Looking for a new book to ready this week?! I am sharing my new favourite book with you.
What can I say, I recently went to our local bookstore to purchase some new books for Leanora and I and I stumbled upon The Family Upstairs. As you may know I am a thriller / crime junkie and after reading the synopsis about this I thought it would be a good read! Boy was I wrong it is a freakingly good AMAZING read, I have not devoured a book like this in so long, it was I have been yearning for to give me the book of life again.
The Family Upstairs I simply tore this apart over a weekend, granted it would of been a day if I did not have to get a little shut eye, but I simply could not put this down over the weekend.
The author Lisa Jewell, I hands down thank you for writing this book and bringing it to life.
The Family Upstairs, where do I start, from beginning to end it has you gripped, set in the rich borough of Chelsea, just off Cheyene Walk, a high society family's world spins out of control, gone are the beautiful dresses, the parties ,the members club and the money to boot and incomes music, a sordid unnatural cult way of living! The kids ugh!! Where do I start... Some go missing, have some died, who is this woman with two kids in tow and a dog, living in the Cote d'Azur, what does she have to bring to this story, who is her ex, is she running from something or to someone and the baby, who is this baby?
The main character Libby, how has she come to inherit this £7 million pound mansion, how come its left to her, why did her siblings not come and claim it on their 25th Birthday????
I mean the intrigue alone, I know I am simply going to have to read this book again to quench my thirst, some many little nuggets to uncover, I just needed to know and I have to say from beginning to end it really did not disappoint.
If you want to know more about the parents, the mystery kids, the baby, a herb garden curated for life and death, then this book is for you and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Well guys what can I say, I love the book so much I just recently purchased Lisa's Jewell, The Invisible Girl and I've only started reading a few pages and I am hooked, I am sure I will smash my through this book and once I do I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
Have you read any Lisa Jewells books, I can see she has written numerous and a new one has just come out these past few days I believe to be called The Nigh She Disappeared! If so let me know which or if you have any great books you have recently read I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
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Welcome back to another edition of Life Lately! This week, I planned on being a little different and king some different things alone, with family and with friends and this week I did just that. The weather has been a little up and down but that won’t stop us from having a good time.
I took my self out a on a solo date and headed to see my friend in theatre perform The Distance You Have Come. I was a little nervous, I’ve never been to the theatre on my own before, but you know what it was brilliant the show being on my own and having some good solo parenting fun. The show was absolutely excellent, it’s now finishes it’s run unfortunately but if it is in theatres near you I highly recommend going to see it. It’s about normal everyday life experiences and the outcome of life.
We finally got to go to our favourite museum The Natural History Museum, it took over a month for us to get a slot to attend due to all the restrictions, but it never disappoints, Leanora loved looking and learning all about the animals, her current favourite animals at the moment is owls. It’s a great way to get the kiddos out to learn about animals, stones and so much more, with the summer holidays fast approaching I highly recommend booking to go now!
As you know we are big foodies and always love trying new foods, so what better place to fill out bellies than heading to our Spitafields market, located a short walk from Liverpool station. The market is packed with loads of eateries from all over the world, to pizzas, dumplings and desert places. Not feeling to peckish or want to walk off all the yummy food, you can do that their too whilst perusing the many retail stands.
Cherries, who would of guessed it was a new favourite fruit, but we’ve been eating punnets after punnets, I’m sure we will ending our looking like a cherry not before long. Currently thinking of a recipe to use fresh cherries, any tip or ideas would be much appreciated.
Game day, wow! What a game the boys did good in Saturdays match. With a little room left to eat, after exploring Spitafields, I raced home and made a batch of my Lemon Pepper Wings, I mean who doesn’t love wings on game day or any! With another match this Wednesday I highly recommend on making them.
Well that’s this weeks life lately round up! Did you get out and do, see or eat anything new?
Let me know what you got planned for the week! Don’t forget you can also tag me over on Instagram or by using the #LondonMumma tag to show me what you get up to or keep up to date on what’s new on the blog via Bloglovin!
Also, don’t forget any recipe ideas for using cherries let me know in the comments below.
Lindsey
It’s Friday and we can finally breathe ladies and relax, put our feet up, chill with a crisp glass of wine, Chinese resting on my belly (still battling this pouch) and no doubtedly back to back kids movies and shows, paw patrol, Nella the princess knight and everything in between.
Whilst I probably prefer a weekend on a boat with Leonardo Dicaprio it’s not gonna happen is it, first of all I’m way too old for him being in my 30’s and all. But truly I have the best weekends with Leanora and I always look forward to it and we are never short of a few ideas which we will be sharing with you.
Cook
We are major foodies and I’m pleased to say Leanora loves cooking with me from our granola breakfast tarts to our Chinese sweet sticky wings.
Flip Out
A great way to have fun and laughter in going to your local in door trampoline circuit.
Read
Always looking for an adventure be it in reality or books, we honestly spend up to 45 minutes in our local book store and eager to get home to read our latest finds.
Puzzle
We recently got into puzzles the bigger the better for us, whilst it’s fun it’s frustrating too we both start at one end and it’s a race to meet each other in the middle once done, award yourself with a big bowl of popcorn.
Movie
Grab that popcorn and relax with a movie, ours of choice this weekend is Toy Story 4! I bet you Leanora will makes us watch all 4, but who cares I’m with my little homie.
Sunday strolling
Before the supermarkets open on a Sunday we always head to our local park for a little stroll, it’s healthy, it’s gets some fresh air in to your lungs and great exercise when chasing after each other playing tag.
Homework
Urgh I used to dread it, they get so much nowadays which is fine, but from bug club, mathletics, work exercise book and two books to read a week it’s a lot, best way we enjoy is literally make a song and dance out of it! We line up all the L.O.L Dolls, Hairdorables to our Pokemon cards and use them as a number line, great way to have fun and learn and on that note get it done Friday to free yourself up to have the best weekend!
Do you have any great tips on things you like doing to have the best weekend with the kiddos, let me know in the comments below! Just sang that in my head, sounds super corny haha xx
Have a great weekend.
Lindsey
With my Nancy Drew hat firmly on, I’m ready for a thrilling murder mystery. Whilst last year I read some amazing books, towards the end of last year it was hard! I didn’t know what I was looking for, but what I knew was, was that I was searching and yearning for something new, something adventurous, something that would keep me gripped, focused and yearning for more and these three dark and immensely readable books have been just what I have yearned for.
I’ll Be Gone In The Dark, is a true chilling account of mass horror which happened in West Coast America from the 1970’s - 1980’s at the hands of the Golden State Killer.
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This book is a haunting read, no matter how chilling I simply could not put it down, I needed to know more, I needed there to be justice. Michelle McNamara’s obsession of concluding this unsolved murder mystery takes you on a vivid journey, so well written you picture yourself right there and then and puts you bang in the middle of its surroundings.
A fictional crime story one that I could not wait to digest. For me knowing if a book is worth its wait in gold, is by reading the first sentence if it’s got me gripped I know I am on to a winner. The Talking of Annie Thorne, I honestly did not know what to expect and what I found out you could not make it up I mean the twists and turns were amazing and kept me guessing and gripped in a dark, compelling, terrifyingly unsettling way leaving me hungry for more.
Joe’s angelic little sister Annie goes missing for 48 hours, but on her return she came back different, a little strange and completely off. What happened to her in that time, she wouldn’t say she wouldn’t talk, then something happened!
Years later Joe returns back to his hometown with revenge and desperation in mind! Not wanting to give too much away and completely spoil it for you, if you haven’t read The Talking of Annie Thorne and looking for something to read that give you the feeling of foreboding when you do not know what to expect then this is your book.
This is my latest read, I was on the hunt for a book to take with me to Paris for the New Year and Blood Orange caught my eye, it’s an addictive read so much so I got through it in 2 days.
Alison, she has the perfect setup, husband, kid an amazing career and has been given her first major murder case to defend but something doesn’t add up in all of this story, neither in Alison’s too!
Did you enjoy this review? Have you read any of these, if so let me know your thoughts on these books in the comments below.
Lindsey
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Hey guys, this weekend we bagged ourselves some great new books to read, as you know I don’t go anywhere without a book in my bag and whilst most nights I try to Leanora, she kinda enjoys reading aloud on her own, especially when we are tucked up in bed. I’m a big advocate of getting kids to read more and step away from the iPad and other electronics, if you can’t get out to your nearest book store and pressed for time, you can get some great free ebooks to download too.
Leanora and I’s favourite book, A Patch Of Black, by Rachel Rooney and Deborah Allwright, is one of the best children’s books I’ve read in a long time, the illustration is not only beautiful and vibrant the story is wonderful too. If you have kids who do not necessarily like the dark or do not want to go to sleep, this is a story about encouraging your child not to be scared as a new adventure awaits them, this makes for the perfect bedtime book!
Chéri, a beautiful book about devouring of the flesh written Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, this books is as sensuous and passionate as her real life. A book that devoured in a mere two days, it’s about an ageing courtesan who meets a handsome playboy half her age who she is forced to give up, but the flesh wants what it wants.
Which little girl does not love unicorns, this book Ten Minutes To Bed Little Unicorn, another perfect bedtime reading, the little unicorn is reluctant to go to bed and wants to stay awake and explore, sound familiar? Well, little unicorn stresses she is not tired and gallops off it into the magical forest causing a little trouble along the way where, she meets a troll a dragon and other mythical creatures before realising she has gone too far and forgotten to get home, a little upset she makes a wish and rainbow appears helping her to guide her way back.
Deliciously Ella, Every Day may not be her latest, but it’s certainly a tasty recipe, lifestyle book. I’m finding that the older I get, my body inside is changing, of late I’ve been feeling a little bloated which is uncomfortable, to say the least, so I’m looking to change my diet and lifestyle and Ella’s book is packed with meals for every day, and perfect for the spring season. As she herself has dietary requirements to help her manage day to day, I’ve found that these recipes too help my digestive system,especially with her juices packed with ingredients such as ginger or turmeric which is great for the gut plus they packed with loads of fresh fruit and veg, plus for those looking to eat a little less meat but still want to get the fuller meatier taste sensation her dinner dishes fuelled with beans and other pulses I cannot recommend enough.
Let me know what you think of these books have you and your children read any of these? Let me know in your comments below.
London Mumma
Reading is my favourite pass time, if I’m not Netflixing or listening to a podcast, guaranteed you’ll find me cosied up with a book either at home on the sofa, coffee shop or when commuting to work. Reading is a great way to calm and free the mind.
Tangerine, by Christine Mangan
This month, I am reading this beautiful book, a debut by Christine Mangan about two university friends with a toxic relationship, set in the 1950s this book about two friends with two different views of the mysterious horrific accidents that led to them going separate ways only to reunite in Morocco where one is finding it hard to adjust to the new settings with her ruthless husband and finding her estranged school chum at her door, questioning why she is here and an unfamiliar feeling of ultimate control and tension brew between these two former friends. Love single white female, then Tangerine is a compelling read.
Seven deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
If wanting to sink your teeth into a murder mystery, that turns in to a Groundhog Day of mayhem than Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, is the book you need, an interesting read filled with time loops of twists and turns which feels like a game of Cluedo and the only way to find out who is the murderer, is to die and find yourself in some else’s body.
A quite thrilling game mystery of reading this month, I wonder what I have in store for next!!!
What are you reading this month, have you read any of these? Did you know that you can get and win free books from Gratisfaction.
London Mumma
Last year I got back into reading this year in 2019 I am going to be growing my reading list bigger than ever.
Last year was all about fiction, this year my reading habit will change as I have changed, I'll be reading and sharing more interesting books such as biographies, self-help and I may go against the grain and share a romance, but it will have to be a damn good one!
I decided to m ease myself into it this year and I’ve started with two greats, a biography from a political great and strong woman and a new book by a famous actor, totally unplanned books being from two people that I truly admire but I am glad I started with these.
A woman like no other, a first in the history America’s First Lady of colour, a sassy and smart funny woman that is Michelle Obama. There has been so much excitement around this book Becoming and it is evident why a beautiful and inspiring first hand look into her life and the trials and tribulations of growing up in America and becoming one of the most powerful and admired woman all over the world.
Tom Hanks, an amazing actor and who knew a brilliant writer Uncommon Type: Some Stories is a collection of amazing stories that I’d be more than happy to read again and again, I just wish I had him on speed dial to read these stories to me. In the book, there are 17 well-written stories perfect for a commute to work or even a light night time read each story I devoured they are moving, humorous and utterly engaging and making you yearn for more, from Mr Hanks.
What books have you started reading this year? Have you read Michelle Obama or Tom Hanks book, what did you think?
For other great books to read head to my Bloglovin page here.
Lindsey xx
The past few weeks have been a total madness, from changing a new job to starting one, to keeping up with my 4 year old 's social life and Christmas school play, from managing the house and everything in between and waking up in the middle of the night, thinking of what needs to be done tomorrow, it can be hard to switch off!
Last week, I did just that, I had to find that nice slow groove and slow down, for my own piece of mind and to recharge and take care of myself. Whilst I love what I do and enjoy being busy, I am forever grateful, but at times we just need to take it easy, after all there is only one of me and one of you, this does not have to be taking time off, for days on end, even the smallest of things and setting time aside can help.
Monday Cook-Off
I can normally get home at 10 - 11 pm of a night from work, whilst being out the house for 15 hours is not ideal, it happens and I come home grab a quick bite to eat, before hitting the bed, but last week I changed that I took a little time to get out earlier and get home and spend time with my family I even managed to cook and I loved it, I felt so much more relaxed, just because it is the first day of the week, does not mean I have to smash it from the get-go.
Whilst this may not seem like self-care, it truly felt it. I felt more invigorated just spending time with family and cooking, even though the kitchen was left looking like a war zone, the mushroom and lentil bolognese was a hit, Leanora and I sat on the kitchen floor and ate it, giggling about our day whilst enjoying our meal surrounded by pasta on the walls.
Read It
So you know I am a major fan of books, I actually have not read anything new for a little while, because I've been so busy. But I treated myself for my Birthday and started Michelle Obama's, Becoming and it is amazing, but I'll fill you in more later in the week when I finally bring out my latest book club reads.
Armed with a book, on route to work and a little reading before bed, is just so relaxing. It is about finding that balance to break away from work and the constant go of life, to help you switch off, be it even watching a movie or a fave tv show, we are currently loving Dynasties documentary on a Sunday.
Midweek pamper
Nothing like switching off, then a little beauty self-care, that midweek pick me up and a little indulgence to help you feel better and relaxed is perfect. With Christmas fast approaching I wanted to save some money, so I bought some beauty bits from Feelunique and had an at home pampering session.
After a long hot soak, a bath filled with essential bath oils, some candles burning, my new fave podcast on in the background and freshly polished nails., by the time I got into bed, tucked up with a book, I felt less stressed, re-energised and mentally renewed. My body and my find felt great immediately leading me to have better and non broken sleep. I totally recommend taking time out with a pamper night at least once a week as a must.
Stretch it out
I have to confess I always try to find a million excuses to not go or work out at home, it is too cold, it's too dark, I've not slept enough, I got too much work to do, the gym is going to be busy I won't be able to get a slot avail;able for a class, you can see where I am going with this right!
So last week, I made sure to get in at least two works in the morning, if I can not attend a class, I got up 30 minutes earlier, rolled out my mat and stretched it out. I felt leaner after yoga and stronger after a 30-minute pilates session and you can instantly feel the benefits in your mind, body, and soul. I learned the importance after a work out on taking care of one's self, I felt ready for my day and able to tackle whatever comes my way and charged with life and positivity and anything negative I may have been thinking or holding on to, simply went away.
It is about doing small things to help you switch off, feel rested and energised to be able to manage your days and weeks. Instead of doing all of this on a Sunday to prep me for the week, it's about doing a little each day.
What would you do with your week or day to help you switch off?
London Mumma
With pumpkin spice lattes adorning coffee shops, leaves are turning into golden hues, the air a bit crisper you know that you have arrived in the Autumnal months, with that comes cosy cashmere knits, blankets and of course delightful new reads.
This month I've got two new favourites that I suggest curling up on the sofa to read.
Bad Blood, A really well written eloquent book, that I simply could not put down. Filled with murder, memory loss, twists and turns, Bad Blood will keep you guessing all the way through to the end, a great page-turner about a dying man seeking answers from a psychologist, wanting to remember and know answers about a bloody night where he woke to find a murdered woman in his hotel room, how did he get there, who is this woman......
Circe, a mythological story of a lesser god Circe, who is banished to a remote Island which she may never leave, as ordered by Zeus and her father, the God, Helios. Circe was not born with any powerful powers like her father or beauty like her mother, she was a strange outcast, destined for not much until she finds a mortal to love, to keep and claim as her own. This love makes Circe realise that she has a witching power, does it work in her favour!
Did you read these, how did you get on, what did you think?
London Mumma
My friends, I have just found and read the most amazing this books this August! I'm talking mind blowing good and I encourage you to snap these beauties up, from gruesome family murders to those craving the handmaid's tale, these books will keep you guessing to thinking of the future and what if.....
I like to spend time in bookstores, ever since I was a kid, armed with my first ever library card and wanting to venture outside of teen valley high or goosebumps I'm always looking for something thrilling, engaging and fearsome! A writer be it there first novel to something educational and keeps your mind ticking of the endless possibilities is what I look for and before the end of the first sentence that's how they should make you feel and these three books, this August certainly had me feeling that way.
Dark Places, what can I say, but this for me is my book of the month, thrown straight into the scene from the very first page it had my heart beating my head guessing from start to finish. Libby Day witnessed what no child of 7, scrap that anyone should witness and have to live through, the slaughter of your family! Her sadistic brother prosecuted for the murder of his struggling mother and two other young sisters was sentenced to life, Libby had no doubt in her mind it was anyone else, until the donations of people were about to dry up, never had a job, friends, felt as though she had no real purpose, that's until a group of loyal supporters, fanatics judged her and challenged her to find out who the real murderer was of the Kinnakee family slaughter.
Guys, I got to confess, I've not watched The Handmaids Tale, well a few episodes of season 1! I know your thinking WTF What has she been doing with her life, well I don't know, but after reading VOX I'm gonna be downloading it this weekend and binge-watching, sorry Gossip Girl, xoxo! But enough of that this book is insane, insane because if this ever took place, I'm kicking butt! But enough of that, I get way too into it, but that's good, that's what a book should make you do and feel, am I right and VOX does not disappoint. Women forced to be silenced by men, men who want to take over the world and in order to do so, they give Dr Mcellan her voice back for a limited of time to serve a purpose in destruction, if she gives in, goes on the run with her lover leaving her husband if 21 years, her boys her only daughter, what becomes of her, her little girl armed with only 100 words per day, the outcome of destruction is for her daughter to have no words. VOX a tale of women's survival in America in slaved by men, armed with a limited amount of words each day, go over that and receive a shock, a story about a woman's survival for her and her daughter an amazing first novel from Christina Dalcher.
So I never read books twice, don't see the point, but guys my heart is beating and I want to read Dark Places again, but I won't, this time I'll be watching the movie, which I never knew was out until I wrote this. Has anyone seen it starring Charlize Theron, is it any good?
Will these books be on your reading list this August? Let me know what you are reading!
Can anyone tell I love books? No then we're you have you been and catch up on my favourite monthly book reads.
This is month my line up is small, I revisited a book that I was reading when I was first pregnant and did not complete as I missed placed it, thanks to pregnancy brain, but recently snapped back up and within 24 hours I tucking back into to The Goldfinch thanks to Amazon Prime's super fast delivery along with Mumboss, from the lovely Vicki Psarias who is the blogger behind Honest Mum.
After posting my July Summer reads over on the Honest Mum group on Facebook last month, Vicki recommended that I read her book and I am so glad that she did. Being a working mother of 1 and a cat, Milo, balancing work life can be a little tricky more so that I am a single parent and now that my daughter is about to start school this September life is going to get a little bit busier, but after reading the Mumboss I felt more empowered than I have in a long time, proving that hard work, focus and a lot of planning you can do it, single parent or not! Just because you've had a kid or two, does not mean you have to just succumb to that, you are someone before and after and with a lot of hard work you can turn your dreams know matter how big or small in to a reality, Mumboss is packed with loads of great advice, for those looking to get or already in the digital world and a book that I certainly recommend reading.
The Goldfinch, where do I start with this mammoth book, a tale of love, loss, crime you name it, this book has it all. It starts with Theo as a man in Amsterdam and few pages in, throws you to a young Theo going to a museum with his mother before her tragic death, he leaves the wreckage with a painting a talisman if you like, and I have to say the painting does really exist in real life. A story about a young boy growing up and trying to find his identity as a man with loss. This book deservedly won many prizes including the Pulitzer and it will be a winner on your must read this month.
What are you reading this month? Let us know in the comments below!
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