Category Archives: Life & Style

In the Full Light of the Sun by Clare Clark headlines a round up of my February reading: by Natalie Jayne Peeke

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What a novel: In the Full Light of the Sun by Clare Clark alternately fascinates, and moves,

Three Berliners are caught up in a devastating scandal of 1930s Berlin: Emmeline is a wayward young art student, Julius a middle aged art expert and Rachmann. Well, who is Rachmann? Is he really an art dealer?

A novel based on a true story about Van Gogh’s paintings and the rise of Nazis Germany in the ’30s, one which concentrates on these three characters caught up in the discovery of many unknown paintings by Vincent Van Gogh. But perhaps an equally important ‘character’ is Berlin: so edgy, so louche, so conflicted by the end of the war, so at odds with tradition, so despairing, chaotic, and what’s more, a city that is in the throes of giving house room to the monstrous Nazis regime. In this melee of damaged post war psyches where anything increasingly goes, this novel encompasses not just art, but greed, and always the uncertainty which impregnated post-war Berlinl ife. Masterly. Read it I beseech you.

Available in audio, e-book and paperback. Pub: Virago

 

Keep the home fires burning – By S Block

1940 Great Paxford, Cheshire, when a Spitfire crashes in the village the lives of an extraordinary community of women will change forever. Francis Barden’s greatest challenge is only just beginning. Pat Simms received a respite when her abusive husband went to war but now, he’s home, Pat doesn’t know who to turn to. And for newlyweds to Teresa and Nick, the plane crash on their wedding day may just be the start of their troubles. Meanwhile the life of the Campbell family will never be the same following a devastating tragedy.

Picking up from where the TV series cruelly ended I was finally able to see what became of the remarkable women of great Paxford, did Pat ever see her lover again? Was the baby OK? What did Francis do with Noah?

I became so invested in the characters and their lives the hurdles that they had to overcome whilst the world is at war. I couldn’t put it down I was gripped from beginning to end, Block describes with accurate detail the trials that people on the home front would face. A stunning story of love friendship and bravery during a horrible time of uncertainty for the people of Great Britain.

Phone off well rounded diverse and complex characters whose lives would never be the same again, leaving you sitting on the edge of your seat, praying for another tremendous instalment divulging into the lives of Great Paxford’s WI.

Perfect for fans of Annie Clark and Milly Adams and those that enjoy TV shows such as Foyle’s war and call the midwife.

 

The Letter – By Kathryn Hughes

Tina Craig longs to escape her violent husband she works all the hours God sends to save up enough money to leave him also volunteering in a charity shop to avoid her unhappy home. whilst going through the pockets of a second-hand suit she comes across an old letter the envelope firmly sealed and unfranked. Tina opens the letter and reads it, a decision that will change the course of her life forever.

Billy Stirling knows he has been a fool but hopes he can put things right. on the 4th of September 1939 he sits down to write the letter he hopes will change his future. it does in more ways than he can ever imagine.

the letter tells the story of two women born decades apart whose paths are destined to cross and how one woman’s devastation leads to the others Salvation.

if you came across a letter dated over 30 years ago and it remained unposted and unread would you have the courage to read it and do everything possible to find out the story behind it? a beautiful story of love friendship and heartache. a page turner that would leave you believing that everything happens for a reason, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. written in 2 different time lines exploring the lives of Tina and 30 years earlier the lives of billy and Chrissy a beautiful and complex storyline that I could not stop thinking about, I laughed, I cried and I was left feeling all warm and fuzzy. perfect for fans of The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan.

 

Everything but the truth By Gillian Mcallister

Do you ever check your partner’s phone? Should you?
Are you prepared for the consequences?

Everything but the Truth is Gillian Mcallister’s stunning breakthrough thriller about deceit, betrayal and one woman’s compulsive need to uncover the truth

It all started with the email. Rachel didn’t even mean to look. She loves Jack and she’s pregnant with their child. She trusts him.

But now she’s seen it, she can’t undo that moment. Or the chain of events it has set in motion.  Why has Jack been lying about his past? Just what exactly is he hiding? And doesn’t Rachel have a right to know the truth at any cost?

A truly unputdownable book. I was gripped from the first till last chapter. Gillian Mcallister is a fantastic story teller and I was kept in the know, i needed to know. Everything but the truth serves as a poignant reminder that everyone has their own secret, especially from people they love. You can’t help but put yourself in Rachel’s shoes, what would you do when you discover that the man you love has been keeping a colossal secret but yet, so have you.

I am now and forever will be a Gillian Mcallister fan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teatime Bookshop – a book subscription service: Natalie Jayne Peeke, West Country Correspondent finds out more

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What is the Teatime bookshop? In one word…genius. They offer a book subscription service where you can choose the theme you want, how long you want it for and whether you would like tea or coffee included as well a luxury biscuit option. The books are preloved but in a fantastic condition so the subscription boxes would make a lovely gift for yourself or a friend.

The genres you can choose from are:

Children aged 1-3 (Finger puppets are available instead of tea/coffee and biscuits)

Children aged 4-7 & 8-11 (tea/coffee is substituted for luxury hot chocolate)

Crime & Thriller

RomCom

Vintage

Top 20

You can choose if you would like to purchase a subscription for 1,3,6 or 12 months, you can even select the number of books you would like to receive, the options are 1,2 or 4 books. Prices start from £7.99 making them a fantastic value for money.

For my box I asked for Coffee, biscuits and selected the crime & thriller genre. Also included was a penguin postcard and a teatime bookshop postcard. I will be treating myself to more boxes and will recommend to any book lover or budding young reader.

www.teatimebookshop.co.uk

 

RUSSELL HOBBS UNVEILS STYLISH NEW HONEYCOMB COLLECTION FOR 2020

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Honeycomb range, Russell Hobbs, home, homeware, kettle, eco Russell Hobbs, one of the UK’s most recognisable and leading household brands, has launched a brand-new breakfast range that’s sure to delight interior lovers and create a stunning aesthetic, without having to makeover the entire kitchen. Available now, the must-have “Honeycomb” collection features a textured geometric surface to add a touch of modern homeliness, to kitchen countertops across the UK.

The Honeycomb range – which will be available in major retailers nationwide – responds to nature’s reflection in modernistic design, taking inspiration from textural hive structures found in the natural world. The collection combines style excellence with the premium quality that is synonymous with Russell Hobbs, whilst embracing a natural and homely appeal, to simply transform any kitchen.

Launching in four stylish monochromatic colours: black, cream, white and grey, and finished with premium stainless steel accents, the complete range comprises of a 1.7L kettle as well as a two-slice and a four-slice toaster.

The Honeycomb kettle comes with a sleek 360-degree base for ease of use, features boil dry protection, a push button lid and convenient illuminated water window. It is also engineered with Russell Hobbs’ perfect pour spout and eco-efficient quick boil technology meaning the ultra-modern kettle can boil one cup in just 43 seconds*, ideal for functional, everyday use.

We love the kettle, It has a removable filter – something that should be standard in kettles to make them last longer- , it is eco-efficient and we love its perfect pour spout. The design is fantastic, we have the grey one, and the illuminating water window is super cool. A stylish kettle with great design. 

Both toasters feature variable browning control, allowing you to toast to perfection. Illuminated frozen, cancel and reheat functions make toasting simple, with an added removable crumb tray to ensure kitchen tops remain spotless.

Russell Hobbs UK Marketing Manager, Dominic Lewis, comments “Following the release of our hugely successful Inspire range, we wanted to create a directional yet timeless collection to instantly restyle the kitchen and add a fresh touch to home interiors.

“Intertwining texture inspired by nature and contemporary features, the Honeycomb range makes you feel at home, by combining design leadership with pioneering technology, appealing to style-conscious households.”

RRP:

Honeycomb Kettle £24.99,

Honeycomb Two Slice Toaster £24.99,

Honeycomb Four Slice Toaster £39.99.

The Honeycomb range will be available to buy from Amazon. For more information, visit https://uk.russellhobbs.com/

 

*one cup is equal to 235ml of water.

Building Environmental Blocks Together

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Magicubes, toys, toy review, magnetic cubes, I can tell how good a toy is by how long my children fight over it. The Magicube was a particular winner as, sometimes, they still do. Building blocks are fun anyway but these Magicubes are magnetic and take building to another level. Literally. You can put one on the side. I highly recommend them. They are innovative and great for learning. 

Magicube is a cutting edge construction system that turns the concept traditional building blocks into something extra “magical”. Developed for different age groups: 1 1/2+ and 3+ the Magicube collection offers complete versatility and flexibility for all age groups. Providing a supply of fun activities that reinforce those basic skills and a hands on approach to learning.

Captivating themes include some of your children’s most loved TV characters such as the Peppa Pig Magicube. Match up the magnetic cubes to build Peppa’s house and garden. Or the Paw Patrol Magicube, build Marshall’s fire truck or Skye’s helicopter, the possibilities are endless.

For a greater understanding of learning principles, the Math & Word Building Magicube offers Maths and Word building activities helping to reinforce a child’s first numeracy and literacy skills, with number and letter recognition, as well as first sums and words.

Geomag’s Free Building Magicube, allows children to explore the freedom of creativity without boundaries, available in sets of 8, 16, 27 and 64 the brightly coloured cubes allow children to build to their heart’s content as the magnetic cubes attach to each other on every side. This simple, fun and creative play activity encourages even the youngest of kids to develop their dexterity.

As part of the prestigious “Editors’ Choice Awards” presented by the British Toy and Hobby Association at this year’s London Toy Fair. From the extensive number of 260 exhibiting companies, Geomagworld’s new initiative, the Green Collection, was among the most voted by journalists present, coming runner-up in the ranking. Alongside the launch of the collection a number of new Maths and Word sets will be available which allow children to observe, create and solve with the basics of STEM learning. Not to mention the new Mix & Match sets depicting animals alongside their favourite foods and home which allows children to make fun combinations and bring these animal creations to life.

For more information on Geomag’s existing and highly anticipated Green Magicube Collection, please visit GeomagWorld.

 

My Favourite Personal Trainers PTs | Wellness

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I don’t go to the gym. It is not that I do not want to, it is that I like to save time and money. Sweating in front of strangers is not my idea of fun either, so I workout at home. This has not stopped me finding some amazing personal trainers. YouTube is full of them. I love PopSugar Fitness, Fitness Blender and Joe Wicks. I cannot recommend these sites enough and I hope you check them out. They have changed not only my body, but my life. Here are some of my favourite personal trainers and their workouts.

Jeanette Jenkins.

Jeanette takes no prisoners. She does an INSANE 500 calorie workout. She helped me lose a stone in weight. She is so happy and positive. I feel so happy after doing her workouts. Hell, I even feel happy while doing it. Even if it hurts like hell.Check out all of her workouts. They are all amazing.

Amy Rosoff Davis

Amy is another brilliant trainer. I did the workout below three times a week when my daughter was a few months old and I lost half a stone and completely changed my body shape. Her focus on BarreCore looks easy but is hard as hell. It really reshapes your body. Her other workouts are great too. She trains Selena Gomes.

Kelly and Daniel from Fitness Blender have a huge amount of amazing workout videos. They even have workout programs which are cheap and that makes sure you workout different muscles each day. Their site is work a look: Fitness Blender. One of their great workouts is below.

I am now focusing on keeping the weight off. Okay, okay, I should not be too hard on myself as the three times I put on a lot of weight I had either had an injury or had a baby. But the above people helped me get fit and healthy each time. I find it hard to lose weight and keep it off now. Make sure you go at your own pace. I have done low impact modifications when I have hurt my knee or am starting up again. These are my recommendations. They worked for me, I hope they work for you too.

 

Burberry Handbags: A Symbol of Timeless Aristocracy

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Among the many brands offering designer bags and accessories, Burberry handbags stand out for their remarkable originality and elegance.

With an ambition to revolutionize clothing and make them more suitable for the cold and rainy British weather, Burberry was founded in 1856. It didn’t take long for the brand’s innovative founder, Thomas Burberry to invent gabardine – a hardwearing, breathable and waterproof fabric that was patented in 1888. Within the next few decades, the brand had won over people of all types with their coats and managed to create a huge presence in London.

After winning multiple royal warrants over the years for their weatherproof coats, today, Burberry is a global behemoth in the luxury fashion industry. They offer an array of sophisticated clothes and accessories for men, women, and children. Among the many different accessories, Burberry handbags are very popular for their combination of timeless elegance, versatility, and a design philosophy that showcases the refined, British taste.

A Great Variety of Accessories and Handbags

Not only coats and other fashionable clothes, but Burberry have also been offered a comprehensive fashion solution since the early 1900s. In addition to the elegant outfits, the brand also offers an array of expertly crafted accessories that includes jewelry, sunglasses, scarves, and most importantly, bags for both women and men.

Besides, when it comes to bags, Burberry has an abundance of options ranging from the iconic women’s bags renowned for their timeless essence to the trendy side bags, backpacks, fanny packs, etc. For women, there are also cross body bags, title bags, tote bags, shoulder bags, as well as the Burberry signature LOLA bags and Belt bags, etc. Not to mention the remarkably functional, yet highly fashionable baby changing bags for new parents.

There is no shortage of men’s bag options either, with Burberry offering a great variety of options that includes bum bags, briefcases, messenger bags, pouches, and washbags, etc. Whereas, the Burberry backpacks are stylish, comfortable, and versatile enough to be used by both the explorers and everyday hustlers.

Originality and the Unique Charm of Burberry Handbags

As the inventor of gabardine, it is obvious that the Burberry handbags would look and feel very unique than the rest of the luxury fashion brands. While they are predominantly British in their soft colors, minimalist approach, and impeccable detailing; the iconic women’s bags from Burberry are universal as an emblem of femininity and style. No matter which particular type of bag you prefer, Burberry has what it takes to satisfy people of all ages in accordance with their variety of tastes.

For example, the minimalists find their small grained leather bags very appealing for their golden detailing, as well as the functional buckles and zippers; while the young women love the vibrant, printed canvas bags as well as the bags made with genuine python leather. Moreover, the bold bucket bags with shoulder straps are a true symbol of Burberry, which can help anyone to stand out from the crowd with ease.

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CAN YOU HELP FIND BRITAIN’S OLDEST FEMALE WW2 VETERAN?

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In January, Britain’s oldest female WW2 veteran died. Anne Robson had served as a physical training instructor in the Army, and had reached the grand age of 108 when she passed away in Scotland.

The Women’s Royal Army Corps Association has since decided to launch a campaign to ‘Help us find our Oldest A.T.S. Veteran’ – #FindOurOATS – www.FindOurOATS.org – to ensure that the contribution of female veterans during WW2 is duly and appropriately honoured. Afterall, their contribution helped to carve out new roles for women in society as a whole.

This year – 2020 – will mark 75 years since the end of WW2. As such, women (as well as men) who served must be remembered. In the words of retired Col Alison Brown, “The purpose of the ‘Find Our OATS’ campaign is to find the oldest surviving female WW2 veteran to record her experiences for the purpose of future generations: her legacy should not be forgotten!”

Betty Webb MBE, is also backing the campaign. She is the 97 year old a member of the WRAC Association (charity) who helped to crack enemy codes at Bletchley Park during WW2. She notes: “I am very proud of all the achievements of the thousands of other women who joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service to serve in WW2. We must remember the contribution of these  ladies.”

Over 345,000 women served in the ATS (Auxiliary Territorial Service) from 1938 –1949. Ahead of the VE Day (8th May) and VJ Day (15th Aug) celebrations that are being planned around the world, the charity wishes to ensure that the focus of these anniversaries includes female veterans. These women may have served for just 1 day, or up to 11 years in the ATS between 1938 and 1949. However, many such women emigrated to countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia, after the hostilities ended. This is why spreading the message about #FindOurOATS internationally is so important.

The oldest British female WW2 veteran may well not be a WRAC Association member. Furthermore, the charity in no way wishes to put ‘pressure’ on this lady, once she is found. Instead, it simply wishes to help identify her, so that in due time, it can appropriately honour and champion her pioneering service as the only charity that specifically supports women who serve, or have served, in the British Army.

Women only need to have service for one day or more in the British Army to be eligible to apply for benefits available via the WRAC Association. As a vibrant charity, it has two main objectives: providing comradeship, friendship and support – plus – distributing grants to former servicewomen (1917-1992) who are in need of financial assistance. In 2016 the charity awarded over £220K in benevolence grants for items such as white goods, and services such as care home top-up fees and stairlifts.

You can help to find the oldest surviving female WW2 veteran by spreading the word about the campaign: Go to the website www.FindOurOATS.org and/or share its social media content using the hashtag – #FindOurOATS.

The WRAC has also printed a broad spectrum of stories of women who have served in the British Army since 1917.  The book is called “Wonderful Women 100 Book” and is available to buy on the WRAC website.  https://wonderful-women.org/product/wonderful-women-100-book/

Best places to visit in the US for couples

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There are some couple’s goals that a lot of couples love to carry out some of which include travelling around the world together. There is always a special feeling when you explore different places around the world with your partner. Although finding a perfect place that will suit your different interests is another problem and a lot of couples tend to cancel several trips because they could not come up with a perfect destination. To solve this problem, you need to write a list of places that could be considered. You should know that several places may be suitable for a couple’s trip. Also, your mission will determine your choice of destination. There are other factors that you should consider as they will do a long way in determining how your vacation will go and some of these factors include economy, cash at hand, different attractions present, level of development, and season of the year. The U.S is one of the best places you could consider when it comes to vacation. The country has several cities and towns that bring different people from different part of the world. There are numerous sightseeing locations and landmarks that will make your trip a memorable one. Also, there are standard hotels, good restaurants, and different parks that will make you want to visit the country again. The good part of visiting the U.S is that you will be entertained by different events no matter when and where you are visiting; there are perfect locations for couples and singles. You will be the one to choose where you want as several amazing places will suit your interest. You will also meet different people that have come 2 explore some of the amazing things in the country; therefore, always feel free to explore the US maximally. Below are some of the places you should consider as a couple visiting the U.S;

New York City – this is one of the cities to consider whenever you are planning to explore the U.S with your partner. It is one of the most visited cities in the country because of the various landmarks and sightseeing locations that invite people to do City. You will always enjoy your time because you will be entertained by various events ranging from Sports, music, and other exacting events. There are amazing restaurants that serve different American dishes and other dishes from every part of the world making it very easy for visitors to find their local foods. To enjoy your stay here, you should explore every part of the city if you have the time.

You and your partner must be found worthy before you can get access to enter the U.S at the port of entry. A perfect way to solve this is by researching all the documents needed by individuals traveling to the states. The documents may be different based on one’s mission in the country. Getting useful information before applying for any of the documents is essential as well because, without accurate information, you may get the wrong documents which may prevent you and your partner from going to the US. To travel to the states, you will need the esta only if you are from one of the Visa waiver program countries and if not you, will need an American visa. ESTA travel can play a vital role of a visa only if one is eligible for an ESTA. Therefore, you should confirm your eligibility to know if you are eligible to apply for the document. The advantage of being eligible for an esta is that you will be exempt from the visa interview and the stress of applying for a visa. There are several places you could visit in the US if you are with the right documents. The international passport is another crucial document that you must possess right from your home country. This will contain all your personal information needed to enter the U.S at the port of entry. You should know that the US does not joke with criminals and crimes; thus, any mistake from you could lead to deportation. Always be a good representative of your country and never allow anything to put you in trouble. Carry out the ESTA usa check before applying for an American visa as this could save you a lot of money and stress. Try to find out if you will need other documents like the police report, the driver’s license and other essential documents to be on a safer side

Savannah – this is a city in the state of Georgia, a good destination for couples that fall in love with nature. There are different species of plants that make the city more beautiful. You will find different restaurants that provide top-notch services of which you can enjoy as well. Try to explore every part of the city with your partner to save good memories together.

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