Christmas Tag

Hello lovelies, This was supposed to be Monday's post, but i got lazy, so it's coming to you on Thursday! Today I'm doing a Christmas tag that i stumbled across when on Hello Jasmine who is a blogger I'm really becoming fond of! With out further adu here is my answers to the Christmas tag!

1. What is your favourite Christmas Movie? 

To Grandma's House We Go, i was sorta kinda a super duper Mary-Kate and Ashley fan back in the day, their movies still give me such war feelings, this is the only Christmas movie i can watch year in year out and not get annoyed!

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

It's always been Christmas morning for as long as i can remember. 

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory? 

I'm not typically a Christmas person. I guess there was one christmas where my little brother still believed in Santa and I still believed in Christmas' magic and the way his eyes light up on Christmas was amazing, it was also the first year mum hosted her family at our house, just a great year all around. 

4. Favourite festive food?

Trifle and Mince Pies. I did a post about my fave xmas foods you can read about them all here

5. Favourite Christmas gift?

I remember when i was about 13/14 I recieived my first CD Player, as a rule we were not allowed CD players until we were 16, i was so pleasently surpised, Music has always been such a big part of my life, i personally think my mum just got sick of me constantly stealing her CD Player, but I often smile that i got that so early, it really helped me as a kid. 

6. Favourite Christmas scent? 

 Ginger bread or water melon, sunscreen?  So as most people know Christmas is in summer in Australia so think summer and those are the types of smells we get, Ginger is that IS Christmas to me. I was in the supermarket the other day and walked past the gingerbread houses and just got the most overwhelming smell of Christmas i actually told the person i was with that all i could smell was Christmas! 

fdc5t

Not really no, when I was a kid we had the whole "put the treats out for santa" routine, but these days it's just the same as any other day

8. What tops your tree?

I actually do not have a Christmas three this year. :(

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?

It's not very extravagant but I'd love something writing related for my birthday or Christmas! That would be cool. 

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?

Seeing magic in childrens eyes!

so there we have it, a cute little Christmas tag to keep you guys reading. I'd love to see some of your answers, If you have your own blog, drop a link in the comments or you can simply answer in the comments. 

Click here for more of my Question and Answer posts!

Thanks for reading guys, Monique, x. 

Anxiety & What to do?

So it's less then a week until Christmas and if you're anything like me this is the absolute worst part of the holiday period for me. Most years I try to get everything done before the mad rush before Christmas but my payment does not come in until the 23rd.. . . which means i will be doing ALL of my Christmas Shopping on the 23rd two days before Christmas. . . I am getting pretty tense just thinking about it, so like I did with the Christmas, Depression and How to Help (click here to read) I am going to give you some ideas on how to self help and how to help out a friend or loved one who may be experiencing Anxiety or something similar over the holiday season.

Help yourself: 

If you're reading this you're probably pretty aware that you've got anxiety of some form, these tips below are some tings that i personally use to help myself through some of my more anxious periods. 

• Listen to music or Read: This one is pretty straight forward. If you're feeling tense take some time to listen to some music that calms you or read a chapter in a book. For me it can be one song, or three pages that calm me down, for you it might be more, or less. 
• Meditate: If you're anything like me the first time I was introduced to meditation I kind of rolled my eyes and laughed a little, until i actually tried it properly. I like to use the mindfulness way of meditating as I can do it in many places with out people knowing, However there are hundreds of meditation guides on the Internet, namely YouTube, I'd be happy to help you find some, just tweet me @moniquediplock ,I'd be happy to help
• Grounding: A lot of people haven't really heard of grounding but its a really good way to take your minds attention away from an anxiety or panic attack. If you feel panic or anxiety boiling up just simply look around you for five red things, or five R's or five tree's that are the same, do this for a while and it will distract your mind. Another good way to ground yourself is to download a gaming app on your phone, I like to have a Word Search app of some description and just go to town on that to bring my self back down a little bit
• know your limits:  A lot of people don't know their anxiety limits, if you don't this is probably the best time of year to find them out, some peoples anxieties are triggered by children, some are triggered by crowds, others are triggered by being alone. What ever your anxiety or panic triggers may be chances are over the next week you will more then likely experience them. Once you know what your limits are stick by them, for your own sake as well as others. 
• Take Time Out: This one is pretty important for me. Once you know your limits you know when it's getting to the point where you need to take a moment out, get some fresh air, go for a walk, Most people don't know this about me but I am not afraid to go sit in the toilet for 15mins if i am having an anxiety attack. I have done this on many occasions before an appointment or in the middle of class before a test, I mean it's not the most hygienic of options, but no one can judge you for going to the toilet now, can they? 
• Set a budget: This one doesn't need much explanation, We all need to eat after Christmas as well, if you set a budget for gifts and a budget for food this will cut down some the holiday related stress. 
• Exercise: Like with depression exercise releases some endorphins that reduces the affects that anxiety can have on a persons system. Go for a 10 min walk before an event that you know will trigger your anxiety, go for a walk mid event, but please, be safe. 
• Say No: It's one thing to know your limits, its another to be able to say no. No is such a strong, powerful word, Say it at the right time and you could thank yourself a little later. 

Signs of Anxiety in yourself: 

There are over 100 signs and symptoms of Anxiety, these are just a few that i personally get, they are certainly not limited to this in anyway:

• Dizziness, Numbness and tingling
• Chest pain
• Headaches, Neck tension
• Nausea, Stomach upset, nervous stomach
• Fear of impending doom
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Feeling like you are going crazy
• Inability to rest

Help some one else: 

Some times it's hard to be the friend of some one with an anxiety disorder. Even as a human with an anxiety disorder I can often find it quite difficult to be around other people with different sorts of anxiety then mine, but it is so important to know how to help your friend when he or she is in  or about to launch in to a panic or anxiety attack. 

• Get them to a place where they feel safe: If you can see your friend or loved one is coming to a state of panic, remove them from what ever situation you're in, get them some where they feel safe, even if it's some where you don't particular feel so great. 
• Leave them alone, Or don't: This one pretty much leads in to the next one, A lot of people want to be left alone during an anxiety or panic attack, i know i do, but a lot of people don't, the thought of being alone at these times is worse then the thing they are fearing or panicking about. If they want to be alone, let them, if they do not, let them know you're there. 
• Ask them what they need: A lot of people who live with Anxiety know what they need (many don't) Your friend is likely to tell you what will help them, water, head phones fresh air. Listen to them and try to help, with what they are telling you they need. 
• ground them: or distract them. Tell them about something your cat or dog did that was super cute, ask them to find five circles or ten people wearing a red jumper. This will their mind move on from the problem and hopefully you guys can be on your merry way to celebrating what ever you desire. 
• Stay calm: This is super important. Anxiety is being scared all the time. If your friend or loved one sees that you are also agitated, whether it be from their panic or a fear of you own, they will more then likely jump to the conclusion of their fear being your fear as well, you staying calm and assuring your friend will hopefully sooth them. 
• Don't judge: After and during the anxiety attack your friend or loved one is going to feel like they are a burden to you, like they have wasted your time, like you hate them. Please if your friend lets you see them at this time, their most vulnerable time, don't judge them for it, it's hard enough, If we could avoid these attacks, trust me, we would!

Signs of Anxiety in Someone Else: 

There are over 100 signs and symptoms of Anxiety, these are just a few that i personally get, they are certainly not limited to this in anyway:

• They're always tense, 
• They complain of chest pains or a fast beating heart. 
• Always on edge, looking around or acting like they are waiting for something. 
• They're fears are strange, 
• They sleep horribly, 
• Always snappy or grumpy, 
• It's their way or the highway with tasks, 
• They avoid certain things that could trigger them (for example, I hate crowds)

If you would like to read any of my other Mental Health Related posts, simply click here!

Christmas is a time where most of us feel joy and happiness, we enjoy our families, we celebrate the good things in our life. For many it highlights the divisions, the distance and the loss. Please if you are worried about a work mate, friend or loved one, reach out. They’ll be thankful that you did.

Click Here For A list of World Hot lines

My Favourite Christmas Songs!

I'm doing my very best to be festive this year, as I have failed at it for a very very long time, now. I dont know if it's working but you know what? Its getting me in a good blog posting habit. Over the years we've all collected our favourite Christmas tunes, this my friends, is my list! And as always, It's going to be a list of eight

1. Silent Night by Michael Buble: 

This has always been a personal favourite Christmas Tune of mine, It's just such a pretty song, and well lets face it, everything by Michael Buble is pretty! Especially his face!

2. Last Christmas by Wham

Some songs, just do not need explanations, like this one!

3. Jingle Bell Rock By Bobby Helms!

Who does not like this song? Amazing song! So groovy! Did I just say 'groovy?' ughhh I'm getting old! LOL!

4. White Christmas By Johnny Ruffo!

This song is high on my list because one of my dreams before I die is to experience a white Christmas, where I'm from, Australia it's summer in December so it's always hot and sticky, I'd love to be cold at this time of year maybe I'd enjoy it a lot more? Also, This version is by a really talented singer who doesn't get enough credit, give it a listen and show him some love!

5. Run Run Rudolph By Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarckson is beautiful, and so is this version of Run Run Rudolph! That's why it gets number six on my list!

6. All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey. 

I dont think any modern Christmas song list would be complete with out this little number, Mariah Caray, love her or hate her, she's a brilliant singer and Christmas isnt Christmas unless you get annoyed by this song, still! It is wonderful!

7. Have your self a Merry Little Christmas by Michael Buble: 
If you're wondering why Michael Buble got in here twice it's because it's Michael Buble, who else would we want in our ears at Christmas, not to mention, this song is perfection!

8. War Is Over By Bert McCracken and the Street drum Corps.

So Bert McCracken might not be every body's cup of tea but back in my younger days, he was most definitely mine. I'll never argue against his talent and i think in this rendition of Merry Xmas (War is Over) it comes across so well, I've hear probably hundreds of versions of this song, and this has always stuck as my favourite Christmas song.  (sorry the song isnt available on Spotify!)

Click Here To follow the playlist i made especially for this blog post!

So What Are Some of your favorite Christmas Tunes? Comment below and leave a link to them, so i can check them out!!

My Favourite Christmas Foods

I had a the options of three different posts today, forgotten favourites, a Vlog or My favourite Christmas foods. Because i am currently hungry wishing it was December 25 already, i am going to indulge you all in a list of my favourite things to eat at Christmas!

1. Trifle: Trifle is amazing! It is something that only ever tastes best at Christmas. Even though i might eat it multiple times through out the year. . . . What? It's amazing, that cake and jelly goodness, who can go past it?

2. Ham: It could be a crime to go through Christmas with out having a leg of ham. well at east in my family, it would be! haha!

3. Turkey: Turkey isn't exactly my 'favourite' meat, but it's my mum's and it wouldn't be my family's Christmas table if it was no there turkey, I think my mum would have something really big to say about it.  

4. Fruit Mince Pies:
 I cant remember a Christmas that i have NOT been gifted Fruit Mince Pies. No one in my family eats them so they get given to me and can often last me well in to the new year. 

5. Candy Canes: Do I really need to explain this one? I have never met a person who does not like Candy Canes, Secret? I stock up on them at Christmas and they last me a good while if stored correctly. =D

6. Chocolate Snow Balls (Truffles):I learnt how to make these when I was about 9, they are super awesome, and one of the best things i have ever tasted in my life they're kind of my go to Christmas dish to make. Perhaps I'll write a blog post on how i usually do it? Comment down below if you want that!!

7. Pork: Not really a festive meat, but its a must on our table for any special occasion, my mum is obsessed with it and i have to say I agree every time when she suggests we have it. She prefers it with out apple sauce, I usually have it half with apple half with gravy, . . hey, I never claimed to be normal!

8. Baked Potatoes: I could eat baked potatoes every day of the year, but it again would  not be my Christmas plate with out them. 

So this is my list guys!! Please comment below, What are your Christmas fav foods? Have I left anything out?

Images not mine, Credit to owners!

Christmas, Depression, How To Help!

Between 1 in 5 ( Or more) Australians  experience a Mental Illness at any time of the year. Christmas in particular is a time where a lot of people putting added pressure on themselves to be joyful or merry or to buy that perfect Christmas gift. Over the next couple of weeks in the lead up to Christmas and New Year I am hoping to pen a couple of posts highlighting what many of us seem to over look in our rush for the perfect Christmas, those who are struggling silently. Today’s topic is depression and grief.

Around the world there are many people who are already struggling with Depression on an every day basis they struggle getting out of bed, the struggle showering and just doing mundane tasks like feeding your pets that a lot of us do with so much ease. It’s easy to hid depression but the signs can sometimes be as obvious as a sore thumb.
Just the same as people are struggling with Depression there are many people around the world that this Christmas will be a First. A first living away from their parents, A first for their child. A first with out that loved one that they held so near and dear.

Here is a list of some things to keep in mind.

• It’s okay to feel. Acceptance is one of the hardest part of Depression and most definitely grief. You do not need to be merry, you do not have to smile if you don’t want to, if you are feeling down. Accept and allow those feelings.
• Set your boundaries. You usually have a big family get together or two over the holiday season, but you want a quiet Christmas. You need to be firm with your family and let them know that you need to take care of your health.
• Know your limits, It is more then okay to say no! Dont look at me like that! Yes it is perfectly fine to say no! You need to understand what is going to be too much in order for you to keep at an optimal mental health. If you dont feel like you would have fun going to a party, dont go, Organize for a more comfortable time to hang out with that friend.
• Go for a walk. We all know the facts. Exercise releases the good endorphins that make you feel better. So, If you’re at the party already and you have gotten in to that stage where you just want to curl in a ball and cry, get up, go for a walk. But please be safe.
• Ask for help! I think this is the most important one here. It’s not a bad thing, you deserve to be okay, there are many services around the world, (which I will link below) that are there 24/7 that want to make sure you get through your troubles, I, we They want you to be okay, so please if you need it, seek it!
• Do things that make YOU happy. It doesnt matter if it’s laying in the rain, making a snow angel while listening to Metallica eating a whole tub of cookie and cream ice cream on your own while listening to Kelly Clarkson, do what makes YOU happy. The more to this, the better you will feel.

It’s a time of year where everyone feels the need to force a smile but there are people who are hidden away who would rather do anything but force another smile and sing jingle bells.There are many of us who have a friend who might be struggling. 

There are some things you can do too that might help.

• Allow them to feel. Often with depression people need to feel the feelings to understand what is wrong. Whether this is crying, yelling, screaming, kicking a fence. As long as they are not harming themselves, getting them selves in trouble or harming some one else, let them feel.
• Listen to them. Some times all we need a shoulder to cry on, other times we need an ear to listen to us, if you are given your friends deepest thoughts in the time when they are agonizing pain, then they trust you. Listen to them, be their ear but dont try to save them by solving all their problems, just listen.
• Accept them for who they are right now. We often want our nearest and dearest to come to every event with us. They might have been the life of the party last year but this year they really are not in to it. Accept that. Let them say no. Let them be alone, trust that they know what they need.
• Offer help. Sometimes our loved ones dont want to talk to us, perhaps they need to be alone with some music, or to read a book, or maybe they need to talk to some one who is knows absolutely nothing about them. Mention that Movie or song that you know makes them feel a little better. Recommend a book that made you feel nice. Give them the number for a help line or a website that night help, (Sane and Beyond blue are great ones in Australia) but dont force it on them.

Christmas is a time where most of us feel joy and happiness, we enjoy our families, we celebrate the good things in our life. For many it highlights the divisions, the distance and the loss. Please if you are worried about a work mate, friend or loved one, reach out. They’ll be thankful that you did.

Click Here For A list of World Hot lines

Eight Quirky Christmas Gifts For A Best Friend

Hello Friends! 

I am currently sitting here on my couch with a tummy flu and a pulled shoulder muscle, so i thought what better time to jump on here and compile a list of gifts for that one person who you can rely on for absolutely anything, your best friend!

I admit I love home made type stuff, so most gifts will be from etsy.

(Disclaimer, this post is not sponsored, i have found these myself,)

Hello Summer?!

It's that time of year again where the days are getting longer, the bee's are coming out to play, and the year is beginning to wind up, yes my friends, it's only three more days til spring and three more months until summer. .  wait . . . isnt everybody talking about how summer is just ending? . . . well no, not all of us, some of us are about to come out of hibernation and start on our plight to shave our legs, sunbathing and other summery things

While the majority of the worlds population is bidding fair well to the warmer months of Summer and Spring the southern parts of the globe are gearing up to welcome them in. Winter isnt even over and I can already feel the changes in the air, i swear we barely even had Winter here in Australia. Today I am going to give a little heads up and write about eight things that happen in Australia during the warmer months. I hope you enjoy!

1. The Heat: This one is probably the worst thing, while we have yet to have a day over 25ish. Know it is still August and technically Winter. Its not very inspiring knowing that temps of 43c and above are awaiting my town, worst in the tropics and out west, to convert that in to northern hemisphere, that's about 109.something. not nice, some places this is an average not a height. 

2. Storms: I used to be pretty afraid of storms and to a certain extent i still am. I mean there is a shear beauty in that of what mother nature creates but we also need to respect the savageness of her temper. It is only August 27th and today i wondered what her problem was three times, she went from raining to sunny three times. I'm trying to dry washing . . . seriously!

3. Bushfires: There are so many things I hate about summer but this is probably one of the worst things i can think of. So much devastation, so much injured wild life and such, so many people lose their homes regularly. While bushfires are a necessary evil to regenerate life and clean out our lands the cost that goes with it in a human world is immeasurable 

4. Sunburn: I am a pale redhead with freckles, Here's to obtaining more even when i stay indoors more then i go out!

5. BBQ's: There's nothing like kicking back with your family mates enjoying a BBQ. Seriously! I am hoping to attend a few of these this year, even if I just chuck on a few snags, watch the Originals with a towel on my head in front of the fan in an effort to cool down, sounds like a nice arvo to me!

6. Halloween: I LOVE!! Halloween! I dont know about other Australians or southern dwellers but i find it incredibly hard to paint my face or dress up in some kind of rad costume with out sweating it in to oblivion the second i start at a Halloween party or something, like seriously, i tend to just put on a cool headband and proceed. I kinda have a problem with all this 'Halloween' themed lattes or what ever but it's too hot for that shit at the end of October. 

7. Christmas: I'm dreaming of a White Christmas! Literally! Can I please have a Christmas day below 1000c. . . please? Also, you guys getting all rugged up in your ugleee sweaters and drinking hot chocolate by the fire. . . yah, you know that just isnt acceptable in Australia's winter, right? In July? If i was a million air i would 100% just spend my life chasing the winter. 

8. Fireworks: Yes fireworks are all over the place! From October til Late January there is fireworks all over the place in my town and country, between our local show/fair, the combi beach fest, Carol nights, New years, Australia Day and the random bogan's in my street with nothing better to do you can bet there will be fireworks littering the sky. Though i am yet to make it through a firework exhibition with out crying you can bet your bottom dollar that fireworks in the sky means it's summer somewhere. 

Aussie Bonus - Spiders: This are not my definition of a good time, being Australian you have no choice but to be arachnophobia because every thing with eight legs can probably kill you and the ones that cant are scary af. like look here (5am visitor) and here don't they just want to make you crawl up and die before they kill you? i mean those two i posted are not even venomous but i can tell. . . they want to kill me!