Behind the Scenes

Welcome to Jera’s Jamboree.

Hi, I’m Shaz, owner of Jera’s Jamboree. 

Jera’s Jamboree offers you the opportunity to take time out of your busy life by providing an oasis of calm and tranquility. We’re an online lifestyle publication that is all about self care and finding balance whether that’s by sharing our thoughts on the books we read, strategies and tools you can implement to give you a safe harbour from life’s storms or maybe learning a new hobby. Crochet has been my therapy for quite a few years and I’m sharing patterns here too.  You can subscribe to my monthly crochet newsletter:

Jera is the rune of harvest, reward and the cycle of seasons. It represents the 12 months of the year and implicit in that is movement, change and natural development.  It’s a rune I identify with!  Jera is pronounced “Yehr-ah.”

A bit about me

Why does Jera’s Jamboree focus on crochet, entertainment and self -care? I’ve been passionate about emotional well-being since both my parents passed away in my late teens. These are the things that ground me and I know that taking time out from the ‘busyness’ of life has an impact on the well-being of everyone. There are times when we need to step back and just breathe!

Back then, the world I had to navigate wasn’t as safe and secure anymore so I had to develop my own beliefs, resilience and strategies that would help me in finding my own balance and place of calm. I built a strong foundation that gave me the tools to lead my life. I feel all the emotions from a life rich in meaningful relationships – I still slip up from time-to-time but because of those foundations, I have the tools to lift myself back up. I’m passionate about helping others in finding strategies that work for them. I’m always on a quest to simplify life!

After a successful career in a management role in education, I’m fortunate to have been able to retire early. I’m a qualified Mental Health First Aider, Dyslexia Therapist, Massage Therapist, Sleep Consultant, Parenting Programme Facilitator and mindfulness practitioner. In March 2019 I gained a crochet diploma (distinction).

Profile image for Sharon Goodwin

I’ve been married for 34 years and have two sons, one in his late 20’s and one just hit 30.  Our eldest has flown the nest and lives in Buckingham but we still do plenty together as a family throughout the year and still manage one family holiday each year.

You’ll find me unwinding with a book (and maybe a glass of wine!), out and about in the woods, down the beach or with a crochet hook in hand.

Home life is important to me – it’s always been my sanctuary!  Our rescue dog Taz brings plenty of love and laughter to our home.

Mixed breed dog is looking at its owner
Taz our rescue dog
Portsmouth promenade in black and white with two men walking in front and people in the distance.
Family

Contact me on shaz-goodwin [at] jerasjamboree.co.uk

You’ll also find me active on:

Pinterest | LinkedIn | Substack | Threads | BlueSky

Text reads: top blogger AllFreeCrochet

I work with the following agencies:

ed pr logo
Grace Pilkington Logo
Black Crow logo
Creative Edge Logo

I work regularly with the following publishers:

HQ Digital logo
Boldwood Books logo
One More Chapter logo
Orbit logo

Guest Reviewers

I have two amazing guest book reviewers on Jera’s Jamboree.

A woman is holding up a young boy sitting in a train carriage

I have been a guest reviewer for a few years now. Shaz first noticed my obsession when she caught me walking to work with my nose in a book. I always travel with a book and have loved reading ever since my dad read to me at bedtime. Being a mummy of a two year old I have recently made it a priority to find time to read, as I missed it during the new born stage! Since he was nine weeks I have read Harry Potter every night at bedtime and am currently reading Deathly Hallows. Apart from reading I love walking, running and spending time outside. History has always been a great passion, especially the Tudor era, and I fondly remember the visits to castle and stately homes with my family. I have also acquired a love of baking from my mum and grandmother and adore watching anything with Mary Berry.

Laura's signature

A woman and three children are smiling

As a busy mum of three children, reading is my absolute favourite way to unwind and relax. I have always been a bookworm and even wrote reviews as a child in hundreds of notebooks! I will read pretty much anything. Aside from reading I run my own jewellery business and myself and my husband and children enjoy the beach and spending as much time together as possible.