Why You Should Choose An Independent Veterinary Practice

 

Recently thee has been a report in corporately owned United Kingdom veterinary practices The CMA  which stands for the Competion and Markets Authority . Bear with me as it is relevant to you and the pound in your pocket and choose an independent vet and you 'll save.

You will not doubt be curious to as to what all the fuss is about. The  CMA is a report which took a closer look at the impact of big corporate veterinary practices on the pet healthcare landscape.  You will have see big vets chains popping up on every street corner almost . The independent vets told me if I can buy a prescription cheaper on line they will tell me , the one thing I will have to pay for is the prescription itself of seventeen pounds.

Now of course all vets provide care and you might be happy with your big chain vet but hear me out one cost is the annual booster for a cat for example mine just cost me £61.25 and when I looked at the prices of the independent vets I have just moved to it was £45 , now that is one hell of a difference.

Personalised Care and Familiar Faces

I think one of the biggest perks of choosing an independent practice is the tailored care and attention your pet will receive .As soon as you walk through a vets door you want to feel part of the family and people getting to know you and your pets. If your pet has a quirk then your independent vet wants to know when their taste in music !

And speaking of the team at my local independent vets I know that I always be greeted by familiar faces there . Their dedication shoes through as when I was there last week for Jack the receptionist was telling us how some person had left their Golden retriever in a car and the police etc had to break into to save the dog . It was all hands on deck with all staff rushing to do their upmost for the poor dog. 

Community Connection

You will find that  independent practice is deep rooted in the local community. the one we go to is on a new housing estate  . The staff themselves will live nearby and know the community so it all interwoven with people understanding.

Flexibility and Innovation

When you go to an independent practice, they have have  all the freedom to innovate and adapt to meet the ever-evolving needs of their patients and clients. Independent Vets are not bound by corporate red tape or rigid protocols. They, instead have the flexibility to implement cutting-edge treatments, techniques, and technologies that can benefit your pets. From advanced diagnostics to alternative therapies, Independent vets are always exploring new ways to improve the quality of care they provide.

Long-Term Relationships

Building lasting relationships with their clients and their pets is at the heart of what a good independent vets do. They're  here for you through every stage of your pet's life – from playful puppies to senior cats  . By choosing them as your trusted veterinary partner, you can count on continuity of care and a team that's invested in your pet's long-term health and happiness. When I changed to an independent vets the other week the receptionist talked to us which in the last sixteen years at out previous vets the reception staff never did

Final Thoughts

So, You will of course want. save money then it is time to look round at your local area to see what independent vets you can find , I promise you you will not be disappointed.

Getting Your Haircut As An Neurodivergent

As a neurodivergent getting my hair cut is not high up there on my priorities in fact my hair has a will of its own so much so I’m surprised it’s not running the country. I do go to the hairdressers but I find it stressful as it’s full of beautiful people confident chatting away to their hairdresser s about their daring plans.

I sit there as meek as anything but I do try to convey what I want a haircut that will look after itself . People will never tame my spirit and I fail why I should try and alter the will of my hair . I’m never going to have swishy hair but secretly it doesn’t mean I don’t covet that thought just a little bit.

There have been times when I have to confess I have trimmed my own fringe though trimmed is a bit quite right .I think one would bluntly say hacked within an inch of its life .So what advice can I offer ?

1 Ask a hairdresser s when their quiet times are and explain your neurodivergent. I’d do this by email maybe unless someone can ring for you.If you feel confident perhaps stagger your visit s , first getting your hair washed then fringe cut that way building up to a haircut.

Getting a haircut as an adult neurodivergent individual can sometimes be a challenging experience. Here are some strategies to help make the process more comfortable and less stressful:

Preparation

1. Research and Choose the Right Salon:

   • Look for salons that have experience working with neurodivergent clients.
   • Read reviews or ask for recommendations from others in the neurodivergent community.
   • Call ahead to explain your needs and ask if they can accommodate any special requests.

2. Set a Comfortable Time:

   • Choose a time when the salon is likely to be less crowded and quieter.
   • Early morning or late afternoon appointments can often be less busy.

3. Communicate Your Needs:

   • Be upfront about any sensory sensitivities or anxieties.
   • Let the stylist know if you have preferences for how you like to be touched or if you need breaks.

4. Bring Comfort Items:

   • Bring headphones to listen to calming music or a podcast.
   • Carry a fidget toy or stress ball to help manage anxiety.

5. Visual Aids:

   • Show pictures of the haircut you want.
   • Use a social story or visual schedule if that helps you prepare for the experience.

During the Haircut

1. Sensory Considerations:

   • Wear a cape that isn’t too tight or irritating.
   • Ask the stylist to be gentle when washing or cutting your hair.
   • Let the stylist know if you need a break or if something is uncomfortable.

2. Use Clear Communication:

   • If verbal communication is difficult, consider writing down your preferences or using a communication app.
   • Give feedback during the haircut if something isn’t right.

3. Take Your Time:

   • Don’t rush the process. It’s okay to take breaks if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
   • Schedule extra time for the appointment so you don’t feel pressured.

After the Haircut

1. Reward Yourself:

   • Plan a small reward or treat after the haircut as positive reinforcement.
   • Reflect on what went well and what could be improved for next time.

2. Self-Care:

   • Engage in a relaxing activity after the haircut to decompress.
   • Use grounding techniques or sensory calming methods if needed.

General Tips

1. Find a Regular Stylist:

   • Building a relationship with a stylist who understands your needs can make future visits easier.

2. Practice at Home:

• If possible, practice having someone touch or comb your hair at home to build tolerance.
• See if a mobile hairdresser can come to you , being in your own environment can make you feel more relaxed.

By preparing in advance, communicating your needs clearly, and creating a supportive environment, you can make the experience of getting a haircut more manageable and less stressful.

Staring At A Blank Blogging Page

 Staring at a blank page one often does not know what to write , will it be popular will it turn peoples heads , there was a time when blog post writings were eaten with such a vicarious apetite no one could churn the worlds out fast enough . But times change and blogging dynasties rise and fall and empowerment and self worth are pushed the forefront sometimes with no means of how to achieve this nirvana . Now I have been blogging for many a year with my blog nipping in recent times and I wondered do people still care and the answer is it does not matter as I really want to get the words down.

As life pootles on by so much has happened and I start to feel I haven't kept pace with my own thoughts as I don't have anyone of late to turn as people are busy with their own lives and problems and I don't want to be a worry wart to them. But I will get there and I need either myself or my friends to reach out of the chasm of quiet.There is wonder in the world and I just need to go about finding it again and embracing the joy into my own life again and put the fragments of it all back together gain.So here I am back again and I will not let the blank page defeat me anymore.

Sometimes you do have to shout out the world noise and focus on your self for a while and whilst the silence from the outside world can leave you thinking no one cares ( please see first paragraph ) there is a way through it. Some people are just natural pied piers of peoples and anything they do is met with an Oscar nomination and this is one of the things of the world . I know my vibe and that is ok and people do get my vibe and I really don't care if they don't . And when people do say hey lets meet etc as an autistic person I can go into a flat tail spin as it is OMG people!

Why Should You Seek An Autism Diagnosis as an Adult ?

Seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult can have several benefits:

1. Self-Understanding and Acceptance: A diagnosis can provide clarity about your experiences, behaviors, and challenges. Understanding that these are part of being autistic can foster self-acceptance and reduce feelings of confusion or self-criticism.

2. Access to Support and Resources: With a diagnosis, you may become eligible for specific support services, accommodations, and resources. This can include therapy, support groups, educational resources, and workplace accommodations.

3. Mental Health Benefits: Many adults with undiagnosed autism may struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Knowing the root cause of these issues can lead to more effective treatment and coping strategies.

4. Improved Relationships: Understanding your communication style and sensory needs can help improve relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. It can also help them understand you better, fostering more supportive and empathetic interactions.

5. Workplace Accommodations: A diagnosis can provide the basis for requesting reasonable accommodations at work, such as adjustments to the work environment, changes in communication methods, or flexible work arrangements.

6. Community and Connection: Being diagnosed can connect you to a community of other autistic individuals, providing a sense of belonging and opportunities to share experiences and strategies.

7. Empowerment: Knowledge is empowering. Understanding your neurodiversity can help you advocate for yourself more effectively in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional settings.

8. Guidance for Future Planning: A diagnosis can help you and your loved ones plan for the future, considering your specific needs and strengths. This can be especially useful in making decisions about careers, living arrangements, and social activities.

If you suspect you might be autistic, seeking a diagnosis can be a significant step towards understanding and improving your quality of life

Fun Gifts For 10 Year Old Boys

Advert

When choosing stocking fillers for your kids or teens you know that you'll want to choose either those edible gifts that will they will want to share with you ( highly unlikely but we can all believe in the dream can't we !? ) or a stocking filler that will last the test of time and not break within minutes leaving you both frustrated.This is where Wicked Uncle comes in with age gifts and you can even choose to have the gifts wrapped at an additional cost with £ for the first present and £ for subsequence presents. Particularly  difficult to choose for are 10 years old boys but this is where Wicked Uncle comes to your rescue with a perfect choice for gifts for 10 year old boys

Shopping with Wicked Uncle is easy and you will find no end of inspiration with it remembering the occasion say it be a birthday for the following year. Delivery is swift through Royal Mail and you are alerted of this this through text and email. And you can trust in the knowledge that all the gifts are quality tested by Wicked Uncles toy testers.

My first choice of stocking filler is chocolate ! and who on earth can resist that that ?! Chocolate in the shape of a game controller is very apt for the ten year old boy age group.

Game Controller - Milk Chocolate, Take a Break!

£5.99

Next up for the gift I recommend is one I would very much love for myself !

Flexible geometric puzzle with endless variations for busy fingers.

£10.99

The perfect fidget toy, very tactile and satisfying to play with, the Dynacube is a one-piece puzzle that you can just fiddle with for ages. Create over 100 different shapes as you work through the puzzle booklet to solve each challenge. The first shapes are easy to do, but how about the other 100? Pick it up and you'll never want to put it down - fidget, fidget! 

PLEASE NOTE : Colour and design will be picked at random to add to the fun!

The next choice is fun and who again can resist chocolate

White Chocolate Smartphone - Truly Tasty Tech!

£5.99

Delicious 14cm chocolate treat - for the mobile phone fanatic.

What I love about Wicked Uncle is not only the choice of its on their fabulous site but the fact they are a family run business who are very passionate and connected in what they do. They stock everything in their warehouse ,hand - wrap and hand write every card, everything they do is done with worker welfare in mind from warehouse to office. The MD even pitches in on the warehouse floor to help out.

So do make sure you make Wicked Uncle your first choice for all your gifting needs for your kids and teens and also you can ship for adults do as who doesn't love that chocolate game controller for example

And my last choice of gift is 

Jelly Eyeballs - Strawberry & Frightfully Tasty!

£6.99

Squidgy eyeball sweets with a gooey strawberry flavour - gruesome!

Glue ear and fitting in. #specialsaturday

What do I love about being a mum or Mummy, mm tough one I could go a sugary sentimental journey but hat just not me. So what I love the most perhaps the up most is arguing with my son.

A puzzling choice , not a knee jerk reaction of a other? read on then you will see why I love with my son after all every good story has a truely heart felt conclusion doesn't it.

Well when J was born he  was a normal baby until all the problems started happening, the constant eczema which is inherited. The sudden coughing fits and gastric problems. the fussy eating, the projectile vomiting.

As he grew then there was the sudden tiredness and falling asleep anywhere ( asthma ) the allergy to food colourings. The inability to live my side, his allergy to cats ( we had to get rid of our cat)s. yes J was one nervous child constant trips to the hospital seeing various medical professionals.

Then more problems came then there was the problem with him being slightly sugar slow and then the bouts of anemia.

Whilst I appreciate these problems aren't as severe as many problems experience with their child of children it is still heartbreaking as well..

Throughout out this I had noticed  that J was not communicating , he had passed his baby hearing test hardly rocket science when he took it.

J was born in September 1998 and looking at an entry from his health book dated June 2000 that he has made little progress with his speech. The silly health visitor said his comprehension appeared good, well it wasn't I assure you. The toing and froing continued with the health visitors still ignoring me. This continued until around October 2001 when J still wasn't really speaking. Eventually after basically a sit in protest at the doctors we got a referral to the hospital where he was diagnosed with Glue ear. He had his operation to have grommets inserted after the usual long weight for an the operation.

Progress was slow but really came into its own on a holiday to Center Parcs in March 2002 when he was three and a half We were on our bikes and J was in a child seat behind me, a squirrel ran in front of me and J said " Bloody Squirrel" and j repeated this all day.

J had been learning sign language at nursery and and a least now there was a focus on his language skills , of course this had now developed. He was a slow learner at Infant School because of his previous problems, nervous and clingy. We had  problems with parties etc he still wouldn't leave my side till he was nearly seven. I just plonked him into beavers one day and ran , same with football cruel but kind and as a result he developed.

So that's why I love arguing with him he has developed into a heartfelt young boy who knows his own mind and is making his own way in the world. He is an academic high fly er play rugby for our County , top sport mans for the schooll. Plays a musical instrument he is an all rounder. What more could I ask for than an argument about his sock draw...?

Seared Scallops And Wilted Greens And Chorizo

Ingredients 

Scallops for how ever many guests.

A bag of curly kale which will serve 4 nicely.

For 3 people I used 7 slices of chorizo diced.

Oil

Knob of unsalted butter.

Method 

Slice the kale into thin pieces and the leaves into larger strips. Heat a large, deep pan to medium-high.  Add the chorizo a cook 3-4 minutes.

Then add the onions( shallots would also work) and cook until soft for 3 more minutes.

Then the garlic or shallots  is added cook until softened for 3 minutes.


Cook another 4-5 minutes before adding the leaves. Toss until wilted over the heat. Add the soy sauce (if you want) then season , you might find it will be salty enough already , keep warm.

A fishmonger had already removed the foots off the scallop ( or is that feet!)

Next add the oil to the pan and swirl it around. When it starts to smoke, quickly add the scallops.  Cook on high for about 1-2 minutes.

Flip the scallops and add the butter.  Spoon the butter over the scallops as they cook another 1-2 minutes. Serve over warm greens.

Sorry I can't love you

Sorry I can not love you.

Sorry I can not love you in the way that you want , I wanted to but my heart just isn't in it , I feel remorse at that I have already cheated on another. It was never my intention to stray but you caught my eye with your film star looks complete with smouldering dark features. You were smooth and you spread yourself around , you didn't say a lot but you didn't have to.

You tried to emulate my first love by being strong you only needed to be strong in small measures , you took my breath away. Every time I tasted your love my heart was crying for my old love you had me torn. How could you do this to me ?

They say flattery is the sincerest form of compliment.

I am odds with my self.

Last time we were together I chocked on my emotions.

The taste of you upon my lips tingle me in all sorts of way.

This is goodbye.

Please don't try to contact me.

And please don't try to get into my shopping basket again.

Sorry Vegemite I can't commit to you, Marmite has my heart and soul.

Easy Beef Cannelloni

Easy Beef Cannelloni 

With Valentine's Day creeping up on us ( I know it's the same date every year) I wanted a simple recipe that was easy to prepare and one that I could tick off as having achieved some culinary. I've still not attempted my baking nemesis that of the Victoria sponge cake , no idea why but it fills me with dread. Back to the Valentine's Day as lovers cannot survive on cake alone shame though a great big crying same.

Ingredients

500 g of mince 

1 tub of ricotta 

1-2 cloves of garlic 

1 jar of passata

Mixed herbs to suit

Grated Parmesan

Cannelloni tubes
Grated mozzarella

Method 

Preheat the oven to 200 c / gas Mark 6

1. Heat the some oil in a pan and brown the mince, with the garlic, onion and dried herbs. Next add the tub of ricotta and half of the jar of passata cooked, stir in 4 tablespoons of parmesan ,then set aside to cool.
2. The best bit is rather fiddly and can get messy ! perhaps you could share this but after all sharing is caring. Fill the tubes with the mixture it does take time so ideal whilst listening to some love power ballads.
3. As you or someone else ( hopefully) fills the tubes place them with a square dish once all the tubes are filled then pour the rest of the pass over the tubes and sprinkle some grated mozzarella over the top.
4. Place in the oven for around 40 minutes ( making any adjustments for a fan assisted oven)

Then serve with a simple salad.

Twice Baked Cornbeef Hash With Smashed Garlic Cheese Potato Crush

It’s a lazy day here and it’s a scramble in the cupboard s and the battle with a tin of Cornbeef .I still wish I didn’t have to battle in these modern times with a tin of Cornbeef!

Ingredients 

Tin of Cornbeef 

Smashed potatoes 

Garlic powder to suit 

Grated cheese 

Chopped carrot s

Peas 

A cup of stock

Method 

Smash up the Cornbeef add in peas and carrots 

Add in a cup of stock bake in oven for 20 minutes on 200 c

In the meantime cook some potatoes add in butter garlic and grated cheese .Mix with Cornbeef and whack back in oven for about 40 minutes on 200c

Just Doing What You Can Self Help

No longer I am saying “ I can’t do this “ instead I am saying “ I am doing what I can “

Then if it’s not good enough then tough , there’s a culture of trying to do all you can . Stop ad it’s one mind loop that you don’t want to be on for the rest of your life.

If someone says “ I should know X Y Z then I refer them to paragraph one ( not literally but it is blooming tempting )

In a world that never stops, we are often caught in the whirlwind of endless to-do lists and unattainable perfection. We strive for the extraordinary, chase the impossible, and often find ourselves falling short of our own expectations. But what if the secret to a fulfilling life isn't in doing it all, but in mastering the art of doing what you can?

The Power of Small Steps

Imagine standing at the base of a mountain, looking up at the peak. The journey seems daunting, perhaps even impossible. But every mountain is climbed one step at a time. Each small step, each modest achievement, brings you closer to the summit. This is the essence of doing what you can.

Instead of focusing on the entire journey, concentrate on the next step. Break down your goals into manageable tasks. Whether it’s writing a novel, starting a business, or simply organizing your home, tackle it one piece at a time. Celebrate each small victory, for they collectively pave the way to greater success.

Embrace Your Limits

Contrary to popular belief, acknowledging your limits is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of wisdom and self-awareness. Understanding what you can realistically achieve allows you to set practical goals and avoid burnout. It’s about recognizing that you are human, with finite energy and resources.

By embracing your limits, you can focus your efforts where they matter most. Prioritize tasks that align with your values and passions. Let go of the unnecessary and the overwhelming. In doing so, you’ll find that you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible, simply because you’re no longer weighed down by the unrealistic.

The Gift of Grace

Life is unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans can go awry. When things don’t go as expected, it’s essential to give yourself grace. Forgive your missteps and learn from them. Understand that perfection is an illusion and that the beauty of life often lies in its imperfections.

Grant yourself the kindness you would offer a dear friend. Be gentle with your self-criticism and generous with your self-praise. Remember that doing what you can is enough. You are enough.

Mindfulness in Action

Mindfulness is more than just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool for living a balanced life. By being present in each moment, you can fully engage with the task at hand. This focus not only enhances your productivity but also brings a sense of peace and satisfaction.

When you are mindful, you are more attuned to your needs and capacities. You can better gauge when to push forward and when to take a step back. This awareness ensures that your efforts are sustainable and that you remain in harmony with yourself and your surroundings.

The Ripple Effect

When you adopt the art of doing what you can, you inspire those around you. Your balanced approach to life can motivate others to reevaluate their own frenzied pace. By setting an example, you contribute to a culture that values well-being over relentless striving.

Remember, your actions create ripples in the lives of others. By doing what you can, you not only improve your own life but also positively impact those around you. It’s a subtle yet profound way to make a difference.

In conclusion, the art of doing what you can is a practice of self-compassion, realistic goal-setting, and mindful living. It’s about finding joy in the journey and peace in the present. As you navigate the complexities of life, remember that your worth is not measured by your achievements but by your authenticity and effort.

So, take a deep breath, embrace your limits, and take that next step. You are exactly where you need to be, and what you can do is more than enough.

As Claire I’m 

Exploring life’s intricate tapestry, one thread at a time.

Using A Cashback Site To Shop

Using A Cashback Site To Shop 

Contains Affiliate link


It isn't too late to sneak those Christmas presents you've been putting off and go and order them now ! I regularly use Topcashback when I do my online shop and it is great to be able to shop and get something back at the same time I love this modern wizardry of shopping it is so very magical and virtually stress free in fact the only stress you might have is choosing the right gift for your relative etc!

And the beauty of not only using a Cashback site to do your Christmas shopping where you can choose to have your cahback with straight into your bank account ,pyapal or any number of vouchers is that if you choose to go down the voucher option you can again get cash back on your purchase when you again go through the Cashback site . It is the gift that never ends and we all like those sorts of gifts it is like Charlie and the Chocolate factory and the everlasting Gobstopper.


I used my cash back to swap for Not On the High street voucher through Top Cashback and then I used this to send my mum a Hamper which she was utterly delighted with.And I used the art of my cassock to treat myself to an Amazon voucher so everyone wins and my mum is happy which is all that really matters to me.

Soaring Vet Costs And How Unfair They Are

I haven't written in a while about the cat and I just though I should after all it is the Ninjakilleract blog and even though we no longer have Rollie with us sadly we do still have Jack and he is a unique character in himself.Jack has managed well on is own despite the friendly rivalry with Rollie. We did think about another cat when we lost Rollie but after thinking long and hard about it we decided against it and just had Jack on his own.


Jack is not without his expense like any cat and he now needs a more potent flea treatment than your bog standard one you might get from Amazon or any supermarket.And I was discussing how often he would need worming if I switched over to the worming tablet the vets offer.

“ oh every 3 months if they’re a potent hunter “

“ oh he doesn’t bother much nowadays “

So of course later on I found a mouses liver in my kitchen ..

Dormeo Silver Plus Mattress

At the moment we are in the throws of the teen doing his GCSE's no fuss, no tantrums cool as a cucumber he is ; the only signs of the marauding teen is when he comes down for food. I liken it no a house trained hamster but less noise well that is till he puts his music on whilst showering then it sounds like a night club. A happy teen is a contended teen which makes for a more relaxed parent and being well rested is number one on the list as if a teen doesn't sleep well then all hell can break loose and worse still performance could suffer at school.

A good mattress is essential and that is where Dormeo stepped in just before my son started his GCSE's which was ideal as that means I could tackle cleaning the teens room as well a job not for the faint hearted. I open his bedroom window for fresh air he closes it and so begins the cat and mouse game , oh  the fun we have.


We have a memory foam mattress ourselves so we don't need to drag the teen round the mattress shop complete with eye rolling , the teen couldn't believe it when the mattress arrived all vacuum packed and rolled up in a long slender  cardboard box. It would seem all the cool mattresses are doing this nowadays  When you open the packaging do make sure you do this in the room where the mattress is going so you don't have to shuffle it up the stairs. Of course if you do ( ahherm then it is most light and manageable to do so )


The mattress naturally inflates itself and you leave it flat for 18 hours , it then naturally inflates itself to its intended height over the course of the day.

The Dormeo Silver plus is an Italian design and one of the key features stated is its sanitised protection. It is named as such as it incorporates real silver fibres into a super Ecocell. Silver has been recognised as a natural antibiotic and this provides an anti-bacterial, anti-static, anti-bacterial and anti-odour properties.  

The Mattress has super magical powers in my opinion it contains bling ( silver) for the teen we opted for the single mattress.

This is a  top quality Dormeo memory foam mattress has a super-thick Ecocell® and memory foam core, with an extra plush Silver cover for maximum comfort, support and protection. Silver protection Silver has long been recognised as a remarkable natural antibiotic and, weaved into our mattress cover in combination with Sanitized® protection, it affords you amazing anti-bacterial, anti-static and anti-odour properties. Ecocell is a patented foam with 3D open cell structure designed to work in unison with Dormeo memory foam. 20mm of Dormeo’s high quality visco-elastic memory foam sits on a 180mm layer of Ecocell® foam, all surrounded by a luxury cover which incorporates real silver fibres and Sanitized® protection

The Teens Impressions

The teens impressions were favourable and loved the fact that he didn't sink into the mattress , and that we was able to sit on it and do his revision ( despite US having brought him a rather pricey desk). He also found that he was able to lounge and do his gaming when he wasn't revising or sleeping.

The Parents view 

The package arrived in a long slender cardboard box as the mattress was vacuum pack * I repeat do not unpack the mattress till you have reached the final resting place ( see what I did there ) . The mattress will take 18 hours to reach its required height which is the same amount of time you spent in the supermarket queue to be honest.

Fim star looks

As this is a special mattress it doesn't scrimp on looks either , the colour is white and both the sticking and weave are superior quality to anything I have seen on a mattress before. The Dormeo branding can be seen on both the sides and top of the mattress well if you've got it you flaunt it. The size of the mattress is 90 cm x 190cm)



The cost

This mattress retails at £249 as it is currently in the sale and it carries a guarantee of 15 years , which I am happy about as it will take him well into his adulthood , next mattress he can obtain himself.

Teenager update

I told the teen to warm up before running and warm down but would he listen ~ nope he is currently negotiating running a bath this is first for him , so here is hoping he doesn't flood the bathroom. He now taken himself to lie down on his bed with his legs effortlessly cushioned by his new mattress ~ bless his little cotton socks.


Disclosure I was sent the mattress for the teen all reviews and words are ours , also we have learnt an important lesson that we should listen to our parents.

Hidden Gems Of York - York Nuclear Cold War Bunker -

Hidden Gems Of York - York Nuclear Cold War Bunker 

Since the teen went to university up in York we’ve been up there rather a lot on various mission s , fetching and carrying that we now feel rather local. So what can you do in York that’s a little more unusual and a little of the beaten track after you’ve been mesmerised by the shambles

and eaten all the Fat Rascals ?

 What about a nuclear bunker , I love nuclear bunkers they’re so cool and interesting ( they’re funky ) I think it’s ok to take children down but bear in mind it is under ground and do make sure  they’re ok in that sort of environment before you do go down, obviously there will be references to nuclear war and the inevitable injuries that it causes.

Protecting us from Nuclear fall out is the York bunker a couple miles from York city centre and I bet in all the times you have visited York you have never been here and I urge you to go.

It was built in the late 1950s and was active from 1961 all the way to 1991.It was one of 29 sites that notified good old Blighty (Britain) that it had been the subject of a nuclear attack also measuring the ensuing nuclear fall out.The dutiful task of this fell to the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) who are now disbanded.If the worst had happened, the ROC had the rather unenviable job of being cooped in this underground bunker for 30 days whilst completing their nuclear fall-out monitoring duties.

Thankfully the Cold War didn't heat up in that way and Mr T and I were rather happy we didn't have to check the radiation levels by "quickly nipping outside " in the height of 1960's fashion with the added benefit of just a scarf covering our mouths and then have a decomination shower which was basically just a couple of hosepipes. The Government didn't deemed it necessary that the ROC get those suits that you see in films of old as they were very expensive - eek

The Bunker is now decommissioned -the York Cold War Bunker is run by English Heritage, with entry comes hour-long guided tour. Adult tickets go for £ 11 or free if you belong to English Heritage

Portuguese Green Beans Fried

First time cooking Peixinhos da horta (fried Green beans ) in my own kamikaze style , yes I know the beans should be whole etc etc but I was cooking on a wing and a prayer.

Ingredients 

100 grams of plain flour ( though you could reduced the amount , it’s totally up to you)

3  eggs ( I only had 2 so added some milk )

Some salt and pepper 

Some herbs dried or fresh 

Salt

Seasonings

Method

Wash and remove the Green beans strings and cut the ends, then place them in a saucepan full of water and season with salt.

Cook for around 10 -15 minutes 


Drain and set aside

Mx the flour eggs and a little salt in a bowl and any other flavouring I threw in some chicken seasonings

Dip around 3 -4 green beans at a time ( My Green beans were a bit more chopped up but it doesn't matter )  keep going till all the beans are coated

Heat a frying pan or skillet up and gently fry the beans on both sides 

Set aside on a plate that has kitchen towel on

I served mine on a bed of chopped chicken but it pretty much goes with anything I think and it’s a quick and easy lunch or supper perfect for humid hot days . You could add some diced shallot to the batter just to make a bit of a change , it is I think a really adaptable recipe.

Fried Portuguese Green beans