K.J. Chapman's Blog, page 28

First Blog Series of 2019: What’s It All About?

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Did you know that I have published a writing prompt ebook? Prompt Me was published in 2016. You can get a copy for just 99p from Amazon for the 10 weeks that this blog series is running. This series will start on January 2nd.

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So, what is this blog series? This series is all about Prompt Me. Each week, I shall choose one of the one hundred and fifty prompts and expand on it.

I invite you to join in with this series on your blog/ social media each week, and I would love to feature a snippet of your interpretations on Writerly Bookish Stuff with links to send my readers your way.

However, If you just want to stop by and read my prompt interpretation that’s awesome too.

I hope you pop in on January 2nd, and don’t forget to grab your copy of Prompt Me at the discounted price.

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Favourite Read of 2018

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As always on Writerly Bookish Stuff, I like to boast my favourite read of the year. This year, I read mostly novellas, but the novels I have read have been fantastic. It was hard to choose.

I chose the following book because it covered all the bases that appeal to me as a reader and writer: a group of characters you can root for, fantastic world building, and engrossing narrative.

So, without further ado…

When Stars Burn Out
by Anna Vera

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You can find my full review here.

Download your copy here.

What has been your favourite read of 2018?

Content belongs to K.J.Chapman

Find me on:

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Amazon

Goodreads

Blogmas Day 24

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It’s the last day of Blogmas, folks! I hope you have enjoyed the last 23 days as much as I have. However, I still have one more post for you today.

We’re Cake Decorating Cheats

I am a total amateur when it comes to baking. My husband is the go to cake baker in our house, but this year we left it late and didn’t have the time to bake.

The best part of cake making is the decorating, although, I’m not awesome at that either. So, I had an idea to buy a cake to decorate with icing pens and cake toppers. If you’re going to cheat do it properly, right?

For the final post, I thought I’d share our family cake decorating results. I am not a fruit cake fan, so we bought a festive favourite… yule log.

My daughter didn’t mind that we cheated. It was still a fun activity for her. We may not have had a lot of time, but she made something she is proud of.

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(The back piece is cut and un-decorated because my husband isn’t a fan of the icing pens. We like to accommodate everyone.)

All that is left to say is merry Christmas for tomorrow, and I shall be back in the New Year!

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Blogmas Day 23

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Last Minute Gift Hacks

There is only today and tomorrow to get your Christmas shopping finished. If you’re unable to get to the shops or need to save money, I’ve done some internet searching to find hacks that may help you out.

Toilet Roll Gift Boxes

In need of gift bags to hold sweets or gift cards? Have you thought of toilet rolls? Seriously, Romanianmum.com has made bog rolls look classy.

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Pringle Tube Gift Box

Get baking and present your goodies in these nifty Pringle tubes. Jen grant Morris tells you how.

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DIY Christmas Cards

Did you forget to buy a card for your Great Aunt? No worries, you can find a perfect example of a simple Christmas card DIY over at Beccy’s Place.

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Cookies in a Jar

Do you have the basics in the pantry to make cookies? Celebratingsweets.com can show you how to make an attractive gift that old and young will enjoy.

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Tea Trees

Everyone loves tea, right? Thirsty For Tea have a festive way to display tea bags and make a last minute gift for any tea lover.

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I would be thrilled to receive any of the above. It may be a last minute, inexpensive gift, but it looks like effort has gone into each.

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Click links for original sources.

Blogmas Day 22

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Leftover Turkey Recipes

I know this post is technically for after Christmas, but it’s not too early to start thinking about leftover turkey. There’s no need to waste a scrap if you forward plan.

Here are 5 recipe links to use up leftover turkey:

Fiesta Turkey Soup

Yourhomebasedmom.com has a scrummy soup recipe. If you want a little spice on Boxing Day, this recipe is for you.

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Turkey Carnitas

seriouseats.com has a recipe to transform your turkey into juicy, crispy shreds that are similar to carnitas.

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Turkey Quesadillas

Dishinanddishes.com has probably my favourite recipe in this list. Quesadillas would make a perfect Boxing Day dinner in my opinion.

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Turkey Stock

Even the carcass doesn’t have to go to waste with afamilyfeast.com’s recipe for making yummy stock to use in various recipes.

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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Do you have guests on Boxing day? Have a big pot of passionforsavings.com’s turkey chili on the go to feed many on a budget.

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I hope something tickles your fancy. These recipes are just a few I have picked out. The list is endless. Let’s vow not to waste food this Christmastime.

Content belongs to K.J.Chapman

For recipe sources click the links

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Blogmas Day 21

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Planning Ahead

Blogmas day 21 is all about 2019. Yep, we’re thinking ahead to next year’s plans, and more specifically… planners and organisers.

I’ve scoured the net for this years must have planners/organisers.

Zoella ‘I’ve Got a Plan’ Planner

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Product Description:

Live the life you love with this collection of home and lifestyle products, designed just for you. The essential companion for organising your days and keeping you motivated to achieve your goals! Complete with stickers and motivational planning sections.

Busy B 2019 Planner

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Product Description:

Meet your logistical lifesaver from Busy B.

This beautifully designed planner comes with handy pockets, stickers for important events, and a mini notebook for quick jotting. You’re now officially sorted!

Joules A5 2019 Diary

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Product Description:

Everyone needs a diary to stay ahead of the organisation game. This A5 sized one features unique Joules prints that are a delight to discover as the year ticks on.

Symthson of Bond Street 2019 Wafer Diary

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Product Description:

Small yet perfectly formed, our Panama Wafer Diary is the perfect choice for the minimalist on the move. Crafted from the Panama collection’s iconic cross-grain lambskin, it’s the smallest, most flexible diary within our range. This exquisite, compact leather diary is just the right size to stow away effortlessly in a bag or pocket.

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Blogmas Day 20

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Charity Donation

As a family, we like to do something for charity at Christmas time. This year, we chose to fill a box with Christmas treats for our local foodbank.

1,332,952

That is the number of three-day emergency food supplies that Trussell Trust Foodbanks gave out between 2017-2018 in the UK.

Christmas is a particularly stressful time of year for families living in poverty. I did a little research and discovered that the foodbanks were in need of Christmas treats such as selection boxes and sweets for children. Of course, healthy meals are vitally important, but at Christmas time, it’s nice for families to have a treat too.

We chose a box that we felt we were realistically able to fill by the beginning of December, and then asked friends and family if they would donate just one item to our box. Everyone was so generous!

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(Before and after pics)

The foodbank is a worthy, local cause, so we implore you to do the same for the foodbank in your area. Whether you collect a box of donations or put one item in a collection point. It is a worthwhile cause that can help your local community.

For a full list of items the food banks can use and information on how to donate click here.

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Blogmas Day 19

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Christmas Film Review

To be honest, this post was purely so I could binge watch Christmas films with the family. Spending a day in pyjamas with the curtains shut is totally fine when you can say ‘it’s for blogmas day 19’.

The Polar Express

5*! What is there not to love about this film? Christmas spirit, belief, and Tom Hanks. The magic of Christmas is captured in this film. It’s a perfect watch if you have children of a certain age asking those dreaded questions about Santa.

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The Nativity 1

4*! This is a feel good film for adults and kids alike. Who doesn’t like a light-hearted Martin Freeman film. My daughter loves this film. Mr.Poppy was a huge hit in my house.

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Love Actually

5*! I watch this film every year! The highs and lows of Christmas are perfectly captured in the different story arcs. Obviously, this is not one for kids, but a great film to watch with mates or the significant other.

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Arthur Christmas

5*! This is feel good and hilarious. One of my absolute favourites. They even bring my home county of Cornwall into it. Perfect! Kids and adults can appreciate this gem.

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What are your favourite festive films?

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Blogmas Day 18

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Pinterest Craft for Kids

You might have guessed from the title that my post for Blogmas day 18 is all about Pinterest crafts that kids can do. We’ve had many a Pinterest fail in our time, so to save you the drama, here is a tried and tested idea I found on Pinterest that my 8 year old found fun and simple.

Painted Candle Jar

Painted Candle Jars Pinterest Link This pin was saved from thistinybluehouse.com.

Finished Product:

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Not only are these gorgeous, they can be given as gifts. Another bonus, I didn’t need to buy a thing. I dug out old jars and paint from the garage. An old dish sponge gave it the dabbed effect. We even made our own stencils out of a piece of card.

Note: We used a light, gold paint and the design was hard to see, so we used permanent glass markers to outline them. If you use a darker paint this step won’t be necessary.

I recommend that you and your children have a go at this craft. We are giving ours as gifts to grandparents, and I’m sure they’ll be happy to receive them.

Are you giving handmade gifts this year?

Content belongs to K.J.Chapman

Idea sourced from Pinterest (see link above)

Blogmas Day 17

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Santa Fun Run

Blogmas day 17 is a recount of an event we went to yesterday. Helston, Cornwall holds a Santa Fun Run every December, but this year was the first year we managed to get to it.

It wasn’t a massive affair, but it was all in the name of charity. A group of huskies even joined in. See for yourself:

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My hubby is planning to join in with our kids next year.

Does your hometown do similar events at Christmastime? Do you participate in something totally wacky for charity?

Content belongs to K.J.Chapman