Reasons to be Cheerful

The reins have been passed to Becky over at Lakes Single Mum for July.

This week's Reasons to be Cheerful:

• I'm starting this with a big one, and hoping saying it will help it keep going.
  I had a really hard morning at the therapy group, I'm not going into details, but it left me with a lot of self-destructive feelings. Right now, I'm trying to think & compile a list of coping strategies that are helpful, not destructive. Please feel free to add any you can think of in the comments.
• I have had some good days this week. On Friday I went to the Dino Jaws exhibition, it was interesting and fun.
• On Saturday, I went to a plant sale, yes, that is exciting in my world! Lol; to a deli market; had a walk; and spent some time with people I care about. 
• I have done some productive things this week, even though that was the last thing I wanted to do.
• Feeling crap this week has given me lots of time to think. I'm thinking of trying some things, but not sure I had the strength or ability, but some times just the thought is empowering. 

So over to you, what have you been up to this week?
What are your reasons to be cheerful? Do let me know.

Reasons to be Cheerful

Michelle at Mummy from the Heart started running the link up as a way for us to appreciate the small things in life. However, since my break from blogging she has passed over the reins to oJo over at oJo's World.

This week's Reasons to be Cheerful: 

• As I mentioned in Wobbles Wednesday, I've tried to be good and have tried to get out for a walk when I'm up to it.
• I've registered for my next O.U. course, nerves and apprehension already but at least I will try.
• I have cut down the amount of time I'm online. I use Swagbucks to try and earn some Amazon Gift Cards for things I need and for Kiki's birthday presents, but I cannot be bothered at the moment.
• Kiki hasn't been herself for last few days, that in itself obviously isn't a reason to be cheerful, but she has being giving me lots of cuddles and Daddy got lots too.
• I'm thinking about deleting my A-Z of Me and starting again, although not sure as it shows where I was and how far I've come.
• I shared some of my old blog posts I have mental health problems! and Depression, self harm, pregnancy, and F*ck ups on Facebook, not something I ever do, they are separate friends to this part of my life, if that makes sense; and they were received quite positively. One friend actually asked if she could share on her own page.
• I was invited to Stockeld Park for an exclusive VIP pre-opening event for the Summer Adventure, I'm excited as I've never been, but have heard great things. 
• As always, people who matter, are around us.   

So over to you, what have you been up to this week? 

What are your reasons to be cheerful? Do let me know.

Reasons to be Cheerful

I've not been around for a while, my mental health has needed more attention than the blog, but I am at the stage I need to start acknowledging the small wins again.

Michelle at Mummy from the Heart started running the link up as a way for us to appreciate the small things in life. However, since my break from blogging she has passed over the reins to oJo over at oJo's World.

This week's Reasons to be Cheerful: 

• I had a good holiday, quite stressful in places, but lovely to be out in the sunshine, even if I'm paying the price now. 
• The sunshine, I always feel better when the weather is sunny and warm, don't you?
• I had a telephone call that I think I handled ok. Normally I email or snail mail, but I had problems that needed a point of contact and he wasn't good at getting back to me. I didn't get the answers I wanted but still, I managed a call.
• My daughter continues to amaze and astound me on a daily basis.
• The World Cup is on, we crashed out very early, but there's some great football being played.
• As always, people who matter, are around us.

So over to you, what have you been up to this week? 

What are your reasons to be cheerful? Do let me know.

Reasons to be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

This week's Reasons to be Cheerful: 

1. My exam (and therefore my course) is over! I'm glad to see the back of it. I really struggled with it as there was a lot of information to take in and remember, not good when Anti D's and mental health problems mess with my motivation, concentration, and memory! 
2. My new course started last Saturday, I'm yet to start properly as I need to just let my head stop feeling like it is going to explode, but it's creative writing, so something I enjoy.
3. After the really stressful day on Tuesday my exam (I'm confident with one question! :-0 but its worth 30%), Little Lady gave me a proud mummy moment and walked all the way across the room. She has been standing and taking 2 or 3 steps for a few weeks so it has been coming for a while, but it was like she new I needed it! Aren't kiddos amazing?
4. I had a break from the revision to link up with Wendy at Handmade Harbour for her Midweek Papercraft Party, I did a very basic Halloween card / invite, but it was a great distraction from the stress. I'm hoping to join up with this week's theme of Men and boys. 
5. Speaking of Halloween, have you seen the Alex and Alexa Blogger competition? I have blogged details here. 
6. Because of my exam and revision, Daddy had booked a week off. I like to say we had some lovely family time, but we didn't really, I was too busy. Little Lady has enjoyed spending lots of time with him though. Hopefully, we will do something as a family, or even just as a couple, soon.
7. I am planning a few Christmas posts at the moment, mainly crafty and gift inspired.
8. I put on a LOT of weight this week. I know that isn't a reason to be cheerful and I certainly wasn't. I expected a bit of a gain due to Daddy cooking and me snacking on sandwiches etc. due to lack of time. But it did mean I had a bottle of Rioja and some chocolate! lol Onwards and upwards, I'm back to eating normally again.

So over to you, what are your reasons to be cheerful?

Reasons to be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

This week's Reasons to be Cheerful: 

1. My exam is on Tuesday and I'm really struggling, so will be glad to see the back of it!
2. Although I would have preferred a break, my new course starts today, it's advanced writing and I'm glad to get back to something I'm good at!
3. I lost another 2lbs this week at Slimming World. Expecting a bad week this week as I am using every spare minute to revise, so cooking and having breaks isn't really on the agenda...
4. I had a fabulous night with my best friend on Wednesday, even if it did mean wandering the streets in the rain and contemplating a break in! lol
5. Little Lady is doing well, although I suspect she's having a growth spurt or coming down with something as she's really tired, she not giving in though which is making her (and mummy) cranky.
6. I've found some crafty things I want to make for Christmas presents. One involves using Kiki's old clothes I haven't got around to ebaying, so watch out for some crafty posts (when I find the time).
7. I entered the weight loss tracker I made for myself and friend into Handmade Harbour's paper craft party, and won! Check out my shiny winner's badge on the right side bar :-)
8. I continued with my group and felt a bit more comfortable this week, it really helps me that other are going through the same thing if you know what I mean, obviously I'd rather nobody ever suffered mental health difficulties.

So over to you, what have you been up to this week? 

What are your reasons to be cheerful? Do let me know.

Reasons to be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

This week's Reasons to be Cheerful: 

1. Little Lady is settling in well with the childminder. I really like the childminder too, instantly made me feel at ease.
2. I have made a start on revision for my OU exam, which is good as I only have 11 days left!
3. I lost another 3lb at Slimming World. So I have now lost my first stone, well actually 16lbs so far :) Only another 8lbs to my 10% loss goal.
4. On Friday, I attended a Introduction to Group work meeting at Leeds Mind. I was so anxious the night before and felt so sick, and did my usual trick of babbling away ******** to cover my nerves! But I survived. I think it helps that everyone understands and shares mental health issues. I started the group meetings on Tuesday, and again fought through the anxiety to get there, but felt it helped once there.
5. Both me and Kiki have had cold this week; for Little Lady this meant she struggled to sleep as she couldn't breathe well; for me, I just feel shocking, tired, aching, etc. I have ended up with painful ribs too, I suspect through coughing. I fought through the urge to just stuff my face with chocolate. I did mention I'm a comfort eater, right? So I'm feeling proud of myself for that.
6. Even with my cold crappiness, I have managed to keep exercising. Not as much, I have had two days off though.
7. I gave my friend her weight loss tracker to keep her motivated at Slimming World and she loved it. 
8. I'm still trying to organise my crafty corner, and have started scanning all my patterns and 'how to's'.

 So over to you, what have you been up to this week? What are your reasons to be cheerful? Do let me know.

Reasons To Be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

This week's Reasons to be Cheerful: 

1. I lost another 3.5 lbs, so the weight I'd put on last week plus another two pounds.
2. My friends are amazing!
3. Daddy is happier about childcare.
4. I got crafty, I'll post soon.
5. I'm trying to organise my crafty corner, which means scanning all my patterns and 'how to's' to digital.
6. I'm doing quite well with Christmas presents. We are on holiday this year, so I want to get sorted soon, so we have money to spend! 
7. I finished my last uni assignment for this OU module, I had to pull an all nighter to get it done. Now just need to get ready for the exam. 
8. I was also featured on Michelle's blog as R2BC blogger of the week last week :-) Thank you Mich x

So over to you, what are your reasons to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

My reasons to be cheerful this week include:

• I posted a rant about how Daddy reacted to first time childcare after last Thursday's visit to the potential child minder, and I received some lovely messages of support.
• Lots of help and support was received from the lovely ladies at Give Mums A Break.
• I decided to use the child minder, she is lovely, Kiki seemed happy with her too :) 
• Although I had a really bad panic attack before I went, I had a great weekend at Plus North, a fashion event for all this plus size, with my closest friend.
  
  
• We met some amazing people at Plus North and the After Party, especially the Topsy Curvy girls! 
  
• Simply Be were kind enough to send me an outfit to review whilst there too. The dress was gorgeous.
  
  
• I actually enjoyed shopping whilst there! Bought three pairs of shoes for £5 a pair, bargain! 
  
  
  
  
  I also bought a skirt from Topsy Curvy.
• My friend also bought me a baby Pink Diamanté Skull Scarf from there too  
  
  
• Whilst in Manchester, I accidentally fell in to Swarovski and spent some pennies... I bought this N The Skull Pendant and Slake Fuchsia Ruby Bracelet, which is actually long enough to wear as a choker too. Now if I can only find someone to buy me the Happy Duck - Punk Duck  and N the Skull Docking Station....
• We went to Afternoon Tea at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester – Piccadilly too, although wasn't worth it, met some lovely ladies there too.
• I actually went to a Parent & Baby group today, first one since my post natal groups, nearly 12 months ago.

 How was your week? Tell me....

Reasons to be Cheerful

Hey guys, guess what? My first reason to be cheerful this week is? 

I am on time! Woo hoo!

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

OK so on to this week's reasons to be cheerful:

1.  I have an appointment with a childminder this evening, filled with trepidation,questions, and guilt, but that's because I am a good mother, right?!
2. I'm excited to be involved in something new, Give Mums a Break, a new venture for mums, started by the lovely Kate. Check it out here: Give Mums A Break 
3. I posted on there about childcare and was given lots of advice and support. Nice people, check it out.
4. The lovely Kate also helped me this week with some PR information. I love that the blogging community is always willing to help out.
5. I actually managed to do some crafting this week. I made my friend's birthday card, I think it's cute. What do you think? 
   
   
   
   
6.  I don't get involved with Wobbles Wednesday, #WobbleWednesday  but thinking I should perhaps as my actual Slimming World weigh in is a Wednesday! lol So this marks my first foray in to Wobbliness, although I've been wobbly for many years :)
7. And obviously following that reason to be cheerful, I should tell you my major reason this week... At my Slimming World weigh in, I have lost 6lbs this week! Woo hoo! That's 11lbs in 2 weeks. I was also Slimmer of the Week. I know it's still early days, and I am exercising too, but I know the weight loss will slow and I won't get such great results each week, and there is obviously a long way to go, but go me! I'm proud of myself. And that, my friends, doesn't happen often! 
   
   
   
   

So over to you, what do you have to smile about this week.
Oh incidentally on smile, Wendy at Handmade Harbour is now running weekly papercraft link party and giveaways, this week's theme is smile.
 

Reasons to Be Cheerful

As always I am late with this week's Reasons to Be Cheerful. I am actually late for everything, and it's not just because of Little Lady. We now have to try and pretend we need to be there an hour earlier to try and make it on time! 

 

Ebay tweeted this clock this week and I thought it was just so me!

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

This week's Reasons to Be Cheerful:

1. My anniversary - although we didn't go out or do anything special, I did get a lovely card and flowers from my great friends.
2. Carboots and charity shops - On Bank Holiday Monday we went to a car boot at Swillington, we have never been there before, and afterwards we went in to Castleford and had a lazy stroll around the charity shops, picking up lots of bits of clothes for Kiki.
3. BBQ - My amazing friends came round on Monday evening for a BBQ, great friends & good times.
4. Health - I started to attend Slimming World last week (again) and I have tried to do a bit of Biggest Loser on Wii Fit everyday, I know it's not always going to be possible for me, but for now, I'm trying. As a reward for feeling like I was dying, I lost 5lbs. I know the first week is when you tend to lose the most though.
5. Plus North - I have been lucky enough to win tickets to Plus North, The North's Premier Plus Size Fashion Event. My best friend is coming and we are going to make a weekend of it, hope I'm up to it. 
6. Simply Be - I need something to wear to Plus North and Simply Be have offered me an outfit from their collection. So excited. 
7. Childcare - I have made the decision to look in to childcare properly. We rely on two people at the moment, but I don't like to feel like I am taking advantage, but as I am really struggling with my depression, I need more help. 
8. I have finally started on my toddler (sit on) sized elephant toys for Little Lady. I cut the pattern yesterday. I must warn you, if you ever decide to craft with fake fur, it gets everywhere! I am using a short bright pink, and it looked like Animal from the Muppets had been slaughtered in my bedroom!

by Saphiraa.

How has you week been? Good I hope.

Reasons To Be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

I've had a pretty rubbish week emotionally so I was struggling to do this today, and did think about not bothering... But, here we go.

My Little Lady has hit the toddler stage, well and truly. Gone is my sweet cute baby, replaced by a part time Machiavellian tantrum throwing, boundary testing, screaming, hitting, throwing, whirlwind. This however does lead to two reasons to be cheerful. Firstly, I'm glad she's developing her independence and sense of adventure, even if I'm losing my mind! Secondly, Daddy is off work for a couple of days, so I can have a bit of a break.

Sunday is my wedding anniversary, we don't have anything special planned, but hoping to go out for some dinner.

I have decided to do something about my physical health. I need to diet and exercise more. I have put on quite a lot of weight with the medications and, bearing in mind, I wasn't a slim girl before, I really need to sort it out. I have changed my medication recently, so that's a help. I have re-joined Slimming World this week, with my friend, so support there. I have also started trying to do a little exercise each day. I have a family history of diabetes and heart problems, a combination of which killed my mother at 49, so I WILL get back to some kind of healthy fitness! My daughter deserves me to be around.

I had a positive meeting with my psychiatrist. The last couple of appointments seemed to just be going through the motions, as I didn't feel she was listening to me. Which it turns out she wasn't, she apologised, sorted one thing out there and then, and hopefully the others are in the process of happening.

Over to you, what are your reasons to be cheerful? 

Blogging Every Day in August: 5 favourite blogs (Day 17)

Sarah at Yummy Mummy In Training has set herself a challenge of blogging every day in August and has listed her prompts. As my blogging is a bit hit and miss at the moment, I will be using her prompts to generate some ideas too.

Today's prompt is: 5 favourite blogs

My top five blogs (in no particular order):

•  Kate on Thin Ice - Kate was one of the first people I first started following (blog and twitter). I love her humour, her openness, and ability to write. She also blogs at The Naked Mum.

• purplepersuasion - Charlotte's blog has been helpful and informative in my struggles with mental health and the rigmarole that goes with it. Many of her posts have affected me (often bringing tears), I often feel she can read my mind, as Charlotte can articulate my thoughts so easily. 

•  Mummy from the Heart - Michelle runs the weekly linky / blog hop Reasons To Be Cheerful. I love that she encourages people to share little bits of happiness from their weeks. The depression can mean I often cannot appreciate happy times, so forcing myself to write three things each week helps me.

• Jay at Cosmic Girl (and also of Mocha Beanie Mummy), who is responsible for Silent Sunday. She takes great photographs and is funny and clever, if in any doubt please read her Speak To Me page.   

• Wendy at Handmade Harbour is another blog I love to read. Handmade Monday is a great blog hop for all you crafters out there, unfortunately I only read, and don't take part. She has recently launched a range of instantly downloadable digital stamps too. 

  I suppose I really should add mine here too, as it's a place I love to waffle rubbish, record things of interest, and share my photos.

  What are your favourite blogs? Do let me know.

  
  

   

Reasons to be cheerful

A bit late this week, but here's my reasons to be cheerful.

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

Friends. Again, I know! I have had a rough week mentally, feeling really crap, and really didn't want to go out. But it was my friend's birthday, wasn't a huge night and they made me feel a little better. 

Internet. I discovered a new money saving household tip this week. A blocked toilet can be cleared with a mop in a black bag, (not carrier bags as they have safety air holes). It creates a better vacuum than a plunger. Although wish I'd figured this out earlier in the day!

Pinterest. I'm trying to force myself to do a bit of crafting. I love Pinterest for ideas, but like (oh so) many people, I pin and never do, so this week I ordered some Mod Podge and am trying some image transfer canvases.

Sleep! Not something I do without medication often. My daughter can now pull herself up in her cot, so she has given up on sleep whilst we go through another 'Mummy, I don't want to sleep, look what I can do' stage, so I'm enjoying what sleep I can get.

Oh and as an added bones, I'm running a competition with Warner Bros. on the blog too, you could win a copy of Jack the Giant Slayer on Blu-ray.

Apologises for not commenting on blogs this week, I do still read them, even if I don't comment.  

Over to you, what are your reasons to be cheerful this week?

Reasons to be Cheerful

How is everyone today?

I hope you have had a great week.

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

My reasons this week are:

1. I survived the weddings and (whisper it) had fun. Although I knew I would pay for it, and still haven't left the house since. Both myself and Little Lady received lots of compliments. She enjoyed the attention, especially by a certain young boy, who did look gorgeous in his cream three piece suit. 
2. I managed to make a phone call this week. Granted it turned out to be a big bloody mistake, I got so stressed out, and had to email about the thing I wanted, plus two other problems they threw up, but I did it!
3. I am struggling so much with my current O.U. course. I usually avoid the online forums as I get overwhelmed and negative. This is usually because someone is saying how easy / simple the materials and assignments are, but this week I had to go into them to find some information, and there are several pages that state how difficult and laborious the course and materials are, and how unmotivated people are. I know that sounds horrible, and I don't relish other people's misery, on the contrary in fact, but it made me realise I'm not the only one that is finding it difficult. 

Have a great week girls and boys.

P.S. Do let me know if I do miss visiting your blog. 

Reasons To Be Cheerful

This week had to be better than last week, right? 

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

This has been a busy week for me, and I suspect I will pay for it next week.

So what are this week's reasons to be cheerful?

1. Picnic in the park. Me and Kiki were joined by a friend and her son for a picnic on Thursday. The weather was lovely, the company was great.
2. Weddings! (yes plural). We had one wedding on Friday and another today. Today's bride was one of the witnesses at my wedding, so great to see her tie the knot. 
3. I received notification for DWP that I don't have to go through medical assessment again. That's a huge relief!
4. After a horrible week of teething pain, combined with fever, not sleeping or eating, the Little Lady is back to her cheeky self.

 

Reasons To Be Cheerful

This week I am really pushing myself to do this. I'm fighting depression and have had a hell of a week!
But, that's the point of Reasons To Be Cheerful, to always find something to be positive about; well for me anyway.

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

1. I have great friends. Although, I only have a few, the ones I have are amazing, whether in Real Life or Online. I just wish I could accept their offers of help more.
2. Little Lady is a beautiful, (usually) happy girl; and that's down to me. I am a good mum, and need to believe that of myself. She's teething badly this week, both bottom first molars are coming through and poor baby has been in agony (off her food, fever, not sleeping, generally inconsolable). 
3. I have taken some positive steps towards better mental health. I am aware that I try to do too much at once, so am trying to take it easy, otherwise planning will just be that and I won't do anything! 

Hope you have had a great week. 

Reasons To Be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

1. I have been pampered completely in the last week, and it was lovely! Just wish I could afford it every week. 
2. I had a really good birthday, I spent the day with a really good friend, having a make up lesson and then on to The Queens for Afternoon Tea.
3. I am really grateful for my friends at the moment, I don't have many, but the ones I have are amazing!

Reasons To Be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

1. It's my birthday in a couple of days, so I've had a bit of pampering, well actually a lot! ☺I'm going for more on Tuesday, I'm actually have a make up lesson. I've always stuck with my simple make up so it will be good to learn properly!
2. I've also bought a couple of new dresses. Which is very unusual for me. I'm good at treating and spoiling others, maybe too well; can't buy friendship, right? When my good friend helped me shop, I actually bought myself lots of lovely things. I bought a gorgeous pair of earrings from Swarovski as a birthday treat from Little Lady too.
3. Little Lady joined me for my dental check up this week. The dentist looked at all her teeth that have come through, all was fine. Kiki was fine with it all. 
4. My friend and I are going to The Queens Hotel for afternoon tea on my birthday too. 

Reasons to be Cheerful

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

1. I had some good news this week from DWP, which in itself is a novelty.  I'm entitled to some pennies and no appeal!  
2. My little lady continues to develop well, and awe and inspire me. She has never crawled and has a novel way of getting around that involves sitting and rolling.
3.  Daddy finished his job at the agency, which means no more waking me up at silly o'clock on a Monday to email time-sheets.

Reasons to be Cheerful

I haven't done one of these for a while....

For more information on what Reasons to Be Cheerful (#R2BC) is all about please check out this post from Michelle at Mummy from the Heart for a full description.

1. Me, Daddy, and Little Lady had a good holiday. Regardless of the stress from the previous six weeks that the week had to be perfect, I realised it probably wouldn't, I just needed to relax and enjoy it. I always find it a bit easier to cope when Daddy is around. It has taken a lot out of me though.
2. Whilst we were on holiday, Daddy got a 'phone call to tell him he had been successful at his interview, so a new (well same, but permanent) job! So proud of him.
3.  My beautiful girl managed to stand up all by herself this week. Although she has been standing whilst we held her for a while, this was the first time that she did it by herself. I am such a proud mummy! 
4. And a little extra one, I have rejigged the blog. I would appreciate any feedback you may have.