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Over the last couple of months I hi am have been thinking long and hard about what I would put into my cook book. I am happy with the tit...
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UK MADE Stainless Steel CD DVD Shelf Support Angle Bracket Iron Bridge Style. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-MADE-Stainless-Steel-CD-DVD...
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3 months a head! Again it is September and in all of the retail outlets "It's Christmas!" Before Halloween or Bone-fire nigh...
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Over the next few weeks we are going to be focusing on a range of new product and services fore 2020. We are looking at bring out some ...
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Thursday, 23 December 2021
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Yule preparations | Pagan Yule stories & history | Witch vlog
Monday, 20 December 2021
Making your own gifts and decorations this year.
Making your own gifts and decorations this year.
Re-Run December 20th 2021
This year now that both of my children are older I am looking at celebrating this year with them for the fist time and to try and teach them the true meaning of the festive season.
For me it is “The Gift of Giving” so we are in the process of doing this and celebrating Yule.
So this year their dad is already underway with making the boys their Yule gift and I am looking at decorating the house and what food and events that we are going to take place.
So it is the 20th November 2017 and a month before I will be looking at decorating the house and the tree.
So where do I start.?
One of the things that I am looking at is what I have in the house and how I can use what I have instead of buying things new and also about what I can forage from the !!br0ken!!
One thing that I have been looking at is the following links for inspiration and Facebook pages and group that I am in.
Cloves
one of the things that I am looking at for The festive season is buying Cloves.
What are Cloves?
Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae, Syzygium aromaticum. They are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia, and are commonly used as a spice. Cloves are commercially harvested primarily in Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Cloves are available throughout the year.
Buying them “Fair Trade”
http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/en/what-is-fairtrade
Because they they are from over seas I am looking at buying them fair trade and to also look at selling them whole sale when I set up my own business. I am looking at selling dried products for making things with in the future. Cloves can be brought al year and can be purchased form any supermarket so why use them them for the Winter Holidays what makes them so important?
Health benefit can be found by following the links below.
Cloves are a good source of manganese, selenium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K, dietary fibre and vitamin C.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=69#healthbenefits
http://www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com/benefits-of-cloves.html
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/cloves.html
What do they have to do with the Winter Holidays?
With cloves coming to the UK from places like Indonesia but the region with the largest production is Zanzibar in eastern Africa; most people know of Cloves being Used in Mulled Wine and Christmas Cake.
Now that the UK is so divested with culture, and traditions it would be nice to see Cloves used more and why not start by using them at this time of the year to decorate the home and in cooking.
Make Cloved Orange: A Regency Pomander
This is the art of using Cloves and Oranges to decorate the home and to give as gifts of family and friends at this time of year. For the history y of Clove Orange: A Regency Pomander please follow this link below.
https://www.janeausten.co.uk/cloved-orange-a-regency-pomander/
One thing that Make Clove Orange: A Regency Pomander look like are Christingles.
What is Christingle?
Christingle's is a lighted candle symbolizing Christ as the light of the world, held by children at a special Advent service originating in the Moravian Church.
It is sally on the First Sunday of advent which is a Christian way of celebrating this time of year. You can attend a Christingle celebration at your local church and get a Christingle as part of the services whilst collecting money for charity.
Useful Yule recipes./links
http://recipesforapagansoul.weebly.com/yule-dec-21-23.html
https://Wiccan/celtic/akasha/yule.htm
Use full link about Spices
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/grow-to-eat/where-do-christmas-spices-come-from/
Sunday, 19 December 2021
Saturday, 18 December 2021
Andy and the Odd Socks - Merry Christmas Everyone (Official Video)
LadBaby | Sausage Rolls for Everyone (Official Music Video) - featuring ...
Thursday, 16 December 2021
Online Privacy for Kids - Internet Safety and Security for Kids
NSPCC - Real Children Don't Bounce Back - TV commercial
Wednesday, 15 December 2021
'Twas the night before video games' with Katherine Ryan | IM & Electroni...
Tuesday, 14 December 2021
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Thursday, 9 December 2021
How to press and preserve Fern Leaves. My Miss K L Slomczynski
Otters at the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary and Dorset
Wednesday, 8 December 2021
The ORIGINAL Christmas Dessert
Wednesday, 1 December 2021
Comparison: TeamSeas and TeamTrees Donations (First 16 Days)
Monday, 22 November 2021
Sunday, 14 November 2021
Friday, 12 November 2021
Winter 2021 moving forward
https://savings4savvymums.co.uk/feeding-family-four-2-50-day/
Once again child poverty is on the new and how parents are unable to feed their children and them selves.
With so many family services clothing and Covid 19 on the rise it is not like you can even knock a friends or family door for something like a cup of sugar.
https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
https://www.gov.uk/types-of-school
Their is also pupil premium.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium/pupil-premium
I have include a budget sheet with this link.
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/budget-planner
One thing that I believe need to be done is that people need to clearly know how much their income and experiences are so that they can clear budget them selves.
With winter just around the corner more of use will be spending money on heating our homes and lighting, not just food and other key times or bills.
Many people today are also forced into the rental market and are paying more in rent than what you would for a mortgage.
I am still a strong believer that everyone with children under 5 should be given healthy start vouchers.
https://www.gov.uk/healthy-start
You can also look at applying for the Big Different Scheme.
https://bigdiff.co.uk/login.php
I also believe that any child of school age under the age of Seven should be given a free school meal, if the school is closed then that should still continue. I believe that every child can claim this up until the end of Year 2 at school.
Thursday, 11 November 2021
Homemade cake by my 7-year-old son can you freeze homemade cakes.
How to cook red cabbage September 2021, In the slow cooker
My Garden 409 Red Popppies Bliss Song
GHOST of the GRIFF ARM CANAL, Nuneaton, UK.
Wednesday, 10 November 2021
Bedworth Armistice Day Parade - 11 11 2014.
Where did the NHS come from?
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning,
we will remember them,
we will remember them.
From 'For the Fallen' (1914), by Laurence Binyon
Sunday, 7 November 2021
244. Electric Narrowboats: the future for our canals?
Friday, 29 October 2021
Keep moving forward.
Keep moving forward.
With Covid still hanging over everyone aiming to move forward is not easy. It feels like all that we are doing is asking one step forward and the having to spend 14 days staring at 4 walls all over again.
So one thing that I am working on is how to set up some more community led projects/groups for 2022.
Living in the Heart of England means that getting to Nuneaton is probably one of the easiest places to reach. You can get here by pretty much any form of transport and walking from most places usually takes a few hours too.
The main thing is to KEEP SAFE!
So I am looking at a number of places where I could run community groups from that are disability friendly, have car parking, toilet facilities and can offer basic catering options too.
The main thing that I need to look at is having the right insurance both public and employee support when required.
So please bear with me and feel fee to follow my blog(s) or other social options.
Thank you.
Saturday, 23 October 2021
How To Chop Every Vegetable | Method Mastery | Epicurious
How To Slice Every Fruit | Method Mastery | Epicurious
6 Nuts You Should Be Eating And 6 You Shouldn't
25 Edible Plants, Fruits and Trees for Wilderness Survival
Stephen Axford: How fungi changed my view of the world
Why Real Truffles Are So Expensive | So Expensive
7 Common Poisonous Mushrooms You Should Know
Top 10 Poisonous Plants in the UK | THIS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Thursday, 21 October 2021
11 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Amazing!
Sunday, 17 October 2021
Friday, 15 October 2021
10 DIY/THRIFTED CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
3 Ways to Get Your Towels Looking, Feeling & Smelling Great!
Monday, 11 October 2021
Why Zero-Waste Grocery Shopping Matters | One Small Step | NowThis
The Worst Examples of Greenwashing in History
Everything You Need to Know About Greenwashing
Sunday, 10 October 2021
20 CLEANING HACKS FOR LAZY PEOPLE THAT WORK!
Saturday, 9 October 2021
Legionnaires Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Health Effects of Mold Exposure
21 Foods You Should Not Refrigerate
41 Tips to Make Your Entire Home Cleaner Than It's Ever Been
7 Baking Soda Hacks That Changed My Life! (DIY Deodorant)
October 2021 Nest Egg Ideas, should I have for the future?
October 2021 Nest Egg Ideas, should I have for the future?
Friday, 8 October 2021
How to Clean A Mattress! (Clean My Space)
How COVID-19 Affects Your Lungs
27 CLEANING TIPS THAT WILL SAVE YOU LOTS OF MONEY
7 EXPERT CLEANING TIPS YOU NEED TO BE USING!
Saturday, 2 October 2021
Custom Design Lacing Buttons Bungee Shock Para Cord Marine Stainless Tie Backs
Custom Design Lacing Buttons Bungee Shock Para Cord Marine Stainless Tie Backs
Job Lot ISO 7840 A1 Marine Fuel Hose Pipe 6mm ID 13mm OD
Job Lot ISO 7840 A1 Marine Fuel Hose Pipe 6mm ID 13mm OD
Fire Screen(s) for sale.
Fire Screen(s) for sale.
Now that winter is coming and many of use will be looking at putting on their open fires if you still have one. Epically living on a narrowboat or looing at other ways to cut your energy bill(s).
We currently have two fire screens for sale.
Upcycled Decoupage Iris With Butterfly On 1930s Wood Folding Table Fire Screen.
Thursday, 30 September 2021
20 Words You (might) Pronounce Incorrectly | #Spon
Wednesday, 29 September 2021
Making prototype(s), How long? How much? Septembers 2021
Making prototype(s), How long? How much? Septembers 2021
Making prototype(s)
One of the things that I love doing is trying new things, although now that I am older I do not do that much now.
I also loved taking things a part to see how they are made and to see if I could make them better.
I love making prototypes of items that I am thinking of making one day and doing reviews on products when I can.
At he moment I am designing a children game for my sister to try out for 10 children under 5.
So we will see what happens and what feed back I can get from it.
How long?
Over the past few weeks I have been looking at getting back into art and seeing how long artwork will take to produce and then hopefully sell.
I did not realize how time consuming it can be when you are waiting for paint to dry.
looking around when you are hand making items you know that each items is going to be different a little.
But will it sell?
How much?
That is the question, I can not charge NMW for my work other wise some items would end up being £100.00 of pounds
So I am having to still thing about price points and how much my time is worth.
https://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/calculate-the-cost-price-of-your-creative-product/
This is why so many items are made overseas in sweet shops and not in the UK where we have more employment rights to protect people.
Yet if you are self employed or an artist you are still underpaid for your experiences.
But is an artiest not like a Plastic surgeon? One paints with a brush the other with a knife
For me it should not matter what job you do you should be paid for your work experiences , not just your qualifications.
Yet due to NMW that is to protect people and help them to be tread fairly, it is used to keep people down. In 2021 very few people archive more than this due to the current economy,
Even when I looked at going back to teaching full time at my local collage I was only offered £18,000 per annum.
So when it comes to your future you need to take the time to research, adapt, plan and budget.
I have added some link(s) below that may help.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-exports-dispatches-and-supplying-goods-abroad
Salary checker
https://www.totaljobs.com/salary-checker/salary-calculator
https://www.monster.co.uk/career-advice/article/salary-calculator
Income Tax Checker
https://www.gov.uk/income-tax/check-youre-paying-the-right-amount
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/check-tax-code/
UK Pay Scale
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Country=United_Kingdom/Salary
https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/what-you-should-you-expect-19337047
Holiday Entitlements
https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights/holiday-pay-the-basics
Becoming an Apprentices
https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions
Self Employment
https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/self-employed-income-calculator.aspx
https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself
https://rsaccountancy.co.uk/working-out-what-your-self-employed-day-rate-should-be/
https://www.freeagent.com/guides/expenses/food-and-drink/
https://www.gov.uk/vat-businesses
https://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/calculate-the-cost-price-of-your-creative-product/
Acas
https://www.acas.org.uk/pay-and-wages
Travel Costs
https://www.hrzone.com/community-voice/discuss/mileagehow-much-should-be-paid
Benefit Support
Benefit Checker
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Child Maintenance
https://www.gov.uk/calculate-child-maintenance
Pension Information
https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/employers/managing-a-scheme/contributions-and-funding
Monday, 27 September 2021
Should I have the flu vaccination this winter?
I think this winter a lot of people are going to be asking themselves should I get the flu vaccination?
I think that before you do that just like with an vaccination you should do your research and make sure that you are fit and healthy before doing so. Also remember that some times after any new vaccination you may feel unwell.
So before making your chose I have listed some link(s) below that you may find useful and will help you to make the right chose for you; to stay safe and well this winter.
NSH Website
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
GovUK Website
BBC News Website
Sunday, 26 September 2021
25 Tricks Manufacturers Use But You Won't Fall for It Anymore
Life's too short to waste a second.
Saturday, 18 September 2021
Best Rumi Quotes on Life to Inspire Deeper Connections
5 Things About Grief No One Really Tells You
Charity of the month
Charity of the month, is month we are going to leave it down to our followers what charity they may or may not want to donate to.
Over the years we have aimed to pick a different local charity that we advertise on our blog and also nationwide and worldwide when possible.
Over the past years a lot of local charities in your home town have closed; those that are nation wide and world wide have also struggled.
What we found is a lot of them now do not just rely on foot fall, they also have their own online shops, use social media and companies like eBay and Amazon.
So when you have time to think about supporting the wider community where you live or even people national and oversea please consider to take the time to support a charity.
This could be done in a number of ways, thinks like donating unwanted items, making gifts they could sell, buying items, raising money, volunteering your time.
One thing that we do is try to research the charity to make sure they are register and to find out where the money they receive is used for. This information should be accessible or be able to be obtained upon request.
Thank you.
GovUK Information
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/make-sure-you-know-where-your-charity-donations-are-going
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/managing-charity-finances
How
to complain about a Charity.
https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-charity
Other information
How Charities work?
https://howcharitieswork.com/transparency-and-accountability/charitable-activity/
How are Charities Regulated
https://howcharitieswork.com/transparency-and-accountability/how-charities-are-regulated/
How
Much Do Charities Actually Spend On Good Causes?
https://www.channel4.com/news/factcheck/how-much-charities-spend-good-causes
Other
eBay Charity Shop Link(s)
Friday, 17 September 2021
Daily Routine To Fight Off Depression
Thursday, 16 September 2021
September 2021 Budgeting for the rest of 2021
September 2021 Budgeting for the rest of 2021
Right ok lets go.
The first thing that I have added or made sure works is the link to making a budgeting plan.
I know it may seam like the most easiest thing to do, yet it is something myself I personal struggle with.
with the changes that we are all like to face over the next few months it would not hurt to think about completing one and keeping on on file.
Most of time when I do this it is an estimated figures that I use. The fist time you do this task can be quite time consuming and taxing. Yet it can help and it also means that if you are asked for one in the future you already have on on file.
On the blog there will be an icon to click on I will check to make sure it works, it should also go to a secure sight.*
*Not all links go to what is called a secure sight so make sure you ani-virus is up to date on your device you are using.
If you any any questions then please contact me.
If you are wanting to find your on budget plans template or information there are a lot of useful details on line now, also at your local library and Citizens Advice Centre.*
*Please note that a lot of line support now days wants you to fill in an on line form. I personal would rather keep a paper copy.
September 2021 Updating My Blog
September 2021 Updating My Blog
Right before I move forward I am going to update my blog and make sure that all of the links work and are up to date.
I will also check my pages and posts to make sure that they are all working, up to date and interlink if possible.
September 2021 Mental Health "It's Time To Talk"
Again in the new this week and also on "loose Women" Mental Health, The NSH, GP appointments and operations have been in the new.
Personal the main issues that people are not realizing is money. We have all now been informed about this new NI Tax that will be coming in 2022.
Yet accessing any medical services is a "post code lottery."
This is why I believe that more information needs to be made public so that people can make the choices that are necessary for their own personal heath and wellbeing; to the best of their abilities.
This information may already be available I do not know, a bit like an Ofsted report for a school.
I know that some property websites can give information about what the area that you are looking to live in can offer, like schools, shops, entertainment, crime rate, I am not sure if they offer NHS service and maybe this is something that should be looked into.
The things we need to try and do for our selves are looking at
Births, Marriages and Death.
Divorce, Dementia, Death
School, collage, University
Money, savings, loans, Taxes
Health and Wealth
Employment options
Benefit options
Support Services
I have listed then like this and will look at covering them in my blog(s)
Please feel free to comment or request more information.
Also link on the link(s) that I have listed to they may help.
Remember, research is the key, ask for help and do not be afraid to except it.
Stay safe.
Wednesday, 15 September 2021
The Bees in my garden 2021
I hope you enjoys these videos I did of the bees in my garden this summer.
Tuesday, 14 September 2021
If You Always Wake Up Between 3 - 5AM, Here's Why
8 Signs You're Mentally Breaking Down
Monday, 13 September 2021
September 2021What now?
What will the rest of 2021 have in store for everyone?
With Covid still on the rise, was have a vaccine really just a smoke screen when the elephant was still in the room?
Money.
Just like with any war that effect human life and the economy, it goes to think that every country had its onw figure on the cost of human life. how may could each country afford to let die, how much money could they afford to lose and then make once the cost of a human life was met??
Now I live in the UK so I can only really speak about what was ultimately lost and achieved over the last two years and most of this from my own personal experience and what I have seen and heard.
So I ask myself why?
What have we learned?
What have we gained?
What have we achieved?
I believe that the answers to these questions are [personal ones that we can only ask and answer yourselves.
For me not much changed over this time frame to date and I guess the one thing that I learned it that things I not likely to in the near future either.
Yet this experience would have been different for everyone om a personal level and how we take on board what we may or may not have learned will determine the future,
So for me, my plant for the rest of this year is to live and live each day like it could be my last.
To say I Love You and try not to end the day on an argument.
Also if possible to try and save a at lest 3 months rent just in case we have another lockdown.
Sunday, 12 September 2021
8 Healthy Fruits You Should Be Eating And 8 You Shouldn’t
Tuesday, 7 September 2021
Keep it working for you. Your Kitchen and Garden
Keep it working for you.
One thing that people forget is how to keep the kitchen and the garden working for you.
If you take the time to look on line there are a lot of useful tips that can help you make sure that your kitchen and garden are always working for you 24/7 365/6 days per year.
The first thing that you need to look at is what do you need from a kitchen and a garden?
Are you looking for a short term or for future usage?
The fist thing that you need to look at is
Time
Function
Relaxation
Entertainment
Family/Friends
Pets
Money.
Information About Houseplants
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/fall-garden-guide-for-beginners.htm
Composting information
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/ultimate-beginners-guide-composting.htm
Autumn Garden Allergies – Common Plants That Cause Fall Allergies
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/autumn-garden-allergies.htm