As I am sure you are all aware, today is the first day of February~finally.
For me, this means the start of a challenge.
I am taking part in ‘Run for Hearts ‘ which is to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. During February, I will be running 25 miles (not in one go!), so I thought I would bring you along with me.
I have not set foot in the gym or partaken in any actual exercise for far too long for mine and my backsides liking, so this morning I felt like it was my first day at school all over again as I prepared to walk into the gym and hopefully find a free treadmill.
Before even leaving the house, I had a clothing dilemma, I had carefully arranged all of my gym stuff out last night, so I would be fully prepared for this morning.
However, as I was getting ready with the words of my Dad ringing in my ear,’it’s not a fashion show, you know’ I suddenly remembered that I had infact brought myself a new gym top.
Naturally said top was nowhere to be seen, eventually after pulling out a drawer and half of my wardrobe, it suddenly dawned on me that I had previously had a conversation with my son, he held up a gym top and said ‘this isn’t mine’ ‘maybe it’s your sisters‘ , I replied thinkingnothing more of it.
Of course, it was actually my new top, it needed a wash because I had spilt coffee on it before even wearing it. Fortunately for me, my teenage son has an aversion to putting away clean washing, so said top was folded neatly on top of a pile of clothes that have taken up residenceoutside of his bedroom door because clearly stepping over them is just easier than putting them away!
Finally, I made it to the gym and found myself a treadmill.I completed my first mile and congratulated myself withcoffee and toast!
I won’t be running every day, so I willhave days when I’ll be running~well at least attempting to do roughly 2 miles at at time.
I am sure there will be some laughs along the way as I raise funds for this amazing charity.
I have popped a link to my Just Giving page below, if anyone would like to sponsor me that would be awesome.
As ever the days are whizzing by and the summer holidays are coming to a close. This means it’s time for a brand new chapter back to school. With early mornings and packed lunches back on the menu, we have a fabulous giveaway to help make back to school go as seamlessly as possible. From very first days at school to starting a brand new year, this giveaway is definitely not to be missed.❤️x
The Bloggers In order to be able to bring you this incredible giveaway, some of the UK’s top bloggers got together. A massive thank you to our bloggers! The bloggers taking part are: My Balancing Act | The Mum Diaries | Boxnip | Welsh Mum | Wotawoman Diary | Catch Up With Claire | Synderella Slims | Pounds and Sense | Jenny in Neverland | Life with Jupiter & Dann | Be Your Own Example | Diary of the Evans-Crittens | Have A Merry Little Christmas | Crafted With Perfection | Thrifty Husband | Norfolk’s Best | Joanna Victoria | Crazy Little Thing Called Love | Birds and Lilies | My Life Your Way | We Made This Vegan | Things To Make And Do | Cosy Cottage Chronicles | Sunshine and Selfies | Single Dad’s Guide To Life | Two Plus Dogs | Hannah and the Twiglets | Cats Kids and Chaos | Anything and Everything Else | The Money Making Mum | The Property Investor Blog
The Prizes
Win a pair of Start-Rite school shoes!
Start-Rite Shoes is giving one lucky winner the chance to win a pair of school shoes for their child. The foundation of any school uniform is a quality fitted pair of shoes, but there is nothing uniform about a Start-Rite school shoe! With 12 new styles added to their school shoe collection this season, Start-Rite is more prepared than ever to protect your children’s feet. No one size fits all, as every pair of feet has individual requirements to ensure healthy physical development. Whether you’re looking to support wide or narrow feet, a high instep, or shoes that double for a special occasion, Start-Rite has a style to suit every child.
EcoSplash Fleece Lined Jacket Navy from Muddy Puddles
Gear up for the ultimate back-to-school season with Muddy Puddles’ in our back-to-school giveaway! Included in the prize bundle is a top-tier kids waterproof jacket that ensures your young adventurers are ready for any weather. This navy raincoat features an impressive waterproof rating of 10,000mm to keep your child dry during heavy downpours, perfect for rainy days. Crafted from durable, breathable fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, it’s both eco-friendly and long-lasting. The soft fleece lining provides extra warmth, while the jacket’s design makes it easy to layer across various seasons. Fully taped seams offer robust protection against the elements, and reflective details enhance visibility in low-light conditions for added safety. Plus, it’s machine washable at 30 degrees for easy care. Muddy Puddles has your kids covered for back to school with their back to school jackets, waterproofs, and more—ensuring every rainy walk to school, puddle-jumping session, and chilly playground adventure is tackled in style and comfort!
SMASH lunch bag and water bottle set
Gear up for the school year with an essential lunch bag and water bottle set! The Smash Lunch Bag is your kids perfect lunchtime companion, designed with full insulation and an antibacterial lining to ensure their meals are as fresh as possible. Made from premium neoprene, this lunch bag is not only fully washable but also brings a splash of personality and fun to every meal. Stay hydrated in style with the Smash Twin Wall Soda Bottle. Made from durable stainless steel, this sustainable bottle features a sleek design and a removable cap, making it an ideal everyday accessory. It’s BPA-free, food-safe, non-toxic, and offers a smart, twin-walled construction. Create-a-Space™ Storage Centre from Learning Resources
Introducing a stylish addition to any back-to-school setup: the Create-a-Space™ Storage Centre from Learning Resources, which is part of our exclusive giveaway prize bundle! Perfectly blending modern design with practicality, this white 10-piece set will seamlessly fit into any décor theme, whether at home or in the classroom. The carousel-style design features 8 removable containers, providing the perfect solution for organising essentials like glue sticks, crayons, pens and more. Keep your workstation clutter-free and enjoy a space that is as functional as it is chic with this versatile storage centre.
Win any LittleLife Flip-Top Water Bottle!
Family active outdoors brand, LittleLife, is giving one person their choice of a flip-top water bottle, perfect for the school day. Made from impact-resistant Tritan copolyester, a watertight lid and holding 550ml, these bottles are durable and fit fuss-free into your child’s school rucksack or backpack. LittleLife’s water bottles also come with a chew-resistant straw to avoid lingering tastes and odours thanks to being BPA-free.
Brainstorm Toys Children’s 14cm Desktop World Globe
Discover new horizons with the Brainstorm Toys Children’s 14cm Desktop World Globe, a shining star in our back-to-school giveaway prize bundle! This compact yet high-quality globe is a treasure trove of knowledge, showcasing detailed political boundaries, natural wonders like lakes, rivers, and deserts, as well as capitals and major cities. Perfect for curious minds, this globe is ideal for home or school, making it a must-have for any aspiring explorer. The sturdy base ensures stability, while its easy rotation allows young adventurers to seamlessly explore different areas of the world. Enhance your child’s learning experience and ignite curiosity with this engaging educational tool.
Little Brian Scribble Paint Sticks.
Unleash your creativity with Scribble Paint Sticks by Little Brain, a standout addition to our giveaway prize bundle! These innovative paint sticks are perfect for adding intricate details and patterns to your artwork, thanks to their finer tip. Featuring 12 vibrant classic colours, they bring your child’s artistic visions to life with ease. Enjoy a mess-free painting experience where paint twists up and down just like a glue stick and dries in under 60 seconds. Whether you’re working on paper, card, wood, or glass, these versatile paint sticks make it simple to explore your creativity without the clean-up hassle.
How to Enter: You can enter the Giveaway by completing as many Rafflecopter widget entry options below as you like. All entries will be collected, and one winner will be randomly chosen via Rafflecopter. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Terms and Conditions of the Giveaway The giveaway will run from 4pm 23rd August 2024 to 8pm 01st September 2024. The winners will be notified by email from rowena@mybalancingact.co.uk The winner will have 7 days to respond after which time we reserve the right to select an alternative winner. This prize draw is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, BlogLovin or Pinterest or any other social media platform. Prize open to over 18s only. Age verification may be required to receive some prizes. Some or all of the prizes may take a few weeks to arrive. If any prizes are out of stock then we will do our best to find a suitable replacement but can not guarantee it. Anyone who unfollows before the giveaway ends or doesn’t complete the required entry action will be disqualified. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for monetary value. We may be using a parcel service or RoyalMail for some of the prizes and their standard compensation will apply in the event of loss or damage. Some items may be sent directly by the supplier and we do not have responsibility if these go missing and we cannot replace these. In the unlikely event, one of the companies withdraws a prize, we cannot offer an alternative. The winner’s name will be stated on some or all of our blogger’s websites and announced on Twitter and other social media channels. It will also be displayed on the Rafflecopter Entry. By entering this prize draw, you give your permission for this.Please note the winner may have the same name as you so if you see your name displayed, be aware that you are not the winner unless you have been notified by us. There may be some delays in receiving prizes.
In today’s episode of ‘my ridiculous life’ that no one asked for, but you’re getting anyway.
I have made a very dodgy attempt at fixing the parasol complete with some ribbon and.clothes pegs~why I haven’t got a blue Peter badge I will never know!
Add to this the fact that I have lost a brand new summer dress and my Mum asked if I have thrown it away by accident without even batting an eye lid then you can see how my Friday Is going!
Don’t delay the Fathers Day Giveaway is under way. Brighten someone specials day by entering, and all of these fabulous prizes could be coming their way.
From barbecuing to puzzle making, there is sure to be something to suit everyone here.
So if you’re stuck for ideas, never fear, if you haven’t done so, already get entering now, and let’s bring some Fathers Day cheer. 💙x
The Giveaway
This Father’s Day, prepare to delight the special man in your life with an extraordinary giveaway brought to you by a collaboration of top UK bloggers. We’ve joined forces to curate a bundle of prizes that promises not only to impress but also to provide moments of joy. This giveaway is your chance to give your dad something truly special this Father’s Day.
Just head to the bottom of this post for details on how to enter and join us in celebrating the incredible men in our lives with a gift that stands out from the rest. Don’t miss this opportunity to make Father’s Day unforgettable this year!
Meet the Bloggers
In order to be able to bring you this incredible giveaway, some of the UK’s top bloggers got together. A massive thank you to our bloggers! The bloggers taking part are:
Celebrate Father’s Day in style with theOpinel Barbecue Set! This timeless set is the perfect companion for socialising and dining with friends, offering a blend of practicality and elegance. Crafted in France using eco-friendly local materials, the set includes three essential utensils:
N°12B Folding Knife: Featuring a 16cm stainless steel blade and a durable beechwood handle sourced from French forests, this knife is equipped with a safety collar for secure locking in open and closed positions. Complete with a built-in bottle opener, this versatile tool is a must-have for any outdoor gathering.
Spatula+: Crafted from stonewashed finish stainless steel, this spatula attaches to the N°12B knife handle and secures in place with the safety collar. With a generous 8.5cm x 20cm surface area, it simplifies food handling with its narrow angle and beveled edges for precise scraping and separating.
XL Tongs: Measuring 40cm in length, these stonewashed stainless steel tongs ensure easy and safe food handling. Their asymmetrical heads offer versatility, allowing you to grip both large and small items effortlessly, while the grid-lifting slot enhances convenience during grilling sessions.
Don’t miss this chance to win this exceptional Opinel Barbecue Set for the father figure in your life!
Team GB: Jokesaws Medals in the Making 1000 piece Jigsaw
Prepare for excitement with “Medals in the Making” – a vibrant 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, included in our Father’s Day Giveaway prize bundle. Join Team GB in a whirlwind of Olympic events featuring skateboarders, swimmers, cyclists, and sprinters. This officially licensed puzzle is part of Gibson Puzzle’s humorous Jokesaws range, promising entertainment and laughter as you piece together this energetic scene painted by Phil Dobson. Get your dad ready for a fun challenge filled with hidden gems and jokes! The perfect gift this Father’s day!
African Shea Black Soap 120g from Aviela
Introducing the luxuriousAfrican Shea Black Soap 120g as a delightful addition to our Father’s Day prize bundle, making it a perfect gift choice. Handcrafted with care, this gentle cleansing soap bar is enriched with pure Shea Butter, Cocoa Pod Ash, and nourishing natural oils like Coconut and Neem. Its moisturizing formula, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, effectively cleanses while soothing the skin, offering a pampering experience for dads.
AFRICAN ORANGE AROMATIC HAND & BODY WASH from Evolve Organic Beauty
Presenting the indulgentAFRICAN ORANGE AROMATIC HAND & BODY WASH (250ml) as a luxurious addition to our Father’s Day prize bundle, offering a perfect gift choice. Formulated with natural Coconut and Sugar Extracts, this aromatic wash gently cleanses and hydrates while preserving the skin’s pH balance. Enriched with Organic Aloe Vera, it nourishes and soothes, leaving a delightful scent of blood orange, vanilla, black pepper, and cedarwood. Treat dad to this organic hand wash for a pampering and comforting experience.
Kanoodle® Ultimate Champion from Learning Resources
Our lucky winner will get to experience the thrill of the #KanoodleChallenge as it’s part of our Father’s Day prize bundle, offering a chance to become theKanoodle Ultimate Champion! With 500 diverse 2D and 3D puzzle challenges, this game will delight dads seeking a stimulating mental workout. Perfect for gifting, it combines fun, logic, and portability in one exciting package.
How to Enter:
You can enter the Giveaway by completing as many Rafflecopter widget entry options below as you like. All entries will be collected, and one winner will be randomly chosen via Rafflecopter. Good luck!
UK entries only The giveaway will run from 3pm 08th June 2024 to 11.45am 16th June 2024. The winners will be notified by email from rowena@mybalancingact.co.uk The winner will have 7 days to respond after which time we reserve the right to select an alternative winner. This prize draw is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, BlogLovin or Pinterest or any other social media platform. Prize open to over 18s only. Age verification may be required to receive some prizes. Some or all of the prizes may take a few weeks to arrive. If any prizes are out of stock then we will do our best to find a suitable replacement but can not guarantee it. Anyone who unfollows before the giveaway ends or doesn’t complete the required entry action will be disqualified. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for monetary value. We may be using a parcel service or RoyalMail for some of the prizes and their standard compensation will apply in the event of loss or damage. Some items may be sent directly by the supplier and we do not have responsibility if these go missing and we cannot replace these. In the unlikely event, one of the companies withdraws a prize, we cannot offer an alternative. The winner’s name will be stated on some or all of our blogger’s websites and announced on Twitter and other social media channels. It will also be displayed on the Rafflecopter Entry. By entering this prize draw, you give your permission for this. Please note the winner may have the same name as you so if you see your name displayed, be aware that you are not the winner unless you have been notified by us. There may be some delays in receiving prizes.
Last night I was making some space in the tiny indoor freezer space as quite frankly I was too lazy to walk outside to the garage freezer.
Anyhow I emptied out some ice cubes into the sink and thought nothing more of it.
Fast forward to coming downstairs in search of some much needed caffeine, I looked in the sink and wondered how on earth those ice cubes hadn’t melted overnight~before realising that they are of course plastic reusable ice cubes!!
I am blaming a lack of sleep and indeed caffeine! Happy Thursday.❤️x
The Mothers Day Giveaway is back with a bang, with some wonderful prizes that must be won.
So come on, everyone, let’s wipe away the rain drops and embrace the sun. Enter today and see if you can win something for Mum.
The giveaway and gift guide has some wonderful things to inspire and suit everyone for this special day to celebrate someone special in your life.🩷x
Meet the Bloggers
In order to be able to bring you this incredible giveaway, some of the UK’s top bloggers got together. A massive thank you to our bloggers! The bloggers taking part are:
Art File Jungle Animals 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle from Gibsons Games
Delight in the vibrant Art File Jungle Animals 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle. A tribute to the diverse beauty of our planet’s wildlife. Crafted with precision and creativity by an award-winning designer from The Art File, this puzzle captures the essence of nature’s splendour. As a joint venture between Gibsons Games and The Art File, two renowned British family businesses, this jigsaw puzzle represents their shared commitment to quality and innovation.
Each of the 1000 pieces contributes to a stunning visual experience, making it not just a puzzle but a piece of art. This makes it an excellent gift for mums who appreciate both the challenge of a jigsaw and the aesthetics of fine art. Plus, it’s part of our exciting prize bundle – a perfect blend of challenge, relaxation, and artistic appreciation.
Liquid Silk Perfect Cleansing Oil (100ml) from DJUSIE
Introducing Liquid Silk Cleansing Oil, the ultimate cleansing oil that will leave your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. Designed for all skin types and ages, this luxurious oil delivers a refreshing clean to both oily and dry skin, leaving it perfectly balanced and radiant. Not only is it functional. It also provides a luscious sensory experience with its effortless formula to even remove waterproof makeup.
The refreshing and uplifting scent of lime, red grapefruit, jasmine, and geranium creates a fruity and nuanced aroma that will invigorate your senses. This luxurious blend not only nourishes your skin but also has a positive impact on your mood.
The application process is simple. Massage a few drops onto dry skin in circular motions to dissolve impurities and makeup. Then rinse with water. Your mum will be left with soft, supple, and glowing skin that she’ll love. We have one to giveaway to our lucky prize winner!
Pure Shea Butter (180ml) from Aviela
Next up on our pamper list is the 100% pure, highest grade unrefined Shea butter. The perfect choice of gift to show our appreciation and love for the incredible mothers or women in our lives.
Packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, with natural soothing properties, the Shea butter deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin. It quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving it supple and glowing while also creating a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. This makes it an ideal addition to any skincare routine for all skin types.
The luxurious butter, suitable for use from hair to toe, offers exceptional hydration, outstanding nourishment, and remarkable skin-softening effects for all skin types. It’s particularly effective in combating dryness and soothing irritated skin. As part of our Mother’s Day giveaway, we’re excited to offer one lucky winner the chance to experience these benefits firsthand. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to win this sumptuous treat for your skin!
TIMELESS RENEWAL BIO-RETINOL BODY OIL (100ml) from Evolve Organic Beauty
Evolve Organic Beauty’s latest addition to the age-defying product line, this divinely scented firming body oil is a treat for all skin types, including dry ones. The blend of Retinol analogue Bidens Pilosa, Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Macadamia Oil, and Apricot oils work in harmony to nourish, firm, rejuvenate and smooth your skin while also improving its elasticity and locking in hydration for a youthful glow.
Infused with the organic essential oils of Rose Geranium, Ylang Ylang and Mandarin, the timeless renewal bio-retinol body oil not only pampers your skin but also delights your senses. This Mother’s Day, consider gifting this luxurious body oil to the most important woman in your life. It’s a thoughtful gift that shows you care about her well-being and is part of our Mother’s Day prize bundle. This product is more than just skincare. It’s a chance for her to indulge in a moment of self-care, making it the perfect gift for any occasion.
Paradise Luxury Gloss (Colour: Spell) from Doll Smash Cosmetics
Presenting the Paradise Luxury Gloss from Doll Smash Cosmetics. A luxe lip enhancer that promises brilliant shine, a smooth look, and a luscious feel. This high-quality gloss is designed to elevate your lips while diminishing any imperfections. Its unique formula is far from the sticky or tacky feel of traditional lip glosses. Instead offering a soft, creamy texture that leaves your lips feeling deliciously smooth. The immediate, radiant shine it delivers makes it an instant favourite.
As part of our prize bundle, this gloss makes an excellent gift for mums who appreciate a touch of luxury in their makeup routine. It’s more than just a gloss – it’s a ticket to a pampering experience that every mum deserves.
£50 Amazon Voucher from Make Money Without A Job
Make Money Without A Job is donating a £50 Amazon Voucher to our lucky winner! Check out Make Money Without A Job if you’re looking for ways to earn extra money. Because Make Money Without A Job does exactly what it says. There are over 3,000 articles about making money from side hustles and starting your own business. Whether you want to make £100 a month or £5,000 a month there’s ideas for everyone.
What’s more, there’s a free daily draw to win £10, and if it isn’t claimed, the prize rolls over. They’ve given away multiple prizes over £100 to lucky winners. Check out the draw at www.makemoneywithoutajob.com/draw
How to Enter:
You can enter the Giveaway by completing as many Rafflecopter widget entry options below as you like. All entries will be collected, and one winner will be randomly chosen via Rafflecopter. Good luck!
Terms and Conditions of the Giveaway UK entries only The giveaway will run from 8pm 03rd March 2024 to 8pm 10th March 2024. The winners will be notified by email from rowena@mybalancingact.co.uk The winner will have 7 days to respond after which time we reserve the right to select an alternative winner. This prize draw is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, BlogLovin or Pinterest or any other social media platform. Prize open to over 18s only. Age verification may be required to receive some prizes. Some or all of the prizes may take a few weeks to arrive. If any prizes are out of stock then we will do our best to find a suitable replacement but can not guarantee it. Anyone who unfollows before the giveaway ends or doesn’t complete the required entry action will be disqualified. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for monetary value. We may be using a parcel service or RoyalMail for some of the prizes and their standard compensation will apply in the event of loss or damage. Some items may be sent directly by the supplier and we do not have responsibility if these go missing and we cannot replace these. In the unlikely event, one of the companies withdraws a prize, we cannot offer an alternative. The winner’s name will be stated on some or all of our blogger’s websites and announced on Twitter and other social media channels. It will also be displayed on the Rafflecopter Entry. By entering this prize draw, you give your permission for this. Please note the winner may have the same name as you so if you see your name displayed, be aware that you are not the winner unless you have been notified by us. There may be some delays in receiving prizes.
Christmas time medicine and no wine, Slowly,slowly losing my mind.
🎄🎄🎄
With wrapping paper here there and everywhere, bags and boxes upon almost every chair.
🎁🎁🎁
The house I confess is a Christmas mess, I’m trying not to let it add to my stress. With baubles and lights hanging everywhere, does anyone know what day it is? Do they even care?!
🌟💫🌟
Christmas time,it’s really fine. I just thought I’d try and be witty with my little ditty , Just for fun, before this year is done, and we welcome in another one.
Crazy Little Thing Called Love 