Roaming Brit
  • Blog
  • The Story Of Us
  • Other Blogs
    • Forever Enduring Cycles Blog 2015 >
      • Forever Enduring Cycles
      • Bipolarcoaster
      • Books For Sale
  • Gallery
  • Spain
    • First Month
    • Three Months
    • Six Months
    • One Year
    • 2 Year Anniversary
    • Spanish Views
    • Gran Alacant >
      • GA Advertiser
      • Gran Alacant News
      • LoungeD
      • No Wives Club
  • About
    • New Life
    • Wedding
    • 21 Years
    • Timeline
    • My Story
    • Australia 2016/17
  • Guest Bloggers
    • Penelope Wren
    • Debra Rufini
    • Claire Coe
    • Richard Guy
    • Optimistic Mummy
    • Julie Rawlinson
    • Letters Of Hope
  • Links
  • Contact
  • My Writing
    • Short Stories From My Youth
    • Verruca Almond
    • The Streets

From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

Picture

On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions have to be made. Illness, family bonds and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in a life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

Picture

Vanessa Holwell – How to plan the perfect staycation during the COVID-19 pandemic!

8/1/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture


How to Plan the Perfect Staycation During the COVID-19 Pandemic


The COVID-19 pandemic has made travel more difficult. If you had a trip planned, you may have had to cancel it. While this can be upsetting, you could consider the alternative: planning a staycation! By booking a few nights at a cozy local hotel, spending your time outdoors, and patronizing small businesses, you can enjoy a staycation while following local health regulations. Check out these pointers from Roaming Brit.

Find a Place to Stay

You can plan out a staycation in which you stay at your own home and simply block off a few days for relaxation and exciting local activities. Alternatively, you could head to a hotel not far from your residence so that you can truly feel like you’re getting away. For instance, if you would like to get away from the city life for a little while, look for a lodge or cabin that allows you to experience nature and, if you’re close enough to town, you can still enjoy dining options and entertainment.

Stay Safe

Even if you’re staying relatively close to home, you need to take steps to stay safe on your vacation if you plan to stay at a hotel or lodge. This means packing several masks, as well as hand sanitizer. It’s also a smart idea to get tested for COVID-19 a few days before your departure date. That way, you can be certain that you’re not taking an unnecessary risk.

Plan Local Activities

Because of the pandemic, you may not be able to partake in certain indoor activities. It’s still safer to enjoy outdoor activities during your staycation, so get ready to experience the natural wonders in your backyard! From hiking to fishing to berry picking in nearby green spaces, there is no shortage of outdoor fun to be had. You could even hire a local fishing charter for some serious exploring!

Supporting local businesses in your community is a great way to give them a boost in these trying times. And if you do plan to stay at home, you could build a fire pit in your backyard or work on another outdoor project, like building a picnic table — you can actually enjoy the results of these projects all year round!

If you decide to travel, it’s a good idea to check out your wardrobe before you leave to ensure that you have everything you need. Smarter Travel recommends bringing waterproof or quick-drying pants, sturdy hiking boots, a hat, and a light backpack with plenty of room for gear.

Relax and Unplug

Whether you’re booking a hotel room close by or simply staying home and planning a fun-filled weekend, you can use your staycation as an opportunity to unplug and turn off your digital devices until when you really need them, like to make a call or two. Because of the pandemic, we’ve all been spending lots of time staring at screens this year, so it may be time for a change of pace.

In order to plan a digital detox, Ritual suggests deleting social media apps; that way, you won’t be so tempted to check your phone. Before your staycation officially begins, you could even try simply letting your phone die. Just make sure that if you decide to do this, you have a watch so that you won’t lose track of the time! For entertainment, pick out some books you’ve been wanting to read - with a good book in your hands, you won’t even miss scrolling.

You may be disappointed that you had to cancel your vacation because of the pandemic. But when you opt for a staycation instead, you can still have a great time. A staycation is a perfect way to save money, stay safe, and explore the world during this pandemic!

Photo via Unsplash


Picture
0 Comments

Guest Blogger - Has COVID-19 triggered manic or depressive episodes for people with bipolar disorder? By Patrick Bailey.

1/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Patrick Bailey is a professional writer mainly in the fields of mental health, addiction, and living in recovery. He attempts to stay on top of the latest news in the addiction and the mental health world and enjoy writing about these topics to break the stigma associated with them. 

Website / Blog URL: http://patrickbaileys.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pat_Bailey80
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-bailey-writer

Having bipolar disorder can be challenging enough during normal times. In the midst of a global pandemic, however, the stakes grow even higher.

People diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience extreme emotional episodes. Manic phases are characterized by a seemingly perpetual state of mental and/or physical motion. The depressive stages are the plummeting lows that follow. Liken it to a sugar rush and the resulting crash, but much, much worse and infinitely more complex.

There’s no singular cause. Bipolar disorder tends to set in more frequently among people once they reach their mid-twenties. Genetics are a factor -- a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder makes a person more likely to develop manic depression -- but so does one’s environment or how much stress they experience. 

Each case is unique, though there are common threads, which are useful in helping to manage the condition. 

Medications like mood stabilizers and psychotherapy help. So does a person’s lifestyle choices. Regular sleep, stress management, a healthy diet, and exercise can keep the highs and lows better in check. Manic episodes can be brought on by alcohol or drug use or insufficient sleep, so avoiding those are key.

Pandemic Panic

The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought unmeasurable stress to people around the world. News near and far of death, suffering, job losses, isolation, shutdowns, social media mania. Not too many people could say the domino effect of the coronavirus left feelings of happiness and security in their hearts and minds.

Those with bipolar disorder tend to be particularly sensitive and responsive to stress, compared to non-manic individuals.

To some extent not all stress can be avoided, but it can be better managed, not only for the mental health of the bipolar person, but also the physical health.

Get Enough Rest

People with bipolar disorder must take extra care in this uncertain time to keep on an even keel.

Sticking to a regular sleep pattern is extremely important. A lack of regular shuteye can trigger bouts of mania. Ideally once you realize (or perhaps someone has pointed out) that you’re not getting enough sleep, reach out to a mental health provider. Even one night of missed sleep can spark a manic episode.

Maintain Mental Health

Bipolar individuals admit they tend to experience more of the depressed phase of the disorder. With all the negativity and fear dominating headlines and social media streams, that can spike anxiety and make a person dwell on worst-case scenarios. 

Ward off negativity by being prepared. Find out if your mental health provider is seeing people. In-office visits may not be an option, but online or phone sessions may be. 

Be sure you have enough medications, too, and understand you may need extra mood stabilizers or something more for anxiety while things are shut down or scaled back.

Be sure to keep in contact with family, friends, or loved ones. Checking in keeps you to a schedule and lets them know you’re okay.

If you suspect an episode is coming on, reach out to your doctor or therapist, and sooner rather than later.

Not Too Much Social Media

Social distancing has meant more isolation, but too much time on Facebook, Twitter, or whatever your social media of choice may be can be just as detrimental to mood and mental health.

It’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of misinformation when reading sensational news headlines. Be sure to get updates from recognized authorities like the World Health Organization, and avoid hearsay, unverified sources, and the trolls who lurk in most stories’ comments sections.

And if you do chance upon trolls, make it a point to step away. Arguing with people, especially those cemented to their ideas and points of views, isn’t good for anyone’s mindset.

If you have a go-to activity like yoga or drawing, do that instead. That along with regular meals, a solid sleep schedule, taking your medication, sticking to appointments (even if it’s only online support groups), frequently washing hands and masking in public, and not resorting to drinking or drugging can help ward off manic phases. 

Mental Health Helps Physical Health

People with severe mental illness have been hit hard by COVID-19.

Mental health issues usually coincide with challenges that make it harder for people to access food, medications, stable housing, jobs, or healthcare (where applicable), putting them in greater danger of getting or spreading the coronavirus.

Some people with mental illness may not have the means to purchase a smartphone or computer. With telehealth options eluding them, they may not be able to attend therapy during lockdowns. 

Substance misuse is more prevalent among the mentally ill, too, and that’s tied to a greater susceptibility to infectious diseases. 

Higher numbers of mentally ill people smoke cigarettes as well, which puts them at greater risk for diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Pneumonia and influenza are some of the leading causes of death for people with mental illness. Underlying lung disease from smoking can be a factor.

People with severe mental illness are also more prone to behaviors that lead to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and poor cholesterol. All can add to the risk of developing more dangerous COVID-19 complications.

People with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses may also be more prone to engage in other risky behaviors like not taking proper safety precautions or practicing social distancing and self-care.

Along with neglecting some self-care, there tends to be some distrust of the healthcare system overall among some mentally ill folks. That could be due to previous trauma in hospitals. With the pandemic putting a strain on medical centers and psychiatric units, COVID makes it especially challenging for those with mental health issues, especially if they’re experiencing the extreme highs and lows that define their condition.

The data is still building about the coronavirus and how it is affecting all aspects of society. There may not yet be a vaccine for the virus, we do know that keeping mentally healthy by following a schedule, practicing self-care, sticking to social distancing, masking in public, and frequent hand washing can dramatically increase the likelihood of emerging from this pandemic unscathed.

Picture
0 Comments

Consumers Advocate

29/5/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Consumers Advocate is a small organization that started in Seattle and is now based on the sunny island of Puerto Rico. The team here is deeply dedicated to the consumers of the world. 

At ConsumersAdvocate.org we understand that most consumers don’t have the necessary time to properly investigate the thousands of products and services they’re interested in. This is why our business is committed to bringing you, and millions of other people, honest, accurate and thorough reviews of a wide range of products and services. We take what we do seriously and pride ourselves in being able to digest a large amount of information and present it to you in a succinct and accurate manner.

Consumers Advocate conducts extensive research on products and services (everything ranging from online therapy to home security systems and travel insurance!) and then creates helpful guides that are meant to protect consumers from scams and help make the best buying decision possible.

The team understands that sometimes big decisions are hard, especially when there is not information that is readily available or easy to read and comprehend.  That's why the Consumers Advocate team really thrives on being organized and conducting all the research, to fully comprehend a specific subject. After weeks of research has been uncovered, they pass on all of their findings to the editorial team, and they begin drafting and compiling the bulk information in easy to read guides. Our goal is to inform and provide educational resources for consumers, so that they can make smarter buying decisions. 

If you're interested in more information about Consumers Advocate, you can read more about the company here: https://www.consumersadvocate.org/about

Picture
Thank you to Consumers Advocate for choosing Roaming Brit, as a platform to promote your organisation. We would like to encourage our readers to take a look at this innovative group. All of us would like to wish you every success for the future!

Consumers Advocate has a number of resources that we know readers of Roaming Brit will be interested in and would encourage all of you to take a look. We have included three important links below, to give all of you a broader sense of just what Consumers Advocate can do for you.

Online therapy, home security systems, and travel insurance
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Picture


0 Comments

Urgent Appeal For Help - Katie Stewardson, Floods in Spain!

15/9/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
I am making an urgent appeal for my friend Katie Stewardson. I met Katie while living in Spain. Katie became a close friend and has even written for Roaming Brit. A few days ago Katie and her family, including her two week old son Sebastián were evacuated from their Southern Spanish home, after their property flooded along with thousands of others in the region. Katie is now trying to raise money for the local community who have lost everything, trying to ensure animals and livestock are re-homed and looked after, following the worst storms to hit Spain in a century. Katie has asked me to advertise this plea for help, so she and other victims can start to rebuild their lives!

Please click on the 'Go Fund Me' picture below, to take you to her appeal!

Picture
Picture
"Our farm was hit bad by the flooding of the 'south eastern Spanish gota fria.' Paddocks are flooded and sheds are destroyed, the kennels for the dogs are non existent and they have no shelter. We are not the only ones affected .

We are fundrasing to build new kennels for the dogs and new shelters for the goats at our finca. We are also fundraising for other fincas and shelters in the same mess as us.

Dog food to buy. Beds etc

Please help if you can, every little counts to remaking homes for the animals."


0 Comments

2018 Year In Review - Blogging!

4/1/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
'Roaming Brit' has been going from strength to strength and I was humbled by the amount of interest shown by you, the readers last year. During the month of November and December I asked the general public if they could send in their Christmas thoughts, highlighting their entries each day. The response was amazing, each of you who took part, detailing stories, thoughts and feelings about the festive season. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every one of them; it was a privilege to have your words documented on my blog, something I can look back to in the future at such an important time of year.

'Christmas Thoughts' was about including people, asking for opinions and recording comments that would otherwise be forgotten. It is important for a Blogger like me, to involve as many people as I can, to keep this site interesting, fresh and current. The interest generated from 'Christmas Thoughts' was phenomenal, with my inbox full to bursting everyday from eager patrons of this site, asking to hear more from those who took part.

Since I began blogging, four years ago I have been amazed by the reach my words have, spanning the globe. During 2018 thousands of people read 'Roaming Brit' each week, a satisfying epitaph for a blog that was born from adversity. Though difficult and challenging subjects are tackled by me all the time, this current blog documents happier times, a departure from what transpired in my life during 2015. In 2019 I have firmly moved away from the testing times I used to write about constantly and concentrate my efforts on a brighter future ahead. All the while I am still mindful of the perplexing, anti social behaviours that were responsible for me putting pen to paper in the first place.

During 2018 I received many messages about bullying and sociopathy, from readers needing help and direction, coping with difficult and arduous circumstances. I do my best to reply to each and every cry for help, or direct them to other organisations who can help them deal with their demons. Blogging isn't just about self serving indulgence, it is also about taking responsibility for our words and helping an audience who have been touched by what we articulate.

I was delighted to include many new guest bloggers last year, people who read 'Roaming Brit' and decided they too wanted to express themselves through the power of writing. Their dedication has been an inspiration for me and to all of you, once again messaging me daily, wanting to become involved. I would like to thank Claire Coe, Debra Rufini and Richard Guy for their continued commitment to their own blogs; they have all become integral to the success of 'Roaming Brit.'

Finally it was a untimely farewell to a dear friend and guest blogger Penelope Wren in 2018. Penelope and I were pupils at the same school in Fareham where we grew up. I was contacted by this wonderful lady about my writing, expressing an interest in blogging and asking for help in setting up a new site. She also continued to write for me, right up until her death in America. Not only will I remember her entries with fondness, but I will also look back on her kind heart, encouraging words of love and wonderful sense of humour. Penelope will always remain a part of this blog, I miss her everyday!

Thanks once again for all your support last year, personally and professionally. You have made 'Roaming Brit' the success it is today and I am looking forward to another fantastic year ahead. Please do keep sending in your thoughts and expressing your views, without you, this blog wouldn't exist and for that you should all feel proud!




Picture
Picture
Picture


0 Comments

The Easter Hat - Guest Blogger, Penelope Wren!

20/3/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Mrs Trill’s fourth year juniors at Fareham Park School were invited to take part in a class Easter bonnet parade.  We were all very excited - probably the girls were more excited than the boys.  I didn’t know if I would be able to make a bonnet to participate - that would be up to my mum.

Mum wasn’t really into sewing, although she could sew.  She wasn’t into cooking unless it was the usual meals that she prepared - they were simple and delicious.  She made math's cards for the pupils in her class and she liked to do the display boards.  Mum was artistic but not really into making things, especially Easter bonnets.

My luck was in!  Dad was home from sea for a long weekend and he was volunteered to help me make the Easter bonnet!  Dad and I are pretty much alike.  We love to help others, we like to be creative, but we aren’t very good at creating with others.  We like to do our own thing.  So Dad made my Easter bonnet.  I remember him measuring my head to cut out the circle on a piece of cardboard.  I would have loved to have helped him stick on crumpled up tissue paper, but it was late and I had to go to bed.

I was very excited when I woke up the next morning to see my Easter bonnet; the parade was that day.  I dreamed of looking really pretty and maybe even winning the prize.  I got washed and dressed and ran downstairs for breakfast searching for the bonnet as I went; maybe Dad had it out in the garage?  I did see an orange triangular prism shaped object on the dining room table;  It had brick-like lines on it and looked like the roof of a house.

Mum was super organized and had put out the breakfast cereal, bowls and spoons the night before; my sister and I ate out in the kitchen. We had some nice orange bar stools with backs on them that fit comfortably under the counter in the kitchen.  Whilst eating my breakfast, Dad came downstairs;  Mum was in the bathroom getting ready for work.
“Did you see your hat?” He asked.  He seemed so happy that he had been able to help me with my Easter bonnet.
“No,” I replied.  “Where is it?”
“It’s on the dining room table”.
I don’t know if he saw my perplexed look; I didn’t remember seeing an Easter bonnet on the dining room table.
“I made you a roof; I thought that would be a pretty good Easter hat”, my Dad said.  “I just figured out how to put the chimney on it.  As soon as you have finished breakfast, try it on, it should be finished with it by then”.

I gulped; A flood of emotions came over me; I was so disappointed that I didn’t have a pretty flowered Easter bonnet to wear.  I was so thankful that my Dad had made me a hat but worried how others would react to how unique it was.  I was however so happy, that my Dad was happy and excited about helping me make a hat.

It fit perfectly and I was able to balance it on my head.  Dad had put some orange ribbons on it so that it would stay on.  Due to it’s large size I had to hold my head just so, so that it didn’t topple off or shift its position.  Dad said that he would give me a lift to school in the car as the hat was probably a little bulky to carry.  I grabbed my satchel and put on my coat and shoes and we were off to school.

School was just up the road.  It took me about ten to fifteen minutes to walk to school depending on how fast I walked; today, I was there in five minutes.  I struggled out of the car with my satchel and reached in to grab my Easter bonnet.  “Thanks so much, Dad!” I called out as I shut the door.

“My roof - my Easter bonnet - was kind of awkward to carry.  The bell rang and  we lined up in our classes.  As our class walked in to school, I avoided my classmates eyes.  We put our bonnets on the top of the bottom cabinets, went to our desks and proceeded with our day.  

The day dragged on;  I wished I was back at home and enjoying the weekend and that the Easter bonnet parade was over.  Then all too soon, lunch was over, final playtime was over and it was time to put on our Easter bonnets and parade in front of our class.  I took a big gulp and decided I would wear my hat proudly.  My sweet Dad had made my hat and I was proud of him, his love and effort for me.  

I wore the hat perfectly; It didn’t slip to one side and it didn’t fall off.  Dad’s hat won a special place in my heart.  Maybe others laughed and mocked but they did not know that my hat symbolized my Dad’s love for me.  What better way to remember Easter and all it stood for.  A gift from my father.

apenelopewren@gmail.com

Picture


0 Comments

Change Me? No Way! - Guest Blogger, Penelope Wren!

13/3/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Change Me? No Way!

So last time I wrote, I raised the question whether it was my own culture that led me to have very high expectations of people and their behaviours.  I wondered if the world had changed from when we were brought up, or had the culture set us up for failure?


Posing this question to my therapist, she said that if the principles and values didn’t work in reality, then yes, the culture is setting you up for failure.  (She’s so good, she doesn’t criticize my crazy thinking!) However, she said it is more likely that your high values of loyalty and duty are the first things to signal a manipulator, who will then home in on you and exploit those values.  All strengths have their flip side.  So a sense of duty and loyalty can be a strength.  When a manipulator, a bully, or an abuser sees that in you, they will then manipulate you, so that it becomes a weakness.  Something for me to get my head around.

When I have read self-help books or talked to people about emotional abuse, or bullying, they have all said ‘You have to change.’  I have sometimes felt very resentful about that.  Why should I have to change?  Why should someone else’s behaviour mean that I have to change who I am?  Recently I read something in a book called ‘Boundaries’ by Cloud and Townsend that helped the lights go on.

“You cannot change anything else: not the weather, the past, the economy - and especially not other people.  You cannot change others.  More people suffer from trying to change others than from any other sickness.  And it is impossible.  What you can do is influence others.  But there is a trick;  Since you cannot get them to change, you must change yourself .....”

Oh no, here we go again, I thought, I’m being told I have to change myself.

“Since you cannot get them to change, you must change yourself, so that their destructive patterns no longer work on you.  Change your way of dealing with them; they may be motivated to change if their old ways no longer work.”

So basically, what I learned that to do, is to change how I respond to them, so that their destructive behaviours no longer work on me!  This validated my thoughts that the abusers’ behaviours were destructive.  What I have to change, is my reaction to their behaviours.  So this was most useful to me, as it actually defined a little more clearly what kind of changes I needed to make.

I have one or two things that I have been working on in relation to this, but I’m sure I will discover many more on my journey.  One of the things that I am trying to change is, how I view people in the working environment.  I have a deeply ingrained sense of hierarchy and how I should behave to someone who holds a position.  I tend to be very deferential to those in authority.  My therapist suggested that I look at this differently - not to encourage disrespect or rudeness - but so that I can create a different paradigm to work within.  Using the example of my boss or my trainer, she said that ‘they are no different from me - they are not better than me - they just have different responsibilities than I do at work.’ The other thing is, I have given myself permission to call them (or rather their behaviour) ‘jerks’ in my thought processes, when their behaviour towards me is demeaning; when they talk over me, when I’m asking a question or explaining a situation that they need to know about due their position; and when they withhold information from me.  I think the word ‘jerk’ might be one of the Americanisms that I have picked up.  I’m sure my dad would use the word ‘idiot’!  

I don’t usually like to think unkindly of people, but using the word ‘jerk’ is helping me obtain a better reality of the situation.  (I so hope it doesn’t just pop out of my mouth when I’m speaking to them! That would be an interesting dilemma, that I don’t want to have to deal with).  It is also helping me not to absorb their destructive behaviours as my fault.  

The other thing that I need to work on, is my communication.  The rules that I have to practice have the acronym of HARD.

                Honest
                Appropriate
                Respectful
                Direct

                Communication is HARD.

I don’t have a problem with ‘Appropriate’ and ‘Respectful’.  I do have a problem with ‘Honest’ and ‘Direct’.  ‘Honest’ is hard for me more in the realm of omission.  It is hard for me to be confrontational and to say exactly how I feel.  Unfortunately this weakness leads me to be passive aggressive - meaning that I won’t tell the person that I’m upset with them, but I would tell my husband or a close friend.  This lets me vent and release my anger but it doesn’t really solve any problems.  When my boss talks over me as I’m explaining something, it is hard for me to say ‘I feel that talking over me is rude’.  I guess this is why ‘Direct’ is also hard for me.  Ha ha -I am thinking that not only is it difficult for me to actually say this to her, I also think that she would still be talking over me when I said it, so I don’t have a window to say it anyway.  Then there is the fear of being rejected or have some other verbal abuse come back from saying it - at which point I would probably hang up on her and lose my job.

Why not forget the job?  This is a very good question.  I will leave my answer for another day ....

apenelopewren@gmail.com


0 Comments

A Big Thank You To Penelope Wren!

8/3/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
A would like to thank Penelope Wren for her guest blog contribution, entitled 'A Very Clear Choice,' published in 'Spanish Views' today. Penelope's recollections on school life in Fareham, where we both grew up, has brought a lot of memories flooding back, as I recall my own school days, spent in the relative tranquility of this small suburban town on the south coast of England. Though not in the same year, we both attended Fareham Park Comprehensive at a time of great change. Penelope was lucky enough to be part of the first intake of pupils, I wasn't far behind.  Both of us have very different lives to the ones we had, growing up in Hill Park. The connection we have is born from the words we write about our shared experiences.

I believe it is important to keep memories alive. I am at an age, where my past is important to me. I really do look back at my school days with fondness now, despite the challenges I faced at the time. My life now is immeasurably different compared to forty plus years ago and I do find writing about my experiences rather therapeutic and life enhancing.

Penelope has also highlighted workplace bullying in her introduction, something I am very familiar with. It is sad that so many people have to suffer the indignity that harassment and abuse brings. Penelope is lucky enough to have a supportive family, as I have an understanding partner; without a solid network both our circumstances could be very different.

Thank you once again for your fantastic entry today Penelope; I hope my readers enjoy your entry, as much as I have. I look forward to hearing from you again, with more memories to share!

Picture
Picture
Picture


0 Comments

VOTE - Cake Baking Competition - Richard Leach!

16/12/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Would readers of 'Spanish Views,' the ones who are members of facebook, please take a few moments of your time, to vote in a fabulous cake competition.  The cake above was make by Richard Leach, 'The Cakeman,' for his sons Birthday. He is asking for your vote by clicking on the photograph above, or the link below in this article.
Picture
Picture
Picture

"I entered my sons birthday cake in this competition & made the f...inals!
It’s now down to public votes to win the baking weekend in London! 👨🏻‍🍳
I’m asking people to please take 20 seconds to vote for me🙏🏼
You simply click on the link provided & press on the heart❤️ on my Alice in wonderland cake & that is all.
It closes on 20th so every vote counts!
Please help me!"
Thank you

Rich Leach
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture


0 Comments

Guest Post: FAMA - Online Entry Analysis!

12/11/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture

A Look at the Benefits of Social Media Background Checks


Employers today are eager to conduct a background check on all potential employees. However, a traditional background check only shows legal disputes a person has been in over the past seven years. Additionally, many civil rights organizations are fighting against what the government can and cannot make public as it concerns a person's criminal record. In many states, criminal records do not display charges that do not deal with violence, and these same states do not require people to admit they have a record on a job application if their offense was nonviolent. In the end, an employer will be taking a chance on every potential employee.

The best way around this is to conduct a social background check. A social background check involves going through all social media accounts of every potential employee. The employer can do this him/herself, or they can hire a third-party to conduct this background check. ​

Employers have been finding out more about people through social background checks than traditional background checks. This is mainly because of pictures and videos that are posted every day. People post drinking at clubs, hanging out with criminals, and many other similar situations. This gives the employer a better understanding of who they are hiring. This also allows the employer to ask more questions on a second or third interview about the daily life of the potential employee.

The best thing about a social check is that only 3% of people know this type of background check exists. People posts freely on a daily basis without expecting anyone to spy on their social media accounts. Employers do not have to worry about being sued for invasion of privacy because the law gives employers the right to conduct this type of background check.

In a recent survey, it was discovered that at least five thousand employers have benefited off of this type of background check. These same employers have employees today who are reliable, have no secrets that will haunt the company, and have intentions of staying with the company for a long time.

In a similar survey, it was discovered that many employees were able to catch thieves in the act because they posted their offenses on a social media site. These employers stated that they could not believe employees would publicly post how proud they were to steal from their job. However, these employees are out of a job today, and some of them now have a criminal record.

A great place to start a social background check would be at FAMA. This is an online organization that specializes in social media background checks. Employers who hire FAMA are given a personal investigator. The employer and the investigator work closely together, and all the information they share with each other is kept totally confidential.

FAMA specialists use the best spy software on the planet. Additionally, FAMA will leave no digital footprint that would link back to the employer. FAMA has been in business for only a few years. However, they have helped millions of employers find the best employees.
​
The employer application on the FAMA website is easy to fill out, there are no application fees, and an investigator will be assigned to the employer within 5 business days. FAMA also has a great rating with the BBB.
Picture
Picture
Many thanks to FAMA for their guest post  today; like them, if you would like to contribute to the continued success of Spanish Views, drop us a line. Please email me, Luke Martin-Jones, using the advertisement above, entitled 'Guest Bloggers Wanted,' and I will get back to you within 24 hours, to discuss your ideas. Thanks again to FAMA for today's entry!
Picture

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    48-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my home town of Portsmouth on the south coast of England!

    Picture

      Contact Luke.

    Submit
    Picture
    Click me & email for more information!
    Picture
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Asia-2019
    Australia
    Bettys-revenge
    Bipolar
    Bipolarcoaster
    Britain
    Bullying
    Business
    Cancer-research
    Cats
    Characters-i-have-known
    Charity
    Charlatan-or-confidant
    Christmas-thoughts
    Claybornes-world
    Coming-out-stories
    Cooking
    Coronavirus
    Current Affairs Politics
    Darrell In The Uk
    Dunbars
    Easy Horse Care
    Events
    Events That Shaped My World
    Family
    Fascinating-facts
    Gran-alacant
    Guestbloggers
    Guest-bloggers
    Ibs
    Immigration
    Information
    Inspirational People
    Interviews
    Japan And Thailand 2020
    Jersey-2019
    Lockdown-life-in-photos
    Lounge-d
    Luke-martin-jones-awards
    Memories-of-fareham
    Memories-of-home
    Memories-of-southampton
    Memories-of-spain
    Me-too-oxfam
    Milestones
    Moving
    My Life
    My Writing
    Non Touch Toast
    Oxfam Sociopathy
    Penelopewren
    Penelope-wren
    Photographs-of-hope
    Quotes
    Rabs-world
    Reviewing-gran-alacant
    Santa-pola
    Self-isolation
    Shopping
    Short-stories-from-my-youth
    Short-stories-from-my-youth
    Southampton
    Spiritual
    Teaching-jamie
    The-darkness
    The-streets
    The Two Of Us
    Travel
    Verruca-almond
    Visits From Friends
    War In Europe
    Weight Loss & Health
    Year-in-review-2017
    Year-in-review-2018
    Year-in-review-2019
    Year In Review 2020
    Year In Review 2021
    Zest

    Archives

    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Tweets by realtruthblog
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture


    Instagram
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    A place to call home
    Finally, a place we can call home.  A community of like minded individuals, who used to call Britain home.  Now Spain is our choice, an altogether gentler, happier, sunnier and safer experience!
            Luke Feb 16
    Picture
Picture

Telephone

+447999663360

Email

lukemartin.jones@gmail.com
  • Blog
  • The Story Of Us
  • Other Blogs
    • Forever Enduring Cycles Blog 2015 >
      • Forever Enduring Cycles
      • Bipolarcoaster
      • Books For Sale
  • Gallery
  • Spain
    • First Month
    • Three Months
    • Six Months
    • One Year
    • 2 Year Anniversary
    • Spanish Views
    • Gran Alacant >
      • GA Advertiser
      • Gran Alacant News
      • LoungeD
      • No Wives Club
  • About
    • New Life
    • Wedding
    • 21 Years
    • Timeline
    • My Story
    • Australia 2016/17
  • Guest Bloggers
    • Penelope Wren
    • Debra Rufini
    • Claire Coe
    • Richard Guy
    • Optimistic Mummy
    • Julie Rawlinson
    • Letters Of Hope
  • Links
  • Contact
  • My Writing
    • Short Stories From My Youth
    • Verruca Almond
    • The Streets