This is something I'm new to, but has been very worthwhile so far.
I joined Bzzagent a few months ago, as recommended by a friend, to see if I could get involved in some interesting campaigns.
My first challenge has been to try out Google Chromecast and feedback any conversations I've had about it, good or bad.
Chromecast is an easy plug-in device, which slots into your HD tvs HDMI and USB slots and allows you to click a 'cast' button on your ipad/iPhone/laptop whilst using apps such as Netflix, Blinkbox, Youtube and BBC iPlayer. This then casts the video to your tv and can be controlled from that device.
Some of the apps can be a bit glitchy if you're not right next to your wifi but in general it streams well and has been an absolute godsend over the last 11 days of illness in our house (and horrendous noise problems in the lounge from a problematic neighbour).
We have migrated from the lounge to the bedroom with the big tv with a bit of peace from the noise and a nice rest while coughing/vomiting/crying children writhe around!
In fact, it's been so good that we have borrowed a second HD tv from our neighbours so we can keep it going through here and put the big TV back. It gives us a hideaway when the techno music from downstairs starts up!
Nobody else I know seems to have it, so my conversations have basically been me talking about my lovely freebie and people giving their opinions about what they might use it for, then feeding this back in my reports, showing some videos of me casting and sending the odd tweet about how I'm getting on. I also get some bonus Tesco Clubcard points for doing this.
I'm keen to get involved with some new campaigns and will update the resurrected blog as I go along!
Xxx
Sunday 16 November 2014
Tuesday 24 September 2013
The Abbotsford Living Room #lifeneedsagreatvenue
Growing up in a bed and breakfast is a wonderful thing for an only child.
You have in-house playmates at all times and adults slipping you 50p pieces and toys every time they visit!
I grew up in a Morningside B&B run by my parents in the 1980's.
Leaving it was a terribly sad day at the age of 11 and I have to say, pretty much the end of my idyllic childhood, but that's another story....
We housed firstly students, then lodgers, then regular quests from all over the world although we always had someone from Caithness staying because our house was considered 'little Wick' for those visiting from the Highlands. My mum was from Wick and our huge flat provided a home from home to those coming all the way down for hospital appointments, shopping trips, weddings or the Queens Garden party.
Christmases were often spent with no guests and the rooms instead filled with family from Caithness and Aberdeenshire.
What I want to write about today though is our lounge and my memories of enjoying music there.
The lounge sat on the corner over looking Morningside Road and Abbotsford park with a view to the Pentlands that was always stunning in the snow.
I would stand in the window drawing on the steamed up glass panes waiting for my dad to come home from work, watching parades down the street, throwing soggy toilet paper onto cars.....
My cousins, friends and I would put on 'shows', make radio station broadcasts and dance around.
The most multi-sensory memories in my mind though are those of impromptu ceilidhs. Multi-sensory as in musical, beer-breathy, soft blankety and comfortable.
Perhaps those occasions where I can remember being aged 2-11, dancing to my dad playing 'The Hens March in The Midden' and '4 Poster Bed'where just so impulsive and 'of the moment' that no-one thought to take a photo. Anyway, I can't find one but there are plenty of other pics.
My parents had eventually stripped back all of the glossed wood to expose beautiful beams and shutters and the windows were decorated with stained glass panels which I have in my windows now (and have apparently appeared in episodes of Rebus!)
The room was spacious and light whith plenty of room for lots of people perched on chairs, sofas and the floor.
This is him playing fiddle, have a click and listen while you read:
Rattlin Roarin Willie, Hens March to The Midden & Four Poster Bed (I loved this particular set when I was wee!)
The Kielder Hunt
The Highlanders Lament
Cam Ye Oer Fae France
Guests would congregate in the lounge before going out, or following on from the night before, expecting another fiddle recital. Quite often they were musicians performers themselves and a proper jam session would get going.
I would fall asleep to him playing guitar while my mum sung Carole King, Judy Collins and other 1970's American Folk.
Now I play those songs on the same guitar to my babies and have learned a love of Scottish and American folk, hoping that I'll continue to leave similar memories with them, especially now that my parents are gone.
The memory that I am trying to describe is a muddled general memory of sitting on the sofa, on someones lap or on my upturned seagrass woven stool being part of this wonderful music.
I would display a mix of joy, pride and embarrassment depending on my mood or age.
Now I wish I could remember it better, wish it had been photographed, video'd whatever. You always want more of your memories, especially once the people in them are gone.
I'll post this where people who might have been there one night can see it and maybe be transported back for a while.
Kxxx
You have in-house playmates at all times and adults slipping you 50p pieces and toys every time they visit!
I grew up in a Morningside B&B run by my parents in the 1980's.
 |
| Oh, is that the time? I must leave before you take more awkward photos of me! |
Leaving it was a terribly sad day at the age of 11 and I have to say, pretty much the end of my idyllic childhood, but that's another story....
We housed firstly students, then lodgers, then regular quests from all over the world although we always had someone from Caithness staying because our house was considered 'little Wick' for those visiting from the Highlands. My mum was from Wick and our huge flat provided a home from home to those coming all the way down for hospital appointments, shopping trips, weddings or the Queens Garden party.
Christmases were often spent with no guests and the rooms instead filled with family from Caithness and Aberdeenshire.
 |
| Our lovely Korean lodger stayed one year. Look at the shellsuit on me.... |
What I want to write about today though is our lounge and my memories of enjoying music there.
The lounge sat on the corner over looking Morningside Road and Abbotsford park with a view to the Pentlands that was always stunning in the snow.
I would stand in the window drawing on the steamed up glass panes waiting for my dad to come home from work, watching parades down the street, throwing soggy toilet paper onto cars.....
My cousins, friends and I would put on 'shows', make radio station broadcasts and dance around.
 |
| I'm in the orange and have satsumas for boobs. My cousin Laura is 'a man'. |
Perhaps those occasions where I can remember being aged 2-11, dancing to my dad playing 'The Hens March in The Midden' and '4 Poster Bed'where just so impulsive and 'of the moment' that no-one thought to take a photo. Anyway, I can't find one but there are plenty of other pics.
My parents had eventually stripped back all of the glossed wood to expose beautiful beams and shutters and the windows were decorated with stained glass panels which I have in my windows now (and have apparently appeared in episodes of Rebus!)
The room was spacious and light whith plenty of room for lots of people perched on chairs, sofas and the floor.
 |
| Some wee musical guests play dads instruments while mum sings |
This is him playing fiddle, have a click and listen while you read:
Rattlin Roarin Willie, Hens March to The Midden & Four Poster Bed (I loved this particular set when I was wee!)
The Kielder Hunt
The Highlanders Lament
Cam Ye Oer Fae France
Guests would congregate in the lounge before going out, or following on from the night before, expecting another fiddle recital. Quite often they were musicians performers themselves and a proper jam session would get going.
 |
| A birthday party with 'BusCarWillie' (Ewen Bremners dad!) |
I would fall asleep to him playing guitar while my mum sung Carole King, Judy Collins and other 1970's American Folk.
Now I play those songs on the same guitar to my babies and have learned a love of Scottish and American folk, hoping that I'll continue to leave similar memories with them, especially now that my parents are gone.
The memory that I am trying to describe is a muddled general memory of sitting on the sofa, on someones lap or on my upturned seagrass woven stool being part of this wonderful music.
I would display a mix of joy, pride and embarrassment depending on my mood or age.
Now I wish I could remember it better, wish it had been photographed, video'd whatever. You always want more of your memories, especially once the people in them are gone.
I'll post this where people who might have been there one night can see it and maybe be transported back for a while.
Kxxx
My Love of Boden
I can never afford to buy Boden clothes full price for my kids, even with quidco cashback and 2 voucher codes cleverly used together!
However I think I'm onto a winner! I've been picking up pieces for the baby and boy in charity shops and on Ebay and they are such great quality that even when they've been well worn they can take a good battering and still look great.
Here's some of the stuff I've been buying for just a few pounds.
All of the bright designey stuff goes for pretty much what you pay full price but duller colours just don't seem to inspire bits and that's where I win!
Ebaying the kids old clothes puts a wee purse of money into paypal that I can then use to buy new stuff or second hand for them and if I buy Boden (or POP/Jojo) I know I'll be able to sell on again and make a bit more cash to put towards the next lot.
I'm currently coveting the dress above. Anything farmyard is cool.
Kxxx
However I think I'm onto a winner! I've been picking up pieces for the baby and boy in charity shops and on Ebay and they are such great quality that even when they've been well worn they can take a good battering and still look great.
Here's some of the stuff I've been buying for just a few pounds.
All of the bright designey stuff goes for pretty much what you pay full price but duller colours just don't seem to inspire bits and that's where I win!
Ebaying the kids old clothes puts a wee purse of money into paypal that I can then use to buy new stuff or second hand for them and if I buy Boden (or POP/Jojo) I know I'll be able to sell on again and make a bit more cash to put towards the next lot.
I'm currently coveting the dress above. Anything farmyard is cool.
Kxxx
Monday 27 May 2013
Resurrection!
It's been a long time since my last post. Mainly due to having another baby who is now 9 months old!
Here's Neve - a bit out of focus.
Anyway, I plan to start blogging again since I'm still doing night feeds and all of those blogger competitions out there will give us little projects to do.
Wish me luck!
Kxxx
Here's Neve - a bit out of focus.
Anyway, I plan to start blogging again since I'm still doing night feeds and all of those blogger competitions out there will give us little projects to do.
Wish me luck!
Kxxx
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