As the weeks turn into days ...

Heyy Everyone, 

Back and well-rested, sort of, from our trip to Skeggy last weekend, Mr Warehouse and I have been thrown in at the deep end of full-throttle wedding planning.

First things first - The caterers! As of Thursday of last week, over a fortnight on from our original caterers basically bailing on us and pulling out of our wedding and still, there had been no contact made. After having yet to receive a reply to my countless voicemails or emails or phone calls, I sent a final email. Whilst I have tried to understand the compromising position they must be in, my sympathy and empathy were wading and after absolutely no communication AT ALL Mr. Warehouse and I wanted our money back. 

Multiple discussions with friends and family all scrabbling around to help, I am not alone in believing that this is highly unprofessional. Whilst gratefully we have found other caterers now who have basically matched identically what we were quote from the old company (if you can even call them that), I am still pissed off at their absolute lack of communication and seemingly professional or sympathetic approach to our situation.

With optimism running high, and just over 4-weeks to go I am honestly so freakin' excited. I think that the public knows that Prime Minister Boris Johnson can't really go back on his word yet again U-turning. Most recently COVID has not been at the top of the news bulletins. The troubles and unrest in Afghanistan, wildfires, and commemorations for the September 11th terror attacks have all been higher on the media's agenda than this damned virus. In recent weeks, it has even been reported that we have had many days where there have been zero COVID-related deaths.

However, all is not in the clear as the BBC has confirmed today (on Monday 13 September 2021) that whilst still, low numbers are creeping up. The numbers today are only sixty-one. A huge difference from what we were seeing several months ago and the vaccine roll-out really has been our savior. Despite the new Indian variant labeled the Delta Coronavirus, 89% of people aged 16 and over in the UK have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and more than 80% have had their second. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson lifted all legal restrictions in England in July but has urged the public to remain cautious and vigilant in the fight against COVID-19, saying the pandemic was not over. BoJo is due this week, tomorrow I think, to unveil his plans for Autumn/Winter 2021 on how we can survive this winter period "living with Covid" and not overwhelming the NHS. The BBC continuing with their report, all those aged 16 and over can now get a Covid vaccine, as well as children with underlying health conditions who are aged 12 and above. 

Controversially the government's Chief Medical Officers recently recommended that all children aged 12 to 15 should be offered one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, which was in stark contrast to some of the things which were coming from Westminster previously, with the government's vaccine committee had said there was not enough benefit to warrant it on health grounds alone, but that ministers may wish to take other factors into account. I think considering the situation and the roll-out of the flu-jab being given to more and more of the population this year than ever before as well as a COVID top-up, the BBC's article confirming that the Chief Medical Officers suggest that given the virus is set to keep spreading over winter, vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds would give the best chance for face-to-face education to continue with the least disruption. I just hope everything stays true and we can finally get hitched!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Viva la Skeg-Vegas!

Heyy All, 

The last few weekends of stress, not one but two fastly approaching weddings and last weeks catering catastrophe; a weekend away was very much needed.

As yet, it is now over a week on, and still, there has been no contact made regarding the previous caterers. So unfortunately when detailing in last week's blog post that come today I was sure there would be more tea to spill and yet there is not. I have yet to receive a reply to my countless voicemails or emails or phone calls. I have tried to understand where they are coming from and the compromising position they must be in, however, whilst I can appreciate this I really don't think this is good enough and to have had no communication AT ALL since that moment on Bank Holiday Monday. Mr. Warehouse and I had just arrived and seated ourselves at the table ready for the meeting with them, only to then discover that email, and that was only by sheer fucking luck that Mr. Warehouse asked about the bar prices, otherwise I wouldn't have seen the email at all and we would have been sat there like fucking lemon's waiting. 

At no point have we had any phone calls or anything, despite being in contact with them very regularly over the last few months and weeks. After a full week of no contact and being ignored, I am struggling even less now to appreciate their predicament and my sympathy with the situation is slipping. Multiple discussions with friends and family all scrabbling around to help, I am not alone in believing that this is highly unprofessional.Whilst gratefully we have found other caterers now, I am still pissed off at their absolute lack of communication and seemingly professional or sympathetic approach to our situation.

So when few weeks ago it was Mr. Warehouse's birthday I couldn't think of anything more perfect than as part of one of his presents was a romantic weekend away. Paris? Venice? Rome? No, even better according to the future hubby-to-be ... The great British seaside with plenty of arcades, 2p's and a large helping of fish and chips on the beach. However, with places like Paris, Venice, and Rome still under Coronavirus travel restrictions, a lot of people were thinking the same and that a 2021 Staycation was the one!

So finding a reasonably priced hotel in Skeggy was hard, so I needed to search further afield. That's when I stumbled across The Kings Arms in Boston. No, not Massachusetts. Located just over 20-miles from Skegness, The hotel provided us with everything we needed including a restaurant and free WiFi, although we never actually used either. On Booking.com, the description goes on to say that guests can relax in the garden at the property, and with Grantham 31-miles away and Woodhall Spa is less than 15-miles there was plenty to do. The nearest airport is Humberside Airport, 43.5 miles from the accommodation.

But my fiance and I had plenty of things planned. After packing up the car and leaving home (albeit over an hour late due to Mr. Warehouse being essentially forced out on the road due to the lack of drivers in the warehouse) we headed to Momma's house just outside of Huntingdon in the Cambridgeshire countryside. Dropping off the dogs and making a swift departure we continued the two-hour journey to our final destination, The Kings Arms in Boston. FINALLY, I would have a weekend without Mr. Warehouse's damned fan blowing cold air throughout the night. I joked, pulling into the car park of the hotel, both Mr Warehouse and I exhausted from work and travelling that if there was a fan in the room he would be sleeping in another bed. I never thought he would take it literally though!

The bed and breakfast offered comfy rooms all well equipped with large flat-screen TVs capable of Netflix, Youtube, and catch-up. A small and if I am honest, dated en-suite private bathroom also said it came with a hairdryer and free toiletries although I never saw these. The shower was a little limescale-ridden, however, there were plenty of pillows for us only being a couple and sharing a quadruple room. The novelty of not having to share a double bed was appealing though and so we parted ways and headed to our separate beds. 

Waking on Saturday morning without the pitter-patter of tiny paws forcing you out of bed to let them out for a wee at 6am was a relief and I don't think it was until gone 9am when we eventually both rolled out of bed and downstairs for breakfast. Our table looked out over the river, one of the many waterways that peppered these parts of the Fens and directly opposite the hotel and filling our breakfast window was a beautiful windmill. But we couldn't stare at the beauty out the window all day; we had stuff to do. 

Located on North Parade, Skegness's Natureland is a Sanctuary dedicated to treating and returning seals to their natural habitat! On its website, Natureland says that since opening they have dealt with, and returned to the wild whenever possible, many unusual animal visitors including dolphins and whales, a “lost” walrus and pelican, plus numerous oiled seabirds and injured birds of prey! 

On our visit, walking around like it was a romantic date, that every year, particularly during the breeding season, seal pups are washed up on the beaches around Skegness, abandoned or separated from their mothers by the tides! The lucky ones are brought to Natureland’s Seal Hospital where they are cared for by dedicated staff members. However keepers tell tales of the real problem which is persuading the pup to eat, the pup suckles differently from other animals (such as cats and dogs) and they cannot be taught to suck from a bottle. With a little help for a week or two, they can swallow a few whole fish (known as sprats) which are about 3 inches long, something we were lucky to see on our visit in the warm sunshine. If all goes well the pups are moved into the Rearing Pool where they are taught to feed on fish in the water and gain the body weight they need to survive in the wild. Some months after joining us when the pup is fit, fat and healthy, it is returned home to the sea!

Other than that the weekend was eaten up entirely by long hours and many coins frittered away in the arcades, long walks down the beach sharing fish and chips (along with Mr Warehouse's first experience of scraps - Basically all the bits of batter and tiny chips that bubble around in the fat of the chip-shop), a trip to a local market and a very long journey home. We had fun and now with the new caterer sorted plus a few more things ticked off the wedding to-do list, it's onwards and upwards in the final few weeks countdown until I become a wife!!!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

A Catering Crisis

Evening Everyone, 

With the last few weekends either spent relaxing in a spa & dancing the night away or riddled with anxiety that my future husband is out in Birmingham somewhere having lapdance's and who knows what else I was ready to have a more relaxed and laid back approach to wedding planning this weekend. Being a bank holiday in the UK, Mr. Warehouse and I had planned a productive weekend in which we would meet with most if not all of the remaining suppliers and vendors for our big day.

Saturday I treated Mr. Warehouse to breakfast at my favorite place in Bedford, Cibo Deli. Opening earlier this year, Cibo Deli and Kitchen takes a modern and contemporary approach whilst harnessing their passion for food and Italian heritage. Offering a diverse range of freshly made artisan sandwiches and locally sourced produce including quality cheeses, cured meats, dried pasta, and gorgeous wine from the deli, but let's be fair the only reason I'm going it for the Cibo breakfast club on the weekends. Entirely unique to Bedford and offering a range of naughty but nice treats the cinnamon french toast with fresh yogurt and black cherries is my absolute win!

After which we hung out with my future brother and sister-in-law's before heading to see the florist. Again, as before, she made us feel comfortable and at ease with everything, positive that this would be the last and final occasion we would have to postpone. It is always a bitter-sweet feeling when people say that as I feel as though I can't quite believe them as at any point it could and has changed with enforced government lockdowns happening almost on a minute-by-minute basis last year. But she seemed upbeat and was helpful in narrowing down what we wanted and what would be possible within our budget as well as what would be in season.

Sunday was the bar which again made us feel super at ease with their level of professionalism. They came across very well and seemed confident in being able to handle aunties that had too much or uncles that wanted "just another one Jagerbomb". We agreed that Tequila Rose just HAS to be on the menu and that we would come up with some ideas on cocktails and other drinks to include behind the bar. Arrival drinks were decided as well as location and set up requirements. On leaving the meeting at our local Garden Centre yesterday I felt confident and excited about our upcoming nuptials. Nothing was going to get in the way now! Or would it ...?

Waking this morning Mr Warehouse had a lazy morning in bed, playing with the dogs, scrolling through social media and watching telly. Soon enough though we were on the road again to another one of my fave places for brunch, The Cherry Tree at Olney. Overlooking the main high street lined with boutique shops and cute cafes, the stunning Grade II listed building is the heart of the village and directly opposite the famous market square. Named after the Olney Cherry Fair it dating back to the 14th century, a time when the town produced a large, annual, commercial cherry crop from the vast orchards that surrounded the area.

Seating ourselves after following the waiting staff to the table I was excited for my fiance to try this place with me. After placing our food order and awaiting the arrival of our caterers (who should be arriving in less than an hour) Mr. Warehouse asked if the bar had sent through the menu or price list for the drinks since we had requested it yesterday. Pulling up my phone and my emails I began to scroll through to check. To my horror, I found something very unexpected:

Good Morning, I am contacting you regarding your catering for the 16th October 2021. We have this weekend had some devastating news, which will unfortunately not allow us to be able to cater for your event. We are deeply sorry to let you both down, however, one of our team will not be in a well enough position to cater. Her treatment plan has been set out over the coming months and put us in a position we never imagined. We do have your deposit, and we would like to return it to you as soon as possible, if you could kindly send me the details of the account it needs to be made out to, we can arrange for it to be paid. We obviously are heartbroken not to be able to help on your big day, we know you've waited a long time, and got through the pandemic, and had a few date changes. We know it leaves you in a panic, but we can recommend a few caterers that could be available for you, and that will be able to supply the same menu and support. We can understand your disappointment and possible annoyance, but our team's health now becomes my priority, she was up until yesterday adamant she would be well enough to still go ahead, and I have had to overrule her. If you could let me have the details ASAP, I'd be really grateful. Kind regards.

I had barely got to the end of the first sentence before Mr. Warehouse had taken the phone from me and read it for himself. There we were about to meet our caterers and this is what we got. No phone call. No text. No prior warning, considering we were both driving to this place conveniently halfway between the two of us. Nothing. Absolutely sweet Fuck All.

I was pissed. Whilst I could sympathize and emphasize with their situation which must be difficult, if this was the case then plans should not have been made to meet us, which were only set in stone at the beginning of last week. I had been in contact with these people for years and certainly, in recent months, weeks and days, no one had suggested anything other than what we had signed the contract for. Completely unprofessional to not call ahead or speak directly in order to explain the situation and firing off an email less than an hour before we were meant to meet is unacceptable, regardless of the situation.

Fuming I tried to call but, of course, I couldn't get through, more likely than not that they had screened my calls considering I was trying to contact them a mere ten minutes before they were meant to show up. I had no choice but to reply to the cold email:

I have just tried to call you but unfortunately not been able to reach you. Whilst we appreciate the email that has been sent I really don't think this is good enough. We have just arrived and seated ourselves at the table ready for our meeting only to then discover this email. At no point have we had a phone call or anything, despite being in contact with you very regularly over the last few months and weeks. I appreciate your predicament and sympathize with your situation however I really think this is highly professional and I expect a phone call today at some point to discuss this matter further. Regards

Over nine hours later and still no reply either to the email or the voicemail left simply reinforcing their unprofessionalism and inability to unbury their heads in the sand. I may seem like a bitch for being like this and feeling this way but they have not even done the leg work in finding another company to cater for us, just giving us a list of names that are all either unavailable or too pricey. Despite the clear health issues or problems they are facing which I totally understand, I am now left in a position where I have no food, cutlery, plates, evening catering or basic structure for my wedding day. This is not a birthday party or baby shower or some fucking fun day - THIS IS MY WEDDING DAY!!!

Right now I feel completely deflated. I haven't been able to stomach anything since then and even a crisis meeting with my Dad earlier only seemed to make things worse by compounding the fact that with less than seven-FUCKING-weeks to go everywhere is either fully booked and unavailable or are extortionate. What I do now I don't know, but by next week I am sure there will be more tea to spill ...

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

What happens on Stag ...

Afternoon All, 

Last weekend I indulged in a relaxing weekend of spa's, supper, and shots, but now it was the Stag's turn. Talk was established early on, as it normally is about the stag do and hen do, and Mr. Warehouse and I were no exception. The future Hubby has never really been the centre of attention and so having him being the limelight was his idea of his worst nightmare. So when his older brother (who gets hitched just four weeks before we do) suggested a joint one. Considering that they would have literally been inviting all the same friends and family, it made sense. It also meant the pressure was off of one brother or the other and hopefully would be distributed evenly the pranks and stitch-ups.

And so the moment soon came round as Mr. Warehouse packed up his suitcase with fresh creps and clobber. I was pleased we had even just reached this stage of wedding planning to the point he can enjoy his stag do. It meant that we were a little closer to our special day. Sadly though the relaxing nature of our girls away weekend the week before would not necessarily be happening as there was plenty of DIYs and wedding stationery that needed doing.

I can't lie though, I was a little anxious about my fiance heading off for a boys weekend jam-packed with activities. A typical stag-do of course meant a trip to a strip joint or gentleman's club, of which there is actually a difference (Mr Warehouse explained it as plainly as a strip joint is just that whereas a gentleman's club you can pay for "extras"), still not making me feel any easier about the plans. But I didn't want him to worry or think I was being a psycho bitch of a future wifey, so I tried in-vain to play it cool.

A BuzzFeed article written by an American called James details it perfectly, and most of it seems odd to him and he's a yank. Aside's from the obvious it was quite a good read, but I feel as though some things were just not touched upon. The dressing up - OK yeah I get it. The pranks, dare's and rowdy drunken behaviour - Fair enough. But I don't think it told the whole story of what actually happens on a stag do's. Cosmo to the rescue! The article from the popular women's magazine details that just the mentioning of the words 'stag weekend' and brides to be are filled with fear. But it's not just the girls about to tie the knot who worry – it's any girl whose man is set to disappear for the weekend to celebrate their mate's last night of freedom.

One brave guy, unnamed in the article detailed how he ended up going to a strip club. "I don't know the reason behind why we went, but I guess it's what most stag dos end up doing. Unless the stag is a doctor, it'll be the last time he'll see a woman – other than his wife to be naked." Claiming that not a lot actually happened when in the strip club (a likely story I think not young sir!) the mystery man concluded simply by confirming what women already know; That most men are lazy stating that the "lap dancers spoke to us, trying to get us to have a private dance but I just think guys like going because they know that girls will flirt with them and they don't have to try even though they know the girls are only doing it for the money."

I don't mind Mr. Warehouse going to strip clubs or seeing boobs or fannies. but what I draw a line at is being unfaithful. I suppose for me, in my heart of hearts I knew my other half would never do anything like that, it still didn't stop me from wondering or having thoughts about what would happen if he did and what life would be like in the aftermath. Even despite me being very secure in my relationship and not the needy, insecure, or self-conscience type that (usually because of poor treatment from other men and relationships) needs the constant reassurance and compliments of their partner, I still had a wobble and a few times had to check in to know we're OK as a couple - And maybe to remind my Beau of how good he has it here!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Fear is interest paid on a debt you might not owe

 Evening All, 

And so it has happened. I mean it is not like I knew it wouldn't, it is written into my contract. It is pretty unlikely that things would not have gone back to more of a normality, or whatever this new bullshit is now especially since shops are now open not to mention the restaraunts and pubs as mentioned last week. But as I sat in the hairdressers today on my day off, scrolling through my social media pages, flooded with back to school pictures, the anxiety I felt peaked. Why? Because tomorrow is my first day back in the office.

Week number seventeen and whilst the virus has no end in sight yet, we are being told from media outlets and Government alike to 'Get back to work'. On 17 July, Boris Johnson announced that from 1 August the Government’s advice for England on going to work would be changing and instead of telling people to work from home where possible and if they can to contain and cntrol the virus, employers were given more discretion and in turn asked the country to return to work safely. Workplaces up and down the country started to make decisions about how staff can work in a clean and COVID-secure enviroment. 

"Whatever employers decide, they should consult closely with their employees, and only ask people to return to their place of work if it is safe" said the Prime Minister. However, on 31 July following some local outbreak of the Coronavirus in the Midlands and North West, the postponement of some planned lockdown easing in England had to be halted and ergo the 'Back to work' chants. Since then the Government have updated the 'Working safely during coronavirus' guidance, but with the changes to the relaxation of restrictions and the potential for regional restrictions to be put in place should a spike appear continuing, is it sensible for businesses to consider beinging staff back, even on a part time basis? Everyone will need to have the capability to move quickly from one scenario to another as local lockdowns and quarratining from foreign countries changes by a daily, sometimes hourly even basis. 

This virus is still out there and figures from the BBC released today (Monday 07 September 2020) confirm that whilst the number of new cases of coronavirus is continuing to rise, the death rate is just 3 in the last 24-hour period; A stark cry from the blog post I wrote my first few weeks working from home in late March when the figure was already at over 1,400 which has already been dwarfed by the 41,500 deaths the nation has seen and it is still being added to. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had yet to update us since the 23rd of March with the rolling news and science or the growing number of deaths or what it would mean for Mr.  Warehouse and I as a family and all of the summer fun and activities and parties we would miss out on not only then but looking forward to the rest of the year also; Halloween, my birthday, Christmas, Christmas parties, New Years Eve and not to mention the effing wedding. This being said, however, his strict curb on life in the UK to tackle the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus has certainly shaken things up 

I spoke right at the beginning of all of this madness stating that whilst the last few weeks in the run-up to the UK's lockdown had been strange, the whole working from home situation had started off feeling odd. Slowly getting better as the days turned to weeks and weeks turned into months I became more and more settled. I had my own little morning routine and even during my lunch half-hour and breaks I would occupy myself with putting the washing on, cleaning or sticking the dishwasher on. I have enjoyed my time working at home all in the knowledge that I could organise a oven clean or some workmen to come round and I would be in. I could order something and know I could open the door to receieve it myself. I could look after the dogs and have cuddles whenever I wanted. It was bliss. 

I, like many workers will be concerned and anxious about even the prospect of being in the workplace. Thankfully I dont have to worry too much about travelling there and back as I don't have to use public transport. But alas it had to come to an end at some point I suppose. Now some of you may already be feeling this way and will want to know that your company or  organisation is retaining the support for physical and mental health as well as its current thinking about flexible and remote working both for now and for the future. Now whilst I accept that we all need to start getting back to our (post-apocolyptic it seems sometimes) new normal, discussions about returning to the workplace, be it a shop, bar or office should be at the heart of any decisions and plans that business makes and every effort should be made to make sure people feel safe and secure in an enviroment they spend more time at than at home, at least pre-COVID. However this is something I feel people aren't talking about not nearly enough. 

The last time I stepped into that office was back in May 2020, before summer, before heatwaves and before any thoughts about postponing the wedding. Even then I only went in to collect a few things from my desk to make it easier to work from home, or WFH as some people are now referring to it. And even before that optional visit it was back in March before lockdown when we were all back, crowding round the doughnuts someone had brought in or queuing for the coffee machine. But I have been assured it is safe with weird heat detection systems, air-cirulation units and socially distanced desks, I am sure it will be, but the communication out is a little sparse for my likling and I cannot, at the moment at least, hold my hand on my heart and say I feel confident and safe returning to work just yet. 

Despite all of this and how tiresome I and many others are finding this lockdown crap, regardless of its "easing", I am glad to just be getting some sort of news and clarity on what the future may look like, even if it is just up until the end of the year. But things are not over and to say that I am scared, anxious, worried, daunted and generally overwhelmed by the whole experiance now as I write to you all less than twelve-hours to go, is an understatement but I know it is for the best and hopefully it wont be so bad ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Don't worry my tattoo's don't like you either

Heyy, 

So following last weeks feelings of never having felt so at a loss, thinks are getting better, but seemingly as with everything during Corona, it is slowly, slowly. With Mr Warehouse and I having to postpone our wedding due to the uncertainty and coronavirus threat, making the decision several weeks ago now I was expecting many of the benefits to have taken effect including cramming in more holidays or maybe some more time to expand on my career or side hustle and ake some more money before the inevitable onset of children happens, probably within a year or so of being married. However, with the lack of training opportunities, work scope and growth and most holiday destinations facing some sort of quarantine risk, it's becoming a struggle trying to look on the positive side of things. 

Week fifteen and I am honestly, like most people I think, wondering if and when this will never end; I am well and truly fed up with it all. The BBC released today (Monday 24 August 2020) confirm that there have been more than 320,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far in the UK, only climbing 1,000 in the last week. However, with over 41,000 people to have died, government figures show we are still not out of the woods yet. Whilst those figures may seem steep, there have only been four people who have died as a result of Coronavirus in the last 24-hour period in the UK which contributes to a fortnightly decline since the beginning of the month. As I explained several weeks ago, the more that you test and trace this horrible disease, the more people will come back with having contracted it or be known to be infected, asymptomatic or not. It is a statistic that the more cases of detected COVID-19 the more deaths there will be as the Government grapple with the science and the research as we learn new things about it day by day and as the months go one we will be sure to learn even more. 

Anyway, things have been starting to go back to normal now and with everything opening up again I was happy to be heading to the tattoo shop. Planned for May 2020, I had booked in to have a commemorative piece done for the one-year anniversary of little Frankenstien blessing our lives. But Corona had other plans and as tattoo parlours and other establishments got shut down,  so did some puppy-inspired ink. Nevertheless, as the day rolled around I became more and more nervous of the design, what the studio would look like (since I hadn't been there before) and what my artist would be like. But I needn't of worried. 

Gravity Tattoo Shop had graced one of Leighton Buzzard's main street's for sometime now and become a very well established and well-known tattoo studio. The cute and classical design of the shop front instantly makes you feel at ease and at peace with the desicions you have made in life and the ink that shall imbed your skin to reflect them. Knocking the door I was greeted by a lovely young women whose friendly tone instantly made me feel welcome and safe. Decending the stairs I was greeted with a very clean and clinical enviroment, as one would maybe expect from such a place. But the colour and vibrancy was what I noticed first. No black walls and heavily gothy or macarbre vibes. Quite the opposite in fact. Colour everywhere. Pastels and bright neons. Bunting was hanging from the staircase and artwork adorned the walls. I felt very comfortable here. 

Sitting on the couches and "borrowing" dome sweeties left out I forgot for a second that I was not at a kids birthday party and suddenly started to feel a little nervous. Although no sooner had I filled in the welcome forms, I was introduced to my Tatter - Leanne. @leanneleavestattoo as her instagram handle suggests is a tattooist in the making. Her social media is littered with beautiful pieces of work including flowers, animals, insects and some realistic forms of womens bodies, not my taste but beautiful and brave to get done. As we went through the design and what I wanted and how I wanted it to look I was excited and as Leanne set up her station I couldnt help but continue to look upon the vast array of just stuff. Fascinated they had a wall of things ranging from stuffed animals to plant pots and folders all as a dort of Cath Kidston inspiration board in real life (Cath Kidston head office has a "inspiration cabinet" where all the little trinkets and things live so that designers can draw inspiration any time when designing new fabric or item). 

Hopping myself up onto the bench I reminised to the last time I found myself on a massuse bed and how I was the wrong way round for a back, neck and shoulders. Anxiously I looked away as I began yabbering on about my boy (the puppy) and the story on how we ended up getting him. I had barely felt any pain until she reached the centre of my wrist when the vibrations seared up my arm. Not the worst pain I had ever felt, but it was enough for me to go 'Ooohff'. 

"It was like I could feel it rattling up my arm" I said to Leanne, to which she chuckled and said sometimes that happens as it is a really sensative part of the body. 

Soon enough though I was done and as I looked down and in the mirror for the first time it was like I had fallen in love with my Pup all over again. The moment I laid eyes on the black line-work design I was smitten. I couldn't wait to show it off and I could feel myself getting really emotional. Controlling myself I got cleaned up properly and proudly flaunted it to the other artists in the shop. A simple paw print, probably the same size as his, with a crude stitch running through it and Frankenstien bolts either side. The cutest thing I ever did see. Thanking Leanne again I headed out into the sunshine, ink covered and protected. Even now I cant stop staring! Although I must admit I don't think my wrist has seen so much oilling and moisturising, and yet despite this it is now developing an itch. My hands are basically like a slip-and-slide. Suffice to say I am hooked and already planning my next one ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work so most people don't recognise them

Hello, 

I knew that this week would be a strange one, but I never thought that life would be as different now as it was only a few mere weeks ago. The last few weeks have been strange to say the least, especially working from home which in the beginning was odd, and yet now seems more settled and I kinda have a routine. Boris (Johnson, our Prime Minister, and secret weird crush of mine) has yet to grace us with any more televised statements from Downing Street. This being said, however, his strict curb on life in the UK to tackle the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus have certainly shaken things up but as the UK death toll has peaked so far at 1,408 I am left questioning what happens in future weeks. 

Simply put, people have not listened, myself maybe being one of them. Like naughty toddlers, people did not heed advice from Government to stay at home (except for shopping for basic necessities, once-daily exercise, attending to any medical need or travelling to and from essential work). And so, as a necessary precaution in order to protect everyone, announcements were made that all shops selling non-essential goods such as clothing and electronics are being told to shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together are to be prohibited. The pubs, clubs, restaurants, bars and cafes are all closed and with nothing else left to do but to sit indoors and hope that this all comes to an end sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, some people still didn't quite get the memo as Parks and open spaces still became flooded on the weekend we BBQ-ers, sun-bathers and picnics. So much so that UK police have been forced to use their powers to enforce them, including fines and dispersing gatherings. Thankfully living out in't countryside allows us a little more freedom than some of the bigger towns and cities. 

Truthfully, in the beginning, I didn't take this whole thing seriously enough, still don't to an extent. Although that doesn't stop my appreciation for those doing a good job in order to keep everything in the country ticking along nicely until this whole thing blows over. But the last couple of days since Bo-Jo's address to the nation like something from 1945, has really made me question my own situation, I suppose rather selfishly. Early last week, on Tuesday 17 March, moneysavingexpert.com explained easily how banks had agreed with the Chancellor that they will offer 'forbearance' (tolerance and help) on mortgages. This means they all should offer those struggling a three-month 'holiday', allowing customers a temporary break from having to make mortgage payments during this time. Something which I think will help us with some of the more recent developments to do with mine and Mr Warehouse's work situation. 

For us, keeping up with bills and putting food on the table was never really a challenge, and might not be, but we are conscious about the ever-growing distance between us and that crack that seems to loom more and more as the days pass. Realistically having a forbearance on our mortgage at least will help a little, although I am hoping some of our other financial products such as car finance, credit cards and loans can catch up with the mortgage companies soon. It should help and maybe get us out of what could have been a very tight hole in the next few weeks and months, although after spending four-and-a-half hours on hold to our mortgage company last Thursday and then a further 3-hours the following Friday morning I was finally able to speak with someone. Feeling embarrassed I mumbled my way through the phone call with a lovely woman who explained that there was nothing to be embarrassed by and that everyone is in the same boat and to not worry or panic. And so, for the next three months, we won't pay anything, then when our mortgage repayments resume, the total we owe would be spread over the following remain years on our term, relatively speaking we will see a very small uplift in future payments.

Several days later, the UK Government announced a continuity of the COVID-19 Coronavirus package to help people affected by the pandemic which including a sweeping pledge to pay 80% of employees' wages if they are not working due to illness or to cover that of 'retained' employees, being those who would otherwise have been laid off due to the knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic. I mentioned last week that, hopefully, this will help many people who would have otherwise lost their jobs. However, it would seem as though I may be benefiting from this exact hand out ... 

iNews.co.uk explains that Furloughed workers are those whose employers cannot cover staff costs due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus, and as such, they have been asked to stop working, but have not been made redundant. The website continues that "under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all employers in the UK will be able to access support to continue paying part of employees’ salaries who would otherwise have been laid off during the ongoing health crisis." This means that whilst the employee is not necessarily working, the employee still has all the same rights as they did previously including Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) entitlement, maternity rights, other parental rights, rights against unfair dismissal and to redundancy payments. This also allows employees to access all company benefits such as health care, health insurances and even pensions. Obviously, there is a limit to the amount paid will be capped at a maximum of £2,500 per month / per employee (nowhere near my salary - Sadface), and the Government is saying that all is to be issued through grants which can be paid out to any employer and “before the end of April” with wages will be paid backdated to 1st March 2020.  

As it stands, I have yet to hear back on anything solid or any contractual changes that will ultimately need to be put in place before such a big rollout. I will hopefully find out the final results in the coming days, but here's hoping I can continue to work in whatever capacity that may be - Full Time, Part Time, Half Days, Full Days, Different departments - who cares! As long as I am doing something, my bit if you will, then I will be happy. Besides with no kids, childcare issues at nil, twenty-minutes drive from the office and having never taken ill since working for the company I would like to hope I would be a good candidate to keep the well-oiled machine going. I suppose only time will tell, and here's hoping that it will tell all soon. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Satanic Separation Anxiety

Heyy, 

Last week I was dreamily gazing out of the window at the setting sun awaiting my new arrival and now I sit here and listen to him cry and winge as we try and attempt one of the hardest things about puppy ownership - Training. Little Frankenstein (made by mistake and pieced together from two different breeds of dog - Jack Russell Terrier and Toy Poodle) has been somewhat of a little horror this week in terms of separation anxiety. Whilst his time alone is arduous, to say the least, I look at other owners we know and their animals as I am glad we don't have it that bad! 

A quick Google of Dog Separation Anxiety come up with hundreds of helpful pages with useful tips, tricks and hints on how to have a happier pup! One website, in particular, I have referenced for a bit of help has been PetMD. Their article on "Five Steps to Preventing Dog Separation Anxiety" has some really great information that I think would be helpful for all levels of Dog momma out there. 

Separation Anxiety can show itself in animals and in humans, however, for man's best friend this could develop if left into a psychological disorder of hyper attachment that manifests as barking, crying, urination, defecation, and other destructive signs when the dog is left alone in the house.

Veterinary behaviourist Lisa Radosta from PetMD recommend to ignore and not pay attention to your dog when he follows you or your family around the house. "Many attention-seeking behaviours, including dog and puppy separation anxiety, can simply be corrected by ignoring them." 
I have done this pretty much from day dot, just simply because I want to get in through the door, put down the bags of shopping or kick off my shoes and down my laptop bag before even saying hello to the animals, Mr. Warehouse is exempt from this of course!

The article continues with "hiding all departure cues from your dog so that he or she can’t begin to associate them with your departure". 
This is difficult as for us it is not leaving the house that seems to be an issue, although we haven't yet heard any complaints from the neighbours, but itis night time and the routine surrounding that my fiance and I find difficult. Everything seems fine, up until we leave the lounge and leave him with his blankets, toys, chewy things and play stuff. You would think he would be entertained but our little Frank just isn't happy when it comes to bedtime! Howling and crying were the first problems, but then, after looking after friends dog's for a few nights last week, he really learned how to use his lungs and has even started scratching at the inner lounge door, which we have tried to train him out of doing, but it is hard. 

Avoiding having a meltdown was another point in the "Five Steps to Preventing Dog Separation Anxiety" from Lisa Radosta at PetMD. Keeping your dog from having a full-blown emotional response is difficult as we are finding. However, the Veterinary behaviourist says that he "should not be following you to the door when you go to leave. Instead, put him in his crate with something really fun to do, well before we are getting ready to leave or go to bed." Coupled with this the article carries on to say that we should, in addition, confine our dog in his crate for 10 to 15 minutes a day when at home. The problem we have with that is that I don't want to crate train Frankie and neither does Mr. Warehouse by the sound of things. They are ugly and space eating but also I am not sure that they actually help, I feel it is the lazy ladies answer to training and only makes for a less family feel of owning a dog. Obviously, I understand it is helpful but whilst crate time can be fun and never used as a punishment, I just feel that for us as a family, not to say that is wrong, it's just not right for us. 

Top Tip we haven't tried yet is the treating method, which, in itself seems pretty counter-productive. Veterinary behaviourist Lisa Radosta from PetMD recommends associating our departure, be it night time or otherwise, with something wonderful, like rare dog treats that he only gets at that time of day. We have however started the task of always asking Frankie to sit before we interact with him and this includes leaving as well. This will hopefully in time set up a predictable, structured relationship between us all and help him to understand how to get attention from us in the best way and by doing things we want him to do like wee's and poo's outside and staying put when told to do so. 

Training other than the whole night time routine seems to be going OK though as he now knows his name and comes back most of the time when called, he knows a little on how to play fetch and catch, knows the command down or no, although little most toddlers and puppies, sometimes selectively hears what he wants to. I am sure we have made the right decision after the hell of the first few nights, but only time will tell how much of a clever little boy we have. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

A present from Santa and delivered by Cupid!

Evening, 

To think that this time last week as I wrote to you all and told of how upsetting and worrying it was about Pooch's aural haematoma (similar to a blood blister in humans) which has now thank goodness, cleared up to almost all gone, I had no idea of what would come. 

Luckily unlike most dogs and cats that have an aural haematoma Pup has recovered well and not suffered or been left with a cauliflower ear, crumpled and disfigured from the trauma. However should this happen again, I think that surgery is going to be the only option. However, all that worry seemed to melt away as I waited patiently. 

Gazing out of the window at the setting sun I had been waiting all day for this moment. Truth be told, I had been waiting for this moment for pretty much my whole life since being a toddler. Seeing the blue rickety old van pull into the street I came running down the stairs, the pit of my stomach flipping nervously as it filled with anxiety and anticipation at what was to come. 
"They're here! They're here!" I squeaked excitedly at Mr. Warehouse as he too peered out the window at the arriving vehicle. 

You see this all started on Tuesday evening, as Mr. Warehouse and I had prepared ourselves for bed with Pooch as we normally did, turning off the telly, closing down the lights and going into lockdown making sure all doors and windows were shut. It was about quarter to ten at night when the phone rang. I looked at Mr. Warehouse as I showed him the caller ID. It was his Mom, my future mother-in-law. Worried I answered and before she even had a chance to explain I promptly told her that this was about the time that people call in the night when someone has died. 
"Do you want to see some puppies?" she said simply and calmly like some sort of child molester. I mean, of course I did. Immediately hitting redial to facetime her. No sooner had she accepted the call I saw a bundle of fluffiness. A little white girl with patches of brown and black splodging her body, another smooth black and tan puppy and a third wirey black and tan fur baby. Instantly I start freaking out. 

"I thought someone had died or had an accident. I thought that you had got engaged or something. God Damn women you scared me half to death" I said. After showing Mr Warehouse and getting close-ups of all the cuteness it was time for some seriousness. 
"I am being serious. We're leaving in five minutes and were taking one of the girls so which one do you want?" Suddenly everything seemed real and I focused my twilight mind from puppies and cute faces on a screen. Like a child to her parents, I turned to my beloved fiance and pleaded with him to let me get one. After a few pushes, he seemed to give in reluctantly knowing I would probably do whatever I would want regardless of what he had to say. 

"I can't make a decision like that I am afraid, as much as I would like to," I said to my excited mother-in-law-to-be. Reluctantly I ended the call and Mr. Warehouse shook his head. We needed to talk about it and I needed to make sure it was the best decision for the family as a whole, not just me and my selfish dreams of being a dog momma to a baby puppy. Talking it over that night and the following day, we called Momma Warehouse back. After further talks, we discovered that it was a friend of a friend who used to breed toy poodles who gave it up to look after her sick husband at home who was rapidly deteriorating into dementia. Unfortunately one night back in early December the Husband had let the breeding stud in with the family pet, a Jack Russell terrier and she fell pregnant. several months later and around Valentine's day a surprise, or nine, were delivered. The lady herself knew nothing about it as she had been so busy with Christmas, New Year and looking after her husband and home she had neglected to notice her dog's belly growing. 

With the unexpected litter now twelve-weeks old they were already a month passed being legally allowed to leave their mother and so she took the decision to find them homes. One of the first questions I asked my future mother-in-law was how much. Bearing in mind that the Toy Poodle / Jack Russell mix would already be a popular choice for families as they are intelligent, active little things, small enough to be around kids and hypoallergenic so great for allergy sufferers. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. The reason being is that not only was it a terrible accident because her poorly husband had not known that they no longer bred dogs, but also that as a result of this expenses had already been stretched by extra food and what not. The added vaccinations, chipping, insurance and everything else that normally comes with a new puppy would have financially not been possible for the poor lady and her husband and so she wanted to give them away to families that would love and care for them as she had, making sure they were their forever homes. 

Which leads us up to the moment I started with. Opening the door I stood patiently at the front door with the rest of the family, like a mother ready to accept her newborn. Ushering me over to the van I peered in and saw the sweetest little bundle of tuft. Black and tan, with a white belly I scooped him up and took him into his new home. Welcome home our little Frankenstein - An homage to my love of all things spooky, Halloween and macabre. That but also the fact he was made by mistake and pieced together from two different breeds of dog. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Glitter Makes Everything Better (Unless Its Gary)

Heyy everyone, 

Donning some glitter and denim shorts I was looking forward to the hotly anticipated Bedford River Festival this weekend and with the music drumming, food smelling incredible and host of friendly and familiar faces along the way, this weekends antics have certainly put a smile on my face. Following what has been a very difficult and stressful few months for me, I honestly feel the best that I think I have felt in a very long time. Now whether this is because my work life is a lot better or maybe it's the medication for my depression that has kicked in, I am just glad to say that life seems to be getting brighter again. I suppose when I really try and put my finger on it, my improvement in mood comes down to the fact that nothing major has really happened to improved it apart from my medication. 

Whilst the medicine I am on has finally stopped making me feel queasy and nauseous (something that only ever seem to happen in the morning before lunch which made me paranoid that I may be pregnant) I know it would be silly for me to simply stop taking them all together as I know that this is something I need to continue in order to build up it's effect, coupled with counselling and therapy of course. I just needed something - anything- to take the edge off and make it all seem a little less sharper. I have sometimes questioned as to whether I am suffering a placebo effect from just simply popping some pills every morning along with a Hayfever tablet, but as some of you may know I had tried to muddle through the cloudiness and not succumb to the need for medication for some time. I know that therapy and counselling is helping make a difference and battling my demons, but I also need to look forward and celebrate my future. 

This is a time where I should be happy and excited about finally getting the home I have always dreamt of, well at least in part. With the house seemingly moving along nicely and with the solicitors now instructed and doing their thing with searches and the likes, I am feeling more positive than ever. There is no move date as yet so don't grab your red cups and vodka for the house party just yet. I am almost certain after talking to different people at work and through other groups of friends that the process will quicken pace and before I know it the contract will be with us ready to sign on the dotted line. 

Does it makes me nervous about getting a house? Yes, of course it does! However I have to put everything into perspective and when the Devil on my shoulder tells me that it is going to be very expensive and makes me question as to whether Mr Warehouse and I can afford it, I must remember all of the other times that I thought or wondered how I would ever afford what I wanted in life. I look back even now over the last couple of years before I had Vivienne (my car) and I question as to what exactly I spent my money on as I didn't have much to show for it. Before I moved into my bachelor pad upstairs in the block that I currently reside, I lived in a studio type room within a house of multiple occupancy and even back then when I was on pretty much minimum wage, jumping from job to job, I question what I spent my cash on. 

It terrifies me to think that I will yet again have to depend on someone else and with that statement I mean that I will not be able to afford the house by myself should anything go wrong and therefore will rely on Mr Warehouse and his input both financially and in running the place. Now I know that for many of you who are already married or cohabiting that this may not seem like such a big deal, but I don't know, maybe this is a problem for me because I have been let down many times by other people, both in past romantic relationships as well as within my close family network. My therapist has said that abandonment is a major part of my life and that many things can trigger this rejection so making sure that someone doesn't get too close or that I don't depend on anyone apart from me is simply my way of coping and dealing with never feeling cast aside, unwanted or unloved ever again. I think my one biggest fears going into the whole experience of buying a home with someone I am not married to is that I know there is no legal standing when it comes to our separation, regardless when or even if it happens. Mind you, I suppose that being married doesn't necessarily mean that someone will not get up and just leave you either. 

I have to remember that this is a happy time in my life and that one day I will explain to my own children about how I bought my first home at the ripe old age of twenty-six. I suppose there isn't many of my friend circle, if any at all, that have been able to get onto the property ladder without any financial help from someone, family or otherwise. I am seriously glad to be feeling even a little bit more back to normal and I am ever so grateful for the amount of support and love I have had over the last few months, fingers crossed it won't be long before I can once again walk in the sunshine and Sparkle as I did before. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx