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Pretty Big Butterflies

Family, Food & Plus Size Fashion Blog

5 Up-and-Coming Destinations to Consider

If you’re bored of the same vacations spots and are looking to explore something a little different, there is a host of lesser-known places around the globe that offer a spectacular stay mixed with vibrant culture and stunning scenery. Some of the spots you may have never heard of or wouldn’t even think to go to on holiday, but if you open up your mind to new adventures, you’ll discover a host of hidden treasures away from the busy tourist spots. Having a place to yourself with few people around adds to the exclusivity of the region, plus gives you some great memories to share with family and friends.

If you’re looking to enjoy a vacation with a difference this year, check out these up-and-coming spots to get some inspiration.

 

Croatia

This beautiful country has risen in popularity over the past few years due to its pretty villages, glorious national parks, and spectacular beaches. An excellent spot for enjoying the charm of this destination is along the Istrian Riviera on the northern coast. The resort of Pula boasts impressive architecture and lively bars so you can immerse yourself in the friendly culture and spectacular landscapes.

 

Big Bear Lake, California

This small city is located just two hours from Los Angeles and is mostly known for its Bear Mountain ski resort. Alongside this captivating backdrop, you’ll also find the spot of Big Bear Lake, which is surrounded by alpine beauty and 60-plus miles of trails and treks around the water. This spot is a hub for activities, and the choice of Big Bear Lake vacations offers individuals, couples and families a memorable outdoors experience.

 

Turkey

After suffering from some political issues in recent years, Turkey is now regaining its position as a go-to place for holidaymakers. There are a number of excellent beach resorts, and with temperatures warm all year round, it makes a great place for winter sun. Turkey isn’t just great for sunshine either, as its rich history makes a delightful visit with plenty of ruins and architecture to admire.

 

Cape Verde

This exciting spot west of Senegal combines the vibrancy and beauty of the Caribbean, Portugal and West Africa in one. Most of the time the temperature remains warm so offers the perfect spot to enjoy a sun-drenched winter break. Aside from the blue waters and stunning beaches, moving further inland, you’ll find historical plantations dotted throughout the landscape and pretty towns bursting with history.

 

Porto, Portugal

This vibrant coastal city is one of Portugal’s up-and-coming locations this year and has a different vibe to its capital. At the moment, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and impressive display of history and architecture waiting to be explored. It probably won’t stay a quiet city for long after everyone finds out about this hidden gem, so visit now to capture its unique ambience.

 

These are just some of the best spots to enjoy a getaway with a difference, take a look and start planning your 2018 vacation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things You Can do to Help Your Kids Understand Money Safely

Financial literacy is one of the most important lessons children can learn, yet perversely, this is not something they’re taught at school. Instead, the onus is on you, the parents, to shape your child’s attitude towards money and instil the behaviours that will help them lead a financially stable life.

While many children rely on the bank of mum and dad, they must also be given a certain amount of financial independence so they can learn the value of money and the importance of saving. With credit more readily available than ever before, it’s also essential they learn how credit works and how to calculate the cost of credit before they reach adulthood.

With that in mind, here are some top tips to help your kids understand personal finance issues at different ages…

  1. Let them manage their own money

The first taste of financial independence for most children is receiving weekly or monthly pocket money. Giving your child a regular, consistent sum of money teaches them how to budget and helps them understand that they can only buy what they can afford. You can add an additional element to this lesson by asking them to do chores in return for their pocket money, or giving them the opportunity earn a little extra by doing additional jobs around the house.

Initially, you will have to be prepared to be strong when the children ask for more money after spending their weekly or monthly allowance in the first few days. However, if you’re strict, they’ll soon learn that you’re not going to bail them out if they overspend. Children who turn to their parents for ad-hoc handouts to buy toys, sweets and other treats miss out on this important early lesson.

  1. Set the right example

As is the case with so much of their behaviour, when it comes to managing finances, children learn much from their parents. If you’re an impulsive buyer who uses credit to fund purchases you cannot afford, you should expect your children to grow up and do the same. However, if you’re the sort of person who saves, researches purchases carefully and uses credit wisely, these are habits they’re likely to pick up.

If you have made mistakes with money in the past, talking to your children about where you went wrong and why can help to highlight the potential dangers of poor money management. It can also reduce the likelihood that they’ll do the same.

  1. Ask teenagers to research their own purchases

If your teenager needs a new mobile phone or is planning a significant purchase like their first car, ask them to do the research and talk them through their findings. While they may be focussed on getting the latest phone with the best camera, it may not represent the best deal in terms of the overall package. Equally, they may have found a car that looks the part, but have they considered the age, the mileage, the prospective insurance costs and the fuel consumption?

All these elements have a significant impact on the ongoing costs of the purchase so it’s essential they consider them carefully. If you believe there are certain elements of the purchase they have not thought through properly then make sure you explain the potential implications.

  1. Teach them the importance of credit

Very few people are able to live their lives without credit. Teenagers must learn that not all debt is bad. Borrowing money for university or to buy a house is often essential and can represent a wise investment as long as it is researched thoroughly and can be repaid. There’s no such thing as free money, so teenagers must learn that money they borrow now will lead to sacrifices in the future.

They should also be taught how to calculate the cost of credit, the importance of the annual percentage rate (APR) and the costs associated with having a poor credit score. There are also hidden charges that can apply such as early repayment penalties and administration fees that they should be made aware of.

Financial responsibility can spill-over

One of the real benefits of teaching your children the importance of careful money management is that this feeling of responsibility can spill-over into other aspects of their lives. It can make them more conscientious with their studies and even think more carefully about how they spend their free time. It will also prepare them to make high value purchases and manage credit responsibly in the future.

How to Get Rid of Heartburn: What You Need to Eat (And Avoid)

If you have had heartburn you probably want to find ways not to just avoid but to also stop heartburn when it happens. A lot of people first will reach for tums or Pepto, but this often doesn’t really help and in the long term can be harmful. First to help reduce the likelihood of heartburn and get it to stop make sure that you wear clothing that isn’t restricting around your stomach area. Next, use good posture and use a pillow to help keep your upper body elevated when you sleep.

How to Get Rid of Heartburn: What You Need to Eat (And Avoid)

Different food can trigger heartburn and sulphur burps for different people, so pay attention to what you are eating and what triggers an attack for you. It is a good idea to avoid high-fat meats like ground beef and chicken wings. Stay away from those snacks that are high in fat like potato chips and you probably also want to avoid chocolate too. Coffee, tea, soda and alcohol can also trigger heartburn as well as fruit and vegetable juice. This means when you are looking for a refreshing beverage and don’t want any heartburn to go with it you will want to reach for water.

You will probably also want to avoid dairy as well as pasta, especially ones with cheese or marinara sauces that can trigger your heartburn. If this sounds like a recipe for a bland, no-fun diet, it is, but this is usually preferable to the heartburn that can be so intense it feels like a heart attack. If you can’t always adhere to this monk-like diet, there are some fairly effective home remedies that will help out for those occasions where you do get that unmistakable burn in your oesophagus.

First, if you are having a meal that you know might trigger your heartburn chew some gum afterwards to help dilute the stomach acids. Add some ginger into your diet to help combat and prevent a heartburn attack. You can also add liquorice supplements and/or start sipping a little apple cider vinegar. If that doesn’t prevent an attack you can mix a little baking soda with some water, it won’t taste great, but can help to reduce the acid and stop the burn. If all of this fails you can still go for one of the many over the counter remedies for heartburn or talk to your doctor about medicines that can reduce stomach acid and prevent heartburn from even happening.

 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Babywear Range Has Arrived

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic book, isn’t it? Designed written and illustrated by celebrated children’s author Eric Carle, I remember it clearly from when I was little. Maybe that big butterfly at the end had something to do with my blog name! I remember the vivid colours and the excitement of reading through it. Needless to say, I was really pleased when one of my besties gave Cameo The Very Hungry Caterpillar finger puppet book. He LOVES it. He is obsessed with saying Apple (AKA Haaapple) and is trying to say butterfly. He can say the Cat in Caterpillar but can’t manage the rest of it yet. At just under 17 months he is doing pretty well.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar BabyWear Range - pretty Big Butterflies

Mummy blogger - pretty big butterflies

I was over the moon when we were sent some gorgeous pieces from The Very Hungry Caterpillar babywear range. It’s New at Sainsbury’s and only for a limited time. I just know it’s going to sell out so quickly after seeing it for myself.

We’re in love with the Green ‘The Very Hungry caterpillar Booties’. They are actually the cutest things EVER! They are size 0-18 months and are only £5! Cameo hasn’t even tried to take them off like he does with his socks. They fit him perfectly, don’t slide or bend off his feet plus they have grips at the bottom. Honestly, these are a great alternative to slippers at home. They are just so cute. Let me just point out, these are marketed under girls shoes… they are most definitely unisex so please don’t let labels scare you off getting these cuties for your little one.

Green 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' Towel review - pretty big butterflies

The Very Hungry caterpillar booties - pretty big butterflies

The Very Hungry Caterpillar bodysuit vest is just as cute. I have to say that I’m really impressed with the quality. It’s super soft cotton and is a perfect fit. I love that it’s bright and cheerful. Plus, the tired and very hungry slogan rings very true for my little one!

Our other must-haves from the range are the multi-coloured long sleeve bibs. Perfect for messy eaters and messy play. It fits like a dream and has elasticated sleeves so you won’t find spaghetti or paint hidden under armpits. Hooray! Then there’s the super soft and 100% cotton towel. It’s hooded to keep your little one snug and to help their hair dry. Or if your child is like mine, he’ll run around acting like he is a mini caterpillar superhero. The Towel is £8 and not only is practical and looks lovely, but it would make a great gift too if you know of someone with a little one.

Babywear at sainsburys - pretty big butterflies

baby hooded towel review - pretty big butterflies

We’re really impressed with The Very Hungry Caterpillar babywear range. The fit is spot on, it’s obviously comfortable to wear because Cameo doesn’t pull it or try and take any of it off and it’s super bright and colourful. What’s great for us is the quality is so good, once our second worn is born in July we’ll be able to pass these down to him too. The Very Hungry Caterpillar will never go out of fashion in our house.

Luxe Bedroom Trends For Your Dream Home

If you’ve recently moved or you’re embarking on an interior makeover, you may be looking for inspiration to create a luxurious, sumptuous sanctuary to retreat to at the end of a busy day. The bedroom is one of the most important spaces in the home. You’ll probably spend more time in this room than any other, so it’s critical to get the design right. If you have grand plans for your boudoir, here are some trends you may wish to try in your dream home.

Vintage romance

If you’ve ever stayed in the heart of Paris or Venice, you may be familiar with this trend. Think boutique hotel vibes with an opulent, expensive feel. Oversized beds are a feature of vintage romance and you can choose from statement rococo bed heads or even a four poster if you’re keen to go all-out. If you’re buying a new bed, focus on quality and comfort when looking at mattresses and then turn your attention to dressing the bed to create a stunning focal point. It’s worth reading reviews and looking at details about mattresses online before you buy. Once your bed has been installed, you can add cushions, throws and plumped-up pillows to add coziness. Opt for silk covers and velvet cushions and curtains in shades of blush pink and oyster for an extravagant but soft look. When you’re choosing furniture, look for vintage style chests and don’t be afraid to use your creative skills to upcycle pieces you already have if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for. Finish the room off with a couple of high-pile rugs and a chandelier.

Image source: https://kaboompics.com/photo/4675/large-bed-with-pillows-and-blankets

Minimalist chic

Minimalistic styling has been popular for many years now, and if you’re looking for an easy, hassle-free way of creating a chic bedroom, this could be the trend for you. This look is all about the beauty of simplicity, so it’s perfect for those who despise clutter. Keep things simple when dressing the room. Opt for neutral shades for the walls, keep the floors clear and invest in hidden storage, rather than covering the walls in mounted units. If you want to add color, do this using accessories such as bedside lamps and cushions. Monochrome works well, but if you are keen to add accents, you could team white walls with duck egg blue, gray or rose gold. This trend is ideally suited to modern villas, beach houses and loft-style apartments.

Picture credit https://pixabay.com/en/indoor-household-bedroom-2650995/

The natural look

If you’re a fan of the concept of bringing the outside in, you’ll love this bedroom trend. Long associated with garden rooms and open-plan kitchens, this is a look that can be embraced all over the home. Focus on natural materials, such as wood and bamboo, and create a clean, airy space, which bounces natural light around and makes you feel like you’re in the open air even when you’re snuggled up looking at the stars through a skylight. To channel this trend, opt for a stripped wooden floor and a chunky, oversized bed frame that steals the show as soon as you walk through the door. If you’re looking to add a quirky touch, you could consider crafting a bed head from stable doors, reclaimed beams or driftwood, for example. Use materials such as cotton and linen for curtains and bedding, and scatter plants around the room. You can add small pots to shelving units or bedside tables or use large plants like yuccas to fill corners of the room.

Image by https://www.flickr.com/photos/92334668@N07/11368483903

If you’re looking for inspiration for a dreamy bedroom, hopefully, these luxe trends have given you food for thought.