For those who haven’t made it to potato TikTok yet (aka the promised land), allow us to whip your FYP into shape. If you’re craving potatoes, here’s 10 filthy potato recipes to get you going. Fed girl summer starts right here. 

1. Clotted Cream Mash

Clotted cream and potatoes? It feels illegal but listen, in 2022, we like to live on the edge and that means getting polyamorous with our food groups. 

Watch on TikTok

2. Four Ingredient Boursin Potato Gratin 

For the uninitiated, Boursin is the ultimate Gournay cream cheese baddie flavoured with garlic and herbs. Perfectly paired with wine, bread, crackers, pasta and salmon, it can transform any dish but it really comes into its own when it’s coupled up with potato. This Boursin gratin show-stopper from Gayle Chapman is a twist on the classic gratin or dauphinoise, great for dishing up with your Sunday roast or summer bbq. Sidenote: this is your sign to buy a mandoline. 

Watch on TikTok

Find the full recipe and more from Gayle Chapman here!

3. Garlic & Parmesan Pommes Anna

Wondering how you can turn a classic ‘Pommes Anna’ French dish layered with paper-thin slices of potatoes into something even more sublime? Listen to this Michelin-trained chef turned potato queen, that’s how. 

4. The Legendary 15 Hour Potato 

Gorgeous, gorgeous girls eat potatoes with more layers than Rachel Green, and that’s just the way it is. 

Watch on TikTok

5. Crispy & Spicy Potatoes 

So this is love!

6. Wedges & Dip 

Homemade wedges and dip? Mid-week dinners are saved. 

7. Simple Smashed Potatoes

Introducing your new favourite way to enjoy potato. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, smashed potato is one of life’s simple pleasures, best enjoyed in solitude so you can get out of sharing. 

8. Pancetta-Wrapped Potato Fondants

If there’s any justice in the world, this woman will open a potato restaurant. 

Watch on TikTok

9. Triple Baked Stuffed Potato Skins 

This is everything you could ever want from a potato (and more). 

10. Hasselback Waffle Potato

You will look back on this day and remember it fondly as the day a potato changed your life. *Cue the asmr*

Content warning: Suicide, Grief. 

Whilst there is no such thing as hierarchy in bereavement (loss is loss), losing your soulmate comes with a unique set of challenges and emotions. 

Losing your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, fiance or significant other is one of the most painful experiences anyone can go through. Often, they’re your best friend, your go-to support and the person who knows you inside out. To lose them is like having the entire rug pulled out from under your feet. To lose them to suicide is even more complicated. 

From shock, anger, hopelessness, depression, ‘survivor’ guilt and everything in between, there’s no set pattern to the grieving process, especially when you’ve experienced one of the most profound losses and life-altering events anyone can go through. Everything changes overnight and suddenly you’re facing a future you never imagined you would have; plans cut short, broken dreams, what-ifs, being single again. It’s the unthinkable.

People often ask how long the pain will last and although grief isn’t linear and healing comes slowly, you *will* learn to move through life with happiness and joy again, while remembering your partner with love.

We spoke to one of our readers, Charlotte, about the sudden death of her partner, Charles, and how she’s doing with her grief journey today. For anyone mourning the loss of a partner and trying to make sense of their new life whilst processing unfathomable heartache, we hope Charlotte’s experience helps you feel less alone. You never get over it but in time, the grief gets softer and life grows around it. You’re not ‘moving on’, you’re moving forward.

Can you tell us your story, as much as you’re comfortable sharing?

In January 2019 my life suddenly changed when my loving partner, Charles, suddenly took his own life. We had a very happy life together, shared a lovely house and went on great holidays together. One day, he didn’t come home. I filed a missing person’s report and the police found his body the next day. 

The days following are a blur to me, but there was never any explanation as to why he did what he did. The hardest part is not knowing why. 

Can you share something wonderful about your loved one with us?

His passion for helping me grow. He taught me so much about the world. He was so kind, thoughtful and caring. 

How is your heart doing today – where are you at with your grief?

Some days are good and some days are bad. I still miss him terribly, and am sure I always will, but grief doesn’t occupy my mind 24/7anymore. It’s nice to have some peace from it. 

How do other people respond to your loss?

What’s your biggest lesson in grief, or a moment you’ve surprised yourself in what must continue to be the hardest and bleakest of human experiences?

Just how strong humans are capable of being. 

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your experience?

Your story isn’t something to be ashamed of and it doesn’t have to define you. Speak up and share your story, it might help others. 

How has your loss changed you?

I’ve got much more confident about speaking about my feelings. I opened up to my family, doctors, and friends, and got the help and support I needed to work through my grief. I continued to get help and in turn, started to help others. Being open has allowed others to open up to me. 

How have you learned to show up for yourself throughout your healing? What’s helped you learn to live with your grief?

The first few weeks were tough. Existing was difficult. Little things like showering and brushing my teeth seemed impossible and were forgotten. What helped me the most was journaling. 

How do you feel about the word widow? You have suffered an unthinkable loss, but is it something that should always define you?

As we weren’t married, I’m not a widow. It definitely shouldn’t define your life, however, I do think the label can be helpful. Instead of a widow, I feel I’m dubbed as “the one with a dead boyfriend” which isn’t nice to hear. It can be difficult when meeting new people as if Charles ever comes up in conversation because I still don’t know how to describe him. He’s not an ex; we never broke up. But people are shocked to hear late boyfriend from someone young.  

There’s often a lot of judgement around women dating after losing a partner. Is this something you’ve experienced? If so, how did you cope with unsolicited opinions on when it was the ‘right’ time?

There was definitely a lot of talk from the people around me about whether it was “too soon” or not to start dating. I didn’t put a timeline on myself, but the people around me did. It was difficult listening to people debate my future. It was difficult to make up my own mind with so many people trying to influence me, but ultimately I realised that my own judgement was the most important. 

When did you know you were ready to start dating? What were some of the feelings and challenges you faced to get to that point? What’s the reality of dating after the loss of a partner?

How do you feel about the future now?

It took a long time to get back on track. After losing Charles, I felt as though I had lost myself. Passions disappeared and I questioned lots of choices I’d made in the past. I changed jobs a few times but eventually I managed to start feeling like myself again. 

The future is looking much better. I’m currently working on a project within my job to help police officers reach out for help with their mental health. It’s extremely rewarding to help others. 

One thing you wish everyone would stop asking / telling you…

When I should/shouldn’t be doing things. At the beginning, many people told me how I ‘should’ be feeling according to the “5 stages of grief” but you really can’t put everyone in these boxes. 

What’s the best thing someone ever did or said to you? A pivotal moment that made you feel seen and understood…

The first time my current partner, Dan, took me to Charles’s memorial bench and sat there with me. The fact he understands that Charles will always be an important part of my life and is willing to share that love with someone he never met is incredible. 

Do you have any advice for anyone going through the loss of a partner right now?

Please don’t give up. It might seem hopeless right now, it might seem like your world has ended, but life will continue and the pain will lessen. Take all the time you need. 

Also, it’s okay to walk away from the people that make you feel bad. Not everyone will understand and that’s okay. But remember that you’re the one that’s healing, you don’t need to fix or educate them first. 

Website and resources

Mind: Open Mon-Fri 9-6pm. Call: 0300 123 3393 

Samaritans: FREE to call, open 24/7. Call: 116 123

Calm: Open 5pm-midnight. Call: 0800585858 

Widowed and Young: Open Mon-Fri 9.30-5pm. Call: 0300 201 0051 

Whilst modern relationships might see trends being bucked and traditions thrown out, getting married for many is still considered the epitome of romance and a special day nothing can compare to- we’re a sucker for a happy ending! And whilst it’s really all about sharing memories and a commitment to a long term lover, forgetting about the stresses, expectations and challenges that come with planning a wedding, no matter how big or small, is easier said than done.

If you’ve got a ring on your finger or your relationship is heading that way, keep reading for the crème de la crème of tips from brides that have been there, spilling the tea on everything they wish they knew before they tied the knot. Spoiler: favours are a waste of money, you heard it here first…

• A spreadsheet for everything is a must!
• I wish I knew there was going to be a global pandemic- would have helped!
• That just because he put a ring on it, doesn’t stop him being tw*t.
• Skims open gusset shapewear is a MUST for toilet breaks in a big dress, just saying. 
• When checking out venues, always ask if they have any plans for renovations- we booked our wedding 2 years in advance and they had renovated the whole room! Luckily it matched our colour scheme but I would imagine for others it may not have.
• When you visit venues and see it set up looking beautiful, don’t assume that’s included in the venue’s packages- there will always be extra charges, even down to napkins and cutlery.
• Don’t feel pressure to invite people that you don’t want there, only invite those that you love and you want to celebrate with. It’s your day, no one else’s.

• I regret not doing less! I had a fairly traditional wedding but wish we had just eloped in the end as it didn’t feel very ‘us’.
• All the little things you’re stressing about now won’t even cross your mind on the day.
• Do what you want, not what would make others happy.
• Don’t be shy! I wish I made the most of being a bride and took more photos.
• Accept that a LOT will be done last minute even if you’re the most organised person ever.
• I wish I knew how exhausted I would be at the end of the day. A luxury suite with a hot tub might not be worth the £££!
• You will not care about napkin colours in the end.

• A last dance with your new husband or wife when everyone has left is the best feeling in the world.
• Favours- don’t bother! No one takes them home and you’ll be lumped with them all at the end.
• What do you want to remember most about your wedding? Focus on that.
• Avoid Instagram for inspo- you can end up in comparison central and it’s not a vibe.
• You don’t need to spend a tonne of money to make it a magical day.
• Screw tradition! 
• Remember to enjoy the planning process- it can be exciting and fun if you want it to be.
• Get a prenup. Nobody plans for divorce but you never know.

• Things are going to go wrong, so let other people deal with it if you can.
• Your guests are fine and having a nice time, promise.
• You get what you pay for.
• Get your hair and make-up trials done as early as possible, you won’t regret it!
• Invite closer friends over family you don’t know well or see often. 
• If you’re going to splurge on anything, let it be the photographer.
• That no matter how hard you try, the day can often end up being for your family or other people. Elope!

• Walk down the aisle slowly and truly try to take it all in.
• I wish I’d kept things smaller and had a pizza reception, or whatever YOU want. 
• I wish I knew May 2020 was a no-go date.
• Don’t worry about it being Instagram-worthy. It flies by in the end!
• The ‘traditional’ stuff won’t be missed.
• Don’t forget to eat! You’ve paid for a delicious spread and you will regret not enjoying it. Plus it will help the Prosecco not go to your head so quickly. 
• Be realistic about how much you want to spend and don’t put yourself into debt for the sake of flowers or bridesmaid dresses- you have a whole life to live with your new husband or wife and will be grateful for the money in other ways. 

• Practise your first kiss and nail the perfect smooch for the ultimate money shot!
• Have an engagement or pre wedding shoot with your photographer to get comfortable in front of the camera. 
• If you don’t fancy a first dance, don’t do it!
• Don’t be afraid to say no in whatever capacity.
• You don’t need to lose weight, period.  
• Make sure your bar is in the same room as the dance floor/main event so your guests aren’t always separated or spread out. Keep the good vibes flowing! 
• Have a no phones policy during the ceremony and allow your photographer to capture the best bits- that’s what you’ve paid them for! 

• Think about daylight savings if you’re getting married in the autumn or winter- you’re potentially losing a lot of light for photos and it can feel super rushed getting all the shots you want in a smaller window. 
• Always have a wet weather plan.
• Get the videographer. 
• Try not to have anxiety about walking down the aisle, those watching you are your closest family and friends, no one is judging you!
• Do a first look! I didn’t but friends that did have said it eased their nerves so much and was one of their favourite moments of the day.

• PLEASE get a good DJ- it can be such a mood killer if the music isn’t to your taste and keeping the good vibes going.
• Your bridesmaids don’t need matching pyjamas, I promise.
• Don’t lose sight of other people’s finances and remember realistically not everyone’s year revolves around your big day!

TikTok has brought us many a joy, from Francis Bourgeois to feta pasta, it’s safe to say that thanks to this weird and wonderful app our lives are a little brighter for it. If you thought your For You Page had peaked before seeing this new summer fashion trend though, consider yourself severely mistaken. Introducing: Coastal Grandma chic. 

The term was coined by TikTok user Lex Nicoleta and is characterised as clothing suitable for the life of an affluent older woman during the summer season, most likely found living in a quaint coastal town and enjoying a glass of Sauvignon blanc at midday, just because. Think linen trousers, straw bucket hats, white open shirts and Birkenstocks, the trend is all about embodying what it means to live a life that’s effortlessly and unapologetically relaxed to the max. Imagine the beautiful older women seen in Nancy Myers films like It’s Complicated and Something’s Gotta Give, and bingo, Coastal Grandma. 

If you’re a farmers market, fresh pastries, beach walks, organic fruit, linen bedsheets and Waterstones cafe kinda person, this trend is for you. Grab your cucumber water, deckchair and SPF 50 because this summer is about pure escapism. Google, play “This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)…

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At the time of writing, it is cloudy with a chance of existential crisis and if our memory serves us right, 2022 has handed us a grand total of four sunny days so far. This is your sign to write to your local MP and demand that whoever was carting around up there in their chariot of gold and ruling the skies in 2020 should reprise their role immediately. 

BUT in the name of trusting the process and manifesting rooftop Aperol Spritz (without the blanket), we’re making sure you’ve got a list of pub gardens at your fingertips so that when the seaside starts calling your name, you won’t waste any time plodding around Brighton in search of a watering hole with a decent plot. 

There’s nothing better than a cold pint in the sun, so don’t leave it up to serendipity, bookmark these beer / wine / snack gardens asap in our handy map below and secure your seats for the Jubilee. 

L’Atelier du Vin – Best for Wine & Charcuterie 

L’Atelier du Vin is one of B Town’s best-kept secrets, until we went and opened our big gobs. Sorry fellow Brightonians, we must learn to share. 

Not only is it off the beaten track up in the bougie Seven Dials neighbourhood (this has taken an unexpected Selling Sunset turn), its sheltered champagne garden is the ultimate sun-trap, perfect for lapping up the sunshine with a bottle of Bollinger on ice. 

Inside, you’ve got a speakeasy style bar setting made for comfy night caps and intimate date nights with a great cocktail or a rare vintage in hand. They also happen to do 10/10 picky bits, so you’ll have a selection of salty snacks to soak up the vino. 

It’s also known as one of the best-stocked wine and champagne groups in Sussex. Calling all discerning sun-worshippers and those who fancy themselves something of a sommelier after a few Savvy Bs, this is the good place. 

Flint House – Best for Classy Drinks & Small Plates

If you can nab a spot on the roof terrace at this place you’ll be happy as a clam. Whilst not technically a ‘pub garden’, Flint House is a great spot to people watch from above, stuff your face with their signature Sweetcorn Fritters and Jalapeno Mayo (when at Flint House) and while away a few hours with a glass of English Sparkling Wine from the Ridgeview wine estate in the South Downs. If you like your gardens elevated and your wine world-class, head to this spot in the buzzy Hanningtons Lane. 

Ohso Social – Best for Sunsets & Sea Views 

The seafront cafe-bar is a great all-round venue for those looking to get a real taste of Brighton with live music and a scenic ocean backdrop. Tuck into classic fish and chips, sharing platters and vegan breakfast served with herby falafel and beetroot houmous, all whilst soaking up some of the most iconic views in Brighton. In the mood for a sundowner?

Opt for the Disco Inferno cocktail sharer for up to 6 people – Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum, Captain Morgan Dark Rum, Triple Sec, Pineapple, Orange, Lime, Grenadine topped with a bottle of Prosecco and served in a disco ball. What a time to be alive. If the sun should completely vanish as it so often does because: England, fear not. Ohso Social has it covered with its heated outdoor terrace. 

The Ladies Mile – Best for the Whole Family 

The Ladies Mile is a dog-friendly pub on the outskirts of Brighton, offering cask ales, a wide range of lagers, ciders and wines. With plenty of seating out front and a child-friendly garden with a play area, it’s the go-to beer garden for all the family.

The menu boasts all your hearty pub classics including Sunday roasts, slow-cooked pork belly and shepherd’s pie alongside loaded fries and mouth-watering sharers from fried chicken wings to salt and pepper squid and whole baked garlic and rosemary camembert. Sign us up!

The Sidewinder – Best for Gin & Party Playlists

Kicking out pub classics and perfect plates, The Sidewinder is a solid spot to slurp on your first Pimm’s of the season. A bit further out from the hustle and bustle of central Brighton in St James’s Street Kemptown, this funky pub boasts not one but two of the best beer gardens in the city.

Worth a chatty Uber ride, eh? The menu offers everything from beer battered fish and chips to vegan dogs, tacos and roast dinners so whatever you’re craving, The Sidewinder will likely be able to come through for you. Expect the best DJs in town, live music, games, events and all the boho good vibes fit for a queen. 

Post House – Best for Location

Cafe by day, restaurant and bar by night, this unassuming meeting place is located in the bustling Lanes district on the historic Ship Street, tucked in a corner next to Cafe Coho. Word of warning, it’s easily missed if you’re too busy people /dog-watching (guilty). 

Behind the sensational tasting menu and stylish interiors you’ll discover a secret beer garden out back, complete with colourful, very on-brand murals and plenty of benches to seat you and your besties. Serving a fine selection of beers, wines and classic cocktails, we really see no reason to go anywhere else. Eat, drink and be merry!

The Mesmerist – Best for Bottomless Brunch

Whether you’re in search of Prosecco or hungover as hell and hungry for 10/10 pub grub, the Mes is a Brighton must. With bottomless brunches every Saturday and legendary Sunday roasts, you can go as boozy or as foodie as you like whilst admiring the view from the lush rooftop garden overlooking the Lanes.

The perfect location to make the most of Brighton and bask in the sunshine all day. Bottomless brunch is priced at £28pp for all the mimosas, bellinis, bloody Marys or Laines beer that you can drink in 2 hours. 

Good Companions – Best for Space 

For bigger groups looking for somewhere between Brighton and Hove, head to The Good Companions at Seven Dials. With a front terrace and spacious garden area out back complete with benches and booths, it’s a great spot to park up for the day and let the good times roll.

If you need any further persuasion, here’s your sign to dump him and drink the Aperol. Ladies and gentlemen: her. 

Rockwater – Best for the Instagram Bucket List

A round up of pub gardens wouldn’t be complete without the one and only Rockwater. We use the term ‘pub garden’ very loosely because, make no mistake, there’s not a sticky floor or a toothless man clutching a betting slip in sight at this place.

The vibes are simply immaculate! Situated on the picturesque Western Esplanade, the loungey beachfront destination is the ultimate place to be on a sunny day (if you can get a table). Head straight to the rooftop for sunshine, seafood and fizz with the girls or reserve a table indoors in the bar and kitchen area with the doors flung open and get the best of both worlds as you watch the waves roll in. If you’re looking for something more casual, order from the shack and rock up on the beach deck – no booking required. 

Hove Place – Best for a Relaxed Atmosphere 

For top notch food and a tree-lined Italian-inspired garden, check out Hove Place at the top of First Avenue. A firm favourite with locals but easily missed by out of towners, it’s a hidden gem offering modern British food and laid-back vibes in the heart of Hove.

And for those of us who shiver at the thought of dining alfresco at any time of year, you’ll be glad to hear the garden is heated… because whilst the British weather is unreliable, the pubs of Brighton are always prepared. 

It may not be Thursday but the throwbacks are rolling in thick and fast today, as we count down 10 iconic TV shows that no longer grace our screens but live on in our heads rent free. Before the shiny days of Selling Sunset and KUWTK, life was a little simpler, with entertainment coming in the form of pimped cars, punk’d celebrities and lavish 16th birthday parties. Oh how times have changed. Keep reading to see if your favourite 90s or early 2000s show is on the list, and can we all agree a petition is needed immediately to bring back The Simple Life? Paris and Nicole, we miss you…

Wife Swap

If you were ever off sick from school in the 2000s, chances are your days lounging in front of the tele with a portion of chicken soup were spent bingeing episodes of Wife Swap, and quite honestly the combination couldn’t be beaten. First broadcast in 2003 and airing for 7 years before returning for a one-off episode in 2017, Wife Swap was created for Channel 4 and followed two families- mostly of different lifestyles and social classes- who would swap wives and mothers for a two week period. During the first part of the experiment, wives would have to strictly follow the rules set out in the manual of their new homes, taking on the exact roles, responsibilities and commitments of the OG wife. Then comes the rule change ceremony. During week two, wives are allowed to establish their own rules- of which their new families must obey- and if the arguments hadn’t already begun, expect them to explode from here on out. 

As the two weeks conclude, the original couples are reunited and both husband and wife pairs meet to discuss the experience- insults, jabs, snide remarks and all. In some rare cases, the couples were grateful for the lessons they learnt from each other’s relationships, children and lifestyles, and wholesome results were reaped by all- we love it when a plan comes together! A mixture of drama, emotion, and good old fashion shouting as a form of entertainment,Wife Swap may no longer be on our screens, but the memories of the pure chaos it created will live on forever. 

Supernanny 

Can’t decide on having kids or not? Watch a couple of episodes of Supernanny and get back to us. The British reality show aired from 2004-2008 and followed the work of children’s behaviour expert and all round TV legend, Jo Frost, whose stern tone and naughty step sanctions were enough to drive fear into the unruliest of children. The programme aired on Channel 4 and its success saw the release of follow-up show Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance which later ran from 2010 to 2012- one to seek out on YouTube for those who can’t get enough of Jo’s strict ways. 

Looking for the creme de la creme of parenting nightmares (sorry to the ma’s and pa’s involved)? Try Googling the Tsironis family (season 2, episode 10), the Newton family (season 2, episode 18) and the Daniels family (season 4, episode 7) to delve into the fiery encounters of Supernanny and her tiny nemeses at their best. Do throwbacks get better? We think not.  

Footballers Wive$

A true blast from the past if there ever was one, may we kindly remind you of the one, the only:Footballers Wive$. Gracing our screens from January 2002 to April of 2006 (quite frankly not long enough), the British drama followed the lives, players and wives of fictional Premier League football club Earls Park F.C.

The show first focused on three main couples, enter Ian and Donna Walmsley, Jason and Tanya Turner and Chardonnay Lane and Kyle Pascoe, but from the third series the storyline turned to document the love triangle between Tanya Turner, Amber Gates and Conrad Gates- unrivalled drama. Fame, fortune and football were at the centre of the young couples’ worlds, and when staying in the spotlight is the goal, there’s little they wouldn’t do to keep at the top of their game, both on and off the pitch.

Ready to revive your love for Earls Park? You can watch the whole thing via BritBox and lap up the best of early 00s drama. 

The Simple Life 

American television peaked with The Simple Life and we won’t hear otherwise. The series aired from December 2003 to August 2007 and followed socialites and all round icons Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, as they struggled to do manual, low-paying jobs such as housekeeping, farm work and serving meals in fast-food restaurants. The show was said to be born out of a challenge from Fox Television’s Chairman, Sandy Grushow, to find a new and exciting way to produce comedies in a non-traditional format, and boy oh boy did they hit the jackpot when creating The Simple Life. 

The show pulled in an incredible 13 million viewers a week at its peak, with some of its most hilarious scenes including Paris cooking bacon with an iron, the pair giving people the middle finger whilst dressed as a sonic mascot, and finally Nicole dropping and vacuuming someone’s ashes from the floor. Eek. There were no shortage of laughs and “loves it” moments from this short but sweet series that we frankly wish we could have lived on forever. 

My Super Sweet 16

My Super Sweet 16 was an American reality TV series that followed the lives of teenagers across the US, Canada and the UK as they prepared to throw lavish, excessive and expensive coming-of-age parties as part of their 16th birthday celebrations. The show aired on MTV from January 2005 to September 2017, with the iconic opening theme song “Sweet Sixteen” sung by Hilary Duff. Apologies in advance as this bop will likely be stuck in your head for the next 24 hours straight.

Scandalous, shocking and filled with endless ‘did that really just happen?’ moments, My Sweet 16 will go down in television history as a format that cannot be topped, from the girl who arrived to her party in a coffin (you okay, sis?) to Pharrell Williams casually performing at another, legend has it MTV views have been down ever since the show ended. All that’s really left to say is, may we all channel the same OTT party planning energy for every future birthday to come. Gold throne arrival, anyone?  

Pimp My Ride

Star eye emojis everywhere, let us not forget the iconic Pimp My Ride. The US series was produced by MTV and hosted by rapper Xzibit and ran for six seasons from 2004 to 2007. If you were living under a rock during this time or are too Gen Z to recall,  each episode followed the journey of taking a seriously lacklustre car and restoring, customising and allround transforming it from functional to downright ridiculous (but kind of badass).

Whilst sometimes questionable in their design, each car was kindly ‘pimped’ to the personalities and needs of its owner, for example one avid badminton player had a badminton net installed in the back of his Caravan, and a surfer got a clothes dryer in the back of his Volkswagen- cute! Everything from paintwork, accessories, tires, rims, electronics, and mechanical work was considered to make each car the best it could possibly be, with seemingly no expense spared in bringing the wildest and wackiest of creations to life in the name of creating the perfect car. 

If you fancy a road trip down memory lane, episodes of note include the functional and fashionable pool table truck of season 3 (episode 25), the one and only van with a hot tub for relaxation on the road (season 3, episode 1), and of course theToyota RAV4 (season 6) with a chocolate foundation in the back, naturally. Anyone fancy switching up their Fiat 500 for something a little more interesting?

MTV Cribs

“Hey MTV and welcome to my crib!”  If you ever fancied a peek inside the world of the rich and famous, MTV Cribs was the show for you. First airing in September 2000, the show featured tours of the homes of over 185 celebrities including musicians, actors, and athletes over the course of its 13 seasons, including names such as Naomi Campbell, Pamela Anderson, Ludacris and The Osbournes. 

The most watched episode though? It comes as no surprise that top of the list is the special one-hour episode showcasing the inside of Mariah Carey’s New York penthouse. From describing her shimmering golden sofa as the more ‘serious’ part of her home, to hopping on the Stairmaster in heels against a panoramic New York backdrop, the episode was and remains a true inspiration to all. Who needs Architectural Digest anyway?

In 2021 it was announced the show was BACK, premiering in August of last year and featuring the homes of Martha Stewart, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Snooki, and other stars. May MTV Cribs never die!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Considered part of a wave of 90s media featuring strong female leads (we love to see it), Buffy The Vampire Slayer was an American supernatural drama series (based on the 1992 film of the same name, FYI) that has gone down in history as one of the best of its time. Premiering in 1997 and coming to an end in 2003, the series follows Buffy Summers, the latest in a line of young women known as “Vampire Slayers” chosen by fate to battle against vampires, demons and other forces of darkness. Despite desperately hoping for a more normal life, Buffy embraces her fate as the series progresses and steps into her power as the strong female protagonist that no doubt inspired young women everywhere during this era.

Episodes reached between four and six million views on original airing, and between Buffy’s yk2 grunge style (baby tees and all) to the iconic soundtrack album that followed, there are endless memorable moments that make this throwback one we wish had never ended.

Made 

A pay rise please for whoever was working across MTV’s show in the 90s and 2000s, we give you yet another memorable classic: Made. The self-improvement reality TV series followed teens with a serious goal in mind- to be “made” into everything from singers, athletes and dancers to skateboarders.

The hopeful cast were joined by a “Made Coach”, an expert in their chosen field, with the aim of helping them attain their goals over the course of several weeks. Over the course of 15 seasons and 280 episodes, some serious transformations were undergone, and whilst we’re unsure if any of them did ever ‘make’ it, the journey to watching them try was as wholesome as it comes!

Punk’d

Created by Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg, Punk’d was an American hidden camera show that pranked celebrities in some of the most weird and wonderful ways. The show’s first prank? Aiming high, the team first punk’d Hollywood legend Justin Timberlake, where he was led to believe that government agents were seizing his home and valuables because of unpaid income taxes. The moment was so memorable within popular culture in fact that it was ranked  #3 on Time Magazine’s list of Epic Moments in Reality TV History- high praise indeed! 

Other iconic moments include Taylor Swift thinking she caused a wedding party to have to jump ship after setting off fireworks with pal Justin Bieber that caused a beachside explosion, to Zac Efron being framed for robbing a store whilst shopping with HSM costar Ashley Tisdale. Punk’d was the dictionary definition of chaotic energy and we can’t help but love it more because of it.  

Today is International Nurses Day, a day observed around the world on 12th May – the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth – to recognise the contribution nurses in the UK and around the world have made to society. 

On the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they have faced the most unprecedented challenges over the past two years whilst leading patient care, and this day offers a chance to learn about the reality of the work they do day in, day out and the issues they face whilst simply trying to do their job just like the rest of us. 

Whilst the weekly applause and rainbow drawings displayed in windows may have disappeared, this annual day acts as a reminder to give thanks for the incredible work they do to put the needs of strangers before their own. 

Here we’re celebrating the best of humanity and the life and soul of the NHS – the people behind the PPE and the moments that made them the remarkable nurses they are today. 

Chloe’s Story 

My route to nursing wasn’t traditional. I didn’t do well in college and didn’t have a  career path/plan in place. I was already working in housekeeping in the hospital, then went on to work in care and radiology. I knew I wanted to make nursing a career, so I applied for an access course and then went to university. I am now a Nurse Practitioner in primary care, looking after patients with both acute and long term conditions, cervical screening, childhood immunisation program, travel health, COVID-19 vaccines, flu vaccines and palliative care. 

I was shielding during the height of the pandemic due to my own health issues so I worked from home throughout. It took a while to adjust. A visual assessment of a patient is key to nursing, as you can imagine. It helps highlight other ongoing medical/social issues, so not being able to see patients or how patients were presenting, and not being able to use visual cues to complete a holistic assessment was tricky. This meant that appointment times increased to try and pick up on things that would be easily identified face-to-face.

In a  hospital, no amount of training will prepare you for being handed the keys for the first time or being the charge nurse for the first time. Whereas in the community I struggle with my own autonomy and not having that constant sounding board of the MDT at my fingertips. The dynamic between the MDT is much like any working dynamic. I think it has a lot to do with personalities and respecting what role people play. Nursing very often is gut instinct and sometimes you have to advocate for your patients and your instinct. There’s often a different rapport patients have with nurses vs doctors – patients tend to ask questions much more openly around us. I’d say This Is Going to Hurt is probably the most realistic representation of health care thus far. That said, there’s definitely some discrepancies (and inaccuracies) between TV shows and reality for sure.

The work life balance can be hard to manage as shifts don’t tend to follow a pattern. This was one of my main reasons for leaving acute medicine. I didn’t ever really mind night shifts themselves, it was the swapping back to days that was the struggle for me. My balance now is much better in primary care, despite the frequent late finishes.

The most rewarding thing for me is helping patients when they’re at their most vulnerable and unexpected moments. Also seeing a patient succeed on their health journey will never fail to make me smile!

Chloe

In terms of the future of nursing, looking at fair pay and retention of nurses needs to be addressed to protect those training now. I’ve often thought I’d like to work for a humanitarian company like Gavi vaccine alliance but right now I’m happy where I am. Knowing you can’t save everyone, as well as the verbal abuse, can be emotionally exhausting. It takes a lot of empathy, quick thinking and a strong stomach but for me, it’s more than just a job. Nursing was the best decision I made, there’s a lot of ups and downs but I wouldn’t change my path.

Rachael’s Story

After not getting into vet school at 18, I started working at my local hospital as a Porter whilst reapplying. After not getting a place for the second time, I went to study Zoology at university and continued portering in my holidays. After finishing uni and some travel, I continued working as a Porter and never really found a job I wanted to do that was relevant to my degree. I had started volunteering for The Cinnamon Trust walking dogs for elderly owners who were no longer able to themselves. I developed good relationships with the owners and enjoyed popping in for a chat as much as the dog walk. Combined with my hospital experience I decided to pursue a career where I could work with the elderly, and that is what led me to decide to apply to nursing school.

I am now a band 5 registered nurse working in A&E. Once patients have been triaged to the area I’m working in, I assess the patients, and perform investigations, such as taking bloods that are appropriate to the patient’s presentation. I also assess the patient’s acuity to see if the patient can wait to be seen in time order or if they require a doctor to review the patient as a priority. I liaise with the doctors to prescribe any treatment I feel they need in the meantime, such as pain relief or anti sickness, to make the patients more comfortable. Once they have been reviewed by a doctor or specialty, I am then administering and evaluating any treatment, continually assessing the patient and ensuring safe discharge from the department. This also encompasses meeting a patient’s needs, including hygiene, nutrition and hydration.

Working in the height of the pandemic was tough. So much wasn’t known and still isn’t about the virus so the fear element was definitely a constant presence. The fear of catching the virus ourselves or passing it on to our loved ones. I was fortunate enough to work somewhere where we had sufficient PPE, but that was a lot to get used to, wearing all of that PPE for the best part of 12 hours wasn’t easy. It was very hot, there was little opportunity to rehydrate, the FFP3 masks would often leave sore marks. I developed contact dermatitis initially from the PPE. I lived alone and so found it hard to come home from a tough day and to not have that social contact as a release from work. Another tough aspect was the very sick patients whereby they weren’t responding to treatment. Nothing we were doing was improving their condition, and these were young people with no previous conditions. I think it caused a lot of staff across the NHS to burn out.

For my own mental health, I think it’s important to decompress after work. Sometimes it’s just watching some good old trashy reality tv. Reading a book. Crying if I need to if it was an emotional day. It’s definitely better for me to acknowledge how the day made me feel, process it and then I can move on. As a newly qualified nurse, I didn’t do this and ruminating over things is definitely not good for my mental health. It’s good to have a balance of friends that are nurses because they completely understand what it’s like, but also to have people outside of the profession who maybe aren’t quite as jaded as we can be!

When it comes to the dynamic between members of staff, in general in A&E, I find there’s a good relationship with the doctors! It’s all about having mutual respect and trust. Most doctors are approachable, there’s not really the old fashioned  hierarchical attitude of doctors, they genuinely know the value and importance of the role of nurses. 

I have witnessed it in practice, but thankfully I think it is much less common than it was. Like anything in life, you’re going to come across people you don’t like, or like more than others. It’s about maintaining a good professional working relationship despite how you personally may feel about someone. 

I do weirdly love watching medical dramas! I think as a general rule though, the tv shows are highly unrealistic! In Grey’s Anatomy the doctors seem to do it all, nurses don’t seem to exist or if they do they are normally portrayed in a negative light or are being belittled by the doctors. I think most shows don’t show the real pressures we are under. They also tend to get the medical information drastically wrong! Which is hard to watch. I have read This Is Going To Hurt and it was very relatable, including the heart breaking bits and the reasons why he sadly chose it was best for him to leave the profession. I can’t speak for how well they have translated that to screen though!

I love that nursing is a job where I’m constantly learning, every day is a school day! I also find medicine super interesting which helps! I like that no two days are the same. It’s a very sociable job. It’s a privilege being able to care for people in their hour of need. It’s very rewarding when you give treatment and see dramatic improvement in the patient’s condition or you’ve been able to relieve their pain and discomfort. People have had such interesting lives and I love hearing from them what stories they have from along the way! On the flipside, one of the worst things is the verbal and physical abuse you get. People can forget that we are human and we are just doing our best in what are often less than ideal circumstances. Some people it seems they become a patient and feel as though they have a right to physically or verbally abuse healthcare staff. It can be a very thankless job. This went to an extreme with people attending protests calling NHS staff murderers saying the whole pandemic was a conspiracy we are all in on. So disheartening and insulting at a time that was really difficult for us all.

The work life balance is also hard to master. Nights really affect me and so having any plans in the days after finishing nights I find really difficult. I have always had a job where I’ve worked weekends but I still find it hard when my non-nursing friends have every weekend available and I have to have some serious planning to make sure I’m free on that date! I try to use requests wisely to ensure at least once a month I have a weekend off. Try and coordinate things like going for breakfast with work friends when we finish nights. I think it is also finding the right workplace that works for you! When you know you are somewhere where the same group of you is always on nights and weekends, that the rota is not done fairly, that can definitely impact on your work-life balance!

Looking to the future, sadly I think there’s quite a blame culture in my experience of the NHS. It can often feel like if a complaint were to be made, you’d be thrown under the bus and the complainant believed over the nurse every time. I think overhauling this culture would go a long way in ensuring nurses feel supported and protected.

Being a nurse is challenging, educational, emotional and rewarding. It takes empathy, personable skills, and adaptability. No amount of training can prepare you for that first year where you are a newly qualified nurse and suddenly you’re in the numbers!

Rachael

It feels completely different to being a student nurse. I definitely didn’t realise how much the nurse I was working with would be doing when I thought I was running the show as a student! It is no longer a little list of jobs you can do, you are responsible for all of the patients in your care! It is quite a leap. Even getting used to finding your voice enough with the doctors and learning to delegate work to others in the team took some getting used to for me! As a student I had very little interaction with the doctors and suddenly they valued my clinical judgement!

I personally feel that self-awareness is very important in being a nurse too. You have to acknowledge the limits of your skills and knowledge and recognise if you have made a mistake and constantly reflect and learn lessons on how you can improve your practice. Nursing is such a diverse career that I think there isn’t a single profile you can give for what makes a good nurse.

I do think A&E for me isn’t long term. It’s a place with quite a high turnover of staff. At some point I may consider doing a masters and going into advanced practice. I may venture to Australia and work there for a bit. I don’t have any solid plans to leave yet but the possibilities are endless!

Something to take away for Innational Nurses Day: Be nice to your nurses! Recognise that they do an amazing job, probably so much more than you realise unless you know a nurse personally!

Dan’s Story

I am a Ward Charge Nurse on a General Medical Ward. (Effectively a Deputy Ward Manager). 

Working during the pandemic was mentally, emotionally and physically draining. I have seen things that I will never forget throughout my whole career.

Something I would take away from International Nurses Day 2022 is to remember what being a nurse means to me, especially on the days when I feel like giving it all up. Being a nurse takes pride, compassion, care, emotion, empathy and excellent interpersonal skills. Nurses are warriors. 

Dan

The most rewarding thing about being a nurse is the job satisfaction and feeling like you have made a good impact on someone’s situation, the worst thing about being a nurse is feeling undervalued and underappreciated. I doubt that nurses will ever feel valued and protected until the government actually take responsibility and make the profession of nursing feel like it is a valued part of society. Many nurses often feel like their nursing pin is hanging by a thread, so to speak.

Alice’s Story 

I studied children’s nursing at University of Birmingham for 3 years after finishing my A-Levels. When I was looking at what A-Levels to take, nursing felt like a good option for me because I’ve always enjoyed working with people, especially children. The career interested me and I had a heart for caring for people so it just felt right. I qualified as a nurse in July 2020 in the middle of the pandemic! But I’d worked in Paediatric Intensive Care as a student nurse prior to this.

Now, I’m a band 5 staff nurse in PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care).  It involves looking after very poorly babies and children and their families. We look after children on a 1:1 basis, which basically means there is one nurse to each child. We look after lots of ventilated children on lots of different medicines and work alongside the multi-disciplinary team to give the best care that we can.

For me personally, the biggest challenge is when you can’t do anything else for someone. You’ve tried everything and there’s nothing more you can do and it truly can be heart-breaking. It’s also challenging when you don’t feel appreciated for all the hard work you put in, whether that’s from other hospital staff or families. 

You’ve definitely got to love it and it’s not for the faint-hearted (you need a strong stomach!). You’re dealing with life and death everyday so you have to be prepared for that. Obviously, you have to be caring and have a heart for looking after people. No amount of training can ever prepare you for your first resuscitation or death and the reactions of the parents. It’s not something normal to witness and it affects you more than you think it would. 

At first, I found the work/life balance hard too but I’ve definitely got better at it. With the hours we work, we tend to do 3-4 shifts a week when you’re on full time hours. On my days off I try to utilise them the best way I can, to have a rest but to also see my friends and go and do things. Night shifts are a little different because of sleeping in the day, you feel like you never see anybody, but after a day shift I sometimes go and see my friends and spend time with them. The NHS also offers flexible working and my unit is really accommodating- having that definitely helps with work/life balance. 

For me, the most rewarding thing about nursing is definitely the moments with the families. Giving a new mum the chance to have her first cuddle with her baby because they were too poorly before is one of the best feelings. It’s also so rewarding seeing the patients get better and go off to the wards and then home. The majority of families hugely appreciate the care their children receive and to hear that from them is rewarding because you know you have done a good job and it makes you feel accomplished. 

Being a nurse means being there for a child and their family through their hardest, darkest times. Caring for them and doing your best to ensure they receive the care that they need and deserve. It really is the most rewarding job ever.

Alice

Don’t get me wrong, the hours are long and it’s not an easy career but you take so much out of it. You can literally change or save someone’s life and not everyone can say they do that as their day job! I love working on PICU and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Maybe one day,  when I’m older,  I might think about community or GP nursing, but for now I’m happy where I am. 

This International Nurses Day, I’d love to see more support for nurses and for people to recognise that these past couple of years have been especially tough. Throughout the pandemic, we felt really valued but that has definitely reduced. I have to also be *that* person and say a pay rise would be nice. Nurses work such long hours and there are some that struggle to make ends meet. Celebrate your friends and family members that are nurses because you never know what they’re going through!

This article is an ad-guest post curated with Unfabled

The last thing you’d probably think about in relation to your menstrual cycle is being more productive. When most of us think about our cycles, we instantly focus on cramps, fatigue and PMS, but getting in sync with your cycle can be a great productivity hack – the trick is knowing how to make the most of the rise and fall of your hormones each month. To prove it to you, we’ve partnered with Unfabled, the world’s first cycle care shop, to show you how to work with your cycle, and not against it. 

First thing’s first, your menstrual cycle is so much more than just the bleeding bit – in fact your period is only one of four phases of your cycle that your body goes through every month.They are called:

As you move through your cycle, your sex hormones dip and rise to perform essential functions for your body – with this comes the positive and negative symptoms of your menstrual cycle.

Menstruation Phase

This phase starts on the first day of your period, all the way through to your last day of bleeding, and typically lasts about 3 – 8 days. During this phase of your cycle, your hormones are lying low and this can make being productive and getting things done tough with energy and focus out the window.

How to work with this phase:

• Don’t fill up your calendar— give yourself space to rest.
• Schedule time for self-care.
• You might not feel very social – skip the night out.
• Get an early night. 
• Book a yin yoga class over that HIIT session.
• Be gentle with yourself if you move at a slower pace than usual.

Follicular Phase

This phase overlaps with menstruation and officially begins on the first day of your bleed too. It’s the longest phase of your cycle and can last for 11 to 27 days, but the average is 16 days

In this phase, your progesterone and estrogen levels will rapidly increase, while Testosterone stays steady, but it may rise toward the end of this phase. Thanks to the boost in estrogen, you’re suddenly feeling driven to take on any challenge.

How to work with this phase:

• Take advantage of your newfound energy and get to work on your creative projects.
• The brain fog has lifted and you’re ready for those more complex tasks.
• High energy kickboxing or spin class? Yes please!
• Feeling ready to try something new – maybe a hobby class or even a trip to somewhere you’ve never been before.

Ovulation Phase

This phase occurs in the middle of your cycle when your follicle releases an egg. It usually lasts for only 24 hours, but the high estrogen and testosterone levels mean you can make the most of it for 3 to 4 days of your cycle.

The hormonal peak of testosterone gives you an outward-focused energy, while the estrogen peak makes you feel energetic and proactive. Think go-getter, social butterfly.

How to work with this phase:

• This is a great time to schedule important meetings and tough decisions.
• It’s an extroverted time for most women, making it ideal for working with groups of people.
• Got a big project coming up at work? Now’s the perfect time to take it on.
• Schedule that first date in this phase, and thank your hormones later. 

Luteal Phase

The Luteal Phase exists to prep your uterus for the possibility of a baby. Both estrogen and Progesterone rise, with Progesterone reaching its highest peak – but if the egg doesn’t fertilise, both hormones drop dramatically at the end of this phase. This phase tends to last anywhere from 12 to 14 days in most folks.

Progesterone has a calming effect, meaning that your mind will probably be a little slower, and productivity levels are low. It’s a natural winding-down time, and the end of this phase is associated with PMS.

How to work with this phase:

• Prioritise self-care.
• Queue your favourite rom-com. 
• Lighten your workload if possible.
• Gentle exercises like a swim or a walk are good choices. 
• Use this time for simpler tasks requiring less active brainpower, such as editing your work or catching up on admin.

Looking for more ways to make the most of your cycle and work with your hormones? Unfabled has a ‘shop by phase’ feature on their website, so you can find the right cycle care products to support you as you ride the wave of your hormones each month. Get in sync with your cycle and tune into that untapped period power – and take 20% off using the code ZOELLA20 at checkout. 

This article is an ad-guest post curated with Unfabled

Looking for books backed by the IT crowd? You have reached your destination. 

Be it a summer beach read, a gothic classic or an intimate memoir, the literary tastes of famous folk are far-reaching, meaning there’s something to suit every type of reader in this round up.

From Mr ‘As It Was’ demigod Styles to Kendall Jenner and Adele, no one can influence our book-buying habits quite like a well-read superstar. Here’s a look at what the rich and famous have been reading and recommending in their spare time. 

Cue the book haul…

1. Untamed by Glennon Doyle – Loved by Adele 

When Adele says a book transformed her life, you read it, for her word is gospel. 

In an Instagram post, Adele said, “​​If you’re ready – this book will shake your brain and make your soul scream. I am so ready for myself after reading this book! It’s as if I just flew into my body for the very first time. Whew! Anyone who has any kind of capacity to truly let go and give into yourself with any kind of desire to hold on for dear life – Do it. Read it. Live it. Practice it. We are a lot! But we are meant to be a lot! .. “A good life is a hard life!” Read this book and have a highlighter on hand to make notes because you’ll want to refer back to it trust me! I never knew that I am solely responsible for my own joy, happiness and freedom!! Who knew our own liberation liberates those around us? Cause I didn’t!! I thought we were meant to be stressed and dishevelled, confused and selfless like a Disney character! ProBloodyFound!! You’re an absolute don Glennon.”

Tabs at the ready, BookTokers. And Adele, if you’re reading this, we’re fully *ready*… for your book club. 

Buy it here!

2. East of Eden by John Steinbeck – Loved by Emma Chamberlain

In a bid to curb her social media intake before bed and look after her mental health, Emma Chamberlain took up reading again last year and she’s been giving us hot book summer ever since. 

In a video she uploaded to her YouTube channel she said, “Becoming a book reader has made me less depressed. Reading is harmless. Going on social media is not harmless. It makes you sad, it makes you compare yourself to other people, it makes you depressed, it’s no bueno.” 

Now, most of us wouldn’t be so ambitious to kick off our reintroduction to reading with Steinbeck’s chunky 600 page classic novel. It’s thick and scary and will likely break ya brain but in the name of expanding literary horizons and making alpha energy moves a la Miss Chamberlain, we’ll include it in this round up to give us all something to aim for in 2022.  

Set in the rich farmland of the Salinas Valley, California, this powerful, often brutal novel, follows the intertwined destinies of two families – the Trasks and the Hamiltons – whose generations hopelessly re-enact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel. Here Steinbeck created some of his most memorable characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity; the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love’s absence.

Buy it here!

3. The Marvels by Brian Selznick – Loved by Olivia Rodrigo 

Sour reads? Olivia doesn’t know them. 

Two seemingly unrelated stories – one in words, the other in pictures – come together with spellbinding synergy. The illustrated story begins in 1766 with Billy Marvel, the lone survivor of a shipwreck, and charts the adventures of his family of actors over five generations. The prose story opens in 1990 and follows Joseph, who has run away from school to an estranged uncle’s puzzling house in London, where he, along with the reader, must piece together many mysteries. How the picture and word stories intersect will leave readers marvelling over Selznick’s storytelling prowess.

Filled with mystery, vibrant characters, surprise twists, and heart-rending beauty, and featuring Selznick’s most arresting art to date, The Marvels is a moving tribute to the power of story. Be warned, it will swallow you whole. 

Buy it here!

4. Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – Loved by Emma Watson 

Self-professed book lover Emma Watson’s got a few recommendations up her sleeve. In a 2010 interview with TIME she said Le Petit Prince and Roald Dahl’s BFG were two of her favourite books of all time. ““I like books that aren’t just lovely but that have memories in themselves. Just like playing a song, picking up a book again that has memories can take you back to another place or another time.”

The story follows an air pilot who is forced to make an emergency landing in the Sahara Desert. There, he befriends a mysterious young prince from out of space who tells him a series of wise and enchanting stories. This simple, beautiful fable has captured the imaginations of both adults and children ever since it was first published in the 1940s. Now considered a contemporary classic, it is a book to share and to treasure.

Buy it here!

5. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo – Loved by Daisy Edgar-Jones

In 2020, Normal People actress Daisy Edgar-Jones took to Instagram to share her love for Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other, joint-winner of the Booker Prize in 2019. 

Her caption read, “Having watched the video by the wonderful @missdumezweni I wanted to share this book with you. Girl, Women, Other by Bernardine Evaristo is one of the most powerful, honest, funny and moving pieces of writing I’ve ever read. The story takes us into multiple different perspectives, it explores race, sexuality, modern femaleness, Britishness and so much more. I can’t wait to read the rest of her work and to continue deepening my understanding. We must continue to educate ourselves and do all we can to support, “in a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist” Angela Yvonne Davis #blacklivesmatter”

Vibrant and poetic, Girl, Woman, Other follows the lives of twelve very different people in Britain, predominantly female and black. Aged 19 to 93, they span a variety of cultural backgrounds, sexualities, classes and occupations as they tell the stories of themselves, their families, friends and lovers, across the country and through the years.

Buy it here!

6. Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame by Charles Bukowski – Loved by Harry Styles 

There have been multiple sightings of Mr Styles with a book in hand and on more than one occasion, it’s been a work of Bukowski. It’s no secret that he’s a fan of the poet, so much so that a fan once threw a copy of one of his books onstage during a 1D concert. It’s also been said his song-writing has been inspired by him, particularly his song “Woman”. 

Known for his witty, simplistic style and mind-blowing way with words, you can see how these two lyrical geniuses would vibe. With lines like, ‘Nothing matters but flopping on a mattress with cheap dreams and a beer,” his stanzas are gritty, raw and romantic which is exactly the kind of poetry we’d have Hazza down for. 

Buy it here!

7. Love Is A Mixtape by Rob Sheffield – Also Loved by Harry Styles

Harry gets two mentions, just so we all get to relive this photo.

When Rolling Stone staffer Rob Sheffield’s wife Renee died suddenly, he trawled back through the mix tapes they used to make each other throughout the course of their tragically short relationship. At times almost unbearably poignant, Sheffield’s music memoir is, ultimately, an uplifting hymn to the redemptive power of song and the connections that music makes throughout life.

Buy it here!

8. The Stranger by Albert Camus – Loved by Gigi Hadid 

When you’re a Hadid sister, handheld literature is just as hot as carrying the latest It bag and supermodel Gigi is certainly no stranger to cult reads, often photographed with a book in tow. 

The Stranger tells the baffling story of a young shipping clerk, Meursault, and the surprising ways he reacts to the world around him. The novel begins with one of the most famous openings in modern literature, “Mother died today. Or maybe yesterday; I can’t be sure.” Meursault’s indifference towards his mother’s death sets the tone for the rest of the novel and acts as a plot device for Albert Camus to explore a bunch of philosophical questions around emotion, existentialism, societal standards and what truly defines humanity. 

Buy it here!

9. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller – Loved by Reese Witherspoon

Always one step ahead when it comes to finding the best new books, Reese Witherspoon could recommend The Hungry Caterpillar and we’d read it (for pleasure). 

She never fails to choose the ultimate page-turners and The Paper Palace is no exception. 

In an Instagram post announcing her Reese’s Book Club pick she said, “I was totally immersed in the fast-paced narrative that seamlessly wove together past & present. And ALL the beautiful details in this book are enough to pull at your heartstrings…every sentence is SO vivid and luxurious you feel like you’re transported to a lakeside retreat in Cape Cod with a family you have known forever. I think you will love this one!“

The Paper Palace is a deeply emotional love story that follows one day in the life of Elle Bishop as she navigates the unravelling of secrets, lies and a very complex love triangle between her childhood best friend and her husband… *adds to cart*

Buy it here!

10. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier – Loved by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s last two albums Folklore and Evermore are teeming with literary easter eggs from Wordsworth to Peter Pan and multiple nods to Bronte’s Jane Eyre, so it’s obvious Tay Tay often turns to books for inspiration for her genius Nobel Prize worthy lyrics. 

Speaking at the Apple Music Awards, the American singer-songwriter shared her love of the Daphne du Maurier gothic classic, Rebecca, and the influence it had on her haunting ballad “Tolerate It”. She said, “When I was reading Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier and I was thinking, ‘Wow, her husband just tolerates her. She’s doing all these things and she’s trying so hard and she’s trying to impress him, and he’s just tolerating her the whole time. There was a part of me that was relating to that, because at some point in my life, I felt that way.”

Note to self: Read. More. Classics. 

Buy it here!

11.  Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World by Anand Giridharadas – Loved by Timothée Chalamet 

We’re going to go right ahead and assume Dune and Little Women are both already hot favourites in the Chala-yay canon so in order to bring you something fresh from the internet’s boyfriend, we’re going for a non-fiction entry he mentioned in an interview once. 

In this international bestseller, Anand Giridharadas takes us into the inner sanctums of a new gilded age, showing how the elite follow a ‘win-win’ logic, fighting for equality and justice any way they can – except ways that threaten their position at the top. 

But why should our gravest problems be solved by consultancies, technology companies and corporate-sponsored charities instead of public institutions and elected officials? Why should we rely on scraps from the winners? Trenchant and gripping, this is an indispensable guide and call to action for elites and citizens alike.

As suspected, his taste in books is as razor-sharp as that jawline. 

Buy it here!

12. Breasts & Eggs by Mieko Kawakami  – Loved by Natalie Portman 

Now there’s a title you won’t forget in a hurry. In Breasts and Eggs, Mieko Kawakami paints a radical and intimate portrait of contemporary working-class womanhood in Japan, recounting the heartbreaking journeys of three women in a society where the odds are stacked against them. 

A powerful and important piece of feminist literature that explores the oppressive mores of womanhood and the role and function of the female body. 

Buy it here!

13.  Silence by Erling Kagge – Loved by Fearne Cotton

As a bestselling author herself, Fearne knows a thing or two about books. In an interview with Stylist Magazine she named Silence as one of her favourite reads of all time, saying it had a profound effect on her from the very first sentence. Fearne said, “After reading the first sentence of this book, I felt my shoulders lowering and my breath slowing down. 

Erling is an explorer, so he has experienced long periods of silence and the benefits and wonders that arise from its magic. This has been a recent game changing read for me. I find myself properly listening to the sounds around me and growing in confidence when there is silence mid-conversation. Silence is where the magic lies.”

This is your sign to switch off your phone and soak up the quietude! 

Buy it here!

14. Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow  – Loved by Emma Roberts 

Emma Roberts is a self-confessed bookworm, having channelled her love of reading into the online book club community, Bellatrist. She frequently shares her favourite reads over on her Instagram, with her most recent rec being Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow. 

Perfect for fans of My Sister, the Serial Killer, the adult social horror novel follows 17-year-old Farrah, a young, calculating black girl who manipulates her way into the lives of her Black best friend’s white, wealthy, adoptive family but soon suspects she may not be the only one with ulterior motives. Told in Farrah’s chilling, unforgettable voice and weaving in searing commentary on race and class, this slow-burn social horror will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. 

Buy it here!

15. How to Cure a Ghost by Fariha Róisín – Loved by Kendall Jenner

Reading whatever Kendall Jenner’s poring over is a *need* not a must, we don’t make the rules, and as long standing members of her non-official book club, How to Cure a Ghost is top of our list (as is that thirst trap bikini).

A poetry compilation recounting a woman’s journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance, confusion to clarity, and bitterness to forgiveness. Following in the footsteps of such category killers as Milk and Honey and Whiskey Words & a Shovel I, Fariha Roisin’s poetry book is a collection of her thoughts as a young, queer, Muslim femme navigating the difficulties of her intersectionality. Simultaneously, this compilation unpacks the contentious relationship that exists between Roisin and her mother, her platonic and romantic heartbreaks, and the cognitive dissonance felt as a result of being so divided among her broad spectrum of identities.

Buy it here!

True or false: the average Brit spends 90% of their time indoors. Whilst at first shocking, you might not be surprised in the end to hear that in a world where digital comes first, there’s truth behind the statistic. For many of us, the unfortunate reality is that much of our days are spent tied to a screen or fulfilling obligations that pull us away from nature, and our health is suffering as a result. 

Not all is lost though, as research in England has revealed that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature has been linked with improved health and well-being, whether it be a combination of walking through the park to the shops or spending dedicated time absorbing your surroundings in the woods. If your ears are pricking up at the thought of reduced stress levels, a boosted immune system and lower blood pressure, may we present: forest bathing. Thanks to Basubu, a one-stop-shop for the world’s best yoga and meditation retreats, Charlotte of Team Zoella was able to try it out firsthand- keep reading for the full low down: 

But first, what is forest bathing?

According to National Geographic, “The term shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”) emerged in Japan in the 1980s and was encouraged as both a physiological and psychological exercise. The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests.” 

The concept came about after scientific studies by the Japanese government found that two hours of mindful exploration in a forest could reduce blood pressure, lower cortisol levels and improve concentration and memory- pretty powerful stuff. The studies also focused on phytoncides- chemicals released by plants and trees to protect themselves from insects and germs- which in humans help to boost the immune system as a result of their antimicrobial properties. Breathing in forest air has also been shown to increase the level of natural killer (NK) cells in our blood which are used to combat infections and cancers. This data led the Japanese government to introduce ‘shinrin-yoku’ as part of its national health programme, and an important foundation of preventative medicine. 

Forest bathing is not about exercise, getting in your 10,000 steps or conquering a new route to hike, it is simply about immersing yourself in nature and leaning into the five senses- sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. By focusing on our senses,we bridge the gap between us and the natural world.

Author of the book Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing, Dr Qing Li advises that no matter how beautiful your surroundings, you do not need technology present to capture the view. “Make sure you have left your phone and camera behind.” Says Li.  “You are going to be walking aimlessly and slowly. You don’t need any devices. Let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take you. Follow your nose. And take your time. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get anywhere. You are not going anywhere. You are savouring the sounds, smells and sights of nature and letting the forest in.” 

If you find other purposefully relaxing activities designed to de-stress the mind (such as meditation) difficult to connect with, forest bathing could be a great alternative in combining both mindfulness and meditative elements. Whilst during a traditional meditation it’s encouraged to let your thoughts come in and out of your awareness, mindfulness focuses on the benefits of being actively aware of your surroundings and how you feel in the moment. Forest bathing is the perfect union of the two, making for a welcome and somewhat rare opportunity to both check-in with yourself, let thoughts of your day-to-day float by, and focus on the beauty that is often right under our noses.

Fancy giving it a go yourself?

A step-by-step guide to forest bathing

1. Choose a forest, near or far, to explore and know your route whilst leaving your phone behind. 
2. Focus on the breath, ensuring your exhales are longer than your inhales to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and begin the relaxation process.
3. Wander around the area and take in your surroundings, stopping where you feel called to and bring your awareness to the senses.
4. Close your eyes for 30 seconds, and then slowly open them, looking from the ground up and slowly taking in your surroundings. First observe any movement or anything your eye is drawn to on the ground, then take your gaze slightly higher, and repeat until you are taking in the sky and treetops. Bring your awareness to how the clouds move, notice the branches and leaves in the canopy and notice any bodily sensations, feelings and emotions as they come.  Focus next on your feet and any sense of being grounded and connected to the Earth. 
5. Continue walking, pausing and connecting back with your surroundings when you feel called to. Remember to connect with your senses, listening to birds chirping or leaves rustling. Perhaps try touching the bark of a tree or the soil below your feet or smell some flowers if you spot any. 
6. Finish your experience with some more directional deep breaths and try to bring your newfound groundedness back into city life with you as you adjust back to urban noises and triggers.

Whilst part of the beauty of forest bathing is how accessible and easy it is to practise alone, guided tours can be the perfect way to allow yourself to completely disconnect from reality and empty your mind with the guidance of someone else. Charlotte from Team Zoella was kindly invited to participate in a forest bathing and yoga experience via Basubu, an online marketplace for wellness retreats and holidays, hosted by Xenia of Brighton Yoga. 

“The itinerary looked idyllic, with plans to start the day early with some Qi-Gong inspired movements and a short walk before stopping for a feel-good yoga flow. This would be followed by a further walk through the rolling, open Sussex fields surrounding Stanmer Park, heading to more remote areas of the forest for the full bathing experience.  Luck was on our side as far as the weather was concerned, heading into the woods on a beautiful sunny day at the end of April just as the bluebells appeared in full force, covering areas of the forest floor as far as the eye could see.

As there was so much planned within the schedule, the experience as a whole took around 4-5 hours which definitely threw me into the deep end of forest bathing and the sensory practices that come with tuning into nature. Having such a long experience definitely had pros and cons- the pros being it gave time to fully adjust from the digital world and provided a full, noticeable detox from technology. As for cons, it feels like a bit of a double-edged sword. Whilst meeting new and like-minded people was a lovely aspect of an activity like this, the length of the experience did naturally encourage conversation and the mind to begin to wander which I felt did inhibit some of the mindfulness benefits of solitude and tuning into the senses from feeling all-encompassing.

For me, the most grounding part of the experience and one which truly allowed me to sink into the good vibes of nature was the yoga flow we practised in one of the rolling fields that surround Stanmer. We were incredibly lucky with the weather on this particular Sunday and I have to say Shavasana in the sun has to be the most elite feeling ever. I hadn’t thought about the different textures that would feel noticeable under a yoga mat outdoors, and although the long grass made for a more challenging downward dog (already not my area of expertise), it provided a great opportunity to feel more attuned to nature, lap up some vitamin D and let go of the stresses of the day-to-day. For any yogis who have never practised outdoors, I really recommend it!

I was unfamiliar with what Qi-Gong was and what this would add to the practice of forest bathing, and for those also in the dark, here’s what you need to know…”

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Qi-Gong, pronounced “chi gong,” was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves using exercises to optimise energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being. Qi-Gong has both psychological and physical components and involves the regulation of the mind, breath, and body’s movement and posture. The breath becomes slow, long, and deep, movements are typically gentle and smooth, aimed for relaxation, and mind regulation includes focusing one’s attention and visualisation.

“Although at times feeling unnatural to be moving so freely (and often with our eyes closed), in a public setting, I found I was able to let go of day-to-day pressures, anxieties and insecurities thanks to being in a group and flow through each movement without worry. It was really invigorating to do so and let go of the pressures that exist about how we look to one another and simply ‘be’. If I took one thing away from the experience as a whole it was that we often have an innate wisdom and inner peace within us that with a little work we can return to at all times. Sometimes it might be harder to find than others, but forest bathing and surrounding yourself with nature allows you to re-centre yourself, balance your nervous system and come back to this internal calm more easily. 

Overall, I loved spending this time in nature- far more than I would have done otherwise- and carving out a specific portion of my week to soak up the benefits of being amongst a forest. I left feeling calmer, refreshed and with a newfound appreciation for the well-being benefits that are so often overlooked on our doorsteps. They say nature is healing, and it’s true!”

To book your own forest bathing experience with Brighton Yoga, check out their upcoming events on Basubu, or browse their incredible selection of worldwide wellness retreats and experiences to secure a slice of peace for your mind, body and soul. Namaste!