Crochet Projects Update 1

Crochet / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

A Crochet Projects update was needed this week as I’ve been pretty busy! Izzy has been quite poorly this week so I’ve spent a lot of time cuddled up with her. She’s been fairly sleep but clingy so we’ve been watching a film and I’ve sneaked in some crocheting.

Crochet Projects Update 1

Crochet Projects Update – First Make

I started off with a blue Tulip for Checka, a fairly quick make. The pattern was quite easy to follow too. This was the first time I was adding a stem and then sewing a leaf onto it.

Originally, I thought it would be much trickier, especially the sewing. I was quite pleased with the results in the end I noticed an improvement in my tension and sewing. I was hoping setting myself 10 crochet projects would help me improve and learn more and so far it seems to be working well.

Second Make

Having completed the Tulip I decided to make the pig next. Checka’s daughter, Autumn, is quite poorly with Shingles and bored having a few weeks off school/ I thought it might cheer her up so I posted it off today.

Never having made an animal before I was excited to see how I got on and to order more crochet supplies and to see how safety eyes worked too. Having found a pattern Autumn was happy with, we made a few tweaks to create Piggy Jr. Autumn already has a Piggy and wanted a son for him so we decided to make a blue dummy too!

I didn’t quite get his ears right so he has a bit of a Dobby the house elf look about him. He also seems to have inherited my Scoliosis and even curves to the left like me! We love Piggy Jr though even with his imperfections.

Current Make

Unicorn Head

Izzy has also been rather poorly this week so I have begun making her unicorn. So far the head is complete and I am about to begin the body. I needed more stuffing though so I ordered 2 bags and a few more yarn colours so I can start the Donkey, Jesus for Martyn and the Grumpy Care Bear for Hannah next.

Having Fun with Zimpli Kids Products

Product Reviews / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We’ve been having fun with Zimpli kids products. They have a fab range of Gelli Baffs, Slime Baffs and Snoballs, great fun for the kids!

Having Fun with Zimpli Kids Products

Gelli Baff

Gelli Baff

We tried the Gelli Baff first, which was really fun. You simply pour in packet 1 and mix the water around and it turns into Gelli. We were sent pink and blue to try and both turned out great.

Having Fun

The girls really loved this although at first, the sensation seemed really weird to them! It didn’t take long for them to get carried away having fun though. This is fab for sensory play! 

Gelli Baf

Once you are finished you simply pour in packet 2 and the Gelli dissolves again. Gelli Baff is something we will no doubt buy time and time again. It’s such a fun product to play with and because it dissolves with ease it’s mess free too. 

Slime Baff

Slime Baff

Next we tried the red Slime Baff! The girls love slime and were really excited to see how it turned out. It mixed up to an ok consistency but I think we ran the bath slightly too warm as it wasn’t too thick like the Gelli had been.

Slime Baff - red

The girls have definitely been having fun playing with the Slime Baff but I struggled to get it to wash away. Again, this may be because I ran the bath a little warm but I think having a dissolving solution like Gelli Baff has would be really helpful. 

Snoballs

Snoballs - Zimpli Kids

Snoballs are a fun way to make snow balls that don’t melt! Simply add water in a bowl to the powder to create your own snow and make Snoballs.

Snoball Contents

There are 2 packets in the box which make at least 30 Snoballs in total. The instructions are really simple to follow and Izzy was able to mix it up herself.

Mixing Up Snoballs

We quickly had a thick fluffy bowl of Sno! It worked really quickly and felt almost like real snow. We were able to make a good few Snoballs and Izzy really enjoyed playing with it.

Snoball

We love Snoballs, these are great for indoors or outdoors and break down easily Simply scoop it up into the bin or leave it to break down naturally. Adding more water also helps Snoballs break down but this can be really slippery so be careful.

Zimpli kids have a fab range of products for children making every day fun!

Have you used any Zimpli Kids products before?

Using Less Plastic For 2019

Awareness Campaigns / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We’re planning on using less plastic for 2019. It’s no secret we use plastic far too much all around the world. We produce over 300 million tons of plastic every year with 8 million tons being dumped in our oceans. It is important more of us use alternatives where we can to reduce this waste.

Using Less Plastic For 2019

Using Too Much Plastic

I’m not going to pretend, I use far more plastic than I should. For 2019 I want to make an effort to change that. Last year we swapped from plastic shopping bags to bags for life and tote bags. We also reuse plastic bottles and packaging where we can. Also, we use refillable razors instead of disposable and we have reusable cups & bottles. I realise this just simply isn’t enough though and would love to keep finding new ways to go plastic free.

Using Less Plastic For 2019

Having been introduced to Eco Food Wrap last year for school packed lunches, we have reduced our plastic use. We’ve been sent a few more lovely samples recently too which will be used instead of plastic film and food bags. When I think about how many food bags alone we go through, it’s quite shocking really! Cheese is something that uses a lot of clingfilm being opened and re-wrapped across the week. Eco Food Wraps really reduces that constant waste.

Children love straws and my girls are no different but plastic straws should only be available to those who genuinely need them. There is definitely a need for plastic straws but the majority of us are perfectly able to use a different option. Paper straws we find aren’t always that great, those we have tried so far have gone soft and mushy long before the drink is finished.

Instead, we ordered 16 Bambooz Bamboo drinking straws. These came with a cleaning brush and a pouch for them to stay in. These straws can be washed and reused and with 16 we should be ok for a while. The girls have already found they prefer Bambooz straws as they are sturdier. Being able to wash them with the handy brush makes it easy to keep them clean.

Next, I am looking at shampoo bars to reduce our waste in the bathroom too. We go through a lot of shampoo and conditioner with 3 of us having hair long enough to sit on! I know Lush have a few so we will check there and online.

I’ll be looking for other ways to go plastic free this year too so if you know of a fab product then please do leave a comment of get in touch!

Are you trying to use less plastic?

Trying Bristol CBD Oil To Ease Anxiety

Anxiety / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’ve been trying Bristol CBD Oil after receiving a sample to review. I was sent the 300mg CBD Oil which is a 2,000 mg full spectrum, organic hemp sativa extract. CBD Oil is often reported for it’s health benefits and I was keen to see if it had an impact on my anxiety especially.

Trying Bristol CBD Oil To Ease Anxiety

I have a few different health and mental health issues and I’m always keep to try natural remedies where I can. If you want to try CBD Oil for yourself, enter code PURPLE20 FOR 20% off and free delivery at the checkout.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD Oil is derived from a strain of cannabis plant calle hemp sativa. Hemp Sativa naturally grows with very low levels THC making it legal in the UK. Instead it contains high levels of CBD (cannabidiol) and over 100 different healthy cannibinoids.

CBD Oil is a food supplement rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. CBD works on the endocannabinoid system in the body. Our body productes cannabinoids which are used by the endocannabinoid system. This is responsible for creating a balance (homeostasis) internally. Most of us are unable to produce enough cannabinoids leaving our endocannabinoid system out of balance, resulting in poor health.

CBD Oil bottle

The use of CBD Oil has wide and varied benefits. The World Health Organisation stipulates CBD Oil is non-toxic, non-addictive and non-psychoactive. Research suggest taking CBD oil helps your body create more of the cannibinoids needed, helping maintain balance and wellbeing.

Trying Bristol CBD Oil

The CBD Oil I have been trying came in a little dropper bottle. I read all the instructions and as recommended started with 2 drops to begin with. I wasn’t too sure what to expect from trying the Bristol CBD Oil but I had heard lots of benefits from others. The taste was a little different but I guess that is to be expected. I held the drops under my tongue for a minute then waited to see what happened.

I noticed the CBD Oil had a calming affect on me. With my awful anxiety this was a welcome relief. Being able to feel a little calmer over Christmas even with a few issues and both girls taking turns to have chest infections, was lovely.

I’m looking at getting the next strength bottle next time as there are several different strengths available. Anything that eases my anxiety even slightly is a bonus for me and CBD Oil seems to help. I’m hoping along with my medication and regular self-care, using CBD Oil will make my anxiety much more manageable.

Have you tried CBD Oil before?

Animalphabet Book Review

Book Reviews / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Animalphabet is the latest book by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Sharon King-Chai. This beautifully illustrated book has an animal for each letter of the alphabet.

Animalphabet Book

Bestselling author Julia Donaldson is well known for her fabulous book The Gruffalo. Animalphabet is Julia Donaldson’s latest release and another fantastic book for children. Especially perfect for those aged 3 to 5 years, Animalphabet is a lovely hardback book. You can buy it on Amazon here.

Animalphabet Book Review

As we explored the animal world with this gorgeous book we learnt a lot! With peep-through pages and fold out flaps this glorious gift for animal lovers becomes an interactive guessing game. Find out who is faster than a Caterpillar, who can hug tighter than a nightingale and who can fly better than a pig!

Caterpillar - Animalphabet

With stunningly eye-catching artwork throughout, the Animalphabet book contains an exotic array of animals. They truly are stunnnig and something to marvel over. This is a book to treasure and stand proudly on display. Julia Donaldsons rhythmic words make the book flow beautifully making it lovely to read out loud.

Animalphabet book

With each page we discovered an amazing collection of beautifully coloured animals in their habitats. Comparing animals to each other to learn comparison words and adjectives makes learning fun. Finding out who is bigger, smaller etc makes it such an enjoyable read. Izzy loves guessing which animal is next as we ask each question.

We absolutely adore this stunning book, Animalphabet is fun to read with it’s rhythmic words and gorgeous artwork. Being such an interactive book makes it such a fun reading experience and would make such a lovely gift! We would definitely recommend the Animalphabet book for young animal lovers. We love children’s books, don’t forget to check our our Book Review page to discover more Children’s books we’ve reviewed.

Have you heard of Animalphabet?

10 Crochet Projects For 2019

Crochet / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’ve got 10 Crochet projects I want to complete throughout 2019. I set myself 6 goals this year and one is to continue learning to crochet. I figured the best way to ensure that happens is to set myself 10 Crochet Projects for 2019.

10 crochet projects for 2019

My confidence has grown a lot over the last year when it comes to crochet. I’ve stopped panicking it’s beyond me and giving most patterns a go, knowing if I mess up I can simply start again.

10 Crochet Projects

1. A Tulip – This is for Checka as she kindly bought me new crochet hooks enabling me to crochet easier and with less pain!

2. Grumpy Care Bear – This is for Hannah as she loves Care Bears and when I spotted the patterns I just knew I had to try and make one for her.

3. A blanket – There are so many gorgeous patterns though, it’s going to be tough to pick one.

4. Dobby – Eva loves Harry Potter and she loves Dobby, I want to make her a Dobby of her own and a mini sock to go with him.

5. A cushion – This will be for me, our sofa is horribly uncomfortable so a few extra cushions should help and keep me busy.

6. A unicorn – OK maybe a few of mini unicorns for my girls and one for one of Checka’s daughters too.

7. A pig – Another one for Checka as one of her daughters loves pigs!

8. An aeroplane – I spotted a pattern for an aeroplane and love it. I want to create more items for boys and the first will go to Checka’s little boy.

9. Jesus – Martyn’s choice, I’ve yet to attempt people so this will be a fun challenge!

10. Finally, a Donkey – Again for Martyn as he loves them.

A Fun Challenge

I’m really looking forward to challenging myself over the coming year with my 10 crochet goals. Crochet has become quite a comfort for me, on my bad days I can still feel like I’m achieving something. Each make on the list is different and different levels of difficulty and I know I’ll learn a lot along the way.

If I finish all 10 projects with time to spare then I’ll probably try to fit a few more in too!

Do you have any crochet goals this year?

6 Goals For 2019

Blogging / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’ve set myself 6 goals for 2019. I’m not usually the type to go making resolutions but I do have a few aims for this year, they are all realistic goals I hope to achieve.

6 Goals For 2019

1. Read 20 Books

I found my love of reading again in 2018 and managed to work my way through several Dick Francis books and both books by Fiona Morgan. In total, I read about 10 books last year which I’m really pleased about! The Mr helped me decide a number and we set a goal of 20 books for 2019. A realistic goal in between blogging, crocheting and life. I used to read so much that this has to be at thetop of my 6 goals for 2019.

2. Continue Learning Crochet

I still consider myself a newbie when it comes to crochet. I’ve made a few scarves, blankets, cardigans and a few amigurami makes over the last 2-3 years. Having taught myself using YouTube and Pinterest for how to’s and ideas to help, my confidence has really grown, especially in 2018. I’m proud to say I actually designed my very own Purple Crocheted Summer Cardigan. A huge achievement for me! I can’t wait to learn and make more.

3. Blog More

Over 3 and a half years I’ve created over 450 blog posts! Another big achievement for me. I’ve slowly got more confident with my writing but my personal posts have been lacking a little in 2018. Lots of lows made blogging a chore at some points but I’m determined to log more on the blog. This is my space but I let the worry of a certain person reading my thoughts hold me back. I’m determined to write how and when I want in 2019 and to write a lot more!

4. Quit Smoking

I am slowly feeling calmer and coping better so I am hoping this will help me quit smoking in 2019. I intend to buy another vape soon and hopefully, that will help. Even if I just manage to cut down to start with I will be happy!

5. Craft More

We love to craft and made a fantastic cardboard box dragon in 2018 that the girls really enjoyed. I want to do more crafting like this and share our makes on the blog!

6. Be Me

I’ve slowly started finding me again this year and I want to be more me. For years I was convinced I was a waste of space. Nothing I did would ever be good enough but with the support from the Mr, the girls and a few close friends I’ve slowly learnt I am enough. I may find it difficult to start conversations, I may be awkward, forget plans or to return messages but I do care. I’m always around if someone needs me, they only need to shout. I will always do my best to try and do the right thing even if it turns out not to be. I know I’m not perfect but I’m determined to love my flaws and just be me for 2019.

Leaving A Stressful 2018 Behind

2018 was a rollercoaster year for me, losing my ESA, nearly losing myself in the appeals process and finally losing contact with my brother. I’m determined to have a better year, my head is in a better place and whilst I am immensely gutted about my brother, it’s made me see things differently.

I know now that I am not responsible for my brother and his behaviour and I refuse to let him blame me for his own mistakes any longer. The behaviour my girls have seen from him isn’t anything I’d allow from anyone else and even their attitude and behaviour has improved without contact. They were devastated he didn’t get in touch over Christmas which led to missing certain traditions with him though.

Having gone out of my way to include my brother in everything I can over the years, I have to admit it hit hard that he hasn’t apologised but I’m determined to move forward this year and stop feeling guilty and responsible for everyone else.

There has been some positives from 2018, I’ve got some good friends around like Martyn, Hannah, Checka and a few who don’t blog too. The girls have had amazing school reports and are happy which has made me feel immensely proud! We had a lovely Christmas and for the first time in a long time I feel really calm.

This year will be about me, the Mr and the girls, it will be full of growth and lessons learnt and hopefully, I will achieve my 6 goals for 2019!

Do you have any goals for 2019?

Part 2 – Purple Crocheted Summer Cardigan

Crochet / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Part 2 of my Purple Crocheted Summer Cardigan is finally here! Yes, that’s right, after far too long, I finally finished! You may remember Part 1 when Ritohobby kindly sent me some of their gorgeous Infinity Hearts Rose 8/4 yearn to create this cardigan with. 

Purple Crocheted Summer Caridgan Using Ritohobby Yarn

What Took Me So Long?

I loved this project so much but being a much thinner yarn and using the purple 3mm hook began to cause excruciating hand pain. After just 5 minutes of crocheting I’d begin getting sharp pains and after 10-15 minutes, I just couldn’t continue. This led to me crocheting in very small spurts and not overly looking forward to it. I did manage to slowly make progress, but each sleeve took a month.

Part 2 - Purple Crocheted Cardigan

Part 2 

I began getting quite stressed about the delay to part two of my post which unfortunately Checka heard all about! After getting fed up with my moaning she kindly treated me to some new crochet hooks with much more ergonomic handles.

Crocheted cardigan in progress

I was quite overwhelmed, to be honest, crochet has helped me so much until this point because it was the only body part that didn’t hurt! Pain slowing me down had been really hard to cope with. As soon as my new hooks arrived I got to work again, completing the final piece of a sleeve, hem and beginning the hood. 

Front of Purple Crocheted summer cardigan

With a better hook, this yarn began to work up even quicker than before too. The Infinity Hearts Rose 8/4 yarn is gorgeous to work with and the colour still amazes me. I’m a little sad not to be working with this yarn any longer. I am however very pleased to be adding this cardigan to my wardrobe! Originally meant to be a summer cardigan, it is one I can see me wearing year round too.

Back of Purple Crocheted Summer Cardigan

So what do you think of the completed purple crocheted summer cardigan?

Win Prizes With Sudocrem Game Plus 3 Goody Bags To Giveaway

Giveaways / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

You can win prizes with Sudocrem this Christmas, win one of 3 goody bags entering the Rafflecopter below and head over to Facebook play Sudocrem’s fun new game. Sudocrem have launched their snowball fight game on Facebook where you can win a range of prizes until 31st December.

Win prizes with sudocrem facebook game

Snowball Fight Facebook Game

Sudocrem have launched their annual Facebook Game, a fun, frantic festive game. Users must help Sudocrem stop the Nappy Rash Gremlins from ruining Christmas. Sudocrem is one of the UK’s most recognisable family brands of nearly 90 years and they need your help to beat the Nappy Rash Gremlins.

Sudocrem game

Win Prizes

Sudocrem is one of the UK’s most recognisable family brands of nearly 90 years. They are rewarding users with an array of prizes from a bumper £2000 fund. Every entrant to complete game and earn over 1000 points will be entered into a prize draw to win a prize instantly. You can play daily to earn extra goes too! Simply head over to thir Facebook page and click on the ‘Sudocrem Snowball Fight’ competition app.

Prizes include:

• 5 x Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8
• 15 x £20 Amazon Vouchers
• 5 x £20 Mothercare Vouchers
• 5 Posca Make It Christmas Kits
• 20 x My Little Sudocrem Pot
• 10 x Sudocrem Recovery Cream 30g
• 3 X Bubblebum Car Booster Seats
• 8 x Uni-ball Prize Bundles  

Win 1 of 3 Sudocrem Goody Bags

On top of the chance to win prizes with Sudocrem/s facebook game, we have 3 Sudocrem goody bags to give away! For a chance to win simply complete the Rafflecoptor below.

These goody bags include:

·      Sudocrem Care & Protect      
·      Sudocrem Skin Care Cream 
·      A Sudocrem Bag
·      A Sudocrem Drinks Bottle
·      A Sudocrem Ball

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you played the Sudocrem Snowball Fight yet?

Staying Warm With The Hot Water Bottle Shop

Physical and Mental Health / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’m staying warm this winter with some gorgeous products from The Hot Water Bottle Shop. They sell a full range of microwavable wheat bags, hot water bottles, slippers and more! Products like these can comfort, ease aches and pains, warm you up and with essential oils such as Lavender help you de-stress and sleep better.

Staying warm this winter with hot water bottle shop

Hot Water Bottles And Microwavable Products

The Hot Water Bottle Shop sell both Hot Water bottles and Microwavable products. If like me you have peripheral neuropathy then microwavable products are best. Hot water bottles can cause severe scolding and peripheral neuropathy may prevent you from feeling this, especially if you have Diabetes Millitus.

If you have no health concerns then hot water bottles are perfectly safe to use. The Hot Water Bottle Shop have a great guide here on how to safely use a hot water bottle.

Heat can help ease a range of issues from arthritis, back pain, cramping, muscle aches, digestion and constipation, pregnancy and period pains, stress, anxiety and  sleeping difficulties.

Staying Warm and Purple!

Warmies - Purple

I was kindly sent this gorgeous Lilac fully microwavable bottle to try out. Due to my chronic pain and peripheral neuropathy, I often feel the cold awfully throughout winter. Products like these are perfect for helping me through winter. With a lovely lavender scent, this microwavable bottle is fantastic for warming up with, easing pains or just feeling comforted and relaxed for a bit. 

Staying warm this winter with the hot water bottle shop

I’m in love with this fluffy bottle of heat, it is so soft and comforting. With the calming lavender scent it is a great way to relax, especially just before bed after a busy day.

Easing Aches And Pains

The Hot Water Bottle Shop kindly sent me an amazing purple, lavender scented microwavable neck warmer too. This lovely Neck Warmer arrived at the perfect time, just as I developed a painful neck ache.

Purple Microwavable Neck Warmer

The neck warmer quickly soothed and eased the muscles in my neck. You can find out how to safely use neck warmers here. They truly are amazing for helping with neck aches and relaxing.

Lavender neck warmer

The Hot Water Bottle Shop is now one of my favourites! They have some lovely products that make fab gifts for adults and older children. I’m now looking forward to staying warm this winter!