Category Archives: Life & Style

The Storytellers by Caron McKinlay Book Review

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I have reviewed many books in my life but I have struggled to review The Storytellers by Caron McKinlay. This book blew my mind. It is so clever and so essential. Every women should read this book and I hope they do.
I do not want to give too much away, and yet I feel like this book has encapsulated the insecurities we have as women, the problems with the patriarchy, and distilled it into one glorious perfect book.

The Storytellers, caron McKinlay Every character in this book is well-rounded and unique. You cannot help but root for these women. McKinlay is an outstanding writer. Her writing flows perfectly and is so natural. The book is unique and I did not see the twist coming. The Storytellers is not just a fantastic and unique idea; that idea is perfectly executed.

You can tell this book came from McKinlay’s soul and we are all privileged to be able to read it. The Storytellers is a fun, entertaining feminist novel for our time. This is a must read. Preorder it now. Out May 16th.

https://amzn.to/3JC6fDR

Trapped between life and the afterlife, three women meet and share their stories while discovering the truth about the men in their lives—and about themselves.

Suspended in an eerie state of limbo, an entity called the Gatekeeper tells Nikki, Ronnie, and Mrs. Hawthorne they are on the cusp of entering the afterlife—but only if the women can persuade him that in their earthly lives, they knew the meaning of love.

Fragments of their memories return, plunging them back into their pasts, and forcing them to face the desires, disappointments, addictions, lies, and obsessions they battled in life.

But before time runs out, will they find the answer to the ultimate question: what is love?

 

 

Delicious Easter Treats at Fantastic Prices

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The Easter Bunny is feeling generous this year, or was he just savvy with his money this year.
If you are looking to save cash while keeping your loved ones happy this easter then head over. The money savers at Wholesale Sweets have a huge range of tasty, themed sweets at bargain wholesale prices.

The amazing offers allow parents across the country to stock up on wholesale boxes of easter eggs, up to 3kg bags of pick & mix and large quantities of gifting products to share with family and friends.

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Playmobil’s New Hero Product

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Duck on call? You heard correctly! For the first time, a duck is the main character in a brand new PLAYMOBIL theme world and animated series. Ducklas, a cheeky boy in a duck’s body, leads exciting missions together with his three young friends – a firefighter, policewoman, and emergency doctor. The new PLAYMOBIL sets are full of innovation and tons of fun for kids ages 3-5 years.

Welcome to Playmoville!

Playmoville is a unique place where kids are in charge and fabulous things happen. This is where the young rescue heroes Freddy Fire, Polly Police, and Mikey Medic embark on exciting missions as they help the townspeople with their problems. But the team would not be complete without Ducklas, who was transformed into a duck by the mysterious Mr. Hans as a result of all his shenanigans! To become a boy again, he must complete a heartfelt act of kindness. The four friends work around the clock to help the people of Playmoville and Queen Mayor in all kinds of emergencies. If only Ducklas would stop accidentally messing things up…!

Freddy Fire, Polly Police, and Mikey Medic are ready for action with their cool emergency vehicles whenever help is needed. The emergency vehicle play sets feature a new modular design that makes it easy to mix and match, creating new variations depending on the accessories and gadgets used – so they will suit any mission. Whether an unlucky racecar driver needs help, a cat needs rescuing or a thief is on the loose, the team (together with Ducklas) is always prepared. In their compact Mobile Operations Center, the young heroes are one call and ready to respond! The engaging DUCK ON CALL theme world will expand further with additional play sets launching this summer for more exciting, complex missions. In the large Headquarters with a freefall slide and elevator, Ducklas and his friends are ready to receive incoming emergency calls from all over Playmoville. The powerful fire, police and ambulance trucks, as well as two mini cars, ensure that the team is equipped for any mission.

An animated CGI series takes Ducklas’ fans on adventures throughout Playmoville, including lots of action and humour. The pilot episode will premiere in March, introducing Ducklas and the young rescue team to the world. Further episodes will be launched in June.

Child-friendly fun with the fire, police, and rescue services

Even when unpacking and assembling the sets, children’s ergonomics were taken into account so that younger children can start playing optimally. During the development of all DUCK ON CALL playsets, special focus was placed on children’s ergonomics and motor skills, so that also younger children (ages 3-5 years) will enjoy the experience. For example, the weight-shifting steering in the three emergency vehicles allows children to steer them using only one hand. Additionally, easy-to-use features such as the water cannon, rotating ladder, and slides, as well as interactive light and sound effects, provide tons of fun. Even young rescuers can master changing the modules of the emergency vehicles, too.

Built to the standard PLAYMOBIL quality, the playsets include only high-quality materials. Individual parts are packaged together in bags made of environmentally-friendly, recycled PCR film (post-consumer recycled material). With younger children in mind, the inclusion of small accessories was reduced or avoided entirely. Of course, all DUCK ON CALL sets can be combined and expanded with the figures and accessories of classic PLAYMOBIL toy sets.

With DUCK ON CALL, all kids can become real heroes. By following the adventures in Playmoville, they will learn about the meaning of friendship, helping others, team spirit, and self-confidence. After following the series’ stories, children can join the adventures first-hand with the extensive toy range.  These role-play experiences will stimulate social, cognitive, and motor skills, while also offering limitless fun. And in time for the holidays, kids can count down the days to Christmas with the DUCK ON CALL advent calendar, available beginning of September.

The DUCK ON CALL play theme from PLAYMOBIL at a glance:

Roleplay within the popular worlds of fire, police, and rescue services | great stories with four young rescue heroes | for the first time, a PLAYMOBIL theme world is centered around an animal, as well as kid characters  | headquarters with freefall slide, elevator, and helipad (L 58.5 x D 50 x H 18.5 cm) | modular emergency vehicles allow for mixing and matching | cool trucks and other playsets with age-appropriate play functions | adapted to children’s ergonomics | simple assembly experience | animated CGI series available |

recommended for ages 3-5 years.

Duck on Call is available at Playmobil.co.uk prices from £14.99

 

How to Protect Your Business

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As a business owner, your main focus is probably succeeding. However, as important as making a profit, there are other factors that are equally important, including safeguarding your investment. Whether someone is injured on your property or someone wants to back out of a contract, lawsuits can happen. Lawsuits not only tarnish your reputation, but can also put you out of business. Thankfully, there are ways to protect both your reputation and business. Read on to learn some of the best ways to safeguard your business.

Learn the Legal Requirements

One of the easiest ways to protect your business is by setting up the right legal entity. How you register your company is crucial to your longevity. You can choose to register as sole provider, LLC, or corporation. As a sole proprietor, you aren’t protected from legal liability claims. Your personal assets will not be protected if you’re sued. If you register as a corporation, you can separate your business and personal finances, which safeguards your personal property and finances. As an LLC, you can protect your personal assets and investments. Most new startups usually choose this entity and if the time arises, then go on to become a corporation or partnership.

Protect Your Equipment

If your company involves heavy equipment or a fleet, you need to ensure you protect those as well. You can install AI video dash cams in all of your trucks for an extra layer of protection. AI dash cameras monitor drivers’ behavior in real time. If they’re involved in an accident, you’ll be able to see the exact actions they took prior to the incident.

Get it in Writing

Whether it’s between you and a customer or you and your vendors, all business matters should be in writing. Although some verbal agreements can stand up in court, not all do. Oftentimes, it becomes a battle of what you said and what the other party claims you said. Save yourself the stress and put everything in writing. Especially in business where there is constant evolution and you are striving to make positive changes, it is best to have everything written down to minimize confusion and maximize protection.

Understand Your Rights

As a business owner, you need to understand your rights. Each legal entity has its own set of rights, so it’s important to research what they are in your specific state.

Pay Your Taxes

Always pay taxes on time and in full. If you owe money and can’t pay it all at one time, you still need to file and request a payment arrangement. The worst thing you can do is avoid filing and then end up owing money. At least with a payment arrangement, you can create a budget to pay it off in monthly increments. If you can’t file on your own, hire an experienced tax accountant to do them for you.

Hire a Lawyer

Regardless of niche, you should have a lawyer on retainer. Even if you never need their help, you’ll feel better knowing you have one on board, just in case something happens. Even having one to answer questions about your business can help protect your investments.

collaborative post with our brand partner.

Lizi’s Low Sugar Maple & Pecan Granola – No Guilt Today – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson [LS Maple & Pe

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Processed and refined sugars are one of the worst curses of modern day cuisine. They’re sneaked into so many manufactured food products – even savoury ones – and they cause obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia and stroke. Sorry to be so blunt but, despite a choice of foods of which our parents and grandparents could only have dreamed, our modern diet frankly leaves much to be desired. Our taste buds have been trained by the food industry to crave high sugars in excessive quantities, and we don’t eat nearly enough wholesome grains and good fats.

OK rant over, because thank goodness for companies like Lizi’s who help reinstate the wonderful healthy and delicious diet which nature intended.

Lizi’s is the brainchild of Mick and Lizi. They’re a married pair of science enthusiasts, organic farmers and country bed-and-breakfast owners, so perfectly qualified to create high quality, tasty and satisfying cereals.

The key feature of all Lizi’s cereals is their low Glycaemic Load (GL). I’ve explained Glycaemic Load before – basically low GL foods release sugar slowly into our blood stream, unlike processed and refined sugars, which is so much better for our long-term health and happiness.

Lizi’s produce an incredible range of granolas and mueslis, always from natural ingredients – mainly oats, nuts and seeds, but with numerous natural flavour combinations suitable for all ages, diets and lifestyles. Their current range includes High Protein, Digestive Health and Low Sugar options.

I particularly love Lizi’s Low Sugar Maple & Pecan Granola. Normally I steer well clear of granola, which tends to be oozing with sugar, but not Lizi’s. It’s a mixture of wholegrain oat flakes, pecan nuts, almond pieces, walnut pieces, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, coconut, chicory fibre, and just a little maple syrup. You can probably tell from the ingredients that this tastes as delicious as a naughty indulgence, and yet absolutely no guilt needed – because it’s actually doing your body good – providing important slow-release energy and healthy oils. It will also leave you feeling nourished and satiated – so you won’t be tempted by those naughty fattening snacks mid-morning.

So give your body a treat and take a look at the full range on Lizi’s website. Your body will thank you.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Margaret decided on some exercise. Hard facts were faced…

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Margaret thought she’d go into town to the studio, where her friend was holding a Strolling half hour.
‘And what is a Strolling half hour?’ wondered Margaret. Margaret decided that the definition of To Stroll was to walk in a leisurely way. This seemed rather lovely. ‘Me, me’ she said.
Margaret arrived, hot and a tad sweaty, if we can be rude for a moment, as she had hurried one and a half miles, plod plod, not stroll stroll, to the Studio. Margaret’s friend Lyn was there too. ‘Oh Goody,’ thought Margaret, ‘We can go on the back row together.’
Margaret then noticed the ballet mirrors, a whole wall of them. She looked, she saw, she thought: ‘Who is that woman in clothes like mine with the big, no – enormous bum?’
My friends, Margaret was the proud owner of that bum, she  realised. Her day was ruined. Really really it was. All those biscuits eaten before they reached a plate had no calories, she was sure that was correct.  Margaret is wrong. Very very wrong.
So, the half hour began.  Strolling is not to walk in a leisurely way. Strolling is to do line dancing at what seems great speed. The legs go up, legs are pointed, heels tapped, legs slide gsideways, step step,  along the floor. Lots and lots of times all a bit different, but yes,  Margaret swears it is line dancing but perhaps a teeny weeny bit slower. Puff Pant as Teacher strolled us through it, and again.
Then on came the music.  Margaret repeated to herself and anyone who would listen:  Strolling is not only not slow, there is no back row, because everyone keeps turning and turninguntil  the figures in the mirror were a blur, and the music raced, and Margaret quite lost her mind, her memory, and finally all control of her feet.
The key, Margaret realised, is to have the weight on the right foot. Margaret did not often have her weight on her correct foot. Margaret’s feet and legs got muddled. Margaret decided she would stay in the corner, and do her own thing, in time with the music.   At the end, Margaret tottered home, having had fun, oh yes she did, really she did. She will be better next week, really she will.
She reached home. She put cushions on the seat in the garden. She made two coffees. She took hers, and eventually Dick joined her, in the sun, by the Monkey Puzzle Tree, while Margaret explained about Strolling, but she didn’t mention the mirror. Certainly not. That is best kept between Margaret and her friends.
 Margaret Graham writes novels  under her own name, and as Milly Adams and Annie Clarke. Margaret maintains this is the reason she frequently seems confused. It has nothing to do with her age.

Competition: Be A Judge And Guest of Honour At ‘The Sammies’ UK Sandwich Awards – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Are you a bit of a sandwich connoisseur? Do you fancy joining celebrity chef Theo Randall with other food experts as an official judge on a tasting panel? Would you love to be guest of honour at the prestigious The Sandwich & Food to Go Awards (‘The Sammies’) at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London?

Well what’s stopping you? Just fill in the application form here, including the reason why you think you deserve to be selected: https://www.britishsandwichweek.com/sandwich-taster-dream-job/  Applications are open until Friday15th April, and the successful candidate will be notified by Friday 22nd April.

And if you’re chosen? Well first you’ll munch your way through twenty-four of the finest and most innovative sandwiches designed by the UK’s top sandwich designers and then you’ll help select a winner in each category and overall ‘best in show’ for the ‘Britain’s Best Butty’ awards.

But that’s not all, you and a companion of your choice will be guests of honour at the gala evening Awards Ceremony including overnight accommodation and rail travel to and from the event.

The awards dinner is a precursor to the annual British Sandwich Week, a seven-day celebration aiming to support the industry and celebrate the nation’s love of a good sarnie.”

  This year’s Sandwich & Food to go Awards takes place on Thursday 5th May 2022. For a full list of nominees and shortlisted companies visit: https://awards.sandwich.org.uk/

 British Sandwich Week takes place from 22nd – 28th May 2022 – now in its 28th year, the annual event showcases the breadth, quality and innovation found within the UK’s sandwich and food to go sector. Find out more at https://www.britishsandwichweek.com/

Good luck.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk


Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

​ How Will You Check Authentic Gandalf Glass Pipes?

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Anyone who has seen the Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit knows that Gandalf can conjure some pretty impressive tricks—you can even transform into a giant eagle.

Once Gandalf’s character was established as a wise and generous smoker in the pop culture world, this style of pipe exploded in popularity. Thus, naming this style of the long pipe as Gandalf pipe.

When buying a Gandalf glass pipe, however, you’re going to have a much harder time—you’ll need to be on the lookout for some pretty specific things to make sure that your Gandalf pipe is authentic.

To help ensure that your Gandalf pipe is actual, here’s what you should know when you go looking for your next pipe.

Things to Check Before Buying Your Glass Pipe

You need to check several things before you buy your Gandalf pipe. Some of these things include:

Sticker

When you buy from an authorized dealer, such as an online retailer, you will often find a sticker with the company’s name on it somewhere on the bowl of your pipe. The sticker is a good indicator that you have an authentic Gandalf glass pipe. Do not buy any pipe that does not have this type of sticker.

Logo

You should also check for logos or words on the pipe, such as “Gandalf” or “Middle Earth.” Manufacturers often will include these words to help identify their product. On some pipes, you might even notice that the word is written both in English and Elvish—a lovely touch!

Pipe Size

The size of your pipe will also help determine whether or not you have an authentic Gandalf pipe. Most of the original pipes are over 18 inches tall and weigh more than four pounds—if you find a pipe that seems abnormally tiny, it is likely fake.

Pipe Style

Check the style of the pipe to determine its genuineness. Most pipe manufacturers use glass instead of metal, so you can be sure that any metal pipe is not actual. You should also check to ensure no moving parts on your pipe.

Smoke Quality

Find out how well your pipe performs when you smoke it. For example, many fake Gandalf pipes offer inferior quality, so they will often be more challenging to use correctly. If you find your pipe is leaking air or not sitting well, you should change it immediately.

You should also check how well your pipe works for smoking. If the Gandalf pipes are not made with enough glass around the bowl, there is little protection between the flame and your lips—this can lead to some pretty bad burns.

The pipe should have thick insulation on all sides to reduce the chances of this happening.

They work for smoking herbal substances like cannabis, and if you choose the real one, it is unlikely that you will find any of these types on the black market.

Additionally, Gandalf pipes are more likely to function as art pieces than actual tools for smoking.

Materials

Gandalf pipes come with high-grade borosilicate glass, not metal. If you find a pipe not made with this type of glass, you should avoid taking it.

Glass quality can be difficult to determine before you buy your pipe, but one thing you should know, of course, the higher the glass quality, the better your pipe will perform when smoking. Generally speaking, the best borosilicate glass comes from Germany.

Final Thoughts

The more willing you are to compare the qualities of different pipes with the above guidance and your knowledge, the easier it will be to determine a real pipe. Also, buy authentic products from reputed sellers to get the best experience and durability.