Getting the Nation Sleeping Again
With National Sleep Awareness Week running 2-9 March, and being a lifelong bad sleeper myself, it's a good time to try out some traditional and non-traditional methods of getting enough shuteye.
With more than half of the UK struggling to get a full night's kip, it's no wonder us British have a reputation for being a nation of moaners (and not in the good way!).
ACUPUNCTURE: This is believed to alleviate sleeplessness by increasing melatonin, a hormone that aids sleep. It can also reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, which will reduce stress and induce relaxation.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY: CBT is used for long term sleeping problems. It can help the patient change thoughts and behaviour that could be affecting their sleep. If you don't have time for a few sessions with an actual person, you can try out Sleepio, an online CBT sleep improvement programme.
Sounds: Relaxing music and background noise have been proven to help. Some of us can drift away with the tide, or slither deep into the Amazon rainforest.
Cool & Dark: Your bedroom should ideally be dark and quiet, with the temperature at 16-18 C.
NATURAL SOLUTIONS: If, like myself, you're not a fan of sleeping pills, there are several alternatives. These can include Vitamin B, which controls the release of tryptophan, essential for sleep. And also the herb Valerian. Research in Germany found it reduced insomnia symptoms after a month.
CATNAP: If you're able to nap, or lucky enough, keep it to 20-30 minutes and before 3pm.
Of course, there are so many other things to try. Give them a go and, hopefully, happy sleeping all!
Friday, 27 February 2015
Thursday, 26 February 2015
What are authors reading right now?
What are you all reading right now? Or are you struggling to find decent reading material?
Perhaps you could try the following, which are being read by authors from around the world.
John Satisfy, author of the erotic Sin City Stripping, is over halfway through Klondike: The Last Great Goldrush by Pierre Berton.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Klondike-Last-Great-Gold-1896-1899/dp/0385658443
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Klondike-Last-Great-Gold-1896-1899/dp/0385658443
Chris Sanders, author of the thrilling The Thief's Son, has his head buried in: The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett.
Scarlet Flame, whose works include Bound for Passion, is struggling to put down Twisted: Book 5 in the Blood & Roses series by Callie Hart.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Twisted-Blood-Roses-Book-5-ebook/dp/B00MUXSBBA/ref=la_B00JEI9IYS_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424872798&sr=1-3
Matthew Peters, author of The Brothers' Keepers, is reading Murder Under the Tree: Book 2 of the Kay Driscoll series.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Murder-Under-Tree-Driscoll-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00P8ACREE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424873999&sr=1-1&keywords=Murder+Under+the+Tree
The author of Destination Anywhere, Felicity Brandon, is reading The Gentlemen's Club by Emmanuelle de Maupassant.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Gentlemens-Club-Volume-Noire/dp/1507528825
Myself, I have a new book lined up to read after being gifted it by the author, Ian Sutherland. It's called Social Engineer and I can't wait to get stuck in!
P.S. Currently blogging on my phone, so apologies if this post is less than perfect.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Twisted-Blood-Roses-Book-5-ebook/dp/B00MUXSBBA/ref=la_B00JEI9IYS_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424872798&sr=1-3
Matthew Peters, author of The Brothers' Keepers, is reading Murder Under the Tree: Book 2 of the Kay Driscoll series.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Murder-Under-Tree-Driscoll-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00P8ACREE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424873999&sr=1-1&keywords=Murder+Under+the+Tree
The author of Destination Anywhere, Felicity Brandon, is reading The Gentlemen's Club by Emmanuelle de Maupassant.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Gentlemens-Club-Volume-Noire/dp/1507528825
Myself, I have a new book lined up to read after being gifted it by the author, Ian Sutherland. It's called Social Engineer and I can't wait to get stuck in!
P.S. Currently blogging on my phone, so apologies if this post is less than perfect.
Monday, 23 June 2014
4 Quick Reviews
Well, I'm back! For now, at least....
Once again, my life is having an Eastenders moment, but one thing that keeps me going is a good book to read when I have a spare few minutes here and there.
These are the 4 I've read most recently.
First up, Roadrage by M.J. Johnson. This is a story about a widower, Gil, whose life is once again thrown into turmoil, after he's targeted by an unknown enemy.
The story is well written and certainly keeps you guessing until the end; definitely worth a read.
Next we have The Wilds by Kit Tinsley. As people start mysteriously disappearing in rural Lincolnshire, the local journalist investigates, suspecting a wild animal is to blame. Unfortunately, there are some who don't want him poking his nose in....
An enjoyable read with good characters, I do recommend this. However, I feel more focus could have been spent on tidying the story up a bit.
Thirdly, Red Written by Philip Mayes. This has become a favourite of mine; I absolutely loved it!
An urban fantasy, this story focuses mainly on two characters and their struggle to survive when the human race are Revealed. When everyone mysteriously has every sin written on their skin, society crumbles.
We follow the accounts of Michael and Eva as they each leave behind everything to survive. Their lives change forever, and they change too...
This is a thrilling and exciting story to read. So much so that I forgave the typos and errors, which really should be rectified as the plot is first rate.
Lastly is Flotilla by Dan Haight. I will admit first up that this book isn't something I'd usually read. However, it was enjoyable and I did want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
It focuses on a teenage boy, who is sent to spend Summer with a father he barely knows. His dad lives in an ocean colony, where he's looking to make a quick buck. Jim is soon finding himself in dodgy situations, which soon become very dangerous for everyone.
You can find all these books on Amazon or check out the authors' websites.
Once again, my life is having an Eastenders moment, but one thing that keeps me going is a good book to read when I have a spare few minutes here and there.
These are the 4 I've read most recently.
First up, Roadrage by M.J. Johnson. This is a story about a widower, Gil, whose life is once again thrown into turmoil, after he's targeted by an unknown enemy.
The story is well written and certainly keeps you guessing until the end; definitely worth a read.
Next we have The Wilds by Kit Tinsley. As people start mysteriously disappearing in rural Lincolnshire, the local journalist investigates, suspecting a wild animal is to blame. Unfortunately, there are some who don't want him poking his nose in....
An enjoyable read with good characters, I do recommend this. However, I feel more focus could have been spent on tidying the story up a bit.
Thirdly, Red Written by Philip Mayes. This has become a favourite of mine; I absolutely loved it!
An urban fantasy, this story focuses mainly on two characters and their struggle to survive when the human race are Revealed. When everyone mysteriously has every sin written on their skin, society crumbles.
We follow the accounts of Michael and Eva as they each leave behind everything to survive. Their lives change forever, and they change too...
This is a thrilling and exciting story to read. So much so that I forgave the typos and errors, which really should be rectified as the plot is first rate.
Lastly is Flotilla by Dan Haight. I will admit first up that this book isn't something I'd usually read. However, it was enjoyable and I did want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
It focuses on a teenage boy, who is sent to spend Summer with a father he barely knows. His dad lives in an ocean colony, where he's looking to make a quick buck. Jim is soon finding himself in dodgy situations, which soon become very dangerous for everyone.
You can find all these books on Amazon or check out the authors' websites.
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Apologies!
Been some time again since I last published. This is purely due to lack of time and energy, it's been a hectic few months. But I'm back and will shortly have some new posts for you, including a review of Roadrage by the talented MJ Johnson.
I'm also about to start reading The Wilds by Kit Tinsley, so will eventually review that too. If you have a book that you'd like me to review, let me know.
For now, enjoy the long weekend and don't eat too much chocolate!
I'm also about to start reading The Wilds by Kit Tinsley, so will eventually review that too. If you have a book that you'd like me to review, let me know.
For now, enjoy the long weekend and don't eat too much chocolate!
Thursday, 27 February 2014
Ideas for Pancake Day!
Pancake Day's just around the corner (4th March), which means lots of tossing and sticky mess on ceilings!
I can't help with how to avoid that but I can help with some recipes, as my daughter thinks everyday is pancake day.
Banana Pancakes (Serves 6)
125g plain flour
85g wholemeal flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons caster sugar
335ml buttermilk
2 small ripe bananas (finely chopped)
In a large bowl, mix both flours, salt, baking powder and sugar. Stir in buttermilk and bananas until just moist.
Heat a frying pan, lightly oiled, over a medium heat. Pour approximately 60ml of batter into the pan and brown both sides before serving.
Mango and Honey Pancakes
Using the above recipe, or your own, make a batch of pancakes and then stack them with cubed mango then drizzle with honey. Serve with a spoonful of Greek yoghurt.
If you don't have a sweet tooth, try a savoury pancake!
Make your pancakes. Steam seasonal vegetables, whatever you fancy. Mix Philadelphia cheese with a small amount of milk and warm through. Mix with the vegetables and fill your pancakes!
I can't help with how to avoid that but I can help with some recipes, as my daughter thinks everyday is pancake day.
Banana Pancakes (Serves 6)
125g plain flour
85g wholemeal flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons caster sugar
335ml buttermilk
2 small ripe bananas (finely chopped)
In a large bowl, mix both flours, salt, baking powder and sugar. Stir in buttermilk and bananas until just moist.
Heat a frying pan, lightly oiled, over a medium heat. Pour approximately 60ml of batter into the pan and brown both sides before serving.
Mango and Honey Pancakes
Using the above recipe, or your own, make a batch of pancakes and then stack them with cubed mango then drizzle with honey. Serve with a spoonful of Greek yoghurt.
If you don't have a sweet tooth, try a savoury pancake!
Make your pancakes. Steam seasonal vegetables, whatever you fancy. Mix Philadelphia cheese with a small amount of milk and warm through. Mix with the vegetables and fill your pancakes!
Saturday, 22 February 2014
Bruce Borders is on the Spotlight Tour!
Once again, I have the honour of helping out on the Rave Reviews Book Club Spotlight Tour. Today, please welcome author Bruce A. Borders!
Good Vs. Evil by Bruce A. Borders
A huge thank you to all the members of Rave Reviews Book Club who agreed to host me on their site! I am honored to be the Spotlight Author!
Miscarriage Of Justice tells the story of two people, Ethan Rafferty and Mariana Clark. Ethan has just been released from prison after serving fifteen years for a crime he didn’t commit; Mariana is the D.A. responsible for putting him there. As we get to know the characters, their lives are moving in opposite directions. One is continually sinking to new depths; the other is slowly making an ascension to becoming a better individual. It’s the old line of good versus evil - almost. But what happens when those lines intersect? When neither side is exactly virtuous or exhibits an upstanding moral character?
In writing this book, I wanted to bring out that sometimes it’s hard to tell, with certainty, the good from the bad. Sometimes, good and bad seem to run together, with the attributes of both present. I think the majority of people fall into this category - I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “no man is all good, and no man is all bad.” Yet, there is a right and wrong. Most of us inherently know which is which, but events and situations can muddle what we know.
We’re taught that good always triumphs over evil, but what if you’re not sure which side is good and which is evil? Then how do you know which side is going to win?
In the beginning, both Ethan and Mariana are normal people - reasonably normal anyway. But as they respond and react to situations, into which they have unwillingly been thrust and over which they have no control, their paths take them in opposite directions, until...
Miscarriage Of Justice
Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/156958
Connect with Bruce:
@BruceABorders
RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB “SPOTLIGHT” AUTHOR, Bruce A. Borders was born in 1967 in Cape Girardeau, MO. Bruce’s childhood years were spent in a number of states, including Missouri, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. During his high school years, he was a member of the football, basketball and track teams, involved in various non-athletic activities such as school yearbook production and photography, and won numerous awards for his artistic creations. Bruce graduated Valedictorian in 1984. While in school, Bruce held three part-time jobs; a store clerk, a janitor, and a dental technician, working about 60-70 hours per week. After graduation, he became employed full time as a dental technician. Other jobs have included restaurant manager, carpenter, and grocery store cashier. For the past sixteen years, he has worked as a commercial truck driver, logging more than two million miles. At the age of fifteen, Bruce decided to become a writer. He began by writing songs, news articles, and short stories. Eventually, books were added to the list. Over the years, he continued to write and currently has a catalog of more than 500 songs, numerous short stories and over a dozen completed books. He writes on a variety of subjects such as fictional novels of legal issues and westerns. Titles include: Inside Room 913, Over My Dead Body, Miscarriage Of Justice, The Journey, and in The Wynn Garrett Series - Mistaken Identity, Holy Terror, Remote Control, Judicial Review, Even Odds, and Safety Hazard.
Sunday, 16 February 2014
Extra calories & how to burn them!
Think your 30 minutes of exercise a week will burn off all your indulgences? Think again!
A slice of chocolate cake could be about 200 calories. To burn that off you'd need to dance continuously for approximately 30 minutes.
A slice of a meat feast pizza will typically contain around 330 calories. You're going to have to power walk for one hour.
My shameful habit is crisps. Most weeks, I'll shove about 5 packs down my pie hole! I love McCoys and each pack contains 252 calories, so that's 1260 extra calories right there. To burn all that off in one go, I'd have to do about 120 minutes of kickboxing....
A slice of chocolate cake could be about 200 calories. To burn that off you'd need to dance continuously for approximately 30 minutes.
A slice of a meat feast pizza will typically contain around 330 calories. You're going to have to power walk for one hour.
My shameful habit is crisps. Most weeks, I'll shove about 5 packs down my pie hole! I love McCoys and each pack contains 252 calories, so that's 1260 extra calories right there. To burn all that off in one go, I'd have to do about 120 minutes of kickboxing....
When you unwind with a bottle of white wine, just remember that's about 600 calories. An hour of swimming is needed after that. (Preferably when sober!)
These exercises are aimed at people of average weight, so for us heavier people we have to do more. However, I'm happy to start off slow....
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