Latest posts essie Saltwater Happy Review: Blue Monday Mani20 January 2021Beauty / MakeupKey Summary Welcome to my essie Saltwater Happy review. Saltwater Happy is a warm pastel blue coloured nail polish. It glides on smoothly and offers great chip resistance. Perfect for a Spring/Summer pastel effect or for cheering up January’s blue Monday! I use it with both a base and top coat so it can last almost a week without chipping. My Review of essie Saltwater Happy This is the first essie nail colour I’ve purchased. Swayed by great reviews I decided to try it out. I chose the lovely light blue shade Saltwater Happy because is so pretty and on offer. It’s only £3.23 for 13.5mls on Amazon and also comes as part of the Summer Kit (3x 5mls) along with a nude and a bright red. I went for a dotty pattern combining Essie’s saltwater happy with Boots 17 gel colour in Hurricane (now discontinued). There are ball bearings (small metal spheres) in essie polish: always a good sign of quality! I gently turn the bottle between my palms so that the ball bearings mix the polish evenly before use. To ensure my polish lasts longer I always use a base and top coat. I use 2 coats of Saltwater Happy (after a base coat) and it goes on so smoothly. That is, no lumps or streaks. I always wait a good time for each coat to dry before finishing with a topcoat. The colour remains true with no lightening or fading. I’ve used it a few times and usually get up to a week without chips. I’m very impressed with the ease of application, quality of finish, longevity and colour. I’ll definitely buy essie again! About essie Saltwater Happy essie Salt Water Happy nail polish is a sugar-sweet atlantic blue nail colour with a soft creamy finish. Soft and inviting, nothing says summer on the ocean like this light blue nail varnish that stretches on and on. essie nail polishes selling points are: Intense rich colour with high coverage Wide brush for quick, easy and smooth application High shine with a glossy finish High shine with a glossy finish Professional long-lasting, chip resistant formula Available in over 100 sheer, shimmer and crème shades About essie the Brand essie is the go-to nail brand for salon professionals, beauty junkies, industry insiders, celebrities and fashion icons around the world. America’s nail salon expert, essie aims to inspire a love for the manicure experience with a wit and style that touches people everywhere. essie remains center stage on runways around the world, offering highly anticipated colour collections that drive trends season after season. the salon-quality formula and catchy, whimsical names have led to the creation of thousands of shades. For more than 35 years, essie has been a colour authority and leader in nail luxury, committed to high quality standards with an award-winning line of nail polishes and nail care products. started in 1981 by our namesake Essie Weingarten, essie continues to delight the colour-obsessed with a love shared all over the world. If you enjoyed this review, check out my other beauty posts.... Review: The Invitation by Katie Webster19 January 2021BooksKey Summary The Invitation by Katie Webster is the first in a young adult fantasy trilogy. Published by The Conrad Press it’s available as an ebook and paperback. It’s the story of Lucy a school girl from Scotland as she finds herself a protagonist in a fantasy. My thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things tours for my spot on the blog tour and copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This is Katie Webster’s debut novel. My Thoughts on The Invitation by Katie Webster This story drew me in slowly, but once in the fantasy world I was intrigued to see how the plot progresses. Lucy is a shy and awkward teenager who is bullied at school and has a difficult home life. Her best friend is her dog Crumbs. There is some serious violence in the 2nd chapter which I wasn’t expecting and it jarred a bit. I don’t mind violence in books, but some readers may appreciate a domestic abuse trigger warning. Lucy finds herself an unlikely heroine upon arrival in the fantasy place of Archmond. Archmond is run by Soleman and his partner Ronald. Her arrival is a threat to the rule of Queen Abigail whose rule creates discord. It seems Lucy features in a prophecy as a bringer of peace. Lucy feels out of her depth and that she has no skills to draw upon, Ronald too is sceptical that she is capable of overthrowing Abigail. This type of ‘imposter syndrome’ is, I think, an aspect many readers will identify with. I enjoyed the fantasy construct and the variety of magical characters. The fantasy world was easy to follow and this would be a great introduction to the genre for any YA fans. The characters are well developed and believable. I particularly enjoyed the political machinations to which there seem to be many layers. There were enough plot twists to keep the reader engaged and the story fresh, original and unpredictable. Do visit the other stops on this blog tour, see poster below for dates and bloggers. If you’re a fan of YA fantasy you may also enjoy Amari and the Night Brothers which I reviewed recently. Cover Blurb for The Invitation On the island kingdom of Meta Emery, a young queen, Abigail, wakes in the middle of the night to a terrifying realisation; hostile wizards from the rival kingdom of Archmond have finally done what they’ve been threatening to do: bring a girl, Lucy, into this world to destroy the queen and all she has worked for. Hundreds of miles west, in Archmond itself, a great feast unfolds in the castle to celebrate Lucy’s arrival. Soleman, one of the wizards and a co-ruler of Archmond, has spread the news to his people that Lucy is the heroine an ancient prophecy predicted; he promises that the discord throughout their world will soon be over. But his fellow ruler Ronald remains dubious that this apparently meek and troubled girl could really overthrow Abigail, or whether she is ever likely to want to. This highly imaginative and original novel is the first in an exciting new fantasy series, ‘Lucy’s Crypt’. About the Author Katie Webster Katie Webster is an Australian lawyer, born in Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest. She has worked in both criminal and international law. She has published academically, but this is her debut novel.... AMARI and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston Review11 January 2021BooksKey Summary Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston. Huge thanks to Dave of The Write Reads for my place on tour and to publisher Egmont Books for my proof in exchange for an honest review. My sincere apologies also that this post is so late (I won’t bore you with my personal horror story as 2020 was a nightmare for everyone). Amari and the Night Brothers is out in hardback on 21st of January. Amari and the Night Brothers is a fantastic middle grade fantasy. I don’t think I’ve ever read a middle grade fantasty as an adult (unless you count the very first Harry Potter) but there was so much positivity surrounding it, I thought I’d try it. And wow – it was exactly what I neeeded!!! This magical book is the perfect antidote to life in lockdown. It has everything you could possibly want; a great protagonist with personal challenges, a brilliantly created fantasy world, a clear mission and an engrossing battle between good and evil. It is so well written, I absolutely loved it! I hope there will be more Amari adventures and I’m not a bit surprised that Universal Pictures snapped up the film rights. My Thoughts on Amari and the Night Brothers Characters, Plot and Fantasy World This book drew me in straight away and the character of Amari is very likeable. It is great to read a story featuring a protagonist who adds diversity (Amari is African American and from a poor background). Amari’s brother Quinton has been missing for six months and there are no leads. Amari suspects it’s something to do with his top-secret job but no way to find out, so when she receives a strange invitation that changes. Amari goes to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and learns about a whole supernatural side to the world she never knew existed, a world which includes both her and her brother. Amari’s adventures at the Bureau and beyond are brilliantly compelling. The characters are well developed and interesting. I really liked the ‘supporting cast’ of magical creatures; from Yeti’s and the Abominable snowman, to fairies and leprechauns with loads in between. The fantasty world is fully formed and so creative. There are references familiar to me such as Atlantis, plus some that were completely original. There’s great blend of gripping plot developments, fascinating descriptions of the magical world, and a generous dash of humour. This quote from near the beginning of the book has me in stitches: “People tend to fear what they don’t understand. And fear can far too easily become hatred. Why, the Great Bug Conflict of ’69 comes to mind. The League of Sentient Insects had gone and invented ‘people repellent’ spray. You’d think that a reasonsable person would understand that turnabout is fair play, but you’d be surprised how quickly reason goes out of the window when the bugs start spraying back. A particularly rough year for the Bureau, that one.” Next time I see an insect I’ll be checking if it’s carrying a bug-sized can of people repellent. Who I’d recommend it to Amari and the Night Brothers is perfect for fans of magic, fantasy or middle grade books. If middle grade fantasy is not your usual literary fare, that’s even more reason that I recommend you try it! Seriously, my logic for this is flawless. I find Amari’s magical world is the perfect escapism because it draws me in so deeply. As a result, I completely forget I’m living in a post-apocalyptic pandemic lockdown. Sometimes you really need something refreshing and different! I’m pre-ordering copies for friends and am slightly jealous they’ll get to experience the Bureau and it’s magic for the first time. Cover Blurb for Amari and the Night Brothers Amari Peters knows three things. Her big brother Quinton has gone missing. No one will talk about it. His mysterious job holds the secret … So when Amari gets an invitation to the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain this is her chance to find Quinton. But first she has to get her head around the new world of the Bureau, where mermaids, aliens and magicians are real, and her roommate is a weredragon. Amari must compete against kids who’ve known about the supernatural world their whole lives, and when each trainee is awarded a special supernatural talent, Amari is given an illegal talent – one that the Bureau views as dangerous. With an evil magician threatening the whole supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she is the enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t pass the three tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton … Cover artwork by Brittany Jackson B. B. Alston lives in Lexington, SC. Amari and the Night Brothers is his debut middle grade novel. When not writing, he can be found eating too many sweets and exploring country roads to see where they lead.... Best Christmas Gifts for Foodies!21 December 2020Food & Drink / House & GardenIntro… Stuck for last minute gift ideas for the foodies in your life? I’ve got you covered. Here’s my list of the best gifts for those with a passion for food and drink. And that’s whether they like to create, consume or both! #1 The Aerolatte Frother I love this steam free frother for 3 main reasons: 1) you can do a lot with it, 2) it’s easy to use and clean, and 3) it’s great value. The aerolatte is a hand held, battery powered, steam-free milk frother. It works on any kind of milk, including but not limited to: cow, goat, soya, coconut, almond, oat, powdered, UHT, unicorn. So for those who cannot wfh without proper coffee, this will save your cappuccino and whipped cream topped hot chocolate! It takes less than 20 seconds to froth milk for a cappuccino. It also does soups, sauces, meringues, omlettes, desserts etc. So whether your giftee is a hot drink aficionado or a whizz in the kitchen this is the perfect gift for them! The frother is also really easy to clean; literally just rinse under running water, or whizz in soapy water if needed. It’s powered by 2 AA batteries. I’ve done a full review of the Aerolatte Frother (gifted). There is a variety of different finishes and designs, depending on your preference for plastic versus metal housing and colour options. There is even one designed especially for matcha latte. Aerolatte Accessories Aerolatte also make items for brewing your coffee and for finishing it with cocoa/cinamon sprinkles like the Cappuccino Design Artist. This is a shaker and stencil holder in one, which comes with size different stencils. The stencils are stored in the bottom of the shaker and you just swap on top which design you’d like. It took me a couple of goes to get the hang of using this, which involves turning upside down and shaking off any excess, then holding close to the foam as you twist the base one click. There is a video on the aerolatte website showing how it’s done, which is hugely useful. I was making barista quality designs in no time! #2 Institut Paul Bocuse Gastronomique This book is the ‘creme de la creme’ of how to cook. I’ve had my copy for almost 4 years and it’s proved a indispensable! Ideal for both aspiring chefs and serious amateurs, it will teach you the key fundamentals as well as providing an extensive range of recipes. It’s the ultimate reference work with more than 700 pages and over 1,800 photographs. It provides step-by-step advice and guidance on preparing, cooking and serving a wide variety of high quality dishes. RRP is £65 but you can currently buy through Blackwell’s for only £46.99. #3 RSPB Tea Towel by Shruti Designs This sunny tea towel is sure to brighten up any kitchen!... Want coffee shop coffee at home? Use the Aerolatte Frother!21 December 2020Food & Drink / House & GardenKey Summary Gifted post* Miss your regular frothy coffee? Wish you could enjoy a gingerbread latte or luxury hot chocolate? With rolling lockdowns and endless tiers, the little treat many of us regularly enjoy is now a rarity! It is possible to re-create the lovely beverages of coffee shops at home. You just need the right tools! I’m a huge fan of the aerolatte frother because it’s so easy to use and very versatile. It’s a hand held, battery powered, steam-free milk frother. You can make a frothy coffee in seconds using any kind of milk and it’s also very easy to clean. The aerolatte doesn’t just elevate hot drinks though; it has a whole host of culinary uses including making soups, sauces, omlettes and desserts. There is a wide variety of aerolatte frothers. They all have the same mechanism, but slightly different look and housing. The basic model is £9.99 and comes with a storage case which is great for taking it out and about. There is also a version with a stand in a variety of colours and a stainless steel version with a stand. My Thoughts on the Aerolatte Frother Versatility and Ease of Use The aerolatte frother is very versatile and can be used for a range of purposes in the kitchen. I mainly use mine for making hot drinks like cappucinos, flat whites, milkshakes and hot chocolates. It will froth any type of milk and is equally effective whether it’s a dairy milk or a plant based alternative. It can also be used for other culinary dishes, for example preparing soup, sauces, dressings, omelettes, meringues, custard and various desserts. I often use it to froth single cream to go on top of my hot chocolate. It takes a maximum of 20 seconds to froth milk for a couple of coffees and it’s very easy to use. Simply place the milk in a mug or jug, submerge the whisk so it’s near the bottom and slide the switch on the handle. The milk will start to froth and when it reaches the desired frothiness simply slide the switch back to off. Convenient and Easy Care The aerolatte is very convenient to use, being battery powered it’s always ready to go with no charging. It’s also small and light so it can be taken on holiday, picnics, barbeques etc. The aerolatte frother takes 2 AA alkaline batteries, it comes with 2 branded ones which will last approximately 150 uses. I tend to only make fancy hot drinks and desserts on the weekend (but there have been a few mid-week treats due to wfh!) I’ve had my current frother 3 years and the motor continues to work absolutely fine. The spiral whisking head and shaft are made from robust, food-approved 18/8 stainless steel. You can clean the aerolatte very easily; just just pop it under a running tap to rinse off. Periodically, clean it by running the frother in warm soapy water. Finishing touches Aerolatte don’t just make frothers. They have a wide range of coffee making tools from stove top coffee pots (ideal for esspresso) to french presses. From a lovely beechwood 2-in1 scoop and bag clip to stencil art sets. I love the Cappuccino Artist stencil set as it has both the shaker and the stencil in one handy container. It’s ideal for putting the finishing touches to your cappuccino whether you choose chocolate or cinamon sprinkle. About the Brand Aerolatte was found 20 years ago in the UK by two friends Alan and Gary, who a share love of really good coffee. Their frustration that they couldn’t recreate artisan coffee at home led to the development of the aerolatte frother. Their global success has seen the company grow and expand. It now has a wide range of products for preparing and brewing coffee, frothing and adding the finishing touches. You can visit the official aerolatte website here and they have a fantastic range of inspirational videos showing how easy it is to create amazing drinks at home. *Gifted post, I was gifted products from aerolatte in exchange for an honest review. I am a genuine fan of the aerolatte frother (I’ve had my current one 3 years) and cappuccino artist, which is why I approached aerolatte for this collaboration.... A Time for Swords by Matthew Harffy Review17 December 2020BooksKey Summary It’s my turn on the blog tour for A Time for Swords by Matthew Harffy! My thanks to Jade Gwilliam at publisher Head of Zeus for my copy of this ebook. A Time for Swords is the latest historical thriller from Matthew Harffy and is set in North East England at the end of the 8th Century. It’s a compelling thriller with a beginning which instantly draws in the reader. There is a good mixture of action and character and plot development. The story, whilst ficticious feels very well researched and like an accurate depiction of the time. Multilayered and with a variety of enjoyable aspects. It’s out now in ebook and available to pre-order in hardback and paperback. My Thoughts on A Time for Swords Motivation I don’t read a lot of historial thrillers but I enjoyed Pharoah by Wilbur Smith so thought I’d try A Time for Swords. What swung it for me was the novel’s location in north east England where I’ve lived for several years. Also, I knew there’d be vikings (I love the tv series) so that was a big draw too! Plot, characters and location The book opens with monk Hunlaf deciding to transcribe the story of his life rather than the religious text he was supposed to. This immediately made me warm to his character! The story draws the reader in quite quickly and maintains their attention. Hunlaf describes how he set off to Lindisfarne with Brother Leofstan (the monk equivalent of his line manager) and Harffy creates a great sense of place. I can accurately picture in my mind’s eye Hunlaf and Leofstan make the crossing to Lindisfarne; a journey I’ve made myself. On arrival the first thing they see is a forbidden text in a beautiful bejewelled cover. The story progresses well and the Norsemen arrive to plunder and pillage. Hunlaf finds himself in a quandry does he run and hide or stay and fight? As a religious man, violence does not come to him naturally and he has a humble, simple past. The title is reference to the biblical passage about there being a season for everything (Ecclesiastes); this being a time of swords, so obviously Hunlaf chooses to fight. He has a band of brothers in arms and I enjoy both the development of Hunlaf’s character and learning more about the others. There is a good balance of action packed scenes and the more philosophical internal struggle which Hunlaf experiences. The battle scenes are quite graphic, but nothing worse than I’d watch on TV. They are very well written! There is a lot going on in battle and to capture that successfully without confusing the reader is quite a skill. I can empathise with Hunlaf’s feelings regarding God’s plan in reference to the attack by the Norsemen. Also him being out of his depth or unqualified to engage in battle; I too have felt a touch of imposter syndrome. I have a little less patience for the extent (or duration) of Hunlaf’s personal crisis; but that probably says more about me than it does the book! This is an enjoyable read with great story and character development. It took a little while to familiarise myself with the old names for familiar places. Helpfully though there is a glossary and map at the start to refer back to. The novel works well as a stand-alone, but I believe it’s actually the start of a new series. I’m intrigued to know more about Hunlaf’s life and of some of the other characters so I will keep an eye out for the next installment. Do visit the other stops on this blog tour for more reviews and insights, especially my review buddy today The Strawberry Post. Cover Blurb for A Time for Swords Lindisfarne, AD793. There had been portents – famine, whirlwinds, lightning from clear skies, serpents seen flying through the air. But when the raiders came, no one was prepared. They came from the North, their dragon-prowed longships gliding out of the dawn mist as they descended on the kingdom’s most sacred site. It is 8th June AD793, and with the pillage of the monastery on Lindisfarne, the Viking Age has begun. While his fellow monks flee before the Norse onslaught, one young novice stands his ground. He has been taught to turn the other cheek, but faced with the slaughter of his brothers and the pagan desecration of his church, forgiveness is impossible. Hunlaf soon learns that there is a time for faith and prayer . . . and there is a time for swords. ... STRATA: William Smith’s Geological Maps Review13 December 2020BooksKey Summary Welcome to my review for STRATA: William Smith’s Geological Maps! I received this book from the publisher Thomas and Hudson in exchange for an honest review. My great thanks to Katie Hambly and Raynell Macdonald. The focus of this stunning volume is, naturally, Smith’s 1815 hand-coloured map. The map is officially called: A Delineation of the Strata of England and Wales, with part of Scotland. There is too, a wealth of information about the life and times of Smith, and the significance of his work. In combination, this makes Strata the definitive book on Smith and his work. It is an absolutely beautiful book! Thorough research, engaging writing, imaginative presentation and the highest production standards. An absolute must for every Earth Scientist (amateur or professional). It’s also a rare treat for lovers of maps, history and beautiful books. It is available to purchase as a large hardback. If you don’t already have a copy, I recommend you put it at the top of your Christmas list! My Thoughts on STRATA Content My favourite thing about this book is how full a picture it presents of Smith’s work! Not just the maps themselves – which are stunningly reproduced to show all the detail – but the wealth of information about Smith’s life and significance of his work. STRATA is a real team effort with content provided by experts from learned organisations such as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the History of Geology Group. The volume opens with a foreword from Robert MacFarlane describing the nature of geology and the significance of Smith’s work as a terranaut. This is followed by an Introduction by Douglas Palmer which sets Smith’s mapping in context of geological knowledge at the time. The different sections of Smith’s map are then presented and each section is interwoven with a chapter detailing an aspect of Smith’s life. The chapters are: Apprentice, Mineral Prospector (both by Peter Wrigley), Field Work (by Dave Williams), Cartographer (by Tom Sharpe), Fossil Collector (by Jill Darrell and Diana Clements), Well Sinker (by John Mather) and Mentor (by John Henry). *** to see more of the content of this book, you can watch this video I made. Press the “play” symbol once you click through the link (sound optional) *** Presentation The text is accompanied by a weath of photographic material. This includes full page photographs of the Smith fossil collection, archive material (diaries, letters), field sketches and portraits. There are also useful tables and charts. All of the text is written in an accessible and engaging style; so it is suitable for non-experts as well as professional geologists. STRATA’s production values are very high. The volume is large, measuring approximately, 42 cms high and 27 cms wide. At over 250 pages it is quite hefty. The paper stock is excellent quality and the photographs and maps are beautifully reproduced. There is also a card included, which could be used as a bookmark, with the succession of strata on one side and the stratigraphic layers and corresponding colours on the reverse. Fans of pretty endpapers will not be disappointed, as you can see from this image; the endpaper design perfectly complements the historic ‘feel’ of the subject. Cover Blurb for STRATA This sumptuous and comprehensive evaluation showcases Smith’s 1815 hand-coloured map, A Delineation of the Strata of England and Wales, with part of Scotland, and illustrates the story of his career, from apprentice to fossil collector and from his 1799 geological map of Bath and table of strata to his detailed stratigraphical county maps. The introduction places Smith’s work in the context of earlier, concurrent and subsequent ideas regarding the structure and natural processes of the earth. The book is then organized into four geographical sections, each beginning with four sheets from the 1815 strata map, accompanied by related geological cross sections and county maps (1819 24), and is followed by displays of Sowerby’s fossil illustrations (1816 19) organized by strata. Interleaved between the sections are essays by leading academics that explore the aims of Smith’s work, its application in the fields of mining, agriculture, cartography, fossil collecting and hydrology, and its influence on biostratigraphical theories and the science of geology. Concluding the volume are reflections on Smith’s later work as an itinerant geologist and surveyor, plagiarism by his rival President of the Geological Society, George Bellas Greenough receipt of the first Wollaston Medal in 1831 in recognition of his achievements, and the influence of his geological mapping and biostratigraphical theories on the sciences, culminating in the establishment of the modern geological timescale. Do you have your copy of STRATA yet? Is this the most exciting book to be published in 2020? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Are you a fan of nature and science? If so, you may wish to also read my review on The Little Book of Orchids.... Sainsbury’s Free From Mini Mince Pies Review23 November 2020Food & DrinkKey Summary Welcome to my Sainsbury’s Free From Mini Mince Pies Review. These are part of the Taste the Difference range and are finished with a dash of brandy. There are 9 mini mince pies (total weight 275g) and they cost £2.50. I think these are great because of their cute size and their tasty filling. I find some gluten free mince pies have quite a dry filling (probably made in August for consumption in December) but these have a nice, moist filling. As well as being free from gluten and milk, they are vegan. Great for Christmas parties and for home consumption, or even for leaving out for the big man himself! My Thoughts on Sainsbury’s Free From Mini Mince Pies These mini mince pies first debuted in Sainsbury’s seasonal range in 2019. I’m so pleased they’re back for 2020! Their main draw is their taste and their small size, which I love for several reasons. I’m not a huge fan of very sweet things, for me a little goes a long way and one of these pies won’t leave me in a sugar coma. They’re the perfect size to go with a festive latte or glass of port/mulled wine. They’re also really good for parties, buffets or a selection platter, you can have a mini mince pie, plus a couple of other little treats and not feel like you’ve pigged out. Gluten free pastry cases have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the greasy, crumbly and musty pastries of old. These mince pies have a biscuity pastry which is a little hard and dry compared to ‘normal’ pies, but one of the best for gluten free alternatives! You can eat them hot or cold and I find heating softens the pastry slightly. The filling is generous and fruity, it’s easy to pick out the plump sultanas, raisins and currants. Also detectable are apple pieces, citrus peel and the dash of brandy – just enough for flavour without being overwhelmingly alcoholic. The spice level is good too, enough but not too heavy. The pies have a dusting of icing sugar so they look pretty, all snowy and festive; but I find both the pastry and the filling sweet enough already. About Sainsbury’s Free From Christmas range Sainsbury’s have a pretty wide range of seasonal treats this year. I’ll be reviewing their Free From Iced Christmas cake bar soon, so keep an eye out for that. Other highlights include the Chocolate Cherry & Amaretto Cookies (back again this Christmas – hooray!!), a whole host of Christmas puddings and honey roast gammon tortilla curls (excited to try these!). Sainsbury’s also stock some great festive treats from other brands, like the Schar Spekulatious Biscuits and Nairn’s gluten free savoury biscuit selection for your cheeseboard. For my other food and drink reviews click here.... Cosy Bargain Buys for Autumn Winter 202018 November 2020House & GardenKey Summary Welcome to my post about bargain buys for a cosy home this autumn 2020. Lots of people are trying to make their homes more comfortable because with lockdown 2 we are spending more time indoors. Some people are choosing to put their Christmas decorations up early, others are just aiming for a cosy, seasonal vibe. I’ve put together a few ideas for getting your home a little bit cosier without breaking the bank. I’m not a big fan of decking the halls before advent starts (although all power to you if that’s your thing!) so have gone for an autumnal feel. There are a variety of ways to make your space feel cosier and popular options include lighting, decorations and soft furnishings. For ultimate cosiness or hygge, add some fun activities and tasty hot drinks. Cosy Bargain Buys in Lighting Lighting is a great way to make your home feel cosier. There are lots of good value options available. From candles to fairy lights there is a whole range of choices. Aim for something softer which creates ambience but offers enough light so that you’re not bumping into the furniture! There is a great range of different fairy lights available from small strings of bulbs, to shaped lights or even curtain lights. Curtain lights look great in windows, across headboards or as a backdrop to a party table or dance floor. Many shops currently have offers in their pre-black Friday sale. Candles are a favourite for me, so this year I opted for new tea light holders. I wanted navy and metallic as I’d had my eye on a lovely navy blanket (see below in soft furnishings) so wanted them to match. Jewel tones give a luxe feel in autumn; shades like emerald, ruby, sapphire etc. I chose a set of six navy glass tea light holders with metallic dots painted on them. They’re by Yankee Candle and I bought them from a website selling surplus called Yankee Bundles. Amazingly, they were just £5 for 6, how’s that for cosy bargain buys?! My design has now sold out but there is a very similar one (same shape navy glass with metallic glitter) also £5 for 6. They also sell a big range of Yankee and other candles, food with a shorter shelf life, plus other bits. Cosy Decoration Bargains How you decorate your home is very much down to personal taste. A décor refresh can be big or small, depending on your budget and capacity. There is a whole range of options from a single centre-piece or focal-point to having a decorative theme running throughout your home. Decorations can be anything: things you find, things you buy or things you make. Seasonal decorations can be a great way of bringing a bit of nature into your home. For an autumn feel I’ve picked a few mini pumpkins and squashes. It can be fun to forage for things like coloured leaves, acorns, pine cones etc. They can be left natural or sprayed with fake snow, or metallic paint. Or for something more long-lasting, a collage, picture or print can be a great way to update decor. Crafting has become very popular recently, and it’s known to help mental health and creativity. With people looking for lockdown activities, crafting, jigsaws and board games are having a resurgence. You could craft your own decorations and even make it a family activity. If you’re a beginner, there are lots of free youtube tutorials online. Pinterest can also be a good place to find inspiration. I’ve recently started to do embroidery and am making a needlework wreath for Christmas. Cosy Bargain Buys in Soft Furnishings A cosy home is a comfortable one. Soft furnishings include things like cushions, throws, blankets and curtains. They make where you sit or lie soft and warm for ultimate comfort. Some things to consider when selecting soft furnishing are: will the colours work with my existing decor? is the fabric easy to care for? (machine washable or dry clean?). is it flammable? (if so, keep away from candles). is it delicate or hard wearing? (match to your needs). As a big fan of soft, cosy blankets I was super excited to see this night sky one on insta. It’s been very popular with influencers this season. I bought one because I’m a big astronomy fan! When it arrived, I loved it so much that I bought 2 more for gifts. It’s called: George Home Blue Constellation Super Soft Throw, currently £6 in ASDA. You can even pick it up when you do your grocery shop as it’s on the grocery site too. It’s a navy colour with slightly lighter areas a bit like the Milky Way. There are metallic gold constellations printed on it. Cosy bargain buys can be Fun Activities and Tasty Treats Once you’ve got your home all cosy it’s time to enjoy it! A variety of lockdown activities have become popular. During lockdown 1 people were very into baking and zoom pub quizzes. In lockdown 2 enthusiasm for those activities has waned. According to news reports activities such as watching subscription TV (netflix, NowTV and Amazon Prime) has grown. As has demand for books, board games, jigsaw puzzles and craft supplies. I’m getting into new-to-me board games like King of Tokyo. Also a big fan of wooden jigsaws, especially the Wentworth ones with their unique whimsy pieces. As mentioned in the decoration section above, crafting is also a growing trend. I’ve been learning embroidery and wool felting. It’s such a relaxing activity that I find it therapeutic! To go with all the cosy film nights and comfy craft sessions, you need hot drinks and tasty treats. Whether you bake your own biscuits or opt for shop bought ones, it’s great to add a seasonal touch. For my hot chocolates and lattes, I’ve bought a George Home Snowflake Latte Mug. It’s glass with grey coloured snowflakes on it. I picked it up with my groceries for just £2. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my post on cosy bargain buys. Are you doing any seasonal decorating? Have you already got your Christmas tree up? Have lockdowns changed how you feel about your home? Let me know in the replies below and let’s get the conversation started! You can view more of my home posts here and if you’re looking for food and drink inspo check this out.... Music To Eat Cake By, by Lev Parikian Exclusive Extract15 November 2020BooksKey Summary Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Music To Eat Cake By, by Lev Parikian. Many thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Through My Letterbox Tours for including me on the tour. Music To Eat Cake By is out now in hardback and ebook from Unbound. Today I’m sharing with you an exclusive extract from the book, so without further ado… Exclusive Extract from Music To Eat Cake By GETTING THE BEST OUT OF ENTHUSIASTIC AMATEUR MUSICIANS 4,000 Subject provided by Sharon Curtis You are, let us say, standing in a room. Around you, for the sake of argument, sit fifty-two musicians, faces turned towards you. You sense in the air the sweet savour of expectation, and it’s only with the greatest reluctance and foreboding that you realise the inescapable truth: the expectation is directed towards you. They have their instruments ready, but they do not play. They’re waiting for something, some kind of leadership, and they’re looking to you to provide it. Your task, should you wish to accept it (and at this stage you have little choice), is to unite these disparate individuals; to draw out of them something cohesive, convincing, even uplifting; to help them coalesce into an entity that is more than the sum of its parts, while still allowing them room for individual flair; to enthuse, cajole, exhort, nurture, tease, praise, energise and inspire them towards heights hitherto unimagined, manufacturing from the instruments in their hands and the conglomeration of dots on the page a sound to provide balm for the weary soul. In short, to make music. There flashes into your head a memory of a cartoon – The Far Side. Gary Larson, purveyor of talking cows, bewildered butterflies and laconic deer, at his most surreal. In this image, an elephant dressed in a tailcoat sits at a piano, a rictus of fearful realisation on its face. It gazes blindly at the audience, a thought bubble springing from its head in the traditional way. ‘What the hell am I doing? I’m a flautist!’ You’re not a flautist. You’re not anything. An elephant would almost certainly be better musically qualified than you, possessing as it does an impressive-sounding trumpet. A cold lump of dread forms in the pit of your stomach. The silence grows. Someone needs to do something, and that someone is you. Another cartoon pops into your head. A conductor, standing in front of a music stand, the instructions on the music written in easy-to-read block capitals. ‘WAVE YOUR ARMS AROUND UNTIL THE MUSIC STOPS, THEN TURN AND BOW.’ If only it were that simple. Do visit the other stops on this blog tour for reviews and insights into Music To Eat Cake By. Cover Blurb for Music To Eat Cake By Today’s reader has choices: books about love, about life, about death – and everything in between. The variety is overwhelming, bewildering. But what if the reader could play a part in producing something different, something about everything, about nothing, about everything and nothing at the same time? What if the reader could tell the writer what to write about? Lev Parikian asked his readers those very questions, gathered their responses and then set out to write that book. Music to Eat Cake By is the result, a collection of essays exploring everything from the art of the sandwich and space travel to how not to cure hiccups and, of course, his beloved birdsong. Lev considers each subject with his signature wit and warmth, inviting the reader to wonder: what might we ask him to write about next?... Categories Books Beauty Food & Drink Health House & Garden
