Must-Have Baby Clothing
When it comes to dressing your baby, the most important thing to remember is that simplicity is essential. Whatever it is you are buying, whether every day or for a special occasion, look for easy access wear that is soft and comfortable. Select easy to slip-on bottoms and for tops and one-piece items worn next to the skin, look for snaps rather than buttons and zips. This not only simplifies the nappy changing process, it also prevents baby from accidentally being injured by the zip during a hurried or awkward positioned moment. Everyday items should be purchased in sets; generally five to seven is sufficient; babies are messy and changes will be frequent, so having plenty of day wear on hand means fewer trips to the laundry.
It is also important to remember that babies grow quickly. Whatever you buy now will need to be replaced within a few weeks! While it may be tempting to buy higher ticket items, doing so can result in needless expenditure. Having cool baby clothes does not mean you have to go broke; select quality basics and save the splurge for special occasions.
Here are a few of the essentials you will need:
Image courtesy of Vertbaudet
Bodysuits and T-shirts
Bodysuits and T-shirts are the staple of the baby-clothing world; the perfect thing to have on hand when baby is brought home for the first time. Usually sold in packs of three and up, bodysuits are snap on one-piece items available in long sleeved, short sleeved and sleeveless varieties. Selecting basic white bodysuits make getting stains out easier and because they are inexpensive, once they become too stained or threadbare, they can be easily replaced with new ones.
Image courtesy of Vertbaudet
Sleepwear
Babies sleep a lot, typically 18 hours a day on average, so sleepwear is an important part of the baby’s wardrobe. During warmer seasons, one-piece cotton sleepers with closed bottoms are an excellent choice. In winter months, choose heavier weight sleep suits, which have footed legs.
Image courtesy of Vertbaudet
An assortment of hats, socks and shoes
When taking baby on an outing, you will need a hat and socks and/or shoes to protect their heads and feet. During warmer weather, cool baby clothes include sun hats, light cotton hats and soft baby baseball caps that are perfect for keeping their heads protected. For Winter, select warm beanies and hats with earflaps and ties or buttons to ensure they stay put. Shoes should be selected for comfort rather than purely for style.
Outerwear
Selecting outerwear can be something of a challenge; uncomfortably hot or cold babies can get mightily frustrated and will soon let you know about it. When selecting outerwear, think in layers; that way, minor adjustments can be made to ensure baby is comfortable. Zip-up hoodies and light cotton jackets are good warm weather choices, while easy to get on and off heavier Winter jackets are essential for the colder months. Snowsuits are also a practical idea; they generally come with attached feet and sewn-on mittens.
Vertbaudet offers a range of baby clothes, children’s clothes, maternity wear and home collections for you and your little one’s and with their Mid Season Sale is now on, there’s various items reduced by up to 50% off. Visit Vertbaudet now at www.vertbaudet.co.uk
Read More5 excellent Easter craft ideas for kids
Easter is the perfect time for children to take advantage of the school holidays to make marvellous arts and crafts. Here are some art and craft ideas which make super Easter presents and will look great all-year round.
1. Make your own Easter eggs
[Photo by Emily W. Jones]
Have fun choosing a mould and your favourite kind of chocolate and then decorate using icing in a piping bag. Homemade Easter eggs can make a really special present.
2. Beady bunnies
Make a quick and easy Easter decoration from large wooden beads and pipe cleaners.
Take two beads of different sizes, one for the bunny’s body and one for the head. Fold your pipe cleaner in half and thread it through both beads, then bend it at the top and bottom to make feet and ears.
Draw the bunny’s eyes, nose and whiskers with a marker pen and, as the final touch, add a little pom-pom tail. Pick beads and pipe cleaners in spring colours like yellow and green, or paint them yourself using acrylic paints or Deco pens.
3. Easter egg sun catcher
There are lots of different ways to make stunning ‘stained glass’ sun catchers to hang in your window and take advantage of the spring sunshine. Here is one of the easiest. You need a sheet of acetate and some paints or pens specifically designed for glass. Simply cut out an egg shape (there are plenty of templates free on the internet) and have fun decorating however you wish.
4. Wearable bunny ears
Use thin card or thick paper for this task. White and pink are the best colours to choose; you can always get your kids to colour their own.
Firstly, make the headband on to which the ears will be fixed. Cut a strip of white card or paper about two to three centimetres wide, and fit it round your child’s head and make a mark in pencil so that you know what the circumference of the headband needs to be. A child can decorate the band with pens, crayons or stickers: even ribbons or paper flowers. Once this is done you can tape or staple the band so that it fits around a child’s head – not too tightly!
Now cut out two different ear shapes, a large white shape as the background and a pink one for the inner ear. Glue the smaller pink ears inside the larger white ones, and then fix the ears to the back of the head band. Your bunny ears are now completed!
5) Easter biscuits
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Buy some cookie cutters in the shape of chicks, bunnies and eggs, then have fun making your favourite biscuit recipes and decorating with white or coloured icing.
All this making Easter arts and crafts is hungry work so you and your kids deserve a tasty treat as you admire your handiwork!
Check out the Yellow Moon website for all the Easter craft supplies your children need to make great Easter art
Read MoreNET-A-PORTER FACES OF FASHION
Visit: http://www.net-a-porter.com/Content/facesoffashion#1/1 to visit wardrobe heaven.
“Sponsored by Net-A-Porter, in partnership with Ebuzzing”
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Investment options for the new Junior Individual Saving Account or JISA
Author: Jill Mackay
The Junior Individual Savings Account, the ‘JISA’, is open to any child under 18 who did not qualify for a Child Trust Fund. The JISA represents the opportunity to build a fund for your child’s future and protect the money inside from tax.
The basics…
The JISA functions in much the same way as the adult ISA, but it’s worth familiarising yourself with the details in order to get the most out of the account.
- The JISA can be taken out as a cash savings or stocks and shares investment product. In a cash JISA your money is secure and guaranteed – a stocks and shares JISA, like any investment product, involves an element of risk: your investments can fall in value as well as rise and the money within is not guaranteed – you may not get any return on your investment and you could get back less than you have paid in.
- Interest or growth in both types of account is protected from income and capital gains tax – which is deducted from UK share dividends. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and tax law may change in the future.
- At present, a subscription limit of £3,600 annually is set on the JISA. This amount may be split across the cash and stocks and shares JISAs – since a child may hold both simultaneously.
- Once set up, anyone can contribute to the JISA – family and friends can get involved in helping a child prepare for the future. JISA contributions could make great birthday or graduation gifts!
Investment strategies…
If your child has a JISA, or you’re thinking or taking one out on his or her behalf, you should consider your investment goals. A stocks and shares JISA should be considered a long term strategy. The increased level of risk an investment product entails means you should consider carefully how much money you’re comfortable putting into the account. This is because your investments can fall in value as well as rise and you could get back less than you have paid in.
When you’ve decided how to proceed, try to find out information from the company running the JISA. Individual companies have their own regulations and you’ll have to familiarise yourself with them before taking out the plan. You might want to consider the following:
- Payments: will you be able to invest monthly in instalments – or annually, as a lump sum? What kind of flexibility does your plan allow?
- Investments: where will the money you pay into the plan be invested – what types of fund will be involved?
- Contributions: if your child holds both cash and stocks and shares JISAs, how much money are you allocating to each? Up to £3,600 may be deposited across any cash or stocks and shares JISA that your child holds. Once the JISA is set up by a parent or guardian, anyone may deposit money in a child’s JISA.
Investing in a JISA should be considered a long-term strategy and could be an ideal way to build money towards a child’s university fees, travel plans or just to establish a financial head start when they are old enough to appreciate it. The act of contributing money to the JISA could be a great way to demonstrate good financial practice to a child – and provide a cash lump sum when it matters most!
Author: Jill Mackay
Scottish Friendly has provided no advice in relation to this plan. If you are in any doubt as to whether a plan is suitable for you, you should contact a financial advisor for advice. If you do not have a financial adviser, you can get details of local financial advisers by visiting www.unbiased.co.uk Advisers may charge for providing such advice and should confirm any cost beforehand.
Read MoreA good argument can be good for your heath
“A day without an argument is like an egg without salt” so said the novelist Angela Carter. It helps if it is an argument you win; although as someone once said, “I have never won an argument, but I have enjoyed all of them”.
What is the point of all this, you may ask. Well, research recently published has shown that some forms of stress we face are good for health and others, not so good.
Scientists at UCLA (The University of California, Los Angeles) School of Medicine studied the effects of what they termed ‘positive, negative, and competitive social interactions’ on the immune system of 122 healthy adults. They found that ‘negative social interactions’ (ie. bad stress), increased the levels of inflammatory chemicals produced by the immune system. These situations included arguing at home, confrontations or competition at work(1).
On the other hand, those participating in competitive sports, even sports for recreation, did not show the same rise in inflammatory chemicals. Although exposed to ‘stress’ these people were seen to be facing ‘good stress’.
Increased levels of inflammatory chemicals in our bodies can lead to a greater likelihood of developing a whole variety of health disorders – ranging from a simple susceptibility to colds and flu, to rheumatism, rheumatic and autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure and even cancer.
So what should you do with this information?
- Firstly, don’t take life too seriously. We accept that this counsel is readily given but not so easily followed, but it probably applies to most people in the Western world. When you are stuck in a traffic jam, do you compete negatively against the red car next to you, making sure that you reach the end of the queue before he does? Why don’t you take your next traffic snarl-up as extra down-time, tune-in to your favourite radio station and relax?
- Secondly, avoid negative situations. Don’t put yourself in a position which will expose you to negative stress. The mantra of ‘count up to 10’ before answering a combative question is an excellent one, at work or home, especially if you combine it with ‘take 3 deep breaths’ before you respond. There is no point entering into an argument or discussion which makes you feel lousy.
- Lastly, seek out positive things to do, even if these are positive stresses. We know that physical activity can be enjoyable and is used by many people to ‘de-stress’ after a hard day at work. Regular exercise is not only good for the body but for mental health and the soul. Competitive sports such as 5-a-side football, a round of golf, tennis or seeking to be the fittest in your gym class are all good for your immune system, body and soul.
And, don’t forget that competitive sports don’t always have to be physical – just look at darts or snooker. This is why a good, robust, enjoyable, combative and competitive argument can be good for your health. Even if you don’t win the argument.
Read MoreMother’s Day Gifts – Getting Personal? Well.. yes, actually!
I’m not a huge fan of personalised gifts – unless they’re hand crafted they often feel a little too contrived. But occasionally, you find Mother’s Day Gifts which are just… lovely. Different, and quirky. And made more so by that personalisation.
I *love*these crates! You can have two lines of text to say whatever you like, and they arrive empty to so if your mum isn;t into gardening they could be used for boots, or books, or potatoes… I even like the Log Basket idea.
They come in different colours too – you don’t have to have the natural wood look, you could go for a lovely shabby chic blue or vintage green instead if the fancy took you. And you can have 16 characters on each line – plenty for a sweet (rude) message for your Mum.
Personalised Apple Crate planter is a twig under £40 from Getting Personal (and they have 10% off this week with code MDAY10! )
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How to design and make a beaded bracelet
Customising glass beads and making bracelets is such a fun activity. The finished product can be tailored to create whatever fashion style you like. Maybe you could choose red, white and blue colours to create a bracelet fit for the wrist of a Diamond Jubilee Queen. Or what about adding little CND symbols so that you can recreate that San Francisco 1960s hippy-chick look – if you do be sure to wear flowers in your hair!
Below is a list of all the craft supplies you, or your children, will need for the task of making a beaded bracelet.
• Clear-coloured glass-painting disc beads (a pack of 120 costs £3.99)
• A pack of metallic beads (a value pack of 500 beads will cost £3.99)
• Fine-tip glass pens (a pack of six will cost £8.99)
• Stretch cord (£3.99 per reel)
• Silicone glue (£3.98 for a pack of two)
(The prices were taken from the website of arts and crafts company Baker Ross on 16th February 2012. According to my rather shaky maths, you can purchase all these items for a grand total of £24.94. There should be enough materials to make dozens of bracelets with.)
Oh, and don’t forget to have a pair of scissors to hand too.
First start colouring the clear disc beads by using the fine-tip glass pens.
In the picture above you can see that Kate from Baker Ross has opted for a pink and blue colour scheme – you can always colour the different halves with different colours if you feel like it.
Spots and stripes are a natty option too – remember: because the beads are clear you only need to colour them on one side.
Six coloured beads are normally sufficient to make a beautiful bangle with – once you have these ready cut a piece of elastic so that its length is bigger than the circumference of your wrist (you can probably guess why).
Grip both ends of the elastic and feed it through the groove which runs through the centre of a disc which you have coloured in.
Hold up the piece of elastic so that the bead slides halfway along.
Next, thread a coloured metallic bead either end of the coloured disc. Then add another disc bead to either end. Repeat this process until all the coloured discs are lined up along the length of the piece of cord.
Now it is time to tie the cord into a double knot while resisting the urge to trim off the ends. Instead, add a dot of silicone glue to the knot and let it dry; it is now safe to cut off the extra elastic on one side.
Finally it is time to admire your unique bracelet and of course wear it with pride! Hopefully it looks like the one pictured – if it doesn’t you can always take a look at Kate’s YouTube video tutorial.
Should you consider ‘going green’ in 2012?
Everyone knows that going green is great for the environment. It produces less pollution and slows global warming, which ensures that we will have a healthier planet in the future. However, did you know that leading a green lifestyle can also do wonders for your household budget? It’s because of renewable energy, and here’s everything you need to know before you switch to it.
Household advantages of renewable energy
Photo Credit - http://www.flickr.com/photos/56227271@N03/
1. Using renewable energy puts you on the cutting edge of technology. This advantage may not mean very much for the average household consumer at the moment, but you will appreciate it when renewable energy becomes the dominate source of power in the future. Lawmakers are already pushing to make renewable energy in the UK one of the leading sources of power by the year 2050, and you can get ahead of the curve by installing a green energy system or switching to a renewable energy provider right now.
2. Renewable energy comes in many forms. Opponents of renewable energy often cite that it is inconvenient for households because renewable sources depend on geographic and atmospheric conditions such as exposure to the sun. However, the sheer variety of forms that renewable energy comes in allows households to choose the method of energy production that is best for them. Solar energy is perhaps one of the most popular ways to create your own energy, but mini wind turbines are also gaining more ground, especially in the UK where wind energy technology is progressing quickly.
3. Renewable energy can actually save you money in the long run. If you install a green energy system in your home today, you can consider it an investment in your future energy needs. While it’s true that solar panels, for example, can take up to a decade to pay for themselves, they often last much longer than that. This means that you could be completely off the grid and energy independent for many decades to come. In addition, some homes produce more energy than they use, which they can then sell to renewable energy companies at a profit.
4. Using renewable energy provides your family with economic stability. If you’re tired to wildly fluctuating energy prices courtesy of the Big Six, renewable energy is a viable solution for your household. No matter what source it comes from, prices for renewable energy are often more consistent, and many times much cheaper, than prices from the petrol, coal, and natural gas industries.
5. You don’t have to install a new energy system to go green. Perhaps one of the best reasons to go green today is the fact that it takes very little effort. While it is true that many households that use renewable energy create their own electricity, this doesn’t have to be the case. You can also use green energy by switching to a renewable energy company like Good Energy, a 100 per cent green energy provider that landed at the top of the “Which?” customer satisfaction survey two years in a row.
Read MoreHandy Tips for Buying Baby Shoes
Babies begin to walk on average between the ages of 9 and 19 months. Of course, all children are unique and some will be earlier walkers, while others will take a more laid back approach to personal mobility.
For babies that are crawling, shoes may seem unnecessary. However, a pair of well fitted pre-walkers with plenty of toe room will keep feet warm and protect from bumps and bruises as they make their first explorative forays into the wider world.
Choose baby shoes with plenty of wiggle room for toes as the nerve endings in your baby’s feet are not very well developed at this stage and they may not feel that shoes are uncomfortable or too tight. Also remember that most children have one foot bigger than the other. Always fit shoes to the larger foot to avoid any restriction.
Babies are often totally fine wearing just socks or tights to keep their little feet warm, indeed going barefoot regularly is important for normal foot development. That said, there will be times when you want your little bundle of joy to be well shod. Perhaps you have bought a special outfit that needs the perfect finishing touch of just the right shoe? In these situations, I go to French company Vertbaudet and choose from their baby shoes collection. They have many styles to choose from for girls and boys. I personally love their little baby girl ballerina pumps which come in a range of colours and have easy fastening. They add the cutest final touch to any baby girl’s outfit.
Vertbaudet baby shoes for boys come in many styles from trainers, sandals, and boots by Kickers, Chipie and others with handy features to help your little one fasten their own shoes. With a range so comprehensive, your hardest decision will be choosing which shoes not to buy!
Once you have found the perfect pair of shoes for your baby and you are happy that the fit is correct, remember to regularly check that they are still fitting comfortably. Children’s feet grow in spurts and it is wise to check babies and toddler’s shoes every six to eight weeks. Check for sufficient toe room and width. If your child keeps pulling off the shoe, check there is nothing causing them discomfort. Babies cannot talk so they communicate with their actions a lot of the time.
It is best to buy baby shoes made from natural materials such as leather, cotton or canvas. Natural materials in uppers and linings allow for moisture to escape. Even baby’s feet get sweaty and if moisture can’t escape through breathable materials, a breeding ground is created for bacteria and fungal conditions such as Athlete’s Foot can develop. If perspiring feet are a problem it is a good idea to rotate your child’s shoes, allowing them to get a thorough airing between each wear.
Beware also of putting your baby’s feet into any shoes that are too rigid. A supple and flexible model is best suited to young ones. Remember, the bones in their feet are still soft and developing and any shoes that are rigid or restrictive can damage them.
So, that’s the news on baby shoes. What to look for. What to avoid. Where to go for the best value and selection of top quality baby shoes. What are you waiting for?
Read MoreMother’s Day? Presents? Oh yes. Thank you kindly.
Mothering Sunday (or Mother’s Day if that’s what you prefer).
That day of the year when we get to lie in bed whilst a mug of tea (made with water from the hot tap), toast (warm bread) and a flower (snaffled from next door’s garden) are presented to us with a tight toothpastey squeeze at 6.30 a.m…
Of course there are those who think it’s all a totally unnecessary marketing crock.
Others think that a little home made something is exactly where the heart is at.
Quite frankly, pfffft to that. Show me the SPOILING people.
I have four children – looking after them is the full time job I do when I’m not, y’know, working. Round here ‘Mummy’ is my job description. And Mummy doesn’t get a day off too often. Even less often does she get a day where she’s allowed to sit, encouraged to be still and deliberately fussed over and spoiled.
Like… one or two a year.
If she’s lucky.
(who set out THOSE terms of employment I’d like to know?)
So on Mothers Day I admit it. I’m not afraid to say it. I Like Presents.
Yes, it’s all about ME.
Lovely.
What?
I DO!
I love it when I’m proudly and excitedly handed something that tells me I’m appreciated.
Come on – who doesn’t like receiving gifts? ( and if you just said you didn’t, then… *whispers* you’re lying…)
We all do.
It doesn’t have to be madly extravagant (though I wouldn’t say no, of course). No, just a little something, chosen with care and wrapped with love - something special. Something to be cherished. And something to be kept long after you’ve chewed through the warm bread and carefully tipped the *gags* tea into the nearest cyclamen pot.
We’re not talking Tiffany Keyrings here (though that does happen to be quite beautiful). No, with the wonders of the interwebs, there is so much more choice than a bunch of daffodils and a box of chocolates out there. Maybe a beautiful notebook, a quirky mug, a pretty scarf, maybe even a Spa Break voucher if you want to push the boat out.
Whatever it is, it’s special. Bought for YOU, to say a hugely warm and heartfelt “You’re my MUM, and I love you, and I want to spoil you with something really lovely because I know you’re a good one”, by the people you hold closest. Think about it – don’t you buy your own Mum something small and thoughtful and special? It’s the one day of the year it’s all about you and her, and no one else.
Who on earth wouldn’t love that?
Now – I need your attention please. As well as our usual ‘Top Gift Ideas for Mothers Day‘ series, this year we’re taking part in a fab competition with Parentdish – three bloggers have gone head to head to give their own view of Mothers Day, and what we should do (or not do) to celebrate it (in addition to which they have some ace competitions running, INCLUDING an awesome-scoresome ‘Win a Spa Break for two‘. Oh yes.)
So, if you should perchance agree with ME (I guess you can go and see the other two arguments put forward by Typecast and Red Ted Art if you re-e-e-e-ally need to…) then do me a favour? Clickety click on the image below, and in the words of the Suffragettes (who, by the way, were ALL about standing up for what you deserve) ‘Vote For ME!‘
Tips for families who want to slash their energy bills
Photo Credit - http://www.flickr.com/photos/59937401@N07/
If you’re tired of your energy bills slashing into the other areas of your household budget, it’s time to slash back. You can save up to one fifth of the energy that you’re using now and pocket those savings. It often takes no time and very little money to reduce the amount of household energy you need for daily tasks, and the effort you put into it is a worthy investment. Here’s how to get started:
1. Turn out the lights. While you should never go without light, there may be a natural alternative that works better for you than flipping the switch when you walk into a room. If you’re lucky enough to have big windows in your home, draw the shades and let the sunlight stream in during the day. Not only will this save you money and help save the environment, but it will also help your body create its own vitamin D, which is great for your health.
2. Research gas and electricity prices online. While you’re working hard to reduce the amount of energy you use on a daily basis, don’t forget to also ask if your energy provider is doing its fair share of the work. If you feel that you could possibly find a cheaper supplier, go online and do a little research by comparing companies. A site like uSwitch does the legwork for you so that you can do a side-by-side comparison of several providers and choose the one that best fits your energy and budget needs.
3. Cook more efficiently. Because it is the room with the most appliances, the kitchen holds the most potential for saving energy. Small adjustments, such as using appropriately sized pots for each stove burner, can prevent heat loss while you’re cooking and thus save energy. Also, remember to keep your refrigerator away from warm appliances so that it doesn’t have to work so hard to keep cool.
4. Upgrade your appliances. Here’s a tip that you can use in every room of the house. If your appliances or electronics are more than a decade old, you could do yourself a big favour by replacing them with more modern models. This is because newer appliances tend to use far less energy than their older counterparts, and this is especially true of refrigerators, deep freezers, and washing machines. When you go shopping for appliances, look for energy-saving details on the packaging for each item that tell you exactly how much you’ll spend on powering it year-round.
5. Reduce your water flow. Low-flow shower heads are becoming a popular way to reduce the amount of water you use to bathe, but this isn’t the only way to save energy on heated water. You can also spend less on energy if you skip washing dishes after dinner and put them straight into the dishwasher. This is because an automatic dishwasher uses far less water than humans do while still managing to get your plates and silverware squeaky clean.
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Top UK destinations for a family holiday
Each year, millions of families across the United Kingdom are looking for unique and exciting holidays to enjoy. Whether you have young or old children, are looking for a coastal resort or walks through the countryside, small holiday cottages or properties big enough for extended family there will always be something to see across the UK.
The current economic situation means that many people are starting to have a look closer to home more frequently in order to find an affordable and unforgettable trip. Here are our five top destinations for families this year:
Photo Credit - http://www.flickr.com/photos/tejvan/
Lake District
Whether you want an isolated retreat for a dozen people or a small cottage in one of the many market towns and picturesque villages in the Lake District, you can find what you want. With places like Grasmere, Windermere and Ambleside to visit to take in some breath-taking walks or activities on one of the many lakes, there is something that children of all ages can enjoy. Whether it’s kayaking you want, trekking to waterfalls or a visit to the world of Beatrix Potter you can find it all here in the Lakes.
Cornwall
If you’re chasing English country cottages then a trip to this county on the south west tip of England is a great option. Coastal walks aplenty with woodlands to enjoy, it’s all about getting involved in the outdoors when you head here. At any time of year it is beautiful but in the summer, when the weather is at its best then there is so much history to view, your kids can learn a bit of surfing and with the Eden Project to visit you will never be short of something to do.
Berkshire
Somewhere that isn’t always considered, it doesn’t have as many country walks and there isn’t a coast line to enjoy but this historic and ceremonial county is worth a look in 2012. Windsor is pretty much the key reason for coming here, and it’s Windsor Castle, the best castle in the United Kingdom that makes it so special. If you’re looking for a bit of history with plenty of activities then a day here is what you need. That’s not all there is to see though, and a break here can also include Legoland and the ideal family picnic location of Wellington Country Park.
Isle of Mull
A spot in the UK which is becoming more and more popular with families, this is a brilliant spot for an adventure in wildlife adventure. It’s a spot that many people get to on a ferry from mainland Scotland; it is a brilliant adventure opportunity as you go on the hunt for sharks, dolphins, seals and sea eagles along the way. Tobermory is the capital of it, and with just 700 people living on the island it’s a great spot to discover some of the best wildlife that this country has to offer.
Pembrokeshire
It isn’t just Scotland and England that holds spots for great family holidays, but Wales is also a top place to go as a tourist. This being the most popular coastal destination in the country means that it has previous and with a national park alongside coastal paths there is so much to see and do. Grab your hiking boots or a bicycle and set off, take a boat trip to Cardigan Island or just relax on the beach – you can’t go wrong in this part of the world.
Top family-friendly washing machines
There are certain key things a family needs to look for in a washing machine. Obviously price plays an important role, as families have a million and one other things to pay for and don’t want to fork out hundred of pounds on washing machines. But there are more things to consider beside price; the capacity needs to be large; it needs to have a quick wash facility and a high energy-efficiency rating is also beneficial as this helps bring down the running costs. Finding this perfect washing machine is actually not as hard as you may think. There is a huge amount of choice out there; but sometimes too much choice makes it hard to decide. So we have narrowed it down for you. Here are three of the best family-friendly washing machines currently available at Dixons:
The Indesit PWE91672W
The Indesit PWE91672W washing machine is a real find. It can take 9kg of laundry and still packs a spin speed of 1600 rpm. This means you can do a lot of washing in one go and not worry that it’s going to come out wet and need an extra spin. Additionally, this neat and tidy machine has an energy rating of A++, the second highest it can be, so it will definitely help lower your energy bills. Finally, it also boasts a number of settings, including the much sought-after quick wash setting and even when spinning it is relatively quiet at 51 decibels. So what’s the catch? Surely this is going to cost an arm and a leg? Nope, this value-packed machine costs just £288.
The Hotpoint AQ113D697
Our next pick is more than twice the price of the Indesit, however, it does pack a real punch in terms of quality. The Hotpoint AQ113D697 has a maximum load capacity of 11kg and still has a spin speed of 1600rpm. There are 16 programmes to choose from including wool and quickwash and you can even go for half-load and anti-crease washes depending on your needs and requirements. This machine really stands out because despite the large load capacity and 1600rpm speed, it still scores maximum energy rating points with A+++. You can find out more about energy ratings from the Energy Saving Trust.
The Samsung Ecobubble WF1124XAC
Our final pick is from Samsung. The Ecobubble WF1124XAC machine is £699, but it does come with plenty of extras that make the extra spend worthwhile. It has a capacity of 12kg, a spin speed of 1400rpm, half load option, a 15°C cold water wash that can save up to 70% in energy. It also produces fine bubbles that penetrate clothes more easily and it uses Samsung’s Vibration Reduction Technology to deliver a quiet and economical wash. It has the maximum A+++ rating too.
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