tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91068642050780311442024-03-05T08:22:44.226+00:00365 Pearls of WisdomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-42279226125558662982016-08-09T21:30:00.001+01:002016-08-09T21:30:39.257+01:00We have a new home!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUcnVFfd9K-deiMa1z1Nhqr1eoO2-nCLObJcBi-dO5uipPc2y9zNF1BUyLCjM2vd_ezCq-eFk-zJKC9TYtkOVXhEh2tt5MY5zMRB6cnA-D9pB_E7XrGuJGKUb1xUhfZ9VoXaP34piWP0/s1600/about+me+design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUcnVFfd9K-deiMa1z1Nhqr1eoO2-nCLObJcBi-dO5uipPc2y9zNF1BUyLCjM2vd_ezCq-eFk-zJKC9TYtkOVXhEh2tt5MY5zMRB6cnA-D9pB_E7XrGuJGKUb1xUhfZ9VoXaP34piWP0/s640/about+me+design.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hi there blog readers!<br />
<br />
If you're looking for more wisdom, advice and problem solving ideas we have a new home with a brand new blog design, head on over to the new <a href="http://365pofw.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">365 Pearls of Wisdom</span></a> and come and say hello!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-73688521437424088552016-05-24T08:40:00.001+01:002016-05-24T08:44:45.618+01:00Dairy & Gluten Free Pancakes : No fuss breakfast wisdom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFx6Y2_3zqX6HBVbpbTWJA-wdFdzZVxdNLn9GtLpP4AJvzv5wdMAG4Y494wqeoSr1AC3_pART2uGP5AAwyFQTtrFSfuUn07CwGmD1lOLDid95z8W3R4THfB07s11cfNE4DG8t7CbbaKk/s1600/Pancakes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFx6Y2_3zqX6HBVbpbTWJA-wdFdzZVxdNLn9GtLpP4AJvzv5wdMAG4Y494wqeoSr1AC3_pART2uGP5AAwyFQTtrFSfuUn07CwGmD1lOLDid95z8W3R4THfB07s11cfNE4DG8t7CbbaKk/s640/Pancakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>I
just adore pancakes,</b> and my must have treat when we visit Canada is
going out for breakfast as often as I can persuade my husband to and indulging in a big stack, my favourite being chocolate and peanut butter chip! So it
was particularly difficult on our trip back in May last year when I couldn't
indulge myself because I was still breast feeding my then diary free baby, however I have been experimenting with a dairy/gluten
free version at home and these ones I made a while ago got a big
thumbs up not just me but from the girls too.<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>I love these because they are quick, easy and not loaded with ingredients that are going to upset your body</b> or throw it off balance (unlike the ones I like to treat myself to while on holiday!), it's a simple breakfast that is good for mind body and soul! Lately <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I have also been
asked by lots of people to share the recipe so here it is - enjoy, let me know how what you think! </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
You will need:<br />
<br />
1 x Ripe Banana<br />
1 x Cup of Almond Milk (Or whatever milk substitute you like to use)<br />
1 x Cup of Gluten Free Flour<br />
1/2
x tbsp of Rice Syrup (You can use whatever sugar you like here and if
you like them sweeter then add more, we are trying to lower our sugar
consumption!)<br />
1 x tsp of Baking Powder<br />
1 x tsp of Cinnamon<br />
1 x tsp of Vanilla Extract<br />
<br />
Firstly
mix all your dry ingredients in a bowl - so that's the flour, baking
powder and cinnamon (this is where you would add your sugar if you are
using a granulated version). Then slowly mash in your banana and rice
syrup along with the milk, with dry ingredients adding a little bit of
milk at a time, you may find that you don't need to use the whole cup.
You will then need to give it a good stir until it becomes a pancake
batter consistency and now you're all ready to cook, it's so simple! We
use coconut oil in a big frying pan and a ladle to measure out the
amounts of batter and served with Maple Syrup (of course!), blueberries
and freshly picked strawberries from our garden! <br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-56116317603165150452016-05-12T14:57:00.004+01:002016-05-12T18:59:11.378+01:00Pearl of Wisdom No. 85 - make morning routine.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMKYPkB6V9CgJiCkvGm9hexTN1lhujbR9w6nwlwUeGFhbAhXJKZDxzAXszuGg8VHSooJ_w608WBZqhw0asCxNbvo9N9yb6mdlRQEgmzFlehxZUhKm2_VIhE9wKv_hpQ1Cg9ytPT-dhEQ/s1600/morning+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMKYPkB6V9CgJiCkvGm9hexTN1lhujbR9w6nwlwUeGFhbAhXJKZDxzAXszuGg8VHSooJ_w608WBZqhw0asCxNbvo9N9yb6mdlRQEgmzFlehxZUhKm2_VIhE9wKv_hpQ1Cg9ytPT-dhEQ/s640/morning+quote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Make. Morning. Routine.</b></span></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Sounds so boring doesn't it?!</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you ask my husband about me and routine when we first met he would tell you that I would balk at the idea and do what ever I could to sabotage his attempts at getting me in to one, especially in the mornings. He however has been the master of them since the dawn of time (slight exaggeration but this man thrives on routine!) and you could set your watch by what he did and when he did it.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<b>Cue parenthood and a screaming newborn...</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And so <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">routine - any routine really, all went to shit for a while as we got our heads around the whole thing, a year passed and I settled in to being a working mama but still no real routine for me and the babe, husband - still morning routine like clock work (however at this point after dealing with the messy and unpredictable experience that is raising a child he had learnt to cope with a bit of variation, flexibility and the odd spontaneous twist of fate that a puking toddler can bring into the mix!).</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then, enter baby number two and I realised, very quickly, that if didn't get my shit together this time then two small people - one of which had to be somewhere, at a certain time, would be very challenging and on top of that, as if we weren't a gluten for punishment enough, we had also just moved house and husband was trying to re-establish his business in a different part of the country.... oh and the baby had a cows milk allergy so lots of reflux, screaming and sleepless nights while she fed for comfort... and oh yeah, I suffered with PND and my eldest was about to start school and the chaos of our life was just immense....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>So what did I do?</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Yes you've guessed it (title was a bit of a give away right?!), I started to carve out a morning routine for us! </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No longer could I rebel in my independence, I needed to be organised, I needed to achieve and I needed to get shit done, and actually I needed to make sure I was taken care of too. Finding something to wear that didn't make me feel like an über frumpy mum, blow drying my hair and putting on some make up are all part of building up my self love. Eating well and not just living on coffee and rice crispies was and still is important to my health and well being and only having roughly 20 mins to just exercise/set intentions/write to do lists/feed the cats/unstack the dishwasher or whatever else that needs to get done early without two grumpy or excitable girls, depending on the day, hanging off my legs is a game changer for the rest of the day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So a conversation took place between me and the husband, much to his delight and fuelled by my utter frustration of always being late, looking like crap and forgetting to eat or pack something important. We thrashed out a morning routine that seemed to tick at least a few boxes for each of us and would get all of us<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> where we needed to be at the right time feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It wasn't easy to come up with one that worked right away, my husband and I both work from home but he likes to get started super early and I don't want to be left to deal with toddler tantrums and dramas about homework/hairstyles/school lunches (yes she is five going on fifteen!) all by myself! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few slight disagreements and some compromising later we came up with a plan and it works! It has totally transformed our morning dynamic as a family - grown ups get what they need to get going for the day, children get what they need (and so do the cats!) and for most of the time we are on time and feeling good about it, yay!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As our girls get older, as our needs as working parents, business owners, husband and wife (not trying to be sexy here!) and as individuals change we will have to adapt it and have actually had to do this with a few ongoing tweaks already but man oh man, life is so much better with a morning routine! And if my husband is reading this he's about to come and tell me I told you so!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJqLvJLDqB8SOPhpO9EzmFHYvtjg9S9E7SFdIQxm5EqB_C9Cj5mWZbY7T_ahYilmKD7v-5o0fwHRCTZ3ZNpcMPt3UMt4S34DYPZdac-CVgd3Yfo1GTBQy2x3XpwckezVEnwUfPYmcKgA/s1600/cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJqLvJLDqB8SOPhpO9EzmFHYvtjg9S9E7SFdIQxm5EqB_C9Cj5mWZbY7T_ahYilmKD7v-5o0fwHRCTZ3ZNpcMPt3UMt4S34DYPZdac-CVgd3Yfo1GTBQy2x3XpwckezVEnwUfPYmcKgA/s640/cup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>So what does your morning routine look like? </b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Stumble out of bed with alarm on snooze or rude awakening by child/pet/bin man?</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Do you run or work out, meditate or visualise?</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Do you shower, eat breakfast and run out the house forgetting to put underware on?</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe it's an utter disaster and you need to rehaul the whole thing or maybe it's OK but a bit of inspiration to make some positive changes would really set you up to get your shit done, each and every day ready to make that change? - well, keep reading because Im going to share with you some small changes that can have a big impact on your morning routine and what to do when your day starts off a disaster....</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<b>1. Preparation is key</b> - you may or may not of heard this before but getting even semi organised the night before really helps. In our family once the clock strikes 8pm we're good for nothing so our night before prep is minimal but what we do make sure we do every night is pick out clothes for the next day, write out a to do list or daily plan and sometimes if I'm feeling super energised I'll prep for breakfast, have school bags packed and have laundry reading to chuck in to the machine first thing - all these things help massively to start our day off better and if there is only one thing you tweak for a better morning routine it should be this one, what prep could you do the night before?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNMzpVGsfnFU-FD2yAXE3nTfaBlfsHszWUmTvXWRhhtwo4t98ILxLdlDHbrzkeBD4NS_Z5WczyPdU3rFE_lL07HjkrY39LzvYZNbdyzCFFRES7GhkCUhWNGDTr8BgG80WM2xCczkQXbk/s1600/strech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNMzpVGsfnFU-FD2yAXE3nTfaBlfsHszWUmTvXWRhhtwo4t98ILxLdlDHbrzkeBD4NS_Z5WczyPdU3rFE_lL07HjkrY39LzvYZNbdyzCFFRES7GhkCUhWNGDTr8BgG80WM2xCczkQXbk/s640/strech.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>2. Get up earlier</b> - I can hear you moaning already, especially if you have small people who wake through the night like I do or you tend to be a night owl and are up late the night before, however even an extra 10-15 minutes will make a massive difference to your day, think of all the extra things you could achieve in that time, even just having more time in the shower to shave your legs, drink a cup of coffee or not having to run to catch your bus/train or whatever, starting your day slightly earlier will give you less stress and more calm and control, who doesn't want that?! </div>
<div>
Here are more ideas of what you can achieve by getting up earlier</div>
<div>
Exercise</div>
<div>
Meditate</div>
<div>
Read the newspaper</div>
<div>
Paint your toenails</div>
<div>
Make a super healthy breakfast</div>
<div>
Getting some extra hugs from the people you love</div>
<div>
Write a chapter of a book or a blog post</div>
<div>
Phone a friend</div>
<div>
Write out your to do list and tick some of it off</div>
<div>
Apply for your dream job or book your dream holiday</div>
<div>
Get to work earlier or even just on time</div>
<div>
Stop for a coffee on the way</div>
<div>
Morning sex!</div>
<div>
What would you do with an extra 10, 20, 30 minutes?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOEjY4vP8uYaudSJoKI5XMnGRFnzJUJ5lV852WI3C1Y-b5fkkX-mSe__3XBWWWHDrZ1yIW6Tm1njBhcqfCeEES3UwhkZqHsILghDeot2qwp3pLn0ChiEosWoAOK5IB3YantbjJ7dJrM8/s1600/meditate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOEjY4vP8uYaudSJoKI5XMnGRFnzJUJ5lV852WI3C1Y-b5fkkX-mSe__3XBWWWHDrZ1yIW6Tm1njBhcqfCeEES3UwhkZqHsILghDeot2qwp3pLn0ChiEosWoAOK5IB3YantbjJ7dJrM8/s640/meditate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>3. Take care of you</b> - what I mean by this is doing something that enhances your well being, it could be anything on the list above and actually getting up earlier makes this easier and more likely to happen but you can also fit it in to what you're doing already for example you can listen to an podcast or audio book whilst showering, eating breakfast or travelling to work. You can stretch and move your body to warm it up for the day ahead - this is one I personally struggle with, the last thing I want to do when I wake up is exercise but I can tell you now when I make the effort to do this, which actually means making the effort o care for myself, I feel amazing, motivated and ready to take on anything (even a mega toddler tantrum!) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Weaving these 3 changes in to your morning routine will super charge it, I can guarantee you.</b> You also need to ensure you have the basics - wash, dress, eat, it may seem obvious but I know lots of people who don't put as much time in to these things as they could but actually these basics are essential for a good day ahead and can leave you feeling off balanced if you don't prioritise them too.<br />
<br />
<b>Remember you are instigating a lifestyle change here so it may take time to find a routine that's right for your life<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">, try out different combinations of what order you do things until you have something in place that works and feels positive<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">. Making a change a first may <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">feel hard, you may give yourself an excuse that you simply aren<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">'</span>t a morning person but change doesn't come easy or with out commitment or dedication. </span>I</span>nevitably </span></b><i><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">there will be days <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">when it</span></span></b></i><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i> all goes wrong</i> - our family are experts in cocked up morning routines so here's a little tip we remember when our morning start off on the wrong foot...</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Except that today is different<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">, </span>that it might have its pitfalls<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> and then let it go,</span> you can and will start again tomorrow! </span></b></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Here is some more morning routine inspiration <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">you might like:</span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.levo.com/articles/lifestyle/successful-people-morning-routine" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">What 16 Successful People Do During Their Morning Routine - Levo</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/samanthaettus/2014/11/17/morning-routines" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">The Morning Routines of 12 Women Leaders - Forbes </span></a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://mymorningroutine.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">My Morning Routine - I LOVE this website! </span></a><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedUser" data-pin-scale-height="240" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pinterest/"></a>
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">So, feel ready to make your morning routine?</span></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I'd love to hear more of your ideas on how you streamline your mornings, what you do to feel organised and motivated, or maybe what you are struggling with the most with a routine.</span></span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Sharing tips and ideas means we can all benefit so don't be shy....</span></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-43161187979246663442016-03-26T11:15:00.000+00:002016-03-29T22:00:57.453+01:00Pearl of Wisdom No.84 - Live like Spring <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7Xt21_0GDKPvcHY4TrjjfNthmOKmMZMAt1Im-dQGVZ_beGZaKuirLd7Siys81LNiEbXQOM9UHMEQm-2UfF-HYfxbejmZmKnA4JfWUU7cd7pN6OcaYVBTcBSJrjOBhO4lYT42hSDGwnY/s1600/spring+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7Xt21_0GDKPvcHY4TrjjfNthmOKmMZMAt1Im-dQGVZ_beGZaKuirLd7Siys81LNiEbXQOM9UHMEQm-2UfF-HYfxbejmZmKnA4JfWUU7cd7pN6OcaYVBTcBSJrjOBhO4lYT42hSDGwnY/s640/spring+quote.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you want a fresh, brand new, shiny feeling when you go about your days (and who doesn't want to feel this way right?) then embracing this season is the key to success!</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But what exactly does it mean to live like...Spring?!</b></span> </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Dress like a daffodil in yellow?</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Eat piles and piles of Easter Eggs?</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Visit your local farmer and offer to help with lambing season maybe?</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well no, that's not quite what I had in mind and I'm sure Lily didn't either!</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So what am I going on about when I say live like Spring then? </b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I want you to sit quietly for a minute and think about spring and what it means to you, what colours, sounds and noises do you think of? How do you feel when you think of this new season, what do you most look forward to when the weather and clocks change and the nights start to get lighter?</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwbh4Z_KGRa_i-6WZMMuiebm3HcLUifRwko9WOuXfSXJ0KRttgz3i3nBpMe99fa5cjKY_nt_exrM2zInKJZQO-Qm8g8IRIQe2TI0SCLT5ifGH0ty7gJoSYAUcmFIl53i8P_qhIze6Y2M/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwbh4Z_KGRa_i-6WZMMuiebm3HcLUifRwko9WOuXfSXJ0KRttgz3i3nBpMe99fa5cjKY_nt_exrM2zInKJZQO-Qm8g8IRIQe2TI0SCLT5ifGH0ty7gJoSYAUcmFIl53i8P_qhIze6Y2M/s640/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>All these things - they are your essence of Spring and how they make you feel and what thoughts and dreams they create in you is how you should live like Spring.</b> </span>When it's a shitty day, when everything seems black or dull and boring or miserable in life, sit for a few minutes, breath, think of Spring and let those thoughts run through you.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When someone makes you feel bad, do something bright and cheerful to lift you up!</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When a situation seems so very bleak and it its most stormiest, encourage yourself to blossom and grow from it.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When you feel stuck in a rut and can't see a way forward, find some time to step back and grow some new ideas or nourish some old ones that can help give you that push.</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bored, tired or low - grow some new dreams and goals!</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Also Spring is the time when we get outside, enjoy natures new bounty and spend time with people we love so don't forget to include friends family and pets in to your live like Spring way of life.</b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
OK I know what you're saying - it's impossible to feel bright and fresh every day, sometimes we just feel blah. Well this is true, we all have those days, especially me, when the thought of bouncing around like the Easter Bunny when I'd rather just crawl under the duvet just makes me feel overwhelmed, I get it, I really do, but guess what? Spring brings April showers too! So if you really are feeling a bit wet and miserable the give yourself permission to dive in to bed and just watch movies and eat popcorn or snuggle on the sofa with the babes watching Peppa Pig on repeat (the parent version of a duvet day!) with coffee in hand and just chill, accept where you are, push your metaphorical umbrella up and take cover until that stormy feeling passes, but promises me this, you'll write yourself a little note while you do it about all the bright, fresh and shiny ways you are going to live like Spring tomorrow!</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<b>Take a look at the Live like Spring Pinterest board for some bright and breezy inspiration</b><br />
<br />
<a data-pin-board-width="400" data-pin-do="embedBoard" data-pin-scale-height="240" data-pin-scale-width="80" href="https://uk.pinterest.com/365Wisdom/live-like-spring/"></a>
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For even more Spring like inspiration and getting past those cloudy days <a href="http://365pearlsofwisdom.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/a-moment-of-wisdom-pearl-number-79-why.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">click through to this post</span></a> and don't forget to share with me here or on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/365pearlsofwisdom" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Instagram</span></a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/karenspofw" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Twitter</span></a> your thoughts, tips and ideas on embracing the season! </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-53270130033419921992016-02-03T08:30:00.000+00:002016-02-03T08:30:06.280+00:00Chocolate Avocado Cookies (Diary and Gluten Free)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppBpuGHlKi1_2cI0wq7Ny04WGG-XXbvOYubmJAiUs9JQAadEmU_cvjym4nIPOzlNYWsBbNvH0lQxgDHJHVfivNi0-tMoOnOtWKEb0B2-h_tXi2O2wI5kdOnBLsYQyAmHfdEF5PeFrrWk/s1600/cookies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppBpuGHlKi1_2cI0wq7Ny04WGG-XXbvOYubmJAiUs9JQAadEmU_cvjym4nIPOzlNYWsBbNvH0lQxgDHJHVfivNi0-tMoOnOtWKEb0B2-h_tXi2O2wI5kdOnBLsYQyAmHfdEF5PeFrrWk/s1600/cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So here is my first <b>Wisdom in the Kitchen</b>
recipe, I've been asked a lot for this one. I love that they taste so
indulgent so you feel like you're getting a treat, they have a great
soft chewy quality to them but you know that you're getting all the
goodness of avocado, even my girls love them which is a massive bonus
and makes for a happy mama!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>You will need:<br />
<br />
1 x Ripe Avocado<br />
1 x Large Egg<br />
50g x Gluten Free Flour<br />
Half a tsp of Xanthan Gum <br />
1 x tsp Baking Powder<br />
40g x Cacao Powder<br />
100g x Soft Brown Sugar<br />
1x tsp Vanilla Extract<br />
A bar of Diary Free Chocolate/Buttons<br />
A splash of Almond Milk <br />
<br />
I
mixed the avocado, egg, and vanilla extract together in a bowl, then
added the flour, xanthan gum, sugar and cacao powder, at this point the
mixture can be a bit dry so I added a splash of almond milk, it
shouldn't be too runny though. Next I spooned the mixture on to a baking
tray lined with parchment paper and flatten each cookie with a spoon to
make the right shape, then turned the oven on to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4,
at this point I quickly bashed up my bar of chocolate and added the
chunks by pushing them into the cookies before I popped them in the
oven, bake for 15 minutes and then they're done! Leave them to cool a
little and then enjoy with a cuppa!<br />
<br />
(This recipe has been adapted from <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/news-and-features/features/dairy-gluten-free-chocolate-avocado-cookies/"><span style="color: #ea9999;">here</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-69478386759909238762016-01-22T08:30:00.000+00:002016-03-26T11:18:35.438+00:00Pearl of Wisdom No.83 - Making resolutions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSY2id1mjvfxrieTD3umCX8jlnordRjkqaiC9nbu4xTfshy_c_3gp1C3sq1BrC9fjpOM2m0D5KL8fS8g_2O2BhN-kVpZFYjCQSwZlWF7rE216pQjAMxt8EKDPlX6ZbH69rz0eBgYp_44E/s1600/yesterday+junk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSY2id1mjvfxrieTD3umCX8jlnordRjkqaiC9nbu4xTfshy_c_3gp1C3sq1BrC9fjpOM2m0D5KL8fS8g_2O2BhN-kVpZFYjCQSwZlWF7rE216pQjAMxt8EKDPlX6ZbH69rz0eBgYp_44E/s640/yesterday+junk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Is January meant to be a fresh start for you or do you believe that new year, new you is a load of rubbish? Wh<span style="font-family: inherit;">ere do you stand on resolutions?</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Did you know that only 8% of people who make New Years resolutions actually achieve them? However statistics also show that people who specifically make resolutions are 10 times more likely to be success at achieving their goals and plans! </b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now</span> we're half way through this month already<span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span> it feels like January is just slipping away<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and</span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">February is just around the corner! For me that may be because I have a jam packed month ahead which I don't feel anywhere near prepared for, maybe for you it's because you still haven't quite settled on what you want from the year ahead. Maybe you wanted to set some intentions, focus on finding your passion or commit to something that will bring you one step closer to your goals and dreams, or maybe you don't know what you want from life this year so you wanted to spend some time mulling it all over and feeling a bit stuck - if this sounds like you then stick with me my friend!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>And if you did lay down some resolutions and devised out a yearly plan, how's that going so far - feeling fabulous or like a failure about it all?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think the end of January is a good first of many pit stops to step back a bit and reflect on what's happened before and then look to the future again. Have you tried this before? It's a bit like doing a mini life audit and in this post I'm going to give you a few ideas on how to do it....</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eWAzp5tkXjAf9LPxgAdHTs532UNbQ7JFIYFFqbdyBu5tSuUWpGYbO3kejPFTEUztkhPxATGQYtCwbMZdB4VEfUgk3bg3S13ePGHnUvKYbnqM1eK2spkalQZ6Z40VZ0_JRH5zFFoV1E8/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eWAzp5tkXjAf9LPxgAdHTs532UNbQ7JFIYFFqbdyBu5tSuUWpGYbO3kejPFTEUztkhPxATGQYtCwbMZdB4VEfUgk3bg3S13ePGHnUvKYbnqM1eK2spkalQZ6Z40VZ0_JRH5zFFoV1E8/s640/download.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><b>An exercise in reflection</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Take a note book or a just a piece of paper and write down the 4 most significant things that happened last year that changed you - good or bad. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Which had the most positive impact on you and why?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Is there one that had a negative impact, why?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now ask yourself these 3 questions:</div>
<ul>
<li>Do you now feel better in yourself for these experiences?</li>
<li>Have any of them bought you closer to what you imagined your true self to be?</li>
<li>Are any of these experiences currently leading you to a positive place this year?</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, hopefully now you have a clearer picture of what last year meant for you - what left you with a glow, what challenged you for the better or worse, if anything left you feeling a little stuck or undone and given you some food for thought on what you now want to focus on for the year ahead.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><b>Ideas for visioning forward</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Theme</b> - This is where you set a theme or a feeling of what you want this year to be about or mena to you. I've set a theme to my year for the last two January's, it's a nice alternative to a resolution or intention, doesn't require as much thought and is a bit simpler to follow, write the words down in your diary or frame them on the wall to remind you. My Theme words this year are<b><i> Organise, Focus, Connect, Invest </i></b>- take a look at my <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/365Wisdom/organise-focus-connect-invest-2016/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">2016 theme board on Pinterest</span></a> to get some more inspiration and ideas.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Mood Board</b> - Following on from above you can create your own 2016 theme or mood board on Pinterest or maybe you'd like to try it old school style and cut out words and picture from magazines<br />
and books that align with your vision and get crafting for some extra inspiration.</div>
<br />
<div>
<b>Journal </b>- I've been journalling on and of since I was a teenager, when I want to get thoughts and ideas out of my head to make some sense of them I find this so helpful. Treat yourself to a brand new journal for the year ahead and try to keep it close by, just writing your intentions down will bring you one step closer.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Setting intentions</b> - For me this is a bit like manifesting what you want, you can set your intentions in so many different ways and it's a more realistic way of making a change than a resolution. For example instead of "I want/am going to loose weight" (resolution) you change it to "I intend to do 20 minutes of yoga twice a week" or "I will strive to half my sugar intake" (Intentions). Then spend some time writing down a little plan of how you might achieve them, what would you need to do each week to keep to your intentions? Making your new years goal more specific, measurable and simplistic you are more likely to achieve it.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Resolution buddy</b> - There's no better way to become accountable to making a change or forming a new habit then to put it out in to the world! Team up with a friend who has the same goal, start a group dedicated to your new resolutions, create an Instagram account that showcases your new year theme or join a class with others that helps you keep your intentions on track.<br />
<br />
Feeling inspired, clearer, less burdened about the year ahead?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;">Do share what <b>YOU </b>come up with in the comments below, on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/365pearlsofwisdom/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Instagram</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/karenspofw" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Twitter</span></a> - tag me in or use the <b>#visioningforward</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-27267466704899928332016-01-05T08:30:00.000+00:002016-03-26T11:20:20.896+00:00Pearl of Wisdom No.82 - Digital Detoxing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HDN1da54YzJWeNeih6G2SDGRrsJOFY0dn2PuCJYxs_MTx9_bcytqJHoqnxsymGSQGBwADb_MEIfToOk2Kbe2Px7uy8QPtbrlyLgThz3jHe7hul85IluugxUF0iKhQrAAMRje0C5JQY8/s1600/unplugged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HDN1da54YzJWeNeih6G2SDGRrsJOFY0dn2PuCJYxs_MTx9_bcytqJHoqnxsymGSQGBwADb_MEIfToOk2Kbe2Px7uy8QPtbrlyLgThz3jHe7hul85IluugxUF0iKhQrAAMRje0C5JQY8/s640/unplugged.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">I'm sure you've read, seen or heard about how smart phones, tablets and even too much TV is turning humanity into unsocial techno zombies who can't live with out there devices by their side right? Did you ever consider that it could also be influencing how you identified yourself with the world and the affect that has on your well being and self esteem ?</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Social networking sites like Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook constantly inundate us with pictures of idealised lives and no doubt you're already familiar with the feelings of envy and worthlessness that they invoke in us all from time to time, looking at some ones highlights and comparing them to our worst day, wishing for a more whimsical life full of adventure that oozes style and perfection!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">We've all done it and we've all felt worse about our life and who/what we represent to the people around us. It all hinges on everyone's perception of the real world but sometimes it can get too much, we can't separate our thoughts and beliefs about what we are being presented with in these images from reality, we get an overload of feeling insignificant and unworthy and our belief in ourself plummets to an ugly place. I don't need to bang on any more about how unhealthy this is for us so lets get stuck in to some ways of unplugging our digital life, getting back to the core of who we are and what we stand for, and come home to our true self.</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><b> </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYgmLbK5NyXmUlJx-WX2cMktNFe20_lER6Lkhro3jE1BR5SUQWH0OGrFa0Q_QUwzl4O1baRvBUSv5ELx3bVpAmxAw60sd8GCGvx8mziU2fMX80lIQgmxjVUlxfe41_3epvSrWpn5xER4/s1600/Attachment-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYgmLbK5NyXmUlJx-WX2cMktNFe20_lER6Lkhro3jE1BR5SUQWH0OGrFa0Q_QUwzl4O1baRvBUSv5ELx3bVpAmxAw60sd8GCGvx8mziU2fMX80lIQgmxjVUlxfe41_3epvSrWpn5xER4/s640/Attachment-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Find Comfort in - the little things</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Firstly, when it all gets too much put that phone/tablet down and turn off that computer/TV, shut off or close any negative influences from the media around you. Next take some time and this can be as much or as little as you have to spare to really indulge in something that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside and spreads a smile across your face. In our house our go to feel good things are reading, dance parties, cooking together, funny cat videos (I will allow you anything on YouTube that makes you laugh out load!) walks in the wood and an early night - that last one is super boring but don't ever underestimate the power of a good nights sleep!</span><br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="color: #666666;">What are or could be your feel good comfort things? </span><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Get Inspired by - the very thing that cause you to feel bad</b></span></div>
<div>
All those images that are feeding the negativity in you, try turning the impact it has on you on it's head and use them to inspire you instead - a picture of a dress, home, destination or lifestyle that you envy or aspire to have, find out more about it, the person who posted it - who are they, what do they do, how did their life unfold, can they offer any wisdom or advice? Use what normally cause you despair to motivate you to move closer to your dreams, goals and wishes! <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Nourish yourself with - time away from your phone</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">One of the best ways to feel good about you is to immerse yourself into something you're passionate about - which doesn't use technology! Maybe you can book a language course or start a yoga class, you may want to dedicate some time volunteering for your favourite cause or learn to sew, you could also get stuck in to renovating your garden/home or organise a meet up with your friends. Doing something just for you that gives you a feel good glow will banish any doubts you have about yourself and make sure you regularly block time off in your diary to do this.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Challenge your world by - a device detox</b></span></div>
<div>
OK those words may have struck terror in your heart and you're thinking how could I possible live without my phone/tablet/Netflicks but I guarantee you will feel better afterwards even if it's just for a day - here are my top tips for detoxing from technology<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Talk to the people you live and work with, let them know your intentions and ask them to try and avoid tweeting/tagging you while you are doing it.</li>
<li>Decide how much or how little you want to unplug for, it may be just for a day or an hour, you may want to give up using devices at the dinner table or you may want to go with out for a whole week (yikes!) You set the bar and this makes it more attainable, baby steps!</li>
<li>Encourage others to join in, maybe other friends or other family members can get involved, you could also start phone free lunches or an unplugged afternoon at work and use the time to team build with you colleagues.</li>
</ul>
So I hope this has left you feeling inspired, for me although having a smart phone, a tablet or a laptop is all part of the blogging world and an important part of my day job as well as how I communicate with friends and family, it can also be a massive distraction and something that brings negativity in to my world, especially when I start comparing my world and my journey to others and when that starts to take over my well being it really is so simple and easy to just switch off!<br />
<br />
Share in the conversation and let me know you thoughts and feelings on this...</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-58891206908569705092015-11-27T10:57:00.000+00:002016-08-09T16:44:02.996+01:00Through her looking glass - Jemma Andrew-Adiamah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWu33lHc6p4XLtYzgl2juw0f5SMapHcOieIz4JX9_hCLTPZObRL3_JAKooS53yKpul09AwGcHXqkIs84nG_8eQxWll7RrypEK-AvnKsnYrLL5VcuBBZIDBOYO0Vj-R8B1GFbdQ2UPlvk/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWu33lHc6p4XLtYzgl2juw0f5SMapHcOieIz4JX9_hCLTPZObRL3_JAKooS53yKpul09AwGcHXqkIs84nG_8eQxWll7RrypEK-AvnKsnYrLL5VcuBBZIDBOYO0Vj-R8B1GFbdQ2UPlvk/s640/index.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Today I want to introduce you to a lady who's blog I have totally fallen in love with this year, we share the same passions and are inspired by the same people, her blog is on my must reads list each week and I know you will love her too!</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I discovered <a href="http://celeryandcupcakes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Celery and Cupcakes</span></a> earlier on in the year as I was coming out of my postnatal haze of being a mummy to a new baby again and needed a bit of extra motivation to invest in myself and look after my well being. Full of healthy but simple recipes, wisdom and ideas to leading a positive life, this blog feels like a chat with your best friend and will have you feeling just as inspired as I am to nourish your mind, body and soul - so let me introduce you to Jemma Andrew-Adimah as she shares her thoughts and wisdom on finding balance and feeling her best. </span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">How do you start your day? Can you tell us more about the first 3 things you have to do to get your day started?</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Drinking
a glass of warm water with lemon first thing in the morning has become a
ritual for me and my body always feels better for it. If time allows I
also like to squeeze in some morning meditation or gentle yoga to get
me all energised to start my day, but it doesn't always happen.
Breakfast is essential as is writing my to-do list otherwise my day is
complete chaos without one. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Share your favourite piece of wisdom and why it means something to you.</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Do what you love</i>
has been a game changer for me. After completely turning my career on
its head and becoming a full-time blogger and freelancer, I feel so much
happier getting to indulge my creative side. Becoming self-employed
means that I get to enjoy more time with my family, which is what I was
missing out on previously. Life is far too short to spend it doing
something that only gives you negative vibes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"></span><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>What is your go to thing for comfort when it all gets to much?</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Spending
time with my family always brings me so much comfort and happiness when
I start to feel overwhelmed. Similarly, doing the things that I enjoy
that I sometimes don't have time for helps to bring back a sense of
tranquility and it's reassuring to me knowing that I have these in my
life.<br /><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Who are the women that inspire you?</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I don’t really have a single person that inspires me, but I’m drawn to strong independent </span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">women who just own it! Women like Oprah Winfrey, Sophia Amoruso and Danielle LaPorte </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">all share such amazing qualities and are generally just awesome.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><br /></b><b>How do you see yourself and what makes up your sense of identity?</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Having
a baby definitely changes the way you see yourself and it has changed
me for the better. I've gained a sense of confidence that I was missing
before and an unknown joy and love that I never thought possible!<br /><br /><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Do you have a favourite dish or recipe that makes you feel good or gives you a much-needed boost?</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">A
wonderful green smoothie always resets my body after a period of
indulgence and too much chocolate. Generally speaking, I love curries
and Mexican food anything that feeds my soul and nourishes my body. I'm
all about balance so this also includes pizza and cake too, it's not
all about the green stuff.<br /> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">What's challenging you right now?</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Exercise!
I'm in such a workout rut at the moment and I'm slowly trying to get
out of it. Gradually I've come to terms with the fact that there are
only 24 hours in the day and I'm less hard on myself. I'm doing what I
can when I can, I'm happy with that and that's what counts!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Tell us more about your latest or next project.</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm
very excited because I've just launched my new Healthy Snacking 101
E-guide that is free to all my email subscribers. It focuses on simple
and delicious recipes that can be made while the kettle is boiling or
while your baby is napping. All the recipes use simple store cupboard
ingredients that most people will have at home and includes chocolate
and cake. I'm a firm believer in balance and you can eat cake and be
healthy too. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm
also in the process of writing a 21-day challenge for my readers
centred around self-love that I will be launching in the new year and
have some exciting client projects coming up. </span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-38659157599674739142015-10-19T08:30:00.000+01:002016-03-26T11:22:14.985+00:00Pearl of Wisdom No. 81 - Taking Care of You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPhohzR_DSJuACxOwOO3E1s9cTybtKJ9_YbPuv_pj0nCChfDk1xvZFjBiOh2QsTjVjMIg4G0fGh_Ba-_lkotzRU4JrrXMSh4N0lXJQ017JepqxoNbkXnbtGOoF2YuQ5WiFfF9kO2BwxM/s1600/design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPhohzR_DSJuACxOwOO3E1s9cTybtKJ9_YbPuv_pj0nCChfDk1xvZFjBiOh2QsTjVjMIg4G0fGh_Ba-_lkotzRU4JrrXMSh4N0lXJQ017JepqxoNbkXnbtGOoF2YuQ5WiFfF9kO2BwxM/s640/design.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We all go through wobbles about who we are, what we represent or how the world see us, I know I do and it can cause all kinds of crazy and toxic feelings with in ourselves, if you're feeling a bit blah about where you are in life and what your identity says to the world, this pearl of wisdom is for you. Write it down in your dairy, type it into your phone or on a sticky note stuck to your computer or bathroom mirror and refer back to it's message when ever you need a reminder that YOU are in control of your life and YOU get to define it, so get out there and start being who you truly want to be.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVB9HRA9O36fsZTmQtFwANEtB1Momd1gskoRZfH58c1h5i4T89_8hXEamSUSqTuzIPdMZO_YfKUIqkWCQkIYmJG9f3zq6A_9ZmBAS4WNfGNzbQyT6JHYzth-G1Gx2IQLZEQ1wGHb9JwrA/s1600/vsco-photo-1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVB9HRA9O36fsZTmQtFwANEtB1Momd1gskoRZfH58c1h5i4T89_8hXEamSUSqTuzIPdMZO_YfKUIqkWCQkIYmJG9f3zq6A_9ZmBAS4WNfGNzbQyT6JHYzth-G1Gx2IQLZEQ1wGHb9JwrA/s640/vsco-photo-1-1.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><b>Find comfort in - Friendship </b></span><br />
<br />
Last weekend we took a road trip to Somerset for a whirlwind visit of family and friends and I got to spend not enough time with my gal pal and blogging buddy Lizzie of <a href="http://www.lizziesomerset.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Lizzie Somerset</span></a>. I truly miss this lady and she was full of wise words about being a mum and balancing family life with pursuing your passions. She reminded me that life is a marathon and that doing your best is what matters.<br />
<br />
If your week is giving you grief I highly recommend talking out with your closest, arrange a lunch date, do something silly or relax at your favourite quiet spot and just talk it out. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><b>Get inspired by - Books</b></span><br />
<br />
I'm useless at reading books, I start them but never finish and my hubby gets fed up of them piling up in the bedroom so I'm trying to make a real effort to get through them. Because I've been feeling a bit blue with the lack of time to pursue my passions I've started to read <a href="https://twitter.com/KatiePiper_" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Katie Piper</span></a>'s Things Get Better, I was lucky enough to meet her in person a few years ago and her wisdom and grace is enchanting and this book is a must for anyone dealing with life hurdles.<br />
<br />
Turn to your favourite book this week if you need a pick me up or invest in something new to get your creative juices flowing or solve your current crisis. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><b>Nourish yourself with - Friendly Bacteria</b></span><br />
<br />
We've already been hit with a winter vomiting bug in our house, or maybe it was the end of summer bug? Anyway it was enough to put everyone's tummy and appetite into disarray and with cold and flu season upon us too over use of antibiotics can also upset the balance of the digestive system so show yourself some love, make friends with your health and put some good bacteria back into your body. Don't be fooled by those yoghurt drinks either, they are full of sugar and counter productive!<br />
<br />
Stop in to your local health food shop this week and speak to an advisor about probiotics, <br />
they can be a little pricey but definitely worth the investment for better health.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><b>Challenge your world - Cutting out sugar</b></span><br />
<br />
Following on from good digestive health this week I am going to try and cut my sugar consumption again. Not only does an overload of the sweet stuff feed bad bacteria but it encourages yeast and fungal growth, sugary cravings, energy spikes and bad looking skin, not to mention the empty calories that set up home on your hips and thighs! <a href="http://365pearlsofwisdom.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/feel-good-friday-sugar-challenge.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Last time I did a sugar challenge</span></a> I documented my success (and failures!) on Instagram and I'm doing it again so <a href="https://instagram.com/365pearlsofwisdom/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">follow me there</span></a> to see how I get on.<br />
<br />
What could you give up this week to shake things up a bit and challenge your world? Or maybe you could take something up instead like a fitness class or a new hobbies? If you fancy quitting or reducing sugar like me then <a href="https://iquitsugar.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Sarah Wilson's Website</span></a> is a must.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999; font-size: large;"><b>Gratitude</b></span><br />
<br />
For true friendships that lift you higher ~ For new friendships with special connections ~ For time to rediscover my passions ~ For Peppermint Lattes ~ For getting a bit more sleep ~ For a understanding husband who mends me when I break, always ~ For new patent leather Oxford shoes with cute buckles and in Mulberry of all colours! ~ For time with my big girl, watching her learn to read....<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>... all these things I am truly thankful for this week.</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Don't forget to share a little bit of gratitude with the world too! </b></span><br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-66920692389054929212015-09-22T08:26:00.000+01:002016-08-09T10:38:16.485+01:00Hate Change? How to make it work for you<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bxT0JgAUNKqI6vyEdYgUudtRniPWXFspZ0KsVKr5IeRlQubJ2qM6j9kX4Bi3jZvbZE6Lcq8Hkyw8jzXlyul-iYJk553PRncmXt2j4egm0WaKqmwYQcwo87mGQNhYHKbNSX5xEfWbotk/s1600/change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bxT0JgAUNKqI6vyEdYgUudtRniPWXFspZ0KsVKr5IeRlQubJ2qM6j9kX4Bi3jZvbZE6Lcq8Hkyw8jzXlyul-iYJk553PRncmXt2j4egm0WaKqmwYQcwo87mGQNhYHKbNSX5xEfWbotk/s640/change.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>The secret of Change is to focus all of you not fighting the old but accepting the new - Socrates</i></b></div>
<br />
Change is inevitable, and it can be <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">healthy and positive depending on your view or reaction of it, but if change normally feels like your enemy rather than your best friend then maybe it's time you took a different view on your relationship with it? </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">It's time to learn how to let changes in life, no matter how big or small, become something you don't mind hanging out with! Read on to discover why change can be good for you and some easy, feel good ways to let it in...</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Why Change?</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Good question - why should things change? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Especially when life feels so comfy - why does change come and ruin it all?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Well because like everything, life is transitional and sometimes we can't control it so stuff appears in our life that take us in different direction than we hoped for or put us in a new scenario or guides us towards an experience we didn't plan on and for a lot of people this can have a really negative effect.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">How does Change feel?</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">When change is unwanted or unwelcome it can make us feel really uncomfortable, awkward, angry and frustrated, the small things can be a constant niggles at the back of our minds and the big things make us want to hide under the duvet forever and then there's everything in between! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Change can leave us feeling powerless, low, desperate and completely overwhelmed - for some people it can have a devastating effect and really impact every corner of their life, no wonder people want to run away or deny that change is happening. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">What can we do to make Change feel better?</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">So this is the best bit, how to become buddies with change in our life. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> 1. Firstly, it's totally OK to feel bad and unhappy about the change you are facing and tell yourself this. Secondly, be gentle on yourself - right now, and as the change occurs. Forgive yourself for any negativity that you think about or project outwards and show yourself some compassion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Quick Tip - Give yourself 10 minutes at least each day doing something that feels positive for you - bath, reading, dancing, eating well, getting rest, taking care of your mind + body. </b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">2. You will have all these negative doubts, worries and thoughts swirling around in your head - write them down. Now write down the reverse of all these thoughts - what if things got better, what if you make a new friend, what if you find a new, exciting opportunity, what if you have a chance to learn something new? If we surround ourselves with negativity, we will live a negative life, but if we think positively we will create that around us.We don't know what will happen so thinking positively gives us opportunities to let good, sometimes even better things in to our life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Quick Tip - This mindset doesn't always come easy especially when you are bogged down in negativity, and takes practice so when trying to change a patten of thinking start small - What if I do try a new......(fill in the blank!)</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">3. But what if it does happen - that dreaded, horrible, scary little thought that haunts your mind and makes you fear what this change is bringing you. What if the worse comes true? Well this where you can make change really work for you by focusing on what's happening and why you don't like it. Instead of letting those feelings consume you and the situation bring you down further, bringing you to a standstill, make a plan for how you can start to turn it around and move towards the good stuff, grab a fancy notebook and pen, write at the start "My big plan on fighting my fear on....." (fill in the blank again!) and start brainstorming ideas, only write down positive things and I promise a plan will emerge and it's written down for you to refer back to. Use this as a life lesson in what you don't want so you can push yourself forward to what you do.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Quick Tip - If you get stuck on formulating a plan reach out for help from others by either asking them to help you brainstorm or by asking them how they might tackle this, someone else perspective can help you to break yours if you get stuck.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">4. Facing the future - as Socrates said the key to change is acceptance but also making the best of it, so how does that look? By making the change work for you, by taking what you learnt in the past and using that to make your future better, but seeking out opportunities, using it as a platform to show the world who you are and what you are capable of, taking the time to invest in you - no matter how small that is and deciding that you are going to let this change bring out the best in you, not the worst. You do actually have the power to use change to you advantage, so don't let it scare you away, make peace with change and see the difference it can make. This is one relationship that can make a big impact if you trust it!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Quick Tip - For future wobbles when life takes an turn that you didn't plan for repeat a little mantra or feel good phrase "Change will be my friend if I let it in, change with show me what I want from within" Or you make your own one up!</span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I always believe that it takes practice to adjust how you think and feel, shifting your thinking, behaviour and habits from negative ones to positive ones takes time and effort so if you try something suggested here and it feels strange, silly or unnatural don't give up, try it again the next day and again the next until you relax in to it. Over time these habits and life skills will become natural and can help you to protect your well-being and lead you to a more </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">contented way of life - isn't that what we are all striving for after all?!</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">If you found this useful and want to read more about coping with change try these links:</span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://365pearlsofwisdom.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/feel-good-friday-feel-good-live-better.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Top tips on busting through anxiety </span></span></a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://gabbyb.tv/blogs/fear-holds-us-headlock-get"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Gabby Bernstein's wisdom on fear</span></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://designformankind.com/2015/09/my-anxiety-cure/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Erin Loechner's quick anxiety cure</span></a></span><br />
<a href="http://tinybuddha.com/blog/5-dos-and-donts-for-surviving-a-hard-time/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">More ideas on dealing with change from Tiny Budda </span></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge in to it,</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> move with it and join the dance"</span></b></i>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Alan W. Watts</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Did these hints and ideas help? Do you have any great go to tips for dealing with change?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">I'd love to know if they helped so leave a comment below!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-11086888594252982922015-06-15T13:44:00.000+01:002016-03-26T11:22:57.395+00:00Pearl of Wisdom No.80 - making mistakes...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaKrjsGiOjtI6eAlc43gODPiFNRSZxGyAuvqKNt852XBJji40_youvrNA1RgfZazXezDzyWnz0pmFiATkWDauG2CLFUXyKRh26ReUQ59BoR-2VgU63iZV9VtnoN1FFm238CCRNQUUB8c/s1600/design%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaKrjsGiOjtI6eAlc43gODPiFNRSZxGyAuvqKNt852XBJji40_youvrNA1RgfZazXezDzyWnz0pmFiATkWDauG2CLFUXyKRh26ReUQ59BoR-2VgU63iZV9VtnoN1FFm238CCRNQUUB8c/s640/design%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Exactly Joan! And who hasn't made a mistake at some point in their life right?!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So why do we still feel paralysed by making them, enough to the point of not doing or living in a way that means something to us.</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Recently we've been taking a step back and letting our girls make a few innocent and harmless mistakes, just to teach and guide them how to handle their thoughts and feeling around doing so. We've encouraged LC to keep practising when she is leaning a new skill, song or game and gets it wrong and trying not to instantly rush to the smallest babe when she stumbles a bit or can't get a shape in the sorter the first time. More importantly we as their parents have been trying to own our mistakes, apologise for them if necessary, but sometimes not make a big deal out of getting things wrong - who cares if dinner is late because mum forgot to put the veggies on or we forgot it was bath night or daddy dressed the baby in the wrong outfit (you can see how our days pan out in this house!) </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We
are trying to teach the girls that it's OK to make mistakes, to embrace
them and learn from them too so they are not overwhelmed or restricted
by them as adults and by allowing them to grow from them, we're growing
too!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Let's start a conversation - how do you deal with mistakes? </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-27646475391477408682015-03-28T07:08:00.002+00:002016-03-26T11:23:38.544+00:00Pearl of Wisdom No.79 - Why Change doesn't have to be scary...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8dAw4LGucZMWzB3KVw75cRIkVT9PcYYolRhPrC14XqrDOzRKvDzTV2OoONPqNUsuNrWgbCbYYw4r2RXUDBoVrBqbpJUdnCn2N1fqv0p3Ld9YGMbdvOoUpWsXvPFeZfqpEYnp6CkDk4E/s1600/design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8dAw4LGucZMWzB3KVw75cRIkVT9PcYYolRhPrC14XqrDOzRKvDzTV2OoONPqNUsuNrWgbCbYYw4r2RXUDBoVrBqbpJUdnCn2N1fqv0p3Ld9YGMbdvOoUpWsXvPFeZfqpEYnp6CkDk4E/s1600/design.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Finally, spring is here,</b> and the flowers are starting to bloom - as always, the change of this season brings with it the promise of new beginnings, so could this be the time to embrace a few new beginnings of your own? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Now most of the time something new means change</b> and that is such a sticking point for so many people. Change in your career or job position, change in you family relationships or love life and change with your body, health or financial well-being. When the normal path of life takes a different and sometimes an unexpected turn things can start to get a bit wobbly and we feel all out of sorts right?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">But, what if this season we made ourselves one step ahead of change, what if we embraced it, used it to our advantage?</span></b></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Experiencing change can </span></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>mean so many things though</b> - a new adventure or perspective or maybe it could be a chance to slow down and take a breather, re-evaluate things. It could also be a chance to learn, gain and build on something that already exists. Change could be a chance to face your fears or deal with something that has been weighing you down for years, is it time to bite the built, turn in to the storm? Maybe it's something that could invite in a freshness to your life, something to inspire yourself, even better maybe change could be something you use to help and serve others who need some change in their life too?! Oh the possibilities of change!! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>You see change doesn't have to be scary or awkward</b>, it doesn't need to be defined only by scary or uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, it can be something that you can mould and carve to your advantage, it can mean anything you choose it to mean. So with the changing of season, what changes do you want to make, are you going to make? What changes are you going to face up to that will see something blooming in your life this spring?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>You might want to think about who or what can help with these changes,</b> especially if or when the going gets tough, what safety nets could you put in place? Maybe right a plan for how to handle a tricky or negative change or talk to others who have experienced something similar, if you look around you I bet you could pin down someone who could share some wisdom with you! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzC_ejERr31DbuVTPaV2S2A38X85cR2e_SMrhlyuAdDMIbjzv-5a5ab1OKXADrEweF4t_nGnyEaNWssJf-bfPjxRJx3Q5fLSEOtnq-Nq7jMdCjpQjqRYoY12qWbhPKno2YV2OKWk4pyMk/s1600/laptop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzC_ejERr31DbuVTPaV2S2A38X85cR2e_SMrhlyuAdDMIbjzv-5a5ab1OKXADrEweF4t_nGnyEaNWssJf-bfPjxRJx3Q5fLSEOtnq-Nq7jMdCjpQjqRYoY12qWbhPKno2YV2OKWk4pyMk/s1600/laptop.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>I'm so ready to make some changes now too</b> and I'm going to take some risk here on the blog also. I'm not sure what they will look like yet but I'm feeling like something here is ready to be different, for example Pearls of Wisdom will be still be posted regularly but not always every Monday, I'm finding that the Monday deadline is restricting things a little at the moment! I'm very excited to shake things up a bit in all areas of my life but it's still feels overwhelming, but I am definitely not one to let that hold me back - let the new adventures begin! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-56668860607930863192015-02-09T10:24:00.000+00:002015-11-16T12:35:34.760+00:00Monday Moment of Wisdom - Pearl Number 78<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0uydcH1PRUSQzDaPQlpJbqYHbd2f5nInbaLMaOxxMMIW-6hvHsPZy_2buCrrLsq05iBbn4csn-Sx5MyO96dhhBlIknVlFYEfz-xVo64citgakJ70vnKUQYs0xRMwa786mbt4236lg24/s1600/Love+note+gravel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0uydcH1PRUSQzDaPQlpJbqYHbd2f5nInbaLMaOxxMMIW-6hvHsPZy_2buCrrLsq05iBbn4csn-Sx5MyO96dhhBlIknVlFYEfz-xVo64citgakJ70vnKUQYs0xRMwa786mbt4236lg24/s1600/Love+note+gravel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #990000;">Wherever and whenever possible, give your love to everyone and every being and see every day as the Day of Valentine, the Day of Love for all beings!”</span> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3164882.Mehmet_Murat_ildan" style="text-decoration: none;">Mehmet Murat ildan</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It seems like Valentines Day is like Christmas - you either love it or hate it....</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm a bit sappy about it all and love to celebrate the day, yes I know there are 364 other days in the year to show my love for my husband but in our house we like a good excuse to make a day of something. We show our love as a family though, we've always involved LC and this year will be no different with the addition of the babe making us a nice little foursome and planning something special to do that involves us all.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There has been years though when I've felt a bit lonely and insignificant on Valentines, in reflection that seems a bit ridiculous now but the past me felt defined by my relationship status. When I think of my girls as grown women I would be heartbroken to imagine them feeling the same way! I know though, that there are many people who do and having no significant other to give them a token gesture on a day that, let's been honest is more about how much money the gift giving industry can suck out of us rather than what love truly means, is something that leaves them feeling a lesser person.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If I could some future advice to my girls about love and the whole business of Valentines, and to anyone else who is feeling uncomfortable about this day it would be this - <span style="color: #990000;">LOVE THY SELF</span> - above everything thing in this world, fall in love with who you are first, that's the relationship that matters the most, don't let yourself be defined by one day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Just for the record though I'm not sat typing this as if falling in love with yourself is the easiest thing in the world, because I know it's not, and if you find yourself in a place where you have no idea how to go about even starting to have a positive relationship with you then maybe it's time to slowly let that thought manifest, see what comes up?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This day will be what you make it though, give your love not only to yourself but everyone around you, send cards to your kids, pets or dear old granny, buy yourself the most gorgeous pair of shoes, bracelet, bunch of flowers you can find as a symbol of how important you are in your life - and then, keep doing that, every day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Finding ways to show love to you, and the ones you care about, when ever you can is so much more important than one day when everyone is jumping on the band wagon. I give so much thanks that I have my husband and my two girls to celebrate this day with because ultimately it means that in the end, I learnt to love myself first, not just on February 14th but all through the year.</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-86853313090032523252015-02-02T08:00:00.000+00:002015-11-16T12:36:00.989+00:00Monday's Moment of Wisdom - Pearl Number 77<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDCCe30gWQ3sVs6XtbM7ENexuFoPo1c_8NFL2TAi-rAL_mnKVmFutAH__ju64PIXRpd3FJjbKsPM_1TGkrJX8wvy_pQTY4bVNPKDYbVyxZ52vtFMAQ8dpMTTWD6uBYmjbRW2Y92AKJtY/s1600/COMMUTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDCCe30gWQ3sVs6XtbM7ENexuFoPo1c_8NFL2TAi-rAL_mnKVmFutAH__ju64PIXRpd3FJjbKsPM_1TGkrJX8wvy_pQTY4bVNPKDYbVyxZ52vtFMAQ8dpMTTWD6uBYmjbRW2Y92AKJtY/s1600/COMMUTE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Make everything an adventure. Otherwise, it will suck.”
―
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5228555.Nita_Morgan">Nita Morgan</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This little pearl hits you right over the head with it don't you think? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Short, memorable and to the point, sometimes less is more! Being blunt can be what's needed if you find yourself stuck in a rut and I've been stuck in a bit of a writing rut because in all honesty I've need to put my focus on my family for a while, baby number two is quite a complex little creature and sleep deprivation has got the better of us all over the last couple of months - anyway here I am, back to blogging, feeling good and looking for adventure!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This week I invite you to think about the real sucky things in your life, what do they look like?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Your commute to work or the weekly team meeting?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The new healthy eating or exercise plan you've started but feels like an up hill climb?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Or maybe just getting chores done, tea at granny's house, even looking at how you can save money on your bills - what is it that you have to do that sucks the life out of you?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Try making a list of a few things, then brainstorm how you could do them differently, what new thing could you try to make it more interesting, fun or challenging. This is a chance to practice thinking outside the box, I invite you to get creative and then apply it, and then see how your week goes!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let me know....! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Remember you can find me on <a href="http://instagram.com/365pearlsofwisdom/"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Instagram</span></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/karenspofw"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Twitter</span></a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/365Wisdom/365-pearls-of-wisdom/"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Pinterest</span></a> and <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115229166960484224999/posts"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Google+ </span></a>come and say HI!</div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-10824972375674789682014-12-17T10:42:00.002+00:002015-12-03T11:52:03.528+00:00Grace + Gratitude - What I learnt from Sarah Peck<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdaR8bjcTyEhSgKMI1qk4INKQUAbvELgfZ97q-0rBXs_j3nX4KnDBCBu4PlT33fwu0MiUmR9TWslQW2SZt8HbvaXX-WT4vaUGr8VZU4lqxvmYSjv0g0lnmOfZw1hyphenhyphenXJRXT9NwSuoaSOc/s1600/grace+and+gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdaR8bjcTyEhSgKMI1qk4INKQUAbvELgfZ97q-0rBXs_j3nX4KnDBCBu4PlT33fwu0MiUmR9TWslQW2SZt8HbvaXX-WT4vaUGr8VZU4lqxvmYSjv0g0lnmOfZw1hyphenhyphenXJRXT9NwSuoaSOc/s1600/grace+and+gratitude.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>I've been wanting to write this post for ages,</b> not because I've been asked to but because of what happened when I signed up for this course - it became such a powerful time in my life and set off a year of some really significant changes in my life, ones that were truly magical.</div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<b>Just before Christmas last year I was very lucky to be given a place on <a href="http://365pearlsofwisdom.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/through-her-looking-glass-sarah.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Sarah Peck's</span></a> Grace and Gratitude e-course.</b> I had been following her for a few months and her thoughts and ideas had really resonated with me so when I saw there was a chance of a scholarship place I applied straight away and was surprised and delighted when I received an email to say that I had one of the 5 places available. Full of excitement and anticipation I wondered what this course would have in store for me, never did I think I would become such a life changing moment... <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Grace is learning to forgive yourself,</b> <b>and others, for the uncomfortable bits in life.</b><br />
I'd had a difficult year dealing with some past conflict and how it had made me feel as well as how it had affected my relationships with others around me, developing my graceful side helped me to move on from these stuck moments I had found myself in.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Gratitude is remembering that there is already so much awesomeness around you.</b><br />
I spent pretty much most of that year trying to cope with my infertility issues and again putting my life on pause because of frustration and sadness I felt that I couldn't have another baby. Practising gratitude help shine a light into the corners of my life that were so amazing already, and that I was totally missing out on too. That year we ended up having one of the best Christmases with our daughter that we ever had.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Grace taught me to be gentle and loving towards myself</b>. <br />
I wasn't feeling the love for myself at all, I was so angry at my body and lost faith in who I was, all I could do was focus on the woman who had lost her baby and still couldn't have another - this had become my identity. Learning about grace completely changed this, putting it in my heart brought out a new side of me and little did I know that as I was embarking on this journey my body was finally giving me what I had always wanted, by the end of the month I was pregnant and we welcomed our second daughter to the world in August.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Gratitude brings you closer to the world and the things you really need.</b><br />
Learning to practice gratitude has not only enriched my life but those around me, I will admit I don't always remember to do it, especially if things start to spiral but it's something that helps me to climb back up out the black hole again. What's even more important is that I am now teaching my daughter to do it, it means a lot to me to raise my children in a mindful way and when life gets a bit rocky my husband and I try to remember to stop, take a step back, and acknowledge the bits that are going right and I can tell you it's made a huge difference, especially when we get mad at each other! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Last of all I've learnt that what ever is around the corner, having grace and gratitude grounds you to embrace it, good or bad. </b><br />
To me, how you feel or choose to show your grace and gratitude to yourself and the world is such an individual thing, it's a personal journey and it seems right that we should all interpret it in our own way. Sarah helped introduce me to mine and I am very grateful for the opportunity and for her ongoing support. A year later and I am still learning more and seeing life more clearly, I find that when life gets tough, like it has done lately, going back to the roots of my grace and basics of acknowledging my gratitude helps me to ease out gently from the storm clouds and see the rainbows around me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>It's pretty special when someone else can open you up to a new way thinking or living your life. </b><br />
<br />
<b>So, with the year drawing to a close I'd like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and I'll see you in the New Year! </b><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-65810319613414590802014-12-05T08:27:00.000+00:002017-12-06T16:07:10.946+00:00Feel Good Friday - feel better by serving someone else...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnQ7InT3V-AGecQTbRb1kQARyOzfPv2ECZY6ExlizdD74TlypJmec4VF-5cOxJXQCBU0L4eIYB_ACGLeBr7Jnpk9CweNYfmfuS68Fncgvz0hY7YnHvB2kaZRYG0afwRMEBoW77vsZcxY/s1600/christmas+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnQ7InT3V-AGecQTbRb1kQARyOzfPv2ECZY6ExlizdD74TlypJmec4VF-5cOxJXQCBU0L4eIYB_ACGLeBr7Jnpk9CweNYfmfuS68Fncgvz0hY7YnHvB2kaZRYG0afwRMEBoW77vsZcxY/s1600/christmas+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>This weeks sees the start of December, how are you feeling about this month?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Love it, but sometimes feel drained or overwhelmed by the whole thing?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Hate it and find it a difficult time of the year to get through?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Or maybe the festive season brings about an ambivalent state of mind?</b><br />
<br />
<b>I could be wrong but Christmas and the run up to the end of year normally brings about one of these feelings in most of us, so which one do you fit under?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Having to manage awkward, uncomfortable or just niggly feelings</b> that your experiencing can be a bit bah humbug for us all, even more so if you feel extra pressure at this time of the year so maybe approach this season with a fresh, different out look?<br />
<br />
<b>"How can I do that then?!"</b> I hear you cry - well, here's how and I think it's a pretty special and awesome way that may just change how you completely feel for the next 4 weeks, and beyond...<br />
<br />
<i><b>This Christmas, give the gift of time and serve someone else - that's it!</b></i><br />
<br />
<b>It's simple, it can be so easy and so worthwhile! </b>You can get as creative and imaginative as you want, you can go as big or small as you want, you can do it just once or over and over again, whatever you fancy. Stuck for inspiration? Here's a whole bunch coming your way:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Bake mince pies for your neighbour or go big and take a whole box full to a homeless hostel or elderly people's home.</li>
<li>Donate unwanted toys to the local hospital or simply buy an extra one when you're Christmas shopping and drop off at a toy collection point. Argos are collecting pre-loved toys, you can take a toy to local Salvation Army, organisations like Barnado's and Action for Children do toy appeals and don't forget to check at your local supermarket who often collect toys for local charities.</li>
<li>Take or friends or family member who is feeling low out for a coffee or drink or have them over and cook a festive three course meal. </li>
<li>Offer to rake up the leaves in a garden for someone who isn't so mobile or take them Christmas shopping.</li>
<li>Babysit for free for friends or family who need a break from being parents or take their kids out for the day!</li>
<li>Help your grandparents or elderly friends wrap presents.</li>
<li>Offer to be the designated driver for your work Christmas party.</li>
<li>If your visiting someone else house for Christmas dinner ask to bring the starter, dessert or crackers and have fun choosing or creating it yourself.</li>
<li>Invite someone to Christmas/Boxing day lunch that you wouldn't normally ask, you never know who might need you to reach out.</li>
<li>Help your loved ones who maybe be grieving for a child, parent, sibling or a friend remember that special someone at this time of year, be brave and ask them how you can support them to do this, if your grieving too this may be something that also helps you.</li>
<li> Design and make Christmas wreaths or decorations for family and friends.</li>
<li>Give 10 percent of your December wage to charity, or simply put a few pennies in the charity box next time you see one.</li>
<li>If you have children read them a few Christmas stories on Christmas Eve before bed and create a new tradition or go big and read them one every night leading up until the big day!</li>
</ul>
<b>I really could keep going here</b> but I hope these ideas are enough to get you thinking and maybe involve your friends and family too. We can get so consumed with what we need and want at Christmas we often forget to look outside our bubble, reaching out to others can only bring more cheer in to your life and keep you humble and full of positivity. <br />
<br />
<b>P.S. - I'd love to here more ideas and inspiration to add to the list so leave me them in the comments section below!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-28415030334743948552014-12-01T11:26:00.003+00:002015-11-16T12:37:37.906+00:00Monday's Moment of Wisdom - Pearl Number 76<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoxDKHjMnYWxooYLWyCZkZWRsu0icsyASDTQ24NKsnKtWlqDNJ5ML6Oyb2FIG0704zOCRBR-j8TDR0eQxeeh9x4z-xIp1j_lbTMO_i4EGRckpBWFkRRGj584MYvVgxSKJeIUzcvX34Bs/s1600/Attachment-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoxDKHjMnYWxooYLWyCZkZWRsu0icsyASDTQ24NKsnKtWlqDNJ5ML6Oyb2FIG0704zOCRBR-j8TDR0eQxeeh9x4z-xIp1j_lbTMO_i4EGRckpBWFkRRGj584MYvVgxSKJeIUzcvX34Bs/s1600/Attachment-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><b><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Courage doesn't always roar, </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><b>sometimes it's the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering 'I will try again tomorrow</b></span><br />― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/149829.Mary_Anne_Radmacher" style="text-decoration: none;">Mary Anne Radmacher</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>Wow - this couldn't be more powerful for me right now! </b>It feels like I'm trying to juggle a lot at the moment, new baby, preschooler and her ever grow schedule of parties and activities, a new house, my poor neglected blog, Christmas prep all while still trying to make sure my relationship gets a look in, just reading that sentence makes me want to crawl back to bed... </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>Each day I find myself getting to the end and feeling deflated</b> - that I didn't solve world hunger, cure cancer or invent the latest life changing gadget - I have big dreams, I know where I want to be in life but on the days when I don't always have time to just put the laundry on or stack the dishwasher I have to admit I feel like a failure and this thought washes over me - "If I can't get the small things nailed, how am I ever gonna achieve my dreams and passions?!" </span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>However, this way of thinking is just venomous</b>, and this last week I've been focusing on the small victories, expressing my gratitude for them and reminding myself that big dreams don't happen over night, my passions won't be fulfilled in a day. My personal success need time and tenacity, I did my best today and will keep trying...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>It's so easy to fall at the first hurdle but pushing forward, being brave and keep on believing, <i>this</i> will carry you through because there is always tomorrow! </b></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-80480730189317104992014-11-26T08:58:00.000+00:002015-11-16T12:38:09.778+00:00Steps to finding your Mojo when it's MIA!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT6aa_-Uo1dnLhOedmWMuowYNon54enrHZhUWMs6m-voR9DZoWIU5ySgTZZ0uRLyI-xd6iRhmXmbVGOHgQ6tJRVD2Y76LjQJt9mCNsQBcazmIbbLN2iRD0WJtP9teYU-52aXxySr54ho/s1600/Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT6aa_-Uo1dnLhOedmWMuowYNon54enrHZhUWMs6m-voR9DZoWIU5ySgTZZ0uRLyI-xd6iRhmXmbVGOHgQ6tJRVD2Y76LjQJt9mCNsQBcazmIbbLN2iRD0WJtP9teYU-52aXxySr54ho/s1600/Map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>My blogging mojo has seriously been missing lately,</b> I've found it a bit of a struggle getting back in to the swing of planning, creating and writing for the blog, but here I am, second post of the week! (Do check out the first -<a href="http://365pearlsofwisdom.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/mondays-moment-of-wisdom.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;"> this weeks Pearl of Wisdom</span></a>)<br />
<br />
<b>With the run up to Christmas upon us and distractions a plenty</b> <b>like</b> shopping, partying and deciding whether its gonna be turkey, ham or a nut loaf (this is a real life discussion in my family!) it's easy to find yourself getting off course with the things that matter to you and anything that takes you away from your passion and dreams, anything that distracts from taking care of you will leave you feeling frustrated, even down right disheartened.<br />
<br />
<b>So here are my top tips to getting that mojo back to the party...</b><br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b>I'm guessing whether it's Christmas, a deadline, lack of sleep or some other thing in your life </b>that is major taking over time is against you right now and your finding it hard to make me time a priority. No me time equals no motivation, no space to be inspired and certainly not much room to think or do. So when your strapped for time try doing the things that make you stay sparkly and fresh on a smaller basis - paint your nails at home, plan outfits the night before, ask others to help with the boring stuff so can quickly get to the things that make you tick or maybe write, make or bake for just an hour instead of your usual all nighter, maybe even try out on your mid morning tea break or the commute instead if you know you have a busy evening ahead, only if it's safe though! The point is to keep a toe dipped in to whatever gives you your mojo until life gets back to normal and that way you don't feel such a big loss.<br />
<br />
<b>Here's a quick and simple one,</b> when you really have no time or space for you, take or find pictures of what you love, are working on or want to achieve and put them up as little reminders to keep you moving forward - on your fridge, in your diary, at work or on the bathroom mirror, still having that reminder will automatically keep you pushing forward and you'll find you stay focused on getting back that mojo thats been missing.<br />
<br />
<b>If you can't do, read!</b> This has helped me so much to get back my blogging mojo, even though I couldn't write or create as all my time was naturally going on my family and our house move in those early days of a newborn with multiple feeds and cuddles through the nights I found snippets of ten, fifteen minutes here and there as she was drifting in to sleep to keep reading about blogging, branding, SEO and using instagram and twitter to stay in the loop. This kept my passion alive and I was still learning even though I couldn't write much and having a notebook to hand made sure all my ideas and thoughts weren't lost for when I was finally ready to get back to it. What could you read to help you stay focused when life gets chaotic?<br />
<br />
<b>Lastly if you are really find yourself run down, low and just not feeling like you any more, there are two important things to do that will definitely help,</b> 1) Take care of you - it's as simple as that. Whether that means more rest, eating better or a long soak in the bath say no to the outside world and others demands and invest in you, no excuses, just do it! 2) If your feeling a bit lost and can't find that twinkle you once had try something new or different - go to work or do the school run on a different route, try a new recipe or a new look, spend your weekends or spare time volunteering, join a local club or activity meet, I could go on forever here but you get the point, anything that can bring out a different side of you and help you feel like you're living life again, be brave and try it!<br />
<br />
<b>So, feeling better, inspired, like your can navigate your way back to your mojo?</b><br />
<b>I hope so! Drop me line in the comments below about what you finds helps when your mojo in MIA, you may just help to inspire someone else!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-60475021001008516282014-11-24T11:26:00.000+00:002015-11-16T12:38:31.077+00:00Mondays Moment of Wisdom - Pearl Number 75<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6llrcTmMKZzt0t0UNXFVc-gNXa4ATzkCC-1NJsabCcrgn3AiSETXASLWkbpcfH6Umf9UNhk6YQ57pcojO389pUDPNgq4_zYENP39nXqsFbUmKVvXoG4anJbIm8H2FKvMEGNQ7T9t-a84/s1600/clock+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6llrcTmMKZzt0t0UNXFVc-gNXa4ATzkCC-1NJsabCcrgn3AiSETXASLWkbpcfH6Umf9UNhk6YQ57pcojO389pUDPNgq4_zYENP39nXqsFbUmKVvXoG4anJbIm8H2FKvMEGNQ7T9t-a84/s1600/clock+words.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Hey Monday - we finally meet again!</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Well I never intended to take maternity leave from the blog</b><span style="color: #ea9999;"> <span style="color: black;">but it's been a intense full on couple of months</span></span>, where spending time with my precious newborn and settling my big girl in to a new way of life has been my only priority. (You can read more about why <a href="http://365pearlsofwisdom.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/a-big-update.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;">here</span></a>) We are kind of living day to day because family life has changed so much but I'm hoping though, that this is me, slowly getting back to a place that I love and feel so passionate about. So with my recent way of life in mind I saw this quote and knew it was perfect for my first Pearls of Wisdom post back to the blog.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<b>Sometimes we get caught up in our past or find ourselves living in the future but never really focus on the now </b>and the here and now is is very important, by crafting yourself a happy and contented day to day life you can let traumas of the past slip away and be ready for when your future dreams, hopes and desires greet you. Knowing that your present moments are what really makes you feel complete you're not then so restricted by what happened before or living for what may or may not happen next, but just being in your everyday, in a way that feels good and watching to see how life unfolds.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>This is not to say you should ignore the past and not dream about getting the best in the future</b>, it's so important to deal with those things that weigh you down and keep evolving to in to something new, following your desires and set goals for yourself and your life and with out giving some time to understand these things and manage them properly you may also find yourself stuck, but don't let them take up what's important today, whatever that is for you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>So today try sitting down at the end of your day, devote ten minutes to thinking about what it was like...</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What made you smile?</div>
<div>
Did something make you feel good, or bad?</div>
<div>
What made you feel sad or annoyed?</div>
<div>
What were you grateful for?</div>
<div>
Is there something you want to do different tomorrow?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Also...</b></div>
<div>
Do you feel organised for the week ahead?</div>
<div>
What appointments are there?</div>
<div>
Are you ready for that interview, deadline, event you are attending?</div>
<div>
Have you seen your friends?</div>
<div>
Spent time talking to your partner or kids with the TV off?</div>
<div>
Is there someone who could benefit from ten minutes or an hour of your time?</div>
<div>
Did you read that article you saved or took that class you wanted?<br />
<br />
<b> How do you feel now? </b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is a lot going on in your day to day, there is happiness, hope, insight and experiences happening all the time, can you see it? Do you want or need to make some changes or try something new?</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
One of my favourite bloggers Gala Darling also has some thoughts on living in the present, for more inspiration or if you haven't yet come across her intoxicating blog have a look <a href="http://galadarling.com/article/be-here-now-3-ways-the-present-moment-can-help-you-manifest-blessings/"><span style="color: #ea9999;">here</span></a>.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
Everyday is chance, to live your life in a way that makes your day everything you wanted.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, what are you going to focus on tomorrow?</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-60014337111181749222014-10-21T11:49:00.000+01:002014-10-21T11:49:01.985+01:00A Big Update!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<i><b>Hello....is there anybody out there?</b></i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><b>To be honest I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't! </b></i><br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
<b>I feel like a bad mum who's been neglecting her baby for too long,</b> but the thing is I've been so very busy being a new mum to this beautiful new baby girl and trying to be all I can be to Miss LC, as well as moving our family to an entirely different place in the country so unfortunately being able to sit down and type out my thoughts, feelings and ideas just hasn't been possible...<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeeH9ynnVYLlZbBeBaa4EBC8r_-i6KfLNse2Ot_3pL1Jli5mWAyWnmxuoAIPpfrsXzOW4WGxYxgSLoTxZmr4PXs6QxrWjgeEOw6kmblU-N7DcjuXu9Z1aqbuaVUcZAf2YNCDEYWd5Zhw/s1600/Wren+Newborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeeH9ynnVYLlZbBeBaa4EBC8r_-i6KfLNse2Ot_3pL1Jli5mWAyWnmxuoAIPpfrsXzOW4WGxYxgSLoTxZmr4PXs6QxrWjgeEOw6kmblU-N7DcjuXu9Z1aqbuaVUcZAf2YNCDEYWd5Zhw/s1600/Wren+Newborn.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>If you haven't been following me on Twitter or Instagram you may not know </b>that this all happened with in a 24 hour period, I had already driven two hours up north with LC and was staying at my mum's house which is a 15 minute drive from our new house when I went in to labour, 4 weeks early! </div>
<div>
<br />
<b>My OH was still in Somerset and had to make a mad dash up to me</b>, he made it in time though and our little girl was born by emergency c-section the next day which happened to be the day before we were moving the entire contents of our house and lives up to the new place, it was stressful to say the least! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Almost 10 weeks later things are finally starting to settle down for us - well some days anyway</b>! I am constantly thinking about my little space here, what I want to write about, projects and collaborations I want to explore and using my blog to get more creative and expressing what's important to me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Life with a newborn as you can imagine is chaos</b> and it's hard to commit to any kind of writing/blogging schedule right now but I can see that having some time and space to get back to blogging is on the horizon and I'm excited to start doing more of what I love, right here!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-738666939295220532014-08-07T10:52:00.000+01:002014-08-07T11:19:57.417+01:00a little update... we're on the move!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjRoskDu7S2kPbsmZfRDpsQkBS3IBYKjPdITVO-xkAzIIDzHtU1z-8scMCuNCfCYPU5i93bolSIhHP-c0k9FDct7yPRoATiNGI1_LUCnesgfm02KlTl1Uo9PSVnC0j_1Uvq21p-si6eg/s1600/hotair+balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjRoskDu7S2kPbsmZfRDpsQkBS3IBYKjPdITVO-xkAzIIDzHtU1z-8scMCuNCfCYPU5i93bolSIhHP-c0k9FDct7yPRoATiNGI1_LUCnesgfm02KlTl1Uo9PSVnC0j_1Uvq21p-si6eg/s1600/hotair+balloon.jpg" height="426" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<b>I'm still here! </b><br>
<br>
I know it's been awfully quiet around here lately but life has gotten rather intense these last few weeks, what with packing, antenatal appointments and generally being on tender hooks about buying our new house... I'm really pleased to announce though that we are now officially home owners!!<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5hETV4NqRryy_di1C5-NXihRbzi19_hhEBulL3sIfYr2jaByN082Okf9PLuitIlwAP-qR88JdyxpLMFB4EOs6PzXjKZTF8tRPmpNfMdqC2tWZHB-qDp9XNTfroFbcDwNXW4qxBAdNj0/s1600/colour+charts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5hETV4NqRryy_di1C5-NXihRbzi19_hhEBulL3sIfYr2jaByN082Okf9PLuitIlwAP-qR88JdyxpLMFB4EOs6PzXjKZTF8tRPmpNfMdqC2tWZHB-qDp9XNTfroFbcDwNXW4qxBAdNj0/s1600/colour+charts.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<b>The next 10 days is all about getting the new house ready and decorated, </b>moving us two hours up north and getting my antenatal care in place and hopefully, an plan of action for the baby, she's still lying transverse/oblique and so LC and I are moving early next week to stay with Granny for a week so I can get seen at the hospital soon rather than later.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M6jrtq9i_sNDnQ4jDTspcJG4Z1UNg2iQEfUyjReVupj9wOPxjTsMwWvPss04VFgJU1zOncBo3bWGDurXz6u2Nba05eQPo7wzIRu5qnOO0FVoBWfBso0sB2m08-xkkWt-Lu7glUdENeE/s1600/type+writter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M6jrtq9i_sNDnQ4jDTspcJG4Z1UNg2iQEfUyjReVupj9wOPxjTsMwWvPss04VFgJU1zOncBo3bWGDurXz6u2Nba05eQPo7wzIRu5qnOO0FVoBWfBso0sB2m08-xkkWt-Lu7glUdENeE/s1600/type+writter.jpg" height="426" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<b>With all this going on I know I will have less time to write</b> and post which honestly, makes me feel very guilty and like I'm abandoning one of my babies, however I know that things are right how they are meant to be at the moment and making sure my family are settled and safe has to take priority for the next few weeks. My intention was to have a series of guest posts lined up but things have been more crazy than anticipated and this hasn't happened - <b>if you do fancy having a crack at a guest post for me over the next month please do get in touch!</b><br>
<br>
So expect a bit of radio silence for a few weeks, I will be back as soon as I can and who knows once we are in the bosom of Granny's house next week I may well be back with a small gem for you all, <b>do give me a follow on<a href="https://twitter.com/Karenspofw"><span style="color: #e06666;"> Twitter</span></a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/kcsworldnow"><span style="color: #e06666;">Instagram</span></a> though for daily updates on wisdom, inspiration and how the big move up north is going.</b><br>
<br>
<br></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-60600237703535418102014-07-25T08:00:00.000+01:002014-07-25T09:04:39.592+01:00Feel Good Friday - Pet Power<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrNgRUzrhDRCGgEPk4m-Eald4Ak51YuwOqEtxwY3rj2Xl42Y8zk1SMkotXHrdK-b5iGrek8iw09nml8PvxCZkKA6FvDsF9sWZRE9O945SHY864pqjWpngJKELtp3uUFXA_jMupGut5U8/s1600/kitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrrNgRUzrhDRCGgEPk4m-Eald4Ak51YuwOqEtxwY3rj2Xl42Y8zk1SMkotXHrdK-b5iGrek8iw09nml8PvxCZkKA6FvDsF9sWZRE9O945SHY864pqjWpngJKELtp3uUFXA_jMupGut5U8/s1600/kitten.jpg" height="480" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>We are big animal lovers in our house, in fact I suspect that my husband actually prefers them to people, he can't bear to watch the ending of Marley and Me, bless him!</b><br>
<br>
<b>We have two cats which became our furs babies when I was around 6 months pregnant</b> with LC (we had gotten a kitten the year before who was sadly ran over just before her first baby, at this point I was 16 weeks pregnant and couldn't stop crying, I actually got sent home from work and was allowed 3 days off - that's hormones for ya!) These cats (our boy cat as a kitten above) have grown up with our family and are a big part of it, however they are not such big fans of Miss LC, I can remember their little faces when we bought her home from the hospital looking at us as if t say "WTF???" God knows how they will feel when it happens all over again in 7 weeks time, the OH is convinced they'll be sat by the front door with their little cat bags packed, with a house move happening in 3 weeks too I'm sure I will have two grumpy cats on my hands - eek!<br>
<br>
<b>Anyway, over the last 4 years that we've had these sweet moggies</b> in our life they have become very precious companions to us all and despite their distaste towards LC they have have been a massive part of how she has developed and learnt.<br>
<br>
<b>A few years ago the Cats Protection League</b> <a href="http://www.cats.org.uk/news/purring-the-blues-away"><span style="color: #ea9999;">conducted some research</span></a> with the Mental Health Foundation which showed how having a cat as a pet had a significant and positive impact on the owners mental health. Last year <a href="http://healthland.time.com/2013/05/10/having-a-pet-may-lower-heart-disease-risk/"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Time magazine reported</span></a> on how having a pet could possibly lower your risk of heart disease too.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWqXyFI7WULX6N167RcpiN4sOviQCF6G7cGnPXX3jdNNyphYdTUTegAUDDixsbjYqBM7ZpICCAOfRvGdnYBSgb0vUw49VXWuxECtSvy0jkOl8AZBFENEzjbWkw5onGsKE_jz5GKB1WsE/s1600/Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWqXyFI7WULX6N167RcpiN4sOviQCF6G7cGnPXX3jdNNyphYdTUTegAUDDixsbjYqBM7ZpICCAOfRvGdnYBSgb0vUw49VXWuxECtSvy0jkOl8AZBFENEzjbWkw5onGsKE_jz5GKB1WsE/s1600/Chicken.jpg" height="640" width="478"></a></div>
<br>
<b>Here are some more good reasons why being a pet owner is good for your well being</b><br>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> Owning a pet helps with low mood and loneliness through companionship.</li>
<li> Encourages healthy lifestyle - walking your dog, horse riding, cleaning out a cage. </li>
<li> Helps develops senses that can lower stress from stroking, walking, even talking to them! </li>
<li> Sense of responsibility and routine, having a pet puts structure in your day, positive for your well being and sense or purpose.</li>
</ul>
<br>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU66fZWibb_SEYds8UapqlcK0Utpl3DOoJ4VTgutY3_nEXx7eEmcUIYWNgX8WrUNMlF7PyLf6cX7JJPw3E0tOJlmZVdrfWjELfg9Ble8S6hxZGoifDjaVx_u-6qFp9gZHZIluNnLrBKwE/s1600/dog+and+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU66fZWibb_SEYds8UapqlcK0Utpl3DOoJ4VTgutY3_nEXx7eEmcUIYWNgX8WrUNMlF7PyLf6cX7JJPw3E0tOJlmZVdrfWjELfg9Ble8S6hxZGoifDjaVx_u-6qFp9gZHZIluNnLrBKwE/s1600/dog+and+chicken.jpg" height="640" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my friends cuddly companions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> We've also found that as parents having our two kitties has helped us</b> to teach and encourage LC to have compassion, thoughtfulness of others and about death too. As a toddler we showed her how to pet them carefully and be mindful of their space, now that she is older we get her involved with caring for them, she likes to get involved with feeding and combing.<br>
<br>
<b>Lastly, because we live next door to a diary farm, we get a constant stream of "presents"! </b>Some are alive, which sees us running round the house at all times of the day or night trying to rescue mice, voles and birds, but we also get a lot of dead critters, mostly mice outside the front door. We have always been honest with LC about it, a very wise lady once told me not to tell her they were sleeping as this can make her frightened of bed time, so with out going in to too much detail we simply told her they were dead, no longer alive. Being little she just accepted this ans so when her Grandma's dog and Auntie's cat died last year she wasn't unfamiliar with what this meant and could grasp why they were no longer there. And so when my Grandmother passed away in April she wasn't scared by what had happened and understood why she wouldn't see her again. Recently she was in my mum's garden and they found a dead bird and she pointed it out to my mum who wasn't sure quite what to say to LC, "It's dead Granny!" she chimed, my mum agreed and when LC asked her what they were going to do with it my told her that her OH would bury it in the garden to which sweet Miss LC replied "Just like we buried Great Gran!" My poor mum didn't know what to say and just laughed, especially as my Grandmother was cremated! It just goes to show though that by having animals in our life from an early age we begin to understand and accept the cycle of life sooner which I think makes it more easier to handle as we grow older.<br>
<br>
<b>Now you could be reading this and be thinking</b> "Well Karen that's all lovely and good but I don't have the time/money/space to be a pet owner!" - well, no problem, borrow a pet! You can do this through local services like<a href="https://www.borrowmydoggy.com/"><span style="color: #ea9999;"> this one</span></a> or this could simply be taking a friends dog for a walk, agreeing to feed Great Aunt Ethels budgie while she's on holiday or maybe spend some time at your local animal rescue centre as a volunteer, there are so many possibilities for you to boost your well being with some pet power!<br>
<br>
<b>So I want to know, do you have a pet that helps boost your well being?</b><br>
<b>What are your thoughts on pets and children?</b><br>
<b>Would borrowing a pet help you?</b><br>
<b><br>Share in the comments below!</b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-75150353062778148062014-07-23T08:00:00.000+01:002014-07-23T11:53:59.273+01:00Monthly Gratitude...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcvpCjHXh4mSHiRE3DkH3s2_Jxd7XbHmyhFKZkevyWDe1mttf8Gyo2GpVnZN_bE9cFtTqTU1p7ZKrygU7wtnvWMN_nap118IZhVUdG0gHZPMh7Bpr1FlApThtKLsnd0VTvAjmnI3Oou0/s1600/gratitude+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcvpCjHXh4mSHiRE3DkH3s2_Jxd7XbHmyhFKZkevyWDe1mttf8Gyo2GpVnZN_bE9cFtTqTU1p7ZKrygU7wtnvWMN_nap118IZhVUdG0gHZPMh7Bpr1FlApThtKLsnd0VTvAjmnI3Oou0/s1600/gratitude+1.jpg" height="426" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>I try to find time each month to write a post about gratitude</b></span>, it feels sometimes like we focus a lot on what's going wrong doesn't it? So by reminding myself about the positives I have a chance to give thanks for all that is right - it also helps my cluttered mind to keep some perspective too!<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
So as July is coming to an end in the next week here are some things I am grateful for this month...</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> Finishing work for maternity leave to start</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> Beautiful sunshine, flip flops and discovering these <a href="http://www.belvoirfruitfarms.co.uk/"><span style="color: #ea9999;">yummy fruit cordials</span></a> (my favorite right now is their Ginger Beer Presse over ice and fresh mint!)</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> Old friendships being renewed</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> Some space and time to write down my dreams, ideas and goals</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> My growing bump (although this does make things like painting toenails, putting on shoes, driving and getting comfortable at night a little awkward now!)</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> How well my gorgeous big girl is coping with all the changes</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> My mum, who is literally super granny to all her grandchildren right now!</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> The wisdom and insight of others<br>
<br>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3vAty7vvST9NhLK4Xjcb8TMty9Zdn311KW1mcMcITvtqyyz0FDzwYddtgXc_M0eqai5ukm1YJUcruHAcAF0_Nx_oU5rAY4dNnbkNxu4snwozkiJTD380qhgnsYmBH39fDsG4U8tVJyE/s1600/gratitude+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3vAty7vvST9NhLK4Xjcb8TMty9Zdn311KW1mcMcITvtqyyz0FDzwYddtgXc_M0eqai5ukm1YJUcruHAcAF0_Nx_oU5rAY4dNnbkNxu4snwozkiJTD380qhgnsYmBH39fDsG4U8tVJyE/s1600/gratitude+2.jpg" height="426" width="640"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
Actually writing them down really helps it to sink in, keeping a gratitude diary is so helpful too, I write things on the pages of my diary to remind me what I'm thankful for and to try to stay balanced. Could this be something you might try next month? Here's how to get started:</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">* </span>If you don't already have one, buy a fun, pretty or funky diary - all the new accademic ones are out in the shops right now, or maybe just a cute little notebook. <a href="http://www.shopbando.com/category/agendas"><span style="color: #ea9999;">I love these ones from Ban.do </span></a>- they ship to the UK too!</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> Choose a pen in a bright colour, I find that writing my gratitude notes and thoughts down in coloured ink helps them to stand out and stay in my mind, especially if I'm writing down other notes or appointments.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> Decide whether you want to write down daily, weekly or even monthly gratitude note to yourself.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">* </span>Set aside some time each week or month to go over your thoughts, ideas and doodles!</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #ea9999;">*</span> Lastly -<b> just get started</b>, go on, try it out and see how you feel! </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Don't forget to share here too your monthly gratitude and let me know how or if writing them down made a difference. </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-55932583373072911812014-07-16T11:07:00.000+01:002014-07-16T11:07:40.022+01:00A Wednesday Pearl of Wisdom - Pearl Number 74<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yFCpjkmMrSuCbh5U3sQcfec6kwT5Ob8DtrPbJpd5lIuK4gDLn3X6F27QwZpq0qoc82oNpm3ejfC-lgOGB3Z7v9PBvi0UKschjFTeIgunscThAJfBsKVnOYMqUtYnlZhO4XgVT1YhApE/s1600/heart+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yFCpjkmMrSuCbh5U3sQcfec6kwT5Ob8DtrPbJpd5lIuK4gDLn3X6F27QwZpq0qoc82oNpm3ejfC-lgOGB3Z7v9PBvi0UKschjFTeIgunscThAJfBsKVnOYMqUtYnlZhO4XgVT1YhApE/s1600/heart+quote.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>I know, it's a Wednesday but this post was too good to save until next week</b> and I'm aware of the lack of Pearls on the blog lately so decided to share this with you today...<br />
<br />
I was totally spoilt for choice when looking for a quote to match up with today's theme but decided this one from John Holmes was my favourite to use here, simple but powerful.<br />
<br />
So I'm going to tell you a little story, a lovely lady who is in my blogging circle of friends had her second baby last year and has spent the following 12 months enjoying every single moment spent at home with her two little ones, her youngest has just turned one years old and the time to return to work has come round quicker than she expected.<br />
<br />
We had spoken a few times leading up to this about how she was feeling as her return to the working world was parallel to my exit as my maternity leave started. Becca has been dreading this moment for a while and mentioned how she wished she could remain at home with the kids and have her blog as her main source of work (BTW check her out at <a href="http://www.keepingupwithejoneses.com/"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Keeping Up with the Joneses </span></a>this is the cutest lifestyle blog full of family, fashion and beauty!). I always love reading Becca's posts and often ask her advice on beauty products, and have always encouraged her to go for her dreams too as I know it would mean so much to her to spend her days investing in two of the things she is most passionate about, her babies and her blog. <br />
<br />
So the dreaded day came for her on Monday and as I checked my Instagram feed that morning I came across a gorgeous picture of her baby boy with a caption about how much she would miss him and how sad she was feeling, I know this feeling well as I have already done it once when I had Miss LC and I sent her a simple message just to cheer her up and hoped it might help her a little.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCMwOqwP8X5VZP7ygHFFRY7Pj5UEWl5unUOKPSo-X4XR-ib54AvJbUbWbpuLK8oqlLZnjCKPi3Mzxe34PZcpBTfedu40ew9cvmzi1TOMY5qKmndCWDY_GuXeX3IR14kgWnLHByWe2wHw/s1600/Becca's+Photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCMwOqwP8X5VZP7ygHFFRY7Pj5UEWl5unUOKPSo-X4XR-ib54AvJbUbWbpuLK8oqlLZnjCKPi3Mzxe34PZcpBTfedu40ew9cvmzi1TOMY5qKmndCWDY_GuXeX3IR14kgWnLHByWe2wHw/s1600/Becca's+Photo.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Becca Galanopoulos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later in the evening I returned back to Instagram and found another picture from Becca with the loveliest message for me underneath, Becca had written down my words and taken them with her, she told me it had really helped her to keep things in perspective and reminded her what she was trying to achieve, it had helped her get through that first awful day!<br />
<br />
I was really blown away by this, never did I expect that what I had written would make such a big impact and I was thrilled to know that I had made her day a bit easier and lighter, such a simple message but what an amazing difference it went on to have...<br />
<br />
I have been reading a lot lately about a certain line of thought and it goes like this, <i>to serve others is the greatest gift you can give to the world and will make the biggest difference to those around you</i>, I believe in this so much and love seeing it in action, knowing that my words had made her day lighter and more bearable was magic!<br />
<br />
Now maybe it's just coincidence but I had my own Instagram magic moment this morning where someone has reached out to me and offered their own kindness because of a picture posted there, this only goes to reinforce to me that the vibes you put out there and the energy you want to feel will always come back to you if you support others in the same way.<br />
<br />
So this week, how could you make a difference to someone else in need with a simple word or thought? Could you reach out to another to help them over come a hurdle, not for your gain but to simple make their day better? Maybe you have a story you could share here? I would love to read them!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106864205078031144.post-6094534051774811532014-07-09T11:39:00.000+01:002014-07-16T12:01:47.854+01:00Reflections on my new years resolutions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-9uklwRhL6qLbjsAN-YokdxNh34Zr88nHc69uW1btCga3lhbr2nclSuOW1Lbuemwhp8Dn8mocm0V_XN3kiq7kDCd1H6RS6dBe_ifGvvZPwNUpzBSG-3_DUbw4cIi-gCEgdsAEFy-cic/s1600/July+resolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-9uklwRhL6qLbjsAN-YokdxNh34Zr88nHc69uW1btCga3lhbr2nclSuOW1Lbuemwhp8Dn8mocm0V_XN3kiq7kDCd1H6RS6dBe_ifGvvZPwNUpzBSG-3_DUbw4cIi-gCEgdsAEFy-cic/s1600/July+resolutions.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(This is obviously not a recent pic of me, no champagne for this pregnant lady!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>We are now half way through the year and today I decided I wanted to reflect back on my New Years resolutions</b>, before I even re-read<a href="http://365pearlsofwisdom.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/2014-why-i-want-to-make-resolutions-and.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;"> the post I made at the beginning of this year </span></a>I knew what I had written would be so off the mark of where we are now - my excuse for not making ones that are relevant or achievable? I had no idea I was pregnant at the time!!!<br />
<br />
<b>The crafty ones I've set, well, with morning sickness and extreme tiredness it's was never gonna happen!</b>The reading and learning ones, honestly, I've not had the time to dedicate to this, partly due again to pregnancy symptoms and ailments. However there are some that I have been able to stick too and I am pleasantly surprised that they've not all been a wash out!<br />
<br />
<b>I am proud to say that I've been saving, not consistently with amounts but as much as I can each month. </b>Mindfulness, grace and gratitude have all become something that's very present and at the forefront of my life this year, I have gotten through some anxious and worrying times because of it. I haven't taken Miss LC to London or do I have any plans to this year but I did take myself! My trip was for<a href="http://blogtacular.com/"><span style="color: #ea9999;"> Blogtacular</span></a> and because of this brilliant blogging conference I was able to improve and lean more about my writing and photography skills so I feel like I've kind of nailed those ones.<br />
<br />
<b>Lastly the biggest, most important and life changing resolution</b> that sat at the end of my New Years list was to find a new home for our family and goodness me that has happen in a crazy, spectacular and very unexpected way and now we are embarking on this journey, packing up our lives here in Somerset and moving up to Worcestershire in the next 5 weeks, 3/4 weeks before little Miss Cannon number 2 is due to make her appearance in to this world!<br />
<br />
<b>In the bigger picture I'm happy with what I've achieved this year, in fact I'm bloody over the moon, </b>never ever did we think we would welcome another child in to our lives, it was starting to look hopeless and resolutions or not we've already made the impact we wanted in our lives for 2014, and who knows, the year isn't over yet, maybe I will make matching tulles skirt for me, LC and the new baby!<br />
<br />
<b>Did you make resolutions? How are doing? Or maybe you think their a waste and have found other ways to make this year your best so far, I 'd love to hear so do share below!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006338459312719000noreply@blogger.com2