So, what makes a comfortable office environment, and how can you achieve it? The following are few points to consider:

• Ergonomics. Your whole workstation – including your computer, keyboard, desk and chair – should be set up ergonomically, so that you are comfortable whilst working and don’t develop any health problems.

• Temperature. The office should be at a comfortable, moderate temperature, and the heating system adjusted depending on the weather or the season. Make it too hot and workers will become sluggish and tired; too cold and they feel miserable and stressed.

• Ventilation. Whilst bearing temperature in mind, air conditioning and windows should be efficiently used to ventilate the office and let some much-needed fresh, good-quality air in.

• Food and drink. Some employers opt to fit water coolers and Flavia coffee machines in their buildings and offer workers free fruit or other snacks. This can be great for morale, motivation and energy levels.

When it first came on the scene, it was called as taffy sweet. The origins of the name still remain unclear though reliable sources state that the term is derived from the Latin term tofene that translates into ultimate deliciousness.

A popular variety of this sweet treat is that Everton Mint that combines a delicious mint coated sweet with a gooey toffee filling.

It is a firm favorite of the British tooth with a special preference for caramel, butterscotch and other stringent tastes. Its chewiness is created by boiling a mixture of butter and sugar to a set point, after which it is kept in steel containers for cooling. You can decide upon on the consistency of the candy by setting the timer in accordance with one’s taste. Home-made toffee can be improved by adding ingredients such as grated coconut and nougat that can be easily sourced from the local market.

Its popularity has brought on a number of online retro sweet shops that specialize in creating intricate delicacies of this simple sweet. Your wistfulness for the old-fashioned goodness need can go away with a short trip down to your beloved sweet shop with Coconut Crumble, Chocolate Nibbles, Bonfire Toffee, Banana Whirls, Cinder Toffee, Choco Licko, Assorted Toffo and Toffee Treacle all awaiting your delectation.

If chewing on these sticky sweets is not enough to satisfy your salty palate, you can try out a well-enjoyed variation of this sweet treat aka the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

But I can’t wait.  I’m so excited.  I’ve got so much to buy and organise – where is the best place to  buy a turkey from? when do I get all my vegetables – what time do I start cooking the turkey.  Do I buy brussel sprouts or not – nobody eats them anyway but it seems to be the thing you should have on the table.  Hmm – think I’ll risk not having them and see if anyone notices!

Six weeks to go and counting!

However, for us girls it’s a completely different matter. A new dress has to be bought – the thought of wearing the same as last year is a – oh no! Then there’s the hairstyle to think about – new shoes – ones that look fantastic but you can also dance away the night in. Then there’s, nails, makeup, jewelery, handbags – oh my the list is endless.

All for one night which, after about an hour or so you probably won’t remember too much about anyway for all the wine you’ve drunk from the free bar!

Roll on our office party – I can’t wait!

Apparently whilst stopping at the petrol station to buy some soup for lunch, she saw some  cute guy checking her out as she walked across the forecourt.

As she turned and smiled at the thought of this cute guy giving her the eye, she realsied it was an actor from the famous ‘Coronation Street’ the fit young one – but I shall not name any names as you’ll guess who it is anyway – and it wasn’t Tyrone!

I think it has made her day and we will hear of nothing else for the rest of the day but she’s happy so that’s all that matters!

My son has had one friend stay over before now but for a birthday treat I’ve let him have 4 friends to stay over this weekend.  Now I’m dreading it!  There will be 2 boys and 2 girls and I think the girls are going to be the worst to be honest!

I only live in a 2 bedroom house so think I may just put the airbeds in the lounge and stick a DVD on for them and go and hide in my bedroom and leave them to it!  Or is that bad motherhood – do I need to join in with them and show what a fab mum I am and join in eating the sweets and the popcorn etc etc.  and probably the dancing and singing shows they so love to put on for me!

I arrive home after as hard days work draw all the curtains and put the fire on and more or less change straight into my pjs and snuggle up on the sofa for the rest of the night.  Whereas in summer, we’d go for a walk or my son would play out until bedtime and I’d potter around the house.

The onlynice thing about winter and that Christmas and with only 5 weeks to go I’m very excited!

Well, as long as it’s not my money being handed over, I agree with this! Most women don’t want to watch A Question Of Sport with us blokes, but they also don’t seem to like the idea of it being on  he TV whilst they’re in the house – why can’t they paint their nails and leave us to it?!

Well, my Dad gets around this by sending Mum out, with his credit card, to do some shopping whilst he relaxes with the sports and some beers.

Dads – they know what’s best!

** pat on the back for me **

I had a couple of slips whilst on holiday this year, but I am pleased to say that when the works Christmas party invite went out (and the girls went nuts realising it was now “slimming time”), I realised I am in a good position – I have to buy a new suit, but for the right reasons; it is now too big, not too small!

So I’ll be the one by the buffet table stuffing my face, and then near the bar fuelling up – the hard work done means I can now enjoy the party!

RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!

So far, Dave hasn’t run – but he is running out of time and needs to start thinking about what he wants to do, and then get on with doing it. Although his “Mrs” hasn’t yet started asking, she has been noting his looks when others ask – so one day soon, The Question – should we move in together and see how we go? Because once this stage has been passed, the next one is THE Question (of four words…).