Why Won’t My Child Potty Train?

Posted on February 20, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen

I am beginning to feel very anxious and more than a little stressed about the fact that my younger daughter refuses to potty train. I have been trying to persuade her for around eighteen months now, to no avail.

She will be four in August and starts primary school in September, so I really need to get this sorted. Help!

Image of a Minnie Mouse potty toilet seat, a white potty, a pink potty training toilet seat, a green animal pattern potty training toilet seat, a bottle of Domestos bleach for bathroom hygiene. #MummyMonday Potty Training Challenge #BrightFuture Persil Unilever Promotion at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#MummyMonday Potty Training Challenge

Why Won’t My Child Potty Train?

There might be a psychological block with her. When she was a baby, she struggled to empty her bowels. I even had her sitting on a potty at less than a year old, simply to try and ease the pressure because she became so distraught and it was so painful for her. We visited the doctor, did some tests, but they put it down to growing pains. There is no official diagnosis for her problem, but now it is impacting on her development.

She knows what to do. She watches her friends use the toilet and the potty quite happily. She wears knickers, training pants and pull-ups (which I really detest because of the waste factor), but nothing works. I try leaving her half naked in the house, but if I try and put her anywhere near a toilet or potty, she screams and contorts her body. She has done her business on the potty before now, and she has sat willingly on the toilet, but it is sporadic and I cannot seem to take that step forward.

What am I doing wrong? Does anyone have advice or a story to share about potty training their older child?

Image of a small child watching ducks swim on a lake. #WitchyWednesday My Little Lammas Child SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
My Little Lammas Child SpookyMrsGreen

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Posted in Children, family, pagan mother, parenting, Random Musings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Win a Psychic Reading for Valentine’s Day!

Posted on February 8, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen

Love is in the air, and I know there are many people who are reassessing their emotional and romantic situations in life.

Some of us have been working hard to heal and strengthen existing relationships, while others have taken the painful but necessary steps to break away and seek a new life with someone else. Perhaps some are still searching for that perfect other half. The journey is different for all of us.

psychic-light-valentine-competition
Photo credit: Psychic Light

Today I share with you a competition brought by our friends at Psychic Light. Enter now and you could win a free 1 hour psychic reading which will help to answer some of those questions and queries that are spinning around in your mind. You also receive a unique £5 discount code just for entering the competition, so go for it. You never know where it may lead… Happy Valentine’s Day!

Image of a pentagram on black background. Text reads #WitchyWednesday on the blog for SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
#WitchyWednesday

Did you enjoy this article? Join my tribe to keep informed of new stories from SpookyMrsGreen, and I will send you a fabulous FREE book from my Redcliffe novels series.

Posted in advertising, family, Love, mind body spirit, pagan mother, Random Musings, relationships, Spiritual, spiritual growth, spiritual guidance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Imbolc Blessings from the #365DaysofTarot Challenge

Posted on February 1, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen

Today is the beginning of February, and we celebrate the pagan festival Imbolc.

Imbolc is a time to honour the cycle of Mother Nature, when she is waking up from the long, cold winter, and preparing to burst forth her luscious, green shoots of life in our trees and plants.

I went for a walk beside our local canal this morning and found some snowdrops hidden in the woodland. They always make me smile, and I shared their photograph on Instagram.

Image of Tarot cards from the Druid Craft Tarot card deck for #365daysoftarot challenge on SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Imbolc Tarot Reading

#365DaysofTarot Tarot card reading for Imbolc

I also did a Tarot reading for Imbolc. I chose to do a Horseshoe spread, asking for guidance around current life challenges, how past influences may be causing concern or disruption, and how we can move forward. Imbolc is all about stepping into the light, embracing the warmth of the Spring sunshine, and shaking off the shadows of Winter as we dance into a new Earth cycle. Imbolc Blessings, my friends!

Image of Druid Craft Tarot cards on a purple cloth. Text reads "Druid Craft Tarot Reading @SpookyMrsGreen." Druid Craft Tarot Reading by professional Tarot reader Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Druid Craft Tarot Reading by professional Tarot reader Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Sign up now to keep informed of new stories from SpookyMrsGreen.

Posted in advertising, book signing, oracle card reading, pagan mother, Random Musings, Spiritual, spiritual guidance, tarot reading | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

#ProductReview: Finding the Best Child Snack

Posted on January 30, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen

I have talked before about my challenge of feeding the children properly. My daughters are very reluctant to eat fruit and vegetables, and even when they do try, the quantities are very small. So, I have taken to experimenting, finding ways of sneaking good food into their diets.

I tried chopping up vegetables and hiding them in pasta sauces, mashed potato, and soups. It didn’t work. I tried giving the children raw vegetables to snack on. It didn’t work. I tried all of the suggestions that I picked up on social media and from friends and family.

#ProductReview Naturelly Jelly Juice reviewed by Catherine Green for SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Naturelly Jelly Juice reviewed by Catherine Green

Finding the Best Child Snack

One thing that my girls did respond to was juice drinks. And when I received a sample of Naturelly Jelly Juice for them to try, it was an instant hit. My elder daughter especially loves these drinks, because she is a jelly fiend. Today I am pleased to offer a special discount code for you so that your children can try Naturelly Jelly Juice. They recently won Gold in 2016 in the Loved By Parent Awards voted on by parents, and have now won Gold for best Child Snack in this years Loved by Children Awards voted on by children.

To receive your 40% discount on a box of 12 or more, simply enter the promo code SPOOKY10 on checkout.

Special Offer Discount Codes from SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Special Offer Discount Codes

Did you enjoy this article? Browse the latest exclusive special offers and discount codes from my affiliate partners. Click here.

Note: I received a sample of the product in return for an honest review. This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #mummymonday, advertising, Business, family, pagan mother, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Embrace Your Inner Warrior

Posted on January 25, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen

There is lots of talk about change at the moment. Yes, we are still in the first month of the year, and it is a fresh, new year. 2016 was very traumatic, and I think there is probably a general sense that people tried to make things happen gently and peacefully, but in the end, they just didn’t quite get the results they were hoping for.

Now, I do not advocate violence. Indeed, I am a very gentle person, but if something upsets me, or I see injustice done to another, especially innocent animals, then my inner warrior will rage. She is wild!

English Heritage Sword at English Heritage Shop affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
English Heritage Sword

Embrace Your Inner Warrior

I think we all have an inner warrior. Over the years, we have been taught to suppress that violent, primitive nature. We learned that we didn’t need to fight for everything, because there was generally enough to go around. Some people do feel the need to fight, and they probably channel that in military organisations, or combat sports. My inner warrior does not physically fight, but she will speak up when the need arises, and of course, I am a child of the 80s. I grew up watching action movies and superheroes fight to beat the bad guys, and I wanted to be those superheroes, flashing my sword and saving the day. Don’t we all?

Sometimes it is nice to embrace your inner warrior in a more ceremonial sense. You will find many pagans use weapons during sacred rituals. They don’t use the weapons to inflict harm on others. They simply form sigils or symbols in the air, or on a piece of wood or stone, or hold the weapon while they speak sacred words. I felt that connection when I saw a few of the reproduction swords that you can purchase from English Heritage. The Excalibur Sword invoked memories of medieval castles and a fight for honour and strength. This would be a good sacred tool for pagans who feel connected to the myths of Avalon and King Arthur. I would have to find a stone circle somewhere, and wear my floaty medieval dress, so that I could re-enact the scene that plays in my imagination… “I have the power!”

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in #witchywednesday, advertising, Business, mind body spirit, pagan mother, Random Musings, spirit sisters, Spiritual, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Top 10 Improvements To Make To Your Home In 2017

Posted on January 20, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen

The New Year can bring in a fresh start for your home. If you are looking to upgrade your home- check out these improvement suggestions for 2017:

Plumbtile Kitchen Tile Splashback featured at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Plumbtile Kitchen Tile Splashback

The Top 10 Improvements To Make To Your Home In 2017

  1. Aquabrass Faucets: Available in almost any style, these are a beautiful way to upgrade your kitchen and bathroom.
  2. Kitchen Tile Backsplash: Adding a kitchen tile backsplash is a great way to give your cooking space some style. While traditional kitchen tile backsplash is subtle, modern designers are going for a floor to wall backsplash to really highlight the kitchen space.
  3. Wooden Cabinets: To further warm up your kitchen, consider adding wooden cabinets.
  4. Lighting Fixtures: Changing your lighting fixtures is an easy way to update your home. If you cannot change the fixture, consider making minor changes. For instance, you can change the lightbulbs to give the entire fixture a new look.
  5. Bar Stools: Add comfort and are a great way to turn your kitchen counter a social space.
  1. Beige: Pastel backgrounds are in- especially beige. Beige makes for a warm backdrop without being too bright, and will work with almost any other colors.
  2. Color: An understated background needs bright colors. Add stained glass, colorful furniture pieces, or plenty of greenery.
  3. Romantic Bedrooms: Consider adding plenty of pink and red to your bedroom for a sensual and romantic feel.
  4. Unique Vanities: Instead of going with a traditional store-bought vanity, consider looking for something vintage or taking on a DIY project to make your vanity truly unique.
  5. Wall Mounted Bath Faucets: These can add flare and style to your bathroom instantly. Consider looking for a faucet that is eco-friendly as well as stylish.

Make your home a place to cherish and enjoy with some, or all of these improvement suggestions.

Plumbtile Mixer Tap Faucet in collaboration with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Plumbtile Mixer Tap Faucet

Did you enjoy this article? Browse the latest exclusive special offers and discount codes from my affiliate partners. Click here.

Note: This is a collaborative article.

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, Business, family, pagan mother, Random Musings, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Stock Up Your Craft Cupboard!

Posted on January 6, 2017 by SpookyMrsGreen

The New Year sales have started, and as we look towards 2017 with the hopes of setting new goals and targets, perhaps some of you would like to rekindle a passion for crafts? I enjoy card making and bead jewellery crafts, although I have had to put the hobby on hold for a while due to other demands on my time.

#FreeforallFriday Linda Barker at Terrys affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#FreeforallFriday Linda Barker at Terrys

My mum is a keen fabric crafter, and one of her favourite shops is Terrys Fabrics in Stoke-on-Trent. They deliver all over the UK, and provide free delivery when you spend over £100. Terrys offer a wide range of fabrics, including made to order curtains and upholstery services. My mum made the curtains for my house using fabric we bought from Terrys, and the quality is excellent.

Check out the Terrys Winter Sale, live now until 31st January!

Handcrafted Gifts from Terrys at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Handcrafted Gifts from Terrys

Did you enjoy this article? Browse the latest exclusive special offers and discount codes from more of my affiliate partners. Click here.

Note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!

Posted in advertising, family, pagan mother, Random Musings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Goodbye 2016

Posted on December 30, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

I think we can all agree that 2016 has been a very challenging year for everyone, not least because of all the bereavement that the world has had to experience together.

I turned on the radio this morning to hear a phone-in session where people remember their favourite songs by artists that have died this year, and what memories those songs invoke. I had to turn it off when they started playing Last Christmas by George Michael, it was too sad!

Goodbye, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Goodbye, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

Goodbye 2016

Now, I never considered myself the type of person to feel such a close connection to a celebrity figure, but apparently I did, because I was shocked and upset by the deaths of David Bowie and George Michael. I grew up listening to their music, watching them on TV, and their songs mostly invoke memories of a very happy, safe and sheltered childhood. Oh, how the world has changed.

The death of our celebrity figureheads within such a short space of time is a very clear message from the universe, and I am fully aware of the fact. This is the year of endings. It marks the end of an era in so many ways, and we must embrace this change, and look forward to new and better experiences ahead. I have done a lot of grieving this year, not just for the loss of people. I have been grieving for the loss of my family dynamic, and it has taken several years for me to accept what has happened.

Allowing myself to grieve

My parents divorced when I was a teenager, yet I think it is only now, when I have my own children, and my own marital challenges, that I have allowed myself to process the grief that has been hiding deep within, like a dark bubble of misery that I tried so hard to ignore. I told myself to grow up, get over it, I wasn’t the only product of a broken family. At least I still have my parents. But it’s not just that. The relationships are very different between my parents, my in-laws, and my children. We are separated by distance, by illness, and by fate, it would seem. But no more grief. I have cried, I have let it all go, I accept where I am in my life.#

Are you ready to let go? What are you holding on to? Let us all leave the past behind us, and move on to a happier, more enriching year. Welcome, 2017. We have been expecting you!

Welcome 2017 Happy New Year SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Welcome 2017 Happy New Year

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Posted in Children, family, holistic health, mind body spirit, pagan mother, Random Musings, spirit sisters, Spiritual, spiritual growth, spiritual guidance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Winter Solstice Tarot Reading for New Year

Posted on December 28, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

Christmas has passed, and now we are in that strange week between one festival and another. How many of you will be celebrating New Year’s Eve this year?

Since having children, my New Year celebrations have been far more sedate and peaceful. Our family tend to enjoy a bracing walk on Talacre beach in North Wales on New Year’s Day for our celebration of the New Year. Do you have any family traditions?

Image of Talacre Beach in North Wales, Talacre Lighthouse with a backdrop of blue cloud and the ocean. A man and a child walk along rocks on the beach while their dog stands guard beside them. Copyright SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan family lifestyle blog.
A beautiful day on Talacre Beach for New Year

#365DaysofTarot Winter Solstice Tarot card reading

Since we also celebrated Winter Solstice last week, a time to welcome the return of the sun, I performed a Celtic Cross Tarot reading as part of my #365DaysofTarot challenge. The reading is too long to post here today, but I will share the introduction, and if you would like a copy of the full reading, please respond in the comments below.

Image of Tarot cards from the Gilded Tarot card deck in a Celtic Cross Tarot reading spread for #365daysoftarot challenge on SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Gilded Tarot Celtic Cross Reading SpookyMrsGreen

#365DaysofTarot Celtic Cross Tarot reading

1, Recap – Ten of Swords

You feel beaten and broken. It has been a tough year. But those swords that hover above you do not offer more pain. They glow with strength and power that you can call on to lift you up and help you to fight another day.

2, You – Nine of Wands

The weight of responsibility has overwhelmed you, and now you retreat, defeated. But you still hold on to one new goal. Be strong, and you will rise again.

3, Crossing – Four of Swords

What is it that you fear so much? Why do you feel the need to arm yourself so heavily against attack? Surely the world isn’t quite as hostile as you make out.

4, Foundation – Strength

So now we are presented with Strength. She lives within you, and your faithful spiritual companion is the mighty Lion. Call on them both now, in your time of need.

Image of Tarot cards from the Gilded Tarot card deck for #365daysoftarot challenge on SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Gilded Tarot cards SpookyMrsGreen

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Posted in Children, family, mind body spirit, pagan mother, Random Musings, spirit sisters, Spiritual, spiritual growth, spiritual guidance, tarot reading | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Depth of a Child’s Love

Posted on December 26, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

“Mummy,” my five-year-old daughter said a few days’ ago, “I cannot believe it is Christmas already!”

Yes, apparently, my daughter has also found the rush of Christmas excitement a lot to cope with. When she made that statement, I asked her if she had enjoyed the year, and if she had a favourite memory to share. Her answer truly surprised me. She told me that her favourite memory was from when she was in her reception year at primary school, before Great Nan died.

Image of a great-grandmother cuddling a baby and a young child copyright LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
SpookyMrsGreen’s children with their Great-Nan

The Depth of a Child’s Love

Now, my paternal grandmother died at the age of 79 in November 2015. She was ill in hospital at the time, although it still came as a shock because she seemed to be recovering from her illness. My daughter knew her because we had visited often, but I didn’t think they were quite so close. Her death upset me because she was the first of my grandparents to die, and that was difficult to handle after having them in my life for over thirty years.

I hadn’t stopped to think about how my children would react. I simply assumed that they were too young for it to really have an impact. My daughter misses my Nanna a lot, and we didn’t even live in close proximity. She only saw her during school holidays and at family gatherings, but she had made a connection on a very deep level, and that stayed with her. My daughter truly is an inspirational teacher for her wisdom and her innocent, exuberant love. I think we can all take a lesson from that. And I miss you, Nanna H, even though I know you are with us in Spirit. Lots of love to all who are missing loved ones this Christmas.

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here. 

Posted in #mummymonday, Children, christmas, family, pagan mother, Random Musings, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments