If it takes a ‘village to raise a child’, it takes a town to raise a foster child. Whilst the foster carer is the child’s main carer, this is a demanding role that needs both foster carer support and support for the child. Foster carer support should be a primary factor to consider when choosing which body to be a foster carer through. The nature of foster carer needs Being a foster carer is like no other job out there. It’s not defined by neat working hours. It’s 24/7 for long periods of time, often months or years. Furthermore, it is by its very nature, ‘relational’. This means ... read more
Money saving tips for when you have a new baby
One of the biggest expenses in family life can be when you have a new addition to the family. Everyone knows that having a baby comes with costs, but just how much might you need to spend? And how much of it is really necessary? It's a while back since I first wrote on here about how you can have a baby without it costing the earth, and I think that many of the tips and tricks I gave then still hold true today. This time around, my financial situation is very different to when I welcome Little Miss C into my life. This time around I don't still have everything from my first two babies, ... read more
Simple And Effective Tips For Organising Your Home
It’s harder to get through the day when our houses are in disarray. A straightforward task takes longer because we need to clear a space to work, or we get distracted by all the bits and pieces that are not where they should be. Everyone is guilty of this, at least every so often. There are long-term simple and effective tips for organising your home though, find out what steps you have have missed and how to achieve a tidy home. Storage solutions If you haven’t explored any storage solutions, then you won’t understand their power. Storage containers and flexible tubs just slip into the ... read more
Eight tips for planning a family vacation in Asia
The planning required to make any vacation a success can at times become intimidating once you know that the family and kids are coming as well. While fun and relaxation are the prime targets of any family holiday, achieving these goals means to literally go through a maize of selecting a hotel from hundreds, pouring over travel literature and scanning the net for the right flight and seat selection. Asia as a destination can be very enticing, but it is equally daunting, especially if you are a first timer and more so if there is a family in tow. Searching on Google will only confuse ... read more
5 Tip and Tricks to increase the value of your home on a budget
It is no secret that it is harder than ever to get on the property ladder, with soaring house prices and a hugely competitive market. Yet in 2018, the number of first-time buyers is the highest in 12 years. After committing to the biggest investment of their lives, it is not surprising that house buyers are more keen than ever to make sure they can successfully increase the value of their home. Don’t worry, you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to pay for home improvements! Here are 5 tips and tricks to increase the value of your home on a budget. Convert Under-Utilised ... read more
Preparing our home for winter
This is the first winter that we will have spent in this house. Our first winter in our family home. This time last year we were battling a lack of central heating in a rented flat and were limited somewhat on what we could do to make a cosy home. This time around we can do what we want, and need, to ensure that our baby will be coming home to a warm family home next month. Some jobs are bigger than others, but they all contribute towards making sure our house is winter ready and with a new family member on the way it's exactly what we need to crack on and do. Insulation We moved ... read more
9 tips for maximizing your sleep environment in bedroom
Just like eating healthy and exercising, a good night’s sleep is incredibly vital for your wellbeing. Studies show that not getting enough sleep causes weight gain, affects your mood causing you to be easily irritable and grumpy and even put you at a higher risk of getting strokes and heart diseases. If you usually find it hard to get quality sleep here are 9 tips for maximizing your sleep environment in the bedroom. 1. Clean out all the clutter One way to create a sleep-inducing bedroom is to associate it mainly with sleep. Setting up your work desk in your bedroom or having a ... read more
Tips to Look & Feel Your Best Everyday
We all want to look and feel our best, however at times this can be difficult while balancing all of life’s demands. Everyday it seems like there’s a new trend to help you be the best you. Regardless of the latest fad diet or workout, there are a few simple things you can make to help you feel your best. Get better sleep Most people don’t get enough sleep, or struggle to maintain a healthy sleep pattern. Combat this by following some top sleep hygiene tips such as reducing caffeine intake prior to bedtime, adhering to a set sleep routine, and establishing a “sleep sanctuary.” In addition, ... read more
Are You Taking on Too Much as a Mom? Signs You Are
Being a mother means essentially being a “jack of all trades” for your children. It means not only providing them with a home to stay in, clothes on their backs, and food in their tummies; but being a nurse, doctor, lawyer, counselor, friend, supporter, nurture, and sometimes even the referee. In an effort to want to give your children everything, it isn’t uncommon for moms to go overboard and as a result -burnout. They become so consumed with the needs and lives of their children that they run out of energy to take care and be there for themselves. But isn’t a mother supposed to make her ... read more
Making Payment Arrangements With the IRS
Each year, millions of people in the U.S. file their taxes. While many get a refund, still others find out that they now must pay the IRS money. There are some steps that you can take if you owe to reduce your stress and anxiety. Here is a guide of what you can do if you must pay money to the IRS and get your home finances in order. Before You File Taxes If you worry you're going to have to pay the IRS money, use an online calculator to estimate your taxes. You can also set aside money so that you have money to pay the IRS. 1. Check how long you have to pay the IRS The deadline for ... read more