It Is Okay

I am at home on day 4 of Self Isolation. Last night we were put on lockdown as a nation. That is ok.

I can go to the shops, doctor or exercise once a day but I can’t really because I am at risk. That is ok.

I have no paid work and what little I had, has dried up, it is ok because I have plenty to do.

I had hoped to be able to jump in the car and go for a fast drive with the windows down but I can’t. That is ok I have a garden.

I ran out of bread yesterday, that is okay we don’t need it.

I have some fresh plum tomatoes maybe 4 we have 5 apples and a pack of beetroot, that is ok frozen is as good as fresh … right?

I am going to miss salad, it is the time of year when I normally eat lots if salad, that is ok because I have food and know when the next delivery is coming even if it doesn’t contain salad.

We have one bar of chocolate left, that is ok, I could use a break from it.

I am supposed to be home educating my kid, but I have to do my own too. That is ok because we can.

I have my prescriptions for the next 6 weeks because I had ordered a refill before everything went crazy. That is ok they can deliver.

We have fallen out more than once but we moved on. That is ok because we love each other.

I am following the rules, that is ok because I want the medical professionals to stay safe and healthy in case we need them.

I am following the rules, that is okay because I want to live.

I am following the rules, that is okay because I want you to live.

That is ok, stay safe & well.

https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

https://www.who.int/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Moving Forward

With everything going on right now I hope you are safe and well. I am preparing to “socially isolate” going forward, and our schools are closing on Friday.

I am working from home and due to the nature of my work my income has dropped significantly. The impirtant this that We have enough and will be able to cover the basics and the absolute necessities for the next 12 weeks and I will worry about rebuilding my business after.

So we will have to find things to do as family that keeps us sane.

I still have University course work to do and we are yet to see what the schools are planning to do for the children.

I am grateful that I have friends who are already homeschooling their kids and have supplied us information about suitable resources for our kids.

FREE online education resources

These are largely UK based but every little helps.

A non-exhaustive list that might help those affected by school closures due to coronavirus, compiled by home educators.

Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org
Especially good for maths and computing for all ages but other subjects at Secondary level. Note this uses the U.S. grade system but it’s mostly common material.

BBC Learning
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/coursesearch/
This site is old and no longer updated and yet there’s so much still available, from language learning to BBC Bitesize for revision. No TV licence required except for content on BBC iPlayer.

Futurelearn
https://www.futurelearn.com
Free to access 100s of courses, only pay to upgrade if you need a certificate in your name (own account from age 14+ but younger learners can use a parent account).

Seneca
https://www.senecalearning.com
For those revising at GCSE or A level. Tons of free revision content. Paid access to higher level material.

Openlearn
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
Free taster courses aimed at those considering Open University but everyone can access it. Adult level, but some e.g. nature and environment courses could well be of interest to young people.

Blockly
https://blockly.games
Learn computer programming skills – fun and free.

Scratch
https://scratch.mit.edu/explore/projects/games/
Creative computer programming

Ted Ed
https://ed.ted.com
All sorts of engaging educational videos

National Geographic Kids
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/
Activities and quizzes for younger kids.

Duolingo – use this is is great!!!
https://www.duolingo.com
Learn languages for free. Web or app.

Mystery Science
https://mysteryscience.com
Free science lessons
The Kids Should See This
https://thekidshouldseethis.com
Wide range of cool educational videos

Crash Course
https://thecrashcourse.com
You Tube videos on many subjects

Crash Course Kids
https://m.youtube.com/user/crashcoursekids
As above for a younger audience

Crest Awards
https://www.crestawards.org
Science awards you can complete from home.

iDEA Awards
https://idea.org.uk
Digital enterprise award scheme you can complete online.

Paw Print Badges
https://www.pawprintbadges.co.uk
Free challenge packs and other downloads. Many activities can be completed indoors. Badges cost but are optional.

Tinkercad
https://www.tinkercad.com
All kinds of making.

Prodigy Maths
https://www.prodigygame.com
Is in U.S. grades, but good for UK Primary age.

Cbeebies Radio
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/radio
Listening activities for the younger ones.

Nature Detectives
https://naturedetectives.woodlandtrust.org.uk/naturedete…/
A lot of these can be done in a garden, or if you can get to a remote forest location!

British Council
https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/find
Resources for English language learning

Oxford Owl for Home
https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/
Lots of free resources for Primary age

Big History Project
https://www.bighistoryproject.com/home
Aimed at Secondary age. Multi disciplinary activities.

Geography Games
https://world-geography-games.com/world.html
Geography gaming!

Blue Peter Badges
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/joinin/about-blue-peter-badges
If you have a stamp and a nearby post box.

The Artful Parent
https://www.facebook.com/artfulparent/
Good, free art activities

Red Ted Art
https://www.redtedart.com
Easy arts and crafts for little ones

The Imagination Tree
https://theimaginationtree.com
Creative art and craft activities for the very youngest.

Toy Theater
https://toytheater.com/
Educational online games

DK Find Out
https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/…
Activities and quizzes

Twinkl
https://www.twinkl.co.uk
This is more for printouts, and usually at a fee, but they are offering a month of free access to parents in the event of school closures.

Most Universities are supplying students with their coursework online through normal their e-learning portals. This is working for me.

Ultimately, stay safe, pay attention, switch off the tv and social media especially if it stresses you out, wash your hands, stay in touch with isolated friends and relatives by phone, FaceTime, Skype, card or letter, help when it is safe to do so, enjoy this time with your children.

Be kind.

Be Patient.

Love one another.

Take care xx

Starting New Habits – A Series – Good Home Routine

Hello friends,

I have finally caught up with myself.

The house is clean and tidy.

My niece and nephew got to visit today for the first time in a very long time. I have never been happier to have them over.

I have been keeping up with a good daily routine, kitchen is kept clean and dishes done regularly, I still miss a dishwasher.

The bins are emptied regularly.

Laundry is being put away, I have one basket of laundry to iron as everything else has been folded and put away. I no longer have mountains of laundry that overwhelms me which is awesome.

I changed the filters and the bag in my hoover and it is working much better.

The great thing is that I now know that I have too much ‘stuff’ and despite conducting the biggest declutter of the decade, I have a little more work to do.

My son is helping out and using his initiative he has been very helpful.

The fantastic thing is I have time to spend on doing those jobs that you put off because you need to clean you house.

I am in the right place domestically to start and maintain good habits.

I am organised.

I am ready to go.

The folks are visiting tomorrow and I am looking forward to it.

Onwards xo

Building Our Home

My son decided to help me out one day in November.

I recently bought a new Linnmon/Alex desk from Ikea it was reasonably priced and just the right size for my room.

Today my son offered to build it for me I was going to do it but he was so keen I accepted his offer.  He gathered some tools and emptied the box realised he needed more tools and soldiered on.  He spent some time making sure he had all the parts and then started to build.

He started regaling me about how “in terms of practical woodwork Ikea stuff is really easy because it’s basically all dowel joints” and then he schooled me in terms about different styles of joints and introduced me to the mortise gauge.

He knows I am writing about him he is intrigued in who actually reads these blogs.

We were talking how his desk is much bigger than my desk then I pointed out that I built it for him – he was actually surprised by that but decided it is only fair that he build mine, he is so funny.

Oops he knocked over the screws and dowels, his face said it all he quietly picked it all back up and carried on what a trouper.

He really has got this thing down.  I am so proud of him especially considering that he has the family sigh down pat, he has been a little quieter and less it’s the end of the world.  I can see that he is getting a tremendous amount of satisfaction out his accomplishment today.  He has finished the carcass and is now working on the drawers they are coming together quickly.

It is a pleasure watching him wield the old hammer that I got from my dad when I moved out all those years ago, I imagine that he may take it with him when he leaves although I am not sure if I will be ready to part with it then.

Sharon xo

 

My Blog is Changing

9 years ago I started blogging about books and what I was reading along with some reviews. It then developed into a brain dump to keep me motivated and help with my mental health.

Over the last 9 years my subscribers have grown slowly I recently passed 50 followers then 70 a couple of weeks later and it keeps growing. I have discovered which types of blogs are received better and I was reminded that regular posting helps to expand your reach.

Having spoke with those closest to me I have decided to make some changes here in my blog. The book blog got lost over the years so it has moved and will go live early next year.

Over here I am going to stop doing my brain dumps and focus on more general content like lifestyle, travel and saving tips (my family are 😂 reading that one) I will also touch on other topics now and again.

So I will be changing the blog title and themes, basically doing a mini rebrand to go along with this change in direction.

It’s time to grow up.

Exciting times.

Catch you later

cmx

Continuing to be Productive

With University finished for the year, I have a bit more time on my hands. This is great as I have been chipping away at things for a couple of weeks and needed more time to get on with “it”.

So I have reimplemented the little and often approach to my housework again it does mean things are getting done much more efficiently now.

My bed arrived on Tuesday, it is like climbing a mountain it is so tall compared to my old bed and it’s a massive difference from the old mattress on the floor. My son is as suggesting I need a ladder to get in it 😂

So my current successes are:

• I have finally got all the boxes I have been collecting since September broken down and deposited in the tip.
• I am continuing to declutter my room and hallway.
• Working on the laundry backlog.
• Cleaned the bathroom.

Goals for Today, Thursday and Friday

• Work
• Laundry & ironing.
• Finish the hall, bedroom and living room.
• Another tip run.

The results are palpable, every time I look round the house it looks just that little bit better and I feel a little bit happier and more motivated every day.

Home Decor Plans

There are a couple of light fixtures which need replacing they will be done in the new year, I need a bannister installing and our coat hooks put up by the front door.

The blinds in our home are broken so I will be replacing them with voiles. I have it all priced up and in January I will start by doing our bedrooms.

I have the wooden blinds in my kitchen/diner and bathroom. Honestly, I am not sure what to do with them. The dining room blinds are drilled straight into the doors so I will probably keep them for now, or not, this one is difficult to decide on but not spending money is always a winner. The kitchen blind is broken and heavy but I don’t like the idea of a voile or nets in the kitchen so maybe a roller blind later next year. At the moment the bathroom blind is the only one still working so I will definitely keep that one for now.

The living room has what I describe as office blinds, I have put up with them since we moved in and I hate them so much they have to go. So in February I will be ordering the new voiles that will give me the privacy and look I want.

I think though apart from moving some furniture around I am going to leave it at that for now. There is no need for any new furniture and I think I will decorate in a year or two.

Catch you later

cmx

No Spend 2019 – Update 6 – The conclusion.

Well this project kind of ground to a halt in the summer. I was extremely skint and survived … just.

I have to come to the conclusion that this challenge was too much for me to take on when I still had so many bad habits.

Was it worth trying? Absolutely, it is beneficial for us all to take time and consider our finances and ensure that we budget within our means. I know if I had succeeded I would have money saved up right now and that can never be a bad thing.

Will I do it again? No, not for some time. I need to to concentrate on saving a little each month. I also need to stop buying things other than food and absolute essentials.

I have learned a few things about myself I am a “whole check spender” and find it difficult to save even the smallest amounts of money.

Therefore, I have decided that next year I will attempt a few no spend weeks and maybe once I have built up my confidence I can step it up to a no spend month here and there. My goal is to learn to save going forward.

Who did you do?

Catch you later

cmx

Consequences of Trying

I am surprisingly motivated by my disaster, also having my family pitch in a little also helped greatly.

I am fighting with my body every minute of every day to get five more minutes but I have been accomplishing small things which are leading to greater improvements each day.  I am also fighting with my knee, not the bad knee though, the other knee, the one that has been soldiering through the disaster that is my other knee, which ironically, is feeling much better just the odd twinge now and again, it is playing up with every move but I know I need to fight through it.

My son commented about how I didn’t complain about being very uncomfortable during our recent trip to the supermarket, which I normally am. I told him I had to take painkillers before we left home so I could cope he was a little disappointed for me that I had to take them.

But honestly the more I move the less painful things get in the moment but if I push it to far the pain slaps me down, it usually gets worse in when I sit on the sofa and dissipates when I lie down. But I need to avoid lying down because I fall asleep 😴 and then everything stops.

I am repeating the phrase “we need pma” constantly it is annoying the kid quite a bit but it is working for me in building a positive mental attitude.

Funny story, the kid has been having trouble getting up on school days recently. I have had enough so this morning I started chasing him to get up at 7am. He was resisting me at all costs so at 7:15 I played an annoying play list of wake up songs. It took him 15 minutes but a clearly annoyed kid was up and in the shower by 7:30 🕢 if it works I will do it everyday. 😚😃

I got up with him as well I think that helped a little. I am determined to make the most of the day.

Catch you later

cmx

 

November Subscription Boxes

Last month I took advantage of some student discounts and treated myself to four new subscriptions boxes, most of which will be cancelled by this time next month. So far and only three have arrived as I think one was actually a December box so I will review that when I receive it.

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Birchbox  – £12.95 + free gift

I am a fan of Birchbox I got a couple last year and some of the products are keepers. This box is no exception I paid full price but I got a free gift for rejoining the subscription service, so Birchbox comes with two full-size products and three trial-size.

What’s Inside?

• Lise Watier Rouge Gourmond in Gingerbread, rrp £23
• Bodyography Lip Pencil in Heatherberry, full size, rrp £11
• INC.redible Sparkle Like a Unicorn Illuminating Sheet Mask, full size, rrp £5
• Sebamed Moisturising Body Lotion, rrp £14.60
• Sunny Isle Jamacian Black Castor Oil Knot Free Forever Leave-In Detangler & Conditioner, rrp £6

My freebie was the Pixi Skintreats Glow Mist with Propolis and Argan Oil, rrp £16

I am looking forward to a pampering day when I can settle down with the Unicorn Mask, I highly recommend you look to see what free gifts they are offering before you sign up.

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GLOSSYBOX £10 + p&p £3.25  –  I got 40% off via Student Beans so it cost me £9.25. Worth over £70

This is the first time I ordered this subscription and I have to say I am impressed. It is beautifully presented, to be honest, this may well be my favourite and it appears to be worth every penny.

What’s Inside?

• Mudmasky Winter Mask – Full Size – Worth £43.50
• The Ritual of Ayurveda Soothing Hand Balm – Full Size – Worth £9.90
• Kandi Cosmetics Pre Glow Up Mist – Full Size – Worth £15.00
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – Deluxe Mini – Worth £1.10
• HASK  Shine Oil – Full Size – Worth £2.49
• The Mane Club Hair Mask – Full Size – worth £2.49

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lookfantastic Beauty Box – £15 incl p&p

It is the most expensive one, I also got this one last year. It is swanky and it comes with a copy of Elle magazine, it is worth over £45.

What’s Inside?

• ESPA Smooth & Firm Body Butter – worth £8.33
• This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Mist – worth £8 – love this stuff
• Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Riche – worth £4.50
• So Eco Konjac Sponge – worth £7
• Dr Botanicals Hemp Infused Natural Nutrition Moisturiser – worth £12
• Skimono Beauty Hand Mask for Intense Nourishment – worth £9.99

I am so intrigued by the hand mask and the konjac sponge.

Time to fess up I bought the Black Friday Edit as well and it arrived this morning! It was £25 with products worth over £120.  I actually got it last year too because I like Black, yep I did that!

What’s Inside?

• Luxie 504 Large Angled Brush – worth £10.99
• Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Exfoliating Moisturiser – worth £20.50
• Eve Lom Cleanser (8ml) and Cloth – worth £10
• Ciate Highlighter (Celestial or Solstice) – worth £26
• We Are Paradoxx Hangover Hair Elixir – worth £10
• Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm (Scarlet Sorbet) – worth £8
• Eyeko Eye Do Mini Liner – worth £9
• Seoulista Beauty Charcoal Mask – worth £7.99
• Naobay Radiance Body Lotion – worth £9
• Crystal Clear 10 Minute Glow – worth £10

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Discounts

I found discounts on the following sites:

• UNiDAYS (Students Only)
• Student Beans (Students Only)
• TopCashback

You need to shop around for the best deductions sometimes the sites own offer may be better than the one you find using these apps/websites play with them at the checkout, remember TopCashback will not payout if you use other codes.

Overall

November’s overall theme was pinks a little disappointed that the Frozen themed box didn’t have a themed sample of sorts but that doesn’t take away from the fact that I enjoyed getting them and love getting the products.

These subscription boxes are an ideal gift and if you are going to go all-in go for the best you can afford. If you do monthly, three, six, twelve-month subscriptions you can cancel anytime and the subscription will end before it is time to auto-renew.

I would have loved to have gotten some more boxes but let’s be honest that is super expensive. I will test out these products a bit more and adjust my subscriptions accordingly. I am inclined towards keeping GLOSSYBOX but I am not sure. But the Birchbox gave me makeup and prefer to get a few bits of makeup in my boxes.

Catch you later

cmx

nb. I have deliberately not put any links in this post because you know what you’re doing and I am not being sponsored by any of these companies.

I Tried to be Productive it Backfired

So I got really productive today and moved my bedroom around so I could have my desk in front of the window.

I then spent time filling up my drawers so I could have everything to hand when I am getting ready or am working. Then set about spending some time doing some studying.

When I moved my desk to its new home I had to move my bed to make room for the chair. It wasn’t a problem to move it but when I went to tidy up afterwards I noticed the bed (it was already a bit wonky) was sagging badly to one side. I looked underneath it and discovered that the centre posts holding up the frame had dislodged completely.

My son came home from school inspected it and declared it a lost cause and promptly set about dismantling my bed for me.

He is 15 and a dab hand with the tools and he made short work of it. I am proud of how he just rolls up his sleeves and gets on with the work. He was also slightly motivated by a promise of getting the TV to himself so he could play Minecraft. I wish you could have seen his face whilst he was working on it, he was so happy. Have I mentioned before he built my desk!

I am left with all the stuff that was lurking under the bed in a big pile in the corner and this…

The mattress on the floor🤦🏼‍♀️ This is familiar … has this happened before?

Oh yeah look my pics from March 2014, just before I got this last bed I would like to keep a bed for more than 5 years.

It’s going to be a fun few weeks until I can get it replaced. At least, I can sleep safely until then.

So I accomplished something whilst simultaneously destroying something else … awesome!

I am not going to allow this mishap to demotivate me as I have so much to do after I finish my Essays.

I have to finish styling my desk, get my new mirror set up and then I have one more piece of furniture to build and a gallery wall to organise and it appears I am getting a new bed now. There are a few other small tweaks that I would like to do but not just now.

My brother and s-i-l came round to help with a tip run it was so satisfying seeing everything go including the broken bedframe. It has been a great motivator to get some more things done including sorting the corners of my room and putting everything in it’s place or in the bin.

A couple of days after my initial disaster I bought a new bed, it will arrive next week, it was one of those times when I was grateful for the Black Friday sales which I normally avoid because I got a quality bed at a fraction of the price.

Did I mention I loved sitting at my desk it is great studying at it and having the natural light coming in which is so important for doing my makeup and my mental health especially at this time of year?

Catch you later

cmx