How To Protect Your Hard Earned Assets

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Disclosure  This is a collaborative post. 

As a homeowner, you have likely worked extremely hard to gain the assets you own today. Unfortunately, many people don't pay attention to maintaining value until something valuable has been lost. In this blog post, we will discuss proven methods of protecting these investments.

HOUSE


 Capitalise On Insurance Offerings
  One of the best ways to protect your assets is through insurance. Doing this can cover losses caused by theft, natural disasters, and other unexpected events, as well as medical bills or lawsuit settlements in case something were to happen. In addition, additional protection such as flood, fire, and earthquake insurance may also be useful, depending on where you reside. It is vital to carefully read through the policy fine print when buying insurance, as many insurance companies are notoriously difficult to claim from in the event of a loss. 

Secure Your Home
One way to safeguard the hard-earned investments you've worked so hard for is by taking every possible measure to safeguard your home. Installing locks on all doors and windows, installing a security system with sensors and cameras, and adding motion lighting around your perimeter are all effective means of deterring criminals from breaking in. An alarm cctv installation is another solution that would keep an eye out for anything amiss at your residence, as well as help prove claims with insurance providers in case anything should arise.

Stay On Top Of Maintenance
As well as safeguarding your home, it is also wise to regularly inspect and maintain your assets. This includes looking out for signs of wear or damage and ensuring all structures and features are secure. Likewise, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors must also be tested regularly. Being proactive will keep the value of your assets where it should be, so act now if something needs fixing.

Keep Your Valuables Secure
Storing important documents, jewellery, and valuables securely is one of the best ways to safeguard them against theft or other losses. For peace of mind when travelling abroad or during emergency situations, consider investing in a fireproof safe that can be easily secured. Furthermore, sentimental items should also be stored away safely; maybe consider getting a safety deposit box as one possible storage option.

Diversify Investments
A key strategy for protecting financial investments is diversification. This involves diversifying across asset classes such as stocks, bonds, real estate and precious metals in order to reduce risk while simultaneously increasing returns, giving rise to the familiar saying, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket".

Develop Your Brick And Mortar Assets
If you own brick-and-mortar investments such as rental properties or commercial buildings, it is vitally important that they receive upgrades that preserve their value. Be sure that roofs, plumbing and other systems are up-to-date; additionally, maintain the exteriors regularly, as damage or dilapidation could cost significantly.

By following these tips, you should be able to protect your hard-earned assets for many years to come. Being proactive will help you keep your assets safe and stable. Although it often means admin and hard work to stay on top of things, it is absolutely worth it.

Michelle
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Titanic The Musical Review

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Disclosure - We were invited to watch Titanic The Musical. All thoughts and opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links

We are always eager to to experience new shows at the theatre and also experiencing new venues too. We do tend to visit the same theatres local to us as we know them so well after visiting them for many years however there are lots of theatres close to home that we have yet to visit and last week we ticked one off the list, The Grand Theatre, Blackpool. We were invited to watch Titanic The Musical and were excited to not only watch the show but also to try out the theatre too.

Titanic The Musical


Titanic The Musical Tour 
In the final hours of 14th April 1912 the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and ‘the unsinkable ship’ slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic disasters of the 20th Century. 1517 men, women and children lost their lives.

Titanic The Musical


Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic The Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own. All innocently unaware of the fate awaiting them, the Third Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the Second Class imagine they too can join the lifestyles of the rich and famous, whilst the millionaire Barons of the First Class anticipate legacies lasting forever.

Titanic The Musical


Everything about the show was amazing. The set, the costumes and the extremely talented actors. I think I counted a cast of around 25 with some playing multiple roles of 1st, 2nd and 3rd class passengers. There were a few moments that really stuck out for me. Firstly when they first see the iceberg right ahead, it was such a strong and gripping performance. I had tears in my eyes. Obviously as it's a true story you can only imagine how hard it was for them all at that moment. Secondly the sinks sinking. I wasn't sure how they would do this, no spoilers here but it was really good. 

Titanic The Musical


There is still plenty of time to catch Titanic The Musical at the following venues

Mon 27 Mar – Sat 1 Apr Newcastle Theatre Royal

Mon 27 Mar – Sat 1 Apr Newcastle Theatre Royal

Tue 4 – Sat 8 Apr Belfast Grand Opera House

Tue 11 – Sat 15 Apr Southampton Mayflower Theatre 

Tue 18 – Sat 22 Apr Birmingham Hippodrome

Mon 24 – Sat 29 Apr Stoke-On-Trent Regent Theatre

Mon 1 – Sat 6 May Norwich Theatre Royal

Tue 9 – Sat 13 May Cardiff New Theatre

Mon 15 – Sat 20 May Nottingham Theatre Royal

Mon 22 – Sat 27 May High Wycombe Wycombe Swan

Mon 29 May – Sat 3 Jun Hull New Theatre

Mon 5 – Sat 10 Jun Truro Hall for Cornwall

Tue 13 – Sat 17 Jun Cheltenham Everyman

Mon 19 – Sat 24 Jun Edinburgh Festival Theatre

Mon 26 Jun – Sat 1 Jul Dartford the Orchard Theatre

Tue 4 – Sat 8 Jul Salford The Lowry

Mon 10 – Sat 15 Jul Woking New Victoria Theatre

Tue 18 – Sat 22 Jul Sheffield Lyceum

Mon 24 – Sat 29 Jul Liverpool Empire

Mon 31 Jul – Sat 5 Aug Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

For more information and to book online visit Titanic The Musical 

Titanic The Musical

The running time of the show was approx 2hrs 35 including a 20 minute interval. 

I do want to add that the musical is not like the movie. If you are expecting a love story between Jack and Rose you will be disappointed. 

We loved Titanic The Musical and would definitely recommend it to all.

Michelle

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Why It's Vital to Improve Your Home Exterior

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

Most home renovation articles that you'll find online always centre around the interior of the home rather than the exterior. If you think about it, more people will search for glamorous kitchen renovations than they will do conversions or extensions for the outside of the home. We already know that there are a tonne of things that you can do to the inside of your how's to make it better suited to your needs and to add more value, but what about the outside? 

a house


You need to pay attention to the outside of your home as much as the inside if you want to help to add value. From speaking to The Great Shutter Co about external window shutters, to ensuring that you speak to a landscaper about getting the gardening done, there are plenty of reasons to work on the exterior of your home. The good news is that this is not another article about interiors, so let’s take a look at tips that’ll help!
 
Preventing Internal Damage 
Did you know that improving the exterior of your home can help you to keep up your defences inside? It's not just things such as keeping out the draughts from the cold winters day, or getting rid of pests. You could even prevent flood damage if your exterior is bolstered enough. By carrying out maintenance, and making the necessary repairs, you'll be able to keep your home looking and feeling fantastic. The roofing and guttering of your home should be regularly checked for signs of any damage, which is especially important after periods of bad weather.

Keeping Consistent 
If you keep up with the exterior of your home as much as you do the interior, you can keep your standards consistent throughout. There are some amazing examples of modern home exteriors out there to help with your inspiration and give your home a brand new look, but an exterior transformation doesn't have to be in your face to be effective. There are plenty of low budget improvements that you can make to change the way that your home looks and can still make the whole house look fantastic.

You Get To Add Some Value To Your Property
If you're looking to sell your home, then consider your house a gift. You want to make sure that the packaging is perfect, and that includes the exterior. The outside of your home could make just as much of a good impression as the interior of your home, so while you are there making sure that the house is clean and the kitchen is upgraded, consider mowing the lawns. It's these small touches on the outside that can make a big difference when somebody's coming to view your home.

It Makes You More Comfortable
Let's be honest, long that remains overgrown, and a driveway that hasn't been looked after in awhile can make anybody feel uncomfortable and stressed. It just so happens that this would be another job on your long list of existing jobs. If you keep up with the exterior of your home however, you won't have this problem. Regular maintenance makes a big difference.

Michelle
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Get Your Home Spring Ready with These Vital Tasks

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Disclosure - This is a collaborative post

What a Spring we are having. Colder than usual doesn't begin to describe it. And it can get worse. So, take some of these steps to get your home spring ready and avoid costly damage.

house in spring


Check Your Gutters When It's Safe
Gutters are important for the drainage of your home. And if something bad happens to them, it can cause chaos and cost a lot of money that you may not have. So, clean out your gutters so that water can flow freely when it rains a lot. Check on them and get rid of them when it's safe. This will help protect your roof and foundation from water damage. A drain unblocking service will become necessary if you let things get out of hand. A great service, but more money out.

Protect Your Electrics
Storms are a natural part of spring, and it seems like they get worse each year. By putting in surge protectors, you can help protect your expensive electronics. This will keep them safe from power surges when there is lightning. They work to stop power surges from getting to your electronics by soaking up the extra energy they produce. But you should know that surge protectors aren't perfect and can't protect you from all types of electrical power surges.

Use The News To Get Your Home Spring Ready
These days, the news is everywhere. And Google's App store has more than 2,500 news channel apps. So you're never too far from knowing what's going on. This is great because it helps a lot to stay up to date on weather warnings and forecasts. If a storm is coming, make sure you and your home are safe by taking the right steps. Also, make sure you have a plan for what to do if there is a big storm and know where the safest places are in your home.

Secure Your Home from Wind and Rain
Your house is a great way to stay safe from bad weather. But you really need to put in some work. For example, you must try to keep wind damage to a minimum. If you have furniture or other items on your porch or deck, secure them or bring them inside before a storm, so they don't become projectiles. Also, make sure the seals around your doors and windows are tight using tape or sealing calking. This will help stop water from getting in when it rains a lot.

Keep An Emergency Kit At Home
Bad weather can make it hard for emergency services to get to you when you need them. So, you should have a kit ready in case the power goes out, or you get hurt. This should include things like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. You have no idea how long this will take. So stocking the essentials is, well, essential. It's also important to check your emergency kit every so often and replace any expired items such as food cans.

flower vase in sunlight


Summary
It's vital you get your home spring ready to avoid some of the worst the season offers. Keep your gutters clean, stay up-to-date with the news, and keep an emergency kit at home.

Michelle
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Gifts For All Types Of Mums.

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Disclosure - Features gifted items. Any thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

Mother's Day is approaching fast so I wanted to share with you some last minute Mother's Day Gift ideas for all types of Mums.

Willow Tree Brothers
Sentimental Mum
Artist Susan Lordi hand carves each original Willow Tree sculpture. This piece is cast from her original carving and then painted by hand. This playful pose between two brothers may be very familiar to parents of boys; it reflects the relationships that develop in childhood and endure through adulthood. 

duvet cover


Comfy and Cosy Mum
Belledorm offer a wide range of home linens and the Maeva duvet cover is a contemporary floral in the softest tones of powder pink and light grey. The shadow print in the background adds an interesting dimension to the design. Made from easy care cotton polyester, an ideal choice for the modern, busy household.

El Camino Bracelet


The Travelling Mum
El Camino is a handmade customisable bracelet which allows you to add 'steps' that are personal to you and your travels. Each step is represented by a place or country you have travelled to and is the perfect way to remind you of your travels all over the world. 

black clutch bag


The Stylish Mum
The Courtney luxury leather handbag from Boutique Gifts can be debossed with initials, making them an extra special personalised gift that she will love. This leather clutch bag features a zip fastening and wrist handle.

Rapunzel Loungefly Bag


Disney Mum
To celebrate Tangled's 10th anniversary Disney Loungefly created Rapunzel Dress Backpack. It has all the details of her purple and pink Princess dress including the lace trim and lace up ribbon detail which mimics her corset. This bag is fit for a princess. 

sea breeze diffuser


House Proud Mum
The Copenhagen company offer a collection of room sprays, diffusers and candles in a variety of sizes that embrace scents from around the world. The Sea Breeze Reed Diffuser is a refreshing marine breeze scent including delicate floral accords with accents of amber and woods.

Aveeno Baby Products


Mum To Be
Whether you have normal, dry, itchy or sensitive skin Aveeno offer a wide range of products that can help moisturise and cleanse your skin. The Aveeno Baby range is also a lovely idea to give to a mum to be.

stabilo highlighter range


The Organised Mum
Stabilo offer everything you need to be as organised as possible with a range of pens for all occasions. The pastel colours range have a range of highlighters that are perfect for checking off items on your to do list. 

Cupcakes


The Sweet Tooth Mum
6 Vanilla sponge cupcakes beautifully hand decorated in a rose design swirl from Bradfords Bakers.  A fusion of strawberry and vanilla frosting blend together to create a subtle shaded rose design that tastes amazing too.  

livia's treats
Livia's use simple and natural ingredients. They banish any ingredients you can’t pronounce, ingredients you wouldn’t keep at home and all the bad stuff! They promise there are no nasty tricks in their treats just a touch of Livia’s magic. Always plant-based, gluten and dairy free… And above all, unbelievably scrumptious

Money Plant


At Home Mum
Breathe new life into your space with this artificial money plant from George. Presenting lifelike green leaves, it sits on a bed of pebbles and comes housed in a white pot which is elevated on an oak stand. Perfect for uplifting your desk or coffee table. 

Buyagift Experience

Hard to Buy For Mum
When you have no idea what to buy as a gift for someone I would always recommend a Buyagift voucher. When purchasing a gift experience for your Mum, you are not just giving her a thoughtful present, but also memories to enjoy for years to come. A unique Buyagift experience day really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Majority Little Shelford


Nostalgic Mum
The Majority Little Shelford’s classic-looking vintage design and wide range of features make it perfect for every setting. Designed with portability in mind, the Little Shelford includes a battery compartment and leather-look carry handle. Not only can you choose from DAB+ and FM Radio, you can also listen to your own music with the Little Shelford’s Bluetooth Connectivity. 

Michelle
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Mother Goose Tour Review

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Loving the theatre has introduced me to a range of shows, musicals, songs and venues over the years. I have loved seeing so many of my favourite movies on stage and some of my favourite actors and actresses too. However last year I heard that Sir Ian McKellen was touring with Mother Goose and I knew there and then that I had to buy tickets. Sir Ian McKellen is up there with one of John and I's favourite actors ever since we first saw Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Being able to see 'Gandalf' on stage is a dream of ours that we didn't even think would ever be possible however we lived the dream last week and we were totally star struck and overwhelmed. 

cast of mother goose


Mother Goose Tour
Ian McKellen and John Bishop are flying into theatres across the nation with a hilarious comedy for all ages.

Mother Goose is a live entertainment spectacle not to be missed – scramble for tickets to see two legends of acting & comedy “work beautifully as if they have been a double act for years” (London Theatre 1), and get ready for fairies with hefty vocal chords, puppets with tap dance qualifications and impeccably constructed mayhem that will quack up those aged between 3 to 103!

cast of mother goose


If you are only able to see one show this year then honestly this is the one to choose. It's non stop laughs with John Bishop and Sir Ian McKellen as Vic and Caroline Goose. As they try to figure out how to pay the ever increasing bills to save their home and animal sanctuary, Vic and Caroline take in a homeless Goose. Just as they are about to be evicted Goose needs to lay an egg which is in fact golden. Her golden eggs make Vic and Caroline very rich, but does the fortune bring them happiness? You will have to watch and see. 

There is still time to catch Mother Goose at the following venues

OXFORD, New Theatre Oxford 07/03/23 – 11/03/23

LEICESTER, Leicester Curve 15/03/23 - 19/03/23

DUBLIN, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre 22/03/23 - 26/03/23

CARDIFF, Wales Millennium Centre 28/03/23 – 01/04/23

SALFORD, The Lowry 05/04/23 - 09/04/23

BRISTOL, Bristol Hippodrome 12/04/23 – 16/04/23

Click Here To Book Tickets

cast of mother goose


The cast of 15 all have their time to shine and usually there are a few stand out performances however for me they all were amazing and each gave it their all.  

Have you seen Mother Goose? Did you enjoy it?

Michelle

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4 Fantastic Music Box Wooden Puzzle Kits for Crafting & Decorating

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A great item is something that can mesmerize the eyes while giving memories before it was built to its final structure- just like how iconic architecture are. But this time, wooden puzzles can give meaningful challenges as well as valuable tokens. Here are 4 amazing DIY music box wooden puzzles for crafting and decorating your favourite spots:

wooden cello puzzle


ROKR Magic Cello Mechanical Music Box 3D Wooden Puzzle
Robotime puzzles are known for their fun, entertaining, and charming puzzle designs. There are perfect for kids and kids at heart because of the challenges in putting together all the other pieces, adults can play together with their kids and children who are close to their hearts. This musical instrument 3D puzzle is like making your own beautiful cello, thus, giving life to your living room or bedroom with its classical appeal. 

This puzzle challenge is a perfect gift for musicians and classical music lovers. This item can play music after assembling and you can gift it as an assembled object or something that can challenge the analytical and problem-solving skills of your receiver. The 3D wooden puzzle item stands on a platform and is in an upright position. It has intricate details that are stunningly luxurious. 

ROKR Parachute Tower DIY Music Box 3D Wooden Puzzle


ROKR Parachute Tower DIY Music Box 3D Wooden Puzzle
Imagine yourself indulging in the dreamiest wonderland theme park with this Robotime puzzle piece. You will have the greatest interest in assembling wooden puzzles like these because of their fun and entertaining appearance. The Parachute tower comes with a fairytale-like structure with intricate details in the center column supporting the tower, and a circular roof with a medieval carnival design. It has tiny parachutes all around above a base platform that looks truly realistic.

Its base platform flooring is really festive because it has railings and a welcome pylon. Plus, stairs and lighting features that really look like a miniature carnival ride. Both kids and adults would be very excited to get the puzzle done. The tower also rotates and produces music that you can stare at it all day every day after being assembled. 

ROKR Starry Night Orrery Mechanical Music Box


ROKR Starry Night Orrery Mechanical Music Box
Wooden puzzles like this Robotime Starry night orrery define the cosmic experience wherever you want to decorate it after assembling. Add a glow-up to your bedroom, office table, or living room with this intricately-designed DIY music box that has the most unique character and physique. This puzzle piece will captivate every eye and generate positive emotions through its vibrant flying parts and colorful stones representing the stars and constellations. 

The orrery is mounted on a base platform with gears making the whole orrery composition able to rotate. The flying elements of the entire figure seemingly add the impression of shooting stars. Make your eyes flicker and heart thump with the beauty of the Robotime puzzle's creative appearances. Thus, with the extreme complexity of this DIY music box's design, kids and kids at heart will have a dose of challenges in assembling the parts together.

Rolife Ferris Wheel 3D Wooden Puzzle Music Box
The iconic physique of the Ferris Wheel will now grace your favorite spots where you can spend time with its magical and dreamy composure. Make this wooden puzzle piece a challenge that will hone your analytical and problem-solving skills. As every Ferris Wheel cabin needs to be assembled, the longer the excitement would be! So have this puzzle activity for spending time with your family, friends, and even workers or students. 

The structure of this minute Ferris Wheel is very realistic when it comes to ratio and proportion. After assembling, you cannot say that it is assembled from a puzzle. This is truly a worthy decorative idea for exhibits, and art displays, and is a lively item to give cheerful energy to any niche in a room. The puzzle is also able to turn and produce music just like how a real gigantic Ferris wheel normally does. 

The Robotime Legacy
These wooden puzzles are great opportunities to make kids learn while giving them a jolly reward for their efforts and hard work. All the items are guaranteed durable and stable when it is assembled properly. So these Robotime puzzles DIY music boxes can be kept for decades and cherished as an important memory. Purchase these great entertaining toys now!

Michelle
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How Can You Plan Out A Renovation To Make It The Best It Can Be?

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If you are going to be completing a home renovation any time soon, then you want to make sure that it turns out the best it possibly can. There are so many different things that you need to consider, and it’s important that you are getting it right rather than just making snap second decisions and hoping for the best. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can do to plan out your renovation and make it the best that it can be. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

colour swatch
Have An Idea Of The Finished Product
First, you need to make sure that you have an idea in your head of what the finished product is going to look like. Take your time, think about the different styles and designs that are available to you, and think carefully about what they would look like in your home. For example, you can take inspiration from social media designs, some of the other options that you have seen and so much more.

Think about what it would look like in your head, and decide what you think would look the best. Consult the others in your house if you think that this will help, but you need to have an idea of the end goal before you make any kind of decisions. 


Look Into The Best Contractors
It’s also important that you look into the best contractors that are available to you. Consider the different options that you have found online, or perhaps someone that a friend has recommended to you. You can look into bespoke kitchens if you have the money to be able to afford one of these, or you can look into the cheaper alternative if you are not looking to make huge changes right now. 

Ensure The Budget Is Set Properly
The final thing that we’re going to say is that you need to ensure that the budget is set properly. It’s important that you are sitting down and working out what your budget is, what you can afford, and what this is going to get you in terms of the renovation. You can even consult an expert if you think that this will help you on the right path, as they might have some ideas to help your money go further.

There are some tasks that you are even going to be able to complete yourself if you want to save a little more! Just look into how to complete them, and you should be just fine.

Hopefully you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you should be doing to plan out a renovation so that it can be the best it possibly can be. It’s not always going to be easy, but there are always things that you can do to ensure that it turns out in the best possible way. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you love the result that you achieve.

Michelle



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