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Word of the Week #27 2019

July 5, 2019 by Anne Sweet 7 Comments

Hello and welcome to the home of Word of the Week, a nice and simple weekly linky, with everyone welcome to pop by and share. The idea of the linky is to reflect back on your past week and share it with us. It’s great if you can sum it up in a word or phrase, hence giving us your Word of the Week.

I’m not totally strict on using just a word or phrase but please try to stick to the theme of summing up your week.

There are not too many rules with this linky, just remember to read at least another couple of posts in the link up after adding your link. I will read and comment on all posts and tweet them out for you. I also have a Pinterest board devoted to Word of the Week and I will add posts to Mix Please add the badge below to your post so that others may find us and join in. If you comment or tweet then please use the hashtag #WotW

Word of the Week is open from 6am on Friday Morning to 12 noon on Monday. Plenty of time to join in!

If you are unfamiliar with the Word of the Week linky then please feel free to ask any questions. New linkers are always welcome, we love to hear what you have been up to in the past week.

MY WORD OF THE WEEK.

My Word of the week (or phrase) is Go Go Go.

It has definitely been a busy week since last week’s post. Sunday was my daughter’s birthday and we had a lovely meal out. Then Monday it was back to decorating the living room. This spilled over to Tuesday but it was worth it. I helped as much as I could, which wasn’t much, but I tried.

I did sew up the curtains so they don’t drag on the floor so much. I also helped with cleaning up when I could. So, now we have painted walls, ceiling and door, and the wallpaper and new curtains. Graham just needs to gloss over the skirting boards now. We’ve decided it will be easier to do when we take up the carpet.

On Wednesday we went to choose our carpet and it’s a lovely damson colour. I’ve requested it to be fitted to save Graham another job. So, it’s just a waiting game of 7 to 10 days. Then we will move the furniture around a bit and it will all be done, yay!

I’ve had a busy week on the blog too, so many posts written. Don’t miss my competition post, I’m giving away a fabulous paint by numbers (for grown ups) set.

I send a lot of e-mails each week and I’ve been researching the apps. that you can now add to Gmail. Some of them are really great for mass e-mail marketing.

So as you can see, my week has been go, go, go! But that’s not all. The reason I chose that phrase is because tonight (Thursday) I‘m going to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Hippodrome. Go, go, go, Joseph!

Now it’s your turn, what have you been up to this past week?

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My Sunday Photo 30th June 2019 – The Stream

June 30, 2019 by Anne Sweet 15 Comments

The Stream

photograph of a stream with long grass and plants along the side.

It was a lovely sunny day and school was over. Graham asked the Little Man if he wanted to go to the park to play in the stream. How could he say no.

They always make a bee-line for the stream on sunny days, fascinated by water. Last year they built a damn from sticks, The Little Man had loads of fun.

This year it was their first visit but still it was fun dangling a stick in the water. It was warm so Graham suggested taking their shoes off and going for a paddle in the stream; and so they did.

boy with stick standing at the edge of a stream

They paddled, feeling the cool water rushing between their toes. And cooling down on a very hot day. What fun they had.

My Stream

On Sunday afternoons, Mum would prepare Sunday lunch and pop off to visit her Mum. Then Dad was free to visit the pub for a pint before lunch. He’d take me with him, it was much more fun than sitting in Nan’s kitchen.

The Pub he took me to had fields at the back with horses. If you held out some grass they’d come over to the fence for a nibble and let you stroke their heads. Then Dad would give me some pennies for a packet of crisps and a bottle of pop in the outdoor on the side of the pub. While he would pop into the pub for a pint of beer. We’d sit on the wall outside and enjoy our ‘picnic.’ Then, if it was warm enough, we’d go through the trees and visit the stream.

The photo above is the actual stream, well, it’s actually a brook. The little metal footbridge is still there. I would sit on the bridge and dangle my feet towards the water, but they didn’t reach.

Memories

At the far left of the photo you can just about see a dip, this led down to a little sandy area, which to me, an excited six year old, was like a mini beach. I’d rip off my socks and shoes and carefully place them on a rock then excitedly rush to water for a paddle. Feeling that lovely cool water wash between my toes. Turning back to my Daddy who was sat on a nearby bench and calling out that I’d seen a frog. There were teeny tiny fish in there too. I loved that little place, it wasn’t much but it was special.

Too soon it was time to go back and pick up Mum so she could finish Sunday dinner. I can’t remember any conversations I had with my Dad, he was a quiet man. I just remember that special bond that we had.

I’ve not been back to that stream since my Dad passed away just a couple of years later. Somehow, I don’t think it would be anywhere near as magical as I imagined it to be and I don’t want to bear the disappointment.

Memories are magical and nothing makes me happier knowing that my boy is making special memories with his Dad just like I did with mine.

Posture Corrector for Men and Women

June 3, 2019 by Anne Sweet 1 Comment

I was asked to review this posture corrector which can be purchased on Amazon for £15.99.

As you can see from the front (the photo isn’t me by the way, just in case you were wondering,) it looks rather like a back pack.

At the back you have the straps and a small fabric disc that sits in the middle of your shoulder blades.

As you can see, it’s quite unobtrusive and can be worn over or under your clothes.

What is a Posture Corrector?

ELIMINATES SHOULDER, NECK & BACK PAIN – Slumped shoulders due to bad posture and hunching over can cause upper back pain. Incorrect posture and alignment can create muscular imbalances, which can lead to further imbalances below the upper body. Treating the pain with the Calibre Posture Corrector will noticeably reduce discomfort.

CORRECTS POSTURE – Calibre Posture Corrector will counteract your tendencies to round your shoulders and hunch over. Even just 15-30 minutes a day can help alleviate your muscles to get you back on track to having the natural posture you strive for.

BENEFITS LONG TERM – Having good posture allows your muscles to work more efficiently, your body will then use less energy therefore, preventing muscle fatigue. It also helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain.

FULL ADJUSTABLE DESIGN – With Adjustable straps the Calibre Posture Corrector will ensure the most comfortable fit for all. The discreet design will fit snugly over or under your shirt while offering you comfortable support.

HIGH QUALITY PREMIUM DESIGN – From soft shoulder lining to the adjustable straps we use the highest quality lightweight materials, ensuring that the Calibre Posture Corrector will last long into the future.

My Review

I’m a sloucher! I always have been, even my Mum used to moan about my ’round shoulders’ from slouching all the time. For some people, correct posture doesn’t come naturally.

Now, I know that the posture issues are hereditary in our family, four out of seven of us have round shoulders, and two have spinal issues. Bad posture can cause all sorts of issues and back pain.

I have tried things like this posture corrector in the past but not had much success so I was a bit dubious that it would work.

At first I found it difficult to put on, it’s just a strap after all. It comes in a simple package with a single sheet of instruction. It tells you that you put it on like a back pack and the disc goes in the middle of your back. Then you tighten it to fit.

It also comes with these extra protector straps added on by velcro. I first had these on my shoulders, but soon found out they were for more comfort under my arm pits.

How to Use

It took me a little while but now I can use my corrector easily. First I undo the straps, then put it on like a back pack. I adjust the protectors to fit under my arm pits and ensure the disc is in the middle of my back. Then I tighten the straps as far as is comfortable, and then a little more. It needs to be fairly tight for you to feel the benefit.

Straight away your shoulders feel like they are being pulled back, but it’s not uncomfortable. You can still move as usual. Your body is being pulled into it’s correct position, so although it may feel strange at first, it doesn’t last.

My Personal Opinion

I used the corrector daily for a couple of hours for a week. The first thing I noticed was that my back pain eased a lot, especially the aching I get in between the back of my shoulder blades. It was also making me hold my spine straighter and I felt more comfortable in my sitting position. I was able to move around and do all the usual things I do.

I wore the corrector over a t-shirt and on colder days I was able to pop my cardi or jumper over the top. It’s barely noticeable from the front and if you wear black, even less noticeable.

I found it comfortable and easy to wear. After my initial confusion of how to use it I soon found it real easy to put on and take off.

I have experienced less back pain and I know my posture is better while wearing it. With continued use I am hoping that my body will adapt to this improved posture without the corrector.

I was sent this posture corrector to review, but I can highly recommend it to anyone with bad posture, prone to slouching and back pain sufferers.

My Sunday Photo 28th April 2019

April 28, 2019 by Anne Sweet 12 Comments

On Friday we managed a day out at our local farm to see the baby animals. Here’s a couple of photo’s I’ve saved especially for today.

Donkey

I was going to title this photo ‘kiss my ass!’ 🙂

I love how my Little Man connects with animals. I swear he was having a conversations with the sheep while exchanging baa’s with them. Then I find him nose to nose with this baby donkey. How sweet.

Shy Goat

a black pygmy goat baby hiding behind a branch — Peek a Boo!

This little fella was so cute. He would hide behind the logs and then peek up to see what was going on. It was like he was playing peek a boo with us.

We had such a lovely day at the farm and if you wish you can read all about it in yesterday’s post.

My Family and Other Animals

My family are a little divided when it comes to animals. My older son and myself are the most wary when it comes to dogs. That might stem from when he was bitten on the face by a neighbours dog when he was two. I’d been brought up in a family of dogs and had not been afraid of them since that time. I’m not afraid now, just wary. My eldest daughter is not a huge dog fan either, but that’s mainly because she really is the epitome of a crazy cat lady. I can see her in her elderly years living in a flat with just the company of a dozen or so cats.

The younger three take after their dad and love animals of all kinds, cats and dogs included. Graham loves horses and will never pass an opportunity to get up close to one, although he’s not a horse rider. He hates horse racing too, he thinks it’s unfair on the horses.

Star wants to work with animals when she’s older, her dream job would be in a zoo. It will be interesting to see how that works out. My eldest daughter always wanted to be a vet but couldn’t face operating on animals. Now she works in the theatre of the children’s hospital!

I love sea animals and when we go to the sea life centre you will find it difficult to get me moving out of the underwater tunnel. I love watching the creatures swim around me, the sharks, the turtles and the rays. I love them all.

What animals do you like?

Touchpoints And How They Are Helping Us.

April 10, 2019 by Anne Sweet 11 Comments

A couple of weeks ago I went to Naidex which is the yearly disability exhibition. There is always so much to see and do for anyone with any interest in the innovations for the future of independent living.

I go because I like to look at new wheelchairs and accessible cars, but there is also a lot of new technology and information on holidays and disability sports. It can really be an eye opener.

Touchpoints Europe

One of the stands we spent a lot of time on was Touchpoints. I’m not always looking for things for myself, I also have autistic children and Star has physical disabilities too. The Touchpoints attracted me because they claimed to be of benefit to those with Autism.

I held two of the little devices while the lady on the stand talked to me about them. I took some information to look up when I got home, along with a purchase code as I was already thinking about buying some. While there I also filled in a competition form.

I received an e-mail shortly after the exhibition to say that I’d won the competition for a box of Touchpoints basic. This was the day after we’d been to the school to talk about the Little Man. He is now on the school’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities register, and we know he is autistic although we don’t have it in writing yet.

The Little Man was fascinated with the Touchpoints and was keen to give them a try at school. We talked to the teacher who allowed him to wear the Touchpoints on his wrists.

After just a few days of wearing them he is already much happier at school and getting on with his work. I’ll explain more later.

What Are Touchpoints and What Do They Do?

two touchpoint devices on watch straps draped over the box they arrived in.

In the box you get 2 touch points, a duel charger wire(so you can charge them both at the same time) and carrying pouch, a set of wristbands and a sticker sheet. These are the Touchpoint Basics, there are other options to choose from.

To use the Touchpoints you press the button on one to turn it on and then choose between the three settings: blue for sleep, yellow for calm or purple for anger. Then if you turn on the other Touchpoint and face them together the second device should change to match the same colour as the first and begin vibrating in an alternating pattern. Then you keep the Touchpoints on either side of the body. You can use the straps, or put them in your pockets or socks. Anywhere you feel comfortable putting them.

Touchpoints work through Bi-Lateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile (BLAST) technology. This means, in simple terms, that alternating messages are sent to the brain to interrupt it’s current state and keep it more relaxed. I’m trying to keep it non science(y) here, but if you want to understand more it’s explained in detail on the website. Or you can see a scientific study here that shows that it really does have an effect on emotional and physical pain.

Our Review.

The noise made by the Touchpoints was one of the first things I noticed. It was noisy in the exhibition so this wasn’t something I’d noticed until I turned them on at home. However, when put in my pockets of my trousers the noise was considerably less noticeable. I guess if you put them in your socks, or down your bra, then you would notice it even less.

The Little Man wanted to wear them on the wristbands provided. I was worried that they would be too noisy for school, but he pulls down his sleeves over them and no-one notices.

The Little Man is the one who’s had the most use out of them but I did get to use them myself. I’d become upset over an incident which totally stressed me out almost to point of tears. I was in a right ‘flap’ not knowing what to do. The Touchpoints were nearby as they’d not long arrived and I’d been looking at them. So I tried them out. I put them on ‘angry’ as I really was that stressed out, then I popped them in my pockets. Within minutes I felt much calmer and I was able to make two phone calls which helped to sort out my problem. I can honestly say that the Touchpoints really helped to calm me down, and in just a few minutes. I’d have probably been stressing for a lot longer without them.

As I said before, the Little Man has been having problems at school. Nearly every day we were getting notes in his book about him not concentrating, disrupting the class and generally being silly. Then the teacher told us that he annoys the other kids so much that he had no friends and would often spend his break time alone, or annoying others. This really upset me as I know at home he is a sensitive well behaved little boy. He was like Jekyll and Hyde!

With the Autism diagnosis upon us I realised that maybe he was suffering from over stimulation at school which is why he was acting up. I hoped that the Touchpoints would help with that.

So now he wears the Touchpoints to school each day. He found out by reading the website how they work. He chooses what setting to have them on and uses them when he needs too. They have helped him a lot. We have had reports back that he is getting on with his work more and not annoying the other children as much. He has not disrupted the classroom and yesterday he came home from school and told me he had made some new friends!!

Touchpoints have not asked me to write this review although they did ask for some feedback on their Facebook page. I am honestly really thrilled with the Touchpoints. If I can get them off the Little Man for five minutes I might even have another try with them myself. Or, maybe I will buy myself a pair too.

Touchpoints have so many uses as well as stress and Autism. They can help you get to sleep, study, tourettes, negativity, Parkinsons, Social issues, fear of the dark, test anxiety, phobias, aggression and many more. You can find an encyclopedia of uses on Facebook.

Discount Code

When I gave Touchpoints my feedback they told me I could share a discount code with anyone who may be interested in trying Touchpoints for themselves. Here is a copy of the information they sent to me with relevant links and information.

There are two types of TouchPoints available:-

The Basics are manually controlled devices with 3 settings Sleep, Calm and Anger.

The Originals are app controlled devices which come with the 3 settings mentioned for the Basics but additionally with Focus, Performance and Craving. So you should consider what you need the devices for and whether you want to use your phone to control them.

Find out more on the link below:
https://www.touchpointeurope.com/pages/get-started

Once you have decided which version is for you please visit https://www.touchpointeurope.com/pages/shop-touchpoints and use code AUTISM15 at the checkout.
This should give you 15% off.
Any other queries drop us an email to info@touchpointeurope.com or call us on 01531 820511, this line is manned between 9am and 3pm on weekdays.

The code Autism15 should be good for the whole of April, which is Autism Awareness Month. You can always call or e-mail for more details.

If you do try them I’d love to know how you get on.