Things I have learned from the Great Declutter (and beyond): Have receptacles handy - by which I mean binliners, boxes, carrier bags, whatever. You need to put the stuff you are getting rid of in something, not just pile it up somewhere, creating more clutter. Take it away as soon as possible, the next day … Continue reading Decluttering Tips
family
Oscar’s Heart Murmur
Last June we took Oscar to the docs for yet another infernal infection, poor mite, and during the routine check of ears, throat, lungs etc the doctor found a heart murmur*. That moment is etched in my heart forever. All the clichés came true in one fell swoop. Time stood still. It felt like an … Continue reading Oscar’s Heart Murmur
School Nurse and School Dinners
The School Nurse rang me recently. Alfie’s height and weight had been flagged up during her first visit, last year during P1. He was then on the 99th centile for both, so she had requested another appointment and was calling me with the results. She was inordinately relieved to hear that we were well aware … Continue reading School Nurse and School Dinners
Oscar’s Heart Murmur
Last June we took Oscar to the docs for yet another infernal infection, poor mite, and during the routine check of ears, throat, lungs etc the doctor found a heart murmur. That moment is etched in my heart forever. All the clichés came true in one fell swoop. Time stood still. It felt like an … Continue reading Oscar’s Heart Murmur
The Nit Kit
Well it finally happened – we got the nits innit? I’m surprised it’s taken so long but perhaps sending the boys to a prep school has its advantages after all? Of course being naïve about nits poor old Oscar had an itchy head for weeks*. My first thought was head lice but every time I … Continue reading The Nit Kit
Mental Health Awareness
Did you realise this week is Mental Health Awareness Week? Well for starters go and check out the very excellent Jeremy Vine programme on BBC Radio 2. Each day Jeremy is talking about a different topic, such as self harm, anorexia and bipolar disorder. This particular clip is about depression. Now I am totally biased because … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness
Couch to 5k
Have you done the Couch to 5k running programme yet? I can’t recommend it enough. There are now a myriad of apps but I first found the podcasts via the NHS website. It takes you from being a non-runner in Week 1, to running 5k (about half an hour) by Week 9. It is genius! It … Continue reading Couch to 5k
The Paediatric Dietitian
We had a visit from Andrea McDougall a couple of weeks ago, a clinical specialist and Paediatric Dietitian. We were referred to her by Dr Christie because I was becoming increasingly concerned about Alfie’s weight gain. He’s always been a big boy and tall for his age, but in the last six months he has … Continue reading The Paediatric Dietitian
Sleep
I love sleep, who doesn't? As I get olderI notice more and more what a difference it makes in my life. A good night's sleep is like gold; sets me up for a productive day, restores my sense of humour and enables me to deal with the kids in a more present, less distracted, way. … Continue reading Sleep
Meal Planning; first attempt (Week 3)
So who knew that meal planning could save your life? I mean, no kidding, it will help you save money, save time, lose weight AND be super healthy, plus make your children extra intelligent, polite and mega sleep monsters. OK, I exaggerate a wee bit… But seriously though, I do need to lose weight, I … Continue reading Meal Planning; first attempt (Week 3)
Vicky Blades 