Now Pensions got in touch with me recently. They want to get bloggers (and their readers) thinking about saving for the future – particularly about saving for retirement. And not at some point in the future, but now. They want me to write about my weekly budget and compare this amount with the state pension of £107.45, to see what the difference between the two is, and how my family life would alter if you only had that amount to live … [Read more...]
How to make secret boards on Pinterest
It's been a while coming but Pinterest have just rolled out secret boards. These are boards that will not appear anywhere on Pinterest: you won't see your activity show up, you won't appear in searches, you won't see them on your home page and, crucially, neither will anyone else. So, if you are planning world domination, a secret party, or have been inspired by a pin to create the best idea ever and don't want anyone to steal it (I … [Read more...]
What to do with leftover pumpkins
Children in Need cupcakes 2012
'Tis so the season to make cakes. Which is why I am happy to support Children in Need by baking some (read: many) for various fundraising cake stalls. I note with interest that the charity has had a little re-brand this year though: those spots are looking a lot less uniform in size. So whilst I adore my Pudsey Bear cupcakes for Children in Need last year, I have come up with Children in Need 2012 Cupcakes. You will need: a batch of … [Read more...]
Things to do in London with children this half-term
I was reminded today of how lucky I am to live on the doorstep of London, with all the distraction and entertainment that it offers. When I was younger and based in Yorkshire, London was a place filled with mystery and excitement. If you have a trip planned to make the most of the half-term break, then allow me to make a few suggestions of things to do: 1. Lunch at the Kensington Hotel: set back from the madness around South Kensington station … [Read more...]
Remembrance Day Poppy Button picture
I know that Halloween is all that anyone is really focused on at the moment, but another event looms on the horizon that is much more significant, for me at least. I refer to 11 November 2012. Remembrance Day. The chance to take a moment to think and thank. I think of those whose lives have been directly affected by: the people who have to carry on with their loves whilst war rages around them, who have to give up their homes, lose their … [Read more...]
When shingles came to stay: what happens when a child gets shingles
As I was getting LBG ready for bed one night last week, I noticed a red spot on her chest. Nothing stood out about it particularly, and yet something made me make a mental note to keep an eye on it. The next morning that one spot was dozens of teeny tiny blisters, in clusters, on the right hand side of her chest and back, and we took her to A&E where we learned she had Shingles. In retrospect, the night after I noticed that one spot was … [Read more...]
