Cheers to the Summer - The best drinks!

Ahh! Summer! The perfect time to kick back, relax and indulge in something refreshing that will tickle your taste buds and keep you cool under the sun. Whether you're lounging in your garden, picnicking in the park, enjoying a pub beer garden or chilling by the seaside here are some of my top picks for both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks!

Non-Alcoholic drinks!

Homemade Slushies! Blend ice with your favourite juice or fizzy pop like orange or cola for a refreshing and icy treat. We made the Tango Ice Blasts that you get from cinemas a few years ago just by mixing different flavours of the pop Tango with ice and adding it to a big beaker. For an extra special touch add a swirl of fruit syrup on top.

Fruit Punch! Mix fruit juices like orange, pineapple and cranberry with chunks of fresh fruit floating on top. For extra fun, use star shaped cookie cutters to cut fruit slices into stars!

Iced Tea! Brew your favourite tea: black, green or herbal, chill it and serve over ice with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint. Perfect for lazy afternoons in the garden.

Fresh Fruit Smoothies! Blend up your favourite summer fruits: strawberries, raspberries, mango's and bananas with yogurt or coconut water for a healthy and satisfying drink or ice cream for a more indulgent one. We love a smoothie here and will just use whatever fruit that we have in.

Lemonade! Nothing beats a classic homemade lemonade. Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with sugar syrup and water, and serve over ice. 

Alcoholic drinks.

Pimm's! A quintessential British summer drink, Pimm's No. 1 mixed with lemonade and loaded with fresh fruits, cucumber, and mint is like summer in a glass!

Aperol Spritz! Light, bubbly and oh so Instagrammable, this Italian aperitif has become a summer staple across Europe. Prosecco, Aperol, soda water and a slice of orange!

Rose Wine! Rose is synonymous with summer. Its light, fruity flavours and beautiful pink colour make it an ideal choice for warm weather. Whether you prefer a dry or sweet rose, serve it chilled for maximum refreshment. This is my favourite although I do drink it all year around.

Cider! With so many varieties to choose from, cider is a must try. Whether you prefer it sweet, dry or sparkling, cider is the ultimate thirst-quencher on a hot day. It comes in so many different flavours now, not just apple! I am a big fan of the Old Mout Berries and Cherries one.

Mojito! I couldn't finish this list without adding a cocktail. Cool down with this Cuban classic. Muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice and sugar, add rum and soda water and you've got a drink that screams summer vibes!

What is your favourite drink to enjoy when it's hot out?

Comic Con Mania - Hull!

A couple of weekends ago we went to Comic Con Mania in Hull. We had planned to go for just the day but decided to make a weekend of it and stay in Hull for the weekend. It was a lovely break but the highlight was of course Comic Con.

We have been to a Comic Con adventure in the past, one at Newcastle and we had a great time but the girls were younger and didn't really appreciate it, now they know everything about superheroes, Cosplay and everything anime!

We arrived at Connexin Live arena in Hull a little after the doors had opened at 11am and there was a long queue but it was moving fast. The Daleks kept everyone moving screeching "keep the line moving, don't stop and threatening to exterminate us if we did move too slowly". Eek! They actually scared me, I've seen too much of Doctor Who. lol

Walking in Becky's day was made when she saw a statue of Deadpool, her favourite superhero and of course had to have a sit in the Emperor's throne off Star Wars!

We lots count of the times that we said wow at various things throughout the day. The first wow moment came when we first walked in and saw Jimmy Vee who was R2-D2 in Star Wars. I'll admit I had no idea who he was until Stu told me. Oops. Apparently he plays a few different characters in Harry Potter too.

When we were walking around we saw so many people dressed up in Cosplay costumes. Ellie explained to me that Cosplay was just dressing up in costumes from films, TV shows, books or video games. There was a lot that I didn't recognise from Japanese anime's, I am sure Ellie got sick of telling me who everyone was but there was plenty that I recognised too! Minecraft characters, Marvel superheroes and of course plenty of characters from Doctor Who! During the day there was a Cosplay competition with everyone showing off their amazing costumes!

Stu and Ellie were very happy to see the Cobra Kai set, that is one of their favourite tv shows at the moment.

Later on in the afternoon we had a good look around the merchandise stands and we were in awe! There were stalls with Funko Pops, hundreds of them and some which I have never seen before. I would have loved the Buffy one from Buffy the Vampire Slayer but couldn't spend £150 on it. I did buy a John Cena one, him from the wrestling. He has announced his retirement so I am thinking in the future it will be worth more than the £10 that I paid.

We came across a stall selling artwork and what made it even better was the fact the guy was there actually painting, like he was proving that he did all the others too. He was so talented. He said that all the artwork on sale was painted by him, they were all original and not prints. You could tell from the smell of them, they smelled like paint. 

I could have quite happily bought about 10 pieces and was torn between a couple. I ended up buying the Marvel one although I did really want to the Guardians of the Galaxy one too! Becky ended up buying a Deadpool one and the guy gave us them for £20 each instead of the £25 as he had seen us looking at them so much.

There was a band on, Lina and the Lions which was perfect for a Comic Con event. I can't describe their music, it's very 80's, synth-pop with a bit of alternative thrown in! They sounded amazing and sung some of their own songs and some popular one's like Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush.

We went back to the stalls and could have bought a hundred things. The framed postcards were really unique and I loved the stall with all the Doctor Who figures! Not the Weeping Angles though, the guy did laugh at me when Stu asked me if I wanted a weeping angle figure. The guy agreed they were creepy things. hehehe

We had a fantastic day, spent more than we should have but it was worth it. It wasn't the biggest Comic Con event but that meant that it wasn't overrun with people even though there was a lot people there. We will be going again if it is on next year!! Ellie has already said that she wants to dress up!

Have you ever been to a Comic Con event?

This week my Word of the Week is: Break! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

We had a lovely break away over the weekend, it was just what we needed and then way came home to all the drama. We are all fine physically. Mentally not so much. No one has died, no one is in hospital, me and my family are not in any trouble, we just have some things going on which I can't talk about publicly and at the moment I don't want to, I don't know if I ever will.

Something has to give, I don't have enough head space to deal with what is going on in mine and my families life and to carry on writing positive, normal blog posts. I am taking a break from blogging. Some posts which are already scheduled will go live next week but my Friday favourites post for today is not happening, I have lots of favourites but can't write about them. I've not taken many photos over the past week for Project 365 and most of the photos are about what has been happening. The meal plan on Monday, hahaha the less said about that the better, I have not even ordered the food shop.

I just want to say thank you to some blogger friends, who know me away from my blog (you know who you's are) who have reached out and offered some amazing advice and support. Thank you!

My top 5 favourite Summer movies!

 I wouldn't say I am a big movie buff but I do have a lot of favourite films and I have been listing them for a few months. You can read about my favourite action movies, Sci-Fi movies, my favourite Animated movies and my favourite musical movies and my favourite disaster movies. In the run up to Halloween I shared my favourite scary movies and the week after I shared my not so scary movies which were more up my street for the spooky season, in the run up to Christmas I shared my favourite Christmas movies my favourite sport movies, I had my favourite movies to cry to and most recently the top 5 movies that traumatised me as a child!

This time it's all about my favourite summer movies!!

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Baby is one listless summer away from the Peace Corps. Hoping to enjoy her youth while it lasts, she's disappointed when her summer plans deposit her at a sleepy resort in the Catskills with her parents. Her luck turns around, however, when the resort's dance instructor, Johnny enlists Baby as his new partner and the two fall in love. Baby's father forbids her from seeing Johnny, but she's determined to help him perform the last big dance of the summer.

Dirty Dancing is the ultimate summer romance with its iconic dance scenes and unforgettable soundtrack it’s a film that continues to capture hearts year after year. Myself and my girls love it, we watch it a couple of times a year and always sing along.

The Parent Trap (1998)

Identical twins Hallie and Annie are separated after their parents' divorce. Years later, they discover each other at a summer camp and decide to switch places in an effort to reunite their parents.

This remake of the 1961 classic stars Lindsay Lohan. It's full of mischief, and heart warming moments. It's perfect for a family movie night during the summer break.

Stand by Me (1986)

After learning that a stranger has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four Oregon boys decide to go and see the body. On the way they encounter a mean junk man, a marsh full of leeches, they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.

Based on Stephen King’s book, this coming of age film explores themes of friendship, adventure and the bittersweet transition from childhood to adolescence. I remember seeing this when I was about the same age as the boys in the film and wanted an adventure like this during the summer.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Donna, an independent hotelier in the Greek islands is preparing for her daughter's wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie, the spirited bride has a plan. She secretly invites three men from her mother's past in hope of meeting her real father and having him escort her down the aisle on her big day.

Escape to the Greek islands with "Mamma Mia!" This musical extravaganza, featuring the songs of ABBA, is pure summer fun. With its gorgeous setting, star studded cast, it’s the perfect film for a summer sing along.

The Inbetweeners Movie (2011)

Now that their final year of school is over, friends Will, Simon, Neil and Jay are off to Crete for a holiday. Hoping to get as much sun, sea and sex as possible, the boys quickly find more trouble than they had bargained for.

For a more light hearted and hilarious summer film, "The Inbetweeners Movie" follows on from the TV series. Full of awkward moments and laugh out loud scenes, it's a great choice for a fun summer night with friends. Probably not one for the kids though! It's not the best movie in the world but it is one of my favourites. It makes me laugh so much!

What are your favourite summer movies?

A weekend in Hull.

Months ago we saw that there was a Comic Con event in Hull and we decided to go but a few weeks ago we decided to make a mini break of it and have the whole weekend in Hull. Hull isn't that far from us, we could have easily gone to Comic Con on the day but we had no other plans for the summer and it was the closest we were going to come to a holiday this year so we booked a hotel in the centre of town for a couple of nights.

I had planned to write about the whole weekend in one blog post, including our trip to Comic Con but there is just too much to talk about so I am writing about the weekend in one post and Comic Con in another.

The girls and I travelled to Hull on the Friday afternoon and checked into the hotel. We were staying in the Holiday Inn Express right in the city centre, 5 minutes from the train and bus station and connected to one of the shopping centres. It wasn't the cheapest hotel in town but it was reasonable and handy for what we wanted.

The girls and I had a wander around Hull and sat at Queen Victoria Square, our favourite place to just sit and watch people. There are always a lot of buskers in town but we have our favourite, the girls call him Mr Boombastic as he once sung that Shaggy song and they instantly fell in love. He sings but also encourages others to get up and sing too. There was a school trip of foreign students and a group of them had a blast singing a song, I have no idea what it was. A Spanish song. We sat behind an artist at one point, he was painting and what made him stand out was that he had his whole head and face covered in a white woolly hat. He was amazing, even if we didn't have a clue who he was.

Stu finished work and we met up with him and went back to the hotel for a bit. I had turned the air conditioning right up our room and it was actually freezing when we went back in which was very welcome as it was the hottest day of the year at the time. The girls were in another room and they went off to relax for a bit before we got ready to go out to eat.

We of course went to our favourite place in Hull to Eat, Wings! The all you can eat buffet. I have written about it in the past and nothing much has changed since we first visited in 2020. We have noticed there is such a difference to what they serve on a lunchtime compared to an evening. On an evening there is a lot more to choose from and we love it. I think our plates say it all. I went for mostly a Chinese option with prawn toast, spring rolls, noodles and hoisin chicken covered in sweet & sour sauce, Stu went for similar and Becky had chips, lasagne and pizza to start with. lol

We went back to the hotel a little before 9pm and went to the bar and ended up sitting outside on their rooftop terrace. I have walked around Hull lots over the last few years and never noticed that there was a space up there. It was so nice as it was starting to cool down and the views were fantastic and funny too. Seeing people getting chucked out of pubs and arguing.

We were up bright and early on Saturday morning after a mostly good nights sleep. Stu and I are used to a bigger bed, not just a double. hehehe We had breakfast and went off to Comic Con.

We had a fab day at Comic Con and left there about 3pm with aching feet and bags full of treats. We went back to the hotel, I was just planning on laying on the bed and watching TikTok for a bit but I actually napped! I never nap as I always wake up feeling rotten but I must have needed the hours sleep that I had. I blame the heat as it was another scorcher of a day!

We went out to eat again and this time went to Wetherspoons, cheap and cheerful. There was a whole host of restaurants that we could have gone to in Hull but we wanted something we knew. We rushed our food down and went and sat outside as our favourite busker was there! Wetherspoon pubs are known for not having music playing so they brought the fun!

There were people coming across from the pub over the road to have a sing song and request songs. We had such a fun time but 9pm soon came around and that is when Ellie had to leave as she is still under 18. We headed back to the hotel and to their rooftop terrace. We sat, chatted and had a giggle. We soon started smelling food from nearby takeaways and someone got Domino's pizza delivered to the hotel so we were tempted and Becky placed an order.

We all went back to mine and Stu's room and filled our belly's. It's years and years since I had anything from Domino's so it felt like such a treat. We had an early night, we needed it after a busy day. 

We were up early the next morning to have breakfast and get the early bus back home. It was such a lovely weekend, it was nice to have a break from real life and we are so glad that we stayed in a hotel and not just travel to and from Comic Con from home.

Have you ever stayed in a city close to you just for a short break?

If you don't laugh, you'll cry!

There's a saying "If you don't laugh you'll cry and that was so true when we had that bit of drama and a stay for Ellie in hospital. We had to find the smallest things to keep our spirits up and we found plenty of things to chuckle about.

Mc'Doctors!

If you have seen Grey's Anatomy you know Derek Shepherd is called McDreamy and Mark Sloan is called McSteamy. Well we met a few doctors and nurses that we named. McOlivia who reminded us of our friends daughter who works in a hospital, she looked like her and was so kind like her. There was McStabby who got a bit enthusiastic when he was trying to take blood from Ellie and McFunny who was a nurse who kept us laughing throughout the night.

Football on the TV.

When we were sat in A&E at about half past seven you could see all the men getting antsy, they were wanting to watch the England match. One man took charge and started trying to switch on the TV that was on the wall. One of the reception staff came out with a remote and there was a cheer when they got the football on just as the teams were singing their national anthems. All the men were crowded around the TV including my dad.

Old People!

Old people are hilarious. They have no time for faffing around and they definitely know what they want. A woman in the bed opposite Ellie was given her lunch and said I am not eating this crap, she demanded beans on toast and got it! Another woman wanted water which was colder and said in fact just get me some ice cubes. A woman was telling us about the blood she was getting delivered from Barnsley, she had a rare blood type and thought it was so funny they had none in this hospital. 

Not what she ordered!

On the first morning Ellie was in hospital she panicked when the nurse came around with the menu for lunch and just asked for a ham sandwich. By lunchtime Ellie had moved rooms and it turns out she got what the previous person had ordered. Orange Juice, some sort of green soup which she loved, Lasagne, mashed potato, chocolate sponge cake and custard. It was such a nice surprise. After lunch she ordered her tea and then ended up changing rooms so got another surprise meal. This time it was not to her liking so she ended up with tomato soup, a ham sandwich and chocolate and vanilla mousse. It turns out hospital food is not as bad as she thought.

Getting lost!

When Ellie was having lunch Stu and I decided to go for something to eat. The canteen is at the other side of the hospital and it turns out most of the staff at one side do not know where it is as it's so far! We got lost several times and it was a good 15 minute walk. I said if I had been by myself I would have just sat down and cried, Stu was with me so we found it funny and Ellie found it hilarious that we had taken so long.

Snoring!

The night I stayed with Ellie I didn't get much sleep, partly because she was vomiting and partly because I had a normal chair. When Stu stayed with her he got a reclining armchair and had a good sleep, so much so that Ellie threw a cup at his head (it was just a paper one) to wake him up as he was snoring so much.

The Vampire!

On the ward where Ellie was if the struggle to get blood out of someone to test they call for the sweetest and most gentle nurse who never fails to get blood. Ellie's veins were not good, small they told us and it was a struggle but the vampire nurse did an amazing job and got enough blood. When the nurses had gone off to back where they came from all the woman on the ward were saying when you see that nurse coming you know she's coming for blood. Eek!

Good toast!

On the morning after Ellie had been vomiting the nurses asked her if she wanted some toast and she said yes, not expecting anything amazing but the toast she had was the best toast ever!! I told her how when I had her and her sister that first slice of toast after my c-section's was amazing too!! She said there must be something special in it. 

Have you ever found things to laugh about while staying in hospital?

Our weekly meal plan! 22nd - 28th July! #MealPlanningMonday

Last weeks meal plan went well. We ate almost everything that I had planned. On Wednesday we swapped the jacket potatoes for fried chicken and fries. We had a weekend away, we just went and stayed at a hotel in Hull so we could really enjoy Comic Con that was on. We have had a good weekend of eating: McDonalds, Wings, the all you can eat place, Wetherspoons, my usual Tennessee burger, Domino's pizza and of course there was the hotel breakfast which was eat as much as you want. I feel like we need to go on a diet now after everything that we have eaten!

We had a fab weekend I will be writing about it later on in the week but we enjoyed seeing everyone dressed up, buying lots of merchandise and getting chased by full sized Daleks. Eek! I am writing this yesterday and I feel worn out. As nice as it is to go away it will be nice to be back in my own bed. Oh and how is it we were only away for 2 nights and I have a mountain of washing to do. Hmmf. That will be a job for today because yesterday I just wanted to sit and do nothing!

We have nothing at all on this week, well Ellie and I have no plans. Stu is of course at work and Becky is back to work after having 2 and a half weeks off for annual leave. She is not looking forward to working again. She said this is the longest she's had off work since she was at college. Eek! 

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Sandwiches and picky bits.

Tuesday - Gousto meal - Creamy Bacon, Mushroom & Leek Linguine.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Loaded Chicken & Fries Fajita Tray Bake.

Thursday - Gousto meal - Creamy Sausage & Red Onion Tart.

Friday - Pizza. Maybe home made.

Saturday - Lasagne and garlic bread.

Sunday - A Sunday lunch of some sort.

What are you eating this week?

Week 29 of #Project365 14th - 19th July. A photo every day for a year!

Happy Sunday! I hope you have had a good week. Mine has been great and I am hoping we have had a good weekend too. I am a photo short this week as we went away on Friday afternoon for a couple of nights and scheduled this before we left. By the time this post goes live we should be just about home.

We didn't go far, we only went to Hull which is a city near us, it's a bus ride away but we were going to a Comic Con event yesterday and didn't fancy carrying bags around so stayed in a hotel for a couple of nights. It's the closest to a holiday we are getting this year so it's better than nothing. I will of course be writing all about it next week.

Now for a photo every day!

196/365 - 14th July

Of course we watched the final of the Euro's. England V's Spain. We all know who won and they deserved it. I was gutted for the England team, Gareth Southgate and our country. Maybe next time.

197/365 - 15th July

Next door had building supplies delivered which looks like stuff for outside but they have been hammering and drilling inside for most of the week, again! Over the last couple of years they have replaced all the walls, floors, had new electrics put in, fireplaces taken out and goodness knows what else. The noise drives me insane!

198/365 - 16th July

Ellie!! She was off into town with her sister who was treating her to a McDonalds. They of course had a look around all the shops too and didn't go too crazy buying things.

199/365 - 17th July

I fought with the printer to simply print some tickets out for Comic Con. It beat me and I had to get the girls to help, they had it sorted in not time! I did exactly what they did but nothing would print! Why does the printer hate me? lol

200/365 - 18th July

Just a rose. I bought a bunch with the food shop last week and they have lasted so well.

201/365 - 19th July

Packing the suitcase, Stu and I are sharing and the girls had what they needed for the weekend in back packs. I'd much rather pull a suitcase than carry a back pack although I might have regretted it when it came to getting on the bus. Eek! 

This week my Word of the Week is: Unfair! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

As negative as the word unfair is this blog post isn't all doom and gloom. We have had a good week, in fact a great one! Certain things have happened over this past week which have meant we can draw a line under things that have been going on in real life, away from my blog. All is good now and the worry and stress seems to be over.

Of course I am going to talk about the football. It seems unfair that we got to another final and didn't win but on the night the best team came out on top. I have seen lots of unfair comments about Gareth Southgate saying he was a useless manager throughout the tournament but he's done more in the time he has been in charge than any other manager that I can remember.

The football had an effect on the next thing that was unfair this week. Stu was asked to go into work on Monday along with a few others just so they had some reliable people in who wouldn't call in sick. That was fine, the extra money was nice and he wasn't needed at home. It turns out quite a few people did call in sick and so many hours had to be made up so everyone had to do 3 hours overtime. His company is contracted to do so many hours a month so the hours need doing. It is unfair that people phone in sick when they were just hungover or tired from the football and others have to make the hours up. I think those that phoned in sick should have made up their 9 hours over the month. Stu has only had half an hour for lunch and then worked until half past five. It's only half an hour later on an evening but it means he isn't getting in until coming on for 8pm instead of 7pm. Ugh.

The girls went into Hull during the week and had a great time without me, how unfair! They of course went to McDonalds and bought up a feast. £30 worth of food and actually ate it all. Eesh! I am glad I wasn't paying for it, Becky treated her sister. They ended up in Primark and Becky bought a Dirty Dancing t-shirt which I had planned to buy myself. Hmmf. Now I can't, she doesn't want to be matching with her old mam! More unfairness. hehehe

The weather has changed for the better and it's unfair that I haven't been able to enjoy much of it as I have been busy with various things. There has been a lot of adulting going on this week with appointments and errands to run. It was a scorcher yesterday and it looks like the nice weather is going to last for the next week at least. Hooray! It feels like summer is here!

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one!

What I have loved this week! Week 29. #FridayFavourites

Hello and happy Friday! We have had a quiet week which has been nice. The girls have had a couple of days out in town, just looking around the shops. They went to our nearest town one day and then Hull, which is a bit further away but has more shops another day. I have just been pottering around at home. Today I am of course linking up to the Friday Favorites with Erika and Andrea as I have quite a few things from the last week which I have loved!

The England football team.

We didn't win the Euros, hmmf. The win went to Spain, they won 2 - 1 but England did well. Obviously we were all gutted when the final whistle blew but it was a bit of excitement and one of those things which brought the whole country together. The manager Gareth Southgate has now quit, he got us to a couple of finals and the team has improved but he just couldn't get the big win. Now everyone is speculating who the new manager will be. 

The weather!

Over the weekend an until mid week the weather wasn't great. On Saturday we put the heating on for half an hour as it was so wet out and chilly. It was so nice to feel cosy and warm. I felt like the rain was never going to stop but it has. We are supposed to have some gorgeous weather over the weekend and into next week. Summer might have arrived, finally!

A new barber!

My eldest Becky has short hair and realised a while ago that she can go to a barber's which just cuts men's hair a while ago. She has been going into town to get it done and has been paying about £18. A couple of weeks ago a new men's hair stylist opened just up the road from us and she gave it a try. She said it's the best hair cut she's ever had and he only charged £10. She will be going back! The guy took his time and listened to exactly what she wanted.

The Death of Slim Shady!

I used to be a massive fan of Eminem in the 2000's when he was shocking but I think I have got to a point where I can't be shocked anymore by him. I have been laughing so much at younger people being majorly offended by him and his new album, The Death of Slim Shady which was released last week. Even my girls who have heard Eminem's music before were shocked by some of his songs. What he raps about it nothing to laugh about but he has made a living from being offensive and fair play to him.

A new menu!

Our local pub has shared their new menu which I am very excited about trying. They've added a ton of "light bites" which sound perfect for a lunch time, the starters are now for every day instead of just a Sunday and their mixed grill sounds amazing! We will need to give them a try over the next couple of weeks.

Weekend plans!

I am very excited about this weekend. We have a few plans which I will be talking about next week. We are out for a meal tonight, having a family day out tomorrow and some plans for Sunday too. My fella finishes work early today and is off now until Tuesday and Becky has the weekend off work too.

Strawberry Aero!

I love Aero chocolate and always try the new flavours when they come out. I tried the strawberry one on Sunday and wasn't a fan but it's chocolate and I wasn't letting it go to waste. Since eating more of it, I like it more. It's not my favourite of the Aero flavours, that will always be orange but it's something different.

What have you loved over the past week?

50 Ideas for summer blog posts!

Summer is just starting and whether you're just about hanging on in there to the end of the school year, lounging by the pool or just trying to keep cool there's always something worth writing about. Grab your sunglasses and a cold drink and enjoy these sizzling ideas for summer blog posts!

1. Top Summer Destinations: Explore the best places to visit this summer, from tropical beaches to your favourite places near where you live!

2. Summer Travel Tips: Share advice on packing light, finding deals and staying safe while traveling.

3. Beach Day Essentials: List your must have items for a perfect day at the beach!

4. Outdoor Adventure Guides: Talk about activities like hiking, camping or just visiting your local park. 

5. Summer Fashion Trends: Discuss the latest in summer fashion and how to style them. What do you like to wear when it's hot out? New things that you have bought!

6. DIY Summer Crafts: Provide tutorials for fun and easy summer crafts.

7. Refreshing Summer Recipes: Share recipes for cold drinks, salads, and BBQ favourites.

8. The Best Summer Reads: Compile a list of books that you are wanting to read over the summer.

9. Garden Tips: Offer advice on maintaining a summer garden.

10. Healthy Summer Snacks: Share nutritious and delicious snack ideas to keep your little one's full.

11. A Guide to what's going on locally: Highlight upcoming summer events that are local to you! 

12. Summer Fitness Routines: Discuss workout plans to stay fit during the warmer months.

13. Home Decor Ideas: Provide tips on giving homes a summery feel.

14. Summer Skincare Routine: Share tips on protecting skin from the sun.

15. Eco-Friendly Summer Tips: Discuss ways to enjoy summer while being environmentally conscious.

16. Budget Friendly Summer Activities: Suggest inexpensive or free activities for families and individuals.

17. How to Host a Summer BBQ: Provide a guide on planning the perfect BBQ.

18. Best Ice Cream Spots: Review local ice cream parlours or share some unique ice cream recipes. Years ago we made these Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes which went down really well!

19. A Summer Bucket List: Create a list of must do activities before summer ends.

20. A Music Festival Survival Guide: Offer tips for enjoying music festivals safely and comfortably.

21. A Summer Hair Care Tips: Discuss how to protect hair from sun and chlorine damage.

22. Weekend Getaway Ideas: Suggest short trips perfect for a summer weekend.

23. A Summer Movie List: Recommend movies that capture the essence of summer.

24. Pet Care in Summer: Share tips on keeping pets cool and safe.

25. Summer Date Ideas: Offer romantic date suggestions for warm weather.

26. A Water Sports Guide: Highlight activities like, swimming, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and snorkelling.

27. A Seasonal Produce Guide: Discuss fruits and vegetables that are in season and how to use them.

28. The Best Summer Cocktails: Share recipes for refreshing summer drinks.

29. Camping Tips for Beginners: Offer advice for those new to camping.

30. Summer Wedding Trends: Discuss popular themes, colours, and ideas for summer weddings.

31. Staycation Ideas: Suggest ways to enjoy summer without leaving home.

32. Photographing Summer: Provide tips for capturing the perfect summer photos.

33. Outdoor Game Ideas: Highlight fun games for picnics and gatherings. 

34. A Summer Bucket List for Kids: Create a list of fun activities for children.

35. Sun Protection Tips: Discuss the importance of sunscreen and how to choose the right one. Talk about how to stay safe in the sun!

36. Road Trip Essentials: List items needed for a successful road trip.

37. Garden Party Planning: Offer ideas for hosting a great garden party.

38. A Summer Playlist: Curate a list of songs that capture the summer vibe.

39. Picnic Recipes: Share easy to make recipes perfect for a picnic like these Pizza Scrolls!

40. Summer Safety Tips: Provide advice on staying safe in the sun and water.

41. How to Create a Summer Reading Nook: Offer ideas for a cosy reading space.

42. Exploring Local Parks: Highlight the best parks and outdoor spaces in your area.

43. Travel Photography Tips: Share tips on taking great travel photos.

44. Summer Decluttering Tips: Discuss how to declutter and organise for the season.

45. Yoga in the Park: Suggest ways to practice yoga outdoors.

46. Festive Summer Drinks for Kids: Share non alcoholic drink recipes for children.

47. Summer Fashion for Men: Discuss trends and style tips for men.

48. Seasonal Beauty Products: Highlight beauty products perfect for summer.

49. Exploring Farmers Markets: Share tips on shopping at local farmers markets.

50. End of Summer Reflections: Write a reflective post on the summer, favourite memories and lessons learned.

Have you got any ideas for summer blog posts?

Fun tips to keep hydrated all day long!

Although the weather hasn't been scorching hot here so far this summer we are all about staying hydrated! After Ellie's little stay in hospital for being dehydrated (mostly down to alcohol but partly down to the heat). I keep banging on about drinking enough and my dad is sick of listening to me. He doesn't drink enough, not enough water anyway, he is more a coffee drinker.

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health and well being. Our bodies are about 60% water, and we need this vital fluid for various functions. Keeping hydrated is not just about guzzling down gallons of water, it’s about making hydration fun and part of your daily routine. These tips will help you stay refreshed and hydrated.

Carry a Fun Water Bottle

Let’s face it, a cute water bottle makes all the difference. Invest in a bottle that makes you smile every time you see it. Whether it’s covered in glitter, has your favourite characters on or even a motivational quote. A fun bottle will remind you to take a sip regularly.

Fruity Water!

Plain water is great but you can jazz it up a little. Add slices of lemon, cucumber, strawberries, or mint leaves to your water. Not only does it add a burst of flavour, it looks pretty too!

Remind yourself!

We all get caught up in our day and forget to drink. Set hourly reminders on your phone or download a hydration app. Some apps even turn drinking water into a game the more you drink, the more virtual plants you grow!

Eat Your Water!

Did you know that you can eat your water too? Munch on fruits and veggies with high water content like watermelon, cucumber, oranges and strawberries. It’s a delicious way to boost your hydration levels.

Make it a Ritual!

Start and end your day with a glass of water. Make it part of your daily rituals like brushing your teeth. Drinking water in the morning kick starts your metabolism and a glass before bed keeps you hydrated through the night.

Make Water Accessible!

Place water bottles or glasses of water in key areas around your home or office, next to your bed, on your desk, and in the kitchen. The more accessible it is, the more likely you are to drink it.

Tie it to Tasks!

Associate drinking water with routine tasks. For example drink a glass every time you finish a meeting, before meals or after bathroom breaks. It’s all about creating habits.

Healthy Hydration Alternatives!

If you’re not a fan of plain water, try other hydrating beverages like coconut water, herbal teas, or low sugar electrolyte drinks. They can add variety and make hydration more enjoyable.

Team Up!

Everything’s more fun with friends! Encourage your friends, family or co-workers to join you in a hydration challenge. Keep track of each other’s progress and motivate one another to stay on track.

Listen to Your Body!

Your body gives you signals when it needs water. Dry mouth, headaches, dark yellow urine and fatigue are all signs you might be dehydrated. Keep an eye out and drink up when you notice these signs.

Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be a chore. With these fun and easy tips you’ll be well on your way to meeting your hydration goals and feeling fantastic.

Do you always stay well hydrated?