text:
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59784083773903730332014-11-27T08:53:39.706ZMedicated Follower of FashionAlex Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-61773413740322633432014-11-23T22:14:00.002Z2014-11-23T22:17:40.249ZFamily time at the playgroundIf we're ever stuck for something to do we fall back on an old favorite. A playground. Ethan always loves a run around in the fresh air, a chance to climb. As Felix is getting older he is also starting to get into playgrounds. Both boys love swings and climbing. Playgrounds provide us with an easy way to spend some time together as a family.

We recently discovered a new playground in Tickenham, a village near us, that we hadn't visited before. As the weather was nice (well, cold, but sunny and dry!) we decided this afternoon would be a great time to visit, so off we went!

We were pleasantly surprised with the playground. It's hidden behind the village hall and there is plenty of parking. There are quite a few walks in and around Tickenham so it's a great addition if you're children need a bit of extra fun before or after a walk!

In terms of play equipment, there is a large swing (I think the correct term is a "team swing"), a zip wire, a climbing frame with a slide and a timber framed adventure trail. Something that appealed to me straight away was that the play equipment was mostly wooden. It blended in with the natural environment.

Much of it was too "old" for Felix who is 18 months old but Ethan could have a good go on all of the equipment. Both boys enjoyed the swing. They were able to go on it together which was fun!

Ethan enjoyed the climbing frame, slide and adventure trail.

All in all we think it's a great addition to the area. So lovely to know of another playground nearby that we can visit! If you are one of my local readers then you might want to check it out - the playground is on Clevedon Road in Tickenham, behind the village hall.

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-73881947964852480182014-11-20T00:00:00.000Z2014-11-20T00:00:03.199ZTrendy Thursday - What I'd buy if I had the money..Being a blogger comes with it's perks, there's no doubt about that.. but it also exposes you to all the wonders that are out there. Particularly if you are into fashion. I love fashion and clothing for myself but I'm even more into kids fashion as you know and there are so many wonderful brands and designers for kids. So many fun clothes!!

If I had the spare cash, this is what I'd be splashing it on:

These amazing Tootsa MacGinty knits and wonderful Metsola monochrome top stocked by The Dandy Kid. Love, love, LOVE!

These epic Christmas designs from Smafolk & JNY Designs stocked by Funky Little People:

This fantastic bedding and funky trousers from the super cool Beau L0ves:

These Oeuf fox mittens stocked by Scout & Co Kids:

This insanely amazing Mini Rodini coat stocked by Cissy Wears:

I could go on and on ad infinitum I think. How about do? Do you have a constant wishlist? It can't just be me!

Link up your kids fashion posts below. Please don't forget to link to me in your blog post - you can display my badge as well if you like, available on the right. I do my best to visit your post and comment as soon as I can and tweet your links as well :-) Happy styling!

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-49954277964501126652014-11-18T21:21:00.002Z2014-11-18T21:21:43.197Z7 Healthy Italian Cooking Ideas Your Kids Will LoveChildren are notorious for loving all types of Italian food -- from pizza and pasta to hearty lasagne. However, kids are kids, and they tend not to pay much attention to what they eat. As a parent, you can guarantee your children delicious Italian food with a healthy, nutritious edge. All of a child's favourite dishes can be cooked in light calorie versions. Don't worry; your kids will still enjoy Italian night if you cook it right!

1. Homemade Pizza Topped With Veggies

Pizza is an Italian staple adored by children and adults alike. However, a lot of pizza recipes are greasy and topped with cholesterol laden meats. If you focus on homemade pizza crust with light sauce, you can create the basis for a healthier pizza pie. Top your pie with healthy vegetables that the children like. Many kids love mushrooms, peppers and spinach as long as these ingredients are subtly added to the food.

2. Chicken Penne in a Light Sauce

Most kids love chicken when it's cooked right, and pasta is a regularly fun dish around the house. Try cooking whole grain penne pasta in a light red sauce. Also, make sure not to load the sauce onto the dish. You get enough flavour with less empty calories when using a small sauce amount. Top the pasta with chicken for an extra flavour of lean meat.

3. Vegetable Lasagne

Lasagne is delicious but often packed with fattening red meat. You can opt for vegetable lasagne with spinach and mushrooms instead. This will cut down on fats and introduce nutrition to the dish. Combine this with a small amount of cheese for added protein.

4. Try Turkey Meatballs With Your Spaghetti

People everywhere love spaghetti and meatballs, but this dish can be made even healthier with meatballs made from turkey instead of pork or beef. Turkey meatballs are lean meat alternatives, but kids still find them tasty. Test this idea out by swapping the usual meatballs with turkey meatballs to see your children's reactions.

5. Italian Subs With Whole-Grain Bread

Italian subs are a long-time favourite of sandwich lovers. However, they are often made with fattening dressings. You can keep the Italian meats and cheese on the sub, but to increase nutrition and cut down on unnecessary calories, replace any fattening dressing ingredients with olive oil. Your child will enjoy the wholesome taste of these healthy subs.

6. Tomato Soup the Italian Way

Tomato soup is a wholesome choice for children's lunches. You can top this soup with multiple flavorful ingredients, including garlic, basil and just a small amount of alphabet shaped pasta for extra fun. Your child will enjoy this simple, nutritious soup. Tomatoes are an Italian classic, and when placed in a soup, they provide excellent taste for any discerning young eater.

7. Chopped Italian Salad in a Light Dressing

Spinach, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers can be combined with healthy vinaigrette dressings for the ultimate nutritious salad. Contrary to popular belief, children like salads if they are made correctly. They certainly do not have to be drenched in ranch dressing. Explore your dining options, and you will find several Italian-style salads your children will love.

If in a rush, you can find the best Italian deli that serves all the healthy goodness of Italian cooking, both you and your children will love!
Alexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-89077280114497330552014-11-14T13:00:00.001Z2014-11-14T13:00:41.970ZTop picks for Christmas with The Dandy KidOne of my favorite online shops, The Dandy Kid, have shared with me their top picks for Christmas and the best thing is that not only do they stock amazing items, they have something for every budget! I thought I'd share with you - after all, it's not long until the big day now!!

What did I tell you? Amazing stuff, isn't it! I adore the tents. I want to get a tepee or tent for my boys but unfortunately I don't have the budget this year. Hopefully for one of their birthdays!! If I were picking off this gorgeous list of suggestions I think a Metsola playsuit would make it's way into my basket along with something from Hello Apparel for me - hehe!!

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-80223877608711765442014-11-13T13:51:00.001Z2014-11-13T13:51:29.177ZTrendy Thursday - #Styleitkids week two!I am still really enjoying #Styleitkids on Instagram (see last week's post for more details) and it's really cheering me up. I am only getting around 4 hours sleep every night so am just about getting through the day.. each day I feel more like I'm surviving than living. If I'm honest, it's really getting me down. So, for me, at the moment, #Styleitkids is a little pick me up each morning.

This is what Felix & Ethan have been wearing over the last week:

Have you been joining in?

Link up your kids fashion posts below, I'll do my best to give you a shout out over Twitter but please forgive my short blog posts and general rubbishness whilst I'm coping with this lack of sleep...

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-48839623785800963492014-11-08T16:04:00.001Z2014-11-08T16:07:11.516ZDropping the night feed - Night TwoTwo nights down... but in that time, I've had less than one good nights sleep. Woe.

How did last night go? Well, it was made a lot harder by the fact that Ethan came home from school feeling very poorly. The poor sole. When I arrived to pick him up at the end of the school day he was beside himself, crying, sobbing and almost inconsolable. He was complaining of a sore throat and a painful mouth. I don't think it's the Hand, Foot & Mouth that Felix has had (though goodness knows because I've read that some children have it but don't display any of the traditional signs, they may just have a temperature, none of the rashes). I think it's a bog standard cold/virus. The trouble with my two is that as soon as they have a hint of illness their temperatures spike and they get very feverish.

Ethan calmed down when I got him home and got some calpol into him and he went to bed happily enough. However, he woke up at 3am asking if he could have a wheat bag warmed up because he was freezing cold (his temperature indicated otherwise, but you know what fevers are like!). I then spent two hours with him getting him back to sleep. In the end he settled in bed with us and dropped off around 5am. I tried to get to sleep and was just feeling drowsy when Felix woke at 5:30 am. Pete went into him and offered him some water and a little cuddle. He then left his room..

..cue 15 minutes of crying and grumbling.... As I'd been awake for quite a while at this point and I didn't want Ethan being woken again I decided to go in to Felix and try to calm him down a little. I picked him up, gave him some more water and then sat with him in his chair for a while, cuddling him. Once I felt he was calm, after about 10 minutes, I placed him back in his cot and rubbed his back for a few minutes. I then left the room. Unsurprisingly he kicked up a fuss but it wasn't like before and was really more of a grumble.

He carried on intermittently grumbling and chatting to himself until around 7am. We were all starting to get drowsy again and on the verge of dropping off when Pete's alarm went off.. as it's Saturday and none of us work weekends there was no need for us to be woken up at 7am so this was rather unfortunate. We think he put it on by mistake last night.. an autopilot thing! Felix heard the alarm and of course, he associates it with "time to get up" so that was that really. Time to start the day. I'd been awake since 3am again!

Pete has taken Felix out for the day which is a blessing. Ethan obviously isn't feeling up to doing anything, and needs to rest at home. I'm looking after him. It's quite nice really. Obviously it's not the ideal way to spend time with your child, I don't like having ill children but I do enjoy spending time one on one with Ethan, especially since he started school. We've been snuggling up on the sofa, eating home made rocky road (I had the ingredients in the cupboard and it's so easy to make!) and we've watched Elf.

Let's see what tonight brings!! I'm hoping Ethan is well enough to sleep through which will hopefully mean I don't get tag teamed by the monkeys and get a bit more than 3 or 4 hours sleep.

Anyone else out there going through this just now?Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-8899857198080074082014-11-07T13:46:00.000Z2014-11-07T13:46:35.944ZDropping the night feed - Night One.If you've read some of my recent posts, you'll be well aware of the fact that Felix does not sleep through at over 17 months old, apart from on 6 magical and random nights. Every night he wakes at some point, it could be at any time from 1am - 5am and we've always gone in to him and given him a bottle of milk and settled him back down.

Until about 14 months old this wasn't too much of an issue. He'd wake for his feed, one of us would pop in with the milk, feed him and then put him down again. The feed would take about 10-15 minutes and often he'd fall asleep during it. After putting him back in his cot whoever was feeding him would head back to bed and sleep on. This was fine. However,about three months ago, this pattern changed. His feeds started taking a LOOOOOOOOONG time. He'd be taking 45 minutes or more to drink the bottle. Our reaction to this was to start just giving him the bottle in his cot and leaving him to it. Not perfect, but it meant he was happy and we all got back to sleep. Sorted.

And then... it wasn't sorted. Not any more. No. About 6 weeks ago, Felix started happily drinking his milk in his cot but not falling asleep. No, after the feed, he'd stay awake and start kicking up a fuss in his cot. He wasn't screaming or super upset, he'd grumble, cry a bit, moan, go quiet, cry for a minute or two, moan, chat to himself, go quiet, cry, moan. This would go on for up to two hours. We're not sure why this started happening. A wonder week? A growth spurt? Teething? Either way, it was happening and it didn't stop.

The trouble is that when Felix is awake, I am awake. I am sensitive to every move and sound he makes. I've never needed to use a baby monitor, I've always woken up for both of my boys. Often I wake just before they do, like some kind of sixth sense. If he's crying and moaning, it's even worse. Going in to him didn't seem to help. What he really wanted was to fall asleep lying on me and be transferred to his cot... but this isn't a solution for us.

Everyone's sleep has been affected by these night wakings. Ethan has been woken several times. Often what happens is that Felix will wake at about 4am, be awake and making noise until about 6am at which point he'll drop off and Ethan will wake up.

For the last few weeks I've felt like the walking dead. Normally I am a night owl, for years I've not gone to bed later earlier than midnight. Sometimes I would work on my blog until 1 or 2am once a week. I can no longer do this. Most nights I am now in bed by 9:30-10pm which is super early for me. I feel like I am surviving life rather than living it. I am constantly tired and yawning. I feel like everything is suffering. I don't have the time or energy that I'd like for my blog. I feel sluggish and don't feel like I have the brainpower or energy to deal with my boys.

I've had enough. After a discussion with Pete, we've decided to try to cut the night feed out. It's not helping Felix get back to sleep any more. He's 17 months old, he really shouldn't need to have 7oz of milk to get him through the night. We've tried watering it down in an attempt to make it not worth waking up for, but that hasn't worked. We decided it was time to go cold turkey. Just not give him a feed.

Last night, Thursday night, we decided to do it. No night feed!! So, what happened?

Well... it was pretty tiring, I can tell you that much! Felix woke at 3am. I went in to him. I picked him up, gave him a few sips of water from his water bottle and gave him a quick cuddle, I then placed him back in his cot and patted him on the back for a minute. Then I left the room..

At first, he was quiet.. but only for a minute or two. He cried a bit, then called out for me. He spent a good why calling:

"Mummy! Mummy! Cuggle!!! Cuggle!".

Then he'd go quiet for a bit.

He cried and grumbled on and off for an hour and a half. I didn't go back in to him because I felt he never reached the point of true upset. Don't get me wrong, I don't like hearing him crying and calling out for me. It's horrible. But at the same time, for my sanity, I need him to sleep so I can sleep.

After an hour and a half he spent 15 minutes quietly chatting to himself and then, a little while before 5am he fell asleep again.

I never fell asleep again. I am sitting here typing this feeling even more exhausted than ever after 3 and a half hours sleep. Big boo :-(

I am hoping, praying even, that tonight, when he wakes (and I have no doubt he will wake) that he doesn't take quite so long to go back to sleep. I hope that I'm doing the right thing. I'm already on medication for anxiety. I really REALLY need to be able to sleep properly again. I have had enough and I feel very worn down and low.Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-56350980535599288942014-11-06T13:52:00.002Z2014-11-06T13:52:40.238ZTrendy Thursday - #styleitkidsWriting up today's Trendy Thursday is easy!! Have you been joining in with the awesome taggy held by Innocent Charmer and KyNa Boutique on Instagram? It's something fun to join in with. The two lovely ladies have come up with a prompt for each day and you post a relevant pic with the tag #styleitkids. It's cooking up a stylish storm!

These are the photos I've shared so far:

Details clockwise from top left:

Top - Beau Loves

Leggings - Donna Wilson for John Lewis

Shoes - various

Geo print infinity scarf - My Mila Baby

Yellow Gilet - Tesco

Shorts - Marmalade Sky

Stripy tights - Polarn O Pyret

Snake vest - Mini Rodini

Yellow trousers - Charity Shop

Moccs - Belle & The Bear

Have you been joining in? If not, there's plenty of time, it runs for the whole of November. See Kara or Jenny's accounts for more info!

In the meantime, you can link up your kids fashion posts below! Please do comment and visit others who join in!

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-66611993584728720502014-11-04T14:26:00.000Z2014-11-04T14:26:20.787ZThe TruthThere are so many things that we parents are recommended (told!) to do with our children. So much advice. So many ways in which we end up doubting ourselves, worrying, wondering HOW we can do "the right thing". I know I do!

I thought I would share some of my truths. I know all of the advice and yet there are some things I do with my children that aren't recommended. I bet you do to! I thought it might be helpful to have something out there that says; "It's OK! I don't follow all of the advice either!".

Let me start by saying that advice and recommendations to of course have their place, but so often it serves to make us feel worse. It can block us from following our gut instincts. I feel that you have to pick your battles when bringing up children. Some things are worth worrying about, some things not quite so much!

Here are my truths:

Felix does not sleep through. He is 17 months old and apart from on 6 freak occasions, he has not and does not sleep through the night. He always wakes once. He often wakes twice. If he's ill he might be awake every hour.

Felix still has milk in the night. All advice states that children DO NOT need milk in the night at this age. That is probably true. It is something we want to wean him off and once he is over his current illness we will be putting a plan into action, however, at the moment he is 17 months old and drinks 7oz of milk at some point during the night. It helps him sleep and get through the night. That means we (generally) get more sleep.

Felix still drinks from a bottle with a teat. Shock! Horror!! Phone up social services now! He is perfectly capable of drinking from all other types of cups and bottles but when it comes to his milk, he likes his bottle. He won't drink it if I offer it in any other type of bottle/cup. Sometimes I worry about it a little. I know it's not perfect, I know it goes against advice. But it is his one comfort (other than Mummy and Daddy). He isn't attached to a toy or a taggy or a dummy. He loves his bottle. Loves it. Ethan used his bottle until he was nearly 3. I used a bottle until I was 4 (only to have a cup of tea in!!). My teeth are fine. I am 32 and have never had a filling or a tooth out. Ethan's teeth are also in excellent condition.

Felix doesn't always self settle for naps and bedtime. Sometimes he goes in his cot awake. Sometimes he goes in asleep. Before nap and bed Felix has his milk and he often falls asleep during it. I then put him in his cot. If he goes in awake he cries and moans for a bit but not normally for too long.

There you have it. A few truths from me. Yes, I doubt myself. I often think that I'd rather he didn't use a bottle or slept through. But I also tell myself this isn't forever. He won't use a bottle forever. I don't use one! As he gets older he'll drop milk feeds from his day and the bottle will go naturally, just like it did with Ethan. As for the night feed, there will be a way to get rid of it when we're ready. It might mean a tough few nights but it is possible. We just have to be ready to do it!

Is there anything you do that isn't strictly recommended?Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-33119529153653452612014-10-30T00:00:00.000Z2014-10-30T00:00:06.904ZTrendy Thursday - Blah Blah BlahMy boys have pretty much been wearing the same thing on repeat over the last week, their Whistle & Flute ghost tops.. so I'm kinda struggling to have an outfit to show off this week!

Felix wore his Donna Wilson Blah Blah Blah leggings for the first time the other day. I LOVE THEM!! They look adorable and the material is SOOOOO soft. Just lovely.

I spent the day enjoying looking at them but when I took them off at the end of the day I discovered they were covered in holes!! When I found the first hole I thought he must have snagged them on something but in total I found 8 holes, all over the leggings. I think it must be some fault with the material. Sad :-( I tweeted John Lewis though and they reassured me I can get them replaced if I take them back to a store- a mission for half term!

What have your monkeys been wearing this week? Link up below! Don't forget to comment here and on other's who link up! Please link back to me in your blog post :-)

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-59361239405215126872014-10-29T22:49:00.001Z2014-10-29T22:50:55.052ZA Visit To Old Down Country ParkIt's half term. It's raining. What shall we do? How about a trip down memory lane!

Years ago I used to be involved in guiding. My Mum ran a Brownie pack and I used to help her. Every year I would attend the pack holiday. Many times we took the pack to Woodhouse Park in Bristol. Whilst there we would take the Brownies on a day trip to Old Down Country Park, a place with an adventure playground and lots of farm animals to meet.

The last time we went on one of these pack holidays was 13 years ago now. Since that time I don't think I've really given one thought to Old Down and I don't think Mum really has either. However, we were trying to come up with a half term day trip, somewhere we could take a 17 month old and a 5 year old that they would both enjoy.. and Mum suggested: "What about that place we used to take the Brownies?".

Well, today we made that trip! Old Down Country Park is in Thornbury, Bristol. It's only about a 45 minute drive away. It seems crazy that we've not thought about taking the boys before.. The forecast for the day wasn't great, but the thought of spending a day cooped inside with the boys didn't appeal. We wanted to get out.

We arrived at Old Down to find it VERY quiet. It seemed that the weather had kept the crowds away. It has to be said it's a very outdoors place, there isn't much to be done inside. I supposed that would keep most people away when the rains set in! However, it worked in our favor. The fact it was so quiet made it a very pleasant day. Yes, it was rainy. It was even cold despite yesterdays attempt at an Indian Summer. There was plenty for us to see and do and when the cold and rain got too much, the cafe was a welcome retreat.

There are several play areas with a variety of activities; ride on cars, trampolines, swings, climbing frames, play houses, a zip wire. There are all of the farm animals you'd expect including a gorgeous peacock and very friendly goats!

The cafe is a real winner. It was lovely and warm inside with two log burners (they only had one on the go and it was very cosy!). Low lit with twinkly fairy lights and loads of delicious homemade fares, it really made me happy! We had lunch there and were impressed with the wide choice of food. Everything we ordered was tasty and didn't take too long to arrive. We popped back to the cafe in the afternoon to warm up with a hot drink and I was very happy to see a Pumpkin Spice Latte on the menu - yum! A fantastic cake selection as well.

We loved Old Down. I had a lovely day with my boys, I feel really happy and content this evening and I just know that I will look back on this day as being a truly happy one. One of those gorgeous warm memories that you cling to in tough times. One of those memories you relive again and again.

Thanks Old Down! We plan to be back soon!

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-44055422621345204992014-10-23T12:07:00.001+01:002014-10-23T12:07:39.389+01:00Boo! Halloween Fashion - Trendy ThursdayWhistle & Flute are one of our favorite brands. My boys both have one of their cloud print tops which always look amazing.

A while ago W&F posted a picture on Instagram which got Ethan and I very excited - they were making a ghost print tee for Halloween! Not any old print either, one that glows in the dark! I ordered as soon as they went live and about three weeks ago our tees arrived in the post!

Since then, Ethan hasn't wanted to take his off. He was worn it all weekend for two weekends on the trot. If he weren't in school, I'm pretty sure it would have been on him all week! He's obsessed with it, he hugs it, kisses it, tells me how much he loves his ghost!!

Felix is equally taken with his but a little less vocal. He does say Wooooo! when he sees himself in the mirror though.

Ethan has already told me he'll be wearing his ghost top on the big day itself, along with his bat cape and superhero mask from Velveteen Babies.

I thought I'd share a few Halloween inspired picks from some other favorite brands:

H&M:

George at Asda and Hello Apparel:

You can always rely on H&M and George to come up with the goods for holidays, and for bargain prices as well! The Hello Apparel top is awesome, I'd love that for my boys - it has a glow in the dark ghost!

Do your kids dress up for Halloween? Are you having a party? Going Trick or Treating? Well, whatever you get up to, if you have a kids fashion post, please do link up below! Don't forget to link back to my blog, comment here and on other linked posts! Thanks!

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-61412080591808914852014-10-16T00:00:00.000+01:002014-10-16T00:00:00.153+01:00Trendy Thursday - hand printed chic!Last Thursday I had a few precious hours to myself and I knew exactly what I wanted to do. For ages now I've been inspired by hand printed items by Woody & Florence and the hand made look of clothing lines such as Bobo Choses and Beau Loves. I really wanted to print a few items for the boys to wear and these were the results:

I have to say I was quite pleased with the results! Felix has already worn a couple of the vests underneath outfits and I think they really added a cool edge!

Ruffle collar - Polarn O Pyret

Kawaii Cloud Vest - Whistle & Flute

Harlequin leggings - Rock Your Baby

Socks - The Bamboo Design

Moccasins - Belle & The Bear

Snake Vest - Mini Rodini

Harlequin leggings - H&M

Socks - Bebedepino via Gnome & Post

Have you made any hand printed items for your children? Or any other handmade items?

If you've got a kids fashion post, link it up below! Please don't forget to comment here, link back to my blog and visit others who join in!

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-86104327949605623042014-10-15T21:16:00.001+01:002014-10-15T21:16:48.294+01:00Back on the pills..It's no secret I've been struggling in the last few weeks. I've written about it a few times. I had an appointment with the Dr this week, I'd decided it was time for action.

For the last 5 years I've been on and off medication for anxiety and PND. Every time I come off them I feel somehow this will be the time I'll manage to cope, to not have to go back on them again. Really, I shouldn't care. If someone is diabetic, they take the medication they need to be healthy. It should be the same for people with mental health problems.. and yet somehow, it isn't. There is still a part of me that feels I "should" be able to cope without medication. After all, exactly what is it about my life that is so hard?

Enough.

I really need to learn how to relax. How to accept who I am. To lean to do nothing. It's good to want to be motivated, to work hard, but right now I have two young children, one of whom doesn't sleep though the night and sometimes only naps for 20 minutes a day. I have very little time to myself. Even blogging is hard to fit in.

Back to my Doctors appointment. I explained how I've been feeling, but it was a forgone conclusion really, I was going to go back on medication. I wouldn't have made the appointment if I didn't want to go back on them. This time I'm trying Setraline. Previously I've been prescribed Citaolpram and whilst I think it helped me, it never completely rid me of that nervous anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach. I thought it would be worth seeing if something else would do a better job for me and the doc agreed.

I took my first pill this morning. I must admit I was a bit scared. First of all, there's the knowledge that once you start the pills there is a likelihood that you will feel worse for the first 2 weeks. Beyond that, it can take up to 6 weeks before you feel any better. Whilst it's good to know that I should start to feel better in the long run, it's scary to know I might well feel worse first. Then, there's the other side effects that tend to be worse in the first few weeks; nausea, insomnia, dizziness, feeling spaced out. I've suffered from these before when starting to take citalopram so I know there's a chance this may be the case again. The thought of having to carry on looking after the boys whilst feeling like this is worrying....

Day one is nearly over. So far, I've not felt too much in the way of side effects. I've felt some nausea but it eased when I ate. I feel tired, but that's not surprising as I'm only managing about 4 hours sleep at night just now anyway... I feel good that I've taken the first pill. It's the first step to feeling better again I hope.Alexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-5099933214818080602014-10-09T00:00:00.000+01:002014-10-09T13:33:50.539+01:00Trendy Thursday - Animalicious!Lookee! Lookee!! Our first Pray 4 Trax necklace arrived! I must admit, as was pointed out to me on Instagram, that I said I was buying these necklaces as stocking fillers for the boys, but when this one arrived the other day (and I knew just from the packaging what it was) I couldn't help getting it out and having a good look. Felix saw it and wanted to put it on. I could quite easily hide it away and put it in his stocking if it was just him, he's too young to say anything on Christmas Day.. Ethan has also seen it though and he would definitely think something was up if it came out of Felix's stocking. I don't want to ruin Father Christmas for him so I think the necklace will have to stay out. Oh dear!!

Felix has also been sporting his MarMar Copenhagen leopard print suit this week and wow, I think he looks adorable in it! Hubby likened him to Bet Lynch. Whatever. I have to admit there is a passing resemblance - platinum blond, animal print.. and he does like to hold a twig in his mouth rather like a cigarette...

Leopard print suit - MarMar Copenhagen via CissyWears

Pray4Trax elephant

Socks - BebeDePino via Gnome & Post

Moccs - Belle and The Bear

The curls and animal print do, as with much of what he wears, make him even more likely to be referred to has she and her, but whatever, I think he looks awesome, and he's comfy and happy!

What have your little trendsetters been sporting this week? Link up below, tweet me and don't forget to link back and comment!

Before I go - have you seen my amazing Instagram giveaway? If you like kids style and fashion, it's for you!

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-10399720416272849742014-10-08T22:11:00.000+01:002014-10-08T22:17:11.363+01:00Being a stay at home parent is HARD.I've been a stay at home Mum for over 5 years now and do you know what? It's hard. Bloody hard. Being a parent is hard full stop, but there's another element to being a stay at home parent. Somehow, it's like you loose your identity. You are Mum (or Dad) and that's about it. Teachers will refer to you as Mum. The dentist will refer to you as Mum. Strangers in the street will refer to you as Mum. Your own bloody Mum will refer to you as Mum.

Mum.

MUM,

EFFING BLOODY MUM.
Please, don't get me wrong, I love being Mum to my boys (or Mama as they call me). It truly is the best and most rewarding thing I've ever done. I don't regret it. I'm just finding it hard.

I've always found being a Mum hard. Having PND after having Ethan was the first hurdle. Beyond that, I've always been an anxious person and so I find the day to day life of looking after first one and now two boys stressful.

Sometimes I think to myself, just what is it exactly that I'm finding stressful? I don't get paid for what I do, I don't have a boss or have get a report in on time. But when I evaluate each moment of the day, I find that it is full of stress. Full of worry. And I never go home from the job. I can't even pee in peace. Weekends, whilst being lovely family time, are no break. My kids are my colleagues and they are always there. They even come on bloody holiday with me - the cheek!!

Every day my head is reeling, I'm obsessing over somehow finding the "perfect" way to make my day with the boys somehow run like clockwork. In my head life is a puzzle and I just need to find the right formula to achieve perfection. But these are children I'm dealing with, little people. They aren't going to conform! It's like every day I get up and set myself up for failure and at the end of the day go to bed with my head held low, shameful after my day of underachievement.

Logically I know that trying to achieve perfection is ridiculous, especially when it comes to looking after children! My day is boringly predictable yet at the same time impossible to predict. What time will Felix nap? Will he eat his food today or chuck it on the floor? Will Ethan be happy when I pick him up from school? Will anyone sleep through the night?

It's all so mundane.

That sounds contrite... Again, let me reiterate. I love my children. I love being able to bring them up but my God, I truly never realized how hard it was going to be. I've dedicated my life to them and I still don't feel it's enough. That I'm enough.

My husband says to me I need to relax more. Do less. Even the blog. I love this blog. I am amazed that people read and comment. It's a lifeline for me.. but at times, it's also a bind. I feel pressure to publish posts, to have something to say. I know that in order to be able to cope with the days looking after the boys I need to have downtime in the evening where I do nothing much beyond vegging in front of the TV or reading a book.. but the trouble is the voice in my head.

It says:

"If ALL you do is look after kids and watch TV, who are you? What is your worth? What defines you? You really are JUST Mum".

I spend much of my day fantasising about the future. Or the past. I sometimes even fantasise about the terrible job I had before I had Ethan. The mind numbingly boring, tedious and pretty much pointless admin role I held. God, that job used to drive me to distraction, it was so boring... but oh! The thought of just being able to complete a task without interruption. Or complete something full stop. Or not have to do something at 1am because it was the only quiet time available.

What's the answer? I don't know. Maybe I'm not cut out for this stay at home Mum malarky. But I just don't know what else I'd do! What job could I get that would fit around school hours and pay enough to cover childcare costs? Truthfully, I don't so much want to go back to work, I want to enjoy what I'm doing. I want it to be as fulfilling as we're told it will be. I'd like to have the time to dedicate to my blog, to see if I could really make it go places. To make some money out of doing something I love would be amazing!

I know that lack of sleep and anxiety feed off each other and that as my boys aren't the best sleepers, I'm very susceptible to low mood due to sleep deprivation. I'm going back to the Drs next week. It might be time to go back on the pills.

That's another thing. When I admit to myself that I'm not coping, that maybe I need something else to help me through these tough toddler days, my head very helpfully holds a Stones gig in my head, the opening song being Mothers Little Helper:

"Kids are different today", I hear every mother say

Mother needs something today to calm her down

And though she's not really ill, there's a little yellow pill

She goes running for the shelter of a mother's little helper

And it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy day"

Helpful, hey? Honestly, I'm my own worst enemy.

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-77306857345816391452014-10-03T12:45:00.002+01:002014-10-03T12:45:39.811+01:00Happy 1st Birthday Skellywear! Win a £50 spend!Our newest sponsor is the lovely online cool kids retailer Skellywear. I'm super proud to be sponsored by Skellywear but that's not the only exciting news - today is their 1st birthday! One whole year of supplying cool stuff to parents and kids!

Not heard of Skellywear? Well, if you love funky kids clothes and cute toys, you'll love them. The lovely lady behind Skellywear is Leonie. She felt that the high-street offerings for children were far too mainstream, boring and full of gender stereotypes - something I tend to agree with! Leonie looked for alternatives and decided to create her own shop as a solution! Proactive lady! Brands stocked include Corby Tindersticks, Naked Lunge, Dunns, Cute Graffiti.

To celebrate the birthday, Leonie is offering the chance for one reader to win a £50 spend at Skellywear. There's only one prize, but don't feel too down, for the next week you can get 20% off your order using the code happy at checkout.

The competition will run for two weeks from today and you can enter below using the rafflecopter below. Please note that once a winner has been picked at random using rafflecopter I will be checking that all of the steps have been followed correctly (i.e. for an entry you can follow Skellywear on twitter - I will check the name chosen is following). This isn't to be mean and petty but to keep things fair.

a Rafflecopter giveawayAlexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-64253121331181678072014-10-02T00:00:00.000+01:002014-10-02T00:00:02.496+01:00Trendy Thursday - Curls Gone Wild!Ooo, we love a Kenzie Jaws design in our house! Kenzie's designs were one of the first to pop out at me on Instagram and I've been a fan for over a year now I think. Both of my boys have a couple of her tees. Last week we took delivery of one that I've wanted for Felix for ages. Really, it couldn't be more perfect for him!

Let me present Curls Gone Wild!

Go on, be honest, it couldn't suit him more, could it?! It has to be said that most of the children I've seen wearing this tee on Instagram are girls, but I felt Felix could rock it. He might not have curly hair when he gets older. I'm enjoying his soft golden curls for now and every time we step out of the door, we get complimented. People actually come up to us in the street and tell me "never cut his hair!". And I don't want to!

Curls Gone Wild tee - Kenzie Jaws

Harlequin leggings - Rock Your Baby via MiraMira Dublin

Converse - Ethan's cast offs!

In other news, whoop whoop, we are closer to being the owners of some Pray 4 Trax necklaces! As I type this tonight, a new batch have gone live on the Little Vikings site. I just bought an orange bead bear necklace. I also purchased an elephant one the other day from another store. Exciting stuff! They might well end up as Christmas presents, depends how long they take to arrive and how restrained I'm feeling!!

Over to you lot now, what have your little ones been stepping out in? Link up below! Please please don't forget to comment here, link back to me and visit others who join in!

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-77093378433256304062014-09-30T14:25:00.000+01:002014-10-01T09:02:58.527+01:00Never good enough? What it's like to be a worrier and tips for coping:
I never feel good enough. I know I'm not the only one. Why? Why is it we feel like this? Does anyone know the answer? Is there anyone out there who is truly happy with themselves and what they achieve? Is this a state only reached after years of counseling?

I know that a certain amount of not being satisfied is good. After all, without that we'd never strive to improve and achieve.

I seem to live in a permanent state of never feeling good enough. I go from one worry to the next, always giving myself something new to fret over, always giving myself doubts in my ability. Sometimes I just want to bash my head in. From the moment I wake in the morning to the moment I fall asleep (and in between due to the tag team interruptions from the boys in the night) it's nagging at me:

"What are you going to feed the boys today? Is it healthy? You're planning beans on toast for tea?! My God you're a shit Mum! You should have fitted in time to make a homemade casserole!"

"Is Ethan too short?"

"How will Ethan cope with his school dinner?"

"How are you going to fit Felix's nap in today?"

There really seems to be no limit to my worry. I've erred on the anxious my whole life. Even as a child I remember worrying, about school work, about friends, about the safety of myself and my family. I remember age six sleeping with a packed suitcase under my bed each night which included spare clothes, favorite toys and some books. I kept it there in case there was a fire; I would be able to grab it before getting out. I had also planned the safest escape route for the entire family. For some reason I felt that it was my responsibility to get everyone out! Fast forward to shortly after Ethan's birth over 5 years ago, one of the stupid worries I had running around my head was how on earth I would deal with packed lunches for him at school.. when I had a newborn to look after, this was just one of the extra silly things I gave myself to worry about on top of everything else!

Becoming a parent does mean extra worry. Being a stay at home parent, even more so, I suspect. Without a work place in which you become someone other than Mum or Dad for a few hours, your whole life revolves around your child/ren and house. Your house almost feels like your office. After all, it's your base. It can be very very hard to gain perspective.

I've spoken to a lot of my stay at home Mum friends and I know many of them feel the same. Though I feel we all worry to different degrees.

How can we cope with all of this? Well, for me, it's a case of constant evaluation. Because I've suffered with anxiety for most of my life, I have to look out for signs that it's going beyond normal and more into the realm of requiring medication. However, there are some things that I do to help myself to hopefully avoid this and these are things that help all of us in these situations:

1) See friends and talk:

I really think this is just about the most important step you can take to help yourself step off the worry train. Just a few minutes (preferably longer if children will allow!) talking with other parents will ease your burden. Soon you will realize that they too are worrying about just how much their child has eaten. They will confide in you that no, Jack doesn't actually sleep through the night, he climbs into their bed. You can trade horror stories, worries, concerns. It's corny, but it's true, a problem shared is a problem halved. Just by vocalising your worries it takes some of power away from them.

2) Exercise:

Walk. Push the pram. Put your child in a creche if you can and do a class. You don't need me to tell you that exercise is good for you. It releases those lovely endorfins we all benefit from. I can tell you first hand this works. I start Monday morning stressed to the hilt. The whole week is ahead, I'm missing the weekend, missing having my husband with me, worrying about how I'm going to fit everything in. At 9:30 am I put Felix in the creche at my local leisure centre and I do a class. Whilst I'm in that class I physically cannot worry about anything. I'm too busy sweating and trying to keep up. After the class I find half of the things I've been worrying about have left my head, or their significance is greatly reduced. Plus, I feel good about myself. I feel fit and healthy. I also feel good because Felix has had some time playing and socialising with other children, something I feel benefits him.

3) Set aside some "me" time:

I know.. I know. You feel you haven't got time. If you can though, even just two hours a week, just setting aside a slot in your week where you do something for you can made heaps of difference. This could be the exercise class! Hell, kill two bird with one stone why not, you multitasking mutha! Perhaps you've always wanted to learn to knit? Find a local class. Sign up. Go out for a drink with a friend.

Take a break!

4) Set aside "time off":

This is something I am learning to do. I'm someone who's guilty of always trying to do too much (see the above about never feeling good enough!). If we give ourselves too much to do, the chances are we end up doing most things badly, or at least, not to our standards. It is SO important to switch off, do do NOTHING. Sit in a chair in the dark. Listen to the radio. Sit in the garden and listen to the birds. Put the phone and laptop away. This leads me on to no 5:

5) Make a schedule:

This is something for the list makers out there. Chances are, if you're a worrier, you probably also enjoy a good list! To help myself focus on what needs to be done during the week, to fit in my exercise, blogging time and "doing nothing" time I made a schedule. I was suffering with the feeling that I ought to be blogging/emailing/sorting things out any time I had a second where I wasn't with a child. It was starting to make me feel very stressed and, to be honest, quite unhinged. I decided to schedule my week, even though I was skeptical, and it's worked! I now know which evenings I'm going to blog. I have my exercise classes planned in. I've organised a monthly meet up with friends so I have something to look forward to and guaranteed time to talk. I also have very important evenings where there is nothing booked in. All I do on those evenings now is take it easy. I chat with the husband. I watch TV. I read my book. I don't get my laptop out. It's hard, but it's worth it.

Those are my top 5 tips for feeling better about yourself and reducing the worry in your life. My worried never completely go away, as does my anxiety. But I know that doing all of the above, I feel better. Not all of the time, but some of the time. And that is better!

Alex Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-27341648795266688422014-09-27T00:00:00.000+01:002014-09-27T00:00:00.482+01:00Clevedon Tides Marlens FestivalLiving in Clevedon is good. It's a lovely town. Yes, it's not the most exciting place in the world, but it's on the coast, it's close to Bristol and it has wonderful community spirit.

This weekend just gone Clevedon held it's annual Marlens (Marine Lake Enthusiasts) Tides Festival. We've made a point of attending the festival on previous years. It's lovely to see the town come together and it's such a family friendly event. The main part of the festival is held at the seafront on the Salthouse Fields and at the Marine Lake. There are stalls, a stage with live music, bouncy castles, children's activities. The festival lasts for the whole weekend and on the Saturday night there is always a large firework display.

Our favorite activities are held at the Marine lake. Last year Ethan went in a huge zorb ball and floated around on the water. This year he wanted to have a go on a kayak. At first, I wasn't sure. Ethan is a little small for his age and though the water in the lake isn't deep, I didn't want him falling in and giving himself a fright. I told myself that he'd be fine though and thought that really, it was too good an opportunity to pass by. Doing something like this would actually be confidence boosting for both of us I decided!

Ethan was super excited getting kitted out to go on the water, helmet and life vest on! At first one of the members of the Sailing Club took pulled him along with a rope but he was soon trying to figure out using the paddles. One of the Sailing Club members had told me he'd be too small to be able to use them effectively but he proved them wrong! Ethan impressed everybody!

Felix wanted to get in on the action as well. At 16 months he was certainly too small to paddle and not to jump in the water but on seeing how desperate he was to have a go, one of the helpers offered to take him out and pull him around for a while!

He adored it. Ethan too, they were both buzzing for the rest of the afternoon!

After enjoying the festival we popped into the playground for a little while where the boys let off a little more steam.

It was a lovely afternoon, so nice to feel part of a community!

Linking up with Coombe Mill for Country Kids.
Alexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-7136693450478916022014-09-26T12:42:00.000+01:002014-09-26T12:42:15.011+01:00The Sticker Club - A weekly kids sticker club!A short while ago an exciting email landed in my inbox asking if Ethan would like to have stickers sent to him for him to do with whatever he wants. I didn't even need to run the question by Ethan, I knew he'd love the chance!

Are there any children that don't like stickers? I don't think so! The idea behind The Sticker Club is simple. You sign up online and your child receives a hand folded packet of stickers once a week. The cost is £1.99 per week. Subscriptions are auto-renewing but can be cancelled at any time. The stickers themselves are designed by up and coming designers so are guaranteed to be of great quality, modern and attractive.

Image Source - The Sticker Club

Ethan received his first pack towards the end of August and since then has continued to receive a pack each week. There are so many things you can do with them. Keeping it simple, Ethan likes to stick them on paper and incorporate them in his drawings. However, we have also decorated around the house. There was one little set that reminded Ethan of Minecraft so he wanted to keep those ones in his bedroom - we stuck them on his shelf!

We decorated the back of our ipad, our phones, the fridge, even Ethan's lunch box. We've used them in Thank You cards. They are so cool that adults like them too!

I'm actually holding some sets back now because I think they will also make lovely stocking fillers and gifts for other children.

Overall, I think it's a great idea. Anything that encourages craft and creativity is good in my book. One suggestion I would offer would be choosing different options when it comes to frequency. I think for us, one pack a week is a little too much. We'd probably get on better with 1-2 packs per month. Obviously you can cancel and restart membership whenever you like but it'd be nice to have different frequencies to choose from. The club only launched on the 1st of September though, so this may well be something they are planning for the future!

Go check them out!Alexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-76572931733704074622014-09-25T00:00:00.000+01:002014-09-25T00:00:00.658+01:00Trendy Thursday - Wearing the new season garbDo you remember I showed my picks from some of the A/W collections recently? Well, both boys were rocking some a couple of weeks ago when we visited Bristol Zoo and I think they looked pretty darn amazing!

Bow & arrow top - Beau Loves via Scout & Co

Harem pants - The Mini Classy

Shoes - Clarks

Kawaii cloud shirt - Whistle & Flute

Tiger infinity scarf - Marmalade Sky Baby

Green Fleece - H&M

Pug Leggings - Mini Rodini via Scout & Co

Hi-tops - H&M

I think the Beau Loves bow & arrow print top is so cute. The fabric is soft, it feels lovely against the skin. The colour is very practical as well, especially with my muck attractor Felix! I like how it goes lower at the back, makes it stand out as something a bit different. I think he'll be wearing it for a long while as well. I bought it in age two so he can wear it baggy for a while! It goes really well with the Mini Classy trousers, looks very cool!

Ethan is mad about his pug leggings. The look amazing. They are a great colour for trousers - very practical with a boy running about getting muddy! Ethan wanted to team them with his favorite tee, his cloud print tee from Whistle & Flute. He adores this top so much that he actually gets it out of his wardrobe to hug it. I kid not. The Marmalade Sky scarf gave a pop of colour and he enjoyed finishing his outfit with his "disco boots".

If you've got a cool kid to show off, some funky new threads, some old ones being given a new lease of life, whatever it may be, as long as it's kids fashion, feel free to link up below! Please don't forget to comment here and on other posts linked up and please PLEASE link back to me in your post and/or display my badge.

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-38847009159394299312014-09-20T00:00:00.000+01:002014-09-20T00:00:03.711+01:00Water playWhat is it with children and water? Both of mine love it whether it's hot or cold. They are both a bit funny about it, both Ethan and Felix love to fill a paddling pool but neither of them are really interested in paddling in it. Ethan loves a bath but doesn't like to have Felix in with him because he gets splashed. Felix loves spray a hosepipe but hates it if it gets turned on him...

They are both happiest when they get to take turns "watering" the garden. It's just as well we've not had a hosepipe ban round our way in a while!

I could choose to get hung up on the fact that neither of them want to get in the paddling pools that I've bought for them, but I've decided just to go with it, if they are happiest playing with the hosepipe for a bit, so be it!

Do your children love a paddling pool or are they like mine, do they prefer to brandish a hosepipe or run through the sprinklers?

Linking up with Coombe Mill for Country Kids.Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-63997618243260418552014-09-19T00:00:00.000+01:002014-09-19T00:00:01.219+01:00Existing, not living..Some periods in life are a struggle. For the last five or six weeks we've had a tricky time. We are so SO lucky in so many ways and I know that. Our boys are healthy happy lads, we don't suffer from any serious illnesses or disabilities, our families are close by, we have friends. However, there are times when none of that seems to lift your spirits.. and the last few weeks have been one of those times.

Illness. Our family seems to have been ill almost constantly this year, especially Felix. I can promise you that I am not exaggerating when I say we have mere days between illnesses. If Felix isn't ill, he's teething. He's cut nearly 18 teeth now, that's more than one tooth for every month he been alive!

Mental health. Mine has been struggling of late. I can't imagine that you don't know, but the reason this blog is called "Medicated" Follower of Fashion is because when I started this blog I was recovering from PND and was taking citalopram. Over the last 5 years I have come on and off medication. I most recently came off medication in May this year and since then I have been constantly evaluating how I'm feeling. This in itself isn't helpful to mental health. To be constantly analysing myself, constantly wondering if what I'm feeling is "normal" or abnormal. Wondering if coming off the medication was the right choice.

With the last few weeks being so hard, it's especially trying on my mind and spirit. I've got to point where I have to take each day hour by hour. Sometimes I think I'm going to have to get myself straight to the doctor. Some days are better. I've been receiving great support from my local Health Visitor team which I'm hugely grateful for. I am an anxious person and constant illness and loss of sleep has a huge effect on me. I've been suffering from low moods, doubting negative thoughts, huge self doubt. For now I've decided to stay off the meds, but as I say, I'm taking things hour by hour and if I feel that changes, I know just what to do.

All in all, I feel that at the moment I am existing. Surviving. I don't truly feel I am living. I don't always feel very present in the moment, often I'm caught up in an anxious cycle, trying to figure out exactly how my day will pan out, planning and planning and feeling panicked until I know exactly what I'll be doing.

I don't like feeling like this... but I suspect that whilst Felix is still so young and so susceptible to illness, this may well just be how it's going to be for a while. It seems awful but I tend to focus on a year from now. This time next year I'll have a toddler who well on his way to being two and a half. Two years from now he'll be in preschool. Three years from now he'll be at school. Time will fly by. I don't want to wish it past, I want to be in the moment, enjoy him, hold him, know it won't last forever, but at the same time I need to focus on the future.

My blog is suffering a little at the moment I feel. I love my blog and I'm so proud of it but I'm having to hold back a bit. I just don't have the energy to work on it until 1 am several nights a week like I was a few months ago. The summer holidays and a string of illnesses have sapped some of the joy for me.

If my posts are a little sporadic, if I don't reply to comments quickly, if I'm not tweeting much, this is why. I don't know how some parent bloggers manage to write as much as they do and take part in so much social media, but I just know I can't compete on that level. Not unless I want a breakdown.

Tell me I'm not the only one who feels like this sometimes?Alexandra Bridgerhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-5978408377390373033.post-60306581998695435422014-09-18T00:00:00.000+01:002014-09-18T00:00:02.190+01:00Trendy Thursday - Donna Wilson for John LewisThis time of year is EXPENSIVE. All the new AW collections coming out... it's a drain on my budget man!

It's so hard to resist though.. and everyone is getting in on the game! Take Donna Wilson for example. I've loved her knitted whimsy's for yonks. When I came into a little bit of spare cash a few years ago, something I treated myself to were a few Donna Wilson cushions and other bits and bobs. To this day I still adore them.

Last year Ms Wilson collaborated with Mamas and Papas. She designed a gorgeous buggy for them and some accessories. I had recently become the owner of a fantastic Cosatto number, so there was no way I could treat us to a Donna Wilson buggy, but I did buy the fab fox blanket and toy fox she had designed. Regret those purchases I do not...

Leap forward to now and what do I discover? Donna Wilson has collaborated with John Lewis and has a GORGEOUS collection of clothing for children. And I do mean gorgeous.

It's hard not to buy everything. Honestly, the colours, the prints, the contrasts. She's covered all bases, monochrome, pattern, tribal, animals. It's all there. I bet you want to know what I've gone for? Here you go:

Aren't they amazing? I bought the Blah Blah leggings to fit Felix - he's always jabbering away! The stem print leggings will be for Ethan. They will look awesome with his Whistle and Flute tees.

The forest print top is for Felix. I've ordered it in age two so hopefully he can wear it baggy and keep wearing it until it's tight. I think it's going to look fantastic with the monochrome leggings and trousers Felix has from Shop Haute and H&M.

The leggings both retail at £10 and the top is £15.

So, are any of you planning on a purchase from the Donna Wilson collection? Are there any other new collections you're loving? Link up your kids fashion posts below. Please don't forget to link back to my blog in your post and preferably, display my badge (see right). Please also pop back to the linky and visit others who've joined in!

Alexandra Bridgerhttps://email@example.com


text:
slow draining bathtub
Yes the snake I used was a light weight one with a small head on it. So I should just replace the guts in the tort to fix that problem?
Sent from my iPhone using DIY Forum
|All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:15 PM.
Copyright © 2003-2014 Escalate Media LP. All Rights Reserved

subset: commoncrawl


text:
FRR Silver Fox Large Detachable Fur CollarIndigo Fox Fur Collar. This gorgeous Fox collar will enhance any jacket or coat. All you need to do is drape it over your shoulders and use the invisible hook and eye to snap the collar closed securing it in place. You can also wear this collar over a sweater. For a more formal look, this collar will look sensational worn over a sleeveless evening dress.
Lining Side: 3 inches wide by 40 inches long.
Fur Side: Approximately 6 inches wide by 44 inches long.
Customer Reviews for Silver Fox Large Detachable Fur CollarWrite a Review
From: UK
Very warm beautiful product only downside was it has a lot of dark fur in it not totally silver as photo shows. Brilliant postal service 4 days with tracked delivery
From: australia
Really top class item and great service. Will be back.
From: Wadsworth Illinois
I love this silver fox collar and can't seem to take it off. Not only is it beautiful, it is warm too. I've warn it with sweaters, on coats--it transforms them all. The shipping was very fast and the service is excellent. Will continue to order from you!
From: Bergen, Norway
This collar is pure luxury. Like other reviews state it really transforms your winter coats to new and fashionable. I use mine with both my down puffer (charcoal) and wool coat (black) and they look fab! It took only 3 days from my order until the collar (and matching pillow hat) arrived on my doorstep in Norway. Oh.. and the pelt is so beautiful and of wonderful long silky quality.


text:
This permit is used to request use of, or activities on, management areas and other regulated areas that are otherwise prohibited and not covered by a specific permit.
Apply for Special Use - Other Permit Now
Top of page
FWC Facts:The organism that causes red tide in Florida, Karenia brevis, owes its name to a state researcher of harmful algal blooms, Dr. Karen Steidinger.
Learn More at AskFWC
Get FWC News Feeds
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • Farris Bryant Building
620 S. Meridian St. • Tallahassee, FL
32399-1600 • (850) 488-4676
Copyright 1999-2014 State of Florida • Technical Help •
EEO/AA/ADA • Privacy Statement • Advertising Statement & Disclaimer • Site Map • IMPP
Employee Resources (Password required)
SharePoint | Outlook E-Mail | Retiree Info
Disaster Information for FWC Employees


text:
We offer a large selection of household products such as garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper and house cleaning products.
Sugar River Meat Snacks 2LB Bag$5.49
**Assortment may vary, comes in beef or turkey**
This original flavored snack is made by Sugar River and comes in the form of delectable meat snack. The snacks are bite-sized for easy eating anywhere and anytime. They're perfect for putting out at parties, taking on road trips, or even just as a quick snack around the house!
Whether it's a handy snack after a long day, the compliment to the big game, or a comforting treat when you're on the road; this Sugar River snack will satisfy every craving. Until they're gone at least, because you'll be left craving more!Learn More
Black Jewell Original Black Popcorn 28.35 oz. 23040$4.99
Product Features:
- Top grade black popcorn kernels that pop into white
- Highest quality popcorn available
- Protective antioxidants
- Gluten Free
- Low calorie snack
- Non GMO Project verified
Hills Bros., Coffee 33 Oz, 18400-00751
Regular Price: $5.99
Special Price: $4.99
Specially roasted and ground to provide rich, satisfying coffee.
- 33 oz. can
DeMet's Original Turtles 6.4 Oz. 704$3.48
Never rush a Turtle. Everybody is in such a hurry these days. Rushing here, there and everywhere. Well, there are some things you just can't rush--like Turtles. DeMet's Original Turtles are so deliciously good they deserve your unhurried and undivided attention. DeMet's doesn't rush Turtles. It still makes them the way it always has, slowly and carefully, with crisp premium pecans, creamy caramel and luscious milk chocolate. DeMet's take its time making Turtles, so you can take your time enjoying them. Remember--never rush a Turtle.DeMet's Original Turtles:Learn More
- Treat yourself as a little everyday indulgence
- Bring them out on special occasions
- Share them with family and friends during the holidays
- Give them as a deliciously thoughtful gift
Mossy Oak Honey Apple Salsa 16 oz$3.99
Mossy Oak Honey Apple salsa has a sweet flavor. Made with all natural ingredients.
Ingredients: tomatoes, peppers, sugar, vinegar, dried onions, dried apples, salt garlic, honey, spices, calcium chloride and citric acid.
This information is valid at time of publication. However, recipes may change after this time so always check ingredients lists and allergenic information on the back of package.Learn More
Pibb Extra (12 Pack)$4.49
Brand Name: Pibb Xtra
Drink Type: Soft Drink
Pibb Xtra
In 2001, Pibb Xtra was introduced as a bolder version of the original Mr. Pibb taste. Its bold taste and graphics appeal to young adults who are looking to get the most out of life and the most out of their soft drink. It appeals to teens who are just gaining independence from home and looking for things to call their own. The soft drink enables them to have an uninhibited, fun and unconventional attitude and touts the sweet, refreshing bold taste they need to express their independence.Learn More
Gatorade, Lemon-Lime Powder (2.5 GAL.), ST03969$3.69[description] Learn More
Victorian Inn Instant Cappuccino, French Vanilla 1lb Cans-16001$3.99
- Our most popular flavor is sure to please your taste!
- So delicious and creamy that you would never know its instant, other than the ease of making it!
- Terrific hot, cold over ice or blended with ice for a frosty thick treat
- Great as a coffee creamer
Ingredients: Sugar, Non-dairy Creamer [Coconut Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate (A Milk Derivative), Dipotassium Phosphate, Mono & Diglycerides, Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Soy Lecithin, Artificial Color, Artificial Flavor], Non-fat Dry Milk, Whey, (A Milk Derivative), Instant Coffee, Artificial Flavor, Salt, Silicon Dioxide (Anti-caking Agent)Learn More
Steve's Oink -n-Squeel Spicy Sweet & Smoky Habanero Hot Barbecue Sauce (18 Oz), 26522$2.99
Product Features
- No Preservatives
- Secret Spices
- Liquid Hickory Smoke Flavoring
- Excellent on Pork, Chicken Wings, Steak, and Wild Game
Nutrition Fact
- Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
- Servings: 14
- Calories: 60
% Daily Value
- Total Fat: 0g - 0%
- Sodium: 510mg - 21%
- Total Carb.: 14g - 5%
- Sugars: 13g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin A: 2%
- Iron: 2%
- Tomato Sauce, Garlic Salt, Vinegar, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Citric Juices, MSG, Brown Sugar, Straight Kentucky Bourbon, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Salt, Habanero Peppers
O'Keeffe's Working Hands Creme 3.4 oz. Jar K0350007
Regular Price: $6.49
Special Price: $5.99
- No Greasy Feel
- Alcohol Free
- Hypo-Allergenic
- Water Based Formulation
- Oil Free
- Recommended by Dermatologists
- Recommended by Diabetic Educators


text:
As the other reviewers have stated the staff of either 1 or 2 or 3 people were in conversation and were somewhat friendly, but kind of didn't care. Room was ok but needed to be updated. No TV guide. Parked in rear of building somewhat noisy until 11PM. Coffee maker did not have all the parts, when telling desk clerk... More
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Priceline, Travelocity, Orbitz, TripOnline SA and Tingo so you can book your Quality Inn reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
- Also Known As:
- Ramada Manchester
- Manchester Ramada


text:
Business type: Services ×
Employees number: 11-100 ×
Industry: Manufacturing, Other ×
Location: USA ×
Location: Hawaii ×
The Acta Group
based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (USA)
The Acta Group (Acta) is the consulting affiliate of Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C), established to complement B&C's legal services by providing a full-range of support for the process of marketing chemicals, biocides, products of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and medical devices. Acta knows that clients must function optimally in all jurisdictions in which they market ...
Northstar Recycling
based in East Longmeadow, MASSACHUSETTS (USA)
At Northstar Recycling, everything we do starts with one simple fact: waste has value. By working with us, you not only make money, you also send a strong message to your customers and staff that you care about doing what's right. It's a win-win for your business and the environment.
Sustainable Solutions Corporation
based in Royersford, PENNSYLVANIA (USA)
Sustainable Solutions Corporation (SSC) is a firm driven by a passion to make things better, one green 'solution' at a time. Utilizing years of experience and industry leading expertise, SSC is recognized as a trusted advisor that provides a 'turn-key' operation for our clients. Through collaboration with hundreds of clients, we have perfected a system that is designed ...
based in Kenosha, WISCONSIN (USA)
We specialize in industrial waterblasting and vacuum services utilizing 10,000 to 20,000 psi waterblasting pumps. For Vacuum services we utilize Guzzler and GapVax high volume Vacuum trucks. We are experts in online and offline cleaning of industrial systems. We have extensive experience in the following areas: Powerplants - Boiler washes, Back pass, condensers, ...
R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services
based in Red Bank, NEW JERSEY (USA)
R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is the premier specialized contractor for dismantlement, decommissioning and building demolition in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The veteran founded company has been in business since 1935, has over 100 employees, an exemplary safety record (We have been directly involved in four (4) sites that received VPP OSHA Safety ...
N-Viro International Corporation
based in Toledo, OHIO (USA)
The N-Viro conversion process recycles bioorganic materials such as wastewater residuals, livestock manure, and paper pulp remains. The resource conversion method know as the N-Viro process involves mixing a bioorganic (biosolids, animal manure, pulp and paper sludge, food processing waste, waste paper and cardboard, and other industrial organic waste, such as ...
Source 44
based in San Diego, CALIFORNIA (USA)
Source 44, a sustainability data management company, helps our clients meet increasing consumer and legislative pressure to create sustainable products without sacrificing quality, price or innovation. We manage the largest library of raw material and product sustainability data profiles via a unique platform, developed specifically by Source 44, and packaged as Material ...
based in ALAMO, TEXAS (USA)
PMCS is a plastic, metals, electronic, precious metal, ferrous, non ferrous, electronic scrap recycling operations. We can also provide logistics, recycling consultant, Mexico import/export, international import/export. Material reclamation, recycling equipment sales.
RVSL Aachen UG
based in Cologne, GERMANY
Certification bodies founded in 1994, Offices and customers in: Germany, Malta, Spain, Mexico. Management systems that we asses: Quality ISO 9001, Environment ISO 14001, Safety and Health OHSAS 18001, RISK Management, Corporate social responsibility, Business continuity, Sustainability.
Wercs Professional Services, LLC
based in Latham, NEW YORK (USA)
Wercs Professional Services, a Hazard Communication Outsourcing Solution. The value proposition for Wercs Professional Services (WPS) is simple: Peace of Mind. With our solid investment in certified professionals, infrastructure and an unwavering focus on service, we provide you with the opportunity to focus on your core business and leave materials compliance management ...
Need help finding the right suppliers?
Let the XPRTs do the work for you


text:
LDA 52nd Annual International Conference
Registration is now OPEN!Bring family, friends and co-workers to Chicago to learn & discover how we can advocate & work together to create new opportunities for children & adults with learning disabilities.
Healthy Children ProjectLearning Disabilities Association of America created the Healthy Children Project to raise awareness, promote policies and practices, and to build a nationwide network of LDA members to protect children's health and reduce toxic exposures.
Join LDA Today!The Learning Disabilities Association of America believes that every person with learning disabilities can succeed in school, at work, in relationships, and within the community when provided the right supports and the right opportunities.
Shop Amazon SmileWhile everyone is busy shopping at this time of year - or all year round - LDA can now benefit from those who shop online at Amazon.com. AmazonSmile Foundation will donate a portion of your purchases to benefit LDA.
Learning Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary JournalCommitted to the study of learning disabilities through all stages of life, this journal provides the most current information on research, practice, theory, issues, and trends to broaden understanding and improve quality of life.
If you are a parent or teacher of a child with a learning disability – or have learning disabilities yourself – you are not alone.
The good news is that the Learning Disabilities Association of America is here to help! Since 1963, LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources. These services make LDA the leading resource for information on learning disabilities.
LDA 52nd Annual International Conference
Registration is now open. Please bring your family, friends and co-workers to Chicago, IL, for a time of learning and discovering how we can advocate and work together to create new opportunities for children and adults with learning disabilities.
LDA Legislative News – November 2014
LDA and NCLD Comment on Federal Research Agenda In partnership with the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), LDA submitted comments to the Institute for Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education on the future work of the National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER). NCSER solicited input from researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders as they determine what issues need specific attention and how best to communicate the results of research to practitioners. With the strong emphasis on evidence-based practices, LDA and NCLD felt it was of critical importance that IES and NCSER hear from families and practitioners with… Read More »
Now Accepting Nominations for the Harry Sylvester Award
This award honors and recognizes an adult with learning disabilities who has shown a strong dedication and commitment to advancing the issues of adults with learning disabilities. It is the wish of LDA to thank, in Harry Sylvester's name, an adult with learning disabilities for his/her commitment to those living with learning disabilities. The Harrison Sylvester Award was created in 2010 to honor Harry Sylvester, a gentle but strong voice in the field of learning disabilities. Harry discovered in his mid 50's, after struggling for most of life, that he was an adult with learning disabilities. With the knowledge of… Read More »
Help Support LDA, Donate to our Silent Auction
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) is asking for your support! Your donations will help give the gift of success to millions of individuals affected by learning disabilities. LDA provides information, support and advocacy to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities. We happen to believe that every person with a learning disability can succeed in school, at work, in relationships, and within the community when provided the right opportunities…and your help will give them that opportunity. Becoming one of our donors will allow you to: Spotlight you or your organization's name and brand at a gathering… Read More »


text:
For easy quality control:
Play back encrypted DCPs on your PC in realtime.
with Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize 2014
Migration of your easyDCP licenses is ….easy!
supports now the Interoperable Master Format.
More IMF-enabled products coming soon
Your key to efficient KDM generation
Bonus licenses for easyDCP users
Bring to the screen whatever you want – e.g. QuickTime
We're looking forward to welcome you at our booth 8.B80 in hall 8 of the IBC. Besides many smaller improvements of the easyDCP suite, we have special news for you:


text:
Added Sep 6, 2011
by sparkylady
Brisbane, Australia
Colette 1016 GINGER version 3 Bias cut.
Pretty happy with this first attempt at this pattern, but, I have decided that I really HATE invisible zippers and if I use them again I am going to install as per a traditional zip. Also, I had to do a sway back adjustment on this pattern, for my badonk-a-donk…
Quilting fabric
Sep 6, 2011, 08.46 AMby dabura
adorable skirt. Well done!
Sep 6, 2011, 08.25 AMby hukilaulei
Badonka donk! XD HA! ….. I want one of those. Great job lining the chevron up it looks excellent! I couldn't agree with you more on the invisible zipper. I cheated and serged before stitching it on. Made it way easier for me.
Sep 6, 2011, 10.29 AMby sparkylady
That's a GREAT idea! I might give the dreaded invisible zip one more go trying that technique, THANKS!
Sep 6, 2011, 04.24 AMby luxihere
i like it. nice work!
Add to Favorites 4 people added it
Enter the code EARLYBLACKFRIDAY at checkout to save
Pattern of the Week
Seams divide the front for a detail minimalists will love! (This pattern is also a part of our sale)
Get the pattern on sale for $2.99...
Editors' Picks
We have marked down 50 sewing pattern to $2.99 only until Monday, so hurry!
Backstage Report
Our fabulous BurdaStylers of course! Today, save 30% Site-Wide With Code ThankYou14!
Editors' Pick
Satin takes the stage in this new collection of dresses, skirts, and fluttery tops.
You must allow our "request for permission" request to login to Burdastyle with Facebook.


text:
May 25, 2012
DADB provides an important and valuable resource for the families served by Early Head Start.
More feedback
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
MY ROLE:Client Served


text:
I am trying to migrating WSE 2.0 to 3.0 (This is a windows service that will consume WSDL)
For that I created a Custom policy PolicyAssertion, but in 'ProcessMessage' envelope I am not getting any Security information. I am using username password authentication.
Without security tag my service not working. how to solve this?


text:
- Northern Illinois to get $8.3 million for state construction projects
- Tree-lighting festival kicks off holiday season in Machesney Park
- Roscoe Boy Scout Troop's tree stand at new location
- Tips for selecting safe toys for kids this holiday season
- Prayer service for World AIDS Day Nov. 30
- Food Bank joins national #GivingTuesday movement
- Lee Hamilton: What lies ahead for Congress
- Rockford Public Schools faces $8.8 deficit, board OKs flat tax, HR chief
- Literary Hook: A holiday tradition: 'This Thanksgiving, Remember'
- Cold snap does not negate global warming
RVC student-athletes awarded for academic success
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) headquarters has released the names of the 2012-2013 NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Award winners as well as the 2012-2013 NJCAA All-Academic Teams.
Michael Landerholm (Rock Valley College golf) has earned the Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence (4.0 GPA).
Additionally, the Rock Valley College women's tennis (3.07 team GPA) and Rock Valley College softball (3.23 team GPA) teams were recognized for achieving academic excellence as part of the 2012-2013 NJCAA All-Academic Teams. The minimum grade-point average requirement for consideration is a team GPA of 3.00.
Both teams were also successful on the court and playing field this year. The women's tennis team finished fifth at the national tournament, while the softball team finished sixth at the national tournament. The 2012-2013 season marks the 30th year the NJCAA has recognized the success of its student-athletes in the classroom.
From the July 3-9, 2013, issue


text:
It's here. If you had the smarts to pre-order, then it's probably in the mail already. And if you didn't, it'll soon be sold out. Of course we're talking about 7 & 7 Is, the seven single box set of …
Artist News
Goldmine's Hall of Fame Inductees – Volume 50
Black Tempest storm… it's Nature's Way! Part five of seven and seven is… eight
Goldmine's Hall of Fame Inductees – Volume 49
Peek at still photos for the Jimi Hendrix biopic 'Jimi: All Is By My Side'
This gallery contains 11 photos.
If you've been counting the days until the Jimi Hendrix biopic "Jimi: All Is By My Side" arrives in theaters, here's a little something to help tide you over.


text:
Skip to content
Alter the text size of the site:
Book your place now to guarantee the best rates for the UK's largest multidisciplinary stroke conference (2-4 December, Harrogate). An unmissable opportunity to hear from leading experts in stroke care. Pre-registration closes 21 November 2014.
Keep up to date with the latest UK Stroke Forum news:
Stroke Association is a Company Limited by Guarantee,
registered in England and Wales (No 61274). Registered office:
Stroke Association House, 240 City Road, London EC1V 2PR.
Registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No 211015) and in
Scotland (SC037789). Also registered in Northern Ireland (XT33805), Isle of Man (No 945)
Jersey (NPO 369).


text:
April Kind To TJX Q1 Results
Friday May 10th, 2013 - 11:41AM
These are shortcuts to your favorite social networking and bookmark sites. Add this story to your Facebook page, del.icio.us, DiggIt, and many others!
For the 13-week period ended May 4, TJX Cos., Inc. announced that consolidated comparable store sales increased 2% over last year's period. Overall sales reached $6.2 billion, a 7% increase over the 13-week period ended April 28.
Overall sales for April, 2013 reached $2 billion, up 9% over the month ended April 28, 2012. April consolidated comps increased 8% year over year.
In a conference call, a TJX spokesperson said comparable store sales at the company's Marmaxx Group, including the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls chains in the United States, gained 1% for the quarter and 7% in April. By category, Marmaxx enjoyed a 7% comp advance in apparel and a 10% comp gain in home product segments. In the meantime, Home Goods experienced a 12% comp gain in April and a 7% increase in the quarter.
"It is exciting to see Home Goods excellent performance and momentum continue," the spokesperson said during the pre-recorded call.
Outside the U.S., TJX Canada experienced a 3% comp gain in April but a 1% decrease in a weather-challenged quarter, the retailer said. TJX Europe comps increased 9% in April and 4% in the quarter.
In commenting on the financial results, Carol Meyrowitz, TJX CEO, Inc., stated, "We are pleased with our 8% consolidated comparable store sales increase in April, which was at the high end of our expectations. Both in April and the first quarter, our consolidated comp sales increases were achieved over strong growth last year. Customer traffic drove comp increases at all divisions, as consumers responded to our extremely fresh selections of branded spring apparel. With strong sales and margins, we are further narrowing our first quarter earnings per share expected range to 61 cents to 62 cents. This would represent a very solid increase over last year's first quarter, which had the highest EPS growth of that year. As we enter the second quarter, May is off to a strong start and our inventory levels are in an excellent position for us to buy into the enormous amount of quality opportunities we are seeing in the marketplace."
Tags: • Housewares • Cookware & Bakeware • Vacuum Cleaners/Electric Cleaning • Health & Personal Care • Home DĂ©cor • Home Environment • Small Electrics • Organization & Cleaning • Tabletop • Gadgets & Kitchen Tools • Retail • Financials •
Warm Weather Cools The Bon-Ton Q3 Sales »
Williams-Sonoma Expanding U.S. Furniture Manufacturing
Spectrum Brands Q4, Annual Sales Rise
Keurig Cold Slated For Fall 2015 Launch
Williams-Sonoma Partners With Chef Tyler Florence
Coffee Sales Drive Keurig Q4 Revenue; CFO Resigns
Trade Groups Urge Government Intervention In West Coast Ports Negotiations
Digital Subscription Service
Now Available
Click Here
When a former Navy SEAL who survived a suicide bomb attack on his barracks in Iraq talks about how to lead through perseverance, people should listen. Eric Greitens, speaking at the annual Chief Housewares Executive SuperSession, offered a compelling lesson in leadership that should resonate with any industry professional.


text:
Looking for information on David Laidlaw
b.1785 Roxburghshire, Scotland
d.1860 Bovina, New York, USA
married Helen Knox Hart
b. 8/14/1794 Roxburghshire, Scotland
d. 1/30/1855, Bovina, New York, USA
Any information about his parents etc would be appreciated.
Diane Theiss
Notify Administrator about this message?
|Home | Help | About Us | Site Index | Jobs | PRIVACY | Affiliate
|© 2007 The Generations Network


text:
Following the death of his father, TUF 19 contestant Anton Berzin looks at life differently. The fighter out of Philly knows that he needs to provide for his family and fights to do just that. watch video >>
Hear what it means for Danny "Swift" Garcia and his father and trainer Angel to be fighting in Puerto Rico for the first time. The undefeated champ takes on challenger Mauricio Herrera live from Puerto Rico Saturday, March 15 at 9PM ET/6PM PT on Showtime. watch video >>
Fearless Philly fighter, Gabriel Rosado came prepared for war against undefeated knockout artist Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin on October 26th. Watch every fast and furious round of "Quillin vs. Rosado" and prepare for Gabriel Rosado's return to the ring to take on Jermell Charlo live on Showtime, Saturday, January 25th. watch video >>
"Boxing was a way out" for living legend Bernard Hopkins. The Philly native remembers the dark moments from his past, and the self-determination which propelled him to the top of the sport. Happy Birthday to Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins, the oldest active champion in sports. 49 years young today, January 15, 2014. watch video >>
"Boxing was a way out" for living legend Bernard Hopkins. The Philly native remembers the dark moments from his past, and the self-determination which propelled him to the top of the sport. watch video >>
Vitor Belfort Is getting ready to fight Yoshihiro Akiyama and he wants you to attend.his fight in Philly! He details how to win on VitorBelfort.com. watch video >>
To view this event live on GFL go to: http://www.gofightlive.tv/Events/Fight/MMA/MMA_SPORTS_EXPO__APRIL_13/975 watch video >>
To view this event live go to: http://www.gofightlive.tv/Events/Fight/Boxing/All_Philly_War_at_the_Shore_Rosado_vs_Davis/931 watch video >>
watch video >>
To view more great knockouts from this event go to: http://www.gofightlive.tv/showEvent.do?eventId=709 watch video >>
Featherweights Eric "The Outlaw" Hunter of Phildelphia and Jules Blackwell from Phoenixville PA in Round 1 from Philly's Legendary Blue Horizon on 6 June 2008. To see how this bout turned out, please go to http://www.gofightlive.tv watch video >>


text:
Strep Throat Fact Sheet
Proposals 1 and 2 were approved thanks to your commitment to the young people of the Cinnaminson School District. Sincere gratitude is extended to all that worked for this positive result.
Our district now offers an integrated preschool program for 4 year old students. Learn more...
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM HS Fall Sports Awards Evening, Aud.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM NAS - The Holiday Shop - Evening Hours for Families
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM ERS - Market Day Pick Up at NAS All Purpose Room
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM NAS - Market Day Pick Up in the New Albany School Multi-Purpose Room


text:
Gu Zhu Zi Sun
In the Gu Zhu Valley rests the origins of documented Chinese Tea Culture, for it is the place where Lu Yu managed the Emperor's tea factory during the Tang Dynasty. He did so for twenty years while he wrote the first book about tea and tea culture. Even today the Cha Jing has relevance in the study of tea. The tea that was grown and processed in Lu Yu's factory, which employed 10,000 workers, was Gu Zhu Zi Sun. This tea is still produced in the Gu Zhu Valley. This tea has become very sought after since the Changxing government built a replica of the Lu Yu factory and awareness about the tea benefited.
Gu Zhu Valley is a small place and does not produce great quantities of tea. When I first started visiting there, the was a lot of wild tea that was getting harvested in the forests up in the hills and was sold locally. This year in Changxing there was a fake 2010 Zi Sun being sold even before the harvest had started, fresh from Sichuan. It is amazing how that works. We are buying ours from one of the traditional tea makers that still is havesting from wild bushes in the forest and making tea in the traditional way, all by hand. Notice that it takes two people, one to control the fire and one to fry. In the beginning the wok is very hot and is kept at lower temperatures as the process unfolds. The only thermostat is the tea maker who instructs the person tending the fire. Here are some photos that were taken in early April. There are also some pictures of the Lu Yu Factory Museum that I took a couple of years ago before it opened.
3 Responses to "Gu Zhu Zi Sun"
[...] image above is of the Gu Zhu Valley, from this post on Gu Zhu valley region. This region has a really cool place in tea culture as "it was the [...]
My wife and i ended up being very cheerful when Peter managed to do his researching from the ideas he came across out of your web page. It's not at all simplistic to just continually be releasing procedures other people could have been selling. And now we see we've got the website owner to thank because of that. The explanations you made, the simple blog navigation, the friendships you make it easier to engender – it's got many unbelievable, and it's really facilitating our son and our family believe that the idea is awesome, which is certainly rather mandatory. Thank you for everything!


text:
Great Performances: Josh Groban: Live at the Greek DVD & CD
List Price: $29.99
Our Price: $19.99
20% Off Site-Wide. Plus, Free Shipping on $49 or more Details >
Item No.: JGRO410
"Live at the Greek" is Josh Groban's second "Great Performances" special taped at L.A.'s Greek Theatre. For fans of the young sophisticated pop phenomenon who has sold more than 8 million albums to date, this DVD+CD package is just the latest great performance in the career of Josh Groban. Includes "Believe" from the motion picture "The Polar Express" starring Tom Hanks.More >
AVAILABILITY: In Stock, leaves warehouse in 1 - 2 full bus. days Details >


text:
Jared Leto has just officially gained one million points and is leading (by far) in our secret ranking of A-listers who like to hang out in Bushwick. Not only he's pretty much an ultra-renaissance man who does everything from Oscar-winning acting, to playing really good (also award-winning) music with his band 30 Seconds to Mars, he's also running a start up called VyRT,... Read more »
Recently we covered a raffle that Vinyl Fantasy was putting together to benefit Tunnel to Towers: an organization that assists injured firefighters in honor of Steven Siller, a firefighter who fought during 9/11. Catopolis, the co-publisher of Bushwick Daily's first book of short stories Bushwick Nightz, was so inspired by the fundraiser that we decided to participated in the Tunnel to Towers 5k... Read more »
Before we depart on a journey into the depths of the soul of a Bushwick loving celebrity, I would like to note that, naturally we don't care about any of this. Nobody in Bushwick does. But it's just before Labor Day, and let's be honest, our brains look like slightly melted raspberry sundae. So we're talking celebs! And not just any celebs! But... Read more »
Bushwick has never seen a house like this before, and not just because of its amenities. DNAinfo gave us the scoop on Hacienda Villa, the 15-bedroom house near the Myrtle-Broadway stop embracing those with alternative lifestyles. Now we're getting up close and personal with its first tenant, Lily.* Read more »
The Brooklyn community is heartbroken over the sudden death of local musician, beloved bartender and friend, Christo Buffam. Christo was found dead in his apartment on early Thursday morning; there has been no public cause of his death reported. His facebook page is flooded with heartfelt comments, songs he enjoyed with friends and memories from friends and bandmates of their... Read more »
When the three men walk through the door of Palates, they aren't quite what I had imagined. My previous association with paintball was scrawny high school kids with a knack for destruction, but these members of the Bushwick-borne, internationally known paintball team called the Reservoir Dogs are burly and, of course, adult. They introduce themselves as their paintball pseudonyms - Postman (Tito Pereira, 32), Breaker (Tony Cruz, 43) and Prettylou (Steve Ruiz, the team's 40-year-old captain and about the last guy you'd expect to be nicknamed "Prettylou"). Steve, who works at a hospital, and Tony, a security engineer, live in New Jersey and Queens, respectively, but both grew up in Bushwick and still have family here. By day Tito is a - you guessed it - postal worker and he moved to Bushwick from Ridgewood, Queens three years ago. But the question that's on everyone's mind is: How did a freaking competitive paintball team get started in Bushwick? Read more »
Weekend mornings are conducive to rolling out of bed at 11AM and leisurely strolling to one of Bushwick's many brunch destinations, and enjoying a delicious meal with your friends. So how would you feel about coming to the gym at 9AM and getting punched in the face instead? A group of men have being doing just that every day for about a month at Green Fitness Gym at Varet Street, and for years in other places. Jamiva Boxing is a professional team of boxers who have never been defeated, and I asked them about their lives, dreams, prospects, and if they are allowed to eat cookies (spoiler alert: they are not...) Read more »
Guilty as charged. I use my camera to talk to people on the street and elsewhere as well. I point it to their face and wait for a response. I shake their hand and chat a little when they're up for it. Read more »
Okay, let's be real: Bushwick Daily has officially been crushing on Paul Rome for years now. We named him one of our "30 Awesome Bushwick People" back in 2011. We sat down and chatted with him about his 2011 epic audio play called The You Trilogy. We interviewed him and Roarke Menzies about their literary performance, Calypso, in 2012. So when we found out that Rome wrote a novel, we just had to get our hands on it and talk to Rome about how he came about getting published. ASAP. Read more »


text:
Tags: Mark Montgomery, New York Yankees
|From the AFL: Mark Montgomery
Mark Montgomery
New York Yankees prospect Mark Montgomery discusses the details of his Arizona Fall League experience.
Tags: Mark Montgomery, New York Yankees
Tags: Mark Montgomery, New York Yankees
Breaking down all the battles that mattered this weekend.Read More
It's a wild slate of games this Sunday with several matchups that involve playoff seeding implications and a few divisional showdowns.Read More
Norman has seen a lot of special days, but few will compare to what Samaje Perine did Saturday in rushing for 427 yards and five touchdowns.Read More
Every week, Fantasy Football Expert Rob Warner posts his big-name players to watch as they heal at the last minute before the games begin on Sunday.Read More
The Apache helicopter is one of the most famed and efficient killing machines in the U.S Army. Get the skinny on this 'steel dragon' and watch what one does to a platoon of Taliban fighters in…Read More
PinstripesPlus.com analyzes the Yankees relief pitching prospects. Which relievers have the highest…