Last  week I was contacted by the people at Microsoft to head down to my local Currys/Pc World and take the Great British Type Test. They are on the road to find out what type of typer everyone is and to show you the best type of keyboard for how you type.

They have found that nearly 1 in 10 people are on their keyboards or typing away by 10am, which is astonishing when you think that before computers and smartphones the majority of typing was only done by skilled typists. Nowadays each and every person has their own unique way of punching away at the keys so we need to find the right keyboard for the right typist.

When I headed down to the event I was a bit apprehensive as I know I can be quite a fast but messy typer. I am constantly looking at my screen to find hundreds of red squiggly lines everywhere which takes me just as long to look through as what it did to type. I also was aware that I used one hand a lot more than the other. I have no idea why but I think I just have a lazy hand! I found that I was a speedy typer, which I guessed. As I can type fast but I sometimes stumble over parts and I don't know how to touch type properly.


I sat down and was presented with the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop keyboard. It looked a little bit scary and it took a lot of getting used to. By the end I still wasn't convinced that it was the right keyboard for me. So I did a bit of playing with each of them to see what fit my typing style the best. It was amazing to see how a different keyboard affected the way I typed. I have always struggled a bit with the spacing sometimes on my Macbook but brushed it off by thinking that I was just a rubbish typer. In the end we realised that the best one for me was the Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000.

The wireless keyboard was better than a wired one for me as it meant that I could keep my screen at a distance but still be able to type no matter how near or far I was. I find that I normally keep my macbook on a slight incline as it's easier to view the screen for things such as photo editing and writing. The keyboard itself comes packaged in a bight box with a USB stick to connect it to the computer and a mouse that is also wireless and feeds off the same USB. There is also 2 sets of batteries for the keyboard and the mouse and also some rubber stoppers to allow an incline on the keyboard if you wish. These just locked into place and are easy to remove if needed.

This was because the keyboard had an ergonomic design that allowed me to rest my hands whilst still reaching all the keys. The curve in the keyboard allows me to reach across but not strain my wrists when I am typing fast.

To set it up all I did was plug the USB stick into the side of my laptop, press any key on the keyboard to activate it and I was ready to type. It took some getting used to as I am normally using my laptop keyboard but it took me no time to get into the swing of things. Infact I'm typing using the keyboard at the moment!

The one thing I have found is that I need to remember what the Mac shortcuts are as they are not the same as the shortcuts on this keyboard. Having said that I could easily get some sticky labels to cover them. or glance at the macbook keyboard to remind myself. It's great that this product works across both operating systems as sometimes you find that products want to be exclusive and then you end up paying a large amount of money on a product that doesn't suit you and your typing style at all.

The mouse is really good and reminds me that using a track pad can be really annoying at times! Especially when I am editing photos. I used to have a graphics tablet but it was frustrating to have to clear the space and set it up to edit a photo or two so I save that for when I have a whole batch to edit. It's quite heavy so I have no worry that it will get knocked easily.
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Dad Disasters #2

Okay, Friday is here and FriDad is finally up this Friday. Now to share the second episode of the ‘Dad Disasters and as last time, some of the story is true…but, I’m not telling you what part.

Today’s going to go well, I can feel it. It’s just me and Max. Things go much smoother when it’s just me and Max. There’s just one thing I have wrong with this…it’s just me and Max! We need company, parent company.

I’ve got it! I’m going to ring that number that I found at the Library the other day. I’m not even a member of the library, we didn’t even go there to use the library, I went there to get numbers for family events while Max climbed on the toy train and offended every mother (just one of them) there shouting at the top of his voice! Etiquette is always lost when beyond the house.

Okay, so the playgroup has ceased since 2011, what a treat that such a number was still accessible in the library. Then again, the library always keeps relic-like books; where else will you find historical dating to the age of the buildings creation? It was probably for the best the playgroup ended, the lady was smoking and can hear what I think are children crying over scenes from JAWS…not the kind of leader I’d invest in.

Okay Plan B: go to the library, register and find ANYTHING to read that isn’t ‘Calm down Boris’. I cannot bare another night pretending to be a puppet that talks about how much I stink. Go find new playgroups and hopefully something to do whilst there.

Success! Registered and now we are waiting upstairs in the cosy children’s corner 15 minutes from story time and for Max’s library card. Cars are pulling up and mothers are reaching into the back for children, this is going to be fun. The only thing unnerving me is my son’s squinty eyed expression on his face as he leans against the small desk gazing into forever. That smell is familiar as is the look, the squat, the sound and the tone of my sons voice as he looks to me and says ‘I didn’t do a poo daddy’.

QUICK! Dash back home, the library is only a stone’s throw away; we can get back in time for the stories. Max is egging me on as onlookers watch and laugh as they see me sweat buckets and huff and puff. Yes I’m out of shape, but manners cost nothing, like that coat you think is appropriate.

Right I’m back in the flat to quickly shower Max down in time to return. I hear my brother in pace around the room moaning. Man flu has struck but he doesn’t seem to be using his intelligence to combat the illness. I peered over to spot a tub of cod liver oil tablets on the side, surely those things do not tackle colds and are one a day. This shouldn’t surprise me as the last time we spoke he couldn’t understand how some animals have two legs, forgetting he had only a pair for himself.

Okay, Max is out and clean and calling to Boris about how I’m stinky and he’s not. Supportive Max, I don’t recall me complaining how you colour over the lines in EVERY PICTURE YOU DRAW! Out the house now, we can make it.

BOLLOCKS! It’s finished and all the parents have gone home. I enquire to find out about the playgroups that they have advertised, sodding typical. Everything has finished, one place even turned into an alcoholics anonymous, just the place I’d take my son on a day out. It get worse, they don’t recognise me after the time I’ve been and returned, yes I’m wearing a new jumper but my face didn’t change, Max’s certainly didn’t either. Never mind, looks like I’m doomed to make parent friends.

Well…I don’t normally bring it to myself to lose my cool, but I’m now stuck outside of my flat forgetting my keys and the brother in law leaving a text on my phone ‘just gone out for more tablets, see you soon x’. Now I have to find a way to cheer my son up after scaring him from screaming my head off as the brother in law heads out whilst ill to grab tablets he doesn’t even need. I hope he turns into a Cod.

That’s another episode down. Last time I got 100 views, if the numbers rise I shall keep the ‘Dad Disaster’ posts rolling. Next week I shall post about more serious issues and less of my sons toilet incidents. As always, have a great weekend.

• Working in a bookshop to fuel my ever increasing book addiction. Thankfully with a balance of the proofs I'm receiving and the discount I get it doesn't hammer my bank balance that much!
• On the topic of bookshops. Have you seen how amazing our company's Oxford Street branch are on twitter?
• Talking of reading, who doesn't love a girl who reads. (even though Waterstones doesn't do 3 for 2 anymore!)
• Goldiebloxs are an amazing company that are trying to get more girls into science and engineering. Sounds like a fab idea!

• When I was a child, well a teen, my favourite was Busted, then Mcfly and now it's Mcbusted and I'm so glad that me and my best mate got tickets to see them (maybe twice!)
• I made some of Rosie's glitter roses as they were too gorgeous. They lasted a really long time too!
• This take on Chicago's Cell Block Tango with Disney villans is AMAZING.

• Finally I am addicted to Ravenswood. It's the spin off to Pretty Little Liars and is based around a town not far from Rosewood where everything isn't as it seems and a curse lies upon them. So tense and pretty frightening this is a must watch from me!

• Ikea Kitchen - Max is obsessed with playing real life so this is perfect for him to pretend to make food and play house.
• Plan Toys Breakfast Set - We have bought loads of food for him and this is one of the sets I picked up from Zulily a few weeks ago. All his family are buying different pieces.
• Eco Dolls House - We LOVE this. It looks so cool and definitely not just for girls (as someone commented on instagram a few months ago!)
• Wooden Doll Family & Grandparents - My mum wanted to get him an eskimo family but we realised that it didn't seem to fit the eco home too well so we picked up this gorgeous family instead!
• Vans Half Cab Trainers - These will be a bit too big when he gets them but we both fell in love with them and they were in the sale!
• Next Skull Jumper - I'm a sucker for a good jumper, even better when it's a skull one! This is a right beauty.
• Melissa and Doug Pots and Pans - To go with his kitchen. It's been really hard to find gender neutral stuff for his kitchen but this was a winner. 

Bedtime Success

Hello folks, Friday is here. I know that last weeks Fri-Dad came a little later than expected, we apologise after a slight issue with blogger.
This week, we are late in the day, but are in schedule.

Today, I'm going to talk a little about bedtime struggles and how I found a new way that not only makes bedtime less stressful, but also saves me losing my temper and now I can use it throughout the day. Now this is not me bragging about well I can parent, I'm not that dad, this is also not me telling you how to parent. I simply found a formula that works for us, it's simply here for you to try if you have issues getting you're little angel to bed.

Before even trying this, bedtime and telling off was useless. Routines, changes never worked. My son really had a flair for not listening. Why wouldn't he? Because I didn't listen to him. Orders, forcing him into bed and shouting was simply causing more stress and aggro than required.

The case led to more tantrums, poor behaviour and ugly nights sleep. I take my hat off to my fiancée, because I can only regret and apologise both how nasty I was and how rough I've looked in the past.

Sooooo many different tips and tricks were tried: late night drives, diet change, exercise before bed, different bubble baths...nothing brought successful nights sleep.

That was, until we made a change in approach. We decided to give him a few options. Some of you probably already use this approach, but I love it. We gave him options for pyjama wear, big success, we got him to help close the blinds, pick the books to read before bed, super move and then lights on or off before bed.

For him, it was a huge change in attitude. Pyjamas laid out for him to pick, fun pulling the blinds down, picking through the books and even a song before bed.
If he did still have an attitude before bed, we gave him an ultimatum: either these options or these options. This meant that if a tantrum was to ensue, we calmly were able to explain that Mum and Dad heard his choices and stuck to what he said. Assuring 'we did as he asked' we were listening to him and he got his way meant he was unable to complain, if he did we could simply a new ultimatum.

By doing this, it meant we were in control, we didn't have to yell and now, Max is asleep nice and easy. That leaves more time to hang out, catch up on tv and of course, write a Fri Dad post.

I recommend if you haven't tried it trying it. I'm not one to tell you how to parent or that you're doing it wrong, that's not what Fri-Dad is for. I've just found trial and error leads to wonderful results and it's worth having an open mind about tactics.

Next week, I'm dropping you another episode of Dad Disasters for extra chuckles for the weekend. As always, thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

That hot summer seems to be a distant memory now, doesn’t it? Step outside today and you will likely be hit by a freezing gust of wind, as well as being soaked by the rain.

If the past couple of years are anything to go by though, this is just a sign of things to come. Thick black ice and heavy snowfall is bound to hit the country sooner rather than later.

Make sure that your kids stay warm when they head out into the great outdoors this winter, by kitting them out in a pair of these wonderful wellies:


1. RainSplats

RainSplats, which are available as part of the children’s wellies collection at Splats, are unlike anything else on the market. For one, the boots come with an urban design that is sure to catch the eye of your little ones.
The Velcro strap also allows you to adjust the wellies to your heart’s content, while the choice of navy, green, pink, ocean blue and red designs mean that these boots will surely stand out when worn.


2. Hunter

Mums and dads are bound to have heard of Hunter wellies, though did you know that the brand also have a selection for the little ones?

Treds have a range of colourful designs including black with glitter so your children will be surely eager to slip on these boots when it comes to a trip outside this winter. Of course, the Hunter label across the shin will make your kids the style icons of the playground.


3. Kozi Kidz

The name Kozi Kidz gives you a good idea of what wellington boots from this brand will offer your little ones.

Known as Puddle Boots, footwear from Kozi Kidz are constructed using 100% rubber and are lined with fleece material so that children can stay nice and warm even when they are jumping into puddles and playing in the snow.


4. Ali Oli

Your child will look all grown up when wearing a pair of kids wellies from the Ali Oli collection. The 100% natural rubber lining gives the boots a simple-yet-effective design.

However, it is the thin, white fabric lining around the brim of the wellington boots that screams of elegance, while also ensuring feet never become uncomfortable because they have become too hot.


5. Chameau Vierzon Junior

You would be forgiven for thinking that your child was going to work in the country in a pair of Chameau Vierzon Junior wellies.

Available from Cedarstone in a wide variety of sizes, the boots come with all the traditional elements you would expect from a pair of Le Chameau wellies – the check jersey lining and the fully-functional gusset included.

Okay so I admit it. I love it when Max wears a good onesie. Not only because he looks all warm and snuggly and reminds me of when he was a baby. But because onesies only seem to look good on kids so I should definitely get my moneys worth. Now it's getting closer to Christmas I love to get Max wrapped up in a onesie at bedtime as it keeps him warm throughout the night and I don't have to worry about his top riding up or his trousers wriggling down. Having said that I make sure that the onesies he wears to bed are suitable as I don't want to give him one with a hood or a zip as it could be unsafe.

• I love these two animal ones from Next as not only do they look gorgeous and fluffy, they look great as fancy dress. A great thing for him to wear on Christmas day as he is opening his presents. 
• The one from Asda is understated but a classic. One that would be great for transporting him to and from everyones houses. 
• The River Island one is awesome. I love aztec print on anything Max wears so this would be perfect. 
• The M&S ones are my favourite though. The loud prints, the fun designs and the fact that Max would look adorable in them all means they are a clear winner in my books. 

Now I love all these but of course my budget doesn't stretch that far. Having said that I may be able to persuade the family and friends to chip in and buy some of them. Onesies might look a bit strange on the average adult about town but I'm pretty sure that kids are the clear winners of adorableness in onesies all year round!

*So my blogger decided to crash and not post anything this weekend so there will be a bit of a catchup/overload of posts*

Becoming a Dad.
It’s Fri-Dad once again, I hope all of your days going well. On the release of this post, I am probably in the middle of my graduation.
Today I wanted to talk about something so obvious, it’s pretty ridiculous that I never brought it up before. Fatherhood and what fatherhood means to me.
Growing up I idolised my father, I still do. I was super fortunate to have a dad that warranted authority, worked his rear end off to provide for us, but never loved anything more than a trip to the park with me and my brother and sister. My dad was in some ways what you’d call a typical Dad and more. Provider, in control, insightful, supportive, loving (though he’s still never directly told me he loves me…don’t worry I’m over it) and just always went the extra mile just to cheer me up. I can remember the times he’d have the perfect pick me up present when I needed it, I don’t forget it because I remember when I was younger being scared of his temper, but I realised he wasn’t aggressive to spite me. All he wanted was for me to stay on the right path.
My situation was set to be somewhat different to his. He had time to actually marry my mother, spend plenty of time getting to know her and experience life. I knew Laura for just less than a year when we found we were expecting we had part time jobs…we had what I can probably describe as the minimum requirement to be parents. With the situation as it was, the type of father I wanted to become and needed to be was to mould the father I am now. Sharing the responsibilities as fairly as possible meant that I needed to read up and learn everything, I did that. I knew that I wanted to the reliable and there when he needed me, I like to think I do that. I wanted to make sure I raise my son with all the morals I felt he needed fundamentally to help him behave, it’s a work in progress, but it’s going well.
Typical fatherhood is slowly changing; most dads these days don’t want to distant themselves too far from their children. There is almost a new age of fatherhood that recognises that the more you focus on what mattered to you can help influence and inspire the person your child wants to be. Growing up, we had aspirations to be whatever we could and we didn’t want to hear about expectations. Like the lyrics of this song I’m in love with currently: ‘It’s true that only you decide the things you do’.
To end, I just want to express this. One day, Max is going to be in control of his future. He will be able to make his own life decisions, be the man he wants to become and do everything he’s ever dreamed of. If I’ve made sure that I’ve given him some morals to hold onto, helped carve some sort of perspective that the world is his to fill and discover and fear no judgement, I like to think I’ve done him proud.
So there you have it, moulded by the morals of my dad, shaped by my perception of life and now I am handing that down. That is how I feel about becoming a parent. Hope you have a great weekend!

It was the weekend and a video I watched that made me realise that I had my topic for the day.

Prior to the weekend away I had a one track mind. I wanted to push and pull my way through my career. I thought that the focus I needed was to be in position to succeed at my passion to prove myself to my family.

The weekend came and that focus was held. I felt like I was going to really push myself to be the best for my family and my son.

I return home first night. I can't sleep, I grab my iPad and get flicking through YouTube and I come across a documentary 'The Book of Manning'. It was a documentary that is focused on the previous lives of successful NFL quarterback family Archie (father) and sons Cooper, Peyton and Elias.

Archie Manning was a promising football prospect, but never had a bond with his father. Before going professional, he returned home to find his dad dead. It was his duty to tell his family what he saw and what he needed to do to support the family. He was told to pursue his dream.

He went pro, but never reached the success he found in college. He decided he wanted his own family, but he wanted to do things different. Unlike his dad, he wanted to throw all of his focus on his family. It didn't matter how he performed, if he won or loss or ever became the best. All he thought about was spending time with his boys.

Because he spent his time watching his sons perform, he was able to see the true success that he achieved as a man, a wonderful family.

I swear to god I struggled to dry my eyes when I reflected upon that video. It made me realise what I really should be focusing on.

Sure I want to be a writer as much as anyone writing more or less than I do. Sure I want to do something special and even though I'm not a prospect, I know now I want to be remembered as something better, a great dad.

All that really cheers me up is time with my family, fun spent with my son and happiness he experiences. I know if I dedicate my time and focus on him more than I focus on writing I will truly have succeeded. It doesn't matter to him if I have a good or bad day at work, writing or get rejected for an opportunity, he just wants some needed attention.

Such a simple point can be truly overlooked. Please, don't make the mistake I did of doing that. Now, I have some dad business to attend to. Have a great weekend.