Travel | Barnsley House Cotswolds spa break review

Thanks to an amazing couple of days at Barnsley House, we now have a new Christmas tradition. For the first time in the five years I've spent working freelance, I was determined to have an actual Christmas break. A full fortnight away from the laptop, resting. RESTING. And that began a few days before the kids broke up from school, with our quiet getaway to the Cotswolds.

All the books I read in 2018

Last year, for the first time - inspired by my friend Franky - I kept track of all the books I read in 2018. And here they are, a few reviewed, a few unfinished (I KNOW!*) and with an explanation, a few just listed. Sorry to the authors of those ones, that seems so mean, doesn't it?

This morning, with her, having coffee

The title of this post is the answer Johnny Cash gave to an interviewer who asked him for his definition of paradise. I think of it often as I live my life, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute. As the time whizzes by. I think of his love for his wife, June, and of the bigger contrast for them as performers living life in the spotlight versus their private life alone together.

Christmas wishlist 2018

Christmas is coming! And after the quietest birthday ever (thank you to everyone who donated nearly £400!), I'm hoping for a few nice treats under the tree. But what? As my eldest said, you spend all year seeing things you'd like but when it comes to it you can't think of a thing! Turns out, when you set your mind to it, you CAN remember. Here's what's on my wishlist.

Ad | Zenflore review - Can probiotics help reduce everyday stress?

'Complete support for your mind and body during busy and demanding times.' That's quite the promise, isn't it? Especially in the lead up to Christmas. When I was asked to trial Zenflore probiotics for a month, I didn't hesitate. It's a crazy busy time, yes, but I've also been experimenting with my supplement intake throughout the second half of 2018. So how did Zenflore fare?

A birthday wish

In ten days, I turn 42. I’ve realised that adult humans will always be confused by the passing of time and how quickly it’s all rushing past. We say it to kids, we say it to our friends (especially those pioneers who hit the milestones first), we hear it from our parents and older relatives. Turns out, everyone feels 27 forever (or 19 or 32 or whenever you set yourself in amber, a line in the sand that delineates past, present and future).

Vegan-friendly skincare | DIY lip balm tutorial

One of my newest writing clients is Simply Vegan, the 'ultimate vegan lifestyle magazine'. In the December issue (on the newsstand now) is my beeswax-free lip balm DIY, which was so much fun to make.