Monthly Archives: October 2014

A Day in the Life of Emma Kavanagh

Posted on by

Before Emma tells us of a day in her life, let me tell you that she has written a brilliant debut psychological thriller for Random House: a plane falls out of the sky, a woman is murdered, four people all have something to hide.

fallingbook

Emma is a former police psychologist but this is her day now. Over to Emma.

Emma Kavanaghauthor

I would love to tell you what my typical working day looks like. But I am the mother of two small boys, the youngest just eight weeks old, and so once my maternity leave ends I’ll be working on figuring out a new typical.

emma+children

So let me tell you about a typical day in my old, pre-baby life. I wake about 6am, stirred to life by the dulcet tones of my 3 year old, shrieking “Morning, Mummy. Wake up.” I blink, try to remember who I am and why there’s a stuffed dog that smells of stale milk resting on my forehead, then face the day. I always get dressed. That may not sound like much of an achievement but remember that I’m a writer. Pyjamas are practically uniform. But I’m a believer in getting ready for the day, allowing my brain to remember that I’m in work mode now. Then, after making my toddler toast (which he won’t eat) and scuttling him to creche or an obliging set of grandparents, I get started.

 

Work time is sacrosanct for me. I don’t have much of it, and that which I do have is fiercely guarded. Once my toddler is out of the house, everything is about writing. I’m even pretty good at staying off Twitter. Most of the time. I open up my laptop, hunker down on my spot on the sofa, and begin by reviewing what I wrote the day before. I’ll do a bit of a tidy up on that, just ensuring that it reads well enough that I feel comfortable moving on, then I’ll look at what comes next. I don’t tend to edit much on a first draft, just bits here and there. I like to get the words out so that I have something to work with later.

workinprogress

I’ll spend as much time as I can writing. Then when my brain starts to fizz, I’ll move on to e-mails and general admin. If I’m feeling particularly efficient, I’ll jot down a rough plan for the next day. Then I get to be mummy again and my world devolves into talk about Play Doh and Elmo.

 

So, that’s my life in theory. Of course, now I have two sons. I am officially outnumbered. So…um…watch this space.

 

 

What’s Next for Britain’s Got Talent?

Posted on by

britainsgottalentSince launching in 2007, Britain’s Got Talent has gone through some ups and downs that, truthfully, are to be expected. When a TV program achieves what feels like flash-in-the-pan success, it can be difficult to continue on at that same level. That’s particularly the case with talent shows like BGT, whose livelihoods hinge on the whether or not a contestant wins over the audience (both during and after their appearance on the program).

For BGT, they’re obviously hoping to recapture the magic of previous series by looking forward to 2015. They recently put out a call for applications and auditions through ITV. Would-be superstars have the chance to try out for a spot on the show through the middle of December. Given that this year’s series began in April, it’s likely that the next one will launch at a similar time in 2015.

What’s been frustrating for fans of the show and the team behind it is the following: Both the popularity of the program and its winners have been on the decline over the past few years. In 2012, for example, the planned live, touring version of BGT was axed because of lower-than-expected ticket sales, as reported by The Sun.

Additionally, the winners have had a difficult time pushing their debut albums to listeners. No one has had quite the success of Susan Boyle (a runner-up in Series 3) and Paul Potts (the Series 1 winner), though that’s not to say the others have done terribly. Considering the fact that album sales are not quite what they used to be, it’s commendable that some finalists and contestants have moved at least 100,000 copies of their first albums.

Those same stronger years—the Potts-to-Boyle era, if you will—also led to increased revenue for BGT in other outlets. Namely, they branched out to and found success in merchandising. Among the products released, there were a few that are especially enjoyable as they double-down as games and not just, say, a buzzer from the judge’s panel (yes, that’s a real piece of merch). As you can see on Betfair, the online gaming platform teamed up with BGT to create a gaming experience that utilises music, sound effects, and images from the show to create a unique experience for players. It’s worth noting that similar talent shows (The X Factor) and generic game shows (Deal or No Deal) have also found a new life on this platform.

Similarly, the BGT empire was expanded to board games back in 2009 with an electronic board game. The only downside in that case, though, is that the reviews don’t seem too hot for the game. According to Amazon, players either love or hate it—perhaps an update or new version is in order, then, to coincide with the upcoming series.

All this being said, could the next series of BGT be what the show needs to regain the attention of its once huge audience? We’ll have to wait and see if those taking on the call of the show’s producers have what it takes to be the next Susan Boyle, though no one’s holding his or her breath.

 

 

The Stoptober Challenge: The Round Up

Posted on by

So it is over. No more Stoptober. I am pretty pleased with myself. I think it went quite well. I haven’t been smoking and hope this will continue. It is still hard sometimes but I have come a long way. I wobbled many times. I don’t want the hard work to be for nothing

Along the way I have done a lot of challenges. The first one was preparing for success and Boots UK pharmacist Angela Chambers gave some great tips. I wrote about this in my first post.

The second challenge was taste. Smoking dulls your taste buds so when you quit everything tastes better. For this challenge I baked. It was fun. Boots UK sent an exclusive recipe box packed with a bespoke recipe and all the ingredients I needed. I loved the end result and the taste was amazing.

bakingcookiesstoptober

I took part in a Twitter party which was hosted by Beautyandthedirt, Sexinlondoncity and Angela Chalmers who is a Boots Expert. This was between 1-2pm on October 16th. The Twitter Party was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. A lot of people got involved and I think it was a success. 

 

Next up I took some time to stop and smell the roses.

roses

To celebrate reaching my third smoke free week, and the return of my sense of smell, Boots UK sent me these gorgeous flowers. Smoking alters the way you smell things. The reasons to stop smoking keep building up. The flowers are also very beautiful. If you are also trying to stop smoking head to Boots UK Stop Smoking.

 

Challenge Four was all about how quitting smoking is great for your appearance. Smoking can impact your appearance, affecting your complexion, reducing the nutrients in your hair and leading to staining of the teeth, though luckily giving up smoking can reverse these changes. To celebrate this Boots UK partnered with leading fashion photographer Claire Pepper to develop some top tips on taking the perfect selfie.

perfecrtselfie

Fashion photographer Claire Pepper shares tips on how to take the perfect selfie 

 

It’s all about the lighting!

Get the lighting right, and you are 90% of the way to achieving your perfect selfie.  Ideally you want natural daylight, but if it is really sunny then move away from direct sun into a shady area.  If you are inside, find a window or the biggest, softest light source around and stand nice and close to it.  Always have the light source in front of you – side lighting is unflattering and back lighting doesn’t capture very well on most mobile phones.

Attention to detail

Selfies should be spontaneous but try to take a few moments to check the background is free from clutter or strange reflections. Also check your hair and make-up, and take a moment to consider the composition of your shot, and whether it would work best in landscape or portrait.

 

Trial and Error

You might want to experiment to see if there is much difference in quality between the front and back cameras on your phone.  Some phones have a much better quality camera on the back so take two snaps and compare them to see if one looks grainier.  Also try taking the cover off your phone – some covers can cause a bit of softening around the periphery of the image or can affect focus so give it a go and you might be surprised what a difference it makes.

 

Find your angle

Different angles suit different faces so learn what works for you – take lots of pictures to see what works – you can always delete any you don’t like!  Generally keeping your chin down is quite flattering and turning your face to one side works for most people.  Don’t forget to keep your eyes on the camera lens not the screen as it’s much more engaging.

 

Post production

Finally, perfect your portrait with an image editing app.  A specialist app like Camera+ gives you control over every aspect of the image, as well as giving you the option to add borders and captions.  If you are bored of using the same filters all the time try the VSCO Cam app that gives you a really wide selection and the ability to customise your selfie – you can achieve results that would take some time in Photoshop within seconds.  If you want to zap a blemish try an app like Facetune, but take it easy editing your face – it’s easy to go too far and it can look quite obvious.

 

Overall I feel great and stopping smoking was the best thing I have ever done. Try it and you won’t look back. Promise.

 

Sponsored Post

 

#bootsukstoptober 

 

 

Christmas Gift List For Mum

Posted on by

Mums, not many people are as deserving of a good present. They put up with us, gave birth to us and love us no matter what. Where would we be without our mothers? Here is our top picks for this very special lady.

christmasgiftsformum

Cornishware Mug

cornishwaremug

Cornishware do these beautiful mugs which can be personalised and come in bespoke stripy boxes which make marvellous presents or stocking fillers. Last day of personalisation for Cornishware is 13th December for Christmas delivery. All products are exclusively online from Cornishware www.cornishware.co.uk

 

Aromatherapy Associates Bath Jewels

These look beautiful and smell divine. Perfect for stressed-out mums. The packaging looks great and these oils really work. 100% natural blends. The trio of bath and shower oils include Deep Relax with vetivert and camomile to help achieve deep relaxation and a peaceful night’s sleep, De-Stress Mind with frankincense and rosemary to clear a hectic mind and focus the thoughts and Revive Morning to invigorate and awaken body and mind.

Available from feelunique.com, aromatherapyassociates.com and lookfantastic.com

 

Silver Orchid Silver Elephant Ring Holder

JG-5120_small

One of our editors favourite things EVER. This silver plated baby elephant is a great place to keep your rings as an elephant never forgets. Has strikingly beautiful blue diamante eyes. From orchid-designs.co.uk

 

Mitoq Power Antioxidant Rejuvenation

MitoQ Power Antioxidant Rejuvenation contains only 8 ingredients and is purportedly 1,000 times stronger than coenzyme Q10, MitoQ’s signature molecule is said to revive skin cells and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. We have been trying it and it really works. We love it.

From http://www.mitoq.com

 

Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Channel 4 TV presenter and food producer Jimmy Doherty, has teamed up with South Africa’s award winning wine, Nederburg, for their new campaign, sharing his passion for quality produce. He has tips for cooking with wine below so you can also cook for mum. Nederburg also share their wine tips.

 

Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, £8.99
Aromas of blackcurrants and cherries with violets and nuances of vanilla oak spice in the background.

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its depth of flavour and aroma. It’s excellent served with heart-warming roast lamb, coq au vin, red meat steak, venison, mature cheese and pizza and pasta dishes.

 

Nederburg’s top wine tips

Only chill white wine, like Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Chardonnay, before you plan to drink it as extended storage in the fridge will affect its taste and aroma.

The quickest way to chill a white wine is in iced water, which only takes 30 minutes versus 2 hours in the fridge.

Always give a bottle of quality red wine, like Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Shiraz, time to breathe. If you can’t wait, decant it into a glass jug first to give it chance to mix with the oxygen in the air to release the flavours.

The correct measure to pour for all wines is a third of the glass; this gives the wine room to swirl in the glass, allowing the flavours to develop.

When pairing wine with cheese, think balance – strong wine, strong cheese. The Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is great with cheeses like Cheddar or Gouda.

 

Jimmy’s tips on how to use wine in cooking

Cooking with wine can add depth and flavour so try these simple recipes for your dinner.

 

Red wine gravy

Ingredients:
6 onions, peeled and chopped
700ml red wine (Winemaster’s Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon works well)
560ml hot water
2 beef stock cubes
Freshly ground black pepper

Method:
Place the chopped onions and red wine in a large saucepan
Bring to the boil and cook uncovered until reduced by two-thirds, around 20 minutes
Cooking it down in this way reduces the acidity and intensifies the flavour
Add the hot water to the reduced wine, add the stock cubes and stir well until thoroughly dissolved
Simmer, stirring for 3-4 minutes, until the gravy thickens
Season to taste

 

Salad dressing
Ingredients
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Dash of white wine (Winemaster’s Reserve
Sauvignon Blanc)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Method:
In a small bowl or jam jar, whisk the balsamic vinegar with the olive oil and white wine
Season with salt and pepper.

 

What will you get your mum?

 

 

THE FAERIE TREE: A Book In The Making

Posted on by

SamhainSAMHAIN: The time of year when the harvest has been completed and the earth has become dormant. The time when the veil which separates the living and the dead is at its most delicate. The time to honour those who have passed.

I feel as though I’m chewing on metal. You see I’ve just bitten the largest bullet an author can bite – I’ve sent my completed manuscript to my publisher. I finished writing and editing it months ago, but it was still really hard to let it go.

So what, you may ask, has that got to do with the pagan festival of Samhain? Well everything and nothing really. The timing of my baby leaving the comfort of my laptop was driven by the necessities of publishing schedules but sometimes, when you look higher, wider, around you – there is an underlying connectivity which at once astounds and makes perfect sense.

The Faerie Tree is not a novel about paganism, but simply a story where one of the major characters has chosen this path to make sense of his world. What it is, is a novel about loss. That sad universal truth of life we all have to battle with from time to time; finding a way to understand and move on, without ever forgetting.

Samhain is a time of remembrance. The pagan equivalent of the Christian All Souls, it is one of a number of major festivals which run in parallel across the boundaries of faith. It is so very human to want to reach out beyond the grave that it makes perfect sense to set aside a time to honour our loved ones on the other side.

Those of you who are familiar with my first novel, The Cheesemaker’s House, will naturally be thinking that The Faerie Tree sounds like another ghost story. It isn’t. Here the characters who have died live only through the memories of those who loved them.

Memory – or memories – are central to the book. So much will become clear as I take you through my journey from the manuscript being sent to my chosen publisher Matador, to the book being available in the shops. But first I think we need to go back in time so I can share the book’s story so far. I think you might be interested; where inspiration comes from is the question I am most often asked in interviews or when talking to groups of readers.

Every author is different, but for me a novel becomes worth writing when two ideas coalesce to make a really gripping story. The first concept was the fairy tree itself. A few years ago a friend took me walking in a beautiful piece of woodland next to the river Hamble, with the express purpose of showing me this tree.

As we approached we began to find tiny teddy bears and plastic toys perched in the bushes, but even their increasing numbers did nothing to prepare me for the tree itself. An oak; not gnarled and twisted, but young, straight and strong – covered with toys, ribbons, beads, strings of shells, and even an old cuckoo clock. But best of all was the box filled with letters from children to the fairies – and the plastic folder on the back of the tree which contained the fairies’ replies.

Never before – or since – have I wanted to hug a tree so much. The feeling was pure instinct – something really basic inside me. As was the covering of the tree with offerings. Pagan? Yes – but in a way few of those who had left their gifts would even recognise as such.

So the fairy tree was the first strand of inspiration, but what of the characters who would discover it for themselves? The previous winter I had visited the beautiful city of Winchester for its Christmas market, and seeing homeless men gather at the Buttercross in the main shopping street, I began to wonder what it would be like to look into the eyes of one of them and realise they were an old flame. And that, dear reader, is where Robin and Izzie’s story starts. The themes of memory and of loss, well, they rather wove themselves, because The Faerie Tree had to be more than just a romance – there had to be mystery, and suspense.

So here I am, with a manuscript winging its way through the ether to my publisher. But the hard work of getting it into readers’ hands isn’t over – it’s only just started. As you will begin to realise when we meet again at Yule.

 

Jane Cable

 

 

The Indie Author Fair – a Pop-up Bookshop at the Chorleywood Lit Fest

Posted on by

Sunday 16th November, 2pm-5pm, British Legion Hall, Chorleywood

indiebanner

Indie authors and indie bookshops ought to be a marriage made in heaven – ideally suited to work together to create something fresh and exciting.

Catriona Troth, from the indie author collective, Triskele Books, is proud to have facilitated one such partnership – the first, she hopes, of many. Chorleywood Bookshop, well known for bringing literary luminaries to ‘the best little lit fest you’ve never heard of’, are working with the Triskele Books author collective and the Alliance of Independent Authors to host the inaugural Indie Author Fair at the Chorleywood Lit Fest.

authorreadings

For the first time, in one place, forty indie authors convene to showcase their work and demonstrate how indie author publishing represents all that is innovative, daring and creative.

The Fair will feature works of crime, romance, historical fiction, comedy and lit fic, all read by the authors themselves. You can join in with story time sessions for children of all age groups, or browse the books while having afternoon tea and discover a hidden treasure.

indieauthorfairchildrensflyerIndie authors are a supportive, enthusiastic gang of professionals, ready to answer questions and share their experiences – good and bad. You can discuss plot with a crime writer, brainstorm covers with a designer, pick historical fiction brains, kick around marketing ideas. Or meet the people who make indie authorship happen: Sponsors Ingram, Matador and Reedsy are available to answer your questions.

Troth hopes it will turn into an annual event. “The Fair seems to have captured imaginations – authors are coming from as far away as Spain and Switzerland.”

Alliance of Independent Authors founder and co-host of the Fair, Orna Ross, is looking forward to, “the connections and collaborations, and the energising creative spirit that always blows when a crowd of dedicated indie authors get together.”

Richard Mollett, CEO of the Publishers Association says, “The Indie Author Fair is a great way of promoting writing and reading in Britain.”

If you love reading, if you enjoy meeting authors, if you’re curious about independent publishing – then come to the Indie Author Fair!

 

For more information, please contact Catriona Troth catriona.troth@gmail.com

 

Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/727624687310614
Online catalogue: http://issuu.com/janedixon-smith/docs/iaf_catalogue_proof_issuu/0

 

 

 

Looking for Tech Gifts for Women?

Posted on by

tech gifts for womenIn today’s world, everyone is associated with technology. Some used advanced tech solutions, while some use basic techie stuff. So, if you are planning to gift your special lady a tech gift, look out for the following items. It can help you decide, sitting at your very desk or couch.

 

  1. Apple iPad Air: Apple has set standard for everything; phones, tablets, PCs and laptops. However, with the recent updates, it has only got better. Talking about Apple iPad Air specifically, it sports a better battery and a much-improved processor. So, buying this piece will never hurt you. It is slightly expensive, but you can look for ChameleonJohn. They offer coupons to help you buy the same piece for a cheaper price.
  2. Stun Gun Smartphone case: This is as smart as your smartphone. This can prevent unexpected use of the smartphone. It conceals a 650,000-volt stun gun, to keep it safe from an attacker. However, this feature does not affect your phone negatively. Currently, this cover is available for selected devices only.
  3. Beat bottle: This is one interesting item, which will be appreciated by runners and joggers. While running or jogging, you can place your mobile in the bottle, and you will never have to worry about it. Don’t worry! One does not have to keep their phone in the bottle, but a pocket is dedicated to help you keep your phone steady and with ease. Again, this is a waterproof area so that should not be of any concern. If you are planning to buy this cool silicon bottle on Amazon.com, check out chameleonjohn.com. You can find exclusive discount coupons to make the transaction even cheaper.
  4. Boltbox: This little piece can be a good gift for your geek girl. It is a little box which stores a lightening charged in it. Extend it and drag it around. It is three foot long. So, this can be a good option when one is at home or while out travelling.
  5. Epic Keyboard: This is not a normal keyboard. It is a digital keyboard projector. Project it on a flat surface and you will find that the keyboard appears on the surface. You can even use it via a Bluetooth mode for the mobile phones. It is a compact item which gives you a handy option across operating systems. So, gift it to your lady and let her enjoy a digital keyboard for any platform.
  6. Fitbit Force: A health-conscious woman would love to keep a track of her weight. This gadget is an activity tracker, which is a movement motivator. It tracks calories, distance, steps and stairs. It has a trendy look and has a vibration alarm too.

 

Concluding, these six gifts are trending on a number of online portals. If you are planning to but any of these, visit chameleonjohn.com and make the most of exciting discount coupons available for every online portal. Make your shopping easy and gift your lady a tech piece today!

 

 

Christmas Gift Ideas For Your Child

Posted on by

Ah, your precious one. The apple of your eye. What isn’t too good for them? These picks all really caught our eye: perfect for your little one.christmasgiftlistforchildren

 

Blade & Rose Christmas Pudding Leggings and Cute Socks

blade&rose

blade&rose socks

christmaspuddingbabyclothes

These are adorable. I mean so unbelievably adorable. One of the best things about babies is that you can dress them however you want, and who wouldn’t melt at the sight of your baby in its festive clothes.

 

Carib Glass Wall Clock from Room To Grow

clockredbignumbers

 

Not only beautiful and stylish, it also has big numbers so your little one will be able to see clearly. Is fun and vibrant and will look stylish in any bedroom or playroom. Coloured glass with contrasting coloured numbers and chrome hands.

 

Peppa Pig 4-in-1 Shaped Bath Time Puzzle

peppapigpuzzle

This is a great bath game, the pieces also stick to the bath. Fun and educational at the same time. From Jumbo Games. Available from Boots.com and argos.co.uk

Peppa Pig Snakes & Ladders

Peppa Pig Snakes & Ladders

You can also buy this amazing giant Peppa Pig Snakes & Ladders game. A brilliant 80x80cm floor game for children over three.

Available from argos.co.uk and Amazon.

 

Gus & Me Book By Keith Richards

gus&me

Yes, THAT Keith Richards. Let’s be honest, it is never too early to get your kid hooked on the Rolling Stones. This is a wonderful children’s book which comes with a CD and has artwork from daughter Theodora Richards, so it is a family affair. Especially cool if your child is musical, or you want them to be. Available here and from foyles.co.uk, thebookpeople.co.uk, waterstones.com

 

Penguin Junior Wellies

penguinwellies

These are super cool and super cute at the same time. We love them and so do little ones. The Penguin Junior Wellies are a fully waterproof, durable and fun product for keeping children’s feet clean and dry. From mountainwarehouse.com

 

Horrid Henry’s Christmas Lunch

horridhenry'schristmaslunch

Perfect and fun for early readers. Horrid Henry would much rather have pizza and chips for his Christmas lunch, and this year, he might just get his way…This is the 100th book in the phenomenally popular Early Reader format, published during Henry’s 20th anniversary year. Available here and foyles.co.uk, thebookpeople.co.uk, waterstones.com

 

What will you get your little one?