For 2025, vision boards have been replaced by the classic bingo card as a way to manifest your goals. At the end of 2023, I sat down with my laptop, opened Pinterest and Canva and began creating my own vision board for 2024. I had never created a vision board before, but I'd seen lots of people on social media doing so and wanted to give it a try. I created a collage of images depicting how I wanted 2024 to look. I included images of nature walks, workout aesthetics, finished manuscripts, knitting, and Taylor Swift. I achieved some of it, but life did get in the way at times, and I often forgot to take photos of myself doing something from my vision board. So, when I saw the growing popularity of 2025 bingo cards, I decided to hop on the trend. Following Christmas, I thought of 25 goals I wanted to achieve in 2025 and got to work. This time, I didn't focus on finding graphics and images that visually defined my goals. Instead, I wrote a few words for each goal and kept the bingo card simple. At the bottom of my bingo card, I have some positive words that I'm hoping will be ethos for the year. By creating a 2025 bingo card, I have set myself some achievements to work towards. I've made a plan of what I want to complete before Christmas this year and by having them laid out in a grid, it'll be more manageable. Each goal has its own square, making it easier for me to identify them. But it will also help me when I've achieved them because I can easily tick them off one by one—the satisfaction from completing a line, a row, and the entire grid is something else to look forward to. However, when I was creating my bingo card, I had to think hard about what I actually wanted to achieve and what was realistic. I saw lots of other bingo cards that had things such as 'Buy a house' or 'Visit the Maldives', and whilst I would love to do those things, they aren't realistic for me. So, on my 2025 bingo card, I have things like Finish my manuscript Complete a new crafting project Go to Waterstones Piccadilly Build confidence driving Attend an author event I have also created a second bingo card, which is my '2025 Bookish Bingo Card'. It includes all things book and writing related. My 2025 Bookish Bingo I loved creating these bingo cards because they made what was in my head more manageable and achievable. So if you like to manifest and create aesthetics for the year ahead or set yourself goals, then maybe give bingo cards, or vision boards, a go. Think of some things you want to achieve and do this year. If you do create a bingo card or vision board, feel free to let me know what you put on yours. Until next time...

I Will Find You by Harlan Coben is the perfect read if you love thrillers and want to start reading books by Harlan Coben, who is a master of storytelling. How far would you go to prove your innocence? What would you be willing to do to find out the truth? Those two questions are explored in I Will Find You by Harlan Coben. I finally decided to jump on the Harlan Coben bandwagon and I'm glad I did. I Will Find You was my second book of the year and the first thriller I've read in a while. Reading Harlan's work just reminded me why I love thrillers and has definitely put him on my list of authors I love. And because I loved reading I Will Find You , I thought I'd do a book review to entice those of you who have yet to discover Harlan's work to give it a go. Also, I recently discovered that I Will Find You is set to join some of Harlan's other books as a Netflix adaptation , which I am very excited about. But first, what is I Will Find You actually about? Novel Synopsis I Will Find You is a fast-paced thriller that tells the story of David Burroughs, a man imprisoned for murdering his three-year-old son. Only, David knows he didn't commit the murder, despite what the evidence says. After five years in prison with no visitors, his ex-sister-in-law, Rachel, arrives. During her visit, she shows David a photograph of a friend at a theme park, and in the background, a little boy looks oddly familiar to David — it's Matthew. With the hope that his son is now alive, after all this time, David hatches a plan to escape prison and venture on a mission to prove his innocence, find his son, and uncover the truth of what really happened the night he woke to find himself covered in blood over the body of his supposed son. My Review - I Will Find You by Harlan Coben Genre: Thriller Rating: 4.5 Stars I went into reading I Will Find You with balanced expectations; I was aware of the hype surrounding Harlan Coben, but I also wanted to make my own opinion without outsider influence, hence why I read this before starting to watch the adaptation of Missing You on Netflix. Sometimes, when there are a lot of high expectations about a particular author or book, it can be scary to start reading them because what if you don't like it? However, I didn't have that problem and I don't think many people would with Harlan's novels. I absolutely loved I Will Find You . It did take me a little longer than I would've liked to read it, but I was very ill once I'd reached 40% of the book and I couldn't read any of it for a few days. Once I'd recovered though, I devoured it. The thing that made me decide to read I Will Find You was the plot. The whole idea of an innocent father trying to prove to everyone that his son is alive and that he is innocent, even when they don't believe him, intrigued me. As a creative writer myself, I understand the power of an interesting and exciting premise and this book had that. Throughout the book, I didn't find any flaws in the plot. I thought it was a well-paced book that wasn't too fast so you powered through it without understanding things and that wasn't too slow so you got bored. From the get-go, you empathise with David as a reader, even if you're not a parent yourself. His first-person narrative gives you insight into his thoughts, and you're taken on this journey full of ups and downs with him, right until the very end. And the plot twists... After reading I Will Find You , I think Harlan is a master at planting threads throughout the story, giving you multiple to follow, hinting at things to come, and surprising you with the truth. I wasn't only hooked on David as a character, but the mystery surrounding it all. Of course, David is the protagonist, but the book isn't told solely from his perspective, and I think that made it more enjoyable as well because there was an extra layer of complexity added. In a third-person narrative voice, we get to see the perspectives of the FBI agents investigating David's escape from prison, we see Rachel's perspective of helping her incarcerated brother-in-law, and we eventually get insight into a couple of other perspectives that — without spoilers — relate to the truth of what happened that fateful night. I Will Find You had not only a great plot but also a cast of good characters, some humour, emotion and lots of surprising events. If you've read some of Harlan Coben's books, let me know what you thought and if you haven't yet ventured into the world of Harlan Coben's books, hopefully, I've persuaded you to give them a go. You can read I Will Find You by Harlan Coben on Amazon, here . Until next time...

2025 is all about embracing new opportunities and trying to live a life I'm excited to live, all thanks to a Christmas movie. Hello, readers! Welcome back to WriteWatchWork for 2025. I hope you all had a Happy New Year and have enjoyed the first couple of weeks of January. Unfortunately, this year kicked off with me falling ill, which, quite frankly, put a spanner in my plan for the start of 2025. Having made a bingo card for the year with goals, both personal and professional, for me to achieve, I was eager to start working and ticking off things. However, I was forced to spend a week sleeping and resting. While initially frustrated, it probably did me a world of good to have a week of purely doing nothing but resting and giving my body and mind a break. Thankfully, I'm now fully recovered and am more than ready to embrace 2025. And one thing I will be focusing on is my happiness. Now, I understand how that may seem like an obvious thing to work on each year because of course, everyone should be happy. But what I mean when I say I want to prioritise my happiness is that I will be working on doing things for myself and things that will help me in all avenues of my life. In the past, I've been a bit of a people-pleaser and have sometimes not prioritised myself. However, in 2025, I'm going to work on ensuring I do what I want and do things that will help me get to where I want to be. After watching the movie Red One, starring Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson, I became inspired to always invest in showing up for myself. The movie was a great Christmas film to watch (if you're a Die Hard fan, I'd recommend it), but most of all, what stuck with me was some of the dialogue. There was a scene pretty early on in the film with Dwayne Johnson's character talking to J.K. Simmons' character and something they said was along the lines of the below: We choose every day who we want to be. This stayed with me and it inspired me because it's such a simple sentence that holds a lot of weight. Yes, society can impact who we become and how we act on a daily basis, but ultimately, it is down to ourselves. Therefore, for 2025, I'm going to make decisions for myself that will help me become a better version of myself and help me reach the goals I want to achieve. However, I'm not going to put pressure on myself; if there's one thing I've learned since the end of 2024, it's that sometimes things happen that we can't control and it's always for a reason. So, with that said, I hope 2025 is a year full of promise and happiness for you all. Until next time...

Need some new book recommendations? I've got you covered with a book haul ranging from festive reads to cosy mysteries. By now, if you know me, you know that I love books. Reading has always been a huge part of my life and sitting down with a good book is something I never tire of. It was no surprise when on my birthday list this year, I suggested some books. And it was no surprise when my family and friends gifted me with some books. Eleven books, in fact (one was a literary puzzle book). I was overwhelmed with gratefulness when celebrating my birthday this year, and also a little bit of stress because new books meant rearranging my bookcase. We do have a library in our house, but I also have a tall bookcase in my room, which is for my absolute favourite books. Unfortunately, I have too many favourite books, and authors, that they don't all fit on the allocated shelves. So I had to do some reorganisation. It was a good time for it as well because I had received some Christmas books for my birthday, which led to me rearranging my Festive Reads shelf. And I love how it turned out. But I thought that since I know many of you like to read as well, I'd do a book haul and share the books I was gifted for my birthday to give you some recommendations to add to your TBR or perhaps, even your Christmas list. Book Recommendations The Dream Harbor Series by Laurie Gilmore Technically, this recommendation is a series and technically, I didn't get all three books for my birthday. But I did get the second and third books - the first novel I got last year. The Dream Harbor series is a small-town, easy-read romance series. Each book is an interconnected standalone and follows a different couple each time. This series is perfect for Autumn and Christmas because the first three books are titled as follows: The Pumpkin Spice Café The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore The Christmas Tree Farm They just sound delightful, and I promise you, when you read them, they will be so good. This series is wholesome, sweet, and romantic. How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang This book I actually received as part of a 'Blind Date with a Book' package. I hadn't heard of Yulin Kuang before, but I am glad I was gifted this book. Kuang is a screenwriter - she's adapting Emily Henry's novels - and How to End a Love Story is her first novel, which features two writers, an author and a screenwriter. With a complex history, Helen and Grant are forced to confront the past and their potential future when working together on the TV adaptation of Helen's books. There is a lot of angst and a lot of tension, but a whole lot of love. It is a dual POV book and sometimes it isn't necessarily clear when the POV changes, but that aside, I did enjoy reading this. A warning though, there is an emotional moment at the beginning that is a subplot throughout the novel, so make sure you read the author's note at the beginning. Consider Me by Becka Mack I first read this book a couple of years ago and I loved it. I devoured this hockey romance book but never actually bought it in paperback. Until my friend gave me a book voucher and I snapped this up. Consider Me is a spicy, banter-filled romance novel that explores the relationship between a famous ice hockey star and a local teacher. I laughed so much when reading this and often revisit different chapters from the book, so it was no surprise when I picked it up off the shop's shelves. I definitely recommend this book if you love a good spicy romance. Home for Christmas by Heidi Swain If you've read my interview with Heidi Swain, you know I love her books. Especially, her Christmas books. Swain's latest novel, Home for Christmas , was always going to be on my birthday list and I'm so glad I received it. It is part of her Wynbridge series, but I believe you can read it as a standalone. In fact, if you did read it as a standalone, it'd probably make you want to explore the world of Wynbridge more. Home for Christmas follows Bella and her Spaniel, Tink, as they cohabit with freelance author, Jude, in her family's house over Christmas, which is a holiday that Jude isn't a fan of (don't worry, this is in the blurb!). I'm so excited to dive back into Wynbridge and meet the Connelly Clan again, so this cosy, Christmas read will certainly be one I enjoy. The Christmas Cottage by Sarah Morgan Much like Heidi Swain, Sarah Morgan is a go-to author of mine for Christmas books. I haven't read a Christmas book of hers I haven't liked. And The Christmas Cottage , her latest release, seems like the perfect escapist festive novel to snuggle up with this Christmas. It tells the story of Imogen, a busy working woman who has been hiding some of her past from those she works with. But over Christmas, Dorothy, a client of hers, invites her to a cottage in the Cotswolds with the potential for a new romance, but also, secrets from the past being unburied. I love how the blurb gives a mix of romance and mystery vibes, and how when I read 'cottage in the Cotswolds', I immediately thought of Jude Law and Cameron Diaz in The Holiday. So, I'd say, if you love that film, you'll probably love this book. The Secret Christmas Bookshop by Cressida McLaughlin Again, Cressida McLaughlin is one of my favourite authors and I've loved the Christmas novels she's released so far. So when she released a new novel that combines Christmas and books - two of my favourite things - I couldn't say no. The Secret Christmas Bookshop is set in a seaside village and follows Sophie and Harry as the two of them learn "that good stories can take on a life of their own...". I can't wait to start reading this and add it to my 'Festive Staple Reads'. A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley Now, I must admit that I've never actually read Cathy Bramley's work before, but my mum has and she seems like the kind of author I'd enjoy. A Merry Little Christmas is set in Wetherly, a market town, and the protagonist, Merry, combined with her best friend Nell, has to navigate the trials and tribulations that the festive season throws at them with motherhood on the horizon and past secrets coming to light. On paper, it doesn't sound as cosy as perhaps some of the others on this list, but it does still sound like an enjoyable read with some Christmas magic and some family drama. The Comfort Food Café by Debbie Johnson Debbie Johnson's The Comfort Food Café series is one I've had for a while. I even remember reading book one at my grandparents' house, smiling giddily and my grandparents finding it funny! So, it was no surprise that when I discovered a new edition of the series, I asked my parents for it. I'm currently reading The Comfort Food Café and I'm loving it. It is so enjoyable and such a great read in the build-up to Christmas. It is funny, it is heart-warming and it is romantic. Plus, it will make you want to go to the Comfort Food Café and have your favourite comfort food. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo I've read this book before. And I've reviewed this book before . But I've never received a special edition of it until my birthday this year. My friend, who was the one who introduced me to Six of Crows in the first place, bought me the Collector's Edition. And I love it! The cover. The sprayed edges. The entire design is beautiful. I'm not even going to read this copy. It will simply be a centrepiece on my bookcase to admire. But for you readers, the recommendation is the special edition, but mainly the fantasy book, Six of Crows . It has everything you could possibly desire from a fantasy book and I will never stop talking about it. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie If you think I was excited at the Six of Crows special edition, just wait. My sister, the amazing human that she is, bought me the special edition of Agatha Christie's famous And Then There Were None for my birthday. I really like Christie's novels and have a small collection on my now 'Agatha Christie Shelf', and this new book is paired very nicely with another book I got for my birthday, which is The Official Agatha Christie Puzzle Book. But the reason I'm so excited about And Then There Were None and why I'm recommending it to you is because there is an envelope at the back of the book with the killer's identity concealed inside. The only way to find out whodunnit is to read the novel, make a guess and then open the envelope. It all feels a bit Cluedo-like and I am here for it. I honestly can't wait to put on my detective hat, embody Miss Marple, and solve the case, and you should try it too! So, if you're stuck for books to read or books to put on your Christmas list, perhaps try some of these. If you do, let me know in the comments what you think. Until next time...

A retreat for teenagers. Unsettling challenges. A dark experiment. All to combat the epidemic of unhappiness. This is HappyHead . For part of my degree, I have to study and analyse young adult literature. As I'm writing a dystopian novel, I tend to lean more towards reading dystopias and my most recent read is Josh Silver's debut novel, HappyHead . My tutor recommended this novel to me and after getting it from the library, I can safely say, I will be getting the sequel. HappyHead is the first book Silver has published, but you wouldn't think that by reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the dark and twisted world Silver's created and thought it definitely deserves to be reviewed on here. The synopsis of the novel is: "We are in an epidemic. An epidemic of unhappiness. Friends, here is the good news: HappyHead has the answer. When Seb is selected for an innovative retreat designed to tackle teenage unhappiness, it's his chance to finally be good at something. Getting close to the troubled Finn is definitely not part of the plan. But the challenges the participants must undergo become more unsettling by the day. And together the boys start to question the true nature of the experiment. What is it that HappyHead really wants from them? And will they even make it out alive?" That's the blurb on the back of the book. It's accompanied by quotes from others who have read it, which say it's "an unforgettable debut that recaptures the thrills and spills of great YA dystopian fiction" and "Like Hunger Games but better". As a fan of dystopian novels, the blurb and the cover copy intrigued me. Especially since Hunger Games was such a successful phenomenon when it was released. Having now read the book, I can confirm that the praise for HappyHead is warranted. And I'm going to tell you why. Review: HappyHead by Josh Silver Genre: Young Adult Dystopia Sub-genre: Thriller Rating: Five stars HappyHead is a first-person, present-tense novel aimed at young adults. It follows teenager, Sebastian, as he arrives at HappyHead, a government-run retreat, aiming to eradicate teenage unhappiness. From the very start, the creepy vibe is evident with a black smiley face after an introductory letter, inviting Seb to the retreat. And throughout the novel, the dark and ominous atmosphere only intensifies. As Seb is the sole protagonistic narrator, the focus is on him. The readers get an insight into his thoughts and his mind as the novel is told from his perspective. The present tense adds a sense of immediacy to the action and puts us as readers right into the action, allowing us to watch it unfold with a sense of suspense because we don't know what will happen. The book starts with Seb and his family driving to HappyHead. It's clear through the interactions that his parents are hoping that this retreat, whatever it may entail, will finally be something that Seb is good at and can make them proud. His sister, Lily, is a little prickly, but it's through her that we learn Sebastian is gay, but his parents do not know. This information is subtly revealed but plays an important part in the trajectory of Seb's character arc throughout the book. Seb isn't given much of a choice about attending HappyHead. When he leaves his parents and, accompanied by Mark - Antiseptic to Seb - enters the retreat, Seb meets the enigmatic Finn. An introductory assembly is given to all the teenagers, who vary in levels of excitement at being at HappyHead and having no outside-world contact for two weeks. From there, each person is assigned a bedroom. They undergo a quick procedure to insert a chip into their clavicle. And the experiments begin. Seb is put in a group with Finn, Eleanor, and Ash. The four characters are very different and none of them are perfect, even Seb. But that just makes him an even better narrator. As the book develops, so do the challenges and when reading it, I was taken on a tumultuous journey with Seb that sees him battle internally. He wants to do his parents proud and that means succeeding at HappyHead. Even if he has to suppress a part of himself. Even if he has to put himself in danger. And even if he has to befriend the very suspicious, overly eager and untrustworthy Eleanor. The plot was amazing; HappyHead is a real page-turner that I couldn't put down. It's a strong dystopian novel with elements of the thriller genre and there is plot twist after plot twist followed by a cliffhanger at the end. But what I loved the most about this book was Seb. As a protagonist, I thought he did a great job. He isn't a perfect character. He has his flaws and he knows that and isn't afraid to admit it. But he comes across as very real and very authentic as a teenager. His narrative voice was so enjoyable to read because it was chatty and conversational in places but also serious as well. Humour and sarcasm were used a lot throughout and that put me right into Sebastian's mind and immediately gave me a sense of him as a person and what he was thinking. And that window into Seb's internal monologues was present throughout the entire book. Pair that with the non-stop action and the increasing suspense and tension, in terms of both the mystery of what HappyHead actually is and Seb's relationship with Finn, and you've got an enticing young adult novel that will keep you reading until the very end. So if you fancy a dark, thrilling and compelling read, give HappyHead a go. You can read it on Amazon here . If you do give it a read, let me know in the comments what you think. Until next time...

This week is Banned Books Week, and I'm here to tell you why you should celebrate it. One of the skills children learn early in their lives is to read. Parents tell them bedtime stories; teachers read them books in class; and once they're capable enough to read on their own, children can pick their own books to read. But reading isn't only applied to books. We have to know how to read signs, letters, text messages, and so much more in every day life. It is an essential skill and it carries so many benefits, not only for adults but for children too. However, not only have there been conversations recently about altering books, such as those by Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton, but books have continued to be banned across the world. And in the United States, this week (September 22nd to September 28th) is Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week is an initiative that was first established in 1982. It was founded as a way to respond to the many challenges against books. The goal of the week is to "highlight the value of free and open access to information and bring together the entire book community". As an avid reader, writer and publishing hopeful, this week resonates with me because I love being able to read a plethora of books and I think the value different stories have is immeasurable. But alas, some places in the world aren't as fond of books as I am. So, for this year's Banned Books Week, I wanted to take a moment and just remind my readers and myself of the joy that books can bring to a person's life. Why books should be celebrated and not banned In the world of literature, there are set genres and there are typical plotlines. However, two individual writers' interpretations of the same genre and plotline will not be the same. In fact, I recently heard the phrase: You can copy an idea, but not the execution of the idea. And that's true. Think of how many romance novels are out there where boy meets girl, they get together, something happens, they break up, but then ultimately get back together in the end. It's the same basic plot foundation, but if you compare Cressida McLaughlin to Elsie Silver, they're completely different books. And this just proves the magic of books. Every book is unique. Each story is different. Readers are taken on a journey with the characters and are given the chance to live a thousand different lives and step into someone else's shoes. Having books banned and removed from public access limits the opportunities readers have. Books can shape lives. They give people the chance to learn and see more about different cultures and people as well as finding themselves in characters they read about. Readers can learn so much not just from the words they read in a book, but from discussing with fellow readers. Having the ability and the freedom to choose something to read and being able to share that love and those ideas with others is something special. If you're on social media, the popularity of reading is as clear as ever with Bookstagram and BookTok becoming more prevalent. And it's amazing to see because books are powerful. Having books, such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Hate U Give, being challenged because they represent tough topics like racism, police cruelty, LGBTQIA+ and mental health disorders, is such a shame. Books with content like this, sure may not be suitable for everyone, but they deserve to be out there. People can deepen their knowledge and gain a better understanding of the world around them through content such as that. So for Banned Books Week, I'm supporting all kinds of books. Until next time...

Center Parcs is a popular holiday break in the UK, and I recently visited one of the villages and already want to return. 2019. Five years ago. That was the last time I went on a family holiday. Since then, I've felt like my life has been full of work and studying, with very few days off in between. However, earlier this month, my family and I went to Center Parcs for a week to have a break from life and just enjoy ourselves. And I must say, I never wanted to leave. Center Parcs is an activity-based holiday with resorts all over the UK in five different locations: Elveden, Sherwood, Woburn, Longleat, and Whinfell. I've been to three of the different parks in my life, but the one I've visited the most is Elveden. Growing up, Center Parcs was a family staple. I've stayed there during summers with my immediate family; once we had a big extended family holiday there; my mum and I had a small break there after my GCSEs and I often holidayed there with some family friends, who live five doors down the road. Essentially, it felt like I grew up at Center Parcs because I visited it so much during my childhood. So, when I returned this month, a wave of nostalgia hit me. Elveden isn't too far from where I live, so it was a quick journey that allowed us to make the most of our check-in and check-out days. Arriving on the Friday, we turned up at 11:30 and when we left the following week, we departed at 19:30. Having been rather stressed with work beforehand, I was very glad to have eight days of escaping reality and ignoring the world outside Center Parcs. And it was bliss! The good thing about Center Parcs, I've found, is that there is something for everyone to do. It doesn't matter if you've gone as a family, as a couple, on a girls/boys trip, or even for a break during retirement - there will be something you will enjoy doing. At Center Parcs, their Subtropical Swimming Paradise is the only activity that is free. But it offers a lot. Elveden, in particular, has a huge wave pool inside that links round to a lazy river. There are then two flumes, a white slide, whirlpools, Venture Cove (the kids area), a Lagoon Pool, the outside pool, a plunge pool, the Wild Water Rapids, and of course, the Tropical Cyclone. There is so much on offer and every day I found myself in the pool at some point. My sister and I went for a night swim one evening as well, which provided a different experience of the swimming pool, but one that is still just as good. But, if you're not a fan of being in the water, then don't worry. Center Parcs has boat rides you can go on, across the lake, which my family and I did, and I have to say, it was lovely and peaceful floating around, looking out at nature with the sun shining. And if you're worried about falling overboard, don't be! Taking it more on land, but still outside, there are activities such as Adventure Golf, which I very much enjoyed, high ropes, a zip wire, a 10m drop, and so much more. Plus, if you're a cycling family, it's almost second nature at Center Parcs to hire bikes, or take your own, and explore the forest around you. Badminton is another popular activity at Center Parcs, and in the past, my family and I have had our own little tournaments. But this year, we decided to forgo the rackets and shuttlecocks and instead, used glow-in-the-dark pool cues and also bows and arrows. Standard pool is available, which my sister was very good at, but there's also glow-in-the-dark pool. This was very fun, despite it being tricky to line up the balls correctly and determine the difference between the black eight ball and a dark red three ball. Nevertheless, we laughed a lot whilst playing. Archery, though, is probably one of the highlights of my holiday. I'd never done it before, I was the only one out of the 11 people in our group to be a beginner. I had had a couple of goes practising during lockdown with a plastic garden archery set, but nothing like the others. However, I was good. I managed to hit the bullseye and in the games we played, my sister and I as a team achieved double bingo. Now, I'm not saying I'm Robin Hood or Katniss Everdeen, but my sister and I were gifted Robin Hood hats as a reward for getting double bingo. If you're after a more relaxing break, where you don't have to plan anything or rush to get to your next activity, then Center Parcs is still for you. As I mentioned the swimming is free, and there are lots of beautiful walks you can go on around the park, Starbucks if you fancy a coffee, and of course, the different restaurants with pancakes, Italian cuisine, Indian cuisine, Chinese cuisine, etc. Also, the Aqua Sana Spa at Elveden was recently refurbished. It was next to the apartment/hotel that my family and I stayed in. Our visit to the spa was incredible. It was peaceful, calming, and overall just an enjoyable experience. There were god knows how many different rooms ranging from Scandinavian Huts to saunas and steam rooms. The spa had its own outside pool as well as hot tubs and a café as well - this café had the nicest slice of Victoria Sponge cake that I think I've ever eaten. In fact, all the food at Center Parcs was delicious, especially my Bella Italia's pizzas and Treats' ice cream. But I just want to take a moment to thank Center Parcs and all its restaurants for being so on top of everything when it came to allergies. Everything about my holiday at Center Parcs was wonderful and I must say, reading Emily Henry's Happy Place whilst there was rather fitting, because it is one of my happy places in life. If you've got this far and read about my holiday, thank you, and I hope I've inspired you to check out Center Parcs as a UK holiday destination. Until next time...

September is officially here, which means autumn will be arriving soon, so I'm recommending ten books to read this autumn that are perfect to snuggle up with. I don't know about you, but my favourite time of year is when we get to 'Ber' months: September, October, November and December. These aren't just my favourite months because I get to celebrate my birthday, my mum's birthday and Christmas. No. The 'Ber' months are my favourite time of year because of the aesthetic, the atmosphere, and the general feeling they make me feel. And there's nothing better than sitting down with a hot drink, in comfy clothes and a good book. I think this blog makes it quite clear that I love books. Reading is one of my favourite pastimes, and whilst some may prefer reading on holiday, I love reading in autumn and winter. There's something about reading an autumnal or Christmas book that just brings me comfort and makes me smile. So, I thought I'd share 10 books that you can read this autumn. Up first, is a current read of mine that I absolutely love. The Ravens by Kass Morgan and Danielle Page A young adult book told from two characters' perspectives, Scarlett and Vivi. At Westerly College, The Ravens, better known as the Kappa Rho Nu sorority, are three things: ambitious, smart and beautiful. But what others don't know, is that they aren't just regular college girls. They're witches. Scarlett is determined to become the president of Kappa Rho Nu and Vivi is trying her hardest to grab this opportunity of a fresh start with both hands. The two of them don't get along, but when wicked magic rises on campus and a threat from Scarlett's past threatens to destroy The Ravens, the girls must work together. To protect the sisterhood. Protect their secret. And to avoid losing everything they've worked for. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling Another witchy book perfect for spooky season is The Ex Hex . It's the first book in a series and it follows Vivienne Jones, a young witch, who cursed her horrible boyfriend nine years ago. The curse was meant to be harmless. Surely it wouldn't actually work with only a single candle? Well, when Rhys Penhallow arrives in Grave Glen, returning to his ancestors' town, things start to go wrong. And Vivi starts to realise that her silly little curse, may actually be a real Ex Hex. With their chemistry being reignited, Vivi and Rhys must work together to put what's wrong in the town right and to reverse the curse Vivi placed on Rhys. It may sound a bit cliché, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Ex Hex last Halloween. The perfect spooky season read for lovers of romance. The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore Autumn means pumpkin spice, gingerbread, Gilmore Girls , and a cosy mystery. And that's what Laurie Gilmore provides in The Pumpkin Spice Café . In this easy-read, romance blossoms as Jeanie inherits the Pumpkin Spice Café in Dream Harbour. She jumps at the chance of running the local café and leaving her office job behind, but when she arrives in the small town, her cheeriness annoys Logan, a local farmer. But the two join forces, making a grumpy-sunshine partnership, to solve the mystery that Jeanie finds herself entangled in. I must say, I loved this book when I read it last autumn because it had warmth, a feel-good story and provided simple pleasures. The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore The Dream Harbour series continues with book two, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store . I haven't actually read this novel yet, as it only recently was published, but I think we can all agree that the cover and the title give autumn vibes. Hazel, Jeanie's new best friend, runs the town's bookstore, and she's now presented with a mystery of her own. A single book starts revealing secret messages that Hazel struggles to decipher. So she enlists the help of Noah, a fisherman always eager for an adventure and who has been crushing on Hazel for a while. The bookseller and fisherman team up to solve the mystery of the secret codes, whilst realising, as the blurb says , that "their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells..." Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling I'm a huge Harry Potter fan. Always have been and always will be. So it will come as no surprise that one of my favourite book series is Harry Potter and that I'm recommending the first novel as a good autumn read. The Philosopher's Stone for me provides the best autumn vibes with new beginnings and the discovery of magic and new friendships. There's something magical about delving into the world of Hogwarts and joining Harry as he learns the truth about what he is. And a bonus about reading the Harry Potter books is that once you've read them, you can snuggle up and have a movie night too! Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie Agatha Christie. A book titled Hallowe'en Party . A dark mysterious cover with a pumpkin. What more could you want from a book to read in spooky season? I love reading a good old-fashioned mystery novel and Agatha Christie writes these perfectly. In Hallowe'en Party , the infamous Hercule Poirot is put to the test after being called in to find an 'evil presence'. At the party, Joyce is murdered, found drowned in an apple-bobbing tub, after admitting that she witnessed a murder. No one believes her, but after her body is found, the hunt for the killer is on. For those who want a more visual story to immerse themselves in, the 2022 film A Haunting in Venice is based upon Hallowe'en Party , and I can certainly say, that if you watch that this autumn, you will feel the chill in the air. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna I must admit that I haven't actually read this book yet. However, it is on my TBR pile for this autumn because I keep seeing such good reviews about it - plus it was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award in 2022. But what I do know about this novel is that it follows Mika Moon, a young witch in Britain, who lives a rather lonely life. Hiding her magic from the world, she keeps her head down and follows the rules. Apart from when she 'pretends' to be a witch online and mysteriously receives an invitation to Nowhere House as a teacher to three young witches. Mika uses this as a new opportunity in her life, but when she arrives at Nowhere House, she becomes tangled up in the lives of those who live there. And to top it all off, a threat comes knocking and Mika must make a choice. Carrie by Stephen King Stephen King is an excellent writer, evidenced by his success in selling fiction, writing manuals and book-to-movie adaptations. He has written several spooky books perfect for autumn and one of them is Carrie . This was the first book I read of King's and it's great if you want a shorter read. Carrie's story explores her life as a high-school student with telekinetic powers. She's misunderstood and is alone at school, but when she's invited to Prom by Tommy Ross, she thinks things will start to change. But little does she know, she's still an outsider compared to the other students. And so, with her powers, Carrie lets loose and gives the town who hates her a taste of their own medicine. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco The Kingdom of the Wicked trilogy by Kerri Maniscalco is a fantasy, paranormal series that tells the story of: "Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself... And an intoxicating romance." Emilia and Vittoria are witches who live and walk among the humans, but one night, Vittoria is found murdered. Emilia promises to avenge her sister and enact vengeance, at any cost. Even if it means working alongside Wrath, one of the Wicked (princes of Hell). The two work together despite all the warnings Emilia has been given about the Wicked, but she'll quickly learn that what you may believe, is not necessarily true. Emilia and Wrath's story continues in the next two books that delve deeper into Hell and dark magic, which just screams spooky season reading to me. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo The final book I'm recommending you read this autumn is the Six of Crows duology. I could talk about these books for hours on end because of how much I love them, but that would probably bore readers, so I'll be brief. Six of Crows follows the lives of six characters, all different, yet similar in some ways. They're tasked with an impossible quest, but being who they are, they go ahead with it anyway. The fantasy world, the magic, the adventure, the romance, the friendships. Everything in this novel, and Crooked Kingdom (book two), is worth the read and it's perfect for you to devour this autumn. So with 10 book recommendations for the autumnal months, I hope you find yourself escaping into the world and lives of others. And if you have any books to recommend yourself, let me know in the comments. Until next time...

The Eras Tour is perhaps the biggest tour a music artist has ever done with Taylor Swift performing for over three hours and covering 18 years of music. Ten years ago, I was just a 13-year-old girl, sporting a Taylor Swift t-shirt, at the Red Tour at London's O2 arena. Back then, I didn't fully understand the power music can have and the joy artists can bring. Last Friday, a decade later, I attended Wembley Stadium for night five of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour. After a year since my friends and I had bought our tickets, it was finally our turn to become a part of The Eras Tour family and see the record-breaking concert in person. But surely it wouldn't have lived up to the hype? Spoiler alert...it did in fact exceed all my expectations. Taylor Swift debuted The Eras Tour in 2023 as she toured her home country, America, and the tour is set to end in December this year. Her setlist from last year has changed somewhat, following the release of her latest album, The Tortured Poet's Department , and whilst some were disappointed that she cut songs to make room for her new album, personally, her latest setlist that I saw at Wembley was perfect. The Eras Tour is a three-hour-long concert, following Swift's entire music career, as she moves from one album to the next. Since releasing Lover , Swift hasn't completed a tour for five albums ( Lover, Reputation, Folklore, Evermore and Midnights ). And so, the idea for The Eras Tour, showcasing her 11 albums, was brought to fruition and it was rather spectacular. Her illustrious career has only been strengthened since she started this tour. Fans all over the world, myself included, went all out in preparation. Friendship bracelets were made, cowboy boots were bought, and era-specific albums were created. And I wouldn't change any of it (except maybe some bigger shoes that don't cause blisters!). I attended Swift's second London set and was at Wembley for night five. That meant I got to see Holly Humberstone and Paramore live, before Swift came out on stage. The two support acts were amazing in their own rights and definitely helped get me in the singing and dancing mood more than I already was. But when Appla use by Lady Gaga came on and the big screens in the stadium showed a clock that began counting down, everyone knew it was time to experience a transcendent concert. Swift commands the attention of every fan present in the stadium straightaway from the very first song of Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince . She began with songs from her Lover album, before moving on to her second-ever album, Fearless . Up next was Red . This was one of my favourite eras to see because whilst I'd already seen it back in 2014, I had a newfound appreciation for Taylor Swift. Plus, the songs on this album that she sung will forever be some of her most well-known songs. And she ended this era with the 10-minute version of All Too Wel l, which I must say, was an unreal experience. The fact that one song, sung by one artist playing the guitar, can capture the attention of 92,000 people for a duration of 10 minutes and make it feel like no time has passed at all is incredible. It is an epic song and a testament to her ability as a singer-songwriter. Speak Now , another of my favourite albums was the fourth era of the concert. However, whilst the previous setlist included Long Live , the revised setlist for the European leg, only had Enchanted . But, that didn't make it any less powerful. In fact, I think having only that song from the Speak Now album was better because it's such an iconic song with a bridge that I've seen all over TikTok. Swift then left the pop vibes behind and came out in spectacular fashion for her Reputation era. Before attending The Eras Tour, I wasn't a fan of many songs on the Reputation album. However, that has since changed. The cinematics on the screens to introduce this album, the snakes, the high-heels, the iconic outfit... everything was perfect. After screaming at the top of our lungs to Look What You Made Me Do , Swift slowed the evening down a bit and came out in a flowing white dress and sat on top of a mossy cabin. With the addition of TTPD to the setlist, she combined the sister albums of Folklore and Evermore. The Folklore/Evermore section of the concert was one that gave me chills. Literally! During the set, Swift admitted that these two albums were her exploring something different in that she wrote them from a narrator's perspective. During the pandemic, Swift wrote both albums and created characters for different songs and wrote about their lives. For instance, the trio of songs, Betty, Cardigan and August , are about three characters in a love triangle. As a writer myself, this was fascinating to listen to because I'd never appreciated the imagination and creativity song writing required before. But it was an amazing experience and it only got better when Swift sang Champagne Problems . The applause after this song has been outstanding at nearly every Eras Tour show, but night five at Wembley, as Swift said herself, won. I got goosebumps and had to block my ears at one point because it was so loud and it went on for so long. And that's just a testament to Swift's career. 1989 was the next set and this was classic pop that had everyone singing and dancing, especially when Shake It Off was played. I loved 1989 and I must say it was probably in my top three eras of the night along with The Tortured Poets Department . I absolutely love the album TTPD , and I think it's such a shame that The Eras Tour movie on Disney+ doesn't showcase this album, because it was honestly breathtaking to watch. The theatrics, the outfits, the dancing, the movements, the scream during Who's Afraid of Little Old Me? . Everything about this set was of epic proportions and the crowd loved it. Before Swift moved on to the final era of the night, which was Midnights , we entered the acoustic, surprise song section. Each show, Swift has played songs acoustically, but she tries to not play the same song twice. Some of my favourite songs that I would've loved to have had as a surprise song were sadly played at other shows, but in actual fact, I didn't mind because I got three great songs. London Boy. Dear John. Sad Beautiful Tragic . It was so good to hear London Boy live and the mashup of Dear John and Sad Beautiful Tragic on the piano was emotional. Midnights as well was fantastic. I'm not a big fan of the album, but I loved watching it live and, quite frankly, I could watch it over and over again. Watching The Eras Tour was unforgettable as a fan of Taylor Swift. It is hands down the best concert I've ever been to and will probably go to. But watching The Eras Tour as a writer, was something else. It was almost like watching a movie with elaborate sets, dance sequences and beautiful lyricism. Swift explores young love, complicated relationships, friendships, societal expectations, and so much more during The Eras Tour. It is a concert that elevates the definition of the word to a whole new level. For one artist to capture the attention of a stadium's audience for over three hours and have them all sing and dance and cheer for you is something else. There was never a point where Swift looked tired or worn out or didn't put her all into each song. She was fully committed and that is why The Eras Tour is a masterfully crafted and performed concert that demonstrates why Taylor Swift is loved all over the world and is a global pop culture icon. The Eras Tour will forever be a night I will remember. Until next time...

In a world where our lives are broadcast on social media and analysed by those we don't even know, it can be hard to feel confident and banish self-doubt. Confidence and Self-Doubt. Two opposing aspects of life. Both are present in our personal and professional lives and both can be difficult to grow and overcome. But building your confidence and overcoming self-doubt is important in life and something that we should all try to do, no matter how challenging and intimidating it may feel. It is, after all, easier said than done. However, I wanted to share some tips with you that I've used personally to help me increase my confidence, especially in my career, and how I've tackled those niggling thoughts that cause me to doubt myself. It wasn't that long ago that I had a little bit of a wobble with my confidence. I was coming up to results week for my university and I had had a very busy past few weeks that left little to no time for me to take a breather. I was juggling a lot and some things occurred that made me feel less about myself and doubt myself. Now, I'm no stranger to self-doubt; throughout my education, I've compared myself to others and thought, I could do better, but in the last few years, having gained a wealth of work experience, my confidence has increased. But a few weeks ago, I became very emotional and critical of myself and my abilities concerning my writing and my work. I kept criticising myself and putting myself down, despite knowing that I was actually doing a good job. Confidence is easy to knock, and self-doubt is easy to give in to, but I've tried hard to overcome my doubts and wavering confidence to build up my self-belief and feel good about what I do. So, if you're feeling a little bit doubtful of yourself, no matter whether it's professionally, personally, or whatever, I hope some of these tips can help you see the magic in yourself. Practise self-care In a world where it can be so easy to get wrapped in the lives of others and spend hours scrolling mindlessly online, it is essential we prioritise ourselves. Ensuring you're kind to yourself and taking moments to reflect can bring a source of comfort to you and allow you to develop emotional flexibility. If you've watched Inside Out 2, you know how many emotions we feel, and it's important to spend time with these emotions and look at why you're feeling them. But it's equally important to do things that make you feel good to build confidence. If you love spending an evening by yourself watching a movie, do so. If you love reading a good book, do so. There is nothing bad or negative about practising self-care. Recognise your strengths Self-doubt can sometimes be such a strong emotion that it's easy to fall down a rabbit hole of what you think are weaknesses. When you doubt yourself over one thing, this can lead to you questioning whether you're good enough at several things; and trust me, I know because this was me a few weeks ago. But you have to try and stop yourself from going down that rabbit hole. One way to do this is to recognise your strengths. When you start to feel the self-doubt creeping in, or you find yourself questioning yourself, try to think of what your strengths are. Focus on some positive comments you've received recently. Remember a time when you achieved something you're proud of. And try to think of these whenever you start questioning your ability and your worth. Support yourself and your colleagues When your confidence has taken a bit of a knock and your self-doubt is strong, it can be difficult to imagine others in a similar situation. But, the likelihood is that you're not alone in feeling that way. Your friends, family, and colleagues have all probably felt doubtful of themselves at one point or another. So, if you are struggling with overcoming those doubts and rebuilding your confidence, try to create a support network for yourself. Surround yourself with people you can talk to about your worries, but also those who can pick you up when you need it. And once you have that, you can reciprocate by doing the same. Set achievable goals One of the easiest ways to let that doubt take over is by having a huge list of things to do and an overwhelming sense of stress when it comes to tackling different projects. However, to ensure you're feeling confident without doubting yourself, you can set achievable goals. By creating these smaller, more manageable tasks, you can tackle one thing at a time, and feel accomplished when you have completed it. There is nothing worse than having a to-do list a mile long and not knowing when to start, but if you break down each task and prioritise the urgent ones, then you can work through what you need to do in a way that won't cause you to question yourself every step. Alter your outlook Within my family, I'm known for being quite positive. I rarely let negative emotions drive my day and I always try to look on the bright side. I do this in my professional life as well. And it's something you should strive to do too because by altering your outlook to include more positive thoughts and a growth mindset, you can overcome those doubtful thoughts. Now this is easier said than done, but even if it's subtle changes, it works. If you receive feedback, don't take it negatively; think about how it can help you develop and evolve. If you're unsure about something and need to ask someone, but are worried about how it makes you look, think of it as a way to learn more and broaden your knowledge. Try to be a positive potato! Use self-affirmations There is science to back up the power of self-affirmations and whilst it may appear as a bit of an odd approach to building confidence, it can work. So, the next time you're feeling unsure of your abilities or your worth, stand in front of a mirror and recite some positive self-affirmations. You can even write them on post-it notes and stick them around the mirror, so that every time you look in the mirror, you can see the positive thoughts about yourself. They don't have to be complex, they can be as simple as you like. For example, I am confident. I am good at my job. I can always improve. Assertive language One thing I've noticed I say a lot is, Does that make sense? Why do I say it? Because I can feel myself starting to doubt myself and in turn I speak quickly. But I shouldn't ask that type of question and I shouldn't use negative language. And neither should you. Instead of asking if something you've said makes sense, you should use assertive language that doesn't convey any doubt and instead, makes others think you are feeling confident in that moment (even if you're not!). A social media hiatus Social media is an integral part of our day-to-day lives and quite frankly, it shouldn't be. There are benefits to social media, but there are also a lot of negatives, such as a decrease in confidence and an increase in self-doubt. But if you take a social media hiatus, you can swap that around and have an increase in confidence and a decrease in self-doubt. By having time away from social media, you'll spend more time in the present, making memories and living, rather than looking at what others are doing and comparing yourself. And it's so easy to start comparing yourself to what you see on Instagram or TikTok - I've done it several times before. However, by taking a break, you can kind of cleanse your mind from social media and focus on yourself and the here and now. Do what you know you can Now this tip relates to 'Recognise your strengths' because it's all about focusing on what you know you're good at. When you're starting to doubt yourself, try to pick something that you know you can do well at. Whether it's writing a blog post, cooking dinner, knitting, or something else, do it and you will start to build up your confidence again, because you know you're good at it. Superman stance What I mean by 'Superman Stance' is quite literally what it says. This tip is in Grey's Anatomy and also backed by science, so whenever you're not feeling as confident as you can be and that self-doubt is settling in, stand in the Superman stance. Feet shoulder-width apart. Head held high. Hands on hips. Chest pumped out. And a look that says, I could be a superhero. The next time you're feeling doubtful about yourself and have a low level of confidence, try some of these tips, or any others you can think of, and see if they help. But always remember: There is no one like you in the world, so embrace it. Until next time...

Charmed is a television series that began in 1998 and aired for eight seasons, starring Shannen Doherty, Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano and Rose McGowan. When someone asks, ' What's your favourite...?' it can be a struggle to think of answers, no matter the topic. I know I find it difficult. However, when it comes to TV shows, I can list five series that are, without a doubt, my top five programmes. And one of these is Charmed. Charmed began in 1998 - before I was born - and it aired until 2006. There was an unaired pilot, but the official programme consisted of eight seasons and 178 episodes. IMDB classifies Charmed as a drama, a mystery and a fantasy show, and the official synopsis is: "Three Halliwell sisters discover that they are descendants of a line of good female witches and are destined to fight against the forces of evil, using their combined power of witchcraft known as the 'Power of Three'." While that is correct, for me and many others, Charmed is so much more and personally, the scriptwriting and on-screen execution of the show are some of the reasons why it will always be a favourite TV show of mine. Review of Charmed I wasn't alive when Charmed was first broadcast on TV, but my mum was a fan of the show. When I was old enough and at an appropriate age to watch the programme, I became hooked, as did my sister. In fact, we loved the show so much that somewhere in our attic, we even have some of the books that were written and based on the TV show. But I'm not here to do a book review. The TV series Charmed is a mix of genres, including drama, fantasy elements/magical realism, action, and romance. Over the years, it became a staple show for lots of people and a comfort at that because whilst there were moments of tension and emotion, it had comedic aspects too. But first, let's delve into the premise of Charmed and why the show is worthy of watching, excluding the characters of the Halliwell sisters for now. The storyline and plot Whilst each episode of Charmed tends to focus on a central demon or warlock, there are narrative threads that continue across multiple episodes. For example, in the opening season, the animosity between Prue (the eldest) and Phoebe (the youngest) is present in more than one episode, just like the romantic relationships each of the sisters goes on to have. However, what I particularly liked about Charmed is that each episode is memorable in its own way. A lot of TV shows can have multiple episodes that blur into one; Grey's Anatomy, another favourite of mine, doesn't have that many memorable episodes unless it's a major event with a protagonist, such as a certain plane crash. But Charmed does. Since Shannen Doherty's passing, I've started to rewatch Charmed and I was saying to my mum and sister, how easy it is for me to remember specifics about each episode. I know what villains are what, what they're plan is and how it turns out. I can call out particular episodes or be shown a photo from them and I know what happens in it. I don't have that with many other TV shows, and that, to me, just shows how memorable Charmed is. Even the demons have their own storylines. Yes, there are probably hundreds and thousands of them, but to someone who has watched Charmed before and loves the show, the names Zankou, Barbas, The Source, Balthazar, and even the Dream Sorcerer, would all be familiar. Fun fact: The Dream Sorcerer is played by Matt Schulze, who plays Vince in the Fast and Furious franchise. Having plots for each episode that are easy to remember and recall, increases the rewatchability of the show. It makes Charmed a comfort programme because it's easy to identify what episodes are sad, happy, comedic, scary etc. This is one of the reasons why it's timeless because no matter what you're mood is, there will always be an episode for you to watch. Or even clips on YouTube; I know I've been guilty of watching compilations of funny scenes from Charmed when I need cheering up and Season 5 Episode 20 - Sense and Sense Ability - always brings out a laugh. Also, depending on what season you're watching, you will get a different atmosphere and tone. What I mean by this is that the first three seasons with Prue are darker than those with Paige. It is clear that there is a difference as seasons one, two and three focus more on Wiccan practices whereas the later seasons involve the next generation of Halliwells and things like Magic School. But the emotional undertones and key themes of family, sisterhood, and friendship, are present throughout all 178 episodes, making it a timeless show to watch. The characters As I mentioned above, the demons and warlocks are all very memorable in their own way, but the central characters of the Halliwell sisters are the focal point of the show. It wouldn't be Charmed without the Charmed ones. I'm a fan of all eight seasons, I might like some more than others, but I loved the show when Prue was in it and I loved it when Paige was in it. For me, the characterisation of the sisters is what makes the show because they are all incredibly unique with their own character arcs, but sisterhood and togetherness are integral to the story. Prue is the eldest Halliwell sister and she's probably the most serious, at first. She's a workaholic, likes to have a plan and grew up too fast after their mum died. Piper is the middle child (in the first three seasons) and thinks with her heart. She is always caring and looking after others, sometimes to the detriment of herself. Phoebe is the original youngest sister, who is more chaotic than the others. But she is loyal, and fierce and will always have her sisters' backs. Paige, the newcomer in season four, is thrust into a world she doesn't really know. Initially, I wasn't a fan of her character much because I loved Prue, but over time she wore me down. Each Halliwell sister is different and they each have different strengths and weaknesses. But what I loved about Charmed was the way they all worked together. Yes, they had arguments, only making the plot more realistic, but the 'Power of Three' was the true magic behind the show. I don't think it would be the same without those four actresses playing those specific characters. And that is why I love Charmed. To me, it is a timeless, comfort show that fits any mood. Yes, it may look dated when streaming on modern technology, but it isn't just a show for those who watched it in the late 90s/early 00s. It's for everyone. If you're a fellow fan of Charmed like me, let me know what your favourite thing about it is. If not, maybe I've helped inspire you to watch it. Until next time...

Fika is a tradition that is popular in Scandinavia, but it is something we should all try to implement into our lives more often. My degree is online, which means I don't get the everyday interaction with fellow students and tutors that those attending a traditional university do. However, that doesn't mean I don't get to interact with others. Throughout each month, my university hosts workshops, seminars, and talks, covering various topics. These provide an opportunity to meet students on the same degree pathway, but also students studying something completely different. This week, I attended a workshop as part of our Student Voice Festival. This workshop lasted for about an hour but there was a task for those who attended to do after the call. And that's what I want to talk about today. The workshop was called Fika: Reading for Mindfulness and during the talk, we explored how reading can be beneficial for people. But we also touched on Fika; what it is and why we should all be doing it. What is Fika? Essentially, Fika is a Swedish tradition where people take time out of their working day to enjoy a hot drink and baked goods. Sounds divine, right? On a deeper level, Fika allows you to have a break from your working routine and socialise with others. There are no rules when it comes to having a Fika. Just that you have a cup of kaffi (Swedish for coffee), a sweet treat and spend time with colleagues, family or friends to have time away from work to refresh and reframe your mind. Think of it like a Spanish siesta, but instead of sleeping, you have a coffee break. And instead of being in the afternoon, it can be whatever time of day you please. You can also spend time in a quiet place with a good book if you'd prefer to have time to yourself to think. Importance of a Fika Now you may be thinking, Abby, why are you telling us about this Swedish tradition? Well, the answer is simply because it has lots of benefits. Completing a Fika as part of your working day can help you in a professional and personal sense. If you're like me, you'll probably struggle with the concept of taking breaks during your work day but in my uni workshop, whilst learning about Fika, I finally began to realise that having a break, a Fika, or reading, is never a waste of time. And this is because it can only help you in the long run. A Fika allows you to sit down, have a rest, and fill up on sustenance. A coffee (or drink of your choosing) paired with some baked goods doesn't exactly sound bad now, does it? During your Fika, you have time to reflect on your day and your work; you can ask yourself how things are going, is there anything you can do better, or do you need to take breaks more often to avoid burnout. It can improve your focus and flow (a new term I learnt in the workshop). This basically means that by taking a break, you can reshape your mind so that when you return to work, you'll have a new perspective and be able to tackle tasks in a more focused manner that keeps the flow going, ultimately working smarter, not harder. But it also allows you to take care of yourself. Mental health is just as important as physical health and a Fika gives you the opportunity to give your mind a rest sometimes and have a moment to relax and embrace the day. It may seem strange to interrupt your working day, but it does carry benefits. So, the next time you're in the office, or working from home, grab a colleague and have a coffee break or pick up a good book and settle in for a few chapters. Hopefully, by the end of your Fika, you'll feel refreshed and at the end of your day, you can be proud that you worked hard but also took time to take care of yourself. Do you fancy having a Fika? If you do, let me know how it goes. Until next time...