The Girls Book Review

Book Reviews / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We were sent The Girls book to review, a lovely story about friendship. The Girls is written by Lauren Ace and illustrated beautifully by Jenny Lovlie. This is a story of four girls, but also of womankind. A perfect read for children aged 3 to 6 years. We love to review books and often work with Little Tiger and their imprints reviewing books. Whilst we are given copies to review our thoughtsd and opinions are always out own.

The Girls

Once there was a tree that grew little girls…

The Girls – Book Review

Four little girls meet under an apple tree and form an unbreakable bond that grows and grows across the years. The girls share their secrets, dreams, struggles and triumphs in this lovely book as the four girls grow together.

Four Friends

Friendships

This beautifully illustrated shows the girl’s friendship through their ups and downs, laughter and tears. Watch the girls friendship bloom throughout the years as they grow into women.

Empowering And Inspiring

This is a truly lovely story that leaves you feeling positive and empowered. It shows the importance of friendship, the love and support that helps you through every stage of your life. The gorgeous illustrations paired with Lauren Ace’s warm, heartfelt words is an inspiring read for young girls.

Friendships

As a parent you will find this book shows your children there are no limits on their dreams. For children, it is reassuring as well as a rallying cry. This book shows you can be different or the same and relationships will come and go but filling your life with love and friendship will get you through the best and worst times.

This beautiful book is available in paperback and is published by Caterpillar books, an Imprint of Little Tiger Group. It is a fantastic book to introduce to young girls especially as they begin to make friendships through school.

Supporting each other

Izzy’s Thoughts

I read The Girls to Izzy and she thought it was lovely story. She enjoyed it so much she asked Eva to read it to her several times after! Izzy noticed the texture of the book whilst holding it too and really liked the feel of it. This book got us talking about how different and similar we all are and discussing friendships.

Personally I love the fact the book shows that friends do occasionally spend time apart, working on their own lives. Yet they still come together to celebrate and support each other just like we do in real life. True friendships can last a lifetime and this book makes that point so clearly and beautifully!

Do you love empowering books like The Girls?


Comparing Broadband Deals

Helpful Ramblings / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Comparing Broadband deals can be a nightmare. There are just so many offers out there. Before you purchase any kind of broadband packages, there are several things you need to consider. We’ve actually stayed with the same company for quite a long time now but every now and then we do shop around.

Comparing Broadband Deals

Comparing Broadband Deals

When it comes to comparing broadband deals you really need to consider several things to ensure the package is just right for you such as those offered by CenturyLink internet plans. Whether you are looking for email access, business use, family use, gaming or streaming there are different packages perfectly suited.

Speed

There are various broadband speeds available but what you need depends on your individual usage. If you are only checking emails you aren’t going to need a super-fast broadband package. If however, you love to stream films and play games, have various devices and users, a super-fast package is more likely to be the best option. We use a super-fast package as all 4 of us use the internet in some way.

Download Allowances

Most packages range from 2GB to unlimited download allowances. If you are simply checking emails a 2GB allowance is perfect. For web browsing and occasionally watching youtube or similar you are going to need somewhere between 10-30GB. As with the speed, if you are a gamer, film buff or have various devices and users then anywhere from 40GB to unlimited would be ideal. We have an unlimited download allowance which is perfect for our family.

Availability

As we found when we moved into our current home, not all services are available in all areas and buildings. Due to living in a high-rise flat, we are fairly limited as to which broadband companies we can access. It’s worth checking beforehand as we found out at the last minute.

Add-Ons

As with most services these days some deals offer add-ons such as phone lines or TV packages. Only agree to a deal that offers exactly what you need. We don’t have a TV or phone package as we don’t use them enough to warrant them. Consider how much time you may use a phone or TV package before agreeing.

Internet Security

Internet Security

Most companies even offer an Internet security package too but again check price differences. Sometimes a standalone security package can work out better value with more protection. Everyone needs some form of protection against viruses.

Shop Around

It really is worth shopping around as you can save a lot of money. Depending on your needs as an internet user, you can find a great deal by shopping around. Sometimes there’s as much as £40 difference between packages!

Do you compare broadband deals before deciding which package is right for you?

Driftwood By T.L. Wright – Book Review

Book Reviews / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I ordered Driftwood to start off my reading challenge this year. T.L. Wright is a lovely lady I occasionally chat to on Twitter and an amazing author! I really couldn’t wait to get started with Driftwood, the front cover is gorgeous!

Driftwood

As part of my reading challenge this year I vowed to read as many books by authors that I chat to as I can. Last year I read Free and What’s Mine by the lovely Fiona Morgan. To start off this year I wanted to begin with Driftwood and I am so pleased I did. This is a book that will no doubt be re-read too which isn’t something I do often!

Driftwood

Driftwood begins with a beautifully worded poem that instantly draws you in. This stunning gothic romance is simply amazing. You can’t help but notice T.L Wrights unique style of writing that entrances you.

Several stories cleverly combine into one as we meet each character. Each character has a unique story but one which pulls them all together in an enchantingly haunting way. With several references to certain bands (I won’t give the game away!) cleverly placed I found myself fangirl squealing a bit. Not something that usually happens in all fairness haha!

Driftwood back cover

An Amazing Read

Driftwood is unlike anything I have ever read. You instantly find yourself lost in the words, living and breathing each one which isn’t always the case. It’s been a long time since I came across a book like Driftwood. I honestly can’t wait to read the sequel and any other work written by T.L Wright.

I couldn’t recommend this more if you love a slightly darker and in-depth read. The way it is written is absolutely beautiful, I can’t stress that enough!

I’m now going to be hunting for more books like this as it has helped spur me on with my reading challenge. I have already managed 3 books this month which is great after years of barely picking up a book. It is becoming part of my self-care routine now to read for an hour a day at least.

Have you read anything this year? Does Driftwood sound like a book for you or have you read it before?

Buying Second-Hand Luxury Watches

Services / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

It’s tough buying second-hand luxury watches with confidence. You can’t always be certain you are buying an authentic luxury watch second-hand.

buying second-hand luxury watches

The Mr used to wear a watch so I was hunting around before Christmas for a new one. I had planned to buy him a gaming chair but a watch was a backup gift but I was unsure where to start.

Most sellers offer no protection when buying. It is scarily easy to be fooled by imitations. It can be a huge loss as often imitations hold no value whatsoever. We’ve had a few issues in the past ourselves with buying imitation products. You can lose a lot of money!

Buying Second-Hand Luxury Watches

If you plan to buy a second-hand luxury watch it’s best to find an expert seller. A genuine seller can provide both certificates of authenticity and a guarantee. These offer a piece of mind when buying second-hand.

There are sites such as Chronoexpert where you can buy used luxury watches safely. Transactions between individually through Chronoexpert are under cover and protection of Chronoexpert facilities. Each watch is examined and analysed by experts in watchmaking ensuring imitations do not pass through the site. You can buy some lovely watches from Breitling to Rolex.

Proof Of Authenticity

The real value of each watch is provided by an expert with a guarantee of two years. They also provide certifications of authenticity and a 14 day retraction period. I think this is a pretty good service bearing in mind the high risk of buying an imitation.

The last thing you want is to try and treat yourself, a partner or friend only to find you’ve been duped with no chance of recovering the loss. With this service, there is no chance of that happening as each watch is expertly inspected before being sold.

If you are buying a second-hand luxury watch I would definitely recommend using this service.

Have you bought a second-hand luxury watch before? Have you heard of Chronoexpert?

What’s Mine By Fiona Morgan – Book Review

Book Reviews / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I recently read What’s Mine by Fiona Morgan. Having picked up my love of reading again, I decided to support a few authors I know through twitter. I ordered both books by Fiona Morgan to get started. I recently shared my review of Free, her first book too.

What's Mine by Fiona Morgan

What’s Mine

Just like Free, What’s Mine pulls you in straight away. Bronagh finally seems to have it all, a flat and a fantastic new job. To top it all, her long-term friend Max finally confesses his feelings for her! It all sounds too good to be true. Bronagh is so excited to finally land her dream job and can’t wait to get started.

Elaine has lost her job and having been replaced by Bronagh, she is determined to get her own back and get back ‘What’s Mine’. A campaign of terror quickly ensues and Elaine does her best to scare Bronagh. Bombarding Bronagh with abusive texts, turning up wherever she goes and trying to get between Max and Bronagh. This quickly escalates leading to devastating consequences.

Strong Characters

Fiona Morgan has a unique way of writing, her characters personalities feel so alive. Bronagh is a tough, strong woman but Elaine does her best to try and wear her down. When the story takes an unexpected twist and Elaine gains an accomplice you can’t help but wonder just how badly things will end!

Max and Bronaghs relationship has just started out but Elaine does her best to weave her way in and cause problems. Elaine wants nothing but revenge, she’s too far gone to see any way out other than getting rid of Bronagh. That bitch has it all, friends, Max and now Elaine’s job too!

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed What’s Mine, it really is a powerful story full of love, hate, manipulation and control. I love how Fiona Morgan hits on every emotion and thought that would run through each person’s character. You can tell a lot of time and effort has gone into building each character up and Fiona tells the story so well!

Full of twists and turns, you never know how What’s Mine will end. Will Bronagh and Max survive together? Will Elaine get her own way? It’s a fantastic read and I couldn’t put it down!

Have you read anything by Fiona Morgan yet?

Crochet Projects Update 1

Crochet / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

A Crochet Projects update was needed this week as I’ve been pretty busy! Izzy has been quite poorly this week so I’ve spent a lot of time cuddled up with her. She’s been fairly sleep but clingy so we’ve been watching a film and I’ve sneaked in some crocheting.

Crochet Projects Update 1

Crochet Projects Update – First Make

I started off with a blue Tulip for Checka, a fairly quick make. The pattern was quite easy to follow too. This was the first time I was adding a stem and then sewing a leaf onto it.

Originally, I thought it would be much trickier, especially the sewing. I was quite pleased with the results in the end I noticed an improvement in my tension and sewing. I was hoping setting myself 10 crochet projects would help me improve and learn more and so far it seems to be working well.

Second Make

Having completed the Tulip I decided to make the pig next. Checka’s daughter, Autumn, is quite poorly with Shingles and bored having a few weeks off school/ I thought it might cheer her up so I posted it off today.

Never having made an animal before I was excited to see how I got on and to order more crochet supplies and to see how safety eyes worked too. Having found a pattern Autumn was happy with, we made a few tweaks to create Piggy Jr. Autumn already has a Piggy and wanted a son for him so we decided to make a blue dummy too!

I didn’t quite get his ears right so he has a bit of a Dobby the house elf look about him. He also seems to have inherited my Scoliosis and even curves to the left like me! We love Piggy Jr though even with his imperfections.

Current Make

Unicorn Head

Izzy has also been rather poorly this week so I have begun making her unicorn. So far the head is complete and I am about to begin the body. I needed more stuffing though so I ordered 2 bags and a few more yarn colours so I can start the Donkey, Jesus for Martyn and the Grumpy Care Bear for Hannah next.

Having Fun with Zimpli Kids Products

Product Reviews / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We’ve been having fun with Zimpli kids products. They have a fab range of Gelli Baffs, Slime Baffs and Snoballs, great fun for the kids!

Having Fun with Zimpli Kids Products

Gelli Baff

Gelli Baff

We tried the Gelli Baff first, which was really fun. You simply pour in packet 1 and mix the water around and it turns into Gelli. We were sent pink and blue to try and both turned out great.

Having Fun

The girls really loved this although at first, the sensation seemed really weird to them! It didn’t take long for them to get carried away having fun though. This is fab for sensory play! 

Gelli Baf

Once you are finished you simply pour in packet 2 and the Gelli dissolves again. Gelli Baff is something we will no doubt buy time and time again. It’s such a fun product to play with and because it dissolves with ease it’s mess free too. 

Slime Baff

Slime Baff

Next we tried the red Slime Baff! The girls love slime and were really excited to see how it turned out. It mixed up to an ok consistency but I think we ran the bath slightly too warm as it wasn’t too thick like the Gelli had been.

Slime Baff - red

The girls have definitely been having fun playing with the Slime Baff but I struggled to get it to wash away. Again, this may be because I ran the bath a little warm but I think having a dissolving solution like Gelli Baff has would be really helpful. 

Snoballs

Snoballs - Zimpli Kids

Snoballs are a fun way to make snow balls that don’t melt! Simply add water in a bowl to the powder to create your own snow and make Snoballs.

Snoball Contents

There are 2 packets in the box which make at least 30 Snoballs in total. The instructions are really simple to follow and Izzy was able to mix it up herself.

Mixing Up Snoballs

We quickly had a thick fluffy bowl of Sno! It worked really quickly and felt almost like real snow. We were able to make a good few Snoballs and Izzy really enjoyed playing with it.

Snoball

We love Snoballs, these are great for indoors or outdoors and break down easily Simply scoop it up into the bin or leave it to break down naturally. Adding more water also helps Snoballs break down but this can be really slippery so be careful.

Zimpli kids have a fab range of products for children making every day fun!

Have you used any Zimpli Kids products before?

Using Less Plastic For 2019

Awareness Campaigns / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

We’re planning on using less plastic for 2019. It’s no secret we use plastic far too much all around the world. We produce over 300 million tons of plastic every year with 8 million tons being dumped in our oceans. It is important more of us use alternatives where we can to reduce this waste.

Using Less Plastic For 2019

Using Too Much Plastic

I’m not going to pretend, I use far more plastic than I should. For 2019 I want to make an effort to change that. Last year we swapped from plastic shopping bags to bags for life and tote bags. We also reuse plastic bottles and packaging where we can. Also, we use refillable razors instead of disposable and we have reusable cups & bottles. I realise this just simply isn’t enough though and would love to keep finding new ways to go plastic free.

Using Less Plastic For 2019

Having been introduced to Eco Food Wrap last year for school packed lunches, we have reduced our plastic use. We’ve been sent a few more lovely samples recently too which will be used instead of plastic film and food bags. When I think about how many food bags alone we go through, it’s quite shocking really! Cheese is something that uses a lot of clingfilm being opened and re-wrapped across the week. Eco Food Wraps really reduces that constant waste.

Children love straws and my girls are no different but plastic straws should only be available to those who genuinely need them. There is definitely a need for plastic straws but the majority of us are perfectly able to use a different option. Paper straws we find aren’t always that great, those we have tried so far have gone soft and mushy long before the drink is finished.

Instead, we ordered 16 Bambooz Bamboo drinking straws. These came with a cleaning brush and a pouch for them to stay in. These straws can be washed and reused and with 16 we should be ok for a while. The girls have already found they prefer Bambooz straws as they are sturdier. Being able to wash them with the handy brush makes it easy to keep them clean.

Next, I am looking at shampoo bars to reduce our waste in the bathroom too. We go through a lot of shampoo and conditioner with 3 of us having hair long enough to sit on! I know Lush have a few so we will check there and online.

I’ll be looking for other ways to go plastic free this year too so if you know of a fab product then please do leave a comment of get in touch!

Are you trying to use less plastic?

Trying Bristol CBD Oil To Ease Anxiety

Anxiety / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’ve been trying Bristol CBD Oil after receiving a sample to review. I was sent the 300mg CBD Oil which is a 2,000 mg full spectrum, organic hemp sativa extract. CBD Oil is often reported for it’s health benefits and I was keen to see if it had an impact on my anxiety especially.

Trying Bristol CBD Oil To Ease Anxiety

I have a few different health and mental health issues and I’m always keep to try natural remedies where I can. If you want to try CBD Oil for yourself, enter code PURPLE20 FOR 20% off and free delivery at the checkout.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD Oil is derived from a strain of cannabis plant calle hemp sativa. Hemp Sativa naturally grows with very low levels THC making it legal in the UK. Instead it contains high levels of CBD (cannabidiol) and over 100 different healthy cannibinoids.

CBD Oil is a food supplement rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. CBD works on the endocannabinoid system in the body. Our body productes cannabinoids which are used by the endocannabinoid system. This is responsible for creating a balance (homeostasis) internally. Most of us are unable to produce enough cannabinoids leaving our endocannabinoid system out of balance, resulting in poor health.

CBD Oil bottle

The use of CBD Oil has wide and varied benefits. The World Health Organisation stipulates CBD Oil is non-toxic, non-addictive and non-psychoactive. Research suggest taking CBD oil helps your body create more of the cannibinoids needed, helping maintain balance and wellbeing.

Trying Bristol CBD Oil

The CBD Oil I have been trying came in a little dropper bottle. I read all the instructions and as recommended started with 2 drops to begin with. I wasn’t too sure what to expect from trying the Bristol CBD Oil but I had heard lots of benefits from others. The taste was a little different but I guess that is to be expected. I held the drops under my tongue for a minute then waited to see what happened.

I noticed the CBD Oil had a calming affect on me. With my awful anxiety this was a welcome relief. Being able to feel a little calmer over Christmas even with a few issues and both girls taking turns to have chest infections, was lovely.

I’m looking at getting the next strength bottle next time as there are several different strengths available. Anything that eases my anxiety even slightly is a bonus for me and CBD Oil seems to help. I’m hoping along with my medication and regular self-care, using CBD Oil will make my anxiety much more manageable.

Have you tried CBD Oil before?

Animalphabet Book Review

Book Reviews / 7 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Animalphabet is the latest book by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Sharon King-Chai. This beautifully illustrated book has an animal for each letter of the alphabet.

Animalphabet Book

Bestselling author Julia Donaldson is well known for her fabulous book The Gruffalo. Animalphabet is Julia Donaldson’s latest release and another fantastic book for children. Especially perfect for those aged 3 to 5 years, Animalphabet is a lovely hardback book. You can buy it on Amazon here.

Animalphabet Book Review

As we explored the animal world with this gorgeous book we learnt a lot! With peep-through pages and fold out flaps this glorious gift for animal lovers becomes an interactive guessing game. Find out who is faster than a Caterpillar, who can hug tighter than a nightingale and who can fly better than a pig!

Caterpillar - Animalphabet

With stunningly eye-catching artwork throughout, the Animalphabet book contains an exotic array of animals. They truly are stunnnig and something to marvel over. This is a book to treasure and stand proudly on display. Julia Donaldsons rhythmic words make the book flow beautifully making it lovely to read out loud.

Animalphabet book

With each page we discovered an amazing collection of beautifully coloured animals in their habitats. Comparing animals to each other to learn comparison words and adjectives makes learning fun. Finding out who is bigger, smaller etc makes it such an enjoyable read. Izzy loves guessing which animal is next as we ask each question.

We absolutely adore this stunning book, Animalphabet is fun to read with it’s rhythmic words and gorgeous artwork. Being such an interactive book makes it such a fun reading experience and would make such a lovely gift! We would definitely recommend the Animalphabet book for young animal lovers. We love children’s books, don’t forget to check our our Book Review page to discover more Children’s books we’ve reviewed.

Have you heard of Animalphabet?