home

Not every mum is confident about breastfeeding. I promise you, confidence comes with practice but, as the Boy Scouts motto says, it’s best to “be prepared”. Practising will not only help you gain confidence but allow you to figure out your preferred ways to breastfeed your baby in public.

Try different breastfeeding positions and settings at home, and don’t forget your garden. It’s good to get used to breastfeeding outside so that if your baby’s feed coincides with a walk along a towpath, you’re comfortable with it.

  1. Dress for Comfort and Accessibility

It may seem obvious, but wear clothing that’s going to make you feel comfortable, especially if you’re doing something active like doing your big shop or taking your older kids to the park.

Personally, I prefer long-line front-buttoning shirts and oversized knits because I like to keep myself covered, but we’re all different. Forming fitting clothing is fine—but make it stretchy—jersey material works well for pulling up and over when you need to.

I swear by my Momcozy nursing bra because of its flexibility. It provides extra support, has detachable cups for breastfeeding, and can be worn when I’m pumping too—a total win-win.

  1. Use a Baby Wrap

Baby slings, wraps, or carriers are a great tool for breastfeeding mums because of their flexibility. They do their thing as a baby carrier, but they work great for mums who want a bit more privacy when breastfeeding. The one I use is easy to wear and hands-free.

Let’s say, you’re on a day trip to Salisbury and you’re browsing the market stalls. You realise it’s time for your baby’s feed. You can transform your baby wrap into a sling that positions your baby perfectly for nursing whilst maintaining your modesty. It’s not a necessity, but some mothers find comfort in having that extra layer of privacy. Find a bench and you’re good to go!

  1. Pump & Go

Whichever way your baby gets your milk—it’s breastfeeding. That includes pumping, either at home before you head out into public or while you’re out. Pumping is also great for mums who aren’t as confident breastfeeding in public. If I’m out for the day or on a mini break, I can pump my milk and feed my baby wherever I am. To make it easier I use a pumping bra room for my fantastic  . This way, if I choose not to nipple feed, my baby is still breastfed

It’s always good to have everything you need in one place. I have a brilliant bag that doubles as a pram organiser—it clips right on the handle. It’s not too bulky, holds all my essentials including my pump. It also has a handy phone holder—don’t judge me for scrolling when I nurse—a girl’s got to keep up with the ‘Strictly…’ goss sometime!

  1. 5. Find Breastfeeding-Friendly Locations

If breastfeeding your baby outside doesn’t do it for you, UK mums are lucky. Many public places in the UK are breastfeeding-friendly, including cafes, parks, shopping centres and libraries. A quick internet search will show you hundreds of breastfeeding-friendly establishments, but it’s good to know that all Pizza Express restaurants in Britain welcome breastfeeding mums.

You’ll get to know the places locally that will make you welcome quite quickly. But if your location is unfamiliar, you can either look for a ‘We are breastfeeding welcome’ sticker which indicates a business’ support for breastfeeding mothers or ask an assistant to help you.

  1. Bring a Supportive Friend or Family Member

Some of us are confident breastfeeding in public, some of us aren’t—we’re all different. I wasn’t always confident in the early days. That’s why me and some girls from my postnatal class regularly met up in different public places until we all got into the groove.

Having a supportive friend, partner or family member with you can provide emotional support and encouragement. Their presence can make you feel more at ease and confident when breastfeeding in public. And if there are any issues, you can let your friends deal with them and concentrate on feeding your baby.

  1. Wonder Woman

Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of motherhood. But it would be foolish to pretend British women aren’t still fighting against sexism and bigotry. In fact, it might surprise you to know that we were only granted the legal right to breastfeed in public in 2010.

We UK mums are proud of our choice to breastfeed our babies, so remember that the opinions of others don’t define your worth as a mother or as a woman. Ignore any judgmental stares or comments and focus on the beautiful connection you share with your child.

  1. It’s OK to Try Again

Mums are amazing but none of us are perfect. Breastfeeding doesn’t always go as planned even when we’re in the comfort of our own homes, let alone when our we and our babies are in a different environment.

If breastfeeding in public doesn’t go right the first, second or third time, don’t give up. Like riding a bike, it takes time and perseverance—oh, and a lot of our famous British sense of humour.

Breastfeeding in public places in the UK should be a positive and empowering experience for mothers. By knowing that you are legally allowed to breastfeed in public anywhere in Britain, by planning ahead and by surrounding yourself with supportive people you can confidently nurture your baby while enjoying the freedom to explore our beautiful country together.

Let’s celebrate the beauty of breastfeeding and work together to create a society where every mother feels respected and supported, whether she chooses to breastfeed underneath the signpost at John O Groats or the one at Land’s End.

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Post in association with Asda

There comes a time in a family where you feel like you have bought All Of The Christmas Gifts. Do you know what I mean? Like you’ve thought of all of the things people would like, bought them for them, and really none of you need anything anymore.

There are a couple of ways you can go with things when you hit this point – you can give up and agree that you don’t need presents anymore OR you can start buying personalised towels with your dog on them.

I know which way I’m going.

Personalised Christmas gifts

I didn’t wait until Christmas to take this round to my mum’s house and give it to her partner Mitch.

Mitch LOVES Mako – I’m not exaggerating when I say he loves her more than any human – and every Christmas so far we’ve given him a calendar full of pictures of her. He always puts a towel down on the sofa for Mako, so this was the absolute perfect gift for him.

Mako had a quick look, clearly understood what was expected, and settled in.

Personalised photo gifts

(Mako is also modelling a Halloween bandana that Belle crocheted for her. Mitch was less keen on this.)

Asda do such a wide range of personalised photo gifts – you don’t have to stick to personalised towels and you’re not obliged to put a picture of Mako on anything, although let me know if you’d like me to send you any as she IS adorable. They have all the usual things like calendars and canvases and cushions and mugs but they also do a few bits that I’ve not seen anywhere else, like a personalised photo memory game.

Yep, you can now capture special family memories forever in a game that you can cherish and play at family get togethers for years to come. OR you can mix things up and include some the worst pictures of everybody and have a jolly good laugh at their expense. I didn’t exclude myself either. I’ve always taken a lovely photo, as you can see:

Personalised pairs game Asda

Photo pairs game Asda

I especially like how my mum and Mako are making the exact same expression in this one.

None of these Asda photo gifts are expensive, but they’re cute and fun and they mean something. If you’re struggling to know what to get for people for Christmas this year then why not create your own family photo game, or maybe a family photo jigsaw for everyone to get stuck into on Boxing Day over a tin of Roses and a tub of Twiglets?

Asda personalised photo gifts

 

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What is it like having a puppy

Everyone loves to pamper their dogs. But these days there are a lot of dogs carrying too much extra weight. Weight gain in dogs can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, we give them too much food or too many treats. Other times, they don’t get enough exercise to burn off the calories they eat.

No matter the reason, carrying extra weight can be hard on a dog’s body. Just like in humans, being overweight can lead to health problems in dogs. It’s essential to monitor a dog’s weight to live a long and happy life. In this article, we will go over several ways to make sure your dog loses weight.

1 – Change the diet

What we feed our dogs plays a big role in their health and weight. Many commercial dog foods and treats are packed with calories and can lead to weight gain if we’re not careful. It’s not just about the amount we feed them, but also the kind of food we choose.

To help our dogs stay healthy, it’s essential to pick high-quality, low-calorie dog food. Look for foods with real meat as the first ingredient and avoid those with fillers like corn and soy. Turkey dog food is a good choice since it is lean meat with a lot of protein and low calories.

It’s also important to pay attention to how much food we give our dogs. Measuring their food can make a big difference. Instead of guessing or filling their bowl whenever it’s empty, use a measuring cup to give the right amount.

2 – Keep them active

Exercise is as essential for dogs as it is for us. Regular physical activity helps dogs stay fit, keeps their joints flexible, and boosts their mood. A dog that exercises often is more likely to be happy and less likely to develop health issues related to weight gain.

Try to choose activities that match your dog’s age, breed, and health. For instance, a young retriever might enjoy long games of fetch, while an older bulldog might prefer shorter, gentle walks. Some breeds have lots of energy and need more exercise, while others are more laid-back.

There are so many fun ways to get your dog moving. Daily walks are a must, but you can also try games like fetch or tug-of-war. For dogs that enjoy a challenge, agility courses offer both physical and mental stimulation.

3 – Keep them mentally stimulated

Dogs are very susceptible to getting bored. And when they do, they might turn to food for entertainment. This is why mental stimulation is so important. Keeping a dog’s mind active can prevent them from overeating out of boredom.

Training sessions are a form of mental exercise. Whether you’re teaching your dog a new trick or practicing old ones, training requires them to focus and think. Plus, it’s a great way for you and your dog to bond. Even just a few minutes of training a day can make a big difference in your dog’s mental well-being.

 

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I can remember very clearly the first time I read a Mo Willems book. Baby Joey was about two years old and I had taken him to the library. I’d picked out a selection of books from the big boxes in the middle of the children’s section and I was imagining us getting comfy in a beanbag or something and reading through each book in hushed tones.

Joey was having none of it of course, and instead was running from one side of the children’s library to the other, over and over, stopping only to pick up a Mr Men book at one end and drop it by my feet at the other.

While Joey got on with things, I looked through the pile of books I’d chosen and settled on Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus. I sat very nicely and read it to myself in hushed tones.

I loved it. I think I laughed out loud. To myself. In the children’s library.

What I didn’t realise, which I only discovered when I just looked it up on Amazon, is that’s it’s over 20 years old! I couldn’t believe I’d not seen it before. I guess I’ve been out of the kids’ books loop for a while. The pigeon has had a lot of adventures it turns out. I especially liked the sound of The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog.

When I was offered a sneak preview of Willems’s new book for Christmas then, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive The Sleigh, I said yes please immediately.

Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Sleigh

The pigeon has a gumption that you can’t help but admire, even when he’s shouting at you. He’s a pigeon who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to yell at people until he gets it. He’s the version of myself I’d like to be, if getting angry didn’t make me cry and look feeble. (Although I did raise my voice to a woman in a petrol station this morning, which I might tell you about in another post.)

I’ve been meaning to write this post for so long that the good news is that this preview copy is now obsolete as Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh is now OUT and available for you to buy. It would make a jolly nice Christmas present for any small people in your life, or buy it for yourself if you’re the sort of person who likes to sit quietly in the library reading kids’ books.

 

This preview copy was a gift. Post contains affiliate links.

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Do you remember the excitement of rushing to the front door every morning to grab the daily newspaper, eagerly flipping through its pages to catch up on world events and local news? That tangible connection to stories from around the globe instilled a deep appreciation for journalism in many readers.

Creating a newspaper for a school project is an ode to this timeless medium, providing students with a unique opportunity to relive the magic of printed news and to learn the intricacies of journalistic storytelling and design. Moreover, with digital tools’ evolution, a newspaper has transitioned from ink and paper to pixels and screens. At StoryboardThat, you can not only find out how to make newspaper but also pick one of the templates, which will help you a lot.

Step 1. Decide the Purpose and Audience

Ask yourself what you aim to achieve with this newspaper: Do you want to inform, entertain, or persuade your readers? Equally crucial is understanding your target audience. Are you writing for classmates, teachers, the entire school, or perhaps a broader community? Your content, tone, and design will largely be influenced by these initial decisions. By aligning your content with your intended audience’s interests and needs, you can create a more impactful and relevant newspaper.

Step 2. Choose a Name and Format

Pick a catchy name for your newspaper. Decide if it will be digital (e.g., a PDF) or printed. Consider using the templates we have already mentioned above. Be sure to review the name after you finish the project. Sometimes, the name is better to be chosen at the end of the task.

Step 3. Gather Your Content

Decide on the type of articles you want:

  • News: Recent events in school, sports results, or world news.
  • Features: In-depth stories on interesting topics or profiles of students or teachers.
  • Opinions: Editorials, letters to the editor, or opinion pieces.
  • Entertainment: Comic strips, puzzles, movie reviews, etc.
  • Advertisements: Create fictional or real ads to fill space and give an authentic look.

Step 4. Pick Design Layout

Layout is crucial. Here are some points to keep in mind:

  • Headlines: Use large, bold fonts to grab attention.
  • Images: Include photos, illustrations, or infographics. Ensure you have the right to use them or create your own.
  • Columns: Traditional newspapers use columns to organize text. Consider two or three columns per page.
  • Captions: Always caption your images.
  • Whitespace: Don’t overcrowd. Whitespace can help in making the content readable.

Step 5. Write and Be Clear

When crafting articles for your newspaper, clarity is paramount. Aim to convey your message in a straightforward and understandable manner. Remember the fundamental principle of journalism: answer the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why) to ensure your readers grasp the essential details of any story. Avoid technical jargon and overly complex sentences, as these can deter readers. Instead, embrace brevity and precision in your writing. Lastly, always proofread your work, not just for grammar and punctuation errors, but also to guarantee factual accuracy and coherence in your narrative.

Step 6. Collaborate with Other Students

Newspapers are often team efforts. Work with classmates to diversify skills. Writers, editors, photographers, designers, and even ‘ad sales’ will help you with the project (if you’re simulating a real-world scenario). Brainstorm ideas together for a more dynamic and varied newspaper.

Step 7. Collect Feedback

Before finalizing your paper, share a draft with teachers, friends, and even family. They might offer valuable insights or catch errors you missed. And do not forget to review the name. Is it still suitable for the newspaper draft?

Step 8. Print or Share Digitally

If it’s a digital newspaper, share it via email, school platforms, or social media. If printed, ensure you use good-quality paper and ink.

Step 9. Reflect and Learn

After the project, evaluate:

  • What went well?
  • What challenges did you face?
  • How can you improve for the next project?

Step 10. Finally, Celebrate!

Producing a newspaper, even for a school project, is a big achievement. Celebrate with your team and enjoy the results of your hard work.

Creating a newspaper for a school project can be a fun and educational experience. It encourages teamwork and creativity, as well as develops a range of skills from writing to design. Take these steps, you’re on your way to producing an outstanding newspaper that your audience will love.

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In association with Busy B

I bloody love a quiz. I’ve loved quizzes ever since I used to get Garfield magazine, (mainly for the pen pal section – did anyone else have a Garfield penpal??), and the quizzes would be about whether I liked lasagne. Aged about 13 I progressed to Just Seventeen, and the quizzes were very much focussed on things like ‘Does he fancy you?’ and ‘Do boys like you?’ and ‘What kind of kisser are you?’

There was no mention of lasagne, although on reflection I suspect there may be some overlap between whether or not you can make a lasagne and whether or not a boy will like you.

Today’s quiz though is about another of my lifelong loves – alongside carbs and boys – and that is STATIONERY. Dairies to be precise. Unlike boys, you know where you stand with a diary. They are never going to let you down or be late for anything, they simply couldn’t, they are punctuality and organisation in paper form. They are reliable, beautiful, useful – everything you always wanted a boy to be at a fraction of the emotional cost.

HOORAH FOR DIARIES!

In celebration of the humble diary, today I am offering you up not just a quiz, but the chance to win a diary that has been matched, by science*, to your exact personality type. I know, what a day.

The giveaway is being sponsored and the prizes donated by the lovely people at Busy B. The Busy B team make all kind of notebooks, diaries, meal planners and more, all with attention to detail and practical design. I’ve loved them for years and I know you will too. If you see something you like, or fancy doing a bit of Christmas shopping, you can get 20% off all non-sale items until the end of the year with the code MAKO20.

Let’s get cracking with the quiz shall we?

Busy B diaries

The questions

Question 1:

How best describes how you use your diary?

A: I use it to prevent a nervous breakdown trying to keep track of myself, my three children and 14 cats.

B: I use mine to note key appointments, manicures etc, and keep it in my elegant clutch bag at all times.

C: I use mine to plan out the Christmas Of Dreams every year, plus of course my annual summer garden party, and all of our holidays with friends in villas in Greece.

D: I pretty much have to remind myself to shower and eat meals and can’t remember a thing without it.

E: It’s just a diary DAHRLING, for writing down lunch dates with all of my friends because I am so popular.

Question 2:

What are your childhood memories of keeping a diary?

A: It was basically a family history, a who’s who and who goes where of everyone I knew

B: I’d start with good intentions, but let’s say I didn’t need PAGES

C: I mainly used it to plan my dream wedding and make my Christmas list

D: I kept a very thorough record of everything I did, including every meal I ate, down to sandwich fillings.

E: Mine was a bit of a mix of day-to-day stuff, notes, lists, all sorts really.

Question 3:

If your diary were on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, who would it be?

A: Kris

B: Kourtney

C: Kim

D: Khloé

E: Caitlyn

Question 4:

Would you like a diary with super cool handy pockets for storing all those little bits of Important Stuff?

A: Yes please

B: Very much so

C: I couldn’t do without them

D: Well dur

E: I’d give a kidney for them

Which diary should I get?

The results

Mostly As: You’re a busy life diary! You’re a multi-tasker, so you need a diary that can keep up. Busy B busy life diaries have a unique dual schedule format so you can have two schedules running alongside each other, perfect for keeping track of the family schedule as well as your own. There’s extra space for reminders, lists and handy pockets. Basically this diary does everything bar make you a coffee.

Mostly Bs: You’re an A6 To Do diary! I bet you never knew it either. This is a sleek and stylish diary, small but perfectly formed, for easy planning at a glance, monthly overviews and week-by-week pages with lots of room for notes. Perfect for keeping in a handbag and pulling out at opportune moments to say ‘let me consult my diary’.

Mostly Cs: You’re a Perfect Planner diary! You love to plan. And I mean LOVE to plan. You don’t just want a monthly overview, you want to see the whole damn year at a glance, just to see how well spaced out your mini-breaks are. The Perfect Planner diary has expense pages too, because that’s just the kind of person you are.

Mostly Ds: You’re a Day a Page diary! Where the Perfect Planner sees the whole year, you see a single day at a time. Some people call you mindful, others say you’re a teeny bit of a control freak. You say you just like to know what’s happening from one minute to the next and honestly what’s wrong with that? Keep an eye on the bigger picture too with a year planner and birthday list.

Mostly Es: You’re an A5 To Do diary! Yep, you guessed it, it’s the A6 To Do diary but EVEN BIGGER. It does all the same stuff, but the A5 To Do is saying ‘yeah, I guess I’m just more important or have more friends or something?’ There are monthly overviews, weekly planners and of course the iconic Busy B handy pockets for tucking away all the phone numbers of the new and important friends you make.

Mostly Fs: Are you okay hun? Maybe go and have a lie-down.

Busy B diary discount code

How to win a Busy B diary

Once you’ve taken the quiz, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me which type of diary you are. (Or which you’d like if you didn’t get an outright winner.) Make sure you complete the email box as that’s how I’ll be contacting winners.

I’m running this competition across my blog and this Instagram post, so if you want some extra entries you can go and enter there too. I’ll put all the entries in a hat and pull out five winners after midnight on 31st October. As long as the witches don’t get me. UK entries only I’m afraid as I’m in charge of posting.

Good luck!

*And by ‘science’ I mean ‘my made-up quiz’

 

 

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Post in association with Performance Learning

Secondary school was not what you would call a FUN TIME for Belle.

In fact, it was distinctly UNFUN. She found the whole set-up extremely stressful and was not helped by the fact that the only effort the school made to support her with her anxiety was to give her a red card to wave in class if she felt anxious. (I’m not kidding, this was their actual strategy for dealing with anxiety.)

What the school never once flagged was the possibility that she might have any additional needs and so it was only through our own efforts – Belle pushing me initially and then me pushing anyone I could think of – that she finally was diagnosed with ASD, aged 17. By this point, she had dropped out of school and then college, managing to turn up for her GCSE exams and somehow pass them all despite the stress and despite not having done any work or revision of any kind in months.

(I say ‘somehow’ – she’s extremely bright, that’s how.)

Me and Belle

Secondary school-aged Belle and me when I still had a defined jawline

I often look back at that time in her life and wonder how school might have been different if we’d been more aware of her needs and if she’d had more support in place. Could she have had a more positive experience if she’d been helped to understand her situation and to adapt her learning style to suit HER rather than the school’s expectations of her?

What is obvious to me from talking to friends with children is that a LOT of kids are struggling with school and with life in general. The school environment suits some people, sure, but the majority of children find some aspect of it challenging, and there aren’t the resources (or perhaps even the inclination?) to change how things are done to ensure that every child gets as much as they can out of their school experience. You can argue that the whole school system needs reforming, but there ARE things you can do to support your child and their learning style without taking them out of school completely.

Introducing Performance Learning

I spoke recently to Tej Samani, founder of Performance Learning, a coaching programme designed to help you understand how your child feels about their subjects, about school, about themselves and, most importantly, how these all fit together.

I want to say first up that having spoken to Tej twice, I GET IT. I understand what he is trying to do, what he has spent over 10 years developing, and I totally buy into the concept. This isn’t one of your basic tuition websites or some money spinner, this is a man who cares about children’s learning. In our second conversation, he MADE ME CRY. (Not intentionally. More on that later.) I say this because I want you to know that I believe in the power of Performance Learning to help your kids.

Tej didn’t have an easy time at school, and his passion for making education accessible is inspired by his own experiences. The idea behind Performance Learning is a seemingly simple, holistic approach that says that we cannot look at school alone, we have to look at our child’s skills, their behaviour and their well-being as one package. I say ‘seemingly simple’ because this can be difficult for schools to do without a better understanding of how children FEEL. Performance Learning considers factors like sleep deprivation, overwhelm and emotional triggers as well as their school experience.

Performance Learning is already being used by tens of thousands of children through Tej’s work directly with schools and teachers and now he wants more parents to be able to access the programme at home.

The Performance Learning assessment

The Performance Learning process starts with a 15-minute assessment, which kids complete in their own time by working through a series of questions that explore their attitude to learning, to school and to themselves. I asked Belle to complete the assessment putting herself back in her 14-year-old self, which I know was difficult for her as they are still such powerful and distressing memories, even seven years later.

Tej has developed this assessment, through years of research, to provide as much information about a child as possible within a relatively simple set of questions. Completing the assessment can be difficult, as it forces children to be honest with themselves, but Tej has spent a long time making it accessible and straightforward.

This is what the assessment looks like:

Performance Learning assessment

 

Performance Learning review

 

Looking at the results

Once your child has completed the assessment, you’ll be sent a report that highlights key areas for develop and assigns them a ‘score’ and an alert level – this isn’t a measure of achievement, simply a way for you as a parent to track their progress. Your child gets their own version of the report too.

I spoke to Tej about the report and it was genuinely moving how easily it felt like he had got to know Belle just through those few questions – he spoke about her with more insight than any of her teachers throughout the whole of her secondary school career. (He hasn’t spent all those years developing the tools for nothing). He highlighted how she clearly had the will to learn, to WANT to do well, but she just hadn’t known how.

He talked about how with just a few weeks of coaching, he felt he would have been able to give Belle some of the tools and structure she needed to make things easier and to feel more confident about school. I know she would have still struggled with many aspects of it and I know that there’s no way to prove now how much of a difference Performance Learning would have made, but I believed him.

He also said that it was clear that she had only done as well as she had because of my help. He said that he could see from her results that my acceptance of her and my support had been the thing that made the difference to her. He called me her ‘saving grace’. It was at this point that I cried, which was honestly a little embarrassing on what was meant to be a professional work call, but it hit me hard. I cried after the call telling Belle about it. I am welling up writing this.

What I’m trying to say is that I UNDERSTAND if you currently feel like you’re doing everything you can as a parent and still feel like you’re lost, or helpless or don’t know how to support your child through school. The fact that you are even worrying about it means you’re probably already doing your best, but maybe Performance Learning could help too.

How to use Performance Learning

Once your child has completed the assessment and you understand the results, you’re already in a stronger position to support them, because you’ll have an insight into where they’re currently struggling, their triggers and worries, and the actions that you can take as a family to improve their well-being and focus going forward.

You’ll then have access to the full Performance Learning programme, which includes:

  • The initial Performance Learning Assessment – INSIGHT
  • A priinted Performance Learning workbook that will be sent to your home
  • Pre-programme onboarding session
  • 5 x 2-hour long live virtual group coaching sessions delivered by Tej for your child and you
  • 12-month access to online learning platform – SOAR

SOAR delivers bespoke learning pathways, based on your child’s assessments, designed to help children understand more about themselves and how they learn and to offer practical, actionable advice on everything from sleep to self-esteem. This is NOT about subject revision, this is about equipping children with the lifelong skills and resilience they need to get the most out of school, college and even life.

Performance Learning is already being used in hundreds of schools, but if you’re interested in finding out more about how it can help your family directly then a good first step would be to watch the FREE training video for parents, all about how to help improve your child’s engagement in the classroom.

I would honestly have loved to have been able to try Performance Learning with Belle and would be interested to hear how you get on and what difference it makes to you and your child.

 

 

 

 

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