Christmas gift ideas for book lovers

This is a collaborative post and contains Amazon affiliate links

If you have a book lover in your life, then finding a gift for them this Christmas is easy - you could pair a book with a bouquet from Flowers For Everyone, with same-day flower delivery available in Sydney! Just think about what sort of book lover they are (or maybe they are like me, and could fit into every category!)

Gift ideas for book lovers...

...with a large 'To Be Read' pile

I always have a pile of books that I want to read, and I enjoy having a selection that I can choose from depending on my mood. Help your book lover to keep them organised with some pretty bookends (affiliate link),  a decorative shallow basket (affiliate link) or even a large book trolley (affiliate link)!

...who like to be comfortable while they are reading

I love to read in bed, propped up on cushions with a hot water bottle by my feet. Help make your reader more comfortable with a supportive reading pillow (affiliate link), a clip on reading light (affiliate link) or a foldable bed tray (affiliate link) to keep drinks and snacks handy.

Photo credit Micheile Henderson via Unsplash

...who read while away from home

I love my Kindle (affiliate link) for reading while I'm travelling, it means that I can have a book with me for every reading mood and also access to lots of free books to download. A waterproof Kindle case (affiliate link) comes in handy for reading, whether you are the beach, by the pool, or just at home and in the bath!

...who lend out their books

Most readers enjoy sharing their books with others, but sometimes a temporary lending situation can turn into a permanent one - I've replaced books several times that have never made it back to me. I use book plates or stickers (affiliate link) for my favourite books or you could take it one step further and buy a personal library kit (affiliate link) so that no book will ever go missing again!

...who have several books on the go at once

Readers always need bookmarks! I have loads, and yet I never seem to be able to find one when I need one. You could look for a personalised one, make one, or else buy a large pack of pretty bookmarks (affiliate link) so that your reader will always have one to hand. 

Another great idea is a set of sticky index tabs (affiliate link) which can be used to mark favourite chapters or passages. 

Photo credit Kelsy Gagnebin via Unsplash

...who have a particular favourite book or author

World of Books has a dedicated Rare Books section which I love to browse - you might find a first or special edition of a book, and the prices are very reasonable. You could also look for a biography of an author that they like, or a compilation book which includes their favourite author and other similar writers. There are plenty of websites which can suggest new books based on books that you've enjoyed, and you might help them to discover a new favourite.

....who read while they are eating

Maybe it's a bad habit, but if I'm settling down with a book in some peace and quiet I'll often make myself a hot drink and a selection of snacks, or else I will read while I'm eating a meal. Choose food which can be eaten with one hand and doesn't make your fingers messy - think healthy options like nuts or dried fruit, or more indulgent treats like suger coated chocolates, mints and jelly sweets.

An adjustable book stand (affiliate link) or a simple hand book holder (affiliate link) can make reading while eating much more comfortable.

...who enjoy book reading challenges

There are plenty of scratch off posters with top books (affiliate link) which are fun to use and display, and a great way to find some reading inspiration. You can also look for a book filled with book suggestions, like 1000 Books to Read Before you Die (affiliate link) which would certainly keep even an avid reader busy!

...who want to remember what they've read

You can choose a dedicated book journal (affiliate link), or else any pretty notebook and pen can do the job. There is plenty of reading journal inspiration online, so if you are feeling crafty you could even take the time to set up some reading journal pages to get them started. If they are crafty, add some bookish stickers (affiliate link) or a set of pretty washi tapes (affiliate link).

Photo credit Ayako via Unsplash

I hope that this has given you plenty of ideas for the reader in your life this Christmas!

Some books that I've really enjoyed recently

Welcome to one of my regular posts, when I share some of the books that I've read recently and have particularly enjoyed. I track all of the books that I read over on Goodreads. 

Moby Duck by Donovan Hohn

This read was inspired by our visit to the Frost Science Museum in Miami last year. I had heard the story of the bath toys that were lost from a container ship back in 1992 but I was interested to learn more. I took a quick photo of this book in one of the display cases, meaning to look it up when we got home. I forgot of course, and only came across the photo a few weeks ago. It looks as though the paperback is out of print, but I managed to find a decent second hand copy. 

The book charts the story of the Friendly Floatees spill, when a storm in the North Pacific Ocean washed twelve shipping containers overboard, including one filled with 28,000 bath toys. Usually only the ducks get a mention, but there were also plastic turtles, beavers and frogs. Oceanographers have used them to track ocean currents, based on where they were washed up over the next few years. 

The author (despite leaving behind a very heavily pregnant wife and subsequently a tiny baby, which did annoy me a little bit!) follows their journey on a variety of interested oceanic voyages, even visiting the factory in China where the toys were made. It's a long book and the narrative meanders about a bit but I quite like that style of writing and it's an intriguing story. I loved reading about the different ships that the author travelled on and the people that he met. It's also an important read when it comes to spreading the word about the negative impact of plastic in the ocean.  

The Christmas Book Hunt by Jenny Colgan

This was a free short story from Amazon First Reads this month, although in fact it's more of a short novel. The story involves the search for a long lost book and two people who are desperately hunting it for different reasons. It's not that complicated a plot, but I loved the descriptions of indulgent locations at Christmas time, and all the festive details. A real Christmassy read.

The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson

This was a Kindle book borrowed from the Amazon Prime Library. Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in a coma knowing that she's there because her husband assaulted her, and she can't understand why the police haven't come to see her. But she has forgotten things too, and as time passes her memories start to come back, although she isn't sure which of those memories she can trust. It's one of those books when a mystery is revealed a little bit at a time, and gradually you come to realise what is really going on. What I particularly enjoyed about this book was that I felt the pacing was perfect - sometimes a back story is played out too slowly which leaves me frustrated (like a book that I'm reading at the moment!) I really liked it.

Four unmissable day trips from Lisbon

This is a collaborative post

Portugal’s capital is a city brimming with life, but even its most passionate admirers will tell you that exploring the surrounding areas is a must. Lisbon holidays let you enjoy incredible excursion, giving you an easy-to-access taste of some of the country’s best experiences.

Below, we share four quick trips from Lisbon you shouldn’t miss out on. 

Sintra

Only 40 minutes by train from the capital’s Rossio Station, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to romantic palaces, mystical gardens and dramatic hilltop views. 

Start early to beat the crowds at the flamboyant Pena Palace, which looks like it’s been plucked from a fairy tale with its vibrant yellow and red turrets. From there, venture to the Moorish Castle, whose rugged walls provide panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Photo credit Soran Multimedia via Unsplash

Cascais

If you crave a coastal escape, Cascais is your answer. Just 30 minutes by train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodréstation, this charming seaside town combines historic allure with modern elegance. Stroll along the cobbled streets to admire its pastel-coloured houses and vibrant flower boxes. Then learn about the town’s aristocratic past at the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, set in a dreamy mansion by the sea.

Make time for a walk to Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff formation where waves crash into a natural chasm. If you’re visiting in summer, sandy beaches like Praia da Rainha beckon for a swim or a sunbathing session.

Évora

For those who want to delve deeper into Portugal’s history, Évora provides a fascinating glimpse into its Roman and medieval past. Located a 90-minute drive or a two-hour bus ride from the capital, Évora is the crown jewel of the Alentejo region. 

Start your visit at the Roman Temple of Diana, an impressive relic that has stood for nearly 2,000 years. Wander through the cobblestoned streets to the Cathedral of Évora, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, before exploring the macabre Chapel of Bones, adorned with thousands of human skulls and bones.

Photo credit Gunnar Ridderström via Unsplash

Mafra and Ericeira

Combine a royal palace with a laid-back surfing vibe on this underrated trip. Begin your journey with a visit to the Palácio Nacional de Mafra, roughly 40 minutes from Lisbon by car. This monumental baroque palace is home to an ornate library filled with over 36,000 ancient books and a basilica with six historic pipe organs. The sheer scale of the complex will leave you in awe.

After immersing yourself in history, head to Ericeira, a 15-minute drive away. Known as one of Europe’s top surfing destinations, this quaint fishing village exudes charm with its whitewashed houses and Atlantic views. Even if you don’t surf, Ericeira has something for everyone – you can sip coffee at a waterfront café or walk along the cliffs for stunning vistas.  

Each of these trips adds depth to your experience of Lisbon, offering moments of wonder, reflection and delight. Make time for them, and you’ll understand why Portugal’s treasures extend far beyond its capital.

Surviving our building works and kitchen renovation

Update June 2025 - The orangery extension project is finally complete! You can watch a time lapse of the full build and garden below.

We are very close to the end of our orangery extension project, and we are really pleased with it. The building work is finished, we have a beautiful tiled floor, the walls are nearly all painted, and all that is left is the installation of the kitchen which is progressing really well.

I'm so grateful that we've been able to have this work done, and I'm really looking forward to enjoying it properly once all the work is done. The other night it was pouring with rain, and it felt so cosy to stand under the lantern roof and listen to it, even if we were surrounded by cardboard boxes and dust!

I must admit that I've not found the works easy. It will have taken nearly four months by the time it's finished, and that is with someone working every single day. We used a company to design and build the orangery, and worked mainly with their contacts for the different trades. So our project manager made sure that as soon as one part was finished the next person could start which has been brilliant, and people have also been popping in and out constantly to work on different things as the need arose.

We left them to work on the house while we were on holiday over half term which did work very well as they were able to get the floor laid without us bothering them. I think we would have had to move out otherwise, as we wouldn't have been able to use most of the ground floor.

Otherwise I've had to make sure that someone is around during the day in case they need anything, and as my husband works away quite a lot that's usually me. It has been a bit of a disruption to my usual routine - I've hardly been going out running which I miss, so that's something to get back into in the New Year!

I also feel on edge all the time when there are people in the house and I struggle to relax. It's not so much the noise or the dust, it's just knowing that there is always someone there. Should I be offering a drink? Do they need me for anything?

I'm also completely worn out with decision fatigue - from big decisions like which kitchen cabinets or floor tiles to choose down to the tiny ones like which saucepans to buy for the new induction hob. We've had lists to work through of things which need to be decided and chosen, and although it's exciting I find it all really tiring to think about!

I never like to give Christmas as a deadline for anything. But fingers crossed, this Christmas I will have a lovely clean and shiny space, and I can cook some delicious Christmas treats in an oven that isn't on its last legs!

What I've been up to lately

I feel as though I have a lot going on at the moment! Life feels very busy, and we are living in upheaval at the moment which I find quite stressful. But I can't complain as we were able to enjoy an amazing holiday in Florida over half term, and the work on our house is very close to being finished.

So here are some of the things that I've been up to lately:

Reading

I didn't read nearly as much as I expected to on holiday - we had full on days and I was too exhausted in the evening to manage more than a few pages. I enjoyed The Twilight Garden by Sara Nisha Adams and The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson, I think they were both Amazon Prime Library books. Both well written, entertaining, and easy to pick up and put down.

Eating

After a couple of weeks in the US eating junk food and snacking I've been enjoying the return to my usual reasonably healthy diet. It amazes me that you can buy the same brands of food in the US and yet they are so much more unhealthy - I notice the Pringles and cookies in particular! For the first few days everything tastes so much saltier or sweeter, but then you just get used to it. We don't have much of a kitchen at the moment which does make things a little more tricky, but I'm doing my best to work around it and I know that it's only temporary.

Shopping

I didn't do too much shopping while we were away, but I did get a few bits. I got a nice Gap hoodie in the outlet store and a new planner for next year, along with some pretty stickers and post it notes. (I can't resist buying stickers!) I also treated myself to a couple of sets of Disney jigsaws, one at horrifying full price in the main store, and one from the outlet store that was a more reasonable price.

Watching

I don't watch a lot of television, but I did entertain myself on the flight with some favourites. I re-watched Bridget Jones's Diary which I've seen so many times and still enjoy. I saw yesterday that the latest book has been filmed although I'm not sure about it, I didn't enjoy the book at all! I also re-watched the first two series of Staged which was perfect for binge watching on a plane, nice short episodes and not too much to concentrate on. I didn't get to the third series, which I didn't even know existed, so I'll have to catch up on iPlayer.

Listening to

At the moment I'm loving the Lazy Genius podcast, each episode is almost exactly the same length of one of my four daily car journeys and there's quite a lot of repetition which is important for me as I often zone out while I'm concentrating on the drive. Last week the music in the car was Disney, Disney, Disney so it's nice to have a change!

Crafting

Oh dear, my crafting has completely fallen by the wayside over the last couple of months. We are having a major extension built and the house is feeling very chaotic with things in boxes and piled up all over the place. I've mainly been expressing my creativity by accessorising my bullet journal and main journal with stickers and washi tape.

Planning

My son is currently in the process of visiting and applying for sixth form colleges. We are very lucky to live in an area which is surrounded by several amazing colleges, but this is making the decision much more difficult! He's pretty set on what he wants to study, and luckily he can apply for several and doesn't need to make final decisions until the new year.

I'm also trying to get organised for Christmas, although I've not got very far yet. I usually wait for Black Friday before starting the main shopping, just in case anything that I'm after goes on sale, but I need to get some lists and ideas together.

I also need to think about organising my new kitchen. We've bought all the appliances now, including a bonus bread maker which I'm excited to have a go with, and I need to think about how I'm going to arrange everything. We will also need to buy some bits of furniture and also a new set of saucepans as I'll be having an induction hob and my current pans won't work.

So I'm hoping for a nice, calm Christmas!

Bedroom design ideas to improve your mental well-being

This is a collaborative post

There is no space in the home more important than the bedroom. It is amazing the impact that the bedroom can have on our mental well-being, so it is always worth considering ways that you can create a relaxing space that will bring peace and quiet to a busy life and help ensure a good night’s rest. Keep reading for a few bedroom design ideas to improve your well-being. 

Declutter & Increase the Space

We are all guilty of neglecting our bedroom from time to time. This means that clutter can very quickly build up, creating a stressful environment that affects how you feel and how you sleep. Therefore, one of the best ways to create a space to improve your well-being is to declutter and stick to the basics. This could involve getting rid of a bulky wardrobe and opting for a fitted wardrobe, which works well even for sloped ceilings. 

Opt for Natural Products

You might be surprised at the impact natural products and materials have on your well-being. Instead of the toxicity from chemical-based products, opt for natural alternatives for your furnishings. This could include using organic bed linens and real wood furniture - this also allows you to benefit from biophilic design, which is the concept that natural elements can improve mental well-being.

Purify the Air

Dust will always be present no matter how much you clean. This is why an air purifier is a great investment, as it will remove the dust on your behalf, helping to create clean, allergy-free air - just make sure that it adheres to HEPA guidelines. You can also add some air purifying plants, such as peace lily or dracaena (as above, this can help improve your mental wellbeing while adding some colour and life to the space).

Photo credit Devon Janse van Rensburg via Unsplash

Improve Lighting

Lighting is another key consideration for the bedroom. Natural light will help create a bright, airy feel during the daytime that can improve your mental well-being. You can maximise natural light with light colours on the walls, white bedding, and hanging mirrors around the room. You will also need to consider artificial lighting, and a combination of lamps and ceiling lights can work well. 

These are a few of the most effective ways to improve your bedroom space to create a healthy space that will improve your mental well-being. The bedroom is an incredibly important room that can affect your mental health and mood, so it is always somewhere that should be carefully designed, with choices made to sup-port well-being.

The importance of sunglasses in various sports

This is a collaborative post

As Aussies, a love of sport is ingrained in our DNA, so much so that according to a survey by AusPlay, over 19 million of us (aged 15 or over) partook in some kind of sport or physical activity in 2021-22.

Regardless of whether this was at a professional, grade or recreational level, much of this participation took place outdoors and could not have been conducted anywhere near as effectively if the individuals involved weren’t wearing sunglasses.

Generally speaking, sunglasses are not worn in contact sports like NRL, AFL, hockey and soccer. There are simply too many opportunities for them to fall off or injure the wearer during a tussle or collision.

But for the majority of other codes, such as tennis, cycling, golf and, of course, beach volleyball, they can make a significant contribution to the levels of your performance.

But why exactly are sunglasses so important for these particular disciplines?

Here are some of the main reasons why they are a must-have accessory for any recreational or serious competitor. 

Eye Protection

Australia has the dubious distinction of boasting some of the world’s highest UV radiation levels. In fact, it is so strong that on a clear sunny day, it can cause sunburn in no less than 11 minutes!

As UV radiation is responsible for over 95% of all skin cancers in Australia, it is important to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.

The latter refers to the act of wearing sunglasses because doing so can protect your eyes from lasting damage that can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to these rays. This can include serious conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration, which could potentially lead to blindness.

For this reason, it is important to pick a good quality pair of shades that have UV400 protection – the gold standard for blocking UVA and UVB rays.

Here are some popular sunglasses at 1001 Optometry you might want to check out. 

Better Vision and Performance

In many sports, clear and focused vision is critical to a good level of your performance. Therefore, wearing a quality pair of sports sunglasses can help you to best see what’s in front of you by significantly improving factors such as contrast and visibility.

For example. polarised lenses can reduce glare from water and other reflective surfaces, which is invaluable in activities like fishing and water skiing, where sunlight can bounce off the surface to create an intense glare that can be blinding.

Additionally, in cycling, sunglasses are specially designed to wrap closely around the eyes, which protects them from wind, debris, and sunlight and enables riders to fully concentrate on the road.

Those who play beach volleyball can struggle to see the ball due to the glare from the sand and sea. Subsequently, wearing sunglasses with anti-glare coatings can be very helpful in spotting it, even in the brightest of sunlight. 

Reduced Eye Fatigue

If you are not wearing proper eyewear, you will end up squinting against bright sunlight, which can end up straining your eyes and lead to fatigue and distraction.

Both tennis and cricket are two examples of sports that can require you to spend long periods of time in the sun but maintain split-second reactions, which you will be more likely to maintain with the right pair of sunglasses.

Likewise, when playing an 18-hole round of golf, you’re often outdoors for upwards of four hours. So, by wearing a quality pair of sunglasses, you can go a long way towards reducing eye strain, which, in turn, will help you maintain accuracy, better assess shots and make adjustments across various fairways and greens. 

Photo credit Artur Voznenko via Unsplash

Improved Safety

Not all sunglasses are made equally, and some, when worn in a sporting context, are more likely to smash or break than others.

However, sports-specific sunglasses often use shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that are designed to withstand high impacts.

Mountain Biking and Trail Running are two examples of sporting codes that benefit most from this type of eyewear.

When tackling trails, especially in Australia’s diverse, tough, and unforgiving landscapes, this style of sunglasses protects your eyes from branches, dust, and the sun’s rays, which could otherwise cause you significant injury.  

Weather-Resistant Protection

In Australia, the weather can be unpredictable, so sports sunglasses can offer vital protection against it that goes just far beyond sun protection alone.

For surfing and windsurfing, specialised water sports sunglasses float and often come with straps. This makes them ideal for handling the waves and unpredictable winds while also protecting against water glare and UV rays.

Similarly, in cricket, for players who are on the field all day, sunglasses can protect against dust and wind, which can help them withstand the rigours of a tough session of batting or bowling. 

More Comfort for Endurance Sports

Given the extreme nature of their sports, it is very important that marathon runners and long-distance endurance athletes wear comfortable sunglasses.

Often, the sunglasses they wear are made from lightweight materials and have adjustable frames and rubber nose pads, that remain comfortable - even after many punishing hours of running, climbing or scaling rugged terrain.

Cyclists and runners, for instance, benefit from performance sunglasses designed with vents that prevent fogging. This means that athletes don’t break out of their rhythm or stride patterns by having to adjust or clean their eyewear mid-race.