Belo and me lunch bag #Reveiw

Finding a lunch bag for work when your an adult is tough - trust me I had been looking around for a while for something that was going to be hard wearing, so it lasts and big enough so I can fit a whole days worth of food in it, my shifts are over eleven hours so I need to make sure I have plenty of fuel throughout my shift.

This is where Belo and me Lunch bags come in they are big enough to fit all the food in that you need but a perfect hand size so you don't feel as though you have loads of extra weight to carry.

The bags are Eco friendly being Tote and there are loads of lovely designs to choose from on there website, in fact their are so many lovely designs it took me ages to decide which one I would love to review, they are all very pretty and are perfect for adults however they would also designs and styles to suit teenagers and children alike.

As you all know I started my job a few weeks ago and this is what I have been taking with me to get me through the day -

• Weetabix
• sandwiches with a bar of something (chocolate or ceareal)
• a bananna 
• a yoghurt 
• and a batchelers type pot noodle snack for tea

As you can see the bags are a good size and to be honest most people wouldn't be taking that much food with them to work - these are definitely deceiving as to how much you can fit in them as they look quite small, but I will never go hungry whilst I have this lovely bag from Belo and Me.

Over all I really love these cute little bags they are practical, hard wearing and are made to last, I also love all the cute little designs and the prices are really affordable this little bag comes in at just £3.90 which is an absolute steal!

To find out more about Belo and Me you can visit there website www.beloandme.co.uk  you can also find them on Twitter and Facebook

   

 

What do I need? Essential for Nurses/Student nurses or Carers

When you are working, or you are about to begin working in a clinical area, care home or on in the community, there are some essential equipment that every health care professional needs things that you honestly, will be grateful to have with you!

• Shoes

Sound's silly doesn't it, but everyone no matter what profession you are in, everyone should make sure they have the correct footwear for comfort and support, when you are a health care professional, often you spend prolonged amounts of time on your feet walking up and down or even running a comfortable pair of shoes is crucial to get you through a shift.

• Fob watch or upside down nursing watch. 

Of course its not upside down to you, but when other people look at it it is upside down, again there is always a need for a fob watch - not just to be able to tell the time, it is critical for recording peoples pulse manually or counting respiration's, and making sure you document times accurately, when you are giving your accounts of a patients day or well being.

• A Black Pen.

ahhh Health care professionals and there pens, they are sacred, when you find the perfect pen that doesn't smudge and it has comfy cushions either side, god forbid someone borrows it and doesn't give it back, never lend your best pen out! - remember a great pen will make your day better, as you spend as much time documenting information as you do looking after your patients. its always ideal to have a red pen and maybe some high lighters - just in case.

• Scissors    

A good pair of scissors are always handy to have, like pens make sure you label them or never lend them to anyone - they're like gold! there is always something to be cut whether it is bandages from a patient or paper to go by the phone there will always be a good reason to have a handy pair in your pocket!

• A Pen torch or Mag lite 

These are not to expensive and again you will use it often for night shifts, to check neurological observations, or even if something has been lost at the back of the cupboard. having your own will just make life so much easier and simpler for yourself.

• Paper - pocket sized note book

There is always so much to remember in clinical areas, codes for doors, lockers, what a patient has asked for, for dinner what someones temperature was if it has risen above the normal range, so it is always a good idea to have a jotter or small writing pad in your pocket, it will help you to be organised, after all we are all only human and it is impossible to remember everything.

That is my essentials guide to what everyone should have and will find that they do need and use day to day in a clinical setting.

below is a list of things you might want to buy but they're not essential.

• Stethoscope
• Calculator
• Pocket sized Alcogel
• Tape measure
• Hand cream
• BNF British National Formulary
• Post it notes 

I hope that the post is helpful?, what are your essentials in your job? or can you think of anything I have missed? I always love to hear your thoughts.

 

Back to work? Finding Childcare that is right for you

Going back to work after a long period of time off, maybe through maternity leave or maybe because you have chosen to be a stay at home parent for a few years, can be a daunting task not only is your brain in overload about what the new job entails, what the people are like that you are going to work with - you also have the added stress of finding a child care service that is right for not just you but the whole family, its something you all need to think about, its no good if mums happy but baby or child doesn't like there surroundings, or vice versa.

I have put together some ideas and tips that I have come across whilst looking for a service provider for my boys.

First things first, what kind of child care do you want? there are a few options available to consider,

• An Au pair/Nanny 
• Childminder
• nursery

Nannies are a home help that will look after your home and children whilst you are at work, they are significantly cheaper due to the fact that they will live in your home with you, they will expect usually there food a room and some time off during the week.

Childminders, usually most are really flexible if you are looking for someone to look after your children, for unsocial hours, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays these are the best point of call, some will offer an overnight service as well at additional costs.

Nursery's, are great lots of children all around the same age group usually very well stocked with all the equipment a child needs, the downside of a nursery is most will close bank holidays, weekends and are open from on average 8am until 6pm.

Where Can I find Childcare Providers in my area?

• Try your local council, they usually have a list of all the different providers in your area along with phone numbers to get in touch with them.
• If you have children at a local School, or even if not its worth popping in to them they usually keep a list of the childminders that drop off there.
• Drop by your local children's centre often they have a list of childminders or hold groups specifically for childminders.
• Contact your health visitor if they don't have numbers for child care providers, they can usually point you in the right direction.
• You could try your local Gumtree for Nannie adverts, childminders and babysitters, just be careful and ask to see there paper work and make sure they are properly registered.

There are also some sites online that you can use

• ChildCare.co.uk list all sorts of childcare services - although to make full use of this website you have to pay a subscription.
• Find a babysitter. com this is free but isn't as widely used as the above but still worth a look.
• There are some Local boards on Netmums that you an advertise, and also browse the childminders in your area. (If you type "Childcare" in the search box and you are logged in, it should bring up childcare options for your area.

When considering which childcare provider you would like, think about what you all want to gain from and from where, or who you are going to be leaving your child before making a decision. Once you have decided which route of child care you would like to go down, its time to start looking and ringing round to see whom is available, if there are child care spaces? and are they close to your home?, listen to the back ground noise when you make a phone call - first impressions count, I think you can sometimes get an idea of what places are like from ringing, ask lots of questions don't be afraid to find out the providers background and what qualifications they have, remember they are your children and you have the right to ask for any information you think will be relevant. Make appointments to visit the childcare areas you like the sound of.

Once you have done this don't be afraid to look at there background details you can visit online there last Ofsted report this is a really simple website to navigate around, it shows you information on whether the provider has ever had a complaint made against them, what they thought of there last inspection and the findings. Also don't be afraid to ask other parents about the services of the childcare provider sometimes word of mouth can be a good idea.

Next the visit, some providers especially nursery's, I have found from personal experience can be quite pushy in trying to get you to sign forms and pick them, do not be pushed into anything even if you really like the place, person, or provider, take time to look around, its alright to go away and think about your decision, it is a big one after all. If you are unsure drop into places unannounced - some providers do not like this approach, however I think you get a good idea of what to expect when they don't have any time to prepare for your visit. If your still unsure maybe its not the right place for you and your children or maybe you need to visit again, visiting a few times will also help your child to get used to there new surroundings so it isn't somewhere they don't know when you eventually leave them.

Finding a childcare provider that fits in with the whole family, isn't easy especially finding something that fits in with working hours and that is the right place for your child, however it is important you make the right decision, I have put together a short summery and tips guide.

• Look around at different sites, some providers will be listed in some places but not in others
• Ring around find out prices, times, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
• check out the providers Ofsted report, you can find out a lot of extra information from there reports/inspections.
• Don't get pushed into anything.
• Visit, visit, visit don't be afraid if you need more than a few visits before you make up your mind.
• Ask lots of questions and watch/ask your child what they think.
• Most of all try to enjoy looking for your childcare, even if you don't like where you have been try to see positives from the experience.
• Remember to take care when choosing, a child's start will shape there future
• If it goes wrong, or your child starts a place that isn't working out get your list of providers out and try again.