mummyconqueringanxiety

I am mummy to one feisty toddler and wife to a wonderful man, living in the North of England, UK and making it a priority to enjoy life every second we get to spend together as a family. You will usually find me writing, anything from lists to blog posts, and excited by stationery - show me your post-its! Following my recent breakdown, I believe talking about our struggles is the key to recovery. I started the blog because I felt compelled to share my story & my main goal is to help other people.

The Importance of Children’s Mental Health & Wellbeing

I talk a lot on this blog about adult mental health, but children’s mental health is equally as important.

Our situation

I haven’t talked much about this on the blog before, but I frequently post about our situation on social media to help others. Our little one is on a waiting list for an ADHD assessment. I attended some training with a local ADHD charity and one of the things they mentioned is that ADHD brains need 10 positive things, or sayings for every 1 negative event that occurs, or something they perceive as negative.

I am now always mindful that it’s more important for my child to have positivity around her. And I don’t just mean being happy all the time or positive for the sake of it. I mean targeted and meaningful exercises such as age-appropriate mindfulness videos and workbooks.

Check out the NSPCC website for more information on why they believe children’s mental health is so important.

Children's Mental Health & Wellbeing

Resources I have found particularly helpful

The journey our family is on might be something I decide to talk more about in future. For now, we are in the midst of the referral pathway journey and it’s difficult. I also feel like it isn’t my journey to share and that some things need to remain private.

Over the last 18 months, I’ve been in dark places, feeling alone on this journey. Because nobody else understands and the help that should be available, from doctors and the local authority is lacking.

I have therefore collated my own resources and I want to share them with you…

My Happy Mind

The other day, I was scrolling through Facebook when my little one started getting very excited because she saw an ad for My Happy Mind.

Her school are adopting these resources to use at school and they even have a poster outside the school gates.

She spoke extensively about the characters and the work they had done.

I have a lot of thoughts about school policies, particularly attendance. But on this subject, our school are doing well.

I will take that as a positive!

Films – Inside Out

If you have a 5-year-old child like me, I’m sure you have seen the film. We must have watched them as a family about 50 times.

But the message is amazing. My little girl asks me whether we all have voices or characters in our head to help us.

We have a Joy teddy and she chose an anxiety Pop recently as a toy for doing well with her rewards stars.

We even did a high ponytail hairstyle and all her classmates commented on how she looks like anxiety.

The point is, that the film is a great way to introduce both positive and negative emotions to young children.

And I am happy to hear they are talking about the films amongst themselves when they are at school.

Children’s Mental Health Week – Place2Be

Check out the website, where you can find free resources for families and your fundraising pack if you want to set up an event to raise funds for the charity.

Read on for lots more resources to help your children look after their mental health…

Resources for Parents

I have collated some websites with great resources for parents. If your child is struggling or you want any information to pass on to friends and family, check out the links below.

Mindfulness for Children

I wanted to include some videos that are useful for practising mindfulness with your children.

Books for children to help with mental health

You can read more about children’s books related to mental health and emotions in this book review section of my blog.

Why not check out the below blog posts:

My fave parenting blog posts:

20 RELATABLE BLUEY PARENTING MOMENTS WE LOVE

DOWNLOADABLE WORKSHEETS AND LEARNING BOOKS FOR AGES 4-7

IS GENTLE PARENTING EFFECTIVE? READ OUR STORY

5 THINGS THAT HAPPENED WHEN WE STARTED GENTLE PARENTING

HELPING LITTLE KIDS MANAGE BIG EMOTIONS

14 AGE-APPROPRIATE CHORES TO ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE

Summary

I hope you found some useful resources in this post.

Please feel free to share any useful resources you use in the comments below.

Children's Mental Health & Wellbeing

11 Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

If you’re a busy mum, planning half-term activities like me, then read on for some helpful ideas on what to do! My Guide to Half-Term Family Days Out in Lancashire. Including free activities to keep the bank balance from disappearing.

I hope you find some fun activities for your half-term week. Let me know in the comments if you visited any of these places and your thoughts.

As part of my guide, I have a VERY exciting collaboration, where I will be visiting SeaLife Manchester and giving you all the practical information you need ahead of your visit!

You can book the Animal Crossing, SeaLife experience here.

You can read all my Family Day Out reviews here.

All the content regarding our trip to SeaLife will be posted on TikTok & Instagram. Make sure to follow me to check out the updates.

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Let’s dive into the Top 10 Half-Term Family Days Out in Lancashire.

SeaLife Centre Manchester

LOCATION: Trafford Palazzo in TraffordCity, Next to, The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AS

As a family we wanted to visit SeaLife for a long time and February half term 2025 seems the perfect time to do it! ( as part of the collaboration, tickets were gifted, but we paid for everything else, including the mission pack, which had to be done!)

mission pack

Let’s talk about the current attraction on offer to entertain the kids…

Animal Crossing

This February, immerse yourself in a unique universe with Animal Crossing: New Horizons at SEA LIFE Manchester!

Explore the ‘SEA LIFE Island’

Equipped with an activity trail to lead the way, guests explore the ‘Sea Life Islands’, meet Tom Nook and residents like Aurora and Octavian, and discover diverse sea creatures. A fossil dig will reveal the ancestors of the marine life that we love today, whilst explorers will search for Gulliver, who washed up on the beaches of the island.

Tom Nook 3

Meet Tom Nook & Isabelle

Come down and meet Tom Nook or Isabelle for a very special photo opportunity!
Character meet & greets will be available every day at select times. The sessions will last about 30 minutes. All times are subject to change.

This event is available between 8 February – 9 March 2025.

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Linton Falls – Walk suitable for toddlers

LOCATION: Linton Falls, Linton, Skipton BD23 6BQ

Parking –

Grassington National Park Visitor Centre – Hebden Rd, Grassington, Skipton BD23 5LB. (Grid ref: SE 003 637)

Linton Falls car park and public toilets Address: 26 Church Rd, Linton, Skipton. (Grid ref: SE 006 6323)

This is a circular family-friendly walk. Linton Falls is a beautiful spot on the River Wharfe near Grassington. The Falls is a series of waterfalls with the main one under the footbridge. You can find lots of detailed information online about the various types of walks available at different times of year and most importantly the safety information you need, especially if you’re taking children on the walk.

Bowland Wild Boar Park

LOCATION: Bowland Wild Boar Park, Chipping, Preston, PR3 2HB

We spend a lot of time in Lancashire now, as my family have a caravan there. This is an attraction we have thought about booking on several occasions and for us February half term is the time!

I enjoyed researching Bowland Wild Boar Park and can’t wait to visit.

Situated in the Forest of Bowland, an area of outstanding natural beauty. See the animals and smaller residents in the animal petting area. There are 62 acres of nature trails and views to explore. And a newly refurbished café and Ice Cream Parlour. You can also stay overnight in one of their camping pods.

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Book your tickets here.

All the activities:

*Ice Cream Parlour and Café serving homemade food

*Barrel, Tractor and Trailer rides

*Lamb Feeding, Chick Holding

*Tank Experience

*See Llamas, Red Deer, Ostriches and lots more!

*Camping pods

*Mobility scooter/Tramper available to book

Windmill Animal Farm

LOCATION: Windmill Animal Farm, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire L40 1UQ

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Opening Times

Reopening daily from 18th January

Weekdays 10am – 4pm

Weekends 10am – 5pm

The majority of activities on the farm are undercover, so you can still visit and have a great time! Including Indoor soft play, meet Farmyard Friends, experience Criters2U, ride the farm train, and much more.

Create wonderful memories down on the farm!

Book your tickets here.

Family Day Out Reviews

Gisburn Forest – Walk

LOCATION: Forestry England, Gisburn Forest and Stocks – Stocks Reservoir, School Lane, Slaidburn, BB7 4TS

Gisburn Forest and Stocks are maintained by Forestry England and are located near Slaidburn in Lancashire.

The Birch Hills walk and tramper trail is an easy walking path. It will take you through mixed woodland with views over Stocks Reservoir. You will pass two wildlife hides, a picnic area and the old vicarage garden. 

There is usually a child-friendly activity trail in the forest which includes a Zog activity trail, a Gruffalo trail and more.

Eating & drinking

There is a cafe serving food and drinks. 

Parking

There is parking and charges apply – Gisburn Forest – Main Car Park. Clitheroe BB7 4TS

Ribble Steam Railway & Museum

LOCATION: Ribble Steam Railway, Chain Caul Rd, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 2PD, United Kingdom

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Half term event

Half-Term Pirates and Princess Wednesday

Trains depart from Preston Riverside station at the following times. The return trip lasts 30 minutes.

Timetable –
11.00am
11:45am
12.30pm
1.15pm
2.00pm
2:45pm
3.30pm

No Need to pre-book, just turn up and pay on the day

Opening times

They are open on Wednesday 19th & Saturday 22nd for this event.

What’s included?

Top and Tail trains throughout the day with a steam engine on the front and a diesel engine at the back.

Come dressed as a pirate or princess – there might even be some prizes for the best dressed.

Tickets include entrance to the museum & all-day travel on the trains.

There is a gift shop & a cafe serving drinks and light refreshments.

Rufford Old Hall

LOCATION: 200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, near Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 1SG

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

The house is open for limited days at this time of year, you can find more information here.

The woodland of Rufford Old Hall lies on the grounds of a restored sixteenth-century Tudor building; which is reportedly haunted! Alongside the wood are enjoyable views of the Leeds-Liverpool canal and wildlife: woodpeckers, kingfishers, buzzards and hedgehogs.

A great National Trust site to visit throughout the year with bluebells in the springtime and wonderful autumnal colours.

Stirk House

LOCATION: Gisburn, Clitheroe BB7 4LJ

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

The hotel looks like a lovely place to stop for some lunch and my 5-year-old would love running around the gardens. You can also follow the walking path below…

Stirk House Round Walk

Guests are free to explore the 22 acres of estate grounds at Stirk House and take in the tranquil beauty of the gardens and the ancient forest while spotting wildlife along the way.

Bury Transport Museum

LOCATION: Castlecroft Goods Warehouse, Bolton Street, Bury, Lancashire, BL9 0EY

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

Hop off the train East Lancashire Railway at Bury Station, and across the road, in the restored Castlecroft Goods Warehouse from 1848 there is the Bury Transport Museum. If you want to visit the transport museum, an example of ticket prices are below:

Book all experiences on the East Lancashire Railway here.

Worden Park

LOCATION: Worden Lane, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 3DH

Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

You can find all the information about visiting the park here.

Worden Park is a hidden gem, situated on the edge of Leyland.

With its mature woodlands, open meadows, historic natural landscapes, varied wildlife and peaceful setting offers a haven of natural beauty where you can walk, picnic and relax in undisturbed surroundings.  In addition to Worden’s natural appeal, it’s a great family day out, where visitors can enjoy a range of facilities.

Opening times

8 am to 5.30 pm in winter through to 10 pm in summer 

Car Parking

  • free car park (restrictions apply) 
  • cycle parking available 

Park facilities

  • children’s playground
  • model railway (opening times apply)
  • café 
  • craft centre 
  • Worden Hall 
  • historic gardens and hedge maze
  • walled kitchen garden 
  • orienteering course 
  • mini golf 
  • public toilets (20p charge applies) 
  • sports pitches 
  • arboretum
  • woodlands, wildflower meadows and ponds
  • dog wash.

Wild Discovery – Ribby Hall Village

LOCATION: Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 2PR

The place looks like so much fun… you can experience being a keeper for the day, animal encounters, and bird-flying encounters.

Book your tickets here.

You can check out all the dining options at Ribby Hall Village here. Below is the map so you can see the distance from Wild Discovery to the restaurants.

Summary

I hope you enjoyed reading the guide.

A Different Way of Making Hot Chocolate

Variety is the spice of life, they say. Speaking of spice, the ancient Mayans knew something we’ve long forgotten: that a pinch of the right spice could transform their sacred cacao drink into something extraordinary. For them, hot chocolate wasn’t just a drink—an experience, a ritual, and a connection to their culture and heritage.

Fast forward to today, and the essence of hot chocolate has become diluted. For most of us, it’s a quick powder mixed with hot water or milk—a convenient fix for a cold day. But real hot chocolate is much more.

Across the misty mountains of South America, where some of the finest cacao trees grow, artisans are reviving the spirit of hot chocolate. Their approach is changing how people experience this timeless drink, and it begins with a simple but powerful idea: keeping it real!

Beyond the Powder

Modern hot chocolate is often a compromise. It’s designed for speed, convenience, and mass production, using processed cocoa powders that strip away much of the cacao’s natural character. In contrast, the artisans crafting this new wave of hot chocolate take a different path—one rooted in authenticity and quality.

It’s about returning to what hot chocolate was meant to be. When you start with whole cacao beans and preserve their natural oils instead of stripping them away, you create something that mass-produced versions can’t match.

Making Hot Chocolate

The Whole Bean Difference

The secret is in a refreshingly straightforward approach: using real cacao beans! Unlike conventional processing, which removes the valuable cacao butter, this method preserves every natural element. The result? A drink with a naturally smooth texture and complex flavour profile that unfolds with every sip.

What makes this approach unique isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the philosophy behind them. Each batch begins with carefully selected South American Fino de Aroma beans, known for their exceptional flavour and aroma. These rare beans represent less than 8% of the world’s cacao production, making them the chocolate world’s equivalent of a fine vintage wine.

The process is as simple as it is meticulous: whole beans, minimal processing, and natural ingredients. No artificial additives, no unnecessary steps—just cacao prepared in a way that highlights its best qualities. The aroma alone is enough to hint at something special: rich, complex, and unmistakably chocolatey.

Rediscovering Quality

This traditional preparation method may offer more than just superior taste. The preserved cacao butter helps your body better absorb the beneficial compounds naturally present in cacao, including antioxidants and minerals. When cacao is minimally processed, it retains more of its natural theobromine content – a compound known to promote alertness without the jitters often associated with caffeine.

In a world driven by convenience, this return to quality over speed might seem like a bold move. But it reflects a broader trend toward mindful consumption—where people are increasingly choosing quality over convenience in their daily lives, from meal kit selections to what they eat and drink.

Making Hot Chocolate
Making Hot Chocolate
Making Hot Chocolate

The results speak for themselves. The preserved cacao butter creates a silky, velvety texture that carries flavour in a way powdered mixes simply can’t replicate. With every sip, you’ll notice a rich chocolate base complemented by subtle notes of fruit, nuts, or even floral undertones—all naturally present in fine cacao beans.

This isn’t just about making hot chocolate anymore; it’s about creating an experience. More and more culinary enthusiasts are embracing this philosophy, drawn to the art of crafting something truly extraordinary. It mirrors the rise of craft coffee and artisanal bread, where the focus is on quality, craftsmanship, and the story behind the product.

A New Tradition

Remember that spice we mentioned earlier? Sometimes the best way to add variety to life is to take something familiar and elevate it. This new wave of hot chocolate makers isn’t just selling a drink—they’re reviving an ancient tradition for modern palates.

The movement mirrors what happened with coffee over the past two decades. Just as coffee lovers moved from instant coffee to appreciating single-origin beans and artisanal brewing methods, hot chocolate enthusiasts are discovering the depth of flavour that traditional processing methods can unlock. 

Check out all the other posts in the lifestyle category!

The Magic in the Cup

What happens when you take this approach to hot chocolate? First, you notice the appearance—darker, richer, with a natural gloss that speaks to its quality. Then, the aroma captivates you, offering notes of chocolate so intense they seem to envelop your senses.

But the real magic happens when you take that first sip. Unlike conventional hot chocolate, which often overwhelms with sweetness, this style reveals its character gradually. The initial burst of chocolate is bold and satisfying, followed by a cascade of nuanced flavours. 

This isn’t just hot chocolate; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, flavour, and mindful indulgence. Each cup tells a story, from the sunlit cacao farms of South America to the careful hands of artisans who honour the ancient traditions of chocolate-making.

How to Fight Off Anxiety

Anxiety can have you in a grip if you’re not careful, and if you are dealing with the symptoms of anxiety, you know that it can feel suffocating. No one wants to feel like they’re in a chokehold and anxiety is exactly what keeps you in that locked-in space. 

The symptoms of anxiety can pull you down and make you feel like you’re drowning, and whether you’re actively seeking anxiety management therapy or you are exploring ways to exercise the adrenaline that comes with it, you need help and support. Below, we’ve put together some of the best techniques that you can use to fight off anxiety and finally let that monster go.

Get some medical advice. Anxiety can happen to anyone at any time, but chronic anxiety can ruin your life. You can get cannabis for anxiety from an alternative doctor, but it’s not a bad idea to speak to a doctor and get a referral to a specialist. Sometimes, anxiety comes from other issues such as depression and you need some support in that case. The help you get is vital for your continued recovery so don’t be afraid to ask for it!

Work on refocusing. Sometimes, distraction works a charm when it comes to anxiety and anxiety has two main issues: mental panic and physical discomfort. You could experience a racing heart, stomach distress and muscle tension when you’re feeling anxious, and instead of being pulled into interception, you can work on refocusing so that you don’t have to feel the mental and physical components of anxiety. 

Visualisation can work! Meditation is not just quack medicine. You can bet that you can calm the mind and the body when you visualise yourself in a calm state and do so in a calm place. The mind can impact the body in powerful ways and you should consider vivid visualization to calm yourself down to fight off the anxiety. Thinking calm thoughts or using visualisation methods to redirect yourself can work to improve the panic you’re feeling.

Embrace mindfulness practices. It’s important that you work on your psychological process and mindfulness practices can help you to do that. It’s all about living in the present as fully as you can and accepting what you can and cannot control. The whole point of mindfulness is to feel the here and now without fear and worry. You need to be in touch with your mind and body so that you can notice the sensations you’re feeling and combat them where you can.

Learn to relax. Oh, relaxation! Not easy for the anxious-minded out there. You can learn to do this by doing a workout. We know, that workouts are not easy when your mind is busy being frozen but expelling the adrenaline from your body can help to flood it with the right hormones so that you can finally feel calm and relaxed again.

    Anxiety doesn’t have to floor you. You can fight the monster and win.

    5 Tips to Boosting Your Quality of Life as a Mum

    Let’s dive into the Boosting Your Quality of Life as a Mum…

    As a mum, your children will always be your priority. So much so, that it can often be the case that you end up falling to the bottom of the list! If you’re someone who experiences stress and anxiety, it might be time to change that. Even though we don’t always think of ourselves first, we deserve to have a better quality of life and feel content too. Here are five tips to help you to do this.

    1. Look After Your Body

    First of all, the one thing you need to focus on here is looking after yourself more. It’s safe to say that you won’t always feel the best if you’re not taking care of your physical health. Simple changes to your lifestyle, such as moving more, drinking more water, and eating well, can help you have more energy and feel amazing. This will have a huge impact on your quality of life.

    Boosting Your Quality of Life as a Mum

    2. Delegate Well

    But it’s not just how we treat ourselves that can cause problems or cause chaos in our lives. As mums, we often take on too much and feel stretched thin. Not only do we have ourselves to take care of, but we have the children, our partners, and our wider family too. But there’s no reason why you have to do it all alone and not ask for help. It might be asking for more support around the house, enquiring about home care for your elderly parents, or dividing up childcare. Either way, this can help you to free up your mental load and improve your quality of life.

    3. Make Time for Fun

    This one might seem frivolous at face value, but it’s important if you want to boost your quality of life. We can all focus on the things that we’re required to do and neglect things that feel like fun. But having fun and enjoying yourself is a huge part of feeling good and living well. Whether it’s fun as a family, a date night with your significant other, or time with friends, making more time for fun in your life is important.

    4. Do Things Just For You

    As a step on from the previous point, there’s also the idea of doing more things that matter to you, just because you can. As mums, we often put everyone else above us – yet what we want is important too. So if there are things you want to do just for you, whether it’s beauty treatments, holidays, or hobbies, don’t feel guilty about making them a priority!

    5. Take Your Health Seriously

    It’s also important for you to make sure that you’re taking your holistic health seriously too. This isn’t just about looking after your body and making sure that you’re healthy in that regard – but you need to make sure that you’re mind is protected too. It’s important for you not to get stressed out or overwhelmed in life. If you are prioritising your relaxation and allowing yourself to feel your best, it’s going to allow you to become a better parent and partner too. By focusing on your quality of life and happiness, everyone benefits!

    Buy a Gift For Your Teen: 3 Tips to Use

    Buy a Gift For Your Teen: 3 Tips to Use
    Image Credit: Michelle Henderson from Unsplash.

    As a parent, you’ll buy countless gifts for your kids. Birthdays and the holidays will be the biggest occasions for this. While this can be relatively easy when they’re kids, it often gets a little more complicated as they get older. Their teenage years could be the worst for this.

    You may struggle to buy a gift for your teen because you don’t know what to get them. With a few tips, though, you can figure out exactly what to get them while still keeping it a surprise.

    Buy a Gift For Your Teen: 3 Tips to Use

    1. Consider Experiences 

    When most people think of gifts, they picture physical objects. As natural as that is, they’re far from the only gifts you can get your teen. You could also consider experiences, and these could be much better than physical gifts. They’ll end up being much more interesting and more memorable.

    If you go down this route, it’s just a matter of making sure it’s an experience your teen will love. A spa day, camping trip, or something similar can all be great with this. You’ll end up helping your teen create memories they’ll look back on for years.

    2. Consider Affordable Options

    More than a few gifts could come to mind for your teen, and many of these could be quite expensive. While these might be gifts your teen will love, it doesn’t always mean you should go for the most expensive options. It could be worth considering something more affordable.

    Instead of a brand new iPhone, for example, go with a refurbished iPhone 13. A lot of this revolves around whether your teen can look after their gifts. If they can’t, then they can learn how to be responsible by taking care of the more affordable option.

    Buy a Gift For Your Teen: 3 Tips to Use

    3. Embrace the Sentimental

    While it’s natural to think you have to go with something big and expensive, you don’t always have to go this way. Sometimes, the smaller gifts could be much better recommended. If you do, it could be a matter of focusing on sentimentality to make it more meaningful.

    There are plenty of options you could go with for this. Focus on something that’ll mean a lot to them and that brings back positive memories. They could end up cherishing it for years to come, and it’ll be a present they’ll love. It’ll be the best way to go.

    Buy a Gift For Your Teen: Wrapping Up

    It’s natural to stress a little when you need to buy a gift for your teen. You mightn’t know what to get them, and they mightn’t be too open about what they want. Thankfully, that doesn’t mean it has to be impossible.

    With the right tips, it could be relatively easy. While you’ll still need to consider whether your teenager will actually like the gift, you shouldn’t have a problem making sure they do. You could take more stress out of it than you’d think.

    How To Plan For And Cope With Our Parents Getting Older

    As our parents age, navigating the emotional, practical, and financial changes that come with this transition can be difficult. It’s natural to want to avoid thinking about our loved ones growing older, but planning can ease the challenges that arise and help ensure they receive the best care. Here’s how you can prepare for and cope with this life stage.

    Have Open Conversations Early

    One of the most important steps is to start discussions about ageing while your parents are still relatively healthy. It may feel uncomfortable initially, but having open and honest conversations about their wishes can prevent misunderstandings later. Discuss topics such as their preferences for healthcare, living arrangements, and how they want to be cared for in the event of serious illness. It’s also important to talk about their financial situation, including savings, pensions, and any outstanding debts.

    These discussions will allow you to respect their wishes and make informed decisions when the time comes. Your parents may also feel more at ease knowing that their preferences are understood.

    Understand Their Healthcare Needs

    As parents age, their healthcare needs often increase. From managing medications to attending more frequent doctor’s appointments, it’s important to stay informed about their medical conditions. Make a list of any medications they take and understand the purpose of each one. If necessary, help coordinate appointments and keep records of test results and treatments. Additionally, you may want to explore options such as home care or assisted living if your parents require more help than you can provide. 

    Prepare Legal and Financial Documents

    Ensuring all legal and financial documents are in order is crucial for preventing future stress. This may involve helping your parents create or update important documents such as their will, power of attorney, and advance care directive. A power of attorney gives someone the authority to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so, while an advance care directive outlines their wishes for medical treatment.

    You should also discuss their funeral arrangements. It may be a sensitive subject, but making plans in advance – such as selecting a funeral director and considering what kind of service they would like – can be a huge relief for both you and your parents when the time comes.

    Look After Your Own Wellbeing

    Caring for ageing parents can be emotionally and physically exhausting, so it’s important to take care of your well-being as well. Make sure you take time to rest and don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals. Support groups for carers can be a great resource, providing not only practical advice but also a sense of community.

    Balance is key; while your parents may need more of your time and energy, it’s essential to maintain your own hobbies, relationships, and self-care routines to prevent burnout.

    Final Thoughts

    Facing the reality of our parents getting older can be challenging, but planning ahead ensures that we are better equipped to handle whatever the future may bring. Open conversations, understanding healthcare needs, preparing legal documents, and looking after our well-being will make this life stage more manageable. Most importantly, cherish the time you have and ensure that your parents feel valued and cared for as they age.

    The Modern Farmer’s Blueprint for a Thriving Agribusiness

    Image: Freepik

    Guest post – I want to welcome Larry to my blog, to talk all about how to create a Thriving Agribusiness – please read to the end of the article for the author bio and link to his website

    In the realm of modern agriculture, the journey from a seedling idea to a thriving farm requires more than just hard work and a love for the land. It demands a blend of traditional knowledge and innovative practices, ensuring that your farm not only survives but flourishes in today’s competitive market. This guide from Parenting, Mental Health & Lifestyle delves into strategies ranging from securing a stable water supply to harnessing digital solutions for farm management, all tailored to empower today’s farmers with the tools needed for success.

    Establishing a Reliable Water Foundation

    The Produce Nerd notes that at the heart of a flourishing farm is a stable water supply. Essential for both crop cultivation and livestock rearing, securing an adequate and quality water source is critical. Investigate various options such as wells, rainwater collection, or community water solutions to meet your farm’s specific needs.

    Thriving Agribusiness

    Embracing a Gradual Farming Start

    While the eagerness to dive into farming is admirable, GroCycle points out that it is prudent to start on a smaller scale. Initially, concentrate on cultivating a select range of crops or rearing a limited number of livestock. This approach enables you to thoroughly understand the fundamentals, enhance your farming methods, and incrementally grow your operations as you accumulate experience and build confidence. Starting small also allows for more manageable adjustments and refinements, reducing the risk of overwhelming challenges as you lay the groundwork for a more expansive and successful farming venture.

    Diversifying Revenue Through Value-Added Products

    Extend beyond just selling raw produce by exploring the production of value-added items such as jams, preserves, or artisanal cheeses. These types of products usually command higher prices in the market, providing you with an additional stream of revenue and diversifying your income sources. Additionally, engaging in the creation of these products can enhance your farm’s brand identity, connecting customers more deeply with the quality and uniqueness of what your farm has to offer.

    Conducting Comprehensive Land Surveys

    Before committing to any land purchase, conducting a thorough survey is crucial. This process is invaluable in pinpointing boundary disputes, uncovering hidden risks, and evaluating the land’s suitability for your intended agricultural pursuits. Making this investment not only protects your venture from unforeseen complications but also offers insights into the land’s potential for future development and expansion, ensuring a solid foundation for your farm.

    I am now accepting guest posts on my blog. My blog has a range of categories but I predominantly discuss parenting and mental health. Guest posting on other people’s blogs is something that helped improve my DA score in the first three months.  It would be great to welcome posts on topics I don’t currently cover. 

    You can find more details here. I am also accepting sponsored posts and you can find the details here.

    Fostering Community Collaboration

    Establishing robust relationships with neighbouring farmers is invaluable. Collaborations can yield shared resources, stronger negotiating power, and a wealth of shared knowledge. Engaging in cooperative groups or agricultural networks magnifies the collective strength of your farming community. Additionally, these relationships often lead to mutually beneficial partnerships, enabling cross-promotion and support during challenging times, further solidifying your farm’s position in the local agricultural landscape.

    Developing a Distinct Farm Brand

    In a competitive market, a strong brand identity is vital. Create a unique brand that mirrors your farm’s ethos, involving elements like a distinctive logo, compelling narratives, and a consistent presence in both digital and traditional marketing channels. This brand-building process also helps in connecting with your target audience on a deeper level, fostering loyalty and recognition that transcends mere transactions and turns customers into long-term advocates for your farm and its products.

    Embarking on a farming venture is a journey that intertwines the beauty of traditional agriculture with the efficiencies of modern technology. It’s a path that calls for both a respect for the earth and a savvy understanding of the market. By adopting strategies like streamlining document management and forming an LLC, farmers can create a harmonious balance between sustainability and profitability. This approach paves the way for a new era of farming, where technology, tradition, and community come together to forge a resilient and fruitful agricultural future.

    Author bio

    Sow Sustainability was created by Larry Waters to connect home and community gardeners to horticulture experts. Larry hopes to grow the site into a forum where gardeners and horticulture experts can exchange information and form relationships that allow them to better serve their communities and make local gardening a regular way of life for all.

    Too Many Moose by Kathy Sherman – MCA review

    A rip-roaring moose family reunion songbook starring one extremely surprised host and exactly 256 moose (no more, no less).

    How many moose is too many moose? Two? Four? Eight? Sixteen? What happens when a herd of moose invites themselves over? In Too Many Moose, a herd of moose have a rip-roaring family reunion full of dancing, cartwheels, pillow fights and more!

    This book will push your imagination to the ridiculous with energetic children’s music, oddball humour and endearing, lively animal characters that dive into comical antics.

    Tiny Tree Books
    Too Many Moose

    Quick note: Some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. I only recommend products I use myself and think would be useful for other people.

    Buy the book

    The review

    I was so excited to read this book with my little one. Unfortunately, when we pulled out the book to read together, she was in a little bit of a grumpy mood. But I knew this was the perfect time to read the book and instil some laughter into our evening.

    The book did not disappoint. The little one was laughing her head off and she loved the rhyming element of the story.

    This book has been added to our little shelf next to her bed and we will enjoy reading it many times in the future.

    Cart Wheels & Pillow Fights

    In Too Many Moose, a herd of moose have a rip-roaring family reunion full of dancing, cartwheels, pillow fights and more! 

    Every young child loves a fun tale of cartwheels and pillow fights. When we’re out and about playing in the grass and doing cartwheels, we are at our happiest. Our little one loves the day we change the bedsheets at home. She loves lying on the bed while we waft the sheets over her. Small simple pleasures in life and we could all learn a lot from the joy a child feels in these moments.

    Want to read more about the joy of participating in childlike activities?

    Recent post on the blog

    You can check out all the recent posts on the blog here:

    Summary

    If you want to purchase a book for your family or maybe as a gift for someone, which is filled with joy, fun and laughter – this is the story for you!

    Too Many Moose

    Is a Kids Pass Worth It? My Honest Review – Mummy Conquering Anxiety

    PLEASE NOTE – this is my honest review of Kids Pass. Based solely on my own experiences. Before writing this review, I spent over two weeks constantly searching for deals and weighing up the costs.
    Kids Pass

    With another three weeks left of the school holidays in the UK, I thought it was the perfect time to share my honest thoughts on Kids Pass.

    Hearing about Kids Pass

    I first heard about Kids Pass in a local Facebook group and was deciding whether to sign up for one during our recent holiday. However, having looked at the type of holiday we were going on and the activities available in the area, I decided not to proceed.

    Not being able to search for offers before signing up

    One thing I didn’t like was that you couldn’t search for what was available in your area until you had signed up. This means the membership might not be useful for you, but you wouldn’t know until you had paid the £1.00 trial fee.

    Signing up for Kids Pass

    When I returned from holiday and had two weeks with my little one during the summer holidays, I signed up on the £1.00 offer. This gives you 30 days for free, after which you will be charged.

    One of the main selling points of the pass – was being able to use this at a pub we visit regularly. However, upon closer inspection, they are offering 50% off the Wacky Warehouse, which no longer exists. The newly refurbished pub now has a small soft play area, which is completely free. I thought the offer was on food. It wasn’t. And I have contacted Kids Pass about it. They have responded confirming this will be passed to the offers team to update.

    Have I used any offers so far?

    I’ve spent two weeks trying my best to make use of some of the offers that fit our family’s needs, but I’ve come up with it not really working out in reality. When you factor in travelling costs against existing offers I can get elsewhere.

    The clearest example of this I can give is:

    There was a 10% voucher off at a Toby Carvery about 35 minutes drive from us. We were going out for my husband’s birthday breakfast and needed somewhere to go (a little discount is always welcome – more money to save or do other things!). But logging onto the Toby Carvery app and signing up for the first time, meant I got an offer for 25% off or kids eat free. We decided to use the kids eat free because this applied Monday-Friday and given our current circumstances, it’s unlikely we will all be together again as a family, during the week, until the next school holidays in October.

    Finding better discounts directly with the vendor

    My point is that I can find much better discounts online or through the retailer and book directly. With a bit of searching online, or by using cashback apps, you can often maximise discounts.

    Referral link for Kids Pass

    Everyone who signs up for the free trial is provided with a referral link. If you’ve read my blog before you will know I do share referral links for things I use. But on this occasion, I won’t be sharing mine for Kids Pass. The post in the Facebook group included a referral link and I have seen many other parents also sharing theirs.

    Please check reviews & make your own decisions

    I’ve said in my previous review posts, that you should always Google products, places to visit and services – and check the reviews before committing to purchase. Feel free to complete a Google search on Kids Pass and make your own informed choice about what is best for your family.

    Blogger discounts

    If you are looking for genuine discounts, the best ones I’ve ever used have been from other trusted bloggers, writing about their own experiences. Seek out someone you trust and follow what they say:

    Here are some people I follow and I subscribe to their updates:

    Neesha at The Fun Money Club

    Claire Mac Blog – recommendations for school holidays

    My reviews of Places to Eat & Family Days out

    If you’re interested, you can check out my reviews below:

    The Craft House in Bingley – Is It Worth a Visit?

    My Review of The Old Bridge Cafe In Skipton

    The Noble Comb Hungry Horse Pub in Shipley – MCA Review

    11 Half Term Family Days Out in Lancashire

    Is a Kids Pass Worth It? My Honest Review – Mummy Conquering Anxiety

    A Rundown of the UK Merlin Attractions To Visit With The Kids

    Worth Valley Railway – A Fun Packed Day Out

    5 Fantastic Reasons To Visit East Riddlesden Hall

    The benefits of soft play at Kidzplay Shipley & other soft play centres

    Until next time

    Kids Pass