TEAM ZOELLA FEBRUARY 9, 2020

Weekly Wants: Valentine’s Day Outfits

Staying in, heading out for a swanky dinner or belting out a banger or ten at the local karaoke with the girls?

However you’re celebrating the Palentine’s / Valentine’s hybrid holiday this year, chances are you’re already eyeballing a new ensemble to mark the occasion.

We’re dedicating our Weekly Wants to cute-as-hell outfits, fit to take us from the desk to the jukebox. Heart prints – check, ruffles – check, a slinky af dress the colour of Dorothy’s homeward-bound slippers – CHECK.

And, because it wouldn’t be Galentine’s Day without jeans and a nice top, you betcha we’ve included some of that too.

Here’s what we’re adding to our lust-list!

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TEAM ZOELLA FEBRUARY 8, 2020

Easy Overnight Oats: The Ultimate Lazy Girl Breakfast

Looking for a quick and easy brekkie to start your day? Something that tastes good but doesn't take 200 years to make. Look no further than these easy overnight oats!

OO = the holy grail of lazy girl breakfasts. Easy to throw together in five minutes flat, high in fibre and comforting on a gloomy Winter’s morning, it’s the perfect comfort food or post-workout fuel.

Catch a few more Zs and save time in the morning

Catch a few more Zs and save time in the morning by making a big batch ahead of your week and store in the fridge for a convenient on-the-go breakfast to enjoy every day.

Nourishing Apple & Blueberry Overnight Oats

SERVES
PREP: 10 MINS COOK:
EASY

Combine the oats and cinnamon in a large bowl. Gradually add in the apple juice along with the grated apple. Leave to stand for a few minutes and top with juicy blueberries. Cover and leave in the fridge to enjoy the next morning.

Vegan Carrot Cake Overnight Oats

Dessert for breakfast? We’re all ears. This guilt-free OO recipe is bound to put a spring in your step.

SERVES
PREP: 10 MINS COOK:
EASY

In a bowl, combine the oats and milk together and stir in the maple syrup. Layer with the shredded carrot and chia seeds and sprinkle with cinnamon and mixed spice.

Divide the cake-flavoured oats between a couple of mason jars or containers and refrigerate, ideally overnight.

Let is sit for at least 2-3 hours to give the oats enough time to soften and soak up all the flavour of the spices. When you’re ready to have them, give them a quick stir and add a splash more milk if needed to loosen the mixture.

Top with crunchy coconut flakes and chopped walnuts for extra crunch and away you go!

How do you eat yours? Let us know!

TEAM ZOELLA FEBRUARY 6, 2020

February Book Club 2020: Such A Fun Age

For this month's Book Club, we're reviewing Kiley Reid's debut novel, 'Such A Fun Age'. Dubbed the most provocative page-turner of 2020, we can't wait to get stuck in!

When Emira is apprehended at a supermarket for ‘kidnapping’ the white child she’s actually babysitting, it sets off an explosive chain of events. Her employer Alix, a feminist blogger with the best of intentions, resolves to make things right.

But Emira herself is aimless, broke and wary of Alix’s desire to help. When a surprising connection emerges between the two women, it sends them on a crash course that will upend everything they think they know – about themselves, each other, and the messy dynamics of privilege.

Buy the book here. (Ad-Affiliate link)

Will you be reading along with us this month? Don’t forget to tag us in your posts using the hashtag #ZoellaBookclub

TEAM ZOELLA FEBRUARY 5, 2020

January Book Club 2020: My Sister The Serial Killer

We've inhaled the pages of Oyinkan Braithwaite's debut novel, 'My Sister The Serial Killer' and with a title like that, you can see why!

When Korede’s dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what’s expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This will be the third boyfriend Ayoola’s dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first.

Until that is, Ayoola starts dating the fit doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede’s long been in love with him, and isn’t prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other…

Find out if this crime thriller had us on the edge of our seats…

Did you read along with us? We’d love to hear what you made of it!

TEAM ZOELLA FEBRUARY 4, 2020

The Magpie Society: One For Sorrow

It feels so strange finally being able to openly share and talk about the idea that Amy & I started talking about five years ago!

For Signed Pre-Orders:

Pre-order at Waterstones

Pre-order at WH Smiths

Pre-order at Easons

For non signed Pre-order

Pre-order at Amazon

Introducing “The Magpie Society – One For Sorrow”, a new YA Gothic Thriller fiction series by Zoe & Amy, to be released on the 29th October 2020!

It opens as tragedy strikes when the body of a student is discovered at their exclusive summer party – on her back is an elaborate tattoo of a magpie

One for Sorrow takes place at Illumen Hall, an elite boarding school. It opens as tragedy strikes when the body of a student is discovered at their exclusive summer party – on her back is an elaborate tattoo of a magpie. When new girl Audrey arrives the following term, running from her own secrets back home in America, she is thrown into solving the case. Despite her best efforts to avoid any drama, her new roommate Ivy was close to the murdered girl, and the two of them can’t help but get pulled in. 


The two can’t stand each other, but as they are drawn deeper into the mystery of this strange and terrible murder, they will discover that something dangerous is at the heart of their superficially perfect school.

Welcome to The Magpie Society.

One for Sorrow will be told via the alternating first person perspectives of the lead characters Audrey – written by Amy – and Ivy – written by Zoe – with the narrative being jointly plotted by both authors.

My love of thrillers, true crime and a good old fashioned “who done it?” Is being channelled into something that I really hope you enjoy too.

“It feels so strange finally being able to openly share and talk about the idea that Amy & I started talking about five years ago! My love of thrillers, true crime and a good old fashioned “who done it?” Is being channelled into something that I really hope you enjoy too.

Although we’re only part of the way into the process of writing, it’s already been so much fun to work on, and there is genuinely nobody else I’d rather be doing it alongside than Amy. We’re always on the same page with ideas, plot points and characters and even though I knew it would be fun to collaborate and write alongside her, the fact that we work so well together has already made this one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done in a really long time!

If you’ve not seen the video in which we talk about the process, what the book is about and how excited we are, check it out below and don’t forget to pre-order! :)” – Zoe

TEAM ZOELLA FEBRUARY 4, 2020

13 Questions With Raystede

Possibly our cutest takeover yet! Raystede is an animal welfare organisation and charity based in East Sussex.

Tell us about Raystede and how you started!

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare was founded by the late Miss M Raymonde-Hawkins. She was originally a teacher but she left the education sector to build Raystede as an animal charity in 1952, it all began from the back garden of her cottage, we now use her old house as offices. Miss Raymonde-Hawkins wanted to provide facilities that were better than existing animal rescue centres. Her campaign focused on giving unwanted and abandoned animals a better life. Our site has now expanded across 43 acres of land and continues to be at the forefront of animal welfare.

How many different types of animals do you currently care for?

We care for a range of animals at Raystede. We rehome dogs, cats and small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and more. We also care for alpaca, donkeys, goats, sheep, horses, ponies, hens, ducks and geese. We are one of the most diverse rescue centres in the country due to the number of different species we have.

What’s the usual amount of time an animal who is to be adopted stays at Raystede?

They are rehomed within a month. If any of the animals need extra training or veterinary treatment, we will keep them with us as until they are ready to be adopted. If necessary, we will put them in a foster home to help prepare them for their new home.

What animals have the most character?

Every animal is an individual and they all have lots of character! We character assess every animal that will be rehomed so that we can match each animal with their potential owner to make sure it will be a good fit.

We have animals that are elderly or have ongoing health issues who live with us permanently. Many of these animals can be sponsored for as little as £3 a month. Sweetpea is one of our very cheeky goats and she is a popular lady to sponsor. To find out more about sponsoring an animal please click here.

Tell us about one of your ponies!

Purdie is one of our little ponies. She is very friendly and has become a real favourite with our visitors and volunteers because she absolutely loves attention. She is a little unsteady when she walks because she has a clubbed foot on one of her front hooves and also one of the reasons why she was unwanted. Despite this, Purdie doesn’t let her disability get the better of her, as she can be particularly speedy when there might be food involved.

How can people help raise money for Raystede?

Fundraising is so important to us because we rely solely on donations and we couldn’t continue helping animals without our fantastic fundraisers. It costs £8000 a day to run Raystede and care for all the animals, so raising funds is an absolute must for us. Here are some ideas below:

Take part in a challenge event – running, cycling, climbing, abseiling | Cake sales | Wine tasting evening | Sponsored dog walk | Car boot sale | Plan and create your own event | Pop in to Raystede and give cash donations | Pay money onto a JustGiving page | Become a fundraising volunteer

You can find more information about fundraising here.

What’s the best thing about working for Raystede?

Working with animals is a huge privilege, we get just as much from them as they do from us. It’s remarkable to see a scared, shut down, nervous animals come to us and then with lots of love, patience and care they come out of their shell and become very playful and confident. There is nothing ore rewarding than seeing one of our animals trot off to a new home with a big smile on their face. We also help people who are in impossible situations and can’t keep their pets. It’s a very difficult decisions to give up a much-loved pet but we are here to ensure that animal is safe and will find a new home where they will be happy.  This is also why it’s so important not to advertise pets online, you don’t know who will take them or where they will end up.

What kind of people do you tend to employ?

Raystede has over 85 employees we have people who work in our café and charity shop, a vet and a veterinary nurse, animal care staff, a fundraising department and a talented maintenance team who build and maintain all the animal housing and tend to the site every day to make sure it’s safe and functional for our animals, staff, volunteers and visitors.  We look for passionate, talented, personable and hardworking people who love animals and want to help the charity succeed. Our staff always go the extra mile for the animals.

Tell us something people might not know about Raystede

We were featured on Channel 4 for a whole week in August 2019. ‘Animal Rescue Live’ hosted by Noel Fitzpatrick, Steve Jones and Kate Quilton filmed the program from Raystede and featured many of our animals, staff and volunteers to help us rehome more animals and raise much-needed funds too.

Tell us about your charity

Raystede is a rescue centre and animal charity based in East Sussex that relies solely on donations to operate. We rescue, rehome, rehabilitate and provide sanctuary (lifelong homes) for over 2000 animals a year.  We have over 100 volunteers and 85 staff who all work tirelessly to give unwanted animals a better life.

Do you do any work with schools and education?

Raystede has a dedicated education team who visit local schools and community groups to teach the next generation of pet owners about responsible pet ownership. We also welcome a wide range of school and community groups to visit us at Raystede and take part in learning activities with some of the animals we have on-site.  Last year we visited almost 3000 young people and welcomed a further 1500 to our centre. For more information about our education programmes click here.

How can people become an animal carer?

We invite our younger visitors to join the Raystede team and become an ‘animal carer for a day’. They pay a fee of £50 to become a senior carer (13-17-year-olds) and £35 to become a junior carer (9-12-year-olds). Both groups will be involved in a range of fun activities throughout their day at Raystede. These events allow animal lovers to learn about what it takes to care for our animals and to help us with the daily routine. For more information on becoming an animal carer for the day click here.

Can people go and visit Raystede?

Raystede is open from 10am to 4pm seven days a week, apart from Christmas day, Boxing day and New Year’s Day. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. We also have free parking. Dogs on leads are also welcome here. Visitors can go and see our animals, as well as go shopping in our Raystede shop. We also have a café for those looking for some lunch, a cold/hot drink and our amazing homemade cakes. In addition, we have a pet goods store where we stock a range of products to make your pets feel at home. Lastly, we do different events and activities for our visitors to take part in.

TEAM ZOELLA FEBRUARY 3, 2020

One Dress Styled Six Ways

A slip dress is such a versatile piece and a real wardrobe staple all year round. Worn alone or layered over a shirt or plain tee, the styling options are endless!

Zoe | Everyday Look

I love this trend, but always feel like they’re more of a sophisticated evening outfit only meant for swanky heels and a sleek clutch bag, however, that is not the case and for a more everyday look, I’d pair it with a big baggy cardigan in a slouchy style. I also love these western-style boots and think they would look great with it & then topping it off with a black headband! Click each item below to shop!*

Darcey | Casual Look

I’ve gone for a casual look, styling the slip dress with a baggy high neck jumper, this one from & Other Stories is perfect! I would finish the outfit off with a black pair of converse (as always) and if you are wanting an extra edge to the outfit, a belt always looks great around the waist with the jumper slightly tucked in! Click each item below to shop!*

Danielle | Holiday Evening

I’m about to go on a cruise so apologies if my outfit selection is a bit ‘high summer’! I’m pairing the slip dress with this sexy sheer overshirt, I’d wear it open or loosely tied. I’d pop on these super cool clear mules, they’re very Kim K and will probably go with lots of things making them a solid holiday shoe choice. I’d finish off the look with some gold hoops and a red lip! Click each item below to shop!*

Charlotte | Tonal Dressing

Tonal dressing to the max! I’m always into a colourful outfit and purple seems to be my go-to shade at the moment. I’ve decided to layer a lightweight jersey under the slip dress to make it winter appropriate, and continue my lilac theme with some sassy AF knee highs and a velvet headband. Can you tell I like an ‘extra’ outfit? Click each item below to shop!*

Lareese | Modern 90’s

I’d pair it with something masculine like an oversized belted trench coat, heeled boots and a fedora hat for a modern spin on the 90s trend. Click each item below to shop!*

Lauren | Chilly Date

This is my first foray into slip dresses, and I think it would slip (wahey) right into my wardrobe by sizing it up to wear with a top underneath. I’ve gone for a turtleneck here as it’s still chilly out, and paired with tights and some boots it’ll be a really easy chic look to throw on for coffee, a date, or work! Click each item below to shop!*

*This post contains ad-affiliate links.

TEAM ZOELLA FEBRUARY 2, 2020

Weekly Wants: Must-Have Accessories

This week, we're shopping for the must-have accessories to pair with our outfits and we won't lie to ya Gwen, this lot are TIDY.

We’re talking gemstone rings, headbands to disguise a bad hair day and monogrammed baguette bags, the gang’s all here and they have our full undivided attention.

Be still our beating hearts – these are the pieces we’re adding to our wish list (our Monzo account just doesn’t know it yet).

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*This post contains ad – affiliate links.

TEAM ZOELLA FEBRUARY 1, 2020

20 Things To Do In February

Bravo everyone, we bloody did it! We survived the Christmas comedown otherwise known as dry January and we're excited to move on with our lives and the rest of 2020 now.

Pancake Day, Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day, February is lining up to be quite the catch. There’s plenty to get your teeth stuck into but should you find yourself at a loose end, we’ve got a whole list of things to do, book, drink, buy, and eat right here.

1. Drink way too much prosecco, ‘cos it’s a fundamental right on Galentine’s Day

2. Treat yourself for getting through the longest month of the year. Huzzah!

3. Buy your first bunch of cheap and cheerful daffodils

4. Write a love letter, to yourself, your bestie or your partner

5. Have a good Spring clean and switch up the bedding

6. Have a board games day

7. Try to find a Valentine’s Day card that nails the love message but also has a SOH. It needs to say hey, you might drive me up the wall when you throw your beard stubble around like confetti but I can’t picture life without ya

8. Find a new Spring walk to go on with your beau

9. Book a romantic mini getaway

10. Actually wear your pretty matching undies (even just for one day)

11. Give someone a pack of love hearts

12. Get down on bended knee. It’s a leap year after all!

13. Re-enact the scene from Lady & The Tramp with the spaghetti with your S.O. while fellow horrified diners look on

14. Do something for Random Acts of Kindness Day

15. Listen to some sophisticated love tracks like Marvin Gaye when you really just want to listen to Little Things by One Direction

16. Snaffle a disgusting amount of pancakes. Make your ma proud!

17. Restart your failed NY resolutions. We go again – new month, new me…

18. Snap up an M&S dine for two deal. Thrifty romance!

19. Have a bouncy blow-dry with your bezzie

20. Shake your head at the early arrival of Easter snacks in supermarkets while simultaneously adding hot cross buns and Crème Eggs to your basket. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!

What will you be getting up to in February? Let us know in the comments below!