My Sunday Photo 30/10/2022

How to calm an autistic person down when they are anxious.

 Hey readers

With autism comes a lot of sensory information whether that be good or bad but sometimes it can be the latter. It can be too much and we autistic people need help because we can get so overwhelmed that it can consume us that we forget the steps to get back to a normal level of calmness within our mind. 

That is why it is good if we have some supportive people in our lives that can understand some techniques and that is why I have thought of five things that for as well being autistic has benefited me and think that may help other fellow autistic people out there.

1. The shame of a meltdown. 

The shame that follows a meltdown can be devastating. At times I think that getting over the meltdown is worse than actually having it. I feel so ashamed that I’ve ended up crying or yelling in public. I hate that I’m this way.

Having meltdowns is, for many, part of having autism. Although someone can make an effort to avoid triggers and manage emotional regulation, they should also recognize that it’s not their fault that a relatively slight upset, or simply being in a place where their senses are overloaded, can lead to a meltdown.

2. Words. 

Use few words because too much information can be unbearable as the autistic person has enough to deal with and process. Adding more information into the process can be another trigger and at times can make the situation worse. Sometimes just staying calm can be enough help for an autistic individual. 

3. A plan. 

A plan is always beneficial especially if the autistic person is going to someone new before. Just knowing that they can escape a situation at any time can help calm their anxiety down. Also, knowing what to expect and having a routine doesn't have to be strict but some sort of outline can be of benefit and can reduce the anxiety of the individual. 

4. Comforts. 

Of course like anyone autistic people are different so find what comforts them whether it be a good book they enjoy, a game, or an evening hiding in a dark place with their headphones on to help calm them down. Maybe fidget toys help them when they are anxious or having a meltdown, little comforts go a long way for someone with autism. 

5. Stimming. 

Let autistic people stim safely as much as they need to. Stimming is a series of repetitive movements that are calming mechanisms for autistic people. Examples of stimming include hand flapping, finger flicking, and rocking. Stimming is a crucial self-calming mechanism during emotional distress. 

Cheers for reading X 

7 ways to reduce food waste at home

 Hey readers, 

Did you know that Brits throw out a whopping £19 billion of food every year. This equates to 9.5 tones and 22% of the food we purchase ends up in the bin. We need to do something to reduce this and we can all do our bit so check out my 8 tips below on how to reduce food waste at home.

 

1. Avoid buying too much.

One of the simplest ways to avoid food waste as a consumer is to buy less.

A packed fridge may look appealing, but it may lead to food waste if the household cannot eat all of the food.

Taking a couple of shorter trips to the grocery store each week rather than one longer trip may prevent people from buying too much food and help cut back on waste.

2. Pick ugly fruit and vegetables.

Don’t judge food by its appearance! Oddly-shaped or bruised fruits and vegetables are often thrown away because they don’t meet arbitrary cosmetic standards. Don’t worry - they taste the same! Use mature fruit for smoothies, juices and desserts.

3. Love your list.

Make a shopping list (the easiest way is to keep it in the kitchen and add to it as you think of things) and stick to it when you go shopping. Plan ahead and shop with specific meals in mind.

4. Make a weekly menu.

Making a meal menu for the week may help some people organize their food usage and cut back on waste.

Using online tools or cookbooks to help plan out meals for the week can a person compile an accurate shopping list.

It may take a few weeks for each household to get the menu right, but having a set weekly menu might help some people reduce the guesswork around meals and avoid wasting food.

5. Know the foods that go off first. 

Keep an eye on the perishable items (such as meats, fish and salads), because that's the stuff that will go off more quickly. Your non-perishable items don't need as much attention.

This will take away the stress of using all of your ingredients and draw attention to the fresh items which will end up in the bin faster than, say, a bag of rice.

Remember:

'Best before' refers to quality, so after that date, it'll be safe but might not be at its best.

'Use by' refers to safety so after this date you mustn't eat it, even if it looks and smells OK.

4. Don't shop on an empty stomach. 

If you are hungry you're more likely to impulse-buy treats that you don't need (and that could end up in the bin). 

5. Buy foods that are in season.

Foods that are in season are more likely to taste better, which means you’re more likely to eat them! As well, food that is in the season hasn’t spent as much time in transport from the farm to your plate, so it has had less time to potentially spoil and become waste.

6. Need vs Deal.

Buy 1 get 1 free deals can be so tempting. It’s easy to get lost in the feeling of victory when you spot a good bargain. Remember - a smart shopper takes advantage of deals, don’t let the deals take advantage of you! 

7. Try not to cook too many food items that can’t be reused. 

I would always try and create ‘table abundance’ by cooking foods that can be easily reused, so keep away from things like dressed salads and stick to cooking root vegetables, which easily turned into a soup or broth the next day.

8. Bring lunch from home.

Packing a lunch from home can reduce food waste majorly. Whether it’s last night’s leftovers, a fresh, or even some fruit, packing food for the day means you don’t need to buy any unnecessary, single-use plastic and you have a set portion size. Plus, it decreases home leftovers and waste!

Have I missed any tips on how to reduce food waste at home? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

 

Cheers for reading X  

 

My Sunday Photo 23/10/2022

My eldest getting invested into Scouts ☺ 

The autumn tag: this or that!

Hey readers, 

If you didn't know already it is autumn and when I saw the autumn tag on Life as Kim blog I thought I am going to have to give it a whirl on my blog. 

1. The smell of pumpkin guts OR rotting leaves?

If I had to chose between the two I would have to go for rotting leaves just because the smell of pumpkin guts just makes me want to vomit.

2. Sweet OR salty pumpkin seeds?

    Salty pumpkin seeds, thought I haven't tried either because they don't have a sweet or salty flavour do they?

3. Store bought OR pumpkin patch pumpkins?

If money wass no objection then patch pumpkins for the experience but because  I am skint supermarket will do the job just fine :D

4. Wool OR knit sweaters?

I prefer knit because wool irritates my skin and as an autistic i am quite sensitive to clothing material. I find wool to itchy where as knit is warm and cosy for me anyways. 

5. Halloween party OR explore haunted places?

Haunted places I love idea of doing urban exploring. 

6. Apple pie or pumpkin pie?

I like both but apple pie comes out more favourable. 

 

7. Still, silent nights OR rainy, windblown nights?

I like rainy windy nights when it is dark outside and i can be cosy and feel safe inside my home. 

8. Witches OR ghosts?

Either bring them on lol.

9. Raking leaves or climbing trees?

oooo you know what I don't mind either up anything me.

10. Ouija boards OR ghost stories around a campfire?

I have never tried Ouija boards love to have a go on that. Ghost stories bore me to tears, they interested me when I was 10 not now I am an adult. 

11. October OR November?

100% October, love halloween, the darkness and spooky season.

12. Black cats OR owls?

Black cats as they are beautiful!

13. Fireplace OR candle light?

Can I be greedy and have both as this is a tough one as they are both delightful. 

14. Monster movies OR their classic novels?

Monster movies, I prefer to read psychological thrillers ;)

15. Carve OR paint pumpkins?

Carve with a tough of sort hand. 

Below are the questions if you want to join in ith the tag yourself.

1. The smell of pumpkin guts OR rotting leaves?

2. Sweet OR salty pumpkin seeds?

3. Store bought OR pumpkin patch pumpkins?

4. Wool OR knit sweaters?

5. Halloween party OR explore haunted places?

6. Apple pie or pumpkin pie?

 

7. Still, silent nights OR rainy, windblown nights?

8. Witches OR ghosts?

9. Raking leaves or climbing trees?

10. Ouija boards OR ghost stories around a campfire?

11. October OR November?

12. Black cats OR owls?

13. Fireplace OR candle light?

14. Monster movies OR their classic novels?

 

15. Carve OR paint pumpkins?

Cheers for reading X

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