swanny.me
type: channel
date: 2023-07-10T21:42:13Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
generator agent: https://wordpress.org/
items: Are companies missing out on talented mothers?
items: Strange times but new beginnings
items: Isolation: Day 1
items: Finding Swanny…
items: Reflecting and Refocusing after Loss
items: Wireless Headphones: M4U 8
items: The Misfit Mum – Beating the ‘Mum’ Anxiety
items: Women in Tech – Battling the Bias
items: Premier League, Primary Stars
items: The Road to TestBash Brighton

Are companies missing out on talented mothers?
type: item
creator: swanny
date: 2023-07-10T16:28:28Z
subject: Family
subject: Life
subject: Lifestyle
subject: Parenting
subject: Women in Tech
subject: hiring
subject: parenting
subject: work
description: 14 years ago I was in demand as a woman in tech. I ran a review site for consumer gadgets, and got involved in multiple tech roundtables to help shape how companies marketed to supported women. I was even recognised for my work, being named as a “Remarkable Woman” and winning awards. I worked on... The post Are companies missing out on talented mothers? appeared first on .
encoded: 14 years ago I was in demand as a woman in tech. I ran a review site for consumer gadgets, and got involved in multiple tech roundtables to help shape how companies marketed to supported women. I was even recognised for my work, being named as a “Remarkable Woman” and winning awards. I worked on major campaigns with some of tech’s biggest names and featured in global adverts for companies like Nokia and Microsoft. I put my heart and soul into my work as a tech blogger and as a social media/ community manager. A year on, I got married and a year after that, I had a little boy. This is when things really changed. I returned to work and blogging after maternity, but childbirth had highlighted some serious health issues. This led to me having to leave work and pause my website, so I could focus on recovery. Me and my son – picture by Paul Clarke I spent 2 years, in and out of hospital, away from my young son and husband. It was heart breaking, but together we worked through it and, after a few years, I briefly returned to my tech reviewing. Getting back into the scene was difficult, but I’ve always worked hard for my achievements. Unfortunately, I ended up having to refocus on my family as my son started school and was struggling. He was my priority, my number one. Once again, blogging took a back seat. In 2016 I took on my husband’s son, who was undiagnosed, but had suspected autism. I became mum to not one, but two children, both challenged and challenging in their own way. It was a journey and a story for another time… It was hard. Fast forward to 2018. My son was thriving due to the attention and support I gave him, but was undergoing assessments that would later see him diagnosed with ADHD combined type. My stepson had also finally been diagnosed with Autism and impaired hearing. As a mum, I couldn’t have been prouder of my brave boys and of myself for staying fierce and never giving up on what sometimes felt like a thankless and disorganised process. In mid 2018, …

Strange times but new beginnings
type: item
creator: swanny
date: 2020-04-29T11:25:17Z
subject: Blogging
subject: Girls 'n Gadgets
subject: Life
subject: blogging
subject: coronavirus
subject: covid-19
subject: furlough
subject: misfitmum
subject: positivity
subject: starnge times
subject: ukmum
description: Let’s be honest, it’s been a very odd few weeks! Most parents are pulling their hair out trying to home school and do everything else they would normally do. I know that working from home and trying to teach your kids at the same time can be a super frustrating process, but one that I... The post Strange times but new beginnings appeared first on .
encoded: Let’s be honest, it’s been a very odd few weeks! Most parents are pulling their hair out trying to home school and do everything else they would normally do. I know that working from home and trying to teach your kids at the same time can be a super frustrating process, but one that I strangely really enjoyed. I was doing this until I was placed on furlough a few weeks back, which at the time was a very difficult and emotional time. Staying positive But it’s important to take the positives from these experiences and although I’m not working, it’s given me the opportunity to devote the time to my two boys, who really need it right now. Yeah, sure… I do miss my work colleagues and working. I’m a bit weird like that. I loved my work and communication was a huge part of my job and I really miss the interactions with everyone. But, in this time of uncertainty, I have decided to keep reaching for my goals and to keep myself busy, which leads me onto my next bit of news… <img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="http://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/thoughtchugcoffee-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-952" srcset="https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/thoughtchugcoffee-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/thoughtchugcoffee-300x200.jpg 300w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/thoughtchugcoffee-768x512.jpg 768w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/thoughtchugcoffee-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/thoughtchugcoffee-850x567.jpg 850w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/thoughtchugcoffee.jpg 1988w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> New (old) Beginnings A lot of you know that I have been blogging since before it was cool. 2003, to be precise. It’s been a loooongggg time! Since having my son, it’s been very up and down and with the introduction of work and other challenges, my trusty blog has had to take a back seat. But, no more!!! I’ve taken this time a…

Isolation: Day 1
type: item
creator: swanny
date: 2020-03-23T22:56:18Z
subject: Uncategorized
description: What is going on with our world?! I feel like I’m in a movie. So, today was day one with the kids at home. I was weirdly excited about this last week, but the weekend happened and I was already done! Monday morning was upon us… We did Joe Wick’s workout live on Youtube. Wow!... The post Isolation: Day 1 appeared first on .
encoded: What is going on with our world?! I feel like I’m in a movie. So, today was day one with the kids at home. I was weirdly excited about this last week, but the weekend happened and I was already done! Monday morning was upon us… We did Joe Wick’s workout live on Youtube. Wow! How unfit am I?! Apparently not as unfit as my 15 year old step son. Although, fair play to him, he completed it and is in a great frame of mind for tomorrow’s class. He’s keen to work on his fitness in this time and who am I to stop him? Tears and Tantrums! So, I started the boys off with their first subjects, RE for the eldest and Maths for the youngest. My youngest is quite advanced in his studies, but I’m keen to keep him working to the curriculum where I can. It took all of 10 minutes before he burst into tears. All because I made him watch the videos explaining how to do the Maths. I couldn’t believe it! All this time I have looked forward to the possibility of home schooling him and I failed within the first 15 minutes. Is 10am too early for gin?! I can totally understand why it was called ‘mothers ruin’ now. Shortly after this, my step son decided that he had had enough of his RE and ‘didn’t see the point in it anyway’. Such a tough one. He pushed back in every way possible. We had the moody “I’m not doing it”, the flailing arms and we had the incoherent mumblings. The morning was LONG, let me tell you!!! New Skills After his maths, The youngest attempted to log on to his Purple Maths. No such luck. Too many people in the UK doing the same thing. So, Daddy to the rescue! 45 minutes of coding in Python… BOOM! His favourite time of the day. I loved watching them both do this. They looked so happy and listening to Boo explaining what he was doing was SO rewarding. Socialising I tried since the end of last week to get the parents in our year group Facebook group involved in a daily zoom call at lunchtime for the kids to chat together. In fact, I had posted a few ideas of how they could stay …

Finding Swanny…
type: item
creator: swanny
date: 2019-12-11T18:00:00Z
subject: Blogging
subject: Family
subject: Health
subject: Life
subject: grief
subject: home
subject: motivation
subject: self-development
subject: work
description: This admission might surprise you all! Despite my seemingly confident, outgoing and bubbly personality, I struggle daily with my confidence and self-esteem. This took a turn for the worst back in February when I lost my best friend to the big C… Cancer. Grief I have been on quite the journey since the death of... The post Finding Swanny… appeared first on .
encoded: This admission might surprise you all! Despite my seemingly confident, outgoing and bubbly personality, I struggle daily with my confidence and self-esteem. This took a turn for the worst back in February when I lost my best friend to the big C… Cancer. Grief I have been on quite the journey since the death of my best friend. Losing someone so close to me, who always loved me for exactly who I am, really changed my outlook on life. It put into perspective the friendships, or so-called friendships I had. It made me look at people as a whole, differently. I realised that life is short and that we should grab it with both hands. Really live our best lives. Acceptance I have always suffered from self-esteem issues really. Being someone who is high energy and very excitable, I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. Those who ‘get me’ and invest time and effort into me get a very loyal and loving friend who would move mountains for them. Those who don’t… well, here’s my dilemma… I try to understand why they don’t ‘like’ me and have been known to try and change to be more accepted. Acceptance is something that I feel I am always craving. I don’t understand why this is such a thing for me. I feel the need to always ‘play up’ for people. I feel like, if I’m myself, then there’s no way someone will want to be friends with me. I have been working with a coach and a therapist to explore that this year and it’s been going great. I’ve made some positive mindset shifts and I’m getting there, but there’s still a lot of personal work there to do. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="756" height="756" src="http://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/starsearrings-1-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-747" srcset="https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/starsearrings-1-1.jpg 756w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/starsearrings-1-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/starsearrings-1-1-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px" /> …

Reflecting and Refocusing after Loss
type: item
creator: swanny
date: 2019-02-16T18:55:54Z
subject: Uncategorized
subject: best friend
subject: cancer
subject: death
subject: friendship
subject: love
subject: reflecting
subject: refocusing
description: I lost one of my longest and best friends to cancer last week. It was a huge shock as she didn’t tell anyone other than close family… I’m heartbroken at the loss. She meant so much to me and it was just a couple of weeks ago she messaged me with a picture of her... The post Reflecting and Refocusing after Loss appeared first on .
encoded: I lost one of my longest and best friends to cancer last week. It was a huge shock as she didn’t tell anyone other than close family… I’m heartbroken at the loss. She meant so much to me and it was just a couple of weeks ago she messaged me with a picture of her granddaughter and we were talking about meeting up. She had told me she was ‘ill’ but I had no idea how ill. Shock We hadn’t seen each other for many years but, we kept in contact via Facebook messenger and Whatsapp. I guess I thought that if it was anything awful, she would tell me. With hindsight, this wasn’t her style. She wouldn’t have wanted me to worry. Especially as, despite being my best friend, she was also like a mother figure to me. She was forever looking out for me, right up until the end. Dealing with feelings I’ve found it really tough the past week or so to control my feelings. Some days I feel completely numb and unable to cry at all. These days are awful, as I feel like a terrible friend for being so emotionless. Other days I’m filled full of emotion and the slightest thing sets me off. We had so many amazing memories together. We were both a big part in each others weddings and we supported each other emotionally on many an occasion. Both of us were knon to each others family and since her passing, I realised how much I meant to her through her family. We regularly told each other we loved and missed each other. There was nothing but real love there and for this I will be eternally grateful. Reflection I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on my own life, since her passing. It really puts things in perspective when you lose someone so close. She was the youngest of seven children and also survived by her mother. Completely heartbreaking! I’m struggling at the moment and it’s important to heal properly. I’ve taken some time for myself, but not as much as I would like. Life is too short not to make the most of things, but I’m determined to make the most of my time on this earth. Refocusing I’v…

Wireless Headphones: M4U 8
type: item
creator: swanny
date: 2018-10-20T16:15:15Z
subject: Audio
subject: Entertainment
subject: Girls 'n Gadgets
subject: Lifestyle
subject: Tech
subject: headphones
subject: m4u 8
subject: psb
subject: Wireless
description: PSB M4U 8 The catchily named M4U 8’s are the newest noise-cancelling headphones from Canadian manufacturer PSB and follow the well-received M4U 1 and M4U 2 models. Unlike previous iterations, these are wireless, connecting to devices over standard Bluetooth or the new fangled aptX. The M4Us aren’t going win awards for visual appeal, but they... The post Wireless Headphones: M4U 8 appeared first on .
encoded: PSB M4U 8 The catchily named M4U 8’s are the newest noise-cancelling headphones from Canadian manufacturer PSB and follow the well-received M4U 1 and M4U 2 models. Unlike previous iterations, these are wireless, connecting to devices over standard Bluetooth or the new fangled aptX. The M4Us aren’t going win awards for visual appeal, but they do have a certain understated style, with headband and cups rendered in black matt plastic, while the sturdy hinges are finished in chrome. The luxuriously soft ear-cups are covered in black leatherette so that donning them feels like sinking into a mid-market Italian sofa. I’ve worn them for a couple of hours each day without any comfort issues, though I will note that they are tightly fitted. If you’ve a generously-sized skull you could struggle, but if you’re a runner you might appreciate the firm fit. They have a reassuringly expensive-feeling weight in the hand, and are solidly constructed. Attention to detail… A closer inspection reveals a thoughtful attention to detail. For example, the rechargeable AAA batteries give 15 hours of playtime, and are replaceable, so battery fatigue isn’t a problem. If you do run out of juice, the box contains an audio cable so that you can continue to listen in passive mode. Handily, both ear cups have an audio jack so that you can wire them on whichever side is most convenient. This thoughtfulness extends to the controls: three rocker switches on the right ear cup which control volume, mode, and track selection respectively. Having quick-access is particularly welcome in a wireless headphone since it means my phone can stay tucked away in my pocket while I skip to the next track or turn up the music. Pressing the track selection switch pauses the music or answers an incoming phone call, and there’s a microphone on the underside of the ear piece for hands-free gossip. Noise Cancellation The middle rocker switch controls the power and active noise cancellation. This works remarkably well, fli…

The Misfit Mum – Beating the ‘Mum’ Anxiety
type: item
creator: swanny
date: 2018-09-24T09:03:42Z
subject: Blogging
subject: Family
subject: misfit
subject: normal
subject: parenting
subject: school
subject: school gates
subject: school mum
description: Tough Week The Misfit Mum: So the past week or so has been very busy. Emotionally it’s been a bit of a roller-coaster. Boo is having a ball at his new school, but this week had an altercation which has completely set off my anxiety. I’ve always had a bit of a complex when it... The post The Misfit Mum – Beating the ‘Mum’ Anxiety appeared first on .
encoded: Tough Week The Misfit Mum: So the past week or so has been very busy. Emotionally it’s been a bit of a roller-coaster. Boo is having a ball at his new school, but this week had an altercation which has completely set off my anxiety. I’ve always had a bit of a complex when it comes to school and school mums. Everyone seems so lovely at this new school, but like any new social situation it’s really hard work and there’s so much uncertainty. Being slightly ‘out there’ and excitable, I don’t tend to fit into the ‘normal’ mould. I get nervous and talk too much. I’m ‘weird’! I think I just come across as ‘too much’ and scare people off. Not their type of person. I’ve always struggled to fit in and make good friends. But I hope this time it’s different. I don’t want to be the ‘misfit mum’ anymore. The lie <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-666 size-medium" src="http://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Leila-Normal-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Leila-Normal-225x300.jpg 225w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Leila-Normal-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Leila-Normal.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" />When Boo was born, I got excited about the nursery/ school years and looked forward to the close friendships, like you see on TV… Pathetic really, when I take a step back and look at it. They haven’t really happened as I expected. I don’t have that regular group of friends I meet with or anyone who speaks to me on a regular. As in previous years, I’m keen to get involved with the school and support them. I love getting involved with the boys schools and clubs, but I’m also aware of how this didn’t overly help before. I loved helping, it always gave me a real sense of reward. Seeing the kids little faces and knowing that by helping, it was making these events possible. Although, it didn’t make people want take time t…

Women in Tech – Battling the Bias
type: item
creator: swanny
date: 2018-07-26T20:22:11Z
subject: Tech
subject: Women in Tech
subject: Girls 'n' Gadgets
subject: GnG
subject: testing
subject: women
subject: women in tech
subject: women in technology
subject: Women who Tech
description: The ‘ick’ I’ve been running Girls ‘n Gadgets for over nine years now. I’ve always aimed to be a voice within women in tech and make tech fun and understandable. However, it never fails to amaze me how gender biased and narrow minded technology companies and their PR’s can be. Nine years ago, I guess... The post Women in Tech – Battling the Bias appeared first on .
encoded: The ‘ick’ I’ve been running Girls ‘n Gadgets for over nine years now. I’ve always aimed to be a voice within women in tech and make tech fun and understandable. However, it never fails to amaze me how gender biased and narrow minded technology companies and their PR’s can be. Nine years ago, I guess you could argue that it wasn’t a surprise but that things were ‘changing’. Almost a decade on, I don’t see a huge change and that has really upset me of late. I’ve been quiet on here over the past few years, due to children and health issues. But having made my return to the work place and getting my sanity and energy back, I feel it’s time to use this blog for what it was truly intended for from the beginning- technology for women, by women. The Vision It’s time to start really putting these companies to the test and to create a voice once more on ‘women in tech’ and tech aimed at women. Just because you make something pink, it doesn’t mean you’ve created a product aimed at women. We don’t necessarily need bright colours and silly features, just think about how is best to market it towards women without all of he novelty. It’s about time that these companies do more than just ‘making things pink’. Let’s see some adverts with inspirational women showing off a product. Let’s see PR companies inviting more women to their events. It’s so disheartening going to these events and being one of just a handful of women there. Additionally, PR’s/ Tech companies – it’s not about partnering with Mummy Bloggers all the time. They seem to be one of the only female partnerships I ever see these days. Please think outside of the box. No offence to my fellow mummy bloggers, this is in no way an attack on you guys! Just an observation of a 30 something tech head who would like to see a bit more diversity towards marketing towards a female audience. Living the Dream For those of you that don’t know, 6 months ago I made the big decision to return to work after a long and stressful five year…

Premier League, Primary Stars
type: item
creator: swanny
date: 2018-05-04T17:56:28Z
subject: Blogging
subject: Education
subject: Family
subject: football
subject: premier league
subject: primary stars
subject: try again
description: A couple of weeks ago I was invited celebrate a year of the Premier League Primary Stars programme. The event was so inspiring and until that evening, I wasn’t aware of how much went on behind the scenes. I had seen a few tweets about the programme when it first launched in March 2017, but... The post Premier League, Primary Stars appeared first on .
encoded: A couple of weeks ago I was invited celebrate a year of the Premier League Primary Stars programme. The event was so inspiring and until that evening, I wasn’t aware of how much went on behind the scenes. I had seen a few tweets about the programme when it first launched in March 2017, but was gobsmacked at how many schools are taking part! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-630 size-large" src="http://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_20180419_175122-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" srcset="https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_20180419_175122-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_20180419_175122-300x225.jpg 300w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_20180419_175122-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> The Premier League Trophy Primary Stars The programme has already got over 100 football clubs involved, engaging in over 15,000 primary schools in England and Wales and is growing at a fast pace. The programme takes the glitz and glamour of the Premier League stars into schools to help inspire and motivate the children. Aimed towards key stages 1 and 2, the teacher resources are completely free to download from their website for PE, PSHE, English and Maths. They even offer in school support by sending professionals and footballers to help train the teachers to keep the legacy going year after year! Kits The evening was hosted by Ben Shires of CBBC fame, where he shared the incredible achievements of the program and some moving videos that really tugged at the heart strings. Watching children who struggled with their learning, until the programme was introduced, and to see their passion to succeed and get better was so emotional. It made me think of my two boys, who both very different, have had their struggles at school with reading and writing. GETHYN’S STORY – SWANSEA FC from Rhyss Hall on Vimeo. Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore spok…

The Road to TestBash Brighton
type: item
creator: swanny
date: 2018-04-07T18:12:39Z
subject: Girls 'n Gadgets
subject: Uncategorized
subject: job
subject: minisrty of testing
subject: MOT
subject: software testing
subject: swtc
subject: testbash
subject: testing
subject: work
description: Around two months ago, almost exactly to the day, I found myself head in hands wondering what to do with my life. As someone who worked their entire life until having my son, the past few years have been incredible, but have left me wondering where the ‘real’ me went. Whilst you know, as a... The post The Road to TestBash Brighton appeared first on .
encoded: Around two months ago, almost exactly to the day, I found myself head in hands wondering what to do with my life. As someone who worked their entire life until having my son, the past few years have been incredible, but have left me wondering where the ‘real’ me went. Whilst you know, as a ‘mum to be’, that your life is about to change massively, I don’t think anyone can prepare you for exactly how much! The Idea I was a community manager for a software company when I left to look after my son and I loved my job. Whilst social media is something that I’m good at and would ‘fit’, I didn’t feel it was the challenge I was after. Going back to work is so much more than the money for me. I want to engage and work with a passionate team on a cool product and most of all, I want to be challenged and learn. I’d thought about this for weeks, months even. I just didn’t feel that social media was the way forward for me anymore. Over the years a number of people had mentioned software testing. But it wasn’t until my husband mentioned it this one evening, whilst my head was in my hands, that I sat up and listened. The Decision <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-615" src="http://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/MOT-Logo-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/MOT-Logo-300x300.jpg 300w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/MOT-Logo-150x150.jpg 150w, https://swanny.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/MOT-Logo.jpg 400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />My husband is a software architect in London. He’s very experienced in what he does and has a great understanding of testing. We sat and we chatted about it for ages and he contacted his lead QA at work, who also had a very detailed conversation with me. It sounded like the perfect job for me and so I was keen to get cracking. She introduced me to Rosie at Ministry of Testing and we chatted further and I discovered t…