Our Top Tips For Moving House

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post. 

I have mentioned it before on our blog that last year we had a full home and garden makeover. It was long overdue and although it took almost a year to complete if was definitely worth it. We did think about moving house first as we knew it would be quite costly to have a complete makeover but we also had to consider the cost of moving house. We made a Pro's and Con's list for staying and moving but in the end we decided we wanted to stay where we are. If you are in the process of moving or just even thinking about it, I have created a top tips list for Moving House I thought I would share with you.

Keys on a house keyring


Top Tips For Moving House


1. Start to gather lots of boxes, sellotape, bubble wrap etc as soon as possible. You will need to pack up everything you own so having enough supplies will make the job a lot easier.

2. Declutter your house before you begin to pack. Getting rid of old stuff that you don't want or need before the move saves unnecessary packing. You don't want to take stuff to your new house that will end up in the bin anyway.

3. Start packing early. It can take up to two months to pack up a 3 bedroom house so make sure you give yourself plenty of time.

4. Pack up one room at a time. Once you have chosen a room, pack everything that is not needed first then leave empty boxes to pack up the remainder of the stuff at a later date. Keep all the boxes from each room together until removal day. It will make it so much easier when the boxes arrive at your new home.

5. Label everything

6. Have a large clear tub with items you will need when you arrive at your new home. Think about items such as your kettle, milk, sugar, mugs, paper towels, toiletries, toilet paper etc.

7. Number your boxes or create an inventory. This is probably more for the super organised person but I would definitely create an inventory of everything I've packed so I know if anything has gone missing in the move. If that is too organised for you just clearly number the boxes.

8. Take photos. This is something we have done in the past mainly of different wires and cables that go in and out of the TV, Sky Box etc. It really does help. There is nothing worse than a bunch of loose cables and you have no idea what goes where.

9. Updating your address can be done as early as two weeks for places such as your bank, your doctors or dentist. Also make sure you contact Royal Mail for their redirect of mail service.

10. When it comes to moving day make sure you look for cheap, affordable home removals as some can be quite costly. Also let the house removals company you have chosen do all the lifting and moving for you. You may think it's cheaper hiring a van or getting family or friends to help but it's a big job and I would let the professionals do all the hard work.

Do you have any other tips for moving house?

Michelle

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The Stolen Ones by Vanessa Curtis Book Review

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This post contains affiliate links

Her name is Inge. She is sixteen. She lives with her Mama and Papa in Munich. Food is still rationed, though the war ended over ten years ago. Her boyfriend is Jewish. She has to hide this from her parents. She thinks they are hiding something from her, too. Letters arrive every year on her birthday, but they are not addressed to her. They are for a girl named Kasia. This is Kasia's story. 

A historical and interesting young adult fiction based ten years after World War II ended. The Stolen Ones by Vanessa Curtis.

The Stolen Ones by Vanessa Curtis


This is now the fourth book I have read so far this year (which is a lot for me when by usual total is zero). The Stolen Ones wasn't the book I voted for in book club and I almost didn't join in. However I decided to take part last minute and I am glad I did. 

Inge is 16 years old. She lives in a nice home in a cul-de-sac with he Mama and Papa. She comes from a privileged home and although it is ten years post war in Munich when food is still hard to come by, they manage to get the best meat and the freshest of vegetables. Her life is a completely different to Wilf's. Wilf is her boyfriend. He lives in a small apartment with his Papa, Stefan. Money is tight, food is rationed although sometimes Inge feels more at home there and she does in her own home.  Wilf is Inge's secret. She does not think her Mama and Papa would approve. Wilf is a Jew. 

Inge seems to have everything she wants and needs except every night when she closes her eyes she has a nightmare. A nightmare she has had for years. Mama and Papa don't seem interested in her nightmares so Inge tries to forget about them until her nightmares start to reveal some truth about her past. 

Like I said earlier this isn't a book I would normally choose to read however the point of book club is to push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to read genres you usually wouldn't. I really did like this though but it did take me the whole month to get through instead of just a few weeks like the previous months. 

Check out our other Book Club reviews

       

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Michelle
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September 2021 | Looking Back

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I love looking back at our month to see all the things we got up to and what has happened over the past 30 days. The main thing for us this month was settling back in to the back to school routine. Things are going well for little J, he is really enjoying it. Big J doesn't start university till this month but hopefully he will settle well and enjoy it too.

two boys walking in to Oktoberfest


We had a last minute trip to Oktoberfest at Alton Towers which was definitely a highlight. Alton Towers is one of our favourite places to visit and although Oktoberfest isn't a new event for the resort it was our first time visiting.

The resort planned five huge events this year starting with Mardi Gras (which was amazing), Oktoberfest, Scarefest, Fireworks and Christmas. I am hoping we get to visit the last three as they are always a great day out. 

boy with a 1.4m wristband on


While we were at Alton we got little J measured and he has FINALLY reached 1.4m. He absolutely loves rollercoasters so he was over the moon and couldn't wait to try out a new ride. He chose Galactica and loved it so much he went on it twice.

McFly on stage


Another highlight was seeing my favourite band in concert, Mcfly. We booked the tickets almost two years ago so it was a very long wait but it was definitely worth it. Unfortunately Tom who is one of the lead vocalists caught Covid so had to isolate. I was really gutted as I wasn't sure what the concert would be like without him but his band mates stepped up and also brought in a little Tom from the band Chapter 13 to help sing Tom's parts.

McFly on stage


I've been going to McFly Concerts for as long as they have been putting on shows and I never get bored, they are amazing live. 

In Other News

We have had quite a few social events to go to this month so it's been a busy one. I don't think there has been one weekend when we haven't had something planned.

John and I joined the gym at the very beginning of the month and pleased to say that after 30 days we are feeling much better in ourselves. We've been to a variety of classes and also swimming and really hope we keep it up. 

Little J's football has started up again. They played two matches this month, lost 6-3 in one match and then won 2-1 in another.

We started and finished all three seasons of Manifest. I really enjoyed it at first but then it got a little crazy but I stuck with it. John loved it and he cannot wait for the fourth and final season next year. 

How was September for you?

Michelle
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Ideas To Keep You Busy In October

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We are officially in the last quarter of 2023. Does anyone else think this year has flown by? This month we can expect darker mornings and darker nights. The Autumn wind will make it a little bit colder than September and we will just want to curl up on the sofa. However if you are looking for some ideas on how to keep busy in October then check out below. 

october


Vodka Day (4th)
Vodka which is translated as 'little water' is my choice of spirit. I usually only enjoy it at the weekend however I might make an exception for Vodka Day.

Improve Your Office Day (4th)
So many people are still working from home so you may be working from an office, a spare room at home or from the dining room table. Wherever you do your work, todays the day to give your office a clean and a declutter to improve your working space. 

World Teachers Day (5th)
Teachers do an amazing job with our children every day throughout the school year, developing them in to the adults they will become. Today is the day to show our appreciation. 

Mad Hatter Day (6th)
Celebrate Mad Hatter day by watching Alice in Wonderland. Which one will you choose? I prefer the original but the remake featuring Johnny Depp was also great. 

Bathtub Day (7th)
The first bathtub was created on this day in 1828. Why not turn your tub in to a mini spa today and chill and relax.

Beer and Pizza Day (9th)
This may be a normal Saturday night combination for you but if not why not give it a try tonight.

Handbag Day (10th)
I don't really need an excuse to buy a new handbag which you may have guessed if you recently saw my Disney Loungefly collection on Instagram. If you don't fancy buying a new bag today maybe give your bag a clear out. 

Cake Decorating Day (10th)
The perfect way to spend an afternoon. 

Face Your Fears Day (10th)
We are all scared of something - what is your fear? Maybe you could try and face it today?

No Bra Day (13th)
No bra day was created to raise awareness of breast cancer which affects 1 in 8 women. Maybe use today to check your boobs and get rid of the bra. 

Dessert Day (14th) 
I will be enjoying a huge slice of rainbow cake to help celebrate Dessert Day today. What dessert will you choose?

Global Handwashing Day (15th)
Making sure we are continuing to wash our hands has been one of the main focuses over the past 20 months. Let's not get complacent and use today as a reminder how important washing our hands is. 

Department Store Day (16th)
Department stores can make life so much easier offering everything under one roof. Maybe pay one a visit today and start some early Christmas shopping. 

Chocolate Cupcake Day (18th)
Again I really don't need an excuse to enjoy any type of cake but today I will choose a chocolate cupcake. 

Pumpkin Day (26th)
Head out to your local patch today to pick a pumpkin. If you've already got one why not enjoy some pumpkin soup, pie or a pumpkin spiced latte. 

Happy Halloween (31st)
However you are spending today I hope you have a Happy Halloween


READ THESE NEXT




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Michelle

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A Mole Like No Other Exclusive Giveaway

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Disclosure - This is a paid collaboration. This post contains affiliate links. 

A few months ago we found A Mole Like No Other children's book. After just a few pages we had all fell in love with Moley as he begins his journey from an unwanted stuffed toy for sale at an Easter fair to the home of a little boy called Ashley.

A mole like no other book
A Mole Like No Other tells the story of a stuffed mole. All he knows is that for as long as he can remember he has been been pressed up against a bright yellow tractor and has had a smelly old football boot near his over sensitive nose. Moley is in a box of unwanted toys. Moley can only dream that one day he will see the light of day again. 

You can imagine how Moley must have felt when one day he feels the box lift off the ground, Moley is sure his life is about to change and begin again. Moley soon hears a familiar voice, one he hasn't heard for a long time. His owner Lorna. Lorna has taken Moley to an Easter fair to sell him however she is sure no one will want an 'ugly old mole' so even offers him for free. Will Moley find a new owner that will love and care for him?

Luckily Moley is bought by a little boy called Ashley. Ashley decides to call him Moley and takes him home to be with the rest of his stuffed toy animals. 

Moley's new home is a beautiful English cottage surrounded by nature and animals. Follow Moley as he makes lots of new friends thanks to Ashley's stuffed animals and real animals on his adventures. 

Since reading A Mole Like No Other we have followed some of the adventures of Moley through Julia's socials. Julia B. Grantham is a children's author and created A Mole Like No Other. A Mole Like No Other is a lovely bedtime story which we read together. The book touches on emotions and friendships. It's beautiful written, the characters are funny and intriguing, a perfect choice book to read  alone or aloud. 

I have teamed up with Julia to offer one lucky Playdays and Runways follower the chance to win a copy of A Mole Like No Other signed by Julia B Grantham, an exclusive hand-knitted Moley (only 6 have been hand made by a lady from Brazil) and some Moley chocolates.

All you need to do is complete the entry form below and pop back daily for bonus chances to win. 

If you are not lucky enough to win then you can purchase A Mole Like No Other over on Amazon and also head to Julia's twitter for updates on Moley's adventures.

Good Luck

Win A Signed Copy of Mole Like No Other Children's Book, Exclusive hand-knitted Moley and Moley chocolates

Michelle

Terms

Competition closes on Sunday 17th October 2021

Entrants must have a valid UK address. 

Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified. 

All entrants and entries are checked and verified. 

1 lucky winner will be chosen at random by the Gleam application. 

Playdays and Runways will contact the lucky winners within 7 days of the competition closing. 

The winners will be emailed to the email address given at the time of entering. 

The winners will not be announced on my blog or social media until they have agreed that their name can be displayed. 

The winners must respond within 28 days, if no response a new winner will be chosen. 

This prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative 

The Prize : A Mole Like No Other Children's Book signed by author, a hand knitted Moley and chocolates

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Young Adult Books Perfect For Halloween - Books2Door

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Disclosure - We where sent the products below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our unless stated. Books2Door referral scheme gives us both £5 off our orders by buying through this linkThis post contains affiliate links. 

As you may already know I joined a monthly book club earlier this year which I am loving being a part of. I think the last time I read a book was about 3 years ago whilst on holiday. I love reading but never seem to have the time. Since joining the book club I realised I do have time and I am whizzing through the books. I was asked recently to take a look at the books available from Books2Door. Books2Door were established in 2004 and do exactly as their name states, they deliver books straight to your door. The selection of children's books available is huge and at bargain prices too. 

book boxsets


As little J loves to read too I would usually choose him some books however I decided to take a look for myself. Although Books2Door is aimed at children there is a young adult section which suits me perfectly. Autumn and Halloween are upon us so I browsed for some books that would suit the season. 

the vampire diaries 13 book boxset


What better books to read as we approach Halloween, The Vampire Diaries Complete collection. The boxset is aimed at young adults however The Vampire Diaries is hugely popular with adults due to the success of the TV series The Vampire Diaries.

The vampire diaries book


The boxset consists of 13 books which follow Elena Gilbert who is a young girl attending high school but who soon finds herself torn between two Italian brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. You might think this sounds like any other high school romance or love triangle with twists and turns that young teens face through their teenage years but all is not as it seems. Readers will soon learn that the brothers are centuries old vampires.

Sticking with the vampire theme I also chose True Blood, Charlaine Harries, The Sookie Stackhouse series boxset. 

This boxset also includes 13 books which follows the life of Sookie. Sookie  is a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. She's quiet, keeps to herself, and doesn't get out much - not because she's not pretty, she's a very cute bubbly blonde, or not interested in a social life - she really is ... but Sookie's got a bit of a disability. She can read minds. And that doesn't make her too dateable.

Then comes along Bill. He's tall, he's dark and he's handsome - and Sookie can't 'hear' a word he's thinking. He's exactly the type of guy she's been waiting all her life for. But Bill has a disability of his own. He's fussy about his food, he doesn't like suntans and he's never around during the day, Bill's a vampire. Worse than that, he hangs with a seriously creepy crowd, with a reputation for trouble - of the murderous kind.

Sookie Stackhouse book


And then one of Sookie's colleagues at the bar is killed, and it's beginning to look like Sookie might be the next victim.

I cannot wait to start reading the books I chose. They will definitely get me in the mood for the spooky season. 

You will find thousands of books at Books2Door with some up 80% off their RRP plus free shipping on orders over £35. For more information or to browse the books available, visit Books2Door

Books2Door referral scheme gives us both £5 off our orders by buying through this link

Michelle
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Neon Effect Message Frame Giveaway

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The Neon Effect Message Frame allows you to create your own message by writing on the glass of the light up neon effect frame.

Neon effect message frame



The frame is 23cm square, made of plastic and features a glass panel in the centre of the frame which is perfect for writing your messages. All you need to do is use the bright, vibrant neon pens to create your messages. There are three colours to choose from, pink, green and orange. 

You can choose how you wish to display your frame. It can be hung on the wall or can be free standing on any flat surface. 

Once you have created your message all you need to do is turn on the frame and watch your message illuminate with a bright neon effect glow. 

Once you have finished all you need to do is simply wipe clean using a dry cloth and start all over again. 

Neon Effect Message Frame


I've teamed up with Wicked Uncle to give one our readers the chance to win a Neon Effect Message Frame. 

Wicked Uncle offer a range of gifts for all ages and occasions.

All you need to do is complete the entry form below and remember to pop back daily for bonus chances to win. 

Good Luck


Michelle

Terms

Competition closes on Sunday 3rd Oct 2021

Entrants must have a valid UK address. 

Bulk, third party or any other entries using automated software will be disqualified. 

All entrants and entries are checked and verified. 

1 lucky winner will be chosen at random by the Gleam application. 

Playdays and Runways will contact the lucky winners within 7 days of the competition closing. 

The winners will be emailed to the email address given at the time of entering. 

The winners will not be announced on my blog or social media until they have agreed that their name can be displayed. 

The winners must respond within 28 days, if no response a new winner will be chosen. 

This prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative 

The Prize : A Neon Effect Message Frame

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Roald Dahl Day - Ten Interesting Facts You May Not Know About The Author

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The 13th September is recognised around the world as Roald Dahl Day. Roald Dahl was born in Wales on the 13th September 1916 and would have celebrated his 105th birthday this year. We all know Roald Dahl for his children's books. Whether you are a fan or not you will have heard of his stories or seen the movie versions of the children's classics. Roald Dahl wasn't just a children's author, in fact he didn't start writing until much later on in his life after having children of his own. 

a selection of Roald Dahl books


There is much more to Roald Dahl and I have gathered ten very interesting facts that you may not know. 

1. Dahl was a young RAF pilot in World War 2. He almost died after his plane crashed suffering from skull, nose and spine injuries. He went on to have six surgeries and two hip replacements. 

2. He became a spy for William Stephenson during the War. 

3. Dahl worked alongside Ian Fleming as well as many others. It is said that due to his friendship with Fleming, Roald Dahl went on to write the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice and then co wrote the screenplay for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Roald Dahl created one of the scariest children's villains of all time, The child catcher.

4. When Roald Dahls daughter was seven she died from measles complications. The virus entered Olivias brain and caused inflammation. 

5. Roald Dahl reached a height of 6ft 6 when he became an adult. 

roald dahl book


6. Roald Dahls first children's book, James and The Giant Peach appeared in the US in 1961. It was banned in several states as people claimed it encouraged disobedience, there were flirtatious characters and it referenced drugs and alcohol. 

7. It was 1967 before a British publisher decided to publish James and The Giant peach in the UK. Roald Dahl had to front up half the costs of publishing or the deal was off. 

roald dahl book


8. Gobblefunk language was created by Roald Dahl and features hundreds of words including ringbeller, trogglehumper, whizzpopping, biffsquiggled and gizzardgulping. An Oxford Roald Dahl dictionary was created in 2016 to mark his 100th birthday.

9. Roald Dahl had a dislike for beards. It was because of his dislike he created The Twits as a campaign against them.

10. At the time of his death, Roald Dahl was planning a 3rd instalment to his popular classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The book was to be called Charlie and The White House. 

How many of these facts did you already know? Do you have any others you can share? 

roald dahl books


We are huge fans of Roald Dahl, both his books and the their movie versions. We first introduced little J to his stories way back in 2015 when McDonalds featured Roald Dahl books in their Happy Meals. I think everyone has their own favourite and for me it's Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory movie. The original starring Gene Wilder just reminds me of when I was little and I just loved it. I would watch it all the time. 

What's your favourite book or movie?

Michelle
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