♡#40Acts Week 1 ♡

This year for Lent we are joining in with thousands of other people all over the world participating in 40 Acts.

40 Acts is run by Stewardship and aims to get us giving more and spreading a bit of love This world needs a lot more kindness and if you know me, well you know I love a bit of random acts of kindness.

Spoonie Survival Kits ~ A Guest Post by Pippa

Today I bring you a guest post from Pippa who I found via Instagram. I quickly found her GoFundMe page which helps her produce what are known as Spoonie Survival Kits. I donated and thought, why not get a post out to raise awareness of this fantastic idea that helps brighten the day of chronic illness suffers? I'll hand over to Pippa now, please do share this post!

Hey everyone! The lovely CupcakeMumma invited me to write a post for her blog, so let me tell you a bit about myself. My name is Pippa and I’m 20 years old. I am about to go into my final year of studying Psychology and Education at university, which I really enjoy. I live with a handful of chronic conditions including ME and Anaphylaxis, and would like to work in the field of chronic health in the future.

Each bag is a surprise for the recipient and tailor made for them.

Bags are £2.99-£6.00

In April, I began a little fundraising project called Spoonie Survival Kits. I decided to make some little bags of happiness tailored specifically towards those who live with chronic illnesses. I wanted the kits to contain items that would provide comfort to the recipient and remind them that they’re not alone. Being chronically ill is not easy, and I wanted to give a gift that people could treasure and turn back to on the bad days.

I use kind donations and my own money to create the kits, and then sell them online. 25% of the funds raised go into creating more kits and different products, and 75% goes to Action For ME; a charity that promotes awareness for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

The first few batches of kits have sold out almost immediately and the spoonie community has really got behind what I’m doing, and because of this I’ve been able to expand my project. As well as the kits, we now sell a range of items including bracelets and quote cards. I have two lovely volunteers and also have volunteering opportunities for other spoonies, many of whom have been crafting items to go in future kits. We are a non-profit organisation made for spoonies by spoonies, and we’re on a mission to spread some love to those who need it!

Some of Pippas wonderful kits made up ready for posting!

Here is our Etsy shop where you can view and buy our products

My GoFundMe Page

If anybody would like to find out more or get involved, please email spooniesurvivalkits(at)gmail.com or have a chat to me on social media; I’m on Twitter and Instagram!

Love and spoons,

Pippa

Thank you so much to Pippa for sharing her story and her fantastic work. If you know a sufferer of chronic illness do you think a Spoonie Survival Kit would help them on a bad day? If you are a chronic illness sufferer, I'd love to know if you've had a kit and if it helped you. Look out for a future post where I'll be giving away several items from Pippa's store that I have purchased!

Guest Post By Mia Lane: My Amazing Sister Needs Your Help

Hi all. My name’s Mia. The lovely Hannah has kindly allowed me to share a sad story that’s affected my family this month, in the hope that some of you might be able to help turn a tragedy into something really positive. 

Sometimes awful things happen to the people you love the most, and there are no words of comfort you can offer. All you can do is share their grief, be there when they need you and make a lot of tea. That’s the situation I find myself in right now.

Becca is my amazing sister. She’s funny, strong and super smart. Despite being the baby of the family, she’s the one who keeps me in check. She’s a primary school teacher in Liskeard and I can honestly say I’ve never met anyone who loves their job so much. She’d do anything for the kids and goes above and beyond to ensure they all leave her class at the end of the year feeling special.

Paul and Becca on their wedding day.

Last year she married her Mr Right, Paul, who’s the most supportive, kind husband she could wish for. They were delighted to discover they were pregnant last September and nicknamed their bump Lentil, because he was the size of a lentil when they received the good news. 

Two weeks ago Becca went into labour. The family gathered at my parents’ house in Plymouth ready for the birth. Everyone was so excited to finally meet Lentil. We went to bed on Saturday night hopeful that by morning we’d have news that he’d arrived safe and sound.

But it wasn’t to be. I was awoken by my Dad with news that Lentil hadn’t survived the birth. There’s no feeling like the sudden wave of shock and grief when you realise something terrible can’t be undone, and someone you want to protect so badly is enduring the most awful pain. 

Lentil Bear was born June 14th 2015

Becca and Paul had planned a home birth in Liskeard but were rushed to Derriford Hospital when Lentil’s heart rate unexpectedly started to drop. The hospital team began preparing for a C-section, but it was too late, Lentil’s heart had stopped. Becca delivered him naturally at 9 minutes past midnight on the 14th June in the Jasmine and Central Delivery Suite, a special unit set up for parents dealing with the loss of their baby. He weighed 8 pounds 11oz, with Becca’s tiny ears and mouth and Paul’s nose and feet. The whole family immediately fell in love with him, I was lucky enough to spend some time with Lentil at the unit and the strange combination of wonder and heartbreak on meeting a baby that hasn’t made it was like nothing I’ve ever felt. My main awe was with Becca and Paul who, through their complete devastation, managed to deal with the most horrific experience of their lives with grace, dignity and extreme strength. Their support for each other throughout has been a real inspiration.

At a time like this most couples would understandably shut the world out and grieve quietly, not Becca and Paul. Incredibly, they’ve decided to turn Lentil’s tragic death into something incredibly positive. They received huge support from the midwives and staff at Derriford, and thanks to the Jasmine and Central Delivery Suite special unit, were able to spend quiet time with Lentil before facing the real world. The unit needs to raise £200,000 to buy vital equipment and continue providing their incredible service. Becca and Paul set up the Lentil Bear Evans Memorial Fund to ensure that if other parents have to go through this awful experience, they will receive the same level of care and support from the Jasmine and Central Delivery Suite team. 

In just over a week they’ve raised almost £8000 for the fund, and are so grateful that Lentil’s story has encouraged so many generous donations and words of support. 

I could not be prouder of my sister and brother-in-law, it’s times like this that make you realise you don’t say those things enough. My sister’s ruddy brilliant, in fact, this experience has made me want to tell everyone just how incredibly kind, generous and loving my extended family is. I’m just sad Lentil won’t get to grow up knowing them all. 

There are still no words I can offer that will make anything better. And there are only so many cups of tea one girl can make. What I can do is help share their amazing story, raise awareness of the work of the Jasmine and Central Delivery Suite and ask people to support and share their amazing campaign, at www.justgiving.com/Lentil-Bear-Evans. 

All donations, no matter how small, will make a big difference to other parents during their saddest time, and will help offer a small glimmer of light to my amazing sister and brother-in-law that Lentil’s short life has left a lasting impression on our often unfair world. 

  

Thanks so much for reading this, it means a lot. And if you’ve got an amazing sister, remember to give her a squeeze and let her know.  

Mia with Becca and beloved dog Maisy.

Thank you for reading this post. When Mia mailed me to tell me of her sister and brother in laws story, as a parent it broke my heart. I would love this message to be spread as far and as wide as possible to help this increible unit continue to help support parents like Becca and Paul through one of those most unimaginable times of their lives. My love and strength goes out to you both, Becca and Paul as well to your family.

Hannah xx

Dear So and So

Dear Midge,

I've booked our train tickets and I can't wait to take you for a girly 5 days away to Bath. I hope to show you where I grew up and do some exciting things. I know you're a little worried about your SATS next week but it's nothing to worry about and I'll keep saying it to you until it sinks in! We'll have a great time together; it's long overdue!

Lots of Love

Mumma xxx

Ps You want to start your own blog? We'll talk about it!

*************

Dear Little A

It's been a tough few weeks hasn't it? Mostly we've been good but there's been more than a few days that have you so angry and mummy so sad. Last night as we held eachother sobbing I think I realised I can do better. We will work on our routines,we will find what works just right for you.

Love you with *squeezes*

Mumma xxx

*************

Dear New Government,

I was pretty upset with the result but now I've calmed down I'm neither here nor there. I mean, as a person who cannot help but empathise and feel worried for others you really do scare me. For my own family I kind of worry. I just have to be strong. I will probably do lots of writing, you know, to try to get someone out there to listen. You know I don't like hunting, I really worry about the rise in food banks..I think we as a society can do much more to help the NHS and I hope you don't sell it all off...I'm not sure right now we'd be happy with any particular party, I'm not sure labour would've changed much but I do like to believe they'd look out for the most vulnerable which we've already seen isn't something you've done well at IN a coalition so I worry what the next 5 years will be like for those people.

From Mrs B

*************

Dear People of the world,

Stop hurting eachother. Smile at strangers in the street. Use your voice and power for good. Hold doors open. Chat with the elderly. Make good memories. Empathise with others. Accept situations, change the things you can. People have rights, stop bullying and name calling; what's done is done and most of us do what we believe is right. Hug. Do something random and kind. Share. Be passionate. Forgive. It doesn't mean you forget but it means you can move on.

From,

The not perfect but it doesn't hurt to try Mumma who is feeling disheartened by some of society today.

*************

Dear Hubby,

You won!! You won your cup in football and I'm so proud of you! You keep me going and I know I'm not easy to live with but my goodness I love you and appreciate you! Looking forward to Roller Disco this weekend!!

Love

Hannah xxx

*************

Dear Readers,

Thank you as always for reading my blog and if you follow it, you're amazing, thank you! I've just made a new Facebook page so if you hang out over there give us a like! I'd love some ideas on future blog posts. I don't post so much anymore and really miss it but when I feel tired nothing goes on in my brain (just "I need sleep!") I'm doing another mug swap soon so do let me know if that's something you'd be into!

Love,

Cupcake Mumma x

Striking Mums- We're all Different

Kate has been taking a number of fellow mums through a striking mums journey. I have been reading her posts, I have been viewing the link ups of fellow bloggers and leaving comments when I have managed to. As you can see this is my first post for Striking Mums, for some reason over the last few weeks I just haven't been able to put into words how I feel about certain topics and questions. They've all been very inspiring posts that Kate has written and I decided to think more privately but now my blogging mojo has returned, I'm ready to join Kate and the other wonderful mothers. I start with Kate's questions on being different.

1. Are you different and, if so, how?

I'm one of these people that believe we are all very different. We are all here for a reason. I'm included in that. I can't tell you my reason, not accurately but I'm different in that I am a lot, lot more sensitive than a lot of people and I look at the story behind a person. I think a lot before I speak, before I act and I always want to make people feel better. I'm not perfect and especially with my family I can be bad tempered and quick to snap. My difference is my reason to be here, to help people in some way. I'm sure one day it'll maybe become a career.

2. Do you celebrate your uniqueness or strive to fit in?

I suppose I celebrate it in a way. I love to share random acts of kindness and tend to show what I've done in regards to that. Not for the self gratification but in the hope I can inspire further acts of kindness. Otherwise I don't really. I hate that I'm super sensitive, I don't particularly like that I'm an introvert and never go to my husbands football team get togethers despite them all being lovely people. But I can't change, really I can't. There's a block there and in some moments I kind of realise I wouldn't want to be very social. I love that I seek joy in a hot chocolate, a large duvet and a phone call/DVD reading or letter writing.

3. Are you ever judgemental of other mums who are different from you? Answer honestly even if only in your own head.

In general I am not someone who severely judges another person.
If you know me in person you would know I have a thing for a group of mothers at school. I don't dislike them, in fact I do not know them but they do not let many penetrate their tight knit group, they come across as rude and fairly self indulged. I have made judgments on those mothers and I have no doubt in my mind they have their own towards me and all the other mothers they won't look at let alone speak to. I'm sure they are very nice people, but perhaps I am not one of 'their' people.

4. What would you like to be different about you?

I'd like to take things to heart less, it's incredibly frustrating and draining but I don't really know how to not be affected by other people's words. I also worry that I would lose a part of myself and be less caring and understanding.

5. Have you ever being attacked or bullied for being different? How did that affect you?

The biggest difference I have and always have had is a physical difference. I've written before about excessive blushing, it's very painful for me and my bullying started at 9 years old. I was made to feel uncomfortable in my first two years at secondary and was bullied again at age 14 which started off a very rebellious phase for me, hiding my anxieties and acting out. I guess I gave myself a false confidence and in a bad way. I didn't use it for my education that's for sure! It has affected me to this day and whilst I have done things I am incredibly proud of there are loads of things I can't do because I'm just too scared.

6. If you had to write an advert for yourself as a limited edition ,what would you say to make people think you were great?

Like everyone else I don't feel I can find any words to answer this question! It's much easier to hear great things from your loved ones and friends but to 'big yourself up' feels some what difficult, I wonder why that is?

Please join Kate and Striking Mums here:

2014 is About Me, Family and Getting Groovy!

I remember Groovy Mums being set up some time ago by the lovely, inspiring Kate from Kate on Thin Ice. When it was first set up I was new to blogging and I wasn't all that confident so I kept myself to myself as far as sharing anything about myself, my dreams etc were concerned.

I've been blogging over two years now and my confidence has changed a lot as far as writing and sharing things on here goes, so I'd like to share with you how I'd like to see 2014 go. I want 2014 to be about my family and about doing more things for myself.

For myself I want to do more crafting. I'm no crafter, not by a long shot but I have a wedding in July I plan on making a gift for and I love putting together homemade gifts. My favourite was a nappy cake I made my sister in law 2 years ago when she had her daughter- I loved making that!

I've also set myself the challenge to make everyone a card this year instead of lining the pockets of those card factories.

I want to start yoga but this will have to fit in at home as all local classes are in the evening or too far to travel. I'll be investing in a mat and reading up on yoga. I used to do it as a teen so I know I don't need a class. I do need the push though!

Finally the longest and hardest battle is with my social anxiety and excessive blushing, the latter I have no control over and has caused me so much mental hurt. I am attending a Mamas Retreat next month with Pippa from Story of Mum and many other mums too. I'm very excited and I can't wait to see our place for the night but there seem to be many factors that scare me. Will I get on with the others? Will they all be older mums who think I'm a silly younger mum? Will I blush and then make everyone awkward? Will I fart during my yoga session? (OK that's just to make you laugh but it is a possibility, it's intense yoga after all!)

All those things above apply to my fear (but want and need) to return to college. I feel like a prisoner sometimes but everyone who understands is on line and not here. Here, in real life, you get the words of wisdom but they lack experience, knowledge or understanding. I am optimistic for the future though.

I also want 2014 to be more about family. I want to spend time with my nieces and nephews before they no longer find me fun or entertaining. I want to treat the children to some days out. Ice skating at Christmas, a visit to the Eden project, picnics in summer; all sorts!

Family also includes my husband, whom I want to spend more time with. I've booked us a hotel in Plymouth for his birthday treat. Start as you mean to go on and all that!

Finally, a massive focus of mine is Project Kindness. You can see my page here which lists all the things I want to do this year. I start next month by giving blood which petrifies me (needle phobia!) I have a wonderful pen pal who kicked Cancers butt and wouldn't be here if it wasn't for not only the medicine we are so fortunate to have here but also the blood donated by selfless people on a regular basis.

Kindness should be felt and it should be spread! If you want to join me do consider Project Kindness, A Year in Gifts or my upcoming 31 days of kindness in March. The support would be ace.

Here's to 2014 and to all of us making positive changes.

Cupcake Mumma

2013- Thank-You For a good Year

For myself and my family 2013 has been a good year. We've had ups and downs like many others. We've had personal things to get through, family have landed in difficult situations where we've done our best to step in and lend a hand. Sometimes this is hard but it is good and necessary. I think my biggest disappointment of 2013 was to have both my gorgeous hamsters die and I think you'll agree, that if that's my worst then I should be grateful and believe me, I am. So please 2014, I pray for a good, kind and giving year for my family and a better year for a lot of those who I love and care about.

Here is a little round up of the highs of 2013 in my house. Because you should always remember the good times.

 In January Midge turned 5. She had such a wonderful day and a lovely party too.

She must have lost 8 teeth this year:

With Grandma whom she adores!

Little A turned 2. That was hard but exciting. There's a lot more to come from him yet. 

In 2014 he'll be potty training and starting nursery!

My Dad got a new job:

Having a belated celebratory lunch

I climbed a frickin mountain!!

On top of Mount Snowdon with Team Honk

I met one of my best blogging friends:

Kat and I lagging behind as usual! I'll be meeting you in 2014 again Mrs!

I've sent literally a year in gifts:

Something that has really opened my heart up a lot more to those around me

We had several wonderful holidays:

Midge in Cambridge

Little A in Newquay

There was an awesome Halloween party

My little girl started Year 1!

I had an amazing 24th birthday!

Other highlights:

I met my real life best friend and pen pal for the first time ever in Cambridge

We moved into a beautiful new house

Celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary

We said goodbye to our lovely hamster Crunchie and hello to Maisy. Sadly she only lasted a few months before passing but she made me so happy whilst here.

We saw a lot of my nieces and nephews over this year and that was amazing.

My favourite posts of 2013

A Year in Gifts

Free From Custard filled Choux Buns

The Pain of Postnatal Depression

Opening up About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

My New Project

Mummy's dress

Thank-you to each and every one of you who has read and stayed with me on my blogging journey which I do so enjoy! I hope 2014 brings you much happiness. 

Hannah A.K.A

Cupcake Mumma!

A Year in Gifts October

It came to me pretty early on in October who my recipient would be for my year in gifts project that month. After reading a few tweets and settling down to read to some very moving blog posts, I really wanted to extend a loving thought (okay perhaps a bit more than just a thought) to DragonflyPoppy who blogs here.

If you read Elizabeth's blog, you will know that recently her Mum was diagnosed with cancer and that even more recently she underwent an operation . It's not my story to tell so I won't. Instead, I'd love for you see her blog and read for yourselves.

This month, I wanted to send a gift to not only Elizabeth but also to her Mum. My Aunt has been through Breast Cancer and come out the other side a healthier and stronger woman. Armed with my limited knowledge and some research, I carefully picked out items I thought Elizabeth's Mum would appreciate if not now, then in the near future.

I then selected items for Elizabeth herself which was slightly easier given the blog reading and online conversations we've had. I stumbled upon this card (thanks to Elizabeth for the photos!) and knew it would complete my gift perfectly.

There is just two months left now of my Year in Gifts Project. I've noticed good things come to me and have felt I have made many people feel happy, cared for, real, possibly all three. Even if that only lasted a few moments it was worth it to me.

A lot of people don't understand why I chose this project. I get asked, "why do you spend money on strangers?" "What do you get out of it?"

 These people have come through hard times, are going through hard times or simply need reminding that there are people out there rooting for them-so please don't give up. I can remember each and every person I sent a gift to and the reason why I sent a gift to them.

I do this project because I care. Because I care about friends, family. I care about total strangers (although to me, these bloggers are friends not strangers) I don't want anything back but on several occasions I have and it's brightened my day. That's paying it forward, keeping the circle of kindness going. Bringing light to a sometimes dark world.

That's why I've done this project and is why I'm looking forward to my new project in 2014

Cupcake Mumma

A Year in Gifts May & June

I bet you thought I had forgotten all about my little gift giving journey? Not so my dear readers! For reasons I can't even think of I seem to of just never got around to blogging my gift in May and due to some minor issues, the June gift has only just arrived! As this gift was for family there was a high chance of the gift being seen before the post arrived so I wanted to wait before I blogged about it. Anyway, now I can finally blog about the gifts I sent lets start with May.

If you follow my lovely friend Kat on Twitter or through her blog, you'll know that these past few months just haven't been the easiest for her. I set about making up a small gift for Kat so she could get some 'me time' and have a smile brought to her face (even if only for a few minutes- this is always my aim!)

Kat has been blogging her journey through this difficult time with so much feeling and honesty you just want to reach out and hug her every time you read a post! I'm pleased to say Kat is feeling much better since we spoke and exchanged comments on her blog posts in May. Here's what I sent this lovely blogger and friend:

Keyring and door hanger to make her home a little more 'girly' ( she has 3 boys!) some relaxing bath gel, jelly sweets (her favourite), a fabulous flannel shaped into a slice of cake, some envelopes and a few other decorations for when she gets that bedroom sorted.

The gift I posted at the end of June was for my 3 cousins who I had just spent a few days with when I went away on a family holiday to Cambridge. I realised I had not yet done a gift for any little ones so put one together. 

Lolly pops, crafty bits, water beads, work books and wonderfully colourful pencils! Now it's the summer holidays I think all of these items will come in very handy! I really hope my cousins love their post.

I'm yet to do July's but I really must get my thinking cap on!

CupcakeMumma

Heartfelt Acts March

This months Heartfelt Acts were:

1.  Thank your police or fire department
2.  Leave 5 random notes of love or affirmation in different public places.

First I set about doing the random notes. It was actually really hard to think of some words of encouragement or meaning but in the end I wrote a couple of those, 2 'love' notes to 2 members of my family and I wrote lots of little notes for my Husband.

1. I've been a sufferer of social anxiety for many years. It's now something that I can more often than not control. I saw an excellent therapist at my local doctors surgery but what really helped me was a book from my local library. It's not a book that gets checked out often, but I hope when it is checked out the reader will like their little note.

2. My husband and I went for a meal with Little A whilst Midge was in school. It occurred to me that while no one was around I could place a little sticky note somewhere but where? The menus caught my eye so I stuck the note on and placed another menu in front so it would be a surprise for the next person to come to our table.

3. I placed an 'I love you' note in Midge's lunchbox so she wouldn't miss me so much when I went away on my climbing trip for Comic Relief. I really missed them but then Husband sent me this photo to my phone and I felt so much better.

 4. I went to my parent's house on Sunday and went to see their cat who sleeps on my sisters bed. She's away at university at the moment so now and then I find I miss her and would love a face to face chat. I looked about her room and noticed a huge board she'd crafted to keep hold of her important notes and cards. I didn't have my notes on me so ripped a piece of envelope, wrote a 'love' note and placed it on her board. I hope she likes it.

5. My final note (or rather notes) are for my Husband. He's a bit of a joker, a bit of a lad and sometimes so lazy it drives me insane but he's supportive,loving and forgiving which far out weigh his more negative traits!

The next thing we did was to buy an Easter card for our local police station. Midge drew a lovely picture with 'Thank-you for keeping us safe!' written on. Although we've never needed them personally, we have called them to report crimes in our local community and when ever they have knocked on our door to ask if we've seen or heard anything about a situation they are always friendly. The other thing I really like about our local police is how often they wave and smile at the children as we walk about town.

Thank-you drawing for our police officers

Finally, the task I promised I would complete this month was to help a local charity. Midge and I went to our local store where we stocked up on food items for our local food bank. It feels good to help those with less than ourselves.

Midge really enjoyed this task and proudly posed for photos

Helping to unload the food into the Food Bank box

For April, the tasks are:
1.  Forgive Someone. 
2.  Send a care package (ex.  military, friend or family member in college, for any friend just because).

I'm going to take this task as forgiving someone that has hurt me before. Not just forgiving my daughter for spilling my milk on my coursework for example. Those little things are easy to forgive. I send packages out every month but for April I will think really hard. 
Linking up with Emmy Mom.

CupcakeMumma