Autumn used to mean the return to school, then later college and finally university, but this year both my son and daughter have completed their education and my daughter is starting her first job in London. She has finished her 3 years at Norland College and will be on her NQN (Newly Qualified Nanny) year before graduating with her Norland Diploma, she has already finished the degree part of the course and her graduation ceremony is in March! So whilst I used to love the summer holidays, I also loved the return to normality in September but this year it has been later happening and I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed! Emily has been at home since June and with my son not living far away I have been cooking for the whole family for longer than expected - and I have needed easy dinner ideas! Fortunately my daughter does help with cooking our family meals and of course being a Norland Nanny she has learnt lots of easy recipes suitable for children and is very happy to take over cooking one night of the week, often more!

This is a sponsored blog post.

Perimenopause causes our hormones to fluctuate and menopause brings a depletion of those hormones, and often of the biggest, and possibly most unexpected range of symptoms we experience at the menopausal transition is the effect on our cognition and mood. Even women who have never experienced any previous mood disorders find themselves at the mercy of some pretty scary emotional symptoms! The theme for World Menopause Day 2022 is cognition and mood and I am no stranger to the emotional roller coaster of severe mood swings in menopause!

In my blog post today I am sharing my experience of menopause mood swings and some tips for how to overcome this time of emotional change.

I am absolutely delighted to be working with Elizabeth Rose, a beautiful independent fashion boutique, with a High Street store in the pretty Kent town of Tenterden and also with a fabulous online shop.  Elizabeth Rose stock some of my favourite brands including Aspiga, Gabor, Indi & Cold and Paige Jeans.  I met co-owner Helen on Instagram back in 2019 when I entered a giveaway she was running, won a voucher and decided to visit in person as I often go back to Kent.  I grew up nearby, but a pandemic delayed things a bit!  More on that later, but the most important bit is that I am so excited to be running my biggest blog giveaway yet and giving my readers a chance to win a very generous amount to spend on their AW22 wardrobe!  Honestly Helen has the best taste in fashion, completely understands her customers and offers style consultations if you need help finding a special outfit or just want to upgrade your everyday look.  

I've loved getting to know Helen and see the Elizabeth Rose Instagram blossoming, all their posts are relatable, genuine and helpful, nothing too fast moving or gimmicky and with some fabulous outfit ideas, do follow them!