Monday, 5 December 2016

How To Decorate A Christmas Tree On A Budget

I feel like Christmas quite often sneaks up on us, and can often be far more expensive than we planned it to be. So today, with the help of The Warehouse, we thought we'd share our tips on how to decorate a Christmas tree on a budget.

Saturday, 3 December 2016

The Cloud Leopard's Daughter - Deborah Challinor

The Cloud Leopard's Daughter is another book in Challinor's best selling series, The Smugglers Wife. Once again, KIWI WRITERS RULE!

Ambers best friend, Bao has been kidnapped. Bao's father is dying of bowel cancer and his last wish is to see her again before he passes. He writes a letter to his most trusted friend, Rian, Amber's Dad, and asks for help. When news reaches the Katipo II of Bao's kidnapping, there is no hesitation to sail to Hong Kong to save her. Along the way they find out why Bao was kidnapped. Her Uncle Kai has made a deal with a very wealthy man in Hong Kong: Marry Bao off and Kai will receive the Tong. He will become his families most important person, not Bao.

Tuesday, 22 November 2016

The Atomic Weight of Love - Elizabeth J. Church

This doesn't happen to me often, The Atomic Weight of Love has replaced my favourite book of all time. I fell in love with every character in this book. Elizabeth J. Church has written the most beautiful novel I have ever had the pleasure to read.

Meridian Wallace is at the University of Chicago, studying Ornithology. Crows are her bird of choice - their intelligence enthrals her. As does her physics professor, Alden Whetstone. Sure, he's over 20 years her senior, but as she spends more time with Alden, she falls in love with his mind and his soul. When Alden confesses his love to her, she couldn't be happier - until Alden is given the opportunity of a life time, to work on a top secret project to stop World War 2 for good.

Wednesday, 16 November 2016

Today Will Be Different - Maria Semple

Today Will Be Different had me cracking up laughing one minute and almost in tears the next.

Eleanor Flood wakes up one morning and decides that today, she will be different. She'll make an effort to be more attentive in her marriage to Joe, a highly sought after hand surgeon. She will be a better mother to their son, Timby, who is wearing make up to school. Eleanor will be present today, making eye contact with anyone she has a conversation with and she will not think of her sister, Ivy, who betrayed her all those years ago.

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

News Of The World - Paulette Jiles

News Of The World is an exciting adventure book, set in America's 1800's. If you know me, you know that I love Native American/Historic American books.

Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd is an old man now. He's 71 and has done his part. He has raised his two daughters and stayed faithful to his wife Maria, even after her death. He travels around America reading from news papers he collects from over the world. Anyone who pays a dime can come to a reading and hear the news. He refuses to read anything political though - the fights are getting old. When an old friend shows up to a reading and requests a private word, Captain Kidd doesn't hesitate to hear him out.

A young girl captured by a Native American tribe, needs to be transported back to her family. Captain Kidd has no idea just how wild Johanna is going to be.

Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Two By Two - Nicholas Sparks

Chances are you've read a book by Nicholas Sparks. If not, you've watched a movie based on his books. I'm talking Dear John, The Notebook, The Last Song... You know, the kinda stuff that rips your heart in two. Two By Two tore my heart into slithers.

Russell Green thought his life was perfect. He had a loving and beautiful wife, Vivian, a precious daughter named London and a family who he loved deeply. He had a job he was fantastic at and his clients loved his work. Everything in Russ's life seemed to be going along as planned, until one day everything got turned upside down.

Tuesday, 25 October 2016

How To Throw A Halloween Party On A Budget

Halloween isn't huge in New Zealand, but it's increasing in popularity over the years. We thought we'd share how to throw a Halloween party on a budget today, to help give you some ideas on how to celebrate without spending a fortune.

Friday, 26 August 2016

Good Morning, Midnight - Lily Brooks-Dalton

As some of you may already know, Astrophotography is one of my biggest passions. The Stars, Moon and Planets have always been my favourite thing to study. Good Morning, Midnight is a story following an ageing scientist, Augustine and an Astronaut, Specialist Sullivan. 

Thursday, 4 August 2016

The Angels' Share - J. R. Ward

Lately I've been really getting into my crime/thriller reads. I've been really enjoying snuggling up with a hot cuppa and a good novel. This time, that novel is The Angels' Share

When a very wealthy man and owner of bourbon distillery, William Baldwin, is found drowned on the banks of the great Ohio River, all signs lead to suicide. William appears to have jumped from the bridge. Was it to avoid the crippling debt he had put his company in, or was it murder?

Friday, 1 April 2016

Fit Friday: Weight-lifting Workout Playlist

When it comes to working out, I think a good workout playlist goes a long way. It helps to keep you focused and motivated - and can even make you push yourself harder and harder. 

Wednesday, 24 February 2016

5 Things Rural Living Has Taught Me

If you've been following us for awhile now, then you may know that I have moved up north to the bach/orchard permanently. Camille is still based in Auckland for the time being and we both go to and from all the time, so really not that much has changed. Except in some ways everything has. I thought it would be fun to share 5 things rural living has taught me.

Wednesday, 3 February 2016

Who's Afraid? - Maria Lewis

I've always had a massive love of all things supernatural, so I was delighted to be given the chance to read Who's Afraid? A book written about werewolves - with Kiwi ties! Nearly all werewolf books are written and situated around America and the UK. How refreshing it was to have some kick-ass werewolves from my own country!