Dear Coleen Rooney.... We know Rett UK is close to your heart

Dear Coleen,

I understand you're a little busy at the moment (congratulations by the way, another bouncing boy - just beautiful) but if you could take the time to have a read and consider my request, I'd be most grateful.

My step daughter, Lauren, is running the London Marathon this year to raise money for Rett UK.  Lauren has an older sister, Carly, who is 33 this year and has Rett Syndrome.

Lauren's older sister is just beautiful. Carly is one of the 1 in 12,000 girls with Rett syndrome; the severe lifelong neurological disorder, the mental and physical disability that began in early childhood. I understand Coleen, you know more about this than most people and it is a cause understandably, very close to your heart. 

(Lauren with Carly after she'd finished the Great South Run for Rett UK)

For those of you reading who'd like more info, please have a look at -www.rettuk.org 

Now Lauren ran her first marathon last year for the National Autistic Society for her friends little girl.  This year she has been lucky enough to secure a charity place for Rett UK.  Not only is the marathon a feat in itself, Lauren has to raise £3,000 for this marathon space.  This is a hard task, as you can imagine - but not an impossible task and certainly one we are all taking very seriously for this worthy charity.

Let me tell you a little about our Lauren - she is an amazing part of our family, has beautiful friends and is such a support to everyone.  Last year, she trained for the London marathon whilst working full
time, studying a full time college course in her spare time and working two jobs to keep her afloat.  This year she's training for the marathon, studying a full time uni course to be a radiographer; including placements at local hospitals on the south coast and working two jobs just to pay her rent (no student loan available and very minimal bursary due to her always having workedfull time and paying too much tax), so you can see - with her achievements, aspirations and achievements, Lauren is a force to be reckoned with!

To help fundraise; Lauren is taking donations to sell at carboot sales, is collecting via a just giving page and is organising a fund raising event in Portsmouth and holding a raffle at the event.

Click here for the event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/873798396074943/

Click here for the just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/Lauren-Barcroft4/?utm_id=13

I apologise now Coleen, but my message is one of a plea. I'm not after your money (unless you would like to make a donation), but just something to pop in the raffle to raise some worthwhile funds if at all possible please.  I'm sure you get lots of these pleas but do please consider us; we would be grateful for anything - a signed football shirt/football of Wayne's, a signed item from your clothing range, anything that would help us along the way with the fundraising would just be so appreciated.

I know it's a massive ask and I understand if you have to turn us down.  But if you can help in any way at all, we would be most grateful.

Thank you for reading Coleen, wishing you all the best with your beautiful family. 

Saying a prayer for all those with Rett syndrome and those we've lost to this cruel disorder.  Along with Rett UK, we're determined to raise funds to do all we can to help support families and complete more research into this disorder.

If you can help us at all (even if you aren't Coleen Rooney) please do feel free to share this post far and wide and email me here.  Carboot fodder, raffle prizes (actual prizes or vouchers etc) or sponsorship great fully received xx

Thank you so much for reading!

Much love, Sammy xx

365 day saving challenge - Jan update!

So I started this on 1st Jan and you can read more about it Here

I've seen a few posts about people doing this and using spreadsheets etc to keep track. Not me - I'm a list and paper girl, I'm not using excel outside of work thank you very much hehe.  So I'm using my trusty calendar to keep me on track!

I've written the amount I need to save each day in my diary and tick them off as I complete the transfer to my savings account.

Yes you might have noticed those days are December and it clearly is January. Im not going mad, but I did take note of a blog post 'Skint Dad' had written (over at skintdad.co.uk - do check out his site for more money saving tips and ideas) and realised he's right, it's likely I'm going to have more money now than in December when the most expensive saving days will be.  So I've started backwards, we'll all over the place really!

The challenge is to transfer the amount of pennies for the day of the year, so on 1st Jan 1p right up to 31st Dec £3.66 so depending on how much I can spare, I pick another day in my diary - thus giving me the ability to choose if I've only got a few pennies to spare or a few pounds.  I'm keeping track of doing it every day by also ticking off in my diary month page for ease.

I'm also consciously at the end of each day, moving over to my savings account the odd pennies on my current account balance.  So if I have £8.31 in my account, I am moving across the 31p.  I'm being sensible, not leaving myself short within our budget and am very pleased to report just this first month I've managed to save over £80!

It's not been painful, I haven't noticed it at all and on top of our normal savings I'm £80 up!!

How are you all doing?

I'll keep you posted, Sammy xx

Pastures new!

So... I'm changing jobs again!  I know, I know, looking back at my Time Hop app thingy apparently it's quite a trend, new year - new job!  So here's hoping this one carries some kind of longevity.

I do love the job I do currently, the prople I work with are amazing, the team work is outstanding - but the company’s a-changing.  This might not be for the worst, and it certainly isn’t why I’m jumping ship, but it is a factor I guess. 

The couple who owned the company when I started, sold it to their biggest rival and with the two powers merged, ultimately it should be a force to be reckoned with in the industry - once all the changes are completed, the new policies and procedures are embedded and the staff are settled.  But for me theres been a shift and I can’t really explain what that shift is completely, but it’s not one I’m comfortable with 100%.  And hey, you know me – if it isn’t right I’m an impulsive risk taker – and I’m off!

 

I guess part of the shift I’m not entirely comfortable with, is the purpose of the company and how it is presented.  With the couple that owned the company previously, I never felt like we did this just to make them money.  They worked with us, they were involved in the business on a ground level, they said good morning to every single person in the office and would help in every way they can.  They were always around, always approachable, laughed and cried with us and rewarded their staff in the most amazing ways – prosecco and pastry breakfasts, yoga at lunch and so on…  

 

The new management just aren’t like that.  They come to work every day in a different brand new super expensive car, are very show offy and just don’t speak to the little people.  Now I’m not saying I need to be mollycoddled, because I certainly never have been in any other job.  I don’t insist a manager says hello to me every morning, but I also don’t think anyone should be above a polite and courteous nod.  

Strip the fluffyness away from this job and I come to work, work hard day in and day out all to make a profit for a person who then spunks it up the wall on cars, well very materialistic things (my opinion solely – he could do a lot for charity who knows!)  There is nothing invested back in to the community from the company, I don’t do anything that makes a difference to anyones lives (other than the boss) and that just doesn’t make me happy I guess.  

I could ignore it and keep going, but you only get time once.  If I waste that time making the rich guys richer and not even enjoying it, when I could be making a small difference somewhere else, then I’m picking somewhere else!

No, it is no different to how the company was run before, but I guess I felt more ok with it then.  It wasn’t rubbed in my face that the whole reason I was there is to make money for a little man at the top.

 

So I’m off to work for a company with a social purpose, no shareholders and their profits are ploughed back in to building houses for those in need, sustaining communities and regenerating neighbourhoods.  It may not be the same as volunteering with the homeless or animals and making a real grass roots difference, but it’s a start and one I’m happy to start with. 

 

New day, new week, new start.

 

I’ll keep you posted, Sammy xx

 

You know you're a 30-something-year old when...

I turned 30 a few years ago now, I can’t say that 30 was a massive deal for me – it was something I was looking forward to and I’m quite comfortable with it.  Lots of people worry, but hey – age is just a number!

 

I have however noticed that things are slightly different when you hit 30 and you’re supposed to be a grown up!  I’m now into the scary tick box that includes the age of 40 as well….  This has got me thinking well and truly about how things change.  It’s quite scary really!

People now born in the late 90’s are old enough to buy houses.  

When did this happen?  I’m pretty sure I didn’t leave school till the late 90’s and sometimes I don’t feel like I’m old enough to be a homeowner!

Speaking of the 90’s, that was only 5-10 years ago right?  

No…. nearer 30?  Ouch.

Not everyone you speak to will know what Opal Fruits are.  

Seriously.  Opal Fruits. Or Jif cleaner and marathons…. It makes my head hurt.

Children are having babies.  

Not necessarily children, but children as you knew them.  So now, friend’s much younger siblings - who you can only imagine being 6, are now getting married and having babies.  That is enough to make anyone feel old.

A night out versus a night in your dressing gown.  

Honestly nothing could be more appealing than a glass of wine in a hot bath with a good book and getting snuggly in front of Jonathan Ross in your dressing gown.  Going out?  Too much effort required I’m afraid.

And slippers – the best invention ever.  

I can totally see why my parents were always trying to make me wear my slippers, now I’m never out of them.

You receive more invites to funerals than weddings.  

Seriously everyone’s stopped getting married and now everyone and their relatives are dying instead.  I know it’s a sad fact of life, but gosh a reminder of your own mortality; could it get more depressing?

You actually actively seek out the news in any form - paper/internet/telly.  

It is no longer a filler in between telly programmes that is boring and you avoid.  Current affairs are interesting and you want to know them and be informed.

Today’s generation will never know what it’s like not to have a mobile phone as an extension of their hand.  

I didn’t have my first mobile phone till I was around 17/18ish?  Children, the same age as my favourite handbag now own them (and know how to use them better than me!) and their whole life is lived through that phone.  When we were 15 if we needed to ring home we’d find a pay phone.  It’s quite sad really.  Saying that I don’t even think pay phones exist anymore.

Today’s generation will also never know life prior to social media.  

Scary thought.

A lie in is where one stays in bed till 9am, what a luxury!  

Gone are the days of sleeping till midday at the weekend.  There is far too much to fit in to the weekend to be sleeping that late!

 

Well now I’ve shared a few things to depress you even more, I’m off to put my dressing gown and slippers on and watch the news!

TTFN, Sammy

 

Being part of a step family...

Isn't hard, I count myself as incredibly lucky!

As life moves in to 2016, I’m pretty sure more and more people are part of a step family, it's more the norm these days – or it certainly feels it.  My mum and dad are still together, still married and most of my family are the same – I come from a very traditional background in that sense.  I'm the one who’s part of the step family, after marrying my husband. 

 

When I met Mr. B I knew he came as a package and that didn’t worry me at all.  His daughter (L) was then 15, he and his ex wife had split up long before and L has a step dad also.  Now, Mr. B is older than me by a few (19) years and there is only 5 years between L and I. This is something that people are always amazed by, god knows why – we’ve all got over it, it’s not strange to us!

 

Including me, L has two parents and two step parents.  L is now a grown up and lives on her own, but still spends her time between us all and at times all together.  We’ve always celebrated birthdays, some christmas’, events L has taken part in, celebratory dinners, parties etc, together.

 

People find it really peculiar that we do or are willing to spend time with Mr. B’s ex wife and her hubby, but I can’t understand why?  If you could, why wouldn’t you?  Surely if a child wants to have all their parents and step parents together and it's possible; why not?  What have you got to lose.  Yes, I can honestly say it was a little strange at first when we were first together; but it certainly isn’t now – its just part of normal life.

 

I'm very lucky, I’ve been accepted by L’s family and I do count them as extended family myself.  We’ve holidayed with L’s Nan, spent time on holiday with L’s Aunty and Uncle, had dinner with L’s mum and step dad, dealt with emergencies and situations together and spent christmas celebrations with L’s mum, stepdad, Nan, Grandad, sisters and friends.

 

People thought I was brave for going out for dinner with L’s mum and step dad and her friends to celebrate her getting in to university (Mr. B was working away). Or odd for us to meet L’s mum and step dad in London for the marathon; to watch and cheer L on (and have breakfast together while L was running her little legs off – it was early!).  But I’m not brave, I’m a grown up, they are nice people!  Why on earth would we do it seperately, why would we go to London and stand in separate places to cheer on the same person or why should L have to go for two separate dinner celebrations because her parents have split up?  Surely that just makes life complicated, awkward and difficult.

 

I wouldn’t think twice about phoning L’s mum for some advice, sending her a quick text to wish her well, popping in for a cuppa when I picked L up or going out for dinner with her and her hubby; honestly it’s just the norm.  No we’re not bestest friends and don’t spend every day in each others pockets, but we do have a relationship which I cherish, and I find it really sad when people feel they can’t have that relationship or any kind of contact for no specific reason.  

I am so happy and so proud that our life is as it is and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.  

 

I do understand of course that some people split up and the split is so acrimonious that you couldn’t possibly spend time in the presence of your ex, but if that isn’t the case then I’d encourage you to give it a try.

 

I know I am a great one for looking at life through rose tinted glasses and I know it’s not always as easy or as positive as I make it.  I’m aware I am very lucky and am also very grateful that we all get on – but if we didn’t all make that little bit of effort, it might be very different.

So if anything, I guess I’m just trying to tell you all, (if it's at all possible) an ex isn’t scary – go make an effort, go make friends, honestly your life could be better for it, so much easier than having to live everyting seperately and more importantly - so much nicer for your children.

 

Of course I’d like to extend a massive thanks to my step daughter L, her family and to Mr.B; who have taught me to live this way and show me that it is so easy and so rewarding.  And a big thanks to L's family who have accepted me as part of L’s life with Mr. B. You’re all amazing; I’m so lucky to be part of this one big extended family, to have you all and long may the happy times continue.

Sammy xx

Just a footnote.... I completely understand relationships are all sided, I know this would be completely impossible for some situations and this post is not intended to make anyone feel inadequate at all, I promise.  Everyone's life is different, everyone's story is different and everyone lives differently. 

365 Day Saving Challenge

I've touched on savings and debt a little before, so here is my (small time) savings plan for this year.  This isn't a New Years resolution as such, but just something I'm aiming to do to boost the savings a little!

This will run alongside any other savings we plan to do.

So I saw this on t'internet a few days ago and decided I'd like to join in!  The idea is to save something small every single day. So day 1 (I'm starting Jan 1st) you save 1p, day 2 - 2p, day 3 - 3p and so on until you get to day 365 and that's £3.65.  

I'm told (I haven't done the maths myself!) at the end of this I will have £667.95 to show for it (well £671.61 it is a leap year after all!). Sounds good eh!

So I've started, we're on day 3, 'tis completely pain free so far - it's all good!

The other thing I started to do last year which I was rubbish at; I will start again this year, and that is 'rounding up'.  Using  my online banking, at the end of each day any odd pence on my current account balance, I will move to the same savings account as my saving every day challenge.

We've booked an amazing holiday to Iceland for Jan 2017 - so if nothing else it'll be nice to have some extra pocket money so to speak! 

I'll keep you posted, TTFN Sammy xx

15 things I learnt in 2015...

Happy New Year everyone! I hope your hangovers aren't as bad as Mr. B's! 

New Years eves a funny old day and always gets me thinking about the year we're leaving behind.  So here's a quick thought on the things I learnt in 2015.

1. Drink plenty of water.

How borings that for an opener? But it's so true! I've been drinking at least 2 litres a day, my skin has improved, my hangovers aren't as bad - the list of positives is endless!

2. Sort it out.

All your junk, sort through, declutter, gift things, sell things or throw things. Once it's sorted life will seem clearer.

3. It's not as bad as you think.

I'm a think the worst, it can only get better type girl and I must admit - it usually works in my favour.

4. If you want something, go after it.

Never take your eye off the ball, never stop searching and pull out all the stops to go after it.

5. Don't keep your head in the sand.

If you've a problem, face it up - it can and will be sorted. Ask for help if you need it. Life will be so much better afterwards I promise.

6. Pay off debt.

It may be hard, but it'll be liberating when it's done.

7. Write stuff down.

Whichever form you choose, it's a great release and works wonders for the soul.

8. Always stay postive.

You'll be amazed how it can influence a situation. Go on, give it a try!

9. Stay close to your family.

Speak often, love much and just make the most of now with each and every one of them.

10. Be the friend you'd like to have.

Cherish and nurture your friendships, love  and laugh lots with them. Show your friends what they mean to you and don't waste time and energy on people who just aren't worth it. 

11. It's ok to have a pj day.

And watch friends or only fools and horses repeats. Take some time for yourself and relish in it.

12. Light a candle.

Not only will it make the room smell nice, it'll lift your spirits too.

13. Once it's done it's done.

There really is no point crying over spilt milk. It's done, you can never move forward all the time you're looking back.

14. It's ok to feel sad.

It's ok to have a cry, it's ok to feel a bit down. It'll pass, don't suppress it, it just makes it worse.

15. Don't save things for best.

Not this years lesson, but an important one all the same! Don't save perfume, clothes for a special night out. Don't save the good candles or crockery for a special occasion. You're alive today and that is special.

So, here's to 2016!

TTFN, Sammy xx