Category: News

1. Lullaby Trust

   Posted on 9:20pm Wednesday 10th Apr 2013

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   You may remember a little while ago, we changed our Twitter and Facebook avatar to a Star. This was in memory of a little girl called Matilda Mae who was found sleeping earlier this year. I never knew Matilda Mae but her mum Jenny, is a fellow blogger, and is both loved and respected in the blogging community.

   In the weeks and months since Jenny found Matilda sleeping, Jenny and her family have been working closely with FSID who today have changed their name to The Lullaby Trust. The charity’s new logo, website and materials were unveiled today after a year-long rebranding exercise. The changes are part of its strategy to halve the number of deaths from sudden infant death syndrome by 2020. About 300 babies in the UK die suddenly each year.

   ‘The Lullaby Trust’ communicates warmth, trust and compassion. It is a simple name which is easy to remember and illustrates their commitment to promoting safer sleep for babies to every family.

   The Lilypad family have no comprehension of what Jenny and her family have gone through but we do think that FSID changing the name to The Lullaby Trust is a positive move for FSID. All parents sing a favourite lullaby for their little ones and mine has to be Hush Little Baby. We often tailor it to Mummy (not Daddy) or Big Sister likes to try and find other options for baby but the traditional is always my favourite. 

   Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
   Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird.
   
   And if that mockingbird won't sing,
   Daddy's gonna buy you a diamond ring.
   
   And if that diamond ring turns brass,
   Daddy's gonna buy you a looking glass.
   
   And if that looking glass gets broke,
   Daddy's gonna buy you a billy goat,
   
   And if that billy goat don't pull,
   Daddy's gonna buy you a cart and bull.
   
   And if that cart and bull turn over,
   Daddy's gonna buy you a dog named Rover.
   
   And if that dog named Rover won't bark,
   Daddy's gonna buy you a horse and cart.
   
   And if that horse and cart fall down,
   You'll still be the sweetest baby in town.

   
   

2. Five Things You Should Know About Family Law Changes

   Posted on 11:08am Wednesday 10th Apr 2013

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   The Lilypad blog is usually a fun, engaging and generally "fluffy" place but sometimes important issues are shared. With most of our readers having families, family law is important to us all. We are therefore delighted to share the following  information from Irwin Mitchell.

   If you’re dealing with a family-related legal issue, it’s important to keep apprised of the recent changes that have been made in family law. Under the new Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders (LASPO) Bill, public aid has been cut for many family-related legal issues. Find out what you need to know about these recent changes in the following article:

   1)    The LASPO bill does not affect those currently receiving aid.

   The new LASPO bill took effect on April 1 of this year. As such, if you applied for (and were granted) legal aid by the March 31 deadline, you will not be immediately affected by the new bill. However, it is important to be aware that if your current aid runs out or your means change, you may be assessed under the new rules (see below) and end up having to pay out-of-pocket for legal fees. 

   2)    New applicants may have to take a means test to determine eligibility.

   As for the rest of us, the new LASPO bill promises to drastically change the legal aid system forever. Under the new bill, only those with a household income of £32,000 or less will be eligible to receive public aid in family law cases such as divorce proceedings and child custody battles. Those who earn between £14,000 and £32,000 will be asked to take a means test to determine eligibility.

   3)    Legal aid for divorce cases that involve domestic abuse will remain in-tact.

   Fortunately, legal aid will continue to be made available to victims of domestic abuse or violence who are seeking a separation or divorce. However, they will need to prove evidence of domestic violence in order to receive aidhich will inevitably mean that many will be left without protection. Police reports or a letter from a domestic violence organisation or GP may be considered in determining eligibility. Others who may continue to be eligible to receive aid include those who are already in mediation or are applying for an injunction. 

   4)    Disability, benefit, and welfare entitlement are affected by LASPO.

   As well as divorce and custody-related cases, changes to disability, benefit, and welfare entitlement have been made under the new LASPO bill. Instead of keeping with the rate of inflation, welfare benefits will rise by only 1% per year. Beginning April 15, there will also be a cap placed on welfare benefits, and disability living allowance will be replaced with the personal independence payment (PIP). 

   5)    Legal aid for medical negligence cases will be limited.

   Under the new LASPO bill, legal aid for medical negligence cases will suffer major cuts. Only families with children who have suffered neurological damage during their mother’s pregnancy, the birthing process, or in the first eight weeks of life will be eligible to receive aid. This paints a bleak future for a variety of other claimants, including those who have suffered from misdiagnoses and botched operations; they will likely have to turn to “no win no fee” agreements to pursue claims.

   

3. Choosing Household Appliances for the Family Home : What to Consider

   Posted on 8:46pm Tuesday 2nd Apr 2013

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   If the amount of washing I have done after this weekend is anything to go by, it is a good job we have a decent washing machine. Let's be honest, when it comes to buying white goods (or silver or black these days), it may not be the most glamorous or exciting task, so we are therefore delighted to share this sponsored post on the top things to consider when choosing a household appliance.

   There's such a range of different manufacturers and models these days that choosing a new household appliance of any type can be a bewildering process. Some people just browse online or visit a shop and fall instantly in love with a product. Others are more methodical, researching functionality and value before coming to a decision. There's certainly nothing wrong with buying an item you simply like the look of, but if its destination is a family home, there are probably a few other considerations to bear in mind. 

   Durability

   In any family with kids, durability can be a huge asset in an appliance. Even if you have children that are too young to use that brand new gleaming microwave, they'll be hungry teenagers one day (and hopefully, you'll have bought an appliance that lasts).

   Consider exterior surfaces and how likely they are to scratch or otherwise get damaged. Is the product generally robust, including movable parts, such as doors? Finally, how complicated is it to use? Many families find they prefer relatively simple appliances, rather than ones with a host of functions they'll never use. For others, the more all-singing and all-dancing, the better!

   Size

   Depending on the type of appliance and the size of the family, you should also consider capacity. This can apply whether you are looking for a new fridge freezer, a washing machine, dishwasher, or any other appliance that services your family's needs. Larger families usually eat a lot of food and generate a lot of mess that has to be cleaned.

   Efficiency

   At the same time, you may also want to keep your eyes on the electricity bill. Larger appliances can cost more to run than smaller ones, but you'll still need appliances that fit the family's needs. Running one large wash in a high load capacity washing machine will generally cost less than running two cycles in a smaller machine. Most appliances in the UK now have an energy efficiency rating, but with a lot of new products rated A or above (A+ or A++), it can still be difficult to differentiate between different makes and models. New energy labels make this clearer, showing each appliance's annual energy consumption in kWh. 

   Know where to shop

   Of course, there are a number of other points to consider before making a decision. Some appliances represent major purchases, but the Co-operative Electrical Shop has a wide range of products that mix form and function, allowing you to choose the appliance that's perfect for you and your family. 

4. Exercise Tips for Busy Mums

   Posted on 9:03pm Thursday 21st Mar 2013

   As mums, we are lucky to find a few moments to ourselves, let alone find time to exercise too! Wouldn’t it be great if we could all have the post-baby bodies of Victoria Beckham, Reese Witherspoon, or Beyonce? The trouble for most mums is finding the time to take regular exercise. While celeb mums have personal trainers who can whip them back into shape and nannies who can take care of their kids while they do it, the average mum has her hands full taking care of the kids and keeping the house in order. Cosmetic surgeries like tummy tucks and breast lifts may seem like an easy way out, but the risk of complications and medical negligence for these procedures is higher than what you may think. Instead, find time to squeeze fitness into your hectic schedule by following these tips: 

   1)    Multi-task. 

   As a busy mum, you simply may not have the time in your schedule to do a thirty-minute workout at the gym. But you can get some basic workouts in while you’re taking care of the kids, doing household chores, or running errands. Squeeze your glutes while you’re standing over the stove cooking dinner, do a few vertical push-ups each time you go to the toilet, and do some light weightlifting when you’re watching a television programme with the kids. Have time to spare when you’re waiting to pick up the kids from school or football practice? Keep a resistance band in the car to help keep you fit.

    2)    Take advantage of early mornings or nap time. 

   If you have younger children, you can use nap time to fit in a quick at-home workout. Stream a fitness programme from the web or pop in a fitness DVD and get moving! Even a fifteen minute cardio workout will help you burn some calories. Mums who can’t seem to get a minute to themselves during the day may be better off trying to fit in a workout before the kids wake up; resist the urge to hit the snooze button and commit to waking up a few minutes early each morning.

    3)    Get the kids involved.

    While your kids will likely be bored by your pilates or yoga practise, they’ll be thrilled about high energy activities like dancing or swimming. Turn on some music and have a dance party in the living room, play a game of tag at the park, or take the kids to the pool to splash around with them one afternoon. If you have an infant in tow, push them in a stroller while you power walk or jog behind them.

    4)    Find a gym with childcare 

   Can’t find the motivation to work out on your own? It may be time to head to the gym. Since it’s probably unrealistic to find a babysitter each time you want to work out, joining a gym that offers childcare services will allow you to enjoy a worry-free workout. 

   We thought that these tips were pretty useful ..... hope you did too?