Hugs and Hygge…

When it’s been a challenging week at work, there’s nothing better than hugging my gorgeous twin daughters as they arrive for another session of biscuit fuelled chatter. Despite being unseasonally mild for November, it was still chilly enough to warrant popping the central heating on so we could be all warm and cosy while chomping on jammie dodgers and oreos, washed down with mugs of hot tea.

Snuggled up together on the sofa I showed them photos of my recent day trip to London, while they offered helpful suggestions as to whereabouts in the capital could visit next time. It never ceases to amaze me what a fountain of knowledge my babies are, and it seems I’ll have plenty to look forward to if I choose to explore Camden Town in the spring.

At work we have something called KIT days (‘Keeping In Touch’) for people who are away for long periods, such as maternity leave. Retaining a connection to those people who are important in your life is vital for your emotional well-being, and my regular catch-ups with my girls always have been, and always will be, my raison d’être…

Free Undies…

As a product tester for Tesco I often get the opportunity to try out some unusual items; in the past I’ve assessed everything from a single toilet roll to a luxury jacket; and I was recently offered the chance to road test two bras! The idea is to wear these garments (one at a time, obviously) during a three week period and then report back on a number of topics ranging from the feel of the fabric to how well they washed at 30 degrees.

At work I attracted a few strange looks as I attempted (unsuccessfully) to discreetly adjust myself when straps slid down and material chaffed, but on the whole the assignment was very successful. The clothing was reasonably comfortable and kept the shape well after several wash cycles.

At the end of the trial you get an online form where they require an in-depth review, but that usually only takes a few minutes, after which the product (or products) you’ve tested are yours to keep – result! Now crossing my fingers that the next item they need me to evaluate will be some fabulous new technology..!

Baby, You’re a Firework…

One good thing about knowing your working environment like the back of your hand is that you can easily suss out the best position to stand at the annual fireworks party in order to get the best photos.

As I walked to work for the second time in one day I could hear the ‘boom, boom, boom…’ of the live music stage, so that was the direction I headed off to first. As a vertically challenged person it’s never easy to see anything in a crowd, so against my better judgement I scrambled up a wet, grassy hill to gain an advantage. As it turned out I couldn’t see very well there either, but after weaving my way through the masses I was eventually able to get to the front.

Once the live music had ended it was the DJ’s turn, so I wandered down to where there was a bit more space to watch the light show from a distance. Suddenly, I could hear the dulcet tones of Katy Perry singing Firework so I knew that this was my cue to hot-foot it to my vantage point. I just managed to get my Huawei P20 Pro pointing in the right direction when the show began, and while everyone else was either crammed up against barriers beside a lake or traipsing through mud to get a better view, I was standing on a concrete platform with nobody else anywhere near me. For the next 15 minutes I was able to play around with my camera settings and still enjoy the event without hacking my lungs up from firework smoke.

Some things really are better when you choose to distance yourself from the action…