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Endometriosis story – Amy’s experience
Here’s a story from the amazing Amy describing her experiences with endometriosis and how it led to her changing her life in quite a radical way. Endometriosis story “When I was studying at the University of Manchester, I could imagine my future as nothing other than a dedicated teaching career – it was inconceivable for me to do anything else. I graduated and qualified as a Secondary teacher of Religious Studies and Geography in 2002 and plunged straight into a full time job as a newly qualified teacher. A few years later, the stresses of a teaching career and an unidentified chronic illness started to kick in. During my early…
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23 things that make women inspirational
What are the things that make women inspirational? What makes a woman inspirational will of course vary a little according to the individual concerned. Inspirational is one of those words that is a little intangible and you can bet your bottom dollar that if you tell someone they are inspirational they will argue that they are not. Things that make women inspirational Here are my ideas on what makes a woman inspirational and I would love to know what you think. 1. She speaks honestly and openly. 2. She describes genuine feelings which helps others to feel less isolated. 3. She is not scared to tackle the taboo or uncomfortable…
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Should You Vote For Me in the Britmums Brilliance in Blogging Awards? My Last Words.
When I first started blogging, I had no idea that people would actually comment on my posts. I certainly did not expect to find like minds or to make new friends. For those who don’t know, I just started blogging as my Mum sat up into the early hours fuelled by whisky telling me that I had always wanted to be a writer and it was about time I started. She issued the now infamous words “Even if you just keep a diary” and that is how my blogging journey began. It was many months later that I discovered blogging networks existed and even longer before a public relations company…
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How To Be On Trend – Groovy Mums
How do I start a post when I am still a little in shock from yesterday’s events? For those who missed it, we held a Twitter party using the hashtag #groovymums. If you are a #groovymums you are officially on trend according to Twitter. The original idea was to acknowledge that the Groovy Mums blog hop and online support network established in September 2011 was 6 months old. I thought most of the participants of the groovy mums blog hop would take part and maybe a few interested observers. I was amazed to see loads of people joining in and some very interesting debates and chats taking place. At some point in…
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Brilliance in Blogging Awards 2012
Dear Kate On Thin Ice I am emailing you to tell you why you should not get a single nomination for a Britmums Brilliance in Blogging Awards 2012. Firstly, the name of your blog is annoying. A silly play on words which you admit was inspired by reality television. If you must blog, your mind should be in higher places that the latest Sunday night ITV hit. Bloggers should be intellectual types or not bother. Secondly, you host that Groovy Mums blog hop thing. I hate the word “groovy” which reminds me of the ghastly decade of the Seventies. My dear, we have moved on from those days. Having said…
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Stylish clothing for boys from Saltrock
Do you struggle to find stylish clothing for boys? It always seems that fashionable girls’ clothing is so much easier to find. I am lucky that my oldest was not fussed about what he wore for many years and at the grand old age of 16 has just started to show an interest. My boys are chalk and cheese in so many ways and my 11 year old is very image conscious. It is so lovely when you just know what brand will excite him. He absolutely loves anything from Saltrock. In fact it is really tough to get him to wear anything else! He particularly loves his fur-lined hoodie…
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Will You Take The Challenges With Some Lovely Mums?
Do you sometimes feel a bit stuck in a rut? Does the juggling of everyone else’s needs mean you get neglected? Would you like life to change and are you staring to realise only you can take charge of that? In September, I set up an initiative where women who felt like the above could support each other and share how they were getting on. It is called #groovingmums and we have a lovely badge. Every Tuesday, I post some challenges and I have decided to list them all here in the hope they might act as a catalyst for change both for myself and other mums out there. Will…
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Women asking for trouble by wearing short skirts
Are women asking for trouble? There is a weird concept in itself before we get into the detail. Who would anyone ask for trouble? Trouble might be defined as difficulty or a problem. Most of spend out time avoiding such things because they are inconvenient at best and distressing at worst. I have just watched a debate on ITV This Morning and thought I would have my say. It was the standard set up for putting up two women to argue differing viewpoints. Angela Epstein said that “Nobody is entitled to rape” – glad we got that one sorted then! She also stated the nobody invites rape – shock horror!…
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Five Common Pregnancy Issues that Women Can Experience
There are many problems and issues that can be a problem during pregnancy. Some require medical help and treatment, but the more common issues are uncomfortable and frustrating. Here are five common pregnancy issues and what you can do about them. #1 Bladder and bowel issues As well as the weight of a growing baby, your body during pregnancy will be gripped by a surge of hormones. Both combine to cause problems relating to bladder-control and bowel issues. For example, some women find they need to urinate more frequently, whilst other women find getting to the toilet on time is almost impossible. Constipation is also common amongst pregnant women. There…
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Speaking out against child abusers
It’s a week where I am pleased with myself for standing up for other people. Earlier in the week, I was in a charity shop when I noticed a board game with convicted paedophile Stuart Hall on the front of the box grinning. This was placed on the shelf highlighted as potential Christmas gifts. I did not like the idea of it being there at all. I am very much of the view that it can’t help victims of child abuse to keep seeing images of those that abuse in the media and so on. However, we are too often encouraged not to make a fuss so I walked out…
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Dear Jo Cox – a letter from another Yorkshire lass
Dear Jo Cox When you were killed someone contacted me as they thought I might know you. I didn’t and as far as I know was never in the same room as you. You were clearly an incredible woman and you should still be here. I wish I had met you. I think we would have got on and perhaps more importantly got each other. I was raised in the same area as you. That place has so many problems including generations of poverty and what Theresa May can write off so lightly as “just about managing”. Adversity creates strong communities at best and a pride in your roots. I…
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Problem with pornography – what do you think?
I have a problem with pornography. There! I said it! So I thought I would unpick it in writing as I am heartily sick of trying to work out the rights and wrongs of it. Pornography played absolutely no part in my home or school life. Let’s get out there now that I was brought up as a Catholic. Add in that I am adopted so always feel I have to prove I am good enough or until recent times anyway when I seem to be nailing the whole loving myself routine. I campaigned against the Students’ Union at college paying for the Sun to go in the common room…
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Menopausal Monday
Menopausal Monday! What is that? I am aware that I am entering the menopause. I think the signs were there a couple of years ago when I first started to feel hot for no apparent reason and without warning. Now hot flushes come and go and the odd night sweat sets in. Periods are erratic where they have always being regular. SOMETHING is going on here. Hitting the menopause brings its physical symptoms but it also is making me reflect on my life and times. It’s a turning point. My children are now tweens and a teen. They need me a bit less or perhaps just in a very different…
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Lonely heart
If I were ever to write a lonely heart advertisement, what would I put? Well obviously I am an ageing woman and mum who juggles a lot. Yes there are roots in the hair and yes I could do to lose some more weight. I can be quite shy. On the positive side of things, I am bright, caring and I think quite humorous with a quick wit and a feisty attitude. Over the years I have learned to like myself a lot. I have a booty that rocks and lovely brown eyes and the wavy hair. I can earn my own money and am passionate about the things I…
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Strong bin liners review
Strong bin liners are not the sort of thing I expected to get excited before becoming a wife and mother. They were about as interesting as warm cardigans and storage solutions. How times change! Like many women, the bulk of the housework falls on me even though I work. I resent this and even rant about it on occasion but pretty much to no avail. The children buy things and lose interest quickly and I think they might get that from me with my charity shop obsession. When I try to declutter, you can bet bin liners are not strong enough so I give up, have a coffee and sink…
