THE UNSPEAKABLE ACTS OF ZINA PAVLOU BY ELENI KYRIACOU

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I am involved in the book tour for The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou. Eleni Kyriacou is an award-winning editor and journalist. Her writing has appeared in the Guardian, the Observer, Grazia, and Red, among others. She’s the daughter of Greek Cypriot immigrant parents, and her debut novel, She Came To Stay, was published in 2020. Her latest novel, The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou, is inspired by the true-crime story of the penultimate woman to be executed in Britain. 

About the book

THEY HAVE TOLD SO MANY LIES ABOUT ME.

London, 1954. Zina Pavlou, a Cypriot grandmother, waits quietly in the custody of the Metropolitan police. She can't speak their language, but she understands what their wary looks mean: she has been accused of the brutal murder of her daughter-in-law.

CRUISE FORMAL NIGHTWARE: A CELEBRATION OF ELEGANCE

Cruises are a balance of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence, that combined create an unforgettable travel experience. I've written about the best time of year to go on a cruise along with what to pack for a cruise. Among those items to pack is formal wear, the concept of formal nights adds an extra layer of appeal to cruising. These special evenings are a cherished tradition in the world of cruise travel, offering passengers the chance to absorb themselves in an atmosphere of pure elegance. But what exactly are formal nights on cruises, and do you actually have to attend them?

What are Cruise Formal Nights?

Formal nights, sometimes are referred to as dress-up or elegant evenings, they are a time-honoured practice in the cruise industry. They are an opportunity for passengers to elevate their onboard dining experience by donning their finest attire and enjoying a more upscale meal. These evenings often feature specially crafted menus, live music, and a heightened sense of sophistication that adds a touch of glamour to your cruise experience.

The Spectrum of Dress Codes

While the nature of formal nights remains consistent, their execution can vary from one cruise line to another, offering passengers a spectrum of choices:

Mandatory Formal Nights

Some cruise lines adhere to a more traditional approach, designating specific evenings as mandatory formal nights. Typically held in the main dining room or speciality restaurants, these nights come with a strict dress code. Passengers are expected to embrace elegance, often dressing in tuxedos, suits, cocktail dresses, or formal gowns. These dress codes are diligently enforced, and passengers who opt out of participating may be asked to dine in more casual venues.

Optional Formal Nights

Other cruise lines adopt a more flexible stance, presenting formal nights as optional events. Passengers are free to decide whether they wish to immerse themselves in the formal atmosphere. Those who choose to participate can revel in the sophisticated ambience, while those who prefer a more relaxed dress code can opt for alternative dining venues or even enjoy a meal in the comfort of their cabin.

Themed Cruises

On some cruise itineraries, particularly those offered by luxury or speciality cruise lines, themed cruises are the order of the day. These voyages cater to specific interests, such as gastronomy or a particular era, and formal nights can play a significant role in enhancing the overall experience. Passengers are encouraged to embrace the theme and dress accordingly, immersing themselves fully in the cruise's unique atmosphere.

Diverse Dress Codes

Modern cruise ships often feature multiple dining venues, each with its own dress code. While the main dining room may host formal nights, other onboard restaurants typically offer a range of dress codes, from smart casual to resort casual, providing passengers with a diverse array of dining experiences to choose from.

How Camping Can Benefit Your Mental Health

Camping offers a refreshing escape from our hectic daily routines, providing a unique opportunity to slow down and immerse ourselves in the tranquillity of nature. Whether you prefer a quiet, solitary retreat in the woods or a lively excursion with loved ones, camping delivers substantial mental health benefits.

Let's delve into how these outdoor adventures can positively impact your mind.

Stress Reduction and Mood Enhancement

The natural calmness of outdoor settings significantly lowers stress. Research suggests that immersion in nature can reduce cortisol levels, which is beneficial since high cortisol is linked with stress. The serene environment of a forest, the soothing sound of a river, or the majestic sight of mountains can shift your focus from everyday pressures to the simple beauty of the natural world.

Regular visits to such calming locales decrease stress and enhance overall mood, leading to greater relaxation and joy.

Boosting Focus and Creativity

Disconnecting from the digital clutter and urban chaos is incredibly beneficial for your mental focus and creative faculties. Nature captures our attention in subtle yet captivating ways—through the rustling of leaves or the scampering of wildlife. This helps to reset our attention spans and sharpens our focus.

Moreover, the peacefulness found when camping provides the perfect setting for creative thoughts, often inspiring fresh ideas, and new perspectives away from normal routines.

GATHER MAGAZINE | REVIEW

Ad – review. I was sent a copy of Gather Magazine in return for featuring however all thoughts are my own.

 

Gather (£6.99) is a brand new launch of a lifestyle magazine from GMC publications. The magazine offers inspiration for readers who care about sustainably and the meaningful connections with the people around them. From grow-your-own guides to community projects and delicious seasonal recipes, each issue explores different ways of bringing people together through home, food, crafts and a shared love of their local environment.

With there being many challenges to face today  such as the cost-of-living crisis, the looming threat of climate change and the upending after-effects of the pandemic people are starting to rethink their habits. 

Gather magazine has come at the right time as more of us are looking into being more eco conscious. The first issue was released on March 28th and will be a bi-monthly magazine.

How Cricket, Cars, and Horses Shaped My Childhood

 *This is a collaborative Guestpost 

Many believe our childhood experiences shape us into who we are today.

It’s kind of funny when you think about how random places and obscure objects can unlock a treasure trove of memories. I’ve always found comfort in the nostalgia evoked whenever I think about my childhood. 

Unlike many others, I can confidently say that my childhood was a happy one and I am grateful for every event that took place in it.

My dad played a big role in helping make some of my favourite childhood memories and inspired many of my passions today. He was an avid fan of various things and I often ended up pulled along for a ride as he explored his interests. 

Join me on a walk down memory lane as I reminisce about some of the moments that shaped my childhood and made me into who I am today. 

On the Field

One of my earliest memories consists of being unwillingly dragged to The Oval by my father one bright sunny summer’s day. 

I was only about six at the time and the last way I wanted to spend my Sunday afternoon was at a boring old sports stadium watching a game I didn’t even slightly understand. However, my dad felt quite differently.

I can still vividly recall the look of child-like joy on his face as the players entered the field. He was a massive fan of the game and he wasn’t afraid to show it, and still isn’t if I’m being completely honest.

Sporting his favourite team member’s cricket shirt, a plastic horn in hand, he proudly yelled out cheers with the crowd. My dad has always been a rather enthusiastic man, but cricket lit a spark in him like I’d never seen before. 

Ever since that first game, he only continued in his attempts to convert me into a cricket fanatic. While initially annoying, I will say that when I actually played my first game of cricket, I was pleasantly surprised. 

For a game I had grown to detest, I was surprisingly good at it. From arriving early enough to see the complete synthetic cricket pitch installation from scratch to staying until the very last over, all those years of watching from the sidelines truly paid off. 

With my dad being my loudest supporter, coming to cheer me on at every game, just as my dad always had, I soon grew to love the sport. 

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON ORGANIC FOOD

Organic food is considered to be healthier alternative than conventional food. This is because It is grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetic engineering or ionizing radiation. Organic food is also more nutritious than conventional food because it contains more vitamins and minerals. Organic foods are also less likely to contain toxic chemicals because they are not exposed to these chemicals in production.

The benefits of organic food are many and varied. It helps people live a healthier lifestyle, which in turn has a positive impact on the environment and society as well.

Whilst organic food seemed to be a fad just a few years ago, it is now a growing business with many farmers changing the way they grow the food they sell to take advantage of the increased demand for organic food. Now organic food is so popular that you can pick it up in most supermarkets.

Whilst there are many health benefits to an organic diet, eating organic food is usually much more expensive than conventional food. If you are interested in eating a more organic diet then how do you save money on organic food? This is something that lots of people are wanting to know especially during the current cost of living crisis.

Grow your own

One of the best ways to save money on organic food is to grow your own. In order to grow your own organic food, you will need to start with an organic garden. There are many different types of gardens that can be used for this purpose.

A vegetable garden is a great option because it provides you with an abundance of vegetables and herbs, which are great for using in your cooking or you can simply eat them raw. Vegetable gardens are usually planted in rows and they can be laid out in many different ways depending on the size of the area you have available.

THE MYSTERY OF YEW TREE HOUSE BY LESLEY THOMSON

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own.

Today I am involved in the book tour for The mystery of Yew Tree House by Lesley Thomson. Lesley Thomson grew up in west London. Her first novel, A Kind of Vanishing, won the People's Book Prize in 2010. Her second novel, The Detective's Daughter, was a #1 bestseller and the resulting series has sold over 800,000 copies. Lesley divides her time between Sussex and Gloucestershire. She lives with her partner and her dog.

About the book

EIGHTY YEARS OF SECRETS.
1940. At Yew Tree House, recently widowed Adelaide Stride is raising her two daughters alone – but it’s not just the threat of German invasion that keeps her up at night. She is surrounded by enemies posing as allies and, while war rages, she grows sure that something terrible is about to happen.

A BODY THAT REVEALS THEM ALL.
2023. Soon after Stella Darnell begins her holiday at Yew Tree House, a skeleton is found in a pillbox at the bottom of the garden. The bullet hole in the skull tells her that the person was murdered. This triggers the unravelling of a mystery eighty years in the making. Stella will learn that Adelaide was right to worry – the fighting might have been happening abroad, but the true enemy was always much closer to home...

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SOLO TRAVEL: SOLO TRAVEL TIPS

The temptation of solo travel is undeniable. The benefits of solo travel such as freedom to set your own itinerary, the chance to embrace spontaneity, and the opportunity for deep self-discovery - await those of you who are venturing alone. If you're considering solo travel for the first time, you're embarking on a thrilling and exciting journey that will change your life in ways that you are yet to imagine. To help you make the most of this incredible experience, here's the ultimate guide with valuable advice and insights for you first-time travelers.


Embrace the Unknown: A Journey into Discovery

Solo travel is all about stepping into the unknown, where every turn will bring you the promise of adventure. Embrace that uncertainty with an open heart and an open mind, for it is within the unfamiliar that you'll discover the true essence of solo travel. The beauty of this journey lies not only in the places you visit but in the unexpected encounters, spontaneous adventures, and intense personal growth that arise from navigating the uncharted territories of your soul.

When you set out alone, you become the author of your own story. Every day is a fresh blank page waiting to be filled with experiences and memories unique to you. The path you take is yours to choose, and as you wander through the variety the world has to offer, you'll find that it's the detours, the unplanned stops, and the unexpected that often hold the most precious moments.

Plan But Stay Flexible: The Art of Balanced Itineraries

While planning is an essential part of any journey, especially for solo travellers, it's equally vital to leave room for spontaneity. Create a loose itinerary that includes must-visit places and experiences, but don't feel compelled to schedule every moment of your adventure. Leave space for spontaneity, as some of the most magical moments happen when you allow yourself the freedom to veer away from your plans.

Imagine stumbling upon a hidden beach, discovering a quirky local festival, or striking up conversations with strangers at a roadside café. Flexibility in your plans not only allows for these delightful surprises but also reduces the stress of adhering to a rigid schedule. It's in the unplanned moments that you'll find some of the most vivid and cherished memories of your solo travel journey.


Pack Light: The Art of Minimalism

Travel light; is a motto amongst seasoned solo travellers and a foundation that can transform your journey into an effortless adventure. Adopting a minimalist approach to packing is likend to shedding unnecessary baggage, both literal and metaphorical. Allowing your solo trip to become more manageable, freeing, and spontaneous. Embrace the idea of focusing on versatile clothing and essential items that serve multiple purposes. By doing this, you'll appreciate the mobility and flexibility that comes with a lighter load.

As you curate your travel wardrobe, remember that less is often more. Prioritise clothing that you can mix and match, and choose items that can be easily layered for various weather conditions. Ditch the "just in case" items that are unlikely to see the light of day, and opt for items that are both practical and comfortable. Not only will this lighten your physical load, but it will also simplify your choices and give you the freedom to focus on experiences that truly matter.

FLOORED BY CHRISSIE HARRISON

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own. 

Today I am involved in the book tour for Floored by Chrissie Harrison.

Author Bio – 

I’m an incurable romantic at heart, and a sucker for great humour. I’ve been writing for many years, and all the stories contain either love, or humour, or both – I simply can’t keep these elements out of my work.

I’m inspired by the big and small screen as well as books, and have a soft spot for Richard Curtis’ romcoms, timeless TV comedy like The Good Life and Blackadder, less well-known feelgood films and romances (Always, Forget Paris, Roxanne), and books which make me laugh (Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, The Rosie Project).

I have a soft spot for stories with strong women and nerdy or hapless guys.

Fundamentally, I try to write the books I like to read. I hope to distil humour, romance – and sometimes pathos or bittersweet vibes – into my novels.

Outside of writing, I enjoy photography, great scenery, a nice peaceful train ride, delicious coffee and cake, and catching up with old friends. I’m also something of a geek, fascinated by maths, science and even fonts!

Chrissie Harrison is a pen name.

About the book 

Hannah and Drew work in the same office.

Hannah and Drew use the same elevator.

Hannah and Drew aren’t looking for love.

They haven’t even met.

Yet something is happening…

Amiable TV production accountant Drew has turned his back on love after the death of his fiancée, an incident which cemented his longstanding elevatophobia. When Drew moves towns and jobs for a fresh start, he hears a voice in the office lift telling him to “be careful”.

Is it his fevered imagination, the ghost of his fiancée, or someone playing a cruel prank? Quickly, he becomes desperate, foolish… and unexpectedly smitten.

Sweet and sassy Hannah wouldn’t mind finding love, but keeps choosing the wrong boyfriends. Her innate social anxiety, deepened by bad experiences with a preying boss, is a huge barrier to dating anyone new.

Yet, to expose her boss’ antics, she needs to be lucky as well as smart. However, talking to a sweet but hapless co-worker isn’t the answer… is it? After all, she could never imagine meeting him in person.

When Drew discovers the adorable girl behind the voice, a relationship blossoms alongside a shared determination to bring justice to their workplace, risking everything.

MAID OF STEEL BY KATE BAKER

 Ad – review. I was sent a copy of this book for review purposes and all thoughts are my own. 

Today I am involved in the book tour for Maid of Steel by Kate Baker. Maid of Steel is Kate’s first full length novel to be published. She also writes short stories and is presently drafting a second novel. She writes at a desk covered in to-do lists and lights candles in the hope the lists disappear in the shadows. She lives in East Anglia in the UK with her husband where they attempt to look after farmland for generations to come. A small, very small, dog can be frequently found on Kate's lap. Otis is her first miniature dachshund.

About the book

It’s 1911 and, against her mother’s wishes, quiet New Yorker Emma dreams of winning the right to vote. She is sent away by her parents in the hope distance will curb her desire to be involved with the growing suffrage movement and told to spend time learning about where her grandparents came from.

Across the Atlantic – Queenstown, southern Ireland – hotelier Thomas dreams of being loved, even noticed, by his actress wife, Alice. On their wedding day, Alice’s father had assured him that adoration comes with time. It’s been eight years. But Alice has plans of her own and they certainly don’t include the fight for equality or her dull husband.

Emma’s arrival in Ireland leads her to discover family secrets and become involved in the Irish Women’s Suffrage Society in Cork. However, Emma’s path to suffrage was never meant to lead to a forbidden love affair…