My earliest reading memories are built on Roald Dahl’s books. His books brought joy and fear to my childhood and today I shall share those memories and my fondness for his characters.
Roald Dahl’s birthday is 13 September 2018. Each year during September activities are planned close to his birthday to celebrate his books. Find out how to celebrate on his website.
My memories
As a child he was one of my favourite authors and his books will always hold a special place in my heart.
The first novel I stayed up to read
As a little girl, my dad read me a chapter of a book each night at bedtime. One night, we started the BFG (Big Friendly Giant).
He finished the first chapter, tucked me in and turned off the light. But, I couldn’t sleep as I wondered, what happened next to the kidnapped little girl in giant land?
Their was a dim glow coming from my nightlight and I sat up and took a sneaky peek at the next chapter… – Next thing I know, it is morning. The book was finished and I hadn’t slept a wink. I think I had to take the day off school to recover from my reading marathon.
I wasn’t a fan of the film. The little girl wasn’t as I remembered but it may be that it was a long-time since I read the book.
The scariest book I never finished
After that, my dad thought I was able to read before bed on my own. He reminded me of the importance of sleep and tucked me in.
One night, Roald Dahl engrossed me in a world where terrible child-loathing withes existed. It was so real and terrifying, I never finished the book.
I have since watched the film and loved it but the book is still too much.
My all time favourite
It has to be Matilda. She’s a likable character that is strong and determined and doesn’t let her misfortune hold her back. She has telekinetic powers and uses them to make things right. I wanted to be her.
The film is great fun for kids. All the characters look exactly as I imagined, especially, the villain, Ms Trunchball.
https://youtu.be/XuyElRs_48Q
Final thoughts…
I am looking forward to sharing Roald Dahl with my children.
We’ve had free books from MacDonald and my 4y old has enjoyed his samples of The Enormous Crocodile, Willy Wonka and The Witches (he’s braver than me).
He has recently started picking chapter books from the library (Thank you Dennis The Menace from bringing the term ”bum face” into our home), so, I think he is likely ready for a Roald Dahl novel. With his recent love of toilet humour, I think The Twits would be a good place to start or George’s Marvellous Medicine. What do you think?
Can you remember the first book that kept you up all night and which Roald Dahl book is your favourite?
My daughter is now a month old. There have been sleepless nights, baby sick and countless squidgy nappies but she is still perfect. I can’t get over how gorgeous she is or express how much I love her.
Here is a selection of some of the pictures from her first photo-shoot including some family pictures:
Maintaining my blog is very challenging at the moment and I haven’t had a chance to make any progress towards the novel I’m working on since she’s been born.
Hopefully, with my son starting school, she’ll develop a routine and I can find a way to fit it in. At the moment, she needs me a lot and my son also wants my attention. Until then, I’ll just focus on keeping my children happy.
She was 12 days old when we got the pictures taken. Little Wattsits Photography shared the above collage pic on Facebook and if it gets 100 likes, we get a free print. If you can spare the time to visit their page and like it (image posted on 27 Aug) then it would be most appreciated.
Earlier this year, I wrote a blog post listing literary festivals taking place in the UK throughout the UK that have caught my eye. To read the full list, please click here.
This post is to remind you of those taking place this Autumn.
You can attend individual days or the whole weekend. The event has been running for twelve years at the university and includes workshops, one-to-ones and helping writers getting an agent or with publishing independently.
This event is run by Norwich Writers’ Centre and I think this is its fifth year. You pay for the events you wish to attend (some are free) which range from author talks to workshops.
This year, they are celebrating their 20th anniversary as Scotland’s National Book Town.
There are hundreds of events and you by tickets for those you wish to attend. There are free events for children and if books aren’t your thing you will find other arts featuring at the event such as music, film and theatre.
At the time of writing this years date and prices were yet to be confirmed. I included it because last years line up was full of house hold names (like Julia Donaldson, Jacqueline Wilson, Miranda Hart, etc). I’m sure this year will be just as promising – this is one to watch!
The information for the site is currently about last years event which was aimed at families and young adult. I recognised a lot of the names and books in attendance and the event is supported by The Times and The Sunday Times. I expect it will be very promising again this year.
Once called Manchester Poetry Festival, this event has grown year upon year. It now hosts a wider range of events. The main events take place in October but there are literary events outside of this window. You pay for the events you wish to attend.
Held by Liverpool University is a weekend of literary events in this cultural city full of history. It is a varied programme with some big name in attendance and you buy tickets to the events you wish to attend.
Literary events are planned over the weekend and you can by a day ticket to attend all of them that day. It’s a small event but with good variety. Plus, Southwold is a beautiful seaside town to visit.
Skin Organics Clean Beauty is a subscription box with a selection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic and natural products. These may be skincare, body care or beauty products. Their aim is to help you discover clean, green and cruelty-free products and brands. They dispatch on 20th of the month.
Cost: £19.00 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK
What was in my box?
Refresh
This months theme is Refresh. Inside this box are five products.
The card has details about all the products and discount codes if you decide to buy.
The Neroli essential oil in this mist has antibacterial properties to help combat breakouts and boosts skin elasticity. The Orange gives skin a vitamin C boost and is anti-inflammatory.
The brand is cruelty free, organic, vegan and uses sustainably sourced ingredients. Founder Luigi, created the first product, Lip Venom, for his sister and her friends as he didn’t agree with luxury skin care companies charging a fortune for products full of harmful ingredients and I must say, I was impressed with the prices. I never would have guessed this affordable brand is organic. I plan to return to try more, especially the debut product!
Casa Mercarelli: Lemon & Clay Face Mask (sheet lists price as £8.00)
The Lemon will exfoliate skin and remove dead skin. The uncontaminated mineral rich green clay from Sicily will draw out impurities and toxins from your skin.
This Italian brand is organic (certified by the soil association), has recyclable packaging and is free from nasty ingredients. The founder, Lucia, developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and had to change her lifestyle to recover from her illness. As a result, she developed this Italian inspired organic skincare brand.
Butter Bar Soapery: Revive Body Polish (Exclusive product for subscription box – not yet for sale. Expected RRP £15.00)
Packed with organic ingredients to buff & repair, cleanse & calm, boost circulation & target cellulite, and to firm & tighten skin tone. That’s a lot of promises!
I love that the products are created in a little workshops in London. The products are cruelty free, palm oil free and don’t use preservatives. They also had some beautiful and reasonably priced gift sets on the site and offer to custom make a gift set.
BAO Skincare: Apricot Rose Face Polish (RRP £14.00 for 50ml)
This product will exfoliate to reveal soft, smooth skin. It is full of nourishing ingredients so it won’t dry your skin out.
The founder has over 10 years experienced in the beauty industry and created a skincare line that actually delivers the results promised using botanicals and plant ingredients. All packaging is recyclable.
Eden Days Body: Hawaiian Haven Whipped Body Butter (Sheet lists price as RRP £6.50)
NB: think the underfloor heating has melted this product – I don’t think it should be an oil!
The Ylang Ylang is to nourish dry skin. The Neroli is to heal stretch marks and broken capillaries, and prevent scarring. It also rejuvenates and regenerates skin. The Lavender is to reduce scaring and speed up healing. It also reduces redness and blotchiness. Geranium is to fade scars and marks on the skin and improves melanin levels.
This 100% natural brand was born from a desire to go chemical free due to skin problems. This mother & daughter team handmakd all their products fresh for their customers.
First impressions on August’s edit:
I’ve recently fallen in love with face mists so I’m really pleased to have a new one to add to my collection. I’m not really a big fan of scrubs but I’ve already tried these since receiving and both the body polish and face scrub are so good I could be converted. I’ll try to find time to use the mask but I’m not a fan of the dry powder one’s as I find them messy, tricky to get right and time consuming.
Reflect on previous box
I’ve had a month to use the products I received and share my thoughts.
This is how I got on using the products from my July “Rose theme” box:
This box arrived just before my newborn arrived. The last week of pregnancy was exhausting and once my baby girl got here on 6 Aug 2018, I forgot all about me. It was a struggle to even find time to do this post – Aghhh!
However, all the products in this box are the usual high standard I’ve come to expect from skin Organics. They meet my ethical desires and feel luxurious. For me, this is the beauty box to beat.
Lola’s Apothecary: Delicate Romance Perfume Delux Roll On (sheet lists price as £20.00)
As pretty as this looks, I’ve not had a chance to use it. I was fortunate enough not to get any stretchmarks whilst pregnant and that could be down to the products I use or good genes. I will keep this in my cupboard as I do sometimes get trouble in the winter with dry skin and this helps with that too.
Odylique: Lip Liner – Rose (sheet lists price as £12.50)
I didn’t have time to check online how to use it so I just applied it how I felt worked and I really like it. The pencil is smooth and doesn’t drag along the skin but it has decent staying power. I used it with my …. lipstick and felt they were a good colour match.
Green People: Price of sample is unknown… Damask Rose Facial Oil (full size 30ml is £29 on website) & Damask Rose Moisturiser (full size 30ml is £20 on website)
The Damask Rose duo from Green People didn’t disappoint. I don’t know if I was meant to use them together but I did. They smelt lovely and made my skin feel so hydrated which was great as I have been suffering with some dry flakey skin recently.
Weleda: Price of sample is unknown… Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash (full size 50ml is £3.95 and 200ml is £7.95 on website) & Wild Rose Body Oil (full size 100ml is £25.95 on website)
Blame it on ‘baby brain’ but I have no idea where I put this. I’m sure it’s somewhere to prompt me to use it but I’ve no idea where. It will turn up and when it does, it’ll be a lovely surprise.
Zenon Kition: Floral Beauty Mist (sheet lists price as £9.99)
This has been refreshing on the hot days and first thing in the morning. Dare I say, I found floral scent a bit heavy for me – although it doesn’t last long. I’m not sure I would buy again but I’d certainly try other products by the brand.
Balm Kind: Alpine Rose & Lysine Lip Balm (sheet lists price as £12.00)
Initially, I didn’t like how oily this is as I hadn’t expected that. I continued to use it each morning and I really like it. It will last a long time as you only need a tiny amount for your whole lip. It’s very moisturising. I really like it and would consider buying again.
Alteya Organics: Age Defense Certified Organic Hand Cream (sheet lists price as £6.20)
My hands are seriously neglected so this was a lovely treat and the ideal size to throw in my changing bag. It had a rich traditional rose scent. It has a runny texture but dries quickly and leaves hands feeling well nourished.
Would I recommend?
My subscription is now cancelled but only while I adjust to a ‘maternity pay lifestyle’. I can’t express how much I will miss these monthly edits. I have loved discovering new products and organic brands.
If you are interested in being chemical free then this is the beauty subscription box for you! It contains a range of organic products from brands that are high end, award winners or start ups. I have not been disappointed by the contents and it’s encouraged me to try products I otherwise wouldn’t have and I’ve been pleasantly surprised.
All the products meet the promise of clean, green and cruelty-free – so if that’s something you desire, this is a great box for you.
I shall soon be looking back at past boxes and sharing the products that stood out. Please share if you’ve tried any of these and what organic products or brands you love? Are your skin/body care products chemical free?
I loved this brief list of useful sites by Ashley Omelia that I wanted to share it with my followers too. I hope you discover a new useful website or enjoy her blog as much as I do.
First, if you don’t know what hypnobirthing is, please click here to read my post about the classes I attended.
I always wanted a natural birth as I don’t enjoy the feeling of not being in control of my body. I don’t like being drunk and I imagine the affect of the drugs would scare me instead of relax me. In addition, there are side affects for mother and baby. For me, they felt like a last resort choice.
When I had my first baby, hypnobirthing was a new idea and costs quite a bit for a private course. My means meant I attended the traditional antenatal class which covered pain relief and caring for your baby. Second time around, the government have found the benefits of hypnobirthing makes it worth offering it for free. This time I was able to go for the cost of a book and free downloadable tracks.
I feel it did work. I only have my personal experience to compare it to. Here are my birthing stories.
First labour (without hypnobirthing)
On Wednesday, 12 November, I was tired as I’d not had my nap so we went to bed early at 10pm. Almost as soon as I got in bed, my back started to ache & I started needing the loo constantly. At the time I didn’t realise I was in labour.
I decided to sleep on the sofa so I wouldn’t disturb my husband who had work in the morning. After a few hours, I asked to switch places as I couldn’t get comfortable on the sofa – my husband at this point suspected I might be in labour as I crawled into the bedroom like the girl from The Ring.
The discomfort plagued me all night and by 5am I was tired & desperate for something to knock me out so I could sleep. I didn’t think I was in labour as I was still able to talk normally. We called the hospital and I explained the pain and they asked me to come in.
When we got there, the midwife confirmed I was 8cm dilated (almost 9cm). They were confident the baby would arrive soon, I got in the birthing pool and waited but nothing much happened.
I requested Pethidine in the hope I might be able to kip for a bit but I as warned u couldn’t be in the water for that. Instead I tried gas and air but it made me feel dizzy.
I got out for another internal exam. I didn’t like the qualified midwife but thought the Trainee was awesome. The trainee midwife discovered that my cervix has an extra bit of skin preventing me getting to 10cm. I was warned labour could take longer, be harder and painful but the trainee was willing to support me however I wanted. I decided to have the pethidine. The qualified midwife told me most people get a c-section. I carried on trying to deliver my baby myself. The qualified midwife insisted I be put in stirrups so she could keep an eye on my cervix. It made it harder to push.
Then suddenly, I felt like I was on fire down there and was terrified all my holes would become one. The trainee assured me she could see him and with another push he’d be out enough for her to use the forceps. I pushed. She turned to get the forceps but I pushed again and he was out.
I delivered my son at 1:15pm on 13 Nov. I did have a small tear but didn’t need stitches. Labour recorded as 5h.
Second labour (with hypnobirthing)
On Sun, 5 Aug, at 7pm, I kept needing the loo and went for a poo, three times in an hour. This was an early labour sign with my first baby so I asked my hubby to take our son to bed incase my surges (contractions) started.At 8pm he checked how I was and I was chilling watching ‘Orange is the New Black’ but told him to ring his mum and let her know tonight might be the night (she would be having our son).
By 9pm, I was getting regular surges so I downloaded an app to time them. They were every 3 minutes and lasting 40 seconds – after three, the app told me to go to hospital but I decided to watch another episode.
By 10pm, my surges were every 2 minutes and lasting 40 seconds still. I agreed to call the hospital (the app was bleeping at me to go after every surge now). The hospital agreed I ought to come in and be checked.
I then took my time checking my bag and my son’s bag – you can’t really move fast when you need to stop and breathe every 2 mins and it interferes with your train of thought. We dropped my son off at his nana and arrived at the hospital about 11:30pm.
By midnight, I had my checks and hospital agreed I could stay. I was 4cm dilated but as my son was a quick first birth (at 5h) they thought it best to keep me in. We ran the bath and prepared the room. The music wouldn’t play on my kindle but the midwife got us a CD that had relaxing music. I got in the bath which soothed my back and started breathing through my surges.
My hubby noticed I was getting tired and suggested I lay on the bed. The midwife felt this would be a get time to do a quick internal exam. It was then she noticed I have a ‘flexi-cervix’. I was still 4cm, but every time I surged, I was about 9-10cm. She could see my water bulging and was convinced she could arrive any minute. My hubby massaged my back while I rested.
I decided to get back in the water as the warmth helped. I got back in. The surges were now stronger so my husband held a pillow at the side of the bath for me to conserve my energy between them. I felt the need to start pushing and used the J-breath to move the baby down.
My hubby suggested I try lying down as I was tired. I went to stand but a surge came, I quickly dipped back down in the water. My waters broke and I could feel the fire sensation and knew her head was in my cervix. I quickly did another long J-breath and my husband lifted her out the water.
I delivered my daughter on Mon, 6 Aug at 4:44am. I didn’t tear and didn’t need stitches. Labour recorded as 2.5h.
Did it work?
For me, it did work – my labour was much quicker and less painful. I didn’t use all the techniques taught but the breathing helped me push her out and stay calm and conserve my energy. It’s certainly worth checking out if you would like to deliver your baby naturally and without drugs.
However, there is no shame in taking whatever pain relief that is offered. The goal is to deliver a healthy baby and you can use whatever tools are available to help you achieve that. For me, those tools were breathing, water, aromatherapy, music and my husband but everyone is different.
What do you think?
Let me know if you did hypnobirthing and if it was beneficial to you? I’d love to read your labour stories too.
Originally, I hadn’t bought a ticket to this event, at Felixstowe Book Festival 2018, as I thought it was only for children and accompanying adults. When I discovered I could attend, I bought a last minute ticket and I am so glad I did.
This workshop covered different techniques for making books. We were given paper, pens, needle and thread.
We were shown three different techniques. First we created a simple folded book and they showed us how to use this technique to create a thin long book or a short wide book.
Then, we made a shaped book. The design they taught us was in the shape of a house. Inside we cut out doors.
We were encouraged to fill in our books. I choose to turn the ‘house’ book into Noah’s home with easy words for my son to read. Another attendee theirs into a row of beach huts, someone else had the house changing through the seasons and a girl drew each house belonging to her best friends. It was great to see how universal the design was for each person.
For the folded book, we were asked what our favourite word was. Mine is “banana”. We were then challenged to fill our books based on our favourite word. I decided to write about different colour bananas to the tune of “one potato”. Later, I gave the book to Noah to colour in. He was able to read the colours and word banana easily. As a minion fan, he found it funny that it was about bananas.
The final technique we were shown was a stitched book. They taught us how to gather a suitable number of pages and the right size cover. We were shown how to safely make the holes for binding and the pattern to use for the stitch using a waxed thread.
We then had time afterwards to try making any of the methods again or to continue decorating and filling in our books. I made another stitched book and used floral paper from their scraps box. I plan to use this as a notebook to records ideas for a best selling novel!
The scraps box was full of all sorts of different bits of paper ranging from left over card/paper to gift wrap and gift bags to wallpaper. For the cover you need something thicker than the paper used inside. It really demonstrates how creating your own books is very sustainable as you are repurposing stuff you may have otherwise thrown away.
Around the room were several books for anyone wanting to learn more about making books. They recommended:
The event was brilliant. Emily and Jeni worked well together to deliver an engaging and interactive workshop. I hope they continue to return to Felixstowe Book Festival to share their knowledge and enthusiasm of making books.
*****
I had planned to create a video to illustrate how to make these but haven’t had the time. Hopefully, I will one day.
Have you ever made a book – what style do you make and what did you use your creation for? I am hoping to do this with my son to encourage his writing. Please let me know if you’ve got any tips.
This has been one of the hottest summers in a long time and sun safety is important to me.
What I love about this product is the twisty caps to open and close meaning you never worry about loosing the lid. Being able to spray makes application quick and I can reach everywhere easily. It is clear, so I don’t get white streaks and it doesn’t stain my clothes.
The Kids bottle is my 4y old son’s but when my sensitive one runs out, I have used his. The kids one smells great with a fruity scent – an added bonus. We have reordered both more than once this summer!
The product is free of nasty chemicals, has a broad spectrum protection and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s non-sticky and biodegradable. Plus, it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes!
The frangipani flower on the front of the bottle is my wedding flower and first attracted me to the product.
What I love is that this summer scent is designed to stay fresh in the heat with ingredients that are photosensitive. It has a beautiful light fruity scent that isn’t overpowering. All the ingredients are natural and will leave skin soft and not sticky.
This lip product is moisturising and protective in the sun. The zinc oxide in it, is a natural sun protection and I think it does lighten my lip slightly but I like the look. It is meant to have a flavour but I can’t smell or taste it so it’s very light. All the ingredients and organic.
Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist (mine is a sample/travel size. The full 60ml RRP £24.00)
I have been loving facial mists this summer to keep myself cool but this one was my favourite.
In addition to refreshing my skin and being free of harmful chemicals, this product protects your skin from pollution and boosts your defences. I don’t live in a high pollution area but it made my skin feel great and I noticed a difference.
Salt of the Earth
Natural Deodeant (RRP £5.99)
I have been using the pink Lavender and Vanilla one for a while now and love the scent. Sometimes, I think lavender can smell a bit old fashioned but this is a gentle clean smell.
I decided to give the melon and cucumber one a go. The cucumber smell is stronger than the melon, it gives off a refreshing unisex scent.
At first, I found it strange that it felt like I was spraying my underarm with water as it feels wet. My old deodorant coated my pit in a dry powder. I gave it a go and I am so glad I did. It is gentle on the skin under there which is often forgotten and doesn’t make me feel itchy whereas my old deodeant did.
Smelling fresh all day in the heat without irritated skin makes summer so much better so it made my list.
Ari Meghlen has written a very personal post loaded with tips from his experience using social media for marketing his writing.
This article is full of realistic advice for those that are struggling to juggle it all. Afterall, as writers, our projects should come first. This is how to balance the two.
There are loads of things you need to do before your baby arrives but here I list the top three things to do, for you.
Pamper day
There are lots of lovely treatment bundles offered for pregnant women. However, you can choose individual treatments and make your own bundle.
I choose to get a manicure as I didn’t want my nails to ruin my newborn’s pictures. I got a pedicure as I struggle to reach my feet now and a foot massage really helps bring down the swelling. I got a lash lift & tint so I don’t need to worry about mascara when going makeup free.
I like treatments that make my life easier. Although, now she is late I may need to get my nails redone.
NB: You may need to remove nail polish at hospital if you need certain procedures, for example a c-section.
Making Memories
I knew as I get more pregnant I would find it harder to do things but I still wanted to make memories with my son. We had a lovely day out with friends at Colchester zoo. It was hard walking around but the smile on his face made it worthwhile.
Towards the end of my pregnancy I’ve planned activities for my son to go out with his grandparents. He had a week crash course in swimming with his Grandma, a Festival day with his granddad and next week he’s out with his nanny. This has enabled him to have fun and for me to rest a little. I’m so grateful for the supportive network I have around me.
When he went to the festival, my husband and I got to have a lovely childfree meal together. We also did some chores I was struggling to get done at home and although the house isn’t looking spotless, it does look so much better.
Some couples go on a baby moon (last holiday as a couple before baby arrived). I would like to have done this with my husband but we needed to use our time off work to cover the absence of childcare during school holidays and didn’t have enough days left for anything else. However, we were going to Centre Parcs when I found out I was pregnant so you could say we had a family moon (last holiday as a family before adding another child).
https://instagram.com/p/BcDECgVhCYB/
Bump pics
I have really struggled with this. Often I am so busy with Noah I forget about myself. I also feel huge, not well and tired which make me not in the mood to have my photo taken.
We tried a family day out at the beach and took pictures but my belly popped out in an unsightly way that made me look like Onslow from Keeping Up Appearances.
Fortunately, I finally got some pictures when I hit the 40 weeks milestone by simply taking some pics at home.
If you can afford a professional shoot then go for it. I did with my first and love the photos taken but the hidden costs made it way more expensive than I anticipated which is why I didn’t go for it this time. Click here for my tips on booking a shoot.
I hope you found my list useful. I’d love to hear what you did, for you, before baby arrived.
