tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66832313978563829572024-03-14T05:07:06.712+00:00Little Orange Dog Little Orange Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16767158369491338246noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-6310246716732545042021-08-06T09:00:00.001+01:002021-08-06T09:00:00.204+01:00The Easy Life?<p>We all want an easy life, but what exactly is that and is it really a thing? Does an easy life really exist? It's something I've been pondering on for a while now. This is in part down to a phrase my Mum uses regularly, and partly down to the fact that I am a self confessed over thinker! I really wish I weren't. It drives me quite mad at times (literally on occasion), but it can also give me an insight into things I don't understand (make sure you learn something new everyday) or more often, it gives me an insight into me, who I am and how I process things. However, as always and true to myself, I have gone completely off-track. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0Kl0O9lPJf7edwI72oi7MZpxs82c30ktqdNr5WqdzcLjW0MWWXGT54zm1ttyd2TA-lKXbO3W-WuFWOygN48tqu4nNOxcmUUINvwDTsmU_PyOYm-CbM3uPsoxtgS4FMeRrxKIn-p9kGc/s640/hammock-1031363_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="woman in hammock overlooking mountain view" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0Kl0O9lPJf7edwI72oi7MZpxs82c30ktqdNr5WqdzcLjW0MWWXGT54zm1ttyd2TA-lKXbO3W-WuFWOygN48tqu4nNOxcmUUINvwDTsmU_PyOYm-CbM3uPsoxtgS4FMeRrxKIn-p9kGc/w320-h213/hammock-1031363_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The phrase that triggered this particular bout of overthinking is one which many people probably use, 'It's just one thing after another.' Not a long sentence. Most folk would probably use it as a throw away comment to have a bit of a gripe, but one which nevertheless set my brain into overdrive. You see, I'm not sure life is supposed to be easy. And, what I might consider to be easy, you may not.<span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p>So as you can clearly see, my brain is a bit of minefield, my thought processes are a bit screwy and it often goes off on a weird tangent before returning to the original thought. Trust me, it's never boring in my head! Needless to say, the next thing to pop into my head were lions! I did warn you, but bear with me, this does kind of make sense (I think). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NwkaVdk5GPYlT4sE7DfYruUJxWlepXG4EXWPueRmq1M3wDZ-emfIRLxDuPqWikVZY8D5EvA9ycLFPobFXbJ9-dypKnazUC40JAky_cO2ZCX6pKl0DIislGEKWdy7k81qdn4abguJ_Xo/s640/lions-21787_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="two lions with mountain in the background" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NwkaVdk5GPYlT4sE7DfYruUJxWlepXG4EXWPueRmq1M3wDZ-emfIRLxDuPqWikVZY8D5EvA9ycLFPobFXbJ9-dypKnazUC40JAky_cO2ZCX6pKl0DIislGEKWdy7k81qdn4abguJ_Xo/w320-h213/lions-21787_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>My point is lions do not have an easy life. No wild animal does, but I have never heard a lion complain that their favourite food wasn't available when they wanted it, or indeed, that they've had to go out and chase their food down, which may not even result in a meal, because sometimes dinner gets away. OK, so now I've written it down it doesn't look that relevant, but when you also think about the fact these animals have to deal with the obstacles we humans put in their way (hunting, destruction of their habitat and climate change) perhaps they should complain. <span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><p>Many of the things we complain about are just life happening. Some of those things we can control, some we can't, but if things always went right for us we would never have the opportunity to grow and learn. We wouldn't be able to use our experiences to help others.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmP5dZYMHQI8Az_F2ffmgIr2pqLfdGPcBrSS-P3lXrMY2rrh_z9B8Zfv5xGnlVDAcbOG5z4SnNy3ei_wFJd2dPqowOMBxlv72rZRvsHK2EkQD-M84BUUX6HqmmcHjz7xtq_z2nnY529Y/s1600/Life+is+not+easy+and+comfortable%252C+with+nothing+ever+going+wrong+as+long+as+you+buy+the+right+product.+It%2527s+not+true+that+if+you+have+the+right+insurance+everything+is+going+to+be+fine.+That%2527s+not+what+it%2527s+real+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmP5dZYMHQI8Az_F2ffmgIr2pqLfdGPcBrSS-P3lXrMY2rrh_z9B8Zfv5xGnlVDAcbOG5z4SnNy3ei_wFJd2dPqowOMBxlv72rZRvsHK2EkQD-M84BUUX6HqmmcHjz7xtq_z2nnY529Y/w400-h225/Life+is+not+easy+and+comfortable%252C+with+nothing+ever+going+wrong+as+long+as+you+buy+the+right+product.+It%2527s+not+true+that+if+you+have+the+right+insurance+everything+is+going+to+be+fine.+That%2527s+not+what+it%2527s+real+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> I really do believe that is what we are supposed to do, learn and then be there for our friends and family when they are having a tough time. Some people will need more help than others, but if I have learnt anything over the last few years, it's that even those people who appear to have things easy, don't. You never know what is going on behind closed doors, or what someone's head is telling them. Just because someone is confident and smiling, just because they seem to have all the things we ourselves might like to have, doesn't mean they really have an easy life. They may be caring for a relative, or battling with an illness themselves. They may be having difficulties at work, or perhaps their marriage is in tatters. Life is not easy, no matter who you are or what you do, or do not have!</p><p>I think, sometimes, those of us who write blogs and post on social media don't help. We need to be more honest and open. I scroll through Instagram and I see so many posts depicting 'perfect lives.' My feed is full of bright, showhome worthy rooms, Michelin star worthy food photos, chocolate box cottages and clean, smiling children in the most photo perfect outfits. I don't know about you, but I don't know anyone who has a home that looks quite so perfect, and at least one of my girls constantly had food down her. What we sell as our 'brand' on social media isn't always the whole truth, it is exactly that, a 'brand;' but would people like content less if we showed them a less than perfect life. If we explained the perfect house photo by admitting that actually, before this photo was taken the dog threw up on the carpet, which made the cat jump and run, knocking over the vase of flowers (which if you could see the back of, you'd see now has a massive chip) and don't mention how long it took to clean all of that up! My hunch is, you'd get a whole lot more likes.</p><p>Life isn't easy, nor is it supposed to be. Easy is also like 'normal,' a perception. At school I found maths very difficult, I spent many hours crying over equations etc, but I did find French easy. You may not have done. For some adults, filling out a form is just an easy piece of paper to get out of the way, for others it is overwhelming. Of course, for all of us there are things that make life very difficult and cause stress, things we could genuinely do without, like an unexpected bill or a major health scare. These are not the things I'm talking about, but these are the things we need to be ready to help others with in whatever way we are able. The things I'm talking about are the little things. The things we think will make our lives easier, but which in reality, would only temporarily fill a gap. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKpD-Fvx_D2U9-0EZqtb-z01zcBg6Aq5f-34_3ZxwfW2cZOWBijLTvQGlT7xrUSk9zI8M-Jw44gYVnBxkT8C5V2cp_TjnHXe7brGijEoamixM7mUBchxsZGhhOvpIHn8u_EKMn5IaZpw/s1080/Life+is+not+a+problem+to+be+solved%252C+but+a+reality+to+be+experienced..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKpD-Fvx_D2U9-0EZqtb-z01zcBg6Aq5f-34_3ZxwfW2cZOWBijLTvQGlT7xrUSk9zI8M-Jw44gYVnBxkT8C5V2cp_TjnHXe7brGijEoamixM7mUBchxsZGhhOvpIHn8u_EKMn5IaZpw/w200-h200/Life+is+not+a+problem+to+be+solved%252C+but+a+reality+to+be+experienced..png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>I wonder if perhaps, what we really want is a simple life. A life where kindness, empathy and friendship abound. A life where we look out for one another. A life where we don't walk away when we see someone is struggling, but we pick them up and walk with them. A life where we learn from one another, rather than judging one another. A life where we are all a little more honest and open about our lives and the struggles we face, rather than trying to project an image we think the world wants to see.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi456EHOVu7R50xcCDq0mQIf2k5Tog7EFNffa2YTKcXDYCKuAcs_T-AgKdg7CXLhv_WNfc4ZnNoROPPkWVsOHAzJyVQmWzrtl-frgnvVPyPowhxJs_rRu3KlBEwZclGdenOrZDrDvmr8Jo/s200/picmonkey+badge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="145" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi456EHOVu7R50xcCDq0mQIf2k5Tog7EFNffa2YTKcXDYCKuAcs_T-AgKdg7CXLhv_WNfc4ZnNoROPPkWVsOHAzJyVQmWzrtl-frgnvVPyPowhxJs_rRu3KlBEwZclGdenOrZDrDvmr8Jo/s0/picmonkey+badge.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Little Orange Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16767158369491338246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-63875332033749918542021-08-04T09:30:00.001+01:002021-08-04T09:30:00.200+01:00Celebrating Wednesday's #38<p>Good morning everyone and welcome to the middle of another week. I'm never sure whether I'm nearer to the end of the week, or just a little further away from Monday, if that makes any sense, which it probably doesn't. Either way, it's Wednesday and on Wednesday, we do like to give you a little something to celebrate, or at the very least, ponder upon and this week is no exception.</p><p>I have to say, this Wednesday is very spoilt with not one, but four things to celebrate. You could have had Coast Guard Day (very apt for the summer break), Single Working Women's Day or (and I was very tempted by this one) Assistance Dog Day. It wasn't an easy decision to make, but in the end I settled for the fourth option, which I think you'll love.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgycgkhXjmE1nP2ZXYCsWXuS0xuTzec-Amr900chTHqIcDPmoq_K0vV9fXOlDPHLnabzr4c2OBX-wim4-Tghi35Sa1aRLzlWf9cn6gC9-KLZCKnypFNYoXRCAq5Jvx-U1eazbdliCCUH8/s400/Celebrating+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="celebrating wednesday's logo" border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="400" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgycgkhXjmE1nP2ZXYCsWXuS0xuTzec-Amr900chTHqIcDPmoq_K0vV9fXOlDPHLnabzr4c2OBX-wim4-Tghi35Sa1aRLzlWf9cn6gC9-KLZCKnypFNYoXRCAq5Jvx-U1eazbdliCCUH8/w320-h160/Celebrating+%25281%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>So, if we're not celebrating, dogs, coastguards or single women in the workplace, what are we celebrating? </p><p>Well today, Wednesday 4th August, we are celebrating...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>International Clouded Leopard Day</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I opted for this topic, because the plight of endangered animals is important, but also, I am a Kent girl, born and bred and the two organisers of this day are carnivore keepers at <a href="https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/?_ga=2.17113786.282093466.1627495871-787557597.1627495871" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Howlett's Wild Animal Park</a> in Kent; a place I have visited many times over the years and somewhere which I know works very hard to breed animals and return them to their native environment. To learn more about their conservation work please click <a href="https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/the-aspinall-foundation/?_ga=2.257314568.282093466.1627495871-787557597.1627495871" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Now, I am not a clouded leopard expert, in fact my knowledge thus far extends to knowing they belong to the feline family, have very sharp teeth and as cute as they may be as kittens, I wouldn't fancy sharing my home with a full grown one. I'm also not sure that our little orange dog wouldn't end up being a snack for one. <span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyOIq-U-XGGP2ay96AdgRRJdCf4SShrhxQ9EsPa3-opku6yyQ-mS6oj0v7x4GWrlecqX-9mQjBePqSy53p72JAeVo9Iqebx7Gnjj9ZNfPHa46JSnh5ymANggMLCArBymIGz__m04wBaQ/s640/animal-84470_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clouded Leopard" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyOIq-U-XGGP2ay96AdgRRJdCf4SShrhxQ9EsPa3-opku6yyQ-mS6oj0v7x4GWrlecqX-9mQjBePqSy53p72JAeVo9Iqebx7Gnjj9ZNfPHa46JSnh5ymANggMLCArBymIGz__m04wBaQ/w320-h213/animal-84470_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Even though I can't wow you with a barrage of Cloud Leopard facts, I can tell you that this is a 'vulnerable' species, so the work being done to protect them is crucial. We have done so much to destroy not just the environment of our wild animals, but we have hunted many to the brink of extinction. So whilst this little cat is not yet endangered, the work being done by the people behind <a href="https://www.internationalcloudedleopardday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">International Cloud Leopard Day</a> is crucial to preventing that from happening. I would urge you to follow the previous link and take a look at their site yourself and learn just how much we still have to learn about this beautiful, shy cat.</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you fancy seeing some close up (or as close as is possible to get) and if you happen to be in Kent as a resident or visitor, you can find 15 of them at Howletts. If you are on holiday in my home county and looking for somewhere to go, this would be my number one recommendation, just be prepared to do a fair bit of walking.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Fancy adopting a Clouded Leopard for yourself, or for an animal crazy friend or family member? You can do so here:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://shop.aspinallfoundation.org/collections/animal-adoptions/products/adopt-matsi-the-clouded-leopard" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aspinall Foundation</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk/product/clouded-leopard-adoption/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shepreth Wildlife Park</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I hope you've found this wild animal as endearing as I have, and I hope it's brightened up your Wednesday just a little bit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi456EHOVu7R50xcCDq0mQIf2k5Tog7EFNffa2YTKcXDYCKuAcs_T-AgKdg7CXLhv_WNfc4ZnNoROPPkWVsOHAzJyVQmWzrtl-frgnvVPyPowhxJs_rRu3KlBEwZclGdenOrZDrDvmr8Jo/s200/picmonkey+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi456EHOVu7R50xcCDq0mQIf2k5Tog7EFNffa2YTKcXDYCKuAcs_T-AgKdg7CXLhv_WNfc4ZnNoROPPkWVsOHAzJyVQmWzrtl-frgnvVPyPowhxJs_rRu3KlBEwZclGdenOrZDrDvmr8Jo/s0/picmonkey+badge.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Little Orange Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16767158369491338246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-20750350016954711442021-07-28T15:34:00.000+01:002021-07-28T15:34:14.661+01:00Celebrating Wednesday's #37<p>It's been a very long time since last we posted, and even longer since we actually celebrated a Wednesday! What can I say, the past couple of years have been a journey and a half, which I will expand upon in another, more appropriate post; for now, let's just say, it's been a stressful time.</p><p>However, we're back now and easing our way back into the blogging world. Forgive me for being a little rusty. I had been pondering, somewhat on what might be the best way to get back into things and after a wee bit of research (ok, research is a bit of a lie, I actually stumbled across something) I discovered that today, Wednesday 28th July is a really rather special day indeed and one which frankly, should be very easy to celebrate, for most of us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz2Ev-VwFUjWOohRhSn9jqCvbtqnQqp93BLmY7q7l0ml3cVVm_-3or85cEav96RVydrQXvpyXVPD3riptm8BKp9-YDardjRwqEF3m1FSB7Pzzr5pfsS5wWX9i0RLFb7Sit94OVBb80WE/s400/Celebrating+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="400" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz2Ev-VwFUjWOohRhSn9jqCvbtqnQqp93BLmY7q7l0ml3cVVm_-3or85cEav96RVydrQXvpyXVPD3riptm8BKp9-YDardjRwqEF3m1FSB7Pzzr5pfsS5wWX9i0RLFb7Sit94OVBb80WE/w374-h187/Celebrating+%25281%2529.png" width="374" /></a></div><br /><p>What can I say, here in Blighty (at least in the East) it is currently grey and wet. It is a day for staying indoors, watching TV, reading a book, sipping a hot drink and celebrating...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Milk Chocolate Day!</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Now, I do have some of the gorgeous sweet stuff in the house, but how I wish I'd done my research before I ventured into town and walked straight past Hotel Chocolat, not once, but four times (not my fault, I moved during lockdown and still don't know where everything is yet). At the time, I thought I was being very self disciplined and was feeling a little smug at how strong I was being, in hindsight, I can see I made a massive faux pas! Today of all days requires a little more than a Freddo and yet here I am, with only a Freddo to raise in honour of Milk Chocolate Day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWZZ6C6Dj_o11j31I5dBJwUYfQmnw7DA2ry-w4hcsCnK_5cXPBnmrJfTSuO_jVoCzJ88tIyWQxfPZKXBgsN4qbpuKcYgzuiIxDVRcyaAmn0aw_MvR4-wGKYv1dW0S4ioEAF-6CU7Vnjc/s640/chocolates-1200318_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chocolate bars" border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="640" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWZZ6C6Dj_o11j31I5dBJwUYfQmnw7DA2ry-w4hcsCnK_5cXPBnmrJfTSuO_jVoCzJ88tIyWQxfPZKXBgsN4qbpuKcYgzuiIxDVRcyaAmn0aw_MvR4-wGKYv1dW0S4ioEAF-6CU7Vnjc/w320-h90/chocolates-1200318_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>I would venture out to the local shop and get something a little more substantial and worthy of such a special day, but like I said, it's grey and wet out and I really don't fancy get caught in a downpour. However, I will make sure that I absolutely make a huge, belated effort tomorrow and maybe the day after too, just to be certain I've done today proud.<div><br /></div><div>So the question is, how are you going to celebrate Milk Chocolate Day? Will you brave the Great British Summer and stock up on your favourite bar, or box of chocolates, or will you bake a cake? Maybe you're more of a chocolate ice cream person, or perhaps you'd rather cosy up on the sofa with a hot chocolate.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi-safzcwofWYgev8M21Oxpv41pGHnpUoF7hOmDfDhmbrqiV13JFSTboHslV65BVHHLZ6Ltl-NBZKIxeF0yx9FGlDi_c9CjXVgwqpn5NzCEKTfbvyYqwhiOaTGONZzcY9m3hv9oWcHxU/s640/ice-2367072_640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chocolate ice cream cones" border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi-safzcwofWYgev8M21Oxpv41pGHnpUoF7hOmDfDhmbrqiV13JFSTboHslV65BVHHLZ6Ltl-NBZKIxeF0yx9FGlDi_c9CjXVgwqpn5NzCEKTfbvyYqwhiOaTGONZzcY9m3hv9oWcHxU/w320-h240/ice-2367072_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>However you choose to celebrate this sweet day, enjoy and try not to over indulge too much. As for me, I shall be raising not one, but two Freddo's to the day!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK6Tg0IUNZ0A8OMOsTd0_NUhjH2n601eeCtgg7JR0W1sqZmDvsKVV2uQE0P-4HaioK2xDEF858uX4DSycGdAoK1kFMdX6kyFHErQfku8NbPRSAMzjr5P4JUCquQJMr5PNZW8lp23diEY/s200/picmonkey+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ruby cavalier king charles spaniel" border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="145" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK6Tg0IUNZ0A8OMOsTd0_NUhjH2n601eeCtgg7JR0W1sqZmDvsKVV2uQE0P-4HaioK2xDEF858uX4DSycGdAoK1kFMdX6kyFHErQfku8NbPRSAMzjr5P4JUCquQJMr5PNZW8lp23diEY/w145-h200/picmonkey+badge.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></div>Little Orange Doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16767158369491338246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-73858188585141526872019-12-06T09:30:00.000+00:002019-12-06T09:30:01.374+00:00The Matchmaker - A Book Review<br />
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I absolutely love the idea of matchmaking. I also love Fred
from ‘First Dates,’ I mean who can resist a smart man with a gorgeous French
accent? Honestly, I could quite happily listen to him chat away in French or English, all day long. Anyway, as usual I have digressed, but there is a point to my slight aside, since I have been very fortunate to be gifted a copy of The Matchmaker to read in exchange for an honest and unbiased review; and given that it is inspired by the aforementioned show, I was suitably excited and extremely happy to have the opportunity to do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since Innes works for Cosmopolitan as their Features Director, I had very high hopes
for the standard of writing and story construction (back in the day, I was a huge Cosmo fan) and I can say hand on
heart, I was not disappointed. From the very first paragraph, she draws you
into the story, endearing you to the central character, Caitlin Carter, who disillusioned
with her career in PR, sets up her own business as a Matchmaker. She is inspired to follow this path having met and married the love of her love Harry, and having a natural ability to know, just who will click with whom. These two things make Catlin very successful and her business, goes from strength to strength, with people eager to sign up and an Instagram account aspiring bloggers would give their right arm for! However, as we read on, it becomes clear, all is not as it seems to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I really enjoyed this book. Actually, I enjoyed it so much, I really didn't want to finish it and found myself missing Caitlin, her friends and her story; which makes writing a review
horrendously difficult. What I want to do is blurt out the entire story to you,
but obviously I can’t do that because that would completely ruin it for you. What I can do, is tell you that this
is a well written book; the story flows effortlessly, the characters are well thought
out and are easy to relate to (worryingly, I found I related most to Caitlin during a visit to the zoo - you'll need to read the book to find out what I mean). I particularly loved the way Innes cleverly drops breadcrumbs, letting the reader know that something is off, giving clues the further into the story we go, but without ruining the twist once it is finally revealed in full.</div>
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<o:p></o:p>This isn’t the rom com I thought it was going to be, this is a journey of self
discovery, friendship, support, family and change. There are highs and lows, laughter and tears, and holding it all together is love in all it's forms. If you are looking for a story to inspire you and remind you that even in the darkest times, hope's light still shines, then this is for you. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Matchmaker is now available in paperback RRP £8.99.</div>
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<br />little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-44332027909781319402019-11-04T14:21:00.000+00:002019-11-04T14:21:37.003+00:00Alternative Christmas Gift Guide - Part 2We made an early start on the Christmas gift guide this year, with some ideas which will help benefit our climate. If you missed it you can catch up <a href="http://www.littleorangedog.co.uk/2019/10/alternative-christmas-gifts.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. That post was inspired by my sixteen year old daughter, Miss. D, who was concerned about the destruction of the rainforest and now wants to gift everyone a tree planted in the rainforest. Her idea made me wonder what else could be gifted to people, which ultimately would benefit our planet. However, there are other gifts you can give to the folk who have it all, which benefit communities.<br />
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Gifts which benefit communities are a great idea for those hard to buy for people. As you can often match them up to interests or professions. As a family, we have used these in the past and I would highly recommend them.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The range of gifts you can give is extensive and there is literally something for everyone. In the past I have found it particularly useful for the inevitable Teacher's gift. Now, to all you parents with teeny tots in Reception, this is going to come as a shock, but there are only so many smelly things, chocolates, bottles of wine and 'Best Teacher' mugs one man or woman needs. So, what can you get as an alternative for these lovely ladies and gents? Well here's just a wee selection. Some you can do alone, or you could get together with other parents and give a bigger gift to the school:<br />
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<li>For £15 you could help a child access education with <a href="https://charity-gifts.christianaid.org.uk/products/send-child-school" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christian Aid</a></li>
<li>If you particularly want to help a girl access education you can do so for £20 with <a href="https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/oxfam-unwrapped/charity-gift-card/education-for-girls-ou9009in" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oxfam Unwrapped</a></li>
<li><a href="https://market.unicef.org.uk/inspired-gifts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unicef Market</a> offer a huge range of gifts, you'll need to filter it by Gifts for Teachers, but gifts range from £15.50 for five school backpacks to £170 for a preschool in a box.</li>
<li>Every school needs a library. For £27 <a href="https://musthavegifts.org/collections/all/products/mini-library" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Vision</a> will provide a school with a mini library.</li>
<li>Some children miss out on school because they don't have a uniform, for £11 <a href="https://www.giftsinaction.org.uk/gift/school-uniform" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ActionAid</a> provide a uniform and, therefore, access to education.</li>
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Moving on to the farmers and gardeners in your life; there are a few bits you can get for them too, and my favourite, by a mile (may have to buy this for the OH) is listed first:</div>
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<li>£12, yes just £12 will let you give your loved one a pile of poo, courtesy of <a href="https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/oxfam-unwrapped/charity-gift-card/pile-of-poo-ou1007ml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oxfam Unwrapped</a>. Please note, this is actually to do with composting, your loved one will not receive an actual pile of poo.</li>
<li>£14 can help you to help a local community and help fight climate change with the gift of fruit tree saplings and seeds, from <a href="https://charity-gifts.christianaid.org.uk/collections/the-eco-warrior/products/fruit-trees" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christian Aid</a></li>
<li>From <a href="https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/oxfam-unwrapped/charity-gift-card/fantastic-farmyard-ou1003ml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oxfam</a> again, at the top end of the scale, £250 will help someone gain training as a farmer and get the skills they need to feed their family.</li>
<li>Help a family start their own wee kitchen garden for £24 with <a href="https://musthavegifts.org/collections/all/products/kitchen-garden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Vision</a></li>
<li>We all know how important bees are to our eco system, <a href="https://www.giftsinaction.org.uk/gifts/list/category/34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ActionAid</a> provide everything from a beehive, to training to keep bees from £35 to £150.</li>
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There are so many different gifts you can give, each and every one of which will make a real difference to someone living in another country. Know a plumber? You can gift them a toilet, or a water pump to deliver clean, safe water. There are vaccines, midwifery kits and mobile clinics for those working in medicine. </div>
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Meanwhile back in Blighty, there are many, many people living in poverty. Here are a few UK charities you can also support this year:</div>
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<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Salvation Army </a>are running their Christmas Present Appeal.</li>
<li><a href="https://giftshop.redcross.org.uk/pages/gifts-of-kindness" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Red Cross</a> also have a Gifts of Kindness page where you can choose a particular UK region to support or choose to support refugees.</li>
<li>Which child doesn't love a letter from Santa? Now you can make your child's wish come true and help the <a href="https://letterfromsanta.nspcc.org.uk/letter-from-santa?_ga=2.215020311.1471594457.1572869457-1242122586.1572869457&_gac=1.218002020.1572869458.Cj0KCQiAtf_tBRDtARIsAIbAKe3shWD-zh7-EsOOiA_YJPoBkiaPu88WrbfFjdmMaVkVP38YphlfNeAaAm9rEALw_wcB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NSPCC</a> support the most vulnerable children in our society with their Letter from Santa. </li>
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We hope our list has inspired you to share some of the Christmas spirit with those less fortunate. Christmas is just one day, but these gifts are ones which will have a much longer lasting effect. </div>
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<b><i>Please note this is not a sponsored post. No payment or gift has been received and the views are our own.</i></b></div>
little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-69639825135306741142019-10-30T12:58:00.000+00:002019-11-05T09:09:55.333+00:00Diamonds Are a Girl's Best FriendEveryone needs a best friend. It doesn't really matter who that friend is, just so long as they're kind, loyal, listen, make you laugh and you have each others backs, because that's what friends do. I am really lucky to have some amazing friends. People who have got me through the toughest of times, people who are always there for me and who I hope, I am always there for too. They are everything friends should be, even though I've never met many of them. They are my Tweeps. A community of friends on Twitter. Some are other bloggers, others are authors, others are just fabulous people who like to socialise with like-minded folk!<br />
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As 'real-life' friends go, I have few and that suits me just fine. Quality rather than quantity; and those I do have are the best of the best. Which given the way things are going at the moment is a flipping good thing. Yes, a true friend is worth their weight in gold and one or two of mine really have been absolute diamonds this past week.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>It's fair to say, after a rather fun weekend and another week of half term to come, what should have been a good week, went a tad pear shaped. What is it with holidays and illness? I swear I'm fine all the time I keep going, but the minute I think it's safe to relax, I am overcome with germs. I'm almost certain the little buggers hide, lying in wait for the optimum time to infect me.<br />
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Last week they attacked on Tuesday, with a rather nasty and severe bout of Cystitis! OMG ladies! Not something I suffer from often, in fact, only once have I suffered it. Good grief, I drink a whole lot of tea, so it's a bit of a running joke how many times I need to visit the ladies room. Last week, I swear to goodness, I covered more miles than Mo Farrah does on a marathon run! The dog was less than impressed as he didn't get a walk and didn't seem to understand that unlike he, I am not able to just stop and pee up every bloody lamp post, blade of grass, bin and hedge we pass, though I could have done, that's how bad it was! Needless to say, he did his best, 'I'm feeling neglected,' look all day long and I wore a well trodden path from the lounge to the 'wee' small girls room (pun intended). Thankfully, the GP was fabulous and by the end of the day I had a course of antibiotics.<br />
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It should all have started to improve after that, but no. No, the germs were really out to get me and having heard me tell Miss. D that we would go to visit grandad in hospital on Wednesday, they pounced upon me once more, with the cold to end all colds! OK it wasn't that bad, but it was bad enough that the hospital was quite adamant that I could not visit. Fair enough really, it wouldn't have gone down well had I infected the entire cardiac ward. Thankfully, Dad has recovered and is home, though he's not at all happy because he is not allowed to do much.<br />
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By this point, I have to confess to feeling just a tad sorry for myself. I don't like being ill, it's very annoying, not to mention inconvenient. However, it got worse. No, I didn't go down with anything else thankfully, the phone call I received was enough to scare any scheming germs well away. The Estate Agent called with what I thought was an update. The chain is now complete and there is only a tiny bit of paperwork left for the solicitors to complete, but rather than an update, he dropped the bombshell that the buyers at the bottom of the chain have pulled out! Excuse my french here, but WTF! Really! They've been pushing for a while, but I stupidly assumed since we were now a complete chain they'd hold on for the last few weeks. I'm still not sure how I feel. Part of me is absoflippinglutely livid! Part of me is trying to be more understanding, because let's face it, life happens. To be fair, more of me is understanding now, but it's still very annoying. On the bright side, at least everyone else in the chain is ready and wanting to go, and I have longer to pack.<br />
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The problem for me is, all these silly little things add up and my poor little head goes into overdrive. Anxiety begins to kick in and I start to feel scared, teary and well, a bit low. And that's where a girls best friend comes in. I'm not on my own. I may have less 'real life' friends in my support network now, but I have friends who are always on hand. Friends who also live with mental illness and understand how silly little things can seem like huge obstacles. We look out for one another. We know what to say and what not to say. Sometimes, all that's needed is a silly gif. Sometimes, it's a somewhat over enthusiastic hug.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMssuZWk3pLsXHMx0AE5f-wSRnfKN5yJfl5X32e70t01Bs0Pinlrej65SY-hsDH0IHTXC_bibaYQVSz7Of5EAFYCsaROv7GShYbRGmxZ1lXURujfyze2POOGy7bkSmiwjnxaFnZJKOY4/s1600/Tia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Black and Tan Dog" border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="1600" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMssuZWk3pLsXHMx0AE5f-wSRnfKN5yJfl5X32e70t01Bs0Pinlrej65SY-hsDH0IHTXC_bibaYQVSz7Of5EAFYCsaROv7GShYbRGmxZ1lXURujfyze2POOGy7bkSmiwjnxaFnZJKOY4/s320/Tia.jpg" title="Black and Tan Dog" width="320" /></a></div>
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Meet one of my bestest (yes, I know that's not a real word) friends in the whole world, Tia! Tia lives next door with Molly (also a doggy) and their humans; who also happen to be the best friends in the world. Tia's human dad makes a rather fabulous G&T and her human mum is lovely and almost as bonkers crazy as myself. We go out most evenings with all three dogs and after the events of the week, I was feeling just a tad delicate (mentally). Tia's human mum gave me a hug whilst we were out on our walk because my eyes sprung a leak. Tia decided, at least I like to think she decided, that I needed some Tia love and hugs. Now I am a great believer in the power of pooches to make you feel better, but I'm not sure that Miss Tia's attempts worked out quite as intended. As you can see, if you know your dogs, she is part greyhound, which means she's bloody fast. She's also young, so still very excitable. Now, combine said speed with said excited enthusiasm and you have a recipe for disaster. There I am wiping my leaky eyes, when out of no where a blur of black and tan love comes flying towards me, before jumping up to give me a much needed hug. Which sounds lovely, except Tia doesn't understand basic physics and clearly hadn't factored in speed and force. I've fallen backwards (fairly gracefully, so I'm told) in to a heap, my fall broken by a soft pile of leaves (thank goodness it was just leaves and not dog poo) and a young sapling. Tia ran off again, having showered me with love, leaving her human looking absolutely mortified, and myself sat in a heap with my eyes leaking once more, but this time because I'm laughing so much. Oh and my boobs were covered in muddy paw prints (I'm told it's all the rage on the Paris Catwalks).<br />
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It has to be said, that young Miss Tia really did knock the anxiety out of me. I'm feeling much, much happier now. I'm still chuckling to myself , because it was very, very funny. It was one of those priceless moments that money can't buy, although it could have made us £250 with You've Been Framed, if only we had caught it on film, but you can't have everything and I now have a fabulously funny memory to think back on next time I'm starting to feel a little stressed.<br />
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And that is what friendship is all about. Looking out for one another, helping one another, laughing at and with one another, sharing, caring and making memories. And friends, really do come in all shapes, sizes and species, but the good ones are all diamonds!<br />
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<a href="http://www.confessionsofanewmummy.co.uk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Confessions of a New Mummy" height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/mnkhPRJ.png" width="320" /></a></div>
little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-26393042316210680802019-10-21T09:00:00.000+01:002019-10-21T09:00:09.301+01:00Beauty Sleep - A Review<br />
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It’s no secret, my favourite animal is a sloth. I adore
them. They are so cute and friendly looking; they don’t rush to do anything,
and they do like to sleep. Perhaps that is why I like them so much, because I
do like my sleep. My bed is one of my favourite places to be. It’s warm, it’s
cosy and it’s comfy. The perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep; which is
good, because much as I love sloths, sleeping hanging from a tree is not an
option for me and even if it were, let’s face it, I wouldn’t last five seconds
before falling to the ground in a big heap. I’d need a very big crash mat
beneath my tree, or at the very list a nice soft, comfy bunch of pillows.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Speaking of pillows, it is so important to have a good one
on which to rest your weary head at the end of a busy day. There is nothing
worse than tossing and turning all night because your pillow isn’t right and
then waking up with a pain in the neck (and no, I am not referring to your
other half). Yes, the right pillow really can make all the difference.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What can make an even bigger difference though, is your
pillowcase? OK so I realise you think I’ve gone completely mad, but bear with
me here and I will endeavour to explain to you.</div>
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Many years ago, whilst working as a receptionist in the ‘Big
Smoke,’ a colleague mentioned her mother was desperate to get a silk
pillowcase, because it was supposed to help prevent wrinkles. At the time I was
in my early 30’s and didn’t really think anything of it. Afterall, I have been
blessed with good genes and wrinkles were not a concern. If I’m honest, it
seemed like something of an unnecessary indulgence. Now fast approaching my
50’s, I have changed my mind!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8flg7P65lz47bjKcJ4t689s9_qeMFQZYzlY4dDIh7KB34rsSoTVBsY-GQt_0RDYFsOPsDMCz0V5GYHlM2b_-TzBf5YbCzc2XUThyphenhyphencfwC12pPZ3Tl2ILJbPRZw_vZPd6ZY-LhI87TleU/s1600/Pillowcase2+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="445" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8flg7P65lz47bjKcJ4t689s9_qeMFQZYzlY4dDIh7KB34rsSoTVBsY-GQt_0RDYFsOPsDMCz0V5GYHlM2b_-TzBf5YbCzc2XUThyphenhyphencfwC12pPZ3Tl2ILJbPRZw_vZPd6ZY-LhI87TleU/s320/Pillowcase2+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, my mind is indeed changed, but for 48 years old, I am still
very fortunate not to have too many lines at all, and if I can keep it that
way, then I certainly shall. I take care of my skin, but sometimes I wake up
with those horrific pillow lines on my face. Not pretty and they take ages to
go, so when I was given the opportunity to try out a luxurious silk pillowcase
for myself by the lovely folk over at Calidad Home, I jumped at the
chance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was sent a pillowcase in ivory, but they come in a range
of colours. Now, forgive me because I am not that ‘au fait,’ in all
things silk, so I have had to do a little bit of research and in doing so, have
discovered that the highest quality of silk available is Mulberry and the
quality of silk is measured in momme (which I have learnt is a Japanese word,
pronounced ‘moe mie’). So back on track and I can tell you that as well as
coming in a range of colours, the Calidad Home pillowcases are absolutely the
best quality you can get. They are 100% Mulberry silk, so no compromise there
and they have a momme rating of 22 (which I believe makes it medium weight).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, enough of that, because I am all too aware that all
you really want to know is how did said pillowcase perform. Well I am pleased
to tell you very well indeed. From the moment I rested my head on it, it felt
fabulous; soft and cool and incredibly comfortable. Unlike my cotton
pillowcase, I was completely unaware of any creases in the pillow when I turned
over and unlike my cotton pillowcase, I didn’t find myself overheating, so I
slept really, well. It gets better though. When I woke in the morning, I didn’t
have a single pillow crease on my 48 year old face and an added bonus, no bed
head! Yes, you read that correctly, absolutely no bed head. I have a lot of very
fine shoulder length hair and believe me, you do not want to see that first
thing in the morning, it is literally everywhere. The <a href="https://www.silkpillowcase.co.uk/does-a-silk-pillowcase-help-with-wrinkles/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calidad Home</a> silk
pillowcase has well and truly banished bed head though, so that’s a huge thumbs
up from me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8AvJ26aICoOBjcEy8sg-m-NI8a7_AWno6TMr6NrjAtio0wiyI5TQa4nIwLoWn_6DXLwGq05x8Gu5D_ZELKcCICKKjz3wNeVmIakloN3CwLEj41pve9yftb2IijFoT3POOEjozXwC7U4/s1600/Pillowcase3+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Calidad Home Silk Pillowcase in Ivory" border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="594" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8AvJ26aICoOBjcEy8sg-m-NI8a7_AWno6TMr6NrjAtio0wiyI5TQa4nIwLoWn_6DXLwGq05x8Gu5D_ZELKcCICKKjz3wNeVmIakloN3CwLEj41pve9yftb2IijFoT3POOEjozXwC7U4/s320/Pillowcase3+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Calidad Home Silk Pillowcase in Ivory" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calidad Home Silk Pillowcase in Ivory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Now the practicalities. The pillowcase came beautifully
presented and I was thrilled to find rather than a traditional envelope style
opening, this pillowcase has a very handy zip, making it so much easier to get
the pillow in and out. It also has a cute little tag on the outside, which I’m rather
fond of, because I like things like that. Finally, and most importantly, it’s
easy to wash. All you need to do is pop it in the machine on a 30 degree wash,
but please do not tumble dry it.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nSEwyTe9L9xiWHqgpKknJXY9meMjOWdynZNRaGdKYi0E0htRJvH_dU7zFew_mlYpEoKECFM-kS1R0EY8UN-YZyDkma3Rc7_8Mz1s1CGYrZiW_yEyYxSGI-Qq4I4J0fpDUze25gIybXg/s1600/Pillowcase4+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Calidad Silk Pillowcase - Zip Fastening" border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="362" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nSEwyTe9L9xiWHqgpKknJXY9meMjOWdynZNRaGdKYi0E0htRJvH_dU7zFew_mlYpEoKECFM-kS1R0EY8UN-YZyDkma3Rc7_8Mz1s1CGYrZiW_yEyYxSGI-Qq4I4J0fpDUze25gIybXg/s320/Pillowcase4+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Calidad Silk Pillowcase - Zip Fastening" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calidad Silk Pillowcase - Zip Fastening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It’s fair to say, I am absolutely sold on this pillowcase.
Yes, it is more expensive than a cotton pillowcase, but the benefits really are
worth it. Us girls rarely think twice about spending a small fortune on lotions
and potions to help protect our skin from the inevitable ageing process, and we
keep paying out month after month, without a single thought. This pillowcase,
if you care for it properly, will last you considerably longer than any
moisturiser or serum so I would absolutely recommend investing in one as part
of your skin care regime.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64z7cY-uPZamIWylYwao1nfMJzwfqry2TvEw-EtcU-UAfIVkvlJHOgGZDk9RPwi6T7PAaZEY_0pdGI-widsDBSxl4kMW8I19tjQT6EiA_syeN-RRBdtPsAvdrd-gDcPiG53vsRTz3PWc/s1600/Pillowcase4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Calidad Home Silk Pillowcase - Label" border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="389" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64z7cY-uPZamIWylYwao1nfMJzwfqry2TvEw-EtcU-UAfIVkvlJHOgGZDk9RPwi6T7PAaZEY_0pdGI-widsDBSxl4kMW8I19tjQT6EiA_syeN-RRBdtPsAvdrd-gDcPiG53vsRTz3PWc/s320/Pillowcase4.jpg" title="Calidad Home Silk Pillowcase - Label" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calidad Home Silk Pillowcase - Label</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Follow this link to <a href="https://www.silkpillowcase.co.uk/product-category/silk-pillowcase/22-momme-silk-pillowcase/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">find out more</a>.<br />
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<br />little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-59287911112178615792019-10-15T12:56:00.000+01:002019-10-24T09:58:46.285+01:00Alternative Christmas GiftsYep, I know, we're all desperately trying to forget that it's just around the corner, but it's now reached a point where trying to hide from Christmas in the supermarkets, High Streets and online stores is well and truly, absobloominglutely impossible (trust me, I've tried). Only yesterday in Morrisons (other supermarkets are available), was I bombarded by Christmas gifts shouting at me from one side of the aisle, whilst the other side was full of Halloween themed items; which might I add, did not look too impressed at having their thunder stolen by a holiday two months away!<br />
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Anyway, that aside, there really is no escaping it, so we may just as well embrace it and start preparing, or not, because if I'm honest, the last thing I actually want to do is start buying presents only to have to pack them for the impending house move, to then lose the bloody things and find them again in six summer's time! Miss. D, though has come up with a solution, so Christmas preparations can indeed begin soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfZVofOKo76MyLSOPS940TDScpNPiWEA0ititqjW9gWe09z5PXwpmzpe5tVU_Ti4dgb9kTXXNmvKfbad_I6NAiCBXejzqPXbAxG64bseLRr8iAOGyvcaGGoQhUcsIuAF7e3lhONxdeoM/s1600/christmas-3026688_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas gifts wrapped in brown paper and tied with string" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfZVofOKo76MyLSOPS940TDScpNPiWEA0ititqjW9gWe09z5PXwpmzpe5tVU_Ti4dgb9kTXXNmvKfbad_I6NAiCBXejzqPXbAxG64bseLRr8iAOGyvcaGGoQhUcsIuAF7e3lhONxdeoM/s320/christmas-3026688_640.jpg" title="Christmas Gifts" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>Some months ago, Miss. D came up with a fabulous idea, inspired by the tragic fires in the Amazon. She decided that this year for Christmas, everyone should have a tree planted to help rebuild the rainforest. Of course, being sixteen years old, and tech savvy, the job of researching said gift was left to the 'Great Gift Finding Fairy' aka 'Mum,' because that's what mum's do! And so, <i>I</i> spent an evening trying to find a way to put <i>her</i> inspired plan into action. Here's what I found, along with a few other ideas of gifts that will help conserve our planet and her wildlife.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVXXGCX5OsgpQUFVFYVGHaYrBtY16QhPao-UdKHwa00ewNy9sru58FbNp-J6ULu9unBKNm1NEIolLJSauqZ7ZNzrsH_UFNn6gvZFv8G_-EDYl8RCdUzFzo0lOmeRr8W3tr8zuG4MNrdc/s1600/environmental-protection-683437_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tree in a broken globe" border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVXXGCX5OsgpQUFVFYVGHaYrBtY16QhPao-UdKHwa00ewNy9sru58FbNp-J6ULu9unBKNm1NEIolLJSauqZ7ZNzrsH_UFNn6gvZFv8G_-EDYl8RCdUzFzo0lOmeRr8W3tr8zuG4MNrdc/s320/environmental-protection-683437_640.jpg" title="Tree in a broken globe" width="320" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://www.worldlandtrust.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Land Trust</a> works across the globe and you can help by donating £5 to plant a tree (please note certificates are only available for donations of £25 or more), or if you're feeling very generous £100 to <a href="https://www.worldlandtrust.org/appeals/buy-an-acre/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">buy an acre of land</a> helping to preserve a natural habitat for the wildlife who depend on it.<br />
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Closer to home, if you'd rather plant a tree in the UK to rebuild our forests and help sustain our native wildlife, you can do. For £15 you can dedicate a tree to someone, and you can choose and personalise a certificate for them too. Just pop on over to <a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/get-involved/plant-a-tree/dedicate-a-tree" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The National Forest</a>.<br />
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Want to help support the wildlife in our oceans? There are a few options available. The <a href="https://support.wwf.org.uk/adopt-an-animal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WWF</a> are one of the best known animal adoption charities, working to conserve not just the wildlife, but their habitats too. Some years ago, I adopted a Snow Leopard for Miss. L and she was absolutely thrilled to bits. It's great for kids as they get a toy and lots of information about their animal. Prices start at £3 a month and you can adopt fluffy land animals or dolphins and turtles.<br />
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Know someone who loves turtles, penguins or sharks? For £29.50 you get a fabulous adoption pack from <a href="https://www.thedeep.co.uk/online-shop?cat=35" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Deep</a>. I'm rather fond of sharks, in case anyone is interested, not that I'm dropping hints, or anything, but I really do like sharks (almost as much as I like sloths) and I do have a birthday coming up soon, just saying.<br />
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And whilst we're on the subject of gifts. This year, why not ignore the pretty wrapping paper and go for plain brown paper. It's fully recyclable and you can tie it with pretty string and decorate it however you like to make it really special. Please do not under any circumstance try and wrap a tree, leopard or shark, I cannot guarantee your safety with the last two in particular, best leave them in the wild unwrapped and let your kind purchase take care of them and their future.<br />
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So that's us this Christmas. I'm sure they'll be a few small gifts given, but the main ones will be ethical ones that make a difference to our environment. I'm really quite proud of Miss. D and her suggestion, now if I can just persuade her to use those long legs a bit more, we'll be well on our way to reducing our carbon footprint.<br />
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Happy Christmas planning one and all!<br />
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<b><i>This is not a sponsored post and none of the links is an affiliate link - we just wanted to share our Christmas plans with you.</i></b>
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-74245814084697212042019-10-09T11:32:00.001+01:002019-10-16T09:31:50.234+01:00Climate Change - What Can I Do?No one can say they are unaware of the issues our planet is facing, unless they've been living under a rock for the past 30 years or so! We've been discussing the hole in the ozone layer for decades, indeed as our dear, sweet, diplomatic PM Boris Johnson has reminded us, Maggie Thatcher was on to fighting those nasty greenhouse gases when she was in power, decades before Greta Thunberg was a twinkle in her father's eye (yeah right Boris, in that case why is the planet boiling itself to death then).<br />
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We've been encouraged to recycle for decades and yet, here we are now, at crisis point and time really is running out. For too long we have expected others to sort it out and taken no personal responsibility. I'm not guilt free at all, I realise I'm to blame as much as the next person. Doing my bit has extended to doing a bit of recycling each week and turning things off instead of leaving them on standby etc., but that simply is not enough. I need to up my game!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The future of our planet is quite literally in the hands of each and every one of us. So, one small step at a time, I present to you my mini 'Steps to be More Green' plan:<br />
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<b>Eat Less Meat - </b>this is relatively easy for us. Miss. L decided to go veggie last year and because I'm quite a fussy eater when it comes to meat, and I used to be veggie, we have all adopted a largely vegetarian diet. Not only is it a lot cheaper (there is no end to the things you can do with lentils, Miss. D is a big lentil fan, so we get through quite a lot of them), but we have a lot less food waste and a lot more empty plates!<br />
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<b>Buy Loose In Season Veg - </b> this should be so easy to do, but I fear that I have become somewhat conditioned to being able to buy all sorts of fruit and veg throughout the year, regardless of season and of course, we all know it has to be wrapped in some form of plastic packaging, right? Wrong! This is going to be a tough one, but I have made a start, refusing to place a red pepper and two sweet potatoes in plastic bags last shop. So I'm making a start, but this is going to be a case of retraining myself and I need to read up on what's in season when.<br />
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<b>Continue to Recycle - </b>this is such an easy thing to do and something we have been doing for years, though I'm sure I could be more effective at it.<br />
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And when finally I move house, (honestly this bloody chain is beginning to do my poor, confused head in) I am going to do the following:<br />
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<b>Grow Our Own Veg - </b>the OH has already been asked to build me some raised beds for growing veg in and Miss. L and I have been discussing what we might like to grow. I'm also going to plant some bee (and butterfly) friendly plants, because those stripy wee insects are very important to our ecosystem and need to be looked after too.<br />
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<b>Have Milk Delivered - </b>I know it's not as easy as buying a big old plastic bottle with several billion pints in it, but the milkman delivers milk in nice recyclable glass bottles, like we used to have.<br />
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<b>Switch to Renewable Energy - </b>I have to change the current heating system in the place I'm moving to, so will be making sure I switch to renewable energy, as well as taking all possible measures to make sure the house is as insulated as possible.<br />
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There are lots of other things I can and will do, including using the car less, and much as I would love to travel the world and collect stamps in my passport, I don't want to add to my carbon footprint. I want to reduce it! There are so many places within the UK to visit, and it will probably take many years to get round those, so it's not like I'm going to get bored.<br />
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At the time of writing, people are protesting across the world, calling on their governments to act now before it's too late. Our own government has declared a climate emergency, but have yet to act on it. Indeed, our PM has referred to the protesters as 'crusties,' and the words 'hemp smelling' have escaped from his lips too. He's had a dig at Greta Thunberg. A fully grown man in a position of power having a dig at a teenage girl. OK I know Greta gets the backs of some of the older generation up, but remember, she is speaking in her second language, some politicians can't even communicate effectively in their native tongue.<br />
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When I was growing up, things were different. Drinks generally came in glass bottles which were returnable, milk and bread were delivered, you could only buy seasonable fruit and veg which was loose and central heating comprised of putting another jumper on. We walked to school, or got a bus. Very few people were ferried to school by car. I'm not sure when things changed, maybe it was with the 'yuppies' of the late 80's, but things did change and for the worse. We have become a 'throw away' nation (world). We want the latest phone, the latest fashion, the latest, fastest car, the biggest home. What we don't want anymore, we chuck away and in doing so, we've hurt our planet. We've destroyed our rain forests and with it the environment which so many animals depend upon, for what? Profit. We've filled our oceans with plastic and harmed the delicate ecosystem which exists there as well as harming her wildlife.<br />
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Whether you like Greta or not, she is right, we are running out of time. Whether you think the protesters are right or wrong for attempting to bring our cities to a standstill, we are running out of time. I'll be the first to admit that there are elements of the protests that don't sit well with me, I do worry if the chemicals in some of the glue these protesters use to stick themselves to things is harmful to the environment, and why are they drinking out of plastic bottles instead of reusable cups? That's by the by though. The point is, these people are standing up and demanding the government take notice. Now we have to hope and pray they do listen.<br />
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Do let us know what you're doing to live a greener life and of course, I'll keep you updated on my journey to be greener.<br />
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<b><i>Further information on climate change and greener living can be found in the links below:</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.countryfile.com/how-to/how-to-live-a-greener-life/" rel="nofollow">BBC Country File - How to Live a Greener Life</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.qualityunearthed.co.uk/blog/going-green-in-2019-bucketlist/" rel="nofollow">Quality Unearthed - Going Green Bucket List 2019</a><br />
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<a href="https://friendsoftheearth.uk/" rel="nofollow">Friends of the Earth</a><br />
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and for those of you who are able, or want to join the protesters and make your voice heard,<br />
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<a href="https://rebellion.earth/" rel="nofollow">Extinction Rebellion</a><br />
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(and no, it is not compulsory to adhere to Boris Johnson's idea that protesters are 'hemp smelling' and 'crusty')<br />
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-68984604616947426392019-10-04T09:00:00.000+01:002019-10-08T11:22:10.419+01:00Hever CastleLast week was a tough old week, to be fair, this week hasn't been without it's stresses either. Everywhere I look, I am surrounded by boxes and there are still more that need to be packed. I've given myself a week off from packing; it's not such a big deal, the chain is still not complete as the people at the top are having difficulty finding a property (I hope they find one soon though, I have children who need to get into new schools/colleges). I did get a number of new boxes packed last week though and after a busy time, I decided very last minute that yes, I would accompany the OH on his camping trip to Hever. This went down well with him, apart from the fact I'd left it so late in the day, that he'd already packed the car and then had to squeeze the big tent, and my mattress, in to an already full car.<br />
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<a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hever Castle</a>, as most of you will know, I'm sure, is the childhood home of poor Anne Boleyn, who quite literally lost her head, poor girl (Henry VIII may have been a king, but a good husband, he was not). Nowadays, Hever is a tourist attraction, with various events going on throughout the year. Last weekend it was the Hever Castle Triathlon, and the OH was there to look after the participants during the open water swim in his kayak (or if I want to wind him up, his canoe - kayakers hate if you call their boat a canoe).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hever Castle, Kent, United Kingdom</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>We left mid morning Friday. The weather forecast for most of the weekend was very wet and windy, and the OH wanted to get there and get the tent pitched before the heavens opened. Since he was part of the swim safety team and they required easy access to the water, the site manager kindly let us pitch next to the river, away from where the competitors would be camping.<br />
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Next we, well the OH, started getting unpacked and ready to pitch said tent. I offered help, and when eventually he took me up on it, we quickly realised that I was as much use as a chocolate teapot, in fact, I wasn't even that useful! All 5' of me seemed to be in the way wherever I was stood, which is actually quite impressive, and the strong gusts of winds weren't much help either. Anyway, he successfully managed, more or less single handed, to get the tent and car awning up and we could relax for the rest of the evening, in our tent by the river.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-pLEn9ygIfgYS-kHgqD6NFTwYIc8Z9hkkUJ_14Iz0FY3xybr_o31P-P8lq0geMU1nzmOD-rQkncZtrIPT0_OUo1P1fVAa1uult-MrcFyuannsn934aaXI6oysKlrTRAY9sxsfHtEi8U/s1600/Hever1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Coleman Octagon Tent" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-pLEn9ygIfgYS-kHgqD6NFTwYIc8Z9hkkUJ_14Iz0FY3xybr_o31P-P8lq0geMU1nzmOD-rQkncZtrIPT0_OUo1P1fVAa1uult-MrcFyuannsn934aaXI6oysKlrTRAY9sxsfHtEi8U/s320/Hever1+%25281%2529.jpg" title="Coleman Octagon Tent" width="247" /></a></div>
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Now I must add, the OH didn't stop at this; he decided in his infinite wisdom, to put up the gazebo too, so that our plot resembled a mansion like camp in the midst of the all the camper vans and single person tents. Though when it rained on Friday night, everyone was very grateful he had put up the extra shelter, and gathered beneath to socialise before the hard work commenced on Saturday.<br />
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I got up around 6am, shortly before the boys and girls set off to paddle to the meeting point for the days work and the morning brief. It was still dark, but not too chilly, so I took advantage of the lack of queues at the showers, unless you count the two crane flies and moth with whom I shared my shower. They were less trouble than expected and did allow me to shower in peace, which is more than the girls did when they were little! My crane flies and moth just sat on the walls quietly, which given my fear of moths was a good thing because I'm not sure my screams at a flying moth would have gone down well with my fellow campers. Feeling quite proud of myself, I headed back to the tent and settled in to read before the OH returned around lunchtime. However, I sat down and promptly fell asleep before waking to glorious sunshine and a fabulous view (once I'd opened up the windows).<br />
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Saturday's shift over, the OH and I had something to eat and drink then set off to have a look around the Castle. We set out quite late in the day, so really only got a quick look, but I'd forgotten just how huge the grounds were. The Castle itself, is relatively small, but the grounds are absolutely huge. Since it was late, we didn't take up the challenge of the maze, but we did have a lovely walk around and the ducks seemed more than happy to pose for some photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz65zSZ6mKiThrERnRviUbOf1y0o_LVl6v5ajxACoXPG08OVd0wI-qjj1Pz1EOFpp3g8Bea5rIYUzCYZBA8V-W_Li_dlh8T69oDTyRddCjxNqjZ6q42bOPVdbJNzydlaRk12n3HGM5-UI/s1600/Hever5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mallard Ducks" border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="1600" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz65zSZ6mKiThrERnRviUbOf1y0o_LVl6v5ajxACoXPG08OVd0wI-qjj1Pz1EOFpp3g8Bea5rIYUzCYZBA8V-W_Li_dlh8T69oDTyRddCjxNqjZ6q42bOPVdbJNzydlaRk12n3HGM5-UI/s320/Hever5.jpg" title="Mallard Ducks" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two weren't worried about the wet weather forecast</td></tr>
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We crossed over the bridge and made our way over the small drawbridge through to the Castle Courtyard. Unfortunately, there was a large group of people loitering and ruining any chance of getting a decent photo (very inconsiderate, do they not realise some of us have a blog!). I'm fairly sure they were on a mission to try and photobomb all my attempts, as the leader of the group was loitering on the drawbridge when I tried to take the photo below, thankfully she moved so I acted quickly before the rest of her group followed her.<br />
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We enjoyed a leisurely walk and took a different route back to the campsite, via the swim venue. OMG how long is that swim course? Far too long for my liking, not to mention, I wouldn't fancy swimming in water that fish, ducks, swans and geese have peed and pooed in! Nope! Not for me at all, but there are plenty of people who do enjoy it and I am happy to sit back and cheer them on, they're far braver and fitter than I! Not that I did any cheering on this particular day, since the swims were all finished and the participants were off cycling or running elsewhere (also something I'm not really up for).<br />
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Now, we had seen the weather forecast so, in my infinite wisdom I had rushed out to buy suitable footwear and given how it hammered down Saturday evening and a lot of Sunday morning, I'm flipping glad I did! Once that rain came down, it came down. It was relentless, but thankfully, the tent stood up to the wind and the rain, which is always a bonus!<br />
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The OH had another early start on Sunday morning, and I shared yet another shower with two more crane flies (minus the moth). After little sleep, due to the hammering rain and driving winds overnight, the shower was very welcome and made me feel a little bit more human. Though not so human that I would consider doing a triathlon. I am somewhat in awe of these boys and girls. One look at the wind and rain and I would have packed up and gone home! This bunch of athletes, got themselves up and ready and were setting off, pushing their bikes to the start line of the challenges that lie ahead of them and they didn't look in the least bit miserable about it!<br />
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Even though it rained, and I admit, I really was quite chilly at times, I did enjoy my weekend. It was nice to not have to do anything at all. No routines, no housework, no cooking at certain times, or having to walk the dog in the rain (if you can get him out of the house that is, he's not keen on getting wet). It was just a weekend of relaxing, reading, taking in the view and spending time with the OH. That said, it was lovely to get home, see my girls and my dog, and sleep in my bed!<br />
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Oh, and just in case you were wondering, the boys and girls on the swim safety team had no emergencies, they did their job well, kept everyone safe and encouraged them round the course.<br />
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If you would like more information on Hever Castle or the triathlon please see below for useful links:<br />
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<a href="https://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/enter-now/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Castle Triathlon Series 2020 Bookings</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Upcoming Events at Hever Castle</a>
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<a href="https://www.amomentwithfranca.com/" title="Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday"><img alt="Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday" height="200" src="https://www.amomentwithfranca.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/kcacols200x200.jpg" style="border: none;" width="200" /></a><br />
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<img alt="DreamTeam" src="http://3littlebuttons.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/dreamteam.png" height="200" width="200" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.confessionsofanewmummy.co.uk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Confessions of a New Mummy" height="200" src="https://i.imgur.com/mnkhPRJ.png" width="200" /></a></div>
little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-82038256390542857952019-10-03T09:00:00.000+01:002019-10-03T09:00:05.994+01:00National Poetry Day 2019Since today is National Poetry Day, I think it's time I came out with it and admitted to being something of a closet poetry fan. I have a collection of three or four poetry books which I dig out from time to time. I would provide photographic proof, but they are currently nestled in a packing box ready to move to a new home. I thought I was being super organised packing away things that aren't used every day, until I realised that today is NPD day and it would have been nice to take a picture of my books to share with you. I shall endeavour to put that right next year, and perhaps add to my collection.<div>
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Anyway, as usual, I have gone somewhat off topic again (no surprise there), but I must say a huge thank you to Channel 4's Sunday Brunch for flagging this day up for me when they had the fabulous Gyles Brandreth on. I confess, I am a something of a 'Gyles' fan. He's so intelligent, funny and just has a way of brightening your day with his colourful character. He's also passionate about poetry and during his interview was sharing the benefits of learning poetry by heart (remember those days at school?). Apparently, doing this can help prevent dementia, which has to be a good reason to give it a go.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WH Davies - The Tramp Poet</td></tr>
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<br />The theme of this year's National Poetry Day is Truth, why not head over to their website and read the <a href="https://nationalpoetryday.co.uk/poems/poems/" target="_blank">collection of poems</a> they have selected on the subject. You can also find out what events have been organised in your local area to celebrate this day. If you do attend an event, please do let us know in the comments. We do love to hear from you.</div>
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I don't really have a favourite poem as such, but one which always makes me chuckle and never fails to brighten my day is this one;</div>
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<i><b>Celia, Celia by Adrian Mitchell</b></i></div>
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<i><b>When I am sad and weary,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>When I think all hope is gone,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>When I walk along High Holborn,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>I think of you with nothing on.</b></i></div>
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It's short, it's funny and it amuses me. It's one I do also know off by heart, though whether that is enough to ward off dementia, I very much doubt it, but at least I can make my future grandchildren laugh.<br />
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And of course, I couldn't possibly write a post on poetry without mentioning WH Davies. I spent two years studying the life of this gentleman. His book 'The Autobiography of a Supertramp,' was part of our 'O' Level English Literature course. I was very lucky to really enjoy both the books we had to study, the novel was Anne Bronte's, 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.' I have since reread both books and would highly recommend both. However, this is a post about poetry so I shall return to Davies. Perhaps it's because he lived as a tramp for so many years that his poetry is so moving, or perhaps it's a personal thing, having studied his story for two years and getting to know the man behind the words. Whatever, it would be wrong not to end this post with the rest of the poem written on the bench at the top of this piece.<br />
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<dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>Leisure by W.H. Davies</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i><span>W</span>HAT is this life if, full of care,</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>We have no time to stand and stare.</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>No time to stand beneath the boughs</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>And stare as long as sheep or cows.</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>No time to see, when woods we pass,</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>No time to see, in broad daylight,</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>Streams full of stars, like skies at night.</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>No time to turn at Beauty's glance,</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>And watch her feet, how they can dance.</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>No time to wait till her mouth can</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>Enrich that smile her eyes began.</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>A poor life this if, full of care,</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><i>We have no time to stand and stare.</i></b></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></dd><dd style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></dd><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-39883357852218177662019-09-26T12:25:00.000+01:002019-10-04T09:32:35.685+01:00Minecraft MumYep, you read that right the first time. Yes I know you had to read it twice! Moi? Minecrafting? Mais oui! Don't ask why I just switched to French there, I have no idea either. To be quite honest with you, I have no flipping idea what I'm doing at the moment. This morning has seen me going up and down the stairs like a yo-yo retrieving things I've left downstairs in the kitchen, only to return to the first floor living room to realise I've not retrieved what I went for in the first place. It took me three trips just to retrieve my tea and then my glasses, the latter of which I went to fetch on my first trip! So, should I slip into a petit peu of French bear with, I've clearly lost my mind! Oh and before I forget, on yet another different subject (because yes, I am aware, I have indeed gone off on a tangent, again) I have also gone up and down the stairs, making up and filling a couple more packing boxes, so I have managed to be productive in my confused state.<br />
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However, having digressed so far, I feel it's time we got back to the point, for I am now a Minecrafter!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minecraft - My House and My Dog, Snowy</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>Oh yes, Minecraft has been downloaded to my phone and I am building my house. As you can see I have gone for a lot of glass; I live at the foot of a mountain, so it would be wrong not to have all those windows to take in the view. I also have a cave system in my garden, which my youngest daughter kindly excavated for me, whilst I was attempting to build the house, which might I add, was not an easy task! I've watched Miss. L play and it looks easy. I've watched Pewdiepie play and it looks easy. I play and it looks anything, but easy! Poor Miss. L was getting really quite frustrated with my lame efforts, particularly after she'd laid my floor and I promptly dug it up again, by accident, might I add. Anyway, between us, we got the house more or less finished (I am considering adding a mezzanine level, hence my original statement of 'building, ' rather than 'built').<br />
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As you can see, it's rather a nice view of the garden, though I am feeling rather mean at the moment because it rains a lot in Minecraft Land and Miss. L has taken ownership of a dog in my land, but it will only follow her, so I can't get him in the dry. My dog on the other hand (Snowy) follows me everywhere, and unlike our real life Little Orange Dog, doesn't need to have his poo picked up because nothing in Minecraft poos (which is just as well given the number of sheep, pigs, cows, donkies and bloody llamas wandering around my garden). The little bugger (Snowy) does have a tendency to run off from time to time though, and he did manage to kill one of the random wild horses which was wandering around. Thankfully, he has not mauled my two tame horses, who are safely stabled in there own field.<br />
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By now, you are probably asking yourself why on earth a fully grown woman (or not so fully grown, given my <a href="http://www.littleorangedog.co.uk/2019/09/a-not-so-tall-story.html" target="_blank">last post</a>) is playing Minecraft? That dear friends is a very good question, and indeed, it has an equally good answer, which is my youngest. Miss. L! Plain and simple. She's played Minecraft for many years now, she started on the Xbox and now plays on her phone. We started watching the Pewdiepie videos, from his Game Week. After we watched them together, she'd go and play on her phone and I was doing something else; our mum/ daughter time was over, which was a bit sad. That's why I downloaded it. Now we get to do something together, she's not one for going out (she has anxiety too), so she's teaching me how to play. Oh and rescuing me. She's rescued me several times. I lost the black horse, she found him, popped a saddle on and put him in his field with his friend. She also freed me from a house in her land, because I'm not so good at manoeuvring my character through doorways and managed to get myself stuck, and she repairs everything I accidentally destroy, because I am a crap Minecrafter!<br />
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So there you have it. I am now a Mincrafting Mummy, albeit a pretty rubbish one, but I don't care. The best thing is, I get to spend time doing stuff with my teenage daughter and she's getting to share something she enjoys with me. She's teaching me for a change and helping me and it's the best time. Mind you, I still have a lot to learn, I got stuck riding a llama the other day, I haven't worked out how to get off yet, so guess who rescued me? Happy mining all!<br />
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-90466562756910571832019-09-25T12:42:00.000+01:002019-10-02T09:30:45.184+01:00A (Not So) Tall StoryAh, the weekend! The time when you spend time with your family, enjoy one another's company and pretend you are not some crazy, dysfunctional group of people at all! To be honest, we stopped doing that last bit some time ago. Getting the kids out with me is enough of a win, I really can't be doing with pretending to be all 'Little House on the Prairie,' too, which is why we probably leave a crazy trail of destruction behind us.<br />
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Anyway, Sunday morning saw me manage to get my youngest out of the house. Not going to lie, I was so shocked she agreed, that I wondered if it was national news worthy (anyone with teenagers will know how monumental this is). So off we popped to a small local shopping centre, complete with pharmacy, so that the other half could get his man flu medicine (he really was not a well boy). Whilst the boy was raiding Boots with his snot and sneezes, Miss. L and I had a good old look round The Body Shop. If I had no idea what to get for her upcoming birthday before, I now have more ideas than I really need, there was a whole lot of stuff in there she wanted. Combine that with her obsession with food storage containers in TK Maxx and we're sorted (no I'm not going to buy her Tupperware - even I'm not that crap a mum).<br />
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<a name='more'></a>We were having a rather lovely day. We got home and had a very civilised cuppa before Miss. L attempted to teach me how to play Minecraft (that really is a whole other post, so watch this space). I think she had enough of my very rubbish attempts to build a house, so she abandoned me and went to her room, leaving the boy and myself to cook dinner.<br />
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Of course, being a true dysfunctional, bonkers, crazy family, we were not having a traditional Sunday Roast, (we do that on a Monday or Tuesday, and it is a nut roast, because Miss L is a vegetarian and I like nut roast) no, we were having curry, which most people have on a Friday or Saturday, but why be like everyone else! It was only a supermarket 'take away' curry, so it didn't really require both of us in the kitchen, but it's nice to have that time with your other half. It gives you a chance to work together, and chat about this and that.<br />
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It was talking about this and that which led to my downfall, to be honest. Earlier that week, Miss D had declared I had shrunk! I was relaying this to my devoted fiance, whom was obviously supposed to back me up, except he clearly forgot the rules and agreed with my first born. Determined to prove them both wrong, I dug out the tape measure. How dare they say I have shrunk. I cannot possibly have shrunk, I am only 48, that is not old! The tape measure was somewhat elusive, which in hindsight, may have been a sign that I should have stopped trying to locate it, but of course, I carried on looking until I found it...I shouldn't have!<br />
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Back to the door frame and marker in place, we set about measuring me.<br />
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It didn't go well. I've lost an inch. I was 5' 1" now I'm only 5'. My lovely fiance of course semi remembered the rules and said he still loved me, but then lost brownie points by finding it highly amusing. In my distress, I turned to my daughters. Surely, my youngest would have some sympathy? No, unless you count, 'I wish I was 5',' she's now two inches taller than me, before helpfully announcing my news to her big sister, who promptly peed herself laughing! Thank goodness for Whatsapp, at least my lovely friend Fiona would understand. She did, and because she too is a short girl, we had a little joke about officially being dwarfs in a few years time (the height if you didn't know is 4' 10").<br />
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And with that in mind, I suppose I should start booking out my future Christmas holidays, since I shall soon be short enough to profit from my lack of height and give Snow White a hand in pantos, or I could be one of Santa's Elves; whatever, there's quite a bit of work over the winter months for us shorties. Besides, if we were not little, no one else would be tall and we're great at painting skirting boards!<br />
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Anyway, despite losing an inch somewhere along the way, I am proud to be a short girl (or should that be a shorter girl)!<br />
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-27504426474250617132019-09-19T09:00:00.000+01:002019-09-30T16:42:30.292+01:00The Dog Ate my HomeworkHands up if you have ever, actually used that classic excuse, 'Sorry Miss, the dog ate my homework.' I don't think I did, but it would have been pretty plausible given our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Rupert, was an absolute little bugger for eating anything and everything he shouldn't. My mum still has pens with Rupert teeth marks (though quite why, I do not know; who keeps pens that long, and I'm talking 30+ years here). Not that I was particularly great at doing my homework, unless it was art or flute practise. Quite how I have managed to raise at least one daughter who is always studying and doing homework, I am not sure, but thank goodness I have; there really is nothing worse than getting to Sunday and having to do everything in a panic!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The youngest daughter, needs a wee bit more encouragement to get work done, but since she has introduced me to one of her favourite YouTuber's, Pewdiepie, we now have an agreement that we will watch episodes together once she has completed some of her homework. Not going to lie, I think I am enjoying Pewdiepie a little more than a 48 year old woman should, but that's probably a whole other post.<br />
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Anyway, this is not strictly a post about homework, nor did our little orange dog eat any. He eats a lot of stuff he shouldn't, but it's fair to say he is no where near as bad as my childhood Cavi, though I do have to wrestle the post from him several times a week. No this post is about something far worse than the dog eating my homework. This is what you might call an epic mummy fail.<br />
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The other evening, I opened up my emails, as you do, to see one from the school. Anyone with a child at any school, but particularly secondary school will know that most of the emails tend to be completely irrelevant to your child, but every now and then, an important one will pop up. Needless to say, I wasn't really taking much notice when I opened this latest gem; until I read it and then felt like a really, really bad mum. You see, at the end of last year, the school sent out letters with log in details for the new communications. I think I did it, but now I don't know. I have no idea where said letter is, nor what my login details are. Actually, I think I may have accidentally filed them. Since the latest message said they're now switching to the new method, I've had to admit to them how crap a parent I actually am (I can't be the only one right?). I'm not sure quite how well my apology/ confession is going to go down though. Anyway, I'll let you make your minds up:<br />
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<i>Dear Sir/Madam,</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Huge apologies, I thought I had registered on Edulink, but have lost the paperwork (I blame a pending house move - though I think it's probably my fault for not filing things properly).</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Is there any chance you could resend me the details?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Once again, sorry for being a disorganised, scatty mum!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Kind Regards,</i><br />
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What do you think? I'm worried, have I played it too flippant? Will my girls be sent to the detention room because their mother is the crappiest, cheekiest mother in the entire land? Will I be sent to the detention room (actually that would be quite nice, you have to be quiet in there; think of all the work and reading I could get done)? Will they actually see the funny side and let me have my login details again? Should I simply have told them, I've not logged in because the dog ate the letters? What if they give me lines (do they still give out lines as a punishment, probably not)?<br />
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Anyway, I am now awaiting a response from the school and probably a suitable scolding as well; not to mention the return of my original email complete with a mark out of ten and far more red scribbles than is really necessary. Wish me luck!<br />
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-72471941665581525062019-09-17T11:23:00.003+01:002019-09-20T12:01:14.622+01:00The MessLet me make it very clear from the offset, I am not a super house proud, everything in it's place, kind of a girl. As a general rule, my house is quite tidy, but not in a 'no one' lives here 'show home' kind of way. Good grief, I have two teenage daughters, an orange dog and a black and white cat, who insists on fluffing all over my cream carpets, seconds after I have vacuumed them (I love the cat, but I do not love bits of the cat randomly scattered on freshly vacuumed carpet). I don't like mess! I love a cupboard and drawers. They're great for stashing crap in and giving the illusion that you are a super organised woman who has it all together; just don't open my cupboards or drawers! Please!<br />
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That said, I am certainly not, what one might call a hoarder. I go through said cupboards and drawers at least once a year, sometimes twice, and get rid of anything that is redundant. There really is only so much one can fit into a home before it bursts at the seams. And might I add, my loft is empty and my garage is pretty much empty, apart form a handful of things which are earmarked for the tip, once the fiance is free to come down with his trailer. To clarify, I don't like mess and at the moment, that is exactly what my home is, a mess!<br />
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Okay, so perhaps it's not as bad as the picture above, but it feels that way to me. At the beginning of the year I spent weeks clearing the house of unnecessary rubbish and was doing endless tip runs; I was almost on first name terms with the lovely chaps at the tip, and they were very helpful in assisting me to unload my crap. Though one trip did result in an £80 spend on a new tyre, but you run the gauntlet of stray nails and screws at such places.<br />
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Anyway, it was important to me to clear everything out before I put the house on the market. I can't think of anything worse than having to do that big clear out whilst trying to pack boxes. The very thought sends a shudder down my spine, though that could be the fact I have the windows open and it's still a bit chilly outside?<br />
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I was feeling rather pleased with myself. I'd cleared the house of unwanted tat and it was looking almost as if no one lived here, all ready for viewings. Oh god the viewings. How many times did I let the housework slip, only to get a call that someone wanted to view in four hours! I think I may have morphed into Wonder Woman on a number of occasions. It took a long old time, but we have now 'Sold,' at least we have a 'Sold' sign outside and things seem to be progressing, though you never really know, but I figured that perhaps given said sign, and given that it is just myself and the girls, all the packing would likely fall to me (who am I kidding, all the packing <i><b>will</b></i> fall to me) I should probably make a start on boxing things up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAn-lGz3O_F1BiRT0VfeJEwBBXEeNGiGo4Z7GAo3TxrSGB3tmRc7150_-q_2HaYYf1oORy0I66PJomQkCwv1vAL5bXTqyq7hfhZ9EgVXmKzCAkoJTLRfpuUP5DINrQp7vgH_1Of1qaac/s1600/Boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="packing boxes" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1121" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAn-lGz3O_F1BiRT0VfeJEwBBXEeNGiGo4Z7GAo3TxrSGB3tmRc7150_-q_2HaYYf1oORy0I66PJomQkCwv1vAL5bXTqyq7hfhZ9EgVXmKzCAkoJTLRfpuUP5DINrQp7vgH_1Of1qaac/s320/Boxes.jpg" title="packing boxes" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first few boxes seemed like a good idea</td></tr>
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I'm trying to pack around three boxes a week. We don't have a move date yet, so I think I can take it at a slow and steady pace. It seemed like a good idea. It still does, but why, oh why when I have so many boxes now packed does my house look like an absolute bomb site? Somehow, whilst things are going into boxes, other crap is finding it's way onto random surfaces, because I'm not sure where to put stuff I need kept out anymore. If I put it where it should live, will I accidentally shove it in a box? Not only that, but I'm finding stuff that I didn't know we had, which was the whole point of the 'pre putting the house on the market clear out!'<br />
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I can literally feel my stress levels rising. Thankfully, I have committed to a couple of book reviews, one is now complete (you can read the review <a href="http://www.littleorangedog.co.uk/2019/09/kenya-mountain-to-climb-book-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>) and I'm part way through reading the second book, so I <i>have</i> to stop and relax. I am so glad I said I'd do these, otherwise my self care plan would have gone out the window, or should that be lost in a packing box?<br />
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Anyhow, one way or the other, I am determined to make this as 'stress free' a process as is humanly possible to do. I am not going down that dark road to depression over a house move; and so today, I shall be taking a leisurely walk with our little orange dog, before packing another box, attempting to regain some kind of order (I hear John Bercow is looking for a new job, perhaps he could help, he's very good at shouting, 'order,' though I don't know he actually managed to gain any control?) and sitting down with a cuppa or two, or three...<br />
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If you don't hear from me again, you'll know the boxes won.<br />
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-11911108442406203532019-09-15T09:00:00.000+01:002019-09-20T10:53:22.601+01:00Kenya, A Mountain to Climb - Book ReviewAs many of you who read this blog regularly will know, I suffer with mental illness. I have a diagnosis of depression and anxiety, which was first made almost ten years ago. Unlike some people, I know my diagnosis is a 'forever' condition. My father suffers and so does my youngest daughter. For some of us, there is an hereditary element. In some ways, I'd rather that, it makes it easier for me to manage. I'm able to identify my triggers and let those close to me know my triggers, enabling myself, and others, to rein me in when necessary and practise some self care. I'm lucky, to have a fabulous next door neighbour, an amazing fiance and two wonderful daughters, who tell me to take a break when they can see I'm taking on too much.<br />
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I also have some awesome friends on Twitter, people who got me through my darkest days and to the place I am now in; which is a place where I work my wee butt off to raise awareness of mental illness and try to help people living with a diagnosis, or caring for someone, to cope and seek help. Hence, when I saw that Rod Wood was looking for people to review his latest book, I jumped at the chance.<br />
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Rod is a vet by profession. Some years ago, he was fighting his own battle with depression and was encouraged by a good friend to fulfil a lifetimes ambition to climb Kilimanjaro. In his latest book, 'Kenya, A Mountain to Climb,' we find Rod itching to get back to the African continent he has fallen in love with and setting himself a new challenge.<br />
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Now it's worth saying here, that I too was a bit of a climber, back in the day, something my ballet teacher was not at all happy with, but it is a fabulous sport. It's a discipline that forces you to trust yourself and others around you, and they, you. This can be a major hurdle for anyone suffering with depression, because trust is not something the illness allows you to do, and it certainly doesn't want anyone putting their trust in you. So Rod really was challenging himself on that first climb and congratulations to him for overcoming his obstacles and for taking on this latest journey.<br />
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This time round, Rod returns, not only to climb Mount Kenya, but also to go on safari and see the wildlife up close and personal. Maybe that's not the best description, no one really wants to get up close and personal with a wild animal, particularly if it happens to have sharp teeth, or a horn, or tusks, or just happens to be a very grumpy hippo, but you get the idea, I hope. Anyway, having digressed, let's return to Rod. We join him on his journey at the planning stage, then follow him through some gruelling training walks in preparation for his imminent climb, and through to the main story, travelling to Africa and living his latest adventure through his descriptions of the landscapes, people, wildlife and the challenges they all face in a country where global warming really is having a serious impact already. On his journey he meets some cheeky wildlife, learns about the locals, meets some interesting fellow tourists and reconnects with the mountain that changed his life.<br />
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I will admit, it did take me longer to read than I had anticipated, and I think this is largely due to myself not being accustomed to reading autobiographies. I have a number of them in my bookcase, all of which are partially read, but I was determined to finish Rod's story because we have so much in common and I'm so glad I did. Rod has rebuilt himself, his life and his outlook.<br />
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It's difficult to review Rod's story without giving away too much, but what I can say is this, Rod's passion for Kenya, her mountains and wildlife really come across strongly. I have never visited the African continent and am sure, as much as I would love to, that I ever will, but Rod's detailed descriptions paint pictures and atmosphere that make you feel as though you too are getting to know this fascinating land. Through his conversations with the local people, you will learn about the agriculture, politics and conservation concerns. You will also learn about it's rich wildlife and the threats they face from global warming and from man. Lastly, but most importantly, you can gain an insight into the life that can be led following recovery from mental illness. The strength and resilience one gains from winning the battle with ones own mind, and the determination to succeed.<br />
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If you have an interest in wildlife, Africa, mountains and mental health, this is definitely worth giving a go. I'm glad I persisted and I'm even more glad to see the person Rod has become. It is so easy to lose hope and feel that recovery will never come when you are lost in that dark lonely place that is depression, but stories like Rod's are proof that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may take time, in fact it will, but like climbing a mountain, you have to prepare, train, research and take one small step at a time.<br />
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<b><i>If you are suffering with mental illness and need help, please do contact any of the services detailed below:</i></b><br />
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<b>Mind<i> </i></b><a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/">https://www.mind.org.uk</a><br />
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<b>Samaritans </b><a href="https://www.samaritans.org/">https://www.samaritans.org/</a><br />
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<b>Time to Change </b><a href="https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/">https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/</a><br />
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<b>Young Minds </b><a href="https://youngminds.org.uk/">https://youngminds.org.uk/</a><br />
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-65141613100228385572019-09-03T10:12:00.000+01:002019-09-04T08:25:54.947+01:00Things Can Only Get BetterApologies all, here I am telling you I'm back to blogging and then I go and disappear for a week; not the best really, so I do, wholeheartedly apologise. Last week did not go to plan, or it did, well it was just a kind of messy week, but in a mostly very good and positive way, but it did mean I had no blogging time. Also, as much as I love a bank holiday, is it just me, or do they just throw everything out for the following couple of weeks? Honestly, even now, over a week on I have no idea what day of the week it is! Perhaps I'm just getting a bit old and need to be put out to pasture?<br />
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Anyway, last week saw the girls back to school, well sort of. Miss D went back to school on Wednesday to register for sixth form. That confused me. She set off in the morning telling me she was registering to do A Levels in Psychology, Sociology and Maths. I picked her up from school to go grocery shopping and she's talking about Health & Social (turns out, she had a last minute change of heart and substituted Maths for H&S) and homework to be done by the official Year 12 start day the following Monday. Which is where my confusion got worse, because Miss L returned to school on Thursday. So now I had one child at school and one at home, and every time I stepped out the door, I'd see kids from other schools still on holiday. My brain was in overload!<br />
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Add to that, I had a contact lens mishap this morning. No idea quite what happened, it went in just fine, nice and comfy, but somehow the little bugger managed to curl up under my eyelid. I blame myself for being half asleep, still. Got it out again, so no harm done, apart from a slightly sore eye.<br />
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It was at this point, I decided the day and the week could only get better. I also decided that in order for things to get better I really needed to be a bit more pro active and get myself organised. During the school holidays I've been a little too relaxed about my normal household/work routines, and whilst it's been nice, it not working now, hence last week was a bit 'iffy.'<br />
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By the time I reached Friday last week, I was so knackered I went to bed at 7.30pm! I do like an early night, but even by my standards, that is ridiculously early. I was so tired, I almost cancelled a weekend away visiting the other half's friends in Norfolk. Thankfully, I didn't as I was allowed to take our little orange dog, Max and I'm so glad I went, even if the traffic from Kent to Essex was horrendous. Max didn't mind, he just sat sleeping on the back seat and when we arrived at our final destination in East Anglia, he was even happier, because there were plenty of people to make a fuss of him (and sneak him bits of meat under the table). I had a great time too, and my anxiety at meeting new people disappeared really quickly, when I realised they were all as bonkers, crazy as myself. Crazy people really are the best people!<br />
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And I couldn't not share this beautiful door with you! I probably should have been more excited about the pool that lies behind said door, but I am a bit of a sucker for an ornate antique or quirky door. Also, we didn't get the pool party memo and I wasn't about to go skinny dipping with anyone!<br />
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So today I am in the process of resuming normal service. Housework has been done first thing, so I now have the rest of the day to work, walk the dog and pack some boxes, because we're in the process of moving too. Don't do things by halves, me!<br />
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I currently have no idea when we will be moving, the chain seems to be growing, but at least all that faffy paperwork is done and surveys are underway, and whilst I don't need to be packing yet, I know if I don't make a start on the things we don't use regularly now, I'll be overwhelmed by it all later. It really is an exercise in self care for me, and if you follow my business <a href="http://www.hugs-online.com/" target="_blank">Hugs</a> and our social media platforms (we are on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram - unashamedly plugging) you'll know I talk about self care a lot! Getting back to my normal daily routine will also help, as will using my diary more effectively and trust me I've learnt my lesson on that one from the crazy week I had previously, you can learn more about that <a href="http://www.littleorangedog.co.uk/2019/08/forget-me-not.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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So here's to being pro active in making things better for ourselves, and to better weeks. Oh and apologies to all of you who now have D.Ream's, 'Things Can Only Get Better,' stuck in their heads.<br />
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-57918023109036109242019-08-22T12:56:00.000+01:002019-08-23T08:37:52.989+01:00GCSE Results DayWell it's finally here, the big day. The day that teens across the country have been anxiously awaiting, or dreading, or attempting to ignore at all costs in the vague hope it won't arrive. Whatever, the long wait is over and the results of all those exams is finally over. Up and down the country 16 year olds have miraculously prised themselves out of their much loved beds and are school bound. I'll be honest, this is all a wee bit alien to me, our 'O' Level and CSE results (yes I am that old) were posted to us, there was none of this going to school during the holidays. In hind sight, I would have preferred going to collect them rather than sitting, worrying and looking out for the postman, but that's all in the past. Today it's off to school and it's time for envelopes to be opened, and futures to begin.<br />
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My own teen, Miss D has just set out with two of her friends who stayed over last night. It's fair to say I am now feeling a wee bit nervous for her, not helped by watching BBC Breakfast and seeing GCSE's plastered all over the news! It conjures up the memories of my own results, which were a little on the average side, and that's being kind!</div>
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Miss D has been an absolute star! She started Year 11 back in July of 2018 (her school moves everyone up a year to allow Year 6's moving up, to have their induction weeks) and from that point in time, she was revising for her exams. For the past year, her bedroom has been a pit, but not a normal teenage pit, with clothes and make up everywhere, no for the past year her floor and bed have been covered in open study books and note pads. This young lady has literally worked her bloody socks off. Not only has she studied at home non stop, but it didn't stop there. In addition to all the private study she was doing, she also attended extra revision lessons after school, daily. In short, I am super proud of her and her dedication to her work. All in all, she sat a total of 22 exams! She didn't make a big thing of it, she just went to school, did her exam and came back to get extra study in for the next one.</div>
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When her prom finally arrived, she had well and truly earned her evening and her beautiful dress from the lovely people at <a href="https://www.thepromshop.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Prom Shop</a> in Colchester. I still can't believe how grown up and beautiful she is and, might I add, I am still (and always will be) very envious of those ridiculously long legs!</div>
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So here I am, drinking tea and doing bits and bobs to keep myself occupied whilst I wait to see how she did. One thing's for sure, she couldn't have done anymore.<br />
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<b>Update:</b> She's done herself proud. I'm not publishing her grades here because that is her business, but it's fair to say she got out what she put in and she has the grades she needs to carry on her education in the subjects she wants.</div>
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-25616867237646074262019-08-21T09:00:00.001+01:002021-07-07T19:53:43.442+01:00Julie May Lingerie Review<br />
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Now I’m not sure how much common knowledge this may be, but
certainly amongst close friends and family, I am known for my love of underwear
and my need to wear matching undies. This has caused much amusement to many
people. Over the years I have relaxed a little, but even if the undies are not
from the same collection, they must be matching in colour; also a very
important rule, they can only not be matching if they are plain, simple undies,
if they’re lacy or fancy in any way, then they absolutely have to be from the
same collection. In short, if the undies don’t match, I feel uncomfortable all
day and less confident (don’t ask me why, it’s not like anyone can see I’m
unmatching, but that’s how it is).</div>
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Anyway, as usual I have digressed somewhat, the point of the
undies talk is that I am a very lucky and very happy girl, because the lovely
folk at <u><a href="https://juliemay.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julie May</a></u> were kind enough to let me review their beautiful <a href="https://juliemay.co.uk/product-category/collections/serenity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serenity</a> range.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHXdcNO0pFMD_EuoAAiKgjLGHWpeZLpz_uBzlIW88YJ0GGVOq9AFz2OLhE0iwcEU1F2BuPvw2-QXPWl0kbnI6QAfuQdK1wdTehtOnTzARsnPiv4coNknTnAcXh-Qkq7IsgaF45qSKM8U/s1600/Disclaimer_+I+was+sent+the+following+items+in+exchange+for+an+honest+review+of+the+products+included+in+this+post+and+financial+payment.+The+views+in+this+post+are+my+own+and+are+not+influenced+by+the+brand+or+any+.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="336" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHXdcNO0pFMD_EuoAAiKgjLGHWpeZLpz_uBzlIW88YJ0GGVOq9AFz2OLhE0iwcEU1F2BuPvw2-QXPWl0kbnI6QAfuQdK1wdTehtOnTzARsnPiv4coNknTnAcXh-Qkq7IsgaF45qSKM8U/s320/Disclaimer_+I+was+sent+the+following+items+in+exchange+for+an+honest+review+of+the+products+included+in+this+post+and+financial+payment.+The+views+in+this+post+are+my+own+and+are+not+influenced+by+the+brand+or+any+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a stunning range, in a pretty dusty blue colour, available
in sizes 8 – 18. It consists of a delicate, lace bralette, briefs with a lovely
lace trim and my favourite item, the bodysuit. Serenity has been beautifully
designed for maximum comfort but doesn’t compromise on beauty and luxury. I was
immediately struck by how soft the items were. I have some lovely expensive
lingerie, but whilst pretty, they lack the softness of Serenity, this is
because <u><a href="https://juliemay.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julie May</a></u> uses a combination of silk and cotton across their
collection. What I love most about this range, and the others in their
collection, is that this is lingerie with mummies in mind. New mummies can now
wear pretty lingerie. Back in the day, when my girls were born, nursing bras
were practical not pretty, and if you wanted to tuck your new mum tum in you
could forget fancy knickers and embrace your inner Bridget Jones! Practicality
was the order of the day. <u><a href="https://juliemay.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julie May</a></u> have thought about this and worked
miracles, with a collection that consists of beautifully feminine, luxurious
nursing bras and postpartum body shapers and girdles because new mum’s want to
be sexy and pretty too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having unpacked it, I could not wait to try out Serenity for
myself, however, due to work I have had to remove the evidence. </div>
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The bodysuit did not disappoint. I was a little concerned
that it wasn’t going to go over my post baby hips, but thanks to the wonders of
spandex, over the hips it went, securely holding in my jelly like baby belly. I
found it really comfortable; it fitted like a glove, and though it held
everything in nicely, wasn’t tight and gave me the smooth silhouette I miss.
The silk lining used for the gusset and bra areas add to the comfort and the
exquisite lace work with pale blue velvet accents makes this bodysuit a real
winner. That and the fact that the fastening is a hook and eye buckle, which is
far preferable to those horrid little poppers. And check out the beautiful lacework
on the back too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll be honest, I was so taken with the bodysuit that I really
did not want to take it off, but there was a pair of knickers and a bra,
winking at me and saying, ‘Try us on too, we’re just as lovely.’ OK they weren’t
really talking, that would just be silly, not to mention a little bit creepy,
but artistic licence and all that. So off I went and popped on the bra and
panties.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I am very particular about my knickers, so the <a href="https://juliemay.co.uk/product/serenity-cotton-and-silk-brief" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serenity briefs </a>had a lot to live up to. I needn’t have worried, made from a special
cotton, with just a touch of spandex, these panties are super soft and comfy,
aided by the silk gusset. I loved the lack of itchy label too (there really is
nothing worse than a label itching you or sticking out, especially if you’re
wearing low cut jeans). I was unsure about the extra elasticated bits that sit
on the hips and look pretty. They were a wee bit fiddly as you need to make
sure they’re not twisted, but once on and untwisted, they do add that little bit
of ‘je ne sais quoi’ to what would be a very simple pair of briefs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The briefs have a friend, in the form of their matching <a href="https://juliemay.co.uk/product/serenity-lace-cotton-and-silk-bralette" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bralette</a><b style="text-decoration-line: underline;">. </b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I usually wear padded underwired bras, so this was totally out of my
comfort zone and I thought I might find it uncomfortable and lacking in
support. Not so! With a triple hook and eye fastening it felt very secure, coupled
with the 100% silk lining of the cups it was so comfortable it almost felt like
a second skin. The bralette has the same lace work as the bodysuit and as you
can see from the close up photos, it really is stunning!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnrHYC9YVdSY-cNU-pT4F8wclHq0wJL1QXnm4IHq8P_gyfJ9c952qVOl994PfvMFBjIMq_7LxlrgETTfaHH5DkAMl9ikrbhkXcQ4bpE0NrCXQp4fWyP0orFR3d6hmDX86kud5b53wY8c/s1600/IMG_9907.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bralette and Briefs" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnrHYC9YVdSY-cNU-pT4F8wclHq0wJL1QXnm4IHq8P_gyfJ9c952qVOl994PfvMFBjIMq_7LxlrgETTfaHH5DkAMl9ikrbhkXcQ4bpE0NrCXQp4fWyP0orFR3d6hmDX86kud5b53wY8c/s320/IMG_9907.jpg" title="Bralette and Briefs" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie May 'Serenity' - Bralette and Briefs</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFlULpM0EUeKkOgm7YJTwq0gCdjNWO1jSYcfeoFXbiMHLhcnFZjVyK52ZfdBunLelTiQ6Gps3uir5tnxvYeH2cZSDbOHXrviSLnUVaD_R3_wNKZXuABxCAArsJrJpexz8C4obWWSRYOk/s1600/_MG_9913.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Serenity Bra Fastening" border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFlULpM0EUeKkOgm7YJTwq0gCdjNWO1jSYcfeoFXbiMHLhcnFZjVyK52ZfdBunLelTiQ6Gps3uir5tnxvYeH2cZSDbOHXrviSLnUVaD_R3_wNKZXuABxCAArsJrJpexz8C4obWWSRYOk/s320/_MG_9913.jpg" title="Serenity Bra Fastening" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie May 'Serenity' Bralette Fastening</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonCwLH4DUPMOvTSkenzlnNaNoVtk1-NgG0RlAATkPeBZWR2IIIqY0weypoJynNrBkHnkl_GH8FciK9zYbTKl9tuoPy2nP2Yj0ACwq8OYCipzHSim_lds3G_ws_hnfaxc4wp6VlhBu5mI/s1600/_MG_9915.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Serenity Bralette Lace Detailing" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonCwLH4DUPMOvTSkenzlnNaNoVtk1-NgG0RlAATkPeBZWR2IIIqY0weypoJynNrBkHnkl_GH8FciK9zYbTKl9tuoPy2nP2Yj0ACwq8OYCipzHSim_lds3G_ws_hnfaxc4wp6VlhBu5mI/s320/_MG_9915.jpg" title="Serenity Bralette Lace Detailing" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie May 'Serenity' - Lace Detail and Stitching</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span>I am really
impressed with Serenity<u> </u>it’s a beautiful range, well thought out, very
well made, comfortable, but practical too. I wish lingerie like this had been
available when I was a new mummy, I think I may not have lacked body confidence.
I’d also like to say a huge thank you to JulieMay for giving me the opportunity
to try their beautiful lingerie.</div>
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-22394810124126011872019-08-13T09:00:00.000+01:002019-08-14T20:12:32.241+01:00Left-Handers Day 2019Are you left-handed or do you know a left-hander? Well today is Left-Handers day and since we have a left-hander in the family, namely Miss D, it seems only right that we at least acknowledge it and maybe even treat her to something to make her life just a wee bit easier.<br />
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That said, she was a very lucky girl when she started school in reception class. She had two teachers, one of whom was left handed, and a left handed teaching assistant. This helped her tremendously. I know some left handed children can really struggle in school because the way in which they form their letters is different, not to mention nothing is set up for them, but having teaching staff who understood, meant we avoided that and I have never, ever seen a single smudge in any of her school books throughout her entire school career! Scissors are still an issue though and I really should invest in a pair just for her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkbMOv6vuXTzeC7MRIw-djF4-vQcYPC6RVk0FEHrl40LdSjIOgSAgtHOq103l6XslyC59WQEJU8MyRGE-RxdIp9W_wRsSxbdme5oyDup10v-H4qejZ0s32AgxCDV8YAq9x7nkr2bcrco/s1600/hand-2326058_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="left-handed" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkbMOv6vuXTzeC7MRIw-djF4-vQcYPC6RVk0FEHrl40LdSjIOgSAgtHOq103l6XslyC59WQEJU8MyRGE-RxdIp9W_wRsSxbdme5oyDup10v-H4qejZ0s32AgxCDV8YAq9x7nkr2bcrco/s320/hand-2326058_640.jpg" title="left-handed" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>So this Left-Handers Day, let's celebrate with a few fun facts, my favourite of which, is topping the list:<br />
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<ul>
<li>You can actually live left-handed in a town called Left Hand in Virginia, USA</li>
<li>This one appears to be more of a US term, but I like it so, you're not just a left-hander, you're a Southpaw</li>
<li>Twins are more likely to be left-handed. If you're a twin, is this one true for you?</li>
<li>Apparently, you're better at sports. This one I can believe, since I am right-handed and rubbish at sport, but Miss D, though she hated PE was much better.</li>
<li>Albert Einstein was a leftie.</li>
<li>Given the above are you surprised to know, you're pretty smart at maths?</li>
<li>Left-handers drink more, but fear not, you're not a bunch of alcoholics, you just drink a bit more than us right-handers (alledgedly).</li>
<li>Leonardo Da Vinci was also a left hander</li>
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There are lots more, but lists really can get a bit boring, can't they?</div>
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As the parent of a left-hander, I for one am very happy that left-handed children are no longer forced to use their right hand any more. I can't think of anything more oppressive than being made to feel you're wrong just because you use the other hand. Miss D used to do the most amazing backwards writing starting at the right of the page and working left. One teacher had an issue with this in Year 1, but I just reminded her she's a leftie, so are you surprised? To my mind it made perfect sense.</div>
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If you want to make life easier for yourself or the leftie in your life, check out <a href="https://www.leftshoponline.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Left 'n' Write</a>, I've just found their site whilst writing this post, and have ordered a pressie for Miss D. I've told her that she has a left-handed ruler and note pad on the way, all ready for sixth form and she is one very happy leftie; you'd think I'd bought her a Ferrari!</div>
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So to all you left handers, this is your day. You are an awesome, talented, crazy, funny bunch and we love you!</div>
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<b><i>Note: This is not a sponsored post. </i></b></div>
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-84778156931209666992019-08-10T19:00:00.000+01:002019-08-14T20:27:46.973+01:00Forget Me NotOK, the title may be a little misleading, so if you're expecting to read a piece on horticulture and the delicate, but beautiful, little blue flower, Forget Me Not, or to use it's Latin name (I've done my homework here) myosotis sylvatica, you will likely be somewhat disappointed. However, I do aim to please, so let me share with you some fun facts which I have gleaned from my flora and fauna research (the rest of you, bear with me here and/ or prepared to be blown away by my channelling of my inner Charlie Dimmock - minus the bust, she has far more 'bustage' going on than myself).<br />
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Now, back to the humble Forget Me Not. Not only is it pretty, but my reading has shown that it flowers in spring, will pretty much grow anywhere, in any kind of soil and it doesn't care if it's in full or partial sun, and the best part, it doesn't need pruning! I'm thinking this could be a plant for me, because I am not known for my gardening expertise, so the easier and less fussy the plant the better! And, it's the state flower of Alaska, I bet you didn't know that; unless you're Alaskan, or know all your US state flowers, or you're just one of those really clever people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKyYGxV5zW__TTa8ak7LF8_sOtT1JfGpbTylzgWBZqoL-vduNxiPnIXP0HPSmIGnuwj5osgcSUeIQzCzpxqpIXi-CQEgtihC_u3zIBDxiMPnWj4iMTR0oVIvhUxqK2GX1lhBJxtpbLf8/s1600/forget-me-not-2275603_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Forget Me Not Flowers" border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKyYGxV5zW__TTa8ak7LF8_sOtT1JfGpbTylzgWBZqoL-vduNxiPnIXP0HPSmIGnuwj5osgcSUeIQzCzpxqpIXi-CQEgtihC_u3zIBDxiMPnWj4iMTR0oVIvhUxqK2GX1lhBJxtpbLf8/s320/forget-me-not-2275603_640.jpg" title="Forget Me Not Flowers" width="320" /></a></div>
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Right, that's enough about flowers for now, I shall pop my inner Charlie Dimmock back in the garage with the rest of the gardening equipment, not to mention the bags of garden rubbish that I really need to take down to the tip.<br />
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Nope the Forget Me Not I'm talking about this week, is my ability to not remember all those important (and not so important) things. Yep this week has been an interesting one.<br />
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Monday was spent frantically getting laundry done and dried, whilst cleaning the house in an attempt to make it looked 'unlived in' and 'showhome,' 'instalife' ready for a viewing. To be fair, Monday did seem to go quite well and I was feeling quite optimistic. I managed to get everything done, and not a twinge did I feel in my back (as I sometimes do when I've blitzed the house).<br />
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Come Tuesday, it all went a tad pear shaped and I was hobbling around, complaining like a proper old woman, with a knackered ankle. It took me a day or so to actually remember that I had twisted it hanging out the washing on Monday. I'm not one to shy away from the fact I am the world's clumsiest individual, but even I amazed myself with this one. I have no idea how I managed it, all I know is it bloody hurt and I had to hobble round town killing time before Miss L's opticians appointment. In the end we gave up and went early so I could sit down, like a real old lady would. To be fair her appointment was light relief. Miss. L has a very dry sense of humour, so when the optician asked if she was having any problems her response of, 'No, not really, I just can't see anything,' had us both in stitches, and as we know, laughter is the best medicine.<br />
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I'm not sure what went wrong after Tuesday, but on Wednesday, I thought a couple of my neighbour's were very fortunate to be heading off on their holidays, because they popped there recycling bins out a day early.<br />
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I will confess to being just a tad jealous. I know we've had some lovely weather here recently (at least we have in the South East), but it would be nice to be heading off to foreign lands on a plane, or even driving to a campsite and pitching the tent for a bit of a getaway (though maybe not this weekend, you'd likely end up being blown all the way to France). Anyway, I made a note to self to remember to pop the bin out the following day and headed for a shower, only to hear the bin men coming down the road, to which my first thought was, 'Oh I didn't realise there was a bank holiday coming up,' quickly followed by, 'You stupid cow! If there was a bank holiday they'd be a day late, we would already have had said holiday, and it's not bloody Wednesday! It's Thursday!' Fair to say, my bin did not get put out, but I was still vaguely on the ball, because I had checked my appointment slip and I knew today was my optician's appointment.<br />
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I didn't mind heading into town alone, but Miss L decided she'd quite like to tag along too and it's nice to have a bit of company, so off we headed for my 11.30. I was feeling quite chuffed, not only had I remembered the appointment, I had remembered my prescription and my contact lenses. I was #winning at this organisation lark! Except I wasn't. I mean, yes I was very prepared and organised, but I'd made a wee bit of a faux pas, in that, when I checked the date, my mind had transposed the date and all I'd seen was the '08' hence I was four days early for my appointment. It's not actually the end of the world, I mean better be four days early than four days late, right? Also, I think I should get Brownie points for enthusiasm, and perhaps a badge too. I never got any badges, but then I wasn't a Brownie, so that would explain that one; I was an outstandingly bad Girl Guide though,with a huge total of three badges.<br />
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Anyway, back to the point, I seem to have lost the plot, quite spectacularly, this week. Wednesday totally disappeared off my calendar, and is nowhere to be found, though I secretly think it could see the way things were headed and decided to leg it before it too got caught up in my forgetfulness. As with all, less than perfect weeks, there is always a lesson to be learnt and so this week, I have learnt to use my diary!<br />
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Yep, that'll be my diary, the thing I should be using to organise myself, but which I keep neglecting because I'm too lazy to retrieve it from my bag when I'm at home, and too lazy to put in my bag when I'm out. However, I would like to say, that since Thursday, I have been very good and have not been anywhere without it. Until July, next year, this will be my new best friend! Now someone knock me up a Brownie badge for that!<br />
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And just in case you were worrying about my recycling bin...our bin men are absolute stars and they collected it anyway, even though it wasn't at the communal collection point. So impressed was I with this, I made a point of calling our council to thank them, because credit where credit's due.<br />
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-8546459184492869002019-08-06T13:16:00.000+01:002019-08-07T16:38:26.031+01:00Days Out in KentIt's fair to say that the summer holidays are long and daunting, particularly if you have little ones that need a wee bit more entertaining than my two teenage girls. That said, even teens need to be dragged out of their rooms from time to time for a good dose of vitamin D. I find it's easier to persuade them out if you tell them they can bring a friend. This may sound like an expensive day out, but some years ago I took the plunge and joined English Heritage as a Family Member. It's paid for itself so many times over, because my membership allows me to get a shed load (OK, just a car load) of kids in free. This was particularly helpful, when Miss D wanted to take a friend to Dover Castle for History GCSE revision. We have some fantastic places to visit for days out in Kent, and a lot of the English Heritage sites put on special days for the school holidays.<br />
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Back in the Spring we had a fantastic day out with our membership. I've lived in Kent my whole life, but had never realised just how close Deal and Walmer are. So one sunny Spring day, we headed out to both Castles. We started at Deal, which is one of Henry VIII's coastal fortresses, he was quite particular about protecting his kingdom from invasion, which is understandable really and thanks to Henry, we can now have a good old nose around.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g1rcYGIV_xGyj82Ci5wdJglbmHwt7TYglKoxwLYuKSyWhLpWQboeT0uJhLkc9F8QhVLBt5KjObWc9Qu3DkiWxqU9dpsX1xkdNnPQ8bYr3PDjrXaM4yjOx94IxbyUf5Lru90G9rDNB2o/s1600/Deal+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deal Castle Kent" border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7g1rcYGIV_xGyj82Ci5wdJglbmHwt7TYglKoxwLYuKSyWhLpWQboeT0uJhLkc9F8QhVLBt5KjObWc9Qu3DkiWxqU9dpsX1xkdNnPQ8bYr3PDjrXaM4yjOx94IxbyUf5Lru90G9rDNB2o/s320/Deal+2019.jpg" title="Days Out in Kent - Deal Castle" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days Out in Kent - Deal Castle</td></tr>
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It's worth noting that Deal is not a big castle, but we had the most amazing time exploring, inside. There is a central room with lots of interactive things for the kids to do. From here you can go up a staircase to a warren of corridors and other rooms which are great for playing hide and seek in. Yep even our party of three teens and two adults had fun running around those rooms, hiding and jumping out on each other...actually, I'm not sure how we weren't escorted off the premises, but we weren't so that's good, because, go down to the basement level and there are some fabulous tunnels for even more fun! I would say, if you are taking little ones into these dark passages, hold on to them, they are very dark in places.<br />
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During the summer holidays Deal have a <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/deal-castle-minecraft-building-workshop-17-18-aug/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Minecraft Building Workshop</a> running on 17th and 18th August, so if your little person is as obsessed with Minecraft as my youngest used to be, this could be just the thing for them.<br />
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And don't forget, being a coastal defence, the castle is quite literally, on the sea front, so once you're done at the castle, why not head to the beach for a walk along the promenade, a picnic and a paddle. You really can make a full day of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-xZTKDDB-vsJsKAc4drMPEdTMceGqDHm5sZ6yLfNwLqnfHufexZ-VnmDU9Dae9npo8RNdPaO0wqkksZLhmmZbgfa7QkQWSeDlWhYCxSUoBjpxO1hnvOY06CFbtkp7D1qidR9WhdorlU/s1600/Deal+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deal Kent" border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-xZTKDDB-vsJsKAc4drMPEdTMceGqDHm5sZ6yLfNwLqnfHufexZ-VnmDU9Dae9npo8RNdPaO0wqkksZLhmmZbgfa7QkQWSeDlWhYCxSUoBjpxO1hnvOY06CFbtkp7D1qidR9WhdorlU/s320/Deal+Beach.jpg" title="Days Out in Kent - Deal Seafront" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days Out in Kent - Deal Seafront</td></tr>
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Alternatively, you can do what we did, head back to the car and drive a few minutes up the road to Deal's sister castle, Walmer which is the official home of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, something else I was not aware of. I was learning a lot this weekend. Walmer is a bigger, grander and more complete Castle, with the most fabulous gardens, not to mention a tearoom serving the best cheese scones I've had for a while (the mister and I do love a cheese scone).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKBEttUducliQBEbRW-7Kr6Qe2-aM4BDrepc_HfMHfOXgUUFJltkERaJJNCSCyzqTo4Z02aoU2oX8s0miyTj739Btzvxya9eRSi2qIkPZvczcAQA7nvySpu-JRp4E2lVtwC5vzQLi5H0/s1600/Walmer+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Walmer Castle Kent" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKBEttUducliQBEbRW-7Kr6Qe2-aM4BDrepc_HfMHfOXgUUFJltkERaJJNCSCyzqTo4Z02aoU2oX8s0miyTj739Btzvxya9eRSi2qIkPZvczcAQA7nvySpu-JRp4E2lVtwC5vzQLi5H0/s320/Walmer+2019.jpg" title="Days Out in Kent - Walmer Castle" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days Out in Kent - Walmer Castle</td></tr>
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We spent a long time here, particularly in the gardens, which in the spring were filled with the most beautiful tulips. I'm planning on heading back soon to take in the summer blooms and to take some photos of the beautiful pond in the Queen Mother's Garden. When we were there, the pond was full of tadpoles and it was fascinating to watch them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxaQ3xomF8obRZW4nhjepkpICiNKd2nq1M43CCyM_v7MMF2Kd8_IwfuCo8B1mfmjX2NIa85k5MdcWA7xcLz35ef7YDs6hurug7GcejbiZU60Y90h5GXvtu5wqhkmnfS5pDMjjO_8B_wg/s1600/Walmer+Tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Walmer Castle Kent Spring Tulips" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxaQ3xomF8obRZW4nhjepkpICiNKd2nq1M43CCyM_v7MMF2Kd8_IwfuCo8B1mfmjX2NIa85k5MdcWA7xcLz35ef7YDs6hurug7GcejbiZU60Y90h5GXvtu5wqhkmnfS5pDMjjO_8B_wg/s320/Walmer+Tulips.jpg" title="Days Out in Kent - Tulips" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days Out in Kent - Walmer Castle, Spring Tulips</td></tr>
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The gardens are immense and it was quite busy when we were there, but if you're taking a picnic, I did spot a few people who very sensibly retreated to the moat, which was quieter and an absolute joy to explore and to photograph the castle from a different angle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-0QEa4wcq1S6BxympUIaa8WwgRPvu-E5GjF4EXUx4dqTORdw7-YxsXIESth4G8uO6cQ5WIUU05P65mMPHxTl4x-QDWgaLY_3PEZ0xzDKE7VDkL5gyLiCyEmPnp9z3KBpVSgnqqYTgiA/s1600/Walmer+Moat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Walmer Castle Kent Moat" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-0QEa4wcq1S6BxympUIaa8WwgRPvu-E5GjF4EXUx4dqTORdw7-YxsXIESth4G8uO6cQ5WIUU05P65mMPHxTl4x-QDWgaLY_3PEZ0xzDKE7VDkL5gyLiCyEmPnp9z3KBpVSgnqqYTgiA/s320/Walmer+Moat.jpg" title="Days Out in Kent - Walmer Castle" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days Out in Kent - Walmer Castle </td></tr>
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The mister loved it down in the moat with his flash camera, and whilst he was busy photographing anything that was still for more than a second, I had a wander round and discovered a cute little doorway, which reminded me of 'The Secret Garden,' hands up who else remembers that one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mrqL5ZS2m-QtUewZQxkMQ3Pq5N-hQCMxCkIAJSbhkLrLB3-D6_tSAfDyCZ8T7NEeNwtLdvCLlfManKVKsRmN77o7y8Ry1AExSAj1BGeoRC2-3hd6utcyfJhkkCDktyPzwiIGpX5vpvc/s1600/Walmer+Doorway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Walmer Castle Kent Secret Doorway" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mrqL5ZS2m-QtUewZQxkMQ3Pq5N-hQCMxCkIAJSbhkLrLB3-D6_tSAfDyCZ8T7NEeNwtLdvCLlfManKVKsRmN77o7y8Ry1AExSAj1BGeoRC2-3hd6utcyfJhkkCDktyPzwiIGpX5vpvc/s320/Walmer+Doorway.jpg" title="Days Out in Kent - Walmer Castle Doorway" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days Out in Kent - Walmer Castle, Doorway</td></tr>
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Again, I need to head back in the next few weeks to see how stunning this looks with all that foliage looking healthy and green. I think it will remind me of my primary school days and reading that book even more. I must add, that it wasn't a secret garden beyond, but it was still a lovely, green and peaceful garden. Definitely a great place for kids to run and explore in. There is also a Natural Play Trail for the kids, but seeing as we had three teens with us, we didn't explore that, they may have done, we lost them several times, thank goodness for mobile phones!<br />
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We really did have an amazing day. I would suggest, if you do both castles in the same day, it's worth doing it in the order we did, otherwise your little ones may be too tired to enjoy the tunnels beneath Deal Castle. Also, I hadn't realised how close the two are, so if you're up for it, maybe picnic on the beach and then take the short walk to Walmer Castle (Google Map Directions assures me it is less than ten minutes).<br />
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Sadly this is not a paid/ sponsored post, but I would thoroughly recommend researching English Heritage sites in your local area, or areas you are planning on visiting, as it may be worth your while joining. My membership allows me to get up to six under 16's in free (I've never been crazy enough to want to take more than three teens out with me though). Take a look at their website to check membership prices and benefits <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. It's not cheap, but if you make good use of it, it really does pay for itself and can make the long summer holidays a little bit easier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjzn-2IfiTMjLQsaBQezDYjVxCNO3bpNCo-O1wZ_GSE2oDIoX18MIwbD8r20a1DuJDopu0gJaF_rBEQYdUdBsYj0V1Iv-YonAyuG_Fl6O1uQ7RxJj4FuI_PflIHDzTLedqPaVTPUYfYU/s1600/Dover2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dover Castle Kent" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcjzn-2IfiTMjLQsaBQezDYjVxCNO3bpNCo-O1wZ_GSE2oDIoX18MIwbD8r20a1DuJDopu0gJaF_rBEQYdUdBsYj0V1Iv-YonAyuG_Fl6O1uQ7RxJj4FuI_PflIHDzTLedqPaVTPUYfYU/s320/Dover2019.jpg" title="Days Out in Kent - Dover Castle" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days Out in Kent - Dover Castle</td></tr>
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And before I finish, don't forget, Dover Castle, which is a whole day out in it's own right. We go regularly and it is a great day out for all ages. If you're very lucky as we were last visit you can see all the way to France! They also put on some great events during the holidays so do check those out by clicking this <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/events/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>.<br />
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Which just leaves me to say, have a wonderful summer holiday, we'll be looking at some more days out for you very soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6C1vILhxvmPWmXpMfeaAAnJQImvkLSuHJEWHfWR1V7YcfXOIn_Wwckvo6Nxl8BPL1pp3nYBZqmbnzPwfDHtjV5ib2ps41F784t7akOwORjdv7ewqd7r0HvTPxhIS6aXqyCiQka1VHsE/s1600/picmonkey+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel" border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6C1vILhxvmPWmXpMfeaAAnJQImvkLSuHJEWHfWR1V7YcfXOIn_Wwckvo6Nxl8BPL1pp3nYBZqmbnzPwfDHtjV5ib2ps41F784t7akOwORjdv7ewqd7r0HvTPxhIS6aXqyCiQka1VHsE/s1600/picmonkey+badge.jpg" title="Little Orange Dog" /></a></div>
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-88540245927870325082019-07-31T14:12:00.000+01:002019-08-04T13:16:02.505+01:00Vets, Pets and VaccinesThis week has seen our pet pooch Max, heading off to the vet's for his annual vaccines. I always feel a wee bit mean, possibly more so than I did when it was my daughter's going to the Doctor's for their vaccinations; I'm not entirely sure what that says about me and I probably don't want to know either, though I have a sneaking suspicion, I could be considered a crap mum! Anyway, I knew where I was going to be taking the little chap, and as horrid as the weather forecast looked yesterday, I felt obliged to try and dodge the clouds and take him for a nice walk, or perhaps a nice sniff, since that is what he seems to do more of. You may have caught his last post (cheeky chap), where he pretty much admitted to sniffing more than usual to get me back for having his hair cut! If you didn't, you can catch up <a href="http://www.littleorangedog.co.uk/2019/07/my-revenge.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT4hihQb74zoHjk8SkbrpEGssCvF2kJrdYxJP3g0zKed4RfHgbnGTLtXZVaMzE71Ofj1OzD1n9L8CyqK52e0r7gy_xdzqNq7ODhRzx6oQd8ZbL7l2yKdfiVJIUp374bB8VdSn2gtZBqo/s1600/Max30Jul19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1335" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsT4hihQb74zoHjk8SkbrpEGssCvF2kJrdYxJP3g0zKed4RfHgbnGTLtXZVaMzE71Ofj1OzD1n9L8CyqK52e0r7gy_xdzqNq7ODhRzx6oQd8ZbL7l2yKdfiVJIUp374bB8VdSn2gtZBqo/s320/Max30Jul19.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Happy Max Before His Vaccines at the Vets<br />
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Trust me, he spent flipping ages sniffing round there and walking around in circles. I really do wonder if running into things as a pup has maybe done something to his head, still he's cute, and who really cares about his intelligence levels when he's so pretty?</div>
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Sorry, as usual I have digressed somewhat. Back to the point, which is the annual vaccination for pets. Does your pet need to have annual vaccinations? Well now, that's a question that only you can really answer. We have a cat, and she missed her booster when I was very ill, and though I have a lifetime plan, I simply cannot afford to pay for the initial jab again, but she is an indoor cat and has no interaction with any pet, other than Max. Hence I am crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.</div>
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Now, our pampered pooch, on the other hand, is a whole other story. Like most dogs, Max is very sociable, he loves to say hello to the other dogs, sniffs anything and everything, and picks anything that is lying about, up in his mouth, so annual vaccinations are not up for debate. Thankfully, in spite of spending most of the first year of his life to and fro from the vet's, he loves the place, so getting him through the door is no problem at all.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF4Qxg_RJ5MqIa_Ge5VLJrVSBjXFBoMEu42Vy8v8q5jmgeobW_0Jxa7incodZLipnLSsaGyyMS0SYWKQcMZevL2SaPOH7u6SOfakSnsBRqnbdlJ5miEqr0_d9mdGz3bQwp0rrHz0fy2I/s1600/IMG-2087+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1436" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF4Qxg_RJ5MqIa_Ge5VLJrVSBjXFBoMEu42Vy8v8q5jmgeobW_0Jxa7incodZLipnLSsaGyyMS0SYWKQcMZevL2SaPOH7u6SOfakSnsBRqnbdlJ5miEqr0_d9mdGz3bQwp0rrHz0fy2I/s320/IMG-2087+%25281%2529.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a pet waiting to see the vet!</td></tr>
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As you can see, he's pretty chilled out, plus it was very quiet so every single member of staff who walked past, stopped to make a fuss of him, and being the tart he is, he just lapped it up! He didn't even mind when he got called through to see the vet, in fact he was quite fond of the vet because he was given treats. As part of his annual vaccination visit, he gets a good overall health check up, which is good given the health problems Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can have. Thankfully, he's heart is all good, and his joints are fine (I would hope so, seeing as he has had £6000 worth of work to pin his knees in place), but there was an interesting issue (or not) with his teeth, which no one else had picked up on. Max has a teeny, tiny retained baby tooth. Thankfully, it's causing no problems, so a big sigh of relief there. Next it was time for the jab. The vet was very 'canny,' giving the boy a treat, needless to say, he didn't even notice he'd had a needle jabbed into him. The kennel cough vaccine, well, that wasn't quite the same at all. You see, that one goes up the nose, which is not particularly pleasant. It took a couple of attempts, but it got done and Max got another treat as a reward, which made him love the vet even more.</div>
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So that's Max, covered for the next year and free to sniff and play with his friends. It may seem a bit cruel, but I'd really rather not have a poorly pooch. It's bad enough when a child is ill, but like a baby, a pet can't tell you what's hurting or how they feel. I'm glad I took out the lifetime vaccination cover too. </div>
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As for Max, well, he's still a bit sulky, but I think he's forgiven me now.</div>
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<i><b>If you would like further information on caring for your dog and his health take a look at the links below:</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RSPCA</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PDSA</a></div>
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-81469893983428866332019-07-29T08:30:00.000+01:002019-08-02T10:37:12.931+01:00Me TimeLast Friday, I waved my girls off for a week's holiday with their Dad. It was an interesting affair. Miss. D was a bit stroppy because Dad was early (or something) and she was still trying to soak off her acrylic nails (which she had put on for her prom) and as any of us who have ever had acrylics will know, they are a bugger to get off and require more patience than most sixteen year old girls have. So when she left she was in a rush because, one cannot be seen with some nails on and some nails off, even if you are travelling from one home, by car, to another with no stops along the way. Miss. L wasn't super happy either, but for different reasons. She's not been too well recently and is currently waiting to see CAMHS after her holiday. She'd spent most of the previous week glued to me, which to be honest, has been rather nice, but it meant we had a few tears when she was leaving. After a bit of reassurance from myself and her father, she was off and even managed a little smile when Max waved her off with his paw.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>So that leaves me with just the cat and dog for company, which should mean I get to do whatever I want to this week. By rights, I should probably take the opportunity to relax, unwind and recharge my batteries, which I will try to do, I promise, but first there are one or two things that I really have to do.<br />
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I have a heap of paperwork to catch up on and if I really want a break this week, I need to get my backside well and truly into gear and get my social media posts done and scheduled for <a href="https://www.hugs-online.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hugs</a> (if you don't know what that is, go and check it out and be sure to give me a follow over there). Before I can do that, I need to prep for an interview.<br />
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Yep you read that correctly. I have an interview and I am not sure if I am nervous or excited. I've not had an interview for a good few years, well not a regular one. On the face of it, I shouldn't be nervous, I mean it can't be any worse that having to go to panel when I was fostering, which I can only liken to Dragons Den, but with more people. However, getting as far as an actual interview is a bit of a rarity for me. It's difficult as a single mum with no family etc. nearby to support me, to find hours that work. Needless to say, when the email came inviting me to interview, I had to do a mad rush to Next to buy something for my lower half that wasn't made of denim. That's the good thing about working for yourself, you can wear what you want and drink as much tea as you like without having to offer to make one for everyone else! Anyway, I'm a bit unsure about how this is all going to turn out, so wish me luck and I'll update you later.<br />
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Now Tuesday is going to be interesting. I have a sneaking suspicion that our Little Orange Dog is going to be having a bit of a rant this week. In fact, I know he will, because he is off to the vets to have his annual vaccinations. He doesn't mind a trip to the vet because he gets fussed by everyone and that's essentially what he lives for, but he's not so keen on having needles stuck in him or drops shoved, unceremoniously up his nose, but needs must and all that, and the vet always gives him a treat and a fuss afterwards, but as I say, watch this space, because he will be going for the sympathy vote...big time!<br />
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Once Monday and Tuesday are out of the way, I shall mostly be dedicating myself to the consumption of a whole lot of tea and finally getting round to finishing the book I started reading last month.<br />
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And because I will be missing my girls I shall be sure to use my 'I Love My Mummy,' mug. It's fair to say, that although they spend much of their time in their rooms (being teenagers), it really is very quiet and I'm not entirely sure I like it. I've only done two dinner times without them, and much as I love the dog and cat, it's fair to say that what they make up for in cute fluffiness, they severely lack in the art of conversation and humour. That said, at least they don't talk all the way through TV programmes I really want to watch, so every cloud does indeed have a silver lining.<br />
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So that's the plan so far for this week. I'd love to hear what you're all up to this first week of the school holidays, why don't you let us know in the comments.<br />
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little orange doghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14914512612335228207noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6683231397856382957.post-52441554886758645562019-07-24T12:22:00.000+01:002019-07-24T12:22:11.479+01:00My RevengeHello, it's me, Max. Did you forget me? I been away a long time. I tried really hard to get to Mummy's laptop thingy, but her was on it ALL the time doing something called 'work.' It not good enough, little orange me needs to talk to all you lovely peoples, not just the peoples I live with. Tween me and you, me get a bit bored with them sometimes, even Sparkle cat is a girl. It not easy living with girls. It also not good, girls want you to smell like a girl. Little me spends a long time getting nice and scruffy and smelly, just the way I like to be and then, they take me to the place of bubbles and brushes and lots of other nasty clean stuffs. When me leaves I look like this...<br />
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<a name='more'></a>You can see, I is not a happy orange doggy. Apparently, this is my summer haircut! I not smell nice either. Me got my own back though, the day after my haircut, me managed to get a knot in my ear. Mummy wasn't impressed, but I was very happy. Me hasn't stopped there. Oh no. Me been making sure to make the most of my doggy walks.<br />
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Me love a good sniff on my walks. I a spaniel, though Mummy says I'm not a proper spaniel, I a lap dog (I very good at being a lap dog too). We spaniels love a good sniff and to get back at mum for my haircut, I been doing loads of sniffing. More sniffing than usual.<br />
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I do like to walk around in circles a lot too, in between sniffs and hide from Mumma in the trees. That funny, she gets quite angry about ducks when I not where she can see me, or if I sniffing too much. I a bit worried she seeing things, as I not seen a single duck on our walks, but she keep saying, 'Where the duck are you now?' and 'Hurry the duck on!' Me think her either very unwell, or those are invisible ducks, but me would still hear them wouldn't I? I not know, I just know I like to sniff and sometimes chase a rabbit. Me never catch them though, they're really fast, them must have superpowers in those fluffy tails!<br />
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I got to go, me can hear Mumma and me not want her to know what I been doing, Stay cool everyone. Woof!<br />
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