How to create a spacious lounge

As the living space is where you’re most likely to spend the majority of your free time, it pays to adorn you lounge in such a way that maximizes your space.

Obviously pushing walls back isn’t an option, and if building an extension is too far-fetched for your budget, here are three of tricks you can perform to make the most of your living room’s diminutive dimensions:

With a feature wall

When executed correctly, a feature – or statement – wall can add inches to your room.

Whatever colour scheme you have in mind, it is worth bearing in mind that cool colours recede and warm colours advance. For example, if your room is narrow, you can trick the eye into thinking it is wider by painting the widest walls dark and the narrower walls a lighter shade.

The same applies to wallpaper, so why not choose a dark, plain paint for your widest wall and light, intricately-patterned wallpaper for your shorter wall?

And don’t forget, you can also widen a narrow room by painting horizontal stripes if you wish to play with a number of colours.

Make room with a mirror

The paint job done, it’s time to move on to making the most of your homeware and accessories. By implementing a focal point, and angling your mirror towards it, this creates the illusion of depth within your room.

If you have a few free walls to play with, try to place a large mirror near to you window as this will catch, and accentuate, the natural light. Taking this on board, add glass-topped tables instead of chunky wood ones, as this will add to the amount of visual floor space; enlarging your lounge.

Space-savvy seating

As the main event of your lounge, your sofa should only be as big as the room you put it in. Instead of a wide-armed, large-backed monstrosity, opt for a chic sofa with simple lines and neat tailoring. Or one with open arms and exposed legs is even better, still.

Scale the seating to suit the size of your room and, if possible, try to match the colour of your sofa to the wall as much as possible.  It’s a bizarre trick of the eye, but it works!

Complimenting your paint job with a fabric sofa, such as those available at sofa specialists Oldrids & Downtown, is guaranteed to add texture and interest to the room’s décor. Placing the sofa against the wall will enhance the (albeit minimal) open space you may have available, too.

123 Tracing App Review

Learning to write is a very important thing for a child to learn. I remember when Noah tried to scribble and say he was writing. That is a normal thing to do of course. Noah started writing at age 3.  He still has handwriting issues.  He is very smart but for some reason making letters and numbers properly is somewhat of a challenge for him. It takes a lot of practice for kids to learn how to properly write their numbers to be able to read what their answer is. Noah’s handwriting is not where I would like it but he is definitely improved.  His math work is correct but sometimes I have to have him rewrite the numbers again. I have started him on a new educational app called 123 Tracing to help him practice writing his numbers. 123 Tracing is made by Kid's Academy. They have so many fun apps. When I taught at a Montessori preschool, one of the things we did with the kids was have them trace letters and numbers by practicing writing them in sand.  123 Tracing reminded me of doing that. I think it is important to trace with your finger because it helps you not only practice making the number but to also feel it.  There is a difference between using a pencil to write it and feeling it and watching your finger make the number.  I think there is definitely more of a connection.  I didn’t tell him that it is an app to practice writing his numbers but just a new game he should try out.  He loves it.  He loves to collect the fireflies too! 

Here is more about the app from the developer:

123 Tracing is an action-packed app that teaches kids numbers with engaging game that keeps them glued to the screen. Your little learners will have tons of fun learning their numbers in the interactive app loved by kids and parents alike.

This math game teaches fundamental math concepts critical for preschoolers: identifying numbers; one-to-one number correspondence; reading number symbols; associating symbols with quantity etc. Appropriate hints are provided to support your child as they practice and build their math skills. Not only can they discover numbers through initial independent play, you can also play collaboratively with your child. 

FEATURES

* Game that make learning numbers a blast!
* Kid-friendly navigation
* Frequent repetition designed to help children learn numbers and their sequence
* Fun surprises and verbal encouragement that keep kids coming back for more
* Curriculum developed and reviewed by preschool education expert
* A rich, exploratory environment filled with surprises
* Audio instructions
* Kid-tested appropriate game

Why you'll love it:

* Active learning: children learn by "doing," completing a fun activity for every number.
* Strong educational content: playtime turns into productive learning, keeping children occupied while teaching them the numbers they need for math.

123 Tracing with its unique graphical styling, beautiful music, and interactivity is designed to engage, entertain, and educate your kids.

123 Tracing is available in iTunes for iPad.

It is also available in the Google PlayStore for Android users.

Crafting with kids: Christmas cards and gifts

Your family and friends are sure to love the personal touch of receiving Christmas cards and gifts crafted by the kids, so why not start some projects now and get prepared for the festive season? It’s a great way to save money, and to get the whole family into the festive spirit.

Here are our top ideas for Christmas cards, gifts and wrap, so you can create the whole package.

1. Printed Christmas Cards

Christmas cards can be extremely expensive, but you and the kids can create fantastic cards the family will love using just your computer and printer.

Simply use a programme such as Microsoft Paint or Publisher and let the kids go wild with drawings, clip art and messages. You could even use your Christmas photos as part of your design. Let the kids use their imagination, and simply press print for a truly unique greetings card.

For professional results, purchase high-quality ink - CartridgeDiscount has low prices and free UK delivery to save you money, as well as card blanks and envelopes from your local craft store. Plain white designs are easiest to print on.

2. Christmas Wrap

You and your family can make personalised Christmas wrap by purchasing a roll of parcel paper and adding decorations. A quick, easy and effective option is stamping: create potato stamps, get the kids to finger-paint designs or purchase a pre-made stamp – NotOn The High Street has a great selection. Make sure to decorate a tag in the same way.

3. Homemade gifts                                                        

Home-baked treats are a fantastic option when it comes to creating gifts with the kids – fun to make and to eat, it’s something everyone will enjoy. The options are almost endless: you can ice cupcakes with festive designs, create gingerbread men, decorate cakes and more. Find inspiration and recipes at BBC GoodFood.                                      

Other inexpensive and easy options that are sure to bring a smile to loved ones’ faces are decorated photo frames featuring a photo of the family, diaries with kids’ drawings interspersed throughout, or painted mugs. Check out the kids’ Christmas craft kits available at Hobbycraft for more ideas.