Merry Christmas

Well this is my last post until after Christmas, so I would like to thank you all for reading my posts and sticking with me this year.

I hope you all have a wonderful time.

If you need someone to talk to over the festive period, you can contact me via email or through Facebook message, you can find the details on the sidebar.

Merry Christmas

Love Angela xxxxx

Dettol Care For Your Bear‏

I am sure many of you had a favourite teddy bear as a child, I know I did.  I am also sure many of your children will also have that special bear who goes everywhere.  Have you ever thought about the hidden germs that could be settled in the plush?

NFL - A Financial Insight

The NFL season is in full swing and I am loving it.  It amazes me how many people are shocked that I like the sport, I don't know why.  The NFL promote team work, exercise, a good work ethic and, unlike what we experience when we go to watch the "soccer", the fans all happily mingle and there is very rarely any trouble.  With that being said the one thing, this can be said for many sporting stars, the money they are paid for playing a sport is unbelievable and the money the teams make would shock you.

Children's Christmas Stocking Fillers

With Christmas day only two weeks away, I am sure many of you have almost finished your Christmas shopping.  If, like me, you find hard to get the little stocking fillers or small fun gifts for the kids it can become a bit stressful. No need to worry anymore as Dotcomgiftshop have something for everyone, and yes that includes the big kids too.

An Eagle In The Snow

I am always on the look out for a really good, gripping book yet when I look for an in-depth book for children, one they can really learn from but enjoy too it has been quite a hard task.  I then came across the new book by the wonderful Michael Morpurgo, An Eagle In The Snow.

Pray For Paris

My thoughts are with all of those affected by the tragic events in Paris yesterday.  

What's Been Happening.

It has been a while since I updated the blog, so I thought I would let you all know what has been happening over the last few weeks.

Two Important Ways to Give Your Baby's Heart a Better Start

Baby Loss Awareness Week took place last week. On Thursday at 7pm, thousands of people across the globe lit candles in memory of the babies they have lost.

Snow Is Falling

Ok, so the snow isn't falling all around us just yet. in fact it is unseasonally warm and sunny, but it is still October and Christmas isn't far away.  I am such a big kid when it comes to Christmas and I am already planning what decorations I want on my tree this year.

Angela's Update

Over the next few months, things might be a little quieter on here. No I am not giving up blogging I just have other commitments that need my attention too.

• School and nursery run
• shopping
• my psychology degree
• and most importantly watching my gorgeous children

Now that James has started working 5 days out of 7 I have had to look at activities I need to cut back on and the blog is one of them. I will be looking to post twice a week and I hope you all understand.

Please remember, if you need a rant, looking for advice or just someone to talk to in general please use the contact me buttons on the side of my blog and I will be there.

Thanks for all your support

Angela x

Keeping Elders Healthy & Active

When an elderly loved one needs to move into a nursing home, the move is often unexpected and can happen suddenly due to a lengthy illness, a stroke, or a fall. Other times, a nursing home is the next best step for an elder whose memory has started to deteriorate. Staying healthy and active can keep elders living without assistance, but health and activity is equally important for elders who live in nursing home facilities. As a child, relative, or friend of an elder, you can encourage and be part of health and activity.

Argan Oil - InstaNatural

My hair was in need of a desperate pick me up after the hairdresser cut it far too short back in April (it has not grown much since). When Insta Natural asked me to give their Argan Oil products a try I jumped at the chance as I have loved their other products so felt sure I would love this too.

Traces Of Me

I love finding a new book and recently I have been reading outside my comfort zone.  It is all to easy too stick to the same genre, sometimes you need to try something new.  For me that came with the Fifty Shades books, which I loved, so when I was given the chance to read Traces Of Me by Tracy Kiss I jumped at the chance. 'a modern day Bridget Jones meets Fifty Shades rendition that is not for the faint hearted'

As Of Tomorrow

March 2009 and I was coming to the end of my social science course at the local college and I was sitting staring at the computer screen in disbelief, I had managed to secure 4 conditional university offers, all I had to do was choose the right place for me and finish my course.  Two months later and I had some surprise news, I was expecting a little bundle of joy. People asked if I was upset I wouldn't be going to uni, I simply answered "I am going to be a mum, that is better than going to uni"

A New Bedtime Story

Sophie loves everything princess and fairytale just now so as you can imagine there are quite a few options out there, but we have a favourite series and today we have just read the new instalment of the Fairytale Hairdresser.

A Family Meal

To celebrate James' new job and as a treat for the kids, we decided to go for a family meal at our local Beefeater, The Dovecote.  I have been going here since I was young so it is nice to be able to take my children there too.  We also had our wedding meal there.

Patience Brewster

As a mother, I worry constantly about my children being unwell and when they have a simple cold I wrap them up in cotton wool. I know that sounds silly and it is. The worst illness any of my two have had is croup and tonsillitis and I pray that is as bad as it ever gets. Sadly for some families, their lives are changed forever by illnesses such as Leukaemia.

Healthy Eating For Healthy Kids

As a parent, I worry that I am feeding my children the right things.  Yes they like chocolate and sweets what child doesn't? They get those in moderation of course, but I am always on the look out for something new, tasty and healthy for them to try.

Safety this School Year

It’s that time of year again- when children are headed back to school. It’s a time of new beginnings, new friendships, new memories, and…new schedules.

The Personal Barber

I have noticed there are quite a few subscription boxes for women but not many that are for the male market.  I recently came across The Personal Barber which is a great monthly box for men and they sent me one of their boxes for my husband to use.

A Daily Battle

Look at the picture above? I look so carefree and happy. Yes I was happy here but I was getting stomach pains, cramps, headaches and tiredness. I was taking the full dosage of paracetamol a day just to make sure we all had a great holiday where my condition didn't spoil thing.

Re-Wrap It - Giveaway

How many of us have made a sandwich to go in the kids packed lunch or our lunch for work and used tinfoil or cling film to wrap them only to find them soggy by the time we are ready to eat them? It happened to me a lot and it usually ended in me making a mad dash to the nearest shop to buy pre-packed. Recently I came across a fantastic product that keeps your sandwich fresh and it is also reusable.

Me And The Moon - A Review

Credits:@ShaneFilanHeart

To the delight of his fans, yes that does include me, Shane Filan confirmed that the first single off his new album, Right Here, will be "Me and The Moon". The fans have been waiting a while for a new song and I can tell you they will not be disappointed.

Ways To Educate Others On Mental Health

Today my local newspaper shared a video made by a local girl who was talking about anxiety and depression and the impact it has had on her life.  When I saw the video I didn't feel sorry for her, I felt rather proud and grateful that she spoke out about her experience.  I have thought about making a video of my own but I have never been brave enough and my voice annoys me haha. So I have came up with a list of ways in which we can all help educate others about mental health.

Distracted Driving Dilemmas

We see it almost daily. Next time you take a drive, take a look around you and see if you notice how many people are texting and driving. Last time I took a trip to my local supermarket across town, I counted a total of five instances where I caught a driver texting on their phones. Holding their phone over their steering wheels, or trying to hide it in their lap- like others don’t notice.

The Anxious Girl's Guide to Dating.

When I split up with my ex in 2007 after my year of anxiety filled torture, I went into a downward spiral when it came to dating, choosing the wrong person seemed to be the norm for long enough until I met James in 2009. Before meeting him I had resigned myself to a life of being alone and making silly decisions.  I blamed the fact I had been through a tough time for the mistakes I made, but now, I look back and see a girl who was making mistakes that everyone else probably made on the rocky road to finding the one, and I have Hattie C Cooper to thank for changing my outlook.

Health Spotlight - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Have you ever felt as if your body is screaming at you, trying to tell you something is not quite right but you simply put it down to one of those things that happens to a lot of females during their monthly cycle? Take my advice, listen to your body because sometimes it isn't all that normal.

Take It Easy

Residential areas are designed for safety, comfort, and peace. Slow down. Yes, it may be irritating to drive at twenty miles per hour on an empty road, but speed laws are in place for good reason. By maintaining the speed limit, you’ll be more aware, careful, and respectful of the people around you. You may even save a life.

What Would You Do?

As you know I have held two charity coffee mornings in the last 8 months. One for SAMH which saw me raise £150 and most recently I held one for Chest, Heart, Stroke Scotland where I raised £251.  Next year I plan on holding another coffee morning for Macmillan.

Insta Natural Youth Express Night Cream

 It can be hard to find a good night cream that doesn't leave an oily stain on the pillow or leaves your face feeling dry.  I have had the pleasure of trying a few different products from the Insta Natural range so I was more than  happy to give their night cream a try.  

Cabin Fever - Book Review

I used to work in the travel industry as a ticketing and reservation agent for an around the world tour operator.  My days were filled with system after system of flight, passenger and surface travel information. I could recite, and still can to this day, pretty much every major airport and airline code that existed. I often wondered what actually goes on behind the scenes at the airlines I printed tickets or booked seats for every day for two years.  Well yesterday I got some insight when I found the perfect book for me Cabin Fever: The Sizzling Secrets of a Virgin Air Hostess.

Calm Colour Create

As a child I would spend hours upon hours colouring in.  Now I have children of my own I love to help them colour in too which usually gets me some funny looks and told to get my own book.  Over the last few months I have noticed an increase of colouring books for adults which are designed to for big kids but they also have another, amazing, reason behind them.  Therapy.

Coffee Morning Success

 On July 11th, I held a charity coffee morning to raise funds for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. I have spoke about why I chose to raise money for CHSS. I decided to hold the event in memory of my gran, who passed away 25 years ago.

Our Holiday.

As you know I was incredibly excited about going on holiday it and I did promise to tell you all about when we got back. Well that was the plan but my silly Internet decided to pack in, until today.  So here goes, this was our holiday.

First Friends Magazine & Giveaway

When I look at magazines for my children, I want them to be fun but educational at the same time. It has been quite hard to find such a publication as they are usually based heavily on the cartoon character rather than educating. Well I have finally found the perfect magazine for my children, First Friends magazine.

I'm Back

Hi everyone

Sorry for the long break.  We went on holiday then came back to internet issues that have finally been resolved.

I hope you are all well

Angela x

London Butterflies

I love trying new lotions and potions that are suitable for my sensitive skin.  Many really good products are expensive and run out very quickly, which is very frustrating and not good for the bank balance! Recently I have found a wonderful product that's not only kind to your bank and goes far.

Big Journey Ahead

Well the countdown is into single numbers, 8 days to go, until we get on that train and go to Berwick wooo! I honestly cannot wait yet I can't help but be nervous about the train journey.

5 Top Tips For The Best Nights Sleep Ever

There are many people who are currently establishing bad sleeping habits into their daily routines, then wondering why they wake up each day tired and with low energy. The best way to improve your night sleep is to make that conscious effort during the day to give yourself the best possible chance to get an undisturbed night of rest every day. By establishing these 5 top tips for the best night sleep ever, you will begin waking up everyday revived, rested, and rejuvenated.

Not Long Now

As you many remember from a previous post I mentioned how much a holiday would be nice and that I really wanted to take the children to my all time favourite holiday camp, Berwick Holiday Centre.  Well in 18 days we are off there for one whole week. I can't wait.

Girls Day Out

Last Sunday Sophie and I went out for a girly lunch with my mum and sister Claire.  James and Liam had been to the Scottish Cup final on the Saturday so a girls day was most definitely in order.  We went to a beautiful little tearoom - Cafe Vanilla.

Finding Audrey

Recently I have read a few books where the main character lives with a mental health condition, mainly because I can relate to how they feel and the other reason is it raises awareness in a whole new way.  At the start of the year I found out my all time favourite author, Sophie Kinsella, was releasing a book that I knew I could relate to.

FitBit Charge

As you know, I have been losing some weight, 32lb so far, and I have slowly been getting out and about more.  I have always wondered how many steps I take when out and about and how many calories those steps burn off.

Oak Keepsake Box

As you know from my previous post, I like gifts that are unique and that I can put a personal touch too.  I have always wanted a proper little keepsake box to keep those special little items in.  I have finally got one.

Father's Day Gift Idea's

With Father's day just over 3 weeks away ( 21st June), it was time to get my thinking cap on and decide what the children could get James.  I wanted the gifts to be something special that he could look at and be reminded of some of the wonderful memories we have made over the last few years.

The Scottish Government's Plans

As you may remember I wrote to the UK government asking what their plans were with regards to funding mental health services and what changes they planned on making.  Today I had a reply from the Scottish government stating their plans for Scotland's mental health strategy which is due to be changed this year.

SAMH What Next Findings

SAMH have kindly sent me their findings from their What Next events and I am not surprised by the areas that need to be greatly improved, and quickly.

Unwell

Hi everyone.

Just a quick message to say I have been unwell this last week and have found it hard to concentrate properly so I will be back as soon as I can.

Thanks
Angela

Shooting Star Chase

Shooting Star Chase is a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families. Whether lives are measured in days, weeks, months or years, its aim is to make every moment count. The charity supports families from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.

Crayon Crunch

Doesn’t every child deserve to go on an adventure?

I am excited to announce that Crayon Crunch is launching a Kick-starter campaign to be the first personalised Children’s book that is inclusive to every ethnicity and special need. 

My Recent Amazing Read.

When Eric and Madeleine Little thought they could look forward to a new life with their first child, tragic circumstances prevented them from doing so.

You may remember from a previous post, I mentioned a book I was about to start called Dream Demon by B.J Davie.  Well I started reading it on Friday and I could not put it down.

Scars - Rebuild Your Self Esteem.

I have a scar from having my 2 children by C Section.  I am not bothered by having a scar as it reminds me of the most precious time in my life but for some scars cause low self esteem and confidence issues.