Living with a facial birthmark

I have never really addressed this openly and I am not too sure why I am now but I want to talk about it today. I have a facial birthmark. It is right under my eye. If I am completely honest with you all I don't really think about it often. but though out my life there have been comments about it and people can be cruel. 

Today I was doing some life admin and I realised I needed to renew my passport and due to the way you take these types of photos my birthmark is very apparent. Even with some make-up on you can see I have a mark under my eye. I also have chronic sinusitis so you can see that too. As I am very swollen and  I can not cover my swelling. 

No, I have gone round and round in circles with my birthmark. I have had horrid comments. 

Childhood. 

I was kinda lucky in my childhood I mean don't get me wrong I was bullied but they never really picked on my face. There were other things they liked to pick on better, for example, I was a good dancer and singer and this was a better area to use against me than my face. 

I do remember on a school trip once I had a couple of kids ask if I had poo on my face. Lovely comment it hurt as I could not change my birthmark and this was before I was old enough to wear make-up. 

But other than the odd comment I was left alone about my very obvious brown mark under my eye. It could have been the fact I grew up in a small village and everyone knew everyone that I was saved from lots of comments. 

My teens

In my teen, I was very conscious of my birthmark. I would wear a heavy foundation to hide it and I would do everything I could not stay hidden. I felt there was something wrong with my face. No one of my friends had any birthmarks or anything similar and I felt a bit different. 

Adulthood. 

This was the time when I became more accepting of my own face. I discovered that I was unique and different and I liked that. I would, of course, like everyone has self-doubts and hate the sight of myself in the mirror and even more so my birthmark but I found life easier the more I accepted the fact that I could not change my face. 

But that being said I have had as an adult comment on my face. 

I was in the police and a senior officer asked me if I had ever considered having my birthmark lasered off It actually took me a couple of minutes to realsie what he was talking about as I was at a stage in life where I had accepted it as part of me and forgot about it. But that comment hit me like a ton of bricks.  

He said you would be prettier if you had it removed and my reply was well I don't need you to think I am pretty. 

I have had a few I think there is something on your face comments. These tend to be completely innocent as in certain lights it can look like that basically if I am tanned. For

At my wedding, I had a big dilemma as to whether or not to cover my birthmark. I don't really wear heavy make up preferring a more natural look and I really went back and forth with this. Until I ask my now husband. How told me I shouldn't even be considering covering it. He loves my face with my birthmark and for our wedding day, I should need to cover it to please other people. If I am happy with my face why would I try to hide it just in case someone else has an opinion. I did not cover it and had the natural make-up I wanted. 

Lately, my favourite little boy asked me about my birthmark and for the first time I didn't have an ounce of embarrassment. I just explained it to him and he told me I liked it and it made me special. Sometimes children just have a way to make you feel good about yourself. 

Things I have learned with my birthmark 

There are people who are mean and they will find any way to be mean birthmark or no birthmark. You can not change that you can only change how you feel towards them. 

Some people just want to stare at unusual things. Yes, I have had people stare at me and I have heard whispers. But I honestly no longer care. If you are that into my birthmark on my face you are kinda strange in my opinion. I personally would never stare at someone like that but each to their own. 

Without my birthmark, I would not be me. I am me there is no one else like me my birthmark proves that. I am not you and you can't be me. I have one face and it is mine. I can put make-up on it or not I can show off my birthmark or hide it. But no matter what I do I have a birthmark on my face and it belongs to me. 

If you have a birthmark you are trying to come to terms with I hope my experience makes you realise you are not alone. There are lots of people around the world who have birthmarks and I am just one of them. 

I am here anytime you need to chat. I know how you feel. 

The 5 Keys to the Moving Process

 

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With everybody feeling the pinch right now, it would seem that life may appear to be more difficult, but there are those people who have been lucky enough to find a dream home during this time, thanks to slowly dipping house prices, this can be the start of an amazing adventure. So with this in mind what does it really take to make sure that you move into your new home properly? 

Get the Moving Process Started ASAP

The moving process begins before you sign on the dotted line. You need to confirm the moving dates, get in contact with a professional removalist, and start packing boxes between 6 and 8 weeks before the move. You have most likely used online conveyancing solicitors in London.

Professional removalists can be quite flexible if you need to change the moving date later, but it's also important to remember that you may need extra storage. If you want to look into self-storage, try and get this in place at least 2 months before the move. In the last 12-months, there has been a big queue for storage because of so many people having to move back in with their parents and start all over again.

Sort Out the School/Work Situation

If you are moving far away, you have to consider your working situation. If you're moving to a new area with your children, you will also need to apply for a new school. You need to make sure that all the paperwork is in order, but also keep communicating with the old school to make sure that they are in the loop.

Get the Right Insurance

There's different types of buildings insurance, and you need to make sure that you are getting the best bang for your buck to make sure the property is covered against any events like floods and fires. You also need content insurance to make sure that everything is covered against any damage, loss, as well as any break-ins that could occur.

Keep Your Important Documents Safe

Make sure that, as the moving date approaches, you keep all your documents safe. There's a lot of critical paperwork that you will need to keep a hold of. One of the best ways to make sure that you keep everything in place to have a lockbox. This is a container with a built-in lock so everything is secure. If you need to get things like birth certificates, employment contracts, or passports, you don't have to fumble around for them because they're all in one place.

Sort the Utilities 

And as you get to the final steps of being the owner of a new property, one of the first things you have to do is to set up the utilities. Before you start renovating the place and come up with amazing ideas for the space, look at the gas and electricity prices, and get in contact with the utility companies. 

Moving into your dream home should be an amazing experience, especially if you have had a tough time. However, it can be very stressful, so try these approaches and they will make life a lot easier.

Want Your Home To Appeal To Buyers? These Tips Will Help

When it comes to selling your property, there is a range of factors that impact the likelihood that it will sell. Some of these factors include: A few of the factors to take into account are the location, the interior design and the curb appeal of the home and of course, how good your instructed online conveyancing solicitors are.

. However, if you want to increase the possibility of selling your house more quickly, you should focus on making your home more desirable to potential buyers. This will increase the number of people who are interested in purchasing your property.

Here are a few pointers on how to improve the appearance of your property, which will help make it more appealing to those who might be interested in purchasing it.

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Remove as much of a personal touch as you can.

It is possible that you take great pleasure in all of the artwork that your child has created and displayed on your refrigerator, as well as the photographs of your family that hang on your walls. It is possible that you like the adorable decorations that you have accumulated for the mantlepiece as well. On the other hand, prospective customers might not. What they are looking for is a blank slate, something on which they can place their own mark. When you are trying to sell your home, it is important to depersonalize it as much as possible. You are free to hang each and every one of them in your gorgeous new house.

Consider the lighting in your space.

In the event that your lamps and other light fixtures are from a bygone era, you ought to give some thought to replacing them with more contemporary alternatives. When they go into a property, prospective purchasers do not want to have the impression that they are traveling through time because the fixtures are outdated. This is a straightforward improvement that can help you get a better deal when selling your property.

Open the windows in your house.

Get rid of any cumbersome drapes, curtains, or valances that may be hanging from your windows. It is important that you make the most of every ray of natural light that comes into your house through the various windows. It is also an effective strategy for giving the impression that a room is larger than it actually is.

Think about the appearance from the street.

The curb appeal of your property will be the first thing that prospective buyers notice, so make sure it stands out. Mow the grass in the yard, clear up any trash that may have accumulated, and put some flowers in flower pots during the warmer months. During the winter months, it is imperative that you keep the walks clear of snow and ice at all times.

Update fittings

If the knobs or handles on the cabinets or drawers in your kitchen are old and rusty, you should replace them with new ones. Things like door knobs and light switches are included in this category as well.

Your home will have a more up-to-date appearance thanks to this simple upgrade, which will not break the bank and will help you make more money when you sell it.

4 Ways to Cut Expenses at Home

 Living on a budget can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. In fact, there are plenty of ways to cut expenses at home without making too many drastic changes. So if you're looking for some simple tips that can help you save money, you've come to the right place. This blog post will discuss four ways to reduce your spending and put more money in your pocket. So keep reading for helpful advice on how to save money!

via Pexels

1) Take a look at your utility bills

Are you paying more than you need for electricity and water? If so, it may be time to shop around for a better deal. There are plenty of providers out there that can offer lower rates than your current company such as Shropshire Gas. Doing some research and switching providers could save you a significant amount of money each month.

Another way to reduce your utility bills is to make some simple changes in your home that can help lower energy consumption. For example, replacing old light bulbs with LED bulbs or investing in a programmable thermostat can make a big difference. These small changes can add up to big savings over time.

2) Evaluate your grocery budget

One of the biggest expenses for many families is groceries. If you're not careful, it's easy to spend more than you need to on food. An excellent way to save money on groceries is to plan your meals in advance and make a list before you go shopping. This will help you avoid buying things that you don't need.

Another tip for saving money on groceries is to buy in bulk when possible. Purchasing items in bulk can often be cheaper than buying them individually. This is especially true if you have a large family or tend to cook frequently.

3) Cut back on unnecessary expenses

Do you really need that daily coffee from the café down the street? Or those new shoes that you just saw in the store window? Probably not. If you're looking to save money, it's important to be mindful of your spending and cut back on unnecessary expenses.

Think about what you can live without and start cutting out those non-essential items from your budget. You may be surprised at how much money you can save by making small changes to your spending habits.

4) Save money on your monthly bills

In addition to your utilities, there are other monthly bills that can add up quickly. If you're not careful, it can be easy to overspend on things like your car payment, insurance, credit cards, and more.

One way to save money on your monthly bills is to shop around for better rates. For example, you may be able to find a cheaper car insurance policy by switching providers. Or you could negotiate a lower interest rate on your credit card bill.

In conclusion, there are many ways to save money at home. If you're looking to cut expenses, start by evaluating your utility bills, grocery budget, and monthly bills. You may be surprised at how much money you can save by making small changes to your spending habits.

5 Signs You Can No Longer Afford Your Home

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Many of us spend a lot of money on our homes. But at what point does it all become too expensive? And what should you do if you can no longer afford to live in your home? This post lists some of the signs that your home may be too expensive and what you should do to solve this.

You keep falling behind on payments

Missing the occasional rent payment or mortgage payment isn’t ideal, but it isn’t the end of the world. You should however start to get worried if you’re repeatedly falling behind on payments or struggling to catch up. The arrears will mount up, your credit score will fall and eventually you could be dealing with debt collectors or an eviction notice. Falling behind on payments may be due to poor budgeting. However, if you’re being careful with your spending and struggling to pay bills, it could be a sign your home is too expensive.

You keep borrowing more money for repairs

No homeowner wants to be constantly shelling out money on unplanned repairs. Such repairs may not be a problem if you have the cash to pay for them. However, if you’re having to constantly borrow money to pay for repairs, and the debts are mounting up, it could be a sign that you can no longer afford your home.

You’re ignoring problems because you can’t afford to fix them

Instead of taking out loans for repairs, some homeowners may simply ignore faults to save money. While there are some problems that you can put off, you shouldn’t be in a situation where you’re putting off fixing leaks or electrical problems because you can’t afford to fix them.

You’re sacrificing essentials to afford your bills

In times of need, many of us have to make cutbacks. However, if you’re not turning your heating on a freezing winter’s night to keep your bills low or skipping meals to pay your rent, this is a sign that your home is unaffordable.

Over 50% of your monthly income goes towards home bills

It’s recommended that no more than 50% of your income goes towards bills and essential costs. This includes rent/mortgage, energy bills, food, phone, internet and car costs. If 50% of your income is simply going towards home bills like rent and energy - not including other bills - this could be a sign that you’re financially stretching yourself too far.
What to do if you cannot afford your home…

When you can no longer afford your home, the most obvious solution is to move. If you own your home, consider whether it’s time to downsize or move to a home in a cheaper location. You may even want to visit a display home for a new build - many new builds are much cheaper than older properties. If you rent your home, you should consider looking into cheaper homes to rent.

What to do if you cannot afford your home…

Of course, moving can be costly itself and may not always be convenient. There may be ways to reduce your current bills by negotiating with your landlord/mortgage lender or energy provider. Refinancing a mortgage is always an option, as is switching suppliers.


If you can’t cut costs, consider ways to make extra money. Is it time you took on a side hustle? Is it time you asked your employer for a pay rise? Don’t be afraid to also explore forms of financial assistance if you’re on a low income - it’s always worth talking to someone at your local citizen’s advice bureau to see what you may be entitled to.

4 Ways to Help Someone That Is Going Through a Tough Time

 When someone we know is going through a tough time, it can be hard to know what to do to help. It is important to remember that everyone deals with difficult times differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, here are four general tips that might help you support your loved one during their tough time.

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1) Just be there. 

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply be present and available to your loved one. Let them know that you are there for them and offer your support however they need it.

"Just being there" for someone can mean a lot of different things. You might offer to help with practical tasks, like running errands or cooking meals. Or you might just provide a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. It's important to let your loved one take the lead in terms of what kind of support they need from you.

If you live far away from a person who is going through a tough time, staying in touch via phone calls, texts, or video chats can still make a big difference.

2) Avoid giving unsolicited advice. 

Even if you think you know exactly what your loved one should do to feel better, it's essential to avoid giving unsolicited advice. This can come across as judgmental or condescending, and it might make your loved ones feel like they are not being heard or understood.

If your loved one does want your advice, try to offer it in a non-judgmental way. For example, you could say something like, "I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but I read an article that talked about XYZ."

It's also important to remember that sometimes people just need someone to vent to, and they don't necessarily want or need solutions. In these cases, just listening and offering empathy can be helpful.

3) Take them out into town.  

Sometimes, getting out of the house can be helpful for someone who is going through a tough time. If your loved one is feeling cooped up, try suggesting a morning breakfast at the Bubble Tea Club, a walk in the park, or even just a drive around town.

Fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders for lifting someone's mood. Plus, being around other people can help your loved one feel less isolated and alone.

4) Encourage them to take care of themselves. 

When someone is going through a tough time, they must take care of themselves both physically and mentally. This might mean getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, exercising, or spending time outdoors.

You can help by supporting your loved one's efforts to take care of themselves. For example, you could offer to cook a healthy meal with them or go on a run together. Taking care of yourself is also important! If you're feeling burnt out, make sure to take some time for yourself as well.

It can be difficult watching someone we love struggle. However, there are ways we can support them and help them through their tough times. Just remember to be there for them, avoid giving unsolicited advice, take them out into town, and encourage them to take care of themselves. With your support, they will hopefully be able to get through this tough time.

How to Help a Grieving Friend

 When someone we care about suffers a loss, it can be challenging to know what to do to help. Bereavement is a unique experience for each person, and there is no right or wrong way to deal with it. However, there are some general things that you can do to support your grieving friend and make them feel loved and supported. This blog post will discuss some of the best ways to help a grieving friend.

Via Pexels

1) Help with funeral arrangements: 

One of the most practical ways you can help a grieving friend is by offering to help with funeral arrangements. This can involve anything from making phone calls and sending out invitations to helping choose flowers or music. If your friend struggles to make decisions or coordinate everything, offer to step in and help. You can also look out for a funeral plan that will include all arrangements. 

Grieving is a process that takes time. It isn’t something that can be done in a few weeks or months. It can take years for someone to process their feelings about losing a loved one. If you are trying to help a friend who is still mourning a loved one, you can help them through the process with a thoughtful gift. Let’s say you knew someone who died who was close to your friend. For the headstone, Cemetery Grave Markers in Bronze is a perfect design idea that allows you to engrave the headstone with something meaningful about the person who died. These markers protect a headstone from eroding and discoloring. Therefore, this gift will give a grieving person a lasting gift to mark the life of the person they have lost.

You could also get something that memorializes the deceased in another way, like a beautiful piece of art or photos in a frame. These gifts show your friend that you understand and remember the person they lost while also being a reminder that they are not alone.

2) Bring food and offer to help around the house: 

Another way to be supportive is by bringing food or offering to help around the house. This can take a lot of pressure off your friend during a difficult time. Something as simple as taking out the trash or doing the grocery shopping can be a huge help.

If you are close to the grieving person, you may also want to offer to stay with them for a night or two. This can provide some much-needed company and allow them to take a break from being alone.

3) Listen and offer words of comfort: 

One of the most important things you can do for a grieving friend is simply to be there for them. Listen to them when they want to talk, and offer words of comfort when they need it. Sometimes, people just need someone to be present with them in their grief.

If you are at a loss for words, there are some comforting phrases that you can use. For example, you could say, “I’m sorry for your loss” or “I’ll be here for you if you need me”. Just let your friend know that you care and are there for them.

4) Send a card or flowers: 

A simple gesture like sending a card or flowers can mean a lot to someone who is grieving. It shows that you are thinking of them and want to brighten their day. You could also send a handwritten note with some words of encouragement.

5) Give them time: 

It’s essential to give your friend time to grieve in their own way and at their own pace. Don’t try to push them to “move on” or tell them how they should be feeling. Everyone deals with loss differently, and it takes time to heal.

Be patient and understanding, and let your friend know that you are there for them when they’re ready.

These are just a few of the ways you can help a grieving friend. If you are unsure of what to do, just ask them how you can help. Sometimes, simply being there for someone is the best thing you can do. Showing your support and care can make all the difference.