#BookReview: The Cryptopians: Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency Craze

Posted on October 30, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

I am learning about investing and the potential of cryptocurrency thanks to influence from my brother (a crypto miner) and my sister (Mindfully Trading).

Here’s a review for a book I discovered that I need to share with the world.

#BookReview The Cryptopians: Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency Craze by Laura Shin reviewed by Catherine Green for SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#BookReview The Cryptopians by Laura Shin

My Review

I loved reading this book! Being new to cryptocurrency and wanting to learn more, I found a podcast with Laura Shin and decided to order her book. The Cryptopians is a comprehensive introduction to the new history of cryptocurrency, explaining jargon, key people in the industry, and explaining how this all came about as a movement and how it continues to grow.

I really think that we all need to read this book if we have children because it will be relevant to them as they grow up, so we might as well learn about cryptocurrency too!

About the Book

In their short history, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have gone through booms, busts, and internecine wars, recently reaching a market valuation of more than $2 trillion. The central promise of crypto endures-vast fortunes made from decentralized networks not controlled by any single entity and not yet regulated by many governments.

The recent growth of crypto would have been all but impossible if not for a brilliant young man named Vitalik Buterin and his creation: Ethereum. In this book, Laura Shin takes readers inside the founding of this novel cryptocurrency network, which enabled users to launch their own new coins, thus creating a new crypto fever. She introduces readers to larger-than-life characters like Buterin, the Web3 wunderkind; his short-lived CEO, Charles Hoskinson; and Joe Lubin, a former Goldman Sachs VP who became one of crypto’s most well-known billionaires. Sparks fly as these outsized personalities fight for their piece of a seemingly limitless new business opportunity.

This fascinating book shows the crypto market for what it really is: a deeply personal struggle to influence the coming revolution in money, culture, and power.

Buy the book here.

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Planning the Best Winter Break

Posted on October 28, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

We’re heading into winter and, for many of us, this means using up our annual leave and paid time off with a great winter break. Leaving the worries and stresses of work and day to day life behind can be a great release in the lead up to the holiday season, or a great wind down once the holiday season has come to an end.

Here are some key breaks that you might want to take into consideration for your winter break!

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Ski Resorts

One of the most popular getaways at this time of year is the classic ski resorts. Ski resorts allow you to take a break from day to day life without necessarily seeing different climates or seasons. You can engage in fun ski activities during the day, then unwind and relax in cute cabins with open fires and delicious food and drinks on the night. What’s not to love? There are, of course, ski breaks suitable for people of all different ages and abilities, so whether you want a family holiday, a romantic getaway or anything in between, you’ll be able to find something to suit your needs. If you’re not an experienced skier, make sure to book some classes and ensure you have all the equipment you need. Some can be rented at resorts when you get there, but sometimes you might have to take certain items of your own.

Beach Breaks

Another popular vacation in the winter is a beach break. Many of us miss the warmth of the sun and want to kick back and relax before or after the festive season by enjoying a beach, the pool or other laid back activities. Of course, you may have to travel further afield for this, but for many, it’s more than worth the effort, cost and time taken. If you are heading overseas, make sure to look up any information you might require about travel vaccines, ensuring you’re protected against anything that may be common in your country of choice. You should also make sure to stock up on sun screen, insect bite cream and other essentials that can prevent damage or irritation to your skin, making your trip more comfortable.

City Breaks

Want to see some sights and enjoy some different cultures? This is where city breaks come into play. A good city break will see you head to a popular city in another country, giving you access to everything it has to offer. Some of the most popular destinations tend to include capital cities, such as New York, London, Paris, Rome and more. Before heading on a city break, do your research. See what the most common things to do are in each country. Make advance reservations for days out and meals. This will ensure that you don’t have to miss a thing. You may also want to consider queue jump options if they’re available, as this can save you a lot of time while you’re away, meaning you spend less time queuing and more time doing the things you enjoy and making the most of your time in your chosen city.

Active Getaways

For some, a getaway means being able to lounge about and do the bare minimum. For others, this sounds dull and bland. If you’re someone who enjoys keeping active, you may want to consider a more active getaway. There are plenty of different breaks that fall into this category, so think about what you might enjoy the most. Some people like to spend time in the water, heading away to surf school, diving courses and snorkelling,. Some like to keep things on land, enjoying hiking and other expeditions, such as climbing volcanoes or mountains. Think about what you would enjoy the most – what you want to do, what you want to see and what skills you might want to pick up. You should also, wherever possible, hire a guide to take you on any excursions. These individuals will know the places a lot better than you and can ensure you don’t get into trouble or lost along the way.

Hopefully, some of the information outlined above should help you to plan the best winter break to suit your needs! Sure, different things appeal to different people, but at least one of the options outlined above should help you to find a break that ticks all of your boxes and to start preparing for it as best possible!

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How to Give Your Child the Best Start in Life

Posted on October 25, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

Every parent wants to do the best for their child. Although at some point they will fly the nest and no longer need your help, it is your job as a parent to prepare them for this the best you can. There are a variety of ways you can.

Read on for a list of the biggest gifts you can give your little ones.  

Kids first boat trip in Poole, UK at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Kids first boat trip in Poole, UK

Creativity  

We all know the stereotype of a helicopter parent but it is important to encourage your child to develop a variety of interests. Yes, this can mean signing them up and ferrying them between sports, dance and music classes. However, there are plenty of other ways that you can encourage creativity in your child for free. Make art together and proudly display it. Encourage storytelling and free-play toys, and take joy in movement and noise.

But the key thing to remember is that you need to listen to your child, give them respect and if they tell you they don’t want to do something, don’t take it as a personal affront but work together to find something they would prefer instead.   

Education   

 

It’s important to develop a love of learning. Encourage your child’s curiosity and keenness to ask questions as they discover the world around them in the early years. 

As they get older schooling and formal education become much more important. The best schools are ones that have fantastic resources and facilities to support your child’s interests and grow them in a variety of ways. Engaging classroom environments and inspiring teachers will reward the curiosity you have instilled in them from the start. 

Health and Wellbeing  

Establishing healthy habits in childhood can make these easier to continue later on. Encourage healthy lifestyle habits, such as healthy food and plenty of exercise. The best way to do this is lead by example and do it with them. Take walks together, play in the parks and try new foods together. For this, there are plenty of tips for fussy eaters out there.

As well as physical health, teach them to communicate about mental health as well. Many have talked about letting your child take mental health days and you should lead by example communicating to your child any struggles rather than letting it impact them unknown. 

Travel  

Exposing your child to a variety of different cultures, places and experiences is so important for their development. But it doesn’t have to mean expensive holidays far afield. Even getting the bus or a train to a new area you’ve not been to before can prompt a love for discovery and exploration.   

Confidence 

Building your child’s self-esteem is vitally important. It is something which children can really struggle with, especially in an online world. From an early age encouraging your child to have a sense of self and stick up for who they are, will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. 

 

And Most Importantly… 

These are just a few ways you can ensure your child gets the best start in life. However, the biggest gift you can give them is the feeling of being loved and cared for.   

Expensive hobbies, exotic foods, and extensive travel are no substitute for spending quality time together and building a safe and supportive relationship. If you remember this key message nothing can go wrong! 

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

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#BookReview: The Temple Priestesses of Antiquity by Lady Haight-Ashton

Posted on October 19, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

I received a copy of this book for review, and it looked like a nice historical guide. See my review below.

#BookTalk Pagan Portals The Temple Priestesses of Antiquity by Lady Haight-Ashton featured at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#BookTalk The Temple Priestesses of Antiquity by Lady Haight-Ashton

My Review of “The Temple Priestesses of Antiquity” by Lady Haight-Ashton

Finally, something with Herstory! I enjoyed reading about women in history that we didn’t learn about in school. It is nice to know that women held positions of power throughout the ages, and how they helped shape and grow civilisations and cultures. This is a slim book, but it packs a lot in, so be prepared for a thorough Herstory lesson.  

About the Book

The Temple Priestesses of Antiquity tells the story of the Oracles and Sibyls, Seers, Psychics, Sacred Dancers, and Healers of ancient civilizations. They were empowered women who enthralled those who sought their advice and served the Goddess they revered. Tales about ancient Priestesses and the Sacred Temples where they lived, prayed, and worked thousands of years ago, have fascinated archaeologists and historians for decades. Living in complex temple structures above ground and in underground cavernous tunnels, they shared vows of chastity and lived a dutiful and respected life. The Temple Priestesses of Antiquity is a story of these women, some well-known and others forgotten to the centuries.

Buy the book here.

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#BookTalk ‘The Science of Beauty’ New Book Explores what it means to be Beautiful

Posted on October 15, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

This is the ultimate, unique, innovative, comprehensive, thought-provoking, and ground-breaking book on the topic of beauty!

‘The Science of Beauty’ new book opens our eyes to the truth of what it means to be beautiful.

#BookTalk The Science of Beauty by Dominic C Nwosu at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
BookTalk The Science of Beauty by Dominic C Nwosu

‘The Science of Beauty’ New Book Explores what it means to be Beautiful

Prepare to be bombarded with a relentless tide of novel, yet intriguingly logical and insightful, ideas and compelling theories. It blindingly enlightens on the real meaning of beauty by exploding all the distortion, myths and confusion surrounding what should be viewed as an objective, standardised concept. It seeks to inspire by presenting the reader with an original and creative approach to a subject that is treated with a curious, almost schizophrenic, duplicity, being portrayed in the public realm as trivial, inconsequential and frivolous, while being accorded the status of supreme importance in the domain of the private, personal and subconscious.

The work is directed at reconciling the two aspects of this dichotomy, in order to provide a single, overarching, comprehensive analysis of what is arguably one of the greatest, dynamic forces in history. Despite its serious intent, the book also entertains, captivating the reader through its skilful, measured and colourful use of language to evoke the most vivid, photographic imagery and bold, humorous style, while fearlessly focusing on famous figures by way of example, in order to strike the loudest chord with the widest possible audience.

Order your copy today.

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#BookReview: Rebound (Gone Dutch #3) by Louise Murchie

Posted on October 14, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

I became a fan of Louise Murchie when I read her Tango Down Duology earlier this year, so I decided to start on the Gone Dutch trilogy. While they weren’t quite to my taste, I did enjoy reading them.

See my review for book 3 below.

#BookReview "Rebound Gone Dutch #3" by Louise Murchie Trilogy reviewed by Catherine Green for SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#BookReview “Rebound Gone Dutch #3” by Louise Murchie

My Review

I preferred reading this book to the second one in the series, but maybe that’s because the love interest shared the same name and several similar traits to my husband! I could see lots of similarities between my romantic experiences and Ruth’s, so this book was a good read. It got deeply emotional in places, but it balanced well with the fun side of dating. Set in Birmingham, it makes a nice change of location from most of the books I have read recently.  

About the Book

Fun-loving Ruth has her world rocked when tattoo artist Daniel steps in on the night she and a work colleague get roofied.

Ruth’s past means she doesn’t trust, she simply can’t. She wants someone who has her back as Daniel has, but both have a past, and Daniel is clearly on the Rebound.

Can Ruth be brave and face her fears to achieve the dream she wants?

This is a Sweet with Heat romance, suitable for 18+ with a happy ever after.

Buy the Gone Dutch trilogy now.

#BookReview Gone Dutch (Going Dutch Trilogy) by Louise Murchie reviewed by Catherine Green for SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#BookReview Gone Dutch (Going Dutch Trilogy) by Louise Murchie

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#BookReview Triple Threat by Alice R Bishop

Posted on October 7, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

 I received a copy of this book to review, and the blurb grabbed my attention when it mentioned a steamy novel involving multiple partners. It is so much more than that!

See my review for “Triple Threat” below.

Book cover for "Triple Threat" British crime thriller novel with romance and polyamory themes. #BookReview Triple Threat by Alice R. Bishop reviewed by Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#BookReview “Triple Threat” by Alice R. Bishop

My Review

This book stayed with me for a while after I finished reading it. When I began reading, I got a little confused with the writing style, and the author could have made better use of punctuation. Aside from the sentences running into each other, I soon began to sympathise with the heroine, Annette, and I was excited to follow her story with the men she meets.

Then came the dramatic twist! The story switched from erotic romance to romantic suspense, and without giving too much away, it got a little dark and dangerous. If you are interested in the Krays and their subculture, then I think you will enjoy Triple Threat.

While the writing style is a bit chaotic, I think in some ways this enhances our understanding of Annette’s personality and the lifestyle that she stumbles into. Give it a chance, enjoy the story, and I’m sure you will agree that it is really quite good.

About the Book

Annette is a curvy young woman with a rough background now she must navigate through a new job. Her best friend, Luke, guides her with a sarcastic comment here and there, well at least until two surprises come her way to derail her plan of putting her head down and working peacefully without distraction. The highs and lows this romance novel has to offer are sure to make you laugh and cry.

Annette’s story is one for these times. So, grab a cuppa and curl up under a blanket and delve into this passionate, steamy, exciting novel. Will her surprises be good ones or ones to regret? Only one way to find out.

Published by Austin Macauley Publishers, Triple Threat is available in paperback (£7.75) and Kindle format (£3.50) on Amazon.

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#Booktalk Love and Unity Charity Romance Short Story Anthology

Posted on October 6, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

Love and Unity is a collection of steamy and sweet reads with sexy, Alpha males, and the other half of their hearts who brought them to their knees.

Book cover for Love and Unity romance short story charity anthology in support of Ukraine #BookTalk at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Love and Unity romance short story charity anthology

About the Book

Included are exclusive, never-seen-before stories from popular indie authors. Inside you will find a plethora of second chance, contemporary, sports, paranormal, enemies-to-lovers, dark mafia, royal, fantasy, forbidden, age gap, and rockstar romances.

100% of the royalties will be donated to the Ukrainian Defence Fund to help those fighting for freedom in Ukraine.

Stories include:

Love Always Wins by Anneke Boshoff

Love Me ‘Til The End by Ayana Lisbet

Dragged Out Kicking and Screaming by D.L. Howe

There All Along by Darley Collins

Life After the Storm by Havana Wilder

Jimena by Kindra White

When You Forget Me by Lorelei Johnson

The Storyteller by Louise Murchie

The Detective’s Forbidden Temptation by Melony Ann

Ten Days in Heaven by Samantha Michaels

Buy the Book Here.

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3 Tips For Stopping ‘Messy Bedroom Syndrome’

Posted on October 6, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

If you’re anything like us, you find it easy to mess your bedroom up in the morning. When you’re rushing to go to work by drying your hair after the shower, putting on your clothes, packing your back and fitting your shoes on, leaving your coffee cup on the side, failing to make your bed, and perhaps not having time to deal with that pile of laundry can become a habit.

Now, your bedroom is the most personal space in your house outside of the bathroom, which is why it’s totally forgivable to leave this a little messy until you return to it. No one is going to grade or test you on just how inviting your bed looks as you head off to work.

However, it’s also true to say that a bedroom which is continually messy can be hard to get out of, and so implementing habits that helps us plan for and manage our home space, even with a limited schedule, is a great use of our time. So – let’s consider some advice for helping you achieve exactly that. With the following three tips, you’re sure to avoid ‘messy bedroom syndrome’ in the best possible light.

Pexels – CC0 License

Storage Solutions

Of course, the more worthwhile storage solutions you have in the space, without cluttering the area, the better. The best bedside tables often provide a fantastic outlet for this, because not only are they relatively small, but they furnish the bedrooms with compact storage space and surfaces that can be used easily. In the long run, that really does make a difference to how homely a room feels, and gives yo another reason to avoid messing the space up too much.

Avoid ‘The Laundry Chair’

It’s very temping to use ‘the laundry chair’ in a room, that is, a space where dirty or clean, folded laundry can be placed before we put it in our wardrobe or chest of drawers, or before we go and wash it. The habit goes that when we need to use the chair, we transfer this laundry to the bed, and then from the bed to the chair at night. Before long, you notice that the only reason this chair exists is to hold your laundry. Avoiding this can help you prevent the sense of ‘messy room’ that seems insurmountable. You may be able to get around that by:

Using An Exposed Hanging Rail

Bulky, larger, intensive wardrobes can be fantastic implements for a bedroom, often helping to define the space. We’re not about to tell you to get rid of your wardrobe as an organizational tip, as that would be comical, quite clearly. Yet it’s also true that you can offset constantly needing to use your wardrobe by implementing a small hanging rail, perhaps exterior to it. This way, hanging coats, putting up a sweatshirt in the winter, or even hanging drying clothes from a hanger can free up the floor space or surface area you may have used otherwise.

With this advice, you’re sure to stop the messy bedroom syndrome with care.

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#ProductReview: Kikkerland Buddha Mug

Posted on October 5, 2022 by SpookyMrsGreen

I received the Kikkerland Buddha Mug for review, and here are my thoughts on the product:

#ProductReview Buddha Head Mug from Kikkerland affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Buddha Head Mug from Kikkerland

My Review of Kikkerland Buddha Mug

This is a lovely, solid, generous-sized mug complete with a lid to keep your drink warm. It feels nice to hold and you feel calm just looking at it! My young daughter has already claimed the mug for herself before I got a look-in, and while she doesn’t drink tea, she will use it for her milk and hot chocolate drinks. I think this would be a great birthday present or Christmas gift for someone that needs to relax.

About the Product

Buddha – “The Awakened One” The Kikkerland Buddha porcelain mug with lid lives up to its name and ensures a good start to the day at breakfast with a lid, it keeps your drink warm for longer.

Buy Kikkerland Buddha Mug here.

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