KATY: WHO CARES ABOUT PALM OIL?

Reader Katy writes about the damage palm oil is doing to our planet... and why we should all care about it!

Katy says:
What is palm oil? It's an edible vegetable oil made from the fruit of an oil palm tree, and the truth is you probably consume it in several ways on a daily basis. It’s in everything from pizza, doughnuts and chocolate to deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and even lipstick! WWF (The World Wide Fund for Nature) claims that almost half of all supermarket products contain it. It is used as animal feed and bio-fuel in many parts of the world too. So what's the problem? Palm oil is one of the main reasons for the deforestation of our planet's vast, beautiful rainforests. It destroys the habitats of  endangered species such as the orang-utan and pygmy-elephant. The farming of palm oil produces many greenhouse gases and is a big contributor to climate change.

Efforts are being made to limit the damage palm oil farming creates, with demands that companies must not clear any primary forest, must check how much carbon they are emitting, treat workers fairly, and actively create wildlife zones... but only a few producers follow the guidelines. It has been claimed that palm oil supplies 35% of the world’s vegetable oil demand on just 10% of the land, so if produced sustainably, it is actually very efficient. Perhaps true, but does this justify our use of palm oil? It's time to start asking what is more important to us - our environment and the habitats of endangered animals or products like supernoodles and peanut butter? 

What CAN we do to help? Supermarket brand Iceland have issued a complete ban on palm oil use in their own-brand products until more evidence is shown that 'sustainable' means no deforestation, and some brands of peanut butter and chocolate have stopped including it in their products. Be aware and raise awareness… tell your friends, tell your family, read labels, and cut back on junk food as this is often where palm oil lurks - bake your own treats, it's much more fun! If you're buying something with palm oil in it make sure it has the 'sustainably produced' label. 

If you discover palm oil in a favourite product, write to the manufacturer to ask if they can drop the palm oil or at least switch to sustainably produced. If we refuse to buy it, companies will stop using it... and the rainforests and the orang-utans may yet survive.

Cathy says:
We try not to buy products containing palm oil... it really is a huge cause of rainforest destruction and destroys the habitat of orang-utans, so well done to Katy for flagging this up. What do YOU care about? Want to write a blog post about it? COMMENT BELOW with your suggestions!

KRISTINA: THINGS I HAVE LEARNT ABOUT FRIENDSHIP

Reader KRISTINA sheds her wisdom on the difficulties and transitory state of friendships. 

KRISTINA SAYS:

We've all been there... that feeling of being left out when you're not included in a playground game as a little kid, the worry that your BFF may be drifting away, the treading-on-eggshells feeling of navigating high school friendships when you're part of a group but somehow always on the edge. Friendship can be the most important thing in our growing up years. A good friendship is a kind of treasure, and a bad one is nothing short of torment.

We idealise friendships, but the truth is that it's always a give-and-take thing and sometimes a best friend might not be forever. Letting go of a best friend can be painful, but it's rare that the person who was a perfetct match for us at age five will still be a soul mate ten years on. Instead of looking for that mythical perfect person, collect good friends wherever you find them... friends are like books, you can never have too many! It doesn't matter if your friends don't all get on; if some share your love of a particuler hobby and others are mad about nail varnish and boys; if some are at school, some nearer to where you live; if some are extravert and full of fun, others quiet and gentle; if they're boys or girls, older or younger, if you share a culture or a religion or not... you get the picture!

Sadly, friends are not always what they seem. Nobody's perfect, and some people will treat you badly, whether they plan to or not. Be aware. If a friend seems to be using you for what she can get, tread carefully. If she lies or cheats or controls or repeatedly excludes you, be careful. If she puts you down and undermines your confidence, step back... you're looking for a friend, not a 'frenemy'.

If a friendship drifts or dies, let go gracefully, even if you feel hurt. Be glad for the fun times you shared, and remember that not all friendships are meant to last forever. There will be more friendships ahead, wonderful ones. It's sometimes easy to take a friend for granted... take a moment to show your friends how much they mean to you, with a text or an email, a snapchat photo, a phone call, a letter, a hug. One thing I've learnt about friendship is that it grows when you look after it.

Cathy says:
Wise words from Kristina! What are YOUR tips for keeping a friendship strong? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

FIVE MINUTE FICTION: BAD NEWS...

Read this heartbreaking short story from reader Chloe...

The darkness of the medical room feels right somehow. The rattling of the radiator is the only sound I can hear except for the distant sound of footsteps which I pray  aren't coming my way. I don't need people asking what is wrong - I am already so close to tears. The room is new, different; I feel I can hide there, no questions, no tears, just hiding. You know that moment of pain when you just want to curl up into a ball and hold yourself close? The fear of breaking apart so strong in your mind. It's also for comfort, isn't it? A part of you demands to be alone as people only make you cry... but another part wants a hug, wants someone to tell you it will be OK, just once, even if you do know they're lying. I don't know what I want... silence, comfort? Well, I suppose I do know. I want him to live.

The feeling of helplessness kills you, doesn't it? When you can't do anything but pray and wish and hope and wait. 'It's not fair...' These are the only words I can find to say. The radiator has grown louder now, comforting somehow. Or maybe it is the voice in my head as it narrates the story bringing some kind of comfort. I mean, that's the one person you can't push away, isn't it? Yourself. Even if the whole world turns its back on you, you still have yourself.

A loud, shrill ringing noise sends shivers down my spine. Running footsteps and loud voices of high school kids fills the corridor. I think of my friends... are they wondering where I am, why I'm not in class? They'll think I am away home by now, they don't know I'm here, don't know I'm hiding. The radiator sound has gone. Distant voices and keys rattling are all I can hear, and then I see the janitor, always happy, always smiling, pause in the doorway. 'What's wrong?'

'Bad news,' I say softly, blushing slightly, biting my lip, tears welling all over again. He nods his head and walks away and I sigh with relief. I am not ready to talk about it, not yet. Teachers are walking past the open door now, I flash them all the same weak smile and most smile and walk on, some raising an eyebrow. They know it isn't their place to interfere, that things can't be made better by an awkward conversation through a half-open door.

Someone comes to tell me my Granny is here, and I stand up, leaving the darkness of the little room that has given me a hiding place this last twenty minutes. I know that if he dies I will be seeing that room again, or maybe Mum will let me take that day off school. Grieving takes its toll on people, and nobody knows how long it will last. In a situation like this, I get two days at most and then I will have to pull myself up, put a brave face on and move on, no matter how hard it may be.

He isn't going to die. He can't, I think softly to myself. He has to live, and we have to keep our promises, no matter what...

image: with thanks to Pexels

Cathy says:
I love the heartfelt and powerful prose of this story... and I love that although we don't know quite how it will end, we can all identify with that feeling of helplessness and fear. Have YOU ever had to handle bad news in a school setting? COMMENT BELOW to have your say...

READERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

I get some very cool letters and emails from readers all around the world... here are extracts from just a few!

ANGEL CAKE. I read it about ten times and it is amazing. You are my favourite author and I hope one day to meet you! I do not get all your books but I have read sundae girl, Angel Cake,indigo blue,dizzy,lucky star and Scarlett. I want to read ginger snap but I can't find it any libraries were I live. You are my role model. I hope one day I would write books like this too.
Hello, I just love your books... my favourite one is
ZAHERA, S. AFRICA

I just wanted you to know how much you have inspired me... I love all of your novels! I am a huge fan and will definitely be reading the new book!
SAMIKSHA, INDIA

Am I writing to the author of the CHOCOLATE BOX series? I am a big fan, and have so many questions I would like to ask!
CATINCA, ROMANIA

Hello, I am a fan of your books from Hungary! I really love the books and I'm writing to see if there is any way I can get a dedicated bookmark?
EVI, HUNGARY

Cathy Cassidy, I want to say thanks for my childhood. I spent it in reading your books. I am sorry if my English is not perfect. Thank you!
NIKOLINA, SERBIA

I live in South Africa and at the beginning of the year I was lost and had nothing to read until one of my friends introduced me to your books and I was hooked. I absolutely love your books and so do all of my friends. Now every time we are allowed to go to our school library I get one of your books. You are my favourite author.
CAYLIN,  S. AFRICA

Cathy says:
Aww... how cool are my lovely readers? Are YOU reading from outside the UK? COMMENT BELOW to tell me which country you're in, or email me via the website www.cathycassidy.com to be featured on a future blogpost!

TEN WINTER CHEER-UP TIPS!

We all know winter can be tough so we've come up with some hot tips to melt away those winter blues! 

1) Take a stroll outside and soak up that crisp winter sun!

Not only does exercise trigger a release of serotonin (the happiness hormone!) in your brain, but getting out and about, even on the greyest of days can expose you to much needed vitamin D.

2) Journal ten things you're grateful for... instant mood booster!

Winter is often a time where we feel low and hide ourselves away from others. This behaviour can often lead to low and often sad moods. A cool way to tackle this is to log a journal about things you are grateful for. It will get you thinking positive thoughts about your friends, family and environment. Even in the darkest times we should find the light in others.

3) Watch a sunset!

It doesn't come too often but when it does there's nothing quite like a winter sunset! Wait for that perfectly clear, crisp winter day, wrap up warm, fix a flask of hot chocolate and stroll up to the nearest hill or city park and just watch the sun set! Finding small beauties in the coldness of winter; it's priceless!

4) Plan a hot choc date with a friend!

Winter is not the time to be alone. Human interaction is a must during these cold, hard winter months... so why not invite your bestie over for a hot chocolate and movie night?

5) Confront something you've been avoiding... giving it all your focus and attention is halfway to sorting the problem out.

Winter is the perfect time to confront that project you've been avoiding! Maybe set up your own space, snuggle into your fave slouchy jumper, put some motivational music on and get cracking!

6) Meditate!

Maybe it's the stress of Christmas or maybe it's all that shivering but winter makes for lots of tension, mental and physical. Meditation is a great way to breathe and release the mind and release the tension stored in your body, relaxing you and ultimately cheering you up! Check out the free 'Calm' app for an easy intro!

7) De-clutter or re-arrange your bedroom... we're thinking cosy winter wonderland!

What is better for the mind than a good clear-out. It's almost as if you are dusting away your own troubles! Even just moving your bed from one side of the room to the other or placing a cosy lamp in the corner, it can do wonders to your mental health. 

8) Tell someone you love them - friend, family or boyf/girlfriend! Awww!

You may be feeling a bit low this winter but you're almost certainly not the only one. Telling someone you love them or appreciate them is a guaranteed mood-booster for your loved ones and not only that, here's betting you will feel all warm and fuzzy inside too!

9) Read a book!

This hibernation period is the perfect opportunity to tuck yourself away, curl up next to a fire and make a start on that pile of 'must-reads' you've been collecting! Not only will this improve your mood, it will get those creative juices flowing... and well we all know reading is good in every other area of your life too!

10) Try a winter sport!
Ice-skating or dry slope skiing are great ways to beat the winter blues. Staying active is key to a happy mind and body... we can become slouchy in the winter which can lead to bad mental health.

Images with thanks to Pexels

CATHY SAYS:

Yep, I'm definitely trying these out for size!! Have YOU got any good tips or tricks you'd like to share? COMMENT BELOW!!

WHY CC BOOKS MEAN SO MUCH TO ME...

Three readers explain why growing up with CC books helped to shape their lives...

Abi says:
I have adored your books for about fourteen years now. My mum used to find books she thought I'd like in charity shops and when I was twelve, she bought home INDIGO BLUE - the first book of yours I ever read. It moved me and helped me, our family going though something similar just a couple of years before and it made me feel more normal knowing other people go through that too. At a young age I hadn't really grasped that there are families who run away to get away from parents/spouses to feel safer and while things had got better by the time I read you're book it made me feel not so alone knowing other people went through this, even just in a book.

Since then I've read all your other works. I am twenty four now, but your books are always my go-to when I want to reread something and try to find them in the library! I just wanted to say thank you for writing all your stories. Little parts stick with me always, and they were a huge part of my teen years and still are now.

Paige says:
I’m fifteen years old. I recently found out about your new book, SAMI'S SILVER LINING, and in the name of nostalgia I dug out all my well read copies of your books from the back of my bookcase and stayed up all night devouring them all over again. The first of your books I ever read was LUCKY STAR, when I was nine years old. I remember thinking I’d never be as old as Mouse! I loved Lucky Star so much I would get in trouble for trying to read it during lessons. I read DIZZY afterwards and fell even more in love with Mouse’s story. My other favourites were DRIFTWOOD and INDIGO BLUE, and the Chocolate Box Girls of course!

I truly believe your books had a part in shaping me into the person I am today. Your books taught me so many things about friendship, love, pain & sadness, all lessons I believe I will use for the rest of my life! I guess this is just me saying thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for basically writing my childhood. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for your characters and their stories.

Samira says:
I am a seventeen year old girl - eighteen in May - and I just wanted to email you and let you know I loved your books so much growing up. You were my biggest inspiration. I had quite a difficult childhood and your books helped me put myself in a happy place. I think CHERRY CRUSH was my favourite, along with DRIFTWOOD. I used to email you to show my support and send you some stories I had typed up, you always used to reply. It made me so happy - still does now. Thank you so much for all you do for young girls around the world. You will forever be in my heart!

Cathy says:
I absolutely love hearing from my older readers and seeing how much my books have meant to them... aww! Have YOU got a book that meant the world to you? COMMENT BELOW to tell us more!

ROSIE'S TOP TEN BOREDOM BEATERS!

Have you ever been off school ill and found yourself feeling fed up? Not quite ill enough to lie in bed all day, but not well enough to be in class either? Reader Rosie found herself in just this situation recently... and she came up with these fun solutions! 

Rosie says:
Here is a bunch of boredom breakers that you can use to liven up a dull winter's day...

1. Try and write your name with your foot - I have tried this myself and it's surprisingly hard!
2. Read a CC book... try GINGERSNAPS!
3. Try baking gingersnap cookies out of random kitchen indredients, like Ginger does in the book GINGERSNAPS.
4. Try baking Finn's Choc & Orange cupcakes - the recipe is on the 'Fun Stuff' section of www.cathycassidy.com - I tested the recipe for you and burnt my finger on the side of the baking tin because I was too impatient to taste it. Yum! And also ouch...
5. Write your own short story on your computer. If you don’t have one, then write it down on your parents phone or iPad, or go old school and use pen and paper. If you're pleased with the result, look into possibly getting it published, like I’m going to do!
6. Ask your mum/ sister/ friend to choose a library book they think you'll like... and read it!
7. Sketch funny cartoon pics of your best friends to remind you why you miss them so much!
8. Watch a feelgood Disney movie while curled up on the sofa with popcorn and hot chocolate.
9. Write a song (check out CC book LOVE FROM LEXIE for inspiration!) and record yourself singing it! (This could be the start of a beautiful career!)
10. Write a blog for Cathy Cassidy's DREAMCATCHER blog... you never know, she might publish it on the blog, like she did with this!

CATHY SAYS:
Brilliant ideas from Rosie - hope you're all better soon! Do YOU have any boredom buster ideas to add? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

ANAEL: HOW TO HOST A PERFECT HALLOWEEN PARTY!

Reader Anael has six simple steps to hosting a perfect Halloween party... read on and wow your friends!

Anael says:
Hosting a party doesn't have to be stressful or scary - it's all in the planning, promise!

STEP 1: INVITES
Set a date and venue, and check that with family (or teachers, if you're using a classroom at school) that this is OK with them. Next buy those party invites - the shops have a great selection at this time of year - or design your own, if you're the arty type! Hand out invites the week before the party so your guests can plan their costumes!

STEP 2: DECORATIONS
Even an ordinary living room or classroom can be transformed if you decorate it well. Again, the shops are filled with Halloween themed decos at this time of year, and supermarkets are a great place to gather some budget items. Drape fake spider webs, fairy lights, fake spiders and plastic skeletons from the walls and carve a Halloween pumpkin to set in the window!

STEP 3: FOOD
Make a shopping list - get organised! Stock up on paper plates and cups, cutlery, balloons and perhaps a spooky plastic tablecloth... plus basics like fruit juice, pop, sweets, cakes, popcorn etc. Plan some show-stopper specials like a scary Halloween cake and a spooky blood-red punch - check online or in recipe books for inspiration! Plain shop bought cupcakes can be transformed by icing spiders onto them using shop-bought black icing... easy!

STEP 4: MUSIC
Make a playlist with all your favourite tracks, plus a few scary ones thrown in for fun! Check out Monster Mash, Ringo Starr; Once Upon A Dream, Lana Del Rey; Thriller, Michael Jackson; Black Magic, Little Mix; Ghostbusters, Ray Parker Jr.

STEP 5: COSTUME
Make your own - or visit your local party shop for inspiration! Witches, corpse brides, black cats, zombies, ghosts and vampires are all popular - or mix it up! Last year I was a witch-vampire-corpse-bride! Check out the CC book MARSHMALLOW SKYE for how to make a ghost girl costume, or CHOCOLATE BOX SECRETS for top Halloween facepaint advice!

STEP 6: FUN!
It's only Halloween once a year... so enjoy it!

(Photos courtesy of Pexels)

Cathy says:
I love this... it's ages since I've done a Halloween party, but maybe this will be the year! Are YOU going to be celebrating this Halloween? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

WHO'S YOUR CC CHARACTER TWIN?

Readers spill the beans on the CC characters they have most in common with... 

Emily says:
I am truly, in every sense of the word, a CC superfan: I have read all the books, have most of them, and (no joke) Skye is totes my twin. When I first read MARSHMALLOW SKYE, both my head and my heart thought they couldn't ever want to be like anyone else, myself included, ever again. I always had empathy for Jodie - I'm a bit of a Summer-basher sometimes, and I think this is because I am almost jealous. Sure, Skye is awesome - I knew she was my favourite sister - but still, I was envious of Summer. She is perfect, whereas I - um - am not. MARSHMALLOW SKYE is my rock, but I love HOPES & DREAMS too, and I am probably more like Jodie than any other character. I would love to see a series all about Rochelle Academy!

Cerys says:
I have lost of favourite characters in CC books, but the character I am most like is Bex from LOVE FROM LEXIE. Bex is just like me... she dyes her hair turquoise and then red, I have had mine purple and silver. Bex loves Doc Marten boots, and I have three pairs, in bright colours and patterns. Bex is hot tempered and fiery and I am also, and yet like Bex I work hard at school and do well in my exams. Bex is in a foster family, and I am not, and she has a pierced nose, and I don't, but we do have lots of things in common. I loved reading about such a strong character and one I was very like. Bex is great and I can't wait for her installment in the LOST & FOUND series (if she has one!)

Louise says:
My CC character twin is probably Jude from SUNDAE GIRL. She is very quiet and worries about what people think of her, but underneath this she is a strong character who is quietly coping with lots of difficult stuff. Well, I don't have a mum who drinks too much or a dad who is an Elvis impersonator but I do live with my grandparents, for different reasons. There are some challenges in my life and I try to be positive about it all but like Jude I find it hard to let people get too close. I also go to a Catholic school and it was nice to see that detail in this story because you don't usually. All that's missing is that I need a secret admirer like Carter... but that's just a matter of time, right?

Millie says:
The CC character I am most like is - this will sound odd - Shay Fletcher from CHERRY CRUSH and the CHOCOLATE BOX GIRLS series. OK, he's a boy, but otherwise the similarities are there. Shay is a bit misunderstood and doesn't always get on with his dad, and my dad is strict and moody. Shay is very musical and plays guitar and writes songs, and I play piano and guitar and write poetry, and one day I hope I will write actual songs. Also Shay annoys everyone by finishing with his girlfriend to go out with someone else, and something like this happened to me but with friends. I have been told LOVE FROM LEXIE is about a girl who joins a band and writes songs, so I am getting that book next!

Cathy says:
I love this... so cool! Do YOU have a CC character twin? Who are YOU most like, and why? Tell us all in a COMMENT BELOW!

YOUR HOROSCOPE FOR OCTOBER...

Skye Tanberry here, with your horoscope for October... see if my predictions ring true for you!

LIBRA: Sept 22 - Oct 22
Balance in your life is definitely a good thing... but don’t feel scared if you find yourself in a little bit of chaos... the drama will pass!

SCORPIO: Oct 23 - Nov 21
Helping people is definitely a good thing, as long as you don’t try to control other people’s lives... try to support your friends and listen to their worries, but don't be tempted to interfere too much. They have to make their own choices in life!

SAGITTARIUS: Nov 22 - Dec 21
You're lucky enough to have some great supportive friends around you, but try not to take advantage of the people who offer you help. It’s important to give as well as take... try it and see those friendships deepen.

CAPRICORN: Dec 22 - Jan 19
If things are going well, don’t second guess them, because you will end up creating problems where none exist. Life has some awesome moments up ahead for you - open your eyes and make sure you don't miss them!

AQUARIUS: Jan 20 - Feb 18
The new school year has lost it's novelty and an edge of stress may be creeping in about some aspects of your work. Ask for help if you need it, and keep tje big picture in mind - take every day as it comes and make time for fun as well as study!

PISCES: Feb 19 - Mar 20
If you are feeling cornered or unappreciated by your friends, step back a little and don't give them such a big role in your life. Sometimes, you have to put yourself first and focus on your own happiness.

ARIES: Mar 21 - Apr 20
If you feel an old friend is drifting, make the effort to reach out and keep the bond strong. Yes, you both have busy lives, but a few texts, messages, calls or meet ups can keep things fresh and fun. Don't be scared to make the first move!

TAURUS: Apr 21 - May 20
If someone has gone out of their way to make you happy, let them know how much you appreciate them. Sometimes, a little thanks, can go a long way! A secret admirer has their sights set on you... but are they the person you're dreaming of?

GEMINI: May 21 - Jun 20
It’s good to let go sometimes! Don’t feel scared to put yourself first every now and then and share the work load - asking for help is a sign of strength, y'know! Build in plenty of downtime and fun days with friends to balance the stress!

CANCER: Jun 21 - Jul 21
It’s good to be ambitious, but remember to keep in mind how your actions make other people feel... and take time to make your friends feel valued and loved, too! If you're feeling low as autumn kicks in, make an effort to up your exercise and leisure time. It'll put a smile on your face!

LEO: Jul 22 - Aug 21
Don’t forget about spending time with your friends and family, even if you have a lot on your plate. Try not to jump to conclusions or assume the worst of others... a hasty judgement is rarely a fair one, and may cause real hurt to others.

VIRGO: Aug 22 - Sept 21
If things don’t go according to plan, relax and go with the flow! You may have a set idea of how things should be, but sometimes a little change can work out even better. Adapt and keep moving forward... you may get to your goal even faster!

Cathy says:
Do October's predictions chime for you? Do YOU follow your horoscope avidly, or just see it as a bit of fun? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

FRANCESCA: LOVING LOOKING GLASS GIRL!

Check out this fab review of LOOKING GLASS GIRL by reader Francesca...

Francesca says:
I have recently just finished reading LOOKING GLASS GIRL and I wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading this book. I thought that the way it was written was very clever - it didn't get confusing when referring to different times, places and characters. I also thought that the way this book had been put into modern times was very creative and I'm sure it must have taken a lot of hard work to think about the book and the story within.

At the end of each chapter I wanted to know the truth and find out more about the characters and the story - every night I would pick up this book and couldn't put it down! All the characters in the story are well described and have their own personality. I could picture them in my head as if they were real people, jumping out of the book and stepping into reality. The characters didn't know what it was like to live in a world where secrets, lies and the truth hide.

My favourite character in the story was Savvy - at the start of the book, she was unkind, bossy and wouldn't take no for an answer, but towards the end she became kinder.  Eventually she ended up becoming best friends with Alice -  I liked her more by the end of the story.

This year, I am starting secondary school and can't wait to meet new people and make friends. This book has taught me that some people hide things under a mask that not many can see through and see the truth. I have learned (from this book) that people are not always what or who they appear to be on the surface. I think Alice was too scared to tell her Mum about the bullying and it's a shame it took something so serious to put things right and leave the past behind. I think it's important to be kind to everybody - like Alice was to Lainey at the end of the story, when she noticed she was all alone.

Thank you Cathy, for writing LOOKING GLASS GIRL, because it taught me a lot of things. This modern version of Lewis Carroll's Alice in wonderland is different in a good way!

Cathy says:
Thank you Francesca for this lovely review! Any readers who love a thriller-style story with an Alice in Wonderland twist will enjoy LOOKING GLASS GIRL - have YOU read it yet? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!