Still slightly shaky as I type this; I just had to make a complaint at the school office. It's school picture day so I styled the boys hair neatly and they brought umbrellas instead of wearing hats to school to avoid messing it up. I took Izaac to his classroom as per usual, put his lunch-bag on the trolley, kissed him goodbye and watched him go in until I saw the TA and his Teacher say "Good morning" to him. As per usual. Then I left with Huey to walk him around to the Junior side.
As I exited the Infant's school gate, after crossing the playground, I heard a child's voice calling 'Mummy! Mummy!'. You hear this A LOT in the mornings in the Infants. But it couldn't be my child because he was safely inside his classroom under the supervision of his teachers.
I turned around anyway just because it sounded a lot like Izaac. And there he was, running after me with his Umbrella because I'd forgotten to take it with me!
I returned him to his classroom to find neither TA nor teacher had even noticed him gone! He had been able to leave, unchallenged, despite the fact that no parent was anywhere in sight.
In some ways I can understand HOW it happened. The school has a policy which actively encourages parents to come inside the classroom and do everything for their child during the infants (putting away coats and book-bags etc) which I personally feel is absurd. Too many people in a tiny room at 9am is carnage anyway, let alone my feeling that you are denying the child the satisfaction of being able to do things for them self, or the fact that this process stops instantly with no transition period between the Infants and Juniors, which is why you see so many year threes crying and clinging on to their Mum. (I should also point out that it is up to the parents discression whether or not they choose to adhere to this policy)
Izaac has always been happy,confident and independent. Not wanting to clamp his style, we have let him go in unassisted, and watched through the glass door or windows to make sure he is seen and safe before leaving.
I imagine after a while the teachers respond automatically with "Good Morning" without even fully realising they've said it or to whom it's been said. Moreover, with parents coming and going, they are used to the sensation of bodies coming and going through the door and they can't be expected to look up and see each and every parent leave. But this morning we were a little later than usual and there were only 3 other parents about (waiting outside the classroom).
I suppose what I am saying is this; They are de-sensitised. Well they need to bloody well re-sensitise! I can't shake the feeling that Izaac is still running around somewhere outside the school and I have the strongest urge to go back and just see for myself that he's still in his classroom!
When I complained at the office, the receptionist asked me first of all if I had gone in with Izaac and put his things away and settled him. Not whether the teaching staff had acknowledged his presence in the classroom. For a moment I felt the urge to lie and say that I had, because I honestly felt that she was about to suggest that had I not done so, then the safety of my child, even beyond the point of leaving the classroom, was my responsibility.
I didn't lie, however. I simply stated that No, we do not make a habit of going into his classroom with him unless we need to speak to his teacher. But I was very clear on the point of waiting to see that he has been acknowledged by his teacher and that they know he is there and now in their charge. I explained that I didn't want to make an issue because I understand that there are thirty children in his class, the mornings are hectic, and the teachers jobs are hard enough. But that I wanted a tactful reminder to the teachers to be extra vigilant about children leaving the classroom.
Really, there ought to be someone on the door until the door is locked. Had I not heard him and turned around, I would have continued on to the Juniors with my eldest son. Izaac has never seen where Huey enters his part of the school for the day. The Juniors enter the school via Main doors which have adult door monitors supervising the children entering and preventing them from leaving again without a parent present, due to the fact that many children in the Juniors walk themselves to school. (So the school does know how to implement this method). Izaac has only ever seen Huey come out at the end of the day which is around another side of the building from the way they enter. So had he tried to follow me to where he would have thought I'd take Huey, He'd have found nothing but an empty playground.
Who's to say where he'd have gone next? He could have wondered out of the gate to try to find me on my way home which presents the dangers of either getting lost, getting hit by a car trying to cross the road or being abducted. All the while I'd have been blissfully unaware, and apparently so would the school until I cam to collect him at 3.10 and we discovered something very wrong. At which point he'd have been missing for 6 hours with no one looking for him. It doesn't bare thinking about. Of course he could have simply returned to his classroom, but I can't be sure how he'd react in that situation. My instincts tell me he'd try to find me. You know your child. Their character, their inclinations. Izaac would follow my path as best he could until it lead him into trouble. He's never been one for self preservation. Always head-strong and fearless.
Based on her reactions I couldn't help but feel that the receptionist wanted me to place the blame on myself. So I have to ask, at what point during the school day does the primary responsibility for the safety of my child leave my hands and defer to his teacher's?
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Face Of the Day featuring urban Decay Naked 3 Palette.
Since my Children have both settled into school I have been slowly getting back into do weddings.
For Christmas I made a Pinterest with all the things I'd be happy to receive for my husband to look through and decide what he wanted to get, since he had no clue and I didn't want to outright tell him which things. I thought if I added lots, he could pick one or two from the list and that way I'd get a surprise but it'd still be something that I really love. I spent ages sourcing the cheapest place for each thing and making sure my pins linked back to the exact right product. Whilst I was compiling my list, I added the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette.
I remember all the hoo-ha about the first one when it came out and whilst I agree that it is an AWESOME palette, when I went to check it out, I found that Ii already had almost all the colours in my Mac palettes apart from 'Half-baked'. Rather than shell out the £34.50 for the whole palette as it was at the time, I simply bought the single pot of 'Half-baked' eyeshadow for around £12 ish. Then along came Naked 2 and I thought that this time I would like it since there were more Matte shades and I prefer working with Matte eyeshadows on my clients, but by this time I'd bought a Z-palette and had somehow already made my own version of the Naked 2 with a combination of de-potted Mac, Bobbi Brown, Sleek etc so again, I let it pass me by.
For Christmas I made a Pinterest with all the things I'd be happy to receive for my husband to look through and decide what he wanted to get, since he had no clue and I didn't want to outright tell him which things. I thought if I added lots, he could pick one or two from the list and that way I'd get a surprise but it'd still be something that I really love. I spent ages sourcing the cheapest place for each thing and making sure my pins linked back to the exact right product. Whilst I was compiling my list, I added the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette.
I remember all the hoo-ha about the first one when it came out and whilst I agree that it is an AWESOME palette, when I went to check it out, I found that Ii already had almost all the colours in my Mac palettes apart from 'Half-baked'. Rather than shell out the £34.50 for the whole palette as it was at the time, I simply bought the single pot of 'Half-baked' eyeshadow for around £12 ish. Then along came Naked 2 and I thought that this time I would like it since there were more Matte shades and I prefer working with Matte eyeshadows on my clients, but by this time I'd bought a Z-palette and had somehow already made my own version of the Naked 2 with a combination of de-potted Mac, Bobbi Brown, Sleek etc so again, I let it pass me by.
Over time, I came to the conclusion that, although I already had most of the colours in my Z-palette, a few had since become discontinued or had been pried out of limited edition palette and would be difficult to replace individually when they were used up so the Naked 2 would provide a nice back up, especially since I had began taking on bridal work again, it would prove invaluable in my kit, so, I added it to my Pinterest Christmas wish list, never expecting my Husband to actually choose it. He usually steers away from anything beauty related, fearing he'd get the wrong thing. Anyway he went along to the counter in our local Debenhams to buy the Naked 2 but they were out of stock AND I'M SO GLAD THEY WERE. Because, it meant that he pre-loaded a giftcard with the exact correct money for me to go along and get it when they came back in. So I went along after Christmas to order it and while I was there I saw the Naked 3. AND I FELL IN LOVE. It was the 'zing' moment everyone else apparently had about the Naked 1. It also just so happened that I have a bride who had days before picked out colours from a Drew Barrymore Covergirl visual that were all in this pallette.
I experimented a little with it the morning before her trial to get familiar with the textures, payoff etc.
Here is a look that I came up with using the colours 'Mugshot' on the lid and 'Darkside' to define.
For my Foundation I used;
Bourjois Heathy Mix Serum and the matching concealer under my eyes.
Paul and Joe concealer for blemishes and Stila convertible colour in 'Gladiola'.
I have used a Barry M Dazzle Dust in a white-gold (the number has worn off the bottom so I can't tell you what it is for sure) to highlight the inner corner.
I have used a Barry M Dazzle Dust in a white-gold (the number has worn off the bottom so I can't tell you what it is for sure) to highlight the inner corner.
The eyes have been finished off with Rimmel extreme black lash acellerator mascara and Prestige Bold Brown eyeliner. I like this as the formua is creamy and long-lasting with a great colour pay off. It reminds me of Avon Supershock eyeliner pencils.
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Beach bag essentials. - Packing with small children.
Righto, Firstly, this is the first post on my shiny new blog. If you are reading this, Welcome, and thanks for stopping by to hear my innate ramblings. I hope you enjoy your stay.
Onto the topic in hand; Packing the ol' beachbag!
'Jaz,' I hear you ask, 'What do I pack for a fuss free trip to the beach? '.
Well, firstly let me just say, if you are intending to go with young children, it will NEVER be completely fuss-free. But there are little things, that if you have them on hand, will make the trip much more enjoyable for all and hopefully a little less whingy.There's nothing worse than being out somewhere with children and they need something, RIGHT NOW, and you've left it at home.
My children are aged 4 and 7 and here's what I typically bring to avoid those nightmare moments;
1. Medicine/water-proof plasters and mini first aid kit.- Adult and kiddy Medicine. I always pack paracetamol and Ibuprofen for myself and my husband and Calpol and Calprofen for the boys. They make handy sachets
Onto the topic in hand; Packing the ol' beachbag!
'Jaz,' I hear you ask, 'What do I pack for a fuss free trip to the beach? '.
Well, firstly let me just say, if you are intending to go with young children, it will NEVER be completely fuss-free. But there are little things, that if you have them on hand, will make the trip much more enjoyable for all and hopefully a little less whingy.There's nothing worse than being out somewhere with children and they need something, RIGHT NOW, and you've left it at home.
My children are aged 4 and 7 and here's what I typically bring to avoid those nightmare moments;
1. Medicine/water-proof plasters and mini first aid kit.- Adult and kiddy Medicine. I always pack paracetamol and Ibuprofen for myself and my husband and Calpol and Calprofen for the boys. They make handy sachets
A first aid kit is a travel staple any way, I just make sure to include waterproof plasters. My youngest, Izaac is very rough and tumble and often is the first to acquire an injury on a day out. I fully expect he will cut his leg on a rock or something this year. At least a water-proof plaster will keep the sand and saltwater out!
Keep supplies in a waterproof bag to avoid contamination.
2. Sun block/screen/cream/tan lotion, what ever you want to call it!-Naturally, you will want to protect yourselves and your little ones from being sun burned. I always buy at least factor 50 UVA and UVB. Ultrasun SPF 50 once a day is not only waterproof, but it's resistant to friction such as towel rubbing! It's a bit pricey at £19 but it will last ages as you don't need to constantly re-apply!
3. Bottles of Water. -Water is universally useful. I always bring it because you never know if for some reason when you get there, everything is closed! You would have nothing to drink. It is also essential because your beach may not have a fresh water source. So say your precious little one cuts their foot on a sharp rock or shell, you can rinse the wound before you dress it. Also useful for taking medicine you have brought should you need to.
4. Baby powder. - Honestly couldn't live without this stuff. It's like magic for cleaning sand of delicate little feet and hands!
My boys suffer with eczema so they love anything that won't irritate their skin further. This is fab when changing from swimwear to clean, dry underwear too. No more sand in you knickers! Hoorah!
5.Tissues.- My littlest, Izaac, seems to always get a snotty nose when we go to the beach. I'm not sure if it's the coastal wind and sea air or if he just likes to be awkward but without fail he will get one. And then he will inevitable get sand stuck to it! I hate not having tissues! I remember once trying to blow my nose on a bus ticket or a receipt in desperation. I have never forgotten tissues since. These are also essential because we all know how hit and miss public toilets can be! Ladies, especially will appreciate having tissues!
6.Hand sanitiser - Again, this is fab for if the public toilet facilities are somewhat lacking. Also great for if you need to tend to an injury, or simply for cleaning up before eating.
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7. Wet-wipes/Antibacterial surface wipes. - Cannot stress enough how essential these are. I use anti bac ones for wiping down the seat in ill -kept public toilets.
Baby Wipes are all manner of useful, from wiping ice-cream covered faces to sticky fingers and spills on belongings. Can't leave home without them. Especially as Izaac won't do a number two unless he knows we have these!
9. Spare, spare clothes. - If your little sprogs are anything like my Izaac, they will play for a bit when you get there, get wet and sandy and then come mid-morning snack time, decide he wants to be changed, NOW! Then he'll obviously want to go off and play and get all messy again. What are you going to put him in for the journey home if you didn't bring Spare, spare clothes?
10.Spare batteries. - How many times have you turned up to an event only to turn on your camera and discover that, A) your battery meter lied to you when you checked it before you left and you actually have not battery juice. or B) You take so many photos and videos that you run the battery down? I'm willing to bet at least once! Thanks to being ill prepared battery-wise, I have missed half of my son's first school play and most recently, part of a gig for a band we had waited 12 years to see!
- This is a must if you are travelling with an infant. My 4 year old will probably use it to have a nap. Beaches make people tired don't they? It's also great for added privacy when changing. But bottom line, if you are heading to the beach with kids, make sure you can provide a bit of shade. We all know too much sun is DANGEROUS!
- For all those wet towels and bathing suits to bring home! Why ruin a perfectly good beach bag? or risk getting other belongings ruined!
Because having dry, sun cooked lips is unbearable! My boys use lip balm through out the winter too!
- There's somthing about being by the sea that just makes you well, hungry! Swimming makes you hungry anyway but add that to being next to the coast and your little treasures will be nagging you for food every 5 minutes! Either be prepared to pay rip off prices for food at the sea front, or worse, risk them being closed for whatever reason and having NO FOOD. Or, bring snacks and plenty of them. I suggest a cool bag filled with prepared sandwiches and lunchy type things, plus a variety of things they can snack on throughout the day indetween meals.
-These are essential. They protect little feet from hot sand, can provide spf so feet won't get burned. They are great for paddling in the sea. My little ones love not having to worry about a crab pinching their toes. Also some beaches are pebbley or have lots of shells which can be sharp to walk on. This summer we are staying at my mother and father -in-law's beach front chalet in wales and there are great rocks and caves for exploring. The rocks can be painful under bare feet or slippery! These types of shoes not only provide excellent protection but ample grip as well! A real beach bag must!
I love these type of SPF ones! They are light weight so my boys heads don't get too hot in them plus they provide great extra protection right down to the back of the neck which is often exposed on boys with short hair.
Nothing like a sting from an angry wasp to bring tears (and a bad mood) to your day out. Keep pests at bay, especially during snack time, and keep smiles on those little faces!
Store with SPF and body wash to protect against spills.
You never know when you're going to need to make an emergency phone call. Make sure your phone has plenty of juice before you set off!
22. Tupperware container with lid.
2. Sun block/screen/cream/tan lotion, what ever you want to call it!-Naturally, you will want to protect yourselves and your little ones from being sun burned. I always buy at least factor 50 UVA and UVB. Ultrasun SPF 50 once a day is not only waterproof, but it's resistant to friction such as towel rubbing! It's a bit pricey at £19 but it will last ages as you don't need to constantly re-apply!
3. Bottles of Water. -Water is universally useful. I always bring it because you never know if for some reason when you get there, everything is closed! You would have nothing to drink. It is also essential because your beach may not have a fresh water source. So say your precious little one cuts their foot on a sharp rock or shell, you can rinse the wound before you dress it. Also useful for taking medicine you have brought should you need to.4. Baby powder. - Honestly couldn't live without this stuff. It's like magic for cleaning sand of delicate little feet and hands!My boys suffer with eczema so they love anything that won't irritate their skin further. This is fab when changing from swimwear to clean, dry underwear too. No more sand in you knickers! Hoorah!
5.Tissues.- My littlest, Izaac, seems to always get a snotty nose when we go to the beach. I'm not sure if it's the coastal wind and sea air or if he just likes to be awkward but without fail he will get one. And then he will inevitable get sand stuck to it! I hate not having tissues! I remember once trying to blow my nose on a bus ticket or a receipt in desperation. I have never forgotten tissues since. These are also essential because we all know how hit and miss public toilets can be! Ladies, especially will appreciate having tissues!
6.Hand sanitiser - Again, this is fab for if the public toilet facilities are somewhat lacking. Also great for if you need to tend to an injury, or simply for cleaning up before eating..jpg)
7. Wet-wipes/Antibacterial surface wipes. - Cannot stress enough how essential these are. I use anti bac ones for wiping down the seat in ill -kept public toilets.Baby Wipes are all manner of useful, from wiping ice-cream covered faces to sticky fingers and spills on belongings. Can't leave home without them. Especially as Izaac won't do a number two unless he knows we have these!
8.Towels - You may think this is an obvious one, but you'd be surprised the times people forget these! my own mum, who was brilliant at everything even forgot to pack me a towel whilst swimming with the school once when I was little. I know my husband has been in the same situation. I actually forgot to pack a towel when I went travelling on my gap year believe it or not! I had to buy one from an extortionately over-priced street vendor!
9. Spare, spare clothes. - If your little sprogs are anything like my Izaac, they will play for a bit when you get there, get wet and sandy and then come mid-morning snack time, decide he wants to be changed, NOW! Then he'll obviously want to go off and play and get all messy again. What are you going to put him in for the journey home if you didn't bring Spare, spare clothes?
10.Spare batteries. - How many times have you turned up to an event only to turn on your camera and discover that, A) your battery meter lied to you when you checked it before you left and you actually have not battery juice. or B) You take so many photos and videos that you run the battery down? I'm willing to bet at least once! Thanks to being ill prepared battery-wise, I have missed half of my son's first school play and most recently, part of a gig for a band we had waited 12 years to see!
11. Canopy/SPF tent/parasol
- This is a must if you are travelling with an infant. My 4 year old will probably use it to have a nap. Beaches make people tired don't they? It's also great for added privacy when changing. But bottom line, if you are heading to the beach with kids, make sure you can provide a bit of shade. We all know too much sun is DANGEROUS!
12.Water-proof bag
- For all those wet towels and bathing suits to bring home! Why ruin a perfectly good beach bag? or risk getting other belongings ruined!
13. Lip balm
Because having dry, sun cooked lips is unbearable! My boys use lip balm through out the winter too!
14. Snacks
- There's somthing about being by the sea that just makes you well, hungry! Swimming makes you hungry anyway but add that to being next to the coast and your little treasures will be nagging you for food every 5 minutes! Either be prepared to pay rip off prices for food at the sea front, or worse, risk them being closed for whatever reason and having NO FOOD. Or, bring snacks and plenty of them. I suggest a cool bag filled with prepared sandwiches and lunchy type things, plus a variety of things they can snack on throughout the day indetween meals.
15.loose change/phone/keys/camera storage container. - Something you can store valuables inside so that it won't be obvious! I will do a post about how to make one of these using a pringles tube.
16. Body/hair wash
- I always bring johnson's top to toe wash because it's tear friendly and gender neutral as well as being suitable for both body and hair. Store it together with your sun protection inside a waterproof bag to protect your other belongings against leakages.
17. Beach shoes
-These are essential. They protect little feet from hot sand, can provide spf so feet won't get burned. They are great for paddling in the sea. My little ones love not having to worry about a crab pinching their toes. Also some beaches are pebbley or have lots of shells which can be sharp to walk on. This summer we are staying at my mother and father -in-law's beach front chalet in wales and there are great rocks and caves for exploring. The rocks can be painful under bare feet or slippery! These types of shoes not only provide excellent protection but ample grip as well! A real beach bag must!
18.Sunhat
I love these type of SPF ones! They are light weight so my boys heads don't get too hot in them plus they provide great extra protection right down to the back of the neck which is often exposed on boys with short hair.
19. Insect repellant
Nothing like a sting from an angry wasp to bring tears (and a bad mood) to your day out. Keep pests at bay, especially during snack time, and keep smiles on those little faces!Store with SPF and body wash to protect against spills.
20.Swim suits
-Need I say more? Now Swim suit, no swim!
21.Camera/Phone/Money/Keys
Even if you have a phone with a camera, I suggest you still bring a good old fashioned camera along any way. This means that you don't use up your phone battery on taking snaps and leave plenty of battery for using your phone as, well, a phone!
Even if you have a phone with a camera, I suggest you still bring a good old fashioned camera along any way. This means that you don't use up your phone battery on taking snaps and leave plenty of battery for using your phone as, well, a phone!
You never know when you're going to need to make an emergency phone call. Make sure your phone has plenty of juice before you set off!
22. Tupperware container with lid.
- I can't recommend this enough. Usefull for so many things. we ALWAYS use it for something. let's face it, the kids are going to find something on the beach that they're going to want to take home. And it's probably going to be something you don't want getting all over everything else. Whether is be a sea shell collection or unfinished food, make sure you pack one of these. You won't regret it! I favour these kid with the clip locks.
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So you've showered and changed and you're ready to head home. Wait, what's that smell? Oh it's YOU! Because you didn't bring any DEODERANT. Sound familiar?
Don't get caught out again and make sure you pack a mini deo with you. I love this Nivea one because it's not an aerosol so is safe to be left out in the heat and it has over 70 applications! plus, it's tiny so you could ever fit it into a clutch bag for future nights out. Score!
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22. Beach toys; Kite, ball, bubble mixture, bucket and spade, Frisbee, etc etc.
Gotta keep the kiddies amused. If you are like me, your little darling will only amuse themselves with sand and sea for so long before they start nagging you for constant entertainment! Best come prepared then! It's amazing what kids can do with a bucket and spade. Anything else is bonus!
23. Wide tooth comb
Oh how I wish my mother had brought one of these on our beach trips when I was little. Towel dried hair + no comb = tears at bedtime.
24.Tampax
let's face it, it's the ultimate nightmare scenario isn't it. You hit the beach and..... your period hits.... oh and you have NO nothing to deal with it. AAAARRRGGGHHHHH!
Even if you think you couldn't possibly be due on, bring it anyway. I've saved someone's skin more than a few times in the ladies loos.
25. Deoderant
So you've showered and changed and you're ready to head home. Wait, what's that smell? Oh it's YOU! Because you didn't bring any DEODERANT. Sound familiar?
Don't get caught out again and make sure you pack a mini deo with you. I love this Nivea one because it's not an aerosol so is safe to be left out in the heat and it has over 70 applications! plus, it's tiny so you could ever fit it into a clutch bag for future nights out. Score!
26. Hair ties/grips.
-lastly, and by no means leastly, we have hair ties or grips. you long haired specimins out there will know what I'm saying. Whether it's hot, windy or anywhere in between, there's nothing more annoying than wanting to get your hair off your face and having nothing to do the job with!
Have fun at the beach guys! Let me know if you think I've missed anything. I'd love to hear your ideas. Who knows, I may add to my list!
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