Instagram has become an invaluable source for peer-to-peer reading recommendations and deliciously short reviews we can devour in 60 seconds flat with our morning latte.

Not only can you find outfit inspo and #relatable memes, but you can also peruse the overflowing stacks of your favourite bookfluencers, discovering their latest can’t-put-it-down reads & the ones that missed the mark.

From undeniable classics to new releases and hotly anticipated debuts, it’s thanks to this well-read bunch that our TBR piles are out of control.

Here are our favourite lit-loving accounts to follow. In bookstagrammers we trust!

Maddie Says…

@Cals_book_Account – How could I not talk about Callum. His Instagram account shot to fame following his sister tweeting that he was getting a hard time from classmates who found out he liked writing book reviews. I’m so pleased the internet came through for Cal and that he’s more dedicated than ever to reading and spreading his love of books.

@abigailbergstrom – I’ve known Abby for years having worked on many projects together and she’s without a doubt the most book passionate person I’ve ever met and probably one of the all-around coolest cats out there. Her account features her favourite literary finds, must-reads as well as her incredible roster of powerful writers.

Charlotte Says…

@hannahfgale – Hannah’s stories are the place to be when it comes to widening your literary library! As Hannah has a little one, I trust her book recommendations as instant hits knowing that her sacred spare time would not be wasted on anything not worth reading. She’s also the queen of an aesthetically pleasing bookie flat lay…

@fellaby – Faye Ellaby- Not only do I want everything in Faye’s wardrobe, but I also have bookshelf envy too! I’ve loved every book I’ve read on Faye’s recommendation and trust her reviews in helping me find my next ‘can’t put down’ read.

@meganstaunton – Working in the book world means Megan’s reviews stand high in my estimations, as her expert eye never fails in recommending the hottest new releases and ‘must-haves’ for your morning commute.

Zoe Says…

@PieLadyBooks – Steph lives in Colorado and not only fills her feed with tonnes of book recommendations but bakes the most epic pies with book-related quotes and book themes. Her account is bright, fun and so positive!

@EmmaGannon – Emma has always been my go-to for book reviews and recommendations. Not only is she a successful author in her own right, but she also interviews plenty of fellow authors on her podcast CTRL ALT DELETE too! Absolutely tonnes of book-related content from her!

@InquisitiveBookWorm – I followed Ana recently and love her Instagram account. Every time I see her post about a new book I want to add it to my TBR pile.

@AmysBookShelf – Another gorgeous account that is so cosy and beautifully curated. Amy will leave you with the longest amazon wishlist pile once you’ve been on her account.

Lareese Says…

@Cofeeandbookss – Tanbir Kaur – As well as creating beautiful arty flat lays with books and coffee, Tanbir always offers insightful and intelligent discussions and reviews on her latest reads. She’s influenced my reading list and my latte cravings on several occasions.

@Polly.Florence – Polly basically turned the art of curling up with a good book into an aesthetic. An avid book lover, photographer and ambler, her account is a joy to follow and she’s certainly made me nurture my inner bookworm. If you love nostalgia, books and cosy coffee shops in Cambridge, she’s your girl.

@Hannahfgale – I’m echoing the other girls by citing Hannah Gale as my go-to book guru here but if Hannah’s shared a book she’s loved you better believe I’m heading straight out to get it. Her reviews are always hearty and honest too, which I really appreciate because it helps me decide exactly what to prioritise on my never-ending reading list.

Danielle Says…

@PandoraSykes – Loads of you probably already know Pandora from The High Low or her Fashion background. I love following Pandora for her book reviews and recommendations as I think she’s an incredibly trustworthy source as she actually reads the books. She’s thoughtful and intelligent and will do her best to let you know which books you must read.

@Mylittlebooktique – Possibly one of my faves because her images are so gorgeous! She posts useful information on the books she’s currently reading like the synopsis and her thoughts so far/at the end which always makes me want to read them too. She also tells you what she doesn’t like which is always refreshing

Darcey Says…

@CrimeByTheBook – Abby – This is one to follow if you like crime fiction, as you have probably worked out from her username, that’s exactly what she reviews. I’m not a crime fiction superfan, but I find it interesting to see what new ones are being released! I also really enjoy how aesthetically pleasing her account is. I love a cafe shot, book in hand and coffee on the table, or vice versa.

@SubwayBookReview – This is a really interesting account looking at what people are reading on the subway/underground worldwide. I find it fascinating getting an insight into what other people are reading and why. It’s also different seeing people’s opinions on books before they’ve finished them too and their thoughts on where they think it could go. I really like this aspect of the account.

Holly Says…

@bethsbookclub_ – I only recently started following Beths Book Club because I only really have just gotten into reading. I love it because it’s not pure books, it’s SO aesthetically pleasing and Beth has made me want a wall of books SO much. Very honest reviews and I completely agree with her analysis on books I’ve also read so I am trusting her recommendations from now.

Who are some of your favourite literary Instagrammers?

One of the hottest names in hairdressing, Sam runs her own independent salon in the heart of London’s charming Notting Hill and in just over three years, has cemented herself as the queen bee of balayage with a cult following to boot.

No doubt you’ll have seen her perfect beach waves and signature colour transformations all over Instagram and daydreamed about what kind of magic she could work with your own mane. Form an orderly queue!

From the statement wallpaper to the glitter-topped Mermaid Martinis, you can tell this is a woman on a mission to make having your hair did one hell of an experience. Plus, she just so happens to be bloody lovely too.

We got her in the chair to chat about her hairdressing roots and career highlights so far!

How did you start out?

I started out in my home town of Nottingham, where after my A levels I was all set to go off to uni to study criminology but I couldn’t face more academia so instead opted to take a year out to try something different. I had always LOVED the idea of Hairdressing (my Mum is a hairdresser) and I was obsessed with the TV programme The Salon which was like a reality tv show based in a Salon, so I enrolled in a full-time hairdressing course at college and never looked back!

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Driven, Enthusiastic and self-critical.

What’s the biggest misconception about your job?

I think the biggest misconception about my job and hairdressers, in general, is that we’re ‘stupid’ and that hairdressing is an easy option. People think that my job ends after a hair cut or colour, but there is so much more. To get to the point I am at has taken continuous learning, sacrifice and development in all aspects of not only work but life. 

What’s the best part of your job?

There are so many AMAZING parts fo my job. 

I LOVE owning and running my Salon, watching it grow and being apart of the team there makes me want to go to work every day.

Being able to take my dog, Sid, with me is pretty awesome too.

What’s the worst part of your job?

It’s kind of the other side of my answer on “what’s the best part”, the worst part is that the Salon is all-consuming.

It’s great as I said, watching something you’ve created grow, but the downside is the pressure and responsibility of making sure it continues. It can be anything from choosing the perfect coffee cups and furniture to making sure people continue to get paid for the job they love doing and protecting the environment we have created at the Salon.

Fave celebrity hairstyle of all time?

OK, so for me the Olsen Twins have epitomised cool girl hair. From their effortless colour to how on earth they make greasy hair look cool af.

What gives a hair salon cult status?

I’m not really sure, broadly, I think it’s the drive to stand out and try to do something different, whilst having a clear message on why you approach your hairdressing in a particular way.

It’s a difficult one to answer I guess, as I think the only ones that did achieve cult status did it so long ago…we really have to go back to the 1960’s to try and answer it.

Hair trend you wish never happened?

The Mullet? What even was that!

What’s the one thing you wish you knew then about your career, that you know now?

For years I worked at salons that I hated, from the way they interacted with the clients to the clicky bitchy, gossip groups that would call me a ‘one trick pony’ when clients would seek me out for my balayage work. I use to get so upset, I wish I could go back and tell myself not to let it bother me and that it will be different, you can make it different.

If you weren’t making people’s hair look sh*t hot, what would you be doing? (other careers)

One of the parts of open the salon I enjoyed the most was choosing all the interiors. I love doing it so much that I have renovated the salon twice already! I am just starting to plan the look and feel of the second location and it is honestly the most fun, so to answer the question if I had to do something else for a career I would LOVE it to be an interior designer!

Do you have a career highlight / pinch-me moment so far?

I remember seeing GHD at Coachella on social media in 2017 and I said to my fiancé Greg I would LOVE to do that! Two years later I was so lucky to get signed to GHD as a Creative Artist and they asked me to go and style hair at Coachella! That for me was a pinch-me moment!

Balayage, baby lights, low lights – what do they all mean?

This is something I get asked a lot so I wrote a blog post that explains the difference between highlights and balayage, read it here.

Top tip for anyone nervous to go for a change at the hair salon?

Change can be terrifying no matter what it is but for some reason when it comes to changing our hair that can instil fear like nothing else. Before you book your appointment to either change your haircut or revamp your colour I always recommend booking in for a consultation. Most salons offer this service totally complimentary and it’s a great way to chat through with a hairdresser exactly what you want to change.

This was you can get a professional opinion on if this would suit you if it is even possible to achieve if it’s not what can you do and ask all the question about maintenance so you can make an informed decision and become your own #HairGoals.

What are some of the top hair trends you’ve noticed at the moment?

I love that bobs are still at the top of the hair trend list! (Handy as I have just cut mine). A lot of our clients at SCL are opting for a stronger face frame with their balayage or highlights which  I am so here for. 

Do you have any personal hair faux pas? Spill the beans…

OMG HAVE I! As a trainee I was always messing about with my hair, trying new things I had just been taught, from neon orange hair to cutting the hair around my crown so short it would stand up on end it there were many horrific looks I will not be repeating that’s for sure! It’s always funny when Facebook memories pop up and my hair in some of them is bad! 

What are your go-to tips for a healthy mane?

OLAPLEX! I am such a champion of Olaplex, it has honestly changed my hair and in turn my client’s hair.  Olaplex is a bond multiplier with a patented active ingredient, Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. It works on a molecular level to seek out broken bonds in the hair that are caused by chemical, thermal, and mechanical damage and repair them! Make sure that your colourist uses Olaplex in your colour services especially lightening service and you’ll notice a difference immediately.

Top 3 products we need in our hair routine?

Davines Oi All In One Milk! – this is a little miracle product, heat protector, de-tangler and leave-in conditioner all in one spray! I use it every day and make me not dread brushing my hair after washing!

GHD Platinum Plus Stylers – These are my go too’s for creating any sort of wave or curl in the hair! The technology in them ensures that they never get too hot and stay at 185 degrees which is optimum for styling the hair whilst not damaging it or stripping hair colour. I LOVE them.

Dry Shampoo – I can not live without dry shampoo. I would have to wash my hair every day if it wasn’t for dry shampoo. I also use it as a texture spray when I want super beachy waves. 

How often should we actually be washing our hair?

This does differ massively from person to person, some lucky people can wash just once a week and others like me have to wash our hair every other day and dry shampoo on the non-wash day. Washing less often is better for the hair, I would just say no more frequently than every other day.

How often would you recommend getting your hair cut for optimum hair health?

If you are maintaining, for example, a blunt bob you should aim to get a hair cut every 6-8 weeks. If you are growing your hair you should aim to get a trim every 8-12 weeks.

Top tips for longer-lasting hair colour?

– Use a sulphate free shampoo and conditioner. Sulphates can pull the colour out of the hair very quickly. I recommend Davines Oi shampoo and conditioner to the majority of my clients.

– Use a heat protector before heat styling your hair, this includes blowdrying too.

– Avoid washing your hair in super hot water. Hot water can cause your colour to fade much faster.

Top tips for a salon-worthy blow-dry at home?

GHD has just launched their new helios hairdryer and it is honestly the best dryer I have ever used. It makes blowdrying your own hair super quick and easy making getting a salon-worthy blowdry at home a lot easier.

My other tips for achieving the perfect blowdry on your own hair:

– Prep your hair before you dry. Using the right products for your hair is vital to achieving the finish you want from your blowdry. For example, if your hair is prone to frizz apply a smoothing blow-dry balm or if our hair always seems to lack volume apply a mouse before drying.

– Add a nozzle to your dryer so you always have maximum control over the air-flow of your dryer and you can ensure the air always blows from the root of the hair to the tips to keep the cuticle layer fo the hair laying flat for salon shiny hair.

How often should you use purple shampoo on blonde hair?

This is quite dependent on the tone of blonde you like. For example, if you like a very ashy, silver-toned blonde you’re going to want to use your purple shampoo more frequently if not every wash. If you prefer a more creamy blonde then once a week is plenty. I really like the Redken Blondage range of purple shampoos and conditioners because they keep the hair super bright and do not dull the blonde like some other purple shampoos I have had used. 

I would ultimately recommend using it when you notice your hair looks a bit too yellow then you can’t really go wrong.

What do you think is best for curls, straighteners or curling wands?

This is a super hard one for me to answer to be honest because I love different tools for different looks! But if I had to choose 1 it would be my GHD platinum Plus Straighteners as you can create most styles with them. They are so versatile and I know if I have those in my kit bag I can create pretty much any look I need to.

Short or long hair? Blunt Mid Lengths.
Blonde or brunette? Blonde
Straight or wavy? Wavy
Bangs or no bangs? Grown Out bangs
Up or down? Down
You have 5 minutes to do your hair… what do you do? GO! Low pony with a giant scrunchie or my new Fendi hair clip (so extra).

Find the Samantha Cusick London Salon on Instagram here, her personal account here, and book in for your hair transformation over on their website here.

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Easter and sweet treats go hand in hand and we’re not about to pass up on the opportunity to go ham on a foodie tradition. Not when there are bunny-shaped biscuits to be had, for crying out loud.

Whether you’re hosting a family lunch and want fancy-schmancy homemade bakes for pudding, or you want something fun to do with the kids, these Easter-themed biscuits are a delicious alternative to traditional chocolate eggs. You can even hang them on your Easter tree for a pretty darn edible table centrepiece if your guests have enough willpower to sit and stare at them until dessert’s up, that is.

Taken from an original recipe featured in Cordially Invited, these decorative delights are bound to put a hop in your step. Let’s get cracking on the recipe!

SERVES

PREP: 20 MINS COOK: 12 MINS

EASY

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients

1 Egg yolk
250g Butter, softened
140g Icing sugar
2 tsp Vanilla extract
375g Plain flour, extra for dusting

For the icing:

225g Icing sugar
1 Egg white
Gel food colouring of your choice

Alternatively, you can use royal icing

Preheat the oven to 190 degrees / 170 fan oven / gas mark 5

Separate the egg white from the yolk and set aside for the icing. Cream the butter, icing sugar, vanilla and egg yolk together in a bowl or a stand mixer and add in the flour gradually until it’s all combined. Press the dough together, wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Line a baking try with non-stick baking paper and dust your work surface with flour, ready for the dough. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out half the dough until it’s approximately 5mm thick.

Using your Easter themed cookie cutters, cut out your biscuit shapes and carefully transfer them to the baking tray. If you’d like to use the biscuits as hanging decorations, take a drinking straw and punch a hole in the top of each biscuit, leaving enough space around the top so it can hold the weight of the decoration.

Bake the first batch for around 10-12 minutes until golden brown and leave to cool on the tray until firm. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add another sheet of baking paper to the baking tray and use the remaining dough to make another batch, using up all the cut offs as you go. Bake as above.

In a bowl, mix together the icing sugar with the egg white and two teaspoons of cold water if the consistency is looking a little too thick.

Divide the icing into separate bowls adding food colouring of your choice to each one – we’ve gone for seasonal pastel colours. Stir vigorously and add in a few more drops if you want the colour to really pop.

Spoon the icing into separate piping bags fitted with thin nozzles / cut a tiny hole at the end and pipe onto your biscuits. If you don’t have any piping bags to hand, sandwich bags with the corner snipped off work just as well.

Finish decorating your Easter biscuits with sprinkles and whatever else your heart so desires!

When did you first start writing stories?

I started writing at the age of eight, when my second-grade teacher gave us a creative writing project. It was so much fun, I kept going on my own. My first book was about a witch who couldn’t cast spells.

How many books have you written?

Four that are published or ready for publication (One of Us Is Lying, Two Can Keep a Secret, One of Us Is Next, and The Cousins), and a draft of what’s going to be my fifth book, You’ll Be the Death of Me. I also have three books “on the shelf” – two early novels that I wrote before I had an agent, which will never see the light of day because they have unfixable flaws, and a YA rom-com that’s cute but so totally off-brand that I can’t figure out what to do with it (add murder?). So I’ve written eight books total, but only five are published or will be published.

What are some of the best parts of your job?

For me, the early stages of drafting are the most fun part of the writing process – that’s when a book takes on a life of its own and I often feel like I’m just along for the ride. I also love being able to meet readers and other authors in person and getting an early look at exciting new books.
 

What are you currently working on?

In March and April I’m traveling to promote One of Us Is Next, while also gearing up to launch The Cousins, which is coming out December 3 in the U.S. I’m in regular contact with the film producers who have optioned One of Us Is Lying and Two Can Keep a Secret. And I’m expecting an edit letter for You’ll Be the Death of Me soon, while also brainstorming something new.

What did you study at school/uni to help you become a writer?

I was an English major in college and a journalism major in grad school. Both were helpful in different ways; an English degree requires a lot of reading, writing, and critical thinking; while journalism teaches you how to build an effective story and—perhaps most important for the kind of stories I write—anticipate and address questions that readers are likely to have.

What are some of your all-time favourite books?

The Hunger Games, And Then There Were None, Vanity Fair, Gone Girl, A Secret History, and the Narnia series

What are you looking forward to reading this year?

So many books! Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know by Samira Ahmed, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins, The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu, Of Curses and Kisses by Sandhya Menon, and Admission by Julie Buxbaum are high on my list.

Who are some of your favourite new authors?

Rory Power, Phil Stamper, Justin Reynolds and Isabel Ibanez all had recent debuts that I loved.

Tell us about ‘One of us is lying’ and what inspired you to write it?

I was driving to work one day when the theme song from The Breakfast Club came on. I started thinking about that movie and its core theme of looking beyond labels, and then it occurred to me that it would be fun to write something inspired by the movie with a dark twist. The phrase “The Breakfast Club, with murder” popped into my head and stayed there. By the time I left work that day, I had all the characters down and the first few chapters outlined in my head.

If you had any advice for aspiring writers what would it be?

First, read a lot and read for craft; think about what’s working for you as a reader (and what isn’t) as you go along. Second, find critique partners—other writers who are at the same stage of the publications journey as you are—and exchange work with them.

What do you always carry with you?

Lip balm. I’m addicted.

What would your last meal be?

Ajiaco, chocolate lava cake, and a lot of wine.

What are you looking forward to most in 2020?

I’m excited to have two books out in the world, and I’m also excited that the second is ahead of schedule so I’ll actually have some down time to spend with my family!

Find Karen on Instagram here.

You know that bittersweet feeling of finishing a great novel but not being mentally prepared to shelf it and say goodbye? That’s the best thing about a series – once you’ve finished one story, you know there’s a little silver lining in the way of a sequel to remedy your book-ache; another paperback to fill that wizard-shaped hole in your life for a while.

From YA vampire romances to high fantasy trilogies, these are the binge-worthy page-turners to add to your reading list or pick up again in 2020.

Harry Potter

“After all this time? Always.” sniff Seriously, what did we do to deserve books? We couldn’t do a book series feature and not include HP, could we? That would be a cardinal sin. We laughed and cried with the characters, patiently awaited our very own Hogwarts acceptance letter and got into heated debates about the correct pronunciation of Hermione. For years, J.K. Rowling let us get lost in a world steeped in imagination and feast on magic and for that reason, we will always be Potterheads.

His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman

Featuring three books – Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass – this captivating trilogy follows Lyra Belacqua, her shapeshifting daemon and Will Parry as they journey through a series of parallel universes, meeting armoured bears and soul-eating spectres along the way. Philip Pullman just might be the best storyteller of our time – add it to your reading stack immediately!

The Hunger Games

If you like strong female protagonists that don’t go down without a fight, dystopian universes, televised blood sport and sacrifice, then you’ll love this series. The Hunger Games is the ultimate tale of survival and there’s only one rule: kill or be killed.

Twilight

There’s no saga like a Twilight saga. Ever since the first book in the four-volume series was released in 2005, millions have been captivated by this unconventional vampire romance. If you like a love story with a bite and missed the hype first time round, now’s your time to sink your teeth into a bit of YA nostalgia.

The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary trilogy puts fantasy fiction on the map. One powerful ring, the ultimate good vs evil quest to destroy it, and the most relatable protagonist, like EVER – it’s a perennial favourite for good reason.

What book series changed your literary life forever? Let us know in the comments below!

From crisp cotton basics to fashion forward puff sleeves and oversized silhouettes, there’s few items that offer as much versatility as this classic.

Ready to shop? Here’s a look at the pieces at the top of our Weekly Wants wish list!

Lareese

A plain white shirt goes a long way in a wardrobe and when styled with a pair of classic tailored trousers, an oversized blazer draped over your shoulders and sneakers, it’s the perfect smart casual outfit. I used to neglect basics like shirts and tailoring but now I’ve realised they’re the foundation of a functional wardrobe.

*H&M, Puff-sleeved blouse, £29.99 

*M&S, High Waist Wide Leg Trousers, £39.50 

*Net-A-Porter, VEJA + NET SUSTAIN Campo leather and vegan suede sneakers, £105 

*& Other Stories, Leather Belt Bag, £65 

*Arket, Oversized Wool Hopsack Blazer, £135 

Danielle

Whenever I want a good quality basic like a shirt I usually head to Weekday or Uniqlo, they have solid options lots of colour ways and they’re always a lovely quality fit. I’ve gone for this gorgeous blue Arin shirt as I could see me in it for work and a night out where the dress code is “jeans and a nice top”. I’ve gone for some white straight jeans from Topshop because they’re denim is killing it at the moment and some super fun strappy sandals in a colour that will work with EVERYTHING.

*Weekday, Arin Shirt, £35 

*ASOS, Z_Code_Z Danika heeled sandals with ankle tie in blush, £26 

*Topshop, Ecru Straight Jeans, £40 

Charlotte

A clean cut shirt isn’t a staple in my wardrobe as a maximalist dresser, so for this look I’ve gone for a more alternative shirt styling option, of course paired with some killer accessories. The shirt in question is an oversized fit, paired with some chunky trainers for ultimate dress down contrast. Add sunnies for wishful Spring weather thinking and you’re good to go!

*ASOS, COLLUSION oversized shirt in blue, £20 

*ASOS, Steve Madden Charged trainer in multi, £100 

*ASOS, New Look, retro rectangle sunglasses in gold, £7.99 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN hot pink satin bum bag with hardware, £18 

Zoe

I decided to style my shirt as a bit of an “evening out” outfit, something a little more formal for me, but I love shirts both dressed down and dressed up. At the moment i’ve been tucking a thicker style of shirt into a pair of white mom jeans for a casual vibe, and to dress it up, i’ve chosen these heels and this clutch!

*ASOS, Vero Moda longline shirt with utility details in tan, £36 

*ASOS, Reclaimed Vintage The ’91 mom jean in ecru wash, £32 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN suede ring tassel clutch bag, £22 

*ASOS, Public Desire Alia clear strap heeled sandals, £29.99 

Darcey

I’ve jazzed up my shirt and gone for this poplin style one from Topshop. I’ve paired it with jeans and some black heeled boots, great for a ‘jeans and a nice top’ occasion! Lastly, a 90’s style shoulder bag would go perfectly with this outfit.

*Topshop, Bleach Abraided Hem Editor Straight Jeans, £49

*Topshop, White Asymmetric Poplin Tiered Shirt, £39 

*Topshop, HARBOUR Leather Black Chelsea Boots, £65 

*ASOS, ASOS DESIGN croc effect 90s shoulder bag, £18 

Holly

I think white shirts usually look pretty formal, which I am not. So I recommend thinking outside the box like this mesh white shirt. I’d wear this with a black leather skirt, thick black tights and some chunky boot heels. Perfect for important meetings or even a date night.

*New Look, White Spot Mesh Puff Sleeve Shirt, £19.99

*M&S, 3 Pack 60 Denier Body Sensor™ Tights, £8

*Boohoo, Black Matte Leather Look Stretch Mini Skirt, £12 

*ASOS, New Look Wide Fit faux suede zip detail heeled boots in black, £27.99 

Maddie – Smart

I love this Tomboy shirt from Sezane, it can be styled with smart trousers, statement shoe and a blazer for a smart “i mean business” style or dressed down with a pair of distressed blue jeans and converse.

*Sezane, Tomboy Shirt, £80

*& Other Stories, Straight Mid Rise Jeans, £65 

*Office, Converse, Chuck 70 Classic High Top, £70.00 

*Sezane, Sarina Jacket, £150 

*ME + EM, Adjustable Twill Ponte Trouser, £125 

*COS, SLING-BACK LEATHER SHOES, £125 

Maddie – Casual

I love this Tomboy shirt from Sezane, it can be styled with smart trousers, statement shoe and a blazer for a smart “i mean business” style or dressed down with a pair of distressed blue jeans and converse.

*Sezane, Tomboy Shirt, £80

*& Other Stories, Straight Mid Rise Jeans, £65 

*Office, Converse, Chuck 70 Classic High Top, £70.00 

*Sezane, Sarina Jacket, £150 

*ME + EM, Adjustable Twill Ponte Trouser, £125 

*COS, SLING-BACK LEATHER SHOES, £125 

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It’s 8am. You’re staring at the wild abyss that is your wardrobe: the seven identical shirts, the jumper embroidered with Ketchup that you’re abnormally attached to and the white t-shirts bearing their very own grubby halo of foundation. Then there’s the jeans. Oh, the jeans. We haven’t been able to park our arse in them for three years and counting and yet, they’re still here clinging on for dear life.

You’ve called it – it’s time.

You embark upon the character-building journey of… clearing out your wardrobe. You lose yourself, in the music, the moment. Cue the Eminem music.

What ensues thereafter is generally a mad four-hour episode of pulling everything out of the deep depths of your nether regions and onto the floor. No one knows what signs of life you might uncover: Turkish Delight, a white witch, Aslan – anything could happen.

There will be times when, knee-deep in charity shop piles and tops that now resemble Winnie The Pooh’s finest OOTD, you wish you could turn back and abort the mission, just shove it all back in and walk away from responsibility. Marathon runners call it hitting the wall. Americans call it bonking. In this context, we like to call it losing our sh*t and pouring a large glass of wine instead.

Fear not! With a little logic and a few organisational tips, we can muster up enough stamina to see this endurance exercise through. Not sure where to start? Let’s break it down. Here’s how to clean out your wardrobe.

Set some manageable goals

Ok, so you want to declutter your wardrobe, we know that much. But what do you want to focus on? Do you want to be more aware of the clothes you already have, curate a capsule wardrobe or create a stress-free environment for getting dressed in the morning? When you set intentions and objectives for your clear out, the task in hand won’t seem so daunting and the focus shifts beyond just sorting out your clothes. It’s a mentally beneficial task as much as it is a physical one.

Take everything out

Yep, even your knickers and hangers! Clear the rails and pile it on the floor or your bed so you can get a good view of everything you have.

Evaluate and cull

Inspect each item in your wardrobe and evaluate how much you enjoy wearing it. Does it still fit? How often do you wear it? If you decide it’s no longer serving a purpose in your life but could benefit someone in need, donate it to a charity shop, clothes bank or a recycling scheme like H&M’s garment collecting programme. Simply hand in a bag of old clothes in any condition and receive a £5 voucher towards your next purchase in-store or online.

If you haven’t worn an item in the last 12 months but lust after a capacious wardrobe, now’s the time to be ruthless, tackle the weeds and let go!

Create separate piles

You’re thinking of the scene in Sex and the City too aren’t you? Creating separate ‘keep’ ‘donate’ or ‘repair’ piles for your possessions can help you make clear and practical decisions about each item.

Identify the hardworking basics

Keep hold of the pieces you know you can layer with some of your trend focused in-season items. Your trusty denim, turtlenecks, the versatile blazers and everyday tees are all items that will never really go out of fashion.

Rotate your wardrobe seasonally

Few of us have a big enough wardrobe to accommodate our thick space-invading Winter knits as well as all our Summer gear. Something’s gotta give. The key? Seasonal rotation.

Pack away the heavy pieces that see you through the colder months to enjoy in a few month’s time, that way you get to free up a bit of wardrobe space without sacrificing your favourite pieces. Seasonless wardrobe staples can stay put but as for the rest, if you’re not going to wear it in the next 3 – 4 months, fold it away into storage.

Maximise on space

Once you’ve been through your closet and asked yourself if each piece still gives you a 10/10 sartorial orgasm, it’s time to put it all back in.

Here’s where you can really claw back some space by folding items away and organising properly. Make like Marie Kondo and get practising that royal roll for items you want to stow away in drawers and categorise the clothes you hang up by seasons or occasions.

Stock up on hangers

If getting confused and stressed when you’re choosing what to wear in the morning is all too familiar, consider organising your wardrobe with matching velvet hangers – it’s a game-changer. Not only will the new sense of order motivate you to keep control of your wardrobe on a long-term basis, but the velvet also holds onto your clothes, preventing items slipping off and sitting in an unloved pile at the bottom of your closet.

Try facing your hangers away from you in the wardrobe, turning them towards you each time you wear an item. It’s an easy way to keep stock of the items you love and those that you’re simply not getting the wear out of.

What are your best tips for tackling a wardrobe clear out? Let us know!

It’s that time of the month again where you write in with your Between You And Me dilemmas and we do our best to dish out some solid life advice – because a problem shared is a problem halved and all that!

This time we’re tackling cheating boyfriends, pubic hair, sexuality, A-level stress and periods.

Got something weighing on your mind? Email us on Betweenyouandme@zoella.co.uk and we’ll be in touch!

Holly

I jumped at the chance to answer this question because I’ve been in a very similar situation myself. Sorry to hear you’ve been a bit poorly. I know how much stress can affect your physical and mental wellbeing so it’s not surprising that holding this secret for so long has lead to this.

There’s so many layers to this which is hard. Firstly, coming to terms with your sexuality is hard enough without having to worry about coming out to your friends and family. Sounds like you need to get your head sorted before even thinking about telling your family. In my opinion, sexuality is fluid and we’re all too obsessed with labels, straight, gay, bi, who the fuck cares? Don’t pressure yourself, when something’s right you’ll know.

I think whatever happens with your boyfriend, you shouldn’t jump straight in to a new relationship, with this girl or anyone else. After being with someone for 7 years, moving to their hometown and basically adopting their life, it might be good to make your own strides and explore yourself as an individual for a little while.

On the other hand, cheating is never OK, whether you’re confused or not. I think you need to be honest with your boyfriend and cool things off with this girl while you sort things through. If you come clean I think you’ll start to feel a lot better physically too. If the only reason you’re staying with your current partner is because it’s easier, that’s never the basis for a healthy relationship. There will be other jobs, houses and cars. The only thing you won’t be able to replace is the people you’ve made connections to, your boyfriend and his family. So do a bit of damage limitation and put this woman on pause.

Coming out is a whole different story. I wish it wasn’t a big deal, but it is. It is TERRIFYING I know. But everyones journey is completely different. If someone is important enough to you for you to share that part of yourself to them, they’ll accept you no matter what. You’re literally the same person just defying what they thought the ‘norm’ was. It might take them a little while to get their head around it, but if they’re worth it, they’ll be there for you. Anyone that isn’t supportive I promise you, isn’t worth the time of day.

If I were you I would just not make any hasty decisions. Talk to your boyfriend, maybe say you’ve been attracted to other people and work from there.

Thanks so much for submitting this question, I really feel for you and wish I could help but just know, it’s all going to be OK!

Holly

Danielle

To me, it sounds like you’ve already made up your mind about your boyfriend purely by the way you’ve written your email. It’s definitely clear he is not the one for you but you’re tied to him through so many other complicated things that make it hard for you to leave and that must be so stressful and difficult.

You have so much going on and there are so many moving parts that it’s no wonder you are stressed and losing weight. My advice is to break up with your boyfriend but I would be careful over-sharing. I agree you should start a bit more of a life for yourself before jumping into a new relationship as you don’t want to end up relying on your partner again.

In terms of your sexuality, I firmly believe it’s a sliding scale and you don’t have to pressure yourself into a label and ‘coming out’ to friends and family. Work on one thing at a time and you’ll soon have the confidence, to be honest with them when the time is right.

I think as soon as you’ve split up with your boyfriend you’ll start to feel less confused and guilty and therefore your mental and physical health will improve. Wishing you the best of luck! XOXO

Darcey

Hello!

This is a really great question and one I’m sure many people would like some advice on. Periods can be very daunting when you first start and the idea of having them every month can be quite stressful when you haven’t quite worked out your flow yet. I remember when I started my period just before my 16th birthday I felt so relieved for the moment to have finally come, until the realisation hit that actually periods aren’t that exciting and not so pleasant at times either!

Saying that though, periods are just a natural thing us humans blessed with a uterus have to deal with, and once you know how your body works on your period, they can be very easy to manage. I’d say if you are experiencing quite bad periods, it’s worth visiting your doctor to see if they can offer you anything to help relieve them a bit. I’d really recommend downloading a period tracker app, I use Flo and it’s really great to track your periods and symptoms and will give you more of an idea when your period is due. I’ve found it to be really accurate and now I can pinpoint a day I’ll be coming on my period which is great for peace of mind too, it’s definitely worth a try!

Also, just explore using different types of sanitary products. You might find you prefer using sanitary pads to tampons, or vice versa, there’s so many products out there to trial so you are bound to find something you get along with. Also, don’t be afraid of leaks, it happens to the best of us and something we can’t really control!

On the topic of pubic hair, do what makes you feel most comfortable! At the end of the day, we all have pubic hair and what we choose to do with it is our choice. I know there can be a lot of pressure in removing it all, and if that’s what you choose to do then that’s absolutely fine, but if you would like some hair down there, then you do you! Personally, I have grown quite fond of waxing, mainly because I cannot shave as I find it super uncomfortable when it grows back, and waxing takes away that horrible shaving rash itch (but not everyone experiences this). But of course, with waxing, means growing it back for the next round of waxing, so I’m no stranger to letting it grow down there.

Basically, do what feels best for you and what makes you feel comfortable. There is no wrong or right answer when it comes to pubic hair, it’s the individual’s preference! Whether you wax it all off or grow it all out, as long as you are happy, that’s all that matters!

Hope this helps and good luck with everything!

Danielle

My biggest piece of advice is just to experiment! The thing about hair (especially pubic hair) is that it grows back so you don’t have to worry too much about committing to a style.

If you’re used to shaving your legs or armpits you could try whacking it all off, neatening it up or leaving some at the top and see what you like the look of most! I personally just get rid of the whole lot with a razor, but there are downsides to this as the skin can get quite itchy and rashy. There are tons of articles online about how to go about using the best products for this and making sure you exfoliate before and after.

I’ve never gone full throttle for a fanny wax as I don’t think I could handle the pain but plenty of women swear by it, so it’s probably worth trying when you’re more confident with your nether regions.

We’re currently experiencing a bit of a revolution when it comes to period products as new brands are becoming available and sustainability is playing such a huge part in our monthlies. Suddenly we have to choose not just for our vaginas but also how much impact we want to have on the environment! When I first started I used sanitary towels but these can be super unreliable and prone to leaking so it wasn’t long before I made the move to tampons. I prefer to use tampons with an applicator, but it’s all about experimenting and seeing what you’re comfortable with.

You only have one a month (thank god) so it takes a bit of time to find what’s right for you and it can all seem a bit intimidating at first but I promise you’ll get the hang of it! XOXO

Zoe

Firstly, i’m so sorry to hear about this. Absolutely nobody deserves to feel the way you do. Secondly, you have wholeheartedly done the right thing by moving home and focusing on you and your career. somebody who loves you and respects you, would have embraced that change.

Unfortunately it sounds like your boyfriend used this as an excuse for his crappy behaviour because the situation gave him an out. Cheating is cowardly and expresses a real lack of respect and communication. If he was finding it hard with you being away, he could have chosen to express that to you and given you the chance to deal with it together in a whole manner of ways. He CHOSE to cheat on you, this was not your doing. The fact he is placing blame on you is a clear indication that he can’t accept the responsibility which is a real shame, but something I have experienced myself in a previous relationship.

You have 100% done the right thing, as you said yourself, you are excelling! And this was because you took a leap of faith and went with your heart. As cliche as it sounds, I really believe everything happens for a reason and when one door opens, another closes. That doesn’t mean to say it doesn’t hurt or that it’s easy, but you sound like you’re on the most amazing life journey right now and if your boyfriend was prepared to jump ship at the first sight of change, he would have been dragging you down and holding you back.

Life is too damn short for people who don’t want the best for you! The next person you meet will get the absolute best version of you (something your ex boyfriend clearly didn’t deserve) and I wish you nothing but happiness on this new and exciting chapter in your life!

Maddie

Hello!

I’m really sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time with your breakup. I can relate to this exact situation and i can’t tell you how angry it makes me on your behalf that you’ve been made to feel that this is somehow your fault, it 1 million percent is not. Choosing to cheat is an individuals choice, end of story.

The summer I turned 18 I fell head over heels in love with a boy, by the time we went our separate ways for university I was convinced he was the “one” and that long distance wouldn’t break us apart. For my part i stayed loyal and didn’t get a wondering eye even for a second. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case for my boyfriend who within a few weeks not only rekindled something with an ex back home but also met a new “special friend” at university too, all while seemingly being devoted to me. If i could go back in time and change one thing I would go back and not forgive him when he told me it wouldn’t happen again. Our relationship lasted nearly 9 years after that with millions more ups and downs. I was plagued by mistrust, misery and insecurity yet was somehow addicted to this person and it took years before i finally let go. That whole time i blamed myself too and that’s another thing I really regret. It wasn’t my fault that he didn’t share my morals and standards, just like this is not your fault either. There’s something really clever about people who lie and cheat, they manage to turn things around on you just to justify their actions to themselves and take the edge off their guilt and shame. I promise you, taking the decision to focus on yourself and move home to excel in your career will be the best thing you could have ever done for your future happiness and if he was too immature and cowardly to have an honest conversation with you about your relationship you can’t blame yourself for that. Breakups are really rubbish but I promise it will get better with time, try and stay busy, do new things and say YES to as much as possible!

I promise that not everyone cheats and not every long distance relationship is doomed, it comes down to communication and sharing the same expectations, morals and values. Concentrate on yourself and the right person will be along before you know it.

Lareese

Hi love,

Thanks so much for getting in touch. I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling confused and worried about this. I feel so disheartened on your behalf that you could even contemplate this being your fault. It’s absolutely not so don’t even entertain that thought. If things weren’t working out when you moved back home to Brighton he should have grown a pair and communicated with you rather than dropping his pants, being unfaithful and then pinning the blame on you. After four years together, he owed you an honest conversation, right? It’s about respect.

It sounds to me like a classic case of a guy who didn’t quite know how to handle the thought of his long-term girlfriend flourishing on her own terms and making decisions that would serve her future self but that’s exactly what you did, and it sounds like it was precisely what you needed to do to motivate your own happiness. That could never be a mistake!

You moved away, you didn’t break up with him because you clearly wanted it to work and were still very much invested in the relationship. Sure, living apart was new territory for both of you to navigate and work on but that doesn’t justify his infidelity.

If you were still together, you’d still be stuck in an unfulfilling job, wondering what would have happened if you’d taken the leap of faith and moved home. Don’t waste another second thinking about the shoulda woulda could ofs – continue to nourish yourself and do more of what makes YOU happy. He may not have known your worth but someone else sure will.

Charlotte

There’s a lot to unpack here but firstly I think it’s important to acknowledge that the stresses you’re feeling are totally normal in the run up to university, which is such a big life ‘moment’. Being aware of your own feelings amongst the input of others is really great so I hope you’re able to recognise the good in yourself here.

Everyone experiences self-doubt and imposter syndrome to some degree when applying to university- after all, it’s an entirely new process and experience that’s bound to make you question your worth and abilities. But what’s not helpful is other people also doubting you when they should in fact be your biggest cheerleaders! It might be helpful to remind your friends of that when they next say something on the topic, and voice that you need their support and backing rather than criticism in a time that’s already leaving you anxious. It sounds like they have your best interests at heart but perhaps aren’t going about it in the best way!

In regards to your part time job, is it something you really love or need to earn some money before university? If you’re also feeling like it’s taking up too much of your free time, perhaps pressing pause on working until your exams are out of the way could be an option? I think balance is the key in this scenario, and if you’re able to put in place a killer revision and exam prep timetable that works around your other commitments then achieving your academic goals will hopefully feel more within your reach. 8 hours sounds achievable around your revision, but if you know that time would be better placed in giving you moments of relaxation to recharge around your hectic school commitments, then self-care should always come out on top!

Similarly to your friends, I think your mum also has your best interests at heart in trying to prepare you for the step up to university, even though her way of going about it feels a little harsh. I think my main advice is to trust your gut- only you know your abilities and capability in pushing yourself so try not let others dictate that for you. Maybe try to think about future you and what she would want you to do- will you regret not pursuing medicine because of doubts others have projected on to you, or would a less ‘intense’ course actually be best for your mental health and career prospects. Best of luck with whatever you decide feels most ‘right’ and fitting for you. Hugs!

Zoe

This all sounds like a lot of people are taking it upon themselves to crawl into your head/business. It is totally normal for you to be feeling these stresses at this junction in your life. You feel like you need to have everything laid out in a nice neat path ready to start following into adulthood, but I can assure you, there are a lot of people feeling exactly the same way you are (even some of your friends).

I was so stressed in year 12 as I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do and which career path I wanted to take. I also felt like I was the only one who didn’t have a clue, which of course isn’t true. First of all, however hard it might be, you have to try and ignore what other people want for you. Although I’m sure it comes from a place of love, concern and support, it’s not always solicited or wanted and can actually end up making you feel more confused.

The one thing I think you should really sit down and think about, is what YOU want. What do YOU enjoy? You’re still so young and careers can change and adjust as you get older, all you can do is go on what you feel right now, in this very moment. In terms of grades and exams, again, as long as you put everything you can into it (job or not) and you try to the best of your ability, regardless of what grades you end up with, you can hand on heart say you tried your best, and that’s all that matters. Just remember that you’re the one in the drivers seat, you’ve got the wheel and you can go wherever you want at whatever speed you like (you can also reverse too!) Keep us updated! x

Pops of pastel

Breathe new life into your living space with pastel accents and a sprinkling of pattern. Mirror the invigorating colours of Spring with blues, vibrant greens, yellows and soft pastels. Now’s the time to shake up a tired and stuffy colour palette. If you’ve got any cheery decorative plates hibernating at the back of a cupboard somewhere, display them on open-shelving / cabinetry.

Deck the halls with a Spring wreath

Whatdoyaknow, wreaths aren’t just for the holidays! With every season, there comes a new opportunity to style your home in accordance with the seasons and adding a decorative wreath – much like flowers – can offer a quick way to introduce a touch of nature into your living space.

Whether you go for an all-out Easter theme, or simply style a fresh wreath with foliage and a medley of tulips, nothing welcomes guests quite like a well-dressed front door.

Switching up your home fragrance

Out with the ‘oud’ in with the new! While Winter is all about the heady, comforting spices and warming ouds, Spring inspires us to scent our homes with fresh and uplifting fragrances that energise and motivate us – the candle equivalent of going for a brisk seaside walk to to blow the cobwebs away.

Bringing the great outdoors in

Nature really knows how to show off in the Spring. Daffodils and hyacinths are particularly fragrant and aesthetically pleasing bunched in a vase and placed on the kitchen counter, or as a centrepiece on your Easter dining table. The house plant trend is going nowhere either, so go ahead and create your very own Spring sanctuary with a smattering of leafy friends. A trailing string of hearts looks great in an office, while a snake plant is a delightfully low-maintenance addition for a bar cart or console table.

Introduce lighter fabrics

Create a calm and airy ambience in your boudoir by changing up your heavy Winter bed threads for crisp whites or ditsy floral prints. Go for light, breathable fabrics on your bedding, switch out heavy blankets for cotton throws in the lounge and crinkled cotton table cloths in the kitchen. It’s the season for letting go of unnecessary layers!

If you’re a fan of letting the light flood in through the curtains in the morning, then opt for sheer curtains for a laid-back boho mood mixed with Moroccan overtones and earthy hues. Dreamy!

Creating space

Once we’re done lapping up the comforts of hygge season, we often feel a need to clear out, refresh and rearrange our living space to reflect the shift in seasons and the sunnier days ahead. Evoke a calm home by organising your cupboards and drawers, paring back your bedside table and lightening your bookshelves. There is beauty and functionality in the unadorned wall and the ship-shape kitchen counter. Embrace the space! Need some motivation to get your place looking Hinch-levels of tidy? Read our Spring cleaning tips here.

Natural textures

Channel those vacation vibes with natural materials and an aesthetic style firmly set in contemporary minimalism. Introduce wood, rattan, bamboo or seagrass textures for a neutral palette that’ll work with any interior aesthetic. Wicker baskets are both functional and stylish storage pieces for your hallway or lounge, while rattan planters work well for a bedroom or a reading nook. You can also try switching up your Berber style rugs for natural jute for a lighter but still lived-in look.

How do you style your living space for Spring? We’d love to hear your best tips!

They don’t call it the great outdoors for nothing! In a technologically driven world, never before have we been so divorced from nature thus unplugging from our devices and the hustle and bustle of digital noise is becoming increasingly important.

The Japanese have long recognised the healing power of green spaces with the practice of forest bathing or ‘shinrin-yoku’ becoming a cornerstone of preventative healthcare and a globally practised wellbeing activity. No bikini required.

We don’t always have to head off into the depths of the forest to get our happiness fix, though! Nurturing our mental health can start from our very own backyards. Yep, we’re talking about getting out in the garden and flexing our green fingers! Crocs… it’s finally your time to shine.

The benefits of gardening go far beyond making our grass greener. Tending to our outdoor spaces fosters our innate connection with the earth, creating a sense of order and calm in our lives by observing nature and the cycle of seasons. It’s a valuable source of relaxation that gets us out of our heads and into the present moment.

We’re exploring how taking a holistic approach to our wellbeing and immersing ourselves in a bit of green-thumbed therapy can help keep our mental health in check.

Vitamin D

Sunlight improves our mood and is conducive to a good night’s sleep, so when it comes to looking after our mental health, getting outside and lapping up the sunshine is a sure-fire way to forget about the stressors of daily life and get a dose of that all-important happiness.

Exercise

Much like hitting the gym, gardening is a positive habit to build into your day. All that raking, digging and weeding gets your muscles moving and your endorphins flying. If you’re feeling lethargic, a productive hour in the garden can provide an effective workout while putting minimal stress on the body.

A sense of achievement and self-worth

Cultivating your very own green space can give you a unique sense of purpose. By giving it your time and energy, you get to reap the fruits of your labour – whether that’s beautiful scented flowers, home-grown veggies or simply the satisfaction of giving back to nature.

It’s inclusive

Young or old, gardening doesn’t discriminate. Its rewards are for everyone!

Stress-buster

Gardening is a natural stress-reliever and while it might not compete with combative sports like boxing, taking a trowel to the soil and pushing a lawn mower round can certainly help to let off some steam and calm your mind.

It’s a safe space

Plants don’t judge. Simple! For those struggling with mental health issues, those simple day to day tasks or socialising with others can be the most overwhelming. Gardening is a great way to get outside and channel that nervous energy into something purposeful, motivating and creative.

Community connections

Cooperating with others and working towards a shared goal promotes a real sense of community. Mental illness can be extremely isolating and for those who struggle with confidence issues, meeting new people can be a daunting experience. Joining a communal gardening group can be a great way to nip fear and discomfort in the bud and connect with likeminded people.

We spoke to Brighton and Hove Food Partnership about their dementia-friendly gardening sessions and the work they do to help propagate mindfulness in the community.

Explain the work that the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership organisation does within the community.

The Brighton & Hove Food Partnership is a not-for-profit organisation which has 15 years’ experience using food to make positive changes in people’s lives. We help people and organisations to grow food, buy locally, cook & eat a healthy diet and waste less food. This ranges from running a community cookery school and growing vegetables in public spaces to campaigning about food poverty or helping food businesses get together to ‘ditch the plastic’ locally. Our work brings positive food experiences to people experiencing deprivation, isolation, poor health and other life challenges. Over many years we have found that growing, cooking and eating with others can make lasting changes to habits and behaviours which improve lives.

How can gardening benefit our mental health?

Many national studies and reports evidence the benefits of garden/ outdoor projects for physical & mental health (Kings Fund 2017, Natural England 2016, Growing Health 2014, Mind 2013), including reducing stress, depression, self-harm & destructive behaviours and improving social interaction, life satisfaction, self-esteem, meaningful activity and achievement. Evaluation of Brighton & Hove garden projects by the University of Essex found:

– 97% of participants reported improved happiness, mood or wellbeing

– 89% reported improved physical health

– 90% reported greater skills or confidence

– Participants increased their fruit and vegetable intake by an average of 14% and physical activity levels across the group increased between 10% and 17%.

88% reported that coming to the garden would have a long-term impact on them in the future, while 16% noticed an improvement in life satisfaction after 3-6 months.

We have found that community gardening is a perfect way to achieve the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ – connect, be active, take notice, learn and give.

Here are some quotes from people who have been involved in our gardening projects.

“Sometimes when I am depressed I miss coming but I know that if I make the effort to get here I will instantly feel better.”

“I suffer from anxiety and the gardening sessions are calming and boost my mood. I leave feeling more relaxed.” ​

“It’s been worth more and more useful to me than all the psychotherapies I’ve had. It’s been amazing for me.”

“Now I’m at stage now where I want to get right stuck in with it all, I want to give something back now and I’ve come a long way in my recovery. It’s given me a different view of living in this city coming to gardens like this and I feel I want to move towards helping other people in gardens like this who used to feel like me.”

The Food Partnership helped to triple the number of community gardens in the city, from 25 to 75, and we estimate that 4,000 people volunteer across these community gardens each year. Since that time, we have focused on supporting existing projects to be stronger and more effective. In particular we have prioritised running and supporting gardens that work with vulnerable people, as they need more specialist expertise/ safety / skills and capacity. Between 2014 and 2017, we supported over 2,000 vulnerable people to improve their mental health, physical health and skills at therapeutic gardens across the city. With new funding for the Wellbeing Alliance we look forward to growing this further and reaching out to new areas.

Tell us more about the dementia-friendly gardening sessions…

The gardening sessions are a time for those living with Dementia and (sometimes) their carers to spend quality time in a glorious private garden tucked away in central Brighton. We tailor the sessions to suit those who come along in terms of their interests, energy and mobility. In the past activities have included things like transplanting seedlings, making pinecone bird feeders, planting bulbs and making nasturtium pesto from plants in the garden. We have incredible volunteers who work one to one with those that come along enabling them to participate in the activities on offer. Our volunteers are a key part of the success of the gardening group as they bring a wealth of experience and compassion which creates a warm and welcoming environment for everyone. Over time we get to know the participants really well as they share stories about their lives and we learn their particular sense of humour. We always have lots of tea and cake, you can’t garden without tea and cake can you?

How important is the community aspect of gardening?

People who attend our gardening groups tell us that belonging to one of these groups help them feel connected to their communities and give something back by tending green spaces around the city. We often chat with park users (for example in Preston Park) about food growing techniques and they share with us how much they enjoy seeing all the different plants growing and cropping through the year.

What are your top tips for getting started with gardening?

If you are keen to start gardening for wellbeing in Brighton, the good news is you’re in the right place. The city has loads of different supportive community gardens which you can find out more about through our directory: https://bhfood.org.uk/directory-map/

You can always visit a few different gardens to find the one that suits your availability and your particular interests. It may be that a shared meal is really appealing or you’re especially interested in gardening for wildlife, so exploring a few different projects will guarantee that you find the right one for you. If you live outside the area, maybe check out the projects that exist near you, many will have a Facebook page or even a website you could find through using a search engine.

Have you got a favourite story you can share with us from the work you’ve done with the gardening scheme so far…

It’s so hard to choose as I’ve been involved with community gardens in Brighton for nearly 7 years now and met so many brilliant people through this work. One lady from our last Dementia friendly gardening group does spring to mind though. The joy she expressed from week to week of visiting the garden was very moving. She would describe the Garden House (where we run the Dementia friendly gardening sessions) as the secret garden and the garden of her childhood dreams. One day she told us that she viewed her Alzheimer’s as a gift ‘because it enabled her to have beautiful experiences by being part of this wonderful group.’ It’s moments like that when I realise that what we create together is special – it’s garden magic!

How can someone get involved / volunteer?

I’d recommend looking at our website bhfood.org.uk and checking the directory; contacting the gardens that you’d like to volunteer at directly is a good way to find out more about what they and you, are looking for, through volunteering.

Let us know your gardening tips in the comments below!