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

Posted on by

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

 

Book of The Week: The Variety Girls By Tracy Baines

Posted on by

The Variety Girls , Tracy Baines

Our Book of The Week is this stunning novel from Tracy Baines. You can read our review here. Get your copy now.

This heart warming saga is set on the brink of the 2nd World War, and circumstances have dictated that Jessie Delaney, her mum, Grace, and young brother Eddie, up sticks and move in with Jessie’s aunt and uncle. To call these relatives the sober-sides, the  ‘sucked a lemon’ brigade is to understate the case. Life is toxic, and miserable, but our Jessie is aspirational, she determines to escape onto the stage in her father’s footsteps.

Can she pull it off, especially as it means leaving her mum and brother, and what about Harry the boyfriend?

If she does leave, how can she rescue her mother and brother? Will she be the successful singer she craves to be? Will she still see Harry? Where will she live? Will she make friends?

So many questions, and to find the answers, and enter this razzmatazz world, you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did, all the while so wanting Jessie to pull it off, just as the author most certainly has: an evocative, busy, entertaining read, which has well balanced touches of humour, vying with angst, and of course, more than a dollop of tension. Bravo, bravo.

But be warned, you’ll end up buying sparkly knickers, and dancing to the big band sound around the kitchen – oh yes you will.

The Variety Girls by Tracy Baines. pb, ebook and audio. Available from Amazon.co.uk WH Smith, and ASDA

 

RUSSELL HOBBS UNVEILS STYLISH NEW HONEYCOMB COLLECTION FOR 2020

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.

 

MILLY JOHNSON ON WINNING THE RNA’S OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Posted on by

Sunday Times Bestselling Author Milly Johnson on winning this prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award and what the Romantic Novelists’ Association means to her. 

I cannot tell you how delighted I was to receive an email telling me that I was being given the RNA Outstanding Achievement Award this year – this very special 60th anniversary year too.  It was one of those ‘pinch-yourself’ moments: how was it that me, a northern bird with no industry connections, who always wanted to be an author but never really thought it would be possible, was getting this accolade? It made me quite reflective of all the years between those moments and I realised

Credit: Chris Sedgewick

how much hard work I’d done to be published and stay published. I was never under any illusion that getting a book out there would bring me instant fame and fortune but still, there was never anything I wanted to do as much as hold a book, written by me with my name on the cover. And here I am published, and actually selling a few copies as well.  I never get blasé about it, it’s a thrill every time to see my name on a new book, to see it out there in the wild.

I have grafted, gone above and beyond the call of duty as you do for something you want with all the fibre of your being. I remember reading an early Carole Matthews book, loving her work, looking up to her, wanting to be published like she was, promoting her to status of goddess in my head and then a few years later she was my pal and we had the same agent. I remember well that longing to be ‘one of the chosen’ and so I can easily put myself in the shoes of those who are looking at me and imagining themselves published one day.  If they want it hard enough, and put the work in, and if one agent rejects them, and they move on to the next never taking a no as the final answer, then one day that call will come to say they’ve got a deal. Then the hard work begins. I used to equate that first publishing deal with the pinnacle of Everest, but it’s not even Base Camp. And often in this job, writing the book is the easiest part!

I am so looking forward to the evening. I have many friends there shortlisted for an award that it is sure to be a jolly one, and my plus one for the evening is my best novelist pal Debbie Johnson, because you need someone who understands the intricacies of this crazy job, to trust with all your niggles and to act as a sounding board when you feel like screaming because you’ve had the worst review ever written by anyone. And you are there for them when the reverse happens. A bit of kindness in this game goes a long, long way. And it’s always the best Karma to pay it forward.

I joined the RNA when I was published, not before. I was quite adamant that’s the way I’d do it and what a misguided fool I was! Had I joined before I would have benefitted from so much inspiration and guidance, I would have had so many more writer friends to mix with rather than do it all alone. I missed out on help and fun and a lot of Prosecco. But join I did eventually and it was one of the best investments I made becoming part of the association. I encourage any other writer not to follow in my footsteps as far as my stubbornness goes, but to join as soon as you can and take advantage of the wealth of wisdom its ‘fabulousness of authors’ has to share.

 

My One True North by Milly Johnson is published on 5th March by Simon and Schuster and is available to pre-order now. 

 

Burberry Handbags: A Symbol of Timeless Aristocracy

Posted on by

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.

Sponsored collaboration.

SISTER SCRIBES’ READING ROUND UP: FEBRUARY

Posted on by

Cass:

Having loved Kitty Wilson’s debut novel, The Cornish Village School: Breaking the Rules, I already knew what to expect from the pen of this talented author: relatable characters, a fabulous Cornish setting, lots of emotion and laughs-a-plenty.

The Cornish Village School: Second Chances is the story of Sylvie, who’s had to give up her dreams in the past and is also doing her best to recover from a recent loss whilst being the best mum she can be to her little son, Sam (adorable!) and Alex, who’s come to Penmenna with his adopted daughter, Ellie (adorable and hilarious!), to help her escape the horrors of her past and to also take a break from the pressures of his job.

Surround these two new characters with the regulars from the first book, Rosy and Matt, still cosily besotted with each other; Chase and Angelina (who’s still weird, but perhaps a bit mellower… sometimes); the controlling Marion Marksharp (still loving that name), and you have a fun read, layered with depth, as both Sylvie and Alex reveal their past wounds, at first to themselves and then to each other.

A fabulous second novel from Kitty Wilson, who writes rom-com at its very best.

 

Jane:

Given most of my novels have a time-slippy element it’s surprising I haven’t read Daphne du Maurier’s The House on the Strand before. In truth I only picked it up because my talks partner, Sue Kittow, has written a book of walks based around du Maurier’s work and we’ve been asked to speak about the author to a local group.

From the first chapter I was hooked. The book dates from the 1960s and the protagonist is Dick Young, a man who can only be described as having a mid life crisis, and is lent a house in Cornwall for the summer by an old university friend – on the condition he helps him with an experiment. This involves taking a drug which transports him to the early fourteenth century, a brutal time by any standards, and even as a helpless bystander he becomes emotionally involved in the lives of lords, ladies and serfs living around Tywardreath then.

I enjoyed this well crafted book and alternately racing to finish it and throwing it down and stomping off yelling “oh, you stupid man!” at Dick. Although the writing was so vivid I travelled back to medieval times, the contemporary story of a man struggling to make sense of his life – and in so doing putting his family’s happiness at great risk – gripped me even more. Through the lens of time Dick could be seen as a selfish bastard but this book is actually a heart-wrenching portrayal of what addiction can do to the body and mind. As relevant today as it was in the 1960s.

Set firmly in the past – this time the early nineteenth century – is To Have and To Hold, another great book from Valerie Holmes. Her Yorkshire setting is so beautifully drawn I could see it in my mind’s eye as I read, and I love the way she draws her characters from outside ‘the ton’ – it makes them seem so much more real, somehow.

This is a great adventure/love story that begins with a runaway mill boy and ends… well, that would be telling, wouldn’t it? Poldark fans should love it. Valerie’s new book, In Sickness and in Health, is available for pre-order now.