Life Through Rose-Tinted Glasses

Are you sick of reading horrible stories in the news? Have you had enough of hearing about negative things that happen? Fed up with seeing nasty images or videos on-line? If the answer is yes, then maybe you need some rose-tinted glasses. My dad always jokes to me that I wear them all the time. I can help you get yours! Okay, I understand it’s easy sitting here in the sunshine with the birds tweeting to see things from a happier perspective, but that’s not always the case. In present times where we are having such doom and gloom rained down on us by the media how can we avoid it? There’s a well-known saying I love and it’s that a ship can’t sink unless it lets the water in. We have to let the negativity in before it can affect us. I’m not saying turn your back on things you wish to change because they are negative, because helping the cause that concerns you will help you feel accomplished and therefore make you happier. I find having a good clear out on social media sites helps, we all have those friends who moan about their lives when in reality their biggest problem is what to do for tea. Cutting out toxic people is a big step forward, people that make you unhappy or hold you back in any way are best out of your life. Refrain from commenting or reacting to horrible videos on-line, as all this does is pass it on like a disease, spreading around the internet for everyone else to see. Life’s much better when you focus on the positives, and believe you me I’ve had a lot of negativity to block out, however I have managed to focus on the good and life is rosy.

Compliment challenge

Here are some sheep, don't be a sheep....

Have you noticed how easy people find it to rip into each other these days? It makes me sad to see so much negativity, especially on-line. Wouldn't it be great if we could all just get along? Ha ha, I laugh as I know how unrealistic this sounds, but wait, just what if? Yes, I have a dream (well it was good enough for Martin Luthor King...) that instead of tearing each other down, we could maybe build each other up? Help one another to become better people, instead of stamping on each other to get to where we want to be. Just maybe, my Brady bunch style world, would be a nice place to live. Of course we can all disagree on matters and have opinions, that's what makes us unique after all, but it doesn't mean we have to hate each other. Anyway, that's my biblical rambling over with (I really need a coffee) I challenge you to give out just three compliments randomly throughout your day. Give them to whoever you see fit, strangers, family, friends and see their faces light up. Best thing is, if you enjoy it, you can carry on giving them, they're free! Heck you could do it all day long if you wanted, the gift is yours to give. I'm not pretending I'm Mary Poppins, (who's practically perfect in every way!) I have indeed spent time, over a brew slating people. It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth and I'm not talking about the brew. I have also given out random compliments and do you know what? It felt good, really good. Not just for the person on the receiving end, but for you too. So, I'm making a plea to you all (is there anybody there?....) take part in my compliment challenge and notice how different it makes you feel.

Birthday's on a budget

My son Chase on his 1st birthday

Nobody likes to think they're having to budget for someone's birthday, especially their own children's. Unfortunately in this day and age we haven't all got the funds to be buying our teenager, or indeed our 6 year old, the latest gadget. So how can we combat the feeling of guilt for not spending as much as the 'Jonses' up the road? Well, it's simple really, the gift of time is the one they will remember more than the latest fad, (that will probably be forgotten when replaced with the shinier newer version they year after.) I remember when my eldest, Olivia, was 6. I planned a cinema trip, something a lot of people do on a weekend for fun, however I told her we were going for a girly night out, just me and her. We spent the afternoon getting dolled up, doing our hair, putting lippy on and got in the car.

Olivia on her 6th birthday ready to go out

She was so excited, not knowing where she was going and that she was on a 'girl's night out'. I took her to Mcdonald's, which she was very happy with and then onto the cinema. We watched Shrek the 3rd, actually that's a lie, I watched Shrek the 3rd. Olivia thought when the adverts had finished it was time to go! She played musical chairs and asked constantly is it finished yet (maybe not the best of ideas!) But the point being, she still to this day (she's 14 almost 15 now) remembers our night out. Would she have remembered getting the pink Nintendo D.S she really wanted that I couldn't afford? Does she remember being disappointed she didn't get it? No. She just remembers the fun night out she had with mummy. I can guarantee you any moment you make special will be remembered and even carried on for generations to come. Try it when you are stuck for something to buy, even if it's because they have too much and you don't know what to buy them. You don't have to be skint to make memories, rich people can be happy too.....

My daughter Neve on her 4th birthday

Beat the January blues

My beautiful children and niece

Okay it's that time of year already, the Monday of months. January. After ramming adverts about luxurious food and drink down our throats for three months, now is the time we get made to feel like crap about it and told we now need to work it all off. It's a load of rubbish I say, be kind to yourself in January. Who says that just because Christmas has finished that the season of goodwill has to end? Or that we can't treat ourselves and have magical family times together? It's all up to you. Don't be made to feel bad by the latest celebrity that's lost a few pounds (and a few more with the help of photoshop!) If you really feel like you have over indulged and want to get back into shape then take small steps and make a few changes. Cut back on portion sizes, sugary treats and drink plenty of water. Take walks instead of driving, make it fun. Take a camera and snap everything red/ things that move/animals or challenge yourself by seeing how long it takes you to get somewhere and then try to beat it next time. The best thing is if you are feeling down because money's tight, or just because, then getting out in the fresh air is the best medicine in the world.

I love a walk on the beach 

If you have had a good clear out of the toys your children no longer play with, or clothes you don't need, why not sell them on a free site such as Facebook and then put the money in a family saving pot. When you reach a target amount do something together, go see a movie or a trip to the zoo? Buy one of those money boxes you have to open with a tin opener so you won't be tempted to borrow from it, they sell them in Poundland. Sit and plan 12 family dates for the next year, one for each month and then you will have something to look forward to. These don't have to be expensive they can be cheap or free, remember the breakfast picnic from my earlier post? Apply the same magic throughout the year as you do at Christmas it costs nothing. Just remember be kind to yourself, and others it costs nothing!