Meningitis – the signs!

Meningitis – the signs!

Not my usual chatty post I’m afraid!

We recently had a horrible scare after spotting a purple non-blanching (meaning it doesn’t disappear under a glass) rash on Taylor (7m), we were blue-lighted in an ambulance to the hospital and after a very long and fraught day, were given the all clear. NOT an experience I am in a hurry to repeat I can tell you!

One of the things I was told at hospital was that I did the absolute right thing getting him seen so quickly as the rash isn’t always the first symptom. Are you aware of what the others are? I am and I’m sure many are, but my horrible experience has prompted me to post this (and thanks to Fablog for letting me) so that you can refresh your memory of what to keep an eye open for.

Taken from the Meningitis Trust website, this illustration sums up the signs and symptoms associated with meningitis.

Similar information for older children and adults can be found here.

Like I said, not the most cheerful and chatty of guest posts but awareness is what saves lives. We were very lucky, and I have to add that had it been meningitis the quick action from the GPs, ambulance staff and hospital would have meant the difference, quite literally, between life and dead. A sobering thought.

Thanks for reading.

Nicki Cawood, Mum, Freelance Writer & Blogger at Curly&Candid

Summer holidays: get in gear with these moneysaving tip and tricks

1. Swim free

Over the summer, Schweppes are sponsoring a weekday swim ‘free’ promotion. It’s a treat for them and a chance for the adults to have a snoop around some health club pools that are usually off-limits.

We say ‘free’ because you need to hand in a Schweppes’ Abbey Well water bottle cap to take part but a bottle is just 50p.

Search by postcode at Schwimfree.co.uk and remember that, despite the cuts, many local councils have preserved their free swimming programmes for the (non-fancy) pools too.

2. Cash in those loyalty points

Loyalty schemes like Clubcard and Nectar have special deals with family fun parks like Legoland.

If you collect as you spend, check their sites before paying in cash to save big and, to collect even more, consider promotions which boost earnings such as the Clubcard’s credit card.

Our best credit card rewards guide has up to date information on other

3. Competition time

Keep them occupied (and perhaps even nab some prizes) with competitions for kids.

There are plenty of ultra-competitive sites dedicated to these kind of contests though, thankfully, their kids pages tend to be a bit more laid back. Loquax.co.uk has a good selection.

4. Watch movies cheaper

We know kids that must be nearing their 100^th watch of Finding Nemo but if yours aren’t quite so fanatical or, more likely, you just can’t bear to hear that theme music ever again, online DVD rental is a good option.

It’s much cheaper than the cinema and significantly cheaper, and more reliable, than the local DVD rental store too.

For extra moneysaving points note that our DVD rental site offers 30 day free trials, where going to the site direct only gets you two weeks free.

Note also that many cinemas have holiday deals. For example, Vue offers morning tickets for just £1.25 with their kids AM deal.

5. Appy days

The summer holidays are sure to bring deals for kids to daily deals site Groupon.

But pre-booking and printing vouchers is a pain so get the best from voucher codes with the site’s app.

The app uses your location to find deals in the local area and there’s no need to scramble for printed vouchers since you can show the barcode to the retailer, and let them scan it, right on screen.

We also spotted iReward chart – a simple way to keep track of who’s racking up the stars for good behaviour, particularly when you’re out and about.

This post was bought to you by consumer site Choose.

Curiosity – Feed it

“Why?”

“What is it?”

“How does that work?”

“Where does it go?”

 

 

Often closely followed by:

 

“Because I said so”

“Ask your Father”

“ARGHHHHHH!”

 

Yes, I have a 5 year old who is VERY inquisitive! Move over Sherlock, if there is an answer to a question hidden anywhere, my boy will find it! Initially all the questions were cute, then hugely irritating (what? I’m a Mum not a saint!), but as time has gone one and the stick has worn off the duct tape, I have learned to embrace Kieran’s curiosity.

This weekend we bought him an “I-Spy” book recently from WH Smith, (only £2.50), called “In the Street”. It is packed with things you will see around and about the town, your street… basically anywhere outside. Armed with his backpack (he considers himself very much like Diego when adventuring), his book and pen we set off to explore. We had a fantastic time and Kieran learned lots about the history of some items, what they were for, what they did etc. He was very happy to tick things off and then put it away to save some for another day (because you can’t find them all in just one outing!).

One of the things we had to find was a blue plaque. Thirsk is riddled with them so we picked up a brochure at the Tourist Info centre and set off to find them all. We both learned a lot and when we came home we looked the plaques up on the local website for more info.

A very busy, immensely enjoyable day which cost me £2.50 (I-Spy book)and £2 for ice-creams (well it was warm and we had walked a LONG way!). rather than an irritation at time, I will remain pleased that I have such an intelligent little boy who yearns to learn!

 

 

 

Gwyneth Paltrow seeks nanny with an outstanding résumé!

When I first registered at FAB and compiled a list of the qualities I’d like a nanny to have, I thought my standards were pretty high. I wasn’t looking for anyone superhuman, it’s just that I wanted to avoid a few weaknesses that I’m quite happy to forgive in my friends. I wanted someone responsible, punctual, caring, patient, affectionate, creative where play was concerned, CRB cleared and with first aid training. Hardly any of my friends possess all of these qualities (though I think they’d all pass the CRB check!)

So basically, someone reliable with enough common sense and the experience necessary to handle a toddler and to keep him entertained and safe. A Chinese speaking nanny would have been a bonus, but in the end I decided rapport was more important – the position went to the candidate that my little boy got on with best. Anyway, I thought it was a pretty high specification for a nanny.

Or at least until recently, I thought it was a pretty high specification. A few weeks ago I read in the Telegraph that Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay’s Chris Martin had advertised for a nanny, and their list of requirements was such that even the renowned super nanny, Jo Frost wouldn’t make the shortlist. The nanny to be in charge of Apple (8) and Moses (6) ‘must apparently possess a classical education, including Greek and Latin, be fluent in at least three languages (preferably including Mandarin or Japanese), be musically fluent in two instruments, be passionate about sailing and tennis, and enjoy art history or martial arts’. The package is more than £60,000 a year, for 3-4 hours a day with 9 weeks holiday a year and also inludes travel expenses and accommodation. I’m pretty sure if I took on a nanny of that calibre, I’d be best off sending her to run my company while I stayed at home and took care of the childcare!

Wouldn’t dear old Gwynnie worry about being upstaged by her super nanny too I wondered? Probably not. Gwyneth is a bit of a ‘renaissance woman’: a published writer, has a fledgling Oprah-esque media empire (see goop.com), there’s the Oscar of course, and the Grammy nomination, but she’s a double-platinum recording artist too. With her Belsize Park townhouse, her rock star husband and bright-eyed good looks, it’s hard to view Gwynnie with unalloyed admiration – a teensy weensy bit of jealousy creeps in.

Last Wednesday I went to see Glee live at the O2. I love the show: lots of adorable, fresh-faced high-school students belting out cover versions of current pop hits and old favourites. The cast are athletic, gifted, they’ve got youth on their side and the actors and actresses involved in what is now a worldwide hit have the world at their feet. I left hubby at home looking after my little boy, and a girlfriend and I went along to get a little fix of youthful exuberance. After a forty-five minutes just watching these energetic young things’ hip-hop dance routines and full-volume vocals, I was starting to feel a little bit exhausted, and well, pretty old! I am after all nearly forty.

At this point in the show, a surprise special-guest appeared on stage, also nearly forty years old, and upstaged everyone. You’ve guessed it: Gwyneth. She looked stunning, toned legs on four inch Louboutin heels, dancing with the star-struck cast members and belting out a note-perfect rendition of Cee Lo Green’s ‘Forget You’. At that moment it was impossible to begrudge Mrs Chris Martin her success and high standards. Her star-quality was evident and the hard work that must back it up (rehearsals, gym sessions, strict diet, etc.) wasn’t hard to imagine. No wonder the woman needs a super-nanny – her schedule must be rammed, and she’s setting her kids such a stellar example, they’ll be wanting to be A-listers ASAP too.

Instead of resenting her gilded life-style, I find myself wanting a piece of it. I speak Mandarin, I’ve got the sailing certificates, I wonder if I can fake the Greek and Latin?!

Hannah Wong

10 Fun Things to Do With Your Kids This Summer

Summer, the time of year your kids have been looking forward to for a long time.  No more school and mountains of homework to contend with.  Here are 10 fun activities for your kids and you to keep busy and have tons of fun this summer.

1. Organize a neighbourhood scavenger hunt.  Get your neighbours involved with the hunt and everyone will truly enjoy this one.  Split kids up into teams, give each team a list of items and send them on their way!  The winning team gets a prize.
2. Backyard camp outs are so fun and much less work than packing up the car and heading off to a campsite.  Pop the tent and roll out the sleeping bags.  After it gets dark, take turns telling scary stories.
3. Visit a fruit farm and pick cherries or berries.  Kids love to experience new things.  Picking fruit is fun and inexpensive.  You will have fruit to take home and eat for days to come.  Make fun summer desserts with it or just snack on them.
4. A day at the beach is always a hit with kids!  Build sand castles, have rock skipping contests or a picnic.  Take the family dog, he will love it too!
5. River rafting is a great adventure for kids and adults of all ages.  There are designated areas along every river for a slower pace.  We’re not suggesting taking the grandparents and the toddler on raging rapids or anything.  A slow float down the river is adventure enough.
6. Summer is the time of year when every city in the country holds a fair.  Ride the roller coasters, check out the animals and eat all the junk food you want.  There are always craft booths and live music too.  Fun for everyone!
7. Make homemade ice cream.  Doing it yourself seems to make it so much better.  Buy an ice cream maker or there’s a ton of recipes for doing it yourself without a machine.  Kids love to create their own flavours and add fun toppings.
8. Outdoor movie night is very popular with kids.  You can rent a projector online and have it shipped to you for the weekend.  A credit card is required.  Plug in your DVD player or laptop and get the kids together on a blanket!
9. Water balloons are an inexpensive way to cool off while having fun in the sun.  Set up teams and have a water balloon war.
10. Bubble time is great for the little ones.  Get creative with hoops and make large bubbles.  Give the kids different tools to make different types of bubbles.  Ropes tied in a circle make great ones too.  You can get gallons of bubbles at your local retailer.

Cami Hughes

Do you let them have the latest gadgets?

I’m in a bit of a quandary. Kieran is four. He turns five at the beginning of July. Now my quandary is that with his birthday approaching he is starting to feel around and think up present ideas. He is quite simple in his taste, he wants vehicles, stuff he can play with outside, games and stuff like that. He is fairly easily pleased to be honest. This doesn’t sound like too difficult a situation to be in, does it? I’ll try and explain. When Kieran started school (bearing in mind he only turned 4yrs two months previously), it didn’t take long before he was asking for a Nintendo DS. I laughed it off, said he was far too young. Then I made the momentous mistake of discussing this on the playground. Imagine this:

Me: You’ll never guess what Kieran asked me for yesterday (hahaha)
Mum 1: What?
Me: A Nintendo DS! (More hahahaha-ing).
Mum 2: Doesn’t he have one?!
Me: Of course not, he is four years old. At four you should be climbing trees, making a mess and using your imagination!
Mum 1: *silence*
Mum 2: *silence*
Me: (nervous and somewhat pathetic haha hehe)
Mum 1: Well my son has had one for a year and he is doing fine.
Mum 2: I’ve ordered one for X’s birthday.
Me: *Inserts shoe into mouth and looks sheepish*

It appears I am a bit mean at best, and holding Kieran back at worse. Don’t get me wrong, I am certainly not a technophobe! I am surgically connected to my computer. Kieran plays Cbeebies and NickJr online sometimes and can program Sky+ better than me. I just haven’t ever considered giving him toys and games that were so, well, technological. At least not yet anyway. Apparently his friends have DS’s, their own cameras,pc’s and TV’s in their rooms and one a mobile.
I’m not blasting anyone for their choices, I’m worrying about holding Kieran back! He’s not worried about not having the latest brand or gadget, he is quite happy climbing trees and exploring. Should I encourage this, and continue to raise him without technology or should I ease up a bit and perhaps start introducing it. He’s still 4yrs old at the end of the day, and needs a childhood, running free and causing mischief, but will I be putting him at a disadvantage him if he doesn’t experience technology more?

Help!! Comments welcomed.

Nicki x www.curlyandcandid.co.uk

Managing life as a Mumpreneur

Hi FAB users, my name’s Hannah Wong and I’ll be guest blogging for Findababysitter.com every now and again. This first post focuses on the challenges of being a first time mum and new mumpreneur at the same time, and how Findababysitter.com helped me pull it off with, if not style, at least some appearance of being in control!

In March 2009, I was 2 months pregnant when I embarked on a start-up business with my husband and a couple of graduate assistants: a website Resourceful Cook, which has since become the UK’s most popular meal planning website.

During my pregnancy, it was really enjoyable to be working flexible, but long, hours to fit around midwife appointments, yoga classes and some stolen afternoons in the sunshine with my husband while it was still just the two of us. It developed into a pretty good routine and my pregnancy was pretty straight forward so I was able to be productive and work long hours, actually past my estimated due date.

I didn’t think too hard about what would happen once baby arrived, thinking that I’d work while he napped, get hubby to take on as much of the childcare as he could handle, and take a bit of a step back from the business.

My relaxed approach to my post-partum working life went out the window when my baby boy arrived in late October 2009 after a 6 day labour, and by emergency C-section (I’m tiny, he was a big baby!) I was sleep deprived, struggling with breast feeding and suffering from carpel tunnel syndrome. In month one, both our mums came to help when they could, but hubby’s time was limited. He’d found himself burdened with our other ‘baby’ – the business had suddenly grown as investors came on board and the web development got ramped up in earnest. I was itching to get fully involved, but limited my office time at first to attending meetings with baby sleeping beside me in his buggy.

When he was about 6 months old we needed to make a decision about child care. Part time nursery places in my local London neighbourhood were few and far between and pretty much unaffordable where they existed. Without FAB, given that I’d ruled out nurseries, I’d really only have had two choices: if I felt I could afford it, find a regular full-time or part-time nanny/childminder and head off to work, or, if I felt the expense was too great (start-up businesses’ incomes being pretty patchy) stay at home.

I’m not sure if we couldn’t have achieved the happy balance we managed to if FAB hadn’t existed. We decided that I’d continue to care for baby as much as possible, but that when busy periods at work meant that I needed to shift my focus, we’d try and find an affordable, local, qualified carer who was available to work flexible hours during busy periods.

I also didn’t want to completely disappear out of my son’s life during the busy periods, so we needed someone who didn’t mind strolling down to the office, or joining my hubby and I for lunch so that I could grab an hour or two in the middle of a busy day with my baby. Lastly we wanted a local nanny who could continue to go to the local children’s centres and play groups/activities that I’d taken him to since he a few was weeks old, so that his routine wasn’t disrupted.

Twice in these first eighteen months these busy periods have loomed on the horizon, and both times, thanks to FAB, we’ve been able to identify loads of suitable candidates, narrow them down quickly to a couple of promising individuals and meet them to pick our preferred nanny (actually, the candidates have been really strong, so we’ve just gone on rapport between them and the baby – so he’s basically picked his own carers).

It’s hard to imagine that we’d have felt able to work this way without FAB existing. Traditional nanny agencies attach a premium to short-term childcare solutions and usually offer you a pretty narrow field. Their commission alone adds a hefty additional cost to a recruitment process that may or may not work out – we know people whose ‘ideal nanny’ has turned out not to be ideal at all after just a few days.

The great thing about FAB is that we had confidence we could arrange childcare on an ‘as needed’ basis because by checking the website regularly we could see that a consistently strong field of capable, qualified candidates existed and we knew that because we were only paying a very affordable fee to be able to contact them when we wanted to, a false start here and there wouldn’t be too costly.

Anyway, the net result has been getting my cake and eating it! I’ve been able to be very flexible about the time I’ve committed to the business thanks to FAB and have got a great deal of joy and satisfaction out of nurturing ‘both’ my babies.

Hannah Wong

Surviving the School Hols

It is currently half term. Across Twitter, Facebook, Tesco I hear cries of “Oh God it’s half term!”.

When Kieran was younger I remember thinking “Gosh, what is wrong with these women?! I have Kieran at home all the time, and I cope”. Silly, poor deluded fool. Until your child has left the quiet confines of your arms and joined other in school, where suddenly a new world opens and everyday is a new challenge, a new activity, a new “toy” or game, home is as much fun as they know. After spending time with “Miss” who doesn’t need to break off mid-feed to change a nappy, answer the phone and who never minds if you get paint EVERYWHERE. The novelty of home well and truly dies lol. The first half term Kieran had off was fine as he was absolutely shattered after six weeks of full-time school. After that I realised I’d been completely blinkered and needed to up my game.
Here are just some of my holiday sanity saviours, none of which need break the bank!                                        

Craft

Keep stocked up! My craft box is now a cupboard and is an endless source of amusement and fun!

Paint comes out on special occasions, but usually we make do with different coloured card and paper, sequins, glue sticks, pens, paper, crayons and the usual miscellaneous bits of fluff, string, straws and the like. I rarely tent to buy “craft kits” as I find Kieran has much more fun just doing his own thing.

Get outside

Be it the garden, the park, a walk into town – it’s all fresh air, there is always something new to see, explore and discuss. I invested in a decent rain coat & hood and wellies so going out and puddle jumping can be a great treat (Kieran enjoys it too).

Play dates

“I’m bored of my toys!”. Yes, have heard that before. Amazingly these toys take on whole new importance when shared with a friend! I make a point of collecting the numbers of Kieran’s friends before the holidays hit!

Cheap days out 

I bet there is a wealth of activities and trips on your doorstep you hadn’t even thought about. Go to your local tourist info or get on the internet and see what you can find! Kieran is nearly 5yrs old and using public transport, especially trains, is still a big thrill.

So there you are. Four very simple, very effective sanity savers. Do you have any to add (always looking for more inspirations!!). The long summer holidays are looming and we aren’t guaranteed great weather. Let’s all club together as parents and caregivers and see if we can get through the break intact!

Nicki x  www.curlyandcandid.co.uk

The Magical World of Reading

                      

Both Roy & I are keen readers, both loving exploring the world through fiction from an early age. I also ran a children’s book business, and in our house, the love of books and reading are still very much a part of our loves.

Our bedtime routine for Kieran has always consisted of a story, even before he could comprehend what we were saying, it was one on one calm time, and it was (though he didn’t know it at the time!) his introduction to reading.
I hear regularly about school libraries being downscaled or closed to make room for extra IT suites and that makes me unbelievably sad. Don’t get me wrong, IT most definitely has it’s place, I know that as well as if not better than most as most of my work is online, but it doesn’t compete with the magic of a story unfolding, page by page as it does in a book. Every night before bed Kieran does his reading which comes home from school, he reads Roy & I a bedtime story, then we read him one. Over the last few months he has started following the book we are reading and starting to take over! I can’t tell you how much I love the fact that he is a keen reader. The enjoyment he gets from it, aside from the educational benefits, is heart-warming to say the least.

Not all children are keen or confident readers however but this doesn’t mean that they should miss out. Look up your local library if you don’t use it, they really are very different nowadays, it’s not all “shh” and stern looks, most have dedicated children’s areas with beanbags, low tables and even some toys to keep the younger ones occupied. Kieran is very proud to have his own card and enjoys being a Big Boy and handing it over when it’s time to go.

Our local bookshop runs story-time sessions which are free for 2yr olds and above, they all sit on the floor and are entertained by staff that really bring stories alive with puppets and instruments. We are also very lucky to be close proximity to two SureStart centres, which also run regular and often free events. There are some fantastic, often free and easy to access services and facilities out there!

As well as being weekly visitors the local library, Kieran is encouraged to read signs in the street, in the supermarket, shopping list, letters, labels… It’s all reading, it’s all learning and it’s all adding to his awareness of the world around him. He really is something of a sponge, and at five years old is constantly exploring and questioning.

I will always remember the first time Kieran took a book from me and carefully sounded out the four words on the first line. He had a huge grin, was so proud of himself and it was the beginning of a love which I hope lasts him a very long time. He has already decided that when his baby brother gets older he will let him “borrow” some of his favourite books when he teaches him to read.

Here’s hoping Taylor takes to it the same as Kieran has!

Nicki x  www.curlyandcandid.co.uk

FAB welcomes new guest author to Fablog

Last week we did a blog post asking you guys to get in touch, as we are on the look out for guest bloggers and now we are pleased to say that we have our first author joining the team. Nicki Cawood is an experienced writer, she has her own brilliant blog Curly&Candid and enjoys family life with her husband and her two little boys. We hope you enjoy reading about her busy life and hearing all her tips and advice that she has kindly agreed to share with us and all our readers.

Welcome to the team Nicki!

I am very pleased to be a new guest author for Fablog (and a Fab Blog it is!). I’ve been asked to introduce myself and my lovely lot, who you will be hearing a lot about!

I’m the chief pot & bottle washer, Mum to 2 gorgeous boys, Wife to LSH (Long suffering husband), Freelance Writer and blogger over at curlyandcandid.co.uk.

I’m a pretty laid back parent, I believe boys should be outside, getting dirty, climbing trees and  eating worms. I’m pretty sure fresh air never killed anyone, and believe that mealtimes should be fun and family orientated. I hate intolerance or discrimination of any kind and I don’t understand why anyone would want to belittle someone else. I am a firm believer in each to their own and that how people choose to parent their children, is up to them. I also like cheese. A lot.

Roy (Long Suffering Husband or LSH).

Roy is a superstar, we have been married for 8 years (nearly) and have been together  12yrs. He says he could have run me over and got off on good behaviour before now, I say I’d divorce him but I’d have to give him half his money back. Don’t be fooled, we are best friends and disgustingly in love. He is a saint, and knows just how to handle his feisty wife

Kieran

Kieran is nearly 5, and a star! He has been in school nearly a year and is like a sponge, he just soaks up information, constantly learning and growing and is devoted to his little brother. He loves trains, lego (who doesn’t) anything to do with being outside, gardening, walking, running, beating Mummy at football (because I let him obviously). He has a wicked sense of humour and comes out with some clangers sometimes!

Little Taylor

The newest addition to the Cawood brood! Taylor is 5 month now (May ’11) and a little character! He is always watching, taking things in and has a smile that lights up his face and would break your heart. His personality is already shining through and this one is going to be a mischievous devil. Bring it on son lol!

So there you are the whole crew. I hope you enjoy getting to know us better, we looking forward to getting to know the Fablog readers too!

Nicki x

A big thank you to Nicki!

If you would like to become a guest blogger  just give us a shout.