Free Coffee For Our Hard-Working Heroes this Winter
Setting Up the Perfect Home Office
So, if you now work from home, either temporarily, part time or for the foreseeable future, you may have had to adapt your home in some way to accommodate a home office. We’re not all lucky enough to live in a mansion with a room dedicate to working from home, so you’ll have to get creative with the space you do have. Perhaps you could convert a garden shed or renovate your under-stair cupboard.
Having a comfortable chair and appropriate desk are crucial for your productivity. They both need to be a suitable height so that you aren’t stretching your arms and wrists in a strange angle, or hunching over, as this can only lead to aches and pains.
As well as the furniture, you’ll also need to consider what type of tech you might need in your home office. It’s likely that your employer will be able to support you with this, especially if it’s necessary for your job. You probably already have a computer, but what about things like a work phone and a multifunctional printer, that prints, scans and photocopies?
You should also consider the lighting in your home office. Natural light is desirable, but if not a lamp or overhead light will do. However, you don’t want the overhead light to be directly above your desk, because this will cause glare and shadowing. If your desk is lacking space and you don’t want to invest in a big, chunk lamp, a clip-on lamp might be the better option. Without adequate lighting, you may end up suffering from eye strain and headaches, and therefore limited motivation.
The Importance of having life insurance
Just before my little boy was born, my husband and I took out our first mortgage and during the process, the financial advisor mentioned life insurance. It wasn't anything either of us had considered before but we took his advice and took out a policy, not really thinking much of it one way or the other. It was only when my little boy was actually born and we had a brand new little person to consider and protect, that we understood its importance.
Gifts for new mums and babies
Home Organisation Tips
Frock It- It's Christmas with Joe Browns!
Christmas 2020 is just around the corner and one thing is for sure; it is certainly going to be very different this year. Due to the restrictions that remain in place due to Covid-19 (and the very recent extra tightening of restrictions that have just been announced), many people will be opting for a quiet Christmas at home this year. And whilst this may not be exactly what we all had planned for the festive period and the end of an extremely challenging year, we will all be finding ways to make the day special, creating some Christmas magic and happiness.
A normal Christmas in our household would see us heading to see relatives to exchange gifts in the morning (or having them over to us) and then going to my mum's or the in-laws' for Christmas dinner. This year we will be celebrating at home so it is certainly going to be a little quieter, a little less busy and a little bit different.
Normally on Christmas after we open the presents, we would all dress up, each of us in something a little bit fancy: a shirt for my husband, a dress for me, and Christmas jumpers for the boys. We did think about staying in our pyjamas all day and whereas a large portion of the day will be spent in relaxing loungewear, we have all decided that if there was ever a year to dress up, to celebrate in style and feel a little bit pampered, it is the year of 2020! And so we shall certainly be dressing up in some of our finest party clothes to bring a little bit of glamour and sparkle to the day!
And so when Joe Browns got in touch to see if we would like to take part in their Frock It- It's Christmas campaign which looks at how Brits are celebrating Christmas up and down the country, we jumped at the chance. I was delighted to be given the opportunity to pick my Christmas day outfit!
Joe Brown's Oriental DressFor me, Christmas outfits always have to have a bit of shimmer in them and so this dress certainly did not disappoint. This beautiful dress with its satin jacquard and its unique mandarin collar is the perfect dress to wear on Christmas day. It features a delicate floral design and is exceptional quality! After a year of wearing leggings (and maternity trousers!) I just can't wait to wear this gorgeous dress!
Joe Brown's Truly Elegant Coat
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a post-Christmas dinner walk and this coat will mean the style and glamour isn't limited to just the indoor celebrations! It has a stunning and elegant design which reminded me of Kate Middleton's beautiful coats. It has a teal colour, asymmetric gold buttons and creates a lovely silhouette shape- perfect for helping to gently shape my post-baby body! It is also really warm too so even if we have a miracle white Christmas, this coat will not only look the part but will keep me cosy too!
I can't wait to swing into Christmas with a little bit of style and glamour this year. After this long and unsettling year, a bit of Christmas sparkle, happiness and joy is just what we all need!
Creating a Christmas Wonderland on a budget
Caring for the older dog
ping to guide them towards particular things they require, or gently approaching them, as not to startle them.
Sicily: Land of Wonders
Sicily also offers the possibility to make luxury vacations and to do them in all tranquillity: in fact today holidays in a villa in Sicily with private pool can be reality let's see together two incredible location in Sicily.
Caltanissetta: The Heart of Sicily
It is located in the geographical heart of the island, rich and pretty, is the most populous city in the hinterland. Surrounded by nature reserves, throughout its province there are seven, Caltanissetta is a journey of discovery of art and nature. Situated above the hilly reliefs, its territory of calcareous-clayey composition is very harsh. In the historical centre there are the major historical religious buildings and aristocratic palaces, while in the surroundings of the city there are many archaeological sites rich in important and fascinating remains.
The Cathedral is located in the central Piazza Garibaldi, embellished with recently restored stuccoes and valuable wooden and marble statues. Just in front of the Cathedral, there is the elegant Church of San Sebastiano: a tour inside and you will be immediately attracted by the numerous wooden statues.
Stop also at Moncada Palace, the building in classic baroque style with Renaissance cues. Then admire its palaces and the Baroque Church of Sant'Agata. Take a tour of the beautiful castles of Falconara, Mussomeli and Pietra Rossa and a visit to the sulphur mines of which the city was the largest producer until the mid '900.
Enna: Separated in Two Parts but United by the Wonder
Enna is divided into two macro-areas: Enna Alta, home to the historic centre and the best attractions. Enna Bassa, which is famous to the university. In addition, there is the hamlet of Pergusa, where the homonymous lake resides. It is a small town perched on a terraced mountain, a panoramic place that, given its good location, has been defined since ancient times as the navel of Sicily.
You can visit the Duomo, rebuilt in the Baroque period, the Aragonese Castle, which stands on a rock, and the Clock Tower. The Castle of Lombardy, located in the highest part of the town, an imposing building that extends for 27 kilometers. In the most modern part are the Villa and the Tower of Frederick II of Swabia, Piazza Europa, home of the weekly market, and the Church of Montesalvo.
In the province of Enna there are many small villages and towns that have remained unharmed over time and jealously guard the history and traditions of the area. Suitable for a sensory and exploratory journey, to admire a part of Sicily through monuments, ballads and delicious tasty food.
Sicily: Wonderful and for Everyone
Don’t be afraid to book your travel for Sicily, you will find everything you need and you will remember it forever.
Special Moments with Baby Annabell Alexander
Watching children play with dolls is just the sweetest thing. It is so lovely to see them pretend to be mummy or daddy and to care for the doll as if it was a real baby. We were recently sent a Baby Annabell Alexander doll to review as well as some products from the Sweet Dreams range which help to promote a good bedtime routine which in turn helps children to sleep soundly.
Special moments
*Disclaimer: We were kindly sent the doll and accessories in exchange for an honest review.
Why Kids Should Cycle
Practice Yoga In Style
If you have been following my site for a while, you may know that I am a bit of a yoga devotee. I practice at home, daily if I can (or when three young children allow!) and find that it has huge benefits to my health and well-being. Due to the lockdowns and restrictions that Covid-19 has brought, many people have turned to home yoga as a way exercising as well as relieving stress. There is very little you actually need in order to practice yoga; the main requirements being something comfortable to wear and a yoga mat. Recently I was delighted to discover that there are so many different styles and designs of yoga mats available which can serve to inspire you, calm your mind, add some fun to your practice as well as perfectly compliment the decor of your room! Here are a few different options you can choose.
Yoga has huge benefits for children. In these uncertain times, it's important that children are able to release some stress, focus their minds, have fun and exercise, all things that in the strangest of years, has been somewhat of a challenge. You can purchase so many fun and interesting styles of yoga mats to delight children and encourage them to practice yoga. My dinosaur loving little boys would simply love this T-rex one!
ECTA OUTREACH - Lockdown’s Affecting Smart Meter Installation
With smart meter installations suffering over last year’s lockdown and tier system restrictions providing a drop in installations late last year, the push back on workload has provided an extension on smart meter installation deadlines for utility companies to July 2021. This is a direct result of the pandemic’s upheaval.
This setback has opened up a window of opportunity for those looking to take on a smart meter apprenticeships, which provides the necessary qualifications to be able to install and advise on the benefits of greener technologies to customers.
With the increase of demand sure to triple due to the setbacks towards the deadline, this new lockdown will undoubtedly pose a serious backlog of work that current qualified engineers will not be able to effectively manage.
This makes people who decide to undertake an apprenticeship in the face of this new lockdown stand to benefit even more from relaxation of the tier system.
Open to All Ages
There are many different age groups looking to start with a green energy apprenticeships.
Whilst a perfect direction for school leavers to begin a successful career in a growing industry, many fully qualified electricians also are turning to training on smart meters to keep up with the transition to green energy.
Also those who have grown tired of their current jobs, home working and threatened job security have turned to the prospect of a smart meter apprenticeship in order to get onto the current demand for installers.
With smart meters set to reach over half of Britain’s homes and businesses this year, and national rollout due to reach a hectic pace upon lockdown ease, it’s certainly a great time for people from all avenues to approach this period with full attention in order to benefit greatly.
Naturally there are always people very sceptical of smart meter rollout and their concerns about what data is shared and to where.
The ability to address these concerns as a fully qualified smart meter technician is not just about having the knowledge, but also having the right people skills to be able to provide answers to how their data is used and how the meters benefit them financially and with their consumption.
As lockdown now poses even more setbacks for rollout, the time could be right for those ready to take the greener step.
FIT2TRAIN - New Year, New Habits
So how do we get back on track when the track is about to close its doors? It’s all in the planning, as those taking the time to complete a fitness instructor course know all too well.
So what can keep you moving for 2021 whilst waiting for those gyms to reopen?
By increasing all your muscle fitness and lean mass you are ensuring a continuation of a long and healthier lifestyle.
With keeping your muscles fit, you find that bringing in those heavy shopping deliveries and moving around your furniture are an easier chore whilst increasing your resting metabolic rate, letting your muscles burn those extra calories whilst you are resting up. So keeping your muscle training going through a home workout ensures you are maintaining a healthy body weight.
Cardio
With the ability to at least get out of the house for a walk or a bike ride still available during this time, you can help your cardio by moving your body at a quicker pace.
This helps to strengthen the immune system, increase your circulation and control your blood pressure. So if you enjoy a walk or a ride or even if you like to do those dances on TikTok challenges, you are doing your body good by doing something you enjoy and use that as a reason to indulge in it daily.
Straight to the Core
If you are at home a lot you run the risk of low back health.
Stay Mobile
It’s easy to take it easy and spend hours at a time lounging, but that is not going to do you any good in keeping on track for health.
By maintaining adequate mobility training you fully reduce potential risk of injury to your connective tissue and muscles with structured workouts and stretching exercises. These work to enhance your overall strength and keep your muscles limber.
Get the Right Rest
As well as all of these measures it is imperative that you continue to get the right amount of rest.
You may feel you have to overcompensate for the lack of gym availability and get over ambitious about your fitness goals at the start of the year, but by going for gold on your fitness plans straight away you will suffer from inadequate rest and recovery. It’s important to understand where your body currently is and listen to what it tells you about how far you can go. Burnout and overtraining will only begin to slow you down further, so pace yourself well.
For those looking to turn their fitness goals into a fitness instructor courses in Plymouth or elsewhere, these are the steps to keeping everything ticking over in the advent of the gym doors closing.
The Benefits of Sports for Children
Social skills are also developed during sport. Children learn to work as a team and cooperate with their peers, while also taking direction from those superior to them. Teamwork is an important skill and one that can benefit individuals throughout their lives. It involves figuring out each player’s strengths and weaknesses, so that they can strategise the best way to reach their shared goal. This is something that many of us have to do as adults, whilst at work. The team spirit offers a sense of belonging and allows them to develop friendships with likeminded individuals. The more friends a child has from different social circles and backgrounds, the better they will be at communicating and being open-minded.
There are lots of ways you can encourage your child to be more active and take part in school. Leading by example is a great place to start, as children typically learn how to behave by observing their parents and other important people in their lives. Play sport with them, or at least try and attend all of their matches to show your support. Finally, you should try and limit screen time and encourage your child to get outside.
Add style and character to your rooms with Wall Art
Canvas art prints
One of my favourite canvas prints which I have in our living room is of sunlight rays seeping through woodland trees. I've had this picture for years and I love it as much as they day I bought it. It makes me think of happy, warm and peaceful summer days. Canvas art prints create a raised effect to the art, making them even more striking when you enter the room.