Raisie Bay - Page 2 of 298 - A Family and Lifestyle Blog

Word of the Week 3 – Tough

January 17, 2020 by Anne Sweet 9 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. My word this week is tough and you can read more about that below.

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

Let me take you back in time. Back to the 80s and Billy Ocean’s, When the Going Gets Tough. I remember it from the film ‘The Jewel in the Nile’ but I also remember it as a song on one of my exercise videos a few years later

Back then I would take the (older kids) to bed, come back downstairs, slip into some leggings and t-shirt and pop on an exercise video. A lot of songs that if I hear now I always think back to these exercise, including When the Going Gets Tough, Dancing in the Street and So Macho. But my favourite exercise video of the 90s was Cher’s ‘Hot Dance.’ Boy was it a tough workout! I was so excited to find the entire video on You Tube..

I even remember all the moves 🙂 Way back then I had a figure that would match Cher’s. (Cher is 20 years older than me, so back then I considered her an ‘old lady’ I was so impressed!)

Anyway, I’ve used all this as an excuse to write the truth. This week has been tough for many reasons. I don’t want to go into it all now, but I guess my reminiscing has reminded me that when the going get’s tough the tough get going. So, I’m digging out my ‘virtual’ boxing gloves and fighting all the way.

Now it’s your turn, what word or phrase sums up your week this week?

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Can I ask you favour? Would you consider nominating me in the 10th Anniversary MAD Blog Awards? I think my blog would fit in the Tween and Teen Influencer category. Thanks so much x

The MAD Blog Awards Are Back!

January 13, 2020 by Anne Sweet 4 Comments

It was 10 years ago when the MAD blog Awards were first held, and it was 2013 when I first found myself nominated along to the fabulous awards ceremony. Which was hosted by the lovely Dr Ranj.

blog award 2013, me and Dr Ranj — *Me and Dr Ranj in 2013*

I was also lucky enough to go in 2015 and 2016 as well. I was thinking about 2016 last night, and I can’t believe how much my mobility has deteriorated since then. Still, at least I got to have a dance in 2013 and 2015.

MAD Awards

This year the doors are open for all parent influencers so the focus is not solely on bloggers. MAD still stand for Mum and Dad but the awards are now influencer based, so open to those who vlog or use social media to blog on. Of course, regular, old style bloggers are still welcome to enter.

You can nominate using the MAD Blog and Influencer awards nomination form here.

So, now, without any shame, here is where I ask you to consider me for a nomination. Out of the 12 categories I believe I fit in most in the Tween and Teen influencer category. I have two tweens and a teen so I know all about those fun years and share them here on my blog and social media.

All you have to do is fill in your name and e-mail and you can nominate as many or as few as you like. But remember, you can only enter the form once so make sure you know who you are nominating before you begin.

Why Nominate Me?

I’ve been blogging for a long time and over the years I’ve used my blog as a platform to share all things good and bad about family life. We’ve had fantastic trips and holidays but most of all it’s those little ordinary moments that I’ve enjoyed sharing the most. Like my Funny Things Kids Say and Do Posts.

I’m sure there will be more to come.

When I started this blog nearly ten years ago we were living in a different house with with two young girls and a baby boy. Since then we’ve moved house, spent 18 months in and out of hospital with Star including five trips to theatre and the dreaded halo vest. The girls have changed primary schools and now moved up to secondary school. The Little man has started school and then moved to another school after bullying so bad he ended up in A&E with a fractured arm. I also home educated him for six months while we were looking for a new school. All three of my children have experienced bullying at some point, but they are all mostly settled now.

Star was diagnosed with Autism in 2012, and a connective tissue disorder in 2014. The Little Man has also recently been diagnosed with Autism.

In the blogging world I used to run Kids in the Kitchen when my three were younger. Now I run Word of the Week a popular weekly round up linky open from Friday to Monday.

I’ve been to several blog camps which I’ve thouroughly enjoyed. And more recently I’ve been on a couple of blogging retreats. It’s always lovely to connect with other influencers and I’ve made many friends throughout the years.

Personal Journey

As a mum of three young children, finding myself in hospital in 2016 with an auto-immune condition which left me paralysed has had a big affect on my life. I’ve tried to keep things as normal as possible but it’s not easy. The Little Man doesn’t even remember the days when I could walk.

My blog has become a place where I not only talk about my children but how I deal with life as a disabled person after being able bodied for so many years.

Why I love Blogging

I don’t really think of myself as an influencer, but blogging means so much more to me. I’m not here to give advice or tell you the best way to parent your children. I’m just sharing my experiences as they happen. From time to time I may share places and things that we enjoy, in particular books and board games, as well as days out. My children have experienced a lot of fun time over the years as the kids of a blogger Mum, we’ve been to Legoland, Hatton Adventure Park, Center Parcs and Blackpool. We’ve also had trips to the theatre and even a fun day out at a Julia Donaldson exhibition. (the kids may have grown out of Julia Donaldson but she’ll always hold fond memories for me.

The whale from The Whale and the Snail, by Julia Donaldson. With a very young Boo and Little Man — *Boo and the Little Man at the Julia Donaldson Exhibition*

I’ve never really got to grips with other social media, although I do have a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube channel. (My most watched You Tube video is of the kids playing with the Scalextric they had for Christmas a few years back!)

The competition is Tough

Way back when I was first nominated for an award there was a lot less competition. Over the years there has been so many people turning to blogging in their own way and sharing their experiences. Even after all this time I wouldn’t consider myself as a popular blogger or influencer. There are some that are still big after such a long time though.

I’d love to share my favourite influencers with you but there are so many now that I’d be afraid of missing someone out. But if you want to vote for others then please check out the Tots100 site for inspiration.

And if you think I’m worthy then please do pop my URL https://www.raisiebay.com into the nomination form Maybe this time it could be my time to win something! (Don’t take too long though, nominations end on January 24th!)

Thank you,

Anne x

My Sunday Snapshot – Mandala

January 12, 2020 by Anne Sweet 7 Comments

Just before Christmas we went to the local village for the Christmas lights turn on. One of the things I noticed before it got too dark were these gorgeous crocheted mandala hanging from a tree. I thought they looked so lovely hanging in the twilight.

I’m currently working on a big crochet project which I will share with you later, but I’m certainly going to consider making my own mandala like this in the future. Maybe one of the smaller ones.

Mandala

There are many meanings and traditions surrounding mandalas. They are traditionally circle shaped with intricate patterns inside.

They are often associated with meditation or the performance of sacred rites. Mandalas can be fashioned in cloth, stone, paper, bronze or thread. There are few rules in designing a mandala, but the circle is most important.

There are many benefits from creating mandalas;

(taken from 100mandalas.com)

Relaxes the body and mind
Cultivates the feeling of happiness, inner peace, and general well-being
Eases stress, anxiety, worry, overwhelm, fear, and depression
Activates creativity and improves focus
Enhances self-esteem and self-acceptance
Fosters a sense of connectedness with one’s self and others
Improves sleep
It’s fun!

I’m looking forward to creating my own mandala. I have coloured them in colouring books before and felt it really satisfying. Now, I really want to have a go with some crochet. I can’t wait to get some hoops and get started.

Have you ever made a mandala, or do you remember seeing one that felt special to you?

Be Happy Be You – Book Review

January 11, 2020 by Anne Sweet 2 Comments

Be Happy Be You

The Teenage Guide

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Collins (9 Jan. 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0008367566
ISBN-13: 978-0008367565
Product Dimensions: 14.8 x 21 cm

The Blurb

This positive and insightful guide gives you the tools to build your confidence, eliminate negative feelings and boost happiness in all areas of your life.
Being a teenager has its own unique challenges, but it’s also the perfect time to shape your own mental wellbeing and happiness. Scientists reckon 40% of your happiness is within your control, that’s A LOT of happiness and this book will help you to harness it…There are tons of ideas to try from creating an anxiety toolkit, to planning a digital detox and meditating, plus you’ll learn the science behind why they work. Carry out the activities by yourself or with family and friends and take your happiness into your own hands!

My Review of Be Happy Be You

I’m so excited to be reviewing this book, Be Happy Be You, written by my blogging friends Becky and Penny. I’ve not been asked to review the book and I paid for it myself. The link above however is an (obvious) affiliate link to the book on Amazon. The book can be bought from other outlets.

My first impressions was how bright and exciting the cover was. No need for images just a bold red background and big white text…and a smiley of course.

As a Mum of a Teenager and a Tween I’m always grateful of any help they can get through these difficult years. I do my best, but sometimes it’s so hard for them to talk about their feelings. Being able to dip into an informative book is the next best thing to Mum.

From how to make friends, and how to deal with peer pressure, to getting along with siblings. This book will give a teenager advice and coping strategies that are easy to read and digest. It also explains the science behind the advice, not in a long winded text book way, but simple and precise with some fabulous diagrams to help understanding.

With it’s 40 chapters covering all the thing a teenager may worry about, it will certainly teach them how to choose to be happy. My girls are already getting stuck in and I’m sure it’s going to be a useful resource for them.

New Competition – Hidden Wonders Book and Jigsaw puzzle

January 10, 2020 by Anne Sweet Leave a Comment

Recently I reviewed a fabulous book from Lonely Planet Kids. Hidden Wonders, which is aimed at 9-12 year olds. Now, I’m running a competition to give away a copy of the book and a 260 piece jigsaw puzzle.

Our Review

A lovely hardback book with quality paper and gorgeous illustrations. This book would make a lovely gift for any chid aged 9 or over. It’s recommended up to 12 years but it’s one of those books that will interest anyone of any age.

With loads of photographs and short stories, it’s easy to dip into and find something interesting to read. A lot of these places you will have probably never heard of. And there is a whole 240 pages to digest. It will be a book that’s treasured for a long time.

Hidden Wonders Competition

I have a copy of this book, (normally £14.99 but currently on sale for £11.99) to give away to one lucky reader. I also have a 260 piece jigsaw puzzle which features the beautiful front cover of the book. Please read the terms and conditions and enter using the widget below. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

competition UK only
competition starts on 9th January 2020 and ends 7th February 2020
winners will be contacted by e-mail
I will collect no personal information except to contact winner
competition details will also be posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
The competition Prize is one Hidden Wonders Book and a 260 piece jigsaw puzzle

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please consider nominating me in the MAD blog award 2020 in the Tween and Teen Influencer Category. Thanks xx

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