Mother Distracted

Wednesday, 5 October 2016

Review: Psychic Email Readings By Lyndsay Edwards

It's always interesting to learn more about your fellow bloggers and Lyndsay Edwards at the blog livingwithcowsmilkproteinallergy.com has started to use her skills as a medium to offer psychic email readings.

Lyndsay grew up in the spiritualist church and has attended open circle services all her life. She has always received communication from the spirit world and, having begun to read for others earlier this year, is now offering the service via her blog.

Readings include a minimum of 400 words and cost £25. Lyndsay will shortly be offering readings over the phone too.

Now you may be wholly cynical about psychics but I have been interested in psychic phenomena and mediumship ever since I was a child.

Try as I might, I simply cannot believe that when we die, that's it. What is the point of the intelligence we have been gifted with otherwise? So I am entirely open to spiritualism and the belief that our loved ones never leave us and may try to communicate with us from time to time.

Of course, the industry has its charlatans and those who would seek to exploit the grieving but I believe in general that psychics are driven by the need to do good and to offer comfort.

I have certainly found great comfort from past readings at times of crisis in my life, even if the predictions were not 100% accurate.

Sometimes we can ask a psychic things we wouldn't dream of asking a family member or a friend. Asking a psychic questions creates a safe space for us to ask the things that are really bothering us - and sometimes those things we find it very difficult to admit to ourselves.

Lyndsay asked me to give her 2 questions to answer and, without going into personal detail, both questions centered around the fact that I had my children in my forties and am concerned about maintaining a good level of health so I'm around for long enough to see them mature, and hopefully see them have a family of their own.

My reading began with an accurate description of the type of person I am and then dealt with my questions. I have to say that Lyndsay's answers were insightful and identified a few points which she could not have known.

Firstly, spirit advised that I can do far more and should just take the children with me - I am forever using my family situation as an excuse for not getting out and about more. It seems like such an upheaval but I know that's not really a justification for turning down the opportunities that come my way.

Secondly spirit highlighted the exact health worry that scares me most on a daily basis and reassured me that I would be fine. Since the Husband refers to me as "a major drain on the NHS", this really cheered me up.

The reading ended with a message from my grandmother which, although I don't remember the exact moment, had enough detail to be entirely plausible.

I would have liked a slightly longer reading but the answers I received certainly put my mind at rest and gave me comfort.

That, to me, is the main purpose of a psychic reading.

And to those who say that the future cannot be predicted?

I think a psychic reading is a bit like being given a map. We are shown where we are but we still get to choose the route we take throughout our life.

It's nice to occasionally have a bit of encouragement along the way.

For more information about psychic email readings, visit Lyndsay at www.livingwithcowsmilkproteinallergy.com.

*I received an email psychic reading for the purposes of this review.

Review: The VAX Air Stretch Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner

VAX is a name I've been familiar with for a long time but I have to be honest and say that I thought the company only produced rather cumbersome machines which cleaned your carpet by dampening it.

Times have changed greatly. VAX offered us the chance to test one of their new, lightweight, bagless models and we chose the VAX Air Stretch Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner.

Our existing vacuum is a pull-along one from a well known 'bagless' brand and, although I could never fault it's vacuuming power, it is difficult to move. It doesn't corner so that if you pull it, it generally smacks into the furniture if you're not paying attention.

It is also quite heavy and because we've managed to lose most of the tools, nooks and crannies are often overlooked. Its weight also doesn't help my back so lugging it up and down stairs is a problem and it simply doesn't have the reach to vacuum the ceiling.

The VAX Air Stretch cleaner has none of these problems. It is a powerful (820w) and lightweight upright vacuum cleaner with a long reach hose and cord.

It is also ideal for homes with pets as it comes with a TurboTool to help remove stubborn dirt and pet hair from surfaces around your home.

The product is also supplied with a 3-in-1 tool

Whilst we don't have a pet (yet!), both the Husband and I suffer from a dust allergy so a powerful vacuum is important for us. We have stripped out lots of the carpet so we also need a machine that copes well with hard floors without scratching the surface.

The VAX is multi-cyclonic (which means you don't lose suction), has a HEPA filter and, best of all it comes with a long cord and hose which reaches up to 17 metres.

You can use the VAX on carpet or hard floor by simply altering a gauge on the base of the machine and the tools attach to the body of the upright (although we haven't found where the TurboTool goes).

It weighs only 4.9kg making it easy to lift and, whilst it is a battle with my existing cleaner to lift it step by step to do the stairs, the VAX has the reach to allow you to just use the cord and the TurboTool which makes it much easier on my back.

The machine is also easy to empty - you just detach the dust container, unclip at the bottom and empty straight into the bin.

The only slight negatives I can find are firstly that the machine is quite noisy for those of us with Tinnitus but the same could be said of most of today's updated household appliances.

Secondly, an upright vacuum cleaner does take a little more storage space but it's given us an extra incentive to clean out the cupboard under the stairs where we tend to 'store' too many coats and cans of tinned tomatoes from our forays to Costco.

The product comes with free delivery and a 6 year guarantee. It retails at £249.99.

We found it was easy to use, light to lift and did the job well.

You can find more information about this and the full range of VAX products at www.vax.co.uk.

*We were sent a VAX Air Stretch Pet Upright Vacuum Cleaner for the purpose of this review.

Review: Kids' Halloween Costumes At Matalan

Every year we love spending time deciding what we're going to dress up as on Halloween and this year we found our inspiration at Matalan.

Caitlin transformed herself into a Gothic Bride and Ieuan, being a sweet natured boy, decided he was going to be the Grim Reaper.

Obviously Mr Bones didn't want to be left out.

Their costumes were very good value at £12 a piece and as you can see from our photographs, the detailing is quite impressive.

We got both costumes in a size 9-10 as my kids are both quite tall. Caitlin will be 9 in November and Ieuan is 7.

Both costumes fitted well with enough room under the arms to dance and threaten people with plastic weaponry without risking a split seam.

Kids Gothic Bride Halloween Costume - £12

Matalan's kids' Halloween costumes are made for ages 4-13 (the age ranges vary depending on the costume) and they have ensured that all of their Halloween products have passed additional Flammability Testing BS5722.

If the Gothic Bride and the Grim Reaper don't inspire you, how about Vampirella or a Pirate Skeleton? You'll find face paints and wigs too just in case the grownups want to join in (who doesn't!).

Kids Grim Reaper Halloween Costume - £12

On the Matalan website there's a fun Halloween section where you'll find spooky decorations, costumes, lifesized skeletons and party tips and ideas.

There are even pumpkin carving templates, should you be stuck for inspiration - although we usually delegate this to the Husband. It's good to get everyone involved, isn't it?!

Click here for pumpkin carving templates

Delivery is free over £50, otherwise it's £3.95 but Matalan offer free Click & Collect and Free Returns to Store.

For more information visit www.matalan.co.uk.

*PR samples were received for the purpose of this review.

I am a huge fan of Halloween and over the years I have collected quite a few treasured items that make their appearance each year at the Hobbis Family Halloween Party.

I recently discovered a lovely website, Born Gifted which offers a range of personalised children's gifts, including some really cute things for Halloween (and I have some to giveaway, more later ...).

Personalised Halloween Black Tote Cotton Trick or Treat Bag £9.99

Personalised Vinyl Halloween Banner £12.99

Personalised Halloween LED Candle £9.99

‘On Halloween Night’ Personalised Book £9.99

Personalised Halloween Sweet Jar & Sweets £7.99

Standard delivery is £2.50 but free over £40 and you'll find a wide range of children's gifts for all occasions, such as christenings, weddings and becoming a godparent. You'll also find toys in a wide range of themes like Star Wars, Dinosaurs, Football and Fairies & Angels.

For more gift ideas, visit www.borngifted.co.uk.

The Giveaway

Now to the giveaway. I have a personalised LED Halloween Candle and a personalised Halloween sweet jar and sweets to give away to one lucky winner.

Our Personalised Halloween LED Candle

Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget and terms and conditions apply (on my competitions page). UK entrants only and the giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 21 October.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck

*A PR sample was received for the purpose of this post.

Boost Your Love Life & Go Phoneless This Friday For Save The Children

In my weekly problem page I am always amazed at the number of people who conduct their romantic relationships almost entire by phone. And there's nothing like relying on text messaging to ensure the path to true love is likely to hit the buffers at some point.

Lock Your Phone Away Any Donate To Save The Children on Fri 7th October

So it's not surprising to read that 4.8 million Brits have been dumped via text despite 97% saying it’s not an acceptable thing to do

New research from Save the Children reveals the UK’s social rule-book is being re-written as the nation thinks texting whilst talking to someone is considered to ruder than being late or not giving up a seat for someone in need.

This Friday 7th October, Save The Children is launching "Phoneless Friday" to encourage the UK to put down their phones and get offline for the day to help transform the lives of children around the world.

All you need to do is sign up at phonelessfriday.org.uk and donate £5 to take part. Even better, challenge your friends and family too and get them to contribute to a very worthwhile cause.

The aim of the challenge is to try and refresh the nations’ manners by going offline for a day with the potential to rediscover the forgotten phenomena of face to face conversations.

There are over 43 million smartphone users in the UK, and a recent OfCom report revealed that people are spending over 24 hours a week online and sending a whopping 262 million texts a day. It’s easy to see why 2.4 million Brits admitted they ‘would not be able to cope’ if they accidentally left their phones at home.

Save The Children's research reveals that the rising number of smartphone users is changing our view of bad etiquette. Texting whilst talking to someone (64%) is now deemed to be ruder than being late (54%) or not giving up a seat for someone who needs it (63%). Most shockingly, whilst 97% of people said dumping someone via text message was unacceptable; over 4 million people admitted it had happened to them.

When it comes to bad phone etiquette and our biggest bug bears, talking loudly on the phone on public transport (66%), texting at the dinner table (53%) and hearing music from other people’s phones (46%) are considered some of the top phone no-nos.

The nation’s biggest phone fails include 17% of people who admitted walking into something when using their phones, with one in ten missing their stop on public transport because they were distracted by their handsets. Sending an embarrassing text to the wrong person (19%) and getting drunk and regretting a message that has been sent were also highlighted (18%).

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Their programmes help give children around the world a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Your £5 could go towards simple solutions to big problems – like vaccines, mosquito nets or a baby blanket – things which can help to significantly improve and save a child’s life. And giving up your phone for the day could even help us give phones to desperate families, allowing us to easily and safely transfer money to them, so they can buy food.

So why not put your phone away and make a difference to someone else's life on Friday?

Relationship Dilemmas - What Was I Asked In Week 39?

As we head towards the festive season, our thoughts turn to the special person in our life and, if we don't have one, possibly attracting a new love to see in the New Year. In my Relationship Dilemmas column I am asked about a wide range of topics including relationships, dating, parenting and health.

If you would like any advice, feel free to message me or pop a comment in the comment box at the end of this post. I promise to be gentle.

Here's just some of the questions I've been asked this week.

Q: Why does my girlfriend stay with me even after I keep getting caught lying?

My girlfriend has caught me in a lie I can't even tell you how many times, whether it be lying about doing drugs (number 1 thing I get caught for) or lying about talking to other girls. Granted I've never cheated and never would but I gave up all my friends to be with her so its nice to just chat with the opposite sex. She texts guys from school ABOUT school only though for the most part and I don't get mad at all...anyways I have a bad habit of lying and she should of definitely left me by now, why hasn't she?

A: I would be more worried about your drug habit which is surely affecting not only your behaviour but the way you relate to others.

Does your girlfriend join you in your drug taking - in which case there’s a clear reason why she puts up with you.

It sounds like you are quite young and have not yet learned to take responsibility for your behaviour but you will surely come unstuck at some point and find the consequences far more severe than a girlfriend who you seem to disrespect for being a doormat and putting up with your nonsense.

If you are still in school is there someone you can talk to about your habit? Or someone at home you can confide in?

Lying and getting away with it is also an addictive habit. Why are you craving so much attention?

Your girlfriend may put up with all this because she loves you and people can only take so much and if you’re not careful you’ll find yourself single again. Or, is this what you secretly want?

Q: I am suffering from Tinnitus. Are there people who had it for a couple of months (3 to 6) but where it disappeared after that time?

A: Yes there are but it depends on the cause of the tinnitus.

Some medications can cause tinnitus (for example Naproxen or other drugs in the NSAID family like ibrupofen) and the tinnitus may stop when these are no longer taken.

When did your tinnitus start and had you made any particular life changes around this time?

Other things to consider are your general state of health and whether, for example, you may be gluten intolerant or have thyroid problems.

Are you suffering hearing loss? Are your ears full of wax in which case asking your doctor to gentle suction the wax out (NOT syringing) may relieve the tinnitus.

Have you had any dental work? A root canal for example, or wisdom teeth removed. Do you have trouble with your jaw / bite?

As you can see there are quite a few triggers. The most important thing to do is not to panic but to consider what you may be doing to contribute to the problem and make some gentle lifestyle changes.
Then talk to a doctor who may refer you to an ENT or hearing specialist.

You’ll also find some really supporting tinnitus groups on Facebook who offer wise advice and help you cope with your fears.

Q: How can I make my 5 years old kid (girl) more disciplined? She won't listen to me, repeats the same questions that she already knows the answers to, and sometimes does things that bother me on purpose. How do I teach her to do the right things without pushing or punishment? Also, is punishment an option in this age range?

A: Little children are forces of nature and like to explore, have fun, make a mess. They simply don’t understand or remember rules.

They do, on the other hand, model the behaviour they see adults exhibiting.

If you want your little girl to be better behaved, showing is better than telling. Reinforcing the positive things she does will be more effective than shouting at her when she does wrong.

My two will just screen me out if I shout too long about something. Why don’t you sit down as a family and draw up some house rules then stick them on the fridge. Keep them simple, easy to remember and make sure there’s a reward at the end.

Negative behaviour should be challenged when you catch it (e.g. biting, hitting other children). There’s no point waiting till after the event because the moment will be lost.

Lastly, having a more disciplined child won’t necessarily make you feel like a better mother. Sometimes we want to instill discipline because we want to feel more in control.

If your daughter is just being a normal naughty 5 year old, perhaps you just need someone to tell you you’re a great parent and to cut yourself some slack.

They do get better…. eventually…

Q: Is it OK to say bad words during an argument with your loving partner?

A: We’ve all done it. We’re human and nobody knows how to push our buttons like our partners do.

It’s less about the words we accidentally say and more about how we deal with the aftermath.

If what you said was out of order or unnecessarily cruel then I think you need to examine the deeper issues in your relationship.

There’s a difference between effing and jeffing at someone in anger and deliberately wanting to hurt them with our words.

Is this a regular thing? Are you depressed? Do you have some other problem that is making you short and bad tempered with your partner?

Whilst it’s understandable to lose your temper once in a while, doing this on a regular basis is not and I sense from your question that you know are in danger of overstepping the line.

There is only so much even a loving partner will take.

Q: Is it normal/ okay to be called names if you don't leave your partner alone during an argument when he asks you to?

A: If he asked you to leave him alone and he was angry, it’s hardly surprising that he called you names. Not excusable but understandable.

That said, I wonder what you were arguing about? Were you accusing him of something - in which case a great way of not answering the accusation is to resort to name calling and demand to be left alone. It’s the exact way children behave when their parents tell them off. Were you lecturing him like a child?

Is this the first time he has called you names during an argument? I’m not surprised that you were hurt and shocked if so.

But it sounds to me that the subject the argument was about needs to be discussed when you are both calm. And perhaps both your behaviours during the argument should be talked about too.

If you are seeking constant reassurance about his fidelity, or constantly checking up on him and that is what caused the fight then there are wider issues to be talked about here. Either way, there is talking to be done - but as adults.

And you need to tell him that calling you names is not acceptable. But be prepared for him to list some of your less attractive behaviours too. If his behaviour towards you goes beyond name calling and veers towards verbal or even physical abuse, then please seek some counselling and help. You really shouldn’t put up with that.

Q: My boyfriend told me he cheated on his last girlfriend, and didn’t tell her. They broke up, but his ex still loves him. Should I warn her about him?

My boyfriend dumped his 3-year-relationship-girlfriend, & three weeks later we started ours This year his ex will study in our faculty and we three will came acros His ex don’t know all details & still love someone that doesn’t exist anymore They met at his parents’ & his ex told him she wants him back

A: Was your boyfriend seeing you behind the ex’s back? Are you the person he cheated with or was there another girl?

Either way, it is not for you to ‘warn’ this girl - because what you really want to do is to tell her to back off.

The trouble is, your boyfriend has quite a lot of history with this girl and she probably feels that he is still hers, particularly if your boyfriend didn’t explain the reasons for the breakup. If anyone should be telling her it’s definitely over it’s your boyfriend.

How did he meet her at his parents? Don’t you think that’s a little odd?

You say she loves someone who doesn’t exist anymore but she has, to be blunt, known him for longer than you have. And why did your boyfriend feel he had to tell you she wanted him back?

You cannot control HIS behaviour by trying to get her out of the picture but the fact that he has been upfront about her declaration suggests he is being honest with you.

If he was that interested in her he would probably have kept that quiet. Or is he secretly enjoying having two women fight over him?

I think you do need to ask your boyfriend what is going on, why he is still meeting his ex and whether he is committed to a relationship with you.

But I wouldn’t sink to threatening this woman. If anything she deserves your sympathy.

How would you have responded to these questions? You can find more advice on my problem page.

All materials included in this post are intended for informational purposes only. This post/information is not intended to and should not be used to replace medical or psychiatric advice offered by physicians or other health care providers. The author will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages arising therefrom.

Children's Book Review: The Little Boy Who Lost His Name By David Cadji-Newby & Pedro Serapicos

As parents, we all know how important it is to spend quality time reading to our children. It's a chance within a busy day to create a safe space and a pocket of time just for parent and child to bond over a shared story.

And what better way to make the story even more special than by giving a child a book that is personalised with a message just for them? It adds an extra bit of mystery and fun.

As we go towards Halloween and start to focus on all things mystical and spooky, younger children may prefer a story that is a little less scary and a little more magical.

The Little Boy Who Lost His Name fits the bill nicely. (Or The Little Girl ...)

This lovely story is about a child (boy or girl) who loses their name and goes on a magical journey to find it. They find their name again by being given each letter by a magical or mythical creature - and when the letters are put together their name is spelt out.

So, for example, on Ieuan's journey he meets an Imp, an Elephant, a Unicorn, an Aadrvark and a Narwhal whale.

I would say that the story is suitable for children up to about Ieuan's age (7) but probably better suited to children a little younger who are just beginning their reading journey.

The book can be further personalised in the front page with a letter from their parents (or a message from the giver of the book which would make a lovely Christmas present, or a non-sugary Halloween gift).

It also comes in a beautiful paper wallet to keep the book in good condition.

The Little Boy Who Lost His Name is independently published and produced in as environmentally friendly a way as possible.

The story has really resonated with parents and children and the book has sold over 1.7 million copies in 176 countries.

The book retails at £19.99 with free shipping worldwide and you order and customize online at the Lostmyname website. You enter the child's name and gender, pick an avatar which reminds you most of them and enter your dedication.

A preview is then generated for you to check and approve before checking out.

Although the price isn't cheap, the quality is superb and the book is really designed more as a special keepsake with a personal touch. I think it would even make a lovely Christening / naming gift to be kept for the special moment when bedtime stories begin.

Before settling down for the night with Yoda (who needs lots of early nights because he's 900 years old apparently), Ieuan remarked that the dedication in the front was "really cool" and he enjoyed the story.

High praise from a 7 year old.