kids, life

Laundry hacks to change your life

Laundry is no-one’s favourite topic, nor their favourite way to spend a weekend but you know what? We all have to clean our clothes, so it’s definitely worth spending some time to learn a few hacks that will make laundry time a little more bearable, right? Well, read on – you’re in for a treat.

1. Say Goodbye to Lost Socks

If you are sick of doing the laundry only to find that one-half of your favourite pair of socks has seemingly taken leave of your home for pastures new, then you need mesh laundry bags in your life. Place your socks inside a mesh bag before cleaning and it will not get sucked into the washer vortex, and you won’t have to wear a mismatched pair for work the next day.

2. Sorting Without Losing Your Marbles (Or Your Mind)

Sorting clothes is about as fun as watching paint dry, but if you streamline the process, it becomes a tiny bit less soul-sucking. Get three hampers (or laundry baskets) and label them: Whites, Darks, and Mixed Colours. Voila! You’ve turned your laundry area into a self-sorting paradise. By the time you’re ready to run a load, you’ve done 90% of the mental work in advance. Sorting at the source means no more dumping a mountain of clothes onto the floor and squinting at them like they’re abstract art. You’ll just grab a basket and go. Easy-peasy.

3. The Holy Grail of Freshness

Let’s talk about the nose. Sure, we can’t all strut around in couture, but we can at least smell fabulous. Enter the scent booster—tiny fragrant crystals or beads you toss directly into the washer. These magical pellets seep into your fabrics, leaving your clothes smelling like a field of lavender or a crisp Alpine breeze (take your pick). When you walk down the street and people ask if you just returned from a spa weekend, you’ll know your secret weapon. It’s basically aromatherapy for your wardrobe, and trust me, your nostrils will thank you.

4. Pre-Treat Stains Like a Pro (Before They Become Legendary)

That marinara sauce you spilled on your shirt last Tuesday? Don’t let it become a permanent addition to your personal textile museum. The key is speed. Keep a stain stick or spray by your hamper and zap those blemishes before they set in. For grease stains, a dab of washing up liquid works wonders: just gently rub it in and let it sit before washing. For ink, try a splash of rubbing alcohol. For coffee, cold water is your first line of defense. Address stains ASAP, and you’ll avoid that “Ugh, I can never wear this shirt again” moment we’ve all faced at least 27 times.

5. Chill Out and Save Your Threads

If you’re still blasting your clothes with hot water for every load, take a step back. Cold water is not only gentler on fabrics, preventing shrinkage and fading, but it also saves energy. That means less guilt about your electricity bill and fewer times you’ll have to bid farewell to a sweater that suddenly shrank to hamster size. Unless you’re dealing with seriously grubby gym gear or certain bedding that needs a hot wash, give the cooler settings a try. Your clothes (and wallet) will appreciate the chill attitude.

6. The Art of Drying

Over-drying clothes is like overcooking a steak, (if you are a meat eater, naturally) just plain wrong. If you have a dryer with a moisture sensor, trust it. Otherwise, learn the approximate drying times for various loads. Stop the machine when clothes are slightly damp, then hang them up to finish drying. This reduces wrinkles and static. Bonus hack: toss in a couple of dryer balls (wool or silicone) to fluff up the load and reduce drying time. They’re like tiny gym buddies for your tumbling T-shirts, keeping everyone separate and well-aerated.

7. The Dynamic Duo

We all know these two household staples are great for cooking and cleaning, but they’re also laundry heroes. Add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle to banish any funky odours that might be lurking in your fabrics. Bye-bye, mysterious mustiness. For whitening and brightening, a half cup of baking soda in the wash can give your whites extra sparkle without harsh chemicals. Just make sure you don’t mix vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle, or you’ll end up with a science fair volcano reenactment in your washing machine.

8. Ironing Hacks, Because You Deserve Better

Ironing is, let’s face it, the least fun part of looking put-together. If you want to spend less time wrangling that board and more time sipping iced coffee, try these tricks. First, hang clothes immediately after the dryer cycle ends, this nips wrinkles in the bud. For shirts that need some serious de-creasing, slightly dampen them before ironing. And if you’re really feeling lazy, hang your crinkled clothes in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam works as a makeshift iron, and you can pretend you’re running a fancy spa for your outfits.

9. Colour-Saving Hacks: Because Your Red Shirt Isn’t Supposed to Turn Pink

Want to keep your colours vibrant? Wash darks inside out to reduce friction and fading. For new, brightly coloured garments, toss in a cup of white vinegar to help set the dye. And if you’re paranoid about that brand-new, deep purple dress turning your entire load lavender, test it first by dampening a hidden area and pressing it with a white cloth. No colour transfer? Game on. A little vigilance prevents awkward colour-mixing surprises.

10. Set a Laundry Schedule To Tame the Monster

Laundry has a way of piling up until it looks like a textile version of Mount Everest, especially if you have kids, but you know what? It doesn’t have to be that way. You can tame the beast that is dirty laundry by simply setting a schedule that lays out exactly when you are going to wash everything from the sheets to the kids dirty soccer shirts, and then stick to it.

11. Storage Smarts

Once your clothes are clean and fresh, you want to keep them that way, right? Well, the way to do that is by using scented draw liners and putting your clothes away immediately. You can also spray a little fabric freshener into closets and, of course, never fold clothes until they are completely dry or they could end up with a must odor!

Laundry? Let’s do it!

this is a collaborative post.

crafts, create, easter, father's day, gift ideas, halloween

10 of the best Arts & Crafts Ideas for any Holiday
rudolph-reindeer-christmas-cards

Arts and crafts have long been a beloved pastime, offering a way to unleash creativity, create personalised decorations, and make heartfelt gifts. No matter the holiday, from Christmas to Halloween, Thanksgiving to Easter, crafting can elevate celebrations with handmade charm. In this article, we explore some of the best arts and crafts ideas that suit any holiday, along with tips to make your projects stand out.

1. Personalised Holiday Cards

There’s something special about receiving a handmade card. Personalised cards let you tailor designs to specific holidays, whether it’s Valentine’s hearts, spooky Halloween scenes, or festive Christmas trees. You can use:

  • Watercolors or Acrylic Paints: Create unique designs with vibrant colors.
  • Calligraphy or Hand Lettering: Add elegant, custom messages.
  • Stamps and Embossing Powders: Bring texture and dimension to your creations.

If you’re short on time or want professional-looking designs, using Christmas SVGs free templates can add flair without the effort of drawing from scratch. Simply cut the designs with a Cricut or Silhouette machine, and voila—your cards are holiday-ready!

2. Holiday-Themed Mason Jars

Mason jars are versatile and can be transformed into charming holiday décor. Here are some ideas:

  • Halloween Lanterns: Paint jars with spooky faces or wrap them with gauze for a “mummy” effect. Add a tealight candle inside to create a glowing lantern.
  • Christmas Snow Globes: Fill jars with faux snow, mini trees, and small figurines. Seal the lid and shake it for a magical effect.
  • Easter Treat Jars: Paint the jars in pastel colors, add bunny ears to the lid, and fill them with candy.

Mason jar crafts are not only decorative but also make great gifts, especially when filled with homemade goodies like hot cocoa mix or cookie ingredients.

3. DIY Wreaths for Every Season

Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas! With a little creativity, you can design a wreath for any holiday:

  • Spring/Easter Wreaths: Use pastel flowers, greenery, and egg-shaped decorations.
  • Fall/Thanksgiving Wreaths: Incorporate autumn leaves, mini pumpkins, and burlap ribbons.
  • Patriotic Wreaths: Use red, white, and blue elements for holidays like Independence Day.

Creating a wreath is simple with a basic grapevine or foam base. Add elements using a hot glue gun and hang it on your door to welcome guests in style.

4. Handmade Ornaments and Decorations

Making your own ornaments allows for a personal touch during the holidays. Here’s how you can customize them:

  • Christmas Ornaments: Use clear ornaments to fill with glitter, paint, or miniature scenes. For a rustic look, try wood slice ornaments with painted designs.
  • Valentine’s Day Décor: Create heart-shaped garlands with felt or paper. Hang them over doorways or windows for a festive touch.
  • Fourth of July Décor: Craft stars from paper or fabric and string them into garlands for a patriotic celebration.

These handmade items are perfect for adding a personal touch to your home or giving as gifts.

5. Holiday-Themed Candles

Candles are a timeless holiday craft, adding ambiance and warmth to any celebration. You can customize them in a variety of ways:

  • Scented Candles: Add holiday-inspired scents like cinnamon, pine, or peppermint.
  • Decorative Candles: Use stencils or decals to add festive designs to plain candles.
  • Layered Candles: Create multi-colored layers that reflect holiday themes, like red and green for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween.

Candle-making kits are widely available and make the process simple for beginners.

6. Painted Rocks for Every Occasion

Rock painting is a fun, budget-friendly craft that works for all ages. You can create:

  • Easter Egg Rocks: Paint rocks to look like Easter eggs and hide them for a unique egg hunt.
  • Spooky Rocks: Design rocks with ghost, witch, or pumpkin faces for Halloween.
  • Holiday Messages: Write inspirational or holiday-themed quotes on rocks and place them around your garden or give them as gifts.

Seal the painted rocks with a weather-resistant varnish to ensure they last.

7. DIY Table Centerpieces

A festive centerpiece can transform your holiday table. Consider these ideas:

  • Thanksgiving Cornucopia: Fill a woven basket with gourds, leaves, and seasonal fruits.
  • Christmas Candle Display: Arrange candles of varying heights with pinecones and holly.
  • Springtime Floral Arrangements: Use fresh flowers and pastel-colored candles for Easter or Mother’s Day.

Centerpieces can be as simple or elaborate as you like, making them a versatile option for any holiday.

8. Handmade Gift Wrap and Tags

Why buy gift wrap when you can make your own? Custom wrapping paper and tags add a special touch to any present:

  • Stamping: Use holiday-themed stamps and ink to decorate plain kraft paper.
  • Hand-Drawn Designs: Doodle festive images directly onto wrapping paper.
  • Natural Elements: Incorporate sprigs of pine, dried orange slices, or cinnamon sticks into your wrapping for a rustic look.

For gift tags, cut shapes from cardstock and embellish them with stickers, ribbon, or calligraphy.

9. Holiday-Themed Tote Bags and T-Shirts

Personalized clothing and accessories are not only fun to make but also useful:

  • Fabric Painting: Use fabric paint to create holiday-themed designs on tote bags or t-shirts.
  • Iron-On Transfers: Print designs and apply them to fabric using a heat press or iron.
  • Embroidery: For a more advanced craft, add embroidered holiday motifs to clothing.

These items make fantastic gifts and can also be used to carry holiday essentials.

10. Baking and Decorating Cookies

While not a traditional craft, decorating cookies is a creative activity that doubles as a delicious treat. You can:

  • Use Royal Icing: Create intricate designs on sugar cookies shaped like holiday symbols.
  • Make Gingerbread Houses: Build and decorate miniature houses with candy and icing.
  • Themed Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes with fondant or piped frosting in seasonal colors.

Hosting a cookie decorating party is a fun way to engage friends and family in holiday preparations.

There You Have It

No matter the time of year, crafting is a delightful way to celebrate the holidays and add a personal touch to your home and gifts. Whether you’re painting rocks, designing wreaths, or making personalized candles, these arts and crafts ideas will spark joy and creativity. With just a few materials and some imagination, you can create beautiful decorations and keepsakes that make every holiday memorable. And don’t forget to explore free templates for added inspiration and ease in your crafting projects!

This is a collaborative post.

father's day, gift ideas

Gifts For Dad: 5 Great Options That Aren’t #1 Dad Socks

With the festive season fast approaching, you’ve probably (!) sorted many of your gift purchases already. However, Dads are notoriously difficult to buy for. Whether treating your own father or looking to help the kids spoil your partner, the socks and mugs look very tempting.

In truth, they are practical presents that will get used. Still, they aren’t the most creative or exciting gift ideas. Here are five superior solutions to make it a memorable day for the big guy.

Experience Days

While the luxuries above will be appreciated, men will buy most of the items that they need throughout the year. Likewise, the majority are not materialistic, which is why you should focus on experiences instead. This could mean planning a family trip to a city’s top attractions in the new year. Alternatively, you may opt for a track day experience of another solution that is all about him. Either way, the chance to create magical memories will be appreciated. Not least because he’ll have something to look forward to.

Shed Accessories

Whether it’s a storage facility or a man cave, the shed is a man’s peaceful place. Therefore, any gift that enhances this space and the activities he enjoys there will go down well. Garage or shed accessories like flooring and temperature control systems are ideal choices. It creates a more comfortable, functional, and inviting setting. It also lays the foundation to make other design features, from entertainment setups to wall decor, shine. The fact that you are supporting his need for hobbies or a place to decompress is another major benefit.

Home Tech

As with shed accessories, home tech features can be very exciting for a man. Dads love cool gadgets while adding convenience to their daily life is a wise move too. Whether it’s voice-activated lights, a robotic vacuum, or a home cinema screen will depend on the person. Whichever type of product you opt for, you may also want to consider themed items. This could mean choosing a design based on his football team or favourite film. Even sticking to his favourite electronics manufacturer shows you’ve thought about the purchase.

Toiletries

At a glance, toiletries won’t sound too exciting. In reality, though, they can make a great gift to your partner from the kids or your own father. Picking up a bottle of his favourite aftershave is always an easy win. However, you could also consider luxury soaps designed for men. It could level up his daily grooming routine, making him feel fresher while also smelling better. Of course, this will restore his confidence, which is truly one of the best gifts you can give him. Variety packs are a good option to help him find his new favourite product too.

Photo Gifts

It’s often easy to assume that men aren’t sentimental. While they don’t always like to show it publicly, they are. Not least when it comes to family and the relationships with their children. Having a favoruite photo turned into a canvas or other photo gift is ideal. It could brighten up his man cave, the living room, or his home office. Even smaller gifts that he can carry in his possession make a great gift. If you think about that episode of The Simpsons where Homer keeps photos of Maggie at work, you’ll see why this is a great gift.

This is a collaborative post.

cooking, cooking with kids

Creating a Family Dining Room: Tips for a Functional and Stylish Space

The family dining room is more than just a place to sit down and eat; it’s where everyone comes together, builds memories, and shares stories. Designing a dining room that is both family-friendly and stylish can transform the experience of gathering for meals. 

From choosing the right furniture to creating an inviting atmosphere, let’s explore how you can design a family dining room that combines durability, style, and functionality.

Choose a Durable Dining Table

The dining table is the heart of the room, so it’s important to select one that meets both your family’s needs and your personal style. Since the table will endure daily use, consider investing in a durable, high-quality piece. A marble dining table is a fantastic choice for families looking for something elegant yet resilient. Not only is marble a timeless material with a luxurious appeal, but it is also sturdy and easy to maintain with proper care. Check out various marble dining tables available in different styles that can elevate your dining room while withstanding the daily wear and tear of family life.

Choose Comfortable, Child-Friendly Seating

When selecting seating for a family dining room, prioritize comfort and durability. Look for chairs with supportive cushions that encourage everyone to gather around the table. Family-friendly materials, such as microfiber or leather, can resist stains and are easier to clean, making them ideal for households with young children. If you have very young kids, consider chairs with armrests or high backs to provide them with extra support while eating. Benches are also a space-efficient option for families with multiple children, offering plenty of seating and the ability to easily slide under the table when not in use.

Include Ample Storage for Easy Organisation

Family dining rooms often serve multiple purposes. They are spaces where family members work on crafts, complete homework, and share meals. Therefore, it is essential to have plenty of storage to keep things organized. Buffets, sideboards, or wall-mounted shelves can be used to store everything from tableware to board games and art supplies. By ensuring that you have ample storage within reach, you can quickly tidy up before meals or after activities, helping to maintain a functional dining room.

Choose Family-Friendly Decor and Accessories

Creating a warm and inviting dining room doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Choose decor that reflects your family’s personality, whether through centerpieces, artwork, or decorative rugs. However, for a family dining room, opt for items that are easy to clean in case of spills. When selecting table decor, choose items that can withstand a bit of rough handling, especially if you have young children.

Conclusion

By creating a family dining room that blends functionality with style, every meal can feel like a special occasion. With the right choices—ranging from durable dining tables to appropriate storage solutions—you can design a space that is always ready for your family to connect and spend time together.

This is a collaborative post, enabling me to continue to create unique content for Kids Chaos. com

cooking with kids, gardening, gardening with kids, google+ hangouts, kids

Papier-mâché seedling pots from cereal boxes
KidsChaosPapierMache-craft-how-to-MAKE

Chaos writes:

So… what does one do with cereal boxes, if you can’t bear to stick them in the recycling, how about cooking up some cute little Papiermâché seedling pots.

We ripped the cardboard cereal boxes and rice cake boxes into small pieces, and gave them a good soaking. Then pulped the pieces with water, in the blender (sssh, don’t tell Daddy).

Draining the pulp in a colander, squeezing the excess water. Flour the work surface, and mix, knead in some flour {SECRET INGREDIENT ALERT!}.
And take small quantities, pushing into the silicone muffin cases to mold the little pots. We air-dried the pots over-night, however, for speed, you could pop them into the oven, if you were baking spuds, or home-made pizza anyway!

We DID try to make a batch of these seedling pots in conventional metal cake trays… FAIL!, they set solid, glued in… so yes, silicone rules!

First Published April 12 2013.

Updated September 2024 to include a link to a recent post from incredibusy about paper clay… here

KidsChaosPAPERMACHE


Click this image below to watch the youtube video of our Google+ hangout – and watch Maggy from Red Ted Art sharing her shadow puppet theatre and her ‘everlasting’ picture frame, Playful Learners made another gorgeous puppet theatre Aly at Plus 2 Point 4 showed us how to use a box as a weaving loom, and my fave, Me and My Shadow and her vintage style secret book

To read more on our gardening adventures click here to see where we got our delicious compost for our seedlings.

To see how our garden grows, follow our Gardening With Kids posts here.

and how to make an indoor watering can here!

kids, travel

What Are The Best Attractions In London For Families?

While there are many attractions in London catered solely to adults, there are also many attractions aimed at families with kids. While travelling to London does mean having to brave the trains and tubes, it’s well worth it for some of these incredible day out ideas. How many of them have you experienced?

London Zoo

Few zoos are quite as immersive and exciting as London Zoo. Many of the animal enclosures here have been specially designed to mimic the home environments of these animals and there are lots of unusual animals here to see that you might not see at other zoos around the country. Kids will love exploring the Land of Lions, Penguin Beach and Butterfly Paradise. There’s also a petting zoo with goats and sheep, as well as an adventure playground. There is designated parking near the zoo, or you can take the tube to Camden Town and walk from there if you’d prefer not to drive into London. 

Natural History Museum

Got kids that love dinosaurs? The Natural History Museum has a whole section dedicated to these prehistoric creatures that includes fossilised skeletons, realistic models and even a robotic T-Rex! There are so many more exhibitions here to explore too that kids will love. This includes a photo opportunity with Andy’s Clock from CBeeBies show Andy’s Adventures, an earthquake simulator and a life-size model of a blue whale (among many other animal models). To reach the Natural History Museum, take the tube to South Kensington station and walk from here. Entry is free into the museum, but it’s worth booking a slot in advance to fast track the queues. 

battersea power station at night Ali Clifford

Battersea Power Station

An old power station may not seem like the perfect place to bring kids, but in fact it’s a top attraction among families. Why? Battersea Power Station has since been renovated into a shopping centre and contains several playgrounds outside for different ages. There’s also a Go Ape treetop adventure course outside. Meanwhile, there’s a shop dedicated to Lego inside the shopping centre, and two upcoming shops dedicated to Peppa Pig and Transformers (for those planning a future visit). You can access Battersea Power Station via Battersea Power railway station.

Hampton Court

Hampton Court Palace was once the residence of Henry VIII. Visitors can explore the impressive Great Hall, tour the expansive Tudor Kitchens, see the oldest grape vine and creep through the Haunted Gallery where Catherine Howard’s ghost is said to wander. However, what makes this a truly incredible attraction for families is its Magic Garden playground sporting sandpits, aerial walkways, climbing frames and 25ft dragon that breathes smoke once every hour. There is no tube station near Hampton Court, however there is an overground station and parking. 

Madame Tussauds

This wax museum was founded by French wax sculptor Marie Tussaud in 1835. Today, it contains over 150 lifelike waxworks of celebrities. While adults are more likely to recognise these celebrities, kids are still likely to enjoy many of the attractions here. This includes the scary Chamber of Horrors, the thrilling Spirit of London ride, and the 4D Marvel movie held in the museum’s former planetarium. This museum is located on Marylebone Road and is situated in an iconic domed building. You can find lockers at Marylebone station for storing your stuff – this is a 5 minute walk from the museum. 

London Transport Museum

Those interested in the history of transport will love the London Transport Museum. Here you’ll find vintage cars, carriages and buses dating back to the Victorian era. This museum is free for under 18s and contains craft areas and singing/dancing workshops aimed at kids. The All Aboard Playzone is meanwhile a transport-themed play area made up of mini vehicles that is perfect for young kids. What is the nearest station to this museum? Most people arrive via Covent Garden,which is a two minute walk away, but Leicester Square and Holborn are also only five minutes away. 

Shrek’s Adventure London

This immersive walkthrough experience is centred all around Shrek. It’s a chance for the whole family to step into Far Far Away, while meeting various characters from the Shrek movies along the way. Kids who love Shrek are certain to enjoy this theatrical experience, while parents are likely to be equally charmed by the humorous acting and incredible special effects. Shrek’s Adventure is located in Westminster directly near the London Eye (which could also be worth combining into a trip). Make sure to book tickets in advance. Both Westminster and Waterloo station are a five minute walk away.

This is a collaborative post.

FREE printables, halloween, key stage 2, kids

Halloween Pumpkin Paper Pom-Pom FREE printable

Pumpkin-Halloween-Pompom-Kids-ChaosHalloween-pumpkin-face-template-Kids-ChaosWe got a little bit seasonal and decided to turn our giant orange paper pom-pom into a PUMPKIN!
So here’s a halloween pumpkin FREE printable for you to download, print off and stick with a Pritt stick onto to the paper pom-pom – how cool is this! If you like this, you’ll like 11yo’s spin on it – with his FREE downloadable Witch’s face here.Witch and Pumpkin Halloween Pompoms

Really easy Pumpkin face – halloween pumpkin free printable, have a go by clicking here for our FREE downloadable template just print off, and cut out the shapes, in fact, print two, and use one as a template for your pumpkin this year too!!

step-1-4-make-a-paper-pom-pomclick here for FULL HOW TO instructions on making the paper pom-poms

12 simple steps – really easy to follow, our kids have been making them in ALL sorts of colours – we’ve even mixed up different shades of green here…
If you fancy having a go yourself click here.

Free printable Pumpkin face, just attach to giant paper pom-pom or use as a template to carve your pumpkin!

If you have a thing for giant paper pompoms, click here to see our crepe paper version, with raindrops!

This post was first published Sept 29 2014. inspired by a *how to* video by RedTedArt and myself

Ali also blogs over on aGreenerLifeforus.com and is a lover of Instagram too… pop over and say hello!

travel

Why travelling is great for people of all ages

Travelling is something that everyone gets the urge to do at some point in their life. Sadly, this does not mean that everyone gets to travel though as there are often reasons as to why this is not possible. Travelling is great for people of all ages though, and definitely not an experience that you should miss out on if you can help it. You might be sitting there wondering what’s so great about travel though, and we’re going to talk about that right now actually. Have we got your interest? Keep reading if we have!

Learning New Cultures

First, travelling is a fantastic choice because it helps you to understand new cultures. Not just understand them though, you get to experience them first hand which is something that not everyone gets to do. It’s one thing to read about cultures in a book, but it’s an entirely other thing to actually make it happen and experience them in real life. 

For example, if you travel to Japan, you will find that their culture is vastly different to those in the UK and US. This is the same everywhere, as everywhere is slightly different to the last place that you visited. It’s definitely worth it for this alone no matter how old you are, it’s never too late or too early to learn.

Exciting Experiences

As well as learning about cultures, you can also get some exciting experiences under your belt. For some people this is going to be about staying in different hotels, because let’s be honest here, who doesn’t love staying somewhere amazing? If you’re traveling to Cleveland for example, make sure to look at Cleveland hotels near Christmas Story House so that you can get the best possible experience of hotel and tourism attractions! Or, if you’re heading to Oktoberfest in Germany make sure you check out some of the best hotels around there too. 

Look at the various events happening at different places, and find something that you want to go to. There are so many events around the world, and you simply should try to be involved in as many of them as you can.

A Change Of Scenery

The final benefit of traveling for people of all ages is the fact that it’s a change of scenery. Your day to day life can become a little boring when it’s the same all of the time, so a change of scenery is good. You get all of these new experiences we’ve talked about, but you also just get to be somewhere different from your daily life and that in itself is exciting.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and see some of the reasons why travelling is great for people of all ages. A common mistake that people make is thinking that if they just keep waiting, the perfect time to travel will arise, but it never will. Now is as good a time as any, and that’s something that we want you to understand. Travelling is great for people of all ages, and the time to do it is right now.

This is a collaborative post.

life

High-tech Mattress Helps Couples Sleep Better Together

Many couples are facing a new challenge in their relationships: getting a good night’s sleep together. From snoring and tossing to general restlessness (and small children!) these disturbances often push partners to seek separate bedrooms, a trend known as ‘sleep divorce.’ However, sleep expert Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of The Sleep Charity, advises against this growing trend, stressing the importance of co-sleeping for emotional connection, conflict resolution, and overall well-being.

For those looking for an alternative to ‘sleep divorces’, some have found that the right mattress can make a significant difference. Many shoppers, for example, have praised the Simba Hybrid® Original mattress for easing night-time disturbances between couples. While buying a new mattress may seem like a big investment, for some, it has proven to be worthwhile in maintaining both sleep and their relationships.

A New Study on Sleep and Relationships

A recent study* by Simba highlights the generational divide in how sleep affects relationships. According to the research, more than 60% of young people in relationships (aged 18-34) believe that improving sleep would strengthen their connection with their partner. In contrast, only about 33% of Baby Boomers (aged 65 and older) felt that better sleep would have the same impact on their relationship.

Paul R, a customer, shared his experience:
“Last year, my girlfriend refused to stay over because she couldn’t get a good night’s sleep. She’s used to the finer things in life, and my cheap bed wasn’t cutting it. After buying a new mattress and some high-end sheets, she agreed to stay over again. Now, everything is great, and according to my Fitbit, I’m getting an extra hour of sleep each night. Thanks, Simba, for helping me save my relationship—I thought it was me she was avoiding, not the bed!”

The Sleep Divorce Debate

‘Sleep divorces’—where couples sleep in separate rooms—have become increasingly popular, especially among celebrities, as a way to cope with snoring, fidgeting, or other disturbances during the night. While this may provide short-term relief, experts like Lisa Artis believe it can come at a cost. Artis suggests that sleeping together offers benefits like emotional bonding and more restful sleep, pointing out that couples who share a bed get around 10% more and less fragmented REM sleep.

Simba’s research shows that 60% of Gen Z (aged 18-24) and nearly 67% of millennials (aged 25-44) believe better sleep can improve their relationship, but only 3 in 10 Baby Boomers (65+) agree. This highlights a significant shift in how different generations view sleep and its impact on their personal lives.

Customer Stories of Improved Sleep

Couples struggling with sleepless nights have found that the right mattress can make all the difference. Shoppers have shared their positive experiences, particularly with the Simba Hybrid® mattress, which some say has eased snoring and restlessness.

Julia G, for instance, reviewed her purchase:
“I haven’t had a full night’s sleep in years because my husband snores dreadfully due to a medical condition. But thanks to Simba, that’s a thing of the past. The snoring hasn’t completely gone, but it’s much improved, and I’m finally getting some proper sleep.”

Another customer, Naomi O, said,
“Somehow, my partner doesn’t snore anymore! I also barely notice him getting in and out of bed, so I’m not being disturbed at all. I just wish we’d invested in a Simba mattress sooner, but better late than never!”

Keith K, who chose a more premium option, the Hybrid® Pro mattress, also shared his experience:
“We’ve got a new baby, so we’re up a lot during the night. The mattress is so comfortable that we’ve loved sneaking in a cheeky afternoon nap—it’s hard to get back up! Plus, the top zips off for easy washing, which is a lifesaver with a baby. Massive thumbs up from both of us.”

Not Just a Trend—A Practical Solution

While some might dismiss the idea of a fancy mattress as an unnecessary expense, it’s worth noting that investing in a better sleep setup can have long-lasting benefits. A well-rested couple is often a happier couple, and for some, this investment is one that pays off.

Emma S, another customer, remarked:
“I don’t feel my partner moving at all, and he doesn’t complain about me fidgeting to get comfy. The mattress springs are great, and the fabric feels really nice. Plus, the free mattress protector is a bonus!”

For some, the addition of a quality duvet has also been a game-changer. Emma T noted:
“The 3-in-1 hybrid duvet is amazing. It’s not cheap, but it regulates temperature perfectly. I’m a warm sleeper, and my wife is always cold, but under this duvet, we’re both sleeping like babies.”

Expert Advice: Sleeping Together is Worth It

As sleep divorces rise in popularity, Lisa Artis urges couples to work on their shared sleep habits rather than opting for separate bedrooms. She encourages couples to “consciously recouple and sleep better together” instead of giving in to the temptation of sleeping apart. Co-sleeping, she believes, offers important emotional and physical benefits that go beyond simply getting rest.

Whether it’s investing in a new mattress, rethinking bedding options, or working on better sleep habits, the key takeaway is that good sleep is essential for maintaining healthy, happy relationships. After all, as one shopper put it, “I’m finally sleeping well—and I didn’t have to move into another bedroom to do it!”

bCorp Simba discount code

21% off for young people, key and charity workers 

This is a post in collaboration with Simba who are B Corp certified. Simba are on a mission to bring great sleep to the globe. But know times are tough and quality sleep products are costly. That’s why Simba offer exclusive discounts to several groups in the community such as key workers, students and others. Just check your eligibility here – you’ll find A Guide to UK Bed Sizes here too.

*Simba commissioned Sago to poll 2,017 respondents for the research.