I'm up for grabs!

I'm going to talk about a subject that's a bit taboo but I'm just gonna go for it anyway. I'm talking politics.

One of the big difference I found is that in Ireland people actually vote. In England there is a huge amount of apathy around elections especially local ones. However, for the first time probably since I turned 18, I feel that this election can't pass me by without my contribution. And why the change?...well because I feel it's the first time that the outcome could directly affect me.

I was introduced to one of the prospective candidates with the mention of my family connection as if to imply my vote was all bit cast. On the contrary, my vote is very much open. I would say my vote, my husbands and a few if my friends have no pre party allegances. And so the question I have for those that want my vote is simply 'What are you going to do for Belmullet?'

This beautiful remote community is bubbling under with potential. I believe what happens over the next few years could make the difference between thriving or simply surviving. Decisions made could put it at the forefront or leaving it so far behind it can never catch up.

Fibre optics, tourism and supporting business are the things that will generate jobs, bring families home and set it up for a bright future.

Sometimes I feel like we've been here only a few minutes but its enough time to really care about what happens where we llive and try and make a difference in my own small way. 

So my vote is up for grabs and it will go to......

Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally and celebrated in more than 192 countries each year.

It's a good time to think about doing our bit for the environment and for my part I've got a great little project planned. There is a great space at the back of the shop which is a lovely little sun trap. I have had plans in my head to give it a new lease of life using completely recycled materials. So every Saturday morning starting in May between 10-12 I will be running a free workshop that will get you crafting and give you great ideas on how to recycle and reuse lots of everyday items. 

All the family can come along and get involved. Watch this space for more details….in the meantime here are my 10 ten tips for things to do my bit….

1. Give it away don't throw it away - use the new Belmullet Freecycle or your local one to pass on your unwanted items. Click here: Belmullet Freecycle Facebook Page

2. Paint it Eco - Oil based paints release hydrocarbon fumes. 

3. Save Water - use an old bin or drum to collect rain water and water the garden or wash the car with it. (Will help save money with our new water metres as well) 

4. Bag for life - get yourself a bag that you will love to take shopping with you so you don't need to use plastic bags. 

5. Leave the car at home - with this fab weather get on your bike or walk round town….it will also help get back that bikini body for the summer ahem!

6. Think reusable when you drink - buying bottled water is a major use of plastic and a waste of money and don't forget the huge increase in disposable coffee cups. Buy a travel cup and/or a reusable water canteen. They are much better for your health and much better for the environment than plastic bottles.  

7. Slip into something more healthy - The WWF claims that chemicals used on clothes to keep them wrinkle free can be toxic to the environment and linked to health concerns. Switch no natural fabrics, wool, linen, cotton etc

8. Go old school - when doing the cleaning go back to some of the old methods. By using things like vinegar on the windows can cut out a lot of unhealthy chemicals in modern cleaning materials. 

9. Recycle - try and reduce waste but when you can't make sure you recycle as much as possible. Try and switch to products that use refills and reduce packaging.

10. Upcycle - it's all the trend at the moment but it's a great way to reduce waste. Pinterest is a great way to get ideas for what to do. 

It's all about the craft

What a lovely week it has been the spring sun and the april showers have been out in abundance this week. 

The sun coming in the window however, was showing up my sea splashed windows, cobwebs and a lot of dust. So my day off is planned for a bit of a spring clean despite the stormy weather I woke up to. Before I started I just had a little flick through Facebook and discovered that today is World Health Day (7th April) and the theme this year is 'small organisms that carry diseases'.  I was silly enough to click on a link to the article about household bugs which has left me a little grossed out. 

I guess the point of it was how to make your home healthier, and as we live in a clean environment and we have access to great healthcare, its easy to become complacent about being healthy. 

I always think that I need to make some changes to be more healthy and it is suppose to take just 28 days to develop a new habit but I'm not sure its as easy as that. I'm stuck in what the Greeks called 'akrasia': deciding on the best course of action, then doing something else. The reasons why - partly I seem to go in fits and bursts which usually coincide with the hubby's shifts. Trying to juggle the house, the dogs and the shop mean that healthy goes out the window and just get fed is an achievement. 

I remember my training from Boots about people who wanted to quit smoking. The success of it very much depended on the reasons why. Those people that had a reason, a wedding, a new baby, were more likely to succeed. They needed a strong reason to quit. 

It's logical that actions and habits, both good and bad, are in response to needs. I might resolve to eat better and be more healthy but if I'm having to go to the take away because I'm short of time I need to address the issue of not having time. Which brings me back  full circle to my new years resolution of being more organised!!!

Exercising, Eating right, avoiding sunlight, cutting carbs, getting enough sleep the list can be endless. I know there are lots of small things I can do to improve my own health. 
In reality I am interested in those small things that take no more than a minute or two. And I suppose that's what good health is all about - a collection of small efforts that yield big payoffs.

Changing a habit is hard but I guess once changed it frees the mind of the struggle with yourself. Once my mind is freed of this it can then be focused on more pressing matters like what I'm going to make next. So I need to be more healthy to make more crafts!