I've been on a sugar-free, extremely low carb diet (almost keto) since mid-January due to my gestational diabetes (it's a joy...). The hormones in my body decided I won't be able to process most forms of sugar while I'm pregnant fairly early on, so I've had time to try out a few new things. It can be hard to find tasty desserts and cake that isn't chalky when your diet is this limited, so maybe this will help one or two readers. Let me know what you think!

Photos are from the respective websites

These no bake cookies from Stacey at Soccer Mom Blog went down a treat. Great on their own, or a cheeky dollop of cream. They're quick to make, have the added depth of flavour of peanut butter, and you can feel really smug knowing they're not at all bad for you!

Brenda, from the USA, AKA Sugar-Free Mom has a brilliant recipe for gluten, dairy and sugar-free brownies, and they're gooooood, especially if you like yours fudgy. The beans replace the flour, and they are one of the few keto-friendly desserts without coconut in them, if that's not your thing. Obviously with no flour, they don't rise, so be prepared for a shallow bake or use a smaller traybake tin. 

This was my favourite find. It's hard to find things which aren't chocolate based, but this carrot cake was delicious and I've made it repeatedly when I needed a baked goods fix. A great addition to the breakfast table, even, it's so not naughty! You can tell it's not so sweet, but it's by far and away the best keto cake I've come across. I didn't make the frosting and it was still great. Thanks to Maya, the blogger here!

Yes, you can still eat chocolate on a low sugar low carb diet! I buy Nick's sugar-free chocolate from Amazon, and it worked amazingly in this chocolate bark recipe from Jennifer Banz. Ultra quick, simple ingredients, and a bit of a novelty (or it was at the picnic I took it to). Just watch it doesn't melt on the picnic table in this gorgeous sunshine we've been having!

I've got just three weeks until Baby V is due but I fully intend on continuing to bake mainly less sugary and lower carb recipes. These treats will be a regular in our house even after the pregnancy diabetes has gone!

Why not follow Stacey, Jennifer, Maya and Brenda's blogs, there's a great collection of recipes to be enjoyed. Thanks ladies!

Lou x

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I've always been a HUGE Disney fan, so seeing the new version of Aladdin was never in question. My first ever Disney movie ownership came in the form of Mary Poppins in 1991; I was lucky enough to go to Disneyland twice as a kid, something I hope to do at least once with my own; My sister and I wanted to name our baby brother 'Eric' after Prince Eric of The Little Mermaid so bad (we got the first letter alone, he was named Edward). 

So when I heard the Disney cartoons were starting to be remade in 'live action' with real people and CGI animals, I was pretty excited. A refresh, and potentially a more life-like story. 

Jungle Book was pretty good in 2016, and a popular film for Disney to begin their new live action endeavours with, though not in my top rated ones. It was a good start, impressing me with how life-like the animals were and their interaction between the human actors. 

Beauty and the Beast (2018) was less good in my eyes, but it's probably my third favourite overall from the 90's cartoons, so it was always going to be a hard sell. One of my favourite parts was re-shot and missed out (when Belle sits on the fountain edge and the goat eats her book), and Emma Watson ... never been a fan. Please, autotune. 

2019 brings us to Aladdin. And it didn't really bring me to a 'whole new world'. I was disappointed, left feeling a little underwhelmed by the roll of the closing credits. To be honest, I wasn't surprised. On the way into the theatre I said to my brother - let's call him (Prince) Eric just for this blog - that it would be a weird Aladdin without the late, great Robin Williams as the Genie. Will Smith was cast as the new-look Genie and, despite myself, I think he may have been the best character in this re-make - love the way he drops a bit of rap in occasionally and the added storyline he gets (no spoilers). Added to this, his 'Never Had A Friend Like Me' rendition was probably the best bit of the whole film, and he made it his own. Nice work. 

Yes, the costume design was good. Princess Jasmine grew some balls and some sassy, learned character attributes which I loved, and the new songs were pretty decent. What I disliked the most was the stage school vibe the actors had, Aladdin in particular. Sure, the actor needed to be able to look the part, sing, dance and act without a cartoonist's help, but he (no one!) spoke with any conviction and it felt all too rehearsed. I missed those odd voices like the "still I think he's rather tasty" woman in Agrabah's market at he start, and Prince Ali failed to live up to the original song - previously my favourite part. It felt like the Genie was the protagonist at many parts, and the royal parade announcing the arrival of another prince for Jasmine to check-out was one of these. 

And Jafar? One of the first real bad guys I've ever loved, back in 1992. This portrayl by Marwan Kenzari was a complete let-down, even after him being billed as the all-new 'hot Jafar'. He wasn't evil looking enough, and he offered another flat delivery of the script. Where was the passion? Where was the signature twizzly beard??? And Iago, his pet parrot side-kick was just plain mangy. 

So, overall, I enjoyed the Aladdin remake, but it could have been better. At least Aladdin had nipples in this version. How about a 7/10 for this movie. I'm on the fence as to if I'll bother with the Lion King live action remake. 

Lou x

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When I was asked to write a piece for Miss Write during Mental Health Awareness Week (#mentalhealthawarenessweek) I couldn't turn it down.
 
This week is one dedicated to breaking through the stigma that's attached to discussing mental health issues, and educating those who are still learning about how mental health affect people differently.
 
The hardest thing for me isn't how to write this piece, but where to start. Which story to share. I may only be in my mid-30's but life's thrown a few challenges my way and I have had many a battle with my own mental health.
 
From a young age, I remember being seen as different. I was loud, quirky, weird and a bit eccentric. An overly enthusiastic kid with a side of harmless trouble thrown in for good measure. Teachers and other parents were a bit wary of this crazy ball of energy bouncing around the classroom.
 
Luckily I was a pretty hardy soul, comments went over my head whilst I distracted myself with the next shiny thing that drew in my interest. The problem is that as you get older, you become aware of what people are saying and thinking about you. No one took interest in WHY I was maybe like that. It's just how I was, so I grew to accept this too. 
 

​Of course, there are dark days for someone who is unsure of why they are the way they are, why they have burnouts, why people take a step back from you or treat you differently. As I grew up, this led to bouts of depression.
 
It didn't matter what I tried, I could join all the societies and clubs, run toddler groups as I entered motherhood, join the PTA and more. I would be known as the YES and the IDEAS lady. Want something done, ask Louise, she will probably have the energy to do this. Want some good ideas about how to fix a problem? Louise will probably have 100 ideas and again, being the YES lady, she will probably offer to run every one of them herself too.
 
And in my bid for acceptance, I did it ALL....  This ended up being more detrimental to my mental health than I realised, and a link that I failed to spot myself.
 
Everything I signed up to was attacked with every ounce of energy I had, to the point once a project was finished I suffered serious burnout. I was so keen to please and be accepted and people to say, WOW; that's the sort of person we want as a friend, not just as a dogs body... that I just kept going.
 
My husband would step in and try to warn me, seeing negative patterns in my behaviour, but unfortunately for him, I was in denial there was anything else going on. I just liked to be busy and wanted people to need me and the excitement of running all these projects I found addictive.
 
Two years ago I started to see some behaviour in my youngest daughter that I recognised. She was struggling to find her place within school, the kids were wary of her overly creative storytelling and enthusiasm, the teacher was calling me to complain she was distracted in class and was concerned it was due to her being mentally incapable of doing the work (just to clarify here, she was being expected to sit and trace and colour in alphabet letters for ten minutes, something she had been doing since the age of two and that she was bored to death with doing...). 
 
Not only did I feel upset for her, but it took me back to my own childhood. I could see the whole thing playing out again. Parents weren't encouraging of their children being friends with a kid that may encourage their own kids to become distracted and a little on the weird side.
 
I knew there was something more to it, and luckily, worldwide, there is now a better acceptance and understanding of kids who maybe were struggling in school due to being different. I pushed for an assessment. If anything I didn't want my daughter to go through the same unnecessary challenges as I went through if there were answers available.
 
As we sat with the doctor, they noted the pattern I was expressing through my own journey and my daughters and asked me if I had ever thought about getting an assessment. It had never occurred to me that it would still be relevant, I was 34 and had managed so far without an assessment... Yes, I was still doing all the things above, still heavily distracted, disorganised, prone to burnout and depression, but I hadn't even considered my own mental health was worth looking into...
 
A few months later I was being told I displayed very strong signs of having adult ADHD and a very mild form of bipolar. I was in shock at first... would I now be expected to go on drugs to help me manage myself? I was a bit freaked out to be honest. I had lived my whole life without medication and I wasn't planning on my own daughter (who also got diagnosed with ADHD) taking medication for something that I hoped we could try and work through.
 
What I have I done to try and help myself? The same things I would suggest to anyone, no matter what mental health issues they are battling.
 
* Learn who you are
 
Taking the time to understand yourself is VERY important. No matter if you have bouts of depression, suffer from loneliness, anxiety, or maybe something more pronounce: take time for YOU to understand why and if there are any underlying reasons.
 
* Accept yourself
 
YES!!! Sometimes I am a bit mental or different and that's ok!
 
* Believe it
 
Yes, I am repeating the comment above but as I shared in my own journey, I thought I did accept myself.  Even though I had this basic acceptance of myself I still found myself falling over at the same hurdles time and time again. 

​
*A diagnosis is ok
 
There's still so much stigma attached to going to the doctors and asking for help. We are all human, but some people would be more likely to go to the doctors for minor aches and pains than they would for something as important as mental health and well being. It's not irrelevant or less worthy than physical well being!
 
*Own it
 
The more people who can stand up and say they are living with or have gone through a journey with their own mental health, the more it helps others come forward and talk about their experiences and maybe, seek help. The less we hide away from mental health issues and discard its importance of being accepted worldwide as an OK subject to talk about freely, the more we normalise it and can help people find the confidence to continue the discussion. By owning a bigger understanding of yourself, you give yourself the chance to set more realistic limits, goals and boundaries for yourself.
 
*Mindfulness
 
I HATE this word, but what I would say instead is take time for you. Not to go shopping or do errands you normally do all day, but do things to let your head calm down. 

Read a book. Sit in the sunshine with your eyes closed, feeling the sun on your skin and listening to the world around you. Watch a thunderstorm. Be aware of others around you, open your eyes. 

Everyone has their own story, their own journey, be mindful of that. You may feel alone but you are surrounded by many who are also going through their own journeys too.
 
*Never use it as an excuse
 
If your mental well being has affected others, be aware of that and make it right. Your behaviour could have a knock on effect to others, and as I've said above, you can't understand anyone else's journey fully, but you are responsible for your own. Mental Health is never an excuse to be cruel or mean to someone. You of all people know the power of an encouraging word or a hug, a smile and know how an angry face when you are feeling down can be the thing that causes you to break, and feel worse. BE 'MINDFUL' OF THAT.
 
Through an acceptance of myself I am hoping that I have found myself a happier place. I have connected online with other adults with ADHD to see how they have managed their own journeys. Being self-aware has given me the tools to take little steps in finding a better life balance for myself.
 
If I volunteer to do something, I do it not for the praise of others or the need of their adoration, friendship or the desire of feeling wanted. I do it because I want to and because I want to feel my own self-worth. I'm also very aware that being busy all the time isn't THE answer.

I am sure life will still find a way to present me new challenges, new adventures. But for now, I'm happy to know, that I quite like me, especially now I know who I am.

​Life is a journey and most journeys include ups and downs, right paths, wrong paths, moments of feeling lost or moments of absolute joy. Not all of us walk the same path, some of us are lucky enough to have our paths cross each other, to share a moment in that journey together. 

Above all, this is YOUR journey and YOU are responsible for the direction you take it, so if you can, try and make sure to enjoy the little things and appreciate where you have been and all you have achieved. 

Louise Gooding
Find me on Twitter @OnceUponALouise

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Thanks chick, great stuff! I can certainly relate to "busy = happy" ... An attitude I learned to fight against a few years back. A good reminder.

Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week here, and be well!

Lou x
​
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Born to be a Tourist

I've sat on this drafted blog for a few years now, for reasons that will become apparent. I'm trying to blog more often again, so here's a re-write. I know some of my loyal readers love a good rant! 

This is an actual email I received from a former colleague a few years back. 

--------

Hi,

In view of the cold weather, XXXX County Council are making  one off emergency cash payments from 14 libraries to those in need of fuel on a one off emergency basis:

(Here they list the libraries allegedly taking part)

All libraries are open Saturdays and Sundays as well as during the week. (Hoorah for libraries!)

Customers will need to come with

Proof of identity
Proof of accommodation
A fuel bill or details of your energy supplier

They will receive £20 in cash. This is a one off payment.

………………This hasn’t been advertised but it is legit. There are no criteria only that people are in need of fuel (as in saying you do!). 

(I’m going to my local library for my £20!)

Your Benefit Scrounging Acquaintance 

(Ok, it wasn't signed like that, but I have to make the point - again!)

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We do all love libraries and the services they provide, but this is taking the biscuit!

The person who emailed me has a full-time job, lives with her family rent-free and doesn't pay bills. She doesn't even drive to count 'fuel' as petrol. She's just after a quick £20 bonus ("my" £20) at the Council tax payers expense (of which she is not one due to her living arrangements.  

My light-hearted seemingly library-loving reply to my colleague was as follows:

At least borrow a book while you're visiting the library! ;)

Note the wink I added to soften the blow - never mind it's sarcastic! 
Her reply:

Why?! 

I replied:

'Cos that that's what libraries are for and I could recommend a couple of books if you wanted...

...But it didn't go down too well! I think that was the end of our semi-friendly office relationship!

The fact that these emergency fuel payments are for those people in serious financial need, for people who cannot afford to heat their homes, completely escaped her moral compass. She was off to the library to claim the money 'just because' she could.

Obviously, I think the libraries in question needed to ensure they see something that proves the people claiming are struggling to pay their bills (e.g. a final demand). I should have gone along to see what they were asking for as proof, there must have been something. The fact that £20 won't cover half of a utility bill in this day and age is another issue - makes me wonder how legit this scheme was back in 2014... 

And certain people need to get a grip and realise the bigger picture and not take advantage of a benefit they're not entitled because they reckon they can cash-in. The welfare safety net we're lucky enough to have in this country is there to support those who cannot support themselves in their hour(s) of need, for whatever reason. 

This is part of what is wrong with today's "Benefit Britain". Anyone dare to disagree?!

Rant over.

Lou x

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Image courtesy of Women Health Info