Pages: 144
Genre: Horror/Mystery/True stories

"This book is about ghosts – whatever they are. Every culture has believed in ghosts at one time or another: Buddha trained himself to overcome fear by sitting in a haunted cemetry. Spooky tales are not just a contemporary phenomenon – there are several ghosts mentioned in the Old Testament.
In the course of a person's lifetime, the chances of encountering a ghost are suprisingly high. Many of the stories within this book originated from the numerous letters and telephone calls Tom Slemen received at Radio Merseyside, where he presented a regular slot on the Billy Butler Show. The tremendous response from listeners is confirmation of a widespread fascination with the paranormal.

Take a spine-chilling journey along Liverpool's streets and meet Spring-Heeled Jack, that Harrington Street visions, Bernie with the broken neck, the Grey Lady of Grove Street and many other spooky characters and ghostly encounters!"

A collection of short, ghost and spooky stories centered around Liverpool. I really enjoyed this book, I flew through it, the stories are all short and some, if not all, gave me the chills! I can't wait to read 'Haunted Liverpool 2'! I also learned a lot about the history of Liverpool too which I found fascinating. One story that stood out to me in particular was about the ghost on a bus who gave a little girl a chocolate bar, which she ate! The parent turned around the the man (ghost) had disappeared, yet the chocolate bar was very much real! *shivers*

Do you like ghost stories? What books have you been reading lately? 

Sarah xXx

I was contacted and asked if I'd like to review the Global Gourmet Hot Dog Make. I of course said yes and was so excited to give it a try! The kids love hot dogs and this machine sounded perfect! It didn't fail to disappoint.


The Global Gourmet Hot Dog Maker is machine that cooks hotdogs. You can add up to four frankfurt style hot dogs either fresh or frozen as well as other regular sausages. I chose to use fresh hot dogs from a jar as a nice treat for the kids!


At the top of the machine are four stainless steel rollers (with a heater inside) which you can place to the hot dogs on. The rollers rotate slowly which ensures that the hot dogs are cooked thoroughly. The lid on the top of the hot dog maker is to be left open whilst the sausages are cooking. Two stays also provided which is also handy as the tray that slots underneath the rollers collects the fat whilst the sausages are cooking. When the machine is in use the lights light up to let me know that the machine is indeed in use, which is also handy.


I also used the timer on the hotdog maker, setting it at fifteen minutes. When the time is up, it simply makes a loud ping noise The hotdog maker also has a mini oven which I used to heat up the fresh french stick, I turned the rolls over after a few minutes so that they didn't burn and so that they heated up evenly on each side.
Another tray is also provided for the rolls to rest on whilst in the oven, my rolls where a little bit long though. I'll use smaller rolls next time, hehe.


As always though, I was cautious when handling hot food and machinery as the hotdog maker does get quite hot!

Overall I found the Global Gourmet Hot Dog Maker really easy to use. It's very convenient for busy households and who doesn't like hot dogs?! I really like the fact you can use regular hotdogs or sausages and the timer is a lovely touch! You can purchase this hot dog maker on amazon and is currently on sale priced at £16.95. 

THE GIVEAWAY!!! 

I've kindly been given a hotdog maker to giveaway to one of my lucky readers. You can enter here: Win an American Hot Dog Maker
 
The giveaway can be entered via the above link which will direct to the gleam app and is open to UK residents only. Entrants must be aged 18 and over. The giveaway ends on 23rd February and the winner will be picked at random via the gleam app. 


Sarah xXx


I received the product for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own, honest, personal opinions, I was not paid for this post.

At the start of this year, I set myself some goals. Some of those goals I have achieved this week already! This week, I did something new, terrifying and exciting all at the same time. I went to a (free) fitness class. I actually can not believe I did it. I kept umming and ahh'ing about going, I so, so nearly didn't go but I really pushed myself to go and I'm glad I did, even though I was very anxious. I have a lot going in my life at the moment and I was wondering if this was the right time to be going to a fitness class, in all honesty, I really did not want to go. The thought of working out and exercising in front of people terrified me because I have zero self confidence (or so I thought!). But I knew I had to do it. I had to do it for myself. I was anxious that everyone would stare at me, that I'd make a complete fool of myself and I was just really anxious about the whole thing in general. I'm not a very sociable person and feel awkward around people, especially people I don't know but I overcome that anxiety, I said yes to something I wouldn't usually do, it involves being more social and it's the first step on the ladder to loosing weight. It's also the first step to dealing with the horrific anxiety I deal with. I achieved four of my goals in one night and I am certainly going to keep up with it, no matter what happens. If someone had of said to me this time last week that I'd have gone to a fitness class, I would never believed them! This is a HUGE deal for me.
The class itself was quite hard to begin with but I soon got into it. No one stared at me, no one was bothered, what was I so worried about? We are all there for the same reason!
I've also got to know my neighbour better, we teamed up as partners at the fitness club. She's so lovely! My stamina isn't great and I still can't do burpees but I will workout at home so hopefully next week my stamina will be a bit better. Now I know what to expect, I am hoping I won't feel so anxious next week.

After the class, I felt so proud of myself. I felt so satisfied. It was such a good feeling, I haven't felt like that for such a long time, I'd forgotten that such a feeling existed! 


I am really looking forward to going next week and I am SO determined to loose weight and over come this anxiety, I know it won't be easy but I don't want to spend my life anxious, nor do I want to spend my life feeling and looking fat.



I am so determined to loose this weight. I am so determined be more social and over come anxiety, at least a little. I am also determined to stick to this fitness and weight loss journey.  
I can do this and I WILL do this! 

Sarah xXx

I have been MIA when it comes to blogging and social media and just the internet in general really. January has been a rather difficult month for my family. I don't really know where to begin. The word stressful isn't enough to sum it up. So in a nutshell... I thought it would be easier to just share the best and worst moments lately and hopefully I'll have more time on my hands for my blog and the lovely blog community.



Negatives:

• My Grandad was taken into hospital with pneumonia. He is alright, he's his usual chatty self. Still doesn't stop me worrying though. I really hope and pray that he will be allowed home soon. 
• My mum is going through a very hard time right now and I'm trying to help and support her where and when I can. There's way to much to go into. 
• The IIH (headaches/visual problems and everything that comes with it) has not been great lately and I haven't really been able to sit at a computer or really do very much at all. The IIH seems to have calmed down (knock on wood) the past couple of days though. Thank goodness. 
• My Nan is staying with my mum whilst my grandad is in hospital. She worries me because she's old and can't really do much for herself, plus she has her own health problems and what not. I wish I could do more to help, I really do. 

The word that would sum up how I'm feeling today is HELPLESS. I feel helpless that I can't help and support my mum more and I feel helpless that there's very little I can do for my Nanna because she can't get about, if she would just accept that she needs some assistance!! I do what I can though. (I do wish she would accept a carer and some support). 

Positives: 

• My grandad IS on the mend and he IS in the right place. He's in a lovely hospital and they're really looking after him. That of course is very reassuring. I just hope he's home soon. 
• Charlie achieved 100% attendance last term, yay! He's doing great at school. I am truly very proud of Charlie, he really enjoys high school now.
• Ellie has settled into the school routine with her new teacher, who she really likes. So happy about that because she wasn't too keen on the idea of a new teacher at the start of this term. Very proud of her! 
• Harry has gone up a set in English and Maths, he has worked very hard to achieve going up a set. Also very proud of him. 
• The weather has been beautiful. Cold but beautifully sunny and blue skies which always helps my mood!  
• I actually had a chance to blitz my house properly yesterday! It's a good feeling knowing my house is clean and tidy! I also managed to get in almost 16k steps yesterday! YAS! 

I am really hoping I'll have more time to blog now. I have A LOT of catching up to do. A few review posts coming up and some family posts, updates on the kids (I am so very proud of them!) and lots of photographs too! I do think blogging will help take my mind off of everything that's going (I will elaborate more in future posts)..

How has your January been so far?

Sarah xXx

Pages: 320
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller (fiction)

"You never know what's happening on the other side of the wall.

Your neighbour told you that she didn't want your six-month-old daughter at the dinner party. Nothing personal, she just couldn't stand her crying.

Your husband said it would be fine. After all, you only live next door. You'll have the baby monitor and you'll take it in turns to go back every half hour.

Your daughter was sleeping when you checked on her last. But now, as you race up the stairs in your deathly quiet house, your worst fears are realized. She's gone.

You've never had to call the police before. But now they're in your home, and who knows what they'll find there.

What would you be capable of, when pushed past your limit?"

I received this book for Christmas and what a lovely gift it was, too! It's been on my 'TBR' list for a while and I couldn't wait to get stuck into it. 
The couple next door follows the story of a young married couple who have a six month old daughter. One night they attend a dinner party with the neighbours while there baby sleeps next door.  They return only to find the baby gone. She is not in her crib. With lots of twists and turns, this book certainly kept me in suspense! What exactly has happened to there baby daughter Cora? And who is responsible? Will the police get to the bottom of it?
This book is written so simply and is very easy to read and follow. A fast paced story and certainly a page turner! I could easily have read this book in one sitting! I really liked it and rated it five stars on goodreads. 

What have you been reading lately? 

Sarah xXx

Over the Christmas period, we managed to get outside an enjoy the mild weather! It was so mild and sunny, it seemed like a shame to stay inside.
We decided to go to the park and  take out Charlies little drone, helicopter toy that he got for Christmas. It's a small light weight toy and he just loves it!


It was great fun watching it fly over our heads. It doesn't go up very high but it's perfect for Charlie! Ellie had fun chasing it and trying to catch it as it fell from the sky (It would loose signal and flop down, which the kids thought was great fun, haha)


Ellie was all "How do you steer this thing" When it was her turn. Charlie taught her how to use the controls, which was lovely to watch.



We were only out for about an hour before it started getting chilly. We had a wonderful time though and the kids had fun running around burning off some of there energy! We can't wait for the weather to get better so we can go for a proper long walk through the woods and plays at the park!

Sarah xXx

Genre:Young adult, contemporary, fiction.
 Pages: 348

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

My thoughts: 
This story follows a young a girl named 'Natasha' and young man named 'Daniel'. The two strangers meet each other. Natasha doesn't believe in fate. Daniel does. Daniel tries to convince Natasha that they're suppose to be together... This story is so relevant to today's goings on in the world. It is heartbreaking but it's also an eye opener too. 

Last year I read 'Everything Everything' by Nicola Yoon and I loved it, I found it very hard to put down. I'm not usually a fan of contemporary so I was pleasantly surprised. 
'The Sun Is Also A Star' is one of those books that I couldn't wait to read. However, I was a little disappointment because I just.. I don't know.. I found it hard to get into. However, once I got into the story, I really enjoyed it. It's an interesting story and I learned a thing or two. I ended up loving Natasha and Daniel. 
Rated 3.5 stars.  

What book are you currently reading?

Sarah xXx

2017 Reading Challenge

Sarah has read 3 books toward her goal of 50 books.

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3 of 50 (6%)

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Phew. Christmas is over and it's time to get back to the normal reality of everyday life! It's been a chaotic few weeks (I've known anything quite as stressful as last month!!). Here are our best and worst moments lately.



Negatives:

• I was poorly all over Christmas with some flu type thing. It's taken me ages to recover and I'm still not fully better but much better than I was! 
• The kids go back to school this week... While it'll be good to get back into routine, I am absolutely dreading it! Not only that but I am happiest when the kids are home, haha. 
• My washing machine is making a really bizarre noise again. Hmm. Hopefully that will last a couple more months because I am not in the position to be buying a new one right now! 
• Not looking forward to my hospital appointment next week. But. It'll get it over and done with for another 4-6 months. (I'll be seeing the eye consultant as I have a rare brain disease which affects my eyes) 

Positives:

• Despite being ill, I still had a good Christmas, I enjoyed watching the kids open there presents and we played board games and set up there new toys etc. It was fun. The kids had a wonderful time! You can read more about our Christmas here.
• I've seen a lot of my family recently which has been lovely. 
• I'm glad the Christmas tree is down now! It was in the way and Sylvie (our tabby cat) was trying to climb it.. Silly kitty. 
• As I mentioned above, it'll be good to get back into routine and have some kind of structure. All over Christmas I've lost count of what day is which, ha! 
• The weather has been lovely lately. It's been cold of course but nice to see the sun! We even went out for a walk the other day and Charlie got to test out his new remote control drone/copter thingy (It doesn't have a camera, it literally is just a toy). It hovers just above our heads and was lots of fun running away from! 

• I've been really productive lately and I love my fit-bit which I got for Christmas. It helps me stay motivated. 
• Speaking of motivation, I have started bullet journaling and wow! I LOVE it. I've always enjoyed making lists and keeping diaries, I've had a bullet journal before but this!! This is something else, I truly have found a really great hobby that helps me relax, keeps me motivated and organised. I couldn't live without it now. (I also have a slight pen addiction.. Seriously I 'need' ALLLL the pens haha) 

• I've already read one a book this year! I read 'The sun is also a star by Nicola Yoon' (Book review coming soon!) 

Things to look forward to:

• Getting back into routine. 
• Hoping that Ellie likes cheer leading which is an after school club she starts next week! Eek! I'm excited for her.
• Having my hospital appointment over and done with. That'll be a huger relief. Hoping for good results. I just want to get it over and done with, it's making me anxious.
• I'm strangely looking forward to organsing the kids rooms! It's been hectic over the holidays and things need organsing. 

Those are the best and worst bits of the past week or so. What are your best and worst moments? What are you most looking forward to?

Sarah xXx

Last year, I set myself a goal of reading 50 books. I smashed it! I read a total of 54 books during 2016, which was really good going for me! I have set myself a goal of 50 books to read this year. I will be sharing my book list in another blog post so please do look out for that. I'm always open to book suggestions, too. What was the best book you've read recently? Let me know in the comments.


This is my book list for January 2017.

• The Couple Next Door by  Shari Lapena 
• Where She Went by Gayle Foreman (The sequal to 'If I stay') 
• The Sun Is Also A star by Nicola Yoon 
• Haunted Liverpool 1 by Tom Slemen 

A couple of those books I received for Christmas. I can't wait to get back into reading. I feel like I haven't read for a while because I only managed 2 books in December and I honestly can't even remember what books they were. It seems like so long ago.

What's on your 'To Be Read' list?

Sarah xXx

I thought I'd share our family bucket list. I love having a bucket list, something that we can all try and achieve together as a family. I'll be posting my personal goal list separately.


If we have some snow (hopefully we do!) We will have fun playing in that! We didn't have any snow last year (It snowed for about an hour and didn't settle) so it would be lovely to have some snow to play in this year!

What's on your January bucket list?

Sarah xXx

Christmas has been and gone and I am way behind on blogging. I've been poorly all over Christmas with the flu, I'm not sure if it was full blown flu or a really heavy cold but either way, I was really not at all well. Still though, we had a good Christmas!


The kids opened Christmas P.Js on Christmas eve - It's our little tradition, we do it every year. We enjoyed festive movies and snacks on Christmas eve, too! Ellie was excited to leave out Santa's snack and a snack for the reindeer, too!


When the kids were sound asleep in bed "Santa" came.

We all woke up early on Christmas day and opened presents. Ellie noticed that santa had eaten his pie and the reindeers had munched on the carrot we left our on Christmas eve!
I really wasn't feeling well and honestly don't know how I got through Christmas day but I did! The kids had a fantastic Christmas and they're very happy with the gifts they received, there's too many to list! I was also spoiled and got an iPad mini 2 which I ADORE! I also got some new boots and a coat among a lot of other things, too! I feel very blessed and lucky. We played games and watched movie, ate way too much and just enjoyed Christmas day (and the week that followed!)

I am finally feeling a bit better. I have a lot of catching up to!


We hope you all had a lovely Christmas, too! Let me know how your Christmas was in the comments below :)

Sarah xXx