Typecast

Should Under-16s Be Banned from Social Media – Or Are We Asking the Wrong Question?

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:29:00 +0000

Every so often, a headline lands that feels less like news and more like a collective intake of breath.

Recently, it’s been the idea of banning under-16s from social media. Australia has acted. Spain is talking seriously about it. The UK is 'consulting', which is political code for we know this is complicated but we need to be seen to do something.

If you’re a parent, carer, or anyone who has ever watched a teenager scroll at lightning speed while claiming they’re “not really doing anything”, this probably sparked a mix of relief, confusion, agreement, and dread. Relief because something might finally change. Dread because banning something rarely makes it disappear.

Twelve years ago, and in partnership with Jump! Mag, I made a lot of noise about the access that children had to social media. Parents reported that were already anxious about safety, peer pressure, screen time, and digital footprints that felt permanent before kids even understood what permanent meant however they were the ones that were allowing the access.

What’s changed since isn’t the worry. It’s the scale. Childhood doesn’t just brush up against the internet anymore. It forms part of it.

My research (and your input) isn’t here to defend social media, and it’s not here to shout “ban it all” either. It’s here to slow the conversation down long enough to ask better questions. What are we actually worried about? What do children get from being online that adults often dismiss? And what happens when policy tries to fix a human problem with a technical solution?

I’m also launching a short podcast series in the very near future, digging into the reality behind the headlines and using research, lived experience, and voices that don’t usually make it into government soundbites. If we’re going to talk about banning childhood from the internet, we should probably understand what childhood online actually looks like first.

This is where I need your help. I've created a survey which I would like you to fill in. It's completely anonymous but does need you to spend about 15 minutes completing it. I'd also like you to share it so it reaches a wide audience with the results being fair and measured, providing a real snapshot of children's online activity in 2026.

You can complete the survey below or by clicking on this link

https://forms.gle/vYdCP9z1m6qPKmnY9

Thank you in advance and stay tuned for the next update!

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The accompanying short podcast series will explore childhood in the age of social media. Through lived experience, research, and real voices, it will look beyond headlines to ask what children actually need to grow up safely, confidently, and human in a digital world.

Children in the Public Eye: From Blogs to Brooklyn Beckham

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:11:00 +0000

Everyone is talking about Brooklyn Beckham’s statement, and I’ve had thoughts about children in the public eye for a long time - though mine are rooted more in the blogging and vlogging world than celebrity culture.

It was this quote that stood out most to me in Brooklyn’s exposé:

“For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives [..] about our family. The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into.”

You can scroll back through this blog and see that it started around 2009. Before that, I used various precursors to blogging platforms to document my thoughts and memories. Before social media (fuck, that makes me sound so old), blogging was a way to talk to people about… well, literally anything and everything. I shared family pictures, started discussions, and built a small but respectful community.

As the internet developed and my readership grew, I was approached by some forward-thinking brands who recognised the power of blogging. That was the beginning of what is now called “online influencing”.

With that power came great responsibility. I always felt I had to be genuine and honest, so my reviews were balanced. Some of those reviews were family-focused products or experiences, which meant including images or quotes from my children (and later, grandchildren).

But as they grew older, I had to respect their wishes not to have their pictures or thoughts shared online. I was also very aware that the internet had changed - once something is published, you relinquish control.

Bear with me, I’m getting to the point…

As blogging evolved, some of my peers built hugely successful careers from their writing. Some of us moved into vlogging, and we watched the rise of daily family vlogs documenting everyday life. On the surface it sounds mundane, but people wanted to watch other people doing normal things. It gave a sense of comfort, and of normality.

In these vlogs - and in “normal” family life - everything appeared to be shown. But it wasn’t. What we saw was a carefully curated version of reality. An entire day edited down into a 10-minute to one-hour snapshot. The parents controlled the edit. They controlled the narrative. Exactly as Brooklyn is now describing.

Because of my interest in blogging, social media, and vlogging, I’ve followed a number of families who film their lives day in, day out. I’ve watched their children grow from newborns into pre-teens, teenagers, and beyond. I’ve arguably been shown more information about those children than I have about my own grandchildren.

But it’s still a constructed story - one designed to draw viewers back every single day.

I could easily name the worst offenders, but what’s more concerning is how this behaviour has bled onto newer platforms like TikTok. Parents identifying their children by name. Using them in monetised content and product placements. Making a life lived through a phone screen seem completely normal.

What worries me is that those videos - the footage, the captions, the Instagram grids - may end up being the most damaging thing these children face when they eventually step out into the wider world. They’ve been filmed, often without meaningful consent, for most of their lives.

Parents will argue that there are private moments, that the camera isn’t on all the time. But the reality remains: fortunes have been made - real, life-changing money through brand deals and ad revenue - by turning their children into content. Into performers. Into the product.

And once that narrative is out there, it can’t be edited back out.

Brooklyn Beckham speaking out feels less like celebrity drama and more like a warning shot. He’s simply one of the most visible examples of something that’s been quietly normalised for years - parents controlling the narrative of their children’s lives for public consumption. Whether it’s a global celebrity family or a YouTube account filmed in a kitchen, the mechanism is the same. Childhood becomes content, consent becomes assumed, and the edit belongs to the adult holding the camera. The uncomfortable truth is that many of these children won’t realise the weight of what’s been shared about them until it’s far too late to take it back.

Using My Scrap Yarn To Make A Storage Basket - a crochet project with pattern

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 09:39:00 +0000

I recently finished a yarn basket made from those little ends of yarn balls. You know the ones – not enough to make anything useful, but somehow still too much to throw away. When I showed it to a couple of fellow crafters, they asked for the pattern… except there isn’t one.

I took inspiration from a few scrap yarn projects I’d seen on Facebook groups and YouTube, but mostly I just winged it. I’ve never written a pattern before, and I don’t even have progression photos, so we can dive straight in without you having to read my life story or a tale about how this was my grandmother’s pattern, passed down through generations using a secret code.

PREARATION

I used a 6mm hook and two strands of contrasting colours, joining the next colour with a magic knot when I reached the end of each ball of yarn. The entire basket is worked using half treble crochet (UK terms - I believe the US equivalent is a half double crochet).

BASE

Chain 6, then join with a slip stitch to form a circle.

Work 6 half trebles into the circle and join with a slip stitch.

Chain 2 to start, then work:

2 half trebles into the next stitch
1 half treble into the following stitch

Continue this pattern all the way around and join with a slip stitch.

Tip: Use a stitch marker for the start/end of each round so you don’t lose your place.

Carry on increasing in this way with each round until your circle (the base of your basket) is the size you want. Don’t worry if you don’t have the exact number of stitches to keep the 2–1 increase pattern perfect – no one will ever know.

SIDES

Work 1 half treble into each stitch, with no increases

Continue working in a spiral until the sides are tall enough for the handles.

HANDLES

Lay your work flat and find the middle stitch. Count 10 stitches either side and place a stitch marker at each point. Repeat this on the opposite side of the basket.

When you reach a stitch marker, chain 21, then join back to the stitch at the other marker. Work your way around to the next stitch marker and repeat.

On the next round, when you reach the first chain, work a half treble into each chain stitch, then join back onto the main structure of the basket. Continue around until you reach the second chain and do the same.

On the following round, carry on as normal.

FINISHING OFF

Work three or four more rounds to add some thickness to the top and the handles, then finish off. It doesn’t matter where you end, as you’ve been working in a spiral. Weave in your ends so there’s no obvious start or finish.

My Storyteller Blanket (pattern by Attic24)

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 19:55:00 +0000

You may already have seen my images on Instagram but I couldn't be happier with how my version of the Storyteller Blanket by Attic24 turned out! But there's a bit of background to how we ended up here...

One of my team at work was interested in relearning how to crochet a granny square after trying a few years ago but losing interest. We started a mini crochet club in our lunch break and by the end of the first week, she was stitch-perfect! I went on annual leave for a week and, by the time I returned, she was crocheting pumpkins for Halloween and decorations for the office.

We both spotted the Storyteller pattern announcement on Facebook and thought it would be a perfect project to work on side-by-side. She ordered the official yarn pack but I saw it as a great opportunity to use up a good chunk of my yarn stash, which seems to have accumulated a lot of pink and purple.

On top of this, rather than following the pattern to the letter, I went a bit rogue. I opted for fewer rows than suggested, and - just for fun - I added pattern-matching squares at the top and bottom before edging it with the border. That's the beauty of handmade craft though - you aren’t bound by rules. You can take inspiration from a pattern and still make it unmistakably yours.

Me and Vicki checked in with each other occasionally and I worked on mine mainly in the evenings, It took about six weeks all together and now it sits at the end of my sofa for when I need it on these colder winter nights.

The Attic24 pattern list is always my first port of call if I'm looking for a new project to start, or a tutorial for a specific stitch pattern so I can totally recommend giving the Storyteller blanket a go, regardless of how long you've been crocheting - it's a good starter for a beginner or something relaxing for a more experiened crocheter,

Don’t be afraid to colour outside the lines. Use what you have, follow your heart, and trust that what you create will be uniquely yours. Because that’s the real magic of handmade.

Soundtrack To My Life - Songs I Found By Accident

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 19:24:00 +0000

For those of you that are new here, I used to host an irregular series called "Soundtrack To My Life" where I invited friends to share five songs that transported them back to a specific moment in time. It didn't have to be a major life event; just a treasured memory that you associate with that particular song. I occasionally interjected with my own lists of music and now I think it's time to revive the series.

This time, I want to share songs that I discovered by accident. Now, back in the day (haha, that makes me sound SO old!) the only time I heard anything outside of my comfort zone was by friend's recommendations or... well, you'll see. Nowadays, it's more likely to be by following 'you might like this' recommendations on Spotify. But it provides an eclectic playlist

This time, I’m sharing songs I stumbled across completely by accident. Back in the day (I know, that phrase instantly adds years on me, doesn’t it?) the only way I’d hear something outside my usual playlist was through a friend’s recommendation - or, well, you’ll find out in a minute. These days, it’s all thanks to those sneaky “you might like this” suggestions on Spotify. The result? A gloriously random, wonderfully eclectic playlist.

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Seasons In The Sun - Terry Jacks

When I was 16, I went on a caravan holiday with my parents to Trewan Hall in St Columb, Cornwall. Caravan holidays were always met with a sense of freedom and the knowledge that there wasn't much emphasis on time. We were holidaying with some lifelong family friends and the campsite catered for kids of our age with a dedicated hang out space called the Loft Barn (stereo, pool table, table tennis, seated areas with cushions) and a heated swimming pool. We were away for two weeks and made some great friends. There are so many treasured memories of this holiday (I might write about that another time) but on a couple of occasions, we snuck off to the local village and somehow managed to get served cider, making sure we were back before the campsite 'quiet time' at 11pm. In this local pub, the jukebox music left a lot to be desired, but this song ended up as the anthem to our holiday. We didn't listen closely to the lyrics but sung along together every time we heard it. I have glorious memories of this holiday and it was the last time I went away with my parents which is probably another reason why I remember it fondly.

YouTube link | Spotify link

Band of Gold - Freda Payne

It's another jukebox story but this time from my local village pub. I was the youngest in our friendship group (still only 17 when everyone else was between 18 and 21) but they took my under their wing. One night, in The Ship Inn, at Freckleton, someone selected an Elvis number from the jukebox but out rang 'Band of Gold'. We all jeered and said that the wrong numbers must have been pushed so we tried again... and the same thing happened. I fell in love with the song but no-one knew what it was called. I visited a small record shop in the next town and tried to describe the song and some of the lyrics and, to my surprise, the owner of the shop knew which song it was. I ordered it, waited a couple of weeks, and then picked it up so I could play it any time I wanted on my own record player.

YouTube link | Spotify link

All God's Creatures - The Houghton Weavers

Village life presents very strange opportunities and for some reason, The Houghton Weavers (a Lancashire folk band) held one of their concerts in the village hall. Even more bizarrely, my dad bought tickets for the whole family. I can't have been very old (9 or 10) and I remember Dad giving me money to buy one of their albums and then lining up to have it signed by the band!! Moving on a few years, we had a cassette of their music in the car and All God's Creatures was one of the ones we sang together as a family

YouTube link | Spotify link

Chippy Tea - The Lancashire Hotpots

Back when the internet was very young, I discovered a website called diffusiononline which was full of daft songs (one that sticks in my head was about David Dickinson and another was a remix of the Phoenix Nights theme tune). Fast forward a few years and the team behind this website have morphed into the Lancashire Hotpots. I'd heard "Chippy Tea" ages before it went viral and knew these guys were something a bit special!

YouTube link | Spotify link

Drama - Spencer Sutherland

I don't listen to a lot of new music but occasionally Spotify will chuck a random song in the middle of a 'music you might like' playlist and this is how I discovered Spencer Sutherland. He sounds a bit like Mika, which is probably why it appeals to me.

YouTube link | Spotify link

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Find out more about Soundtrack To My Life here then read and listen to all previous Soundtrack To My Life entries. If you want to participate please let me know.

What Does A Volunteer Coordinator Do At parkrun?

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 14:52:00 +0000

I thought you might be interested in the Volunteer Coordinator set up at Witton parkrun. This is the table where all volunteers come to register for their high-viz hero stint and where they receive all their training (if needed).

I have my clipboard which has a list of all the lovely volunteer's names and their assigned role for this week. I check them off as they arrive and issue them with their bib (in a bag, just out of sight).

As our route is mainly on trail paths, in the woods, we issue most of our marshals with a walkie-talkie and a lanyard which holds laminated directions to their marshal point and emergency instructions if needed (including the 'What Three Words' reference for their marshal point). They are asked to radio through to the Run Director when the first runner and when the Tail Walker has passed, on both loops. This information is also radioed through to all marshals so everyone has a good idea of where all runners and walkers are on the course.

On the table you can see our tokens - sorted back into number order from last week on our custom-built hook system. These are then lifted off and put on a shoelace - retaining their numerical order... VERY IMPORTANT - and go into the little bag that our ED Michelle made so it's easy to carry to the Finish Funnel.

We have a sign-up sheet so that you can jot your name down in advance to volunteer next week - or at any point in the future.

The plastic box houses a keyring full of laminated printed barcodes of most of our regular participants so they know they have one less thing to think about each week. We also have another box that you can safely leave your keys and/or mobile phone if you don't want to run with them.

Next is the noise! We pride ourselves on having enthusiastic and LOUD marshals as encouragement and praise is very much needed at all parts of our course. Marshals can take a cowbell or a tambourine or just rely on their vocal chords.

We have our first aid kit to hand just in case - we also have a defibrillator close by, because you never know! It's better to have these items and not use them, than not have them and need them.

After you have finished your parkrun, we occasionally have cakes available - these here are left over from my 100th parkrun a few weeks back. We ALWAYS have dog treats though - these are in the Celebrations box so don't be dipping in there and expecting a Bounty or a Malteaser mini bar! You can pick yourself up a free 10 year anniverary Witton parkrun keyring though - we have lots of these left!

Well done on getting to the end - I'd love to know if you found this interesting. And let me know if you want to volunteer next week - I'll pop your name down on my sheet.

Finding That Perfect Short Hair Style

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:50:00 +0000

I have always had short hair. It has rarely been long and the one time in my adult life that I let it grow past my shoulders, it was scraped back in a hair tie, Croydon facelift style. Many people seem to think that my short hair would make it easier to manage but it actually isn't.

I have a Pinterest board dedicated to short hair cuts because I am forever on a quest to find the perfect cut. even though my hair will almost always look the same after a trim, cut or re-style. I can never decide what I want my hair to look like and even if I take a picture or two of a celebrity with a great short haircut along to the hairdressers it will never look like *that*. Also, before I settled with one hairdresser, all stylists would ask, "Are you sure you want it this short?" which was always a tad annoying but, I suppose, if it doesn't look right after it's been cut, you have to live with it for a very long time - no pinning it up out of the way.

Once you are happy with your new short hair you may presume that you can brush-and-go but, oh no! We use ALL the products you can think of... mousse to thicken, wax or putty to style, spray to keep it in place and a myriad of other lotions and potions to make it look natural and 'just so'. You can guarantee that if you don't have time to wash your hair in the morning there will be a tuft that sticks up at the crown or on the side of your head and no manner of product will make it look right. There's just so. much. faffing...

What I have done is watch a number of YouTube videos to learn how to blow dry my hair. My favourite person - of a similar age to myself - is Dominique Sachse. She has some great tutorials which make me reach for my mdlondon BLOW hairdryer and give it a go!

Part of my problem is that my hair is very fine. It looks great when I leave the hairdressers but I struggle to get it looking the same after I've washed it. After a week, the small amount of growth gives it a totally different look and my ~~very grey~~ roots show through quickly. In fact, there's so much messing around with it that I sometimes decide to let it grow out again. But then it takes so flipping long to grow that I end up going to get it cut again. I haven't even touched on other annoying aspects such as 'hat hair' (more tufty, sticky-up bits) or 'runner's hair' (plastered to your head). In fact, I would just like a personal stylist to follow me around, making sure it's always glossy and perfect. Any takers?

#FirstWorldProblems... *sigh*

What are Sub-accounts in Crypto and How to Use Them Efficiently?

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:15:00 +0000

The growing complexity of cryptocurrency trading platforms has introduced a wide range of tools to accommodate traders' diverse needs. One such tool is cryptocurrency sub accounts. These accounts are particularly valuable for advanced traders, institutional users, and those managing multiple strategies simultaneously. By using crypto sub accounts effectively, traders can improve portfolio management, enhance security, and streamline their trading operations. Platforms offering reliable crypto on ramp services make it even easier for new users to deposit funds and access sub-account features. This article will explore the purpose of crypto subsidiary accounts, their use cases, and best practices for managing them efficiently.

Crypto Subsidiary Accounts Explained

A cryptocurrency sub-account is essentially a secondary account that exists within a primary trading account on a crypto exchange. These accounts allow users to divide their main portfolio into multiple independent accounts for specific trading purposes. Each sub-account can have unique settings, permissions, and balances, while still being controlled by the primary account holder.

Sub-accounts are widely used in both centralized and institutional trading setups. Many leading cryptocurrency exchanges offer this feature to enable professional traders and institutions to organize their funds efficiently. These accounts do not require the creation of new logins or separate credentials. Instead, they operate within the main account, simplifying management and improving oversight of activities.

Key features of crypto sub-accounts:

Separate balance management
Independent trading permissions and settings
Enhanced risk management for multiple strategies
Isolated access for team members or managed accounts
Simplified reporting for tax and auditing purposes.

Who May Need Cryptocurrency Sub-Accounts?

Cryptocurrency sub-accounts are not necessary for all traders. While casual or occasional traders may not require additional accounts, certain users can benefit significantly from this feature. Below are the types of traders who need crypto subsidiary accounts and those who do not:

Professional traders often operate multiple strategies simultaneously. Sub-accounts allow them to allocate funds for each strategy independently, enabling clearer performance tracking and minimizing risk exposure.
Institutional investors. Large institutions and hedge funds rely on crypto sub-accounts to manage funds across various portfolios. This segmentation simplifies compliance, accounting, and tax reporting.
Algorithmic traders. Traders using bots or automated strategies can assign each bot to a separate sub-account. It ensures that an error in one strategy does not affect other trades or funds.
Team-managed accounts. Sub-accounts allow account holders to grant access to team members or portfolio managers without giving full control over the primary account.
Traders testing strategies. Sub-accounts are ideal for testing new strategies with limited funds. Traders can isolate funds in a separate sub-account to minimize risk.

On the other hand, casual traders or beginners who trade infrequently or focus on long-term holding may not find crypto subsidiary accounts necessary. For these users, the standard primary account is often sufficient.

How to Use Subsidiary Accounts in Crypto?

Efficient use of subsidiary accounts requires strategic planning and organization. Here are some practical tips on how to use crypto sub-accounts smartly.
Risk management. By isolating funds into different sub-accounts, traders can reduce the overall impact of a failed strategy. For example, funds allocated to a high-risk trading bot can be separated from other portfolios.
Diversified strategies. Assign specific sub-accounts to different trading strategies. For example, one sub-account can be used for day trading, another for swing trading, and a third for long-term investments.
Portfolio segmentation. Traders can use sub-accounts to manage multiple portfolios (e.g., Bitcoin holdings, altcoin investments, stablecoin savings) independently, providing better clarity and performance tracking.
Team collaboration. Use crypto sub-accounts to grant trading access to team members without compromising sensitive information or primary account funds. This is especially useful for institutions and trading firms.
Testing and optimization. Subaccounts are perfect for testing new tools, trading algorithms, or market strategies without putting the entire portfolio at risk.
Security enhancement. By compartmentalizing funds, sub-accounts help reduce risks from unauthorized access or compromised trading bots.

Creating a Crypto Sub Account

While the exact process for creating a crypto sub-account may vary depending on the platform, the general steps are as follows:

Access your primary trading account on the cryptocurrency exchange that supports sub-account features.
Navigate to sub-account settings. Most exchanges have a dedicated section within the user dashboard for managing sub-accounts. This section may be labeled as “Sub Accounts” or “Manage Accounts.”
Create a new sub-account. Select the option to create a new sub-account. Provide the required details, such as the sub-account name, email (optional), and permissions.
Configure permissions. Choose the level of access for the sub-account. Permissions may include trading rights, fund withdrawals, or view-only access.
Allocate funds. Transfer a specific amount of cryptocurrency from your primary account to the sub-account. Most platforms support internal transfers with minimal or no fees.
Manage and monitor. Once the crypto subaccount is created, monitor its activity and performance through the platform’s reporting tools.

Crypto sub-accounts provide a powerful tool for traders seeking enhanced flexibility, organization, and risk management. By dividing funds into cryptocurrency sub-accounts, professional traders and institutions can implement diversified strategies while maintaining complete control over their assets. Sub-accounts also facilitate team collaboration, improve portfolio tracking, and enable efficient testing of new trading methods.

While casual traders may not require sub-accounts, advanced users, institutions, and algorithmic traders can unlock significant benefits by integrating crypto subsidiary accounts into their trading workflows. By understanding their purpose and following the best practices outlined above, traders can use sub-accounts efficiently to optimize performance and minimize risk.

How I Managed A Team Building Exercise With A Remote Working Team

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Fri, 17 May 2024 18:07:00 +0000

Based on an idea I saw on TikTok, I have been hosting a team-building exercise under the guise of an interdepartmental battle - Ribble Rivals. It was time our Customer Service Team and our Showroom Team got to know each other a bit better.

I meticulously planned a five week knockout tournament, created a set of rules, and sprung it upon everyone in a Teams group chat one random Friday. Week 1 aside, the challenge would be presented at 10am on Monday, the entries had to be in by 3pm on Friday. The winners of that round would be announced at 4pm on the same Friday. Once participants had been eliminated from the competition, they could be called upon to support and assist other players if required. Or they could jeer from the cheap seats… whatever was their preference.

Round 1 - Draw a perfect circle : everyone was invited to participate in the first game but there were only 32 places available. First come, first served. You snooze, you lose! Using the website perfectcircle.net they had to draw a perfect circle, screenshot the result and send it to me by Teams direct message. They had a week to practise and their private message to me was their one and only entry. I concocted a system to randomly allocate battle partners and 16 people made it through to the next round.

Round 2 - Are You Ready For Your Close Up : I took 15 high(ish) resolution pictures of items from around my house and zoomed them in. The 16 participants again had to submit their entries to me in private and if there was a tie-breaker, then I would look at how specific the answers had been.

Round 3 - QUARTER FINALS : Dog Poo Golf : it is on occasions like this that I applaud the time that the members of b3ta put aside to make seemingly pointless but addictive games for nerds. Dog Poo Golf was a ‘lowest score wins’ game but the tie breaker in this situation depended on what size dog you selected (size of dog, weight of poo bag).

Round 4 - SEMI FINALS : Singalong : I think I made this round too simple, if I’m being honest. I used Audacity to mash together 2-4 second clips from intros of popular songs from the past 40 years. I didn’t announce how many songs were used but it was obvious from the first listen. The clips should have been shorter and merged better, and I should have used a ‘songs that sound like each other’ twist that I have talked about on my radio show, but I’ve had requests from participants to use it for their own family quizzes, so not all is lost and I didn’t get a full house from the four remaining participants.

Round 5 - FINAL - Paper Planes : I had to take it back to basics for the last round. The two finalists had a week to research and practise the best fold for their paper plane and they were only allowed to use one sheet of A4 paper - no sellotape, paperclips or other weird and wonderful accessories. The final throw had to be filmed and measured in a one-take shot to ensure there was no cheating and both attempts had to be completed indoors to allow for equal environments and no wind assistance.

The two finalist worked in different areas of the business (one at HQ and one in a showroom) - it was the ultimate battle and the video evidence was comical, including a battle with a tape measure, doubt regarding whether the measurements were accurate and would be accepted, the involvement of family members and colleagues, and… of course… the tension!

The desired impact from each round was

Round 1 - icebreaker, accomplishment, friendly competition
Round 2 - attention to detail, creative thinking
Round 3 - randomness, humour, strategy
Round 4 - simple entertainment
Round 5 - skill, precision, creativity - plus tension, excitement

Overall, this exercise hopefully fostered team spirit, encouraged creativity and problem-solving, and provided an opportunity for employees from different departments to interact and get to know each other better.

I would love to know if you’ve done something similar with your team.

Resources :

Perfect Circle https://neal.fun/perfect-circle/#google_vignette

Dog Poo Golf https://vole.wtf/dog-poo-golf/

B3ta https://b3ta.com/

Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/

Prize :

A fidget toy pack to relieve stress https://amzn.to/3WOjsDU

As It's 35 Years Since I Left School, Lets See What Was Going On In 1988?

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Mon, 01 May 2023 12:24:00 +0000

I've just realised that it's been 35 years since I left high school and I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic. It was the 1988 and so much has changed since then. But there are certain things that will always stay with us, like the music, films, and news stories that shaped that year. So, take a trip down memory lane with me and revisit the top five number one singles, films, and news stories from 1988 in the UK.

First, let's talk about music. 1988 was a great year for pop music, with some of the biggest names in the business releasing hit after hit. But the top five number one singles in the UK chart that year were:

"I Should Be So Lucky" by Kylie Minogue
"Especially for You" by Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan
"The Only Way Is Up" by Yazz and the Plastic Population (definitely my anthem of the summer)
"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by The Hollies (I'm sure this was because it was used in an advert)
"Mistletoe and Wine" by Cliff Richard

These songs may seem like relics from a bygone era now, but at the time they were the soundtrack to our lives.

Now, let's talk about films. The top five most popular films in the UK from 1988 were:

These films are still beloved classics today, but back then they were the talk of the town. Whether it was the heartwarming story of Rain Man, the groundbreaking animation of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, or the zany comedy of A Fish Called Wanda, these movies captured our imaginations and took us on unforgettable journeys.

Finally, let's talk about news. 1988 was a year of big events and changes in the UK, with many major news stories capturing the attention of the nation. The top five news stories from that year were:

Lockerbie bombing
Piper Alpha oil platform disaster
Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea
Publication of the "Westland affair" letters
Colin Wallace, a former Army intelligence officer, is cleared of manslaughter charges

These news stories may not be as immediately recognizable as the music and films of the time, but they had a profound impact on the country and the world.

Looking back on all of this, it's hard not to feel a sense of awe at the passage of time. So much has changed since 1988, but so much has stayed the same. We may be older and wiser now, but the music, films, and news stories of that year will always hold a special place in our hearts.

My First Yarnbomb!

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 18:41:00 +0000

Fellow yarn enthusiasts! Today, I want to chat about yarnbombing! I know, I know, some of you may have heard about it before, but I saw my first one in the wild today!

For those of you who don't know, yarnbombing is basically when crocheted or knitted pieces are installed in public spaces to add some color and texture to the urban landscape. And let me tell you, it is just the most delightful thing to stumble upon!

Today, on the way back from parkrun I saw a postbox that had been covered in the most beautiful rainbow-colored crochet. I couldn't help but smile and feel a little bit of joy in my heart. It was just so unexpected and charming!

Now, as a crocheter myself, I can only imagine the amount of time and effort that goes into creating something like that. But you know what? I think it's totally worth it. Not only is yarnbombing a way to brighten up our surroundings, but it's also a way to bring attention to the art of crochet and knitting.

Speaking of crochet, I have been a fan of this wonderful hobby for years now. There is just something so relaxing about the process of creating something with my own two hands, and the satisfaction of completing a project is just the best feeling in the world.

If you're interested in picking up crochet or are already a seasoned pro, you should definitely check out some of the other crochet posts on this website. From tips and tricks to patterns and project ideas, there's something for everyone.

So, there you have it - my first encounter with yarnbombing. I have to say, I am officially hooked (pun intended!). I can't wait to find more of these delightful installations on my travels, and who knows, maybe one day I'll even contribute my own piece of yarny goodness to the mix. Until then, happy crocheting!

Buying My Stationery On TikTok

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:49:00 +0000

Today is "Blue Monday" but I'm going to help you beat the blues by telling you about my friend's stationery shop.

I've known Jules for about 20 years. We met on an online forum where mothers supported other mothers, and many a friendship blossomed from there. Thanks to the internet, most of us have managed to keep in touch even though the forum shut down many years ago. Side note : if you listened to the WTF Strictly podcast last year, it's the same forum that I met my co-host, Violet, on.

She does have a website - FluterbyHT - but the main action is on TikTok @flutterbyht where she 'goes live' most days, chatting to existing and potential customers, showing new products, promoting special offers and providing that unique behind-the-scenes view where she packs orders as they are received.

What started out as a little side-hustle just over a year ago has grown into a multi-faceted business. Jules' husband started out helping to pack orders but has now opened his own TikTok shop selling sweets! Jules has even spoken at a TikTok conference, talking about building up a business using their social platform.

I've purchased a couple of times from Jules (try and stop me purchasing stationery.., GO ON, I DARE YOU) but just had to buy some metallic coloured pencils to go with a stress-busting colouring book that I received as a Christmas present from my son. I also bought some highlighter pens that are now locked in my desk drawer at work along with 2023 Hobonichi Cousin.

I'm so proud of Jules for following a dream and turning it into a business that she loves and is growing. Take a look at her shop and support this small business where you can. There are some hidden gems in amongst the pens, pencils and planners.

Is 2023 Ready For Me?

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 20:42:00 +0000

Ok…

🎂 2022 was the year I turned 50. FIFTY YEARS OLD!

💼 2022 was the the year that I started a new job which allowed me to use existing skills and build on those in a brand new, exciting role in a world-renown company.

🏃🏻‍♀️ 2022 was the year that my running was sporadic - I only entered one race but I did hit my 50 parkrun milestone.

✈️ 2022 was the year we went to Menorca for the first time and managed to completely switch off and do nothing.

🍅 2022 was the year that I grew tomatoes for the first time. My crop of 17 was a huge success!

🎧 2022 was the year that my radio show ended but I used my expertise to create a podcast that went global in a very short space of time.

➡️ 2023 has a lot to live up

❤️‍🩹 2023 will include more running, maybe a bit more writing, definitely more books and more crochet and more jigsaws to help with my own well-being.

🌍 2023 hopefully brings a bit more travel than the past few years. UK or further afield - I don't mind.

👩🏻 2023 is the year I want to look at personal growth to create a better me in the workspace and develop my role.

❓ 2023 will be a more healthier year and who knows what else is around the corner?

(this post can also be found on my Instagram account)

My Diary For 2023

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:15:00 +0000

Every year I write a blog post about which diary system or set up I am going to use for the following twelve months. In recent years, I have moved away from a Filofax (I trialled something earlier this year - more of that in a minute) and fallen in love with the Hobonichi printed diaries.

For the last two years I have used a Hobonichi Weeks as my personal planner and I won't be deviating from that this year. I have tried a Hobonichi Techo A6 a couple of times but have never managed to feel comfortable with it size-wise. I have always lusted after the Hobonichi Cousin A5 as a main work planner so, this year, I have bitten the bullet at launch time and invested in my very first one.

Hobonichi Weeks

The Hobonichi Weeks is a slim diary with a yearly, monthly and weekly layout. The main section is a "week to view with notes" and there are an additional 70 note pages at the back. This year (2022) I used the "Mega" version which comes with almost three times as many note pages and has meant that I haven't had to carry a separate notebook but I feel that section went underused so I have reverted back to the original style this year.

Every year there are new cover design launches which means that certain styles are sold out very quickly. This year, I have managed to purchase a Liberty cover design which is slightly textured so may protect this with a clear cover that I already own.

Apart from my Filofax, this diary is the most practical for my needs, hence it being the third year in succession that I will be using it. I have been down many a rabbit hole on YouTube and Instagram looking at decorations and page divider options but I just need somewhere to jot down reminders and appointments so will very probably only use a simple sectioning layout that I find useful.

Hobonichi Cousin

I have invested in the Cousin to use as my work planner as it houses a yearly, monthly and weekly planning section alongside a day-on-one-page diary which means that I can plan my day plus take meeting notes where required. I can also use the Saturday and Sunday pages as spill-over.

The cover of the Cousin is plain card so I have purchased a cover from Etsy to make it a little bit more sturdy. There are pockets on the inside of the cover and two page markers which will all come in useful. The cover is suede, which isn't really practical and should be protected with a plastic 'cover on cover' but I feel this will bulk it out too much.

The Pens And Pencils

I like a chunky pen and write with my Monteverde Prima every single day and I always have my real ink J Herbin rollerball to hand. As a result, my handwriting is quite big which doesn't suit the small spaces of the Hobonichi so I have treated myself to a couple of new writing implements just for use in these diaries and Muji was my first port of call.

Firstly I have a Muji 2-colour ballpoint pen (red and black ink) with mechanical pencil. The nib on the pens is 0.7mm which is the finest I have written with in recent times. A recommendation for the Hobonichi planners is to have a 0.5mm nib so I bought a box of 10 gel ink ballpoint pens - also from Muji - which have a retractable tip.

I always like to use a pencil when forward planning (hence the inclusion of the mechanical pencil in the multi-pen) and was sent a pack of pencils to try out from *Sprout. Mine were from the 'Mindful Thoughts' range and are personalised with an inspirational quote. As pencils go, they look and feel like a regular, practical pencil but the one reason I'm happy to give them a mention is that when you have finished with the pencil, you can plant the stub and it will grow into herbs, flowers, vegetables or even spruce trees. I'm all for supporting fantastic sustainable products like this!

Tried and Tested

Earlier this year, I thought about stripping down a Hobonichi Weeks and housing the pages in my personal Filofax so I bought an out-of-date diary to test this. Aesthetically, it looked good but the paper (tomoe river) is a little too delicate for movement on the rings and reinforcement stickers would be needed. Six on each page for around 150 pages was more dedication that I was prepared to give. Plus, even though I gently cut the cotton binding, the pages were still a little rough on the inner edges and would possibly need guillotining. Way too much time and effort BUT if Hobonichi were to offer inserts for a Filofax then I'd be first in the queue.

*This product was sent to me earlier this year as a review product. For more information about this, and other brand relationships, please view my disclosure policy.

4 Reasons To Love Wearing Glasses

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Sun, 22 May 2022 12:17:00 +0000

When I wrote a blog post with my 10 reasons why I hate wearing glasses it really touched a nerve with some people. But since finding a couple of styles of frames that really suit me, and using my contact lenses only when really necessary, I've started to learn to enjoy wearing glasses. I asked a few spectacle-wearing friends what they enjoyed about their 'bins' and there was a few agreed points.

I CAN ACTUALLY SEE

As already mentioned, it's brilliant to be able to actually see! When you put on your glasses everything is crisp and no longer blurred around the edges. It's also quite handy to be able to see other vehicles on the road and not play a real life game of bumper cars along the main road.

YOU CAN HAVE FUN ACCESSORISING

If you collect a few pairs of prescription glasses or even prescription sunglasses in different colours and shapes they make great additions to your outfit - and we all know that some people even use glasses with clear lenses for this purpose too! Glasses make great safety goggles for times when you're frying bacon or using an angle grinder (I definitely don't recommend this one) and there's less chance of getting a fly in your eye when cycling.

BE A DIFFERENT PERSON

We all know that Superman hid behind a pair of thick rimmed spectacles so he could go about his day-to-day business as Clark Kent but glasses definitely make you look more intelligent (stop laughing over there...) and you can peer over them to become saucy secretary or evil teacher.

THE EYES HAVE IT

If you're a contact lens wearer, there's nothing better than taking your lenses out and giving your eyes a good rub (it's the equivalent to taking your bra off at the end of the day, isn't it?) before putting your glasses on. And finally, even though you don't notice your specs getting dirty, when you give them a good clean it's like having new eyes!

As I've got older I'm definitely relying on glasses more for every-day use so prefer to buy a few pairs of cheap eyeglasses so that , I can leave one pair in the car for driving, one pair at work for the screen time and one pair in my bag in case I have to take my contact lenses out during the day. In fact, anything past my phone or a book then I've got little chance of seeing it (just ask my running crew what happened the day my glasses frames broke just before we set off on a community run...). My eyesight isn't all that bad - even if I did marvel at the fact that Vera Duckworth had patterned wallpaper the first time I watched Coronation Street on television in my glasses as a child - but it's nice to feel comfortable with the extra face furniture hooked over my ears

Ladybird Poppies in my Yarden!

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Mon, 16 May 2022 19:27:00 +0000

Menorca - A View From The Air

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Sun, 15 May 2022 18:00:00 +0000

It's not often you get treated to a view like this. The whole island of Menorca from the air (taken from the north side of the island)!

🌍 Somewhere above Menorca
⏰ 15th May 2022 - 17:36 local time
✈️ Ryanair : G-RUKG : Boeing 737-8AS

Ever since I can remember I have been fascinated by maps. And then, as I joined the Air Training Corps and flew a glider for the first time, then also started holidaying abroad, seeing land from the air sent me into proper nerd mode. Now, every time I fly out on holiday, I try to capture some sort of recognisable coastline or landmark from the air.

If you would like to see some more pictures from my visit it Menorca, I did update my Instagram a bit whilst I was there with some beautiful views (a few teasers below) and some relaxing reels from the beach and clifftop walks that I did whilst there.

Outfit Ideas For Every Occasion

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 19:28:00 +0000

Lots of events in life have certain clothing etiquettes and when it come to women's clothing, there is so much choice. For instance, turning up to a job interview in a pair of jeans is a big no-no but there are other times like a networking event or even a formal meeting on zoom where etiquettes still exist yet aren't as easily defined.

If you want to dress to impress, but don’t want to dress as if you are auditioning for The Apprentice then take a look at these dynamic outfit options. A dynamic outfit is a mix between a business appropriate outfit, and a style conscious one. Here are some ideas on how to create a dynamic outfit:

This skater dress is both smart and dynamic due to its interesting white and black contrast. If you feel that it is a little short for a networking event you might consider some black leggings or tights to accompany it. The shoes selected are flats, as you’ll be on your feet a lot, and will need to be pain free, if you want to shine. The brown colour was chosen to draw attention and spice up the black and white look up a bit. The handbag matches the shoes, to tie in the outfit and get the balance between professional look and expressing your own style. Of course, you could have a different shoe/bag combination to create numerous alternatives for this style.

This maxi dress with a gorgeous oriental bird print is dynamic and bold, but also makes you approachable. The outfit is more suitable for an evening event, as although you still want to impress with your outfit, you don’t want to look too corporate either. Heels work best with this dress, but make sure that they are comfortable ones, and not too high for you. The ruby red satchel compliments the bold red you’ve gone for, and is a useful size for gadgets and any notepads you might need.

A white suite is often a big taboo for a job interview, as it’s seen as too flash, but it’s perfect as a dynamic outfit. It gives a professional look with a sense of fun and personal style, too. The shoes are ballerina flats, again to make sure that you can be at your best from the start of the event until the end, and the handbag is a sleek little black number to add an elegant touch to it all.

This last dynamic outfit of all these dresses for woman is more suitable for an informal gathering, as it has a more relaxed feel to it, while still radiating elegance and style. The vintage look is very in right now, and you can be on trend with the polka dot pencil dress. Regarding shoes, well the choice is yours, as white heels, white flats, and even turquoise heels would all work well with this dress. Go wild with clashing colours - who says the handbag has to match? This red handbag with the heart clip further highlights the vintage look, but you can tone down the vintage feel with a different choice of handbag.

Strengthen Your Customer Service With Human Interaction

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 19:44:00 +0000

As technology progresses, interactions between businesses and customers are becoming much more automated. Furthermore, the coronavirus pandemic saw an increased number of companies relying on various automated systems for their customer service- e.g., live chat on websites, mobile apps, automated phone calls, etc. But is this a step in the wrong direction? This article will outline the importance of the human voice, ways you can improve your customer service, and discuss why human interactions are important for excelling your company.

Human to human interactions lead to clearer responses; it is impossible to form a fully in-depth conversation with an automated system. In a study by CallCare, it was found that nearly four-fifths (78%) of respondents said they prefer to speak to a real person than an automated system when they call customer service lines. Only 11% preferred automated systems, while the same percentage suggested they had no preference. Older age groups took the majority, with 85% of the over 54s expressing their preference to speak to a real person. Out of all of these specific respondents, 50% stated that the main reason for this was because people are easier to get answers from, while 21% said human voices are more personable. This supports the importance of the human voice.

It is important to note that steps must be taken to ensure your customer service agents know how to communicate clearly, effectively and politely. CallCare’s study found that 49% of respondents said clear pronunciation is a factor which contributes to a trustworthy accent, and 72% said that a medium pitched voice (such as Tom Hanks) is the best vocal trait to have for a customer service representative. Furthermore, 32.2% of respondents said that being spoken over or interrupted was the most frustrating when speaking to customer service agents, and 56% preferred a formal tone over an informal tone. Keeping these findings in mind can help you to properly strengthen your customer service, therefore improving your business as a whole. Speaking to a real person during a customer service exchange should definitely be the preferred option for any company, but ensuring your customer service agents are fully prepared to engage in a friendly, helpful and meaningful conversation regarding your customer’s needs should be your company’s top priority.

Automated systems can be convenient for some, with faster response times and simple question and answer formats at their helm. However, the power of the human voice cannot be ignored. It is important to note that relying on automated systems can result in a less satisfactory experience for your customers, therefore impacting your businesses’ sales and reputation.

This is a collaborative post. For more information please see my disclosure policy.

My Volunteering Milestone at parkrun

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 13:36:00 +0000

This weekend I earned my 25th credit for volunteering at parkrun UK. During the pandemic, I made a conscious decision to participate in parkrun more when it returned, both as a runner and a volunteer.

Then I broke my foot.

Parkrun returned whilst I was still injured so I rocked up a couple of times to my local spots (Witton parkrun and Hyndburn parkrun) and offered to help out. After a few weeks, the Events Director asked if I'd like to join the team of Run Directors at Witton and I jumped at the chance. What a great opportunity!

I now volunteer a minimum of 2 out of 7 weeks on the Run Director rota but I'm always there to lend a hand when I can and when needed. There's plenty of chances to gain a run and volunteer credit on the same day but I also really enjoy static volunteer positions like timekeeping, barcode scanning and marshalling at the top of The Beast (like today!).

I love parkrun - it's good for my mental health and well-being. I enjoy seeing everyone's achievements and the fact that parkrun is VERY much all-inclusive. You'll hear me bang on about this A LOT! My video clip was used on a feature on The One Show when we returned after lockdown which lead to an interview in our local paper - Lancashire Telegraph And I will NEVER stop encouraging people to play their part in the support of parkrun. If the volunteers weren't there week on week then parkrun would simply not happen.

So, help me celebrate my V25 by signing up to volunteer at least once in the next 5 weeks. If you're going to volunteer at another parkrun then comment below where you're going to help out and what your favourite volunteer role is!

The Pens I Use Every Day

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 11:37:00 +0000

After I shared my 2022 planner/diary blog post I received some messages about what pens I use, especially from people who were new to considering Tomoe River paper (in the Hobonichi) or wondering why I was raving about 120gms paper (for the Filofax refill). For me, the paper I use has to be responsive to the ink in my pen, so here's a quick overview of the pens I use regularly...

Fountain Pentel JM20 : This is basically a disposable fountain pen with a plastic nib that feels firm on one side and flexible on the other which will generate a thick and thin line, depending on which side you use. It has black ink, a plastic barrel and a clip on the cap. I appreciate that this isn't exactly environmentally friendly but I off-set that in other ways, hopefully.
Monteverde Prima Rollerball : I received this to review five years ago and it quickly became one of my favourite writing implements because of the chunky barrel which is actually unique in its design due to the process used to make it.

J Herbin Rollerball : This is a repurchase of a review item from when I was an ambassador for an online stationery company. It's basically a small rollerball pen that takes ink cartridges so you have the ease of writing with a regular pen but the luxury of writing with real ink.

Zebra 4-colour Retractable Ballpoint : I ordered a box of 10 because they had rose gold coloured barrels and were cheaper than the Bic version. I do actually use a colour coding system in my diary so I can highlight certain events but these pens are handy to have dotted around the house anyway.

As you can see from the picture, I have a pencil case with a variety of writing paraphernalia from pencils to biros to fineliners to erasable ink... so I'm not married to the four I've mentioned above but these are the ones I use on a daily basis. Which one I use depends on the reason for writing. In my Hobonichi Weeks, I'll use the Pentel because it's just fine enough for me to use on the narrow lines. I'll use the Zebra for scribbling quick notes, especially if I'm in a meeting and I need to highlight something to reference later. The Monteverde Prima is used for *naice* writing like letters, cards, signatures - that sort of thing, but I try to make an effort to use it more because I like it. The J Herbin is going to become an every-day pen alongside the Pental because I like the fact that it's proper ink and I can change the colour (I have a stash of purple and green ink cartridges).

What about you? Do you grab the nearest pen to hand or do you have a trusted favourite?

Disclosure : one or more of the links may be Amazon affiliate links which does not affect the price you pay but may mean that I earn a small amount of commission from any sale using that link. None of the items here are sponsored or provided for review at the time of writing. For more information please view my disclosure policy.

My Diary And Planner For 2022

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 11:32:00 +0000

Around mid-November, I always start thinking about what diary and planning system I'm going to use next year. I have a few tried and tested favourites but there's always something new that piques my interest. For 2022 I did consider returning to a travellers notebook system and seriously looked at the Jibun Techo, however, I am going to be fairly traditional with my choices but will be splitting business and personal.

It's always worth remembering that I treat my diaries and planners as a B.O.A.T - my Book Of All Things. It's always to hand and I scribble ideas, reminders, shopping lists and to-do lists down alongside regular notable dates and appointments. It's my portable brain dump.

So let's dive in...

Hobonichi Techo (A6)

I first used a Hobonichi Techo back in 2015 because I thought the 'page a day' journal style layout would be great for the variation of the bullet journal system I use. However, the blank space gave me a sense of overwhelm so I switched to something else. This year, I've decided to use this as my work/business planner. I like the fact that it has a yearly overview and a monthly spread as well as the daily pages so this makes it easier to forward plan and use my own specific system to help me remain connected with clients. The cover I'm using is the one I had from 2015 and it has a canvas feel to it.

Hobonichi Weeks Mega (B6 slim)

Last year was the first time I had used a Hobonichi Weeks. Surprisingly, I kept this diary for the whole year and used the notes section at the rear to plan my radio show each week. I loved the slim, portable style of the book plus the week-to-view-with-notes layout. As it is part of the Hobonichi family, it also had a monthly spread plus, having the blank pages at the back negated the need to carry around a separate notebook. This year, I've decided to use the Hobonichi Weeks again but I've got a "Mega" version which has three times the amount of blank paper at the back. I've also treated myself to a pencil board page marker and a clear protective cover.

Both the above diaries use Tomoe River paper which is light and durable but can also be used with various pen types (including ink) and paint with very little bleed through. Both books also have graph paper and generally lie flat when open right from day one. I ordered from Amazon Japan which has a much wider range than stationery stores in the UK, is so very much cheaper than any stockist in the UK, and has a similar delivery time (about a week).

Filofax (Personal Malden)

Every year I purchase a diary insert for my Filofax... just in case. In more recent years, the Filofax has tended to be a stay-at-home reference diary so I've generally used a week-on-one-page just for regular dates and reminders and to store information that I might need quick access to such as banking info or the log-in code for my car radio (don't ask!). This year, I spotted a weekly layout from NBPlanner which is advertised as a "Family Life" refill but I thought the shaded sections would help me separate out some information where needed. It also includes additional sections such as yearly and monthly planner pages, birthday pages, information pages and much more. It has bulked out the Filofax a little bit more than usual because the paper quality is fantastic but the overall feel isn't too chunky.

Accessories from Etsy

Over the past few months I've got a bit lost in YouTube planner decorating videos and layout ideas on Instagram for my Hobonichis and, whilst I'm not into journaling, I was admiring some of the stickers that people used so I ordered some tabs and sticker sets from NotesAndClips and a stencil from LunaPlansItAll - from both on Etsy. I've added some of the tabs onto the Hobo Techo and whilst they are practical, I'm not overly keen on them so I'm going to leave them off the Hobo Weeks for now.

So there it all is...

I have managed to trim down some additional notebooks that I was going to use for project ideas due to the extra pages in the Hobo Weeks. I usually have a wall calendar in the kitchen but I've found that I've not referred to something like that as much since all the children left home. I also use my Google Calendar and Google Keep for on-the-go alerts and reminders (such as a nudge for when the MOT is due on the car or if a birthday is coming up). But I'm definitely an analogue girl in a digital world and won't ever stop using a paper-based diary or planner system.

If you want to read about the pens I use on a daily basis and which are suitable for the paper in each of these planners then that post is also available on my blog.

The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2021

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 15:36:00 +0000

It's that time of the year again and you're either SUPER organised and finished your Christmas shopping in July or you are - like me - panicking about a couple of presents because they are 'at a funny age' (like my granddaughter or 'they don't need anything' (at least one of my sons). So here is my annual gift guide which will hopefully help you find that amazing, inexpensive present that you'd never thought of!

(Please do keep an eye on this page because I tend to add to it as I find inspiration)

Big Bobble Hats

I've been an ambassador for Big Bobble Hats for a couple of years now and have about six of their designs, plus some of their matching buffs. These are a great stocking filler and I'm sure there's a colour combination to match your outfit, your running club colours or just something hugely fun. This one here is the one I wear for parkrun because it matches the high-viz jacket I wear when volunteering!

If you use the code TC15 when ordering you get get a 15% discount

Champagne for Christmas Day

Now, champagne is a real treat, isn't it and I know that it feels very luxurious so you tend not to buy it for yourself. Say It With Champers have created a lovely light and refreshing bubbly with a personalised bottle, that can be delivered within the UK in 48 hours.

Family Games

We always try to play games that include every single member of the family. The Malteser & tape measure game can get VERY competitive and board games are always popular but Top Trumps have created some new sets that look like huge fun. We are going to be trying out the Only Fools And Horses set and the James Bond set when we see the family this year.

We've also got this Pass The Pugs "dice" game ready and waiting which looks like loads of fun. The dog shaped dice earn points depending on which way they land. You could really adapt the rules of this game depending on whether you had young ones or just adults playing!!

Traditional Chocolates

You can't go wrong with a box of chocs from Thorntons. Buying a Classic box is always a safe bet when you're looking for a gift but I've recently sampled some salted caramel Pearls, all of which have been added to my favourites list.

What I didn't realise is that Thornton's have gift hampers available on their website which is a great idea for a family coming up to Christmas. I've also seen that they have various ways in which to search their website depending on who you are looking to treat and for what occasion.

Fizzy stuff

I had the opportunity to try out a Drinkmate home beverage carbonator earlier this year. Unlike Sodastream - which can only carbonate water - the Drinkmate can add fizz to any beverage including juice, tea (yes - really), wine and spirits. We've had huge fun experimenting with different drinks and I was impressed that Drinkmate offer an exchange programme for empty CO2 cylinders. They even accept some of the Sodastream cannisters too!

Filtered Water

Hear me out here because my water filter is THE BEST accessory I have in my kitchen. I drink loads of water and do prefer the taste of filtered or bottled water over tap water so having a 2 litre ZeroWater jug in the fridge means that I'm more likely to drink my quota of water each day. I've worked with ZeroWater for a few years now and have a couple of their jugs. They've added a handy 'tap' to the bottom of their jugs now so people with dexterity issues don't have to lift a heavy jug to fill their glass!

As mentioned above, please do check back because I will be adding more ideas as I find them. Feel free to leave some suggestions in the comments too.

The Knife Angel

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 11:12:00 +0000

This is the Knife Angel, currently on display in Blackburn, Lancashire. It has taken four years to make and was created by artist, Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire. It stands 27 feet tall and is made from 100,000 seized and surrendered blades.

It has already toured thirteen UK towns and cities, making significant impact to individuals, families and communities. It is much more than just a sculpture as, whilst on display, there are amnesty boxes where knives can be safely deposited, a peace vigil has been held and there are core educational programme for schools and community groups.

I've now seen it during the day and at night and it had a different impact on me both times. You can't just wander past it and muse about knife crimes. You have to pause, look closely at the craftsmanship, take into account that some of those blades had been used - or intended to be used - to hurt, maim or kill someone.

If you're in the area, take some time out to have a moment of reflection by the sculpture - or if it's coming to your town in the future, definitely go and view it.

Benefits of Renovating Your Backyard

typecastblog@gmail.com (Nickie O'Hara) — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 18:06:00 +0000

Your backyard isn't just a place for your dog to bury things or empty outside space. It can be a new section of your home that works well for entertainment or a spot where you get in shape. Renovating your backyard can make your house feel much more of a home. Here are some of the benefits of renovating your backyard.

Gives Your Unused Space Purpose

The backyard tends to be neglected, especially during the winter season. However, you can get backyard contractors to help you create a better space. Maybe you can have a swing set or a play area for your kids to encourage them to play outside.

You can watch your younger kids play around in the comfort of home. It's better than going to a local park because you have personal space to allow them to express themselves. Not to mention, you can have a place to relax and spend some quality time with your little ones.

Brings Your Loved Ones Together

You don't have to go to a bar or a restaurant to enjoy some time with friends and family. You can bring the entertainment to your home. No one has to worry about waiting to get a table or spending 'X' amount of dollars.

On a beautiful day, you can invite people to your backyard for some grilled food. You can even put an outdoor oven outside for a pizza night with a projector that allows you to watch your favorite movie. It has a more intimate setting to help you enjoy each other's company.

Helps You Relieve Stress

If you're having a busy work week, it can weigh down on your energy. Going outside to your backyard can help you relax and take your mind off of things. Also, you'll get some sun, which can revitalize you.

You don't have to go to a gym when you can put weights outside or a punching bag. It helps you ease your mind and body to get through your task-filled schedule.

Improves Your Home's Resell Value

People love a nice backyard because it gives them space to work out, spend time with kids, and enjoy their friends. It adds a unique appeal to the home because there are many possibilities. Some people want an outdoor entertainment system. Other people love to grow foods and see a well-kept lawn as a potential to make a home garden.

A backyard renovation will add tremendous value for both your health and your pockets.