Top 10 Tips On How To Look Amazing In Pictures

Here is my definitive advice to all of you wanting to get amazing images every time no matter what. It’s all about angles and lighting. Here I will share with you a my top tips.

This will help you when you need a go to quick fire list to remind you. I have been a photographer for many years and grew up in a house with a darkroom and studio. My father was a photographer and artist. My mother was a model, so you can see where I get the passion for fashion, style and photography from.

Along with my main job as session nail technician, its all about creating amazing images. My desire to write for you guys comes from a need to help others. Be it beauty advice, great recipes or fashion and style inspiration. Its also a little photography outlet for myself and my husband. All the articles I write need pictures and what better way to get creative than set up little shoots for each and every one!

How To Look Good In Pictures

Top tips on how to look amazing in pictures.

 

  1. 1. Wear clothing that you feel amazing in. If you know your going out and having tons of pictures taken throughout the day or night its important to feel good from various angles. If you hate your upper arms then wear a dress that hides the tops of the arms. You will instantly feel more confident. Or failing that dash out and purchase MAC Face & Body. Most makeup artists I work with use this for runway shows, magazine shoots and editorials. I own a fair few bottles in different shades and its my best buddy if my arms are looking a little blotchy or pasty. Our secret ok!
  2. Invest in the best underwear. Tight and ill-fitting garments just look terrible, especially if shot from behind. Purchase t-shirt bras and seam free pants. Nude is always best in my book. Yes I do own rather a lot of Bridget style pants and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
  3. Don’t use a flash. Natural lighting is always best. I totally hate flash photography when done the wrong way. It can make makeup and clothing look terrible, whats worse.. when food is involved. Don’t do it…Whenever I ever see that dreaded flash go off snapping a beautiful plate of food I die inside just a little every time!! Turn it off and see how it looks. Yes I know there are times when your in a dark restaurant…Then that is telling you its not appropriate. If you really need to snap your food, then go out mid afternoon!
  4. Cloudy days are actually perfect for portrait photography as the sky has a natural light diffuser.
  5. Always turn to your side as this will create a softer prettier look for us girlies. If you need to lift an arm and place it on a hip do so.
  6. Use sunglasses, bags or a hat if you don’t know what to do with your hands.
  7. Practice posing in the mirror. It sounds narcissistic but it will help you the more that you do it.
  8. Always wear heels as this will create confidence.
  9. If you are having your picture taken from the front tuck your arms into your sides as this will create a longer leaner frame.
  10. Lastly Smile. Even if your not looking at the camera. You might look a little crazy but when the images come through you will look radiant and stunning.

Five Simple Steps To Beat Baby Blues Naturally

Five simple steps to beat BABY BLUES naturally

It comes from nowhere and catches you off guard.  Those feelings of being vulnerable, emotional, sad, tearful and sensitive may make it difficult to believe that it is supposed to be the happiest time of every woman’s life.

Don’t worry, you are not alone! Postnatal anxiety, also known as ‘baby blues’, affects 85% of women and may occur on the day of the birth, the day after or not at all. Despite those overwhelming feelings, remember it is a normal reaction after having a baby.

‘Crying and confusion are experienced by most women and are partly due to the hormone changes experienced during the labour and can also be connected to when the milk comes through. But for some 15% of women, this despair and tearfulness continues and develops into post-natal depression’, explains Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading nutritionist and an author of The Nutritional Health Handbook For Women.

Before you start worrying, follow these five simple steps to beat baby blues naturally and start enjoying motherhood!

Take a break

Make sure you find time to rest. Permanent sleep deprivation is the biggest cause of anxiety and low mood. Instead of catching up on all those chores that have piled up, try to coordinate your rest periods with your baby.

‘You may need to ask for help with the housework and other chores so that you can have time to rest, sleep, eat properly and also spend time getting to know your baby. It is a good idea to get out the house on your own; it can feel quite overwhelming to suddenly have someone depending on you twenty-four hours a day. Giving birth may bring up unresolved emotional issues from the past that needs to be dealt with. Counselling may be very helpful if this has happened’, Dr Glenville suggests.

Keep your sugar levels at bay

It is important that you make sure that you are eating little and often. Keeping your blood sugar in balance is crucial for helping you through this time as it directly affects mood and energy. ‘Aim to eat complex and unrefined carbohydrates as part of your main meals – this means choosing brown instead of white (wholewheat bread, brown rice and wholemeal flour). Don’t forget about breakfast, porridge and oatmeal is a good choice. Do reduce and preferably avoid stimulants including tea, coffee, chocolate, smoking and canned drinks with caffeine’, explains Dr Glenville.

Too much copper is no good news

Mineral imbalances or deficiencies can also contribute to ‘baby blues’. One of the most important nutrients during this difficult time is zinc.

Zinc and copper are antagonists, which means that high levels of copper reduce zinc and vitamin B6. Once you are pregnant, copper levels in the blood tend to rise dramatically and remain high for up to a month after giving birth as it stimulates the uterus.* This can cause what feels like depression: extreme fears, anxiety, sleep problems, paranoia and even hallucinations. ‘High levels of copper that decrease zinc can be dangerous, especially for a new mum, as she may be already low in this mineral after giving birth. Zinc deficiency can cause stretch marks, white spots on fingernails, decreased wound healing, loss of appetite and low mood. Make sure you are taking good multivitamins and minerals, the ones you took during pregnancy are fine but add some extra zinc’ (recommended daily intake is 50mg of zinc a day), advises Dr Glenville. Try Nature’s Plus Zinc (www.nutricentre.com, £8.59).

Fatty acids

During pregnancy, women are constantly being deprived of fatty acids because of the physical demands of growing fetus. ‘Omega 3 fatty acids are proved to increase levels of serotonin so they are essential in fighting depression and anxiety. Try to include salmon, avocado and nuts in your daily diet. If you don’t like fish, choose a good quality omega-3 supplement such as Omega 3 by Quest Vitamins (www.revital.co.uk, £6.19).’ recommends Shona Wilkinson, Head Nutritionist at www.nutricentre.com.

Balance your hormones

‘Try to take milk thistle every day to support the liver and gall bladder. This powerful herb can help the liver to deal with toxins and process excess hormones from the body. In addition, it is an excellent promoter of milk production, so will help with breast-feeding as well’, says Shona.

*http://metabolichealing.com/zinc-copper-imbalances-immense-biochemical-implications/

 

 

Why a Caesarian Can be a Positive Birth Experience

Catherine Balavage I didn’t give enough thought to how my son would be born. I just knew it would be painful. I would put the baby clothes, we bought, to my bump and wonder at just how lucky we were to be having a child. It felt like such a happy miracle it didn’t even feel real, even as he kicked inside me. Little did I know just how hard his birth would be.

I went into labour with a positive mindset. I am a worrier by nature so I can’t say there were not moments when I did not contemplate the worst, but overall, I was feeling strong, happy and positive. We were so excited to finally meet our son. For such a worrier, I wasn’t that worried. The human race has survived thousands of years. Women have given birth at home, in caves and even in cars. It was going to hurt but I have always had a high pain threshold. I was confident I could manage the birth. So when I went into labour on a Sunday evening I did not think it would be long until we met our child. What followed was over 80 hours of hell followed by something glorious: a C section.

A lot of negativity is said about the C section. Some people claim it is the easy choice, it isn’t, the recovery is a bitch.  Others say it isn’t natural, it may not be ‘natural’ but it has saved countless human lives so hurray for medical science. I, however, have nothing but praise. After 80 hours of labour our son was in distress, the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice and his heartbeat kept on dropping. I switched off and just concentrated on the best case scenario, knowing that panic would just make the situation worse.

As the surgeon who did my caesarean explained why I should have an emergency caesarian she looked almost like an angel to me. Within twenty minutes, my son was born. The obstetrician team at Kingston Hospital who did my C section were amazing. Despite being paralysed from the waist down and being naked underneath my hospital gown I felt safe. They were truly wonderful and I still think of them when I look at my little boy. My little boy who’s life they saved. The midwife even stayed with me the entire time, from the morning when my baby was in distress, until just after noon when he was born. There is an obsession with natural birth these days, and as I was wheeled into the theatre I did feel like I had failed, but the only thing that really matters about childbirth is a healthy mother and child. How that happens doesn’t matter in the end, and that is never more true than when they put the baby in your arms. My C section was not only a positive experience, it saved the life of my son. What could possibly be negative about that?

 

 

Comotomo Baby Bottle Review

Comotomo Baby Bottle Review Comotomo Baby Bottle Review3 baby finds it hard to take bottleThis Comotomo Baby Bottle caught our eye immediately due to its great design. It really is a beautiful bottle. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, it is also made with 100% safe materials. It is BPA, PVC and Phthalate free. We love the feel of it, it has a squeezable silicone base, something we have never seen before. It is naturally shaped and has a soft, silicone teat which is ideal for breastfeed babies. Babies will love holding onto the skin like, soft and squeezable body. This bottle is perfect for babies which find it hard to switch between breast and bottle. It really does feel lovely.

The bottle also has a wide neck design which makes it easy to clean. The bottle has innovative vents that prevent colic and stops any leaks. This bottle is durable and had a great “let-down” effect.

Can be used in the microwave, boiling water, dishwashers and sterilisers. This bottle is fun and beautiful, it gives baby a breastfeeding experience in a bottle. Great innovative technology and worth trying if your baby finds it hard to take the bottle. Very impressed. 

Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle is available here.

 

 

The GŎNG At Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard Hosts Johnnie Walker Blue Label City Edition Cocktails…

 JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, has launched two stunning City Edition bottles, celebrating the spirit of the UK’s most iconic cities: London and Edinburgh.

The intricately-designed limited editions and their striking presentation boxes take the viewer on a journey through the streets of London and Edinburgh, featuring the unique architecture and attractions that make up the cities’ distinctive city skylines.

Only 4,000 of these exquisitely-designed bottles have been created, with each individually hand-numbered to create a must-have gift for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cities Collection, which is a series of whiskies from this popular Scotch brand that has engraved on it a cityscape from different regions of the world, is back after its Dubai bottling earlier this year with two new releases. This time around appearing on the bottles are two different cities from the United Kingdom.

The first offering, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label London Edition, features a design on it which includes iconic landmarks of the UK’s capital such as Big Ben, the Gherkin, Nelson’s Column and Tower Bridge. The other new release is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Edinburgh Edition, and it is set with a design said to pay honor to the Scottish city of the same name. It sports ‘a sweeping, spiral flow from the peak of Edinburgh Castle, including national treasures such as the Scott Monument and the Duke of Wellington alongside the city’s cobbled streets and walls’.

Limited to just 4,000 bottles, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label London and Edinburgh City Editions, noted officials from spirits giant Diageo, are now available in the United Kingdom for around £200 ($315 USD).  Available from June, the City Edition bottles are the first to be released outside of travel retail where the new Cities Collection was introduced in February with a bottle depicting Dubai. The previous Skyline Collection in travel retail featured cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Mumbai, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Auckland.

Costing not much more than the standard Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the new City Edition bottles come in bespoke gift boxes with more illustrations of their respective cities. Edinburgh’s depicts Scotland’s national symbol, the thistle, and attractions such as The Balmoral Hotel and Arthur’s Seat, while London’s packaging shows famous icons including St Paul’s Cathedral.

To celebrate the launch of these exclusive limited editions, Johnnie Walker Blue Label has partnered with GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London and Scotch at The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, two of the most iconic landmarks featured within the limited-edition designs, to create to exclusive cocktail serves.

To mark the launch of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label City Edition bottles, the ‘Eagle Eye’ and ‘Famously Edinburgh’ cocktails were created to celebrate the best of these extraordinary cities with the remarkable smoothness of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

‘Eagle Eye’, created by Christian Maspes at GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London explains “Known for their intently watchful, sharp and supreme sight across some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, the eyes of an eagle are estimated to be up to eight times stronger than that of a human’s. The idea of such skill and precision – the same qualities Johnnie Walker apply when creating their rarest blend of whiskies – together with GŎNG’s unrivalled views over London were the inspiration behind the ‘Eagle Eye’, a specially created cocktail to mark the launch of Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s limited City Edition bottle, celebrating London’s iconic skyline.”

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45ml Johnnie Walker Blue Label

2-3 dashes Abbott’s Bitters

15ml Barolo Chinato

Homemade strawberry and peppercorn shrub

Garnished with blue ‘Johnnie Walker Striding Man walking stick’ meringue

The ‘Eagle Eye’ is currently available, priced at £17.00, with an ‘on-the-rocks’ version also available upon request.

‘Famously Edinburgh’, created by Fraser Robson, Whisky Ambassador at Scotch, the Whisky Bar at The Balmoral Hotel commented “The inspiration behind the Famously Edinburgh cocktail came from my experience of the City and all that it is known and loved for. I thought about what was famous in the City and how that relates to local people, what they famously enjoy doing and where. Whisky and tea are ingrained in every great Scot. Johnnie Walker is the world’s most famous whisky and here, at the Balmoral, situated at Edinburgh’s most famous address, guests visit for the finest cup of tea in town. These three pillars gave me the basis of my creation. Starting with a double measure of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, I look at how I could incorporate the tea. Edinburgh locals tend to have a sweet tooth so I added a tea-infused sugar syrup as a nod to that Edinburgh tradition. I was careful to ensure that Johnnie Walker Blue Label was at the forefront of the cocktail and selected some whisky barrel-aged bitters and Fino sherry to heighten those flavours. The City and the people of Edinburgh are renowned for their elegant ways, so there was only one piece of glassware for the occasion – a Champagne coupe.”

50ml Johnnie Walker Blue Label

15ml Famous Edinburgh tea-infused sugar syrup

10ml Fino sherry

2 dashes whisky barrel-aged bitters

Orange zest to spray over the glass

The ‘Famously Edinburgh’ is available at Scotch, the whisky bar at The Balmoral Hotel priced at £42.50.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ7kWpTrtJw

About Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky

JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ is one of the pinnacle offerings from JOHNNIE WALKER.

Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is hand selected by the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years – it is an ultimate expression of whisky making today and an remarkable achievement for the modern era.

Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL.

BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate.

DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

The JOHNNIE WALKER and BLUE LABEL words, the Striding Figure device and associated logos are trade marks © John Walker & Sons 2014.

 

About GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London

With a dramatic backdrop of unparalleled views, GŎNG, the hotel’s destination bar – and the highest bar in London – brings a new dimension to the city’s social scene. Perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night drinks, the bar offers three lofted areas; a cocktail bar, champagne bar and an infinity pool, for guests to relax and soak in the stunning cityscape.

Uncomplicated and seamless, the bar’s service ensures the ultimate escape from the city’s bustle. Sample one of the delicate, signature cocktails or indulge in rare, vintage champagnes available by the glass.

Please note that GŎNG operates on a walk-in policy basis, however seating is subject to availability at time of arrival. There is a £30 minimum spend policy per person and tables are allocated for two hours. 

http://www.gong-shangri-la.com

 

About Scotch, the Whisky Bar at The Balmoral Hotel

Presenting Edinburgh’s largest collection of whisky available to the general public, Scotch at The Balmoral Hotel is a chic bar and lounge setting. Enjoy rare vintage drams dating back as far as 1940, accompanied by delicious complementing bar snacks.

With a 400-bottle-strong cellar offered to guests, a luxury stock of blends, malts and vintages are sourced from Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown, the Highlands and the Lowlands. This supreme collection is overseen by Scotch bar’s 3 resident whisky ambassadors, who are always on-hand to advise both novices and connoisseurs.

Scotch whisky bar in Edinburgh also offers a contemporary Scottish food menu, featuring dishes from The Balmoral’s executive chef, Jeff Bland. Knowledgeably-paired nibbles are served as standard with each whisky, with offerings including wild boar salami, and dark Swiss chocolate.

Set within the 5-star Balmoral Hotel, the Scotch bar area is swathed in chocolate-brown leather, mustard velvet and heavy tartan fabrics. Edinburgh Waverley Station is just 2 minutes’ walk away.

reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com

Summer Party At The South Kensington Club…

The evening of Thursday 25th June saw a host of London influencers and VIP guests, including Adam Garcia, Chelsy Davy, Jack Fox and Tom Parker-Bowles gather together to celebrate summer at The South Kensington Club.

South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.

With a dress code of summer chic and tennis whites, attendees enjoyed Pommery Champagne and a selection of sumptuous cocktails and canapés, whilst exploring the recently opened South Kensington Club. Entertainment was provided by Playlister DJ Dan Lywood, whilst guests were also treated to live music from theatrical band, Colomboloco.

On the evening, Coyote Ugly star Adam Garcia was seen speaking with actor Jack Fox, providing advice on how to perfect his accent for his upcoming role, whilst Noelle Reno (having just landed back in London) was seen catching up with Marissa Montgomery who was raving about Wednesday’s Fleetwood Mac concert.

South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.

Located in a historic Georgian Music Hall, The South Kensington Club has been designed with its Members every desire in mind – from the cultural and culinary, to the physical and philosophical.

VIP attendees included: Adam Garcia, Jack Fox, Chelsy Davy, Hugo Taylor, Laura Pradelska, Tom Parker-Bowles, Aluna Francis, Jack Freud, Olivia Grant, Natalie Coyle, Henry Conway, Roxie Nafousi, Noelle Reno, Zafar Rushdie, Tom Inskip, Marissa Montgomery, Daniella Helayel Issa, Lohralee & Will Astor, and Linzi & Will Stoppard.

South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.

Guests drank Pommery Champagne and were treated to a delicious light menu consisting of artichoke and quinoa salad, olive oil and lemon, salad of goats cheese, tomatoes and mixed seeds, spring vegetables salad, wild salmon in sea salt crust, potato salad and yoghurt sauce, culminating in mango and vanilla ice cream.

South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.

About The South Kensington Club…

Situated in the vibrant heart of South Kensington, nestled between Hyde Park and London’s best-known museums, The South Kensington Club provides an unrivalled lifestyle offering for body and soul. Located in a historic Georgian Music Hall, the elegant, unpretentious, homely environment of the South Kensington Club’s interior has been thoughtfully executed to provide a place for reflection, relaxation and respite for its Members. The Club has been designed with its Members every desire in mind; from the cultural and culinary, to the physical and philosophical.

The South Kensington Club, 38-42 Harrington Road, London, SW7

www.southkensingtonclub.com

Lansinoh 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Review

Lansinoh 3-in-1 Breast Therapy ReviewBreastfeeding is tough. No one really says just how hard it is, but even if you are lucky enough to take to it easily you may not be lucky enough to escape engorgement, mastitis, plugged ducts and sore nipples. Luckily there are things made to help, like Lansinoh’s 3-in-1 Breast Therapy. Is it any good? Let’s find out.

breastfeeding

The 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs use innovative PearlTechnology to deliver either heat or cold to affected areas of the breast. Chill it in the fridge or freezer for analgesic cold, or pop it in the microwave for penetrating heat and warmth. The pack holds its therapeutic temperature for a full 20 minutes so you get fast, effective relief.

The writer who reviewed this had mastitis and said that it really helped. Her doctor told her to use hot and cold compresses on her breasts and this treatment made it easy. They are convenient and because they can be both hot or cold they multi-task too. Perfect for saving money and space. No more cabbage on the breasts, this handy and effective treatment really works. It can also be used hot to reduce time spend pumping milk. Using it cold relieves engorgement and the hot therapy relieves mastitis and plugged ducts. Our writer says: ‘This is convenient and works well. It can be used for lots of different breastfeeding problems. It is a mum must have.’

mastitishelpbreastfeedinghelp

Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Pack
RRP:£12.95
www.JohnLewis.co.uk

This innovative set includes two reusable treatment packs and covers that can be used hot or cold. The pearl design moulds to the breast to provide all-round relief when breastfeeding.

 

 

Ice Cream, Gas Masks and God – the perfect summer read

Ice Cream, Gas Masks and God
A young girl grows up in the war years

By Joyce M Lovely

PUBLICATION DATE: 22 June 2015
Mereo Books www.mereobooks.com

Gasmasks and God cover CS 19.5mm_Layout 103

A funny, touching and heart-warming portrait of war time and beyond, Ice Cream, Gas Masks and God is the author’s trip down memory lane to 1940s Liverpool, where early reminiscences include not just the hated gas mask, but also the regular night time spells in the air raid shelter as the bombs fell.

A beautifully drawn portrait of the place and its people, from Calder High School Joyce went on to work at the Eagle Star Insurance Company and the office of the Dunlop Rubber Factory. Missing out on being one of the first to see The Beatles perform at the Cavern Club (because she didn’t fancy the sound of them from her sister’s description!), she moved to London to study Nursing at St Bartholomew’s. Marriage took her on to the Shetland Islands – where life as a parson’s wife meant that prayer was sometimes relied upon to provide dinner – and then to the West Riding of Yorkshire, before finally settling in Maine, USA.

A natural storyteller, Joyce’s recollections of people, places and events are effortlessly recounted. From the exotic neighbour who had been in the German Resistance (but whose priority was now pudding) to her splendid Spirella Corsetier grandmother, Ice Cream, Gas Masks and God is a gentle, fascinating and humorous personal history, rich in colour and detail.

Gloriously nostalgic and beautifully written, this is the perfect summer read.

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Sneak preview extracts

“Jerry made one heck of a mess here, didn’t he?” said Dad. “And all my best willow pattern china has been smashed” Mum sniffed, trying not to cry again. Dad put his arm around her. “Don’t worry, love. We’ll get through this.” And we did, even though I heard a few days later that eight people had been killed in their air-raid shelters, along with many others, including some in the public shelters. Much later I learned that 2000 Liverpudlians had been killed in just that week, with thousands more injured and homeless.

I sat stunned. First I felt the pricking of tears, and then I began to laugh. There lay my ancient, despised, childhood World War II gasmask. It rested there staring at me eerily, the eyepiece still displaying the   oval sickly-brown cellophane, which wasn’t even cracked. I sat back. My eyes closed, and the memories streamed back…

I remember vividly growing up in Liverpool, amidst air raids, bombs and gasmasks. My story is from a childhood perspective, leaving the grown-ups to worry about battles and shortages. We observed strict morals as a teenager in the fifties, yet still had boyfriends, stolen kisses and fun. This memoir concludes with my marriage to a minister and our adventures in the distant Shetland Islands. Here I experienced the islanders’ expectations of ‘yon minister’s wife’ often resulting in unexpected humorous consequences…

Humour, tenacity, sharing and resourcefulness, especially by the women on the home front, kept life normal for us children. We laughed, cried, hoped and dreamed, but we never asked for more than what we knew was around us.

About the author

Born in Liverpool, Joyce M Lovely now lives in Maine, USA. She has had numerous articles and stories published in magazines and periodicals and she is a member of a writing group. Joyce worked in education for many years, as a teacher and then later in administration, working with teachers and leading workshops.