Review - Rolife Super Creator kit - Pop Bubble Bathroom and lighting kit setup

I received these items in exchange for a review

A few months ago I shared my review of some new kits from Rolife in the Super Creator series. These miniature house kits are part of a modular series that can be completed as individual rooms and then stacked together to create a larger miniature world. The kits can be stacked together in a variety of ways, and you can use the roof accessory kit to add ceiling lighting.

These kits are quite simple kits and they don't take very long to build, so they are ideal for beginners or younger miniature crafters. My daughter is 15, and she loved the Lovely Pink Bedroom kit, so she was delighted to be able to work on the Pop Bubble Bathroom and connect it to the bedroom.

This gorgeous bathroom features a free standing bath with bath shelf for decor and a book - a perfect fantasy bathroom! There's a shelf unit with toiletries and other bits and pieces and a lovely raised sink. There are gold fittings, a little mirror, and all sorts of other tiny details. The kit is mainly assembled by slotting together the plastic accessories. All the sticking is done using tiny double sided adhesive dots, or you can use glue for smaller areas to give a neater finish.

I love the tiny hair dryer that sits on top of the laundry basket, and the little toilet roll perched on top of the opening and closing toilet. Although the kit suggests how the accessories could be positioned you are of course free to arrange the room exactly as you would like it. If you chose not to stick everything in place then it would be sturdy enough for an older child to play with.

The Pop Bubble Bathroom comes with a side light which is powered by a USB-C power cable (not supplied). This is great because you don't need to worry about supplying and replacing batteries.

If you would like to install the ceiling light then you will either need the separate roof accessory kit, or you can install the light on the bottom of another room kit which is positioned above. We used the roof accessory kit to add the ceiling light. 

The roof accessory is pre-built and is very easy to slot onto the room kit. The ceiling light and wiring box is supplied with the individual room kit. The light slots underneath with the cable running down the outside of the house to a small wiring box attached to the outside.

First we added a roof and ceiling light to the Lovely Pink Bedroom and she was so pleased with how it looks.

Then we installed the roof and lighting kit to the bathroom. As you can see, this kit has two lights - one on the ceiling and also a wall light. The side light can be used without requiring the separate roof kit.

Then we joined the two kits together so that the bedroom now has an en-suite bathroom! You will need to supply power to the lights using a USB-C cable which is not supplied. However the kits do come supplied with a short USB-C to USB-C cable to connect two or more rooms together. So you only need to supply one power cable which can be used to power lighting to several kits that are joined together.

For now we have chosen a side by side connecting option, but it is would be very easy to rearrange the kits so that they are the other way around, or one sits above the other.

We love the kits in this series, they are simple to put together but have lots of detail and they look lovely when out on display. You can see the full range here - Rolife Super Creator kits.

How I made an Everest notebook to track my niche interest

I have a large collection of notebooks and journals that I write in regularly. There is my day to day journal, my garden journal, my book recording notebook, a small notebook where I collect quotes and a rough notebook for general thoughts and ideas. I'm also about to start a media journal to keep track of my media consumption. 

Another new notebook that I've recently added into the mix is my Everest journal, and I thought I'd share that one today. I do love when people have a niche interest, maybe Everest isn't that niche, but I would imagine that most people in my demographic aren't that interested! 

Luckily I've collected plenty of blank notebooks, so I usually have one to hand when I need one. This is just a basic lined notebook, with a picture stuck on the front to cover up company branding. 

I always leave a few pages blank at the front of a new notebook, as I find this helps me to feel less intimated. I'm numbering the pages as I go along, so these front pages will become a contents page, an index, or a place to add stickers and random images. 

I've also started the journal from the front, the back and the middle! I add new information at the front as I go along. At the back I've started writing book reviews from my Everest bookshelf, and in the middle I've been making notes on the Everest films and documentaries that I've been watching.

Here is the sort of information that I've been collecting in my notebook:

Maps - both detailed and more general. It's a really good reference to be able to look at when I see a mention of a location.

Lists - like a list of all the 8000m peaks, a list of the highest mountains on each continent, and other facts and figures. This helps when a writer refers to other, similar peaks and I can remind myself about them.

Photocopies of interesting paragraphs from books I've read - for example I have a couple of pages from Ed Viestur's No Shortcuts to the Top when he writes about all the equipment that he uses.

Pictures and photographs - sometimes from travel guides but usually ones that I've printed out and stuck in.

Reviews of books, films and other media - sometimes written as I go along, sometimes when I've finished. I find that this really helps the information that I've learned to stick in my mind.

Anything else that I've found interesting - for example I did some reading about hypoxic tents that are used for acclimatising to altitude, and gathered information about famous climbers.

Planning for hypothetical adventures - I know that I'll never hike to Everest Base Camp but I still sent off for some brochures, researched different itineraries, and watched videos from people that have done it!

As the notebook has filled up I added tabs to some sections. I've also added a pocket at the back to store any loose pieces of paper before I decide what to do with them.

During the climbing season this year I enjoyed a daily ritual where I watched a short update video and made a few notes on what had happened that day. I enjoyed reading it back at the end of the season, and maybe I'll compare it to next year!

I've really enjoyed putting together this notebook. As well as being a good reference guide it's also helping me to remember and learn from all the Everest media that I've consumed. Now I'm thinking about making them for more of my interests!

Exploring Vienna without the burden of heavy bags

This is a collaborative post

A Practical Guide to Making the Most of Austria's Elegant Capital

Vienna is a place that has a mix of Imperial past, classic music present, and also contemporary culture. It has everything from large palaces and very popular museums to quiet coffee shops and beautiful parks. Each neighbourhood has its own character. Whether you are in for a short or long stay, which will exhaust all the city’s assets, proper planning is required. Also a tip a lot of travellers don’t think of is how to handle your bags before getting into your hotel or after you leave it.

Travellers looking for Luggage Storage Vienna options often choose secure storage services so they can enjoy sightseeing without carrying heavy bags throughout the day. At large is the case with Radical Storage, which maintains a web of convenient drop-off points across the city, thus enabling visitors to easily get in and out of storage as they see fit while they explore all that Vienna has to offer.

Why Traveling Light Improves the Experience

In crowds of city streets, at the airport, or in busy train stations, you’ll find yourself worn out while checking in your suitcases. In Vienna, though, whose charming old streets and squares are present, you will find it better to leave the walking to the locals; that way, you’ll enjoy your stay lighter.

Without heavy luggage, visitors can... 

• Walk longer distances comfortably.
• Go to museums worry-free.
• Use public transportation more easily.
• Stop by any café or restaurant.
• Take unpaved routes through parks and shopping districts.
• Travel with little baggage, which in turn gives you more options when your flight’s time is off or you’re in to claim at the hotel late.

Photo credit Daniel Plan via Unsplash

Must-Visit Attractions in Vienna

Vienna is home to a great many landmarks that tell the story of Europe’s past.

St. Stephen's Cathedral

In the city center is St. Stephen's Cathedral, which is a trademark of Vienna. Its Gothic architecture, colorful tile roof, and observation towers bring in visitors from all over the world.

Schönbrunn Palace

The former home of the Habsburg emperors is a great place that also includes beautiful gardens, historic interiors, and panoramic views. Many visitors report spending over 300 minutes on the palace grounds.

Hofburg Palace

This historic imperial palace is home to museums, libraries, and cultural institutions that display Austria’s royal past. Also in the nearby streets you will see Viennese architectural beauty.

Belvedere Palace

Art aficionados enjoy the Belvedere for its Baroque architecture and also its impressive collection of Austrian art, which includes works by Gustav Klimt.

Getting Around the City

Vienna has an excellent public transport system, which is what you would expect for a European metropolis. Trains, trams, buses, and suburban rail networks, which all integrate very well with each other to get you to all the main points of interest.

Visitors can buy day passes for when they plan to do multiple trips. Also, in the city’s touristy areas, which are very much the popular ones, many points of interest are within walking distance of each other, especially in the historic center.

Wear comfortable shoes if you can, as you will be doing a lot of walking, which is the best way to see and feel Vienna’s atmosphere.

Best Times to Visit

Each year brings a different view of the Austrian capital.

Spring

Blooming flowers and mild weather make spring the best time for sightseeing and outdoor cafes.

Summer

Long sunny days are great for park exploration, outdoor concerts, and riverside activities.

Autumn

Colorful leaves and less of a crowd give you a calming travel experience in mild weather.

Winter

At Christmas time Vienna comes alive with festive decorations and classic concerts and becomes a top European destination for winter atmosphere.

Local Food Worth Trying

Vienna’s food culture is a big part of the travel experience.

Popular local dishes include:

• Wiener Schnitzel
• Tafelspitz
• Apfelstrudel
• Sachertorte
• Kaiserschmarrn

Traditional coffee shops also present an authentic setting in which to enjoy pastries and at the same time experience Vienna’s famous café culture.

Practical Travel Tips

Easy preparation can make any visit go more smoothly.

Carry a reusable water bottle.

Purchase tickets for your travel in advance when possible.

Have some cash on hand for small businesses.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Start your tourism early.

Travellers also may wish to take out travel insurance, which also includes copies of their important travel documents.

Managing Luggage During Your Visit

Many people check in early or stay past the check-out date. For those that don’t want to drag their bags around all day, secure storage is a great option that greatly improves the enjoyment of sightseeing.

Radical Storage has a network of partner locations throughout many areas of Vienna, which in turn allows the service to offer luggage storage to travellers who wish to store their luggage while they continue with the rest of their trip. Locations are close to transport centres as well as popular tourist spots, which in turn at large helps travellers make the most of their time in the city.

Other luggage storage options that travellers may use include Usebounce, Stasher, and LuggageHero.

Making the Most of Every Hour

When in Vienna for a day or a week, do what you can to plan out your itineraries in advance, which in turn reduces stress. Travellers will find that more attractions can be visited and more planned activities can be enjoyed, which in turn leaves more energy to spend on museums, which may not be accessible if weighed down by heavy bags. Also there will be more energy to enjoy the local food, to wander historic streets, and to relax in the fine parks.

Through organisation of transport, efficient planning of itineraries, and the use of practical storage for luggage as needed, travellers are able to focus on what Vienna has to offer, which in turn creates great memories from this journey.

Moving on from Goodreads - my new reading journal and notebook

Recently I wrote about how I had fallen out of love with Goodreads, and had started tracking my reading in a different way. So today I would like to introduce you to my new physical reading and book journal!

How I chose my reading tracker journal

I spent a lot of time looking for a reading journal. I wanted something that wasn't too intimidating, and one that didn't oblige you to write a full page review for each book. I wanted the basic info - title, author, dates read, a rating system and ideally a place to write a few notes. I wanted to be able to customise it, especially to add extra information about books that I had really enjoyed.

I eventually settled on this one - a simple book rating tracker. I like that it is small and light, has plenty of space for lots of books, and although there are only a few lines for each book you can add more space by covering up some of the review slots. It is quite expensive for what it is, and I will need to strengthen the flimsy cover at some point, but on the whole it is just what I was after.

What I intend to use it for

My main goal is to both help me remember more about the books that I've read and to be a place to make short notes on any topics that I might want to explore further. For example, one book that I read briefly mentioned the concept of psychogeography and when I looked it up I found it all really interesting! Even though it was only a few weeks ago, there's no way that I would have remembered the title of the book that introduced it to me.

How I've been using it so far

I'm only a few books in, but I'm already pleased with it. I've found that most books make enough of an impression on me that I want to fill up several of the individual book rating sections. This is messing with the pre-printed numbering system a little bit so I need to find a way to make a better table of contents.

I've been using washi tape and stickers to try and give a flavour of each book. For example, romance books get a heart sticker, books with a baking theme might get a cupcake. I've been printing out some of my favourite quotes from the book and sticking them in, I've also added maps and photographs of things mentioned in the books.

I'm really enjoying flipping through to refresh my memory on the books that I've read, and that's only going to become more enjoyable as it slowly fills up.

Some books that I've enjoyed recently

In this hot weather I'm finding that reading is one of the few activities that I can do comfortably! I've read some really good books lately, so I'm sharing some of them here. I've made a big change to the way that I record my reading - I'm no longer using Goodreads. I wrote about it here - Why I've fallen out of love with Goodreads - and I've started using a physical book tracker and journal. It's working really well for me, and I'll be sharing how I use it at some point, it's really helping me to remember the books that I've read!

A Single Thread - Tracy Chevalier. 

I picked this book up in a charity shop as I remembered enjoying other books by the author (Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Lady and the Unicorn). I really liked it because covers several themes that I found interesting. It's a historical novel with a single timeline, set after WW1 and following Violet, a 'surplus woman' who lost her fiancé and brother during the war and is now expected to remain unmarried and live at home with her mother. Instead she manages to break away and assert her independence.

There were some really interesting topics in the story. My favourite - Violet discovers an embroidery society in Winchester Cathedral, a group of women who are creating kneelers, cushions and other items under the guidance of Lousia Pesel. This is based on a true story, and I enjoyed looking up examples of the actual kneelers and finding out more about the embroidery. For example the use of the fylfot symbol which is a variant of the swastika and also serves as a foreshadowing for the looming WW2.

Violet also befriends a bell ringer, and I enjoyed learning about the different ways that bells are run in churches and cathedrals around the country. It has inspired me to go along to our village church one evening when they are doing their practice ringing!

Photo credit Tanya Barrow via Unsplash

The Housekeeper's Tale - Tessa Boase

I was inspired to buy this non-fiction book after I attended a lecture given by Tessa Boase at a local Arts Society. The lecture was actually on a completely different topic (London's Lost Department Stores) but I spotted that she had also written this book and I'm so glad that I bought it.  

I've always been fascinated by old country houses and how they are run, and very different housekeepers feature prominently in my two favourite books - Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. 

This book takes a close look at five housekeepers, from 1832 until 1971, along with an epilogue from a woman who does a similar job today. It's meticulously researched and I was left in awe - some of these women left very few traces behind them and the author has collated these tiny snippets from a variety of sources and fleshed them out into really interesting and very readable stories. 

Photo credit Silas Köhler via Unsplash

David Copperfield - Charles Dickens

I wanted to read this after I loved Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I knew that Demon Copperhead was a modern re-telling of the story, but I didn't realise quite how closely it follows the original - down to names of characters, locations and events. I enjoy reading long books from time to time, and this one did take me several weeks. I didn't find it particularly difficult to read - there is just so much of it!

Although I probably read them in the wrong order, having read Demon Copperhead did help me to follow the plot, and I enjoyed spotting the references. The book was originally published in serialised form so each chapter is quite self-contained and can be read in a single sitting. There are also plenty of places online that you can read a chapter summary just to make sure you are following!

I'm not sure that I would rush to read any more Dickens, as although I enjoy the classics there are other authors that I prefer. But I'm really glad I made the effort to read this one. 

Book Lovers - Emily Henry

This was a quick palate cleanser after my weeks of Dickens! I borrowed it from a friend and quickly realised that I'd read it before, but I knew I had enjoyed it so I read it again! It's an easy romance, slow burn, and a little bit spicy. It's an attempt to subvert the small town romance trope and it works really well, with a satisfying ending that feels realistic.

Things you'd love to know before building your first book nook kit

This is a collaborative post

Photo credit DIY Book Nook Kit

If you've been seeing those magical little illuminated scenes tucked between books on social media and wondering what on earth they are, welcome, you've just discovered book nooks. A book nook is a miniature diorama designed to slot neatly onto a bookshelf between your books, creating the illusion of a tiny world disappearing into the wall. They're wonderfully absorbing to build, deeply satisfying to display, and, once you've finished one, almost impossible to stop at just the one.

Whether you're a seasoned miniaturist or a complete beginner interested in building your first book nook kit, this guide will walk you through everything: what's in the box, how to assemble it confidently, how to fix the inevitable little mishaps, and a few easy ways to make your finished scene feel truly your own.

What's Inside a Book Nook Kit

Most book nook kits, including popular options from brands like Rolife, arrive with a surprisingly complete set of components. Here's what you can typically expect to find:

● Laser-cut wooden sheets with press-out structural pieces (walls, floors, shelving)

● Decorative elements - miniature furniture, tiny books, plants, and ornaments, often in a mix of wood, cardboard, and a small amount of plastic

● Printed paper or cardboard sheets for wallpaper, flooring, and surface details

● Sticker sheets for labels, signage, and decorative finishing touches

● A built-in LED lighting kit, usually battery-powered (two AAA batteries, not always included so it's worth checking before you start)

● A detailed instruction booklet with numbered steps and parts lists

Finished dimensions vary, but most shelf-insert book nooks measure roughly 10–20 cm wide and 20–25 cm tall, slim enough to slot between a row of paperbacks. The small double-sided tape strips included in many kits will get you most of the way, but I'd always recommend having a bottle of craft glue nearby to give more delicate joins a little extra reassurance.

Step-by-Step Assembly Guide

Step 1: Sort and organise your pieces (15–20 minutes) Before you press anything out, lay the wooden sheets flat and read through the instruction booklet from start to finish. Keep pieces in their numbered bags, you'll thank yourself later. A few simple ideas for organising small craft supplies can also help prevent tiny components from disappearing mid-build. Set up a clear, well-lit workspace and use your box lid as a handy tray for completed sections.

Step 2: Build the structural shell (30–45 minutes) Press out and assemble the main walls, back panel, and base. These interlock precisely, so take your time and apply gentle, even pressure. If a joint feels too snug, don't force it - a little light sanding on the tab edge will make it slot together cleanly without risk of splitting.

Step 3: Add wallpaper, flooring, and surface details (20–30 minutes) This is where the scene really begins to feel alive. Cut the printed cardboard or paper panels to fit and stick them in place before adding the structural elements on top. It's much easier to paper the walls before the shelves go in, so don't rush ahead.

Step 4: Assemble and place the decorative elements (45–60 minutes) Miniature furniture, tiny stacked books, potted plants - these small details reward patience and often make the biggest difference. Handle them gently; use tweezers for anything fiddly. A small dot of PVA glue (or clear-drying craft glue) holds them far more securely than tape alone.

Step 5: Install the lighting (10–15 minutes) Thread the LED strip carefully through any pre-drilled channels before closing up the back panel, you won't be able to do it after. Test the light before final assembly. Warm-white LEDs give the cosiest glow and really sell the idea of a lived-in, illuminated book nook scene.

Step 6: Final checks and display (10 minutes) Step back, look at the overall composition, and reposition any loose decorative pieces. Then slot it onto your shelf and enjoy the effect.

Finishing Touches, Repairs, and Easy Mods

Quick fixes and surface finishing

Even with careful assembly, small imperfections can appear, a rough edge here, a visible gap there. These are easy to deal with:

● Rough edges: A quick rub with fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) smooths any splintered laser-cut edges before painting or staining.

● Visible gaps or misaligned joins: A tiny amount of wood filler or fine-surface polyfilla pressed in with a cocktail stick, left to dry, then sanded flush will make joints almost invisible.

● Broken pieces: If a small wooden piece snaps, PVA glue or superglue (applied sparingly) will bond it cleanly. Hold for 60 seconds and leave to cure fully before moving on.

Three mods to make it your own

Add extra warm lighting. Peel-and-stick LED strip lights in copper or warm amber (available very cheaply online) can be layered behind shelving or cornices to add depth and atmosphere to your book nook lighting, it's especially effective for scene-within-a-scene effects.

Create your own miniature figures. Polymer clay is ideal for sculpting tiny seated readers, cats on windowsills, or stacked mugs. You don't need sculpting experience - simple, impressionistic shapes read brilliantly at miniature scale.

Try a mirror-back infinity effect. Replacing the back panel with a small piece of mirror card (cut to fit) creates an infinity-room illusion when lit from the front, this is endlessly mesmerising and genuinely one of the most impressive effects you can achieve with almost no extra cost.

Whether you're looking for a mindful weekend project or a gift that goes well beyond the ordinary, a book nook kit is one of those genuinely joyful purchases that rewards every hour you put into it. Once it's on the shelf and glowing, you'll understand exactly why people get so completely hooked and why people enjoy sharing pictures of their book nooks.

Review - Rolife Miniature House Kit - Corner Bookstore

I was sent this kit in exchange for a review

I love working on Rolife miniature kits, and when I was given the chance to choose another kit to complete I knew straightaway which one I would like to try. The Corner Bookstore miniature house kit is a tiny bookstore, crammed with books and other knick-knacks along with cosy corners and intriguing little nooks. 

This kit is perfect for book lovers, and just like the Silent Corner Study it's a great model to display on a bookshelf. I really like the muted colours, and I love the piles of books and plants.  

The miniature kit comes with everything that you need for assembly, you just need to add two AAA batteries for the lighting kit. Small strips of double sided tape are provided, but I found that it was helpful to have glue on hand, just to make sure that everything was stuck down firmly enough to withstand slight knocks. 

The Corner Bookstore kit has a difficulty rating of 2 1/2 stars and I assembled it in a few hours over about a week. It's always worth checking the difficulty rating of Rolife kits as they do vary, and this is a medium difficulty kit. There are a lot of tiny wooden and cardboard components to slot together and some gentle force was required to get everything into place, there is also a small amount of measuring and modification of parts.

I felt that this was one of the more open-ended kits that I've worked on - you can move away from the instructions a little and really make it your own by arranging the pieces to suit you. Although there is some plastic in the kit, many of the components are made with more natural materials like wood and paper.

The first step is to lay out all the pieces, but don't remove items from the bags as you will use the bag number to find a piece. If you do this by accident there is a materials list and part guide to identify similar looking pieces.

The instructions are really easy to follow and guide you through the assembly process. Each section has a clearly labelled list of the parts required and step-by-step directions. I found it helpful to set aside an area for components after I had finished them - the box works well for this. I also removed rubbish as I went along to keep my workspace clear.

With these kits I try to make sure that I don't rush, I slow down and enjoy the process of putting them together. It's a very meditative activity, and a wonderful way to switch off as you concentrate on what you are doing.

It's a great moment when you can fix the walls in place and the whole thing begins to take its final shape. I really like the way that this kit fits into a corner, and all the tiny props are really imaginative and full of detail.

As you would expect, even a miniature bookstore is going to be filled with books, and I had a lot of fun making the heaps of tiny books to stock the store. This is just a handful of them! They are made by covering a tiny wooden piece with a printed sticker - these books each measure around 1cm across. There are many familiar titles - Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre and The Old Man and the Sea - as well as non-fiction books and a variety of interesting and attractive covers. It seems such a shame that when assembled many of the covers are hidden! 

There is a suggested way to arrange the books, but I found it much easier to just work it out for myself, especially making sure that my favourite books had more prominent positions. But one tip for this kit in particular - take care to keep the different sized books separately as they can appear quite similar.

When the assembly is complete, it's lovely to take a step back and have a proper look at what you've just built - sometimes it's difficult to appreciate the whole when you've been concentrating hard on all the tiny details! I loved assembling the Corner Bookstore kit, and it is a wonderful addition to my miniature house kit collection.

You may like to see my other Rolife Miniature Craft Kit reviews:

Super Creator Kits - Fascinating Bookstore, Lovely Pink Bedroom and Sweet Sips Tea

Cathy's Flower House

Silent Corner Study

Elsa's Tailoring

Gingerbread House

Christmas 3D Frames