Tots 100 Book Club

I remember those days fondly, when I was able to wake up at a reasonable hour (you know when it wasn't still dark), grab my book, and lose myself for a couple of chapters or so. See, I used to do this quite a lot but these days, my only form of literature is Baby Hampshire or Elle - essential reading right?

I did, however, manage to start AND finish a whole book recently. Ok, so it was no War of the Worlds but it kept me entertained!

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes:

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun teashop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.
Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.
What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.


So typically girly, it was the bright, pink cover which caught me.


I must admit sometimes i find it difficult to get into a book at first, almost forcing myself to read but from the first chapter of this book I was engrossed. Moyes has such a realistic and natural flow to her writing, which makes it a believable storyline that just keeps flowing along beautifuly.

I think everyone loves a good old romantic story and this really is a true romance story but the storyline is what makes this book very different from all the other romantic novels. You can almost feel that you can relate to Lou and Will, the two main characters, and almost feel sad when you finish the book, like you have said goodbye to two very good friends!

There were so many laugh out loud moments - LOL - but many times you feel heartbroken. Sitting in the doctors surgery with tears rolling down my face is not a good look!
It was amazing how Moyes managed to take such a delicate subject matter which could have made for a very depressing read and yet still managedto bring some humour out in the book so that the book didn't feel too deep all the way through the book.


Me Before You by JoJo Moyes is available to buy at Tesco's.


Tots100 Parent Blogger Book Club

Annabel Karmel 20th Anniversary - REVIEW

In the big, wonderful and exhausting world of mummy's, there's a name that sits comfortably with everyone. A lady, who at times of complete confusion when it comes to weaning, manages to spell things out especially for those who lost their brains during pregnancy (er, me!) And that name be Annabel Karmel - I think the title of this post probably gave it away a little while ago!

But for those of you strange beings who are not quite sure of Karmel's wise words, then a little more about her:

Annabel Karmel decided to come up with her own recipes because her first son, Nicholas, was an incredibly fussy eater. So in 1991, she wrote the original Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner, which has since sold over 2 million copies.
Annabel has sold over 3 million books worldwide and her wide range of Annabel Karmel ready meals are sold in numerous top children's attractions, holiday destinations, supermarkets and restaurants all over the country.
Now, she is celebrating her 20th year and has released a special 20th Anniversary edition of her best selling book Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner.

As a first time mum, this book has been a god-send. If you remember, way way back, I admitted that I can't cook. Apart from an amazing spag bol. But other than that, it's James who don's the pinnie!
I love the Plum pouches and Heinz pots for Molly, because they really are packed full of goodness but it's nice to make fresh, nutritious recipes and plus I can't have Molly growing up telling everyone "my mum can't cook!'. The shame.
What I love about the book is that it explains about what Molly can and can't have to begin with, it even has a helpful meal planner diary to really help you with some kind of routine. I started with just first tastes....Broccoli, Carrot, Potato, Banana just so she could get used to different tastes. Fair to say, she has a sweet tooth, or should I say gum! But I am persevering, I want Molly to love a variety of foods!
As of tomorrow, I am progressing to the combined tastes. I have taken my time with Molly, I am in no hurry. I did start weaning at 4 months, purely because of her reflux, and admittedly it has got worse since, but only from her milk - she rarely brings up food.
Now, I am not going to say this too loudly but I am starting to like the domestic goddess life. I like boiling veg, using the blender (that's it so far!) It's not rock 'n'roll but god damn, I like it!
I have decided to cook the following combinations for the next week or so:

• Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato
• Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato and Cauliflower
• Pea and Parsnip

There are various other books in the Annabel Karmel range - I thoroughly recommend this book especially if you are weaning and clueless like myself :-)
Check out all of Annabel's other products at: www.annabelkarmel.com

You can also catch Annabel on CiTV on 'Annabel's Kitchen' every day for cooking with children inspiration.

Where has my little girl gone?

I was asked to review the book 'Where Has My Little Girl Gone?' by Tanith Carey and although right now, this book has no relevance to me, I have found myself bookmarking certain pages due to the fantastic advice Carey dishes out. 

'Sexy dance routines at school discos, crop-tops and high heels for five-year-olds and mini make-over birthday parties......

Wherever you look, our little girls are being flooded with messages about looks and sexuality they are often simply too young to understand.'

Although Molly is only 4 months old and I have a long way to go until boys and make-up are the epicentre of awkward discussions, I do, however, have a 3 year old step-daughter and I soon realised that at the age of 3, she was already showing signs of being influenced by media and social pressure to be a mini adult.

At the grand old age of 27, it is clear I too have been swayed and hypnotised by media influences, as it is something that has never even crossed my mind until I read the first paragraph. I was shocked to discover that Primark and Tesco's both had to remove padded bras aimed at 7 year old's. It so sad to think that girls have no idea why they need to wear a padded bra and its almost like we are mocking their innocence.

Not only does Carey offer great advice for young and older children, she is also taking a stand. Just because the media make it acceptable for girls to be obsessed with weight, make up and boys and turn our lovely, innocent girls into walking mini Cheryl Cole's, it certainly doesn't make it morally right. We as parents need to voice our opinion and bring back some control in the way we bring up our children.

As a teacher, I see too many girls with eating disorders, hiding behind a mask of thick make-up and even one 6 year old ( thats right, 6!!) actually grinding to the floor just like her favourite pop star Rihanna!

This is a book which is accessible for every day use with handy tips that are easy to read and leave you feeling empowered and ready to take on the big bad world of media and say 'NO'.

So if padded bras for girls or pole dancing kits for kids leave you feeling shocked and angry at todays society, then this really is a MUST READ!!