Some books that I've enjoyed recently

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I always have a book on the go, and I'm pretty selective with what I read. I won't stick with a book that I'm not enjoying, although sometimes I'll skip through a mediocre book just to find out what happens!

Here are some books that I've enjoyed recently and that have earned a 5* rating on my Goodreads account.

The Island Home by Libby Page

This was borrowed from a friend, and it's a cosy story about a young women returning to the island where she grew up with her teenage daughter, having left suddenly and secretly at the age of 18. We learn about her childhood as she tries to reconnect with her brother and the islanders that remember her before she left. She makes a lovely group of diverse female friends and is generously welcomed into the community. Maybe the storyline is a little cheesy, but we all need a little escapism now and then!

Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell

This was one of my recent Wob purchases, chosen as I really enjoyed Hamnet. I wasn't disappointed - even though the story and characters are completely different I love the writing style and I found the book really engaging. It's a story about a family reunited when the father goes missing. His wife and three adult children come together and learn a great deal about themselves and each other as the story unfolds. Published in 2013, it's set during the heatwave of 1976 and there is plenty of historical detail. Although I wasn't alive during the heatwave it did make me think about how when an event like this happens it changes how people behave, a little bit like during the pandemic.

King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine

My Mum asked me to look out for this as she wanted to re-read it, and so after I bought it on Wob I gave it a quick read myself as I remembered enjoying it when I was younger! It's set in and around a dilapidated house in London, home to a group of misfits and owned by a man writing a history of the London underground. When I read it as a teenager the parts that stuck in my mind were about a young boy and his friends who 'surf' on the roofs of the underground trains. However this time my attention was caught by the character of Alice, who runs away from her husband and baby to pursue her dream to become a musician. It's funny how a book speaks to you differently when you read it at a different life stage!

The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith

This book was borrowed for free through Amazon Prime Reading. I read quite a few 'psychological thriller' type books and many of them don't really stick with me, but this one I found to be particularly good. It's about two sisters, left alone by their parents one evening with the result that the oldest daughter is kidnapped, witnessed by the younger who is traumatised by her failure to prevent it. Years later a woman appears claiming to be the missing daughter, but there are lots of holes in her story and her younger sister starts to become suspicions. Plenty of twists and turns to the story and I found it a gripping read.

One Summer: America 1927 by Bill Bryson

I bought this book on Kindle a few years ago when I think it was on special offer (I very rarely buy Kindle books but will make an exception for a Bill Bryson!) and then I re-bought it in paperback when I spotted it in a charity shop a few months ago. The reason that I bought it twice is that my Kindle edition doesn't have the photographs, which really help to bring the history to life.

The book takes a long look at the summer of 1927 in the US, and some of the memorable things that happened that year. I can take or leave the sections on baseball, but I really love the part on early aviation and the first Atlantic crossings. I've read the book several times but I wanted to re-read it before we went on holiday to Washington, as I remembered enjoying the chapters on Charles Lindbergh and his plane The Spirit of St. Louis which I knew was on display at the Smithsonian museum. Unfortunately the museum is being renovated so I wasn't actually able to see the plane, but I still enjoyed the re-read!

Photo credit Florencia Viadana via Unsplash

A weekend spent outdoors

It might be a grey morning today, but we had such a lovely weekend that I don't mind! It felt like the first real warm days of the year and I spent almost the whole of the two days outside.

On Saturday morning we did our first cut of the grass. It was very overgrown so it took two cuts to bring it down to a reasonable height. I had already gone around and cut down the large thistles (our 'grass' is mainly weeds!) then it was just a case of ploughing through with the lawnmower. Along with some weeding we filled up both our brown bin and the overflow bin! 

That left plenty of space to get out the garden toys - I set up the swing ball and the children discovered our old badminton racquets and shuttlecocks in the summerhouse. It was lovely to see them out in the fresh air enjoying playing together. We also treated them to a couple of new water pistols as the old ones were broken. Then for lunch we had our first barbecue of the year - delicious sweetcorn, halloumi and burgers!

I also retrieved our nicer garden chairs from the garage - I'm not sure they even came out last year because there just weren't that many warm days. I spent time sitting in the shade, dozing, reading and watching the birds.

On Sunday we ate outside again, and this time it was pizza. Over the winter we treated ourselves to a new Ooni pizza oven. We've been enjoying the Ooni Koda outdoor pizza oven for several years, but we mainly used it over the summer. We now have an Ooni Volt which is an indoor pizza oven and it's amazing, we've used it almost every weekend this year. It's so much easier to make an evenly cooked pizza, and you can use it all year round (once you've cleared space for it in the kitchen that is!) 

We enjoyed three long walks - up on the Downs from our house and twice along the beach just outside Worthing. I love going down to the beach when the weather is good and seeing everyone out and about enjoying themselves. There's always something interesting to see! Last night it was two people flying over the beach in contraptions that some googling today has told me are Paramotors. It's a single seat attached to a powered paraglider and they were flying really low over the sea and the beach. It was fascinating to watch them!

The weather might have turned again this week but at least the temperatures haven't sunk too low - this morning I even went out for my run in shorts which is a very rare occurrence! Fingers crossed we'll have plenty more weekends like this over the summer.

What I've been up to lately - May 2024

I am so happy that summer is making an appearance at last! I can't believe that last week I was wrapped up in jumpers and winter coats, huddled under a heated blanket, and today I've got washing hanging outside, I've pulled out the garden furniture, and dug out my sunglasses!

I've been a bit quiet over here lately, so here are some of the things that I've been up to recently:

Reading 

With a friend to borrow books from and a big order from Wob I've had plenty of reading material to keep me going! Last night I finished Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell. Set during the heatwave of 1976 it follows a family brought together unexpectedly when their husband and father disappears. I loved the exploration of the characters and their interactions, and I couldn't put it down! Before that I enjoyed The Martian by Andy Weir, bought for my son inspired by his love of space exploration. It's a very technical book and a lot probably went over my head but it was an exciting read. I remember watching the film a few years ago and will look it out to watch again. 

One of my favourite borrowed books was The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, with a story full of twists. Now I've just started The Island Home by Libby Page which is shaping up to be another great read.

Watching

We've been box set binging over the last few weeks! With my son we watched all four seasons of For All Mankind, a series on Apple TV that I can't believe we've only just discovered. It's an alternative history - what might have happened if the Soviets had landed on the moon first and the impact that could have had on the future of space exploration as the space race continued. Each season is set about ten years apart, so it starts in the late 60s and the most recent season was set in the 2000s. Things have moved fast, and by the last episode they have colonised Mars and are capturing asteroids for mining! My son loved it because it takes scientific concepts that have not yet been fully developed and shows how they could work. I enjoyed it for the relationships between the characters and how I could imagine what it would be like to live on both the moon and on Mars.

Photo credit NASA via Unsplash

We also watched the entire second season of Bridgerton over the span of a few days. We really enjoyed the first season but never got around to watching the second, and with the third due out shortly we decided to catch up. It was very enjoyable, perhaps not as steamy as the first season but that's not why I watch it - I enjoy the romance and imagining what it would be like to live that kind of lifestyle!

Listening to

I do like a podcast when I'm driving over to school, and lately I've been enjoying ZOE Science and Nutrition. It's really interesting to read about the latest scientific developments when it comes to nutrition, especially as a lot of the advice that I've heard over the years has now been disproved and there are new guidelines which should be followed. It has given me lots of inspiration for new foods and exercise to try.

Eating

I've made a huge change to my diet since the new year and it's paying off. I've slowly lost several kilograms and now I'm feeling fit and in shape for the summer. I've cut back on the ultra processed foods and introduced a range of different plants and I'm feeling really happy with the way that I eat. I do need to be a bit careful - I've noticed that eating bread based products like pizza and soup with bread is what makes me put the weight back on and I've also started indulging in some 90% dark chocolate most evenings which is a bad habit to get into!

Photo credit Maksim Shutov via Unsplash

Planning

We are going ahead with some building work later in the year which we've been thinking about for a long time. It's a big project and there is lots of planning to be done and decisions to be made. It's very exciting!

Decluttering

With building works in mind I've been busy decluttering, not just the areas to be affected but also the whole house and garage. I had been feeling that things were getting a bit on top of me so I've been making a big effort to clear out things that I had been putting off. I've passed on a juicer and blender set which filled up a whole cupboard, an old metal desk is waiting for the scrap man to collect it, and lots of large and good condition toys have been passed to a friend who teaches in a primary school. 

I've also been going through all the kitchen cupboards and clearing them out, working through my stockpile of cans to keep the numbers down and getting rid of some unused kitchen equipment. I'm feeling much happier with the state of the house now.

Enjoying

The sunshine! I love sitting outside and feeling the warmth of the sun, I love going for a run and not having to wrap up in long leggings and jumpers, I love popping out for a walk and not having to grab a coat.

Don't let a bad book ruin your trip - how to find the perfect book for holiday reading

This is a collaborative post

I love sitting back and relaxing with a good book while on holiday. I love sitting on a peaceful beach listening to the waves lapping, relaxing on the deck of a cruise ship and enjoying some sunshine, or whiling away the time while travelling by train or plane. But I'm very particular about my reading material, and I spend a lot of time making sure that I've packed the right books to take away with me. 

Whether boarding a cruise or embarking on a different type of holiday, it's essential to pick the best holiday reading. So in this article I'll be looking at some tried and tested strategies for choosing the best books for reading on your travels.

Choose a book that complements your destination

A perfect holiday read is one that matches the destination. I often like to choose books that will take me away to a similar setting. For example if you are going to be enjoying a cruise holiday then you might want to find a book that will take you on an adventure on the seas. If you are visiting a historic destination look for a book set in that place during a period that interests you. I love reading a book that it set in the place that I'm currently visiting and it can give you inspiration for places to visit and sights to keep an eye out for.

Pick a book that sparks your interest

Think about your own interests and the genres or themes that most appeal to you. That might be historical fiction, fantasy or romance, or perhaps a non-fiction book on a subject that you want to learn more about. 

Photo credit Link Hoang via Unsplash

Find a book which will get you in the right mood

Consider the type of reading experience you want while you are away. Maybe a light beach read to enjoy while you're soaking up the sun on a pristine shore, or perhaps you need a more thought-provoking novel to distract you from the more mundane aspects of travel. 

I tend to choose a book for my holiday reading which isn't too complicated and that I can easily pick up and put down. If I'm on a cruise holiday, for example boarding an eastern Caribbean cruise, I want something relaxing that I can fit in around daily cruise stops and activities on board. I need a book that I can easily get stuck into when I have the time to sit and relax.

Check reviews and recommendations for the perfect match

To help me choose my next book I look for reviews on social media and shopping sites, or from blogs that I trust. I like to know what a book is about, the style in which it is written, and whether it's similar to other books that I've enjoyed. I also chat with friends that have similar reading tastes to see what they've enjoyed recently, and I'm very careful before purchasing a book so that I don't waste my money and time. 

Travel light with an e-reader or by passing on books when finished

Books can be heavy and awkward to pack, so I love my e-reader which means that I can take a huge library of books and I always have the perfect book at my fingers. I also look for bookshelves in hotels and on cruise ships where people have left behind books that they've enjoyed. I like to browse through and swap a new book for one that I've finished. 

Try something new and embracing unexpected delights

While you want to find the perfect book, going on holiday is also a great opportunity to try out some new literary genres. Maybe that might be a book that you spot in the library on a cruise ship or on a bookshelf in the hotel reception and pick up just on the off chance that you might enjoy it. You might also have the chance to visit a bookshop or two and pick up something new to read.

Seeing what other people are reading on the beach is also a great way to find new reading material, you can ask people what they think of a book and whether they would recommend it.

But if you do start a book and it fails to ignite your interest don't be afraid to stop reading - there are far too many books in the world to waste time on one that doesn't grab you! 

Conclusion

I really enjoy spending the time before I go away choosing the perfect book to enjoy on my holiday. In fact it's just as important to me as packing clothes and toiletries. I love unpacking into a hotel room or cruise stateroom and placing my pile of books by the bed, it makes me feel as though the holiday has really started. 

How to transform a rental into your personal sanctuary

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Renting a home doesn’t mean you have to settle for a bland, impersonal space. With a few clever tricks and removable updates, you can transform any rental into a cosy, personalised sanctuary that reflects your unique style and taste. 

Here’s how to make your rented space feel more like your own, without risking your security deposit.

Start with Colour

One of the simplest ways to inject personality into a space is with colour. If painting walls is off-limits, consider using removable wallpaper or large, colourful artwork to brighten up your rooms. Removable wallpaper comes in a dizzying array of designs and is easy to take down when you move out. 

Alternatively, vibrant curtains or a statement rug can add a splash of colour and warmth to any room, creating a focal point that draws the eye.

Embrace Flexible Furniture

In a rental, versatile furniture is your best friend. Opt for pieces that can serve multiple purposes or be easily moved around. 

A storage ottoman, for example, can double as a coffee table, extra seating, or a footrest, while modular sofas can be reconfigured to fit different spaces. Investing in quality, versatile pieces ensures they can travel with you and adapt to future homes.

Create Layers with Lighting

Lighting can dramatically alter the feel of a room, and it’s something you can easily control. Swap out dated light fixtures with stylish, modern alternatives, like those provided by Corston —just store the original fixtures to reinstall before you leave. Here, you can see the different types of switches and sockets and take your pick! 

For a less permanent option, an array of lamps can create a warm, layered lighting effect. Floor lamps, table lamps, and even string lights can add ambience and cosiness to your rental without the need for electrical changes.

Focus on Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings are a renter's secret weapon. They’re affordable, impactful, and completely portable. Scatter cushions, throws, and rugs can transform a room, adding colour, texture, and warmth. These elements are also perfect for creating a unified look, tying together different colours and patterns in the décor.

Photo credit DESIGNECOLOGIST via Unsplash

Personalise with Accessories

Accessories are the jewels of home décor, allowing your personality to shine through in even the most temporary of spaces. Displaying collections, photographs, and artwork can instantly make a rental feel more like home. Consider using shelves or picture ledges to display personal items without drilling holes in the walls, a smart move that landlords appreciate. 

Plants are another wonderful way to personalise your space and bring life to any room. From ferns that can brighten a shady corner to vibrant succulents on a sunny windowsill, plants not only beautify your environment but also improve air quality and can increase your sense of wellbeing. 

Use Window Treatments to Your Advantage

Window treatments are a powerful decorating tool, playing a dual role by enhancing privacy and adding substantial style. 

Choosing curtains or blinds in luxurious fabrics or with intriguing textures can dramatically change the character of a room, infusing elegance or a touch of whimsy, depending on your choice. They're also perfect for concealing less-than-perfect windows or frames, a common issue in rental properties. 

You may want to try layering sheer curtains with heavier drapes to achieve both privacy and style flexibility. This approach lets you adjust lighting and privacy levels throughout the day while also adding depth and richness to your interiors.

Invest in Wall Art Without the Commitment

Hanging art is vital for personalising your space and expressing your artistic taste, but many rental agreements prohibit nails or screws in walls. To navigate this, use adhesive hooks or strips that can hold substantial weight without damaging the paint or plaster. This allows you to hang your favourite artwork and enjoy an art-filled home without concern for your security deposit. 

You could even lean larger pieces against walls on top of consoles or dressers for an artsy, laid-back vibe that can be changed up with ease.

Create Zones

In smaller spaces or studios, creating distinct areas for different activities can significantly enhance your living experience. 

Use room dividers, decorative curtains, or strategic furniture arrangements to carve out separate zones for sleeping, working, and relaxing. This not only helps in organising your activities but also infuses a structured, aesthetic appeal into your space. 

For instance, positioning a bookshelf as a room divider can offer privacy while displaying books and décor items, serving dual purposes. 

Make It Smell Like Home

Never underestimate the power of a familiar scent. Whether it's scented candles, diffusers, or incense, having a signature scent can make any place feel more like home. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to enhance the atmosphere of your home and create a comforting, familiar environment.

Photo credit Mindaugas Norvilas via Unsplash

By implementing these tips, you can turn any rental property into a personal retreat that feels as cosy and unique as any "forever" home. Remember, the goal is to create a space that reflects who you are, using elements that can be easily set up and taken down when it’s time to move. 

With a little creativity and some smart choices, your rental will quickly become your personal sanctuary.

Reasons to buy a second hand book

This post was prompted by a post from Wob (World of Books) on Facebook last week - apparently buying 144 pre-loved books will save one tree. I must admit that does still seem like quite a lot of books, but one of the reasons that I love buying my books second hand is for environmental reasons. Not only does it save on the resources required to print a new book, it also reduces waste and means that the same book can be enjoyed by many people.

It's not the only reason that I buy many of my books second hand - here are some of the others:

To save money

This is very important to me. Recently I was looking to buy a book for my son which is fairly niche and a few years old. £15 on Amazon and £7 from Wob - an easy decision! Also Wob are almost always running a special offer where many of their books are buy three and get one free as well as other regular discount codes, making it even more worthwhile. When I buy a book from a charity shop I would expect to spend £1-£1.50 for a paperback which is a fantastic price.

To take a chance on a book

If you are browsing in a charity shop or second hand bookshop you may not be able to find the specific book that you are after. It's exciting when you do! But it's an opportunity to try something new, maybe another book by an author that you've enjoyed or just something that you wouldn't normally pick up. 

To support a charity

I often support a charity shop twice when I buy a book from them - I frequently donate back books and other items as part of the same visit!

Photo credit Noémi Macavei-Katócz via Unsplash

To feel a connection to a previous reader

I don't want to buy a book that has writing or highlighting on the pages, but I don't mind at all if there is an inscription or a name written in the front. I love to see evidence of the book having being read - like worn and folded pages or a cracked spine. I've also been delighted to find a bookmark or a cryptic note tucked between pages!

To not have to worry about keeping the book pristine

I often travel with my books, and I don't want to worry about reading them by the pool or on a beach. Or just in the bath at home.

To make an old book feel loved again

I love the thought of re-reading a book that may have been abandoned on someone's bookshelf for years before being donated!

Do you buy second hand books? Can you relate to any of my reasons?

Tyre maintenance and car care tips for maximising vehicle safety

This is a collaborative post

Vehicle safety doesn't come down to your tyres entirely. The brakes, seatbelts and condition of the windscreen also play a crucial role, among other systems. However, since tyres are in constant contact with the road while providing traction and manoeuvrability, they are prime candidates for any ongoing car that might be needed to improve safety. What do you need to know to ensure that you and other road users remain safe while you're behind the wheel? Read on to find out more about car tyre safety tips.

Pump your tyres up

Under-inflated tyres can be a killer on the road. When your tyres are even partially flat, they mean you can swerve around debris on the tarmac less effectively. When cornering, you may find you lose control and could even spin out. Equally, the additional braking time that flat tyres need means they are basically unsafe. Pump your up to the recommended level every second time you refill your tank and maintain this habit. Don't over-inflate them either, something which also causes problems with sufficient grip.

Check the tread depth

When tread depth is approaching the legally safe limit, it will already be underperforming. This is often most noticeable in wet weather when tyres with lower levels of tread struggle to clear water and are more prone to aquaplaning. Even in the dry, it takes longer to stop with tyres that cannot grip as well. Replace old tyres that are approaching the end of their lives. Fife Autocentre offers free and easy booking on the website and you can choose your car tyres at local prices.

Photo credit Enis Yavuz via Unsplash

Inspect your sidewalls

Not many motorists appreciate just how important their tyres' sidewalls are. The sidewall is a section of the tyre that doesn't come into contact with the road so you might think ignoring it is okay. However, sidewalls face more UV light than other parts of a tyre. UV wavelengths can deteriorate rubber over time leading to bulging or scars. Tyres with them could blowout so you'll need to have them exchanged if you notice these issues.

Car tyre maintenance

Given the advice outlined above, looking after your tyres to ensure you and your passengers are safe on the road isn't hard and doesn't take long. Make sure you don't compromise on the condition of your tyres if you want to remain safe when driving.