I received a copy of this book for review, and I was intrigued by the title due to my distant Irish heritage, and my childhood fascination with fairies. See my review below.
#BookTalk Aos Sidhe by Morgan Daimler
My Review for “Aos Sidhe: Meeting the Irish Fair Folk” by Morgan Daimler
This is a slim book but packed with information, so be prepared to read slowly. I loved that the author included a terms and pronunciation guide, and this came in very useful while I was reading. There are also useful resources listed at the end of the book, including books and websites, so I can continue my exploration of the fairy folk.
Written in a conversational tone, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore their own Irish heritage or has an interest in folklore and fairy tales.
About the Book
An introduction to the Aos Sidhe, the People of the fairy mounds, and to Irish fairy beliefs, this book takes readers on a journey to understand the place that fairies have had in Ireland across the millennia and into today. These beings can be found playing roles both significant and subtle in folk belief and their stories are part of the land itself, making them an intrinsic aspect of Ireland. And yet for those who haven’t grown up with these beliefs there can be many misunderstandings and confusion surrounding who they are, and what they can do.
Pagan Portals – Aos Sidhe will help people new to the subject, as well as those with a wider knowledge, to understand the range and depth of the folk beliefs. Covering everything from myth and folklore to modern anecdotes and specific types of Irish fairies, this book provides a solid understanding of what can be a difficult subject.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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The holidays are a time for joy, family, and giving. But for many people, the holiday season is also a time of stress—specifically regarding their finances. It’s easy to overspend during this time of year, but sticking to a budget is not impossible.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid overspending this holiday season.
One of the best ways to avoid overspending during the holidays is to set a budget—and stick to it. Sit down and list all the people you need to buy gifts for and what you can reasonably afford to spend on each person. Once you have your list and budget, could you do your best to stick to it? It’s okay if you go over a bit, but try not to exceed your budget by more than 10-15%. If you are already in a financial bind, you can get IVA Help, and you can be sure that this removes any financial stress this holiday season.
Take Advantage Of Black Friday Deals—But Don’t Go Overboard
Black Friday is one of the best times of year to snag deals on gifts, but it’s also easy to go overboard and spend more than you intended. To avoid overspending, list the items you need to buy ahead and only purchase them when you see them on sale. It’s also important to remember that not everything is a good deal just because it’s on sale—only buy genuinely discounted items that you know the people on your list will love.
Shop Online To Avoid Impulse Purchases
If you find yourself quickly succumbing to impulse purchases, it might be best to do your holiday shopping online. Shopping online allows you to avoid the temptations of in-store sales and discounts, and you can take your time to find the best deals. Plus, many online retailers offer free shipping during the holidays so that you can save even more money.
Give Experiences, Not Things
One of the best ways to avoid overspending during the holidays is to give experiences, not things. Instead of buying your loved ones material items that will end up collecting dust, opt for an experience they can enjoy and remember. Tickets to a show or a gift certificate for a day at the spa are always appreciated, and they won’t break the bank.
Know What It’s All About
Finally, try not to get caught up in the “holiday spirit” of giving. Getting caught up in the feeling that you need to buy expensive gifts for everyone on your list is easy, but that’s not necessarily true. Sometimes, the best skills are personal and thoughtful—not necessarily ones that cost a lot of money. Keep this in mind when you’re shopping for gifts this holiday season.
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but they can also be stressful, especially concerning finances. By following these tips, you can prevent overspending and stick to your holiday budget. And remember, sometimes the best gifts are personal and thoughtful—not necessarily ones that cost a lot of money—wishing you a happy (and stress-free) holiday season!
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My summer was hijacked by hospital appointments, and I am looking forward to my favourite time of year for seasonal celebrations.
Read on for my take on the October prompts for the Chronic Voice Link-Up.
A Chronic Voice October 2022 Writing Prompts
Chronic Voice Link-up: Preparing for the Autumn Season
DISABLING
It has been almost six months since I collapsed while out with friends. Because the incident happened while I was seated at a table in a restaurant and I had not done any physical activity that might have caused it, I was admitted to hospital and given a series of tests to try and understand why my heart rate was so high, but I exhibited no other symptoms of illness. I now feel fully recovered and all subsequent tests have returned negative or clear results, but there is one more investigative test yet to take before I am given an official diagnosis, or maybe an “un-diagnosis.” I have not been allowed to drive since the incident in May and this ban lasts for 6 months according to DVLA regulations, as stated by my cardiologist. I am completely lost without access to my car, and it was worse during the school summer holidays when our local public bus company went on strike for a month. We literally could not leave town unless somebody could fit me and my daughters into their car. I am desperate to get behind the wheel again, but I respect the reasons why I had to give up driving for a short time.
ENABLING
In other news, I continue to take prescription medication to treat corneal neuralgia that developed because of my chronic pain condition, Lymphedema Distichiasis. I take a 40mg dose of pills every day and this seems to be working. The heaviness around my eyes is almost completely gone, I no longer feel stabbing pains around the edges of my eyes, and I feel that I can see more clearly without the effects of the neuralgia. My medication is enabling me to live almost completely pain-free for the first time in over 20 years. There are still ingrowing eyelashes to deal with, but they grow less frequently, and I feel better able to cope with my condition, especially since I have been using blood serum eyedrops to combat severe Dry Eye Syndrome.
COMMITTING
Now that I spend less time dealing with my chronic pain condition (endless phone calls to doctors and hospitals, ordering and collecting prescriptions, using hot flannels to relieve pain), I find myself able to work more on my personal blog and freelance writing projects. I am committing to publish an article on my blog every day, while also ensuring that the content meets the criteria I set for myself. Have a look and tell me what you think. I love the creative freedom to publish whatever I want, and the blog gives me a focus away from chronic pain and the discomfort of my condition.
COMMUNICATING
My eldest daughter recently started her High School journey, and suddenly I am communicating with two different schools for two different children. It has been a little overwhelming to receive dozens of emails containing information, news and updates about the schools and what they are doing with our children, but I prefer it this way. It is nice to feel part of the school community, and I look forward to some evening visits that the high school has organised to ensure that parents are well informed of their daughters’ development and how the structure of our education is changing and growing.
REINVENTING
Autumn is here, and traditionally this is the time to hibernate, to rest and recuperate after a busy spring and summer season. Mother Nature is shutting down, trees shed their leaves and small animals retreat to their burrows. At home I am in the process of “putting our garden to sleep” by trimming down dead flowers and overgrown shrubs, putting away our garden furniture, and generally tidying up the outside space before we experience the first frost of the season. But what about me? I feel that I have spent my summer in hibernation since I couldn’t do much outside of the many hospital tests and appointments I had to attend. Now I am reinventing myself in time for winter. I want to get back out in the world and be sociable, network for my businesses, and enjoy being active again. I much prefer autumn to summer anyway!
Chronic Voice Link-Up
I joined the social network for A Chronic Voice because I needed to find people who understand what life is like with chronic illness, people like me. Today I have written a post using the October link-up prompts, to show my experience of living with a chronic pain disorder. Click here to find other blog posts from fellow chronic pain sufferers, or #spoonies as we call ourselves online.
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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 am enjoying them so far. See my review for book 2 below.
#BookReview “Predicted (Gone Dutch Series)” by Louise Murchie
My Review
This book makes for a great holiday read! It’s a little sweet for my taste but I enjoyed it. If you like your romance warm and fuzzy, you will love this book, and indeed the series. I like a little more heat in my stories, but this feels much more realistic if you prefer down-to-earth, believable novels.
About the Book
Ellen gave her best years to a toad. Raising her daughter alone, is a chance meeting worth being brave for?
Shy Ellen meets protective Nick when Nick’s nephew barrels into their life and classic cars will never be the same again!
Ellen is persuaded to take a chance by her teenage daughter, after all, what harm will a text do?
As witnesses to an insurance scam, things heat up when Ellen becomes the offender’s target of intimidation, something Nick will not stand for. Can he capture Ellen’s heart and keep her safe?
This is a Sweet with Heat romance, suitable for 18+ with a happy ever after.
#BookReview Gone Dutch (Going Dutch Trilogy) by Louise Murchie
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Making the decision of what field of study to pursue can be difficult. There are so many factors to consider, and it can be hard to know where to start. This guide will help you determine the right field of study for you based on your interests, personality type, and skills.
So, whether you’re a high school student trying to decide on a major or someone who has been out of school for a while and is thinking about changing careers, read on!
What are you interested in? What subjects did you like best in school? What topics do you enjoy reading about? Your interests can give you clues about what field of study might be right for you.
If you’re unsure what your interests are, think about the activities you enjoy outside school or work. Do you like to be active or prefer more sedentary pursuits? Are there any causes that are important to you? Is there a particular hobby that you’re passionate about?
Once you have a list of your interests, research what fields of study relate to them. For example, if you’re interested in fashion, design, and art, then a degree in fashion merchandising or graphic design might be a good fit. If you’re interested in the environment, then a degree in environmental science or sustainable development might be right for you.
If you’re still unsure about what field of study to pursue, consider taking some courses in different areas that interest you. This will help you better understand what you might like to study and what you’re good at.
2) Consider Your Skills
When considering what field of study to pursue, it can be helpful to consider the skills you already have. Do you have strong analytical skills? Are you good at working with your hands? Are you a people person? Knowing your skills can help narrow down your options and make choosing a field of study easier.
For example, if you excel at math and science, fields like engineering or nursing might be a good fit for you. If you enjoy working with your hands and are interested in cars, auto mechanics could be the right choice. And if you love interacting with others and helping them solve problems, fields like social work or psychology might be worth considering.
It’s important to remember that no one skill set is limited to just one field of study. So if you don’t necessarily have a skill that aligns perfectly with one specific field, don’t worry! Plenty of other fields could still be an excellent fit for you. The key is to think about your skills and find a field of study that uses them in some way.
3) Consider Your Goals
What do you hope to achieve in your career? Do you want to make a lot of money, or are you more interested in helping others? Do you want to work with your hands or use your mind? Do you want to be outdoors or indoors? Consider what is most important to you in a career, and let that guide your decision.
If making a lot of money is most important to you, then you might want to consider a career in business or finance. If helping others is most important to you, then perhaps a career in social work or teaching would be more fulfilling. If working with your hands interests you most, then a trade like carpentry or auto mechanics would suit you better. Let your goals be your guide in choosing the right field of study.
4) Do Thorough Research
After you have brainstormed and come up with a list of potential options, it is essential to do your research. This means learning about what each field entails, what the job market looks like, and what kind of salary you can expect. You can talk to friends or family members who work in the field, reach out to professionals via LinkedIn, or read articles and reviews online. It is essential to get as much information as possible so that you can make an informed decision.
Once you have done your research, it is time to sit down and evaluate your options. Consider what interests you most, what seems like the best fit for your skillset, and what appears to be the most lucrative option. Thinking about the future and what you see yourself doing in ten or twenty years is also essential. With all this information in mind, you can start looking at oxbridge applications and pick the right field of study for you.
5) Shadow Someone In The Field
One of the best ways to learn about a potential field of study is to shadow someone who is already working in that field. This will give you a first-hand look at the day-to-day realities of the job. It can also help you to make essential connections in the industry. If you don’t know anyone who works in the field you’re interested in, try reaching out to your school’s career centre or searching for shadowing programs online.
Shadowing someone is not only a great way to learn more about a potential field of study, but it can also help you to decide if that field is the right fit for you. Pay attention to how the person you are shadowing feels about their work. Do they seem happy and engaged? Or do they seem stressed and unhappy? It might be worth considering a different field if it’s the latter.
So, how do you determine the right field of study for you? Thinking about your interests, skills, and goals is the best way. Consider what each field of study has to offer and do your research before making a decision. Talk to professionals in the industry, read articles and reviews online, and reach out to friends and family members who work in the field. Once you have all of this information, it’s time to sit down and make a decision. If you still aren’t sure which field is right for you, try shadowing someone who already works in that field.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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Research shows significant blood pressure reduction for one popular herbal tea
As we mark World Heart Day[1] on 29th September, it’s a surprising fact that enjoying a few cups of Hibiscus tea can put you on the path for a healthier heart. More than seven million Brits are living with heart and circulatory diseases, according to heart health charities[2], and one in three adults has raised blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease.
Make Your Own Tea Kit from Kikkerland
Put on the Kettle for World Heart Day and help Lower Your Blood Pressure
As revealed in a research review on Hibiscus Tea authored by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP), published in Food & Nutrition Technology Journal[3], drinking 2-3 cups of Hibiscus tea regularly can significantly lower blood pressure. The research paper combined results from more than 20 studies to examine a range of health effects linked with consumption of Hibiscus tea, particularly heart health benefits.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, from the Tea Advisory Panelsaid: “In one meta-analysis (‘super study’), there was an overall blood pressure reduction of 7.58 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 3.53 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure[4].
“Putting that into context, studies have shown that a blood pressure reduction of 10 mmHg systolic or 5 mmHg diastolic is associated with a 22 per cent average reduction in heart attacks and a 41 per cent average reduction in strokes[5].
“It’s amazing to think that we can help keep our hearts healthy by enjoying a few cups of Hibiscus tea each day”.
The TAP research review also noted clinical trials of Hibiscus tea which found favourable changes to blood cholesterol, triglycerides, inflammation, and blood glucose control. These are all key markers for cardiovascular health. Almost half of adults in the UK have raised blood cholesterol[6].
“Hibiscus is a source of polyphenols”
Commenting on this, lead author of the TAP review and medical herbalist, Dr Chris Etheridge, said: “Like berries, cocoa, olive oil, nuts and avocadoes, Hibiscus is a source of polyphenols – plant compounds which lower inflammation and protect body cells from free radical damage.
“We already know from clinical trials that regular black tea has cardiovascular effects – thanks to its rich polyphenol content, mostly from flavonoids. Now we see a similar positive impact from Hibiscus infusions, which are rich in another type of polyphenol, called anthocyanins. These give Hibiscus its characteristic rose pink colour.
“Drinking Hibiscus tea daily is a simple way to kick start a heart health diet – one that’s full of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, oily fish, nuts and seeds.
Did you know?
Hibiscus tea is made from the dried petals of a tropical plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa, which probably originated in West Africa. Nowadays, it is cultivated widely across the
tropics where it is sometimes called ‘roselle’ or ‘red sorrel’ due to its rosy, red hue.
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Sources:
The Tea Advisory Panel: The Tea Advisory Panel is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from the UK TEA & INFUSIONS ASSOCIATION, the trade association for the UK tea industry. The Panel has been created to provide media with impartial information regarding the health benefits of tea. Panel members include nutritionists, dietitians and doctors.
The twelfth house is the most spiritual and mystical house in astrology. It rules cosmic consciousness, compassion, service to others, spiritual gifts, addiction, imagination and much more.
I received a copy of this book for review, and I was excited to read it when I saw the title and description. See my thoughts on it below.
The Mysteries of the Twelfth Astrological House Fallen Angels book by Carmen Turner-Schott
My Review
I enjoyed reading this book, but it soon became obvious that I would find it more useful if I had already had an astrology reading or was aware of the details on my birth chart. Since I am a complete beginner with astrology, it wasn’t particularly useful. A lot of the content did resonate with me personally so I will refer to it when I continue my astrology study in my own time. It is written as a guide for counsellors who use astrology in their professional practice, so perhaps if that is your area of expertise you will find it a useful addition to your CPD. If you have had an astrology reading or you dabble in the subject, this book is worth reading.
About the Book
The Mysteries of the Twelfth Astrological House: Fallen Angels by Carmen Turner-Schott, MSW, LISW
The twelfth house is the most spiritual and mystical house in astrology. It rules cosmic consciousness, compassion, service to others, spiritual gifts, addiction, imagination and much more. Having planets placed in this house blesses you with imagination, intuition, empathy, and mystical experiences. In The Mysteries of the Twelfth Astrological House, we will discuss a basic overview of the key issues and practical ways to overcome the more challenging twelfth house planet placements, sharing stories and words of wisdom. This book will benefit anyone who wants to learn more about the basics of the twelfth house while providing skills in counselling clients with these placements.
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I follow this author on social media and was attracted to the book, so I bought my copy and added it to my summer reading list. I was not disappointed!
Read on to see my review of “The Real Thing” by Felicity Rose.
#BookReview “The Real Thing” by Felicity Rose
My Review
I really enjoyed this story! There are elements that I personally relate to when Saskia and James begin to explore each other intimately. It was nice to see sex described in more detail that the vanilla portrayal we are used to seeing in literature. And it was steamy! There was a huge twist at the end that I didn’t see coming, much like so many events in real life, and while it left me feeling a bit disgruntled, the author has left it wide open for a sequel, so I look forward to reading that.
The book could have done with a bit more editing, and I got confused part-way through when the writing style randomly switched for a few paragraphs. I think maybe the author got so caught up in the story that they just wrote and maybe didn’t pick it up during the editing phase. Despite this I read the book very quickly which is always a sign I enjoyed it, and the story stayed with me.
About the Book
Saskia Matthews has been everywhere and done it all. She’s been in love more times than she could even count. The problem is, this is only in her book world.
James Edwards, the hottie at the local deli, is the kind of eye candy everyone needs while ordering their lunch. Gorgeous as he is, he’s out of her reach until, one day, she plucks up the courage to talk to him.
Is he what she really wants though?
He’s certainly not her usual type.
Quickly she begins to realise that you should never judge a book by its cover as he takes her deep into her darkest fantasies, awakening her body and opening her eyes to a world she has never seen before.
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I became a cat mom just over 1 year ago and it was a huge step since previously I considered myself a dog person. Anyway, my children kept asking for a kitten, the opportunity arose, and we adopted a cat.
Here are some questions I pondered in those early days.
Our black cat, Nora, enjoying her Christmas gift.
How to Take Care of a Cat or Kitten
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Does my cat need a companion? Not necessarily. We adopted two kittens that were sisters, but sadly one died when she was hit by a car earlier this year. Her sister grieved for her, but she seems happy by herself now. I think cats get used to their surroundings just like we do.
Why should I get a cat tree? I wasn’t sure we could fit a cat tree into our living room, but I’m glad we did. We started out with a small cat tree for the kittens, and then bought a larger cat tree when they grew bigger. The kittens loved playing on it, and now our adult cat uses the scratching posts several times a day, she sleeps on her cat tree, and she uses it as her safe space when she wants to be alone.
How often should I pick my cat up? I don’t think cats are particularly cuddly, but again it comes down to the individual. Our cat is used to being picked up and cuddled regularly, and sometimes she demands to be picked up and cuddled. Other times she scratches us and runs away when she wants to be alone. You will learn to recognise your cat’s body language and will be able to communicate with them as you get used to each other.
What food should I give to my cat? Another tricky question, but one that we answered through trial and error. Our cat eats both wet and dry cat food. She loves her cat biscuits and eats those for breakfast and lunch. She eats wet cat food for dinner (when she isn’t eating the dog food)!
Should my cat be allowed outside? We agonised over this question for a while but knew that we couldn’t keep our cats indoors when our dog regularly uses the garden. We do live on a busy road, and unfortunately it didn’t work out for one of our kittens. She was a born adventurer and I believe she was too busy for this world. Her sister still goes outside regularly but she has a night-time curfew so that we can be sure she is safe.
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When it comes to our children, we want nothing but the best for them. We want them to be happy and healthy, and we do everything we can to ensure that they are. But raising children can be difficult, and sometimes it’s hard to know what the right thing to do is.
This blog post will discuss 6 tips for raising happier, healthier children. Follow these tips, and you can rest assured knowing that your child is on the right path!
Our children need to know that we love them, and one of the best ways to show them this is by giving them plenty of love and attention. Let them know how much you care for them, and spend time with them doing things they enjoy. This will not only make them happy, but it will also help to strengthen the bond between you.
2) Encourage them to be active
It’s important that our children get plenty of exercises, and one of the best ways to encourage this is by being active yourself. Go for walks with them, play catch in the backyard, or take them swimming. Not only will they benefit from physical activity, but they’ll also enjoy spending time with you.
Encouraging them to be active will also help to prevent obesity, which can lead to a host of other health problems later in life.
3) Teach them healthy eating habits
What our children eat is incredibly important, and we need to make sure they’re getting the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. Teach them about healthy eating habits from a young age, and make sure they’re getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods, as these can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Making healthy food choices will not only help your child’s physical health, but it will also improve their mental well-being. Eating nutritious foods has been shown to boost moods and cognitive function.
4) Meditate with your children
Meditation is a great way to help our children relax and de-stress. It has improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and increased focus and concentration. You can meditate with your children for just a few minutes each day, and it will make a world of difference.
5) Buy durable toys
When it comes to toys, quality is more important than quantity. It’s better to buy a few durable toys that will last a long time than a bunch of cheap ones that will break easily. Durable toys are not only safer for your children, but they’re also more economical in the long run.
Some of the best durable toys for children include wooden blocks, wooden food toys, and stuffed animals.
6) Get them outside
Children need to spend time outside, and it’s important that we encourage this. Being in nature has been shown to improve moods, decrease stress levels, and increase energy levels. Spend time with your children in the park, go for hikes together, or simply let them play in the backyard.
Encouraging outdoor play will also help your child’s development. They’ll be able to explore their surroundings, use their imaginations, and get fresh air and exercise.
Helping you to raise happier, healthier children
Following these tips will help you to raise happier and healthier children. Give them plenty of love and attention, and encourage them to lead active and healthy lifestyles. Teach them about healthy eating habits, meditate with them, buy durable toys, and get them outside. By doing these things, you can rest assured knowing that your child is on the right path!
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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