Life's a funny old game, isn't it?
Just when you think you have it all worked out (you never do by the way), something happens to waken you from the monotony we can all find ourselves in from time to time.
In recent weeks, as my baby bump has been growing and growing and growing - at a remarkable rate I might add - I’ve become more and more focused on the next few months.
With just a matter of weeks to go before I finish up and start maternity leave, I've been thinking a lot about our imminent new arrival and of course how our gorgeous little Abbie will adapt.
As all mums and pregnant women know, carrying a baby can be hard work at times.
With Abbie, I was very lucky. I had a wonderful pregnancy with little to complain about.
This time around, it's not been as plain sailing although I know it will all be worth it in the end.
Apart from feeling tired, I have a very sore back and all my family and friends and work colleagues will no doubt be able to tell you how much I complain about it. (Sorry, but it's really, really sore).
Of course, it didn't help that a few days ago I had a fall and as you can all probably guess, my back now aches even more.
Thankfully, both baby and myself were fine but I have been feeling the effects as the days have gone on with the pain getting gradually worse.
So, the other night, when I was in agony, I boiled the kettle and filled a hot water bottle so I could hold it against the area that was sore, sort of between my right hand side and my back.
Standing in the kitchen talking to Darren, I held the hot water bottle up against the area and immediately felt relief. However, it was to be short lived for only a matter of seconds later the bottle suddenly burst, with boiling water pouring over my back and running down my leg on to the floor.
For a second both Darren and I both thought my waters had broken but then as I felt the excruciating pain, I knew I had been scalded and oh my goodness, how painful it was.
Immediately, I began jumping around the room, screaming expletives and yelling.
Darren, the hero that he is, immediately sprang into action, running one of Abbie's muslin cloths under the cold water and holding it against my wound, which was so sore to do.
When my screaming stopped, I just stood there crying as Darren repeatedly wet the cloth and gave it to me. It was awful.
He then called the out-of-hours doctor service for advice and the doctor told us what we should do.
I went to bed that night with a bag of frozen vegetables, wrapped inside a wet cloth, held against my burnt skin.
Thanks to Darren's quick actions, only a few blisters have appeared in the days since but I'm still in a bit of shock at what happened.
Just last week, I was sleeping with that hot water bottle against my right cheek to try and soothe a toothache. I don’t even want to think what could have happened in that instance.
As the days have progressed, the pain of the scald has worsened but I have been following medical advice.
Still, I'm counting my lucky stars it wasn't any worse, thanks to Darren who leapt to my aid. The main thing is, all is fine with the baby and myself.
Following the toothache, the fall and the scalding, I'm now planning to taking things very easy but let this be a word of warning to you all to note the dangers of hot water bottles. They may bring comfort but they are also risky.
I will never use one again, that’s for sure.
Thankfully, recovery is now in full flow so let's just hope it's all calm from here on in - goodness knows I'd welcome it.
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If the winter months have left you feeling deflated and summer seems like a lifetime away, how about finding a golden glow elsewhere by winning a free spray tan?
Alex Best, ex-wife of soccer legend George Best, has officially launched Opus 4, the world’s leading automatic spray booth at the multi award winning The Beauty Company in Montgomery Street in Belfast city centre.
The innovative false tanning solution, which is the first of its kind in the city, offers customers a flawless tan in six minutes in complete privacy.
The Opus 4 tanning booth is also easy to use, with an automated voice instruction.
Alex Best described Opus 4 as a “revolutionary product”.
“The end result is amazing,” she said.
“The tan is so even and natural looking and lasts for a week”.
To book an appointment call 02890 332546 or visit www.beautycompanybelfast.com for more information.
I have three spray tan vouchers for Opus 4 to give away to three lucky readers.
If you fancy winning a voucher, simply email your name, address and telephone number – along with the answer to the question below – to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday, February 9 at 12 Noon.
(Q) Where is Belfast city centre is Opus 4 exclusively available?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What's Hot?
Spice - Nando’s, home of the legendary flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, has opened a new restaurant on Boucher Road in south Belfast offering delicious chicken in a wrap, burger or pitta with a whole range of hot sauces from mild to ferociously hot - go on, don't be chicken.
Remake - If you were a fan of the original Point Break starring Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves, you'll either love or hate this remake, starring Édgar Ramírez and Ray Winstone. Surf's up.
Celebrate - January is over folks so let's welcome February with open arms. It's time to look forward to spring.
So Not!
Abuse - Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle has been victimised by Twitter trolls following her appearance on Channel 4's The Jump. The vile online bullies made cruel jibes about her looks. What a horrible bunch of jealous people.
Storms - I'm absolutely sick of the stormy weather. Ever since the decision was made to name the storms, we have had nothing but storms. The latest, Storm Henry can do one please.
Criticism - Model and businesswoman, Katie Price has come under fire after posting a photo of her 18-month-old daughter, Bunny with her ears pierced. Oh dear.
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Competition
The winner of the Vita Coco Coconut Oil competition is Oonagh Connolly, from Banbridge
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week’s Easy Peasy Recipe is Cranberry Pistachio Breakfast Squares
You will need:
4 tbsp of Vita Coco Coconut Oil
3 tbsp of maple syrup/honey
4 tbsp of almond butter
1/2 cup of pistachios, (deshelled)
1 cup of gluten free oats
1/4 cup of desiccated coconut
1/2 cup of dried cranberries
pinch of salt
To Make:
Preheat the oven to 180 C.
Roughly chop the pistachios and add them to a baking sheet with the gluten free oats.
Bake them at 180 degrees Celsius for eight minutes
Roughly chop the dried cranberries and add them to a food processor with the desiccated coconut. Add in the toasted pistachios and oats.
Add the Vita Coco coconut oil, almond butter, maple syrup and salt to a small saucepan on medium heat and whisk until smooth.
When the mixture is completely melted, add it to the food processor and blend until you have a crumbly paste.
Press the mixture tightly into a small baking tin lined with parchment paper.
Pop it in the fridge for about an hour to set. Slice into squares and serve.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Marie Louise McConville,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
m.mcconville@irishnews.com
