Friday 8 November 2024

What I have loved this week! Week 45. #FridayFavourites

I have had a week with some ups and downs, it hasn't been perfect but at the same time it could have been worse. Real life isn't amazing all of the time and I need to remember that! I still have a few favourites to share though and of course I am linking up with Erika and Andrea.

What I have loved this week

Christmas movies!!
It's November so acceptable to watch Christmas movies and I started on Friday with The Nightmare Before Christmas and have since watched Love Actually, The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2, Home Alone and Elf! My thinking is that if I watch all the best one's now I will be ready to watch them all again in the week or so before Christmas. hehehe Next week I am going to start on the cheesy one's off Netflix, the likes of A Christmas Prince and Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square! 

Fast delivery from Shein!

Fast delivery from Shein

I wasn't expecting my order from Shein until at least today but it arrived on Monday!! The box was huge, rammed full but everything arrived and the girls are happy with everything that they ordered although they are not too happy that everything has been put away for Christmas! Now I just have to wrap it all! Wrapping paper is top of my list to buy over the next few days.

Fireworks are over!
It was Bonfire Night on Tuesday which meant for the week before there was fireworks going off as soon as it started to get dark. Ugh! I am not a fan of fireworks and I've never really liked them, an organised display is not so bad but it's the random one's that teenagers in the park set off which scare me! There's been none for the last couple of nights so hopefully that is it, well until New Years Eve.

Fries to Go!
I love these little boxes of fries. They come from the freezer, take two minutes in the microwave and taste just like the one's from McDonalds! They are very handy when I can't be bothered to faff around waiting for one's to cook in the oven or air fryer.

Fries and fudge cake

Fudge cake!
We all went to the pub for a Sunday lunch and I chose the carvery option, there was roast lamb which is my favourite and something I never cook at home so it felt like a real treat. I was stuffed until I saw them bringing out a huge chocolate fudge cake!! I suddenly found room in my tummy for a slice with cream! It was so good and I love that it's cooked by one of the chef's in the pub!

My eldest coming home!
Becky has been away for a few days, her and her girlfriend went for a city break up to the Newcastle and from what I hear they've had a great time. They did some Christmas shopping and of course had a couple of nights out. They have said this will be the last break away that they have this year but we'll see.

What have you loved over the last week?

Friday Favorites

Thursday 7 November 2024

365 Days Of Gratitude. In October I was grateful for..

I have seen many people on social media list something every day that they are grateful for and thought I would join in. I did this for the whole of last couple of years and it has really made me realise that even on the bad day's I have something to be grateful for.

October was a good month, I have cracked on with the Christmas shopping, had some lovely meals which I have cooked at home, made some plans for this month and had lots of family time!

Grateful

Day 275 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that tonight's meal was enjoyed! Pork belly winter veg pot roast! Even Ellie ate it, she isn't usually a fan of meals like that!

Day 276 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for some sunshine! It was nice after a few rainy days.

Day 277 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that I made it somewhere today on time, no thanks to the buses. They've been really bad over the last few weeks, late all of the time.

Day 278 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that Stu picked a couple of things up from HMV to put away for Christmas. The best thing was a My Hero Academia Sushi set for Ellie and it only cost £1.99!

Sushi set

Day 279 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a couple or three glasses of wine! hehehe

Day 280 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a day watching TV. Heartstopper, Harry Potter and Big Brother!

Day 281 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for new nails. I red, gel one's. I did them myself.

Day 282 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a nice meal! Roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings! I even made my own Yorkshire Puddings!

Day 283 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that I am in the UK. I have been watching the news about hurricane Milton and it's terrifying!

Hurricane news

Day 284 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that the new season of Grey's Anatomy is on Disney+.

Day 285 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for the heating. After being out most of the day it was nice to pop it on for an hour to heat the house up.

Day 286 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that my dad's partner came for a visit. We had a good catch up and gossip.

Day 287 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that I could spend all day in my pj's!

Day 288 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that I got a good chunk of the Christmas shopping done!

Autumn leaves

Day 289 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that Becky seems to be getting over her cold quickly.

Day 290 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Yesterday I was grateful that I had games to play on my laptop that didn't need the internet. Ours went off, there was a fault in our area.

Day 291 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that the internet was back on when I woke up. Phew!

Day 292 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a lovely day with Ellie. We do have some giggles together.

Day 293 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for lots of snacks! I haven't stopped eating today!

Day 294 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that Stu and I had some time together, we went out for lunch.

Roast dinner at the pub

Day 295 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a Monday which felt like a Sunday with Stu off work and Ellie on half term from college.

Day 296 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a new colour on my nails.

Day 297 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that I have got the Christmas food shop booked. I forgot all about it until it popped up telling me the slots were open when I was doing my usual weekly shop.

Day 298 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for sunglasses! I would have ended up walking home from my dad's with my eyes mostly closed if I didn't have them, it was so bright!

Me with sunglasses on

Day 299 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a nice day out in Hull.

Day 300 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that the clocks go back! I have an extra hour to stay up. I am happy to give the sleep up. hehehe

Day 301 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for an afternoon free to watch Gilmore Girls. It's such a nice show. Funny and heart warming.

Day 302 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for Tesco Clubcard vouchers. I save them all year for Christmas and they've just become available. I didn't use Tesco much this year but still have saved £29.50 to spend! 

Day 303 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a nice day at home with Becky.

Day 304 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for Lego! I love the Dobby that I made today.

Day 305 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that October is over with. It has been a good month but November is my favourite month of the year!

What were you grateful for in October?

Wednesday 6 November 2024

Supporting your teenager's mental health!

Ellie hasn't had an easy time of it over the last six months or so. Life has been challenging for her and for me as her mother. Teenage years can be a whirlwind of emotions, growth and discovery and is a learning curve for everyone. Thankfully we have had a lot of support and this is what I have learned through navigating this difficult time.

difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations desk decor

 Talk, talk, and talk some more!
Communication is like the magic glue that holds relationships together and it's especially crucial with teenagers. They're going through so much and sometimes they just need someone to listen. Ask about their day, their friends, their favourite Netflix show anything that gets them talking. When they do open up make sure to really listen. It’s amazing how much just being heard can mean to someone.

Educate yourself on teenage mental health!
Remember when we were teenagers? Feels like a lifetime ago but those feelings of confusion and intensity they’re still the same! The more you know, the better you can help. Take some time to learn about common mental health issues that teenagers might face such as anxiety, depression and stress. Understanding the signs and symptoms can help you identify if your teen might be struggling and need additional support.

Healthy habits = Happy minds!
We all know the basics: good food, exercise and sleep are crucial for feeling good but it's not just about reminding your teen to eat their veggies (though, yes, do that!). It's about taking up these habits, too. Maybe you can go for a walk or try out some new healthy recipes together. It’s a fun way to bond and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Be a cool role model (Yes, you can be cool!)!
Even if they roll their eyes at us teens still look to their parents for guidance. Show them how you handle stress whether it's through mindfulness, a hobby or just taking a deep breath when things get tough. Your actions can be a great learning tool. Plus, it's a great excuse to indulge in some self care!

Encourage friendships and socialising!
Remember how important your friends were during your teen years? Encourage your teen to nurture her friendships and make new ones. Whether it's joining a club, playing sports or just hanging out. These connections are vital, they offer support, understanding and a break from family life. Everyone needs a little space sometimes!

Know when to call in the pros!
There might be times when your teenager needs more support than you can provide and that’s totally ok! If they seem unusually withdrawn, anxious or stressed it might be time to seek out a counsellor or therapist. We all need a little expert help.

Create a positive home vibe!
Home should be a safe haven, a place where your teen feels comfortable being themselves. Encourage open discussions about feelings and make it clear that it's okay to have tough days. Show them that it's perfectly normal to ask for help and that there's no shame in feeling overwhelmed sometimes.

Support their passions!
Does your teen have a hobby or passion they love? Encourage it! Whether it's drawing, writing, playing an instrument or playing sports. These activities can be fantastic outlets for stress and sources of joy, they also give them a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

At the end of the day, supporting your teenager's mental health is about being there, being understanding, and sometimes just being a little silly together. It’s okay not to have all the answers, I certainly don't but after researching, taking advice from the professionals and talking to Ellie I feel better about we are handling things. What matters the most is that your teenager knows you’re there for them, no matter what.

How do you help your teenagers if they are struggling with their mental health?

Tuesday 5 November 2024

How I got on not spending in October!

During October I tried to cut back on our spending by having a no spend monthI had planned on making no unnecessary purchases! This included clothes, makeup, home decor, takeaway coffee, takeaway food and meals out. I am not going to lie and say I didn't spend money but I think I did pretty well!

Pile of coins

Throughout the month I did cut back on the spending. I bought no clothes, I did see a lot of things that I wanted to buy and resisted. I didn't buy any make up and just used what I had. I even emptied some tubes, bottles and tubs of stuff like primer, moisturiser and foundation which I probably wouldn't have even used if I was still spending. We did go to Primark and picked up a few things for Ellie for Christmas. I could have held off until this month but didn't want to as I know how quickly things can sell out and not come back in stock. Apart from some stocking fillers and sweets I have finished shopping for her for Christmas.

 The biggest challenge was saying no to eating out or getting takeaway food. One evening Becky and her girlfriend were getting pizza delivered and they even offered to buy Stu and I something and I said no, I was taking this seriously! I've made our own fake Chinese takeaway with food from Iceland, we've had home made pizza and curry too. I think we have done really well not eating out as much. Stu and I did have a meal out towards the end of the month, just a carvery at the pub. It has been months since we had any time together without the girls and when the opportunity came we jumped at the chance. It felt like such a treat after not eating out. Ellie and I also went out for lunch to the all you can eat place in Hull in the last week in October but we got our money's worth and it was a half term treat.

The biggest saving has came from me not buying takeaway coffees or little bottles of pop when I am out and about. I wish I had kept track of how much I have saved by using my own reusable bottle filled with juice. I reckon I have saved about £15/£20 a week.

Reusable bottle

We have ate a lot out of the freezer and now I am thinking about starting to buy things to put away for Christmas. I have done a good job of not buying things for the kitchen cupboards and using what we already have in. We've eaten all the snacks and crisps which have been sat there for ages, the girls weren't happy but they made do. It feels like I have done a whole reset in the kitchen without having to throw anything away.

My family hated the fact that I wasn't buying any more toiletries like shower gel and shampoo until everything was used in the bathroom. We're still using everything up and I know I have saved a bit of money and I am not buying anything until we're onto the last dregs in the bottles.

There were some purchases that I had to make to save me money in the long run, train tickets. I have always been told if I buy them as early as I can I get the biggest saving and that is true. I've just checked and the prices have already gone up by a few pounds and hair dye, there was a discount on that would have ended by November. I bought enough hair dye to keep me going for a good few months.

Have you ever done a no spend week/month?