Its difficult to write about the masculinity in your life when all thats present are 2 cats a dog and a bird in your immdiate life that is male...
I thought I'd found my balancing counter-part but apparently I was sorely mistaken, apparently whilst I was busy embracing his creativity and what not, he couldn't be asked to do the same in return for me not once.
Hopefully whoever does eventually become my balance in this world will understand the way balance works not try forcing me to be one or the other when it fits him.
With a lack of male in my life though, I have learnt to embrace that side of me more and that side of me can be a tough cookie at times and damned determined. Another thing i've learnt is when to say yes or no.
For so many years I have put everyone elses needs, feelings and wants ahead of my own and now thats no longer the case, of how doing things for myself and others makes me feel. That may sound kind of selfish but when you've always put others first, its kind of freeing.
The card stands for Master of ones own destiny, and thats very much been the case since i've learnt who and what to prioritise.
12 October 2014
October challenge for Lyn Thurman #4 The Empress
Its ever so easy to think what exactly am I greatful for? its not until you force yourself to sit down and write every little thing down that you realise there is actually quite a bit.
Everything from the earth on which we stand, the plants that through photosynthesis create the oxygen we breathe, the sun as well to the more immediate more obvious things like dad passing silently, even though he'd been in so much pain and probably still was we aren't left with a memory of his writhing in pain at the end. Theres so much to be thankful for that makes life worth living even if sometimes we wish it away, or events cause us to wish it away.
I'm thankful ever so deeply to the Goddess and all those higher powers for cupping their hands and catching me as I fell through the abyss. Had I hit the bottom I don't think I would have ever gotten back up again and at times it truly felt like it really wasnt worth it. But, somewhere inside of me I heard their love, their voices, the nurturing guidance they offered and I allowed that part of me to listen, to not worry and just go with whatever the universe threw my way and you know what happened?... all that was bad, negative and toxic left and all that was good, nurturing, and positive seemed to be attracted to me like a magnet and its been like that since the beginning of this year. In fact they seem to attract more and more now.
Nurturingwise I have been guided along a path of healing having been returned to my path but more so on a spiritual path with aspects of the esoteric rather than the other way round. I believe I know what I am being guided toward I've had it confirmed but I need to find my voice again and embrace the fear of doing either good or bad. I think i've recently had something come my way to help, we do after all only see what we are meant to.
Everything from the earth on which we stand, the plants that through photosynthesis create the oxygen we breathe, the sun as well to the more immediate more obvious things like dad passing silently, even though he'd been in so much pain and probably still was we aren't left with a memory of his writhing in pain at the end. Theres so much to be thankful for that makes life worth living even if sometimes we wish it away, or events cause us to wish it away.
I'm thankful ever so deeply to the Goddess and all those higher powers for cupping their hands and catching me as I fell through the abyss. Had I hit the bottom I don't think I would have ever gotten back up again and at times it truly felt like it really wasnt worth it. But, somewhere inside of me I heard their love, their voices, the nurturing guidance they offered and I allowed that part of me to listen, to not worry and just go with whatever the universe threw my way and you know what happened?... all that was bad, negative and toxic left and all that was good, nurturing, and positive seemed to be attracted to me like a magnet and its been like that since the beginning of this year. In fact they seem to attract more and more now.
Nurturingwise I have been guided along a path of healing having been returned to my path but more so on a spiritual path with aspects of the esoteric rather than the other way round. I believe I know what I am being guided toward I've had it confirmed but I need to find my voice again and embrace the fear of doing either good or bad. I think i've recently had something come my way to help, we do after all only see what we are meant to.
3 October 2014
October challenge for Lyn Thurman #3 The High Priestess
The card of intuition - reminds me of the Wizard of Oz and the voice behind the curtain.
In all honesty I am an extremely quiet person, sometimes to the point of shy. Some people think I may have nothing to say. An old neighbour of mine classed me as more of a listerner. The space inside my head on the other hand is something entirely different.
I don't think I actually know what a moments peace feels like unless I'm meditating or baking. Every moment of every day my mind is busy working on stories, thinking about stuff I need to do or have seen, places, people, conversations. Sometimes there is even conversations going on in my head - if I know someone well I can run conversation scenarios. Trust me this isn't as good as it sounds, you worry about a hell of a lot of things but you do learn to trust your intuition like whether you can trust people, how you feel, how people will react to things.
Sometimes we don't want to hear those thoughts and feelings that go through our head, we're not sure where they come from whether its us trying to make sense of things, whether its some higher power. Is it happening for a reason? Is it a warning?
Sometimes I wish my head would shut up but I don't know where I'd be in all the silence.
When it comes to writing I get a vague look about me, I can easily get lost in the conversations and thoughts etc sometimes a little too lost that actually I forget to open my mouth lol.
The last few months I've listened more and trusted more to my intuition, its guided me to positive people, to take courses to grow my learning, I've had no reason to question it this year at all until recently. So instead I followed my intuition down another path to ask someone for advice where I was told to explore, and have fun. So I'm going to trust the first intuitive feeling that this person has come along for a reason whatever that maybe.
And thats what I've learnt, to always trust that initial feeling or thought because its always ALWAYS right.
But funnily enough I always second guess and question when I should just accept and go with it.
This is going to take some work I think.
In all honesty I am an extremely quiet person, sometimes to the point of shy. Some people think I may have nothing to say. An old neighbour of mine classed me as more of a listerner. The space inside my head on the other hand is something entirely different.
I don't think I actually know what a moments peace feels like unless I'm meditating or baking. Every moment of every day my mind is busy working on stories, thinking about stuff I need to do or have seen, places, people, conversations. Sometimes there is even conversations going on in my head - if I know someone well I can run conversation scenarios. Trust me this isn't as good as it sounds, you worry about a hell of a lot of things but you do learn to trust your intuition like whether you can trust people, how you feel, how people will react to things.
Sometimes we don't want to hear those thoughts and feelings that go through our head, we're not sure where they come from whether its us trying to make sense of things, whether its some higher power. Is it happening for a reason? Is it a warning?
Sometimes I wish my head would shut up but I don't know where I'd be in all the silence.
When it comes to writing I get a vague look about me, I can easily get lost in the conversations and thoughts etc sometimes a little too lost that actually I forget to open my mouth lol.
The last few months I've listened more and trusted more to my intuition, its guided me to positive people, to take courses to grow my learning, I've had no reason to question it this year at all until recently. So instead I followed my intuition down another path to ask someone for advice where I was told to explore, and have fun. So I'm going to trust the first intuitive feeling that this person has come along for a reason whatever that maybe.
And thats what I've learnt, to always trust that initial feeling or thought because its always ALWAYS right.
But funnily enough I always second guess and question when I should just accept and go with it.
This is going to take some work I think.
2 October 2014
October Challenge for Lyn Thurman #2 The Magician
I love this card 'as above so below'. Wherever you look theres magic to be found, things to be learnt and messages abound.
Since the end of last year more and more positivity has entered my life, I've taken numerous courses to set me on my journey, I've picked up my writing and photography again, embraced the universe and whatever comes my way. I've gathered all the tools I need and am starting to put them into practise to live that life I want.
Ever since theres been messages both good and bad, I still get reminded of those people and that place I wish I could easily forget but its hard forgetting so much pain.
The good is usually angellic numbers and feathers or things that just seem to happen at the right time, like a course coming along. Or someone coming into your life.
The right tools always appear when you need them, in the right guise and listening to the universe more and noticing things more often I know I'm heading the right way.
All my card readings done myself and by others including my Tarot teacher say this is the right path, that i have everything I need to pursue it, i just need to swallow my pride and fears and just do it.
Sometimes I get so fiesty I get so close then pull myself back thinking somethings missing from my tool box, whether its complete or not shouldnt matter, I should just do it anyway like i did when i posted my books on wattpad.
I don't know if I'm afraid of success or failure, maybe its a bit of both, i know part is the tax side what with having a job too. I'd rather be loved for being me rather than hated for being the uniform I wear. Thats what I hate about my job, people forget actually beneath that uniform, abiding the rules of their job is a real person who feels exactly the same as you the customer dealing with the same shit that you do. We're not clones of the job, we're just people sticking to rules getting a job done to keep you happy so we can pay bills. Adding other peoples shit to our own is not part of our job! As much as I do love some of the customers I have (the kind sincere ones, the ones who bother to get to know you) a part of me longs for the day I can get out and finally release the inner me on the world and say like me or hate me I just dont give a damn deal with it! I am me not the fucking uniform!
I'd love to say that, unfortunately i have a conscience and i care what people think, and really i shouldnt give a fuck.
So at the end of day 2 this is my conclusion.
If I don't give a fuck in writing which I don't as you can tell, then i'm not going to give a fuck so much any more, and i am going to take what on one hand i am being told is mine and with the other make it fucking happen. I will give and take and with the tools I have be they perfect or not, complete or not.
Since the end of last year more and more positivity has entered my life, I've taken numerous courses to set me on my journey, I've picked up my writing and photography again, embraced the universe and whatever comes my way. I've gathered all the tools I need and am starting to put them into practise to live that life I want.
Ever since theres been messages both good and bad, I still get reminded of those people and that place I wish I could easily forget but its hard forgetting so much pain.
The good is usually angellic numbers and feathers or things that just seem to happen at the right time, like a course coming along. Or someone coming into your life.
The right tools always appear when you need them, in the right guise and listening to the universe more and noticing things more often I know I'm heading the right way.
All my card readings done myself and by others including my Tarot teacher say this is the right path, that i have everything I need to pursue it, i just need to swallow my pride and fears and just do it.
Sometimes I get so fiesty I get so close then pull myself back thinking somethings missing from my tool box, whether its complete or not shouldnt matter, I should just do it anyway like i did when i posted my books on wattpad.
I don't know if I'm afraid of success or failure, maybe its a bit of both, i know part is the tax side what with having a job too. I'd rather be loved for being me rather than hated for being the uniform I wear. Thats what I hate about my job, people forget actually beneath that uniform, abiding the rules of their job is a real person who feels exactly the same as you the customer dealing with the same shit that you do. We're not clones of the job, we're just people sticking to rules getting a job done to keep you happy so we can pay bills. Adding other peoples shit to our own is not part of our job! As much as I do love some of the customers I have (the kind sincere ones, the ones who bother to get to know you) a part of me longs for the day I can get out and finally release the inner me on the world and say like me or hate me I just dont give a damn deal with it! I am me not the fucking uniform!
I'd love to say that, unfortunately i have a conscience and i care what people think, and really i shouldnt give a fuck.
So at the end of day 2 this is my conclusion.
If I don't give a fuck in writing which I don't as you can tell, then i'm not going to give a fuck so much any more, and i am going to take what on one hand i am being told is mine and with the other make it fucking happen. I will give and take and with the tools I have be they perfect or not, complete or not.
October challenge for Lyn Thurman #1 The Fool
So this is a day late! It is day 1 of Lyn Thurman's October challenge.
Today is The Fool.
Sometimes journies are chosen. Some are put before us. Others are thrust on us without even the mere consideration of how we feel or what we've been through.
Journies can be fun and amazing like flying a plane watching the world below go about all its journies. They can be dream-like. And they can be so ever so painful that you wish the book on your journey would just close.
My own journey through life has been like this full of bumps, there was a momentary amazingness but that was twisted into the worst possible pain anyone could ever imagine and it came from all sides. And yes, I wished my book would close, I wanted my journey to be over. I wanted it to end. There was nothing about my life that I loved even though there were still people in it supporting me, helping me. I know some wanted to help more than they could and I know some got peeved. I needed to help myself but I felt like everything I loved about this world drained from my heart the moment my heart was broken. Every now and again I'd get small nudges from the universe trying to persuade me that my life was worth living even if thanks to two people I felt it wasn't. That I'd lost everything in one year that meant the world to me.
Pain and suffering seemed like it was a part of me and was coming back to claim me permanently this time.
Then the universe kicked me and even though I tried drowning my sorrows in a litre bottle of orange truffle Baileys at New Year 2013, I continued to live, to wake and face everyday I learnt to take each day as it comes. I learnt to let the universe guide me. I learnt to take the small steps the universe was showing me, the lessons it wanted me to learn, knew the people it wanted in my life and those it didn't because their toxicity and lies, their words no matter how genuine or cruel cut deep and hurt and I was meant to deal with it, push them away and walk the path the universe wanted me.
Living through the negativity of that year has allowed something to blossom within me, I have changed so very much and for the better, I have learnt so much and I have so much to offer the world and finally there is nothing and no-one standing in my way holding me back, making me put them first before my own wants and needs, my own happiness. Instead the world is my oyster and I want that pearl, to learn more, to give more to this world willingly. My journey felt like it was ending but it was just beginning! I'm looking forward to learning what the universe has in store for me as the life I dreamed of slowly takes shape.
Today is The Fool.
Sometimes journies are chosen. Some are put before us. Others are thrust on us without even the mere consideration of how we feel or what we've been through.
Journies can be fun and amazing like flying a plane watching the world below go about all its journies. They can be dream-like. And they can be so ever so painful that you wish the book on your journey would just close.
My own journey through life has been like this full of bumps, there was a momentary amazingness but that was twisted into the worst possible pain anyone could ever imagine and it came from all sides. And yes, I wished my book would close, I wanted my journey to be over. I wanted it to end. There was nothing about my life that I loved even though there were still people in it supporting me, helping me. I know some wanted to help more than they could and I know some got peeved. I needed to help myself but I felt like everything I loved about this world drained from my heart the moment my heart was broken. Every now and again I'd get small nudges from the universe trying to persuade me that my life was worth living even if thanks to two people I felt it wasn't. That I'd lost everything in one year that meant the world to me.
Pain and suffering seemed like it was a part of me and was coming back to claim me permanently this time.
Then the universe kicked me and even though I tried drowning my sorrows in a litre bottle of orange truffle Baileys at New Year 2013, I continued to live, to wake and face everyday I learnt to take each day as it comes. I learnt to let the universe guide me. I learnt to take the small steps the universe was showing me, the lessons it wanted me to learn, knew the people it wanted in my life and those it didn't because their toxicity and lies, their words no matter how genuine or cruel cut deep and hurt and I was meant to deal with it, push them away and walk the path the universe wanted me.
Living through the negativity of that year has allowed something to blossom within me, I have changed so very much and for the better, I have learnt so much and I have so much to offer the world and finally there is nothing and no-one standing in my way holding me back, making me put them first before my own wants and needs, my own happiness. Instead the world is my oyster and I want that pearl, to learn more, to give more to this world willingly. My journey felt like it was ending but it was just beginning! I'm looking forward to learning what the universe has in store for me as the life I dreamed of slowly takes shape.
10 November 2012
British Gas Issue M*****
Okay, so your Gas meter is reading M***** (no i'm not swearing)
So what do you do?
Well we had this issue recently and after taking the card out, wiping the chip with a dry cloth and putting it back in we still got the same.
So we contacted British Gas, and the lady was extremely helpful, telling us we needed a replacement meter. Within at least four hours ours was replaced (on a Sunday) but that is because we fit a certain criteria putting us ahead of the list so don't expect your situation to be the same or just as quick but you should need a new meter definately. You'll also likely get a new card sent to you as well. Speaking of the card we were also told not to leave it in the meter as it drains the battery, apparently.
Hope this helps
So what do you do?
Well we had this issue recently and after taking the card out, wiping the chip with a dry cloth and putting it back in we still got the same.
So we contacted British Gas, and the lady was extremely helpful, telling us we needed a replacement meter. Within at least four hours ours was replaced (on a Sunday) but that is because we fit a certain criteria putting us ahead of the list so don't expect your situation to be the same or just as quick but you should need a new meter definately. You'll also likely get a new card sent to you as well. Speaking of the card we were also told not to leave it in the meter as it drains the battery, apparently.
Hope this helps
9 September 2012
Now you see me, Now you dont
If the Orange motto is 'the futures bright the futures orange', and the motto for someone taking on the world would be colored green and blue, what colour would it be for someone taking on the web? I'm thinking blueish white, you know like in Tron Legacy.
As of now I am taking a course in Web Design online, thats over 900 hours of lessons across 23 modules in 12 months including modules in running an online business and internet marketing.
Again I found this course with a massive discount (92% to be exact) on the the same website I bought my DNA intolerances test.
This course will also be useful for my photography and bettering my self learnt experience online. I hope to gain a lot from this course but I wanted to let you all know that for a time my online presence might become almost non-existant as I work 114+ hours a month and will need to study approximately 50 hours a month thats a whole week of my life every month eaten up hourswise. Damn that actually sounds like a lot doesnt it. Anyway I might just set one day a week aside to do the lessons.
I WILL still be writing when I can and I will still try to do my blogs but I think reviews may have to hold off until I am through with it.
A girl can only do so much, I really have to keep telling myself this.
As of now I am taking a course in Web Design online, thats over 900 hours of lessons across 23 modules in 12 months including modules in running an online business and internet marketing.
Again I found this course with a massive discount (92% to be exact) on the the same website I bought my DNA intolerances test.
This course will also be useful for my photography and bettering my self learnt experience online. I hope to gain a lot from this course but I wanted to let you all know that for a time my online presence might become almost non-existant as I work 114+ hours a month and will need to study approximately 50 hours a month thats a whole week of my life every month eaten up hourswise. Damn that actually sounds like a lot doesnt it. Anyway I might just set one day a week aside to do the lessons.
I WILL still be writing when I can and I will still try to do my blogs but I think reviews may have to hold off until I am through with it.
A girl can only do so much, I really have to keep telling myself this.
14 July 2012
A Healthier Way of Thinking
Its strange but something in me has physically changed.
Having been raised on meals that practically filled my plate and the "you will clear your plate or have it cold for breakfast" threat from my parents, I am starting to wonder how much of the worlds obesity is down to parents over feeding their children as well as having a fear of wasting food...
Since having my tolerances and intolerances test results back and as well as it being spring (well supposedly but someone needs to let the Gods know) but spring being my switch for health and fitness etc since winter is usually humananities natural time to start piling up the plates with fattening foods to get us through the cold, I've realised something has really changed.
I've completely stopped eating anything with tomato, I have switched my dairy products to lactofree except for yogurts and icecream which i cant find any lactofree ones but I dont have those that often anyway, and my caffeine ... well I'm still eating chocolate and drinking hot chocolate and yesterday i bought my one and only bottle of cherry pepsi but i only have a small glass a day and once the bottle is empty that is it no more.
As for everything else the meals are healthier though relatively the same but smaller.
But thats not what has changed.
For some time I have stopped completely eating bread and potato but I eat wraps (wholemeal) I stopped the potato after discovering I seemed to have put weight on after the previous day eating a jacket potato, everything else I had that day was normal. So I stopped having them and for me this works helping me loose some weight, my body is actually now turning fat in muscle, slowly but surely the snail wins the race.
Here's the thing
Its my mind thats changed!
I cant look at a plate of roast anymore without thinking YUK! I ate that once for like almost 30 years and why because psychologically our parents are telling us food is our friend without actually educating us, and school well that barely taught us a thing about nutrition either.
Ok so over the years our knowledge has improved and increased but, and heres the but, for some people those born pre-naughties (2000) psychologically they cant change because they are stunted, they are literally stuck in a certain way of thinking because it is all they know.
The good thing is, is that this can be changed. If you are serious about losing weight then obviously the first and probably the most important thing you need to change is your way of thinking.
I'm not saying go out shopping one day and buy only healthy options.
What I am saying is look at what you eat and start learning about nutrients and vitamins, if need be have a tolerances and intolerances test, I was lucky enough to have one done cheap and got a vitamins/minerals book with my results so i know where I can find certain Vs/Ms.
Through education you really can change your way of thinking and in turn change your health for the better.
This isnt something a magic pill or crazy diet or even multiple pieces of equipment can do for you, its something you have to do for yourself. Dont be brainwashed, be who you want to be and get there how you want to, there is no easy option its all uphill but knowledge makes it a win win situation because you're making your mind healthier too and learning something in the process that will make your body healthier as well.
Good Luck
x
Having been raised on meals that practically filled my plate and the "you will clear your plate or have it cold for breakfast" threat from my parents, I am starting to wonder how much of the worlds obesity is down to parents over feeding their children as well as having a fear of wasting food...
Since having my tolerances and intolerances test results back and as well as it being spring (well supposedly but someone needs to let the Gods know) but spring being my switch for health and fitness etc since winter is usually humananities natural time to start piling up the plates with fattening foods to get us through the cold, I've realised something has really changed.
I've completely stopped eating anything with tomato, I have switched my dairy products to lactofree except for yogurts and icecream which i cant find any lactofree ones but I dont have those that often anyway, and my caffeine ... well I'm still eating chocolate and drinking hot chocolate and yesterday i bought my one and only bottle of cherry pepsi but i only have a small glass a day and once the bottle is empty that is it no more.
As for everything else the meals are healthier though relatively the same but smaller.
But thats not what has changed.
For some time I have stopped completely eating bread and potato but I eat wraps (wholemeal) I stopped the potato after discovering I seemed to have put weight on after the previous day eating a jacket potato, everything else I had that day was normal. So I stopped having them and for me this works helping me loose some weight, my body is actually now turning fat in muscle, slowly but surely the snail wins the race.
Here's the thing
Its my mind thats changed!
I cant look at a plate of roast anymore without thinking YUK! I ate that once for like almost 30 years and why because psychologically our parents are telling us food is our friend without actually educating us, and school well that barely taught us a thing about nutrition either.
Ok so over the years our knowledge has improved and increased but, and heres the but, for some people those born pre-naughties (2000) psychologically they cant change because they are stunted, they are literally stuck in a certain way of thinking because it is all they know.
The good thing is, is that this can be changed. If you are serious about losing weight then obviously the first and probably the most important thing you need to change is your way of thinking.
I'm not saying go out shopping one day and buy only healthy options.
What I am saying is look at what you eat and start learning about nutrients and vitamins, if need be have a tolerances and intolerances test, I was lucky enough to have one done cheap and got a vitamins/minerals book with my results so i know where I can find certain Vs/Ms.
Through education you really can change your way of thinking and in turn change your health for the better.
This isnt something a magic pill or crazy diet or even multiple pieces of equipment can do for you, its something you have to do for yourself. Dont be brainwashed, be who you want to be and get there how you want to, there is no easy option its all uphill but knowledge makes it a win win situation because you're making your mind healthier too and learning something in the process that will make your body healthier as well.
Good Luck
x
7 July 2012
As promised, its complete
Quite a few blogs back I mentioned author Diane Wright for whom I reviewed back in December 2009, I mentioned that I was helping Diane out and would be posting a link here soon. What I have done is this, created Diane a new email addresss not only that but a website, blog, Twitter account and LinkedIn account as well. I have started them all off for her with the info and such I have had available to me.
Diane has written two books The Alfar's Gift and a poetry book called Elan, she is currently working on a sequal to The Alfar's Gift.
You can find all of the links including her facebook link on the home page of her website, the blog is in the tabs at the top and all open in new windows.
If you wish to purchase her book from amazon click the 'books' tabs and click on the image, unfortunately however the book is quite expensive this is down to its publisher, one of which many of us know issues about, however I have this note from Diane herself "I have several copies on hand and if anyone wants a copy I can get it cheaper when they have a sale for the author which they do have periodically. I will be willing to do that until the year is up."
In one year when her contract is up Diane plans to rerelease The Alfar's Gift along with its sequal in the mean time if you are interested in a copy and donot wish to pay the price as seen on amazon then please contact her through the website or one of the social networks.
Please please please help this author out and make her feel welcome, she is a very kind and friendly person but a bit unsure of the whole internet craze and techno gumph. So lets make her feel at home shall we.
Here's the link to her website: http://www.dianewright.webs.com/
Thanks Everyone xxx
Diane has written two books The Alfar's Gift and a poetry book called Elan, she is currently working on a sequal to The Alfar's Gift.
You can find all of the links including her facebook link on the home page of her website, the blog is in the tabs at the top and all open in new windows.
If you wish to purchase her book from amazon click the 'books' tabs and click on the image, unfortunately however the book is quite expensive this is down to its publisher, one of which many of us know issues about, however I have this note from Diane herself "I have several copies on hand and if anyone wants a copy I can get it cheaper when they have a sale for the author which they do have periodically. I will be willing to do that until the year is up."
In one year when her contract is up Diane plans to rerelease The Alfar's Gift along with its sequal in the mean time if you are interested in a copy and donot wish to pay the price as seen on amazon then please contact her through the website or one of the social networks.
Please please please help this author out and make her feel welcome, she is a very kind and friendly person but a bit unsure of the whole internet craze and techno gumph. So lets make her feel at home shall we.
Here's the link to her website: http://www.dianewright.webs.com/
Thanks Everyone xxx
23 June 2012
Knowing Your Body
Remember I mentioned about oooh 3 months ago I was taking a Food tolerances and intolerances test? well I got my kit and sent it back.
What should have taken 21 days to recieve results sadly took 46 days excluding weekends. I contacted them twice and on the second go was informed they had posted the results at 21 days and they were having computer trouble but would post results again asap, anywho 2 days later they arrived!
Yes this morning the envelope came through the door and what I read both amazed and confused me apparantly I have to avoid one specific tree, metal, certain fungus and such the list goes on, there are a few foods I have to remove from my diet and I also got a list of vitamins I need to try and increase. Luckily they provide you with a book giving every food you can find these vitamins and minerals in.
So I got to work this morning in typing up and alphabetising one single list of all the foods that contain the vitmains and minerals I need to increase, if any appeared multiple times obviously I'd only add it once. The list came out at 6 pages long.
Not only is this useful in knowing what you can and cannot have but also has the possibility in helping with weightloss, one can only hope. So now we have to put it in progress.
Lately our weather has been see-sawing between hot and extremely wet, I am sure many of you have seen the news reports about the rainfall in England the past few weeks, anyway I've gone back to salads, its more warm where I am on the coast and especially at work - the office is like a sauna!
Today we went shopping, I bought soya milk as apparantly I must avoid lactose which is the sugar in milk, basically my body cannot break up and digest the sugars, so I thought I'd try soya and I have to say its a weird colour, with a weird smell and its going to take some getting used to.
We all have to make a sacrifice and I am starting on mine. You cant do anything without the right information and now I have the right information I can start doing something. I know I only just got the results this morning but this was one of the best things I've done in a while and to have gotten it at discount was a bonus. Was it fate or something I stumbled upon the website that day to see the offer which had only 4 hours remaining in which for me to make a decision and purchase, who knows its done now, perhaps something in the universe was giving me a little nudge in the right direction...
What should have taken 21 days to recieve results sadly took 46 days excluding weekends. I contacted them twice and on the second go was informed they had posted the results at 21 days and they were having computer trouble but would post results again asap, anywho 2 days later they arrived!
Yes this morning the envelope came through the door and what I read both amazed and confused me apparantly I have to avoid one specific tree, metal, certain fungus and such the list goes on, there are a few foods I have to remove from my diet and I also got a list of vitamins I need to try and increase. Luckily they provide you with a book giving every food you can find these vitamins and minerals in.
So I got to work this morning in typing up and alphabetising one single list of all the foods that contain the vitmains and minerals I need to increase, if any appeared multiple times obviously I'd only add it once. The list came out at 6 pages long.
Not only is this useful in knowing what you can and cannot have but also has the possibility in helping with weightloss, one can only hope. So now we have to put it in progress.
Lately our weather has been see-sawing between hot and extremely wet, I am sure many of you have seen the news reports about the rainfall in England the past few weeks, anyway I've gone back to salads, its more warm where I am on the coast and especially at work - the office is like a sauna!
Today we went shopping, I bought soya milk as apparantly I must avoid lactose which is the sugar in milk, basically my body cannot break up and digest the sugars, so I thought I'd try soya and I have to say its a weird colour, with a weird smell and its going to take some getting used to.
We all have to make a sacrifice and I am starting on mine. You cant do anything without the right information and now I have the right information I can start doing something. I know I only just got the results this morning but this was one of the best things I've done in a while and to have gotten it at discount was a bonus. Was it fate or something I stumbled upon the website that day to see the offer which had only 4 hours remaining in which for me to make a decision and purchase, who knows its done now, perhaps something in the universe was giving me a little nudge in the right direction...
Free Books 2
Ok so this time what I have for you is a GOOD book, no, a GREAT book, one that WILL have you fearing water sources and bathrooms. I reviewed this book some time ago and except for putting the fear of God in me when it came to having to head for the bathroom, it is one book I would recommend again and again and right now it is FREE! But only for a limited time (this Saturday and Sunday) so you'll have to act fast.
The book is called HOSTS and is written by Dylan J. Morgan
You can get a free copy this Saturday and Sunday by visiting either amazon.com or amazon.co.uk and the kindle store.
Believe me this is a book you wont want to miss out on.
Here's my review back from 2008 : http://www.rnhadleybookreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2008/11/hosts.html
The book is called HOSTS and is written by Dylan J. Morgan
You can get a free copy this Saturday and Sunday by visiting either amazon.com or amazon.co.uk and the kindle store.
Believe me this is a book you wont want to miss out on.
Here's my review back from 2008 : http://www.rnhadleybookreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2008/11/hosts.html
19 June 2012
Mission Deli Wraps idea/tip
Ok so here's something I tried this evening and you know what it wasnt bad at all, and could be a good alternative to bread if you're on a diet.
We all know bread is filling and not good for you if you have too much because it turns to sugar especially if its white bread, well next time you have a soup or a cuppa soup how about this for an idea, switch out your bread for a Mission Deli Wrap! Just tear it up and dunk.
My own personal mix was an Ainsley Harriot Veg chowder cuppa soup and a Wholemeal deli wrap and i have to say it was so much better than having bread / bread and butter.
So next time you see you've got left over wraps and have no idea what to do with them besides the usual wrapping of salads and fruits, try this little idea for size.
We all know bread is filling and not good for you if you have too much because it turns to sugar especially if its white bread, well next time you have a soup or a cuppa soup how about this for an idea, switch out your bread for a Mission Deli Wrap! Just tear it up and dunk.
My own personal mix was an Ainsley Harriot Veg chowder cuppa soup and a Wholemeal deli wrap and i have to say it was so much better than having bread / bread and butter.
So next time you see you've got left over wraps and have no idea what to do with them besides the usual wrapping of salads and fruits, try this little idea for size.
18 June 2012
Blackberry 9360 email setup trouble
So you've gone and got yourself a Blackberry, let me first extend my condolences, if there is one brand of phone I will avoid like the plague because of just how darned confusing they like to make things, it is this one.
For those of you having issues with adding your personal email account to the phone let me try to help, because of all the help my father recieved from both the place of purchase and Vodaphone which was of very little use, it was a 2-3 hour sit down at the computer by myself that actually got the thing working.
Lets get started!
During setup some of you will discover that the email setup is asking for your enterprise account details this is a business account email set up. You dont want this!
The first thing you need to do is set yourself up a log-in with your provider in our case Vodaphone on your computer/laptop.
Next you should inform them that you want the Blackberry Internet Service. Through Vodaphone this can be done on the website by going to Add-ons and simply clicking to add Blackberry Internet Service be warned however this will cost you £5.00 every 30 days!........
......... Unbelievable I know, isn't it enough you bought the phone and will be buying credit/paying a monthly bill!
If you havent already, set up your internet connection through the phone not forgetting to switch on the wireless connection.
When this is done you should do a hard reboot just so we know everything is set right, that means pull off the back and remove the battery without turning off the phone for about 30 seconds.
30 seconds later, put it all back together. And wait the 5 mins for it to reload. I suggest going to make a cuppa.
You should now notice (but it'll be very small) but at the top right hand corner you have a BB logo.
Go back into setup and email. You should now see a Blackberry log-in page.
You need to create a log in unless you have one, if so lucky you, if not its difficult it took me several attempts, your password will need to not have any numbers or letters that are the same AT ALL something like 'bracknell' just wont do you'd have to change it to 'bracknel1' or 'brackne1l'. see what I mean?
With a successuful set up you'll be prompted to enter your email details and given a few minutes a logo will appear on your home screen and shortly all your emails will load.
----------------------------------
If none of the above worked I'd suggest checking your Host Routing which you can find by clicking options> device> advanced system settings> Host routing table
If there is nothing on the screen except a browser style box at the top then try clicking the BB menu button and registering. After this try the hard reboot and recheck, if the box is full of text you were successful if not you may want to contact Blackberry direct or whomever you purchased the phone from.
-----------------------------------
Purchaser, Vodaphone and even yes Blackberry themselves did not provide us with half this information. I hope if you've stumbled upon this blog that it has helped you in setting yours up.
For those of you having issues with adding your personal email account to the phone let me try to help, because of all the help my father recieved from both the place of purchase and Vodaphone which was of very little use, it was a 2-3 hour sit down at the computer by myself that actually got the thing working.
Lets get started!
During setup some of you will discover that the email setup is asking for your enterprise account details this is a business account email set up. You dont want this!
The first thing you need to do is set yourself up a log-in with your provider in our case Vodaphone on your computer/laptop.
Next you should inform them that you want the Blackberry Internet Service. Through Vodaphone this can be done on the website by going to Add-ons and simply clicking to add Blackberry Internet Service be warned however this will cost you £5.00 every 30 days!........
......... Unbelievable I know, isn't it enough you bought the phone and will be buying credit/paying a monthly bill!
If you havent already, set up your internet connection through the phone not forgetting to switch on the wireless connection.
When this is done you should do a hard reboot just so we know everything is set right, that means pull off the back and remove the battery without turning off the phone for about 30 seconds.
30 seconds later, put it all back together. And wait the 5 mins for it to reload. I suggest going to make a cuppa.
You should now notice (but it'll be very small) but at the top right hand corner you have a BB logo.
Go back into setup and email. You should now see a Blackberry log-in page.
You need to create a log in unless you have one, if so lucky you, if not its difficult it took me several attempts, your password will need to not have any numbers or letters that are the same AT ALL something like 'bracknell' just wont do you'd have to change it to 'bracknel1' or 'brackne1l'. see what I mean?
With a successuful set up you'll be prompted to enter your email details and given a few minutes a logo will appear on your home screen and shortly all your emails will load.
----------------------------------
If none of the above worked I'd suggest checking your Host Routing which you can find by clicking options> device> advanced system settings> Host routing table
If there is nothing on the screen except a browser style box at the top then try clicking the BB menu button and registering. After this try the hard reboot and recheck, if the box is full of text you were successful if not you may want to contact Blackberry direct or whomever you purchased the phone from.
-----------------------------------
Purchaser, Vodaphone and even yes Blackberry themselves did not provide us with half this information. I hope if you've stumbled upon this blog that it has helped you in setting yours up.
16 June 2012
Free eBooks!
Who doesn't like a free book?
Well you'll be happy to know that Amazon has over 2,000 free ebooks available for download whether you've a kindle or not. You can get Kindle for pc you know, just as good, I've had mine a while and my library is growing.
Anyway my point is not just about this but also today I noticed there are a number of free books about writing. So if you're stuck, starting out, whatever stage you're at this is worth a gander.
There is also a book or two to do with Marketing by Smashwords.
Simply log in to amazon, download kindle / kindle for pc if you dont have it yet and search Free Books, with over 2,000 titles you're bound to find something.
Happy searching :)
Well you'll be happy to know that Amazon has over 2,000 free ebooks available for download whether you've a kindle or not. You can get Kindle for pc you know, just as good, I've had mine a while and my library is growing.
Anyway my point is not just about this but also today I noticed there are a number of free books about writing. So if you're stuck, starting out, whatever stage you're at this is worth a gander.
There is also a book or two to do with Marketing by Smashwords.
Simply log in to amazon, download kindle / kindle for pc if you dont have it yet and search Free Books, with over 2,000 titles you're bound to find something.
Happy searching :)
24 May 2012
Back
And so the holiday ends, I'm not actually back to work until Monday but I am back reviewing those in my list and back blogging on Sunday and Tuesday. Didn't get any editing done this month but did get a new story idea I am absolutely loving which I am actually going to write by hand instead of type based in 19th century Paris.
The issue with Matt's case is resolved it actually arrived at the house before he did, which was lucky at least he had a change of clothes etc in this heat we have. It is so hot I have burnt.
Saw some great and inspiring movies - Avengers, Dark Shadows, The Hunger Games.
Bought Sherlock Holmes 2 and Underworld Awakening.
All VERY good movies and want to watch again.
Matt should be landing in Phili shortly. I miss him already, my heart aches and if I could I would make it May 15th again.
Why is it, in a world that is always breaking the rules and breaking down barriers, some things still have to be so confusing/difficult?
I know I could just make a wish but you know what my theory is... with the number of people in this world and the number of wishes made on a daily basis, whether people realise they are making them or not, the cosmic inbox is just so over filled not all wishes can be granted. And that is why I don't make wishes there's just too many of them for the universal post office to sort.
Think I'll stick to cosmic ordering instead besides it's more specific, so someone toss me a shooting star already on the clear night I place my order.
I am also working through my gratitude diary from The Magic (book written by the authhor of The Secret) hopefully that'll add some positivity to the different areas of my life and turn certain things around that need it. I'll let you know if it works : )
The issue with Matt's case is resolved it actually arrived at the house before he did, which was lucky at least he had a change of clothes etc in this heat we have. It is so hot I have burnt.
Saw some great and inspiring movies - Avengers, Dark Shadows, The Hunger Games.
Bought Sherlock Holmes 2 and Underworld Awakening.
All VERY good movies and want to watch again.
Matt should be landing in Phili shortly. I miss him already, my heart aches and if I could I would make it May 15th again.
Why is it, in a world that is always breaking the rules and breaking down barriers, some things still have to be so confusing/difficult?
I know I could just make a wish but you know what my theory is... with the number of people in this world and the number of wishes made on a daily basis, whether people realise they are making them or not, the cosmic inbox is just so over filled not all wishes can be granted. And that is why I don't make wishes there's just too many of them for the universal post office to sort.
Think I'll stick to cosmic ordering instead besides it's more specific, so someone toss me a shooting star already on the clear night I place my order.
I am also working through my gratitude diary from The Magic (book written by the authhor of The Secret) hopefully that'll add some positivity to the different areas of my life and turn certain things around that need it. I'll let you know if it works : )
15 May 2012
Airport Anarchy
Its that time of year again... its May a time when birds sing the sky is finally blue and there is a warmth in the air... or at least thats what it has been like the last few years while this year it dull, grey and at present cold and wet, this morning at about 3am I was woken by the heavens opening up and releasing all of its rain and hail it could in one fell down pour.
And as if things couldnt be anymore worse off today, today marks the start of my holiday, supposedly a good day, I get to see my guy who I've not seen since October last year. But because of the government, the olympics and a certain airports nack for cocking up I am yet again reminded why I choose to go via Gatwick instead.
So why am I peeved well, my guy landed at 09:45 GMT and hell it doesn't take 2 hours to get through customs but apparantly this airport does.
Add to that someone else took his case thinking it was theirs and we have no idea where it currently is.
Plus the phone I gave him to use here ran out of credit already, huh, I know there was plenty on that darn thing.
And not to mention our wonderful coach service has just placed him on a coach to London in order to get one to Fareham...hello... what is wrong with saying there's a direct bus in an hour or so which will get you there sooner, all you gotta do is wait rather than send someone gallivanting back and forth.
And as if things couldnt be anymore worse off today, today marks the start of my holiday, supposedly a good day, I get to see my guy who I've not seen since October last year. But because of the government, the olympics and a certain airports nack for cocking up I am yet again reminded why I choose to go via Gatwick instead.
So why am I peeved well, my guy landed at 09:45 GMT and hell it doesn't take 2 hours to get through customs but apparantly this airport does.
Add to that someone else took his case thinking it was theirs and we have no idea where it currently is.
Plus the phone I gave him to use here ran out of credit already, huh, I know there was plenty on that darn thing.
And not to mention our wonderful coach service has just placed him on a coach to London in order to get one to Fareham...hello... what is wrong with saying there's a direct bus in an hour or so which will get you there sooner, all you gotta do is wait rather than send someone gallivanting back and forth.
AAARRRRGGGHHH!
And this is why I refuse to go by any other airport than the one I know and love. All hail Gatwick and their sense of doing things properly, well as close to properly as can be for an international airport in a country the size of ours where we have few international airports. I do love their new additions from last year though. You know what, all hail Charlotte, that place has really got the nack of things and ours could learn a few tips from them granted many of Gatwicks new tips were taken from airports in the USA if only this airport could learn a thing or two instead of cutting the amount of staff in customs and on hand rather than sending them away to deal with the queue jumpers who spend £1800.00 extra to jump the queue and sip champagne.
Grrrrrrr!
I am fuming.
Do you think I can go to sleep and start today over better where everything goes right instead of wrong?
14 May 2012
Techno-babble - Samsung Galaxy Europa
It is not often that you will find me mentioning technology like this but I just couldn't help myself.
Being someone who loves Google and has been using them for a number of years I was extatic when the Samsung Galaxy Europa with Google was released.
If any of you, like me, are Google fanatics, this is one phone you'll want to get your hands on.
As soon as you link your google account, all of your contacts and images become available on the phone, but be aware you will if you want, have to tweak the contacts list so that only contacts with phone numbers appear else you end up with a massive list that takes forever to get through.
And because my blogger images are available I can use these images as my backgrounds (currently supermoon)
So what does it have that makes it so special:
Touchscreen - easy to handle
Wifi - always handy
Camera and Gallery - for photographing those moments you may never see again
Music - to block out the outside world
Write and Go - for updating your status on the go for facebook, myspace and twitter.
Voice dialler and search
News and Weather
Browser
Social Hub
Memo
Youtube
Email
Gmail
Google Maps
Android
Plus settings, clock, navigation, messages, games etc etc etc
For such a small phone and one that isn't expensive I for one love it, now having my emails available on the go like this should free me up some time, I was starting to hate checking my email because of having so many newsletters and emails that simply get dumped immediately. Now I can do that throughout the day and just waste my time reading the important ones later when I have time. Thus freeing up my reading and writing time by checking my emails instead of when i get home from work, but on my way to work, from work and during my break.
Whether I have convinced you or not, doesn't worry me that is not what this blog is about, but I really think this phone deserves a good look especially if you're someone who has a google account (ie: gmail, youtube, blogger etc).
Even if you don't have a google account you can create one through it or use your own email address.
I won't lie, having a google account does make the set up quicker because all of your email contacts are added simply by you signing in when setting up your account through the phone.
So if you want a touchscreen phone but can't afford one of those over priced do-hickeys, don't snub them completely just yet, with the Samsung Galaxy Europa costing around £50.00 ($80.00 USA) this also makes for a good try it to see if you like it phone. Not everyone can handle touchscreen, my dad certainly can't, hence me ending up with his which I am absolutely in love with.
Believe it or not I've only been using this phone for one whole day : )
Being someone who loves Google and has been using them for a number of years I was extatic when the Samsung Galaxy Europa with Google was released.
If any of you, like me, are Google fanatics, this is one phone you'll want to get your hands on.
As soon as you link your google account, all of your contacts and images become available on the phone, but be aware you will if you want, have to tweak the contacts list so that only contacts with phone numbers appear else you end up with a massive list that takes forever to get through.
And because my blogger images are available I can use these images as my backgrounds (currently supermoon)
So what does it have that makes it so special:
Touchscreen - easy to handle
Wifi - always handy
Camera and Gallery - for photographing those moments you may never see again
Music - to block out the outside world
Write and Go - for updating your status on the go for facebook, myspace and twitter.
Voice dialler and search
News and Weather
Browser
Social Hub
Memo
Youtube
Gmail
Google Maps
Android
Plus settings, clock, navigation, messages, games etc etc etc
For such a small phone and one that isn't expensive I for one love it, now having my emails available on the go like this should free me up some time, I was starting to hate checking my email because of having so many newsletters and emails that simply get dumped immediately. Now I can do that throughout the day and just waste my time reading the important ones later when I have time. Thus freeing up my reading and writing time by checking my emails instead of when i get home from work, but on my way to work, from work and during my break.
Whether I have convinced you or not, doesn't worry me that is not what this blog is about, but I really think this phone deserves a good look especially if you're someone who has a google account (ie: gmail, youtube, blogger etc).
Even if you don't have a google account you can create one through it or use your own email address.
I won't lie, having a google account does make the set up quicker because all of your email contacts are added simply by you signing in when setting up your account through the phone.
So if you want a touchscreen phone but can't afford one of those over priced do-hickeys, don't snub them completely just yet, with the Samsung Galaxy Europa costing around £50.00 ($80.00 USA) this also makes for a good try it to see if you like it phone. Not everyone can handle touchscreen, my dad certainly can't, hence me ending up with his which I am absolutely in love with.
Believe it or not I've only been using this phone for one whole day : )
10 May 2012
The Closest Chicago deep dish this side of the Atlantic
Its true!
I had a wonderful idea, followed the yellow brick road and walla, the memories came flooding back.
For those of you who dont know, I live in England and visit the States once a year, and at least once during my time we order a Chicago deep dish pizza. yum. From my own experience we have nothing nowhere near it WHAT-SO-EVER here in the UK, which is a shame I really feel we're missing out on a yummalicious experience (yes i created a new word) Anywho after this little combo all my memories came flooding back and of the things I miss in the ol' US of A.
So here behold my recipe.
Shortcrust pastry block (I used ready made, its quicker)
Chicken (yep I cheated again and used ready cooked, cut and frozen)
Red Pesto approx half a small jar
Grated Mature Cheddar
Half beef tomato sliced
Half mozzarella sliced (I used light as never had it before)
Red / yellow pepper if wanted
Roll out your pastry and line your tin/silicon quiche pan.
If you have baking beans, line the pastry in the pan with baking paper and fill with beans then bake for about 10 minutes. Be careful the pastry will shrink back from where you made your cuts!
Remove from oven. Remove beans and baking paper.
*
Spread half the total amount of pesto over the pastry.
Add the sliced beef tomato.
Add some sliced mozzarella.
Add some pepper if you wanted them.
Sprinkle on some chicken.
Add the other half the pesto over as much as possible.
Then sprinkle on grated cheddar.
Cook until pastry is golden and cheese melted.
Serve with side salad and enjoy!
*Be aware pastry may need longer to cook underneath, probably best to add an extra 5-10 minutes in oven after removing beans but before adding ingredients just to make sure.
Although mine didnt come out deepdish the pizza itself was deep in fillings, it was yummy and gave a similar taste to the Chicago Deepdish
I had a wonderful idea, followed the yellow brick road and walla, the memories came flooding back.
For those of you who dont know, I live in England and visit the States once a year, and at least once during my time we order a Chicago deep dish pizza. yum. From my own experience we have nothing nowhere near it WHAT-SO-EVER here in the UK, which is a shame I really feel we're missing out on a yummalicious experience (yes i created a new word) Anywho after this little combo all my memories came flooding back and of the things I miss in the ol' US of A.
So here behold my recipe.
Shortcrust pastry block (I used ready made, its quicker)
Chicken (yep I cheated again and used ready cooked, cut and frozen)
Red Pesto approx half a small jar
Grated Mature Cheddar
Half beef tomato sliced
Half mozzarella sliced (I used light as never had it before)
Red / yellow pepper if wanted
Roll out your pastry and line your tin/silicon quiche pan.
If you have baking beans, line the pastry in the pan with baking paper and fill with beans then bake for about 10 minutes. Be careful the pastry will shrink back from where you made your cuts!
Remove from oven. Remove beans and baking paper.
*
Spread half the total amount of pesto over the pastry.
Add the sliced beef tomato.
Add some sliced mozzarella.
Add some pepper if you wanted them.
Sprinkle on some chicken.
Add the other half the pesto over as much as possible.
Then sprinkle on grated cheddar.
Cook until pastry is golden and cheese melted.
Serve with side salad and enjoy!
*Be aware pastry may need longer to cook underneath, probably best to add an extra 5-10 minutes in oven after removing beans but before adding ingredients just to make sure.
Although mine didnt come out deepdish the pizza itself was deep in fillings, it was yummy and gave a similar taste to the Chicago Deepdish
24 April 2012
News about blogs
As of today I now have 4 blogs with blogger, while they do all stand individually I have managed to link them all as separate pages however if you wish to subscribe via email to any of them feedburner with whom you subscribe to my blogs through only does this individually. So by being linked as pages you can either subscribe to just one and check in regularly or subscribe to each.
These blogs are (as listed in the above tabs):
The Good, The Bad and The Downright Disturbing
-A blog for pretty much anything from life, art, articles and updates
Something Inspirational This Way Comes
-Inspirational Images found on the web every Sunday.
Literally Busy
-Writing based aimed at being informative and helpful to other writers. If you have something you'd like to post here let me know and we'll take a look. I'd like other writers to get involved in this one writing articles, posting tips/suggestions etc if possible. Hopefully on a Tuesday as I have a little more time but we'll see how that goes, if I need to change days I will let you all know.
Book Reviews
-self explanatory now with an added request a review page.
Enjoy
Rachel x
These blogs are (as listed in the above tabs):
The Good, The Bad and The Downright Disturbing
-A blog for pretty much anything from life, art, articles and updates
Something Inspirational This Way Comes
-Inspirational Images found on the web every Sunday.
Literally Busy
-Writing based aimed at being informative and helpful to other writers. If you have something you'd like to post here let me know and we'll take a look. I'd like other writers to get involved in this one writing articles, posting tips/suggestions etc if possible. Hopefully on a Tuesday as I have a little more time but we'll see how that goes, if I need to change days I will let you all know.
Book Reviews
-self explanatory now with an added request a review page.
Enjoy
Rachel x
17 April 2012
My Rules/Methods of Reviewing
With communcation at a high and almost every home having a computer, online sales are growing so too with this is the requests for reviews be it for a book, cd, ipad or lawnmower. With everyone having the ability to post reviews to hand and with the introduction of social networks, one would think that people would grasp the intelligence to understand the importance of being careful about how they not only portray themselves but also what they say about others and objects. Of course objects don't have feeling or do they? we arent entirely sure, but the people behind the products do have feelings. A poor review is not only damaging for the products sales but also the company/people behind it and in turn you the reviewer. If you are incapable of giving an honest review then your opinion has no place in being heard and you should simply keep your mouth shut!
As the saying goes "honesty is the best policy" and it truly is, not only are you doing good for the product and its creators but by giving an honest review you are painting yourself in a good light that more people will in fact be willing to listen to you.
Lets not forget here however that an honest review does not neccessarily mean a good product. An honest review takes time and effort.
Having read a blog an hour ago also about reviewing where a poor review was given simply on book length, I felt myself compelled to reveal my own rules and methods for writing reviews.
1. When you first recieve a request, do not reply at least not yet.
2. Research the author then the book. Never do I accept a review without learning of the author first, one can't be too careful online these days especially with files to download, once happy someone is legit I'll read what I can about the book itself then decide.
3. Decide if the book is enough to your liking that you feel you can read it and review it. Do not accept unless you have read a description.
4. Request relevant information regarding number of chapters and pages, publisher and any other info you feel you want to include.
5. Put together a bio of the author, everyone likes to know something about authors that they can relate to.
6. Maintain an open mind, this cannot be stressed enough.
7. I am never without an open word doc on my laptop or a notepad close to hand whilst reading, you can never tell when something will spark a thought or emotion. As much as the saying "always carry a pad and pen" refers to authors and reporters, it is also just as relevant for reviwers.
8. Whatever comes to mind, always write it down. Whether these notes are used or not, translated or not is down to you when you finish the review.
9. When you have all your notes put together your description of the book.
10. Write your opinion of the book in as much detail as possible, you dont have to be perfect but a good opinion will give other potential readers something to bounce off.
11. Summarise. Age recommendation and grading be it stars, hearts or whatever symbol you choose.
12. Have fun and enjoy.
13. One of the most important rules is never give up. While a book can start off extremely bad, it doesn't mean the end will be. Perhaps something interesting will happen or there will be an unusual twist. If you aren't willing to find out, you have absolutely no right what-so-EVER to write a review for it.
14. If by some chance you get stuck on something, talk to the author, especially if it is about a subject you do not understand.
15. Be polite and professional and give reasonable deadlines.
16. When publishing the review, offer the author a digital copy and produce links to your blog and, let the author know where else you have published and when it is likely to become available (e.g. amazon = upto 48 hours)
17. Thank the author for the opportunity - not only are you doing something for them but they have done something for you.
18. Sometimes on occasion you may stumble upon a book which lacks a certain something, whilst this can be damaging, do not solely give a damning review for it, know your grading and let the author know why they lost the points.
19. As an added bonus I spell check as I read however I do not let this influence my reviewing but it is up to you whether you do or not. In my case I include this in the email sending the returned review, I understand how writing blends together when writing a novel and after many passes the writers mind fills in the missing words so some are missed; I also understand that those that manage to use an outsourced editor cannot afford a top notch one first time and so items are missed, of course this is down to the author to check but then I am sure they again have their minds fill the missing words. It happens more often than not.
Anyone can write but not everyone can produce an immaculate book and some reviewers tend to forget this and let it influence the outcome of their review.
One thing to remember is while you are a reviewer, so too are you being reviewed by your readers.
As the saying goes "honesty is the best policy" and it truly is, not only are you doing good for the product and its creators but by giving an honest review you are painting yourself in a good light that more people will in fact be willing to listen to you.
Lets not forget here however that an honest review does not neccessarily mean a good product. An honest review takes time and effort.
Having read a blog an hour ago also about reviewing where a poor review was given simply on book length, I felt myself compelled to reveal my own rules and methods for writing reviews.
1. When you first recieve a request, do not reply at least not yet.
2. Research the author then the book. Never do I accept a review without learning of the author first, one can't be too careful online these days especially with files to download, once happy someone is legit I'll read what I can about the book itself then decide.
3. Decide if the book is enough to your liking that you feel you can read it and review it. Do not accept unless you have read a description.
4. Request relevant information regarding number of chapters and pages, publisher and any other info you feel you want to include.
5. Put together a bio of the author, everyone likes to know something about authors that they can relate to.
6. Maintain an open mind, this cannot be stressed enough.
7. I am never without an open word doc on my laptop or a notepad close to hand whilst reading, you can never tell when something will spark a thought or emotion. As much as the saying "always carry a pad and pen" refers to authors and reporters, it is also just as relevant for reviwers.
8. Whatever comes to mind, always write it down. Whether these notes are used or not, translated or not is down to you when you finish the review.
9. When you have all your notes put together your description of the book.
10. Write your opinion of the book in as much detail as possible, you dont have to be perfect but a good opinion will give other potential readers something to bounce off.
11. Summarise. Age recommendation and grading be it stars, hearts or whatever symbol you choose.
12. Have fun and enjoy.
13. One of the most important rules is never give up. While a book can start off extremely bad, it doesn't mean the end will be. Perhaps something interesting will happen or there will be an unusual twist. If you aren't willing to find out, you have absolutely no right what-so-EVER to write a review for it.
14. If by some chance you get stuck on something, talk to the author, especially if it is about a subject you do not understand.
15. Be polite and professional and give reasonable deadlines.
16. When publishing the review, offer the author a digital copy and produce links to your blog and, let the author know where else you have published and when it is likely to become available (e.g. amazon = upto 48 hours)
17. Thank the author for the opportunity - not only are you doing something for them but they have done something for you.
18. Sometimes on occasion you may stumble upon a book which lacks a certain something, whilst this can be damaging, do not solely give a damning review for it, know your grading and let the author know why they lost the points.
19. As an added bonus I spell check as I read however I do not let this influence my reviewing but it is up to you whether you do or not. In my case I include this in the email sending the returned review, I understand how writing blends together when writing a novel and after many passes the writers mind fills in the missing words so some are missed; I also understand that those that manage to use an outsourced editor cannot afford a top notch one first time and so items are missed, of course this is down to the author to check but then I am sure they again have their minds fill the missing words. It happens more often than not.
Anyone can write but not everyone can produce an immaculate book and some reviewers tend to forget this and let it influence the outcome of their review.
One thing to remember is while you are a reviewer, so too are you being reviewed by your readers.
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