tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11238813085705535642024-02-27T07:08:58.910+00:00Sparkle and ShadeA body positive British beauty, makeup and healthy living blog of a 20-something London girl. Sit back, relax and enjoy reviews and articles a plenty!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.comBlogger288125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-44743503641766578702013-08-16T16:39:00.000+01:002013-08-16T16:39:17.131+01:00Meet Boudicca (My Beautiful Pashley Princess Sovereign)Since moving to London, one of the things I've missed the most has been cycling. When I lived in York, I cycled to and from work most days, and would often take long weekend cycles along country paths. However, the fear of London roads and a consistently lengthy commute means I ended up selling my bike not long after I moved to London, throwing £100 or so at TFL each month for the joy of using their "services".<br />
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I feel it's important to introduce you to my old bike first - she was my 2nd bike, my 1st being a battered 60s shopper from York Bike Rescue. The 2nd bike was a Raleigh Caprice, also from the York Bike Rescue project and she did me a good few years. I sold her to a friend, who's recently sold her to another friend. It's good to know that she's still loved and used and enjoying life on the roads. I always feel a bit bad that I never gave her a name.<br />
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But now, there's a beautiful new girl in my life. My new job has a shorter commute and cycling is a viable option. It should also save me plenty of money and give me a wee bit of a fitness boost. I spent a lot of time researching which bike to go for, but in the end my heart guided me and I went with a Pashley Princess Sovereign (which I'll be paying for for the next few years thanks to the Pay4Later option at <a href="http://urbancyclery.com/" target="_blank">Urban Cyclery</a>). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcTf5qu74QkxYgYPnrjpClna9ehPf0JCQuaEU8WPQ4KirsdQ5lS1Z0pLR24hG1muHCT8PgtzV4SpGBpPkNq6FsNGx9ZDqxqgSOlnDiAlVUvQgXsGb44s2HSTRxbrFqygUk1fUCUQWn2E/s1600/pashley+princess+sovreign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pashley Princess Sovereign" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcTf5qu74QkxYgYPnrjpClna9ehPf0JCQuaEU8WPQ4KirsdQ5lS1Z0pLR24hG1muHCT8PgtzV4SpGBpPkNq6FsNGx9ZDqxqgSOlnDiAlVUvQgXsGb44s2HSTRxbrFqygUk1fUCUQWn2E/s640/pashley+princess+sovreign.jpg" title="Pashley Princess Sovereign" width="640" /></a></div>
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I went with the Pashley Princess Sovereign because she had everything I wanted - a strong and sturdy steel loop frame, ding dong bell, lugged frame, dress guards so that my long autumn skirts don't get stuck, hub brakes, 5 hub gears, a full chain case to stop me from being covered in mud when it rains, a beautiful wicker basket, dynamo lights, a pannier rack and a snazzy integrated rear wheel lock for an additional element of safety. It's love, for sure.</div>
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Pashleys are by no means cheap, but they're beautiful and incredibly well made (and still made in Stratford Upon Avon). And why Boudicca? Partly because Boudicca is somewhat of a hero of mine, but also because despite the fact that this is very clearly a femmey bike, she's also pretty strong, hardworking and sturdy. I wanted a bike that I'd feel safe on, and she's definitely that. </div>
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I'm looking forward to regaling you with tales of my adventures as a cyclist in London. I'm already a bit bike obsessed, so there's be details of rides, bike accessory reviews (I'm looking forward to sharing my helmet choice with you!) and various bits of chit chat about my new found love on the blog too.</div>
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<i>Do you cycle? What's your bike of choice?</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-75378100415676176392013-08-05T13:03:00.000+01:002013-08-05T13:08:18.685+01:00Budget Eats: Meal Plan 1Hello!<br />
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Radio silence is taking a wee break as I'm finally through the stress of job hunting (which means I have a new job - hurrah!). I don't know about you, but summer seems to have kicked my wallet a wee bit. I think it's because I'm more inclined to go out and about and meet people for drinks. Which is lovely, but it means that I'm already looking at my bank account with a mild amount of fret and worry (although part of that is due to buying myself a new bike but *shush* more about her another day).<br />
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Anyway, on Twitter yesterday I mentioned that I'd managed to plan meals for a week for 2 for around £15 (lunch & dinner - breakfast is always gluten free cereal & almond milk) and a few people seemed interested so I thought I'd share. Lunches will be leftovers, either from the day before or from the 2 big batch meals (soup & rice salad) at the start of the week. I say around £15 because I'm aware I'm not taking the cost of stock, herbs & spices into account, but I'd say at the very, very most this would be £20.<br />
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I shop locally, and I'm lucky enough to have a lovely, friendly greengrocers nearby. The veg for this came to £9.28 (including 3 fresh chillis, garlic, fresh ginger, fresh parsley and a cheeky blood orange). I understand that if you have to use your local supermarket, it might not come in quite as cheap. I really do recommend trying to find a good local greengrocers if you can, because they're often cheaper and allow more flexibility in terms of how much you buy of each ingredient.<br />
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I'm not giving full recipes, just a basic overview. (although if there's anything you'd really like me to go into detail with then let me know). There's a big stock of herbs & spices in my cupboard - again, I buy the cheapest bulk versions possible. So, without further ado, here's the meal plan for this week:<br />
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<b>Sunday evening (4 portions for dinner + 3 portions left over): </b><br />
<u>Carrot & Sweet Potato Soup:</u> 6 medium carrots, 1 v large sweet potato, 1 medium onion, 5 cloves garlic, 1 red chilli, 1 inch fresh ginger, cumin, basil, oregano, thyme, za'tar, paprika, ground coriander, S&P, 1 litre gf chicken stock<br />
(Roast carrots & sweet potato until softish. Fry off onion, garlic, chilli & ginger, add roast veg & herbs/spices, add stock. Simmer for 25+ minutes. Blend, adding more water if necessary)<br />
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<b>Monday (and a good few lunches):</b><br />
<u>Massive Rice Salad:</u> 400g rice (cooked & cooled), 400g tuna, 1 red pepper, 1 cucumber, 4 big tomatoes, bunch of spring onions, flat leaf parsley, 4 tbsp mayo, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, chilli flakes, S&P, za'tar<br />
(Based on this recipe http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/681634/helpyourself-tuna-rice-salad)<br />
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<b>Tuesday:</b><br />
<u>Spinach and potato curry:</u> 1 large bunch spinach (stalks removed), 500gish (I have no idea I don't weigh things) new potatoes, 1 medium red onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1 red chilli, 1 inch ginger, garam masala, ground coriander, cumin, S&P, tumeric, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 carton chopped tomatoes, 2 tbsp natural yoghurt<br />
(Chop potatoes into quarters, par boil, drain. Chop spinach, cook in small saucepan with 2 tbsp water until wilted - drain & cool. Fry onion, garlic, chilli & ginger, add potatoes, add spinach, add tomatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes. Serve with yoghurt)<br />
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<b>Wednesday:</b><br />
<u>Mediterranean Veg Stew & Rice:</u> 1 aubergine, 1 courgette, 1 carton chopped tomatoes, 1 medium red onion, 3 cloves garlic, borlotti/butter beans, rice, paprika, oregano, basil, za'tar, smoked paprika, S&P, 2 tbsp olive oil<br />
(Chop everything, Fry onion & garlic. Add other veg & beans. Add herbs. Add tomatoes. Simmer for 25 minutes. Cook rice. Serve)<br />
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<b>Thursday:</b><br />
<u>Vegetable Chilli:</u> 1 medium red onion, 10 mushrooms, 1 red pepper, 1 tin black/kidney/borlotti beans, 1 carton chopped toms, rice, 1 red chilli, 3 cloves garlic, paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, 2 squares basics dark chocolate, S&P, 1/2 tsp veg boullion, glug of red wine leftover from a party, possibly a bit of cheese if the budget will stretch, natural yoghurt if needed, squeeze of tomato puree<br />
(Chop everything, Fry onion, chilli & garlic. Add other veg & beans. Add herbs & spices & chocolate. Add tomatoes. Simmer for 25 minutes. Cook rice. Serve.)<br />
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<b>Friday:</b><br />
<u>Leftovers & pasta:</u> Whatever's left in the fridge, pasta.<br />
(Roast whatever veg is left in the fridge. Mix it with pasta. Maybe add some cheese if I can stretch to it)<br />
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I don't really do things very exactly, hence why spices etc are just names without measures. Experiment. What works for me flavourwise might not work for you. Use these as a jumping point. This is not the world's most exciting or balanced diet I'm sure but it's cheap, relatively healthy, gluten free and filling.<br />
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Let me know if this is useful for you. I'm more than happy to share these every week if it helps!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-47728908243805896652013-05-24T10:00:00.000+01:002013-05-24T10:12:03.474+01:00Adamina Day Spa ReviewAloha!<br />
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I've had this week off work and I decided I very much deserved a lovely treat to myself, so I figured a trip to a Spa would be lovely! Initially, I was planning on getting a Lush Synaethesia massage, but in the end I settled on the Tranquility Ritual from <b><a href="http://www.adaminaspa.com/" target="_blank">Adamina Day Spa</a></b> in Kensington.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUEQ04VSxsuRyb6ejUrwQoXN7wMUDwqMeCmAC3hbbK8s3lBva6NuiF_FeiU-aNfv9xPmKT5Xawcs7LiaUu4zcxH4zGHiqP4DM4oYf2h-HHkaLxoXZ-fyZmbj5r41gRsQJZpO9hjwvJlw/s1600/Adamina+Day+Spa+Reception.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="adamina day spa reception" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUEQ04VSxsuRyb6ejUrwQoXN7wMUDwqMeCmAC3hbbK8s3lBva6NuiF_FeiU-aNfv9xPmKT5Xawcs7LiaUu4zcxH4zGHiqP4DM4oYf2h-HHkaLxoXZ-fyZmbj5r41gRsQJZpO9hjwvJlw/s640/Adamina+Day+Spa+Reception.jpg" title="adamina day spa" width="480" /></a></div>
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As long as you don't walk the wrong way out of High Street Kensington tube station like I did, Adamina Spa is really easy to find. It's about a 5 minute walk from the Tube (turn left not right!) and is located on Kensington High Street.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmAxu9LBJnVnpXPe-q9OvidUQJC9JBe3SKSxN2l3kW_bUgwZHSOLhlGy9WtyEW91Wtc4RRJg9Jy6Q1ooqeWkNKtRZJrFwQTmrJJpDssTfr6_iigOA3SMzDLe2F4IeoTUvMw_qEA1Hrz0/s1600/adamina+day+spa+downstairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="adamina day spa kensington" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmAxu9LBJnVnpXPe-q9OvidUQJC9JBe3SKSxN2l3kW_bUgwZHSOLhlGy9WtyEW91Wtc4RRJg9Jy6Q1ooqeWkNKtRZJrFwQTmrJJpDssTfr6_iigOA3SMzDLe2F4IeoTUvMw_qEA1Hrz0/s640/adamina+day+spa+downstairs.jpg" title="adamina day spa" width="480" /></a></div>
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The Spa uses [Comfort Zone] treatments and offers a wide range of beauty services including massage, mani/pedi, ipl and various wraps and rituals. From the minute you step inside, you feel removed from the business and rush of the high street and transported into a luxurious haven.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPVQQyiZGiFl8xzoMWBq-gtCo3s3kfTDIMAORgsu4i8kNPJcMsUTMhfavf0VQBzz2COF4F_GaZnyxRuAwnTu8JMu9x7mCN19g_2Pj3bToOtvAg5sgNa2vHhoOQJv5ij0r_fa9rodut6I/s1600/adamina+spa+furniture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="adamina day spa kensington" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPVQQyiZGiFl8xzoMWBq-gtCo3s3kfTDIMAORgsu4i8kNPJcMsUTMhfavf0VQBzz2COF4F_GaZnyxRuAwnTu8JMu9x7mCN19g_2Pj3bToOtvAg5sgNa2vHhoOQJv5ij0r_fa9rodut6I/s640/adamina+spa+furniture.jpg" title="adamina day spa kensington" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgdfPAwzOblZWaOgNVGKZ7KM1vveaCDKmdvnMEeUE1RpiAPPSV66y4B-iy6uElurv19xW0dfzVoajiZDA9a4jWCtrPwmkYgBVgbHtRknSSn0iVmSioqBgqig4SJc4_VV8moCYrjPe_yo/s1600/admina+spa+wardrobe+actual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="adamina day spa kensington" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgdfPAwzOblZWaOgNVGKZ7KM1vveaCDKmdvnMEeUE1RpiAPPSV66y4B-iy6uElurv19xW0dfzVoajiZDA9a4jWCtrPwmkYgBVgbHtRknSSn0iVmSioqBgqig4SJc4_VV8moCYrjPe_yo/s640/admina+spa+wardrobe+actual.jpg" title="adamina day spa kensington" width="480" /></a></div>
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Adamina Spa have gone for a slightly vintagey feel with soft lighting, antique dressers and pictures of old movie stars dotted around. The receptionist took me down to the changing room, where my wardrobe was waiting for me with a (very short!) robe, slippers and towels. I was invited to use the steam room if I wanted (free of charge for anyone having a treatment) or to use the relaxation room, where comfy seats, Pukka teas and lemon water awaited me. I took a quick nip into the steam room, which is a bit like a dark stony cave. It is unisex, although when I was there it was super quiet and there were no men booked in that day. I then headed to the relaxation room to enjoy a cup of Love tea (my favourite Pukka tea!) and to flick indulgently through glossy magazines whilst I waited for Vicki, my therapist. Now, one thing to note is that whilst I was in the waiting room, I started to hear a few building work noises... they weren't too loud, so I wasn't too worried. More on that later.<br />
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Vicki was absolutely fantastic. She came down to meet me in the relaxation room and we chatted a little about my treatment (I went for the <b>Tranquility Ritual - </b>a 90 minute massage, body mask & facial) and also about my seizures (I think I may have terrified her a little bit but she hid it well!). Vicki wanted to know what I wanted to get out of the treatment itself and also checked how much pressure I liked in my massage (AS HARD AS YOU CAN GO was my reply). This was a nice touch - often if you go for something like a Tranquility Ritual, you don't get a say in how hard or soft your massage is. You just get the "set" package. She also allowed herself time to work more on my back than anywhere else because it's so tight.<br />
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This is where the review has to take a bit of a fork in the road part. I'll start with the good. Vicki was incredible. She made me feel so safe and relaxed (I was a little anxious because it's a long time since I've had anything nice and spa like). The bed was heated and adjusted to fit my body and I was covered by a lovely warm duvet/blanket for the whole treatment. It was like being in a cosy bed more than on a spa table. She only uncovered the bits of me she needed at that exact moment. Perfect. Also, I don't know if this is the case for all Adamina Spa treatments or just mine, but there was lovely classical music (and the odd bit of Opera) playing instead of Whale noises. The ritual itself consisted of a facial first and then having my body massaged with a thick lotion/mask (think Origins Drink Up for the body). Vicki is an fantastic beauty therapist - I really can't praise her highly enough. She had a perfect, seemingly intuitive touch.<br />
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However, remember those building noises? Turns out my treatment room was right next to where the building works were being done. Now, Adamina have absolutely no control over them. It isn't their building works and poor Vicki was so incredibly apologetic and did still provide a wonderful treatment despite this, however the Tranquility part of my Tranquility Ritual was sadly lacking. There were parts where I had to put my fingers in my ears because it was so loud (and because certain pitches or types of noise can affect my seizures - thankfully I was ok). From what I understand, these building works have been going on for a while. From my wandering around, I think I was definitely in the worst treatment room for this. There were some downstairs that didn't seem as loud. As I say, Vicki was exceptionally apologetic and lovely about this.<br />
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After my treatment, I was lead back down to the relaxation room where I could stay for as long as I wanted. Instead I decided to just get dressed and head out for lunch. There's a wonderful monsoon shower that you can take advantage of should you need to as well!<br />
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One thing that did soften the blow of the building works was that all New Customers (Monday-Friday) receive 50% off off their treatments (Although I actually think that the receptionist over charged me by £2.50.. by the time I'd realised though I was already eating lunch and I didn't want to go back to query a couple of pounds). You also get 50% off if you mentioned I've recommended you - just mentioned Emily Birkinshaw when you book.<br />
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I really would recommend Adamina Spa though, despite all the building works. The treatments are beautiful and the Spa itself is a wonderful haven from the busy rush of the High Street. It's just a shame that the building works detracted from all of this. If you, like me, are bothered by noise, it might be worth asking if you could have your treatment downstairs. It's also worth noting that the building works are intermittent and I had a good 30 minutes where there was just a gentle hum, so there's a high chance that they won't affect you at all. And as I said, despite all of this Adamina Spa was still a lovely place to visit.<br />
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<i>I had the Tranquility Ritual at <a href="http://www.adaminaspa.com/" target="_blank">Adamina Spa</a>, which I paid for myself. </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-81981667977150337992013-05-22T08:52:00.000+01:002013-05-24T10:12:39.698+01:00Wednesday Wishlist: Skincare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuioCiSLx4kq6DNGg6Z-m1hINvaiq1g2DJwIi7UhtIv_0PNbA9BBef2ertRY9a0gI3o6ZXSHfLs7zTFEXOQrLnWaJ4jeOd89tSaK6qCRdBYV5ChiE_UyIsWDZlJgi6kwVqFX3cHd94ls/s1600/skincare+wishlist+antipodes+lush+origins+caudalie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="antipodes mask cleanser lush synaesthesia origins ginzing caudalie beauty elixir" border="0" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuioCiSLx4kq6DNGg6Z-m1hINvaiq1g2DJwIi7UhtIv_0PNbA9BBef2ertRY9a0gI3o6ZXSHfLs7zTFEXOQrLnWaJ4jeOd89tSaK6qCRdBYV5ChiE_UyIsWDZlJgi6kwVqFX3cHd94ls/s640/skincare+wishlist+antipodes+lush+origins+caudalie.png" title="skincare wishlist antipodes origins lush caudalie" width="640" /></a></div>
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If there's one this that can be said for blogging, it's that it's one of the worst enablers I've known. A mere 10 minutes of blog browsing can lead to me writing a list of skin care wishes that's longer than my arm. I've had a thing for buttery cleansers since I tried the Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm, and the <b><a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd-antipodes-heavenly.cfm" target="_blank">Antipodes Grapeseed Cleansing Butter</a></b> has been catching my eye every time I go into Whole Foods. It smells really wonderful and has a thick and creamy texture. I also was given a teeny tiny sample of the <b><a href="http://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/by-category/serums/midnight-recovery-concentrate.aspx" target="_blank">Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate</a></b> when I was out shopping the other day. I've been using it for the last couple of nights (over the REN AHA Resurfacing Concentrate - a review of that coming soon) and my skin feels divine. It's so soft and clear and I'm not entirely certain what I'm going to do when my sample runs out!<br />
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I saw the <b><a href="http://www.origins.co.uk/product/3858/26237/Skincare/Category/Moisturisers/GinZing/Energy-boosting-moisturizer/index.tmpl" target="_blank">Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturiser</a></b> on <a href="http://viviannadoesmakeup.com/" target="_blank">Anna's</a> blog the other day, and knowing how good the Ginzing eye cream is, I get the feeling this will be high on my list of wants too. At the moment, I'm using the Origins Mega Bright range - it's taken my skin from a dire mess to silky smooth in under a week, so expect a rave review of that sometime in the near future. <b><a href="https://www.lush.co.uk/product/394/Synaesthesia-Massage" target="_blank">Lush's Synaethesia Spa Treatment</a></b> has been high on my wishlist for years now. I very almost ended up having one, but sadly I was too busy being ill with seizures and I had to cancel my appointment. Hopefully one day I'll get round to it. It's a completely tailored multi-sensory spa experience and sounds divinely magical.<br />
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Another thing I gave a try when I was out browsing the beauty halls of London the other day was the <b><a href="http://uk.caudalie.com/products-best-sellers/solutions/cleansers-toners/beauty-elixir.html" target="_blank">Caudalie Beauty Elixir</a></b>. Obviously, every blogger seems to have tried this at some point or other and falls in love. I noticed a definite difference to my skin when I spritzed it on and loved the refreshingly minty smell! And last but not least, it's another product from <b><a href="http://www.antipodesuk.com/home.html" target="_blank">Antipodes</a>, </b>this time the <b><a href="http://www.lovelula.com/pd-antipodes-aura-manuka-honey-mask-75ml.cfm" target="_blank">Aura Manuka Honey Mask</a></b>. This smells incredible - it's sweet but not sickly or cloying. Manuka honey is jam packed with antioxidents and good things and I'm really looking forward to treating myself to this at some point.<br />
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<b>What are you lusting after at the moment?</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-69000076190346380752013-05-21T10:23:00.000+01:002013-05-21T16:25:50.740+01:00Blog following options and a Facebook giveawayAloha!<br />
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So since my disappearance and come back, Google reader apparently disappeared from the blogging world. Now, I never used Google Reader anyway, but I know a lot of people did, so I wanted to introduce you to some other ways you can stay up to date with Sparkle and Shade! Read below to find out how to follow me on Facebook, Bloglovin, She Said Beauty, Google+ and GFC.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SparkleAndShade" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a></b><br />
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<img alt="Sparkle and Shade Facebook" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTHHpYExrIvOYACtAjtK6ygWUAzlThHarthgd1n13u6iN7HxwiOVdhmIJagKjPyo-FwAyacfxxxuQP-7RMReH-iBZGeu2SOXi7zbr8QVydC8dZB0UvjgAw7OqONWXeTtWXhHWeUP4cP0/s640/Sparkle+and+Shade+Facebook.png" title="" width="640" /></div>
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At the moment, <a href="http://facebook.com/sparkleandshade" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a> is all shiny and new! It's pretty quiet over there at the moment, but things will be getting much more exciting, with chat and competitions and all sorts of things.<br />
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Also, to celebrate the launch of the page, I'm going to be hosting a giveaway! There'll be 3 tiers of prize:<br />
<b>50 Followers</b> - winner will receive a small selection of high end skin care samples and an extra surprise treat!<br />
<b>100 Followers</b> - winner follower will receive a £10 Feel Unique voucher and a little bag of samples & treats<br />
<b>200 Followers</b> - winner follower will receive a £20 Feel Unique voucher and a little bag of samples & treats.<br />
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To enter the giveaway, simply head over to Facebook and "like" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SparkleAndShade" target="_blank">Sparkle and Shade</a>. The winners will be selected by a random draw as each tier is reached and will be announced on the Facebook page. Good luck.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1599640/sparkle-and-shade" target="_blank">Bloglovin'</a></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1599640/sparkle-and-shade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CAzxxz53IS45zFfifyCp475hMnjjIOiC3fHryLNUfUAxLZUXyzOoMhsoH81jYRO6Yp8Xl7f-Ot_iMr4NK9W6_Y2ZkO2KQOrgnvqUxs6iEb-mihsA-2z4dnH0qhu5y0HACr-DpscSxcY/s640/Sparkle+and+Shade+Bloglovin.png" width="640" /></a></div>
I've been using Bloglovin' for ages - it's one of my favourite readers. I think it's clear, simple and easy to navigate. One of my favourite things about Bloglovin' is that you can sort blogs into different folders or categories! This is perfect for me as I follow a lot of healthy living, cooking and weight lifting blogs as well as beauty, so it's nice to be able to section everything out. A definite thumbs up from me, so <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1599640/sparkle-and-shade" target="_blank">head over there and follow</a>!<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.shesaidbeauty.com/sparkleshade" target="_blank">She Said Beauty</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.shesaidbeauty.com/sparkleshade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnqXwisW8bOBebP2xdjJQxFUNsD7-1sgurguy1CUN2jTcHluFtPFCGhCwDccK-GYVMi1xgMZ2C7y7OJE52JdnCKoK5r-JWhfVMj7DpJIJ2Kfr2wKfb7loqxFpLpkDrbRgEBYcrDI_j9M/s640/She+Said+Beauty+Sparkle+and+Shade.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.shesaidbeauty.com/sparkleshade" target="_blank">She Said Beauty</a> is a relatively new one to me, but seems like a lot of fun! You can build your own beauty shelf and create lovely lists of things you love and own, as well as staying up to date with all your favourite blogs. It seems like a really fun and friendly community, and I've been enjoying playing around with it so far. Head on over to<a href="https://www.shesaidbeauty.com/sparkleshade" target="_blank"> follow me</a><br />
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<b><a href="https://plus.google.com/b/112431717050306983567/112431717050306983567/posts" target="_blank">Google +</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Tu00604Oz-DOEAvrvk8Hfo7jn5dTPcw23rRm8SzMOhjIets6_kwAS1Fm_hNm95b8JObbFr24yZfreDJv3zYxThU1AInVTBvbJQPYLwhfb3th3wB9UlHEAO7JLi4dK0svWJzuxnUkJSc/s1600/Google+plus+sparkle+and+shade.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Tu00604Oz-DOEAvrvk8Hfo7jn5dTPcw23rRm8SzMOhjIets6_kwAS1Fm_hNm95b8JObbFr24yZfreDJv3zYxThU1AInVTBvbJQPYLwhfb3th3wB9UlHEAO7JLi4dK0svWJzuxnUkJSc/s640/Google+plus+sparkle+and+shade.png" width="640" /></a></div>
You can also follow by Google+. I remain unconvinced by Google+, but I know some people absolutely love it, so I thought I'd give you the option to <a href="https://plus.google.com/b/112431717050306983567/112431717050306983567/posts" target="_blank">follow me over there</a>!<br />
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<b>Google Friend Connect</b><br />
Now, the internet is rife with rumours about whether this is staying or going. For now, it seems to be staying put. Super simple - just click the link on the side bar! This is probably easier if you already use Blogger, as these blogs will come up in your reading list.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvt2unL9a584eD4oXFBCSGdv9Cfjxx52rJZo7xsQu-YnMNzn7FGtORoFXXr8BTIe99IbuIJfbQDVagJjUQTnVYlgXHeLyv6Etsz8rzXGEQdLnv7r1dPcUyZFcLj50E6ag8EfGkFhCW0M/s1600/google+friend+connect.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvt2unL9a584eD4oXFBCSGdv9Cfjxx52rJZo7xsQu-YnMNzn7FGtORoFXXr8BTIe99IbuIJfbQDVagJjUQTnVYlgXHeLyv6Etsz8rzXGEQdLnv7r1dPcUyZFcLj50E6ag8EfGkFhCW0M/s640/google+friend+connect.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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So there you have it - lots of options for following Sparkle and Shade, so now there's no excuse to not stay up to date!<br />
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<b>What's your favourite way to follow your most loved blogs?</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-87434207439944085572013-05-20T10:37:00.000+01:002013-05-24T10:12:55.554+01:00Beauteco Box: A Beauty Box with a DifferenceAloha!<br />
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As I was doing my daily browse of beauty blogs and websites, I came across a new beauty box that really caught my eye.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BmTaMJsESgyRPLxc0hz5Psimt-xiUHVFl653zaprLjVjxMXcoL_tG8GGSzxOBoGNwaRO6TpRJdnHAUlZjoLbOaAe_fvpG-N5IF77vHdi6rUaPTml_kOIpAY4aTtu_oNEJsftP1OJgdU/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-20+at+10.29.53.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beauteco box website" border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BmTaMJsESgyRPLxc0hz5Psimt-xiUHVFl653zaprLjVjxMXcoL_tG8GGSzxOBoGNwaRO6TpRJdnHAUlZjoLbOaAe_fvpG-N5IF77vHdi6rUaPTml_kOIpAY4aTtu_oNEJsftP1OJgdU/s640/Screen+shot+2013-05-20+at+10.29.53.png" title="Beauteco box front page" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not only is the Beauteco Box eco friendly (they aim to use natural products and are actively working to have a low carbon footprint - they use recycled materials in their boxes and go for as little packaging as possible), they also offer you a choice. Yes, you heard me - a beauty box that gives you a choice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCUHXjlMabXqq7NAXaFMShlLmw-JklzmCPLjPRWSvqCGdAUxboJBXtoHk77prXrX3JvqcKPU8GLhAkhWUPcJumspYtGSOPIKpCatxog_rmI_qdN5w6-MhWFJiH-QyI6MxZc1IO7eFoNE/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-20+at+10.30.16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="beauteco box options" border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCUHXjlMabXqq7NAXaFMShlLmw-JklzmCPLjPRWSvqCGdAUxboJBXtoHk77prXrX3JvqcKPU8GLhAkhWUPcJumspYtGSOPIKpCatxog_rmI_qdN5w6-MhWFJiH-QyI6MxZc1IO7eFoNE/s640/Screen+shot+2013-05-20+at+10.30.16.png" title="beauteco box options" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you, but one of the things that really frustrates me about beauty boxes is seeing all the wonderful goodies available but never knowing which you'll get. Maybe some people love the element of surprise, but more often than not I find myself wishing I'd got someone else's box. They also have 2 send out dates a month - 13th and 26th. They run like a "traditional" boutique - with "opening" and "closing" times in the lead up to each delivery day.<br />
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I'm quite tempted by the selection of products on offer and I may end up treating myself to one.<br />
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Boxes cost £10 (plus £2.95 P&P) and are available from the <a href="http://beautecobox.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beauteco Box</a> website.<br />
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Are you over the beauty box hype or does this one excite you?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-22754514743684182472013-05-19T09:17:00.003+01:002013-05-21T14:33:56.510+01:00Wanted: Skincare Recommendations<br />
Aloha!<br />
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Today, I'm looking for your skin care recommendations. My skin has basically been completely neglected, unloved and forgotten about for the majority of the last 12 months, barr the odd week or two where I've been a bit more sensible (like the gorgeous month when I was using up an Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm sample or the 6 or so occasions that I managed to use the sample of <a href="http://sparkleandshade.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/review-ren-glycolactic-radiance-renewal.html" target="_blank">REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask</a>).<br />
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Basically, I feel completely out of the loop with all things skin care and that makes me both excited and terrified. My skin is dehydrated but on the hole, pretty normal. It's a bit dry and rough across my cheeks and my t-zone is a little oily but nothing to write home about. I get the very occasional blemish, but this is probably mainly down to the face that my skincare routine is a pile of rubbish. I have a wee bit of money that I've squirrel away just for skincare, because it's important and makes me feel lovely.<br />
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I'm looking for:<br />
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<b>Cleanser</b> - I'm a big fan of balm/cream cleansers - I love being able to give myself a nice massage and then scrub everything away with a lovely soft cloth. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish no longer agrees with me. Emma Hardie was good on the whole (although my sample did separate and then dissolve it's own lid....). I'm intrigued by the Antipodes Grapeseed Butter.<br />
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<b>Toner</b> I'm thinking Pixi Glow Tonic at the moment. Any other recommendations?<br />
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<b>Moisturiser</b> I literally don't even know. Answers on a postcard please.<br />
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<b>Mask</b> I love The REN Glycolactic but I'm thinking about the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey one too. Any other ideas?<br />
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<b>Other bits and bobs:</b> recommend me your favourite lip balms, serums, treatments (the REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate looks great) - whatever skincare has reached holy grail status for you that I haven't already mentioned.<br />
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Love xxxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-19961717918484465412013-05-18T15:20:00.001+01:002013-05-24T10:13:02.941+01:00REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z6l0IxRsO83zoSLYYuepy_fpMqSNV-c7PP8DBGpi6MDZGa0-tdD6m8qxuaGbEtJJJJAmT_7q2WAswhSsa-owl8NQ5CwCnFy0_pgi016f9o3bK6lRBO0Ut4QeGXUVjAsFSkELKAr8v4k/s1600/REN+Glycolactic+Mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ren glycolactic radiance renewal mask" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Z6l0IxRsO83zoSLYYuepy_fpMqSNV-c7PP8DBGpi6MDZGa0-tdD6m8qxuaGbEtJJJJAmT_7q2WAswhSsa-owl8NQ5CwCnFy0_pgi016f9o3bK6lRBO0Ut4QeGXUVjAsFSkELKAr8v4k/s640/REN+Glycolactic+Mask.jpg" title="Ren glycoclatic radiance renewal mask" width="434" /></a></div>
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I think REN might be stealing my heart a little bit. I got a sample of their Glycolactic Radiance Renewal mask in one of the "exclusive" Glossyboxes a while back, and oh how I love it.</div>
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This marmelade-esq mask from REN is packed with Papin (papaya extract) and natural fruit acids to exfoliate the outer layer of skin and create a beautifully glowing complexion, and it really does what it says on the tin (well, bottle). I don't think I can remember a face mask that has such a wonderful affect - although this isn't an explicitly moisturising mask, it always leaves my skin feeling softer and more hydrated. </div>
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The "peel" effect isn't super strong - there's a very gentle tingle but it's never painful or uncomfortable. That doesn't seem to have a negative effect on the results though. One thing it is pointing out is that this is a facial peel, not a peel off mask. I've seen a few reviews expressing confusion at the lack of ability to peel this off (like the cheapo superdrug masks I remember from my teen years) - this mask stays a sticky gel like substance throughout. The peel refers to its gently acidic exfoliating effect which comes from the glycolic acid which helps to stimulate new skin cells and give you a radient glow (hence the name Radiance Renewal!)</div>
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My sample has finally run out, and this REN mask high on my list of goodies to replenish soon. I'm eyeing up the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey mask with hungry eyes too.</div>
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<i>REN Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask £30 from <a href="http://renskincare.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">renskincare.com</a></i></div>
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<b>What are your favourite face masks right now?</b></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-26551289591372641192013-05-16T15:09:00.002+01:002013-05-24T10:13:08.988+01:00REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil* ReviewAloha!<br />
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It's a while since I've written because, as most of you will know, I've spent a lot of the last year dealing with dissociative seizures, which means my brain hasn't been in the writing space. However, today I'm off ill and I just used up the very last drop of this incredible rose otto body oil from REN, so I thought I'd share my thoughts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlwhc5jUeTuPcCHluiHfZx1Rarv0rSJdVznT6_4fYV2-chf1WFFVzvQuYs9xDKmJW291zCBsUHtoRllmmrATkB9nuSdosDtFtGZZ69_ZZEujFeqT-Sv4qRI7vKdjKBq5Q1Zf6rli66Js/s1600/Ren+Moroccan+Ultra+Moisture+Rose+Otto+Body+Oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ren moroccan rose otto ultra moisture body oil" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlwhc5jUeTuPcCHluiHfZx1Rarv0rSJdVznT6_4fYV2-chf1WFFVzvQuYs9xDKmJW291zCBsUHtoRllmmrATkB9nuSdosDtFtGZZ69_ZZEujFeqT-Sv4qRI7vKdjKBq5Q1Zf6rli66Js/s640/Ren+Moroccan+Ultra+Moisture+Rose+Otto+Body+Oil.jpg" title="ren rose body oil" width="480" /></a></div>
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Wow. Honestly, this body oil is one of I've ever used (even if it is a bit of a mouthful to say Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra Moisture Body Oil whenever you try and describe it to someone). It's perfect. It isn't greasy, it smells utterly divine and it makes my skin softer and more supple than I've ever known it to be.</div>
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Winter is a bad time for me, and my skin has been dealing with an extra blow this year because I've been so ill. My diet has suffered and spending so much time in the house and in bed doesn't do amazing things for your skin. This little bottle of oily joy fixed all of that. Mine was part of a gift box, hence the teeny tiny size, however, it still lasted me a good few months and was even used for a couple of extremely luxurious back massages. It's also recently won an InStyle Best of 2013 award.</div>
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It's possibly a little out of my price range, but I would definitely contemplate restocking this when I have a little spare cash hanging around. It's honestly one of the most beautiful things I've ever used on my body.</div>
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<b>What are your current favourite body oils?</b></div>
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<i>REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil is available from <a href="http://renskincare.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">renskincare.com</a> £34.95 | 100ml </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-69179715436800235932013-01-12T09:00:00.000+00:002013-05-24T10:13:16.163+01:00Psychiatrist, protein and progress, oh my!So it's a New Year, and despite all of my hoping and wishing, my seizures still exist. I'll admit that there was a small part of me that was wondering if maybe when the clock struck midnight I'd be magically cured and wouldn't have to think about my seizures anymore, but alas no.<br />
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One thing that has happened is I seem to have reached a point where my recovery time after each seizure has dramatically reduced, which is making living something vaguely resembling a normal life a little bit easier. I mean, it's nowhere near what I'd like, but it's certainly getting a lot better.<br />
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And I can't help but wonder if this is, at least in part, due to the fact that I've ramped up the amount of protein I'm eating. I've never been a big protein eater - partially because I've never craved it and also because I was a lazy vegetarian/vegan. But these days, if I don't have protein forming a significant part of lunch and dinner, I'm a) famished and b)far more likely to have a seizure. And by protein, I mean meat. I've never craved meat in the way that I do these days and sadly my health is a bigger priority than my ethical standpoint. I'm sure I'll flip back to being most vegetarian someday, but if eating meat is making me healthier, I'm a happy girl.<br />
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My seizures have been fluctuating between small and annoying and large and terrifying recently - the dissociative side has certainly got worse, which isn't particularly enjoyable. Dissociation is sort of like a trance state - it's where my brain chooses to disconnect from reality and emotion and moves into what it thinks is a safe space. It's something that we all do on a daily basis to some extent - like when we autopilot our way home or when we don't hear someone calling our name because we're so immersed in a book. I went to see a psychiatrist the other day and she described it as my brain thinking it's being really helpful and protecting me, but being about as good at it as a 3 year old.<br />
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Which is where the progress comes in - I went for a psychiatric assessment the other day. I was terrified about it, but it turned out to be far less scary and far more helpful than I could ever had hoped. My Psychiatrist (Dr Fairley) seems to actually understand what's happening in my brain, which is a first. She talked about things in the same way as I do and didn't push me too hard. I'm hopefully going to be starting therapy (a hazy mix of psychotherapy and CBT with some other methods thrown in as and when) in a couple of months, which is incredible news. I've been left for so long with no help at all, that just knowing someone is going to be doing something is a massive relief.<br />
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Obviously, I know therapy isn't a quick fix. I'm potentially looking at something around a year before I'm "better" and even then, there's a possibility that I might not fully get over seizures, but I'm strong and determined and planning on working as hard as I possibly can to kick this shit.<br />
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For now though it's much of the same - trying to work out strategies to make seizures less draining for me and the people who look after me and trying to find ways of living as much of a normal life as possible. And filling all the time in between with adventures and meditation and grounding techniques and yoga and lifting weights. Generally, remembering to be the super strong badass that I know I am.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-44796126903127915992013-01-11T07:00:00.000+00:002013-05-20T15:53:26.521+01:00New Balance Minimus Barefoot Trainer ReviewA <a href="http://sparkleandshade.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/new-rules-of-lifting-for-women-beginning.html">new workout regime</a> is clearly an excuse for a bit of new workout kit right? In my case, it meant a new pair of workout trainers.<br />
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New Rules of Shoes for Lifting</h4>
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I love my running shoes (I run in an awesome pink and dark grey pair of New Balance 760s, which have sadly been discontinued), but they're not right for a weight training based exercise regime. Firstly, because running shoes, in my eyes, should be used for running and running only - they don't need to get bent out of shape with heavy weights and things like that. Also, when weight lifting you want your heels to be firmly grounded to the floor - this gives you a better centre of gravity and for me, helps me to feel more connected and stable. Ideally, this means you're looking for a shoe with a pretty flat sole and not very much in the way of cushioning and support (which my running shoes have an abundance of, as I'm a heel-striking, over-prontating, weak ankled mess).</div>
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New Balance Minimus Trail Shoe</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8bZB7zQRYtbBYNYgGKXpeWuXf6u1hYDf7AESTJLGuEHEhX0hVjjlJ8gkGR9G4tNbbGLMY0IMI9kxK0343RzY2KZlHQ3brwT3SMEWxYVKLiu0ulOQOOcpHKu5okJxtAQ0x6Buq_D_KFE/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8bZB7zQRYtbBYNYgGKXpeWuXf6u1hYDf7AESTJLGuEHEhX0hVjjlJ8gkGR9G4tNbbGLMY0IMI9kxK0343RzY2KZlHQ3brwT3SMEWxYVKLiu0ulOQOOcpHKu5okJxtAQ0x6Buq_D_KFE/s640/photo+(2).JPG" title="New Balance Minimus" width="640" /></a></div>
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I spent a lot of time drooling over Cross-fit blogs and finally decided on the New Balance Minimus 10 Trail - it has a 4mm drop (which means it's got a teeny tiny bit of a heel) and a fierce vibram sole to give excellent grip. The shoe itself is incredibly lightweight, which is another bonus - I don't want to be carting around a really heavy gym bag as my job involves me doing a lot of walking and I don't have an office to store my things in. It's made of a breathable, minimalist upper, which is treated with ACTEVA+ - an antimicrobial treatment that reduces odor, so hopefully they'll stay smelling fresh too!</div>
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They truly are things of beauty and come in a wide range of colour combinations. Another great thing about New Balance is that they make half sizes - I went for a 7.5 and it's a perfect fit. </div>
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I picked up mine from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Balance-Womens-Ceramic-Trainer/dp/B006I2IHI6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1357816424&sr=8-7">Amazon</a> pretty cheap - it's worth searching around to work out which colour combination you fancy as that, and your size, can affect how much you pay. I recommend the trail version because the Vibram sole is an excellent addition for weight lifting, but there's also a running version and a 0mm version of both the running and trail shoe if you're so inclined.</div>
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<b>Questions:</b></div>
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Do you have different shoes for different work out?</div>
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What do you think about barefoot shoes? Have you ever tried them?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-71927511346907024282013-01-10T10:18:00.001+00:002013-01-10T14:22:07.509+00:00New Rules of Lifting for Women: The BeginningIf you read my <a href="http://sparkleandshade.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/2013-what-will-your-focus-be.html">last post,</a> you'll know that one of my aims for this year is to get stronger emotionally, mentally and physically - the impact of spending the best part of a year having a lot of my life dictated by seizures is that I'm feeling a lot weaker than I want to in all of those areas, especially physically. I miss the feeling of my body being strong and fierce, so I decided to take action.<br />
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For various reasons, cardio based activity isn't really my best option at the moment so long runs and bike rides are out of the question. And if I'm honest, I've always been more of a fan of strength training than cardio anyway... give me weights and yoga over running any day!<br />
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NROLFW Love</h4>
I've ummed and ahhed over the New Rules of Lifting for Women for ages, but took the plunge and bought it some time before Christmas. My review? I fell in love and devoured the whole book in a couple of days - it's very down to earth and easy to read, with lots of excellent advice, information and myth busting. I've always been a firm believer that the weight room isn't just for male-bodied muscle-bound grunters, so it wasn't the revelatory experience that I'm sure it might be for some people, but it's definitely been a push towards using weights I'd been scared of before (barbells) and having the confidence to really feel like it's ok to be in the weight room.<br />
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I adore the workouts too - there's 7 stages, all of varying lengths and intensities, with the aim being to increase your weights as you move through the stages and to really challenge yourself to lift "like a man" (a phrase which, of course, I hate but I completely understand - this is the first time I've seen female-bodied people encouraged to lift in the same way as male-bodied and to not stick to low weights). There's no suggestion of what weight you start with, which is both frustrating and entirely the right thing. I've had to start out very, very low - lower than I've wanted to - because I'm in the process of helping my body to heal, and every person using these workouts will be different.<br />
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<h4>
The Before Pictures</h4>
And now, as is obligatory in all "starting a new workout regime" posts, here's some moderately embarrassing pictures of me in my underwear. This is actually a couple of weeks ago, before I started the programme. I didn't take measurements then, but I'll pop in my current measurements as of today as I've been working out sporadically and with low weights, so I don't think they'll be <i>that</i> different yet. Ignore the dodgy lighting/odd (miserable) facial expression/mess.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84jsA26wFR4y-cynoVbB_GtFQW-fqkwLAMK0hrOwdAL-6m0II4zWbIoVLncUxrlwRF1h78WRY4WybLU-TFMPnwyQ0mKsiXaofBK4NfgGMc8ZdQky9Z_vlT2D8KJ2wILOa5IxQ2wGdjeo/s1600/NROLW+Before+Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84jsA26wFR4y-cynoVbB_GtFQW-fqkwLAMK0hrOwdAL-6m0II4zWbIoVLncUxrlwRF1h78WRY4WybLU-TFMPnwyQ0mKsiXaofBK4NfgGMc8ZdQky9Z_vlT2D8KJ2wILOa5IxQ2wGdjeo/s400/NROLW+Before+Side.jpg" title="New Rules of Lifting for Women Side Before" width="128" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroPDy6ohYPUB3WBP6CYWzHCal1-03Vu-V027qpn7NVAmPkmmz1Cx3-bWMGeattir4_7qNd9Xr-YTuE9rvcUUkz1bUaK9jdpre5ffMpXTjclCVp1D4FsLT_YO51yLvbeTNf4OibPDm0vE/s1600/NROLFW+Before+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjroPDy6ohYPUB3WBP6CYWzHCal1-03Vu-V027qpn7NVAmPkmmz1Cx3-bWMGeattir4_7qNd9Xr-YTuE9rvcUUkz1bUaK9jdpre5ffMpXTjclCVp1D4FsLT_YO51yLvbeTNf4OibPDm0vE/s400/NROLFW+Before+Back.jpg" title="New Rules of Lifting for Women Back Before" width="231" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSQ9yaNj6C7tnJoxJxQrGH57eOBIeJReLfxjieOoCIoECxu9cByEnZbvmwdvGWKEqA9Wh7lhLRseiB8a4PkQ6BYAeIAunt-s5DrPWa3MM75PJ4A65QquafhTmq-qDmWlTDqjKMGLCWS4/s1600/NROLFW+Before+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSQ9yaNj6C7tnJoxJxQrGH57eOBIeJReLfxjieOoCIoECxu9cByEnZbvmwdvGWKEqA9Wh7lhLRseiB8a4PkQ6BYAeIAunt-s5DrPWa3MM75PJ4A65QquafhTmq-qDmWlTDqjKMGLCWS4/s400/NROLFW+Before+Front.jpg" title="New Rule of Lifting for Women Front Before" width="180" /></a></div>
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<b>Beginning measurements: </b> <b>10/01/13</b></h4>
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<b>Chest: </b> 35.5in </div>
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<b>Left Bicep: </b> 10in</div>
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<b>Right Bicep: </b> 10in</div>
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<b>Waist: </b> 29in</div>
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<b>Hips: </b> 35.5in</div>
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<b>Left Thigh:</b> 21in</div>
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<b>Right Thigh:</b> 21in</div>
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(For reference, I'm 5'7"/170cm and weight 60kg)</div>
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I feel it's important to point out one final thing here as well - my goal for following the NROLFW isn't to lose weight. It's to be as strong and badass as I possibly can be and to have a more toned, more powerful body. A friend sent me this yesterday, which sums up my thoughts exactly:</div>
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<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ljfecpDc0n1qa5lwuo1_500.png">(Source)</a></div>
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<b>Questions:</b></div>
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Have any of you tried the New Rules of Lifting for Women? How did you find it?</div>
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What's your current work out routine? Are you trying anything new in 2013?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-10199618705110835302012-12-17T09:09:00.000+00:002013-01-10T14:11:47.297+00:002013: What will your focus be?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2012 has been a weird year. It's been phenomenally good in parts, but has also left me feeling a lot less confident, sparky, strong and independent than I did at the start of the year. Now, that's not to say that I'm weak and boring and shy - I'm pretty fucking strong and positive all things considered. I'm just not quite the super strong badass that I know I can be. Which has got me thinking about what I want next year to be.<br />
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I learnt a long time ago that having a list of new year's resolutions that I decide whilst half-baked on New Year's Eve is never going to hold, so instead I've been thinking about the idea of my focus for the year. A broad theme that I want to be inspired and motivated by. And three words come into my head over and over again:<br />
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<b>Strength. Challenge. Adventure.</b><br />
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So that's what my 2013 is going to be. I have lots of ideas buzzing around my head about what that's going to look like, and I'm currently in the process of writing down plans and dreams and projects that I think might be awesome. I can tell you now that the phrase Super Strong Badass is pretty much going to be my mantra for the year (and I'll probably be encouraging everyone I know to make it theirs too).<br />
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<b>What is your focus for 2013 going to be?</b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-42542827757329828912012-11-20T09:03:00.004+00:002013-05-22T16:10:15.655+01:00Time skips and the whowhatwherewhatwhys?For the most part, I'm quiet on this blog at the moment. My passions have changed, my life has changed - a lot of the things I want to blog about don't really fit this blog. So I leave it here and spend my time talking about wishing I wrote more and attempting to come up with a snappy title for a new blog, where I'll write about the things that are dear to me. But here's where I come back to when I just need to write it all out. This is more for me I suppose, although it may be interesting to read if you've found my other blogs on Non Epileptics Seizures interesting (there's a link at the bottom to the first one if you want to read it)<br />
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My seizures had, for the most part, gone. I was having the odd very small one (and the very occasional large one) for the best part of a couple of months, which was nice. Then I had a three fairly stressful weeks, and somewhere in amongst the stress, my brain opened up whatever shitty door it is, and my seizures crept back out. In general, it's been easier this time. They're nowhere near as unrelenting, their general tone has been calmer and I've been in a much stronger place to deal with them, both mentally and physically.<br />
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Yesterday was different though. Yesterday I had a seizure which, including the run up and the aftershocks, lasted from 8.30am to 3pm. It's difficult to explain quite what my seizures are like, but often, they're not like you'd think they are. For the bulk of this one, I was sat in Starbucks, on a chair in the corner, shaking uncontrollably. From the way people looked at me, I clearly looked like I'd decided to get over the Monday blues with a handful of class As or a few bottles of gin. Either that, or I looked like a crazy person, which I suppose in many ways is right. My seizures can be classed as a dissociative disorder and even when they're not, they come under that gloriously under-funded umbrella we like to call "Mental Health".<br />
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The thing about this seizure that made it quite so scary is the loss of knowledge of who I was, where I was and what the hell I was meant to be doing. I'd pick up my cup of tea, raise it to my lips and then pause, looking at the cup with what I imagine was confusion, as I attempted to understand why that cup was near my lips in the first place. I thanked my brain for the gift of auto-pilot as I crossed the road from my bus stop with no real idea of where I was, and managed to find myself in a Starbucks. I took the few minutes of lucidity to text Jed and let him know where I was and what was happening. I felt lost, alone and disoriented. And yet all people did was sit and stare at the shaking girl. I should know by now not to expect better, merely to be pleasantly surprised and thankful when people do offer to help, but when you feel that lost and confused, having people stare doesn't help you feel less vulnerable.<br />
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It's not the first time this has happened - I have whole patches of my summer that I genuinely can't recall. I couldn't put events that happened between the end of March (when I first started having seizures) and the end of August (when they cooled down) in chronological order if I tried. I'm aware of the fact that I find it harder to recall and retain facts than I did before I started having seizures, and I get patches where I don't know what I'm saying or doing.<br />
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These are the bits that upset me the most I think. The shaking and the aching and the exhausted, wobbly feelings that fill my body are frustrating but fine. I can deal. The loss of control of my words and thoughts though - that side cuts deep. I see the fear and the worry in the eyes of people who love me, and I wish desperately that I could make it stop, that I could remember who I am and where I am and remove the look of terror and desperation from my face.<br />
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And I will. I will overcome these. I reflect back on the progress I've made, and I feel nothing but pride for what a badass I've become. And for what a badass Jed is. Some of you reading this might know him, a lot of you won't, but seriously, that man is incredible. He's pretty much single handedly cared for me the whole time, and that's a pretty exhausting, frustrating task. I'll shush now because he'll probably tell me off for gushing over him, but if you know him, and you know I'm having seizures, he's probably appreciate the hugs. And I'll stop here, because I'm teary with gratitude and exhausted by frustration, but to write this out has helped. If you've read this far, thank you.<br />
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(I'm going to put a link here to my first post on <a href="http://sparkleandshade.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/walls-of-hermitage-road-aka-life-with.html">life with Non-Epileptic Seizures</a> because it explains what they are and all that jazz)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-82564336525765361112012-09-16T10:59:00.002+01:002013-01-10T14:08:58.073+00:00Incredible talent (aka lovely things for you to buy)A bit of a break from the norm, but I wanted to share the work of three of my housemates with you this morning. All three of them are artists or designers who are starting their own businesses and are immensely talented. All take commissions or are selling from their current collections. As much as it pains me to say it, Christmas is coming down the road, and something from an independent, talented small business is surely a more awesome gift than most things (given that the turn around time for commissions is 4-6 weeks, I actually feel a little less dirty for suggesting this - forward planning and all of that).<br />
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One thing I will say is don't expect to pick up a corset for £30 or a huge commissioned painting for a tenner. These are people's businesses - they're trying to make a living, and to earn a fair wage.<br />
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First up <b>Matthew Knight's Art (aka Wittle Creations)</b><br />
It always amazes me that Matthew's work is done by hand - the vibrancy and detail of it makes it come across as computer illustrations. We have some of this work hanging up in our studios and it's quite honestly stunning. Quirky, colourful, engaging. He also works on found objects (oil cans, bits of wood), which adds to the gorgeous visual impact of his work. The best thing to do if you see a piece of his that you want is to go chat with him on his Facebook page or drop him an email. Ditto for if you have something in mind that you'd like to commission him to make.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.wittlewebsite.com/">Website</a> (under construction)<br />
<a href="http://wittlecreations.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a> (amazing showcase of his back catalogue)<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/mattknightsart">Twitter</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/mattknightsart">Facebook</a><br />
<a href="http://wittlecreations.bigcartel.com/">Big Cartel</a> (A3 prints for a mere £15)<br />
<br />
Next up is <b>Kiran-Lee Designs</b><br />
Oh God, I want everything Kiran ever makes ever. I spend so much of my time perving over the sheer beauty of the corsets she makes that I'm pretty certain I'll end up with a restraining order by the time I'm done living with her. One I'm settled in my new job, I'm commissioning her to make me a beautiful corset. She only has a limited selection on her website, but she's open to commissions and has made some gorgeous things. These are honestly some of the best made corsets I've seen. She takes a lot of time getting them just right, and the quality of the stitching is second to none. She also designs other lingerie (bras, knickers etc) and costume pieces (pasties, masks, hair clips etc). Also, if it helps, she has one of the most scathingly sarcastic senses of humour ever.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kiran-Lee-Designs/130189267087473">Facebook</a><br />
<a href="http://kiranleeoflondon.tumblr.com/post/31456807634/f-l-e-u-r-d-e-l-y-s-indian-statues-chola">Tumblr</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KiranLee?ref=seller_info">Etsy</a><br />
<br />
And finally, <b>Tatterdemillion Bazaar</b><br />
Living with Lorrianne (who runs Tatterdemillion) is best described as living with a modern day courtisan. She's always off somewhere or other bringing laughter and entertainment and generally being her own wonderful, entertaining self, often dressed in naught but a pair of horns she's made and some gold body paint. When she's not generally being fabulous, she's making beautiful things for other people to be fabulous in too. Tiny hats, massive horns, obscenely ornate necklaces... anything to add an extra bit of wow factor to a costume or outfit (and I can confirm that her horns are wonderfully comfortable to wear and look awesome on)<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/393280234070129/">Facebook</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TatterdemalionBazaar?ref=si_shop">Etsy</a><br />
<br />
As I said at the start, these are fledgling businesses and they'd appreciate all the sharing, love and purchases you can send in their direction, so go like, comment, chat and maybe even buy. They're all lovely, lovely people and I'm sure if you went and said hello, they'd be happy to chat with you and maybe even put together a one of a kind commission.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-32632784097931318102012-08-13T09:34:00.001+01:002013-01-10T14:12:35.507+00:00Making progress (and dancing irreverently)So, there's an exciting thing happening today (although not the exciting thing that I keep saying I can't talk about.... there's a post coming about that later).<br />
<br />
Today, I'm starting Grade 1 Ballet with <a href="http://www.albj.co.uk/irreverentballet/">Irreverent Dance</a>. Now, partially this is massively exciting because I'm learning ballet with a bunch of awesome people in a safe and encouraging environment. It's a place where I can be myself, and not feel the pressure of trying to fit into the Ballet stereotype. I know for a fact (from the people who raved about last term) that I'm going to have fun and make some amazing new friends. And the classes won't be *too* serious.<br />
<br />
But the thing that makes me most excited is that I'm well enough to go this time around. I registered for last term, hoping to have got my seizures under control enough to deal with something like a ballet class and all the things that come with it (travelling into London, concentrating on learning a new thing etc), but the week before I was due to start, my seizures kicked off with a fearsome vengeance. It was a pretty hard knock to my confidence and my happiness. At the time, it felt like seizures were blocked me from just doing the normal things I wanted to do (and the reason it felt like that was because they really were, in a horrible, boring way).<br />
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It's only really in the last couple of weeks that I've started to see my confidence eeking back, my happiness raising a little and my body feeling up for the challenge of exercise and activity. I've been spinning poi daily, and spinning a little hula hoop here and there too. I span fire poi on a beach a few weeks ago. And on Friday, I went for my first run in about 5 months. It was nothing special, just 2 laps around a fairly small park, maybe 10 minutes of running in total, if that, but it was something. A run has genuinely never felt as good as that one. Seeing my body able to do the thing I've missed so dearly. It felt like a significant moment. A symbol of freedom being given back.<br />
<br />
It's weird - I'm not completely better - I still have a blacklist of cafes that I know will trigger seizures within 10 minutes of entering, I still take my giant (awesome) headphones and a bottle of diazepam everywhere with me, just in case. I still leave parties early if they get too loud and have odd patches where I space out and forget entire conversations. I still see the looks of concern on my best friend's face if I'm staring into the middle distance for no apparent reason, and I still have days where I end up collapsed in a shaking heap on the bed, biting back tears of frustration. But I feel better, stronger, more in control. A seizure or a patch of spaceyness doesn't throw me as much as it did. I'm not as angry at my body. I don't feel so sad or so alone. I actually spend a lot of my time feeling lucky and appreciative that things are getting better and that I'm surrounded by so many wonderful people who've done and given so much.<br />
<br />
For me, starting a Ballet class today isn't just another exciting event on a sometimes too busy calendar. It's a symbolic marker in my journey towards normal life again. And that, my friends, makes me happier than you could possibly know.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-25032221508064982862012-07-14T21:40:00.001+01:002013-01-10T14:11:29.359+00:00The way things wereI remember what life was like before seizures came along.<br />
<br />
I remember being able to travel on the tube or a noisy bus without having to wear headphones or contemplate another route.<br />
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I remember planning days or evenings with my friends where we did the thing we'd planned to do, and the night didn't end with me shaking in the arms of my best friend and noting the look of concern on his face and the stares of passers by.<br />
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I remember working in a bustling office and chatting to everyone and anyone, and going to noisy parties where I could dance and laugh and not be bothered by the booming sound system.<br />
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I'm sick of being careful and cautious and worrying about whether x or y will make me ill. It's tiring and tedious and boring as fuck.<br />
<br />
I deal with them all in the same way - mild exasperation and boredom coupled with a resolute steadfastness and refusal to let my spirits be dampened too much.<br />
<br />
But I do miss the way things were. I'm really looking forward to that coming back. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-65256328675567147292012-06-25T11:34:00.000+01:002013-01-10T15:25:07.711+00:00Tired of looking at the same four walls (aka a bit more on life with Non Epileptic Seziures)Firstly, let me say thank you to everyone who got in touch and said some really lovely things about my last post on Non Epileptic Seizures (which you can find <a href="http://sparkleandshade.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/walls-of-hermitage-road-aka-life-with.html">here</a>) - it's always nice to know that something I've written has been informative or helpful in some way.<br />
<br />
I thought I'd give you a bit of an update and also share a few coping strategies that I've been finding helpful. I know that a couple of my readers have Non Epileptic Seizures, and I'm hoping that by the wonder of google, a few more might find this post helpful too.<br />
<br />
I've been having seizures since mid-April now. At first they were sparse, then they disappeared pretty much completely, then they came back with destructive vengeance, averaging around 20-25 a day for a good 3 or 4 weeks. Right now, I seem to be sitting in the lull, the aftermath and I'm only really having small wobbles with very few seizures at all for the last week.<br />
<br />
Now obviously, this is nothing but a good thing - it's nice to see some of the bruises start to fade and to feel a bit less exhausted all the time. It's nice to be able to go out and not be quite so worried that a loud noise is going to suddenly trigger a seizure (although sometimes it does). Essentially, it's nice to feel like I can socialise again.<br />
<br />
One thing I have found though is that as the seizures have started to decrease, my general sadness and frustration as started to increase. I think part of this is down to working from home and being pretty isolated as a result, part of it is guilt from feeling like I've put so much on my best friend who's been looking after me most of the time, part of it is an adrenaline drop and part of it is that I just want life to go back to normal. Although I can socialise a lot more, I still have to be careful with how I use my time.<br />
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Part of it is also down to starting to understand (with the help of Jed and a lovely psychiatrist) the root causes of my seizure. Part of it is OCD and anxiety based (I have huge issues surrounding time), part of it is rooted in stuff from my childhood. Most of it though seems to stem from my time in the church. That's something I'm still not very comfortable talking about, and even writing and publicly acknowledging that is a painful thing to do. But it's important that I do.<br />
<br />
So, what have I been doing to cope? I've been working from home, which has removed a lot of the stress of travelling. Sadly, it's been counter productive in terms of other mental health issues, and means that I tend to be quite teary during the day because I feel very alone. I'm hoping to get back in the office soon now that the worst of it seems to have died down some.<br />
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I've also been practicing Mindfulness meditation daily, which really helps a lot. There's a notable difference between the days when I meditate and the days when I don't (namely, how likely I am to have a seizure). I also try to practice yoga daily and do bits and bobs of hula hooping and poi.<br />
<br />
I try to get out and see people, although I've been asking most of those people to come see me in the town where I live, instead of going into central London to do them. I've felt quite guilty about this, as I live a fair way out, but I also know that it's been the most important thing I could have done, and most people don't mind travelling if you explain it to them properly.<br />
<br />
I've been lucky enough to find other people with the same condition and talk to them about it, although I've tried to make sure that I stick with the pro-active positive people and stay away from the scary "Your life is oveerrrrrr" facebook groups. Positivity and pro-activeness are crucial.<br />
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I've been learning that it's ok to be pissed off and cry sometimes, but it's important not to wallow. At the moment, this is one of the thing that I find hardest. I feel so frustrated and trapped that I end up crying when I don't want to and then don't know how to stop. I try hard to just communicate well.<br />
<br />
I treated myself to a really good pair of headphones (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-RP-HTX7AE-G-Retro-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00549PZD4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1340620370&sr=8-5">these ones</a>) that I can throw on if noise or outside distractions get too much. They block out quite a lot of outside noise and have stopped several seizures dead in their tracks. Definitely recommend them.<br />
<br />
So that's sort of where things have got to. I've been referred on to yet another psychiatrist who is a bit better equipped to deal with transition issues and I'm trying to muddle my way through. Mainly, I'm trying to find ways to not lose my mind whilst working at home, so if you have any suggestions, I'll welcome them with open, loving arms.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-11712246441968650482012-05-27T10:29:00.001+01:002013-05-22T16:09:46.470+01:00The Walls of Hermitage Road (aka Life with Non Epileptic Seizures)So you may well have noticed, I've not really been around here much at all. If you follow me on Twitter, something you may well have noticed is a heck of a lot of frustrated tweets about being ill and having seizures. I haven't really had the chance to properly explain what exactly it is that's been going on to a lot of people, and I figure here is the easiest place to do it.
<br />
<br />
A couple of months ago, I was watching a film with my best friend and some other wonderful, lovely people. We'd been chilling out on Easter Monday, eating a copious amount of chocolate (thank to my friend Chris), playing Cranium and had settled down to watch a film. We'd partied pretty hard over the weekend, so decided a quiet, sober Monday was in order. There'd been some varnishing going on, which meant the place was pretty fumey, so we had a couple of windows open too. I was pretty happy and incredibly chilled. I was going back to work the next day after a couple of shitty weeks in which my mum had gone to hospital, we'd been told my sister had cancer (turns out she didn't... but that's another story for another time) and a few bits of my social life had got a bit stressful too.
<br />
<br />
Halfway through the film, I freaked out massively at a domestic abuse scene, and squeezed poor Jed's hand so hard I think I almost broke it. A bit later, I said I'd started to feel woozy. We figured it was the fumes and the weird tunnel scenes (we were watching Being John Malkovich if you're wondering). 5 minutes later, I collapsed dead weight onto Jed, fell to the floor and started having convulsions. Nothing like this had ever happened before, although thankfully we have a few epileptic friends, so the people with me knew the basics of how to deal with someone having a seizure and called an ambulance straight away. The only way I can describe the whole thing is as a fucking weird. I felt disconnected from reality. I was vaguely aware of what was going on, I didn't pass out, but even now, it's a fuzzy and quiet hazy memory, almost like I was incredibly drunk. I couldn't speak, even though I wanted to, and, quite understandably, I panicked. After 5 minutes of convulsions, and another 5 minutes of sheer panic, the ambulance arrived and did my obs. Everything was fine. Blood sugar normal, slight sinus arrhythmia to my ECG (which is a new thing), blood pressure perfect. I was still spaced out and not quite making sense so off to hospital we trotted, where I promptly had another, much smaller seizure and got taken into resus. The queue was horrendous, so I self discharged after feeling much better.
<br />
What followed was a week of other smaller seizures, eventually resulting in my doctor deciding I needed three weeks rest, sending me for an MRI scan and getting me fast tracked for Neurology. We were told to act as though it was epilepsy, but every doctor I saw seemed confused. At times, it felt like they thought I was putting it on. I was scared, frustrated and exhausted. Jed was an utter hero and looked after me pretty much 24/7. I started to see the warning signs for when I was about to have a seizure, and we successfully managed to stave off quite a few. Getting outside, breathing deeply and being reminded of where I am all helped. I managed to go I think 4 or 5 weeks without a seizure just by using these techniques.
<br />
<br />
Eventually, I got to see a neurologist. For the record South Londoners, Dr Cocco is amazing. Completely mad, a little tricky to understand but amazing. If you get him, know that you're in safe hands. I explained the whole thing again, with the slight dampened spirit of someone who's had to tell this story more times than they care for, and waited for him to laugh at me or to tell me there was nothing he could do because I was clearly making it all up (it might sound paranoid, but this is what happened last time I saw a neurologist). Instead, he asked me one question - "Have you ever been sexually abused?" It took me by surprise. Sadly, along with many other women I know, I have, and I went on to explain the various times and forms it took. He listened and then asked me another question "Aren't you wondering why I'm asking you this? After all, I'm a neurologist. This isn't my field."
<br />
I had been wondering, of course. I'd also been making the slow connection myself of the troubling domestic abuse scene and some of the things I'd been telling him. The next words that left him mouth were the most important words of all "I want you to know that you're not making these seizures up. They're completely real. It's not all in your head." I could have cried.
<br />
<br />
Dr Cocco went on to explain I'd been having something called Non Epileptic Seizures. There are a fair few names for these, with one of the common names for the condition itself being Non Epileptic Attack Disorder, or NEAD for short. It's a condition that not much is known about, other than the fact that unlike epilepsy, the seizures aren't caused by electrical impulses in the brain, but instead are a physical response to both physiological and psychological triggers. It's a condition that generally starts in early adulthood, is more common in women and can often affect people with a history of trauma. I repeat though - these are not psychosomatic or "pretend" seizures, nor are they just an extended form of panic attack. They're very much real. If I catch my warning signs early enough, quite often I can bring myself back round from one, but not always. Around 15-30 people in ever 100,000 have NEAD, and over half of people taken to hospital with suspected epilepsy are diagnosed with it.<br />
<br />
The seizures are, as already suggested, slightly different from epileptic ones. For me, I have convulsions and rapid breathing, often accompanied by an inability to speak (although I can communicate. They're dissociative in nature, so I "space out" quite heavily before, during and after them - feeling completely distant and detached from things. After a seizure, it can take me a couple of days to feel properly "normal" again - I'm normally exhausted and aching, with a grim headache and crappy sleep.
<br />
The reason I've called this post The Wall of Hermitage Road is because that's where I feel like I've spent the bulk of my week. I had 8 seizures last week, which was both frustrating and tiring, so any walk to the shop or attempt to go back to work saw me spending a lot of time sitting on various walls along Hermitage Road trying to making sure I didn't have a seizure (or, in one case, having a seizure whilst being looked after by some lovely bin men).
<br />
<br />
For me, there's two important reasons for writing this somewhat rambly post - the first is to educate people about NEAD, and explain a little of what you can do if you're a friend who's likely to spend time with me and I end up having a seizure. The second is that I refuse to let this run my life - I don't cause or bring on my seizures, but I can certainly do things to help myself get as strong and healthy as possible.
<br />
<br />
So, first off: what can you do if you happen to be with me (or someone else with NEAD) whilst I'm having a seizure?
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>DO NOT CALL AN AMBULANCE - </b>unless I do something that injures me or unless I communicate with you that this isn't a normal seizure. Wastes my time, wastes their time. If an ambulance does need to be called (for example if the seizure won't stop after an extended amount of time or if I'm injured), make sure they know it's a non-epileptic seizure.</li>
<li>Try to stay calm - as selfish as it sounds, having someone else panicking really doesn't help. Speaking to me in a calm and reassuring way will bring me round far quicker.</li>
<li>Make sure I'm safe and try to place a pillow or something soft under my head but don't hold me down. It hurts me and there's a high likelyhood it'll hurt you too. If you can, the recovery position is the safest way for me to lay one it's calmed down enough.</li>
<li>Talk to me about where I am, what I can see, what the day is, who I am, who you are... these all help. Afterwards, I might be a bit upset and will probably still not quite seem "with it". This is all normal - again, try to stay calm and talk to me. Do something to try and focus my attention. Let me stay in the recovery position. Talk to me about something that interests you - my friend Slinky once lay on the bed, stroking my arm and talking to me about cameras, processing methods and f-stops after a seizure. It was incredibly effective. </li>
<li>Be aware of my triggers, and try to make them stop if they're near me. Sometimes, it can just be a perfectly normal situation and a seizure happens. Things I know trigger them include flashing or strobing lights, sudden loud noises (ie fire alarms) and two sets of conflicting noises (so someone singing whilst someone else is watching a loud film).</li>
</ol>
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And what am I planning on doing? Mainly just lots of looking after myself - getting back into yoga practice, starting ballet classes, starting to meditate, hula hooping, going for a spa day (funds allowing...), staying away from stressful or triggering situations, eating more healthily... maybe running, although at the moment I'm a bit fearful of it. At the moment, it's frustrating because my seizures are impacting my work life and my social life. There's a fairly high chance I have to cancel on people if I make plans with them at the moment, because they're not stable enough to be fully under control. I had to cancel a holiday I was planning on taking because after 8 in a week, I'm not entirely certain heading in an aeroplane to another country is the best idea. Despite all of my frustration and my anger at my own body, I'm almost certain that I'll pull through and start to live life normally again. I'm fortunate enough to be surrounded by incredible friends and have a wonderfully supportive work place. Mainly what I want is to feel healthy and happy again. Any suggestions of other things I can do to make this happen are gratefully received :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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You can find more information about NEAD <a href="http://www.nonepilepticattacks.info/">here</a> or in this handy <a href="http://www.nonepilepticattacks.info/downloads/NonEpilepticSeizures-%20leaflet.pdf">NHS booklet</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-56285386379927552142012-05-27T09:33:00.000+01:002012-05-27T09:33:08.521+01:00Just a little note... to let you know that I've fixed all the links on the recipe page again. My dot com url expired a while ago (and I have litterally no idea who the hell it was originally registered with, so I can't re-register it) and I've completely forgotten all of the recipe links were stored as sparkleandshade.com instead of .blogspot.com
Also, I'm planning on picking up on blogging again. It'll be a little different, but then again, it wouldn't be Sparkle and Shade if I didn't go away for a while and come back with a slightly different tack. The recipes and rambles will stay, but there might be a bit more political blogging too (although I am currently toying with whether or not that stays here or goes into another blog).
Hope you're all enjoying the wonderful summer sun!
xxAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-73720165253096539082012-03-15T17:19:00.000+00:002013-05-22T16:09:18.288+01:00Buy a gift Spa Day ReviewA few weeks ago, an email popped into my inbox, asking me if I'd like to receive a voucher from <a href="http://www.buyagift.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Buy-A-Gift </a> for a <a href="http://www.buyagift.co.uk/Pampering-BN-120.aspx?cm_sp=Topnav-_-Pampering-_-3&cm_re=Topnav-_-Pampering-_-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spa Day</a> for Two. I, of course, jumped at the chance. My back is utterly screwed, and the thought of a lovely, calming massage was extremely welcome after a month of incessant stress and faff and difficulty. Spa Days, in general, freak me out a bit - I don't ever quite know what to do with myself - but massages are lovely.<br />
<br />
The Buy-A-Gift process is wonderfully faff free. They send you a box with your voucher on, which you then activate online, presenting you with a list of places offering your treatment. One of the things I really like is that the vouchers are transferable - so say you buy someone a voucher for a spa day for two, but instead they decide they want a luxury spa day for one... they can transfer it. There's also the option to add money to your voucher to upgrade it, as well as retaining some if you swap for a cheaper treatment. Lovely idea, very easy to navigate site - brilliant. Not a bad word to say about them.<br />
<br />
The spa experience itself wasn't really that great. We were at Bannatynes, Millbank. It's small and a bit scummy looking. It didn't feel clean and airy, it felt like we were trapped in a basement gym with tiny corridors, surly staff and a swimming pool full of agressive men (well, I say it felt like that... it was that). We didn't really stick around in the spa itself - there was nowhere to just sit and lounge (apart from one slightly broken looking lounger) so instead we just waited in the lounge, read the papers and drank free tea until my friend's treatment (I missed mine due to someone jumping in front of a train, and they were unable to rebook it or offer me any sort of compensation - not even a smile)<br />
<br />
The conclusion? I'd most definitely use Buy-A-Gift again - I may well get my sister something from them for her next birthday as there's a huge range of options but Londoners, you'd do well to avoid the Millbank Bannatynes, unless an underground gym full of grumpy people is your scene. In which case, know yourselves out!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-16619780953210212642012-03-08T09:59:00.002+00:002012-03-08T10:01:36.968+00:00The (Wo)men of TwitterSo today is International Women's Day. I hate this. I truly, truly hate it.* I hate that we still need to have an International Women's Day. That we need to have a day for any gender pisses me off. Why can't every day just be "International Accepting That All People of All Gender's Are Ace" Day? Why haven't we yet reached a point where exclusion is no longer acceptable, where discrimination isn't allowed to pass by with an "if we ignore it maybe it'll go away" attitude?<br />
<br />
Why is it that women do 66% of the world's work, earn 10% of the world's income and own 1% of the world's property? Why is it 1 in 4 women are victims of domestic violence and yet the Government are removing funding from Refuge and domestic violence shelters are going to shut down? Why is it that there are so few women in positions of power and influence? I mean hell, even the Independent's Top 100 Twitter list only listed 1 woman in the top 25 and around a fifth overall, which sparked <a href="http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/03/05/do-women-support-one-another-on-twitter/">this</a> article on whether or not women support one another on Twitter.<br />
<br />
If you know me well, you'll know that Twitter is my true love. I tweet to excess about the general stuff and nonsense of life, about the beautiful things I see, about the things that make me angry, the things that inspire me. I also have a policy of sharing whatever's going on in my life with the Twittering world (you poor, poor things). If I'm happy, I'll let you know. If I'm sad, I'll let you know. And do you know what? I've never seen or experience a support network and community like it.<br />
<br />
It's rare you'll see me talk exclusively about one gender group in a certain way, but today I'm making the exception to talk about the women of Twitter and their support and love for one another. That's not to say men (or people with a variety of other gender identifications) are complete and utter bastards and offer no support at all - they most definitely do - but I've been lucky enough to have been supported by some of the most wonderful women I've ever known on Twitter. I've been helped through some of the most difficult times of my life by a support network of women who, despite the fact they're from disperate parts of the world, band together around one another. Many of them are bloggers - be it health or beauty or politics or relationships. Networks of women, communities of women, willing to offer near complete strangers a shoulder to cry on and an email address to rant to.<br />
<br />
Through Twitter, I've seen women supported through the potential fear of breast cancer. I've seen women supported as their lives are turned upside down, facing homelessness and dealing with shitty people making their lives terrible. I've seen women cheering on other women to turn their lives around, to discover that they're able to do things they never thought possible, giving each other helping hands to start new businesses, new projects, new ways of living their lives. When we're told that women are not supporting one another, it saddens my heart. It makes me want to run out into the streets and show the beautiful community I'm lucky enough to be exposed to. Women who find each other lawyers, who give each other pep talks, who help each other move through the shit of life.<br />
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I'm fully aware this is a bit of a soppy love letter to the women of Twitter. I'm fully aware that it's not just the women that do this. But I think there's something wonderful about day after day after day being exposed to groups of people supporting each other just because they can and I sort of want to share that. To be honest, their gender is irrelevant, and I'm slightly hijacking IWD as an excuse to wax lyrical about the love and support that can come from small communities of people with varying connections, but it just hit home for me today, as I shared some confidence wobbles, that the women of twitter most definitely do support one another, contrary to what Laura Davis thinks. Although the statistics may not show it, although women may not be high ranking, that doesn't mean that the love and support isn't still there. The flurry of tweets of received this morning looking after me prove that indefinitely.<br />
<br />
*Just to clarify, I don't actually hate International Women's Day itself... I hate the fact that we still have to have it.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-2464101630252276682012-03-05T14:42:00.002+00:002013-01-10T14:15:08.513+00:00Dear John Letter: The Reply<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I know a lot of you were wondering whether or not my letter would get a reply... well, it did. It arrived last week, and this is what the Archbishop had to say to me:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Dear Emily,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Thank you for your e-mail regarding my column in The Sun last Sunday.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">I do remember you from your baptism outside York Minster in 2006. I have for a long time wondered what happened to you and what you are doing. Thank you for getting in touch. However, I am saddened to hear that since that time you feel you have lost your faith. As far as I know God has not abandoned you. You are still dearly loved.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">I write articles for a variety of newspapers across a wide spectrum. For example, in recent months I have written in The Guardian, The Observer, The Times, The Sunday Times, The Independent, The Independent on Sunday, The Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, The Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph, The Yorkshire Post and The York Press, amongst other titles.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">I will continue to use these opportunities to spread the Gospel message as widely as possible.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">I hope that you had the opportunity to read my full piece from last week's Sun. I have attached a copy for information in case you have not.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">One of the main points I was making is that we need to remember that God loves us and forgives us no matter how many times we mess up, and whether we deserve it or not. That applies no matter who we are.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">It is clear from the Leveson Inquiry that there have been serious failings at News International and other news organisations for a number of years. We need to encourage a media in this country which is both responsible and fair. We also need to encourage people to make fresh starts. My writing does not mean condoning what was illegal and scandalous in the past.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">All proceeds from articles I write are donated to local charities - in this instance, St Leonard's Hospice in York.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">Please do keep in touch. Why not come for a cup of tea?</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">I appreciate you taking the time to send me your concerns. I will pray for you that God will reveal himself anew in your life and strengthen you.</span><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;">+</span><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;">Sentamu</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"> Ebor:"</span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And before you ask, yes I might go for tea.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-27795537388814370402012-02-27T15:30:00.000+00:002013-05-22T16:09:36.072+01:00A Dear John Letter.Dear John (Or Archbishop John Sentamu, as you're more commonly known),<br />
<br />
Hello, it's me, Emily. You may remember me from the time you baptised me on Easter Sunday:<br />
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<br />
How are you doing? I hope things are well at your end. Anyway, since I got baptised in 2006, a lot of things have happened. I worked for the church, I did a lot of missions, I set up a children's charity, I lost my faith (but that's another extremely long story for another time). Guessing things have been pretty busy your end too.<br />
<br />
I'm writing to you because I can't fail to notice that you've decided to write a column in the Sun on Sunday. I have to say, even though I'm no longer a Christian, I'm massively disappointed in this choice. You were always a member of clergy who I respected. You had strong ethical standpoints and you weren't afraid to show them. You chopped up your dog collar in an act of political protest. you've always been outspoken. I really did respect you.<br />
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And yet, you choose to write for the Sun on Sunday, a "newspaper" founded on the priciples of corruption and lies. I struggle enough with the fact that the Church of England, an organisation I used to be associated with, an organisation I worked for, has £9 million of shares in News International and BSkyB. Not just because it means that the Church are invested in the press, which obviously impacts whether or not that press is able to speak freely, but also because of the hypocritical nature of the Church being invested into the soft porn industry. I wonder if you could explain to me how it's ok for the church to invest into soft porn whilst simultaneously telling Christians that they shouldn't have sex before marriage?<br />
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But the worst thing is, you're now a contributor to the Sun on Sunday, to something associated with hacking and scandal and lies and poor journalism. I'm assuming that you'll say you're attempting to communicate with the people, that you're reaching them where they're at, that this is an opportunity to speak to people on their own level, but I can't help but feel dismay and confusion about why you'd make this decision. I no longer choose to associate with the church, I no longer maintain anything close to a Christian faith, but I don't understand your decision on this.<br />
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I'd very much appreciate it if you'd take the time to respond.<br />
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Yours,<br />
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Emily BirkinshawAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1123881308570553564.post-46011646325712603352012-01-03T20:36:00.000+00:002013-05-20T12:54:32.626+01:00Moleskine Wellness JournalHey Lovelies,<br />
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What you may or may not know about me is that my first love has always been and will always be stationery. As much as I love food and exercise and making things, it's stationery that really hits my buttons. Hence I was overjoyed when my housemate and her girlfriend presented me with this for Christmas:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnvxQbFJxa24gA_jR2rxIW9xJ54lEPQc0CSza7kPGjDY0FiyQi_GHoPb-oH9kG3fsgl4bIzP5aHWoS8c-TQ9zMhsgsoGJhK-fRwsBmc5U8vncU0KTFK9vcwFBgWVIoNeS2BThhHweAGM/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnvxQbFJxa24gA_jR2rxIW9xJ54lEPQc0CSza7kPGjDY0FiyQi_GHoPb-oH9kG3fsgl4bIzP5aHWoS8c-TQ9zMhsgsoGJhK-fRwsBmc5U8vncU0KTFK9vcwFBgWVIoNeS2BThhHweAGM/s640/IMG_0076.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I love keeping journals and I love tracking my exercising so this is just perfect. Look at all its gorgeous sections:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wEZiYNdmvHPlvj289xUqFTA2-6A15StkFj3sQF7MilTllvreQpKt4ipk59X1HQ15_4IHM9KYvFY_CEQdck5rczrOGrO__wCsHKplVWql79dxyWpBjCUQS5IVpjQyjtEWx5OVV1f6Hd0/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wEZiYNdmvHPlvj289xUqFTA2-6A15StkFj3sQF7MilTllvreQpKt4ipk59X1HQ15_4IHM9KYvFY_CEQdck5rczrOGrO__wCsHKplVWql79dxyWpBjCUQS5IVpjQyjtEWx5OVV1f6Hd0/s640/IMG_0075.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A food calendar telling me what's in season when... perfect for trying to eat locally and seasonally! There's also a list of foods and their nutritional content.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypibzpgBLExSUZoLnNuirNV2UXAxo249_iJwsfZnlxebHMoJaE2MbvU1pbvKEt58SwNJmMdtayWdfNPY2S6RABzBgBxeWnpI5513Se5MQNtXjZw-9Wj1Kwjf-iafShpme_bc5J2uOEU0/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypibzpgBLExSUZoLnNuirNV2UXAxo249_iJwsfZnlxebHMoJaE2MbvU1pbvKEt58SwNJmMdtayWdfNPY2S6RABzBgBxeWnpI5513Se5MQNtXjZw-9Wj1Kwjf-iafShpme_bc5J2uOEU0/s640/IMG_0073.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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And then look at all the wonderful sections - Personal Goals, Exercise Log, Diet, General Health, Games/Sport, Inspirations. And then hiding behind there are 6 unmarked sections *and* and index.... drool, drool, drool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaDoFFkVeOV-LSlNYAMXdOp8ufXTs-nzmDl3OTtssZUr1sgxhKipWlDiwkWggk247QlfZ_SfpCwZznhyDSSVHYSCylcmyZSuA3BsIFlchTKWoVnmzz36WICKDGhV5-6zlxikty4GcUJs/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaDoFFkVeOV-LSlNYAMXdOp8ufXTs-nzmDl3OTtssZUr1sgxhKipWlDiwkWggk247QlfZ_SfpCwZznhyDSSVHYSCylcmyZSuA3BsIFlchTKWoVnmzz36WICKDGhV5-6zlxikty4GcUJs/s640/IMG_0072.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOckKz9S6WC4vHyj4uQ2muV3ak8wcDCAIg60bYoMs9ueh_tWbJL61OHGZ6_Fmu1dozfBywEtMJSMT4jo2UpNtyNII94yDAbUyBiio0Kmy9KwnQng3eUenXuSeLlNtjVTfn3TYx8BQ8iUs/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOckKz9S6WC4vHyj4uQ2muV3ak8wcDCAIg60bYoMs9ueh_tWbJL61OHGZ6_Fmu1dozfBywEtMJSMT4jo2UpNtyNII94yDAbUyBiio0Kmy9KwnQng3eUenXuSeLlNtjVTfn3TYx8BQ8iUs/s640/IMG_0071.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
I love that it has space for weekly and monthly goals - it's an excellent way of keeping goals in track and not getting overwhelmed by them. One thing I love about goals over resolutions is that they lend themselves to being modified and this is a perfect way of setting smaller, achievable ones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3q-fG2IszcAOKrY9D7oGtF2jQFzE2gNsoBJwxWZJbe_Ze4yZGlcjrZyukLhmNA7DTmXvUpr1ZGhBlQz-OPPYMmMtLfGpfXeTMVpzRjkJuDSXn0fTD6KRnB43R1L2dY3VibNRQL4Zq0o/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3q-fG2IszcAOKrY9D7oGtF2jQFzE2gNsoBJwxWZJbe_Ze4yZGlcjrZyukLhmNA7DTmXvUpr1ZGhBlQz-OPPYMmMtLfGpfXeTMVpzRjkJuDSXn0fTD6KRnB43R1L2dY3VibNRQL4Zq0o/s640/IMG_0069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
It has a great exercise tracker with space for intensity, time, distance/reps, weather, notes... the whole shebang!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTs9ldE7vaKHcso6iMBhepCs9P2_oxlKv_SKTTcc7nunIN29H2EjIElHXSY9rUh8WLdY_bKJ603-QZYXwrZDX6x-TbkjBqEbpAfc90iOChnx8N-TIHMTdE-BPfFNnb1pQ5NpxeibwGvHU/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTs9ldE7vaKHcso6iMBhepCs9P2_oxlKv_SKTTcc7nunIN29H2EjIElHXSY9rUh8WLdY_bKJ603-QZYXwrZDX6x-TbkjBqEbpAfc90iOChnx8N-TIHMTdE-BPfFNnb1pQ5NpxeibwGvHU/s640/IMG_0067.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
A daily diet tracker too! I got into the habit of tracking what I ate towards the end of last year and found it really helpful... I want to get back into it, because it helped me to see some unhealthy habits I'd started to develop.<br />
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There's a whole heap more that I could show you, but I think I'll probably have bored you all to death! Needless to say it's utterly wonderful and if any of you are looking for a good fitness journal, I'd definitely recommend this one!<br />
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<b>Questions:</b><br />
Do you keep a fitness/wellness journal?<br />
What are some of your favourite inspirational quotes (I have a whole inspiration section ready and waiting to be filled!)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02054470032612181184noreply@blogger.com8