Give Your Dishwasher a Long and Productive Life

Dishwashers are hard-working helpers that we take for granted – until we lose them. They can be very expensive to replace and it is disheartening to think that when they finally give up the ghost, their bodies contribute to landfill. Yet, the odds are stacked against us: planned obsolescence or built-in obsolescence determines how regularly we need to buy a new item. It makes sense to take better care of them.

You can actually be quite proactive in extending the working life of your dishwasher. If you’ve come to depend on it, there are numerous ways to ensure it gives you a great wash every time, as well as protecting its essential inner workings. It’s all in how you stack your dishes, the dishwasher detergents you use, and how hard or soft your water is.

How to load your dishwasher to max your wash

Scrape and rinse plates to minimise filter blockage and prevent interior pollution of food particles
Bowls, glasses, mugs and all plasticware belong on the top rack, face down
Plates should be stacked on the bottom rack leaning slightly forwards for drainage, if possible. Mix up sizes to create washing/rinsing space between them.
Be careful not to obscure the cyclical path of the arm, and lay large utensils flat on the top deck
Don’t overstuff the cutlery basket
Clean the filter after each cycle
Choose a cycle equal to the mess, and use an eco-setting where possible
Check your salt and rinseaid levels regularly

Other considerations –detergent and water supply

If your water supply is hard – with high concentrations of calcium and magnesium – you’re at a disadvantage. The cleaning action of detergents is suppressed by these mineral deposits, meaning your dishes might not clean properly; it also makes it more likely that grease and limescale will build up in your equipment, creating maintenance and repair issues and even causing an early equipment death.

Don’t ignore the salt light: use dishwasher salt, either as a single product or in a 3-in-1 dishwasher tablet. Dishwasher tablet and powder manufacturers make life easy by adding salt to their products, but if you live in a hard water area you could double up and fill the salt reservoir in your dishwasher to improve your results and keep the insides of your equipment clean and scale-free.
Consider fitting a water softener unit, which will be good news for your dishwasher and your hot water system, shower, washing machine, boiler, radiators. A water softener unit uses food-grade salt to create brine for the rinsing of mineral deposits from the filter. Softened water enables all detergents to lather properly too – like soaps, laundry powder, dishwasher tablets, shower gel – so less of them is needed for better results.

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Hanson Salt.

Silent Sunday – 16 June 2013

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Saturday is Caption Day – Amy eats spag bol 15 June 2013

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At the beginning of the week, we went to Frankie & Bennie’s for dinner. We usually go for a less messy option for Amy, but it was Ben’s turn to decide and he ordered a big portion of spag bol. Do you think she liked it? It was definitely good fun watching her eat.

5 ways to spruce up your bathroom

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Every now and then, I look around our house and feel the need for some change. Nothing major really like tearing walls down, adding a conservatory or anything equally expensive, but some minor cosmetic work that gives the room a nice and fresh feel.

We have already planned the changes that we want to make to our bedroom and the guest bedroom, so the next project will be our bathroom. It’s shaped like a cube, tiled from top to bottom and fairly small. In fact, it’s so small that you can wash your hands while sitting on the toilet. But size doesn’t matter. It’s all about what you do with what you’ve got and that’s why I have looked at a couple of ideas to spruce up your bathroom in an effective and inexpensive way..

Give your bathroom a good clean

I have a habit of using five different shampoos at the same time. Not literally, but I often have five different bottles standing around and making my bathroom look all cluttered and messy. Recently, I have tried to be better and I refuse to open any new bath product before I have used up another one. Getting rid of clutter and giving your bathroom a good scrub really opens up surfaces, gives your eyes a rest and makes your bathroom appear that little bit more spacious.

Get a pot plant

If your bathroom has a window, add a pot plant to the window sill or a chest of drawers. Flowers brighten up a room in an instant and this rule also applies for the bathroom. If you don’t have a green thumb, have a look at fake plants. They aren’t as kitschy as they used to be and can have the same effect as the real deal.

Get new taps or shower heads

Our water is so hard that fighting against lime scale seems like a full-time job and I am failing miserably. Lime scale has made our taps look unsightly and eaten its way through our shower head, meaning that more water comes out of the side of it than the actual nozzles. We have looked at different shower heads and the showers range from Mira Showers features a fabulous power shower that would even wake me up early in the morning. We just need to find matching taps now!

Bring in some colour

Colourful towels, shower mats or soap dispensers are an easy and cheap way to bring some colour into your bathroom and create a certain mood. You could even give your bathroom a lick of paint, but be careful choosing the right bathroom colour. Depending on the size of your bathroom, colours can make the room appear bigger or smaller and even lighter or darker.

Create a relaxing atmosphere

Your bathroom is a place to relax and unwind after a long day. Create a relaxing atmosphere by using candles or diffusers that distribute a pleasant smell. Popping a cotton wool bud soaked in Rosemary oil into your bathroom bin is also a great way to fight any unwanted smells lurking in there.

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Mira Showers.

Celebrity spotting in Florida

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Florida is not only popular with families and Disney fans. Celebrities such as Al Pacino, Donald Trump or pop-star couple Jay-Z and Beyonce have also discovered the sunshine state as the place to be and bought houses in and around Miami. The following hot spots give you an idea where you can hang out with the who is who of showbiz, music and sports.

Disney World – Orlando/Florida

If you want to rub shoulders with celebrities such as Mickey Mouse & Co, get yourself tickets for Disney World with Florida Tix. has to be on top of your list. Kids will love it and you might even spot a real life celebrity like Disney fans David & Victoria Beckham, rapper Ne-Yo or Baby Spice Emma Bunton.

Prime 112 – Miami/Florida

This steakhouse will serve you prime beef and the creme de la creme of the showbiz on a silver platter. Ex-president Bill Clinton has been spotted here as well as Cameron Diaz and reality show starlet Kim Kardashian. If you dine here, make sure to book in advance or you’ll wait up to 3 hours to be seated.

Bal Harbour Shops – Miami Beach/Florida

We all love a bit of retail therapy and if you want to combine it with some celebrity spotting, then the Bal Harbour Shops in Miami Beach are the best place to splash your cash. You can find all big designer names in this outdoor mall and if you are lucky, you might fight for the last pair of Chanel sunglasses with Jennifer Aniston or Tyra Banks.

Fontainebleau – Miami/Florida

This hotel has seen them all. Christina Aguilera & Co regularly party in Fontainebleau’s club LIV and President Barack Obama comes to Florida’s top address to host political events. If you want to sleep where the top names of politics and showbiz rest their heads after a long day, this is where you want to book in.

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Florida Tix.

Cinderella is going to BritMums Live – thanks to TwoTen

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Move over fairy godmother! Peepus and TwoTen got their wands out and not only have they got me a ticket to the ball, they are also making sure that I don’t have to rush home at midnight and my pumpkin cab doesn’t break down.

TwoTen sponsors Mummy Alarm

I couldn’t be more thrilled to have found such an amazing sponsor at such short notice. TwoTen got in touch with me just two days after I had posted that I was looking for a sponsor and not only are they generous, they are also a young company that parents should keep an eye out for.

TwoTen is an online protection and guidance service for younger children – a bit like a web filter, but much cleverer and easy to use. You don’t have to install any software and there’s almost nothing to configure, which is great for everyone who’s not a PC expert. What I really like about TwoTen is that their technology can protect a child whether they are browsing the Internet with a PC, a netbook, a smartphone or a tablet. If it can browse the web, then TwoTen can protect it.

Currently, TwoTen are offering three different products:

The TwoTenNest is a version of TwoTen for organisations like schools and children’s homes that want to protect large numbers of children and devices.

The TwoTenCube is perfect for you, if you want to protect a number of users in your house. It protects all devices that use wifi or a cable to browse the web.

TwoTenSIM is the TwoTen subscription service extended for mobile phone users. It’s a simple SIM card whose monthly charge includes free broadband

If you would like to find out more or have any questions, please make sure to get in touch with TwoTen’s special employee Peepus, the virtual duck that knows everything! He’s on Twitter and Facebook. Alternatively, you can just leave me a comment and I’ll get you the answers you are after or chat to Peepus’s human colleagues. They are rather nice as well!

See you at BritMums Live!

How to spruce up your home for less

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How to spruce up your home for less

Whether you’ve recently moved in to a new home or are simply looking to reinvigorate a property you’ve been at for a while there are a number of ways to do so without breaking the bank. An effective way to keep down unexpected costs in the long-term may be to opt for boiler insurance, which could help to ensure you have more cash to splash on other things around the house. The good news is that the changes could even add value to your property, never a bad thing even if you aren’t looking to move on just yet.

Paint

A lick of fresh paint can make a big difference to the appearance of a room and needn’t prove costly. If you’re happy to stick to a simple shade throughout a number of rooms in the house then it’s possible to stretch your money further. If you do want to liven up a certain room then why not paint a single wall in a different colour to create an interesting contrast.

Keep your garden tidy

In the winter months you may not spend a great deal of time in your garden, but with the weather slowly improving now might be the ideal time to get it ready for sunnier days. So get to work on removing weeds, give the lawn a mow and perhaps consider planting some hardy shrubs that will add a splash of visual appeal throughout the year. Why not also consider picking up some cheap garden furniture? Wood staining your fence is also worthwhile as it will improve its appearance and protect it from weather damage.

Improve items instead of buying new ones

Sometimes household items can feel a little bit tired. So if your sofa has seen better days then don’t immediately look to part company with it. Re-upholstering might be a cost-effective way to give it a new lease of life, or an even more simple solution could be to invest in some throws. These could even be dyed to your desired shade. Similarly, shelving, wardrobes and cabinets looking a little worn could be sanded down and repainted to give them a unique look.

Re-organise your furniture

It can be easy to get used to something being in the same place, but from time to time it is worth weighing up whether the layout of a room is as effective as it can be. So don’t be afraid to move things around.

Shop around

It seems obvious but don’t assume the first price you are quoted for a product is the best deal. These days it is easier than ever to shop around for a good price. Better still, why not find out if someone else’s trash could be your treasure. Second hand shops can turn up some pleasant surprises and you may even know someone who is looking to get rid of something that would be ideally suited to your property. It is also worth going online. Freecycle allows you to find everything from furniture to camping equipment available in your area, with the only cost to you being collection. Gumtree could also help you to grab a bargain with a wide range of products being sold.

Have a clear out

The internet could also work to your advantage if you’re looking to rid your household of some of its clutter. Whether you’re a messy person or not, most of us have things we no longer use, so why not pass them on to someone else or if they’re unusable bin them. The extra space might have an instant impact of making a room look better, as well as potentially adding a few pounds to your pocket for new additions.

This is a guest post provided by Dan Whiteside. Dan blogs about DIY and gardening topics at DIY Newbie, where he discusses a variety of issues including plumbing repairs and building projects.

20 must-read children’s books

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20 must-read children’s books

Reading has always been a big part of my life. My mum was always reading to me and with me when I was little and I find it such a lovely way to spend time as as a family. If you are looking for some book ideas for your little ones, here is my list of 20 must-read children’s books, which I have created with the help of some lovely blogging friends.

Zog by Julia Donaldson

Jenny from Cheetahs In My Shoes says: “It’s great to read to pre-schoolers and my daughter in Yr 3 loves it to. All about the Dragons at school learning how to do different dragon things, it has the wondrous Julia Donaldson rhyme, the beautiful Axel Scheffler illustrations and the ability to be adjusted into your home life – so we frequently change the name of Madam Dragon into the name of the children’s teachers. Love it.”

Eric – The Viking by Terry Jones

Molly from Mother’s Always Right says: “My little girl absolute adores this book, although it’s way too old for her. It’s written by Terry Jones and illustrated by Michael Pratchett and whenever we read it, she closes her eyes and says that she can see the pictures in her head! It was mine as a kid and I like that she’s sharing it with me.”

That’s Not My Kitten by Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells

Andrea from All You Need Is Love and Cake says “This book is part of the Usborne touchy-feely books range. Sophie loved these books from a very young age, as she could feel all the different textures. As she has got older, the continuation of certain graphics throughout the book made it great fun for her to look for things, such as the mouse on each page. At 2 years old these are still a firm favourite and I can see them remaining so for a good while yet.”

The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson

Jennifer from Jennifer’s Little World thinks “It’s a really sweet story about a little girl with a mother that makes her a string of paper dolls, which she takes on adventures around the house and garden. Sadly they can’t escape a boy and his scissors, but they are not gone forever, and instead live on in the little girl’s memory along with lots of other wonderful things. The story is a reminder of the passing of time, and it really touches parents too. It’s a lovely book.

Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan and Janet Ahlberg

Mary from Keynko thinks this is the perfect book for all generations: My 2 adored this book and even now at 22 and 17 can recite it word for word. It is now a family tradition to buy a copy for each person we know who had a baby.

The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Aly from Plus2Point4 and her kids are big fans of Carle’s animal books: “The illustrations and simple story telling bring to life the animal world that engages children and invites them to explore.”

Sir Charlie Stinky Socks from Kristina Stephenson

Cat from Cat’s Yellow Days says: “We love this series of books. The use of language makes them great fun to read, the illustrations are beautiful and they have big fold out flaps that are great fun to explore.”

You Can’t Eat A Princess by Gillian Rogerson

Helen from Kiddy Charts loves the idea of “having a little princess as a hero, rather than a bit of a pain in the bottom. I love the idea that one of the soldiers can’t help her because he has rollers in his hair too! She is a feisty girl, driving across the galaxy to save her father from being eaten by aliens. The pictures are bright and bold, and the aliens end up preferring to eat chocs to people, so are clearly my kind of aliens.”

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet by Anna Kemp

Liz from Me And My Shadow can’t wait to see stage show of her favourite book: “It’s our all time favourite and at only three and a half years, Ruby could recite the book word for word. It has fabulous illustrations and a beautiful story.”

The Panda and Gander by Joyce Dunbar

Sandy from Baby Baby recommends this fun series of books: “Panda is greedy and needy and Gander is uptight and serious. There’s always a fun twist at the end of the stories and I love reading them to the boys, especially doing funny voices.”

The Cat In The Hat by Dr Seuss

Hayley from Simply Hayley would love to see this book on every child’s bookshelf: “In our family Dr Suess books have been a hand me down book. We adore the cat in the hat because its so silly, what child doesn’t love silly stories. It’s also a fantastic rhyming book and good for parents to practice their tongue twisters with! It ensures giggles from all the family!”

George and the Dragon by Chris Wormell

Becky from Baby Budgeting thinks this book is an absolute must-read for children, because it is ” funny, superbly illustrated and sweet, We adore this book and it shows how big and brash and loud doesn’t win the day!”

Where the wild things are by Maurice Sendak

If you like it wild, then Jenny from Mum Of One‘s favourite might be for you. “This book has always been a bedtime favourite with my son. We like a bit of a wild rumpus before sailing away home to bed!”

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

Cas from Mummy Never Sleeps loves this classic: “Noah adores this book. I think the way the rhyme reads gets him really involved and he really listens to the tale of the clumsy witch losing her belongings and picking up the waifs and strays that find them for her. Plus there’s a big scary dragon which he loves!”

That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown by Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton

Annie from Mammasaurus says: “This book is full of great illustrations and the story is one that you can read in lots of different characters voices – it stimulates imaginative play and gives ideas of games a child can play with their favourite teddy / soft toy too.”

My Dad by Anthony Browne

Helen from The Crazy Kitchen loves this “heartwarming and funny book describing ‘My Dad’, the hero that can do anything. All dads will be able to relate to some of the traits in the book and will love reading it to their little ones at bedtime. Dad is as strong as a gorilla, and as happy as a hippopotamus. He’s as wise as an owl, except when he tries to help…”

The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren

Emma from A Bavarian Sojourn is a big fan of the “magical stories based on ancient Scandinavian folk tales about tiny guardians of nature. We discovered them when we lived in Scandinavia, and are forming a slight bedtime story reading obsession for both my children and myself! No home should be without them!”

Hairy Maclary by Lynley Dodd

Nikki from Stressy Mummy says: “My little ones love the fun rhyming books about the dog Hairy Maclary and his doggy friends. They get up to all sorts of adventures and the images and the rhyming text is funny and appealing to little ones and adults.”

The Snail And The Whale by Julia Donaldson

Jenny from Mummy Mishaps and her boys “love the Snail and The Whale because of the rhyming verses and beautiful illustrations which make it a great book to read. The tale of the tiny snail who took a ride on the tail of the humpback whale and saw the world and all its wonders is so beautiful and poignant, especially when she says “I feel so small” – it almost makes me cry! Rather than stay on a rock for the rest of her life, she took herself off on an adventure of a lifetime much to the horror of her fellow snails, who were happy sat on a rock. I think it teaches children the importance of being brave and not being a sheep – be true to yourself and you will live a life which is full of wonder and happiness and contentment.”

The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp

Kelly from Domestic Goddesque recommends “The Worst Princess, because it is a brilliant rhyming book which does away with the ages-old image of a fairytale princess and introduces a newer feistier version. This Princess doesn’t want to live in tall towers and marry a handsome Prince, she wants to see the world and have epic adventures. The perfect antidote to traditional fairy stories, which demonstrates to girls of all ages that they are just as likely to succeed in their dreams as boys.”

Which are your must-read children’s books? If you have suggestions, please share them below. I’m always on the hunt for new books to read with Amy and there might be a must-read children’s book reloaded list, if we get enough comments!

Silent Sunday – 8 June 2013

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