Moving house is no easy task, especially when you have a whole family to think about. Not only do you have all of your items, but you also have the kid’s items too, as well as needing to organise the move itself with your family in tow. When you move house, the stress you will endure is inevitable. Unfortunately, it is not something that you can just ignore. However, there are a lot of things that you can do to help yourself and make it much less stressful. When moving house, there are bound to be a lot of surprises and things that you could not foresee happening. To help you on your journey, here are some of the biggest mistakes that people make, so that you can avoid them and ensure that your house move goes a lot more smoothly. 

Not seeking support 

Seeking support when you move house is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. While you might be capable of doing it alone, it is important to put the Ego aside and make life easier for you and your family, but seek support. Support can come in many forms, from asking for help from your friends and family to seeing the support of professional companies and contractors. Many people will enlist the help of a moving company to assist on the day, in addition to a storage unit to help tie them over until moving day. 

Not separating your essentials

It is easy when you move, to make the mistake of just chucking everything into boxes. While this makes the packing-up process pretty quick and painless, it will sting you later down the line. You should make sure that you separate all your essential items. This means that you can pack nice and early, and you don’t have to try and pack and move on the same day. It works because you can pack all the big and unnecessary items away ready to go, and just leave out things you will need, such as your sleepwear, clothes, and other essentials to get you through the couple of days until the move. The last thing you want to do is hunt around boxes to find items that you need in the middle of a move. That will add more stress, and delays and make the process very messy and time-consuming. 

Not measuring doorways 

A very easy mistake to make is to not measure the doorways of your current home, and the home you are moving to. This is a common mistake and often not thought of by homeowners. However, if you don’t take measurements, then you might find yourself stuck on a moving day with large items that you cannot get out of your property, or into the new one. Doorways are pretty standard size, but they do differ, even just a few centimetres, which can make the world different with large items such as bed frames and sofas. 

Moving house is already a stressful process. Consider these top tips to make sure you avoid big mistakes and make the process as smooth as possible for you and your family.

The dog and I have been wintering. I read somewhere that in the winter we need an average of two hours more sleep a night and I immediately switched off my alarm. I love being in bed – who doesn’t? – and I didn’t need much convincing.

It’s been a huge change from the summer, when Mako was waking up at approximately 5.47am every day. As much as I felt smug about walking the dog at dawn, and found it useful to have the working day start before most people were awake, it was TIRING. Fortunately I happened about a solution accidentally.

One day I woke to the noise of Mako crying and instead of getting up, I snuck her into my bedroom past the cats on the landing. She came in and promptly went back to sleep. Over the course of the next week I kept letting her in, until I gave in and bought her a dog bed for my room, and we’ve not looked back. It turns out she didn’t want to be getting up at 5.47am either, she just missed me.

It’s been a game changer. We now have lovely lie-ins, I’m cosy in bed, she’s sprawled out either on the floor or on top of the duvet, taking up all of the space.

My new duvet has helped a lot with the wintering vibe.

I’ve switched to a hybrid duvet from Simba and I am loving it. Yep, Simba don’t just do mattresses, they do duvets, bedding and pillows too. The hybrid duvet is perfect for people like me, who are freezing when they get into bed but then sweating by midnight and throwing off the covers like it’s the middle of July. (I blame hormones.)

My duvet has the Simba Renew Bio™ fill, which makes it super cosy but practical too. It has great breathability – ideal for the clammy, perimenopausal owners of large dogs – and the cotton outer layer has Simba’s clever Stratos® temperature control technology to make sure you don’t overheat. (I’m not sure what Stratos® technology is exactly, but you know something must be good when it has the little registered trademark symbol after it right?)

My duvet is one of the range of three hybrid duvets from Simba. Mine is the all rounder, but they also do a 3-in-1 version for more flexibility and a summer hybrid if you want something a little lighter.

Mako and I are waking up at about 9am at the moment and honestly we’re living our best lives. We’ve mastered the art of wintering.

My new duvet was a gift from Simba

If you are keen to try and make some amazing and beautiful things at home, there are lots that you might want to try and do. A good example would be to make your own jewellery, which a lot of people have tried in the past and which you can try your hand at too. As it happens, it is perfectly possible to create your own beautiful jewellery from scratch if you want to. In this post, we are going to take a look at how it can be done, and some of the ways to make it a lot easier.

Image Credit – CCO License

Deciding On Your Type

First of all, you will need to decide what kind of jewellery you want to make, and there are obviously so many choices that you can choose between here, so it’s something that you should be able to think about. You might be keen on making earrings, rings, bracelets, or anything else. The important thing is that you know what you are trying to make and you have some rough idea of how you want them to look. As long as that is the case, you should find that it is a lot easier to actually make those items.

Gathering Your Materials

Next up, it’s time to start gathering together whatever materials you are going to need to use. What you go for here will depend upon what kind of jewellery you are creating, as well as how you want to go about making them. You might need something for a gem, or you might need some metal that you can bend into shape and some jewellery findings and glue. Make sure that you figure out what you need and get hold of it as soon as possible, so you can begin.

Image Credit – CCO License

Getting Inspired

You might want to try and look to other people who are also making jewellery to see if you can get inspired. This is the kind of thing that is always going to be likely to help, as you will probably pick up on some big ideas this way, so it’s definitely a good idea to think about doing this. You will probably end up with a pretty strong sense of the kind of jewellery that you can make, which is a great feeling to have, and you might come across designs you would otherwise not have thought about.

Letting Your Creativity Show

Ultimately, however, this is about letting your own creativity do what it wants, and that means that you will need to try and let it show in whatever way seems natural and right. If you can allow your creativity to show through, this is absolutely going to help, and you will find that you are much more likely to make your own jewellery and enjoy it again in the future. So be creative and make whatever you want – that is the most important thing here of all.

Hoorah hoorah and thrice hoorah, for it is that time of the year, the time where I manage to get Belle to watch a film with me that isn’t about some gruesome like the one day a year when everyone is allowed to go around murdering each other. It’s Christmas! Belle isn’t a fan of rom coms generally, or anything that light-hearted, but Christmas is the one time she’ll make an exception. She even watched The Holiday with me last week, which is a massive win.

The only downside is that you’ll often find that your choice of Christmas movies in the UK is somewhat limited. Wouldn’t it be so much more fun if you could tweak your film subscriptions so that you could watch all manner of delightful festive films showing all around the world? Well you can! At least you can if you have a youth in the house who knows about such things.

Belle did a little bit of research, picked out the best vpn deal, and now our laptop has no idea whether we’re in deepest Somerset or somewhere in the middle of the snowy mountains of Canada. What this means is that we can switch over our area on our TV subscriptions and suddenly tada! We have access to a whole different selection of Christmas films! It really is a Christmas miracle.

It’s such a clever little trick and brings a whole lot of festive joy. If you’re stuck for some Christmas movie inspiration, how about trying one of my favourites?

It’s a Wonderful Life

Frank Capra’s masterpiece, It’s a Wonderful Life, has become a Christmas staple over the decades. The film follows George Bailey, played by James Stewart, as he contemplates the worth of his life with the help of his guardian angel. This heart-warming tale explores the impact one person can have on the lives of others and the true meaning of selflessness.

Home Alone

A holiday comedy that has stood the test of time, Home Alone is the perfect mix of laughter and sentimentality. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. The film’s slapstick humour and Kevin’s ingenious traps for burglars make it a family favourite. We watch it on Christmas Eve, partly just to annoy my mum as she hates it.

Elf

Will Ferrell’s endearing performance as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, makes “Elf” a modern classic. The film follows Buddy’s journey to New York City to find his real father and, in the process, spreads Christmas cheer to everyone he encounters. I have to watch this one when Belle is out unfortunately as she can’t bear it.

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ timeless tale has been adapted many times, but the 1984 version starring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge is particularly memorable. This classic story of redemption and the spirit of Christmas past, present, and future remains a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and compassion during the holiday season. Personally I recommend the Muppets version.

Happy Christmas!

When you go into the office, you want to feel like a valued and respected member of the team. You want to know that your employer has your back at all times and will look out for you. Yet so many people feel miserable at work, and an enormous 75% of workers claim that their boss is the worst part of their job.

We’ve all had a bad boss at one time or another. Those that are aggressive and rude to their staff, or micro-manage every little thing you do. There are even those that act nice to your face, yet undermine and belittle you behind your back.

If you have a job you enjoy, and feel you are treated well, you are incredibly lucky. You spend a huge amount of time at work throughout your adult life, so you want it to be a positive and rewarding experience. But how can you tell that your employer is on your side? Most bosses want to present a positive front to their workforce, but they are not always acting in your best interests. If you want to know that you are valued in the workplace, here are five key signs that your employer is looking out for you.

They make time for you

A boss is not just there to boss you around and tell you what to do. Their true function is to empower you, and help you get the best results. They are there to answer your questions and give you advice. A good employer should be a mentor and a friend as well as a manager.

Anyone who owns a business or works in senior management is busy all the time, and they are no doubt constantly rushing around to generate new business or pitch to clients. But an employer should also make time for their staff as well.

If you have an issue at work, do you feel comfortable going to your boss for help? Can you admit your difficulties and ask for advice? If this prospect fills you with unease, you most likely have a toxic work environment. A manager is there to support and enable their staff to succeed. You want a boss who will be a shoulder to cry on in the bad times, and a cheerleader for your abilities in the good times.

They prioritize company culture

A successful business is not just a means of making money for its owner. It is a team of people who work together to get things done and make a difference. Company culture is so important, as it elevates your profession from just a job. You want the office to be a place you go to be with people you love and have a great time. Sure, work isn’t always the most fun thing in the world, but if you wake up on Monday morning with a feeling of dread then something is wrong.

Too many bosses neglect their staff, and fail to make an effort to promote good working relationships. One way employers can boost company culture is to organize social events and enable constant communication and collaboration amongst colleagues. This can take the form of nights out, team lunches, and company day trips. It could even be as simple as a comfortable area to hang out or some games to entertain yourselves in your downtime.

They take steps to protect you

Some workplaces can be dangerous, especially if you work in a factory or warehouse. As a minimum, your employer needs to be providing a safe work environment with proper protective equipment. But even if you work in an office, there are still potential dangers to your health and wellbeing. For example, does your building have proper fire procedures and equipment in place? Are you provided with manual handling training? Are there measures in place to protect your vision and posture from sitting down and staring at screens all day? Does your company have proper employers’ liability insurance? All these things are important and can help you feel safe and protected at work.

They promote work-life balance

Your life is not governed by your work. You no doubt have a rich and varied existence full of wonderful friends, family, hobbies, and interests. Although it’s great to have a job you love, it is only a small part of your life. And therefore it’s essential for your mental health and happiness that you can maintain a solid work-life balance.

But so many employers try to squeeze as much time and labor out of their staff as possible. During the pandemic, many workers experienced working from home for the first time, and enjoyed a wealth of benefits such as more free time, no commuting, and reduced household expenses. Many companies have continued to adopt a hybrid working structure, although other bosses are clamoring for employees to return to the office.

Does your employer look out for your wellbeing by enabling you to balance your personal and professional lives? Perhaps they offer flexible hours so you can deal with childcare or doctor’s appointments. Maybe they allow you to work from home as you wish or take holiday whenever you need it. The best bosses allow you to schedule your work around your life, and not the other way round.

They help you to be better

No one wants to stagnate in the same job role year after year. You want to expand your skill set so you can progress in your career to bigger and better things. A boss should enable their employees to improve themselves, constantly providing new opportunities to enhance their knowledge base through training courses, mentoring, and workshops. This not only helps you in your job, but also helps them to run a better business with more skilled staff.

Does your boss empower you, or simply take you for granted?

In summary, these are some of the ways in which the best bosses look out for their staff’s health and wellbeing. If you feel your employer doesn’t have your best interests at heart, you might be better served looking for a new opportunity.

Kids need toys! You may view them as non-essential items, but toys help children develop key skills while playing. They learn how to do lots of different things and it forms their imagination/creativity. 

However, lots of parents get carried away. Research shows that the average household spends £300 on toys per year! That’s a crazy amount of money – particularly as it comes year after year. There must be a way to provide toys for your kids without spending a fortune. Well, it turns out there are many ways to do this. We won’t list them all as it would take all day, but here are the top three ways to save money buying toys for your kids: 

Buy items that don’t get old quickly

The biggest toy-buying error is buying many toys that get old very quickly. Your child plays with them for a few months before losing interest. Plenty of trendy toys fit this description, so it’s important to avoid buying stuff that will be discarded before the year ends. 

You should look for items that will be used for a long time. Stuff like Lego or a game console are fantastic examples. Yes, they’re expensive, but instead of spending £300 every year you’re spending a chunk of money one year and satisfying your kids for many years to come. In the long run, this approach saves a fortune. 

Opt for high-quality items

Building on the previous point, it’s better to spend more money on high-quality toys because they’re built to last. You can find so many cheap toys out there like plastic playsets or off-brand action figures. You’re drawn in by the cheapness – it’s an easy way to keep your kids happy – but then the toys break after a few uses. 

What does this mean? You’re off buying replacement toys and spending more money! Try to find higher quality items that are built for multiple uses and can, theoretically, last forever. Brands like Little Dutch Toys are excellent as they make great wooden toys that entertain your kids and stand the test of time. Again, you can’t go wrong with things like Lego or Duplo either; both are very well built. 

Find toys on sale

The final method we’ll talk about is simple: buy toys when they’re in the sale. Shop at the right time of year – like Black Friday or during the January sales – and you’ll snag some bargains. Look for discount codes whenever you buy toys as well; a lot of online stores give you things like 10% off your first order when you join their mailing list. 

If you can’t find sales, look in charity shops or thrift stores. You’ll be amazed how many high-quality toys are sold in these places – just be sure they’re not too heavily used and have lots of years of play left in them! 

Armed with these three tips, you’ll know how to buy great toys for your kids without blowing a hole in your budget. There’s no need to spend hundreds every single year; buy quality toys that last and will be played with for many years to come.

Understand the basics of money management

Understanding the basics of money management is crucial to achieving financial stability and independence. It all begins with creating a personal budget, which is a roadmap of your income and expenses. This involves tracking your monthly earnings and spending to identify where your money is going. Once you have a clear picture, you can set and prioritize financial goals, be it saving for a vacation, a down payment on a house, or retirement.

Next, focus on building an emergency fund. Financial experts recommend saving at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This provides a safety net in case of unexpected costs or loss of income. You can start small and gradually increase your contributions as your income grows.

Investing is another key aspect of money management. Consider investing in products like mutual funds or stocks which, while they come with a risk, can offer higher returns over the long term compared to traditional savings accounts. It’s advisable to seek professional advice or use reliable investment platforms to guide your choices.

Controlling expenses is equally important. Avoid unnecessary spending by distinguishing between needs and wants. For instance, while you need food to survive, dining out frequently is a want and can be minimized.

Lastly, maintaining a good credit score is essential. This can be achieved by paying your bills on time, keeping your credit card balances low, and not applying for new credit unnecessarily. A high credit score will help you secure loans or credit cards at lower interest rates, saving you money in the long run.

Remember, managing your finances is a continuous process. Regularly review and adjust your budget as needed, and stay informed about financial trends and investment opportunities. With discipline and consistency, you’ll see your financial health improve over time.

Identify your gambling goals and budget accordingly

The online gambling world is a vast and exciting universe, offering a variety of games from poker to slots, and sports betting to online blackjack. Each game offers its unique thrill and has different odds, making it crucial for players to identify their specific gambling goals and adjust their budgets accordingly. Whether you’re in it for the adrenaline rush, the strategic challenge, or the potential financial gain, clear goals can help manage your overall gambling experience.

For instance, if you’re a poker enthusiast aiming to improve your strategic thinking, your goal might be to participate in a certain number of games per week, with a budget that supports this without impacting your overall finances. On the other hand, if you’re a sports betting aficionado, your objective might be to win a specific amount within a season, requiring a different budgeting approach.

It’s important to note that these goals will vary greatly among individuals. Some players might be drawn to the excitement and unpredictability of slots, while others might find satisfaction in the skill-based realm of poker. Moreover, the emotional attachment to the activity can also influence gambling goals. Some people might be more inclined to take higher risks for the thrill of it, while others might prefer a more conservative approach.

In conclusion, understanding your online gambling goals and having a realistic budget is key to enjoying it responsibly. It not only helps you keep track of your spending but also guides you in making informed decisions about when to play, how much to wager, and when to walk away. This way, you can enjoy the thrill of online gambling while being mindful of your overall financial situation.

Set limits – decide how much you are willing to spend and never exceed this amount

Online gambling can be an exhilarating pastime, but it’s crucial to set financial limits to ensure this form of entertainment doesn’t negatively impact your financial health. Setting a budget and sticking to it helps prevent unnecessary losses and keeps your gambling experience enjoyable rather than stressful.

To establish a sensible limit, consider your discretionary income – the money left after paying for essentials like rent, bills, and groceries. Your gambling budget should come from this pool, not from funds set aside for necessities or savings.

Once you’ve set a limit, discipline is key. It can be tempting to chase losses or bet more when you’re on a winning streak, but remember that online gambling is unpredictable and these tactics often lead to greater losses.

Tracking your online spending habits is another essential strategy. Just as you would with other expenses, keep a record of your deposits, wins, and losses. This will give you a clearer picture of your gambling habits and help you make informed decisions about your budget.

Moreover, many online gambling platforms offer tools to help manage your gambling budget. These include deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options. Utilize these features to maintain control over your gambling activities.

In essence, setting a financial limit isn’t about restricting your fun, but about enhancing it. With a clear budget, you can enjoy the thrill of online gambling without the worry of financial strain. Remember, responsible gambling is the best strategy for a sustainable and enjoyable online gambling experience.

Monitor your bankroll regularly to track progress and adjust spending if needed

As a novice gambler venturing into the world of online gambling, one of the key aspects to focus on is effective bankroll management. Your bankroll refers to the specific amount of money you’ve allocated for gambling activities. This isn’t money you need for living expenses or savings, but funds you’re comfortable losing if things don’t go your way.

Tracking your bankroll’s progress is essential as it gives you a clear picture of your wins and losses, helping you make informed decisions about your spending. If you’re losing more than anticipated, it might be time to adjust your stakes or take a break. Conversely, if you’re winning, you might decide to set aside a portion of your winnings to safeguard them from future losses.

Consider starting with less risky games that have higher chances of winning, such as blackjack or craps, rather than high-risk games like slots. These games require some skill and strategy, increasing your chances of winning compared to games based solely on luck.

Keeping a record of all your bets, wins, losses, and overall expenses is also vital. This data can provide valuable insights into your gambling habits, helping you identify patterns, understand where you might be going wrong, and decide how to utilize your bankroll more efficiently.

Remember, online gambling should be viewed as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. With effective bankroll management, you can enjoy the thrill of the game without jeopardizing your financial well-being.

Take advantage of casino promotions, bonuses, and other incentives

Leveraging casino promotions, bonuses, and other incentives is a strategy used by the most successful gamblers to maximize their profits. These offers are not just attractive add-ons; they are opportunities to increase your playing time, explore different games, and boost your winning chances without risking additional money.

There are several types of bonuses available, each with its own set of rules and benefits. Welcome bonuses, for instance, are offered to new players and often match a percentage of your initial deposit. Reload bonuses are similar but are given for subsequent deposits. Free spins and no-deposit bonuses allow you to play certain games without wagering your own money.

Understanding the difference between sticky and non-sticky bonuses is also crucial. A sticky bonus can’t be withdrawn and must be used for wagering, while a non-sticky bonus can be withdrawn after meeting the wagering requirements.

Wagering requirements refer to the number of times you must play through the bonus before you can withdraw any winnings. It’s essential to read the terms and conditions of each offer to know what these requirements are and ensure they are reasonable.

When it comes to choosing games to play using promotional offers, it’s best to go for those with a high Return to Player (RTP) percentage. These games give you a better chance of winning in the long run.

In conclusion, taking full advantage of casino promotions, bonuses, and other incentives can significantly enhance your online gambling experience and boost your chances of landing big wins. So, always keep an eye out for these offers, understand their terms, and use them strategically to get the most out of your online casino adventure.

Learn how to accurately calculate the house edge for each game you play

The house edge refers to the mathematical advantage that a casino has over players in the long run. It’s not about rigging games or ensuring the house always wins, but rather a statistical inevitability based on probability and game mechanics.

A common misconception is that a lower house edge means you’re more likely to win each bet. In reality, the house edge tells you how much you’re expected to lose per bet over the long term. For instance, if a game has a house edge of 5%, you’re statistically expected to lose $5 for every $100 wagered.

Games like Keno, Big Six, and most slot machines tend to have a higher house edge, often between 10-25%. On the other hand, Blackjack, Baccarat, and Craps typically have a lower house edge, generally under 2%.

Calculating the house edge isn’t always straightforward, as it depends on the specific rules of the game. However, a simple way to understand it is by looking at the payout odds. If a game pays out at “true odds”, there would be no house edge. But casinos adjust the payouts slightly lower than true odds, creating the house edge. For example, in American Roulette, your chances of winning a single number bet are 1 in 38, but the payout is 35 to 1, resulting in a house edge of approximately 5.26%.

Knowing the house edge can help maximize your chances of winning. Opt for games with a lower house edge, manage your bankroll wisely, and use strategy where possible, like in blackjack or video poker. Remember, while the house edge applies in the long run, anything can happen in the short term, so play responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game.

Practice self-control and take breaks when needed to avoid developing a gambling addiction

Gambling should be seen as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or escape problems.

Self-control techniques can be as simple as setting a budget for your gambling activities and sticking to it, no matter what. Consider only using cash and leaving credit cards at home to avoid overspending. It’s also recommended to set a time limit for your gambling activities and take frequent breaks.

Warning signs of gambling addiction can include becoming preoccupied with gambling, always trying to win back lost money, lying to hide gambling activities, and jeopardizing significant relationships or job opportunities due to gambling. If you notice these signs, it’s crucial to seek help immediately.

The detrimental effects of gambling addiction can be profound, impacting not just the individual but also their loved ones. This can lead to financial troubles, relationship issues, mental health problems like depression and anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.

The benefits of seeking counseling for gambling addiction are immense. Counseling can provide coping strategies, tools for recovery, and most importantly, a supportive environment to work through the addiction. Other resources may include self-help groups, online forums, and even certain medications.

Remember, it’s never too late to seek help and make a change. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional counselor or a local support group.