The Family Patch

BritMums Live 2014 - My Very Loose Plan!

I cannot believe that in just 3 weeks I will be packing my bags ready to head off to London for my 3rd BritMums Live. How has it come around this fast and how can it be my third year already? When I went to my first one in 2012 it was a real eye-opener... it showed me how much I love socialising and being around people who are all passionate about something (whether it's food, crafts, technology, family life, health... or just simply friendship!) I almost didn't book a ticket this year as I thought it would be too much, but I am so glad I did as I would have missed it so much!

My first year I went with an old uni friend. Last year I went on my own. This year I am going with two wonderful women I have met through my work for Pregnancy Sickness Support - Emma and Katrina. Emma is even a finalist in the BiBs so for the first time ever I will be ditching an early night on the Friday and attending the awards ceremony. I cannot tell you how exciting that is.

But other than knowing I cannot wait to get there and I cannot wait to fully immerse myself in the amazing experience that BritMums Live is, I do not really know what my plan is yet. And so whilst I deliberate over train times and what on earth to wear, I thought it was high time I looked at the agenda properly and decided what I wanted to do.

As always, there is far too much to choose from and I know I will most likely change my mind at the last minute on several points, but here's my very loose plan for the two days.

Friday

In the morning: I plan on travelling down, meeting Emma and Katrina and hopefully attending the BritMums Butterflies pre-event meet up in Starbucks (if you are going for the first time, going alone, or just simply nervous around big crowds, this is a really great way to ease yourself into the whole thing... I went last year and it was fab!)

2pm: Register and grab a cuppa (they have such a wide choice of herbal teas, I love it!) I must remember to pack some wheat-free snacks though as all the cake is way too tempting. This is also the time to have a quick look around the Hub.

3pm: Grab a seat with some lovely people and listen to the welcome and keynote and relish in the fact that returning to the Brewery for BritMums Live feels just like "coming home".

3:40pm: Continue to soak up the atmosphere and listen to the first session "Women's Voices and the Media: making your voice matter" - oooooh!

4:25pm: More tea and coffee... perhaps another look around The Hub. I shall also, at this point, reflect on the fact that last year I was waiting nervously to see a literary agent to talk about the HG book and less than a year later my co-author and I submitted said book to our publisher - eeeeeeeek! How very much has changed in just one short year.

5pm: I'm really looking forward to attending the session "How I did it: success stories from high-profile bloggers" not because of the content matter (I am not really aiming to be a high-profile blogger, I don't think I could hack it) but because I adore Annie from Mammasaurus and just want to hear what she has to share.

5:50pm: I was really torn here... I would have loved to go to the session about making your blog look gorgeous because I am still not 100% happy with how mine looks. But, I have been such a long-time fan of Cherry Menlove I could not miss the opportunity to attend another session with her. I met her for the first time last year and am so excited I get to see her again - there is something very special about seeing someone in person whose blog you have read for years, whose story you have followed along with, and whose outlook on life just seems so special you want to hear what they have to say in person as well as on the page. So I shall be attending the session "The power blogging can bring to your life" at this point in the day.

6:35pm: Emma, Katrina and I are most likely going to head out at this point to grab a bite to eat before the BiBs Awards Ceremony as none of us think we'll be able to last out until afterwards!

7:15pm: THE BiBS!!!

8pm: I shall be heading off towards my hotel room and bed at this point... although as Emma, Katrina and I are staying in the same hotel we may not quite make it to bed that early if we get caught up in conversation!

Saturday

8:30am: Now someone told me that there was breakfast at the Brewery if you got there early enough... I really must try and get there in time this year!

9am: Grab a seat back in the main room and listen to the keynote - have a little bit of a chuckle at how many bloggers seem a little hungover from last night's party and remind myself that there are some real benefits to not liking alcohol!

9:35am: Now here is where I get unstuck... I am interested in 3 of the 4 sessions at this point. I'm surprised it has taken until Saturday morning to have such a dilemna but there you go. I am torn between "How to be an agent of change: advocacy and charity campaigns" because of the work I do (but I have been to a similar session a couple of years ago), "Podcasting: the hows, wheres and whys" because I have no idea what podcasting is and with a panel of dad bloggers I would love to hear their point of view on blogging, and "Hands on video session part 1" because I'd love to do some more videos on the blog. I don't think I will make my decision until I get there and see who is going to each one and which one draws me in at that point. 

10:10am: And so because of my indecision in the previous session I have more indecision in this one too... if I have been to the "Hands on video" session I will need to go to the second part here. If I haven't, I will still find myself totally torn between "Pinterest: How to be a power pinner" and the other 2 sessions as well. I do feel that Pinterest may draw me in more than the others, to be honest, so I'm not going to write the other two down just to try and look like I have some idea of what I want to do here... but the reality is it could swing in any direction at this point!

10:50am: I think I will definitely need a coffee break at this point!

11:30am: Now I find I have a different dilemna... I have an interest in two of the sessions here, but I could also kinda happily miss both of them and take advantage of a bit of quiet time in the Hub. Last year I took my crochet with me with great plans to skip a session and just catch my breath but I didn't. I feel like it would be a good move this year with how ill I have been lately, and yet the thought of missing any session is hard! I went to a session by Julia Boggio in my first year at BritMums Live, so whilst I would love to be inspired by her further I know I could just about bring myself to miss her session. And I love the idea of the collaboration session because it has some awesome bloggers on the panel and it's something I am interested in... but I already collaborate with others through my work so I do feel it is something I could miss. So I guess at this point I will most likely skip a session and crochet quietly in a corner so I don't exhaust myself too much.

12:20pm: Finally I am back in the realms of knowing exactly what I want to attend and that is the session called, "Google+: Learning to love it". It was at BritMums Live in 2012 that I first heard about Google+ and despite joining it way back then I still don't really know how it works. Yet it sounds like an amazing social media platform and so I really want to learn more about it.

1:10pm: Lunch - and a natter, of course!

2:10pm: As someone who signed up to Instagram in 2012 and yet only started properly using it after one of the Team Honk Team told me I really ought to be following them on there too, I am really interested in the session, "How to instagram better: take gorgeous snaps, build followers, be part of the community".

3pm: I'm really intrigued by the title of the session, "Things you didn't know you could do, but you can" because I am always amazed at how many things people do that I have never even heard of or thought were way too complicated. I think this could be a fun session, especially as geekmummy is running it!

3:50pm: More cake (I hope... I really must pack a big bag of wheat-free goodies!)

4:45pm: Bloggers keynote... last year was the first time I attended this as I skipped out early the year before. I have to say that it is really emotional, often funny, and totally heartwarming to realise how many things we all share through our blogs. I cannot wait to see which posts have been put forward this year!

5:45pm: Special performance... oooooh that sounds interesting, I wonder what it will be like!

6:15pm: Swap my namebadge for my goodie bag, say a fond farewell to The Brewery for yet another year and realise that whilst I've had an amazing time it is all over and I have to go home *sniff sniff*

Looking through this I realise just how amazing it's going to be and I cannot wait for it to come around. Tell me, are you planning on attending any of the same sessions as me? Let me know so I can try and sit with you and have a natter!

 

The Joy of the Garden (#joyeveryday)

It's been a few days since I started out in my quest to find the joy in the everyday moments, and so far I have discovered a couple of things. First, it can be very difficult to notice these little things because you are so used to only documenting the "big stuff" that you miss the little things or feel they aren't worth noting. And the second is that because of the first it is very important to take the time to try and find joy in the small things because it shouldn't be that difficult!

If you follow me on instagram or twitter you may have noticed me already making an effort to mark these small moments as they happen (photos of a toddler with a vacuum cleaner, anyone?) but as I wish to be really intentional in seeking these moments of joy I also wish to take the time to reflect on them and share them on the blog. The posts may not always be what I would previously have considered "blogworthy" because they may only make sense to me. But one thing I have also learned lately is that it's the "little things" that we all know and recognise that bring us together. 

Today it was the simple pleasure of being able to go out into the garden, feel a bit of sunshine, and see everything flourishing. Who doesn't feel joy when they see something they have planted grow? Especially when some of those things will eventually feed and nourish your family! Our tomato seedlings unfortunately died, but our potatoes, onions, garlic and carrots are all doing well...

...as are the strawberries!

To me this isn't exactly an "everyday moment" as our garden is constantly changing. But whereas I normally would have stepped out, walked past them, and gone about my many tasks without a single thought I would have missed the lovely feeling that comes from taking some time out to appreciate the amazing growth and development going on all around me.

As someone who spends an awful lot of time and energy on a wide variety of projects, it's pretty nice to have something flourish with very little effort on my behalf. So long as they are watered and the weather stays nice they do well. Trusting nature to do what it does best is quite a wonderful feeling and something I need to do more in other areas of my life too.

I also find it hugely symbolic. New things are happening all around us, whether we put energy into them or not. Sometimes we are amazed by the changes, sometimes we are amused (or bemused) by them - like how the feverfew, aquilegia and chives have spread right across the garden within such a short amount of time, regardless of our attempts to plan where they should be. I absolutely love the rather "wild" feel about and it a great lesson for me in accepting that sometimes you just have to let things happen as they will.

But it's also symbolic of how a little bit of time and intention, along with a smidgen of positivity can take something that looks like a lost cause and turn it into something truly beautiful. The tree above was found shoved at the back of a garden centre, half dead and looking extremely pitiful. We brought it home, planted it in the garden and let it grow. And now look at it! This, more than anything, brings me joy and reminds me that nothing is beyond hope.

All in all today was a very good day for finding joy and I am so glad that I decided to try and do this more often.

Finding Joy in the Everyday Moments

These past few weeks have been a total whirlwind for me. It seems like pretty terrible timing that in the month when I had 4 hospital appointments (3 of them for investigations) I also completed my Nine Months Of challenge, had an auction to organise, and finished the final edit of the book I have been writing. My feet have quite literally not left the ground and I feel like I haven't stopped...

And in amongst all of that, all the major achievements that were going on (such as getting the book to the publisher and seeing lots of fundraising and awareness plans all come together) the little bits and pieces started to get lost. I began to lose sight of the everyday moments and in doing so I seemed to allow old emotions to flood back to the surface - once my focus was on everything big, the big emotions came out to play!

I found myself grieving once more over our decision to never have another baby. This has been bubbling away slowly beneath the surface for a long, long time but my ongoing health issues and the exhaustion from trying to do too much just brought home how very real that decision is. And I began to grieve all over again. None of those big achievements seemed to matter anymore because the biggest dream I ever had was never going to completely come true.

And yet, it has. I am a mother. That is all I ever wanted to be. I have a beautiful child who means the world to me and whilst my heart may still yearn for another, the boy I have is more than enough to fill anyone's heart with so much joy. 

And I have a loving husband who supports me in all I do. Together we are building a life that reflects who we are as individuals, as a couple, as parents and as a family of three. Those beautiful moments, perfect in and of themselves, are being lost when my mind is so focussed on "the big things".

That's not to say the big things don't matter. I am so proud of the work I do and the people I support. But I don't want them to be the only things that defines me. Because at the end of the day there is only so much one person can do and if you find yourself constantly striving to do more (as I so often do) then you lose sight of the smaller, more intimate things which make life so beautiful. When the stress of those big things gets you down it's the little things that will hold you afloat.

That's what I have been missing lately and as such I've decided I need to make an effort to consciously and purposefully seek out the joy in the everyday moments. The things that will remain once the book the published, and once my little boy no longer needs his mama quite so much. My life can't only be about these "big things"... as they are so fleeting. It needs to be about the little things too.

I get that now. I don't know why, but it suddenly hit me today. I was in a really deep moment of grief and truly allowing myself to feel it fully for the first time. Perhaps that is why I made this connection. Perhaps, because I didn't try to squash it down as I usually do, I was able to see it for what it was. Who knows... what I do know, however, is that this is something I really want to do.

I've been wondering where my blog is going for a very long time and now I feel like I know that too... it's for documenting all those little things that add up to make my life (and the life of my family) so special. It's for the memories and for realising that the moment we have right now is the most important. Of course there is space for dreams and lots of space for the big things too... I will never stop blogging about those. But instead of only ever documenting the big stuff, I will now share the little stuff too.

I've decided to call it "finding joy in the everyday moments". Won't you join me?

 

 

International Hyperemesis Gravidarum Awareness Day 2014 - What It Means To Me

 

Morning all.

After the flurry of the past couple of weeks (both with hospital appointments and work) I find myself sitting here on the morning of 15th May, a date I have been working towards all year, realising I have not even thought about what I would write today. And that surprises me, because for all the work I do in the HG World and all the times I think about it, I somehow seem to have been avoiding writing a post like this. What does HG (Hyperemesis Gravidarum) mean to me?

I actually and honestly do not know where to start with this one. There is no simple answer. In many ways HG was the unrelenting thief that stole away my health during pregnancy, took the joy of carrying new life away from us, and even wiped away a lot of the joy of becoming new parents when depression hit. And that thief continues to work today as it steals the dream of having more children away from me. But HG also gave me an awful lot...

It gave me greater compassion for others, realising that pregnancy isn't the easy-going, exciting time you hope it is for a lot people. Whether it's HG or some other complication, pregnancy can be tough and we all need support to get through that. 

It also gave me even deeper determination to create change. I've always felt a strong desire to fight for those who need it, but without the absolute horror that was my HG experience I don't think I would ever have thrown myself quite so passionately and completely into anything. When I look back over the past 2.5 years since having Little Man I cannot believe just how much I have done. I threw myself almost with wild abandon into a world which needed strong voices to stand up for those who, like I myself had been during pregnancy, were unable to fight for themselves. 

I have written a book. This is nothing new, pretty much everyone who has ever known me well has expected I would write a book one day. But this was not the sort of book I expected to write at all. Prior to my pregnancy I started writing a novel... that was the sort of book I thought I would write. Not an extensive guide to a medical condition. I mean, I don't even have a medical background. It's been tough, I've had to learn an awful lot and have spent hours pouring over research and learning what it all means. And I very nearly gave up several times. But I didn't and thanks to the wonderful passion of my co-author we got there. Our book is currently with the publisher and should be out later this year!

I have also organised two handmade auctions to raise money for the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support (PSS). The first came out of the sudden idea that everybody loves to receive a handmade gift, so why not run an auction and raise money for the charity I loved and wished had been around when I was pregnant. That first auction raised just over £300 for PSS, whereas this year's is still live and will be until Sunday 18th May 2014 at 10am, so why not pop over and see what goodies we have. Some of them are items I made as part of my Nine Months Of crochet challenge - another endeavour I'd have never undertaken without knowing just how hard HG is and how worth every minute the effort was.

And finally I am now the Volunteer Coordinator for PSS. I cannot tell you how much of a privilege it is to go to work every day and work with over 100 volunteers around the country who are as passionate as I am about supporting women in their darkest hours and creating change for the women who are yet to face this journey. I speak to women on a daily basis who are in the throes of HG and I am reminded constantly of how harrowing that experience is and I know, without a doubt, that no matter how overwhelming my work is (and it really is a lot of the time!) it is worth it. Because at the end of the day, we are offering the support and information women and their families need to survive a HG pregnancy and meet their babies at the end of nine very long and hard months.

Which leads me to the greatest thing that HG brought me - my beautiful son!

I know that HG isn't really what brought Little Man to me. I would have had just as beautiful and gorgeous a baby boy had I sailed through pregnancy without any kind of sickness at all. But because it was such a hard-won battle I am constantly aware of just how very lucky we were that I didn't give up, that I didn't allow the terrible medical care I received to push me beyond my limits, that I didn't find myself making the awful decision that some women with HG feel that have no choice but to make and end the pregnancy. I'll never forget that.

But for all that, my heart still breaks at what HG has stolen from us. That awful thief which made my pregnancy a living hell and which has left us feeling like there is no way we could ever go through it again, even with the extra support that PSS provides. I think back to my pregnancy and wonder how different it might have been were the support network and website PSS has today available in 2011. Would I have allowed myself to get to my 5th month before getting any kind of helpful medical support? Would I and my husband have felt so utterly alone and terrified? Would we have made the painful decision to never have another child of our own?

I'm not saying the support makes HG easy. It does not. But it can make it easier and that is something I will work tirelessly for until the day when HG is taken seriously and women are treated promptly and effectively without having to battle for it. I'll fight so that no other woman has to make the decision to never go through the happy times of pregnancty - the joy of a positive result, the excitement of the first scan, the wonder of the very first kick, the fun in choosing a name, and the overwhelming emotion that comes with holding your baby in your arms for the very first time.

Writing that makes me cry, because quite frankly I want nothing more than to be able to do that all again. But I can't. Sometimes I am perfectly okay with that and other times it breaks me apart. It is like a grief that sneaks up on you when you're least expecting it. And I know so many other women feel that same grief. And I'll fight for them too.

Every woman's experience of HG is different. Some do it once, some do it multiple times. Some are in and out of hospital, some never get admitted even once. Some receive excellent care, others are treated in an appalling way. But one thing remains true throughout all of this... HG brings us together. Once you have experienced it you know the depths of another sufferer's heart and that brings us together in a wonderful community of support and acceptance. And that is something HG gives instead of taking away. And that's what I want to end this post with.

For the second year running, PSS has created an awareness video, sharing the photos of HG sufferers and survivors. And for the second year running it has moved me to tears. Please consider watching it as it shows so much more than I can possibly do in my words alone. The video below is only viewable on the computer, so if you are reading this on a mobile then please click this link to view the mobile version.

Thank you all for reading. If you want to know more about the work of PSS and how much is being done today to raise funds and awareness, then please do their blog at www.ninemonthsof.com

 

Want to read more?

There are some amazing bloggers out there who are writing about their own experiences of HG (or severe sickness that hasn't quite been diagnosed as HG). If you don't know where to start, here's a list of some of my favourites:

Adventures of Adam - Emma is a trustee for PSS and writes a blog about fun activities she does with her son, Adam. She has a whole host of HG Friendly Activities - things you can do with your kids that are easy to set up, take very little adult input, and are unlikely to set off triggers such as smells or movement. Her blog has been shortlisted for an award in the BiBs - you can vote for it in the Fresh Voice Category here. Emma wrote about her own HG experience here. 

Diary of a Charity Chick - Susie is another trustee for PSS and writes a blog about her charity work not just for PSS but also in other areas. Susie is a whirlwind of activity and never seems to stop, so it is great to see all that she is achieving! She has written a post today which you can read here.

Me, The Man and The Baby - another Emma, this time an award winning blogger who is once again shortlisted for another award for her posts about pregnancy! I came across Emma's blog on Twitter and have followed her journey since. She has written about HG today as well and you can read that post here. 

Mummy Whiskers - Katrina is an amazingly committed PSS volunteer and whilst I knew her before I became the Volunteer Coordinator my respect for her has grown so much since I took on the role and discovered just how much passion, energy and enthusiasm she has for the charity and the women we support. Katrina started her blog last year and it has gone from strength to strength ever since and she has written an incredibly thorough round-up post today which you can read here. 

Ruby + Lottie - Kimberley is another PSS volunteer who is also a blogger (seems there are a few of us!) and she shared her HG experience with the media (newspapers, magazines and radio) as well as on her blog. She has written a post about it today which you can read here. 

Spewing Mummy - Caitlin is, without a doubt, the most enthusiastic advocate for women with HG I have ever come across. She helped redesign the PSS website, started the support network, runs a blog (which has been shortlisted for not one but two blog awards this year! You can still vote for her in the Commentary and Campaigns category in the BiBs here) and helped me write the book about HG. She is, and always has been, my inspiration and I am constantly amazed by how much she has achieved and continues to achieve for women with HG. I am so proud of her and would recommend you follow her blog if you're currently suffering from HG. 

Related articles

Today I'm in Tears... International Hyperemesis Awareness Day

Hyperemesis Across the Pond

Hyperemesis Gravidarum: List of Support Groups, Charities, Blogs and Resources

Hyperemesis Gravidarum: The Importance of Awareness and Accurate Reporting

Handmade Auction for PSS - Items for Babies and Toddlers

Well, we're on the final countdown. Tomorrow I will launch my second Handmade Auction to raise funds for Pregnancy Sickness Support and so it is about time I finished sharing the gorgeous donations we've had with you all. We actually have several donations still to come in, so I will add those to the auction later on (it's running for 10 days, so there is still plenty of time for last minute arrivals!)

But for now it's the turn of the cardigans, jumpers, hats and mittens for babies and toddlers.

Last year we had a fair few donations of items for babies, but I do believe we have received even more this year and I am so excited because they are all so beautiful and I am sure they will be snapped up as gifts for new arrivals or birthday or Christmas presents for older toddlers.

The easiest way for me to do this is probably by age:

Premature Baby

We're really lucky this year to have been given a couple of items sized for premature babies. All of these have been donated by a supporter of Pregnancy Sickness Support (thanks Amy!)

Pink v-neck cardigan with pink buttons

This sweet little cardigan would be the perfect gift for someone whose baby has arrived into the world just that little bit earlier than expected! At a time when their world is turned upside down, give them a sweet gift handmade with love.

Pink and white flack jumper with pink and white cat-shaped buttons

This jumper is also perfectly made for a premature baby. The sweet little cat buttons are a lovely little addition to make it cute and quirky whilst keeping baby warm.

Newborn Baby

Pale green hat and mittens set 

This sweet little mittens and hat set in pale green would make a lovely gift for a new baby. 

Mittens

We have, as you can see, 3 different sets of mittens - purple, peach and white - take your pick!

Grey/Purple Doodie Hat 

This hat has been donated by Katherine Nagl.

It will fit up to approx. 6 months and has been knotted in Rowan Tapestry to a pattern from Woolly Wormhead.

Baby Beanie with Heart Motif

This little beanie hat was made to my own design as part of my Nine Months Of challenge.

Multicoloured jumper with button fastening on shoulder

This jumper has a button fastening on the shoulder for ease of getting over baby's head!

Variegated Blue Cardigan

This beautiful cardigan is knitted in a variegated blue yarn and would look lovely over a babygro or other outfit.

Variegated Purple Cardigan

Very similar to the variegated blue cardigan, this would look perfect with pretty much any outfit.

Variegated Pink Cardigan

Another beautiful cardigan for a newborn baby, this one has a sweet shaped front which gives it an even prettier effect.

Older Baby

Yellow Cardigan

This sweet little yellow cardigan should fit a 2-3 year old and is a lovely neutral colour that would go with most outfits

Variegated Blue Hooded Cardigan

This gorgeous hooded cardigan would be perfect for says out when a little bit of extra warmth is needed - it should fit approx. 18-24 months.

Green Knitted Dress

This darling little dress has been hand knitted and would be perfect all year round - with a nappy cover in summer or with a warm vest, cardigan and thick tights in winter, you can be sure this would work well any time of year!

Toddler Beanie with Heart Motif

This hat, made as an older version to match the baby beanie, is also made to my own design. I messed up on my sizing though so it is longer than it should be, making it more of a slouch hat. It is still very wearable though and fits my 2 year old perfectly with room to grow.

Pink Girl's Fancy Hat

This sweet little hat follows one of my favourite designs, however I have never made it in this size before. I should fit from around the age of 2 or 3 and last for several years due to the stretch of the fabric. 

Little Miss Two Handbag

This little handbag is the perfect size for toddlers to play dressing up or shops with, or simply to carry something special in when they go out (it is large enough to carry a dummy, a pack of raisins or other snack etc)

That's it... all of these will be live in my auction starting tomorrow and bidding begins at 99p for them all, so grab yourself a bargain! I will try and add information on the rest of the donations over the next 10 days, but my focus will be on eBay itself so do check there to see everything... I shall share the link on the blog once it is live!

 

Ready to Publish: The Book on Hyperemesis Gravidarum is finally complete!

Those of you who have been around for a while will know just how long I have been working on a book about severe pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum. And so I am beyond excited to share with you all the good news that it has finally been submitted to our publisher!

I decided to vlog about it (because, quite frankly, I've done enough writing this weekend and I also knew I couldn't express what I was feeling in writing for once!) So here goes...

  

And as promised in the video, here are the links you may want:

Pregnancy Sickness Support - a UK based charity

Spewing Mummy Blog - my co-author and blogger who is a MADS blog awards finalist and has also been shortlisted in the BiBs!!!

Beyond Morning Sickness - the US book which was a major inspiration for ours

 

Handmade Auction for PSS - Jewellery

Well, we're on the final countdown. In just over one week I will launch my second Handmade Auction to raise funds for Pregnancy Sickness Support (PSS) and so it is about time I started sharing the gorgeous donations we've had with you all.

Today it's the turn of the jewellery donations we have received - and boy have we received some gorgeous pieces!  Thanks go to my sister and my mother-in-law for their extremely generous donations.

Please note - all measurements are approximate and do not include the length of the clasp so drop may vary slightly from one design to the next.

1. Pearl Necklace

This necklace measures 20 inches in length and is handmade using freshwater pearls. A classic pearl necklace like this would go with any outfit and is easy to dress both up and down. 

2. Murano Heart Necklace

This necklace measures inches in 22 inches length and is handmade using an authentic Murano Glass Heart. The heart pendant is white and is attached to some white soft cord. It is a simple necklace you could wear any day of the week.

3. Amethyst Bracelet

This bracelet measures 6.5 inches in length and is made from a combination of amethyst, czech glass and seed beads. Amethyst is a popular stone and this bracelet design, with the silver plated flower beads included, makes it a cute addition for anyone's collection.

4. Pearl Bracelet

This bracelet measures 7 inches in length and uses a combination of freshwater pearls and gold-coloured seed beads. The difference in size between the two beads used means that the pearls really stand out. 

5. Green Necklace with Flower

This necklace measures 20 inches in length and is made using a combinations ofglass, czech glass and seed beads. It features a sweet little silver plated heart bead at the bottom, which is small enough to remain a delicate part of the necklace but large enough to create a focal point. It would be perfect for wearing with summer outfits!

6. Large Pink Stone Necklace

This necklace is the shortest of the donations, measuring 16.5 inches. The combination of the shorter length and larger stone size makes this a truly unique design. It is bold and would look fantastic with lower necked tops (v-necks, scoop necks etc). The variation of colour in each stone makes it a very easy to match with a lot of different outfits.

7. Small Blue Nacklace and Bracelet Set

This necklace measures 21 inches in length and the matching bracelet measures 6.5 inches in length. They are both made using a combination of blue wooden beads with czech glass and seed beads. A lovely bright blue split up with splashes of silvery white czech glass and darker blue seed beads makes this a simple but modern design.

8. Large Blue Necklace and Bracelet Set

Similar to the Small Blue Necklace and Bracelet Set, this one is made from a combination of blue beads interspersed with silvery glass beads and smaller dark blue seed beads. It would be the perfect "mix and match" set with the other if you wanted to vary it up even more. The necklace measures 19 inches in length and the bracelet measures 6.5 inches in length.

9. Peach Stone Chip Necklace and Bracelet Set

This necklace measures 21 inches in length and the bracelet measures 7 inches in length. They are both made of a peachy-beige coloured stone and are a very delicate colour which will add a little luxury to any outfit without overpowering it.

The clasps on this necklace and bracelet are magnetic and so very easy to put on and take off!

10. Malachite (Green) Stone Chip Necklace and Bracelet Set

This necklace measures 18 inches in length and the bracelet measures 6.5 inches in length. Made with malachite stone chips this is a glorious deep green in colour with beautiful variations in colour. Malachite is one of my favourite stones and I shall be considering some bidding of my own on this necklace, so you better get in quick!! 

11. Large Pearl Necklace and Bracelet Set

This necklace measures 19 inches in length and the bracelet measures 7 inches in length. Made with slightly larger freshwater pearls than the other necklaces and bracelet, this set will make quite a statement whilst still being simple and classic enough to wear with almost any outfit.

12. Large Pearl Bracelet

This pearl bracelet measures 7 inches in length and uses the same pearls as in the set above (however it doesn't have the gold seed beads between each pearl as the necklace and bracelet in the set do). It would be perfect as a standalone gift (for yourself or someone else) or as an accompaniment to any of the other items in the auction.

13. Blue and Gold Bracelet

This bracelet measures 6.5 inches in length and is a combination of blue and bronze-gold coloured beads. The brightness of the colours would go well with summer outfits but also add a fantastic pop of colour against black or grey during the winter months too.

14. Green Two-Strand Bracelet

This bracelet measures 7 inches in length and is made from a variety of different glass beads. The beads are attached to two stands which meet at each ends, giving a lovely feel to this piece. It is delicate whilst still having plenty of colour.

15. Rose Quartz Heart Drop Earrings

These earrings are made with Rose Quartz heart shaped pendants. The hearts themselves are 1 inch in length, which will hopefully help give an idea of their overall size. They are sweet and delicate and though a decent weight, are not too heavy.

16. Large Green Stone Necklace

This necklace measures 20 inches in length. It is made from large green-grey stones interspersed with smaller green seed beads. The colours are neutral enough to match most outfits and yet it has enough colour to stand out.

17. Gingerbread Men Key Fobs/Phone Fobs/Bag Charms

This pair of cute gingerbread men charms could be added to anything you wish - your phone, your key ring, or your bag. Or, if you have a child who wants to wear earrings like mummy, you could also buy them to hook over their ears (oh I remember those days!)

That's it - 17 amazing jewellery donations. I'm so overwhelmed by the generosity that I've received for the auction this year and I cannot wait to be able to thank everyone by telling them how much they helped to raise for PSS.

All of these items of jewellery will be listed in my handmade auction, which will go live on eBay on 8th May for 10 days. Please do drop by and get the link to the auction once it is live if you like the look of any of these blankets. For more information about the auction and my Nine Months Of challenge, see this post. 

 

Handmade Auction for PSS - The Blankets

Well, we're on the final countdown. In just a couple of weeks I will launch my second Handmade Auction to raise funds for Pregnancy Sickness Support and so it is about time I started sharing the gorgeous donations we've had with you all.

Today it's the turn of the blankets. 

Last year my grandma donated 2 crocheted lap/baby blankets and they were a massive hit. I couldn't believe how many people were bidding on them and so this year I have worked hard to ensure we had several blankets in the auction.

I have made 3 blankets, my grandma has made 3 blankets, and the wife of one of the charity's trustees has also made a blanket. That's seven blankets in total - wowee! I believe there may be an eighth blanket on its way too - eek!

Do you want to see them? Of course, you do! Here they are in all their glory...

1. Grandma Marjorie's Blanket #1

 

This blanket, like all my Grandma's blankets, has been made using various bits of leftover yarn (mostly wool and acrylic blends) and has a wonderfully whimsical feel to it. It's perfect as either a gift for a new baby or as a lap-blanket to keep you warm during the colder months.

I don't know about you, but I love snuggling under a blanket to watch a film or read a book and sometimes you don't want or need a massive blanket wrapped around you in case you need to leap up and do something (like check on your toddler who has woken up crying) without tripping over excess blanket. That's where lap blankets come in and you're lucky enough to have three to choose from.

As you can see, the blanket is a decent size (this photo is taken on a single bed) and whilst not a full bed size, it is perfect for babies, toddlers or throwing over your lap on a chilly evening.

This blanket measures 96.5cm/ 98 inches across.

2. Grandma Marjorie's Blanket #2

Exactly the same as blanket #1 (except not quite, as each is unique in colour scheme). I've taken the photo along with some of Little Man's books and toys to show that the colours work well for any number of bedroom themes if you're looking for a gift for your little one. But don't forget the colours of blankets 1 and 2 are both varied enough to suit an adult too!

 

This blanket also measures 96.5cm/ 38 inches across.

3. Grandma Marjorie's Blanket #3

This is still in production - photos to come!

4. My Rainbow Ripple

 

This blanket is made using Sublime Baby Cotton Kapok DK yarn, kindly donated by Black Sheep Wools. 

It would make the perfect present for a loved one expecting a new arrival, or the ideal addition to your own nursery plans. It is super soft and the colours are so soft and gentle they would fit in with most decors. I truly loved every minute of making this blanket I'm quite sad to see it go... it will be treasured for years, I am sure. 

Again, this photo has been taken on a single bed to give a better idea of size... it would be perfect for a cot and still be a nice warm over-blanket when your little one moves into a big bed

It measures 113cm / 44.5 inches from point to point

5. My Granny Mandala Snuggle Blanket

I call this a "snuggle blanket" because it is not as large as most baby blankets, measuring a mere 79cm/ 31 inches across the diameter.

However it is the perfect size for taking out in the pram, pushchair or car and is ideal for tucking in a bag when you go out in case you need something to throw down for baby to sit on and play whilst out and about. My son had one made to the same design and we took it everywhere with us and even to this day he still likes to snuggle up with it sometimes.

It is made in the super soft Sublime Baby Cotton Kapok DK, again donated by Black Sheep Wools and is a great mix of pinks with a splash of purple every so often. 

6. My Super Bright Chunky Granny Blanket

This blanket is deliciously warm and cosy as it has been made using two strands of aran weight yarn together. Yet despite being thick it is not overly heavy.

It's bright colours make it ideal for cheering up the darkest of winter days and yet is sunny enough for the brightest summer days too. Whether used as a cover for warmth in the colder months or a blanket to sit on in the garden when it warms up, this blanket will last the test of time.

This blanket is the same size at the snuggle blanket, measuring 79cm/ 31 inches across. However I wouldn't call it a snuggle blanket as it is much thicker and therefore better for laying on a bed rather than carrying around for comfort. It is made using Rico Creative Cotton Aran weight yarn which I bought from Black Sheep Wools using gift cards that were donated by customers for my challenge.

7. Surprise Blanket # 1

This blanket has been made by the wife of one of our trustees and I have yet to see it but have been promised a photo soon! So keep your eyes peeled...

All of these blankets will be listed in my handmade auction, which will go live on eBay on 8th May for 10 days. Bidding on everything starts at 99p so you could bag yourself a bargain! Please do drop by and get the link to the auction once it is live if you like the look of any of these blankets. For more information about the auction and my Nine Months Of challenge, see this post. 

My Little Gardener

This week, Little Man and I have been mostly found in the garden. Last week Little Man had chicken pox and was home all week we me. We started trying to go out in the garden a bit but it wasn't nearly as gloriously bright and sunny as it has been this week. So whilst he has been back at nursery 2 days this week, we have still taken every opportunity to get outside.

This has included tromping around in the morning dew wearing nothing but his pjs, a coat and some boots!

He honestly loves to be out in the garden, as I mentioned on the blog last year too. And he regularly asks to go outside these days, even fetching my shoes for me when he wants to go out and I'm taking a little bit too long to get myself sorted!

We've blown bubbles, counted pegs, dug in the soil and simply sat and enjoyed the sunshine and each other's company. And it has been lovely. But the thing Little Man loves the absolute most is to water the flowers.

We have an outdoor tap but it is behind our shed and I have not wanted to show Little Man how to get to it in case he gets stuck (or more likely in case he gets up to mischief!!) So we have been filling up our small watering can in the kitchen sink. Our garden isn't very large but it has still involved lots of walking backwards and forwards. So today we hooked up the hose and let him loose...

He was fascinated by it, especially how we could change the speed and spray pattern of the water. I'm pretty sure our path (and my feet) got just as much water as the plants did to begin with. But he got the hang of it very quickly and is now a pro.

He's off to visit Grandma and Grandad on Sunday and their garden is far bigger than ours. I have a feeling he will be spending a lot of time watering their flowers!

The Big Brew for PSS - raising awareness and funds is easy!

As you've probably already figured out, I am a major advocate for raising awareness of Hyperemesis Gravidarum and supporting women and their families suffering from severe pregnancy sickness. And this isn't just because I work for a charity doing just that! 

Since my own pregnancy I have been passionate about creating change so that other women never have to feel as isolated, scared and helpless as I did. As a volunteer (and now member of staff) for the charity Pregnancy Sickness Support (PSS) I have met so many amazing women who have experienced exactly the same isolation and suffering and it is through the community we are building up that we are most able to support others who are currently in the throes of HG. 

Which is why I am so excited about our most recent fundraising and awareness campaign... have you seen it?

The Big Brew is all about friendship and community. It is about coming together with friends, family and colleagues for a cuppa and a cake and enjoying the simple things in life... the things which women suffering from HG wish so desperately to enjoy but cannot because they are so very sick.

Imagine, for a moment, that you have spent the past few weeks in bed, unable to move without causing another bout of vomiting. You're feeling so alone and yet the one thing you crave the most - some company - can be the worst trigger of all. Movement, talking, smells (even those you normally do not notice) can all set of a painful and terrifying bout of vomiting or dry heaving, and even if they don't the exhaustion from fighting through the rolling waves of nausea and hoping not to vomit all over your guests is immense. However much you crave that company, sometimes the only way you survive is to simply avoid it.

That's the reality for many women during pregnancy and it is painfully traumatic to be denied such simple pleasures as having a cup of tea (even without the company to share it with) or having a natter with your closest friends. It's hard to comprehend the way in which it takes over your entire life unless you have been through it yourself, which is why PSS runs a national network of volunteers who offer peer support via phone, text and email to any woman who requests it.

However the vital support and information PSS provides women and their families via the website, helpline and support network cannot continue to grow and flourish without funds. The charity currently receives no funding and so we run entirely on donations received from fundraising efforts of our supporters. And that's where you come in...

Join us by holding a Big Brew event on (or around) the 15th May 2014 to coincide with International Hyperemesis Gravidaum Awareness Day

We're not asking for much. We don't want you to commit to a major challenge or a regular donation. All we're asking is that you consider holding a Big Brew event of your choice (tea party, coffee morning, picnic etc) and ask those who come to offer a donation. By enjoying the simple pleasures of tea, cake and company you can raise awareness of the importance of support in times of need and the funds we need to keep offering that support.

It's so simple and we've provided everything you need to make your Big Brew event as easy as possible, including printable posters, invites, thank you cards as well as all the info you will need on how to donate any money you raise. Whether you raise £1, £5, £20 or even £100 it will all add up and make a massive difference to women who need our support.

If you can't hold an actual event, perhaps you can attend a virtual one! I shall be doing this because, as you know, I have not been well and May is already very busy for me with my endoscopy and the Handmade Auction (also raising funds for PSS). Whilst I cannot find the time or energy to hold an actual event, I shall be meeting with friends online for a natter, adding my donation to the pot, and having some fun in the process.

So, what are you waiting for? Will you join us in our Big Brew event? If so, do let us know via Facebook or Twitter so we can cheer you on!