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I can not believe that it is almost Feb and what a busy month this will be despite it being the shortest. There is Shove Tuesday, Ash Wedne...
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Thinking about going back to school this autumn, thinking about a new look, thinking about a new you? Then why to surport independent artisi...
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Back to school, most people are thinking about nothing this week than "back to school" and already I have seen "Christmas...
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Oh what a day! Oh what a week, I have had one child in sick bay and I am still home schooling my SEN son! I was planning on doing so much o... -
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dechox2019-miss-katrina-l-slomczynski
Please click on the image below
Charity Number 1159682
Friday, 31 December 2021
Tuesday, 28 December 2021
Friday, 24 December 2021
Thursday, 23 December 2021
Sunday, 19 December 2021
Saturday, 18 December 2021
Thursday, 16 December 2021
Online Privacy for Kids - Internet Safety and Security for Kids
Wednesday, 15 December 2021
'Twas the night before video games' with Katherine Ryan | IM & Electroni...
Tuesday, 14 December 2021
Sunday, 12 December 2021
Thursday, 9 December 2021
Otters at the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary and Dorset
Wednesday, 8 December 2021
Being Closer to Nature
Being Closer to Nature
I think that one thing that I love about home schooling is the ability to get closer to nature and to chose what items I use to teach my children and where I buy them from.
One thing that I have always done with my children is to teach them that second-hand is OK to buy despite Covid 19.
I was not brought up to use second-hand and was told to always buy new, but now that I am a parent I am happy to teach.
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
Upcycle
is the new way to live life.
So one thing that I am looking at doing is to keep some of the things that I teach seasonal and to be more closer to nature and use what we have around use to learn who to live life to the full.
This year we were not really able to do any foraging like we have in the past, so I am going to use the items that I already have around the house and have not done any thing with yet.
What we will do is make then in to gifts for our family and friends and also to decorate the house with.
So please follow us during our gift making session over the next few day(s)
Wednesday, 1 December 2021
Sunday, 28 November 2021
Thursday, 11 November 2021
Wednesday, 10 November 2021
Where did the NHS come from?
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning,
we will remember them,
we will remember them.
From 'For the Fallen' (1914), by Laurence Binyon
Friday, 29 October 2021
Keep moving forward.
Keep moving forward.
With Covid still hanging over everyone aiming to move forward is not easy. It feels like all that we are doing is asking one step forward and the having to spend 14 days staring at 4 walls all over again.
So one thing that I am working on is how to set up some more community led projects/groups for 2022.
Living in the Heart of England means that getting to Nuneaton is probably one of the easiest places to reach. You can get here by pretty much any form of transport and walking from most places usually takes a few hours too.
The main thing is to KEEP SAFE!
So I am looking at a number of places where I could run community groups from that are disability friendly, have car parking, toilet facilities and can offer basic catering options too.
The main thing that I need to look at is having the right insurance both public and employee support when required.
So please bear with me and feel fee to follow my blog(s) or other social options.
Thank you.
Saturday, 23 October 2021
Friday, 22 October 2021
Thursday, 21 October 2021
Monday, 18 October 2021
Sunday, 17 October 2021
Friday, 15 October 2021
Monday, 11 October 2021
Sunday, 10 October 2021
Saturday, 9 October 2021
October 2021 Nest Egg Ideas, should I have for the future?
October 2021 Nest Egg Ideas, should I have for the future?
Friday, 8 October 2021
Thursday, 7 October 2021
Wednesday, 6 October 2021
Tuesday, 5 October 2021
Friday, 1 October 2021
Thursday, 30 September 2021
Tuesday, 28 September 2021
Making prototype(s), How long? How much? Septembers 2021
Making prototype(s), How long? How much? Septembers 2021
Making prototype(s)
One of the things that I love doing is trying new things, although now that I am older I do not do that much now.
I also loved taking things a part to see how they are made and to see if I could make them better.
I love making prototypes of items that I am thinking of making one day and doing reviews on products when I can.
At he moment I am designing a children game for my sister to try out for 10 children under 5.
So we will see what happens and what feed back I can get from it.
How long?
Over the past few weeks I have been looking at getting back into art and seeing how long artwork will take to produce and then hopefully sell.
I did not realize how time consuming it can be when you are waiting for paint to dry.
looking around when you are hand making items you know that each items is going to be different a little.
But will it sell?
How much?
That is the question, I can not charge NMW for my work other wise some items would end up being £100.00 of pounds
So I am having to still thing about price points and how much my time is worth.
https://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/calculate-the-cost-price-of-your-creative-product/
This is why so many items are made overseas in sweet shops and not in the UK where we have more employment rights to protect people.
Yet if you are self employed or an artist you are still underpaid for your experiences.
But is an artiest not like a Plastic surgeon? One paints with a brush the other with a knife
For me it should not matter what job you do you should be paid for your work experiences , not just your qualifications.
Yet due to NMW that is to protect people and help them to be tread fairly, it is used to keep people down. In 2021 very few people archive more than this due to the current economy,
Even when I looked at going back to teaching full time at my local collage I was only offered £18,000 per annum.
So when it comes to your future you need to take the time to research, adapt, plan and budget.
I have added some link(s) below that may help.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-exports-dispatches-and-supplying-goods-abroad
Salary checker
https://www.totaljobs.com/salary-checker/salary-calculator
https://www.monster.co.uk/career-advice/article/salary-calculator
Income Tax Checker
https://www.gov.uk/income-tax/check-youre-paying-the-right-amount
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/check-tax-code/
UK Pay Scale
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Country=United_Kingdom/Salary
https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/what-you-should-you-expect-19337047
Holiday Entitlements
https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights/holiday-pay-the-basics
Becoming an Apprentices
https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions
Self Employment
https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/self-employed-income-calculator.aspx
https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself
https://rsaccountancy.co.uk/working-out-what-your-self-employed-day-rate-should-be/
https://www.freeagent.com/guides/expenses/food-and-drink/
https://www.gov.uk/vat-businesses
https://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/calculate-the-cost-price-of-your-creative-product/
Acas
https://www.acas.org.uk/pay-and-wages
Travel Costs
https://www.hrzone.com/community-voice/discuss/mileagehow-much-should-be-paid
Benefit Support
Benefit Checker
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Child Maintenance
https://www.gov.uk/calculate-child-maintenance
Pension Information
https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/employers/managing-a-scheme/contributions-and-funding
Monday, 27 September 2021
Should I get the Flu vaccination this winter?
I think this winter a lot of people are going to be asking themselves should I get the flu vaccination?
I think that before you do that just like with an vaccination you should do your research and make sure that you are fit and healthy before doing so. Also remember that some times after any new vaccination you may feel unwell.
So before making your chose I have listed some link(s) below that you may find useful and will help you to make the right chose for you; to stay safe and well this winter.
NSH Website
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
GovUK Website
BBC News Website
Sunday, 26 September 2021
Thursday, 23 September 2021
Monday, 20 September 2021
Saturday, 18 September 2021
Friday, 17 September 2021
Charity of the month
Charity of the month, is month we are going to leave it down to our followers what charity they may or may not want to donate to.
Over the years we have aimed to pick a different local charity that we advertise on our blog and also nationwide and worldwide when possible.
Over the past years a lot of local charities in your home town have closed; those that are nation wide and world wide have also struggled.
What we found is a lot of them now do not just rely on foot fall, they also have their own online shops, use social media and companies like eBay and Amazon.
So when you have time to think about supporting the wider community where you live or even people national and oversea please consider to take the time to support a charity.
This could be done in a number of ways, thinks like donating unwanted items, making gifts they could sell, buying items, raising money, volunteering your time.
One thing that we do is try to research the charity to make sure they are register and to find out where the money they receive is used for. This information should be accessible or be able to be obtained upon request.
Thank you.
GovUK Information
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/make-sure-you-know-where-your-charity-donations-are-going
Managing Charity Finances
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/managing-charity-finances
How Charities work?
https://howcharitieswork.com/transparency-and-accountability/charitable-activity/
How are Charities Regulated
https://howcharitieswork.com/transparency-and-accountability/how-charities-are-regulated/
How much do Charities Spend
eBay Charity Shop Link(s)
Thursday, 16 September 2021
September 2021 Budgeting for the rest of 2021
September 2021 Budgeting for the rest of 2021
Right ok lets go.
The first thing that I have added or made sure works is the link to making a budgeting plan.
I know it may seam like the most easiest thing to do, yet it is something myself I personal struggle with.
with the changes that we are all like to face over the next few months it would not hurt to think about completing one and keeping on on file.
Most of time when I do this it is an estimated figures that I use. The fist time you do this task can be quite time consuming and taxing. Yet it can help and it also means that if you are asked for one in the future you already have on on file.
On the blog there will be an icon to click on I will check to make sure it works, it should also go to a secure sight.*
*Not all links go to what is called a secure sight so make sure you ani-virus is up to date on your device you are using.
If you any any questions then please contact me.
If you are wanting to find your on budget plans template or information there are a lot of useful details on line now, also at your local library and Citizens Advice Centre.*
*Please note that a lot of line support now days wants you to fill in an on line form. I personal would rather keep a paper copy.
September 2021 Updating My Blog
September 2021 Updating My Blog
Right before I move forward I am going to update my blog and make sure that all of the links work and are up to date.
I will also check my pages and posts to make sure that they are all working, up to date and interlink if possible.
September 2021 Mental Health "It's Time To Talk Now"
Again in the new this week and also on "loose Women" Mental Health, The NSH, GP appointments and operations have been in the new.
Personal the main issues that people are not realizing is money. We have all now been informed about this new NI Tax that will be coming in 2022.
Yet accessing any medical services is a "post code lottery."
This is why I believe that more information needs to be made public so that people can make the choices that are necessary for their own personal heath and wellbeing; to the best of their abilities.
This information may already be available I do not know, a bit like an Ofsted report for a school.
I know that some property websites can give information about what the area that you are looking to live in can offer, like schools, shops, entertainment, crime rate, I am not sure if they offer NHS service and maybe this is something that should be looked into.
The things we need to try and do for our selves are looking at
Births, Marriages and Death.
Divorce, Dementia, Death
School, collage, University
Money, savings, loans, Taxes
Health and Wealth
Employment options
Benefit options
Support Services
I have listed then like this and will look at covering them in my blog(s)
Please feel free to comment or request more information.
Also link on the link(s) that I have listed to they may help.
Remember, research is the key, ask for help and do not be afraid to except it.
Stay safe.
Wednesday, 15 September 2021
Cooking Red Cabbage and other seasonal fruit and Vegetables part one.
Over the next couple of weeks I am aiming to update this blog and add some useful tips about cooking seasonal fruit and Vegetables.
The fist one that I am going to talk about is Red Cabbage, due to it being one of the main root vegetables that I know eat on a weekly basis in my late 30's.
Please note a am a full time mum and have no formal medical training and am only posting my own personal life experiences and information I have found useful.
How to cook Red Cabbage in the slow cooker.
Tuesday, 14 September 2021
September 2021 Back at school
Now that everyone should have returned to full time education what will happen?
What I have found myself is that everything seams to be going backwards, yet if we stepped into a time machine all I can see is one of two things happening.
This is why I think that films about the future and infection became so popular over the last year.
Yet the one thing that I always think about is "The Time Machine "By H.G. Wells" and the words "it's all clear."
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54083859-the-time-machine-illustrated
https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/timemachine/summary/
Although I have never read the book I did see both movies.
The Time Machine is a 2002 American science fiction film loosely adapted from the 1895 novel of the same name by H. G. Wells and the screenplay of the 1960 film of the same name by David Duncan.
This book talks about the end of the world due to man reaching to far to touch the stars. Then in the future only two species of man left
Eloi
One that lives above in the sun and eats, drinks, plays all day.
Morlocks
One below that works, designs, plans and cares for those above. Hides in the shadow and then when they need to feed on those above to survive.
They do this by using a noise that makes the Eloi to the onw basic thing that every thing thig will do, Flight or Fight.
So what the noises triggers is the flight instinct that makes the Elio hide under ground like that would have been taught to do centuries before in times of danger.
For centuries we have been taught this in may ways shapes and forms the Flight or Fight way of life and in some case we have been forced into doing one or another even if we do not wish to do so.
Flight or Flight.
The fight or flight response is a physiological response to a stimulus which our bodies consider dangerous or life-threatening. This response—also called the acute stress response—is familiar to most people as the intense feeling of anxiety, shaking, and fear that can occur when our bodies prepare for a possible emergency.
Although both genetical come from the same species homer apian they are nothing a like to to centuries of evolution and time.
So in many ways have become to separate species all together and bother dependant on each other and living a symbiotic relationship.
Symbiotic relationship
Symbiosis is a function of nature that encourages the flourishing of all life on Earth, enabling each party to sustain its own life and continue the legacy of their species through a special form of interaction. Some symbiotic relationships are only really beneficial to one party, but generally symbiosis will be mutually beneficial.
In the movies
In both films the interpretation of the movie is different yet the story line is the same. With a traveller from a different time coming teaching the Eloi that to live a different way of life that they must fight for it and want to learn to change from in way being children into adults and learning to take care of themselves.
"Not to be afraid of the dark, to change and adapted."
Yet in the more modern movie (2002) the Elio appear to be more independent and know what it is going on and except their way of life and that none are likely to live very long. They even appear to know basic literature, how to gown food, how to keep warm and stay safe at night.
He also never goes back in time. and resets up the ability to tech again with what is left of modern technology; called the Vox System.
In the 1960, they have talking rings, books that have turned to dust, food and clothing, no knowledge of fire and know that at night they must stay indoors and not go outside.
In the end he goes back in time and picks up three book to take with him to help build and change the future.
One should be asking themselves do we not already live this way?
Monday, 13 September 2021
September 2021 What Now?
What will the rest of 2021 have in store for everyone?
With Covid still on the rise, was have a vaccine really just a smoke screen when the elephant was still in the room?
Money.
Just like with any war that effect human life and the economy, it goes to think that every country had its onw figure on the cost of human life. how may could each country afford to let die, how much money could they afford to lose and then make once the cost of a human life was met??
Now I live in the UK so I can only really speak about what was ultimately lost and achieved over the last two years and most of this from my own personal experience and what I have seen and heard.
So I ask myself why?
What have we learned?
What have we gained?
What have we achieved?
I believe that the answers to these questions are [personal ones that we can only ask and answer yourselves.
For me not much changed over this time frame to date and I guess the one thing that I learned it that things I not likely to in the near future either.
Yet this experience would have been different for everyone om a personal level and how we take on board what we may or may not have learned will determine the future,
So for me, my plant for the rest of this year is to live and live each day like it could be my last.
To say I Love You and try not to end the day on an argument.
Also if possible to try and save a at lest 3 months rent just in case we have another lockdown.
Sunday, 12 September 2021
Back to School
Now that everyone is back into school mode after the school holidays. If you are home schooling your children or have sent them back to be educated please take the time to look up the new Gov covid guide line(s.)
Tuesday, 7 September 2021
Saturday, 21 August 2021
When will you start doing your shopping for the Festive Holiday Season?
When will you start doing your shopping for the Festive Holiday Season?
With summer almost over and Covid still on the rise, how many of us are now turning our attentions to shopping for the festive Holiday Season?
Before we all know it the festive adverts will be on our TV screens and we will all want to be knowing what top Christmas number one song will be for 2021.
The radio will be playing "Feed the World" and "It's Christmas!" about every 30 minuets.
IF we are lucky every wher will have their annual Christmas lights switch on and we will all be buying Mince Pies and bad woolly jumpers for men we know to wear.
So during all of this when will we look at doing our shopping ans most of all where?
Monday, 16 August 2021
Redbubble Volksbolts and KABFA Designs
Redbubble Volksbolts and KABFA Designs
https://www.redbubble.com/people/KABFA/shop?asc=u
We have been updating our Redbuble account over teh last few weeks now that now products can be designed by our staff and produced.
So if you are loking for a gift for a friend, family member, that extra person in your life and even for your self; then why not few our Redbubble Store.
For more information please contact use direct.
Thursday, 12 August 2021
Sunday, 25 July 2021
Wednesday, 26 May 2021
Tuesday, 25 May 2021
Alice in Wonderland Down the Rabbit hole. By Lewis Carroll
Alice in Wonderland Down the Rabbit hole. By Lewis Carroll
Chapter I: Down the Rabbit-Hole - Alice-in-Wonderland.net
it is the 24th May 2021 and once again I have had a fight with my ex. It always seam that when people fight they always seam to fight about about the same things.
Death and Taxes
Family and Friends
Property and money
Where should we go on holiday this year? Should we take the kids? Should we kennel the dog? Should we get some to house sit?
Over the last almost two years the world that we once knew is no more.
Ever since I was young I have wanted to be self-employed and run my own business I am now almost 40 and I should may be look at making a B-movie or sitcom of how many times I have failed.
Also I know is that I can not take one more shitty course on how to become self employed where some mild-aged person stands in front of a slid show.
Showing you that if you do A, B, C then you will get to D and be a millionaire with in three years.
So what do I do?
All I know it that I have had 101 and Jobs since leaving high school and now I am a full time mother to three child.
Who love to say “I hate you mum!”
So what so I do?
How do I move forward with out having to take 10 steps back and going down the “Rabbit Hole” like am “Alice in Wonderland.?” By Lewis Carroll alice in wonderland - Bing
Sunday, 23 May 2021
Friday, 21 May 2021
Monday, 26 April 2021
Sunday, 28 March 2021
Welcome March 2021
Welcome March 2021
Good moring and welcome to my blog. If this is your
fist time viewing it then please feel free to view the
information that I have posted.
Over the next couple of months I aim to get every
thing up to date and working. If you would like me
to add anything to this blog then please let me
know.
You can keep up to date by subscribing to my blog
and can view other websites by clicking on the
images and links provide.
So please enjoy.
Sunday, 21 March 2021
Thursday, 18 March 2021
Tuesday, 2 March 2021
Sunday, 14 February 2021
February 2021 Veg Boxes
February 2021 Veg Boxes
Over the next couple of weeks I am looking at different ways to shop for the food that I need for my family and loved ones. At the moment I still get help due to Covid 19 and my children being off school due to being on benefits. I also still Claim Health Start vouchers.
Again I keep saying that this is wrong and that the government should allow very parent in the UK to claim Healthy start vouchers for their children up until the age of 4. After all these vouchers are for your child and to help support and promote healthy eating.
Down falls of Healthy Start Vouchers
Not being able to be used on line and only in person.
Only a selected number of places will take these vouches.
You can also only use them on selected items.
All of the full detail of how to claim and what you can use them for are in the link below.
So what about those of use who are still shopping on line because of Covid 19 and using online shopping as a new way to still shop?
Over the past 5 years I have used shops that I know and trust. But last year I have to think outside that box because these could not deliver.
This year I am doing the same and looking at different places to but fresh organic food locally for my family.
Yes I get healthy start voucher what works out at about £30.00 per month off my major shop, but I will only get these for any other 2 years. So I am looking at were these I can shop and try and save money now.
If you look online you can find information and I have include the links below.
However I find that shopping your self is the best way to find what works for you.
Useful link(s)
Best veg boxes 2020: Get fresh produce delivered straight to your door | The Independent
18 Best Food Subscription Boxes | London Evening Standard | Evening Standard
Thursday, 11 February 2021
Wednesday, 3 February 2021
Friday, 8 January 2021
Sunday, 3 January 2021
MDF MY “Pet Hate!”
MDF MY “Pet Hate!”
One item that I always said that I would never work with during my art work is MDF!
But what is MDF?
(MDF) medium density fibreboard.
What is it Made of?
It is a manufactured (engineered) wood product composed of wood fibres that are mixed with resin and wax and pressed into flat panels under high temperature and pressure. It is used much like plywood as a building material in residential and commercial construction.
What are the advantages of MDF board?
MDF board has many benefits besides the low cost. For one, it's stronger than particle board (which is made from compressed sawdust) and is often made with a veneer to create the look of a solid wood board. Compared with hardwood, MDF is lighter, the chemicals within repel termites, and it doesn’t warp much in humid weather.
What are the hazards of MDF?
MDF contains a substance called urea formaldehyde, which may be released from the material through cutting and sanding. Urea formaldehyde may cause irritation to the eyes and lungs. Proper ventilation is required when using it and face masks are needed when sanding or cutting MDF with machinery.
The pros and cons of using MDF Wood over solid wood while building your green home - Ecofriend
Why do I hate it so much?
Eco-friendly quotient
MDF can be considered Eco-friendly in the sense that it is made from recycled wood. But the amount of chemicals it holds will disqualify it from being considered as green. The urea-formaldehyde used in its manufacture is poisonous to the respiratory and digestive systems. Especially, if there are toddlers at home, they should be kept away from MDF so that they do not chew at it or lick it.
MDF is definitely a convenient material to make use of for building homes. But if you wish to make a green home, it may be best avoided due to health, cost and durability reasons. It would be a good idea to use MDF for making some parts of the home which does not involve exposure to either water or children.
Is MDF safe for children?
This is my main concern and always been the main reason why I have not wanted to use MDF when making and designing things for children.
Please look at the links below for more information.
https://www.childrensfurniture.co.uk/mdf
https://childrensfurniturecompany.blogspot.com/2009/03/mdf-is-safe-right.htm
Due to MDF being so cheep and a lot of the items are mass-produced overseas in places like China, you know that the Health and Safety Laws have probably to been followed or the same that we would have to abide by in the UK.
Now that the UK is no longer under the EU it is even more important to know what guideline we must follow when selling and product or service to the general public from 2021.
So this is something that I will be looking into so that I can hopefully set up Self Employment in April of 2021.
My aim is to sell finished products where ever possible and not fro under 3years old.
Over the Covid 169 Lock down I have been looking at using up all my art supplies with my family and have brought MDF Precut shapes to achieve this. However this is not what I will be looking at using in the long run I get my business established I will be looking at creating my own library of Computer Aided Designs (CAD) that I can then look at have cut into any type of Materials and not MDF.
Thank you for reading.
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Making your own gifts and decorations this year. This year now that both of my children are older I am looking at celebrating this yea...
