chaliepud

Thanks poppy.. How interesting, I wonder if there are any places like that in the UK.. I actually found it very sad, where had the people gone, clearly so suddenly in some cases, and was there no family to take on the houses, or at least sell them so they were not left neglected? I'm very much looking forward to September for the third book in the Miss Peregrine series, did I hear a rumour that they were to be made into films?

I'm about halfway through The Dynamite Room, I have little to no reading time at the moment so not enjoying it as much as I think I otherwise would.

If anyone wants to watch the action live in the main ring it's all being shown live on YouTube, just type in Crufts Day 4...

Good Housekeeping magazine has just kindly informed me that Grace McCleen has written a new book (published in January so available now) called The Offering. I read The Land of Decoration three years ago and was very taken by her writing so I am looking forward to reading this at some point when my TBR pile is smaller.

Steve's the same, though he eats the kids white or milk chocolate first, I hide my chocolate in the vegetable drawer.. safest place in the house!!

Kay, you need to read this, I've never been a big chocolate lover, but when I tried to give up grains and sugar I of course then craved something sweet after dinner, thankfully I read an article like this soon after and just one or two squares of quality dark chocolate helps to satisfy the cravings, plus there are benefits to it too, in moderation of course. make sure you read to the end. My preference is for the Lindt 70%, I can manage a lttle of the 80% but I don't enjoy it as much, so I only eat that when I've bought the wrong one.. http://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate/

A very busy day meant we had a very tasty Chinese takeaway!

What did you think of Half Bad Claire? Did you like it enough to think about wish listing Half Wild for when it's released? I'm just a short way into The Dynamite Room, I simply need more reading time!

Impractical Jokers, one of the programmes the whole family can agree on!

Graham Norton, with Hugh Jackman and David Beckham, does it get any better??!!

I'm hoping to find some middle ground, face paints not really an option after past experiences so Oompa Loompa probably out.. Trying to persuade him that Fantastic Mr Fox would be a good (and easy!) one. His favourite seems to be the BFG though, he's tall for his age but not that tall! Big ears could be the way forward!

Thanks ladies, I love your ideas!! Unfortunately, Robbie has been on Amazon and seen the Oompa Loopa and BFG costumes!!! Hmm, strange for the boy who doesn't like dressing up I say... what does he say? Maybe I'm changing as i get older Mum!! Will take everything under advisement, luckily we have till the 26th!!

HELP REQUIRED! From Roald Dahl fans in particular! My 10 year old son is taking part in a Readathon at school for charity, he's not particularly impressed as he's not a fan of the great man, in fact neither am I, so we have read very few of his books! On the 26th the school in their infinite wisdom have decided the children must dress as a Roald Dahl character, aaargh!! Has anyone any very simple ideas for a boy who isn't a fan of dressing up at the best of times?! We have no dressing up clothes to speak of, he does have a brown dog onesie but I can't think of any brown dogs in his books! Can i just repeat...AAAAAAARGH!!!!!

Yes, it's an easy watch I agree, normally enjoyed with a glass of wine and nibbles!

I'm not sure if I know for sure who is actually alive/dead/on the other side, Alaric constantly confuses me, what is he? Human, dead human, vampire hunter, vampire, chief vampire? Do you think that when the actors were asked if they could be versatile they realised quite what that would mean?!

And here... http://www.ruralurban.co.uk/wrapping-paper---penguin-books-spine---2-sheets-871-p.asp

I prefer The Originals too, partly because I agree with Claire, they seem to be fishing for plot ideas, and the characters personalities change far too much, good Stefan, bad Stefan, good Stefan, bad Stefan for example.. Give me naughty, troubled and emotional Klaus anytime.. Also, The Originals, I feel, is TVD for grown ups!

No, not out of line at all.. It was just funny, never have I met a girl less suited to menial work than Maddie.. She needs to marry a prince or at worst a footballer! (is that better? Sorry, didn't realise the emoticons I was using weren't working!)

Ooh, where are you up to? Season 6 part two starts here next week.. The Originals part two was back on Tuesday so I've had my Klaus fix.. Swoon!!!

Not even almost!!!!

No tampering involved I promise, Robbie does seem to have chosen the best ones so far.. I may be sneaky and let him choose next time! He did give me a rather withering look though when I cheered as he read it out, oh how to be judged by a 10 year old! I also had to explain what dynamite is.. modern cartoons are not a patch on Tom and Jerry for educating kids about the fun dangers of dynamite and TNT. Typically I have a busy day today so won't be able to get to it until bedtime.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known as the Nanny dog as they are so good with children and I would think the Bull Terrier would be the same. A guy near us has a miniature one called Billy and he is gorgeous and so friendly but his owner says he is very protective of the house. I'm not sure what mine would do but I do know they would make an awful amount of noise which would be enough to put most people off.. we get very few cold callers.. Then of course if they get past the dogs there's always our cantankerous cat! What beautiful wrapping paper, it makes such a difference to receive a well presented gift and that is perfect for a bookie gift. I love maps and Waterstone's sell a gorgeous old style map wrapping paper that would look wonderful on a large present.. hint hint Steve!!

I wasn't getting on with Summer Island so that's now in the charity shop bag! My lovely younger son made his selection from the Book Box and he picked out..... THE DYNAMITE ROOM... YAY!!! I can't wait to get started later.

The Brits.. Well, my 14 year old is while I do the ironing!