We have reached the end of the school Easter holiday, and what a long one it has been. I had dreamed of taking some time to rest and recuperate while we were off school. No such luck!
From hyperactive children, to demanding pets, to family drama, I now feel more exhausted than I did two weeks’ ago. But all is not lost. I have the prospect of a spa weekend with my mum friends coming up very soon… can’t wait!
#BookTalk Vampire Writer Catherine Green at a Book Signing Event
Easter Holiday in Review
How was your Easter holiday? Perhaps your children are off this week as some of my friends are. Have fun, and be kind to each other. I have learned some valuable lessons about human nature during the past few weeks, and my eyes have been well and truly opened to attitudes in the wider world. Suffice to say, I will be blogging about my experiences in due time, once I have made a few more investigations and spoken to people in similar situations.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
My family and I were very excited when we received an invitation to visit the newly refurbished LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Manchester. We visited last summer and had lots of fun, but I must admit it was looking a little drab. Now it is all shiny and new!
The girls love LEGO, as do my husband and I. We recently discovered the joys of the DC Superheroes High LEGO range, when my elder daughter developed a fascination with Wonder Woman.
LEGO Manchester City Buildings Media City UK at LEGOLAND Discovery Manchester
LEGOLAND DiscoveryManchester Review
Inside the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre I was pleased to see that the LEGO brick building machine is still in place. I love that feature, because it brings back nostalgic memories of childhood days spent playing with my favourite toy. We walked into the model city room, where both my daughters gasped in amazement and didn’t know where to look first. They literally ran off in different directions, shouting at me and my husband to “Come and look at this!”
Again, the LEGO landscapes, cities and features are a brilliant instalment, and I was pleased to see some new models in amongst the old favourites. My favourite was Blackpool. There was a lot of detail, and I stood for a good ten minutes or so, exploring the miniature LEGO world that had been created. I chuckled when I saw the Ninjago ninjas climbing Blackpool Tower!
Eventually, we found ourselves in the main LEGOLAND Discovery centre, and the brand new #LEGONinjagoMCR soft play area. We tried out one of the rides, but my younger daughter couldn’t go on all of them because she is 3, and she was a little upset that she couldn’t go on the police chase ride. She soon cheered up when we entered the Master Builder room for a demonstration, and we had a great time constructing a LEGO polar bear, which we then brought home to play with.
Pools full of LEGO
Both my girls absolutely loved the huge LEGO pools that are dotted around inside LEGOLAND Discovery. They did a lot of building, and I think my husband enjoyed himself as well, especially when he and our elder daughter spent some time building LEGO cars and trucks, and racing them up and down the specially designed ramps and roads. They could have stayed there all night!
Our elder daughter disappeared into the brand new Ninjago soft play area for a while, and she came out laughing and giggling with delight. Apparently, it is a wonderful place to explore, but my younger daughter was a little tired at that point and declined an offer to play. I asked my daughter what her favourite part of LEGOLAND Discovery was, and she said she loved the monkey bars inside the Ninjago soft play area. After the soft play, we decided to catch a movie in the 4D cinema, and this was our introduction to NEXO Knights. There is another LEGO collection for us to build, as I especially enjoyed the movie.
I did manage to explore the new, improved LEGO café while we were at LEGOLAND Discovery. It is much better than the previous outlet, because there is a now a proper café space as opposed to a few benches. I prefer the refurbished layout, it feels more spacious and less claustrophobic than on our first visit. The children had a little playtime in the DUPLO toddler corner, and eventually it was time to go home.
Fabulous family venue
In closing, I can tell you that #LEGONinjagoMCR is a fabulous family venue. There is a lot to do, plenty of activities, and of course, all of that beautiful LEGO to play with. It is a perfect opportunity to tire the children out during a long school holiday, and the price is very reasonable, I think. You definitely get your moneys’ worth. The target age range is 3-12, but let me tell you, our big kid (Daddy) had just as much fun as the children, if not more!
#MummyMonday Family Trip to LEGOLAND Discovery Manchester
Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
There are lots of happenings in my personal circles at present. Some are rather exciting (and stressful), others are a challenge, and the rest is simply the daily cycle of family life and humans being.
Since I haven’t shared a #365DaysofTarot reading in a while, here it is for you. This one has a strong hint of Ostara and Spring blessings, and is a useful reminder that we are all in the process of rebirth, however it chooses to present itself to the individual.
Prince of Swords – He is young and impulsive, flinging his weight into the arena with ferocious intent. This guy means business, and you may get swept along in the excitement.
Rebirth – New beginnings. How appropriate! You have heard the call, and now you emerge from the gloomy exile, having immersed yourself in darkness and quiet contemplation. Embrace your new life, and new adventures.
Ace of Pentacles – Your ancestors wish to bestow gifts upon you. Welcome their assistance with a humble heart and loving grace. Your time is now.
Druid Craft Tarot Reading by professional Tarot reader Catherine Green
It is almost time for the April #AtoZChallenge, and this is the first time in about 4 years that I won’t be actively participating. I decided to scale back some of my online activity and try to work smarter, because I was burning myself out with the desperate need to be writing and interacting. It’s too much!
I do love these blog hops and challenges, but in moderation. Besides, I have a whole collection of old posts on both of my blog websites, and I would like to see people reading and responding to them.
April A-Z Blogging Challenge Survivor
My Spiritual Journey and the #AtoZChallenge
I used the #AtoZChallenge to talk about my personal journey last year. Becoming a mother has changed me in so many ways that I cannot begin to describe. One of the main changes has been my increased self-confidence and determination. While I was pregnant and having babies (only 2, so far!), I was on a spiritual journey. I met people that practice shamanism, witchcraft, reiki energy healing and a whole lot more. I found my tribe, my kindred spirits, and people that helped me to make sense of the emotions I felt.
Last weekend I met some new people at our local Scribe festival, and I found myself cheerfully telling them that I am a witch. They were fascinated. I think they were also a little spooked, but nowadays I don’t really care. I am what I am, and it’s about time I embraced myself in all the awkward, quirky, spooky glory that I feel. My children deserve a mother who is confident and self-assured. I am their role model, after all. Enjoy the #AtoZChallenge, my friends!
Paranormal Author Catherine Green at FAB Festival
Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
I recently received a copy of Maternity Leavers from the author with a request to read and review it.
This book would have been very useful to me about six years ago, when I was pregnant with my first child and still trying to establish a career. Back then I had floated from one entry level administration job to another following my graduation from university. My glamorous career in broadcast journalism never came to fruition, although I eventually realised that it was not my forte.
#BookReview Maternity Leavers by Soozi Baggs
#BookReview: Maternity Leavers by Soozi Baggs
Anyway, Maternity Leavers – What to do about work now you’re a Mum, is a quick, informative guide for parents who are trying to juggle their lives around young children. You don’t necessarily have to be pregnant or planning a family to gain value from this book. I still found it very useful at my current stage, where I am slowly building a freelancing career as a writer on my own terms. I also feel a sort of kinship with the author, Soozi Baggs, although I had never spoken to her before receiving this book.
Maternity Leavers offers up suggestions for all prospects when you have a baby or small children to consider. It covers advice about the practicalities of returning to your previous job, or starting a new one, with guidance about flexible work and shared parental leave. It talks about how to set yourself up as self-employed, and the various business models that you could try. And finally, it suggests other ways to occupy your time that are not necessarily geared towards earning money. Soozi is very keen to reassure us that the parental journey is unique for everyone. She reminds us that our self-worth is not measured in cold, hard cash. We can choose to stay at home and nurture our children, or we can take on additional academic or practical studies. Or we could do voluntary work, if it fulfils us and makes us happy.
My overall review of the book
My overall review about Maternity Leavers – What to do about work now you’re a Mum, is a good one. I enjoyed reading the book. The language is casual and friendly, and the chapters are short so you can read it around your baby/toddler/puppy etc. There are additional resources in the back for further investigation, and you can visit the Maternity Leavers website for more details. The book is available in paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon.
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Last weekend I attended Manchester Royal Eye Hospital for a minor operation on my eyes. Well, I thought it would be both eyes, but the condition decided otherwise.
Now I am to be allocated a return appointment to have my left eye zapped when the eyelashes have grown sufficiently in the right (or wrong) direction. Confused? You will be!
NHS Hospitals Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
My Spiritual Journey: Reiki and Eye Surgery
I have a congenital disorder called Lymphedema Distichiasis. It means that I have a double row of eyelashes, and the second row turn inwards, scratching my eyes and causing a lot of pain and discomfort. It was diagnosed when I was a small child, and since then I have had many treatments to try and alleviate the condition. It cannot be cured at present. I also developed acute Dry Eye Syndrome as I got older, because of the nature of my inherited disorder.
The minor operation was electrolysis to remove ingrowing eyelashes. It involved the injection of local anaesthetic into my upper and lower eyelids, and then a precision laser tool burned away the offending eyelashes at the root. They will grow back again, but hopefully it will take a while. My last session of electrolysis was in 2013, so it seems to be settling a little.
Focus on being calm and relaxed
As I lay down on the hospital bed in the operating theatre, I focused on remaining calm and relaxed. I have had this procedure what feels like a million times, I am familiar with the surgical staff, it is routine medical process in this hospital. But I still felt nervous, because I knew that the anaesthetic injection would be painful. As the nurse practitioner inserted the needle into my eyelid, I felt a rush of energy near my head, and I sensed my spirit guide placing her hands on my skull. She whispered soothing words, assured me that she would ease my discomfort, and suddenly everything faded into peace. I was safe. My reiki healing energy would assist. Now, only days after the procedure, I feel like nothing has happened. There is a slight bruise on my eyelid, but I have had none of the usual post-operative pain, swelling, dizziness etc. Thank you, Reiki healing!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
I am beginning to feel very anxious and more than a little stressed about the fact that my younger daughter refuses to potty train. I have been trying to persuade her for around eighteen months now, to no avail.
She will be four in August and starts primary school in September, so I really need to get this sorted. Help!
#MummyMonday Potty Training Challenge
Why Won’t My Child Potty Train?
There might be a psychological block with her. When she was a baby, she struggled to empty her bowels. I even had her sitting on a potty at less than a year old, simply to try and ease the pressure because she became so distraught and it was so painful for her. We visited the doctor, did some tests, but they put it down to growing pains. There is no official diagnosis for her problem, but now it is impacting on her development.
She knows what to do. She watches her friends use the toilet and the potty quite happily. She wears knickers, training pants and pull-ups (which I really detest because of the waste factor), but nothing works. I try leaving her half naked in the house, but if I try and put her anywhere near a toilet or potty, she screams and contorts her body. She has done her business on the potty before now, and she has sat willingly on the toilet, but it is sporadic and I cannot seem to take that step forward.
What am I doing wrong? Does anyone have advice or a story to share about potty training their older child?
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Love is in the air, and I know there are many people who are reassessing their emotional and romantic situations in life.
Some of us have been working hard to heal and strengthen existing relationships, while others have taken the painful but necessary steps to break away and seek a new life with someone else. Perhaps some are still searching for that perfect other half. The journey is different for all of us.
Today I share with you a competition brought by our friends at Psychic Light. Enter now and you could win a free 1 hour psychic reading which will help to answer some of those questions and queries that are spinning around in your mind. You also receive a unique £5 discount code just for entering the competition, so go for it. You never know where it may lead… Happy Valentine’s Day!
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
Today is the beginning of February, and we celebrate the pagan festival Imbolc.
Imbolc is a time to honour the cycle of Mother Nature, when she is waking up from the long, cold winter, and preparing to burst forth her luscious, green shoots of life in our trees and plants.
I went for a walk beside our local canal this morning and found some snowdrops hidden in the woodland. They always make me smile, and I shared their photograph on Instagram.
Imbolc Tarot Reading
#365DaysofTarot Tarot card reading for Imbolc
I also did a Tarot reading for Imbolc. I chose to do a Horseshoe spread, asking for guidance around current life challenges, how past influences may be causing concern or disruption, and how we can move forward. Imbolc is all about stepping into the light, embracing the warmth of the Spring sunshine, and shaking off the shadows of Winter as we dance into a new Earth cycle. Imbolc Blessings, my friends!
Druid Craft Tarot Reading by professional Tarot reader Catherine Green
There is lots of talk about change at the moment. Yes, we are still in the first month of the year, and it is a fresh, new year. 2016 was very traumatic, and I think there is probably a general sense that people tried to make things happen gently and peacefully, but in the end, they just didn’t quite get the results they were hoping for.
Now, I do not advocate violence. Indeed, I am a very gentle person, but if something upsets me, or I see injustice done to another, especially innocent animals, then my inner warrior will rage. She is wild!
English Heritage Sword
Embrace Your Inner Warrior
I think we all have an inner warrior. Over the years, we have been taught to suppress that violent, primitive nature. We learned that we didn’t need to fight for everything, because there was generally enough to go around. Some people do feel the need to fight, and they probably channel that in military organisations, or combat sports. My inner warrior does not physically fight, but she will speak up when the need arises, and of course, I am a child of the 80s. I grew up watching action movies and superheroes fight to beat the bad guys, and I wanted to be those superheroes, flashing my sword and saving the day. Don’t we all?
Sometimes it is nice to embrace your inner warrior in a more ceremonial sense. You will find many pagans use weapons during sacred rituals. They don’t use the weapons to inflict harm on others. They simply form sigils or symbols in the air, or on a piece of wood or stone, or hold the weapon while they speak sacred words. I felt that connection when I saw a few of the reproduction swords that you can purchase from English Heritage. The Excalibur Sword invoked memories of medieval castles and a fight for honour and strength. This would be a good sacred tool for pagans who feel connected to the myths of Avalon and King Arthur. I would have to find a stone circle somewhere, and wear my floaty medieval dress, so that I could re-enact the scene that plays in my imagination… “I have the power!”
“It’s Complicated” (A Redcliffe Short Story) by paranormal author Catherine Green
Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England. Click here.
Note: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!
