Review: Glow Crazy Neon Light Up Glow Board From Idealworld.tv

If you're still looking for stocking fillers for the over 3's, I have a couple of great ideas for you from Idealworld.tv.

Caitlin loved the RDM Glow Crazy Neon Light Up Glow Board (£24.99 + £4.99 P&P) which, although a little pricey, certainly kept her entertained.  Sometimes it's the simplest ideas which are the best.

The product is a simple light up board which you decorate with the 2 neon pens supplied (1 colour at each end so 4 colours - purple, orange, pink and yellow).

It is lit by 3 AAA batteries (not supplied) and you will need a screwdriver to open the battery compartment at the back of the board.

The board can be attached to a window

The board can then be lit up by simply pressing a button at the bottom to give different frame colours or to flash like a neon sign.

There are suckers on the back to allow you to attach the board to, say, a window and it also has a little kickstand which allows it to stand up on a table.

And it's easily cleaned with just a little water on a damp cloth, although you do have to take care to clean the water marks off.  As you can see here the board still needs an extra clean!

Standing upright on a table

Still, I always think the acid test is whether the kids play with it again - and Caitlin certainly has.

We also tested some brilliant markers from Fibracolor which allow you to create a variety of different effects - these are not your usual colouring pens.  They're good value too at £14.99 for all of the 40 markers described below.

Here's what we tested.

Fibracolor Magic Markers

Fibracolor Magic Markers

Each set of Fibracolor Magic Markers contains 9 colours and 1 colour-changing white marker which changes the colour of any of the other 9 when drawn over it.

The marker changes the brown to green in this example

I have no idea who this person is but they look like they will be appearing on Crimewatch shortly.

The Husband also contributed this beautifully drawn boat where you can see the magic marker has changed from orange to yellow.  (Yes, the whole Hobbis family is becoming slightly craft / art obsessed).

Fibracolor Videoliner Markers

This set contains 10 pens, 5 with a base colour and 5 with a brilliant neon colour which allow you to add a neon 'pop' to your drawings. The nib is shaped so that you can write with a fine or a bold stroke.

Fibracolor Erasable Markers

This set contains 9 coloured pens and 1 white pen which allows you to erase the colour by simply colouring over it.

Fibracolor Zig Zag Markers

Lastly we tested the Fibracolor Zig Zag markers which have a nifty nib that allows you to draw
a double or even a triple line in one swipe.

Please note that these are not designed to be used with the Glow Board above.

You can find out more at www.idealworld.tv.  Happy colouring!

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Small Business Owner? Will Your Kids See You This Christmas Day?

472,000 small business owners will be working every day over the Christmas holidays without a single day off, according to a survey commissioned by business for sale marketplace, mybizdaq.com.

With the rising costs of hiring staff, small business owners are sacrificing more of their own holiday time to keep their business running and spending less time with their families and kids.

A total of 2.8 million small business owners will be working in some capacity over the Christmas period. 34% of these say they are planning to work as they can't afford to take the time off. A further 17% of owners say they are unable to take time off as they do not have enough staff to cover this period.

The survey found that the cost of employing staff is a growing issue, with 2.3 million small business owners not hiring additional staff due to rising costs of employment.

This makes grim reading for parents whose kids are just setting out in the the UK workplace and for mothers looking to return to work.

Apprenticeships aren't considered an option either. Only 14% of small businesses are planning to take on an apprentice in 2017, despite the incentives available for businesses hiring one.

Additionally the National Minimum Wage and the Living Wage was cited as a growing reason for not being able to hire employees.

Christmas isn’t the only time that small business owners are having trouble taking time off though, as over a third of small business owners (34%) have only taken 10 or fewer days of holiday in 2016.

The average amount of holiday days taken was 17, which is still over two weeks below the entitlement for an average full-time UK worker.

With over 60% of small business owners foregoing their Christmas break and with 43% citing high taxes as a reason contributing towards having to work such long hours, it's clear the Government has much do to in order to improve the working climate and to reduce the UK unemployment figure.

More information on the report can be found at www.mybizdaq.com.

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Win A Haribo Christmas Selection

HARIBO are kindly giving one lucky winner the chance to leave some HARIBO goodies out for Santa this Christmas eve.

The prize includes HARIBO’s Starmix and Tangfastics Crackers, a Mega Stars Selection Box and new Starmixmas, along with a Christmas t-shirt.

All you have to do to be in with a chance is to enter via the Rafflecopter below.  UK entrants only. Terms and conditions apply (on my competitions page).  The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Monday 19th December.

Please note the winner must supply their details no later than 21st December in order to receive their prize before Christmas.



a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck!

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Beck Valley Book Tour: Mr Thorne & The Witch By Diana Green

Fleeing the men who brutally murdered her family, Karene Munroe must hide her magical abilities and hope to go unnoticed in the bustle of the capital city. She takes refuge in the house of Malcolm Thorne, a fireworks maker, who offers her a job as his assistant.

Despite her precarious situation, she cannot help but be drawn to this generous and charming man. A future with him could be wonderful, but her past won’t be laid to rest. From a local crime lord who seeks to use her powers, to the hunters who are hard on her heels, Karene is trapped in a maze of danger and lies. Can she find a way out before Malcolm is lost to her forever?

***Stories from the Secret Realms are historically-inspired fantasy romance. They share a setting reminiscent of England in the mid-19th century, but their world is rich with magic. 

Each book stands alone, and they can be read in any order.

Available to buy from....
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    Paperback

Read an excerpt

Also Available...

Miss Ridley & The Warlock

Gemma Ridley’s first encounter with Squire Kenrik proves nothing short of alarming. So much so, she considers fleeing back to the city, despite the fact only poverty and scandal await her there. Could those challenges be worse than staying as governess on a haunted estate and working for a dangerously handsome eccentric?

Little does Gemma realize what dark secrets and wondrous enchantments will transform her life at Rook Hall. Squire Kenrik is more than he seems—more than any man she has known. He may be the source of her undoing, or he may hold the key to her deepest desires. Only time and the guidance of her heart will tell.

***Stories from the Secret Realms are historically-inspired fantasy romance. They share a setting reminiscent of England in the mid-19th century, but their world is rich with magic. 

Each book stands alone, and they can be read in any order.

Available to buy from....
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    Paperback

About the author

Since her childhood, growing up in New Zealand, Diana has been an avid storyteller. For years she enjoyed teaching art and special education, while writing as a hobby. After she developed an autoimmune disorder, a career change was necessary, but happily this led her to become an award winning, Amazon bestselling author.

Diana’s books are mostly fantasy, with strong elements of romance. She placed first in the 2016 EPIC Awards – Fantasy/Paranormal Romance Category, first in the 2015 Paranormal Awards – Romance Category, second in the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Awards, and fourth in the International Digital Awards. She has also been a finalist for the CRW Award of Excellence, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the Chatelaine Awards, and the Aspen Gold Published Novel Contest.

For more information, excerpts, trailers, and reviews visit DIANAGREENBOOKS.COM

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Newsletter   Facebook   Goodreads   Amazon author page

"Everyone on my Newsletter mailing list is entered monthly for free e-book drawings. The winners can choose from any of my titles.  If you want to be included in a quarterly mailing list, just let me know in your message using the Newsletter link above. Your contact information will not be shared with anyone."

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

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

Ending on Saturday 17th December at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
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Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x

Current book tours open for sign ups HERE

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Win A Men's Fitness Bundle From Discount Supplements worth £40+

If you're struggling to come up with a Christmas present for the health enthusiasts in your family, Discount Supplements have come up with a range of great ideas that all offer something different. They also offer free UK delivery and same day despatch.

The Perfect Gifts for Vegans

If you are looking for a gift for a vegan or vegetarian it can be difficult to make the right choice. Look no further then Discount Supplements range of Faith in Nature products, all kind to nature and the environment.

There's Faith in Nature Pineapple and Lime Shampoo and Conditioner (£5.49 each), Faith in Nature Rejuvenating Facial Wash (£6.29), Faith in Nature Coconut Soap (£1.93) and Faith in Nature Restorative Hand Cream (£6.52).


The Perfect Gifts for Gym Bunnies 

40-50% of adults in the UK will make a new year’s resolution in 2017 and the most popular ones usually involve diet and fitness.

Why not get your friends and family off to a great start with some health and fitness related gifts. You could combine Yogi Women’s Tea, Yogi Detox Tea with Lemon (£, Yogi Women’s Balance Tea and Yogi Women’s Energy Tea (all £2.32 for 17 bags) with some Optimum Nutrition Vitamins for Women (£20.36 for 120 caps) and some Women’s Cross Training Gloves (£10.66).

The Perfect Gifts for Tea Lovers

The UK consume an amazing 165 million cups of tea a day! Why not spice up your tea lover's day with some different flavours from Yogi Organic teas. How about Yogi Choco Mint Tea, Yogi Orange and Vanilla Tea, Yogi Lime and Mint Tea, Yogi Detox Tea with Lemon or Yogi Liquorice and Mint Tea (all £2.32 for 17 bags).

The Perfect Gifts for Male Fitness Fans

If the man in your life loves the gym then how about this nifty little bundle? Yogi Detox Tea with Lemon (£2.32 as before),  Optimum Nutrition Mens Multi Vitamins (£5.81 for 90 tabs), Grenade Thermo Detonator Capsules (£17.45 for 44 caps) and some Schiek Cross Training Gloves (£29.10).

And I have a Male Fitness Fan bundle worth over £40 to give away to one lucky winner.  Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget and the usual terms and conditions apply.  (Please see my competition prize).  UK entrants only.

The giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Friday 16th December.  

Please note that the contents of the bundle may vary slightly depending on stock availability.  Whilst every attempt will be made to deliver the prize in time for Christmas, this is not guaranteed.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck.

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Cosy Christmas crafting with the kids

There's no better way of spending a chilly Sunday afternoon than with a bit of crafting with the kids. I am actually starting to find it quite relaxing, even though I am the enfant terrible of Christmas decoration creation.

We were challenged by Wynsors World Of Shoes to see how cosy and creative we could get by sending us an enormous box of crafting supplies and some lovely snuggly slippers for Caitlin and Ieuan.

Ieuan chose some cute tigers whilst Caitlin was swayed by some booties with pompoms

Bracing ourselves against incoming glitter of many hues, the Husband and I duly mucked in to create some Hobbis family Christmas decorations.  Why did we not have coloured pompoms when I was a child?

I do remember happily coating my hands in PVA glue in the school craft room, leaving it to set and then peeling it off like a second skin.  Hours of amusement, and probably a waste of Council glue funds.

Art is a series business

Actually, it's good to put the iPads down and crafting is a lot cheaper than going to the cinema, isn't it?  Plus, if you wrap the kids up and keep their feet warm, you can get away with turning the heating down a bit.

I think I heard the phrase "get something on your feet" every day when I was growing up.  My parents were convinced walking around slipperless was a quick route to catching something nasty, like a chest cold or the Black Death.

And, as we all know, parents are always right, aren't they?

You can find a great range of slippers (and shoes) at www.wynsors.com with free click & reserve, free click & collect and free UK delivery over £15.

*We were sent two pairs of slippers and a box of crafting supplies for the purpose of this post.  No pompoms were harmed in the creation of the wreath.
  

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Homeopathy - A Small, Simple and Sweet Cure for Skin and Hair Conditions

Every parent knows that it is often very difficult to get kids to take medicines in tablet form - particularly if they come in large, hard-to-swallow capsules.

Not surprisingly then, many kids would prefer to take homeopathic cures which come in the form of tiny, easy to swallow pills. These sweet white balls are just as popular with adults due to their efficacy, safety and easy acceptance.

Homoeopathic medicines are said to attack and cure the root cause of the issue, without any side effects. A very small dose that is made with natural substances goes deep into the body and destroys the root cause of the symptoms.

But before talking about its effectiveness, where did homeopathy come from?

Where did it all start?

Homeopathy first appeared in Germany around 200 years ago and has become one of the most popular alternative forms of medicines today. Samuel Hahnemann is the man who first formulated and introduced homeopathic medicine to the world. Undisputedly, he has helped people all over the world to find a safer treatment for their various problems.

Though homeopathy, like any other alternative medicine, has been praised and criticized in equal measure. If we talk about trusting one form of complimentary medicine over another, homeopathy is is the one most likely to be trusted by the majority of users.

Homeopathy works on a very simple philosophy

Even two centuries ago, Samuel Hahnemann recognised that daily life was going to be challenging and that a medicine which would be easily accepted by the body would help.

He stipulated that there are certain elements which can help your body in highly diluted forms. These active ingredients enter your body and activate certain areas of your body, which are responsible for causing the medical problems you are facing. Once these areas get stimulated, your body heals at an accelerated rate and help you get better.

Since the rise of homeopathy, a number of systemic studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of these medicines particularly for treating hair and skin problems.

The researchers have documented a higher success rate with the use of homeopathic medicines than could be attributed to the placebo effect alone.

Homeopathy certainly has its detractors but an increasing number of people have been coming forward and confirming to the world that, in their personal experience, homeopathic medicines really work.

Hope for Skin and Hair

Human skin is very sensitive and conventional treatments usually end up making it dry and irritable. Homeopathy, however, has been proven to be one method which offers safe and effective treatment.

If you are struggling with any skin and hair problems, you may not have considered homeopathy as an option, but it has actually been found to be highly effective for chronic diseases and skin and hair problems. This is why even many famous doctors now offer these treatments to people who have extensively tried conventional medicines and did not see any results.

The right cure for right purpose

A medicine will only work if you use it for the right purpose. Hair problems like dandruff and hair loss have been treated using this treatment and have produced very encouraging results.

There are many cases where skin problems like Eczema have also been successfully treated using homeopathic medicines.  One such homeopathic solution is Emuaid Cream.

Many people have reported encouraging results from switching to Alternative Medicine and the most successful treatment among them so far have been the ones that involved homeopathy.

If you are not getting results from conventional skin and hair cures, you have nothing to lose by trying a treatment regime which has helped people all over the world get healthier hair and skin. Homeopathy can bring both hope and a cure.

*collaborative post

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