March favourites

Hey readers,

It is now the fourth month of the year that we are in. So, I am going to reflect over the past month (March) of things that I have been loving. 

1. Fleabag. 

Regarding television programmes that I have been watching in March, I have been really enjoying Fleabag on BBC one. It is the second series and still carrying on brilliantly. It is about the life of a woman called Claire living in London dealing with the tragedy of losing her friend. It is dark, it is funny and really well timed as well with the observations and comments. 

2. Blossom.

Now that the horrific wind from storm Gareth has left, the sunshine has been shining high and allowing growth in nature. There is blossom growing everywhere on trees and it is just a breath of fresh air to see the new season working its magic. 

3. Clocks. 

Of course, only the other day the clocks went forward an hour which though on the day we lost an hours sleep *boo** means that the days are getting brighter and more change of warmer weather and opportunities for going outside and soaking in the sunshine. 

4. Selling on Facebook. 

I have been really enjoying selling odd bits of stuff that we don't really need any more on Facebook. Not only is someone getting a bargain and we are getting some cash back but also means more space, less clutter about. 

5. Hot showers. 

Only recently hubby treated us to out rainfall type shower head and I can confirm it absolutely bliss to have a hot shower with the rainfall head above you. My boys love the new shower and love the idea of the fact it feels like rain. 

What have you been loving over the past month of March? Love to hear your comments down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

How to deal with the feelings of FOMO.

Hey readers,

As a person who has experienced feelings of FOMO due to the increasing social media presence of this idea of a perfect mother, I know how tough it can be. Of course, there is no perfect life but when you are bombarded with constant images of happy families constantly doing something and you’re at home not doing a great deal you can feel like you are missing out.

I know the FOMO (feelings of missing out) is a common problem with the internet generation as there is always something going on and it natural to compare but where do we draw the line.

The dictionary definition of FOMO is:

Anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social media.

Here are some ways have helped me come to accept my life and know it is ok not to be perfect.

Be kind to yourself.

I think there is this need in society to have the next best thing, to constantly be doing amazing things on social media but sometimes you know what it is good to stay in and do nothing. Don't beat yourself up for this, your allow to not do anything or go anywhere doesn't mean you are not living, embrace and actually let go and enjoy it. I now do this and I cut that pressure off and it feels amazing. I slow down and just unwind and it really does the world of good for your mental health.

You’re not alone.

This may sound obvious but believe me when you are engrossed in the feelings of FOMO you lose your ability to rationalise, you assume everyone is doing something other than you. You get intrusive thoughts that you should be doing what everyone is doing and that social pressure feels very strong and the urge to comply is there. I found that actually not looking at some of the individuals who for whatever reason have much cooler life than I helps. 

I remind myself I am not alone and I also look around on the old social media to see that others doing similar stuff to me and that it is ok to be that. It is all about putting things into perspective realising that most people that you check out on Instagram are just one-sided and you don't see all their lives. Try to unfollow people that make you feel inferior - ignorance is bliss. Find other accounts that are similar to you and you can relate to. It will make you feel so much better and also contribute in helping come to accept your life in a more positive way.

Distractions.

Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed with all the online information that is out there. The constant notifications that sometimes the best thing to do is mute the distractions, turn your phone on aeroplane mode or even better still turning your phone completely off. Even if it is just for an hour you will be amazed at how much better you will feel.

What things have helped you deal with FOMO?

Cheers for reading X

5 Ways to stop over apologising.

Hey readers, 

I think it is a British problem where I myself often apologise even though I have done nothing wrong. It is like I am in autopilot and I want to keep the peace even though the other person doesn't care, it's hard-wired in my head. So, trying to learn how to get out of this habit which I have been doing for a number of years I have got some ideas on trying to overcome this problem. I thought I would share them as someone else may find this useful if they are in the same boat as me with over apologising. 

1. Pause.

When you feel the need to apologise for a good habit to get into is passing before you apologise. Allowing yourself time to think before acting can maybe kick in other ideas and make you think whether apologising is worthwhile. 

2. Triggers. 

Sometimes, it is good to reflect and think why you feel the need to apologise, is it because you have anxiety and you are worried about what people think? or you don't like confrontation. A task you can do is write out some situations where you feel you apologise and instead write out a different outcome such as, instead of saying, sorry you could swap it with can you please help me understand better? This allows you to communicate and be direct but being assertive with your words.

3. Silence. 

I think one of the reasons that I feel the need to apologise is because of that awkward silence when you really not sure what to do after an incident. I have learned to embrace the silence and yes at times it is uncomfortable but pushing myself in the comfort zone teaches me to accept and stand tall. 

4. Swap. 

Often we say sorry when someone gives us a compliment but instead of brushing that compliment under the carpet accepting it and saying thank you is a much better way of dealing with the situation, You are expressing gratitude and it is ok to be happy when something good is talked about you, your not big headed but allowing the compliment to happen and taking it on board.

5. Empathy. 

Instead of opting to say sorry for a response to show empathy why not swap with an empathetic response because it is giving the person the feeling that you want to understand. You could say something like, 'that sounds really difficult for you'. Not only does it give the individual sense that you are listening but it allows the conversation to be opened up and explored more instead of sorry which is a closed off reply to a conversation. 

5. Feedback. 

It can be convenient to just apologise in a situation but this can give you low self-esteem or make you feel anxious. It is far better if you ask for feedback from the person such as, 'can you tell me a way I can make this situation better?' this then can make you feel more positive and take control over the situation as you are coming with ideas to improve and wanting to change. 

Have you overcome over apologising? What ways help you to stop saying sorry? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday photo 31/03/3019

  

      

     

10 thoughts whilst standing in the queue.

Hey readers,

I am terribly British as I love a good moan and I have a hatred for queues.

So here are some of my thoughts that have entered my mind whilst moving my feet about and admiring the sweet section near the tills in a massive queue.

1) How dare anyone other than I be here. They have a f*cking check.

2) Seriously, I have just lost half an hour of my life when I could be spending that time at home stalking on Facebook.

3) Why did I just not simply use Amazon, FFS!

4) Should I or should I not buy some chocolate when I reach the till.

5) Life sucks.

6) At least while I am here I don't need to bother with housework or anyone nagging at me. I can just get sore feet from standing around doing sweet F.A.

7) Do I really need this stuff, yes, of course, my life depends on having some cheap emoji socks to brighten my mood?

8) I curse my husband, how dare he request me to buy stuff from the shop. He will pay, mwahahahahaha.

9) Why the f*ck is there no signal, I am so not shopping in Sainsbury's anymore, take that!

10) OMG, I can not believe this shop does not have WiFi. Don't you know it is a human right and now I am cut from human existence even though I am surrounded by people? It is SO totally different? I need to know what is going on in the social world, what coffee people are photographing or the brilliant cat gifs that are emerging on the web.

 I think I may need to go to the hospital as my arm feels cut off from not accessing the internet for 20 minutes, I am getting serious bad withdrawals.

Cheers for reading X

Poundland are selling a £5 portable fold up BBQ.

Hey readers,

We have had lovely sunshine this week and it is getting me thinking about barbecues.

Is there anything better than eating out alfresco then having a barbecue where you can cook last outside and enjoy the sunshine.

Who doesn't love a bargain and where better to find a hot deal then at your local Poundland shop. The portable barbecue will be available on the 22nd of April so keep your eyes peeled as it will be located in the outdoor section on Poundland.

With the design of the portable barbeque being lightweight and folding down will make it much easier to transport a barbecue anywhere that is allowed. 

The barbecue is easy to fold-up and carries with you out and about on days out or even if you are going away on holiday. 

The even better news is that this portable barbecue only cost £5 which is a steal of a deal. This portable barbecue is the cheapest amongst the major retailers in the UK. It will be available to buy during spring and summer perfect if you want to take with you and head to the beach. 

 The barbecue comes in the size of 30cm x26.5cm x 30cm and you can see what the portable barbecue looks like below to give you an idea. 

What is your opinion on Poundland's new portable BBQ? Is it something you are going to buy and use this spring/summer? Love to hear your thoughts below. 

Cheers for reading X

Kindle vs Books

Hey readers, 

Today I shall be looking at the benefits of the Kindle and books as both I believe have benefits. Although each one has it's own benefits however this is dependant on what you are looking for. So, if you're still looking for which one you should go for then check out my points on each below. 

Kindle. 

There are many different types of e-readers you can choose from in the shops. Nowadays a lot of e-readers are lightweight so you can pop them in your bag when you're traveling out and about making it much better than lugging a heavy book around. 

Download. 

When looking for a book on the e-reader it's so easy to find a book that you want and download it really quickly. There is so much choice out there and it doesn't take much time at all to find a book that you looking for. Not to mention that you can download a book in the comfort of your own home 24 hours 7 days a week whenever you feel like it as the internet is not closed, unlike the shops which are closed at certain times. 

Queues. 

When you're out and say in a queue or waiting for something and you have a spare minute you can just easily pull out the e-reader and have a read whilst waiting. 

Dictionary. 

When you're reading an e-book and you come across a new word that you want to find out what that means it's so easy to just highlight the word and it automatically comes up with a definition. This is because there is a dictionary embedded into the reader and furthermore options to click on the link to find out more detail about the word is available. 

Trees. 

With the Kindle being a digital format that means fewer trees are being cut down to use paper to use for books. So it is much more environmentally friendly when using readers. 

Books

Tangible. 

With a book, you get that tangible feeling of holding a book feeling it and smelling it whilst knowing it has history behind it. 

Distraction.

Having books in a physical format means that you are less likely to get distracted because it's not attached to the internet and also reading a book stops you from staring at a screen especially late at night can interpret your sleep. 

Stolen. 

You know your book is safe because fewer people are likely to want to pinch a book as opposed to if you left your e-reader on your car seat they're more likely to want to go grab it as it is seen to be more valuable.  

Health.

Physical books are better for your health because there are less destructive when it comes to saying going to bed at night you're more likely to read and go to sleep well but then gets distracted again.

Marginalia. 

With a book, there is a place where you can write your notes and ideas down which you can't do with an e-reader. 

Do you usually use an e-reader or book? What's your favorite? I love to hear your comments below.

Cheers for reading x