#StoriesForLife Beautiful Books to Share with Children

Posted on December 19, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

One very important element of being a young parent is the joy of watching your children learn to read, and of reading books with them. I began reading to my daughters when they were still newborn babies, because I believed that they understood the words on a very primitive level.

My girls subsequently adore books, and always stop to read when they have the opportunity.

Britmums Children's Books for Christmas #MummyMonday at SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Britmums Children’s Books for Christmas #MummyMonday

Beautiful Books to Share with Children

You can imagine my delight when I received a sparkly envelope in the post, and opened it to discover a stack of shiny new books for my children! The books were sent from Penguin Random House and Britmums, with an invitation to share them with friends. I loved the title of one immediately: The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas. That one is going to my daughters’ best friends (who are also sisters) because I know they will giggle with delight when they open it on Christmas morning!

The second book I saw was The Little Elephant Who Wants to Fall Asleep. This one is specially designed to help your child fall into a natural state of quiet so that they can fall asleep more easily. I have a friend who recently gave birth under rather traumatic circumstances, and she has two older children, so this book will come in very handy indeed for them.

Finally, we have Max and Bird. This is the story of a cat who spies a tasty looking bird that he would like to eat, but during the story he discovers that they could actually become quite good friends. I knew who I could gift this book to, and our young friends will enjoy reading the story together and exploring their own ideas of friendship and how the animals interact. What books are you gifting to children this Christmas?

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by 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. 

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#ProductReview: Propercorn – the Popcorn Snack for Grown-Ups!

Posted on December 15, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

Christmas is the time of year when we all indulge in a few extra treats and snacks, telling ourselves that it’s the season to be merry, so enjoy it. I am no different, and indeed, I allow myself a little treat at least a couple of times per week, as my reward for handling the monsters that are my children.

See my product review for Propercorn snacks and why I keep them away from the children.

#ProductReview Propercorn Fuels NaNoWriMo for LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Propercorn Fuels NaNoWriMo

#ProductReview: Propercorn – the Popcorn Snack for Grown-Ups!

I was especially delighted when I received a box of Propercorn snacks. These tasty popcorn treats are what I like to call snacks for grown-ups. Our cupboards have become a breeding ground for branded merchandise that appeals to our children, so I like to have something that is just for me. Propercorn fit the bill perfectly, although when I received the delivery, my three-year-old daughter got very excited and dug in to find a packet of popcorn that she could eat.

My favourite flavour of Propercorn is still the good old-fashioned Lightly Sea Salted variety, but I also really enjoyed the Fiery Worcester Sauce and Sun Dried Tomato flavour. In fact, it came in very handy as a writing aid during my NaNoWriMo challenge last month. I would recommend Propercorn for your Christmas party, for your movie night at home, and even for your daily lunch bag as a healthy, cheerful, feel-good treat.

#ProductReview Propercorn Popcorn Snacks at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Propercorn Popcorn Snacks

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: I received the product in return for an honest review. 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!

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#ProductReview: Pandavita Organic Baobab Powder

Posted on December 12, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

See my product review for Pandavita Organic Baobab Powder and see if I recommend it for fussy eaters in the family.

#ProductReview of Organic Baobab Powder by SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview of Organic Baobab Powder

#ProductReview: Pandavita Organic Baobab Powder

You might have seen my recent posts about the challenge of feeding my children properly. They seem to have adopted their dad’s “beige” diet, and mostly refuse to eat anything that resembles healthy fruit or vegetables. Imagine how difficult it is for a vegetarian mother to have children that refuse to eat the food she eats! I never thought it would be possible, since I was raised in the old-fashioned tradition that you ate what you were given and were grateful for it. Oh, those days are long gone, and my children are far too vocal and assertive to accept this rule.

Because of this shift in parenting style (and yes, I know I am the parent, but this is the way I am raising my children), I am devising sneaky methods to ensure my daughters receive at least some of the nutrients they need to grow. So far it must be working, because they are generally very fit and healthy, and both have boundless energy and a cheerful disposition.

I received a sample

I received a sample of Pandavita Organic Baobab Powder. This comes from the Baobab tree in Africa, and you can eat the powder in its natural form, which is full of vitamin C and antioxidants. My girls tried a spoonful of the powder but declared it was too sweet, although it was tasty. I then sneaked some into their juice bottles for school, and they loved it. Hallelujah! You can use Baobab Powder in almost any recipe, so it is ideal for those fussy eaters. If you go to their website and use the code SMG15 at checkout, you will receive 15% off your order. Excellent!

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by 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. 

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#ProductReview A Christmas Gift from Beer52 Craft Beer Discovery Club #Blogmas

Posted on December 9, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

I have mentioned before that I struggle to find gifts for the men in my life. It’s not that they are fussy, particularly, it’s just that they don’t really want much.

So, I was very happy to receive a gift box of craft beer from the Beer52 Craft Beer Discovery Club. I was going to share the beers with my husband, but he’s been working late, and the children have been very hard work…

#ProductReview Beer52 for Christmas by Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Beer52 for Christmas

#ProductReview A Christmas Gift from Beer52 Craft Beer Discovery Club

Anyway, suffice to say I am very impressed not only with the taste of the beer I have tried so far, but also with the presentation. I love the visual delight when I see the bottles (and cans) lined up or grouped together in all their colourful, artistic glory. Did you know you could order a gift box of your own from Beer52? And if you quote this code: MRSGREEN10 when you sign up, you will get £10 off a crate of beer! You’re welcome, and Merry Christmas!

Beer 52 partnered with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Beer 52 partnered with SpookyMrsGreen

Did you enjoy this article? Browse the latest exclusive special offers and discount codes from more of my affiliate partners. Click here.

Note: I received the product in return for an honest review.

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#JoytotheWorld Christingle Church Service

Posted on December 7, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

It may surprise you to read about my visit to our local church, since this is the blog of the pagan housewife. There are people in our communities who identify as pagan Christians, however, since paganism was simply an ancient form of worship before Christianity came to the UK all those centuries ago.

Indeed, Christianity and paganism mingled and wove together many of the popular festivals that we are familiar with today, and now we are fortunate in that we can openly celebrate those that feel right to the individual.

Christingle orange with sweets made by the children of LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Christingle Orange with Sweets

#JoytotheWorld Christingle Church Service

So it was that last weekend I accompanied my elder daughter and our young neighbour to our local CofE church, St Michael and All Angels church in Middlewich. I love the congregation in this church, and indeed, many of them are my friends from the school yard and various parent/child groups that I have attended in recent years. It became a regular habit for a while to visit the church café for soup and a sandwich every Tuesday after our weekly visit to the library’s Rhymetime session. I find the clergy and churchgoers very warm, welcoming and friendly in our town, and they always make me feel better when I visit.

We attended the annual Christingle service at the weekend. This is a children’s celebration, where we put a candle into an orange and embellish the fruit with sweets stuck on cocktail sticks. My impression is that this represents our way to opening our hearts, lighting up the world, and sharing the fruits of our love and understanding to fellow humans and animals. When we had decorated the fruit, lit our candles, and formed a semi-circle inside the church, I certainly felt the power and energy that flowed from each one of us in that sacred building. It filled me, it made me feel happy, it even made me feel emotional, such was the intensity of magic that was created during that Christingle service. #JoytotheWorld!

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by 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. 

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#Blogmas Competition! Win a FREE 1 Hour Psychic Reading

Posted on December 6, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

Christmas is a very strange time of year for many people. While the world seems to revolve around manic present buying, party planning, meal preparation and house decorating, some of us feel sad and out of sorts. We find the time to think about the year that has passed, and sometimes we need a little help and guidance to move forward and make sense of our feelings.

If you are one of these people, and you would like some spiritual guidance, I am pleased to share this amazing competition. You can win a FREE 1 Hour Psychic Reading courtesy of Psychic Light.

Psychic Light Competition in collaboration with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Psychic Light Competition

Win a FREE 1 Hour Psychic Reading

All you need to do is click this link, read the entry details, fill in the online form and there you go, one competition entry complete! May you find the guidance and peace that you so desperately need, and remember it is OK to feel vulnerable. We all need a little help sometimes. Simply ask, and you will find what you need.

The competition closes at midnight on 19th December 2016. Check back on the Psychic Light website or on their Twitter or Facebook pages, to see the winner announcement. Have a merry Christmas, whatever your current situation in life.

Text reads, "Free e-book download. LGBT werewolf fantasy story. Download Now." Image of a sexy man showing a tattoo on his chest staring at the viewer with a sultry gaze. Vampire and werewolf fantasy books for adults. 3D book cover image for "It's Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by 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. 

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Support Small Business for #BlackFriday!

Posted on November 25, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

How do you feel about the #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday phenomenon? Let’s face it, we can barely avoid the hype in this day and age. It is how we have evolved in society. I have mixed feelings.

On the one hand, I believe in not over-commercialising holidays such as Christmas. However, I sell books for a living. If I don’t sell the books I write, I won’t make any money, and that could negatively affect my children and husband.

Gothic image of a vampire drinking blood from a wine glass while a woman lies unconscious on the bed behind him. 3D eBook cover image for “Christmas with the Vampires” by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green.
“Christmas with the Vampires” by Catherine Green. An Edwardian vampire short story.

Support Small Business for #BlackFriday!

I propose a compromise: think about the small business owners, including indie authors, craft businesses, local produce etc. They rely on income from the sales of the stock that they lovingly create by hand. We should support those businesses.  When I hear about #BlackFriday, my thoughts turn to Amazon. Well, they are made up of small business owners, like myself, who rely on royalties paid via Amazon for the sales of our books.

Why not search for alternative Christmas gifts for your friends and family? Find them a book written and produced independently by a new author. Try a CD by a young musician. Or even search for some handcrafted bespoke trinkets, jewellery, furniture or bric-a-brac. The small business owners will be far more grateful for your custom, and will make more effort to give you the personal customer service that makes you feel good about parting with your hard-earned cash. Thank you.

Image of a woman in period dress wearing a masquerade mask, surrounded by two men who are naked and being intimate with her. Vampire fantasy books. 3D book cover image for The Darkness of Love by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers.
Victorian vampire romance novel “The Darkness of Love” by 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. 

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#365DaysofTarot A Daily Tarot Reading

Posted on November 16, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

I might have mentioned previously that this month is National Novel Writing Month, or #NaNoWriMo. I have signed up to the challenge and am currently 25k words into my 50k wordcount challenge. I have done this almost every November since 2011, and have succeeded.

This year I have added an extra element to my 50k writing challenge. I am now doing #365DaysofTarot. I plan to do a Tarot reading every day, starting on the 1st November 2016, and ending on 31st October 2017. I have a special notebook for the task, and will use different Tarot decks from my collection, depending on my mood and my intuition.

Eventually I plan to write a non-fiction book about the Tarot readings, to serve as a guide for students, and a guidance tool for spiritual seekers. How does that sound?

#NaNoWriMo 2016 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#NaNoWriMo 2016 Participant LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green

#365DaysofTarot Tarot Card Reading

Today I share a daily Tarot reading from my #365DaysofTarot challenge. Please do comment below if you have any questions or you draw different insight from the cards.

1, Three of Wands – Journey

You have the choice to stay where you are and build your dream, or chase another dream into the unknown. Perhaps you should continue building, for now. You can chase another dream later.

2, Four of Pentacles – Pride

Look at how wealthy you are! Yes, it is wonderful, but now you might benefit by sharing your wealth with those in need. Then you can reap even more rewards later. The wealth in this instance represents knowledge, rather than money or material items. Share your knowledge and experience with those around you, and see where it takes you.

3, The Moon – Shadows

Dark things lurk in the shadows. You of all people should know this. For you, those dark things are guides. Follow them, listen, and share their wisdom with the world.

Photo of Gilded Tarot cards and Tarot reading notebook on a purple cloth. #365DaysofTarot Tarot reading with Gilded Tarot card deck owned by professional Tarot reader Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
#365DaysofTarot Tarot reading by professional Tarot reader 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. 

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, book promotion, books, British paranormal romance writer, Business, ebooks, mind body spirit, mother writer, NaNoWriMo, novel writing, Random Musings, short story writing, spirit sisters, Spiritual, spiritual guidance, tarot reading, working mom, working mother, working mum, writer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Have a Cup of Tea, Dear! #ProductReview

Posted on November 11, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

My exploration in new tea varieties is progressing very nicely as the season grows colder. Indeed, I am so very cold these days, that I don’t want to drink anything other than warming tea or coffee.

Read this article to see which varieties of tea and coffee I have sampled recently.

#ProductReview Pure Chimp Matcha Super Tea reviewed by Catherine Green for SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Pure Chimp Matcha Super Tea

One of my favourites is by Vintage Teas, and I found it at Approved Food, my favourite discount grocery shop. The black tea with ginger is warming, refreshing, and easy to drink, and I can’t get enough of it! Fortunately, it is cheap enough to stock up supplies.

I also recently tried Pure Chimp Super Tea. Now, that one is rather unusual. When I prepared the drink, it looked, shall we say, unappetizing. It was basically green sludge. But, I knew that it had cleansing and healing properties, and I want that to tie in with my reiki self-healing treatments, so I gave it a go. The guidance advised to mix a little honey in with the drink to sweeten it, but I didn’t have any. Instead, I dropped a little chunk of lemon in the mug, and it seemed to work. It wasn’t my favourite drink, but it wasn’t the worst, either.

Have you tried any unusual varieties of tea or coffee lately? Let’s share some recommendations!

Discover Tea Flavours with Whittard affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Discover Tea Flavours with Whittard

Did you enjoy this article? Browse the latest exclusive special offers and discount codes from more of my affiliate partners. Click here.

Note: I received a sample of Pure Chimp Matcha Tea in return for an honest review. This article contains 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!

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#ProductReview Say Cheese! 100% Vegan, Sheese Dairy-Free Food

Posted on November 7, 2016 by SpookyMrsGreen

I recently received a shipment of Sheese vegan cheese to sample. See my product review in this blog post.

#ProductReview Sheese Vegan Cheese selection reviewed by Catherine Green for SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Sheese Vegan Cheese selection

Product Review Sheese Vegan Cheese

I mentioned previously that I am vegetarian. I officially stopped eating meat at the age of 17, but I had phased it out some time before. At the time, I was learning about my place in the world, how I felt about growing up, and I realised that I simply didn’t want to think about the suffering of animals when I ate my food. Plus, I didn’t like the taste of a lot of the meat products I consumed. It was more of a habit, because that was how my family lived.

People still ask me now if I miss meat, and the answer is always “no.” I have never tried to be vegan, however, mainly because I do enjoy dairy products. I will always buy dairy products that have been ethically produced, and I like to think that the animals involved are treated well. I can only trust the suppliers, at the end of the day. Recently I received a selection of vegan cheese products to sample. I had not seen them in my local shops, and I was impressed! I received a sample of Sheese cheese. My favourite flavour is the Wensleydale style with cranberries – delicious!

Not much difference in taste

There is not much difference in taste or texture with the Sheese vegan cheese compared to the regular dairy cheese that I usually buy. I enjoyed the cheese sliced and served on crackers, on crusty bread, and I mixed it in with my pasta dishes, soups and baked beans. Yummy! Now I am aware of Sheese vegan cheese, I can look out for it in my local supermarket, and I can order it online. Made in Scotland, I like that these products are vegan, that they are made in the UK, and that they are incredibly tasty.

You can find Sheese vegan cheese products in your local health food store, Tesco, Sainsburys and Holland and Barrett.

Image of a block of vegan cheese and a bowl of baked beans on a "Vegetarian" chopping board. #ProductReview Sheese Blue Style Vegan Cheese reviewed by Catherine Green for SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Sheese Blue Style Vegan Cheese
Image of cheese and crackers on a vegetarian chopping board. #ProductReview Sheese Vegan Cheese selection reviewed by Catherine Green for SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Sheese Vegan Cheese selection

Did you enjoy this article? Browse the latest exclusive special offers and discount codes from my affiliate partners. Click here.

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