Happy New Year

I would like to say Happy New Year to all my readers. May 2015 be full of love, good health and happiness.

Remember to always be yourself, be proud of who you are and what you have achieved.

All my love

Angela x

Out and about

So this week I have really pushed myself to get out the house and it feels great.  Today I even went to the boxing day sales knowing full well it would be incredibly busy.  I did start to feel anxious as it was busy but I continued on with shopping and even went into a shop myself to have a look around.

Here are some pictures I took to chart my progress and to keep me going.

After the boxing day sales

Family picture Christmas day

Out for Christmas dinner

We found the big tree

At my sons nativity

I was a very lucky lady and was totally spoilt this Christmas here is what I got.

Merry Christmas

Well it is that time of year again and I would like to wish all my readers and their loved ones a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

All the best.

Angela, James, Liam & Sophie.

A tragic day in Glasgow

Today at 2.30pm a bin lorry struck pedestrians before crashing into the Millennium hotel on George Square.  It is thought the driver took unwell at the wheel and was unconscious.

Sadly six people lost their lives and many have been seriously injured.

My thoughts are with the families of those involved.

I also hope the emergency service staff stay safe and they have done an incredible job.

Noisy Nativity & Christmas Tree Hunt

Today was my son's first Nativity play at school. It was so emotional seeing my little man on the stage dressed as a shepherd.

The play lasted for 30 minutes which is long enough for the children I think as it must be overwhelming seeing all those people looking back at them. 

All the children done really well.  The primary one class were the main characters, the primary two and three class were singing in the background and some of the primary two and three children were dressed as teachers telling everyone that Christmas is not about presents and told the story of Mary and Joseph.

This is the first time Liam has ever done something like this and I couldn't be more proud, He remembered every word and every song and he looked great too. Such a clever boy and I'm a very proud mummy.

In the afternoon we took our daughter Sophie to see Santa and then we took her around the shopping centre for a Christmas tree hunt. She was so excited at seeing all the different trees and the hunt ended at the massive tree which she loves.

It was a nice day and it felt great getting out and about enjoying myself.

Drink Me Chai

I love tea and I love trying new flavours, anything from fruity to normal and everything in between and this is how I came across Drink Me Chai.http://www.drinkmechai.co.uk/

The lovely people at Drink Me Chai sent me some different powdered teas to try and I was more than happy to try and review them. I was like a kid at Christmas when I received them.


Spiced

A nice blend of tea, milk and spices and for me the most important thing is it is 99% caffeine free!  Both my husband and I like this tea as it has a warm pleasant taste with a hint of cinnamon.


£2.50







Chocolate

A mix of tea, spice, milk and chocolate! I am not a fan of chocolate drinks as they are usually quite sickening but there is a subtle hint chocolate.  I am happy that the taste is not overpowering as it can be off putting.


£2.50






Peppermint

I love love love peppermint tea! This works wonders for heartburn and if you are like me and have gastric reflux this is a must have in your cupboard!  A nice taste and again not overpowering. My favourite by far/


£2.50






Vanilla

I like the smell of vanilla but sometimes find it to be quite a strong taste. This one was quite strong so wasn't really for me but everyone has different tastes.

£2.50







Earl Grey

My husband is a fan of Earl Grey so he loved this one! A blend of Early Grey and Frothy milk. It is quite a strong tasting tea but Earl Grey is a famous, well loved tea.

£6.50 for 20 sachets






This may surprise you but there is another way to enjoy these lovely powdered tea! On cakes. Yes you read that correctly.   Mix 1 tablespoon of Drink Me Chai power into 2 tablespoons of buttercream icing for an interesting delicious cupcake topping. It will add that something extra to your cupcakes!


To find out more about Drink Me Chai you can find them:

Website: http://www.drinkmechai.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrinkMeChaiTea?ref=ts&fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Drinkmechai

Glenn Merrilees Mental Health Poetry

On Friday my sister Claire shared a page she found and I was immediately drawn to it.  The page focuses on mental health but in a different way, through poetry.  The page is called Glenn Merrilees Mental Health Poetry.  Glenn's aim is simple, to raise awareness of mental health issues and the stigma and barriers surrounding them.  

Having read some of his work I asked him if he would mind me sharing some of his poems with my readers.  The words really do capture the issues faced by those with mental illnesses and I am sure we can all relate to what he has written.  Here is some of his work.

POEM AM I

I’VE SUNK TO THE BOTTOM

IN A PIT OF DESPAIR

SCREAMING FOR HELP

IS THERE NOBODY THERE.

COWERING IN TERROR

TREMBLING WITH FEAR

IT’S COLD AND IT’S DARK

AND IT’S LONELY DOWN HERE.

AFRAID OF A SHADOW

I CAN’T EVEN SEE

STUCK IN AN EDDY

THAT’S SWALLOWING ME.

AM I FREE AS AN EAGLE?

FOLK SAY I LOOK WELL

MY STOMACH IN TURMOIL

MY SOUL IN A CELL.

CAN’T ANSWER THE DOORBELL

CAN’T ANSWER THE PHONE

SURROUNDED BY LOVED ONES

I’M STILL ALL ALONE.

CAN’T EXPRESS FEELINGS

THAT CUT ME IN TWO

I TAKE PEN TO PAPER

THE BEST I CAN DO.

FAR TO MANY QUESTIONS

ANSWERS FAR TO FEW

NEVER LOOKING FORWARD

TEARS OBSCURE MY VIEW.

TRY TO STAGGER FORWARD

MY CRUCIFIX IN TOW

AM I GONNA MAKE IT

I HONESTLY DON’T KNOW.

DO NOT TREAT ME DIFFERENTLY

FOR I AM JUST THE SAME

THOUGH DEPRESSED AND ANXIOUS

PLEASE JUST USE MY NAME.

ALTHOUGH MY WORLD IS CLOUDED

MY THOUGHTS PERHAPS INANE

I’M A FELLOW HUMAN BEING

AND I AM NOT INSANE.

YES WE ALL CRY AND WE ALL BLEED

A FACT THAT’S SAD BUT TRUE

PERHAPS I CRY A LITTLE MORE

BUT I’M AS GOOD AS YOU.

DARKNESS

EMERGING FROM THE DARKNESS

I KNOW THIS SOUNDS ABSURD

COULD NOT EXPLAIN THE INNER PAIN

THROUGH ANY SPOKEN WORD.

DEPRESSION IT CAME CALLING

AND I COULD NOT EXPLAIN

HOW CAN YOU TELL A LOVED ONE

THAT YOU THINK YOU ARE INSANE.

DAYS JUST SITTING PONDERING

AS YOU BARELY LEAVE YOUR ROOM

STARE THROUGH THE TELEVISION

TOO MUCH DOOM AND GLOOM.

VERY SELDOM EATING

NO APPETITE TO SATE

A LOVER BRINGS A LOVELY MEAL

MOST LEFT ON THE PLATE.

VERY SELDOM TALKING

NOT A LOT TO SAY

A DISEASE THAT GETS MORE POWERFUL

EVERY SINGLE DAY.

IT STRIPS AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE

IT TAKES AWAY YOUR FIGHT

SELF ESTEEM, IT POCKETS

LIKE SOME ROBBER IN THE NIGHT.

THERE’S NO MORE SOCIALISING

YOU STAY AT HOME INSTEAD

HOW CAN YOU MEET WITH LOVED ONE’S

WHEN YOU CAN’T GET OUT YOUR BED.

IT TAKES AWAY ALL ENERGY

YOU’LL NO LONGER HAVE A GOAL

AS IT RAVISHES YOUR BODY

AND FEASTS UPON YOUR SOUL.

SO IF THIS DARKNESS VISITS

AND TREATS YOU AS FAIR GAME

WATCH OUT FOR KILLER SYMPTOMS

DEPRESSION IS IT’S NAME.

STIGMA

I’VE BEEN STIGMATISED AND TRAUMATISED

THROUGH NO FAULT OF MY OWN

BESTOWED WITH DIRTY LABELS

FLESH RIPPED FAE THE BONE.

LOOK!!! HE’S AN EPILEPTIC

DEPRESSED AND LAZY TOO

NEVER WORKED A DAY IN YEARS

STILL SIGNING OAN THE BROO.

I WANT TO TELL MY STORY

I PROMISE YOU NO GAMES

I’LL GIVE TAE YOU THE DETAILS

BUT I’LL WITHOLD ALL THE NAMES.

THERE’S SOME JOABS I DID YEARS AGO

EPILEPSY SEALED MY FATE

SACKED FUR TAKIN’ SEIZURES

SACKED FUR RUNNING LATE.

RUNNIN’ LATE… I’D TOOK A SEIZURE

BLOODIED, ILL, AND SARE,

I’D TRY MY BEST TAE MAKE IT IN

BUT THEY DIDNAE SEEM TAE CARE.

APPLICATION FORM, NO MENTION

OF MY ILLNESS NO-ONE KNEW

NEVER WOULD HAVE GOAT THEY JOABS

THEY’D HAVE CHANGED THEIR POINT OF VIEW.

A GIFT… UNWANTED LABELS

MADMAN, WEIRDO, WORSE,

BUT REMEMBER I’M A VICTIM

DEPRESSIONS SICKLY CURSE.

I’VE BEEN STIGMATISED AND TRAUMATISED

FUR WHIT, I’VE DONE NO CRIME

LABELS THRUST UPON ME

NOO I’VE GOAT TAE SERVE THE TIME.

I’M A VICTIM, I’M A TARGET

DEPRESSIONS DEADLY CURSE

YER LOOKS, YER TWISTED WHISPERS

IT ONLY MAKES IT WORSE.

WE’VE GOAT TAE STOAP THIS STIGMA

WIPE IT OFF THE PLANETS FACE

WE’RE JUST PEOPLE WITH AN ILLNESS

PART OF THE HUMAN RACE.

“SEE ME”

I filled the application form

Full of trepidation

As it asked of mental illnesses

And further explanation.

The interview went brilliantly

The boss was on my side

Keep it to yourself son

But I’ve been on that ride.

That really made me wonder

The last few words he’d said

Some dirty little secret

Why should we be afraid?

The first few months were awesome

“I” was in the “TEAM”

It brought me back some confidence

And built my self-esteem.

Then suddenly it hit me

Bang!!! From out the blue

Someone let this tyre down

But at least this time, I knew.

I knew it was depression

Nowhere I could hide

The lack of hope, the uselessness

The thoughts of suicide.

Then began the stigma

With the days that I took off

Fight each day to leave my bed

Colleagues sit and scoff.

This would last for weeks and weeks

Or sometimes only days

Each victim hit uniquely

In so many different ways.

A resentment and a loathing

My colleagues words unkind

I couldn’t take it anymore

So unleashed this tortured mind.

“SEE ME” I’m just the same as you

I work to pay each bill

But every corner holds my name

The days off, when I’m ill.

I ask you not for sympathy

Understanding is the key

Drop the looks, the whispers

Step back and just “see me”.

“SEE ME” I am your equal

Work as hard as I am able

Both fighting for a common cause

Bread upon our table.

Depression, it is bad enough

Without the sideward views

Terrified each time I’m sick

In a job I just might lose.

“SEE ME” I’m just a victim

I am that one in four

And I really pray this illness

Shall never knock your door.

BARRIERS

There’s people throwing insults

There’s people throwing stones

You cannot see this illness

No sign of broken bones.

So many nasty comments

Remarks are so unkind

You cannot see this darkness

This poison in the mind.

Hey look!!! That guy is mental

A looney, what a waste

Your bitter, twisted comments

Leave an acrid taste.

Just remember I’m a victim

To this pain you cannot see

Depressions made a home in Hell

Especially for me.

Do not judge this cover

You simply have to look

I’m drowning in a sea of pain

Pages missing from this book.

Would you berate the lowly cripple

And call poor soul a name?

My illness has no crutches

Hang your head in shame.

The power to abuse me

The power to understand

The power to walk away from me

Or turn and take my hand.

I do not plead for sympathy

Understanding is the key

As without this murderous illness

You’re just the same as me.

Just show some understanding

And maybe lend your ears

Then maybe you could save a life

Or stem the flow of tears.

Breaking down the barriers

I try to change your view

One in four’s a victim

And the next one could be you.

What do you think of Glenn's poems? They really do get the message across very well and I can 100% relate to every single word in each poem.

Glenn also starred in a short film that won an international film award beating off competition from 110 other entrants.  You can watch Voices by Bob Owtram here http://vimeo.com/67566110

To read more of Glenn's work you can visit his Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/pages/Glenn-Merrilees-Mental-Health-Poetry/283672088484406?pnref=story

I would like to thank Glenn for sharing his work with us and I will certainly be reading more of his work.

Is your home making you ill?

So many people, like myself, have allergies.  I have asthma, hayfever and sinus problems.  Hayfever we know is caused by pollen and asthma is a lung condition but what about my sinus problems? At first I was certain it was just one of those things, however, now I think there could be another reason for this, house borne allergens.

Dust, condensation and mould can cause health conditions, such as respiratory conditions, worse.

I always thought polishing,  hoovering and general cleaning would stop allergens like dust from causing issues but it seems there is a lot more that can be done.  

The My Health, My home campaign tells us more.

As we move towards winter, condensation and mould become more prominent as we close windows and make our homes more airtight- which can have implications for our health. Moulds release allergens, irritants and toxic substances that have been linked to immune system disorders such as asthma and allergies & other pollutants released by items around the home – such as fireplaces, candles, air fresheners, textiles, furniture, cleaning products paint and detergents - add to this, creating a potent airborne ‘pollutant soup’.

A recent study has shown that 81% of people are at risk of suffering from a respiratory or dermatological condition because of their home & experts are calling for an increased awareness of the issue, which is being termed ‘Toxic Home Syndrome’. Professor of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine Peter Howarth comments: “There is a lot of noise about how outdoor air pollution affects your health, but we should look closer to home as this is where we spend most of our time. Indoor air can be more hazardous than outdoor air. ‘Toxic home syndrome’ occurs when families are exposed to a potent mix of airborne pollutants arising from poor home ventilation, causing respiratory and skin diseases to occur more frequently.”

Top Tips for a Healthy Home

Tip 1.Look into different ventilation options such as household mechanical ventilation systems which provide clean air or extractor fans. The bathroom is the most common place in the home where condensation builds up so it is essential that it is properly ventilated to reduce the risk of mould spores growing

Tip 2.Use eco friendly cleaning products - some everyday cleaning products contain chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be dangerous for your respiratory health

Tip 3.Consider wood flooring - carpets can harbour dust, dirt, dander, bacteria and cleaning products which can be hard to get out and release potentially harmful substances into the air, worsening your indoor air quality

Tip 4. Dry your washing outside otherwise make sure your windows are open if you have to dry it inside to reduce VOC levels indoors

Tip 5.Take your shoes off at the door so pollen, dirt, soil etc from outdoors is not spread around your home

Find more expert advice and to see if your own home is at risk of Toxic Home Syndrome please visit www.myhealthmyhome.com

If you follow the above tips and advice you can make your home a healthier place for you and your family.

Here are some facts and figures.

Degustabox December 2014

I was  excited about getting this month's Degustabox and I certainly was not disappointed.  Here is what I got in this months box

The Chia Co

Oats + Chia makes for a very healthy breakfast. Full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and omega 3 you get everything your body needs for a great start to your day.I liked this product because it was really tasty and I would certainly buy it in future.
£1.70





Pukka Herbs

As soon as I opened the box I could smell the Clean Green tea and it was rather inviting! A mixture of green tea, Sicilian lemons and dandelion root this is a delicious, healthy drink.

£2.39








Kent's Kitchen

I have tried other Kent's kitchen products so I let my husband try this one. He said the Madras was full of flavour and the kit was easy to use. Let's just say this will be a regular on the shopping list!  All natural ingredients and it produces a restaurant quality meal. Who could ask for more!

£2.50







Bahlsen 

These lovely biscuits honestly do not last long in our house.  They are a family favourite.  They have more chocolate than an average biscuit and these ones are filled with caramel too. Yum.

£1.79 per pack






Eisberg

This was a very welcome addition! Alcohol free wine.  As I do not drink much I will be more than happy to have a glass at Christmas.  It is made in the same way as wine with the alcohol removed.  It is also available in chardonnay, Rose, Cabernet sauvignon and Riesling.

£3.49







Frylight

I done a little dance when I seen this little beauty in the box. I love garlic and the fact the oil is low fat is even better. Frylight garlic infuse can be used in everyday cooking, simply spray into the pan and cook.  I am going to make my own garlic bread.

£2.00








Popchips

These are so tasty!! I'm not usually a fan of barbeque flavours but these are not overpowering, just a nice subtle flavour. Popchips are half the fat of fried crisps and fewer colours. No added flavours. You don't need to cut out your favourite snack now!!

£1.79







Gloworm

Gloworm is a premium mixer.  It comes in the following flavours, Raspberry & Orris, Cucumber & apple, Pear spice & lime and Ginger & Lemongrass.

£1.50





Bonne Maman

I love Orange marmalade on warm toast so I was over the moon when I saw this jar of yumminess!!  Coarse orange is fresh, zingy and full of shred orange peel.  You can use this for sweet or savoury dishes. I am going to try it with some goats cheese next.

£2.30








I love getting different products each month and not knowing what is coming.  It also gives me the chance to try new things that I would never have thought of before!

Subscription details: Sign up, boxes are £12.99 per month. Payment will be taken on 10th of each month. You can cancel at any time (before 10th of the month).

To find out more visit

https://www.degustabox.com/en/
https://www.facebook.com/DegustaboxUK
https://twitter.com/DegustaboxUK

Pregnancy and mental health

When I first fell pregnant with my son in 2009 I was scared. Yes pregnancy is scary for every woman but I had the added fear of my anxiety rearing its ugly head again!  When I first met with my midwife I told her that I had suffered with anxiety in 2006 and she was so lovely at explaining that if it was to come back again I would get help from her. This put my mind at rest.

Here are some tips for dealing with mental health conditions when pregnant.

• Tell the midwife - they are there to help and support you no matter what.
• Speak to your doctor - if you are on medication they will tell you the best way forward
• Be honest. - You will be asked regularly about how you feel. Always be honest.
• Don't be scared - no-one will judge you
• Try stick to appointments - you may be having a bad day but the appointments are important and seeing the midwife will give you someone to speak to when feeling down.
• Ask for help - if you feel you need counselling ask, they will refer you.

When you have had your baby you will be emotional, it is normal. I cried both times, the baby blues, blame the hormones. If you have the following symptoms you may have depression

• feeling very sad and hopeless
• not sleeping well
• a lack of interest or pleasure in doing things 
• loss of appetite

If you have the above symptoms it is worth mentioning to your doctor, midwife or health visitor.

Another fear I had when pregnant was having postnatal depression.  I done my homework and knew the signs and symptoms.  If you have the following feelings and symptoms please tell your health visitor and/or doctor.

• feeling irritable and angry
• crying or often being on the verge of crying
• feeling unable to cope
• worrying unnecessarily about things that wouldn't normally bother you
• being afraid of being left alone with your baby
• uncontrollable feelings of panic
• overwhelming fears, for example fear of dying
• dreams about harming your baby
• sleeping problems
• feeling exhausted and lethargic
• lack of interest in your surroundings and appearance, or becoming obsessively tidy
• trouble concentrating and feeling distracted
• gaining or losing large amounts of weight
• loss of pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, including loss of libido (sex drive) 
• feelings of guilt that you're a bad mother

I advise you to see a health care professional as soon as possible if you have the above symptoms so you can get all the help and support you need. DO NOT feel ashamed or scared you are not alone!!

Having a baby is the most exciting, scary, emotional and amazing experience. Enjoy it.

For more information go to http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/mental-health-problems-pregnant.aspx#close

My Debenhams Christmas Wishlist

I absolutely love Christmas! Seeing the lights, the atmosphere when shopping and the happiness on my loved ones faces when they open that special gift.

As a mother of two young children, Liam 4 and Sophie 2, Christmas is even more exciting now.  I remember when I was young and on Christmas morning my dad would carry me downstairs with my back to the living room window and my mum would turn on the light and when I seen all the presents Santa had left for me it was simply magical.

Santa would bring me a good mixture of toys and games, my favourite was always Lego, who doesn't love Lego!!

Liam has asked Santa for Disney Cars and Disney Planes toys and Sophie wants Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins toys.

I can't help but wonder what I would want if I was a child so I had a look on the Debenhams website for toys I know I would love.  Maybe I should ask Santa for these for my children too!!

Teksta £60
Kitty - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030399699_-1

Lego £80
Lego Friends - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030314999_-1

Sofia the First £27
Royal Family pack - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030334099_-1

My Little Pony £44
Rainbox Kingdom Playset http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030346099_-1

Melissa & Doug £6
Decorate your own piggy bank - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171010794899_-1


So many fun and educational toys are available these days! Sophie enjoys playing with her brothers cars, planes and trains and Liam will play with anything! I love seeing them have a great time interacting with each other and using their imaginations.

What would you have on your wish list?

Hug Box

When I was a kid I used to love sweets like jawbreakers, fruit salads, refreshers, well I could go on. As I got older it was more about chocolate, Mars bars, Snickers, Dairy Milk and the likes. My husband love all those little sweet delights too!

Finding "old school" sweets from your childhood is not easy and when you do find them they are expensive!!  Until now.  Last year as I was looking for something different for my husband I came across Hug Box and when I saw what was on offer I actually squealed with excitement.

Hug Box offers different boxes full of sweets, chocolates and biscuits. The boxes have 3 layers, how cool is that, each wrapped up in colourful paper to keep you in suspense that little bit longer!
They even sell boxes for pets!!

Hugbox I bought today for husbands birthday.

When it comes to personalisation you have three options, Standard message, Blank or Personal message. I tend to use the personal message but having other choices is always a bonus.
Boxes start at £10 which is a bargain!! You can also customise your box, choosing the sweets you want included, this costs £11.50. If you are purchasing for someone with allergies I would recommend the customised box.

If you decide to order you have a couple of options, delivery via courier (to UK addresses) which costs £4.50.  For larger orders which weigh more than 10K contact hug box for the best delivery methods for you.  If you won't be in when your Hug box is delivered you can arrange for it to be sent to a local shop where they will keep it for 10 days so you can collect when convenience.

**please note Hug Box state the boxes are not suitable for 3 years and under and adult supervision for under 5's

If you want to order one of these delicious fun filled Hug Boxes you can do so at:

http://www.hugbox.co.uk/ or https://www.facebook.com/HugBoxUK?fref=ts


You can also follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/HugBoxUK