We made it through January! We all deserve a medal for that extraordinary feat. And what about February? It's the shortest month of the year and it's easy to wish it away too. Don't. Use it as an opportunity to thrive. Here's how... Catch the light Have you noticed how light it's getting now? ...
JANUARY BOOKSHELF
The Girls of Slender Means by Muriel Spark Weird but interesting. This short novel is set in the 1945 in those shifting, unsettled days when Britain sat on the cusp of huge social change. We meet a group of young women lodging at the May of Teck Club, a boarding house for respectable girls of ...
MY BOOKS OF THE YEAR
Whatever's happening in your life, or the world, never underestimate the power of good storytelling to heal, invigorate and inspire. 2019 has been a good year for reading. My piles of much-loved books are growing steadily and my bookshelves are groaning. It's hard to choose favourites, but these ...
NOVEMBER BOOKSHELF
Pigs in Heaven, by Barbara Kingsolver My first ever Barbara Kingsolver novel. Wow, what a writer she is – the whole book was full of wise quotes I want to print out and stick up on my walls. Pigs in Heaven tells the story of Taylor and her adopted Cherokee daughter, Turtle. A chance brush with ...
GIFT GUIDES: PAMPER
Treat someone to a little bit of luxury this Christmas! Glorious soap A lovely bar of soap is a very useful thing to have in your gift armoury. Perfect for stockings, secret Santa gifts or a treat for a friend. This spiced apple soap from Soap Folk looks gorgeous - plus, it can be used as ...
GIFT GUIDES: STOCKING FILLERS
You're never too old for a stocking! Ideally, the contents should be cute, useful and thoughtful. Here are some excellent little gifts that kids, teens and grown-ups will love. FOR KIDS Spy pens, £3.95 / Popcorn set, £3.95 / Rainbow eraser, £1.95 Whale ruler, £3.95 - all by Rex London Star ...
Things to do in November
November is a special month, don't you think? In pre-Christian times, it was called Samhain and marked the start of the Celtic winter. Although strictly speaking winter doesn't actually start in the UK until 22 December, it's still possible to detect that subtle shift in the air. At the beginning of ...
Does shopping make me happy?
I’ve always loved shopping. I was the little girl with a pretend gift shop in her bedroom and a novelty rubber from every corner of the British Isles. I’ve always believed that buying stuff has the magical ability to make me happy. In my teens and twenties, it became all about the clothes. I ...
JUMPER LOVE
It's officially cosy knit season! 99% of the time you'll find me wearing a classic jumper and jeans combo. It's a bit of fashion arithmetic that really adds up. Here are four snuggly jumpers that I have been wearing and loving Green crew Neck Cable Jumper, £14.00, Matalan / Scarf, £14.99, ...
MAKE TIME FOR FIKA!
What is fika? It's another one of those alluringly simple Scandinavian concepts. This one is from Sweden and it means making time in your day to socialise over a good cup of coffee and a homemade treat. Conversation The coffee and cake are important, but the really crucial bit is the ...
HIGH STREET COLLABS I LOVE RIGHT NOW
What is a high street collab? I hear you ask. Well, it's basically a mini collection from your favourite store featuring a designer you wouldn't normally be able to afford, a celeb or fancy influencer – or maybe even a cartoon character. Always a gimmick, but also always worth a look. Here's three ...
OCTOBER BOOKSHELF
This has been a great month for reading. Cosy evenings and a week's holiday means I have a bumper edition of book reviews for you. There's quite a selection, so I hope you find something you love. Remember, time spent reading is always time well spent. Living with Coco Chanel by Caroline ...