Top 5 family films.

Hey readers, 

A nice thing to do with the family is to grab the popcorn and curl up on the sofa with a throw, some popcorn and put on a film for all the family to enjoy. If you are looking for a good family film then I might have the answer with my top 5 family films to enjoy.

 1. Sonic 1 and 2.

If you are of a certain age you will remember Sonic games and this gives you as a parent nostalgia feels. Not only is fun for kids parents can also enjoy the action fun-packed film full of adventures including sonic and of course the baddie egg man. The films are not too long and carry off the games with the film along with stories of trying to save the world whilst trying to avoid the baddie much like the game and works well in a film format. Isn't too soppy and enough action throughout to keep you entertained.

2. Nuns on the run. 

This is a classic one but I think it is brilliant and one that you would normally think would end up on a list of top films but recommend it as my kids love it. Yes, it is cheesy but it is really fun and about two crooks are on the run after getting the money from the bank. They get dressed as nuns but then fake being a nun because it saves their skin is funny throughout and is a timeless classic. 

3. The Mask. 

Where do we start the course the brilliant Jim Carrey who has some bad luck in life finds a mask and then turns his life into a Dr Jekyll and Hyde life whereby the day he is a bank and at night is when all the fun happens. Lots of childish fun and laughter along the way are great for all the family to enjoy.

 4. Unkle Buck.

One of his best family films from the 80s has to be Uncle Buck starring the one and only John Candy. It's a timeless story about family, growing up, and being there for the ones you love. It hits all the marks of a classic John Hughes film from the 80s nostalgia, slapstick comedy, and heartfelt performances.

5. Maleficent.

I love Maleficent film and one of the best Disney films out there. Be warned it is a dark adventure fantasy film and even though it is rated PG it does have violence and death involved. It is a stunning setting and it is a retold version of sleeping beauty but from the villain's point of view. 

What do you think about my list of family films? Have I missed any ones that you think are good? love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 16/10/2022

Autism and things I cannot live without.

Hey readers,

This post is all about the things that help a little to make my life a bit more manageable with dealing with being autistic in a neurotypical world. Some of the things have helped calm me down when I am emotional trauma, changed or uncertain.

 It doesn't have to be big or fancy but it is enough to have an impact on my mood and calm me down when I most need it.

6 things that help make my autistic life more manageable.

1. Noise-cancelling headphones.

I am not talking about the headphones kids wear (though they are good) I wear the ones that drown out all the noise and I can also listen to music or podcasts. 

This has helped me when I am out and about in supermarkets or need to get somewhere on public transport. I can switch off into my little universe when I get overstimulated with the noise, business and lights.

 I can zone out and gives me a pause to just chill and rebalance my senses again as it were. Having this opportunity to take time out from the outside world by putting headphones on means can help reduce the risk of having a meltdown as I don’t like them, especially in public places as I hate attention on myself and very private person when it comes to emotional stuff so much prefer to scream some quiet away from everyone.

2. Google Maps.

Google maps for me are a godsend before this was available on phones I used to hate going anywhere new or didn’t know that was familiar to me as I would get lost and get very anxious. 

Having Google maps give me the security blanket of knowing where to go, and what buses to catch and not worrying if I do get lost. It means I can explore more like taking my kids to a new park without fear as much, I still get anxious, but I can analyse where we are and work out where to go on the map. 

Although when I do get too anxious I still can't manage to read the instructions but have learnt to take myself away from the noisy environment to allow myself time to calm down to work it out or if ever a situation got too much for me to handle I do have my husband who has a car or there is an uber, so I always have a plan b which again gives that security so feel less anxious because whatever happens it can be resolved one way or another.

3. My bed.

It is my safe space for when I am feeling scared or want to shut down I like to escape there and hide in the corner away from it all. It is where I go to relax and wind down, I want to put my headphones on and listen to music or read a book. I like it when I have my window open and the breeze flows around me. 

4. Lava lamp/fairy lights. 

I love low lighting and moving lights, it calms me down and hence why I have included my lava lamp and fairy lights. They just bring a relaxing ambience to my room and help calm me down and help especially when I am having a meltdown. 

5. YouTube visual aid. 

I love visual aids from moving colours to train journeys anything that calms me down and relaxes me. I find YouTube videos great for resources which are free to use. 

6. My Husband.

My husband is a massive help in a lot of ways and makes it much easier for everyday situations to fill in complex forms and meetings. 

Cheers for reading X 

Benefits of being alone.

 Hey readers,  
In today's life, we are constantly bombarded with messages from social media and life that we should always be busy and doing things with others or else we are at risk of missing out.

 It is almost like we have lost the ability to be by ourselves at times, of course, it is good to spend time with people but also it is good to have times when you are alone. Many positive benefits of solitary can do you the world of good and sometimes it is just switching off and being by yourself. 

1. Know Yourself.

One of the greatest benefits of spending time alone is how it helps you develop a better understanding of who you are. The more you know and understand yourself the more likely you are to do things that you love, learn things that interest you and spend time with people who make you feel good. Knowing yourself also builds confidence to help you navigate all types of situations. The more you get to know yourself the more you’ll like and accept yourself. When you know and like you, others are more inclined to like you too!

2. Being Alone Allows Our Brains to Recharge.

Our brains need balance. While social interactions are crucial to certain areas of brain activity, time alone is necessary for our brains to unwind and recharge. Constantly being ‘on’ doesn’t give your brain a chance to rest and replenish itself. Being by yourself with no distractions gives you the chance to clear your mind, focus, and think more clearly. It’s an opportunity to revitalise your mind and body at the same time.

 3. Doing things you enjoy.

When you’re constantly in the company of other people, you’re always making compromises to find solutions that the entire group can enjoy. And unfortunately, the things you want most, may not always line up with what the group wants.
So it’s easy to enjoy being alone once you realize that doing so gives you more freedom to do the things you want to do.

4. Quality of your relationships. 

Solitude can enhance the quality of your relationships with others. By spending time with yourself and gaining a better understanding of who you are and what you desire in life, you're more likely to make better choices about who you want to be around. You also may come to appreciate your relationships more after you've spent some time alone.
Despite knowing these benefits, it can be a challenge to find time alone in a world that seems to never sleep. Here are a few ideas to help you find more time to spend with yourself.

5. Solitude sparks creativity.

There’s a reason a lot of authors or artists want to go to a cabin in the woods or a private studio to work. Being alone with your thoughts gives your brain a chance to wander, which can help you become more creative.

 What do you think about being alone? Do you enjoy it? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X 
 

    

My Sunday Photo 09/10/2022

We make a cornflake tray bake this Weekend! 

Things I would like to change.

Hey readers,

I love my blog as it is a place where I can track my thoughts and a way to express any worries I may have. So as this is the case I am going to share some of the things I want to change to help make my life a little easier.

Recently I have been struggling with tiredness. It normally occurs around the end of the week and thinks that it is just because is a knock-effect of all the week has on me. I get tired anyway because of how much energy it takes to deal with my autism difficulties.

I think just being kind of and not so demanding on myself. Taking it slower is better for me and my health and that is what I want to achieve. I am a firm believer in taking small steps or else it can be risky to lose motivation if I push myself too hard.

I also want to try to be more experimental in the kitchen and try new recipes to help with getting more confident or at least give my husband a break from the wonderful cooking he does. However, I do love trying new recipes, even if it is just once a week, it does help with my confidence and esteem when I achieve good results.

Because of my tiredness and anxiety, I dip in motivation to go out and about. I am hoping to get out more now that children are back at school I aim to get in 10,000 steps at least five days out of the seven. 

I know I can achieve this when I am out I feel good but my downfall is getting past the first walk step.

I know so cliché but for someone with an anxiety condition, it has to be to try not to worry so much. I panic about my parenting and how good I am. Sometimes, just accepting a situation can reduce that great big weight on my shoulders.

Cheers for reading X

GreenJinn app review

Hey readers, 

With the cost of living rising, we are all looking for ways to help reduce the cost of our good bills. There are a few good apps that can help by giving you free or a percentage off food items.

 

I have done a review of two good ones you can check out called Shopmium and CheckoutSmart. Today I am focused on Greenjinn it is not the most popular money-saving app but every little helps as they say especially in this day and age.

What is the Grennjin app?

 
Greenjinn is a cashback app that either gives you free food or gives you food at a discounted rate. You can get the cash back after you have bought the item from the specific store and the item it says on the app. 

The money can be transferred to PayPal. All you have to do is look at the app and check the supermarket s offers. Buy the specific product as if I was going to Sainsbury's I would click on the top tab that says Sainsbury's.

 Search the offers that I want so currently there is a tribe protein flapjack caramel, 50g. It is important to get the exact product such as the flavour and size.

 Then buy the product and get a receipt. Next, you need to upload the receipt. It is really important that the receipt is not wrinkled and the photo of the receipt has good lighting as you don't want to get it rejected. There you have it, it is that simple to use the Grinnjinn app.

You can download the free Grennjinn app from the Play store and Apple app store. You can sign up using your email, Facebook or apple account. 

The shops that are covered in the app are as follows:

* Sainsbury's
* Waitrose 
* Tesco
* Morrisons 
* Asda 
* Coop
* Boots 
* Plant Organic
* Booths
* Ocando 
* MFG

The type of items that Greenjinn offer at a reduced cost or as a freebie are oat milk, lemons, toothpaste, washing up liquid that sort of thing. 

How do you get paid?

Once you have scanned your receipt and it has been confirmed, you can opt to be paid either by Paypal or directly into your account.

Is GreenJinn worth it?

On the plus side, GreenJinn has the most offers available out of all the receipt apps I have downloaded on my phone. But sadly, it’s also the weakest when it comes to how much money you can save, with the discounts lacking compared to its rivals.

With that said, it doesn’t cost you to be a member, so there’s no harm in having it downloaded onto your phone. It will save you some money, just not as much as I would like.

Take a look at the offers and then tap the ones you plan on buying to add them to your cart. Once purchased, take photographs of your receipt via the app, clearly showing the time, date, products and supermarket name. You can take several if you need to.

Once uploaded and processed the cashback will be added to your account. You will then need to request to withdraw this to your Paypal account. You will either be refunded the full amount or a part of the purchase price, depending on the offer. 

The minimum withdrawal amount is £1.50. There is no limit to cash out and there is no charge as well which is good compared to the likes of CheckoutSmart where they would charge you 5% if you want to cash out under £20.00. 

Here are a few tips for using the Greenjinn app.

Always check the app before you go shopping to see if there are any offers you can take advantage of. 

Greenjinn typically releases new offers on a Monday Morning.

Write down the size and name of products in case you can’t get a signal while shopping to check them while shopping.

Make sure you get a receipt, even when using the self-service checkouts.

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 02/10/2022

Positivive benefits of video games for kids

Hey readers, 

Playing video games for kids gets a bad press but did you know that actually there are positive benefits to playing video games. Here are 10 benefits of video games for kids. 

  1. Teach them problem-solving. 

Traditionally video games train problem-solving and strategy development skills by getting the player to solve increasingly complicated problems. In many cases, there is time pressure which develops speed and decision-making skills.  

2. Sparks creativity. 

Ample research has shown that video games can stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving. And they help to keep your cognitive abilities sharp as well. Gaming can also have other big benefits when it comes to creative problems and works. Video games can also help to set up perfect challenges that help gamers to expend energy. Engaging in an activity that is either stimulating or engaging leads to an increase in dopamine levels in the brain. 

3 Visual-spatial awareness.  

When we are talking about spatial awareness in games it refers to the spatial skills that we have and our ability to rotate and conceptualise 3-D objects and decipher maps, graphs and diagrams can help with spital awareness.

 Studies have found evidence that video games can increase processing speed, cognitive flexibility, working memory, social skills, and problem-solving skills. The bottom line: it's absolutely possible to develop important spatial awareness skills while playing games such as Minecraft, Roblox and The Sims.  

4. Social connections. 

Studies have found that playing video games, especially those that are social and collaborative, can lead to more prosocial behaviours (behaviour that is positive, helpful, and aimed toward social acceptance and friendship) among children. 

Video games have created a fun and engaging way of connecting with people and can act as an essential teaching tool in developing social skills. Video games can help build cooperation skills and supporting skills as players have the option to work together to form alliances and create teams working cooperatively.

5 Improve concentration.  

Video games help improve children's concentration. And it was the kids who played action video games which showed the biggest improvements. Not only did they perform better on attention tests. They also improved their reading speed without any loss of reading comprehension. 

6. Improve coordination.  

Managing a controller with their hands while watching a screen with their eyes improves kids' hand-eye coordination. In fact, research from the medical journal PLOS One found that surgeons who played video games improved their hand-eye coordination and precise muscle movement. 

7. Enhance memory. 

According to some research studies, video games improve problem-solving skills. These research studies reveal that some parts of our brains may grow as a consequence of playing. These parts are associated with strategic planning, memory and spatial navigation.

8. Reduces stress.

Specifically, video game play has been found to lead to improved mood, reduced emotional disturbance, improved emotion regulation, relaxation, and stress reduction. Importantly, the moderate play has been associated with better outcomes than either excessive play or a lack of play.

9. Improve self-esteem.  

Specifically, video game play has been found to lead to improved mood, reduced emotional disturbance, improved emotion regulation, relaxation, and stress reduction. Importantly, the moderate play has been associated with better outcomes than either excessive play or a lack of play.

10. Good learning tool. 

 Many modern education institutions incorporate video games as a teaching methodology. This helps these children improve their academic skills by providing video games that are specifically aimed at enhancing their cognitive and creative skills.

What do you think about kids' video games? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X  

How to save money on your clothes

Hey readers,

Times are tough and we are looking for ways to cut down our costs of spending one way we can do that is by reducing the amount we spend on clothing. I have 5 tips on how to save money on your clothes. 

 1. Recycle old clothes for vouchers

These schemes all reward you for recycling old clothes:

• H&M - receive a £5 voucher (to be redeemed against a £25 shop) if you recycle a bag of unwanted clothes or textiles from any store in any condition at a branch of H&M.
• Marks and Spencer - receive a £5 voucher (to be redeemed against a £35 shop) if you donate items to Oxfam (either clothing or soft furnishings). They must not be damaged or soiled as clothes will be resold. You can also donate items in M&S stores under the retailer's 'Shwop' scheme - you won't get a voucher but Sparks members will get a free treat if they scan the QR code on the donation box.
• New Look - take good-quality, pre-loved fashion to a Hospice charity shop (find them here), scan the QR code on the counter and receive 15% off your next shop at New Look.
• Schuh - receive a £5 voucher (to be redeemed against a £25 spend) when you bring an old pair of shoes (any brand).
• Sweaty Betty - receive a £10 voucher (to be redeemed against a £50 spend) when you recycle an old pair of leggings (any brand) to the store, which can also be done online.

2. Shop out of season.

We know, it’s exciting to buy things pre-season. When it’s icy outside, that lightweight sundress makes you feel like spring is right around the corner. But if you’re buying in anticipation of what’s next, you’re paying the maximum retail price. If you shop for what’s not happening, you’ll get a much better price. Sure, it might feel weird to buy a sweater when it’s nearly triple digits outside, but it’ll save you some cool cash.

3. Where to buy second-hand clothes

There are many places where you can buy second-hand clothes, either in-store or online. 

For stores try local charity shops, or antique shops if you like vintage clothing. Many such shops have now reopened with all the necessary Covid-related measures in place. You will need to be prepared to browse as obviously everything is a one-off item and you can’t guarantee what will or will not be there. But there are many bargains to be had and you will be helping to support either a charity or a local business

There are also many online auctions and selling sites, for example:

* eBay

* Facebook Marketplace

* Depop

*  Preloved 

As well as searching for specific items that you want, it can also be worth including the word “bundle” or “job lot” in your search. You can often find a listing that includes several items which a seller does not have time to list individually, so can work out at incredible value. And if there are some of the items that either don’t fit or you don’t like, you can always pass them on to friends or your local charity shop: you will still bag a bargain.

5. Try 'swishing'

 'Swishing' is the term for swapping items of clothing or footwear with other people. Instead of shopping for new garments, it’s worth getting a group of friends or colleagues together to swap unwanted clothes.

6. Upcycle existing garments

Changing your existing clothes is one way to freshen up your wardrobe without throwing out and replacing the whole lot.

Merion Willis, the Craft Editor at Lovecraft's, said embroidering flowers, geometric patterns or fun lettering to clothing can give a personal finish.“Adding embroidery to tired knitwear is a super-fast way to brighten it up.”

What do you think of my tips on how to save money on clothes? Have I missed a good way to save money that you use that has helped you? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday photo 5/09/2022

 

They can be nice together now and again 😉 

What does an autistic shutdown feel like?

 Hey readers, 

As I am getting older I have noticed that the way I manage to respond emotionally has changed somewhat. I have reduced the number of times I have a meltdown and I am more likely to respond to a situation by going into a shutdown mode. 

 I don't know whether this is a direct response to getting older or having more experience of life. It could simply be down to the fact that a shutdown is the better response for me as it is less emotionally draining and easier to hander after the event as well.

 You have to realise that meltdowns not only are emotionally charged during that the moment of the event but also there needs to be a time to recover after the situation.  Compared to a shutdown you use less emotional resources which results in an quicker time to recover emotionally. 

Although one does wonder does a shutdown in the long term causes harm if you are suppressing emotions however that is something I probably will blog about at a later date.

Meltdown. 

You may be wondering what I mean by the terms of a meltdown. 

A meltdown in regards to a autistic one, as opposed to a toddler one, is a response to the mind or body when it is feeling overwhelmed. It may at times appear to happen without warning.

 

By rights, anyone can have a meltdown an autistic meltdown is stronger and more frequent. I tend to find I need time after my meltdown to recover and deal with processing the situation.

 With my meltdowns I tend to shout because I am angry and lose control because mainly as a result of the change, I am flapping and pacing, I sometimes self-harm, hyperventilate and struggle to put my thoughts into words and express myself clearly. I am also very anxious and can have panic attacks again linked to control and not knowing what is happening or being in control of a situation. 

Shutdown. 

So on the other side, we have a thing called a shutdown and you probably can work out from the name what the behaviour will be towards this term. 

Due to the overwhelmingness of the situation and the inability to know how to deal with the situation an autistic person will sometimes literal shut down like a computer. 

The characteristics of a shutdown tend to be for me is when I go mute, I don't want to talk to anyone. I want to hide away in a corner away from anyone or any stimulation time. 

 I like to hide in the darkness as this tends to help calm me down. As before shutdown mode, I do often get sensory overload when too many different sensory things all occur at once whether that be the level of noise in the background, the lights, business etc. 

 So I seek out a quiet, dark and calm environment where I can just be still and don't have to think. Going into shutdown mode for me is a safe place where I can regain regularity within my body and mind. It is the time when I can stop thinking the most and not have to collect so many messages to my brain, it is a break to breathe and just be. 

One of the reasons I prefer shutdown to a meltdown is that they take up less emotional guilt which I feel after a meltdown I will be honest I am aggressive and get very frustrated. 

Autism affects me with change and not knowing what is happening strongly and I would call myself a control freak and hate not knowing what is happening. 

If people are late it sends my anxiety high and then waiting for a response pushes me right over the edge. So you can see I like to know what is happening, I am not a placid easy come, easy-go type person. I hate uncertainty which causes me great anxiety hence it displays itself in anger. 

So shutdowns I prefer are less emotional and time-consuming before and after a meltdown, but they come with a cost not only do you feel shit for a long time. 

Meltdowns chip away at your confidence as a person especially if you're having them frequently and as an adult, I think as a child you are more socially acceptable to have a meltdown but people judge you. 

Over time, this really affects your mental health, so you can see the correlation of why so many autistic people have mental health conditions as well to deal with.   

Shutdowns are easy to manage they take less time because they are slower you are calmer in a sense so that helps although over the long term could fuel depression which has happened to me in the past so be mindful of that. 

So you can see why shutdowns are more attractive if you had to choose between two as a way of dealing with the neurological and emotional factors of autism issues that occur frequently throughout most autistic persons' lives. 

Cheers for reading X