Perfect Books For The Christmas Season

The Runaway , Hollie Overton

The Runaway By Hollie Overton 

You can tell the writer put her heart and soul into this book. It is an outstanding thriller. It leaves you holding your breathe until the very last page.

Available here.

An introduction to poetry

Poetry. A Very Short Introduction By Bernard O’Donoghue.

Perfect for writers and poetry fans. Entertaining and educational: it gives a perfect overview of poetry. Bernard O’Donoghue also ask what poetry is and what is is for. Riveting.

Available here.

Milli Hill Give Birth like a feminist

Give Birth Like a Feminist By Milli Hill.

This book is perfect for any expecting parent. It is even a good read for those who are not. Give Birth Like a Feminist is an important read from a pioneer in pregnancy and birth. Milli Hill founded The Positive Birth Movement and her work in the field has progressed women’s right by years. She also allowed me to publish one of her birth stories in my book, Women on Childbirth. She is the best kind of woman: a woman who support other women and fights for them too. A must buy.

Available here.

Andy Martin With Child

With Child By Andy Martin

Andy Martin spent a year with Lee Child. With Child is the diary of these adventures. I found this fascinating as a writer myself. Perfect for fans of Lee Child and Jack Reacher. A great book.

Available here.

Designer babies

Designing Babies By Robert L. Klitzman, MD.

This book is absolutely fascinating. In-depth research mixed with personal stories creates a perfect book on the subject of designing babies. Fertility, infertility, genetics…. This book covers the medical science of making babies. it does so with a human heart. What is right and what is wrong? Robert Klitzman is a brilliant and eloquent writer.

Available here.

The Children's forest

The Children’s Forest.

The Children’s Forest is the perfect book for children and parents. This book has a lot of fun activities to get your child in touch with nature. This book is a celebration of nature and, in my opinion, is essential for children to get them outdoors and learning more about nature. For ages 3-12, it has games, songs, recipes and animal, tree and plant lore. This excellent book offers hours of fun for children and parents.

Available here.

what snowflakes get right

What Snowflakes Get Right By Ulrich Baer.

This brilliant book is thought-provoking and brilliantly written. Snowflakes get a bad wrap but this in-depth and passionate analysis should be read by everyone. Great stuff.

Available here.

the writer's creative workbook

The Writer’s Creative Workbook By Joy Kenward. Illustrated By Ruth Allen. 

This is a brilliant book for the writer in your life. Even the most advanced writers will find this helps get things flowing again.

Available here.

One more lie Amy lloyd

One More Lie by Amy Lloyd. 

This is a stunning thriller. Full of suspense and atmosphere: you will not want to put it down. It also has a quote from Frost Magazine writer Annie Clarke who is a fan.

Available here.

Abbey Clancey I'll be home for Christmas

I’ll Be Home For Christmas By Abbey Clancy.

I do not know how she manages it: as well as being gorgeous, working as a model and TV Presenter and raising four children Abbey Clancy has written this amazing book. I loved it from the first page. The characters are so vivid and the story is a glam, glitzy read that entertains right to the end. I LOVE this book.

Available here.

a mrs miracle christmas debbie macomber

A Mrs Miracle Christmas By Debbie Macomber. 

This is the perfect Christmas book. It is a warm book that is a perfect example of romantic fiction. Perfect for an evening snuggling with some hot cocoa.

Available here.

rebel dogs heroic tales of trusty hounds

Rebel Dogs By Kimberlie Hamilton. 

This book is perfect for dog lovers. Fun and well-written, it makes you happy.

Available here.

Annie Clarke, heroes on the home front

Heroes On The Home Front By Annie Clarke. 

The second in the series by this stunning writer. Yes, she does write for Frost, but she is a master at her craft. her novels are researched within an inch of their lives and have real heart and soul. Just perfect.

Available here.

a quaint and curious volume

A Quaint and Curious Volume. Introduction By Sarah Perry.

An interesting and original volume. Perfect for fans of the gothic. You can read all the way through or dip in and out. A really great book.

Available here.

the oceans between us

The Oceans Between Us By Gill Thompson.

This is a truly beautiful story of triumph, loss and a mother’s love. It will touch your heart and soul. Wonderful.

Available here.

nightingale wedding bells

Nightingale Wedding Bells By Donna Douglas. 

The eleventh book in the series. Another heart-warming story that is perfect for Christmas.

Available here.

Simon's cat it's a dog's life

Simon’s Cat It’s a Dog’s Life By Simon Tofield. 

Hard to believe it is the 10th anniversary. The much-loved cat is back in this hilarious book. Love it.

Available here.

something to tell you David Edwards

Something To Tell You By David Edwards. 

This is a great, if terrifying, book. Perfect for fans of science-fiction, fantasy or thrillers. A perfect combination of fiction and out-there science. A clever book and a great read.

Available here.

raw spirit in search of the perfect dram

Raw Spirit By Iain Banks.

Perfect for fans of a wee dram. Banks explores the rich history of Scottish Whisky. It has a new introduction from Ian Rankin.

Available here.

Criss Cross by James Patterson

This top secret book arrived. What was it? Oh just the new Alex Cross book, Criss Cross By James Patterson. It is brilliant, of course. But then it always is. Out on the 14th November.

And now for some shameless self-promotion. I have books on acting, blogging, poetry, childbirth and wedding planning. They are all great for Christmas presents obviously. Nudge nudge, wink wink.

 

What books would you recommend?

M&S To Launch Childrenswear Pop-up ‘Kids Shwop Boutique’ For Oxfam

clothesMarks & Spencer to open first-ever charity Kids Shwop Boutique at Marble Arch store

Shwop Boutique to sell the best childrenswear items donated to Shwopping campaign
A host of celebrities including Joanna Lumley, Abbey Clancy, Rochelle Humes, Peaches Geldof, Alex Gerrad and Zoe Ball have donated items that will be sold
All money raised go to charity partner Oxfam as part of their Mother Appeal initiative
Over 1,000 shwopped childrenswear clothing will be on sale over three days

Marks & Spencer (M&S) is set to open its first-ever childrenswear pop-up store when a three-day Kids Shwop Boutique opens to the public this March in aid of Oxfam’s Mother Appeal.

Open from Thursday 6th – Saturday 8th March at the retailer’s Marble Arch store, the one-off secondhand store will sell the best childrenswear items donated to M&S and Oxfam’s sustainable fashion initiative, Shwopping by the UK public and a host of celebrity donations.

All proceeds raised from the Kids Shwop Boutique will go towards Oxfam’s Mother Appeal campaign – which is being supported by M&S – that aims to raise £10 million for projects that help mothers around the world lift themselves and their families out of poverty for good.

Shwoppers will be able to pick up once loved childrenswear items from Britain’s top style icons and celebrity mums including Abbey Clancy, Peaches Geldof, Alex Gerrard, Zoe Ball, Rochelle Humes, Sarah Story, Mel Giedroyc and Shwopping ambassador Joanna Lumley. And, thanks to the UK government, every pound raised for the appeal will be doubled. *

Each celebrity-donated item will include personal words of wisdom stitched into the fabric of the item allowing advice to be passed onto the new owner.

Entry to the Kids Shwop Boutique is free, but visitors will have to shwop – hand over an unwanted item of kids clothing, using old or unused clothes as their ticket to the exclusive sale.

M&S has asked the public to donate childrenswear items to support the Oxfam campaign through its joint Love, Mum initiative. All other items of clothing donated will also go towards the appeal.

The public can show their support by Shwopping items in any M&S store add their words of wisdom on social media mentioning @shwopping and the hashtag #LoveMum.

M&S and Oxfam’s Shwopping collaboration urges shoppers to donate – or ‘shwop’ – an unwanted item of clothing that will go on to be re-sold, re-used or recycled by Oxfam, cutting waste while raising much-needed funds for the charity.

Since its launch in April 2012, Oxfam has received 6.9 million items of clothing thanks to Shwopping, worth £4.5 million for the charity. All money raised by Shwopping is used to support Oxfam’s projects around the world working to alleviate poverty.

Shwop Boutique

Where: Marks & Spencer, Marble Arch, 458 Oxford Street. London. W1C 1AP
When: The Kids Shwop Boutique is open from 10am – 9pm on Thursday 6th March and 8am – 9pm on Friday 7th and Saturday 8h March 2014
Entry: Free with a shwopped item of clothing

For more information on Marks & Spencer and Oxfam’s Kids Shwop Boutique visit www.marksandspencer.com.

 

Leo Bancroft launch party

Last night I attended  the brilliant launch of Leo Bancroft’s new product range at The Ivy Club. It was celebrity packed with Ruth Langsford, Derek Chisora, Matt Johnson, Liam Botham, Amy Willerton, Nancy Sorrell and Vic Reeves, Lembit Opik, Javine Hylton, Mem Ferda and many more attending.

Ruth Langsford said, “Leo has always been a great hairdresser and I am a big fan, he has been doing my hair for years. I highly recommend Leo and his line of products to everyone, and we love him at This Morning.”

It is not only the models and catwalks that love Leo, but since becoming This Morning’s hairstylist, Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes are both his biggest fans and loyal customers, as well as a list of celebrity clients and friends, including the Chelsea football team and their families, Peter Crouch, Abbey Clancy, and Kirsty Gallagher.

 

 

Leo has launched his 17-product line, bringing catwalk and celebrity glamour to his full product line and the high street. His unrivaled range of products delivers you beyond professional hair care, allowing you to replicate his award-winning styles and acclaimed approaches to create ‘the best version of you’.

 

Leo’s range is hot with celebrities. I have tried it and I like it. His new range at Tesco is brilliant but reasonably priced.  Leo’s range is now available exclusively in 500 Tesco stores UK-wide. Get your hands on some if you can.

BELLE CROWNED BEST CELEBRITY BABY NAME OF 2011

BELLE CROWNED BEST CELEBRITY BABY NAME OF 2011

 

Belle, daughter of Bounty’s ‘Celebrity Mum of the Year 2010’ winner Holly Willoughby, has won her first crown at nine months old, as she is awarded the accolade of having the ‘best celebrity baby name of the year’.

 

The moniker topped the poll to find mum’s favourite celebrity baby name, beating off strong competition from other celeb tots, including Harper-Seven (Victoria Beckham), Madison (Mel B) and Delilah (Kimberley Stewart).

 

The name Belle, which means ‘beautiful’ in French, is also one of Disney’s best-loved characters from the story ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and mums love the name because it is ‘pretty, girly and elegant.’

 

Second favourite is Sophia, which was the 28th most popular baby name of 2010 and is the name given to the daughter of footballer Peter Crouch and model Abbey Clancy.  In third place is pop/rock singer Pink’s tot Willow Sage.

 

The Beckham’s Harper-Seven narrowly missed the top three, coming in fourth place.

 

For the boys, Flynn, son of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr, came top of the poll.  Already a super-cute baby, he is sure to follow in his father’s footsteps and ‘bloom’ into a handsome young man. Mums commented that the name is both ‘cute for a baby, as well as romantic and dashing for when he grows up.’

 

Former-Baby Spice Emma Bunton’s son Tate, is the second most popular boys’ celebrity baby name and completing the top three is Harry – son of model Danielle Lloyd.

 

In total, over 101,000 votes were cast on the online poll, which was compiled by parenting club Bounty and sponsored by www.HomeAway.co.uk, the UK’s largest holiday rentals website.

 

Lisa Penney, spokesmum for bounty.com said: “We all love to know what celebrities call their babies (even if we don’t like to admit it!) and our records show that what celebrity parents call their children can help to increase the popularity of the name.

 

“The top ranking names like Belle, Sophia, Madison and Flynn are the names which our mums can more easily identify with. The less popular, more unusual names such as Kahekili (Evangeline Lily) or Bear Blu (Alicia Silverstone) may not seem out of place in the celebrity kindergarten next to the likes of Suri, Apple, Zuma Nesta and Princess Tiaamii, but these names are certainly not the norm in the average school playground.”

 

Other celebrity named babies that proved popular this year include Hero (Myleene Class) and Lyra (Sophie Dahl).

 

Towards the bottom of the top 20 and demonstrating mum’s least favourite celebrity boys and girls names of 2011 are Mariah Carey’s Moroccan and Jessica Alba’s daughter Haven.

 

  1. Belle
  2. Sophia
  3. Willow
  4. Harper-Seven
  5. Madison
  6. Delilah
  7. Flynn
  8. Hero
  9. Lyra
  10. Tate
  11. Monroe
  12. Harry
  13. Polly
  14. Bear Blu
  15. Indio
  16. Kahekili
  17. Bingham
  18. Arthur
  19. Haven
  20. Moroccan

 

Pippa Middleton: Top Tips for the Pippa Bottom.

The Perfect Bum Body In Balance

Looking for that Pippa Middleton Perfect Bum? Find it on Body In Balance today

Looking for that Perfect Bum like Pippa Middleton? Abbey Clancy and Tess Daly are just two celebrity fans of renowned Pilates instructor Doug Robertson, who can help you achieve that perfect bum and great back strength.

Doug can be seen exclusively on Body In Balance, SKY Channel 275.

Doug Robertson is a personal trainer turned pilates expert. He developed the Perfect Bum techniques over the last six years from his work in therapeutic exercise. He uses the exercises to stabilize and re-balance the body.

Abbey Clancy has said “I watch… A Perfect Bum With Doug Robertson, religiously. After I’ve fed Sophia, me and my mum work out to it in the kitchen. …I do feel fab.”

As celebrity fan Tess Daly also says on her blog “I’ve also discovered theperfectbum.com, which has a fab 10-week Pilates course that concentrates on toning bottoms and the tops of thighs. It’s £60 well spent in my book and perfect preparation for summer’s shorter skirts.”

The DVD of The Perfect Bum can be purchased via the Body In Balance website – www.bodyinbalance.tv.

Body In Balance has just launched its Video On Demand service, offering you the power to watch what you want, when you want, meaning you can find the time to exercise when it suits you. With BIB’s VOD service, yoga, pilates, dance and all kinds of exercise classes are ready when you are.

Whether it’s in that first hour before work or school, or after the kids have gone to bed, BIB can offer you the right fitness programme for your life.

Presenters offered by the channel’s programming include the biggest names in the fitness and wellness circuit, such as Doug Robertson, Maya Fiennes, Shiva Rea, Maryon Stewart, Caroline Sandry and Charles Linden. Body In Balance’s Video On Demand service means viewers can choose their favorite presenters at any time.

Tara Lee also presents Yoga For You And Your Baby on the channel, making it the ideal resource for new mums looking to get back into shape.

The Premium Subscription to BIB’s VOD service is only £5 per month, and for this viewers receive unlimited access to BIB VOD. Subscribers can choose from a range of activities and classes, including yoga, pilates, bellydancing, aerobics, etc. BIB recently purchased over 100 hours of fitness programming from Firefly, making it the biggest global broadcaster of fitness and wellness programs.

Body In Balance (BIB) broadcasts on SKY 275 in the UK. The VOD service is available at www.bodyinbalance.tv.