Featured blog posts
I’ll see you at the bookshop!
Moss Coaster Kit Review - Craft Club Co
I first found these kits after they went viral on Instagram and I’m SO glad that I gave it a go!
Before Craft Club Co I didn’t consider myself to be someone who was good at making things. I had a tendency to buy kits and never finish them, with several abandoned embroidery kits currently gathering dust in my office at home.
Then I bought my first moss coaster kit, which ended up being the gateway I needed to delve deeper into latch hooking. Now I’ve even made my first rug, which I’m incredibly proud of.
Best Latch Hook Rug Kits - Why I Recommend Craft Club Co
Latch hooking is a simple yet fun technique that can be used to create lots of fun craft projects including rugs, cushions and wall hangings.
Essentially, it involves pulling yarn or another fabric through a base to create a pile rug. The simple technique dates back centuries and has evolved from ancient rug making practices. It was even used in 4th-century Egypt and early Scandinavian works, although the modern technique used today more closely resembles rug making from the 1800s in England and North America.
Brick Discount Code and Honest Review
As someone who is active on social media, I sometimes feel like a slave to my phone’s algorithm. Don’t get me wrong, I love connecting with people on Instagram, but the internet does have a tendency to pull me away from the real world.
There are so many things I want to do other than scroll on my phone. I love to read, and I recently got really into Craft Club Co’s latch hooking kits.
This is why I was excited to hear from Brick, who use their physical device as a way to help people switch off and engage in offline pursuits.
Queen Mary 2 Cabins to Avoid (and Which to Book Instead)
Choosing your cabin’s location is one of the most important things you will do when booking a cruise.
This is because all cabins have different merits: some are more quiet in the evenings, some feel less stable in rough seas, and others have better views. It all depends on what your priorities are, and what you want your cruise experience to be like.
For example, some people might prefer to be based close to the elevators. Although these areas can be more noisy due to increased foot traffic, booking a cabin in this spot can also make it easier to get around the ship, which can be really helpful for families or people with mobility difficulties.
SURI 2.0 Toothbrush Review
I wrote a blog post two years ago about my SURI toothbrush, which I’ve used every day since it arrived in the post.
This was my first ever electric toothbrush, and I loved how it made my teeth feel so clean. After two years of consistent use it still worked really well - until I left it in a hotel room in Zurich, much to my dismay.
The bright side is that this gave me a reason to try the new version of their toothbrush, which promised to be an upgraded version of its predecessor.
Queen Mary 2 Dress Code: What to Wear Onboard
As someone who loves both books and cruising, I’m a big fan of Cunard Line.
During a time when many cruise companies are removing literary spaces from their ships, Cunard continues to feature show stopping libraries housing thousands of individual titles. So when I saw that the Queen Mary 2 was setting off on a two night summer Jurassic Coast sailing, I jumped at the chance to get onboard this iconic ship.
Cunard Queen Mary 2 Honest Ship Review
As someone who loves both books and cruising, I’m a big fan of Cunard Line.
During a time when many cruise companies are removing literary spaces from their ships, Cunard continues to feature show stopping libraries housing thousands of individual titles. So when I saw that the Queen Mary 2 was setting off on a two night summer Jurassic Coast sailing, I jumped at the chance to get onboard this iconic ship.
In this article I share my honest thoughts about the Queen Mary 2, including how well she has been maintained, what I thought of the food, and whether I will sail on her again.
Queen Mary 2 Britannia Balcony Cabin Review
I recently sailed on Cunard’s iconic flagship, the Queen Mary 2, for the first time, embarking on a two night Jurassic Coast voyage from Southampton. As this is such a well loved ship, I was excited to get onboard and see how well she has been maintained over the last 20 years.
In this article I share real photos from my exact cabin, explore its pros and cons, and suggest ways that it can be improved by Cunard in the future.
Mayflower Cruise Terminal - Everything You Need To Know
If you’re joining a cruise from Southampton any time soon, then you may be embarking from Mayflower Cruise Terminal.
Located in the Western Docks at birth 106, Mayflower is one of several cruise terminals in the city. If you’re not sailing from here, then you will probably find yourself at one Southampton’s other cruise terminals: City, Horizon, Ocean, or Queen Elizabeth II (QEII).
Quotes About Life from The Midnight Train by Matt Haig
Published in mid-2026, The Midnight Train is the latest book by Matt Haig and is set to be one of the year’s biggest books.
The story features a bookseller called Wilbur Budd, who’s life has gone dramatically off track. After he dies, Budd boards The Midnight Train, which gives him the chance to reflect on his life and, if he rebels, make corrections where things went wrong.
The book is set in the same world as The Midnight Library, and follows a similar reflective tone with cameos from a few of the characters. While the first book is an exploration of life’s potential, and the different routes that are open to us depending on the choices we make, The Midnight Train is more about regret and fixing mistakes from the past.
Comfrt Hoodie Review and Discount
I first discovered Comfrt while scrolling on social media, and was intrigued by their unique travel hoodies. As someone who loves to travel, I’m always on the lookout for new gadgets that will make my journeys easier and more comfortable.
I liked how these Comfrt hoodies were fitted with handy pockets for stashing travel essentials, as well as an eye mask, and was excited to get my hands on one to wear on my own travels.
Vendula London Bag Review and Discount Code
I’ve been a fan of Vendula London for many years, so I was really excited to work with them again to show you some of their gorgeous new range, Bookshelf Boulevard.
I actually have an entire collection of book themed bags. I have quite a lot of them now, but my original bag, the Old Bookshop Grab Bag, is one of my all time favourites. Featuring the shopfront of a fictional bookshop, this bag has accompanied me on many adventures over the years.
Naturally, I couldn’t wait to test out a bag from their new collection.
Matt Haig Books in Order
An internationally bestselling author, Matt Haig has written over 20 books and has been translated into more than 50 languages around the world.
He’s known for writing deeply personal work, with many of his books inspired by his own struggles with depression and anxiety. Reasons to Stay Alive is Matt’s memoir, which stayed in the top ten of the British chart for 10 weeks. His fiction book, The Midnight Library, contains similar themes and has sold more than 10 million copies, winning a Goodreads Choice Award in 2020.
Matt Cain Books in Order
Originating from Bury and growing up in Bolton, Matt Cain is a fantastic writer and commentator on LGBTQ+ issues.
He has worked for ITV, Channel 4, and was previously Editor-in-Chief of Attitude magazine between 2016 and 2018. Queer stories have long been the subject of his work, having produced programmes about Freddie Mercury and Ian McKellen during his time at Channel 4.
Despite this, Matt’s third book The Madonna of Bolton struggled to find a publisher, receiving more than 30 rejections due to its LGBTQ+ themes. Instead the book was crowdfunded using Unbound, and became the company’s quickest ever funded title, having reached its target in just 7 days.
P&O Iona Cabins To Avoid (And The Best Cabins To Book Instead)
Entering service in 2021, Iona is one of P&O’s newest and largest ships, with a total capacity of 5,200 guests and 1800 crew.
I sailed on Iona for a Norwegian Fjords voyage in 2022 and had a wonderful time. Not only is the ship gorgeous, but the itinerary was amazing and had me completely hooked on cruising. Yes - this was my first ever cruise!
Something I didn’t know at the time was that all cabins are not created equal, and it’s important to do some research prior to booking. We were lucky and stayed in a great inside cabin on deck 4, which was stable in the rough North Sea and quiet throughout the night.
Who Owns Ambassador Cruise Line? CFC Merger Explained
The UK’s newest cruise line, Ambassador recently merged with French line CFC, and renamed themselves the Ambassador Group. While the company’s overall ownership hasn’t changed, this merger combines the leadership team and offers new itineraries for the British market.
Currently, the majority stake is still owned by Ambassador’s existing shareholders, Njord Partners, with Cheyne Capital taking a minority stake. Ambassador’s existing CEO, Christian Verhounig has stayed in place and will continue to lead the company, alongside CFC’s chief operating officer Maëlysse Pierrot-Guibourt.
Best & Worst Cabins on Ambassador Cruise Line
The UK’s newest cruise line, Ambassador provide good value voyages for a low cost, promising guests ‘the warmest welcome at sea’.
Choosing the right cabin can really make or break your trip. It all depends on what’s important for you - do you want to be close to the elevators and bars, or do you want a quiet spot away from the action? Where are you sailing to, and do you want a view from your room?
Consider whether you experience travel sickness, and whether you want to choose a cabin that is least likely to make you feel unwell.
Pokémon x Natural History Museum London Review: Is It Worth Visiting?
Announced in late 2025, the Pokemon Natural History Museum pop-up opened to the public in January 2026. It’s been hugely popular, with tickets selling out almost immediately, leading it to be extended multiple times.
The pop-up event will now be continuing beyond the 19th of April for a limited run - although no closing date has been announced.
It’s important to remember that this experience is definitely more of a pop-up shop than an exhibition, and although there are a few things to look at, these are not extensive.
This blog post will include photos from my own experience, and help you decide whether it’s worth visiting for yourself.
P&O Arvia Cabins to Avoid When You Book
Here is everything you need to know about the cabin types on P&O’s Arvia.
Arvia is P&O’s newest ship, having entered the fleet in December 2022. She’s very similar to her sister ship Iona, although there are a number small differences.
I loved sailing on Arvia, and found the ship to be very comfortable during my two week cruise around the Caribbean. I was really lucky with my cabin, 11317, which I was allocated after a successful upgrade bid, and had no complaints about it at all.
Ambassador Cruise Line Deals (Updated 2026!)
Ambassador is Britain’s newest cruise line, known for its affordable and good value cruises which depart from a variety of regional ports.
Their first two ships, Ambition and Ambience, carry out no-fly voyages to destinations all over Europe, including the Mediterranean, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords and more. Whether you’re looking for your next summer holiday, some winter sun, or exciting exploration somewhere new, you’re bound to find it with Ambassador.
In 2025 Ambassador gained another addition to their fleet, Renaissance, which now hosts fly-cruises around the Caribbean for a British market.
If you’re thinking about booking your next cruise, then you’re in the right place. In this blog post I have handpicked some of the very best deals, spanning a wide range of categories and updated for 2026 and 2027.
Welcome to the Viking Skaga - one of Viking Cruises’ noble river ships. She takes her name from an ancient Norse myth, where the Valkyrie Skaga rode into battle and escorted the dead to Valhalla, before preparing them to fight in the epic battle of Ragnarok.
A relatively new ship, the Viking Skaga only entered the fleet in 2020. At just 410 feet and carrying 168 guests and 48 crew, she was built specifically to sail down the Seine in France, although the specific itinerary will vary depending on the time of year. I was fortunate enough to join the ship for her week long Christmas on the Seine cruise, which starts and ends in Paris, calling at Vernon, Caudebec-en-Caux, Rouen, Honflour (via an excursion) and Les Andelys along the way.