Nearly Half of Working Mums Would Consider Sharing Parental Leave

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keeping children entertained on car journeysSome 44% of working mums would consider sharing their maternity leave with their partner, according to Workingmums.co.uk annual survey.

The number of women who would consider sharing their leave when the new shared parenting legislation comes in next year has risen by 3% since last year and may in part be due to a rising number of women who are the main breadwinners in their families – over 17% of women who were living with a partner say they are the main breadwinner and only in a small number of cases is this because their partner has been made redundant or had to reduce their hours.

The survey of over 2,390 working parents, sponsored by McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd, covers a wide variety of issues, from childcare and flexible working to finances, discrimination and self employment.

It shows that, despite the rise in women breadwinners, the number of women who claim to split childcare and housework equally with their partners is just 21%, down from 27% last year. Some 17% say their partners work flexibly with 4% of partners working part time.

Many women said the economic situation was affecting how long they took for maternity leave. Some 46% had returned to work early due to the recession or cost of living. Some 10% only took between one and three months’ maternity leave. The majority, however, took between seven and 12 months. Although 70% said they went back to work because they needed the money, 60% said they would work even if money was not an issue.

Other findings from the survey include:

– 56% of women say they earn less pro-rata than they did before having children.

– 49% say employers discriminate more against women in the current climate

– 60% think they have to work harder than men due to unconscious bias

– the number of parents using grandparents for childcare has risen. 56% make use of grandparents to reduce their childcare costs, 18% use tax credits, 25% have childcare vouchers; 23% use friends; 8% get older siblings to help and 18% get help from other relatives [many use a combination of options]

– 41% [up 11% on last year] spent nothing on childcare while 20% pay over £500 per month

– 32% say homeworking is their most favoured type of flexible working and homeworking is the most likely thing to encourage more women to work full time.

– 53% said that more flexible working would aid them in their career development

– Most women got the flexible working they requested, but 23% did not with 11% feeling their employer did not even consider their request at all

– Only 13% who had taken a career break found a job fairly easily afterwards

– Most women [53%] want part-time work and 15% of part timers work at least 6-8 hours extra a week

– Just 4% do a job share

– 74% of working mums are logging on to emails outside of their working hours, with 48% doing so regularly.

– 14% of respondents were on a zero hours contract or variable shifts – of these 54% prefer it as it offers flexibility, but 17% find it difficult to arrange all the childcare they need. 28% like it for the flexibility but also find it a challenge with childcare.

Gillian Nissim, founder of Workingmums.co.uk, said: “Our annual survey always throws up a wealth of information on the way women are working or would like to work and what the hurdles many face when attempting to reach their potential. It is interesting to note the appetite for shared parenting in the light of expectations that initial take-up will not be significant. This perhaps reflects a growing awareness among couples of the link between equality in the workplace and at home. It is vital that policy supports parents in having greater choice over how they balance work and family life.”

 

Simple Steps To Improve Self-Confidence

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ritaoraFeeling at ease with your body is something many people struggle with. Such feelings can eat away at self-confidence and make it harder to assert yourself in life. Sometimes, other people’s attitudes and messages in the media can make it even more difficult, but there are things you can do to fight back and learn to love yourself.

 

Identify problem attitudes

 

Do you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts about your body when you’re dressing, showering or shopping? Try to spot such thoughts developing and stop yourself. You probably wouldn’t make negative comments to a friend in that way, so why do it to yourself? Instead, focus on parts of your body that you like, even if they don’t seem as important. Practice thinking positively about them and remember that you don’t have to be perfect to be appreciated.

 

Share thoughts with friends

 

Social convention means that often we don’t complement each other enough. If you have friends who also need more body confidence arrange to get together and tell each other what you admire about one another’s appearance. Alternatively, you might prefer to do it using anonymous notes if you’re shy. You might be surprised by how much friends like or even envy aspects of the way you look that you never considered previously.

 

Focus on fitness

 

Even if you’re overweight, disabled or getting on in years, there will usually be something you can do to increase your fitness level. Exercise lowers levels of cortisone, the stress hormone and makes the body look better. You can even do exercises for your face to reduce lines and wrinkles; a sort of natural facelift.

 

Dress to flatter your figure

 

Everyone likes to feel sexy and you can find clothing to suit all shapes and sizes online, including fantastic plus sized lingerie deals. Rather than worrying about what doesn’t look good on you, seek out stores that specialize in clothing designed for bodies like yours, whatever shape you are. You don’t have to look like a model, because in reality people are attracted by many different aspects of an individual, such as sense of humor, stylishness and intelligence.

 

Love your style

 

Part of learning to love your body is about understanding how to see it on your own terms, which involves choosing clothes that flatter your shape and selecting colors and patterns that reflect your personality rather than concerning yourself with following fashion. That way you don’t need to worry about being compared to other people and you can instead focus on simply being who you are.

 

Despite the fact that women’s magazines tend to focus on hairstyles and waist measurements, studies show again and again that one of the most attractive assets anyone can have is self-confidence. Once you are comfortable in your own skin and enjoy the way you look it will show in the way you walk, the way you dance, even the way you smile; all things that will make an impression on others. Most importantly, they will make you feel good about yourself.

 

 

Couture Fashion week- New York

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Having recently been lucky enough to take a trip to the New York city, I could not resist the chance to pop along to one of the Couture fashion shows that was showing nearby. My trip was short for 3 days, so I only had change with my schedule to see a show on the Friday late afternoon. However I really enjoyed what was on offer! The 4pm show consisted of Helen Oro and Lourdes Atencio, as well as Alma NYC dancers and and singer Vanessa Cruz.  For me Lourdes stole the show with her beautiful designs and spicy music compilation. Her designs were elegant and feminine, with beautiful silks and chiffons walking down the runway.DSC_4688DSC_4785 DSC_4729 DSC_4737 DSC_4790 One little gem was defiantly the pre-teen model on the show. She walked with elegance and that of a runway model many years her senior. This lady, is one to watch. If you lucky enough to be near New York, please go and check out the rest of the shows!   For everyone else, you should be gearing up for London fashion week, I’m now back in London and excited for what will be shown!

Ripped Jeans

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Personally I love the ripped jeans look. It’s edgy, fun and can easily be pulled off with a simple tee or an oversized jumper. It says “I’m causal and carefree” but can also create a chic and stylish ensemble.
Worn with hightop trainers, classic pumps or statement stilettos, the ripped look can turn around that plain old boring outfit of jeans and a vest and give it an effortlessly laid-back yet high fashion twist.

Ripped Jeans and bootsripped jeans
What I particularly admire about ripped jeans is the versatility of accessorise that can be worn with them. A necklace – chunky or quaint. A handbag – clutch or shoulder. Shoes – flats or killer heels, the list goes on! Either way these jeans can make both a grungy hardcore look, or a sleek and polished one.

ripped jeansripped jeans

 

Like me, if you’re struggling to find that perfect pair, you can easily create your own by slicing and dicing an old pair that are maybe losing their fit or have faded on the knees – or maybe you can’t wait until pay day! This fast and effective way can bring that old pair of skinny jeans that you have fallen out of love with into the cool, chilled and fashionable pair you’ve been searching the stores for.

lottie ripped jeansLottie Ripped Jeans-3Lottie Ripped Jeans-2

 

*Google Images and Photographs by Sarah Bacchus

The One Earring Trend

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Is this new trend of only wearing one earring likely to stick around? Or will it have the same effect as the ‘one sleeve rolled up’ trend that Made In Chelsea’s Jamie Laing has unsuccessfully tried to create which is try hard and quite frankly uninspiring.
Although stars like Emma Watson have adopted the new asymmetrical look, personally I think its all a bit bland.
Brands like Topshop and Zara have embraced the trend by stocking statement, dangly jewels to hang from just one lobe. However I have a hunch that this tacky way of accessorising will soon fade out and hopefully be replaced by something much more elegant!

Emma WatsonEmma Watson

To me it looks as if the poor girl has lost an earring, or maybe forgot to put the other one in .. either way if this bizarre trend starts showing itself in my local area I will be very amused. At least if you do unfortunately happen to lose an earring or embarrassingly forget to put the matching one in, you can pretend it’s intentional! Maybe that’s how ‘the one earring trend’ started!

Follow me on Instagram @Lottieesmithh and Twitter @LottieSmith25

*Google Images

Handbag Must Haves

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The conversational clutch

Slogan clutches have become quite a craze, ranging from high-street stores like H&M and Dorothy Perkins to supermarkets like Marks & Spencer.
Well known french phrases such as “Tres Chic”, “Moi?” and “Apres Ski” have made it on to the trendy bags, along with popular slogans mostly seen on T-shirts and jumpers like “Going Out Out”, “Ready To Party” and “Love”.

Tres Chic Going out out
I can’t wait to get my hands on an array of these quirky clutches! Strong in style and a sure way to get yourself noticed for all the right reasons, these brilliant bags are definitely a wardrobe must-have for this season.
They’re a quick and easy way to liven up an outfit that needs that little extra oomph, simply chuck all the essentials into one of these chatty numbers and feel bursting with style as you head out of the door.

size does mattercake for breakfast

 

For the Foodies

I cant get enough of these fast-food fabrics! Thanks to Moschino’s deliciously cool tribute of the french fry phone case and many more, now come this wonderfully clever arm candy brought to you by brands like New Look and George at Asda. Whether you’re a health nut or a junk food lover, these bags are catered for your every nutritious need!

new look burger bagAsda pineapple baglemon clutch bag

 

Textured Totes

A variety of new and exciting fabrics and embellishments have now made their way onto the catwalks for this season. From fluffy feathers to colourful jewels, these statement handbags definitely won’t go unnoticed. They can be found in stores like Next, Miss Selfridge, River Island, New Look, Topshop and many more! Coming in a wide variety of bold and vibrant colours they wont be hard to spot!

textured clutchD&G clutchfeathered bag

*Google Images

Postman’s Park by Margaret Graham

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There I was, slouching about in London with ‘he who must be disobeyed’ in search of the Postman’s Park. Have you been? If not, nip along. It’s almost next door to the Museum of London. It’ll pull at your heartstrings.

Postman’s Park is on the site of the former HQ of the General Post Office, and is one of the largest parks in the City of London. It is tucked away almost next to the Museum of London, at St Martin’s le Grand, EC1A.Tube: St Paul’s.
Buses: 4, 8, 25, 56, 100, 172, 242

When you see the blue old police box, just turn into the gates. The Postman’s Park opened in 1880 on the site of the former churchyard and burial ground of St. Botolph’s Aldersgate.

As you enter you will see ahead of you, and beyond the circular flowerbed, a loggia and long wall.  It is this you must head for, past the headstones, past office workers eating their lunch, past the circular bed, lovely though it is.

Your goal is Victorian painter and sculptor George Frederick Watt’s wall of ceramic memorial tables honouring the self sacrifice of ordinary people.

In 1900 Watt’s felt driven to create this memorial, determined that acts of bravery performed by ordinary people should be commemorated.

Only four of the memorial tablets were in place at the time of its opening, with a further nine tablets added during Watts’s lifetime.

Watts’s wife, Mary, took over the project after Watts’s death in 1904, and oversaw the installation of a further 35 memorial tablets as well as a sculpture of her husband.

Later, increasingly pre-occupied with the Watts Gallery, which still features her husband’s work at Compton, near Guildford, she ceased involvement, and only five further tablets were added during her lifetime.

In 1972, key elements of the park were designated Grade 11 listed. Following the 2004 film Closer, which set some key scenes within Postman’s Park, interest was stirred again. Recently, a free mobile app, The Everyday Heroes of Postman’s Park was launched which documents those commemorated on the memorial. New tablets are still being added. Mary and George would have been delighted.

I remember the plaque I came across in the West Australian bush, when researching a novel for Heinemann. The plaque commemorated a young girl who lay across her siblings when a bush fire raged over them on their way home from school. She died, they survived.

Ordinary people do extraordinary things, not the least being our young troops out on patrol day after day in war zones. It is right and good that we remember every one of these ordinary people. Are you supporting the Invectus Games? I do hope so.

How To Be A Successful Actor: Become A Triple Threat

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Acting is a hard business. Don’t get me wrong, doing the actual job isn’t hard, it is a brilliant career, but the industry is a tough one and many actors remain out of work and in poverty. That is why I wrote my book, How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur. It is possible to have a good career, get your name out there and tell the stories that you want: you just have to become one of the new triple threats.

Back in the day a triple threat was someone who could sing, dance and act. These skills will still help your career but not as much as being a new triple threat, and that is someone who acts, writes and directs. I have written a lot about this in my book and included tips and advice as I am one of the new triple threats myself and I love the freedom it gives my career. Why wait for someone else to hire you when you can write the stories you want? I have interviewed two of the most promising new triple threats in the UK today, Vanessa Bailey, a wonderful actress who’s film Three Days is going to be a corker, and Jason Croot who I have worked with many times. He is an outstandingly talented actor, writer and director. His IMDB speaks volumes about his amazing talent and I really cannot wait to see Le Fear, Le Sequel on the big screen and not just because I am in it. Read on and learn….

acting, acting advice, how to be an actor, how to be a successful actor, hollywood, castings, auditions, casting directors.

Vanessa Bailey

Tell us about your films

This is my first public foray into writing and my first stab at pulling together a short film. It’s not my film at all – it’s much more down to the talent of the other people involved that it’s as good as it is. The story concept was my idea, but the final script has been co-written by myself and Richard Perryman. It’s our script, not mine. In fact the whole film is very collaboprative – a lot of the comedy and the details in the dialogued teasers are from our director Darren and our DOP Huw. They took it by the scruff of the neck and stamped their personality on it. I love that.

So, Richard and I wrote it and I got the team together in partnership with our Executive
Producer Suzie. Suzie is responsible for encouraging me to make the film and has been part of the film from the very first moment the story popped into my head. But Gareth Gatrell our stills and behind-the-scenes guy found our Director for us! He recommended Darren after seeing the script and said he’d be perfect. He was right. One of the film’s strongest elements is the chemistry between the team. We’re like family when we work together.
You produce, write and act. What do you think of the new triple threats? Is it possible to just do one thing now?

Again, I feel very much under-qualified to comment as this is my first film and it’s not even finished yet! Acting is my first love – I come alive when I’m acting. It’s in my blood, I simply can’t imagine not doing it. I think my stories stem from the same emotional heartbeat. The production side – well, that’s pretty chaotic. Just ask any of the other Three Days team!
As far as being a triple threat – if this is the only story I ever tell that will be fine. I’d rather tell one well than a hundred badly. But I think as an actor it’s important to seek out opportunities and if you can’t find them then create them. This may well mean stepping outside of your perceived skillset and trying something new. This part was never going to come to me. I had to bring Sophie to life. No one else was writing her. And if they had I certainly wouldn’t have got to play her!

But know your limitations – surround yourself with people who are far more talented than you – people who have skills you don’t have. Use them, let them work their magic. Watch and learn from them. Having someone with amazing gifts bring them to your film is an incredible thing.

What kind of stories do you like telling?

The ones that gnaw at my heart. If they don’t stop me sleeping at night until they’re told then they’re not worth bothering with.

What made you get into the film industry?

It started with acting. I’m obsessed with acting. Completely obsessed. I have no training and was told I’d never make it. But it was chewing away at me and wouldn’t go away. So I just had to make it happen. The day I was directed by Sean Durkin on the set of Southcliffe in a dialogued scene with three named TV actors (one of whom I’d had a crush on as a teenager!) was a real moment of personal triumph. And now it’s the same with the film process generally. It beguiles me – it’s like a lover. It makes my heart skip a beat. If I’m not on set orfiddling with a script I spend my time pining to be with it again.

What do you think of the British Film industry?

Jury’s out ;) I need more time to make friends with it. I would love to see cinema rejuvenated and less films with unnecessarily massive budgets when there are filmmakers trying to get amazing projects off the ground with absolutely no funding. It’s hard. There’s a lot of untapped talent out there. And not just in the younger age bracket. Think beyond that – there are some of us who only find our feet after we’ve paddled around in the wrong puddle for a while.

Do you think it is more of a democracy now?

No, probably not.

How do people make a living in the industry?

People make a living?! I have absolutely no idea. As an actor I earn my money doing commercials and fairly undemanding stuff. The good stuff, the stuff that grows me. That all costs money – it never pays. This is a contentious issue for many very, very good reasons. Personally, I’d rather work unpaid on one fabulous project which grows me as an actor and brings joy than work for £20 a day on some awful film that means nothing and doesn’t develop me in any way. But then I do need the commercials to pay the bills!

How do people make it in the industry?

It depends how you define “make it”. We all know there are lots of people out there working regularly and you just throw your hands up and say “Why?!”

If you want to keep going, to survive, to be able to continue to chase your dream it has to come from restless passion. The need to create, the need to be with other people who create. To produce work of integrity it can’t be for the pursuit of fame (hideous) or the love of money (fat chance). And it’s too painful a process for it to be something you could actually walk away from. If you feel you can walk away from the film industry I would recommend you do. You have to be addicted to it. Or at least, that’s how it seems to me.

Favourite film

Before Sunrise

Favourite actors/directors

Tilda Swinton. Anthony Perkins (huge crush since seeing Psycho). Kate Winslet. Emma Thompson.

I’m rubbish with directors – I’ll be like “Oh I remember – I REALLY like them” later on!
What and who inspires you?

People who are unselfish to work with. People who draw you in and draw you out and help you produce your best work. People who laugh and cry and are honest. People with passion.
I absolutely love the Three Days team because I see those qualities in all the people involved. I love that our director Darren stepped out of his comfort zone to direct his first romantic film. He does it brilliantly. I love that Richard was so open to co-writing with me. Taking risks coupled with passion – now that’s a journey waiting to happen!

What’s next?

Fundraising to be able to complete the Three Days shoot. We have an ongoing crowdfund on our website. This is really key! Then the shoot, then festival entry.

And then, well – there’s more story developing in my head, but I think I need to get the short finished first! I certainly hope it won’t be the last time we all work together. Let’s just put it like that.

And probably a commercial.

 

Jason Croot

Tell us about your films.

I have made 5 feature films, all improvised, only one has been released: Le Fear, a horror comedy film which I made a sequel to named Le Fear 2: Le Sequel. This film has become my main focus because I believe it is my strongest film yet, It has a lot going for it comedy, horror, sci- fi, spoof and a very good cast. My other 3 films are all joint productions and I will tackle then one at a time then hopefully move on to my new stuff.

You direct, write and act. What do you think of the new triple threats? Is it possible to just do one thing now?

There are many talented people out there. A lot of undiscovered actors, but lets face it; as an actor having small parts on TV and feature films or lead roles on low budget feature films won’t make you an household name, only constant big roles in big budgets will do that, the same is said with writing and directing but it’s a long journey. As long as you are creating something you never know.

I believe where people fail is by not continuing to create. If you are a good actor then find some work even if it’s not a lead role in Hollywood, then you are still doing, with writing you can always do this generally with solitude and directing you can always create stuff whilst waiting for your next gig. If you believe you’ve got talent use, it don’t waste it. In a nutshell: some well known actors can carve out a career in one field and the same is said with writing and directing. Some do all plus more like Vincent Gallo, a very talented dude and there are many more like him really doing it such as Larry David and hats off to the elite 1% for the 99% the rest of us we must keep on batting and creating in the hope that one day it all clicks. If it doesn’t, so what? What would you prefer to do? Work in an office or act, write and direct? You know where I’ll be!

What kind of stories do you like telling?

I’m not really a great screen writer but believe my strengths lay in creating plots and scenes without words since all my films are improvised but that’s not the only reason I love improv, I don’t believe you can create the same magic from the script that you can from improvisation, I like to tell stories about filmmaking and the film industry like my films Le Fear 1,2 and Roberto. I know this is not the best genre to get known but I love doing it and some people like it so it’s not a lost cause

What made you get into the film industry?

My love of acting I guess, filmmaking came many years afterwards
What do you think of the British Film industry?

There is some very talented folk out there but very few can make a good living in Britain. It’s really tough but it’s not the toughest place in the world and there are a lot of people supporting others and that’s really cool. Why not? We are all trying to climb that mountain but won’t get there alone, I don’t want to get into politics but no government will really spend money in the film industry nor will they support young people trying to break into it, so it is down to people with experience to give these new guys support and guidance

Do you think it is more of a democracy now?

I believe in the past 15 years there are many more actors, writers and directors out there and everyone can make a career out of what they are doing but this won’t happen over night and there is no guarantee it will happen at all, but I believe there is less snobbery now and with the indie films becoming evermore closer to the big budget ones filmmakers can make a greater impact i.e getting there films on the same platforms, for example: Netflix, Amazon and iTunes etc. So yes, I would say it is much more democratic these days.

How do people make a living in the industry?

In England as an actor, unless you’re a regular on a soap, you may struggle but it’s possible generally people have daytime jobs and go to castings and hopefully land a few roles. The casting directors I meet are all really nice folk and want you to do well but it is difficult. You have to zone in on yourself and spend 5 hours or more a day 365 days trying to find work and have a agent batting for you as well.

How to people make it in the industry?

A lot of hard work, time, effort and energy. There are still no guarantees, but I guess it’s an individuals take on making it that can be anything, if you’d have asked me 10 years ago that I’d have acted and directed in over 100 productions I’d have said from were I was with one acting diploma and one VHS copy of a short film and not knowing anyone in London at the time: I’ve made it, but the next 10 years have to be greater so I guess, keep pushing ,never give in and keep smiling through thick and thin. Most importantly, respect rejection. the minute you make it your enemy is the minute you fail.

Favourite film

Too many to list but if I was to pick one it would be the classic French Film within a film Day For Night
Favourite actors/directors

I have a few but really rate Larry Charles and Jim Jarmusch

What and who inspires you?

Watching a great film inspires me. alongside stories I read of actors who struggled like De Niro, Pacino and Nicholson. Three of the greatest film actors all really battled to get there.

What’s next?

I’ve been under the weather for a while but hopefully on the mend now, so on the filmmaking sides of things, once my films are out of post production I have 3 more films I want to make: Le Fear 3 is one and the other 2 are top secret for now, I’m always open to direct other peoples films too, on the acting front I have 3 films by Lorenzo Raveggi filming on location in Italy, I’m looking forward to acting in and I have a few other films in the pipeline but nothing set in stone. Once again, I’m always open to offers so I’ll keep batting away and hopefully create some good cinema this year.

What do you think?

 

How To Be a Successful Actor: Becoming an Actorpreneur is out now.

Follow Catherine Balavage on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Balavage