Making The Most of Spring

The first signs of spring are finally here! After a long winter, the first glimpses of sunshine and blue skies are a welcome break for the eyes and soul. Spring can be such a beautiful time of year, with new plants shooting up and fresh signs of new life.

Spring is a great time to get out and about, after being stuck indoors over the winter months. With the onset of warmer weather, we naturally enjoy spending more time outdoors enjoying the fresh spring air. It’s a great excuse to take the whole family out for a hearty walk somewhere scenic – through the woods, by the sea or your local park. Remember to throw a couple of disposable cameras into your bag to capture those memories!

On a rainy day, enjoy some family bonding time by creating a photo scrapbook – simply glue in your favorite photos from your days out together, adding a few mementos or funny quotes next to the pictures.

Family days out are certainly fun, but can often get messy – so always take plenty of baby wipes for those sticky fingers and post-mud fight moments. When it comes to wipes, you can never have too many – so it’s worth buying in bulk!

Remember to take care in the sun – people often rush out to take advantage of those first rays of sunshine, but it’s important to always wear sunscreen. Now that the weather is warming up, it’s a good opportunity to take the kids swimming. Little ones can wear Huggies Little Swimmers nappies, which are specially designed to be absorbent without swelling in the water. You don’t need to book formal lessons – young children can be introduced to swimming during fun play sessions at your local pool.

If you don’t enjoy being in water, use your imagination to put an outdoor twist on indoor activities. Try eating breakfast in the garden, enjoying the morning sunshine as you sip your coffee.  Let the children get messy by drawing with colored chalks or paints on your drive.

There is no better time of year for a big spring clean at home! Are your cupboards and bedrooms full of clutter and unwanted junk that has accumulated over the years? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! It can seem like a daunting task, but once you start you will probably find it’s not as bad as you think. Making a start is the hardest step – even if you just clear one room, you will feel so much better! Clear out those dusty shelves with Lysol disinfectant spray, which destroys 99.9% of germs on household surfaces.

Cold weather makes us crave stodgy, carb-filled food – so spring is a good time to enjoy some lighter meals.  Experiment with some delicious salads using olive oil and balsamic vinegar for added flavor. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with midweek meals, so try introducing your family to new flavors and cuisines – you never know, you could hit on a new family favorite!

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Pamper yourself – Have a home spa day!

A day at the spa is a great way to relax and indulge in some personal pampering. However, when times are tight we can’t all afford the luxury of spa prices – so why not have a home spa day? With a few simple tricks you can turn your bathroom into your very own spa for the day – and you don’t even need to get dressed to leave the house!

For a truly relaxing experience, ideally choose a day when you have a few hours of spare time to yourself. You won’t be able to fully relax with children, pets or partners popping in and out of the bathroom all the time! So pick a day when the kids are at school and you’re not expecting any visitors.

To set the scene, light a few scented candles and choose some soothing music – it doesn’t have to be dolphin sounds, just whatever makes you feel good. Slip into something warm and relaxing, like a cozy bathrobe and slippers, just as you would at a luxury spa.

A spa facial is a great way to give your face a really deep clean and leave it looking fresh and radiant. It’s easy to perform a spa facial at home using retail skin care products. First, use a Deep Action cream cleanser to remove any impurities from the skin. For congested pores, Biore pore strips are amazing – simply stick over your nose, leave to dry and then peel off to remove the blockages in your pores. So satisfying, and you’ll be amazed to see what’s on the strip afterwards!

For an even more authentic salon experience, try the Dermabrush Advanced Cleansing System, which comes with four attachments to deep cleanse, exfoliate, buff and polish the skin to leave it looking more youthful.

After cleansing, use a toner and then apply a clay mask over your face. This helps to open up the pores and detoxify your skin. As the mask sets, you can file your nails or simply lie back and relax!

Once your mask is removed, follow up with a quality moisturizer, such as the award-winning Olay Regenerist range. This is essential to hydrate and balance the equilibrium of your skin.

Now that your face is looking fresh as a daisy, it’s time to treat your body to some pampering treats! De-fuzz with a Gillette women’s razor, designed to glide over the contours of your skin and moisturize as it shaves. Or, if you don’t like to shave, try Nair Shower Power cream for a silky-smooth finish. Afterwards, slather your whole body in a rich body cream, like the deliciously-scented Nair Cocoa Butter lotion, to leave your skin feeling beautifully soft.

If you want an easy option, you can get all the kit for an indulgent home spa day in one handy gift basket, which contains everything you need to be a pampered princess – perfect as a gift for a special friend, or to treat yourself!

How to…Spend more time with family

Children grow up all too fast – before you know it, they’re graduating high school and flying the nest! So it’s important to enjoy time with our families whenever we can – these golden moments create lasting memories that will be cherished for life. Busy lifestyles mean that, all too often, family time gets pushed aside by other chores. So, it’s not surprising that one of the top 10 New Year resolutions is to spend more time with family.

Got a full schedule? Don’t worry – there are lots of ways you can squeeze in extra family time!

Get organized

Make a big family wall chart to clearly mark each person’s commitments, so you can easily see when everyone is free at the same time. Color-code it with a set of Sharpies to schedule in group family time – okay so it might not be spontaneous fun, but it will ensure you get quality time where you can plan something worthwhile.

Free it up

Consider your schedule – is it crammed with classes, clubs and after-school activities? Do you find yourself spending a lot of your time driving your children from one thing to another? Maybe you’re doing too much. Family time can be just as important. Spending time with adults can be beneficial for children’s learning and development, so try cutting a couple of after-school clubs per week.

Delegate

Sharing out those time-consuming household chores will free up your time to spend having fun with the family. Encouraging your kids to get involved will give them useful experience for when they’re older – take it in turns to do the laundry and clean the bathroom. Order household supplies in bulk so you don’t have to go shopping as often – kids get fed up in supermarkets and would rather be out having fun!

Family exercise

Instead of going to the gym alone, take the whole family out for a bike ride or a swim. A hearty walk in the open air is great exercise and provides an opportunity to chat with your family and catch up on what you’ve been missing. Seek out new places instead of going to the same park every time – think of each walk as a mini-adventure to make it more fun. Pack a picnic box and make a day of it!

Use your imagination

Family time doesn’t need to be expensive – have a big craft session with glitter glue and craft kits; stage a treasure hunt for little ones; make a photo collage; play dress-up with your old clothes; bake cupcakes and have fun decorating them… the opportunities are endless! Getting creative and trying something new is a great bonding experience.

Picture it

Kids grow up fast, so preserve those special memories by carrying a disposable camera in your bag on days out. You can have hours of fun making family videos on a camcorder – remember to pack a couple of spare DVC cassettes so you don’t miss out on those priceless moments.

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How to… Save money

Forget dieting and exercise – the top New Year’s resolution in 2013 was all about saving money. In these difficult economic times, we all have to tighten our belts and try to reduce our spending where we can. With redundancies and unemployment on the rise, it’s always wise to stash away some savings for those unplanned emergencies. There are lots of easy ways to spend less and save more, without losing out on quality of life.

Shop around

Many items, particularly electrical goods, are cheaper to buy online than in stores. But don’t leap in to click ‘Buy’ too soon – there are heaps of discount code websites that regularly advertise free promotion codes that can be used for major retailers. It’s always worth taking a quick look – you might end up with 50% off, or free delivery.

Buy in bulk

Household goods, such as cleaning products and toiletries, can be ordered online in large quantities to save money. You can take advantage of some great deals this way, as well as saving gas money from multiple shopping trips.

Make do and mend

Before you chuck something out, see if it can be fixed. Sometimes all it takes is a drop of multi-purpose oil or household glue to breathe new life back into an object. Furniture can be spruced up with a coat of paint or freshening spray. Carry a spare can of Fix-a-Flat in the trunk for those flat-tire emergencies and save on costly call-out charges.

Picnic time

Save money on eating out by getting your friends and family together for a fun picnic. Drive out to a scenic spot with a portable grill and enjoy delicious barbecue food without restaurant prices. Wrap leftovers in aluminum foil so nothing gets wasted – cold meats make a great sandwich the next day. For all those half-full soda cans at the end of the day, invest in some soda can bottle tops – a great little invention that makes an open can easier to transport or store in the refrigerator.

Get crafty!

The recent craft revolution means it’s fashionable to make hand-made gifts for your friends and family, instead of spending a fortune at the department store. Get the whole family involved in making fun crafty cards, painted pots, customized bags or home-made cupcakes. The results will not only save money but will also be a truly unique and special gift!

Be offer-savvy

Always look out for money-saving offers all year round. Buy summer holiday staples when they’re being sold off for half price during winter – they’ll keep for next year! Picking up gifts throughout the year is also a great way to spread the cost of Christmas and prevent a whopping credit card bill in January!

Pack your lunch!

Bringing your own packed lunch to work can save hundreds of dollars a year. Instead of buying your morning coffee from that trendy deli, buy a portable coffee cup and take your own – these savings will really add up!

Here’s another way to save money.. use the Discount Code: MADNESS on your next Stockn’Go purchase!

So, perhaps your New Year resolution was to fall in love – but Valentine’s Day has come and gone without a trace? Don’t worry – there is still plenty of time to fall in love in 2013!

Finding a potential partner has never been easier thanks to modern technology. In the past, the lonely hearts column was your only route to meeting the love of your life. These days, online dating has opened up a whole new world of opportunities and everyone is doing it! Yes, even “normal” people just like you!  It is estimated that around 40 million Americans have tried online dating at some point, so it’s no wonder that this has become a billion-dollar industry.

Social media also offers an easy way to network and meet new people, using websites like Facebook and Twitter. It’s free and easily accessible – whether you’re at home, at the beach, at the gym or (shhh don’t tell!) even at work!

Now, we’re not suggesting that looks are everything – but if you look good on the outside, you will feel great on the inside. Remember, confidence is attractive! Anything that helps you to feel confident will help you in your quest to fall in love. A positive outlook is essential – it’s easy to lose heart and give up after one or two disastrous dates. But sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince!

Personal hygiene is crucial to feeling confident from within. Stock up on deodorant for those first-date nerves and choose a perfume that you find appealing. For daytime dates you may prefer something light and fresh like Lovely by SJP. Heavy, musky perfumes are more suited to evening dates, when you might choose something seductive like Sheer by Paris Hilton.

Getting glammed up before a date is all part of the fun. Enjoy pampering yourself and you’ll feel like a goddess when you step out of your front door. De-fuzz with Gillette’s Venus Divine for silky-smooth legs. A slick of nail polish adds instant glamour and is the perfect way to finish your outfit.

Make sure you’re prepared for a goodnight kiss by freshening up with whitening toothpaste before your date – and don’t forget to carry some Trident gum in your bag for those post-garlic whiffs! Most importantly, always remember to stay safe by carrying your own contraceptives in case things get passionate!

It’s not easy to fall in love, but if you don’t succeed at first then keep trying! Over 60% of people end up marrying someone they meet through work, so this is a great place to start. If this is not an option, widen your social circle as much as possible to increase your chances of meeting that special someone. Be realistic and don’t waste your life searching for Mr. Perfect – he doesn’t exist!

Like any New Year’s resolution, it takes persistence and courage to reach your goal – so stick with it, and you CAN fall in love in 2013!

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It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and get caught up in the mundane routine of daily life. When you’re busy juggling household chores with family life and work commitments it can be tricky to fit anything else into the equation. But, studies have proved that actively participating in hobbies can improve your mental well being and, ultimately, make you a happier person!

If you have always wanted to learn something new or exciting then remember there is no time like the present. It’s easy to put things off until another time and add them to the list of tasks you will get round to doing ‘one day’. Busy moms often push their own priorities down the list, past the children, the husband – even the dog! They’re often so busy tending to everybody else’s needs that their own happiness gets overlooked.

It’s not selfish to have a bit of time for yourself every now and then – even if it’s just once a month, or whenever you can. Regularly taking some ‘me time’ will help you relax and recharge, ready to face the world (and that pile of ironing) again!

If you’ve always fancied learning a new language, why not sign up for an evening course? If going out is a problem, there are a number of distance-learning courses that you can do online instead. Treat yourself to a nice notebook and a stash of new BIC Pens (you can never have too many pens, after all!).

Discovering a new craft can be hugely rewarding and a great way of passing the time on cold winter evenings. Card making, cross-stitch and stamping are all easy for beginners and you won’t have to shell out too much money on a few basic supplies. Stock up on some essentials like Sharpie Permanent Markers and multi-purpose glue and let the creative juices flow!

Learning something exciting will be more fun with company – get the kids involved in a family craft session. It can be a great way to bond and enjoy some quality time together. Give them a pile of colored paper, some Crayola paint brushes and glitter glue and let their imaginations run wild!

If you prefer something a little more practical, why not learn some DIY skills? It’s always useful to know how to put up a shelf or fix things around the house – it’s frustrating waiting for someone else to do it, so imagine the satisfaction of learning how to do it yourself! Arm yourself with a Helping Hand 6-in1 Screwdriver and a tape measure to get you started, and who knows where it could end?

A cookery class can be great fun and lead to delicious results! Try something new by learning how to cook Thai or Italian food – or perhaps learn some low-fat recipes if you’re on a health kick for 2013. A store cupboard essential like olive oil is a great staple to have on stand-by for all types of cooking.

Have fun learning!

Did you know that the single most important thing you can do to improve your health is to quit smoking? No wonder it’s always top of the New Year resolutions list!

Smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease and mortality in the world. Every year, over 400,000 American lives are lost to smoking-related diseases, both directly and indirectly. Quitting smoking significantly decreases your risk of suffering a heart attack, lung cancer, heart disease…the list goes on. It’s never too late to stop – even those that quit during middle-age halve their chances of dying from a smoke-related disease.

The health impacts of smoking are well-known – but if that’s not enough to discourage you, think of the other advantages to quitting:

Quitting smoking could save you thousands of dollars per year! Put that money towards something fabulous – a holiday, weekly massages, a whole new wardrobe or even a car?

You will smell nicer! Stinking of stale smoke is not attractive. The smell lingers in your hair, clothes and fingernails for hours afterwards – not to mention your house, if you smoke indoors. Even though you probably won’t notice it, others will.

Food will taste better! Tobacco dulls your sense of taste, but most people find this improves after just a few days of quitting smoking.

Smoking causes premature aging as the skin is starved of oxygen and vital nutrients. The skin becomes wrinkled and takes on a haggard appearance. Just one month after quitting, you will see a visible improvement in the condition of your skin. Give it a boost with a good moisturizer, such as Olay Total Effects, to fight the signs of premature aging.

Replace lost vitality with Hair, Skin & Nails supplements to provide essential nutrients that will improve your appearance. Smoking causes yellowing of the teeth – so use Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste to restore a healthy white sheen and improve your dental health.

Some people find that they snack more when they quit smoking – if you’re worried about gaining weight, chewing sugar-free gum can provide a useful distraction without piling on the calories. If you find yourself drinking more coffee to fill the void that smoking left, try switching to Splenda sweeteners to keep the calories down.

Spring clean your house to remove old smells – it’s surprising how they linger in curtains and soft furnishings. Use Lysol Summer Breeze disinfectant spray to freshen up and destroy stale odors. Throw away old ashtrays, lighters and anything that reminds you of your previous smoking habit. Make a fresh start!

Quitting is not easy and requires plenty of willpower. Set yourself small goals to keep you going – treat yourself to a new lipstick or perfume every time you reach a milestone. As each month passes, you will feel happier and healthier – not to mention richer! Counseling and nicotine replacement products can increase your chances of quitting for good. It may take several attempts but it is worth persevering – so don’t give up on giving up!

How to…Enjoy Life to the Fullest

If you ask the average person what they want out of life, ‘to be happy’ will be right up there at the top for most. Happiness means different things for different folks, but to really enjoy life to the fullest you need to discover what makes YOU happy – whether it’s curling up with a good book or dancing the night away.

Get Organized

We all lead busy lives, so maintaining a satisfactory work-life balance can be tricky when you’re trying to juggle children, friends, family and work commitments. Organization is key to ensuring you’re using your time efficiently. Ever wonder how some people manage to fit so much into their week? Well, we all have 24 hours in a day; it’s up to us how we use them! Use Post-It Notes to remind you of important tasks, such as appointments, so you don’t waste valuable time.

If weekday mornings are stressful, prepare lunch-boxes, school uniforms and school bags the night before, to prevent frazzled nerves. This will leave more time for everyone to enjoy a healthy breakfast in the morning, without racing against the clock.

Buying household products in bulk will save both time and money – stock up on the essentials, such as batteries and cleaning products, and you’ll save all those emergency trips out to the shops. The more organized you are, the more free time you will have left over to enjoy yourself!

Keep Healthy

To really get the most out of life you need stacks of energy! Stay on top of your game by eating a healthy, balanced diet to provide all the nutrition you need to enjoy an active life. Boost your intake of essential vitamins with nutritional supplements and ensure your body is kept hydrated by drinking plenty of water. A good night’s sleep is essential for physical and mental wellbeing – so if you’re disturbed by snoring or congestion, try Breathe Right strips to improve sleep for both you and your partner!

Pamper Yourself

Did you know that stress is thought to be the root cause of around 75% of doctor’s appointments? It’s so important to make time for relaxation, so that stress doesn’t accumulate and take over your life. Don’t feel guilty about booking some ‘me time’ into your schedule. Enjoy a hot bath with some calming beauty products to chill out and soak away the worries of the day. A spritz of your favorite perfume will invigorate the senses and leave you feeling refreshed – try something light and uplifting, such as Light Blue by D&G. If you don’t get much time to yourself, try to arrange a babysitter once a month, so that you can truly relax and indulge in whatever makes you happy.

Life Goals

Remember that you can’t please everyone – life is short, so don’t waste time worrying about things you cannot control. Sometimes it’s the smallest things in life that bring the greatest joy, so let go and enjoy life to the fullest!

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How to… Stay Fit and Healthy

It is estimated that around two-thirds of American people are overweight or obese, so it’s no wonder that many people want to get fit and lose the extra pounds. Staying fit and healthy isn’t always easy in a world where it’s quicker to grab fast food and drive to work, rather than find the time to exercise and cook healthy meals from scratch. But don’t worry – you CAN stay fit and healthy by making small changes to your daily lifestyle.

Get active

Maybe you don’t have time for the gym, but you can introduce exercise into your life in other ways. Remember, anything that gets your heart rate up can count towards exercise, even if it’s three 10-minute bursts each day.

• Vacuuming, carrying heavy shopping bags or scrubbing the kitchen floor will all help to boost your circulation and burn calories!
• Getting off the bus a few stops early provides a chance to incorporate a brisk walk into your daily commute.
• Take the kids out on their bikes to let off some steam and enjoy the fresh air.

If you’re new to the idea of exercise, ease yourself in gently and remember to warm up before each session, to prevent muscular strains. Keep a Thera-Med Hot Pack handy to soothe aches and pains.

Eat right

We all know what we should be eating, but let’s be honest – at the end of a long day we don’t always feel like preparing a salad. A life without treats is not worth living, so you can still have the occasional cake or ice-cream if you try to eat healthily the rest of the time.

If you feel like you’ve over-indulged recently, try cutting back on those salty and fatty snacks that are full of calories with little nutritional benefit. If you suffer from digestive problems, try using Pepto-Bismol and limit your intake of rich foods. Make a snack-box of ready-chopped carrot and celery sticks and store in the refrigerator for when you need a crunchy snack. Curb your sugar intake by using Splenda sweeteners wherever possible.

Stay healthy

Stave off those winter bugs with Afrin Nasal spray or Vicks Vapo-Inhaler to reduce congestion and fight off the symptoms of a cold. Make sure you get plenty of rest to give your body chance to fight off the infection – you might be too busy to stay in bed, but try to have a few early nights and take it easy if you’re feeling under the weather.

Give your internal system a boost with omega 3 fish oils, which are essential for a healthy heart, joints and immune system. Try to include a range of fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies, which can affect your health and appearance.

Hand-washing is essential to combat the spread of germs, so get the kids into good habits by practicing what you preach. Choose a gentle, moisturizing soap that is suitable for all the family.

Did you make a New Years Resolution this year to spend less money or save more??

According to StatisticBrain.com approximately 34% of Americans made that same resolution.  Spending less money is a great goal to strive for but many people don’t know where to begin.  So we came up with a few tips to start you on your way…

Do-it-Yourself

• Brewing your own coffee or tea at and taking it to go can save you over $500 per year
• Blow, style, color and curl your hair at home.  Over $100 at the salon or less than $10 per box at home
• Treat yourself to an at-home manicure and pedicure and save over $60 each time
• Pack a lunch, save over $10 per meal, and avoid the greasy fat filled foods that restaurants serve
• Invite friends over instead of going out for dinner/drinks
• Drink more water, not only is it good for you its FREE!

Make a Plan

• Plan meals and shopping outings around sales and discounts available
• Pre-cook meat and vegetables with little seasoning for easy on the go meals that can be customized with flavors as you go.
• Sign up for mint.com and start tracking your spending, plan a budget and save for retirement
• Plan activities for your children that don’t cost a lot of money, you might be surprised at how easily they can be entertained
• Get rid of unused or infrequently used memberships and subscriptions
• Buy used clothes, cars and other items whenever you can

Where else can you save money on all of your favorite products? At Stockn’Go of course.  Check out our Fragrance Sale and other great discounts going on now…