The International aid from the UK has made some significant improvements in helping millions of children from a life sentence of hunger.  My Lil H is 5 years old, the number of children across the world not making it to that milestone has fallen from 12 million in 1990 to 7.6 million in 2011, but we can’t stop, we have to keep bringing this number down year on year on year.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour have all committed to pledging 0.7% of our national income to international aid by 2013, this is a promise upheld in the current government’s coalition agreement.  Honouring this commitment to the poorest children will ensure progress continues.  I wrote to my MP, who happens to be George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer.  I sent it by post and emailed it too and guess what?  He replied!

2012 is tough year, a tough era for everyone, its not a reason to not do anything though and if you are reading this chances are you blog or are social active online in some way, you and your little mouse with a few clicks can help to spread the work and make a difference and keep children mortality rates falling. Take two minutes to watch the video below. During the two day G8 Summit that starts tomorrow, more than 14,000 children will die as a result of malnutrition.  Don’t know that and do nothing.

Please help end hunger and malnutrition. Share this message and encourage the government to name a day for a global hunger summit here

Help to break the chains of hunger, share this message and encourage the government to name a day for a global hunger summit here

There was lots of fabulous people, interesting workshops, many drinks and lots of cackling!  I’m still working through my thinking and formulating what that means for me, for Cheshire Mum and what my plan of action is.  What I have at the moment are loads of “soundbites” from the day – things I heard, overheard and said … recalling these make me smile, giggle and howl so here you go…

Did you say them?  Come on ‘fess up!  Did I say them to you?  What can you recall?  Do share…

I’m frustrated at the moment. Nothing massive, in fact I can’t put my finger on it probably because it’s loads of small “not really important” things individually but all together they are making me grumpy. I feel like I’m inwardly rolling my eyes, tutting or swearing constantly. I feel a bit let down, a bit unappreciated, a bit overlooked, a bit put upon, a bit like I’m tolerating more than I should have to.

It’s stifling me, my blogging, my involvement on Twitter and my enthusiasm overall. I feel a bit like a walking sigh wearing a “FFS are you having a laugh” T-shirt! Yeah exactly, who wants to hang out with her, not me that’s for sure. So with CybHer just two sleeps away I thought I’d do myself a favour, be honest and get it all off my chest. Then I can be reinspired at CybHer and if I’m not maybe my blogging days and / or Cheshire Mum has come to a natural end.

So here in less than 140 characters are the things I need to vent, in no particular order, to a whole myriad of people about a whole variety of “not really important” things …

• You’re a crap friend
• You never call me unless you want something
• You’ve hurt my feelings
• I don’t work for free, my mortgage company isn’t cool with IOU’s
• I’m sure you would like me to tell my readers, FB friends, Twitter followers. But why? Why should I?
• I’m a blogger I’m not short of PR contacts thanks for the offer of an intro to your friend in PR
• I don’t live in London (anymore)
• I’ve worked it marketing for over 15 years, I get it ok!
• Don’t email for something, ask how I am just to get what you want & when I say not great don’t reply
• I know I said its OK, the truth is that it is not OK or fine and it makes me angry
• I didn’t have to invite you, but I did go to the effort so the least you could do is acknowledge the invite
• I was being kind, ignoring me hurts my feelings
• I think your behaviour is rude
• If your children have a bug don’t invite us to play date we don’t want to share
• Sorry, committees are not for me thanks but not thanks
• Don’t ask for advice if you’re not going to listen I do not need to practice speaking
• No I don’t want to join your affiliate programme
• No I don’t have a PPI claim to make STOP CALLING ME!
• No I’ve not been injured in an accident STOP TEXTING ME!
• I don’t like you and don’t want to be friends
• You don’t get me or my life
• You don’t understand my pressures
• It’s not my fault you’re not pregnant
• I resent you making me feel guilty about being a working parent
• I’m sorry you don’t understand our commitments but it doesn’t change them
• You are not busier than me, I am not busier than you, the busy Olympics are in your head
• I would appreciate someone else organising something for once
• It would make my life easier if you did it yourself
• How about you book it this time?
• You make my life difficult so I am making my life without you in it
• You still owe me twenty quid
• I know it’s easier to ask me but google is free and the answer is there
• I need you to respect my other commitments
• I am pissed off that I’ve dropped of the dieting wagon
• I hate my body right now

Rant over! Phew! Feels better! Anyone else silently seething?! Don’t stay schtum come on pop your frustration in a comment …

You lucky readers of Cheshire Mum have the chance to win a £50 gift voucher, courtesy of Argos. With a range of children’s toys, children’s clothes, homewares and pretty much everything under the sun – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Whether you have a birthday coming up, you’ve got your eye on something for the kids, or you just want to treat yourself for being such a fabulous mummy, there’s plenty to choose from – chad valley toys, jewellery and everything in-between.

You could even treat you and the children to something you can secretly enjoy, too. For example, do you remember having sylvanian families as a child? You’re in luck – Argos has plenty! This is a present that the whole family can enjoy – you can indulge in nostalgia and the kids will be kept entertained.

To enter just leave me a blog comment telling me what you’d buy if you won.  Me?  I have diary chocker full with 3 year old and 5 year old birthday parties I would stock up my present box.  There are additional entry options if you so wish.  The competition will close at midnight on 31st May 2012.

The winner will be selected at random from all entries received using Rafflecopter. The winner will be notified within 28 days of the closing date. The prize is as stated: no cash alternatives are available. This competition is open to UK entrants only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I blogged before about some of our recycling creations making milk bottles into fabulous Elmer Elephants

Fruit juice cartons can be easily turned into fab bird feeders like this one.

This is another inspired craft creation that Diva G has brought home from pre-school, its currently residing in our backgarden.

Here’s the “how to” if you fancy making your own bird feeder:

1. Cut out the front and back of the carton so you can see through it
2. Stick lolly sticks to the top to make a “roof”
3. Paint the carton
4. Cut an X or a small hole on the other side of the roof to the spout
5. String a fat ball underneath the carton through the spout and the X you cut in the roof.

Lil H and I had a little photo shoot with the wipes black board in the garden, I chose the best one and added the text. I included the RSVP details along the bottom too but I keep my mobile number off the tinterweb

My name is Claire, I’m 38, addicted to beauty products and intrigued!

Sharon has a dedicated treatment room at her home in Cheadle.  When I arrived, Sharon made me feel very comfortable, told me about she had come to start Natural Facelift and showed me a photo album of clients before and after a series of her Natural Facelift treatments.  The results were subtle but there were visible results.  You would think the individuals had undergone a nip or a tuck or a little plumper or filler rather than a six or more weeks of what is fundamentally a massage treatment.  The natural facial massage lasts an hour and uses nothing.  I’ll say that again.  The natural facial massage lasts an hour and uses NOTHING.  No creams, serums, rollers, needles, lasers, surgery, electrical or any other kind of device.

My name is Claire, I’m 38, addicted to beauty products and dubious!

The Natural Face Lift Massage combines holistic therapy with anti-aging techniques and draws on energy balancing techniques, specially adapted massage moves, acupressure points and aesthetic principles which can significantly improve the appearance, texture and firmness of your skin without pain.  A safe and non-invasive treatment.  I was very surprised to hear it used nothing, not a lotion, potion or cream, my mind crept back to my bathroom and dressing table lined with hundreds of pounds of them, my monthly delight at receiving a GlossyBox to explore and try out the latest, greatest new products was I wasting my time and money?  Could I really appear younger without any chemical assistance.  Really?  I was doubtful but I’ll give it a go!

The Natural Face Lift Massage is incredibly relaxing, quickly you succumb to the light touches, rubs, rolls and massging techniques.  I only tell you about the first half of the treatment as I drifted off to sleep, I know what a rubbish reviewer I am!  But the fact I had drifted off says a lot as I do spend the majority of any treatments I have making lists, rehearsing conversations in my head and drafting blog posts.  I know, you don’t need to tell me I’m odd.

The Natural Facelift really is a wonderfully relaxing massage, when I looked in the mirror afterwards I saw my reflection looking fresher, the odd line around my eyes and between my brows lessened.  Whilst I did take photo’s but the difference is too subtle for my camera to demonstrate that to you.  I felt better, I looked better and that made me feel even better and it did last a few days, a series of treatments is recommended for longer lasting results.  I really enjoyed the treatement, it made me realise how much of looking good comes from within and how temporary stress lines could be but not if you don’t r-e-l-a-x!  I’m still a lover of products but the Natural Facelift does proove that you don’t need to undergo expensive procedures – and their possible negative side effects – to look younger.

The Natural Facelift costs £37 per treatement, discounts are available when booking a series and a special introductory rate is available for first time customers of £32 for an hour long Natural Facelift.  So if you too are on the hunt for the perfect way to keep looking young and beautiful you might want to give Sharon Zemmel a call and try her 100% safe Natural Face Lift Massage.

Related links
Web: http://www.cheadle-holistic-therapies.co.uk
Twitter: @faceliftmassage
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheadle-Holistic-Therapies/312510948773161
Email: sharon@cheadle-holistic-therapies.co.uk

I am thrilled with it.  Everyone who has seen it loves it and thinks it must have cost a fortune.  The canvas is big (size 50 x 70cm / 20 x 28 inch), its chunky too, not a flimsy thin canvas which I think is one of the reasons it looks expensive however this photo canvas is available from Hello Canvas for £49 which includes all VAT and shipping costs which I think is really good value for money.  They do smaller sizes 8 x 12 inch for £19 which I think would make a great gift to huge 36 x 56 inches for just £99 .

I’d never heard of Hello Canvas before but I now know they are one of the largest canvas suppliers in the UK, this buying power allows them to deliver top quality for the lowest prices.  It was quick too, received in less than a week.  Having found the process super straight forward, think the pricing is great value and I love the product I am delighted to offer you the chance to update your own walls like I have mine …

Hello Canvas have kindly offered me a 24 x 32 inch photo canvas to giveaway to one of my lovely readers, as always easy peasy to enter just tell me about the photo you would have made into a canvas commenting through rafflecopter and you can have extra entries for spreading the word about Hello Canvas and the competition too.  Rafflecopter will draw the winner in a week on Monday 23rd April 2012.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Related links
http://www.hellocanvas.co.uk/home
@HelloCanvas
http://www.facebook.com/HelloCanvas

In my opinion the article is a pretty bitter read. It highlights a fact I know personally only too well. The fact being that those without children just do not understand the challenges and emotions faced by those with children. Even those who’ve had their own, now left home children, struggle to remember & often can’t empathise with motherhood in the 21st Century. Frankly, they just don’t get it. This lack of understanding is exactly the same that those with children have of the challenges and the emotional roller coaster that is faced by those with infertility issues.

This mutual ignorance stifles communication and there lies spark. The spark that starts the fire that smoulders, then takes hold and becomes the inferno of resentment. Putting pressure, creating guilt, holding resentment and being angry towards mums and mums-to-be is simply not fair. I have felt all that and more, a palpable envy, at times an aggressive resentment for over five years since becoming pregnant with Lil’ H. The root cause in my opinion are medical advances and the expectations they elevate. Medical advances never cease to amaze but now the bar of expectation is set so high that conception and family are wrongly viewed as a given. The only population crisis in this world is one of over population, never has everyone been able to have children, technology can’t solve everything.

I am honoured to be a mummy to Lil’ H and Diva G. I believe children are a privilege not a right. Enjoy life. Enjoy the journey it takes you on, it might not be the one you thought you were getting but it’s yours. Don’t take time to resent those that have what you wanted, what you thought you would have. Make the most of it for what it is.

What do you think about the clash between motherhood and infertility? It’s a tough subject one I’d love to hear your thoughts on.

Image source: Pinterest

While things like knowing what you need to search for when you try to compare electricity prices are crucial to getting the best deal, a big point to remember is how you can do things in the home to help. What we mean by this is opening both yourself, and the rest of the family, up to the world we live in and how our actions cause consequences – like huge energy bills!

Children are the future!

Yes, the overused cliché that annoys everybody – but, of course, it’s true. It’s not us that will be burdened with the over reliance on fossil fuels and how this has affected the world that we live in, it will be future generations. Not only that, but it’s not your kids who will be burdened because they leave the Xbox on – it’s you! Show them the way forward:

• Turn off consoles – Everyone uses entertainment systems, from DVD players to steroes, computers to televisions and many of them are left on standby. A huge no-no. Get them in the routine of turning them fully off – even if they plan to use them again later in the day.
• Lights out – The habit of walking around the house to turn every light of that’s not in use is a great one to implement. It gets it in the mind for the future and helps the bill!
• Warmth – You know those times when you have to move your thermostat up and down so that you can get the home temperature you want? Well, don’t do that. It’s a horrible habit to get into, instead teach your children that you thermostat should be no higher than 68 degrees in cold weather and 78 through warmer times – and turn it even lower at night!
• Ribbon testing – This is a great way of getting the kids involved in your tests across the house. Get them to put a ribbon next to windows and doors to see whether it gets wet or flutters.
• Water – Another big point is water usage. Think how much it costs to heat the water, and consider how much more we use than actually use. Turn the tap off when brushing teeth and take shorter showers. Similarly, always be sure that there is no dripping water because reports have shown that as much as 450 gallons can be wasted on a monthly basis thanks to this problem.

How do you get the best deal now?

While these tips help to get your children in the right mind set for their lifetime, they don’t help you in the short-term. When you want to compare energy prices there are a few things to keep in mind. The tips above are your bread and butter, they help you to trim the costs but the real savings are made by knowing how to use the system.

It’s quite simple really, what you need to do is figure out how much energy you use on an average month. Once you know this then you know the tariff you are looking for. Combine your electricity and gas bills together, sign up for online billing and pay through a direct debit – you could see as much as £400 come off your bills.

This is a featured post which was provided to me.  For more information please see my disclosure policy.