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Canal and River Trust
Mary Ann Evans Hospice
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https://savings4savvymums.co.uk/feeding-family-four-2-50-day/ Once again child poverty is on the the new and how parents are unable to fee...
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Charity of the month, is month we are going to leave it down to our followers what charity they may or may not want to donate to. Over the y...
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RSPB
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WWF
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The Towpath Nuneaton
Alan and the boys
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Tuesday 28 December 2021
Friday 24 December 2021
Thursday 23 December 2021
Sunday 19 December 2021
Saturday 18 December 2021
Thursday 16 December 2021
Online Privacy for Kids - Internet Safety and Security for Kids
Wednesday 15 December 2021
'Twas the night before video games' with Katherine Ryan | IM & Electroni...
Tuesday 14 December 2021
Sunday 12 December 2021
Thursday 9 December 2021
Otters at the Otter and Butterfly Sanctuary and Dorset
Wednesday 8 December 2021
Things that you can do with Conkers
Things that you can do with Conkers
I have added some link(s) of what you can do with Conkers
10 Things Your Kids can do with Conkers (getoutwiththekids.co.uk)
What To Do With Conkers, Acorns & Hazelnuts - Activities for Kids (familydaystriedandtested.com)
15 Conkers Crafts (aka Chestnut or Buckeye Crafts for Fall (redtedart.com)
Simple Ways to Grow Conkers: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
How To Grow A Tree From A Conker – Animal Enthusias Blog (animalenthusiastblog.com)
I hope you find them useful.
Being Closer to Nature
Being Closer to Nature
I think that one thing that I love about home schooling is the ability to get closer to nature and to chose what items I use to teach my children and where I buy them from.
One thing that I have always done with my children is to teach them that second-hand is OK to buy despite Covid 19.
I was not brought up to use second-hand and was told to always buy new, but now that I am a parent I am happy to teach.
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
Upcycle
is the new way to live life.
So one thing that I am looking at doing is to keep some of the things that I teach seasonal and to be more closer to nature and use what we have around use to learn who to live life to the full.
This year we were not really able to do any foraging like we have in the past, so I am going to use the items that I already have around the house and have not done any thing with yet.
What we will do is make then in to gifts for our family and friends and also to decorate the house with.
So please follow us during our gift making session over the next few day(s)
Wednesday 1 December 2021
Sunday 28 November 2021
Wednesday 24 November 2021
Monday 22 November 2021
Sunday 14 November 2021
Thursday 11 November 2021
Wednesday 10 November 2021
Where did the NHS come from?
They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning,
we will remember them,
we will remember them.
From 'For the Fallen' (1914), by Laurence Binyon
Sunday 7 November 2021
Monday 25 October 2021
Saturday 23 October 2021
Friday 22 October 2021
Wall of Poppies local attraction in Nuneaton, Warwickshire.
Sunday 17 October 2021
Friday 15 October 2021
Monday 11 October 2021
Sunday 10 October 2021
Saturday 9 October 2021
October 2021 Nest Egg Ideas, should I have for the future?
October 2021 Nest Egg Ideas, should I have for the future?
Friday 8 October 2021
Wednesday 6 October 2021
Tuesday 5 October 2021
Thursday 30 September 2021
Wednesday 29 September 2021
Making prototype(s), How long? How much? Septembers 2021
Making prototype(s), How long? How much? Septembers 2021
Making prototype(s)
One of the things that I love doing is trying new things, although now that I am older I do not do that much now.
I also loved taking things a part to see how they are made and to see if I could make them better.
I love making prototypes of items that I am thinking of making one day and doing reviews on products when I can.
At he moment I am designing a children game for my sister to try out for 10 children under 5.
So we will see what happens and what feed back I can get from it.
How long?
Over the past few weeks I have been looking at getting back into art and seeing how long artwork will take to produce and then hopefully sell.
I did not realize how time consuming it can be when you are waiting for paint to dry.
looking around when you are hand making items you know that each items is going to be different a little.
But will it sell?
How much?
That is the question, I can not charge NMW for my work other wise some items would end up being £100.00 of pounds
So I am having to still thing about price points and how much my time is worth.
https://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/calculate-the-cost-price-of-your-creative-product/
This is why so many items are made overseas in sweet shops and not in the UK where we have more employment rights to protect people.
Yet if you are self employed or an artist you are still underpaid for your experiences.
But is an artiest not like a Plastic surgeon? One paints with a brush the other with a knife
For me it should not matter what job you do you should be paid for your work experiences , not just your qualifications.
Yet due to NMW that is to protect people and help them to be tread fairly, it is used to keep people down. In 2021 very few people archive more than this due to the current economy,
Even when I looked at going back to teaching full time at my local collage I was only offered £18,000 per annum.
So when it comes to your future you need to take the time to research, adapt, plan and budget.
I have added some link(s) below that may help.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-exports-dispatches-and-supplying-goods-abroad
Salary checker
https://www.totaljobs.com/salary-checker/salary-calculator
https://www.monster.co.uk/career-advice/article/salary-calculator
Income Tax Checker
https://www.gov.uk/income-tax/check-youre-paying-the-right-amount
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/check-tax-code/
UK Pay Scale
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Country=United_Kingdom/Salary
https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/what-you-should-you-expect-19337047
Holiday Entitlements
https://www.gov.uk/holiday-entitlement-rights/holiday-pay-the-basics
Becoming an Apprentices
https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions
Self Employment
https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/self-employed-income-calculator.aspx
https://www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself
https://rsaccountancy.co.uk/working-out-what-your-self-employed-day-rate-should-be/
https://www.freeagent.com/guides/expenses/food-and-drink/
https://www.gov.uk/vat-businesses
https://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/calculate-the-cost-price-of-your-creative-product/
Acas
https://www.acas.org.uk/pay-and-wages
Travel Costs
https://www.hrzone.com/community-voice/discuss/mileagehow-much-should-be-paid
Benefit Support
Benefit Checker
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Child Maintenance
https://www.gov.uk/calculate-child-maintenance
Pension Information
https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/employers/managing-a-scheme/contributions-and-funding
Monday 27 September 2021
Should I get the flu Vaccination this winter?
I think this winter a lot of people are going to be asking themselves should I get the flu vaccination?
I think that before you do that just like with an vaccination you should do your research and make sure that you are fit and healthy before doing so. Also remember that some times after any new vaccination you may feel unwell.
So before making your chose I have listed some link(s) below that you may find useful and will help you to make the right chose for you; to stay safe and well this winter.
NSH Website
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
GovUK Website
BBC News Website
Sunday 26 September 2021
Updates
I have just been updating my blog, so please take a few minutes to see what is new for this forth coming month, including so items that you still may want to order for Halloween.
I have updated Redbubble, Woven Monkey, Spoonflower and Zazzle so please follow the links that have been added to this blog.
For further information please contact me.
For more items that i am looking at designing for the boating community please stay posted.
Have you started to winterise your boat?
Have you started to winterise your boat?
With the dark nights drawing in on the 31st October so only a month a way.
https://www.gov.uk/when-do-the-clocks-change
So maybe now is the time to think about winterising?
Over the next few months the rules about how often you will have to move will be posted on the Canal and River Trust website and also a list of what parts of the water ways are like to close.
For those of use who are not tied to a marina, or are looking for winter moorings to store ours boats, I have put a link below that you may find useful.
Useful link(s) for boats with out a home mooring(s)
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/moorings/mooring-faqs
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/moorings/winter-moorings
When do short stay mooring(s) change to 14 day(s)?
During the winter most short-stay moorings revert to 14 days from 1 November until 31st March unless signed otherwise. Please do check the signs carefully as busy short-stay moorings remain time restricted all year round.
I hope that these link(s) are useful I will be posting more information about preparing for the winter over the next few months.
Friday 24 September 2021
Buying items for your narrowboat
Over the next year Volksbolts/KABFA Designs are looking at selling and being out new product for narrowboats.
Over the past seven years being part of the boating community we know that not every thing that is designed for the home is practical for a boating way of life.
Being a mother of three active boys we know that storage is the key and safety when it come to little ones, so these are to areas that we will be looking at.
Also making a boat a home by looking at things that will help you live a way of life that will allow praticality and stylish.
We have found that any thing that can help with space and look great is a help so we are looking at both of these too.
So please keep an eye out and for now we have put links on to this blog of the items that we currently have on sale today.
Foe more information please contact us direct.
Wednesday 22 September 2021
Using work books to help with home schooling.
Using work books to help with home schooling.
Education will always be big businesses and cost you money no matter what type of education you chose to follow.
Yes everyone in the UK is allowed to be in full time education from the age of 5-19, yet depending upon who much money you have and where you live will depend on how good this education will be.
Then of course there is making use that "every child matters"
Yet home education is something that I am thinking of again due to not being 100% happy with what is currently on offer for "free"
So if home schooling is in the cards are using work books that you can buy from most places now the right way to go?
When both of my children where off school last year it was interesting to see who classes and records of what my children where learning were supported by their schools.
My oldest son had work books that I was use to using and have at home. I love them because the answers are ion the back for parents to help teach subject you may not know that well. It is also a good way to keep school work tidy and in order. So I would set a target of 5 pages per subject per day.
With my other child who was younger it was paper based teaching and getting you to watch on line classes and programmes on TV.
Over time both schools opted for more on line learning and keep up to date records and targets that had to be meet on a weekly basis.
Yet I found book books to be best. I did not have full time internet and could not afford to by a new PC , laptop or I phone to keep up to date with online education.
Although some of the online information was useful and my children love watching the National Geographic Channel, which is why I pay for both Netflix and Disney Plus.
For me nothing beasts sitting down with a book, pen and paper.
I like teaching "old school" so that I can find out if my children have any underlining learning disabilities and can read and write.
Yes every thing is done via modern technology and using computer programmes that help you to read, write, spell and do mathematics.
But what if these where to fail, be programmed in wrong, where not available and you did not know who to use them?
For me school/education is their to teach you the basics, how to read, write, spell and mathematics. Yet children are still coming out of education not knowing how to do theses things. I was one of them.
So if I can home school and teach my children theses life skills of how to read, write, spell and mathematics then this is sure the key foundation that they need in oreder to survive and become independent??
Yet I am still wanting my children to go to school, yet maybe part time, so I am going to look into this.
In the mean time I am using work books at home with my children to help them and to find out if they may be are not reaching their full potential, due to the way the school educational system to set up.
I will post some links on my blog of the types of work books I have used and have found useful.
Back to Home Schooling
Back to Home Schooling
Over the last week and half we are back to home schooling our son again. WE have done this like many patents during Covid and also due to my son have SEN.
When you chose to home school your children the minefield that you have to go though is the same one that you have to go thought if you chose to keep your child in full time education.
The only down side is time and money, The one thing that I always said that was due to living a nomadic life style that I would home school my children. The main reason that I did not continue with this was due to my own personal health and noticing that maybe my children need more help than I could provide.
For the past seven years i have tried to comply with the Government and keep my children in full time education and access support when need to try and help my children and provided for them.
Yet the waiting time for help from services that I wish to access is never ending with waiting times up to 3 years.
So I am asking myself why?
Why did I give up on home education, when for the past two years almost education for the future generations went down the drain and any hope for the future still seams lost?
So i am looking at home schooling again and finding out if this would be the best option for my family and my children's future?
Saturday 18 September 2021
Friday 17 September 2021
Charity of the month
Charity of the month, is month we are going to leave it down to our followers what charity they may or may not want to donate to.
Over the years we have aimed to pick a different local charity that we advertise on our blog and also nationwide and worldwide when possible.
Over the past years a lot of local charities in your home town have closed; those that are nation wide and world wide have also struggled.
What we found is a lot of them now do not just rely on foot fall, they also have their own online shops, use social media and companies like eBay and Amazon.
So when you have time to think about supporting the wider community where you live or even people national and oversea please consider to take the time to support a charity.
This could be done in a number of ways, thinks like donating unwanted items, making gifts they could sell, buying items, raising money, volunteering your time.
One thing that we do is try to research the charity to make sure they are register and to find out where the money they receive is used for. This information should be accessible or be able to be obtained upon request.
Thank you.
GovUK Information
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/make-sure-you-know-where-your-charity-donations-are-going
Managing Charity Finances
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/managing-charity-finances
How to complain about a Charity.
https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-charity
Other information
How Charities work?
https://howcharitieswork.com/transparency-and-accountability/charitable-activity/
How are Charities Regulated
https://howcharitieswork.com/transparency-and-accountability/how-charities-are-regulated/
How Much Do Charities Actually Spend On Good Causes?
https://www.channel4.com/news/factcheck/how-much-charities-spend-good-causes
Other
eBay Charity Shop Link(s)
Thursday 16 September 2021
September 2021 Budgeting for the rest of 2021
September 2021 Budgeting for the rest of 2021
Right ok lets go.
The first thing that I have added or made sure works is the link to making a budgeting plan.
I know it may seam like the most easiest thing to do, yet it is something myself I personal struggle with.
with the changes that we are all like to face over the next few months it would not hurt to think about completing one and keeping on on file.
Most of time when I do this it is an estimated figures that I use. The fist time you do this task can be quite time consuming and taxing. Yet it can help and it also means that if you are asked for one in the future you already have on on file.
On the blog there will be an icon to click on I will check to make sure it works, it should also go to a secure sight.*
*Not all links go to what is called a secure sight so make sure you ani-virus is up to date on your device you are using.
If you any any questions then please contact me.
If you are wanting to find your on budget plans template or information there are a lot of useful details on line now, also at your local library and Citizens Advice Centre.*
*Please note that a lot of line support now days wants you to fill in an on line form. I personal would rather keep a paper copy.
September 2021 Updating My Blog
September 2021 Updating My Blog
Right before I move forward I am going to update my blog and make sure that all of the links work and are up to date.
I will also check my pages and posts to make sure that they are all working, up to date and interlink if possible.
September 2021 Mental Health "It's Time To Talk"
Again in the new this week and also on "loose Women" Mental Health, The NSH, GP appointments and operations have been in the new.
Personal the main issues that people are not realizing is money. We have all now been informed about this new NI Tax that will be coming in 2022.
Yet accessing any medical services is a "post code lottery."
This is why I believe that more information needs to be made public so that people can make the choices that are necessary for their own personal heath and wellbeing; to the best of their abilities.
This information may already be available I do not know, a bit like an Ofsted report for a school.
I know that some property websites can give information about what the area that you are looking to live in can offer, like schools, shops, entertainment, crime rate, I am not sure if they offer NHS service and maybe this is something that should be looked into.
The things we need to try and do for our selves are looking at
Births, Marriages and Death.
Divorce, Dementia, Death
School, collage, University
Money, savings, loans, Taxes
Health and Wealth
Employment options
Benefit options
Support Services
I have listed then like this and will look at covering them in my blog(s)
Please feel free to comment or request more information.
Also link on the link(s) that I have listed to they may help.
Remember, research is the key, ask for help and do not be afraid to except it.
Stay safe.
Wednesday 15 September 2021
Life on the water ways yes or no?
Right before you think about embarking on a life on the water ways, be it living on a canal boat, or even on the open seas on a yacht.
The only advice that I can give you is research, look at moving onto a the water ways like moving to an other country. For get about all of these programmes where they only appear to show the fun side of being on the water and not the side where what living on the water is really like.
Even when people set up blogs and other social media portals to show what life is like on the seven seas or on the canal networks, they very rarely show the truth.
One of things that I aimed to do several years ago was to tell the truth, how ever trying to blog when having to move year two weeks with out a full time internet connection made what I wanted to achieve not happen.
So please bear with me an I will back track and aim to date every thing about the last 7 years and where I am now.
So please feel free to follow my blog and if you like what you see please donate to the tea and biscuits fund.
PayPal kslomczynski@live.co.uk.
So I will fist start with buying a boat?
September 2021 how to move forward?
I can not believe that we have reached September 2021 what a year!
So how do we move forward into the autumn and winter months of 2021 and then into 2022?
Knowing that we all need to try and stay safe with the new changes to Corvid guide line and also to Canal and River Trust new licencing guide lines.
When ever I am on line I am always see how canal and River Trust are aiming to make the canal network like a "fools paradise" and for get about the boating community.
With the new licensing rules again it show to me that even trying to make a living on the canal is likely to become more costly and a challenge to the boating community. So how do we continue with this and move forward?
Also families are always asking the same questions about education, tanning, employment and how to find a GP?
So what I am aiming to do is to blog more about these challenges and hopefully be able to sign post people in the right direction.
I will be posting on my blog that I set up with my oldest son and also on Facebook to. So please take the time to view the links below and also join your Facebook groups.
The Towpath Groups
Nuneaton
https://www.facebook.com/groups/581885341993733/
Ashby Canal
https://www.facebook.com/groups/367473337825039/
Coventry
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4039570576102005/
Heath and wellbeing
The Towpath crafters
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1077122625674357/
The Health Boat
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2755735084444430/
Benefit and Support Group "open to Change."
https://www.facebook.com/groups/430358200384459/
We do run a few other that maybe for use and have added and will be adding the link(s) to them on our blog in the future.
Tuesday 14 September 2021
Sunday 12 September 2021
Back to school
Now that everyone is back into school mode after the school holidays. If you are home schooling your children or have sent them back to be educated please take the time to look up the new Gov covid guide line(s.)
Monday 16 August 2021
Redbubble Volksbolts and KABFA Designs
https://www.redbubble.com/people/KABFA/shop?asc=u
We have been updating our Redbuble account over teh last few weeks now that now products can be designed by our staff and produced.
So if you are loking for a gift for a friend, family member, that extra person in your life and even for your self; then why not few our Redbubble Store.
For more information please contact use direct.
Thursday 12 August 2021
Sunday 25 July 2021
Sunday 23 May 2021
Friday 21 May 2021
Thursday 18 March 2021
Tuesday 2 March 2021
Sunday 14 February 2021
February 2021 Veg Boxes
February 2021 Veg Boxes
Over the next couple of weeks I am looking at different ways to shop for the food that I need for my family and loved ones. At the moment I still get help due to Covid 19 and my children being off school due to being on benefits. I also still Claim Health Start vouchers.
Again I keep saying that this is wrong and that the government should allow very parent in the UK to claim Healthy start vouchers for their children up until the age of 4. After all these vouchers are for your child and to help support and promote healthy eating.
Down falls of Healthy Start Vouchers
Not being able to be used on line and only in person.
Only a selected number of places will take these vouches.
You can also only use them on selected items.
All of the full detail of how to claim and what you can use them for are in the link below.
So what about those of use who are still shopping on line because of Covid 19 and using online shopping as a new way to still shop?
Over the past 5 years I have used shops that I know and trust. But last year I have to think outside that box because these could not deliver.
This year I am doing the same and looking at different places to but fresh organic food locally for my family.
Yes I get healthy start voucher what works out at about £30.00 per month off my major shop, but I will only get these for any other 2 years. So I am looking at were these I can shop and try and save money now.
If you look online you can find information and I have include the links below.
However I find that shopping your self is the best way to find what works for you.
Useful link(s)
Best veg boxes 2020: Get fresh produce delivered straight to your door | The Independent
18 Best Food Subscription Boxes | London Evening Standard | Evening Standard
Wednesday 3 February 2021
Personal Physical Education
Good afternoon when it comes to talking and teaching about Personal Physical Education
I will share and add links on my blog this is so that people can chose what they would like to view and what they would like their children to view also.
I set up this blog too help people to learn about education outside the class room and to help support home schooling. Talking about Personal Physical Education and Life Skills is important too.