LIKES & LOVES| JUNE 2023

Some of the items featured in this post include affiliate links. I’ve added a * next to those items for reference. Purchasing via these links does not cost you extra. Any products sent to me which I've featured are marked with a #.

Phew what a month June has been! It's been super busy with going to see Pink, my birthday, Blake's sports day etc. Below are the things that I have been loving on June. 

Netflix

I've actually been mainly watching a few films this month. 

Muted 

The only series I've watched this month. 

Sergio is released from prison 6 years after murdering his parents when he was still a minor. During that time, Sergio has not said a word. Ana Dussel, a young psychiatrist, tries to uncover the whole story. 

Escape room tournament of champions

Ben and Zoey find themselves trapped in a series of deadly escape rooms with four others. They try to survive and find a way out as they slowly discover that they have played the game before.

The Mother

While fleeing from dangerous assailants, an assassin comes out of hiding to protect her daughter, whom she left earlier in life.

Through my window

Raquel has a longtime crush on her hot neighbour, Ares, whom she secretly watches but has never spoken to. Can she make Ares fall in love with her?

Through my window: across the sea

Ares and Raquel maintain a long-distance relationship during his studies in Stockholm. When they meet again, they find that their period of separation has put their love to the test.

Popcorn Frappe

Not at all healthy but I've become obsessed with the Popcorn Frappe from Costa. As a card member I got to try it out before it hit the menu. 

2023 READING CHALLENGE | WHAT I'VE READ IN JUNE

What another great month of reading. Three out of seven reads I've read have been for book tours. I'm involved in a good few more tours for July too. I've mainly read fantasy this month but there are a few other genres too.

Seat 97 by Tony Bassett 

Seat 97 is a gripping crime/thriller/ mystery. You can read the book tour for this one here. Definitely was a brilliant read that I reccomend to anyone who is into this genre. 

REVIEW | CONNETIX TRANSPORT PACK

 * I was sent the CONNETIX Transport Pack for the purpose of reviewing. All views and opinions are 100% my own.

If like Blake your child loves vehicles then the CONNETIX Transport Pack is a must have addition to their toy collection. We were recently asked to review the set and we jumped at the chance as I love to encourage Blake to use his imagination and to unlock his creativity. 

What are CONNETIX?

CONNETIX are magnetic tiles that are great for open ended play. They are a great STEAM toy that helps to develop imagination and creativity whilst are educational too. There are lots of different packs available from starter sets to ball run sets and even extention packs. 

BOOKTOUR | THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER TOLD BY SUZY K QUINN

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I am involved in the book tour for The Greastest love story ever told by Suzy K Quinn. Suzy K Quinn writes edgy romantic comedy and has sold over 1 million books worldwide. She is a bestseller in the UK, US and Germany and has plans for total world domination with literary love bombs in the near future. Suzy lives in Wivenhoe, Essex, with her husband Demi and two daughters. She is a twin, an incompetent parent of two and now fully decaffeinated. Her twin sister, Cate Quinn, is also a bestseller author.

6 Fun Ways to Get Fit in Your Thirties

It’s a fact of life. Once you’re out of your twenties, things just get harder, right? That’s not just me, surely?

The hangovers last months. The tiredness is constant. And you’re definitely not as fit as you were. But worse than that, it’s harder to get fit with the same amount of effort.

The other thing that rings true for me is the fact that I just don’t like running. I don’t like running or aerobics or sweating on a rowing machine in a gym for hours. So if you’re like me too and you want to get fit but while having fun at the same time, here are 6 ideas for fun ways to get fit in your thirties.

Dance

Dance is great! There are so many different types of dance and you can take it as seriously (or not) as you like. From ballroom to ballet, street dance to jazz, the choice is endless. And dance classes for all ages and experience levels are incredibly readily available with a quick Google Search.

Get online and take a look at your nearest.

Aside from being a great way to get your body moving, this can be such a sociable hobby too and a brilliant way to meet new friends or grab your old friends and take them along with you.

Skateboarding

You may not ever have considered yourself a Tony Hawk. But it’s never too late to learn to skateboard. 1 in 8 adults in the UK skateboards! Join them. It’s incredible for fitness, brilliant for balance and is just so much fun.

Aside from being a little bit addictive, this is a sport that is actually going to have benefits for the long term. Improving your balance and coordination means you’re less likely to suffers falls as you get older.

See. Grab your board.

5 Alternative Anxiety Management Tools

*This is a guestpost by a fellow blogger Chloe.

Hi! I’m Chloe, more widely known as Nyxie. I’m a thirty-something cat mum with a passion for writing, illustrating & video games. Don’t let the appearance of the blog fool you, I’m an elder emo at heart, and love all things spooky and black!

My writing is predominantly focused on mental health, general wellness & eating disorder recovery. This list is constantly evolving & I’ve been known to take on book reviews, interior advice & even articles on pet care. Niche down? Never! Why limit myself when I have so many things to say?

It’s natural to feel worried, tense or overwhelmed sometimes. But, when you’re feeling anxious every hour of every day, it can be debilitating and stop you from living the life you deserve. 

REVIEW | Gel Blaster Surge

 * I was sent the Gel Blaster SURGE for the purpose of reviewing.  All views and opinions are 100% my own.

We have such gorgeous weather at the moment and with the summer holidays fast approaching we are getting outside a bit more. During the summer months we spend 99% of the time out of the house whether in the garden, at the park etc so we try and make sure we have a wide range of activities that are fun to do.

When we were asked to review the Gel Blaster SURGE I thought it would be a fun game for my husband and I. The Gel Blaster SURGE is for ages 14 +  so ideal for teenagers and adults. We have let Blake have a go under supervision as he is only 8.

Helping your child develop their essay writing skills

 *This is a collaborative post 

One of the first things a child does in their life is learn how to speak. From there they learn how to form sentences and take part in long and joyful conversations. As time goes by, they attend school where teachers show them how to effectively read and write, beginning the process of laying the foundation for future endeavours. However, one thing that is introduced a little later in a child’s life, is how to write essays. In the UK, the majority of exams, especially at GCSE, are essay based, meaning students need to have outstanding writing skills on hand to ensure their exams are completed well. As a parent, there are a few things that you can do with them at home which will be discussed below. Here is some advice from this prep school in Gloucestershire, on helping your child develop their essay writing skills. 

How to motivate your child to learn

 *This is a collaborative post 

Trying to get your child to complete their homework on a regular basis, or take on an extracurricular activity is definitely one of the more difficult tasks a parent faces when it comes to a child’s development. However, don’t fret as this isn’t the end of the road for your child when it comes to their education. Most good students are not actually born as good learners. A child can be nurtured into developing a deep love for learning, a task that definitely requires a lot of time and effort to achieve long term results. One of the biggest mistakes made, is limiting learning to the classroom, which can reduce academic achievements significantly. Continue reading for some advice from this girl’s prep school in Surrey, on how to motivate your child to learn. 

What is an online school?

 *This is a collaborative post 

School is such an important part of a child's life, with education laying the foundation for a successful and bright future for each and every individual. However, there are so many approaches to learning nowadays, with traditional school, home schooling, boarding school, and now online school, being some of the most popular options. In recent years, online school has gained a lot of notice as a flexible and easily accessible option for education. As the pandemic proved that learning can be taken online, parents have now understood that students can successfully complete their studies from the comfort of their homes. Continue reading for some advice from this online school in the UK, on more about this approach to education. 

5 important life skills to explore with your child

 *This is a collaborative post 

As a parent, there are so many things that come with raising a child. From making sure they’re developing well to ensuring they go to bed with a full stomach, it is clear that parents have a lot on their plate. However, it doesn’t end there. To help children become independent and confident enough to guide themselves through life, they need to practice and perfect their life skills. Not only will these life skills ensure that little ones have the tools needed to survive, but lays the foundation for a future of success and happiness. Below is a guide that shares 5 important life skills to explore with your child, as advised by this private nursery in Guildford.

BOOKTOUR | THE POINT WHERE THE OCEAN ENDS BY SIOBHAN MURPHY

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I am involved in the book tour for The Point Where The Ocean Ends by Siobhan Murphy. Siobhan Murphy is a contemporary women's fiction author based in the UK. She has spent many years drifting around the world in search of adventure and trying to figure out what to do with her life. She still isn’t sure if she's found the answer, but having rattled on about writing books for years, she finally did something about it. At present, writing feels like the perfect job, and is providing her with an enormous amount of pleasure.

FATHERS DAY GIFT GUIDE 2023

 Ad - I was sent the items featured for the purpose of this gift guide. 

Father's Day is almost here (18th June)  and I wanted to share with you a little guide with some ideas of what you can buy for your Dad/father figure in your life this year. For more ideas why not check out the Father's Day gift guide (and giveaway) that a bunch of us bloggers have come up with. 

BOOKTOUR | SEAT 97 BY TONY BASSETT

 

Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I am involved in the book tour for Seat 97 by Tony Bassett. Tony Bassett, a former Fleet Street journalist, has had seven crime novels published so far. He first developed a love of writing at the age of nine when he and a friend produced a magazine at their junior school in Sevenoaks, Kent. He went onto become a national newspaper journalist, mainly working for the Sunday People in both its newsroom and investigations department. Tony has five grown-up children. He is a Life Member of the National Union of Journalists. He lives in South-East London with his partner Lin.

FATHERS DAY GIVEAWAY AND GIFT GUIDE

I can't believe how fast time is flying by! It will soon be  Father's Day which is on the 18th of June this year. So you've still got time to find the perfect gift for your Dad or Father figures in your life. If you are in need of some further inspiration I've got a gift guide going live later this week also. But today I have a gift guide and giveaway with some fellow bloggers.

 Father’s Day Giveaway

And we’re back! This time to spoil your dad. We have a number of incredible prizes that will make his day! This is not only a giveaway but also a great Father’s Gift Guide to help you get ideas and inspiration for your dad or the special man in your life this Father’s Day. And for more ideas and inspirations check out these blog posts The Ultimate Father's Day Gift Guide and Frugal Father's Day.