ME Awareness 2016 and fundraiser success!

It's quite a while since I've written a blog post as it was my birthday then my fundraiser so it's all been a bit manic.

I want to talk about M.E Awareness day and how proud I am of myself and Team Princess for what we achieved.

M.E Awareness day/week/month is always emotional. It's exhausting when you try to do your bit to raise awareness of this truly awful condition but when you decide to fundraise too (crazy some may say!) you know you are going to be as pooped as a pooped thing for a good while after.

Considering it was my birthday 3 days before Awareness day - the day Team Princess was doing our thing - I was already slightly wiped out before we'd even started! However, it is obviously something very important to me. I had written a status to warn people I would be posting lots on the day but to be honest if they didn't like it then tough! People who know me and know what my life is like support me (or so you would think!) so that was my thinking. Plus I would be raising as much money and awareness as I could. How can that ever be a bad thing?

The charity I chose to support is such a fantastic one so I wanted to push it as much as possible. Smile for ME, if you haven't read my previous post, send parcels of gifts to M.E sufferers and carers who have been nominated by friends or family. It is run by 2 girls who are both M.E sufferers and they rely on donations. Random acts of Kindness are a big part of my life and I love sending stuff to people, so I wanted to raise as much as I could for them to enable them to send lots of Smile parcels.

Before the event had even started I'd somehow managed to raise a big chunk of money and I very kindly received a large donation on my birthday which took me to my £300 target. It gave me a massive boost but then I panicked I wouldn't raise much more!!

My first post of the day was very personal and stated my reasons for joining Team Princess. I will share a copy of it below for you to read.  I had a lot of comments and likes, which to me was as important as raising money as it meant people had (hopefully) read what I had written.

I posted various pictures throughout the day across my social media and I couldn't keep up with the notifications of donations at one point. I was a bit overwhelmed and every single pound donated, as well as every comment or message, meant so much to me. As always, there was a bit of disappointment from some but on the whole I was blown away with people's generosity and kindness.

When my little girl came home from school she got dressed as a Princess too and we had some photos together. She loved it!

I was absolutely exhausted by evening but I was buzzing too so took a while to be able to wind down.

I also ran an auction the following weekend with prizes that had been donated by some of my favourite independent businesses. That went really well too. I really am grateful for everyone's support.

The total raised was £879.88 including gift aid. Amazing! I received some messages from Smile for ME which made my heart so happy. Knowing how much the money was going to make a real difference made me feel so fuzzy and it's the reason I pushed so much for donations. Every single person who donated I want you to know that you really have made a difference. You have helped towards putting a huge smile on a very deserving person's face. I appreciate it so much.

Team Princess managed to raise £3436.95 for various M.E charities so I couldn't be prouder. I'd like to also thank our Queenie Sian for organising everything so well and for all the support. We couldn't do it without her!

I can't stress enough what a brilliant thing it is that Smile for ME do. M.E is very isolating so receiving a parcel literally does make a huge difference to people's lives. If you wanted to make a donation to them, you can do here here.

Thank you to everyone who is there for me, who continue to support me and for all your kindness with my fundraiser. If I could give you all a big sparkly hug I would do!

Ali 
xx

Auction for my fundraiser for Smile for ME

As you will know if you read my blog, I'm fundraising for the charity Smile for ME and here is my previous post with all the details.

I decided I wanted to also hold a little auction to try and raise some extra money for them, so I contacted some of my favourite businesses and I have very kindly had some brilliant prizes donated.

I will be holding the auction on my Facebook page which will start at 9am on Saturday 14th May and will end at 9pm on Sunday 15th May 2016. Bids will be accepted at any time between those hours. I will contact the winner once the auction has ended and will arrange delivery of the items as some I am sending myself but others will be sent direct from the businesses. I will post Terms & Conditions at the bottom of this post.

The following is a description of the items with a link to the lovely places who have donated them. 

1) Sausage dog print scarf from Lisa Angel.

A large ladies' lightweight fashion scarf with a repeated dachshund dog design. It is black & white print over a salmon pink background and made from 100% polyester.

2) Acrylic pins and necklace from Punkypins

You are Magical, Be Yourself and Feminist acrylic pins plus red Where Fourheart Thou necklace.

3) Voucher from Crown and Glory

This is a very special voucher as whatever the winning bid, Crown and Glory will double up on the value of it. So for example, if the winning bid is £50 the prize will be a £100 voucher! There is a whole load of stuff to choose from on the website so have a browse and I'm sure you'll see lots you like. Crown and Glory will send the voucher to the winning bidder. I have selected a few pictures from their website as examples of some of what you can buy from them.

4) Unicorn Magnet from AnnieANDBlanche

A handmade rainbow felt unicorn magnet lovingly made especially for the auction, complete with sparkly unicorn horn. It has been made using soft wool felt and embroidery thread.

5) Personalised mug from Jilly Jilly

A ceramic mug from the new Mix and Match collection which has just been launched. The winner can choose which design and name to be on the mug. You can see some of the other options here. Jilly Jilly will be sending the mug direct to the winning bidder (their packaging is beautiful!).

I have my own mug from the new range and it's really gorgeous.

6) Box of goodies from Lucky Dip Club.
Some of you may know I subscribe to Lucky Dip Club which is a monthly box of goodies. They collaborate with various artists & illustrators and there is a mix of stuff in the box that you will be bidding on.

A copy of Girl Planet which is a zine they publish each month, Mel Stringer I Donut Care print and patch, Good Morning print by Belsartworld, mini cards by Emma Margaret Illustration, Girls glitter banner by All Her Glory designs, strawbunny pin by Ponypeople, Lucky Dip Club Girl Gang pins, mini motivational pocket cards, BFF keyring kit by Samantha Eynon, mermaid notebook, Lucky Dip Club weekly planner. Wowzers!

A closer look at what's there!

I really hope you see some items you like and hopefully will see you at the auction over the weekend!

The Terms & Conditions are below. The ones for Crown & Glory and Jilly Jilly (at the bottom) are slightly different due to them sending to the winning bidder direct but the bidding process is the same for all.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS -  Princess Ali's auction for Smile for ME

Auctioneer: Alison West
Vendors: Lisa Angel, Punky Pins, Annie and Blanche and Lucky Dip Club
In aid of: Smile for ME

1. BIDDING
The auction will take place on https://facebook.com/beingamummywithME/
Photos of the items for auction prior to the opening of the bidding with full description will be available on beingamummywithme.blogspot.com. Bids may be placed by commenting your bid amount on the photo of the item you would like. A post with photographs of all items up for auction will go live at 9am on Saturday May 14th. Bids will be accepted at any time from 9am on Saturday 14th May until 9pm on Sunday 15th May.

2. POSTAGE CHARGES
No charge for postage or delivery of items will be made to the purchaser. The auctioneer is expected to bear the cost of onward postage direct to the successful purchaser. Due to this, UK bidders only please.

3. PAYMENT
Alison, as auctioneer, will contact the successful purchasers on Sunday 15th May, once the bidding has closed at 9pm. They will be advised the total amount to be paid. Payment may be made through BT mydonate page set up for Smile for ME. Please note payment through PayPal is not available for BT mydonate, payments are through credit or debit card only. A link to the page will be provided. Please note gift aid cannot be claimed on these payments.

4. STORAGE OF LOTS
The items for sale will remain with the auctioneer until sold.

5. VIEWING OF LOTS FOR SALE
There will be no physical viewing of items for sale. Bidders must rely solely on the description of items and photographs given by the seller/auctioneer. A catalogue of the items for auction will be available on beingamummywithme.blogspot.com. The auctioneer does however undertake to forward any purchasers’ queries to the vendors, if there is any uncertainly about what is on offer.

6. DELIVERY OF LOTS
 All Lots to be sold will be delivered direct from the auctioneer within 10 working days of receipt of payment. The auctioneer will bear the cost of postage or delivery (unless otherwise stated) and will undertake to ensure that the item is secured packaged to avoid damage in transit.  

TERMS AND CONDITIONS -  Princess Ali's auction for Smile for ME

Auctioneer: Alison West
Vendors: Crown and Glory and Jilly Jilly
In aid of: Smile for ME

1. BIDDING
The auction will take place on https://facebook.com/beingamummywithME/
Photos of the items for auction prior to the opening of the bidding with full description will be available on beingamummywithme.blogspot.com. Bids may be placed by commenting your bid amount on the photo of the item you would like. A post with photographs of all items up for auction will go live at 9am on Saturday May 14th. Bids will be accepted at any time from 9am on Saturday 14th May until 9pm on Sunday 15th May.

2. POSTAGE CHARGES
No charge for postage or delivery of items will be made to the purchaser. The vendor is expected to bear the cost of onward postage direct to the successful purchaser. UK only bidders please.

3. PAYMENT
Ali, as auctioneer will contact the successful purchasers on Sunday 15th May, once the bidding has closed at 9pm. They will be advised of the total amount to be paid. Payment may be made through BT mydonate page set up for Smile for ME. Please note payment through PayPal is not available for BT mydonate, payments are through credit or debit card only. A link to the page will be provided. Please note gift aid cannot be claimed on these payments.

4. STORAGE OF LOTS
The items for sale will remain with the vendor until sold.

5. VIEWING OF LOTS FOR SALE
There will be no physical viewing of items for sale. Bidders must rely solely on the description of items and photographs given by the vendor/ auctioneer. A catalogue of the items available for auction will be able to view at beingamummywithme.blogspot.com. The auctioneer does however undertake to forward any purchasers’ queries to the sellers, if there is any uncertainly about what is on offer.

6. DELIVERY OF LOTS
The auctioneer will notify the vendor of the details of the successful purchasers once payment has been received. All Lots to be sold will be delivered direct from the vendor within 10 working days of receipt of payment. The vendor will bear the cost of postage or delivery (unless otherwise stated) and will undertake to ensure that the item is secured packaged to avoid damage in transit.

7. CONFIRMATION OF OWNERSHIP
The vendor warrants to the Auctioneers and to the Purchaser:-
a. That she is the true owner of the Lot or is properly authorised to sell the Lot by the true owner.
b. Is able to transfer a good and marketable title to the lot free from any third party claims liens and encumbrances and that all entries on the entry form are correct.
c. That no lot is subject to any hire purchase, lease, contract hire agreement or any other finance agreement or contract.

Thank you for your support. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments.

Ali (aka Princess!)
xx

Team Princess fundraiser 2016

The time has come again for us to become Princesses on M.E Awareness day! For those of you unfamiliar with what Team Princess is, we are a group of sufferers who become Princesses for a day to raise awareness and money for M.E charities.  We have raised over £10,000 so far for UK & Australian charities and have funded research and drug trials as well as supporting various services the charities have to offer people.

Me and my mini Princess last year 

Our founder and official Queenie Sian, who blogs over at Me, myself and M.E came up with the idea a few years ago. She wanted to raise awareness as well as fundraise but she also wanted to celebrate some of the people who display different qualities which in her eyes make them true Princesses. Being brave, strong and having courage to name a few. For being there for each other despite all suffering. Spoonie sisters we like to refer to it as.

Sian has written a very informative blog post with all the information and details of how to join Team Princess which you can find here.

This year, despite my illness and all it brings, I decided I wanted to try to be more positive. I have surprised myself with how I've managed and every night I have written something good from the day in a diary. It has made me realise that even on the worst days, for whatever reason, there is still always something good no matter how small. Which kind of leads me into the charity I have chosen to support this year...

Those of you who know me will know how much I love a Random Act of Kindness (RAOK)! I really enjoy sending people things and knowing it has made them smile is the nicest feeling.

So, I am excited to announce that the charity I am hoping to raise lots of money for is Smile for ME. It is a fantastic charity run by two lovely ladies, Alice and Gracey, who are both poorly themselves. They send personalised presents to sufferers or carers who have been nominated by someone for a smile. I have nominated friends through them previously and all I'll say is that it was emotional when they received their parcels!

M.E can be a very isolating and debilitating illness so to receive something lovely and unexpected can make a huge difference and give you a massive boost. I would love to be able to raise enough money to send lots and lots of Smile packages! If you wanted to nominate someone you can complete the nomination form.

Of course on May 12th I will be dressing as a Princess so will be sharing photos and information on my social media. However if you want to donate now, my fundraising page is HERE!

I have a Facebook page for my blog here which if you follow you will be able to keep up to date with stuff. I will also be holding an auction on or around the day and have some fab prizes which have kindly been donated by some of my favourite independent businesses. I will provide details shortly! The Team Princess Facebook page will have lots of information about the event so please give us a like to be kept in the loop. The team JustGiving page is here.

I have had a lot of amazing support in the previous two years so I am really excited about this one! Thank you in advance for donating and supporting me. This illness is really difficult to live with so if I can help make fellow sufferers smile then I'll be happy.

For more information about what M.E is and how it affects me, please see some of my previous posts What is M.E?, Diagnosis & remembering life before M.E, (In)visible, A day in the life of ME!

Thank you for getting to the end as I know it's a long one!

Ali
xx

Gratitude

Do you ever look around at all the things you have or the things you can do and feel truly grateful or do you not give it a second thought? Perhaps once you are faced with a situation you have no control over, when you have the things you always took for granted taken away, then you realise how lucky you are. Or were.

Having a chronic illness changed me in some ways. I don't think I realised how lucky I was before I got poorly. All the little things that you take for granted. Every day things. Stuff that you would never give a second thought to until you can no longer do it. Getting up in the morning and feeling ready to face the day after a splash of water on your face. Popping out to the shop for a chocolate bar. Running for a bus (as annoying as it was at the time). Just having the ability to do those things is pretty huge.

Along with all the little things, there are some pretty big things too which I would never in a million years have imagined I wouldn't be able to do. Being able to walk was something I would have never thought would be taken away from me. I was so independent & suddenly I couldn't do it without suffering severe pain or feeling as though I would collapse. There are lots of things I am unable to do anymore but it's made me super grateful for the things I can do or that I have.

Little things become big things when you're ill. I have talked about this before but it's so true. Your world gets smaller & everyone else just carries on living while you are stuck in a ball of existence. Your days are long. Your pain and fatigue is persistent. So little things really do make a huge difference.

Fresh flowers, sunshine, laughter.

Getting a nice message from someone or a card in the post can literally make your day. Knowing someone has thought of you is something to be very grateful for. I have a scrapbook which my friend Sian got me for Christmas & it is full of little things that have made me smile. Letters, cards, notes and just "stuff". I sometimes look through it when I need to smile. It works!

I am so grateful, possibly more than anything, for my gorgeous girl. She makes me smile every day and I would be pretty lost without her. She gives me purpose. She gives amazing cuddles. She sings me songs. She draws me pictures. She reads to me when I'm not well enough to. She makes me feel lucky for being her mum.

I am grateful that I have comfortable places to rest. For my electric heatpad, which is never off me! For having food when I need it. I bought some stuff for the local Foodbank this week & I wish more people would do it as there are people who can't even afford a pint of milk. In this day and age it's shocking.

So look around you and think of all the stuff you have. The stuff you can do. Feel truly grateful for it. So many people don't have those things. Health and happiness should be something everybody has but they don't. Life can be so cruel & it's very unfair. Hug those close to you, spare a thought for others less fortunate than you and just appreciate :-)



Ali
xx

Spreading a little bit of happiness

Wouldn't it be nice if we had a switch on our bodies so that on bad days we could just say NO & make it stop!

It's been a very poorly week for me with the M.E & I've been pretty much bedbound. I know it's because I dared to do something fun.. Payback is never nice when you have a chronic illness, but it's slightly easier when you have something to show for it. If you read my previous post you will know I was going to a party with some of the Crown & Glory Glitterati girls. (The Glitterati is a montly subscription box of hair accessories for those of you who are not familiar with it)! It was a Mad Hatter's tea party to be precise & it was really lovely. I am so glad I made it & finally meeting Sophie & Gareth, as well as the lovely ladies was great. My little Miss took a shine to them both!

We were treated with delicious afternoon tea, bubbles & the most amazing goodie bags which seemed to have an endless amount of stuff in them!! There were things from some of my favourite independent businesses, as well as a special piece of Crown & Glory, so I was very chuffed. Sophie even gave my girlie a goodie bag & she was (& still is) super grateful :-)

Big thanks also to my fab friend Sian who made me some brilliant accessories to go with the Alice in Wonderland theme. I absolutely love them & had lots of comments about them so thank you sweetie!

I won't go on too much about how bad I've been as I am still trying to stay positive. My positivity did waver during the week for the first time this year but I always find that happens when mega bad days (as oppose to the usual bad ones!!) go on & on. I have started on some supplements - Q10 g Vitamin B12 - so will see how they help. I'm feeling more sparkly again now & am just taking each day at a time.

I thought I would share a few of my favourite quotes as I do love a good positive affirmation & have various ones dotted around the house. I've just put a hanging frame thing up in the conservatory with some postcards I got from Lucky Dip Club which makes me smile lots.

So I'll leave you with these...

"Don't let anyone ever dull your sparkle"

"A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear"

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if you only remember to turn on the light"

"It may be stormy now but it never rains forever"

"Enjoy the little things in life as one day you will look back & realise they were the big things"

"When it rains look for rainbows & when it's dark look for stars"

"The butterfly is proof that something beautiful can emerge from something completely falling apart"

"The best people are those whose tutus are a little twisted" (this might be the best one!)

Keep smiling :-)


Ali 
xx