Fostering a child can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By providing stable family life for children and young people who are not able to live with their parents, you are giving them the chance to flourish in a safe, loving home environment.

However, while fostering brings a wealth of benefits there are some key considerations to make before making such a big decision.

With the birth of a special baby boy or girl, buying sentimental christening gifts can be a bit of a challenge. It’s important to buy a gift that is a meaningful contribution to the newborn’s life - something that won’t be stashed in the cupboard and forgotten. When buying keepsake gifts for christenings or naming ceremonies, personalisation is the key word. Putting your stamp on a gift means that it will be cherished by the baby as he or she grows, giving them something to always remember you by. But what gift should you choose?

The human body consists of 60-70% water. The body loses water all the time through its normal processes: urination, sweating, and breathing. Water is needed for many bodily functions, including digestion, circulation and detoxification. Water keeps the kidneys functioning, it moisturises the skin, and it maintains bowel functions. It is important to replace the fluids that are lost daily; fluids are necessary for keeping the body functioning and for maintaining general health and well-being.

If you feel stressed and have difficulty finding time for yourself in your daily schedule, then take a step back. You need to retreat from your daily worries and pamper yourself a little – then you’ll have some room to breathe and feel like a new woman. Give yourself a break from running errands, playing with and taking care of your children and trying to combine work and family, because the key to feeling better is treating yourself well - which is something that’s easy to forget when you’re going through a stressful period of time.

In a recent interview acclaimed author Scott Turow lamented the current state of the publishing industry, specifically from an author’s point of view. Pointing his finger at a multitude of factors, including publishers and libraries, Turow believes the steady erosion of authors’ incomes from their royalties is to blame for what he sees as the ‘slow death’ of the author.

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s certainly true that in the huge machine that is the publishing world it’s often the authors, who create the products that can so often generate such colossal revenue, who end up not getting what they’re owed. With the labyrinth of domestic and international publishing rights, royalty contracts and the new explosion of e-books it can be next to impossible for an author to really know what their books have genuinely earned them.

As an industry book publishing has typically been one that has resisted royalty auditing on their reports, and authors have simply had to accept the royalty cheque that drops through their letterbox a couple of times a year. But now it’s more important than ever authors and agents know exactly what royalties are due.

There are a variety of reasons for the errors that crop up in royalty reporting. A prime reason is the sheer quantity of works published each year. Every year hundreds of thousands of new titles are published, as well as reprints of existing titles. As the number of publishing houses has dwindled over the years, with smaller companies and their backlists being consumed by the big-hitters, the accounting and reporting relies on smaller departments. Such high-volumes of individual book sales mean that errors are bound to creep in to the system.

Added to the issue of keeping track of the volume is the fact that not all authors have the same royalty agreements. Although there are standard clauses that many publishers use, these can be altered and negotiated on by the author and their agent. So not only do you have hundreds of thousands of agreements but they may differ in small or large ways. If an amendment isn’t accurately recorded then an author can find their royalty dues greatly reduced.

On top of all this there is also the issue of overseas sales. Once a book goes outside of its native territory the supply often passes to a sub-publisher, as well as distribution companies that cover the overseas territory. This is another link in the chain between the author and their royalties that can be riddled with errors or inaccurate reporting.

When you look at the bigger picture, and factor in the new minefield of e-book publishing that the whole industry is trying to come to grips with, it’s easy to see why even highly successful authors like Turow are worried about the future of the professional writer.

It’s now possible to ensure that the royalty money you get from your published work is accurate by employing the services of an accountancy firm who specialise in royalty auditing. They will go through the publisher’s royalty reports with a fine-toothed comb to ensure that everything is in order.

For more information and advice on Royalty Audits visit http://www.hwfisher.co.uk/royalty-auditing-and-licensing

Even the most successful parent will find themselves in positions where money is tight. Family life is, unfortunately, full of various expenses that go on top of normal living costs. Throw in some unexpected surprises, such as a broken washing machine, car repairs or any other area of importance, and you find a number of instances, circumstances and scenarios where money is needed sooner rather than later but simply isn't available.

The start of the London Array project off the Kent coast has begun to bring wind generated power to UK homes. By the time the project is completed it will be the world’s biggest wind farm and will provide energy up to a maximum of 630MW.

This is great news for those of us who are worried about the planet but it does raise a few questions. Perhaps most important of all is that it makes us wonder about how important our own roles are in helping the planet. After all, with projects like this what difference can any of us make in comparison?

Repetitive Strain Injuries, or RSIs, can develop as a result of undertaking a repetitive task, such as typing for long periods while sitting with poor posture. It mainly affects the upper body at areas that experience the most strain, such as the wrists, forearms and shoulders.

For most families, this Spring period can be incredibly tough in terms of finances. As the kids go back to school, usually requiring new uniforms, P.E. kits and stationery, we often find ourselves wondering exactly where we are going to cut back in order to fund the increased spending.

Shouting and yelling or trying to force your child to learn something when they’re struggling will most likely be unsuccessful. When you’re supporting your child’s education you need to come up with ideas which suit their personality and make learning fun. Here are some creative ideas to help your child if they’re finding school challenging.

It can be difficult watching your parents get older. The human body goes through a lot of changes later in life, often leaving people weaker and less independent. As this dependency grows, it can be difficult not to intervene and take action.

The problem is knowing when is the right time to start looking after your parents. All individuals age differently so you need to be aware of various conditions and factors that will affect your parents and their aging process so that you know when they need your help and when they don’t.

Having children is the biggest commitment you can make in life. It all becomes real once your new-born is in your arms; a little human being, vulnerable, helpless and relying on you for all of his/her needs to be fulfilled.  For these needs to be met you need to learn quickly: communication can be difficult, hearing the difference between one cry and another, working out what baby needs - feeding, winding or nappy change? Sleep deprivation is a type of torture! But here you are and you hold it all together because when you look at your little pink bundle of screaming joy you are so consumed by love that you can do anything!

How much money do you need to be happy?  According to a study of 450,000 people by Gallup, low income can exacerbate the emotional pain associated with divorce and loneliness.  This is understandable because when you’re feeling down, having no money only makes things worse. They also found that emotional well-being rises with income, but there is no further progress beyond £46,000 per annum.  Unfortunately £46,000 is an awful lot higher than the £26,500 average national salary in the UK.

No matter how carefully we budget for the future, life with all it’s ups and downs can sometimes deal a blow to even the best laid plans of women and men.
Losing a job, a death in the family, or even the car breaking down are just a few instances where extra money is urgently needed. And what if we don’t have it? Well, we use credit!

In the perfect world it would be enough to be healthy and happy. Unfortunately the world is not perfect and we also need money to survive. Making money means either a paid job or making money from self-employment. Working takes a large part of the day:

I love this time of year – new beginnings, new starts, new resolve, new me…until January 2nd when it all goes out of the window and I reach for the biscuit tin!!  Well not this year!  This year I’m not making resolutions, I’m having 12 ‘Days of Loveliness’.

All the celebrations are over, the decorations are down and it is January! I always think January is hard work; it is dark, cold and I never have any money! It seems a long time until spring, seeing new plants peeping through in the garden with the promise of spring and summer to come.

If you’re a single mum with a thriving career, you probably deserve a pat on the back for even finding the time to read this article. It’s no secret that life as a working mother is hectic at the best of times. However a busy schedule doesn’t need to mean the end of your love life.

If you’re curious about getting back into the dating scene, but aren’t sure about how to fit it in with your lifestyle, then here are 3 tips for balancing your roles as a mother, businesswoman and potentially as a partner.

More than half way through December already and, despite my very best efforts, I am still running around like a headless chicken! Every year I think I have learnt from the previous year and will be more organised... This year at the end of November I made a spread sheet with the days from the 20th December until 1st January and I planned lunch and dinner for each day. We have family staying for that period and I thought I might be able to avoid a trip to the supermarket every other day.

Blouses come in a baffling array of styles and designs, so how do you choose what’s right for you? Start by determining your body shape – this will help you to choose blouses that flatter your figure and accentuate your assets. Larger ladies might like simple, plus size blouses that downplay their size while pint-sized people may prefer lavish tops that give them more curves.

With everything else going on at home, registering a company online can easily get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list; risking missing out on that unique business name that could be your ultimate selling point. This quick guide should ensure that this doesn't become an issue for you, giving you a few tips, as well as reasons why registering quickly is so important!

The world of Business Insurance can be confusing due to the amount of terminology and the distinct differences between insuring your business and insuring your home.  Insuring your home is as simple as insuring material belongings but when we insure our businesses we must be aware of things like Professional Indemnity Cover or PI as it’s sometimes known.

Market research has always been an important tool in business and commerce. Over recent years, with the rise of social media platforms and the trend towards mobile internet connected devices, people and their opinions have become much more accessible and easier to obtain than ever before. Market research has become much less resource and time intensive than ever before and therefore more widely available to businesses large, small or still in the conceptual stage.

Pregnant employees are protected by law from discrimination in the workplace and there are a number of maternity rights that must be upheld by their employer. The main rights applicable to expectant mothers are the facility to take maternity leave, health and safety protection and risk assessments whilst working during pregnancy, maternity allowance and the protection of your employment rights while on Statutory Maternity Leave. Pregnant employees are also entitled to paid time off for antenatal care appointments.

Being in an unhappy relationship is difficult at the best of times. Throw children into the mix and things can become even more so. Mums who find themselves in unhappy marriages often worry about the effect a divorce will have on her children. Though divorce is undoubtedly a difficult thing for a child to go through, it mustn’t stop a woman from getting out of a bad marriage.

In what circumstances can I file for divorce?

There are a number of reasons someone might file for a divorce, but essentially they all need to fall under one of the following five categories: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion for at least two years, two years separation and agreement from both parties or five years separation. You may be in a situation which you feel does not fall under any of these categories – domestic abuse, for example. According to Woman’s Aid, 1 in 4 women will become victims of domestic abuse. If domestic violence is your reason for filing for divorce or even separation, it is essential that you seek professional advice and guidance. The Family Law Act can help to protect you if you are suffering from domestic abuse and are in the proceedings of a divorce. Find a lawyer who specialises in family law to help you through the process of divorce.

Where do I start?

You need to have been married for at least a year to get a divorce. There are three main steps.

1. File for a divorce petition – this is where you have to show the court your reason(s) for filing for divorce. You are essentially asking the court’s permission to get a divorce.
   
   
2. Apply for a decree nisi – to get this, your spouse needs to agree to the terms of the divorce i.e. if you have claimed adultery, your spouse must confirm this. If you and your spouse are in agreement, you will get a document stating that you can proceed with your divorce.
   
   
3. Apply for a decree absolute – you will need to wait 6 weeks after you get your decree nisi before you can apply for this, which will legally end your marriage.

(www.gov.uk 2012)

Do I need to pay for lawyers?

The cost of a divorce can be high, which might account for more married couples opting to separate instead. There are ways of handling your own divorce, meaning you save money from not having to pay lawyers. However, you can only handle your own divorce if you and your spouse agree on the reasons for it, how you will look after your children if you have any and how you will divide money, property etc. If you and your spouse are not on speaking terms, then you will need to employ a divorce lawyer.

Lastly, one of the most traumatic parts of divorce for a mum can often be the reaction of her children. We recommend being as open and honest as possible, keeping to as normal a routine as possible and attempting to remain civil with your spouse in front of any children.

Starting a new family is an important change in life and can also be incredibly exciting. It's important, however, to assure that you understand what's involved when it comes to preparing for a child financially.

It's likely that your lifestyle is about to change considerably. This will have a significant impact on your spending habits and your family finances. Fortunately, you should be able to ensure that you are prepared, as long as you are ready to get organised.

Many of us still think of the American Dream. Some already have a business running and want to branch out to other markets. But bringing a business to another country can be an arduous affair. There are so many things one has to consider; things which one might forget in the great hustle, or which get one stuck in the bureaucracy.

If you are a family travelling with a young baby and want to avoid hours in airports and on planes, staycations are a great option. But you still have to get to your holiday destination somehow. Chances are, this will involve a road trip.

Take a look at how you’re sitting right now…which one of the pictures below sums it up best?

The nights are drawing in and there is a definite chill in the air. We have celebrated Halloween, Bonfire night has been and gone, so Christmas is round the corner. I love the magic of Christmas. Without exception Christmas is one of those times that can so easily become out of control. I can feel the excitement beginning to build already and with all this extra excitement it is inevitable there is an element of stress, especially with children around. As I have mentioned, I love Christmas and I am not having stress spoil any of it!

When the kids are growing up there comes the day when your little monsters want to bring more little monsters home to ‘sleep over’. And often they want to bring several! Maybe now is the time to invest in a guest bed, great for family, friends and monsters alike, it is quite possibly one of the most practical yet versatile items of furniture in the home.

Did you know that doing ‘nothing’ can actually improve your business?  Don’t you find that if you take the time to switch off and do something completely different that you actually come back to work refreshed and ready to get started with some new ideas?

Life is always busy.  Keeping some level of sanity is about finding the comfortable balance in all areas of your life. Is your workload becoming overwhelming and taking over your life?

Look at your routines for both home and work. Are you trying to do too much? It is so easy to feel you must do everything.

Money does seem to be at the centre of life, how you earn it and how you spend it. At this point in my life I wonder why we are not taught more about how to look after money. But on the other hand experience has shown me how much money is made from a general lack of understanding of finances.

I spend a great deal of time and energy trying to save precious time and be organised. I am trying to create a smooth running and efficient household. A house where there is a place for everything: papers, toys, kid's artwork, pens/pencils, pairs of gloves, shoes, cleaning products…I hope that we can find things when we need them! In this dream household there will also be spare time to help the kids with their homework and I will have everything in the cupboard for that last minute cake bake for the school fund raiser!

Starting a new business is an intimidating challenge for anyone, but for women (and particularly mums)  the marketplace holds special difficulties. Some companies refuse to take female entrepreneurs seriously, but with new laws in place and changing attitudes, discrimination is far less prevalent than in decades past. Whether she prefers virtual commerce or the solidity of real estate, she only needs to devise marketable product or service, put together a business plan and create a website or find the right land to buy, to become a successful business owner.

Thanks to modern technology, an office is no longer the only environment in which you can do your job. This is great news for anybody juggling multiple demands, such as childcare, as there is now much more flexibility in the way that we work.

Most of us have been made aware by the politicians that the strain on the economy as a result of pension provision is only getting more burdensome.  We as citizens can’t rely on the state to carry on paying, and the state in its current guise may not be able to afford the burden of a 40% increase in the over 60’s due in the next 30 years.  For years we’ve heard ideas on how to encourage employees to enrol in private pension plans but now finally actual laws have been put in place - namely automatic enrolment pension legislation.

We have all seen those pictures that profess to be caricatures of the working mum. She runs her own business, manages a household, takes the kids to school, helps with the homework and then still has time to cook dinner, make the packed lunches and bath the hordes all before bed time.

Buying a present for a loved one is universally acknowledged as a ‘nice’ thing to do.

Unfortunately, this recognition often makes for awkward moments when you receive a present that you know you are supposed to like, yet somehow misses the mark.

Work and family are both central to our way of life and finding ways to keep them in harmony can often be difficult. Today, many families are dual-income, so the dynamic of the traditional home has been effectively set on its ear. No longer is it expected that a woman will sit at home and take care of the children and household. Research suggests that when children are added to a family, men and women gravitate towards a more traditional division of the workload, with tasks being delegated by gender rather than according to the individual’s interests or abilities.

The internet becomes more and more important in every area of life. People read the news online, communicate via email and chat rooms and even do their shopping via the virtual space. Many professionals have discovered the internet as a new platform to offer their products and services, and new ideas keep emerging regularly.

Home is a special place. The kids grow up there, the family spends the time together, memories are made. It is a place the kids love to explore and to play in. That makes it so important to secure the home, because it is also the place where most accidents happen.

When starting a business, you need to make sure you have all the bases covered. It’s crucial that you develop a detailed business plan when in those crucial early stages, not only will it keep your goals clear, but it’s what will bring investors to your door.

At some point in our lives, most of us borrow a bit of extra cash when we need to. And the credit market offers various options for borrowing some extra money when necessary.

Some of the most common forms of consumer credit include:

Your CV may be bristling with relevant experience and qualifications, and be elegantly presented, but it may all be for nothing if you don’t know how to interview, and the all-important first step is doing your homework.

Research is the absolute foundation stone of a successful interview. It puts you at ease, allows you to communicate confidently and knowledgeably and will really impress your interviewer. So where to start?

Finding the right work shoes for both comfort and style is no easy task. It can be just as delicate a balance as trying to juggle work and home life for the working mum. It is a hard decision between looking great and having the comfort to last all day without causing your feet discomfort.

Saving up for the financial future of your child seems like a sensible thing to do. University fees and deposit requirements for first time buyers all mount up and the last thing any parent wants is to see their children in debt before they've really got ahead in life, so any savings no matter how small will help to give your children a more secure future.

Demand for maternity clothing that is suitable for the workplace has greatly increased in recent years as more mums pursue careers, as well as the effects of the current economic climate where families need as much income as possible. Whatever the reason, expectant mothers should not need to compromise on style and sophistication when coming into the office.

Starting your own business is something many mums think about doing, but coming up with an idea which utilises your skills and is a bit different can be tricky. Even once you have that idea, making your way in the market can seem very daunting - it's difficult to know where to begin building a new business.

Full time parenting is now seen as a valid option for many, but not every career woman’s capitalistic impulses fly out of the window the second their babies are born.

A legion of stay-at-home mums is forming a new economic powerhouse thanks to various work-at-home enterprises. They are joined by a new breed of entrepreneur who wishes to escape the job insecurity of corporate employment or perhaps simply see a way to get their job done better on their own.

Do you need the perfect system for prioritising and remembering vital jobs?  As a Mum running a business from home I find that life can sometimes get complicated.  Putting tasks down in black and white can often make it easier to prioritise.  Even after much research and many bits of electronic gadgetry I have yet to find the single perfect tool that prioritises, updates and reminds about every area of my life without wasting hours plugging the information in! But I have found or devised a system that works for most areas of my life.

Have you ever wondered why kinds are always running around like they are mad every time you take them to a restaurant? It’s probably because they haven’t got anything to grab their attention, but I’m sure if you put a plate of something nice enough in front of them it will soon quieten them down.

Every so often, I keep hearing that some things are great for my kids’ development. Some say that sport will help them, while others think that sticking to a special diet will improve their ability to learn. However, one thing I learned recently is that they could improve their learning capabilities by buying and reading sheet music online. It might sound a little strange, but I found that by buying sheet music from online retailers like Great Scores, they could learn to play an instrument while learning other things too.

It has been such an exciting year here in Great Britain with the Golden Jubilee celebrations and Team GB’s great success in the Olympics.  With so much happening we don’t want to miss a thing so a Great British Holiday looks like the choice for us!

Money may not be able to buy you love, but it can definitely tear it apart! If you’re worried about money issues in your relationship, have a read of the following advice and keep your love life financially healthy.

Photo courtesy of 401kcalculator.org

For so many of us, divorce is the lowest point of our lives and one of the most stressful experiences we could go through. The feeling of being torn apart from your husband can lead to feelings of worthlessness and purposelessness in life. This is especially so for women who were provided for fully by their partner before the divorce. One solution for these feelings  is to launch a new business and here’s why...

Mums who have to juggle family and work know only too well how stress-ridden a working mother's day can be. Fortunately, there are ways a busy mother can tame her chaotic schedule and tick all the boxes on her to-do list without breaking too much of a sweat.

1. Focus on accomplishing the task at hand. It is important for a working mum to stay focused and veer away from distractions if she wants to get everything done before turning in at night. When at the office, the only thing that should claim her attention is the task at hand. If she is trying to finish something, she should not let her mind drift; planning dinner can wait until later. Without distractions, an individual becomes more effective and will be able to complete each of her tasks on time. A clear head is needed before tackling a project so that she can finish it without hitting any snag that can delay her progress.

If you’re a busy mother who is working hard to support your child or children, enrolling for some form of part time education can be a great way of enhancing your career prospects. This is particularly useful for women who have entered motherhood at a young age, who may not have the time or finances to attend full time education. With colleges such as Birkbeck, a constituent college of the University in London, offering more part-time evening courses, and a host of quality distance learning courses, mums wishing to gain more qualifications to advance their careers have more options than ever before.

Nobody can predict the future. Sadly we only have the power of hindsight, not foresight. Although we can’t see into the future, we can safeguard it. Critical illness cover is a type of life insurance. Either monthly or annually you pay money into a critical illness insurance pot, if you are diagnosed with a critical illness such as breast cancer during the term of cover, your insurer will pay out a lump sum to help cover costs of childcare, lost income and even treatment costs.

The best choice of bed for your child’s room is a bed which is safe, comfortable and fun. Children’s beds are not just for sleeping in; they are places to have fun too.

The busy mum has a myriad of things on her ‘to do’ list and one which is often at the bottom is her garden. While we may not be blessed with fantastic weather all year round, when the opportunity arises it does need to be grabbed with both hands. However, she might not want to be spending her time tending to the garden when she could be spending it with her children or putting her feet up. With some initial planning and work they can soon be spending quality family time together and the garden can still look good.

If you’re a mother, it’s understandable that you do whatever you can to ensure that your kids are safe at all times.  However, it’s impossible to keep an eye on them 24/7, but there are other ways in which you can protect them and the whole family without having to watch everything they do.  If you work in a high-powered job or run your own business, it can be hard to find the time to shield them from all the bad things in the world which could harm them, but it’s useful to know what can be done if something bad were to happen to them, or even to me.

The rental market in the UK is good at the moment, meaning there are plenty of houses and flats up for rent.  But then, you hear so many horror stories from tenants and landlords alike, about shady rental contracts, conniving landlords and all the other crooks and cowboys that go with it.  For the most part, all of these stories of heartache could have been avoided. Here are some tips for getting it right:

[Be aware of the danger of losing your child in a crowded place. Photo by Photo Atelier.]

Last weekend I took my five-year-old nephew Fred to his first summer fair. The fair was a colourful, noisy experience with lots of people milling around under the blazing sun excitedly taking part in activities put on by the fair’s organisers.  Fred took it all in his stride and I must admit I was far more anxious than he was – an anxiety explained by the fact I was very nervous about losing him among the madding crowds.

As a Mum it is important always to have a Plan B (and often a Plan C and D as well!).  From the tricky early days of leaving the house with your newborn baby only having to return unexpectedly because you haven’t packed enough changes of clothes, nappies or wipes; to when they’re older and you have to think of endless indoor activities because of the incessant rain, the importance of planning for every eventuality becomes the norm.

Whenever I tell people that I work from home I am often told how lucky I must be. People who have never worked from home since they were given homework as a school pupil then (uninvited) describe the image they have of my normal working day. This fantasy normally involves me waking up then sitting upright in bed casually tapping away on a laptop while devoting most of my energies to watching daytime television.

Would you consider becoming a mumpreneur, the new buzzword for an entrepreneurial mum? It can be a tough act to juggle both motherhood and a career. With this in mind many women are now choosing to open small businesses for some extra cash and a better work life balance. Running a business from home allows flexibility, financial independence, a sense of purpose and more quality time with baby.

You may be surprised at the sheer variety of franchise businesses. We will have a look at the different types of franchise businesses that can be run from home on a part-time basis with low investment required. The great thing about buying into a franchise opportunity is that you are using a working business model and you get assistance from the franchisor every step of the way. With a franchise or business opportunity, the business has been proven to work for others, so you can get on with making money instead of trying to find and test out a new idea. With the part-time franchise route you can choose just how much you want to work.

Let’s look at how you can benefit doing something that you love!

I have learnt many things since becoming a mother.  One of the very first things I learnt was to treasure sleep.

When you're a child there is an abundance of sleep and people are always trying to make you go to sleep or saying you need to have more of it even if you don't want it.  I remember long summer evenings lying in my bed trying to go to sleep even though it was still light outside and I could hear my father mowing the lawn. My children are in the phase of trying every trick they know to avoid actually going to bed, from “just one more story please Mummy” to asking the babysitter when she is tucking them up at night if she would like them to show her where the coffee is kept!

As a child it was always impressed on me how precious time is and how quickly it goes by.  As an adult I am finding this out for myself more and more!  We live in a fast paced world and our lives are always busy busy.  We have so many time and labour saving gadgets but still we have no time!

With such a packed to-do list prioritisation is very important, although sometimes for me this can get blurred.  Life changes and so therefore do your priorities.  At one time in my life I would get so involved in a project that all other things in life would be put on hold.  Nowadays family is by my biggest priority and everything I do must fit around my family first and foremost.

The UK has dipped swiftly back into recession,according to an announcement made by the Office of National Statistics. With that in mind, mums in business need to look for innovation in the way they grab their piece of the pie. Whilst no one would deny the power of online marketing in the digital world we live in, amidst a bleak economic outlook, the print industry is in fact growing as marketers go back to basics to attract new customers and further encourage their advocates.

Ensuring your print marketing works hard for your business and combines some of the benefits that online marketing gives to you is now more vital than ever. Here are five important questions to ask yourself when planning and designing any print work, from direct mailings and pop-up banners right down to business cards and leaflets:

Retail therapy really does work, it is a proven fact!  Just buying a small treat really can improve the way you feel without guilt.  But what is it about shopping that gives us such a boost?  Much of the joy of shopping can be traced to the brain chemical dopamine.  Dopamine is associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.  It is released when we experience something new, exciting or challenging, and for many people shopping can be all those things!  Dopamine plays a crucial role in our mental and physical health, so much so that for example the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease contain almost no dopamine.  On the flip side dopamine is linked to playing a role in drug use and other addictive behaviours.

What is it about shopping that makes us feel better?

Is it the shops and engaging with other people?  This can be an important factor if for example you are stuck at home with a small baby.  I do remember the achievement I felt when I actually made it out of the house and into the real world!  Thinking back to my teenage years, going shopping was a major event!  From the whole ritual of getting ready (ooh, what to wear??) to getting your make up on, hair done and looking respectable to face the world, it’s all part of the feel good factor of shopping.

Is it the purchases made, making the perfect find?  Finding those killer heels to go with that little black number?  Or a new top to refresh the summer look?  I do have a little panic when the seasons change as they are wont to do overnight in this country!  What summer clothes do I have to wear?  Painted toe nails, a new pair of sandals and a couple of summer items does help.

These would cheer me up!

Or is it the thrill of finding a great bargain?  Every year hundreds of people camp outside shops in order to be the first in the door for the January sales, they must be after something more than just a new jumper.  Tracking down that item you really want at a much reduced price can be a real boost.  Getting something new AND saving money!

There are times however when you need that boost to your wardrobe and time is against you, or the retail therapy experience will be spoilt by bored children (or husbands..!).  This is when the internet comes into its own.  All the pleasures of shopping but with a cup of tea in hand and the kids off doing what they want!  You also get the added bonus of being able to use online discounts such as Debenhams discount code, Marks and Spencer voucher codes and Clarks voucher to instantly save money at your favourite stores.

Judith Krantz, an American novelist wisely said “On the one hand, shopping is dependable:  you can do it alone, if you lose your heart to something that is wrong for you, you can return it; it’s instant gratification and yet something you buy may well last for years”.  And she is right, whether you shop alone or with friends, on the internet or on the high street, the pleasure of shopping can be one of life’s legal highs….just watch out for that credit card bill thudding onto your doormat!

For many business people, travelling never seems to end.  Delays and queues at airports and railway stations, along with a myriad of other assorted irritations, can serve to raise a traveller’s anxiety levels and make what is often an already unpleasant part of business life even more unbearable.

While it is impossible to guarantee that every flight will be on time or that that all hotel rooms will be clean and comfortable, there are a few things you can do to help improve your experience when travelling for business.

Many of us spend as much time in our office as we do with our loved ones, and so it is absolutely vital to make your workspace as attractive, comfortable, and safe as possible.  A drab working environment can stifle creativity and even make an individual less productive.  Particularly for those who have chosen to work from home, spending a bit of time and effort decorating your office can really enhance your working life.

“Save money”
“Tighten your belt”
“Make cut backs”

These are common phrases of the moment, but where to start and what changes work in your personal budget?

“In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes” was famously said by Benjamin Franklin.  Our current Chancellor of the Exchequer is doing his best to make certain that every part of our lives incurs a tax, from hot sausage rolls to dying, so on that score Mr Franklin was definitely right.  And sadly there seems to be no means of escaping death invented, even in the 21st century!

Children unquestionably need a holiday from school.  In our house it is blatantly obvious when a long school term is drawing to a close: tantrums, tears, temperatures and over-tiredness (and that's just me, let alone the kids!).  However the big question is when should those holidays be and how long for?

We currently have a three term system with two week breaks at Christmas and Easter followed by the six week summer break plus the three half term holidays.  I remember longing for the summer holidays, thrilled with the thought of no school for six whole weeks!  Six weeks does serve the purpose of giving children a proper well deserved break from school.  I certainly think children have to work a lot harder at school than I ever did, we certainly never had homework at age six or the continual pressure of coursework and modular testing for GCSE and A level.

However the current system does throw up a multitude of problems for us Mums!  There has been much debate in the media recently about the possibility of changing to a five term system with a shortened summer break of 4 weeks.  

There is great uproar in the press at the moment about the Whitehall civil servants being instructed to work from home for seven weeks this summer to ease congestion during the Olympics and Paralympics. The tabloids are billing this as an insult to the nation facing a 'double dip' recession and have painted a vivid picture of the Whitehall staff quaffing Pimms in the sunshine whilst the private sector grafts Britain out of recession!

Whatever your feelings about the summer plans of our civil service, it brings to light the reaction of the nation to the words 'work from home'. This can also be a problem faced by people that run a business from home. Working from home can be seen as the soft option and a business run from home can unwittingly appear unstable, unprofessional and lacking in permanence. This may mean that without knowing it you could be losing out on clients.

Places to go, Mice to see

Visit our most adored friend Mickey Mouse and his Disney family at the world's most famous park; Magic Kingdom®. Party lovers can engage with Disney’s special events Night of Joy or take place in events such as Mardi Gras; catch the music and catch the beat, bringing an amazing joyful spirit to the city.

As a child I loved going on holiday. We had a caravan and we would take our caravan out usually twice a year. In May we would go to the Yorkshire Dales and then in the summer to a seaside destination. This is the holiday I really loved with the beach, the sea and sand and ice cream!

As a child, as long as the beach was sandy and not one of those disappointing stony ones, and  I had my bucket and spade I was usually quite happy. We would trudge off to the beach with all our necessary clobber for a happy day at the beach.

How can you earn from home - and keep on earning - in the world of paid surveys?

There’s a world of survey companies out there: good people who’ll pay for your time and opinion, but also crooks who’ll scam you. How do you know who to trust?

There are signs you can trust someone and signs you can’t. Remember there’s a strong community of online survey takers, and communities always talk.

Having a Spring Clean is as much of a tradition for this time of year as eating too much chocolate at Easter and getting caught in the pouring rain when you thought it was going to be sunny. It can be all too easy to be lethargic over the winter months but with the first tantalising hints of warmer weather and sunny days, you may have a lot more energy and a spring in your step.

Being a mother is a full time job in itself. Having a career or starting your own business is certainly challenging. Perhaps you want to become a mumpreneur and combine being a mum with owning a small business? Being a mumpreneur can provide a better work/life balance while also being able to have something of your own. It also lets you create and work your own schedule and look after your children when they need you. As you can imagine, there is one small issue you may struggle with - time management. To help you get organised and run your budding enterprise, here are a few tips to help you balance both business and parenthood!

As parents we all want to give our children a childhood that they can look back on with golden memories.  However in this day and age it is very much more difficult to give them the time and freedom to pursue their own little adventures.  We have pressure from lots of angles.  The constant nagging fear that you are not giving them enough opportunities...

Do you have a  formula for a successful holiday or to be more specific a successful family holiday? As all parents know a family holiday is quite different to a holiday. Lying on a beach or by the pool with a book is not our experience of a family holiday but that is not to say there is not room for the beach, pool or book. Get the planning right before you go and there is something to keep everyone happy. This is our formula:

Good Location = Happy Children:    Good Accommodation = Happy Parents

It gets to the end of another busy day and I look at the chaos around me! I was first up this  morning, always with the idea that I might have a cup of hot tea in peace. This doesn't usually go to plan, one of the children will get up just as I'm mkaing it......insist they have breakfast ...”not that programme!”

Do you remember when....

..... milk was delivered to your door in glass bottles, instead of pizza in boxes? 

..... there were only three channels on the television? 

.....your Mum answered the phone “Bassingham 221”?

.....when a Marathon was something you ate?

.....when you could go to the shop with ten pence and come back with a bag of sweets?

.....and when that ten pence was much bigger?!

.....you played cassettes in your supercool new Walkman?

.....the amazing dream storyline of Bobby in the shower in Dallas?

.....you stared at this picture waiting for your five minute slot of cartoons to come on?

So the Royal Mail is planning to put up the cost of Fiirst Class post from 46p to 60p, as reported in the Telegraph amongst other places.

We are all used to the price of postage stamps creeping up by a small amount each year - we may grumble but its not news.  But I do feel that this 30% rise is going to have an effect on customers' behaviour.  Many will switch their custom from first class to second class, although at 50p per letter this still represents an increase in price and a decrease in service from what has gone before.  Others will switch yet more of their communications to good old email - arguably it is this that has caused the decline of traditional mail services in the first place.

Trying to be a great Mum and hold down a job is a pretty tough call, let’s face it. But many of us somehow manage to juggle everything and miraculously keep everyone happy.
Let’s be honest though, many of us find it hard to keep track of friends, events and what’s going on.  Are you constantly berating yourself for forgetting your best friend’s birthday or so and so’s engagement party?  When was the last time you sat down and read a full article in a magazine?  Really?

Before I had children I wouldn't even have considered a self catering holiday.  The whole point of a holiday to me was to come away somewhere where my every needs would be catered for, where I didn't have to cook at all, nor wash up, nor clean the bathroom nor make the bed.   For the busy stressed executive mum, all-inclusive hotels are the ideal luxury.

The fact that in a hotel you only have your bedroom to yourself, and all the other space is public, is no problem when you don't have children.  After all, you go on holiday to use the facilities, and it's not difficult to think of things to entertain yourselves with - scenery, activities, restaurants , bars, or just sitting by the pool with a book.

With my two hats of Motivating Mum and Money Minding Mum, I am always looking out for ways in which stay at home mums can make a few pennies or save a few pennies.  If that also chimes with a third pet subject of mine, decluttering your home, then I am a happy mum indeed.

As the rise of digital continues to go from strength to strength, the chances are that you don’t need your old CDs and DVDs anymore. While there was a time when popping open a case to find the disc of your favourite band was the best thing in the world, times have changed and you can now have a music and film collection without cluttering up your room.  Many of us, myself included don't buy new CDs anymore - but just go straight to download, which somehow makes the old ones seem a bit anachronistic and somehow irrelevant.

The one thing that I really miss, now that I am working from home is all the meetings.  Those of you still working in offices (my husband included), will probably look at me incredulously as I say that, as I know that meetings can sometimes be the bane of the office worker's life.

However once you start working from home, the loneliness can get to you a bit.  There are a lot less opportunities to network with co-workers than you had before.  If you work in a sales based industry where you are out and about meeting prospects then you can still get the interaction, but if like me, a lot of your work involves hammering the computer, then it can be a bit wearing.

It can be difficult searching for employment when your circumstances are demanding; whether it's childcare and domestic duties, or otherwise not having the time to walk around the town centre with a stack of CVs. Luckily there's another way to find the job you're looking for.