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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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Inspirational women and their qualities
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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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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Common Pregnancy Issues You Might Face
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. Here is an example of me speaking out against child abusers as I think we all should. Whatever the truth around the Prince Andrew news of recent weeks, child abuse continues when people do not call it out as wrong. We can all play out part in that in ways large and small. We have got to stop victim-blaming once and for all. 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…
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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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Strong bin liners review – highly recommended!
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! I get excited by such things now so here is my strong bin liners review. 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…
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How to cope with bladder weakness and smile too
Give me a break. Bladder weakness is a sign that you have earned your stripes as a woman. So I thought I would share my ode to female incontinence and some tips on how to cope with bladder weakness. It’s everywhere and nowhere, lady, That’s where it’s at Women won’t talk about it but they know where it’s at Giving up across this country and feeling flat Saying everything is groovy When it’s owt but that! And it’s hi-ho panty lining Anywhere you go now, lady I see your eyes are shining and you can board the bus Cos you’ve got life sussed Wees are in your knickers, lady You’re…
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Tips for a good night’s sleep from Tena Lady
Do you know how to get a good night’s sleep? Here are some powerful tips for a good night’s sleep. We all know that waking up refreshed, energised and ready to face the day is essential to our health and wellbeing but getting a good night’s sleep is sometimes more complicated than it seems. You may have perfected your ideal sleeping position and invested in luxurious Egyptian-cotton sheets, but a snoring partner, duvet hogger or even needing to get up and dash to the loo can quickly burst your dream bubble. In fact, recent research from TENA Lady has found that one in six women regularly have their sleep disrupted…
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Learning about prefixes and suffixes
Learning about prefixes and suffixes today was a breeze as both children seemed very confident in this area. My son immediately gave the example of how the prefix “un” changes the meaning of the word “detectable”. We looked at the prefixes “tele” “auto” and “anti” with the help of a workbook from Marks and Spencer picked up in a local charity shop. I asked the children to define “anti-ageing” “anti-bacterial” and “anti-freeze”. They both went to town on anti-ageing having heard me rant on about the expense of anti-ageing stuff and how all it does is build up company wealth and continue the myth that women are not good enough…
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Let’s talk about our vaginas!
Do you feel embarrassed when it comes to your intimate health? What if I said it was time to talk about our vaginas, bladders and other bits? You see I pose that question and already feel a little anxious that you might ask me about mine. I blog in an open and honest way. Some would say I over-share. If I am honest, I know that there are areas I have wanted to blog about and then have not done so through embarrassment. Sometimes I get over that and blog it out anyway but sometimes I fear being judged and do not do so. Are you concerned about itching, sweating…