We have made it to Easter, and my, how the year is flying! It has been a dramatic and eventful start to the year in domestic circles, although my professional developments are somewhat lacking. But, I can only do what I do.
Subsequently, and due to an impending house move (yes, I said it, we are moving to a new house), we were unable to book a family holiday during the Easter school break. We just didn’t have the spare cash.
#MummyMonday Preparing to move house hiding in my box fort
Not Your Usual Relaxing Holiday
Anyway, it doesn’t matter. There will be plenty of time for holidays, and instead I am taking our daughters to stay with my mum for a few days. They love having sleepovers at Nanny’s house, and I get a bit of a break while she keeps them entertained. This time, however, I have jobs to do. I have to start organising the mountain of stuff we have in storage at my in-laws’ house. There is a lot of stuff!
I have stashed clothes, toys, books, ornaments and I don’t know what else. And then there is the music equipment that my husband will bring to the new house. He couldn’t fit it into our first home, so it stayed with his parents. Now he wants it back. So, I will acquire a vintage Marshall amp and speaker stack as a delightful piece of living room furniture. Oh, joy!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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How do you get back into the dating scene when you are older? That is a very popular question, due to a change in societal trends and lifestyle preferences.
These days there are a lot of older people who are single and looking for love. Perhaps we feel more entitled to express our true feelings and requirements, or we are more confident in our needs.
Date Divorced Singles
How to Date when you are Older
Some people find that they marry young or settle down at a younger age and have children, only to fall out of love with their partner as they grow older. It is a simple fact that people change, and sometimes people need to have a change in lifestyle. There are others who spend the first half of their lives desperately seeking a partner in their local area, dating colleagues from work, casual friends met in the pub, and people that their own friends and family members try to set them up with. But none of these relationships work out. So where do we look? Who do we turn to for help with dating when we are older?
Nowadays, your first thought might be to try out a new dating site when you are looking for someone. Here you could find new friends, new acquaintances, and maybe even someone to fall in love with and share your life with. It can happen. Dating sites came about because so many people struggled to find others in similar situations that were looking for love and friendship. Sometimes you use a dating site as a means to fill some social space, perhaps a casual fling.
Maybe you need a date for an official event, and you don’t know where else to look. That family wedding is looming, and you might need someone new to distract you from those well-meaning relatives that try and set you up with a person who is totally unsuitable. Life is full of possibilities, and, I think people have always been prepared to travel and explore in their pursuit of a decent life. Think about the early explorers who set off in their ships to discover America and beyond. They didn’t sit around at home waiting for attention. They went out and found what they were looking for.
Seeking a new experience
Are you looking for a completely new experience, or a new lifestyle? Maybe you have a yearning to travel and explore the world, and your previous romantic partners weren’t interested. Maybe you always wanted to visit a specific country or a distant part of the world, and you simply couldn’t fit it into your lifestyle and commitments. Do you find that your children are grown older and less dependent, and maybe your current life situation isn’t as fulfilling as it used to be? There are many factors that contribute to making a huge life change, and sometimes you just need the motivation to get started. Maybe you just want to make that change, and you want to go out and explore, just like your ancient ancestors.
Who knows where your family and friends truly originated from? You could follow in their footsteps without even realising it and check out Older-Dating.com. This is a great idea especially if you have an interest in social history and have been researching your family tree. You could incorporate your search into your need for a new life partner or love interest. It could be just what you need to make those big changes and get away from your current unfulfilling place in life.
Get out there
Some people might feel unsure about dating someone from another country. Indeed, the thought of travelling from one county to another can seem quite daunting. I know, because I have been there. But truthfully, once you set your mind to it, the process can be liberating. If you have spent a large portion of your life working hard, saving money, providing for your family and always being there for other people, now is your chance to take time for you. Get out there, meet those new partners, find new friends and experience new adventures. Dating older people can be a refreshing change, especially when you find someone with a different mindset and different attitudes to those that you have lived with up to now.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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Today marks the Spring Equinox, but I have to say, the weather has been far from spring-like during the past few weeks, as I’m sure you will agree. Nonetheless, we managed to get out by the canal for the first time in ages and have a couple of nice, long walks with our dog this week.
There was an ulterior motive for one of our walks: we wanted to see the huge hole that opened up in the canal late last week. All the water has drained away and now all that remains is the muddy basin, a collection of beached boats, and a huge repair job that will probably take the best part of a year. It is fascinating to see, but not so good to be affected by.
Photo of Middlewich canal broken with water drained away.
Quiet contemplation this Spring Equinox
I will not be doing anything special for Spring Equinox other than a little time for quiet contemplation. Now is the time for new beginnings, the birth of new projects, and I for one am very excited about what is to come. I cannot say more at present, but let’s say the fortunes of the Green family are turning more favourable at last. And I am in the middle of one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. It will all be worth it in the end, and I continue to practice reiki and meditation in an effort to reduce the stress. I am also making good use of my Naipo Shiatsu massage cushions.
Enjoy fresh, Spring weather
Enjoy the fresh, Spring weather while it lasts, and let us hope that we’ve seen the last of the snow for this season!
Photo of Wardle Lock at Middlewich canal broken with water drained away.
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My daughters absolutely love mermaids. When we received an offer to review a brand-new mermaid toy, we had to accept.
She comes from Bayala and is part of their Meamare underwater paradise collection. Each mermaid comes inside her own portable clam shell, complete with a pet and accessories. Our mermaid came with a baby turtle and a musical instrument. We have a live pet turtle already, so my girls thought that was wonderful!
#ToyReview Schleich Mermaid toy
#ToyReview: Bayala Mermaid with Baby Turtle
The Bayala Mermaid with Baby Turtle is a beautiful toy with exquisite detailing. Her clam shell is made of durable plastic in a nice, pearly sheen, with glittered accents that gives it a magical feel. The mermaid is colourful and very lifelike, and she has glittered details on her fin and hair. My daughter likes how she has a tiara and ribbon in her hair, and she loves the glittery mermaid tail. She now wants to collect the whole range of toys! I like that the mermaid and her clam shell is portable and suitable to take on holiday or day trips, easy to fit in a handbag and strong enough to withstand heavy handed playtime.
Priced at a very reasonable £14.99, you can purchase the Bayala Mermaid toy from Schleich. I think she is ideal for children who would like a toy that feels more grown-up but still has the tactile and visual qualities that they enjoy. Recommended age range 5+, my daughters are 4 and 7.
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With newspapers informing us that more millennials are turning away from religion than past generations, it is soothing to know that the search for the spiritual remains strong. Younger generations may define themselves as “spiritual but not religious,” but many believe in God or a greater life force and seek purpose from their lives.
Religion may be waning, but spirituality is booming… with practices such as tarot card reading, palmistry, and other metaphysical interests rising in popularity. Nature is another way people seek to discover a richer spiritual life; and you too can do so by making a few changes to your garden space.
#WitchyWednesday My small, beautiful back garden
The Link Between Nature and Spirituality
Natural landscapes have served as symbols of ‘the great life force that flows through all living things’ (some would call it ‘God’), since time immemorial. Thus, the Aborigines of Australia espouse that ancestral spirits created the important physical geographic formations and sites, and sites such as Uluru (the sacred rock formation in the center of the Australian desert) are symbols of the power of creation wielded by the spirits.
Modern philosophers such as Carl Jung, meanwhile, believed that it was through natural symbols (lakes, oceans, mountains) that human beings could be more aware of the “collective unconscious”: the spiritual dimension they shared with all other human beings.
Bringing Spirituality into Your Garden
With so many studies showing that nature soothes stress and helps bring us to a state of mindfulness (which is vital for mental health), many families are harnessing these benefits by creating spiritual oases in their gardens.
Some seek to unite spirituality and nature through the use of decorative features such as sizeable water fountains, whose sound instantly transports the mind to a peaceful lake or stream, inspiring relaxation and making it easier to get into ‘the Zone’ while engaging in spiritual practises such as yoga, meditation or pranayamic breathing.
Others use a large space to build an outdoor meditation space, containing features such as wooden decked flooring and a thatched roof. Items such as statutes of God/s and Buddha can add a mystical feel, as can small touches such as dreamcatchers, chimes, and candle-lit lanterns, perfect for a night-time tarot card reading or psychic healing session.
Simply filling your garden with plants and flowers of all kinds can be a personal way to enhance mindfulness while you meditate, think of how to add greater purpose to your life, or take a ‘nature bath’, opening all your senses to the symbolic beauty of what lies around you. Study after study has shown that time spent in nature has powerful benefits, including stress reduction and improved concentration and focus, which can help human beings while they engage in spiritual pursuits.
Turning your garden into a place of worship, or the backdrop to everything from tarot readings to yoga sessions, harnesses the power of nature to heal, soothe, and restore. Your changes can be tiny (comprising one or more decorative pieces) or major, but regardless of your budget and the scale of your garden project, simply being outdoors is vital when it comes to boosting mental health.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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Today I am in a very strange place. This is not my planned “Mummy Monday” blog post. I am currently sitting at my daughter’s bedside in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool. It has been a very stressful, confusing and traumatic week.
Let me tell you the story…
#MummyMonday Alder Hey Children’s Hospital – My daughter’s near-death experience
My daughter’s near-death experience
It all started about a week ago, on a Sunday morning, when my daughter woke up with a sore ear. We thought she had a cold, we gave her Calpol, and on Tuesday we took her to the doctor with a suspected ear infection. She was prescribed ear drops and sent home to rest. And then it went a bit more wrong. On Wednesday she began to complain of more pain in her face, not just her ear. At first, we dismissed it as her feeling sorry for herself. But she got worse, and we returned to our GP on Thursday morning, who promptly sent us straight to our local hospital, Leighton Hospital in Crewe. They admitted us immediately and began to investigate her condition.
At this point my daughter was crying in pain, her teeth were clenched because she couldn’t open her mouth, and she hadn’t eaten properly all week. I felt so helpless because I couldn’t make it better. We went through the trauma of getting her onto a CT scanning machine, and later to have x-rays, she had blood tests and antibiotics and all sorts of activity. By Friday evening our ENT doctors informed us that we had to transfer to Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool for specialist treatment and surgery. At this point I lost the plot. I panicked. Only very sick children go to Alder Hey. I’ve seen them on TV documentaries. This was serious. And my daughter, my beautiful, vibrant 7-year-old princess, was in the middle of it all.
Thankful for my husband
I am so thankful that my husband was with me throughout the whole process. When I fell apart, he stepped in to sign medical forms, he drove us to the hospitals, he packed bags, took care of our younger daughter, cared for our dog, planned for the school run and everything else that needed to be done. Our weekend passed in a blur as our daughter was rushed in for emergency surgery to drain fluid from her cheek. It had pooled around her jawbone, so she couldn’t open her mouth, and it was potentially very dangerous long-term. The surgery was a success, and today we are in recovery.
We will now stay at Alder Hey Hospital for another couple of days before going home to recuperate. I miss my bed. I miss my younger daughter. I miss my dog and my husband. And I miss my routine, even though we have only been away for five days. It feels like a lifetime. Being in hospital puts you in a sort of bubble, where your world narrows down to the ward and the patient and the process. I haven’t been outside for two days, and I have barely left my daughter’s bedside. But she is getting better. She is healing, and we will get through this. It was an incredibly rare situation, but the concern is infection control. She could have contracted something far more serious if we did not get her to the doctor in time.
Gratitude to the amazing medical staff
Ultimately, I want to extend my gratitude to the amazing teams at both Leighton Hospital and Alder Hey Hospital. They continue to work tirelessly to care for my daughter and me, in a facility that is comfortable, safe and well designed. All of the doctors, nurses, specialists and support staff are invaluable for their expertise and their care. And most importantly, I must say a huge thank you to our GP, Dr Crofts from Oaklands Medical Centre, for his swift action in assessing our daughter and having her transferred to the hospital. This is what our NHS provides, what it stands for and what it does. And I for one am more grateful that I could ever express.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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Have you found love? Do you dream about finding that one perfect partner with whom to make memories and share your life? I am one of the lucky ones, who found my soulmate at a young age and am still with him almost twenty years down the line… but that doesn’t mean we don’t look elsewhere.
Dating isn’t just about sex, as I am sure you will agree. It is about friendship, making a connection with someone through shared interests and hobbies.
Heart of the Vampire A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
Romance around the UK
Take dating in Sussex or dating Surrey as an example. I live in the North of England, but I happen to know that there is a heavy population density down South, and that includes a lot of single people seeking their partner. I would love to visit these counties and see what they offer, but sometimes I don’t fancy going away on my own. If I was single, and I found somebody on a dating website, it would give me the perfect solution to my problem. I would gain a new friend and a holiday. You could also search for Devon singles if you live in the West Country, or if you spend time there with work or other commitments. And of course, most people these days are not averse to travelling. I know of several people who began their relationships on a long-distance basis (myself included) and who find it very pleasing for their lifestyle.
Moving further up in the UK, we have Lincolnshire dating for you to try. This location is handy for those who live and work in the Midlands. I believe that the transport network is fairly decent, and you never know who you might find once you explore this dating website. Making it a bit more central, you could also have a look at Nottinghamshire dating. Finding activities to do with your date can sometimes prove tricky, especially if it is someone that you are physically meeting for the first time. The locations I mentioned will all provide a wide variety of social activities to try, whether that be a simple meeting in a pub or café, a meal in a posh restaurant (got to make a good impression), or something more adventurous.
My idea of a romantic date
My idea of a romantic date involves a stroll along the seafront and a meal in a restaurant overlooking the bay, but since I live inland, that is not always doable. If you have similar dreams and ambitions and you also live inland, perhaps you could find somebody on one of these dating websites that lives closer to the sea. Then you have the perfect excuse to travel away for a weekend, enjoy your new friendship, and see where it leads. Even if you decide to simply be friends, it will have been a nice excursion and the beginning of a new adventure in life.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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Life with a four-year-old can be very challenging. Our daughter started school last September, but she is among the youngest in her school, since her birthday is in August.
She is also very small and dainty, and as a result, people always want to cuddle her and treat her like a baby. I still do it myself, indulging my motherly impulses. And she loves it.
Me and my Little Girl
Tantrums and Sleepless Nights
My daughter loves being at school, but I still worry sometimes if she is a little too young. She thrives on the joy of learning and being with her friends. She is also exhausted, and she rarely sleeps well at night. This has led to many disturbed nights for our family, and last week we experienced the worst tantrum she has had in a long time. It was two o’clock in the morning and she ended up kicking, screaming and thrashing around on her bed while I had to walk out of the room because I was at breaking point.
Her dad managed to calm her down on that instance, but the tantrums continued throughout the next day as she stumbled around in a state of tired exhaustion. But, life goes on. I admit that at this point I am feeling very run-down partly due to the tantrums, and partly due to other domestic stress. But at least I have a healthy, mostly happy, child. And for that I am grateful.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
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Have you ever been in love? Are you still in love now? Or perhaps you are the eternal seeker, ever hopeful that you will find that special somebody who will sweep you away with hearts and flowers… or simply love you for all that you are, so that you may do the same in return.
Love Redeems A Redcliffe Novel by paranormal author Catherine Green
Local Dating Websites for You
I admit that in the past I have been very scathing about the idea of love and romance. And I was very sceptical about dating websites when they began to surface. I soon learned the truth, however. Humans are made to live together, in whatever format works for the individual, couple or group. We need company. We need support. We need each other. What if you have searched your local area, however, and still you cannot find a romantic partner that reciprocates your affection? Well, you could try a West Midlands dating site, if you live in that part of the country.
Living in a city would bring ample opportunities to find love, you might think. But I know that it doesn’t always work out that way. You might not enjoy the cosmopolitan city centre nightlife, or the trendy social scenes where you are generally expected to meet someone. Perhaps you feel more comfortable in a quiet environment, or a specific interest group. Perhaps you identify as pagan, like me, and struggle to meet someone who shares you particular esoteric interests and beliefs. There are many city-based dating websites, like Glasgow dating, where you could find your soulmate, or at least a new friend to play with.
Dating websites for small island populations
And then we have people who live on small islands, dotting around the coast of the UK. How do they meet new people? I reckon there are only so many suitable romantic partners in these places, and those that do appear would find themselves inundated with potential boyfriends and girlfriends. In these places, you could turn to Isle of Wight dating and see who is available. Or, right at the other end of the UK, there are Single women in Shetland who are just waiting to be discovered, romanced and loved. Take a look, check out who is interested, and who is interesting, and see who you meet.
Finally, and without any surprise to my regular readers, I must remind you of those Naughty dating websites. We all have a naughty streak. Go on, try and deny it! I am not the sweet, innocent housewife that you might think, and neither are the potential dates you will find on these wonderful websites. We all have unique personalities, quirks, and even kinks, and I for one think we should embrace our wild nature, seek those who would compliment us, and throw caution to the wind a little more often. You cannot be a lover if you don’t allow yourself to be loved. Go get ‘em!
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Vampirina is the hot new Disney Junior TV show celebrating friendship and difference – with a spooktacular twist!
I had to review these toys. I mean come on, SpookyMrsGreen and the Spooktacular #VampirinaToys range? It’s a no-brainer. I also knew that my spooky daughters would love the toys as well, so when I was asked to join in with the Vampirina Twitter party on 28th Feb, I had to say yes. Today I share with you my review of the fabulous new toys that we received.
#ToyReview Disney Vampirina Spookylele Ukelele
Introducing #VampirinaToys: they are Spooktacular!
The party box arrived while my daughters were at school, and when they returned home, they couldn’t wait to get stuck in and discover their goodies. We received a Vampirina Spookylele and gloves, which was immediately claimed by my younger daughter, aged 4 (nearly 5). This toy is awesome because it plays some funky music, it is a good, sturdy item, and the design is fun and colourful. The skull feature even has an opening mouth at the base of the spookylele, which we found very amusing to play with!
My elder daughter then shrieked with delight when she pulled out a huge box containing a Vampirina Bat-tastic talking Vee and Wolfie. This doll is quite big, and she is very cute in all her spooky style. Her dog, Wolfie, is also adorable. The talking Vee doll has feature bat wings that you can close up, and when you press the button on her necklace, her wings flirt open, light up, and she sings and talks. I was very impressed with the quality of the doll.
Cute purple car
Our third featured toy is Hauntley’s Mobile, which I believe is my favourite out of all of them. This fabulous purple car reminds me of the vehicle used by the Addam’s Family, but in a different colour of course. There are glittered accents, moving wing mirrors, and the back of the car opens up to create a fantastic drive-in movie theatre. The car comes with a small Vee figure that can sit behind the steering wheel, and she has a carton of popcorn and a table in the back of the car. The car also plays music and flashes its lights when you press the bat button on the bonnet.
Inside our party box we received everything that we need to host our Vampirina party, but you will have to join us on Twitter to find out what else we received. Use #VampirinaToys between 1pm and 3pm on 28th February to join in. There is a very interesting looking pass the parcel that I can’t wait to get into, we have an itinerary of games and activities themed around #VampirinaToys, and the goodie bags each contain colouring packs and a Rock n’ Ghoul Microphone that I’m sure will drive all the parents crazy before too long, although knowing my friends, they will be playing with the toys just as much as the children!
Impressed with Vampirina toys
Overall, I am very impressed with the #VampirinaToys range. We don’t have Sky TV at home, but my daughters both knew about the toys because they have seen them on YouTube. My girls wanted to make their own unboxing videos, but it was our first attempt, so they are a little rough and ready. Still, you have to start somewhere, and if there is one thing Vampirina teaches us, it’s that we should always give other people a chance before we judge them. Have a lovely half-term week, friends in the North… and happy back-to-school week for the rest of you!
Thank you to Flair toys and UKMumsTV for inviting us to join the party.
#ToyReview Disney Vampirina toy#ToyReview Disney Vampirina toy #ToyReview Disney Vampirina toy
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