How to Raise a Complaint to Question Your Treatment

If you believe there has been injustice or hardship because a health organisation has not acted properly or fairly or you received a poor service and they've not put things right, what do you do?

If you are not happy with the medical treatment that has been provided to you or a member of family you are legally entitled to have your concerns investigated and to receive a full response from the healthcare provider - Dentist, GP, Optician, pharmacist or private health care body.

First and foremost you have to submit a formal complaint to your healthcare provider following the NHS complaints procedures. This can be done either by written format, email or verbally.

The aim of the formal complaint is to receive answers and an explanation to your questions to which you have with you have regarding the treatment you received.

Once you submit your formal complaint to the healthcare provider, they must acknowledge your complaint within 3 working days after receiving it. Here they will also confirm how the complaint will be investigated and give you an estimated time period of when you can expect a full response.

When you receive your full response and if for any reason you are not happy with it, what do you do then?

If you are not satisfied with the response for whatever reason you can seek a review by the Health Service Ombudsman. They will look at unresolved complaints for all healthcare providers and if they conclude that the healthcare provider got things wrong, the Health Service Ombudsman will look to make recommendations to put it right. This can include explanations, apologies, and recommendations for the service to improve.

What next? What if you feel this is not enough?

The decision about whether or not to sue is a very personal one.  You have to consider if this route will give you what you are looking for? Closure... Would it help you to feel that your situation has been taken seriously and that lessons have been learned?!

The next stage would be for you to speak to a Solicitor that has experience of similar cases to see if this is something that they can assist and support you in. You may also find it helpful to take a look at First4SeriousInjury site.

The solicitor will then provide support directing you through process.

But, it is important to realise that you have the right to question your treatment and to raise complaints and the potential right to compensation they have too.  By speaking up and shining a light on issues you may have faced, you can make sure this doesn't happen to other people. Compensation will never make up for what's happened but compensation can ease the burden and support families with their situation. 

Rattan Direct's Wildlife Photography Competition

I took this photo in the Carlton Marshes this year.

Shortly after I started blogging was when I discovered my love for taking photos, especially capturing moments of the kids, but many times on our days out I enjoy to take photos of the beautiful wildlife. And, I always have to take my camera with me when we head out.

Do you enjoy taking photos? If you do, Rattan Direct have a fabulous competition for you.

Rattan Direct are hosting a Wildlife Photography competition for all to enter, whether you are a keen photographer or someone that enjoys taking the odd photos now and then, you can submit your favourite wildlife photo you captured to be in with the chance to win a gorgeous Rio (Armed) 4 Chairs And Open Leg Square Table Set. 

You could submit a picture of wildlife that you found in your garden, or maybe it's a photo taken out in the woods, along the beach or anywhere else; it could be a photo of a creepy crawly, a bird or any other wildlife you captured.  

Once you have your wildlife photo you would like to enter, you upload it to the Rattan Direct website - it's as easy as that.

Rattan Direct will then choose their favourites and place those onto their Facebook page for the public to vote for the best one.

The Rattan Direct Wildlife competition closes on 30th October 2016, so don't delay and get your entry in today. Good Luck

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5 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR WOMEN

Your wardrobe has seen trends come and go, but the basics are ones which lasted forever. Your favorite pair of black trousers or a plain white button-down, are key pieces you know would never go out of style or lose their street-chic appeal. With few of these key pieces on hand, though, you’ll always know what to reach for!

1) BLACK TROUSERS-  Black trousers are one of the few wardrobe mandatory that would work with just about anything else in your closet. The perfect pair has the power to truly transform how you look and feel!

2) WHITE SHIRT-  This being my personal favorite, a plain crisp white button-down would be the most timeless classic you could invest onto and team it up with almost anything and look really sexy in it!

3) PRINTED SCARF- One of my friend who I met while playing bingo online suggested me, that even on a day, where you almost feel that you have nothing to wear, a plain tee accessorised with a nice printed scarf as the 'bright' piece would just complete your look.

4) BLACK BLAZER- Laying up with well-fitting blazer is an effortless way to look classy and feminine. The best thing about it is that it look great on all body types, for both day or night.

5) NUDE PUMPS-  This fashion favorite has withstood the test of time because it is the go-to shoe for day or night, jeans or trousers or skirts, dressy occasions or more casual events. Whether worn as heels or perfect flats, a pair of nude pumps adds polish to any outfit.

So here were 5 tips of timeless pieces that can be paired with almost anything you have. If they are still missing from your closets, it's high time you get them for they would be an investment worth!

Beautify your Restaurant Business with Ceiling Tiles

Are you thinking about a nice improvement in your restaurant? Maybe you don’t need to think about spending a fortune on renovations. Perhaps the best way to beautify your restaurant is starting with the walls...Choose a different paint color and brighten up the entire space by applying ceiling tiles. There is a very wide palette of ceiling tiles available through www.TalissaDecor.com and they offer top quality products at reasonable prices.

All you need to do is start browsing among the products and choose the tiles that you like the most. There are Styrofoam tiles or faux tin tiles available, and each sub-category has dozens of models and patterns you can choose from. The best part? The ceiling tiles can be applied through a DIY project, and you don’t even have to hire specialized help. Just pay attention to the installation instructions, and purchase all the tools and accessories that you need. Then, within a few hours, you can set up a brand new ceiling within your restaurant. Your guests will be definitely impressed. 

Source: https://www.talissadecor.com/gallery/575725c573729RM23web.jpg

About Styrofoam ceiling tiles

The Styrofoam ceiling tiles represent the best solution if you wish to cover up an unsightly ceiling (such as a popcorn ceiling). The good news is that you do not have to renovate the celling first, but you can just simply cover up that ugly ceiling with the Styrofoam tiles. Also, Styrofoam tiles are 100% paintable in any color that you wish. Therefore, if you do not wish to have a white ceiling, you can just paint your ceiling in any color that you wish.

Here is a handy video tutorial on how to install ceiling tiles over popcorn ceiling. Watch it, and then you will be able to perform your own project and make it look top professional. With some research online, you can come across dozens of such high profile tutorials on how to properly install Styrofoam ceiling tiles. The secret to a perfect job is to purchase only high quality tiles offered by reputable providers. Also don’t forget to purchase a few extra tiles than you need, in case you accidently cut or damage a piece. This way, you will have spare replacements to complete your project.

Styrofoam ceiling tiles can help bring more class and style to your restaurant. The Styrofoam tiles also require a relatively small investment, but you can make a big difference with your project. Why is it worth it to choose Styrofoam tiles?

• Because you do not have to go through the tedious job of removing an old and unsightly popcorn ceiling
• TalissaDecor produces top quality Styrofoam tiles that are manufactured from extruded polystyrene. This material is much more durable than regular polystyrene.
• Extremely lightweight and easy to handle during the installation project
• Tiles that are moisture proof
• Very easily to clean & practically maintenance free
• Paint them any color that you wish
• No special equipment required for the installation of the Styrofoam ceiling tiles
• Apply them over traditional flat ceilings or popcorn ceilings. Cover up instantly any unsightly ceilings

Source: https://www.talissadecor.com/gallery/5757351cb4c20web.JPG

You can get plenty of design ideas regarding the installation of Styrofoam ceiling tiles here. Just browse through the top quality pictures and you will be able to check out hundreds of DY ceiling tiles projects for both commercial and residential purposes. As you can easily note, you don’t really have to invest thousands in order to beautify your restaurant. You can just opt for the simplest yet most effective solution, represented by ceiling tiles.

If you would like something even more impressive, you can opt for the faux tin ceiling tiles. These are available in several pattern and colors, and with the help of these tiles, you can recreate the looks of authentic tin. You will instantly brighten up your space and make it much more beautiful and glittery with faux tin ceiling tiles.

Faux tin ceiling tiles are available in plenty of colors so that you can choose the one that suits best your locale.

• White pearl and brass- goes wonderfully in an elegant restaurant where glitter and eleganceare your number one priority
• White pearl and red- white in combination with red will give an instant ‘bright’ spirit to your entire space
• Silver and purple- classy, elegant yet extremely trendy. Does this represent your business? Then, you might want to check out these beautiful tiles…
• Aged copper- an extremely classical choice, which gives an instant “historical’ feel to your entire space. There are 11 different patterned tiles available in this color, so you should definitely check them out

The faux tin tiles offered by Talissa are extremely lightweight and easy to install. The tiles have 3D embossing in order to recreate that special appearance of authentic tin. The tiles are water, stain and moisture resistant which are all important requirements in a restaurant. The tiles are easy to clean, and they are virtually maintenance free. Moreover, the faux in tiles are guaranteed fire tested, and they are suitable for both residential and commercial projects.

So why start with extremely expensive investments in order to beautify your restaurant? Maybe all your business needs is a beautiful new paint finish and a new ceiling. This improvement will not even cost you a lot and these can be performed as DIY projects. 

Source: https://www.talissadecor.com/gallery/5751c5a623c85kitchen_ceiling_009.JPG

Take a look at the impressive faux tin tiles available on the main website of Talissa, and decide which pattern would best suit your interiors. If you want to, you can so get the opinion of an expert to inform you which exactly pattern or design would go best for your restaurant.

The faux tin tiles are extremely attractive and versatile because they can even be mounted framed on the wall to create a 3D pattern that is amazing. The tiles can be mounted directly onto a flat ceiling, and you don’t need any specialized help. Start beautifying your restaurant today!

Kwik Fit - Nostalgia Lane Competition

When I look back on my childhood family holidays, I will often look back with a certain fondness, but there is one holiday that stands out for me,  the most memorable holiday from my childhood. 

It was one summer holiday in my teens when we travelled Europe, through France, Luxembourg, Germany to Switzerland and back to France.  We holidayed in our caravan, my dads' pride and joy - we had some amazing holidays and trips in that caravan, lots of fab memories.

When I look back at my time in Switzerland I often fondly reflect back on, the beautiful buildings, the turquoise lakes, the mountain with snow tops, our day splashing around in a waterfall, the wildlife - snakes swimming in the lakes or the hedgehogs that raided our awning. I remember going into a village searching for a traditional cuckoo clock. (which hung on our living room wall for years).

Switzerland is a beautiful and magical place, leaving lasting memories.

Now a days I am making holiday memories with my children, ones I hope they will look back on fondly too. Holidays bring holiday memories, and, often a sense of nostalgia for good times long gone. 

We've taken our children on some amazing holidays too, from Lapland to Mexico.  But, over the years our holiday habits have changed due to many reasons. A few years ago we looked forward to holidays abroad, but the past couple of years we have immersed ourselves more into staycations and are particularly enjoying it. It does mean we are travelling via car more, which is the only negative - as we have 2 boys that suffer from travel sickness and they dread the road trips.

Keeping kids occupied in the car has changed over the years, from when my oldest two were younger we would pack and take a portable DVD player and they would watch films, but now with the younger two they take iPads and watch YouTube and play games. But, as two of my boys suffer from travel sickness they do avoid too much screen time as this enhances the sickness, thus, they like to do simple things like i-Spy game etc.

Along with other bloggers, I've collaborated with Kwik Fit and shared my top tip for when it comes to keeping the kids entertained on a long family road trip you can see all the tips here.

Kwik Fit are running a  Nostalgia Lane Competition in their Family Hub, where you can enter to win £150 worth of Amazon vouchers, simply by describing a memorable road trip.

#DreamsExplained Campaign - What Dreams Mean

Adjustamatic make adjustable beds and riser recliner chairs and recently got in touch to invite me to share one of my dreams as part of their #DreamsExplained campaign. The campaign leads up to the launch of their new video which will be featuring Ian Wallace, a top dream psychologist. There will be 5 dreams from the #DreamsExplained campaign selected to feature in the new video. 

We all dream, and they fascinate me.

My kids will often tell me of their dreams, good or bad.  I love hearing about their dreams as they describe them, it's so sweet.

I've always been fascinated by my dreams and my kid's dreams. Some of my dreams can often be epic, so much so they can have an impact. Depending on the dream and how vivid or lucid it has been, I can wake up and the effect stays with me for a time, mostly in a positive way.

I'm very much someone that needs at least 8 hours sleep. If I don't get my 8-hours sleep, I will have a quick nap on my sofa and during my naps is when I often dream more vividly. These are the best ones.

And, as part of the Adjustamatic #DreamsExplained campaign I was invited to share one of my dreams, which could be picked to be 1 of the featured dreams in the video Adjustamatic are making.

My dream: 

I come home to find my hubby had got us a second beagle, which I am shocked, as I've been considering getting another one and trying to talk hubby into it, but I know the time isn't right, not with our 1-year-old beagle Poppy, who is a handfull already, not just for me, but for our little old Lhasa Apso, who is 11 years old, and our 2 old cats who are both 19 - getting another beagle would not be fair, thus, it's not the right time at the moment.  So I was shocked to come home to find we had a second beagle, more shocked because hubby is the sensible one and advises against getting a second beagle, but in this dream he was the one that went out and got me one. However, in the end the second beagle had calmed down our Poppy, thus, they were both calm, even the cats cuddled up with them and everyone was happy.

That was pretty much my dream summarised. It's my most recent weird dream, because, for starters, my hubby would never go out and get a dog, I'm the one that normally has to persuade and bargain with him. And, secondly, I think the part about the dogs being calm (anyone that knows beagles know they're not calm dogs) is wishful thinking. Also, the cats go nowhere near Poppy, cuddling up to them - it just wouldn't happen.

The Veranda

We're making a lot of changes to our home at the moment, a new extension, a garage conversion, knocking walls down, putting new walls up. But, the poor garden has suffered this year. For the past 6-months it has been a building yard and as you can imagine, it's looking a little worse for wear.  But as our extension is built, and almost done, we've started to tidy up the garden.  We're currently extending our decking to bring it around the extension and this past week I've been thinking on what I would like to do to my garden - to make it look presentable again, for me to fall back in love with it.

We're considering a few options, but one option that has caught my imagination is a veranda. 

A veranda is a stylish addition to the outside the house, one that can enhance the outside of your property. It blends your home with garden and creating a bespoke outdoor living area. 

A veranda offers a waterproof area allowing all year round use of your outdoor patio/decking area, perfect for al-fresco dining. Furthermore, these structures can provide protection for your garden furniture - there is no need to cover it or try and find somewhere to store it away during the winter, as a veranda offers some protection from the weather. In addition, it can provide UV protection and a shaded area allowing you to sit outside comfortably all day long.

And, a veranda would be the perfect extension to your home for parties! It will allow you to enjoy being outside in your garden whilst still being protected from the elements - even if it is raining.

I'd love to be able to open the french doors to the garden, especially when it is raining just for the smell. Without a veranda, you couldn't do this without soaking the lounge. 

 

Back to School With House of Fraser School Bags

We're halfway through the summer holidays and had loads of fun thus far, although, I am knackered. Working from home in a full-time job with the kids is hard work.  I try my hardest to keep them busy and entertained throughout the days and most weekends, when hubby is off, instead of resting we are doing things together as a family. But, I wouldn't have it any other way, I love having the kids around.

We're also at that time where I need to sort out the school uniforms and bits and bobs.  Liam will be starting college this September, Lewis, and Jacob will be returning to school and Summer will be starting school. Exciting, but expensive times ahead.

I have an array of things to buy, Lewis's school has changed uniform, thus, he needs a whole new uniform, trousers, blazer, shirts, school shoes etc.  Jacob will need new school shoes and new tops, and Summer needs new school dresses and shoes.  Then there are the accessories.  School bags, pencil cases, lunch bags, water bottles, p.e bags etc.  So I have been having a look on the House of Fraser website, and school bags on my todo list first.

Summer and Liam have school branded satchels, but with Lewis being at secondary school he needs a backpack, and the same for Liam.  Lewis always has school dinners, but Jacob and Summer the fussy eaters will only have packed lunch. 

Below is my Wish List of school bags and lunch bags for the kids:

This Skylanders lunch bag is perfect for Jacob, and it is in the sale at £8.  

For Summer she will love this Doc McStuffins lunch bag, this is also £8.

The Karl Lagerfeld Boys Backpack would be perfect for Lewis, it is half price too.

For Summer's and Jacob's snack boxes, I am loving these Tulipop lunch boxes. You get the three in a pack for just £12.

Liam starting college this September, he would love this Hugo Boss bag.

Is The Microwave An Essential Kitchen Appliance?

I love my small kitchen appliances, they make live so much easier and are super convenient.  My favourite has to be the microwave and then the kettle.  My newest small appliance that I recently treated myself to was my first ever Food Stand Mixer. I'd wanted one for so long I can't remember how long. 

But the Food Stand Mixer is a luxury/bonus of sorts, where as I see the microwave as an essential element of the kitchen. We use the microwave everyday and it is something I couldn't live without. It makes life so much easier for the whole family. It does take quite a bit of space up on the worktop, but, I feel the benefits of owning, is a good compromise.

Microwaves come in all different, colours shapes and sizes, from small to large to curved to the standard boxed shape. And, if you want one that does more than just reheat, you can opt for a microwave with a combination of features, allowing you to grill, bake, and roast as well, like the Panasonic Combination Microwave.

The microwave makes reheating leftovers quick and easy. The extra step of turning the oven on, the longer reheating time, some days it feels like a chore and can be a frustration.

In this fast-paced world and busy households we're living in, people don't have much time for anything. That's why we often find ways to do tasks more quickly, and more often than not, we find the means through technology. Thus, the need for microwave ovens has become even more essential. 

Even if use a microwave just for small tasks like to heat up food. You can buy a microwave designed to sit on the counter, or hang on the wall, there are even fitted microwaves.

Seconds Matter - World Arthritis Day

Premier Bathrooms are raising awareness for World Arthritis Day (12th October 2016) with their 'Seconds Matter' awareness campaign.  The campaign is to bring awareness to us on what it can be like to live with the disease, Arthristis. Did you realise that a simple thing like getting out of bed can be a big challenge? or simply trying to take a bath can be daunting?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks normal joint tissues, causing inflammation of the joint lining.  The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. It's a disease that affects people of all ages across the UK. 

To mark World Arthritis Day 2016 and to put themselves “in someone else’s shoes” Premier Bathrooms have simulated what it would be like to live with arthritis – by challenging a guy to wear an arthritis simulation suit that is designed to demonstrate what it is like to live with the disease.

Arthritis can really affect how quickly and easily you do everyday chores. The simplest of movements can be painful and challenging - the below video demonstrates this.

The video shows 2 able-bodied twins with one of the twins wearing the simulated suit.  It follows them both as they start their day,  to compare and highlight the struggles people with arthritis endure on a daily basis.

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. It is debilitating and cruel illness that inflicts pain and stops you right in your tracks. It's progressive and floods your body like a dam breaking it's banks. You can donate to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and seeing all of the amazing work that they carry out by clicking here. 

Bathing Solutions and #breakingbarriers

Many elderly people struggle to bathe, there can be a fear of a slip or fall or getting stuck in the bath. It can often be physically daunting for them.

It's strange to think the bathroom, the smallest room in the house can be the most dangerous for the elderly. But, it doesn't have to be, there are solutions available.

So what are the options?

Wet rooms or walk in showers or walk in baths. All these are designed and installed to give the elderly and disabled an unrestricted showering experience.

My nanny before she passed away, was wheelchair bound in her last few years, and so they had a wet room that was made to measure to fit her needs. And, it worked for her, as I am sure it would many people who have them fitted.

One of the big benefits of a wet room is allowing the elderly to keep their dignity. It means they can shower independently and without the need for a carer to get them in and out of the bath/shower etc. 

In addition, you can adapt your wet room to fit your needs, for example, a shower stool can also be used to allow the person to sit down whilst showering. This is a good option if they struggle to stand for a prolonged period of time. They can also have furnished handrails designed to accommodate wheelchairs and walking frames. A wet room can easily transform a bathroom into a safer and more comfortable experience. 

Companies like Bathing Solutions offer a range of equipment designed to improve and make life easier. From wetrooms to door ramps and much more. And, they are one of the first companies to specialise in the supply and installation of bathrooms specifically designed for the mature customer.

Bathing Solutions also take a great interest in supporting the elderly in a unique way by encouraging them to learn or share new skills and hobbies, all done through their #breakingbarriers campaign.

If you are interested in finding out more about Bathing Solutions and their fantastic campaign #breakingbarriers you can read about it here. The campaign is designed to encourage the elderly to skill share and learn new things.  As they enjoy learning new skills, taking up new hobbies and even taking up part-time employment.  The main reason we are seeing this break-through is because, for the first times in history we are about to see the number of our senior generation surpass that of the youth, with those 65 and up making up 15.6% of the global population by 2050!.

Why it Pays for Businesses to be Generous

Source

Success in business is usually measured by that bottom line, but there’s so much more to thriving and doing well than being able to reel off a good-looking list of numbers. Where’s the humanity in that? To really do well, businesses need to do good.

Giving something back is important

Ultimately, businesses are satisfying a need or taking care of some kind of concern. The customer is satisfied and the business’ profits grow. Job’s a good ‘un.

However, there’s so much more to life than money and many companies find that reaching out to their communities is incredibly rewarding – not just emotionally, but financially as well.

Generous companies can be a driver for change in their environment, whether it’s helping to rebuild a school, paying for fresh flowers in hospital wards or having a huge splurge of a giveaway competition. This makes the place better and it fosters positive relationships with past, present and future customers.

The feel-good factor

We all know that enterprises strive to make money, but when we see that a company has decided to give up a fraction of its profit to help someone, it makes us feel good and makes us like the company more. There’s no better PR, quite frankly.

Happy employees

Workers will enjoy working for, and feel more loyal towards, a company that is charitable. They will feel – and see – that their boss isn’t all about the profit and this makes for a more engaged, helpful workforce with a significantly lower turnover.

Great networking opportunities

By attending charity events, or holding them, your company comes into contact with people from all walks of life and this is the very soul of networking. It’s also good for publicity.

So, how can you give something back?

Hook up with a charity

This is a win-win situation because you pledge some of your annual profits to the charity and then let nature take its course! You don’t have to lead any initiatives or rattle any tins, you simply give the money over and let the charity do its thing.

Eventually, your brand and the charity will become entwined – your name will be associated with the charity and its causes and you’ll both get some PR and extra money out of the deal.

Sponsor local schools, teams or events

This is a good way to get into the community at grass roots level and it needn’t cost a fortune. You might supply the football team with its new kit every year, or pay to update some of the playground equipment at the school. As long as you’re visible – and helpful – you can’t lose.

Offer your skills to the needy

It’s possible that you don’t have the cash flow to commit to a new footie strip every year, but you probably have some intellectual capital that you can pass on. If you’re in IT, why not offer some training classes for senior people? Or some advanced classes for schoolchildren, especially if they’re from a less-affluent area? They’ll appreciate the help and you’ll appreciate the new relationships.

The Power of Cuteness - Kitten Kollege

I love cats. The first thing I bought when I moved out of home and got my own place, was a cat. I'd wanted one since I was a kid, but was never allowed. That was a long time since ago and my girls are now 19 years old! 

Kittens are totally adorable, fun and mischievous. Our fur babies are only small for such a short time, then they turn into lovable adults. Getting a kitten is a big responsibility, but so totally worth it, they give so much love and joy. But, there are many things you will need to consider. 

Whiskers have made a series of very cute videos entitled Kitten Kollege. The videos are designed to give kitten owners a little help looking after their furry little friend. The videos are fun and full of helpful facts and information. Did you know that meowing by your cat will occur less often as they get older? They will also Purr when they're happy or comforting themselves and hiss when being defensive.

Choosing a Mobile Provider

Over the years I've been with a few different mobile phone providers, some have been positive experiences, others not so positive. Whether that be rubbish customer service, rubbish coverage, or the opposite. I've had an array of experiences. But, it never gets any easier when coming to renewing or choosing to change your provider - or is it best to stay put?!

My contract is up for renewal in the next couple of months, and I have lots of questions, and I will have to do lots of research on whether to stay with my current provider or move elsewhere to see what they came offer me.  It's too easy to stay where you are and not to do the searching around.

So how do you choose your mobile provider?  Do you go for the cheapest option, or do you go for one with the best coverage? or maybe you are being loyal to your provider - but are they being loyal to you? 

Too many questions. ...

Luckily I've found a website that can help with all my questions and queries when it comes to my mobile provider.  UK Mobile Network Guide offers all the information you need to help make an informed choice when either getting a new mobile phone or renewing your current mobile phone. 

The website is designed to guide you in the right direction and to make it easier for you. They give impartial reviews of UK mobile networks, and they are a one-stop hub that gives you all the up-to-date industry news.

Keeping your Dog fit and Healthy

Healthy dogs are happy dogs.

We have two dogs, my little 10-year old Lhasa Apso who is healthy and fit, and our young 1-year old Beagle.   I enjoy and love both my dogs, they each have their individual characters and are very much part of the family.

Lhasa's is a toy breed of dog, albeit a sturdy one, but not a massively active breed. Beagles, on the other hand, are highly active dogs, and they are very much lead by food - they would eat anything and everything if they could get away with it.  Beagles are sturdy, strong and less prone to canine disease than many other dog breeds.

There are many things that you can do to keep your dog fit and healthy, and to keep them at their healthiest, it so very important. Below are some tips on how we keep our dogs fit and healthy.

Keep updated in regards to vaccinations: this will help prevent diseases and the spread of disease. Also, flea and worm your dog regularly.

Daily exercise to stay fit and healthy: Whether it is a walk (if they have a good recall, off the lead is best), or some quality time in the back garden playing fetch or another game.

Maintain a healthy weight: To avoid obesity. Obesity can lead to many other health issues in your dog. Proper exercise and a well-balanced diet are key to keeping your dog fit and trim.

Share the love: Dogs love us unconditionally. Just like us humans, dogs are happier when they feel loved and have relationships they can count on

Stay up-to-date: regarding known health problems with this breed, so that you can be aware of early symptoms.

Brits Abroad

Being a redhead with a pale complexion, you will often find me in the shaded area by the pool, wearing the biggest hat, covered in SPF50 suncream. I put tons of sun cream on, so much so, I end up blending in with the white plastic sunloungers!  and I still manage to burn!.

I'll be on my holiday in the sun not dealing with the heat very well, reading my kindle, attempting to play with the kids, and sipping on cocktails.

Being a redhead means I am crap at being a sunbather. 

My kids don't have my complexion, they have their fathers, thus, they very rarely burn, and they definitely enjoy the sun more than I do.  They even get to jump in and out of the pool without having to reapply a fresh application of sun lotion each time - unlike me, I only have to go in for a dip and a new full application is needed.

But I do love holidays abroad, there is something magical about jetting off to a hot climate, getting to sit by the pool everyday and drinking cocktails. 

A new survey from car rental company Auto Europe reveals some fascinating fun statistics on what the average fortnightly Brit’s holiday looks like. 

Did you know that the average person travels an average of 2,479 miles to reach their destination, and spend just under £2000 on a two-week holiday?!  During the holiday we average 2.6 books during the fortnight - this is totally me.  We average 56 alcoholic drinks and us brits have roughly 4 arguments - along with the moaning about it being too hot!

You can see more in the below infographic:

Contact Number UK

There isn't much more frustrating than having to call a service or business for whatever reason. 

I tend to put it off, I know I must call, but I am put off due to past experiences of calling companies.  With an inward groan I take the plunge and start the call, knowing I will get some annoying call options to choose and route my way through to get to the correct department. Then there is the wait - and I have been in a queue waiting to be answered for over an hour a few times before.

Dialling the company numbers can be expensive, especially when you are stuck on hold for ages, or in the queue waiting for your call to be answered. But, there is a better option available out there - it's a website called Contact Number UK.  The Contact Number UK website aim to provide people with a quicker way of getting through to all of the UK’s major companies and organizations, including companies like Sky, HMRC, and TalkTalk etc.

It is very simple to use, you just search the company you need to contact, it will give you a 0843 number, which costs no more than 7p per minute from a BT landline. You dial the number in your phone, and you will get straight through to the company you need to speak to.

As easy as that.

5 Apps for Meeting New People

Making friends can be difficult, especially if you work from home and you are a bit of a house hermit. That can be lonely sometimes and if you want to turn that around than it has never been easier, there are many ways to meet new people now adays.

I work from home as a Project Manager, thus I’m not exactly the kind of person who has a group of work friends, its the little things like the Christmas office parties I miss. But you can take matters into my own hands—or rather, on your phone.

To revive your social life, you need to start actively looking for new people. And, there are a few mobile apps out there that can help.

The apps that are designed to bring people together for platonic purposes, not just for romance.

Meetup:

This is self-explanatory. The advantage of using it on your phone is that you can be notified of nearby events or follow your favorite groups, and know when they’re organizing something. The more you’re notified about social activities, the more likely you’re going to participate in them.

Mush:

A fun, free way for mums to meet local mums with kids the same age. the simple, like-minded mums with kids the same age. It tells you which mums are living in the nearby area and it also says how old their children are.

Meet my dog:

Meet My Dog is a free, private social network for you and your dog. You can find people with pets, get your pet to find new friends, and meet the owners in the process. 

Grip:

Based on Linkedin, this app finds professionals around your location and gives you a chance to connect with them. It’s like a Tinder for professional connections.

Badoo:

A social discovery app, used for meeting and connecting with people, whether that’s for dating or social reasons. This is the largest discovery app with over 311 million users worldwide. 

......

Here is a lovely post on why friendship is so very important Girls Gospel blog

Confessions of a Summer Parent with Anchor

Next week is the end of school and the start of the summer holidays. I always look forward to when the kids are off, it means I get to spend more time with them , but, it also means more mess, more whining and sibling battles, and more demands.

"I'm bored". "I'm hungry". "I want a drink"....  

I would love to be that parent, the one where I keep the kids perfectly entertained throughout each day of the holidays; reading stories, doing crafts, playing toys etc.  but the reality is that it isn't always like that, I just don't have the time to give them my full attention 24/7. Don't get me wrong, I spend a lot of time with them, doing arts and crafts, down the park and so on, but there are times where they need to keep themselves entertained, or sometimes I will just need 10 minutes on myself.

The biggest challenge I find is the constant demand for something to eat or something to drink.

"There is nothing to eat/drink". "When you going shopping". "I can't wait until dinner"

So through the holidays I always make it as easiest as possible for all.  I do this by making sure there is juice ready and available without me having to go to the kitchen every 10 minutes to make one.  I do this by making sure there is a large jug filled up with juice and stick it in the fridge as it will be nice and cool for them too. And, I always have lots of single juice cartons available in the cupboard.

I stock up on snacks, fruit, lots of cereal and some nice treats too. For the teens and their lunch time I also make sure we have plenty of tinned ravioli and small pizzas in the freezer.

Apart from keeping the kids well feed and juiced, to help keep them entertained throughout the holiday, I stock up on arts and crafts. My kids love doing arty bits and bobs, and play-doh keeps them occupied for hours too.

The garden -the kids love to play in the garden, so I make sure they have water guns, a mini pool and other garden toys.

Finally, for me and hubby, a nice cold glass of wine in the evening. 

“This post is an entry for BritMums Confessions of a Summer Parent Challenge, sponsored by Anchor”.

Organizing Catering for a Childs Birthday Parties

It's Summer's birthday next month and she hasn't stopped going on about it, to say she is excited is an understatement - the past few months she has been going to lots of her nursery friends parties and cousins birthdays. Being she was born in the summer, it makes her one of the youngest in her class, thus, one of the last to celebrate her birthday.

She would love a party with all her friends coming - she wants it at home ("a princess BBQ party"), but due to all the building work with our house going on at the moment it is not really a good idea, thus, I am looking to hire the local village hall and a child's entertainer where all her friends and family can come and have fun!

With doing her party this way, it does mean I have to arrange and sort out the catering and party bags.  

So what are my options?

I can spend all day in the kitchen making all the food for 30+ kids, or I can look at paying a catering company to do it for us. But, I would prefer to avoid spending all day in the kitchen so I can spend the day with Summer playing with her new toys, etc.;  I'm considering the catering option, as it is a fuss-free and easier option. 

I normally enjoy cooking and putting food together for guests, but when it is my little girls birthday, I want to be able to give her my full attention and not being stuck making sandwiches and cakes.

I can order per head, sit back and not worry about it - they will deliver it to the location. Easy Peasy!

Her birthday is well into school holidays so I need to pull my finger out and organize it before they break up from school!

Have you ordered catering before for a child's birthday?