A Hippie's journey through health, beauty and spirituality
Month: December 2021
20 weeks already, and I’ve not officially had physio since maybe 10 weeks? But no matter, we plod along and I have a couple of appointments in January, even one with the consultant.
December has been a hard month for physio activities, As so many visits,and traveling taking over our time. So instead the latter part of December has been the exercise of getting on and off the floor when wrapping presents. Almost burpies right??
We’ve also had the exercise of sleeping on various things that aren’t a high solid bed. Which is great, and it’s making me want to go camping. But it does add extra pressure on joints and does wear me out faster. At least with this I feel some progress, as I’m not bolt upright every night anymore. I’m managing to sleep in more normal positions.
However I’m still having a lot of swelling in the thigh, at the top, which is so frustrating and definitely it’s holding me back in recovery. Not only does it swell a lot, but the pain then to try and lift it is unbearable.
But Christmas is now over, most visits and stays away are over, so it’s now time to get planning some walks, and some workouts. Fresh year, fresh start.
#ADGIFTED all opinions are my own, I choose genres and themes I like personally, so I will enjoy my time reading them.
Death by the Thames by Gretta Mulrooney
Looking for your next unputdownable mystery? Meet Detective Tyrone Swift. He takes the cases that the police have given up on.
One dead bridegroom.
Financier Sam Goddard never made it down the aisle. Instead, his body is pulled from the Thames. Everyone says he rode his bike into the water. And he didn’t die alone . . .
A teen tearaway with a taste for older men.
Riding in his sidecar, there’s an underage girl. On his phone, a text.
So sorry to do this to you . . .
The police know a suicide pact when they see one, and as far as they’re concerned, it’s case closed.
But Toni — Sam’s grieving fiancée — can’t believe it’s true. Desperate to uncover the truth about Sam’s death, she turns to Tyrone Swift for answers.
But is she prepared for the killer secrets he’s about to unearth?
Death by the Thames is a seamlessly crafted, twisty crime thriller that will have you gripped from start to pulsating finish.
Perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, Tana French, Val McDermid, Robert Galbraith, Ann Cleeves, Jane Adams or Elly Griffiths.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT GRETTA MULROONEY:
“An exceptional read.” Carole
“5 Stars — Brilliant.” Barbara
“A really page-turning book.” Viv
“I really love this series.” Hannelore
“Mulrooney has a real gift for dialogue, the words and phrases ring true and make her characters wonderfully real . . . A tenderly funny and genuinely moving piece. I loved it.” Fiona Morrow, Time Out, on Araby
“A beautifully observed study of reconciliation, Araby makes astute points about conflict and shifting values between generations.” James Eve, The Times, on Araby
THE DETECTIVE Tyrone Swift is an ex-police detective who now works privately. He’s survived a stabbing and his fiancée running off with another man. Swift’s personal life is complicated, to say the least.
THE AUTHOR Gretta Mulrooney is a critically acclaimed author of bestselling fiction.
THE TYRONE SWIFT DETECTIVE SERIES Book 1: THE LADY VANISHED Book 2: BLOOD SECRETS Book 3: TWO LOVERS, SIX DEATHS Book 4: WATCHING YOU Book 5: LOW LAKE Book 6: YOUR LAST LIE Book 7: HER LOST SISTER Book 8: MURDER IN PEMBROKESHIRE Book 9: DEATH BY THE THAMES
GRETTA MULROONEY Gretta Mulrooney was born in London of Irish parents and did an English degree in Derry. She has been published for over twenty-five years; children’s books, short stories, literary fiction which won critical acclaim and crime fiction. She has also written for the BBC and Radio Four. Gretta has always been an avid reader of crime fiction and decided, in retirement, to turn to crime. She has written seven novels featuring a London based private detective, Tyrone Swift: She has also started a new police-based series featuring DI Siv Drummond, set in the fictional Sussex town of Berminster. BOOKS BY GRETTA MULROONEY THE TYRONE SWIFT DETECTIVE SERIES: • THE LADY VANISHED • BLOOD SECRETS • TWO LOVERS, SIX DEATHS • WATCHING YOU • LOW LAKE • YOUR LAST LIE • HER LOST SISTER • THE COMPLETE TYRONE SWIFT MYSTERY BOX SET DETECTIVE INSPECTOR SIV DRUMMOND • THESE LITTLE LIES • NEVER CAME HOME STANDALONE NOVELS: • OUT OF THE BLUE • LOST CHILD • COMING OF AGE FOLLOW GRETTA ON AUTHOR WEBSITE FACEBOOK GOODREADS
MY REVIEW New author for me, so a new range of characters to warm up too, and back stories to dive into. Pure heaven. We kick off the story with a rich descriptive scene and it’s all flowing from the start. Easy to picture the location, and appearance of things from the wealth of words.
Recently experiencing my own grief, I could identify with the character, the things she did, said and felt were like a mirror held up to me, and did bring some memories back.
I love how the story weaves through the characters and brings it all together neatly. This has been a perfect read over the holidays, to unwind too, and just relax.
Thank you for sticking with me along my crooked path, of wonky hips, dodgy hands and all things in between.
It’s the time to eat all the cheese and be grateful for the luxury things we spoil ourselves with at Christmas.
This is what I asked for this Christmas from VivanneJewelleryUk an Estelle (Star) Lavender Amethyst Ring for my loved and missed Mother in Law. She’s my special star.
Today is a family day, sister in law’s house, with brother in law’s, and other sister in law too. Nice to have the gang together. So that’s me for a few days.
By now things are hectic and people are getting excited for their Big Day. Here it’s more relaxed, as we aren’t really celebrating this year. However we will be celebrating the Winter Solstice in our own way.
So there’s only wrapping of presents to do (didn’t buy much) and some food to fetch, to eat at our daughters. We visited on 22nd until 23rd December, the perfect way to bring in the Solstice.
Bought this to play at daughter’s house. Should be fun, I love the original one.
Our daughter has a beautifully decorated tree so that is our festive day. And we played cluedo and I got beat every time. Drank him, and chatted the night away, it was heavenly. Can’t wait to see my other daughters too.
Ain’t this the truth, thankfully wasn’t much to do
We’ve no tree, no decoration’s this year, it’s not felt right. We’ve also not done anything we usually would. And honestly it’s ok. It’s just not a happy time for us right now. But Merry Christmas everyone.
This month’s Box was a little beauty, definitely erring on the side of Glam, and Luxury.
Glov Golden Silk Eyemask
Starskin Gold Eye Masks
Hollywood Browzer Dermaplaning tool
Elemis Marine Cleanser
Lottie Blusher
Eyeko Highlighter pencil
Yes I now have 2 eyeko highlighter pencils, but thankfully in different colours (had one in a glossy box)
Good box this month, my favourite is the Elemis as it’s always a gorgeous product from them, but I’m loving the eyemask as well, as I actually use them.
Wow, what a difference a week makes. Since finding #VersusArthritis YouTube channel, I’ve been following it as much as I can, while body allows me too.
Found a tailored Hip routine ( find it Here ) and decided to give that a go along with a full body Daytime one ( find it Here )
Hip Flexion 5 second hold X 3 reps
Hip Extension 5 second hold X 3 reps
Heel to Buttock 5 second hold X 3 reps
Hip Abduction 5 second hold X 3 reps
Squats (using chair for support) X 10 reps
Quadriceps stretch 5 second hold X 5 reps
Knee hugs (really hard on operated side) 5 second hold X 3 reps
Heel Slide X 3 reps
Hip Bridging 5 second hold X 3 reps
External Hip Rotation, let hips drop to the side X 5 reps
Doesn’t look much, but it is really making me feel it the next day, so I’m doing alternate days. Again to ensure no hip flares. Until I see the physio I believe these are my better options in physio exercises.
Can you believe it, it’s Christmas Week!! And part 4 of my Christmas films posts, as we’ve been spoilt this year with some amazing Christmas films.
As it’s really the countdown to the big day, it’s time to share some real favourites.
Noelle on Disney+ Santa’s daughter must take over the family business when her father retires and her brother, who is supposed to inherit the Santa role, gets cold feet.
I love LOVE this film, such a feel good film, with plenty of humour, and awwww moments.
Office Christmas Party on Netflix, When his uptight CEO sister threatens to shut down his branch, the branch manager throws an epic Christmas party in order to land a big client and save the day, but the party gets way out of hand.
I needed this, a bit daft and totally wild. Perfect weekend movie, to forget your troubles.
Single All The Way on Netflix, Desperate to avoid his family’s judgment about being single, Peter persuades best friend Nick to pose as his boyfriend on a trip home for the holidays.
Heart warming, beautifully made and feel good movie, exactly what you need at Christmas.
Click & Collect on Netflix, is a British comedy television film directed by Ben Palmer, written by Joe Tucker and Lloyd Woolf, and starring Asim Chaudhry and Stephen Merchant
Another funny film, gives you all the feels you need this season. Wonderful being so British. Sarcasm galore!!
Absolutely loved watching all these and finding some new films to us. You don’t have to be a fan of Christmas to enjoy these films either, they are enjoyable anytime of year.
I love the tarot, and oracle decks especially if it’s unusual, dark and unique. So here is a mini collection of all the Decks I wish to own one day.
Jumo Art Tarot, The Bones Arcana Deck £30.00 Click Here for link, seller is JumoArt
Murder of Crows Deck £18.00 Click Here for link, seller is Midsummercoven
Wayward Dark Deck £47.40 Click Here for link, seller is PixelOccult
Luna Soleil Tarot Deck £55.37 Click Here for link, seller is TerraSoleilCo
Witch’s Familiar Runic Oracle Deck £22.49 Click Here for link, seller is AtheneArcana
Miss Mai’s Victorian Oracle Deck £19.99 Click Here for link, seller is WychwoodOracle
The Witches Tarot £54.90 Click Here for link, seller is BurningPaperHearts
Mystic Misfits Oracle £35 96 Click Here for link, seller is WhiteStag
The Garden of Lucid Dreaming Oracle £35.97 Click Here for link, seller is Deviant Moon
Bloody Hell Edition Mildred’s Pocket Oracle £35.97 Click Here for link, seller is Deviant Moon
Obviously had to add the last 2 from Deviant Moon as I’m a huge fan and have 4 various decks of his already, and with many more to lust after in the future as I’ve seen more are being released next year!!
And before anyone asks, NO you can never have too many decks…..
So many Christmas films to get you into the holiday festive spirit.
And some are super cheesy, but so enjoyable, especially when they have sequels too.
A Christmas Prince, A Royal Wedding, A Royal Baby.
A Christmas Prince In the lead up to Christmas, a young journalist is sent abroad to go undercover to get the scoop on a playboy prince who is destined to be king.
A Christmas Prince, The Royal Wedding A year after Amber helped Richard secure the crown, the two are set to tie the knot in a royal Christmas wedding – but their plans are jeopardized when Amber finds herself second-guessing whether or not she’s cut out to be queen.
A Christmas Prince, The Royal Baby Amber and Richard host royals from a faraway kingdom to renew a sacred truce, but when the priceless treaty disappears, peace is put in jeopardy and an ancient curse threatens their family.
I’ve totally loved these, super cheesy and feel good, easy to watch and so easily get addicted too, I say more of these please I’m invested in them!!
The Princess Switch, Switched Again, Merry Switchmas
The Princess Switch One week before Christmas, a duchess switches places with an ordinary woman from Chicago, who looks exactly like her, and they each fall in love with each other’s beaus.
A Princess Switch, Switched Again Duchess Margaret unexpectedly inherits the throne to Montenaro and hits a rough patch with boyfriend Kevin at the same time. It’s up to her double Princess Stacy to get the star-crossed lovers back together.
A Princess Switch, Merry Switchmas Identical twin sisters decide to swap places for the night during their parents’ annual Christmas party, where their boyfriends, a feisty great-aunt, and more are in attendance.
Again what a cracking set of films that I actually look forward to watching each year. We need more uplifting festive films like this, no need for grief to be highly portrayed.
debbiehipster 