In the summer I was asked by Di Castle I would like to review a book she wrote called ‘Grandma’s Poetry Book’ and after a little reserach online I had a feeling it would be enjoyed.

When I received the book in the post I had a quick flick through, giggled and then gave it to my mum to read at her leisure.  It took her forever to pick it up because she wanted to finish the book she was reading but once she started it she couldn’t put it down.  When she finished I then had a chance to read the poems and both agreed that it really was a lovely book of Poetry which enjoyably read almost like a story.  I really enjoyed being part of the authors witty and heartfelt journey and love that she lives in Dorset and mentions some of our favourite little haunts like Farmer Palmers and Monkey World.

Some of the lines really made me chuckle and I couldn’t help but think of my mum when I read that she would ‘bang and wham the pushchair’ to get it to close.  Certain verses made me laugh too and I remember my mum phoning me in the early days and asking me similar questions about how life was and getting the same hazy zombie like responses.

My favourite poems from the book included ‘The Imposter’ and ‘James’ and my mum loved ‘Putlake Farm’ as it’s one of their favourite places to go with her grandson. 

So now that myself and my mum have read and enjoyed it I’m fortunate enough to have a good friend who has recently become a nanny for the first time.  This book is perfect for her as we used to sit in the office at work and silently cry with laughter as we’d ping each other funny little rhymes on the computer about our office life and the people we worked with. 

Thanks Di, we really did enjoy your book and wish you lots of success.

Grandma’s Poetry Book is a Collection of Poems written by Di Castle and illustrated by Denise A Horn and would be a perfect gift for any occasion.  

I recently visited The Edge Spa in Bournemouth for my first ever facial and I can’t believe that at nearly 40 I’ve never had one before!

The building is fairly easy to find and as you go in you’ll see the door to the Spa on the left of the reception.  The Spa itself is clean, warm and inviting plus the staff are very friendly and professional.

After being welcomed I was asked to complete a little form which only took a minute and then I was led into one of their treatment rooms.  I know I don’t have much experience in the world of beauty but I absolutely adored the smells, chillout music and the little candle burning.  I was asked to take my top and bottoms off and lie on the bed which did have me a little confused but as I lay on the bed and felt it was heated I literally melted and thought I’ll never want to get off!  Of course I had big fluffy towels to cover me up and the therapist left the room so there was no need to be shy.

I am normally quite a chatterbox but I was very grateful for the silence once my treatment began and although my mind did occasionally wander back to food shopping and the normal list of chores I did manage to relax and once or twice felt myself slipping in and out of consciousness.  

I had previously wondered what on earth could take an hour when my normal facial routine at home averaged at about 30 seconds but I was pleasantly surprised with all the oils and potions plus the shoulder and head massage was amazing.  The only part I wasn’t as keen on was the facial scrub and that was only because all of the other lotions had been so luscious and smooth but I told myself it was good for my skin and was grateful when it was taken off.  I absolutely loved the warm flannels which were used in between treatments and the head massage literally made me melt.

At the end of the facial I was given a cold glass of water and told to get up when I was ready.  I had been given a lovely warm towel for my shoulders though and could have easily curled up for a nap but I thought I’d best make a move before the next customer comes.  I did manage to get up eventually and when I looked in the mirror I had to gasp at my unfortunate hair do and advise that if you have a facial you do not make many plans for straight after.  Apart from feeling too relaxed to do anything it had looked like I hadn’t washed my hair in about a year due to the oils being used by the hairline.  I was told not to put any make up on for the rest of the day which I was quite happy to do as my skin felt really tingley and fresh.

So if you are looking to treat yourself or a friend then I really do recommend The Edge Spa.  The treatment I had was called the Aromatic Facial which used Monu Professional Skincare and cost £40.

They offer a lot more than just facials and skin treatments including manicures and pedicures, massage and body treatments, waxing and tanning.  I’ve also seen a treatment on their leaflet called ‘Mother to be & new mum treatment’ which sounds amazing and I hope my husband will get the hint when I leave it circled on the kitchen notice board at home.

Please visit the Edge Spa for a full list of treatments and spa packages. 

Thanks again to the Edge Spa, you really do have a wonderful little haven with excellent staff and I wish you nothing but success for the future.

*Please note, I was invited to review a spa treatment for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.