Tania Michele: July 2021

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

The Little Barn Of Dreams - Lucy Knott | Book Review

The Little Barn Of Dreams

Author: Lucy Knott

Find Lucy: @LucyCKnott | @TheBlossomTwins

Released: July 8th 2021 (E-book) | October 14th 2021 (paperback)

Format: Paperback | E-Book

Purchase From: E-Book - Amazon - £2.59 | Paperback - Amazon £8.99 | Book Depository £8.99 | Waterstones £8.99

Plot: 'Can two dreamers find love in the real world?

When quirky bookworm Florence Danver loses her job, she knows it's time to make some serious changes. Nanna Margot encourages Flo to spend a week at Camp Calla Lily, where she hasn't been since she lost her parents. Her return is filled with bittersweet memories... until she meets Jo Hadlee.

Soon enough, Flo and fellow dreamer Jo are inseparable as they connect over books and build castles in the air. But when Jo leaves suddenly for his job in London, the fantasy bubble bursts and real-life comes roaring back in.' (taken from Waterstones)

My Rating: ★★★★★

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Review

I love how the characters feel so real. I find this isn't always the case with some books, but this one they just do! They make you want to go and grab a drink with them and listen to the 'how they met' story! Florence has this determination in her that makes me love her so much!

The book has a very warm feel to it, so would be a perfect summer or autumn read, as the words 'campfire' popped up! I've not been to a camp before in my life, but Camp Calla Lily sounds like some cute little place, tucked away and just waiting to be explored! The fact the characters are so book obsessed is something else that made me love them - as I can totally related to this!

It was so easy to fall into this book, and Lucy has a wonderful talent for describing different locations and places, so much so that you can picture your own interpretation of how it all looks!

And finally, to my lovely blogger friend Lucy - congratulations! So glad I found you and Kelly via The Blossoms Twins a few years ago and have been able to get to know you both a little bit, and get to see you release your many novels now! I can't wait to see what else you release over the coming years!!

If you've already read this book, what did you think? Let me know! Hope you have a great day and keep safe :)

Tuesday, 20 July 2021

3 Awesome UK Day Trips For the Whole Family*

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When you are stuck in your home country for the summer, you might be tempted to feel upset. Of course, we all want to go off on our jolly holidays to Europe or even the rest of the world, but with the current travel restrictions in place, most people can agree that it may not be worth the hassle.

However, do not despair! The UK might be made up of tiny little islands, but it’s a brilliantly versatile place when it comes to holiday opportunities. If you have opted for a “staycation” - i.e, taking time off work but staying at home - then you might be searching for day trips in the UK that are fun for all the family.

Well, we’ve got you covered! Here are 3 awesome UK day trips for the whole family.

Cheltenham Horse Races

You might be thinking, ‘Is horse racing a family activity?’ Yes, indeed it is! While the adults might enjoy a few glasses of champers and placing a couple of bets, kids also love horse racing for its fast pace and for the beautiful horses. See the horses whoosh by with their riders - it gives you goosebumps every time!

Racing at Cheltenham is also an outdoor activity that keeps you away from crowded indoor spaces. Take your family for a fun day in the sun at Cheltenham Races in the summer!

Warner Brothers Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter

This tour, commonly known as ‘Harry Potter World', is one of those places that you go to for the kids, but end up enjoying it as an adult too. Just like Disneyland, Harry Potter World is a veritable smorgasbord of Harry Potter themed delights - from drinking “butterbeer” in the Leaky Cauldron, to practicing magic on your very own broomstick, to seeing how the movies actually got made. For the adults, there’s the excitement of nostalgia and interesting facts - and for the kids, of course, the wizarding world simply comes to life before their very eyes.

The Warner Brothers Studios are located in Watford, just outside of London. Are you ready for a fun staycation adventure to the Wizarding World?

Stonehenge

If you are a family who love history and enjoy exploring cultural artefacts, you will love Stonehenge. Although Stonehenge is a staple of British history, many Brits have actually never visited it, simply because it is off the beaten track.

You might think that Stonehenge is just sitting there, unaided by any kind of institutionalism. But you’d be mistaken! There is actually a small entryway, a museum and a cafe just a few miles down the road, and then a bus will take you to the actual site - or, if it’s a lovely day, you can walk there too.

Stonehenge is a great way for the family to learn about ancient British history and see an amazing heritage site!

Overall, staying in the UK for the summer isn’t that bad after all! Make the most of this awesome country by playing a tourist in your homeland this summer.

Wednesday, 7 July 2021

Tips For Enjoying Your Summertime At Home*

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What's summertime without some quality outdoor experience, right? Unfortunately, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic forced so many people to remain locked indoors, observing summer pass by from their windows. Things have improved this year, but there are still many people who might not find it safe just yet to hit the outdoors this summer. Are you one of those people? Do you want to find ways to enjoy yourself in your home? Then these tips might help.

Start a garden

Backyard gardening is one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies you can ever pick up during summer. In fact, according to some experts, gardening offers so many benefits to the mind and body. Plus, if you decide to grow a vegetable garden, then you'll have the added benefits of saving up on some things on your grocery list. If you can't take a vacation this summer, try starting a garden instead. You don't need to have ample backyard space to grow the perfect garden, as there are several ways to use the smallest area you may have. You can even choose to start an indoor garden if you want. But no matter what type you choose, starting a garden is always worth it.

Have a backyard camping time

Do you love camping, and are you tired of being locked up indoors all the time? Do you have some backyard space? Then how about you try having a backyard camping time? If you already have some camping experience, this shouldn't be any different - except for the location. Prepare your backyard like you would any campsite, set up your equipment, and enjoy a beautiful night outdoors under the stars. You can try every camping activity in your backyard and even bring your family in on it. Quality family time and loads of fun guaranteed!

Summer cookout

No matter what the current pandemic can take away from you, it cannot rid you of the joys of having a good cookout time in your backyard with your loved ones. If indoor meals are becoming too boring, take the cooking outside and create a new cookout experience for your family. If your backyard comes with a grill, now is the time to clean it out and get your BBQ groove on. Impress your family with your grilling skills and let the aroma waft in the homes of your neighbours. A good summertime brings the family together for quality time, but it doesn't mean you can't treat yourself if you live alone.

Spruce up your backyard space

Perhaps you're not a fan of camping and BBQs. Perhaps all you want to do is enjoy some peace in your home's outdoor space. You want to relax, chill out, and take it easy while the golden beams of the summer sun caress your skin. In that case, why don't you spruce up your backyard space for that purpose? Get together a set of outdoor furniture or choose the one you prefer the most, grab a bottle of wine (or beer), create your favourite playlist, get your earphones, and enjoy a good day out in your backyard. To create the perfect outdoor environment, you may need to spend some time weeding and clearing. Or you can even go for a complete backyard facelift if you want.

Don't forget the indoors

While you work on your outdoor space, don't forget the indoors. One tip to enjoying summertime at home is to prepare your home for the season. For example, you can add a touch of nature to your interior by opting for silky breezy curtains and bedspreads. This is not the time to keep your windows shut and draped with thick curtains. You want the gentle summer breeze to make its way into your home. You can add some indoor plants to create pockets of summer spots in your home. Also, add the right furniture pieces that will improve your living, depending on what you need - from the perfect nursery furniture for your little ones to the more chic designs for the adults.

Take care of yourself and those around you

The most important thing is to ensure that you remain in good health through it all. So while you're putting plans in place and preparing your home, ensure that you take good care of yourself and those around you. Slow things down and embrace the simple life if you can't have that dream vacation this year. Why stress or worry about something you can't change? If you're fortunate to have your family with you, spend time with them and cherish each moment.