My Sunday Photo 03/04/2022

My boys made a special knot for part of their work for cubs this week. 

Cheers for reading X 

         

Autism and lonliness

 Hey readers, 

It is lonely being an autistic person in this world. All I ever see is how to be accepting of your autism, be proud to be different. But no one ever talks about the loneliness of being autistic, of always being on the outside and never quite fitting in. 

Just on Twitter alone the messages I read (problem with autism I tend to read things wrong) but this is my interpretation is that if you dare say anything negative you are a bad person. It feels so skewed and that alone is isolating. The feeling that you can't be your true self or be open because you will get shot down for feeling such negative emotions associated with being autistic. 

Then there is loneliness when for example I am married to a neurotypical person (someone who doesn't have autism) at times it makes me feel angry because my husband is completely different from me. He hasn't the same struggles, he is good at communication and he talks to EVERYONE. 

He is laid back and sometimes he is lonely because of having negative feelings, especially when feelings of not being adequate. I'm constantly being reminded ok it is light-hearted and only meant to be fun but at times it gets to me, I go to a place alone and cry because it is hard living in this world when you never feel you reach a level that is acceptable. 

When you try so hard but you somehow seem to screw it up, you say the wrong thing, or when it is too much you have a meltdown because you just can't cope with the situation that is happening around you. 

You look around and you see people understand these unwritten rules and even though you can mimic them if it is not linear and something slightly changes I end up confused or not doing the acceptable thing. I know people are going to say that it is ok to be different, but is it really because it does feel like that.

 If you're on the outside and people just don't understand. I suppose I bring it on myself because even though I write my blog and it is open in real face to face I am a private person. Plus  I have always been better at writing down thoughts because I can take my time, come back and edit, etc but when I try to communicate it is my anxiety that cribbles me. 

I overanalysis things and it gets to me. I feel alone in this world, even when I am around people, I never feel like I quite fit in. I know I am not the only autistic person to feel like this but it gets lonelier when you are out in the world, not in a little bubble on social media. When you watch people engage, you think why can't I do it or say the right thing that makes you feel so alone, it can be crippling.

 There are days when you wake up and think not again I have to battle being an autistic adult. You dread going to sleep because it takes so much energy to get up and carry on. To be constantly reminded that you don't fit in and you fail. That stuff hurts and gets in deep over the years, it is painful and again the loneliness creeps in and eats away at you. 

I don't really know what the point of this post is, but when you are in a click or watch someone struggle who alone just remembers they may be really struggling on the inside. You never know what is going on in someone's head so just remember to do anything in this world be kind. 

Cheers for reading X 

Shopmium app review.

Hey readers,

I love to save money and a good way to do this is through your phone. There are different apps now on the market that can save you money. One of them that I am going to look at today is called Shopmium. 

Shopmium is a free cashback app where that provides exclusive discounts or free food that you simply scan the food barcode and receipt. Once approved the money will then be returned to your Paypal account within 24-48 hours. 

Shopmium often uploads different offers so be worth checking the app frequently to see if there are any new updates on the app.  

There is a thing called a Shopmium club where you can earn stars which can make you go up a level and there are 3 levels in total. What can help you earn stars are referrals and cashback requests. When you reach a gold level that means you get VIP extras such as getting requests looked at within 24 hours and seeing offers a few days before others on lower levels do. 

Also on your birthday, you will get free gifts such as a box of Lindt chocolate which I think is a nice touch. 

You can download the Shopmium app on android and apple store. You can not use Shopmium on a desktop site. One thing to note is that you can only download Shopmium on iPhone 5 and those models after that running ios 9 as a minimum and Android version 5 (Lollipop).

Generally, It should take Shopmium within 48 hours to get back to you (unless your gold level). You should receive a payment if no problems.

 Now and again I have had Shopmium email me with regards to difficulties reading the receipts that I have scanned in and they simply request for me to rescan the receipt. 

  So the second time made sure the receipt was straight and had good lighting and iv had no problems after that.

If you refer a friend, using your referral code, and they sign up and make their first cashback offer Shopmium will give you £3 of credit and your friend will receive a free can of Pringles.
  
If you so wish you can use my referral code: KYKFGYUL.  

 Navigating is really straightforward as there is a bar on the home page where you can either click through on all offers to see all the offers you can select a certain supermarket.

It is much easier if you are in a certain supermarket to find the relevant offers that the store you are in to click on that specific store. 

Where can I use Shopmium cashback app in-store? 

* Tesco.

* Sainsbury's 

*  Waitrose.

*  Asda. 

Other stores.

*  WHSmith.

*  Holland & Barratts.

*  Co-op. 

*  Amazon. 

When you click on the offer at the bottom there are their icons in the right-hand corner with a red heart which you can on to save for a later date. 

There is the blue pin which shoes were the locations that you can buy the product.

Finally, the green barcode which you scan before buying to make sure you have the correct product if you need that peace of mind.

One thing I would like to mention with this app is where I can get caught out in regard to the deal. 

Below is a screenshot it says 50p off and sometimes in a rush I have been caught out with not thinking straight and misreading the information thinking the product was the amount off as opposed to just the amount of the product if that makes sense. 

If it says the rice is 25p off it doesn't mean that the rice is 25p it means that if the rice is £1.25 then it will cost you £1.00 and you will get the 25p cashback returned to you by Shopmium in your Paypal. 

So always be careful reading what the deal is as you may be short-changed and you may not necessarily get the deal you wanted. 

Overall. 

My opinion of this app is it is brilliant,  I don't think it is good as Checkoutsmart (which is a similar cashback app to Shopmium). Then again there are some really good offers, and I have in the past saved some money so I can't complain especially when often there is a lot of free or reduced food. 

It can give you chance to try something new where you might not normally go and chose a product which I think is a great way of testing something out. 

What is your opinion of Shopmium? have you tried it? love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 27/03/2022

My eldest did an art piece for school and he put a lot of effort into completing a portrait of King Henry VIII. We are really proud of him and it is going to be hung up in a new art gallery local to us when it gets opened up soon. 

Cheers for reading X 

         

The best Easter decorations to buy this year

 1. Poundland - gonks - £1.

These little fellas are only £1 but come in lovely pastel coloured hats and have showcased their impressive white beards to brighten up your home for Easter.  There are four to collect and they make a great little collection. 

2. T.K.Maxx  - Green moss Easter bunny - £9.99.

This sweet Easter bunny would look great in the garden. I like the contest between the green moss of the rabbit's body and the floral bunnies' ears, definitely something a bit different from your traditional design. 

3. Next - Easter hanging decoration - £5. 

This charming Easter wall decoration from next is subtle in design. I like the play on words with hoppy Easter and the two bunnies sitting together on a bench is so loveable makes you wonder what they are thinking about. 

4. The Range - Louise Brown hare cushion - £10.99.

This beautiful duck egg cushion gives me all the country-living feels. The design is stunning and would make a great addition to anyone's home for Easter or any time of the year actually!

5. Wilko - Easter mug - £4.00. 

**SWEAK** how adorable is this cute play on words Easter mug. It is a perfect cup to pour your morning brew in and put a smile on your face for the day. The design is adorable with the rabbit ears and whiskers incorporated within the text. 

6. Wayfair - Easter wreath - £115.99.

This beautiful wreath covered in pastel eggs would look amazing on the door greeting you when you come home. It is not too overpowering in colour but has enough detail to make a statement so it is a real winner in my eyes. 

7. Poundstretcher - Easter hanging wooden sign  - £1.00. 

A cute but straightforward wooden sign saying happy Easter and heat is even better is that it only costs £1, what an absolute bargain!

8. The British Craft House - bunny rabbit bunting - £22.50. 

My heart just melted at this super adorable bunny punting. How beautiful is it with the great and mint bunnies with blue love hearts in felt material that makes such a cosy vibe feel to a room. 

9. Lights4fun - bunny Easter wreath - £25.99.

This is something a bit different from what I normally see in the Easter decoration section this beavuation rabbit head woven wood with faux flowers and lights attached, It can easily be placed on a door, wall, or even a shelf and it is light up will give a cosy vibe. 

10. B&M - £2.00. 

What an eggcellent way to start Easter breakfast with eggs on toast. These cute bunny egg holders are too cute to resist and would make a great addition to anyone's kitchen (plus you can use them all year round which is a bonus :D ). 

What is your favorite item on my eater decoration list? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

How to deal with panic attacks

Hey readers,

As a person with anxiety for many years I have had to deal with a fair few panic attacks in my time. Now the first thing I want to mention is don't worry if you have expressed panic attacks recently they are nothing threatening and they are just a way for the body to respond to the anxiety.

Historically we had a response called flight or fight in x times where it was a way to survive where we would either fight or run, normally run especially when there is a hungry tiger coming at yours. Sadly, we haven't evolved enough as humans to get rid of that response in our brain so therefore even though most like changes of bumping into a scary animal is like we still respond the same way when we are in an anxious situation.

 The downfall is that we can produce too much adrenaline and lack of oxygen where we panic and do not breathe correctly because we are panicking too much which in turn escalates to a panic attack. One of the symptoms is you feel like you can not breathe properly. So, I am going to give you my top tips on how to manage a panic attack.

1. No worry.

My best advice when it comes to a panic attack does not worry you are not going to die and that the feelings will dispense within time. I used to be scared of panic attacks or do anything to stop them but actually, they come whether you want it or not. Embrace it and go with it. 

A good visualization is like a wave when it builds up high but then it will fall again and that is a  panic attack in a sense. I have had many and they can confirm they do reach a point and you can get back on the even level soon, you just need to relax and breathe is the fundamental goal.

2. Breathe.

If you're breathing quickly during a panic attack, doing a breaking exercise can ease your other symptoms. 

Try this breath in as slowly, deeply, and gently as you can, through your nose. Breathe out slowly, deeply, and gently through your mouth,. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from one to five on each in-breath and each out-breath. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. You should start to feel better in a few minutes. You may feel tired afterward so do anything too strenuous. 

3. Positive statements. 

When you are feeling anxious and panicky it can be helpful to use positive statements which can be used to remind you that panic is not dangerous and isn't harmful. The type of positive statements are:

* Panic is simply high levels of anxiety.

*  By remembering these symptoms are nothing more than anxiety, I can prevent further symptoms from occurring. 

* My anxiety and panic will pass naturally given time, it doesn't last forever.

* I can continue without needing to escape or avoid. 

* I have never fainted, choked, or had a heart attack. 

Reminding yourself of these facts can help to prevent further panic cycles from happening. 

4. Drink water.

Dehydration can cause more than just thirst and dry lips. It can also set the heart racing and make you feel light-headed and dizzy, all sensations that are common during panic attacks. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to ward off any 'thirsty' mood swings. 

5. Distractions.

Having distractions techniques can help you focus on something else when you're in a panicked, anxious, or distressed state. Although it may seem like a difficult thing to do, it can become a useful and healthy way of coping with the situation. Here are some ideas that you could try out, or ask your close friends and relatives to do with the tour when you need support. 

* Counting things around you for example how many blue things are in your room. 

* Doodling or colouring. 

* Counting backwards from 10, then from 25, and then 50. 

* Focussing on your breathing, but breathing in for forum, holding your breath for four, and then breathing out for four. 

* Image a place where you feel safe, and then imagine the sounds you can hear in that place. 

Have you ever experienced panic attacks? What has worked for you to help reduce anxiety during those difficult times? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 20/03/2022