I love Ruby Red Shoes.  I discovered her last December when I was browsing the children's books at Bookface, looking for a book to give my daughter for a Christmas gift.  I fell in love with the cover, and then when I opened the book, I was sold.  The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is just so cute. Ruby is a white hare who lives with her grandmother, Babushka Galina Galushka, in a painted caravan.  Ruby has her own garden where she grows flowers and vegetables and she also keeps chickens, who are so clever that she is teachin...

I have to confess I am a traditionalist, when it comes to a lot of things.  It took me a long time to get my first mobile phone.  I resisted for quite a few years, until my husband finally bought one for me.  I never wanted to be contactable 24/7.  I still don't! Similarly, I resisted getting an e-reader for a long time.  I love books.  I love book shops.  I love the whole reading experience.  I love the smell of a book, the feel of a book, the versatility of a book. You can take a book with you anywhere, and there is nothing more luxurio...

1.     Oceans -  Hillsong United (just speaks to my soul at the moment)2.     Feels Like Home -  Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt & Dolly Parton3.     Always – Bon Jovi4.     Heal the Wound But Leave a Scar – Point of Grace5.     Classic – MKTO6.     I Am, I Said – Neil Diamond7.     Undeniable - TobyMac8.     Am I Not Pretty Enough – Kasey Chambers (actually, just loving anything by Kasey Chambers)9.     I Hope You Dance – Ronan Keating10.   Circle of Life – Elton John (my son just performed in the Lion King musical at school, and it was awe...

My parents came to stay with us for a week, last Saturday, a visit much anticipated by my kids. Charlie gave up his room for nan and pop, and the plan was that he camp out on a mattress on Maddie's bedroom floor for the week. Well, that was the plan!   The first night went smoothly, but the second night Charlie woke up vomiting, so I moved him out to the lounge so he wouldn't wake his sister, and moved his mattress out for myself to sleep on to keep an eye on him during the night.  Two hours later Maddie woke up and wanted cuddles, so I mov...