Shake it Baby

About 6 years ago my Gran had to have knee replacement.  Because she didn’t want to wait she decided to go to the great expense of having it done privately.  The operation went perfectly well and she was able to walk well after a while.

Unfortunately she started to develop pain in her other knee which caused her great pain when walking.  So she booked herself to have another knee replacement only to be told that she has a heart murmur so cannot have the operation.

My Gran loves to go on holiday with my Mum to christmas markets in places like Germany and Poland.  She was determined that she would go, so she decided to have acupuncture.  I’m please to say that after a number of sessions she can walk again and will be going away to Berlin early next week.

No Comments » Posted by April / Health

I was watching the One Show last night on BBC1 and was shocked to see the item about “dog knapping.”  It seems that because our homes and cars are so well protected, criminals are stealing our beloved pets and holding them to ransom.

These thieves are looking for several hundred pounds.  One couple on the show paid this money and when they got him back he was very thin and his paws were red.

Another couple however refused to pay the money even although they were told that they would slit its neck.  The family feel that if they give into this behaviour they’ll only continue to steal other dogs.  This is all very noble of them but quite frankly I would give the money over like a shot.  My dog is a member of my family and I couldn’t forgive myself if anything happened to her.

I love my dog and will do anything to protect her.  She is very well behaved but I never did dog agility training with her.  Sometimes I regret it but I think she’s a bit too old now.

No Comments » Posted by April / Life

Without plants we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the wonderful benefits of aromatherapy, therefore the garden plays important role. With a little thought and time along with routine maintenance anyone can reap aromatherapy benefits right in their own garden, no matter what the size.

Here are a few tips to help get you started.

Soil Quality – If you’re looking for the best quality plants then making sure you have good quality soil is essential. Before you start buying any plants or seeds, test your soil. Make sure it’s the correct consistency, has good drainage and is full of nutrients. If there are any problems, these can usually be resolved fairly easily. Ask at your local garden centre or nursery for advice.

Fresh over Dried – Growing herbs is very easy so is something that many people do. Fresh herbs are simply wonderful compared to dried herbs when cooking. Herbs and even flowers can be infused in oils, water or mixed with butter.

Evoke Nostalgia – Always plant flowers you love to smell. Aromatherapy has an amazing affect on the brain in that it can even recall memories and can give you a sense of nostalgia. Scents that you experienced as a child will have memories flooding back to your more innocent days of youth.

Growing Herbs in Containers – If you lack space to grow herbs outside then containers are ideal. They are great especially in colder months because you can use them to grow plants inside. If you want a really cottage style garden then planting seeds between the cracks of you paths and patio can be really quaint.

Scent and Practicality – Go wild with what you plant in your aromatherapy garden. Although it can help if you read more on the properties of the different plants. The reason for this is that you will grow plants you enjoy smelling but also ones that you can put to practical use.

No Comments » Posted by April / Home and Garden

As with most things you buy for your home, you will need to think about comfort, style, comfort, cost and of course style when selecting bedding.  You’d think it would be quite simple.  What’s difficult about bedding I hear you ask.  But when you consider that there are blankets, bedspreads, comforters, sheets and pillowcases suddenly you head will start to ache.

Think: integrated.

Like other furniture for your home, bedding will need to compliment each other.  Think of it as creating a meal.  Some foods go great with each other whilst other combinations could only be stomached by pregnant women!

Some people have a natural sense of style and will select items that go great with each other.  Luckily those of you who aren’t naturally gifted in this department as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

First of all think about colour.  Don’t simply look at colours in isolation.  In other words, think about how it will fit into the entire colour scheme of your room.  Colours can leap out at you or sit quietly depending on the shade and intensity.  Some colours will be bright and vivid whilst others will be natural and muted.  Decide what type you like and stick to it.  A muted russet will look horrific next to screaming pink.  Also think about what colour you want to dominate a room.  You may just want whites and creams with the occasional splash of colour.  Alternatively you may have a more bold and vivacious sense of style.

Pattern can really make or break bedding.  Some patterns such as op art from the ’60s can make you feel dizzy, whilst natural forms can make you feel peaceful.  Think about what emotions you want to create with your patterns.

Luckily many shops sell sets of bedding which are designed to go together and suit any taste.  Of course, you will need to think about what type of bedroom furniture you have and what size of bedroom you own.  If you live in a Georgian property with high ceilings then you may want to look for natural, heritage colours.  Whereas if you have a contemporary loft apartment you can afford to go for something a bit more cutting edge and daring.

You also need to be practical because there are lots of people who have allergies to such things as dust mites and fleas.  Yes that’s right, you might have a flea allergy.  If you have fleas in your bed you will need to use certain products to get rid of them.

No Comments » Posted by April / Home and Garden

So many people who feel over-worked or stressed turn to coffee for an energy boost.  But is this the best option?  The caffeine in coffee often makes people suffer from the “jitters” so they’re now turning to other drinks instead.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate (pronounced yerba-mateh) is believed to be another alternative.  The leaves of the Yerba Mate’ tree are dried along with some of the twigs. After the leaves are dried they can be steeped in hot, not boiling, water. The taste is similar to green tea with a more herbal, bitter flavor.

What is Yerba Mate?

The Yerba mate tree is found in South America and is part of the holly family.  It has long green leaves, whitish flowers and bears a small red berry.

Health Benefits of Yerba Mate’

If you take a daily multi-vitamin you may want to consider taking Yerba Mate instead as it is packed with loads of vitamins and minerals such as A, B1, B2, B3, B5 and C, potassium, magnesium, iron, sodium, and phosphorus.

Caffeine is in Yerba Mate’

OK, so there’s caffeine in Yerba Mate but it’s been found that people who are sensitive to caffeine are not so with Yerba Mate’ even though it does have caffeine in it.

Mate’ also is easier on the stomach then coffee and some teas. This added with all the nutrients it has makes it a great alternative to coffee beans.

No Comments » Posted by April / Food and Drink and Home and Garden

Teenage girls are pretty much obsessed with two things:  boys and fashion.  The latter they spend as much as mum and dad’s money as the can on.  The love to go out with their friends to the local shopping mall to see what the latest trends are.  Unfortunately many teenage girls feel left out simply because they are plus sized.  They find that buying a basic pair of jeans can be a struggle, let alone anything cutting-edge.

Despite many fashion outlets cater for plus-sized adults, younger people have been a bit over-looked until recently.  You have always liked Japanese clothes but they might not fit you.

Because clothes manufacturers have woken up to the fact that teenagers have so much spending power, they are now starting to cater for the better.  Because image is so important to people of all ages and sizes, clothing for plus sized teens are now trendy as well as well-fitted.

Big bold flowers often appear on adult plus sized clothing, if a teen doesn’t want this simply go online.

What Your Clothes Say About You?

No Comments » Posted by April / Fashion

So you think only skinny girls can a wear a swimsuit?  Don’t be silly!  There are loads of swim wear to be bought that will look great on any figure.  Even if you are a bit more curvy.  They aren’t those ugly designs that shops used to sell years ago either.  They are fashionable and very flattering.

Not all swimsuits are equal.  There are a number of different styles, which as a plus sized lady, you will want to look out for.

1. Skirtini Swimsuits –  These are really popular swimsuits.  They come in one piece or two and look just like a stylish dress you’ve put on for the beach.  Some even come with a tummy slimmer and waist minimizer.  Of course, they come in various colours and you can even adjust them to make them look shorter or longer.
2. Basic One Piece- There is a number of different styles to choose from.  Normally they feature wide shoulder straps and foam bra pads for some extra support.  Most types contour to the shape of the legs so they appear slimmer. Some even come in exotic designs or colors.
3. One-Piece Swim Dress – If you prefer to keep covered up and make your body appear slimmer then check this swimsuit out.  It comes with a fashionable skirt attached.  If you want to cover your stomach and thighs, the then swim dress would be a perfect choice.
4. Jogger Swimsuits – You still might not feel comfortable wearing a swimsuit or perhaps you want to enjoy some fun in the water.  The jogger swimsuit is the ideal choice.. It comes with a nylon/spandex tank top with built in bra foam cups and swim shorts.
5. One Piece Boy Short Swimsuits – Don’t fancy showing off too much skin?  That’s fine.  These swimsuits basically look like a tank top with shorts but is actually all one piece.
6. Two-Piece Swimsuits – Are you a bit more confident about your body?  Then show it off with a sexy 2-piece swimsuit.

Swimsuits have a knack of either making you feel confidents or embarrassed.  So whether you want to cover up or show off your assets you’ll find a swim suit that will make you feel comfortable about your body.

No Comments » Posted by April / Fashion

Even for slim pregnant ladies it can be tough to find stylish clothes during pregnancy.  So how to plus-sized women who are pregnant find fashionable clothes that doesn’t include big woolly sweaters.

Surprisingly it’s not as difficult as it might once have been.  The fashion industry has increased their collections to include maternity wear for plus sized ladies.  Some designers realize that plus-sized women want to feel as special as anyone else.

Some online shops even have whole sections dedicated to the larger pregnant lady.  Plus they’re far from being frumpy and boring.  They’re actually very stylish.

Banished are those hideous stretch pants and tent-like dresses of yester year.  Instead you’ll find lacy tops, summer dresser and other elegant clothes including evening gowns.

If you have a special occasion to buy an outfit for don’t panic.  There are even wedding dresses and dresses suitable for wedding guests.

Not only that but there’s swimwear to choose from if you fancy spending time by the pool.

Even for everyday wear you’ll want to dress nicely.  There are stretchy tops and maternity trousers which will make you feel good about yourself.

Have a look online and see what you can find.  You’ll be spoilt for choice whilst browsing all those wonderful collections.  There are also bras and panties to complete your outfit.

No Comments » Posted by April / Fashion

Progesterone creme is something that I have used in the past and I highly recommend any woman who suffers from hormonal imbalances to seriously consider using it. The majority of women who put up with hormonal acne, period pains and PMS will take prescribed medication from their doctors which can have side effect.

The problem is that most hormonal problems are caused by women having too much estrogen in their system and not enough progesterone. By giving your body the progesterone it needs you’ll be able to say goodbye to your problems.

For more info on natural progesterone crème visit Oasis, they are listed on John Lee MD’s site which gives you peace of mind that you are getting good quality.

NB please always consult a doctor as there may be other health issues involved.

No Comments » Posted by April / Health