Category Archives: Secrets

SECRETS: How to make money from your clutter…
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SECRETS: How to make money from your clutter…

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clutter

WE’VE all got stuff that we no longer like, need or want cluttering our lives.

I for one, have got all manner of things gathering dust in my home, that no longer tickle my fancy.

Most of it is in either a reasonable or pretty perfect condition so isn’t fit for the trash, but definitely needs a new home or to be put to better use.

Since moving house back in September, I have found all kinds of stuff that needs to be shipped on and shipped out of my home.

And now Elsie is with us, well, let’s just say, unless you’re a parent, you just cannot believe the amount of toys, books and clothes she has gone through already and she’s not even 11 months old!

So this weekend I’ve decided to finally take some action and begin to tackle the clutter. I’ve bagged up stuff for charity shops, kept a few bits to one side for family and friends and have started wading through our mammoth mountains of things that we no longer love but someone else might.

And because, like for all of us, it would be nice to have a few extra pounds in the bank, I’m also going to start putting together a pile of items I am going to sell.

I’m going to wade through our vast collections of CDs (remember those?!), books and games and flog them, together with my Nintendo Wii, with the help of the genuis site Music Magpie.

Seriously, I don’t know how I have never come across the site before as the service is so easy! But if like me, you’re a novice, let me explain.

Basically you can sell all manner of odds and sods through the site from DVDs to books to clothes! All you need to do is gather your saleable items together and then visit their site or use the mobile app to get an instant valuation price.

Once you’ve got all your items covered, you’ll then be asked to pop them all together in a box and drop it off at a designated send shop or have a courier pick it up from you, for absolutely free! When your items have been checked at Music Magpie you’ll then receive your cash.

I mean, think about it, when a service like this, is this good, is there any excuse to be holding onto things you no longer want that can make you money?!

Admittedly, having a clear out isn’t particularly my favourite way to spend a weekend but I’m keeping focused on the job by thinking about what I’m going to do with the lovely extra money when it lands in my bank account…

Shoe shopping and champagne cocktails anyone?! ;-)

Till the next time, ditch the clutter!

Katie

x

*Please note – this is a sponsored post.

SASS: How to get to know yourself (every single inch)…
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SASS: How to get to know yourself (every single inch)…

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4-up on 15-05-2012 at 17

TO be truly ‘sassy’ you need to know who you are and what you’re all about.

Because let’s face it, when we’re uncertain about what makes us truly tick, it’s hard for us to be at our best and realise our full potential!

In part three of my ‘Get Sassy!’ series, the very lovely Rachael Hibberd from Instinctive Health provides some brilliant advice on how to get to know yourself a little better. (And offers a very relaxing giveaway too! Scroll down to the bottom for details.)

I first met Rachael when I was pregnant when she expertly performed heavenly maternity reflexology on my tired, swollen pregnant feet! And I tell you, if anyone can make you feel calmer and more centered in life, then Rachael can.

So sit back, make a little ‘you time’, work down Rachael’s top tips and get to know yourself a little better. Here begins your ‘who am I?’ adventure! Are you ready?!

Over to Rachael…

Rachael-8

Getting to know yourself, inside out, is a never-ending story.

Everything molds and shapes us into the people we are. Our environment, experiences, people and even the change in seasons will have an influence. We never stay the same for long, which is why we will be getting to know ourselves forever!

It’s not always an easy task; at times it can be incredibly challenging. You will be faced with the good, the bad and the ugly.

But it’s an adventure that will change you into a more beautiful person and give you a greater understanding and empathy for all aspects of human nature.

Here are my top four ways in which to get to know yourself a little better:

* Keep a journal of self-reflection

Write down how you feel about different situations that you’re faced with. Get on record what you like and dislike about food, travel, work and life.

Then, every now and again, read back over the journal entries and consider:

  • Do you still feel the same?
  • Has something happened to change your views?
  • Would you like to feel differently?
  • If yes, what’s holding you back?

Once your thoughts and feelings are written down there is no hiding from them. Your journal becomes evidence of how far you’ve come and how much you’ve learnt about yourself. I promise you’ll be amazed!

* Make time to be still

Life is full of distractions and external influences that engulf our attention. It’s happening more and more since the dawn of the Internet and social media.

We’re too busy listening to other people’s opinions and discoveries to forge and find our own.  So what’s the answer?

Simply this: reduce and be a bit choosier about what you allow yourself to be exposed to. Treat yourself to designated distraction free times.

If you’re new to quiet contemplation and meditation, here’s a great way to get started; just ten minutes three times per week can give you a real insight into what really makes you tick!

  • Set a timer so you don’t have to look at your clock or watch.
  • Remove yourself from all distractions. Switch off phones, T.V’s, laptops and hide newspapers and magazines.
  • Find a comfortable sitting position.
  • Close your eyes and start to become aware of your breathing. No need to change your breathing in any way, just become aware of the tiny movements in your chest and abdomen.
  • Your mind will drift away and start thinking about all sorts of things. When it does, just acknowledge that thought, put it on your imaginary shelf for later and bring your attention back to your breathing.
  • When the beeper goes off, spend a few quiet moments thinking about how stillness made you feel? Jot your thoughts down in your journal and go about your day.

Each time you repeat the exercise it will be a different experience. Some days you’ll switch off really easily and on others your mind will be having a great game of ping-pong. On those ping-pong days don’t get frustrated, just observe it and carry on.

* Step out of your comfort zone

You don’t have to go as far as rough camping in a jungle, but you must break away from the norm every now and again.

I’m always most pleased when something I thought I’d hate or be rubbish at turns out to me my new thing! But I’m also equally as perplexed when the one thing I thought would be right up my street turns into something I loath.

When we put ourselves in new or unusual circumstances we learn the most about our character and resolve.

* Revisit things

Have you ever noticed that the food you used to detest has suddenly become more palatable, maybe even delicious?

Or perhaps you put on your favourite dress, look in the mirror and say, what was I thinking?!

The truth is you’ve changed; you’re no longer the same person. Experiences, people, circumstances have changed your tastes and perceptions.

So keep trying old things again and again. You might still hate them but there’s a very good chance you might discover something that you hadn’t even realised you were missing.

Don’t ever make the mistake of always thinking you know what you are and you know what you like.

———————

COMPETITION!

Fancy winning a one hour gift voucher for a massage or reflexology appointment with Rachael in Sheffield?

Simply answer this question, leaving your answer in the comment section.

When did you last spend time getting to know yourself and what did you discover?

A winner will be chosen early June. Good luck! x

Till the next time, remember it’s never too late to become the person you were born to become.

Katie

x

**For more information on Rachael and her services, as well as fabulous health and lifestyle advice, check out Rachael’s wonderful new blog here **

FRIDAY FIVE: Why Elsie and I love children’s books by Giles Paley-Phillips
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FRIDAY FIVE: Why Elsie and I love children’s books by Giles Paley-Phillips

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Elsie reading

AS a HUGE book fan (I will NEVER own a kindle) it’s perhaps no surprise to learn that I’m passionate about getting my little Elsie interested in books.

Admittedly, she is very young still, however I’m already introducing her to all kinds of books from soft ones to squeaky ones, ‘baby’ ones to more grown up children’s ones.

Two children’s books that have become firm favourites with Elsie (and myself) are The Fearsome Beastie and Tamara Small and the Monsters’ Ball by the acclaimed and award-winning children’s author Giles Paley-Phillips.

collage books

Elsie is too young to truly enjoy them to their full potential yet (really I’d say they’re for children aged 3 and upwards) but I can already tell that she is a huge fan!

They’re some of the few books that hold her attention for more than a few minutes and she’s always trying to turn the pages.

Here are five reasons we love Giles’ super duper books and why you and your children will too.

* The storytelling is genius

Giles’ books are quite simply incredible and an absolute joy to read. The stories – created with rhyme – are brilliant, funny and even a little scary too!

But if you’re thinking, that you don’t want your child to be frightened, don’t worry. Both ‘The Fearsome Beastie’ and ‘Tamara Small and the Monsters’ Ball’ are frightening in the good sense in that they build tension, excitement and just the right amount of fear!

Essentially they’re slightly darker, modern fairytales in that good always triumphs over evil, coming up trumps in the end.

* The illustrations are incredible

I’ve seen quite a fair few children’s books over the years and when it comes to illustrations, I have to say, I think these are up there with the best.

Gabriele Antonini’s bright, bold and dramatic designs are breathtakingly stunning and suit the stories perfectly, working in harmony with Giles’ rhyming prose.

Elsie, at only 9 months old, already loves to look at and examine the pictures. Honestly, they’re so impressive, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see these books becoming animated films in the future.

* The rhymes are super catchy

I personally love rhyming children’s books as they add a great sense of flow and structure to stories.

Giles’ rhymes are particularly excellent and I have loved reading them aloud to Elsie, even though she doesn’t really know what I’m saying yet! You could say I’m enjoying them as much as, if not more than her!

* The books are entrancing

Right from the beginning, Giles’ books leave you well and truly hooked, making them utterly engaging. I can imagine that children will absolutely love these books being read to them at bedtime, when it’s a little darker and so, a little scarier!

A few unexpected twists and turns, mixed with just the right amount of suspense, will keep your child’s attention right until the end. Have a child who isn’t too interested in books? Then try these. You really won’t go wrong.

* The books are ‘not the norm’

Firstly, let me be clear, I mean this in the best possible sense. Many children’s books can be a little too bland and safe, often lacking in humour and fascinating characters. But Giles’ books are witty, warm, a little cheeky and even a bit daring at times!

They remind me very much of the Roald Dahl books that I adored so much as a child, like ‘The Twits’ and ‘The BFG’ and ‘Matilda’. Why?

Because Giles’ books will strengthen the vivid imagination of your little ones, make their eyes go wide with excitement and their hearts beat a little faster.

In a nutshell, they’re modern day classics that all children should own and believe you me, I don’t say that lightly.

Till the next time, know that you – or your children – can NEVER have too many books.

Katie

X

*Both books were kindly gifted however, as always, I have only reviewed them because I love them. It’s as simple as that.

Friday Five: Must visit places in Barnsley
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Friday Five: Must visit places in Barnsley

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Barnsley

I MAY not be Barnsley ‘born and bred’, but I’ve lived here for quite a few years now. It’s my home sweet home and I like it very much.

So with that in mind for today’s Friday Five, I thought I’d do my bit for local tourism and share my top five ‘must visit’ places you need to experience in this incredibly friendly and really quite beautiful South Yorkshire town.

Read about them, then go and visit!

* Wentworth Castle Gardens

We had our wedding reception here so I’m slightly biased, but that aside, this place really is breathtakingly beautiful.

Set in the midst of outstanding countryside and with some of the best views I’ve ever seen, you must visit it  - ideally on a warm, sunny day – so you can appreciate it’s fabulousness.

With gorgeous gardens and parklands that go on and on, some of the best rhodendrons you’ll ever see, a mock castle and an incredible Victorian conservatory (currently being restored), this historic Grade I listed garden needs to be seen to be believed.

* Pollyanna

Did you know that Barnsley boasts a shop that has been been hailed as one of the leading in the world by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum? Well it does and it’s bloomin’ amazing!

Owned by designer and style guru extraordinarie Rita Britton, Pollyanna is legendary around these parts but is also visited by fashionistas from far and wide who know their Givenchy from their Lanvin.

It stocks some of the finest ladies and menswear you’ll ever come across and also has a wonderful little cafe at the back of the shop, which serves the most delicious food in town.

As you’d expect from a designer shop, the clothing isn’t cheap but if you haven’t got a trust fund at your disposal, fear not. The shop does incredible sales and I should know.

Many years ago I bought my first pair of designer heels from here after coveting them for months. I snapped my YSL heels up for £105, a mere snip in comparison to their original price of £345.

* Blah Bar & Grill

Whenever I head into tarn (that’s town to those who don’t know the lingo) for drinks or a catch up with friends, I always head here.

Why? Because the drinks are fantastic, the staff are attentive and the whole place is understated and rather chic. Cocktail wise, there’s many to chose from but my favourites here are the cosmopolitan and the mojito.

During the day, it’s a chilled out place to have a leisurely gossip over a cappuccino or enjoy some lunch. The chunky chips are to die for!

* Elsecar Heritage Centre

Steeped in local industrial history, this incredible antique, history and craft centre boasts many independent shops, a cafe, a huge play area for children and an incredible antiques centre which is my particular favourite.

I love to trawl around the antique centre when i’m looking for inspiration or struggling to find a gift for a loved one. The centre is jam packed with amazing treasures which will set you back anything from 50p to over £1,000.

Make sure you take your purse and go with spare room in your car as I defy you to leave here empty handed! Got an extra half an hour to kill? Grab yourself an icecream and stroll around the park across the road. So pretty.

* Cannon Hall Farm

Another local tourist attraction which is making quite a name for itself.

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids you won’t go wrong. Visit the farm, feed some animals and watch some sheep or ferret racing! Then head for a pitstop in the cafe next door.

Before you head for home, take a walk around the grounds which the farm is set in. Make sure you visit the ‘fairy garden’ and then pop into the farm shop and delicatessen to pick up some tasty treats including the most amazing homemade pies and cakes.

Till the next time, as they say in these parts ‘si thi’!

Katie

x

P.S  Just a quick thank you to everyone who nominated me in the MAD blog awards. Nominations ended on Monday. I will keep you posted! x