How I decide which books to keep on my shelves

A few years ago I wrote a blog post called A look at my fiction bookshelf. Looking back, I can't believe that I owned so few fiction books! It was a very heavily curated collection, and while it does contain many of my favourites, let's just say that things have moved on a great deal in the last decade or so.

While I am still choosy about the books that I keep, and I do pass on many, I now have a large bookshelf for fiction books in our living room piled high with books that I've loved. Most have been read multiple times, and the others are ones that I know I will re-read. 

My collection began to increase a few years ago when I discovered the joy of second-hand book shopping. I re-purchased books which I had previously decluttered, I bought my own copies of books that I had borrowed, and I took a chance on authors that I had enjoyed. I have a lot more time for reading now, and online life constantly exposes me to new and tempting books. 

I love displaying my book collection. I am very proud of it, and although these books are my favourites I do still sort through it regularly. There comes a time when I need to make space for new books! Every book on my shelves is one that has earned its place for the time being, and looking over it makes me feel happy. I enjoy when bookish friends come to visit and I'm always happy to lend out books to anyone that might be interested.

This is how a book finds a place in my permanent fiction collection:

Many of my books are sentimental. I have a collection of Enid Blyton and similar books from my Dad, and old editions of books from both my Grandmas. I just love old books, and I can't resist taking them if someone in the family is passing them on. 

It speaks to me. I read a wide range of books, and I can usually tell at once whether a book will fit this category. It's really difficult to describe, but while there are many books that I enjoy while I'm reading them there are some books which touch something in me more deeply. These are the ones that I keep because I know that I'll want to read them again some day. I've had regrets in the past after I've passed on books, so I'm a little more careful now because I know that I'll only end up buying them again!

It's part of a series. This is a difficult one for me, because I find it difficult to break up a series even if I only like some of the books. At the moment I'm struggling with the Book of Dust trilogy by Philip Pullman. I loved the first book, La Belle Sauvage, but I found the second and third very difficult to get through. They are big books, and it would save me some space if I passed them along, but I can't bear to get rid of the matching set!

You will notice that I've only been referring to my fiction book collection and I must confess that this is just a part of it. I also have a bookshelf containing children's fiction books, both originals from my childhood and reprints that I've purchased. Not to mention my non-fiction bookshelf. Maybe I'll share those one day too!

How to read long books

In general I read quickly, but every now and then I enjoy taking my time with a longer book that will keep me company for many weeks. 

Opinions may vary on what counts as a "long book", but to me it's one that's over 1000 pages, is a weighty tome, and has a complex plot with many interlinked characters and situations.

In terms of my own reading, my most recent long read was the three volumes of 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami which I enjoyed very much. Over the years, some other longer books that I've enjoyed have been The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. 

Still on my reading list - War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy!

I thought I'd share some tips, in case you too fancy immersing yourself in a longer read.

Tips for reading a long book

* Do some research into the book that you are interested in reading, as it's going to be your companion for a while. Read a sample chapter and look for online reviews. Maybe choose a book that you've seen as a film or television series so that you are familiar with the characters and story.

* Don't jump into a longer book unless you already have a reading habit in place - build up to it with less challenging books and planning out time in your daily schedule for reading. 

* Aim for reading in regular small chunks rather than less frequent longer reading sessions. That way you won't lose track of what's going on.

* Consider having a lighter book on the go at the same time - both lighter in terms of content and also physically lighter in case you want to take a book out and about. You just have to be careful not to get too engrossed at the expense of your longer book!

* If you can, purchase your own copy of the book so that you don't have to worry about library fines or having a deadline to return it to a friend. Think of it as investment - you can either buy a couple of drinks which you'll finish in an evening, or spend the money on a chunky book which will keep you entertained for months!

* If you have an e-reader then you might want to consider a digital copy of the book. Larger books can be physically difficult to read, especially in paperback, as they can be heavy and awkward to hold open. 

* Audiobooks can be a useful tool to incorporate reading into your daily life. Some people find reading easier if they listen to the audiobook at the same time as they are reading a physical book. Just make sure that your audiobook is not an abridged version. 

* Keep an eye out for a group read along like A Year of War and Peace - search on Reddit, Substack and other social media. Often starting in January, you can join a group of other people that are reading the same book and sharing their thoughts. A moderator will often share background information or historical context to increase your enjoyment of the book.

* Find additional resources to help you with a complicated text. For example, chapter summaries to make sure that you've understood everything. Look for guides like a family tree for a complicated family saga, or historical timelines to give you some background information. You might find it helpful to annotate your book, or add sticky notes to mark important pages.

* Don't feel the urge to rush through the book - make the most of the experience of reading it and really enjoy it. Try not to get hung up on the size of the book, just work your way through it a little at a time.

* It might help to understand the structure of the book, and work out how much you can read in one go to help come up with a reading target. For example, War and Peace is formed of around 365 chapters, depending on the translation, which makes it perfect for reading a chapter each day over the year. 

* Plan to reward yourself with a viewing of the film or television series, of which there is bound to be at least one if you are reading a classic book. 

* When I've finished a book I'm terrible at remembering the books I've read a few months later. So if it's a book that has made a particular impression on me I will make some notes in my journal, and perhaps even print out a synopsis that I can stick in and refer back to - make sure that it's a full synopsis which includes the ending! 

* Finally don't force it - if you really aren't enjoying the book then it's perfectly fine to put it aside for something else. There are so many books out there and so little time - it's not worth wasting it on the books that aren't for you.

Happy reading!

Why sewing feels so rewarding - and what makes it worth starting by Franklins Group

This is a collaborative post

Photo credit Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash

Sewing is a hobby that manages to balance creativity, hands-on skill, and a generous dash of satisfaction. Lately it's enjoyed a real comeback, drawing in everyone from curious beginners to those who've been at it for decades.

One of sewing's biggest draws is the freedom to turn simple fabric into something that matches your style—a cosy quilt, your own clothes, or a thoughtful gift with real meaning. Each project is a blank canvas, and you’re in charge.

Beyond the creative buzz, sewing can be good for your mind. There’s something quietly calming about the steady rhythm of needle and thread, helping you unwind and focus on the moment instead of everything else on your mind. That sense of flow makes it much more than just a way to pass the time.

Learning to sew means you pick up skills that come in handy for daily life, from fixing a button to making something entirely new. There’s a sense of independence that grows each time you complete a project, and it often gets people thinking about using what they have more wisely.

For many, sewing isn’t just another hobby—it’s a lifelong companion that connects you to a wider community, to tradition, and to your own sense of accomplishment.

Creative Expression Through Sewing

Sewing sits comfortably alongside painting or sculpture as a form of creative expression. Instead of paint and canvas, you’ve got fabric, a trusty sewing machine, and patterns that guide your hand, with Franklins Group offering resources and equipment for sewing projects. What sets sewing apart is its mix of practicality and imagination—your creative ideas become things you can actually use or wear, not just admire from across a room.

The delight in sewing comes from making each project your own. Choosing fabric is a bit like picking ingredients for a recipe; it sets the mood, whether you go bold with prints or subtle with soft shades. There’s more to it than just looks, too—how a fabric feels, its thickness, and how long it lasts all matter when picking out what works best.

Patterns aren’t set in stone. Adjust them, blend different ideas, or start from scratch if you fancy a challenge, especially if you want something that simply isn’t in the shops. Then there are all the ways you can make a piece stand out: hand-stitching, adding appliqué, or a dash of embroidery. These touches can turn even the simplest item into something with real character.

Sewing gives you full freedom to turn your ideas into reality. Whether it’s a favourite dress that fits perfectly or a quilt bursting with meaning, you end up with creations as individual as you are.

The Practical Benefits of Sewing

Sewing can be a real money-saver. By learning just a few basic skills, you can start making or mending your own clothes, which means you skip the high price tags of shop-bought items or paying someone else to do alterations. Fancy something a bit more original? Sewing lets you put your own spin on each piece, making your wardrobe feel truly yours—no designer label required.

For those just starting out, you don’t need to go all in right away. Mastering simple stitches and practicing on things like tops or shorts is enough. Over time, you’ll pick up more skills and grow your homemade collection bit by bit.

Sewing is also a smart choice for anyone who wants to be kinder to the environment. Making your own clothes puts you in charge of the materials and means you’re not feeding into the cycle of fast fashion. This industry is known for its huge amount of waste and the toll it takes on the planet.

By sewing what you need, you avoid buying clothes that might end up in landfill after a short stint in your wardrobe. Choosing better quality fabrics and taking care over how things are made helps each piece last longer, cutting down on waste and supporting a more thoughtful way of living.

Cognitive and Mental Health Advantages

Sewing really gives your brain a good workout. Each project comes with its own set of problems to solve—deciding how to master a new technique, or figuring out a clever fix for that seam gone wrong. Every time you tackle a tricky pattern, you’re helping your mind stay sharp and adaptable. Picking up new skills and working with your hands keeps those mental gears spinning, not unlike the challenge you get from a puzzle or a game of Sudoku, especially when working on projects inspired by Franklins Group.

On top of that, sewing has a well-earned reputation for calming frazzled nerves. There’s something about the steady rhythm of stitching that helps your thoughts settle. Focusing on the movement of the needle and fabric acts almost like a reset button for your mind. Many people find that the stress of the day fades as they get lost in their project, with each mindful stitch helping to put worries to one side. Sewing often becomes a peaceful ritual—a quiet spot in a busy week where you can breathe out and feel a little lighter.

Community Building and Social Interaction

Photo credit Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash

Joining a sewing group has plenty of perks, especially when it comes to swapping knowledge and getting support. Spending time with others who share your passion means you can pick up handy tips, swap stories about what’s worked (and what’s gone wrong), and help each other fix those stubborn sewing mishaps. For additional help outside of group sessions, there are also many resources for sewing enthusiasts available online.

Whether you’re catching up in person or chatting online, these groups become a treasure trove of advice and lived experience. You’ll find tutorials for beginners, clever hacks for tricky patterns, and plenty of encouragement to try something new.

The social side is a big bonus, too. Regular meet-ups, group sewing sessions, and online discussions help people connect with others who get just as excited about a new fabric find. Over time, these connections grow into real friendships, making the hobby much more rewarding.

Events, workshops, and even simple coffee catch-ups become chances to share your latest projects, get involved in group challenges, or just celebrate each other’s finished work. Instead of sewing in isolation, you’ll become part of a cheerful network that keeps you learning, motivated, and inspired.

Turning Sewing into a Sustainable Business

Turning your sewing hobby into a business is easier than ever, thanks to all the ways you can share your creativity with others. Plenty of people start by making things they love and selling them online through places like Etsy, or at craft fairs where shoppers are on the hunt for something one-of-a-kind. Unique, handmade items have a special appeal—buyers these days are looking for great quality and personal touches they won’t spot in a big chain store. This kind of craft often fetches a better price too, as people value the individuality and care that goes into every stitch.

Teaching is another smart way to grow your income. If you know your way around a needle and thread, you’ll notice more people keen to pick up sewing skills—whether it’s making new clothes, repairing old favourites, or simply learning the basics. Running classes or workshops in your community, or posting video tutorials online, lets you connect with those eager to learn. Personal lessons and easy-to-follow videos give learners the guidance they want, without the overwhelm.

By making a business out of sewing—through selling, teaching, or a bit of both—you’re not just earning money. You’re encouraging others to ditch fast fashion for more thoughtful shopping, inspiring new crafters, and playing your part in a more eco-friendly, creative world.

Simple ways to balance fitness and family life

This is a collaborative post

Trying to exercise regularly with children in the house can be frustrating. One evening disappears into homework and a difficult dinner time, another into football practice or a toddler refusing to sleep. Plenty of parents end up treating exercise as something that only happens when they get a bit of spare time, which usually means that fitness drops further down the priority list every month. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. A better option is to work movement into ordinary routines rather than waiting for perfect conditions that never arrive. 

Here’s how:

Wear clothes that make movement easier

What you wear during the day can affect how likely you are to exercise later on. Getting changed to exercise adds an unnecessary step, making it much less likely you’ll actually get down to it. So, instead, wear comfortable trainers, lighter layers, or a stylish running vest to make it easier to squeeze in some exercise when you suddenly get half an hour free.

Use family time properly

Exercise does not always need to be separate from family life. A walk after dinner, a bike ride at the weekend, heading to the local pool together, or half an hour in the park can get everybody moving without having to peel off and separate for some exercise.

Younger children often prefer that approach anyway because they get your attention at the same time. A football in the garden or a race across the playground might not look like a formal workout, though it still gets you moving around instead of sitting indoors for the entire evening.

Photo credit Paul Yong via Unsplash

Put exercise into your week deliberately

Exercise can disappear very easily if you leave it floating in uncertainty somewhere in the background of your schedule. Work overruns, children get tired, and suddenly another Friday arrives with no exercise done at all.

A fixed slot usually works better. Early mornings suit some people because the house is likely to be quiet for a while. Others prefer evenings once children finally settle down. The specific time matters less than treating exercise as part of the week rather than an optional extra you squeeze in if everything else finishes early.

Use shorter workouts at home

You do not always need a gym session or a long run to stay active. Short workouts at home can be very effective during busy weeks.

A yoga mat, a resistance band, or a short online workout video can fit into the gaps in normal family routines. Ten minutes here and there still adds movement to the day. That approach also removes travel time, parking, and waiting around for equipment in crowded gyms.

Build more movement into ordinary routines

Some exercise can happen during your everyday routines rather than as separate workout sessions. Walk shorter journeys when you can. Take children to the park on foot instead of driving five minutes down the road. Carry shopping bags instead of using a trolley for shorter trips.

Those choices sound minor on their own, though they stop the entire week from becoming completely inactive. Small bursts of movement throughout the day usually fit family life far better than ambitious fitness plans that collapse after four days.

Accept that some weeks will go badly

Children get ill. Parents get exhausted. School holidays throw routines all over the place. One difficult week does not ruin everything unless you decide to give up entirely because the schedule no longer looks tidy.

During chaotic periods, scale things back instead. A short walk still gets you outside. Ten minutes of stretching still beats nothing. Keeping some level of activity in place usually makes it easier to pick things back up once family life settles down again.

Conclusion

Balancing exercise with family life usually comes down to practicality rather than motivation alone. Shorter workouts, simple routines, comfortable clothing, and active time with your children can work far better than complicated fitness plans built around huge amounts of free time. Most parents do not need a perfect routine. They simply need something realistic enough to survive ordinary family life.

Sewing Your Way to Creativity and Confidence: Insights from JUKI UK

This is a collaborative post

Photo credit Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash

Sewing is making a genuine comeback, offering a fun and personal way for people to get creative. There’s something quite special about picking out your favourite fabrics and patterns, then figuring out the techniques to bring your ideas to life. Each stitch gives you a chance to put your stamp on a project, from the tiniest cushion to a bold new outfit.

But it’s not just about what you end up making. Sewing encourages you to think outside the box, solve little puzzles along the way, and come up with your own solutions. The process itself becomes a space for creative thinking to flourish.

Better yet, finishing a sewing project gives you a proper sense of accomplishment, no matter how simple or challenging it was. The confidence boost you get from seeing something through, learning a new skill, or working out a tricky bit can carry over to other areas of your life. With each project, your self-belief quietly grows, showing you just how capable you are.

Creativity Through Sewing

Sewing opens up countless ways to let your creativity shine, giving you the chance to turn ideas from your head into real, practical things. Whether you fancy making your own clothing, sprucing up your living space, or crafting elegant accessories, every project can be as personal as you like. High-quality tools such as JUKI quilting machines can make these projects even more enjoyable and precise.

You have full control over your choices, from picking out fabrics and patterns to trying out new techniques. This means every creation ends up reflecting your taste and personality—no two projects are ever exactly the same.

Making your own clothes lets you shape a wardrobe that truly suits you, both in style and comfort. You’re free to mix up colours, shapes, and fabric textures in ways that might be impossible to find in the shops. Outside of clothing, sewing also stretches into DIY crafts like patchwork quilts, unique cushions, or even cuddly toys. These projects can add warmth to your home or become thoughtful, handmade gifts for friends and family.

Upcycling is also a hugely rewarding side of sewing. Giving old clothes a new lease of life isn’t just satisfying—it’s also good for the planet. With each new project, you get the chance to develop your skills and explore your own creative twists. Whether you’re adding a cheeky bit of embroidery to a plain shirt or building an extravagant costume, sewing is all about imagination and putting your own spin on things, one stitch at a time.

Building Confidence with Sewing

Finishing a sewing project gives a real boost to your confidence. There’s nothing quite like holding something you’ve made with your own hands—whether it’s a new dress or just a cheerful cushion—to remind you of what you can achieve. Every completed piece is proof of your effort and imagination coming together.

Making something from scratch, no matter the size or skill level, helps you trust your abilities more. Bit by bit, as you learn to tackle things like tricky seams or try more ambitious techniques—pleats, piping, even the dreaded invisible zip—each small win adds up. It’s strangely satisfying to look back and see how much you’ve learned, and it’s proof that patience and practice really do pay off.

Sewing isn’t just about the pretty end result. The skills you pick up, from solving tiny fabric mishaps to thinking your way out of a pattern problem, can make you feel much more capable and prepared. These problem-solving moments often spill over into other areas of life, giving you quiet confidence that really sticks. JUKI UK is often trusted by sewists looking for reliable machines that support both beginners and experienced creators.

Leveraging Social Media for Sewing Inspiration

Instagram and Visual Sharing

Instagram is a real treasure trove for sewing enthusiasts, helping people show off their latest makes and find fresh inspiration every day. Thanks to its focus on visuals, you can post crisp photos or swipe-through carousels that capture all those thoughtful little details and give a peek behind the scenes at your sewing setup or works-in-progress.

Sharing these moments really draws people in, letting followers appreciate the effort and creativity that go into each project. By popping on hashtags like #sewingcommunity or #lovesew, it’s easier for your work to get noticed, and there’s a good chance you’ll find other stitchers who share your style—or you might catch the eye of someone completely new to sewing.

Stories and Reels bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. Stories are great for quick snapshots, mini updates, or just letting people watch your process as it unfolds, while Reels are ideal if you fancy making speedy tutorials or cool time-lapses of a project taking shape. These clips aren’t just fun; they help tell the bigger story behind your makes and give followers reasons to stick around.

Getting involved with the wider sewing gang is what really brings Instagram to life. Whether you’re teaming up with another maker for a joint live chat, running a giveaway, or swapping tips in the comments, you’ll quickly grow a supportive and inspiring circle. Even simple replies and regular comments can go a long way in making everyone feel included and firing up more creativity all round.

YouTube and Educational Content

Photo credit Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash

YouTube has become a real game-changer for learning new sewing skills. With a huge mix of tutorials, reviews, and creative videos, you’re not stuck reading instructions—you can actually watch someone piece a tricky dress together or master a fiddly machine setting at your own pace.

There’s something quite helpful about seeing sewing experts in action, especially if you find written instructions a bit hard to follow. Clear demonstrations and step-by-step visuals mean you can pause, rewind, and rewatch until everything clicks. Whether you’re brand new or fairly experienced, there’s always something new to try, from adventurous patterns to clever hacks for faster, neater seams.

Joining “sew with me” sessions adds another layer of fun. These live or pre-recorded videos create a sense of sewing alongside others, swapping tips and cheering each other on—even if you’re all in different corners of the country. Getting involved in chats and comments turns sewing from a solo hobby into a connected, friendly community, where questions get answered and new friendships can start over a shared love of fabric and thread. It’s a great way to stay inspired and stick with projects, with a bit of moral support thrown in for good measure.

Pinterest for Gathering Ideas

Pinterest is like an online pinboard for your sewing imagination. You can create boards for all sorts of themes—think 'Vintage Patterns', 'Patchwork Quilts', or 'Handmade Gifts'—and pin whatever catches your eye. Saved pins could be clever tutorials, dreamy fabric swatches, or new colour combinations you want to try.

This way, whenever inspiration strikes or you need a nudge to start your next project, you’ve already got your ideas sorted out and easy to find. It feels almost like keeping a scrapbook, just with less glue and far fewer paper cuts.

Pinterest’s focus on beautiful images means you’ll find yourself surrounded by creative possibilities from every corner of the globe. From step-by-step guides to finished projects, the constant mix of new content often leads to unexpected ideas and encourages you to try techniques or designs you may never have thought about before.

With so many sewists sharing their boards and pins, it’s a brilliant place to pick up on trends or start planning your own personal twist on a popular look. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by endless choices, Pinterest lets you organise and revisit inspiration whenever you fancy, making it much easier to get from your idea to your sewing table.

The Social Aspect of Sewing

Sewing groups and communities do more than just bring people together—they’re where learning and encouragement genuinely thrive. Sitting down with others who share your passion creates a space where swapping tips, sharing tricky stitch hacks, or even showing off new patterns becomes part of the fun. If you’ve run into a problem, someone else has almost certainly solved it before and is willing to show you how.

For those just starting out, these circles can make a world of difference. Getting friendly advice from more experienced members not only speeds things up, it also takes the edge off those beginner nerves, making every project feel less intimidating.

But it’s not all about sewing skills. These groups build friendships, spark plenty of laughs over sewing mishaps, and celebrate every finished project, no matter how big or small. People share honest stories about what went well and what went wrong, which helps everyone to feel less alone during the tougher bits. It’s a steady source of motivation and inspiration, and sometimes it leads to working on joint projects that combine everyone’s ideas into something really special.

You don’t need to rely only on local meet-ups either. Online groups and forums—on Facebook, Instagram, and all sorts of websites—mean that you can swap tips with someone miles away, get feedback on your work, or discover how sewing traditions differ around the globe. Whether you’re meeting in a cosy craft shop or chatting on your phone at home, joining in keeps sewing lively, social, and a whole lot more enjoyable.

The plants that I was convinced were dead

This year I have learned a valuable lesson in the garden - don't give up on any plants until you are absolutely sure that they are dead!

In the autumn I very nearly removed this unidentified plant which filled my strawberry planter with beautiful pink flowers last year. It was shrivelled up and grey, and only stayed because I missed it during the autumn tidy up. To my surprise, last week tiny buds appeared, and now it has really taken off! It's a little behind where it was when I bought it, but I really hope that it flowers again this year because last year it was really lovely! 

I bought two lavender plants towards the end of last year, but a few months back I was convinced that I had lost them. After all the rain that we had at the beginning of the year they were completely waterlogged and the lower stems had turned brown. But both of them are flowering nicely now!

I planted three delphiniums last year, and over winter they all disappeared, until one of them suddenly came back to life! I have some smaller seedlings to go in this summer, I'm going to plant them in the same place as this one as it was obviously the perfect position!

Finally my poor clematis never really took off last year, the couple of flowers it had when I bought it quickly fell of and then it just looked a bit sad. I cut it back in autumn but it was so brown and dry that I thought it was gone. So I was delighted to spot buds a few weeks ago, and although the flowers are a little spindly at least they are there!

I am a very impatient gardener, I just want everything to fill out immediately rather than having to wait years for everything to grow up. Hopefully in this second year things will start to take off!

What I've been up to lately - May 2026

It has been ages since I last did one of these posts! 

I've been a bit quiet over here lately, so here's what I've been up to lately: 

Reading

I've been working my way through a very long book over the last few weeks - 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. Strictly speaking it's three books, but it was cheaper to buy them all in one volume. Although large, it's easy to read and there aren't many characters to keep track of. It's an unusual book, vaguely referencing George Orwell's book 1984 and set during a fictionalised version of the year 1984. Narrated by two and then three characters, the plot is surreal and covers a parallel universe, a religious cult and strange beings. It's a good read - and I always enjoy books that are set in Japan!

Watching

We are enjoying the new season of For All Mankind which explores an alternative history where the Soviet Union is the first to land on the moon. It's now on season 5, and with each season covering about a decade we've now reached the 2010s. After losing the space race the US ramped up their space programme with significant investment which means that they are far ahead when it comes to technological innovation. This season takes place mainly on the well established Mars base and while I'm not finding it quite as exciting as the first few seasons it's still very watchable.

We've also just started The Testaments which I think is shaping up really well. I'm enjoying seeing a different perspective on the world of The Handmaid's Tale.

Finally another series that I'm part way through is Twenty Twenty Six, a spoof documentary following the organisation behind the World Cup, and a follow up to Twenty Twelve which was based around the Olympics. It's really funny!

Enjoying

I am really appreciating the glorious weather that we've had lately. I love seeing the garden come to life in spring, and I'm spending as much time as I can either in the garden or admiring it from the house. It makes such a difference to my mood when the sun is shining.

Crafting

I decided that I wanted to get my watercolours out again, and so I decided to attempt a small painting each day in May. Each day I'll fill a page depicting something in my garden. It's early days, but so far so good! I have a tiny sketchbook, about 12cm square, and I work very quickly aiming for just a quick impression - I just do a quick sketch in black pen and then add paint. In no way do I claim to be an artist but I really enjoy working on these little paintings.

I also have some more miniature craft kits to work on which I have been sent to review. I will be sharing those shortly!

Sorting

When my Dad died last year he left behind his life's work - an extensive archive of our family history. It was all filed according to his own personal system, and I took on the job of sorting it all out, choosing what to keep and how to organise it all so that it made sense to me. He also had a lot of things related to local history that it would have been a shame to throw away, so I was really pleased to find a local historian that shared many of his interest and happily accepted some boxes of artefacts and ephemera. It's a relief to have the job done, and I discovered lots of really interesting things that I'll be keeping accessible so that I can look through them from time to time.

Looking forward to

We are having work done on our house at the moment with the replacement of some of the bathrooms. It's something that we've been putting off for years and it will look amazing when it's done, but I'm looking forward to being on my own in the house again!

When crows attack

At the end of last week I came downstairs one morning and the first thing I saw was a dead magpie on the back lawn. Not an old, ill magpie that had passed peacefully, but one that had been pecked at, lying in a cloud of feathers. I knew instantly that something untoward had occurred, and a quick check of our security cameras confirmed my suspicions. The poor magpie had been brutally murdered by two crows and then savagely dragged around the garden.

Of course I went straight out there to remove the corpse, and I assumed that was the end of the matter. But as I went about my business in the house I soon realised that the two crows were still out there, and that they were watching me. As the day went on they became bolder, approaching the glass doors and lantern roof and giving them an occasional peck.

The following day they ramped up a gear and I found myself alone in the house, desperately googling how to stop crows pecking at my windows. I blew up balloons and attached them to the outside door handles, I hung up a reflective party curtain to try and give out confusing reflections, I placed flowerpots along the bottom of the bifolds. I even kept a water pistol locked and loaded ready to fire - it was easy to hit them because they just didn't care. 

I re-read The Birds and it all felt very real.

We were away all weekend, watching nervously through the cameras as our poor windows came under attack from relentless pecking. My husband set off the house alarm off to try and frighten them away. We came back to damaged window seals and bird droppings all over the patio.

Monday morning I was bracing myself for a day standing on guard by the back door, water pistol at the ready, when as suddenly as they had arrived they were gone. It's been two days now, and apart from a brief 'caw' early yesterday morning I've not seen them since.

Where have they gone? Will they come back? Is my punishment for removing their dinner over or are they just lulling me into a false sense of security? 

I really hope for the sake of our poor windows that this saga is over!

Books that I've enjoyed recently

I must admit, some of the books that I've read recently have been a bit mid, as the young people say. But on the other hand, several of them have been fantastic enough to share, so here are a few books that have really stood out to me amongst my recent reading.

The Safekeep by Yael van der Ouden

This book was a wildcard entry to my to be read shelf. I received a book voucher as a gift, and was browsing the 'buy one get one half price' table in Waterstones when I spotted a book that I really wanted - The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Short of time, and wanting to make up the offer, I chose The Safekeep mainly because it was a Women's Prize for Fiction winner and shortlisted for the Booker Prize. And also because it had a little handwritten card on it with a personal recommendation from a shop employee. It was an excellent choice because I loved it, and it's a worthy addition to my fiction bookshelf. 

Set in a rural Dutch province 15 years after the end of the Second World War, it tells the story of Isabel who lives alone in her late mother's country home, until her brother sends his girlfriend Eva to live with her for the summer. It's a story that begins by leading you to think think that it's about one thing, and then turns on its head to develop a completely different angle to the story. I loved the writing, and the story about an aspect of history that fascinates me.

Three Mothers by Hannah Beckerman

This book was borrowed from Amazon Prime Library, and I knew that I was going to enjoy it as soon as I started reading. It was beautifully written and the narrative just drew me in. The book follows the stories of three mothers who are interlinked by their teenage children and their involvement in a tragedy. I enjoyed the different voices of the mothers, and the way that the full story was revealed slowly but not too slowly, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Us by David Nicholls

This is a slightly older read that I picked up in a charity shop having enjoyed many of his other books. It was slightly familiar to me so I suspect that I may have already read it at some point before I started tracking my reading on Goodreads! The story is about a couple with a teenage son, trying to save their marriage by taking a family trip around Europe. Folded into the travel narrative are memories and anecdotes from their marriage, and I found the story telling really compelling.

High Adventure by Edmund Hillary

This is another book for my 'odd shelf' - where I gather all my Everest inspired reading material. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to summit Everest in 1953, and this is their story as told by Hillary. It covers Hillary's early climbing career, as well as the years of Everest expeditions to the south side of Everest which eventually led to a successful summit. It's really well written and engaging, and I love the way that these early expeditions involved large numbers of people all working together to achieve a team summit rather than it being about the individual effort. It was an incredible achievement.

Photo credit Stefanie Jockschat via Unsplash

Not letting comparison be the thief of joy

Recently I wrote about how I had been inspired to craft after spending some time on Instagram. I have my Instagram feed pretty well curated, and I'm regularly greeted with gorgeous finished craft projects and some great mini tutorial videos. 

I've always loved doing patchwork, and I found that I had been presented with a number of videos featuring a patchworking trick that is new to me. The reel below explains it much better than I can - basically you cut out your squares and lay them out on some fusible interfacing, meaning that you can iron them into place before you sew your seams. The edges of the patches should line up perfectly, and it's a really easy way to make beautiful patchwork fabric.

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A post shared by Maggie Eason (@sunshinestitches.bymaggie)

I have lots of odd bits of fabric lying around, and so I decided to try this method out. I didn't really have a finished project in mind, but I thought I'd quite like to have a mat to put on my table for when I have a project on the go, or some drinks and snacks out. I used mainly 2" squares, with a few 2" by 4" rectangles. Here are my squares after they've been ironed to the interfacing.

And here is my finished mat, once the patchwork squares are sewn together and a fabric backing has been added.

It's not that good! I hear you politely protest, but it really is very wonky - some of the squares look more like rectangles, and you can see the white backing around some of the border.

But do you know what, I am really proud of it. I've seen reams of finished projects on Instagram that are absolutely perfect, and mine isn't anywhere near that quality. But I have learned to remind myself that what I'm seeing there are the very best pieces that the maker can produce. They are often made by people that are selling their work, and an Instagram feed is their shop front. They need to show the very best that they can do - and what's more they are showing the final results after many hours of practice.

I expect their first pieces looked a lot like mine!

I'll keep practising here and there, and in the meantime I'll just enjoy what I'm doing.

Consume less to create more?

There is a phrase that I often see shared on social media - create more and consume less. As well as going out and shopping, consuming also means the digital content we absorb, like scrolling social media feeds or binging television shows. It's a great motto to live by, because removing the clutter of consumption leaves your mind free for more worthwhile pastimes like writing, drawing, playing an instrument, gardening or baking.

I don't use social media a great deal, but one channel that I've recently rediscovered is Instagram. I've managed to curate my feed really well and it's filled with lovely scenery, tempting baked goods, pretty interiors and my new downfall which is craft tutorials. 

Recently I posted about how Instagram influenced me to buy a stamp punch and how much fun I was having with it. I'm pleased to say that it has not sat idly on my desk, I've used it almost every day to make little punched stamps from all my junk mail and food packaging. A recent travel brochure led to a page in my journal which I love.

As soon as I showed an interest in short videos of sewing projects I started to see lots of things that I wanted to make. I love the idea of this pen pocket which wraps around a notebook and is used to hold a pen - I have lots of lovely fabric and some basic sewing skills but I knew that I would need a pattern to make it properly. So I bought the pattern from the creator (you can find it here - Pen Pocket Bookmark) and I soon managed to make myself a couple.

I'm so happy with them, and I even managed to make them with the fabric going the right way up! I love making things that are both pretty and practical.

So even though Instagram has led to me consuming - both in buying the physical supplies that I needed for the projects and also the time that I've spent scrolling in order to find them - it has also led to me taking the time to create some lovely things.

And it's not just crafting. I often find myself thinking about the longer articles that I've read online and I've read many things that have spurred me on to learn more about a subject. Things that definitely wouldn't have popped into my head unbidden.

So I find that I need to consume in order to create, and that's something that I'm completely happy with!

Things that the Substack algorithm has introduced me to

I recently started using Substack and I've discovered that I love it - it reminds me a little of how Twitter and other social media used to be. Lots of interesting people sharing their thoughts, their art, and well-written and long-form articles, and most importantly no adverts!

Although I've subscribed to a few creators, I've found that I spend most of my time in the main, algorithmically generated feed. It's generally pretty good, although I have found that once I read an article on one topic I do find myself being flooded with similar content for the rest of the day. Because it's the only social media platform that I really use, it's opened my eyes to the topics are trending among people with similar interests to myself.

These are some of the current trends that I've learned about after spending time on Substack:

The Analogue Trend

This inspired me to write a blog post about the analogue trend - it's a shift to living a life that prioritises physical media and screen free hobbies. I think I'm a little old for this trend as I can still remember a life before the smartphone. Instead it's something that has been embraced by the younger millennials and Gen Z who have grown up with screens and are ready for a break. I sometimes find it really funny to read these posts, and then imagine them all carefully filming and photographing their analogue activities with their digital devices and sharing them online.

The Whimsical Trend

This has apparently been around for a while now, with 2025 being declared a year of 'whimsy'. To me it's about embracing your inner child, and doing the things that you either weren't allowed to or couldn't afford to do when you were younger. It's about adding a little more interest and fun to your monotonous days - picking fresh flowers for the breakfast table, decorating journal pages with sweet stamps and stickers, collecting cute stuffed animals and trinkets. It's a little bit of escapism from everyday life, and it's something that I can definitely get on board with. 

Photo credit Tim Wing via Unsplash

Personal Curriculums

A personal curriculum is a way of taking a 'deep dive' into a subject that really interests you or one that you want to find out more about. You can find a guide here - Setting your 'Personal Curriculum' - and in a nutshell it involves choosing your topic then selecting primary and secondary written sources as well as complementary films, television shows or podcasts. Ideally at the end you will have something to show for your hard work - perhaps a completed notebook or your own Substack article. With a bit of research you can easily put together a curriculum for yourself on any topic. I have actually been doing this unwittingly since the beginning of the year, as I've been immersing myself in everything to do with Mount Everest. I'm even keeping a notebook with maps, diagrams, and notes of things that I've learned! 

The thing that I love about all of these trends is that they are a way of disconnecting from the online world (even if there is then an urge to then share your experiences on your social media platform of choice!) Have you embraced any of these?

Our new outdoor vertical garden and living wall

When we planned our garden last year, a living wall was a part of the design. We had a big expanse of brick wall right next to the main seating area, and a vertical garden was the perfect thing to fill the space. But we couldn't do everything at once, so adding the living wall was first on our list when it came to garden projects for the year.

After some research we chose a Shady Daze vertical garden kit with PlantBox. We paid £438 for the largest kit - ten troughs, 40 shade tolerant evergreen plants and a bag of compost. We also bought the watering kit. This is not essential, but as it can connect to the adjacent hosepipe it will make the watering from the top of the planter much easier.

Buying a full living wall as a kit is an expensive way to do it, and of course there are cheaper solutions available. But we wanted to install a sturdy set up, so we chose a company with great reviews and excellent customer support. I am also no expert when it comes to choosing plants, so having a selection of suitable plants delivered directly to me, ready to plant, was a must.

We arranged for the planting troughs to be delivered a few days before the plants so that we had time to attach them to the wall before planting. You can plant the troughs up first, but I think that would make it very awkward to mount them. Assembling the troughs was straightforward - I found a video online to follow and it didn't take too long. Attaching to the wall took a little longer only because our DIY skills are fairly basic, but even we didn't have too much trouble. Measuring for the holes and trying to avoid the grout between the bricks was the most difficult part!

The plants arrived a few days later, well packaged and mostly labelled. I did some research into planting ideas but in the end it wasn't too difficult. I just spread the plants out, trying to place hanging ones like ivy around the edges and at the bottom, taller ones to the top and aiming for a mixture of different shades and textures. The plants were mainly in 12cm pots so they are already a good size, and they will soon grow to fill the gaps. 

We are so pleased with how it looks! It was a really quick and easy way to add a huge amount of interest to a bare wall. I've been eyeing up the rest of the garden to see if we can add any more - I love the idea of putting another one in for herbs or colourful flowers. 

I think it will be fairly easy to maintain - each trough has a water reservoir with an indicator so you can see if you need to add more water, and the water should last for a week or two even in summer. I might just need to trim it a bit if it starts to look overgrown.

I can see the living wall easily from the house so I can admire it from inside, and I'm looking forward to enjoying it for a long time to come!

I got suspended from Twitter (or should I say X)

Oops.

Years ago I used Twitter all the time. It was an essential tool if you were a part of the parent blogger scene - as well as taking part in conversations I used it to share blog posts and connect with brands. Back then I was very concerned with my social media stats, and so naturally I worked hard to increase my follower count.

Things have changed, and I've not posted over there in years. I set my account to private a while back, but I still had nearly 3000 followers. Many of these had followed me to enter a giveaway, and the majority were no longer active users. Realising that I was unlikely to return, I decided to have a bit of a clear out. 

Deleting all my posts (over 22,500?!) wasn't an option unless I wanted to pay for it. So I decided to start by removing all of my followers. It's a manual process, so I spent ten minutes a day clicking remove, managing to get rid of about 200 each session. I was doing so well, until I got an e-mail telling me that my account had been suspended for 'inauthentic behaviours!'

My account is now in read-only mode. I can't post, re-post, like or comment. I can see posts and use the search function, but I can't interact with anything. However as an unexpected bonus, all my followers and the people that I'm following have been removed automatically, so that has saved me a job.

I felt bad at first, and submitted an appeal, even though online consensus is of the opinion that this is unlikely to work. But I've since realised that the suspension has done exactly what I was trying to achieve - no-one can view my old posts and all of my followers have been removed, but my username remains registered to me and I can still search for and find information. 

I think I can cope!

How I find interesting long-form content

Lately I've found myself drawn to long-form content. Detailed podcasts to listen to while I'm driving, in depth documentaries that I can settle down in front of, and of course books that I can lose myself in for long periods at a time. 

But with all the content that is out there it's difficult the media that I really want to engage with. So here are some ways that I've discovered interesting online and offline content to entertain and educate me.

Podcasts

I find searching for interesting podcasts very difficult. Search recommendations on the web are usually out of date, and the Spotify search function isn't very good if you are just browsing. 

Some ways to find new podcasts:

BBC Sounds has podcasts on a wide range of subjects, both as a one-off or a longer series.

Reddit is a really good place to look for podcasts and other media on a specific topic. Just use Reddit and Podcast as search terms, along with what you are after. Recommendations are usually accompanied by a description or review so you can see if it sounds interesting to you.

Social media is a great place to keep an eye on, I personally always prefer to listen to something that has been recommended. Sometimes a podcast that I'm listening to will introduce a guest with their own podcast, or a writer that I follow will offer a curated list. I have a Notes file on my phone where I jot down anything that sounds interesting to look up later.

Videos

I've found YouTube to be a really valuable source for interesting long-form content, as long as you can avoid being distracted by the shorts and clickbait titles. I look for older documentaries that have been shared, as these are often slower and more detailed in content. It helps to use search terms like 'full documentary' or 'full show' and I find that once I start watching a certain type of content then the algorithm will pull up related videos which are just what I'm after.

I also pop into the streaming services that we have and use the search function rather than just browsing the recommended content. iPlayer is really good, and of course free to licence holders in the UK. The BBC documentaries are always high quality and on a wide range of subjects. We have Netflix too, and I have a watchlist of interesting content lined up for when I'm in the mood.

Books

I rarely find myself browsing for books, I just somehow seem to acquire piles of them! But if I am desperate to find some new reading material here's where I look:

The library - this is my first port of call. Even in our tiny village library I can always find a book or two that I've heard of and want to read, and a pile of other books that have caught my eye.

Charity shops - especially those slightly out of the town centre with cheaper prices. I've found one in town that sells three books for £1 - you can't go wrong!

My Notes document called 'Books to buy' - these is where I add books that I've heard of, either recommendations from friends or family or that I've spotted on social media. I save up a batch to buy secondhand on World of Books.

In-depth articles

Many of the online news sources and newspapers have long form content, but it can be difficult to find among the shorter, newsier articles and is often behind a paywall. You can try:

BBC InDepth

The Guardian - The Long Read

Telegraph Long Reads (sometimes an account is needed to read)

Substack (some content is subscriber only)

Photo credit Roman Kraft via Unsplash

How do you find interesting content?

Why the analogue trend bothers me, and how I interpret it for myself

Recently I joined Substack, and I've found it a great place to discover long-form, intelligent content. Unfortunately, like most social media platforms it features an algorithmically curated feed, and once you show a slight interest in a topic you can quickly find yourself flooded with similar articles.

One day last week I was deluged by posts about the analogue trend. In case your social media feeds steer you in a different direction, the analogue trend is a way of living (embraced mainly by younger types than me) that prioritises physical media and time spent away from screens.

There is an urge to create aesthetic 'analogue bags' filled with prompts that encourage screen free hobbies - like books, knitting, pretty pens strapped to leather journals, watercolour tins and brushes. People are buying vintage MP3 players, digital cameras and alarm clocks. And of course there is a need to document all of this for social media, including the video of your 'analogue day' that has been filmed on the phone and edited on a laptop.

I can definitely see the attraction of an analogue way of living. But I don't like the consumer aspect with the need to buy more and more things in order to embrace the trend fully. And maybe this sounds hypocritical coming from a blogger, but I hate the need that people have to share everything online.

So here are some ways that I would like to interpret the analogue trend:

Listening to a complete album from start to finish, whether that's on vinyl or Spotify.

Limiting the the number of photos that I take, and printing them out to display on the walls or in scrapbooks.

Working on a jigsaw puzzle for long periods at a time.

Setting aside an amount of time to read, with the phone in another room.

Watching a long film or television programme without a second screen to hand.

Making an actual phone call, and giving all my attention to the person on the other end.

Meeting friends in person for a coffee, meal, drinks or just to hang out, and keeping phones out of sight. 

Having phone free spaces in the home, for example the study or garden.

Working on creative hobbies that use my hands, like journalling or painting.

And finally - trying to resist the urge to share every little thing on social media, or worse still, carry out activities for the sole purpose of sharing on social media!

Have you encountered the analogue trend?

Five excellent long-form Everest documentaries on YouTube

As I've mentioned before, recently I have become very interested in learning more about Mount Everest. I believe the modern term is 'deep dive', and I've been indulging myself with lots of buying and reading books, listening to podcasts and watching long documentary videos.

I've discovered that the amount of content on YouTube in particular can be quite overwhelming, and far too much of it is either shorts or clickbait videos that lack depth. A much better source of information are long-form documentaries, and luckily there are a wealth of excellent ones available to choose from. 

I'm going to share a few of my favourites, in what may well be part one of a series!

Everest 1998: IMAX (1998)

This film contains the first IMAX images from the summit. It makes it all look easy - if you want a behind the scenes description you can read No Shortcuts to the Top by Ed Viesturs which really goes into the practicalities of making the film! The film covers the preparations for the climb, the trek to the summit and the return to Base Camp. The footage is beautiful, even when watched on a small screen. The film crew was on the mountain during the 1996 disaster and so shares some of the stories from that day (see the next video to find out more about that event).

The 1996 Disaster - Storm over Everest (2008)

This is a documentary and dramatisation of the events of the 1996 climbing season, when a storm trapped climbers high up in the mountains, leading to eight deaths including two experienced expedition leaders. It features interviews with many of the climbers that were there that day, along with  reconstructions of events. It's not that deep in terms of insight, but it's a good introduction to what happened and introduces you to some of the key players and timelines that you can then go and research further.

Summit Fever (1996)

This is the second Everest film featuring Brian Blessed (the first is Galahad of Everest which is also available on YouTube) and his exuberant enthusiasm for reaching the summit of Everest. This is his third and final attempt, and even though (spoiler alert) he doesn't actually make it to the top himself the film is very entertaining to watch. This team was also on the mountain during the 1996 disaster, and so you can see some footage of that event. The making of this film is chronicled in the book The Other Side of Everest by Matt Dickenson, director.

A Deadly Ascent (2019)

In two parts, this is the story of the 2019 Everest season, when 11 people died. It focuses on the problems of overcrowding on the mountain, and the issues of inexperienced people attempting to climb. It features interviews with Sherpa guides, climbers, and those who lost loved ones. It's a critical look at how people can buy their way to a summit attempt, and the impossibility of trying to help when something goes wrong at high altitude.

The Wildest Dream - Mallory and Everest (2010)

In 1999, Conrad Anker discovered George Mallory's body on the slopes of Everest. It's unknown whether or not Mallory and his climbing partner Sandy Irvine reached the summit in 1924 before they died, and Anker attempts to prove that they could have made it. He returns with climber Leo Holding and they recreate parts of the climb, wearing clothing from Mallory's time and attempting the Second Step, the trickiest part of the climb, without using the ladder that has been in place for almost all other attempts via that route. There's a clever mirroring of the historical story of Mallory and Irvine with the modern ascent story, and a poignant dramatisation imagining what it could have looked like if they had made it to the top.

Do let me know if you've found any others that I should watch!