Thinking back to your childhood might feel like a blur of CBBC and Bratz Dolls, but if there’s anything that sticks in your mind then it’s likely your favourite dinner (surely Turkey Dinosaurs), your favourite toys, and the book you insisted on being read to you again, and again, and again…

It’s not hard to tell that here at Zoella we live for a good book, and from our first read to our most recent, the tales that fill our imagination and spark joy from the first page to the last are the stuff of magic. Today we’re sharing a selection of baby books loved by Zoe, Ottilie and tiny humans across the globe, making the perfect purchase for both your own little ones or those of family and friends. Ideal for babies and toddlers alike, look no further for a selection of classics and newer releases that are sure to become the sentimental books you keep forever ‘just because’.

*This post contains ad-affiliate links

So long spontaneous beach days and beer garden hangouts, it was nice knowing you. As the inevitable grey clouds and rain emojis grace our weather apps, finding ways to fill your weekend might feel a little more challenging now that lounging in a park with an iced coffee isn’t a given Saturday pastime. Thankfully, the city that never sleeps has you covered with a plethora of indoor, no-sun-required activities to get you through your mid-week slump, from inspiring exhibitions to drool-worthy afternoon teas, there’s sure to be something to transform your autumn calendar from dull to dreamy…  

Times New Roadman, Browns East Gallery:

Consider a trip to Browns East Gallery an afternoon well spent this autumn for the hilarious art/meme crossover that is Times New Roadman’s work. The Bournemouth-based artist never fails to turn niche cultural moments into artwork you would actually like to hang on your wall, and his latest exhibition Reflection On The Times is as hilarious as ever. Thirty of the artist’s works are on display at Browns East, plus a brand new piece featuring mirrors that allows you to become part of the art- intriguing!  Head down to Browns until 31st December and enjoy browsing their incredible selection of clothes before heading to this quirky, laugh-out-loud worthy installation. 

📍 Learn more here!

Bevs and Brunch at Near and Far, Camden:

Overdue a BFF catch-up in a space sure to feel anything but downbeat? Near and Far Camden is the slice of Cali cool you’re seeking. Spread over 4 floors and featuring a 100% gluten-free menu, N&F Camden is the perfect dose of sunshine in what might feel like an otherwise dreary introduction to sweater weather.  If your week has felt seriously long, or you’re in the mood for celebrating, then look no further than their Happy Hour offerings. Visit from Sunday to Friday and enjoy 2 Signature Cocktails for just £10, 5pm-7pm. Sign us up!

In London for the weekend? Head down on Saturdays between 11am to 3:30 pm and Sundays between 12pm till 4:30pm and enjoy a meal, plus 2 hours of bottomless Prosecco, Aperol Spritz, Margaritas AND Bloody Marys. With a delicious mix of Californian-inspired options such as protein and poke bowls, chicken & waffles and GF French toast, bookmark Near and Far next time your mind draws a foodie blank. 

📍 Book it now!

Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear at The V&A:

Trying to fill the void that is time between Love On Tour 2022 and Love On Tour 2023? The V&A heard your cries for help with this one. Their latest mesmerising exhibition- in partnership with Gucci no less- explores how “designers, tailors and artists – and their clients and sitters – have constructed and performed masculinity, and unpicked it at the seams.” And spoiler alert- it includes the Gucci ball gown that was worn by Harry Styles on the cover of Vogue in December 2020. Hell to the yes. 

Unpicking and deconstructing the history of menswear from 1500 to present day, the exhibition features pieces from Harris Reed, Vivienne Westwood, Virgil Abloh and more of the industry’s iconic voices, contributors and visionaries who have influenced the way in which menswear continues to evolve. The exhibition is running until 6th November 2022, and at £20 a ticket, it makes for the perfect way to while away a rainy Sunday afternoon. 

📍 Learn more here.

Otherworld VR, Victoria and Hackney:

An experience so immersive that the state of the BBC weather forecast won’t be crossing your mind for a good few hours, a trip to Otherworld VR will transport you to another destination without the need to head through airport security. 

Home to sixteen unique VR experiences, yourself and friends will step into your own immersion pod, aka “a private space that combines an advanced VR headset with dynamic heat, wind and rumble effects to maximise your journey into immersive virtual reality.” Intense!

Explore new worlds, fight zombies or explore the island’s hidden secrets, all whilst earning DreamCoin- the local currency, duh- which you can use for discounts on your drinks when you head back into the real world. It’s a win-win! One for the thrill seekers of the group, you won’t forget this experience in a hurry.

📍 Learn more and book here.

ABBA Voyage:

Dancing queens, what are you waiting for if a night at ABBA Voyage isn’t in your diary this autumn? A night out like no other, this long-awaited production brings Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid to the stage like you’ve never seen before, combining cutting-edge technology to bring their digital avatars to life. Filling the purpose-built arena with their best-loved classics and equal parts joy and disbelief, consider an evening at ABBA Voyage a must this autumn. If that wasn’t enough to sell it to you, tickets start at just £21!

📍 Learn more and book here.

Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station:

The restoration of Battersea Power Station has been ongoing for some time now, but the next part of their plans to breathe life back into the Grade-II listed building and its surrounding areas is particularly wow-worthy. Taking you a mere 109 metres up, Lift 109 combines an immersive exhibition space and glass elevator to take you to the top of one of the iconic chimneys for panoramic views of the city like no other. Starting in the Power Station’s magnificent Art Deco Turbine Hall A, constellations of light guide you to the glass elevator, and let’s just say the views are set to be pretty impressive.

Sign up for their pre-sale now, and prepare to be wowed when the experience opens on 14th October. 

📍 Learn more and pre-sale sign up here.

Glide To Alexandra Palace Ice Rink:

Fancy recreating that scene from Last Christmas? An indoor activity for those already in the mood for xmas festivities (is it ever too early?), a trip to Alexandra Palace and their iconic ice rink is 90 minutes of escapism from the outside world sure to see you smiling. Whether you’re somewhat of a pro at gliding across the ice (how?) or fancy a guaranteed laugh with friends or family, this North London venue makes for a magical afternoon of childlike fun. 

📍 Learn more and book here.

Bottoms Up at Cahoots, Carnaby: 

“Welcome to Cahoots, where spirits are high and drinks never run dry – a playground for London’s scoundrels!”. Intrigued? Cahoots in Carnaby is a drinks spot like no other, set inside an abandoned train station, their 3 spaces- The Underground, Ticket Hall & Signal Station- transport you back to 1940s London quicker than you can say “One Old Fashioned, please!”. 

Featuring a life-size vintage tube carriage, live music, DJ sets, and an atmosphere like no other, head for a delicious retro inspired cocktail when in central and the heavens open. There’s worse ways to spend an afternoon! 

📍 Learn more here.

Swiftogedden, The Ultimate Taylor Swift Club Night:

No further information needed, a Swiftogedden club night will provide a month’s worth of serotonin in one fell swoop. Playing non-stop Swift from start to finish, these club nights (created by fans, for fans) are everything that’s great about Taylor rolled into one- the community, the bops (sad and slay-worthy), the opportunity to dance all night and a whole lot of love thrown into the equation too. With events in London, Birmingham, Brighton, Sheffield and just about every other UK city, get your Swiftie sisters together and secure your tickets in advance- these events get booked up fast!

📍 Learn more and secure tickets here.

Afternoon Tea at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane: 

Dodge the rain clouds this autumn with an afternoon of delights truly fit for royalty. Afternoon Tea at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is no ordinary afternoon tea, with their seasonally changing menu created by renowned ‘Queen of Cakes’ artisan baker and cake designer Lily Vanilli creating the ultimate in luxe, occasion-worthy dining. 

Bridgerton fans will rejoice at the Grand Saloon’s “dazzling chandeliers, ornate ceilings, beautiful furnishings and fine art”, with a menu of madeleines topped with lapsang-souchong glazed salmon and pickled fennel, bitesize cannelés with goats cheese and pickled beetroot, and, of course, Lily’s signature puff pastry sausage roll made with Cornish sausage meat among the many delights you’ll enjoy for just under £50pp. 

📍 Learn more and book here.

Board Game Heaven at Draughts, Hackney:

Passing a rainy afternoon with a board game or two is surely the most natural and nostalgic of activities you could opt for, and Draughts in Hackney has you and your gang sorted with hours of fun and a healthy dose of competitiveness. Housed in a historic Grade-II listed building, the venue’s seven interconnecting rooms mean you can easily while away a cosy afternoon with their selection of over 1,000 board games- yes you did read that correctly!

Enjoy a bite to eat alongside (veggie, vegans and gluten-free options available!) and cheers to bankrupting your bestie with your ruthless hotel placements in Monopoly. It’s a dog-eat-dog world. 

📍 Learn more here.

This is a guest post written by Financielle, for content pitches please email contact@zoella.co.uk

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will have seen the headlines about the cost of living crisis, but what can we actually do about it?

When things become overwhelming and you don’t feel like you have much control, it’s easy to carry on as you are.  When it comes to our money, there are some simple strategies we can put in place that can help us take back some control.

What is the cost of living crisis?

In its simplest form, the cost of living crisis refers to the fall in real disposable income, meaning our outgoings are increasing but our wages and benefits are not – or at least not at the same rate.  This has been made worse by recent tax increases too.

We have seen increases in the cost of energy, the food shop and fuel – with prices rising faster than they have done for 40 years and the Bank of England predicting energy prices especially will drive inflation to 13%.

The price increases are impacting items we need every day. If you do a food shop, drive a car or pay energy bills, you may have noticed an increase in these costs over the last couple of months and it’s not going to stop anytime soon.

How will it affect me?

Whilst everyone will struggle during the cost of living crisis, it’s important to call out a number of ways that women will be hit harder than men.

Women are often the shock absorbers of these rising prices, as they are more likely to manage the budget, do the food shop and even pay the household bills. Women are having to make decisions between what food the household can afford to buy, whilst making sure there is enough money to put fuel in the car and pay the heating bill.

This is all whilst being heavily targeted to part with their hard-earned cash by consumer brands. Society expects us to be beautified, dressed in the latest trends and fuzz free and all of this comes at a cost – especially when you factor in the pink tax.

This is on top of the already-unjust financial gaps, such as the gender pay gap, where women were paid just 90p for £1 earned by men and the gender pension gap, where women can expect to have over £100k less in their pension pots compared to men at the time of retirement.

During the cost of living crisis, if you are pregnant or looking to have a baby soon, you won’t receive an increase in SMP (statutory maternity pay) which stands at a measly £156.66 a week and if you are a single parent you won’t receive an increase in child maintenance payments, even though household outgoings will increase.

This is all very much doom and gloom and there are lots of elements outside of our personal control. You can, however, focus on the things you can control and we’ve created a helpful list for you:

1. Know Your Numbers – the first budget!

You have to pay attention to even the most basic of numbers – we need to work out where you’re at right now.  Set time aside to create a budget: you’re going to need four categories: Income, Fixed Expenses, Sinking Funds and Flexible Expenses.

Income: all income coming into the household

Fixed expenses: all fixed costs – usually your automatic bank payments – such as bills and subscriptions

Sinking Funds: a pot of money you build up for expected expenses, such as MOT, car insurance, travel or home repairs

Flexible expenses: all flexible or variable costs, such as food, groceries, fuel or gifts.

Use your banking apps and statements, collect all your logins and financial paperwork and try to do a first “as is budget”, filling the categories with the amounts you estimate that you spend right now.  

You could use the Financial App budget planner to do your first budget – otherwise, a piece of paper will do.

2. Squeeze the budget

Now, we’re going to try and squeeze the budget.  What can you cut from your budget to make the budget at least balance i.e. hit zero?  This means cutting out any unnecessary costs such as subscriptions you don’t desperately need, negotiating and securing better deals on things like your broadband or car insurance –  optimising the expenses you have.   

We need innovative and imaginative solutions here – sometimes it’s not as simple as cutting Netflix and that being enough.  It could be changing up hobbies, lengthening the time between beauty appointments or sharing entertainment accounts with friends or family.

Take our free Money MOT in the Learn section of the Financielle App for tips on how to squeeze your budget.

3. Focus on food and drink

For many of us, food is our love language and spending money on food brings us joy, whether that be foodie meals out, weekend drinks or new recipes we want to try out at home.

We’re not here to tell you that cutting back on iced lattes or avocado on toast will help you ride the storm, but there are ways to squeeze this expense without feeling like you’re missing out on your joy:

• Be Supermarket Savvy: If you’re guilty of nipping into Tesco Express and Waitrose Mini to do your grocery shopping, it’s time to get supermarket savvy. Convenience stores like this charge a premium because they are there to serve you when you’re at your most vulnerable. How many times have you gone in for milk and come out with a basket of snacks, a plant and some Ben and Jerrys? Head to the larger supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl and Tesco to get more bang for your buck.

• Create a food budget: When doing your weekly shop do you get to the checkout and hope there’s enough to cover it? We’ve all been there praying the payment gets approved but what if there was another way? Sitting down at the start of every month to determine how much you would like to spend on your grocery shopping will help you stay on track.  

• Meal Planning is key: If you head to a supermarket in the hope of finding meal inspiration, think again. You’re setting yourself up for failure and the potential to be distracted by whatever the supermarket wants to flog you from the middle aisle. Set some time aside to sit down and make a meal plan ahead of your weekly grocery shop. Top tip: Having your weekly meal plan stuck up on the fridge for you to see will help you stay on track.

• Meal prepping:  Producing meals in bulk is a popular way of cutting down food spend and reducing food waste. This can mean repetitive meals in the week, but if you’re looking to cut down on your expenses this could be for you! TikTok and Instagram have thousands of ‘how to’ videos and weekly meal prep inspiration. Top tip: Shop your cupboards first, it’s likely you’ll have store cupboard essentials like pasta, rice, pesto and some frozen vegetables lurking in the freezer. Some people keep a “stocktake” of what they have in the cupboard so they never buy too much.

• Ditch the mid-week Deliveroo: Do you remember when takeaways were a treat reserved for special occasions or a truly hideous hangover? Now, thanks to the likes of UberEats and Deliveroo, regular meal delivery has become the norm for many.  Why not see if you can ditch the deliveries that are convenient over treats?  Top tip: Ring fence some money in your budget for a takeaway, you’re more likely to not overspend and relish the treat you’ve been waiting for! 

• Grab a bargain – save the planet: Apps like Olio and Toogoodtogo can help you bag a bargain from your local community or popular high street eateries like Greggs and Costa. Using these apps can help you kill two birds with one stone – securing bargains and helping reduce food wastage.

4. Don’t ignore the energy price increases

We’ve never had to experience energy price rises like these – but they are here and they are not going away anytime soon. If you can at least face the issue head on and control what you can control, you will be in a much better position than if you pretended it wasn’t happening.

Things are changing by the day, but you can find an up to date summary in the Financielle App, talking you through what the energy price cap is, helping you decide whether to fix or remain on the variable and sharing what help there is out there if you’re struggling to pay energy bills.

Top tip: Look ahead at your winter budgets and consider putting extra money aside (if you can) into an emergency energy sinking fund, especially if you decide not to fix and instead stay on a variable tariff.

Feeling a little better?

We accept the cost of living crisis is a fairly bleak topic. It’s time to take a breath, reflect on what’s happening and make a plan of action. It doesn’t have to be a big dramatic overhaul of your life, but creating a plan will give you a sense of control over the situation we’re all facing.

If you haven’t created a budget before and are feeling a little overwhelmed, you can download the Financielle app and learn how to create your first one.

Follow Financielle on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter for more help!

I tend to be a bit more careful about buying something with cute packaging because I know I’ll refuse to throw it out, even if it’s just a cardboard box. If it’s cute I’ll feel the need to keep it – I have to make sure I’ll use what I’m buying too

Jay, 23

Hoarding is characterised by the NHS as “a disorder in which someone acquires an excessive number of items and stores them in a chaotic manner, usually resulting in unmanageable amounts of clutter. The items can be of little or no monetary value.” It can take over an individual’s life in a gradual manner or spiral more suddenly after a traumatic event that causes mental health problems such as depression or OCD to intensify.  

The impacts of hoarding are far-reaching, in some cases causing sufferers to avoid letting friends and family into their home because of feelings of shame, or in more extreme cases creating an impact on an individual’s personal hygiene if they can no longer access arrears of their house such as the bathroom. 

“It’s actually only been recently in the past few years I realised it’s a problem, I made a lot of excuses as to why I couldn’t let go of things but I noticed that is just my denial,” says 23-year-old Jay who struggles with letting go of both sentimental and more mundane items. 

I don’t have any reason not to but I always find some reason to keep everything, even down to all my old apple product boxes or bath bombs from 2016

Jay

“When I was growing up and finally grew out of my child seat in the car I refused to let it get thrown away until my grandparents had no choice but to make an excuse about how it got “thrown away by mistake”, I sat in a cupboard and cried for hours, when my grandfather got new head-rests for the car I refused to get in the car. Getting rid of things in my life has always been hard for me because it signifies change, and I might need it one day. The idea of similarity goes as far as I need to listen to certain playlists and albums on certain bus/train routes, sit in the same seats, etc or everything feels off and weird. I even changed a hotel room round to make it the same design as it was the year before (at the big age of 17)”

Jay also has an autism diagnosis and believes many of their hoarding-related symptoms derive from this.  

“I think it’s a big part of it, I can’t mentally deal with change and I get attached to the weirdest items as if they’re part of my life and without them, I won’t be the same person even if it’s just a box, an old unused bath bomb or unlit candle from 2015.

Hoarding can have a significant emotional impact on the individual suffering, triggering feelings of shame, in part because of the social stigma that is still associated with hoarding and untidiness in the home. 

Nicola Rodriguez, an interior designer with qualifications in Stress Management and Anxiety Disorders, works closely with those who struggle to let go of material items and maintain order in their homes, understanding the link between mental illness and one’s personal space and the huge overlap that occurs between the two. 

“I remember one particular client I was brought in to help had an issue with underwear. As a child, she had only 2 pairs of knickers as she came from a poor family, which had resulted in her now having over 100 pairs of knickers (still many with tags on) which she just couldn’t stop buying. I worked with her over a period of a few weeks to understand her obsession and then we worked together to halve what she had.” 

The charity Mind advises using tactics such as setting a timer to help you tidy one area of your space, or listening to a particular number of songs whilst organising to make the task feel more manageable. Making a plan to tackle working through hoarded items, ideally with the support of those near to you, is another way to make this task feel more achievable, perhaps by scheduling a specific amount of time per week to clean, or implementing rules such as trying to sort through items that haven’t been used in the past 6 months, 1 year or more to see if you can part with them. 

Support for those struggling with hoarding

Support for family and friends of a hoarder

If you’re expecting an autumn baby, or you just so happen to love the autumn aesthetic and want to copy and paste some contenders to your Iphone Notes for future reference (guilty), then these beautiful, fall-inspired baby names are a must-read. 

Whether you’re looking for something earthy, whimsical, modern, vintage or botanical, you’re bound to fall for at least one or two of these autumn-themed baby names. From the colours synonymous with the changing leaves to the monikers drawn from folklore and fairytales, here’s 50 baby names perfect for the season of pumpkin spice.  

Aluma

A girl’s name of Hebrew origin, it means ‘a sheaf of grain at harvest’ making it perfectly apt for this time of year.  

Amber 

An English name that calls to mind the beautiful warm orange tones of autumn. 

Aspen

An Old English autumn-inspired name meaning ‘beautiful’. 

Aster

A part of the daisy family, this ancient pink and purple flower blooms from late summer to early fall, making it the perfect nature-inspired name for an early autumn baby. 

Aurelia

A name with Latin / Love Actually origins, meaning ‘the golden one’. It pairs beautifully with floral middle names, too. 

Autumn 

No name is more fitting for a fall baby than autumn itself.  

Briar 

With its fairy tale origins (Briar Rose is Sleeping Beauty’s name), Briar is a beautiful name alluding to folktales and nature. 

Bronwyn (Also spent Bronwen)

From the Welsh name meaning fair white raven, this enchanting name inspires thoughts of crisp autumn days and early snowfall. 

Bruna

A pretty Italian girl’s name meaning ‘brown’, reminiscent of piles of autumn leaves, conkers and coffee. 

Cedar   

A unique name referring to the cone-bearing evergreen cedar trees that transition into browns and rusts at this time of year. 

Daphne

From the Greek word meaning ‘Laurel Tree’, Bridgerton fans will be fawning over this classic feminine name. 

Elwood 

An old English name meaning elder tree forest. 

Ember

Meaning ‘spark’ or ‘burning low’ it’s a beautiful name that captures that quintessential autumn feeling of being curled up in a log cabin on a rainy day. 

Equinox 

For fans of the letter ‘x’, Equinox offers something cool and unique. The autumn Equinox is an astronomical event that marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall, when day and night are of equal length thus symbolising balance. 

Fable

A whimsical name, inspired by stories with a moral lesson. It’s giving Taylor Swift. 

Fawn 

A beautiful first or middle name for October babies, referring to a young deer often spotted at this time of year. 

Fern

Inspired by autumnal woodland walks and crisp forest surroundings. It’s timeless! 

Flint 

Refers to ‘a spark of light’ which is a particularly beautiful metaphor for those babies born just as the evenings are drawing in. 

Forrest 

Meaning ‘dweller among the woods’, if you enjoy a walk amongst nature, this could be the perfect name for your newborn bambino. 

Ginger

All the retro Hollywood vibes a la Ginger Rogers – one half of the most iconic dancing duos in history. 

Goldie 

Reminiscent of the golden autumn light and glowing colours, this gorgeous vintage name has soared in popularity recently making it the ideal name for modern mums on the lookout for something with that old school charm.

Griffin

Primarily a name of Welsh origin (from the word ‘Gruffudd’), Griffin means ‘strong lord’ or ‘red’, symbolising strength and leadership.  

Hazel

Referring to the hazel tree with heart-shaped leaves and the greenish-gold colour, this botanical-inspired name is the perfect nod to nature.  

Jorah (also spelt Jora) 

This Hebrew unisex name means ‘autumn rain’, a lovely meaning for a little one born in the  fall months.

Juniper

Another tree-inspired name perfect for a fall baby and easily abbreviated to the equally adorable ‘Juni’. 

Libra

Perfect for babies born under this zodiac sign (23 September – 22 October), the Libra archetype is one of harmony and balance. 

Maple

Fans of vibrant fall foliage, look no further for a name that captures the essence of autumn and the spectacular changing leaves. 

Marigold 

An English name referring to the golden flower that blooms in early fall. 

Moss 

Earthy and stylish, Moss is seriously having a moment! Hop on it before everyone else does. 

October

Feeling bold? Rare but rising in popularity, October is a gorgeous seasonal option for babies born in the month of Halloween.  

Olive 

Olive trees are harvested in late summer / early fall, making this the perfect pick for your autumn-born baby. The earthy olive colour also mimics the calming green tones found in nature at this time of year. 

Opal

Referring to the birthstone of those born in October, Opal is the girl’s name of Sanskrit origin meaning precious stone or gem. 

Orla

A name of Irish origin meaning ‘golden princess’, this would make for a beautiful name for your little one. 

Qui 

A unique unisex name from the Chinese word for autumn. It also makes for a great middle name when paired with longer first names. 

Radley

Originally an English surname, Radley finds its roots in the pastoral landscape of Ancient Britain and means ‘red meadow’, which is suitably lovely for an autumn bubba. 

Rain(e)

Meaning ‘an abundant blessing from above’ this weather-inspired name is all kinds of cool & endearing. 

Rory

The anglicised form of Ruairí meaning rust / red coloured and ‘red king’ in Irish Gaelic – a lovely option for autumn babies and redheads alike. 

Roux

Pronounced ‘Roo’, the name comes from the Latin meaning ‘russet’ which is brownish red in colour. 

Rowan

A strong nature name of Irish origin, deriving from Ruadhán meaning ‘little redhead’. Adorable!

Ruby

From the Latin name ‘rubinus’ meaning deep red precious stone, Ruby is a vintage name that has enjoyed quite the renaissance in recent years.  

Rust/Rusty 

Inspired by the colour rust, the name has grown in popularity since 2020. 

Sage 

Earthy and gender-neutral, this would make for a lovely first or middle name for your autumn baby. 

Sienna

Associated with the reddish-brown clay tones synonymous with autumn.

Sorrell

A name originating in France, derived from the reddish brown colour of the leaves in fall. 

Sparrow

With choices such as Lark, Raven and Phoenix on the rise, why not branch out with Sparrow a la Nicole Richie and Joel Madden. 

Twila

Meaning Twilight, the name evokes the enchanting and otherworldly energy often associated with October. 

Willow

A feminine whimsical name derived from the Old English ‘welig’ meaning willow tree. 

Woody 

A short version of the more formal ‘Woodrow’. 

Wren

Referring to a small brown songbird, Wren is a great nature-themed alternative to Lark, Robin or Sparrow. In Celtic folklore, wrens were often associated with artists and poets and songwriters. Cute! 

Xanthe 

Of old Greek origin, Xanthe means golden or yellow – the perfect nod to autumn’s tawny palette.

Let’s face it, TikTok takes number one spot for the most addictive app out there, seeing us through the lockdowns of 2020 with its endless reams of content that you can simply never *quite* get enough of. With trends changing on a daily basis, it takes the crown as king of short term gratification, helping you to (rightly or wrongly) escape from reality. But what if your somewhat toxic Internet addiction could provide some much needed mental health relief? Meet the corners of the web ready to help you unwind, reset and put ‘pause’ on your brain’s overthinking tendencies. You’re welcome!

ASMR Addictiveness

The girls that get it, get it, and the girls that don’t, don’t. ASMR is about as Marmite as it gets in the way of Internet trends, but for the sceptics out there we say don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Standing for autonomous sensory meridian response, according to Think by Google, ASMR is “a relaxing, often sedative sensation that begins on the scalp and moves down the body. Also known as “brain massage,” it’s triggered by placid sights and sounds such as whispers, accents, and crackles.” 

That feeling you get when someone plays with your hair or runs their fingernails over your skin? That’s ASMR. Ranging from whispering sounds, role plays, tapping, eating and more, finding the ASMR trigger that is most relaxing for you can be beneficial for a good night’s sleep, and even improve your mental health! The Sleep Foundation found that, “ASMR appears to activate regions of the brain associated with calming, sleep-inducing hormones like dopamine and oxytocin”, meaning your TikTok scrolling just got seriously more purposeful.

@its.belle.x

This will make you sleep in less than 2min😴🌙✨ #asmrsleep#asmrsleeptriggers#asmrforsleep#asmrsounds#asmrrelax#asmr#fyp

♬ original sound – ASMR Belle

@realaprilsasmr

Highly requested 🥹 #asmr #relax #aprilsasmr #tingles #sleep #fyp

♬ original sound – realaprilsasmr

@reikihealinghope

#bayang #reiki #asmr #reikiasmr #asmrreiki #asmrreikiqueen #reikihealinghope #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #asmr_tingles #healing #love #friend #asmrsleep #relax #peace #relaxation #energyhealing

♬ original sound – Reiki Healing Hope

@ammaslimes

What color should we do next? #wax #waxcracking #asmrsounds #asmrtiktoks #asmr_tingles #oddlysatisfying #sosatisfying #relax #relaxing #fyp #asmr

♬ original sound – Amma Slimes

The Healing Power of Art

There’s something about arts and crafts that feels like the ultimate hug for your inner child, and thankfully, there’s a whole side of TikTok dedicated to it for all the moments when little ‘you’ feels like they need a squeeze. Whether you consider yourself a Bob Ross in the making or simply enjoy the hypnotic energy of watching someone else create a beautiful piece of art, ArtTok is the perfect spot for releasing mental strain and pulling your focus away from your daily stresses.

@stationeryisland

So many different ways to paint these flowers! 🌼🌸 #painting #watercolor #tutorial #stationeryisland #fypシ

♬ Stories 2 – Danilo Stankovic

@anannart

organised blobs💙 #art #watercolor #fyp #painting #watercolour

♬ Hilltop Road by Lake Isabel – lakeisabelmusic

@poli.bright

Himalayan blue poppy 🤍☺️ #foryoupage #visualart #artistsoftiktok #art #artistcheck #watercolorpainting #watercolor #sydney #flowerpainting

♬ Another Love – Tom Odell

@rhearhearheahello

one more for the wall 🌻🌿 #painttok #art #watercolor

♬ telepatía kali uchis – andrea <3

Nature Has Your Back

It’s no secret that a slice of outdoor energy can be transformative when your brain needs a moment to pause, but getting out and about to somewhere beautiful, peaceful, calm or in solitude isn’t always that easy. Thankfully the explorers of the Internet have you covered! Sharing magical moments amongst the wonders of the world, these mood-boosting clips  are sure to make your heart happy and mind calm.

@zoe_illustration

My favourite view!🌳 #englishcountryside #traveluk #soft #peaceful #aestheticvideos #cottagecore #fairycore #naturevibes #sunset #devon #calm #relax

♬ UNDERWATER WONDERSCAPES (MASTER) – Frederic Bernard

@wil_cuevass

🍃⚡PAZ INTERIOR ⚡🍃#Luna #bosque #natural #noche #paisaje #aesthetic #Paz #viral #foryou Crédito del vídeo a quien corresponda.

♬ sonido original – WILBER CUEVAS

@forestfloormagic

The willow looking magical this morning 💫 #cottagecore #naturetok #fairycoreaesthetic #forestfairy #scrollingbreak

♬ Friedrich Dances with Jo – Alexandre Desplat

The Magic of The Mukbang

If eating sounds aren’t your thing, consider this your fair warning to scroll on…

Another sensory trend ready to give you some ASMR style tingles, Mukbangs are an Internet trend originating from South Korea that consist of watching someone consume a large quantity of food on camera- sounds odd but it’s weirdly therapeutic. The Mukbang hashtag on TikTok has amassed over 73.9 billion views so far, and from sushi to noodles, burgers to seafood, there’s guaranteed to be a cuisine and creator to satisfy your unwinding needs.

@eatingeatingus

#mukbang #food #eating

♬ 羽肿 – Windy Hill – 羽肿

@colettefionaa

#innout #burger #fries #crunchy #asmr #mukbang #asmrmukbang #mukbangasmr #asmrsounds #sauce #spicy #food #foodie #foodtiktok #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #tasty #mukbangs #fy #4u #mukbangeatingshow

♬ original sound – colettefionaa

@koffordphoebe

#mukbang #eatingshow #asmr #foodie

♬ original sound – koffordphoebe

@logagm

This was very much needed. #sushi #muckbang #food #asmr #asianfood #vlog #eating #kimchi

♬ original sound – Logan

The Season for Staying In

September is here and the season for hibernation is upon us. As autumn rolls in and beer garden drinks and Italian getaways come to a halt, spending quality time in the oasis that is your home may feel like exactly what your mind and soul are craving…

Comfortable conviviality is the aim, and a scroll through the simple comforts side of TikTok is about as wholesome as it gets. Think layers of dreamy bedspreads, hot chocolate with whipped cream for days, bubble baths so good your skin will turn wrinkly and knitwear collections that will have you running to your local vintage fair ASAP.  The season for comfortable solitude is here.

@matildadjerf

summer has begun 🫶🫶 @djerfavenue

♬ Almost Idyllic – Sleeping At Last

@yrstudio.co.uk

Only 39 days until September 🥹 Leaves may not be orange yet in September but I have a habit of gasping at every dry leaf, asking dramatically “Autumn is that you?!”. I’m so excited for Autumn 2022! 🤎#autumnaesthetic #fallaesthetic #fallvibes #autumnvibes #cottagecore #englishcountryside #cottagecorecommunity #cottagecoreaesthetic

♬ Amélie – Andrea Vanzo

@matildadjerf

mornings 💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

♬ A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton

@maggiecertosimo

last few moments of summer 🤍

♬ original sound – mario fouvaa

@caropeony

Cozy livingroom ✨ #livingroomdecor #cozyhome

♬ It’s Ok – Slowed – Edith Whiskers

@ahometomakeyousmile

When the wind howled and the rain poured x #stormyweather #throughmywindow #interiordecor #interiorblogger #candlelight #windowsontheworld #windydays

♬ Wind Song – Ludovico Einaudi

Brown, White and Pink Noise

If you can’t stop scrolling before bed, head to the white/pink/black/brown noise side of TikTok and consider yourself ready for slumber in a matter of minutes. White noise in particular refers to a noise that contains all frequencies across the spectrum of audible sound in equal measure, with a study by The National Library of Medicine revealing that adults fell asleep 38% faster when listening to white noise. Given that sleep deprivation is such a big contributor to poor mental health, this is a side of TikTok worth bookmarking for future reference…

@playpositiveaffirmations

Double tap ‘♥️’ save this video and comment how this sound makes you feel ✨ Tap the IG icon to subscribe on YouTube and listen to 1-hour of this pink noise plus more relaxing sounds to sleep to 🤍 #pinknoise #sleepsounds #relaxingsounds #fyp

♬ Pink Noise (moving 316 Hz bandpass) – Listening Territory

@mediumcarlablaha

White noise #anxiety #sleep #insomnia #sleepdisorder #whitenoise #soundhealing #psychic #TheAdamProject #psychicmedium #mediumship #vibes #foryou #manifestation #tunningfork #psychicsoftiktok #spiritual #adhd #brownnoise #dinnerrecipe #witch #lawofattraction #rest #meditate

♬ White Noise Sound – Tmsoft’s White Noise Sleep Sounds

@mcmlxx_

#fyp #foryou #foryoupage #brown #noise #crazy #scary #wild #xyzbca

♬ Brown noise – Pure Brown Noise – Power of Noise

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RIP neon Frenchies and bright florals, it’s time for earthy tones and pumpkin spice to take the baton (and all of our £). 

From dirty martini olive to vibrant matcha and the forever trending Bottega, expect to see earthy avocado tones everywhere this autumn a la Selena Gomez as green becomes the ‘It’ shade of the season. 

If you’re stuck for autumn manicure ideas, allow this gallery to help a girl out.   

1. The sole reason dirty martini olive is trending this season. 

Via @tombachik

2. Celestial meets abstract. 

Via manisbyannie

3. Frosted green tips to ease you into autumn. It’s only a matter of days before it’s socially acceptable to watch Home Alone. 

Via @paint_nailbar

4. Pumpkin spice in manicure form.  

Via @paint_nailbar

5. Your autumn soft launch. 

Via @nailartbychlo

6. Caramel tones until further notice. 

Via @nailartbychlo

7. Cue the Harry Potter marathon. 

Via @nailartbychlo

8. Matcha latte vibes. 

Via @nailartbychlo

9. Gorgeous, gorgeous girls match their manis to the seasons.

Via @nailartbychlo

10. Moody floral silhouettes <3 

Via @betina_goldstein

11. Retro daisies, a love story. 

Via @_paintedbymeg_

12. Not over summer shades, yet? Tie in bold hues with earthy tones for the best of both worlds.  

Via @_paintedbymeg_

13. Gold isn’t just for the festive season. 

Via @matteabout_nails

14. A woodland masterpiece. 

Via @matteabout_nails

15. An elegant multi-tonal set that’ll see you through all weather. 

Via @illustrated_nails

16. Shiny chrome tips paired with leafy green hearts. 

Via @daytime.studio

17. Khaki swirls for the win. 

Via @daytime.studio

18. Mix & match perfection. 

Via @daytime.studio

19. Black nail varnish just hits different in autumn.

Via @daytime.studio

20. Keep it tonal. 

Via @daytime.studio

21. When green becomes your entire personality. 

Via @daytime.studio

22. Autumnal hearts. Swoon! 

Via @daytime.studio

23. Negative space, positive vibes.   

Via @daytime.studio

24. A Bottega dream. 

Via @daytime.studio

25. A statement thumb if ever we’ve seen one. 

Via @daytime.studio

26. Yin and yang but make it beige. 

Via @daytime.studio

27. It’s giving Euphoria.  

Via @overglowedit

28. Autumn aesthetic? Completed it. 

Via @jazzynails.x

29. This set deserves a day out at the pumpkin field immediately.  

Via @jazzynails.x

30. A monochrome set to transcend the seasons. 

Via @amber.nailedit_

31. Check hearts + fall hues ~ pass the oversized knitwear asap. 

Via @phoebesummernails

32. A moment of silence for this set. 

Via @phoebesummernails

33. Groovy Chick florals and checks. 

Via @phoebesummernails

34. Yin & Yang for the nature queens. 

Via @peachinails

35. A navy abstract vision. 

Via @peachinails

36. Witchy ‘n’ whimsical for those counting down the days for Halloween. 

Via @peachinails

37. Cluster daisies – the autumn edition. 

Via @nolas.nails

38. Abstract tortoise nail art from Brighton’s best.

Via @bw.nails

39. A palette inspired by nature. 

Via @bw.nails

40. Less is more. 

Via @iramshelton

41. These nails for PM. 

Via @iramshelton

42. Anyone else excited for sweater weather?  

Via @iramshelton

43. Deep Burgundy has us in a chokehold. 

Via @betina_goldstein

44. Double the French, double the fun. 

Via @iramshelton

45. Putting the French in French tips.  

Via @betina_goldstein

46. Deep in your Equinox era. 

Via @thehotblend

47. Another stellar creation from Betina Goldstein. 

Via @betina_goldstein

48. Artsy and autumnal. 

Via @thehotblend

49. Pizza and hibernation mode: activated! 

Via @betina_goldstein

50. Now we want a dirty martini. 

Via @betina_goldstein

From the hotly anticipated follow-up to the TikTok sensation It Ends With Us to a genre-defying meditation on forbidden love, and a feel-good romance that’s bound to get you in the festive spirit, here’s what Zoella Book Club reads we’ll be hibernating with this winter, no doubt with a mountain of Quality Street in tow. 

September – Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield 

In this sweeping debut, Riverdale and Locke and Key star Asha Bromfield takes readers to the heart of Jamaica, and into the soul of a girl coming to terms with her family, and herself, set against the backdrop of a hurricane. 

Tilla has spent her entire life trying to make her father love her. But every six months, he leaves their family and returns to his true home: the island of Jamaica. 

When Tilla’s mother tells her she’ll be spending the summer on the island, Tilla dreads the idea of seeing him again, but longs to discover what life in Jamaica has always held for him. In an unexpected turn of events, Tilla is forced to face the storm that unravels in her own life as she learns about the dark secrets that lie beyond the veil of paradise – all in the midst of an impending hurricane. 

October’s Pick – That Green Eyed Girl, by Julie Owen Moylan

Be transported to mid-century New York in this evocative page-turning debut about forbidden love, loss and deceit. Part historical thriller, part coming-of-age tale, the beautiful sense of place, city heat and complicated women at the heart of this novel will have you gripped from the first page. Told through two alternative timelines spanning 20 years, That Green Eyed Girl is a skilfully constructed must-read for 2022! 

1955: In an apartment on the Lower East Side, school teachers Dovie and Gillian live as lodgers. Dancing behind closed curtains, mixing cocktails for two, they guard their private lives fiercely. Until someone guesses the truth…

1975: Twenty years later in the same apartment, Ava Winters is keeping her own secret. Her mother has become erratic, haunted by something Ava doesn’t understand – until one sweltering July morning, she disappears.

Soon after her mother’s departure, Ava receives a parcel. Addressed simply to ‘Apartment 3B’, it contains a photo of a woman with the word ‘LIAR’ scrawled across it. Ava does not know what it means or who sent it. But if she can find out then perhaps she’ll discover the answers she is seeking – and meet the woman at the heart of it all…

November’s Pick – It Starts With Us, by Colleen Hoover

CoHo is back with another unputdownable read with this hotly anticipated sequel to It Ends With Us, and this time, we get a whole book dedicated to Atlas. As we should. Yasss to Colleen giving the people what they want. Will we ever recover? Unlikely. 

Before It Ends with Us, it started with Atlas. Colleen Hoover tells fan favourite Atlas’s side of the story and shares what comes next in this long-anticipated sequel to the #1 Sunday Times bestseller It Ends with Us.

Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil co-parenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again. After nearly two years separated, she is elated that for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date.

But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life—and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.

Prepare to be emotionally unavailable for approx. 8-10 business days. 

December’s Pick – Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, by Jenny Bayliss 

Don’t miss the Christmas wedding of the year, in Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, by the bestselling author of The Twelve Dates of Christmas, Jenny Bayliss.

Perfect for fans of Beth O’Leary and Josie Silver, the novel is filled with romance and humour and makes for a fantastic Christmas treat if you’re looking for a festive rom-com fix. Featuring an eccentric cast of characters coupled with Jenny’s signature sparkle and warmth, it’s the quintessential cosy winter read we all crave at this time of year. 

A city bookshop owner heads to the English countryside for a holiday reunion- only to face her childhood enemy…

A winter wedding of school friends should be the highlight of Nory Noel’s festive calendar. But that group has long since drifted apart, and Nory is dreading the lavish, week-long affair. Still, she supposes, being the only single person means she gets a king-size bed in the idyllic castle venue all to herself.

As the champagne flows, the years roll back and soon the air is alive with old sparks and old tensions. Desperate for a moment of peace, Nory escapes and crashes into Isaac, the castle’s gardener – and her former school rival.

Nory and Isaac have more in common these days than they could ever have imagined. But as she steals more time away to spend with him, Isaac reveals an astonishing secret about his past. Nory is in a unique position to help right this wrong – but uncovering the truth might mean pushing Isaac away once more.