If you’re an avid reader on a budget, you’ll find loads of free and bargain books on this weekly book linky from Beck Valley Books. Here you’ll find a great selection of pre-loved reads plus all the new releases about to hit shelves and Kindles, all downloadable from Amazon.com.
This time it was the hubby’s turn to go and, in complete contrast to me, he hasn’t been for years! It’s always a worry when your partner isn’t well though and men are truly terrible at going to the doctor. Luckily the husband just had to be assessed for medical insurance. For me, it’s usually routine check-ups for my underactive thyroid.
I’m still loving everything about Autumn and my thoughts are not only turning to Halloween but to all things Christmas, particularly budgeting for the most expensive time of the year. You can find some great budgeting advice in this post.
There are already signs of Christmas appearing in our local shops and I am planning the return of Ollie, our Elf On The Shelf. You can find some great ideas curated on my Pinterest board for all sorts of Elf On The Shelf naughtiness.
[shopr_shopthepost collection=”book-linky-2808″ title=”From This Week’s Selection” show_product_title=”yes” show_product_price=”yes”]
We’re also planning to finally get to grips with all our outstanding DIY projects to get the house ready for Christmas. There never seems to be enough time though. The husband insists on trying to do it all himself – anyone else have a partner like that? I suspect that I have quite a bit of cleaning up to do too, if I’m to compete with Mrs Hinch who seems to be everywhere this week.
If you’ve a break in your own cleaning routine (ahem), you can find your own free and bargain books from Beck Valley Books on this link.
If you’re an avid reader on a budget, you’ll find loads of free and bargain books on this weekly book linky from Beck Valley Books. Here you’ll find a great selection of pre-loved reads plus all the new releases about to hit shelves and Kindles, all downloadable from Amazon.com.
Photo by Nicole Honeywill on Unsplash
Welcome to the last week of the long summer holiday. Like most mums, I’m feeling a mixture of relief and sadness. I certainly won’t miss having to provide an extra meal a day at lunchtime though!
[shopr_shopthepost collection=”book-linky-2808″ title=”From This Week’s Selection” show_product_title=”yes” show_product_price=”yes”]
Our summer stay in Devon already seems as if it was months ago and we’re already missing the beaches and the ability to wake up in the morning and go straight out onto Kingsbridge Estuary on paddleboards.
Autumn is well and truly on its way and just to compound the misery of the greyness and heavy rain, my poor mum has been back in hospital again. I’m not the best hospital visitor, I have to admit. It’s odd that while everything continues perfectly normally for those on the outside, for the patient time seems to stop. What do you talk about when you’re visiting someone every day?
Still, now it’s a little colder it’s a great excuse to enjoy a warming winter pie or a lovely apple crumble – both of which I can manage. There’s nothing like a proper roast dinner in this weather too.
I hope you are having a great time and finding a bit of me time for some reading and, as usual, you will find some free and bargain books from Beck Valley Books on this link.
If you’re an avid reader on a budget, you’ll find loads of free and bargain books on this weekly book linky from Beck Valley Books. Here you’ll find a great selection of pre-loved reads plus all the new releases about to hit shelves and Kindles.
Welcome to week 4 of the long summer holiday. We are enjoying the rather patchy weather in the wilds of Devon and the kids are stuffed to the gills with goujons (the staple offering of 99% of British restaurants when it comes to kids’ menus) and ice-cream.
Ieuan has discovered bubblegum flavoured ice-cream which is coloured a blue so vibrant he spends the following 20 minutes looking like a Smurf. His tasting challenge continues though and he has had a mouthful of belly pork and a sugar snap pea without needing counselling. I have NO idea why both my kids will eat sugar snap peas or mangetout and pale at the thought of eating garden peas. This usually leads to the embarrassment of having to whisper to waiting staff “do you have baked beans?”.
Trying to work with two children roaming about your holiday rental is, I can report, doubly tricky as it is at home. The guilt ramps up even more and we mums are excellent at feeling guilty, aren’t we? But I am making a concerted effort to put the mobile tech down and engage with my kids. Obviously, I’m not as exciting as Minecraft but I can but try.
You’ll be pleased to hear that the mobile medicine cabinet has only been visited twice in the last 3 days – for antihistamine and antiseptic. Well, it’s what a British holiday’s about, isn’t it? Ieuan claims he was stung by a bee in the middle of the Kingsbridge Estuary whilst on a paddleboard. He fears it was attracted by the bright orange of his lifejacket. This stuff never happens to Bear Grylls, does it?
I hope you are having a great time and finding a bit of me time for some reading and, as usual, you will find some free and bargain books from Beck Valley Books on this link.
If you’re an avid reader on a budget, you’ll find loads of free and bargain books on this weekly book linky from Beck Valley Books. Here you’ll find a great selection of pre-loved reads plus all the new releases about to hit shelves and Kindles.
Photo by Ella Jardim on Unsplash
Welcome to week 3 of the long summer holiday and the kids are now bored and we’ve all eaten our body weight in crisps. It’s at times like this I think that school dinners are the most marvellous invention because now they’re home the kids don’t stop eating.
We’ve challenged fussy eater Ieuan to try 10 new foods this holiday to widen his gastronomic horizons from chicken goujons and he’s just tried an olive and has gone for a lie-down. To be fair, they are an acquired taste but very few foods compare to a cheesy Wotsit in Ieuan’s world.
As anyone who works from home knows, trying to work with two children roaming about can be quite tricky. It seems our kids are now so reliant on iPads and gaming that they have lost the creative spark we had when we were young. In those days our parents just told us to ‘go out and play‘ and we’d vanish all day off on our bikes or exploring nearby woods. My Husband used to play in a quarry. Can you imagine that now?!
Still, our holiday is rapidly approaching so I have the joyous task of checking that my mobile medicine cabinet is fully stocked with potions and preparations for every conceivable illness – knee rot, housemaid’s ear, cabbage bottom – the whole gamut of medical risks has to be assessed. I don’t know about you, but I always need a holiday to recover from the stress of my holiday. God knows how I’ll cope when we finally get the kids passports and venture further than the M5.
I hope you are having a great 6 weeks and if you are child-free and looking for somewhere beautiful, peaceful and Italian, check out my post about the fabulous Villa Pia coming soon. The rest of us will just have to bite the bullet of inflated holiday prices for yet another year.
At least you can find some free and bargain books from Beck Valley Books on this link.
If you’re an avid reader on a budget, you’ll find loads of free and bargain books on this weekly book linky from Beck Valley Books. Here you’ll find a great selection of pre-loved reads plus all the new releases about to hit shelves and Kindles.
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash
There’s still no end to the heatwave and now the threat of a hosepipe ban is being mooted – currently up north but I reckon it’s only a matter of time before we southerners have to stop watering the garden. Mine looks like a barren wasteland most of the time but if you have invested lots of time and money in yours, I feel your pain.
I hope you’re managing to get some sleep because I’m not! At least I’m comfy on the best mattress I’ve ever had – my SIMBA. Check out my SIMBA mattress review here.
The Husband has gone off to New York on business so cooking has now completely gone by the wayside and it’s fish fingers ahoy! I suspect there’ll be plenty of breadcrumb covered foods now that the kids break up for the long summer holiday on Friday. Still, even I can throw together one of these super summer salads!
A bit of good news for my blog this week too – Feedspot has recognised Mother Distracted as one of the top 100 family lifestyle blogs on the web. Read all about it here.
Happy hunting for your free and bargain books on this link.
If you’re an avid reader on a budget, you’ll find loads of free and bargain books on this weekly book linky from Beck Valley Books. Here you’ll find a great selection of pre-loved reads plus all the new releases about to hit shelves and Kindles.
Cooking has gone by the wayside and we’re all enjoying plenty of summer salads and now that the strawberry season is upon us why not try some of my ideas to make the most of this delicious fruit?
We’re just two weeks away from the long summer holiday now and the kids are very excited. They have promised to do the local library reading challenge – one book a week for six weeks – which I am very happy about. Caitlin is excited too because she has been invited to join the school’s Shakespeare group for a production of Much Ado About Nothing in November. You won’t find any argument from me against the importance of keeping Shakespeare in our schools.
Don’t forget that I still have plenty to be won on my giveaways page and don’t forget my weekly problem page here.
Happy hunting for your free and bargain books on this link.
If you’re an avid reader on a budget, you’ll find loads of free and bargain books on this linky, plus all the new releases from Beck Valley Books. Yes, it’s my day to host the weekly book linky from Beck Valley Books.
Photo by Aliis Sinisalu on Unsplash
I hope you’re enjoying the heatwave. I have to say that the novelty is beginning to wear off – it’s just too hot for me. We’re never satisfied, are we? I hope you’re managing to sleep at night and you’ll find lots of tips for keeping cool during the day in this post.
I’m sure you’re enjoying the barbecue season and don’t forget my easy to throw together summer salads. This is the ideal weather for a refreshing glass of chilled wine or a summer cocktail.
We’ve been so busy it’s been a struggle to find time to keep up with my reading but as the long summer holiday approaches, I’m already assembling a reading list to keep me occupied. I’m a big fan of crime thrillers but also the classics. I’m planning to revisit Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights and Charlotte Bronte’s Villette.
Don’t forget that I still have plenty to be won on my giveaways page and don’t forget my weekly problem page here.
Happy hunting for your free and bargain books on this link.
If you’re an avid reader on a budget, you’ll find loads of free and bargain books on this linky, plus all the new releases from Beck Valley Books. Yes, it’s my day to host the weekly book linky from Beck Valley Books.
Photo by Link Hoang on Unsplash
I hope you’re enjoying the heatwave. As a redhead (although many moons ago), I’m not too good in the sun and, with his glorious head of red-gold hair, Ieuan certainly isn’t. It’s also pretty difficult to sleep in this heat, isn’t it? You’ll find some helpful times to settle your little ones here.
I’m sure you’re enjoying the barbecue season and don’t forget my easy to throw together summer salads. This is the ideal weather for a refreshing glass of chilled wine or a summer cocktail.
My sister’s wedding is this Friday in the beautiful Ludlow Castle and the kids are so excited about their upcoming stay at Fishmore Hall. Find out what we thought next week.
I’m struggling a bit to find time to keep up with my reading but as the long summer holiday approaches, I’m hoping that I’ll have plenty of opportunities. As someone who suffers from an underactive thyroid, I am really enjoying The Hypothyroid Writer by Sarah E Lentz in which she offers 7 daily habits to heal your brain and free your creative genius. Here’s hoping!
Don’t forget that I still have plenty to be won on my giveaways page and don’t forget my weekly problem page here.
Happy hunting for your free and bargain books on this link.
If you’re an avid reader on a budget, you’ll find loads of free and bargain books on this linky, plus all the new releases from Beck Valley Books. Yes, it’s my day to host the weekly book linky from Beck Valley Books.
Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash
I hope you’re enjoying the beautiful summer weather and are making the most of barbecue season. It’s good to be able to throw together a salad and not worry too much about cooking, isn’t it?
My sister is getting married at the end of June so it’s all systems go finding outfits and planning our travel arrangements. Caitlin is absolutely delighted because she will have to miss sports day. Ieuan isn’t too worried about missing it as he is still obsessed with playing Fortnite (try this FREE guide).
Luckily I’m still finding a little time to keep up with my reading. I’ve recently read Lost At Windy Corner: Lessons From Denali On Goals And Risk by Aaron Linsdau . This tale of explorer Linsdau’s solo trek up North America’s highest mountain is a fascinating read. Lost near lethal crevasses and cliffs in a blinding whiteout blizzard is the last place anyone would want to be and Linsdau uses the experience to share the lessons the mountain taught him on managing goal and risks. You can read my full review here.
And if you’ve always fancied treking to Antartica, you can read all about Aaron’s adventures there in my review of Antarctic Tears.
As usual, there are some great books on the linky – and don’t forget you can always add your own to spread a bit of book love.
Don’t forget that I still have plenty to be won on my giveaways page and don’t forget my weekly problem page here.
Happy hunting for your free and bargain books on this link.
Antarctic Tears: Determination, adversity, and the pursuit of a dream at the bottom of the world
Emotions run high in this true polar adventure. It’s a story of triumph, harrowing danger, and outright adventure. In 2012, Aaron Linsdau left his entire life behind. Gone was the engineering career. He told his family and girlfriend that he wanted to pursue a dream to do something no other American had ever accomplished. He wanted to be the first to ski from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back without aid or support. Alone.
The journey to the South Pole covers over 700 miles through the most forbidding frozen terrain on the planet. The temperature is always below zero and gale force winds routinely roar across the ice. The polar plateau is devoid of life. There are no plants, animals, or insects. Antarctica provides no shelter, no protection, and is unforgiving of any mistake.
But before the expedition was to start, there was much to do. Linsdau trekked 100 miles across the Greenland tundra. He skied across Yellowstone in the winter, camping in -45 degree temperatures. Towing tires up mountains and eating 4000 calories a day was preparation for Antarctica.
Previous expeditions have lost tents, helplessly watching them blow over the horizon. Many explorers have quit or been rescued. What began as a brave adventure into the unknown turned into a battle for survival.
Linsdau takes the reader to Antarctica. They experience incredible storms, skiing blind through whiteouts, crossing invisible crevasses, and skirting disaster. The book shows what happened every day of the expedition.
The air is cold enough to freeze water in seconds and cause frostbite in minutes. Only outer space is less hospitable. Driven by passion, he sacrifices nearly everything to make his dream come true. This is a story about personal discovery, testing the limits of human endurance, total dedication to achieving a goal, and never giving up even when both body and equipment fail.
There were many surprises during Aaron Linsdau’s expedition to the South Pole…
Antarctic Tears is also available as an audiobook in a 9CD box set or as MP3 files on a USB thumb drive.
My Review
Antarctic Tears is the memorable account of Aaron Linsdau’s solo trek to the South Pole and in it, the reader learns exactly what it takes to survive in one of the planet’s most inhospitable environments. From dragging a tyre around the streets for months to build up his strength, to lugging large quantities of butter, the book is full of “I did not know that” moments which educate and entertain.
Linsdau’s modest relating of his achievements has the reader rooting for him all the way. There are some hair-raising moments, not least when Aaron starts to cough up blood and the description of the sheer whiteness of the Antartic is both amazing and frightening.
Most days Linsdau’s progress is incredibly slow, just one or two miles a day as he fights against humidity, blizzards and hurricane force winds. Despite this, he never gives in and battles on with a determination we could all do with our progress towards our goals.
The book also contains a fascinating summary of previous polar attempts which I found fascinating. Why did Scott’s attempt fail whilst Shackleton’s succeeded? I’m now a convert to tales from great explorers.
“Your book changed my life. Thank you.” – Gerry Spence, American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame
“I can’t believe you did this. What a great read.” – The Navy SEALS in the audience were seriously impressed.” – Jason M., Navy Special Forces
“I finished your book and it was a great read. I still cannot fathom someone subjecting himself to that kind of environment. -Pulling all of your own supplies, and doing it solo for several months is incredible. I’ve read a lot of human endurance books, but your trip ranks right up there in difficulty.” – Ed Lavino, Jackson, WY, author of Prevailing Westerlies
Lost at Windy Corner: Lessons From Denali On Goals and Risks
Lost near lethal crevasses and cliffs in a blinding whiteout blizzard is the last place anyone would want to be…
Windy Corner on Denali has claimed lives, fingers, and toes. What would make someone brave lethal weather, crevasses, and slick ice to attempt to summit North America’s highest mountain? Denali has claimed over one hundred lives. It seems like the place for risky adrenaline seekers.
In “Lost at Windy Corner”, the author shares the lessons Denali teaches on managing goals and risks. Everyone takes chances at some time in their lives, even if it’s driving down the highway. Becoming a risk manager rather than a risk taker is what will keep you alive during difficult times.
Experience the cold, solitude, and uncertainty of life on high mountains. Apply the message, build resilience, and overcome adversities in your life.
“Amazing read. Simply stunning detail of reaching for an almost unattainable goal and achieving success against the odds“ – Amazon Reviewer
Looking down from 9,000 ft on the Kahiltna glacier on Denali.
About the author
International speaker Aaron Linsdau is the second American to have skied solo from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole, setting the world record for surviving the longest solo expedition to the pole. He is an Eagle Scout, is a National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout, holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in computational science. Aaron wrote Antarctic Tears and the Total Eclipse Guide series. This set of books focuses on the August 21, 2017 total eclipse across America. Each book is specific to a state or location.
Aaron is an international motivational speaker, polar explorer, the author of Antarctic Tears and an award-winning photographer. Book Aaron for your next speaking engagement or keynote address HERE. He speaks about grit, courage, attitude, perseverance, and resilience.
Lost at Windy Corner: Lessons From Denali On Goals and Risks
Lost near lethal crevasses and cliffs in a blinding whiteout blizzard is the last place anyone would want to be…
Windy Corner on Denali has claimed lives, fingers, and toes. What would make someone brave lethal weather, crevasses, and slick ice to attempt to summit North America’s highest mountain? Denali has claimed over one hundred lives. It seems like the place for risky adrenaline seekers.
In “Lost at Windy Corner”, the author shares the lessons Denali teaches on managing goals and risks. Everyone takes chances at some time in their lives, even if it’s driving down the highway. Becoming a risk manager rather than a risk-taker is what will keep you alive during difficult times.
Experience the cold, solitude, and uncertainty of life on high mountains. Apply the message, build resilience, and overcome adversities in your life.
My Review
I am probably the least likely person to become an explorer or to brave extreme climatic conditions so I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy Aaron Linsdau’s fascinating account of man against mountain. I actually found it difficult to put “Lost at Windy Corner” down.
For a start, I had no idea what was involved in climbing a mountain, particularly one upon which you could be either baked or frozen during 24 hours and on which one wrong foot could see you plunge into the abyss.
Linsdau shares all the details of his solo attempt to scale Denali from a physical, emotional and psychological standpoint and at the end of each chapter leaves the reader with a lesson on managing risk, and most importantly, maintaining a positive attitude.
During his ascent, he meets a number of fascinating characters, some of whom are unforgettable, for example, the Romanian father with his 12-year-old daughter or Felix who has comrades further up the mountain he hasn’t seen for days.
The non-adventurous among us may spend most of the book wondering what drives an explorer like Linsdau to take such risks but there is no room for adrenalin junkies on Denali. Linsdau seems to be the master of the inspired, but calculated risk.
I really enjoyed this one and tomorrow you can read my review of Linsdau’s adventure in one of the bleakest places on earth, Antarctica.
“Amazing read. Simply stunning detail of reaching for an almost unattainable goal and achieving success against the odds“ – Amazon Reviewer
Looking down from 9,000 ft on the Kahiltna glacier on Denali.
Antarctic Tears: Determination, adversity, and the pursuit of a dream at the bottom of the world
Emotions run high in this true polar adventure. It’s a story of triumph, harrowing danger, and outright adventure. In 2012, Aaron Linsdau left his entire life behind. Gone was the engineering career. He told his family and girlfriend that he wanted to pursue a dream to do something no other American had ever accomplished. He wanted to be the first to ski from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back without aid or support. Alone.
The journey to the South Pole covers over 700 miles through the most forbidding frozen terrain on the planet. The temperature is always below zero and gale force winds routinely roar across the ice. The polar plateau is devoid of life. There are no plants, animals, or insects. Antarctica provides no shelter, no protection, and is unforgiving of any mistake.
But before the expedition was to start, there was much to do. Linsdau trekked 100 miles across the Greenland tundra. He skied across Yellowstone in the winter, camping in -45 degree temperatures. Towing tires up mountains and eating 4000 calories a day was preparation for Antarctica.
Previous expeditions have lost tents, helplessly watching them blow over the horizon. Many explorers have quit or been rescued. What began as a brave adventure into the unknown turned into a battle for survival.
Linsdau takes the reader to Antarctica. They experience incredible storms, skiing blind through whiteouts, crossing invisible crevasses, and skirting disaster. The book shows what happened every day of the expedition.
The air is cold enough to freeze water in seconds and cause frostbite in minutes. Only outer space is less hospitable. Driven by passion, he sacrifices nearly everything to make his dream come true. This is a story about personal discovery, testing the limits of human endurance, total dedication to achieving a goal, and never giving up even when both body and equipment fail.
There were many surprises during Aaron Linsdau’s expedition to the South Pole…
Antarctic Tears is also available as an audiobook in a 9CD box-set or as MP3 files on a USB thumb drive.
“Your book changed my life. Thank you.” – Gerry Spence, American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame
“I can’t believe you did this. What a great read.” – The Navy SEALS in the audience were seriously impressed.” – Jason M., Navy Special Forces
“I finished your book and it was a great read. I still cannot fathom someone subjecting himself to that kind of environment. -Pulling all of your own supplies, and doing it solo for several months is incredible. I’ve read a lot of human endurance books, but your trip ranks right up there in difficulty.” – Ed Lavino, Jackson, WY, author of Prevailing Westerlies
About the author
International speaker Aaron Linsdau is the second American to have skied solo from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole, setting the world record for surviving the longest solo expedition to the pole. He is an Eagle Scout, is a National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout, holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in computational science. Aaron wrote Antarctic Tears and the Total Eclipse Guide series. This set of books focuses on the August 21, 2017 total eclipse across America. Each book is specific to a state or location.
Aaron is an international motivational speaker, polar explorer, the author of Antarctic Tears and an award-winning photographer.
If you’re an avid reader on a budget, you’ll find loads of free and bargain books on this linky, plus all the new releases from Beck Valley Books. Yes, it’s my day to host the weekly book linky from Beck Valley Books.
Half term is over and the kids have trotted back to school this morning, braced with the knowledge that in another 7 weeks, school will be out for summer. I’m not sure I can face six straight weeks of Fortnite so you can be sure I will be assembling a bucket list of things to do which don’t involve tech.
In the meantime you may find these back to school hacks handy and if Fortnite has invaded your house, try this FREE guide.
We managed to survive our week in Devon without any medical emergencies or sunburn, thankfully, but I’m slathering the kids in high SPF cream every morning and hoping it lasts through the day. Our furry friends also suffer in the heat and you’ll find some great advice for keeping your pet pooch cool in this post.
Now, on to matters literary. I’m currently reading Lost At Windy Corner: Lessons From Denali On Goals And Risk by Aaron Linsdau . This tale of explorer Linsdau’s solo trek up North America’s highest mountain is a fascinating read. Lost near lethal crevasses and cliffs in a blinding whiteout blizzard is the last place anyone would want to be and Linsdau uses the experience to share the lessons the mountain taught him on managing goal and risks. You can read my full review on 7th June.
As usual, there are some great books on the linky – and don’t forget you can always add your own to spread a bit of book love.
Don’t forget that I still have plenty to be won on my giveaways page and don’t forget my weekly problem page here.
Happy hunting for your free and bargain books on this link.
Have a great week!
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![Antarctic Tears: Determination, adversity, and the pursuit of a dream at the bottom of the world by [Linsdau, Aaron]](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/828/41278644314_882bfb10f3.jpg)
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