Depression and Suicide - Please Ask For Help

When someone you knows commits suicide you break your heart and something inside you is never the same again.

A close family member committed suicide when I was 18.  I remember coming home and my mum telling me. The hurt, the sadness, the anger, still seems fresh to the day. And the questions. What happened? How did they do it? Why?

They say depression is a selfish illness and in some ways, I have to agree but I can also see it from the other side too.

Speaking from the heart I wanted to shout from the rooftops why didn't you talk to me? Wasn't I good enough? Didn't I make you happy? I could have tried to help.

And in those moments of sheer sadness and depression that I have suffered too, I can empathise. People with depression can't shake off this feeling. They don't wake up tomorrow and all is better. They have this black cloud hanging over them all the time.


Do you feel alone?
image credit pdufour Sxc.hu

Those who attempt to and those that commit suicide feel like there is no way out. They don't think about their partners, their family. They just want the relief of never having to feel like this ever again.

If you know someone who suffers from depression it can by a joyless experience spending time with them but please do. This may sound like I'm being harsh but when they are wrapped up in their own little world it can often feel this way.

Be there for them, listen to them, get them to seek help. That's all you can do.

The Samaritans are there to listen when you feel you can't talk to anyone. They are nonjudgmental. You can ring them on 08457 90 90 90 but did you know you can also contact them in other ways including emailing them, writing to them, texting them or even visiting their offices in person? You can learn more about getting help with your depression with Thrive Talk as well.

On one last note, I wished you had come to me and talked and hugged me and kissed me. I wish those tablets weren't there. I wish you had thought about your family. I wish depression didn't exist. I love you and always will.

References
The Mental Health Foundation - Getting Help http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/help-information/getting-help/

Give The Gift Of A Good Night's Sleep This Christmas

Christmas is the time of year we spend with family and friends. I don't know about you but I love a good party! I remember one I had once, I mixed some cocktails and got the proportions wrong. I realised this when one of the guests almost fell down the stairs in the haze of tequila fumes.

Then there was the fancy dress party where my husband went as Al Capone and I went as a 20's flapper dancer. Stumbling home in the cold as we had been drinking I wondered why we didn't stay the night...

At times like these having a Christmas bed bundle tucked away would have been very useful.

We have a sofa bed which I find a godsend especially at Christmas and for unexpected guests any time of year. But then I have to route around in my airing cupboard for some sheets and steal one of the duvets off my son's bed.

To have a complete bed set all in one place is a great idea so I was pleased when I was sent the John Cotton Christmas bed bundle to review.




All in a handy storage bag the John Cotton Christmas bed bundle contains pillows and a pillow protector, a 13.5 tog duvet and a mattress protector. Available exclusively at Argos these bed bundle sets normally cost £29.99 for a single set, £39.99 for a double and £49.99 for a king-size set. However, from now until Christmas Eve Argos have them at half price. A single bedding set for only £14.99 is a bargain I must admit.





So what was the set like out of the bag? The quality of the duvet was very good and also being anti-allergenic and machine washable earned it brownie points too. I didn't realise John Cotton was Europe's largest filled bedding manufacturer so of course quality is their priority. Also being a family-run company they really seem to care about their products and passing on the best to their customers.




What I also found with this bed bundle is that is very compact so it all stores well in the bag although getting it back in was another matter, which is often the case when you try to squash a duvet into a storage box.

Would I recommend it? Certainly. Great quality, a great price and a perfect excuse to party.


Merry Christmas Everyone!
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Guylian Chocolate Giveaway - Ends 22/11

What do you give the person who has everything? Chocolates of course - and not just any chocolates, luxury Belgian chocolates!

Guylian the luxury Belgian chocolate company has become a forerunner in the luxury chocolate market since 1960.





The story of the Chocolaterie Guylian began in the late 1950’s with the marriage of Guy Foubert and Liliane. Guy and Liliane joined their names and the company Chocolaterie Guy-lian was born. This young couple created for the first time chocolates in the shape of seashells and whilst Guy developed the recipe for the signature hazelnut praliné filling; Lilliane added the artistic touch by designing the shining marbled look and the delicately sculptured shapes.

Every year in their factory in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, up to 75 tonnes of Guylian chocolate can be produced daily. They combine traditional Belgium craftsmanship with high tech production techniques, just to make the perfect chocolate for their devoted fans. Only the finest ingredients are used in their chocolates and fillings with the emphasis on quality, and giving the consumer a luxury chocolate experience.




With a range of gifts and also little treats for yourself they appeal to chocolate lovers worldwide.

Did you also know about their work with the conservation project Project Seahorse which is dedicated to reserving seahorses and other marine life throughout the world? Each and every time you buy a box of Guylian Belgian Chocolate Sea Shells and Sea Horses, you are helping to save seahorses and the seas. Something to be applauded for I think you would agree.

Today on my blog I have a little treat for my dear readers. I have a box of the luxury Belgian collection to giveaway.





How can you resist?



To enter please answer the question below on the Rafflecopter Application.
You can come back daily to tweet for an extra entry.
What Guylian chocolates have you tried or would you like to try?

The competition is open to the UK only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hob Nob Recipe

Ingredients

8oz SR flour
8oz sugar
8oz porridge oats
8oz margarine
1tbsp golden syrup
1tbsp hot water
1/2 tsp bicarbonate soda

Greased baking tray

Method

Mix the dry ingredients together. Melt the margarine, water and golden syrup in a pan. Add the liquid to the dry mix. Stir well.

Make into small balls put on a greased tray and flatten slightly Put in the oven at 180 degrees C for 10-15 mins. keep an eye on them as they brown easily. Take out of the oven and cool on a tray. They should be golden but not too brown.


Makes 20-25 depending on size

Lovely biscuits and with the oats you can almost kid yourself they are good for you!












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Hotel Chocolat Christmas Giveaway - Ends 21/11

Hotel Chocolat make the most amazing chocolates. The British chocolatier chain now have over seventy stores in the UK and worldwide. I first came across them in Bath when I was staying there on a short break. The store there is like an Aladdin's cave of chocolate. So many delicious and intriguing chocolates, so many delights to try!

Hotel Chocolat base their brand on three main ingredients, Innovation, Authenticity and Ethics. Their look is influenced by the London fashion scene and their chocolate has an authentic taste "less sugar more cocoa". It's great that they also base their business on a strong ethical stance and over the last 8 years have invested in the cocoa communities in Saint Lucia and Ghana. They are a rare breed -
a chocolatier that actually grown their own cocoa beans and look after their suppliers.

Hotel Chocolat have a gorgeous selection of Christmas goodies, from Advent Calenders to Gift Bags, from Christmas Crackers to Christmas Hampers, all made with the same attention to detail, the same delectable chocolate.


10 Mini Christmas Crackers and Truffles for Two Advent Calender

If you want to read more about Hotel Chocolat read my review here.  

Well Hotel Chocolat have giving me a very luscious looking chocolate Christmas Wreath for my lucky readers.

The Large Festive Wreath is a chocolate lovers delight. Made from nibbly cookies and hand cut florentines it is perfect for slicing and sharing with family and friends. I know I'd rather have one of these than a traditional one hanging on my door this Christmas!
The Large Festive Wreath

To enter my giveaway visit the Christmas gift selection on their website and answer my questions on the Rafflecopter application.

The competition is open to the UK only.

Good Luck and Have a Very Chocolately Christmas

a Rafflecopter giveaway Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com

Kaleidoscope Competition - Round 2 ends 12/11/03

THE COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED - the winner is Lucy Zelazowski 

A spokesman from Kaleidoscope said, " the sparkly necklace set is a great way to add a bit of glamour to your outfit to take it from a casual day look to a night out with the girls look". I am so sorry there can be only one winner as all the finalists had brilliant entries.

Thank you everyone for entering the competition I am running with Kaleidoscope. I had some great entries and it was very difficult choosing 4 to go through to the final, but I have and one of these will win all the items in my City Break Look including their chosen item. Details of the first round of the competition is here.


My City Break Look

Victoria Welton - Victoria has picked Joe Browns Zip Detail riding boots.


How her look would look 



She says " I have chosen these gorgeous Joe Browns Zip Detail Riding Boot retailing at £55. I've always thought that blue and brown go together well. Not only are these boots flat which will be easy on your feet with all the site-seeing you are bound to do but they are very stylish, will keep your legs warm if it is cold and the brown picks out the bow in the bag you have chosen. As well as all that, they are versatile enough to be worn with trousers, leggings or skinny jeans."

I liked these boots as they look like they would keep your legs warm for a Winter City break. Flat boots are great to stop your feet from aching. I also think the brown goes well with navy and as Victoria says it picks out the brown of the bow on the bag and can be worn with different trousers/jeans etc.

Lucy Zelazowski 
Lucy has picked a Three Row Necklace and Bracelet

How her look would look 



She says "I too love low cut v-next & wrap tops, its nice to show off what mother nature gave me. I have chosen this matching 2-piece necklace & bracelet set. It's pretty and sparkling and bargain for only £35. Not only could I wear it with this outfit for extra glam points but I tend to wear plenty or blues, blacks and denim, it would definitely give me a tinkle effect, I just need lots of mascara & lip gloss now!"

I liked Lucy's choice as I think it's great to dress up an outfit with jewellery. Every girl needs a bit of glam and this set is very pretty. The colour also goes well with the outfit I have picked, and I think the set looks great for the price.

Karen Christmas - Karen has picked the Joe Browns Ultimate Life and Shape Jeans

How her look would look 




Karen has said  "I would choose a pair of these jeans as they would help keep my wobbly bits in check and give me a nicer silhouette. Jeans are so versatile as they can be glammed up with heels , some jewellery and a smart jacket , worn casually and are so comfy for travelling in . This jeans compare very well on price and with the added lift and shape would be the perfect addition to your selection"

Who doesn't want their wobbly bits to be kept in :) I like the point that Karen makes that these jeans would be comfortable for travelling in and can also be glammed up for night. Another that makes my bottom perkier is certainly a plus point!

Faye Huntingdon - Faye has picked the Lunar Patent Mix Boots

How her look would look 



Faye has said this "I would choose the gorgeous Lunar Patent-Mix Boots to go with the outfit. My reasoning for choosing these boots are that when you're on a short city break, your time is limited and so you aim to do/see as much as possible in the time available to you.. which means a LOT of walking! These flat, comfortable and yet stylish boots enable you to look good whilst walking for hours on end. The design of the boots runs true to the chic, urban feel to the original chosen outfit and continues that trend with ease!"  

I think the black patent of these boots compliments the navy well. Again these boots are flat and comfortable but look supremely stylish. I think this is the trendiest item of the four.

Which person do you think should win? Do you like Lucy's glamorous jewellery or Karen's shapely jeans? Which boots do you prefer? Do you like Victoria's classic riding boots or Faye's stylish patent boots?

Please note this is not a voting competition.

Terms and Conditions

Round 1

1. To enter the competition you must go to the Kaleidoscope website and pick an item under £60 to complete the look. You must post a link to the item and explain why you picked that item in your comment. You must also leave a way of contacting you on my blog.
2. I will pick 4 potential winners to go through to round 2.
3. Judging criteria will be based on best item to fit the theme and the best reason why you chose the item.
4. Entrants with items over £60 will be disqualified.
5. Round 1 closes 27th October 2013.
6. You will be notified within 48 hours if you get through to round 2.

Round 2 


7. I will showcase the 4 winners from Round 1.

8. Encourage your friends and family to visit the blog page and show their support and say why they think your item is best.
9. I will pick the one winner based on the same criteria as before.
10. The winner will win their complete board including the item they have chosen up to £200 in value.
11. My decision is final. 
12. Round 2 closes 12th November 2013.
14. Winner will be contacted within 48 hours.
15. If I cannot contact a winner within 14 days I reserve the right to pick another winner.
16. If an item is out of stock Kaleidoscope reserve the right to substitute another item up to the same amount in value.
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