The Perfect Send Off: 5 Essential Tips for a Memorable Tribute

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A funeral is a sad time, of course, but it should also be seen as a celebration of the person’s life, remembering everything that was great about them and giving them the perfect send off. It’s a chance to remember the reasons that person was so loved and valued, and the contribution they made to your life.

A lot of people leave funerals thinking “that was a brilliant send off” and admiring the various factors that made it the perfect tribute. But, with every person different and having their own idea of a how they want to be buried or cremated, it can be quite difficult to choose what is “essential” to a successful funeral. No matter how well you knew the person – you might be their partner or a family member, or just a close friend – it can be difficult to get it just right and “how they would’ve wanted it.”

To help you plan the perfect send off, there are plenty of funeral directors available to help you through the process, such as Co-op funeralcare. However, there may be some personal touches that you would like to arrange things yourself. Here are five of the most important factors that you can base the day around:

 

Funeral wishes

Obviously, you need to respect the wishes of the person if they told you the way they wanted their funeral to go. For instance, they might have asked for a cremation specifically, or a burial and may even have asked for a particular type of coffin.

 

Location

If they’ve lived somewhere all of their life, or are particularly fond of a location, then burying them or scattering their ashes there would be fitting. A lot of people choose to have their ashes scattered in lakes or on football grounds for example; while others might want to be buried close to their family in particular graveyards.

 

Guests

It’s key that everyone the person would like to celebrate their life is invited to the funeral. Family, close friends, colleagues and team mates generally want to pay their respects and it’s vital that there is room for the nearest and dearest at the location, so consider those closest to the deceased first.

 

Music

What better tribute would there be than to play the person’s favourite song. Maybe they were really keen on one particular musician or group, and playing their music at the funeral would be far better than more traditional music that they may have had no connection to.

 

Clothing

The person might have had their favourite clothes – maybe a suit, football shirt or dress – and in which case it might be a nice tribute to dress them in that outfit.

 

Whatever you decide to do for the day, consider what the person would have chosen if they’d planned the day themselves. It’s very easy to get swept away by generic funeral plans, but the day can be much more memorable with all the things that meant a lot to the person – the people and themes predominantly.

Pet Loving Celebrities Go ‘Potty’ For Charity Fundraising Event

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Pet loving celebrities including Cheska Hull, Laura Hamilton, Sinitta, Felicity Kendal, Arlene Phillips, Kristina Rihanoff, Lizzie Cundy, Meg Matthews, Liz McClarnon, Hayley Tamaddon and Jenni Falconer have joined forces to support this year’s Blue Cross Tea Party.

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The celebrities have been challenged to showcase their artistic flair by designing their own special edition pet-themed teapot, to be auctioned to raise funds to help sick and homeless pets.  The celebrities are also calling for the public to sign up to host tea parties across the country on Friday 10th May, to help make a difference to the lives of thousands of pets in Blue Cross care.

The fifteen pet loving celebrities supporting the great work of Blue Cross also include much-loved actresses Pam Ferris and Olivia Colman; plus fabulous TV personalities Debbie Bright and Ollie Locke, Made in Chelsea’s finest.

 

The colourful teapot designs range from Cheska Hull, Jenni Falconer and Laura Hamilton’s paw-print motifs, Liz McClarnon’s  creative, cute cat artwork to Arlene Phillips’ pooch ‘Polly’ taking centre stage as the inspiration behind her teapot design.
Lizzie Cundy said: ‘I just love animals, I have two cats at home that I absolutely adore. The work that Blue Cross does really is so important in helping to provide happy homes for thousands of pets a year.”

 

Cheska Hull said: “I am a huge animal lover and it’s heart breaking that there are so many pets out there that don’t have a loving home. The work the Blue Cross does helps to ensure they can get a second chance at life.  So take to your kitchens and get out your mixing bowls – Britain’s pets need you!”

 

Arlene Phillips said; “I have been busy mastering my baking skills for the Blue Cross Tea Party and I want to appeal to all the pet lovers out there to do the same.  I used to really struggle with baking but ever since I did the Great British Bake Off, I love to shut myself away in the kitchen for a few hours whipping up a Victoria sponge or some scones to share with the family. I actually find it very therapeutic, and what’s great is that anyone can have a go to help this fantastic cause. With a huge rise in stray and abandoned pets over the last few years, Blue Cross needs our help more than ever to continue caring for pets in need.”

 

The auction will take place from (2nd-12th May) so don’t miss out on your chance to get involved and bid on your favourite pet-inspired teapot by visiting www.bluecross.org.uk/teapots. To order your free Tea Party host pack full of ideas and recipes, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/teaparty.

 

Puppy Bella was recently helped by Blue Cross. Part of an unwanted litter, when Bella first arrived she was covered in fleas and her tender skin was red and sore from scratching. Blue Cross nurses provided the vital veterinary care needed to slowly help Bella’s skin improve and she was cared for by a Blue Cross fosterer whilst she recuperated and returned to health. Bella has now found a permanent home with a family who give her the love she deserves.

 

Blue Cross is a charity dedicated to helping poorly, injured and abandoned pets for over 100 years, doing what’s needed to give every pet a healthy life in a happy home. They run four animal hospitals and 12 rehoming centres across the UK, which provide treatment and seek happy homes for thousands of cats, dogs, small pets and horses each year.

Blue Cross Tea Party, find out more at www.bluecross.org.uk/teaparty

Statement Jewellery | Fashion

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I love statement jewellery. Why buy a new outfit when you can brighten up an old one with some statement pieces that convey your personality ad style?

This season is all about oversized jewellery, so make sure you stock up on statement pieces for spring/summer.  With designers such as Chanel, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana showcasing shoulder-length earrings and embellished cuffs on the catwalk, bigger is definitely better this season.  Stay on trend with this gorgeous selection of gems, available exclusively at QVC.

I have chosen some of my favourites. Let me know what you think.

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Sleeping Arrangements Theatre Review

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POSTERLOWRES-106x150I love musicals. I really do. Which is why I really appreciate how incredibly brave doing a new one is. It is a move that I feel has paid off for Sleeping Arrangements. It is fun and frivolous. A comedy that makes you feel completely involved with the characters. The story about two families who end up in the same villa in Spain at the same time with hilarious consequences. It is a production set during a holiday and it really feels like one.

What the two families do not know is that Hugh and Chloe know each other. Their wealthy friend Gerard double booked them Was it on purpose and if so, why?

It must have been hard to write a musical from scratch but Chris Burgess has achieved it perfectly. I really had fun watching this musical comedy. It really did have some great one liners. All of the actors are just brilliant. I completely believed in all of their characters.

Sleeping Arrangements is based on the novel by Sophie Kinsella, which has been described as the ‘perfect holiday read’, and this theatre production completely encapsulates it. A really funny comedy that is definitely a go see.

Aria Entertainment Presents
Sleeping Arrangements
Landor Theatre
17th April – 12th May

Sophie Kinsella’s Sleeping Arrangements adapted for the stage

 

Aria Entertainment is delighted to announce the full cast for the world premiere of Sleeping Arrangements, a new musical based on the novel by Sophie Kinsella, author of Confessions Of A Shopaholic.

 

The exceptionally high calibre cast includes Fascinating Aïda’s Liza Pulman and West End favourite Jenny Gayner who has trodden the boards as Roxie Hart in Chicago amongst other high profile roles and Sabrina Aloueche who is best known for playing the character ‘Scaramouche‘ in We Will Rock You.

 

The Confessions Of A Shopaholic novel was adapted into a film released in 2009, starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy but this will be the first of Sophie’s popular books to be adapted for the stage.

 

“I am so excited to see my story on stage in such a hilarious and tuneful musical”
Sophie Kinsella


This exciting new musical will play at the Landor Theatre in Clapham London for four weeks starting in April 2013 (17th April – 12th May)


 


Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, the musical tells the tale of Chloe who desperately needs a holiday. She’s sick of making wedding dresses and her partner, Philip has troubles at work. Her wealthy friend Gerard has offered the loan of his luxury villa in Spain – Perfect


 


Hugh is not a happy man. His immaculate wife Amanda seems more interested in her new kitchen than him and he works so hard to pay for it, he barely has time for his children. Maybe he’ll have a chance to bond with them on holiday. His friend Gerard has lent him a luxury villa in Spain – Perfect.


 


Both families arrive at the villa and realise the awful truth – Gerard has double-booked. What no-one else realises is that Chloe and Hugh have a history, and as tensions rise, old passions resurface. It seems that Gerard’s ‘accidental’ double booking may not be an accident after all…


 


With music and lyrics by Chris Burgess, Sleeping Arrangements the musical is the perfect summer soundtrack, just as the original novel was “a perfect holiday read”. – Sunday Mirror


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

		

						
Get Your Sh!t Together Book Review

			
						

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thegritdoctorLet’s be honest. We all have areas of our life that are just not together. Life is tough and time is short. Add in human nature such as laziness and anxiety, common things most people have to some degree, and then it is clear why many people are not achieving their destiny.  Enter this book from the author of Run Fat Bitch Run, Ruth Field AKA The Grit Doctor. She calls it your prescription for life.


There are grit commandments. Do’s and don’ts, great quotes and advice on just how to locate your inner bitch and use her to your advantage.


The book is a bit sweary and that might bother some people. If so, just overlook it. This is a great motivating book. It takes big things and makes them smaller. The idea of cleaning a shelf in your house one at a time and then using the analogy for every part of your life is effective. We all have things that we want to do but make excuses instead of achieving it. This book kicks you into shape. It makes you put your thinking into shape.


The Grit Doctor wants you to throw out to do lists and instead do The GYST Facilitator. Which is not just to do lists but breakdowns of where you want to go to and how to get there. You then take things step by step.


In fact it starts by making sure that you have the basics of life together: Home, job and family. You master these basics through actions. The book is about action and overcoming fears. If you ever wanted a friend in your life who was harsh but fair then buy this book. It is a great prescription to sort out your life. It is smart and witty and brutal. Just what you need in your life. It is a new type of self help, not the kind where you just read something vaguely motivating and forget about it, but the kind that actually makes you want to connect with your inner bitch and become the best version of yourself. Courtney Love has this great quote, “I found my inner bitch and I ran with her”. This book will help you do the same.


THE GRIT DOCTOR TAUGHT YOU HOW TO RUN


NOW SHE’S GOING TO TEACH YOU HOW TO RUN YOUR LIFE


 


Has becoming a capable, poised grown-up turned out to be more complicated than you imagined? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, and if you’re tired of the crappy stuff in life grinding you down, then it’s time to stop whining and GET YOUR SH!T TOGETHER. With this funny, frank and tough-talking guide, Ruth Fields’s alter ego, The Grit Doctor will help you:


 


    

  • Tackle daunting problems like a fearless superwoman
    • 

  • Figure out what you want from life and find the courage to GO FOR IT
    • 

  • Learn how to get more sh!t done in less time
    • 

  • Stop feeling bad about your less-than-perfect-life (because perfection’s overrated anyway)
    • 



 


 


The Grit Doctor does for self-help what she did for running: RIPS UP THE RULE BOOK.


 


Ruth Field is the author of RUN FAT B!TCH RUN and THE RUN FAT B!TCH RUN MARATHON PLAN. She is a former criminal barrister and lives in North London with her husband and twin sons. She blogs regularly at www.gritdoctor.wordpress.com and you can also find her on Twitter (@gritdoctor) and Facebook at  www.facebook.com/thegritdoctor.


 


Available from Amazon UK and WH Smith.


 


 

					

		
		
	


				
					
	

				
					
	

		

						
Slamming that Summer Job Interview

			
						

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Whether you are earning spare cash in the local supermarket this summer or applying for a once-in-a-lifetime overseas temporary job, you’ll need to know some crucial techniques for smashing that summer job interview.


First impressions count


It may be your first time in an interview but don’t let this rattle you. Wearing the right clothes will boost your confidence and tell your future employer a bit about you. Remember to match your clothes to the job.


So for girls who are going to be spending summer supervising children in an American camp denim skirts are fun yet smart. If you’re a guy hoping for a temporary office job, a suit, shirt and tie tick all the right boxes.


Be open and friendly


In the 21st century, no employer is going to object to a summer temp being open and friendly, which is his is by far the best approach to take. They know a young person won’t have years of professional experience behind them so won’t be expecting a seasoned pro. Instead, the most they are hoping for is a happy and outgoing young person who’ll be a positive and enthusiastic addition to their workforce for the short amount of time they’ll be around.


Let your personality loose


The interviewer will likely have lots of people to see both before and after you. You’ll want them to remember you, so try to stand out from the crowd by letting them know who you are.


This doesn’t mean going over-the-top and being informal to the point of inappropriate. Instead stay relaxed, let them talk and lean forward to show engagement with what they are saying. When it’s your turn to speak be bright and positive.


Facts not fiction


Be careful not to oversell yourself, or feel the need to resort to outright lying. You may be so keen to make the right impression that you talk yourself into a corner you can’t get out of. Instead, when you’re asked questions about your experience, concentrate on what you have done and confidently talk about it.


Once you’re into the flow remember to keep what you are saying relevant and exciting. If you’re enthusiastic about what you’ve achieved, the employer will believe you can do an equally great job for them.


Seal the deal


Now you’ve made a great impression and made it clear to your future boss that you can do the job, it’s time to leave them with the right memory: stand-up, make eye-contact and shake hands firmly in a business-like way. Say goodbye as if you’ll be seeing them soon, while remaining upbeat and confident.


When it comes to an interview, the parting impression you leave can be just as important as the first one.


 


Stand Out In An Interview


During your job interview, you will probably get asked: “What makes you different?” Take this opportunity to highlight the skills that would make you stand out from the dozens of applicants also trying out for the job. Keep your composure and talk about your strengths to impress your interviewer


 


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Cool Family Activities to Do Over the Summer

			
						

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When the children are off school all Summer it’s difficult to keep them entertained without spending an arm or a leg. It’s worth looking online for events locally to you on directory websites, to be able to get out and about as a family for as cheaply as possible.


Another option is monitoring online competitions, which are often advertised via social media, such as this one from Wow247 where you can win an annual merlin pass allowing you entry into over thirty attractions for free for four people (normally costing £146!). This also means exclusive offers on short breaks within resorts such as Legoland and Chessington Hotel.


You could also find some free activities online to do such as arranged park explorations to identify animals, trails and their habitats. Check out the top film releases and buy a family ticket to receive a discount.


If it’s enjoying your own home that you want to do then get baking with the kids, teaching them about ingredients, shopping for a recipe and culinary skills. What better excuse to invite friends and family round for a tea party afterwards to enjoy the fruits of your labour.


Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to keep your eyes out on the Internet for discount deals, as well as competitions and free activities to keep you all busy over the holidays for a realistic price.