Welcome to my Lifestyle Parenting Blog, where I explore topics related to chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia while embracing a passion for yoga, books, and blogging.
5 Ways Springtime Can Bring Relief and Renewal for Those with Chronic Illness
As the chilly winter fades away, the colourful blossoming of spring appears as a season of renewal, providing a feeling of rejuvenation to those struggling with chronic illnesses.
Tips on how to parent with a chronic illness
Parenting is demanding at the best of times. Throw in my chronic illness, and it can seem like an uphill climb. How do I take care of my children while struggling to take care of myself? How do I balance their needs with my limitations? It's a never-ending cycle of guilt and frustration. But with my determination, adequate strategies, and a dash of self-compassion, I can not only navigate this journey but also create a wholesome environment for my children.
Tips on how to get a good night’s sleep with a chronic illness
For those of us dealing with the extra challenges brought about by chronic illness, we find ourselves frequently grappling with sleep disruptions due to symptoms or medication side effects, pain and so much more. When you try to close your eyes, trying to ignore the pain in your body, only to be met with endless tossing and turning. The quest for quality sleep amidst ongoing health battles can be frustrating, upsetting and debilitating.
Navigating High Anxiety: Chronic Illness and the Forgotten Task Syndrome
When you’ve worked your whole adult life, loved being busy and an active person, then suddenly everything changes. The realization hits like a sudden blow: your lifestyle, your capabilities – all limited by the onset of a chronic illness. This significant shift causes you many episodes of a feeling like something is missing or that you feel lost.
The Significance of Restoring Rather Than Replacing My Broken Engagement Ring
An engagement ring is much more than just a piece of jewellery. It holds an entire world of emotions, memories, and dreams for the future within its small shape. The sentimental value that it carries is unique to each individual, making it truly special. When this ring was first placed on my finger, it became a symbol of our love, commitment, and the beautiful journey we were embarking on together.
Surviving a Loft Disaster - My Encounter with a Ladder Mishap
Last week was quite the adventure! I was atop our telescopic ladder, about to enter the loft when suddenly, it collapses! Down I go, in a mess of limbs and ladder. I can't remember the impact, but I found myself sprawled on the floor, with my right arm taking the hit.
Why a Good Pain Day Doesn't Mean No Pain
The painless day myth
Living with chronic illness means constantly dealing with pain. Whether it's physical or emotional, the pain is always there, lurking in the background, always eager to control us. But every once in a while, there comes a moment when the pain seems to fade away, even if just for a little while. It's what we call a "good pain day." But what does that really mean? Is it a sign that the pain is finally gone for good? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Futliit LED Backpack Review
We were kindly sent the Futliit LED backpack for review.
In today's fast-paced world, having a reliable backpack that not only complements your style but also offers practical features is essential. The Futliit LED backpack has gained significant popularity for its unique combination of aesthetics and functionality. It’s especially good for children.
How to Make Your Bedroom the Best Environment for Sleeping
If the whole family doesn't sleep well, it can throw off the day. For me, one of the most important things about sleeping is having the right place and environment to do it. Some people can sleep anywhere. But many need specific conditions to help them drift off to dreamland. Most people need the best environment, not just to help them fall asleep but to make their sleep better too. There are lots of changes you can make to a bedroom to make a more comfortable night sleep:
Damaging Dragon's Den's Latest Episode For ME Sufferers
As someone who suffers from a chronic illness, specifically ME/CFS, I was intrigued to watch this week's episode of Dragon's Den. I had heard that someone with the same condition as me was pitching their business idea on the show, and I was eager to see what it was.
But as I watched, I couldn't help but feel a sense of caution and sadness. The entrepreneur's product was aimed at people like me, who are living with a painful and debilitating chronic illness.
How I Manage Chronic Pain
Each day when I open my eyes, I am met with stiffness and discomfort, often accompanied by the unnerving sensation of my arms being completely numb or filled with pins and needles. From the moment I wake up, I find myself analysing the intensity of the pain that will accompany me throughout the day. There is never a day that goes by without some level of pain, but there are moments
The Reality of Living with a Chronic Illness: How Waiting Becomes a Way of Life
Since becoming chronically ill I'd never realised how much of our lives disappear whilst waiting to see doctors, waiting for test results, waiting for referrals, waiting for new treatments to work etc. Months and years just disappear whilst we are stuck on wait lists
The Sentimental Value of Preloved Engagement Rings: Passing Down Love
Every love story is unique, with its own set of memories and emotions that make it irreplaceable. And when it comes to engagements, the significance of a ring goes beyond just its aesthetic appeal. It becomes a symbol of the love and commitment shared between two individuals. While many may opt for brand new engagement rings, there is something truly special about a preloved ring that carries a sentimental value like no other. Not only does it possess a timeless charm, but it also holds the stories of past love and the promise of a future filled with cherished memories.
Garden Rooms Creating More Indoor Space
An outdoor structure can be useful for a number of things and may look like a substantial addition to your family home and garden. An outside building may be a very valuable investment for any homeowner, whether you require more storage space or a private workspace. And it can also add serious curb appeal.
Things You'll Find Me Calling Out To My Dogs
We can all agree that keeping a dog can provide you with countless hours of happiness and affection. Let's not overlook the drawbacks, those annoying traits that our furry pals just can't seem to get rid of. How often have we seen them rolling about in some foul thing or chomping on stools? Just thinking about it makes you want to yank your hair out! It's safe to say that being the mother of three muskehounds—two beagles and a small dachshund—I am very knowledgeable about the mischievous, stubborn tendencies of hounds…. but I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Preparing for the summer holidays
It’s the last day of school today, yes, that means the summer holidays are here! If you are like me, you are thinking of ways to manage your kids free time over the long six-week period. Whilst the kids look forward to weeks of total freedom, fun in the sun, and endless streams of activities (and probably loads of lazy mornings/afternoons for my teenage son). Yay. But, what I do want to avoid is my kids having most of the day lay ins, or sat in front of screens for hours - yes there will be plenty of lazy days, but I want to encourage my kids to be active where possible.
My Gastroscopy Experience and Waiting for Biopsy Results
Wow, talk about a rollercoaster of a week! Just when you think things can't get worse, the universe keeps throwing curveballs your way. I mean, where do I even begin? Yesterday I got a call from the gastroenterology department at my local hospital about a referral for an gastroscopy. Yeah, you heard that right - a camera down my throat. And to top it off, they offered me an appointment for TODAY. Talk about quick turnaround! So, my husband graciously took the day off to drive me to the hospital because we knew recovery from sedation would take a while.
How Everyday Activities Can Affect Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Waxing
In the past few days, I've been having off days… but today's was a different kind of right-off.
Today I set out with a small task to make life easier for myself, and that was to wax my legs, so I don’t have to shave them during each bath (I struggle with baths).
Why I Prefer to Tumble Dry My Laundry
Laundry is basically my arch-nemesis, it's a never-ending brawl in my household! My family of six and three fur babies always seem to have something that needs washing. Some days I feel like I'm running a non-stop laundromat! And don't even get me started on my sons' "lump and dump" technique - they just let their dirty laundry sit there for days in their bedrooms, until they realise they are running out of clean clothes to wear. They pick up the whole lump of laundry and dump it all in the laundry basket, like a Mount Everest of clothes and bedding. But when I finally tackle that pile and the laundry basket is empty, it's cause for celebration! Even if my victory is short-lived...