Reason behind lack of body confidence?

Hey Guys!

Hope your all well?

Now I have been seeing a few images circling facebook which just really hit a nerve with me, and decided I wanted to chat about here..

I completely understand men also have problems with body image and body confidence but today I want to talk about women (a male post is coming soon for you lads.)

Source : Facebook.com

This was the image that I saw and it made me actually feel really quite sad.

In the image a girl is stood looking at herself in the mirror and she zips down her side and takes out stuffing from her body then she is seen to be sparkling looking in the mirror of a thinner version of herself.

Source : Google.

Then when researching into more of these types of images for this post I found this post about change.
The character evidently looses weight and is seen to be smiling..

These kind of images ?
They make me feel so angry and sad.
I understand as much as anyone else we aren't always happy with the ways we look but posting images like these just gives drive to these thoughts and all I can think is what age girls are viewing these on social media and thinking they need to change?
 

This image in particular actually made me want to cry..
Back in 2013 I was going through a pretty bad time when it came to my body confidence and I remember feeling just like this image indicates.
I remember looking at my post transplant stomach and hating it, I have been left with excess skin and deep stretch marks all over my body from the fluctuating weight liver failure put me through and I felt disgusting.
The problem was never with my scar as I have always seen my 'shark bite' as my mark of survival as such, but I hated how I looked.



With help I learnt that this wasn't a healthy way to think, and it was a much more rooted issue linked to more emotional things going on in my life at the time.
I am now in a much happier place, but still from time to time struggle and seeing images like these just make me blood boil, images like these just justify how young people may be feeling so they think its okay to have such a distorted image of themselves - yes we all have days where we would probably change how we looked from time to time but to feel like you want to take scissors to your stomach ? that's a whole new extreme that needs to be spoke about.

But then I come round to the one thing that I think is a huge part to play with a lack in body confidence and body image - girls being bitches about other girls.
Now I'm not saying everyone does this, as I know myself I don't but when I see images like the one above it makes me so angry.
Who is one person to judge another?

I have been on both sides of the spectrum,as a young teen I carried a bit of weight then lost it and was just really curvy at the end of school/before transplant and then after transplant lost a ton of weight, so much so had to have a ng tube put in to help me gain weight (an ng tube gives you a liquidised diet through your nose directly to your stomach)

 

Year 7 & Year 11.

 

Before transplant number 3,as you can see the first image my stomach is full of fluid and then my weight plummeted.

 

 

Stomach post transplant.

Here my stomach is very flat but the truth is, I wasn't in good health!

So really what is more important - our figure or our health?

 

Sadly though I was scrutinised and laughed at for being all sizes, but I must say when I was 6 stone due to my transplant people would really stare and make horrible comments but they didn't know WHY I was so thin,proof that we never know why people are the size they are and what they are going through !

 

When I was 6 stone though I didn't realise just how thin I was until I look back now at 10 stone.

This really scares me as it shows just how easy it is to have a distorted self image.

When I was at a healthy weight in year 11 (and currently) I was very body confident, and this showed as I ignored anything negative people had to say.

 

I still struggle with the way I look from time to time, but deep down I know there is nothing at all wrong with the way I look - we are ALL beautiful.

So honestly girls bitching on girls?
Come on what's going on there ladies?
Instead lets reinforce how BEAUTIFUL woman of all sizes are!
Together we can promote a healthy body image :)
So maybe think in future if you are about to scrutinise someone's image, if you have nothing nice to say? Stay quite.

Stay Safe & Speak Soon
Kate
x o x o

 

 

 

Emotional Brilliance Reading @ LUSH Swindon.

Hi Guys!

Hope your all okay?

 

This weekend I fancied popping into Lush Swindon to have a nosey at the Mothers Day Range - And I honestly felt like I was betraying Lush Luton (Sorry guys see you in around 2 weeks ha)

 

After picking up a few goodies (Haul coming soon)

I got chatting to the Manager Aan-Sofie and she remembered I had wanted to have a emotional brilliance reading so figured I would tell you all a little about it!

 

The whole point of these 'readings' is backed by Lush's beliefs that a colour can be linked to how we feel.

So on the wheel there is an array of different colours and on the flip side of each is a positive word.



These words have been assigned to a colour when a team at lush were asked what they thought of when they looked at each colour - pretty awesome right?

 

 

The lushie (member of lush staff!) will ask you to close your eyes and clear your mind...

And then on a count of three you open your eyes and pick the three colours which catch your eyes first.

The interesting thing about emotional brilliance readings is that they won't necessarily be the same each time as we are always looking for different things all the time (will explain what I mean next)

 

The order you pick these colours are also relevant so they get laid out in the order you picked them.

 

The First Colour is supposed to explain a trait you are currently feeling/portraying and mine was Fantasy which is completely accurate as I am a real dreamer and have a very child like excitement about me - especially when in lush!

 (although looking at all my 'words' together they sounded like some kind of thing from 50 shades!)

 

The second is supposed to be something your currently looking for in your subconscious and my word was Strong which is also very true as I am always looking for more inner strength to battle past my social anxiety and I always feel like I must prove I am not weak..

 

And the third is supposed to be your talent which will help you achieve and accomplish the second word, which again makes sense as my word was Passionate and I feel exactly that towards my blog and helping others which in turn helps me feel strong to keep going and achieving more.

 

The whole idea in itself is already absolutely fantastic and I can't wait for the bloggers event in Reading to give it a try again and see what it all works out like.

But to make it even better each word represents one of there makeup pieces in the range which happens to be the same colour as the circles you choose.

 

Fantasy  is a beautiful gold eyeliner, one that I will defiantly be purchasing at some point I am sure!

Strong is a beautiful coral orange/red lipstick that will be amazing for the summer!

Passionate is a bright magenta lipstick which is an amazing party shade ! 

 

I really enjoyed the reading and thought it was a really fun way at finding make up shades you will love all via the subconscious of your mind - aren't our brains amazing?

 

So much so even Gareth had a reading, which I was giggling away at,

for any of you interested his words were In Charge, Control and Independence - all VERY accurate.

 

Why not have a reading next time you pop into your local lush instead of thinking 'Ooh whats that spinning circle thing for?..'

 

All the emotional brilliance products are priced at £14.50 which is amazing as they are super pigmented and you could totally use them as multi use products.

 

Will you be giving this a go soon?

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon

Kate

x o x o

Squidge & Smudge..

Hey Guys!

Hope your all well?

Any of you who follow me over on Twitter - @KateJakes__ or My Talking Transplants Facebook Page you will already know that we now own two puppies!

 

 

They are two cocker spaniel puppies,

We got them we they were ten weeks old (so 12 weeks now).

When we went to see them we instantly fell in love with them  - and there mom I may add as she had this amazing quiff thing going on so here's to hoping we have fluffy cocker spaniels when the are older!

 

 

This is Smudge.

He currently is the pup wearing a black collar, but what really tells him apart from his brother is his one black ear and one black and white ear!

Smudge is the most adventurous out of the two and is into EVERYTHING  - Including my new cameras flash... Naughty Pup!

He is the smaller of the two puppies though, but he sure rules the roost out of the two.

 

 

And then we have Squidge - Wearing the Red Collar.

The more reserved pup of the two, but very chunky and loves his food (I think he may be me in dog form ha)

He loves to have his ears rubbed and act all innocent, but we are learning it is him that is showing smudge naughty things to do then runs before he gets caught.

So he puts those cute puppy dog eyes to use every day!

 

 

They are brothers as we really wanted them from the same litter if we were going to have two pups at once.

 

 

 

They are the sweetest little things - when sleeping of course!

The spaniel in them makes them rather excitable when they are awake ha.

They love to play together, and they are real little pups playing fetch with sticks in the garden, but that said they are both a tad in love with a toy pheasant and duck, living in the Cotswold's where these are both around may be interesting when they are a bit bigger oops..

 

 

 

 

At the minute they are just playing in the house and garden as they haven't had there jabs so they can't be walked just yet, but goes without saying I am pretty excited to get them out on leads and walking around the picturesque village we live in.

 

 

 

They have settled in amazingly well.

The first night they were here they got all bathed and cuddled with us (third photo is Squidge post bath, how cute?) which we were shocked by as usually it takes a while for puppy's to really bond with you.

Since then though I can't take a bath in peace they always jump up and have a nosey, not ideal when they have super long ears that DO get in the bath, little monkeys!

 

Crazy Spaniel Face!

The faces they pull are hilarious, I remember my best friends springer spaniel making this face all the time when we were younger and always makes me giggle.

 

 Aren't they just the sweetest?

I can't wait to start sharing more photos with you all  but for now you can follow an instagram account I have made especially for the pups - who doesn't like cute puppy photos?

The instagram is  squidge_smudge if you fancy having a nosey..

 

I will also have a vlog going up soon over on my youtube channel from the day we picked them up.

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon.

Kate (Smudge & Squidge..)

 

x o x o

 

 

Is sticking to trends really that important?



Hey Guys!

Hope your all okay?

 

I have always wondered whether wearing an outfit can really change your mood,

like if you wear a favourite top or jeans it can pick up your day.

 

But when I tried on this dress - well I fell in LOVE.

 

 

I picked up this sunflower dress in a Misguided sale not to long ago after wanting it since October.

Sadly it is no longer in stock but I really wanted to have a little chat about it.

 

You know when people say - an outfit can completely change your mood and for a long time I really didn't believe that could be the case.

 

As someone who has spent months at a time in hospital though I have learnt over time that this is very much true even if it be a nice new pair of pyjamas (and trust me in hospital that is the most amazing thing ever and I'm sure many other patients would agree.)

 

 

This got me thinking,

Fashion really is pretty incredible.

It allows us to express ourselves so well, and I think its great that people choose to do this.

 

As soon as I put on this dress I instantly feel happier,

so it just shows,if you dress in something you feel comfortable in?

It instantly shows!

 

What I am really trying to get at is how important it is to dress for YOU.

This dress may have been made to worn in the summer, but pop on some tights and a jacket and your good to go!

You really don't need to dress to be in with the latest trends, fashions or seasons, but if what you enjoy wearing is a trend right now then that's great too!

 

 

 

I know this is a pretty random post but I saw something over on the dreaded facebook slating people who don't spend much on clothes etc and it made me sad.

It shocks me that people let such things define others,so shallow and its no wonder people suffer with low self esteem these days.

 

So whether you want to wear a ball gown, a Winnie the pooh onesie or a tracksuit, all that matters is you are comfortable and happy!

 

And trust me, a girl who lived in pjammas for over 4 months,

when it comes down to it, what you wear is not important,

so if your going to wear anything let it be a SMILE.

(or a sunflower covered dress hehe)

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon

Kate

x o x o

The BEST gift you could give this Valentines..

Hey Guys!

Hope your all well ?

 

So here it is again, getting closer and closer to Valentines Day.

The one day every year where the focus is on Love.

Maybe your in a relationship or single - What ever your situation there is no escaping the obvious show of affection everywhere!

 

I am a sucker for 'holidays' and Valentines Day is absolutely no different for me.

This year though, I do feel differently.

 

14th February 2013 - Was the day I was finally discharged after my Third Liver Transplant.

That year I was over whelmed with the feeling of love.

 

 

I really wanted to chat about this after my friend Stacie has taken part in a campaign this Valentines Day called 'Give your heart' which is hoping to make people think about joining the organ donor register this Valentines day - Please watch the short video below :)

 

 

So what made me feel differently about valentines this year?

I have an amazing husband who shows me he loves me all year round, and as much as I love the novelty of a day surrounded it,well I don't need it..

 

But there are people this valentines day who NEED a gift,

the valuable gift of life.

 

This valentines?

I will be spending it with Gareth, appreciating the amazing gift that keeps giving - Organ Donation.

 

 

I remember Valentines 2013 so vividly as I felt such love for my donors,

as I got to return home after months in hospital and enjoy the amazing things life had to offer, and weeks later not that I knew it then I would start to talk to my now Husband.

 

Life has a funny way of working out,

And I couldn't wish more for someone to get there call for transplant more than Stacie.

(She also writes a blog at Life is Worth The Fight)

 

So why not think about joining the register and giving someone like Stacie the chance of loving life this valentines day and every day after?

Find out more & Register Here..

 

Stay Safe, Speak Soon

& Have an amazing Valentines Day.

 

x o x o

 



Liver Catchup - December to Now.

Hey Guys!

Hope your all well?

 

Recently I have kind of slacked with updating you all about how clinic has been going,

there's a few reasons for this but one being I didn't want to jinx myself I suppose.

 

In December my team decided to start to change my medications.

I was on such a huge amount of medication even 3 years on that they believe it has had a big knock on on effect on my health in other aspects - for example my asthma has got considerably worse.

 

So Decembers clinic came and I was pretty scared, the last time my medications were changed was before transplant number 3 and my liver HATED it.

I was pretty hesitant to have them changed but new the benefits of it too (which I will go into in a second).

My doctor went ahead and stopped one of my anti rejection medications - Tacrolimus.

Then up'ed my steroid dosage and tad to prevent rejection.

My bloods since this change (January) where a tad raised but this could be several reasons so we just need to see what my bloods in March are like and that will dictate wether my medications continued to be changed or not - scary stuff.

 

The whole reason for changing my medications is to try and give me a better immune system, as I am a lot more medication then most.

As well as that on some of these medications you can't get pregnant - and of course this is something Me and My Husband want to think about the next few years.

 

Overall my health seems pretty good - so here's to the tablet changing working!

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon.

Kate

 

xoxo

 



Last Minute Valentines Gift Guide For Him AND Her..

Hey Guys!

Hope your all well ?

 

So this time next week Valentines Day will be over and done with - boo!

Are you looking for some gifts that are guaranteed to please and in a rush to get them in time?

Well you have come to the right place !

 

Flowers.

Bloom & Wild.

 Bloom and Wild is one of those ideas that is super clever and just amazing.
Bloom and wild is run via an app - meaning you can order a bouquet in under a minute!
You can either send a one of gift or set up a monthly subscription, perfect for those men who want to give there women flowers regularly but simply forget - who doesn't want a gift that keeps giving.
Above are a few images of the beautiful Emma bouquet priced at £20 or can be sent as a 3 bouquet deal of £50 at the moment!
The even better thing about these? They come in a box that will slip through your letter box so don't need to worry about anyone being in the house for delivery - Win Win!

These flowers are beautiful and I absolutely adore them and the company Bloom and Wild.
So much so I will be doing a FULL review very soon!
 

 Floric Flowers.

Floric Flowers have some beautiful bouquets over on there website,

a huge range of different kinds of roses and packages starting from £24.99 up to £299 so something for you all.

Shhh - I also have a discount code for 20% if you type LOVE20 at checkout ;)

 

Lush

 

For Her.

 

 

Lush have a pretty impressive valentines range in at the moment, all of which smell devine and any girl would be very happy to receive!

With floral, sweet and calming scents to choose from there is one for all.

But of course any of the lush goodies would be a win, even the permanent range

So why not have a nosey online or in store..

 

For Him

 

 

Lush also have some amazing things in store for men too!

They have an array of bath bombs that will please even the manliest of men (Gareth is known to be fond of having a big blue bath bomb now and again).

But if bath bombs aren't your mans kind of thing what about one of lush's fragrances, beard oils or shaving creams? Honestly there's something for everyone.

 

For You Both..

 

 

Lush massage bars are absolute heaven.

So why not this valentines day get a massage bar and treat your partner or yourself to a romantic massage?

They have floral scents, chocolate scents and even therapeutic ones!

Which one would you choose?

 

Fragrance for You Both.. 

 

 

 

Fragrance is ALWAYS a winner!

After having a hunt I found a great few deals over on The Perfume Shop  great for those of you who are leaving present buying until the last minute.

The Perfume shop are currently offering FREE standard delivery (2-5 days) but you would have to order by Wednesday 11th February to receive in time for Valentines Day OR you can get 99p Next Day Delivery if ordered before 5pm so to receive in time for valentines day you will need to order by 5pm Friday 13th February.

 

Or how about giving them something personal ?

Like a hand written letter,or just something they really love?

Usually I would suggest personalised items for that special touch but it will be pretty difficult to get anything personalised in time now - sorry guys!

 

 

Don't forget, Valentines is only one day a year,

So DON'T stress!

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon

Kate

xoxo