My 2013 Competition wins!

Decided to make a separate page with all my wins on it.
The newest wins will be at the top and I will do my best to make a note of the date I won and the website / method I used to enter.
Some prizes may include photos and a separate post on the main page of this blog.
To prevent confusion I will only post when I have received the prizes and not when I am informed.
This is not me boasting or showing off in any way - initially I want to make a record of my wins - but also to prove to sceptics that you have to be in it to win it - and anyone can win a prize!


L'Occitane perfume set - Won from London Beauty Queen blog - received 31/12/13
Another Surprise win - Call the Midwife christmas Album - received 30/12/13
Surprise win - Crabtree and Evelyn hand cream! Received 28/12/13
Bissell Vac ad steam cleaner RRP £149 won from the Bissell comp on facebook ..received 23/12/13
Malibu cocktail shaker - another one... received 23/12/13
Aerial topper - won from Corsa website received 20/12/13
Malibu cocktail shaker - won from the advent competition - received 20/12/13
One direction love hearts.  won from life with ASD blog back in november received 20/12/13.
Nintendo XL 3DS plus game.  Won from times newspaper hourly competition on 16th/12- received on 18/12/13
2 Guess watches BEST PRIZE THIS YEAR... won through twitter Ernest Jones website 17/12/13
12 Personalised Christmas note cards - won from Blog received 16/12/13
Rudolf socks won from Utopia Bathrooms via facebook advent received 14/12/13
Set of nailvarnishes. won through a magazine. (13/12/13)
Cute sterling silver bird necklace won from Stretchmarks and sparkles blog. (13/12/13)
24 Berol Oil Pastels - won from Berol on facebook in Nov (received 12/12/13)
King Size duvet set - won from Tony's textiles voucher £25 voucher. originally won in nov received 10/12/13

Beauty products worth approx £70 Won from all that slap blog 30/11/2013
Braun in ear thermometer - Surprise win dunno where from 30/11/2013
Linen tote bag - won from real foods. co uk 30/11/2013
Craft set - won from Motivating mum blog - 28/11/2013
Gorilla Glue & mosaic craft book - surprise win 27/11/2013
60 slimming pills - won from GKH weightloss on facebook 20/11/2013
Pudsey bear teddy bear and headband. Won from Feel Good Drinks on Facebook 19/11/2013
Packs of Jelly Belly Jelly beans x2 - won from the instant win on facebook - 18/11/13
heat Holders socks won from family fever blog 15/11/2013
Tomy toys - surprise win. No idea where from!! 15/11/2013
£30 Primark voucher won from ridings shopping centre wakefield - 08/11/2013
Carmex Lip balm - Surprise win! 06/11/2013
Alana Cereal (Porridgewith apple and cinnemon) Facebook daily comp! 06/11/2013
Logo Billionaire game won from a blog received 04/11/2013
Cheerios grab to go 5 pack , surprise win 02/11/13
Cat ears pearl headband  won from hair trader on facebook received 02/11/13
Little Mix Collection 2000 make up box. lots of make up and goodies. Won through facebook 30/10/13
DVD - After Earth - won from Kiss radio website 28/10/2013
a Pair of rubber gloves (the washing up kind) - won from Bizzybee 26/10/13
Cushelle Koala - won through facebook app - 26/10/13
lambrini Umbrella - surprise win (25/10/13)
Dark Chocolate kit kat - Won from I love Brands on Facebook Received 19/10/13
Silver Sweet Rosie Earrings! Won from blog I think 19/10/13
Skwooshi set - like magic playdoh! won from a parenting website! Received 18/10/13
Book - Dear Sister - Won through Good reads - 17/10/13
Primavera Ginger and Lime Body wash - won from facebook like and share competition 16/10/2013
Hair mousse - volumising won from Twitter - Love your hair - recieved 16/10/2013
Book - The True German - Book about a WW2 Military judge! Won from Goodreads 14/10/2013
£10 Amazon Gift Voucher - Won from Aunt Bessies on facebook 12/10/2013
Poison Diaries bag - won from the Poison Diaries website! Received 12/10/2013
Cheese Hamper - worth £22 Won from the blog Fuss Free Flavours - Received 08/10/2013
Spontex Goodie box - sponges and other cleaning cloths! Surprise win which I didnt know about Received 04/10/2013
4 Rawhide dog bones - Won through facebook -received 02/10/2013
£25 George at Asda Voucher - won from facebook competition (E-voucher only) received 01/10/2013

Family Pass to the Deep (Hull) won from What to do with the Kids website - Received 28/09/13
California Raisons set -(pretty pants actually!) won from ?? Received 21/09/2013
Maybelline 14 hour lipstick Won from doing a survey for Fabulous online magazing- received 21/09/2013
Personal Planner- which is amazing!! Won from blog, Boo Roo and Tigger too - Received 21/09/13
Comfort Umbrella - Won from Comfort App on facebook, Received 20/09/2013
Martha Hill - Beauty set - won from Take a break - Received 19/09/2013
How to be the perfect Host Book - Win from a blog - I love food its all I eat! Received 17/09/2013
Wilkinson sword personalised Razor won through Wilkinson sword on Facebook - Received 14/09/2013
Pack of Greetings cards - Blog competition - received 10/09/13
Stationary from total merchandise - won from a like and share and comment on facebook received 07/09/13
3 dresses from Chi Chi - won from a daily competition on the Chi Chi website! Received 07/09/13
Yahoo notebook, pencil case and pen! Won from Yahoo - received 06/09/2013
McCains Limited Edition Sharing bowl (for Potato wedges) Won through mccains received 06/09/2013
Yakult mug - Runner up prize from a yakult competition on FB I think? Received 05/09/2013
£200 cheque from Thats Life Magazine - received 02/09/2013
4Packets of Frizz Ease from John Freida - received 02/09/2013

£5 Amazon Voucher - Won from Sophie Marie Hendley on facebook - Received 29/08/13
2 Dolce Gusto Cups and Saucers - Surprise win and I do not know where from! Received 28/08/2013
Gothic Necklace and earring set! Won from Mookychick - an email competition - received 28/08/2013
The Silver Chain- Erotic fiction by Primula Bond - won on twitter - received 19/08/13
Brita Water filter jug! Won through an email comp in Good Housekeeping magazine! Recieved 19/08/13
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation - Won from Rimmel- Recieved 14/08/2013
Now you see me Goodie set (tshirt, pack of cards, lazer pen, ipad case, USB stick) Recieved 14/08/13
Maybelline 14 hour lipstick in pink colour! Won from Fabulous Magazine Received 13/08/2013
Imperial leather foam burst gel and facemask won from Imperial leather on Facebook - Recieved 1/08/13
Book - My Education by Susan Hoi  - Recieved 01/08/13

Special K cereal and Special K cereal bars! Won from the Kelloggs special K app on facebook - 26/07/2013
Book - Spirit and Dust by Rosemary Clement-Moore - Dunno where from - perhaps a Good reads competition? (18/07/2013)
Superdrug glimmer eyeshadow - in Golden Sand - won from Superdrug, but totally a surprise! (13/07/2013)
Book - Nearest thing to Crazy by Elizabeth Forbes - Won from Mumsnet - need to review this when I have read it! (12/07/2013)
Wax Stamp set (As in red blob thing used to seal letters originally!) (11/07/2013)
Fudge Hair Mousse - Raspberry and vanilla Won from Stella competition - (10/07/2013)
Some plastic food storage containers! Won from 'havent a clue!!' a nice surprise win when I returned from a school trip! (09/07/2013)
Dr Organic Bioactive skincare- organic virgin coconut oil (for skin, hair and nails) Won from the Stella Comp in june (Received 4/07/2013)
Finger puppets - won from the Hippy chick blog, received 4/07/2013
£10 Cheque won from Take a Break Magazine (issue 5 cashword) received 1/07/13 GOOD START TO THE MONTH!!!!!

Bakers Silver Dog bowl won on an instant win competition - received 29/06/2013
Higgidy cool bag and lots of vouchers for free picnic food. won from Higgidy cooks website (received 28/06/2013)
Lipbalm / lipgloss- won from Stella competition (Received 27/06/13)
/Yeo valley yoghurt goodie bag (lots of yummy yoghurt) plus seeds and cool bag. Won from GoodtoKnow website (received 27/06/2013)
Metoyou (not the blue nosed bears!) Daughter journal (won from a Blog) Received 22/06/13 RRP £12.99
Horrible Histories signed book (celebrating 20yrs of the programme and books. (received 21/06/2013
Bare Minerals lipgloss in Oh So Cosmo - won from Cosmopolitian Magazine worth £16 (20/06/2013)
Nails Inc - Nail varnish (Green) won through the Stella beauty competition (19/06/13)
Loreal Full Size hair expertise Ever Riche Shampoo, condition and hair mask. Won from Loreal website. (Received 17/06/2013) (approx £13 worth of stuff)
Elemis Papaya Peel - won fom Glamour Magazines Big beauty competition - (13/06/2013) worth £30
A 3metre by 6 metre Gala Tent Marquee - won through Gala Tents on Facebook- worth £300 (Received 12/06/2013)
A Family Annual Merlin pass for theme parks etc Won through facebook from the one stop convenience store! (Received 07/05/2013) (Retail price is £500)
6 Packets of babywipes - won from a blog I think? (Received 05/06/2013)
Watermelon lipbalm from body shop - won from the daily glamour competition in may received 3/6/13

Heineken Glass - Dont know where from arrived with no letter (25/05/2013)
Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Masque - Won from Facebook app. (25/0152013)
Box of Kelloggs All Bran Red Berry Crunch - Kelloggs app on facebook (25/05/2013)
RC Car, Huge Car Cleaning kit and Apple TV Device - Runners up prize from Men's Health Magazine - (23/05/2013)
Toni And Guy, Volume Plumping Whip - think I have won it through the glamour mag site (23/05/2013)
Bottle of Lambrini- won from facebook via The Lambrini page (22/05/2013)
DVD - Blood Simple - Won from emailing a saga comp - (20/05/2013)
Bee Prepared Daily defence herbal type tablets Won from the Vegetarian website (18/05/13)
Book - The Collector of Lost Things (Jeremy Page) Won from the little brown book company! (18/05/2013)
Spartacus Box set - Won from a film website - (17/05/2013)
Marc Jacobs Limited Edition Coke Glass- Won from Style it light website. (16/05/2013)
Book Six Weeks by Harlen Coben - signed! Won from the most wanted site - (09/05/13)
Book - The Sea On Our Skin - Madeline Tobert - Won from Twitter (7/05/13)
Lazy Oaf TSHIRT - won through twitter from a cider company (7/5/13)
OPI nailvarnish in red won from look magazing (2/5/13)
Hallmark childrens books and teddies - a huge box of them! surprise which I did not know I had won!! (2/5/13)
Blue 4 leaf clover necklace - won from the website us2friends. (2/5/13)
Billingtons sugar goodie bag- won from sainsburys (2/5/13)
Anne Dressed in Blood book- by Kendare Blake - won through facebook (1/5/13)
Love story with murder - book by Harry Bingham - won through facebook. (1/5/13)


4 Boxes of Kelloggs Cereal! Won through a blog (Received 30/04/2013)
The Girl Behind the Mask - book by Stella Knightly. Won from Shaz's book blog via facebook (Recieved 27/04/2013)
Jack the Giant Slayer goodie bag - 2 tshirts, hoodie, notebook, pen, hat and earphones! Won through a film website!! (in march) (24/04/2013)
JollyWobbles DVD (childrens Justin Flecter aka Mr tumble!) Won through a blog rafflecopter comp - (23/04/2013)
Primavera Intensive revitelising face cream. Won through a like and share competition on facebook. (18/04/13)
Sightseers on Blu-ray! Won through a film website! (17/04/13)
£20 scratchcard win After deliberation decided to put any lottery wins £10 or over on here. (16/04/13)
Mariella Mystery - childrens book! Arrived 15/04/13
Mackies icecream Voucher Won from answering a Mackies Survey! (Received 13th April) Worth £3.50
Office goody bag (Pink pen, chocs, teabag & cup) Celebrity angels - Received 6th April) - entered through a website.
Nestle Oats and more cereal - full size box- won through facebook (Recieved 5th April)
Google Nexus 7 tablet - 16gb - Gumtree competition - (Received 4th April) worth £180
Hotel Chocolate Easter egg - You crack me up - from the good natured company.A surprise win received 3rd April - must have won in March. Worth £27

£25 Amazon Voucher - this is bad but I can not recall what company I won this from. (Received 28th March)
Blog - Everyday things - Dior Nailvarnish - all the way from france. (Received 26th March) (Worth £20)
Elizabeth Arden - An eyeliner in iridescent Teal - Surprize prize - dunno where it came from (Received 19th March) (Worth £14.50)
SmartShopper - A Cuddly toy from Shrek - won through a facebook app. (Received 14th March)
Inside the Wendy House Blog - Won a brita water bottle with 4 filters. (Received 13th March)
Spontex - entered through a short facebook survey - won a cleaning pack with cloths and gloves - (Received 9th March)
Celebrity Angels - entered through website - Won a bronze necklace from LA Jewellery (received 2nd March)


Lingerie Stylist - through facebook - A playful promises set! (Bra and Pants) (Received 28th Feb)
Clean Campaign Andrex Facebook comp - some eye make up remover wipes. (Received 23rd Feb)
Books from Sharon - facebook like and share comp - 3 erotic fiction books - (Received 23rd feb)
Hair trade - a lovely black bracelet. - facebook comp (like and share) (Received 16th Feb)
Halifax Bank Plc - Facebook competition - daily entry - (Received 16th Feb)
Stardust perfume set - won through a Blog back in Jan - Thought it had got lost in the post. (Received 15th Feb)
Books from Sharon 6 erotic fiction books - won through a like and share competition on FB (received 11th Feb)
Botanics - Herbal creams - won through facebook (Received 7th Feb)
Le Powder Room Blog - 4 Mini Ciate nailvarnishes - amazing colours! (Received 7th Feb)
Batiste Dry Shampoo - Beauty uk lipstick - shade brown sugar - facebook competition - won Jan (received Feb)

Visionary Soap Company - selection of fair-trade organic goodies - won through Facebook - Won in January.
Galaxy hot chocolate - 5 various full size hot chocolates - won through the website - January 2013
Chelsea Mamma - A Lenor Sleep Sack- full of goodies like a mug, books, cds, lenor, hot chocolate, and a pillowcase you can draw on. - Won through the blog Chelsea Mamma - January 2013
Guide to the british - A book with some really fab illustrations - Won via Twitter - Jan 2013
PGUK - A instant happy book (see seperate post) - Won via Facebook - Jan 2013
Cloud freebies - £25 voucher - won on website - see seperate post.
ShoeZone £50 voucher - won through the website found link through the prizefinder - Jan 2013
Waterstones - GU cookbook - Dec2012
PGUK - Jimi Hendrix book - a twitter competition - dec2012

Social media and raising awareness of little known illnesses and incredible people!

This is a bit of an odd post, but one for some reason I feel compelled to write...... 

Now social media like Facebook and twitter can cause a lot of problems for some people - you only have to watch an episode of Jeremy Kyle and hear about some relationship destroyed by facebook. In fact there are TV programmes devoted to mishaps from social media sites. 

But Facebook can be useful in many ways..... Through it I have being educated on several inspirational people who are undergoing difficult times but still remaining positive and who work endlessly to promote awareness of their suffering. 

The main page that I follow is Claudia's Cause this is about a young girl who has Metastatic PineoBlastoma  a rare and aggressive tumour within her brain. Her family are a huge inspiration to me when I am feeling low and fed up, what they are going through on a daily basis is unbelievable. As a mum I find the whole family brave and incredible and I do feel honoured that through the regular updates we can be a part of the struggle with this horrible incurable illness. 

As well as round the clock intensive nursing the family are big fundraisers and advocates for charities such as  Headsmart an organisation devoted to helping diagnosis of brain tumours in children and young adults. Clic sargent a charity for children with cancer and Believe in Magic who help provide wishes and dreams for really poorly children. Only recently a Ball was held as a fundraising project and over £8000 was made to help these well deserved causes. It is this I find truly inspirational..... I don't know if I could have the energy or love to work tirelessly for others at the same time as witnessing the huge suffering of my child. I would like to think that I would be as generous with my time and as positive as Claudia's mum and dad, but in reality I think if I was in a similar situation I would fall apart. 

Only a couple of years ago I watched my dad going though a similar illness and I thought it unjust and cruel because he was only 50. Perhaps it is witnessing his pain and strength that made Claudia's story appeal to me so much? She seems to have the strength of a million men and seems to be fighting tirelessly against this disease which is debilitating her. 

It has touched me so much that I log into her page on a daily basis just to see how she is and how her amazing supportive family are doing. But when I have been reading the updates it seems to me that people are messaging offering their 'not so supportive advice!'  This annoys me so much-  how dare people pass judgement on this family when they are not walking in their shoes???? Could they help raise awareness and funds to help others when going though such life changing events?? Yes we as readers all have an opinion when someone is sharing intimate details of their lives with us....but respectful people would keep these opinions to themselves. 

That is just my thoughts anyway.... I wanted to help raise awareness of this amazing family and worthwhile causes they campaign for. I would love to be able to contribute more and offer a financial donation to the charities but until I get a job I am unable to. So if this post makes a few more people aware of the illness then I feel that is ok for now.... as soon as I am in a position to donate then I will. 

(If you want to read more of Claudia's cause then there is also a webpage here   http://www.claudiascause.co.uk/  ) 

12 Years on - September the 11th 2001 (Not the happiest post but a reflective one!!)

I remember this date 12 years ago very vividly. I know a lot of people will because of the enormity and scale of the attack and those in America specifically will remember it even more and probably for more personal reasons than me. But I still like to show my respect and think about those who experienced 1st hand the events of that date. 

I was 18 when it happened and had a 2 month old premature baby, which is why I think it hit home to me a lot more than if it had happened before my little boy was born. My son was ill when he was born and spent some time in special care - however he was cradled in my arms and I was snuggled up on the sofa watching my daytime soaps and telly. As a new mum I was absorbed in every little facial expression and movement my son made when all of a sudden I looked up at the telly. (I couldn't hear the change from the soap to breaking news bulletin because I was still deaf back then!!) But what I witnessed live on the news shocked me to my core! 

From the moment I turned the volume up I was engrossed in the events unfolding before my eyes. I wasn't even aware of these 2 skyscrapers towering above New York until this point - and to see the 2nd plane hit and then the subsequent falling down of them both made me cuddle my son that little bit tighter. 

As the years have passed I have always spared a thought to those involved closely to the days events, I have also since watched documentaries which focus on the events and heroes of the day. But today it is really important in my opinion to think about how lucky I am to be able to watch my kids grow up and become young adults. 

Broken arms and operations - the 2nd week of summer holidays! ! ! ! ! !

So it is the 2nd week of the school holidays and I decide that my son (who is 12) needs to come off his XBox for a bit and get some fresh air and exercise. With 2 dogs needing to burn off some excess energy and a 8 yr old daughter wanting to go on a bike ride I had the bright idea of taking them all the field at the top of my street!
It was about 3pm on Tuesday and the sun was shining and all 4 of them were having fun..... until my son fell off his bike! As a mum you can tell with the pitch and tone of their cry that they are in pain so without thinking I set off into a sprint to see what was up with him!
Holding his arm gingerly he said "Mum Ive broken my arm!!"

As you can see from the photo it really did look like he had done some damage! It was banana shaped!!! 

So we took him to the local Accident department where he was seen very quickly. An xray did confirm that it was broken but the break was bad with the bones not aligning! He had a plaster cast put on and then another xray which told us that unfortunately he needed an operation to realign the bones so they healed right! 

The hospital we were in did not have an orthopaedic team so we ended up travelling to Pinderfields hospital- children's ward. With his operation first on the list for the following morning we brought him home so he could rest here and have some nice food - I am firm in my belief that you feel better in your own surroundings! It was a bad night for both of us though - I didn't get a wink of sleep and he only managed a hour at the most! He was in so much pain!! 

By 7am Wednesday morning we were back in the children's ward and he was booked in for his surgery. I went down with him for his general and found it so difficult to see him so vulnerable and in pain - but thankfully all went well and he didn't need a pin putting in. By 1pm we were at MacDonalds drive through buying him his happy meal to take home! 

Settled on the sofa his shock finally set in and he was sick a lot - he still couldn't sleep much because he couldn't get comfy but he looked a little bit better than the day before! 

Now it is 2 days later and although he is fed up - he doesn't hurt and can almost manage to get back on his Xbox!! 

We have some more appointments at the clinic to see that it is healing right but hopefully things will go ok!!! 

I consider myself lucky because this is the 1st time in my 12 years of being a mum we have had to go to casualty with a childhood accident! The hospitals were amazing but even better my little girl is being fantastic and so helpful. Even though it is horrible he has gone through this it is nice to see how close we are as a family and supportive when times get tricky! 

Royal Baby Ramblings - viewpoints on the whole excitement from me and my daughter!!

Whilst watching all the coverage of the Cambridge's birth and the following celebrations I got called a Royalist! I would not say I was a Royalist exactly but as a history lover I think anything to do with the Royals will be talked about for years to come so I like to make sure I am aware of it and keeping an eye on current affairs! 

I did fully get caught up in the hype of watching the Lindo wing door on a live webcam even though I knew that the likelihood of seeing something was slim. I got so engrossed I even missed out on about 4 days worth of entering competitions! (Even the many comps that were about the Royal birth!!) Yesterday when I was waiting for the new family to emerge I even delayed making food for the kids so I didnt miss anything! So yeah perhaps you could say I have Royalist tendancies! 

But I never saw any significant Royal Births before and I do admire Will and Kate so much for their obvious love for one another so think they will do a fantastic job of combining royal duties with making happy memories. 

Watching the coverage was a first for me having been to young for Wills and Harry's - but to me this was even better because my kids watched it too we get to share the memory together. Now in years to come me and my little girl can say "Yeah we watched Cambridge Junior on the telly for his 1st royal wave!!" 

My daughter wrote some of her thoughts about it all down, so I thought I would include them on here to preserve them....

(From the mouth of an 8 year old girl.......)

"I think the Royal Baby will be a King full of courage and keep to the law. When I watched the News I thought he was so cute and I thought that Will and Kate will make good parents. I also think he will be clever when he is king! His mum and dad will look after him very well and the Queen will also love him."

It would be nice now if the family could have some time out from all the media intrusion, although I think William will ensure that they do! They should be able to go about things like walking in the park and meeting up with family without the fear of Paparazzi following them everywhere! But I probably have this view because of what happened to Princess Diana - you can't help but think of her at this emotional time. She would be so proud of how her two boys are handling themselves in this modern world! 

Where is my motivation?? (And not the Greenday lyrics but just in general!!)

Ive got no motivation (and even though I can not say that without the Greenday song dancing around my head) this lack of motivation is not helping with my blog posts!!
*What blog posts??? hahaha

I would like to say I have been super busy trying to change the world or training for a marathon - however that would be lying!! Ive spent more or less this past month trying to sort out the families financial situation seen as the other half is now unemployed due to his ill health! Entering competitions (for a change), battling with my ears and the ENT Docs (for a change!), helping kids with their homework (both have huge projects due in within 2 weeks). I have also been signing up to Uni after finally coming to a massive decision about my career!

So in a quick round up - being doing well with my competitions - won quite a lot this month (Feel free to check out the specific page on this blog dedicated to my wins!) had to sell quite a few of the prizes so I can afford clothes for the kids. But I have had some nice beauty treats which I have kept because like any other girl I like to have a bit of a pamper every now and again. I'm now trying to win a few things to put away for Christmas! I know that it is months away but unless my lotto numbers come up it will be a huge struggle financially - if I can win a few things to stash away and wrap up in December I am sure my purse would be grateful. So fingers crossed I will have a few more wins - I got a £10 cheque this morning so I am hoping it is a sign of things to come!

The financial situation is too boring to explain and I will end up going on a rant about the economic climate and current affairs - but slowly we are battling agencies and government policies to try and stay alive.

My ears are even more boring to talk about but its a massive part of me so I am not going to spare the details - since November 2012 they have been leaking that yucky gunk! Well finally they have just stopped piling me with Anti-biotics and drops and have changed their tune. Apparently it is mucus which is leaking from my ears - so I am now on an intensive course of flushing out my nasal passages for 6 weeks to see if this helps? At the moment it is painful on my sinus' and does not seem to be working on the wet lugs - but its early days and I want to give it a fair shot! In general my hearing is rubbish and sometimes even with my aids in sounds are muffled and can be difficult to understand! It is so depressing when it is constant and the hospital just seem to shrug it off as it is nothing. Would they like gunk dripping from their ears for 6 months? Probably not so why do they seem to think that it is nothing to me??

Oh and saved the most important update for last - IVE SIGNED UP TO UNI!! Again - and at the moment it is only Open University but I have studied with them before and am happy to have another couple of years with them whilst I try to sort out a degree! Because them I am going to a local Uni to do my PGCE which is Post Graduates Certificate of Education! I want to be a teacher! Well always wanted to be a teacher but life happened and circumstances told me otherwise! Well now since I have been volunteering with my daughters school I have realised how fulfilling and rewarding I find it so I figured why not reach for the stars and get my degree!!

So in a nutshell you have the reasons I have been absent from here for a while. I am sure I will add more updates on Uni and my ears in the future - I will also pick up my A-Z of dislikes when I get the chance!!

A - Z - D Drink drivers and the drinking youth culture!!

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Road accidents in 2011 there were over 10000 people injured by drink drivers. 280 people were killed whilst 1290 were seriously injured! (See source here...)

But most of the victims of drink driving accidents are those who are not under the influence - this includes the elderly and young children. Yet still some drivers still insist they are ok to get behind the wheel of a car!! I do not drive and nor do I drink but I am a daughter and a mum and worry on a regular basis how many idiots are on the road whilst under the influence. It is my worst nightmare that something could happen to my mum or my kids because someone could not make a responsible decision and either not have a drink or have a drink but not drive....

Times are hard in this country and I do not begrudge someone wanting a tipple to take the stress of the day away! But I do believe that one drink can lead to more and stresses can mean some people find it hard to stop drinking even when they are over their personal limit! 

And there are those people who do not work who spend all day watching telly and drinking - using benefit money to sit there paralytic  How does this happen?..... Looking around the supermarkets it is hardly surprising people can afford to drink so much and so often. There are offers on bulk buying alcohol all the time - and own brand alcohol is so cheap therefore it is not surprising that so many people drink so much so often......

For this reason unfortunately I can not see this problem getting better in the future- the government make so much tax on the sale of alcohol that they will not take measures to prevent this excessive drinking. They will not make it harder to buy alcohol when they can earn money from the sales. The state of the economy will mean more people will want a drink to eradicate the stress of life and in my opinion the country will get worse before the country improves. 

So I have a feeling this pet peeve of mine will continue for a long time - how many people will suffer from alcohol related accidents in the mean time???? 

A-Z the letter C (Coalition Government and how everyday families are suffering!)

This one was tricky - my first thought went to Cruelty to animals and then Chewing with your mouth open! 

But eventually I settled on the state of England and in particular since the Coalition Government came into power..... 

(This does not mean that I think Cruelty to animals is not as bad as this, however Cruelty is a common peeve or hate and the majority of 'normal' people agree it is wrong. I thought the Coalition Gov was a more 'risque' post and something specific to 2013 which is why I opted for this!!) 

I am not a political person, I know very little on the in's and outs of life in Westminster (in this era anyway - historically I know more about politics!) but I do know how everyday people up north feel about the situation created down south on the banks of the Thames. This maybe a generalisation because I can not speak for all us Northern folk, but everyone I speak to is disgusted at the state of the country now. It has been increasingly getting worse for many years, but since the two culprits above came into power the lower classes seem to have been made lower. The job market is poor yet benefits changes are been made which mean people suffer (bedroom tax is a prime example of this!). The only people who do not seem to suffer at these cut backs and the inflation rates are those sat in the houses of parliament and the fat cats in charge of major companies. 

But the worst thing in my opinion is the ignorance of this suffering and hardship. Tv programmes highlight situations for poorer people on a weekly basis. (Recently Skint on Channel 4, and even programmes like Secrets of Shoplifters illustrate how times are hard) yet we still have politicians stating they could live on £50 a week!!!!!!!!!!!

Do they know and appreciate how hard it is to feed people on a small budget? how difficult it can be saying no time and time again to kids who want an icecream or sweets? I sincerely doubt that!!!! Not all those people who shoplift or do perhaps 'dodgy' things are career criminals- they are parents who are struggling to put food on the table and clothes on kids backs. 

As a family we have not shoplifted or been reduced to low levels to provide for our children. But my husband has now lost his job due to health issues and is unfit to work for  the unforeseeable future. I am looking for work but with these gunky ear infections and deafness it is a struggle. So now we are going to be one of those families who struggle and have to survive on state handouts!! It is worth mentioning my hubby has worked full time and paid his taxes and National insurance for 27 years. So it is bad and wrong to be surviving on government money - but he has paid into the pot over the years! 

Never would we be reduced to stealing to cope with this downfall - but it gives us an understanding on how people can do this because there are more people out there who are much worse off than us!! As a family we are resourceful and can make cheap and healthy food and repair things instead of replacing but not everyone has the know how or ability to cook properly or mend things. 

I just wish that David Cameron and Nick Clegg could see this; not all people who claim benefits are avoiding work but the majority of them are people who are just down on their luck and struggling to eat and stay warm. They should look at families like mine and many others I know and realise how life is for people who are not in power and who do not have life savings and an inheritance! People who are ill or who have been made redundant because of the state of the economy should not be put in the same category as those idiots who purposely sit on their butts all day and have no intention of working (legally). 

I could go on about this because it a subject so close to me and many people I know and care about - and I accept that this government did not necessarily cause this- but they are not helping and still remain ignorant to a lot of people's plights!

But a magic wand can not be waved - I have a feeling the situation is set to get a whole lot worse before it gets better!!! 

Would be interesting to know what others think?

It will also be interesting to look back and review this situation and subject in a year or more and see my opinions on it then!!! 

A-Z - this time I am evaluating B .... (bad manners and bullying)

Next on my list is the letter B!!

Now for this I could not decide whether to select BAD MANNERS or BULLYING.

So I have gone for both on the tenuous link that bullying could be construed as bad manners!!! (Maybe I am clutching at straws there?!)

BAD MANNERS.   Being a parent I have tried to install in my kids the importance of saying please and thank you, and just being polite in general! But it still shocks me how many children in their peer groups that do not even say a simple 'Ta!'

 I was raised that manners were more important than anything, the last words uttered to me before a party or tea at a friends house were "Remember your P's & Q's!" and I find myself repeating this to my own 2 if they are invited out. And I always get that flush of pride on their return when I am commended on their manners.

But still there are so many other people out there, adults as well as children who can not utter a word of thanks or show any manners. Is it any wonder that kids out there are growing up rude? 

Now I am not victorian in my standards - my children are taught to respect those who respect them. They are taught to consider other peoples feelings when out in the street or on public transport but I also try to teach them that there are older people out there who can be rude so in those cases civility is all that is needed. 

It is so simple to install good manners in children who tend to lead by example, children should be attending pre-school or nursery with the basics of manners already second nature. Although I have recently read something which states it should be the teachers job to teach manners.... I think this is codswallop!! Teachers suffer most of all from ill-mannered kids and they are constantly pulling them up on manners (they are when I am working in school anyway!!) So yeah... teachers should reinforce how important please and thank you are... but so should any adult who is contact with youngsters......

And BULLYING... I was a victim of bullying when I was at school, at one point I even had to move schools because of the trouble I faced. Mainly because I looked 'different' but also because I was gobby and answered back... I liked to shock with my appearance and this tended to cause comments from the more 'Trendy' people. In fact I used to have my own come backs stored in my head read for any hatred thrown my way. In this sense I was not bullied to the extent you read about in today's press. I was not beaten up or attacked physically. But I did end up in tears several times. I tried to be tough but found it unfair that how I looked made people hate me... 

Bullying is on this list because it has escalated now to the point where teens are stabbed and seriously hurt for no reason. TV programmes like Hollyoaks do serve to highlight the dangers from bullies but again it is mainly down to the parents. It is children who live with bullies and narrow mindedness who then repeat the process by picking on others. Again it is not difficult to teach children that all people regardless of colour, religion, sexuality, music tastes etc.... are the same inside. 

So there you have the letter B.... rather long winded and a bit of a rant but hey ho....

A-Z of things which annoy me or I don't like ..... today is the letter A (Alphabet challange!!)

I am a bit late in the day with this series of posts but I have been neglecting this blog a bit because I have hit a bit of a rut.....

Seeing this type of thing on other people's amazing blogs made me want to start my own so the letter today is A.

The  little image at the side of this might just give the game  away because  adverts on telly are one of my pet peeves. Yeah I know its a trivial matter and not important in day to day life - but to me there is nothing more annoying (which  begins with an A that gets on my wick!!!) 

Because of this one of my fave inventions of the 21st century is Sky+, been able to record programs so you can fast forward  them at the annoying bits is bliss for someone like me.

In general I use adverts to try and conquer a level on Candy Crush Saga  or read several chapters of my boo, so I will admit they are handy for that reason. But the same repetitive slogan or song time after time makes me tut at the telly.... (Go Compare anyone?!?!)

(Added the day after) - thinking about this post I thought I was unfair. I know advertising is big business and employs a lot of people in its various forms, I also appreciate how much media influences us in day to day life. Which does not remove this 'peave' of mine - but perhaps makes me less annoyed about it. 

(Hopefully the letter B will not be far behind this post!!) 

My prize winning April!!! Long may my luck continue!!!

My last post told you all about my comping frenzy - it seems that it has paid off!! 

• 4 Boxes of Kelloggs Cereal! Won through a blog (Received 30/04/2013) 
• The Girl Behind the Mask - book by Stella Knightly. Won from Shaz's book blog via facebook (Recieved 27/04/2013)
• Jack the Giant Slayer goodie bag - 2 tshirts, hoodie, notebook, pen, hat and earphones! Won through a film website!! (in march) (24/04/2013) 
• JollyWobbles DVD (childrens Justin Flecter aka Mr tumble!) Won through a blog rafflecopter comp - (23/04/2013)
• Primavera Intensive revitelising face cream. Won through a like and share competition on facebook. (18/04/13) 
• Sightseers on Blu-ray! Won through a film website! (17/04/13) 
• £20 scratchcard win After deliberation decided to put any lottery wins £10 or over on here. (16/04/13) 
• Mariella Mystery - childrens book! Arrived 15/04/13
• Mackies icecream Voucher Won from answering a Mackies Survey! (Received 13th April) Worth £3.50
• Office goody bag (Pink pen, chocs, teabag & cup) Celebrity angels - Received 6th April) - entered through a website. 
• Nestle Oats and more cereal - full size box- won through facebook (Recieved 5th April) 
• Google Nexus 7 tablet - 16gb - Gumtree competition - (Received 4th April) worth £180
• Hotel Chocolate Easter egg - You crack me up - from the good natured company.A surprise win received 3rd April - must have won in March. Worth £27

This massive list is my total prizes for the month of april - even though I won some of them in March I received them on the dates stated! 

Yesterday I also got another 3 winning emails (WEM) so hopefully that stands for how lucky I will be in May! I am really loving these competitions I find on http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/  the people on there are so lovely and friendly and there are a lot of comps added daily! Plus I like being able to help manage the forum yourselves by reporting expired comps and adding new ones! 

A catch up with me..... (kids, easter, comping, Maggie Thatcher and life in general)

Firstly I was going to apologies for not writing in so long.... but then I figured that I have never set a rule to what and when I will update this blog of mine so I should not feel so guilty for not been on here in a while!!!!

I haven't been particularly busy as such I have just been entering a lot of competitions. My hubby on sick now and his sick pay run out so we are 'attempting' to live on £800 a month. I say attempting because it is so hard and emotionally draining with every day been a battle to sort out some money and battle some other organisation. Looking for jobs is depressing when you have been trying for so long and sometimes life just seems cruel and unfair!! So I have been on a comping frenzy to win things to make me smile and things to make my life easier! I haven't done bad if you check out my comping prize tab!

I've still been on the job hunt, and trying to settle in our new puppy (Buddy) and the Easter holidays were a fab time to chill with my kids without the early school runs and homework panic! But I was happy to see them off in their uniforms yesterday morning ready for a day of not been at beck and call every 2 seconds! I'm human and although I love my babies they are full of energy and noise and beans..... a break from them is needed once in a while. (And I get no help from our parents or families so the only time out we get is when they at school!!)

My ears have still been bad... it has got to the stage where they are bad all the time so I am used to gunk leaking all the time!! Nice imagery I know but its not nice to live with neither! I really need to make another hospital appointment and see the specialist!

Finally in this rambling mess of a post MAGGIE THATCHER... I am in the group of people who are disgusted with the amount of expense and fuss that is been made over her funeral. I do agree she needs to be shown some respect but not to the extent that it has been planned. Coming from Yorkshire I know many people who were affected by the mining strikes and other protests that happened when I was a twinkle in my dads eye! (My grandad always worked down the pits and suffered lots of upset at the hands of this woman.) I admire her straight talking and everything she did for feminism but still think she caused more problems for people than she solved. Out country is in a financial mess and children and their parents are going without meals to survive and yet the country is paying to bury a woman who caused financial hardship for many. Why can't her own funds  pay for the funeral? She must have plenty of money and so must her family who did well off her name... so why dont they put their hands in their pockets and the money tax payers have spent on her funeral could be used for families who can't afford to eat?

So there a rambling post complete with a rant... not everyone will agree with me but I wanted to have my say non the less.....

COMPETITION LINK- win an android netbook with Racing Games for Girls

Racing Games for Girls

It has been some time since I posted on here and in a while I will do a full post offering my explanations to my absence (nothing so exciting though!)

Anyhow I have still been busy entering the competitions and have come across a Rafflecopter one to win an android netbook!

Who doesn't like a bit of technology??

A simple competition to enter so pop over and check it out - there are 6days left to pop your name into the hat!!

WIN A NETBOOK

REVIEW - Bionsen Deodorants

The photo my little girl took!! 

Without disclosing too much information I have always suffered with sweating problems, especially in summer - but unfortunately in the colder months too!

Over the years I have spent a small fortune on new innovative products to help with my dilemma - but nothing I had tried has stood up to my expectations.

Until..... I tried Bionsen. I very fortunately got sent some of these products to try and I am so pleased I did. Although I was not expecting a natural aluminium and paraben free deodorant to work - it did. The smell reminds me of the freshness of baby powder but it is subtle so it does not overpower perfume. But more significantly I got through the whole day without any excess sweating and damp patches. Which until I tried the products was a totally rare event.

I don't just like the product and its effectiveness though - I think the packaging is a lovely design and colour. I am not a girly girl so the blue colour suits me and my bathroom shelf!

Here comes the science bit.... the deodorants themselves consist of a unique blend of Japanese Spa minerals which originate from volcanic spas in Japan. The range of products has been tested by the Clinic of Dermatology at Siena University and are free from aluminium and parabens. There are potential links between these chemicals and breast cancer but further research is needed before a conclusion is reached on these links. 

The Bionsen ingredients deodorises  naturally whilst allowing skin to breath and pores to remain unblocked so staying fresh is natural. 

Deodorant Roll on 50ml 

Because they are so gentle and suitable for sensitive skin it makes them ideal for those who suffer with skin complaints, I also would consider using this deodorant for my daughter when she reaches the age that she needs it. 

If you feel like trying out the Bionsen products (which I do recommend) then you can buy them from Morrisons supermarket or online at www.bionsen.co.uk

There is a Deodorant Stick (40ml)

Deodorant Roll on (50ml - £2.35 at Morrisons) 

Deodorant Pump Spray (100ml - £2.75 at Morrisons)

Deodorant Aerosol Spray (150ml) 

Deo Total Body (20g of Crystals) 

Normally I do not like Roll on's or more 'damp' type deodorants but I found no problems with this type. I used both the Roll on and the Pump Spray and will be looking for the other types when I go on my weekly shop! 

Check out their twitter page here BionsenBeauty

Or their Facebook page here  BionsenBeauty

The Neverending Winter........

Like a lot of the UK I woke up Friday morning to find snow covering everywhere. This is the 22nd march (above photo) so officially the 2nd day of Spring. My son was pleased because his school was closed, my daughter's school was one of the only ones in the area to be open but she was worried her after school disco would be cancelled. And the other half stressed some more about heating costs. 

Nothing can be done about the weather though - so we went to bed hoping that the snow would go or stop at least.....

But it didn't as the other two photos show!! 

I like snow.... its good cheap family fun. But like most things there is a time and place for it... spring is for daffodils, baby birds and lambs. Not snowballs and icicles!!! I cant help but feel for all the animals who would usually be having babies at this time... all the lambs out in the fields shivering instead of frolicking! All the birds trying to build nests in tree branches laden with snow! 

I just hope it doesn't last too long.... I have had enough of this cold now...

Website Review and Wishlist - ORTAK JEWELLERY

www.ortak.co.uk

Is a jewellery website that I came across a couple of weeks ago now.

What struck my eye first of all is the elegant and classy design of the website itself. The white background is a neutral colour which makes the items themselves stand out more upon the page and you are not distracted by pop ups and advertisements, leaving you to focus on the wonderful items. 

The layout makes the website very easy to navigate around and technically all the links I clicked when exploring the designs worked. There is nothing worse than a broken hyperlink!! 

Categories

Contemporary Jewellery - 

     Stylish silver and amethyst Set!

The price for this is £68 and the sterling silver and purple amethysts work so well together and compliment each other perfectly! 

Chunky silver ring!

I adore chunky silver jewellery and this ring is such an eyecatching piece. I would wear it everyday and on special occasions (like my super rare nights out!!)

I think it is a very reasonable price too at £47.

Classic Jewellery

Celtic Style ring with various stone inserts.

This ring comes with a selection of stone or enamel inserts. Which honestly means I would find it hard to pick just one! Wouldn't it be good to be affluent enough to afford one of every style! (Maybe when I win on ITV?!?) The prices vary depending on the finish and it is sold in many styles.

Earrings - from Achnabreck

There is a full range of this circular jewellery which is based on patterns left in Scottish rocks. I love the idea of a modern, trendy piece of jewellery which is inspired by nature.  These are priced at £26 and would make a lovely gift for someone.

Giftware

Baby Girl Figurine

Perfect for a new or expecting family, this is an adorable keepsake that would make a wonderful present. 

Priced at £19.50 it is affordable to those on a limited budget. There is also a matching 'Baby Boy' version which is equally as cute.

Bags and shoes compact mirror

Another little gift idea - I like this almost retro design which is simple and useful too! This would be a welcome addition to my make up bag. Costs £14.10 

Current Promotions

March madness - Exclusive Online only. Some fabulous jewellery at amazing prices. 

Zodiac Promotions - I love this offer - depending on which month it is there is a reduction on the birthstone necklace  The usual RRP is £49 but if purchased between the dates that correspond with the Zodiac sign then the necklace is £37. (For example if the Aries Gemstone is bought between 1st March - 19th April then it is the lower price) 

Mailing list & Brochures

To ensure that you do not miss out on any new items or awesome offers then you can sign up to the mailing list  HERE ...

There is also an option to download various - Catalogue downloads

Summary

In future when I am shopping for presents or even contemplating treating myself then this is a website that I will definitely click on again! I have signed up to the mailing list so in future I will be aware of all promotions. And without a doubt I would recommend this website and company to other people! 

If you like the designs above and want to see more then check it out - a lot of the styles can be customised with metal type and stone or enamel finish. So you can really create a piece which is personal to you! 

Google Petition - please sign

A lot of you have heard that from April Google plus is no more!

In reading up about why and how and all the in's and out's of the decision I have stumbled upon this Petition set up on www.change.org. Dan Lewis from New York set it up and at the time of writing this is has had 101,809 supporters . I myself am one of those!!!

The petitions objective is written below - and if you agree then the link to follow is at the bottom of this post! 

Dear Google:

A few years ago -- years, wow -- Google Reader was one of my go-to social networks. It was an accidental one. I was using it for its intended purpose -- aggregating and reading a lot of web content in one place -- but it turns out, a lot of other people were doing the same thing. A lot. Many of which shared interests and when you added the amazing (amazing!) share and comment features, Google Reader blossomed into a wonderful experience for many of us, core to our day-to-day consumption of content online.

Unfortunately, you decided to kill those "extra" functions. I'm not here to ask you to reverse that (you should, though). In doing so, Google Reader's day-to-day value declined, and I, like many, ended up using it less often. Instead of hitting the bookmarklet I have on my Chrome install three, four times a day, it's now a once a day (okay, once every other day more often, recently) experience.

But it's still a core part of my Internet use. And of the many, many others who are signed below.

Our confidence in Google's other products -- Gmail, YouTube, and yes, even Plus -- requires that we trust you in respecting how and why we use your other products. This isn't just about our data in Reader. This is about us using your product because we love it, because it makes our lives better, and because we trust you not to nuke it.

Oh.

So, please don't destroy that trust. You're a huge corporation, with a market cap which rivals the GDP of nations. You're able to dedicate 20% of your time to products which may never seen the light of day. You experiment in self-driving cars and really cool eyewear which we trust (trust!) you'll use in a manner respectful to our needs, interests, etc.

Show us you care.

Don't kill Google Reader.

KEEP GOOGLE READER RUNNING  sign here

COMPETITION LINK - £30 Amazon Voucher - Attachment Mummy Blog!

Attachment mummy has reached her blogaversary and to celebrate with her many monthly readers she is running an INTERNATIONAL giveaway. 

I have been following this blog for a while now and really enjoy all the posts and updates. 

Attachment Mummy   is a really interesting and informative read.

Click on the link above to check out her posts and perhaps enter into the competition too? It is a rafflecopter form with multiple entries! 

Good luck 

I can't wait for the pitter patter of 4 small paws......

Just a quick post today because I wanted to introduce the adorable, cuddly, amazingly lovable pooch who will soon be the 6th member of my family.

His name is Budd - which is short for Buddy if you ask my little girl, or short for Buddha if you ask me!!! 

He will be five week old on tuesday and is a little chunk!! 

Im sure in a couple of months I will be writing to complain about chewed shoes and wet cold puddles in the middle of the night.... but right now I can't wait to see what fun and mischief he will bring!!!! 

REVIEW / WISHLIST - MooKow Army Jewellery

I like it when I come across a company on Facebook or Twitter, especially if they sell amazing stuff. MooKow Army definitely fits that specification. I like quirky and usual and this place has that but it also has cute and adorable too.

These Strawberry cupcake earrings are priced at £2.50 and have flecks of glitter in them which makes them sparkly! I know a lot of little girls (and big girls) who would like to add these to their collection.

   

These Monochrome Star earrings are on trend and adorable. At the attractive price of £2.00 these would enhance any trendy black and white outfit!

There is a full range of the quirky and fantastic Lego Earrings - and this is such a simple idea but so effective. You could colour coordinate lego according to the clothes you have on that day!

For animal print lovers there is this Pink Leopard Print Choker at £6.00 it is approx 13" long and fastens with a clasp. (There are a lot of more gothic-y chokers and necklaces on there too. Something for everyone!!

  This Alice in Wonderland key necklace has to be one of my all time favourites. It is £8.99 and has diamante detail which always makes it that bit more special. The Alice in wonderland range is all excellent though, if I am honest I would be happy to add any to my jewellery collection. 

         I am not a big broch wearer however there are some in the Cameo range on here that I would definetely purchase. This gothic female Cameo  would match some of my tattoos! It is priced £6.50.

Some more outstanding items are these Strangeling Figurines  by Jasmine Becket-Griffith are so fab!! It was a tough choice because I do like them all - but this Valentine Dragon (£14.00) has to top my poll of favourites!! This would look amazing on my shelf!

Love Never Dies Cruet Set is found snuggled within the sale category and priced at £9.99 would be a welcome sight among my condiments!

For a special occasion or a fancy dress night out there is also a massive range of Fashion Contact lenses at the very reasonable price of £13.00. To help care for these there is also a care pack that you can buy for £2.99.

Finally (otherwise I will end up showing you every item that is sold!!) there is this Alchemy Gothic single black rose. I would make myself an unusual flower arrangement using several of these and priced at £2.50 I would be able to make it look impressive! 

So I really recommend checking this site out. Even if you have not got a gothic or quirky style there are lots of items which I am sure you will like - or even know someone that does! I know that as soon as I get a job I will be visiting to purchase some items and not just drool over them!! 

There is also a Facebook page too - with some additional items for sale. 

The perils of hair dye!! Ouch!

Not a very nice picture I will admit but I wanted to highlight the 'dangers' of dying your hair! 

Now I have always dyed my hair and have been a full spectrum of colours since I was 15. But I favour black or dark colours. (That's my inner goth!!) 

Last weekend I figured my hair needed a touch up so went and bought a well known and reputable brand. 30 Minutes later and I was expecting to a have a sleek new shiny colour which I suppose I do have. However I have been left with the sorest, itchy, inflamed, scabby, did I mention sore? rash! 

To help relieve the itch I bought and started taking some anti-histamines. Which have helped slightly but it still has not gone down! After a trip to the docs I have now got anti-biotics stronger anti-itch pills and some cream, fingers crossed this lot works because I don't want to be left with scars and it really does hurt!!

I have been doing some research though and it is the chemical Paraphenylenediamine (PPD)   which is found in the majority of permanent hairdyes especially the darker ones that cause this reaction. 

On one website I read that a body usually has a tolerance of 60 times to this chemical and side effects can occur at any time you dye your hair. So if the maths is done I have been colouring my hair for 15 years - perhaps this means my time as a black haired beauty is coming to an end? 

I used to only associate extreme allergies to hairdyes - TV programmes & magazines showing some poor person who had used colourings and stopped breathing or their face had swollen to unrecognisable proportions. But a skin reaction to people who have become sensitive to PPD is common too! 

The only thing I can do in the long term is to not colour my hair, especially with permanent ones. Even if I used a henna or more natural based dye I would need to check whether it contained PPD. 

To read more about it Check out the allergy uk website here...