I have over the last 12 months had 2 blogs

I have over the last 12 months had 2 blogs. One looking at ways of recouping a salary drop of 15 thousand and the other one following my competition, mystery shopper and survey experiences to see if they carry any substantial weight of enabling me to earn even a small proportion of the 15 thousand salary drop that I mentioned above. This other blog I will leave online for another month before I will delete it.

I have decided to amalgamate the two together this will therefore allow to post more regularly instead of trying to constantly think and type up two separate blog reports. Which as you can clearly see has not been the case lately on either blog?

Well the drought still goes on and I have not yet had a win during the whole of 2008 via competitions. If you follow my other blog of my trials to find some form of home working or internet marking to recoup the 15 thousand salary drop I had to undertake. This drought of not winning coincides with my placement in my current work placement.

The main stipulation of entering competitions is to try and enter 30+ competitions a week or roughly 120-140 a month. I am of average entering 180+ a month. This is achieved by subscribing too a couple of competitions magazine plus an online site every month and also looking at a free online site for alternative competitions to enter. I would recommend everyone to enter competitions for you never know when you may win that ultimate holiday of a lifetime free.

However at the present moment I am not the greatest advert. Am I?

The mystery shopper experience has been very poor for the last 3 months. I have always met all the criteria for undertaking and completing these assignments and I have never forgotten to complete and submit all paperwork on the day of the mystery visit. The company that I work for though has now stipulated that if you sign up to undertake a visit and you subsequently cancel you are only allowed a certain number of strikes and you are out. This I will say I have done, when working full time you sign up to undertake a visit knowing that you have a meeting in the neighbouring town etc. so after your meeting finishes a 20 minutes mystery shop to a local store etc. is achievable. I am sure you are well aware though meeting etc. have a habit of over running and this has in turn made me fail to complete these mystery shops.

I am now very careful to what I sign up to because I don’t want to lose this job albeit very small source of income because the opportunities to test or purchase goods that you may wish to purchase in the future however being paid by a company at a reduced cost to trial these goods is as far as I can see a good thing to miss.

The surveys have also been very slow, however I have recently changed ISP provider and I have not yet transferred all my account over. In a some cases not a bad idea for I was signed up to far to many survey sites to keep ahead.

I found surveys interesting and still do and although the pay is small it does build over time. I have also tested pens, aftershave and energy drinks. It is quite good for free goods although you have to fill in numerous surveys to hit the right one.

Job Situation

OK. What’s new? Well exactly nothing, in work they keep me well and truly controlled sitting in the corner and also out of the way.

My company have expanded too quickly and now the trainees and that includes me have very little to do. I know that I should really seek more work however my supposed mentor keeps every thing very close to their chest and makes sure that they always look busy although I’m sure that they are exactly achieving nothing.

I overheard two senior members of staff talking about everyone’s roles the other day. Now I spent nearly 20 years in my chosen field prior to my redeployment to this present position so I do know quite a lot of how the other establishments will work and how they like to go about negotiation. My bosses have decided that it would be better for me to play no role with this work group and be able to offer some form of help or assistance.

Before you ask, I appreciate I should say why have they decided to go down this route. I feel that I am so much isolated to even enter into discussions would not only achieve nothing it would also drive the boundaries and isolation even higher.

I have had one mentor meeting and I told that in no uncertain terms that although I am undoubtedly skilled in many areas, that my skills are not in this new work area and I should openly except that I will have to work from that bottom however skills and competencies are transferable all that has to be undertaken to match them and progress.

My new work colleagues will not even enter into discussion to match my skills and competencies to determine were extra support is required and were I am more ideally matched. I am at the bottom and wait for work like a young person straight out of school and undertaking a work placement.

One of the juniors in the office is always being asked my peers if they would consider moving into a trainee role similar to what I am undertaking. I know I may think to far ahead however if they can remove me that this person could move into my position.

I know that and I have had confirmed although not in as many words and I think I have mentioned it in a previous post. Out of the four trainee post one has just completed the necessary courses, exams and training whilst the other two were recruited via the normal application and interview route. I was virtually forced onto the section via the redeployment route. The manager of the section disapproved of my placement into the section however his two immediate senior offices informed him that I had to be accepted.

I have been enrolled on the first level of the relevant training/courses that I will need to undertake to progress. My fellow trainees are all trying to work out if they are eligible for any exemptions. I maybe able for one or two exemptions myself however I have not been involved in this type of work before and although I have touched on potentially huge areas of what I do now both in prior work experiences and training and courses that I have undertaken. I have decided that it would be better for me to start at the beginning to re-affirm my previous learning and also it’s will be better out of the workplace one day a week than sitting in work totally bored.

My mentor has stated once again the training course is not as relevant as to work experience gained however I am not undertaking any work at the moment to gain experience. I detest reality television with a passion especially, when they show it live although the night with a 15 minute delay and actually nothing happens because they are all in bed asleep.

My work role at the moment it would be more interesting for me and less of a punishment if I had to watch these contestants sleep than sit in the office everyday.

I have set it in my mind that I have to seek another job however it harder than you think and I have started to seek alternative employment and already submitted one application form in an area that I have previously worked in. I am constantly seeking ways now that I can undertake in work to keep me occupied whilst I look like I am working on something. Then again even if I was not I don’t think that my work colleagues would be bothered

Job Situation

The job situation has leveled out at the moment. That's why really I have been quiet.

Ebay is slowing taking hold and I need to know source another route to earn some more money.

I am due to start me new training during September however that looks like it will cause a few issues.

I will update you on this hopefully tomorrow.

Emu Oil

Emu Oil

I will be stocking this item in my ebay shop soon. Please visit

What is Emu Oil?

Emu oil is a product of the flightless Australian Emu. It comes from the thick pad of fat on the bird’s back which nature supplied as protection from other fighting birds and from the harsh Australian sun. The fat is refined by a thorough, licensed process, strictly regulated by the Australian Government. This process removes all protein, bacteria and foreign matter. Emu Oil is natural healing oil which is highly penetrating, anti-bacterial and has anti-inflammatory properties beneficial to the body and skin. It is odourless oil which will solidify below 18 degrees Celsius.

What is Emu Oil used for?

Applied topically or taken internally.

To moisturize: Emu Oil can be applied topically to treat dry skin conditions such as eczema & psoriasis and is also suitable as a moisturiser for spot prone skin as it does not block pores.
To reduce pain and swelling: Taken internally and/or applied topically, it is also used as an anti-inflammatory to give temporary relief to stiff/sore muscles and joints and to treat sports injuries or tired and overworked muscles.
As an after sun or to treat burns: Helps to reduce redness, reduce the heat and reduce pain. Helps to prevent peeling. Increases the healing time for burns and reduces the likelihood of scarring.
As a supplement: Emu Oil is said to have the perfect combination of the essential fatty acids Omegas3, 6 & 9 and is also believed to reduce cholesterol.
To treat scars/stretch marks: Emu Oil helps your skin to heal and regenerate itself. Will reduce the redness of new stretch marks and can reduce the appearance of old stretch marks.
To heal wounds/bruises/injuries: It is believed that Emu Oil helps to speed up the healing process almost two-fold by encouraging cell regeneration and reducing inflammation. Also reduces the likelihood of scaring.
To promote healthy hair growth: Applied to the scalp, Emu Oil will nourish the hair follicles, sometimes awakening dormant follicles and encouraging strong, health hair growth.

A list of all the conditions Emu Oil has been successful in treating/alleviating?

• Acne: reduces inflammation, speeds healing, moisturises without blocking pores
• Anti-ageing: increases the elasticity of the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles
• Arthritis (particularly in fingers/hands, knees and ankles): reduces pain and inflammation
• Body Piercings: keeps the tissue healthy & moisturised
• Bumps & bruises: reduces inflammation and pain, helps the bruising to go down quicker
• Burns (from ovens etc.): reduces pain, takes out some of the heat and speeds skin regeneration
• Calloused hands: softens the skin
• Cradle cap: reduces the flaking. Very gentle & safe for use on babies and children
• Cramps: massage with emu oil to relieve pain and relax the muscles
• Cuts and scratches: apply sparingly to area once it has been cleaned and dried. It seems to speed up the healing.
• Cuticles (cracked or split): reduces inflammation, increases suppleness of the skin. Apply at least twice a day
• Dandruff: reduces flaking & itching
• Dermatitis (contact dermatitis): moisturises and heals
• Dry skin: moisturises and softens
• Eczema: reduces itching, moisturises and speeds healing
• Friction burns : eases pain and reduces the discomfort caused if the area is in contact with clothes
• Hair loss : massage into scalp to stimulate hair growth
• Massage : use neat or diluted with a carrier oil
• Muscle pain : massage in to help relieve pain and relax the muscles
• Nappy Rash: reduces redness and irritation. Speeds healing. Safe and natural for babies
• Nettle stings : reduces inflammation & itching
• Post surgery scars : gently apply to the area twice a day
• Psoriasis : reduces itching, moisturises, softens & reduces scaliness
• Razor burn : reduces soreness & redness, speeds healing
• Seborrheic Dermatitis : massage into the scalp daily to reduce flakiness and itching
• Shin splints : massage into shins before and after exercise or whenever there is pain
• Stretch marks: calms the redness of new stretch marks and minimises scarring. Reduces the appearance of older stretch marks and evens the surface of the skin
• Sunburn : takes out the heat and discomfort and minimises peeling
• Superficial phlebitis: can calm the redness, reduces inflammation & itching.
• Tattoo removal : helps to reduce the redness and reduce the possibility of scarring
• Varicose Ulcers/Eczema: helps to speed healing, reduce itching & inflammation.<

Shelf life; how long will my Emu Oil last?
It has been known for some oil to stay stable for up to 10 years. It is more usual for Emu Oil producers to recommend a 5 to 6 year shelf life. Although the recommendation is to use your oil up within 1-2 years of opening your bottle. This is because as soon as you open the bottle you expose the oil to the atmosphere and then when you start pouring it and dabbing your fingers in etc it is inevitable that the oil will be exposed to some bacteria. This applies to all cosmetics. You should also store the oil below 30°C and out of direct sunlight to help prolong its shelf life. In very hot weather it can be stored in the fridge.


Who can use Emu Oil?
The topical application of Emu Oil is safe for all the family including children, babies, the elderly, and the sick and during pregnancy. There are no known side affects. It can also be used on animals.


What does Emu Oil contain?
Emu Oil naturally contains:
Vitamin A
Vitamin E
Omegas 3,6 & 9
Triglycerides (lipids very similar to those in human skin)
Terpines - antiseptic agents
Sapogens - skin softeners
Oleic Acid - a skin cell regenerator and preserver and an epidermic transporter of bio-active compounds.

What are the benefits of Emu Oil?

• Reduces Inflammation
• Mildly Analgesic
• Suitable for all ages and skin types, even extremely sensitive and or/irritated skin
• More effective than arnica for the treatment of bruises
• Drug & chemical free
• Safe & natural alternative to mineral oils
• More compatible with human skin than vegetable or mineral oils
• A sustainable resource, unlike mineral oils
• Deeply penetrating
• Transporter of active ingredients
• Speeds Healing
• Doesn’t interfere with normal skin function

Job Situation

It is crazy in work at the moment my trainer is on leave/holiday and I get the opinion that my line manager can't understand why I have been given a load of work that should have been given to our admin team and not me. This hopefully will work in my favour.

My ebay shop is moving along and I am happy with the progress I just need to source some new items to sell to move onto the next level.

The Wedding Countdown

Wedding Day Countdown


Start to think about your complexion about 4-6 months before. A skincare routine helps skin look even, smooth and radiant. For all important daily sun protection, don’t go out without an SPF lotion- please consider this at any time of the year.

About 4 to 8 weeks before and you suffer from large pores, dullness or shine. Now is the time to get a skin care check up and address any complexion issues. Please go and talk to the experts about your concerns and commit to a simple customised routine. You will see your problems solved and your skin transformed.

Round about 4 weeks before make a visit to see a make up expert and go over your wedding day look.

Purchase presents for your bridal party. Make up and fragrance items make great gifts. Please don’t forget the groom.

Continue to experiment with self tanners to give skin a sun kissed glow. The key to natural looking, believable colour? Exfoliation. It helps self tanning products glide on and most importantly streak free. Polish and deflake dull skin with gentle yet effective booster exfoliators for face and body.

After you have applied a self tanner you must remember to keep your skin hydrated this is very important as dry skin soaks up colour unevenly. Wait for 20 minutes after self tanning before smoothing on moisturiser.

It is now the week of that all important day the wedding day. Make time to go for that all important final skin care check up. It is well known that stress and dehydration can wreak havoc on skin, therefore get some all important exercise and more importantly drink plenty of water, too.

Revisit how you want your make up to look. Practice makes perfect. Now’s the time to purchase anything that missing from your cosmetics bag. Pack for your honeymoon. Importantly don’t forget the sunscreen.

Also consider what special fragrance you will wear for the big day.

The wedding day remember to moisturise lightly around your eyes and liberally on your face. A well moisturised face keeps foundation from clinging to skin.

Foundation evens out skin tone and minimises imperfections. Remember less is more.

Concealer disguises imperfections – it’s the key to great photographs. Brighten your look with a lighter shade of concealer at the inner and outer eye corners.

Eye shadow tends to wear off. Anchor your shadow with a neutral base for long wear. Waterproof mascara is a must.

Lipstick should be subtle and flattering. Avoid brown lipsticks to make to make your teeth your whiter. And a long wearing lipstick formula will help keep your smile beautiful after numerous toasts and kisses.

Bottom line? Enjoy your moment it’s your day. Feel comfortable with yourself. Finally be yourself! The most important thing to remember is to have fun, and delight in this once in a lifetime process.

As a footnote I have started to source wedding goods in my ebay shop.Please visithttp://stores.ebay.co.uk/Grimzags-Emporium

Brides and Wedding

Everyone knows someone you is getting married this year or next and their wedding plans are set and they are actively working on them.

I have therefore started sources wedding items for my ebay store . There is only a few items at the moment however if they sell I will add and source more.

However I have found these wedding traditions for everyone to see. Some I did know about and some I didn't.


The Ring

The wedding ring is worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was once believed that a special vein ran from this finger directly to the heart. If the ring is dropped during the ceremony, it should be picked up only by the clergyman or registrar conducting the ceremony.

If the wife loses her wedding ring at any time, the husband should immediately buy another, place it on her finger and repeat the lines of the marriage vow.

It's All in the Timing

June is a universally favoured month for weddings, and not just because good weather can generally be relied upon. Its popularity is rooted in the fact that it was named for the goddess Juno. As the adored and faithful wife of Jupiter, she is said to bestow special blessings on those who marry in her month. May, named for Maia, wife of Vulcan and patroness of the aged, is said to be a particularly unlucky time to marry.

Married in January's hoar and rime, widowed you'll be before your time,
Married in February's sleepy weather, life you'll tread in time together,
Married when March winds shrill and roar, your home will be on a distant shore,
Married beneath April's changing skies, a chequered path before you lies,
Married when bees over May blossoms flit, strangers around your board will sit,
Married in the month of roses, June, life will be one long honeymoon,
Married in July with flowers ablaze, bittersweet memories on after days,
Married in August's heat and drowse, lover and friend in your chosen spouse,
Married in September's golden glow, smooth and serene your life will go,
Married when leaves in October thin, toil and hardship now begin,
Married in veils of November mist, fortune your wedding ring has kissed,
Married in days of December cheer, love's star shines brighter from year to year.

Some days, too, are considered luckier than others for marrying:

Monday for wealth,
Tuesday for health,
Wednesday the best of all,
Thursday for losses,
Friday for crosses,
Saturday no luck at all.