Julia Donaldson Superworm Trail at Delamere Forest

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New for 2022 at Delamere Forest is the Julia Donaldson Superworm trail. The Superworm trail is based on the popular Julia Donaldson children’s picture book Superworm. These trails are really popular and are a lovely way to take you on an adventure through the forest.

What To Expect At The Superworm Trail, Delamere Forest, CW8 2HZ

The Superworm trail takes you on a path through the forest on the lookout for six Superworm activity boards. Each activity board represents an animal from the Superworm story. You will find out the animals super power, a variety of different facts and an activity for you to complete. 

There is a trail pack to purchase from the visitor centre for £3.50. You do not need to purchase the pack to enjoy the trail however it does contain a mask, fact cards for the animals along the trail, an activity booklet and crayon. The activity booklet has an exclusive activity you can complete along the trail. 

There are lots of 'Gruffalo' statues still in place along the trail such as the mouse, owl and fox.

Along the trail there are many opportunities for you to go off the beaten track and explore the woods. There are lots of open spaces with logs to walk across, bugs to find and dens to be made. 

There are benches along the way to enjoy a picnic or just a rest. 

The trail takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes however this will depend on how fast or slow you take it. If you head into the woods, enjoy a picnic and do the activities it could easily fill 2-3 hours. 

Whilst there is no cost for the Superworm Trail, Delamere Forest is part of Forestry England and therefore there are car parking charges applicable. There are a few car parks around the forest however the purpose built car park next to the visitor centre and cafe is huge and I would recommend it.

The new visitor centre and cafe was built during 2020 and is a huge improvement on the old centre. There is a huge toilet block, cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and visitor centre. There is a wide range of hot and cold meals, snacks, cakes and ice cream. 

You can also access a range of walking trails close to the visitor centre. If you fancy heading up in to the trees you can also visit the Go Ape Tree top Challenge. 

We have visited Delamere Forest many times over the years and it was once home to the Gruffalo Trail and The Gruffalo Orienteering Trail. However the Gruffalo statue is now in need of repair and restoration due to weather damage and wear and tear. The Gruffalo statue has now been removed but it has made way for the Superworm trail which I know will be popular amongst fans of the book and short film.

You can join in with the Superworm trail at the following

Alice Holt

Bedgebury Pinetum

Beechenhurst

Cannock Chase

Cardinham Woods

Dalby Forest

Delamere Forest

Fineshade Wood

Gisburn Forest

Grizedale Forest

Guisborough Forest

Haldon Forest Park

Hamsterley Forest

Haughmond Hill

Hicks Lodge

High Lodge

Jeskyns

Kielder Forest

Moors Valley Country Park

Salcey Forest

Sherwood Pines

Thames Chase

Wendover Woods

Westonbirt Arboretum

Whinlatter Forset

Wyre

Have you visited any of the Julia Donaldson trails? Leave us a comment below and let us know.

 You can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

Michelle

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5 Essentials To Pack For A Disney Holiday

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post. All thoughts for this post, photos and opinions are my own. 

When it comes to packing for a Disney holiday your essentials may be suitable footwear, clothes, suncream, passports and money however my packing essential list is completely different. When I pack for Disney there are five essential items I must take on a Disney holiday.

Loungefly Bag

Whenever you go into a Disney park you are most certainly going to spot a Loungefly. If you don't know what a Loungefly is then it is a brand of backpacks, cross body bags, wallets and wristlets. Loungefly have collaborated with brands including Disney, Harry Potter and other TV and Film favourites.

Over the years I have collected lots of Disney Loungefly bags so it actually makes it harder for me to choose just a few to take on each Disney holiday. I will usually try and choose few bags each trip and select clothes to match the bag.

Loungefly bags are a must have for any Disney fans and if you don’t have any with you’ll be sure to pick up one or two whilst at the parks.

Disney Ears

Disney Ears are also an essential for me. Whenever we go to Disney I’m sure to be wearing a pair of ears throughout our trip. There are so many ears to choose from either from Shop Disney or you can visit Etsy or Instagram sellers who can make you custom-made ears which are usually at a cheaper price than those in the parks or shops. 

Wearing ears in Disney really makes you feel part of the magic and they’re not just for grown-ups, you can also get them for little ones.

Disney Clothing

I personally don’t need to be in a Disney park to wear Disney clothing, most of my wardrobe is Disney branded however it is nice to wear T-shirts or Disney branded clothes when you're in a Disney park. There are so many shops that offer Disney branded clothes that are easily accessible including your local supermarkets such as Asda, Sainsburys and Tesco. Whenever I’m doing my weekly shop I will always head to the clothing section to check out what Disney clothes they have in store that week.

If it's your first trip to a Disney park or a big family holiday you may have seen families wearing personalised T-shirts and personalised hoodies to mark this occasion.

I have also Disney bounded in the past and if you are unfamiliar with Disney bounding it is choosing and wearing an outfit in the colours of one of your favourite characters. For example if Snow White is your favourite character you will want to wear blue, yellow and red outfit. Disney bounding is great for those who want to dress up, as the Disney parks do not allow adults to dress up in Disney dress up costumes so Disney bounding is the next best thing.

Disney Pins

Disney pin trading has been very popular even since big J was little. Collecting Disney pins can be a big part of your Disney holiday experience. There are many ways to collect pins. You can go to the stores and buy them, take pins that you already have or you can approach cast members wearing pin lanyards to trade.

Pin trading is such a fun thing to do and it’s nice to find out the history of some of the pins, as when you trade the cast members will always tell you when and where they got the pin.

Autograph book

Having an autograph book when you’re in Disney is a must have essential. Over the years we have waited until we’ve got into the parks to buy an autograph book but what we have found is that we usually end up rushing to a store to buy one because we have spotted a character close by. To save this stress and chaos it’s so much easier to purchase an autograph book before you go. You can actually buy official autograph books on Shop Disney however there are other places that you can get Disney branded autograph books too. I would also recommend taking a pen with you as it’s been known for Disney pens to run out quite quickly and you don’t want to get stuck without a pen whilst a character is trying to sign your autograph book.

What are your packing essentials for a Disney holiday? Leave us a comment below and let us know what you are looking forward to. Also if you are looking for more posts about Disney holidays you can check them out visiting our All Things Disney page. 

You can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you, you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

Michelle

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PAJ All Round Finder 4G Tracker

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Disclosure - We were sent the products below for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own unless stated. We were also compensated for our time.

The PAJ All Round Finder 4G tracker is a modern tracking device that you can use for many reasons.  Think ‘find my iPhone’ without the expense of an iPhone to track. PAJ offer a number of GPS tracker products, and the one I wanted to try out was the ‘All Round’ tracker that can be used for tracking people, cars, deliveries, luggage, anything really. 

The All Round Tracker comes with 4G enabled and works in most countries so you really can use it anywhere. The 4G network is more reliable and gives better tracking than less powerful 2G or 3G networks. It has a SIM built in which does need a subscription to be used. Subscriptions come from as little as £4 per month. 

When you set up the tracker you install the PAJ app onto your device which shows the location of the device and allows you to select your preferred settings. Here is where you can really personalise your device to be used how you wish. 

You can set alerts to be sent to your device if the tracker goes out of a certain radius or moves at a speed higher than you select. Great for tracking young drivers who don’t have a black box fitted. There is also an SOS button on the side of the tracker that will send an alarm to your device when pressed. An alarm can also be sent if the tracker is moved or shaken. 

We have been using the PAJ in the car however we are really looking forward to using it over the Summer when we are travelling. It will be ideal for our luggage and also as a people finder when our eldest is out exploring.

With a battery life of 40 days and a short charge time, you don’t have to worry about the tracker running out of power. The tracker will send an alert to your device when the battery is low. 

The tracker is about the size of a first or second generation iPhone, and a little heavier than the phones of today, so it wouldn’t be ideal for little ones to have in pockets for example, however PAJ do make a smaller tracker designed for people. 

All in all if you are thinking about a tracker, the PAJ All Round Tracker is a good choice, with a decent price and low subscription fees. 

Have you considered using a tracker before? Leave us a comment below. 

You can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

Michelle

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Marvel Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris

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Disneyland Paris have finally announced the opening date for the new Marvel Avengers Campus. Guests visiting Disneyland Paris can enjoy all the new attractions at the Campus from 20th July 2022. If you are familiar with Disneyland Paris then you will know that the backlot in Walt Disney Studios has been closed and has been under refurbishment. When entering Walt Disney Studios the back lot was in the far left hand corner and was home to Aerosmith Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Armageddon. The area also featured a meet and greet with Spiderman. The refurbishment is now complete and the backlot will be transformed in to the new Avengers Campus. 

So What Can We Expect?

Marvel Avengers Campus first appeared in Disneyland, California and I think Disneyland Paris' version will be very similar with the back lot having a Marvel makeover. 

Avengers Assemble: Flight Force

Team up with Iron Man and Captain Marvel to help them save the world from an intergalactic threat. Earth is counting on you.

Minimum height: 1.20 m

Although this has not been confirmed I think this may be a rebrand of the Aerosmith Rock 'n' Rollercoaster. 

Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure

Unleash your inner hero in an action-packed mission alongside Spidey himself, and use your innovative new tech to sling your own web and catch all the Spider-Bots before they wreak total techno-havoc across the Campus.

No minimum height

From images provided by Disneyland Paris this looks very similar to the LEGO Ninjago ride at Legoland Windsor

Meet The Avengers

Anything can happen at Marvel Avengers Campus so make sure you are on the look out as you may just find Black Panther, Thor and their fellow Avengers roaming the campus looking for new recruits. 

Stark Factory

Stark Factory is a quick service diner offering pizza, pasta and salads.

PYM Kitchen

Using Ant Man and The Wasps PYM shrinking and growing technology, chefs have created an all you can eat buffet with a variety of unusually sized mains and desserts to enjoy. 

At the end of a Marvel filled day the fun doesn't have to stop as you can head to Disney Hotel New York  - The Art of Marvel. 

Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel 

The hotel is the first of its kind at Disneyland Paris offering guests a unique experience. The hotel is the only hotel were you can meet Marvel Super Heroes and admire over 300 pieces of Marvel artwork by more than 50 international artists.

There are a wide selection of rooms available at The Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel ranging from Superior rooms to Empire State Club Rooms and Suites. Choosing a room will depend on how many guests you are travelling with, your budget and also whether you wish to have breakfast at the hotel included. If you are staying room only, breakfast is only available to those staying in the Empire State Club Rooms and Suites.

As a huge Disney and Marvel fan I think the additional of Marvel Avengers Campus is fantastic for fans of the movies and superheroes. It will fit right in with the theming of Walt Disney Studios and I cannot wait to visit. We are already booked in to visit the campus and I cannot wait to share our experience with you all. 

Have you been looking forward to Marvel Avengers Campus? Leave us a comment below and let us know what you are looking forward to. Also if you are looking for more posts about Disneyland Paris you can check them out visiting our All Things Disney page. You can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

Michelle

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Disney Pixar Lightyear Movie Review

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Being huge Disney fans we were so excited when Disney announced they were making a new movie 'Lightyear'. Over the past few months we have seen small trailers for the movie and at the weekend we finally got to watch Disney Pixar’s Lightyear.  I usually don't look at reviews before we go to see a movie however some of the reviews were hard to miss as they hit social media last week. Unfortunately the reviews haven’t all been positive however I like to make my own mind up when it comes to movies and I am so glad we decided to go because we all loved it. 

If you are unsure where ‘Lightyear’ fits in to the Toy Story timeline then let me try and explain. In Toy Story Andy receives a Buzz Lightyear action figure for his birthday. What we never knew was where did Buzz come from? Was he just a random figure or was he based on something? Well when watching Lightyear we found out that Lightyear is the movie that Andy went to see way back in 1995. Buzz Lightyear merchandise was created because of the movie and that is why Andy wanted the action figure for his birthday. So Lightyear isn't a prequel to Toy Story however there are subtle nods back to the original movies. 

Lightyear begins with Buzz being partnered with Alisha Hawthorne, his best friend on a special mission for space rangers. They have a really special friendship which see's them joke together and share memories of past missions. Alisha mocks Buzz constantly for recording captains logs in to the device on his arm, something we see in Toy Story when Buzz believes he's a real space ranger. Before each adventure Alisha and Buzz touch fingers and say 'To Infinity and Beyond'.

Buzz Lightyear, the movie character, is exactly the same as the Buzz figure in Toy Story. He's stubborn and believe he knows best. He constantly goes against the advice of his team and his ship’s autopilot navigator I.V.A.N. Because of his stubbornness the ship he’s flying crashes, marooning everyone on a hostile planet filled with killer vines and bugs. Buzz cannot live with his guilt so now makes it his mission to discover an energy source that will help them achieve hyperspace and get off the planet.

Can Buzz Lightyear achieve Hyperspace and if he does, at what cost? With the help of Sox a robot cat (who for me is the star of the movie) and 3 unlikely companions we see Buzz Lightyear on a space adventure which will see him come face to face with his arch enemy, Zurg and the race to finish his mission. 

I would definitely recommend heading to the cinema to see Lightyear. It has a running time of 107 mins, fun for the family and ideal for fans of the character Buzz Lightyear.

Are you going to see Lightyear?  Leave us a comment below and let us know or if you have seen the movie, your thoughts. Also if you are looking for more posts about Disney you can check them out visiting our All Things Disney page. You can always keep up to date with us on our socials, give us a like on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or if this post has helped you you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

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Home Improvements: Tips & Tricks for 2022

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Disclosure - #AD. In the interest of disclosure and transparency, the syndication of this article has been provided and paid for by FBD Insurance.

No matter where you live, your home is your sanctuary. It can be tricky to manage our spaces well, though, especially nowadays when many of us are relaxing, studying and working at home. As things slowly get back to normal, we have a great opportunity to spruce up our spaces with some basic home improvements. These four simple steps from FBD Insurance will help you make the most of your house, turning it into the warm and inviting home you and your family deserve.

1. Take Back Your Space

Some homeowners and renters are lucky enough to have walk-in wardrobes, floored attics and adjoining garages. For the rest of us, storage is an ongoing challenge, with overflowing drawers, piles of papers and boxes of toys dotted around the house.

Installing built-in wardrobes and smart storage solutions is one way to deal with this problem, but there are simple, less expensive options too. IKEA has a large range of bookcases, shelving units, cabinets and cupboards, along with smart tips, display ideas and detailed instructions for those of us who aren’t handy with a screwdriver (www.ikea.com). Their Circular Hub has lots of ex-display products, discontinued furniture and preloved items – helping to reduce your shopping bills and waste too!

2. Upgrade Your Garden

We’re spending more time in the fresh air than we’ve ever done before, so why not make it a comfortable experience? There are lots of home improvements we can do to make our garden suitable for all weather that don’t require a big budget or major renovation skills.

 One simple solution is to add colour with trees, plants, flowers or a carefully-managed lawn. Speak to the experts at your local garden centre if you’re unsure what will grow well in your area. If you have a small space, try planting vertically, with wall trellises or hanging flower pots. Wooden pallets, old ladders or even forgotten furniture like dressing tables offer a cool and quirky way to upcycle rather than buy. Add extra comfort with outdoor rugs, cushions and blankets and build or buy a waterproof chest to store them in.

3. Bring The Great Outdoors Inside

If you don’t have exterior space, there are still lots of ways to bring the outdoors inside. Introducing natural products and textiles to our homes can be a great way to borrow a little of the sense of calm and relaxation that we get from being immersed in the natural environment.

You could start simply, with a couple of indoor plants or a vase of seasonal flowers. If you don’t fancy a regular watering and tending routine, there are great quality fake versions available nowadays that offer colour and cheer without any need for maintenance.

Sheepskin cushions, seagrass rugs or leather seats all remind us of nature, adding interest as well as comfort. Reclaimed timbers and distressed materials lend character to furniture, particularly when used in centrepiece coffee or dining room tables. If you feel like getting creative, keep an eye out for interesting pieces of driftwood at the beach or a curiously-shaped fallen branch in your local forest – these are great ways to add unique style to your home.

4. Freshen Up Your Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of most homes: there’s always plenty of warmth, comfort and craic to be had there. As a result, they’re often busy places, filled with food, servingware and family flotsam and jetsam. One great way to clear some space is to add hooks to the ceiling or cabinet undersides, using them to hang herbs and store the bigger pots and pans that mightn’t get used every day.

Pouring cereal, rice and pasta into clear glass jars adds a sense of sophistication to the space, while changing out the hardware (knobs, handles and taps) is a simple and often inexpensive way to freshen up your design, adding a splash of colour or a sleek new look.

 Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, a first-time buyer or an apartment-dweller, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right home insurance for you. Find a great value quote from FBD Insurance now to get peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected.

Michelle

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Packing Hacks For Families On The Move

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Disclosure - This blog has been written and provided by An Post Insurance. #ad

It’s been a while, but many of us are thinking about dusting off our passports, pulling the luggage out of the attic and setting off on long-awaited family holidays. Whether you’re scheduled for a beach break in sunny Spain, a skiing adventure on the Swiss slopes or a fun-filled foray along the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll be wondering what to pack. There’s nothing worse than opening your case to find one sock and half a swimsuit, so it’s worth taking the time to make sure you do it right – and An Post Insurance have got a couple of handy hacks to help you on your way.

Check The Weather

Sure, it can change last-minute, but there are lots of great apps available to help you gauge what type of weather to expect. There’s a big difference between packing wellies and waterproofs or sandals and shorts, so it pays to check the forecast before you set off. If in doubt, include some lightweight layers, an easily-foldable raincoat and water-resistant shoes. It won’t win any fashion awards, but a cheap and cheerful plastic poncho is always a handy addition to your backpack.

Fill Your Phone

While holidays are back, they’re not without new rules and regulations – all designed to keep us as safe as possible while we travel. It’s important to check the official tourist sites for both your home country and your destination location to make sure you’re up to date with the latest developments. You’ll probably have to prepare some paperwork in advance, so give yourself plenty of time, print originals where required, and keep copies of everything in your phone, from booking confirmations to important contact details. That way, if you’re asked to provide a certificate, a form or your ID, you’ll always have a copy in the palm of your hand.

Start Writing Lists

Yes, it probably does mean you’re turning into your mother, but a list is a traveller’s best friend. Make one for each member of the family, and put the most important must-haves at the top; that way, if you run out of space, it’s no big deal to cross a few items. Once you’ve finalised your list, take a copy with you on your trip, so that you can cross-check it on the way home to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. Much-loved teddy bears have been known to hide under hotel beds!

Pack Smart

Much has changed about flying these days, but luggage limits remain as tight as ever. Invest in a small luggage scale to make sure you don’t face extra charges at the airport. It’s worth leaving a little room too, in case you want to bring home any souvenirs from your trip, such as olive oil, local coffee or a stick of rock. Maybe skip the stinky cheese though, or at least wrap it extra-carefully! Packing cubes are a great way to protect your delicates and keep your small items separate, allowing for easy access to your swim shorts the minute you arrive. If you’re going to use locks, make sure they’re airport-safe, so officials won’t break them off while carrying out routine checks.

Make Sure You’re Covered

That means with sunscreen, mosquito repellent and great value travel insurance too. Accidents can happen, whether it’s something as simple as a lost wallet or as serious as a personal injury. Good travel insurance gives you the peace of mind you need to fully relax on your holidays – if things go wrong while you're abroad, you can rest easy knowing you will get the assistance, cover and care you need. 

That way, you can get on with enjoying your much-deserved break, ordering dessert every night and making memories your family will treasure forever.

An Post Insurance can also protect you in other aspects of your life – including car and home insurance. Find an insurance quote online now.

Michelle

An Post Insurance Travel Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Chubb European Group SE.

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All the information on this blog is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. While An Post Insurance makes every effort to ensure that the information appearing on this blog is accurate and complete, it does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability or accuracy of this information, whether express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. Any action you take upon the information you find on this blog is strictly at your own risk. An Post Insurance will not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses and/or damages in connection with the use of, or action taken in reliance on information contained in our blog.

Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of An Post Insurance. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites and if you click on links to these websites you will be subject to the terms and conditions of those sites. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.

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How to Save Money to Buy Your First Car

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Disclosure - [AD] This article has been written and provided by Liberty Insurance. 

Getting your driving license is usually a huge life milestone. The second step towards gaining independence and freedom of movement involves buying your first car. However, it’s a significant investment, meaning it’s common for several months or even a couple of years to pass between both rites of passage. If you are going through this process, some of the tips below might help you save towards your first car.

Five tips for saving up to buy a car

Keep track of what you spend

If you’re not sure where you’re spending your money, it’ll be very difficult to save. So, it might be an idea to record all your daily expenses. You might want to write down all your expenses in a notebook or use applications such as Mint, which might help you track your financial activity by automatically recording each transaction you make from any of your accounts. 

Interestingly, such applications break down your spending patterns. This way, you’ll be able to easily detect those “ant expenses” that aren’t really necessary and that we generally don’t pay attention to, but that can represent a significant chunk of money at the end of the month. Once you know what you’re spending your money on, you can determine which areas to cut out.

Apply an effective savings method

Good intentions often don’t materialise if you don’t have an action plan to put them into practice. It might be helpful to first determine how much money you can save each month and then look at the different savings methods available. The 52-week method, for example, consists of saving 1 euro the first week, 2 euros  the following week, and so on until you reach week 52, in which you’ll deposit 52 euros . In the end, you’ll have saved 1,378 euros. 

Another method for saving money is to divide the money into different accounts. The first, to which you can allocate 50% of your salary, will be used to cover your basic expenses, such as rent, electricity, food and transportation. In the second account, you can deposit 30% of your salary and it will be used to pay for your personal and leisure expenses. The third account, to which you can allocate 20% of your salary, will be dedicated to savings. With this system of compartmentalised accounts, you’ll avoid the temptation of spending the money that’s meant for your savings.

Automate your savings

Some banks provide the option to automate your savings by applying different rules. You might be able to set a limit on the maximum balance in your regular account. This way, when you exceed that amount, the money is automatically transferred to your savings account, either when you receive your payroll or at the end of the month. You might also be able to set a percentage of your income to automatically transfer to your savings every month. 

Another alternative might be to use rounding applications that many banks also make available to their customers. In practice, each time you make a purchase, the application rounds the amount, automatically transferring the remaining cents to your savings account. This way, you’re saving money every time you pay for something, without having to worry about it. 

Wait for the right moment

Saving up to buy a car not only means saving more money, but also making good decisions. Car dealers, like all companies, set a series of sales objectives that usually coincide with the end of a set period, whether monthly, quarterly or annually. If those goals haven’t been met, they might launch more aggressive discount campaigns or might be more willing to negotiate the final price. 

If you don’t mind buying a car in stock, they are also usually cheaper than those ordered from the factory. The only “downside” is that you’ll have fewer customisation options, both in terms of the colour of the car and its finishes and accessories. 

Be open to different options

If you want to save on the purchase of your first car, it might be an idea to look at the different alternatives. Buying a pre-registered new car, for example, can save you between 15 and 20% compared to the price of that same car that hasn’t been registered. These are new vehicles, meaning they haven’t been used, and they’ve simply already been registered by the dealer or manufacturer for commercial reasons. The only drawback is that the warranty period is shorter, since it begins when the vehicle is first registered. 

Used cars represent another interesting alternative when it comes to saving money. These are semi-new vehicles that dealers often use as test cars, so that customers can experience the feeling of driving them before making the purchase. One advantage to buying a used car, in addition to their cheaper price, is that you can drive the car home in just a few days.

While you’re saving for your first car, finding affordable car insurance will also be on your mind. Find a quote for car insurance from Liberty Insurance now. 

Please note the above gives you some practical steps and does not constitute financial advice.

How did you save for your first car?

Michelle

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10 Bucket List Ideas For A Coastal Summer

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post.

Bucket lists don’t have to be those once-in-a-lifetime activities that you spend hundreds of dollars for. A good bucket list has a balance of great things to do, from the mundane to the thrilling. Whether you live in San Diego or plan to visit this summer, here’s a list of things you can add to your bucket list. The best recommendation is to enjoy San Diego whale watching.

How To Make The Most Of A Summer By The Beach

Living near a coastal area comes with certain expectations, such that you need to be out on the beach when you’re off work. Drop the expectations that life on the coast is always fun. Instead of trying to do everything, choose a few new activities this summer that you can prioritize.  Don’t do the same things you do every summer. Drop a few fun things that you’ve never done on your bucket list.

Activities For The Best Beach Summer

San Diego is the perfect place for a beach summer. There are hundreds of activities in the area and dozens of different beaches to visit. Here are some new ideas for your summer vacation.

Go on a yacht dinner cruise. Enjoy a sunset from the ocean while you relax and let someone else take care of cooking and cleanup.

Take your canine buddy to the dog beach. Ocean Beach has a section where dogs can be off-leash in the ocean. Bring a buddy to help you get pictures.

Plan a time to be at the beach where you can enjoy the tide pools. You’ll need to check the best times for tide pools. Kids aren’t the only ones who are fascinated by the marine life at low tide.

Take a ride along the coast. When was the last time you just drove up the coast to take in the views? Want to be more eco-friendly? Rent bikes and ride around the beach areas.

Explore the artwork and murals near the beaches. Ocean Beach is known for its murals, but many beaches have murals that describe the history of the beach.

Take part in a clean-up day on the beach. These activities can be enlightening and fun.

Take a family photo at the beach. This may sound like a tame idea for a bucket list, but it can be a challenge to get everyone together for a photo op. Once you take it, get it printed out and framed.

Enjoy a sunset on the beach and wait to gaze at the stars. If you can find an area without noise pollution, you’ll see a sky that you’ve forgotten.

Take a local tour that lets you explore a new area. Go whale watching or take a seal tour. These activities can remind you about the challenges to wildlife.

Go fishing off the pier or from the beach.

Remember that San Diego whale watching season 2022 is all year long. The summer months are best for watching the blue whales, but you’ll spot different whales all throughout the year in the San Diego harbour.

Michelle

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Unsolved Case Files Avery Gardner Game Review

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Disclaimer - this is a collaborative post 

We are huge fans of crime shows and we love a good murder mystery or a visit to an escape room. Last year we came across Unsolved Case Files and have been working our way through the range and we have just cracked the case of Avery Gardner. Unsolved Case Files are nothing like I've seen before. The game layout and attention to detail make you feel like you are the detective on the case.

The case of Avery Gardner starts at 4:23am when a man broke into a remote lake house where 19 year old twins Avery and Zoey Gardner were asleep. An unidentified man murdered Avery and abducted Zoey before first responders could arrive. 

Police departments across two states are currently hunting for Avery's killer and her twin sister Zoey, but neither have been found. 

Homicide detective, Angie Cullen, made a breakthrough in the case but then mysteriously disappeared. She left her detectives notebook behind but authorities are not sure what to make of it. 

The killer is on the loose with two lives in his hands. Can you solve the case and get to Zoey and the detective before it's too late?

Each Unsolved Case File comes in an 'evidence' wallet that is sealed and only to be opened by authorised personnel. Once opened you are now the lead detective on the case and have to look through all the evidence given to try and solve three objectives. 

In the case of Avery Gardner your three objectives are 

• Identify the Accomplice
• Identify the Killer
• Find the Detective

The wallet is filled with evidence that you really do need to take the time to read. The instructions ask you to start with Angie's Detective Notebook and then you can pick and choose what evidence to look at next including photographs, newspaper clipping, autopsy report, CSI reports, witness statements, maps.

We usually work in a pair and either read each piece together or split the evidence in two and feedback to each other what we think may be important to the case. 

Once you are confident you have solved the first objective you need to go online. Head to the website address and answer a few questions. If you answer correctly you are then told to open an envelope with further evidence inside and your next objective. If you are wrong then you need to go back and check the evidence again as you may have missed an important detail. Once you have solved all three objectives you have cracked the case.

I would definitely recommend Unsolved Case Files for teens and above. You do need to have patience and enjoy solving puzzles and mysteries. The estimated playing time for each Unsolved Case File is at least 2-3 hours however our first case took us almost double that time. If you are playing in groups it may not take as long as you work together. Once played it is unlikely you will play again as you will have already cracked the case so it is a 'one time' game only. Having said that you can pop all the evidence back in the wallet and pass to family and friends who may enjoy trying to crack the case. 

For more information on Unsolved Case Files and to purchase you can visit their Amazon store. If you would like to be in with the chance to win your own Unsolved Case File then you can enter our giveaway below. All you need to do is visit Unsolved Case Files and leave me a comment saying.. I would like to win the Unsolved Case File of ....

Good Luck

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Michelle

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