Bleurgh! Win Gross Magic From Drumond Park Games

As we all know, despite trying very hard to monitor the appearance of all things gross and bottom-related, there's nothing kids enjoy more, with the exception of making their friends and family even more disgusted.

I've 2 sets of Gross Magic to give away

Gross Magic by Drumond Park is a highly entertaining magic set with a difference - it's best not attempted on a full stomach.  It's a set of props to help kids carry out 39 funny magic tricks involving poo, cockroaches, veins, loose teeth and all manner of yuk guaranteed to create shouts of "yuk!".

The set comes with an informative guide to help kids carry out the tricks.  Gross Magic is aimed at kids over 8 and even so, some of the tricks will need an adult to explain how to carry them out.  There are a number of small parts in the kit which definitely makes it unsuitable for younger kids - for example dummy teeth and cockroaches!

The Contents Of The Magic Set

The tricks are split into groups according to the props they use - a dustbin, sponge bogies, veins, bogie paddles and other accessories like the cube and the telepathic brain.




Of the 39 tricks in the instruction booklet, 31 of them need the Gross Magic props but the remaining 8 can be carried out without them using things you may have in the house.  The one I like most is pretending you have a toothache and then spitting out tic-tac mints to pretend you've lost your pearly whites!

Or, even more revolting, pretend your eye has burst with the aid of one of those little sealed pots of milk some cafes give you for your tea.  I won't break a magician's confidence but you can probably guess how it's done.

Gross Magic was just the right level for Caitlin (nearly 9) but there was plenty to keep Ieuan (7) happy - including some disgusting brown slim and pretend veins.




The instruction booklet has some great tips for aspiring magicians (don't tell everyone how it's done) so that the tricks can be carried out as professionally as possible.

And with Halloween coming up, Drumond Park's Gross Magic would be ideal to kick off the party games - adults will enjoy it too - or if you've the stomach for it, the set would certainly make a change from charades at your Christmas party.

I think I may use the Tic Tac trick anyway.

Gross Magic costs around £19.99 and is available from Argos, Tesco, Amazon and major toy stores.

Ieuan pulling out his veins

If you want your Halloween to be even more revolting than usual,  I have TWO copies of Gross Magic to give away to two lucky winners.  Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget below.  UK entrants only and as mentioned above Gross Magic is suitable for children 8+.

The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Sunday 16th October 2016. Terms and conditions apply and are on my Competitions page.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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Relationship Dilemmas - What Was I Asked In Week 37?

After a refreshing summer break, Relationship Dilemmas is back. As usual, the questions I am asked can be about any aspect of relationships, and sometimes parenting and health.

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 do I tell my kids sorry for not being a strong mom after a divorce? They lived with their dad from ages 13 to 18.

A: I think it’s natural for most people to feel guilty after a divorce - or at least a sense of failure - whether they were the person who left or the one who stayed. 

If your kids are happy, well-adjusted individuals who are doing OK at school and have friends then don’t worry too much. The most important thing is that they know they are loved equally by both their parents. 

My kids are 8 and 7 and have school friends whose parents have split or are in the process of splitting up. 

All we can do is explain that we are all human, nobody is perfect and that relationships are not always carved in stone.

I don’t think we are doing are kids a favour by pretending that the traditional nuclear family is a lasting solution to happiness, nor by hiding the fact that as mothers we are not infallible. Mothers are women first, aren’t they? 

Why don’t you take the kids out for a burger and just have a general chat about how they feel about things and ask them if they have any questions you can answer for them. I think that’s a better approach than saying “I was a terrible mother, don’t hate me”. 

You may find that lots of these worries are in your head. 

I think you may benefit from talking to a good friend about your feelings or perhaps a little counselling? 

Good luck. 

Q: Why can't I feel romantic love or excitement?

A: The off-the-cuff answer would be because you haven’t found that special someone or thing that will truly excite you. 

The more serious answer is that, when we feel like this, sometimes we are suffering from anxiety or depression. It’s not for nothing that depression is called the “black dog” because it follows us about sucking the joy out of everything. 

There is insufficient information in your question to give you a clear answer but I would also suggestion that you can’t force romance or excitement. 

It’ll happen when the time is right and when you aren’t looking for it.

If you are feeling down and unhappy I’d suggest you talk to somebody about your feelings, perhaps your GP. 

Sooner or later the clouds will lift, I promise you.

Q: Is there such a thing as not being ready for a relationship?

A: You don’t say how old you are so I’m wondering if your question is really “when will I find someone” 

Otherwise, I’d say you don’t have to be in a relationship. 

Some people are happier on their own, doing their own thing and if someone comes along they want to spend time with, great. If not, well, no problem. 

The problem comes when we feel others judge us for not being in a relationship. And those who judge the most, by the way, are usually looking to distract themselves from their own less than sucessful relationships! 

Ultimately, it’s your choice. It’s not about “being ready”. It’s about finding someone who is a great friend with that added romantic spark. 

I would spend time with friends, meeting as many people as you feel inclined to and developing your interests. 

You may just find a relationship turns up without you even needing to be “ready”.

Q: Do I have to help my broke parents?

A: You don’t say why your parents are broke or whether this is a sudden turn of events but I think most sons and daughters would feel morally and emotionally obliged to try to help out in some way. 

Of course, if you have a poor relationship with them or they have been cruel or abusive then, understandably, I can quite understand why you would feel wholly justified in walking away. 

If you do have a good relationship with them then a sensible first step is to sit down with them and understand their exact financial position, the amount of their debts and how soon these must be paid off. 

In the UK, for example, 3 defaults on a mortgage payment may lead, as I understand it, to having your property repossessed. 

Could you sort out a debt counsellor for them? Or help them make an appointment to talk to their bank or other lenders? Is this debt something that is continuing to rack up? Are there, for example, gambling problems? 

I think, rather than wading in with a cheque book, the situation needs a clear, logical analysis and it is likely that it may take a professional to sort it out. 

If you cannot afford to help then you are perfectly reasonable if you explain this to them but are there non-financial ways you could help tide them over? Cooking meals, driving them places, helping with some DIY, finding some books on budgeting and financial planning? 

The most helpful thing you can do for your parents is to show them how they can get their finances back in order so that debt is reduced and does not mount up. 

There’s no point throwing money at a problem if it is only a short term solution - unless of course there is a risk to their health and security which needs immediate action.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of dating a man who has 4 children under the age of 5 and we are both in our 20's and I don't have children? 

We have been dating for 2 years and I'm helping him with his 3 kids. We have discussed marriage. He’s a loving dad & hard working. I'm fond of his 3 kids. We're in love. Our issues are his family & ties to his exes. He found out that while separated from ex he got a friend pregnant. He's done a Paternity Test and has another 4 year old.

My boyfriend’s older sister (single parent of two children) lives with him (rent free) and watches his kids while he works. He pays her. His older brother also lives with him (rent free) because he's been down on his luck lately. He has an older sister that is married with kids that got overprotective and confrontational with me because sometimes I watched the kids and she was “concerned”. She never apologized for calling me up and being rude to me.

I'm 25 years old and although my parents aren't trying to stop me from dating him, they have asked me to move out (and test out living with my boyfriend). I'm hurt that they are pushing me out. [question edited due to length...]

A: This man seems to have had an incredibly chequered romantic history and a rather cavalier attitude to contraception. 

I’m afraid I can quite understand why your parents aren’t too keen on him. Are you sure there aren’t more kids dotted about somewhere that he hasn’t told you about? 

Unfortunately, the kids are part of the package and I think there’s a chance you will end up taking over responsibility from his sister without the payment! 

I know you say you’re ‘in love’ but this man seems to have been in and out of relationships an awful lot. 

It’s all very well for him to say that he is going to “step up and be a dad” but what about the mothers involved in all this? By default he will always have a relationship with them - and so will you. 

It also sounds like his family are very much a part of the package and it looks like the older sister views you as another one in a pretty long line - hence her confrontational attitude to you. 

This man seems to have created quite a bit of havoc and is happy for his family to mop up the mess. 

In your shoes I would think very carefully indeed about what a future with him, his family and his copious kids would look like. 25 is very young to be saddled with all that. 

Q: I separated from my husband two months ago and now I want him back.

A: In the absence of any explanation about what happened, all I can say is “it depends”. 

Who instigated the separation? Was one of you unfaithful? Or unkind? Or abusive? How long had you been married? 

Nobody can wave a magic wand and tell you it will all be OK. 

First you need to tell your partner how you feel and see if he is willing to talk. 

As you say you are separated, have either of you started divorce proceedings? In the UK, a good course of action is to consider relationship counselling with a professional organisation such as Relate, or mediation via your solicitors if things have gone that far. 

You don’t say whether you have children, but if you do their happiness and security should come first. 

Whatever your situation, you have taken the first step of being honest about how you feel. 

Talk to your husband and see if there is a way forward - but be aware that the best outcome you may reach is friendship, rather than a rekindling of your original relationship. 

If either of you were unfaithful, then the affair needs to be over and the extra person out of the picture completely if you are to give your relationship another shot.

Q: My boyfriend wants a break from our relationship, I am trying hard to be respectful of his space. What are things I can do to lessen my anxiety? 

We have been fighting more and he is starting to feel depressive. He agreed to take a break instead of break up. It left me anxious, I’m trying to control the want to call/text/go see him. It is getting really hard, the chest pain is worsening and the panic attacks more frequent.

A: Your health comes first. Please see a doctor and explain about your panic attacks and the chest pains. 

Do you have any friends and family you can talk to for support? 

This relationship does not sound very healthy and when we say we are “trying to be respectful of someone’s space”, often it means we are letting them do exactly what they want to hold on to them. 

If your boyfriend suffers from depression then he should seek help too, but it is unfair to blame you for it. 

You don’t say what you have been fighting about but your relationship sounds as if it is a co-dependent one - with each of you supporting the other in really unhealthy ways of relating and behaving. 

That’s no way to live. 

I understand the urge to call and text and sit outside his house but these behaviours are more likely to drive him away. 

The only way to make someone miss us is not to be there. 

And it’s only by staying away for a while that you will give him a chance to decide whether he wants to be in a relationship with you. 

But why are you happy for him to have things all his way? 

Rather than obsess and panic, try to build your self confidence and self worth. You really DON’T need to chase after a man who shows no sign of wanting you. 

You are worth more than that. 

And because you are worth more than that, you don’t need to panic. 

It’s time to get angry and strong. 

Get yourself checked out by your doctor, read some self help books or some biographies of strong women and go and enjoy yourself for a bit. 

Then, if your boyfriend does want to come back you will be in a much better place to handle the relationship - and indeed to decide whether you want HIM back.

How would you have responded to these questions? You can find more advice on my problem page.

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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Getting Your Kids Ready For University: Here's How You Can Help

Now that all the kids are back at school, university students will be going back to their studies within the next month or so. Do you have a child who is going off to uni for the very first time? They might be quite apprehensive about the whole thing.

www.pixabay.com

One thing is for sure, though; they will certainly be extremely excited! If they aren’t all prepared for moving to university, it is probably time that you gave them a helping hand. Not sure how you can help? Here are my top tips.

Explain How To Budget

It is extremely important that your child knows how to budget properly once they go off to university. It could be their first time being completely independent of you. And without anyone to help them with their money, they could end up blowing it far too quickly! So it will certainly pay off if you sit down with them and talk to them about the importance of budgeting. Make sure that they reserve enough money for rent each month. And they should think about how much they need for food, and set this aside. Explain that they now need to be sensible with their money. Otherwise, they might not have enough to last them until their student loan is paid into their bank account!

Teach Them To Cook

There is one way to make sure your child doesn’t survive off expensive and unhealthy takeaways at university. Offer them cooking lessons! If your child already helps out in the kitchen, then you might not have to spend too long teaching them some important tips. However, if you child doesn’t cook much, you may have to spend some time ensuring that they know the basics. Make sure that they know which basic ingredients they should always have in their kitchens, and the simple meals they can cook with them. Why not get them a student cookbook as a leaving gift?

Help Them Move

If your child is going to a university quite far away from home, it is a nice idea to help them move. After all, they may not be able to take their car to uni for the first year while they are in halls. You can pack up most of their belongings into your car. For any bulky items, think about using a special courier service such as shiply. If the drive is going to be a long one, you could spend the night over somewhere. Enjoy some final time together before they enter the big world of university!

Chat To Them

If your child is nervous about university, it could help to have a quick chat to them about how they are feeling. This can help to settle their nerves. It could also help to explain about your own experiences at university. They might be working themselves up about little things such as the laundry. Be sure to talk to them well in advance so that they don’t get too worried and anxious.

Hopefully, you will be able to give them plenty of support in the run up to uni!

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New Releases, Free & Bargain Books Link-up Week 37

How are you all this week?  We're back in the old routine now and, to cheer ourselves up, we're planning our next summer holiday.  I can't believe it's over again already, can you?

Luckily I can lose myself in a good book or two.  I've just finished the fabulous Late For Fate by Lori M. Jones (and there's a lovely little giveaway too).

If you enjoy romantic thrillers, I recommend this one.

I'd love to know what you're reading. Feel free to pop a comment below.

As ever, there are some great books to choose from on this week's linky.

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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The Benefits of Martial Arts Pack A Punch For Kids

Readers of this blog will know that Ieuan loves Tae Kwon Do and in just over one year has progressed to Yellow Stripe with another grading in October. He is lucky to have a fabulous teacher, Mr Joseph Schembri, 4th Dan Black Belt.

Ieuan

He is learning discipline, patience and how to channel his energy - particularly useful skills for young children! So it's not surprising to read that 85% of the membership of The National Association of Karate and Martial Art Schools (NAKMAS) is children. The Association has over 65,000 members in the UK so that is quite a substantial figure!

NAKMAS has joined forced with the Martial Arts Illustrated (MAI) magazine to encourage new youngsters to join their local martial arts clubs and have produced a four-page editorial piece in the special edition ‘Grassroots’ October issue (published this week) outlining the benefits of martial arts for children, as well as skills which are essential and reasons that current and former young students took up martial arts.

In the video below, Chair of NAKMAS, Joe Ellis, explains the thinking behind this collaboration to encourage grassroots participation.

"There are a whole range of benefits for children participating in martial arts classes. Not only do they encourage an increase general fitness, strength and flexibility levels, they can provide discipline, focus, respectful attitude and behaviour, leadership skills and stress relief to name a few.

Of course their key purpose is known to give them the confidence and skills to defend themselves if absolutely necessary, but martial arts give a young student so much more than that. Many clubs focus children’s classes primarily on enjoyment.

Children are more likely to respond to learning which has a fun element, while a serious message is being taught. There are clubs suitable for everyone; so it is always worth checking out a few to get the right one for a child’s needs."




NAKMAS is particularly concerned that students of all abilities, regardless of any special physical, emotional, social or other needs, be given the opportunity to try a martial art.

NAKMAS Director of Operations, specialist in autism education and author of Autism and Martial Arts: A Guide for Children, Parents and Teachers (ISBN: 978-0-9933142-0-9), Dr Sandra Beale-Ellis, said ‘it is heart-warming to see children and adults with low confidence for any number of reasons, train for years and eventually become confident, self-assured black belts’.

I would also add that martial arts also incredibly valuable for teens and young adults so that they can protect themselves in the unfortunate event of a physical attack.  My niece, Emily, is a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do as well as being a talented film maker and you may like to view her short film on the subject HERE. My nephew Lloyd is also a Black Belt and his sister Georgia a Black-Stripe Belt.  Needless to say I don't pick a fight with any of them!

If you would like to find out more about Martial Arts Illustrated (MAI), NAKMAS, or any of the projects mentioned, you can check out http://www.maionline.co.uk (MAI) and http://www.nakmas.org.uk/about (NAKMAS).

If you live in South Wales, you can find more information about the Joseph Schembri Schools of Tae Kwo Do here.

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Beck Valley Book Tour: Late For Fate by Lori M. Jones & A Giveaway

D.C. paralegal Jezebel Stone's tardiness often gets her in trouble, but this time it leads to meeting her dream man. Her choice of metro seats places her on track for finding love again. But when their ride ends in a fiery crash, their separation sends her on a mission of reuniting with him and finishing their fateful trip.

But instead, it entangles Jezebel in the twisted lives of those determined to destroy each other. This prickly path also holds the potential of leading Jezebel to an unlikely place of joy. Finding joy seems impossible when life is literally exploding all around her.

LATE FOR FATE won Best First Chapter from WRITERS' TYPE

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk

"Jones is a gifted author with a talent for sharp, fast-paced prose that keeps the pages turning. Late for Fate moves at a thrilling pace. It's studded with sharp-edged, witty dialogue and quirky characters that stuck with me long after reading. Jones' knack for creating stories that feel familiar but are unique in voice and plot make every read (including Late for Fate!) a great one." 

 ~Kathleen Shoop, best-selling author of the Letter Series and After the Fog 

"Ms. Jones has perfectly captured how one moment in time can change a life for both good and bad. Excellent story with well written characters and a terrific (sometimes terrifying) theme. A great read. Highly recommended." - Amazon Review

"Lori has shown an extremely deft touch. I enjoyed the entire reading experience in second attempt at authoring. I enjoyed the characters, the quick pacing, the brushes with fate, the witty banter and the slick manner in which Lori handles the alternating points of view."

-  James J. Robinson,Jr.

"Scene-stealing Nicole had me laughing out loud. From the opener, I was hooked." 

-  Carolyn Menke 

My Review 

Late For Fate takes a simple premise - is destiny behind the choices we make? - and explores it in a highly enjoyable, suspense thriller.  The story, of paralegal Jez's near brush with death on the Washington Metro and her romance with the man who survives alongside her develops deftly into a tale of love and revenge with Jones' feisty female lead being carried along without a clue that she is a pawn in a game she knows nothing about.

The reader finds themselves wanting Jezebel to wake up and take control of her own destiny before her heart is broken.

There are plenty of strong characters and even some political intrigue - certainly enough to keep fans of many of the US TV dramas happy.  Dodgy wannabe senators and drama queens rub shoulders with some memorable co-workers and then there's the handsome but rogueish Kirk.....

Highly recommended.

About the Author

Lori M. Jones is an award-winning author of women's & children's fiction. Her first children's book, RILEY'S HEART MACHINE, was released in 2012 through Guardian Angel Publishing and her second children's book, CONFETTI THE CROC, in 2014. Her debut novel, RENAISSANCE OF THE HEART, was released by Soul Mate Publishing in 2014 and recently was awarded the SILVER medal by READERS' FAVORITES in women's fiction. Her second novel, LATE FOR FATE, is forthcoming June 1st through Wild Rose Press.


Lori is a mother of two young daughters. Her youngest daughter's heart defect was the inspiration behind Riley's Heart Machine. Lori is currently on the national Board of Directors for the Children's Heart Foundation and the president of Pennsylvania Chapter. She was awarded the Community Quarterback Award by the Philadelphia Eagles for her work with the Children's Heart Foundation. Lori travels to schools and libraries delivering assemblies on writing stories from the heart. She is also on the writing team at North Way Christian Community Church. When Lori is not writing or spreading awareness for Congenital Heart Defects, she can be found cheering on her beloved Pittsburgh sports teams and participating in 5Ks.

Lori holds a bachelor's degree in communication and journalism from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a paralegal certificate from Duquesne University. She is a former Washington D.C. paralegal and now resides in her hometown of Pittsburgh with her family.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Blog   Facebook   Twitter   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

Win a $20 Amazon.com Giftcard or Paypal Cash
(winners choice)
Open Worldwide

Ending on Sunday 25th September at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Win 10 Classic DVDs From Warner Bros' Iconic Moments Film Collection

Now that the nights are drawing in, there's nothing better than snuggling up with the family on the sofa and watching an iconic movie that everyone will enjoy.

To help you do just that,  I have a fabulous prize from Warner Bros. UK to help you spend some cosy evenings in front of the TV.

This September, Warner Bros. UK have launched their Iconic Moments Collection, a beautifully matching packaged set of 22 standout titles celebrating the breadth of their catalogue.

Each of the releases has fantastic new artwork built around one of the most memorable lines from the film.

Simply enter via the Rafflecopter below for the chance to win this fabulous bundle!

*Empire of The Sun
*Cool Hand Luke
*The Goonies
*Gremlins
*The Wizard of Oz
*Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
*North by Northwest
*Gone With The Wind
*Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
*Casblanca

There's something for everyone in that list and since this month we are celebrating the 100 years anniversary of the birth of iconic children's author Roald Dahl, it will be great to get the kids watching the best version of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.

The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on  Friday 30th September and is open to UK entrants only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
In addition to the terms and conditions on my competitions page, please note the promoter's terms and conditions for this giveaway.

Terms & Conditions

Open to UK participants only

1 (one) winner will receive (one) of the following: Empire of The Sun, Cool Hand Luke, The Goonies, Gremlins, The Wizard of Oz, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, North by Northwest, Gone With The Wind, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Casblanca.

The prize will be delivered to the winner within 28 days of confirmation of delivery address

There is no cash alternative to Prizes which are subject to availability, non-transferable, non-negotiable and non-refundable.

Prizes may not be sold, offered for sale or used in connection with any other competition or promotion by the Prize winner

The promoter of this competition is Fetch Dynamic Ltd

Good luck!

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