My Baker launches new whimsical and magical cakes with delivery within 24-48 hours

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My Baker, who sell delicious artisanal cakes made by a network of independent bakers, have launched a brand new children’s cake range of 28 cakes and cupcakes suitable for a party big or small.  Bored of seeing the same cakes at every birthday party? My Baker’s range offers unique and exciting designs that can be delivered in 48 hours (24 at a push), meaning mums and dads who are running around getting the final details for a party can tick one major item off the “to do” list with a minimum of fuss.

And if you’ve any last-minute concerns or questions before placing your order, the team’s “Cake SOS” phoneline is manned 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm.

The cakes, that are always made freshly to order, go beyond your wildest imagination; the range includes a safari cake, a roaaaarsome dinosaur cake, a rainbow cake and many, many more.

“By offering such a large range, we’re pretty much catering for every age and every interest, from dinosaurs and diggers to rainbows and unicorns.  We know that the demand for beautifully designed, delicious, freshly baked children’s cakes that can be ordered and delivered across the UK is there.  We are excited to launch this line and can’t wait to see our cakes at birthday parties across the UK’ says My Baker CEO, Mark Sinjakli

Three of the new designs which the team at My Baker are predicting will be most popular include:

The Dinosaur cake; a towering cake made of layers of light sponge, covered with a generous coating of buttercream, and featuring your favourite dinosaur, and even an egg or two.

If you’d rather a more whimsical cake, the Somewhere Over The Rainbow cake is the one for your child. Cutting though the generous coating of sprinkle-covered vanilla icing will reveal six layers of vivid rainbow-coloured sponge, fit for any birthday celebration.

A party isn’t a party without a balloon or two!  My Baker’s Eat Until You Pop cake is adorned with balloons ready to get any party started.  Available in blue, pink, yellow or green buttercream, this cake will add the ‘wow factor’ to any birthday party.

The cakes are available in a variety of flavours including red velvet, vanilla, salted caramel, chocolate and many more, and most can be adapted to suit all dietary requirements. The cakes start from £78 and can be delivered widely across the UK within 48 hours, with next-day delivery available within the M25 as standard. A next day service may even be available in other locations on request (please call to confirm before ordering). For more information or to browse the full range of children’s cakes, head over to the website.

They also have delicious cupcakes which we heartily recommend.

Frost Loves Revlon’s Latest Styling Tool

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We were first in the UK to try the new Revlon One Step Volumiser Plus. It is a stylish and easy-to-use brush that makes your hair look amazing. Buy it now, you won’t regret it.

revlon one step styling brush

The sun is out, bank holidays are back, and we definitely have a spring in our step. So why not welcome the Spring season with the latest hair trend and go bold with layers.

This Spring, both hairstylists and the glitterati are loving layers and it’s perfect for this time of year as it removes some of the weight from your hair as the weather warms up. And for added plus, there’s a layered style to suit everyone. No matter your face shape, layers can help to create shape, give volume, movement and texture to any style.

Layers can create a dramatic change without the drama of a drastic haircut and if you want to recreate the layered looks of some of the most stunning celebs, then GET THE LOOK with Revlon’s NEW One-Step Volumiser Plus:

Short Layers – Kaia Gerber
This short layered look takes the weight out of the hair without losing the length and styling options. It’s also easy to maintain and allows you to add texture, bounce, volume and flow to suit your shape, suit your mood and to suit any occasion. You can look as effortlessly chic as Kaia Gerber whether you’re off to a wedding or just popping to the supermarket.

The Layered Lob – Olivia Munn
The lob is back! Previously popular as a sleek longer version of the bob, the look became a bit flat and went out of fashion. As you can see from Olivia Munn’s bouncy style, layering keeps the essence of the bob’s clear outline but throws in a whole new dimension. This gives you a new range of movement and versatility so you can style it out in so many different ways. It’s the perfect style if you love to change your look at the drop of a hat.

Face-Shaping Layers – Elizabeth Olson
If you’re looking for a softer look that shapes the face but maintains that long and flexible style you’ve come to know and love then add some layers at the front. Wispy and light facing-shaping layers are an excellent way to add shape and style to longer hair. Elizabeth Olsen shows you why this ‘90s throwback style is making a comeback!

INTRODUCING THE NEW REVLON ONE-STEP VOLUMISER PLUS

The perfect, versality styling tool for all hair types, the NEW Revlon One-Step Volumiser Plus will have your layers looking luscious with extra volume, more shine and less damage.

Other Parents by Sarah Stovell Book Review

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Some books make you think not only while you are reading them, but also long after you have finished. Other Parents is such a book. Other Parents is a multi-layered book that delves deep into people and their motives. I felt every emotion while reading Other Parents. It is a book that opens your mind to how other people live and what might make them act the way they do.

I found myself both respecting Rachel, while being infuriated with her. I was equally infuriated with Laura, but also felt for her. We live in an unequal society and Sarah Stovell is an outstanding talent who has captured the class disparates in our society and laid them bare. Other Parents is a fascinating novel that I did not want to put down for a moment. It is clever and entertaining. With characters who are vivid and real, and a plot that doesn’t let you go. Loved it.

other parents, sarah stovell,

In a small town like West Burntridge, it should be impossible to keep a secret.

Rachel Saunders knows gossip is the price you pay for a rural lifestyle and outstanding schools. The latest town scandal is her divorce – and the fact that her new girlfriend has moved into the family home.

Laura Spence lives in a poky bedsit on the wrong side of town. She and her son Max don’t really belong, and his violent tantrums are threatening to expose the very thing she’s trying to hide.

When the local school introduces a new inclusive curriculum, Rachel and Laura find themselves on opposite sides of a fearsome debate.

But the problem with having your nose in everyone else’s business is that you often miss what is happening in your own home.

Other Parents is available here.

 

 

Joffe Books have provided us with a feast of feisty reading again this week

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An excellent selection  of new crime novels this week  from Joffe Books, ranging from a brand-new serial killer thriller to a somewhat addictive character-driven police procedural, so let’s take a look at :

The Skin Code by Stephen Willams.

Joffe’s book of the week is one of the most chilling new crime thrillers you’ll read this year from internationally bestselling author Stephen Williams — THE SKIN CODE is out now for just 99p | 99c.

Seasoned detective Mary Hume finds herself on the trail of a vicious serial killer who leaves a baffling code carved into the skin of his victims.  CAN YOU CRACK THE CODE?

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE SKIN CODE BY STEPHEN WILLIAMS FOR 99P | 99C.

                                   

I have a feeling you are going to be spoiled for choice. Take a look:

Killer on the Moors by Priscilla Masters   99p/99c

Missing nurse Marilyn Smith is dead. Spread-eagled on the bed, all dressed up for a date she didn’t keep. DI Joanna Piercy is convinced that Marilyn was murdered even though the post-mortem is inconclusive.  Joanna’s boss is breathing down her neck to close the case. She must catch a killer to keep her job.

Murder in Rome by Roy Lewis  £1.99/$3.99

Arnold Landon heads to Rome, ready to begin retraining for his own job. His first port of call? An ancient tomb.  Arnold treads the twisty path down to the burial chamber, expecting to find nothing but old bones. Instead, he stumbles on fresh blood and a much more recently dead body.

Can Arnold unravel the mystery before the ruthless killer strikes again?

Little Sister is the latest page-turning psychological thriller from bestselling master of suspense, Patricia MacDonald — available for pre-order now for £2.99 | $4.99.

Joffe Books Editorial Director Emma Grundy Haigh had this to say:

“LITTLE SISTER brims with all that makes Patricia MacDonald such a master of her craft: endearingly relatable characters, a brilliantly twisty plot and a taut undercurrent of tension that builds to a crescendo!”

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER LITTLE SISTER BY PATRICIA MACDONALD FOR £2.99 | $4.99. 

But that’s not all.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER DEVIL’S CHIMNEY BY ADAM LYNDON FOR 99P | 99C.

Devil’s Chimney is an utterly authentic new police procedural from debut author and serving police officer Adam Lyndon — available for pre-order now for just 99p | 99c.

Joffe Books Publishing Director Kate Lyall Grant told us::

“This intricately plotted crime thriller introduces an intriguing new detectiveprotagonist in DC Rutherford Barnes.  Good-looking and intensely ambitious, Barnes’ all-consuming desire for promotion leads him to make a decidedly dodgy decision — and plunges him into a nightmare which threatens his career, his marriage — and ultimately his life.

A serving police officer, Adam Lyndon’s 20-year career in CID and special investigations ensures this outstanding police procedural offers  a unique insight into the inner workings of a high-profile murder investigation.”

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER DEVIL’S CHIMNEY BY ADAM LYNDON FOR 99P | 99C.

For more information Joffe Books

SUNDAY SCENE: LYNDA EDWARDS ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM FRIENDSHIP ESTATE

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My latest book, Friendship Estate, is set on the island of Jamaica, where I was born and raised.  In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the Caribbean Islands were at a crossroads.  The abolition of slavery was on the horizon.  In the colonies, the white and black races had been mixing for generations.  They had formed a new society with a culture born of oppression, harboring a deep desire to mix freely while charting a new course for themselves.  In Friendship Estate, we witness the intricate romances and elegant customs of a bygone age while meeting a captivating array of characters.

The story is very personal because eight generations of my family are buried on the island.  The story is based on one of many passed down through the generations.  But this one has always intrigued me, causing my imagination to take flight.

I loved writing this scene because I saw the scene unfolding in my mind’s eye.  I envisioned Sabine’s anger and felt her pain as she looked out at the beautiful scene unfolding in front of her, marred by the hatred she felt.  Sabine’s father is dying.  She is hurting and comes across her nemesis Brixton as he is swimming in the sea.

Sabine Holborn stood alone on the hill overlooking the white sand below her.  She watched as the sea turned from turquoise to dark blue.  The wind picked up the waves and crashed them against the shore, matching the anguish in her heart.  Her father was dying.  It was no longer if but when, and the unshed tears made the scene in front of her shimmer.  The loud sobs that racked her body had subsided as she rode to her favorite spot overlooking the endless expanse of the Caribbean Sea.  She loved Mount Sion, but it belonged to that hateful Brixton Dunbarton.

She had known Brixton Dunbarton all her life.  A few years older than she was, she watched as he flirted his way through all the eligible girls on the island.  All except her.  She had listened as her friends prattled on about how handsome he was, his blond hair kissed by the sun, they romanticized.  He was lean with long legs, hardened by years of riding and working his estate.  No one seemed to care that his clothes were last year’s fashions, slightly frayed and worn, or that his shoes were scuffed, and his dress stockings all had runs in them.  He was so beautiful; everyone overlooked his financial shortcomings.  As they grew older, a few girls had whispered of their romantic escapades with him.  He was always polite but never flirted with her and had proposed no romantic assignations.  It hadn’t taken long for her friends to notice.  They did not comment to her face, but she knew her standing with some of them had fallen, all because Brixton Dunbarton did not think she was important enough to flirt with her.  She hated him for it.

She watched as Brixton frolicked in the waves, not a care in the world.  He swam and splashed around, secure in his place in this world.  She did not have that luxury now, and it shook her natural confidence to its core.  She watched Brixton, and her resentment grew.  Why was his hateful father still enjoying his life while hers clung to his? 

Lynda Edwards is a Jamaican writer. To date, she has written two novels, Redemption Songs and her latest release, Friendship Estate.

Find out more about Lynda and her other books at www.lyndaredwards.com

A nation celebrates by Alex Bannard Wellness and Wellbeing Editor

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This weekend we joined thousands others to line the Mall for Trooping the Colour. I have never done anything like this before & will probably never do so again.

I couldn’t help but reflect – there were after all hours of hanging around until the troops & cavalry arrived – on the similarities between our own Queen Elizabeth & the previous longest reigning monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej the esteemed and beloved King of Thailand.

Whilst we were living in Thailind the King passed away. He was beloved by his people, the nation was devastated.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej came to the throne  when he was 18 years old and like our own Queen, was much revered by his people as he was their champion. He once said, ‘My place in this world is being among my people, the Thai people.’

He spearheaded projects to support the poor and bring the nation into the 21st century, audubg Thailand in becoming one of the more successful Asian nations whilst still maintaining it’s cultural heritage and spirit and navigating political and social crises with grace and diplomacy.

Queen Elizabeth pledged,’ I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.‘ And she has worked tirelessly since then for her people & served us for 70 years. She has been a known & stable for us all throughout our lives.

What I also find interesting about the 2 longest regaining monarchs is that neither was born into their roles but nevertheless destined to be so.

It was our Queen’s destiny after her uncle abdicated for his love of Mrs Simpson, so it was for King Bhumibol as he only became King after his brother died.

I am grateful we went to London to play a very small part in Her Majesty’s celebrations. It was an amazing experience. I hope it will be an experience my kids will never forget.

My son certainly went from a petulant teenager hiding in his coat as he processed the 4am start to flag-waving & smiling. My daughter loved all the pomp & pageantry. We chatted to the crowds, played Uno, cheered & waved & so worth the early start!

Thank you, Your Majesty for your 70 year’s of dedication & service.

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for the decade, not just in the UK but also in Thailand & Germany. Her mission is to help everyone discover their bliss within & to encourage them to embrace a practice of self-care.

If you would like more information on how to practice self-care message Alex at alex@alexbannard.com.

For free resources check out her Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

Alternatively please check out her website: www.alexbannard.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

How to Work Toward Achieving Your Career Goals

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We all have goals in life whether these are lifestyle goals, health goals, or financial goals. Another type of goal that many people set themselves is career goals, and it can be a challenge trying to achieve these in what has become a very competitive world. No matter what type of industry you are interested in, you will face stiff competition. This means that you need to be proactive, plan ahead, and take steps to boost your chances of success.

There are various steps that you can take if you want to achieve your career goals with greater ease, and these are simple yet very effective methods that can make a huge positive difference to your success levels. By taking the time to create a career plan, you will be able to work toward your goals one step at a time, and this makes the process far less stressful. In this article, we will look at some of the steps you should take to work toward achieving your career goals.

Some of the Key Steps to Take

Of course, the first thing you need to do is to work out what your career goals are, what type of job you want to do, and what industry you are interested in. Once you have decided this, you can follow these steps:

Research What Is Needed and Gain New Skills/Qualifications

The first thing you need to do is to look at the skills and qualifications that are needed in order to get into your chosen job or career. If you do not currently possess these skills, you should research training and educational institutions where you can gain the skills and earn the qualifications that are required. You may even be able to do this online depending on the type of studies or training you need to undertake.

Get a Solid Resume Created

Once you have completed your training or studies, you need to ensure you have a solid resume so that you can impress decision-makers when you apply for suitable jobs. You can use a resume template online in order to help you create a resume that looks great and will make a huge positive impression on potential employers. When you send out an impressive resume, it can make all the difference in terms of getting a face-to-face interview, which then means a better chance of getting the job.

Make Use of Online Job Sites

One of the other things that you should do is to make use of online job sites, as this enables you to identify suitable job opportunities with greater ease and convenience. When you register your details on these sites, you can get the details of relevant and suitable jobs sent directly to your inbox, so you will not miss out and you can save yourself time, hassle, and inconvenience.

These are some of the key steps that you should take if you want to work toward achieving your career goals.

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

The 5 Books That Changed Me by Jane Lambert

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‘Rebecca’ by Daphne du Maurier: My mum gave me this book when I was about 15.

As a shy, gauche teenager I identified with the second Mrs de Winter. Her story taught me to not always take situations or people at face value, that being shy is not a sign of weakness, not to compare myself to others and to be true to myself.  

‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ by Helen Fielding: Like Bridget, I used to want to be in a meaningful relationship, but would fall for the wrong guys. I eventually learned that I deserved better, to have self-respect and to stop putting up with bad behaviour – just as Bridget did. I too can be clumsy and say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Bridget taught me to laugh at myself and that I’m okay just as I am. 

‘The Understudy’ by David Nicholls: I was drawn to this book as I have been an understudy many (too many!) times. Though fiction, the authenticity of the narrative made me wonder if the writer was, or had been an actor. I was right, and it is his personal story which inspired me to take my writing more seriously and to aim high. As an actor you’re dependent on someone hiring you. You have no control. As a writer you produce your own work. It’s rewarding to be part of something you have created. I have ‘The Understudy’ to thank for leading me to David Nicholls, who set me on an alternative and more enriching creative path. 

‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ by Mark Haddon: This book had a huge effect on me. The story is told through the eyes of 15-year-old Christopher, whose inability to tell lies, social awkwardness and logical take on the world give you an insight into being on the autistic spectrum and the effect it has on those around you. I could identify with some of Christopher’s thoughts, such as: “I find people confusing” and “I want my name to mean me.” Christopher’s story gave me an appreciation of how being “different” brings its own special gifts and should be celebrated. I was lucky enough to be involved in the London stage production.  I was lucky enough to be involved in the London stage production.

‘Big Magic’ by Elizabeth Gilbert: “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.” When I was writing my first novel there was an annoying voice whispering in my ear that it was a waste of time. Who did I think I was? JK Rowling? ‘Big Magic’ taught me to believe in myself and not let fear stand in my way. Thanks to this book, I have learned to live alongside fear so I may strive to be better, but not let it control my mind. This has helped me in my acting career too. I still suffer occasionally from ‘Imposter Syndrome’, but dipping into this book gives me a dose of self-belief and puts me back on the right track. 

♥