What I listened to in March!

At the start of the year, I started listening to audiobooks. I always wanted to be a reader but couldn't/wouldn't make the time, so audiobooks were a way around it. I could be busy doing something while still listening to a book. Anyway, I thought I would share what I have been listening too. All of my audiobooks come from my local library through the app BorrowBox. I know lots of what I listen to might be considered old but they are all new to me!

This is what I listened to in March:

Skin by Liam Brown!

A strange virus is sweeping the globe. Humans have become allergic to one another. Simply standing next to somebody could be a death sentence. A kiss could be fatal. Angela is a woman trying to get by in this bewildering new world. Though she still lives with her husband and children, they lead separate lives. Confined to their rooms, they communicate via their computers and phones. In some ways, very little has changed. That is, until she spots a mysterious stranger walking through town without even a face mask for protection. A man, it seems, immune to this disease. A man unlike anyone else she knows. A man it might just be safe to touch...

Reading Skin by Liam Brown felt a little too close to home at times. After everything we’ve all been through in recent years, the idea of a world where you can’t touch anyone any more didn’t feel that far fetched at all. That’s what kept me hooked. I needed to know where it was going and how it was all going to make sense but when I reached the end and I was left wanting more. After all that build-up, I expected answers or at least some kind of proper conclusion. Instead, it felt quite open and unfinished. I don’t mind a book that makes me think but I do like a bit of clarity after investing my time in it. It wasn't a bad book, it was just the ending which let it down as it felt quite rushed!

What Does it Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella!

Eve is a successful novelist who wakes up one day in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. Her husband, never far from her side, explains that she has had an operation to remove the large, malignant tumour growing in her brain. As Eve learns to walk, talk and write again and as she wrestles with her diagnosis and how and when to explain it to her beloved children she begins to recall what’s most important to her: long walks with her husband’s hand clasped firmly around her own, family game nights and always buying that dress when she sees it.

I am not an expert when it comes to books but from Sophie Kineslla you expect funny, the main character getting herself into awkward situations and lots of chaos but this isn’t that. This was such a raw, beautiful, powerful story and this being Sophie Kineslla's last book, is so heart breaking! I found it so brave of Sophie Kinsella to write something so personal and to find humour in the hardest moments. I finished it in a couple of hours.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig!

When Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, she has a chance to make things right. Up until now, her life has been full of misery and regret. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself. But things are about to change. The books in the Midnight Library enable Nora to live as if she had done things differently. With the help of an old friend, she can now undo every one of her regrets as she tries to work out her perfect life. But things aren't always what she imagined they'd be, and soon her choices place the library and herself in extreme danger. Before time runs out, she must answer the ultimate question: what is the best way to live?

I think we've all had those moments in our lives when we've wondered what if? What if we took a different job, moved somewhere else or said yes to something we turned down? I know I have had lots of those moments and this book takes that feeling and turns it into an interesting story. Some of the lives Nora tried were amazing but they weren’t always what she expected. It made me think that even in a life we imagine being perfect, there are still things which are not so perfect. The book deals with some heavy topics, like suicide but it's also quite hopeful. It's a nice reminder that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden!

Abby wants a baby more than anything. But after years of failed infertility treatments and adoptions that fall through, it seems like motherhood may never happen for her. Everything changes when her personal assistant, Monica, offers to be her surrogate an offer that feels like a miracle and a chance to finally have the family Abby has always dreamed of. But soon, strange things begin happening. Monica isn’t who she claims to be, and the woman carrying Abby’s child is hiding a dark secret. As the truth slowly unravels, Abby realises she may have trusted the wrong person and Monica will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

This was one of those books where I kept telling myself just one more chapter and then I'd stop and then suddenly it was an hour later. It pulls you in really quickly and before you know it you’re completely caught up in the story. I kept changing my mind about what I thought was going on and who I trusted, which is always a good thing with a thriller. Every time I thought I’d worked it out something else would happen that made me question everything again. The whole idea behind the story is tense, as trusting someone else to carry your baby is such a huge thing. I don't think I could do it and after listening to this, definitely not. The chapters are quite short, so it’s very easy to keep going. It was a twisty thriller which kept me guessing right until the end.

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary!

Lexi is looking for no-strings-attached fun. Zeke is looking for love. Neither of them were looking for a one-night stand to become their one and only lifeline. But when they wake up after an unforgettable night together, the houseboat they stayed on has been swept out to sea. There's no signal, no steering and no sign of rescue. And as the waves pick up and supplies run low, Zeke and Lexi realise there's much more on the line than their new relationship.

I started listening to this feeling pretty excited, especially because I really enjoyed The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary but I came out of it with mixed feelings. I didn't hate this book but I didn't love it either. It was easy to listen to but it just seemed to go on and on and I liked the characters but I didn’t feel connected to them. I could have easily given up on it halfway through but I am not a quitter and I carried on and I am glad I did as the ending was quite good.

What have you been reading or listening to lately?

The Wednesday Hodgepodge #51

I hope you are all having a good week. It's Wednesday, which means it's time to join in with the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce who blogs at From This Side of the Pond! Each week there are 6 questions, we answer and then link up. Simple!

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately?

Over here in England, if you’ve got a regular job, all the tax things are done automatically. The income tax and National Insurance get taken out of your wages before you’re paid, so what ends up in your bank is already dealt with. No forms, no figuring it out once a year and no stress. The only time you really have to deal with it yourself is if you’re self-employed, run a business or have extra income on the side. My dad has just been through it all with his business at the end of our tax year at the beginning of the month.

I have found general life taxing lately. Keeping on top of appointments, paying the bills, chasing up refunds, meal planning and keeping track of my girls. It's great they are independent now that they're older but it's hard to keep track of where they're going to be on any given day. lol What's made it more taxing is that Stu, my fella, had a few days off work last week, Becky is gallivanting to theatre shows, concerts and mini breaks and Ellie is off college for her Easter break, so life doesn't feel routine here at the moment. Nothing bad is happening, things just feel more chaotic than usual.

2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you.

We don’t travel all that often but when we do, I pack early. I like being organised and if I pack early I can add all the things that I forgot about. Usually things like chargers and make-up wipes. I try to pack light but that never happens. In the past, when I went away for one night, I took a little suitcase because I needed options. What if I change my mind about what I am going to wear or the weather changes? I want to be prepared for all eventualities.

A packing tip that has worked for me in the past is taking photos of what I've packed before I zip the suitcase up. It sounds odd but it stops me overthinking and wondering if I packed this or that! I just look at the photos and don't have to open the suitcase and rummage about.

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level?

I very rarely eat cheese. From the age of about 8 until I was in my 20's I was allergic to cheese. It gave me terrible migraines. Since my early 20s, I've realised it's just cheddar or darker coloured cheese that causes them, so I can get away with ones like mozzarella, feta and my favourite Wensleydale. I haven't had a grilled cheese sandwich since I was about 8 years old. I do miss them. When my girls make them, I stand there just smelling the melted cheese! So good!

4. There's a well known quote that says- 'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd. Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life?

I don’t think there has to be constant growth all the time. That sounds nice in theory. Always improving and moving forward but in real life it can feel exhausting. Sometimes I want to just relax and not have any pressure. Life isn’t about growing loads. For me, it’s just about keeping things steady, getting through the week and actually enjoying a bit of calm. Not everything has to be a big step forward all the time. I like a bit of growth here and there but not at the expense of my sanity.

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that -

Daffodils or Tulips - Ohh! This is a tough one. I love both. I think daffodils as they are so cheap to buy.

Lemonade or Iced tea - Lemonade! I am not a fan of iced tea.

Gardening or Hiking - Definitely gardening! I am too lazy for hiking.

Ladybugs or Butterflies - I love both but I would say butterflies because when they arrive in my garden it means that there are flowers and they are doing well.

Umbrella or Raincoat - Raincoat! I'd love the idea of just using an umbrella every time it rains but with the rain usually comes wind and that is no fun!

Floral patterns or Polka dots - Floral. I do like Polka dots but I don't have many items in my wardrobe with them on.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I am getting very excited for a weekend of wrestling. It's the biggest show of the year, Wrestlemania and it's over two nights. My eldest and I have decided we can't stay up both nights and watch it, it starts late and runs each night for 4 to 5 hours. If you take in the time difference we wouldn't be goign to bed until the early hours. Eek! We are planning to watch the pre-show and maybe the first match on Saturday night, playing catchup on Sunday and then staying up and watching it live on Sunday night. Becky's fine with staying up all night. She works night shifts, so she's used to it, me not so much!

Share our Lives - Favourite Cleaning Products!

It’s that time of the month again to share some of my life and join in with the other Share Our Lives bloggers. This month the prompt is: Favourite Cleaning Products!

Cleaning isn’t exactly fun but the right products make it way less painful. Over the years, I’ve tried my fair share of cleaning products and I have my favourites to clean different spots around the house.

Method All Purpose Cleaning Spray!

Method All Purpose Cleaning Spray. It is a lifesaver. It’s plant-based, biodegradable and uses naturally ingredients rather than harsh chemicals, which means it cleans surfaces without leaving behind anything scary. I use it for everything: kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, tiles, appliances and even a quick wipe of the surfaces in the living room. My personal favourite is the pink grapefruit scented one. I have always found that I enjoy cleaning a little more if there is something nice to smell.

Cif Cream Cleaner!

This is the kind of cleaner I reach for when surfaces are looking properly grubby, perfect for sinks, hob splashbacks, bathroom tiles and that kind of thing. It’s gentle enough not to scratch enamel or stainless steel, yet strong enough to shift grease and stuck on muck. A little goes a long way and it leaves surfaces with a lovely shine and it's relatively easy to rinse off.

Fairy Liquid!

We don't have a dishwasher so we wash the pots the old fashioned way, in the kitchen sink with a squirt of Fairy Liquid! It cuts through grease like a dream, tackles baked on food and just works. With a little bit of Fairy and some elbow grease, everything sparkles. I have tried other brands and they are just not the same.

Harpic Limescale Remover Gel!

We live in a hard water area and the limescale is terrible if I don't keep on top of it. Taps, bathroom tiles and the toilet all end up covered in that annoying chalky build-up, which is why Harpic Limescale Remover Gel is a non-negotiable in my cleaning cupboard. It dissolves limescale, tackles hard water stains, kills 99.9% of bacteria and leaves the toilet smelling fresh and clean.

The Pink Stuff!

If there was a cleaning superhero, this would be it. It’s a thick gritty paste that somehow works on nearly everything: baked on pans, oven doors, sinks, tiles, grout, you name it. Anything looking sad, grimy or neglected suddenly feels loved again after a bit of elbow work with this tub of goodness. I have found great for cleaning white trainers too!

Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner!

Speaking of ovens, sometimes you need the big guns. Enter Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner. My oven can sometimes resemble a volcanic disaster zone and this stuff makes it manageable again. Baked on grease and grime melts away with a single application.

Shake ‘n’ Vac!

It’s one of those classic UK cleaning products that’s super satisfying because the results are instant. You just sprinkle it over your carpet, leave it for a bit to absorb dust and dirt and then hoover it up. It’s like a sprinkle of fairy dust for your carpets and rugs!

Dettol Antibacterial Surface Cleaner!

For those times when I need serious germ busting power, Dettol Antibacterial Surface Cleaner is my go-to. It’s not the most glamorous product but it’s reassuring to know that when I’m wiping down door handles, the bathroom sink or all the places my family touch around the house I’m actually killing germs and not just moving them around.

Flash Wipes!

I thought once my girls were older I would stop buying these but surfaces still get smudges and there are random spills at all hours. These wipes are brilliant for a quick clean up with no fuss, just grab a wipe and go!

Vanish Carpet Cleaner!

I don't use this often but it is good to have in the cupboard for spilt drinks, melted chocolate or food stains. Spray it on, give it a little scrub and somehow the stain disappears like it never happened! It's like magic!

What is your favourite cleaning product to use around your house?

I am linking up with:

Adrienne from Mom Life with Adrienne.

Dara from Not In Jersey.

Jen from Show me & Sweet tea.

Joanne from Slices of Life.

Our weekly meal plan! 13th - 19th April #MealPlanningMonday

Happy Monday! I hope you have all had a good weekend. Ours has been nice, we didn't get up to much. Becky was working and Ellie was doing her own thing. I feel late writing this blog post. I usually write it on Saturday evening but never got around to it, so here I am writing it yesterday morning while having a movie marathon. I have just started the first Matrix movie and will probably watch the rest throughout the day. That is how my Sunday went, sitting in front of the TV, not doing much at all.

Last week's meal plan went well. We ate everything apart from the Japanese-Style Chicken Thigh Curry Udon Noodles, it hasn't gone to waste. I popped the chicken in the freezer and saved the other ingredients and recipe so it can be eaten at a later date. The meals were of course swapped around with us eating out on Wednesday and Stu and I having a meal out on Friday. The kids fended for themselves, which meant they ordered in. Ellie got KFC and Becky got a Doner Kebab. She doesn't know what happened with her order because she ordered a small and they sent the small as well as a large one. She did question it when it was delivered and the delivery person said just keep it. lol Stu cooked on Saturday, which was a treat. He made a rice dish, not following a recipe, just adding veg and whatever he could find out of the fridge with a bit of curry powder. It was very nice but not something he could ever recreate exactly as it was so made up.

Stu is back to work this week after a few days off but Ellie still has another week's break from college. I have no idea what we have planned for this week. That all depends on the weather but it's looking quite nice. The weekend is going to be a busy one for Becky and me. It's Wrestlemania which is wrestling's big yearly event. It's over 2 nights so we're going to go to bed at a sensible time on Saturday night and then on Sunday stay up until the early hours and watch it live. Eek!

On the menu this week we have:

Monday - Gousto meal - Pulled BBQ Hoisin Chicken Thigh Burger With Chips!

This meal sounds like something we would normally eat on a weekend but we are treating ourselves to it tonight. Shredded chicken coated in a sticky hoisin sauce. Served on soft brioche buns with crispy chips on the side and salad drizzled with creamy dressing.

Tuesday - Gousto meal - Bacon & Mushroom Alfredo!

This was Ellie's choice. She always makes something similar herself and thought this looked fancier, so it had to go on the meal plan. Made with quick-cook pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Packed with flavour from garlic, mushrooms and crispy bacon lardons, then finished with plenty of grated cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Wednesday - Gousto meal - Sesame Pork & Egg Fried Rice!

Sesame pork and egg fried rice made with savoury pork mince, fluffy rice, soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil. Mixed through with peas and carrot, then finished with scrambled egg for a simple, filling meal. We have had this many times and it's one we keep getting as we like it so much. It is quick to make and delicious too!

Thursday - Corned Beef Crispbakes and baked beans!

Corned beef, potato and onion in a breadcrumb coating makes the crisp bakes and we will have them with baked beans over the top. It doesn't sound like much of a meal but the crisp bakes are quite filling. 

Friday - Chippy tea!

Friday night is a chip shop tea! No cooking, no fuss and the biggest drama is deciding what we fancy.

Saturday - Gousto meal - Chicken Katsu Curry!

Crispy coated chicken served over fluffy rice, topped with a mild curry sauce. I remember Katsu chicken being a massive thing a few years ago and we never got into it as we thought it would be too spicy but it's really not, it's now one of our favourites and the sauce is really easy to make!

Sunday - A help yourself evening!

I have no plan for today and everyone can just help themselves to whatever they fancy.

What are you eating this week?