My Favourite Podcasts

PODCASTS. 

Have you discovered them yet? I'm OBSESSED! I've never really been one to listen to the radio as I find it quite distracting. I often get bored or find the music that they play isn't really to my taste - but since discovering podcasts I just can't stop listening! 

I love that with podcasts you can listen to ones that are made by or feature your favourite celebrities or well known people, giving you a deeper insight into their lives, thoughts/feelings, or you can search the podcast platform you use (apple, acast, Google Play, Spotify etc) for a podcast that is based around a topic you're really interested in, like food or motherhood. It's a way of filtering out all the extra noise you would usually be subjected to on a radio show, unlike radio you don't have to listen to shows about the topics you're not interested in, or with the people you don't like or find annoying/boring etc. With podcasts everything is on your time - much like on-demand TV - you pick what you listen to and when. 

They usually last anything between fifteen minutes to about an hour, so they're perfect to listen to while out and about walking, running, or in the car. I work from home, so I listen to podcasts while I work and as well as being super interesting, funny or informative, they also make me feel less lonely during the day when I work in the office from 9:30-3, often not talking to another adult all day. It's nice to hear voices and feel like you're part of a conversation...and learn something in the process!

And the best thing about podcasts? They are totally free! 

So today I wanted to share my top 12 podcast recommendations - if you've never listened before or are simply looking for something new to listen to, there might be something on this list that would interest you. 

For each of the 12 podcasts I've included the logo image, a description of the podcast series and a little note from myself about what I love about the podcast and where relevant the most notable episodes. 

These are the podcasts I listen to on a very regular basis - I have gone back and listened to many of their back catalogue of episodes and really look forward to new episodes being released. 

Are there any that you love that I've missed off the list? I'd love to discover some more!

Mrs B

xxx

PS. How many times can I say 'podcast(s)' in one post! :-) 

MY TOP 12 PODCASTS (in no particular order!)

HAPPY MUM, HAPPY BABY WITH GIOVANNA FLETCHER 

Giovanna Fletcher wrote a book called Happy Mum, Happy Baby. She was overwhelmed by the amount of emails and messages she received in response. She didn't want the conversation to end there, so she decided to start a podcast where she invited others to share their experiences.

Happy Mum, Happy Baby is a collection of frank and warm conversations with high-profile mums and dads. They discuss all aspects of parenthood - the highs, the lows, the challenges and rewards. There is no such thing as the perfect parent. Instead, we’re all simply doing our best. It’s time to stop comparing ourselves and champion each other instead. Each episode will be truly unique yet unifying. No topic is out of bounds, the podcast and supporting video is essential viewing for any parent seeking solidarity and support.

Lucy's Note: Gi is so warm and honest in her approach to interviewing her guests - not afraid to tackle difficult and sensitive topics, as well as the lighter and funnier side of motherhood. This podcast will have you nodding your head, breathing a sigh of relief that all parents have the same struggles and will at moments reduce you to tears in its honestly and poignancy. 

MOST NOTABLE EPISODES: HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Ferdinand, Amanda Holden, Jo Malone, Emma Freud, Tom Fletcher, Davina McCall, Fearne Cotton, Joe Wicks, Katie Piper, Jeff Brazier, Caroline Hirons, Elle Wright & Michelle Cottle. 

SH**GED, MARRIED, ANNOYED BY CHIS AND ROSIE RAMSEY

The only way Rosie and Chris Ramsey can have a conversation without being interrupted by a toddler or ending up staring at their phones is by doing a podcast. They’ll be chatting all about life, relationships, arguments, annoyances, parenting, growing up and everything in between. Each week they will answer questions from the public and a secret celebrity.

Lucy's Note: This podcast is a MUST for all couples out there! Liam and I listen to this every Friday night without fail over a glass of wine - not only is it just SO FUNNY, it also acts a couples therapy! We feel both amused and relieved that all couples find small things the other person does annoying - the "what's your beef" section will have you howling with laughter, I promise you. The love/hate friction between married couple Chris and Rosie is so relatable. The 'Questions from the public' section is probably the funniest part for us - it never ceases to amaze us what horrendously disgusting/funny/embarrassing things the public choose to admit! 

OFF MENU WITH ED GAMBLE AND JAMES ACASTER 

Website: https://www.offmenupodcast.co.uk

Comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster invite special guests into their magical restaurant to each choose their favourite starter, main course, side dish, dessert and drink. Ever wanted to eat your dream meal? It's time to order Off Menu. 

Lucy's Note: Ahh this podcast is just a breath of fresh air - if you are into food/eating/cooking then this is a must for you - celebrities chatting about their desert island meal and why they've chosen the foods they have - what memories those foods evoke, when they last ate them etc. It's refreshing to see people choosing the comfort foods of their childhoods - it's not all haute cuisine! Ed and James are brilliantly funny, sarcastic, satirical and generally all-round funny men who will leave you cracking up and crooning in equal measure. 

Most Notable Episodes: Greg Davies, Jay Rayner, Tom Kerridge, Aisling Bea, Richard Osman, Grace Dent, Selasi Gbormittah. 

TABLE MANNERS WITH JESSIE WARE & HER MUM LENNIE

Website: https://www.jessieware.com/podcasts/

Jessie Ware hosts a podcast about food, family, and the beautiful art of having a chat, direct from her very own dinner table. With a little bit of help from her chef extraordinaire mum Lennie, each week guests from the worlds of music, culture and politics drop by for a bite and a bit of a natter. Oversharing guaranteed.

Lucy's Note: Probably one of my favourite podcasts of all time - mostly due to the hilarious mother-daughter relationship between Jessie and Lennie - it is so relatable as a daughter (& mother), funny, honest, imperfect and wonderfully warm at the heart of it. I love that they cook all the food themselves, and share the meal around their own table. They have the most impressive line up of guests - and their conversations are always so relaxed, warm, and ultimately really enlightening. 

Most Notable Episodes: Jamie Oliver, Mel B, Sandi Toksvig, Ed Sheeran, Ralf Little, Stacey Dooley, Yotam Ottolenghi, Alan Carr, Nigella Lawson, Paul Smith, Gregory Porter, Kiefer Sutherland, Raymond Blanc, Richard Curtis, Charlotte Tilbury, Luke Evans, Nicole Sherzinger, Emilia Clarke. 

HAPPY PLACE WITH FEARNE COTTON

website:https://www.officialfearnecotton.com/news/2018/2/26/happy-place-podcast

Fearne's HAPPY PLACE podcast series builds on the success of the top 10 bestselling book HAPPY where Fearne draws on her own experiences and shares advice from experts on how to work through feeling blue to finding joy each and every day.

Whatever your reason may be for feeling lost or frazzled from the pressures of this fast paced life, there are ways to put one foot in front of the other and help you unlock that inner happiness.

In this podcast Fearne delves into this subject further through chatting to inspiring individuals who have either made a change in their own lives or who help people every day to find a different way of looking at life.

Where's your Happy Place?

Lucy's Notes: Ahh a hug in a podcast. If you're interested in the mental health conversation - emotional wellbeing, self care, happiness and striving for better work/life/balance then this podcast is for you - there's nothing quite like the knowledge that the struggles we are facing in everyday life are shared by even the most successful among us - not only reassuring in it's content, this podcast is full of inspiring stories, motivational content and usable advice to help make your every day happier. Truly enlightening honest conversations with interesting people. And I may be a little biased as one of the episodes is actually with my gorgeous cousin, racing driver and double amputee Billy Monger. 

Most Notable Episodes: Billy Monger (of course!), Dawn French, Stephen Fry, Gok Wan, Gary Barlow, Russell Brand, Zoe Sugg, Bryony Gordon, Davina McCall, Ruby Wax, Mary Berry, Reggie Yates, Kelly Holmes, Jada Pinkett Smith, Ellie Goulding, Nadiya Hussain, Rio & Kate Ferdinand. 

MOTHERS' MEETING WITH LOUISE PENTLAND

From baby blankets and #MumHacks to daily struggles and the tougher stuff, this podcast covers it all, offering insight into the parenting styles, personal struggles, and points of view of some Britain's best loves mums.

Lucy's Notes: Quite a new podcast on the block, social media sensation Louise Pentland chats openly, honestly and hilariously to two mothers (both famous and not so famous) about the reality (warts and all) of parenting. She's funny, warm, insightful and relaxed in her approach to interviewing her guests and I find myself nodding along in solidarity all the way through the episodes. I particularly love the conversations she has with her boyfriend Liam, and her best friend Esther. Beautifully raw and real discussions with people she clearly loves dearly. Series one has just finished and I'm excited to see who will feature in series two! 

Most Notable Episodes: Caroline Hirons & Lily Pebbles, Nadia Sawalha & Kat Farmer, Liam O'Neill, Esther Sooriah, Katie Piper & Katie Ellison, Angela Scanlon & Emily Norris. 

OUT TO LUNCH WITH JAY RAYNER 

One of the world's top food critics lunches big names in a restaurant of his choosing. Crackling anecdotes and blistering chat, lubricated by killer cooking. A Somethin’ Else / Jay Rayner production.

Lucy's Notes: This podcast is an absolute MUST if you love Jay Rayner (food critic most widely known for his judging on Masterchef). I adore the premise of this show - ply a guest with a wonderful meal in a (sometimes fancy) restaurant, keep the drinks flowing and get a very frank, open and relaxed conversation going. Jay's humour, quick wit and intelligence is the shining light in this podcast - he asks actually interesting questions and seems to draw out of his guests something more than most interviewers are able. 

Most Notable Episodes: Richard E Grant, Mel C, Stanley Tucci, Jessie Ware, Jamie Dornan, Grayson Perry, Jamie Cullum, Kathy Burke, Dermot O'Leary, Aisling Bea.

WHITE WINE QUESTION TIME WITH KATE THORNTON

White Wine Question Time, with Kate Thornton, is the podcast that brings together three well-known friends, three bottles of wine and three thought-provoking questions. Discover the friendships behind the entertainment headlines, and listen in on their conversations for a side to the celebrities you've never heard before.

Truly a celebration of great friendships, each 30-minute episode is designed to leave listeners feeling like they've just spent a great evening around the kitchen table with their most uplifting friends.

Lucy's Notes: I'm quite new to discovering this podcast, but I'm hugely enjoying it, similarly to Jay Rayner's Out To Lunch, Kate has learnt that plying her guests with alcohol makes for a much more interesting conversation. Lots of laughs and banter, very honest, sometimes moving - Kate asks three interesting and outside of the box questions to her guests that really get you thinking.

Most Notable Episodes: James Martin, The Scummy Mummies, Matt Goss, Joe Swash & Stacey Solomon, Dave Berry & Alex Zane, Shirlie & Martin Kemp, Keith Lemon, Eamon Holmes, Kristin Hallenga with Giovanna Fletcher and Nadia Sawalha, Sarah Parish with Nicola Stephenson and Angela Griffin, JB & Chloe Gill. 

THE SCUMMY MUMMIES PODCAST by Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn

website - www.scummymummies.com

A comedy chat show for less-than-perfect parents. Hosted by comedians Ellie Gibson and Helen Thorn and featuring guest parenting experts, comedians and authors. The podcast covers the big issues affecting modern parents - from fish fingers to farting, to play-dates and pelvic floors. Expect frank and funny chat as well as wine, laughter and sophisticated boob jokes. 

Lucy's Notes: You cannot help but roar with laughter when you listen to these scrumptiously scummy mummies! Ellie and Helen are a force to be reckoned with - their 'no holds barred' approach to talking about parenthood is so hilarious and relatable - I challenge any parent to not listen to this and nod your head along in solidarity. They don't take themselves, life, or their children too seriously - and they seem to put their podcast guests at ease, allowing for frank and sometimes painfully honest interviews. 

Most Notable Episodes: Thomasina Myers, Jenny Eclair, Giovanna Fletcher, Lousie Pentland & Brummy Mummy of 2, Kate Thornton, Stacey Solomon, Jeremy Vine, Mel Giedroyc, Rosie Ramsey.

SUE PERKINS: AN HOUR OR SO WITH...

Sue Perkins invites a series of special guests for an intimate chat about their lives, passions and career as they strip away formalities and indulge in some good old fashioned conversation.

Lucy's Notes: Sue Perkins is just one of my favourite people, so being able to delight in her humour, wit, warmth and clear love of people is a total delight. She makes you feel as if you're right there in the room witnessing the conversation first-hand. A lovely selection of guests and I really hope she records some new episodes soon. 

Most Notable Episodes: Marry Berry, Paul Feig, Adam Buxton.

DAVID TENNANT DOES A PODCAST WITH... 

David Tennant gets talking with the biggest names from TV, movies, comedy and elsewhere. Revealing conversation, surprise stories and lots of laughs. A Somethin' Else and No Mystery production.

Lucy's Notes: This was one of the first ever podcasts I listened to last year and likely the reason I was instantly hooked! David not only is a very skilled interviewer, but also a hugely interesting, funny and insightful chap in his own right, no matter who he is speaking to. This podcast currently only has one series, but it contains a great catalogue of guests - I think I've almost listened to every single episode in the series - I hope series two is on it's way! 

Most Notable Episodes: Olivia Colman, Whoopi Goldberg, Ian McKellen, Jennifer Garner, Catherine Tate, James Corden, Michael Sheen. 

DISTRACTION PIECES PODCAST WITH SCROOBIUS PIP by Scroobius Pip
The Distraction Pieces Podcast is a weekly conversation between Scroobius Pip and a wide range of celebrity guests and even the occasional person you may not have heard of, but has an amazing story to tell.

Lucy's Notes: Despite this being one of the longest running podcasts to date, I am pretty new to it, and must admit I didn't know who Scroobius Pip was before listening. But he's a fabulous interviewer - very real and open in his approach to questioning his guests which results in some really fascinating and insightful conversations.

Most Notable Episodes: Kathy Burke, James Acaster, Matt Willis, Vicky McClure, Chris Ramsey, Dominic Monoghan, Louis Theroux, Fearne Cotton, Martin Freeman.

Why not ^^ Pin This ^^ for later

My 2020 Reading List...

I love to read, but like most busy working parents I struggle to make the time to read as much as I would like. I usually average about one book per month - and realistically I probably can't fit in much more than than, but to help me keep focussed and on-track I've decided to set myself a reading list for 2020.

I have previously kept track of all the books I have read since 2015 - you can find the full list here or on the 'What I'm Reading..' tab at the top of this page.

The books on my reading list for 2020 have either been recommended to me by friends or family, or I've read about them online or on social media and liked the sound of them. Some of the books are new titles by authors whose books I have enjoyed previously.

Here's a brief description of each book (taken from goodreads.com)



Normal People by Sally Rooney

"The first in a gorgeous new series from the author of Summer at the Cornish Cafe.

Summer is on the horizon, and the people of Porthmellow are eagerly awaiting the annual food festival. At least, most of them are…

For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors, and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life).

When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute. But Gabe Matthias is the last person Sam was expecting to see, and his return to Porthmellow will change her quiet coastal life for ever.

Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour."



Work Like A Woman by Mary Portas

"Work Like a Woman is a bold manifesto about why the way we work now is in desperate need of change, how you can campaign to help make this happen and why we will all – men and women – profit from this.

Women today are working in a man’s culture - and it’s holding us back. In Work Like a Woman, Mary Portas examines the world of employment, how it works against women and what needs to change, as she tells the story of her career – and learning to rewrite the rules.

Taking us through her working life, Mary looks at a range of topics from workplace bullying and accessing promotion, to combining a career with children and the affect that getting divorced and becoming a single parent had on her professional life. Speaking candidly about the traps she fell into – from aping the behaviour seen in aggressive corporate environments to recreating a male working culture within her own business – Mary will explode the myth of women ‘having it all’. She will also track her evolution as a business leader and the decision to rebuild her company from the ground up on a model that today embraces female values.

Examining practical issues, including flexible working and equal pay, and also cultural ones - such as gender bias - Mary will argue for a revolution in the way we work.

Work Like a Woman is a manifesto for all: from young women entering the workforce and older women trying to integrate professional and family ambitions, to executives running businesses and creating best practice and the businesses that employ them. Honest, accessible and entertaining, it is a bold and inspiring vision of the future world of work."



Feminists Don't Wear Pink (and other lies) by Scarlett Curtis

"An urgent and inspirational collection of essays by a diverse group of celebrities, activists, and artists about what feminism means to them, with the goal of helping readers come to their own personal understanding of the word.


Feminism has never been more deeply and widely embraced and discussed, but what exactly does the F word mean?

Here, personal stories from actors, writers, and activists explore the contradictions and complications at the heart of the movement. By bridging the gap between feminist hashtags and scholarly texts, these essays bring feminism into clear focus.

Published in partnership with Girl Up, the UN Foundation's adolescent girl campaign, contributors include Hollywood superstars like Saoirse Ronan, activists like Alicia Garza, a founder of Black Lives Matter, and even fictional icons such as Bridget Jones.

Every woman has a different route to their personal understanding of feminism. This empowering collection shows how a diverse group of women found their voice, and it will inspire others to do the same."



Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks
"A collection of seventeen wonderful short stories showing that two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks is as talented a writer as he is an actor.

A gentle Eastern European immigrant arrives in New York City after his family and his life have been torn apart by his country's civil war. A man who loves to bowl rolls a perfect game--and then another and then another and then many more in a row until he winds up ESPN's newest celebrity, and he must decide if the combination of perfection and celebrity has ruined the thing he loves. An eccentric billionaire and his faithful executive assistant venture into America looking for acquisitions and discover a down and out motel, romance, and a bit of real life. These are just some of the tales Tom Hanks tells in this first collection of his short stories. They are surprising, intelligent, heartwarming, and, for the millions and millions of Tom Hanks fans, an absolute must-have!"



Educated by Tara Westover
"Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her "head-for-the-hills bag". In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife and healer, and in the winter she salvaged in her father's junkyard.

Her father forbade hospitals, so Tara never saw a doctor or nurse. Gashes and concussions, even burns from explosions, were all treated at home with herbalism. The family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education and no one to intervene when one of Tara's older brothers became violent.

Then, lacking any formal education, Tara began to educate herself. She taught herself enough mathematics and grammar to be admitted to Brigham Young University, where she studied history, learning for the first time about important world events like the Holocaust and the civil rights movement. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge. Only then would she wonder if she'd traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

Educated is an account of the struggle for self-invention. It is a tale of fierce family loyalty and of the grief that comes with severing the closest of ties. With the acute insight that distinguishes all great writers, Westover has crafted a universal coming-of-age story that gets to the heart of what an education is and what it offers: the perspective to see one's life through new eyes and the will to change it."



The Woman Who Wanted More by Vicky Zimmerman
"Two lonely women.

An unlikely friendship.

And one big life lesson: never be ashamed to ask for more . . .

After a major life upheaval on the eve of her 40th birthday, a reluctant Kate Parker finds herself volunteering at Lauderdale House for Exceptional Ladies. There she meets 97-year-old Cecily Finn. Cecily's tongue is as sharp as her mind but she has lost her spark, simply resigning herself to the Imminent End.

Having no patience with Kate's plight, Cecily prescribes her a self-help book with a difference - it's a 1957 cookery manual, featuring menus for anything life can throw at 'the easily dismayed'. Will Kate find a menu to help her recover from her broken heart? If Kate moves forward, might Cecily too?

The cookbook holds the secrets of Cecily's own remarkable past, and the story of the love of her life. It will certainly teach Kate a thing or two.

So begins an unlikely friendship between two lonely and stubborn souls - one at the end of her life, one stuck in the middle - who come to show each other that food is for feasting, life is for living and the way to a man's heart is . . . irrelevant!"



Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

"Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story—and survive this homecoming."



Dear Evan Hansen The Novel by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

"From the show's creators comes the groundbreaking novel inspired by the Broadway smash hit Dear Evan Hansen. Dear Evan Hansen, Today's going to be an amazing day and here's why...When a letter that was never meant to be seen by anyone draws high school senior Evan Hansen into a family's grief over the loss of their son, he is given the chance of a lifetime: to belong. He just has to stick to a lie he never meant to tell, that the notoriously troubled Connor Murphy was his secret best friend.Suddenly, Evan isn't invisible anymore--even to the girl of his dreams. And Connor Murphy's parents, with their beautiful home on the other side of town, have taken him in like he was their own, desperate to know more about their enigmatic son from his closest friend. As Evan gets pulled deeper into their swirl of anger, regret, and confusion, he knows that what he's doing can't be right, but if he's helping people, how wrong can it be? No longer tangled in his once-incapacitating anxiety, this new Evan has a purpose. And a website. He's confident. He's a viral phenomenon. Every day is amazing. Until everything is in danger of unraveling and he comes face to face with his greatest obstacle: himself.A simple lie leads to complicated truths in this big-hearted coming-of-age story of grief, authenticity and the struggle to belong in an age of instant connectivity and profound isolation."



Queenie Malone's Paradise Hotel by Ruth Hogan
"From the bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things and The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes - a novel of mothers and daughters, families and secrets and the astonishing power of friendship.

Tilly was a bright, outgoing little girl who liked playing with ghosts and matches. She loved fizzy drinks, swear words, fish fingers and Catholic churches, but most of all she loved living in Brighton in Queenie Malone's Magnificent Paradise Hotel with its endearing and loving family of misfits - staff and guests alike.

But Tilly's childhood was shattered when her mother sent her away from the only home she'd ever loved to boarding school with little explanation and no warning. Now, Tilda has grown into an independent woman still damaged by her mother's unaccountable cruelty. Wary of people, her only friend is her dog, Eli. But when her mother dies, Tilda goes back to Brighton and with the help of her beloved Queenie sets about unraveling the mystery of her exile from The Paradise Hotel and discovers that her mother was not the woman she thought she knew at all ... Mothers and daughters ... their story can be complicated ... it can also turn out to have a happy ending."



The Little French Guesthouse by Helen Pollard

"Sun, croissants and fine wine. Nothing can spoil the perfect holiday. Or can it?

When Emmy Jamieson arrives at La Cour des Roses, a beautiful guesthouse in the French countryside, she can’t wait to spend two weeks relaxing with boyfriend Nathan. Their relationship needs a little TLC and Emmy is certain this holiday will do the trick. But they’ve barely unpacked before he scarpers with Gloria, the guesthouse owner’s cougar wife.

Rupert, the ailing guesthouse owner, is shell-shocked. Feeling somewhat responsible, and rather generous after a bottle (or so) of wine, heartbroken Emmy offers to help. Changing sheets in the gîtes will help keep her mind off her misery.

Thrust into the heart of the local community, Emmy suddenly finds herself surrounded by new friends. And with sizzling hot gardener Ryan and the infuriating (if gorgeous) accountant Alain providing welcome distractions, Nathan is fast becoming a distant memory.

Fresh coffee and croissants for breakfast, feeding the hens in the warm evening light; Emmy starts to feel quite at home. But it would be madness to walk away from her friends, family, and everything she’s ever worked for, to take a chance on a place she fell for on holiday – wouldn’t it?

Fans of Jenny Colgan, Lucy Diamond and Nick Alexander will want to join Emmy for a glass of wine as the sun sets on the terrace at La Cour des Roses."



DEEP WATER - Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Paula Daly

"A searing and sinister thriller for readers who liked Gone Girl.

What if your best friend's child disappears? And it was all your fault.

A searing and sinister thriller for readers who liked Gone Girl.What if your best friend's child disappears? And it was all your fault. This is exactly what happens to Lisa Kallisto, overwhelmed working mother of three, one freezing December in the English Lake District. She takes her eye off the ball for just a moment and her whole world descends into the stuff of nightmares. Because, not only is thirteen-year-old Lucinda missing, and not only is it all Lisa's fault, but she's the second teenage girl to disappear within this small tightknit community over two weeks. The first girl turned up stripped bare, dumped on a busy high street, after suffering from a terrifying ordeal.

Wracked with guilt over her mistake and after being publicly blamed by Lucinda's family, Lisa sets out to right the wrong. But as she begins peeling away the layers surrounding Lucinda's disappearance, Lisa learns that the small, posh, quiet town she lives in isn't what she thought it was, and her friends may not be who they appear, either."



A Perfect Cornish Summer by Phillipa Ashley

"The first in a gorgeous new series from the author of Summer at the Cornish Cafe.

Summer is on the horizon, and the people of Porthmellow are eagerly awaiting the annual food festival. At least, most of them are…

For Sam Lovell, organising the summer festival in her hometown is one of the highlights of her year. It’s not always smooth sailing, but she loves to see Porthmellow’s harbour packed with happy visitors, and being on the committee has provided a much-needed distraction from the drama in her family life (and the distinct lack of it in her love life).

When their star guest pulls out with only a few weeks to go, everyone’s delighted when a London chef who grew up locally steps in at the last minute. But Gabe Matthias is the last person Sam was expecting to see, and his return to Porthmellow will change her quiet coastal life for ever.

Curl up with this gorgeous novel and savour the world of Porthmellow Harbour."

------------------------------------------------

What genre of books do you love to read? Do you mix it up like me, or do you tend to stick to a specific book type or specific genre? Do you make time to read? Or is it something you wish you could make more time for?

Here's hoping I can get through (at least!) these 12 titles in 2020!

Happy reading folks!

I hope I've been able to provide a little reading inspiration for you...

Mrs B
xxx

*Gifted* Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic featuring 50 beloved Disney Characters

Hello loves! 

It's been a fair old while since I've had a chance to write a blog post - life has been SO busy, working mum life is full-on to say the least, and in-truth I spend so much time doing everyone else's social media and PR with my business, that I barely have time to do my own anymore! 

With that in mind, now that my youngest Connie (3) has started pre-school for three full days per week (first week this week!! HOW is she old enough?), I am hoping to find the time to pour a bit of love back into the blog, so watch this space...! 

If you follow me on social media ('Mrs Bishop's Bakes and Banter Blog' on Facebook and @lucybishop2012 on Twitter and Instagram) I update those channels very frequently - so that's really the best place to keep up-to-date with all the goings on here at Chez Bishop. Fingers crossed for a few more blog updates along the way too. 

Today, I'm sharing with you a preview of an exciting new show, perfect for all the family. Coming to an arena near you this autumn/winter. 

Any followers of the blog will know we are HUGE Disney fans, and over the past few years I have been lucky enough to be gifted tickets to two of the Disney on Ice shows in return for featuring and reviewing them here on the blog. 

We are working with Disney again this year and will be going  to their latest show 100 Years of Magic in a few weeks time!!

This year we have decided that Connie is finally old enough to join us (any age is permitted into the show, but we have previously only taken Bert, as we thought she was a little young to fully understand and enjoy it) this year we'll be bringing her along and I cannot wait to see her reaction to this epic show, she is going to be mesmerised! 

So, if you'd like to know more about the latest show, read on...

This ultimate Disney experience will leave the whole family captivated...

Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the celebration of the century as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic.

Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and pals take to the ice to honour the legacy of Walt Disney and welcome audiences on a magical journey through classic and modern Disney tales. Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice.

This fanfare production features more than 50 unforgettable Disney stars, a sing-along score of melodious masterpieces, stunning choreography, beautiful costumes and intricate sets. Audiences will travel to the heart of Africa with Disney’s The Lion King, come along for an adventure in friendship with the gang from Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, and watch in amazement as Belle breaks the Beast’s curse in the tale of Beauty & The Beast. Fans will enter the magical kingdom of Arendelle from Disney’s Frozen and journey up the North Mountain with hilarious snowman Olaf and rugged mountain-man Kristoff, as they help royal sisters Anna and Elsa discover that true love conquers all.

“This particular production is by far the largest Disney On Ice show we currently have touring bringing together everyone’s favourite Disney characters from Snow White, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse to Elsa and Anna,” said Producer Nicole Feld. “Our vision is for audiences everywhere to dance and sing along to their favourite Disney songs, so we’ve included 30 tunes that they know and love.”

This year’s Disney On Ice production celebrates some of Disney’s most beloved characters from 14 treasured stories. Audiences will find themselves dancing out of their seats as a collection of Disney melodies like “Hakuna Matata,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “Let It Go” fills the arena.” Fans can rock out to “Turtle Rock” with Nemo, Dory, Squirt and his rambunctious turtle friends, and fall in love with a musical montage of dazzling prince and princess pairs skating to “At Last I See the Light,” “A Whole New World” and more.

“This is a show, more than any other, which is truly for everybody,” said Producer Kenneth Feld. “When I sit with the audience, I see those that are grandparents, like I am, enjoying a lot of the classic Disney stories, while young kids and parents really respond to modern day favourites like Frozen.”

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic will be skating into Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Exeter, Aberdeen, Sheffield, Nottingham, and London from the 20th September 2019 to 5th January 2020. 

For the complete list of tour dates, head to www.disneyonice.co.uk 

Stay current on the latest developments through social media by visiting:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIceUK
Twitter: @DisneyOnIce 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce
Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

#100YearsofMagic #DisneyOnIce 

* We have been gifted a family ticket to Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic in return for this preview post and a review post which will follow after the show. All views and opinions are our own.* #gifted

* Life Update * Anxiety and the eternal juggle!

Well, it's been a little while since I've managed to sit down and take five to write a blog post on my own blog. Life it seems has got just a little bit crazy. I think most of my blog readers (if there are any of you left!) will know that back in May 2015 I took the plunge and started my own social media management and PR consultancy. It was a big gamble for me, and something I had been considering for a long time, it was super scary to leave behind a career in teaching, but in my heart of hearts I knew it was the right thing to do. Fast forward almost four years, and I'm very pleased that the business is going from strength to strength. I'm super fortunate to work with some amazing people, have a lovely full list of clients and most importantly, I am making a career that works better for me and my family. 

I'm very lucky that on the whole I do enjoy my work; I love the challenge, to feel useful and to be creative, I like being uber organised and having a daily 'to do' list, and most of all I like the freedom of being my own boss, working my own hours to suit family life, and of course, earning a living in the process!

The major down-side however to this self-employed life I now lead, is how much of a time-sucker it is, and how much more of a juggle my life has become. I mean, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that juggling two kids (one who is still at home full time with no childcare), one at school and all that entails, plus a career that currently consists of working for/on 11 different clients/projects, a house to clean, clothes to wash and relationships to maintain, that life is full on and sometimes I feel like I don't know if I'm coming or going. It has also meant a LOT less time for myself, far less time to cultivate my many varied interests and hobbies, and in turn hardly any time to pour into my own blog and social media. 

What is it they say about plumbers having the worst heating in their own home, and electricians having broken lights and appliances? It's like that with me - I spend so much time doing everyone else's blogs, social media platforms and PR, that I have no time, energy or inclination left to do my own!

I don't want my little corner of the internet to die a death though, and so I am going to try to find time to readdress the balance a little, and fit in some chunks of time for myself again. I need it. I've come to realise the longer I am without it that I crave an outlet, albeit this blog, or a creative project for myself (I love crafting/sewing etc) and I need some of it back in my life pronto. Not just for my own enjoyment but for my own mental health too, which has definitely been suffering lately. 

I read something on a Mental Health Awareness page on Facebook the other day which said... 

Illustration by the talented Beth from Doodlebot Illustration (@doodlebotillustration on Instagram)

"We get told to put on a brave face...but sometimes the bravest thing is to take the face off." 

and it really resonated with me. My whole life I've been the Queen of Putting On A Brave Face - stiff upper lip and just get on with it - power through, man up, just keep going, and in turn I've learnt the hard way that sometimes you just can't - you hit a metaphorical wall and you burn out. Over the years I have learnt to recognise the signs of that burn out - and at that point I try and give myself a break: I attempt to avoid stressful situations and emotional triggers for the anxiety I often deal with. Today I hit the wall. I was in tears before 8am because I just couldn't ask the kids for the 20,000th time to get dressed or put their shoes on, or finish their breakfast...I am tired (even after 9 hours sleep last night, which for me is unheard of), I'm worn down, fragile, over emotional, on the edge - and if I don't do something to readdress things I will topple down the rabbit hole I've been down too many times before. 

So this rambling blog post is my first attempt in a while of taking off my brave face and saying 'I'm not really okay at the moment'. I know I need to be proactive about making myself feel 'more myself' and getting my mental and physical health back on track. 

I had a bad shoulder injury for most of last year which really took its toll on me - and this paired with my already terrible lower back (3 slipped discs, joy!) has been hard to bear at times. The constant pain, and being consistently uncomfortable grates and grinds on my physical and mental wellbeing too, as well as the juggle of everyday life. 

Annoyingly, the same shoulder now seems to have some sort of pulled muscle (separate to my injury last year) which in turn is causing inflammation and a trapped nerve down my arm - with all sorts of weird sensations and pins and needles down my right arm. As you can imagine, this is not helpful when you spend a large proportion of your time working at a computer and chasing after small children. It's also not great for someone like me who suffers from quite bad health-related-anxiety (stemming from when my son Bert got incredibly sick with sepsis when he was 18 months old) ever since then I've had some major issues around illness, getting sick and the worry that either the kids, Liam or I will fall ill. So having unexplained pains and symptoms I've never experienced before, has set off a whole new bout of anxiety related to illness which at times can be very hard to deal with/escape from. 

Of course, I've seen the GP and he reassures me the shoulder symptoms are most likely caused by a pulled muscle from working out or swimming, or a combination of the two, and that rest and Naproxen will do the trick eventually, and I know I have to have faith that they know what they're talking about, but logic doesn't come into it when anxiety knocks, and so I work hard every day to keep it at a level, and to not let it take over. 

As well as readdressing the balance for my mental healths sake, I also want to get my physical health back on track - so I have started using My Fitness Pal calorie counting app again, to get some more control back with my diet and to ensure I'm making better choices and hopefully shifting some tiber in the process. Since having Connie two years ago I have crept up to a UK size 14/16, and I'd love to get back into my size 12 clothes again! I have a whole wardrobe of nice things that are uncomfortable or won't zip up, and that's doing nothing for my confidence/happiness and in turn, my mental health. And so for me, I need to make some changes - work is important, and very necessary, but so is my health and happiness and I need to find a way to make it all work together in harmony as best I can. I've had two weeks off of the gym now, and will likely need another week or two, and then I also hope to get back to my twice weekly gym sessions, which are a big factor in keeping my mental health balanced and on-track. 

The final thing I wanted to get out-there was the topic of mum-guilt. God it is such a real thing, and I struggle with it daily - am I a good enough mum? Am I attentive enough to them? Do I work too much? Do they think I'm neglecting them when I'm doing emails and working for clients while they play or watch the TV? Should I work solely when Bert's at school and Connie is napping and then leave the rest until they are in bed, and in turn lose my evenings with Liam? Do I worry about housework too much? Do they think I am obsessed with tidying and washing? Argh! Daily guilt that genuinely does the rounds inside my brain! I know from talking to friends that I am by no means alone in this, and most working parents deal with the same feelings and emotions on a daily basis. But it is so hard to 'have it all': a family, a career, a happy relationship, friendships, a home you're proud of and your own mental health in tact - it take so much work and cultivating - perhaps it's elusive? A big lie we tell ourselves is absolutely achievable when perhaps realistically it isn't and something has to give!?

Whether elusive or not, I am pledging to work harder to get back on track in all aspects of this busy/crazy juggle mum-life. 

And I wanted to reassure anyone out there still reading that I still care about this corner of the internet and the community we made - I've just been very time-poor and floundering a little. 

Let's hope this is the start of a more balanced chapter. 

Mrs B

xxx

New PJs from The Pyjama Factory *review*

The people over at The Pyjama Factory sent us an awesome little package last week - full with new pyjamas for the kiddies and Liam, plus a big snuggly dressing gown for me! I LOVE pyjamas, and would wear nightwear 100% of the time if I could get away with it - there's nothing better than getting new pyjamas - so I was super excited to feature this lovely brand here on the blog.

At The Pyjama Factory they sell an array of pyjamas for babies, children and adults, featuring loads of well loved characters such as: Harry Potter, Marvel Superheroes, Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom, Peppa Pig, Star Wars, Cars, Pokémon, Jurassic Park, PJ Masks and many more. They also sell adorable matching Christmas pyjamas for all the family, which are perfect for this time of year.

We opted for all-year-round wear pyjamas, and instead of going Christmas themed, we each picked our favourite item from the website - unsurprisingly, Liam picked a Star Wars set of mens pjs, Bert chose The Incredible Hulk (his favourite superhero) and Connie chose some Holly (from Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom) pyjamas. I was massively in need of a new cosy dressing gown, so opted for this rather than new pyjamas.








I have to say I am massively impressed with the quality of the pyjamas compared to their price - usually more budget friendly pyjamas would have a cheaper feel to them, but all three pyjama sets we received are great quality, and a good fit too. I always size up with pyjamas for the whole family as we like them loose and comfy - so I got Connie's in age 3-4 (She's a very big 2.5), Bert's in age 7-8 (he's a big 5.5) , Liam a medium (he's usually a S-M), and my robe in a size 16 (I'm usually a 12/14). I'm pleased I went bigger as they all fit well, and will last us a long time!



Each set has now been washed and dried too, and they've washed really well, not losing shape, no shrinkage or fading, which is great. They've quickly become the kids favourite pjs and so I've even had to get them washed and dried in a day, so they can wear them again the next night. Bert's had a run in with a jam sandwich, and came out of the washing machine unscathed too (thankfully, as I hadn't taken these pictures at the time!).





Connie's Ben and Holly Pyjamas were priced at £9.99

Bert's Incredible Hulk Pyjamas were priced at £10.99

Liam's Star Wars Pyjamas were priced at £15.99

and my dressing gown was priced at £20.99



If you're looking for an easy to navigate website, that sells great quality pyjamas for the whole family, then definitely go and check them out! The delivery was super-swift and FREE. Our total order should have cost a few pence shy of £58, which isn't bad going considering it clothed the whole family.



My dressing gown is called the Ladies Super Soft Flannel Fleece Embossed Animal Dressing Gown, and it is the softest thing ever - literally like wearing a warm hug! I loved that it features animal print (which I love and is so on-trend right now) but in quite an understated way - it's not the full-on Bet Lynch leopard print, but instead a muted grey tiger/zebra stripe effect, which, as the title would suggest is embossed into the fabric, giving it a gorgeous texture! It also has a hood, making it extra snuggly and warm, two pockets (which is so handy for mum life stuff - dummies, phone, tissues, snacks!) and a tie waist.







We had so much fun taking photos for this post - what is they say 'never work with children or animals'... it was genuinely like herding drunk sheep to try and get decent shots of everyone... here's a couple of outtakes to make you giggle!

Mrs Bishop

xxx

We were gifted the nightwear in return for this honest review.