Win a Marks and Spencer Festive Christmas Hamper

Parenting is Stressful Win this amazing Marks and Spencer Hamper to help you manage the stresses of Christmas Planning

With Christmas right around the corner it is the perfect time to start thinking of maybe a little Christmas tea party to enjoy. I have teamed up with some UK bloggers to bring you this amazing giveaway.

This prize is M&S Christmas Tea in Mayfair hamper.

So hold onto your kettles! There are plenty of ways to enter, simply scroll down to the Rafflecopter widget below to see the options. You will also see the terms and conditions below as well as all of the blogs taking part – please do take a moment to visit them to show your support to them. 

Bloggers Taking Part

Here is a list of all of the bloggers taking part in this giveaway – please show your support by visiting them.

Blog Bay Bee | Not got a Clue | Sit and Take in the View | Money Making Mummy | Brig Knows Best | Fully Money | Make a Little Money | Touch of Wellness | Diet Exercise Lose Weight | Online Life Calendar | The Finance Fettler | Doing the Impossible | Positively Eco | The Heaton Fam | Good Life and Mind | Weddings and Wishes | Feli Family | Schoolhouse Cinema

She’s Changing Lanes | Make Money Online Creative | Photographyish | Sahara Vibes | Celtic Tigress | Forever Home | Eric Ales | Mum’s Guide to Life | Keene on Saving | Home and Garden Things | The Green Purpose | Make Money Blogging Now | Crafting Her Joy | Our Life Interrupted | Skylark Virtual Services | Home Town Furniture | The How to Heroes | Wow Gift Creations | Mudpies and Rainbows | The Parenting Insider | Thrifty Husband | Mrs Pinch

Blogger Creations | Harley Smith | Surviving with Coffee | The Blogging Portal | Spiritual Life Learning | Big Boys Cry | Sporf | Image Premiums | Live Life Love | Birds and Lillies | Journalist Book | The Way up Fitness | Cheat Planet | Cotswold Lifestyle | Mental Health Parent | Ellis Denning | Frugal and Fun | Blog Masters | 911 Blog | Bake More Cake

Inhome Insights | Craving Christmas | Lifestyle Saving Techniques | Insequiral | Ecoralive | Have a Fab Day | Mrs Money Pot | Wake up it’s Monday | Money Matters UK | Mortgages After 60 | Gonna Get Wed | Lifestyle of a Londoner | Manifest with Loa | Active Gardening | Skinny Spending | Discount Days Out | Gin and Gemini | Joyful Bite | Lula Grace | The Family Cookbook | Madam Blunt | Steely Soft | Interior Design Toolbox

Blogging 101 | Savvy Squirrel | Paper Writing | Pots of Pennies | Trust Nature | Full of Wishes | Life with More Sparkle | Balance the Budget | Guide to Health and Fitness | Money Money Money Online | Green Northerner | The Free From Mummy | Kitchen Recipe Book | Binancially Inclined | The Green Shilling | KiddoCo | The Life we Built | Annie Grace | The Thrifty Princess | Crafted with Perfection

Make Enough Money | Thrifty Minimalist | Lydony | A Little Life of Lovely | The Good Life in Somerset | Live it Your Way | Better Best You | Christmas Ahoy | Pounds and Pennies | Amaze Ball Gamer | All Sorts of Jazz | Lisa Cooking | Frugal Home Project | Dotranker | SEO Gold | Nishiv | Vegan Book | Mums the Wurd | Valid Articles | Houston Marcha | Citas Planet | Doggie Attitude

The Prize

This prize is M&S Christmas Tea in Mayfair hamper.

This includes:

  • 6 all butter mince pies (334g)
  • Classic Panettone (100g)
  • Clementine & cranberry Bucks Fizz (75cl) (Alcohol Content- 4%)
  • Luxury Gold tea tin (10 bags)
  • 8 Chocolate & orange cookies & cream biscuits (176g)
  • Classic recipe iced Christmas cake slices (240g)
  • Hand decorated fudge chocolate yule log (495g)
  • All butter shortbread trees (100g)
  • Grey wicker hamper

Terms and conditions

1. There is one top prize of the M&S Christmas Tea in Mayfair Hamper.
2. There are no runner up prizes.
3. Open to UK residents aged 18 and over, excluding all bloggers involved with running the giveaway
4. Closing date for entries is midnight on 23.11.2021
5. The same Rafflecopter widget appears on all the blogs involved, but you only need to enter on one blog
6. Entrants must log in to the Rafflecopter widget, and complete one or more of the tasks – each completed task earns one entry in the prize draw
7. Tweeting about the giveaway via the Rafflecopter widget will earn five bonus entries into the prize draw.
8. 1 winner will be chosen at random.
9. The winner will be informed by email within 7 days of the closing date and will need to respond within 28 days with their delivery address, or a replacement winner will be chosen.
10. The winners’ names will be published in the Rafflecopter widget (unless the winner objects to this).
11. The prizes will be dispatched within 14 days of the winner confirming their details. In this giveaway’s case prizes will be dispatched from 15th December.
12. The promoter is Drew Media LTD t/a www.MakeMoneyWithoutAJob.com
13. By participating in this prize draw, entrants confirm they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions

Enter now

Simply complete any or all of the Rafflecopter entry widget options below to be entered. You can also tweet about the giveaway daily to earn bonus entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Help Your Child’s Mental Health for World Mental Health Day

How to Help Your Child’s Mental Health for World Mental Health Day

Yesterday was #World Mental Health Day. I decided to write this blog post at a difficult time with my daughter. I wanted to think about how even being the best possible parent a child or young adult can so easily fall through the gaps into poor mental health.

Parenting is hard, but one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. We all want to give our kids the best life, but sometimes this means working on their mental health.

One Step at a Time!

Take it One Step at a Time.  If you have just one day left with your child before they leave home- watch them closely and look out for any warning signs that something may be wrong.

Here are some tips to help parents raise children with good mental health.

1. Make sure your child is well-connected to other people, particularly family members and friends. This will increase their self-esteem.

2. Encourage your child to be involved in activities they find enjoyable, both at home and out in the community. This will give them an outlet for building self-control skills while also providing meaningful connections to others who are engaged in the same activity.

3. Emphasize the positive attributes of your child’s personality that they can develop into strengths or hobbies that they can enjoy for a lifetime; this will make them feel more confident about themselves and make them feel good about themselves when they do something well or complete a task successfully, which boosts their self-worth and satisfaction with life

Parenting is one of the toughest jobs you can do. It’s a job that has been taken on by millions of caring adults around the world. But because it’s such a complex task, not everyone knows how to do it right or what to do when things go wrong. To be honest there is no right or wrong because no child or parent is the same.

That’s why we have outlined here some great tips for parents who want to help their kids develop emotional intelligence and become more self-aware.

Know your child inside and out

We know that all children are different and that you can’t treat them all the same way, but there are certain things that they all need from their parents to grow up happy and healthy. Understanding your child will help you know which parenting strategies will work best for them.

As a parent, emotional intelligence is the most important skill that you can teach your child.

Children learn from their parents and emulate the behaviour that they witness. Be mindful of this and maintain your composure in difficult situations. This is one of the most important ways to teach kids how to deal with their emotions and maintain control in difficult moments.

It’s not easy to be a parent and sometimes we feel like we need reinforcements when it comes to parenting advice or coping with our own emotions when we’re dealing with our children’s behaviour. It’s important that we continue to take care of ourselves so that we can be better for our children when they need us most.

Understanding emotional intelligence in children can help with parenting.

Parenting is one of the most difficult jobs that anyone will ever have to do. They are tasked with teaching their child how to behave, how to be a good person, and all the life skills that they will need to live successfully in society. And it is an ever-changing job as their kids grow and learn new things every day. One of the most important things that parents need to teach their kids early on is emotional intelligence.

It’s not just about being able to read other people’s feelings, but also being able to understand your own feelings and how they affect others around you.

As parents, we always want to do our best to keep our children safe and happy. One way of doing this is by understanding them better. This article will provide some parenting tips for kids and emotional intelligence in children.

Talking to your child about mental health and the importance of self-care is a difficult topic. But it’s important to have this conversation because children will grow up and learn more about mental health as they get older. It is their responsibility to know how to take care of themselves and it’s our responsibility as adults to teach them the basics.

If you want your child or teenager to understand mental health, you need to talk about it in a way they can relate to and at a level, they can comprehend. They might not be able to focus on long explanations, so keep it simple and talk with them often instead of only when the topic comes up naturally between you two for example.

Mental health affects everyone differently, which means that we all need different solutions for self-care.

When you’re a parent, it’s your job to teach your children how to survive in the world. You don’t just teach them how to live or what to do when they grow up, you also teach them how they should feel. But there are some things that are more difficult for kids of all ages.

Talking about mental health is one of those things.

It can be hard for parents and educators to know the best way to talk about mental health with their kids. But you are not alone!

Talking to your child about mental health is important. You should do so with sensitivity, understanding, patience, and empathy.

The first step is deciding how you want to approach the conversation with your child. It might be enough for you to reassure them that they are not alone, but if they need more help or support then it’s important that you offer them advice on what they can do next.

The main factors that influence the child’s emotional intelligence are genetics and experiences. So parents need to understand what helps their children develop emotionally intelligent behaviors and try to provide those things in their environment.

The Frugal Way to Healthy Eating

The Frugal Way to a Healthy Diet

 

Food is a huge expense over your lifetime. Consider that once you start having to buy your own food, you’re generally stuck with that obligation for the rest of your life. If you buy your own food for 50 years, that’s £260,000 if you spend £100 per week.

 

Saving a little money each week adds up to a lot of money over 50+ years!

 

Of course, it’s also important to purchase and consume healthy food. Consider that nearly every cell in your body at this point is composed entirely of the foods you’ve eaten, the beverages you’ve drank, and the air you’ve breathed. You are made of the food you eat, so eat good food!

 

Eat well and save money at the same time with these techniques:

 

  1. Eat at home. The food in a restaurant is always more expensive than what you can prepare at home. Restaurants have to pay employees, utilities, rent or mortgage payments, taxes, maintain a parking lot, and make a profit.

 

  • It’s true that most restaurants might taste better than your meals prepared at home, but you can just take that as a challenge to increase your chef skills.

 

  • You can also use healthier ingredients than your local restaurants choose to use.

 

  1. Buy in bulk. A large bag of rice or potatoes costs less per pound than a smaller bag. Stores like Costco and Sam’s Club have a lot of great deals if you can handle larger quantities of food. Having a large freezer and pantry can certainly be helpful if you’re going to take advantage of this tip.

 

  1. Have a garden. A garden is practically free from a financial standpoint, but it does require some labor to prepare the soil and to plant the seeds or seedlings. A garden also requires time to deal with the weeds, water, fertilize, and harvest the food.

 

  • The advantages are great cost savings, access to high-quality food, and you’ll get some exercise, too. Children love gardens, too.

 

  1. Substitute other ingredients for meat. Meat is expensive, but there are other sources of protein than just meat. Beans, lentils, eggs, and some types of fish are considerably less expensive than most cuts of meat.

 

  1. Buy whole foods. A whole chicken costs less than all the parts cost separately. A block of cheese is less expensive than shredded cheese.

 

  1. Take advantage of sales. There’s always something on sale. The meat section often has meat with a reduced price of 50% or more because it needs to be sold the next day. Buy and cook it that night or put it in the freezer.

 

  • There’s always one type of apple or grape on sale. You never know what’s going to be on sale from week to week. Keep your eyes open and take advantage of those sales.

 

  1. Avoid highly processed foods. A can of soup has a lot of different ingredients, the contents have already been cooked, it has to be put into a can, and there are a lot of additives to keep the soup from spoiling. All of that isn’t inexpensive, and the additives make the soup less healthy.

 

The foods you eat have a huge impact on your health and your bank account. There are many ways to limit your grocery bill without compromising on the quality of the food you put into your body.

 

Inexpensive food can be healthy and satisfying, so avoid the belief that good food and enjoyment has to be costly. It can also improve your mental health.

10 Easy Steps to Take Care of Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

As a Single divorced parent of 2 teenagers who struggle with Autism and mental health, it is becoming even harder to look after myself. I have had days when I have been so very low. Lack of sleep all the worrying we do about them its a never ending circle of emotions that is constant. Its a battle believe me. I wonder If it will ever end. So while I do this I also remind myself to take some form of self care. Are you looking for more ways to cope with life’s challenges ?

  1. Self Care is Paramount 

Selfcare do something for you every day, It doesn’t matter how small take 5minutes if that’s all you have. I find getting out in nature helps me and meditation, journaling it out of my head. Take care, remember you’re important too and to look after someone else you have to look after you. Self care is so important! We can easily get so caught up in caring for our children that we forget about ourselves. What do you like to do that makes you feel like you? What activities or hobbies do you enjoy that capture your attention and allow you to be swept away in the moment? These things nourish us and provide a break from thinking about  Mental Health all the time. Eating a healthy diet is so important too. Why not practise Gratitude you could do this with your children too.

2. Get out and Exercise

For me, getting some physical activity is vital for my mental health, as well as being out in nature. So taking walks is a big part of my self care. Or do a Couch to 5K download the App and join up with a friend. A few years ago I took up the Couch to 5K challenge and now I take part in Saturday Morning park runs. The joy you feel after completing a 5K is actually lifechanging.  If running isnt your thing try Yoga or Pilates. Follow a Joe Wicks workout with your Kids or a Davina DVD. Anything that gets you moving builds up those endorphins.

3. Meet up with Friends 

Having an outlet and finding someone to talk is really helpful. and we’re glad to listen and offer support! It’s also nice to get out sometimes and meet a friend for coffee, Talk to friends about the problems, as sometimes I’m not being rational and can’t see the whole picture.  

 

4. Binge watch a favourite TV show

Sometimes binge watching a show on Netflix can be self care, and that’s one I often share with my teen. It’s a low pressure way to relax and spend quality time together.

I was trying meditation to try and help, and took up drawing, and trying to get out for walks to help my self care when my son was struggling with his MH, and it was helping, and even those my son since moved out I still try and do selfcare which I was advised to do when I enquired about having counselling again.xxSome time away from the child either doing something you enjoy or that consumes all of your attention but doesn’t cause you too much stress. So this could be your job but it may not be for everyone. I got some respite through volunteering for an hour a week and I was sometimes away overnight with work which I found very helpful.

5. Meditation

I meditate using crystals and aromatherapy oils , take time out for yourself to recharge and heal x

6. Listen to a Podcast or Read a good Book

I listen to podcasts on anxiety which help me, you would think i was an expert by now! Breathe it all out. Clean the house. Put my 80s music on and dance!

7. Do some Arts and Crafts Cook or Bake.

I find craft (any kind) helps me. I crochet, sew, make cards, quilt, diamond art and colouring. I’m also doing a college course online, which I do for 30mins every day. Bake a cake try a new recipe. I make Jewellery and I recently took up pottery.

8. Get a Manicure or Pedicure

It is true that when we look good we feel good. You do not have to spend a fortune you can do your own home spa or treat yourself and go to a beauty salon. Its up to you but it will make you feel good about yourself. Self Care is extremely important for your well-being.

9. Go Shopping 

Take a day off give yourself a budget and go shopping for you (not your kids) you don’t have to spend much take a trip to your high street Charity shops have an idea of what you need. Ask for help in the shop for items you are looking for. There is nothing better than feeling good with a new outfit.

10. Get enough Sleep 

Sleep is essential to help you help your child teenager with their struggles. Aim for at least 7 hours a night if you can.  If you wake up tired try and go to bed earlier that evening. I use a lavender sleep pillow mist from Cotswold Lavender in Snowshill near Broadway.

You matter. You matter. You matter. Take care of yourself. This will not only benefit you but also help you show up how you want and need to for your child. From personal experience don’t sacrifice your sleep long term. Nourish you. I like mindfulness and getting out in nature. You matter Look for more mental health tips online

Just remember that every little me time helps you and your child x You need to avoid burn-out.

I would say, don’t struggle alone, get some support, you don’t have to carry the load on your own, you are not a failure if you ask the GP for help.

Me time  I don’t know what I’d do without it.

It doesn’t matter if its watching rubbish on TV, reading a chapter of a book or just sitting quietly usually in a different room to your child.

YOU MATTER TAKE CARE OF YOU!