Easy Dressing Up Ideas For World Book Day

Don't panic.  It's World Book Day on 2nd March 2017 and the challenge is on to kit your child out as their favourite character from a book.

In case your imagination has run dry and you need inspiration, the following posts should give you plenty of budget-friendly ideas.

And don't worry, if you're a craft-duffer like I am, trust me you will be able to do one of these.

And if not, there's always Smiffys, or Amazon (bad mum alert!).

Keep reading for plenty of useful suggestions and the relevant links.

Worldbookday.com

2017 celebrates the 20th World Book Day, the aim of which is to encourage children in the UK and Ireland to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own.

Schools are being sent packs of Book Tokens and age-ranged World Book Day Resource Packs (age-ranged into Nursery/Pre-School, Primary and Secondary) full of ideas and activities, display material and more information about how to get involved in World Book Day.

World Book Day has its own really useful website with plenty of dressing up ideas which you can find here.

This year if you donate £1 to dress up and you can help change lives at the same time by helping Book Aid International.

You'll find even more dressing up ideas on the Book Aid International website here.

Ieuan as Willy Wonka

30 last-minute World Book Day costume ideas that you can create at home without a needle and thread

Wales Online have put together some really useful ideas - and you could even re-use the costumes you doubtless had to cobble together for Roald Dahl Day last year.

World Book Day 2015: What To Wear - The Guardian

A useful collection of real life costumes featuring photos parents have sent in to the Guardian's photo gallery.

As you might expect, you'll find some useful ideas on Netmums and Mumsnet.

If you live in the North East, ChronicleLive has 41 Inspiring World Book Day Costumes From Families in Newcastle and the North East.

More ideas from The Daily Post in North Wales in its piece "When is World Book Day 2017. Some Ideas And Find Out What Is Expected To Be This Year's Best Seller"

Caitlin as Matilda

More ideas from the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo and ChronicleLive's "10 World Book Day Costume Ideas from Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys".

This list may also help "15 Best Children's Books Of All Time" from The Telegraph.

But are there any characters you shouldn't dress your child up as?  I recently heard the story of a woman who sent her son to school dressed as serial killer Dexter and then there was the mum whose son's favourite book was his Top Gear Annual - so she sent him in dressed as Jeremy Clarkson.

And on that bombshell......

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My Problem Page Edition 7 2017

This week I'm talking about how to deal with Tinnitus in social situations and when a fantasy Facebook relationship collapses.

If you would like any advice, feel free to treat me as your agony aunt. Just message me or pop a comment in the comment box at the end of this post. I promise to be gentle.

Here are this week's questions.

Q: I have tinnitus and sensitive hearing. How can I protect my ears at parties without looking stupid? 

I want to socialise with friends but I need to protect hearing as I have tinnitus already. I don't want to wear massive ear protectors so what should I do?

A: I wear Alpine Pro musicians earplugs (you can get them on Amazon) which come in a little case and which I just pop in when the volume gets too loud. 

They don’t block out all the sound but just filter out the worst of it so you should still be able to hear conversation, although it may be slightly muffled. But I would rather that, than risk setting off a tinnitus spike. 

People may notice you putting them in so I’d just laugh it off and say “you know me, sensitive ears” or be honest about your tinnitus. 

Loads of people suffer with it and I think the more people who talk about it the better. I talk about it in my post "If You Have Tinnitus, You Need To Make Friends With Spike". 

Until we sufferers bring tinnitus out into the open, our chances of forcing medical action and research into a cure a reduced. I tell everyone I have it - once you get over that hurdle, it’s no problem to put your earplugs in without any comment. 

I hope that you have had a medical checkup and advice about your tinnitus. It may be caused by something that can be treated, for example certain medications and high blood pressure. 

Don’t (pardon the pun) suffer in silence.

Q: Do guys not talk to pretty girls because they assume they have boyfriends? 

A: It’s all about confidence and if a guy’s self-esteem is low he will not think he’s ‘good enough’ to approach a pretty girl. 

That’s a real shame because as we grow up and mature we realise it’s really not about looks, it’s about being a kind, loving, intelligent person. 

I can’t tell from your question whether you are the shy guy or the pretty girl but either way there’s nothing to stop you striking up a conversation. 

A smile and a friendly hello won’t hurt and you never know where it may lead. 

And if you’re like that with everyone there’s no risk, is there?

Q: My boyfriend dumped me but he says he misses me. We talk everyday but he is determined about not getting back together. What am I supposed to infer? 

A: This man is just playing games and pulling your heart strings royally, isn’t he? 

Why are you still talking to him every day? Is it because you are hoping he’ll come back? 

Isn’t it likely that if he does he’ll treat you badly all over again? 

Unless he dumped you because you cheated on him - in which case I can understand why he misses you but has no intention of coming back, I’d get busy and stop answering his calls. 

Work out what the real reason you split up is and then set the intention that you both deserve something better.

Q: How do I get over an ex boyfriend using me for sex and free babysitting?

A: Your ex is clearly not a very nice man but I think you need to take a little responsibility for this.

I’m assuming you were not forced into sex in which case that is a different and more serious issue.

I think you are smarting at being taken advantage of - as we all would be - particularly if he has just dumped you.  

All you can do is tell yourself that you will never put yourself in that position again. 

Work on your self-confidence and learn to recognise when a man is not truly interested in you for you.  
If you’re honest, there were probably one or two warning bells weren’t there? 

Get this man out of your life and find someone who deserves you.

Q: Why am I obsessed with a girl whom I've never met? 

I met a girl on Facebook and she is from Honduras. We lived in two differently countries and talked everyday. We even planned a future together and marriage. We eventually broke up and she's now dating someone else. Why am I so heart broken?

A: Because you invested in a fantasy that contained, no risk, no danger, no need to change yourself in any way and, sadly, absolutely no reality. 

We can be as fiercely protective of our dreams as we can of our ‘real life’. You have no idea what this girl was really like. 

Anybody can write anything on Facebook and post images from anywhere. 

Sometimes though, our fantasies are a great way or testing our feelings, of asking ourselves ‘what if’. The problem is when they become an escape and an excuse for going out there and having a real relationship. 

The pain you are now feeling will fade - and the quickest way to make it go is to get out there and have a real relationship with a girl who lives close to you - and certainly in the same country.

How would you have responded to these questions? I'd love to know. You can find more advice on my problem page.

Disclaimer: All materials included in this post are intended for informational purposes only. This post/information is not intended to and should not be used to replace medical or psychiatric advice offered by physicians or other health care providers. The author will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages arising therefrom.

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Hate Your Job? Do These NOW.

There is nothing more miserable than working in a job you hate.  You can't deal with it, though, by ignoring how unhappy you are.  We get one life.  Time to take ACTION.

1.  Ask yourself - Should I stay or should I go now?

Many of us can't afford to leave a job on a whim and it takes time to research job opportunities and to assess whether your current skills need honing or even if you need to retrain.  But one things for certain, you need a strategy to cope with the misery of working in a job you hate - one that might just possibly turn everything around.  You need to take action NOW.

2. Whoops, is my attitude showing?

If you're miserable in your job, it's highly likely that everyone's noticed - including your boss.  Time to grit your teeth and plaster a smile back on your face.  If you want to leave, leave on your terms not theirs and moping around like a sad sack is a quick route to the door.

3.  Do the job

I know you hate it but spending hours playing Solitaire and messaging your mates on Facebook isn't going to make you star employee of the month.  And you do know that lots of firms have software now that tracks the websites you're using?  You wouldn't be daft enough to spend hours bidding on Ebay or doing your online grocery shop, would you?

4. Improve the way you do the job

Go back to basics and try to do the job the way you did when you were a fresh, frisky and relatively unjaded employee.  That means dressing professionally, minding your manners, being friendly to your colleagues and respectful to the management.  It means focusing on the task at hand and doing it the way you'd expect it to be done if YOU were the boss.

5.  Ask for training

If you struggle with a particular area (e.g. spreadsheets) ask if you can have some training.  It's a double whammy because not only will you learn skills you can take to your next job, you'll look peachy keen to the Management.

6.  Don't join the office pity party

There is usually a gaggle of employees who band together at coffee breaks (or when the boss isn't looking) to discuss how the firm is about to go to the wall, how it is a terrible place to work, how bad (or non-existent) the perks are.  You can be sure that these employees will have a hit list of staff they hate (starting with their manager and working down).  They are such fabulous employees they should be paid more, have more holidays, longer lunch hours - you get the picture.  And should the management actually give the staff a treat (e.g. a bottle of wine at Christmas), these are the people who will pretend to be deeply insulted.  "Oh, they think a bottle of wine will make up for all the rubbish we have to put up with".

Don't join them.  Management will be well aware who they are and there will inevitably be one of their number who, in an attempt to pull rank and feather their own nest, will be reporting the juicy bits back to management.

7.  But do join in

You're not that lonely soul who never makes tea or coffee for anyone else and insists on their own special mug (which they clean themselves) are you?  Are you the one who never goes for a drink after work or at lunchtime?  Heck, if you really don't want to be popular why not take the tested route of never covering your food in the microwave and leaving others to clean up the mess?

Recite after me "I AM a team player".

8.  Update your CV

And while you're at it do a little research (at HOME) to see what the current popular styles of CV are. What is it that you can bring to a job.  If I were to employ YOU as a consultant, what could you do for me?  Get someone else to proof read your CV for spelling mistakes.  Make sure there are no gaps in your employment history - and if there are be ready to explain why in an interview.

9.  Work out what your transferable skills are

In the past, people had one job which they expected to do till retirement. Today it is entirely likely that you'll have many jobs, possibly even multiple careers.  A helpful way to think is that you are not an employee but a consultant.  Work out what skills you have that could be used in other jobs and write them down to add to your CV.  Great at organising?  A whizz with spreadsheets?  Great team motivator?  Write it down but with concrete examples to back it up.  Otherwise, it's just hot air.

10.  Register with online job sites and upload your revamped CV (at HOME)

There are loads of sites like totaljobs.com or www.jobsite.co.uk where you can post your CV and apply for jobs in your area.  You might also want to consider registering with a couple of recruitment agencies to see what jobs might be available.  Recruitment agencies are a great place to get some free career counselling and advice on your CV.

11.  Leave an email / paper trail

This is especially important if you feel you are being treated unfairly (or worse, bullied).  Document everything.  Create an email folder and keep all email correspondence safe. Remember to send these to your personal email and then print them out. Note down important conversations.  Never go to an HR meeting without a note pad and write down what is said.  Add dates and times and file it away at home.

12.  Learn your employment rights

Your employer has a duty of care towards you.  It's not just a one way thing where you do whatever they say and get paid once a month.  Your local Citizens' Advice Bureau will be able to advise you. (www.citizensadvice.org.uk), and if things are really bad, you may want to consider finding an employment lawyer.  Some law firms will let you have free initial legal advice which means they'll at the least be able to tell you where you stand and if you have a case.

13.  Impress the hell out of clients

If you go out to meetings, make sure they remember you by being punctual, prepared and polished. Always remember clients may be potential future employers.  And you wouldn't be daft enough to run your current employer down to them, would you?  You never know who is friends with whom. That client who seems sniffy with your boss?  They drink together in the pub on Fridays.

14.  Take a break

Working in a job you hate is really miserable.  We've all been there.  But you won't change anything by ignoring how you feel and just solidiering on.  Make sure you are taking any breaks you are entitled to and keep a track of your holiday entitlements and how much you've used.  Put in a request for holiday in good time and plan something relaxing. The flip-side of this is not to take the mickey by adding an extra ten minutes here or there.  It will be noticed and endless 'duvet days' due to a strange virus is not going to make you seem like an employee your boss will want to keep.

If you adopt some of these ideas, trust me, you will feel a bit better.   And when you feel better, you'll make better decisions and your work performance will improve.  You never know, on the happy day you hand your notice in, management may be begging you to stay!

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How To Plan Your First Family Holiday

Are you thinking of booking your first family holiday? If you have kids, getting away for a well-earned break can seem a little daunting – there’s so much to organise, and you might be a bit nervous of how your little ones will cope with travelling.

Here’s a handy guide on how to plan a family holiday that everyone will enjoy.

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Consider the climate

Going on holiday to a really hot resort is not necessarily a great idea when you have small children. If the kids are used to a cool climate, high temperatures will be a huge shock to their systems. They’ll be more likely to suffer from heat stroke, sunburn and dehydration – all headaches that you can do without!

Before you book, do your research on the average temperatures for the month you’ll be going away – you can still enjoy the sun but everyone will be much happier and more comfortable!

Be prepared for medical issues

All being well, no one in the family will get sick while you’re away – but it can happen. Make sure you pack a first aid kit containing useful items like plasters, painkillers for both you and the children, cooling lotion that you can use to treat sunburn, and any medications that might be needed while you’re away.

You should also make sure that you have adequate travel insurance – if you don’t, and you need to visit a doctor or hospital while you’re on holiday, it could turn out to be a very expensive and stressful process.

Do your research to find the travel that gives you the best cover for your budget, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you head off.

Pack smart

When you’re travelling with kids, especially if they are very young or even babies – it can be tempting to pack everything but the kitchen sink in an effort to have everything covered. However, unless you are heading to the depths of the jungle, it is likely that you’ll be able to pick up a lot of those essential items while you’re away.

Things like nappies, baby wipes, formula and so on are easy to find in most European countries – so you can leave some space in your luggage for that duty free you’ve had your eye on!

Budget for emergencies

It’s challenging enough to get the money together for your family holiday as it is, so it can be tempting to forget about having spare cash aside from your spending money.

Having a small pot of money ready for any emergencies will provide you with peace of mind so that you can get on with making the most of your break – so it’s well worth making sure you’ve got this sorted.

Find out about the water

In most European countries, the water is safe to drink. However, if you plan to go somewhere a little different or farther afield, it’s worth finding out about whether it’s ok to drink the tap water.

If you’re in any doubt, you can pack some water purification tablets or a small travel kettle to boil water to make sure it’s safe to drink.

This is especially important if you will be using the water to make baby formula, and for making sure that every member of the family stays hydrated in the sun.

Think carefully about the length of your break

The duration of your holiday will obviously affect how much it’s going to cost, but that’s not the only factor.

Going away for three weeks with small children might be too much, especially if you don’t have much help while you’re away.

You can book holidays from one week and more that meet all the needs of you and your family at www.travelsphere.co.uk/, so take your time to find out about what suits best.

Do you need childcare?

One of the benefits of many family orientated package holidays is that the option of a kids’ club is often included.

These clubs can allow parents to relax while the kids enjoy making new friends and trying out a whole host of fun activities, and they can be a godsend when you really need a break!

Some resorts and hotels will also include a babysitting service, so it’s worth looking into that if you’d like a romantic night out.

Get some ideas here on planning a budget family holiday. Do your research, plan carefully and be prepared for emergencies – and your first family holiday will be fun, relaxing and enjoyable for everyone, with memories that will last a lifetime!

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Are You Thinking of Getting a Family Dog?

Having a pet in the home while your children are growing up can be so rewarding for everyone. A dog can bring fun times, an extra special sense of togetherness for the family and of course, plenty of love.

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For your children, a dog can be the highlight of any day from playing games together in the garden to cuddling up in front of the TV. Our canine buddies can help create a true sense of union, a closeness with every family member and a feeling that they have forever been a ‘part of the family’.

However, watch out for what’s to come… Money experts Voucherbox revealed the average cost of owning a pet during a recent survey.

Amongst the studies, they discovered that dog owners make an average lifetime investment of £15,382 for their furry friend, while cat owners pay a lesser average of £10,395!

While these statistics will undoubtedly shock most pet owners, surely the unconditional love they get offset the cost?

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Our four-legged friends are one of the most expensive pets to own, so what are the other pros and cons of owning a dog?

The Advantages

• Friends forever – dogs are always pleased to see us and love our attention. They are like shadows, following us everywhere and around the house. You will never be alone!

• Fitness – dogs require daily exercise which also gets us out in the fresh air! Whether it’s rainy cold walks in the winter or lovely summer runs, exercise is good for the dog and great for us too.

• Protection – dogs are steadfast, devoted companions, and they will always keep their owners from harm.

• Children – dogs are generally great with children and will build a strong and loving bond. If you’re children are young, it would be sensible to choose a dog that is renowned for being patient. Bear in mind that usually the behaviour of the dog is down to the training by the owner.

The Disadvantages 

• Dependent – dogs are reliant on humans and should not be left on their own all day, so if you work full-time outside of the home, a dog would not be an ideal family pet.

• Daily walks – a dog needs to be walked at least once a day, so if you can’t make the time to go out for at least 30 minutes every day, then consider another pet.

• Kennels & home boarding – be mindful that if you go away on holiday or for a weekend, you will need to pay on average £20 per day for dog-sitting services.

• Chewing – bear in mind that puppies and young dogs may chew household objects. This is usually only when they are teething but if you’re very house proud, then reconsider.

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Having a dog in the home can be so rewarding. Imagine having someone who is always happy to see you! Depending on the age of your children, they can also be given responsibilities like walking or feeding the dog.

It can be wonderful to get a puppy as they will grow up with your children, but getting a rescue dog (that is trustworthy with children) can also be very fulfilling.

So if you’re thinking about adopting a lifelong companion, why not head to the nearest rescue centre this weekend?

There are plenty of dogs who would give you unconditional love, that need homes and a family to love them back.

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Treat Yourself! Top Gifts From You, To You

In today's modern culture, it is often implied that doing things for ourselves is deemed as 'selfish'. We are told from an early age that putting other people first is something that should be second nature to all of us.

While this is true for the most part, it should never be done at the expense of ourselves! It is important to look after other people and show friends and family that you care, of course - but it is also important that you look after number one.

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Self-love and self-care have come back into the public eye recently as many more people become aware of their own mental health, and the importance of taking care of it.

Sometimes, it can really pay off just to treat yourself to something - a reminder to yourself that you deserve it! Here are some of the top ways you can treat yourself, no matter what your budget is.

A spa day 

If you have found yourself more stressed out than usual, a spa day might be just the kind of thing you need. Stress can affect us all, whether it derives from work, family issues or a combination of the two.

You may feel as though most people go to spas with another person, or that you should only attend when you have been given a voucher as a gift, or something similar. But in reality, there's no rule that says you cannot just attend a spa simply because you want to.

Most spas offer a wide selection of treatments and activities for you to choose from, so speak to an adviser about what kind of thing you are after. Some people find beauty treatments at spas a great way to treat themselves, while others prefer massages or even low-intensity exercises such as yoga.

Jewellery 

Jewellery is another one of those things that has some kind of taboo around it, in terms of buying it for ourselves. Granted, we nearly always receive jewellery as a gift, but the problem with relying on that is that you can never determine what exactly you are going to end up with!

If you have seen a piece of jewellery that you completely covet, such as a handmade pearl necklace, go ahead and buy it for yourself! A quality piece of jewellery can easily make us feel much more luxurious in our everyday lives, so it's a great way to spend your hard-earned cash.

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A night off 

Sometimes, time can be the one thing we find we don't have enough of. Parenting, working and socializing can all take up the majority of our time, and any spare moment we do get we usually want to spend sleeping! It might not seem like much, but treat yourself to a night off from all your responsibilities.

Ask your partner or a family member to do you a favor and take care of the kids for the night, then settle down with a bubble bath, a good book and a glass of wine. It's the little things that can make us feel more human again, so don't neglect your self-care!

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Top Tips For Booking Your First Cruise

I have a new obsession. Cruise documentaries and there seem to be quite a few of those on at the moment, not least Jane McDonald's Cruising which started last week on Channel 5.

There is something magnificent about those enormous, gleaming white ships with their promise of non-stop entertainment - and food.

The Thomson Dream

If, like me, you've never booked a cruise before, here are some of the things you need to consider and some things you really don't need to worry about.

There are so many types of cruise, from sea to river cruises through to combination packages where you can combine a stay with a cruise.

Your Itinerary

What do you want to do on your cruise?  Lots of sightseeing at the beautiful port cities or mainly lazing on deck, enjoying one of the many onboard activities or watching a movie or show?

Cruises can be anything from 2 nights up to a year depending on your budget but a 7 night cruise is probably a good starting point.

Turner Beach Antigua

You can wake up somewhere new each day but bear in mind that on a port heavy cruise, you'll spend most of your time on land.

Some longer distance cruises though will entail several days at sea.

Think about how you will reach your ship.  Will you be happy to use an airline to reach your departure port, or would you prefer to start your cruise in the UK, with the benefits of no luggage limit and no risk of bags going missing on a flight? You can sail from Dover or Southampton, although other ports such as Belfast, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Liverpool may be used.

If you chose a larger ship, you'll find lots of facilities and activities such as toddler clubs, gyms, spas, casinos, bingo and West-End style shows.

On the larger ships you can dine at any of the main restaurants at different times and you won't need to dress for dinner (although I'd quite like that!).

A smaller ship may offer a more low key atmosphere and may be able to reach ports that the larger ships can't.  These may be more peaceful and you won't have the long queues to disembark that are typical on the larger ships.

And don't forget,  if you book your own excursions and are late back to the ship, it doesn't have to wait for you and you may find your ship has sailed!

Brandon's Beach, Bridgetown, Barbados - Image Credit Barry Haynes

Food

It's said that, on average, you can return home up to a stone heavier due to all the fabulous food on offer.

On board you'll find cruise ships offer a variety of dining options. Typically, the bigger ships will have more options, but even the smallest ships tend to have more than one restaurant.

Usually cruise ships have a main dining room which will be a large seated venue where you can order from a menu of American and Continental foods. A dress code may sometimes be enforced at dinner and you will probably have to share a table with other passengers.

The Main Restaurant on the Thomson Dream

There may be a buffet restaurant near the pool, where the dress code is more casual and you can help yourself to pre-prepared food.

Many ships also have specialty restaurants which are smaller and more intimate if you're just after a quiet table for two.  You'll find steakhouses, French bistros, Italian trattoria or Japanese sushi restaurants.

And of course there will be outdoor grills and BBQ spots, pizzerias, hot dog stands or bakeries.

Some ships have exclusive dining venues, only accessible to passengers in suites or spa cabins.

Accommodation

There are several types of accommodation and these vary depending on your requirements and your budget.

Interior cabins are perfectly comfortable but have no windows.

Oceanview cabins have a porthole window.

Balcony cabins are more spacious with outdoor seating areas

Suites - these can range from mini-suites to larger suites with multiple living spaces, almost always with a balcony.

Suites are the best choice if you are travelling with your family.

Suite on the Thomson Celebration

Then there's the location of your cabin on the ship.

Cabins in the front of the ship (forward) and back of the ship (aft) are often less expensive as they feel the motion of the ocean the most.

Mid-ship cabins are the most stable and ideal for those prone to seasickness.

And talking of which, what about seasickness?

Even if you are prone to seasickness (my number one excuse for not booking a cruise to date), there are plenty of river cruises.  In any case, modern ships are built with stabilizers to minimize rocking.

You should also think about the time of year you plan to travel. The Mediterranean is a lot rougher in autumn and winter. Alaska's Inside Passage is quite calm, though the open sea up north gets rougher in September; and the Caribbean can get choppy during hurricane season (June 1 through November 30, officially).

Image credit: Pixabay - Lisbon

Budget

There are many kinds of cruise, from World cruises to themed cruises for art, writing, personal development - you name it there's a cruise for it.  Traditionally, of course, cruising has the reputation of being an expensive way to travel in luxury.

Today though there are so many package deals on offer you are sure to find something to suit.

Many cruisers opt for an all inclusive cruise which includes accommodation, full board dining, flights, transfers and tips with an inside cabin. although the cabin type can be changed at the time of booking and a surcharge payable to upgrade.

You'll still need to budget for things like spa treatments, drinks, bingo, fitness classes, internet use and, of course, your excursions, souvenirs and refreshments on land.

Don't forget you will need travel insurance and it may be worth considering specialist cruise cover policies, especially if you cruising for longer than 2 months.

Have you been on a cruise?  What would be your top tips?

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