Seasonal

15 Ideas & Tips when Gift Shopping for children

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Shopping for children can be such a challenge, they have boxes full of toys that they don’t play with anymore and the thought of adding to the mess can be off-putting, but also the thought of them not having much to open isn’t the nicest feeling either! 

We have all been there… panic buying! Who does that as a parent? I and my Husband certainly do and it’s the worst, we find ourselves spending more than we budgeted and the boys end up with stuff just to add to the number of gifts to open. 

Planning and buying ahead is key we defiantly need to do this next year! Be that organised parent… well we can all try! If you are like us, super last min then I hope these 15 tips and ideas make choosing filler presents (the ones you just buy to have things to open) and thinking of gifts easier for your little ones when thinking about Birthday & Christmas.

1 Something they want 

The big one, the gift they have been asking for.. well forever and your answer was, well you will have to put it on your birthday list or ask Santa! Yeah, that one!

2. Something they need

Do they need a new duvet set? Choose one with their favourite character on.

Maybe new football boots or anything sports-related. Something you know you would have brought them anyway but they would be excited opening that’s also practical. 

3. Something to wear 

An item of clothing you wouldn’t normally choose to buy, a top with their favourite character on? (eBay is great for this) dressing up clothes or some fun pjs. We don’t believe in kids getting clothes as gifts from their parents (of course if other people treat the boys to clothes we are grateful )we just choose not to unless it’s something they really don’t need and it’s a novelty item / if they have asked for it. 

We do like to do new PJs on Birthday Eves and Christmas eve and then we buy them a nice new outfit for Birthday and Christmas day which they can unwrap.

4. Something to read 

A magazine or some books you know they would like. Or a classic collection like the Roald Dahl set something you know they can grow into and will be a favourite for years, we brought Ethan the whole set of Roald Dahl for his first Christmas and we are slowly working through them. We also love David W books and managed to get a load for a bargain price from charity shops. You can get some great Magazine subscriptions. An electric reading device like a Kindle or Audible.

5. Something to get creative 

You can never have enough stickers, pens, felt, pipe cleaners, fun paper etc why not do a fun little bundle start collecting bottle tops and cardboard boxes let them go wild with all the leftover wrapping paper and boxes from gifts. 

6. Something different

A quirky random trinket! Something that they wouldn’t off asked for like a pointless gadget or joke gift from these little shops that pop up. Tiger is a great shop to get random trinkets in too along with Charity shops!

7. Something edible 

Ingredients to bake something fun or some treats they wouldn’t normally be allowed! You can get great sets that are pre-packed so could do a little bundle of fun treats. A classic selection box or do a treat hamper!

8. Something educational 

Educational but fun!! Booklets with tasks for them to complete. Educational posters for their bedroom. Books about something they may be interested in like planets, animals, history. A globe they can look at. Our boys love science bits like experiments and our Telescope.

9. Something to do 

Grow your own herb garden, butterfly farm, sea monkeys kit, anything that’s exciting that will engage and get them thinking. Will also keep them busy and something to do that lasts over a few weeks. We have brought Liam the sea money kit! Wish us luck.

10. Something for School 

New school bag or a spare lunch box in their favourite character, new stationery, pencil case or even a keyring for their bag.

11. Something for charity 

Adopt a dog, plant a tree, it’s a great way to teach children to think about others. They will get things through the post reminding them and also should feel a sense of warmth and fuzzy for helping an animal or village. 

12. Something to expand their skills/hobbies 

Maybe a musical instrument or some knitting needles and wool. YouTube is a great place for videos on how to do things and they can teach themselves a new hobby. 

13. Something for me

Something sentimental, or personal to them. Maybe a photo album, a key ring with their name on it. A jewellery box that’s personalised anything little that they can treasure. The boys love having a special little box to put their favourite things in they both keep it by their bed and it’s so sweet seeing what things are important to them like shells and small figures.

14. Something for the Family 

A day trip out for the family? A DVD you will all enjoy, a board game you can all play! Something that means family time and spending time together! This is a perfect one if running low on funds as a day trip out could be the perfect IOU write a little letter or DIY voucher “day out bowling & pizza” 

15. Something for the future 

An item they can grow into, like a book or craft set that’s a little hard for them now but they would enjoy in 6 months. After the Birthday / Christmas hype has calmed down you will be grateful for that Present on a rainy day or school holiday! Maybe something like first, Trike, toolset or sewing machine that could be put aside ready for them. 

I hope these tips gave you some ideas! Let me know how you get on!

12 Tips when shopping for your Other Half 

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Here are 12 useful tips to help you think of gifts for your other half, its often so hard choosing presents for someone you know who has everything, my husband is one of them… if he wants something he tends to buy it, so when it comes to gift buying I’m always so stuck as to know what to get. I use these little tips to help me when thinking of gifts. These would be perfect for both men and women! I hope they can help you too! 

** Luke if your reading this, stop now babe! **

Something they will love 

What’s the one thing you know they would absolutely love? Have a good think back to past conversations I’m sure there’s something they may have mentioned.

2. Something they need 

Aftershave is always something my husband needs so finding a new one for him is on the list!

3. Something to wear 

A new top or something to wear on the occasion day. Who doesn’t like a new outfit to wear? Slippers and dressing gowns, you can never go wrong! 

4. Something they wouldn’t expect you to get 

A risk presents something you think they would like but not 100% sure on. go for it I’m sure they would love the gift. Keep the receipt and ask for a gift receipt if paying in a shop. Worst comes to worst they can take it back, but at least the thought is there.

5. Something jokey / Quirky

Maybe something that links to an inside joke of yours, or something completely pointless! Gadget shops are great for this type of little stocking fillers. Maybe something useful but random like a portable phone speaker. 

6. Something standard! 

That item you know you can never go wrong with… for example it would be candles and stationery for me! Or the classic underwear and socks or body set!

7. Something sentimental 

Canvas with a photo of the two of you, keyring, fridge magnet or a calendar with all your favourite photos on. something sweet and thought-full, they don’t need to cost a lot but are often some of the best gifts! 

8. Something to eat 

We’re all big kids at heart! A selection box or favourite chocolates will go down a treat! Why not do a treat hamper! See my hamper guide here for ideas.

9. Something to do 

A day out or trip away! These are perfect if you’re running low on funds sort of like an IOU! You can plan to take them away or to a fancy restaurant. Make a cute little voucher and write a card explaining what you have planned! 

10. Something personalised 

Who doesn’t love a personalised item! You can make something sweet like a jar with notes full of reasons why you love them. You could get a phone case made with their pet or children on, anything personal to them I’m sure they will love. You can also get a lot of items these days monogrammed. A lush black scarf with their initials monogrammed on is a vibe. 

11. Something for you both

Maybe that’s a household item like a new tablet or laptop. Something for the kitchen like a smoothie maker ready for the new year health fix. Something you can both enjoy together. Or if you’re not living together maybe something like a money box saying, “new home fund” – “Holiday Fund” take your relationship to the next level! 

12. Something for their Skin

You can get some lovely skincare sets for men and women I personally love Clinique, they do some great trial sets that are normally around £5 perfect stocking fillers. 

I hope you found this useful, let me know what you get your other halves! 

Valentine’s date night & gift ideas

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Happy Valentines Day my loves!

It’s that time of year we all look forward to… PANCAKE DAY I mean Valentines!!
Now me and the husband Luke, aren’t die-hard valentines people and never have been! We should love our loved ones all year round (you know what I’m going to say)

BUT I do think it’s a great excuse to take a moment in our hectic lives to appreciate our partners.
Last year we stayed in and had a home-cooked dinner. We enjoyed each other’s company with no fancy trip out or gifts, it was lovely.

A couple of years before that I got my sapphire ring so there’s really no middle ground with us, I love it that we don’t expect anything, and there’s no major pressure. I’m all for being different. He knows never to buy me flowers on Valentine it’s to cliché for me! Any other day I would appreciate them so much more.

If you are someone who celebrates Valentine or likes us just enjoy making time for each other then I have some great gift and date night ideas for you!

A fancy meal in for two
Lots of supermarkets do a great meal deal for two where all the food is ready to cook. You can mix and match and they normally come with A starter, main, dessert and a bottle. These are a great idea if you don’t want to cook but also don’t want to just get a takeaway. It’s something you can just bung in the oven and relax with a drink while you wait! Set up some candles and it’s the perfect cosy night. Poundland and Home bargains have some lush little valentine style decorations and novelty bits so you can decorate your house.

Something personalised to you!
Photo prints from the perfect gift. I think they’re so romantic especially if its something a little private you can put in your room. I love a good canvas or a photo memory book.

A date night jar gift idea is perfect if you’re on a budget! Write down on paper or lollypop sticks lots of different ideas for the two of you to do together for date night quality time.
You could put things like:
Candlelit bath and massage, Games night, Movie Marathon

An IOU planned day trip is perfect if you’re on a budget! Maybe a little weekend away write make a cute voucher describing what it is you would like to do.

Now I’m going to let you in on one of my most favorite things to do with Luke. Going for late-night drives! We very rarely get time away from our boys as a couple. I love going for a long drive getting lost and talking about our future together. It’s peaceful and quiet, no distractions like the boys, mobile phones or the tv and we can just enjoy each other and have a good natter! Through in some snacks and personally, I think it’s perfect!
After all, valentines day is about your relationship so do something together the two of you.

Be sure to let me know what you get up to this Valentine’s Day!
Saff xo

Perfect Galantines Night in!

Saffron BakerLeave a comment

I love celebrating Valentines Day, even tho I’m married. It’s an excuse to get the girls together and appreciate one another!
Not all my friends are taken, so it’s nice to distract them too.

Why not host your own girl’s night in…


Decorations for me are massive, I love making somewhere look cute and in theme for the celebration. The pound shop and Home Bargains / B&M do the best decorations, plates cups and trinkets to make the place feel dressed up.

For food, why not cook up a variety of tapas-style dishes, something you can all pick at and share. Paired with lots of yummy treats.

For drinks, there are lots of fun easy cocktails & Mocktails you can do from home. My go-to Cocktail to make is a Candy Floss, prosecco and gin drink topped with lemonade. It’s so lush and looks cute!

What would a girl’s night be without a pampering, get the foot spa out, some facemasks and of course nails while watching films and gossiping.

Valentines can be a hard time for some people, it can make them feel lonely or unloved. Please check on those you love around you and try to remember it’s just a bit of fun.

I hope this has given you some ideas on what you can do with your gal pals this Galantines!

I would love to know what you get up to,

Saff XO

Gorgeous Hair from home Valentine’s Day PT 2

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Hello my loves, if you haven’t read part 1 please do head over there now. I talk you through my hair wash routine ready for styling my hair.

We are at the stage where I need to straighten my hair to get the weight and frizz out of it before I curl!

Taking my Lee Stafford Heat Protection Mist I like to spritz away from my head so it’s evenly lands using only a little bit of product. I don’t want to clog up my hair as this can lead to it getting greasy.

I use GHDS to straighten my hair. Mainly focusing on getting the weight from the routes.

Now we are ready for curling.

I tend to like to curl my hair on, 2-day old hair. I find it lasts longer and it’s a great way to spruce it up when it’s looking dull.

Fast forward two days.. my hair has been straight and down looking lifeless I give my hair a good brush through to get out all the tangles.

The first thing I like to do is take some dry shampoo to the roots of my hair and then using my Lee Stafford Dry shampoo blending brush to bring it through my hair. This bush is great for helping to evenly distribute dry shampoo from roots to tips. I use dry shampoo to help get rid of any oils and also add volume and texture.

Now we are ready to start curling.

Turn on the machine and set your temperature. I like to use 200c for 12 seconds.

The handy display screen is easy to use and shows you curly what temperature it is, how many seconds it will curl your hair, what direction it will curl, and also battery life.

When I first used the Millionaires Curls curler I was so surprised by how easy it was to use and how good the curls came out. I won’t lie I was a little apprehensive about my hair getting tangled or court but it’s so gentle I do not have this issue at all. Not once on the occasions, I have used has my hair got stuck or tangled.

When I have had my hair curled in the past with GHDs you can feel them pulling and ripping the hair. This machine does not clamp or hold your hair meaning no snagging or ripping. Basically, how it works is you place your hair very easily into the opening press and hold the button and it winds in your hair then you realise your finger off the button when it beeps. You wait for the beeping 12 seconds and then you pull the machine away from your head and your hair falls out in a perfect curl. It’s amazing! I have filmed an Instagram Reel for you all to show how it works click the link here.

After many requests, I will be going live on my business Facebook account to show you first hand how it works. Add me to keep up to date for when that’s happening.

What I love about this little thing is that it’s super compact and lightweight so does not hurt my arms using it. It has a left and right direction you can change so you get your curls going in the right direction. The speed at which it did my whole head, didn’t take long at all. No hair got tangled or twisted in the machine. I did not feel like my hair is getting pulled or damaged. It is rechargeable so you don’t have to worry about wires or plugs. It also acts as a battery pack to can charge your phone from it. One thing I did find is the battery didn’t last as long as I would have hoped for but remember my hair is super thick and very long.

It will not burn you! That is massive for me, I am so so clumsy like the worst! None of it gets too hot to touch. Also, it’s so pretty I love their colour range!

It comes with a handy bag to keep it all in which is perfect to keep the charging wire safe.

Once my hair is all styled and the curls have cooled. I like to take my Lee Stafford “Comb out the Curl” to comb through my curls. It helps to gently separate them without ruining the curls. Its infused with Coconut oil which is my absolute fave scent. I love it.

To finish off, I like to spritz my hair with Lee Stafford shine spray this again smells amazing and a spritz of Lee Stafford Hair spray to help set and keep all my curls in place.

This is my ultimate combo and something I will be recreating for Valentine’s day this year! I’m beyond happy and excited that I can finally have curly hair whenever I want to!

Huge thank you to Lee Stafford and Millionaire curls for collaborating with me, all my views are my own and I was not obliged to post this.

What are your plans for Valentine?

I would love to know in the comments below!

Saff xo

Gorgeous Hair from home Valentine’s Day PT 1

Saffron Baker1 Comment

Valentines or Galentines whichever you celebrate will be very different this year, but we all deserve a good pamper. For me, good hair, skin & Nails are what make me feel the best. I have always loved curly hair on me, it is my absolute favorite way of wearing my hair but with it being so long and thick I find it almost impossible to do it myself from home.

I either go to a salon to have it done or persuade a friend. Obviously, both these are not allowed at the moment.

I have tried everything from home, GHDs, barrels, wands, BaByliss Curl Secret, and I either burn myself or my hair gets tangled up. So, I go without and just straighten which gets super boring.

 Over the past few weeks, I have been trying out the perfect combo products thanks to Lee Stafford and found the ultimate game-changer when it comes to curls courtesy of Millionaire Curls.

Let’s take it to the shower!

Starting with shampoo and Condish! Lee Stafford’s Hair Apology is just lush! Not only does it smell incred it’s Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Sulfate-free, and helps to rescue damaged hair! It has helped massively with my frizz and leaves my hair feeling super clean and fresh.

I always wash my hair twice! Like skincare it’s important to double cleanse your skin, it’s also important to double cleanse your scalp. Wash one removes dirt oils and build-up, wash two properly cleans your hair and give you that just out of the salon feeling. I like to massage my scalp when I do this as it helps my hair follicles do their thing I’m sure that’s one of the things that helps my hair grow so quick!

Once out of the shower I use an old cotton t-shirt to dry my hair this is the best way to stop your hair from snagging, breaking, and getting frizzy.

I then wrap it in a hair turban that is microfibre until it feels like it’s “towel dry”

Lee Stafford CoCo LoCo Blow & Go 11 in 1 Lotion has become a firm favorite of mine, it smells incredible. The whole range of everything Lee Stafford creates smells amazing. I like to apply this to my “towel dried” hair as it helps protect it against heat from my hairdryer.

Vegetarian Friendly and cruelty free it helps your hair to blow dry smoothly, makes it more manageable, adds shine & softness, helps with humidity, protects colour along with a whole host of other benefits!

I then go in and dry my hair with my Dyson hairdryer!

Once my hair is dry I will straighten it to help take the weight out of my hair. As I have mentioned before I have super long thick hair that’s very heavy and frizzy.

…..

Come back for part two where I talk you through styling my hair!

Chat soon Doll xo

*All lee Stafford products kindly gifted with no obligation to post*