Mother Instinct - Elephant Giving Birth

The video below is amazing, it shows real mothering instinct. The elephant mummy has a baby but when the baby drops on the floor and the sack bursts he is not breathing yet.

It is truly amazing what the mother does.

Please watch this video first before showing it to young children as it does contain graphic images of an elephant giving birth.

It is massively educational and I did watch this with my 7 and 4 year old but it is for you as a parent to decide if your children are old enough to watch it!



On another note, I can't believe people actually murder these beautiful animals for their tusks, they are clearly very smart and certainly smarter than some humans!

M x

Got teenage kids? Show them this...

We all know how much kids obsess over their looks, some girls actually go on to have serious health problems such as anorexia and boys have unrealistic expectations and that can lead to bullying and other demeaning behaviour towards girls.

The majority of victims here are girls BUT more and more boys suffer too.

The media presents unattainable images of models and actors but refrains from mentioning that they have been airbrushed, elongated, tucked in and even plumped up!

So yes, do promote healthy eating and exercise to your kids and teenagers... but do show them this so they can see what REALLY happens behind those photos of 'perfect' models.

Like this they can see what is natural & healthy VS so called perfect & fake!

M x

The 'Beauty' of Photoshop...

Muppet Show - Manah Manah

This always makes me smile! My kids love it... Enjoy! x

HashTags with Justin Timberlake & Jimmy Fallon

 Ok Hashtags. I use them, you use them, everyone uses them.

But please do keep them to twitter and don't go overboard people! hahaha

Here's a funny video illustrating exactly that over use and how annoying it is...

I found it hilarious! Enjoy

M x

PLEASE NOTE video below is not for younger audiences as naughty word is used at the end!

Sex Trafficking... do you want happy endings?

A tough life, even after being rescued it is still a long road to 'freedom'...



Visit Love146.org for more information and how you can help.

M x

Genetic Modified Organisms (GMOs) Explained...

A 3 minute explanation about GMOs.

8 Years Old and Married - The Secret World of Child Brides

The secret world of child brides, happens in many countries and cultures.
It's terrible and the true, this is outright criminal and barbaric but still happening in this day and age.

An eight year old is raped in 'marriage', a 14 year old is pregnant and scared she will die at birth...

Watch the short video for an insight.
(Please do not watch this with young children nearby, there is nothing graphic but sex is mentioned and the video is not appropriate for young ears.)

Stephanie Sinclair's investigation compiled over 8 yrs for the National Geographic.



HOW TO HELP!
National Geographic has compiled a list of organizations that encourage families to delay marriage and give girls an opportunity to reach their full potential.

M x

Emma Stone & Andrew Garfield: Celebrities doing it in style

You think I am thinking about fashion? No this is waaaay better.

Celebrities get 'papped' doing absolutely anything and nothing, glad to see this couple, Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield, using their 'powers' to do some good instead of just showing off the latest fashion!

Their sign, written on what looks like paper bags from a restaurant, otherwise known as 'doggy bags' says: "We just found out that there are paparazzi outside the restaurant we were eating in. So...why not take this opportunity to bring attention to organizations that need and deserve it? www.wwo.org www.gildasclubnyc.org. Have a great day!"

Now that is something! The websites they are directing us to are...

Worldwide Orphans Program http://www.wwo.org/  - To transform the lives of orphaned children to help them become healthy, independent, productive members of their communities and the world.

Gilda's Club New York City http://www.gildasclubnyc.org/ - Support for people living with Cancer

Now that is publicity with a good heart!

M x          

Another Meerkat!

Yes it's true, we got yet another meerkat, it's a fluffy plush one and as much as my loving husband wants the real thing, he's not getting it, so he gets excited about the stuffed one.

It all started when he was a child and living in South Africa, his mum rescued a poor little mite from a family that was going to cook him for dinner. Yes, meerkat for dinner, you heard it right.

Terrible. So the result was a little meerkat running around in my parent in law's house, he became part of the family, bit the granny because she was mean to him, but was like a furry little brother to my husband... they watched out for each other, played together, etc.

So now my husband, all grown up, has a bit of an obsession with meerkats and has managed to pass on the obsession to us... I mean what is there not to love?!

We watched Meerkat Manor as a family and love the funny and cute Compare the Meerkat adverts!
When we went on a Zoo visit a few years ago I couldn't resist and bought a meerkat plush toy for my husband (yes, yes, I know he's a grown man but it's the thought that counts hey?!)

So naturally when we go looking for insurance, the advert stuck in our brains and we also tried their website amongst others and bam! It was the cheapest quote and we got yet another (our second) Compare the Market meerkat toy!!

I know we get excited easily, but this meerkat not only makes my husband happy, because as soon as it arrives we send it to South Africa as a gift to my mother in law and she loves them!

Plus it's pretty cool the video they do for you... I mean who wouldn't like to see their name in fireworks?! (On the website it showed th video below with 'Congratulations Emile')

 

If you want your own don't forget to check out comparethemarket.com to see if you can save money on your insurance. This is not a sponsored post, it was just so much fun I wanted to share!

Monica x

DON'T LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE IN THE CAR

Recently I saw a campaign that RSPCA did about leaving dogs in the car in this heat, well, I was gob smacked when I saw this and the statistics behind it.

It's terrible, I don't know how anybody could do this with their right mind, let alone a mother...

Please share and raise awareness.



Monica x

Fun Mini Pizzas - Kids Cooking

These mini pizzas are great fun to make with the kids and super quick.

The children will love it!

Cheerios - Apparently controversial. WHAAAAAAAAAAT?!

 Now these kids have better heads than most adults!
I got shown this video and when the adult asks the kids... how is the advert controversial... I was like WHAAAAAAAAT?!

WARNING - Advert is controversial to people with a small brain.

Glee Star Found Dead... Cory Monteith " Finn Hudson" gone forever

Image Courtesy of thetvaddict.com

 This morning I came across this very sad news, "Finn" gone forever.

One of the main characters of the musical tv series Glee which is watched by most of the world, including me was found dead in a hotel room in Canada on Saturday.

He was 31 years old and apparently died alone in his bedroom, he had previously struggled with drug abuse and he had voluntarily been in rehab just in April. A post mortem examination will take place tomorrow as to try and ascertain cause of death.

I am saddened by these news and my thoughts go out to his mother and family. I can only imagine the pain and suffering they must be going through.

I know Glee will certainly not be the same for all devoted viewers and fans, beloved "Finn" will no longer be there.

I tried to find a picture that would portray his 'true' nature instead of an image from Glee, a picture that his family would be proud of and happy to see. I know that after my grandfather passed away I only wanted to see photos with his biggest smile, and still after a whole year it is still all very fresh in my mind.

REST IN PEACE CORY, everyone loved you.

Monica x

For full story http://news.sky.com/story/1115515/cory-monteith-glee-star-found-dead-in-hotel

Restore Your Faith in Humanity

Uplifting you will agree!
M x

Cricut Mini Review

Father's Day Card made with the Cricut Mini

We got a Cricut Mini a short while ago, my mum has one of these cutting machines (it's not a Cricut) so I was very excited to get to 'play' around with my very own one.

I installed it into my mac and following the instructions that came with the Cricut it was simple and quick.

We have been very busy at MFB headquarters, so as Father's Day was around the corner we decided to make a card for my dad. We logged in to the Cricut Craft Room and found an awesome Father's Card, centred it on the page on the screen & voila... told the machine to cut it!

Mega simple, amazing, never thought it would be that easy.

After that it was just taking it off the cutting mat (comes with the machine) very carefully and folding it neatly with a ruler.

A very simple but impressive card that took only a few minutes to make! My dad loved it.

I have lots to discover on this machine, tons of designs available and I already have quite a few ideas of things that I want to make. I am really excited.

So far I haven't encountered any difficulties, I will show you what I make next with it as I got myself some really pretty papers to try out some stuff.

Cricut Mini

If you want to find out more about Cricut do visit their website uk.cricut.com, they also have a 'Project Centre' which gives you lots of ideas of things to make... I've already spent ages on it looking at all the awesome things you can make!

M x

Abortion - At 19 Weeks... Is it a baby?

A very delicate topic, with very delicate images.

At 19 weeks a baby is already a baby, I am 'pro-life' and I have always been.
I think only in extreme situations, where there is a serious problem where the mother may loose her life at birth for example, it is only then that termination should be considered, but even then it is obviously a serious matter.

So please take care, if you don't want a baby. If you do fall pregnant by accident and really don't want the baby then give birth and give it for adoption, there are many couples that can't have a baby and would love the child like their own and give it everything.

So don't refer to the child in your tummy as a foetus and think it's ok to murder it, it really is not ok. To me it's murder, full stop.

I know someone that had a couple of abortions, because her partner didn't want kids.
Sadly her husband died and she was left with no children and lives in her home all alone. Now almost 80 years old and with a very bad heart, she feels alone and like nobody cares for her.
She regrets her decision forever. It's very sad.

Let that not be you, if you are thinking of an abortion, please don't. I beg you reconsider.

You see, even at just 19 weeks, although too little to survive outside the mother's miraculous body... A BABY is still a BABY.

Walter at 19 weeks - Lexi & Joshua's beautiful baby

Read Lexi's account of her experience meeting her baby boy here, hopefully this will give you a different perspective.

Even if this post changes just one decision and saves just one life, it's all worth it.

M x

Dear 16-year-old Me

FOR TOOLS & INFORMATION: http://dcmf.ca/tools

Melanoma destroys lives, make sure you know how to check yourself and take care.

M x

Win a £10 My Funny Bunny Voucher!

We are feeling generous so we thought we would reward our fans and customers with a Give Away!

To enter just 'Like' facebook page and enter on the form here: 

https://www.facebook.com/myfunnybunny.co.uk/app_152045414852131

Good Luck!

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED

Our competition is on
ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions
UK Competitions

UK Air Pollution...Makes you want to move

Pollution in London

"When Justin Bieber collapsed last week at the O2 arena in London and was taken to a private clinic feeling "short of breath" and needing oxygen, the rumours started flying that he had had an asthma attack. They were denied by his management, but it would have been understandable if he had. Most of last week, London's air was heavily polluted, with many of the capital's pollution monitors recording "high" nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels as an acute photochemical smog of fumes and microscopic particles (PM) of acids, chemicals, metals and dust drifted in from the continent, mixed with London diesel exhaust and then became trapped in the still, dry air."

Read full article here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/mar/19/uk-air-pollution-health-crisis

When you read the above it's easy to see why 5.4 million people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12).

The last couple of years my children have suffered from allergic asthma but this last year the situation has become much worse, with several other allergies creeping up... prawn, lactose, milk, soya... etc!

On one of our recent visits to our family doctor, he mentioned that there was a lot of children with asthma around were we live because there are a few factories and places like that. 
I thought, wow, I have been living here for 7 years and didn't know that we were in such a high air pollution area!

That brought me to research on air pollution, I was particularly looking for a map that would show me the levels of air pollution around the UK.

The UK has some of the highest rates in Europe and on average 3 people a day die from asthma. (Source Asthma.org.uk)

This is a disgrace, considering we are one of the most developed countries in the world, you would expect people to be smarter about the environment.

"Air pollution, especially from diesel engines, is a "neglected, hidden killer" and children and old people are especially at risk, says Mudway. "There's strong evidence that if you live near main roads you will have smaller lungs," he says. "They will not reach capacity and will be stunted. When, or if, people move to a cleaner environment they still do not recover the function they lost. We have good evidence that every child born in Tower Hamlets will have a reduction in the volume of their lungs by the age of eight. The point is, people die of lung disease later on. You store up a problem that will affect you later," he says.
He lists some of the effects of polluted air. In the short term, it leads to irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, nausea, bronchitis and pneumonia. Over a longer period it can result in heart attacks and lung diseases, cancers, even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, and kidneys."

Asthma caused by Air Pollution

So yes, it's affecting people left, right and centre but people don't think of all the pollution as the cause. Most of the time they just take care of the symptoms.

I have noticed that since we have moved to my current address I have had a heck of a lot of headaches, I'm not one to have headaches at all, so I found this strange but as everyone else I just treat the headaches. Now after reading the above excerpt, I realise that may be very well a result of the pollution of where I live as I have a dual carriage way just in front of my house. 

I would love to move somewhere else, somewhere in England that it's still accessible to London but there is less pollution. I have a lot to research, but initially I was thinking of Kent. It's nothing for tomorrow but I don't intend to live where I live for the rest of my days that is for sure.

Hopefully that will help my children's allergies but in fantasy land now.... I would love to move to Australia and I was really happy to see it 3rd best country on this list of 'Countries Ranked by Air Pollution' (which is compiled from World Health Organization's Research).

We all wish the best for our children, so we think of the visible dangers around them. I think it is now time to think about the invisible ones!

I have found a cool little website 'Clean Air Kids' that has this article http://www.clean-air-kids.org.uk/doingyourbit.html for the kids, and there are also fun games, etc.

For the adults there are lots of useful tips on the EPA website here http://www.epa.gov/airquality/peg_caa/reduce.html.

Take care,
Monica x

Idiot Encounters

I thought some of these were so funny I had to share them with you to brighten up your day!

Enjoy,

Monica x

Idiot Encounter No.1

My daughter and I went to the McDonald's check-out to pay our bill and I gave the clerk a £5 note. Our total bill was £4.20, so I also handed her a 20 pence piece.

She said, 'You gave me too much money, 'I said, 'Yes I know, but this way you can just give me £1 back.'

She sighed and went to get the Manager who asked me to repeat my request. I did so, and he handed me back the 20 pence and said 'We're sorry but we do not do that kind of thing.'

The clerk then proceeded to give me back 80 pence in change. Do not confuse the clerks at MacDonald's in St Albans, Hertfordshire!


Idiot Encounter No2

We had to have the garage door repaired. The GARADOR repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the opener.

I thought for a moment, and said that we had the largest one GARADOR made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, 'Lady, you need a 1/4 horsepower.'

I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4 and he said, 'NOOO, it's not. Four is larger than two..' Happened in Moor Park, near Watford.

Idiot Encounter No3

I live in a semi-rural area. We recently had a new neighbour call the Highways Department to request the removal of the 'DEER CROSSING' sign from our road.

The reason: 'Too many deer are being hit by cars on this stretch of road! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing, any-more.'

Story from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.

Idiot Encounter No 4

My daughter went to a local Kentucky Fried Chicken and ordered a Taco. She asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.'  He said he was sorry, but they only had Iceberg Lettuce.

From South Oxhey , Hertfordshire.

Idiot Encounter No 5

I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, 'Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?'

To which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?' He smiled knowingly and nodded, 'That's why we ask.'

Happened at Luton Airport

Idiot Encounter No 6

When my husband and I arrived at our local Ford dealer to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it.

We went to the Service Department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the Driver's door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door-handle and discovered that it was unlocked.

'Hey,' I announced to the Fitter/Mechanic, 'it’s open!' His reply: 'I know. I already did that side.'

This was at the Ford dealership in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

STAY ALERT! They walk among us....

Julia's first night in the UK!

Famished Julia

 For everyone that has been been following my updates on Julia, I am happy to say she is now in the UK!! Welcome to your new home sweetie.

As you can see Julia really needs some TLC, yesterday she arrived famished as she was on the road on a long trip from Spain since Monday.

Skinny Julia

She is really skinny and very timid, she is still on a course of antibiotics for tick fever (lasting a month) and a trip to the vet hopefully next week should hopefully tell us if she has Mange or not as her skin is in a state.

Her fur is like straw but I'm guessing this is due to her malnutrition and should improve with time, my mum is visiting today and bringing some oil capsules for her which should help too.

Yesterday we went to fetch her in the evening from the Dog-e Transport people, we met up at one of their stops. I was waiting for quite a while and when I finally saw the van the tears just started trickling down my face.

I was so pleased that I was finally going to meet Julia, that she finally was here and didn't need to suffer anymore!

We recognized her amongst the other Podengos in the van as she has a white chest, the poor thing was so cold that I carried her straight to the car. It was a bit of a trip home for her, she was very stressed and very scared.

When we finally got home she had a quick sniff around and her new sisters decided to go on a butt smelling marathon... yes, they all now now in detail each others backsides. A good thing though as they all seemed to like each others butts, no problems there.

Then, without further delay Julia proceeded to ravish the dog food that was in the bowl, yes, all of it!

She still looked famished looking around for more so I gave her a nice tray of Cesar and she polished that too. I don't think she had anything ever so yummy in her life.

"I could get used to this!"

I showed Julia the house, she went out to the back garden for her business with her new sisters and then I gave her a well deserved warm bath, and lots of love and cuddles.

She decided to 'steal' my sister's blanket and lay very cosy in her bed. 

So after an exhausting few days, a very restful sleep with a nice pillow and all!

Finally in my forever home, safe and sound!

 So now that one struggle is over, another one begins... getting Julia healthy and happy.

We thank all the support we have received so far, if you would like to help with Julia, we still need to fund raise £70 to cover the costs of her coming over. All funds go directly to Spanish Stray Dogs through Julia's Just Giving Page www.justgiving.com/SavingJulia

Any donations of anything else for her is welcome and whatever is not suitable for Julia or not needed will be passed on to Spanish Stray Dogs as they have many dogs that will benefit too.

Thank you so much

Monica x

Easy Peach & Coconut Cake - Lactose & Milk Free Recipe

Totally Milk Free & Totally Yummy

This is an easy peasy recipe with both 'Busy Mum on the Fly Style' and 'Proper Housewife Style' versions, one being quicker to make than the other but only a few minutes difference. As I run My Funny Bunny I am always very short on time so the busy mum style was totally made up by me!

It is a totally lactose free and milk free cake recipe which I adapted from a Portuguese normal milk recipe and made it my own. One of my kids is lactose intolerant and the other can't have milk at all, so this is an awesome treat for them and it tastes awesome!!

Ingredients:

6 Eggs
2 Small soya yoghurts (we used peach flavour)
3 Yoghurt cups of flour
3 Yoghurt cups of sugar
2 teaspoons of baking powder
½ Yoghurt cup of extra virgin coconut cream - melt for about 15 secs in the microwave (we used Royal Green organic one).

Use the yoghurt cup as a measure for the ingredients.

Busy Mum on the Fly Style -

Chuck all the ingredients in a bowl, beat them very very well and put in a tin that has been buttered and floured and pop it in the oven at 180 degrees in a fan assisted oven.

Voilà!

Your cake is ready when it looks lovely and brown and when you stick a spaghetti in it and it comes out nice and clean, if it comes out with sticky cake on it then leave it in the oven for a little while longer.

That is the way we made it.... and it came out lovely!

If you have the time then do it Proper Housewife Style -

Beat the egg yellows and the sugar very well and then in a separate bowl beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.

Now join all the other ingredients to the egg yellow mixture and again beat very well, after you have done this add the fluffy egg whites to the mixture and fold in gently (preferably with a metal spoon) until it is all mixed in.

It's done so now pop it in a buttered and floured tin and follow the instructions above.
You will end up with a much taller and fluffier cake than if you make it 'Busy mum on the fly style'!

Enjoy,
M x

PS. If you don't have coconut cream use vegetable oil & you can use other flavours of soya yoghurt but changing those will of course change the taste of this lovely cake.

Julia waiting to come over to the UK!

I am sure you have heard about Julia by now!

I haven't stopped going on about her, if you still don't know the whole story, you really need to go read it here.

This is a lovely update, I should have already written it but it's been hectic around here. Julia is waiting to come over to the UK and while she is waiting a very kind lady called Harriet is taking care of her!

So instead of being in the shelter with over 200 other dogs, she is now in a small family run kennel and is getting some love and attention. This is a massive improvement and helps a lot as Julia is taking antibiotics so needs help with those.

I was so pleased to hear when this happened, she even had a bath and everything! She must have felt so pampered. For those of you that don't know, Julia was very sad and depressed living in the shelter, in those cramped conditions for approximately a year and a half, so this is a massive help for her.

Julia at Harriet's after a bath :)

Look how nice and clean she looks! She still sleeps in a kennel outside the house but there are only a few dogs, and the lady has children which help taking the dogs out for walks too. Compared to the shelter she was in this is amazing for her, the lady is very caring and has even got her a little jacket as she gets very cold in the kennel at night.

Julia on a walk

So here she is, very soon she will be coming over to the UK!
All we need is a little bit more help, we are running around £90 under our target fundraising amount for Spanish Stray Dogs, so please do give us a hand to get there... there is no minimum donation and you can even donate by paypal!

Donations help Spanish Stray Dogs UK continue their life saving work.

Easy, Peasy, Lemon Squeazy! Just pop on over to http://www.justgiving.com/SavingJulia

If just 90 people donated £1 each we would reach our target easily!

Monica x

hArLeM ShAkE ReVoLuTiOn!!!

The Strydom Family joined the Harlem Shake Revolution!!!

Give it up for...

Me, my kids, my sister and my husband... what a fun evening this was!

Enjoy!

If you decide to join in please post your link below and consider adding a link to ours ;)

Monica x

Homeless man returns $$$ engagement ring to owner

An internet campaign to raise money for a homeless man who returned a diamond engagement ring to a woman after it fell into his cup has so far raised nearly $155,000 with 6540 donations as of 6:40pm today.

There is still 79 days to go until the fund closes, initially the target was just $1,000 but the response has been amazing as this story has gone viral around the world.

The kind action of the homeless Billy Ray has restored many people's "trust in human kind", he has shown many that honesty still exists.

Billy Ray was raised by his grandfather - a God fearing reverend

The campaign was set up by the fiancé of Sarah Darling, who accidentally dropped her engagement ring into Mr Harris’ cup while giving him spare change.

Mr Harris discovered the ring about an hour after Ms Darling gave him the money and, although he says he knew it was incredibly valuable, he decided to hold on to it, rather than cash it in.
“The ring was so big that I knew if it was real, it was expensive,” Mr Harris told local television station KCTV, before adding that he’d had a hunch the owner would return for it and so decided to keep it safe.

Mr Harris, who usually sleeps under a bridge, said that Ms Darling returned to him very upset two days later after trying to find him the previous day to no avail.
He told KCTV: “She squatted down like you did right there and says ‘Do you remember me?’ And I was like ‘I don’t know, I see a lot of faces’. She says ‘I might have gave you something very valuable’. I said ‘Was it a ring?’ she replied ‘yeah’ and I said ‘Well I have it’.

Ms Darling described the find as a miracle, specially as the ring had sentimental value and the couple plan to pass it on to their daughter one day. Her fiancé Bill Krejci was so moved by Mr Harris’ kindness that he set up a GiveForward.com donation page.

Originally set up to raise $1,000 for Billy Ray, intentioned for the couple's friends and family to donate, it has now reached an amazing amount.

Raised by his grandfather, a God fearing reverend, Billy Ray was educated with principles and character which he keeps to this day. Most people would have pawned the ring straight away.

Bless him, a real honest person.

You can find Billy Ray Harris' Give Forward donation page here http://www.giveforward.com/billyray

Monica xx 

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ABDUCTION

THROUGH A RAPIST'S EYES

It seems that a lot of attackers use some tactic to get away with violence. Not many people know how to take care of themselves when faced with a situation of abduction. I hope you don't ever find yourself in such a scary situation but I think everyone should read this especially females.

WHAT ABDUCTORS LOOK FOR...

Through a rapist's eyes! A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts:

1] They also look for women using their cell phone, searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.

2] The number one place women are abducted from / attacked at is grocery store parking lots.

3] Number two is office parking lots/garages.

4] Number three is public restrooms.

5] The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to a second location where they don't have to worry about getting caught.

6] If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming.

7] These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands.

8] Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.


9] These men look to find women alone in their homes too, they don't have to take you anywhere to abuse you, it's less dangerous than having to take you somewhere. So make sure while you are home to have everything locked to prevent intruders.

POINTS THAT WE SHOULD REMEMBER:

1] If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk: can't believe it is so cold out here, we're in for a bad winter. Now that you've seen their faces and could identify them in a line- up, you lose appeal as a target.

2] If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

3] If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yelling I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

4] If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can do it by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and
armpit or in the upper inner thigh - HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it really hurts.

5] After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause him a lot of
trouble. Start causing trouble, and he's out of there.

6] When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked
audibly.

7] Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, and go with your instincts. You may feel little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.

FINALLY, PLEASE REMEMBER THESE AS WELL....

I know you are smart enough to know these pointers but there will be some, where you will go "hmm I must remember that" After reading, forward it to someone you care about, never hurts to be careful in
this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do it.

2. Learned this from a tourist guide to New Orleans: if a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you.... chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car: Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit
(doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU CLOSE the DOORS, LEAVE!

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

a. Be aware: look around your car as someone may be hiding at the passenger side, peek into your car, inside the passenger side floor, and in the back seat. (DO THIS TOO BEFORE RIDING A TAXI CAB).

b. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

c. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard /policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass it onto them, as well.

Send a link to this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better to be safe than sorry


M x

I Love You

Love is not just for Valentines', its for all year around!

Share a smile today it might just make someone's day...

Would you do such a disgusting act?

Ronald is Julia's friend, he came in just recently. I want to share Spanish Stray Dogs' Letter to him with you as it's so sincere and moving.

"Dear Ronald, We are so sorry that life has been so cruel to you. 

Ronald please understand you are safe now nobody will hurt you now. 

We want you to know that not all humans are wicked and that there are many humans in the world who love dogs like you and would be so disgusted to know what has happened to you. 

We know that you were living on a street as a stray and that somebody kind was feeding you. We know that an argument broke out between the residents on the street and that some people that lived there disagreed that you should be fed. So they decided to burn you didn't they. It wasn't your fault Ronald. They burned you because they are evil wicked people, not because you are a bad dog. 

Ronald you are a very good dog you always have been. 

We know now you are in great pain yet still you show no hatred towards humans. Ronald please trust us when we say we want to help you and that we will find you a family to love you. 

Please don't die yet Ronald because we want to show you that you can have a happy life. Ronald we love you so much. Love from all the volunteers at Spanish Stray Dogs."

This is terrible, how could someone be so cruel as to not want someone else feed a poor dog that is on the streets fending for itself, let alone set fire to it? I wish I lived near this person, I would terrorised them and taunt them that they would think they were going crazy with their guilt. I know if my grandfather had seen this happening he would have knocked out the person who did this.

How can people be so heartless?

This is why I am raising funds for Spanish Stray Dogs to save Julia and dogs like her and Ronald.

Dogs have feelings just like you and me, you wouldn't like to be and feel abandoned and abused would you?

Monica x

If you feel disgusted by these terrible person's actions please share this post, your small action could help save a defenceless animal like Ronald or even Ronald himself!

Dad gives toddler cannabis

A super controversial topic, should marijuana be legalized?

A father in desperation gave his 2 year old son medical cannabis. An example of the risks parents take to save their children's lives: Their son Cash Hyde was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumour, he nearly died more times that they could count, doctors said he wouldn't make it past the night many times and then look what happened...

Because of the wonderful success with Cashy,  the whole family set up

http://www.cashhydefoundation.com

After writing this article I found out that

unfortunately little Cashy's tumour came back two years later, for full story please visit the foundation website above, but what you will read will be upsetting.

 Cashy's family soldier on helping other children with Cancer.

M x

Grabbing a Bargain to save Julia!

http://www.justgiving.com/SavingJulia

My Funny Bunny is doing various auctions on facebook to raise funds for saving Julia, the funds go straight to Spanish Stray Dogs which help many other dogs like Julia, so every penny goes to saving these helpless creatures like Rea, Rasha and Ronald.

Here are some of the auctions as of today, please do donate as much as possible!

If you want to donate just out of the goodness of your heart to save Julia and for nothing in return then please do so on her Just Giving page here or TEXT JULI60 £your amount to 70070.

 

Thank you so much M x

WIN an A4 Hand Drawn Portrait of your Pet!!

Win an A4 Hand Drawn Portrait of your Pet, worth a whopping £55!

We are raising funds for Spanish Stray Dogs' Julia! Read the full story here

To buy a raffle ticket please donate £3 directly to the charity on our Just Giving page here or click below

On your comment with your donation please say "PET PORTRAIT" & make sure you tick where it says to disclose your email to Monica (so I can email the winner!).

If you want to buy more than one ticket, just donate the total amount for the tickets you want and say how many entries eg. you donate £9 say "3 x PET PORTRAIT".
Thank you for your help and please share!

Monica x

Prize is kindly donated by www.petportraitsonline.co.uk ( https://www.facebook.com/CraftyLittleSewAndSo ) and it is their responsibility to provide the prize to the winner.

LETS SAVE JULIA THE PODENCO!

Julia is a Podenco who was found roaming the streets of Spain, having to fend for herself and eating scraps where she could find them. She has now been in the Spanish Stray Dogs shelter for almost 1 year & a half, which is longer than most.

Julia is a very shy dog, feels alone & sad at the shelter.

But she is one of the luckier ones, having no family and feeling alone isn't exactly lucky, but read further and you will find out why...

The Canary Islanders who hunt with podencos often treat their dogs terribly, keeping as many as fifteen in a small cage and feeding them irregularly and infrequently.

Hunting Dogs Squashed Into Cage www.occupyforanimals.org

At the end of hunting season many hunters abandon their animals, some even breaking their legs or gouging their eyes so they don't go back; some kill them outright, often in by hanging them. Females are not spayed and unwanted pups are usually killed via drowning, gunshots or just abandoned!

If you would like to ready more, please visit this page at occupyforanimals.org as some of the images I wanted to show you are too strong for children so I felt I couldn't put them on here, when you visit the link above please make sure that young children are not present.

A Starving Podenco Stray - www.occupyforanimals.org

What would a podenco choose? A life in Spain in a short chain,  existing in the burning sun,  with hardly any food or water and abused, or a forever home abroad?
He only hunts for 12 to 25 days...whereas adopted to a life with love, care and attention, food every day, nice walks and its own soft and warm bed.

I am looking to raise £350 to save Julia from the shelter and let her blossom into her real self by being in a loving home as part of the family :) 

The whole family is waiting for her... we just need to raise the funds for her so she can be on her way to her new and better life!

The £350 includes transport by road from Spain to the UK, the cost of castration/spay, passport, blood tests to screen for diseases, all vaccinations, microchip, de worm and de flea treatment.
I have just called my local vets and they quoted me £114 for spaying a bitch her size! So £350 for all that for Julia is well worth to save her! 

Please help us getting Julia to her new loving home.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now!



RAFFLES & AUCTIONS TO HELP RAISE FUNDS:

WIN an A4 Hand Drawn Portrait of your Pet here!

AUCTIONS by My Funny Bunny of children's and adults items!

If we are able to raise more than the £350 Julia needs then it will go towards the care of the other animals at the shelter, so nothing will be wasted.

Thank you for reading and please share.

Monica xx

PS. My grandad used to feed so many strays in Portugal. I miss him so much. x

Runalyzer Heart Rate Monitor Sport Pack Review

2013 is here and everyone is setting their New Years resolutions to improve their health.Most of us need a little push to make it happen, and unfortunately we can't all afford to get ourselves a personal trainer to keep us motivated and on track.

A French company called Runware designed a small attachment to connect to your i-devices which most of us have! Alla Kazam! Here is your personal trainer, said the genie!

Runalyzer is the first heart rate meter to connect to the iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad and it is also approved by Apple. The attachment itself is very small and connects to the 30pin port of your iPhone, iPod touch and the iPad. It even has a voice coach to keep you motivated while busy with your workout.

Inside the sport pack you get the heart rate meter, the chest strap, heart rate sensor and also a armband. Set up is very easy and you can use the runware software that you get from the App Store or you can choose from a selection of compatible apps. This makes it very versatile indeed. What I really like about this product is that if you are in the gym on the running or cross trainer machine the sensor gets picked up and displays on the machine's interface without the need of you hanging on to the bars to get your heart rate.The actual chest strap could have been more comfortable, but then again I'm not used to having a strap all the way around my chest!

Pros:

• Setup is very easy.
• Armband very comfortable.
• Other apps can be used for this.

Cons:

• Chest strap could have been a little bit more on the comfortable side, not that bad though.

Gadget Dad rating: 8.5/10

Till next time! Gadget Dad

 

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