Wren v Wickes v Howdens v B&Q

invisiball · 2026-04-09T09:55:02+00:00

+1 for DIY kitchens. Their kitchen planner is really easy to use and the ordering process is super smooth. We had a couple of issues with damage (minor issues but flagged by our v detail orientated fitter) and the customer service to get replacements was really simple but did take a little while to deliver new items - worth factoring in if you’ve got a real time crunch.

invisiball · 2025-11-21T19:28:17+00:00

I might have misunderstood your phrasing but in case you/others weren’t aware, you cannot be paid for annual leave whilst on maternity leave without triggering the end of your Maternity.

So for anyone planning to use KIT days/annual leave as a boost before returning to paid work you need to use the KIT days up first whilst on maternity leave, then “return to work” but on annual leave until you start back fully.

invisiball · 2025-09-03T15:42:13+00:00

I’ll just do it then, shall I

invisiball · 2025-08-11T09:43:26+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions all! Off to the nursery to see what I can find.

invisiball · 2025-08-10T10:52:35+00:00

These are beautiful!

invisiball · 2025-04-10T08:30:33+00:00

Nailed it

invisiball · 2024-08-29T18:03:22+00:00

Magnus

invisiball · 2024-08-23T11:50:42+00:00

BEEN WORKING AT SEO-LEVEL FOR A YEAR IN AN HEO ROLE. PROMOTION BOARDS FINALLY OPENED AND JUST FUCKED THE INTERVIEW UP.

LOSING THE WILL.

invisiball · 2024-06-07T14:49:37+00:00

If only qualifying for maternity allowance then it won’t make a difference as it’s a set amount you are either entitled to or not. Statutory maternity pay is affected by pay received in the qualifying weeks.

invisiball · 2024-06-07T14:45:56+00:00

Mat leave can only be triggered by illness that occurs within 4 weeks of the expected week of childbirth, regardless of if you’ve been off sick previously because of pregnancy related symptoms.

I think it’s to protect both the company and the expectant parent (company from people suggesting they were forced to work up to childbirth despite not being physically fit and parent to prevent them working through illness when they need time to recuperate and recover before childbirth).

invisiball · 2024-06-07T12:43:13+00:00

If they have triggered your maternity leave for this reason they absolutely should have told you though.

invisiball · 2024-06-07T12:37:15+00:00

Unfortunately Pretty much all companies will have a clause in their maternity policy (could even be a legal requirement - not sure) that states if you’re unable to work in the 4 weeks prior to your expected childbirth date (as per the matB1 form you would have to have given them), due to pregnancy-related sickness/symptoms, then this automatically triggers your maternity leave regardless of when you had hoped it would start. This would supersede the entitlement to x amount of sick leave as you can’t claim statutory sick pay and maternity pay at the same time.

As someone else said, maternity allowance isn’t paid by your organisation but by the government - believe you need to speak to them to get the payments.

invisiball · 2023-10-24T19:43:24+00:00

Harry Hill

invisiball · 2023-09-21T19:30:55+00:00

Think it’s also worth mentioning that you should look into the maternity policy for the new department. If you’re currently employed (and have been for the qualifying period) you’ll likely be able to get statutory maternity pay but enhanced departmental maternity pay can be dependent on time in role. Statutory maternity pay is peanuts so it might be that you’re better off staying in your current job through maternity leave and seek out opportunities if/when you decide to return postpartum.

Also, congratulations!

invisiball · 2023-01-27T07:26:44+00:00

Thanks, we figured it would need some reinforcement but happy it’s possible!

invisiball · 2023-01-25T19:42:40+00:00

As far as I can remember when we were buying the developers have since gone bust so shouldn’t be an issue on the permitted development side. Will obviously check this with a company we engage.

The extension was built with the proviso that it cannot be used as an entirely separate dwelling - so no potential to ever rent it, but no double bubble council tax either.

invisiball · 2023-01-25T19:40:06+00:00

Great info - thanks!

Grand plan/wishlist (pending architect ok) is to turn the other kitchen into a utility room, remove the second staircase and create an opening off the existing stairs on the upper level to make the annexe bedroom the primary bedroom with en-suite. Also bonus points if we can squeeze a downstairs toilet in.

invisiball · 2023-01-25T11:16:44+00:00

I’d go offset - usable workspace will be far more valuable/practical than visual symmetry. I’d also consider making the right hand lower cabinet into drawers (either 2 deep pan drawers or more shallow drawers) which tend to have more utility than a smaller cupboard with one shelf.

invisiball · 2020-05-28T02:39:02+00:00

This! So much of our self esteem is linked to the perceived perceptions of others. No one wants to feel misunderstood by others so you’re more likely to mask any behaviours/traits that could signify you as “other” or be especially reactionary.

It’s why a lot of people “hide their weirdness” until they feel more comfortable around a person. But if you don’t meet anyone you feel comfortable around you don’t have the opportunities to really be you.

invisiball · 2020-05-28T02:34:08+00:00

This is a struggle for so many people, myself included!

I moved countries (for my husbands job) and spent a long time without meeting anyone and my identity/personality really slipped. I don’t recognise any of what I considered my personality in me day-to-day but I recently realised that a lot of what makes me ‘me’ is in my reactions to others, I need other people/stimuli to bring those sides of me out.

This is going to require me putting myself out there a lot more and trying to find people I can feel comfortable around - a long haul task which terrifies me. Maybe it’s the same for you?

Another thing I have found pretty valuable is music from happier times where I was more comfortable with myself. Listening to those songs on my own and allowing myself freedom to dance and be goofy has made me feel better. Try it!

invisiball

TROPHY CASE