Quote of the Week

The best way out is always through. – Robert Frost

Quote of the Week

Men’s best successes come after their disappointments. – Henry Ward Beecher

Quote of the Week

Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant. - Johann Gottfried Von Herder

Household Hint

To open tight jar lids wrap an elastic band several times around the edge of the lid and it will be much easier to grip and open.

Christmas Opening Times 2011

Happy Christmas!
StairSteady Christmas office opening times:
21st December-open as normal (9am-5pm)
22nd December-Closed

23rd December-closed
24th December-closed
25th December-closed
26th December-closed
27th December-closed
28th December-emergencies only (answer machine)
29th December-emergencies only (answer machine)
30th December-emergencies only (answer machine)
31st December-closed

1st January-closed
2nd January-closed
3rd January-open as normal (9am-5pm)

We are not open much over Christmas as our manufacturers and fitters have a well deserved break, however we will have the phone on and answer machine (which we will be checking from the 28th-31st). we will also be checking our emails so you can email on either info@stairsteady.net

We hope you have a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year!

From Ruth and the StairSteady Team

Reducing Stress at Christmas

Christmas is supposed to be a happy time but with so much pressure to have a ‘perfect family’ or a ‘perfect day’ it can be a stressful time for many people. BA AM has a website with some really good tips on how to reduce your stress this Christmas. http://www.beatinganger.com/12-tips-for-a-stress-and-anger-free-christmas
Here are some ideas on how to reduce your stress levels.

Manage expectations - The build up to Christmas is exciting, especially for young children. However, this is also a time when financial stress can build and if the items on Father Christmas’ list aren’t feasible, it’s important that the surprise isn’t saved until Christmas morning. Be open with your children about the cost of presents and give them an idea of what is affordable. Also manage your own expectations. If you make a list of three things that are really important for you to happen on Christmas day eg. Nice food, family, games etc then make sure you include those in the day and let some of the other aspects slide.

Queue jump - Avoid the last minute chaos of the high street and shopping by thinking ahead. Make a list of the items you need to get and delegate if necessary! Make use of home delivery and internet shopping. Stock up on the basics and only shop in person for the important ‘extras’.

Cutback commitments - If the thought of a drinks party with the neighbours or mince pie with old friends adds to the festive headache, politely decline. Be sensible about the amount of time you can commit to entertaining and being entertained! If the Christmas break provides a welcome opportunity to relax then take it. Be aware of these additional costs to your budget too as hidden extras can cause stress later on.

Share - If the Christmas build up leaves you feeling overwhelmed, share your concerns with someone close. Confiding in someone else will help you to rationalise your worries. Plan to also share the responsibility for the day itself, so that its success does not rest on your shoulders and in your mind. People will be happy to contribute.

Healthy mind - Exercise will help clear the mind and often, remove you from the immediate and often chaotic environment of home. Children often welcome the chance to run around and release all the pent up excitement too.

Be better, not bitter - It’s inevitable at some point over Christmas – we’ll be stuck in a corner with or sat next to the person we spend the rest of the year trying to avoid. Resorting to rudeness will only add to the build up of stress and anger. Avoid lowering your tone to their level and instead, diffuse the situation with polite, respectable behaviour. Try to remember it is only for a short amount of time. If it is too much then offer to help with something in a different room or go get some air etc. removing yourself from the situation can help.

Keep perspective - Remember who and what is important at times of intense stress. The moment will pass and you’ll find comfort in letting it do so without the build up of emotion. Taking some deep breaths and imagining a calm place can help too. Saying something positive to yourself either silently or out loud may help too.

Avoid excess - Alcohol is responsible for many an argument as drinking lowers your defences and can change your mood. It can be more difficult to keep a perspective while under its influence. Consuming too much food, particularly of the rich and sugary nature can also lead to mood swings and dips in general wellbeing. Watching what the children eat is also important, eating a whole selection box isn’t going to lead to a quiet and well behaved afternoon!!

Think ahead - What normally sets you off at Christmas? Are there recurring conversations or arguments that you could avoid or change in the way you handle them. Identifying the sources of our anger and what triggers it is key to responding to a situation. Can you change the situation to something that would be easier to handle? Small changes may make a big difference to your stress levels.


Find some calm - If you find yourself getting angry, remove yourself from the situation. Walk away and find a quiet place if you can – this will give you important time to calm your mood and think about the bigger picture. If you need an excuse, tell others you are getting some fresh air or going for a walk as you’ve eaten too much.

Learn to listen - Listening is a skill, but one that is easy to master and useful for avoiding arguments. Listen carefully to the other person is saying and show you understand their point of view – even if you don’t agree with it. Choose your words carefully to avoid the build up of emotion e.g. avoid “you always…” and instead use “you sometimes…”. Speak at a normal volume, don’t shout; don’t argue, instead discuss.

Relax - Don’t give yourself a hard time about making Christmas perfect. The responsibility doesn’t rest with one person and it’s worth always remembering that for most, it’s just one day of the year. Try some of the relaxation tips from the BBC on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotional_health/mental_health/coping_relaxation.shtml


We hope that these hints and tips help you to have a happy and stress free Christmas!

Quote of the Week

Storms make Oaks take roots – Proverbs

Christmas Traditions.

Christmas traditions vary greatly from country to country even within Europe. Even the way we say Merry Christmas is widely different. Here are a few examples:
Dutch: Zalig Kerstfeast, English: Merry Christmas, French: Joyeux Noel, German: Fröhliche Weihnachten Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie, Polish: Boze Narodzenie and Spanish: Feliz Navidad.

Denmark
An old Danish tradition is the Christmas plate. This was a tradition in the early days where rich Danes gave plates biscuits and fruit as presents to their servants. These plates were the nicest and best kind and were not used for everyday use, this is the reason why they became so collectable.
These days the Danish take great pride making their own decorations with bright paper, bits of wood and straw. The parents secretly decorate the tree, and children are not permitted to see the tree until dinner on Christmas Eve. The tree is then lit up and families gather around to sing carols and hymns.
In Denmark Christmas Eve is called Juleaften and is the biggest occasion of the year. Parties go on all night, with traditional prune-stuffed roast goose, red cabbage, fried pastries, and cinnamon-laced rice pudding called Grod.
The Christmas elves called Julenisse are appeased with rice pudding, and dishes of seeds are placed outdoors for wild birds.

France
Christmas in France again has many different traditions. On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts from Pere Noel. In the morning they also find that sweets, fruit, nuts and small toys have been hung on the tree. In cathedral squares, the story of Christ's birth is re-enacted by both players and puppets.
Nearly every French home at Christmastime displays a Nativity scene or crèche, which serves as the focus for the Christmas celebration. The crèche is often peopled with little clay figures called santons or "little saints."
Food is served in great abundance at the grand feast of the season, which is called le reveillon. Le reveillon is a very late supper held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The menu for the meal varies according to regional culinary tradition, but can include goose, turkey with chestnuts, oysters, pat de foie gras, poultry, ham, salads, cake, fruit and wine.
In France it is a time for the whole family to come together at Christmas time to holiday and worship. On the eve of Christmas beautifully lit churches and cathedrals, ring out Christmas carols with the church bells. Once dinner is over and the family has retired to bed, they leave a fire burning and food and drink on the table in case the Virgin Mary calls in. Children leave their shoes or wooden clogs called sabots in the hearth for the Christ Child or Pere Noel to fill.

Germany
In Germany the Christmas preparations often begin on the eve of December 6th. People often set aside special evenings for baking spiced cakes and cookies, and making gifts and decorations. Little dolls of fruit are traditional Christmas toys. Germans also make beautiful gingerbread houses and cookies. The German Christmas tree pastry, Christbaumgeback, is a white dough that can be molded into shapes and baked for tree decorations.
In parts of Germany, people believe that the Christ Child sends a messenger in Christmas Eve. He appears as an angel in a white robe and crown, bearing gifts. The angel is called Christkind. There is also a Christmas Eve figure called Weihnachtsmann or Christmas Man, he looks like Santa Claus and also brings gifts.
Some homes in Germany have several Christmas trees, and in all towns across Germany, they can be seen glittering and glowing. T hey may also have advent wreaths of Holly with four red candles in the center. They light one candle each Sunday and last on Christmas Eve.

Italy
The Christmas season in Italy goes for three weeks, starting 8 days before Christmas known as the Novena. During this period, children go from house to house reciting Christmas poems and singing. They are given money to buy presents.
Children wait until Epiphany, January 6, for their presents. According to tradition, the presents are delivered by a kind ugly witch called Befana on a broomstick. It was said that she was told by the three kings that the baby Jesus was born, she was busy and delayed visiting the baby. She missed the Star lost her way and has been flying around ever since, leaving presents at every house with children in case he is there. She slides down chimneys, and fills stockings and shoes with good things for good children and it is said leaves coal for children who are not so good

Poland
Traditionally, Advent is an important season in the Polish year, with special church services, known as Roraty, being held every morning at 6am. The four Sundays of Advent are said to represent the 4,000 years of waiting for Christ.
Special tasks carried out during Advent are the baking of the Christmas piernik or honey cake, and the making of Christmas decorations. Pierniki are made in a great variety of shapes, including hearts, animals and St Nicholas figures. Traditional decorations include the pajaki, which are handmade mobiles, stars and decorated egg shells. Pajaki are traditional decorations, colorful paper chains and lots of electric lights.
Beautifully lit Christmas trees are placed in all public arenas, outside churches and in homes. Traditionally the trees are decorated with shiny apples, gift walnuts, beautifully wrapped chocolate shapes and many homemade decorations and candles. On the top of the tree is a star or a glittering top piece. In many homes, sparklers are hung on the branches of the trees giving it a magical air.
Christmas Eve, Wigilia, is an important part of the Polish Christmas. Oplatek is served on this day it is a piece of bread pressed with a holy picture on the surface. Oplatek is more symbolic than real food. People once carried these oplatek from house to house and wish their neighbors a Merry Christmas. Nowadays, the bread is mostly shared with members of the family and immediate neighbors. As each person shares the bread, they would have to do two things: forgive any hurts that have occurred over the past year and to wish the person all the happiness in the coming year.
Christmas is celebrated with at least 12 different vegetarian dishes like: mushroom soup, carp, cabbage with pea, stuffed dumplings, and shells macaroni with poppy "makielki". In some homes some hay is put under the tablecloth to symbolise Christ's manger.

Spain
Christmas is a deeply religious holiday in Spain. In Spain it is a very festive time at Christmas. On Christmas Eve, as the stars come out, tiny oil lamps are lit in every house, and after Midnight Mass and Christmas Dinner, streets fill with dancers and onlookers. There is a special Christmas dance called the Jota and the words and music have been handed down for hundreds of years. They dance to the sound of guitars and castanets.Most homes have a manger; these are complete with carved figures. Children think of the Three Wise Man as the gift bearers. Tradition has it that they arrive on January 6th, the date the Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus. The Spanish especially honour the cow at Christmas because it is thought that when Mary gave birth to Jesus the cow in the stable breathed on the Baby Jesus to keep him warm.Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena or "the Good Night." It is a time for family members to gather together to rejoice and feast around the Nativity scenes that are present in nearly every home. A traditional Christmas treat is turron, a kind of almond candy. Christmas Eve is the most important part of Christmas in Spain and dinner that day is the biggest meal of the year, people eat 'well' lobster is very common, and a roast of some sort is essential (usually lamb or suckling pig). In addition to all this, most families will also have soup (usually fish), and an abundance of other seafood, cheeses, hams and pates. Dinner starts late, at about 10pm and will go on for a couple of hours. Shoes are filled with straw or barley for the tired camels that must carry their riders through the busy night. By morning the camel food is gone and in place of the straw or barley are presents. Shoes also may be placed on balconies on the night of the 6th January in the hope that the Wise Men will fill them with gifts.

World AIDS Day 2011

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.
More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus.
This year’s theme is Act Aware. But before people can act aware they need to be aware of the facts. There are two really excellent websites that give you a lot of facts, information on how to stay safe and ways in which you can help raise awareness and funds. They are:

http://www.hivaware.org.uk/
http://www.worldaidsday.org/about-hiv.php

HIV Facts:
HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body's immune system — the body's defence against diseases.
HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.
There are now more people than ever living with HIV in the UK — more than 90,000 — with around a quarter of those unaware they have the virus.
Here are a few more facts about HIV in the UK:
· Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact
· You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample
· HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
· Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV
· You can get the results of an HIV test in just 15-20 minutes
· There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV

There are many myths about HIV too just because people aren’t properly educated. HIV isn’t a disease that only gay men have, it is true that they are particularly affected by it BUT it is found in heterosexual men and women too. In 2010 the majority of new cases of HIV were acquired heterosexually. Once you find out the facts it will enable you to act aware.

So this year why not Act Aware? It is about taking action and making commitments to help improve understanding about HIV in the UK, prevent HIV transmission and stop prejudice. You can do this by:

·Find out the facts about HIV and bust the myths

Take the quiz on http://www.hivaware.org.uk/act-aware/how-act-aware.php
to find out if you've put yourself at risk of HIV and have an HIV test if recommended

·Talk to your partner, friends or children about HIV and point them in the direction of this website: http://www.hivaware.org.uk/act-aware/how-act-aware.php so they can learn the facts

Find out if your local school has a comprehensive sex and relationships education (SRE) programme, and teaches young people about HIV and explain why it’s important.

If you learn something new about HIV, share it with others who might be less informed

Check whether your employer has robust policies to ensure people living with HIV are treated fairly at work

Always use a condom when having sex with a new partner

Challenge people who hold misconceptions about HIV by telling them the facts and encouraging respect and understanding

Organise a fundraising event to raise awareness of HIV in the UK

By finding out the facts and acting aware we can reduce the number of new cases of HIV and improve the lives of people already living with it. There is a current campaign to ensure that future generations do not grow up ignorant of the facts of HIV and how to prevent its transmission. This is so important as New HIV diagnoses among young people are on the increase. Since 2000, they have risen by nearly 70% among the 15-24 year olds and among young gay men they have more than doubled. Reliable HIV information for young people has never been more important. Education in schools has a crucial role to play in this but the current standard of HIV education is simply not up to scratch. To support this campaign to get this issue brought into the classroom please go to: http://www.hivaware.org.uk/act-aware/support-campaign.php and follow their instructions!

This World AIDS Day do something that will make a difference!

Household Hints and Tips

- To get burned on food off of baking dishes soak over night with warm water and a little fabric softner, rinse the following morning and it will just wash away.

- To improve the look of a scratch on wooden surfaces rub it with a brazil nut.

- To help keep drains flowing properly try 2 tbsp of Bicarbonate Soda and half a cup of vinegar it bubbles up but removes minor blockages, always make sure the pipes are toghtly screwed together first!

Quote of the Week

Words do two major things: They provide food for the mind and create light for understanding and awareness

Household Hints and Tips

- Don’t put Daffodils in with other cut flowers they release a toxin which kills them.

- Marks left inside cups and mugs from metal cutlery can be removed using either nappy powdered cleaner or toothpaste.

- To bring back the fluffyness in pillows put them in the tuble drier with a new tennis ball on cool for a few minutes.

Children in Need

Children in Need has just been broadcast but did you know that it first began in 1927? It was first a broadcast appeal for children that constituted a five-minute radio broadcast on Christmas Day in 1927. The response was phenomenal and it raised £1,143 18s 3d which was split between 4 prominent children's charities. The first televised appeal was the 1955 'Children's Hour Christmas Appeal', presented by Sooty and Harry Corbett. The Christmas Day Appeals continued on TV and radio right up until 1979, raising a total of £625,836. In 1980 the appeal was broadcast on BBC One in a new telethon format, hosted by Terry with Sue Lawley and Esther Rantzen for the first time. It has continued up to this day and has so far raised in excess of £600 million.

Pudsey has been the mascot since 1985 but he first appeared as a cuddly brown bear, he took on his more familiar appearance in 1986 when he became yellow with a spotted bandage and he stayed like that until he was revamped again in 2007 this was to made him brighter and more appealing.

Children in Need’s vision is that every child in the UK has a childhood which is:

· Safe
· Happy and Secure
· Allows them the chance to reach their potential

They provide grants to projects in the UK which focus on children and young people who are disadvantaged. They operate all throughout the UK and give grants to both small and large organisations four times a year. They help such a wide range of children and on their website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/ there are so many wonderful and tear jerking stories of how people’s money has gone to help those really in need.

So this year try and spare what you can or get involved in any way you are able to raise money for this fantastic Charity that does so much to help those who otherwise would be living without the things most of us take for granted.

Portage Wins Charity Bands

Portage is one of StairSteady’s favourite charities and we particularly support the locally based Rotherham service. Portage is a home-visiting educational service for pre-school children with additional support needs and their families. The National Portage Association was established in 1983 to offer support and information to parents and professionals involved in Portage, and have been at the forefront of developments in support to very young children and their families since then. The Association became a charitable company in 2001.

Portage aims to:

work with families to help them develop a quality of life and experience for themselves and their young children in which they can learn together, play together, participate and be included in their community in their own right

play a part in minimising the disabling barriers that confront young children and their families receiving Portage services

support the national and local development of inclusive services for children

Through our involvement with this charity, StairSteady has become aware of the invaluable help and support that Portage provides to families within the community. Most services are reliant upon donations and funds raised through events and initiatives to maintain their work. Rotherham Portage Service recently entered a competition run by Steel City Marketing, who are based in Sheffield, and were the proud winners of 100 charity bands.

The charity bands are white with blue writing and have the words Rotherham Portage Service on them. Portage is offering a band for a minimum donation of £1 each to raise much needed funds for them to carry on their valuable work within the local community. StairSteady employees were amongst the first people to buy these unique bands! If you too would like to buy one of these bands or make a donation please contact Ruth on 0845 652 88 04. All donations will provide resources for the Rotherham Portage Service to help home visitors working with local families with children with additional needs. Please do what you can to keep this important service going.

Quote of the Week

The reason why most people face the future with apprehension instead of anticipation is because they don't have it well designed.

Household Hints and Tips

- To get rid of cooking smells from your hands rub your hands over a stainless steel spoon under warm running water.

- To get crayon off of walls either warm with a hairdrier and wipe with a damp cloth or spray with WD40 and then wipe over with a damp cloth.

- You can clean your kitchen surfaces with equal parts cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle, it works just as well as cleaners and has no chemicals in.

Quote of the Week

Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing.

Household hints and tips

- To clean a toilet pan put cheap cola in over night and then flush in the morning and it will have dissolved any residue.


- To clean your toilet use two denture cleaning tablets over night

- To get rid of cooking smells from your microwave but some lemon juice in a bowl of water and cook for 5 minutes, then wipe the surfaces over with a clean hot cloth.

Stress!

Stress is something people seem to take for granted as just one of the daily facts of living we forget that it can have a real effect upon our lives. It isn’t something that can simply be shrugged off as one of those things it can cause some really damaging symptoms for our bodies and minds. It is however something that we can each do something about. There are many simple changes that can help reduce these harmful aspects of daily stressors.

The symptoms of stress can be divided into four separate areas: Body, Mind, Emotional and Behavioural. If we look at each of these areas in turn we can see that stress isn’t just a feeling it has tangible effects on our physical health, mental health and our ability to do tasks and interact with others.

Body: Headaches Taut Muscles Fatigue
Frequent infections Skin irritations Breathlessness
Increased blood pressure Slowed digestion Increase sweating
Higher heart rate

Mind: Worrying/anxiety Muddled thinking Nightmares
Impaired Judgement Indecisiveness Negativity

Emotional: Depression Loss of confidence Irritability
Apathy Apprehension

Behavioural: Insomnia Loss of appetite Accident Prone
Increased coping behaviours e.g. Smoking or drinking alcohol
Restlessness Loss of sex-drive

As you can see from the above lists there are many negative and harmful effects on our lives from Stress all of which can leave us feeling ill and unable to cope with our daily lives as well. The good news is we don’t have to suffer from these and we can take simple steps to reduce the way we react to the stressors in our lives.

Activities like taking regular outdoor exercise such as walking or running can help, especially if we can take the time while doing these to concentrate on our environment around us. Making a stress reducing relaxation routine part of your day or night can have really positive effects; it can include aspects such as deep breathing, aromatherapy, listening to soothing music or sounds, meditation, yoga or affirmations. Many people also find that massage can also act as a stress reliever. Self massage on hands, arms and face can be done anywhere and only takes a little practice and a few minutes.

Deep breathing is one of the simplest things you can do in times of stress. As seen earlier one of the effects of stress is breathlessness, this reduces the amount of oxygen being taken into the body and increases the feeling of being unwell. Once you start to feel this happening you can halt it by consciously slowing down your breathing and concentrating on each breath. If you try to breathe in for a count of 4, and then hold your breath for the count of 4, and then breathe out for a count of 4 and repeat the process you will start to feel calmer and more able to cope with the situation.

Many people find the natural stress relieving of yoga and meditation works for them. Spending just a few minutes each day focusing on calming the mind and energising your body can really help beat the effects of stress. Combining this with other natural remedies such as herbal treatments and aromatherapy often helps to soothe and reduce stress. There are many guides for yoga, meditation and natural approaches to stress relief on c.d., d.v.d. and book form out there that may help you to learn and then integrate these practices into your arsenal of defences against daily stressors.

Although stress is something that can’t ever be completely removed from our lives we can use the above techniques to help limit its effects on our bodies and minds and help us to lead happier, healthier and more productive lives.

Women's Institute

As winter is approaching are you feeling down in the dumps, wondering what you can do with yourself as the nights become longer? Why not consider joining your local W.I.? They offer friendship, laughter, a chance to be creative if you wish and a great way to broaden your mind. Our local W.I. has had a series of very interesting speakers, a dancing demonstration which was great fun to join in, the opportunity to try curling (no ice required!), cycling, walking, food tasting competitions and much more. You can take part in as much or as little as you wish and mix with ladies of all ages. Trips to the theatre etc are a real bonus.
If all this sounds as if it might appeal to you why not find out more about your local groups, I’m sure there will be one to suit you.

http://www.thewi.org.uk/ General information on the W.I
http://www.thewi.org.uk/federations.aspx?id=83 Find your local W.I.
Or contact the W.I. at: NFWI 104 New Kings Road,
London
SW6 4LY T: 020 7371 9300

Quote of the Week

One person caring about another represents life's greatest value

Household Hints and Tips

- To sharpen a pair of scissors cut through a brillo pad and they should be much sharper after.

- To clean hard to reach areas around taps etc use an old toothbrush or an old electir toothbrush, they are slim enough to get around most areas.


- To clean chrome appliances rub with a very small amount of baby oil on a clean cloth or rub with a fabric softner sheet from the tumble drier.

Quote of the Week

Happiness is the art of learning how to get joy from your substance.

Quote of the Week

Happiness is not an accident. Nor is it something you wish for. Happiness is something you design.

Quote of the Week

Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.

Quote of the Week

Average people look for ways of getting away with it; successful people look for ways of getting on with it.

Quote of the Week

Success is 20% skills and 80% strategy. You might know how to read, but more importantly, what's your plan to read?

Quote of the Week

Success is not so much what we have as it is what we are.

Simple Healthy Breakfast

This is one of my favourite breakfasts to do and it’s really good for you.
I
ngredients
Frozen blueberries (found in the freezer section of the supermarket)
Half a mango
Kiwi
Low fat yogurt
Cinnamon (optional)

This can be done with other fruit and is really simple, cut up the mango and kiwis into small pieces and add to blueberries straight from the freezer into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of low fat yogurt and cinnamon to taste. Gently shake to mix and pour it all into a bowl. Yummy and healthy!

‘The StairSteady was once a tool for rebellion’

Hello, this is Fionn C. Wills, I've been working for StairSteady as a temp for the past two weeks and I think I can shed some light on an unexplored aspect of the StairSteady's history. Believe it or not, the StairSteady was once a tool for rebellion. This seems strange for a mobility aid but to a small group of boys in Eckington Comprehensive School it was an instrument used for mischief. Let me show you. If you go to Eckington Comp and sign in at the reception you will notice a small waiting area to your right in situ with many of the projects and accolades that award the school its status as a specialist engineering college. There are books, glass cases, certificates, the whole nine yards of academic achievement. Of all these displays the StairSteady demonstration stand takes pride of place, complete with rail, grab-handle and stairs. Ready to use and seduce any passing Ofsted inspector.
So here is your dare, your small act of defiance. The game is to enter the reception waiting area as if you are in fact waiting for something, then use the StairSteady to ascend and descend the steps as many times as possible, before being told to get out. Extra points are awarded for pretending to be the Headmaster, or 'Ted' as he was affectionately known. Simple, yet effective. It certainly passed the time on a few lunch breaks years ago but the significance of that time to me is that it highlights the oddity of now being part of the StairSteady office, dealing with the day-to-day things that make the business tick.
In the interest of honesty, and maybe also not to offend the Managing Director of StairSteady, Ruth Amos, who also invented the product, that 'game' was played twice, three times at the most before everybody’s bravery was cut short by an evening detention. Karma was restored and rightly so because it’s now obvious having seen the benefits the StairSteady brings to so many that while me and some daft friends were annoying humanity Ruth and the StairSteady company were doing a much better job at helping it. Admittedly, it feels better to be on the winning team.
To anybody who has ever started a new job there is nothing more equally nerve-racking and exciting than familiarizing yourself with exactly what your job entails and before I declare myself part of the winning team I need to earn my keep and impress while doing it. This is daunting to someone who has never answered a phone with anything more sophisticated to say than ‘Hello?’. When your job is temporary it is like the training, working and retirement has been distilled into an essence. You get a short, sharp taste of everything. My training is brief, succinct but thorough, as soon as work begins and becomes routine it ends and as for ‘retirement’ a picture of myself is commissioned (twice) by Abigail and Nathaniel Dye. Which, as I said when presented with them, are far more heart-warming than any gold watch.'The full bag of mashings’ as my dad would say.At first, this feels as though you need to learn everything with the kind of speed Muhammad Ali described when he said 'last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark'. And despite that initial overwhelming feeling, it is soon relaxing, my heart doesn't pound at the sound of the telephone and I remember the documents lay out off by heart.9-5 quickly becomes a cathartic exercise and keeps my mind away from looming exam results and a hopeful move to University. Also, who doesn't enjoy work that offers a chance to be creative?
Overall, it’s been a learning experience and without getting too emotional, I’ve learnt a lot about what can be done to help people on every level. The phone manner is sorted but more importantly I’ve learnt that StairSteady isn’t something to be messed with; it’s a genuine commodity.So in the future if you're offered a job at StairSteady go for it, it comes with my recommendation.I hope that with this post I have shown the versatile roles of a StairSteady from unlikely entertainment to employment and maybe one day who knows I might need one... not yet though, eh?
Finally, I’d like to take the chance to thank Ruth and Rachael of StairSteady for the opportunity and kind guidance throughout.

Quote of the Week

Be like a sponge when it comes to each new experience. If you want to be able to express it well, you must first be able to absorb it well.

Rosemary Chicken with Oven Roasted Ratatouille

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4


Ingredients
1 aubergine , cut into chunky pieces
2 courgettes , sliced into half-moons
3 mixed peppers , deseeded and roughly chopped
2 tsp finely chopped rosemary , plus 4 small sprigs
2 large garlic cloves , crushed
3 tbsp olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
250g cherry or baby plum tomatoes , halved
Method
1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. In a large roasting tin, toss together the aubergine, courgettes and peppers with half the chopped rosemary, half the garlic, 2 tbsp oil and some seasoning. Spread out the vegetables in an even layer, and then roast in the oven for 20 mins.
2. Meanwhile, mix remaining rosemary, garlic and oil together. Slash each of the chicken breasts 4-5 times with a sharp knife, brush over the flavoured oil, season and chill for 15 mins.
3. After veg have cooked for 20 mins, stir in the tomatoes. Make spaces in the roasting tin and nestle the chicken breasts amongst the vegetables. Place a rosemary sprig on top of each chicken breast. Return the tin to the oven for 18-20 mins, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are lightly caramelised. Serve with some new potatoes, if you like.

Quote of the Week

It's easy to carry the past as a burden instead of a school. It's easy to let it overwhelm you instead of educate you.

Iced Orange Cake

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Serves: 6



Ingredients
For the cake
· 100 g butter
· 2 eggs
· 1 orange, finely grated zest only
· 100 g caster sugar
· 100 g icing sugar, sifted
· 125 g plain flour
· 1 tsp baking powder
For the topping
· 100 g icing sugar
· 1-2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4. Butter and flour the sides of a 20cm cake tin and line the base with greaseproof paper. 2. For the cake: melt the butter gently in a saucepan and set aside. 3. Using a hand-held electric beater, whisk together the eggs, grated orange zest and caster and icing sugar for a few minutes until light and slightly fluffy. Stir in the melted butter and sift in the flour and baking powder. Fold it all together gently. 4. Pour the cake mixture into the prepared tin, smooth the surface and bake in the oven for 35–40 minutes or until golden and set in the centre and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. 5. Place the tin on a wire rack and allow to stand for about ten minutes before removing the cake carefully from the tin. Allow to cool on the wire rack. 6. For the topping: sift the icing sugar into a bowl and stir in just enough orange juice until it is soft but not runny. 7. When the cake is cool, place it on a serving plate or cake stand and spread the icing over the top. Serve in slices.

Quote of the Week

Don't let the learning from your own experiences take too long. If you have been doing it wrong for the last ten years, I would suggest that's long enough!

Homemade Burgers

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serves: 4


Ingredients
· 10 g butter
· 75 g onions, finely chopped
· 450 g minced beef, or minced lamb
· 1/2 tsp thyme, chopped
· 1/2 tsp parsley, chopped
· 1 eggs, beaten
· pinch fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 4 tbsp olive oil, for frying
To serve
· 1 ciabatta
· 4 leaves lettuce

· Tomato slices
· Cucumber pickle

Method
1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan, and add the onion. Fry over a gentle heat until the onion is soft and very pale golden. Leave to cool. 2. Mix the mince with the herbs and egg, and then season with salt and pepper. Add the onions, and mix. 3. Fry a tiny bit of the mixture in the frying pan to check for seasoning, and then shape into hamburgers. Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the burgers for several minutes on each side. 4. Split the ciabatta horizontally, and toast under the grill. Fill the toasted ciabatta with lettuce, the tomato and some cucumber pickle. Pop the hot cooked burger inside, and serve immediately.

Quote of the Week

Take time to gather up the past so that you will be able to draw from your experiences and invest them in the future.

StairSteady Home Safety Tips

-Don’t walk around in socks or stockings on non carpeted floors. Try to wear rubber soled, low-heeled shoes when ever possible
- Get rid of small rugs as they are easy to trip up over.
- Make sure all of your carpets are properly fitted and all the edges are properly secured.
- Keep you home well lit using long life energy saving bulbs. Pay particular attention to stairs and walkways.
- Talk to your council, Social Services or local Independent Living Centre about having grab rails installed by steps, stairs, toilets and baths and showers.
- Get an anti slip mat for the bath and shower and replace it when it starts to loose its adherance.
- Avoid having any trailing wires. Try to group appliances next to power sockets if possible or consider having more sockets installed.
- Consider using a cordless phone or mobile to avoid having long telephone wires.
- Be tidy! Pick up anything that falls as soon as possible and think about putting small objects such as magazine racks and bins out of the way or beside large pieces of furniture.
- Wipe up any spills as soon as possible
- Never store heavy items or things you use often in high or hard to reach cupboards.
- Never keep anything on the stairs, keep stairs and walkways clear at all times.
- Take your time when getting up to answer the phone or door. Once you stand up take a second to make sure you don’t feel dizzy.
- Consider using nightlights for your bedroom and route to the bathroom or make sure you always switch the lights on before you walk across a room.
- If you need spectacles make sure you wear them at all times and get your eyese checked regularly.
-If you need a walking aid use it at all times and make sure you have one upstairs and downstairs so you don’t have to carry one on the stairs.
-Write out a plan if you fall so you know what to do as it is often difficult to think after the shock of a fall. You could also consider having a personal alarm system so you can get help if you need it.

Rachaels Comment

I have been making Hints and Tips for the StairSteady website but one particular one recently really struck a chord. Everyone at present seems to be having more money difficulties so I decided to do a piece on saving money. All of the hints and tips I put together in themselves were relatively simple but all together they could make a big difference to your monthly outgoings. Some of the tips were even fun to do!
The money saving tips I found can be broken down into three main themes: Food, Energy and Utilities and Activities. Food is a good one to start with as we all have to eat! I discovered that there are lots of things you can do to reduce your weekly bills. The first idea I came across is make a menu: this seems like quite a time consuming thing to do but once you get into the habit of it before you go shopping then you can save yourself lots of money and wastage. I started by making a list of the meals I regularly make, I was surprised how few dishes actually featured on my list, about 10 in total. I then broke the dishes down into ingredients, store cupboard essentials, fresh vegetables and meat/fish/dairy and bought the store cupboard essentials in larger bags to save money. By making double sized portions of some of the dishes like Bolognese sauce, curry, stews, pies etc and freezing them I was able to use them as my own ready meals when time is short, again saving lots of money. Another way of saving money is to use stores own brand store cupboard essentials such as tinned goods, rice, pasta etc, I found they are often just as good as expensive named brands and are a fraction of the cost, there are a few exceptions as no one in my house would eat home brand beans! Home baked cakes and biscuits also save money and it’s something I can involve my children in, they like to ‘help out’ with the stirring and decorating our treats.
Another fun way to save money on your food bills is to grow your own produce. You don’t need a large garden or big greenhouse to get started, tubs on a patio or window boxes and hanging baskets can still produce good crops of fruit and vegetables. This year we have tried tomatoes, cucumber, courgettes, potatoes, beans, peppers, sweetcorn, cabbages and pumpkins. We also have raspberries, apples and plums growing quite happily outside in tubs. They always seem to taste nicer when you have grown them yourself! Salad leaves, herbs and chillies will all grow on a kitchen windowsill so you can have fresh all year around, if you manage to water them better than us!
Utilities are also a big drain on people’s finances, it is really worth shopping around and making sure you are getting the best deal possible. There are lots of independent sources to look at I tried Which? Online site (http://www.which.co.uk/switch/?m=home&cid=carousel). Often you can get a better deal for taking out multiple utilities with one company, I have got all of my electricity, gas, broadband and telephone with just one company and it seems to be much cheaper than when I had them apart.
Saving energy around the home can also cut down on the amount you spend. Simple measures such as swapping all your bulbs to energy savers can, I found, actually reduce your bills by quite a lot. Always make sure at you turn appliances off when you aren’t using them as leaving them on standby can actually use up to 80% of the energy they use when running. When you replace your white goods always make sure you go for the best energy rating product you can afford, some products now are A++ rated meaning you will save money on your bills, this isn’t always an option for some people though, me included! Another simple tip is to only boil as much water as you need in the kettle, completely filling it each time can waste energy.
I also found that by using vouchers and rewards you can save quite a lot of money on days out and other items. Lots of supermarkets offer a reward scheme for just doing your normal shopping, by using these tokens you can pay for days out, meals, hotels, holidays etc with money you have already spent in store. I have managed to take the whole family out on day trips to Zoo’s, aquariums, activity centres and the cinema for free with my vouchers. They also come in really handy at Christmas for presents! Local and National papers and tourist booklets also quite often have vouchers in making your trip out a little cheaper.
I hope that this will inspire you to just make some small changes to your daily routines and that it saves you money too!

Mentoring Slots

I am currently offering a limited number of mentoring sessions to start-up and small businesses, focusing on anything and everything, from start-up to the dilemma of ‘what next’.
Having been in business myself for a number of years, with my company Stairsteady, I have experienced the ups and downs of growing it from a GCSE project in my front room, into an organisation that operates in the international marketplace.
Why am I doing this? Quite simply because I understand that bringing a consultant into your business can not only be expensive, it can be a daunting experience too.
Rather than getting bogged down in the obvious, I offer a new approach and a sounding board for those looking to move on to the next stage with their business, or those wanting to start up. You just tell me where you want to go and we will plan the route there, it doesn’t get much simpler than that.

The sessions can be one off, or on a regular basis and can take place either in Sheffield City Centre or in my offices just off J30.

All conversations are of course fully confidential and NDA’s can be provided on request.
Prices:
£15.00 for 30min £25.00 for an hour

The usual terms and conditions apply. This offer is only open to companies either under 1 year old or with a turn over less that £25,000. However, if you are a larger company and would like to discuss my business consultancy services, please do not hesitate to get in touch for a free consultation. If you would like to be considered email ruth@stairsteady.net

Balance

I am sat writing this post as I wait by my phone for a couple of phone calls- well you have to be productive- this post came out of the blue and I think is more of a response to the fact that I am ill.

I find that I use the word ‘balance’ as a kind of mantra in life. For me ‘balance’ is what I’m aiming for, whether its balance in work and home life or in time in the office and time spent out of it. I see ‘balance’ as being somehow the perfect medium. Now Balance has a lot of meaning or uses (thank you Wiki) but to me balance is all about not falling down, about a bit of everything and keeping in control. One of my favourite definitions of balance is

‘A state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by equal opposing forces.’

I love the idea of being neutral. I think that the link to emotional stability is vital for me (I tend to work on the edge of stress a lot better, but I know that it’s not healthy.) just because I like to think I’m balanced does not mean that I am J we all have to aim for something. I am just very aware that I’m a work-a-holic I love getting involved with things and making things happen, and that can often be detrimental to many aspects of life, health being a vital one. Balance however is not an excuse for me to be lazy or not work, but it’s a reminder of a bigger picture. For many, business and work can get all consuming and I often need a reminder that the world and life itself is a lot bigger than that. For me my mantra is about reminding myself that to be my best and achieve what I want to achieve, I cannot focus solely on one aspect of life and forget the others. So that’s my current saying :)

Also things that have happened in the world of Ruth-
-crashed my car, thankfully no one was hurt, but I currently have a courtesy car while they fix mine
-I have been accepted as one of the 50 UK Female Enterprise Ambassadors
-The first StairSteadys have landed in Ireland- so exciting and I will hopefully put up some pictures when I get them
- I am currently living in an exam obsessed household and my brother does his GCSEs and my sister her A levels. I am so glad I don’t have to do them again.
- We installed a demo unit in Wiltshire, which meant I was lucky enough to spend a few days down there last week, great view, great food and great business.
- I officially have the most horrific coldy flu thing. Having so much vitamin c and Echinacea, I just hate being ill. (not enough balance)

So all in all an eventful week.

Does anyone else have a mantra?

Want to be part of something special?

Want to be a part of something special? Love F1 or racing? want to support young talent?
than this is for you. I have known Russ for quite a few years now (and anyone that follows the blog will have seen him mentioned in a past post) he has been called 'the next Hamilton' and is a very talented driver and now he is offering a really unique oppurtunity, not just to businesses but to individuals.

The Russ Danzey 500 Club

About the Club
We are delighted to welcome you to the 'The500Club', whether you are a regular race fan or you’ve never set foot on a race circuit. Join us to share the journey of one of Britains finest talents on his progression through the motor sport ranks. Get closer to the thrill of real motorsport action, play a part in a young driver’s career and enjoy all the benefits top flight motorsport has to offer.
The Cost
£500 is all it takes to become a member of Team Danzey. We can bring you into the action for a fraction of the real cost of competing, as well as playing a pivotal role in a driver’s career and providing a great platform for corporate use.
You won’t find a better value corporate option in motorsport.
By joining the 'The500Club' you and your guests will enjoy sharing the ‘buzz’ when Russ competes, as well as the atmosphere and camaraderie of a full race weekend.


The Racing Program
In 2011 Russell will race in an exciting program of events in the UK in Formula BARC the proving ground for many successful. The BRDC race championship has proven to be incredibly successful over the years with many F1 and Indy car stars progressing through the series on their way to the top.


Members Benefits
'The500Club' management has put an attractive package of member’s benefits together which are listed below. We are always interested in feedback from our members to help us maximise their enjoyment. Once you’ve joined you’ll receive an exclusive ‘The500Club’ member’s pack.


Exclusive Members Pack
'The500Club' welcome letter outlining your benefits and also a branded T-Shirt and cap,
• www.russelldanzey.om The website is designed to give you up to the minute news on Russell, his training and activities, post race analysis. Give us your email address and stay in touch via regular e-bulletins.
• Company or Individual Branding You will be able to have your own company logo/web address or individual branding on Russell's website for the season.
• Race passes Members can ring and book tickets for all races.
• Meet the Drivers and Team As members of the 'The500Club', you will have the chance to go behind the scenes at all race events by meeting the driver and race team and enjoy a guided tour of the race car.
• Corporate/Personal Track Days Members would have the opportunity to book a personal Trackday with Russ at some of the best UK's circuits.
• Recommend 4 members Introduce 4 new members and get your annual membership and
2 tickets for all races!
Recommend 10 members and get full corporate logo on car and suit
• Signed Framed Photograph An end of season signed photograph to enjoy at home or at work.
• Race Video You will receive a DVD of selected races throughout Russ's season, the on-board camera shows spectacular footage – just how Russ sees the track, a true driver’s eye-view!
• Club Magazine An end of season publication will be produced to include a season review, articles of interest, opportunities for members to promote their services and details of all members of the 'The500Club'
To optimise the benefits outlined above we seek a complete understanding of our members goals, whether you are a company or a private supporter. We aim to make sure that all associated benefits and rewards exceed your expectations, ensuring you enjoy an amazing experience whilst sharing Russ's incredible adventure.
Annual membership
Minimum investment of £500
‘The500Club’ will be delighted to discuss how your investment can be "tailor made" to ensure maximum benefit for you, your company and your guests.


so there is all the info you need, but on a personal note Russ is one of the most dedicated people i know and one of the most talented.
for more info email russ.danzey@mac.com

Thanks,
Rx

First Vlog

I hope everyone has had a restful bank holiday, we had my little cousin over to stay and had a lovely Sunday at my auntys. on the Monday we started on the Demo for a Daily Living Centre in Wiltshire. Me and Phil were very proud of our handy work (thank you Andy for giving us a guide on how to make it).
So i have been carrying around my flip camera and trying to record bits and bobs, im hoping to make this more of a habit. also Phil has got a lovely sparkly camera so im hoping for some better quality and more interesting pictures.

Independent Review?

Over the last few months I have noticed an increase in people selling me marketing in a rather bizarre (and what I feel as unethical) way. It started off by being offered a place to go talk to top level, government decision makers. This was an event aimed to make healthcare better and more cost effective for the tax payer. That sounded a really exciting opportunity; however we and many of the fantastic products out there that make everyday life simpler would not be joining them, because the cost of this was just too much. I was shocked that a chance to show and effect local government spending was being auctioned off to the highest bidder, meaning that smaller companies that could make a valuable and cost effective pitch were pushed away. This meant that the end user would not necessarily be offered my product because we could not fork out thousands of pound on a one day event. There was no assessment of the product (apart from careful flattery by the sales team).

The next incident that spurred me on the write this post was a phone call I got from a company saying that they were writing an independent review of a show that we had recently attended. Our stand had been put forward as one of the top 20 best stands and for a small fee we could be included and have our logo and contact details. I was shocked; I asked the women if we didn’t pay what would happen. She was silent. ‘An independent review’ I told her ‘was not independent if we were essentially paying for a spot in the top 20 list’. On moral grounds I declined her offer.
I understand that there is marketing and product placement and that in the world of marketing companies pay for exposure, however in these instances companies paying for an independent review, or to help governments offer tax payers the best products is not paying for coverage, it’s paying to influence the outcome. The end user does not gain, they do not get an independent view on a product, and we as tax payers do not get the best products and services, only the ones where the companies have paid to get in front of the right people.

A small rant for a Tuesday morning and maybe it’s the fact that I am naive and have too a strict moral code, but to me that doesn’t sound reasonable for the end user, that would use that information to buy a product or who wouldn’t get the product they needed because it wasn’t on the list...

Rant Over,
Ruth x

In and Out

In-
Friends- I am so lucky to have so many supportive friends. Thanks :)

Start Up Saturday- I am very excited to be starting to lead a ‘start up Saturday’ workshop at Staples on the 21st may. It’s a 12 week course that will help and guide someone to start a business. The course is written by the very talented and knowledgeable Emma Jones who is heavily involved with ‘Start up Britain’. I can’t wait to see other people take the first step in business.

The Tudors- I know many people discovered this TV series a while ago, but my sister got me into it and I LOVE it. I’m fascinated with history and having read ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’ this time period is intriguing, I would really recommend it.



Ireland- its coming very close to people in this lovely country being able to buy The Stairsteady and I can’t wait! I am so excited, watch this space.

Out-
Blogging- ok that’s a lie really, it’s not ‘out’ I have just been really busy, I am hoping this will be the start of more regular posting. I have some ideas for new posts and vlogging but it all relies on time.
Being able to walk- I did the Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday and my feet are not impressed with me. I however am very pleased that I managed to complete it in 13.1miles in 1hour 51minutes.
The weather- it seems that we have had our summer; I’m finding it very hard to dress in a morning with the ever changing weather. Hopefully it’s not the last of the sun this year.

Have a good week,
Ruth x

Rachaels Comment: A different perspective

I recently have had to use a wheelchair because of my M.E. and it has brought with it a whole different outlook on everyday things. There are so many things that this experience has brought that I had never even thought about. I have used crutches on a long term basis so I thought I already understood many of the accessibility issues that come with day to day life but how wrong was I!!
One of the main things I have noticed is how much of my day to day life is dictated by how other people provide access to buildings. So many places have car parks with only one or two dropped curbs and those all seem to be positioned at the entrance where all the cars are driving in and out not near the place that they are serving. Supermarkets have always put everything well above my head height (I‘m only 5 foot 1!) but now anything above the first three shelves and I need to get help. The height of door handles and post boxes are also so variable. I have found that I now have to pick shops and hairdressers etc not on their services or stock but on whether I can actually get into them. Looking for a day trip or holiday also takes on a whole new focus; only places with suitable paths, lifts, facilities are doable. The last time we went out for a walk and a picnic the table was at shoulder height, the list is endless!

It’s not only out of the house that there are new challenges I had strange shaped biscuits the other day as I couldn’t see far enough back onto the work surface to see if there was dough under my cutter, my beautiful circles turned out more like I’d bitten each and every one of them.. I’d only tested one or two! Sinks are also not just the thing of purpose they once were, now they are something to be battled with I have lost count of the times I have only been able to reach one tap or I’ve not been able to retrieve what I’d dropped into the bowl, or worse still been unable to switch the tap off again so emerged covered in spray from trying! My cooker also no longer has four gas rings but two as only the front two are reachable now.. Cooking for a family is interesting with only two pans!

One of the really unexpected things that I found was that my tastes SHOULD have completely changed the minute I got in a wheelchair... If Supermarkets are to be believed since I can only reach the first three shelves I’m no longer able to enjoy spicy curry, Thai, or chilli that’s on at least shelf four, instead I must love Korma, casseroles or sweet and sour instead! Dark Chocolate is out only white or milk is in reach; mild cheddar and double Gloucester are ok but no Haloumi, goat’s cheese or brie!
It’s not just supermarkets either, no matter how much I trawl the internet looking for an attractive solution to getting soaking in the rain there really is nothing out there unless I want a poncho, now surely just because someone is in a wheelchair they don’t lose all sense of fashion? Holidays are the same if I look for accessible holidays everyone seems to make assumptions that I would like a nice quiet cottage somewhere, what about all those wheelchair users out there that want an active, exciting break?

Although this sounds like me letting off lots of steam and frustration what I really wanted to do was just to get people to think about how easy it is to take for granted that you can just choose what you do and when. Please please don’t assume that just because someone is in a wheelchair that they have particular tastes and desires. Everyone is different whether they are in a wheelchair or able bodied, please try to see beyond the metal to the person sat in the chair. Maybe you could take some time to look around you and see if you too can see things from another perspective?
Keep steady,
Rachael

Rachael's Comment

The weather has recently picked up after another long cold winter and finally spring seems to be in full flow. The sun is shining, the trees are in blossom, and the birds are singing everyone is making the most of the sun. People’s routines can change dramatically now the sun has appeared, they no longer wear layers upon layers of clothes that cover every inch of flesh but instead they appear to take on the challenge of finding ones that expose the absolute most flesh that they can get away with! People flock to local parks or open areas and begin to do previously unheard of things like cook their teas on the ground on portable BBQ’s or spend the afternoon sunbathing in the back garden with a long cold drink. Children run around chasing Frisbees, playing in streams, riding bikes and eating vast quantities of ice creams. Everyone suddenly becomes more alive and happy, even researchers seem to suggest that the sunshine and increased temperatures help to dispel peoples bad moods.

I’d like to suggest though that it isn’t the same for everyone: sun brings lots of pressure too, to look good, to do more active things and to have the garden looking nice. This just isn’t possible for some people.

I have M.E. and while winter does bring many challenges such as negotiating the icy roads with crutches, it is at least acceptable for people to finish work and go home, eat tea and then get snuggled up with a cuppa watching TV or reading a book. Suddenly once the sun comes out this is no longer OK, people instead should be mowing lawns, chasing children around the park or going on long walks admiring the scenery.. Now don’t for one minute think I wouldn’t love to do any of those things, there is nothing I would love more than spending the day hiking through the Peaks with my children, eating a picnic on top of a hill, dipping our feet in a stream and just generally surveying all that Mother Nature has to offer! Sadly for many people with any sort of physical difficulty this is not always an option, instead all our energy and strength goes on the mundane tasks that we all have to do and take for granted, such as getting out of bed, getting dressed, making and eating food and for some working or doing the school runs. Life becomes about weighing up these options and trying to balance out what energy you have for that day, everything has to become a choice between things rather than an as well as.

As examples of this I often have to weigh up if I go to bed early, stay in and rest all the day before and conserve all my energy will that be enough to allow me to make a picnic and sit on a rug on the grass while my children play the next day? If I really push it so I won’t be able to do anything the day after will I be able to squeeze a walk in there too?

I’m not writing this in order to garner sympathy but instead so people actually look around them and see if there are people who maybe aren’t able to enjoy the new sunshine as much as they would like to. Maybe you have an elderly relative or neighbour who is no longer able to do their garden or get out and about, or maybe you know someone who for whatever reason is not as physically capable as you? Maybe instead of spending one afternoon in your own garden or Local Park you could see if there is anything you can do to help them enjoy the sunshine too? It might be as simple as just helping them to get a chair, drink and a book outside or maybe you could spare an hour to help tidy their garden so they can enjoy the bright spring flowers too? Mostly it doesn’t have to be huge gestures or big expense to make a difference to someone’s day.

Be Good, Be Beautiful: The Fashion Show

The words ‘Fairtrade Fashion’ often conjure up images of hemp sacks and tie die, but the world of Fairtrade fashion and beauty is far from that. With beautiful jewellery, on trend fashion and fantastic choice the Fairtrade community is bursting with vibrant produce. ‘Be Good, Be Beautiful’ events aim to promote this. This year Sheffield’s Blue Shed will be the home, for two nights only, of ‘Be Good, Be Beautiful: The Fashion Show’ a night of local and national fair-trade goods. Hosted by Sophie Mei and Ruth Amos this will be an event not to be missed, with partners such as People Tree, Ethics Girls, Bishopstons Trading, The Body Shop, The Co-operative Society and The English Rose Bakery. Live music from Hayley Toothill and other live acts. All ages are welcome and all proceeds raised will go to Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity works around the world with volunteers from all backgrounds, races and religions to build homes together with families in need.

Yes you read correctly, Be Good Be Beautiful is having its first ever Fashion Show!

27th and 28th April The Blue Shed, Sheffield 7.30pm-9.30pm

if you would like to be involved, their are three ways:

Attend- come along, bring friends and family and enjoy :)

Have a Stall- If you have your own FairTrade business and would like to be involved, please email me.

Model-We are looking for about 20 volunteers to act as models for clothes and accessories over the two evenings. Previous experience preferred, though not essential!

You must be: · Over 18 years old · Enthusiastic · Able to attend both evenings (7.30 – 9.30 p.m), a walk through meeting on Saturday 23rd April and a rehearsal from 3.45 p.m on the afternoon of Wednesday 27th April · Willing to follow direction and wear allocated outfits and accessories · Able to provide plain black top and trousers/leggings for yourself

If you are interested in taking part please contact Ruth Amos by email at ruth@stairsteady.net and we will get back to you with further details. There will be no payment for taking part, but an entry ticket for one evening will be given so that a friend or member of your family can come along for free!

All proceeds from both evenings will go to the charity ‘Habitat for Humanity’

Tickets are £5.00 they can be bought from http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1570961789 please spread the word and please attend :)

Thank you and hopefully see you soon,

Ruth

Lily Allen’s-Riches to Rags

I was going to blog about this last week, but wasn’t quite sure what I thought about the show, but watching last night’s episode, I have to say, I’m a fan. Now for those that haven’t seen the show it follow Lily, her sister Sarah and there ‘brand manager’ as they set about opening a rent and buy vintage clothes shop in London.

Now before I go on I must say I have read a lot of the negative comments in the press about Lily not wanting Fame and then doing the show, and about how much of a success the shop really is, HOWEVER the this is not what interests me, yes Lily is being very honest, but the thing that I like about the show is the business. They are starting with a lot of Lily’s own money, but the chemistry between the girls and they ins and outs of starting a business is something that I think makes great TV. It isn’t easy for anyone starting a business we all have to put in hours and I was impressed (in this week’s episode) with Sarah’s real dedication to the business. Yes they were pitching at Coutts which is a lovely environment to pitch, but she is still pitching.

The programme is a little backwards, but that for me is one of the things that make it watchable. You are seeing two sisters embark on a journey, doing something that they have no previous knowledge in and giving it a go. Personally I think that that is refreshing and courageous. Having started a business myself with no past experience, I can really feel for the girls. I know that they are starting from a different point than most businesses but the fact that they want to do something that takes guts and time (not just invest it in someone else’s business) shows the passion that they both have for this venture.

I know that many people have different views on this programme, but I wish them all the best of luck and look forward to tuning in next Tuesday night at 10pm after Katie: my beautiful friends (which deserves it own blog post) .

IN and OUT

IN
Manufacturing- As its drawing to the end of the Global Manufacturing Festival, Manufacturing is in at right at the top of my IN list!

Uggs- I am currently living in mine, they are SO comfy. Have nothing more to say on the topic.

Hulluimi- one of my new discovery’s, along with Rice ilk in tea, and you can grill it. I must say I’m a fan.

Radio1- it seems weeks ago, but this time last week Chris Moyles and Comedy Dave started there 50hour radio stint. I loved every minute of it. It’s not an easy thing to do, it’s not just talking (although Dave was struggling with that towards the end) it is all the clips that need playing and the ‘mixing’ of the show. Fearne did her bit by wearing a swimming costume and helping to add over half a million to there total of nearly 2million. Well Done lads!
Here is a video of Fearne in here costume from the BBC Youtube channel.

Rugby- I was kindly invited by Smith Cooper to join them at the Nottingham V Bristol match. It was such a good afternoon, good company, good food and a good win! The match was really exciting and I’ve already been checking out the next matches at Sheffield.

OUT

VAT- Yay! It’s gone, all done sent off, round of applause for me. I am usually dashing round the last few days of the month, but it went off on Monday and I am more than a little chuffed (can you tell).

Head Colds- I’m fed up with this head cold, it will not shift and I’m sat snuffling around the office

Dry Skin- on a shallow note, I have been using Garnier intense 7day body lotion for the past week and a half and it’s a winner!

Bank cards- I managed to lose my bank card on a night out and the last few days have been very frustrating without my card, but it’s scary how much I rely on it. It’s nice to have my replacement, but we forget how much we depend on these little bits of plastic.