Our latest Zoella Book Club read comes from the author of the record-breaking bestseller This Is Going To Hurt.
Yep Adam Kay, the wittiest medic around, is back with more gallows humour and hilarious anecdotes about life on the hospital ward. Will it live up to the hilarity of his first medical memoir? Scroll through the gallery below to find out what we thought!
Lareese
This is the ideal book for inhaling in one sitting or dipping in and out of whenever you need a five minute break from your own life to laugh at someone else’s reality. Full of laugh out loud anecdotes from a junior doctor, Adam Kay handles humour and heartache with equal flair. My only criticism would be that I needed more! More diary entries, more patients looking like they’ve just given a porcupine a hand job. More questionable tales of humans and what they like to do with chocolate wrappers. If you’re after a witty read that’s easy to shift, you’ll love it! S/o to all those working in the public services and got stuck with the Christmas Day rota this year, you are golden souls!
4.5/5
Would you read again? Yes
Would you recommend? Yes
Maddie
It’s 142 pages of a brilliantly crafted string of sexual innuendos, ludicrous circumstances and awkward as hell situations strung together to make a joyful, side splitting, totally tragic and at times heartbreaking read. My only qualm is the length of it, this feels like a massive Christmas money spinner off the back of the first books success. That being said, I don’t really blame them, Adam Kay is an amazing comedian and story teller and thoroughly deserves to be at the top of the book charts.
4.5/5
Would you read again? Yes
Would you recommend? Yes
Holly
I’ve not read Adam Kay’s first book so wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but within the first few pages I was hooked, I read the whole thing in one go! I wish it was a bit longer (Don’t think I’ve ever said that about a book!) as I was really in to it. I wasn’t a huge fan of the foot notes explaining the medical terms as I felt like it ruined the flow a bit, but other than that a solid YES from me. Very thought provoking and made me so grateful for everyone working over the Christmas period. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never really given much thought to the emergency services, or anyone that works over Christmas and other public holidays, so just a massive THANKYOU to everyone thats working, you’re f***ing fab!
4.5/5
Would you read again? Yes
Would you recommend? Yes
Zoe
I had already read and LOVED Adam’s first book “This is going to Hurt”, so I knew exactly what I was in for with this festive edition. It was an easy read-in-one-sitting book and I throughly enjoyed it. Adam writes with so much humour and description that he makes you laugh out loud and shed tears in equal measure with his stories. I personally would have loved for it to have been just a teeny bit longer as it was much shorter than I first anticipated, but that’s only because I think I could read thousands of pages of his diary entries and I just wanted more!
4/5
Would you read again? Yes
Would you recommend? Yes, but only after reading ‘This is Going to Hurt’
Lauren
This was the perfect length read over Christmas, and even though I haven’t read his first book, I enjoyed how Kay was able to write so humorously about a difficult time of year that made you both laugh and respect the NHS even more for what they do, especially at Christmas. It’s quite a lot for the length, and I expect fans of the first book would want more, but it’s a nice taster and a good read to complete in one sitting!
4/5
Would you read again? No
Would you recommend? Yes
Danielle
Adam Kay is just absolutely brilliant isn’t he! Devoured this little number very quickly as his writing is just so easy to gobble up. I’ll definitely be reading his first book this year, I’ve been meaning to pick it up for a while. It was such a great book to pick up over Christmas as it really puts things in to perspective, we’re so lucky to have the NHS especially this time of year.
4/5
Would you read again? No
Would you recommend? Yes
Darcey
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was short and easy to read in the busy festive period. I haven’t read his first book and now I definitely want to, kind of wish I had read it before though! The book is full of jokes, innuendos and more serious matters, and I really loved the dynamic of the book, an emotional rollercoaster. One thing I wasn’t massive on was the footnotes, mainly because I’d miss them then realise and have to go back (my fault really). The book really opens up your eyes to how much work the NHS, doctors and nurses etc. put in over Christmas, and all year long. I think it’s easy to forget the work that goes in if you aren’t directly linked to the NHS or someone working within it, so thank you to everyone who keeps it running all year round and giving your time to do so.
Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend? Yes
Would you read again? Yes, I think its a good one to revisit!
Next up we’re reading crime meets slasher novel: My Sister, The Serial Killer. The first novel by Oyinkan Braithwaite tells the story of a Nigerian woman whose lethal younger sibling has an inconvenient habit of killing all the boyfriends she’s ever had.
When Korede’s dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what’s expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This will be the third boyfriend Ayoola’s dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. Until that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede’s long been in love with him, and isn’t prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other…
We’re predicting a dark, funny and addictive page-turner we won’t be able to put down!
Matt Haig is undoubtedly one of the voices of our generation. His already incredible list of novels is only getting longer and we can’t wait for his next instalment of genius!
What tips do you have for surviving January?
I totally cheat. I work for myself so am one of those
annoying people who can go on holiday in January. Which is my absolute top tip.
Otherwise, put some fun in the diary. There are three months of winter ahead.
You need stuff to look forward to.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
There have been so many all packed into the last four years really. Reasons to Stay Alive staying in the top ten for a year was probably up there, because it meant it was resonating with people. I get messages from people every day about it, and how it helped them, which is obviously nice but hard to absorb sometimes. Another highlight was going to Prague last year to watch my kids book A Boy Called Christmas be turned into a movie. Watching Maggie Smith and Kristen Wiig and Sally Hawkins act as characters you’ve written was very surreal.
How do you stay motivated both in work and your personal life?
Gratitude. I am so aware of how lucky I am. In work, with my
family, with everything. So I am determined never to blow things and keep on
working hard. When I had a breakdown in my 20s I became agoraphobic so had to
work from home in order to live and support myself. That gave me immense
motivation which I kept up even after recovery.
What are you currently working on?
I have just finished a novel called The Midnight Library.
It is about a library between life and death where a woman gets to try all her
other lives she could have lived. I can’t wait for people to read it. It will
be out later this year.
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to write for a living?
Be resilient. Rejection comes with the territory, especially
in the early days. Try and have something to say – a point or style that makes
you different – and write precisely what you would want to read. You are the
reader you know best, so don’t try and mind-read other people. Write for you.
What is your biggest accomplishment in life?
After our two kids, Lucas and Pearl, I’d say staying alive
when I really thought I wouldn’t.
What advice would you give to people who struggle with the fear of public speaking?
Understand that the fear is the worst thing about it.
However bad it is the cringe afterwards never outweighs the fear before it, and
being nervous is the most relatable thing. If people see you are a bit nervous
they actually warm to you more. Just don’t try and hide any nerves if they feel
too much, just acknowledge them and get on with it.
What will you be reading, watching or listening to in 2020?
I like Kacey Musgraves. So more of her music in my ears. And
I have Bill Bryson’s new book about (and called) The Body. Plus, I am
nostalgically excited for the Top Gun sequel, even though it might be rubbish.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Have faith in the future. Stay around not just for the people
you’ll meet but for the people you will become. You are more than a bad month.
You are a future of multifarious possibility. You are another self at a point
in future time, looking back in gratitude that this lost and former you held
on. Stay. Have faith. It will all work out.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
Toast with Marmite and peanut butter.
What do you always carry with you?
A tennis ball! I get a bad back and shoulder sometimes when I am sitting still for too long and a tennis ball works a treat. You just lean back against it and it works a treat.
What book have you re-read the most?
Cosmos, by Carl Sagan. It calms me down.
What are you most looking forward to in 2020?
My new novel, The Midnight Library coming out. I think I am prouder of it than anything else I’ve written. I put absolutely everything into it.
With the festive period done and dusted for another year, the majority of us are probably just coming round from the self-inflicted cheese coma we crawled into over Christmas.
It’s all fun and games until it’s not, and you start to curdle quicker than a three-day-old bread sauce. Public transport has become a challenge with the crowds and the tight spaces – it’s no place for a woman with camembert on the breath to be.
It’s at this point we hold a mirror up to our food choices and ask ourselves when we should shop eating Quality Street for breakfast, inhaling Mini Cheddars like sweet, sweet oxygen and milking the festive season for all its merry, gluttonous worth.
Enter Veganuary. Whether you’re going all out cold turkey on meat, or you’re testing a life without cheese, we’ve got a few go-to vegan recipes to get you started.
Ya see, those of you taking the leap into veganism and swerving meat and dairy for January don’t have to miss out on the snacks. There’s plenty of ways to get creative with your food and what better way to ease yourself into the meat-free life than by starting with the nibbles!
We’ve got popcorn, we’ve got guacamole dip and we’ve got sweet potato crisps for the win. Let the snack-a-thon commence.
Popcorn Seasoning
A savoury spin on the sweet cinema snack. This tangy and flavoursome dill-infused popcorn tastes so good, you won’t even think about caving into the office cake with this handsome nosh hanging around.
SERVES
PREP:
5 MINS COOK:
10 MINS
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
Popcorn kernals
1 Tsp of Dill
1 Tsp of Coriander seed
2 Tsps of yeast
½ tsp of black pepper
½ tsp salt
For your popcorn:
Heat up your choice of oil/butter in a heavy bottomed pan. Make sure you’ve got the pan at the right temperature by putting a couple of kernels in to the pan to see if they pop or burn.
When the temperature is correct put your kernels in to the pan and place the lid on top but slightly to the side so you don’t steam your popcorn.
For your topping:
Mix your dry ingredients in to a a bowl and lightly dust over your popcorn when it’s ready!
Holy Guacamole
Avo load of this. Going green in January doesn’t seem so bad with this creamy and zingy Mexican-inspired dish on your side. He’s chunky, bursting with flavour and best enjoyed smeared all over your tortilla chips.
SERVES
PREP:
10 MINS COOK:
5 MINS
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
2 Large Avocados
1 Red onion chopped
1 beef tomato
Hand full of coriander – chopped
1 lime squeezed
Salt to taste
Thinly dice the onion and tomato
Finely chop the coriander (remove if this herb’s not for you)
Cut open your avocado removing the stone and mash in to a bowl
Add all the ingredients in to a bowl giving it a good stir, keep it as smooth or chunky as you’d like
Add lime juice and salt to your desired taste
Enjoy with tortilla chips or crudites
Spicy Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo wings so convincingly close to the real deal, you’ll swear you’re tucking into the classic game-day snack. But you’re not, it’s a plant-based miracle. Crispy on the outside with fluffy innards to boot, your florets have never tasted so good.
SERVES
PREP:
15 MINS COOK:
15 MINS
MEDIUM
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
Cauliflower head
150ml cup of water
150ml of flour
2 tsps of garlic powder
1 tsp of paprika
1 tsp cumin
Pinch of salt and pepper
Hot sauce
Vegan Butter
Pre-heat your oven to 180°C
In a bowl combine the spices, water, and flour, this will be your batter.
Break apart your cauliflower head in to wing sized segments
Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper
Dip your cauliflower florets in to the batter and place on to the baking sheet and cook until brown and crispy
Meanwhile melt your vegan butter in the microwave and add your chosen hot sauce
When the cauliflower is done toss it in a bowl with the butter hot sauce mix
Serve on it’s own or, with some vegan yogurt, or with more hot sauce if your a super spice lover
Garlic and Rosemary Sweet Potato Crisps
Vegan alternatives can be tasty and the proof’s in the spuds. Home-baked crisps are easy to whip up when you’re craving a potato-based snack. They’re quick, nutritious and best served with the aforementioned homemade guac.
Slice a sweet potato into thin slices, drizzle with a generous glug of olive oil and bake ’em up real good. Season with salt and dried rosemary and chow down like tomorrow doesn’t exist.
SERVES
PREP:
5 MINS COOK:
10 MINS
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
1 Sweet Potato
Glug of olive oil
Garlic powder
Dried rosemary
Pre-heat your oven to 180°C
Thinly slice the sweet potato and place on a baking tray
Pour on a good glug of olive oil and add a tablespoon of garlic powder and dried rosemary
Bake in the over for roughly 10 minutes or until brown and crispy
Saving the quids in January? Don't you worry child, we've got your back and your bank balance.
This time round, our Weekly Wants is dedicated to getting thrifty with our shopping. All our favourite brands and retailers are slashing prices and the temptation is real.
Whether you’re after a new TV, a Winter getaway or you just want to stock up on your favourite beauty brands at discounted prices, enjoy dazzling deals and snap yourself a great barg in the January sales! Scroll through our selections in the gallery below…
Hello January, you lengthy swine you. Christmas has well and truly had its wicked way with our wallets and we can't remember the last time a comma graced our bank accounts. We are physically and financially spent, bro.
Now is the perfect time to get frugal, tighten the purse-strings and make some super savings by getting savvy with our outgoings. We’ve pulled together some moola-saving tips to make that December pay packet stretch a little further.
Try a zero-spend day
Take a day off from spending one day a week and put anything you would have spent on lunch, coffee or a takeaway straight into your savings. Every little helps!
It requires a bit of planning and meal prep but it’ll help you evaluate your impulse spending habits which could be a real money-saver in the long run.
Question your impulse buys
Ask yourself, ‘do I really need this’ before you buy something. If the answer is no, walk away – safe in the knowledge that you are a pennywise & unshakeable force of nature.
Do dry Jan
Kick the boozy weekends to the curb and save some dollar instead. The bubbles might not be flowing but your bank account will be. Ka-ching-a-ling-ling.
Ditch the daily coffee
It’s a £3 a day habit that adds up to over a £1,092 a year.
It’s a £3 a day habit that adds up to over a £1,092 a year. Enjoy a homemade cup of Joe and save the planet while you’re at it. You can still treat yourself to a barista-brewed latte once in a while and enjoy it all the more.
Access your beauty-buying habits
Beauty products and nail appointments come with a hefty price tag. If you’re keen to make the pennies go further, consider swapping high-end brands for supermarket savers and brands on offer. You can even make your own exfoliator using coconut oil and sugar. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Get thrifty
Buy second-hand to save money, the sales may seem like you’re getting a good deal but if you didn’t need it in the first place, you’re still quids down.
Do an at-home workout
Save on the spenny gym membership and work out from the comfort of your own humble abode, instead. The gym is packed with over-zealous weight lifters in January anyway – JOMO is where it’s at!
Learn to budget
Sit down and work through your spending habits. It doesn’t mean all the fun has to end, it just means getting smart with your priorities and learning to live within your means.
It doesn’t mean all the fun has to end!
Subtract your monthly outgoings from your monthly income and create a spreadsheet for the rest of the month. That way you can see exactly where your money is going, what you can cut down on and where you can save.
Switch energy suppliers
Shop around and make sure you compare tariffs across the market. You may even be able to negotiate with your current energy supplier for a better deal and save money in the process. Barter away, fellas.
Clear out the clutter
January is the perfect time to Marie Kondo the hell out of your wardrobe and your home.
Marie Kondo the hell out of your wardrobe and your home
Unwanted clothes can go on Depop or you can even upload items on Instagram and ask your followers to get in touch if they want an item, hold a rail sail at your house or clear out household items and furniture on Facebook Marketplace.
Get savvy with deals
Collect money-off coupons and follow brands on their social media channels so you’re aware of the current promotions they’re running.
Delete your card details
ASOS, Topshop, H&M – the check-out always remembers your card deets doesn’t it. How very convenient! Wipe them off. Delete immediately. You’ll think twice about buying that new jumpsuit if you have to actually, ya know, move off the sofa to find your purse.
Downgrade your phone plan
If you’re not getting through your minutes each month, you could review your phone plan. Downgrade for a few months to save some moola and review your savings again when you’re better off.
Use budgeting Apps
Monzo allows you to categorise your spending into groups such as shopping, transport, health and bills to make it easy to see where your money is going. The summary tab gives you an overview of what you’ve spent in each category each month.
By setting spending limits for each category, you can avoid running out of money at the end of the month. You can also keep an eye on your day-to-day spending and the App will let you know if it looks like you’re going to run out of money.
The Automated Savings feature makes it easy to set aside money every time you spend and Roundups automatically put your spare change from a payment into savings, like a digital coin jar for a rainy day. So if your coffee costs £3.20, Monzo will take £4 out of your account and add the change to the pot.
Have you got any must-know money saving tips to see you through January? Let’s hear them!
Vegan friends heading to Brighton anytime soon, you're in for a real treat! From dairy-free doughnuts to dirty doner kebabs you won't believe are vegan, these are the acclaimed food joints you need to introduce your taste buds to.
Historically rated as one of the best vegan-friendly cities in the UK, you’ll never be short of tasty eateries in Brighton. Home to famous pizza joints and plant-based sushi burritos, these are the vegan institutions putting Brighton on the map. If you’re in the market for meat-free dining, make your way through the gallery and hotfoot it to East Sussex ASAP!
Food For Friends
If you’re looking for a sit-down experience with a delicious range of veggie and vegan dishes, then Food For Friends is always a winner. Voted one of the top veggie restaurants in the UK, the food is all fresh and consciously sourced, with plenty of classic dishes reinvented with a vegetarian and vegan twist. Insider’s knowledge: the pumpkin risotto is dribble-worthy stuff.
Cornish Pasty Shop
A bit of a hidden gem in the North Laines, Cornish is not only the best pasty shop but also one of the best places for vegan cakes. You heard it here first! Cornish Pasty Co. makes delicious vegan friendly sausage rolls and pasties (their spicy offering is one for the sinuses), and their Lemon Meringue Pies are as good as the ‘real’ thing – make sure to swing by and pick up a few cakes on your next trip.
Glazed
There’s no shortage of sweet treats in Brighton and Glazed is a must-visit if you’re looking for something delicious. Flavours change daily but keep your eyes peeled for Biscoff, Raspberry and Coconut, Chocolate Orange, and Lemon and Poppy Seed as these are truly scrumptious. If you’re local, you can also request custom orders if you want a specific flavour. Detour down on you way to or from the station and pick up a doughnut or four for the road. Jammy.
Happy Maki
Vegan and fish doesn’t typically go hand-in-hand, but Happy Maki has come up with a diverse menu of fish-free sushi that tastes just as fresh and delicious. You can find Happy Maki’s long list of fishy-free alternatives near the sea-front and also find them popping up at festivals come summer.
Honest Burger
Already a staple in London and other UK locations, Honest Burger delivers one of the yummiest burger experiences you could hope for. Their plant burger comes stacked with vegan cheese, mayo and a side of the most delicious rosemary chips you could ask for – we’d suggest ordering a second plate of chips ‘cos they’re THAT good.
The Hope and Ruin
One of the top spots for live music in the city, Hope and Ruin also houses an all-vegan kitchen with dirty kebabs and dogs galore. Make sure to grab a bowl of the loaded Fritz’s fries, piled high with sauerkraut, gherkins, onions and curry ketchup or a chilli cheese dog. You won’t regret digging in!
Plant Room
If you love independent coffee shops, fresh cakes, and a cosy atmosphere, then The Plant Room is for you; hidden in Brighton Square, Plant Room is a vegan paradise of cakes, doughnuts, mixed salads, and delicious speciality coffee. Make sure to stop by for lunch or an afternoon cake and bring a book to enjoy on one of their cosy sofas.
The Prince George
Another pub with a great veggie and vegan menu, The Prince George boasts traditional and delicious pub grub, from burritos to burgers and homemade ice-cream to chip butties, you can be sure to find a cosy corner to chow down and refuel before tackling the Lanes on a Saturday. Bring a bib!
Purezza
The OG vegan pizza restaurant – prepare to triple-check what you’re eating is in fact vegan because it all sounds and tastes too good to be true. The first vegan and plant-based pizzeria in the UK, Purezza has taken all the classics and made them available to all thanks to coconut and cashew-based cheeses ranging from ricotta to mozzarella. As well as being healthier, Purezza even houses one of the most incredible desserts – the Oreo Pizza; finally, carbs and chocolate unite as one.
Terre à Terre
If you’ve got fancy dinner in mind, Terre à Terre is high on the list. With a mix of vegetarian and vegan dishes (and also options to substitute), Terre a Terre blends spice and flavour with high-end flair that will make you forget there was no meat or dairy in sight.
Wai Kika Moo Kau
Whether you want a big breakfast or a hearty lunch, heck even if you want some delicious cake, then Wai Kika Moo Kau is an absolute must-eat. The vegan breakfast is HUGE, but so worth it for the variety of food on your plate and the specials are switched up regularly so you’re always trying something new. Thanks to its central location, you can pull up a chair and watch the world go by in the Lanes whilst enjoying your food and even stay through to lunch if you fancy. If you can, try the Oreo or Lemon cake, it’s sublime.
BeFries
A seaside classic with a Belgian twist! The secret to BeFries’ delicious chips is that they are twice baked for extra flavour and crunch, but the real pull is the array of 15+ sauces you can try and dip to your heart’s content – the vegan basil mayo is a must-try and also available to buy. You can sit in and enjoy your order, but these fries are best enjoyed on a walk around the Lanes or a stroll on the beach when the weather is good.
What are some of your favourite local vegan places?
Let's face it, by the time January rolls around we're all tired, cold and broke in more ways than one.
Intent on becoming better, leaner, more ambitious people, we convince ourselves that now is the perfect time to challenge ourselves with a plethora of painfully unachievable goals. Spoiler: it’s not and will never be a good time to commit to anything other than Netflix.
Well, fear not, for we can ride this sh*t storm out together. Let’s raise a glass of sparkling wine… water (shout out to the dry Jan crowd) to the most miserable month of the year, here are 20 things you’re likely to find yourself doing.
The only way is up, lads!
1. Embark upon an imaginary journey to get your body back
2. Forget you started said journey due to its fictitious nature and bathe in leftover brie instead. Thy body is a temple – a Cathedral cheese temple
3. Think about doing dry Jan
4. And then think of 175743 reasons not to
5. Zoflora the sh*t out of your home. There’s nothing like spending some quality time with your Minky
6. Do one sit up and feel absolutely CHEATED when you can’t see abs. Disgusting, I’d like to speak to your regional manager at once (she screamed in the gym foyer)
7. Dedicate all the time you do not have to a new hobby simply because you promised yourself you’d be a fuller version of yourself this year, starting with French classes. Sacrebleu!
8. Treat yourself to a new notepad. Ruled lines will keep you on the straight and narrow
9. Lose your tiny mind over all the ‘new year, new me’ members hogging the treadmills and fail to acknowledge that you’re one of them
10. Shake your head at the farce that is: our new government. Waheyyyy. Can we get a refund on this lot?
11. Convince yourself you should sign up for an exercise event
12. And instantly regret it because tracking down your lost Hermes parcel five times a month is basically a 10K race anyway
13. Tidy up your computer and realise the reason you didn’t have any time to achieve anything in 2019 was because you were too invested in… dog memes
14. Realise the lines you thought were just temporary dehydration lines from NYE have now got their feet right under the table and settled into your face… forever
15. Feel sorry for your friends with January birthdays. But not sorry enough to actually, ya know, attend
16. Use snow as the seasonal conversation filler: Wishing for snow. Not wishing for snow. The inconvenience of snow. The snow and trains. The snow and road closures. The snow and office closures. The snow and school closures.
17. Spend a LOT of moola on eye-wateringly expensive gym leggings because that’s the kind of emotional support you need when you’re caught in a spin class and desperate for a poo
18. Start spiralizing everything: courgette, butternut squash, your credit cards
19. Forget how to wear clothes with buttons and zips since your junk is all too used to revelling in Christmas PJs for an obscene amount of time. Far beyond the point of reasonable cleanliness
‘What are you doing New Year’s Eve?’ It’s the big question on everyone’s lips at this time of year. It’s been immortalised in song by greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Harry Connick Jr. and somehow seems to pop up in every conversation you have from November onwards.
It’s easy to feel a lot of pressure to make sure you do it right. Something big, glittery and fancy, as after all, it is the final night of the year. What if, however, you threw caution to the wind, and instead made absolutely no plans at all and did absolutely nothing? Well, we have to say, there can be an awful lot of joy in missing out!
While New Years can be a good opportunity to catch up with friends one final time before the year’s out, coordinating getting everyone in the same place at the same time can cause more stress than we’d like to take on in the blissful post-Christmas turkey haze. Taking the time out for yourself to enter the new year in a peaceful, relaxing manner is a great way to start as you mean to go on, and as they say, staying in is the new going out!
We’ve put together a few suggestions in case you want to do a little more than just lounge on the sofa, but that’s perfectly fine to do too!
Game The Night Away
More than just the one of you? Drag out the board game stack and set up a mini-tournament. Take it in turns to select a game, or if you have a favourite, set up a championship to determine the 2019 official champion of Dobble. Check out our list for a few of our faves if you’re stuck for inspiration.
A Festive Tipple
Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean the refreshments have to be dull! Mix yourself a seasonal cocktail (or 3!) – we’ve got a few simple yet delicious recipes in our post here to make sure your evening is as fizzy as you fancy.
Take A Night Off
It’s worth reminding yourself that there is absolutely no rule that says you have to stay up until midnight. If you want to do actually nothing, you can! Head up to bed early and get a full night’s kip. We won’t judge! Bonus – if you still want to feel like you’ve seen the new year in without the late night, watch the fireworks on TV in a different time zone. Get your firework fix AND a full 8 hours.
The Post Christmas Pamper
Pull out the face masks, hair wraps and foot cream and settle in for a full-body pamper. The joy of a night in means no one is going to be judging your ancient dressing down so why not indulge in those extra nice beauty bits you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Go on, you deserve it!
Snacking Spectacular
It may not be a party but you certainly can snack like it is one. Pull out all your favourites, polish off all the Christmas leftovers and if you’ve got any chocolates left, may we suggest this sweet spectacular: a giant s’mores pie! In a blender, pulse together digestive biscuits with a range of chocolates (we used twirls, Maltesers, and crunchies) until they make a dust and place in a ovenproof dish, forming to make a pie base. Top with giant marshmallows and pop-under a grill for a few mins until the marshmallows toast and melt. Grab a handful of spoons and dig in; be warned it’s a messy one, but so worth it for an indulgent NY treat.
Whatever you decide to do, just because you’re not dancing the night away doesn’t mean you’re not in for a fabulous evening! If in doubt, pop on your comfiest pjs, snuggle down under a blanket and whack the Hootenanny or the fireworks on telly and ring in 2020 with the smug feeling you’re already home and cosy without a hangover in sight!
We’re not all going to have the best night of our lives this NYE, but if we were, this is what we’d be wearing!
New Year’s Eve, the one night of the year you’re forced to have as much fun as you possibly can. From packed house parties to weekends away and every night out on the town in between, we’ve picked out go-to outfits we’ll be donning when we bring in 2020.
Maddie
“When in doubt LBD; It’s simple, it’s classic, you can’t go wrong. If you’re feeling the pinch after all of your Christmas shopping you can always rewear the one you no doubt bought a few years ago and have tucked away at the back of your wardrobe. Just jazz it up with accessories which are much less deer to stock up on. If you’re in the market for something new, i love this one from the Kooples. Long sleeves, animal print, v neck, it’s the perfect party dress.”
“This year, I’m going for all business up top, party at the bottom! A stand-out pair of boots with a reasonably sensible looking heel – dance floor safe ‘n all – and an LBD I can wear time and time again. I love these metallic knee high boots from Zara for a bit of New Year glitz, paired with statement earrings and simple clutch. Happy hogmanay!”
“This year I’m heading out to ‘Black and White’ themed house party so you better believe I’m dressing UP. I’ve gone for this little black velvet dress with a bit of 20’s vibe, some super sleek black heels and of course an embellished headband. I’ve loved a headband all year so why not see in the new year with my accessory BFF! I’m going to leave the handbag at home as let’s face it, I’ll just be carrying my iPhone and a pint of prosecco around.”
“If theres a season to be Sparkly it’s this one. Come January, glitter and sequins are a touch less acceptable so I’m going all out. Black dress and shoes to make it classy (in contrast with my personality) with Gold Hoops. I’m always one for a pop of colour so a bright red clutch bag to match my lipstick and we’re good to go!”
“For my NYE outfit I went for a more smart-casual look, but jazzed up with the leather and fur details! I am loving the leather trend this season, and thought an oversized leather shirt would be perfect for a more casual affair on NYE. Paired with some black leather boots and washed black jeans would look great, and the fur 90’s style shoulder bag completes the look!”
“I’m definitely more of a stay in kinda girl at new year, BUT if a spontaneous house party arose, i’d definitely go for a trousers, boots and pretty top vibe! I’m really loving the feminine/masculine clash at the moment. These velvet trousers are FAB (and would also keep you warm) and I love that they’ve paired it with this lingerie style top, I’m basically obsessed with this whole outfit from & Other Stories”
“Should the miraculous happen and I end up out on NYE, this is definitely my go-to outfit; a nice dress that will keep me warm but can also re-wear through the year (love those pops of colour which make it summer appropriate!), and these shoes give me that needed height but are also comfy enough to dance into 2020!”
Reduce, recycle, reuse - it's a lifestyle choice more and more of us should be making the effort to adopt but when plastic pollution is such a mammoth crisis, it's hard to know exactly how you, as an individual, can make a difference.
We can all do our bit to become more conscious consumers. Sure, the onus is on the government and manufacturing companies to pave the way for real revolution but there are plenty of ways we can adapt our day to day lives in order to reduce our plastic footprint step by step!
1. Get conscious about your coffee
In the UK alone, we use seven million coffee cups a day, most of which are destined for incineration or landfill. It’s one very ugly caffeinated reality.
Plenty of coffee chains and independents will offer discount incentives if you bring your keep cup with you. Pret offers as much as 50p off their hot beverages when a customer uses their own cup and customers taking away at Starbucks get 25p off.
If you want to save on the pennies and enjoy a guilt-free cup of Joe, it’s worth investing in a reusable cup.
2. Try to use refill stations
With eco-friendly supermarkets on the rise, topping up your washing up liquid and laundry detergent isn’t as difficult as it once was.
Reuse your empty bottles to refill your household products or use glass bottles and a label maker to pimp up your cleaning products apothecary style.
If you’re planning on rustling up a single meal, you can reduce food waste by visiting a sustainable food store and getting as much or as little as you need. If your recipe requires 200g of pasta, you can measure out exactly what you need rather than buying too much and finding that it’s expired before you’ve even had the chance to use it up.
Scooping out your ingredients is a far more interactive and sensory experience, enabling you to have an authentic and informed relationship with your food. By nourishing your body with wholesome and responsibly-sourced produce, you are caring for the planet and facilitating positive food practices. Nude food is the best food!
3. Use ‘naked’ toiletries
Break up with your plastic shampoo bottle, announce you’re consciously-uncoupling your conditioner and divorce your daily dental care.
We’re not suggesting you stop washing and forgo brushing your gnashers but there is another way to live.
Try using soap bars instead of disposable plastic bottles or refilling your haircare and body products at a sustainable supermarket.
Lush Cosmetics also do a great selection of packaging-free naked products! Check out some of our faves:
Jason and the Argon Oil | Sleepy Naked Shower Gel |
4. Buy in bulk
Visiting a bulk food store will reduce both your food and packaging waste. It also often works out cheaper since you’re not paying for excess packaging, single-use plastic or fancy branding.
Making the switch to buying bulk and packaging-free groceries will also encourage you to consider your consumption choices in other areas of your life. Sometimes change can stem simply by challenging the buying habits we’ve become so accustomed to by reconsidering the healthier, more mindful alternatives that are available to us.
5. Ditch the plastic straws
People have come to expect straws with every drink but it’s a minimal and short-lived convenience for maximum plastic waste.
Giving up your plastic straws may seem like a small gesture to make but when done by the majority, it can pave the way for a dramatic change in circumstance for our oceans, aquatic life and beaches.
If you’re not ready to give up on straws all-together, explore some of the bamboo, stainless steel, paper, glass and silicone options.
From safety razors to toothbrushes, there’s plenty of ways to green up your bathroom must-haves with plastic-free alternatives and bamboo is a great substitute!
Everyone has seen the devastating effects single-use wipes have on the environment – 93% of blocked sewage pipes are caused by non-biodegradable wet wipes – but cleansing our face and removing our makeup effectively doesn’t have to come at a cost to the planet.
Minimise the impact your beauty routine has on the planet and reduce water wastage along with unnecessary plastic packaging by replacing disposable cotton pads with these environmentally-friendly options.
Here’s an ugly fact about your period: 1.5 billion items of sanitary protection are flushed every year. Every. Year!
From the plastic packaging to the applicators, it turns out our periods don’t tend to be all that great for the environment. Dear Uterus, go to your room and think about what you’ve done.
From reusable menstrual cups to period-proof pants and reusable sanitary pads, here are a few ways to make your cycle a bit kinder on the planet.
It takes 200-500 years for a disposable nappy to decompose. That’s one long-lasting legacy!
While neither reusable or disposable nappies can claim environmental superiority, washing and reducing single-use plastic seems like the lesser of two evils here.
Even if you replace one disposable nappy a day for a reusable alternative, you’d be saving 900 from ending up in landfill, based on one child being in nappies for two and a half years.
Check out these pooper scooper alternatives for the eco-conscious parent:
While the environmental impact of cotton is a hot debate, reusing your canvas bag is better than buying and throwing away a plastic bag every time you visit a supermarket.
If you do buy a plastic bag, reuse it as many times as possible and try not to accumulate more than you need. The same goes for your tote bags, make sure you’re getting enough use out of the ones you have before buying another.
“If theres a season to be Sparkly it’s this one. Come January, glitter and sequins are a touch less acceptable so I’m going all out. Black dress and shoes to make it classy (in contrast with my personality) with Gold Hoops. I’m always one for a pop of colour so a bright red clutch bag to match my lipstick and we’re good to go!”
*River Island, Black sequin embellished tie waist dress
*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN suede clutch bag with ring and ball detail
*ASOS, RAID Wink bright red square toe block heeled sandals
*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN fine wire 50mm hoop earrings in gold
*Charlotte Tilbury, HOT LIPS 2 PATSY RED