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There are certain moments from books that I read as a child that were so powerful that I can still remember now how they made me feel, years and years later.

There was a moment in a Secret Seven book for instance, when they twig that they’ve misheard the baddies and realise that Emma Lane is in fact Ember Lane, and a red pillow is in fact a red pillar box. Suddenly they KNOW and the suspense of it is terrifying and thrilling all at once. I remember having to run downstairs immediately and hug my mum because it was all too much.

I had a similar experience with Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator and the Vermicious Knids – evil, carnivorous beasts who roam the universe, destroying everything in their path. The moment where that bank of lifts opens one by one and there is a Knid in each, spelling out the word SCRAM… well, if you’ve read it I’m sure you’ll understand.

Roald Dahl in particular has a way of telling stories that makes you believe, even when you’re old enough to know better. That story in The Witches about the little girl in the painting still gives me shivers. His stories are incredible, but with just enough reality to make you think that maybe, just maybe… Honestly, you wouldn’t believe the amount of time I spent genuinely trying to uncover my hidden powers of telekinesis after reading Matilda.

Roald Dahl at Very View Post

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home decor tips

Moving house can be one of the most stressful things you can do. Not only because of all the packing and unpacking of boxes but also because it can take a considerable amount of time to feel fully settled and comfortable in your new home. Long after you have unpacked and arranged all your furniture, it can still sometimes feel like you don’t quite feel at home.

However, the feeling that you aren’t quite settled in your new place won’t last forever, and you can speed up the process considerably by making a few additional touches to your house. From finding the right colour scheme to adding a few personal items and pictures of your loved ones, you will soon make your house a home and feel settled and comfortable in your new surroundings. Here are some of our top tips.

Fill rooms with personal items

One of the easiest ways to make your house a home is to fill your new space with personal mementoes that mean something to you. Not only will this help fill up the empty space that you will be left with when you first move in, but it will also help you to feel more familiar with your surroundings. From getting a bookshelf filled with all of your favourite books to items from your travels, you will be able to transform your blank canvas.

You should also fill your new home with photographs of your friends and family. There’s nothing I love more than heading to my local photo shop that offers photo printing in Taunton to introduce photographs into my living space. Doing this is straightforward and can significantly improve the appearance of your home. From adding a few photo frames on the mantelpiece to large photo prints that you can display on the wall. You will be surprised at just how much of a difference personal touches such as family photos can make to the cosiness and comfort of your home.

Add soft furnishings

When you first move into a new place you tend to focus on getting your boxes unpacked and your furniture moved in. While these are the essentials that you need to make sure that you have everything at first. You should also be sure to add some soft furnishings. From a rug on your wooden floors to cushions and throws to add to your sofa, these additions will help you find it a whole lot easier to relax in your new living space. Adding a few extra blankets can also be a great way to prepare your home when winter is on its way.

Choose the right colour scheme

While decorating your home isn’t always a priority when you first move in, it is something you should think about when trying to make your house a home. Although we completely understand that it can feel overwhelming when it comes to picking the right colour scheme for your new home, it can make all the difference to how comfortable you feel in your new place.

When it comes to finding the right colour scheme, you should take into consideration the size of the room you are looking to decorate. For example, if it is a small room that doesn’t get a lot of natural light, then you should try to avoid dark colours as this will make the room darker and less welcoming. You should consider this as you may find that a darker room is more difficult to feel relaxed and comfortable in.

Transforming your house into a home doesn’t have to be as challenging or expensive as you might think and by adding a few personal touches and revamping the decor of some of the most-used rooms you will soon start to feel at home in your new space.

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Many individuals who used to go to the gym or attend exercise classes struggled to maintain their workout routines during the lockdowns. To make matters worse, the disruption that the pandemic has wrought on day-to-day life has made it extra challenging for people to return to an active lifestyle.

Given that people are moving less, staying at home, and eating more, it’s not surprising that weight gain is now more prevalent, especially among women. Perhaps your fitness routine has been interrupted by gym closures or work-from-home arrangements, or maybe the stress of the COVID-19 restrictions reduced your motivation to keep exercising. Certain gyms might require proof of vaccination or a rapid covid test to enter, setting up more hurdles between you and your fitness goals.

As we emerge from lockdown, it’s crucial to prioritize our physical health and well-being. Re-incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can help you regain your lovely curves and maintain overall health. Before you start, be sure to compare gyms in Australia to find one that meets your needs and fits your budget. With so many options available, it’s important to take the time to find the right gym for you to ensure a successful and sustainable return to your fitness routine.

Are you having trouble getting back on track? Read on. This piece will offer six ways to help you achieve your fitness goals. We’ve also included several styling tips such as investing in shaping tights and other types of shape wear. All these should help you burn off or conceal the extra quarantine weight and transform you into a fabulous-looking mom in an instant.

How to Start Getting Back in Shape

As a busy mom with lots of responsibilities at work and at home, it’s tempting to forego exercise, especially in these unprecedented times. Perhaps you only skipped your workout for a day or two. Before you knew it, three days turned into four, and so on, until it had been weeks since you last worked out. If you’re struggling to get your exercise game on, here are several strategies to get back in shape:

Set Small, Realistic Goals

One of the most effective ways to keep yourself motivated during your fitness journey is by starting small. For instance, instead of aiming to run on the treadmill for an hour on your first day, plan to do 15 minutes for three days a week instead. Then, gradually increase the duration of your workouts or add new exercises to your routine as you get used to being physically active again. Also, be realistic. Schedule your workout on days or times when you have less on your plate so that your workout routine becomes more enjoyable and less overwhelming.

Exercise Patience

Getting back in shape takes time. That’s why you need to be patient with yourself and your progress. Don’t expect that your body will immediately adjust to the physical demands of your fitness routine, especially if you’ve been inactive for some time. You may not realize it, but even a week of inactivity can reduce your physical performance. That said, fight the temptation to do too much too fast as it could lead to injury and feelings of frustration. Just do the work, and results will follow eventually.

Think Outside the Box

To help you stay the course, you may need to redefine what working out means to you. Remember that you don’t necessarily have to attend exercise classes, jog every morning, or ride your stationary bike for a set, uninterrupted time every day. Rather than stressing about how you can squeeze an hour or two of exercise time into your already packed schedule, find ways to stay active throughout the day. Perhaps you can march in place while watching television, play tag with your kids, or go for walks after dinner. Essentially, make it your daily mission to keep moving, no matter what form the physical activity may take.

Find an Accountability Partner

If you tend to perform well when somebody keeps track of what you’re doing, you may benefit from having an accountability partner. It can even be fun if your designated accountability buddy shares a workout with you via an online video. That said, this kind of arrangement isn’t required. Simply put, what you need is someone you can trust to help you follow through with your plans.

Perhaps you can send them a picture after completing a workout session, or maybe your accountability partner can call you before bed to check on your progress. Whatever monitoring strategy you agree on, be sure to find an accountability partner who’s deeply invested in your success.

Exercise Outside

Take your workout sessions outdoors whenever possible to get some much-needed sunlight and fresh air. You can go to the park, hike, or even do an hour of yoga in your backyard. Introducing variations in your exercise routine can make it more fun and engaging. More importantly, you can experience tons of mental health benefits when you spend time in a natural environment. Working out surrounded by nature can relieve stress and anxiety, lift your mood, and improve concentration. You will undoubtedly feel energized and motivated after exercising outside.

Be Kind to Yourself

Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a session. Failing to stick to your schedule doesn’t mean you’re lazy or a failure. Let go of your perceived shortcomings and start again. You may also want to practice positive self-talk to put you in the right mindset. Remind yourself of the reasons why you’re working out again and continue cheering for yourself even if you encounter setbacks.

Styling Tips to Look Fit and Fabulous

Even if you’re still far from achieving your fitness goals, you don’t have to limit your wardrobe choices to oversized dresses and shirts. With the right combination of clothes and a few clever tricks, you can look fit, fabulous, and confident no matter what tasks you need to accomplish each day. Here are a few dress-slim tips that you may want to try:

Invest In High-quality Shapewear

Looking good in any outfit starts by wearing the right undergarments. After all, it’s not exactly visually appealing if you have some fleshy bits and bumps peeking out from the waistband of your underwear. To create a smoother and lovelier silhouette, try investing in seamless slimming briefs, camisoles, shaping tights, and full-body undergarments.

Opt for Flattering Necklines

Always go for dresses and tops that flatter your figure, such as those that come with a V-neck. This type of neckline slims down your face, broadens the shoulder, and stretches the neck. A boat neck is another neckline option as it offers the same shoulder-widening and neck-extending advantages.

Try Monochromatic Dressing

To create a more cohesive and slimming appearance, try wearing tops and bottoms that come in a single color, particularly dark ones. Make the overall look more stylish by playing with different textures or shades. For example, you can pair your navy-blue silk top with dark wash blue jeans. Slip into a pair of black or dark blue ballet flats to wrap up a fashionable yet comfortable ensemble.

Wear Body-friendly Dresses

When choosing dresses, opt for beltless or no-waist designs, such as empire, trapeze, or wrap. You may also select pieces with busy patterns and prints as they can disguise tummy bulges and elevate your style.

Upgrade Your Casual Outfit with a Blazer

A blazer is a staple not only for elevating your ensemble but also for covering flabby arms. For casual events or meeting friends for coffee, try putting on an open blazer over a V-neck shirt and high-rise dark skinny jeans. Complete the look with a pair of black pumps to create an illusion of longer, slimmer legs.

Hopefully, the strategies mentioned above will motivate you to restart your exercise routine and keep the habit moving forward. In case you miss a few workout days, forgive yourself and start again. You may also want to dress more mindfully so that you always look your best. Remember that when you look good, you also feel good. Your mindset changes, allowing you to face daily challenges with optimism and hope. And don’t forget: you’ve got this!

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Commuting into London can come with a number of obstacles and annoyances, from having to balance on a moving train at 6:30 in the morning to having your personal space invaded by strangers. One disadvantage to commuting into the city that is a bit harder to ignore is the hole it leaves in your bank account. 

Whether you are taking the train, the tube, your car, or the bus into work every day, it is a great financial strain that daily commuters have to make peace with in order to reach the office on time in the morning. It may be hard to believe, but there are actually some simple and super effective ways to save some pennies on your commute. Don’t believe us? Check out these tips and thank us later!

How to Save Money on Your Commute

There are several savvy and simple ways to save some extra pennies on your commute, which will eventually accumulate into significant savings. 

  • Rent a parking space

One of the most daunting parts of driving into work early in the morning is the stress of finding a parking spot that is close enough to the office, without it causing you to go into debt. Parking in London in particular can prove a very challenging and difficult ordeal. Renting a parking space through Stashbee is a great way to avoid that scrambling and nauseating feeling, whilst still being an affordable option.

The platform is incredibly easy and straightforward to use: simply enter the postcode of the area you wish to park in and a list of suitable options will be generated in seconds. It gives you the choice to opt for short-term, long-term, or hourly parking right in the heart of the city. Using Stashbee to find a parking space is a great way to save yourself both stress and money.

  • Buy a more economical car 

I know what you’re thinking: you’re trying to save money here, not break the bank on a brand new expensive car. But hear me out! One of the best ways to save money on your daily commute is by investing in an eco-friendly car that will help you save money on fuel and is generally a lot cheaper to run. The long-term savings will be completely worth it as more money can go towards parking costs. Plus, there are so many online guides and articles that can help steer you towards picking the best car for your needs if you are unsure which vehicle to opt for. 

  • Reduce car insurance costs 

You have to insure your car in order to be on the road, but what you don’t have to do is pay an arm and a leg for that coverage. Make sure you take the time to shop around for the best deals out there! It may be really easy to just auto-renew your current deal, but this is where insurers thrive and cash in on customer laziness – after all, they keep the best deals hidden away for new customers. An effective way of reducing your premium is by increasing the excess you’d pay if claimed – just be sure not to increase it so much that the new amount is something you can’t actually afford!

save money on commute

There are so many simple and effective ways to save money on commuting without inconveniencing yourself in the slightest. By taking the time to do a bit of extra research, you can save a very pretty penny. Driving into work has never been easier, and reaching your end destination knowing that there is a sweet parking spot waiting for you is a peace of mind worth investing in.

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how to sleep well in winter

Feeling cozy and warm in your bed during a cold winter day is arguably one of the most satisfying sensations in the world. Imagine it. You’re lying on your bed, face buried against a fresh-smelling pillow. It’s snowing outside, and the early morning skies are dark. You pull the comforter in tighter and let your body snuggle against its softness. Indeed, few things can compare.

Unfortunately, getting a cozy wintry night’s sleep could be difficult for some people. They sometimes feel too cold, too hot, or simply uncomfortable. If you’re one of them, you’re in luck. There are many things that you can do to sleep snugly throughout a cold night. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Adjust Room Temperature

Before seeking out duvets and layering on clothes, you need to check the temperature inside your bedroom first. The right room temperature is vital in ensuring a good rest under the covers. If there’s any way you can adjust indoor temperature, it should be on the top of your checklist.

Try to set the room temperature between 15 or 19 degrees Celsius for a cozy night. If your house has a thermostat, adjust the temperature an hour before going to bed. If you don’t have temperature control options, preserve the warmth in your room by ensuring that windows are shut and sealed, putting thick curtains, or using a heater with a timer.

Wear Comfortable Pajamas

Everyone has a go-to set of sleeping clothes. It could be an old favorite shirt or a pair of sweatpants you’ve had since high school. That said, there’s something comforting about having a proper set of pajamas in your wardrobe. If you’re keen on buying women’s pajama tops, there are plenty of options available in different designs, styles, and fabrics.

In terms of keeping warm, wearing a pair of pure cotton or silk pajamas is the way to go. These fabrics are more effective insulators and are more effective for keeping you warm compared to synthetic materials. Silk is especially good at helping regulate your body heat as it can help you stay warm or cool as needed. Though they may seem appropriate for winter, you may want to avoid wearing especially thick clothing to bed.

Dress in Layers

Putting on multiple layers (instead of just one thick one) is the most practical tip in keeping warm. If you’re wearing your pajamas, you can put on a sweater on top of a comfortable shirt. For your legs, you can don a pair of leggings for an extra measure of warmth.

That said, not everyone is keen on dressing in layers. After all, putting on more clothes can restrict your movements to a degree and could be troublesome to remove if you feel warmer later on in the night. Instead, try using a comforter or add more blankets instead. If you ever feel too hot, simply remove the topmost blanket layer .

Take a Hot Bath Before Going to Bed

When it’s cold out, it could be tempting to skip bathing and opt for washdown instead. However, several studies have shown that taking a hot bath before going to bed can actually improve sleep quality. One such study, in a review conducted by researchers from the University of Texas at Austin, found that taking a hot bath 90 minutes before bedtime could help people fall asleep faster because the warmth causes the body to become more relaxed. Thus, always set aside time for a cozy hot bath, and make sure to dry your hair first before getting under the covers.

Invest in Quality Comforters

Everybody loves snuggling against a comforter on a cold day. It’s like receiving a soft, warm hug that makes you feel all cozy. Having a clean comforter in your closet is a big plus when winter comes.

Comforters come in all shapes and sizes. While you can always buy a cheap comforter, purchasing a quality comforter is an investment in quality sleep. The higher price tag is often worth it because you get better quality materials that feel more comfortable and provide more warmth on wintry days.

Before purchasing a comforter, make sure to check its tog rating first. The tog rating is a scale (ranging from one to 15) that shows how effective the comforter is in trapping warmth. The higher the rating, the warmer it would feel. For a cooler option, go for a comforter with a tog rating ranging from one to 4.5. If you live in a colder area, however, going for one with a higher tog rating would be a smarter investment.

Use a Hot Water Bottle

The humble hot water bottle could become your new best friend on a cold night. Using a hot water bottle may seem unusual, but it is a very affordable way of keeping warm. It is also safer to use than an electric blanket, which can be used to warm your bed but are not designed to be left on while sleeping.

After placing hot water into the bottle, wrap it in a small towel to provide insulation and prevent scalding. You can also repurpose old socks or purchase a specialty wrap and place the hot water bottle inside. You can then keep the hot water bottle near your back, by your stomach, or under your feet. As the night progresses, the water in the bottle will eventually cool down, so you don’t have to worry about overheating.

Replace Your Bedding Weekly

Never underestimate how effective clean sheets can be for a good night’s sleep. According to a 2012 study done by the US National Sleep Foundation, around 73% of their respondents reported having better sleep with fresh sheets.

Hence, make sure to replace your bedding consistently on a weekly basis. Changing the sheets can feel like a chore when you’re tired from work, so do it on a day when you have time. Take a weekend, for example. In this manner, you can start the next week with better sleep and sufficient rest.

Put on Some Bed Socks

Compared to the torso, it’s easier for the extremities of our bodies to become colder. That’s why you’re likely to feel nippy on your hands and feet first. It’s easy to keep our hands warm under the comforter, but feet can be tricky. Perhaps you often wake to find that your feet have slipped out of the comforter while sleeping.

An easy fix for this problem is to put on some bed socks. If regular socks aren’t cutting it for you, consider buying a pair of thick socks for extra warmth. As a precautionary measure, you can also tuck the bottom hem of your pajamas into your socks to ensure that there are no gaps for the cold to seep through.

Run the Ceiling Fan in Reverse

Turning on a ceiling fan when you’re trying to keep warm may seem counterintuitive, but there is a good reason for it. Depending on the direction the fan turns, it can make the room colder or warmer. During the summer months, ceiling fans run counterclockwise to create a downdraft and release a cooling breeze. This is the original direction that a lot of ceiling fans are set in. However, in the winter months, running the ceiling fan clockwise at low speed creates an updraft. This motion pushes down the warm air rising to the ceiling and makes the room feel warmer.

Apart from helping to keep the room warm, running the fan allows the air in the room to circulate. This may also help you to breathe better. Cold weather can cause the air to feel dry, which affects your breathing. Better air circulation can help, though it may be best to add a humidifier into the room to improve overall air quality.

Whether you’ve been having challenges with sleeping through cold winter nights or just want to make bedtime more cozy, the tips above are sure to help. Better sleep is possible by making a few changes in your bedroom habits and investing in sleep accessories. Always remember that quality sleep is crucial to people’s health. No matter what season it is, getting a good rest should be a priority.

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As adults, we know very well when we need to go see an eye doctor. We might get blurred vision, see spots, or our eyesight might get distorted at times. This is usually our queue for calling in that appointment.

It’s not as easy to determine if a child is having problems seeing. This will help detect any early signs of trouble and will help remedy any issues faster.

Still, kids will not generally be able to tell you whether their vision is ok or not. Thus, you’ll need to pay close attention to the telltale signs and act accordingly. As mentioned, early childhood vision problems are rare. But, if they do occur, noticing them sooner rather than later will allow you to help your child before they develop any serious issues.

When Are Kids Eyes Checked?

When it comes to babies and kids that haven’t learned to speak yet, it is more difficult to notice if they’re having any problems with their vision. Taking them in for a checkup once a year is a good idea even if you just do it as a preventive measure.

Your child will get their first eye examination within 72 hours of their birth. The next eye exam will be in the next 6 to 8 weeks, and the next one after that at around 1 or 2 years of age.

A checkup called vision screening happens around the age of 4 and is usually carried out at school. In cases where this option is not available, it’s a good idea to take your kid to your eye doctor or local optometrist.

Signs that Your Kid Might Need Their Eyes Checked

If you notice one or multiple signs of vision impairment persisting in your child, the best solution is to get some answers. It could just be a sign that they need to wear glasses.

1.     Their Eyes Are Squinting

Squinting is something we all do, whether we realize it or not. When you’re watching TV, looking at smaller print, or looking at something in the distance, the first impulse is always squinting. This is because the eyes are trying to refocus when you change your point of focus.

So, this is an involuntary reflex that every human being is born with. But, when we do it more and more often then this could be a sign that our eyes are struggling to focus.

2.     Eye Pain

Kids that are able to speak might tell you their eyes are hurting. Ask them for more details about the pain they are perceiving. They could be able to better describe the pain, where it’s coming from, and how often they get it.

If this issue persists, an eye checkup might be needed. A quick call to your eye doctor will answer most questions you might have. They’ll be able to tell you if an appointment is needed.

3.     Complaining of Headaches

Before running to the doctor’s make sure your kid didn’t just hit their head. Ask those around if they’d seen him falling or hitting his head. Regular headaches could be a sign there’s a problem with his or her eyesight.

4.     Reading Issues

For reading age kids you’ll likely notice that they’re not reading as good as they used to. If they’re also holding the book close up to their face, then a visit to the eye doctor is your best bet.

5.     Clumsiness

Depending on your kid’s motor skills a change in their physical aptitudes, for a prolonged period of time, could be a sign of eye trouble. Observe them for a bit and check to see how often this is happening during the span of a day. If the issue gets worse visit your optometrist for a second opinion.

6.     Too much screen time

The technological era has bewitched everyone and their grandma. It’s not uncommon to be looking at screens for most of the day. And, as much as we might adapt with each generation, too much blue light is proven to have harmful effects on our eyes and our brains.

Kids are particularly susceptible to these negative effects. Before the age of 3, too much screen time might not be a good idea. Studies show that a kid’s eyesight doesn’t fully develop until after the age of 3. So, watching too much stuff on TV or a tablet could have either or both negative and positive implications.

7.     Eye Rubbing

Kids are known to rub their eyes when they’re sleepy, they’re crying, or as most of us, are scratching an itch. If too much of this occurs there might be a problem with their vision. If they’re talking, of course, you can ask them about it. Otherwise, a swift optometrist visit will suffice.

Conclusion

One single symptom might not be enough to call the troops in. But the frequency and seriousness of the issue are also important. The more often any of the above signs happen, the more serious could be the cause.

 

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The Golden Girl donut

A little while ago I discovered the joy that is getting cookery books out of the library.

I’ve always gone to the library, obviously, I’ve not just suddenly discovered it as concept. I’ve facilitated my fair share of summer reading challenges with the girls, and been to story times, and done all the usual library things, but for some reason it had never occurred to be to get recipe books from the library. Silly really, as they are BOOKS, dur.

So anyway a few weeks ago I went along to the library, with my tote bag, and there were shelves and shelves of them! I sat on the floor and looked at all the pictures of all the things I’d probably never get around to making, but liked looking at nonetheless. I concentrated on baking because I find it more enjoyable cooking when I’m not hungry, just for the fun of making something. When you’ve been answering the ‘what’s for tea’ question every day at 4.30pm for over 20 years then the joy of cooking actual meals becomes a teeny bit diminished.

I ended up with a big stack of books for my tote bag and one of them was DONUTS by Vicky Graham.  View Post

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I’ve been struggling for a long time now to feel creative.

There are loads of excuses I could come up with, like a global pandemic, significant parenting and grandparenting responsibilities, stress, I don’t know, there’s plenty to pin it on, but the more I’ve thought about it, the more I come to the conclusion that it’s something bigger than that.

I’ve been feeling this same kind of ‘God I wish I could just sit and stare at an unopened book and eat bourbons’ vibe probably, if I’m honest, since I wrote this post, which is before I’d even heard of the phrase ‘social distancing’, so it hardly seems fair to blame my lack of creative inspiration on Covid.

At the time I called it a midlife unravelling, because a friend had told me about this article and everything I read resonated with me so much, but since I wrote the post over two years ago a new word for it has been blipping more and more frequently on my radar – PERIMENOPAUSE.

If you follow me on Instagram you’ll know I talk about the perimenopause quite a lot over there, which is fine – the lack of flow in the creative juice department lends itself well to a few sparsely worded Instagram stories, but I’ve written less about it here, probably because the sheer volume of words required makes it feel impossible.

While I do feel that the whole concept of perimenopause has gained more and more publicity over the last couple of years, I think there’s still a huge lack of understanding around what exactly the perimenopause is, and what it means for all the people who go through it.

If you think perimenopause, what do you think? Can you reel of some of the common effects or do you just think hot flushes? (Which actually are more common during menopause that perimenopause.) Do you know how long it can last? (Up to ten years God help us.)

I was listening to a podcast today that used an expression that really stuck with me – they called perimenopause an ‘all systems’ condition. Perimenopause isn’t just a gynaecological issue, it’s an EVERYTHING issue. It impacts every area of your life, from sleep to libido. It can cause joint pain, lethargy, anxiety, skin and hair changes, even tinnitus.

Perimenopause can effect your energy levels and your motivation. It gives you BRAIN FOG. It makes life sometimes feel overwhelming or infuriating or pointless.

Perimenopause gets EVERYWHERE, in every bit of you.

There are women who’ve given up jobs because perimenopause symptoms have made them feel like they’re no longer capable, like they might be going crazy, like they might have dementia, like they are drowning.

Is it really any wonder that when I wake up multiple times every single night, lie awake for sometimes hours at a time, unable to find a place to lie that isn’t too hot or too painful for my hips, that I might feel a tad lack lustre? Can I really be blamed for not wanting to sit down and bash out creative stories everyday when sometimes even opening my laptop makes me furious and exhausted all at once?

No.

I’m not sure where I’m going with this post to be honest, I think I just wanted to start talking here more about what’s going on for me right now and to give some insight for people who might be feeling that same lack of motivation and direction, some reassurance that if this is you, you’re not alone, you’re not crazy.

Over HALF the world’s population experience the perimenopause, so it’s time we started talking about it. If any of this resonates with you I’d love to hear from you – you can leave a comment on this post.

 

perimenopause symptoms

PS. My Menopause Doctor is a great source of information on the menopause and perimenopause and a great place to start if you want to find out more.

 

 

 

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Advertisement feature in association with Headway Tutors – providers of in-home and online tutoring.

Best online tutor

It’s a fun fact about me that, if you don’t count the paper round I had for literally 45 minutes, (which we don’t), my first job was as a one to one maths tutor. I was a personal tutor for about three years while I was at university and it was a great way for me, as a single parent to a toddler already, to make some extra money but work flexibly.

I guess when you think about it it shows how well suited I’ve always been to working for myself, because I took the initiative, found all my own customers and managed everything myself. It’s also quite staggering how far technology has come since then. There was no such thing as online tutoring companies back then because there was no such thing as online. Once I’d had the idea, the only way to find the people who wanted tutoring near me was to put an ad in the local paper. You couldn’t Google it – if you wanted to find a maths tutor you looked in the classifieds, or maybe at the postcards in the window of the newsagents.

I remember quite distinctly going into the newspaper office to place my ad, checking out the competition from the other private tutors and tutoring companies, and trying to come up with an enticing way to say ‘inexperienced but cheap’. My maths resources were Lego, (excellent for making fractions seem fun), a maths version of snakes and ladders that I drew myself on a bit of cardboard from a box and covered in sticky back plastic, and, if I was feeling flush, pages from workbooks that I photocopied in the library.

I charged £7.50 an hour. Happy times.

Find maths tutor near me

Nowadays the world of online tutoring is big business and there are masses of different online tutoring companies offering support with everything from the 11+ to GCSE Spanish. Many of these tutoring companies will offer the option of in-home tuition as well as online, and some may also run workshops or group tuition sessions, which can be more affordable than one to one tuition.

Because the options are now so much broader than the selection of postcards in a shop window, it can be hard to know how to choose the best online tutoring option for you and your child, so I’ve teamed up with tutoring website Headway Tutors to help you think about some of the questions you might want to ask yourself or a tutoring company before you make a decision. View Post

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why you should kick autumn leaves

The fall is a time for pumpkin spice lattes, cute warm sweaters and some of the best family activities. Outdoor and indoor activities galore, don’t miss out on some great opportunities this season.

Here are some ideas to help plan for activities with the whole family this fall.  

Explore a Pumpkin Patch

Have an adventure at the pumpkin patch! There is something magical about picking out and eating fresh pumpkins and watching them grow on their vines. Not to mention that many pumpkin patches have a lot more to offer than just the patch. Some offer hayrides, pumpkin painting, and even mazes through the fields. So research the pumpkin patches in your area to see what kind of events and activities they have available!

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Watching the sunrise or sunset with the family can be an incredible experience. Families in Houston love to do this on fall nights when the autumn foliage can be viewed from high in the sky.

If you’re interested in joining families in Houston, perhaps checking out the current Apartments in Houston that are for rent is a great place to start. There are numerous fall activities in this area and certainly all throughout the year as well.

Haunted Hayrides

If your family is up for a thrill, checking out local haunted hayrides or houses is the perfect fall night activity. From scary characters to creepy wooded areas, everyone will surely be spooked! Just a word of caution to check the event description as some can be quite scary and not suitable for very young children. 

Head to a Football Game

When autumn rolls around, football fans have their gear ready to go. Fall weekends are the perfect time to head to a local high school, college, or even NFL football game depending on where you’re located.

Put on your favorite team’s apparel and cheer them on from the stands!

Play in the Leaves

A simple activity that is free and may actually help you with your house chores. Rake the leaves your yard has collected into one large pile for the entire family to jump into. After you’re done, have the kids pick out a few to preserve or trace with a crayon for a fun craft project.

Get Lost in a Maze

Having fun in a corn maze trying to find certain items or posts is one of the many fun activities available in the fall. Grab a cup of warm apple cider and head inside the maze but make sure everyone sticks together! 

Have a Happy Fall!

Fall is the time to get out and enjoy the crisp cool weather. There are many fun activities that your family can do together and not all of them require spending a lot of money or time. Give your family some of these ideas and have a happy fall filled with memories! If you’re a member of a local community organization, then suggest one of these activities as a group outing. 

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Data rooms

It matters less whether you are running a small business or a large organization; you are going to store and transfer business documents especially for mergers and acquisitions. Data rooms are far more efficient and effective when it comes to data security and organization than a physical storage space. They feature useful tools such as advanced permissions, multiple-factor authentication, Q&A tools, bookmarks, and notes among other things. Transactions & Data Rooms go hand in hand in the modern business setting. You will need them for IPOs, real estate management, and other financial transactions. These use cases are just to mention but a few. Here are other things that require you to invest in a viable data room.

Mergers and Acquisitions M&A

A lot of companies carry out M&A due diligence using VDRs. Data rooms make it easy for companies to seal deals online without having to meet physically. You can easily share paperwork for review and sign documents online. It saves a lot of time and money when personnel do not have to travel long distances. Since companies share highly sensitive information and documents in such deals, they opt to use VDRs thanks to their security features. Common in the tech industry, large corporations often acquire small start-ups. VDRs make such acquisition processes easy to go through.

Legal Document Management

VDRs present an excellent way of managing legal documents. These rooms allow companies to share such documents without worrying about exposing their restricted documents to other companies. Legal documents can be extremely extensive, so the involved stakeholders must have unlimited access to go through the documents extensively. VDRs make it possible for multiple lawyers representing several companies to review a large number of documents and be in a position to negotiate for their respective companies. Popular use in the legal field is class action suits that usually involve a large number of people.

IPOs and Raising Capital

Raising capital is common for both existing and start-up companies. When raising capital, you must take security and accountability into consideration. Raising capital is an activity that takes a long time, sometimes several months. A lot of people and companies could be involved in such an activity as well. It is vital therefore that you use a platform that will accommodate all those involved, and provide enough security and accountability. VDRs take up this role with ease thanks to their user-friendly working platforms and their top-notch security features.

Real Estate Transactions

Commercial real estate transactions involve large transactions and huge amounts of data for the properties. Sharing this data would be difficult if the involved parties were to send emails back and forth. Some files would be too large to even attach to their emails. It is important to have a platform such as those VDRs provide to upload such huge files that the sellers and the potential buyers as well as other interested parties like government officials can review and give feedback. The platforms allow you to restrict access so that you can control how users operate on the platform. 

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As babies grow and start exploring more of their surroundings, they will develop various skills – including fine motor skills. These are not to be confused with gross motor skills – which, as Healthline explains, involve the whole body and include sitting, standing and walking.

Fine motor skills are more about dexterity. Here, you use smaller muscles, including those in your hands, fingers, and wrists. They play an essential role in improving your kids’ overall well-being. When they have fine motor skills, they can learn how to get dressed, write, eat, or do some daily activities that require the use and control of hand muscles. Your children will be more prepared to learn advanced skills as they grow older by developing these skills.

Generally, you can help your little ones build fine motor skills by providing them with activities at home like setting the table, holding a spoon and fork for eating, and other simple household chores. On top of those things, they can also develop the skills by playing with some toys.

Fine motor skills are more about dexterity, and use smaller muscles – including in the hands, fingers and wrists. Here are several toys your kids would enjoy using to hone their fine motor skills…

Ring stack

The Nemours KidsHealth website recommends buying one of these for babies; in other words, children in their first year of life.

At the heart of this toy is a cone fitting various sizes of coloured ring. Initially, your baby might just hold and mouth the multicoloured rings provided as part of the toy. However, through later fitting these rings onto the cone, babies practice fine motor skills.

Mechanical toy

As your child passes their first birthday and becomes a toddler, they could become increasingly aware of how objects function.

Hence, they could be increasingly drawn to mechanical toys – like pop-up toys as well as “busy” boxes where children can use knobs, buttons and levers to bring about particular effects. Such toys can assist in teaching not just fine motor skills but also cause-and-effect.

Arty toy

Your child’s fine motor skills could soon improve to a level sufficient for them to engage in various arts and crafts; for example, by holding a crayon, drawing pictures and – for the purposes of cutting and pasting – using safety scissors.

Fine motor skills would also be necessary if your little one wanted to write – such as to add a message to a birthday card they have made for you – or thread beads.

Construction set

Giving your kids a construction toy – like, yes, Lego or a similar toy from a different brand – would enable your little ones to psychologically develop themselves in various ways.

For example, in building a tower and discerning how to prevent it from toppling over, they can pick up problem-solving skills and refine their hand-eye coordination. However, you could have underestimated how much these toys would enable your kids to practice their fine motor skills, too. Because playing with construction set toys allows your children to build sets, it helps them experiment and obtain better control of the things they have in their hands, which can be a good start for honing their fine motor skills. 

So, if you think construction set toys like Lego may help them develop fine motor skills, then buying one for them may be an excellent idea. However, it’s essential to know that buying the right Lego sets may be complicated and confusing. To help you choose, you may check out some Lego reviews online to know which one suits your budget and your child’s needs.

Musical instrument

If any of your kids work hard to learn how to play a particular musical instrument, like a piano, violin or guitar, it wouldn’t just be a sign that they could potentially grow up to be a chart-topping musician (hey, here’s hoping).

It could also suggest that the child is further developing their fine motor skills. They would also need attention skills in order to play that instrument effectively.

Ride-on toy

Good Housekeeping enthuses that ride-ons can enable children to develop both gross and fine motor skills as well as refine balance and assist with coordination.

There are many different types of ride-on toy, too – including push ride-ons, pedal-powered toys and motorised toys. RiiRoo is one example of an online store that stocks various ride-on toys, making it easier for you to source one your kids will adore.

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