Sensible Censorship: Young Adult Literature

I've been reading a lot lately about censorship and children's books. Censorship is an issue around the world and Young Adult fiction features prominently, accounting for six of the ten most challenged titles last year alone. As always, with any healthy debate, there are arguments for both sides. Literature is an important part of our culture and a valuable tool to allow young people to share in other people's experiences and develop a more rounded view of the world. Also, censorship in general is something that should be considered very carefully. Do we have the right to dictate what young people can, or can't, read?

Julie is Raising Money for Matilda Mae!

I have a good friend, named Julie Roo
She's jumping out of a plane, what a fun thing to do!
But it's not just for fun, it's an important day,
Because she's raising money for Matilda Mae.

My Sunday Photo; The Moon From my Window

Sunday Photo; This is Wheely Good Fun!

Easy Peasy Cake for Baking Emergencies!

We have all encountered a baking emergency at some stage in our lives, it's a thing. I'm not making it up! These are the kind of emergencies I mean; 'Mum, it's bake sale day at school tomorrow' 'Don't forget it's the husband's/sister's/dogs birthday on Saturday', Happy Anniversary, Darling!' That kind of emergency! Or, there's the other kind of cake-based drama, which is a more hormonal kind; BRING ME CAKE NOW!!! Either way, this cake is low on ingredients and high on efficiency, so you can have your cakey fix quicker than ever!

What Has Happened To The NHS?

I have always been very understanding of our Government-run services. I am fully aware that it's a difficult job, with limited budgets that have to be shared out amongst, often equally deserving, candidates, but I am becoming increasingly bemused by the lack of common sense involved in serving the most basic needs of our nation. Take, for example, something as simple as a GP appointment. This is no criticism of the staff I see, they all do their best, but there is something very wrong with the current system at my surgery. I have long term medical needs and these are the hoops I have to jump through, in order to see my doctor;

Lazy Eggs Brunch

My son is very interested in cooking and has been helping me in the kitchen for quite a few years now. It has always been quite important to me, however, that he learns about cooking more complex recipes and actual meals, instead of just making cakes. So when he suggested this easy ham and egg recipe, I was very keen for him to have a go. I want him to learn that cooking meals can be fun and doesn't have to be difficult, just like making cakes. The beauty of this recipe is that he can make it more or less independently. It's very cheap, with just four ingredients, so would make a perfect nutritious meal for a student who is learning to cook.