Recently I was sharing with a friend the juggling act that is being a single mum, running my own business & having an elderly mother who at that point was in hospital.

‘Oh,’ she said, ‘You’re the sandwich generation.’

I had no idea there was a term for this. But according to BBC worklife article (21^st Jan 2021) I am 1 of the 3% of the UK population providing care for more than one generation either in 1 home or across multiple homes.

That’s more than a million people caught in the middle supporting kids & parents physically, financially or emotionally, or all 3. That’s a lot of juggling & balancing different needs across different generations.

This is the result of many of us a)  having kids  later in life, b) these kids living at home for longer (52% of 18-29 year olds were still living with their parents in July 2020) & c) life expectancy increasing.

The demographics are different for the sandwich generation across the world. In the UK the sandwich generation is typically aged between 45-54, whereas in the Philippines aged 30-35. But across the world this responsibility tends to rest with women more than men.

It’s another layer to the existing layers that make up the onion of stress. If you factor in that in the UK women are generally going through their own challenges as their bodies & minds are changing during the menopause, it’s no wonder this additional strain can bring women to breaking point.

I certainly feel the additional pressure & once again self-care came to the rescue.

Whilst my yoga & meditation practice suffered because I didn’t feel inclined to get up at the crack of dawn to practice yoga & meditate even though I knew I needed it more than ever I chose, instead,  to take longer walks. Have dog, will walk so why not relish the grounding energy of being out in nature – trusting that this too was as beneficial as my formal practice.

I also chose to seek out company, spending time with people who really lit me up, making me feel joyful & supported. Women (more than men) produce oxytocin when we are in the company of others. I innately knew that I needed as much of that happy, feel good hormone to offset the additional hormones of stress that I could summon.

Whilst it has been a difficult few weeks as we adjust to the new dynamics it has without a doubt been a reminder on the importance of taking some time every day to nurture & nourish yourself – whatever that looks like. It doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive, or thought of as self-indulgent or selfish; it is , in fact, essential. And as I can attest it works: it was a challenging but we got through it with our mental health & sense of humour intact (something you need when supporting teenagers & the older generation!) & I know it was because I adjusted my self-care but continued to commit to it.

If you would like more information on how to practice self-care, message Alex at alex@alexbannard.com.

For free resources check out her Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

Alternatively please check out her website: www.alexbannard.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for the decade, not just in the UK but also in Thailand & Germany. Her mission is to help everyone discover their bliss within & to encourage them to embrace a practice of self-care.

When you think of the world in general, what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of the different cultures that exist on our planet. Maybe you think of the vastness of space and all of the galaxies that make up our universe. Or, perhaps you think of all the different animals and plants that call the world home.

When you think about the world, there’s no denying that it’s a fantastic place. There are so many interesting facts about the world that it’s impossible to know them all. Here is a list of some fun facts of the world that will blow your mind!

Why One Should Learn About the World and What It Has To Offer?

There are many reasons to learn about the world and what it offers. First, by understanding the world, one can develop a greater appreciation for their own culture and heritage. Additionally, knowledge of other cultures can help to promote cross-cultural understanding and respect.

Furthermore, learning about the world can also help develop a sense of global citizenship and responsibility. Finally, understanding the world can open up new opportunities for travel and adventure. By doing so, you enrich your life in various ways.

What Is the Best Way To Learn About the World?

There are many ways to learn about the world. One can read books, watch documentaries, or travel to different countries. Additionally, one can also learn about the world by talking to people from different cultures.

No matter what method you choose, the important thing is that if you make an effort to learn about as much of the world as possible, you can truly appreciate all that our planet provides.

10 Amazing Facts About the World

From the tallest mountain to the very depth of the ocean trench, our planet is home to incredible features. Here are ten fun facts about the world that are sure to blow your mind:

1. Mount Everest is the tallest mountain on Earth, measuring 29,029 feet above sea level.

2. The Mariana Trench is the deepest point in the ocean, reaching 36,201 feet.

3. The Sahara Desert is the largest globally, covering an area of 3.5 million square miles.

4. Lake Baikal in Russia is the oldest and deepest lake globally, dating back over 20 million years.

5. The Amazon rainforest is the largest globally, covering an area of 2.1 million square miles.

6. Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth, with an average temperature of -58 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. Africa is the most populous continent on Earth, home to over 1 billion people.

8. Europe is the smallest continent globally, covering an area of only 10 million square kilometers.

9. One of the world’s most active volcanoes is Mount Vesuvius in Italy, which famously erupted in 79 AD and buried the city of Pompeii beneath layers of ash and lava.

10. The world’s longest river is the Nile, which flows for over 6,700 kilometers through Africa.

So, mentioned above were some of the most interesting facts about the world that will blow your mind. The world is a fascinating place, with so much to offer in its beauty and diversity.

 Collaborative post with our brand partner.

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Risk-taking detective Andy Horton is at the funeral of ex-con Daryl Woodley, on the look-out for his murderer, a big-time crook. The next morning Horton is called out to another suspicious death. Horton recognizes the woman instantly. She was at Woodley’s funeral.   As tensions rise, Horton receives a chilling message. It looks like time is running out for our bold detective

Close to Home by Elizabeth Gunn £1.99/$3.99

Fourth of July, Tucson, Arizona.  With the drummers and clowns and mariachi band no one heard the fight. No one saw the man thrown into the window, his blood running down the cracked glass. Why would someone do this to a lonely old man?  As the evidence mounts up, Detective Sarah Burke starts to fear that the answers might lie disturbingly close to home . . .

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Read a interview with Victoria Dowd, author of The Smart Women’s Crime Mystery series, on her latest enthralling murder mystery, A Book of Murder — out now for just 99p | 99c.      Find out the strangest things Victoria ever had to research for a novel, who would play her characters in a film adaptation, and more, in a fascinating Q&A, on Twitter or Facebook.

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JOY HITS THE CHARTS!

Such good news…   the forthcoming Detective Matt Ballard novel by Joy Ellis hit the UK Kindle bestseller charts this week, climbing as high as #40 yesterday.   Readers are clearly just as excited about the next Joy Ellis as we are, and we can’t wait to share her new novel with you on 16 June 2022!

You can also win an EXCLUSIVE signed copy of Beware the Past, the first book in Joy’s bestselling Detective Matt Ballard series.     To enter, simply comment on THIS FACEBOOK POST and let us know your favourite Joy Ellis novel!*

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Competition closes at 10.00 a.m. GMT on 16 June 2022.*This competition is available in the United Kingdom only.  *The winner will be contacted via Facebook message on 16 June 2022.   *Entrants must be aged 18 or over.   *This competition is in no way affiliated with Facebook   *Winners have five working days to claim their prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be selected and contacted via email or Facebook message.*Competition prize consists of one signed book for three winners

“This is a story that is both tangible and effervescent, exploring the depths of individual morality. “

The Climb is a brand-new children’s book by established author Martin Bissett. Martin has published twelve books, but this is his first illustrated story and his first for children as part of a four-part series.

The Climb is based on a dream that the six-year-old Martin had, making it an exciting exploration of childhood imagination. The book is written with the perspective of adulthood, as Martin looks back upon a childhood dream as a grown man.

The book explores the story of a little boy named James, who is six years old, and who is dreaming. James had saved all his pocket money for the toy he’d set his heart on. The small toy shop sits on the top of a big, steep hill. James has to climb the hill, but a chance meeting gives him a big choice to make.

The Climb is a poignant reflection of where dreams can lead us, and the interaction with the old man creates a beautiful fable. This is a story that is both tangible and effervescent, exploring the depths of individual morality. The Climb is also a showcase of new and gorgeous illustrations by Pamela Carter.

As Martin describes,

“This has been a 4 year journey to tell a 39 year old story. To start a new book series for a completely new audience is a very rewarding experience for me. It is an inclusive story and a book for young grown-ups, but also for grown-up children. It’s one for multiple generations of families to enjoy together. All profits from the book sales will go to the Upward Spiral Foundation; a foundation that helps people to feel less helpless, hopeless or homeless”

The Climb is already stocked by 75 libraries in England and Martin is happy to provide readings in schools and libraries across the country

The Climb is available from independent retailers and amazon globally:

Waterstones (UK): https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-climb/martin-bissett/9781739742102

WHSmith (UK) https://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/the-climb/martin-bissett/paperback/9781739742102.html

The Book Depository (UK): https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Climb-Martin-Bissett/9781739742102

Foyles (UK): https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/childrens/the-climb,martin-bissett-9781739742102

Blackwell’s (UK): https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Climb-by-Martin-Bissett/9781739742102

Let Me Eat Cake by Margaret Graham

First published 6 years ago by People’s Friend on publication of the final of the Easterleigh Hall series (A House Divided)

The wrapping paper was red, festooned with the image of umbrellas – blue and green. There were many sheets, because my son Gerald’s birthday present to me was HUGE.  He had returned a month ago from his ‘year off after Uni’ trip, having been gone a year. He had e-mailed occasionally, and said that he also tweeted. I e-mail but I don’t tweet. Who wants to meet a troll? Or is that on Facebook?

He actually put me on Facebook in his last year of uni to boost his number of ‘friends’, but I seldom used it. I have only three Facebook friends. One is my son, the others are my nephew and niece, who wanted to build up their list of ‘likes’ or something. I forget what.  I enjoyed Gerald’s occasional e-mails while on his  trip. So many places: Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and so on. One forgets quite where, when it’s another week, another place.

I daresay the best bits took place during the prolonged e-mail silences. I say this because one day I logged into my facebook page, first time for ages, and my nephew had ‘shared’ a post of Gerald’s. It showed more than a mother cares to see, as he dashed naked through snowy streets brandishing a bottle of beer. I think Gerald had taken a selfie using a long selfie stick. Presumably to prove to himself and everyone that the whole of him exists.

Beneath the selfie was a place for comments. I felt it rude not to, so I typed: And this is the boy who usually wears thermal vests and eats mung beans.’ Gerald unfriended me, or blocked me or something, and sent an email saying image was everything these days, and no-one needed to know about either the thermal vests or the ming beans. I apologised and agreed I should not have mention it in public. He said I should not mention it in public or in private.

Children are a minefield. I went out and bought a dog.

Rosie was sitting in her cubicle as I walked along the corridor of the rescue kennels. She was crouched in the far corner, though every other dog shouted and yelled and leapt at their gates. Somehow they reminded me of Gerald. I looked at Rosie, and she looked at me, and I knew her. It was the look in her eyes, which I couldn’t quite place – was it a quiet desperation?

Once home I popped her into the bath. She loved the hair dryer and we snuggled on the sofa. But only for a moment because two of my neighbours knocked on the door, one from either side. They had heard Rosie barking.  ‘We’d like to walk her with you,’ they said, smiling. ‘We want to earn our cake for tea.’

So they did. The next day Moira bought Rosie a lovely collar and I lifted her up so she could see her beautiful shaggy self in the hall mirror. It was then I realised why I knew her. Her eyes held the same expression I had in mine. I fell quiet.

My neighbours became my friends and we walked Rosie every day, and it was fun – for them too, though unlike them, I did not return to eat cake. It was not what I had learned to do.

Soon Christmas was upon me. Gerald and I had inherited his father’s rules for living. We should always be resonsible with our health, no indulgences my late husband had insisted, so sugar was not allowed – or fat, or anything rather tasty. As I wrote my shopping list I looked at Rosie. The expression in her eyes had changed. I looked in the mirror. So had mine. I hesitated but only for a moment, then crossed out fish, no sauce, and wrote turkey crown and trimmings. I added Christmas pudding . 

As I wrote I had  felt something snapping inside me, and recklessly I added Double cream and a small bottle of brandy. I think it was something to do with Gerald running through the streets. No, don’t worry, I wasn’t going to strip off and do the same. It was the memory of the bottle of beer I concentrated on. Didn’t he know it contained sugar? What would his father say? Perhaps Gerald didn’t care? How wonderful that would be. Though of course he was right, the old Gerald should not have been mentioned.

As December became January, my neighbours began to come home with me after our walks and I provided cake. Sometimes they did too. My shopping list grew ever more exciting. By April I had to buy my clothes in a bigger size and Rosie and I bounced alongside our neighbours, laughing and talking. Yes we did. We bounced, and I think perhaps even my shadow did.

But enough is enough, so I exerted portion control – or so the article in the magazine called it. My weight steadied at a size 14. Then we were in May, and Gerald’s due date for return. I picked him up from the airport, and of course I was pleased to see him, until he hugged me.

‘My word,’ he said. ‘Image is everything, Mum.’ He poked my waist. I sighed. The beer had been an aberration, I thought then, as Gerald’s finger sank an inch into by chubby waist.

However, back in my sitting room the HUGE present was still there, in its wrapping. I looked at Rosie, she looked at me.

I fetched my camera, removed the wrapping. It was no surprise, though it was thoughtful of him, but the treadmill was going on eBay and the money would pay for a great many lunches out my friends and I would have when we ventured ever further on our weekly ‘longer Rosie walks’. As I put the paper into recycling, I decided that I would tell Gerald that when he came on his occasional duty weekend visits, the right-hand side of the larder was mine. He could put his mung beans and sprouts on the left.

Of course I should have said the same to his father years ago, but I didn’t have Rosie then to change my life.

The front door opened, because my friends didn’t knock any more. ‘Yoo-hoo’ Moira called. And together we all went for a walk, and looked forward to our tea and cake.

‘