Knowing Your Rights in the Workplace: A Guide

June 29, 2019

It wasn't until I was headed back to work breastfeeding that I ever thought about my rights at work. Today's guest post highlights what you need to know or at least what you need to be thinking about. 

Every employer has rights, but not all of them know what they are. It’s important that you educate yourself and know what you’re entitled to as an employee. This includes knowing what you can get in terms of pay, time off, and fair treatment. By knowing such things, you can have a greater sense of security as well as peace of mind. On that note, keep reading below to learn more about knowing your rights in the workplace.



Minimum Wage

A basic right of an employee is the right to minimum wage. In case you aren’t sure what the minimum wage is, it depends on both your age. If you’re an apprentice, you get £3.70, while anyone between 16-24 gets between £4.20 and £7.38. You can use a minimum wage calculator to ensure you get the right minimum wage. You should know that there’s a difference between the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage. The latter is higher at £8.21 and is for people that are 25 and older.

Time off Emergencies

When you have an emergency in your personal life, you the right to take time off of work. An emergency can be classified as someone passing away or a medical emergency. Another scenario in which you may need it is in the case of an accident at work. If this happens to you, contact The Compensation Experts and find out whether or not you’re entitled to compensation.

Protection Against Discrimination

Discrimination in the workplace is something people experience on a daily basis. Know that it is against the law for you to be discriminated against based on age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, or sex. More specifically, The Equality Act 2010 legally protects you from discrimination. If you ever feel as though they’re being discriminated against, contact a solicitor or get the right legal advice.

Special Types of Pay

There are different types of pay that you’re entitled to as an employee. Below, you’ll see a couple that you should be aware of.

Sick Pay: If you’re too ill to work, you should be able to get statutory sick pay. You can get up to £94.25 per week, and your employer can pay it for up to 28 weeks. However, to be entitled, you must be sick for at least four days in a row and earn at least £116 per week before tax and NI are deducted. You also have to have been earning that amount at least eight weeks ending with the last payday before you became ill.

Maternity Pay: For women who are looking to start a family, maternity pay is something you’re typically entitled to. You could also get maternity leave, paid time off for antenatal care, and extra help from the government. There are free tools online that can help you work out your maternity leave and pay but note that each case is unique. Also, note that your employment rights, such as pay rises, build up holiday, and return to work, are protected while you’re on maternity leave.

Shared Parental Leave: If you are having a baby or adopting a child, you and your partner could get shared parental leave (SPL). This enables you to share over 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay between the both of you. Just check to make sure that you meet the requirements for eligibility before applying.


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Dupois Colic Remedy, the St. Martinville Secret

June 26, 2019

When I was pregnant with my first child I started hearing about Dupois Colic Remedy
Girls I worked with in Delcambre swore by it. Neighbors swore by it. Literally everyone who had heard of it said I needed it. 
Essentially I should call it in the moment the baby was born. 
Honestly, how could anything be that amazing? 

I recently shared our favorite colic remedy that's made locally, over on the Lafayette Mom’s Blog. I’d so love for you to head over there and read all about my experience with giving it to both of our children (and I'd love it if you left a comment) .
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Biscuits, Grits, & Slow Summer Days | Life Lately

June 22, 2019

Jeremy is officially off work for the summer, all the praise hands are in order for this! One of the perks of both of us working in the school system is that we all get a few weeks every year that everyone is at home. Even better than that is summer day dates when the kids can go to our beloved sitter and we get to have lunch alone. 

With Jeremy putting in application and starting to talk to churches about a ministry position it is not lost on me the time we have together. Once he is no longer a School Psychologist and reaping the benefits of a 10 month job and living the pastoral life that is full time -  year round - sometimes longer than 40 hours a week - these weeks of slow summers will vanish. We will suddenly be thrust into the world of what most of American lives in... actual vacation time. 

So with this being possibly our last summer like this, I'm soaking it all in. 


Elliot has been more than ready to eat table food, but I have been not the best at making 100% baby led weaning style meals all the time. Also... I'm just not as good as cooking earlier. With that, Elliot got Grits & Grillades Sunday night. (mostly butter grits with a touch of the grillades - gotta keep that salt at bay) Y'all, that baby cackled with every bite. 

He's passed southern test #1 as a child and adores grits. 

In other news Harrison gags every time he touches or watches this child eat. He has no room to complain, he was equally gross. 


For lunch this week I stole Harrison's RePlay plates to keep my food separated. Anyone with me on this? In case you're curious, Kodiak Pancakes with Almond Butter (put a dollop in the microwave with a splash of water and it actually turns more sauce like), frozen blueberries, and an 8 minute hard boiled egg.

The 8 minute boil is the best is you like a soft set center. Don't even ask me how many times I made boiled eggs to find my perfect boil time.


Where Harry was the baby I wore constantly, Elliot is in fact not that baby. He's steadly a pound or two ahead of Harrison... more like 2 or 3 really. That combined with what I'm assuming is less than strong core muscles means mama has a back ache when I baby-wear. So stroller baby it is. E doesn't mind though, he likes observing. 


No real rhyme or reason for this picture, except this child rarely falls asleep randomly and I had to document it. He must has been exhausted that day.

He's also had a go of the downfalls of chewing your fingernails. He's caused 2 ingrown nails that led to infection and him crying all night. The first was so awful we had to get an antibiotic that on day 7 like clockwork according to Dr. Google showed he was sensitive to sulfa drugs. The child broke out in a completely harmless rash that looked so bad mothers would run screaming.


I finally made a batch of Regina Charboneau's biscuits. I won't lie, I prefer her method and might be more of a biscuit maker now. It actually makes it easier and it makes for great layers. You can find it in all of her cookbooks or in [this New York Times article] from a few years ago. The only problem I ran into was salt. I forgot the salted butter and used unsalted, and you can't buy salted margarine here. I'll have to play with salt amounts and get back with you on it. 

Honestly though, if you're in Natchez spend the $25 for her biscuit class. I'd say 95% of this is getting her tips and method down. Method is EVERYTHING with these biscuits. 


Two things: 

1. A husband who will eat Chicken Salad Chick with you is worth more than rubies. Proverbs 31.5

Just kidding. 

2. I am by no mean a hipster coffee house customer. I can't stand that bitter mess for anything. Give me all the syrup and decaf. I don't even care that I'm not cool. 


Elliot is on the move lately. He's starting to attempt to get on his knees, but he can get awfully far with his big toes. Army crawler expert level. Don't leave your shoes in the floor though, he wants to chew on them... and he isn't above chewing on them while you wear them.

It's a constant battle.


All the Lafayette Moms ladies went to dinner the other night. It's fun to get out of the house even for a minute. I'm so glad I joined this crew two years ago. Women who you'd never think you could relate to or have such different stories than can become some of the biggest cheerleaders in your life and the biggest prayer warriors. Diversity and all. 


Last but not least: is it ever a Saturday morning without everyone piled on the couch?
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Lessons in Motherhood from my 4 Year Old

June 19, 2019

I won’t lie, when I look at my now lanky 4 year old all, I can see is a chubby 2 year old. 
He still needs me to get things for him, put on his shoes, and he doesn’t say much. That chubby baby isn’t potty trained, surely won’t tell me he needs to potty, and doesn’t know his colors. 
But now, just like I’ve learned with taking away his pacifier, he is so much more capable than I’ve ever given him credit for. 

I recently shared a few lessons I've been learning lately from the kiddos, over on the Lafayette Mom’s Blog. I’d so love for you to head over there and read how I always expect the worst but everything always works out (and I'd love it if you left a comment) .

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Meal Planning Monday

June 17, 2019

If you've watch the Weather Channel this weekend you've seen the stalling rain front... yeah, that pushed our camping trip back a week. I will say this though, Oklahoma and Texas have got to get on the Reserve America train. When I had this problem last year it was much easier to change my reservations at campgrounds through that system. Rather than calling in and begging for mercy.

Either way, we are rescheduled. Finger and toes crossed.


Monday | Garlic Butter Mushrooms, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Grilled Pork Chops

Tuesday | Cheeseburger Skillet with a salad

Wednesday | Sausage, Eggs, Breakfast Potatoes, and Regina's Biscuits

Thursday | Hawaiian Chicken Bowls


Friday | Grilled Wings & Fries

Saturday | Tamale Pie (I'll photograph it and post the recipe this time.)

Sunday | leftovers/eating out

Breakfast | My favorite breastfeeding shake - but really it's a super healthy shake no matter what

Lunch | Kodiak Pancakes with Almond Butter, Hard Boiled Eggs, Blueberries
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cariPro Ultrasonic Electronic Toothbrush Review & Giveaway

June 15, 2019

Y'all know I love my Smile Brillant Whitening System, and from what I've heard from friends who've used it they did too! I've been on a touch of a whitening break with pregnancy and breastfeeding though.

Sadly I can manual brush myself to death with my favorite whitening toothpaste and it hasn't kept up with my coffee intake.


READ MORE...
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Instant Pot Mac & Cheese with Sarah from Instapot Life

June 13, 2019


I love an easy recipe, and we all really love mac & cheese! Today, Sarah Jackson from Instapot Life is sharing her family fav that comes together in no time at all!

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Who doesn’t get hungry thinking about Mac and Cheese?

It’s always been a favorite in my household.  My boys love anything covered in cheese!

I’ve been playing around with a new twist on the all american dish that ups the flavor pallet to the savory classic with a kick of dijon.  What’s great about this recipe is that you can cook it in an Instapot Pot, the most popular pressure cooker in the country.

Here’s what you’ll need:
1.5 cups unsalted butter
½ cup yellow onion, diced
½ lb macaroni
2 cups chicken broth
⅓ cup half-and-half
⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded medium sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
.5 tablespoon ground pepper
.5 cup panko bread crumbs

The following recipe will cook 4 servings:
1. Melt the butter in your Instant Pot using the Saute setting.  After about 5 minutes, toss in the diced onions. Make sure to gently stir every minute or so and cook until the onions begin to brown.  Then add in the macaroni and broth.



2. Put on the Instant Pot lid and set the Pressure Release to Sealing.  Hit Cancel to reset the cooking program, then press the Pressure Cook or Manual setting for 6 minutes at high pressure.  Keep in mind that your Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking program starts.

3. After the cooking program is completed, move the Pressure Release to Venting.  Then open the lid and gradually stir in the three cheese, half-and-half, mustard, and pepper.  Give the mac and cheese for about 5 minutes to thicken.



4. Transfer to a oven-safe dish and top it off with a layer of panko bread crumbs and broil for a few minutes before it’s ready to serve.


About the Author: Sarah Jackson is a do-it-all mom who loves making easy, delicious meals for her family.  She fell in love with her Instant pot and started blogging on Instapot Life.

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Get Out of Town: Stay the Night in Natchez, MS

June 12, 2019

Call me biased, but I adore my hometown. 
Not only does it have all the charm of any southern town you can put next to it, but Natchez holds the spot for the most plantation homes. Thanks mainly to the fact that they were handed over to the Union and not burned down during the Civil War. Why does this matter? Well it makes for a great visit during the cities annual pilgrimage. 

Recently we had the chance to get away for one night for our anniversary and decided to stay at our favorite Bed & Breakfast – Twin Oaks.


I recently shared about our anniversary getaway to my hometown (yes the place is that good!), over on the Lafayette Mom’s Blog. I’d so love for you to head over there and read all about our favorite B&B and taking a cooking class with the great Regina Charboneau (and I'd love it if you left a comment) .
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Meal Planning Monday

June 10, 2019

We survived VBS last week and this week Harrison is doing Soccer Camp in the evenings... so another week of easy meals. Plus we are going camping the following week and I have no room for leftovers.


Monday | Baked Meatballs & Roasted Green Beans (premade turkey meatballs, a no sugar added pasta sauce, topped with a shredded Italian Cheese blend & baked)

Tuesday | Leftovers

Wednesday | Grilled Chicken, Fingerling Potatoes roasted with my homemade ranch seasoning (Pioneer Woman), and roasted broccoli

Thursday | Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken, Tortellini, and Vegetables


Friday | leftovers

Saturday | Garlic Butter Chicken & Brussel Sprouts

Sunday | Instant Pot Pineapple Chili Lime Chicken (I won't this in the IP because I have some Ready Rice, so it'll just be tossed together quick on the stove top.)

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Things I Bought & Liked | May

June 7, 2019

It's been non stop since school let out, but here's last month's Amazon buys!

Eucerin Q10 Anti Wrinkle Face Cream | I've put off replacing my night cream and finally broke down and purchased one. This is not disappointing, it's everything I love about the dermatologist approved brands with all the anti wrinkle things I love. My skin looks much more hydrated in the morning after I use this.

Teddie Organics Rosehip Seed Face Oil | Oldie but goodie. I've been using this for 2 years and had to repurchase. This is one of the few beauty products that I always keep on hand. I started using it when we were trying to get pregnant with Elliot because I had to quit Retin-A. Rosehip oil has vitamin A in a form that isn't harmful to baby, plus it's incredibly moisturizing. Don't be afraid of face oils, I get breakouts from mineral oil containing products, not this.

English Tea Strainer | That stainless steal french press from a few months back isn't my favorite as far as keeping all the grounds out goes. So coffee meets tea strainer. If you're in the market for one, this fits across all of my mugs as well as my Yeti Rambler 14oz.

Vetinee Women's Overall Shorts | My mother said I looked like Junior High Emily, but these are legit. I did size up, this is that slightly stretchy jean material. I initially ordered the dark because the light wash wasn't in stock but this month I am ordering the light. They're just fun, and probably the only 90's trend I am going to get back on. For size reference (I wear a 00, just kidding, fashion blogger jab) I wear an 8-10 at Old Navy and mediums in everything else. I ordered a large in these for so it would be a touch roomy. No one wants a tight overall. 

Sansi Once Piece Rash Guard | Elliot needed a swimsuit since he is too chunky for Harrison's baby swimsuit. This is getting the job done. 

TSLA Active Shorts | My biggest issue breastfeeding is that it limits my clothing. My mama hips after two kids weren't getting along with my premama hip sized bike shorts, so I ordered a new pair. This is my way of wearing a dress and being able to pump or nurse without flashing my girl bits to all of America. If you're in the market, this brand is soft, compares well to other leggings I own, and had a pocket for snacks. Just kidding... it's not for snacks but I do put bobby pins in it.



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The Teacher in Me Ends at 3

June 5, 2019

There’s something about teaching that has always struck me as weird. In complete disregard for the fact that we are paid a 9 month salary that’s divided over 12 months and for the hours of roughly 7:30-3:30 (depending on where you work), people think they have to stay late. 
There’s no extra pay for staying past clock out time. 
In reality, you’re losing something instead of gaining. You’re losing time.

I recently shared my views on being a teacher and mother, over on the Lafayette Mom’s Blog. I’d so love for you to head over there and read all about how I separate work from home (and I'd love it if you left a comment) .
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Meal Planning Monday

June 3, 2019

It's the first full week of summer, Harry has VBS & swim lessons & that means easy week night meals with leftovers! Plus, if you follow along on IG I talked about making a few recipes from Regina Charboneau's cookbook Mississippi Current. Next week I'll share the photos and a little review of how it went.


Monday | Sheet Pan Fajitas
[a bag of frozen peppers & onions, chicken thighs cut into strips, Against All Grain Fajita Seasoning recipe, sour cream, cheese, avocado, Ole low carb tortillas]

Tuesday | Leftovers

Wednesday | Mississippi Roast, Broccoli, & Rice
[chuck roast with Pioneer Woman Ranch Dressing Mix, Au Jus Gravy Mix]

Thursday | leftovers

Friday | Grilled Chicken Wings (I found a seasoning packet for garlic parmesan + I'll make traditional hot) with fries

Saturday | Mississippi Current recipes - Pork & Ginger Slaw Sandwiches, Wild Rice Salad with Dried Apricots and Walnuts, Mississippi Mud Cookies

Sunday | leftovers
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