7 FACTS ABOUT HALLOWEEN!

Halloween has most definitely become a global sensation! Costumes have gone from the traditional witch, devil, ghosts, zombie and ghoul masks to sexy, trendy and fashionable. Forget frightening, it's all about being freakishly stylish! I'm not into the Halloween hoo-ha myself, but, I have wondered if those of you who are have any idea what Halloween is really all about! 

1. It was a pagan holiday honuoring the dead.

2. Trick-or-treating evolved from the ancient Celtic tradition of putting out treats to placate spirits who roamed the streets.

3. Originally, you had to dance for your 'treat' - this was a European practice where people in costume would go door-to-door performing choreographed dances for treats.

4. Jack-o'-lantern comes from an old Irish tale about a man named Stingy Jack and was once made out of turnips, beets and potatoes not pumpkins!

5. In a few American towns, Halloween was once referred to as "cabbage night". This came from a Scottish fortune-telling game, where the girls used cabbage stumps to predict information about their future husbands.

6. Some animal shelters will not allow the adoption of black cats during Halloween for fear they will be sacrificed.

7. Studies have shown that Halloween actually makes children more evil.

Be safe if you plan to be involved with any Halloween shenanigans, folks! Enjoy!

Thanks for reading.

PREVIOUS POST - 8 REASONS WHY THAT JOB ISN'T FOR YOU!

8 REASONS WHY THAT JOB ISN'T FOR YOU!

This should not apply to you if you're self-employed because, surely the work you're doing is by choice and therefore you love it. If it does apply, perhaps you ought to reassess the nature of your work, how you're working and look for ways in which you can improve productivity and progression. Alternatively, you may need to consider a new venture. What are you passionate about?

If you tend to moan and complain about your job more than you speak of it fondly chances are things are terrible and not likely to get any better, or you haven't yet found a positive and productive way to jump the hurdles that come with it. That said, it could be that it just isn't the job for you especially if you identify with the following (and other such factors):

1. Monday is more than the sort of struggle we meme about! You feel quite low, irritated, moody, have a headache and these feelings stay with you throughout the working week.

2. You care about the company/your job much less than you did when you first started and, not only are you no longer working to the best of your ability, you find yourself frequently checking the time to see how long you have left before your shift ends.

3. Although you get along with your colleagues, you've lost interest in them socially and actually find yourself easily annoyed by them from time to time for the smallest of things which is causing tension, conflict and an uncomfortable working environment.

4. You're cutting corners instead of being thorough, you lack attention to detail and always avoid going the extra mile.

5. You've started smoking more, or have taken up smoking so as to have frequent breaks.

6. Eating has either become a comforter, or there's a loss of appetite. Sometimes we eat larger quantities/portions when we don't have much to do, are bored, or just cannot be bothered to get on with our work. If you have found yourself suddenly eating junk food, or more processed foods than usual, your stress levels may be higher than you feel. A change in your appetite might be a sign of something a tad more serious! Could be worth consulting your GP.

7. Outside interests have taken a back seat due to minimal enthusiasm, or you find yourself wanting to participate in activities that are a bit outlandish to compensate for the boredom and frustration you feel when at work.

8. Despite the fact that unemployment is not the way forward, you have considered quitting your job without first securing other prospects.

A job is one aspect of your life, so it should not consume your entire being. If you feel strongly that, even though you may enjoy the work, your job isn't for you, start making plans to go after what it is you'd rather be doing (career wise) and begin taking the relevant steps so you can move on! While it can be a scary time (especially as we approach Halloween - cue ghost sound effects.... Okay, lame joke), it will most likely be one of the best times of your life, as you will undoubtedly learn a lot about yourself and will have opportunities to try new things, or maybe gain additional qualifications. So, get planning! Go and pursue the better that you deserve!! You were born to live not merely exist, especially not to serve someone else providing a service you don't even enjoy.

Thanks for reading.

PREVIOUS POST - 5 TIPS: HOW TO LIVE BROKE

5 TIPS: HOW TO LIVE BROKE!!

Sometimes, despite every effort to keep our heads above financial water, we can run into difficulties and go through stages where we have a lot less than we need to keep the roof over our head and ensure we're eating every day. Sadly, for too many, this can become an ongoing problem. If it's about low wages and your employer will not, or is not able to, give you a pay rise, keep looking for a job that pays better (without costing you more). If it's about expenses, revise your outgoings and cut, or cull anything you can minimise, or do without. 

Whenever you can foresee a month where you will have less money, it's a good idea to try to make sure you will still have everything you need (NOT want) because, the situation will be made a whole lot worse if you're unable to cover your costs and fuel your body, real talk!

1. Bills first, always! - This must be your number one priority!! Take a look at your expenditure and make sure, no matter what, you have your overheads covered. Having a clear yet detailed spreadsheet can help to keep you on top of things.

2. Reduce monthly travel costs by cancelling any non urgent plans - you can see your friends next month, go on that weekend trip with your partner another time and that treat you wanted to give yourself can wait until whenever!

3. Groceries - purchase the cheapest of the best/healthiest range from quality supermarkets/stores. Asda's own range is decent and Lidl is really good too! 

4. Toiletries - bulk buy cheaper alternatives of any products you're running low on. Especially deodorant, body lotion, etc. Not feeling good due to a lack of funds is one thing, but, you want to make sure your hygiene and appearance is on top form!

5. Increase your income - if you can, do (some) overtime and/or put your other skills to use by offering Freelance services to independent organisations (you may need to register as self employed to do this). Grab a pen and paper right now and list all of the things you're good at for which you have proven experience, put together proposals of your services, then seek out those who are looking for someone with your skills/expertise and contact them. You've nothing to lose!

BONUS TIP

Take a look at the following apps (active at the time of publishing this post, however, they may not be available on all phones, or in every country) to help boost your bank balance by saving you a lot of money on your shopping! 

• Receipt Hog - scan shopping receipts to earn rewards.
• ClickSnap - cashback, discounts and more at selected retailers.
• CheckoutSmart - tells you where you can find local bargains and exclusive offers.

You are not your circumstances and everything is temporary, so, remain hopeful, stay busy, pray, confide in your trusted loved ones (who may be able to assist you during your tough times) and where necessary seek professional advice and support. You are strong and you're a fighter. There is no setback that you cannot overcome. x

Thanks for reading.

PREVIOUS POST - HOW TO GET AHEAD THIS CHRISTMAS!

HOW TO GET AHEAD THIS CHRISTMAS! 🎅

If you've been reading my blog posts for the last few years you will be very aware of the fact that I was so against the festive season. However, I'm now all about it from becoming an auntie for the second time! I love my niece and nephew to absolute pieces and it's lovely to see their faces light up during the celebrations...

I've always enjoyed buying gifts for others, especially when it comes to birthdays so, I tend to plan and prepare well in advance which allows for a decent amount of time to create, or buy presents I can put a lot of thought into. I actually start thinking about Christmas gifts as early as July!

Here are some tips on how you can get ahead without going broke this Christmas.

TIP 1
Charity Shops / Discount Stores - towards the end of September/beginning of October, many of them stock decorations (much cheaper than high street shops), as well as novelty and sample products, like those pictured below, (that haven't been used) which are good for stocking fillers, or they can be added to a box of assorted gifts.

These were 49p each from an East London charity shop!

TIP 2
Unwanted items - as long as they haven't been opened/used, you can give them as a beautifully wrapped present. Just make sure you're not giving the gift back to the person who bought it for you! LOL!!

TIP 3
Get creative - If you know a loved one is really into wall art, or home decor, for example, you can make a gift using bits and bobs you have at home, or inexpensive quality materials from your local craft shop. If you're not very good at D.I.Y, have a look on YouTube for 'How To' video's.

Home made wall quotes, total cost £3.99

TIP 4
Treatwell - this app/website is super useful for amazing bargains! Whether it's a back massage you're after, a personal trainer, a weekend away, or you want to book an experience for someone, there are many affordable treats and there really is something for everyone, literally! Do the relevant checks before making any purchases.

TIP 5 
Recycle - instead of buying new outfits, especially if you'll only be indoors with your family, why not customise an old festive jumper and hat, or team the jumper you wore last year with a different pair of trousers, skirt, dungarees, dress, or jeans with an alternative make-up look and hairstyle?

Yes, that is my 2017 Christmas jumper of choice!

BONUS TIP
Going forward, if you can, buy a few bits throughout the year, every month, so as not to spend all of your November/December wages (in one go) leaving you behind on bills and broke come the New Year!

It isn't necessary to spend thousands, or even hundreds, for the few hours in the one day on which we all celebrate Christmas. The most important aspect is being with your loved ones, chilling, having fun and munching some yummy food! See how much you can save this year in comparison to 2016. I challenge you to be, at least, £100/$130 better off!!

Thanks for reading.

PREVIOUS POST - UNINSPIRED & LOST