Category: Family Holidays and Weekends

I wanted to take the Kids to the park, It’s a great way to get some fresh air, exercise, and have a cool afternoon. Picnics can be done virtually anywhere and there are so many fun things to do in parks. For younger kids, it is a fun day out to do something different. You can either have an indoor sit-down picnic in the park or picnics at a park near you. Good for quick jogs or walking, and great for camping too.

Decide where you want to go and what to bring. Picnics are a lot more fun, and engaging when it’s an outdoorsy spot that has a certain theme running with it. It can be the woodlands with options of trekking, hunting or such. Similarly, if the picnic spot is around a water body, then that opens up a whole host of activities and opportunities. Get in for a quick dip in the water, get into the groove with water skiing, jet skis and other water sports, or even sportsfishing (similar to what you would find with these Los Suenos fishing charters) for that matter, if that is available. Having a range of activities to partake in during a picnic can create core memories with your kids and keep them thoroughly entertained. Alternatively, if you’re seeking a more relaxed experience, you can opt for simpler activities such as bird watching, nature walks, or even a leisurely bike ride.

That said, when it comes to packing essentials, the convenience of using picnic mats cannot be overstated. Their versatility in various shapes and sizes makes organization and improvisation effortless when needed. Alongside this invaluable item, ensure you pack one or two bags with all the necessities for the kids. This includes essentials like insect repellent and sunscreen to protect against outdoor elements, cell phones and a camera for capturing memories, a cozy blanket scarf for added comfort, hand towels for hygiene, eating utensils for mealtime, a change of clothes for unexpected mishaps, and of course, a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout your outdoor adventure. With these items on hand, you’ll be well-prepared for a fun and stress-free outing with the family.

It is also a good idea to buy a couple of folding chairs if you don’t already have them. These can then be stashed at the side or under a table for those extra-long picnic days. It can also help to place cut grass on the ground for added green space. Picnic tables are essential for seating

When you are ready to start the picnic get out your tools and start cleaning up. Clear away anything that you don’t need, including the kids’ stuff. Make sure you wash your hands before and after you use the restroom, as food and drinks carry bacteria. Wash your hands well, making sure to wash your hands well between each meal. Keep a clean towel handy to dry your hands, or even better use an ice bag.

Serve an array of savoury options like crackers and bread alongside refreshing fruit and veggie trays, ensuring a balance of flavours and textures. Consider the season when planning your picnic; if it’s winter, pack hot beverages to add warmth to the gathering. You can exalt the picnic experience by including cozy and indulgent choices, such as the coffee crisp hot chocolate canada. These carefully selected snacks and beverages can provide a satisfying spread and contribute to a jovial atmosphere, making your picnic a memorable and enjoyable occasion for everyone involved.

Remember, picnics don’t have to involve complicated menu planning. If you know someone in the restaurant industry, they can probably recommend a few great places for picnics. You can also search online for picnic spots in your area. Many parks and other outdoor spaces have picnic tables and areas that are perfect for picnics. Finally, you can always just bring a blanket and a picnic basket and have a picnic in your own backyard.

That being said, don’t forget that one crucial aspect to consider is minding the weather. While sunny skies are ideal, Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and a sudden downpour can dampen the fun. It’s essential to keep an eye on the weather forecast in the days leading up to the outing. Nowadays, technology has made it easier than ever to stay informed about weather conditions. Investing in a reliable cellular weather station (such as the one here) can provide real-time updates and ensure you are well-prepared for any weather eventuality.

Additionally, before heading out, pack a weather-resistant picnic blanket and some light rain gear, just in case. If the forecast looks uncertain, consider having a backup plan, such as a nearby indoor play area or a covered pavilion in the park. Engage the kids in the process by making weather-watching a fun activity; let them help check the forecast and discuss how clouds can indicate changes in weather.

Many people struggle trying to come up with ideas for Mother’s Day gifts that will show mom just how much she means to them. It can be hard to find something that you know mom will like and that will be something that’s just for her. This means you’re going to have to put some serious thought into the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, here are some ideas to get you started.

– Pamper mom with a rejuvenating spa day at home. Fill a basket with a few bath bombs or a jar of bath flakes, as well as a plush towel, loofah, bath sponge, and maybe a wonderful body wash. You can add a pretty candle, a tub caddy to hold her book and cup of tea as well as numerous other accessories that will ensure she has everything she needs to relax and enjoy some much-needed quiet time.

– A beautiful candle will always be appreciated. You can choose a unique terrarium candle, a lovely hand carved candle or a candle with a design or color scheme that you know mom will love. Consider opting for a high-quality candle, such as a soy candle; these candles typically offer a longer burn time and they are healthier to burn because they don’t release toxins into the air.

– Subscription Beauty Box. You’ll definitely have plenty of options with this gift idea. Many companies offer monthly gift box options that range from quality beauty products to the latest skincare products. There are even gift box subscriptions that include items for destressing and relaxation, such as aromatherapy candles and diffusers. Mom’s work hard, help her take some time for herself with a fun monthly subscription box.

– Jewelry is always a great gift idea, especially for Mother’s Day. There are so many options designed for mothers including initial necklaces, birthstone bracelets, or even these beautiful moissanite earrings that you can find by going here. Most pieces of jewelry can even have a gemstone added for each child’s birth month which is why they make excellent gift ideas that any mom would be proud to wear. Or you could also think of gifting them a necklace based on their star sign. If your mom is keen on astrology or zodiac signs, a gemini necklace might be the best choice. Add a handy travel jewelry organizer with your gift and she’ll be able to easily take some of her favorite jewelry items with her when she travels, whether it’s for a few days or an extended vacation.

– Give mom the gift of your time. This might seem cliché, but mom’s love spending time with their family and as the kids get older, it can be hard to carve out that special time together. Make a plan to have a monthly family dinner or set a brunch date to take mom out for a lovely meal. You might even want to give her a coupon book for a family game night, lawn mowing or help with household chores. Whatever it is that you think your mother would appreciate, add it to the coupon book. The point of the gift is to give of yourself.

– Paint by Number Kit. Even if your mom isn’t the artistic type, a paint by number kit can be a wonderful way for her to relax and enjoy something unique. We all remember having fun with paint by number pictures when we were kids, but the kits that are now available for adults are absolutely stunning. She’ll be able to create a lovely painting that she’ll be proud to display. Many of these kits come with pictures of famous paintings. She’ll enjoy the creative side of this activity as well as an opportunity for some personal time to relax.

– Weighted Blanket. Many people have trouble sleeping through the night and this seems to be a common problem with many moms. A weighted blanket can be a great way to unwind and let the worries of the day slip away. These blankets have become very popular because they tend to help people enjoy a deeper and more relaxing night’s rest.

– A silky smooth pajama set. If your mom tends to not indulge in special things for herself, it’s time you help her enjoy a bit of luxury. A pair of silky-smooth pajamas will feel luxurious and it’s a great way to pamper mom with that extra bit of comfort. Don’t forget a pair of matching slippers.

– Magazine subscription. Mom might not have a lot of free time on her hands, but she’ll likely find little bits of time throughout the week when she can pick up a magazine and read a quick article while enjoying a cup of coffee. This is a great idea, especially if you choose a magazine based on her interests, such as gourmet cooking, gardening, photography, etc.

– Scrapbook. This is a gift that will take a little time to organize, but it will be worth it! Make a scrapbook for mom filled with memories you’ve shared over the years. Include poems, photos, notes and inside jokes. It will be a gift your mom will cherish.

Before we even dive into the reason why boutique hotels are indeed a great accommodation option for family getaways, it’s perhaps pertinent to make sure the explicit definition of what a boutique hotel is, is fully understood.

After all, many properties listed on accommodation searching platforms are indicated to fall under the boutique hotel category, but they’re not necessarily boutique hotels in the real sense of the term.

It’s an old trick used just to show up in special search results, rankings, and listings, so a little bit of discretion needs to be exercised when searching for a boutique hotel in that manner.

So what is a boutique hotel?

The shortest and most concise definition of a boutique hotel is a small hotel, which typically has around 10-20 rooms available for rent. That’s at least as far as the most common boutique hotels go, otherwise technically speaking the number of rooms can range from 10-100 in total…

So with that definition in mind, it’s probably becoming clear to you that there are instances when hotels you’re considering making a booking with are in fact boutique hotels, but they’re not necessarily listed as such. The other scenario is true as well, where hotels are listed as falling under the boutique category, but they have just over 100 rooms in total…

With that definition in mind as well, doesn’t something like a serviced apartment qualify as a unit housed in a boutique hotel? It most certainly does and that brings into focus one of the many reasons why boutique hotels are great for family getaways.

Ideal family accommodation

As far as family accommodation goes, it probably doesn’t get any better than a boutique hotel, particularly if that boutique hotel houses serviced apartment units. A serviced apartment makes for just the right mix between feeling like you’re being accommodated in a space that is distinctly different from your everyday domestic living environment, except it comes with the comforts of home.

Eating out every single day, for every single meal of the day can get very expensive. So it makes for a great option to be able to exercise if you rather want to do some grocery shopping, pop some of the ingredients in the fridge, and prepare a nice “home-cooked” meal.

You can save a lot of costs, while getting the vacation you need. Since the space is also maintained and managed by someone else, you don’t have to worry about cleaning it. These places are likely to organise commercial cleaning services in Marietta, GA, or wherever they are located. This makes your stay enjoyable and yet homely, but without any of the chores.

A more personalised service

Boutique hotels, due to their limited number of units or rooms, frequently excel in providing highly personalized service. When guests make contact in advance, especially when traveling as a family, these establishments often go the extra mile to ensure a seamless and pleasant experience. Their attention to detail can extend to accommodating special requests for families, such as arranging adjoining rooms, providing extra amenities for children, or even suggesting family-friendly activities in the area.

Additionally, boutique hotels place a strong emphasis on maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and security. Their relatively smaller size enables more hands-on supervision of cleaning and maintenance operations. To guarantee impeccable cleanliness, they frequently enlist the services of local experts, such as those specializing in commercial cleaning jacksonville fl, or the specific location where the establishment is situated. As a result, guests can anticipate impeccably maintained and flawlessly clean rooms, communal spaces, and facilities. In terms of security, these establishments often feature enhanced safety measures, like restricted access to the property and 24/7 concierge services, ensuring that families can relax and enjoy their stay with peace of mind. Additionally, boutique hotels may offer family pricing options that make the experience both memorable and budget-friendly for travelers with children.

Inherent family options

Boutique hotels excel in providing an inclusive experience for families, even when they don’t offer self-catered apartment units. Family-friendliness is ingrained in their service ethos, setting them apart from more conventional accommodations. These establishments readily accommodate the unique needs of families by offering additional services, like providing an extra bed and bedding, typically without imposing additional charges. This commitment to going the extra mile extends to their operational processes, ensuring that fulfilling such requests is a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Boutique hotels recognize that the beauty of a family vacation lies in the seamless blending of comfort and convenience. The availability of family-oriented amenities and services is a testament to their dedication to guest satisfaction. This guest-centric approach not only caters to families’ needs but does so with a level of care and attention that adds a touch of luxury to the overall experience, making a family stay at a boutique hotel memorable and stress-free.

Caravans are wonderful ways to explore this country and continent in ways that most tourists will never be able to. You can cut down on the extortionate cost of many hotels, can go off the beaten track, and of course, make some incredible memories along the way. The wrong caravan, however, will not be able to do any of this. You need to choose the caravan that suits your family, your budget, and your travel dreams.

Apart from choosing the right caravan for your family, another important aspect is getting an insurance for your vehicle. Now, you might be wondering why caravan insurance is so important. Well, let’s break it down! Your caravan is a valuable possession, right? Now, imagine something happens; damage, theft, or worse. Without insurance, you would be left footing the bill for repairs or replacements, and that can add up fast. But with insurance, you have got a safety net. Therefore, it’s important to look into various insurance providers, find out the cost of insurance, and figure out the type of coverage they offer. By doing so, you can choose the insurance policy that aligns best with your needs, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve.

Start with What You Can Afford

When you’re not certain about your exact budget, it’s common to either get carried away or underestimate what you can afford. On one hand, getting carried away might happen when you’re browsing caravan options without a clear understanding of your financial limits. In such situations, you might be tempted to splurge on items that seem appealing but may not be financially feasible in the long run. On the other hand, underestimating what you can get occurs when you’re overly cautious in your spending decisions. You might settle for less expensive caravan options or assuming they’re out of reach without fully exploring your options. Therefore, understanding caravan finance and what rates you can get will help with this problem immensely. For instance, you don’t need a down deposit in most cases when it comes to securing a caravan loan, though if you want better rates, that down deposit is still a good tip.

What is most important is your credit score and what you can afford comfortably in monthly repayments. If not caravan, consider if a simple van works for your travel needs. Working it out backward can help you know what loan amount you can get, and what budget you have to work with when shopping for caravans. Apart from the initial budgeting, you might also want to consider getting insurance for your van or caravan.

New vs Used

Buying new is a matter of finding a caravan that suits your budget and of course, negotiating the price down as much as you can. Buying used, especially if from a private seller, must be done with care. Know what issues you are looking for and be prepared to run a full system check on privately used vehicles. If you’re not overly familiar with this, opt for a certified used caravan dealership.

Size of Beds

Your own body size will matter. If you are rather tall, then you are going to need a caravan with a bed that can accommodate you. Sleeping comfortably is the most important difference between sleeping in a tent vs owning a caravan, so if you are cramped and unable to get a good night’s rest, you won’t want to use your caravan.

Amenities

Larger caravans have everything you need to enjoy a great summer on the rad. That being said, smaller caravans are easier to drive and care for. It depends entirely on the amenities you don’t want to compromise on. If you must have a shower and toilet, then you will need a larger caravan. If you only need a small kitchen and a bed, then smaller caravans can be perfect for your needs.

Drivability and Accessibility

If you cannot physically tow the caravan behind your vehicle, then you won’t be able to use it. While you can get self-driving caravans that don’t hook up to a car, these can be very expensive. Work out your finances to figure out what kind of caravan you can afford, and then work out what caravan you can drive with comfortably. You don’t want to be too close to the legal limit, so choose a caravan that is underweight for comfort and safety.

Being the parent of a teenager can be incredibly difficult. They can be aggressive, loud, disruptive, and a cause of tension in the household. You may find yourself feeling rejected and angry as you struggle to relate to them, and full of worry as they navigate the journey into adulthood. You want them to listen to your guidance, they want you to leave them alone. As difficult as it is, there are a few things that you can try to help you.

Understand what they are going through

Teenagers are going through a huge amount of change, and they genuinely feel emotions more strongly than adults do. So when they have an angry outburst or suddenly start crying, it’s important to remember that it isn’t a personal attack, your teen is genuinely feeling emotions strongly enough to warrant that reaction.

They are also feeling a strong desire to be independent and start carving out their own life, so they reject your guidance while at the same time feeling completely overwhelmed because they have never done any of this before, and it’s scary, so they really need your guidance.

It’s crucial to recognize that the seemingly rebellious behavior may not solely be a manifestation of typical teenage angst but could also be indicative of underlying mental health issues. Adolescence is a complex period of self-discovery, and for some teenagers, expressing their internal struggles can manifest in disruptive actions. Approaching this with empathy and understanding is key. It’s important to consider the possibility that your teenager might be neurodivergent, facing challenges that require a nuanced approach. By fostering open communication and seeking professional guidance, parents can create a supportive environment to help their teenagers navigate the complexities of adolescence while addressing any potential mental health concerns with sensitivity and care.

The most significant thing that you can do is be there for them. Stay positive, remember that things will get better. Most importantly, remember that you like them and make sure they know that too – it’s their behaviour that is the problem, not who they are as a person. Relate offers some helpful tips on how to cope with your teenager from their relationship counsellors which are well worth a try.

Communicate with them

Communicating with your teenager is probably the most important thing you can do. You must maintain a bond with them so that they feel that they can come to you when they are experiencing difficult times or trying to make decisions about their life. Of course, this is easier said than done when you ask them questions, and they just grunt in response!

It can be effective to make listening a priority over asking questions. The more you really listen to the things that your teenager chooses to bring to you, the more they will feel that they would like to bring things to you in the future. It’s also important to validate their feelings. When something happens in their life that upsets them, don’t try to minimise it or brush it away, this doesn’t make the problem go away it just makes them feel as though they can’t bring it to you. Acknowledge that you can see that the experience must be painful for them and let them talk about it.

Create a space for them

Sometimes just the fact that your child wants to hang out with their friends and be loud can be disruptive to the rest of the household and cause friction. Some people have found that building a ‘teenager den’ in the garden is a great way to alleviate this particular tension. You can order a fully bespoke steel industrial building online, and then make it a project that you work on together with your teen to furnish and decorate it. That way, you get some peace, and as a bonus, you can work on a project together, which will help to build your bond.

Look after yourself and seek support

It’s important to be there for your teen, but it’s also OK that sometimes they enrage you! Make sure that you talk about what you are feeling with a friend or counsellor so that you can process it, and not bring it back into the home. Action for Children offers an online chat facility that you could make use of – it’s free and completely confidential, and they encourage you to talk about absolutely anything!

It seems crazy to be talking about Christmas when we’re still in the middle of summer, but when you consider how quickly the first part of this year has flown past, it’s easy to see how the holiday season can sneak up on us. Before you know it, the supermarkets will be filled with Christmas food and the rising panic about Christmas preparation will be setting in. If you take a little time now to think ahead, you’ll save yourself a great deal of pain when December rolls around!

Two months before Christmas

• Start thinking about your Christmas budget. Plan to spend an amount that you can reasonably afford – after all, none of your friends or family would like to think of you going into debt just to get them a gift.
• Decide whether or not you want gift-giving to be a part of Christmas this year. More and more people are finding the sheer number of gifts they receive and give out overwhelming and expensive, so it’s OK to say that you’d rather not do gifts. If you are going to give and receive gifts, decide who you will be giving to and set expectations with anyone who you will not be giving to early.
• If you are giving gifts, start thinking about what you would like to get. Making these decisions early means that you won’t end up panic-buying something overpriced at the last minute!
• If you are hand-making gifts, start planning out what you are going to make so that you can plan in enough time and not feel rushed.
• Make your Christmas pudding so that it has plenty of time to sit before the big day.
• Sign up to brands newsletters for secret discounts, brands such as GANT have been known to do friends and family discount days as well as free luxury gifts to customers signed up with them.

Six weeks before Christmas

• Start ordering any gifts that you would like to buy online. If items are shipping from overseas, they can take a while to get to you, especially with the increased demand on the postal service around Christmas time.
• Think about the day itself. Will you be hosting, or will you be travelling to visit friends or relatives? If you will be hosting, think about who you will be inviting and things like where they will sleep and if you have enough chairs. If you’re travelling, book any tickets you need, or get your car serviced if you’re driving.

Four weeks before Christmas

• Take advantage of Black Friday sales on the 27th of November to pick up gifts and supplies at a discounted price. Don’t worry, you don’t have to queue up outside a shop at 5am! Black Friday Vouchers offers deals and vouchers online, so you can shop from your living room.
• Mail gifts to any relatives who live overseas.
• Get your Christmas tree and decorate the house. Include the kids in this ritual and it will be a really special activity for the family.
• Make sure you have a supply of wrapping paper. You can make your own to add a personal touch, and to ensure that your wrapping paper is environmentally friendly and recyclable – a lot of shop-bought paper is coated in plastic, meaning it can’t be recycled.

Two weeks before Christmas

• Plan your Christmas-day menus and run them by your guests to make sure you have any allergies or preferences covered.
• Plan out your cooking so that you can make as much as possible ahead of time and freeze it rather than rushing around to do everything on the day.
• Book in an online grocery shop so that you can avoid the horror that is supermarkets in December.

Christmas week

• Buy in any last-minute food items that you couldn’t get in your online shop (in December, there are nearly always substitutions!)
• Start wrapping your presents – it’s always a bigger job than you expect.

Christmas Eve

• You’re all prepared, so enjoy the evening with family! Maybe start a new Christmas Eve tradition or curl up together in front of a Christmas movie with a hot chocolate. Bliss!