Summer is here and so is the heat (finally!) But, when you’re pregnant, you may not welcome the sun as much as others, especially when you’re in your second or third trimester. Thanks to hormonal changes, you may feel even hotter and sweatier than normal due to an increased blood supply. Plus, carrying a heavy bump around takes energy and energy creates heat. Overheating during pregnancy can make you tired, uncomfortable, and, worse, dehydrated. So it’s important to take precautions and keep your cool while you’re pregnant. Motherhood Diaries has come up with some tips on how to cope with the heat during pregnancy.
Have water at your disposal
It’s so important to keep hydrated to prevent heat-related symptoms like heat stroke. Heat stroke in pregnancy can be dangerous, so experts recommend consuming at least eight glasses of water per day to ensure good temperature control, better cognitive function and an overall happier mood. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and don’t be afraid to carry a spritzer of cool water as well to help you cool down when you venture outside. Cool feet is also essential in regulating temperature control, so consider dipping them in a paddling pool or a cool foot spa. Other tips can be to place a cold wet flannel on your forehead and the nape of the neck or run your wrists under a cold tap to cool down your pulse points. A nice cool shower or bath can lower your body temperature too – and it feels nice!
Use cooling agents to relieve tired and hot body parts
A spritz of water to the face or some cooling gel on the legs and arms can cool down a body quickly during the summer. During pregnancy, feet, ankles and legs can become swollen due to the extra fluid in the body and the pressure from the growing uterus. The extra pressure causes more energy which results in your body heating up. So try cooling agents like Mama Mio’s Lucky Legs Cooling Leg Gel to relieve tired, heavy legs and cool down swollen feet and ankles. Lucky Legs contains spearmint which provides instant cooling relief and helps to reduce puffiness in both legs and feet. Lucky Legs is also small enough to fit in your handbag, so make sure you carry it around with you for cool pins wherever you go!
Put your feet up
You can also prevent swollen feet and hands by trying to keep your feet elevated when you can, although avoid going outside if temperatures exceed 30C. If you must go outside, try to do so in the early morning or near dusk, and keep certain outdoor activities to a minimum, like gardening, which should be avoided in the latter pregnancy stages anyway!
Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep
You won’t be getting through the hot days with a smile if you’ve missed out on essential sleep. Often, during the latter stages of pregnancy, you may find yourself more comfortable sleeping without a partner, to give you a chance to stretch out or hug a pregnancy pillow to ease back pain. Consider investing in a new mattress to sleep in a different room from your partner, particularly if he likes to snore! You’ll soon be up at all hours thanks to night time feeds, so make the most of sleep while you can.
Wear light coloured clothing
How you dress can drastically impact on your comfort during the summer. Wear light, stretchy fabrics made of organic materials such as cotton to allow your skin to breathe. Colour is important too – darker colours are more likely to absorb the heat from the sun, so try to wear white or yellow. Pregnancy is the one time where you can get away with less than flattering looks anyway, so make the most of it!
Other things to think about
There are other things you can do to keep yourself cool this summer, like sticking to eating chilled foods, like salads, fruit and vegetables which have a high water content and have the occasional ice lolly or ice cream to help you cool down. Stay in the shade and take a break from sunbathing, especially when you’re pregnant. Wear a hat or keep a mini umbrella in your bag if the sun is too strong. Swimming is also a great way to stay cool and it doubles up as exercise too!
Remember to wear a good high factor with an SPF of at least 30 and keep drinks and snacks with you at all times. Pair them with some Lucky Legs and some well-earned rest with your feet up and you’ve got yourself a pretty chilled pregnant summer!
If you want to look like a glowing, sun-kissed mama, then you may want to reach for that self-tanner in your bathroom. Everyone knows that too much sun exposure is not suitable for pregnant women, but what about self-tanners? Is it safe to use self-tanner while pregnant? Studies have not yet proven that self-tanners are 100% secure to use. That means you should be cautious about using self-tanning products. Here’s what you need to know about these quick and easy bronzing solutions.
What is Self-Tanner?
Self-tanners are known as the foams, lotions, and sprays that are commonly found in beauty supply stores, drug stores, and pharmacies. Self-tanning products are applied to the skin to make it appear darker without sun exposure. You may experience a gradual tan or an overnight one, depending on the product. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in these products, which gives your skin an instant tan.
This DHA shouldn’t be confused with docosahexaenoic acid, which is a healthy omega-3 fatty acid that’s found in dietary supplements and most foods. This DHA is derived from plants such as sugar beets and sugar cane and is considered a non-toxic skin-enhancing agent.
The FDA approved the use of DHA self-tanners in the U.S. in the 1970s. Most self-tanners on the market contain three to five per cent of DHA, while professional products used at tanning salons contain five to 15% of DHA. The higher the amount, the faster and darker your tan.
This tan typically lasts for about a week as your old skin sheds, and the new skin appears. You’ll have to repeatedly use it if you want to prolong your tan. Self-tanners do not contain SPF, which means you can use sunscreen and self-tanner together.
Do Self-Tanners Get Absorbed into the Bloodstream?
While DHA hasn’t been thoroughly researched, it’s been reported that only one-half out of one per cent of DHA enters the bloodstream whenever you apply self-tanner to your skin. There are no studies to prove whether this amount enters the placenta and affects the baby’s circulation. That means there’s little evidence to determine if self-tanners are fine to use during pregnancy. Pregnant women should take precautions when using self-tanner, especially there isn’t data to back up whether it’s dangerous or not.
What About Tanning Booths that Use Self-Tanners?
The FDA had to crack down on the use of DHA for topical application only. They have yet to approve the use of DHA in spray tanning products. These products should be kept away from mucous membranes, such as the ears, eyes, lips, mouth, and nose. This is difficult to do when you’re visiting a tanning salon. However, you find it wears to protect your ears, eyes, mouth, and nose to prevent the chemical from entering your body.
Do Self-Tanners Cause Birth Defects?
No proof shows that self-tanners cause birth defects. While self-tanner is okay to use, it’s been reported that small amounts of DHA absorb into the bloodstream. The only way that DHA could affect the baby is that if it enters through the placenta. If you inhale self-tanning sprays at home or in a tanning salon, or if you apply to one of your mucous membranes, then larger amounts of DHA could enter the bloodstream. No research proves the safety of self-tanners during pregnancy.
Can Using Self-Tanners Make It Harder to Get Pregnant?
There is also no data that proves that using self-tanners make it harder to get pregnant, especially since a small amount of DHA enters the bloodstream. This is only the case if you take tanning pills, which contain a high amount of canthaxanthin. In conclusion, there are no studies that show self-tanners make it challenging to become pregnant.
When it comes to men, there’s not enough data that shows self-tanning products lead to birth defects. But the increase in body temperature can decrease the sperm count. So, it’s essential for men to not become overheated while using self-tanning products. This exposure does not mean that men will impact the risks of pregnancy.
So, what’s the verdict? Is it safe to use self-tanner while pregnant? While self-tanners can provide you with the tan you need, more research needs to be done on whether they are safe for pregnant women.
As always, you should take precautions when using any beauty product. Read the ingredients and do thorough research on the product. Ask your doctor before using any self-tanners during your pregnancy.
*Collaborative feature post* – Check our Ad Policy for more information
Benefits of using public transport over the car during the summer holidays
We recently came back from North Cyprus and used an airport car parking service to park our car at Gatwick Airport’s car parking site for the week. However, my husband and I couldn’t help but think we should have taken the train instead for that all-around immersive travel experience for the kids. I can count the number of times on one hand that my boys (7 and 8) have used the train or the bus, which makes me wonder whether I should teach them the advantages of using public transport over the car on some occasions. With the help of other bloggers, below are some benefits of using public transport rather than the car during the summer holidays.
What is public transport?
Public transport (otherwise known as mass transport, mass transportation or public transportation services) is the transport of passengers by a group of travel systems which are available for use by the general public. Public transportation is typically managed via a schedule, and you are charged a fee for each trip.
Types of public transport include:
Buses
Trams (or light rail)
Passenger trains
Rapid transit (metro/subway/underground)
Ferries
Airlines
Coaches
Intercity/high speed/overground rail
So why take public transport rather than the car?
There are several public transportation benefits, some of which you can find below:
You can enjoy the journey to the destination
Taking public transportation means that you or your other half don’t have to drive to your destination. Instead, you can use that time, to read, work, study, or simply watch life passing you by. It’s a great way to just sit back, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds around you.
“When I drive, I tend to miss out on some of the sights and sounds around me. It’s so nice to be able to relax on a bus or a train and take it all in!”
“If you are travelling by train you can sit back, relax and have a glass of wine! Book a table and play board games with the kids on a long journey. Train journeys are exciting and part of the fun of the holiday!”
Parking can be an absolute nightmare, especially during the summer holidays when other family goers are fighting for car parking spots. Take the initiative and don’t pay through the teeth for expensive parking spots. Instead, use the money on public transport which can take you to where you want to go instead. If you buy one-day travelcards, you may even be able to save more money in the long run.
“Parking. You’re not having to battle for spaces or pay for the privilege of parking in the best places either. Plus my kids love the bus and train.”
Public transport teaches the kids excellent life skills
It’s essential that kids get a sense of how to navigate public transport on their own. Get them involved in the decision-making process, for example, working out where you need to go, buying the ticket and navigating the map, so they understand the right path to follow to get on the right train.
“It’s such a good life skill for the children. I hadn’t realised that by 7 and 9 my two hadn’t really ever been on public transport, so had no idea about bus stops, train stations, how to buy tickets, how to read timetables etc. So now we use public transport during the holidays to help them understand how to use it! Such a great skill for when they are older.”
“My boys often miss out on bus and train rides as we drive everywhere. So we often take a couple of trips during the summer using public transport as it’s good for them to know how to use it too.”
When you’re driving in the car, you are unable to actively participate with your children. Travelling via public transport leaves you time to talk to them about the holiday, get to know their feelings and emotions, and even play games that they can dictate, so they feel like they have some control in the journey.
Some public transport games can include snakes and ladders, cards, activity sheets/packs, colouring books or even just the age-old ‘I spy’. The kids will love it!
“You don’t have to worry about paying for parking, congestion charges etc. It’s much fun to use public transport because you can engage more with the kids, enjoy the view together and read road signs.”
www.upliftingandinspiringcontent.com
“You can give your kids your undivided attention if you’re on public transport, rather than just a fleeting glance in the rearview mirror. This is definitely a huge plus for my kids – especially on long journeys.”
The streets can be packed full of holiday goers trying to get to their desired destination. The advantages of taking public transport are that you tend to bypass those traffic jams, which helps ease congestion too.
“The roads can get so busy during the summer. We like to travel by train or bus as this can avoid the hassle of sitting in queues. Buses tend to have designated bus lanes to avoid the queues and trains bypass this all together. My son loves to go on public transport, and it can also save us money in the long run.”
Public transportation is better for the environment
If you’re not commuting in your own personal vehicle, then you are automatically helping the environment. Public transport reduces CO2 emissions, as well as the stress of being stuck in those pesky traffic jams too!
“It’s better for the environment, if you’re getting the train you won’t get caught up in traffic. It’s often cheaper than driving. You can get up and stretch your legs and walk to the loo whenever you want!”
Travelling via public transport is an activity within itself!
Kids love doing something different, and if you’ve always travelled by car, then they will love travelling by bus or train. As mentioned above, involve them in the process of buying the ticket, navigating the map and encouraging them to enjoy the scenery around them. It is incredible how much they will learn about the world around them when they can sit back and enjoy with their parents guiding them.
“Obviously it’s better for the environment, but my kids find it an activity in itself! They’re excited about going on a bus or a train, they’re excited about the activity we’re heading to, and they’re excited on the way home too. It’s a fun way to travel!”
“It’s a real treat for my boys to go on the bus or the train. They love it we can go on the top deck of a bus and sit at the front so they can pretend they’re driving!”
You can gain real experience into how the locals live
Travelling by bus or train encourages the family to see how the locals live as you get to people-watch in their own digs as you pass by.
“To get a real and authentic experience of how local people and communities live. It’s a fantastic way for all the family to learn about and engage with locals and better understand a country.“
Car journeys can be frustrating – and claustrophobic
Car journeys can feel claustrophobic as you’re tied down with seatbelts throughout the trip, and you can hardly move. You also have to make sure you have bought everything with you on the journey, and make sure you are navigating the roads correctly. Public transport can take the pain away by letting the vehicle take you to your destination while you only worry about enjoying the sights with your family.
“This way or that way? 173 spare nappies or 174? Summer hat, winter hat or both? Try and keep the milk warm or heat it up somewhere on the way? Leave early in the morning or late at night? A1 or M1? Hourly shifts or swap when we’re tired? So many questions, so little chance of choosing the right answers to any of them.”
If you’ve booked a holiday and you require transport to get partway to your journey, then think about booking in advance for discounted travel tickets. Off-peak tickets tend to be cheaper too, so consider this when planning your trip to your destination.
Using public transport comes with several benefits, especially for families, because parents get to sit back and enjoy the travel experience with their children, as well as have a hand in helping the environment as well! So, if you are booking your tickets for your summer holidays, think about incorporating public transport into your journey for a jam-packed fun experience for the whole family to enjoy!
*Collaborative feature post*
Gardening maintenance tips this spring
With Spring upon us, we can expect lighter days, warmer weather and generally more time spent outdoors. If you neglected your garden over the winter period, then there’s still time to get spring-ready with these garden maintenance tips this spring.
Plant some flowers
Flowers are the easiest way to revamp a garden in the spring, and planting them can be easier than you think. You can choose between planting either flower plants that will instantly spruce up your garden, or plant some summer-growing bulbs and seeds. You’ll need to make sure you’re planting your flowers in an area with the best types of shade and soil, and ensure they have a lot of space to grow. Sunflowers, Lilacs and daffodils are all great spring flowers and are perfect for adding a nice touch to any garden. You can plant cascading flowers for hanging baskets as well, which would look great if you are thinking about front garden design ideas too. For hanging basket ideas look to Pinterest.
For expert maintenance of your plants, Rated People enlist top tree surgeons in your area for competitive prices.
Fertilise your lawn
If you desperately need lawn and garden maintenance because they have not received love and care in a while, then fertilising your lawn is an effective way to improve their appearance. Using manure as a fertiliser is good for ensuring any gaps and bare patches in your grass are filled, and encourages the growth of more grass, resulting in a healthy green lawn. Make sure you keep under control the overgrown grass by using a high-quality lawn mower such as a Husqvarna model. A tidy garden can really make a new house pop!
Fix and re-paint fences and gates
Wooden fences can become old and worn from winter’s harsh weather, and even broken along the way. Make sure you fix any areas of your fence or gate that need some attention and re-paint areas that need a touch more colour. If you’re painting your fence, why not consider choosing a brighter colour than usual? Using bright shades like green, yellow or blue could be a fun, creative and super-easy way to renovate your garden. You can find more garden edging ideas online.
Buy some garden accessories
From modern hanging baskets to garden ornaments, there are loads of cool accessories you can buy to spruce up your garden for the spring. One of the easiest ways to make your garden stand out is with some garden lights. Garden lights such as fairy lights can look lovely draped around a plant or bush and means you can still sit back and relax in your garden after dark. If you have a small garden or a greenhouse which doesn’t see much light, you should consider buying some grow lights for plants, which are indoor plant lights which stimulate plant growth under artificial light.
Make do and mend
Another option is to not automatically go to garden stores to source accessories but to have a look at what bits and bobs you have in your house that you can work some DIY magic on. Think about using old candle holders as plant pots, or using an old wooden drawer to home your flower bed. Adorning your garden bench with old blankets and cushions is also a good option to give your garden a welcoming, bohemian feel – just make sure to bring them in when it rains!
Up keeping your garden is a long-term process, so it may be worth in investing in gardening services for all-year around garden maintenance.
*Collaborative feature post*
Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 Digital Piano Review
We are huge music fans in our family and over time I have been trying to build up my music corner, which you can see below:
One day I hope to have my own music studio where family and friends can create and record music at the drop of a hat. But, the star of the show in my music corner is the Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 Digital Piano – a beautiful piece of digital equipment that makes playing the piano a breeze. If you’re interested in music and would like to learn more about how to involve your kids in their own musical journey, then please check out my other articles below:
This main part of this article is a review of the Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 Digital Piano, but I will also share details of a fantastic new competition by Yamaha Music London based on 29 March 2019, which is World Piano Day. You can win tickets to a very special Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concert by entering Yamaha Music London’s competition (more information on the competition can be found here and below. I will also share details of Yamaha Music London’s next free taster session where kids of all ages can visit the headquarters of Yamaha Music London in Soho and learn to play an instrument for the day. More details to follow. But, first, let’s get on with the review.
Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 Digital Piano Review
Review Summary
Price:
4/5
Overall Design:
4.5/5
Piano Sound: 5/5
Touch Sensitive:
4.5/5
Suitable for children?
5/5
Specs
Measurements: 1353mm x 792mm x 296mm
Weight: 35.9kg
Colour: Black
Review
The Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 is a digital piano, which means that you don’t have to tune it – ever! You just plug it in and away you go.
Just like a real acoustic grand piano, you get 88 keys with the Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 digital piano, and it feels like a real piano to play as well. The graded hammer keys are weighted which means there is a resistance when you play, just like the traditional piano. And the keys are also touch sensitive which means you can create a subtle change in tone and sound by merely lifting your fingers from the keys. The Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 digital piano also has Intelligent Acoustic Control which means the digital piano adjusts the sound automatically to enjoy balanced piano tones at any volume level.
The compact design of the piano is slim and modern. It’s built to be tucked away into a corner if you don’t have space for a grand piano. The sound is deep and rich, just like the sound of a real acoustic grand piano, and this is down to the CFX Grand Piano Voice sound, i.e. this digital piano features the sound of the Yamaha’s flagship concert grand piano.
There are three piano sounds built in and on the left-hand side of the digital piano you have buttons that allow you to scroll through the different sounds including a more mellow piano sound, or a brighter piano sound. There are other sounds available, which means you can pick the sound according to what you’re playing, which is amazing. You even get 50 classical music masterpieces built into the digital piano as well!
You also have recording capabilities so that you can, for example, record one hand and play along with the other to practice learning a piece step by step. This is a very handy tool when you’re at the beginning of your piano journey.
The Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 comes in three colours. We have a black digital piano, but you can also choose white or white ash.
Other perks
When registering your Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 digital piano online, premium members will receive three months membership to Flowkey, which is a nifty piano app that you can use alongside your Arius to play along to popular tunes while learning the notes on the piano. You can also download the Smart Pianist App from Yamaha and control the piano from your smart device as well!
With the Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 digital piano, you get a stereophonic optimiser which allows you to have an immersive experience when you use your headphone to play.
And when you’re finished playing on the piano, you won’t be able to slam the door closed because the Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 digital piano comes with a slow-closed fallboard. Perfect for kids with heavy hands!
Summary
This breathtaking digital piano from Yamaha is very elegant and powerful, with beautiful sounds emanating from the speakers that are akin to a real grand piano. I love the weighted, touch-sensitive keys that allow you to immerse yourself into the music when you play, and the recording function is a great way to practice as you can playback and hear how you’re getting on with the piece that you’re practising. The metronome function is excellent for kids too when you’re trying to teach them music theory. And, it’s a great piano to have if you are low on space too – the digital piano is so slimline that you can tuck it away into the corner of the room and it won’t take up much space.
Personally, I love this piano, and I would recommend any beginner, intermediate or advanced piano player to give this digital piano a shot. It’s the best out there for that acoustic grand piano feel with the least amount of footprint!
Where can I buy the Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 digital piano?
You can buy it from Yamaha Music London’s website here: Buy here
Yamaha Music London Free Taster Sessions
If you want to try out Yamaha’s range of digital pianos, including the Yamaha Arius YDP-S34, then head over to Yamaha Music London’s headquarters in Soho. They are hosting another Learn to Play event on 22nd and 23 March 2019, where you will get the chance to learn how to play, not only the digital piano, but you can also try the violin, trumpet, Venova, bass guitar and trombone, as well as the electric and acoustic guitars. Get there early as spaces fill up fast! The store opens at 10.30am and then it’s first come, first serve! The address is:
Yamaha Music London 152-160 Wardour Street London W1F 8YA Store telephone number 0207 432 4400
Play to win with Yamaha!
Yamaha Music London is also hosting a fantastic competition to win tickets to a very special Royal Philharmonic Orchestra concert on 29th March 2019. As part of World Piano Day, the 88th day of the year (88 being the number of keys on a traditional acoustic piano), this special day provides the opportunity to celebrate everything to do with the piano, i.e., the performers, the listeners and of course the instruments themselves!
Throughout Piano Day, Yamaha Music London will be hosting some of London’s best and most exciting pianists who will be giving performances in store, so don’t miss out! If you can’t make it in person then don’t worry, Yamaha Music London will be live streaming many of the performances on Facebook, as well as posting videos on Instagram.
You don’t need to book anything, just turn up and explore Yamaha’s award-winning range of instruments. Located on the first floor of the Yamaha Music Store in London, you will find the unique Yamaha Piano Hall that holds a breathtaking range of instruments. In fact, the last time I was there I had constant goose pimples on my arms from the sound of beautiful music being made.
So how do I play to win??
Film yourself playing an extract from Bach’s Prelude in C Major (BMV 846) on a Yamaha piano or keyboard and upload the video to Facebook or Instagram before 28th March 2019, tagging #YMLPianoDay.
Make sure to follow @YamahaMusicLondon on Facebook and Instagram as well.
The winner will receive a pair of tickets to a very special concert performance of Peter and the Wolf by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at The Royal Albert Hall in June 2019.
For more information on the competition and the exciting Piano Day Line Up, visit Yamaha Music London’s website for more information.
*The Yamaha Arius YDP-S34 digital piano was gifted for the purpose of a review but all opinions are 100% my own*
Switching energy suppliers when you’re renting
Energy providers are continually raising their energy prices and the advice is to switch energy providers every year to get a better deal. But, if you’re renting, is it as straightforward as switching over? 8.3 million households rent in the UK, but only 10% are changing their providers. The total money lost by renters who don’t switch their energy provider is a whopping £1.24bn, which is a huge amount of money. And with the average family spending around £300 more than they should, it’s time to start thinking about switching your energy provider. But, is it so simple for renters? Motherhood Diaries discusses the benefits of switching energy suppliers when you’re renting, so you can better spend the money you save on your own home instead.
Can I just switch energy providers?
Absolutely, and now is the time to do it, preferably before winter when the heating gets cranked up and you’re maxing your energy power. So the questions you need to ask yourself is:
Have you switched energy providers in the last year?
Are you with one of the big six energy companies? i.e. British Gas, EDF, Eon, NPower, Scottish Power, and SSE.
If you answered no to questions 1 and yes to question 2, then you may be paying 30% more than you should be paying with your energy bills. Therefore you should be changing your energy provider now because you may be wasting around £300 every year.
But, how do I find the best energy deals?
Switching energy providers is the easy part. You compare energy providers by finding an energy comparison site like moneyexpert.com and inputting your details. It is advisable to have your bill on hand to fill out the forms, but if you don’t then the comparison site will estimate the details for you and find the cheapest provider in your area. Make sure you go whole-of-market which means pick the comparison sites which don’t hide tariffs from you. And, don’t be afraid to go with the smaller newer energy providers as their main job is to keep you on as a customer and try to compete against the big six. Look at customer service and make sure they have good customer ratings, so if any issues occur you know that they will work hard to fix them. If you don’t want to take that chance with lesser known energy providers, then keep searching until you find names that you’ve heard of. However, taking a chance on a smaller company may mean you can save up to £350 a year on just your energy bill alone!
If you don’t want to make a change then call up your current energy provider and ask for their cheapest deal. Look for cheaper fixed rates as you’re still paying for the same energy. But, it is far better to do a comparison because you may be missing out on better deals.
What happens when I switch energy providers?
When you request to switch energy providers you may be asked about your energy usage, but if you’ve just moved into a property then you probably won’t have that information to hand. If you’ve moved from another rented property where you have been paying your energy bills, you should an idea of how much you’re paying each month or quarter. When you compare energy providers and look for the best energy deals, the options tend to be how much you have been paying or your usage. Ring the provider for more guidance if you are unsure about how to work this out.
Don’t focus just on price when switching energy providers
One of the major reasons for switching energy providers is to save money, but making savings shouldn’t be the sole consideration. When comparing companies and asking in-depth questions about prices, it’s also important to take into account a company’s history. It’s not ideal to choose the cheapest provider on the market if they fail to offer proper customer care as mentioned above. For example, a broken boiler can cause a lot of problems for people, particularly if it occurs in the mid-winter. Having the knowledge that an energy supplier is on hand to fix problems and ensure that gas supplies are safely administered is important. If the cheapest provider has been chosen, such a breakdown service may not be available.
Looking into a company’s history of energy price hikes is also important. Paying a little more for power might be a good idea if there’s more likelihood that, after the fixed contract finishes, huge leaps in costs won’t be seen. Meanwhile, environmentally conscious customers might like to utilise companies with stakes in renewable energy.
What happens if I’m on a fixed price tariff and I have to leave the property?
You don’t have to pay a penalty if you are on a fixed price tariff and you have to leave the property for some reason. Most energy providers should not charge a penalty if your reason is that you are moving home. But, I would check with your energy provider in advance.
What if I’m on a pre-payment meter?
There is less of an option if you are a pre-payment customer, but you can switch providers. Unfortunately, there are more restrictions placed on deals when switching, so the difference in price that you may save may only be marginal.
What if I experience a power cut? Do I still pay for energy during that time?
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do if the power has been cut off in your area. But, start getting into the practice of switching your electricity off at the mains to protect your home. If the power has been off for days then find out from your energy provider where you stand – you might be able to claim off your home insurance as well.
What happens if the energy provider I pick goes bust?
If your new cheaper and lesser known energy provider goes bust, you are still protected and are guaranteed continuity of supply. Ofgem, the government regulator for gas and electricity, will transfer your details over to a new company. You may lose the cheap tariff that you found in the first place, but then you would just have to go through the process of switching again.
What difference does it make if I’m renting?
A lot of renters think that because you’re renting you don’t have a choice in which energy provider you choose and you have to stick with the provider that your landlord prefers or that is already registered against the house. But, actually, if it’s in your tenancy agreement that you are responsible for paying your energy bills then you have just as much of a right to switch energy providers as those who own their homes.
Let your landlord know in advance that you’re switching energy providers
Letting your landlord know in advance ensures that you don’t fall foul of any clauses in your tenancy agreement. But as long as there isn’t a clause in the contract, then you are free to switch to a cheaper deal.
What if my landlord won’t allow me to change energy suppliers?
If you’ve spoken to your landlord and s/he has refused to allow you to switch energy suppliers, and it is written into your tenancy agreement, then this may become an issue, especially if your bills are included in your rent or your contract stipulates that the landlord has a preferred provider. Unfortunately, in this instance, you are restricted and it would be best to try to speak to your landlord to waive or change the clause. Mention that you are unable to keep to the high payments and that you both would be better off switching energy providers to save money every month. If you are moving to a new rented home, check the clauses in the agreement which states that the landlord has a preferred choice of provider and ask them to amend the clause to state that if you are responsible for paying your energy bills then you are also responsible for finding the best energy supplier for your new home.
Switching energy providers is clearly the best option when trying to save money on your energy bills. However, if there is an issue with your landlord about switching, try speaking to them about your situation and make clear how much money you stand to save simply by switching energy providers. Most landlords are reasonable if they feel they are kept in the loop of any changes. And, most would be willing to amend or add a clause to allow switching energy providers to make it beneficial for both of you in the long run.
*Collaborative feature post*
Gluten Free Vegan Strawberry Crumble
I am a big fan of desserts, in all shapes, sizes and flavours. However, since opting for a plant-based diet, I do find it a struggle to enjoy desserts with my family and friends that don’t contain dairy products in them. So I have decided to veganise my own desserts and since the vegan trend is growing there are tons more products out in the market that assist me on my journey.
My kids are huge fans of crumbles. I have made rhubarb, orange and apple crumbles, and lots of desserts with fruit so I thought I’d go for the strawberry version this time and have come up with a recipe that contains no animal products in them.
Of course, each ingredient can be substituted with whatever ingredient you’re comfortable with. A strawberry crumble goes really well with ice cream on top so I found a lovely soya ice cream version from Ciao Gusto called the Valsoia Cream and Sour Cherry Soya Gelato and topped with Fabbri Minitopping Wild Strawberry Syrup, which completed the deliciously sweet strawberry crumble. Ocado is currently promoting a bundle offer at the moment where if you buy 1 Valsoia ice cream and 1 Fabbri syrup you will get 20% off. If you’re a fan of Italian products, which I definitely am, then Ocado has a special tab which brings together over 30 of Italy’s most popular brands, so you can find what you’re looking for in the same place. Many of the brands are still owned and run by the same families who established them, so they’re super authentic.
So without further ado, here is my decadent Gluten-free vegan strawberry crumble!
Gluten Free Vegan Strawberry Crumble
Ingredients
For the base
600g Strawberries / 2 Packets
Just over 2 tbsps of Coconut Palm Sugar
A knob of melted butter
2 tbsps. Fabbri Minitopping Wild Strawberry Syrup
For the crumble
50g Oats
Just over a ½ cup of rice flour
Just over ½ cup fo Coconut Palm Sugar
65 Pecan nuts
8 ½ tbsps. Of dairy free butter
Pinch of salt
Top with 2 scoops of Valsoia Cream and Sour Cherry Soya Gelato
Method
Preheat the oven to 180C/356F/GM4
Find an ovenproof dish – I used a lovely oval one which was perfect
Remove the stalks and slice the strawberries uniformly and into a similar thickness. Place at the bottom of the baking tray, next to each other.
Add the 2 tbsps of Coconut Palm Sugar, a knob of melted butter and 2 tbsps of Fabbri Minitopping Wild Strawberry Syrup over the strawberries and mix well. Place the tray to the side.
Find a food processor
Add everything in this order – flour
Sugar
Oats
Nuts
and butter
With the oats, nuts and butter, pulse until you get a crumbly, sandy consistency
Add the crumble mixture to the top of the strawberries and smooth over until the strawberry mixture is covered
Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the crumble is golden and the liquid from the strawberries is bubbling
Serve straight away with a scoop – or two – of Valsoia Cream and Sour Cherry Soya Gelato!
For extra indulgence add some more of the Fabbri Minitopping Wild Strawberry Syrup on top!
We all want the very best for our kids and this includes the food they put into their mouths. From as young as around six months old, parents are faced with the difficult decision of how best to introduce baby food. Before, it was the option of either making the food at home or buying the conventional baby jars from the supermarket. In this age, we now worry about the long-term effects of non-organic food versus the organic variety. So, which is better? Motherhood Diaries discusses whether organic food is indeed a more viable option for our babies than their non-organic alternatives.
What does ‘organic food’ mean?
Organic food, put simply, means food that is grown out in the garden or houses like Premier Polytunnels, without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Pesticides are used to protect farmer’s crops from mould, insects and diseases. However, the pesticide spray may leave a residue on the produce and, arguably, this residue might cause harm to infants in the long-term. Having said that, the residue in both organic and non-organic food does not currently exceed government safety thresholds. The Soil Association, which campaigns for organic food and farming, says that some of the chemicals that are used in traditional farming may have long-term effects on health, by contributing to male infertility and even cancer. The Soil Association also states that three out of four babies in the UK have organic baby food regularly.
So, why go organic?
Here are some reasons as to why organic is a preferred option for most:
Organic food is environmentally friendly
Organic food tastes better
Organic meat is friendlier to the animals, as antibiotics are not added routinely to animal feed. Some people believe that this practice may be the reason why humans are becoming resistant to antibiotics.
Organic food is not allowed to contain any artificial colourings, sweeteners or flavourings. It also cannot contain any genetically modified ingredients.
Some campaigns believe that organic food offers health benefits, such as cancer prevention and higher vitamin levels. However, there is not enough evidence to back these claims up.
Legal limits are placed on a number of pesticide residues found in commercial baby food, as they are more dangerous for children to ingest. Therefore, children should eat more organic foods to prevent exposure to genetically modified ingredients. The long-term effects, however, are still unknown.
Is organic baby food really all that it is cracked up to be?
Overall, yes, organic food for babies is better. However, if you are offering your child healthy food, this is far more important because you are setting your baby up for the best possible start in life, whether it is organic or not. Also, note that some organic baby foods have been found to contain similar levels of environmental pollutants as the standard baby food jars. Processing also destroys some of the residue found in fresh food and pesticide residue has not been found in conventionally produced foods either. Baby food like non-organic breakfast cereal may actually be a healthier option for children as organic cereals don’t contain any of the fortified vitamins and minerals.
Whatever your reason for going organic, it is important to note that your baby needs the best possible start in life. So, offering your baby a healthy and nutritious diet, not only offers them the best possible start in life, but it also allows them to have a great relationship with food in general. Be mindful that sometimes organic baby food can sometimes be the better option in terms of least exposure the residue found in non-organic food. However, it is also just as important to ensure your baby gets all the vitamins and mineral they need from fortified products, which are not found in organic food. In this case, common sense will prevail.
*Collaborative feature post*
Review of JML Products
There are some products you have in your house that becomes your staple to help you survive the daily multitude of tasks you have every day. I am a big believer of getting help from innovative products, so I have taken to JML, the website that aims to make everyday easier for families, to find products that will help me deal with my neverending house chores, including feeding the kid.! Here is my review of four of JML’s products:
The BPA Free JML Poppin’ Corn Microwave Popcorn Maker is designed for you to enjoy your favourite snack in under two minutes. You simply add around 30g of popcorn kernels into the red pot, close the transparent lid into place and then pop the pot into the microwave for around 90 seconds (although we found most of the popcorn kernels would pop in two minutes). When the popcorn is popped, you simply open the lid and enjoy directly from the Poppin’ Corn bowl, with your own seasonings added for a new delicious taste every time.
Specs
Measures approximately 15.5cm high
Dishwasher safe – to clean just take out the Poppin corn and place the separate parts into the top rack of the dishwasher.
You don’t need to add anything extra like butter or oil
The double walled design makes the pot cool to touch after microwaving
Recommended cooking times are 3 minutes 10 seconds for 700w microwave and 1 minute 30 seconds for 1000w microwave
Price: £14.99
How to make the popcorn
Pour in around 30g of popcorn kernels to the Poppin’ Corn and shake well.
Put the lid on and place in the microwave on high for 90 seconds (or according to your microwave’s strength)
If you hear the pops slow down to 1 to 2 per second, then your popcorn is ready
Take the Poppin’ Corn out of the microwave, pop open the lid and enjoy with your favourite seasoning.
Some kernels will not pop which is normal
Our Opinion
It’s a great design for a quick popcorn snack. However, we found it tricky to slide the lid open and close when using. Sometimes the popcorn kernels burned because there were a good few amounts of unpopped kernels left. I would recommend microwaving for around two minutes for an 800w Microwave and giving it a good shake after one minute before popping it back in the microwave. Other than that, it’s a useful small tool for the kitchen, and you don’t need to add butter or oil too, which makes the popcorn even healthier.
The JML Poppin’ Corn Microwave Popcorn Maker is currently unavailable on JML’s website, but you can buy the Popcorn Maker from other selected stores.
Rating: 4/5 – It’s a nifty idea to encourage healthier snacks for kids who don’t have time to wait. In under two minutes, they have a snack they can enjoy from, so no wastage and no extra washing up!
Aero 360 Pro
“Dries and irons your clothes all at once” JML
The Aero 360 Pro is designed to dry and iron your clothes straight from the washing machine, without the need for tumble drying, ironing or steaming. Just place the damp clothes over the inflatable bag like you would put it on a hanger and add a few weight clips, then turn it on. The hot air circulates around the bag using an inbuilt fan, which inflates the bag and fills your shirt, tee shirt, jumper or even suit jacket. The heat and tension push the creases out so that you don’t need to iron the shirt afterwards. The Aero 360 Pro aims to speed up the long process of drying and ironing a shirt and saves you money on dry cleaning bills for suits and shirts, by doing it all at once. The Aero 360 Pro is also perfect for delicates like cashmere and silk.
Specs
Colour: White
Dimensions: Box: 46.5 x 24 x 35cm – The unit: 58.5 x 16.2 x 100cm
The Aero 360 Prod Balloon gets very hot during use, do not touch the balloon.
Once the garment is dry, switch off the Aero 360 Pro and allow the garment to cool for a few minutes before removing
Price: £79.99
How to use:
Plug the Telescopic rod into the recess on the top of the Motor unit
Place the Hanger onto the Telescopic rod – make sure that the slight bend in the Hanger points forwards
Attach the Nylon balloon:
Pull it over the Hanger – makes sure that the side with the hole line points forwards
Pull the Small elastic rod at the top, over the collar section on the Hanger
Pull the Large elastic cord at the bottom over the Mounting flange
The device is dissembled in reverse order
Set the height that you want by opening the clip and pulling out the telescopic rod, then closing the lip again
Pull on the Nylon balloon which should sit immediately below the Mounting flange so that it can fully inflate
Pull the garment which is to be pressed over the Nylon balloon and the Hanger and do up the buttons if necessary. Make sure that the collar is fitted over the hole on the Nylon balloon and the arms fit correctly in the sleeves, so they are not twisted or scrunched up.
Spread the clamps along the bottom so that it is weighted down and will not go out of shape when the Nylon balloon is inflated
Plug the Aero 360 Pro in and turn the timer clockwise. Set it to the length of time that you want. Each LED light represents five minutes
Once the Nylon balloon has inflated, straighten out the garment and smooth it down again.
When the set time elapses, the device will turn off automatically. You can stop the process at any time by turning the timer to the starting position
Remove the garment from the Nylon balloon and Hanger and allow the device to cool down completely.
Full instructions can be found on JML Direct’s website.
Our Opinion
I have two boys who attend school and a husband who goes to work, so washing, drying and ironing three sets of shirts take up so much of my time. Plus I hate ironing, so I found this Aero 360 Pro to be a time saver for me. You can literally place the shirt on the device, dry it and then the shirt can be used straight away. I found the Aero 360 Pro really easy to use and the LED timer is a useful tool to check how long your shirt has got left to dry. I did find that the humidity in the air increased, but just pop open a window when using and you’ll be fine. I would place a towel under the Aero 360 Pro as well, as there may be excess water from the garment on the floor. The only issue I would say it has is the cost to run as the device uses up a lot of electricity. Smaller sized shirts can also be challenging to steam as they’re hard to clip to the sizeable inflatable bag. Other than that, I’d definitely recommend if you hate ironing and want to save time on your laundry chores.
Rating: 4/5 – Expensive but a timesaver and as I’m a working mum, the latter is more critical for me.
Trash Tidy: Rubbish Bag Dispenser & 15 x 50L Bin Bags/Liners
“Conveniently dispenses bags from inside your bin and mounts on cabinet doors, inside drawers, on walls & more.” JML Direct
The Trash Tidy is designed to store and replace bags and bin liners easier, cleaner and quicker. Instead of finding, selecting and unrolling rolls of liners, you can fit them into the bin for easier access, by using the bin dispenser that fits into the bottom of any bin over 22cm in diameter. It sits beneath the current liner so that when it’s time to change the bag you just pull the full bag out and the next one follows to take its place. Trash Tidy comes with screw and hoop & loop fixing options too, so that you can mount it onto walls, drawers or anywhere else that you need to store and access bin bags on rolls up to 20 x 7cm Long.
Specs
Trash Tidy
A strip of adhesive hook & loop fastener
15 x 50-litre bin bag roll
Price: £12.99
Our opinion
We have three bins in our house, for separating and recycling so we thought it would be better to mount this Trash Tidy onto our drawer’s wall, next to where the bins sit. Also if the bin bag happens to leak then the Trash Tidy would be dirty, so we just figured it would be better to keep it away from the bins, even though that was what the Trash Tidy’s purpose was for. It’s great value for money, especially as the Trash Tidy came with 15 bin liners too, which are strong and sturdy. The Trash Tidy was easy to mount onto the wall, and the bin liners came out quite quickly, without ripping. It is definitely a great tool for storing bin bags, so they’re not amongst all the other riff-raff in the kitchen.
Rating: 5/5 – The price is affordable, and the Trash Tidy does its job of keeping bin bags safe and secure to access.
Pheonix Gold FreeFlight Bundle
“The Phoenix Gold FreeFlight Bundle provides you with the best products that JML has, in one price… for the ultimate ironing experience.” JML Direct
The Phoenix Gold FreeFlight
The Phoenix Gold FreeFlight boasts up to 2400W of power and with a steam output of 14g/minute, so it allows you to iron several layers at once. The steam blast function helps to remove the most stubborn of creases by releasing a quick shot of steam, either vertically or horizontally, so it allows you to quickly remove wrinkles or freshen clothes on the hanger.
FastFit Ironing Board Cover Ultimate
The Ultimate FastFit Ironing Board Cover uses the latest technology and materials to deliver an easy to use and quick ironing experience. It has a unique 3- layer construction and provides a cotton-top cover and thick felt-underlay, which is non-slip and dense, so it allows for optimum heat reflection and crease removal. The non-elasticated FastFit system keeps the cover securely in place.
Ironing Genie
The Ironing Genie is simply designed as a sprung to perfect sleeves with no wrinkles and creases. You place the Ironing Genie inside the spring, and it will spring out against the seams creating a flat sleeve and a shoulder-to-cuff crease where you require it. When you’re done, the Ironing Genie comes with a magnetic clip that you can attach to your ironing board so you can clip your Ironing Genie in it until the next sleeve needs ironing.
Specs
Power: 2000 – 2400W
Set includes:
Phenoix Gold FreeFlight
1 x Phoenix Gold FreeFlight Cordless Iron
1 x Docking base with 1.9m power cord
1 x Water jug
Instruction manual
Soleplate care information card ironing Genie
1 x Spring fork
1 x Magnetic holder
Instructions Ultimate Ironing Board Cover
1 x Ultimate Ironing Board Cover
Phoenix Gold Free Flight Iron
220-240V 50/60Hz
Power: 2000 – 2400W
370ml Water tank
Overheat protection
Ready to use Thermostat light orange Indicator Ironing Board Genie
2500 gauss magnet
Stainless steel Ultimate Ironing Board Cover
Top layer – 100% Cotton
Middle layer – 100% Polyurethane
Bottom layer – 100% Polyester
Care:
Spot clean with a damp cloth.
Do not wash
Do not bleach
Do not tumble dry
Do not dry clean
Weights: Gross – 2.23kg / Net – 1.71kg
Colours: Multi
Dimensions: Pheonix Gold FreeFlight: Box: 20 x 18 x 33cm | Unit: 14 x 0.9 x 5.6cm | Ironing Board Cover: Pack: 25 x 6 x 35cm
Our opinion
Rating: 3/5 – The Pheonix Gold FreeFlight Iron glides easily onto clothes, and the fact that it is cordless makes it easy to iron in any direction. However, I found the plate getting very dirty quickly and the water tank kept leaking onto the clothes which was frustrating at times. It doesn’t stay hot for long as well, so you have to keep putting it back on its mount to heat up. Other than that it’s a good iron.
Rating: 3/5 – The FastFit Ironing Board Cover Ultimate was too big for my ironing board, so it slipped off a lot when ironing, which is frustrating. However, if it did fit then I would see this as a good sturdy cover to hold the heat of an iron. It’s just a shame it doesn’t sit properly on my ironing board.
Rating: 4/5 – The Ironing Genie is a useful, simple design and it does help to keep the sleeves crease free and flat. However, I found myself forgetting to use it and so if you have it, it’s great to use. If not, I don’t think you’d miss it.
Overall, the JML products I reviewed were useful tools in the house, and I did find myself saving time when using these products. My favourite of the four was the Aero 360 Pro, which helped me save time on drying and ironing shirts. This meant that I didn’t require the Phoenix Gold FreeFlight Bundle as much and the Ironing Genie was forgotten about. The JML Poppin’ Corn Microwave Popcorn Maker is a great tool for making popcorn snacks for the kids, and so I use this all the time.
* Items were gifted for the purpose of a review – all thoughts are 100% our own.
* Please note that all prices are correct as at 13th February 2019 – rates may vary after this date
