Come get your twitter party on with Bristol Bites

My friend Emily is hosting a twitter party tonight at 8pm so make sure you follow https://twitter.com/bristolbites

Take part in our Twitter chat, and you could win a £50 voucher to spend on snacks, but that’s not all – we’ll also be sharing details of a fab competition from 888casino where you could win snacks for your whole office to enjoy!

Head over to her blog for more details http://www.bristolbites.co.uk/2014/09/29/join-our-twitter-party-on-tuesday-september-30th-at-8pm-for-a-chance-to-win-snacks/

Degustabox

I received my first ever Degustabox a few days ago and I was like a kid at Christmas!!  Part of the appeal of the Degustabox is you don't know what will be in the box each month!!

The box is £12.99 per month (via subscription) and there is no contract or obligation so you can cancel at any time.  I think this adds to the appeal as I know some people don't like to commit to such services. The products in the box are worth more than the £12.99 fee.  We all love a bargain!!

Let me show you what I received in my September box.

Carnation
I love this product!! This easy to pour cooking cream is great for using in Pasta, curry and well most things really. It has less fat than single cream too. So pour away and enjoy!!
£1.65 each

Little Miracles
I have not tried this product yet but I intend to.  This is an all natural energy drink and NO CAFFEINE. Many people cant have caffeine so this is perfect for you. Organic goodness.
£1.59 each

Pick Up Chocolate biscuits
These biscuits are that tasty they did not last 24 hours in my house. I don't know who enjoyed them more us or the children!1
They do contain Nuts.
£1.69 per packet

Righteous Salad Dressings
I am yet to try these little beauties.  Lemon and mustard seed, Mild English blue cheese and cider and Raspberry and sweet basil.  I will try them with my next salad.  They have a good shelf life too.
75p each

Crabbies
I love love love the Raspberry non alcoholic drink. So tasty I need to buy them!!  The zesty lemon alcoholic drink packed a punch!! Very lemony.
Each drink is £1.50

 La Vieja Fabrica - Seville Orange Marmalade
This has to be the tastiest marmalade ever!! I have never been a fan of marmalade but I can't get enough of this. It is lovely on some toast as it just melts in. It is that nice I could sit with the jar and spoon and eat it all.
£1.59

Jordans Simply Granola
This is so tasty and filling. There is a hint of honey through this making it even tastier.  Contains nuts.  Granola is a tasty healthy breakfast. You can add milk or fruit to this for something extra.
£2.69

Burts Lentil waves
Sour cream, sweet Thai chili and lightly salted.  I love these. A healthy alternative to normal crisps. Very filling and full of flavour!!
69p each

Elizabeth Shaw Mint Thins
Dark chocolate and mint makes Angela happy. These little chocolates are packed full of flavour.  My husband had to take the box off me or I would have eaten them all at once!!
£3.00








Product price total - £24.46 - Saving of £11.47


As you can see the box has a great mix of products meaning there is something for everyone! I honestly believe Degustabox is a great service and well worth the £12.99.  Who doesn't like a surprise every month? I know I do.

You can connect with Degustbox at

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DegustaboxUK
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DegustaboxUK

Place your order on their website: https://www.degustabox.com/en/

If you are going to order this product please contact me as I have a code for £3 off

Progress

At the moment I have hardly any energy and a yucky sinus infection.  Really wish that would disappear already. The joys.

Normally when I feel like this I don't want to leave the house but my son had a birthday party to go to and I was not letting him down.

My mum took us in her car, its a fair walk for little legs and my legs haha.  As soon as I was outside I started feeling sick, thanks sinuses, but I continued on.

I dropped him off at the party and made sure he was settled before coming home.  Two hours later I was back out to get him, again thanks to my mum.  Me and my Dad stood watching him for a while and he was having a great time.  He didn't want to leave but the party was over.

I am so pleased I managed it.  I know it was only 15 minutes at a time but still this is progress.

Beaut-Boutique

I received a lovely new skin product to try and tell you all about.  Beaut-Boutique Skin Perfector.

My skin is quite sensitive and was in need of a pick me up and this little beauty did not let me down.

The cream itself is a nice light formula and is not sticky.  It soaks into the skin quickly leaving a nice glow.  It is best when used after cleansing and before applying moisturiser or make up.

I recommend using it before make up as it leaves a smooth surface meaning the make up will go on better and look more natural.

After using it just once I noticed a difference in my skin, something that I have been after for quite a while.

I applied twice a day, as recommended.

The skin perfector is £34.99 for 30ml and can be found at http://www.beaut-boutique.com/product/skin-perfector/

They offer more amazing products including Radiance Moisturiser http://www.beaut-boutique.com/product/radiance-moisturiser/

congratulations

Congratulations to the winner of the Mrs Tilly's giveaway on my Facebook page

Jodie Crossley

Your gift box is on the way :) Enjoy xxxxx

Superdrug Christmas

So I have been having a little look on the Superdrug website to get ideas for Christmas and have came across some bargains that I am going to share with you.  We all like a bargain after all.

FOR HER

Ghost Sweetheart EDT 30ml & Body Lotion gift set £20!! http://www.superdrug.com/Ghost/Ghost-Sweetheart-EDT-30ml-%26-Body-Lotion-50ml-Gift-Set/p/786757#.VCRMqZRdWSo


FOR HIM

Braun Series 130S Mens shaver £29.99!! http://www.superdrug.com/Braun/Braun-Series-130S-Mens-Shaver/p/457650#.VCRORZRdWSo



FOR KIDS

Doc McStuffins Glitter bath Sprinkles £3!! http://www.superdrug.com/More-/Gifts-For-Kids/Toys/Toys/Doc-McStuffins%3A-Glitter-Bath-Sprinkles/p/326701#.VCRO35RdWSo

Jake and the neverland pirates bath treasures £6!! http://www.superdrug.com/More-/Gifts-For-Kids/Toys/Toys/JAKE-NEVER-LAND-PIRATES-BATH-TREASURES/p/326700#.VCRP0ZRdWSo


SOMETHING SWEET

Cadburys selection box 216g £2 (rrp £3) - http://www.superdrug.com/Christmas-Confectionery-Boxes/Cadbury-Santa-Selection-Box-216g/p/311701#.VCRQTZRdWSo


Just a few ideas for you as I know how stressful it can be trying to come up with ideas for presents!!

Have you got any bargains to share? If so leave a link in the comments xx

George @ Asda

I love George at Asda. It has amazing clothes for amazing prices.  Its not expensive which is always good and there is always something I want.

So for something a little different I have decided to pick out my favourite Autumn outfit and share it with you. Let me know what you think.













TOP
Flock floral Tunic - £12. http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/tops/flock-floral-tunic/G004837987,default,pd.html

BOTTOMS

Flock floral Leggings - £12 http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/G21/g21-floral-flock-leggings/G004864661,default,pd.html

BOOTS

Ankle Boots - £10 http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/shoes-boots/ankle-boots/G004693509,default,pd.html

COAT

Toggle Duffle Coat - £20 http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/coats-jackets/toggle-duffle-coat/G004633427,default,pd.html

BAG

Zip through bag - £14 http://direct.asda.com/george/womens/accessories/zip-through-bag/G004749314,default,pd.html

Total cost of outfit - £68

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health day takes place every year on October 10th and it focuses on a different condition each year.  This year the focus is on Schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a long term mental health condition and there are many symptoms associated with the condition.

• change in behaviour
• delusions 
• hallucinations
• muddled thoughts

It is one of the most common conditions and is quite serious. Some people think that those with Schizophrenia have split personalities and/or are quite violent.  This is not the case and quite a common misconception. 

There are no specific tests for the condition, same with other mental health conditions.  If you think you or a loved one might have schizophrenia please see your GP as soon as possible.  Your doctor will get you the proper support and care that you need and ensure that you understand what is going on.

Many people live with the condition.

For more information on living with Schizophrenia please read http://wfmh.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/WMHD_English.pdf

Indoor Picnic

Sophie missed her playgroup trip today as she is still unwell so we decided to give her a picnic instead.  We had planned on taking her just outside ours on the grass area but it had been raining all night so it was still wet and muddy.

So we had it inside :)

It had a Peppa Pig theme which Sophie loved since that is one of her favourite characters!!

James went to ASDA and bought Peppa crisps, Yoghurt's and cakes, I made little love heart shaped ham sandwiches and we had biscuits and juice too.

Sophie had a great time. It was very warm today outside so we had the windows opened and let some fresh air in so it was just like being outside, minus the mud and wasps!!

Indoor picnics are a fab idea for when its wet and cold outside, one of the children are unwell or just for the sake of it.

Giveaway - Mrs Tilly's

I am running a competition to win this gorgeous gift hamper from http://www.mrstillys.co.uk/,
Mrs Tilly's sell a range of amazing fudge, tablet and other sweet treats.

To be in with a chance of winning please head over to my facebook page at  www.facebook.com/pages/Angela-Mother-Wife-Daughter-Sister-Anxiety-sufferer and enter.

I am running this until Friday 26th at Midday.

Good Luck xx

You can connect with Mrs Tilly's on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mrs-Tillys/288336674449?sk=timeline

Twitter - https://twitter.com/MrsTillys

Feeding the birds

As Sophie isn't feeling too well we thought we would try and cheer her up.  There were loads of starlings outside our flat today, at least 25, and she was fascinated with them. 

Daddy decided to throw some bread out the window onto the grass area outside so she could watch them.

She was over the moon and got all excited when she saw them all and even tried to throw some more bread outside.  Our windows are quite high up so she couldn't reach them so daddy helped her.

I know it isn't much but she loved it and it kept her amused for 10 minutes,

Lyclear

There are quite a few different treatments for head lice on the market and all different prices. Some people prefer the mousse option and others prefer the shampoo treatments.

In this post I am going to tell you about Lyclear and where you can get it.

Lyclear offer a lice treatment shampoo. This means you can use this in the shower making it rather convenient.

It is quick and simple to use! Which is always handy as we all know children don't like to sit still for too long.

• Check hair by sections using the comb included in the pack
• Apply the shampoo ensuring all the hair and scalp are covered
• Pay attention to behind ears and nape of neck
• Wait for 10 minutes
• Add enough water to lather up the shampoo
• Wash and rinse thoroughly
• Before drying use the comb to make sure all the dead lice are removed 
• Repeat after 7 days

 It really is as simple as that!!

You can read more about Lyclear at http://angelahamilton2014.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/getting-your-child-to-care-for-their.html

Where to purchase www.lyclear.co.uk/where-to-buy-lyclear

Vamousse - Lice treatment

 
Having a child at school I know it is all too well how quickly and easily head lice spread. I think it is almost impossible to get through school without having them.

Many times I have wondered if they can be prevented. This is where Vamousse comes in.

They offer a preventative shampoo which I think is fantastic as it lowers the chances of your child getting lice.  It can be used on children from aged 2 up to adults.  How do you use it?  It is simple

• Work into a lather and massage into scalp
• Leave for at least THREE minutes
• Rinse well

If you want good results its recommended that you use the shampoo for at least 2 weeks.

If your child has head lice already then I recommend Vamousse head lice treatment.  It comes in an easy to apply mousse. To use:

• split hair into sections
• Shake the canister well
• apply onto DRY hair
• pay special attention to nape of neck and behind ears
• make sure all of hair and scalp are covered
• leave in hair for 15 minutes.

Now I know 15 minutes to a child is a long time. Well Vamousse came up with a unique mobile app to keep them amused.

The game is on different levels and is designed to last the full 15 minutes to keep the kids entertained.  I have played the game so many times just for fun!! You get to blast the lice with vamousse and watch them disappear. You can get this game on google play and its FREE

Once the 15 minutes is over you use the comb that is included combing hair from scalp downwards. If the hair dries put more on and continue until all lice are gone!  Then shampoo hair and towel dry.

It really is that quick and simple!! The treatment is oil free so it is not harsh on the hair but gets rid of the little itch monsters!!

You can buy Vamousse from Superdrug

http://www.superdrug.com/Health/Medicated-Hair-Treatments/Medicated-Hair-Treatments /Vamousse-Protection-Shampoo-200ml/p/265902#.VCBqmVclr1g - £9.99

www.superdrug.com/Health/Medicated-Hair-Treatments/Medicated-Hair-Treatments/Vamousse-Head-Lice-Treatment-160ml/p/265901#.VCBqwVclr1g - £14.99

Panda soft Drinks

My children love fruit squash, however, some are really high in sugars and are full of artificial flavours.  They don't like to drink plain still water so I have found a great alternative.

Panda soft drinks!!

They come in some yummy flavours. Orange & Pineapple still water, Raspberry still juice and Blackcurrant still water and still juice.  Apart from the amazing flavours, Panda drinks are:

• Made with only natural fruit flavours
• Contains NO added sugar
• Contains NO artificial colours or flavours.
•  

These 250ml bottles are brilliant for packed lunches or for when you are on the go. They comes with a sports cap meaning they can be closed over again!!

You can buy the drinks in a pack of 6 from Asda (£1.98) and Tesco (£1.99)

To find out more about Panda soft drinks you can visit

Facebook - www.facebook.com/pages/Panda-Soft-Drinks

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Panda_Drinks

Sorry

Hiya

Sorry I haven't been around much the last few days.  I have been unwell with a sinus infection and my little girl isn't well now.

Be back soon,

Angela x

Jharmain's Guest Post x

My name is Jharmain Mortimer (Jharr) I am 26 years old. I have suffered with depression since I was 19 years old. 

I have had some hard times, but I have also been blessed with a beautiful, full time energetic, four year old toddler named Joel! & our beautiful new daughter, Felicity! who came into our world on 3rd July 2014. 

The hard times have taught me much, & have helped me to become the women & Mummy that I am today. I still have my bad days but I also have my good days.

It is the amazing support from family & those few friends that helps me want to fight & become a stronger person. 

I originally set up my blog so that I had my own bit of personal space to write down feelings! now I try to blog on a daily basis or whenever I can, I mostly like to talk about life in general, the joys of being a Mummy & wife, & how I live my life day to day coping with the ups & downs of Depression.

I would like to think that any other Mums & Dads out there that suffer with depression & are reading my blog, find that it is helpful to them in some way or another because after all, depression isn't anything to be ashamed of. 

I like to be fairly open on alot of my topics because it is one of my ways that I find helps me to cope. People that choose to name call & label me for having a Blog are only defining themselves. ~ Always remember; Depression isn't weakness, nor is it anything to be ashamed of. depression is a sign of strength, because it means no matter how weak your mind might be to you, your heart is still strong enough to feel. hold your head up high & be proud of who you are! ~


I would like to say a massive thank you to Jharmain for her post. She really is a wonderful woman and a fantastic mum! 

To visit her blog please go to http://mrsjharr1987.blogspot.co.uk/

You can visit her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Women-Of-Many-Roles-Full-Time-Mamma-House-Wife-Living-With-Depression/146530755514315

Dementia

Many of us will experience Dementia at some point in our lives. This could be due to a loved one, a friend or even yourself having the condition.  Do we know enough about it though?

The Mental Health Foundation, http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ have put the spotlight on this condition in a hope to raise more awareness meaning we can spot the signs sooner and get the help and support needed.

Dementia is a common condition that affects around 800,000 people across the UK. The risk increases as you get older with mainly over 65's being affected. The conditions is a deterioration of brain cells or damage to certain parts of the brain.

Symptoms include:

• lack of blood/oxygen supply to these brain areas
• head injury e.g. from boxing or whip lash after a car crash
• pressure on the brain e.g. from a tumour
• hydrocephalus (fluid build-up between the brain and the brain lining)
• neurological disease e.g. Parkinson's disease, Creutzfeld Jakob disease (CJD)
• infection e.g. AIDS
• vitamin deficiency
• a long period of excessive alcohol intake

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia yet they do not know what causes this.

Sadly there is no cure for the condition. There are many support groups and self help guides that can give you information and the groups can provide a place to go where carers are with people who are in the same situation and gives sufferers a place to socialise and get help too.

More on Dementia can be found at http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/mental-health-a-z/D/dementia/

Thousands attempt suicide while on NHS waiting list for psychological help

. *Reported in The Independent*

This is very very concerning. More needs to be done and quickly.

Thousands of people have attempted suicide while on an NHS waiting list for psychological treatment, according to a comprehensive new study of mental health services in England.

In the latest evidence of a hidden mental health crisis, a coalition of leading charities and medical professionals report that one in 10 patients are waiting for more than a year just to be assessed for treatment, and one in six made an attempt on their life while on a waiting list.

GPs report a “huge rise” in the number of mental health conditions, which has coincided with cuts to mental health services and psychotherapy posts in many parts of the country.

The consequent delays in accessing treatment can be disastrous for patients, the report from the We Need to Talk coalition warns. In a survey of 2,000 patients, one in six said they had attempted suicide while waiting for treatment, four in 10 said they had self-harmed, and two thirds said their condition had deteriorated before they had a chance to see a mental health professional.

The report, which focuses on referrals for treatment under Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme, also reveals stark variations in the number of patients being referred and treated on time in different parts of England.

IAPT services, which include talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling, which are predominantly for patients suffering with anxiety and depression, provide vital early intervention which are intended to prevent a crisis, such as a suicide attempt, further down the line.

Most NHS areas saw between 1,000 and 3,000 IAPT referrals in the last quarter of 2013/14 – but in some areas there were fewer than 100, suggesting that many patients are not being referred for the help they need. There was also significant variation in the length of time patients had to wait for specialist treatment.

To read the full report please visit http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/thousands-attempt-suicide-while-on-nhs-waiting-list-for-psychological-help-9734284.html

Cooking with your children

Following on from my post about the wonderful Ben's beginners https://twitter.com/BensBeginnersUK which is an initiative from Uncle Ben's.  They aim to get more children into the kitchen to help their parents with cooking and baking which teaches them vital kitchen skills.

I asked my son Liam if he would like to help his dad make home made tomato soup today after school.  He got so excited about this that he didn't want to go. Oops. I am, however, delighted that he wants to get involved.  He sees it as fun but he is learning.

Here are some pictures of my children helping in the kitchen (Sophie is 2 so is still a bit young)

Liam learning to mix

Liam with the rolls he helped make

My little chefs

Liam weighing the choc powder

Sophie helping out

Why not get your kids involved. It helps them learn the skills they will need when older and its fun.

You can find videos from Ben's Beginners at https://www.youtube.com/user/bensbeginners/bensbeginners