The 5-in-1 children’s sleep solution

Posted on by

Glow dreaming, glow, sleep, sleeping, children, how to, sleep aid, baby, babies. Sleep is an elusive thing when you become a parent. Anything that can result in a good nights sleep is worth a try. Glow Dreaming is a smart idea. A humidifier and sleep light, it also has pink noise, and releases aromatherapy. It is so clever and innovative. It is also stylish and looks great in your child’s room.

I love Glow Dreaming. It is easy-to-use. I think it is a wonderful idea for babies and children. I think it will result in many good nights for both parents and little ones. Very impressive and I recommend it.

Most parents will know the stress of having a baby or child that won’t sleep – it can be an extremely emotionally and physically draining time for the whole family.  However a new 5-in-1 sleep aid that helps babies and children to nod off in a matter of minutes is now being hailed as a ‘godsend’ by weary parents. Within months of launching the product had sold out and  has now been snapped up by more than 200,000 families in Australia and across the world.

 Glow Dreaming, sleeping, baby, children,
Glow Dreaming is the 5-in-1 sleep aid that is scientifically engineered for sleep. It is the creation of one desperate parent who struggled with their daughter’s inability to fall asleep. The device combines light therapy, aromatherapy, pink noise and a humidifier, which work together to relax and calm babies and children and help them fall asleep. alt=”Glow Dreaming uses the following techniques to help babies and children sleep:” width=”600″ />
NASA LED Sleep Light – NASA uses this specific red LED light therapy to help its astronauts sleep. Red spectrum light helps stimulate the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for telling us it’s time for sleep. This function also assists in the development of children’s circadian rhythm (internal sleep body clock), helping them to develop a healthy, non-habit forming relationship with sleep. Conversely, blue light, the lightemitted by devices such as phones and tablets, has  been found to hinder and disrupt sleep.
Pink Noise – Studies prove that Pink Noise, a combination of sounds naturally found in nature, is the best sound for sleep. Glow Dreaming have worked with Dr. Stephane Pigeon, one of the world’s leading sound engineers to develop the sleep aids pink noise component. The sounds are a combination of frequencies commonly heard in waterfalls, rain and thunder. Pink Noise enhances brain activity associated with the deep phases of sleep, improving memory retention and focus, as well as cognitive functions. It is similar to White Noise in sound, but that’s where the similarities end. Unlike white noise generators, the unique sound has been specially calibrated to compensate for speaker imperfections and encourage sleep. The Glow Dreaming has only 3 volume settings, these settings produce sound never exceeding 70 decibels and are all within the range that are safe for developing ears.
Aromatherapy – The Glow Dreaming includes organic, medicinal grade essential oil, designed to relax the muscles and calm the mind ensuring that babies and children fall asleep. The oils have been specifically designed by Dr. Bo Hendgen who specialises in paediatrics.
Humidifier – Cool mist technology helps ease breathing, prevent snoring, and creates the ideal sleep environment by stopping the spread of airborne viruses and maintaining a more even room temperature.
Sleep Support – Changing behaviours especially around sleep is never easy. GlowDreaming provides a customer care team to help parents through the process. They use the latest scientific findings and personalise programmes to make the sleep process as easy as possible. The company also offers a sleep specialist service for no extra charge, allowing customers to speak with an expert for added support
The Glow Dreaming was created by Aloni Benau after his daughter began to struggle with her sleep: “At the early age of 8, my daughter unexpectedly lost someone she loved. It affected her greatly. She began to associate sleep with death and feared never waking up. We took her to see psychologists, we redecorated her room, we even took her to sleep school, all with minimal success. I was desperate to help her, so I started reading different studies. By combining light therapy, aromatherapy, sound therapy and a humidifier, I managed to find the answer we were searching for. My daughter loved the deep Red LED Light – it helped her feel relaxed and at peace. I sourced the best quality essential oil I could find, blended by one of the world’s leading naturopath’s – the beautiful aroma soothed her mind and body, taking away her fears and helping her drift off to sleep. The cool mist from the humidifier made it easier for her to breathe as well. The gentle hum of the Pink Noise (Slow Wave Sleep Sound Therapy), created by the world’s best sound specialist, helped her not just get to sleep, but get into a deeper, more restful sleep. The effects of these different sleep aids combined, relaxed and calmed my daughter, whisking her off to sleep. Before long, she was sleeping the night through and was once again the carefree, happy little girl she used to be.”

How to Improve Your Career Prospects

Posted on by

Whether you want to enter a new industry or just improve your current situation, you may find the situation is not as bad as it may seem. There are several things you can do to improve your career prospects, and it is up to you to be proactive and take the necessary steps to get there.

Start Learning New Skills

If you have limited skills, it can be easy to get stuck in a job without room for advancement. Whether you want to get a new job or just grow in your current position, growing your skillset can be the key to moving forward. Doing so will increase your abilities so you can be more proactive about your career. Start by creating a five-year plan as to what you want to achieve. That can help you gain the needed education and skills.

Pick a couple areas to improve upon each time period and spend some time getting the needed training you need. One way to gain the needed skills is by getting your degree. You can search for scholarships you might be eligible for with an online search tool. These can pay for some or all of the cost of tuition. No matter how you go about it, the key is to be consistent in your learning process. Working hard can help you make regular progress toward your goals. Check in regularly to see how you are doing and make sure you are still on track.

Break Larger Goals Up

You won’t automatically reach your career goals, so don’t feel like you have to get there right away. Instead, consider breaking things up into smaller bits so you can make regular progress. Make sure you can mouser each goal, setting realistic expectations for yourself. You can set a timeline on when you want to accomplish certain tasks, which will help reduce stress that you are not staying on track. It also prevents you from working too much on a goal and then getting burnt out before you are able to finish the task.

Don’t Settle for Second Best

To make yourself appear successful in business don’t settle for anything less than what you want to get out of your career. Make sure you are always striving to do your best, whether it is getting new opportunities or gaining new skills. While it can be tempting to stay where you are comfortable, doing so might lead to getting stuck with a job that is going nowhere. If you have advanced as far as you can in your current company, you may want to think about moving on.

Taking risks can help you find positions that will help you better meet your career goals. Be proactive if you find you are not getting the number of opportunities you need. If you work in an industry that is growing quickly, you may have all the opportunities you need. However, if your industry is growing slowly or even declining, you may want to broaden the possibilities. That can lead to more upward growth.

 Collaborative post with our brand partner.

Slow, slow, quick quick is the pace of progress at the Columbia Community Association – typical of refurbishments, but such good will abounds.

Posted on by

A few holdups as the team toddle through week 3. The doors, sent  off to be stripped (if Imight be indelicate) have not yet found their way home. Those in place are sanded and soon to be ‘tarted up’ – Marion’s words.   The flooring has to wait for the Asbestos check…

The delivery of the new bespoke kitchen is not yet confirmed. So the team wait – thrilled to bits. ‘Once it is here, work will begin immediately,’ so says Stu the gaffer. 

Marion is going to move  the existing benches into the computer room,which she showed me when Dick and I arrived to have a look. That woman’s mind works at the speed of light. 

Marion tells me, ‘One of the Forever Young ladies has very kindly donated a printer which is great as it saves me carting mine back and forth. This fits in well with the installation of our WIFI on the 11th; now, we need to locate the best place to purchase the ink cartridges, a job for Pauline our treasurer who enjoys shopping.’

John at Cosmic Blinds has produced a fabulously reasonable quote and food hampers are being made by Marion to raffle in aid of Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal. She asks again for food donations. By the way, the winning raffle tickets will be drawn at CCA’s coffee morniong on 26th August and Marion is so pleased because while telling me this, a lovely couple from Age Concern popped in to buy some raffle tickets. 

More good news: The Nationwide bank in Washington Galleries have kindly offered to display CCA posters on their notice board ( food donation requests and much needed medical supplies for the appeal. ) The CCA  accept medical supplies at any time and pass these onto the Polish Centre in Newcastle.

And… And…  Marion has made contact with the Washington Heritage Project Co-ordinator Arwa. Marion is hoping this will lead to the CCA being able to offer CCA resources to a wider audience and promote Columbia’s heritage.

Now onto the classes. Tuesday is  dancing day when the centre becomes alive with music and laughter. Last Tuesday was  no exception, and has actually put on an extended session. Marion laughed, and told me: ‘I love how the dads cannot wait to make a hasty retreat.

Aimee instructing her class just a shame we cannot hear the music

Fat Quarters, due to unforeseen circumstances,  cancelled their session for Week 3 and were missed,’ 

And here we have news of the “Shake that Boogie” group strutting their stuff to “Long haired lover from Liverpool” among many others. Marion wants evertyone to know: ‘It’s electrifying and so much fun with Claire at the helm.’

        

    Tuesday evening session                   Wednesday morning session

Dianne, CAA  chair, took over the reins for a while and did a bit of weeding on the pots at the front of the centre. ‘Then she did a walk around video with running commentary whcih has been posted  Columbia sites for all to see. (But has Marion told her that it IS UP for all to see?) 

Liam rang with an update on the doors. It appears it will take a little longer to strip the paint from them as around 80 years of gloss is taking some shifting. (83 to be exact and who knows what they used in those days)

 Apparently, the Openreach broadband Engineer was a young man by the name of Declan Garrigan and he was amazing, Over to Marion ‘ He worked three hours solid in heat of 31 degrees, refused to stop for refreshments saying he just wanted to get it sorted for us. What more could anyone ask for. Thank you, Declan it was much appreciated.’ Also said Marion.  ‘We did have our first volunteer come forward; Ray Turnbull you are a star, and he bought raffle tickets for the hampers.’

.Marion wanted me to say that she thanked me for the books (Really?! Must I?! 

I think the books will be there for you to borrow, or so Marion said. She also asked me to thank Sister Mary on her behalf for her flowers and gifts, and of course, ladies, we are all to knit titfers (hats) for the seamen. Righto. I have my orders, but am s-l-o-w.

Frost Magazine, in the rather rotund shape of Margaret, had a great visit to Brady Square which stirred many memories of my holidays with Uncle Stan, and my return visits since,  and I just know that the heart of the community is alive and well. Can’t wait to hear that the doors are in, the Asbestos flooring test is OK, and that the Fat Quarters are back sewing away soon. 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY SCENE: ANNEMARIE BREAR ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM THE SOLDIER’S DAUGHTER

Posted on by

My favourite scene in my next Victorian era release, The Soldier’s Daughter is when Evie and Sophie make the rash decision to sample some wines ordered for the Bellingham summer ball. Two well brought up young ladies from respectable families should never be drunk, but Evie is a little wild and likes to challenge the rules and leads Sophie into situations that they later regret, at least Sophie does!

 

An hour later, deep in the cellar of Dawson’s Wine Merchant’s, Evie and Sophie sat on a wooden bench sipping another sample of white wine. Lanterns spilled out golden light, which banished the dark into the far corners. Although it was cool in the cellar, it wasn’t terribly cold. Workers rolled barrels onto trolleys, which were hoisted up to the warehouse floor above and put on canal barges.

Mr Dawson and his two sons, Bobby and George, strapping young men the same age as Evie and Sophie, were very attentive to them. Glass after glass of different wines arrived and they sipped and discussed the flavours until one wine resembled another.

‘I like this one better than the last,’ Evie said, feeling a little light-headed.

‘They all taste the same now.’ Sophie hiccupped. ‘Even the red and white taste the same.’ She giggled.

‘They do not! One is red and one is white!’ Evie suddenly found it hilarious.

Sophie laughed and held up her empty glass. ‘May I have a sam… sample of that one again?’ She pointed to a heavy red wine from Burgundy.

Mr Dawson Senior shook his head anxiously. ‘I do believe you have had your limit, Miss Bellingham. I fear you may have sampled too many. Your mother will be expecting you home.’

Sophie stood and swayed. ‘We have outstayed our welcome, Evie…’ She swayed again, her eyes closing.

‘Steady now, miss.’ George, a large, burly young man with a pleasant face, hurried to hold her upright.

‘You are terri… terribly big…’ Sophie leaned close to stare up at him. ‘Such arms…’

Evie stood, her focus wavering slightly. The steep staircase they’d come down would be impossible to get back up without help. The trolley was winched back down and workers, giving the two ladies a laughing glance, rushed to wheel more wine barrels onto it.

‘I want to go on that!’ Evie pointed to the trolley.

‘Oh no, Miss Davenport.’ Mr Dawson held up his hands in protest and seemed ready to pass out at the idea.

‘Those steps are dangerous!’ Sophie declared. ‘I nearly broke my neck coming down.’

‘Ladies, we will help you up the stairs.’

‘No. We shall ascend on that.’ Determined to climb on the trolley, Evie knocked away Mr Dawson’s hand that he held out to stop her. She realised she still held her glass of wine and gulped it down in one go before passing the empty glass to an amused Bobby Dawson.

‘Move the barrels, men,’ Bobby instructed.

Laughing, the men removed the barrels from the trolley. ‘Isn’t this a sight?’ one of them yelled.

Bobby gave assistance to Evie to step onto the trolley. ‘Hold on to the side, Miss Davenport.’

‘Sophie, hurry up,’ Evie encouraged.

‘Gracious me.’ Sophie stepped on board, giggling. She missed the side of the trolley and nearly fell to her knees, which made her laugh even more.

Bobby helped Sophie upright. ‘This is a first. Women on our trolley.’

‘Good God!’ Mr Dawson rubbed his eyes. ‘We’ll never have another Bellingham order again once this is known around the district.’

 

The Soldier’s Daughter is released 8th September 2022.

For more information, please visit AnneMarie Brear’s website. www.annemariebrear.com

 

 

 

Hey ho, away we go into the world of Joffe Books to see what goodies they have for us this week

Posted on by

JOFFE’S BOOK OF THE WEEK is a brand-new historical mystery from bestselling author Gretta Mulrooney — DEATH AT THE DOLPHIN is out now for the special launch price of just 99p | 99c.    Such an interesting concept. I have so often wondered how those who held hich octane wartime posts made the cross over to peace. This books is fascinating:

London, 1945.

After completing her secret wartime work in London, Daisy Moore needs a job and somewhere to live. She ends up working at the Dolphin Hotel in a quiet Oxfordshire village.  But even in peacetime, death is just around the corner.  When a body is found in one of the hotel bedrooms, Daisy must use all her skills to help find the murderer.

CLICK HERE TO BUY DEATH AT THE DOLPHIN BY GRETTA MULROONEY FOR 99P | 99C.

           

MURDER AT MUDPACK BY jEAN G. GOODHIND 99P/99C

Move over Miss Marple, there’s a new amateur sleuth in town…

My sort of book: a woman is found drowned in a mud bath at the local spa and Honey is on the case. Only problem is, all the suspects have alibis.

Then a guest at Honey’s own hotel is found dead under what appear to be suspicious circumstances. Now it’s become personal . . .

MAKE BELIEVE BY CATH STAINCLIFFE 99p/99c (one of my favourite authors)

Discover the books behind the hit ITV detective drama, starring Caroline Quentin.

DCI Janine Lewis’s most harrowing investigation yet.  For nine days, the people of Manchester have been tirelessly searching for a missing three-year-old. This is a case where nothing is as it seems . . . but will this be the case that breaks her?

Detective Rob Miller is back for the sixth and seventh instalments.

Joffe Books Editorial Director Emma Grundy Haigh has signed two more books in Biba Pearce’s bestselling Detective Rob Miller series.

Biba says:

“I’m delighted that Joffe Books have signed for the sixth and seventh books in the DCI Rob Miller series. Once again, Rob and his team are on the trail of a very clever serial killer, and the twists and turns will keep you guessing right up until the very end. A huge thanks to Team Joffe for all they do, and for helping to make the books such a success.”

Emma says:

“Tense, dark and utterly thrilling, Biba Pearce’s Detective Rob Miller has won legions of fans and I am proud to count myself among them! This gripping London-set series just keeps going from strength to strength, thanks to Biba’s characteristic blend of heart-racing action and propulsive plotting. I can’t wait for readers to see what Biba puts Rob Miller and his team through next!”

Book 6 will be released in eBook and paperback in spring 2023.

Joffe asks if you’ve  met Rob Miller yet? Why not get acquainted, or remind yourself, about the series here:
Detective Rob Miller series on Amazon.

Lots more information here:

Steel Girls on the Home Front – Michelle Rawlins

Posted on by

Steel Girls on the Home Front is the third book in the Steel Girl series but can easily be read as a stand alone. That said, it made me want to go back to read books one and two to catch up on the characters’s stories in detail. The author makes them come to life from the first page and I was immediately wrapped up in Patty’s worries for her sweetheart, Archie as she tries to discover his secret. But Patty is only one of the three musketeers – the others being Nancy and Betty. I have to say I have a soft spot for Betty, always wondering what fund raiser to embark on next.

What I enjoyed most about Steel Girls on the Home Front was the sense of community, of the women, whatever their age, all pulling together to get through such strange times, not knowing where their men are, nor what they are doing. You feel their worry and cheer their uplifting ‘keep calm and carry on’ spirit.

There is lack – of men, of food, of security – but there is also so much gain – of warmth, community and friendship, and this is what helps each woman through their individual struggles and loneliness.

And although the ‘Three Musketeers’ are brought together by their work at the steel works it’s by no means the dominating force in the story – although you can be sure that the fine detail is spot on. Michelle Rawlins is also author of Women of Steel – The Feisty Sisters who Helped Win the War. Her meticulous research shines through but never slows down a story that moves at a cracking pace.

A warm hug of a read!

Description

As the war rages on in 1940, Vickers steelworks is busier than ever which is proving tough for Nancy as she juggles working long hours and looking after two young children, all while waiting for her husband to return home safely.

Betty is determined to roll up her sleeves and joins the Women’s Voluntary Service to keep busy and stop from fretting about her fiancé.

But Patty is left worrying about someone closer to home. Sweetheart Archie has been keeping a secret from her, and one that puts him in great danger. Will it threaten to pull them apart for good?

And with life at war tougher than ever, can the factory sisters rally together to find a way through?

Michelle Rawlins is an award-winning freelance journalist with over 20 years’ experience working in print and digital media. After learning her trade, Michelle began her freelance career writing for national newspapers and women’s magazines, concentrating on real-life stories and is the only person to have interviewed the surviving women who actually worked in the Sheffield steelworks in wartime.

Steel Girls on the Home Front is published by Harper Collins 

Available on Amazon

 

PUBLICATION DAY SPECIAL: HIDDEN IN THE MISTS BY CHRISTINA COURTENAY

Posted on by

It’s a very long time since a book has gripped me as much as this one. There was a time, close to the end, when it was genuinely hard to put down. I was so invested in the characters and their future happiness (or not!) that I didn’t want to leave them.

The setting on the Argyll coast is atmospheric and incredibly well drawn, as is the way of life but now and in the Viking age. Christina is the mistress of the Viking romance and personally I preferred the ghostly dual timeline story to time travel, which although popular I struggle a little to buy into.

For me, a sign of a great dual timeline is when I enjoy both stories equally and it was certainly the case with Hidden in the Mists. In the Viking era Asta’s world collapses when her father dies and her cousin steals her birth right and takes over the settlement, but help – and love – come from an unexpected quarter. In the present day narrative Skye is struggling to keep together the modern crofting existence she loves following her husband’s departure but then Rafe arrives out of the blue. Although the attraction between them is electric, both have secrets. And they’re both seeing ghosts.

The only other thing I’m going to say about this book is please do read it. Few writers pull off ghostliness as effectively as Christina and, coupled with an evocative setting, richly rounded characters, and a cracking plot, it’s one of the best romance novels I’ve read this year.

Given she writes ghosts so well, I asked Christina if she has ever encountered one:

“No, I have never had the honour of meeting/seeing a ghost myself, but I know people who have. People I trust implicitly, and who I’m sure would not lie about something like that or make things up. I used to spend a lot of time with friends in a 600-year old manor house which was definitely haunted. You felt it the moment you stepped inside – there was a certain atmosphere, as if the house itself was watching you and waiting for something. The owners told me all about their various experiences with their resident ghost. It changed my perception of ghosts as theirs seemed to be mischievous rather than trying to scare them. He (it was a man, dressed in chainmail the few times they saw him), used to sabotage all sorts of modern machinery, as if he didn’t like such newfangled things in his house – the lawnmower was forever breaking down, as were all the electrical appliances. It was hilarious, although obviously a bit of a pain for the poor owners who had to keep having things fixed or replaced. He would also open and close doors so that you’d think someone was arriving when there was no one there, or walk around upstairs when everyone was downstairs. At the time, I was actually terrified of possibly meeting him, but I’m braver these days and now I’m sorry I didn’t get to see him. I really do feel it would have been an honour!

“No one likes to think that death is final, that there is nothing else afterwards but a black void. The possibility that we can live on in some form or other is comforting, and with the amount of people who have come across ghosts, it is clear that there are plenty of unexplained things in the world. Therefore, I prefer to believe they exist, although I do think someone would have to have a very strong reason for lingering and it won’t happen to everyone. As for how I write about them, I just try to imagine how I would like my ghostly encounters to be if I had a choice and what possible reason they had for hanging around.”

 

 

 

Joffe Books has new books galore

Posted on by


Joffe’s  book of the week is acclaimed author Catherine Moloney’s latest addictive crime mystery — CRIME IN RETIREMENT is out now for the special launch price of just 99p | 99c.

The odd couple pairing of detectives Noakes and Markham return in their most gripping case yet . . . There’s a serial killer at large and retired detective DS Noakes, now head of security at Rosemount Retirement Home, asks Detective Markham for his help.

With the murder count rapidly rising, DI Markham sets a trap. Can he catch the killer before yet another person pays the ultimate price? 

CLICK HERE TO BUY CRIME IN RETIREMENT BY CATHERINE MOLONEY FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

The Thorney Island Murders Pauline Rowson   99p/99c

Renegade detective Andy Horton is called out to Oyster Quays Marina to examine a gruesome catch by two fishermen: a blackened human hand.

Meanwhile, a violent criminal is missing. Alfie Wright attacked David Jewson, a family man and bus driver in his forties, and was released on bail before going MIA . . .

Could the blackened hand belong to Wright?  

The Arnold Landon Mysteries (books 6-10) by Roy Lewis  99p/99c

This is a superb offer: FIVE ADDICTIVE CRIME MYSTERIES IN ONE BOX SET.

Meet Arnold Landon — local history buff turned amateur sleuth — in this beloved series of crime mysteries with an archaeological twist which have sold over half a million copies. Such good reads.

Missing on the Moors Priscilla Masters  99p/99c

MEET DI JOANNA PIERCY. SHE’S AN OUTSIDER IN A REMOTE STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS TOWN.   A dead farmer. His son killed too. DI Joanna Piercy must find his missing daughter before it’s too late . . .

“The atmosphere of the heatwave and the claustrophobic community was beautifully done.” #1 bestselling author Ann Cleeves

Great News: Joffe Books Associate Commissioning Editor Steph Carey has signed a new dark and twisty psychological thriller by Lizzie Fry.

Lizzie Fry is a debut author of high-concept thriller The Coven (published by Sphere books), but you might know her better as L.V. Hay.   L.V.’s previous books, The Other Twin, Do No Harm and Never Have I Ever were published by Orenda and Hodder. The Other Twin is currently being adapted for the screen by Agatha Raisin producers Free@Last TV.

Lizzie says:

“I am delighted to be publishing with Joffe Books. I’m a super-fan of their forward-thinking digital strategy and it’s thrilling to be working with them on Over My Dead Body. I don’t think I could be in better hands!”

Steph says:

“As soon as I started reading Over My Dead Body I knew I had to finish it — it’s completely unputdownable and absolutely chilling! Lizzie is a fantastic writer and I’m so pleased to have her on the list. I can’t wait to get to work on this fantastically gripping book!” 

Over My Dead Body will be released in eBook and paperback in early 2023.

More information @ Joffe Books