Win A Copy Of Peter Rabbit's New DVD Collection [closed]

Who doesn't love cheeky Peter Rabbit, possibly Beatrix Potter's most famous creation?  Peter's back with more 'tails' of fun, mischief and friendship in a new DVD collection "Peter Rabbit – The Tale Of The Great Rabbit And Squirrel Adventure" which is released by Abbey Media and on sale from Monday 24th October 2016.

Join our hero, Peter Rabbit, in this fifth installment of his animated adventures. Peter tells a curious Cotton-tail how he and Squirrel Nutkin became friends and how Nutkin’s lost his tail. Soon Peter is on an adventure to retrieve Nutkin’s tail, even though it means going to Owl Island! This charming DVD collection features over seventy minutes full of fun, mischief and adventure, in 6 action packed adventures. Let’s hop to it!

With a taste for radishes and a thirst for adventure Peter Rabbit is the lovable and extraordinary friend you longed to hang out with when you were a kid. But when the chips are down and danger lurks, there’s no better friend to have around than Peter and his boundless courage will always see him through.

Peter Rabbit – The Tale of the Great Rabbit and Squirrel Adventure features the following episodes: - The Tale of The Rabbit and Squirrel Great Adventure; The Tale of Old Brown’s Feather; The Tale of The Wiggly Worms; The Tale of Two Enemies; The Tale of Fierce Bad Rabbit; The Tale of Mr Tod’s Trap

I have one copy to give away.  Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget.  UK entries only and terms and conditions apply (please see my Competitions Page).  The giveaway will end at 11:59 pm on Friday 11th November.

You can find this DVD at all major retailers and it would make a great Christmas stocking filler.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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Top Tips For Avoiding Colds & Flu From Dr Dawn Harper & Coldzyme

It's that time of year again where I find myself on red alert for the signs of an impending cold in the Hobbis household.  This involves much brandishing of  tissues and shouting "wash your hands with hot water". The medication cupboard (yes we have a whole cupboard) is restocked with Vicks Vapour Rub and I threaten everybody with my chicken soup (with a bit of help from Heinz obviously).

So if, like me, you want to make sure that the dreaded colds and flu don't visit this winter, leading media medic, Dr Dawn Harper, in conjunction with ColdZyme which fights the cause of the common cold, have compiled a few tips that are definitely good for our health.

Dr Harper’s Top Tips

• Wash your hands regularly – contrary to popular belief, most coughs and colds are spread by hand contact not by coughs and sneezes, so simply keeping your hands clean will go a long way to protecting yourself.

• Wash down surfaces and door handles – the viruses that cause colds can survive for several hours outside the human body.

Dr Dawn Harper

• Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables to keep your immune system in good shape. Vitamin C and zinc are vital for a healthy immune system. Zinc is found in red meat, beans and fortified cereals, whilst foods rich in vitamin C include fruits such as oranges and strawberries and vegetables such as peppers, kale and broccoli.

• Make sure you get into a good sleep routine. When we sleep our immune system repairs itself, so chronic sleep deprivation can make you prone to infections.

• Manage your stress levels. Try to prioritise and delegate where possible as stress can play havoc with your immune system.

• Consider using anti-viral tissues and keep them in your bag or on your desk if those around you have a cold to minimise the spread of the virus and make sure that tissues are put straight in the bin.

• Use ColdZyme, a revolutionary mouth spray which targets the cause of the common cold and is clinically documented to help reduce the duration of a cold.

We tried Coldzyme last year and you can read our review here.

I also asked some of my lovely blogger friends for their top tips for preventing or dealing with a cold and this is what they said.

"If a cold strikes I make sure to keep warm, use medication at regular intervals and take night nurse to help me get a refreshing nights sleep when I need it most." - Katy Stevens, Katykicker.com

"As soon as I feel a niggle I start drinking a vitamin drink like Berrocca and cancel my plans to get some much needed R n R!" - Samantha Wragg, Cocobutterblog

"Pure orange juice in this house! That and Vicks on the feet with socks to bed to sweat the cold out!" - Amy Green, The Smallest Of Things.

"A hot cup of honey, lemon and fresh ginger a day throughout the colder months really helps keep colds at bay for me. If you have the time, steeping lemon chunks and fresh ginger in a pot of honey for a few weeks makes an effective concoction!" - Sophia Ford, Tattooed Tealady

"Wash your hands! All the time. Touching things and then touching your face, eyes, nose, mouth, is the fastest way to get a cold. Wash wash wash. And carry hand sanitiser." - Naomi Perilli, Tattooed Mummy

"I'll have honey and lemon with an actual tea bag (no milk!)! It gives you a bit of energy as the tea has a slow caffeine release to help you power through when you have things to do! Also hot steamy showers or if I'm feeling up to it, a microwavable curry. The steam or spice clears your nose and helps you blow it if its especially stuffed! Also avoid dairy as much as possible, it sticks in your pipes and increases phlegm!" - Abigail Glover, Mermaid Mischief

"Hot toddies - I've had them for colds since being a child. Hot water, honey, sugar, slice of lemon then a couple of shots of whiskey (obviously I didn't have that as a child). Drink it as hot as you can." -Chermaine Susan Samphire, Chammy In Real Life - the real life ramblings of me.

What's your top tip for avoiding colds and flu?

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Toy Review: Timeline:British History - Educational, Historical Fun For Kids by Esdevium Games

We've reviewed quite a few games now and whilst most of them are entertaining and pass the odd hour as a family, we've not found one that challenges the brain cells of kids and adults alike.

Timeline: British History is different.  It's a card game where you have to assess whether one historical event occurred before another and put the cards in the correct chronological order.

The game comes in a brightly coloured tin which is really attractive.  I particularly liked that the packaging is marked with symbols showing how many players, the suggested age range of players and the length of time it takes to play (in this case 15 minutes which is ideal for an 8 year old).

The box contains printed instructions and two piles of cards which are shuffled together to make one pack.

Each player is dealt four cards and therefore has four chances to place the events on their cards in the correct order.

Get it right and you have one less card to get  rid of - and you're closer to winning. A wrong decision means you return your card to the pile and take a brand new one.

The game commences with each player laying their four cards face up without looking at the date on the back.  The first event is taken off the central pile of remaining cards and each player takes turns to put their card either before or after the events on the table.  Cards are then slotted into place as the timeline builds.

The winner is the player who correctly places all four of their cards first.

It's suitable for 8+ children and I guarantee that it will challenge parents and grandparents too.  This gives the game a much more level playing field and the children are less likely to have a major strop because they consider the adults have an unfair advantage.

Let me give you an example.  Which came later? The Peasants' Revolt or Geoffrey Chaucer's beginning of "The Canterbury Tales"?  Answer, the latter in 1387.  The Peasants' Revolt was in 1381.

How about these.  Which came later - Isaac Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation or the founding of The Bank of England?  Again, the latter.  The Bank of England was founded in 1694 and Newton's law was discovered in 1687.

You can see that these are very challenging for a child as young as 8 but still really interesting and all the more entertaining to find out your mother is pretty useless at guessing!

Timeline:British History retails at around £13.99 which, for a game of this quality, is very good value.  My only criticism would be that the playing cards are quite small but on the plus side, the game in its sturdy tin would be great to take on holiday.

I also think it's the kind of game which will get more interesting the more you play it as you will begin to remember some of the dates of the events and get better at placing - and getting rid of - your four cards quickly.

I played Timeline:British History with Caitlin (8) and her cousin Emily (21) and Caitlin was surprisingly good at it!  It's a great opportunity to talk about historical events and to explain who some of the famous people are.  In other words, you could easily use this game as a teaching tool.

We really enjoyed this one and if you're looking for a game which is slightly more challenging but fun at the same time, I'd recommend Timeline: British History.

*We tested this game in our role at Approved Toy Testers for The Rainbow Toy Awards 2016

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My Problem Page - What Was I Asked In Week 41?

This week I'm talking about disappearing first dates, despairing about never finding love, coping with Tinnitus and what to do when you discover your ex has lied to you - after you broke up.

If you would like any advice, feel free to message me or pop a comment in the comment box at the end of this post. I promise to be gentle.

Here's just some of the questions I've been asked this week.

Q: How much time will my tinnitus take to go away ? 

I watched a movie a few days ago while wearing headphones. I usually keep the volume low but on that day I increased it to 200% by mistake. I decreased it immediately and continued watching at low volume for about half an hour but after that my ears started ringing because of tinnitus.

A: You’ve given yourself what we fellow sufferers refer to as a ‘spike’ - a period of time where the volume of our tinnitus increases due to some action or circumstance often out of our control - for example a car horn, a slammed door, or in my case this week a loud shout at the kids. 

The thing to remember is that the spike will go down and that stress makes it worse. 

The best way to deal with tinnitus is to focus on something else - as difficult as that may be. Some have likened it to the brain’s fire alarm - it’s warning you that there’s been an ‘incident’. 

Try not to panic. The ringing will probably subside in time but it’s worth seeing a doctor to get your ears checked out - particularly if this is the first time you have had tinnitus. 

Personally I avoid headphones like the plague as I think concentrated sound being piped into your ears cannot help a tinnitus sufferer, nor your hearing in general - but that’s just me. 

No movie is worth jeopardising your hearing for.

Q: Is it normal to get headaches when wearing new glasses?

A: It can take up to 2 weeks for your eyes to get used to a new prescription but I would say a headache is a clear sign that the prescription is wrong. 

It sounds like your glasses are too strong, or not strong enough. 

Is this the first time for you wearing glasses? 

If it isn’t but it has been ages since you updated the prescription then it’s possible you may experience a little discomfort too. 

But don’t put up with headaches. Go back to your optician and tell him about your problem. There should be no charge to correct a prescription if it is the optician’s error. 

And let’s face it, glasses are too expensive to waste money on a pair that we can’t wear!

Q: I'm a 16 year old boy and I've never been in a relationship before. Nor do I want to be in a relationship at the moment. Is that bad? 

A: No of course not.

It’s very easy to look around and believe that everyone is in a relationship or dating but I bet they’re not you know. And I bet loads of your friends feel the same way.

Being in a relationship will happen when the time is right and when you meet someone who interests you. Your teenage years are your time to learn, grow, develop a few passions, enjoy yourself. You can worry about relationships later.

Just remember, that it’s very easy to fib on Facebook and Snapchat. You can write anything you like in a status update but it doesn’t mean it’s true.

If you’re secretly saying you don’t want to be in a relationship because you don’t think anyone’s interested, then I’d say I bet they are.

And even more reason to use this time to focus on yourself so you’ll be even more of a catch when the time is right.

Q: No one attracted to me ever. Its too hard to believe even for me. What is the most effective way to get success?

A: Throw your checklist away. Seriously. 

Finding a girlfriend is not a scientific experiment. Concentrate less on you and more on them. 

Find a girl who interests you and go and talk to her. Ask her questions about herself. It’s being interested in others than makes them interested in us. It’s got nothing to do with your education, or your brain power or even your looks. 

Take a break from girlfriend hunting and go find some new hobby that interests you. Spend time with others and get to know them. 

The best way to find a girlfriend is to make more friends. Learn how to listen. Desperation is offputting. Nobody will be attracted to you if you don’t give them the chance and put yourself down at every opportunity. 

Look at the people around you. Are they all gorgeous? No. Are they all brilliant? No. Are they all highly educated? No. 

But they are interested in others and have learned that being a good kind person and a great listener gets you a long long way in this life - especially when it comes to love. 

Q: I had a first date with a guy my friend had one date with. She said it was amazing but he sent one text after wards and then disappeared. He did the same to me. Is this a bad sign? Do you think he's a player, or did he just not like my friend?  Why did he disappear after one text for both of us after we both had an amazing time?

A: How did you both meet this guy? It wasn’t an online dating site or Tinder by any chance, was it?

It’s very easy to get hooked on the thrill of the chase which I suspect is what happened here. There are so many potential dates to choose from, lots of those looking for love are spoiled for choice and can see no reason to limit themselves to just one or two. 

These are the people though, who aren’t looking for commitment or have such high standards that they are looking for Mr or Miss Perfect - and nobody ever measures up. 

I wouldn’t read too much into this. I’m not sure this guy is even a player. He may not have had any bad intent to treat you both badly. He probably didn’t consider himself interested enough to be on the brink of starting a new relationship so therefore didn’t need to excuse himself or explain. 

He might have sent you both a text just to keep you on the hook, or perhaps he felt badly because he knew he was about to let you both down. 

Wait for the guy who enjoyed his time with you so much that he actually calls you. I often think texting isn’t real life. 

If this guy really had that much of an amazing time, he would have been in touch. 

And I’m not sure going for the same guys your friend is will help you find the love of your life either.

Q: I broke up for 6 months now and discovered that my ex was sleeping with a friend while we were apart. Why am I upset?

A: Because you feel betrayed since your ex has moved on so quickly and has chosen a friend of yours to move on with (some friend!). 

Some people can’t bear to be alone and so it’s “any port in a storm” so it’s not necessarily that it’s a ‘big romance’. It may be a thing of convenience. 

But I can understand that it still hurts and that you may still have feelings for your ex. 

At least you know that it’s definitely over and can take steps to move on now and look for someone else yourself once the hurt has begun to subside. 

Six months is still pretty early days, especially if it was a long relationship. You need to be kind to yourself and surround yourself with friends you can trust. 

I always think it’s better to know the truth than to waste time on false hopes. And, if your ex does try to return, at least you’ll know that they didn’t think twice about hurting your feelings - and hopefully give them a wide berth.

How would you have responded to these questions? I'd love to know.  You can find more advice on my problem page here.

All materials included in this post are intended for informational purposes only. This post/information is not intended to and should not be used to replace medical or psychiatric advice offered by physicians or other health care providers. The author will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages arising therefrom.

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New Releases, Free & Bargain Books Link-up Week 41

How are you all this week?  We've one more week before Half Term here in Wales and the kids are definitely ready for it - and so am I.

We can't wait to get our Halloween costumes on and I hope you've checked out my great Halloween competitions (UK entries only though) on my competitions page.

This week I've been reading a book specially written for women in my age group (50+) called "The Fabulous @50 Re-experience" by Dianna Lee Bowes.  It's all about learning lessons from the experiences of our past to create a brighter, better future.  Look out for my review on 19th October.

Incidentally, I have a weekly advice column you may find of interest here.

Happy bargain and freebie hunting on this link.

Have a great week!

Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Life as Leels | IrishdaisylovesRomance | Book Babble | All Romance Reader
Tuesday
It's My Side of Life | Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures 
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | Cinnamon Hollow Reviews
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Nicki's Nook
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance | Mother Distracted | Colorimetry | The Ultimate Fan Blog
Saturday
Totally Addicted to Reading | 3 Partners in Shopping | Angie's Angle | I Create Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings
Sunday
Lynchburg Mama | LibriAmoriMiei | Ali - The Dragon Slayer | Wondermom Wannabe | Deal Sharing Aunt | Rambling Reviews 

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Click here for this weeks awesome selection!

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Book Review & Giveaway: The Quick Guide To Parenting by Laura Quick

Just occasionally, I find a book that makes me laugh out loud.  And this one has the double honour of making the Husband laugh out loud too.

The Quick Guide to Parenting by Laura Quick is a series of acutely observed illustrations which delve deep into family life and the inner turmoil experienced by some parents on a daily basis.

She captures the topsy-turviness, the incongruence and the self-flagellation.  Guilt, humour and love are all there in abundance.

From what they said to the man at the bus stop, to where you found the remote control, when you’re a parent, laughing at what gets hurled in your direction is beyond important. Laura has been sketching scenes from daily domestic life on her blog, The Daily Think. All the bizarre moments and ridiculous conversations that are part of being a parent are here, from the day Laura’s daughter tried to poke her finger into a dog’s rear end, to the temper tantrums, and the sense of relief when the school holidays are over.

Trained as an illustrator, working in art direction, concept development and strategy, Laura Quick is a specialist in editorial Illustration and design as well as look books, ad campaigns, and Visual Merchandising. She has worked closely with fashion photographers, artists and designers for over a decade. Laura began drawing and observing people for her blog, The Daily Think six years ago. Listening and observing at fashion shoots, in meetings, on the bus and, later on, with kids in tow, in the playground.

Laura now produces almost all her commercial work off the back of this observational and humorous style. Working for the likes of The Guardian, AnOther Magazine, The BBC, The Royal Opera House, Thames and Hudson and many more, her work moves more towards her fascination in people and their habits, their self-expression and individual characters.

Very often this kind of book can be a two minute 'flick through', usually whilst waiting for the kids to finally choose something in the bookshop but I think this one is worth perusing thoroughly and will be great to pick up when you're having an off-day - just to remind yourself that you're not going mad and this is actually what parenting is like.

It would make a great Christmas gift for exhausted mums everywhere and, if you've enough of a sense of naughtiness, to give to pregnant friends as a slightly sardonic warning that parenthood is a country for which there is absolutely no map.

You can check out Laura's very funny blog too.

"The Quick Guide To Parenting" is published by Portico, an imprint of Pavilion Books RRP £9.99.

Recent Reviews

'Charming, quirky and funny' - THE GUARDIAN, September 2016

'All parents will be able to relate to these hilariously accurate illustrations of raising children' - THE HUFFINGTON POST (UK)/PARENTS, September 2016

Beautifully drawn, honest and hilarious illustrated guide to the everyday life of a parent - MUMSNET, September 2016

'Laura Quick has perfectly captured the topsy turvy world of parenthood that all parents can relate to in one way or another in her new book' - NETMUMS, September 2016

Giveaway

I have one copy of "The Quick Guide To Parenting" to give away.  Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget and the usual terms and conditions apply.  (Please see my competitions page).  UK entrants only and the giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 4th November.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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Can You Reverse The Damage Stress Has Done To Your Skin?

It's easy to under-estimate the toll that stress can take on our skin and to kid ourselves that a haphazard skincare routine and poor lifestyle choices won't eventually catch up with us.

Here's an explanation of how stress can effect our skin from a medical point of view from Dr. Ernst Eiselen, MBChB, FRACGP - and no, we won't get away with it!

Dr. Eiselen says:

The skin and the brain develop from the same layer of cells in the human embryo; they are intimately linked throughout life. Healthy skin is therefore a product of not only a skin care routine, but a stress-free state of mind.

Stress is an engineering term which refers to the application of different forces to materials, usually used to test their strength or their breaking point. The concept is no different in humans. The types of forces applied are not those used in engineering, but the effects are much the same. Conscious and sub-conscious parts of the brain are both involved in the production of stress. As a consequence of the brain activity, the endocrine systems become involved at all levels.

Skin is influenced by the brain through its varied and wide-reaching system of connections to the skin. Hormones produced by the different parts of the endocrine system have profound, direct and indirect effects on the skin. From this concise explanation of the structural and functional intimacy of the different organ systems, it is easy to appreciate that skin will not escape the eroding effects of pervasive stress.

The quality, comfort and appearance of healthy skin depend on a fine and happy balance of the influences mentioned above. The blood flow through the skin of a stressed person is not at its optimal level, thus disrupting the oxygen and nutrient supply to the skin. Like any starving or suffocating organ, aging and decay are sped up over time. Persistent stress starts to automate the nerve impulse pathways as our brains learn the patterns that are most often repeated. Combine this with a lethal mix of constantly-raised stress hormones and cell receptors are reprogrammed into ‘survival mode’.

Cells focused on survival are not attuned to thrive, divide efficiently or produce highly specialised, robust and vital units required for youthful, zesty skin. Skin can become stress-damaged over protracted periods. However, due to genetic and other differences, the complexity of all the involved elements and effects variable to passage of time make it impossible to quantify the effects of stress on skin in any individual.

The logical question follows: Is it possible to reverse or correct this situation?

Fortunately, the answer is yes on two different levels. Firstly, there is a need to recognise the elements of stress in one’s life and find a means of managing it in a positive manner. Sometimes, this may be small and simple lifestyle changes to make, but at other times it may require life-altering moves to get rid of the excessive stress. For most people cultivating a simple habit of regular exercise, improved periods of rest and reflection will help to de-stress and balance the hormones responsible for the negative changes. Specific exercises where attention is focused on breathing, stretching and toning go a long way to defuse stress-hormone storms.

On the level of the skin itself, the aim is to alter the skin cell behaviour that focuses on surviving to cells that are able to thrive. We are starting to understand how to create cells which are able to maximise their full potential in function, structure and beauty. Environ’s advanced vitamin skin therapy addresses the backbone processes with which man has evolved over the last two hundred thousand years. Keeping enough of the crucially important molecules like vitamin A, C and E within the cells simply means that cells are better able to withstand the onslaught of stress hormones and the altered patterns of stimulation brought about by the stress. This does not in any way reduce the need of the other forms of general stress reduction mentioned above, yet it goes a long way to slow down the negative influences.

Speed in everything appears to have become an essential ingredient with companies competing to design electronic instruments which will perform faster with larger amounts of information. At the same time those who are lucky enough to be in affluent societies are living longer, which simply means that the skin cells will be subjected to this battering of the senses for more and more years. Neither our cells, nor psyches are geared to deal with these circumstances. Change at such a pace leaves no room for the evolution of systems which were shaped by completely different survival stresses over hundreds of thousands of years.

The only possible counter-approach to this frenetic race is to understand the importance of relaxation and spontaneous, quiet contemplation for the body and mind. The skin should also be allowed to rest from the stress and physical environmental challenges. Providing real nutrition to skin cells based on sound scientific principles enables repair mechanisms to deal with the cumulative DNA damage, whilst coaxing cells to specialise to their natural potential.

It is therefore important to see the skin as an integral part of a total system which needs de-stressing on a total body level. In this new age, the mind-body balance and macro and micro nutrition will be key to optimal function of all body parts into a healthy old age. Not least of all, will be the need to do this for healthy skin.

Dr. Ernst Eiselen, MBChB, FRACGP.

It's pretty clear that getting to grips with our stress is vital to ensure a glowing complexion, as well as a healthier mind and body.  How well do you cope with stress?

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Review: The Sittingwell® Back Support Cushion - Get Comfy In Your Favourite Chair Again

There are millions of Brits who suffer from back pain.  Figures released by the UK Statistics Authority in 2014 showed that back pain is a huge problem for the nation.

Struggling to get comfortable on your sofa with your bad back?

They found that around 4.2 million working days were lost by workers aged 50-64 alone in 2014. Those aged 25-34 were absent for 1.89 million days due to back pain, while those in the 35-49 bracket missed 3.86 million days in the office.

The number of sick days taken because of the chronic condition had also increased dramatically - up from 7.7 million lost days in 2013 to 9.96 million in 2014. The total cost of the missed work days amounts to more than a billion pounds.

The condition affects people in all age groups but my age group, the over-50s, are worst hit. Health experts say chronic back pain is made worse by our increasingly sedentary lifestyle, with the average Briton spending almost four hours a day at a computer. And that's without including time sat on the sofa watching TV or slumped in a chair gaming!

You may have heard the expression "sitting is the new smoking" and there are a number of books which link excessive sitting to a greatly increased risk of disease and even early death.

But what can you do if you have back pain and  you have to sit down for the greater part of the day?

Apart from the obvious lifestyle changes you need to make, the most obvious being to increase your exercise, there are things you can do to improve your comfort.  You are probably already aware of the orthopedic mattresses on the market to help you get a better night's sleep but how many of us consider how the chairs and sofas we sit in may be contributing to our back pain?

My own lower back pain began after 2 caesareans and a generally sedentary lifestyle at home looking after the kids.  I still spend far too much time writing whilst sat in an arm chair that has seen better days.

Let's be honest.  Few of us have the money to replace our lounge furniture just because a few springs have gone or because the cushions now sink and don't give any support.

We've been looking for a new sofa recently and I can't believe how many designs have really deep seating areas so your legs sometimes don't even reach the floor, and absolutely no neck support so you can't rest your head back.

What are designers thinking?  Given that many sofas cost in the thousands, it's a lot of money to pay to store up back and neck problems for yourself later on!

One solution to sitting more comfortably on your sofa with proper back support is the Sittingwell® Back Support Cushion. This was designed to offer support for the sofas and chairs which are too deep to give sufficient support, leading you to slump and thus put pressure on your spine and your neck.

Sittingwell make a variety of products aimed at preventing and relieving back pain and this cushion is unique in that it combines a built in back support pad with the comfortable 'squiginess' you'd expect from a plush sofa cushion.

There are two versions, one filled with polyester foam and, the one I was sent to try, the duck feather filled version..  The cushion is supplied without a cover but fits easily in to a standard 45 cm square cushion cover so nobody need know you're using one.

You can use it can be used on the sofa, armchair, deep office or dining room chair (as long as the back of the chair meets the seat and there isn't a gap at the bottom). You can even use it in bed to sit against whilst having your morning tea or reading at night.

Hand made in the UK, the Sittingwell® Cushion comes in an ethically sourced reusable canvas bag which is great if you want to take it away with you.

I was sent the Deluxe Sittingwell® Feather Back Support Cushion which retails at £69.99.  The polyester filled version is slightly cheaper at £45.99.

I found that the support the cushion gave was surprisingly firm and it really makes you sit up properly. Because the front of the cushion is what you'd probably consider 'normal cushion' though, it is comfortable to lean back on.

I could feel the adjustment to my spine as my thighs were elongated and my feet felt more firmly on the floor. The benefits of this of course mean that your neck is also elongated and you don't hunch quite so much.  It's easier and more comfortable to sit for longer with this added back support.

Despite this, and as Sittingwell themselves advise, you need to get up and move regularly.  My physiotherapist once told me that you should get up and move around every 20 minutes or so and that he would never sit down for longer than 45 minutes at a time.  (Oops!).

When you get up some simple stretches and bends may be enough to ensure you don't seize up and keep everything moving!

Sittingwell has an advice hub on their website where you can find a range of articles on how to avoid back pain in various situations (sitting, standing, sleeping, travelling etc).  You can also get a free report "7 Solutions To Back Pain Relief" which can be downloaded to your PC when you leave your email address.

I was impressed by the Sittingwell cushion and will continue to use it.  I know that it's no substitute for a healthier lifestyle but it does make time spent on our rickety sofa more bearable.

I think that it's also quite reasonably priced given the cost of some of the major retailer's 'normal' cushions! You can easily pick up a cushion cover for a few pounds on Amazon.

You can find more information at www.sittingwell.co.uk

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Safe Journey - Essential Tips For Family Car Safety

Most people these days have a car if their finances allow and it must be extremely difficult to cope with a young family if you don't. But, as our cars are so important for a smooth running family routine, it's important to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy, and your driving is up to scratch.

There are lots of things you can do to keep your family safe while driving. Read on to discover what they are.

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Entertainment

It can be very distracting when you are trying to drive if your little ones are screaming or asking you lots of questions. That it why it's essential to keep them entertained, especially on long journeys.

There are quite a few ways you can do this, and some of it will depend on your views on entertainment, and some of it will be related to what your kids enjoy.

The first idea is an in-car DVD player. This works by hanging two mini screens over the back of the front two seats. Then the kids listen to the audio through headphones so they are quiet and happy, while you take car of the driving.

If you are not too keen on just plugging your child into a media system, then you can provide them with colouring books and reading materials instead. Just make sure that reading doesn't make them car sick!

Car Seats

One of the most essential items for child safety in vehicles is a car seat - and these are of course a legal requirement.

These not only help them to be boosted up so that they can see out of the window, but they perform an essential safety function as well.

Car seats allow your kids to sit in the best possible position to preserve their safety if there is any kind of accident. There are new EU rules on the car seat that have come out this year, so make sure you are up to date with them, by reading the information here.

Child Locks

Child locks are a fantastic way of ensuring your little ones' safety in the car. When you activate them, it makes sure that your children can't open the door from their side.

This works well if they are still very small and don't understand when it's safe to have an open door. It also stops any accidental door opening that could cause a safety problem.

Car Maintenance

Something that is imperative in car safety is making sure that your vehicle is well maintained. Having a valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement and you'll also need one of these to take out car insurance. Cars are complex machines these days so it's worth getting your car regularly checked and tuned up to avoid a hefty repair bill when your MOT inspection comes around.

Things like brake pads, oil and water levels need to be monitored as they can affect the safety of the car's handling. It is important you find a mechanic who is a specialist in the make and model of car that you have to help you maintain your vehicle. There are even search sites set up to help you find a specialist mechanic like whocanfixmycar.com. You can check it out by clicking the link.

Rules

It's also a good idea to have rules for behaviour when the kids are in the car. They need to be reminded that they shouldn’t poke their head through the gap in the front seats or try to take their seat belt off while the car is moving.

Sticking to the rules will keep them safe and ensure your attention isn't distracted from the road and other drivers.

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Top Tips To Get Your Kids To Do Their Homework & A Homework Station Makeover

Now that Caitlin is in Year 4 and Ieuan in Year 3, the volume of homework is beginning to increase.  And so are the 'homework battles'.

Even the concept of homework is under fire at the moment. There are those who say that it is an unnecessary burden on our kids who are already tested far more than previous generations of school children.

On the other hand, research says that 30% of a child's learning comes from their teachers with a whopping 70% coming from us, their parents and carers.

To me, that indicates clearly that home learning is pretty important, whether in the form of formal homework or not.

So what can you do to help your child with their homework?

Revamp their homework workstation

Action Storage, makers of school cloakroom lockers for over 30 years, suggest a workstation makeover may help considerably. It's important to create a space for your child to work in relative peace so that they can concentrate.

All accessories from Flying Tiger.

Having all their books and stationery to hand will make it easier to get the work done.  It's also a great opportunity to work with your child to design their space together - which will hopefully add more encouragement to open their school bags and actually get the books out!

We're revamping Caitlin's bedroom at the moment and are fitting new wardrobes but we have created a desk area where she can work in peace and escape her noisy younger brother. Once our DIY is finished we plan to add more shelving for books and some task lighting.

It doesn't have to cost a lot.  We found all our accessories for under £20 at Flying Tiger. (see my current giveaway to win Halloween decorations here).

Create a homework timetable

When your kids are younger, this really has to be a 'team effort'. I'm sure you have experienced that sinking Sunday night feeling when you find a piece of urgent homework that has to be handed in on Monday which has been languishing at the bottom of your child's backpack.

I've learned now to empty out all the scraps of paper on Friday to check we know what is needed over the weekend.

That way, we can create a simple homework timetable and split library books up into a set number of chapters per night, for example.  

No TV, Gaming, or iPad until they've done their homework

There are times when your child comes home exhausted and it's obvious that they need a break before starting any homework.  

But when the work has to be done, we found it's best to hide the remotes and tablets until it's done.  If you wanted to be extra tough, you could change the WiFi password until it is!  

Sit down and do it with them

Not all the time and I'm not suggesting you do the work for them but taking an active interest in what they're doing and letting them show you their workings out or designs will show them that you're there to help and may even encourage a bit of inspired collaboration.

Take the homework away from home

Sometimes it makes a refreshing change to do their homework somewhere else.  You could sit with them in your local library or take their spelling books when you're sat waiting in a car for ballet / Taekwondo/swimming to end.

Ieuan is particularly fond of spelling practice in a restaurant down the road from Caitlins ballet class where we bribe him with a large blackcurrant squash and a packet of crisps.

Take learning into the real world

If, for example, they're studying money then take them to the supermarket and show them how much things cost.  Get them to work out the value of what you're putting in your basket.  Let them hand over the money and check the change.

If they're studying weights and measurements, do some baking and let them weigh out the ingredients or help with some DIY and take the measurements.

Teaching children how to actually apply what they're learning will help the subject matter to stick much easier.

There are many ways to help your child with their homework but the most important thing is to encourage them and help them to understand that learning is a continuous process that needs daily application.

Recognise when your child is struggling

If you think your child is not coping with their homework, then you could consider hiring a private tutor.  You should also talk to your child's teacher to see if there are extra resources to help them in school.  

You might also want to check that there is nothing else interfering with your child's learning such as health or friendship issues.

It's perfectly normal to hate doing your homework but as I tell my two, it's a competitive world and a good standard of academic achievement can only stand them in good stead for supporting the Husband and I in our old age!

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Win A Haribo Halloween Hamper - No Trick But A Real Treat [closed]

As you've probably guessed by now, we love Halloween in the Hobbis household and although we don't usually go trick or treating, we always have plenty of treats ready to hand out to the witches and ghouls who turn up on our doorstep.  And of course, that means plenty of sweets.

This year, HARIBO has brewed up a magical mix of tricks and treats for Halloween and I have a spooky hamper to give away that’s perfect for trick or treating, Halloween parties or ghostly movie nights in with friends and family.

Included in the hamper is new HARIBO Scaremix. Ideal for sharing, this bag offers the iconic shapes found in Starmix, but in a terrifyingly good mix of new colours and flavours including Toffee Apple Monster’s Eyeballs; Blackcurrant and Bubblegum Vampire Hearts; Blood Orange Brew; Cherry Boo Bears; and Blackberry and Apple Dracula’s Rings.



Next is TangfasTricks but watch out, what looks like a treat could be a trick with this naughty and nice bag that not only contains standard tangy pieces but also hot and super-sour ones too!

There’s also new Scaremix and TangfasTricks Duo Tub which brings together these two terrifyingly good treats in a pumpkin shaped, sharing tub.

HARIBO’s popular Trick or Treat multipacks also feature. Containing a delicious bundle of Halloween themed gums and jellies, these mini bags can be handed out to any demon or devil that knocks on your door.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter below.  UK entrants only.  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Tuesday 18th October.



via GIPHY

The winner must respond by Wednesday 19th October in order to guarantee delivery of their prize in time for Halloween.

There are plenty of ways to win but you MUST leave a blog comment in order to qualify.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Further information is available from Haribo's website, on Facebook or on Twitter.

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Take The Flora Lunchbox Challenge & Pack A Healthier Lunch For Your Child

My two have school dinners but occasionally I am required to rustle up that nutritional challenge known as 'the lunchbox'.

If you don't prepare one regularly, and aren't a pro at assembling something Bento-style which is Instagram worthy and would find favour with Jamie Oliver, then you'll experience the heart-sinking moment when you receive the school trip form which instructs you to provide a 'packed lunch'.

I briefly consider whether jam sandwiches are actually an acceptable alternative to something involving seeds, nuts and a rather hefty boost to my Clubcard points.

Yes, you can exchange these for more pizza but that's not really the point, is it?

So for Caitlin it's usually a Ham and Tomato sarnie, a packet of crisps and something with too much sugar wrapped in too much plastic.

Ieuan will eat any sandwich as long as it's Peanut Butter and Banana.  Or Ham if there's a full moon rising in Pisces (picky, Ieuan?  Never!).

But, if you are a poor lunchbox packer, then you're not alone.  Recent research commissioned by Flora revealed that a paltry 1.6% of children's lunchboxes are meeting the school food national standards and only 1 in 5 lunchboxes, just 17%, contain any sort of vegetables or salad.

I'd add, given Ieuan's fear of anything green, that you have to wonder how many of the veggies and salads in that 17% actually get eaten.

In order to do something about the Nations below-par lunchbox packing, Flora has distributed 631,000 lunchboxes with handy recipe planners to retailers across the UK in a bid to help make packing lunches an easier task for parents, especially those with picky eaters.

We were lucky enough to receive one of these cute lunchboxes which contain some easy to make recipes to try out on the kids and a menu planner (the lunchbox builder) which shows you which items to add to vastly improve your nutritional score.

Flora suggest four combinations named after dinosaurs (who were all plant eaters apparently).  There's the T-Rex Lunchbox for monster appetites, the Florasaurus Lunchbox for herbivores, the Velociraptor Lunchbox (a beast of a lunch) and the Stegosaurus Lunchbox (the epic size lunch).

Each combination contains the best mix of carbs, protein, dairy, fruit and veg and healthy fats, in the form of Flora Spreads which are a lower saturated fat alternative to butter and provide a source of the essential Omega 3 and 6 fats that are needed to support the normal growth and development of children.

Flora comes in a range of  tasty varieties - Flora Original, Flora Lite, Flora Buttery and Flora Freedom which is dairy free.  We tried the Original and Lite varieties. 

But you don't have to go for sandwiches - sometimes it's good to think outside of the lunchbox (sorry).

Flora suggest Pasta Tossed with Tuna and Fresh Herbs, Chicken Pittas or how about an Egg, Mayo and Pepper Wrap or something more exotic such as a Moroccan Couscous Salad?  

And you could be a little more inspired with your fruit choices than just an apple - how about a small pot of fruit salad or a fruit kebab?  You could include some banana bread or flapjack which are both easy enough to make yourself.

You can find all of the recipes here along with hints and tips on how to make the most of a lunch box meal.

Here's a few extra tips:-

*Buy bread and rolls in bulk and keep some in your freezer for emergencies.

*Prepare the lunchbox the night before and place in the fridge to keep fresh.

*Buy lunchbox staples in bulk and portion them up as soon as you get home. You can pop individual portions of snacks like trail mix into separate sandwich bags ready to drop in to the lunchbox to save time.

*A healthy lunch will keep your child alert and able to focus at school so try to include a variety of food types. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients essential for optimal health, whilst proteins are the building blocks of cellular growth which also help to balance blood sugar levels and keep us feeling fuller for longer. The Flora Lunchbox Builder will help you to put together the best combination.

* The best drink to pack is water.

*Add some extra interest by packing each item separately so that the unwrapping creates a little fun, plus this helps keep food fresher.

*Use your freezer - batch cook on a Sunday so that you are ready for the rest of the week.

*In hot weather include ice packs to keep food cool and in cold weather why not add some warming soup in a thermos.

*Make sure that snack foods are as healthy as possible without relying on shop bought sugary treats. Better choices include hard boiled eggs, unsalted popcorn, a savoury scone, a granola bar, some yogurt, fruity jelly and some nuts and seeds. Be careful with granola bars as some of these contain more sugar than a chocolate bar.

Healthy doesn't have to mean boring when it comes to lunchboxes.  A little preparation and planning goes a long way when it comes to giving your child a lunchbox that tastes good, does them good and comes back empty!

“This post is an entry for the #FloraLunchbox Linky Challenge, sponsored by Flora. Check out their lunch planner and recipe ideas here ”

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How To Keep Your Kids Safe This Halloween

As Halloween approaches, many parents (including me) love to indulge their children by dressing them up in scary costumes, going trick or treating and hosting ghoulish Halloween parties.

But it's so easy to put your kids at risk in ways you might not even consider in the rush to make ghostly cupcakes or stock up on sweets.

The evening has a real party atmosphere now, inherited from our US cousins and we need to keep just as close an eye on our teenagers as we do our little ones.

So when I came across this infographic from fancy dress specialists Smiffys.com, I thought it well worth a share.  See what you think - and have a scary, but safe Halloween.

Halloween Safety Tips From Smiffys.com

 

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Review: A Fuss Free Way To Find The Perfect Private Tutor For Your Child At Tutora.co.uk

Many years ago I use to be an English Tutor.  I taught basic literacy and English Literature up to GCSE 'O' Level.

Finding the right tutor for your kids can sometimes be quite challenging!

An English Graduate myself, I have retained my love of classic literature and am a firm believer in the importance of kids having a good standard of written and spoken English.  If we can instill in them a love of literature too, so much the better.

As our schools get fuller and staff are not always able to give individual pupils the attention they need, hiring a tutor is an obvious solution.

You can hire a tutor for almost any subject you can think of, science, language, business but understandably maths and english are two of the most popular.

Time poor parents may struggle to know where to find the best tutor to work with their child but at Tutora.co.uk, who specialise in providing private tutors for home tuition, it is easy to locate a tutor close by and to ensure that they are fully qualified and security (DBS checked). They have over 3000 expert tutors from £15/hr and cover the major cities and surrounding areas in the UK.

Simply enter your chosen subject and your postcode and you will be presented with a list of tutors local to you with all the information you need about their qualifications, what their travel policy is (some will only travel within a set radius) and whether they are DBS checked.

You can then message them direct to book a lesson which can cost from £15 an hour upwards depending on where you live and how experienced your tutor is.

Some of the tutors already have reviews against their name which gives you an idea about the sort of person they are, however, there's no substitute for meeting your chosen tutor and seeing if they get on with your child.

When I was tutoring, I found that the most important thing was to listen to the pupil and to work out the best way to encourage them.  When you're a teenager, you often need to be listened to and to have your confidence boosted.  It was amazing how often my pupils hadn't received any positive feedback - they were only told what they had done wrong.

The other shocker was that the Shakespearean plays on the syllabus were often not read from beginning to end and never read out loud in class.  It's pretty obvious that the best way to appreciate a drama is to perform it!

Some kids will respond well to a strict tutor, some will rebel and pay no attention to them.  Others prefer someone who can use friendliness, humour and a coaching approach to get the best out of them.

The first tutor you choose may not necessarily be the right one but with Tutora there are plenty to choose from if your first choice doesn't work out.

You can also register a tutor yourself free of charge.  To get started you complete your profile, which is your chance to tell parents and students why you would be the ideal tutor for them or their child. You need to write your bio, mentioning your experience and expertise in your chosen subject and add a clear photo.

You will be asked to upload a copy of your ID - either a driving licence or passport and if you have a DBS check you can send it to Tutora to add to your profile.  If you don't have one, they can help you get one for £50.  It is not obligatory to register as a tutor with them but, as a parent, I would certainly be looking for tutors who are DBS checked.

You will also need to add your payment details and set your rate. There's a quiz for you to complete before your registration is complete. Tutora will take a commission of between 15% and 25% based on the number of sessions you have taught in the last 12 months. The higher this number, the lower the rate of commission.

Tutora.co.uk was founded by Scott Woodley and Mark Hughes.  Whilst working as a teacher in Sheffield, Scott was often asked by parents of children in his class to recommend good tutors. As I'm sure many of you know if you've tried to find a good tutor, this can take ages.

Scott joined forces with Mark, a Technology Analyst and long-time friend and the two created a website that brings parents and tutors together without having to pay large sums to tuition agencies, scour through endless message boards or worry about finding the right person for them.

I was impressed by how simple Tutora is to use and, if I weren't so busy blogging I'd be registering as an English Tutor with them.

If you're looking for the right tutor for your kids to help them get to grips with the next key stage or to cope with an increase in homework, or if GCSEs are looming,  my recommendation would be to find a tutor now.

In my English tutor days, I was often called in with 6 weeks to go before exams - that's really not enough time to build the kind of relationship you need to encourage a youngster who has had their confidence dented or to help them read through and analyse core texts.

The sooner you start the better.

You can find out more about Tutora at www.tutora.co.uk.

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We Took The Love Your Mouth Challenge With Aquafresh

We were recently asked to take the Love Your Mouth challenge from GlaxoSmithKline, who make leading toothpaste brands such as Sensodyne, Corsodyl, Poligrip and Aquafresh.

The aim of the challenge is to get people to understand that everyone's mouth is unique and will have different needs, so using specialised dental products is important.

You simply complete an online quiz, either for yourself of your kids which asks questions about your dental health - for example do you spit blood when you brush, do your teeth twinge when you sip hot drinks and do you wear a partial denture.

Depending on your answers, your recommended dental product is shown.

I completed the quiz for Caitlin and Ieuan and was recommended a brand with which we are already familiar and have used many times - Aquafresh My Big Teeth - since they are both over 6 years old.

We have used Aquafresh Milk Teeth and Aquafresh Little Teeth toothpastes too as dental hygiene is so important for good health and we have ensured that the kids have stuck to a strict teeth-cleaning regime from the moment their teeth started to appear.

We make sure that they both brush for the recommended 2 minutes each time and we were sent a sweet little 'tooth timer' to make sure they stick to this time properly.  You can also download the Love Your Mouth app which lets your kids brush a long to a song for 2 minutes.

Did you know that children's enamel is 50% thinner than an adult's? Their teeth need a little extra care to help avoid tooth decay and ensure they grow healthy and strong.

You can find some top tips about how to get your kids to look after their teeth and gums in this video.



Aquafresh My Big Teeth with Sugar Acid Protection is a gentle, foaming toothpaste specially designed for children six+ years plus. The Sugar Acid Protection helps strengthen enamel and protects not only their milk teeth from decay, but also their new adult teeth.

Aquafresh My Big Teeth comes in child friendly mint flavour. It is priced from £1.20 and available from Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s, Waitrose, Boots and Superdrug.

And grown-ups should make sure they avoid the 7 Oral Health Sins:-

Sin 1 - not brushing for 2 minutes
Sin 2 - using a finger nail to floss and adding lots of yucky bacteria to your mouth
Sin 3 - rinsing with water after brushing - don't wash away the fluoride protection from your toothpaste
Sin 4 - not brushing your teeth twice a day
Sin 5 - using the same toothbrush for longer than 3 months
Sin 6 - not using specialist products
Sin 7 - infrequent dental visits

Are you guilty of any of those?

For more information on the Love Your Mouth challenge go to LoveYourMouth.co.uk.

*PR samples were received for the purpose of this post.

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House of Lords Communication Committee To Examine The Safety Of Children Online

On 11th October, The House of Lords Communications Committee will examine how safe children are from the safety of children online, as part of its inquiry into the impact of the internet on children.

Representatives from the Information Commissioner’s Office and internet safety organisations will be among the witnesses.

The Committee’s investigation is looking into the risks and dangers presented to children by the internet, as well as the benefits, and also online governance and regulation.

In the first evidence session at 3.30pm the Committee will hear from Mr Mark Donkersley, Managing Director, e-Safe Systems Limited and Professor Derek McAuley, Professor of Digital Economy at Nottingham University.

Then at 4.30pm the Committee will hear from Adam Glass, partner at law firm Lewis Silkin, and Steve Wood, Deputy Commissioner at the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Questions which the Committee will ask across both sessions could include:

• What sorts of harmful behaviours are children exposed to?
• Which types are on the increase, and why?
• How well informed are children and parents?
• Do children of a particularly young age need extra protection?
• How well does filtering work?
• What role should schools play in safeguarding?
• What rights do children have with regard to the internet and the protection of their personal data?

The evidence session is open to the public. If you wish to attend you should go to Parliament’s Cromwell Green Entrance and allow time for security screening.

You can watch the session live on the internet at www.parliamentlive.tv. Sessions can also be viewed back at any time after the event and it is now possible to clip parts of evidence sessions and share them on social media and third party websites.

You can also follow the inquiry’s progress by signing up for alerts on the Committee’s webpage or following them on Twitter @UKHouseofLords.

I'll be reporting their findings on the blog when they are published but, as a parent I'd want to see some representation from the social media giants such as Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat so that their role in preventing cyberbullying and the online exploitation of children and teenagers could be examined.

Having a recommended age for using providers such as Facebook does nothing to prevent underage children accessing it and it is time, in my view, for social media to take more responsiblity for the protection of its users.

The findings of the Committee are going to be very interesting.

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New Releases, Free & Bargain Books Link-up Week 40

How are you all this week?  It's getting colder now so we're unearthing our warm winter coats and preparing to freeze on the school run!

On the plus side,the pre-Christmas buzz is beginning and, even though it is a little too early, I can't resist starting to plan our decorations and what we're going to have for Christmas dinner.

I've been reading a fabulous book about using mediation to solve disputes between pet owners called "Nipped In The Bud, Not In The Butt" by lawyer Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton (review to follow shortly).  Did you know that divorce proceedings often grind to a halt completely when warring spouses start to sort out custody of their animals?

Debra explains some useful mediation techniques which I reckon would even work on my kids!  Look out for my review on the 9th October - and there's a giveaway.

Happy bargain and freebie hunting on this link.

Have a great week!

Sharing the Love of Books
Enjoy our selection of New Releases / Free & Bargain Books this week

Authors please feel free to add your own books
Readers please free to add your own finds
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...
Monday
 Life as Leels | IrishdaisylovesRomance | Book Babble | All Romance Reader
Tuesday
It's My Side of Life | Celticlady's Reviews | First Time Mommy Adventures 
Wednesday
Beck Valley Books | Cinnamon Hollow Reviews
Thursday
Miki's Hope | Nicki's Nook
Friday
Ebook Addicts | I Love Romance | Mother Distracted | Colorimetry | The Ultimate Fan Blog
Saturday
Totally Addicted to Reading | 3 Partners in Shopping | Angie's Angle | I Create Purty Thangs | Wishful Endings
Sunday
Lynchburg Mama | LibriAmoriMiei | Ali - The Dragon Slayer | Wondermom Wannabe | Deal Sharing Aunt | Rambling Reviews 

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author

For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author

For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 

For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Click here for this weeks awesome selection!

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