For the next part of our Digital Detox series, we had the pleasure of heading out into the woods for a few hours with Fern Freud to experience one of her wild foraging walks.

Fern grew up in a family of foragers, gathering food and hunting for mushrooms with her dad on the Sussex Downs. She’s since gone on to perfect her craft, running workshops and classes and sharing her knowledge with others, so that they too can experience the joy of foraging slowly, safely and sustainably.

Whether she’s cooking up magnolia fritters, harvesting mugwort leaves for homemade ice cream or making eco -friendly washing up liquid with old ivy leaves, Fern really knows her stuff when it comes to nature’s recipes.

As part of our Digital Detox series running throughout September, we thought joining Fern for one of her foraging walks would be a great way to forget the online world exists for a while, slow down, make like our ancestors and reconnect with the land.

From identifying autumn edibles such as berries, nuts, mushrooms and hedgerow herbs, to harvesting responsibly, here’s how the team got on hanging out in mother nature’s larder with Foraged By Fern. Alexa, play Folklore…

If you’re looking to expand your food knowledge, begin your own foraging journey or simply do something a bit different for a family activity, corporate event or special occasion, book one of Fern’s guided courses and find out what ingredients you can discover, right on your doorstep.

She offers private foraging courses for small groups, encompassing a 2hr walk rounded off with a delicious wild picnic using all the delicious ingredients you’ve gathered along the way.

For more information about Fern’s Sussex foraging courses, 1:1 sessions, online events and wild food workshops, you can visit her website or follow her on Instagram at @foragedbyfern

Photography by Toni Heath, Cuttlebone Photography. You can find more of her work on Instagram @cuttlebone.co.uk and her website here.

Lareese says…

What a joy (and career highlight haha) it was to spend our Tuesday morning foraging on the South Downs with Fern. Having grown up around the area, it felt nostalgic and comforting to be back in my neck of the woods, literally. We started off with the all-important health and safety talk – a reminder to only eat and forage what you can clearly identify, forage responsibly and leave the rest for mama nature. We had all but crossed the dusty car park before we stumbled upon some pineapple weed (or wild chamomile). These simple yellow flower heads are commonly found on disturbed ground such as pathways and roadsides, but Fern mentioned being cautious of where you harvest because of pollution / toxic weed killer. The general rule of thumb is to forage away from cars in a clean location, to avoid the risk but don’t let that put you off, these guys can be infused for iced teas, used in salads or – my personal fave – in a wild cocktail with ground ivy and rum.

We then ambled over the hills and gathered around some hawthorn berries. Personally, I’m always been a tad nervous about picking wild berries (juicy blackberries aside) ever since my primary school pal ingested a handful on one particularly adventurous Disney-esque lunchtime and wound up in hospital. She was fine but it got me thinking if only she’d picked hawthorns ay! Rookie error. Along the way, Fern gave us some key checkpoints for identifying all the edibles. With the haws, we were looking for a dark green hand-shaped serrated leaf, similar to an oak, thorns and ruby red berries with a stone in the middle. They taste a little bit like a savoury apple but are best when cooked and you can make all sorts with them from jellies and hawthorn berry ketchup to chutney or vinegar.

Talking of babes, Fern not only knows her stuff when it comes to the law of the land and identifying edibles, she’s also an incredible storyteller, combining her practical workshops with folklore, history and mythology. It was fascinating stuff and a real learning experience as well as a treat for the mind.

Any workshop that’s rounded off with homemade rose & lemon cake on a picnic blanket gets full marks from me. Huge thank you to the lovely Fern for hanging out with us for a few hours and sharing her foraging pearls of wisdom with us. Having seen what the beginning of autumn can offer up, it’s safe to say I’ve caught the foraging bug and immediately want to book in another one for springtime.

Danielle says…

I didn’t know what to expect when I found out we would be going foraging, other than the odd blackberry I very rarely know what you can and can’t pick when out on a walk and I have absolutely no idea what you could make with said pickings. I’d had a look at Fern’s Instagram in the car on the way and I must say everything she was making looked delicious so I couldn’t wait to get involved. Fern gave us a rundown of what to expect when we started and gave us a fair bit of warning about the dangers of foraging as a surprising amount of plants in the UK can be toxic or deadly – who knew?! She also mentioned that some plants in the UK are protected so if have a good look at those before setting off and if you’re ever in doubt there are plenty of Facebook groups that will help you identify if something should be picked or not. Old laws allow people to forage public land, but if there are ever any signs that ask you not to, you should follow those first.

The experience as a whole was absolutely fantastic, for so many reasons, the first being general identification of herbs/fruits/food – Fern gave us a great checklist for each thing so that you could make sure all things were checked off before confirming it is what you think it is. This could be leaf pattern, scent, where it usually grows, style of flower/head and so many more. We were also told about all the incredible things we could do with each item, one of the first things we saw was pineapple weed which is also known as natures camomile, Fern explained how we could make it into a tea, making sure to cover the hot water with a plate so none of the infusion escapes. She also told us how to infuse it with rum to make a pineapple mojito!

Everything we found came with so many interesting facts and details, and it was a joy to listen to Fern share her knowledge with us, she is quite an encyclopedia for all things foraging and I would implore anyone to book a workshop whether you have a keen interest in foraging or not!

Charlotte says…

I went into this experience as a total newbie and with absolutely no idea what to expect from foraging- something that feels so unlike anything I’ve done before- but I was so pleasantly surprised and haven’t stopped raving about it to friends and family since! I hate to say it but I thought compared to the yoga which I had loved so much, foraging might be a little less engaging and not something I would be overly interested in, but that really couldn’t have been further from the truth. Fern is so personable and really makes you eager and interested from the start and even from her first introductions to foraging and the basic dos and don’ts I was sold on the concept! Initially, Fern went over the basic warnings about toxic and dangerous plants in the UK which was certainly a reality check as I hadn’t realised quite how serious the effects of ingesting these plants could be, and even from this point, it was clear that her wealth of knowledge on this subject is truly unmatched.

We were so lucky to go foraging during September’s 3-day heatwave and exploring the South Downs in the sunshine was such a lovely way to connect with nature and just made me feel super grateful for my surroundings and how peaceful everything felt- it was perfect for a digital detox! The experience lasted maybe 90 minutes in total and from start to finish I was learning so much new information in the form of anecdotes, facts about how to use each plant and the history behind them and their benefits in past society too. Fern is an absolute powerhouse of knowledge and there was no question she could not answer or detail she didn’t know- I felt very safe to pick and even try some berries in her company and again was just in awe of talent and passion for the subject which was so infectious throughout the experience.

We finished the experience with some absolutely delicious vegan rose and lemon cake made with the addition of some ingredients Fern had foraged, and it couldn’t have been more tasty or full circle to get to experience the fruits of her labour if you will. I have been recommending foraging to all my loved ones and would love to go on another of Fern’s workshops because there are infinite things to learn and try and it was just such a joyful way to spend a couple of hours. Truly the perfect DD activity.

For more information about Fern’s Sussex foraging courses, 1:1 sessions, online events and wild food workshops, you can visit her website or follow her on Instagram at @foraged.by.fern

Photography by Toni Heath, Cuttlebone Photography. You can find more of her work on Instagram @cuttlebone.co.uk and her website here.

Problems, we’ve all got a tonne of ‘em and whilst we, the team Zoella
armchair oracles, certainly don’t have what it takes to qualify as professional agony aunts or therapists, between us we’ve got enough emotional baggage and life experience to draw from to tap out a juicy – and hopefully helpful – reply.

From making new friends and grappling with social anxiety after some serious Mean Girls shit went down at high school, to standing up for yourself when your boss is an absolute villain and knowing when the Hinge holiday romance has run its course, let’s get into this month’s BYAM.

Does anyone else feel like the novelty of shopping IRL still hasn’t worn off? Us too. Give us an iced latte, some banging tunes through our headphones, a tote bag to pop in our many purchases and suddenly a mooch round the high street = the creme de la creme of Saturday activities. And as the new season approaches and thoughts turn to crisp, orange leaves and movie days galore, so does the need to add a little extra (pumpkin) spice to your autumn wardrobe, perhaps in the form of trench coats, ankle boots, fleeces and or a humble polo neck (see inspiration from Louis Theroux aka the king of winter style).

For those whose wardrobes are bursting at the seams (read: all of us), perhaps the draw of high street homeware is more appealing this season, with the likes of Zara Home, Arket and Oliver Bonas offering some seriously dreamy sage and beige picks to finish off that shelf you put up in lockdown which is still looking très bare …

Keep reading to see this week’s team picks and let us know what you’ll be adding to basket!

Zoe

I’m a little bit obsessed with Zara Home at the moment and their newest release has these gorgeous scalloped napkins and fruit plates! I also think they have some of the best high street fragrances (both perfumes/aftershaves and candles/diffusers) Poetic Mind I such a gorgeous fragrance! I also love this oversized shirt dress from H&M too!

H&M, Oversized shirt dress, £24.99 | Zara Home, POETIC MIND REED DIFFUSER, £89.99 | Zara Home, NAPKINS WITH SCALLOPED EDGE, £9.99 | Zara Home, FRUIT PLATE, £11.99

Lareese

I’m really into these wool trousers from Arket. I think they’ll be a great autumn staple to bung on with some knitwear. With autumn on the brain, I’m also keen to get in there early with the coats because otherwise, all the best ones sell out. This classic double-breasted style will go with everything and be roomy enough to accommodate for all the cosy layers. I’ve also GOT to add in the boxy green cardi of dreams and ugly fisherman sandals from TOAST, which I would absolutely shamelessly wear with socks. Don’t @ me.

*Arket, Hopsack Wool Trousers, £89 | *Weekday, Kia Wool Blend Coat, £125 | Toast, Wool Cotton Aran Cardigan, £185 | Toast, Steve Mono Artisanal Sandals, £195

Holly

I find dressing in Autumn so much easier than any other time of year. Can pop back on my jeans and long sleeve tee’s but not too worried about big jackets. Just perfect. I’ve got my eyes on these statement jeans from Monki and pairing them with a black top and shoes with a chunky necklace and I’m ready for a day full of activities.

*Monki, straight-leg trousers, £30 | *New Look, Black Hanky Hem Crew Neck Top, £11.99 | *Oliver Bonas, Tucker Twisted Links Chunky Collar Necklace, £28 | *Boohoo, Black Low Block Barely There Heels, £25

Darcey

I’ve well and truly underestimated M&S until this last weekend when I found so many good bits, so I thought I’d link a couple! I got this gorgeous shearling jacket which was really reasonably priced but the quality is great. I got a pair of black slim flared jeans which I think will look so good with some chunky boots and a big coat in the winter. I also am obsessed with two-tone boots at the moment and these ones from Topshop with a grey sole I think look super cool. Lastly, I’m obsessed with v-neck or button up knitwear as I think for me it’s really flattering so I’ve picked up a few of those too.

*Marks & Spencer, Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket, £69 | *Marks & Spencer, Slim Flare Jeans, £29.50 | *ASOS, Topshop Kylie chelsea boot in black, £40 | *ASOS, ASOS DESIGN jumper with polo neck in rib in cream, £25

Danielle

The best thing about autumn is being able to return to my old faithful jeans, t-shirt, jacket combo. Love this straight pair from Stradivarius, with a stripe tee and LOVE this khaki fleece jacket, super cosy perfect for drinks or a long walk. I headed over to ARKET for some home pieces like a lush new blanket and HELLO candle season is back!

*ASOS, Stradivarius organic cotton mom fit vintage jean in light wash, £25.99 | *ASOS, Weekday Bess fleece shirt in dark green, £40 | *Weekday, Alanis organic cotton stripe t-shirt, £12 | *Arket, Klippan Dots Wool Blanket, £69 | *Arket, Scented Candle Neroli, £35

Charlotte

My recently purchased list lately is looking flyyyyy for autumn/winter and I’ve been loving wearing all of these new pieces. I wanted some chunky boots last winter but couldn’t really justify it as we weren’t leaving the house much (oh winter lockdown I do not miss thee) but this year I have jumped on the bandwagon early with these ASOS Ada boots and I’m loving wearing them already with bare legs. On the topic of shoes, I’ve also just purchased some glittery Crocs which I simply adore and I’m planning to wear with socks too as the weather cools down- I just saw them and couldn’t not purchase! Finally, a new thin denim jacket and tote bag and I’m ready to head to Starbs for a PSL with my latest read in tow.

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN Ada chunky chelsea boots in black, £35 | Skinny Dip, Smiley Black Denim Cropped Jacket, £30 | *ASOS, Crocs classic glitter clogs in lilac, £39.99 | *Etsy, SixthStore Printed “Henri matisse” Canvas Tote Bag, £19.99

Put down your bucket hats and cancel your Calippos people, autumn has entered the chat.

As the September nights draw in, trading those balmy evenings outside for cosy plans indoors with the heating on max and a book in hand is the seasonal quiet we all need after a summer of non-stop peopling.

Spending rainy weekends curled up with the crisp pages of a new book, a slab of (don’t say it, don’t say it…) banana bread and tea on tap makes for the very best kind of R&R. If, like us, you want to truly embrace the art of doing nothing and live out the rest of 2021 looking like a toe in a blanket, then we suggest stockpiling a load of book supplies and sticking your phone on do not disturb mode.

From haunting new thrillers to atmospheric plots and feel-good fiction, tuck yourself under a pile of blankets and disappear into a happy reading rabbit hole until spring rolls around again.

Happy hibernating, our bookish friends!

1. A Slow Burning Fire by Paula Hawkins

For those of you who like a shadowy thriller, this scorching new release from Paula Hawkins, author of the global phenomenon The Girl on the Train, ought to grab your attention from the very first page.

Laura has spent most of her life being judged. She’s seen as hot-tempered, troubled, a loner. Some even call her dangerous.

Miriam knows that just because Laura is witnessed leaving the scene of a horrific murder with blood on her clothes, that doesn’t mean she’s a killer. Bitter experience has taught her how easy it is to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Carla is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew. She trusts no one: good people are capable of terrible deeds. But how far will she go to find peace?

Innocent or guilty, everyone is damaged. Some are damaged enough to kill.

Look what you started.

Purchase A Slow Fire Burning from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

2. Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller

Twins Jeanie and Julius are in their early 50s and still living with their mother Dot in rural isolation and poverty. Their old cottage is a sanctuary against the outside world, a place where they bond over folk music and grow (and sometimes kill) everything they need to survive.

But when Dot dies suddenly, their world is turned upside down as their mother’s secrets begin to unravel, putting everything they thought they knew about who they are at stake.

A beautifully written, moody and melancholy read that was just made for a rainy day, a plate of crumpets and a pumpkin spice latte, in our humble opinion.

Purchase Unsettled Ground from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

3. Fault Lines by Emily Itami

A startlingly honest love story and a daring exploration of modern relationships, motherhood and marriage. Emily Itami is one to watch!

Mizuki is a Japanese housewife. She has a hardworking husband, two adorable children and a beautiful Tokyo apartment. It’s everything a woman could want, yet sometimes she wonders whether it would be more fun to throw herself off the high-rise balcony than spend another evening not talking to her husband or hanging up laundry.

Then, one rainy night, she meets Kiyoshi, a successful restaurateur. In him, she rediscovers freedom, friendship, a voice, and the neon, electric pulse of the city she has always loved. But the further she falls into their relationship, the clearer it becomes that she is living two lives – and in the end, we can choose only one.

Purchase Fault Lines from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

4. Cackle by Rachel Harrison

This empowering novel is a darkly funny, late coming-of-age story of a millennial woman named Annie who has always put other people’s needs above her own, until she moves to a small town and befriends a mysterious woman rumoured to be a witch…

The beautiful, charming, magnetic Sophie wants Annie to stop apologising and start living for herself. That’s how Sophie lives. Annie can’t help but gravitate toward the self-possessed Sophie, wanting to spend more and more time with her, despite the fact that the rest of the townsfolk seem…a little afraid of her. And like, okay. There are some things. Sophie’s appearance is uncanny and ageless, her mansion in the middle of the woods feels a little unearthly, and she does seem to wield a certain power…but she couldn’t be…could she?

Discover your inner witch and wait patiently for Disney to spin it into a movie. Fingers crossed!

Purchase Cackle from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

5. Nice Girls by Catherine Dang

True crime addicts and armchair detectives will gobble up this razor-sharp debut in one sitting. Full of twists and turns, small town drama, edge-of-your-seat suspense and insightful social commentary, it just might be the book of the season.

What did you do?

Mary used to be such a nice girl. She was the resident whiz kid of Liberty Lake, Minnesota-the quiet, chubby teen with the scholarship to an Ivy League school. But three years later, “Ivy League Mary” is back-a thinner, cynical, restless failure who was kicked out of Cornell at the beginning of her senior year and won’t tell anyone why. Taking a job at the local grocery store, Mary tries to make sense of her life’s sharp downward spiral.

Then beautiful, magnetic Olivia Willand goes missing. A rising social media star, Olivia is admired by everyone in Liberty Lake-except Mary. Once Olivia’s best friend, Mary knows better than anyone that behind the Instagram persona hides a wilful, manipulative girl with sharp edges. As the town obsesses over perfect, lovely Olivia, Mary wonders if her disappearance might be tied to another missing person: nineteen-year-old DeMaria Jackson, whose case has been widely dismissed as a runaway.

Who is the real Olivia Willand, and where did she go? What happened to DeMaria? As Mary pries at the cracks in the careful facades surrounding the two missing girls, old wounds will bleed fresh and force her to confront a horrible truth.

Maybe there are no nice girls, after all.

Purchase Nice Girls from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

6. The Magpie Society: Two for Joy by Zoe Sugg and Amy McCulloch

The second instalment of The Magpie Society series sees Audrey and Ivy in the middle of another mystery when a friend disappears in suspicious circumstances.

Their only clue is a mysterious card left by the enigmatic Magpie Society. With time running out and the police baffled, Audrey and Ivy must delve deeper than ever into the dark secrets that their school is hiding.

But someone is playing a deadly game. And to beat them, Audrey and Ivy have to start rewriting the rules…

Purchase Two For Joy from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

7. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

Liane Moriarty is back with a creepy new thriller just in time for Halloween and you’re going to want to drop all your fancy dress plans to be with it.

From the outside, the Delaneys appear to be an enviably contented family. Even after all these years, former tennis coaches Joy and Stan are still winning tournaments, and now they’ve sold the family business they have all the time in the world to learn how to ‘relax’. Their four adult children are busy living their own lives, and while it could be argued they never quite achieved their destinies, no-one ever says that out loud.

But now Joy Delaney has disappeared, and her children are re-examining their parents’ marriage and their family history with fresh, frightened eyes. Is her disappearance related to their mysterious house guest from last year? Or were things never as rosy as they seemed in the Delaney household?

Purchase Apples Never Fall from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

8. Unbound: My Story of Liberation and The Birth of the Me Too Movement by Tarana Burke

If Oprah says a book is searing, powerful and needed, you listen to her and you read it. From the founder and activist behind the Me Too movement, Tarana Burke’s debut memoir explores her own journey to saying those infinitely powerful words. No doubt her soul-baring story and commitment to making a difference will be a source of healing and hope for other survivors.

Purchase Unbound from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

9. No One Will Miss Her by Kat Rosenfield

Coming this November, this blade-sharp novel will shock even the savviest reader. With echoes of Gone Girl, this is a story of privilege, identity, and cunning, as two devious women from opposite worlds discover the dangers of coveting someone else’s life.

On a beautiful October morning in rural Maine, a homicide investigator from the state police pulls into the hard-luck town of Copper Falls. The local junkyard is burning, and the town pariah Lizzie Oullette is dead—with her husband, Dwayne, nowhere to be found.

As scandal ripples through the community, Detective Ian Bird’s inquiries unexpectedly lead him away from small-town Maine to a swank city townhouse several hours south. Adrienne Richards, blonde and fabulous social media influencer and wife of a disgraced billionaire, had been renting Lizzie’s tiny lake house as a country getaway…even though Copper Falls is anything but a resort town.

As Adrienne’s connection to the case becomes clear, so too does her connection to Lizzie, who narrates their story from beyond the grave. Each woman is desperately lonely in her own way, and they navigate a relationship that cuts across class boundaries: transactional, complicated, and, finally, deadly.

Purchase No One Will Miss Her from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

10. Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

Looking for something to fill the deep Bridgerton void? (season 2, make haste will you), this swoon-worthy romance is this season’s incomparable diamond. Just make sure you crack the window a little because we all know what that regency lot are like.

London banking heiress Hattie Greenfield wanted just three things in life:

1. Acclaim as an artist
2. A noble cause
3. Marriage to a young lord who puts the gentle in gentleman

Why then does this Oxford scholar find herself at the altar with the darkly attractive financier Lucian Blackstone? Trust Hattie to take an invigorating little adventure too far. Now she’s stuck with a churlish Scot who just might be the end of her ambitions . . .

When the daughter of his business rival all but falls into his lap, Lucian sees opportunity. As a self-made man, he has vast wealth but holds little power, and Hattie might be the key to finally setting his political plans in motion. Driven by an old desire for revenge, he has no room for his new wife’s apprehensions or romantic notions, bewitching as he finds her.

But a sudden journey to Scotland paints everything in a different light. Hattie slowly sees the real Lucian and realises she could win everything – as long as she is prepared to lose her heart.

Purchase Portrait of a Scotsman from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

11. The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

For fans of books about books and the power of reading, this one will strike a chord. A love letter to libraries and storytelling, this is the heart-warming read we all seek out at this time of year. Prepare to savour every word and blub into your blankets.

Tissues at the ready, here’s the blurb!

When Aleisha discovers a crumpled reading list tucked into a tattered library book, it sparks an extraordinary journey.
From timeless stories of love and friendship to an epic journey across the Pacific Ocean with a boy and a tiger in a boat, the list opens a gateway to new and wonderful worlds – just when Aleisha needs an escape from her troubles at home.

And when widower Mukesh arrives at the library, desperate to connect with his bookworm granddaughter, Aleisha introduces him to the magic of the reading list. An anxious teenager and a lonely grandfather forming an unlikely book club of two.

Purchase The Reading List from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

12. Freckles by Cecilia Ahern

From the bestselling author of PS I Love You comes this life affirming novel about self-discovery, friendships and family. If you’re searching for a feel-good palate cleanser amidst all the eerie thrillers this fall, Freckles is guaranteed to hit you right in the feels.

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.

When a stranger utters these words to Allegra Bird, nicknamed Freckles, it turns her highly ordered life upside down. In her current life as a parking warden, she has left her eccentric father and unconventional childhood behind for a bold new life in the city.

But a single encounter leads her to ask the question she’s been avoiding for so long: who are the people who made her the way she is? And who are the five people who can shape and determine her future? Just as she once joined the freckles on her skin to mirror the constellations in the night sky, she must once again look for connections.

Five people. Five stars. Freckle to freckle. Star to star.

Purchase Freckles from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

13. Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters

Torrey Peters navigates taboos around gender, sex and relationships in this fearless and compulsively readable debut about the lives of three transgender and cisgender women and an unexpected pregnancy that forces them to confront their deepest desires…

Reese nearly had it all: a loving relationship with Amy, an apartment in New York, a job she didn’t hate. She’d scraped together a life previous generations of trans women could only dream of; the only thing missing was a child. Then everything fell apart and three years on Reese is still in self-destruct mode, avoiding her loneliness by sleeping with married men.

When her ex calls to ask if she wants to be a mother, Reese finds herself intrigued. After being attacked in the street, Amy de-transitioned to become Ames, changed jobs and, thinking he was infertile, started an affair with his boss Katrina. Now Katrina’s pregnant. Could the three of them form an unconventional family – and raise the baby together?

A modern classic everyone should add to their TBR pile!

Purchase Detransition, Baby from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

14. Snowflake by Louise Nealon

For fans of Sally Rooney, this coming-of-age tale set in rural Ireland is the perfect gritty read to see you through the colder months. With themes of mental health, grief and navigating adulthood, it’s the kind of book you wish was 200 pages longer.

Eighteen-year-old Debbie White lives on a dairy farm with her mother, Maeve, and her uncle, Billy. Billy sleeps out in a caravan in the garden with a bottle of whiskey and the stars overhead for company. Maeve spends her days recording her dreams, which she believes to be prophecies.

This world is Debbie’s normal, but she is about to step into life as a student at Trinity College in Dublin. As she navigates between sophisticated new friends and the family bubble, things begin to unravel. Maeve’s eccentricity tilts into something darker, while Billy’s drinking gets worse.

Debbie struggles to cope with the weirdest, most difficult parts of herself, her family and her small life. But the fierce love of the White family is never in doubt, and Debbie discovers that even the oddest of families are places of safety.

Purchase Snowflake from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

15. The Corpse Queen by Heather M. Herrman

Leave it to Heather M. Herrman to deliver the Halloween read of all Halloween reads.

This twisty feminist YA thriller tells the story of orphaned 17-year-old Molly Green, whose best friend Kitty dies in mysterious circumstances. With no relations that she knows of, someone claiming to be Molly’s aunt – also known as the mysterious Corpse Queen – requests she comes to live with her in Philadelphia. It’s here, Molly discovers the secret of her aunt’s wealth and quickly becomes entangled in the lucrative business of robbing graves to sell the bodies to a medical school. A deliciously dark, ominous, macabre read perfect for fall.

Purchase The Corpse Queen from Bookshop.org and enjoy 10% off your first order with the code ZOELLA10 at checkout, valid until September 30 2021.

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First off, how are you and how is your 2021 going?

I’m great thank you! 2021 has been a tough one if I’m being completely honest. 2020 was a year of growth and adjustment and it’s been a challenge keeping that momentum going, growing our team developing the nuddy brand further.

Can you tell us about Nuddy and what inspired you to start it?

nuddy is a plastic-free body & hair brand which I started back in 2018. I was working in creative marketing and or at the time. I had a real passion for branding and loved using soap bars. I spotted a gap in the market, put the two together, decided to quit my job, move back in with my parents and bring my idea to life. 3 years on and it’s been quite the journey, they say good things take time and I definitely agree. I’ve learnt a lot.

Why was it so important to you to make soap cool again?

I really loved using soap bars, most of my friends thought it was really weird and just related them to their granny’s or hotel rooms. I knew they were a much more sustainable option for consumers so I wanted to get rid of the negative stigma attached and make them more desirable and ‘cool’ again.

Sustainability is obviously at the heart of your brand, how hard is it to create a product completely free of plastic?

Sustainability really is at the heart of the brand. It’s been challenging. Soap was easy as it already existed. Our Shampoo bars were a big challenge as I myself am SO particular about the type of products I use on my hair as I have a sensitive scalp. We went back and forth for months developing the formulation. We’ve just finished developing our facial cleansing bars which has been the same sort of process. Our bars are formulated exactly the same way as liquid counterparts minus the excess aqua (water) and the need for a plastic bottle to hold it.

Can you tell us about your brass safety razor?

Our safety razors have been a huge hit! They’re very much an old school razor, back to basics. One sharp single stainless steel blade which is all you need to do the trick. The method of shaving with them is different though, you need time. It’s not a quick whip of the legs in the shower job. Just like at a barber, they’re very careful with the blade, you need to be careful with our razors too. They won a Cosmo beauty award this summer and have had a ton of press. They really are the cutest razors you’ve ever seen (it says that inside the pack).

What would you say is the biggest success for Nuddy so far?

Our biggest success so far is managing to secure a retail deal with our top target, Sainsbury’s. We’ve been working on this deal for a long time and to finally get the go-ahead and be launching into 83 stores nationwide is just unreal. I cried in the hairdressers when I found out. It was like all our hard work had finally paid off. We want to make our products more accessible to everyone, now we can.

What advice would you give for someone wanting to start their own brand?

Take your time to research your market and understand your consumer. Find a problem and fix it. Your brand needs to have a story and real depth to it. You also have to be fully obsessed with your mission, why people should buy your product. Most of your time will be spent persuading consumers to take a punt on you and buy your products so there better be a really good reason why they should do that!

What are you currently working on?

We’re getting all geared up for Christmas right now but we’re also working on the launch of our facial cleansing bars, one for acne and one for combo skin. I’m so proud of them. And also a range of body scrubs, creams and masks. Very exciting indeed.

Do you have any favourite sustainable follows on Instagram?

A very long list but if I had to pick my top sustainable follows they would be – influencer wise, Venetia, brand-wise, HANX, &sisters

What does your perfect weekend look like?

My perfect weekend is spending time with my wonderful friends and family, going out for dinner and a few cocktails then having a long walk and a roast on a lazy Sunday! Dreaaaamy.

What do you always carry with you?

My phone. I am fully addicted, I hate to admit it, but I work mostly from my phone, it’s never too far from me.

What would your last ever meal be?

A big bowl of pasta, like a really big bowl. I always make enough for two people and eat it all myself.

What is one positive piece of advice you could give to our audience?

Always be unapologetically yourself. Sometimes that’s really tough as you feel like you need to fit in or do things a certain way. Just stay true to yourself, that will take you far.

Whilst deciding on your favourite Kardashian/Jenner may be the topic of hot debate, the Internet is in agreement that Kourtney Kardashian’s style evolution since dating Blink-182’s Travis Barker is simply chefs kiss. With enough pop-punk influences to make a 2012 Tumblr user click ‘reblog’ in Guinness World Record timing, Kourtney is embracing all things graphic tees, leather trousers, distressed denim and chunky boots, and we truly couldn’t be more obsessed. The flirty hints at an early 2000s wardrobe are nostalgic, youthful and fun, and Kourt’s stylist Dani Michelle has received endless praise from fans about her style 180 and ability to look perfectly matched alongside edgy Barker. 

The couple have established themselves as not only romantically inseparable but intertwined in their aesthetic too, as their grunge galore ‘fits whilst travelling Europe during the past few weeks have earned them icon status amongst Gen Z fans on TikTok and beyond. We couldn’t be more into Kourtney’s PDA fuelled love affair and punk lovin’ wardrobe, and can’t help but feel like an autumn shopping haul might just be needed ASAP…

*This post contains ad-affiliate links

When did you last hug yourself? Maybe you never have. It’s a modern-day horror story we’re all too familiar with.

If that’s you, we hope the first slice of our Digital Detox series inspires you to put down your phone and throw some kindness your way, especially on the days when putting yourself first feels like an uphill struggle.

Hannah Fox’s self-love yoga class is a magic blend of breathwork, guided meditation, grounding techniques and mindfulness. Her sessions focus on loving the shit out of yourself (amen), even when your mind tries to convince you you’re not worthy of self-compassion. You begin to see why we thought getting our cat-cow on with Hannah would be the perfect way to honour our month of Digital Detox, switch off from our screens and give our mental health a good ol’ cuddle.

From alternate nostril breathing to cultivating self-love on and off the mat and letting your heart guide your practice instead of your mind, keep reading to find out how the team got on with part one of our Digital Detox series.

You can follow Hannah and check out all her incredible in-person and online yoga work here.

Lareese says…

I’ve done one of Hannah’s self-love classes in Brighton before and felt like I was walking on a cloud afterwards, so I was so excited to join her for one of her legendary sessions with the team this time, as part of our Digital Detox series. In my experience, yoga can be quite intimidating when you’re thrown in with the flexible regulars. It’s probably all in my mind but with a posture like a candy cane and clicky knees, I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb in a David Lloyd scenario but Han’s class is super accessible for newbies and yoga bunnies alike – embracing the wobbles and falling in and out of the poses is what it’s all about. Naturally, I feel much more at home in one of her classes since she’s not concerned about what you look like in your poses but how you feel. Amen to that.

As someone who’s usually glued to my digital devices, I savour any time I can get away from my screens. Having said that, unless I’m physically removed from them it ain’t happening, which is why doing something like this really works for me. I can’t unlock my phone and respond to an email quickly, I have to be fully present.

IMO, what makes Hannah’s class feel really special is that it isn’t so much about the yoga as it is about connecting with yourself and giving yourself the permission to let go of whatever’s holding you back from self-love. From the second you lie on that mat, you feel totally anchored in the moment, focusing entirely on yourself and your breath. In our overly digitalised world, that in itself feels like a radical act of self-love! The simplest of movements can feel transformative, whether it’s letting your arms hang heavy on the floor in a forward bend or sticking your tongue out for lion’s breath, the practice invites you to lose all inhibition and rediscover that child-like playfulness of looking a bit silly without a care in the world.

It felt incredible to be unreachable for a few hours in my own little oasis of peace and quiet, with the light pouring into the studio. I could have nodded off quite easily with Hannah’s dulcet tones. Since lockdown, I’ve realised that constant connectivity is one of my stress triggers. If I feel bombarded with notifications and digital noise, I quickly careen into overwhelm and crave solitude which is why committing to a digital detox and practising digital abstinence works wonders for my mental health. Usually, I’d take myself off for a walk in the woods or a swim in the sea whenever I need to hit the reset button but after doing Han’s class, I think I’ve discovered a new favourite way to ignore WhatsApp for a while.

If you can join Hannah online for one of her self-love classes or even better, come down to Brighton to experience one in real life, your mental health will l-o-v-e you for it!

Charlotte says…

I loved. this. class. so. MUCH. I am an avid believer in the power of breathwork and have a few techniques under my belt that I use regularly to manage my stress/trauma-induced chronic pain so I was super intrigued to learn more in giving this class a go! I was having a pretty bad pain flare at the time and had been rushing around that morning and honestly even just arriving in the studio and being in Hannah’s aura was the zen I needed- she has such a wonderful calming presence about her and it really feels like you can relax and sink into the class knowing she’s in control.

One of the things I found quite unique about Hannah’s class (despite having taken part in very gentle chronic pain classes before) was that we spent the majority of the session with our eyes closed, which I really felt helped focus on the breath and intensify the feelings of calm and connectedness I felt. You would think it would be difficult to mirror someone else’s movement and instructions without being able to see them but her instructions on the gentle movement were clear and intuitive and I just know this class would be perfect before bed because I really didn’t want to open up my eyes at the end!

One of the breathing techniques that we practised and I’ve also loved in the past is Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, or alternate nostril breathing, which has an amazing way of calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety all over the body. I can always feel a noticeable and tangible difference after practising this and in a class setting, it was all the more powerful. Another highlight for me was the singing bowl used at the end of the class which produces sound and vibrations that also help to relax the body. I sometimes listen to sounds like this via meditation apps but this was my first time hearing it in real life and it was so powerful. I believe the F note was played which relates to the heart chakra, and it was such a beautiful ending to the class which had already completely transformed how I felt.

I loved the encouragement from Hannah and her use of positive and grounding affirmations that really made you feel like the world was on pause outside the four walls of the studio. I felt totally enveloped in the moment and found myself continually noting that I should practice stretching, breathing and positive self talk more regularly because of how amazing I felt even 10 minutes into the class- it stupidly felt such a novelty to speak to myself so kindly and understandingly but the reminder to do so was so welcome.

I’ve already told my housemates all about Hannah’s Instagram and classes (she practices just 5 minutes from our flat) and truly can’t wait to dive back into another dreamy hour of time purely for myself, uninterrupted. She is a superwoman!

Danielle says…

I actually had not done a yoga class in quite some time, so going into the self-love and breathwork class I had no idea what to expect. Hannah immediately brought such comforting energy and I felt myself relax around her without fear or judgement. I think sometimes you can do yoga and it feels like exercise and other times you can do it and it feels like self-care/meditation and Hannah’s class was definitely more like the latter.

As we lay down to begin Hannah had already started burning some incense which was wonderful, from there we started by simply laying on our backs with our eyes closed, concentrating on our breathing. My imagination is pretty suggestible so as soon as Hannah told us to imagine our bodies relaxing into the ground I really did feel a weight lift from within me. I’m the type of person that is always doing something/ listening to something / watching something, even when I’m in the bath I’m distracted, and when I go to sleep I listen to an app called rainrain. So it’s extremely rare for me to just be still and concentrating on my thoughts, which I found so soothing.

We then went on to move through the classic yoga positions, slowly, whilst still concentrating on breathing and keeping our eyes shut which is great for more of a novice like me. We stopped to work on different types of breathing, my two favourites were Nadi Shodana Pranayama breathing, which concentrated on alternating nostrils to breathe with one hand. I felt like my head and airways had a new lease of life as we carried on the class. My other fave (which I can’t remember the name of) had us stood up with arms outstretched to the sky on the inhale, and then bending down and throwing our arms through our legs on the exhale. If I was to try it now whilst sat at my desk I think I’d kill my back but after all the stretching and moving I felt so much more flexible and loose, it was magic!

The self-love elements came from thanking our bodies, telling them how grateful we are, removing any type of shame we had for certain areas. We gave ourselves a hug and were told to hug our bodies as if we were hugging someone else, and I found myself stroking my back with my thumb. You read a lot online about how you shouldn’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to a friend which of course is easier said than done but this act of hugging yourself as you would another was a really intense physical embodiment of that sentiment.

By the end of the class, we had returned to once again lying on our backs which was such a lovely cool down. Hannah came around with some oil and had us inhale it as well as putting some pressure on certain parts of our face and head, which was divine and I almost cried, I’m not sure why, I think just felt extremely at one with myself. I can’t wait to go to one of Hannah’s classes again as it literally had me vibrating with lovely energy for the rest of the day. I’ll be using a few of Hannah’s digital classes on YouTube moving forward, and I suggest you do too! 

Darcey says…

I love practising yoga but it is definitely one of those things that I struggle to find the time to do/prioritise other things over it, which is terrible really because yoga is something that would really benefit me practised more often as I’m an anxious Allie. I was really looking forward to doing this class with Hannah as I hadn’t attended a yoga class since before covid and had only done online classes on YouTube. I also really liked the idea of a self-love yoga class, something that is definitely important to practice!

Hannah was such a lovely human and made me feel so comfortable just in her presence. We all laid on our mats with our eyes closed as incense burned and waves crashed through her speaker really setting the tone for the next hour and a half. If I’m honest I was so relaxed for the entirety of the class everything has kind of melted into one and my memory of it feels slightly blurred, which I think is a good thing!

I’ve done yoga before and so I knew all the basic yoga moves, but I think even if you had never set foot in any kind of class you’d be more than okay in Hannah’s as she talks through everything so well and you feel confident enough that any mistakes made don’t matter, moving your body is just enough. I loved focusing on my breath as this is something I definitely am bad at doing, anyone else get mid-through doing something and realise they are practically holding their breath? Cause same. We practised one technique called Nadi Shodana Pranayama which I think the girls have mentioned too which was incredible! I have awful sinuses and it really felt as if it cleared all the pressure from those and the tension in my head from stress.

At the end of the class we thanked our body for all that it did, hugging ourselves which was actually rather emotional, I felt teary-eyed and really appreciative of my body in that moment which was a nice feeling as, I’m sure like a lot of us, I can be quite critical of myself at times. We then returned to laying down and Hannah came round with oil that we inhaled and she pressed down on pressure points, which felt like a mini-massage which I could have had for HOURS, it felt so relaxing and releasing too.

I’ll absolutely be attending one of Hannah’s classes again in the future and actually, this has kickstarted my appreciation for yoga and meditation. Taking a few hours away from any distractions really reminds you about how important it is to take time away from screens and daily stresses are. I underestimate how even an hour away from everything can really clear your head and help with anxiety etc, so something I’ll be continuing to work on!

Follow @Yogawithhan on Instagram here!

Oh, summer! Weather-wise, you couldn’t have done us more dirty if you’d tried but what you lacked in sunshine and long balmy beach days, you more than made up for with Jack Grealish, and for that, we say thank you.

With the advent of the humble photo dump, we all let out a big fat sigh and discovered a way to lighten up on social media, fully embracing the messiness of life with the kind of photos that look like you asked the waiter to take them. To hell with the curated feed, in with the “fuck it, that’ll do” movement. We’re talking dinner pics, podcast screenshots, messy bedrooms, cat candids, serotonin thirst traps and all the blurry and endearing evidence of living life to its fullest.

Join the team as we take a fond look back at the season of freedom, featuring the rebirth of nightclubs, happy tears, hugging our pals and legally singing / screaming Mr Brightside into a microphone at the top of our lungs, the loungewear > killer jeans and a nice top evolution, Aperol spritz on an overrated rooftop bar, fresh manis and of course, the rollercoaster that was England vs Italy in the UEFA EURO final.

Charlotte

Summer ’21 was the tonic I desperately needed! I know most people feel like it fell flat but compared to my 2020 summer it was such joy. I moved house at the end of April so this season was a flurry of new friends, a new home and finally doing the Brighton exploring and loving I was deprived of last year. As a result, my camera roll is a v happy place to be, and I’m ending the high summer months with a fuller heart and at capacity iPhone storage too. I think my bloodstream is 90% Rosé wine…

My summer kicked off at the end of May where I took a week off to go to Cornwall with my sibling to stay with our Sneaking in at the end of the season but a moment I have been pining for since literally March 2020- my first gig back! I live for watching live music and it has been one of the things I’ve felt completely lost without during the pandemic. Of course, the honour of this occasion could only be given to one of my favourite boys, and I was lucky enough to see Louis Tomlinson at his Away From Home festival at Crystal Palace Bowl. In the words of Kylie Jenner, I feel like I’m getting my personality back.

Me and my housemate and brunette BFF Georgia over the August Bank Holiday weekend getting ready for an evening of Tequila (a surprising love affair of mine this summer), vegan nachos and Hot Boy Spotting at a plethora of Brighton bars and pubs. We are nothing if not consistent.

Myself and my other housemate, Aoife enjoying one of the rare 25 degrees days on Hove beach, accompanied by gin, a BBQ and a portion of hummus and Sweet Chilli Sensations big enough to feed a small army. I feel most at peace on the beach with my friends and I live for those times where the day blurs into the night and the memories carry on into the wee hours.

The most STUNNING beach in Cornwall that we stumbled across by somewhat of an accident and turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip and my whole year! Pedn Vounder is only accessible by literally clambering down a cliffside and was quite the physical and emotional journey with a stuffed tote bag and inappropriately chosen midi dress. Regardless I think back to this day so fondly and would love to go back.

Because 7 glasses of Rosé simply looks like my idea of IRL heaven.

I can finally tick paddleboarding off my bucket list and boy am I happy about it! I’ve been wanting to SUP for the longest time and finally had the opportunity in Cornwall and it certainly did not disappoint. We hired some paddle boards and headed out around St Michael’s Mount as a group of 7 and it was quite honestly one of the most zen and wholesome activities I have ever done. If I had somewhere to store one at home I would 100% be a SUP addict!

Summer is always the superior season because it contains my birthdayyyyy. I turned 24 in August and had the most special couple of weeks celebrating over brunches, drinks, dinners and most notably a very extra and fabulous karaoke party. I wore a similarly extra outfit from Indigo Freya and am already trying to find another opportunity to wear it ASAP.

More sea swimming and outdoor adventures because I simply cannot get enough.

Polaroids from the Pride that never was but that we celebrated anyway because WHY NOT- I love, love.

Maddie

Looking back at the Summer 2021 highlight reel, I feel quite emotional. After such a rollercoaster couple of years, families divided by covid restrictions, finally we were able to feel somewhat free again. Best of all my daughter Gigi finally got to meet her French relatives and we got to spend a lot more time in Cornwall with her Cornish side of the family too.

We spent a lot of time in Cornwall this summer (didn’t everyone!?) but for us, it’s less of a novelty and more home from home. On the sunny days, there really is no better place, I just wish there were a few more of them amiright? Fortunately, we did see some sunshine and made some unforgettable family memories with lovely walks along the cliffs, beaches, fish and chip dinners and enjoyed all that Cornwall has to offer.

Following on the Cornwall highlights my sister in law got married! After a couple of postponements and a set of twins later they finally tied the knot in a quintessential Cornish way, complete with a Landrover entrance, folk singers and pasty midnight snacks. It was just perfect.

We were lucky enough to get away this summer to spend time with my family in the south of France. Our daughter Gigi had just turned 4 months old and due to him running his own business my husband hasn’t been able to spend a lot of dedicated time with us without work interrupting. It was especially special to get some time together before the end of my maternity leave. Despite the various hoops we had to jump through, PCR/lateral flow tests/double jabs etc it was most definitely worth it.

While we were in France we pretty much stayed at our house 99% of the time with one exception. We did manage to go to my favourite restaurant in the world which is at the Hotel Gorges de Pennafort. It’s such a special secret (not so secret) spot where the food is just unbelievable. I was a bit apprehensive about how dinner out with a 4-month-old baby would go but she was a total angel and slept in her pram all evening. Praise the lord for white noise and snooze shades.

My husband and I, we’re National Trust kind of people and we love nothing more than a long walk at the weekend, dog and baby in tow. We’re very lucky with where we live and getting out and about has always been our happy place.

The end of summer brings about my wedding anniversary, this year my husband bought me an olive tree which I love so much, I had wanted one in the house since before we built it. We kept things low key this year and went to the pub for dinner, back in time to put the baby to bed….how things have changed!

This brings me to where we are now, with a nearly 6-month-old who is starting on solids (and loving it so far). As an exclusively breastfed baby, this feels like a big step and I do still occasionally feel a bit overwhelmed with it. There is so little prep involved with breastfeeding so suddenly I’m having to get really organised and make sure she’s getting everything she needs, so far it’s been very messy!

Danielle

I bloody loved summer 21′! I think the combination of the weather and the re-opening of the world made it feel like life was on track again. It’s was the first time I saw so many friends and family all in one place, and despite the cliche “what a year” chat it was wonderful.

My summer kicked off at the end of May where I took a week off to go to Cornwall with my sibling to stay with our parents. I think that’s the closest to a vacation I got this year, and even though the weather was touch and go, we managed to visit some gorgeous places I hadn’t been to before, this pic was taken at The Pig at Harlyn Bay where we had the most delicious meal and walk around the grounds.

After moving house in late December it’s been so nice to see the place through the seasons, people usually come and visit us as we’re by the sea and Brighton so I’ve loved hosting friends and family, and having them stay. This photo represents all the meals I’ve been able to serve, and it was also one of the best for summer months – Steak sandwiches, potato salad and Tricolore salad!

Headed into London for my Mum’s birthday, this was the first time we have all been together in the city since before COVID and it was glorious, we walked from Borough Market to Covent Garden and had dinner at Flat Iron which is one of our all-time faves.

A snap of me and my two besties at our friend’s hen do, it’s been so nice going to hens and weddings celebrating love, without the threat of cancellation. We had a narrowboat tour in London and then went for food and to the clurrrb. I was unsurprisingly one of the first to leave and finished the night with my best friend eating pizza and watching Arctic Monkeys at Glasto in our hotel room.

Just a fab shot of the sun streaming through the windows of the kitchen. I had dinner with my Mum and Auntie as they came for the weekend to house and puppy sit whilst Harry and I went to Silverstone for the Grand Prix!

The Warren in Brighton opened up again and even though I couldn’t go as much as we used to when we were working in the office, we all booked tickets to see a comedian one Saturday. This was all the same day as the England semi-finals so we headed home after to watch the game, another amazing part of Summer!

We booked 3 nights at The Hoxton in Southwark for Harry’s Sister’s wedding and I couldn’t wait to check in. The interiors and restaurants were all BEAUT and it was SO nice to stroll into Borough Market for breakfast and enjoy the hustle and bustle of London.

Pic from said wedding above! It was a double-header and this was the marriage ceremony day, lots of smiles, tears, dancing, chatting, all the good stuff! Weddings are my fave but as this was Harry’s sister it was so special, one of my best weekends of the summer!

After moving into a new neighbourhood it has been so great getting to meet lots of people on our estate and go to parties! Everyone is so much fun, this pic was taken at a cowboy party where we all ended up dancing in the pouring rain. The best parties are always the ones a 2-minute walk from your house ha!

My most recent pic in this last ‘heatwave’ of summer we seem to be having! Just down at the beach with a cooler and my super cringy beach chair you can carry on your back. I love going in the sea more than life itself and feel so privileged to live so close to the beaches when the sun decides he’s not leaving!

Lareese

I feel like summer ‘21 came and went in a blur of Aperol and Pfizer but however short-lived it was, we had some cracking times, didn’t we? Plus, we’ve still got the prospect of some late summer September sun, so all is not lost.

If my cameral roll is anything to go by, I have two moods: wholesome granny who loves nothing more than a sea swim, walks and a National Trust day out OR wild thing, chatting shit about how repressed our vulvas are and alas, I’ll be honest, my summer has mainly consisted of the latter. After 18 months of not seeing anyone, I’ve gone a bit ham on the sauce.

I’ve been in a permanent drunk or hungover state since June 21st but I’ll try to balance out the boozy times with some wholesome sensible snapshots, too. Here’s what’s happening in my photo dump:

Settle Norfolk – it was back in April so strictly speaking, not quite summer but whose policing photo dumps anyway? We actually had this place booked for December 2020 in the Christmas break that wasn’t to be so finally getting to escape the city for a much-needed countryside breather in a cosy cabin was unbelievably good for the soul. I would recommend taking a trip if you fancy chilling with mama nature.

Goodwood – This was the first time I’ve been around a big crowd of people since BC (before covid) and it didn’t feel all that strange ya know. It was so nice to see everyone all dressed up in their glad rags again, letting their hair down (I know I certainly did. The hangover was savage) and just living life. Even if it was pissing it down with 50mph winds. British summertime eh, who’d have it?

Huns on tour – My pals came down to Brighton for the day and the weather was on point for once. We spent most of the afternoon at Bison beach bar and the details get kinda blurry after that… I know I did a rolly polly on the sand at some point and I there was a lot of talk of vaginas, OnlyFans and clitoral orgasms. Standard.

Horsing around – My mum and I went horse-riding and it was 100% a summer highlight for me… until she broke her back. Don’t ask. She didn’t even fall off. I like to look at this nostril pic every now and again when I’m feeling particularly guilty haha. Is there anything better than kissing a horse’s nose. It should be prescribed IMO.

Crow photobomb – This photo dump is now an animal appreciation dump. This cheeky little fella was clearly feeling himself and with a breast like that, who can ruddy blame him. I did a little time-lapse of a morning swim with my boyfriend and found this when I went back to watch it. I grabbed this still from the video because it makes me laugh every time. I haven’t been able to have quite as many sea swims as I did last year but I guess that makes the ones I have been able to squeeze in even more precious. Ta for the mems, Mr Crow.

Walks with pa – One good thing to come out of lockdown is all the walking. Dad and I started walking in lockdown 2020 and just never stopped. It’s become a weekly ritual now and I value that time with him so much. A walk followed by an obligatory stop at Victoria Sponge in Steyning for coffee and a slice of cake is exactly what I need when I’ve had a screen-heavy week.

First trip to the cinema – Yes, I went to see Peter Rabbit 2 on my own as a 30-year-old woman, what of it? It was actually bloody great because it was like 11am on a Monday or something mad so it was lovely and quiet for this little grandma. The last time I went to the cinema was to see Emma just before the pandemic hit so it felt poignant to be able to enjoy the big screen again with a giant popcorn to boot.

Put a sock in it – I have no idea what’s going on in this photo but it was the first night our big group were all back together and England won the quarter-final against Ukraine. It was such a good albeit messy night, as documented by my filthy sock.

Holly

I’ve had a rocky summer 21. I’m so glad things were getting back to normal and visiting new places again but a mixture of bad mental health and diminishing bank balance meant that I couldn’t enjoy it to its full extent. So I’ve popped in a few highlights that I’ll definitely look back on with fond memories.

Some friends and I had a little staycation to Liverpool and a spa in Birmingham. It was exactly what I needed. The hectic hustle and bustle of exploring Liverpool and drinks every night followed by a relaxing 2 spa days in Birmingham. We spent a solid 48 hours in these robes, having massages swimming in the pool and exploring the grounds. I did get sunburnt and we stuck out like sore thumbs in the hotel but hey that’s all part of the fun!

My beloved The Warren reopened this year and my goodness it was an experience. I look forward to it every year but they exceeded themselves for 2021. There was a beach bar with a plane wreck, barrel venue and all the food and drink you could ever want. The Warren is usually one of the venues for the Fringe Festival but they also opened their beach venue for August and it just made life feel normal. I watched Shitfaced Shakespeare 3.

This pic serves a double purpose because not only did clubs reopen but it was in time for PRIDE. My all-time favourite weekend of the year. We started the weekend with bottomless mimosas at my house in the morning with everyone I love and then of course went to the one and only place to be, Revenge (Brighton’s best, most inclusive club). Revenge has my heart, Pride has my heart, Love has my heart but mostly, the new Photo Booth in revenge has all of my money.

My auntie and I went on a caravan holiday to Weymouth for a few days and it was like stepping back in time in the best way possible. I felt like a 10-year-old at a Haven holiday park. The perfect combination of chilled out and entertainment value. I’ve never been to Weymouth before and you can imagine my surprise when on the first day we saw a real-life seal just basking in the sunshine on the beach. Again, a memory I’ll hold for a lifetime.

If you take one thing away from this post, I hope it’s that you go away and hire a boat for the day with your best friends. It was a friends birthday party and they hired out a whole boat for the day. The person who organised it is also a DJ and took their decks out. The sun was shining and we spent hours just sailing the coast of Brighton with the old school music you could imagine. My god I will remember that day for a long time (until about 11pm when I had one too many drinks) – I wish more than anything that I had a summer birthday for that exact reason.

After a long year of not being able to see my best friends in the world, we managed to book some time for them to come to Brighton. Bottomless brunch lead to daytime karaoke and then tattoos. Need I say more? I love my little Dolphin friend though, absolutely no regrets whatsoever.

My best friend came to stay with me for a little while when we were allowed and by gosh did we spend a lot of time at sea. Took the kayak out every evening, paddled out as far as we dared and cracked open a cider just looking back at shore. Pretty sure we had the camp rock soundtrack on the speaker too, what more could you genuinely want?

And who’s 2021 Summer round-up would be complete without an honourable mention of the euros. Talk about a way to get back into the swing of things. A genuine highlight of my life so far is that moment when Luke Shaw scored for England in the opening minutes of the final against Italy. I threw my pint in the air, threw a random man in the air, was crying, it was the best kind of hectic.

Darcey

Well, Summer zoomed by in a flash! This Summer I think will be memorable for many people being the first fairly normal Summer since Covid hit us hard. I’ve had a lovely time soaking up the UK sun, drinking many Aperol’s and enjoying seeing all my friends in one place again!

The Warren re-opened in Brighton and so we went to a drag bingo show at the Spiegeltent which was fantastic, we had a load of drinks and good food and ended up out all evening! Was the same day I got my second vaccine… whoops didn’t feel so fresh in the morning!

I did a couple of staycations this Summer for a much-needed break and my first visit was this lovely campsite in Sussex called Dernwood with family. We stayed in really cute and cosy shepherd huts and safari tents, but the highlight every year is the ice cream truck which serves proper ice cream and all the iconic flavours like mint choc chip (my fave).

Enjoyed an afternoon tea at Sketch in London with one of my close friends Amna for her birthday, we felt extra boujie going here and the food was divine! They were playing the Bridgerton soundtrack between every course, the scones were unreal and the vibe is so cool.

More food content! For my birthday I went to the Salt Rooms for some delicious seafood, got to make the most of it while living next to the sea and their food is blooming delicious. Garlicy seafood with chips doesn’t get any better than that.

Some friends and I went to Broadstairs for a lovely staycation, we were super lucky with the weather and it was sunny every day. Of course, we spent the majority of our days having bevs on the beach and I think this picture captures that perfectly haha! We loved it there and had the best time, visiting the different beaches in Margate and Broadstairs, we went surfing too and did an escape room which was intense but so fun!

Pride babyyy! I had the best time at the unofficial Brighton pride celebrating with all my friends. Such a shame things like the parade couldn’t happen this year but I have full hope for pride normality in 2022. We spent all day and night soaking it up, was so good! Although one of us caught covid, so 10 days of isolation followed, 2021 am I right?

The food content keeps on coming, I went to Sheffield for another staycation to see my uni friends in our university hometown. We went to this little Italian called Nonna’s and the food was SO good. I had a very risotto themed meal by accident, having arancini to start followed by a parmesan risotto lol, no regrets though!

This picture of my friend James captures the chaotic vibe of my Summer perfectly, Aperol in hand of course.

There’s little we love more here at Zoella than celebrating the small but mighty independent businesses that fill our Instagram saved folders and birthday wish lists. This week the team are sharing their current fave indie brands to inspire your next ‘treat yo’ self’ spree.

Our collaboration with Etsy last year celebrated creativity and craftsmanship, partnering with talented makers and dreamers making homeware and lifestyle products that complimented the Zoella brand at its core, and since then our love for indie brands smashing it out of the park has only grown.

From tea towels to tote bags, dried flowers to dog accessories and baby clothes to body scrubs, keep scrolling to feel well and truly inspired, and get your bank card at the read!

Zoe

@Hettyskitchen – HELLO DELICIOUSNESS | @ziggylou_ – gorgeous baby knits for autumn and winter | @eleanorbowmer – Amazing prints! | @mai_accents – This is @itsMarziapie‘s business and her ceramics are ADORABLE!

Danielle

@ajouterstore – I’m pretty much obsessed with everything they bring out, from creative candles to interesting accessories. | @neckontheline – Cool water-resistant jewellery, perfect for people like me that leaves necklaces on for weeks at a time! | @helloplewsy – Really gorgeous printed wrapping paper, cards, and soft accessories like makeup bags and kitchen bits. | @nicolecicak – On Lane Avenue Fine Art Emporium. I found these prints on Etsy and I’m obsessed with this Bellhop and Dalmatian print.

Charlotte

@evamalleyart – I discovered Eva’s brand on TikTok in lockdown and I just adore her funky prints and tote bags. I’m usually a colour gal through and through but the boldness of her black and white prints are super eye-catching and cool. I love that she’s Brighton based too! | @sweeetestcreature – My fangirl dreams come true when browsing Sweetest Creature- her shop really does feature all the bands and artists I obsess over on the daily and realistically is more aesthetically pleasing than most of their official merch! | @sighhstudio – My dear friend Polly runs the most incredible functional yet beautiful stationery brand Sighh and I am truly obsessed with everything she brings out. She is a design genius and watching her small biz grow is such a joy! | @speckledegguk – I am a scrunchie FIEND and Speckled Egg is somewhere I’ve been eyeing up for ages, as well as their wonderful slow fashion dresses made in Oxfordshire. Their current I Hate Pink collection is a dream!

Maddie

@twiggytags – really great quality dog products which you can personalise. Bear has a collar and lead set which has lasted ages. | @loveandquartzlondon – homemade jewellery using crystals, my mama necklace is one of my favourites. | @studio_yaya_ – really lovely original prints

Lareese

@graciedahl the cutest ceramics – the handmade candelabra is everything! | @16thschild personalised embroidered cushions in liberty fabrics and linen, perfect for baby shower gifts. | @selahatinofficial the bougiest artisan toothpaste of all the land. | @wonky_picnic 10/10 cottagecore ceramics – I’m forever waiting for the fig bowl to be restocked

Darcey

@adamapple.co.uk – I’ve bought a couple of dried flower bunches from them for friends and family and they have all adored them, amazing colour combos and fab quality. | @keepthemgreen – If you like terrazzo pots and dishes you’ll love this company, I got a lovely green terrazzo pot from them which is perfect for holding my crystals in. | @mallowsbeauty – The best scrub ever!! I use the Coconut & Coffee Body Scrub and it makes your skin super soft and gets rid of old self-tan that is left over. I also use their Pineapple & Mango Enzyme Peel Mask which is a fantastic exfoliator leaving my skin looking super refreshed.

Holly

@thefoxylemonco – for quirky and relatable cards/wrapping paper all sorts! | @sayitwiththread – for personalised garments, I have an ‘Oh, what’s Occurring’ jumper which I LOVE

First off, how are you and how is your 2021 going?

At the moment I’m really focused on growth, healing and getting all my ducks in a row. I’ve grown massively over the past 2 years both career and personally and all of the lockdowns have provided me with time to really think. 

Can you tell us about your career and how it has evolved?

I first came into this space as a model. But once I got a taste of advocacy I wanted more! Since then I’ve developed into a writer and consultant as an extension of my advocacy. 

What do you stand for on social media and what will people get from following you?

Inclusivity, empathy and transparency. Lots of education on trans rights, many book recommendations and good vibes. 

A lot of your activism is based on menstruation as a trans man, can you elaborate on why it is so important to you?

This was the number one thing that caused me much dysphoria growing up and I don’t want any trans person to feel the same. 

What kind of changes would you like to see in the mainstream media over the next few years, in regards to trans men and menstruation?

I think there’s been a lot of effort and interest into displaying the truth about periods. Things such as endometriosis and other health conditions are finally being spoken about and I do believe some of the shame and taboo around periods have lessened. I’d like more trans people to attend events about periods and possibly trans only forum rooms discussing them. 

What would your first words of advice be for anyone wanting to transition and are ready for the next steps?

Be patient. The road to transitioning is not quick and many of the changes you’re probably wanting to see both physically and mentallty will take time. Your end goal of whatever a successful transition looks like to you will happen. But give yourself permission to enjoy the process. 

We’re big on books at Zoella, are there any you would recommend for anyone struggling with their bodies?

Without a doubt, the best book I’ve read about bodies is Body Positive Power by Megan Jayne Crabbe. 

What are you currently working on?

I can’t speak about much at the moment but they’ll be announced in January of next year! Until then I’ve really been considering starting my own book club 

Who are some of your favourite accounts online?

@Charlie_craggs never fails to make me laugh. She recently released her documentary “transitioning teens” that I highly suggest you watch.  

@Chantayyjayy Obsession with oysters is unmatched. She’s also an amazing journalist and very educated on all things Black culture

What does your perfect weekend look like?

Lots of reading, spending some time with friends, eating a really good authentic meal and watching a critically acclaimed film 

What do you always carry with you?

A book 

What would your last ever meal be

STEAK!

What is one positive piece of advice you could give to our audience?

Now is the time. I know a lot of us wait for the “perfect” time/circumstances/resources to start doing something but the truth is no matter when you start there will be obstacles to overcome. Start today, even a small step. I believe in you! 

Follow Kenny on Instagram here!