Christmas Sweets for Stocking Fillers

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Yes, there are Christmas trees popping up in the shops, our town decorations are up, and I am starting to feel festive.

Today I want to talk about my favourite Christmas sweets and chocolates and share a special offer for you from A Quarter Of.

Text reads, "Christmas Tree World." Cosy image of a Christmas tree with warm lights and a young family standing around the tree smiling and having fun together. Christmas Tree World affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Christmas Tree World the UK’s #1 Christmas Tree Shop

Welcome to our best ever Christmas Sweets Grotto

As well as the usual categories of treats that you can see here, we’ve a mega-range of over 200 sweets which you can buy in proper, old-school, BIG sweetshop jars.  And even better still, you can add your own personalised label to every single one of them.

It’s incredibly easy and you can even upload a photo! Click here for details.

Chocolate Coins mean Christmas!

Nothing says Christmas more to me than chocolate coins. I love them, and so do my children. In fact, I need to get mine ordered ready to fill up our hand-made advent calendars.

Ooh, do you remember Edible Paper sweets? I used to love these in my pick n mix. You can get edible paper Euro notes in a variety of colours and denominations. Here’s your link.

Vegan and Gluten Free Christmas Sweets

And finally, the most Christmassy of Christmas sweets: mint candy canes. Yummy! These are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and gelatine free so they are a great versatile stocking filler. Here’s your link.

I’m off to find our Christmas decorations now and charge up some batteries for our novelty toys. Have a great week!

A Quarter of Retro Vintage Sweets gift ideas affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
A Quarter of Retro Vintage Sweets

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

Note: 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!

Posted in advertising, christmas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My Top 5 Eco Friendly Gift Ideas for Christmas

Do you know someone who would love eco-friendly, ethically sourced Christmas gifts?

Take a look at my top 5 eco-friendly gift ideas for Christmas.

#FreeforallFriday Eco Christmas Gifts at English Heritage Shop affiliated with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#FreeforallFriday Eco Christmas Gifts at English Heritage Shop

My Top 5 Eco Friendly Gift Ideas for Christmas

Kind Embroidered Organic T-Shirt: This 100% organic cotton t-shirt is beautifully soft and comes as a classic ‘T’ style shirt so you can roll the sleeves up or leave them down to suit your look. £24.00 – Click here.

Blue Check Wool Throw: Add a pop of colour into your home with this blue check throw. The cool toned blue background colour is complimented with a cream check to create a modern take on the classic check design. The throw is made from soft pure new wool and is a luxurious home décor piece that looks effortlessly stylish when placed at the end of the bed or on the arm of a sofa. Our Price £65.00 – Click here. Exclusive Offer 10% off orders over £20 – use code 10EHS40 – Click here.

Embroidered Strawberry Organic Sweatshirt: This cosy organic cotton sweatshirt is an absolute wardrobe staple! Featuring a classic fit and raglan sleeve, it’s crafted with 85% organic cotton and 15% recycled polyester. £49.00 – Click here.

Catherine Headley Stonehenge Winter Solstice Tote Bag: Cut out single use plastic bags and remember a visit to Stonehenge with this reusable tote bag. British artist Catherine Headley has collaborated with English Heritage to create a range of gifts and souvenirs inspired by Stonehenge and the changes of the seasons. Our Price £15.00 – Click here.

Colour Pop Blue Organic Cotton Hoodie: This cosy organic cotton hoodie is an absolute wardrobe staple! Featuring a classic fit, it’s crafted with 85% organic cotton and 15% recycled polyester. £69.00 – Click here. Exclusive Offer Get 5% Off Your Total Basket Spend, When You Spend £50 or More – use code AUTUMN5 – Click here.

Exclusive Special Offer Discount Codes at SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog
Special Offer Discount Codes with trusted affiliate partners at SpookyMrsGreen.com.

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

Note: 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!

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, Business, christmas, Christmas, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Best UK Travel Destinations This Holiday Season

With the holidays coming up, many people are looking to do something different with their Christmas, and there’s been no better time to get out of the house. With the lockdown that’s been stopping people on and off all year, people are desperate to get away from their homes, and that’s why you should be considering a getaway for your Christmas that’s coming up.

But where in the UK actually makes for a good travel destination? Well, there are a number of places that will have you feeling festive depending on where you go!

Source

Staying at a Christmas Inn

If you’re looking for a place to stay this Christmas, whether it be with your family or alone, then you might consider looking for an inn in your local area. Staying with places like The Inn Collection Group means you can do a lot less work this Christmas, and a lot more celebrating. You won’t have to cook, you won’t necessarily have to decorate – you can leave your home behind and head for somewhere that’s prepared to make your holidays special and unique. Many people experience burnout during the holidays, but when you’re heading out and leaving a lot of the work to someone else, you don’t need to worry about that.

York

If you’ve never been to York, you might be unaware of the beautiful scenery that it has to offer. Its historic buildings make for the perfect Christmas setting, and look wonderful once all of the festive decorations and lights are up. If you can find a place to stay like a hotel or a BnB, then York can make the perfect destination for you. People who don’t live close to towns are often missing out on such festivities, and you should make sure you make the most of it this year in York. It’s even been named one of Britain’s most festive cities!

London

Even if you’re just planning to stop by, London can make for a great place to visit this Christmas, and there will be festive lights like you’ve never seen bef4ore. It’s a capital city, and you can expect more presentations in London than you could anywhere else in the UK. Not only the lights, but the parks and large avenues make for a spectacular winter wonderland if you happen to catch the city when it’s snowing.

Cardiff


If you’re looking for somewhere different to spend this Christmas, Cardiff might be a promising choice. Every year Cardiff puts on a huge event called Winter Wonderland, and you would be missing out if you were nearby and didn’t show! It starts around mid-November and carries on all the way until the start of next year. You’d be missing out on the funfair, the ice rink, and even the festive food and drink available to those who attend! If you’re looking to spice up your celebrations, Cardiff is the place you should be looking at visiting! Even better if you can find yourself some Christmas-ready accommodation.

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.

Did you enjoy this article? Download your FREE copy of LGBT fantasy short story It’s Complicated (The Redcliffe Novels) and meet the werewolves of Cornwall, England.  Click here

Note: This is a collaborative article.

Posted in #freeforallFriday, advertising, Business, christmas, Christmas, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

#BookTalk: How to Love a Vampire in “Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel)”

Do you love vampires? Are you fascinated by the mythology of these creatures, who present as human but can cause so much death and destruction? I studied vampires in popular culture for my bachelor’s degree at university many years ago, and that brought me to the point of writing my first vampire novel, “Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel).”

Here is an excerpt from book 5 in the Redcliffe novels series, “Heart of the Vampire:”

Image of a sexy dark-haired man wearing a black leather jacket, staring at the viewer, and looking mysterious. 3D book cover image for "Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers.
LGBT fantasy book series set in Cornwall. “Heart of the Vampire (The Redcliffe Novels)” #5 by Catherine Green.

Excerpt from “Heart of the Vampire (A Redcliffe Novel)” by Catherine Green

“You have to feed, Jack,” I insisted, “And you cannot use me. We tried that before and you almost killed me, remember?”

“You found a way to survive,” my vampire replied gruffly.

I laughed, but it was not amusement that brought such a reaction.

“I survived,” I said, emphasizing the word, “because of your brother. Danny saved me. He sacrificed his wolves so that I could claw back some human strength. Maybe that’s what caused this…” I gestured to the empty space on the bed behind me, “thing with Suri.”

“Perhaps,” Jack replied quietly, “But the point is, you survived.”

#TheRedcliffeNovels Series

The Redcliffe novels series follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she meets a man and falls in love, only to discover the hidden werewolf secrets of her close friends. That includes Simon Bunce, manager of the Ship Inn, who turns out to be lieutenant to the Redcliffe werewolf pack, and lover to the wolf alpha Danny Mason. He fights to protect his master from the ethereal animal familiar who threatens to claim their pack. Who knew the Cornish coast could be so deadly?

Dive into Catherine Green’s LGBT fantasy series, “Heart of the Vampire (The Redcliffe Novels)” Book 5! Explore polyamory in the supernatural world.

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

Posted in #freeforallFriday, a redcliffe novel, advertising, book promotion, Business, redcliffe, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Expert Tips For A Novice Traveller

If you’re new to travelling, we think these fantastic tips will help you travel with ease. Check out these expert tips for a novice traveller.

Image of a cosmopolitan city with outdoor dining and a bicycle leaning against a tree.

Image Credit

What is there to do and see?

One common blunder made by vacationers is failing to research what they can do and see while they are there. People sometimes schedule vacations based only on the price of the place, only to discover when they arrive that there isn’t much to keep them entertained, resulting in a miserable trip.

Find out what activities are available near where you’re staying so you can not just anticipate them but also make reservations if necessary. For example, if you want to take a coach trip to a location you want to see, the tour operator may demand reservations. If you’re looking for a fun-filled getaway, this is a must-do!

If you’re traveling with little children, make sure to double-check that your location is also kid-friendly. Nothing is more frustrating than being away from home and having bored kids. If there isn’t much for kids to do at the location, you’ll need to add activities to your list of items to bring so you don’t get an earache.

Learn the local language

While many tourist attractions now have English-speaking employees, and many locals have learnt the language as well, learning some of the native language is always a good idea in case you need to converse with someone who does not speak English. You can easily get a Spanish tutor, Anna, if you’re going to be spending lots of vacation time in a rural area of Spain.

When you’re away, it’s also great to be able to speak a little bit of another language so you don’t feel and look like a tourist. Making an attempt to communicate in their language will amaze locals and help you make friends while you’re on the road!

The food

When traveling, it’s usually a good idea to research what kind of cuisine to expect, especially if you have unique dietary needs or allergies to certain foods. While many tourist spots offer meals from all over the world, if you’re visiting a quieter place that isn’t overrun with people, you may be limited in your culinary options.

If you’re on an all-inclusive vacation, don’t forget to tell your hotel about any allergies you have so they can accommodate you and prevent any adverse reactions while you’re away.

The living expenses

Before you travel, one of the things on your to-do list should be to exchange your money into the currency of the country you’ll be visiting. However, have you considered the expense of living while you’re away? Many countries overseas (particularly tourist ones) are cheaper to live in, but it’s always worth double-checking to ensure you have enough money to take with you and a backup supply in case you need it.

Researching how much it costs to live in the city you’re moving to, as well as how much the people of that city typically take home each month, will give you a decent sense of how much to bring with you. If you need some time to gather some money together, do this as soon as possible!

Image of a beautiful cove with deep blue sea and craggy rocks.

Image Credit

What to do and what not to do in terms of culture

Every culture is unique, and what may be accepted in your own country may be offensive to the locals in the country you’re visiting. It might also simply annoy them since they have a different way of doing things. In Bulgaria, for example, nodding signifies no while shaking the head indicates yes. Doing your homework may save you a lot of time and effort while also ensuring that you don’t get yourself into any difficulty.

It’s also a good idea to find out whether the place you’re going is religious so you can respect and learn about their culture. One of the best things about traveling is getting to see and experience new cultures, so prepare yourself for what to anticipate from the natives while you’re there!

Vaccinations

One of the most common blunders made by travelers is failing to receive immunizations prior to departure. There are fatal illnesses in many different parts of the globe that you might contract. Even though an illness hasn’t been reported in a long time, it’s still possible to get it if your body isn’t immune. Before you travel, do yourself a favor and visit your doctor to check what immunizations they can provide.

Be aware that most GP surgeries charge for services like these, so make sure you understand what you’ll be paying for before proceeding.

What type of climate to anticipate

It may seem apparent, but you’d be shocked how many vacationers have gone on vacation only to discover that they don’t have all of the necessary clothing with them. While the weather in your destination may be pleasant in general, it’s always a good idea to have something in case the weather turns bad. Check the weather and climate forecasts so you can pack appropriately and avoid getting trapped wishing you’d bought something warmer. This is especially true if you’re traveling outside of the summer season, when the weather might be a little more fickle.

It’s also crucial to consider taking along some creams and lotions, especially if you have pale skin and burn easily. Make sure you know what sort of weather to expect so you can bring the appropriate sunscreen and aftersun with you. You should also bring a few emergency items with you in case you become unwell while traveling. Anti-diarrhoea medications, NSAIDS, and insect repellents are all fantastic examples of items to bring with you.

All of these items may seem like a lot to consider for a short vacation, but following this checklist might help you avoid disappointment and other accidents while you’re gone. Take your time to complete this checklist, and most importantly, relax and enjoy your vacation. Remember to bring your camera!

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

Note: This is a collaborative article and 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!

Posted in advertising | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tarot Card Reading for Pagan New Year

Happy New Year, my pagan friends! Yes, this week we celebrate the turn of the wheel, and as we spoke to our ancestors on Samhain (Halloween), we prepared to welcome in the dark months of a new cycle in life.

Today’s Tarot card reading is the Celtic Cross Spread in celebration of the season, and it is nice and cheerful. See if it resonates with you, and please comment below to tell me your response to the reading.

Image of Universal Rider Waite-Smith Tarot cards on a grey sofa. Celtic Cross Tarot Reading by professional Tarot reader Catherine Green of SpookyMrsGreen.com pagan lifestyle blog.
Celtic Cross Tarot Reading by Catherine Green

Tarot Card Reading for Pagan New Year

1, Current CircumstancesTwo of Wands

Do you yearn to travel the world and visit exotic lands? Maybe you would benefit from a little time at home. Your place is safe and comfortable. You have everything that you need. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

2, Current Influences – Ace of Pentacles

Look around and appreciate what you have. The world is changing, and you will be called to act, but for now enjoy your quiet space. You worked hard for this. Appreciate it.

3, Future Influences – Page of Wands

Someone will bring news of a significant nature. It might be a long-awaited health test result. It might be a job offer. Either way it will be something to celebrate as a victory.

4, Future Events – Page of Swords

You might get involved with a powerful person, someone who gets the job done and follows through on their plans with determination. Trust this leader. They will show you some good experiences.

5, Past Influences – The Chariot

The past few years have been rough, and the scars are still fresh in your mind. Battle weary and tired, you hold fast to the warrior instinct, always ready for another fight.

6, Past Events – The Fool

You were once a carefree young thing, bouncing along in life full of joy and innocent curiosity. Rekindle some of that joy. Embrace your inner child. Be curious, be adventurous.

7, Feelings – Ace of Cups

Well done for working on your Self. Now that you have taken time to heal, you have reached a place of contentment. It might not be perfect, but it is enough for now.

8, Outside Influences – Ace of Wands

Accept the gift that is offered. It might take time to learn a new skill or grow a business. You need help with your project, and someone nearby is ready to step in. Welcome their guidance and their wisdom.

9, Hopes and Fears – The Magician

Now is your time to shine. Yes, it is scary, especially when you are about to declare yourself the person of authority. You can do this. Step into your power.

10, Outcome/Resolution – Two of Pentacles

Now for the fun part but be careful! You may relish the excitement of your new role and you will enjoy being with people again. Life is once again fun and varied. Remember to take time out when you need it, or you might get overwhelmed.

Conclusion

What do you think? I am interested to hear about your projects and dreams that are discussed in the reading. Personally, I will take the advice of the Tarot, enjoy my quiet time at home for the winter season, and look forward to an exciting new adventure in Spring.

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

Posted in #witchywednesday, mind body spirit, pagan mother, spirit sisters, Spiritual, tarot reading | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Best Books To Get Your Kids Based On Their Age!

Reading is such an essential skill that all children should develop from a very young age. It’s never too early to teach your child to read, and the sooner they start seeing books and engaging with them, the earlier they start to develop their own literacy skills. Your child is unlikely to be able to properly read until they’re in second grade. At this point, they can read words and sentences independently, possibly even reading through entire books. They won’t be the most advanced books, but they’re still books! 

Even so, most kids will begin to learn to read when they’re around two. Here, they can recite words, recognize letters on a page, and answer questions related to things that they see in books. Still, it won’t be until they’re in preschool before they start learning the alphabet and can really sound out words. 

Throughout this process, you can help your children by giving them books to read – and by reading to them. Naturally, you need to have suitable books for their age range. Today, we’re going to go through the best types of books you should get for your kids depending on how old they are. 

So, let’s find out:
Baby loves books! #MummyMonday Photo of Georgina Green daughter of Catherine Green at SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
Baby loves books! #MummyMonday

Ages 0-3

What books should you be getting kids when they’re between 0 and 3? Obviously, in the early years, you are buying books to read to them. So, storybooks and nursery rhymes are all great things to read. Even if they don’t understand you in the first few months, the sound of your voice can soothe them and help them sleep. 

As they get beyond their first birthday, reading to them becomes more significant. Again, storybooks help them, but you should also start buying picture books. Showing your baby pictures and interactive pop-up books can help them identify things and become more engaged. It’s the very early stages of their development, and it can help them spot things in real life that they’ve seen in books – like food, animals, etc. 

By the time they get to around 2 or 3, you’re going to start sending them to nursery or pre-school. As such, you need to buy books that will help them lay the foundations of their reading skills. As mentioned in this article: Letter Recognition: How To Help Your Child Learn The Alphabet, alphabet books are great at this stage. These are the most basic kids’ books you can buy, teaching your children all the letters of the alphabet. As we said, this lays the foundations by getting them to recognize letters and understand the sounds they make. When they start to read words, they can sound them out based on the alphabet. 

Ages 4-7

When your child passes their fourth birthday, they’ll be starting kindergarten. Therefore, it’s time to progress their books to things with a few more words in them. Here, you’re still looking at books that are largely illustrative. Don’t buy your kids any books that are full of writing with no pictures as they simply will not be engaged. They are not going to be able to read this much at this stage, so don’t force them to. 

Instead, look for kid’s books that tell stories and have pictures to illustrate the text. Each page should have a couple of lines of text for your child to read, and they can use the pictures to help them figure out what’s going on. In essence, you’re easing your child into the process of reading, slowly but surely. Start with books that have a sentence per page for the younger ages, then build up and up. When they’re 7, they should have a firmer grasp of how to read, be able to string a few sentences together in a row and understand what they mean. 

Ages 8-12

Now, you are getting to the point where your children really start to improve their ability to read. By the time a child is 12, they can read actual novels. We’re talking about things like Harry Potter and many other kids’ fictional books. This is where the illustrations get phased out, replaced by more and more text. When they’re 8 or 9, you might still get books with a few illustrations here and there, only there are paragraphs per page, rather than just a sentence or two. 

Again, it follows the idea of gradually exposing your kids to more writing. When they get competent at reading illustrative books, you can get books that are full of writing. Be careful with your choices; start by picking books that have large writing on each page, so there’s technically less to read – and the larger letters are easier for kids to see and understand. Ideally, by the time your child leaves elementary school, they should be moving on to proper books. There should no longer be images on pages, and your child should be able to read through the whole book by themselves. 

Ages 12+

At this point, things can really vary depending on what your kid enjoys reading. As just mentioned, they should be able to read proper books by now. It is a good idea to get them novels aimed at kids their age, just to be sure they’re reading things that are appropriate for them. As they get older, they’ll try more advanced books that are aimed at a more adult audience. 

Ultimately, you need to buy books that are suitable for your kids depending on how old they are and how good their reading skills will be. Some parents want to speed up the learning process by getting books that are above the average reading level. For instance, when a child is 7, they buy books that are completely full of text and long paragraphs. Some kids can read these at this point, but most will be unable to. Let your children progress naturally by gradually being exposed to longer sentences, longer words, and more writing. Start with the picture books, phase out the images, and your child will learn to read at a good pace. 

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

Note: This is a collaborative article.

Posted in #mummymonday, book promotion, books, Business, Children, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

#ProductReview: Gift Hampers UK

I love receiving gift hampers, and I was delighted to be offered a gift hamper for review from Gift Hampers UK.

Read on to see what delicious treats I received and how I enjoyed them.

#ProductReview Gift Hampers UK with SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Gift Hampers UK

My Review for Gift Hampers UK

I received a vegetarian friendly gift hamper for review, which is perfect for my dietary preference. Gift Hampers UK offer something for everyone, including gluten free hampers, which is great for those friends or family members that are tricky to buy for. The vegetarian gift hamper I reviewed included a bottle of white wine, cheddar and cracked black pepper bites, luxury dark chocolate, luxury chocolate chip cookies, caramelized cashews, caramel coated popcorn (my husband loved this snack!), a breakfast tea gift and an afternoon tea gift.

All the treats were delicious, and I am being honest. I found the caramel popcorn a little sickly, but my husband ate the whole portion in one sitting. The wine is a nice Chardonnay which we found smooth and easy to drink. I am not a tea drinker, but I did enjoy the tea in this hamper. It is infused with herbs which gives it a nice taste and makes it a bit more special than you average daily brew.  The chocolate is by Love Cocoa, a James Cadbury company, so we know it is a heritage brand and it tastes delicious. It will last a while because you only need a few pieces of chocolate to satisfy your craving. The chocolate chip cookies didn’t last long at all and were a very tasty breakfast treat. And the extra mature cheddar and cracked black pepper bites were nice but perhaps a little too heavy on the cheese for my liking.

Pretty Packaging makes a Difference

I liked the presentation of my gift hamper. It came in a luxury box which is recyclable, wrapped in ribbon and with tissue paper inside. My kittens absolutely loved the polystyrene packaging and had great fun tipping it all over the floor and chasing it around. My dog enjoyed eating the packaging! This is the kind of hamper that would look lovely under your Christmas tree, if you didn’t have destructive pets. I would certainly gift one of these hampers to any of my friends or family members as a special treat. Perhaps you are looking for ideas for corporate gifts this year? A luxury gift would be ideal for that special client or as a reward for a good customer. There are lots of options available for corporate hampers so take a look and see what you can find.

Gift hampers are an ideal option for people who don’t like clutter. Once they have eaten the food they can recycle the packaging, and they enjoy a special treat with products that you don’t find in your local supermarket. Add Gift Hampers UK to your Christmas shopping list. You will be impressed!

A selection vegan and gluten-free wine, snacks and biscuits. #ProductReview Gift Hampers UK reviewed by Catherine Green for SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#ProductReview Gift Hampers UK

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. This is a collaborative article.

Posted in advertising, christmas | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

#BookTalk: Witch vs Werewolf in “Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)”

Happy Hump Day! Since we are so close to Halloween, I decided to share an excerpt from book 3 in the Redcliffe novels series, “Love Redeems.”

Jessica has embraced her heritage as a witch and is causing chaos in the werewolf pack, much to Danny Mason’s annoyance.

Image of a woman standing between two men who are partly in shadow. All are wearing black clothes and look mysterious. 3D book cover image for "Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)" from the vampire and werewolf fantasy book series by LGBT fantasy book writer Catherine Green including phone and iPad download images for tablet, iPhone, and android book readers.
LGBT fantasy book series set in Cornwall. “Love Redeems (The Redcliffe Novels)” #3 by Catherine Green.

Excerpt from “Love Redeems (A Redcliffe Novel)” by Catherine Green

“Of course we frighten the alpha,” she said scornfully, in my mind, “He is but a wolf. We are far superior. Allow me to demonstrate.”

And she sprang forward without warning, heading straight for my body. I cried out, trying to move away from Danny and Simon, but I was too slow. My body convulsed as Suri merged her spirit with mine. I felt it happen, but I was powerless to react. I had no idea what I was dealing with. I was still just a witch in training. Opening my eyes, I turned slowly, searching for the alpha male. Danny was standing in the doorway, staring at me, his own power flaring, swirling around him in a delicious storm of turmoil. Licking my lips, I advanced upon him slowly, stalking my prey. My body felt lithe and supple, and while I still looked and walked like a human, I could feel a tail swishing behind me, and my muscles were that of the snow tiger. She was superimposed around my body, and both wolves could clearly see her.

“Jessica,” Danny said, shaking his head, “Jessica, please don’t do this. Send her away. Fight her.”
I laughed, and my voice sounded deep and throaty, ending in a growl.

“I do not want to send her away,” I said, “I want to embrace her power. She is my tiger. We work together.”

“You don’t mean that,” Danny replied, “Remember who I am.”
“You are the alpha male,” I said, “You are worthy of our attention.”

“Jessica,” Danny said, “I do not want to play with your tiger. I want you,” he paused, staring at me with glowing blue eyes, “Jessica, I want you.” He said again.

I hesitated, mulling over his words. Something stirred within me, a memory of another man who looked identical to the alpha. The other man was not a wolf. He was dead. I didn’t want a dead thing. I wanted heat, power, and life. I moved towards the alpha, my body preparing to pounce. My movements were smooth, agile and feline. I loved the way I moved, so graceful and delicate, so strong. I pounced.

#TheRedcliffeNovels Series

The Redcliffe novels series follow the adventures of bookshop owner Jessica Stone as she meets a man and falls in love, only to discover the hidden werewolf secrets of her close friends. That includes Simon Bunce, manager of the Ship Inn, who turns out to be lieutenant to the Redcliffe werewolf pack, and lover to the wolf alpha Danny Mason. He fights to protect his master from the ethereal animal familiar who threatens to claim their pack. Who knew the Cornish coast could be so deadly?

Sink your teeth into the captivating world of vampires and werewolves in Catherine Green’s LGBT fantasy series! Book 3, “Love Redeems (The Redcliffe Novels),” is a thrilling journey into love and redemption.

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

Posted in #freeforallFriday, #LGBTQIA, a redcliffe novel, advertising, book promotion, Business, love redeems, working mom, working mother, working mum | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Halloween Poem

It’s the spookiest week of the year and today I share with you a poem written by my 8-year-old daughter. She was inspired recently when I attended an online poetry class.

Tell us what you think of it in the comments!

#WitchyWednesday Happy Halloween! From SpookyMrsGreen.com mindful parenting and modern pagan lifestyle blog.
#WitchyWednesday Happy Halloween!

Halloween

Halloween is spooky

And very, very gloomy.

It’s got spiders

But no gliders

It is code black

Not cute pink

It is so dark

With no spark

Maybe you could make it bright

But not as bright as the daylight.

By Georgina Green (age 8)

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

Posted in #mummymonday, #witchywednesday, Children, halloween, pagan mother, Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments