Month: July 2022

My Guide To The Best Apparel Out There Contiburing To Great Causes

AD – this is a sponsored post

However, please rest assured that I would only recommend brands I would buy from myself

We all love a slogan T-Shirt, right? I have many, And something I love to represent with my style is the topic of mental health and helping the environment. If you also want to represent these important issues and let everyone know it’s okay to talk, then you’re in the right place. I am an advocate for great causes!

I’ve wanted to write a guide on unique businesses offering these products for a while. And now it’s here. And, I have some fantastic brands lined up just for you. 

Angry Cow 

Great Causes

A little bit about Angry Cow began

We’re based in Portishead with a view of the Severn estuary and the Welsh hills! So, seaside air and a sense of light and space surround us. Sustainability and not contributing to a world with too much waste and stuff are really important to us, so the organic cotton and sustainable printing and manufacturing processes used to make our clothes and accessories are key.

I’m a mum to two and in our family, we have a great love of nicknames. Names get mangled until they are unrecognisable. It’s how my husband’s mum became Moo – I call her that too! And my kids call their gran, Gran Moo. Like all mums, I lose my cool sometimes and think of myself as going into Angry Cow mode, so when my 5-year-old brought home a picture she’d drawn of a cow that looked so adorably angry – the name of the Angry Cow store was born!

It’s a place to be creative and my 5-year-old has a hand in some of the designs as you might notice!

A new collection for you to check out

A is for Ant – name initials for kids

Modelling some of the t-shirts

Sarah kindly agreed to send both me and my little one our favourite design so we could create some fun content for you all. I love the shirt so much, that I am even wearing it for work. And everyone loves the design. I patricianly loved the slit design at the side, which makes it more comfortable for me and it hangs better.

You can also get free shipping from Friday 29th July to midnight on Sunday 31st of July, when ordering through this store.

Great Causes

Other ways to contact

You can find Angry Cow on Instagram, Facebook, or you can email.

Great Causes

Teela’s Jam

Great Causes

A bit about how Teela Jam began

I created my t-shirt brand in January 2018 and launched a website alongside to showcase my t-shirt line. The birth of Teela Jam came about from the acronym T.E.A.L which means together express and love. I was feeling stuck after having my son, suffering from postnatal psychosis, and I wanted more out of my life. Teela Jam gave me a way forward to put out positive messages, get creative and advocate on issues such as mental health and many others including sexual health, healing holistically and parenting. Teela Jam focuses on three themes which include self-love, personality and confidence. Its overall aim is to support people to be themselves in a world that tells them not to be and as well as that to not feel stuck by the hard times.

A new collection for you to check out

Kiddie Jam

Other ways to contact

You can check out Teela Jam on YouTube now.

Mind Body Sole

PLEASE NOTE – I am recommending Mind, Body & Sole because they do amazing charity work. They did not sponsor this post

You may have seen me promoting this charitable organisation on Twitter. If you missed, it please check out their posts.

I purchased a T-shirt a while ago and I wanted to include the brand here today, simply because they do such fantastic work helping people in need. I personally want it to continue and I will do what I can to help the cause.

Check out their online shop. And help someone in need.

Other ways to contact

You can check our Mind Body Sole on Facebook and Instagram. Also by emailing.

Check out all my previous gift guides below

8 Unique & Personalised Handmade Gifts On Etsy

Ways to Initiate Etsy Gift Mode – Mummy Conquering Anxiety

Amazing Valentine’s Day Offers & Discounts 2024

The Latest Offer From The Body Shop

10 Great Sustainable Clothing Items For Christmas Gifts

My Top 10 Decor & Gift Picks for the Holiday Season

5 Quirky Gift Ideas For Your Loved Ones

6 Father’s Day Gift Ideas You Don’t Want To Miss Out On

The Spark Company (AFF)

Great Causes

I am so excited to be working with The Spark Company and I love their mental health-related T-shirts.

A bit about how The Spark Company began

Welcome to Spark, a community for anyone who believes in the radical notion that everyone should be treated equally. 

We’re what people call feminist killjoys, a term that we’re actually quite proud of. We’re here to put our money where our ‘loud feminist’ mouths are, creating apparel and accessories that scream feminism + equality while whispering quality + sustainability seductively (and consensually) in your ear at the same time.

We know that ethical shopping is important to our community, and we ain’t no pump and dump brand. We’re all in, meet your parents, stand outside in the rain with a speaker above our head kinda into this, and we want you to be too. 

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed reading all about these wonderful brands.

I think you will agree we have a great list of meaningful apparel sellers:

  • Businesses born out of tough circumstances
  • Small businesses – which I love promoting
  • Mental health advocates
  • Advocating for women’s rights
  • Sustainable clothing

What are your favourite designs?

And will you be ordering any of these amazing items?

Great Causes

Let’s Talk About Character Strengths And How They Can Be Used To Our Advantage 

Perma Hypnotherapy – AD – long-term collaboration/series of blog posts

My hypnotherapy sessions so far

These blog posts, following my sessions are literally me providing a snippet of what I’ve learnt each week. It’s a slow process and I don’t have the complete picture yet. But I’m getting there. Building on my existing character strengths is helping.

The top nine character strengths on my list were no surprise to me. I am completing my homework, which delves deeper into your character strengths and what they mean. The learning parts of these sessions are so interesting, and then we put them into practice, with homework and pre-recorded trance sessions.

A few things occurred to me whilst completing this exercise on character strengths:

  • I was sad because, during the period of burnout from work and my subsequent mental breakdown, I showed none of these character strengths at all.
  • I’ve said the words before “I was a shadow of myself” but reading about these traits in depth made me feel it. Doing this work reaches your subconscious and allows you to access parts of your brain which were unreachable before. Naturally, this can be revealing and also quite emotional.
  • For a long time, I’ve questioned why my mental health turned for the worse and whether it was my fault. I think it’s human nature to assign blame, but that’s also a pretty narrow-minded view. And I realise that – I always have. 

Why I started these sessions

When I started these sessions, I said I was searching for answers because a piece was missing, and I wasn’t able to be fully happy. There was still a part of me that was stuck, even though I have dramatically changed my life recently. 

Let’s rewind for a second to one month after my mental breakdown – this is what I wrote on that day:

I never want to return to this place, and the key is building mental strength and resilience.

Character strengths

The character assessment I was asked to complete is the VA institute on character test. However, I did it before when I was younger, because I remember all the questions. That said, it’s been over 15 years since I’ve been able to provide any real meaning to it. 

Read my earlier posts in this series

Achieving Personal Development – My Journey With Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy 

A Powerful Concept – The Ability To Change Our Brain

Life Won’t Stop Throwing Challenges Our Way So The Key Is Mental Strength

Why are character strengths important?

What if we could learn how to see and appreciate our and others’ strengths rather than being debilitated by a weakness focus? How would that positively impact resilience, well-being, achievement, and life satisfaction? How might that help us rise to the challenges we face? Truly wise people—individuals, parents, teachers, coaches, and leaders—create the conditions for themselves and others to genuinely flourish. Developing an awareness of these strengths helps us to focus on “what’s strong” instead of on “what’s wrong.”

VA Institute on character

Reflections

I honestly can’t wait to jump back on the laptop and go through the rest of my character traits. This journey is exhilarating and exciting. I look forward to embracing the new version of myself at the end of it. 

We are all a work in progress and therefore we should shout from the rooftops about our progression. I hope this series emphasises that.

Final thoughts

I believe we are all on a journey. Relationships, learning experiences and growth come to us at the right time. Maybe when we are willing to acknowledge the areas we need to grow in. 

If you’re ready to start your journey to well-being, book a free discovery call with Kevin today. 

perma hypnotherapy

A List Of Affordable And Fun Family-Friendly Festivals In The UK

It is clear our little one is musical. She loves singing and dancing and often falls asleep when we have loud music playing. Therefore, we need to eventually take her to a music festival. She would absolutely love it. Are you also looking for Friendly Festivals?

It got me thinking about what is on offer. Here is my rundown of family-friendly and affordable festivals for you to attend as a family.

Either look to attend this year or keep them in mind for next year!

PLEASE NOTEI have no affiliation with any of these organisers. The list is from my own research about places we would visit as a family

Friendly Festivals

Smoke & Fire Festivals 

If you’re into BBQ’s and like cooking, this one is for you. With three locations, it sounds amazing and something we would love to do as a family. 

The Magpies Festival 

This is based in York on 12th & 13th August and looks to have everything you could want as a family. There is even camping available to get the full festival experience. Check out ticket prices here

Deer shed Festival 

29-31 July – North Yorkshire. 

This looks like a great range of activities, including comedy and literary activities. However, you can only book weekend tickets and it is quite pricey. Check out ticket options here

Just So Festival 

19/20/21 August – Cheshire 

This one looks like a great place for the kids to run free and the website gives you a magical forest vibe straightaway. Check out ticket prices here

Festiva – 2023

26-27 August – Lancashire

This is a visual festival and has a circus and entertainment feel to it. Perfect for the kids. 

You can sign up for information about the 2023 festival, as this year’s festival was cancelled.

Download my new workbook – a freebie designed to organise your busy life

Sign up

Lakefest 

11-14 August – Hertfordshire 

This one looks great and the images of the live performances on the website look electric,

You can view ticket prices here.

Kendal Calling

28-31 July – Lake District

I’ve always wanted to attend this festival because it looks so cool and isn’t too far away from us. 

Ticket information can be found here.

Underneath The Stars

29-31 July – Yorkshire

This festival looks great and you can buy day tickets and add extras, such as camping and parking for the weekend.

Check out all the ticket prices here

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed reading my list. It was fun to compile this and I can’t wait to get festival-ready and take my little one somewhere.

Are you attending any festivals this year? Which are your Friendly Festivals Faves?

What do you have booked?

Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you.

Friendly Festivals

AD – My Second Time Welcoming Positive Thinking For Beginners

For the second time this year, I am welcoming back this fantastic blog. I am so happy to have such an amazing content creator advertise with me.

Welcoming Positive vibes into your life is the message of this blog. And it’s one that fits perfectly with the message on my blog.

Welcoming Positive

Positive Thinking For Beginners

Positive Thinking
Welcoming Positive

Blog posts I want to recommend you – grab a cup of tea and enjoy reading

You will not be disappointed – Welcoming Positive vibes into your life

Learn to Distance Yourself from Negativity and Achieve Inner Peace (positivethinkingforbeginners.com)

This post is full of great quotes to help distance yourself from negativity. We’ve all been in a situation like that in our lives and I can definitely relate this to past situations of mine.

The post will help anyone who is currently on that journey. If you know someone who would benefit, why not send the post to them?

Why Your Future Self Will Thank You for Starting Your Positive Thinking Journey Today (positivethinkingforbeginners.com)

I love everything about this post. It’s a practical guide to talking to yourself positively. The post discusses the use of affirmations to cement the idea you are worthy. And most importantly, ditching negative thoughts.

Come and check me out on TikTok

@mummyconqueringan

AD – My Second Time Welcoming Positive Thinking For Beginners – https://bit.ly/3B3jgpn

♬ original sound – Mummy Conquering Anxiety


Change Your Daily Habits – Change Your Life (positivethinkingforbeginners.com)

“Old habits won’t open new doors.” – Unknown

I love this quote. And it is so true! I slowly changed my life by taking small steps each day. It took over a year, and I am still on a learning journey.

Never, Ever Apologise for Being You! (positivethinkingforbeginners.com)

This post reinforces the message that we are all unique and nobody else has your qualities. This is what makes you amazing. Rather than apologising to people and dealing with low self-esteem, start to see yourself as worthy.

Welcoming Positive

Advertisers post

If you missed the July 2022 advertiser’s post, all the details you need to connect with Lisa are below.

A little bit about the blog

After hitting rock bottom and realising that there was only one way to go from here, I looked for ways I could turn my life around. Positive Thinking kept showing itself to me through books, TV, conversations, and everywhere I went. I eventually looked into it and realised that I would need to start right at the very beginning, learning positivity and unlearning negativity. My life looks very different now and I created Positive Thinking for Beginners to help others begin their journey.

Ways to connect with Lisa

Facebook

Pinterest

Instagram

Twitter

FINAL thoughts

Have you already checked out this amazing blog? What are you doing today to welcome positive thoughts into your life?

I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

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Positive Thinking
Welcoming Positive

ADVERTISE ON THE BLOG

When I started this blog, it was the blogging community that helped me progress. I did several guest posts and advertised every month with my fellow bloggers. This helped me get organic search traffic to my blog.

Based on this, I would now love to help other bloggers improve their DA scores and promote your wonderful blogs, so more people can read your work.

If you would like to advertise with me, drop me an email. I can’t wait to hear from you.

Advertise with me

Want a special offer?

I am offering a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for the remainder of 2022. Book three months on the silver package for £10.00, instead of £12.00. (this applies to existing bookings and new ones, and you can select any of the remaining months of the year as three months!)

In order to secure this booking, I would need:

  • Payment of £10.00 to be made via PayPal
  • Details of the months you would like to advertise
  • Confirmation via email of the two blogs you would like to be promoted (I will contact you each month for new ones)
  • Short bio and your logo, also links to your social media

Blog stats

Check out all my previous advertiser’s posts

Blogs you must check out this month – welcome to my February advertisers

AD – Introducing a fabulous Mummy blogger – Jess – The Prosecco Mum

AD – Introducing an amazing blogger – Sophie’s blog – Starting Today

Must read blogs to settle you into March 2022

AD – Introducing the queen of blogging advice – Izzy Matias

AD – Introducing a great lifestyle blog – Cafe Beauty

Great blogs sure to put a spring in your step in April

AD – INTRODUCING Positive Thinking For Beginners

AD – INTRODUCING The Grumpy Olive

It’s May – I have some great bloggers for you to check out

AD – Why You Should Check Out Lady Boss Nomad

We Are In The Sixth Month – Check Out My Amazing Advertisers

Life Won’t Stop Throwing Challenges Our Way So The Key Is Mental Strength

AD / PR – please note – the sessions have been gifted in exchange for my honest thoughts about the process

The theme of mental strength came up in my latest Hypnotherapy session with Kevin. And it’s an important topic I want to explore a little more. 

The fight, flight, and fear responses are triggered by our primitive brain and is essentially a safety mechanism which was useful many years ago. It saved the lives of our ancestors. But is it fit for purpose in today’s modern world? 

I think it’s still useful, but the world has changed dramatically. Let’s be honest, in 2022 the world a scary place. The planet and its inhabitants are unstable and the feeling something bad could happen at any moment is anxiety-inducing in itself. 

Put aside the current condition of the world, and imagine only staying within your family circle. Keeping yourself locked away in your protective bubble. You will still face disagreements, loss, and hurt. There is no avoiding the fact that life will throw us a curve ball, at some point. And it’s only a matter of time. 

Rather than dwell on the fact this unpredictable moment is coming, I have chosen to strengthen my mind. So that, when this situation arises, I can respond and react differently. 

And it’s going really well, so far. I already feel better. But we have lots more work to do in order to build my mental strength. 

mental strength

Previous posts in this series

If you want to follow my hypnotherapy journey, you can check out the two posts below:

Achieving Personal Development – My Journey With Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

A Powerful Concept – The Ability To Change Our Brain

Download my new workbook – a freebie designed to organise your busy life

Sign up

mental strength

Your reaction is a choice 

I know these words are true. But it isn’t as simple as just saying this sentence. I certainly don’t feel this way. Currently, I can’t fully control my response to situations that trigger me and this is why I need help to build my mental strength. The science behind hypnotherapy is hugely beneficial, to try to understand how it impacts my thinking (and therefore my behaviours).

At the moment, we are exploring tools to stop the moment anxiety gets out of control and assess the reaction. A lot of research says our reaction is often the thing which causes us the most distress, rather than the event itself. It’s our response to it which is problematic. Obviously in reality it isn’t as simple as this. And the research is more complex than I can explain. 

Your reaction is a choice 

I hope one day soon I will truly feel the full impact of these words and I can shout them from the rooftops. And fully take control of every reaction I have in life. That’s the goal!

Why choose a therapist to assist you in building mental strength?

There are some people out there who believe you can read a book, or watch YouTube videos to become an expert, I was previously one of them. However, some experiences you need to be guided through. Especially when we are talking about accessing and changing the subconscious mind.

Hypnotherapy is about understanding how the brain works. Knowledge is power. But there is a lot to learn and this can only be done properly by taking it one step at a time. In this respect, weekly or fortnightly sessions provide enough time to consume the information and provide meaning.

I have to put the work in!

Kevin provides me with tools to do my own work. He’s like a guide. How much of the reading I choose to do in between sessions and how many trance recordings I practice in my own time, is completely up to me.

The work we complete during the sessions is also dependent on my life circumstances and the people around me and how I form relationships. We are also looking at the problems I currently face in being able to fully thrive as a person.

Final thoughts

I think people often go to therapy thinking someone will fix them (I did in the past) but change doesn’t happen without the individual wanting to make a change and working to do it. 

If you want to start your journey of change, you can book a FREE discovery call with Kevin here.

WANT TO WORK WITH ME

Check out a summary of my blog stats, the brands I have worked with and recent feedback I’ve received.

For collaborations, or any other queries you can contact mummyconqueringanxiety@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

A Powerful Concept – The Ability To Change Our Brain

AD / PR – please note – the sessions have been gifted in exchange for my honest thoughts about the process

Throughout this post, I want to introduce you to a powerful concept. In the past, I have looked into neuroplasticity and how the brain functions. But I only scratched the surface. My latest hypnotherapy session provided a comprehensive overview of the brain model: essentially how the brain functions according to its different parts. And more importantly, how this can impact our automatic responses to stressful situations.

The information Kevin provided me with blew my mind. Pun intended! Talking through how the brain functions react during panic attacks and how you pick up bad habits, which then become programmed responses, really resonated with me. It’s how I’ve lived for the past 15 years. But this type of solution-focused hypnotherapy asks you not to dwell on the past. It’s time to use it as a lesson and move forward. To a better, brighter future.

powerful concept

The brain model 

Understanding the brain model made me think about the mechanisms at play when my anxiety levels rise. It also makes me feel less guilty about the flight or fight reactions I experienced in the past. Another benefit is it definitely makes me feel more sympathetic towards anyone else showing their emotions through anger. There is always an underlying reason behind someone’s behaviour. When talking about toddler tantrums recently, someone said to me “all behaviour is communication” and it’s so true. 

Knowing my brain just reacts in a certain way, which is beyond my control, and this happens so fast before your logical brain can kick in, allows me to view anxiety differently. I now feel empowered with this knowledge and I feel like I have the building blocks to move forward.

perma hypnotherapy
Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash

Kevin as a therapist 

We visit a particular therapist because they make us feel at ease and Kevin certainly does that. The way he uses humour to break up heavy topics helps me immensely. Similarly, I feel comfortable going through the trance part of the session with him. His voice is very soothing and it was an enjoyable experience to completely switch off. Something I feel I haven’t achieved for a while.

Summary

What I love about these sessions is the onus that the work is done by me and only I have the power to change things. The therapist is there to guide you. The weekly homework is there so I can put into practice what I’ve learned. It was great to read through the information he sent and also try a few of the trance recordings for myself.

It is important to note, that although I don’t expect a quick fix, I am certain this journey will improve how I respond to life circumstances. I have started on level one of my building and although I have a way to go, I am starting to walk the path to a more fulfilled life.

In every area of life, understanding what is happening to us and why helps. Knowledge is power!

To book a free discovery call with Kevin, visit this page. Kevin can also be reached via Perma Hypnotherapy and directly at kevin@permahypnotherapy.co.uk

powerful concept

It’s July Already! I Have Some Lovely Advertiser’s To Brighten Your Day

AD – PLEASE NOTE – this is a paid advertisement

I feel privileged to introduce you to my July 2022 advertisers

It’s now time for me to share other people’s wonderful blogs. Please go and show my July 2022 advertisers some love, by commenting, sharing their posts, and interacting with one another. I regularly post on Twitter about the blogging community and how it is great to be part of such a supportive group of people.

Look out for updates throughout the month on Twitter.

This month I have two fabulous advertiser’s returning.

Brighten Your Day

Sign up for my monthly newsletter, to gain access to exclusive offers & updates

Sign up for my freebie library. Each week there will be a new freebie added to help organise your life and take away some stress!

Positive Thinking For Beginners

Positive Thinking
Brighten Your Day

A little bit about the blog

After hitting rock bottom and realising that there was only one way to go from here, I looked for ways I could turn my life around. Positive Thinking kept showing itself to me through books, TV, conversations, and everywhere I went. I eventually took a look into it and realised that I would need to start right at the very beginning, learning positivity and unlearning negativity. My life looks very different now and I created Positive Thinking for Beginners to help others begin their journey.

Blog posts you should definitely check out

Learn to Distance Yourself from Negativity and Achieve Inner Peace (positivethinkingforbeginners.com)

Why Your Future Self Will Thank You for Starting Your Positive Thinking Journey Today (positivethinkingforbeginners.com)
Change Your Daily Habits – Change Your Life (positivethinkingforbeginners.com)

Never, Ever Apologise for Being You! (positivethinkingforbeginners.com)

Ways to connect with Lisa

Facebook

Pinterest

Instagram

Twitter

Mum Life and Me

sixth month
Brighten Your Day

A little bit about the blog

Mum Life and Me is a parenting, mental health and self-improvement blog written by a thirty-something mum of two from North Yorkshire. After 10 years of living in Epping, Essex, the family finally decided to move up North to be closer to family. Mum Life and Me discusses everything from pregnancy to breastfeeding, to breakdowns to managing anxiety and depression. 

Blog posts you should definitely check out

Ways to connect

Twitter

Want to book an advertising spot?

I am taking bookings for the rest of 2022 and you can find more details here.

Did you know?

Selecting the gold package for £6.50 means you get a custom link in my sidebar, as well as your logo. You ALSO get your own dedicated advertisers post! AND four blog posts promoted throughout the month!

Want a special offer?

Brighten Your Day

I am offering a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for the remainder of 2022. Book three months on the silver package for £10.00, instead of £12.00. (this applies to existing bookings and new ones, and you can select any of the remaining months of the year as three months!)

In order to secure this booking, I would need:

  • Payment of £10.00 to be made via PayPal
  • Details of the months you would like to advertise
  • Confirmation via email of the two blogs you would like to be promoted (I will contact you each month for new ones)
  • Short bio and your logo, also links to your social media

If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

advertisers
Brighten Your Day

Check out my previous advertisers

Blogs you must check out this month – welcome to my February advertisers

AD – Introducing a fabulous Mummy blogger – Jess – The Prosecco Mum

AD – Introducing an amazing blogger – Sophie’s blog – Starting Today

Must read blogs to settle you into March 2022

AD – Introducing the queen of blogging advice – Izzy Matias

AD – Introducing a great lifestyle blog – Cafe Beauty

Great blogs sure to put a spring in your step in April

AD – INTRODUCING Positive Thinking For Beginners

AD – INTRODUCING The Grumpy Olive

It’s May – I have some great bloggers for you to check out

AD – Why You Should Check Out Lady Boss Nomad

We Are In The Sixth Month – Check Out My Amazing Advertisers

Final thoughts

I hope you enjoyed reading this post. 

I also hope you will enjoy checking out these bloggers.

Let me know in the comments whether you’ve checked out their posts?

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Brighten Your Day