I received this book for review. Read on to see what I thought of it.
#BookReview A Rattle of Bones (A Rebecca Connolly Thriller) by Douglas Skelton
My Review
A Rattle of Bones is a crime thriller set in Scotland, and I liked it. I would say it is not the best book I have read recently, but then I’m not generally a fan of crime fiction. I did enjoy reading a story set in Inverness with reference to historical events. This novel connects a miscarriage of justice in the present day with one that happened a few hundred years earlier in the same place, and the content is not pleasant, so be warned! While I would have preferred to read more about the historical criminal case, this novel gets right to the point and doesn’t waste time. You get the story, you get the basic facts, you get the conclusion. It made for a nice, quick read and I liked the short chapters.
About the Book
In 1752, Seamus a’Ghlynne, James of the Glen, was executed for the murder of government man Colin Campbell. He was almost certainly innocent.
When banners are placed at his gravesite claiming that his namesake, James Stewart, is innocent of murder, reporter Rebecca Connolly smells a story. The young Stewart has been in prison for ten years for the brutal murder of his lover, lawyer and politician Murdo Maxwell, in his Appin home. Rebecca soon discovers that Maxwell believed he was being followed prior to his murder and his phones were tapped.
Why is a Glasgow crime boss so interested in the case? As Rebecca keeps digging, she finds herself in the sights of Inverness crime matriarch Mo Burke, who wants payback for the damage caused to her family in a previous case.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, A Rattle of Bones is a tale of injustice and mystery, and the echo of the past in the present.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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I received a copy of this book for review, and since I am a Reiki Master Practitioner and Teacher, I was keen to read it.
See my review below.
The Way of Reiki: The Inner Teachings of Mikao Usui by Frans Stiene
My Review
I really enjoyed reading this book! Having read another book by Frans Stiene previously I knew I would like this one, but it offers deeper meaning for me personally as I am several years into my journey with reiki energy healing. The book sends a simple message about being true to ourselves, it refers to the teachings of Mikao Usui who founded the system of reiki as we know it today. I found the style of writing easy to understand and there was humour mixed in with the deeper messages, reminding the reader that we should lighten up and not take life so seriously all the time. If you are a reiki practitioner or you are interested in energy work, you will enjoy this book.
About the Book
The Way of Reiki guides us on the path to becoming a better human being, softening our anger and worry so that we can live in a world of compassion and kindness. It is a must read for any Reiki practitioner or teacher who wants to bring more love into their practice, teachings and the world.
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Did you know that your environment can have a significant impact on your mental health? In fact, there are many environmental factors that can contribute to your overall well-being. Some of these factors are within your control, while others are not.
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 environmental factors that can affect your mental health. We will also provide tips for how you can improve your mental health in spite of these factors!
Natural light can have a huge impact on our mental health. It helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which affects our sleep/wake cycle and can influence mood. If you live in a place without access to natural light, look into getting a sun lamp or paying frequent visits to parks and other places that provide natural lighting.
Noise Levels
Too much noise can be overwhelming and lead to feeling stressed out, anxious or irritable. Make sure your living space is as quiet as possible by using soundproofing materials such as rugs, curtains, furniture covers etc.
Air Quality
Poor air quality can lead to physical ailments such as headaches, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. Take steps to improve air quality in your home by investing in air filters and ensuring adequate ventilation.
Clutter
Living in an overly cluttered space can lead to feelings of overwhelm, stress and depression. Create a calm environment by regularly decluttering your home and office.
Social Environment
The people you surround yourself with can have a significant impact on your mental health. Try to spend more time with supportive friends and family members who will lift you up rather than drag you down.
Furniture
Your furniture can have an impact on your mental health as well. For example, mental health furniture such as ergonomic chairs, standing desks and other supportive furniture can help improve posture and reduce fatigue.
Technology
While technology can be a great asset, too much of it can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. Make sure to unplug every once in a while and set aside some tech-free time for yourself each day. Technology not only causes stress and anxiety, but it can also have negative consequences in other areas of your life as a major distraction, impairing concentration, and focus – leading to decreased productivity at work. If you struggle with staying focused at work, an adult ADHD assessment or productivity coaching session might help you plan and prioritize tasks more effectively.
Pets
Having a pet around the house has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve moods and even lower blood pressure. If you don’t have one already, consider getting a furry companion! For example, you might adopt a rescue pet or even volunteer at an animal shelter.
Nature
Exposure to nature can have a calming effect and boost overall well-being. Try to take some time each day to enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s walking in the park, gardening or even just sitting on your porch and taking in the scenery.
Color
The colors of your environment can also influence your mental health. Bright colors such as yellow, orange and green are known to evoke positive emotions, while darker shades like gray and black may bring about feelings of sadness or depression. So if you want to brighten up your mood, consider adding some cheerful hues into your space!
It’s clear that our environment can have a major influence on our mental health. By taking a few steps to optimize your home, office and other living spaces, you can make a positive impact on your well-being. So why not give it a try? After all, your mental health is worth the effort!
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I received this book for review. Read on to see what I thought of it.
#BookReview “Curse of the Reaper” by Brian McAuley
My Review
I really enjoyed this book, especially since I read it during Halloween season! It is a classic Hollywood horror movie in book form, but you’ll have to read it to find out more. Near the beginning it made me think it was more of a contemporary psychological thriller, but it soon turned the tables and fed my blood lust for horror. I feel that the author cleverly mixed modern social challenges with classic Hollywood imagery, and gave us a little insight about how it feels to grow old and realise when it is time to retire from your career. I recommend that you read this book even if you are not a horror fan, because there are some interesting twists and turns, and the main characters are flawed just like the rest of us, so you might not find yourself rooting for the hero as you might expect to do.
About the Book
Scream meets The Shining in this page-turning horror tale about an aging actor haunted by the slasher movie villain he brought to life.
Decades after playing the titular killer in the 80s horror franchise Night of the Reaper, Howard Browning has been reduced to signing autographs for his dwindling fanbase at genre conventions. When the studio announces a series reboot, the aging thespian is crushed to learn he’s being replaced in the iconic role by heartthrob Trevor Mane, a former sitcom child-star who’s fresh out of rehab. Trevor is determined to stay sober and revamp his image while Howard refuses to let go of the character he created, setting the stage for a cross-generational clash over the soul of a monster. But as Howard fights to reclaim his legacy, the sinister alter ego consumes his unravelling mind, pushing him to the brink of violence. Is the method actor succumbing to madness or has the devilish Reaper taken on a life of its own?
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You want to feel safe in your home. You work hard to make your loved ones feel comfortable and perfect in your home, and you want to know that they are secure from intruders and other dangers. While you can never be 100% safe, there are some things you can do to make your home as safe as possible.
This blog post will discuss five hints on securing the safety of your home. So keep reading for helpful tips that will help keep you and your loved ones safe!
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1) Install a Security System:
Installing a security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from intruders. A sound security system will monitor for motion within your home and alert you when there is an intruder present. It also allows you to control who can enter and exit your home, making it one of the best ways to keep intruders out. In addition, many security systems come with other features, such as smoke and fire detection and 24/7 monitoring.
2) Install Security Cameras:
Security cameras can be an effective way to deter burglars from entering your home. They also allow you to keep an eye on who is coming and going from your property. Make sure the cameras are placed in strategic locations, such as entrances, exits, hallways and common areas of your home. Also, make sure they’re visible, so it’s obvious that you have a security system in place.
3) Lock All Doors & Windows:
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s something that many people overlook. Professional locksmiths will make sure that all your doors and windows are safe and secure in your home. If you are not home, make sure all windows are closed and locked. Make sure to also invest in high-quality locks that can’t be easily picked or broken into.
4) Install Motion Sensor Lights:
Motion sensor lights are a great way to deter intruders from entering your property. The lights will turn on when someone is near the sensor, making it obvious that someone is home and alerting them to leave immediately. Installing motion sensor lights around your home’s perimeter can quickly help protect against any potential threats.
5) Get an Alarm System:
An alarm system is another way to help keep your home safe. An alarm system will sound off when someone attempts to break into your home, alerting both you and potential intruders. This can be a great way to scare off burglars and keep your family safe. Make sure to read up on different alarm system options before investing in one, as some are more effective than others.
In conclusion, these five hints will help you secure the safety of your home and protect against potential threats. Remember, being proactive about security is key. Knowing that you have made your home safer can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy time spent with loved ones without worrying about their safety. Take the time today to ensure that your home is as secure as it can be now—you won’t regret it!
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Many people believe that pets are a man’s best friend. And for many, this is true. Pets can provide you with companionship and can help you through difficult times. Grief is one of those times. Pets can provide you with comfort and love when you need them most.
This blog post will discuss how pets can help people through grief and how they can be a valuable support system during this challenging time. It will also include personal stories from pet owners who have found comfort in their animals during times of grief.
#ADogisforLife Catherine and Baxter
1) Pets Provide Comfort:
One of the main ways pets can help people going through grief is by providing comfort. Whether it be a soft cuddle with your cat, playing fetch with your dog, or listening to the calming sound of a pet fish swimming around their aquarium, pets can provide much-needed distraction and stress relief during times of grief. Pets have the ability to pick up on our emotions, so they instinctively know when we are feeling down and will offer us comfort in whatever way they can.
2) They Act As Constant Companions:
Grief is a difficult time and one that many find hard to get through alone. This is where having a pet at home comes in handy. Pets provide company and unconditional love, no matter what you are going through. Just having them around can be a great source of comfort and distraction, as well as a reminder that you are not alone in your journey. In addition, pets are always there to listen, without judgement or need for explanation.
3) They Help Us Get Outdoors:
One of the best things a pet can do is encourage us to get out and explore the world around us, even when we’re not feeling our best. Going outdoors and being in nature has been proven to be beneficial for mental health, providing fresh air and natural sunlight, which is thought to help boost mood and reduce stress levels. So if you’re going through grief and feeling down, take your pet out on a long walk or play fetch in the park with them – it may just be what you need!
4) They Help Bring A Sense Of Stability:
Having a companion who is always there for you can help bring a sense of stability during times of grief. In addition, pets provide us with routine and structure, which can be incredibly beneficial when life is feeling out of control. For example, walking the dog each morning or playing with the cat after dinner can give us something to look forward to and plan our day around. This helps to create some semblance of normality during difficult times and keeps us grounded when we need it most.
5) They Offer Unconditional Love And Support:
One of the most important ways pets can help us through grief is by offering unconditional love and support. We may not always be able to talk about our feelings or explain what we are going through, but a gentle purr from our cat or a wagging tail from our beloved pup will remind us that we are loved, no matter what. Furthermore, pets will never judge us for feeling a certain way. Instead, they provide us with comfort and understanding, which can be incredibly valuable during such a difficult time.
6) Real-Life Stories:
The benefits of having a pet during times of grief are not only evidenced through research and studies but also through the personal stories of pet owners who have gone through difficult times. One such story is from Janice, whose cat helped her through her father’s death. She says that her cat was always there for her whenever she needed comfort or companionship. He would sit next to her when she was feeling sad or just needed some company. Another example is John, whose dog helped him cope with depression after his divorce. His pup was always there to offer unconditional love and support, which he found incredibly helpful during those dark days.
7) The Bottom Line:
It is clear that pets can be incredibly helpful during times of grief. They provide comfort, company, stability, and unconditional love – all of which are invaluable at such a difficult time. From providing us with distraction and entertainment to reminding us that we are not alone in our journey, pets can be a trustworthy source of strength and support. So if you or someone you know is going through tough times, consider getting a pet – it could make all the difference.
8) Best company for cancer patients:
Pets are some of the best companies for cancer patients and their families. They can provide comfort, distraction, and love and may even help to reduce anxiety and depression. Pets have been found to be particularly beneficial for those facing terminal illnesses, with studies suggesting that having a pet could improve the quality of life in end-of-life care. Research has also shown that pets can help cancer patients stay positive by providing them with unconditional support during times of grief. Additionally, animals can act as an emotional outlet – they don’t judge or expect anything in return, so it can be a great way to express difficult emotions without feeling judged or misunderstood. Finally, having a pet by your side is not only physically beneficial but psychologically beneficial, too. There is no doubt that they can help cancer patients and their families cope with the challenges of a terminal illness.
In conclusion, from providing comfort and companionship to helping bring stability and offering unconditional love, it’s clear that pets can be incredibly valuable during times of grief. Of course, everyone’s experience is unique, and everyone grieves differently. But having a pet at home can provide much-needed support during this challenging time in many different ways.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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What causes coeliac disease and what are the common symptoms?
Article About Gluten Free Diet by Oxford Online Pharmacy
Living with Coeliac disease (Gluten intolerance)
Coeliac disease occurs when your immune system develops intolerance to gluten. Gluten is a protein that is found in barley, wheat, and rye. Eating gluten damages the lining of the small intestine wall, which in time can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food. It’s an autoimmune disease so the body begins to attack healthy tissue, as it has mistakenly marked the substances within gluten as dangerous. It’s not entirely proven what causes coeliac disease, but it’s thought to be a combination of the environment and genetic make-up.
There is no cure for coeliac disease, the most successful form of treatment is to adopt a completely gluten-free diet. By removing gluten from your diet, you should start to see results and feel more comfortable after eating food. Doing this has been found to help keep symptoms under control and will prevent long-term damage from the disease such as cancer. Even if you have very mild reactions to gluten, it is still recommended that you remove it from your diet, as it can lead to more severe symptoms. After giving up gluten, it should take around two years for your body to completely recover and your intestines to heal.
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For many of us, Christmas is a really important and special time of year. But if you are keen to make sure that this one is particularly so, then there are a lot of things that you might want to think about in order to make sure of that. As it happens, making Christmas more special is easier than you might think, so it’s definitely something that you can aim for at least.
In this post, we are going to take you through some of the main ways in which you can hope to make this Christmas a little bit more special – for your family, your friends and associates, and yourself.
One approach to this is quite simply to start celebrating Christmas a little bit earlier. This is not necessarily about going full-on Christmas crackers from day one, but it does mean you might want to pay a little more attention to the whole of advent than you might normally be accustomed to doing. If you do that, it’s going to be a really simple and effective way of making sure that you can make a much bigger deal of Christmas, so that is something that you are definitely going to want to think about.
Of course, the easiest way to get into advent is to treat your kids and yourself to an advent calendar each. There are many kinds of these that you might want to think about getting, and while the chocolate kinds are all-popular these days, especially with children, that is by no means the only approach you can take. There are also more traditional advent calendars which you hang on your kitchen door and place a toy in each day as it comes.
It doesn’t have to be an advent calendar, either. You could give out a personalised calendar to each individual in your family for the entire year, but make the December page particularly festive of course. Personalised calendars make great gifts in and of themselves, so they might also function as an early Christmas present too.
However you do it, getting into the spirit a little earlier is bound to mean that Christmas is much more special by the time it comes around.
Make Your Own Wreath
Whether or not you usually have a wreath over your door, it must be said that this is a fantastic way to make sure that you are getting everyone into the Christmas spirit fully and truly. There is something just so welcoming about a wreath and so beautiful, and it’s the kind of thing that very much beckons in the festive period in a fantastic way. If you want to make this even more the case, you might want to think about making your own wreath this year, which might actually be easier than you think and which can be a wonderful activity to take part in with your family in its own right too.
It’s quite a simple DIY job, but a fun one too: all you need is to get a wire ring which you can buy quite affordably, and then decorate it with genuine branches and so on from pine trees and other plants in your area. It’s affordable and easy to make, and will instantly transform your home into much more of a winter wonderland.
Go Out For Christmas Lunch
Maybe you are not in the mood for preparing a huge meal this year, or maybe you just want to do something a little different. In any case, there is definitely something to be said for taking your family or your friends out for a Christmas lunch at a nice pub or restaurant. A lot of places offer this, and it really does work quite well. You might even be pleasantly surprised at how affordable it can be, with many restaurants doing a deal where you pay upfront but then have to pay nothing on the day.
If you have not done this before, or not for many years, then it might be something that you want to consider. In any case, going out for Christmas lunch is absolutely one of the best ways to make Christmas a little bit more special this time around.
Put Up The Tree As A Family
Putting up the tree is a major part of the process of getting ready for Christmas for most families, and one that you might want to think about if you are keen to make Christmas a lot more special this year. How can you make this more special? Just ensure that you are working on it as a family unit, and that you are happy to decorate it together in whatever way means something to you all. That’s a very simple and straightforward way to make sure that getting ready for Christmas is a lot more enjoyable, so it’s certainly worth thinking about at least.
Of course, you can also personalise it and add in some decorations that are particularly meaningful just to you and your family. That is what takes it from being a normal Christmas tree to one that only your family could have put up, which is of course a really important part of all this too. As you might imagine, this will help you to feel much more festive very quickly.
Make It All About The Kids
If you have particularly young kids at home still, then you will probably be keen to make the Christmas period as special as possible for them in particular. Making it all about the kids is definitely one way to bring more joy to proceedings, and the great thing is that it has this effect on the adults as well as the children, so that’s definitely something to think about.
Write a letter to Santa together and perform all that good magical stuff, and your kids are going to really start feeling the joy of Christmas in no time. That’s a great feeling to have in the household.
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Offering a fun clever take on the usual tarot deck, Cats Rule the Earth Tarot creatively reinvents the traditional cards with modern, quirky cat illustrations.
I received this Tarot card deck and guidebook for review. Read on to see what I thought of it.
#ProductReview Cats Rule the Earth Tarot by Catherine Green
My Review
This is a lovely Tarot card deck that was designed in the style of the traditional Rider Waite-Smith Tarot cards. The only difference here is that the images feature cats as the central focus, not humans. The cards feel nice to hold and work with, and there are suggested Tarot card readings in the guidebook, along with detailed descriptions of each card. This would make a lovely gift for your Tarot-reading friend or family member.
About the Book
This 78-card tarot deck and guidebook is cat themed, combining ancient mysticism with feline illustrations.
This tarot deck and guidebook set is ideal for anyone seeking the knowledge and skills needed to learn the ancient art of tarot. Offering a fun clever take on the usual tarot deck, Cats Rule the Earth Tarot creatively reinvents the traditional cards with modern, quirky cat illustrations. Cats Rule the Earth Tarot goes deeper than simply presenting the meaning of each card―it equips the reader with a historical understanding of tarot, how to interpret and apply each card drawn and methods of conducting readings for yourself, friends, or family. From welcoming new beginnings with the Ace of Cups to facing a new guiding presence in your life with the Hierophant, each card you draw holds the power to reveal hidden truths and guide you through the unexpected events of daily life.
LGBT werewolf fantasy story “It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels)” by Catherine Green
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I received this book for review. Read my blog post to see what I thought of it.
#BookTalk How to Study Magic: A Guide to History, Lore and Building Your Own Practice by Sarah Lyons
My Review
This book had my attention from the start, and I liked how the author kept it simple. There is no need for ritual and fancy words when it comes to working with pure magic and doing magical work, and that is what is discussed here. The illustrations are lovely, the chapters are easy to digest, and the content left me feeling a renewed vigour for my magical practice. If you are a young witch looking for guidance, then this is a good place to start. If you are a slightly older witch who needs a gentle push back into the practice (like me), this book is also for you.
About the Book
An insider’s guide for beginner mystics, How to Study Magic is your ultimate introduction to the main areas of magic―from witchcraft to grimoires―what it means to practice them, and, most of all, how to get started.
Have you ever wanted to dive into the world of magic, but weren’t sure where to begin? You’re not alone! Knowing where to start can be mystifying, but it doesn’t have to be. In How to Study Magic, author, educator, and seasoned witch Sarah Lyons guides you through an introductory course of study, and an enchanted entry point to the wide world of magical paths.
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