Forget the clinical perfection of modern spas, where everything is white, sterile, slightly intimidating and costs £200. Last weekend, I found myself in a different kind of spa sanctuary than I have experienced before - one where the luxe came from the crackle of firewood rather than the sterile hum of climate control.

Those of you who follow Hell of a Midlife will know that I recently wrote about my decade-old coat. It stripped my bank balance of £300, but it turned out to be an indulgence that taught me that the most sustainable garment is the one you already own. Writing that post reminded me of The True Cost - the ground breaking 2015 documentary that threw aside the fashion industry's cloak, to expose exploitation and environmental devastation. Then I got to thinking, has anything rea

For years, I’ve endured teasing from friends and family. They see the price tag of something I’ve just purchased from The White Company and act as if I’ve just put a down payment on a small island. Meanwhile, they are on their third ‘bargain’ jumper of the season - the one that currently looks like it was washed in a blender.

’ll be honest: when my husband first suggested a narrowboat holiday on the Oxford canal in November, my initial response was a definitive ‘No way.’ My imagination conjured scenes of lock disasters; irritated seasoned boaters; and three nights of profound stress. Yet, weeks later, as I reluctantly tied up our hire boat for the last time, I realised I was loathed to leave it all behind. Our short trip hadn't just been a mini-break; it had been a recalibration - a much needed le

If you’re looking for a book series that you can really live inside for a few months, allow me to introduce to you - the globe-trotting world of The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley. Whether you’re a history buff, a travel lover, or just someone who enjoys a good mystery, this series has a little bit of magic for everyone. Just a heads-up: this post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you decide to pick up a copy t

I always believed that if I could just get them through their childhood, they would be safe - that the threat of a controlling parent would dissipate at eighteen. I was wrong. What I failed to realise was that coercive control doesn't stop at adulthood; it simply evolves. This is the story of how I watched my adult children navigate the 'slow-motion collision' of a trauma bond, and how we are finally reclaiming our narrative.

It's been four and half years since my mother and I spent more than a few days in each other’s company. Nature, I learned, can do a lot

Eye-catching shows have taken place all over London, New York, Milan, and Paris, and whilst there wasn’t a single collection that didn’t deliver, the collections that brought us the presence of older models on their catwalk have my loyalty this season.

If you are a fan of of Greater Manchester, and love reading a good thriller, may I suggest that you reward yourself by reading DI Spicer

In December 2023 the Office for National Statistics released new data on domestic abuse. In the data, 3.2% of respondents aged 60-74 and 1.4

Over the years I have begun to care less about trendy home aesthetics for others to admire. Now its more about how my home makes me feel. 

Millions of vegetables grow all over the world - but I felt intense joy when I saw tomatoes swinging within the grasp of their mother vine.

On a recent holiday, I couldn't help but notice how many people travel alone. And whilst I absolutely love travelling with my husband, and travelling with friends, I couldn't help but feel a teeny weeny bit jealous of the solo traveller. Imagine not having to consult anyone else. Compromise? What compromise? Simply wake up when you want, eat what you want, and do whatever you want, when you want.

Lost hours wandering eucalyptus drenched paths, followed by salty dips in crystal water.

How lucky are we in beautiful Britain to have Barcelona only a few hours flight away? A city with all the ingredients for a perfect...

Sadly, I was not born with the 'fashion' gene that has served the coolest of my friends with effortless flair from teen-age to mid-life.

Sleep deprivation is a serious issue that must be addressed if we are to help our teenagers happily achieve their potential.

Having been forced into uniforms for 38 weeks of the year, the thought of being allowed to express themselves is, for many, excruciating.

How much do we let the opinions of our partners, friends and families affect our styles?

Give me a book, a candle and a hot mug of tea any day. I protect my downtime with a strength of mind that matches any athlete.