The Summer Reading Challenge

Last year Kieran signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge, a scheme run by libraries across the UK to boost literacy in a fun way over the school summer holidays.
He LOVED it!

The challenge entailed reading six different books over the the course of the summer and for each book logged there was a sticker (a scratch and sniff stick no less) to stick onto a circus model that they were given and a medal was given at the end. The certificate can be held back and sent to the schools so that they are given out in assembly when the kids go back. Kieran was SO proud to have Mrs Y call his name to go up and collect his. There were free bookmarks, free vouchers for taking DVDs or audio books out of the library and activity sessions with art, craft and storytelling running at individual libraries.
It was a HUGE success.

Kieran 2011 Summer Reading Challenge

That was last year, and this year looks set to be even better! There are new characters in the StoryLab to get to know, a story to finish which can be entered into a competition and much more. Visit the Story Lab website for full details and for fun games, activities and even a tool that will recommend books. We are thrilled that the library service offers this great scheme each year to encourage youngsters to continue reading out of school and while Kieran takes out six books a week to read he only puts one of those towards the challenge so it lasts until back to school time.

If you haven’t heard about it before now or want to know more do look it up.
Fun, education and free, you can’t beat that for a summer holiday activity!

Next Jeans for the Short of Leg and Large of Bum

Next Lift And Shape Boot Cut Jeans £42

I don’t do skirts and I don’t do dresses either. The last dress I wore was for my wedding day in 2003. I do however do jeans.

I live in jeans to be honest. I feel good in jeans and can dress them up or down. I love jeans!

What I don’t love is how much of a pain in the backside it is to find a pair of jeans that don’t cost £100 and will fit a size 16 with a small waist, big hips, a comfortable *cough* bottom and short legs. To be honest, it is a blinking nightmare.

From personal experience I have always found Next jeans to be by far the best fitting ones, and the ones that wash the best. When I was pregnant with Taylor (the youngest) I adored their over the bump jeans as they looked and felt great. Now however I am in need of some new jeans as mine all have that “I have been worn to death look” which comes with wearing them out through constant wear over a number of years.

I think I might treat myself to these Lift & Shape jeans. Ok, they are £42 so not exactly a budget piece but a good pair of jeans make me feel good and like I said, I can wear them for casual occasions / everyday or can dress them up when needed.

So tell me, what do you consider the staple, can’t manage without item in your wardrobe? Clearly jeans are at the top of my list!

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