Mummy Fever

Guest Writers

We are always on the lookout for guest writers – so if you have something interesting to say, a story to tell or something you think could inspire, motivate or support others please email us: info@mummyfever.co.uk

We can offer you FREE promotion in return …. And don't we all love a bit of that?

Flashy Lashes

We all know mum's work hard, and they say the hardest job is to be a mum. It’s busy, exciting, rewarding and fun but there sometimes comes a time when we can find ourselves wanting a little ‘me’ time and so we should! If you do get the chance to steal a couple of hours and fancy something new or different then why not try Semi permanent eyelash extensions as a special treat.

What are they?

Semi-permanent eyelash extensions originated in Japan in the 1990s, but are now huge across most of the western world. They are tiny synthetic single fiber, polyester strands which are are applied to individual eyelashes to create a fuller, longer look. They are applied one by one along the length of the natural lash using surgical-grade adhesive glue. As with all body hair, our eyelashes grow and shed in cycles, therefore eyelash extensions can last anything between 3-6 weeks, depending on your natural cycle of hair growth. They will then simply shed away one by one with the natural eyelash causing no damage. The joy of the way they shed is you can infill them at regular intervals as they fall out.

Relax and be transformed

The procedure for applying eyelash extensions takes approximately 1.5-2hrs for a full set of between 30-60 lashes per eye. You can relax and listen to some soft music while the lashes are attached. A lot of people actually fall asleep and wake up with a whole new look. Magic! The lashes used also come in a variety of lengths, thicknesses, colors and curls which can be used to create a bespoke look, to compliment the face and eye shape. So your look can be whatever you want it to be- glamorous, very natural, cat eye or dollie eye looks or a even mix of all.

Time saving and long lasting

The joy of these lashes is the fact that many people find with them on, there is little need for mascara and some even say they don’t feel they need to wear any make-up. As mornings can often be a hectic time of the day especially for mums, this time saver is another bonus as they can shorten the make-up regime, meaning more time can be spent on preparing your little ones for their day.

Mum’s need to feel good too

Every woman deserves to have time for a little pampering, and lashes can transform your entire look, leaving you looking and feeling great! Or if your not one for beauty products, then lashes can be used to give you a new look for a special occasion or event.

As mum’s can often find childcare a challenge, a lot of technicians go mobile and can do the work in the comfort of your own home, and most will work around your children and other commitments. However if you would prefer to get some peace then lashes are offered in many salons and some technicians work from their own home.

Want to give them a go!

Eyelash extensions vary in price depending on where you go, but you can expect to pay anything between £50-£150. Mobile technicians will often be cheaper than salons although most charge a mobile fee. If you are interested in finding out more or would like to give Semi permanent lashes a try and are in the London area, then check out www.flashy-lashes.co.ukor email us on enquiries@flashy-lashes.co.uk You can also follow us on twitter @flashylahses1 for deals and updated. If your further afield then you could try looking in all good salons for contacts of reputable eyelash technicians.

Thanks

Aisha @flashylashes1

Flashy Lashes

A Natural Businesswoman - Guest Writer Sandra Patterson

Survey finds that Business skills come naturally to women

In recent survey by specialist small business insurer Hiscox, the results found that 82% of female entrepreneurs questioned did not study business or management topics at school believing that their business talent was an innate skill, with a just under a fifth of female entrepreneurs questioned (18%) having not obtained higher qualifications after leaving school.

"Innate" attributes that women say are crucial for the makeup of an entrepreneur included creativity (75%), and being a good networker and communicator (65%) versus traits more traditionally associated with start-ups such as risk-taking (28%).

Suzanne Kemble, Head of Media & Entertainment at Hiscox, commented: "The recession led to a surge of enterprise and our research has found that female entrepreneurs continue to rise to the challenge drawing on their natural talents to help them to succeed in business. However we also encourage start-ups to draw on experiences from previous roles. The insight gleaned from on-the-job experience in someone else's company can be invaluable in avoiding mistakes or identifying opportunities when at the helm of their own business."

Sandra Patterson, Director at Kids Bee Happy, a Children's Franchise business agrees with this. "During my working life I've worked in all sorts of environments, from PLCs through to village shops and fast-growing dotcoms, and for the last ten years doing all of this whilst working from home and juggling family life. And the one thing that my domestic life has taught me more than anything is the best way to manage my time and resources"

Many women who take time off to raise a family as think of themselves as having been "out of the workplace", and assume that their working skills will be rusty, and that they will need retraining. In fact the opposite is truer. OK, so maybe you're not quite up to speed on the latest version of the computer software, but the months, or years, spent managing a family can be one of the toughest challenges out there.

As Hiscox survey goes to show, the skills that women use to keep their household on the go are completely transferrable to business. At home and in life we call it multi-tasking, but in business this converts itself into the key business skill of efficiency.

Efficiency, Effectiveness and Economy are the goals that every business strives for. And these are the skills that women are so good at, put simply getting as much done, as best as possible, in the least amount of time, whilst achieving best value for money. All day long women are using these skills are most don't even realise it. Transferable skills is one of those terrible phrases that recruiters and journalists use, but it summarises perfectly what women do best.

So next time you find yourself saying "I'm taking time out to have a family" don't think of it as taking time out, think of it as fine tuning your business skills, and becoming versatile person who achieves maximum results with minimum resources – now doesn't that sound like the key ingredients for a successful entrepreneur?

Read more at www.kidsbeehappy.co.uk/2011/08/women-choose-self-employment

About the Author - Sandra Patterson is a UK Female Entrepreneurship Ambassador and has run several businesses online and offline. Sandra is a Director of the Children's Sand Art franchise Kids Bee Happy which receives enquiries daily from women looking to start their own businesses. www.kidsbeehappy.co.uk

Hiscox Insurance - for small businesses – www.hiscox.co.uk

How To Create Yourself A Winning Support Network - Guest Writer Rowen Campbell

Nobody would disagree with you that having a baby is a pretty stressful time. It's right up there with moving house, except that this time, the stakes are a bit higher. It's physically exhausting and emotionally draining. So make it a little easier on yourself.

It is not an admission of failure to ask for a bit of help. Just make sure you think about what would help you, not what will make the helper feel better! Asking for help is the tricky bit, but some careful thought about building a support network could make your life as a new mum much easier.

Don't despair if you don't have family or friends nearby, they will be plenty of people around who are willing and able to lend a hand. Or just an ear, if that's what you need.

Your midwife or health visitor

They will give you various numbers to reach them on, including out of hours numbers, at your ante-natal appointments or at their home visits when your baby is born. They have a lot of experience and knowledge on any practical questions you might have and they know how you'll be feeling.

Neighbours

Consider asking Betty at number 3 to pick up a pint of milk for you while she's at the shop, or John next door to put your bin out on collection day. It might seem a bit trivial, but it's one less thing for you to worry about.

Other new mums

Don't worry if you don't know anyone else – having a new baby provides the best opportunity for meeting new people. Strangers will stop you in the street to strike up a conversation! There are plenty of groups and sessions for new mums and their babies, many of which are free. Give your local children's centre a try, and remember, even if you're painfully shy, others are in the same boat and you have your babies in common.

Local Experts

Think about any specific help you might need – do you need advice on managing your budget now you have a new family, for example? Put the feelers out amongst some of the people highlighted above and you'll be surprised at who knows who.

Government help

Have a look at what benefits might be available for you. Even a little bit extra can be a weight off your mind.

Your Partner!

Possibly the most obvious place to start looking for help, but sometimes the most difficult. It's often all too easy to take out stress on those closest to you. Don't be afraid to say what would help you; if that's a chance to go back to bed for an hour, ask your partner to take the baby out for a walk. If you're breastfeeding, it might be as simple as making you a cup of tea during the night-feed.

If they can't help you themselves, they might well know someone who can. Asking is be hardest part, but it's much easier than trying to do everything yourself, so give it a go. And there you have it – a personalised support network, ready to go! Bear them all in mind because even if they can't help you now, they might be able to in the future. Have a think about anyone else you could add to your list, and remember, you don't ever need to feel alone.

You can find out more about Rowen by following the link below:
www.rowencampbell.blogspot.com

Enthusiasm Makes the Difference - Dyna Girl (Louisa Baker)

My daughters have always had certain words that they have been unable to pronounce properly that I have been reluctant to correct due to the sheer cuteness. "Cubumber" is one of them. Another, is from my 3yo who currently doesn't say "pyjamas", she calls them her "ta-da-mas". This just sums her up. She is a very passionate Girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She is hugely affectionate, laughs often and will frequently tell me she loves me throughout the day. But when she is upset, everyone knows about it.... She bursts into a room full of life and energy and fills it up. Ta-Da describes her perfectly. It's a lovely attitude to have towards life and while the tantrums can be very hard to cope with, they are usually short-lived as they are forgotten as quickly as they were started.

Ta-da is going to be my new mantra. I am a full-time Mum, I am a housewife and I also run two businesses from home. That I achieve anything at all astounds me sometimes. I should be proud of what I do manage!

Did you know that Ta-Da has now been added to the New Oxford Dictionary of English? "Ta-da - (Exclamation) An imitation of a fanfare (typically used to indicate an impressive entrance or dramatic announcement)."

I like drama, I love passion and I adore enthusiasm. As we get older, we tend to lose part of our enthusiasm and become more reserved as frequent passionate displays of affection and indeed frustration tend to be toned down. While we can't spend our days bursting into tears when things go wrong or hugging strangers because the sunshine is making us feel good, a happy medium would be lovely. I think enthusiasm is a wonderful thing. Give me passion and enthusiasm anytime, it makes me feel alive. There is a lovely quote by Carl Buehner; "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."

Enthusiasm is fabulous. It enlivens you, it inspires others and it motivates you further with your own goals. There are many ways you can be more positive in your life, here are just a few suggestions I have thought of;

Enthusiasm is contagious. Henry Ford summed it up so well when he said; "Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas. "

(Incidentally, back to the subject of pronounciation, my sister (who I am very close to) is "Auntie Frankie" to the Girls. This was initally "Auntie Funkie, but somehow got shortened and the "N" became omitted......I love my sister to bits, but we fought like cat and dog growing up, how could I possibly correct that.......:) )

Writen by :
Louisa Baker
Dyna-Girl
www.dynagirl.co.uk

Dyna-Girl