How My Anxiety and Fear of Judgement Has Even Affected My Hair

I have written posts in the past about both my anxiety and fear of judgement and explained how they have affected almost every area of my life. I even wrote posts about the impact this has had on the way I dressed and my relationship with make up. Now it is time for hair and of course hairstylists. 

BLACK IRON AT WINSTANLEY HOUSE LEICESTERSHIRE - A REVIEW

Last month my husband Ross and I were invited to attend the Media and VIP launch night of new Leicestershire restaurant Black Iron. 

The contemporary British steakhouse and restaurant is located within the historical Winstanley House which has recently been renovated turning it into a boutique hotel, restaurant and event location.

HOW TO MAKE CHRISTMAS PERFECT BY NOT MAKING IT PERFECT

Let me start by saying I absolutely love Christmas and always have. December is by far my favourite month of the year and even more so since I had my children. However, I think we now are under too much pressure to fully embrace every possible aspect of Christmas and there are so many new traditions we are meant to adopt that it has left the whole thing overwhelming and pressured and frankly we have set ourselves up for disappointment. So, what can we do differently?

Relax for a start!

A FAMILY REVIEW OF HAVEN THE ORCHARDS

Back in July we spent four nights at Haven The Orchards. The park is situated on the Essex coast close to Clacton-On-Sea. 

We have been holidaying with Haven at least once a year since our eight year old Annie was a baby and we visit a different of their sites each time. 

In this review I will concentrate on the site and it's facilities as well as telling you about the local area that we visited. I am also including lots of photos, all taken by us, to give you a real inside view.

My children have also made a three minute YouTube video showing you the site from their perspective, you will find it below and it's worth a watch.

ME AND MY HEALTH - AN ANXIETY UPDATE

Today I am going to update you on my mental health, namely my anxiety. I intended to add depression too, but the post got too long so that one will follow another time.

Me and My Health – A CFS Update

When I posted my first catch up post a week and a half ago I said I would update you on some areas in more detail. I've done diet and now it is the turn of my physical health. Namely my chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME).

I started this blog back in January to log my journey to improve my physical and mental health, face my fears and generally become a better version of me.

What the Heck Is Happening with My Diet?

I am currently aiming to improve my health and life using nutrition, exercise and stress management. My health conditions are chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME), depression and anxiety. By better managing those, confronting my fears and saying yes to opportunities I hope to become the best version of Kelly.

I started around three years ago looking to my diet to improve my health. Of the three areas I must tackle it is by far the one I have worked the hardest on. I have been motivated to change as it makes sense to me that what you put into your body effects every area of your health.

Catching up with Kelly #1

Hello and welcome to or welcome back to my blog. This post also welcome’s me back. For those unaware, I have not posted a personal blog since July and haven’t been blogging with any regularity since May.

I want today to give you an overview of how I am and an insight into why I needed to take a blogging break.

The Hatchimal Colleggtibles Hatchery Nursery Review

We were recently lucky enough to be sent the Hatchimal Colleggtibles Hatchery Nursery to unbox and review.

Review of the Spin Master Meccano Off Road Racer

We were recently asked to try and out and review the Spin Master Meccano off road racer.

For those of you who have never heard of Meccano products they are a set of construction toys that I was surprised to learn have been around for over one hundred years. These toys are great for keen mini builders and engineers and are a fun and educational toy.

Zhu Zhu Hamster Pets Unboxing and Review

There was much excitement in our house recently when we received a box of the Spin Master Zhu Zhu Hamster Pet toys to review. We were lucky enough to receive the adventure ball, hamster wheel and tunnel and two hamsters. Thank you for sending two hamsters, you saved so many arguments!

Little Live Pets Ladybug Playset Review

I was recently asked to review the Little Live Pets Ladybug Playset. Those of you familiar with my blog will know my children Annie who is eight and Freddie who is five have a YouTube channel on which they love to review toys and so of course we said yes.

Big Beard Battle Review

I was recently asked to review family board game Big Beard Battle.

As Annie and Freddie have recently started a YouTube channel I am keen to accept toys for review so that we can blog and vlog our experience.

Review of Midsummer Night's Dream at The Curve Leicester

Last night I was invited, along with some fellow local bloggers to watch Leicester theatre The Curve’s latest production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Bobble Art Party Review And A Family Day Out At The Intu Centre Derby

Last week me, Annie and Freddie were invited to a family blogger party at Bobble Art in the Intu Centre Derby.

When I realised Bobble Art is a stationary and accessory shop I knew I had to accept the invitation or the kids would never forgive me!

Kelly’s World Week’s 15 to 19

Welcome back to my diary series, this one covers 12^th June until 16^th July 2017.

In these diaries, I welcome you into my life and talk about my health, diet, exercise, family, life in general and of course blogging.

MOKURU Desk Toy Review and Fun Introduction

I was recently asked to review the MOKURU and as my children have just started a YouTube channel on which they love to review toys I really couldn’t say no!

The MOKURU is a wooden desk toy from Japan that is set to become the latest craze amongst adults and children alike.

Hatchimal CollEGGtibles Mystery Puzzle Review

When I was recently offered the opportunity to review the latest Hatchimal CollEGGtible toy I couldn’t refuse. My children, Annie 8 and Freddie 5, adore any toy that comes in an egg or is a mystery so this range is right up their street.

The latest edition to the range is a 48-piece puzzle and matching character which of course comes inside an egg. This is our review and we have also made a YouTube unboxing and first impression video, see below.

Kelly’s World Week’s 12, 13 and 14

Welcome back to my diary series, starting 22^nd May 2017 up until today, Sunday 11^th June.

In these diaries, I welcome you into my life and talk about blogging, my health, my diet, exercise and life in general.

I can’t believe I’ve gotten so behind with these posts, you would normally get a diary post each week but today you are getting three in one. It’s been a challenging few weeks. With highs and lows in life and blogging.

I’m not even sure how to write this one or where to start so I’m just going to type and see what happens. I think the best posts are often those where I just ramble and don’t change it too much once it’s written. It’s more real, raw if you like. So here goes.

Kelly’s World Week 11

Welcome to week 11 of my diary series, starting Monday 15^th May 2017.

I literally can’t believe I am already on week 11 of this series! Time really does go so quickly.

Kelly’s World Week 10

Welcome to week ten of my diary series, starting Monday 8^th May 2017.

If you’ve not read one of my diaries before, they are where I update you on my life, my blog and my journey to improve my health naturally and become the best version of Kelly. See previous diary posts here.

Kelly’s World / Diary Week 9

Welcome to week nine of my diary series, starting from May 1st 2017.

What happened to week eight I hear you all shout. My last diary post covered weeks six and seven, or so I thought. I had already done week six so the last one was actually weeks seven and eight. None of you noticed my error (tut tut.) It’s now been rectified, if I hadn’t changed it then it would have bugged me forever!

Why did numbering them seem like a clever idea?!

First things first, I really need to buy a diary and make notes as doing this from memory is not very reliable! It’s all true but I probably miss plenty of stuff out. Have you ever tried to buy a current diary in May? Don’t, all you will find are academic ones and they don’t start till August. (rolls eyes at self) I need to just write in a notebook don’t I.

Here goes then from memory.

A Family Review of Haven Allhallows

On Easter Monday we drove down to Kent for our annual visit to a Haven caravan park. We've been going each year since Annie was born and have visited sites in Dorset, Norfolk and Lincolnshire. This was our first trip to Kent. 


The Kent Haven is situated in Allhallows on the estuary of the river Thames. The site is smaller than some yet manages to fit in just as many amenities and activities. It's a pretty, clean and well presented site with great views out across the estuary.

Something I Haven’t Told You Yet and What I Have Achieved on This Journey So Far

I started this blog on New Year’s Day to chart the changes I want to make in my life this year.

I have many reasons to make changes. I suffer with depression, anxiety and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). I have also been dealing with a serious fear of judgement.

This post will update you on how I am doing with those changes and also let you know something I haven't shared yet.

Kelly’s World and Diary (Weeks 7 and 8)

Welcome to week’s seven and eight of my diary series, starting Monday 17^th April 2017.

You’re getting two for one this week as I decided last week to award myself a week off from blogging. Much as I adore blogging, I have been posting pretty much three times a week for four months now and I just felt I needed a break to give me some space to get caught up in a few other areas of life.

A Cocktail Masterclass

A couple of weeks ago I was invited over to Nottingham with 11 other bloggers for a cocktail masterclass. I certainly didn't have to spend long deciding whether to go or not! 

We got to spend two hours sat on the terrace of Nottingham bar Brass Monkey in the sun drinking cocktails and chatting with Nick Fox, a cocktail expert who launched the Loves Cocktails festival in Leeds in 2013.

Bodega Review: The Best Nachos Ever, Dr Pepper Marinated Pork and Lots of Tequila

A couple of weeks ago my husband Ross and I were invited to the new menu launch event at Bodega in Leicester. Having been to the restaurant before we knew we had to attend. We both love Mexican food so Bodega is right up our street. 

Kelly’s Diary Week 6 - Including Blogging Fun, School Holiday Fears and the Queen

Welcome to week six of my diary series, starting Monday 10^th April 2017.

I’ve had only positive feedback on these diaries so far so hopefully that means you’re all enjoying them. I will still aim to improve them each week. 

For a start, I currently write this from memory, making notes during the week would probably be a better idea! I also need to learn how to edit my pictures (insert laughing emoji!)

Two Spice Mix Recipes – Cajun and Fajita

If you want a great tasting, easy to make and sugar free spice mix recipe then you won't go far wrong with these Cajun and Fajita ones. 

Cajun Mix

Mexican Beef Burger Recipe and Hackit Review

I have wanted to share my Mexican burger recipe with you all for a while now and so when 2tech got in touch with me and asked if I would like to review their latest product launch, the hackit, I knew it would make perfect sense to combine the two.

5th Weekly Diary Including CFS lows, Blogging Highs, Diet and Exercising

Welcome to week five of my diary series.

I’m a bit late getting the diary post out this week. My diaries so far have run from Saturday until Friday. I’m going to move that forward a couple of days to make it Monday to Sunday as it’s so much more logical. This one therefore goes from Saturday 1st April until yesterday, the 9th April.

Bistrot Pierre Review

On Sunday, it was my husband Ross’s birthday and we had an opportunity to have lunch out so we booked into one of our favourite Leicester restaurants, Bistrot Pierre. The chain started in the East Midlands and now has locations all over the UK.

Why has Healthy Eating Become So Confusing?

As those of you who read my blog regularly will know, I am currently trying to ‘eat healthy.’

I’m doing this to improve my well being as I hope in turn this will help me better manage my health. It’s also a great thing to do anyway. Good food helps your body function at its best. It’s common sense that eating well will make us look and feel healthier.

What exactly does eating healthy mean nowadays though?

Week 4 Diary Plus 3 Months of Blogging Update and Stats

Welcome to week four of my diary series, my week as I am writing them started on Saturday 25^th March 2017. If you’re not sure what this is all about then see my welcome to the diary series here.

Life and Blogging

Well what a week it has been! My best blogging week so far. First I was on BBC radio!!!! If you haven’t read about that already you will find it here.

My posts have been popular at my stats have been heading up which is great. This is my third post this week, the first was my radio one and the second was a follow on to my CFS post that caused much controversy last week, see this week’s here.

Are the CFS Community Their Own Worst Enemies?

Last week I put up a post on my thoughts of how my mental health could be connected to my physical health, namely my CFS. The reaction has amazed me, it’s educated me it’s saddened me, yet also boosted me. Most of all it has completely shocked me how all the negative reactions came from fellow sufferers.

My physical health complaint was diagnosed 18 months ago, as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). My mental health complaints of Depression and Anxiety have been an issue for me since my teenage years, I am now 38. I also suffer from stress.

Facing my Anxiety and Fear of Judgement Head On and Winning

Those of you who regularly read my blog will know I suffer with anxiety. Two years ago, through therapy I also realised I had spent many years living with a fear of judgement that left me missing out on many aspects of life.

With the help of my therapist and by facing my anxiety head on I have made so much progress in overcoming this fear of judgement.

Today I did something I never believed I could do and proved to myself I am tackling that fear successfully. My therapist would be so proud of me!

Life, Blog, Diet and Exercise Diary: Week Three

Welcome to week three of my diary series, my week as I am writing them started on Saturday 18^th March 2017. If you’re not sure what this is all about then see my welcome to the diary series here.

Is CFS a Mental Health Issue?

This may be a controversial post, stick with me though before you make your judgement. I want to voice the question I have had in my head for a while now, is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) a mental health issue?

Cinnamon and Coconut Granola Recipe – Sugar Free

When I did the Candida diet last year I had to cut out all sugars, including fruit, for 2 months. It's a very restrictive diet and I found breakfast options particularly limited.

I had always enjoyed cereal and had occasionally had granola too. I wondered if I could find a granola recipe that was free of sugar and sweeteners. The only sweetener I was allowed on the candida diet was Stevia. I googled some recipes but nothing was quite right so I set about experimenting.

The Derby Bloggers Brunch 2017 At Oliver's

Yesterday I attended my first bloggers event. The Derby bloggers brunch which was arranged by Monet Brooks and held at Oliver’s on Friar Gate in Derby. I loved it, great food, great venue and best of all great company. Let me tell you more.

Life, Blog, Diet and Exercise Diary: Week Two

Welcome to week two of my diary series, my week as I am writing them started on Saturday 11^th March 2017. If you’re not sure what this is all about then see my welcome to the diary series here.

Current Anxiety Triggers and How I Intend to Tackle Them

I have spoken in previous posts about some of the anxieties I have started to make progress to overcome. I thought it was time to talk about some of the areas that I still struggle with and explain the approach I am taking to overcome them.

Life, Diet and Exercise Diary: Week One

Welcome to week one of my new diary series. If you’re not sure what this is all about then see my welcome to the series. Let’s get straight into it.

Welcome To My Weekly Diary Series

Hi All. If you read my early blogs like ‘welcome to my blog’ and ‘why I’m writing a blog’ you will know that a big part of my reason I’m doing this is to motivate me to stay on track with my goals for this year. My goals are the basis of my journey to be the best version of Kelly and I figured that logging my progress here would make me feel more accountable and keep me on track.

Primark Haul

This week I visited Primark and picked up a few items I’m loving. I’ve often visited Primark for bits for the kids but rarely for myself. I was pleasantly surprised when going around the women’s section just how great the clothes are. Then there is the homeware, they are doing great with that. They do make-up and beauty stuff now too, how did I not know this? I could have bought so much! I was very good though and stuck to a few bits. Read on for what I bought and what I wish I had bought!

How would my children spend a lottery win?!

A while ago me and hubby had a conversation with the kids about what they would spend a lottery win on. I was already considering writing a blog so I noted down their responses as they made us laugh so much and I thought it would make a great light-hearted blog post!

Why I Started Being Honest on Facebook

Just over a year ago, I decided it was time to be honest with my family and friends on Facebook. It was time to find the courage to admit I suffered with mental health conditions and time to admit my life wasn’t perfect. Why did I do it and how did it go? Read on.

First here is my Facebook profile picture, it is of course my favourite picture of myself. Not overly realistic though as I couldn't get my hair like that if you paid me! But we don't always show realistic on social media do we?

Second Month of Blogging: The good, the bad and the ugly!

On Tuesday, my blog was two months old. Can you believe that?!! I’m still trying to work out where January went and now February has gone too.

So how has this month gone? There have been highs and lows.

Add caption

My Top 10 tips for Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and My Story

My CFS story officially started in July 2015 however I suspect it was a long time in the making. It floored me at first however after a lot of reading up on the condition and much trial and error I have found some tips that help me manage the condition better.