I'M NOT SHOUTING ...

RESEARCH HAS CLAIMED THAT SHOUTING / RANTING ETC. IS GOOD FOR YOU !

[couldn't agree more]

THE EFFECT OF SHOUTING/RANTING TRIGGERS THE BLOOD FLOW TO THE BRAIN - ESPECIALLY TO THE AREA WHICH CONTROLS POSITIVE EMOTIONS ~ IN TURN, YOU ARE CALMED DOWN MUCH FASTER.

[I didn't quite get this at first - and then thought about times things that had irritated me or offended me, had gone over and over in my mind, increasing an emotional state which hung around too long ... I can see why shouting would clear the thought pattern and stabilise you sooner]

So now we have the excuse to shout when and where we want ... although we might have to consider who we are going to shout at ??

Jill

Sketchers . . .

Tone-up ... Shape-up ...

Do these new training shoes work? Do they really tone up thighs and bums?

What's the difference between Shape-ups and Tone-ups?

I know I'm supposed to be the one with the answers ... but sure that daughters would know best on this one.

So, daughters out there ~ or mums who've got the info, please let me know which create the best effect?

Thanks

Jill

Clutter, Clutter and more Clutter ...

Apparently, Clutter in Feng Shui terms represents postponed decisions ... the inability to move forward ...

So it stands to reason that All Clutter should be removed - from everywhere. But then, what if we develop obsessive compulsive disorder in the process ?

I can easily understand that Clutter in the bedroom creates unrest and is said to prevent romantic lurvve ...

So remove excess books, newspapers, beakers, glasses and of course, mobile phones. Any connection with work is distracting, so too are leftover soft toys from childhood!

Check out Feng Shui tips for well-being, love, wealth ...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-mf9tRDr98&feature=related

Enjoy,

Jill

Life ... Lifeboard ... To Lifeboard ...

Take a look at this :

http://www.lifeboard.net/

If you want to get a life ... Lifeboard ~ It's basically setting your life out in pictures. A visual road map of your life which allegedly helps you plan your life's wants and needs.

You take the thoughts out of your head and lay them down in front of you ~

Basically, cut out images from magazines etc. that attract you ~ for whatever reason ~ colour, texture, implication, setting; a place you want to visit, people, words...

Under headings: career, family and friends, prosperity, love, marriage, success, paste the images into the boxes [preferably on a large pre-drawn segmented and labelled circle].


For further details, watch the video on youtube:
To be honest, I was more concerned in case Sue, Linda or Eva spilt the red wine all over their handywork .?. .?. .?.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUNK0m3M3iU&feature=player_embedded

It's argued that people who plan and focus are more successful than people who don't.

There's got to be something in it ~ I can see the point of seeing something in front of you rather than keep talking about the same topics over and over is the key ... The images are clearer to understand and identify ... and maybe subconsciously, they bring out the real wants and needs from deep down inside the individual ???

Have a go. It doesn't cost anything and may inspire or motivate you ...
Let me know how you get on ...

Jill

Mother not in distress for once ...

Talking of Centrefolds ... In an effort to gain followers, I'll try anything ...

Hi Friends, Readers and Followers ~

I know life's busy ...

But if you get a nano-second, please click on the 'follow' button.

I promise I won't irritate you with follow-ups or emails ... You don't have to leave a photo either ~ ahh ~ cool if you do. I'm just building a base ... [partly to stop my sons teasing me ~ they obviously have more followers than me ~ and partly to realise my posts aren't futile]. It seems I'm even following myself ... how sad. Actually, was just checking that 'following' was a simple process and accidentally added myself ... yeah right ...

Thanks to all readers who have given me feedback ~ really appreciate it.

Jill

Hey Girls, Ladies, take a look at this ... ! ! ! ...

Courtesy of Cosmopolitan magazine:
Hurry and buy Cosmopolitan October Issue Now ...

Download tasteful semi-naked Centrefolds ~ Use as mobile phone wallpaper ...

Choose from Danny Cipriani 8, Chris Gere 4, Sean Wright-Phillips 1, Danny Care 6, Danny Young 9, Ben Foden 3 and others ...

Apparently, all you have to do is text COSMO HUNK followed by the number of your man to 87088 [cost £1.50]

You can even subscribe to a 'Daily Hunk Subscription Service'

* Check out details before embarking on this purchase. There are offers for 3 images or 12 images. Text STOP to 83088 when you've had enough ! ? !

Jill

Hello, Daughters, Students, Employees, Prospective Employer ...

Hello Everyone,

Just a reminder >>> Don't invite your lecturers, employers or prospective employers to your facebook and/or any other social network you are connected to.
Limit posts about your job ... especially negative ones ... they could come back and bite you on the bum !

*Check that your information can only been viewed by 'friends'

*Be aware how much information you can see on your wall or via other 'friends'

Jill

Right ... That's It ! ..........

I've been feeling like a bit of a moan, whinge, even rant ... and here it is:

Pet hates:

1. Bottles
Bottles that fall over ~ doesn't matter whether they belong in the fridge - balsamic vinegar etc. or in the shower, not forgetting moisturiser and other products which shall be named and shamed at a later date.

2. Labels
I don't mind whether its a 'designer' label or Primani - I HATE them ALL ~ especially when I try to cut them out of a newly purchased treat ~ and cut into the fabric by accident !!!

3. Padding
Okay, so some of us need padding ~ some of us want padding ~ some of us don't. But most of us are being forced into padding just because the new designs are printed on the padded bra !!! And they're often so Thermal !

4. High Leg
Okay, so thongs, lo-briefs, underpant knickers, 50's/60'srevivial styles, I agree, are all fabulous. But what about Mums ?? I/Many of us are in distress ... do we really want M & S Brigitte Jones for the over 40's? Unlike Bob the Builder ~ who seems to have a voice ... NO WE DON'T ! Why can't we have some sexy stuff that covers our life's lumps and bumps which don't reach our neck and made from thick ??? knows what?

5.Okay
That's enough for now ... even for me.

I'm not apologising for the rant ... please join and add any specific lingerie styles you require ... I'm sending the findings to designers for M&S. [Are they men BTW?]

Jill ~ still too cross to even add colour or italics ...

Did You Know ......,.

Putting off the hangover?????

Dance it out ... Yes ~ sweat it out on the dance floor ~ you'll feel better in the morning.

And don't forget the water ~ lots of it ~ keep a bottle of water on your desk ~ workspace ~ and make sure you keep sipping it.

Try 'Milk-thistle' from the health store - claims to aid liver function.

Try alternating water with your drink when socialising or if you find yourself over-indulging at dinner.

A small glass of wine contains approximately 120 calories [around 1/10 of your daily calorie intake]

Apparently, the French add water to their wine ~ I tried it ~ it's Okay.

Enjoy.

Jill

Facial Massage ~ Did You Know ......??

If you massage your face lightly when applying cleansing gel/cream - it will envourage deep down dirt, grime, bits and pieces to rise to the surface ...

Hey presto ! A dull complexion boosted instantly !!!

For and energising facial massage which only takes 4 minutes, check this out:

http://store.annabellina.com/massagemyth.html

The massage can also include problem areas, frown lines, open pores, double chin ... try it ... you'll feel wonderful afterwards ... less stressed and envigorated ...
Slip it in to you beauty regime ... you know you're worth it ...

Jill

Good for You ~

Without going into the pros and cons of diets, I came across this suggestion in Grazia Magazine and thought I should share:

The Good Mood Diet suggests ...

Energy from B Vitamins in
Green Leavy Vegetables, Mushrooms and Asparagus:

Better sleep from magnesium in
Raspberries, Sweet Potatoes and Pineapple:

Boost your Immune System with Zinc-rich
Chicken, Chickpeas and Cashews:

Increase the body's natural feel-good hormone, Seratonin with Omega-3 from Salmon, Avocado and Flax Oil.

Briefly translated into a simple eating plan:

Chicken / Salmon
Green Leafy Veg / Avocado / Asparagus / Mushrooms / Sweet Potatoes / Chickpeas Raspberries / Pineapple
Cashews / Flax Oil

All my favourites - and so easy to make meals from this list - I've no excuse for being moody or tired now !

* Reports for and against cooking with Flax Oil -
Taking a spoon or capsule seems to be the favourite outcome.

Jill

Desigual ...

Fashion Fashion Fashion ...

Clearly, I've been in the house too much and crawling all over the internet looking at fashion ... not buying it, just looking at it ...

So, one size smaller at last, I'm preparing for a couple of purchases to take me through the winter. The only problem is, the pieces I want to buy are for daughters, not mothers... I've lost a few pounds, now I just need to lose a few years ...

If you're into colours, textures and lively querky stuff which is obviously 'in' this season, try this label:

http://www.desigual.com/

Colourful and Fun in a sexy sort of way and not overpriced.

www. desigual.com

Question: What are the tax band widths? How do you know if you have to pay highter rate income tax?

Hello daughter in distress - probably not in any distress at all - probably highly organised with a question like this:

Do you know how much you have to earn before you are charged 50% tax?

Here are the governement tax bands. Further information can be found on:
www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates/it.htm

Income Tax rates and taxable bands:

Income Tax rates and taxable bands Rate 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Starting rate for savings: 10%*
2008/9-£0-£2,320....2009/10-£0-£2,440....2010/11-£0-£2,440

Basic rate: 20%
2008/9-£0-£34,800....2009/10-£0-£37,400....2010/11-£0-£37,400

Higher rate: 40%
2008/9-Over £34,800....2009/10-Over £37,400....2010/11-£37,401-£150,000

Additional rate: 50%
2008/9-Not applicable....2009/10-Not applicable....2010/11-Over £150,000

* From 2008-09 there is a 10 per cent starting rate for savings income only. If your non-savings income is above this limit then the 10 per cent starting rate for savings will not apply.

The rates available for dividends for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 tax years are the 10 per cent ordinary rate and the 32.5 per cent dividend upper rate. For the 2010-11 tax year, as well as these rates there is a new dividend additional rate of 42.5 per cent

Hope this helps,

Jill

Nigella ...

As Cooking Goddess Nigella says,

'In life ... You should squeeze out every pleasure ...'

Even though she was squeezinfg the tentacles from a squid, I ask, Is it so selfish to want to agree with her?

Let me know what you think ...

Jill

Competition for Angel

You might have noticed, Angel took charge whilst I was recouperating ... I found her relaxing in her study ~ Check out sidebar for her 'caught in the act' photo. But she'll have to step up ... Check out Boo, ready to party...

See this amazing dog, follow him on Facebook ... Boo ... ahh photos, videos, fashion ...

Jill

Holiday Read ...

To aid my recovery, I’m flying off to the sun and looking for a light hearted read …

I’ve chosen author of The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger’s latest release, Last Night at Chateau Marmont.

Looks like it's going to be fun … the ins and outs / ups and downs of life as a celebrity. A New York couple’s life is turned upside down when husband Julian [musician] becomes famous.

Any other ideas [nothing too serious just yet], let me know … comment, facebook me, tweet me, email me.

Thanks, Gillian

Ultimate Girls Day Out ...

How about this for a real treat ...

Fancy the Ultimate Girls Day Out ... try this:

The Clothes Show Live ~ Fashion and Beauty
3rd - 8th December 2010 at Birmingham NEC.

Fashion Theatre
Non-Stop Shopping !!
Celebrity Appearances
Cocktail Bar & Champagne
DJ Bar
Designer Collections & Catwalk
High Street Catwalk
Hair and Beauty Demonstrations
Make-overs
Hot male models !

www.clothesshowlive.com

Tel: 0844 581 1259

[Tickets include dedicated seat in Fashion Theatre.

Information source ~ Company Magazine

Enjoy ... Jill

Super Foods ....

Super Foods? or Superfoods as we now prefer to call them?

I’m not intending to be a specialist on this subject – other than the new word that has been made from two separate words, but there really must be something about super foods.

Okay, so when we cut out the carbs, wine and do a bit of exercise, we usually feel better but I’m sure some of these super foods really do help:

Basil
Noted to have anti-bacterial properties, improve circulation and reduce risk of heart disease [reduces platelet aggregation - the formation of blood clots] - could make a useful anticoagulant.
Wonderful in salads and with tomatoes.

Cloves
Contain Eugenol, a natural painkiller which may also kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. [you may have heard of clove oil being used for toothache].
Cloves are claimed to lower harmful cholesterol and glucose lovels.
Stick them literally your ham when cooking, use in chutney, curries.

Honey
Reported to reduce blood fats that contribute to heart disease.
Helps fight colitis.
Before anti-bacterial creams were developed, honey was used to prevent bacteria from
residing in wounds.
Add to desserts, cereals, toast.

Cos Lettuce [Romaine]
Has 5 times more vitamin C than iceberg lettuce.
Contains salicylic acid which has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Substitute your salad leaves for Cos.

Coffee
It has been claimed that elderly men who drank three cups of coffee a day, had better memories than those who didn’t.
Girls, now you know what to do with your men!

Melons
We might think melons are mainly water and contain little healthy eating benefit but in fact, they are crammed with vitamins A and C.

More Superfoods ~ Let me know and I’ll share them.

Source from Delicious Magazine ~ Health and Nutrition Section ~ http://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/

Jill

Write Yourself Thin ...

Yes, it works ...
A study by scientists in America suggests that participants who write a food diary lose weight because they are reminded about snacks and treats that they unthinkingly sneak into their daily diet.

For those of you who’ve read my previous myfitnesspal blog – apologies – but I’ve become quite caught up with it all … I’ve told friends about it and they’ve become attached too – all with positive benefits. myfitnesspal can also be located on the internet www.myfitnesspal.com.

I’m a big fan of writing for therapeutic benefit [more serious info on this later – or email me for details – see previous blog on journaling] and with the fairly recent addition of myfitnesspal to my iphone [an app installed by my daughter (not in distress) to aid healthy eating and encourage personal fitness - was she hinting something?], I realised the action of typing my food intake into the system somewhat echoes my theories on writing for personal benefit.

I’m allowed 1200 calories per day. And yes, I go over - but am losing weight already. I enter everything I’ve eaten during the day [mostly] and list exercise [not much yet - but even a slow walk counts!]. Calories, fats, sugar, vitamin and mineral intakes are calculated at the click of a button… we know how we like to mess with our mobile phones … Sounds addictive? Could be. Waiting for a bus, visiting an old Aunt who’s repeating herself [sorry Auntie], in a Sainsbury’s queue [worse - a Poundland queue – get out of there – you’ll buy stuff you don’t need], just tap in ALL the food [and drink] you’ve put in your mouth – be honest – it works better that way. ** Note the calorie content of wines and spirits and that’ll cut down any over-indulgence in days.

What’s so interesting is that at the end of the day [literally], the lists boom out all your positives and negatives. Example: when I started myfitnesspal, I was between projects, bored, doing a lot of sitting down [writing some] and comfort eating [a lot]. So att the end of my early days, the lists would scream out at me: Chorley Cake ! Fruit Crumble ! Kit Kat (s) [Mint and Orange] ! My calorie count was hideous. These foods were logging up unnecessary calorie intake of disproportionate levels. I saw the light - like a shade-less 150watt lamp stinging my eyes. Chorley Cake: 225 calories Fruit Crumble: 345 calories [at least] Kit Kats (3): 323 calories … 893 calories Versus ~ Half cup grapes: 61 calories … no contest. Since then, each time I entered a cake or biscuit into the system, I didn’t feel guilty, I felt totally irresponsible.

So now I’ve lost half a stone – thanks to myfitnesspal.

But remember, you don’t always need technology - you can just Write Yourself Thin … Just keep a daily record of what you eat / drink. Dr. Victor Stevens [Center for Health Research, Portland USA] states ‘It helps the participants see where the extra calories are coming from.’ You’ll be surprised, not only at the amount you eat or drink, but the type of foods which could be cut from your diet or exchanged for healthier foods = vitality = energy = feel good factor.

Next Up … Surprising Super-Foods

After all that, I missed breakfast and substituted it for 3 Jaffa Cakes ~ felt guilty and had banana and grapes for lunch …not necessarily the way to do it … Hope you can do better …

Jill … [already planning a brisk walk and Chicken Salad for supper]

Mother and Daughter Not in Distress

Now I can add a photo in a blog ... here is another test photo ... Mother and Daughter ...

Jill

Hair Care ~ Bed Head ...

Hi there … so, we’ve done hairdryers – now for products.

Today, it’s BED HEAD by TIGI

My hair is shiny at last. Okay, it doesn’t swing and swoosh long and low like the TV adverts, mainly because I’m not a 6`2`` size 0 model with a hair [including possible extensions?] and a make-up team the size of Toni and Guys London salon staff but it is generally shinier and softer than usual and much easier to comb after washing. I’ve been using Bed Head Brunette Goddess by TIGI; shampoo and conditioner ~ from a salon near you. [Actually, my friend found some in TK Max !]

I emailed TIGI, mentioned how pleased I was and how I was about to discuss their products on my daughters in distress blog … They kindly sent me a couple of samples:

Bed Head urban anti-dotes ~ Recovery 2
‘Perfect for dry damaged tresses that need a moisture hit … turbo hydration molecules boost softness and shine!’ Their words not mine.

Well, that was an offer I couldn’t refuse and put the sachet contents to and intense test ~ my stressed hospital hair! I realised on drying that this was very serious recovery stuff ~ it even sorted my post operation hospital bed head out !!!

Okay so a bottle or pack of Tigi Bed Head products might me a bit more expensive compared to hair products from a supermarket shelf, but the bottles and large and the contents seem to last much longer than regular shampoos and conditioners – making the cost not too much more when calculating the cost.

Clearly, Bed Head supply products for blondes: Dumb Blonde … for chemically treated hair, Control Freak for frizz control and Ego Maniac, Moisture Maniac and Self Absorbed, the marketing strategy has a sense of fun which comes with information and style ideas … check it out at www.tigihaircare.com

Jill

Add a Photo ...

Good news, after asking around and googling, I've just found the button for incorporating a photo into a blog...

So here's my test blog and photo ... Son not in distress, playing bass guitar ...

Jill

Dilemma ...

What do you do when your friends' kids [teens/mini-adults] facebook friend request you ... or facebook suggests you add them to your friends ?

Is it polite to add them or totally uncool ?

I'm not nosy, don't feel the need to search everyone's leisure photos but do like the communication / connection advantage that comes with facebook.

What do you think ???

Jill

Blackpool Festival ~ Wordpool

Opening Saturday 2nd October ~ Blackpool's Fourth Annual Festival of Words
[That's tomorrow !] ~ Opening to be attended by the Mayor of Blackpool plus free entertainment at St John's Square, Blackpool.

Look Out for 'Words, Words and Other Stuff', Festival Paper for more information

Saturday 2nd October
10.30am - 3 pm Wordfair - The Old Post Office, Abbingdon Street, Blackpool.
Artists, Craft makers and Writers selling all sorts of wonderful things inspired by words. Free entry.

12.30pm 'Grand Words' Final at The Grand Theatre Studio

Sunday 3rd October
11.30am - 3pm
Stanley Park near the Model Village ~ 'It came from ...'
An out fo this world family event with friends from HandHeld Theatre Company, The Dopplegangers and lots of arts and crafts.

Tuesday 5th October
10.30am - 12 noon
Dr. Anke Bernau [Lecturer in Medieval Literature and Culture at University of Manchester] discusses Wolfhall. Occult History & The Monstrous Past at FY Creatives, 154-158 Church Street. Free Admission.

1.30pm - 3pm
Simon Entwistle - Storytelling Walk - Ghosts and Hauntings of Blackpool. Free.
Meet at Grundy Art Gallery, Queen Street.

2pm-3.30pm
Bispham Library - Crime Author Stephen Clayton - discusses the genre and his latest work - The Art of Being Dead. Free.

3.30pm - 5pm
Afternoon Tea with John Siddique
FY Creatives 154-158 Church Street - Reading new work, Blackpool poems and some old favourites.
Poetry Quilt - Raffle.

4pm - 5pm
Alexandra Heminsley, Author.'Ex and the City' Under 16's event. TBC

6.30pm - 8pm
Alexandra Heminsley and Sara Manning - Blackpool Sixth Form College.
Two successful authors discuss writing, blogging and life ! Free.

Wednesday 6th October
12.30pm - 1.45pm or 2.30pm - 3.45pm
Last Tram to Starr Gate - Meet on North Pier and finish at South Pier.
Jacqueline Pilton and Louise McNultya. Street Theatre event based on the play 'Last Tram to Starr Gate' - at various locations along the prom. Take a tram, hire a bike or walk between the scenes. Free.

7.30pm for 8pm - 'Me, Mum and Dustry Springfield' - Grand Theatre Studio.
Stephanie Ridings - Matcham's Bar pre-show drinks - show 8pm followed by Directors Chair Q&A.

Thursday 7th October
1pm - 8pm - Cafe Culture - National Poetry Day Event - The No. 5 Cafe, Cedar Square.
On-line link up with cafes around the world.
Drop in workshops and performances with They Eat Culture, Poets Marvin Cheeseman, Rachel McGladdery and Annie Clarkson.

Friday 8th October
At the Fringe - 11am - Book Crossing Launch - CupCake - 152 Church Street

At FY CREATIVES 154-156 Church Street:
1pm-3pm - Live Poets
4pm-6pm - Behind the Front - Readings by Local Writers.
6pm-7.30pm - Stage Write - New Play Reading Group - Launch £2.50 on the night.

6pm - 8pm
Dead Good Poets at No 5 Cafe, Cedar Square [Dead Famous Literary Event]

Most of the events are free ... Check them out ... Maybe I'll see you there ...Enjoy !!