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Articles by Guest Blogs
Start Smart, Dream Big: How to Build a Home Business
Guest post by Stephanie Pravaz of Rich List Plans So, you’re thinking about starting a home business? Maybe you want more flexibility, to be there for the school runs, to work your own hours or finally bring that idea you’ve been dreaming of, to life? It would be a dream come true, right? It could be, but in may also be messy, exhaustive, time-consuming, and even a little bit terrifying. Still, with a bit of planning, and the right support, you can totally do this.
How to Find the Time to Start a Business as a Stay at Home Mum
Starting a business as a stay at home mum can often feel like an impossible dream. Between toddler tantrums, playgroups and mountains of washing that could compete with Everest, finding even a few spare minutes in the day can feel daunting. With all the responsibilities that come with being a stay at home mum, it’s no wonder that so many mums hesitate to take the first steps towards starting their own business.
LASR Anniversary Scavenger Hunt: Lucy Felthouse
1 Star – We currently do not review any story with a 1 star rating. If it’s DNF or a “wall-banger” we decline to review. 2 Stars — Not wonderful, but tolerable. There may be some minor editing glitches but not enough to stop you reading. Not a wall-banger, but nothing you’d re-read. This is a book you would borrow from the library – not buy- and never check out again.
Guest Blogs
Thanks for joining us on our 17th anniversary scavenger hunt! There are two ways to enter to win and it’s easy to play– first read the blurb below, then answer the question on the first Rafflecopter. You might win a $100 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC (along with other prizes). Follow and visit authors’ social media pages on the second Rafflecopter and you’re entered to win another $100 Amazon/BN GC (along with other prizes)! A musician. An angel. A hearing impaired artist. Simple. Kinky. Complicated.
How to Survive the School Holidays without Going Under
Guest post from our resident money-saving blogger – Frugal Jools The summer holidays can be a worrying time for parents who are on a limited income, especially in the curretn times. The children are around the house, snacking and eating more, and they also want to be entertained at least some of the time. At the same time, one or both parents may need to cut their working hours in order to look after them – no wonder it’s a squeeze.
Managing Finances as a Couple
Guest blog from Karen Hackman of Money and Marriage Managing finances as a couple can be challenging, particularly when one partner is totally overwhelmed or reluctant to talk about money. You may not only struggle to talk about money but also face differences in income, existing debts, and completely different money mindsets. Believe me, there is a way to get on the same financial page, create money goals, and crush them as a team.
A journey to authentic living
A guest post by Carol Mae Whittick, Toastmasters International As we become more reliant on screened devices for communication, education, information, and entertainment we also need to be able to discern reality from the augmented, and facts from misinformation. I believe that the demand to understand and experience authenticity is a collective response to the increasingly artificial world we find ourselves in. What does this mean for us as individuals?
Money Mindset Tips for the Busy Working Mum
Money mindset is essentially how we think and feel about money. It encompasses our beliefs, attitudes, and habits around earning, spending, saving, and investing. A positive money mindset can significantly impact our financial health, helping us make better decisions and achieve our financial goals. When I became a mum, my entire world changed, including my outlook on money. Suddenly, I wasn’t just responsible for myself anymore.
5 Frugal Habits for Organised Mums Working from Home
A Post about Frugal Habits by resident money-saving Bloger Frugal Jools Balancing the roles of motherhood and working from home can be both rewarding and challenging. With the right strategies, however, you can streamline your routine, boost productivity, and save money in the process. Here are five frugal ways for organised mums to thrive in their work-from-home environment while keeping finances in check. Why: Designating a specific area for work helps maintain focus and productivity.
How to use a Monthly Budget Planner and why you need one
Our resident money-saving blogger – Frugal Jools talks about using a monthly budget planner and how it can help you We all know how hectic life can get when you’re balancing work, kids, and everything in between. One moment you’re packing lunches, the next you’re in a Zoom meeting, and then it’s off to football practice. Amidst all this chaos, keeping track of your finances can feel like an impossible task.
Why I Am Frugal as a Busy Working Mum and How It Helps Me Save Money
A guest post by resident money saving blogger Frugal Jools As a busy working mum, life often feels like a balancing act between managing work, family, and finances. One of the ways I ensure our family thrives without unnecessary stress is through frugality. Embracing a frugal lifestyle not only helps us save money but also brings us closer together as a family. Here’s a glimpse into why I am frugal and how it benefits our lives.
Balancing Work, Parenting,
Guest Post by MoneySavvy Jools Being a working mum is no easy feat. Juggling between work, parenting, and all the other responsibilities can leave little time to focus on financial goals. However, implementing a no-spend challenge can be a game-changer in achieving those goals while managing the chaos. In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips and strategies tailored for busy mums who are navigating the delicate balance of work, parenting, and saving.
The Blogging Mums Club Blog Carnival April 2024: Springtime
My lovely Facebook group The Blogging Mums Club is coming back to life again after a hibernation period. The group is for new and established bloggers and for those who want to start a blog, and we have lots of new members joininng right now and lots of lively discussions. I’m always very happy to help answer people’s questions about blogging. A couple of weeks ago one of the members suggested that we should do a blog carnival.
A Dorset Dog Mum's Journey
Guest post by Nina Cole Living in Dorset, surrounded by rolling hills and charming villages, is the perfect backdrop for a Dorset dog mum’s adventures. Imagine crisp mornings spent exploring hidden coves along the Jurassic Coast, your furry companion paddling excitedly beside you. Or, picture blustery afternoons seeking shelter in a cosy pub, your well-behaved pup curled up contentedly at your feet. Well, being a Dorset Dog Mum isn’t just about picturesque scenery.
Why Dreaming Small is Holding You Back
A Guest Post by Natasha Mairs from Serenity You Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a cycle of setting small, safe goals that never quite push you to reach your full potential? It’s a common mindset that many of us fall into, but what if I told you that dreaming small could actually be holding you back from achieving greatness?
The Dual Life of a Work from Home Parent - from Zoom Meetings to Playdates
A guest post by Micaela Burr of Stylish London Living In the new normal, where our living rooms have become boardrooms and our toddlers’ playtime overlaps with conference calls, Work from home parents are navigating the uncharted waters of balancing professional obligations with full-time childcare. As I glance over at my 1-year-old daughter, who seems to have an uncanny sense for when I’m about to start a Zoom call, I’m reminded of the unique challenges and joys this setup brings.
How to have an Eco-Friendly Holiday
I am very pleased to welcome another new guest blogger to the Mum’s the Boss family, Terri Brown from the Strawberry Fountain. You can read more about Terri below, but first here is her advice on how to have an eco-friendly holiday with your family.
Home and Lifestyle | Mum's the Boss
Why Gas Condensing Boilers Dominate the UK Heating Scene by | Mar 11, 2024 | Home and Garden In the dynamic world of home heating, one innovation that has taken the UK by storm is the gas condensing boiler. With a focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, these boilers have become dominant in transforming how households approach heating...
Unlocking Self-Care: Thrifty Tips for Busy Mums on a Budget
Another post by resident blogger @frugal_jools Being a mum is a rollercoaster of joy, chaos, and love. But while nurturing little ones, it’s easy to forget about nurturing ourselves. As a thrifty mum myself, I understand the juggling act of managing time, money, and sanity. That’s why I’m here to share some savvy tips on how to prioritise self-care on a budget. Let’s face it, between school runs, work deadlines, and housework finding time for self-care can feel like mission impossible.
What is Generative AI and How Does it Impact Artists?
by Carly Rector Carly Rector runs CO2ign Art and NeonMob, platforms for digital art collecting. She has a 15+ year background working with machine learning at Amazon, and is a long-time patron of digital art. She gives an overview of recent developments in generative AI and how they impact artists and the art industry. What is generative AI? AI or “artificial intelligence” is a bit of a buzzword.
Zero Carbon, Without a Net
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has released Standard 228-2023, which is a “standard method of evaluating zero-net energy and zero-net carbon building performance,” and something that has been sorely needed for many years. Few terms have been more misunderstood or misused than “net zero,” which may be why ASHRAE turned it around and called it “zero net”—yet another descriptor adding to the confusion circling this topic.
It's Either Net Zero or It's Not
For developers, corporations, and even entire cities and nation states, meeting climate goals has been boiled down to a single contingency: achieving net-zero emissions. That now ubiquitous buzz phrase “net zero” has become the yardstick by which we measure our collective virtue and commitment to stemming the climate crisis, one CO2e at a time.
Creating Art: Digital vs. Traditional
by guest bloggers Catherine Kirkland and Catharine Deever Both traditionally made and digitally created artwork offer benefits to artists and collectors. When one is shopping for artwork to enhance a living or working space, there are many choices. One of them is traditional art—original works created by hand with conventional materials such as paint and brush. Another option that is gaining in popularity is digitally created artwork, made exclusively with software on a computer or other device.
Dave Walker's new album tribute to late girlfriend Lisa is amazing says Live Sounds' Martin Hovden
LIVE SOUNDS by Martin Hovden: Dave Walker’s musical tribute to his late girlfriend Lisa Any journalist will tell you that when you are invited to cover an event (or “job” as we call them), the vast majority turn out to be interesting, informative, fun or exciting. I’ve just got home from an album launch by Southport singer / songwriter Dave Walker – and the word I’m going to use is AMAZING.
Southport CAMRA: Sad news as Hungry Horse closes as pub campaigns for hospitality VAT cut
Guest Blog By Neville Grundy, Southport & West Lancs Camra On Thursday 23rd September, JD Wetherspoon (JDW) pubs will be cutting the price of all food and drinks by 7.5%. They intend to show how the hospitality industry would benefit from a permanent cut in VAT. The cut will be for one day only as part of the Tax Equality Day campaign.
Stand Up For Southport rockets past 21,000 Facebook followers
Our Stand Up For Southport Facebook group has now rocketed past 21,000 local members! We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has joined our group in the past two years. It has been unbelievable to see our community grow so fast. We also have over 5,000 people in our Stand Up For Southport Instagram group and 5,000 on Twitter for anyone who’d like to follow those sites too, as well as keeping up with all the latest local news on our website.
Southport CAMRA: Don't miss the 2022 S&Beer Fest this August Bank Holiday weekend
Guest Blog By Neville Grundy, Southport & West Lancs Camra Over the bank holiday weekend, 26th to 29th August 2022, the Southport & Birkdale Sports Club will host its 2nd Annual SNBeer Festival, billed as ‘the perfect way for families to end this year’s school holidays in style’. There will in total be more than 50 barrels of beer supplied the best-known breweries both from the region and across the nation.
Thriving as an Artist During Tough Times
by guest blogger Linda Finstad Artist Linda Finstad used coffee to build her art business in the most difficult of times. She found a way to not only turn coffee into cash, but bring a smile and a reason to celebrate every day. At the start of the pandemic I began using coffee instead of paint in my art. The reason for using coffee as paint was partly out of necessity (when everything closed for the every first time I was unable to get my regular art supplies) and partly out of experimentation.
Southport CAMRA: 'The Beer Inn is definitely worth calling in next time you're in town'
Guest Blog By Neville Grundy, Southport & West Lancs Camra The Beer Inn in Southport’s Northern Quarter is the new name of Merseyside’s first micropub; it was originally called the Inn Beer Shop when it was first opened by Pete and Pam Bardsley and then the Bottle Shop. After a prolonged closure owing to COVID-19, it reopened in February with new owners.
I Needed to Find Myself Before Starting My Own Art Business
Jenn Cohen, founder of Facsimile, shares her journey as an artist and finding balance as a creative entrepreneur. I don’t exactly recall my very first moments holding a camera, but I remember the feeling. I could focus on specific settings, objects, and people and was in complete control. It was a visual meditation and allowed me to be present with what I saw through the viewfinder and forget everything else around me.
Southport CAMRA: Too many great pubs are still closed post pandemic
Guest Blog By Neville Grundy, Southport & West Lancs Camra The Campaign for Real Ale has released its pub closure statistics for 2021 and is calling for intervention from government to protect the great British pub. The figures released today show that across Great Britain last year 290 pubs were demolished or converted to another use – an average of just over five a week.
Search Results for “Wish list”
Long and Short Reviews welcomes Xenia Melzer who is celebrating the recent release of Demon’s Wish, book 1 in the Demon Mates series. Enter the giveaway at the end of the post to win signed/personalized copies of books 1 & 2 in the Club Whisper series and a $5.00 First For Romance Gift Code! Enjoy an Excerpt “Is everybody set?” Sammy looked around the group of people gathered in his bookstore. It was Wednesday, which meant there would be a book club meeting after closing hours.
Advice for Artists: The Value of a Personal Network
Arts advocate and marketing expert Rickie Leiter shares her knowledge and enthusiasm for building a network to appreciate and amplify your art marketing message. Everyone knows people; we all have contacts ranging from personal friends to business colleagues. You can utilize your network of contacts, even if you have not seen some of them for a long time. It’s a matter of re-establishing relationships, which can ultimately amplify your marketing voice and reach.
Southport CAMRA: Grasshopper bar in Hillside wins CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year honour
Guest Blog By Neville Grundy, Southport & West Lancs Camra Southport and West Lancs Branch of CAMRA has announced its two Cider Pubs of the Year. Real cider and perry (similar to cider but made from pears) used to be very rare here in the North West, but nowadays they are increasingly stocked by our pubs and bars, very often served by hand pump. The North Sefton Cider Pub of the Year is the Grasshopper on Sandon Road in Hillside.
Review: An evening with Kelly Bond & special guests at The Bold Hotel in Southport
Andrew Brown, April 23, 2022April 23, 2022, Guest Blogs, Southport, Review by Rebecca Casey: An evening with Kelly Bond & special guests What a lovely well organised charity fundraiser for Dementia UK. A celebration of music and memories in memory of Kelly’s beloved grandmother Maureen. 100% of the evening’s ticket sales and fundraising will go directly to the charity, so it was lovely to see the venue, The Bold Hotel on Lord Street in Southport, so busy.
Polish Day in Southport celebrates courage and devotion in the face of tyranny. Sound familiar?
By Andrew Brown The story of a peaceful, Eastern European country suddenly being invaded by armed forces led by a dictator without provocation or without warning – and the courage of its people in resisting the brutal advances – is one that everyone is talking about. Last summer, it was also the focus of a brilliant exhibition that was opened at The Atkinson in Southport in what has proved to become an eerie prediction of what was to come.
Why You Need an Artist Statement and How to Use It
by Adam Eisenstat An artist statement is a concise written summary of your work that sets the tone for your brand story and marketing messages. Ultimately, the point of an artist statement is make others more interested in your work.
Southport CAMRA: Spotlight on the Golden Monkey real ale bar in Ainsdale in Southport
Andrew Brown, January 31, 2022January 31, 2022, Guest Blogs, Ainsdale, Blog, CAMRA., Southport, Guest Blog By Neville Grundy, Southport & West Lancs Camra In Ainsdale close to the railway station, you’ll find the Golden Monkey, a new real ale bar which opened in June last year in what used to be a dental laboratory. It consists of a small bar to the front and a larger room at the rear.
Southport CAMRA: Covid lockdowns accelerated pub closures but didn't start them
Andrew Brown, January 3, 2022January 3, 2022, Guest Blogs, CAMRA., Hospitality, Southport, Guest Blog by Neville Grundy, Southport & West Lancs Campaign for Real Ale The hospitality industry in England is breathing a collective sigh of relief that the previous COVID-19 restrictions have not been reimposed. The loss of New Year would have been devastating, and keeping restrictions to a minimum will definitely help to protect businesses and jobs.
How to Get Started with Art Licensing
Thinking of licensing your artwork? Painter Tim Saternow shares his experience and recommendations for artists interested in this channel. Artist Tim Saternow with an original painting that was licensed, and assistant Rigby Have you ever walked through an IKEA, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Target, or similar home store and thought, “Where do they find all this framed art?” Welcome to the world of art publishing. These companies rent the right to duplicate artwork to be printed and sold.
Southport Contemporary Arts courses are helping our senior citizens to 'grow riper, not older'
Guest Blog by Martin Dawber Picasso’s maxim that “we don’t grow older, we grow riper” underpins the welcome truism that age is no longer a barrier in the creative arts. Luckily we now live in an inclusive age that provides many different ways for older adults to express and enjoy their creativity by fostering a sense of shared experience that celebrates the diversity and history of their lives.
What Corporate Net-Zero Pledges Really Mean
Corporate and government pledges to eliminate carbon emissions are growing common. However, some accounting methods for calculating emissions can be misleading. Photo courtesy x1klima / CC BY-ND / Flickr. You’ll probably hear the term “net-zero emissions” a lot over the coming weeks as government leaders and CEOs, under pressure, talk about how they’ll reduce their countries’ or businesses’ impact on climate change.
Southport is swapping buckets and spades for laptops with our growing Digital, Creative and Tech sector
Stand Up For Southport Blog by Andrew Brown Southport is swapping its buckets and spades for laptops – and the changes couldn’t be more welcome. Our town has a long and proud history as one of the UK’s premier seaside resorts. Visitors have known what to expect – a beautiful seaside, good times at the fairground, excellent parks, memorable times browsing shops, eating in restaurants and enjoying the great nightlife. Around 6,500 jobs in Southport are directly dependent on tourism.
Southport CAMRA: Two new real ale festivals are a welcome sign of normality returning
Guest Blog by Neville Grundy, Southport & West Lancs Campaign for Real Ale For the discerning beer drinker, a welcome sign of a return to normality must be the re-emergence of beer festivals. I’ve recently received news of a beer festival with a difference: it will be held in Liverpool’s iconic Bombed Out Church from Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th November.
A route towards a safer, cleaner, healthier and quieter environment for Southport?
Guest Blog by Stephen Hesketh, Sefton Climate Action Group One of the most controversial topics in local politics, on #StandUpForSouthport and in the local press in recent times has surely been that of cycle lanes. Looking for solutions which benefit the entire local community, members of the local non-party ‘Sefton Climate Action’ group discussed this and related issues during a recent online call.
Southport CAMRA: Pub landlords deserve more support if we want them to thrive
Andrew Brown, September 13, 2021September 13, 2021, Guest Blogs, Business, CAMRA., Hospitality, Southport, Guest Blog by Neville Grundy, Southport & West Lancs Campaign for Real Ale Why do pubs close permanently? The Southport and West Lancashire area has lost a number of traditional pubs in recent years, especially as a result of the pandemic. The question is why are pubs so vulnerable?
How an Artist Created and Sold NFT Artwork
by Andrew Mease Photographer Andrew Mease explains this new trend, how it works, and what he learned from becoming an NFT artist. Florida photographer and NFT artist Andrew Mease. I am a fine art photographer in South Florida, specializing in the diverse and exotic landscapes and wildlife in this tropical region. My greatest interest is capturing photos of birds, and most especially owls, while educating the public on our ecosystems and the wildlife that inhabit them.
Cut and Run by Lucy Felthouse - Spotlight
Long and Short Reviews welcomes Lucy Felthouse who is celebrating the recent release of Cut and Run, the second book in the The Dreadnoughts series. Kim’s on track to save the world—but will she pay with her life? Kim Medhurst, ex-British military intelligence officer turned scientist and climate activist, has a vitally important project on her hands. The mysterious object she set out to retrieve from the remote Scottish island has the potential to power the entire planet.
Guest Blog: Our 2021 High School Prom gave us all a moment of utter delight which shows what unites us all
Guest Blog by Mrs Hinde of Meols Cop High School, Southport The year is 2021 – and inclusivity, equality and celebration of all identities are our values. If there’s anything we can say about the last 18 months, there’s been challenge. There’s been division. There have been points where our society hasn’t seemed united, where in truth we have seemed quite divided.
How to Make Art with Creative Coding
by guest blogger Andrew Bryant An artist explains the concept and technique of making art using computer programming. Artist and coder Andrew Bryant Coding is the practice of writing instructions for a computer to execute. We know that it’s a tool for building technology. But did you know it is also a medium of artistic expression? Creative coding is the practice of making art with code.
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