tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1093698937645647322024-02-20T18:32:47.432+00:00Positive ThoughtsPositive Thoughtshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08807903493707298684noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-81395933496715952902015-09-16T19:47:00.000+01:002015-09-16T19:55:01.857+01:00Older Peoples Week Barking and Dagenham<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZFLe1GEHftG8IvDwSGe0Zfzq0yrGIMM2Iw33UIeCYaoMn3PB3EoR6wrZ9RWU0yQK-b655q7SCOXdKSZDxMtTl7CL2nxZuc7fsr76sbg9dp6zYXFG9awQYLOUIFo2Ag-6QKjlduEgM3s/s1600/older+peoples+week+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZFLe1GEHftG8IvDwSGe0Zfzq0yrGIMM2Iw33UIeCYaoMn3PB3EoR6wrZ9RWU0yQK-b655q7SCOXdKSZDxMtTl7CL2nxZuc7fsr76sbg9dp6zYXFG9awQYLOUIFo2Ag-6QKjlduEgM3s/s400/older+peoples+week+poster.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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We are proud to be part of older peoples week with Barking and Dagenham council. If you would like to take part please contact Chris on 07947724977 or just pop along to a venue and join in.Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-39739979742639429712014-02-19T01:09:00.000+00:002014-02-19T20:28:18.159+00:00What is scrapbooking?<div align="justify">
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The dictionary defines a scrapbook as:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"a blank book in which miscellaneous items (as newspaper clippings or pictures) are collected and preserved."</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I used to think of scrapbook making as something I did as a kid on bright sugar paper which you stuck old ticket stubs and news paper clippings to with pva glue. This was until my very creative friend handed me a gorgeous scrapbook album she had made for me after my son was born! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jgT_zPpi2WRYZ9k3op1tfHSJw-Gg3bwboExrjqXqdr-kpJy5ityIk7DvP9DO2hgOc7Qj8A8WWeUPMDB6s4pUh29Ulxx29SPnjSEhKjtcqMh5MS4qJsa20tQPAGxTi33l9Mub94EPrYQ/s640/blogger-image--274940813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jgT_zPpi2WRYZ9k3op1tfHSJw-Gg3bwboExrjqXqdr-kpJy5ityIk7DvP9DO2hgOc7Qj8A8WWeUPMDB6s4pUh29Ulxx29SPnjSEhKjtcqMh5MS4qJsa20tQPAGxTi33l9Mub94EPrYQ/s320/blogger-image--274940813.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My eyes where opened to a whole new world of creative craft where I could lose myself for hours and it was a unique way to document my life and also my son's progress and display some of my favourite family photographs.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This style of scrapbook making originated in the United States, which is why we refer to it as American Style Scrapbooking. Modern day scrapbooking retains some of the original elements, such as preserving precious memories, but focuses on the important elements of safety and longevity, journaling, and creative expression.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When I say safety I refer to to all the things that overtime can ruin your photo's or ticket stubs such as sugar paper, tape and pva glue. All of which can make your photo's yellow, fade, and deteriorate over </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">time. When scrapbooking it is important to use acid free products, which are widely available both on the high street and online from Hobby Craft, The Works, QVC and many other craft supply stores.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Journaling means documenting important information alongside your photos so in the years to come your children will be able to answer their children’s questions like 'where was this photograph taken?', 'how old were you I'm this picture?' or even 'who is in this picture?'. Sometimes it can really give your scrapbook meaning to attach your thoughts and feelings about what is happening in the picture. Here is an example of journaling:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnNDIxBhAqBf7Dvzj3NFBCIBTDsdrhgZxlmVhI5T2vpUlNCDGOrFptzfALNWkgl3xiovL9jPMoHcYPsuvtA8jV2440xR7YNCNSo_I4Dd6XcuJqARKeLdo2Uy4e46S-7ph6CnRmKe5gMc/s640/blogger-image--818048866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnNDIxBhAqBf7Dvzj3NFBCIBTDsdrhgZxlmVhI5T2vpUlNCDGOrFptzfALNWkgl3xiovL9jPMoHcYPsuvtA8jV2440xR7YNCNSo_I4Dd6XcuJqARKeLdo2Uy4e46S-7ph6CnRmKe5gMc/s320/blogger-image--818048866.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Creative expression is one of the most important elements of modern day scrapbooking and may be the most fun aspect of the whole process. It can take you back in time to reminisce over your photo's and transport you back to your 'blue-peter' day's as a kid when you had more glitter, glue and sticky back plastic on you than on your project! I must admit that adding all embellishments and decorative elements to each page is my favourite part and I am a terrible hoarder of anything that glitters! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Scrapbooking can be done by people of all ages and ability can be as simple or as extravagant as you want them to be. My son enjoys creating his own pages about things that are important to him as you can see from this from this page he created, with a little help from mum, when he was 5.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">During our Treasured Memories project we are hoping that through teaching delegates all the different elements of mordern day scrapbooking, giving them some new life skills and a chance to share stories and life experiences with others they will become more confident and start the process of creating a </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: start;">treasured and precious family heirloom, with a personal family history like no other.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;">We would like to invite older residents in the borough to take part in our first group who will be meeting at <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/hidden-history.html">Eastbury Manor House, Barking</a> every Wednesday from 2-5pm from the 26th of March 2013.</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: start;">Each week we will ask </span><span style="text-align: start;">attendee's</span><span style="text-align: start;"> to bring in a photograph on a particular theme to <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/why-should-we-reminisce.html">reminisce</a> over, teach them how to create a simple scrapbook page to display their photograph on, give them the tools to help improve confidence and self-awareness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you would like to take part in this project or know somebody in your community that would benefit from taking part please get in touch!! To find out more about the health and therapeutic benefits of reminiscence click <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/why-should-we-reminisce.html">here</a> and craft activities click <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/get-crafty-and-stay-healthy.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">TO BOOK A FREE PLACE PLEASE CONTACT US IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:</b></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />CHRIS – <a href="tel:020%208590%207844" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">020 8590 7844</a> OR <a href="tel:07947724977" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1/0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">07947724977</a><br />LUCY – <a href="tel:07841640116" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1/1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">07841640116</a><br />EMAIL – TM@positivechangeconsultancy.com</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For Volunteer opportunities please click <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/we-need-you.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-29195581340800971432014-02-12T22:16:00.001+00:002014-02-24T08:09:41.988+00:00Treasured Memories Project<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKU8AxFr_mqRger58Ubl16m4Q6jt0M2Gj2ovzVnYGFbvRyzdCn-7oA_N2jAKH-u3Z5hobzvwwI5FcOptK32Nv9dhUyAc1hDxf6FPcsWv06s5ZhPfzKxn_iwV49_qMF2W3KrBymoEsL5Y/s1600/relections+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKU8AxFr_mqRger58Ubl16m4Q6jt0M2Gj2ovzVnYGFbvRyzdCn-7oA_N2jAKH-u3Z5hobzvwwI5FcOptK32Nv9dhUyAc1hDxf6FPcsWv06s5ZhPfzKxn_iwV49_qMF2W3KrBymoEsL5Y/s1600/relections+2.jpg" height="134" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PHOTOGRAPHER <a href="http://www.tomhussey.com/#/LIFESTYLE%20%20%20/LIFESTYLE/1" style="background-color: white; color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.60000228881836px; text-align: start;" target="_blank"><b>Tom Hussey</b></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had some fantastic news just before Christmas to say we had been successful in securing funding from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham's Innovation Fund for our Treasured Memories Project. We have been beavering away getting things set up and recruiting volunteers and finally this week we secured our venue and dates for our first group! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The aim of the Treasured Memories Project is to create a social group for isolated older people in the borough where they can come together, socialise, share life experiences and learn some new skills. We hope to achieve this through giving people simple life skills to improve their self-confidence, a place to meet new people and make friends, a chance to look back and celebrate on their past achievements, help them set new goals and look forward to the future and learn the art of American style scrapbooking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> We would like to invite older residents in the borough to take part in our first group who will be meeting at <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/hidden-history.html">Eastbury Manor House, Barking</a> every Wednesday from 2-5pm from the 26th of March 2014.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each week we will ask </span>attendee's<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to bring in a photograph on a particular theme to <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/why-should-we-reminisce.html">reminisce</a> over, teach them how to create a simple scrapbook page to display their photograph on, give them the tools to help improve confidence and self-awareness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The dates, themes and aims of each session are as follows:</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Session 1</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">: 26th March @ Eastbury Manor House 2-4pm</span><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit;">Theme:</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>Getting To Know You </b></span><br />
Attendees<span style="font-family: inherit;"> should bring a photograph of themselves either as a baby/child or how they look now. If </span>attendees<span style="font-family: inherit;"> are unable to find a photograph of this nature we can take a photograph or find a picture of something that reminds them of their child hood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aims: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· To create a welcoming and supportive environment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· To help the group to get to know everyone and make new friends</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· To introduce the art of American Style Scrapbooking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· To introduce a process for self-reflection which will be revisited weekly called the ‘wheel of life’</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Session 2:</b> 2nd April @ Eastbury Manor House 2-4pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Theme: Friendship</b> </span><br />
Attendees<span style="font-family: inherit;"> should bring a photograph of their best friend or them with a group of friends. If </span>attendees<span style="font-family: inherit;"> are unable to find a photograph of this nature we can find a picture that reminds them of their best friend or something they like/liked doing with their friends</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aims:</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· To learn how we can improve communication with others</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· To see how we can strengthen the relationships/friendships we already have through better communication</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· To find out what can stop us from keeping in touch with our old friends and how we can re-connect with them</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Session 3:</b> 9th April @ Eastbury Manor House 2-4pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Theme: Travel</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Attendees should bring a photograph of themselves on holiday or their favourite holiday destination or dream holiday destination. If attendees are unable to find a photograph of this nature we can find a picture of their favourite holiday resort/destination or their dream holiday destination.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aims</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· To look at the barriers that can stop us from doing the things we want, like going on holiday</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· To look at ways to overcome these barriers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Session 4:</b> 16th April @ Eastbury Manor House 2-4pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Theme: Family Values</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Attendees should bring a photograph of a memorable family celebration such as Christmas or a wedding. If attendees are unable to find a photograph of this nature we can find a picture to represent their favourite family celebration or tradition in their family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aims</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· Look at the ups and downs in life and what it teaches us and how it shapes our values</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· Discuss different family values and traditions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· Learn what feelings are associated with being comfortable and how we can stretch ourselves </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Session 5:</b> 23rd April @ Eastbury Manor House 2-4pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Theme: Hobbies and Interests</b></span><br />
Attendees<span style="font-family: inherit;"> should bring a photograph of themselves taking part in a past or present hobby/interest. If </span>attendees<span style="font-family: inherit;"> are unable to find a photograph of this nature we can find a picture to represent a past hobby/interest or something they enjoy doing in their spare time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aims</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· To explore our strengths and weaknesses and how we can play to our strengths and overcome our weaknesses</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Session 6:</b> 30th April @ Eastbury Manor House 2-4pm</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Theme: Plan, Do and Review</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aims</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· Plan: A show and tell celebration event to invite friends and family to see finished scrapbooks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· Do: Finish any outstanding scrapbook pages</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· Review: What we have learnt and how we are feeling</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Session 7:</b> To be held on date and at the venue of Groups choice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Theme: Group Celebration</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Aims:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">· TO HAVE FUN, SMILE AND BE WITH NEW FRIENDS, OLD FRIENDS AND FAMILY</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All materials, tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">PLEASE NOTE PLACES MUST BE BOOKED IN ADVANCE .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you would like to take part in this project or know somebody in your community that would benefit from taking part please get in touch!! To find out more about the health and </span>therapeutic<span style="font-family: inherit;"> benefits of reminiscence click </span><a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/why-should-we-reminisce.html" style="font-family: inherit;">here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and craft activities click </span><a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/get-crafty-and-stay-healthy.html" style="font-family: inherit;">here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. We will be blogging and explaining what American style scrapbooking is next week so watch this space for a link!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">TO BOOK A FREE PLACE PLEASE CONTACT US IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">CHRIS – <a href="tel:020%208590%207844" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">020 8590 7844</a> OR <a href="tel:07947724977" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1/0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">07947724977</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">LUCY – <a href="tel:07841640116" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1/1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">07841640116</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">EMAIL – TM@positivechangeconsultancy.com </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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For Volunteer opportunities please click <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/we-need-you.html">here</a>.</div>
Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-39440952343842410412014-02-10T17:07:00.001+00:002014-02-10T17:07:10.474+00:00Get crafty and stay healthy!<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As part of our Treasured Memories Project we are using <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/why-should-we-reminisce.html">Reminiscence</a> and Crafting, through American Style Scrap-booking, <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;">to create a social group for isolated older residents in Barking and Dagenham to come together, socialise, share life experiences and learn new skills.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;">The projects initial stage is to give attendees renewed self-confidence, a platform to meet new people and re-connect with the community in a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Reminiscing and Arts and Crafts activities have surprising health benefits, which is one of the reasons we decided to use both mediums in the project. I have already blogged about the therapeutic benefits associated with Reminiscence and thought it was only fair to also share the </span>benefits<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of doing Arts and Crafts activities!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Many people find that taking part in arts and crafts activities is both rewarding and relaxing, it not only</span> exercises physical skills but also reduces stress and enhances well being and self esteem. It provides a sense of accomplishment and pride that triggers positive feelings and promotes a can-do attitude toward other situations. <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A study carried out by researchers at the University of Glasgow in 2011 concluded that arts and crafts aid emotional well-being to an extent that more active pursuits such as sports cannot, especially amongst older people. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">In addition to a fun and creative leisure experience, there are many therapeutic benefits of crafts such as:</span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">Increased cognitive functioning</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">Increased self expression and decision making skills</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">Increased or maintenance of fine motor skills</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">Improved Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">Enhanced hand-eye coordination</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">Increased self esteem and emotional well-being</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">Increased opportunity for empowerment and self expression</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">Increased socialisation</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Here are a few hints and tips to help you tap into the healing power of arts and crafts:<br />
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1) </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Find an art or craft you love! </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Passion for your Art or Craft keeps you interested</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.003999710083008px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2) </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Make time for your art or craft. </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Try to dedicate at least an hour a week to your art or craft, d</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.003999710083008px;">on't think of this time as a self-indulgence, but a medical necessity. It is important for everybody to have some me time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3) </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Create a space of your own.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.003999710083008px;"> Set up a dedicated craft space in your home rather than occasionally commandeering the dining-room table. By doing so, you can craft whenever you have a few moments to spare. Put your craft supplies in a basket or in the car, or take over part of a room or office. Just try to find a space that is yours alone.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.003999710083008px;">4) </span></span><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 18.003999710083008px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Take a class to advance your skills</strong><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18.003999710083008px;">. An added bonus: You’ll have a chance to </span><span style="line-height: 18.003999710083008px;">socialise</span><span style="line-height: 18.003999710083008px;"> and meet like minded people. </span></span></span></div>
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5) <strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Find flow.</strong> <span style="color: #666666; line-height: 16.5px;">crafts can be ‘all-absorbing’ and help people to attain a state that psychologists call ‘flow’ in which all worries are discarded and the hours fly by. The main benefits of arts and crafts is that those doing them have complete control over the difficulty level of the tasks that they choose to take on. Research has demonstrated that the goals that people set themselves tend to be the most satisfying for them to achieve, meaning that creating something that you are proud of can improve your levels of mental well-being.</span></span></div>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">6) </span><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Enjoy it</strong>. You don't have to be a perfectionist. You want your craft to challenge you, but you don't want it to drive you crazy. Enjoy the process and give yourself permission to be imperfect or you may end up negating the health-promoting benefits of crafting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To find out how you can take part in our first Treasured Memories reminiscence and scrapbook group being held at Eastbury Manor House for seven weeks from the 26th of March (2-4pm) please contact us:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Chris Laney - <a href="tel:07947724977" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">07947724977</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lucy Andrew - <a href="tel:07861640116" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">07861640116</a><br />Or email: info@positivechangeconsultancy.com</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For Volunteer Opportunities please click <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/we-need-you.html">here!</a></span></div>
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Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-22901343803839680222014-02-03T08:04:00.000+00:002014-02-10T16:46:33.844+00:00Why should we reminisce?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">Photographer <a href="http://www.tomhussey.com/#/LIFESTYLE%20%20%20/LIFESTYLE/1" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">Tom Hussey</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reminiscence is a free-flowing process of thinking or talking about our experiences in order to reflect on and recapture significant events in our lifetime. Each one of us is part of a rich history that needs to be shared and preserved. The stories we tell about our lives are also important sources of self-identity and enable us to explore and relate our past to the present.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Studies have shown that Reminiscence as a therapy can:</span><br />
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<li>Improve communication </li>
<li>Improve well being </li>
<li>Improve self-care </li>
<li>Improve mood </li>
<li>Provide an enjoyable social activity </li>
<li>Improve intellectual functioning (in some cases) </li>
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Research has also shown that older people with symptoms of depresion who participate in reminiscence report better self-esteem and are more positive about their social relations. They also tend to have a more favorable view of the past and are more optimistic about the future. Reminiscence can also help us to establish realistic goals and come to terms with life's disappointments and limits, while taking pleasure and pride in recalling our accomplishments.<br /><br />Through remembering the past can we can bring a new awareness to the present. Memories can be explored in many creative ways that place value on a person’s unique life experience. Triggers are often used to evoke a memory and the best triggers are those that stimulate our five senses: taste (grandmother’s recipes), smell (aroma of fresh baked bread), touch (textures), sound (music) and sight (photographs). <br /><br />Reminiscence themes and activities can provide opportunities for social interaction around shared experiences. Examples of themes may include: the childhood home and family, school days, games/activities, courtship and marriage, jobs, war years, holiday celebrations and festivals.<br /><br />Creative memory-making brings memories back to life and can be achieved in a number of ways. Some of the most effective ideas are: </span><br />
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<li>photo albums/collages, scrapbooks </li>
<li>art forms (drawing, painting or using clay can be a replacement for words) </li>
<li>historical items and significant objects (toys, antiques, or clothing) </li>
<li>drama (acting out short scenes that invite the role playing of past experiences) </li>
<li>vocal and instrumental music (can lead to memory recall) </li>
<li>life story work (recorded oral histories about childhood and early life or autobiographies) </li>
<li>memory boxes (a three-dimensional box that displays personal items to signify one’s life and highlight memories) </li>
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<br />All of these creations can generate conversations, valuable recollections and outcomes for the family and the generations that follow.<br /><br />As you can see there are many benefits to reminiscence and this why it is an integral part of the Treasured Memories Project to create a social group for isolated older residents in Barking and Dagenham to come together, socialise, share life experiences and learn new skills.<br /><br />The projects initial stage is to give attendees renewed self-confidence, a platform to meet new people and re-connect with the community in a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.<br /><br />The focus of the project will be around each attendee creating their own American style scrapbook about their life which they will contribute to each week through six themed workshops alongside life skills to help increase their confidence.<br /><br />Through the themes of each workshop we hope to provoke memories from the past as a discussion point to build rapport within the group and identify shared values and interests and to create a self-sustaining social group to continue to meet and grow with the help of volunteers.<br /><br />For more information on the project or to volunteer please contact us:<br /><br />Chris Laney - <a href="tel:07947724977" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">07947724977</a></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lucy Andrew - </span><a href="tel:07861640116" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">07861640116</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Or email: info@positivechangeconsultancy.com</span></div>
Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-13958896820178161692014-01-27T10:02:00.000+00:002014-02-04T09:18:17.204+00:00Hidden history . . . This week we have confirmed the venue for our 'Treasured Memories' project and it is in the stunning Eastbury Manor House, Barking. This striking Elizabethan merchant's house and gardens can be found hiding in plain sight in the heart of Barking surrounded by average everyday council housing. We are looking forward to this being our Wednesday home from the 26th of March for seven weeks!!<div>
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This beautifully restored house is steeped in history and rumor has it that Guy Faulks plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament at Eastbury Manor House.</div>
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A little bit more about the rich history of the house can be found on the London Borough of Barking and Dagenhams <a href="http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/EastburyManorHouse/Pages/Eastburymanorhousehistory.aspx">website</a>.</div>
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Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-30558208294638751402014-01-24T09:40:00.000+00:002014-01-24T09:41:40.304+00:00We NEED YOU!!!<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: content-box; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">WE NEED YOU!!!</span></div>
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. . . to help set up and maintain a new project called ‘Treasured Memories’ starting in March. The aim of the project is to create a social group for isolated older residents in Barking and Dagenham to come together, socialise, share their life experiences and learn new skills. </div>
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The projects initial stage is to give attendees renewed self-confidence, a platform to meet new people and re-connect with the community in a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.</div>
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The focus of the project will be around each attendee creating their own American style scrapbook about their life which they will contribute to each week through six themed workshops alongside life skills to help increase their confidence.</div>
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Through the themes of each workshop we hope to provoke memories from the past as a discussion point to build rapport within the group and identify shared values and interests and to create a self-sustaining social group to continue to meet and grow with the help of volunteers.</div>
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Volunteers must be available Wednesdays 2pm-5pm.</div>
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For more information or an application form please contact:</div>
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Chris Laney</div>
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T: 020 8590 7844</div>
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M: 07947724977</div>
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E: vols@positivechangeconsultancy.com</div>
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Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-67641930854895731012013-06-25T18:53:00.002+01:002013-06-25T18:53:38.631+01:00New addition to the PCC family . . . Welcome to the world Bella (Chris' cat) has given birth to 3 beautiful little kittens!!! awwww!! introducing Digger (tabby and white), Buster (all black and the chunky one) and little Paris (black and white with a beauty spot and the smallest of the litter)!! Now we won't get any work done when we are at Chris' house!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnPbCZQ01rL1GoofvPNN4qB6zergY_RxZOMwqHBTz7bewsbo8HeCJp06_WWa3FugLE3tFVanD6aV25qaVJv6a_9_AarzlVoSzhkovR7vbs2kIQ6XRItoLkPageQ9lxkwTjh9DKEfBdjM/s1600/bellas+babies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnPbCZQ01rL1GoofvPNN4qB6zergY_RxZOMwqHBTz7bewsbo8HeCJp06_WWa3FugLE3tFVanD6aV25qaVJv6a_9_AarzlVoSzhkovR7vbs2kIQ6XRItoLkPageQ9lxkwTjh9DKEfBdjM/s320/bellas+babies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-24625313929186408282013-05-30T12:20:00.001+01:002013-05-30T12:20:25.912+01:00Calling all 50+ in Barking and Dagenham!!!!17th June 2013 - NEXT STAGES EVENT<br /><br />Event around supporting older people over the age of 50. This event is aimed at anyone who wants to set up a business or community group. There will be opportunities to meet the business support organisations in the borough as well as talk to students at the college and share ideas. There will also be a chance to chat to other entrepreneurs and share experiences.<br /><br />Barking & Dagemham College, Rush Green Campus, Dagenham Road, Romford Essex, RM7 OXU on June 17th between 2-4pm and meet people who can help! For more information contact Zoe Garbett (<a href="mailto:zoe.garbett@lbbd.gov.uk"><span style="color: #119922;">zoe.garbett@lbbd.gov.uk</span></a> 0208 227 2311), you don’t need to book a place just drop in when you fancy!Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-85077736299869396552013-05-28T13:10:00.000+01:002013-05-28T13:10:16.590+01:00Today on PCC Cribs . . .. . . we are going inside Lucy's fridge!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5N4wreyXWJhUV6IX4HtWhfNtuqtlZX3qfJYTSwr_3ef6g1rriJxnVEc6wm_tAQqtH_Ku_HY6x8Rs-KLmk1DqEZImz5dZBgGlPCpgU2VEYceWkYteH7yPAaJtg9EzeBIrAH769bAMhkw0/s640/blogger-image-1536869932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5N4wreyXWJhUV6IX4HtWhfNtuqtlZX3qfJYTSwr_3ef6g1rriJxnVEc6wm_tAQqtH_Ku_HY6x8Rs-KLmk1DqEZImz5dZBgGlPCpgU2VEYceWkYteH7yPAaJtg9EzeBIrAH769bAMhkw0/s320/blogger-image-1536869932.jpg" width="246" /></a>As you can see I own a fairly modest fridge decorated with my eight year old sons healthy eating chart he made at school. This week in half term his home work is to eat healthily. It would of been more useful if he had revealed this before I went shopping! </div>
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So let's see what food lives behind a door like this!!</div>
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After taking all these photos it occurred to me maybe I should have been a bit more like MTV and staged my fridge but I guess the whole idea of what is in your fridge right now is to have a glimpse into reality.</div>
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Sooooo what have we got in here then?? </div>
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All of our favorite drinks!! Milk for tea and one of George's favorite drinks, chocolate milk for George, a lil bottle of Fizz for mummy and daddy, exotic juice and cranberry juice and oh look more milk :)</div>
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I am slowly realising how boring the contents of a fridge is and my mind is wandering to what my dream fridge would be! Not what it would be full of but if I could have my dream kitchen what dream fridge would I have??</div>
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Here are a few fridges I have pinned in <a href="http://pinterest.com/loooolaaaaa/my-dream-house-would-have/">my dream home board</a> on Pinterest! Far more interesting than my ready meals and condiment and cheese obsession!!</div>
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First up we have the gloriously vintage looking Smegg! I have a lot of these pinned but I am particularly drawn to baby pink and Tiffany blue colors! Stylish and kitch but not very practical as there isn't much freezer room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wzWUa_FxwnKQxePDx18iyEEDlBbv37kf1n17MycCzWnD_H7rHiWyp3YyLO_r3eauK_zi-lXkRqZgtMvC_9bcV4ZtkID6il0a5a4vBQQYiSEas8AbAJM6huOP2bwqRStxvDLicXEIoYM/s1600/blogger-image-368786192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1wzWUa_FxwnKQxePDx18iyEEDlBbv37kf1n17MycCzWnD_H7rHiWyp3YyLO_r3eauK_zi-lXkRqZgtMvC_9bcV4ZtkID6il0a5a4vBQQYiSEas8AbAJM6huOP2bwqRStxvDLicXEIoYM/s320/blogger-image-368786192.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This fridge is actually amazing but I don't think I will ever have a kitchen big enough to fit it in!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe3ol64OCoaOm-EewOwcUAMWXgO_jeDx0t4VPfPCVqIbEwB09IQEqWQscaigKp9w8-jHdF160bgdzevdj7idOKtNVCZ6qbH_Cj5mxEaFFOweXyZylRwZhbXny-TXY8pIudr8aJNCCY30/s1600/blogger-image--1758197934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqe3ol64OCoaOm-EewOwcUAMWXgO_jeDx0t4VPfPCVqIbEwB09IQEqWQscaigKp9w8-jHdF160bgdzevdj7idOKtNVCZ6qbH_Cj5mxEaFFOweXyZylRwZhbXny-TXY8pIudr8aJNCCY30/s320/blogger-image--1758197934.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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My lovely son has chosen this dream fridge for me . . . </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsVaDBKvR-82_1xJmcLR1x4at5jbDGS-SWUcX-WFjQ1Xq8RKxE8XWQKfWQUV_B6WqtKkaEWtHQU_JXnjpExQyPcIN4Ir6D7h84RQO6Wfxq556VHc6OtM8OTdAPF60BUuA2jFjs6CrJSs/s1600/blogger-image--1954215450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsVaDBKvR-82_1xJmcLR1x4at5jbDGS-SWUcX-WFjQ1Xq8RKxE8XWQKfWQUV_B6WqtKkaEWtHQU_JXnjpExQyPcIN4Ir6D7h84RQO6Wfxq556VHc6OtM8OTdAPF60BUuA2jFjs6CrJSs/s320/blogger-image--1954215450.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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For this time being I think I might try this with my existing fridge . . . a chalk board fridge!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFPADM-xexXsdNRimQ2MuwqXqEnNR8NfCk_Ue6O-L_4aScP70gScLtd8OZyKsmRwyRf2DZRJrzBckoxy9ECIVvdXZ_StaeSXWlkpouwE_WdDQT8loEYPncM1_r-jQDfaW0bUzVnmJSGI/s1600/blogger-image-909929994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFPADM-xexXsdNRimQ2MuwqXqEnNR8NfCk_Ue6O-L_4aScP70gScLtd8OZyKsmRwyRf2DZRJrzBckoxy9ECIVvdXZ_StaeSXWlkpouwE_WdDQT8loEYPncM1_r-jQDfaW0bUzVnmJSGI/s320/blogger-image-909929994.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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One day when I redo the kitchen I think this is more likely to be the type of fridge I can afford and fit in the kitchen!! Better start the fridge fund!!</div>
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Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-69923771214942312642013-05-28T00:10:00.000+01:002013-05-28T00:28:50.733+01:00How to accept a compliment . .<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I must admit when I saw this subject I thought how terrible i used to be at accepting compliments! I used to mumble and turn a bit red and think the person paying me a compliment was lying or after something! Compliments made me very suspicious. Through working at Positive Change and learning some simple confidence building techniques and having two amazing coaches in my life (Chris and Ros), who have helped me to look at the world differently, I have slowly mastered the art of accepting a compliment graciously.</span></span><br>
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Someone once told me that 'feedback is a gift, you can either choose to use it or throw it away'. I strongly feel that a compliment is also a <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">gift! A gift of words especially for you and this gift is to be used and never thrown away. Accepting a compliment is a sign of someone who is confident and self assured and is often a good way to build rapport with others by acknowledging their compliment of you. Equally if </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">someone gives you a heartfelt compliment shutting them down </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">immediately can have negative effects and may make them feel like their opinion is wrong or not appreciated and can create barriers to communication. </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Learning </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">how to accept a compliment graciously will not only make you feel happier but will in turn leave a lasting impression on the person paying you a compliment through your positive reaction and genuine gratitude.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><strong style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Why are we so bad at accepting compliments?</strong></span></h4>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">There are a number of theories as to why people find it hard accepting compliments. Reasons range from wanting to appear modest or not feeling as if the compliment is deserved to doubting the sincerity of the person giving the compliment.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A lot of it comes down to how we view ourselves, therefore when somebody’s kind words don’t reflect the image we see of ourselves, we have a tendency to immediately discount them. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For example, if someone compliments your appearance on a day you’re feeling unattractive, chances are your initial reaction will be to brush off what they’re saying. Not because you don’t appreciate their view, but because it doesn't fit with your own view of yourself in that moment.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Sometimes we also have a tendency to paint ourselves with a more modest brush because we worry about coming across as being overly confident or arrogant.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Choosing to say “thank you” (and truly meaning it) is one of the most important lessons in becoming more self-confident. We’re often our harshest critics, which is why we can’t always see what other people do, making us less aware of our own beauty, intelligence, talents and kindness.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So how can we accept these beautiful gifts of words?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. </span></span>Make eye contact. Acknowledging a compliment is a perfect time to connect with someone. Look the person in the eye when you respond. Doing so communicates sincerity and self-confidence.</div>
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2. Say '<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thank you'. So simple but I feel very important. A sincere, unhurried 'thank you' teamed up with a smile and eye contact is sometimes all that is needed. </span>Not only is this a gracious way to acknowledge their words, but also what you’ll notice is an exchange of positive energy and a connection between you and the other person.</div>
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3. Less is more! Don't feel the need to explain yourself. For example if someone says your new dress is nice or you look like you've lost weight, you don't then need to say 'oh no I haven't its because my new dress is black so it makes me look thiner'. </div>
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4. Dont feel you HAVE to reciprocate a compliment. Only reciprocate when it comes naturally if you have to scratch around for a compliment it can come across as not being genuine. It’s great to turn the love around, but just make sure you’re not doing it at your own expense or being over the top. It potentially diminishes their compliment and makes you look uncomfortable and ungrateful.</div>
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5. Fight the urge <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">to downplay a compliment, which may be read as a personal rejection. Downplaying a compliment can sound like 'oh it was nothing', 'its no big deal', and my favourite 'don't worry about it'. Often it was a big deal and took you hours and by accepting the compliment you can also do something that often doesn't come naturally to most of us, which is acknowledging our own hard work and efforts. Take the opportunity to pat yourself on the back for something you worked hard on and turned out to be a success!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. Spread the love. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> If someone says that she loves your belt, spread the love by telling her about the great bargain you got and where you picked it up from. If someone compliments how you incorporated humour in the presentation you just gave, let him know how you were inspired by a particularly great speaker you saw last year. This kind of response helps establish a nice connection.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7. Acknowledge others. </span>If other people were involved in what you are getting praised for, share that! <em>First</em>, thank the person, and then tell them who helped you. For example, “I really appreciate you saying that! I worked hard, and I also couldn’t have done it without my team.”</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">8. Practice makes perfect. Practice with people close to you. </span> Sometimes it’s easier to challenge yourself to accept compliments from those close to you, before moving on to unsuspecting public! Let your family and close friends know that you’re working on accepting compliments so that they can call you out when you slip (or, hopefully, praise you further when you succeed!).</div>
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9. Bring your feelings to the table. Sharing feelings is a very personal thing and can sometimes make us feel vulnerable and it becomes easier to do once you have practised accepting compliments and feel more confident doing so. Don't be afraid to say <strong style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“That makes me feel _______.”</strong> Possible emotions could be appreciated, understood, happy, honoured, touched, and so on. Letting someone know how their words made you feel will make them feel more valued. And who doesn’t love that kind of feel-good loop!</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Like any habit, it can take time to change your behavior, particularly if you’re having trouble believing what the other person is saying is true. However, by observing how you react each time and being mindful of your actions, it is a habit you can learn to change.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Learning how to accept a compliment graciously and with humility is an important part of strengthening the most important relationship you have – the one with yourself. It is also a way of connecting with those around us who wish to give us the gift of a compliment.</span></div>
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I hope you have found this helpful,</div>
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Lucy x</div>
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Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-79651630394216692862013-05-27T08:32:00.001+01:002013-05-27T08:32:46.894+01:0013 year old you!What would you tell a 13 year old you? <br />
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There are so many things I could say, so much I have learned since the age of 13! But would a 13 year old me of listened to a 30 something mum? Erm NO! At 13 I wanted people to listen to me!<br />
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Also I have learned so much since 13 is the most important statement in this blog! I only learnt from the life I have lived. I learnt most of my lessons in life through the experiences I have had, mistakes I have made and through people listening to me first and helping me make the best choices. Most of us know the answers to most problems deep down and it takes someone listening to us to find it and it can help you make the best decisions. When you find your own solutions it is usually the most effective way to change.<br />
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My best advice to a 13 year old me is be yourself! And I would offer to listen.Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-49928283081327508732013-05-21T18:42:00.001+01:002013-05-21T18:43:52.100+01:00Dream jobI think you could safely say I'm happy with my patchwork career at the moment. What I mean by patchwork is my job at the moment is made up of a few different job's which i enjoy doing. they feed my intellect and creativity. My role at Positive Change is only part time at the moment, I also work for a local charity part-time, I ebay a lot! and I buy and revamp vintage/antiques to resell. My passion lies with Positive Change, which we would like to develop further to allow me to be full-time. <div><br></div><div>We have a dream of a opening coaching cafe! A place where people can meet for coffee and lunch, but also offer coaching and development services. We can run workshops from the cafe and even better if we had rooms to hold coaching retreats. A place where people can take time out for theirselves, be it 20 minutes for a coffee or a whole self development weekend. We could also offer alternative therapies such as Reki. </div><div><br></div><div>We have lots of fantastic ideas to mix all of our interests and passions NLP, Reiki, Gestalt Therapy, Coaching, vintage, and craft! Like visualising workshops where you can focus on where you want to be and build a physical vision of this in the form of a scrapbook page or a canvas.</div><div><br></div><div>My other dream jobs include chocolate taster or alcho pop inventor!! Lol</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-11831159893665589012013-05-21T18:22:00.001+01:002013-05-21T18:43:52.098+01:00News-not-so-flash . . .<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I didn't have time to read a newspaper or watch tv yesterday I was to busy!! You can tell Chris is on holiday! So this #bedm subject is my first failure :( </span><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">NEWSFLASH - Chris should never be allowed to frolic in the sea in Turkey!!</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I have had a quick look at today's headlines to keep up with current affairs (I must admit I don't really keep up-to-date with current affairs my head is much happier in the clouds) but nothing has inspired me to write a blog post. Think I will wait until something happens this week that inspires me. The only thing that made me laugh was that Alan Sugar tweeted a false score during the football that resulted in Tottenham fans to cheer on reading said tweet to only find out he lied! Ah the power of social media is shocking at times. Do you think we are becoming a nation that believes everything we read on social media sites?</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Another subject in the media this week was our tremendous score of 21 in the Eurovision Song Contest! I mean really why do we bother? My son asked me why 'Sharon' from Eastenders was singing on TV when Bonnie Tyler was on which was the highlight of my Eurovision experience! Don't even have Sir Terry commentating any more to make the whole experience more bareable!!</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Rant over!! On to next subject of dream job!! Far more exciting :) see you in the next post!</div>Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-34114544469811426682013-05-19T22:04:00.000+01:002013-05-19T22:19:09.103+01:00Holidays are coming . . . Holidays are coming!!The biggest tradition in my family is Christmas!! We have so many little things we have to do during the Christmas period and Christmas is on our minds all year long! I always buy christmas decorations and wrapping in the january sales and continue squirrelling gifts all year round! I have a christmas present cupboard already.<br />
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Christmas preparations officially start in December when I am allowed to start wrapping up! It is a tradition to crack open the 1st (notice I say 1st!) bottle of Baileys when the 1st present is wrapped. Wrapping can only take place in the presence of alcohol! Harvey's Bristol Cream, Port, Snow Balls and Baileys are all suggestible!!<br />
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2 weeks before Christmas it is time to deck the halls!! All the decs get dragged down from the loft and the Christmas tree go's up. My tree is a memory tree! All of my baubles have come from around the world. Everywhere I go I get one from New York to Mexico! I have decorations that were my Nan's I have baby 1st Christmas ones! You name an event or a place and I have a bauble for it!! It is our tradition to put the Christmas CD's on start another bottle of Baileys and decorate the tree as a family.</div>
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Since I can remember it has also been a tradition to take a trip to London to see the light's, Hamleys window displays and the tree in Trafalgar Square. When I was a kid we always used to get a Wendy's burger on the way home. In recent years we have introduced taking my son to Winter Wonderland and Wendy's has been replaced by hog in a roll with apple sauce! Yum yum!</div>
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Finally Christmas Eve arrives!! It's open house at my mum's so the present dropping off can commence! Chips and dips, home made sausage rolls, mince pies, festive cupcakes and lashing of Baileys!! People come and go brining and taking presents! And then the moment I have been waiting for the 1st present is opened!! New pj's for seeing Santa in :)</div>
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Ok so whole family decked out in brand new pj's it's time to put out Santa's mince pie and beer (our Santa doesn't like milk and cookies!!) out by the fireplace along with my son's letter to the big man. When my son was small I started a few traditions of my own. I mixed porridge oats with silver glitter and put it in a little velvet bag and told him it was magic reindeer food that helps them fly home. We sprinkle this in the garden before bed. It sparkles in the moonlight and you can tell the little ones it helps the reindeers find your garden to land in!! When the munchkin finally go's to sleep its time for another cheeky Baileys and wrap the turkey in bacon and tin foil and pop it in the oven low to cook through the night! Makes the house smell lush!! Officially at midnight it is Christmas and the adults are allowed to pick one present from under the tree to open!! Then its off to bed with nothing left to do but wake up about 2am to put stockings at the bottom of everyone's bed! And I mean everyone's! Christmas isn't just for kids!!<br />
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At last the big day is here and it's time to open our stockings!! Each stocking must contain a Terry's chocolate orange or it is not Christmas!! I would like to say my son is so excited he wakes up at 4am, but I don't have a normal child I have one that likes his bed, so we have to go and wake him up with sleigh bells around 9am! I swear he is 8 going on 18!! Then it's down stairs for homemade ham and eggs (traditional Christmas breakfast) accompanied by Buck's Fizz (unfortunately Baileys is not considered acceptable before 11am boooo!) More presents this time from around the tree. Then there is lots of frantic kitchen business before the dinner is ferried out on plates, in bowls and whatever else is to hand and we can all tuck in! Our traditional Christmas dinner is turkey with all the trimmings and brussel sprouts are compulsory! Then it's time for pud then after eights, followed by coffee and liqueur's (another Baileys don't mind if I do hic!).</div>
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We all waddle into the front room to watch the queens speech (this is code for time for a nap) and some of us slip off for a little lie down and put on a pair of elastic aged waisted trousers!! After a little power nap it's traditional to make and eat a selection of sandwiches consisting of turkey and cranberry, ham and mustard, pork and apple sauce and anything else u can put in a sandwhich!(Baileys is optional at this point). And then you have to play cards, either brag or Newmarket, until the wee hours of the morning!! Time for bed looking forward to my next favourite tradition Boxing Day bubble and squeak!<br />
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Boxing Day is almost as big a tradition in my house as Christmas! There are a few rules though! </div>
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No. 1 You must not get dressed, </div>
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No. 2 You have to only eat left over Christmas food,</div>
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No. 3 You cannot leave the house,</div>
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No. 4 You must play with all your new toys!!</div>
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Boxing Day is a relaxed event in our house to get over all the excitement of Christmas Day. We have a full English with bubble and squeak. Slob around in our pj's all day looking at each others presents and putting batteries in all of my sons new toys. We eat cold cuts with mash, pickles, pickled onions, beet root and red cabbage, all washed down with (no not more Baileys!!) cram soda! Mmmmmmm! I am mainly tea total on Boxing Day to give my liver a rest!</div>
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What are your family traditions?</div>
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Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-1155488216768611562013-05-18T10:56:00.000+01:002013-05-18T10:56:17.992+01:00Quote of the week . . .I used to do this a lot and I thought for #bedm I would use todays subject of best friends to start our quote's again . . . very simple interpretation of the brief but it is the weekend and I have besties to catch up with!!<br />
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<br />Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-79644216306931963292013-05-18T01:38:00.000+01:002013-05-18T01:43:54.879+01:00Journey to workI have decided to put a twist on the journey to work suggested topic for today and tell you Positive Changes journey to work. How we started, where we came from, what we stand for and where we are going!<br>
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Chris, Ros and myself all started out having one thing in common, we all worked for Tesco Ltd. Later we would discover many more things we had in common. Although we all worked for Tesco for a long period of time it was not until later on in our careers we would meet!<br>
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Chris had varying roles in store over many years and with her extensive experience was drafted in to deliver a new initiative called living service. Living service was a cultural change programme to help improve customer service amongst other things within the company. As the programme developed it was decided that a select few would be trained as coaches to work regionally with management teams. Meanwhile Ros was based at head office and had also been selected for the training.<br>
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During the training Chris and Ros meet, bonded and became firm friends. They shared many of the same life values, interests and had a passion for helping others to improve and reach their full potential. Chris and Ros returned to their change agent roles, but kept in touch and would occasionally cross paths.<br>
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Ros decided to leave Tesco to pursue other dreams and a simpler way of living. She contacted Chris to tell her she was moving on and hoped they would keep in touch. <br>
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A year or so later Living Service was coming to an end and the economy had taken a nose dive and Tesco announced a number of redundancies. After 20 years service it was time for Chris to start a new adventure. Chris called Ros to tell her the news and that she had done a distanced learning course and was a qualified life coach. Chris had the learning bug and was going to go back to school to study NLP. Ros had also been busy gaining new knowledge and skills, in the form of Myres Briggs and Reiki.<br>
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When the girls would get together they would talk about dreams of starting a business doing what they loved, which was coaching and helping others to recognise their potential. Chris had been volunteering with young adults and said how her coaching and leadership development knowledge had helped them change their perspective on unhealthy behaviour. One night over a few glasses of wine Positive Change was born. A little seed was planted!! A dream of providing affordable coahing and development to individuals, companies and comunities that might not necessrily have acces or be able to afford specialised training. All they needed was a website, a business plan and most importantly some work!! This my friends is where (drum role) I enter!!</div>
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Now not many people know this but Chris is actually my mum! (Shocking revelation GASP). I was invited (told to attend lol) a brain storming session to help grow the little positive change seed. At the time I was a stay at home mum, but my background was customer service, HR, project management,finance and according to Chris and Ros I am a whizz on all things techie (geek). </div>
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So over a few months we planned the website, got together marketing material, opened a bank account, registered a partnership, contacted everyone we knew and got ourselves a logo. Now the logo I feel is very important because it helps you to understand what we stand for. Our logo is the tree of life. Collectively we are all earthy, spiritual, creative and intuitive powerful women and the tree of life suited us. We have strong foundations and we never stop growing. We are always reaching for the sun. We adapt and change as a tree does through the seasons and even through the coldest winter we remain strong and know spring will bring fresh hope and new life.</div>
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In our sapling stages of Positive Change we did batering, swapping our services, skills and knowledge for other peoples services, like coaching for beauty treatments. we also conducted sample sessions and mini workshops to schools and charities. Both of these ideas paid off as we could demonstrate and show people our products and use their feedback to improve our products. During this time we recognised that many business leadership tools could be adapted to help young people and parents to better manage behaviour. With this concept in mind Chris and Ros did an NVQ in working with parents and became parenting practitioners. We developed a concept called Parental Leadership which I wrote about on the blog and you can read <a href="http://positivechangeconsultancy.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/parental-leadership-is-interesting.html">more here</a>. It has become very successful and a really good training tool.</div>
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We started Positive Change 3 years ago and it's been a roller coaster!! Mainly ups and a few downs thank god! We have laughed and cried and enjoyed every minute!! We have worked with and met some amazing people and companies (Saint Francis Hospice, The Queens Theatre, Team London & The Vibe just to mention a few) and look forward to all the new challenges and opportunities coming our way.</div>
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Our dream for the future is to work with large organisations and schools to create several programmes to help future leaders within our communities. We recognise that in the current economic climate some young people will not be able to go onto further education and will have to call on their entrapanureal skills to start businesses etc. There will be a lost generation that will need help to contribute to society. We have a few ideas for this and I like the sound of The Leadership Legacy, a chance for established entrapenures and large corporations to pass on their knowledge and expertise to a younger a generation. There are so many companies that started out small and grew and grew through a single mans/woman's determination and vision, ironically one of these such stories is Mr Cohen who founded Tesco. FromWell Street Market, Hackney selling broken biscuits to multi million pound retailer No 1!! So here I end my blog post where I started at Tesco!</div>
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I hope you enjoyed our journey to work :)</div>
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Lucy x</div><div><br></div><div>P.s. little mini celebration for my 100th blog post!!</div>
Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-81439215882516421012013-05-16T23:38:00.002+01:002013-05-16T23:38:42.243+01:00Pampering . . .<div>
We all like a bit of pampering now and again, but when do you fit it in? </div>
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It's very hard when your a working mum etc. Here at positive change we would all like a bit more me time to go to the spa, get a massage or even just do something for ourselves instead of others for a change. i think this is true for almost everyone. </div>
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When was the last time you put you first for a change? </div>
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Does putting your own needs before others make you selfish?</div>
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Do you feel guilty when you put your own needs first? </div>
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The truth is sometimes you have to give yourself a break and take time for you to move forward in your life. When we do things out of obligation, 'I have to or something terrible will happen . . ', we do it begrudgingly and not in a willing state of mind which makes it a chore. When we do things because we choose to, in willingness, tasks seem to be easier. Sometimes just taking 5 minutes me time can put you in a willing state of mind and choose to complete tasks for others rather than feeling beholden to others. Sometimes is it is ok to say NO I am busy right now, but I can help you when I'm finished!</div>
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I decided yesterday to not take part in the challenge today and use my spare time to do something I wanted to do because blogging was becoming a chore. Ironically enough I used my free me time to resurrect my old personal blog and also give my lonely tea cup's the make over I promised them! And guess what the world didn't end! I even looked at todays #bedm challenge through fresh eyes and completed it out of choice instead of through obligation. Gooooo me!</div>
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If you would like to take a gander at my personal blog post today '<a href="http://alottaglitterchatter.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/homes-wanted-for-lonely-tea-cups.html">homes wanted for lonely tea cups</a>' feel free :)</div>
Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-83228090786742853652013-05-16T00:24:00.001+01:002013-05-16T00:27:07.126+01:00Life's lessons . . .<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A juicy subject on #bedm I was looking forward to writing about, but unfortunately life got in the way!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I had planned out a fantastic post it was written in my head and it was perfect! And then disaster! My whole household has been struck down by a killer bug and a Red Cross has been painted on the door and my day was to short to fit everything in and blah!! Bit dramatic?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anyway I did want to say that we should never stop learning or yearning for knowledge! I don't think I can pinpoint the most important lessons I have learnt in life as there have been to many. Everyday brings you new challenges and each one teaches you something. Today I learned you have to adapt when killer bugs strike u down, there are sometimes not enough hours in the day to fit everything in, hamsters squeal like micro pigs when u transport them in the car (long story), you can't please everyone and husbands cannot put duvet covers on!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Maybe tomorrow will be better and I can write the post I wanted to write:)</span>Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-89954574190562146962013-05-14T19:25:00.001+01:002013-05-14T19:25:26.416+01:00Food for thought . . .I love so many different foods for all different reasons!! I link food to happy memories and different foods remind me of different people and places. The smell of certain foods can take me back in time. Here are just a few . . .<br />
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Roast Dinner - awww the Sunday roast is a great tradition in my family and roast dinners remind me of my Nan (Betty Rose). She made the best roast potatoes and nobody can match them. I have tried a million times to recreate her roasties but I just can't manage it! The roast sparks memories of lazy Sundays with nothing better to do but wait for dinner to be cooked. The aroma of the roast filling the whole house and a day when everyone would sit down dinner together.<br />
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Lasagne - this dish is another all time favourite and my mum makes the best lasagne in the world!! Now when I am going to my mums house for dinner she asks what I want and she already knows the answer!! Lasagne is my ultimate comfort food! If I've been sick I want lasagne because it warms me up inside and makes me feel better. Mmmmm this subject is just making me hungry now!<br />
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Meat pies - my Grandad Ted's speciality! Good old fashioned east end grub! Home made with mash potatoes and licker accompanied with lashings of pepper and vinegar! Better than any pie and mash shop I have been to and trust me I've been to a few. My nan and grandad used to take me to Cooks in Hackney as a treat before pie and mash shops became trendy and could be found in every high street.<br />
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Ginger cake - reminds me of weekends at my dads. My mum and dad got divorced and my dad joined ginger breads and he did a cooking course. He learnt how to make spaghetti bolognase and sticky ginger cake. We used to have our little set routine for the weekend Chinese take away Friday night, spag bol sat night and I would beg him to make Gingerbreads Ginger Cake on Sunday's before he took me home. I used to like the raw mix better than the actual cake and I used to like the fact we made it together.<br />
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Chicken noodle soup - reminds me of my 1st trip to New York. Day's packed with sight seeing and shopping of course. Stopping off at the deli and picking up steaming hot chicken noodle soup and fresh crisp salad to eat in our hotel room while planning the next days adventures and watching old movies in bed.<br />
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I could go on forever!! What are your favourite foods and what memories do they spark?Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-85198239306338007692013-05-14T01:07:00.000+01:002013-05-14T01:14:44.113+01:00It's not easy being green . . .To quote the great Kermit! I must admit I do the bare minimum when it comes to being echo friendly. Like most people I sort my rubbish into the three designated bins supplied by Thurrock council and shower more than bathe. I use left over bits from mineral water bottles to water my house plants (not sure if that saves the environment!) which is sort of recycling I guess.<br />
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We pretty much have a paperless office and we try to keep handouts for training to a minimum and email out the hints and tips packs etc after the training rather than printing them, but that is green as I get! <br />
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The effect #bedm has had on me reminds me of a workshop we run called the wheel of life which makes you look at different aspects of your life, such as creativity, health, family etc. You score each spoke of the wheel from 1 to 10 and it helps to identify aspects of your life you would like to work on. The suggested subject matter for the posts during #bedm have identified areas of myself I would like to work on and improve, such as doing more to improve my carbon footprint and trying to live a fitter healthier life style.<br />
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Some subjects I have really struggled to write post's about because I found I was embarrassed I didn't have a lot to write about. Take the book love post for example, I went into the panic zone thinking 'oh my god I don't read books' and 'I won't look like a very intelligent and well rounded person if I say I don't think a particular book has shaped my life' - in our world (positive change land) this is called negative mind talk! Let me tell you the little voices in my head where screaming 'your not good enough' that day. Mind talk is a very powerful thing and it can sometimes form limiting beliefs about our ability which stop us from reaching our full potential. We have a simple technique to get deal with negative mind talk and break it down to stop the little voices in our heads getting the better of us. It's really simple and it helped me to write my post about book love. I won't go into detail now but if anyone is interested you can drop me an e-mail (lucy@positivechangeconsultancy.com) to find out more.<br />
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I will leave you with something cute and green!<br />
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Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-520950434275565032013-05-12T22:15:00.002+01:002013-05-12T22:18:05.787+01:00Things of wonder, mystery and intrigue. . .Today's #BEDM is all about collecting and I would say I am a collector of curious objects. I can't put my collections into any specific category they are just things that I am drawn to at boot sales, jumble sales and charity shops! Many of the items I buy I either use, revamp or recycle. <br />
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Here are some of this weekends boot sale finds!! <br />
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I am collecting lonely vintage tea cups at the moment to turn into flower arrangements, with vintage buttons and ribbon to re-sell at a vintage fair later on in the year. When I have finished one I will post it for all to see. <br />
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I also bought a whole heap of vintage scarves but this doggy one is my favourite and I might even keep it :)<br />
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The other thing I collect is crafting materials for card making, scrapbooking and revamping! I have a craft room (With a bed in it, so I guess it's just the spare room but a girl can dream!), which my family fondly call 'the Dorothy room', where all my projects are stored and it is slowly creeping into other rooms of the house also. Take a look:<br />
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</div>Many of my things in the Dorothy room are thrifty finds like my wizard of oz picture that I picked up for £15 at Richard House Charity shop at Faircross in Barking!! My vintage phone was salvaged from my Dads electrical shop that he recently closed down. My little china rocking horse was bought at a jumble sale for 10p!! I do love a bargin.<br />
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Reading this post I am starting to think maybe I am a hoarder as apposed to a collector!! Potato, patata, tomata, tomato! <br />
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Well back to my lazy Sunday! And time to catch up with Glee and Once Upon a Time!Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-53676942415662582862013-05-12T00:13:00.000+01:002013-05-12T00:13:23.254+01:00Book love . . . Or hate?.Most defiantly a HATE from me! My least favourite thing is reading so today's challenge is super hard for me! As its the weekend I am also on my own with this post!<br />
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The only books I have successfully read are mainly by Stephen King. The only books I pick up are cook books, art books and scrap books!<br />
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I love cooking in general and attempt my hand at cup cake making.<br />
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I love art in all forms from Pop art to fine art and everywhere in between, so I have a vast collection of books on art. <br />
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When I say scrap books I mean I do American Style scrapbooking.<br />
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Sorry this post is short n sweet but I am soooooooo not a book worm!Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-23102642959087489092013-05-11T02:05:00.000+01:002013-05-11T02:28:05.623+01:00Viva Las Vegas! . . . And then some!Vegas is mine and Chris' all time favourite holiday destination!! Between us we have bee at least 6 times if not more! I never thought I would like Vegas but there is so much more to it than gambling! There are shows, roller coasters, zoo's, aquariums, ranch's, art galleries, SHOPPING and much much more! There really is something for everyone, young and old. Also when your a huge Elvis fan like me you have to go Vegas at least once in your life time.<br />
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Talking Elvis brings me on to my dream of a pilgrimage to Graceland! About 10 years ago I saw a holiday withVirgin which was totally extravagantly expensive but it is my dream to go on this adventure by hook or by crook! It is </div>
<a href="http://www.elvis.com/graceland/" style="text-align: left;">Graceland</a><span style="text-align: left;">, Nashville, </span><a href="http://www.dollywood.com/" style="text-align: left;">Dollywood</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and then finish off in New Orleans for Madi Gras. I just need to talk someone into going with me (and paying for me!!).</span><br />
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Ros said her dream destination would be Japan because she would like to experience a totally different culture. When I went through my pintrest I found I had pinned a lot of pictures of Japan in m pretty in pink folder and places I would rather be right now!! It looks absolutely amazing. And the best thing of all is they have their very own <a href="http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/">Disney Land</a>! I may have add Japan to my own travel wish list, but think I might starve as sushi is most defiantly not on my favourite food list lol</div>
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I was told not to go on about my obsession with Disney Land! But I just have to say that it is my guilty pleasure and I'd just keep going back (if I could afford it). I have done Halloween and Christmas at various Disney resorts! Have to say Florida is my favourite, but I'd be happy in my mini ears at any of the Disney resorts around the world. I am a big kid at heart :)</div>
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Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109369893764564732.post-57483314136955379742013-05-09T10:10:00.002+01:002013-05-09T10:10:21.070+01:00Social butterfly . . . so today's subject is Social Media . . .<br />
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Chris and Ros are socialmediaphobic so this post is purely me!!<br />
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I must admit I'm social media butterfly I flit in and out of love with twitter, facebook, pintrest and more. For PCC I think twitter is my favourite, but lucky for me I have set things up so when i Twitter on it updates our Facebook and Linked in.<br />
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On a personal note my guilty pleasure is most defiantly <a href="http://pinterest.com/loooolaaaaa">Pintrest</a> at the moment!! I haven't been pinning for long but my boards are growing. You can find the most useful and un-useful things from how to make a light from a mason jar (they seem to be all the rage on pintrest its all mason jar this mason jar that) to how to make a PDF of your pintrest boards (new that would come in handy one day!!). I spend my time drooling over things I want in my home - this is most defiantly my biggest board!! For some reason I seem to be attracted to <a href="http://pinterest.com/loooolaaaaa/pretty-in-pink/">pink</a> things so this is another board I have made!! My 8 year old son is also getting on 'board' by browsing with me and we now have a <a href="http://pinterest.com/loooolaaaaa/cute-things/">cute thing's</a> board full of baby animals, he is even encroaching on the the <a href="http://pinterest.com/loooolaaaaa/my-dream-house-would-have/">dream house</a> board with Tardis wall art and superhero nursery's.<br />
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Come and take a look at my boards :)<br />
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<br />Becontree Estate Centenary Eventshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18099434499291196560noreply@blogger.com0