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Ten Things People Have Been Buying During Lockdown

February 20, 2021 by Anne Sweet 2 Comments

I came across a thread of people talking about the things that they have bought during lockdown. It seems lockdown buying has had a boost and people have been spending on all sorts from necessities to luxuries. First up, here is my list of purchases that I probably would not have bought if we had not been in lockdown.

My Lockdown Buying List

laptop – I bought my son a new laptop but the girl’s are on loan from their school.
Garden Furniture – during the summer lockdown we needed more seating for the garden
Pyjamas – new for me and the kids. We have been getting dressed every day, but it seems like pjs are the luxury clothing now
printer ink and paper – quite a common one, lots of things printed off for school
Books, physical, ebooks and audio books
Headphones- so the kids can listen to their lessons. But ones with microphones fitted which they didn’t have before.
Multiple Charger plugs – argh, so many gadgets to charge all the time
Vitamin D tablets – we don’t get out enough
Educational programs – both for the kids and myself.
Disney+ although our subscription didn’t last long as we couldn’t put it on our old television

I think I’m fairly normal in my extra purchases. I did buy a new freezer, but only because our old one was, well, old. We needed it and would have bought it anyway, it wasn’t to store any extra food.

Top Ten Things People Have Been Buying During Lockdown

10 things people have been buying in lockdown printed over a shopping bag

Now, for the top ten purchases. This is by no means qualified by sales reports, just by what others have been saying they have bought and my own research. I will include some links to products which may be affliate links. It’s up to you whether you click through or not.

Clothing – mostly because the type of clothing people have been wearing in lock down has changed. Daily exercise is allowed as is going for walks so many people have invested in sports wear and outdoor clothing such as waterproofs, wellies and running shoes. There has also been an increase in loungewear, including pyjamas and loose fitting clothing. Also, warm sweaters or even dressing gowns (or Oodies) have been popular for outdoor use and for keeping warm at home without having the heating on all day.
Kitchen Gadgets – More people have been spending time in the kitchen trying out more cooking and gadgets have become popular, sandwich toasters, bread makers, soup makers, slow cookers, smoothie maker, yoghurt maker and anything else of use. People have also invested in new or extra fridges and freezers for storage and dishwashers to help with the cleaning.
Television Entertainment – It’s boring being stuck at home all day and sometimes terrestrial television is not enough. So there has been an increase in subscriptions to providers like Netflix, Britbox, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. There is a lot available for those seeking to chill out in front of the TV or occupy the kids.
Gaming Entertainment – There have been more people buying gaming consoles and new games. Some games are great for getting the whole family playing together. You can keep the kids entertained, you can have fun yourself, or you can use your consoles for exercise, the Ring Fit is a popular choice. Some Adults and older children now have virtual headsets for a better gaming experience. Sliding away from the entertainment side, gadgets have also been purchased for keeping in touch with others. iPads and phones are used for keeping in touch with friends and relatives
Headphones/Earpods – these are a necessity when you have more than one child learning online. They need to concentrate on their own classes. They also provide a way for them to keep in touch with their friends if they have microphones. They are also ideal if you need to conduct meetings online for work. They are great for listening to your own type of music without disturbing anyone, listening to music or podcasts while exercising, and listening to audio books.
Non Electronic Entertainment – With a lot of the kids school work being done on screens it’s great to get away from them for a while and try something new. Board games have been popular as have jigsaw puzzles, painting by numbers and other arts and crafts. Also lots of wool for those who knit and crochet and material for those that sew. People have been learning new skills and making new things.
Books – Books are a great way to get away from it all, immerse yourself in an adventure, romance, horror, whatever takes your fancy. They are also great for kids, younger ones love being read to, older ones love to curl up with a good story. But you can also learn from books, and educational books have seen a big increase in purchases.
Health Products – Being healthy is really important. A lot of people have not been living the lives they normally lead and although healthy eating should be a priority it’s not always possible. This means people have been buying more health products from vitamins to heat pads. There has also been an increase in the need for exercise aids such as yoga mats, exercise bikes fitness steps and so on.
Educational Products – Children have mostly had their lessons online, but there is also a need for extra educational books and writing utensils. There are online tutors and education resources you can pay for. Not just the children though, a lot of adults have been learning new stuff too. I guess we can also add printer paper and ink to this category, this has been a vital resource for many.
Pets – There is no better time to have a pet than when you are at home all the time and they make great company too. Many animals have found new homes during lockdown.

I’m Sure There is More Buying Going on!

My list is not extensive, I’m pretty sure there is a lot more that can be added to it. People may be buying more food than usual during lockdown, or more take aways. And what about Face Coverings, or cleaning products. I’ve heard of a lot of people investing in robot cleaners and I was tempted…but then I realised that with all this time at home why would you need something else to do the cleaning for you. I guess it must be those that need to clean up several times a day thanks to children or pets.

I’m thinking that many homes have been cleaned from top to bottom, cleaning product sales must be really high. Also, it has been a great time for having a good clean out of all the things you don’t need, so those looking to buy stuff second hand will have been able to buy more.

When the first lockdown happened, a lot of people relied on the comfort of their own back garden, so they probably decided they needed to have new garden equipment from lawnmowers to washing lines, swings to hot tubs.

What sort of things could you add to the list? What have you been buying during lockdown?

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Amazing Help for Sore, Itchy Scalps from Balmonds Scalp Oil

January 20, 2021 by Anne Sweet Leave a Comment

I’ve been trying some Balmonds Scalp Oil for itchy scalps and I wanted to tell you about my experience as well as a little about the product.

I recently became and an affiliate for Balmonds, so my links here may earn me some money without costing you any extra. Thank you for your help.

Balmonds Scalp Oil

Balmonds Scalp Oil has Borage and Rosemary amongst other ingredients and smells lovely. I decided to try it because I have a very bad scalp. My neurological condition causes me to itch a lot, especially my scalp, and I end up with a really sore head. I have scratched so hard in the night I’ve drawn blood and bruised myself. It was obvious that I really needed something to calm the skin on my scalp and I think I’ve found the perfect product.

As recommended I have used the oil three times a week. It says to use a towel on your pillow because it’s quite oily. I tie my hair into a pony tail and I’ve found that there is not much residue on the towel in the morning. I thought it would be difficult to wash out, it has the same kind of feel as head lice lotion which is a nightmare to wash out. You will know this if you have kids! However, I was pleasantly surprised that it washed out easily with one quick wash and left my hair feeling silky smooth. Everyone’s hair is different, mine is fine and I have a lot of grey hair. It doesn’t get greasy very often as it did when I was a teenager. It does fall out a lot thanks to my medications and neurological condition.

More About Balmonds Scalp Oil.

Balmonds scalp oil is £14.99 for a 50ml pump bottle. It takes a couple of pumps of the oil to massage into your scalp. Then you leave it overnight. It can also be used in areas where you may have scalp issues such as scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema or dandruff. I find it useful to apply a little at the nape of my neck and behind my ears, where I itch the most.

It’s a totally natural scalp oil with a blend of herb infused oils. You can find the whole list on the website. It has many other uses than a scalp oil. You can use it on your beard (if you have one) as a foot rub, as an inhalation oil to clear stuffy head and noses and as a topical rescue oil for skin emergencies that need a little care. It can even ward off head lice and makes the hair softer for comb throughs when the critters make a visit.

Scalp Oil is totally free from parabens, petrochemicals, preservatives or perfumes, which makes it perfect for dry skin and also suitable for people who may be prone to eczema, itchy, flaky or sore scalps, scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and other dry skin conditions. It’s not suitable for children under 3 years.

Balmonds Products

I’m fast becoming a huge fan of Balmonds products. You can read my review for some of the other products here. The Skin Salvation is my son’s favourite product for his eczema and he uses it every day. He says it has a calming affect which prevents him from scratching. I’ve noticed a difference in his skin texture and I’m hoping that with continued use it will get much better.

Balmonds products are all natural and vegan friendly. They contain no chemicals and are made with gentle healing in mind.

They contain hemp seed oil which nourishes the skin with the nutrients and oils that are needed to repair and regulate the skin.

Balmonds do a whole range of products ranging from baby products, to shampoo and even hand sanitizer. They can help with many different types of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, scars and dermatitis. They have products suitable for all skin types from sensitive to greasy, dry or mature. In fact they have a whole range of products and it’s really worth taking a look at the shop.

Do let me know in the comments if you have tried Balmonds or if you have any skin problems or questions.

5 Small Home Improvements That Can Make a Big Difference

November 24, 2020 by Anne Sweet 1 Comment

It’s easy to get bored with your surroundings, but not know how to change them up. What’s more, many alterations can be expensive and disruptive to your daily routine. Here are five small home improvements you can make to your home, which won’t break the bank and will give your space the refresh it deserves!

Feature Wall

If you’ve got any budding artists in the family, why not devote one wall to becoming a feature wall? This could mean a bold, eye-catching wallpaper design, block colour paint or space to let imaginations run wild! Feature walls are great to add a pop of personality to a room, on a budget. Painted murals can be gorgeous to look at, and a chance to practice those art skills. Everyone can contribute in some way, making your wall a visual representation of your whole family. What’s more, you could even paint or paper over it as often as you like, allowing you to refresh and update it constantly.

Artwork

Prints, wall hanging, portraits; there are endless options when it comes to updating your space with artwork. Supporting independent artists through platforms like Etsy is the perfect way to improve your home and help out a small business. You could choose a specific theme for a room, like the ocean in the bathroom, or florals in the living room, and over time your collection will grow! The artwork is also really mobile, so you can rearrange your pieces as often as you like, changing frames and locations to freshen up any room in your home.

Heating for Home Improvements

With the winter months moving in, it’s a great time to update your space with a stylish new radiator or heating system. They are available in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and colours, with places like Warmrooms providing a vast range and making it easy to find something you love. Something as simple as a new wall radiator can make a huge difference to a room, whilst also improving your comfort.

Co-ordinate

Another great way to update your home quickly and easily is colour coordination! Why not try ordering all your books by colour to add a little rainbow to your shelves? Super easy, cheap, and fun, this will also allow you to take stock of what you’ve got, maybe freeing up some space, or adding to your ‘to be read’ list. If you have a favourite colour, you could spend time finding accessories or appliances for a room in that colour. Imagine a deep purple kitchen, or a bright blue bathroom, with fittings and furnishings to match.

Upcycle

If you have lots of furniture that you don’t want or need to get rid of but want to update, why not try some upcycling? Another great task for the whole family, you can turn old pieces into something brand new, with books like Reinventing Ikea making it easy to the potential of an old chair or table. What’s more, the things you create will be completely unique to your home, making it a true representation of your family’s creativity and personality

home improvements, an old chair, lamp and curtains ready for upcycling. — Furniture in need of upcycling for home improvements

What to Get Someone when they become new Homeowners.

*This is a collaborative post

Using Succulents to Spruce up Your Home

October 29, 2020 by Anne Sweet 4 Comments

I’ve a confession to make, I’ve never been one to be able to keep plants alive in my home. But succulents are different, they are so much easier to care for and live longer. Not only that, succulents in the home can be very cute and you can buy some beautiful pots to put them in too.

Image shows five mini succulent plants with different leaves and colours ranging from white to brown.

What Succulents Should You Buy for your Home?

Succulents are very popular in the home because they are easier to care for and look pretty amazing. You can buy your succulents from local garden centres or even buy online. Here are my top five choices.

The Jade Plant

This plant has glossy thick leaves and stems and only needs watering when really dry. It’s sometimes known as the Money Plant as according to Feng Shui, if you had one of these in your home you would never be short of money. I had one for many years and it’s one of the few plants I’ve managed not to kill. Overwatering can be dangerous for this plant, so it’s good for those who forget to water very often.

Aloe Vera

This spiny plant has been used for medicinal purposes of healing wounds and skin care for many centuries. It likes to be in a sunny place as it comes from the Arabian peninsula.

Echeveria

The echeveria is a pretty rosette plant and if you are lucky it may even flower for you in the summer.

Bunny Ears Cactus

The Bunny Ears Cactus is also known as the prickly pear. It’s a real unusual looking plant, but can be poisonous for pets.

The Old Lady Cactus

The old lady cactus is a puffball cactus that also flowers. This cactus is not fond of direct sunlight and likes to be watered weekly. It can live for a long time with proper care.

Tips for Caring for Succulents.

Here are my top tips for caring for your succulents.

sunlight – most succulents like sunlight so make sure they get some every day. Some are not so keen on direct light though, but even a net curtain or sheer blind can help this
Move your succulents around. Maybe just turn the pot so more than one side of the plant gets some sun, or move to another window for a different amount of sunlight. This will help stop browning or leaning to one side.
Water carefully. Most succulents like more water during their growing season of Spring and Summer, but less so in the winter. Over watering can be disastrous. Get to know your plants and what they need.
Water the soil and not the leaves. The plants love a moist soil, but wet leaves can cause them to rot.

How to display your Succulents.

This is the best bit. There are so many ways of displaying succulents in your home. They look fabulous in pots or terrariums. You can get big plants or small, Have one or several together. It’s easy to get creative.

Mix up your succulents so you have small and large ones together, or use different textures and colours.

Get inventive with ways of displaying your succulents. They look great in so many ways. Here are a couple of my favourites.

Here is my cat pot. I bought two of these for my plants. I couldn’t resist them being a cat lover.

Image shows white ceramic pot with a sleeping cat face and planted with a small succulent. — small cat planter from Etsy £4.50

I bought some diddy succulent plants and they came in little brown pots. I re-potted two in my cat planters but I decided to crochet some little covers for the other three.

image shows a succulent plant in a little pot covered with a green crochet cover.

Terrariums are a lovely way to display your succulents. You can buy complete kits to make your own easily at home. This one is definitely one of my favourites. I love the little lights and the shell. You can customize it to your liking.

Have you discovered succulents? What’s your favourite way of displaying them?

This is a collaborative post and it contains affiliate links, thanks for your support.

5 things to tick off the checklist when buying a house

August 25, 2020 by Anne Sweet Leave a Comment

Buying a house is an exciting time, whether you’re a first time buyer, or you’re taking advantage of the stamp duty holiday, but there are a few things you should consider before signing on the dotted line.

What’s your budget?

Whilst we may all want the 5 bed detached on a quiet cul-de-sac with large front and rear garden, we have to be realistic with our budget, and our expectations. To find out what your realistic budget is, there are few things to consider:

How big is you deposit? For most, a deposit of 10-15% is standard, although 20% of the property value would be ideal, especially given the current climate. However, there are some government schemes and some mortgages that allow a 5% deposit.
Your debts and credit score? Before you can borrow any money, lenders will look at your financial history to check you’re a good bet.
What can you afford per month? Look at your spending habits, if you’re living hand to mouth for the last few days before payday, you’ll need to reassess your spending habits. Generally, lenders will only lend 4.5 times your annual income.

Where do you want to live?

Buying a house is a long-term investment, and whilst we can’t predict the future it’s always worth bearing in mind where you want to be in 5 – 10 years’ time. Do you want to live somewhere close to good schools? Perhaps your daily commute is important? Or will you be changing jobs? You might love the buzz of city life now, but will a rural idyll be more suitable? These are all things you should consider when looking for your new home. But don’t forget the wild card option Sometimes, it can be somewhere we’ve never even dreamed of that we end up falling in love with.

buying a house, image shows a house on a street with trees and other properties in the background.

What type of property do you want?

Are dreaming of a detached period property? Or, perhaps you want a new build in a modern housing development? Are you after a project? Or, are you more a turnkey person? Think about the lifestyle you want to live, as well as the style that appeals. It’s no good looking at Victorian properties if you don’t like steep steps and don’t want the upkeep that comes with older properties.

Does it need much work?

If you’ve found the house for you and want to make an offer, it’s worth taking a builder round as they’ll be able to spot any potential pitfalls. This will help ensure you minimise your risk of making any asbestos claims in the future or making expensive underpinning reparations. Perhaps there’s a smell of damp and you want to make sure it isn’t rising? If you’re unsure, ask an expert.

Do you have a solicitor or mortgage broker?

Having a solicitor and a mortgage broker on your side will help make the conveyancing process much easier, and hopefully less stressful. A solicitor, or conveyancer will be able to communicate with the mortgage broker and the other parties solicitor, so you don’t have to. Whilst a mortgage broker will be able to critically assess your affordability to ensure there are no holdups with your mortgage application.

This is a collaborative post

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