Monday 30 September 2013

Guest post: Sallie & Levi - Type 1 Diabetes


My name is Sallie I am a D mummy, this is a nickname for mums with a type 1 diabetic child. 

It started a week after Levi's 3rd Birthday (Xmas day baby),when we were travelling up to the North East to visit Levi's Gran. Levi was normally quiet, easy going boy, almost a pensioner in a toddler’s body. We then noticed subtle changes in his personality, but thought the grumpiness and strops were part of the terrible 3's everybody warned us about.




I guess the first alarm bells rang when he began to wet himself after being dry for a while; however after consulting with the health visitor, they advised us that this was normal and nothing to worry about.

One day, we went visiting the sights, and ended it with a fish and chip supper in the car overlooking Souter Lighthouse. We bought 2 adult portions of fish and chips, of which Levi and I were to share one of the portionsIn amazement, I can honestly say I have never seen a small person eat so much, ashe ate the whole adult portion and was still complaining he was hungry and thirsty. I commented that after the Xmas break, I would speak to the health visitor again to advise her of the situation. On the way home we took a detour to our friends in Spalding, but again we noticed that Levi started being stroppy, and noticed he had drank quite a few beakers of water. The drive home was a nightmare, a 2hr drive with 13 toilet stops, I convinced myself he must have a water infection so instead of the health visitor, I would take him to the doctor.

I will never forget the 13th January 2009, when I took my tired stroppy child in to see one of the GPs. I explained that he was tired, stroppy, suffering a personality change, wetting himself soaking the bed overnight and had gained a massive appetite. The response from the GP was rather demeaning, as he scoffed 'what are you saying, he has diabetes?' As you can imagine I was shocked and explained that he was the doctor, and I was making no diagnosis, I just knew from instinct he was not right.  My assumption was that he thought he we go an over protective mother”, then he smirked and asked Levi to produce a urine sample. We found this experience traumatic enough, without the demeaning and dismissive attitude portrayed by the GPWe were then made to wait an hour with Levi, constantly begging for juice, frequent toilet trips and a few meltdowns. Once we were called back in to the GP’s office the attitude had changed, and once he had checked the urine sample he told me to go home, get my husband, and tomake our way to the children's ward where they would be expecting our arrival. Within an hour of arrival at the hospital,they had recognised that Levi's sugars were dangerously high and he required insulin, and through this was diagnosed with the auto immune condition Type 1 diabetes! 


I can tell you the world stopped spinning, and the questions started “why was my child a diabeticI thought only old people got that? You then question everything you have done as a parent, I had fed him everything organic (as you would with the first), done everything they had suggested but to no avail. After those plethoras of emotions, the fear set in and all you see in the media are the worst case scenarios - kidney failure, amputated limbs etc.

Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile, early-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes. It usually first develops in children or young adults. In the UK, about 1 in 300 people develop type 1 diabetes at some stage during their lifetime.

Whilst at hospital, we were introduce to an A team which included a paediatric diabetic specialist, a diabetic specialist nurses and a clinical psychologist. These people hand held us through the darkest days, and they instructed us on how to inject our child 4-5 times a day, and carb count his meals.

To explain, it's not just as simple as needing insulin for the food you eat for our growing child, it has been proven thatinsulin is not so effective when you have viruses, growth hormones, weather extremes, stress, excitement, bad dreams, exercise and so many other anomalies, you can imagine thateveryday becomes a challenge. If Levi's blood goes to low he will be affected by Hypoglycaemia. This symptom can happen suddenly when blood sugars drop below the natural level. It is usually mild, and can be treated quickly and easily by eating or drinking a small amount of glucose-rich food. If left untreated, hypoglycaemia can get worse and cause confusion, clumsiness, or fainting. Severe hypoglycaemia can lead to seizures, coma or even death in some instances.

If blood sugars are too high, he becomes Hyperglycaemia This happens due to Type 1 diabetics are unable to produce insulin, and there is the constant danger of rising blood glucose levels, especially after meals. Over an extended period (years), if you suffer consistently fromhyperglycaemia, you are prone to the dangers that come with the disease, which are nerve, optical and organ damage. All these nasty side-effects (blindness, heart disease, amputation of limbs, etc) are all a result of long term hyperglycaemia. Onthe more immediate front, if someone is suffering from extreme hyperglycaemia, over shorter period, they are very likely to contract Ketoacidosis, which can in itself have very serious complications, and can be life threatening in some instances.


Taking all this into consideration, everyday has become achallenge; however Levi is truly amazing and takes it all in his stride. We have to analyse situations and take in to accounthis behavioural traits, as his blood sugars could be affecting his personality before taking any action to correct. People say I don't know how you do it, but I am a mum and its just another job Levi's pancreas does not work and until Levi can manage or my wish a cure comes along I am happy to be his pancreas.



The test for Type 1 diabetes is simple, all it takes is a finger prick that could put someone’s mind at rest and could also save a life.

The most common signs to look out for are the 4Ts: Tiredness, thirst, thin and toilet. If you or a child you know are feeling constantly tired, even after rest, then this could be a sign of Type 1 diabetes. Having an unquenchable thirst, frequently going to the toilet and losing weight in a short period of time are also signs to look out for.
These four symptoms are the ones that really stood out for me in the weeks running up to Levi's diagnosis, but at the time I never knew this auto immune condition existed. An in depth specialist understanding of diabetes is not necessary, but knowing the 4Ts is all it takes. If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or a child, then go to your doctor and insist on a test for Type 1 diabetes.
BEING TYPE 1 AWARE SAVES LIVES.
Sallie x





Sunday 29 September 2013

I've got your number

So its no big secret we love a good book here at mummy magic! One of my all time favourite authors has to be Sophie Kinsella.

I don't know what is about her writing but her books just really tickle me! The funniest one i have read of hers is 'Can you keep a secret'. I remember being on holiday with my hubby and literally laughing out loud every 5 minutes and him keep asking what are you laughing at?



When we went away this year i picked up her new book 'I've got your number' at the WH Smiths at the airport (as you do, standard holiday protocol).

Did anyone ever read her book 'Twenties Girl'? Well for me that was a big flop! It just wasn't her best at all i found it quite boring and just wasn't up to the usual standard (sorry Sophie). So when i bought this new book i was a bit dubious as to weather it would be a let down too.



Well i have to say it was brilliant! So so funny and i could really imagine myself as the lead character 'Poppy' which may be why i found it so amusing!


Synopsis taken from www.sophiekinsella.co.uk

I've lost it. The only thing in the world I wasn't supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It's been in Magnus's family for three generations. And now, the very same day his parents are coming, I've lost it. The very same day. Do not hyperventilate Poppy. Stay positive!!

Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier.  She is about to marry the ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her 'happy ever after' begins to fall apart.  Not only has she lost her engagement ring but in the panic that followed, she has now lost her phone. As she paces shakily round the hotel foyer she spots an abandoned phone in a bin. Finders keepers!  Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!

Well, perfect except the phone's owner, businessman Sam Roxton doesn't agree.  He wants his phone back anddoesn't appreciate Poppy reading all his messages and wading into his personal life.  

What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other's lives through emails and text messages.  As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls andhiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents... she soon realises that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.



It was a brilliant read i couldn't put it down and really funny! If you like light hearted chicklit then this is a fab book for you!

Love L xx

Saturday 28 September 2013

Hasselback - not Hoff but Potatoes haha

We love Carbs and we love potatoes the most!! mmmm maybe joint most with bread and pasta but its up there haha!

How cool do these look


Honey isn't a big jacket potato fan but she does love a chip! and these are the best of both worlds!

This recipe is from Saturday Kitchen by Antony Worrall Thompson


Ingredients

Preparation method

  1. Preheat the oven to 220C/430F/Gas 7.
  2. Either peel the potatoes or leave the peel on and scrub well.
  3. Make small slices ¾ of the way through each potato, all along it (if the potato is placed in a large spoon the edges of the spoon will prevent you from slicing clear through the potato).
  4. Place potatoes in a greased baking dish. Brush surface of the potato with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
  7. Return to the oven and continue baking for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and crust is slightly browned. Serve immediately.

    Super simple and super effective!!! You can also add bacon on top, cheese, sour cream.  I think this is a perfect lunch date meal! I will defo be cooking for my next girls lunch 

    Hope you have a fab Saturday 
    Love
    J x 

Friday 27 September 2013

Wedding Guest Fashion

Its another Wedding themed blog here - but Wedding fashion can be such a worry!!!!

To hat or not to hat that is the question!!!

I love a hat!! But i feel they are a little bit dated - there were fascinators a plenty but i decided on just fancy hair!! I went for a french plait side bun like this


If you did want a fascinator or hat Accessorize do some lovely ones!! 

There is something magical about dress shopping in general!! I love it!! However like every shopping expedition if you actually need something you can never find it!!! So my top tip is start shopping early!


I bought this from Whistles its was £155 but my thinking was I would wear this dress lots! On holiday in the winter with black tights etc! (to be fair as per yesterdays polaroids you can see i didn't wear it but this was due to unforeseen circumstances haha)
Whistles really do do some lovely dresses! www.whistles.co.uk

This one is in the sale for £70 and i think its wedding guest perfection! They also do it in cobalt blue and grey! 


I ended up wearing a black sequin Reiss dress! I know there is a big unwritten rule about not wearing black or obv white to a wedding! However i did ask the bride beforehand and she said it was her favourite colour and of course i could wear it! So hooray!! 

This is the dress i wore - its in the sale now (booooo but fab if you like it) 



French Connection also always have some fab dresses however i'm always worried with shops like FC, Coast, Ted Baker, Karen Millen etc that someone else will have the same dress on!!! 

ASOS has sooooo many dresses that the chances of someone having the same is always low!! I love this dress from there 



So all thats left to find is some shoes!!!! 

I LOVE a zara shoe!!! And i love this one that i think goes perfectly with all the above dresses! 



I love weddings and i love this quote to write in wedding cards!!! William Shakespeare knew exactly what he was talking about!! 


Happy Friday

Love
J x 




Thursday 26 September 2013

Never too cool for old school

As you may of read on Monday Nick and I went to a wedding on Saturday! 

Well as we walked through to the Bar/Disco there was a large table with the card box and a huge wicker basket of flip flops for the girls for later! But on the other side was a really cool Polaroid camera and a guest book! 

The Guest book had polaroid envelopes in - so the plan was to take a photo of yourself and then write in the guest book!! 


Amazon £55.52 

And the guest book was similar to this on 




I though this was a fabulous idea!!!! Here are a couple of the ones i took of us 





Everyone loved it!! and you end up getting lots of funny pictures your photographer might not of got!!

Get Snap Happy!! I hope i get a polaroid from Father Christmas

Love
J xxx 














Wednesday 25 September 2013

The Greatest Gift of All!

The best gift you can ever ever give someone is the gift of time! Its a precious gift that will be treasured forever in someones heart and never forgotten!


Time costs us nothing but can give us more than money could ever buy. When we look back on our lives it isn't the material things we remember its the memories of good times and the relationships we had with people that we remember and cherish! We should make more time whilst we have it!



You can give the gift of time in so many ways, spending time with family and friends even if its just a quick coffee or pop in to say hello. Phone your family or your neighbours and ask if they have any jobs they need doing they will really appreciate the help but might not want to ask. If you have always wanted to do some volunteer work then get out there and do it! Make the time for the things that are important in life, make the time for people who will remember you!



You will never regret giving someone your time it is by far the greatest gift of all!

Love 
L xx

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Snow fun preparation

You have probably heard the weather reports about snow landing as early as october his year!! I have one word for this news....

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!



I love love love snow its the best! It makes everything look magical and beautiful and you can still get to the shops people just drive slower or take a sledge!!


If theres one thing i have learnt about when the magic of snow arrives its that any sort of snow fun supplies vanish from the shops! Waterproof clothing and sledges all sell out faster than a Take That reunion with Robbie Williams concert ticket!

So upon hearing the impending snow news i thought i better get the kids waterproofs in before there's nothing left in their size! That way when the snow does arrive we are all ready to go out an enjoy and are not having to dash around the shops trying to find something!

Last year i got Sienna's coat from Jo Jo Maman Bebe 



It was fab and warm and cosy but this year i wanted to get something that comes with matching waterproof bottoms.

Whist searching i found that H&M do a huge selection at really reasonable prices!


This wind and waterproof padded jacket is £29.99 and matching salopettes £19.99 and the cute ski gloves are just £5.99 and matching hat £2.99


They come in loads of different colours too. They also have lots of nice fleece jackets and other essentials for snow fun days! H&M is my top tip for snowy day clothing!

Now for sledges i love the old fashioned wooden ones as they look lovely but in reality they aren't all that practical. I don't think they are very safe for little ones to sit on. I think the ones where they are properly sat down and low to the ground seem safer. 

This Sledge by Snowboogie looks brilliant for smaller toddlers! 




This also looks fab if you have babies that want to come and join in the sledging fun!


We just have a standard basic sledge similar to this one which always does the job and provides lots of fun!



I'm would 100% recommend getting the kids stuff ready before the snow arrives because it really is no fun trying to find stuff when the time arrives as all the nice stuff has gone or you end up paying over the odds for whats left! 

Bring on the snow! I cant wait!!


Love 
L xx















Monday 23 September 2013

Monday the 99th


Today is our 99th Blog post!!! 

Thank you all so much for your support for the last 99 days!!!

We thought we would give something back and take some requests!  If you have some big events coming up that you need present help with, you need toddler ideas, days out ideas, cooking ideas, craft ideas.  You name it we will try and help you! 

Simply email anything you need advice/help with to alittlemummymagic@gmail.com

We (Jade & Nick) went to a beautiful wedding on Saturday and saw some truly lovely friends become man and wife. During the service our friend Charley read a poem which i thought was simply perfect

The Wonders Of Today 
by Larry Chengges

If you can always be as close
and happy as today, 
Yet be secure enough to grow
and change along the way.....

If you can keep for you alone
your love as man and wife.
Yet find the time to share your joy,
with others in your life.....

If you can be as one, 
and walk through marriage
hand in hand, 
yet still support the goals and dreams
that each of you have planned.....

If you can dare to always go
your separate ways together
Then all the wonders of today
will stay with you forever.....


Happy Monday to each and everyone of you - Monday's are really hard for some people - going back to work or a job where people are nasty or back to school where there are bullies in the school play ground - so we wish you a great day and hope any thing you've been fretting/worrying about all weekend doesn't happen - be strong - be yourself


Love the people who love you 

Love

J & L 
xxx 

Sunday 22 September 2013

Glossybox - September 2013

Yay !!!!! I've been a little bit disgruntled with Glossybox this last 2 months so when this months arrived i asked Leeanne if i could review it as i LOVED it!!!!

Not only did i love the box!!!
But the products were super ace too!!!!! 

So here's a little breakdown

We got......

Elizabeth Arden - Untold fragrance sample

I would never normally go for an Elizabeth Arden fragrance - but its actually quite lovely. Its Floral and Fruity and perfect for my handbag!!!

Full size £48 for 50ml, £69 for 100ml www.Debenhams.co.uk

Eylure - Pre Glued Lashes

I heart false lashes!!! I love how glam you feel on a night out with a set of false eyelashes on!!! Eylure are my fave brand too so it was a win win!!!! Happy Days!!!

£5.06 per set www.eylure.com

Toni & Guy - HairMeet Wardrobe - Classic Shine and Gloss Serum 

Its in a ltd edition packaging and does exactly what it says on the tin haha!!! I'm not a big serum fan - i always seem to look like i have greasy hair! However (since the dreaded coil and split hair) this is a little bit of a life saver keeping all my little flyaway bits in place!!!!! I'm loving it!!!! Thank you Toni & Guy!!

£7.19 30ml www.boots.com

Be a Bombshell Cosmetics - Onyx Eye Liner 

Mine was broken (sob sob) but i ordered my mum a monthly glossybox as a treat and she's not a huge eyeliner fan so ta da i have my own! Its like a felt tip with a fab point! It says it lasts all day and great for a cat eye or straight out to replicate A/W 2013 catwalk looks!!! and anything thats that easy to get the in look is good with me!!!

$14 for 3g www.beabombshell.com

Lastly but by no means leastly

Dr Lipp - Original Nipple Balm for Lips 

This is my favourite sample in the Union Jack box!!! Its a cult beauty staple for leaving lips smooth and soft with a glossy sheen!!! Its a mummy bag essential!!! you know when you don't want to put lipstick on but need something!!! Its uses are brilliant -  chapped lips, burns, abrasions, minor incisions, cuticles, eczema and any extreme dry skin patches!!! Wait for it .... it can also be used to mix pigments, eye glitter, shaping eyebrows and last minute shoe polish!!! See its the perfect Handbag essential item!!!!!

Honey has  been recently licking her lips lots and all around her mouth was all bright red - i put Dr Lipp on it three times throughout the day and over night and there was nothing there in the morning!! The red mark was all gone like magic!! I will definately be buying a bigger tube for my bag

Full Size £11.50 for 15ml www.drlipp.com

So Thank you Glossy box for making this review super easy!!! I don't like negativity but this is a positively awesome box!!!!

Love
J xxx

Saturday 21 September 2013

Meal planning

I dont know about anyone else but i hate thinking of things to make for dinner every week! I hate having the same stuff over and over and i do like to try new stuff but the thinking about what to have is too much effort sometimes ha!

In an effort to be more organised and only think once a week instead of every night i have decided i'm going to plan our meals for the week! Im going to start with 6 meals (saturday night is takeaway night) and then each week i'm going to add in a new meal. If its nice we can have it on rotation the next week and if its not it can go to recipe heaven.


I was looking for a printable weekly meal planner and came across this lovely one on the elephantshoe blog!


And whats more its free! So you can download and print to your hearts content the link to print it is here 


It even has a handy shopping list at the side! Its just the job for what i wanted!

I hope it comes in useful for you!

Love 
L xx



Friday 20 September 2013

Your never fully dressed without a....


So i know its fashion Friday and i'm supposed to talk about clothes and all that jazz but you know whats more important than the actual clothes you put on your body? How you feel underneath them!!

I've always said the greatest gift i can give my daughter is self confidence, to feel truly happy in her own skin but i wont be able to do that if i'm not leading by example!

Me and Jade were talking a few weeks ago about the latest diet we were on and how it was teaching our girls such bad attitudes towards diets and food! When it comes down to it the best way to be healthy and feel good is eat a balanced diet and exercise. When you do these things you feel better about yourself, you have more energy and your teaching your children that this is the way to live their own lives!

I think us woman are our own worst enemies. We do it to ourselves, we worry about our appearance and what others will think but really what do other people think? Most of what we think they think is made up in our own minds! Most people don't even care what size clothes your wearing or if you gained 3lbs over the weekend. 

The most beautiful people are the people who are confident! When someone is confident in themselves you don't notice if their tops a little tight or if their belly is hanging over the top of their jeans you notice how they light up a room and how much fun they are to be around! When you stop caring about other people think and start loving yourself life is so much happier! 



We need to be kinder to ourselves and learn to love who we are as we are! This positivity will rub off on our little people and teach them to be happy and confident little beings! 

So my number one, cant live without, every wardrobe must own item is... a SMILE! 

Its Friday... Get up, get dressed and put on your best smile, go out into the world, be happy and confident because your fabulous just as you are and you shouldn't be afraid to show it!

Love and smiles
L xx

P.S tell a friend she looks amazing! It might make her day x

Thursday 19 September 2013

DIY Hair colouring

I've been meaning to get the hairdressers for months now as i would really like my hair colouring blonde, but i'm literally never without child when the hairdressers is open. My hubby works long hours and Saturdays and i don't feel right asking someone to mind the kids so i can go and have my hair done! My lovely friend Kim who is a hair dresser was going to do it for me whilst we were in Belfast but thanks to my delayed flight out there we just didn't have the time!

So alas the months of waiting around trying to find a time to make an appointment have left me with horrid washed out dingy looking hair! I finally gave in the other day and went and bought a hair colour from Boots.

I literally hate colouring my own hair! Its awful i never cover it right and end up with patches and i get it all over my face and the towels which my hubby is never too happy about! Its just a rubbish job!

I went to get my usual colour when i spotted Loreal Paris Preference Mousse Absolue.


No drip mousse? Wow i like the sound of that! But what i liked the sound of more is the fact that you can re-use it!! Yes you did read that right you can re use the hair dye! How amazing is that? If like me you end up missing a patch you then have to go out and buy another dye and go through colouring you hair all over but with this you can keep the colour and then touch it up next time your going to have a shower without having to waste a whole bottle of colour! Bloody genius if you ask me. Will be fab to touch up roots too! 

Its a home hair colouring revolution! Get on it fellow home hair dying people of the nation! You wont regret it.

I bought mine on offer at Boots for £8.99

Let me know if you try it!

Love and hugs if you feel like you want a hug today!
L xx

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