S'wheat is an exciting new ecological brand that got in touch with me and asked if I would share their new product launch on my blog!  And as it is such a worthy environmental project I felt it deserved some attention. I am hoping that others will love the S'Wheat reusable water bottle as much as I do!

After 2 years in development S’wheat are finally ready to launch their newly designed S’wheat eco-friendly water bottles. To celebrate their launch, by signing up to their waitlist you’ll gain exclusive discounts, rewards & free products!  Find out more about the reusable water bottles and sign up to their waitlist below.

This is a very personal post, I hope that you will be able to find time to read, share or donate.  And if you fancy a treat .... read on to find out how to buy some homemade fudge made by a Norland student.  Thank you xx

Back in 1989 I was working at Lex Vehicle Leasing and I met my friends Tracey and Tina and then one night after boyfriend troubles, we organised a girls night out and Tracey introduced us to Jo!  The four of us have been friends for the past 31 years.  We've supported each other through the ups and downs of life, having babies, menopause, older parents and along the way we have had lots of laughter and some fabulous nights out, girls weekends and weekends away with the husbands!  Can't wait to see them again, damn you Covid!

But amongst the fun and friendship, there is also a really sad story that I'd like to share and I really hope that you will understand my decision to write about it on my blog and ultimately ask for some help.

Jo has two daughters, Jessica and Olivia.  Jessica is now 24 and is 6 months older than my son Alex.  Jo and her husband Steve along with Jessica were the only witnesses and guests at our wedding in 1998.

​Ten years ago Jessica became quite unwell.  It started after a virus infection and she also had some huge challenges with her mental health and it turned out it was all linked.  Jessica is now 24 but when she was 14 she was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or ME to keep it simple!

The last year has meant many of us are now choosing to ditch the underwired bras and bikini panties in favour of more comfort and a soft bra or seamless t-shirt bra is a top choice. I recently read some research that said we are also preferring 'Bridget Jones Pants' and opting for a higher rise style!  I don't usually go for 'big knickers' but when Playtex got in touch to ask if I'd like to choose a lingerie set from their current range I thought I would try out that undie drawer staple - a black lingerie set but with a different style of pant - big knickers!  I also came across Kate Garraway's book 'The Joy of Big Knickers' .... have you read it?!

I was actually really lucky to have the opportunity to try out two sets, because Maidenform also sent me a bra and thong to try.  So let's have a look at the two 'black lingerie set' options.

Both have comfort in mind, both are black (but available in different colours too) and both are still really stylish and lovely to look at as well as feeling beautiful to wear.

Sleep!  Do you get enough?  Shockingly it was reported that insomnia rose from one in six, to one in four people during the lockdowns of the Covid pandemic.  I have had insomnia, in fact I am an insomniac with a recurring sleep problem.  I have to manage my sleep hygiene very carefully and the slightest change in my routine can set me off again.  And menopause only exacerbates the problem!  So I am here on World Sleep Day 2021 to share a few strategies and ideas with you on how to sleep better!

I learnt recently that those of us with various rituals and routines around our sleep are far more likely to suffer from insomnia, rather than making things better, the rituals we feel are essential can create more stress.  And it is the stress and worry of 'not being able to sleep' that adds to the very problem we are trying to avoid.  We are actually better not to try and sleep!  Easier said than done!

From supplements, to podcasts, meditation, limiting blue light and the best bedroom environment, I am going to share below some of the latest research to help improve sleep and tell you which ones have worked for me.