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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

Real Mum Tips for Infant Car Seats and Strollers.

January 10, 2020 by Anne Sweet Leave a Comment

Occasionally, Raisie Bay will bring you informative and interesting posts from other contributors. I hope you find this one one useful.

Every parent will tell you the joy that comes with having a baby. And when you are a first-time parent, then it becomes even more exciting. However, most parents will also attest to the fact that the preparation involved; can prove to be a bit overwhelming. For instance, shopping for an infant car seat and prams will need you to be well informed. The reason these purchases can prove to be overwhelming is that there are so many items out there in different styles, models, and quality.

baby in car seat — *stock image from Unsplash*

When it comes to your baby’s comfort and development, infant car seats and prams may be one of the essential purchases you will make as a parent.

Below is a guide on how to go about buying the most suitable stroller and car seat for your newborn.

Consider The Compatibility Of Your Car

Baby car seats come with the option of attaching it using either the seat belt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system). Therefore, it is advisable to go through the manual of your vehicle before you go shopping for a baby car seat. It’s also important to measure your back seat to know how much room is available for the infant seat. After all, you want it to fit perfectly without any issues before the baby can start using it.

Carrier or Convertible

There are two types of infant car seats – a carrier and a convertible seat. Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages. Most parents prefer carrier seats because you can easily detach them from the car and carry it with the baby in it. This means, even if the baby is sleeping, they can remain sound asleep even when moving from the car.

Convertibles are also beneficial, especially when you want something that can suit your baby in all stages. One benefit of a convertible infant car seat is that it can be turned around to face forward when the baby reaches the required weight, height, and age. The only problem is that this type of car seats can’t leave the car.

Ensure Baby’s Safety

Your baby’s safety must be a priority when you go baby shopping. And because safety technology changes so frequently, it is of great importance to buy a brand new product. Check for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp on the item to confirm that it has gone through the requisite quality assessment.

Check For Important Features

Essential features that guarantee protection for your baby include the 5-point harness. These include two shoulder straps, two waist straps, one strap that runs in the middle of the leg and connects with the rest, side-impact protection, and the LATCH system. With these features, your baby is firmly supported in the seat.

Choose Something Easy To Clean

It is advisable that when buying a car seat, you decide on one with smooth fabrics that are easy to clean. With time, you will realize that babies can make a lot of mess. Hygiene is essential for your baby’s general health. Therefore, you do not want a fabric like a corduroy that will hold on to some dirt.

What To Look For When Buying a Stroller

Wheels – large and air-filled wheels are best for any surface. They keep the stroller firm and steady.

Frame – Look for lightweight frames instead of bulky, but insist on quality and durability. Ensure that the frame of the stroller is not too heavy to push with the baby inside.

Brakes – The brakes should always lock with wheels simultaneously.

Canopy – This feature should be able to protect your child from the sun and wind. A canopy is also good when it can offer ventilation for hot days.

Underneath Storage – Remember you want stability, and hanging bags on the handlebar can cause the little one’s carriage to be at risk of tipping over. Therefore, buy a stroller that has sufficient storage underneath it. Remember that there is always so much to carry for a baby.

Bottom Line

Shopping for a baby is both fun and overwhelming at the same time. However, knowing what to look out for when you go out shopping can save you from making some very expensive mistakes.

Mum with baby pram by a lake at sunrise — *stock photo from Unsplash*

Previous post on Raisie Bay on importance of car seats

*collaborative post

Word of the Week 2 – Plans

January 10, 2020 by Anne Sweet 13 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 plans 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

Plans

This week we had many plans. Some good, some not so, and some changed.

The kids didn’t go back to school until Tuesday but we had plans for Monday. First it was a hospital cardiology appointment for Star. Then we planned to have lunch in town and a little walk around the shops. We did have lunch but the walking around was abandoned as we all just wanted to go home.

Tuesday the plan was back to school. I think it’s going back after Christmas that I dislike the most. The kid’s have so much fun with all their new stuff and games and it just seems a shame that it all has to end and everything cleaned up. It’s truly the end of Christmas. The girl’s had a good day, the Little Man not so.

Wednesday, no plans, which was good because I was really not well all day!

Thursday it was time for another hospital appointment for Star. This time to see her neurologist. We’d made lots of plans on how we were going to pick her up from school just after lunch, then Graham was going to leave us at the hospital while coming home to pick up the other two from school. Then he was dropping them at my sister-in-law’s before coming back to town to pick me and Star up. It was a plan, but it was also stressful. Star was stressed about leaving school at the right time. I was stressed at being left alone with Star in town for nearly 3 hours, and Graham was stressed about driving in and out of town and dropping the kids off and getting back to us in time.

But, on Wednesday afternoon we had a call from the hospital to say that the appointment had to be re-arranged. After all that planning!

The change of plan had a big effect on Star and the stress ended with her not going into school on Thursday.

Future Plans

I’ve also been thinking of some future plans this week. I’ve booked tickets to another ballet in February, I’m taking my friend to see Matthew Bourne’s ‘The Red Shoes’ and I really can’t wait. I love Matthew Bourne’s take on the classics.

Then towards the end of the month it’s my eldest’s birthday. He want’s to go out for a meal as usual but we are having trouble figuring out plans. He wants to go out lunch time with the kids and in the evening with the adults!! I’ve asked him maybe to split it over two days as I don’t think my stomach could take that much food.

Now it’s over to you, what have you been up to this week?

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Changing Personalities – 2020

January 7, 2020 by Anne Sweet 3 Comments

Back in 2014, which seems a lifetime ago now, I looked at the three personalities of my youngest children. They were 9, 7 and 4 years old at the time.

Then in 2017, I took another look at them to see their changes when they were 11, 9 and 6 years old.

So now it’s a new decade and another 3 years, so I thought I’d do the same again and see what changes have been made in their personalities.

The Little (Monster) Man

The Little Man is now 9 years old, my baby will be 10 this year! I think these photos sum him up quite nicely. He’s funny, sweet, and a real pain in the backside. He still can’t sit still for five minutes, he still has the attention span of a newt. The only time he’s really happy is if he’s glued to a screen.

He changed schools due to a lot of bullying that actually had him ending up in A&E with a fractured arm. He’s much happier now and his new school is lovely. The teachers get frustrated with his behaviour but are much more understanding. He is now officially diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum and he reminds me a lot of my eldest when he was his age. He can be so much trouble! But I’m still getting hugs and kisses for now.

Boo the Tween

Boo is older, but one thing that hasn’t changed is her concentration and dedication to a task. Back in 2014 we had a 7 year old Boo concentrating on her decoupage, and now you can see her concentrating on painting her pottery.

She’s still highly strung, it’s very easy to set her off into a strop. She’s got all the emotions and some! Boo is now at Secondary school with Star and still has her close circle of friends. She is immature for her age though and doesn’t like the girls who are interested in make-up or boys. She does spend a lot more time on her tablet or phone, she loves You Tube and watches it for hours. (Don’t worry, I vet what she watches.) She also spends a long time sending texts to her school friends, but none of them are on Social Media yet. That’s one thing I’m dreading.

She is caring and will look out for her friends. Whenever we go out anywhere she doesn’t want to leave me, she feels she has a duty to look after me even though I’ve never asked her to.

She still likes to play with her sister sometimes but they have certain routines that they always stick too, and she will refuse to play with Star if it’s not the ‘right’ time.

Star the Teen

In September this year, my little Star will be going to be starting her final year at school! She’s not keen on having her photo taken but I’m sharing one from our holiday last year. We spent a day at Paradise Park in Cornwall and Star loved it. She really loves animals of all kinds and was thrilled to get close to this parrot. I’m pretty sure that she’d be well suited to job with animals.

Star has done really well at school, she gets lots of support but a lot she manages by herself. She has some close friends and contacts them out of school sometimes. Again, she has no interest in Social Media so no worries there. She loves playing video games and reading. Her older brother takes her out to buy new Manga every month and she loves it. When we were on holiday she had her nose stuck in a book nearly all the time. Well, apart from when we were at Paradise Park.

We are still waiting for a definite diagnosis but her geneticist believes she may have Marfan Syndrome. She’s now just a little bit taller than me at 5ft 8 inches. She has 3 yearly check ups on her heart and yearly check ups on her neck. So far it’s good, but I’m glad they keep a close eye on her.

Their Future Personalities

If I do this recap again in three years it will probably only feature The Little Man as the girls will be too old. That makes me feel kind of sad, but I’m also happy that I’ve recorded all these changes on my blog. I hope you have enjoyed them too. Have you noticed the changes in personalities of your children?