Famous, Rich and Homeless; View from a Cynic

How on earth do you pretend to be homeless? This was the question a lot of people were asking when Famous, Rich and Homeless arrived on our screens in aid of Sport Relief. This was a very sensitive subject and, with a title like that, this show had the potential to fall flat on its face as a patronising pat on the head to anyone currently grappling with the reality of this horrendous situation. Surely, anyone who goes into this knowing they have a warm bed to return to at the end of the 'experiment' can't really learn anything... can they?

Lumie Brightspark SAD Lightbox Review

I don't have SAD, but I do have a problem staying awake during the day. It's something to do with the quality of the sleep I get at night, but I don't have a definitive answer yet as to what could be causing it. However, it is a big problem, when you spend a lot of the day sitting at a computer trying to type coherent sentences, without resorting to piles of chocolate and tea to get through it. Ok, I might still consume copious amounts of chocolate and tea anyway, but it would be nice to be able to stay awake and enjoy it. Lumie produce a variety of different lightboxes, as well as bodyclock wake-up lights and skin therapy lamps. They sent me the Brightspark Lightbox free of charge, for the purposes of this honest review.

Poorly Children Vs School Rules

I am now entering my second week of Swine Flu and I think it might finally be starting to improve. It's a pretty horrible virus and I will be glad to see the back of it. Thankfully, lovely blogger Clare, from Emmy's Mummy has stepped in with some ramblings for you, so you dont get bored while I languish in bed, eating sweets and complaining. I'm feeling pretty honoured, actually, as Clare is a Super-Blogger *insert appropriate fanfare noise* and, amongst many other impressive stats, features at #79 in the Tots 100 Parenting Blogger charts; "Ooh, get you!" Over to you, Clare and thanks for helping out!

Win a Smartphone Projector from Qwerkity

If you're a fan of the quirky, or know someone who is, Qwerkity is the website to visit. There are so many different ideas for gifts, or treats for yourself, you are bound to find something fun to play with. A great example of a funky gift, which would be a brilliant investment for all the family is this Smartphone Projector and you can win one right here, just by walking through the Rafflecopter below. Enter now and I wish you lots of luck!

Bristol's Hidden Architecture

On Sunday L was appearing in a music production, which meant dropping him off and much hanging around in Bristol. Our first thought was, of course, tea and cake, but first, I thought I would show Jade Christmas Steps; a hidden shopping street on a very steep hill between Colston Hall and the Bristol Children's Hospital. It wasn't my brightest idea, as everywhere was shut, but the quirky shopfronts and hidden alleyways made us realise how we have never really stopped to appreciate the fantastic architecture that Bristol has to offer. Bristol has so many amazing features, even the grafitti is fascinating, that it is easy to overlook the obvious. So we spent quite sometime seeking out some really interesting examples of Bristolian building work.

The Reality of Government Disability Cuts - A Guest Post

A note from me: I don't claim ESA. I would probably qualify, in real terms, if I applied, but the degradation and stress I have seen other people go through has left me too nervous to even try. What if they 'catch me out' and I get into trouble? The forms are very clear, if you give 'false information', you can be prosecuted. As with all disabilities and health problems, you can have the occasional good day, and I want to make the most of those, not be looking over my shoulder, in case I look too well. What if I 'fail' the extensive and humiliating tests? How would I cope with being told I'm a fake? I tell people I don't claim, because I want to work, which is true. I would rather be achieving something, making a difference, rather than being stuck at home by myself all the time. 

Wicked Uncle Toy Review

Since having a boy, it has come to my attention that buying gifts for boys is a whole different ball game. When Jade was growing up, party gifts were a doddle; pretty, cute or sparkly was generally considered acceptable and there was a wealth of different categories to pick from. Hair and beauty, cuddly toys, Jewellery, to name a few. Boys, however, appear to be different. All of the afore mentioned categories are not appropriate, due to their 'girliness' and what's currently popular seems to be far more important. For example; at L's school, last year was all about Minecraft, this year, it's Rubik's cubes.