The most popular birthday in the UK is September 26th, so the chances are you know someone celebrating this month. That’s why we’re sharing memorable birthday ideas. With the annual Macmillan coffee mornings taking place, we explore the Swedish tradition of Fika, taking a break and relaxing over a drink or snack with others. Finally, with many of us returning to more normal routines, we suggest steps to take to reduce separation anxiety when leaving your pampered pooches at home.
Home alone – pet parent tips
Now the world is opening up again, could you spot the signs of separation anxiety in your pets? Changes in behaviour are common indicators. These coping mechanisms can include excessive barking, destruction near doors and windows, accidents, pacing and decreased appetite. To see how they behave when alone set up an indoor camera from Argos.
Unpredictability stresses dogs but routines help them cope. If you know change is coming, slowly introduce your pet to the idea of alone time. Take short trips without your dog and leave out healthy dog treats from Holland and Barrett and toys from One Below.
Before leaving home, set up a cosy, inviting space where they can’t destroy items or try to escape. Prior to leaving, engage your pet with a walk, or do some trick training, they might just sleep while you’re out!
Wake up and smell the coffee
It’s the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning with Macmillan Cancer Support on 24th September. Hosting a fun coffee morning and support a great cause. Pick up coffee supplies from Costa.
Fika is the Swedish custom of enjoying a coffee and cake with others. Some companies have a Fika clause in their contracts because it’s therapeutic, promotes wellbeing and productivity. The properties and positive effects of caffeine on body and mind include:
- Physical wellbeing – Sitting for hours on computers isn’t healthy so if you’re homeworking break for coffee. Want to save money on those commuter coffees? Treat yourself to a coffee machine from Argos.
- Relieves irritability – Taking a break relieves stress and tension.
- Colleague collaboration – Take workplace coffee breaks to discuss work worries in a relaxed manner.
Coffee catch-ups are sociable so meet friends at Cafe Creme or Bistro Cafe for Fika. No washing-up afterwards!
Party like it’s your birthday
After cards hit the recycling, our tips will ensure the birthday person has memories to cherish.
Texting is nice but it just doesn’t hold a birthday candle to something special. We love this September birthday rainbow card from Card Factory. You can customise it online and get free first class delivery. While there pick up lettered or numbered helium balloons for that special touch and Card Factory inflate them for free (phew)!
Whether you’re planning a surprise, or your own celebrations, accessories makes things easy! Impress guests and make post-party cleaning simple with decorations and tableware.
Perfect Presents
Girls love a pamper day – with Krishna Hair & Beauty, Golden Nails, The Stylers and Lashious all at the centre you can’t go wrong. Feeling creative? Get a gift box from The Works and fill with pamper products from Boots, Superdrug and Savers. For that special lady, diamonds are a girl’s best friend – visit F.Hinds and Warren James. A new aftershave from The Fragrance Shop is perfect for the hubbie.
What’s more fun than opening presents? Finding them! For a birthday scavenger just hide gifts and leave clues throughout the home. Don’t forget the cake from Sainsbury’s!
That’s All, Folks!
We hope we have given you some style ideas for September, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
The safety and comfort of our customers remains important. The rules have changed; face coverings are no longer mandatory in the shopping centre. However, we would still recommend the use of face coverings in the centre to protect yourself and others. #ThankYou
