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.

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.

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.

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.

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.