From the creators of the bestseller Storytellers Dictionary comes the My Epic Life Word Book for children ages 4-8 years. All the hilariously illustrated words every child needs to learn to express themselves in today’s world. This is not your average dictionary. It is a dictionary, but its also a truly epic life. Designed by literacy experts to be hilariously fun and endlessly surprising, each page bursts with Hollywood illustration. The words are curated from relevant, global curriculum lists for kids aged four to eight, with extra challenging vocabulary added to the mix. This dictionary gives children the words that need to express themselves in every part of life from emotions to maths, food to philosophy, making a big mucky mess to cleaning up, as well as a whole section on the future of technology.

I cannot praise this book enough, I have a 5-year-old Son and a 4-year-old daughter who both absolutely loved this book, some of the words were for older children but my two particularly enjoyed the QR animations, they thought that they were hilarious.

Now I normally review a book from my point of view, what I liked, what drew me in etc. however seeing as this is a children’s book, I thought I would ask them.

As I said my children are young, they liked the fact that there were numbers to learn as well as words. They liked the funny characters, and how colourful the book was. I liked the fact that they were learning new words as well as a new way to express their emotions. For example, they learned the word ‘Exhilarated’ and my son used that word in a sentence, in the correct context. The QR animations are genius, as with most children, my two love watching YouTube so the fact that they were able to read something in a book and the watch the exact same thing on YouTube was amazing.

We keep going back to the book to learn more words so the learning and fun is never ending and I will most definitely be buying more.

Hardcover – £14.42

Natalie Jayne Peeke: www.thebookwormmother.co.uk

Anyone who regularly checks their Instagram account would have seen the magical colour foundation advertised. The advert consists of different women, with different skin tones, testing out the foundation. I was sceptical when I saw the videos, thinking that if something looks too good to be true then it probably is.

I have annoyingly fair skin, my general rule of thumb when buying foundation is to go for the palest shade available, even then it is often too dark for my skin. Out of curiosity I thought I would give the TLM foundation a go, it was less than £5 and I normally spend anywhere from £8-£15 on foundation, so it was cheaper than normal.

When I received the foundation, I washed and dried my face and applied it to my makeup wedge. I initially used two pumps worth. And to my amazement when I started to blend the foundation out it did in fact change colour. It suited me, it covered up my Rosacea and acne. It left my skin looking a little oily, so I used a loose powder to ‘set’ my face. Over the course of two weeks I have used the foundation every day, I now use 1 and a ½ pumps and I still get amazing coverage but less of a shine.

I am converted, not only does it cost less I even use less as well. It stays on all day and it has not irritated my skin. Win win win. The only issue I could find was it made my skin look more oily but this was easily resolved with the use of loose powder.

TLM description:

It’s a revolutionary new liquid foundation that goes on white and instantly self-adjusts to match your exact skin tone. The unique colour matching formula protects and moisturises the skin as it works to even out your complexion. The fragrance-free formula is lightweight and quickly absorbs onto the skin without any dryness or caking.

30ml for £4.42 from Amazon

SPF 15 Broad Spectrum

Dermatologist tested

Suitable for sensitive skin

Moisture cream

Natalie Jayne Peeke: www.thebookwornmother.co.uk

Writing as someone who has been through breast cancer myself, I understand only too well the importance of funding research and lobbying for improved care for people with this very prevalent illness. October is the month set aside to focus on this and a number of companies are doing ‘their bit’ by donating a percentage of profits on specific ‘pink’ items to the Breast Cancer Now and Breast Cancer Care charity. There are mixed emotions regarding ‘pink’ amongst the breast cancer community – many feel that pink is far too fluffy to reflect the reality of living with breast cancer. Nevertheless, anything that raises funds for such an important cause is welcome. You can view the links to the companies involved in this scheme on the Breast Cancer Care website.

On the same theme, TOMY and Britains have made a pink-coloured limited-edition 1:32 scale model replica Valtra tractor. It has a sturdy AGCO engine, removable cab, working steering wheel, an A-frame front hitch and 9” SmartTouch screen for Valtra Guide, U-pilot headland management and tractor control. RSP is £34.99 from Farm Toys Ltd and £1 from each sale going to Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now.

Finally, I cannot write about breast cancer initiatives without talking about my book, From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows. When, as a doctor I found I had breast cancer myself, I was bewildered and frightened. Even with my medical background, I struggled. I was being asked to make decisions on my care which I felt unqualified to make, and, on occasions, found myself having to speak out when mistakes had been made. I had to learn, and learn rapidly about breast cancer and the latest treatments – I needed to be my own expert. It was hard, but how much harder for people without medical training? There was a desperate need for a book to provide comprehensive knowledge in bite-sized pieces – people simply can’t concentrate at such a time.  So I wrote one. It guides through the diagnosis and treatment; when things go wrong; it demystifies medical research; explains cancer, why we get it and how to give ourselves the best chance. I used my own story to make it easy reading. Intended primarily for people with a breast cancer diagnosis, it will also help those with other cancers or serious illnesses – and it will help relatives and friends understand what their loved ones are experiencing. Available on Amazon and Kindle (links below) or through local bookshops ISBN: 978-0-9935083-0-1

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

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

http://faitobooks.co.uk

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

Award winning Bliss Cafe in Thirsk North Yorkshire – home to the Yorkshire Vets and the unforgettable late James Herriot – has earned yet another accolade: Frost Magazine’s Most Friendly café Award 2019

Recommendations were received not just from Thirsk, but nationwide, including High Wycombe (near London) Exeter and Lytham St Anne’s.

So – why?

As one of those who recommended Bliss Café said – It’s a sanctuary, not just for people but their dogs and children. Just like stepping into a friend’s house. There’s great food, good coffee and lots of laughter, or tranquility, if that’s what you need.

Another: There is such a sense of companionship – come into my house, and let’s chat.

And yet another: Jacqui Collyns and her staff greeted us as though we were friends who’d dropped in for a chat and a coffee. Food is brilliant too: scones, cakes, breakfast and each day a different lunch menu.

And so it went on.

Bliss Café is set in Millgate, Thirsk. In the morning, if a tourist, you can visit the James Herriot Museum and then head across the market square to Millgate, and Bliss. Once there, take the weight off your feet, and collapse on one of the leather sofas, or sit up round a table. If you have your phone, there is wifi. If you have dogs they will be served first, with sliced sausage.

If you have children they will loved the relaxed ambiance. Around you locals will be chatting to one another, and probably you. Jacqui her daughters and staff will definitely be chatting to everyone.

We asked Jacqui how Bliss Café came into being?

My life changed ten years ago, and there I was, a single parent with two children, five and ten, Madeline and Isabel, and dogs, and I had to start again. But what to do?

I was travelling through Thirsk on my motorbike (yes, you heard Jacqui correctly) and saw this rather sad empty shop. A friend travelling with me, said. ‘That’s could be a café. Your café. You love having friends dropping in, with their dogs and kids, and cooking, baking, making coffee, tea. Do it for a living. Make your cafe a home from home.’

It appealed to me: somewhere to put down roots, a way of adding to the community, and being in the hub of things. But could I make it work?

And has it for you, as well as your customers, or should we say friends?

Oh yes, it’s absurd to love earning a living so much. Bliss has enhanced my life, given me a grounding, enveloped me in friendship.

Frost Magazine listened to, and chatted with customers. One mentioned Bliss as a sanctuary, before he went on his way home. He comes in most mornings, as do several others it seems. Another talked of the fun which swirls around the café. Another mentioned the sense of belonging.

So, bravo Bliss, bravo Jacqui. Long may you continue to  create a home from home for your customers – oops sorry, friends, old and new.

Bliss Café: 12 Millgate, Thirsk YO7 1AA Open 7 days a week. 01845 868163

Images courtesy of Bliss Cafe

Did I mention I liked Hape toys? Yes I believe I have ‘hape’d on about them rather a lot.  Well their Einstein range is something else and I was quite taken aback by their Color Mixer Bead Maze.  Whilst retaining the simplicity of a good old-fashioned toy, Hape have introduced some really clever features, which will hold a child’s attention and keep them learning well into their toddler years.

At first sight it is the tried and tested bead maze – where the child can move different colored beads along a wire, all set attractively in an eye-catching wooden frame. But, hello, what is that white disc at the bottom? Well it’s the first clue that this is not a simple mechanical toy, although it certainly does help develop fine-motor skills.

As your child moves the beads along, the white disc flashes a different colour, and a voice says the colour name – in English, then Spanish, then French – how cool is that? There are so many initiatives for introducing children to foreign languages at a very early age, and this toy really complements these – and maybe the parents can learn a few words too? Who knew that amarillo meant yellow, in Spanish? Yes, OK, quite a high percentage of the world’s population I suppose…

And to keep the younger kids interested, the toy also plays attractive tunes and flashes rainbow sequences.  This novel and yet robust toy will maintain a toddler’s interest for a long time.  At £19.99 from Amazon it is well worth considering for Christmas.

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

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

http://faitobooks.co.uk

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

Is it just me who struggles to handle a hairdryer AND a brush AND sections of hair – all at the same time? I mean, how do hairdressers do it?  If I’m not dropping either dryer, or brush, or both just as I’m poised to tackle a selected section of hair, I’m catching stray clumps in the brush which then tangle to it so tightly that it ends up riveted to my head – not a great look. Not only this, but, unlike most hairdressers, my wrists don’t appear to have a swivel function, so how am I supposed to keep turning the brush round and round using my one free hand, to get even a faint wave in my straight-as-a-die locks?

So thank you Revlon for creating a hairdryer and brush combined – oh, and which volumises too – something beyond my wildest hopes.

The whole thing resembles a large but light oval hairbrush. A flick of a switch and air blows through vents within the brush at a choice of temperatures, so all you have to cope with is the brush itself. With simple manoeuvring you can straighten your hair, or, in my case, give it a lovely neat wave.  So easy, even for someone with my total lack of coordination.

But it isn’t just a hairbrush emitting hot air. Oh no, it uses ionic technology too. Ionic technology simply means that the hot air contains lots of negatively-charged ions. These have several benefits – they break down the water molecules, promoting evaporation and hence they speed up drying. Apparently they also tighten the hair cuticles, creating smooth and shiny hair and reduced frizziness – a big help in creating that I’ve-just-been-to-the-hairdresser look which we all crave but usually find so hard to achieve.

And now to my pet-hate – tangles. Well Revlon have thought of this too. The hairdryer-brush has special bristles – short, tufted, natural bristles and longer bobbled ones, which both prevent tangling and also help volumise.

And finally – it has a ceramic coating to protect from heat damage, and the cord has a swivel function (unlike my wrists).

For such a neat product there are a lot of well-thought out features, which pretty much cover every base for someone with limited hairdressing skills. You too can achieve a professional-looking hair-style quickly and stress-free, at home. I even astounded myself with the results.

And at just £59.99 it’s not much more than the price of just one professional blow-dry.  Available at Amazon or Boots.

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

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

http://faitobooks.co.uk

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