Tips for Freebie Fans to Make Life Easier!

 

Offers That Appear Way Too Good Are Likely Not the Real Deal

You need to check that the freebie really is genuine (if you are being offered a £1000 voucher you know it's not a real thing) and you also need to check the terms and conditions very carefully to make sure that you fully understand what you are agreeing to. Check out this infographic for more information.

 

Keep Your Expectations in Check

The majority of freebies come as small samples, not a full-size product. The reason that lies behind the freebie is that of you trying out the product without having to fork out money for it, if you like it, you go ahead and purchase a full-size product yourself. Keeping your expectations in check also means that you won't expect to get all the freebies you apply for.

 

If You Aren't Willing To Ask People May Not Be Willing To Give

Try sending out letters and emails to various companies asking if they have any free samples that they are happy to send out to you. You can also let companies know how much you like their products, this can sometimes result in boxes full of freebie goodness landing on your doorstep. If you have been dissatisfied with a product, make sure you tell the company about this too. You will find that most companies are quick to provide a replacement freebie and a few extras if their customers have been dissatisfied with their initial product.

 

Guilt Is Not Your Friend

Ordering a few free samples from your favourite company is not going to put them into bankruptcy. In fact, they love it for the benefits it brings them. Each time they send out a sample package they are, in effect, being given the chance to draw in a new customer. After all, most of us who receive something for nothing and think it's pretty great are going to head out to purchase one with our hard-earned cash.

 

Get Yourself Set Up With a Second Email Address

Possibly the most important tip. Don't let your email account get bogged down with spam mail, instead set up a second account and do the same for your social media account and phone number - you need all of these to claim your freebies. This tip is worth its weight in gold!

Lindsey

Disclaimer: this is a paid collaborative pos

A Fun Competition

 

It is finally Fri-yay, which means the weekend can officialy commence, what better way to start the weekend, with a brand new scent. 

I have a great competition for you guys via all free stuff. Now is that not a way to start the weekend, you can enter the competition here. let me know how you go and if you've one in the comments below. 

Don’t forget you can also follow me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin and you can follow me on Pinterest for some more summer fun.

Lindsey

Disclaimer: this is a paid collaborative post but all words are my own 

We’re All Going On A Summer Holiday, Cornwall

It’s officially holiday season. Today marks the chapter of new horizons, new adventures and the hopes of new love.

This summer it is all about the summer of love for me and I plan on venturing out far and wide to find it and why not make your destination of love to Cornwall.

Cornwall boasts beautiful beaches far and wide, cute country cottages galore which make you feel like you are in a magical world and a  vast array of greenery to go and explore.

I decided to get out of good old London for a spot of summer loving, suitcases are packed now time to set off to meet the rest of the gang and make our way for our summer holiday.

This trip to Cornwall will not be a solo one, kids galore and friends in abundance and can you believe we are all making our way on the train, but that does not mean I have not switched my Cornwall dating app on, in the hopes of some spontaneous fun.

Dating should be fun I mean you’re going to Cornwall what’s not better than making your first Cornwall dating trip to spend the day at the beach learning to surf with each other.

Cornwall has to be the most idyllic place for a little dating fun there is so much to see and do to dining out alfresco picnic style with the potential new Beau, exploring the beautiful gardens hand-in-hand.

I have complied a little list of fun dating things to do whilst in Cornwall.

1.Cornish Coastal Path - An idyllic evening walk along the cost line

2. Fistral beach - Where better to learn to surf

3. Bude Tunnel - Enjoy a fun an adventurous walk in the tunnel

4.Barbara Hepworth Museum & gardens - The perfect spot to enjoy a little alfresco, so time get your picnic basket out

5. Minack theatre - With restrictions having ease,d the perfect place to watch the arts

6. Pendennis Castle - For those history buffs, this is a great place to explore some great history

7. Bude Sea pool -  not being able to go the med, this beach brings the beautiful clear blues seas of the med to you, perfect beach day

8. Padstow Harbour - For the fish lovers, a perfect place to grab a bite to eat

9. St Nectars Glen - A beautiful and romantic spot and Instagram picture perfect, with the perfect waterfall back drop

10. The Camel Trail - What better way to start a date, then with a lovely bike ride on the camel trail

Nothing quite like an adventure and being able to get out of your comfort zone to go and explore a new part of the world, not just with family and friends but with a potential new suitor, I mean who wants to be stuck in one area and not know what could happen in the next.

This post is for all those hopeless romantics looking for fun and love and a little bit of excitement as you may have read from my last Summer Loving, a UK getaway blog post! So switch on your Cornwall dating app and let’s all look for love together this summer of love in the U.K.

Let me know what you think about my little list of things to do when on a date, have you been to any of these places? Let me know in the comments below!

Don’t forget you can also follow me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin and you can follow me on Pinterest for some more summer fun.

Lindsey

Disclaimer: this is a paid collaborative post but all words are my own 

All The Heatwave Dresses You Need Right Now

With the summer sun taking a long time to reach the UK I can finally say it has arrived.

With the heatwave set to continue this week I need no excuse to get my myself some new and much needed cooling dresses on and if you’re anything like me, the heat gives you no excuses to purchase some new dresses.

Last weekend was glorious it was great seeing people finally out and about, I spent Saturday strolling and sightseeing around London with a little picnic in the park and had a lovely beach day with Leanora and my mum!

With my skin now sun kissed and glowing I want to wear dresses that highlight my new found long awaited glow. I plan on wearing a lot of colour this summer to help bring out my new glow along with white dresses which always look great along tanned skin.

I recently did my first ever IG Reel in my new green dress, I was utterly nervous but inspired to create more, until then you can watch it here and see my gorgeous dress which I wore out on my girlie Saturday day and this is where the idea came from to write this post and share all the heatwave dresses you need now!

Don’t worry I’ve got something for everyone and at all price ranges too. I found some great pieces from Nastygal, Amazon to & Other Stories.

Don’t forget you can also follow me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin!

Lindsey

Disclaimer: this post has affiliate links used

Life Lately

It’s currently 5am this glorious Monday morning and I am absolutely buzzing, oh and good morning you lovely lot.

Last week was absolutely glorious, summer has finally come to London and there is no better place to be when the summer sun is out.

Due to the pandemic I finally got to see my darling friend Gabrielle who I haven’t seen for the last 2 years due to the pandemic, for a spot of brunch and a girlie stroll around Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, China Town, Marble Arch then back to Knightsbridge needless to say my feet were killing me, but at least my recent pedi looked great in my new summer sandals. Regardless of feet were killing me it was so lovely to catch up with and her and spend quality time people watching when we sat down for a little rest.

I finally got to done out at one of my bucket list restaurants Harry’s in Knightsbridge. The food was amazing unfortunately I did not get a desert THIS time but I needed a great excuse to go back. For brunch I had Vongole one of my favourite pasta dishes in the world! I will certainly beecreating this dish this week so will be sharing on the blog, so make sure you come back to c rock it out.

I have finally come out of my comfort zone and did my first ever reel! Yep I pulled up my big girl pants and threw caution to the wind and went for it, you can find it here, let me know what you guys think.

Another glorious day so you know what that means, a day out to Brighton Beach. It was so glorious and truly great day! we are currently having a heatwave here in the UK and you know we love to take full advantage of it. Whilst the beach was packed, I’ve got a little cool spot that I know which is a lot quieter and less packed. Normally Sunday’s we take it easy and prep for the week ahead, no yesterday we set off for some girlie fun with Leanora, my mum and I and decided to spend Sunday on the beach, I mean come on who also wouldn’t want their Sunday dinner to be a slap up plate of fish and chips.

It’s taken me a little longer than planned as I’ve been a little busy, but finally finished first half of the book Daisy Miller and The Turn of the Screw. I will start the second half today and plan on finishing it by the end of the week, so that I can head off to the bookshop this coming weekend to purchase some new reads. If you guys have any great suggestions definitely let me know what you will be reading.

With another jam packed week and Leanora breaking up for her summer holidays and the summer sun out, I can’t wait to let you know how life lately goes next week.

Until then, have a fab week and enjoy the sun guys.

Don’t forget you can also follow me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin!

Lindsey

Disclaimer: this is a paid collaborative post but all words are my own 

Summer Loving, A UK Getaway

Trust me, I can finally say that summer is here to stay and this mumma is looking to take full advantage of it and me and the girls are gonna pack up the car, loaded my suitcase with summer linen dresses and heading out of town for a mini UK getaway this coming weekend. 

The sun is shining, people are smiling and with restrictions easing only a few days away, we can finally get out and meet new people to socialise, be it in my home town of London or further afield and just writing these words instantly uplifts my spirit and I am sure it does yours too. 

Further afield I shall go, I am planning on heading out of town for a few days with the girls. get out of the London fog and breathe in some clean fresh country side air, well anything is country side to me if it's not in London and within the zone 1 - 4 barrier haha!

I decided to open up my dating app, set the location to further afield for some Bedfordshire dating. I have been meaning to get out of London and visit Bedfordshire it has always been on my list of places to see, only a few hours out of London and the weather picking up I knew it was time for me and the girlies to go and explore and decided why not get a little dating action in their also. 

I am firm believer to not just stick to your home grown roots, in life and when it comes to dating, I mean how else are you going to meet new people and the potential one if you do not get out and see what the world has to offer, even if it is a few hours drive down the M25!!

I must confess I am a hopeless romantic when it comes to dating, I mean I have not been able to do much of it let alone anyone else, since this whole pandemic and I like any woman or man all want their Bridget Jones loving moment. 

I think it's quite exciting coming out of town for a little Befordshire Dating to potentially meet a new beau. With a beautiful back drop, sunny weather and I am hoping cute little cottage style pubs in a abundance and a little bubbly in hand, it sounds like the perfect weekend setting to spend with old friends and possibly new too. 

What are your thoughts about getting out of your local area and going out on dates and meeting new people, even if you do end up doubling up on your weekend experience and bringing a few friends along and make a thing of it? Let me know in the comments below. 

Don’t forget you can also tag me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin!

Happy weekend lovelies and enjoy this beautiful weather we are having. 

Lindsey

Disclaimer: this is a paid collaborative post but all words are my own 

Life Lately

 

Hi loves, happy Wednesday. Last week was a whirl wind, we had our ups and downs not all went quite to plan, but by the end of the week my spirits were up again.

It was Birthday bonanza last week, my grandads wife turn the big 50 on Tuesday, I had a friends birthday on Wednesday that we celebrated Friday and another friends brunch birthday on Saturday, so a little manic but a lot of fun. Especially the bottomless brunch party, couldn't tell you the last time I danced on top of tables singing at the top of my lungs. 

I have finally decided to decorate my bathroom, since we have been living in the house, its the only room I have left to decorate, I've decided on a nice feature wall and adding some cute litte bits to go inside. Would you like to see a step by renovation guide let me know, plus if you are looking too for some bathroom inspo my Pinterest feed is full of ideas.

Leanora is getting way too big way too quickly. But ass my baby is growing she wanting to learn new things and last week she had her trial for gymnastics and I am so proud of her, a little gutted due to COVID I couldn't watch my little jumping bean in action, but super glad she has made the team, just now waiting to find out which group she will be in. 

Most weeks we have been reducing our meat in take and I have to say my stuffed pasta with sausage ragu was an absolute hit, so much so we made it again for this week family meal on Monday. 

With the weather heating up and it being very humid here in London, back out are my linens to keep me cool, you can find a few favourites here. 

Don’t forget you can also tag me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin!

Lindsey

Disclaimer: affiliate links used

6 Family Movies To Watch This Weekend

Fridays are the ultimate family movie night in our house, after a long week at work and school, we normally head straight out for dinner, then come home laden with goodies galore, throw on some comfy lounge wear and settle in for our Friday family movie night.

Growing up as a kid, we always had Saturday evenings or Sunday afternoons as our family movie time, back then it was all Star Wars, Labrynith or the Goonies, fast forward 30+ plus years later and a kid in tow, they are still some of my favourite films, luckily for me Leanora loves them too, well......Not yet Star Wars she may be a tad too young to sit through it, but don’t worry I’m working on it. 

Luca

Disney+ latest family movie, set in Italy were two young boys become fast friends looking for adventure and knowledge. I absolutely adored this film, I even got a little upset at the end, when Luca set off to school leaving his best bud behind. Lica is funny, courageous and absolutely inspiring.

Raya & The Last Dragon

I mean come on, this movie hands down is amazing, I think Leanora and have watched this a million times, who hasn’t! This was one the first movies to be released throughout COVID, naturally in the cinema but in s lockdown, but Disney+  had this to purchase via a premium service, totally worth every penny for this epic adventure.

The Croods

I mean who doesn’t love a laugh out movie and this set in the stone age following a very weary family, with an ever so curious daughter, is the perfect family Friday night movie. Plus we are super excited as Croods 2 comes out next week and it will be Our first time back in a cinema since the restrictions have been lifted.

The Mitchell’s vs The Machines

Randomly we srumbled upon this coming of age, machine family fighting movie on Netflix. This story follows a family who’s daughter is a little different, sets off for college, which like most teenagers who can’t wait to run off for independence is brilliant. Dad who decides instead of letting his daughter jump on a plane to spread her wings at college, decides NOPE! Family drive, to the daughters frustration and along the way, they try to make memories, but those memories comes at a cost, a battle with the machines, a loving family movie is a must to watch.

Dora & The Lost City of Gold

I mean who doesn’t know Dora, the explore theme tune. Literally grew up hearing my little cousins and nieces and nephews singing all about Doras adventures with her trusty backpack. This film version I have to say did not disappoint, I was a bit sceptical at first, but as soon as I watched the song came flooding back.

The Witches

Now, for me this was one of my favourite Roald Dahl books as a kid and the movies I simply loved and I am always worried if a remake would be as a good as the original, but this was better, well same par. This is a great introduction to kids of opening their mind to the weird and wonderful writer that Ronald Dahl is.

What adventurous movies will you and your family be watching this weekend, have you watched any of the above or what are you and your family favourite movies to watch? Let us know in the comments below or you can tag me over on Instagram by using the #LondonMumma tag to show m us what you are watching this weekend? 

Lindsey

Mozzarella Pesto Stuffed Pasta, With Sausage Ragu

Mozzarella, pesto, sausage and a rich tomato sauce, I mean just saying those words, you know it’s gonna be a damn good day and a tasty dish.

Firmly in the summer months, but a lot of rain here had in London, whilst I am craving nice lighter dishes, a girl needs a little comfort with this rain and chill still lingering!

Guys, I have to say Leanora and I were both impressed with how this dish came out! As you know we’ve been eating a little less meat each week and I am glad to say that this dish may not be vegan but certainly vegetarian friendly.

I have found the tastiest plant based sausages, our current favourites are from Birds Eye, new Green Cuisine range and I used these to make the base of the dish in the form of a ragu. Simmering away for 30-35 minutes on a nice medium low heat, infused with different style tomatoes, onions, garlic and little chilli to give it a little kick, you know it’s gonna be good, plus if you make a little extra is perfect for freezing to use at a later date.

You know the drill guys, we are totally major pasta lovers in this house, so when I spotted in the supermarket these 100% drum wheat jumbo conchiglioni pasta shells I couldn’t resist and just had to have them, and I knew I just had to make something special with them.

Leanora’s taste buds are becoming more vast each day, especially in the cheese department, if this girl is ever quite, guaranteed I know where I’ll find her! Tucked under her desk, iPad in one hand and Parmesan in the other, she can’t get enough of it, we probably go through one a week! Trying to go for something a little less salty I have now introduced her to one of my top 5 cheeses, mozzarella. Once sliced they fit perfectly into the pasta shells, in fairness I was a little bit worried, that after I had cooked my pasta shells al dente, the may be slippery little suckers, but it was no bother at all and easily filled with the mozzarella and pesto, yes I was a little lazy I didn’t make my own, but what can I say when you have a busy household to run, cutting a few corners to help you out and feed the masses quickly it helps! FYI it’s only Leanora and I, plus Milo (cat) to feed haha! But who said we don’t like seconds and extras for the next day for lunch or dinner, also my dad has a tendency to swing by and raid the fridge as his office is only down the road.

But in the words of Leanora, let’s make this deli-ci-o-so dish.

Ingredients

250 grams of jumbo Conchiglioni pasta

4 vegan sausages (any sausages you like)

2 shallots diced

4 minced garlic cloves

1 tin of passata

Handful of baby plum tomatoes

2 table spoons of tomato paste

1 small jar of pesto 

250 grams of mozzarella sliced

6 - 8 basil leaves

Olive oil

Pinch of salt

Pinch of pepper

Pinch of chilli flakes

Directions

1. In a large sauce pan on medium heat, add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add shallots and garlic and cook for 5 minutes.

2. Add sausages and crumble into bite size pieces with the back of a wooden spoon. Cook until the sausages are browned, about 5-8 minutes.

3. Reduce heat to low and add passata, baby tomatoes, tomatoe paste, salt, pepper, chilli flakes, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

4. Pre heat your oven to 180 degrees

5. Cook your pasta for 13-15 minutes until al dente, drain and set aside.

6. Layer your dish, with your ragu and set to one side.

7. Fill your pasta shells with a little pesto and a slice mozzarella and lay in top of your of your ragu, once dish is filled tear up a few pieces of fresh basil and sprinkle over, along with any left over mozzarella you may have. *Fancy being a little extra naughty I recommend sprinkling over some grated parmesan 

8. Place in the oven for 25-35 minutes until lightly browned on top and cheese bubblin

Enjoy!

Guys, if you love this cheesy pasta dish, let a girl know, you can tag me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma #LondonMummaEats tag to show me what you guys think or simply keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Pinterest or  Bloglovin!

Lindsey

Life Lately

Welcome back to another edition of Life Lately! This week, I planned on being a little different and king some different things alone, with family and with friends and this week I did just that. The weather has been a little up and down but that won’t stop us from having a good time.

I took my self out a on a solo date and headed to see my friend in theatre perform The Distance You Have Come. I was a little nervous, I’ve never been to the theatre on my own before, but you know what it was brilliant the show being on my own and having some good solo parenting fun. The show was absolutely excellent, it’s now finishes it’s run unfortunately but if it is in theatres near you I highly recommend going to see it. It’s about normal everyday life experiences and the outcome of life.

We finally got to go to our favourite museum The Natural History Museum, it took over a month for us to get a slot to attend due to all the restrictions, but it never disappoints, Leanora loved looking and learning all about the animals, her current favourite animals at the moment is owls. It’s a great way to get the kiddos out to learn about animals, stones and so much more, with the summer holidays fast approaching I highly recommend booking to go now!

As you know we are big foodies and always love trying new foods, so what better place to fill out bellies than heading to our Spitafields market, located a short walk from Liverpool station. The market is packed with loads of eateries from all over the world, to pizzas, dumplings and desert places. Not feeling to peckish or want to walk off all the yummy food, you can do that their too whilst perusing the many retail stands.

Cherries, who would of guessed it was a new favourite fruit, but we’ve been eating punnets after punnets, I’m sure we will ending our looking like a cherry not before long. Currently thinking of a recipe to use fresh cherries, any tip or ideas would be much appreciated.

Game day, wow! What a game the boys did good in Saturdays match. With a little room left to eat, after exploring Spitafields, I raced home and made a batch of my Lemon Pepper Wings, I mean who doesn’t love wings on game day or any! With another match this Wednesday I highly recommend on making them.

Well that’s this weeks life lately round up! Did you get out and do, see or eat anything new?

Let me know what you got planned for the week! Don’t forget you can also tag me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin!

Also, don’t forget any recipe ideas for using cherries let me know in the comments below. 

Lindsey