Little Loves December

The end of December, nearly 2018 eeekkk. I think we all say the same every year but it really has flown by. So here is my last little loves of 2017.

Read

I actually didn't do a lot of reading this month. I had the pleasure of receiving an advanced copy of Jojo Moyes' latest release, the third in the Me Before You series, a must read in my opinion when it gets released in January.

Apart from that, I got to read through a lot of Christmas cards, season greetings and well wishes. I like the written word so this time of year is rather comforting to me.

The Teddy Bear 5 Book Review

My girls love their cuddly toys. Their beds are covered in, no matter how many times I try to thin out their collection, more always manage to keep appearing. These cuddly toys aren't just for cuddling, oh no they make great play mates too but what do these stuffed toys get up to when we aren't in the house to see? This is a question that is being answered by author V.F. Gallagher in her children's book The Teddy Bear 5.

Have you ever imagined what your favourite cuddly toys get up to when you head out to school in the morning?

The Teddy Bear 5 is a magical set of books which tell the story of five very different, loveable, cuddly best friends who, when nobody else is around, set out to explore and have great adventures together.

My Sunday Photo 2017 #52

This was the last day for this years Elf on the Shelf and this time they left a DVD and a wonderful selection of hot chocolates for the girls to enjoy this evening as they wait for Santa to arrive.

Elf on the Shelf 2017 Round Up 4

It's nearly time to say goodbye to our elves for another year but before we do here is a final weeks worth of ideas for you store ready for next years antics.

Day seventeen

The count down is on!

Still Me by JoJo Moyes December Book of the Month

I've mentioned before that I'm a member of Netgalley, a site where you can request books in exchange for honest reviews. I may have also said previously how much I love this site and this month I had another reason why to add to my list. Many members were given the chance to review the first chapter of JoJo's latest book, Still Me and a select few of us were then further chosen to receive an uncorrected proof in paperback, I was one of the lucky ones!!

If you don't know, Still Me is the third book in the Me Before You series, if you haven't read the first two books then I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you do so now, but do have tissues at the ready because honestly I'd be surprised if you managed not to cry when reading. I honest to god squealed when I got the email to tell me that I had been selected to receive one of the proofs, it was like Christmas come early and when the book arrived I devoured it that day.

Build-A-Bear Rainbow Stuffing Station Review

My eldest was bought her first Build-A-Bear by her Grandpappy, she's now twelve and this bear still sits at the end of her bed. Since then we've had many more of these creations come into our house, including my youngest's favourite cuddly toy, Chewbacca. And now we've been able to bring the fun of Build-A-Bear home with their fantastic Stuffing Station.

Half the fun of these toys is getting to be part of the process of making them, pumping in the stuffing, placing a loving heart inside and then of course you need to name your new companion. All of this magic is included when you use the Stuffing Station. So what's included?

Kick! Jump! Chop! Book Review

We've all heard of the Gingerbread Man but have you heard of the Ninjabread Man? Kick! Jump! Chop! is the latest children's book from author Heather Ayris Burnell and it is a brilliant twist on a classic tale.

When sparring gets stale, Sensei bakes a delicious Ninjabread Man! Raccoon, Cheetah, Monkey and Sensei each battle the Ninjabread Man to see if the cookie will crumble. Can this tough cookie beat the ninjas and escape Fox's sticky paws?

Read With Me #51 2017

Hello everyone and welcome to this weeks Read With Me and the last one of 2017. I hope everyone is prepared for the festive season and looking forward to a bit of a break like I am.

My favourite post came from the lovely Katie over with her post all about her elf on a book shelf, a lovely alternative to the normal elf antics which includes the wonder of books.

My Sunday Photo 2017 #51

This was a photograph I took a couple of weeks back at Leeds Castle Christmas market but seen as I haven't taken many photos lately I thought this would be a nice one to share.

Elf on the Shelf 2017 Round Up 3

With just over a week to go until Christmas I'm ever so slightly excited at the prospect of presents, good food and time with family. Are you prepared or panicking right now? However while we wait the elf antics continue.

Day ten

These elves must be quiet as a mouse because they managed to change the kids bedding last night into something a little more festive and they didn't even notice!

Winter Themed Children's Books To Read

Winter is setting in. If I'm honest it's my favourite season. With the temperatures dropping and the nights getting darker, for me it means cosy nights sitting by the fire, getting all curled up under blankets, and this is a great excuse to have cuddles with the kids and read some winter themed books. 

Books are a great way to show children just how the seasons change and I have three books to share with you which cleverly show our little ones just what it means to be in the season of Winter, from the obvious things you can see like Christmas decorations and snow to the things you can feel like the cold in the air or the crunch of ice under your feet.

Mice Skating

Why I Love Portable North Pole (and a reader discount)

Way back in 2013 I reviewed the Portable North Pole, back then I was creating free personalised videos and even then my kids were in awe, it just added that little bit more magic to Christmas. 

Portable North Pole 2017 lets you create highly personalised video messages delivered directly from Santa in just a few minutes on the web, smartphone or tablet. Watch your child's (or friends or other family members!!!!) smile light up the minute Santa greets them by name and shows their picture. PNP brings the magic of the North Pole Village to life and lets kids be kids a little bit longer as they see real-life Santa’s home, the magical reindeers, and the hustle and bustle of the elves.We want to work with you to showcase PNP and the joy it creates.

Good Night Little Bot Book Review

Bed time, the time of the day where children find any excuse under the sun to come back downstairs. You know the ones, I forgot to tell you, I'm thirsty, I haven't given you a kiss, but I really need a toilet and the classic, I'm not tired!

Good Night Little Bot showcases this brilliantly.

Read With Me #50 2017

Hello and welcome to this weeks Read With Me, how are we all, still managing some time to read during this busy month? I have to admit apart from reading Christmas books to the kids I am struggling to fit in time to read books of my own.

I have however put a load of books on my Christmas list as always. Top of my list os Tower of Dawn, the next book in the Throne of Glass series, I have sneaking suspicion that my mum is buying it for me after a few not so subtle hints.

My Sunday Photo 2017 #50

Ok I actually put up my Christmas tree on the 26th November but I've waited until now to pop the photograph on my blog so as not to annoy all those people who think decorations shouldn't go up until December. When do you put your decorations up?

Elf on the Shelf 2017 Round Up 2

Week two of the Christmas countdown and we're back with more inspiration for those mischievous elves. Have yours been naughty or nice so far?

Day three

Now I like to make my house festive but the elves have taken it a step further this year by making my bathroom Christmas ready too.

How to be Ready For Christmas at the Start of December

I think I'm in the majority group of people that find Christmas to be quite an expensive affair but most of the time I actually manage to find myself ready for the festivities at the start of December, now I know it probably won't be much use to you now but I thought this would be a good post to refer back to next year to help ease the burden of Christmas. So here are five tips to help you save those pennies.

Don't just buy gifts in December

Now this might seem like an obvious one but there are so many of us that year after year after promising to start early, still find ourselves rush buying in the middle of the countdown to that special day. The trick I've found is to buy things all year round, grab the bargains when you seem them. Boxing Day is a good time to start, this is when you can get all of your wrapping paper, cards etc for the following year. And these days shops have sales on all year round so pick things up as and when you have a bit of money spare, you'll be surprised how quickly you can buy for everyone and at a fraction of the cost.my 

Save those pennies

And I mean this one literally. Save the small change. My mum and I put aside all our 1ps, 2ps, 5ps, 20ps and even 50ps when we can. This year we've managed to save just over £100 in change, this goes towards smaller presents and the drink bill. The only problem I have here is carrying all that money down to the bank, it's one heavy load I can tell you! By saving throughout the year it means that you don't have to wait for that December pay packet to go and buy things.

Tipping Point IDEAL Game Review

So for the past couple of weeks I have been sharing with you some reviews for board games that you could/should be buying this Christmas time. If you liked Telestrations, loved the look of Think Words Spin, then you are about to be impressed with my next offering, Tipping Point. Following on from the success of the TV programme, you can now play along at home with your own electronic version of the game.

Read With Me #49 2017

Hello and welcome to this weeks Read With Me, the Christmas count down has well and truly begun, have you put your trees up yet?

I've begun reading the festive books with the kids, so far we've read The Snowman, Santa to the Rescue and We Wish for a Monster Christmas.

My Sunday Photo 2017 #49

I headed up to the Christmas market at Leeds Castle last week with my family. It was so lovely, a live band playing festive music. Plenty of stalls selling some handmade goodies, fair ground rides and of course an abundance of food and drink on offer, the mulled wine was calling to me!

There was also a Santa's grotto, something we opted out of this year and the thing my youngest was most excited about, the reindeer. They were laying there so peacefully.

Elf on the Shelf 2017 Round Up 1

This is now my fifth year of taking part with Elf on the Shelf. Last year was slightly easier because my eldest daughter came to know that Santa isn't who she thought it was and this year my second eldest has come to the same realisation so I have another little helper. 

I have to admit coming up with new ideas and not repeating things has become trickier but I'm almost certain that I've managed it. I'll be posting a new round up every Saturday up til Christmas Eve so do keep checking back if you are in need of some elfspiration.

This post is a short one seen as December has only just begun but here are my ideas from day one and two of the festive countdown.

Day one

What I Read November

The first of December, I'm actually gutted that I haven't managed to put together a book advent for the girls this year but I'll be honest it isn't like they've got a lack of books at home! November was another slow month of reading for me but you can still what I read....

The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor

Looking back, it all started on the day of the fair and the terrible accident. When twelve-year-old Eddie first met the Chalk Man.

It was the Chalk Man who gave Eddie the idea for the drawings: a way to leave secret messages between his group of friends.

And it was fun, to start with, until the figures led them to the body of a young girl.

That was thirty years ago and Ed thought the past was behind him. Then he receives a letter containing just two things: a piece of chalk, and a drawing of a stick figure. As history begins to repeat itself, Ed realises the game was never over . . .

This book was so good!! I managed to get an advanced copy on Netgalley after reading the blurb and I was not disappointed. A who done it with a really good twist, well worth checking out if you get the chance.

Songs About us by Chris Russell