6 reasons why dark chocolate is good for you

Hey readers,

It is often thought that chocolate is bad for you but actually chocolate can be good for you. However, when I refer to chocolate is it is dark chocolate that reaps the rewards. 

This has to be the best news for any chocolate lover out there.  There has been many a study that confirms that having 25 grams of dark chocolate a day has positive effects on your health. Here are 6 reasons why dark chocolate is good for you.

 

1. Mood enhancer.

Chocolate has been found to help lift your mood especially when you are dealing with a lot of stress.

 Obviously dark chocolate in moderate proportions however it is found chocolate can help increase the feel-good hormones endorphins and serotonin levels in the brain. 

2.  Skin.

Dark chocolate is good for your skin, in particular, being a natural moisturiser. Chocolate contains cocoa beans which are full of fatty acids which really good for nurturing your skin. 

The benefits are that it leaves your skin feeling pampered and soft. You can buy products such as a chocolate bar which is perfect to help deal with colder conditions that affect your hands drying out. 

3. Stroke/heart attack. 

Studies have shown that eating dark chocolate every day for 10 years can lower the risk of having a heart attack or stroke in patients that are classed as high-risk patients. 

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids which known to have antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory effects, which relieve pressures on the heart (British Medical Journal, 2013).

4. Blood flow to the brain.

Compounds in dark chocolate have been linked to boosting memory attention, reaction time and problem-solving by boosting the blood flow to the brain. Chocolate contains caffeine which helps a lot with improving your performance levels. 

5. Blood pressure.

If you eat dark chocolate every day you could lower your blood pressure this is particularly helpful for people who have hypertension in just one month. Chocolate is rich in powerful antioxidant flavanols.

What do you think about chocolate? have you thought it has helped your health? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

Why money cant buy you happiness.

Hey readers,

A lot of people assume that to be happy you need money. Yes to some extent you need to survive but money isn't everything there many other factors that influence your happiness. Below I have outlined why money can't buy you happiness.  

1. Free activities. 

Money can't buy some things such as cleaning or going on a walk can bring joy and that doesn't need to be brought to get the feeling of happiness. 

2. Memories.

spending time with someone or people can create happy memories and that doesn't have to be money-based. It could be simply watching the tv playing a game but something funny happens and can bring you joy.  The memories are what can bring happiness and that is based on time spent with people. 

3. Internal happiness.

True happiness comes from inside, it is that realisation that we have and can't buy that. It is contentment based on feelings and the way you feel about your self. Sure you can buy yourself something to get that buzz of happiness but that is short term. Happiness from within is long-lasting and can impact how you feel in the long term. 

4. Geniune relationships.

 You can't buy relationships that are genuine and real. There will be a time when you know who your real friends are and to have that special gift is priceless. You cant buy that authentic friendship, it is real and can give you so much happiness just to know someone has your back is so much better than having millions in the back in my opinion. 

5. Attitude.

I think attitude is a big player in bringing you happiness. The way you view your situation and being grateful for what you do have can really impact your happiness levels. I always remember my nanny saying to me when I was young that there are always people better off than you and there are other people that have less then what you have. 

I think it is important to not hold on to this idea that money can buy you happiness. sure money has a place such as proving food or a roof over your head but realising that there is a point that happiness comes within. 

It is important to not compare yourself to others, you on your own journey and even if you don't have the fancied things that jo blogs have got that is ok because there are things to be grateful for. Taking time to appreciate what you do have is key in helping you find happiness within. 

What are your views on happiness? love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

Constructive ways to manage parental burnout

Hey readers,

This week I have been really burnout and depressed. I feel alone and somewhat embarrassed even scared to talk to my partner about worries I constantly have failure at being a mother.

 It does not help that I am being judged by external services with being autistic that over time paranoia and anxiety have built up causing it to interference with my day to day life.

I will be honest it scares me to be open about this but one thing that I found helpful was reading other people's accounts and getting that sense of solidarity.

 I have got social anxiety therefore naturally inclined to worry a lot about people's judgements and fear of failure in front of others. It does not help that we live in a society where mental illness is frowned upon. I've experienced it myself which makes you even more scared and you get caught in a trap. 

So all the blogs and information out there on the internet I am so glad that people are brave to talk about mental health issues.

Anyhow, I am concentrating on ways to help me and thought I would share some of the tools that have helped ease the pressure and reduce the risk. Not saying that it will cure but it might help reduce the 'burnout' that you're experiencing.

1. 1. Get in the mode of being good enough, setting a lower benchmark makes you feel more relaxed, less pressured and from my own personal experience, you then get to enjoy the experience rather than worry and get in a state about meeting this unrealistic ideal.
   2. Perfectionism is something I struggle with especially in terms of my image of parents. It is about being realistic and knowing what is achievable. Also learning about moderation and not going from one extreme to the next but being aware that it is OK for instance if the telly is on. Plus the telly has actually helped with my son's speech development and made improvements.
   3. Learn to relax is one of the hardest things to do. I am one of those catastrophic thinkers and find anything to get anxious about. I have found that not reading newspapers, articles or the news relating to childhood. I found it hard as it is not black and white and so many variables that influence behaviour. That does not me from focusing on just one element rather than looking at the whole situation. It has resulted in me getting obsessive to an unnatural amount. Sometimes ignorance is bliss and if I am that worried I speak to the health visitor. I have found to focus my time on reading books or trashy magazines, colouring to grow up adult books (cause I'm cool) and focus on walking. All these distraction techniques have helped me relax and not be so obsessive ability my parental anxieties. It is good to have something other than parent-related activities in your life as it gives you a chance to think about others and reduce stress.
   4. Identify the positives as it just makes you feel good. It is so important to make sure you are aware of the good in life. It can be hard to do as you can get caught up in the spiral of negative thinking. I have brought a line a day diary that is kept next to my bed so that I can write something positive. Even if it is just one word that is a starting point.
   5. Know you're not alone, parenting can be very isolating especially with mental health issues. Just reading blogs or looking on specific websites knowing you're not alone and other people have experienced what you have gone through.
   6. Make time for you even if it is just 10 minutes a day, it will do you the world of good as you are doing something for yourself and not anyone We all need a break from time to time.
   7. 
      

Thanks for reading X

My Sunday Photo 07/03/2021

st Patrick's day instagram captions that will bring you all the luck!

Hey readers,

If you don't know on the 17th March is St Patrick's Day. 

This means that historically it is a day to observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. 

The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green. 

St Patrick's day normally is a very popular get-together but of course, due to pandemic, it is more of an opportunity to showcase celebrations at home. 

Below is some St Patrick's Day Instagram quotes to help capture the vibe that you want to display on Instagram. There is a wide range so plenty to get lucky with. 

Cute captions.

 🍀  Irish kisses and shamrock wishes.

🍀  Feeling a little green.

🍀  Green beer & St. Paddy's cheer!

🍀 Lucky, blessed and all the rest.

🍀  I'm not Irish, but kiss me anyway.

🍀 Found my lucky charm!

🍀 May not have found the pot of gold, but I still got lucky.

🍀  Cutest clover in the patch.

🍀  You don't need luck when you have friends like these.

🍀  Making wishes on every four-leaf clover I find.

🍀  If you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough.

🍀  You're my four-leaf clover.

🍀  Who needs luck? I have charm.

🍀  Lucky in love is lucky enough.

🍀  A best friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.

🍀  Wishing you a pot o' gold and all the joy your heart can hold.

Funny captions. 

🍀  The leprechauns made me do it.

🍀  I'm not Irish, but my coffee is.

🍀  The paddy don't start 'til I walk in.

🍀  This is the only green shirt I have.

🍀  Don't worry, beer happy.

🍀  I pinch back.

🍀  We will, we will (sham) rock you!

🍀  What a brew-tiful day!

🍀  I'm not Irish, but kiss me anyway.

🍀 Shamrockin' and rollin'.

🍀  Forget luck, give me beer.

🍀  Magically delicious!

🍀  Take a pitcher it'll last longer.

🍀  Let the green beer flow.

🍀  Redheads unite!

🍀  Can't pinch this.

🍀  It's easy being green today.

🍀  Will pinch for beer.

🍀  Who needs luck when you have plenty of charm?

🍀  Oh my, Guinness!

🍀  Ginger hair, don't care.

Quotes.

🍀  "May your pocked be heavy and your heart be light. And good luck pursue you each morning and night."

🍀  "Why should you never iron a four-leaf clover? Because you don't want to press your luck." — Daryl Stout.

🍀  "Luck is believing you're lucky." — Tennessee Williams.

🍀  "May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go." — Unknown.

🍀  "You gotta try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it." — Jimmy Dean.

🍀  "May your troubles be less and your blessing be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door." — Unknown.

🍀  "I've always thought you've got to believe in lucky to get it." — Victoria Holt.

🍀  "Is it me or did I just get lucky?" — Jake Hardin, Just My Luck.

🍀  "Well, I'm a leprechaun so don't be telling me about rainbows!" — Reilly O'Reilly, The Luck of The Irish.

Happy St Patrick's Day to you.

Cheers for reading X

How brands can collaborate effectively with bloggers. **AD**

Hey readers,

I think as a brand it is really important to think about the way you work with other bloggers to promote your brand.

 Below I have some tips for brands on how to work with bloggers sucessfully.

Top tips on how brands can work with design bloggers and get the best out of the work arrangement. 

1. Selection process.

It is important to think about what your brand represents, you don't want to choose any blogger if they don't fit the brand or niche that they aim for.

The key is to take time your time in the selection process and consider bloggers that are appropriately matched to your brand.

 For example, there is no point in choosing a blogger who blogs about beauty to get to do a review of your restaurant. 

Another research method is to look for bloggers on Instagram. For example, an influencer who is already talking about your product or something similar that they tag in their pictures using.

 This indicates that the blogger is already got an interest in the product so comes across as more sincere than just choosing a blogger with no in the product beforehand. 

Look at the influencers past work and how they write, is it appealing to your brand. How is interacting with the blogger and their audience? These other elements consider when choosing the right candidate for your brand. 

2. Website.

Impressions count and making sure your website is optimised to the best of your ability is essential.

 Making sure that your website is clean and easy to navigate especially with quick load up is vital in getting visitors to your site. 

3.  Pitch perfect. 

Having a pitch ready before contacting a blogger is important. When you reach out to the blogger you want to be precise and clear about what you want.  

It is important, to be honest, as then that provides trust which is fundamental in making a good working relationship be successful. 

Layout what you want from the blogger and what you can offer the blogger in return. Be prepared in making a suitable pitch - be clear about what you want, set a budget and be honest. 

Remember though sometimes bloggers may want to negotiate if it doesn't feel right for them first off. Sometimes you have to work together to come to a suitable agreement so that everyone is happy with what they are doing. 

4. Goals.

Goals are something you should consider with where you want to improve with your brand. Things to consider are what you want to grow in terms of say growing your branded Instagram account, increasing sales of a product or bringing traffic to your website are just a few examples.

 

 There are many ways in which a blogger can offer service when collaborating with your brand. Below are some examples.

1. Guest blogging.

Guest posts are similar to sponsored posts however they are not paid. They normally are written for the blogger to published on their site. 

This is attractive for the blogger as it is high-quality content published. The appeal to the brand is that it gets their name out there and helps increase their SEO along with not having to spend a penny on the advertising of the brand. 

2. Sponsored posts.

A sponsored post is where the blogger writes a blog post all about the product. 

There will be a discussion with the brand to decide on how long the blog post is and what kind of thing they would like the blogger to discuss. 

After the published post and everything is finalised the blogger will get paid a sum for doing the published post about their brand. 

3. Shoutouts.

This tends to be more suited for social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook where the blogger takes a photo of the brand and mentioned them in the post. The incentive will be either the blogger getting a free brand product or get paid for it. 

4. Affiliate posts. 

This is where the blogger writes about the product, then leaves a unique code for that product. It means that if you click on and buy the product the blogger will get say 10% of commissions from the sales of the product if the visitor buys the product through the link.  

5. Interviews. 

This is a more personal type of collaboration as it is about either getting to know the blogger or brand and discussions motivations and the ideas behind the work that the brand/blogger does. 

There are however alternatives whereby you have someone in the middle to help brands connect with the right bloggers for projects in which you are looking for a suitable blogger. 

A brilliant site that is really beneficial for bloggers and brands is called Get Blogged Marketplace. 

I myself have used this platform for me to quickly get connected to brands and work with them. I find it easy to navigate and a great way to connect to brands without faffing with emails etc. 

Using the Get Blogged Marketplace is time-efficient for you the brand so quickly to get access to bloggers. 

The platform is ideal if you don't have a big budget but still want to get quality bloggers that provide good content. 

The good news is that you can get a variety of skills from different UK design bloggers. The fact that many design bloggers return frequently to the Get blogged marketplace site means have been their long term relationship which inturn shows trust and reliability. 

 Using the Get Blogged marketplace for your brand you can grow their backlink score and shareable content. 

Not to mention that using Get Blogged marketplace you grown your SEO meaning that your brand gets seen which is important in growing your business. 

The Get Blogged marketplace allows you to add a free listing to the marketplace with what you are looking for.  

As many design bloggers come to the blogger outreach services daily to check to see if they can apply for opportunities. This is beneficial because it potentially means sourcing a good blogger to help achieve your goal of getting a collaboration. 

Below are my top 5 design blogs that can give you a feel of what good quality bloggers can bring to the table to help enhance your brand promotion. 

1. I love Typothology.

This blog specialises in all things typology with detailed information about the history, to quizzes and new fonts that are on the block right now. 

2. Google Design.

This blog is from Google so there will be a lot of information about Google products and services. However, don't let that put you off as there is a wealth of articles on the world of design such as, 'Lessons From the Scariest Design Disaster in American History'. 

3. Wix Creative. 

Now Wix Creative in its own right is a blog platform but it also offers some really useful information on design. The type of content you will be able to get is inspiration, tips and general information such as how to create an online profile. 

4. It's Nice That. 

This blog hosts a variety of topics from art, illustration and graphic designs. It's Nice That is one of the best sites out there to keep up to date with design information. 

5. Creative Review.

This blog was established in 1980. It is a monthly magazine that covers art and design. You can expect high-quality journalism that offers reviews, news and features from the creative world. 

Hope this has been of help. 

Cheers for reading.

This is a collaboration post. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

How to trick yourself into becoming a morning person

Hey readers,

It can be quiet hard to get motivated especially in the morning when you have just woken up. That doesn't mean you can become more of a morning person with practice. Here are some tricks below in practising to become a morning person. 

1. sleep schedule.

By following a sleep routine can help you get your body into order and get used to the concept of getting up early in the morning. It is important to be consistent and you don't have to go wild but shifting even just 15 minutes early can help train your body to cope with the mornings. 

2. Time. 

Don't expect results immediate change takes time and you need to take one step at a time. Keep practising what you are doing is vital. Even if it is not perfect the first go or even month that is ok. Allowing yourself to make mistakes or not getting the results you want can help you keep motivated and stick at the change.

3. Wind down. 

Make sure you leave electronics all devices behind and not bring them to bed. That means less distraction and giving your mind the change to wind down and get sleepy. Also, try to avoid programmes like the news that can potentially cause an emotional response especially during the current climate with all the uncertainty. I find a good book that can help you get tired and want to go to sleep. it also relaxes me and my mind.

4. Time. 

Get up every day at the same time as this helps train your body and mind to get used to the mornings. Another benefit with the time you feel less groggy because you have already prepared to get up at a certain you are ready to face the day ahead.

5. Alarm clock.

An alarm clock is always handy to have even though you may think you get up naturally at a certain time it is always better to be safe. That is why having an alarm clock is important because the blaring noise helps you get up in the morning. 

It is important however not to have the alarm clock to close to you as you may be tempted to constantly press snooze and that is not good for you. Make sure to put your alarm clock in a place not too far but enough to physically get you up in the morning. Just the fact that you have to get up out of bed is the start point in helping you wake up in the morning. 

6. Light up. 

Light, whether that be natural or artificial, can help you wake up in the morning as this helps reset the circadian rhythm (helps controls your daily schedule for sleep and wakefulness that is tided in with your 24-hour body clock) and make you more alert. 

You can do this by opening curtains or blinds to get as much natural light in as possible. Or during wintertime a lightbox to help create lightness in your room. 

Do you do mornings? and if you do how do you manage to get motivated for the day? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 28/01/2021

Reasons to blog

Hey readers,

I have been blogging for over three years now and feel that I have some experience of this whole blogging malarky. 

If you have never blogged let me enlighten you as to why you should consider starting a blog.

Creativity.

Firstly, blogging can allow you to be creative. You don't have to focus on a niche. However, if you wanted to then that is fine because at the end of the day you can write whatever you want to. 

 That is the beauty about blogging, you can literally write about anything from domestic abuse to reasons to eat baked beans. 

It is a great tool for creativity and a way to express yourself to the world.

Therapy.

When I started blogging it was a distraction as I was going through some personal trauma. 

Blogging also helped me write down my feelings and express myself.

 I have autism and really struggle with verbal communication so blogged helped me look at how I was feeling and understand myself a bit better.

 With blogging, I can take my time and ponder.

 Blogging has helped me express myself when I maybe wouldn't have. 

Writing has helped me grow in confidence in working out how I feel and exploring reasons why I respond in the way that I do.

Spread awareness.

One positive about blogging is it can help raise awareness of a message you want to spread.

 Blog posts are fantastic as they are from the individual rather than an organisation. 

They are personal and tend to be raw, making it feel more real in a sense.

 Blogging is a platform to get your voice out there, anyone can read it and it isn't edited like professionals. I think that is one of the best things about blogs is that they tend to be first-hand accounts.

You learn about yourself.

I think exploring yourself can be quite hard but when you write it allows you to think about things.

 It makes your analysis and sees things maybe you might not instantly think of.

 Over time I have learned more about me through blogging and expanding areas of myself when I write.

Built an engagement.

Now, I am no great communicator but I will say that it has helped me get engaged with people.

 You may stumble across people that in normal life you would never have the opportunity to meet. 

Some bloggers make long-term friendship and think that is beautiful that something positive can come out of blogging.

Opens up to opportunities.

Blogging opens up to opportunities such as reviewing items or attending events.

 I am not the most successful blogger in this aspect but reading a lot of blogs if you are good at the social side of things then there are many doors that can be opened.

Make money.

Now, I have made the odd bit of money here and there which is fab as it has helped me when I really needed it.

 Some people can make a career out of blogging which I think is such an amazing opportunity to do something that you love.

Better writer.

As I have been blogging for a long period of time I feel that it has helped me be a better writer. I can write more words and can express myself better, which is always positive.

Cheers for reading X

Quick pitta pizza recipe

 Hey readers, 

A quick recipe to do with kids is pitta bread pizza, it takes less than 15 minutes that the kids will love it. 

What you will need.

* Passata or tomato puree.

*Cheddar cheese -  whatever strength you want. I opted for medium.

 

* Sweetcorn.

* Red onion.

How to make. 

1. Preheat oven at temperature 200C/fan 180C.

2. Spread tomato puree or passata onto the pitta bread. I had passata and used the back of the spoon to spread onto the pitta to make an even spread.

3. Then sprinkle the cheese, onion, sweetcorn or whatever your tastes.

  

4. Place the pitta bread pizzas in the centre of the oven and cook for 10 minutes. 

5. Take the pitta bread pizzas out of the oven and place onto a plate.

 

There you have a quick and easy activity to do with kids and it is a perfect lunch idea as well for something a bit different. 

I forgot to say at the end the boys added peoormi but you don't have to. You can use any ingredients whatever tickles your taste buds or what you have available at your home. 

Cheers for reading X