Integrity – Doing the right thing even when no one is watching!



As my work career has progressed over the years so has my skill base and I’d like to think that I have developed skills that make me a good manager of people.

From a family point of view I know it has been important to me for my girls to see that I can balance work and home life, but also understand that the challenges work provides me with ensures I am a better all rounded mom too!

One of those key skills needed for work and home has been integrity.

A skill that as a youngster was lacking somewhat!

We all loved a good old he said, she said natter I’m sure as a teenager, even into adulthood. But the older you get you realise that it is a key trait that everyone should possess.

While away at a meeting recently someone was asked what integrity meant to them and the answer as the title says was;

“Doing the right thing even when no one is watching!”

How cleaver an answer is that!

So that got me thinking. What do we cut corners on when no one is around to see?

From a work point of view the answer would be nothing, everything is done regardless! To have a job is a great thing in this current climate so to keep it is key!

But what about home?

(No Judging Please!)

• I have been known to dust around things as a quick fix,
• I won't was things after one wear if not dirty,
• I have been known to fib about an illness or two for my children when they really hated games!

So nothing that in my eyes is too bad and some even to do my bit for the planet.

Dare you share your integrity issues?

Go on, I dare you!!

X x

Sunday Roast, An Outdated Tradition?

As I was talking to someone at work yesterday we got talking about a good old family roast.

And I was shocked to hear that so many families don't actually do this now.

I know that meat is very expensive, as is all food to be fair, but even in tough times we have always ensured that Sunday remains a family day, with all of us sat round the table discussing what the past week had held and our hopes for the upcoming week too.

So my question must be do you still have a tradional Sunday lunch?

Guess who's got new features on her camera!

X x

Treating Others Whislt Still Treating yourself

There is nothing better than treating those you love.

However you still have to be mindful of the pennies it costs.

Take the weekend for example, Ashleigh really wanted to go and see the new Harry potter film.

No problem with that but I haven't seen the last two films (shame on me I know!) and hubby hasn't seen even more, so it was a real waste for either of us to go and see it.

So Ashleigh went off with my nephew to see it as our treat. (£16!)

Of course next is popcorn and drinks (£7!) I am always to tight to buy them and take my own.

 (shh don't tell!)

So a nice treat then becomes a fairly expensive one.

Bummer!

That said, they both came back having had a great time and very thankful.

Whilst they were enjoying the film I ventured into the local charity shops and found a perfect cardy for Ashleigh.

A grand total of £1.99.

(bet the wool cost more than that!)

All hand knitted too.

That's more my kind of treat.

X x

WARNING! Sunglasses may be required...

I love shiny things - FACT.

I must have been a magpie in a former life as I am draw to anything shiny. For this I  blame my mother, as whilst I was growing up she always attended flash dinner dances in the most gorgeous sequined dresses and the highest of heels!

And why waste a day by being boring and dull is my moto.

(a very good one in my book!)

So when the weather turned dull and incredibly wet, (Of which Sunday was both.) I decided to brighten it back up.

Out came the sequins!
(Who said they should only be worn for nights out!)

Full on disco diva!

Told you needed sun glasses!

A bit over the top?

Well the day did need a little brightening, in my humble opinion.

I love this top.
It was an eBay purchase which my family stated as "very me!"



Shiny,shiny..


And of course no outfit is complete with out the shiny shoes to match..

A touch of glamour to a pair of jeans.

Just call me twinkle toes!

Shiny and high heels all rolled into one.

PERFECT!
.
All Sunday my hubby insisted on playing 80's music to match my outfit.
(Much to Ashleigh's disgust!)

Who said Sundays were boring?!
X x

Wet And Wild! (Not In A Good Way Either!!)

OMG

Yesterday was, the day from HELL!

It started fine, other than the usual fight to get Ashleigh Mae out of the pit that is her bed!

Off I went to a meeting and before I went to the next one I happened to pop home to peg out my washing I had put on earlier that morning.

After walking into a quite house, which is a rare treat, I heard a water noise.

Something was leaking water.

So being the inspector Clouseau that I am I started to investigate.

First I pulled out the fridge.

But all seemed fine.

Next the dishwasher and the noise seemed louder.

So I then pulled out the washing machine to see water spurting from the inlet hose of the dishwasher.

That washing machine is SOOOOO Heavy!

I edged to look closer, somehow managed to move the hose and water was pouring all over the floor!

Tiny gaps to work round.

Now I know where the stop cock is but do you think it would turn?

Bloody typical Eh!

I turned to my father in law for help, yelling down the phone...

"Help, quick, water everywhere, Don't know what to do!!"

Bless him he was with me in a jiffy, Squeezed himself into very small spaces to change the hose and left me to sort the mess I had caused.

What a mess!

WHAT A DAY!

Now we have to wait and see how the wooden flooring drys out and if it's going to smell.

Bugger....

X x

The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

Where are these weeks going???

Here the week that passed me by, seems to be the trend at the moment!

The Good

Having a great family outting last Saturday.

Loved It!

The Bad

Eatting rubbish.

Due to my hours my food intake has been pure rubbish!

The Ugly

Having to work very long hours this week.

I've not got home before 7.15 any night.

Heres hoping next week will be a good one.

X x

Killer Queen

Saturday evening saw us visiting Shugborough Hall for an out door Queen concert.

To be fair I had been dreading it, not because of the concert but because of the awful weather we had been having.

I shouldn't have worried as the sun shone down on us and we had a splendid evening.

Yummy ice creams all round.

What a beautiful setting to watch a concert too.

We were so close to the front it was great.

Even the babies of the family enjoyed it!

Ash and her friend.

Hubby even had a dance, 

Although I think the whole bottle of red wine may have been the reason for that!

And even though Ash may look like it she didn't have any wine, honest!

I loved this fat bottom girls tshirt.

Would we go again?

It was fantastic seeing all different ages enjoying a good concert.

Hell yes!

X x