Wednesday, 31 July 2019

Anxiety

Hey readers,

As a long-term sufferer from anxiety, I have learned a lot on the way from experiencing anxiety. For one thing, anxiety is the pits!



 At times when feeling anxious, it feels very real especially when your heart is pounding so hard you feel that it may feel out of your body.

Over the years anxiety scared me ironically. I wanted to run away and try to hide from it but if you have ever suffered from anxiety then it will find you and you will be sure made aware of it. If anything running away from the anxiety actually makes it worse in my opinion and the experience I have had of anxiety.


Over the years I have come to one conclusion with anxiety is to accept it for what it is. Ok, it is a regular visitor but it is definitely not a friend because it is not very nice. But accepting it and feeling the feelings is ok, it doesn't make me a failure, which I believed for a very long time.

Accepting the anxiety and knowing that the anxious thoughts are not always true and sometimes my behaviour is just learned from all the years of fear. It is a warped way of protecting myself. 

Now I embrace it, I allow it to come. If I have a panic attack or breakdown in tears I let it come. It is ok and actually, it is so much more manageable than before. 

This mindset has helped. Likewise, with feelings of failure, I know that anxiety is something that may be with me all my life but it doesn't mean I am weak or I give in. I accept it and work with it the best I can at that time.


You have to ride with the anxiety like the waves of the sea. Sometimes I experience anxiety and it can be only a day where I am cribbled with intense dread. 

Other times I go through periods of total exhaustion, tearfulness, panic attacks etc. That is ok. It is ok not to be ok. It is ok not to be superhuman and it is ok to have anxiety. It doesn't make me less of a person. I am not anxiety, anxiety is part of me but there are many more layers to me.

I am still learning about my mental health, it is not easy especially when you are vulnerable and prone to the negativity it can catch you out, anxiety is a bugger like that. 

 But I am with wisdom moving on with anxiety, if it is there it is there but I am not going to run away from it or be scared of it anymore. I think this is one of the most valuable lessons that I have learned in life. I am not superhuman but I can feel and appreciate the feelings. 

They belong to me and I can respond to them anyway I chose. It is my life and the anxiety does not control me, I am the controller of anxiety.

Cheers for reading X

Tuesday, 30 July 2019

Enough

Don't feel good enough,

Hate me,

Silent tears,

Watching life go on,

Thoughts go back,

Haunting me,

Killing me,

I hope today will pass.

Monday, 29 July 2019

Linger

I'm in a room,
Present,
Then bang I am transported,
Back to the time,
When I was little,
Powerless,
No control,
No voice,
The memories linger on.

Sunday, 28 July 2019

Emotions


My Sunday photo 28/07/2019


Saturday, 27 July 2019

Book recommendations August 2019 **AD**

Hey readers,

I have been kindly gifted some books to review from Carlton. 

They have an extensive range of fiction and non-fiction books to keep any child entertained. I have some cracking ones that may be of interest to you.  

1. Youtube World Records.

YouTube World Records

What child doesn't like Youtube and combined with amazing world records this book is a hit. 

My eldest loves facts and non-fiction book so this went down well. Especially as the records are amazing covering human feats right through to nature and machinery this book has it covered to blow your mind.  

What I like about this book is on each page there is a QR code which you can scan on your phone and it will come up with the related to the video of that record, which is great to add to modern books. 

There is no age recommendation as there is something for all and family-friendly content. 

The book cost £16.99 and will be released on 8th August 2019. 

2. We Love Sonic. 

We Love Sonic! cover photo

I used to love Sonic when I was a child so this book brings some happy memories whilst reading it with the kiddos.
  
If you want to know everything there is to Sonic the Hedgehog then this book is for you. 

The book covers each character of the game whether a friend or foe you will get to know who they are. 

Plus not only does the book discuss all things gaming but also includes discussion about Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon and the upcoming movie soon to be released at the cinema. 

Also, the book covers Sonic's tricks and help you learn more about how to improve playing Sonic. 

This book is recommended for 7+.

The book cost £7.99 and will be released on the 8 August 2019. 

3. How To Be A Pro Gamer. 

How To Be A Pro Gamer

Gaming is very popular with children and if you're looking for a book to help as a guide to be a pro-gamer then this is the one. 

This book is a step-to-step guide on everything you need to know when it comes to gaming. It explains what you need to play, how to play it and even how to get signed up to a pro team to start your own streaming channel. 

The age recommendation for this book is 11+. 

The book cost £7.99 and will be released on the 8 August 2019. 

4. Roald Dahl's Beastly Brutes & Heroic Human Beans. 

Roald Dahl's Beastly Brutes & Heroic Human Beans

This is both my boy's favourite book as they are fans of Roald Dhal. It is a beautiful book full of the classic illustrations from Quentin Blake. 

The book is all about the famous characters from Roald Dhal's stories, there are the likes of Charlie and Grandpa Joe from Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Matilda and the BFG to name a few.  

The pages contain die-cut pages let the work come alive and it is simple to press out the parts of the page to reveal the characters. It is a fun way to get kids imagination going and bring the characters alive. 

There is also an envelope at the back of the book to keep your cut out characters safe and to continue to use them at a later date. 

The age recommendation for this book is 6+. 

The price of the book is £14.99 and the release day of the book is 8 august 2019. 


5. You Can Code. 


Coding is ever growing with the times of the technology world that we live in and they even learn it at reception age at school. 

A lot of children really enjoy learning about coding so this next book is brilliant information. The pictures are clear on how to go about coding whether it is making your own game or app then this book ticks all the boxes. 

It is clearly written and it is suitable for complete beginners. It is easy to learn with the fun step-to-step guides this will go down a treat. 

The age recommendation is for 9+. 

The book cost £8.99 and the book will be released on the 8 August 2019. 



Cheers for reading X 

This is an AD for Carlton. I was kindly gifted the books discussed above in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 



Friday, 26 July 2019

With or without anxiety

Hey readers,

I am struggling with my anxiety at the moment. One moment I feel like I am doing alright with life and then the next thing bang the darkness appears. I swear at times anxiety hates me, it is on 24-hour alert to catch me, especially when I am most venerable. 




It hates the fact that I am doing OK and hates to see me managing and getting on with life. My brain needs anxiety I feel, I can't relax and that is the biggest downfall. 

As I have experienced anxiety for so long where it is not there I worry about worrying if you know what I mean.

I have this inability to relax. I like the adrenaline at times, feeling alert and it almost feels like a way to clarify that I am alive and living.

I have had anxiety for most of my life that when I am not having anxiety I think it is my problem adapting to change. It feels weird to not have the anxiety around.

I am learning to try and let go, allow that anxiety to come and to try not to shy away from it. it is what it is, fear brings it on and that's not healthy either.

 I think being present at the moment with the anxiety is one of my biggest challenges. I can't believe how hard it is to just be and face the anxiety head-on.

 I am on alert, my body is tight, my muscles and mind hurt. Every night I have a splitting headache due to fighting this anxiety.

It feels like I am doing a mental workout, it is exhausting but with being anxiety warrior you can't deny resilience is there. 

Good or bad resilience it is in me and I keep on fighting when at times I just want to hide under a fort, but sadly I need to get up and go, with or without anxiety.

However, that being said I have spent years trying to get rid of this anxiety. Now, I am trying a new approach where I allow it to come, greet it with open arms. 

I don't want to be scared of anxiety anymore. I have autism as well and anxiety is a common trait for a lot of people on the spectrum including me. So, instead of trying to change it, I am going to acknowledge the anxiety.

 Sometimes the anxiety can be good, it might make me think twice about what I am doing. it may be anxiety cause let's face it not all anxiety is bad. 

I think the media portray it with negative connotations but you can use to your advantage.
The main line of this anxiety post is that I am trying to learn to live with the anxiety, accept it for what it is.

I don't put everything I have one then anxiety and know that it is the only sort of me. it doesn't define me and that actually in control of my life.

Cheers for reading X

Sunday, 21 July 2019

How to save money as a parent during summer holidays.

Hey readers,

My boys have split up for summer holiday gulp! So do some planning I thought I would come up some ideas on how to save money during that long holiday of six weeks!


1. Boxes.

Kids love boxes and drawing on them. They are so easy to get from your local supermarket costing nothing and just giving your child some paint or colouring pens. You will guarantee to have lots of fun. 

2. Food shopping.

Meal planning will save you loads of money and if you do struggle with going shopping with children then my advice would be to order online. 

Then you won't have arguing and stress of shopping with kids. Plus the chances of impulse buying are nil and you can do it from the comfort of your home with a cuppa, win-win!

3. Play-Doh.

Make your own playdoh so simple to do and you only need three ingredients (flour, salt, water, vegetable oil) and if you want to go fancy you can add food colouring to give that twist. 

4. Gloop. 

If your feeling brave then making gloop is lots of fun, though I would advise making sure you have a table cloth on the floor so doesn't go everywhere.

 Kids love gloop because of it is messy fun. All you need to is place some cornflour into a tub and gradually add water. You can put colouring as well to make it more vivid. It is brilliant sensory fun and fine motor skills as well.

5. Park. 

You can't go wrong with going to the park and bringing a picnic also makes it a fun day out for all. 

6. Libraries. 

Libraries are brilliant, they are free and so many books to chose from. Going to the library is fab in getting kids into reading. 

They can also take part in the reading challenge during the summer and if completed your child gets a certificate and medal.

7. Boredom Jar. 

A great little activity is to write activities or things to do, such as washing the car or reading a book or watching a film for example on a piece of paper cut them out and put them in a jar. 

When your child complains that they are bored during the summer holiday, tell them to take out a piece of paper and do that activity. 

8. Museums. 

Check out your local museum as they have fun centred children's activities on during the summer. There will be often a free museum somewhere so just google and go to your local free one. 

9. Walks. 

Woodland trust has brilliant information on their website of woodlands near you which make a great family nature walk and get away from the four walls for a bit. 

Though you don't have to go to woodlands for a walk, where I live there are some large feeds that my boys love to raise others around and have a kick about with a football. 

10. Kids Run Free. 

Some places offer a thing called Kids Run free where they offer sessions in local parks for children under 16 years of age. 

It is free and parents can come along and it just encourages kids to run with their peers. It is a great way of burning their energy and your getting out of the house. 

Cheers for reading X 


My Sunday photo 21/07/2019


Friday, 19 July 2019

Final

Hey readers,

My word of the week is: 



This week is the final week of school for both boys which means six weeks of no school. Kinda happy I don't have to deal with the social aspect. I know both boys will be more relaxed and let's hope not too much squabbling before I end up turning into my mother ðŸ˜‰

My eldest after growing his hair for two and a half years got it cute. So strange seeing it so short and can, see his head haha. He loves it because he really struggles with the sensory aspect of brushing his hair so I am hoping for less screaming in the morning.

My youngest has moved upon his book band which makes me so proud and he has worked so hard with his reading. 

We are planning to do the reading challenge at the library so that should help with continuing with his progress. 

Hope you have had a good week. 

 Cheers for reading X 

Wednesday, 17 July 2019

Fed is best

Hey readers,

So you probably heard of the news story today regarding midwives been told to respect the decision by the mother if she decides not to breastfeed her baby.


This is such good news to hear because when I could not breastfeed my baby I was devasted and thought that was it I am officially the world's sh*test parent. Even though I tried my hardest I just didn't have the co-ordination due to my spatial awareness difficulties due to being autistic.

I remember going to a breastfeeding group pre-baby and the sheer pressure from the group was scary. I felt like if I didn't do this then I would be such a bad person.

After my eldest was born I tried for two/three days to breastfeed. I was in the hospital for the two days due to complications. Every single time I needed help. I could not do it myself. Even after when I returned home I had my husband do it for me. Again it made me feel like a massive failure and it stopped me bonding with my son. I felt so angry with myself and feel that I was not adequate in being a mum.

I think the guilt of not being able to breastfeed was one of the things that triggered postnatal depression sadly.

Luckily, however, I saw a brilliant midwife who told me to just bottle feed, I was baffled but then I thought well actually yeah why not. She told me she bottle-fed her children and it made me feel so much better knowing that it was OK to formula feed. Having that support was a big deal. Just knowing it was OK to do so and nothing bad was going to happen helped make me feel relief like I have never felt before.

So to hear the changes is such a positive step forward. I am not knocking breastfeeding but I think it is important to be mindful that not every woman can do it and that is OK. As long as the baby is the feed that is much more important.

Cheers for reading X

Sunday, 14 July 2019

5 things to use with vinegar and baking soda.


Hey readers, 

You don't have to spend a lot on branded cleaning products to make your home clean. There are so many good ways to clean and you only need in some cases white vinegar, baking soda or both combined (which is a really cheap way to clean). Here are 10 ways you can use this natural, green and eco-friendly cleaning products. 



1. Pans. 

Pour a small layer of equal amounts of water and white vinegar at the bottom of your pan, Next heat the dilated water on the hob so that the liquid in the pan boils. After boiling for a minute remove the pan from the hob and drain the fluid down the sink. Then allow about five minutes cool down and scrub with a normal washing pad to remove the stains, voila.  

2. Washing machine. 

Add two spoons of baking soda into the determinate draw and 1/2 a cup of white vinegar add to the drum where the washing goes in. Run a normal warm wash but don't make it hot. 

Keep an eye on the washing machine as there may be build up residue that can cause high levels of soap suds. (However, if you regularly clean your washing machine the less change of this will happen. 

It is recommended that you clean your washing machine every 2/3 months). 

This cleaning method will help break down the residue and also give a clean smell afterwards, win-win. 

3. Microwave.

Fill a microwave bowl with two cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Putting in a toothpick into the bowl will help stop the water from overflowing.

 You can also add a drop of essential oil to make the vinegar smell more pleasant. Then after be mindful that the bowl is hot so be cautious and use oven clothes and place the content down the sink carefully. Next, get a cloth and wipe over the microwave there you have a clean microwave and smells lovely as well. 

4. Unblocking your drains. 

Pour a pot of boiling hot water down the drain.

 Next, add a half a cup of baking soda down the drain. 

Leave the mixture to settle for a few minutes then add a mixture of hot water and white vinegar down the drain.

 Leave the plug on the drain for 10 minutes then flush the drain with water to get rid of the mixture. 

5. The Toilet. 

Sprinkle one cup of baking soda into the toilet. 

Next, get a bowl of white vinegar and pour that into the toilet.

 Put the toilet lid down on the toilet and allow 30 minutes for the magic to happen.

 After the time is uplift the lit and clean the toilet with the cleaning brush. 

Finally, flush the toilet and don't worry about the plumbing as vinegar and baking soda will not harm it!

Do you use vinegar or baking soda for cleaning? Have I not mentioned anything that really uses the cleaning products to clean with? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 


My Sunday photo 14/07/2019

Who needs toys when you can have boxes.


Friday, 12 July 2019

Science

Hey readers,

My word of the week is:



Because we had to do some really complicated and in-depth science report for the science fair. 

It took a lot of hard work by doing the experiment and write up. 

Sadly, the school made each child write up the same report individually which took a lot of time and patience. 

It was fun but you needed a lot of time to do so defiantly won't be doing that again next year. 

Both I and my husband thought it was ridiculous the amount of work needed to go into the science report. We believe that it was more suited for twelve years old.

So, it has been exhausting so glad for this weekend where it is going to be a much more relaxed fair and less pressure to constantly be writing or glueing. 

Hope you have had a good week.
 
Cheers for reading X 

Wednesday, 10 July 2019

why museums are important

Hey readers,

Today I want to talk about why museums are important. Well first of they tend to be free which means it gives an opportunity for everyone to access and explore history and culture with the world around us.

 It doesn't matter on your background, race. gender or financial the museum is open for all to access if they so desire.


It is a great place to take the children especially, like myself who do not have loads of money. It is a good way to educate a child and to learn through visual ideas and artefacts found in the museum.




They offer free events which are a great way to connect within the community. It allows you to appreciate the different types of expression people can do. It allows you to explore freely with like-minded people who also enjoy art.

Children enjoy learning about history and how different peoples lives are or how they used to live. It is an alternative way to learn and it allows a fun way to communicate with children and grasp the complexities of people.

Often the free activities available at the museum can help inspire children to express themselves and get creative. 

It is a safe place where they won't be judged and encouraged to do as they wish and with what they feel comfortable doing.

 Children can learn different forms of art and can get excited with the information they have learnt meaning they can expand further when at home or school.

It is a Breathe of fresh air to go to a place like a museum that it is not just based on modern information but alternative ideas of thinking.
Museums are a place to remember the past and celebrate the achievements of others have done and created history for it.

Thinking about the importance of the museum for society then there are financial benefits of having museums in places because they can help boost the economy. They provide reasons for other people that don't live in the area to come and explore the museum.

Also, if you have some money you can be tempted to check out the local shop or go for something to eat and drink therefore putting money back into the economy. 

Therefore keeping the attraction open for all to explore and have the opportunity.

Do you enjoy going to a museum?

Cheers for reading X

Tuesday, 9 July 2019

Competition win Maybelline Colossal Mascara **AD**

Hey readers,

Who doesn't love a freebie because it sure brings me joy!

It can be hard sometimes to know where to look for freebies. However, you don't have to spend ages anymore as there is this brilliant site called Wowfreestuff. The website provides a list every day of hot new freebies that you can get your hands on with links to the places making it so easy to do within minutes. 



What kind of things does wowfreestuff offer? 

Well, variety is the spice of life with the freebies that wowfreestuff have to offer. You can get your hands on free makeup, free perfume, free food and even free household goods. The website is so easy to navigate around with clear lists with individual boxes. So you really have the choice to pick and choice freebies that suit you and your lifestyle. 
If freebies weren't enough to get excited wowfreestuff are giving away 1 of 100 Maybelline Colossal Mascara. If you want to be in a change of winning this mascara all you need to do is head over to the site to get the change of win freebies.

All you have to do is fill out the form and like wowfreestuff Facebook page, it is as simple as that. 

Terms & Conditions

This competition ends on the 1st September 2019.
 By entering you agree to sign up to WOW FreeStuff Newsletter
Must be over 18 and based in the UK
By entering you agree to our Privacy PolicyTerms & Conditions and to receive our daily freebie newsletter.


Good luck!
Cheers for reading X
This is a sponsored post for wowfreestruff. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 












Sunday, 7 July 2019

30 of the best life hacks.

Hey readers,

Life is hard right and if you can do anything to make it that bit easier than your safe hands as I have compiled 30 of the best life hacks. You won't regret reading this post, check them out below!




1. Don't you just hate trying to find clothes at the bottom of the draw that you can't see, well no more because the problem is solved and it is all about the way you stack them?

Image result for folding clothes life hack

2. Remember them things called cassette tapes, well now they have a use, genius!


3. Need help getting organised with leads then check this little hack. 

Image result for life hack

4. Why did I not think of this before, now I can hope not to trip up on that wee ;).

Image result for life hack

5. What a brilliant way to store items especially if you are limited with space. You can put your toilettes on shower curtains with clips, bravo!

Image result for life hack

6. Save some time when moving with this neat hack, all in one transport, boom!

how to move clothes easily

7. What to keep all you’re shopping together then you need this hack in your life.

hacks-42

8. Did someone say fresh sparkling wine?!

life-hack-1

9. Nothing is worse than wrapping paper unravelling, no more of that nonsense with this valuable hack.
hacks-5

10. Get annoyed with ads stopping you playing games on phone, not anymore....

Wizard move: You won't get texts or phone calls of course, but perhaps the game is more important anyway

11. Have no candles, need instant light check this savvy hack.

Flare: The paraffin wax in a crayon keeps it alight and the paper covering it acts like a wick

12. Who knew cola and blood worked well together?


13. How annoying is it slipping around on the rug, here is a solution to the problem?


14. You learn something every day.

enhanced-buzz-4139-1376440616-13

15. Want to clean in between the keys of your keyboard, well here is a smashing idea get a sticky note perfect for getting in them awkward small spots.

enhanced-buzz-8405-1376441398-3

16. No asbestos fingers, now you don't have to worry about getting your cheese on toast out of the toaster just move that toaster about.

grilled-cheese-in-toaster-life-hack

17. Of course, I knew the hotel TV would come in handy.

18. There is a spring in that hack.

23 Mind-Blowing Hacks You Will Want To Share On Facebook

19. Keep it all together in one place with this simple hack.

Shopping bag trash

20. No need to spend the earth on kids during summer with this cost effect delight.

Be the master of your garden with these easy gardening hacks.

21. Cut down on the space in the kid’s bedroom with this fantastic idea of using zipped freezer bags to store jigsaws in. You would be amazed at how much space you gain from getting rid of all those boxes.

Puzzle storage without bulky boxes: Cut out the picture from the box lid and store puzzles in bags.

22. Do you get fed up of all the playing cards getting lost then get hold of a soapbox to keep everything in place?

Store cards in a soap box

23. You know them Lego manuals keep them all together in a folder.

Store all the Lego manuals in one binder so you have them at your fingertips (plus find a bunch of other great Lego storage ideas in the link under the photo).

24. No more spillages with the paint brush.

cool-lifehacks-20

25. How infuriating are leads getting in a mess, thank goodness for toilet roll?

life-hacks-how-to-make-your-life-easier-18

26. Anything is worth a go.


27. Whoever thought about this is amazing, what a brilliant idea.


28.Cheap storage for spaghetti.

Photo | 1000 Life Hacks | Bloglovin̢۪

29. No bumps in the night with one.

Genius Lifehacks for an Easier Life – 22 Pictures

30. How frustrating is it losing where the tape ends, here is a clever trick to sort that out.

Je n’arrive pas à croire qu’on ne faisait pas ça avant ! Ces…

Cheers for reading X