In January we love

Bounce Off

One of the boys received the Bounce Off game for Christmas from my mum and it is one of the best games we have had in the house for a very long time.  We both chuckled at the sticker on the front which stated; “Winner of Absolutely No Awards.  But Who Cares?”  Well, it should win some awards as we have spent many happy hours playing the game ever since.

It is such a simple concept; you have a set of balls and you have to bounce them onto a plastic tray to make different shapes.  There are cards with different shapes to make and you take it turns to bounce and whoever makes the shape first is the winner.  The wonderful thing about this game is that it is easy play, quick and appeals to all ages.  Suitable for anyone aged over 7 and for 2 – 4 players, we love this game and it hasn’t yet left the kitchen table.

The 52 List

The 52 List is one of those books that you wish you had written yourself.  The concept behind this book is so simple and yet so obvious and is a great read for anyone who feels as though life is getting away from them, people who want to make the most of the simple and important things in life and whether or not you are someone who writes lists, this is a really interesting read.

The idea behind the book is that life is full of lists and often lists of things that we have to do and don’t want to.  So why not make a list of things that you want to do.  Simple things.  Achievable things.  A list that once completed, will give you a sense of achievement and self-worth.  It is about taking small manageable steps to a better and more rewarding life.

The 52 List is a really easy book to read, yet having read it through once, I know it is a book that I will dip into again and again.  Lizzie Jones; the author, talks a lot about why and how this book and came about and I get a feeling that she is someone who I would definitely enjoy a cup of tea and a chat with.

When you start to write your own 52 List, Lizzie advises; “if you want The 52 List to work for you, you’ve got to make a shift in mind-set to realise that the big stuff isn’t nearly as important as the small stuff.  That it’s the small stuff that will sustain you as you go along life’s journey.”  The focus of the list isn’t about your big hopes and dreams.  It is ok to have big hopes and dreams but this list is all about the things that you CAN achieve.  They can be fun, they can be serious but they must be achievable.

I love this book.  I love the way it is written and I love the idea.  This is not a self-help book, but more of a gentle wave of positive inspiration.  I am definitely inspired to make a 52 List of my own and I will report back later on in the year as to how it is going.

Good Bubble

I am always on the lookout for bath products for the children that are pleasant to use, chemical free and that smell good and good Bubble ticked all of those boxes.  Made here in the UK, Good Bubble has produced a range of bath products that are rich in nutrients, good for the environment, without any harsh chemicals and are made from 98% naturally derived products.

That is the technical bit, but what did we think?  Well, we were sent the Super Bubbly Bath with Cloudberry Extract and the wonderfully named; Bish Bash Bosh Hair and Body Wash with Dragon Fruit Extract and the Smoothy Softy Conditioner with Dragon Fruit Extract.  Both Cloudberry and Dragon Fruit were new smells to me and I have to say that they all smell wonderful.  We have used all of the products for the last six weeks and I am really impressed.  All three products work well, smell gorgeous and don’t cause any tears which is a good thing as A hates having her hair washed.

All of the children gave Good Bubble the thumbs up and A has asked me to buy their products again, which I definitely will.  To find out more about Good Bubble and their range of products, take a look at their website.

Shadow Jumper

I am always on the lookout for books for the boys.  They are both reading a lot at the moment and I enjoy finding books of a slightly different genre and from new authors to keep them reading and interested in reading.  Shadow Jumper from J. M Forster is perfect. Aimed at 10 – 14-year-olds, Shadow Jumper is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure story and it reminds me of an older traditional adventure story in a modern setting.

The two main characters in the story are Jack and Beth.  Jack’s life is determined by a severe allergy to sunlight that forces him to live in the shadows to avoid painful and disfiguring consequences.  Shadow Jumping at dusk on the rooftops is dangerous and exhilarating and the only time that Jack really feels alive and free.  Jack meets Beth when she saves his life on the rooftops and they quickly connect when it becomes clear that they both have emotional issues to deal with.

Jack’s father is a scientist and has disappeared.  Jack’s condition is worsening and he is sure that his father is the only person that can help him. Beth wants to help and so the two of them go off on an adventure to try to find out what happened to him.  Will they find the answers they are looking for at the Bioscience Discoveries where Jack’s father used to work?  Could Jack’s condition be due to an experiment gone wrong?  What is Beth carrying around in the heavy rucksack that she guards with her life?

The story focuses mainly on the two young characters and it really is action-packed. The story moves quickly over a short time period and as an adult, I was hooked and read the book in one evening.  The characters are likable and believable and there is nothing predictable about the story. It is easy to read gripping and I know that both of my boys will enjoy reading it.

Most of the items in this review round-up were sent free of charge for the purpose of the review.  All images and opinions are my own.  

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