Why you should read All Fours by Miranda July

You might have heard of it already, because this book is equally a cult classic, representative of a generation of millennial women facing middle age, but also an almost caricatural depiction of midlife crisis. As a work of fiction, it’s comical, laugh-out-loud hilarious in fact, often absurd and deep down not taking itself too seriously….

Three weird and wonderful reads

Here are some recommendations of slightly different novels, for when you fancy a read that is less mainstream but totally memorable. Maud Ventura, My Husband The story of a relationship so toxic and consuming that reads a lot like watching a car crash: you can’t help but keep reading even when you know it’s only…

Three Great Books about Misfits

I spend a fair bit of time going through the fiction bookshelves at various Oxfams (my favourites are in Chiswick, Oxford St Giles and Cirencester), looking for hidden gems that I might have missed. So a lot of my picks are the most random finds, with compelling titles and fun covers (can you tell I’m…

Book Review: The Bookbinder of Jericho, Pip Williams

I fell in love with this book from the moment I came across it. First, with the plot: the lives and work of the invisible women who used to bind the books printed by the Oxford University Press during the First World War. Second, with the location: Jericho is my favourite part of Oxford, just…

Three Engaging Crime Reads for Non-Crime Fans

I’m normally not a big crime reader, it’s just not my usual style, but I’ve been trying to expand my horizons a bit more in the last couple of years. These are three of my recommendations, books that I found a bit more interesting and slightly different to the average thriller, and they all deliver…

Book Review: Bunny by Mona Awad

I bought this book on a whim, when I had just minutes to choose a read that will save me from the long commute boredom. I loved the first lines of the blurb which made it sound like a lighthearted teen drama. And only after a little more than 100 pages in did I realise…

Latest beauty empties: cleansers, masks and body products

Cleansers have to be the most used and abused products in my routine – I love discovering new textures and products! So this post is a round-up of the cleansers that have graced my bathroom shelf, followed by a selection of masks that are all worth talking about. Plus, as a treat, two body favourites…

Book review: How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee

How We Disappeared talks about the Japanese occupation of Singapore during WW2, but it’s so much more than a historically inspired novel. It’s not just about the history of a part of the world that we don’t learn enough about in Europe, but also about the traumas of the past haunting the present and the…

Latest beauty empties: serums, treatments and eye creams

Don’t let my absence from writing fool you – I might have been failing my blog duties, but not my skincare routine! I have been extra busy finishing some old favourites, but also took some time to try some new products and brands. Tropic Skin Feast (£24 / 50ml) has long been my go-to everyday…

Refreshing body favourites this summer

I found a few brilliant body products that are affordable, efficient and super pleasant to use, and I thought they would be worth sharing with you. Maui Moisture Extra Hydrating Shea Butter Body Wash (£8.99 / 577ml) This Hawaiian brand is probably best known for its brilliant range of hair care products, and this body…

Beauty Sample Service: July 2020

I have a confession to make: I’m a beauty sample hoarder. I love collecting all sorts of samples, from skincare to foundation and haircare, and I like to carefully catalogue them based on function, size and beauty needs. I often rely on them for my travel bag, whether I go on a weekend trip or…