What You Need To Know About Travelling With A Baby!*

20th October 2021
Photo by Hassan Nizam on Unsplash

It’ll be very stressful and everyone on the plane will hope they’re not sitting next to you – the end! That’s our first thoughts and one of the big reasons why, when we do book a honeymoon it will be within the UK!

That’s a joke, of course; there are many more things for you to know about travelling with a baby. It is going to be pretty stressful, mainly because you’re worried about your baby and want to keep them as happy and quiet as can be – particularly during the plane journey. Once you’re at your destination, things become a bit easier, though you are still juggling your parental duties. 

I know there are plenty of you reading this that have either just had a baby or are approaching your due date. At the same time, you’re also thinking about going on holiday as a family, possibly even during the festive season. It can be a great way to celebrate the birth of your child, but there are some crucial things to know before travelling with a baby…

When is it safe for babies to travel?

It depends on who you ask as different people have different opinions. Airlines will have policies that restrict how young a baby can be on their flights. Most will only allow them on the plane if they are 2 weeks old, though some have policies that let babies that are only a week old on the flight. 

You might be tempted to take your child on holiday as soon as possible, but doctors will suggest otherwise. Instead, a doctor recommends that you let your baby’s immune system develop a bit before they travel. As a general rule, this should be between 3-6 months. It is a good idea to wait for a few months, as this helps you see the health of your baby and if they have any underlying problems to worry about before you travel. 

Do babies need passports?

This might surprise some of the new or soon-to-be parents out there, but your baby does indeed need a passport. You might think that they have to be a certain age to require one, but the truth is that a baby needs a passport from the moment they take their first breath. Let’s say you have your baby abroad and want to get home, you will need to apply for their passport before you can do so. 

Realistically, that predicament won’t be an issue for most people as you shouldn’t travel anywhere near your due date! Even so, be aware that you have to go through the passport application process for your baby before they can travel internationally with you. 

Do babies need visas?

Again, the travel requirements regarding visas are the same for people of all ages, no matter how young they may be. This means that your baby will need to apply for a visa if you are travelling somewhere that requires one. Well, you’ll have to apply on behalf of them, obviously! It can be an extra bit of annoyance, but it has to be done if you want to travel without any issues at the border. 

Similarly, the same rules apply for any schemes or systems in place where visas aren’t required. The most common one is the ESTA for travellers going to the US from the UK. Here, you fill in an application that grants you a visa waiver, meaning you can travel without a visa. The requirements are the same for babies; they will need to have an application filled in for them. 

Do you need to buy a plane ticket for your baby?

If your baby is under 2 years of age, they technically don’t need to have a plane ticket for certain airlines. However, in most cases, you will have to pay some sort of infant charge for them to travel with you. This will be cheaper than a typical plane ticket, and it means your baby can sit on your lap during the flight. It also means that they get a special seatbelt to help secure them in place. 

Alternatively, you can buy a seat for your infant, with some parents bringing car seats to put on the seat next to them. It is completely up to you, though you do have to take the airline’s policy into account. Some airlines will make you pay for a seat even if your baby is on your lap – it just depends on the policies they have in place. 

Can you bring essential baby items onto a plane for free?

Again, it is totally dependent on the airline you’re flying with. For context, EasyJet has a policy that lets you bring two items onboard for free. This includes a travel cot, pushchair, double pushchair, buggy, car seat, pram, booster seat or baby back carrier. 

Most airlines will let you bring your own baby food onto the plane with them, along with your own bottles. They don’t provide sterilised baby bottles for passengers, so keep that in mind. When it comes to bringing liquids on board, you have to look at the airport restrictions. Some relax the rules when babies are involved, letting you bring more than the minimum liquid requirement onto the aircraft. 

This section isn’t the most helpful as it really does depend on so many external factors. You have to check with the airlines and the airport before you travel, so you know what you can bring with you, how much it will cost, and so on. 

The bottom line is that travelling with a baby is fairly similar to travelling with children of any age. They still need passports and visas, you still need to pay for them to be on flights, and so on. However, the main differences revolve around how they sit on the flight, what you’re allowed to bring on with you, and when they should start flying. You’re also going to pack a lot of extra stuff with you when you have a baby, such as changing gear, extra food in your suitcase, etc. One other thing to note: bring ear protection for your baby on the flight. Their ears will be sensitive, and you need to protect them from the sounds of the plane. With all of this taken into consideration, you’re ready to travel with a baby!

Posted in travel

Permalink 1 Comment

Thinking About Proposing? Here’s How To Stand Out*

14th October 2021
Photo by sergey mikheev on Unsplash

Marriage proposals can be a tricky thing; with the volume of ideas that you can choose from planning it out may be difficult. Alongside this you’ll need to make sure that it’s something your partner will love.

After all, you’ll want to get them in the mood to say ‘yes.’ While there are countless marriage proposal ideas to choose from you’ll need to put more effort in than simply picking one. You’ll actually need to plan it out and implement it.

That’s where things could get difficult. Most people don’t know how to propose in a unique and romantic way. You should keep a few things in mind when planning out your marriage proposal.

How To Make Your Marriage Proposal Stand Out

Have A Fake Backstory

You’ll want to make the proposal as surprising as possible. If you’re planning something romantic that involves going somewhere, you might need some form of excuse. That’s especially true if you’re not already celebrating something.

To overcome this, it’s worth coming up with some kind of excuse or fake backstory. While this might involve lying, it’ll be for the greater good. It’s worth keeping this simple and believable to help throw them off the scent.

Make Sure You Get The Right Ring

There are countless unique engagement rings to choose from. The sheer volume could make it difficult to pick one. You’ll need to spend a lot of time thinking this out and comparing different options.

When you’re choosing one, you’ll need to keep your partner’s preferences in mind. Would they want something big and shiny or something small and classy? While diamonds are typically used in engagement rings, your partner might prefer something else.

You’ll also need to make sure that you get the right size ring. If you and your partner haven’t discussed this before, their ring size could be difficult to figure out. You mightn’t want to ask them straight out, as this might give things away.

You could instead borrow some of their jewelry and take it to an expert so that you can find out the right size.

Be Flexible

Things don’t always go as you’d expect. If you have a plan for your proposal, then it mightn’t go exactly that way. It’s worth being flexible with your approach. You might aim to plan exactly at sunset, for instance.

If the moment doesn’t feel right, however, then it might be worth postponing slightly. You could still do so the same night, but simply when the moment feels right. Rushing things to stick to the plan isn’t recommended. Try to go with the flow.

That’ll make the moment feel much more personal and romantic, which is what you’re aiming for.

Wrapping Up

As it’s something you mightn’t have done before, you mightn’t know how to propose. Using each of the above when you’re planning things out will make sure that things go smoothly. There could be other things to keep in mind.

Once your partner is front and foremost in your mind, you shouldn’t have any issues planning things out.

Posted in inspiration

Permalink

Why Vaping is Better Than Smoking*

13th October 2021

There are very few things in life that are entirely risk-free, and when you decide to smoke or vape you already know about the risks and make an informed decision based on that.

However, many people use vaping as a way to quit cigarettes for good despite there still being some, albeit it lesser risks; that begs the question, why is vaping better than smoking? 

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Chemical 

We know that cigarettes are jam-packed with chemicals, and most of the time that won’t bother a smoker. But when you hear that it’s things like arsenic, ammonia and lead – it might give you reason to stop and think. 

When it comes to vaping, you don’t have any of those chemicals in a typical liquid. 

Most vaping liquids will have VP and PG, which are food colouring ingredients – and nicotine if you choose to add it. 

Flavours

Cigarettes come in two flavours – regular and menthol (although the mint ones aren’t available as they once were). But with vaping you can choose any flavour you like and when I vaped this was a big part of the appeal.

Feel like smoking blueberry pancakes? No problem. Fancy some strawberry cheesecake? Also possible – check with your local Vape Supplies store what they have available. 

Ease of use

Early models of vaping machines were often fiddly and felt awkward to use. However, modern vaping devices are easy to use, and some have a vast array of options. 

You can buy powerful vape machines that billow big thick smoke clouds or discrete ones that fit in the palm of your hand. It’s up to you what you choose. 

Helps reduce smoking

Many smokers want to quit, but when it comes to it – it can be pretty tricky. It’s not just about the chemicals in the cigarette; it is also about the actions. 

Sitting with a morning coffee and a cigarette – you need something to occupy your hands. You are heading out with friends who smoke? The temptation can be too much – even with supportive friends. 

Vaping can and has helped millions of people reduce how much they smoke or quit entirely. 

Read more about the progress of quitting smoking using vaping and other vaping reviews here: Vaping. 

Less addictive

It is much easier to stop vaping than it is to stop smoking. Many people start with a vape juice with some nicotine and slowly go down until they just have the experience and the flavour. 

This means that it becomes easier to simply stop vaping if you feel like it. 

If the overall goal is to stop smoking and vaping altogether, then vaping makes it possible to get down to zero nicotine. 

No butts

Even if you don’t personally drop cigarette butts, they are still everywhere. Since there are no butts with vaping, they don’t have the same kind of impact on the environment that smoking does. 

Compared to the smoke that a cigarette emits, what comes from a vape machine is essentially steam, which isn’t harmful to the environment. 

Smoking is a tough habit to kick to the curb, but the more you know about vaping the more you can see why many people have successfully made the switch. 

Posted in vaping

Permalink

Does Your Restaurant Business Actively Do Enough For Its Customers?*

05th October 2021
Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash

The recipe for business success relies on many different ingredients, but happy diners hold the key to whether your restaurant will thrive. Therefore must ensure that it is doing all that it can to win guests over and convert them into regular visitors.

A great menu with amazing dishes and fresh ingredients will naturally feature at the top of your agenda. Still, all the other factors are equally crucial. Here’s a checklist to keep you on track.

Pleasant Staff

Dining isn’t just about the food. The experience is vital too. As with any customer-facing industry, it’s vital that employees represent the brand (your restaurant) in style. A chef who is consistent with their creations and personality will be beneficial. However, it’s the service staff that can truly lighten up a diner’s experience. Invest in their development, pay them fairly and go the extra mile to create a good vibe. Positivity is contagious and will significantly aid your business.

Positive Surroundings

As well as people, visitors will judge the restaurant based on the surroundings. A positive ambience can influence the way they respond to the food. Interesting decor pieces that tell a story, either about the restaurant or the area can work wonders. Meanwhile, table decor should rank highly on the list of priorities. In the post-pandemic era, a dining layout that promotes social distancing is advised while good hygiene is essential. When supported by an engaging store sign, you will attract business.

Clear Information

A growing number of diners will research restaurants before booking a table. They want to know that a venue can cater to dietary needs. Meanwhile, they may want to check opening times and availability in the post-pandemic era. Some prospective diners are happy to call up, but many prefer to speak online. Visit this website to see how your restaurant’s website can become a tool for customer care as well as brand marketing. Of course, it’s a good idea to promote your awards and testimonials. 

Convenient Experiences

Every aspect of the dining experience should be enjoyable. Convenience should play a key role. Most restaurants allow diners to book tables in advance. However, it’s important to ensure that payments are handled with compliance. Introducing mobile POS will make it easier to maintain social distancing while also making the whole process easier. This is especially true when it can process contactless payments. Consumers are now accustomed to making payments in this way. You do not want to fall short.

Rewarding Loyalty

If you provide a positive dining experience that’s underpinned by great tasting food, guests can’t complain. However, the true key to success is to keep them coming back for more. This is especially true now that the passing trade is reduced as a result of the pandemic and how it has changed our lives. If you can capture their contact details during their visit, this data can be used to remarket. Learn more about this concept here. Offering loyalty reward cards can work wonders too. If it works for a certain peri-peri chain, it can work for you.

Do all of the above, and the sweet taste of success will follow.

Posted in finance

Permalink

Degustabox- September 2021*

03rd October 2021
Box gifted by Degustabox
This is a PR box, this means there will sometimes be additional flavours or products than you’d get as a subscriber, I will highlight this within my post.

This is going to be my last Degustabox review post for a little while as I’m going to take a couple of months off to settle in to life with a newborn (now there’s a scary thought!) so I was delighted that the September 2021 box was jam packed full of fantastic products, ensuring my final experience of the year was one to remember.

Prince biscuits are something I always seek out on holidays without fail, I bloody love them, so the fact you can get them easily (and cheaply) here now pleases me greatly. I was already familiar with the chocolate ones, but white chocolate was new on me and there is a part of me that wishes I had remained ignorant as I am well and truly obsessed. Biscuits have got me through this pregnancy, I suspect they will get me through the early weeks and months too! £1 per pack from Asda.

I don’t usually stray away from Pepsi Max or Diet Coke, but I really enjoyed Sumon Passion Fruit. It’s super refreshing with a maximum of 25 calories per 100ml. It also comes in Pineapple or Orange flavours, both of which I’d be keen to try.
Bob is the fruit juice drinker in this house so he sampled the Orange Algarve from Compal and rated it very highly. He said it was super sweet and nicer than our usual supermarket buy.
Sumol 99p/can and Compal £1.99/carton from Portugese stores and delicias-uk.com.

I love noodles, more than pasta or rice so I always get excited when I see a new to me brand included in Degustabox. This month it was Katsuo Udon noodles from Kelly Loves. This is a huge, flavourful lunchtime treat with plenty of unami flavour, I could barely move after these! Available in Sushi Daily kiosks in Waitrose and Asda for £2.90.

Sometimes I like to snack on plain crackers. Other times I like them to dip in soup or hummus. Either way these Ciabatta Original from Carr’s, in handy snack packs do the job perfectly. I probably should try topping them in a more normal way, but why break the snack habits of a lifetime?
£1.59 from most major retailers.

Can you believe I’d never tried Toffifee before? I see them everywhere, all the time and always think they look so good, but never seem to get around to picking up a box. Well, now I can say I have tried them- and they are good, although they make me fear for the safety of my teeth. I’ll pick some of these up for the Christmas stash now I know they are as tasty as they look, they are perfect for sharing (or not!)
£1.43 from all major supermarkets.

I haven’t actually tried this Nature’s Heart almond, peanut and double chocolate protein bar yet- it’s been stashed in my extensive bag of snacks for when I go in to have the baby. It looks delicious though, and boasts 10g of plant protein…hence why I thought it’d be the ideal labour snack! These have an RRP of £1.59 from major supermarket chains.

I won’t lie, I’m not sure what the point of a Jonut is, but pointless or not, it is delicious! It is essentially a rather large Jaffa Cake with a hole in the middle…but it works and it’s a fun treat!
50p each in major supermarket chains.

I’ll happily snack on Brioche at any time of day. Brioche Pasquier is my go-to brand and they’ve just made it even better with the addition of dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent taste. Great with a decaf coffee mid-afternoon! £1.50 from major supermarket chains.

We haven’t tried these Fajita and Taco seasoning mixes from Santa Maria yet….Bob and I decided to keep these on hand for a couple of quick and easy dinners once baby arrives. We’ll share our creations if we get time though, I’m most excited for the tacos, way more excited than is normal to be honest!
£1.05 each from a variety of retailers.

This month’s product of the month was these tomato and basil hummus chips from Eat Real, and I agree. I often have these in the house, or the veggie straws and can’t get enough of the super crunchy texture and good, strong flavour. I never feel too bad about how many of these I eat, either as they are made with good, honest ingredients. Available in all supermarket chains for £1.80- I stock up when on offer!

If you’re persuaded to give Degustabox a go (and really, you should) you can claim £5.00 off of your first box (making it just £7.99!) by entering the code XOQGC at the checkout. It’s been a pleasure to work with the brand regularly over the last couple of years and it’s without a doubt something that I will continue to purchase long after our partnership ends. I love the monthly surprise and excitement as well as the chance to discover products I’d otherwise pass up on the supermarket shelves.

Posted in food, review

Permalink