You know what we need more of in 2021? Kinky reads, that’s what. It’s been 84 years since E.L. James blessed us with her Fifty Shades of horn and we are well overdue our next instalment of erotic fiction. So, here’s a look at some of the saucy bedside companions you need in your life, ideally enjoyed in tandem with The Fireman or The Frenchman. If you know, you know.

1. The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty – Anne Rice

In the first book in her Sleeping Beauty trilogy, Anne Rice explores the world of erotic yearning, BDSM and fantasy. In this retelling of the classic tale, Beauty is woken from her century-long slumber not with a kiss but with a sexual initiation and if the reviews are anything to go by it’s one frisky fairytale of princesses and porn and there’s nothing soft-core about it. Purchase the book via Bookshop.org here.

2. Call Me By Your Name – André Aciman

Before it was a major motion picture and Netflix sensation, it was a precious work of art written by award-winning author André Aciman. Set in the mid 1980s, this coming-of-age story chronicles the sexual awakening of 17-year-old Elio as he finds himself falling for Oliver, a 24-year-old grad student staying at his parents’ mansion on the Italian Riviera. Let’s just say you’ll never look at a peach or a pair of Bermuda shorts the same way again. Purchase the book via Bookshop.org here.

3. Insatiable: A love story for greedy girls – Daisy Buchanan

Broken-hearted Violet wants more out of life – better friends, better sex, a better job – so when she lands a new role at an exciting start-up, she jumps at the chance to start working with Lottie and Simon but it’s not long before she’s dipping her pen in the company ink. Insatiable is a smorgasbord of gloriously rude, Friday-night sex parties and unapologetic smut so you better buy multiple copies because your first well-thumbed edition doesn’t stand a chance of making it through lockdown 3.0. Purchase the book via Bookshop.org here.

4. Addicted – Zane

The Queen of erotica does it again. Zoe has a seemingly perfect life: the thriving business, three beautiful children, the childhood sweetheart for a husband and… a serious sex addiction. Just, not with her own spouse. Infidelity is just the tip of the iceberg in this tale of fatal attraction and forbidden desires. Purchase the book via Amazon here.

5. Bad Behaviour – Mary Gaitskill

A collection of nine short stories of sexual obsession, power games and drug addiction, set against the back drop of New York in the 1980s. A snappy, voyeuristic read to devour in the bath, the boudoir or even the virtual boardroom, if you’re feeling extra kinky. Fans of innuendo will be right at home here. Purchase the book via Bookshop.org here.

6. Bared To You – Sylvia Day

“Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds . . . and desires.” This is one bonkfest of a novel that you won’t be able to keep your hands off. Purchase the book via Bookshop.org here.

7. Sweet, Filthy Boy – Christina Lauren

From the best-selling writing duo behind Beautiful Bastard (Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of lifelong writing partners Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings) comes this irresistible story of three besties having it large in Vegas. And we all know how that story goes, cue the hook-ups and hangovers. Viva Las Vagas! Purchase the book via Bookshop.org here.

8. Say My Name – J. Kenner

The first book in J. Kenner’s titillating Stark International trilogy kicks off with an explosive romance between Jackson Steele (must be something in the name) and Sylvia Brooks. Purchase the book via Bookshop.org here.

9. The Wedding Date – Jasmine Guillory

A sexy page-turner that doesn’t shy away from tackling issues of race, privilege and safe sex as well as all the adorable fluffy meet-cute stuff. Note to self: get stuck in an elevator more often. Purchase the book via Bookshop.org here.

10. The Pisces – Melissa Broder

Hot sex with a merman? We’re in the like swimwear. We’re already heavily invested in this bizarre premise and ready to pay a bit more attention next time we’re at the beach. Melissa Broder has crafted one hell of an addictive debut that will no doubt be dividing readers for years to come. Brb, off to climb into a clamshell to wait for a half-man, half-fish to wash up on the local shoreline. Purchase the book via Bookshop.org here.

11. Forever – Judy Blume

First published in 1975, Judy Blume’s ground-breaking novel of first love and gloriously realistic first times was way ahead of its time, so much so that it has been the frequent target of censorship (and not just because of a little character called Ralph). Leave it to Blume to handle teen sex with the unabashed realism and honesty it deserves – pre-cum, contraception, masturbation, warts and all. Banned books don’t get much better than this essential read.

12. Women – Chloe Caldwell

A compulsive romance told through the power of the female gaze. You’ll read it in one Valentine’s Day sitting. Purchase the book via Bookshop.org here.

Find the full list of Saucy Books in the Same Throbbing League as Fifty Shades available to purchase via Bookshop.org here. Bookshop is an online bookshop with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops.

As more and more people buy their books online, Bookshop wanted to create an easy, convenient way for you to get your books and support bookshops at the same time. If you want to find a specific local bookshop to support, find them on this map and they’ll receive the full profit from your order. Otherwise, your order will contribute to an earnings pool that will be evenly distributed among independent bookshops. By design, they give away over 75% of their profit margin to stores, publications, authors and others who make up the thriving, inspirational culture around books!

Does anyone else feel like they need some lessons at skincare school? Us too. It’s a confusing and crowded marketplace and between hyaluronic, lactic and glycolic acids we might as well be back in Chemistry lessons- does anyone really know what they’re doing? Let’s take it back to basics …

Your bathroom shelfie doesn’t need to look like an extra from Boots Pharmacy, so it’s often best to start small and gradually introduce new products to avoid a complexion conundrum. The basic steps that cover all bases in treating and maintaining healthy skin include: cleanser, toner, serum, eye-cream, moisturiser and SPF. 

Once you find your go-tos it’s smooth sailing from here. Cleansers that calm angry skin, serums that soothe, toners to tackle problem areas and SPF to ensure your skin is looking smoooooth for the long run. Welcome to the happy skin club, it’s lovely to have you.

Cleanser

Toner

Serum

Eye Cream

Moisturiser

SPF

Masks

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First of all, how are you and how are you finding 2021 so far?

I’m doing good, better than expected! I’m a summer baby so winter always has me feeling like I want to hibernate, but I’ve actually been keeping busy with lots of fun projects and just generally trying to make this a good year, regardless of all the uncertainty! I keep reminding myself that every day is a step closer to lighter days and better weather.

Can you talk us through your career online and how it’s evolved?

I’ve been blogging for over a decade now, first starting just after I left university. I was feeling a bit lost, I knew I didn’t want to pursue a career in my degree subject so blogging gave me a creative outlet while I figured out what I wanted to do. Eventually, I found the beauty blogging community (including Zoe!) and it all started to take shape. We had our own corner of the internet to share reviews, outfits and snippets of our life.

Eventually, I started gaining a following and as I’ve grown, my audience has grown with me – some of my followers have been with me since the very beginning! I love that I’ve created this positive space with a really loyal audience, I feel incredibly lucky.

What are your top tips for staying motivated during the pandemic?

My daily walk keeps me on track, I put on a playlist and take a coffee and head out for an hour or so every single day. It helps me to gather my thoughts first thing, and I think it’s a great way to start the day.

I also love making a to-do list every day, getting my goals down on paper really motivates me and I love ticking off my tasks throughout the day. If I feel like I need it, I’ll take an hour or the afternoon off and read – I don’t feel guilty for having time off if I need it.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to create content online?

Keep at it! Persistence is key, so start small and set yourself a goal to upload a few times a week and go from there. If you’re creating original, fun and creative content, you’ll soon build an audience – and over time you’ll find your niche too, that unique selling point what sets you apart from the rest!

We LOVE Scotland’s Home of The Year, what is it like to work on the show?

It’s hard work, but I love it! We get to travel the country and see parts of Scotland I wouldn’t usually see, and after doing it for three years we’ve all become really close so it’s always good fun. At first, I found doing TV tricky because I was used to being in control like I am with my own content – I film, edit and upload everything myself, so it was strange not being in charge but I’ve learned to enjoy it. The show is a massive part of my life and I’m so pleased it’s been so well received!

What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?

We just renovated our new flat during the pandemic which was near impossible but we did it! It took a while for this place to feel like home (we loved our old flat so much but we had outgrown it), but now we’ve really settled in.

The property needed everything completely overhauled, so we ripped out the entire flat and started again – keeping all the beautiful period features. It was hard work, and there were so many big decisions to make (why is picking tiles SO DIFFICULT?!), but we managed it!

What are you currently working on?

We’re still doing some renovations on the flat, those last-minute little snags that finish off a room, so I’m finally getting around to sharing more of the renovation project on my blog and Instagram.

I’ve also been in the process of writing a book, a selection of essays on heartbreak, loss and healing – it’s been so cathartic to write, so I’m hoping something comes of it. I’ve always dreamed of writing a book, and I’ve uploaded to my blog for well over ten years, so I feel like it’s a good time to put my time into something more physical, and more personal. Fingers crossed!

Who are some of your favourite follows online?

Oh I have so many!

• Janea (@jnaydaily) for her interiors, food & lifestyle content, I love everything she posts and she is hilarious too!
• Carrie (@wishwishwish) is another OG blogger who I’ve known for years, her content is incredible. So many beautiful photographs!
• Yrsa Daley-Ward (@yrsadaleyward) is an author who shares poems daily, they are magical! I’ve recently purchased one of her books and I can’t wait to read it!
• Elsa Bowman (@elsabowman) has such a beautifully curated feed, I’m obsessed with everything she uploads!

If you weren’t an online content creator what do you think you’d be doing for a living?

I think I’d be working in a similar career, maybe marketing or writing in some way. I think I was meant to be on this path so I don’t think I would have strayed too far from it!

What do you always carry with you?

My phone, AirPods, lip balm, keys, face covering and purse. I travel light!

What does your perfect weekend look like?

Saturday is for big walks, housework, errands, coffee with a friend, and then a nice dinner with a glass of wine with my husband, Jordan.
Sunday is my lazy day – I get up late, read my book and have a pamper afternoon. I put on a hair and face mask, fake tan and relax. Dreamy!

If you could only eat one meal again what would it be?

Ooh I think a really good Mexican feast! Fish tacos, all the guacamole and Pico de Gallo, and margaritas too, of course!

If you could give one positive message to our followers what would it be?

Have faith in yourself! We spend too much time thinking we’re not enough, that we don’t deserve to go after what we want, and all it does is hold us back. A positive attitude does wonders, so believe in yourself and you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.

Follow Kate on Instagram here!

There’s only so much you can do with your friends when you’re holed up at home but if you’re missing the days when competing for breath around a brunch table with your prosecco-filled chums was the merry norm, then a virtual Palentine’s date will work wonders to remedy the yomo – (year of missing out).

Until we can celebrate friendship IRL, here are a few ideas for bringing the squad together in spirit this Palentine’s Day.

Do a DIY wine and cheese tasting night

Let’s be honest, you’re not here to scrutinise the wine profile, oh no, no, no. You just want to sip the stuff and slope off into a fuzzy, brie-fuelled rhapsody, surrounded by your bezzie pals and their fickle WiFi.

Have a Spotify Date

Using Spotify’s group session feature, listen to all the nostalgic tracks that have seen your squad through life over the years. We’re talking mascara-robbing f**k boy anthems, the soundtrack to your teenhood and the songs you would listen to ON REPEAT on your iPod Nano. Prize for the lyrical genius who can still spit those Jojo Leave (Get Out) rhymes like it’s 2004.

Host a book club

This one requires a little bit of prep but picking a book with a strong friendship theme and hopping on Zoom to discuss it is a great way to bring the group together. Some favourites we’ve read as part of our book club include Olive, Such A Fun Age and Queenie and G.O.A.T reads worthy of a Palentine’s Day plug include Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Swing Time, A Little Life and Sula.

Learn a TikTok dance

Bored in the house doesn’t even come close but at the very least we have TikTok dances to show for our tragic productivity levels. Ladies, fellas – get in formation.

Games Night

Are we all gamed out? Possibly. But one more for good measure won’t hurt. Bottomless bingo and Droopy Drawers sound about right.

BYO feast

Order a takeaway and sit there and eat it together. That’s it. That’s the idea. This is a sacred space to chat sh*t in your worst pjs and bust a grub and quite frankly, it doesn’t get more wholesome than that.

Get your Ghost on

Channel your inner Demi Moore and get hands on with your P Day fun. Friendship bracelets, clay penises, vulva trinket dishes, whatever your heart desires. Blue Peter the F out of February.

Tarot card reading

Yeah, it’s a bit witchy but maybe getting witchy is exactly what we need in 2021 and really, how much spookier can our card pull get? We’re prepared for anything to come to light at this point. If you want to go really woo-woo, book a virtual tarot card session with a reader, or each buy a tarot deck and pull your own – you can always look up the interpretations online and mediate on their meanings with your favourite Sanderson sisters.

Pamper session

You know those Instagram lives you think you’ll have the willpower to abandon after a few mins but half an hour later, you’re in DEEP watching a stranger on the internet knead her jaw with a Gua Sha? Well, we would absolutely like to emulate that kind of inexplicably mesmerising content, please. Grab your jade rollers and your sheet masks and make a night of it – home spas are OPEN.

Throw a Bridgerton themed tea party

Complete with all the SPOONS, because why the hell not! Who needs a Duke when you’ve got pink cake and this season’s incomparable crockery. Live your best Regency life, people.

How are you and your gang planning to celebrate Palentine’s Day, this year?

A little optimism never hurt anyone, so we’re embracing the 2021 style trends we can’t wait to wear out of the house looking our chicest, and most stylish selves- if there were ever a time for manifesting, it’s now!

The Zoella team have many shared loves (GBBO, the Duke’s spoon, takeaway pizza, the list goes on) but style is the subject in which our personal tastes are truly revealed. Ranging from the Insta obsessed chocolate brown trend to faux leather, corset tops to cottagecore everything, this week’s edit shares an insight into high street our saved baskets and the looks we’ll be wearing as soon as we’re able to send a “pub?” text.

Zoe

I’ve told myself that the minute we can start socialising or going anywhere or doing anything, I’m going to totally re-discover my wardrobe all over again because at the moment I am living in loungewear and old Pj bottoms. One trend I’ve loved is the cottage core trend. Cute countryside boots, shackets and frilly blouses. Farm life chic. Especially since going on a daily walk is the only thing we can do at the moment!

*And Other Stories, Wool Blend Scalloped Sweater, £85 

*And Other Stories, Hunter Original Tall Wellington Boots, £100 

*And Other Stories, Ruffled Collar Cotton Denim Shirt, £55 

*ASOS, & Other Stories felt bucket hat in beige, £29 

 

 

 

 

Lareese

I love how spending more time at home has made us all re-evaluate the functionality of our wardrobes. Over the last year, I’ve definitely given more thought to what I’m buying and why I’m buying it. I’m way more likely to buy easy to wear staples that work for me on an everyday basis over a flash in the pan trend piece nowadays: trenches, blazers, elevated loungewear and versatile items I can team with anything. Streamlining what I already have and investing in pieces that are well-made is really where I’m at with my life right now, so I think functionality and longevity is the way to go for 2021!

*And Other Stories, Oversized Wool Blend Shirt, £85 

Trouva, Le Bon Shoppe Her Socks In Matcha, £12

*And Other Stories, Wool Blend Plaid Blazer, £135 

*ASOS, Mango belted trench coat in beige, £89.99 

*Hush, Theia Slim Leg Joggers, £49 

*Revolve, Marshmallow Faux Fur-Lined Sandal, £127 

Danielle

I’ve put a spending ban on buying ANY more loungewear in 2021. Although tempting, the money is much better suited to buying actual outdoor clothing when I finally have people to see! I’ve gone for this period-inspired “corset” fitted top that’ll be a great “jeans and a nice top” pick. This oversized blazer for when we’re back in the office and going to meetings. Some new blue denim with a looser fit, and this beautiful biscuit sweater vest I can wear over shirts or t-shirts when it’s warmer!

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN rib fitted corset top with ultra-wide neck in black, £20 

*Arket, Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer, £135 

*H&M, Rib-knit sweater vest, £19.99

*H&M, Mom Loose-fit Ultra High Jeans, £17.99 

 

Maddie

I am still really loving how loungewear has gone from being something you restrict to wearing on your days off where you would see NO ONE to being front and centrepiece staples. Talk about a zero to hero story, here we are, it’s 2021 and a comfy co-ord is just about the absolute most stylish thing in your wardrobe. So many brands are doing this look really well but Me & Em and H&M are really showing just how versatile loungewear really is and I’m here for it.

*ME+EM, Mixed Media Tapered Jogger, £115 

*ME+EM, Snap Detail Jersey Trouser, £125

*ME+EM, Velour Palazzo Pant, £125 

*ME+EM, Velour Sweatshirt, £85 

*H&M, Knitted joggers, £24.99 

*H&M, Cotton hoodie, £19.99 

Charlotte

I’m on a bit of a spending ban at the moment because I know I’ll be grateful for the extra pennies if we make it out of lockdown and can make fun plans, but I am honestly OBSESSED with the chocolate brown fashion trend lately and want to add everything to basket. Even though it’s having a big moment now, it is a really versatile neutral shade so it might actually stand the test of time in my wardrobe if I did pick up a couple of items. It seems I’ve already persuaded myself of the inevitable … Hurries off to ASOS

*ASOS, Femme Luxe long sleeve ruched detail mini dress in chocolate, £25 

Prettylittlething, CHOCOLATE ASYMMETRICAL JERSEY THONG BODYSUIT, £12 

Na-kd, Satin Bow Hairclip, £7.95 

*Abercrombie & Fitch, Vegan Leather Mini Puffer, £170 

Holly

For someone who has no plans for the foreseeable future, I’ve become uncharacteristically interested in fashion trends. I’ve planned so many outfits for when we’re out of lockdown and one trend that I hope is still around is pastels. I’ve got my eyes on a few items for when we’re out but they’re a bit bolder than I’m used to, so we’ll see if I’m feeling daring. I’ve even purchased some pastel nail polish to feel my pastel vibes everywhere I go.

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN 3 piece suit blazer in pink gingham, £44 

*Converse, Converse Color Chuck 70 High Top, £90 

*New Look, Pale Blue Ribbed Knit High Neck Top, £15.99 

*New Look, Pale Blue Leather-Look Camera Bag, £13.99 

Argos, Barry M Rainbow Reload Nail Paint Gift Set, £17.99 

 

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For our January book club, we had the absolute honour of reading and savouring every last word of Matt Haig’s glorious and beguiling bestseller, The Midnight Library. With lockdown 3.0 proving the hardest of all the restrictions yet, this poignant and perspective-shaking triumph of a novel couldn’t have landed in our laps at a better time.

Never have we read a novel that amalgamates the rock bottoms of reality with the soaring and infectious highs of the imaginary so effortlessly.

Here, the team share their glowing reviews of what has been one of our top book club reads so far – I think we are all in unanimous agreement that this book has the power to heal hearts & save lives.

Purchase The Midnight Library through Bookshop here.

Lareese

I’m of the view that Matt Haig’s writing should be prescribed. The way he verbalises every shade of human emotion is revolutionary and what he’s done with The Midnight Library is no exception. He’s crafted a story that strikes a tender balance between the real and the imaginary, resulting in a genre-busting novel that manages to oscillate between reality and escapism, much like its protagonist. The central themes of regret, second-chances and ‘what ifs’ are beautifully materialised in Nora Seed and her catalogue of other lives. The Midnight Library’s message is a poignant and essential one; the willingness to live is always a story worth telling and where there is life, there is infinite possibility. Matt Haig is a storytelling wizard and for as long as we have books, he must continue to write them.

Would you recommend? I’m a Matt Haig evangelist, so it’s a resounding yes from me
Rating: 5/5

Holly

This is probably the most stressed I’ve been writing a book review because I feel like I won’t be able to do it justice. Midnight Library is one of my favourite books I’ve ever read. At first, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, the first few chapters were quite triggering and after having a bad start to January I very nearly didn’t prevail. But as soon as the Midnight Library took over, I was hooked. I read the whole thing in about 3 days.

I’m not really one to have regrets, I believe everything happens for a reason and the midnight library instilled that in me even more. That being said, it’s inevitable to have some regrets and this actually prompted me to reach out to someone and resolve an issue from a few years ago.

The whole thing is based around the character Nora and how she’s unhappy in life, and what she would change if she could. She has the option to see what her life would be like if she made different decisions, and how every decision has a knock-on effect on your life.

If I had to say one thing I wasn’t a fan of was the bit with Hugo and the science behind the midnight library. I understand why it was necessary but the whole book is so personal to Nora, I feel like it wasn’t as peaceful when it brought other characters into her story.

I would say the Midnight Library was genuinely life-changing, and I kind of hope this is really what happens when you die. I feel like this weird weight I didn’t even realise I was carrying has been lifted. Big praise for Matt Haig!

Would you recommend? Definitely
Rating: 5/5

Charlotte

I love Matt Haig on social media and find he’s genuinely one of the few people who discuss mental health that really resonates with me and feels to make sense, possibly because we’ve shared a lot of the same experiences. I was so excited to give The Midnight Library a read because of this and it did not disappoint! I loved Nora from the off and really saw parts of myself in her as I definitely struggle with regrets and ‘what ifs’ on the daily. Her character felt entirely real to me from the start and the intricacies of her life were portrayed with such depth and detail that I was invested in her story and felt genuine empathy for her.

I normally go for quite ‘realistic’ books that I can picture myself in so I was a little apprehensive that The Midnight Library would feel far fetched and lose some of its poignance for me, but I was so wrong! The Midnight Library is everything I think the world needs and it gave me a lot of hope, even though it is a work of fiction. I think the messages between this book’s pages would offer comfort and love to anyone that reads it, and I’m so glad to have learnt so much from this story so early in 2021- it’s had a huge impact on my mindset!

Would you recommend? 1000000%
Rating: 5/5

Danielle

The Midnight Library has been on my TBR pile for a while so I was extremely pleased to finally tuck into it this month. Boy did this one did not disappoint, it’s quite frankly everything people say it is and more. A beautiful story told so well it’ll have you contemplating every aspect of your own life and how you live it. I haven’t read something with any fantasy/sci-fi elements in for ages and it was such a delight to escape somewhere so magical every night of my dreary January. I don’t tend to hand on to regrets but I’m a bit of a daydreamer so this book really spoke to me (as I’m sure it does everyone) but it’s just so brilliantly relatable. I can see myself picking this up every few years to remember the lessons I learnt, please read it!

Would you recommend? To everyone!
Rating: 5/5

Darcey

I absolutely love Matt Haig and have been a massive fan of his work and as him in general ever since reading ‘Notes On a Nervous Plant’ a few years ago. After seeing so many great reviews for ‘The Midnight Library’ I was worried that my expectations were so high that it wouldn’t quite reach them, well, it exceeded my expectations. I don’t think anything I write will be enough to explain just how great of a read it is, basically everyone should read this!

As someone who can spend to much time worrying if I’ve made the right decisions in life, analysing mistakes I’ve made in the past filled with regret (over the smallest things, as usual!), this book really spoke to me! It made me really reflect on my own life, while simultaneously being super invested in Nora’s other lives and the journey she was going on!

I recommend everyone to read this book, it has honestly changed my mindset and especially in these hard times, I think it will help a lot of people.

Would you recommend – Absolutely!
rating out of 5: 5/5

Here’s a reminder of the blurb.

Between life and death, there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?”

A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well-lived, from the internationally bestselling author of Reasons to Stay Alive and How To Stop Time.

Somewhere out beyond the edge of the universe, there is a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. One tells the story of your life as it is, along with another book for the other life you could have lived if you had made a different choice at any point in your life. While we all wonder how our lives might have been, what if you had the chance to go to the library and see for yourself? Would any of these other lives truly be better?

In The Midnight Library, Matt Haig’s enchanting new novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with this decision. Faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

Purchase The Midnight Library through Bookshop here.

It seems a particularly cruel twist of fate that the heart, even in the throes of a paralysing break-up, insists on soldiering on. If anything, it loves harder. With every bottomless unrequited beat, it looks for old lovers long after they’ve gone – in song lyrics and sunsets, in patches of perfumed bedsheets; even the silence between long drives and the sky. Everything seems to belong entirely to them. It’s a special kind of scorpion sting and even a super strength salve won’t touch the sides. It’s cathartic at best, gut-wrenching at worst and the collateral damage is far-reaching.

Somewhere between the hours of phone calls, texting until your giddy thumbs hurt, laying on chests and placing every soul-baring card on the proverbial table. It. All. Comes. Crashing. Down. And the crippling emotional comedown ensues.

How can someone go from being the earth, the sun, the moon and the stars to being a total stranger; anonymous matter floating out there somewhere in a parallel universe?

You know every little thing that makes them who they are. Every scar, every flaw, every imperfection (yes, Bridgerton quotes will get us through this) but in some twist of fucked up fairytale fate we were never briefed on, they’re cut from the plot never to be seen again and you’re left clutching the beloved proof copy, wondering where it all went wrong.

Welcome to Heart Break City.

We won’t lie to you, it’s a shithole. But listen, it’s a path well-trodden and you’re not about to lay down roots here, you’re merely passing through. Hold onto that thought.

Should you get a little lost while you’re out there finding your way around and tripping over ugly landmarks, here’s a pocket map full of key coordinates, so you can always find your way home. We have every faith you’re gonna make it.

1. Let yourself grieve the relationship

Grieving is an essential part of your healing and as much as it feels vulnerable, scary and unbearable to sit with the pain, letting your feelings do exactly what they need to do to serve you through this funky kind of loss is self-defence on a whole new level. This isn’t something you have to get over within a matter of months, control or push through in order to make it back to normality and no matter how relentless, intrusive and potent your negative thoughts feel, remember they aren’t facts.

2. Take ownership of your loss

It feels a lot like the absence and loss is acutely connected to the other person but it’s not, it’s entirely yours and there’s a powerful lesson there. You sit with the pain, you get to feel it intensely and fiercely, you own it and actually, it has very little to do with them. Take them out of the equation and what you’re usually left with is this feeling of total abandonment. Sure, you feel lonely but that doesn’t mean you’re not worthy of finding love again. You’re right where you need to be and as treacherous as the path may seem right now, a lovely glade full of daffodils, ducks and plenty of dick will turn up. You’ve just gotta get through those rotten brambles first.

3. Focus on perspective

A mantra to live by: no relationship is a waste of time. Reaching a point of acceptance within your loss is a breakthrough moment when you feel like you’ve got a lifetime membership at The Broken Hearts Club.

4. Wean yourself away

There’s nothing like a last seen notification to send you over the edge. Why do we do it to ourselves? Mute and block their social media, delete their number, archive photos do whatever you have to do to stop your fingers going there. Weaning yourself off them isn’t easy but distraction is a welcome tonic. Tell your friends exactly what you need from them, fill the void, get a dog, cut your hair, watch that tv series they thought was stupid. Use this time to indulge in all the things YOU want to do.

5. Reconnect with yourself

Loving someone else so hard often means losing sight of your needs in the process. Being single means no more compromise, no more meeting someone else’s needs before your own or answering to anyone but yourself.

Your couple radar will be on high alert and while it may seem like the whole world is drunk in love, soon you’ll begin to notice the solo lovers of the universe; too busy romanticising the f**k out of their lives to give their relationship status a second thought.

6. Write it in a letter, babe

Let it all out by writing a letter as if you were going to send it. Just don’t actually ya know, send it. Sometimes the chaos of heartbreak can leave us feeling like we’re trying to come to terms with a hundred messy parts, knotted together like a shoddy £3 necklace we won at the arcade. We need closure, hun and writing a letter is one way to get it. Tell them how angry and hurt you are, relive the best bits, let your tears mix with the ink and then when you feel like asking for them back… take your pretty little matches to it.

7. Hit play on the tragic playlist

John Legend, Taylor Swift, Westlife – they’ve all joined us in the bath tub of doom before. Wallow with the tear-jerking greats for as long as you need to then when you’re done -usually when your face contorts and your forehead feels like a breeze-block but no actual tears come out, like a cruel variant of cystitis reserved only for the consciously uncoupling folk – stick on some Ariana Grande and rise from the ashes.

8. Put judgement in the bin

If a fling’s what you need, you go do that. Sometimes meeting a new penis or vagina is exactly what you need – just don’t use all those textbook rebound moves to numb the pain because you’ll be back on the bathroom floor with a bottle of cheap plonk that tastes a lot like vinaigrette before you can say Kama Sutra.

Have you been there, done that, got the tear-stained t-shirt? How did you remedy your broken heart?

Instagram savvy brands such as Dora Larsen and Womanhood are paving the way for comfort + colour + cuteness in the knicker department, offering a range of styles, coverage and contemporary designs that fit the priorities of modern women. Summed up so perfectly by Womanhood founder Tanya Robertson, “it’s no longer about choosing between comfort, style or designs that only cater to the male gaze”- we couldn’t agree more!

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So, January was trash then.

Here’s to making the most of Feb-roo-ary or ya know, just tolerating it, having 18 breakdowns a day and pinning all your hopes on that one nice candle you spent £45 on because that’s where we’re at right now.

PS it’s fig scented isn’t it.

1 Praise yourself for making it through the bleakest January on record. Your lips, your bank balance, your wine supply, it all dried up

2 Thank your lucky stars you don’t have to sit in a restaurant surrounded by couples murdering the Lady and the Tramp spaghetti scene this year

3 Or share your tiny desk with all the humble brag office flowers

4 Decide that lent is in fact an energy vampire and you’ve given up enough over this last year so it ain’t happening, sorry big man

5 Act shook when your dad sends another V Day card from your secret admirer. He is nothing if not committed

6 Consider what kind of warped existence we’re living in now that we’re being told washing our dirty plates is good for our mental health. WELL, my mind is about to have a f**king whale of a time with this lot

7 Make an ex-boyfriend collage. And by collage, we mean dart board. Hours of fun.

8 Honour National Pizza Day the only way you know how, by deep-throating a 12 incher in the bath. Doughiness is next to godliness.

9 Start hugging trees on your government approved daily walk. The base of a grand oak is all the wood I’m getting rn

10 Burst into flames at the very mention of banana bread. We don’t do that here

11 Eat so many pancakes you perspire maple syrup

12 Realise that it’s nearly your one year in joggers and no bra anniversary. Congrats to my fave couple

13 Sign off a work email with, best wishes Lady Whistledown because nothing matters anymore

14 Cry because the whole of Instagram is either in Dubai or parading their piss poor beautiful fucking snowmen

15 Complete Bumble. That’s a wrap folks!

16 Cook yourself another tasteless dinner – could be Covid, could just be a symptom of @me

17 Place a bid on an ugly orthopaedic computer chair… three lockdowns later and you’re finally putting your posture before your Pinterest aesthetic

18 Watch another serial killer documentary to distract yourself from the doom and gloom

19 Raise a toast to wet Feb, Amazon abstinence, getting dressed, everything gets a toast these days

20 Find yourself alone, naked and eating an orange in the shower. The epitome of unbridled joy

With life whizzing by at lightning speed, even in a National lockdown, it can be difficult to give the good bits their due thanks. The phone call from your sister, your cup of coffee in the morning, your orgasm at lights out or the heartbreak anthem that’s getting you through – all these small feats when realised in a few simple sentences of thanks can be enough to turn a funky day into a spunky day. Which bring us onto our month of love and daily gratitude exercise!

Gratitude is an inside job and much like any self-care ritual, it’s something that we can get a great deal out of if we tend to our own wellbeing patch little and often, rather than letting the weeds run amok.

One way to check in with yourself and make sure you’re soaking up those daily wins is by practising thankfulness. Sure, it may sound a bit woo-woo but the benefits can be transformative.

Whether you want to take 5 mins to reflect on your blessings before you hit the hay, or you want to start your day right with a good soul-deed, we want to encourage you to use those sweet daily victories to bolster your mind and cultivate a full and thankful February.

Here are 28 daily prompts to help inspire your gratitude practice. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts so we can flood social media with all the feel-good vibes & bright sides!

1. One thing you look forward to in the morning…
2. A book you’re grateful for reading…
3. Write down a happy memory…
4. Three positives to come out of lockdown…
5. One thing about winter that makes you happy…
6. Talk about someone who made you feel understood recently…
7. What is a personality trait you’re proud of…
8. One thing you love about your job or student life…
9. Where is a place you travelled to that felt like home…
10. Three things you love about where you live…
11. A tv series you’re grateful for…
12. A song you always turn up on the radio…
13. Something that made you laugh today…
14. What gave you comfort today…
15. Give your body a compliment…
16. Fave part of your evening routine…
17. Think of something someone said that resonated with you…
18. Something you’re looking forward to this weekend…
19. How is life today, better than one year ago…
20. Something you accomplished today…
21. Something you’re proud of yourself for…
22. What is something or someone that helped you out today…
23. One thing that made you smile today…
24. What activity makes you feel calm…
25. What is challenging you, how is this helping you to grow…
26. Write about a person you’re grateful for…
27. Something you hope to accomplish tomorrow…
28. What makes you happy to be alive…