Do you remember the books that you've read?

"I cannot remember the books I've read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Regular readers of this blog will know that I consider myself to be a somewhat voracious reader. I always have a book or three on the go, and I read across different genres as well as a mix of fiction and non-fiction. I read quickly but carefully, I don't skip ahead, and with a well written book I enjoy savouring each word. Sometimes I even take notes, or at least write short impressions in my journal.

However I must admit that I am terrible at remembering a book once I've finished it. I usually find that there is something in each book I read that really sticks with me. It might be an event, a character, or even just a small piece of description. Apart from that, after a few weeks the plot is generally lost to me.

People will often ask me if I've read a particular book, and I know that I have, but I just can't remember what it was about. I can watch a film adaptation without worry because I have no idea how the story ends, let alone if it was faithful to the book. Many times I've gone to log a new book in Goodreads and discover that I've already read it, sometimes quite recently.

Photo credit Susan Q Yin via Unsplash

I have a particular problem with books that I read on Kindle. I think it's because both the tactile experience of a physical book and seeing the book cover around help it to fix in my mind. All Kindle books look exactly the same when you are reading them, whereas physical books vary in font size, type and page colour.

However once I've finished a book I do have a very strong impression of whether or not I liked it. If it's a physical book that I loved then it goes straight onto my bookshelf, and I can re-read with joy because even if I can't remember it I know that it is worth it. And some of my favourite books I have read many times, and I can remember them well.

When I really get into a book I literally can't put it down. That's why I love the portability of my Kindle - I can have it in one hand while I stir the dinner or brush my teeth. There is also always a new book that I want to read. So I view my experience of reading very much as something that I am enjoying in the moment. It doesn't matter too much if all I can remember about the book is that I loved reading it!

Can you remember all the books that you've read?

How to buy hair extensions that will last: Expert tips for first-time buyers

This is a collaborative post

Hair extensions can transform thin or short hair into a full, long style almost overnight. They offer a quick path to the volume, length, and versatility that many people desire without waiting months or years for natural growth. However, first-time buyers often face confusion about which products to choose and how to make sure they last. Many people waste money on extensions that slip out, damage their natural hair, or look fake after just a few weeks. The difference between a flawless result and a disappointing purchase comes down to preparation and knowledge.

The key to success lies in understanding hair quality, attachment methods, and proper color matching before making a purchase. Extensions come in different types, from temporary clip-ins to semi-permanent tape-ins, and each option offers different benefits for length, volume, and ease of use. Choosing the wrong type for your hair or lifestyle leads to frustration and wasted money. This guide covers the essential factors that determine whether extensions will look natural and hold up over time. Readers will learn how to identify quality hair, select the right attachment style, and avoid common mistakes that lead to poor results.

Match Hair Colour and Texture Precisely to Your Own Hair

A perfect colour match makes the difference between natural-looking extensions and obvious fakes. Buyers should examine their hair in natural daylight rather than indoor lighting, as artificial light can distort true colour tones. Fluorescent lights add a cool cast, while warm incandescent bulbs can make hair appear more golden than it truly is. Natural hair often contains multiple shades, not just one flat color. Therefore, people need to identify both their base colour and any highlights or lowered tones present throughout their strands.

Most people find success by taking a clear photo of their hair in sunlight and comparing it to extension color charts provided by reputable brands. Another effective option involves cutting a small strand from an inconspicuous area, such as behind the ear or from beneath the top layer, to use as a physical reference when shopping. This method provides the most accurate comparison and eliminates guesswork entirely. Many extension companies also offer colour-matching services where buyers can mail in a strand and receive a professional recommendation.

Texture matters just as much as colour for a seamless blend. Straight extensions on curly hair will look fake, and vice versa. Buyers should match the wave pattern, thickness, and overall density of their natural hair as closely as possible. Extensions that feel too coarse or too silky compared to natural strands will never blend properly, no matter how well the colour matches. Spending extra time on this step saves both money and disappointment in the long run.

Photo credit Lindsay Cash via Unsplash

Start with Clip-In Extensions for Easy, Non-Damaging Wear

Clip-in extensions offer the best choice for first-time buyers who want flexibility and minimal risk. They attach with pressure-sensitive clips that snap securely into place without harming natural hair. Unlike permanent methods that use glue, heat, or bonding agents, clip-ins simply press in and remove just as easily at the end of the day. This simplicity makes them ideal for anyone still learning about extensions and figuring out what works for their hair type and lifestyle.

These extensions cause minimal damage because they do not require chemicals or specialised tools for application. Users can take them out before bed each night, which reduces tension on the hair and scalp and allows natural hair to rest and recover. Beginners appreciate how forgiving clip-ins are during the learning process. If placement feels wrong or the look needs adjustment, they can be repositioned instantly without any risk of pulling, breaking, or tangling strands.

Quality clip-in sets last anywhere from three months to over a year with proper care. Washing them gently every six to eight wears, storing them flat, and avoiding excessive heat styling all help extend their lifespan significantly. The investment costs less than salon appointments for permanent extensions and provides far more flexibility to change looks whenever desired. Clip-ins also allow buyers to experiment with different lengths and volumes before committing to a more permanent solution.

Invest in Proper Storage to Protect Your Extensions Between Wears

How extensions are stored between uses affects their lifespan just as much as how they are worn. Tossing them into a drawer or leaving them loose on a countertop invites tangling, dust buildup, and unnecessary friction that wears down the hair fibers over time. First-time buyers often overlook storage entirely and then wonder why their extensions look dull and matted after only a few weeks of use. A small amount of attention to storage habits keeps extensions looking fresh and extends their usable life by months.

A dedicated extension hanger or a silk-lined storage bag offers the best protection for most types of extensions. Hangers keep wefts separated and allow the hair to hang naturally, which prevents the kinks and creases that come from folding or bunching. Silk or satin bags reduce static and friction compared to cotton or plastic alternatives, and they also keep dust and pet hair from settling into the strands. Buyers who travel frequently should look for a portable case designed specifically for extensions, since cramming them into a suitcase without protection leads to tangling that can be difficult or impossible to reverse.

Brushing extensions gently before storing them makes a noticeable difference in how they look the next time they come out. A wide-tooth comb or a loop brush designed for extensions removes small tangles without pulling or stretching the hair. Starting from the ends and working upward prevents the aggressive tugging that causes shedding and shortens the life of the wefts. Storing extensions while still damp also creates problems, since moisture trapped in a closed container encourages mildew and weakens adhesive bonds on tape-in sets. Allowing extensions to air dry completely before putting them away takes only a few extra minutes and prevents issues that would otherwise ruin an entire set.

Halo Extensions: The Easiest Way to Add Length Without Damage

Halo extensions offer one of the best entry points for first-time buyers who want instant results without any learning curve. They sit on the crown using a thin, invisible wire that rests like a headband, with no clips, glue, or heat involved in the process. The entire application takes around thirty seconds, making them the fastest extension method available on the market today. Users simply lift the wire onto their head, pull their own hair over it, and the halo disappears beneath the top layer of natural hair.

These extensions cause zero damage because nothing attaches directly to the natural hair or scalp. Taking them out at night is just as quick as putting them in, which gives the scalp and strands a full rest between wears. Beginners find halos especially forgiving since there is no technique to master and no risk of misplacement. If the position feels slightly off, the wire lifts out and resets in seconds without any concern about damage or breakage.

Quality halo sets last anywhere from several months to well over a year with basic care. Many buyers also turn to halo hair extensions for volume rather than length alone, since the wire distributes the weft evenly across the crown for a fuller look overall. Because no salon visit is required for application or removal, the overall cost stays lower than most semi-permanent methods while still delivering a natural, full appearance every single time.

Consider Tape-In Extensions for Longer-Lasting, Seamless Results

Tape-in extensions stand out as a smart choice for first-time buyers who want quality and durability beyond what temporary methods can provide. These extensions attach to natural hair with thin adhesive strips that sit flat against the scalp, creating a result that looks natural and feels comfortable throughout daily activities. The flat design makes tape-in extensions nearly impossible to detect, even in updos and ponytails, which gives wearers confidence in any hairstyle.

Most tape-in extensions last between six to eight weeks before they need repositioning. The adhesive bonds stay secure through washing, styling, and exercise, yet they remain gentle on natural hair when properly maintained. Professional stylists can move the tapes up as hair grows, which extends the life of a single set of extensions across multiple applications. This repositioning process costs significantly less than purchasing a new set and keeps the extensions looking fresh for months.

These extensions work well for various hair types and textures, from fine and straight to thick and wavy. However, professional application provides the best results, especially for those new to extensions. A skilled stylist ensures proper placement, even spacing, and correct adhesive bonding while also teaching correct care methods to help the extensions last as long as possible. This initial salon investment pays off through longer wear time and better overall results.

Photo credit Mic Hair Company via Unsplash

Check Hair Weight Recommendations to Avoid Scalp Strain

Hair extension weight matters more than most first-time buyers realise. The wrong weight can lead to headaches, scalp pain, and damage to natural hair over time. Extensions come in different weights, typically measured in grams, and choosing the right amount depends entirely on the density and strength of your natural hair. Fine hair usually handles one hundred to one hundred and fifty grams well, while medium to thick hair can support one hundred and fifty to two hundred grams without problems. Very thick hair may accommodate up to two hundred and fifty grams comfortably.

Buyers should always match the extension weight to their natural hair density rather than simply choosing the heaviest option for maximum volume. Too much weight pulls on the roots and strains hair follicles, and this strain can cause breakage and even temporary hair loss in severe cases. Lightweight extensions work best for people with thin or delicate strands, providing noticeable volume without excess pressure on the scalp. Quality also matters just as much as weight, since well-made extensions distribute weight more evenly across attachment points and feel more comfortable throughout the day.

Conclusion

The right hair extensions can transform a look for years if buyers focus on quality from the start. First-time shoppers should research hair types thoroughly, match their natural color and texture with care, and select a trusted application method that fits their lifestyle and daily routine. Starting with clip-in or halo extensions provides a low-risk introduction, while tape-in extensions offer a longer-lasting option for those ready to commit to salon maintenance. Proper care routines, including gentle washing, correct storage, and regular maintenance appointments, help extensions stay fresh and last through multiple reinstalls. With the right knowledge and attention to detail, anyone can invest in extensions that deliver real value, beautiful results, and the confidence that comes with hair that looks and feels exactly the way they want it to.

Making sure your home is safe and secure

This is a collaborative post

A rented home should offer more than shelter. It should provide safety, stability, and the reassurance that essential systems are working as they should. When disrepair begins to affect the security or condition of a property, tenants may feel uncertain about their rights and the steps available to them.

From faulty locks and damaged doors to persistent damp or unsafe wiring, housing problems can quickly undermine a sense of security. Understanding the legal protections in place can help tenants take appropriate and informed action to safeguard their living environment.

The Legal Standard for Safety in Rental Properties

Landlords are required by law to maintain rental properties in a condition that is safe and fit for habitation. This includes keeping the structure and exterior in good repair and ensuring that installations for heating, water, gas, electricity, and sanitation remain functional and safe.

Security is also an important aspect of habitability. Broken locks, defective windows, or doors that do not close properly can leave tenants feeling vulnerable. Structural damage or poorly maintained communal areas may present further safety risks.

Where a defect poses a risk to health or personal security, it may amount to a breach of legal duty. The landlord’s obligation generally arises once they have been informed of the issue, or where the problem is so apparent that they should reasonably have been aware of it.

Practical Steps to Address Concerns

Tenants who identify safety concerns should notify their landlord promptly and in writing. Clear communication outlining the nature of the defect and its impact is essential. Supporting evidence, such as photographs or dated correspondence, can help demonstrate that the landlord has been given an opportunity to respond.

The timeframe for repairs will depend on the urgency of the issue. Problems affecting security or essential services typically require swift attention. If there is no meaningful response, tenants may consider contacting their local authority, particularly where health or safety hazards are present. Environmental health departments have powers to inspect properties and require remedial action.

In situations where serious issues remain unresolved, tenants may explore formal legal options. Housing Disrepair Claims can provide a mechanism to compel landlords to carry out necessary works and address the consequences of prolonged inaction.

Photo credit Kirsten Drew via Unsplash

Understanding Legal Remedies

Legal remedies in housing disrepair cases are designed to restore safe living conditions. Courts can order landlords to complete specific repairs within a defined period. Where tenants have experienced inconvenience, distress, or damage to personal belongings as a result of ongoing problems, compensation may also be awarded.

It is important for tenants to approach the situation carefully. Withholding rent or arranging substantial repairs without proper advice can create unintended complications. Seeking guidance ensures that any action taken aligns with legal requirements and protects the tenant’s position.

Conclusion

Ensuring that a rented home is safe and secure is not solely the tenant’s responsibility. The law places clear duties on landlords to maintain properties to an acceptable standard throughout the tenancy.

By recognising potential risks, reporting issues promptly, and understanding the available remedies, tenants can take proactive steps to protect their home environment. Where necessary, formal action can provide the structure needed to achieve lasting improvements and restore confidence in the safety of the property.

Practising driving with a learner

Something that I hate to encounter in the car is a right hand turn at a crossroads without a filter light.  If there is one on my route I'll do my best to take a detour to avoid it. The reason? I encountered one for the first time when I went out practising with my Mum as a learner. I didn't realise that I had to wait for a gap in the oncoming traffic - I just headed straight over. Luckily my mistake was anticipated by the approaching car, and no disaster occurred!

Similarly I always get anxious waiting to come out of a T-junction on a slope. As a learner on a very quiet housing estate I once stalled the car before I could pull out, and the car waiting behind beeped at me. I'm positive that the (male, obviously) driver didn't give it a second thought after he had sped off, but it has never left me!

So whenever I see learner drivers out and about I am always very patient. I don't mind crawling along behind them, I always give them plenty of space, and I'm always poised to take evasive action if necessary. 

My son started driving lessons a couple of months ago, and this week I decided that I was finally ready to take him out in our own car for a practice. I remember how enormously helpful it was when I was approaching my test and my Mum took me out every evening to the next town so that I could practice on the test routes.

I won't lie, it has been quite terrifying.  We have a lot of roundabouts near us, and I hate that moment of waiting for him to make his decision and pull out successfully! But overall he's doing really well, and he's had no problems picking up the manual driving of the car. He changes gears smoothly, he's confident in traffic, his road position is perfect, and now that we've been out a few times I'm feeling much less scared. But I think we both feel a sense of relief when we return home unscathed!

He's not going to be ready for his test for a good few months yet, but I'm really pleased with how well he's getting on so far. I just need to make sure I keep my nerve and take him out to practice whenever we can!

A new pastime (AKA influenced by Instagram)

I rarely use Instagram these days - I've not posted anything myself in years and I just pop in occasionally to check on a few people that I follow. But Instagram still knows me well, and a few weeks ago I was shown a reel demonstrating a stamp punch. It caught my attention immediately! 

The stamp punch is a large craft punch that cuts paper or card into a little stamp shaped piece which can then be used for craft projects. In the video that I saw, the creator was using the stamp to cut out a little image which represented the day and then sticking it into a diary style journal. I loved it!

I thought about it for a while and then of course I forgot it. But the next time I logged into Instagram, there it was again, these algorithms really do know what they are doing! And so this time I treated myself to my very own stamp punch.

I have since been having a lovely time sitting down and making a collection of tiny stamp shaped pieces of paper. I never buy magazines so I'm limited to the free ones that come through the door, along with junk mail, catalogues, leaflets, food packaging and so on. My best haul came from the new Aldi catalogue which was filled with bunches of flowers for Mother's Day!

I don't even have a plan for what to do with them, I'm just gathering them in a little bowl. It's really satisfying to look at a large printed image and think about how you can crop it to make something small and perfect, and it's a really cosy and mindful activity. I'm thinking about making a large collage at some point, or else going with the daily picture diary approach.

(And just in case I have now become an influencer - here is an affiliate link to the punch that I bought - Rectangular postage stamp punch!)

Tips for picking the freshest, safest ingredients for home cooking

This is a collaborative post

When you cook at home, the ingredients you place in your basket can have a big impact on both flavour and food safety. A careful check in the shop will reduce the risk of spoiled or poorly handled food reaching your kitchen. But what should you be checking for? How, exactly, can you pick the freshest, safest ingredients for your home cooking? 

Fundamentals of freshness and safety

Fresh ingredients can still be risky when handling or storage goes wrong earlier in the supply chain, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your favourite brands for any info they release about food safety issues. For example, you can find the safety and recalls page for Taylor Farms here. 

Remember, raw meat, seafood, eggs, and unwashed produce can have bacteria even when they look perfectly fine in the display case. So, when you select food in a shop, look beyond colour and firmness, and consider how a supplier may have stored and transported the product before you saw it.

Check the dates

While it’s against the law for stores to carry produce beyond sell-by dates, it’s still useful to examine dates to make sure that what you buy stays fresh for as long as possible. 

Different labels communicate different information:

• A use-by date relates to safety. You should not eat the product after that date.
• A best-before date refers to quality. The food may remain safe after that point, although flavour or texture may decline.
• A sell-by date helps shop staff rotate stock.

When you plan to cook later in the week, choose products with enough time remaining before the use-by date.

Photo credit Ello via Unsplash

Assess the appearance

You can often identify problems by examining food closely - and it doesn’t need to take much time if you’re busy. Produce should look vibrant rather than dull or damaged. Bruised fruit, wilted greens, or torn packaging often signal rough handling during transport or storage.

When you pick leafy vegetables, check the outer leaves first. Crisp leaves suggest recent harvesting or careful storage. Soft edges or yellowing leaves suggest that the product has spent too long in storage.

Examine meat and fish packaging as well. Liquid pooling inside the tray or damaged wrapping can indicate temperature problems earlier in the distribution chain.

Feel the texture

Touch also helps you judge quality. Many fruits should feel firm while still giving slightly under gentle pressure. Fruit that collapses under light pressure may have begun to spoil. Similarly, when you buy dry goods, pick up the package and check that grains or beans move freely inside the bag. Moisture can cause clumping and can damage the product during storage.

Smell the freshness

You can also use your sense of smell when you examine certain foods. Fresh seafood carries a mild sea scent rather than a sharp or sour odour. Meat and poultry should not release strong smells through intact packaging. Ultimately, if you notice an unpleasant smell in the shop, choose another item.

Practise proper food storage

After you return home, how you store your ingredients has a big impact on how long they will remain safe to eat. Place meat, seafood, and dairy in the refrigerator soon after purchase to slow bacterial growth.

Some fruits keep better at room temperature until they ripen. Others last longer under refrigeration. Check storage guidance on packaging when it appears, and keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat food inside your refrigerator.

Choose organic

Organic labels refer to farming practices rather than freshness. Farmers who follow organic certification rules limit the use of certain pesticides and fertilisers. Those rules do not prevent spoilage after harvest. Treat organic ingredients with the same care you give other foods. Wash produce thoroughly and store it correctly after purchase.

Simple, quick checks help you to find the best ingredients

Picking fresh, safe ingredients isn’t necessarily complicated. A few quick checks and being aware of what to look for can make a big difference to the quality and even the flavour of the foods in your basket. So, rather than mindlessly selecting produce and ingredients, spend a few short moments inspecting labels and freshness, and reap the rewards in your diet.

Garden update - is it dead or alive?

Last year we completely transformed our garden, and for the first time I actually did some proper gardening. Over the summer we came back from the garden centre almost every weekend, gradually filling the empty beds and making some long term gardening plans. 

As winter approached I started to get nervous, desperately hoping that all the time and money we had invested wouldn't go to waste when the frosts kicked in. I didn't dare to venture outside for most of the winter, feeling sorry for all my plants suffering out there in the cold.

Now that the garden has finally dried out a bit and the temperature is slowly increasing I've been stepping outside to check on things, peering closely at developing shoots and anxiously trying to work out what is starting to revive and what is definitely dead. Fortunately, some of the plants that I had lost hope for have turned out to be just resting, and things are starting to come back to life.

I was very relieved to remove the fleece from my canna lilies and discover new shoots. I loved them last summer, and they produced beautiful flowers for months. Fingers crossed they will give me another lovely display. I'll cut back the dead stalks when it is a little warmer, I'm just giving them a bit of extra protection from the cold for now.

We bought this photinia (Carre Rouge) to go along our back fence, where the view is dominated by other houses and their sheds. I'm hoping it will grow out to screen the area, and I love these gorgeous red leaves.

I'm also pleased to see that my Acer is sending out new shoots for the spring. It is in an exposed bed which isn't the best position for it, so it looked a little scraggly after we planted it. Hopefully as it matures, and as the vegetation grows up around it, it will begin to look a bit happier.

I was positive that my new fuschia was dead, but then I had a good look and saw new growth at the bottom! Likewise there are a few other small shrubs that didn't look well at all a few weeks ago but are starting to show signs of life.

I also thought that my clematis was a goner, but it is coming back beautifully! I'm really hoping that it will get going this year, as it stayed rather spindly last year. Behind it you can see a honeysuckle which my mum gave me and has really grown well over the winter. I want to cover this trellis and our pergola with greenery, and I'm so impatient for everything to grow up.

Unfortunately it looks as though my dahlias were not strong enough to survive the winter, I've not given up hope quite yet. but they aren't showing any signs of life. I've also lost two of my three delphiniums, and I'm not hopeful for my salvias.

At least this year I've got more of an idea about what I'm doing, and it's a case of building on what we have rather than starting from scratch. I've already got flower seedlings growing, and I'll be planting more over the next few weeks. I'm hoping for a second year with a garden filled with flowers!

The canna lilies last summer