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By Little Mummy, August 29, 2010 3:00 pm

We attended The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo again this year. We’ve been to several tattoo’s (we got together while working at the 1999 tattoo) and been lucky enough to see our sister and brother in law perform (drumming and piping)at another. This year it was my brother’s turn as a PTI gymnast. My brother’s done two tours of duty in Afghanistan and will become a Sergeant this year in the PTI corps. I think you can guess how proud I am of him

Here’s a video of his section in the tattoo;

Bear with me while I go off on a slight tangent. During our much talked about trip to Florida this year we watched the Believe show, you know the one with the big killer whales. Before the show started there was a tribute to the American armed forces, they had videos from troops in iraq and they asked servicemen in the audience to stand for a round of applause. The response was huge and you could feel the emotion of the crowd, as I sat there I must admit that my default response was that it was all very american and a bit over the top. On reflection though I think that the Americans actually have it right, they’re proud and they aren’t afraid to show it. There were kids in that audience, lots of kids, and it was a great way for them to be made aware of the sacrifices that are being made and it was done in a very uplifting way. We could do with a bit of that over here.

I had my reservations about taking Erin to the tattoo with us, it didn’t finish til’ well after eleven and she was really tired by the time we were done, but she loved it. She drummed her hands at the pipes and drums and clapped at the dancing and gymnastics. She also asked questions. She asked about soldiers, about what they do and why. She also asked about the pictures that were beamed up onto the castle, and I’m glad I had the courage to tell her the truth; they’re the men and women that have died to make sure that we’re safe. I go with the honesty is the best policy on these issues, life is what it is and I don’t see the point in sugar coating it (don’t worry we still ‘do santa’!).

The Tattoo is a great opportunity not only to celebrate our military but a chance to honour our fallen and the wives or husbands and children they’ve left behind. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has raised over £5m for charity – military and civilian, one of it’s main beneficiaries is the Army Benevolent Fund which supports soldiers but crucially their families too.

So when I think back to that Believe show and the respect they showed their servicemen and women I want to shout a big ‘hell yeah’, because they do deserve a bit of public recognition. They do deserve our respect and gratitude. Our children do deserve to know that there are girls and guys out there watching our back and there’s nothing cheesey about giving them a round of applause once in a while. You don’t have to condone a war to be grateful that someone was willing to lay down their lives for you and your family to be safe.

I was going to put a specific clip here from the Tattoo, however I couldn’t find it and when I searched for ‘Here’s to the heroes’ I found only American military tribute videos(!) So I put together a little something myself featuring my own (second rate) photos and my friends (premium quality) photos along with a few thought provoking quotes.

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By Little Mummy, August 26, 2010 6:59 am

Last year I promised myself that I’d get it sorted. I told myself that it had spent too long unloved. I was going to spend long weekends giving it my undivided attention. I was going to create borders, learn how to grow vegetables, paint the fences and furnish it with lovely pots of plant type things.

This is a public apology to my garden and the poor neighbours who have to put up with it.

I even paid a lovely young man (the next door neighbour’s nephew) to come in and do the labour for me and I have let it grow back. Garden I am sorry, I have failed you.

This is my secret shame…

Gravel shame

This is gravel that I laid this Summer, except I didn’t have enough…and well…it looks rubbish. I haven’t got round to laying more yet

Border shame

As you can see I laid some gravel and even some attractive mini fence stuff (I’m not sure what the proper name is) but now it’s all become overgrown.

Clematis shame

We decided to clear a large and unsightly (for the majority of the year) clematis, this was the result. Another job to be completed.

Pond shame

I was going to fill the pond with soil and teach Erin how to grow vegetables. That has not happened. As you can see. Shame.

and finally…

Back Garden Shame

Speaks for itself really

Ok that’s it, beat me with a stick…

Sponsored Post

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By Little Mummy, August 19, 2010 8:56 am

People who start their own business are the ones who stop talking about their dreams and plans and actually make them happen

Matt Thomas, Starting your own shop

I’ve heard variants of this so many times now that I’m forced to believe there is some truth in it.

Almost every entrepreneur I’ve ever studied has had a somewhat ‘rags to riches’ story and if not ‘rags’ then they were certainly no more than an ‘average joe’.

The only thing that differentiates these success stories from the rest of us (that would like to be successful business people) is they took action. Instead of just pipe dreaming they actually took a small step that led to another step and another, until they found themselves running successful businesses.

When others reverted to the (supposed) safe haven of a job they took a risk and gave it a go.

It’s a powerful idea that anyone with an idea and a bit of passion and a willingness to work hard can make it, an idea that resonates enough with me to give it a go myself. For some of us we find ourselves at a point in life maybe due to a redundancy or becoming a parent where the potential benefits of having a go at something for ourselves is greater than the benefits of finding employment. This may be financial or lifestyle related, however the risk/reward ratio is clearly tipped towards creating a business or going freelance. It’s the position I find myself in right now, it’s a rare position to be in, I’d hazard a guess that an opportunity like I’ve discussed only arises perhaps two or three times in one’s life and it’s important to spot the opportunity and capitalise.

I’ve done the sums and the net benefits of pursuing a degree and business opportunities are better than my job prospects and potential wage right now. The intelligent decision is to take the road less travelled, even if that road poses more risk and criticism.

Everyone has an opinon on what you should do with your life, but only you know how your unique set of circumstances stack up.

Is now the time to take action on that business idea?

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By Little Mummy, August 18, 2010 1:37 am

We’re on the eve of ‘big school’. My five year position as House CEO and Stay at Home Mum have come to an end. As I reflect on my overall performance I’d probably give myself a B-. I did ok. I did my best in a position that I wasn’t naturally suited to.

It’s time to move on to the next phase, a phase I’ve been needing for a while now.

Last week I signed papers and went into business with Antonia Chitty. We’ll be creating and running a number of e-courses helping small businesses harness the power of social media and blogging. I’m very excited about the opportunity and plan to put plenty of effort in to ensure it’s a success. It feels fantastic to be ‘in business’! I’m currently creating a six month e-course with multi-media content and lots of other bells and whistles, it’s giving me the chance to utilise the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the last four years.

I’ve mentioned a few times now that I’m starting university, it’s not something I really need to do but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I think it will be worth it. I’m hoping that the experience sparks new business ideas, gives me an opportunity to make contacts and one day it may be useful if I decide I want to get a job. I don’t start for a few weeks yet but I’m sure there’ll be many tales to come

Finally, there’s a general sense of moving on. We’ve been discussing holidays and future plans, and I’ve even made a list (I couldn’t help myself – I love lists!).

Do you have a list like this? I’d love to see other people’s…mostly because I’m nosy!

So that’s me, what about you?

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By Little Mummy, August 12, 2010 11:24 pm

Sometimes you read a book and you get realisations that are so profound that they completely change your way of thinking and thus your life. Here are five (ish) books that have done that for me. There in the order in which I wrote them. I hope you’ll share yours in the comments.

1. Authentic: How to make a living by being yourself by Neil Crofts

This is the book that really got me into reading non fiction more heavily, it was also the book that led me to start my first blog. I had profound realisations that I was desperate to share – some of those early posts are still on here – Introducing Authentic Living,Simplify Your Life, The Happy Formula, Authentic Choice

2. The Success Principles by Jack Canfield

How to get from where you are to where you want to be. This is a great book if you find yourself either in a rut or a place in your life where you can start from scratch (maternity leave, redundancy). The book takes you through twenty five principles of success.

3. Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin

I’m re-reading this at the moment and I’m still taking more from it. This book shows you how to control money instead of letting money control you. Become financially independant by changing your whole view on money and what it can do for you.

4. The 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

This is a book aimed at helping 9-5ers escape the 9-5 by starting their own ‘muse’ to allow them to become location independent. It’s highly far fetched and idealistic, however it does break down a lot of stereotypical ideas in your head allowing you to think clearly about your own position.

5. I’m still waiting for number five.

Which one book has changed your thinking most? Perhaps it’s even changed your life. Let me know in the comments so I can pick it up and find my number five!

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By Little Mummy, August 12, 2010 12:06 am

1. I’m 27 but I usually prefer the company of people at least ten years older than myself

People in their forties aren’t trying to show off, their comfortable with themselves. Generally, I’m more interested in what they say. Not always, I have a few friends my age that are very interesting and grounded, but mostly I get on better with people older than myself.

2. My closest friend is my husband

He fills so many roles in my life that I literally have to force myself to make new friends. Sometimes, it’s too easy to rely on him to be my go to person for humour, a shoulder to cry on, my sounding board etc..

3. My ‘best’ friends are mostly online

Some people may think that’s sad but I can’t help who I resonate with the most. They’re funny, caring and supportive. They know who they are.

4. Gambling is my vice.

I don’t drink (unless I’m abroad with aforementioned online friends that shall remain nameless) and I don’t smoke (anymore). To relax I like to play poker. Occasionally I’ll bet on the horses (or the dogs, or football, or which fly will land on the dog poo first), I’ve also been known to partake in the odd game of bingo and playing fruit machines aka ‘puggys’.

5. I’ve worked a lot of different jobs

I’ve been an admin assistant (for legal aid, gas, private medical insurance and car finance) a debt collector, a mortgage assistant, a nursery assistant, a waitress, a charity collections agent and my longest held job has been four and a half years as a stay at home mum I’ve come to the conclusion I’m not very good at being an employee, which is why I started doing this.

6. I was engaged at sixteen and married at 21.

I was young, but I knew what I was doing

7. I don’t have any tattoos

But I’ve been swithering for ages about getting a name or initials on the inside of my wrist. What do you think?

8. I’m now officially self employed.

I’m also soon going to be a company director. I feel all important all of a sudden

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By Little Mummy, August 9, 2010 12:15 am

I’ve been re-reading a few books this week – The 4 Hour Workweek and Your Money or Your Life. Both are great books for making you think and sharpening your focus on your dreams and aspirations.

This is my five year dream list, all the stuff I’d like to achieve over the next five years…in no particular order…

* See my first and only child start school!
* Take my husband to New York for his 30th birthday
* Graduate from university with a degree
* Become fully self employed (earning a full-time income consistently)
* Replace both our cars (paying cash if we can)
* Go to Las Vegas for my 30th
* Get my garden finished (You never know, it *might* happen!)
* Go back to Florida and take Erin to SeaWorld
* Stay healthy and free from serious crohns flare ups
* Meet up with my amazing bloggy mates as many times as we can manage
* Go to Memphis and visit Graceland with my Mum
* Become an Aunty (I can’t control this one but I can live in hope!)
* Write a book and have it published
* Celebrate my tenth wedding anniversary

So that’s my list, it looks like a lot but if you think about it five years is quite a long time so we’ll see. I’ll still be happy even if I don’t achieve all of this but I think it’s important to have goals both for myself but also with my husband and my daughter. They do say couples with shared goals tend to stay together (and happy) more often than those without goals.

So what are your goals for the next five years?

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By Little Mummy, August 3, 2010 1:22 am

I originally posted this at www.littlemumpreneur.com but felt it might be relevant here as it covers maternity leave.

A few weeks back I was invited on BBC Radio Scotland to talk about maternity leave. I was the one who’d taken extended leave (almost five years in total!), a decision I don’t regret at all.

The discussion began relatively balanced before becoming more pro work at the end. Callers were predominantly promoting a quick return to work, citing the usual reasons from financial need to social reasons.

On reflection of the debate I began to think that the benefits of taking a period out from work weren’t promoted enough. We seem to have the same debate over and over again about whether it’s right to return to work as soon as possible or become a stay at home mum. One aspect that is overlooked is that maternity leave can be an opportunity to take stock, reassess your life and take it in a different direction. Maternity leave brings a chance to study, retrain and even start your own business, mums who do this have become known as ‘mumpreneurs’.

It’s all to easy for us as women and mothers to complain about glass ceilings and inequality in the workplace. I’m not for a second saying that these don’t exist (it’s clear they do) or indeed that it’s right (it’s not) but I don’t see why we don’t focus more on what we are given – a decent period of time out where we can change our paths and opt out of the unfairness and inequality.

Most mums take at least six months out these days and although that period can be physically and emotionally tiresome I personally still felt that mentally I had space for other things – so much so I ended up starting my blog and doing some part time study. As my daughter has grown up I’ve managed to gain an HNC and even start and fail at a few ‘would be’ businesses.

Although I’ve had my failures I’ve stuck with it and am now on the verge of being self employed doing something I love – teaching small businesses and mumpreneurs how to use the internet and social media effectively to raise their profile and sales. It’s been a long and often disappointing and exasperating road but nowhere near as unfulfilling as I would have found some of the alternatives. I’d encourage more women to embrace maternity leave and use it to their advantage. We don’t have to settle for the low-paid, part-time, temporary and often dull work that society offers us. If you count up how much you’d earn from a job like that and take off your expenses you may find that starting even the smallest venture could be more lucrative and a hundred times more fulfilling.

Over the five years I’ve been a stay at home mum (albeit with a few part-time jobs – see above!) I’ve learned that if you really want to make it happen and you’re willing to sacrifice and put the hard work in that anything is possible and the pay off at the end is huge!

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By Little Mummy, July 26, 2010 1:34 am

My dad left when I was two, he came back into my life when I was eighteen. No regrets. We’ve made our peace. He’s making the effort now and that’s what counts, I honestly believe that it’s easier to forgive and forget than create negative energy and hold a grudge. I love and respect him for who he is even if I can’t for some of his earlier choices.

The truth is that while I was actually growing up I barely noticed his absence and that’s the biggest compliment I can give my Mum. She was only eighteen when she had me and was on her own with me and my brother pretty shortly after. She made mistakes, don’t we all. She walked a difficult road and her mistakes were mere trips along the way, because for 99% of the time she was everything you’d want your single parent to be, strong, reliable and loving.

The worst bit about not having a Dad was being poor. I remember being really poor and unfortunately my Mum on her own couldn’t make up a decent household income even if she could provide the love of two parents. We were the kids with the rubbish trainers, the uncool jackets and Santa only brought second hand toys in our house. It seems rather petty as I type it now but when you’re a kid it’s important, really important. Of course that’s just the things I remember, I’m sure behind the scenes there were times when putting a meal on the table was a struggle. Nevertheless a meal there would always be, not too mention lots and lots of happy times along the way.

My mum, she did her best and her best was good enough – something I’ve only fully been able to appreciate since becoming a parent myself.

‘Dads’, I’ve had a few none of them really lived up to the title, and by the time a decent one came along I had dad fatigue.

If I’d had a Dad growing up I’d have wanted him to be like my husband, generous, caring, fun, strong and reliable. A proper family man, a provider and someone you can count on to just be there. A sense of humour may have been all that was lacking in one.

As an adult though I’m pretty happy with the Dad I’ve got. He’s there if I need him, he calls me fortnightly and doesn’t interfere too much. He supports my entrepreneurial ambitions and is a good sounding board for my ideas as he’s a businessman himself.

I guess all’s well that ends well

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By Little Mummy, July 15, 2010 1:47 am

So life’s moving on, my trip to Florida was almost a month ago now! We’re also over two weeks into our Scottish summer holidays and so far my tactic of having one activity planned each day is working a treat. So far we’ve been swimming, visited friends for lunch, shopped for school uniform, had our first ever sleepover and attended a birthday party and an anniversary meal. This week Erin’s off to the cinema to see Shrek (I have been promised a review by her aunty…) and an overnight stay to Granny’s, keeping busy seems to be the key to a successful summer holidays.

Erin’s hit that stage where she immitates everything I do (she pretends to be on the computer checking emails *cough*, puts make up on etc etc) which is both amusing and sometimes concerning.

For example one night I checked in on her in bed and she was close to tears. She said she was “stressed out” because people keep phoning and emailing her and the dog keeps barking and she just couldn’t relax! I played along and told her to shut off her computer, unplug her phone and tell the dog to stop barking. She promptly told me she was just pretending and that she’s practising being a mum!

Oh dear that would be a parenting fail then, and perhaps a cue to switch off more!

During this imitation play she has also pretended to go to work at ‘pokers’ – I don’t seem to be able to shake this idea of hers that my job is playing poker?? In fact I don’t think I’ve been to poker for well over a month! Oh well, another parenting fail!