Hot AF Going Out Looks To Impress This Bank Holiday
If your plans for the long weekend include a pitcher of Porn Star Martini and spending as little time at home as possible, your past lockdown self will certainly be thanking you.
Does anyone else feel like they have been counting down to the Easter long weekend for what feels like forever? After being lulled into a false sense of Spring with a couple of 17 degree days earlier last month (more fool us!), it’s safe to say our wardrobes are an accumulation of jumpers and tentative Birkenstocks, making picking an outfit for this very meh weather much more of a challenge. Despite confused wardrobes, something we can be sure to bank on: celebrating the first ‘normal’ Easter in two years! Who would have thought it?! If your plans for the long weekend include a pitcher of Porn Star Martini and spending as little time at home as possible, your past lockdown self will certainly be thanking you.
Keep scrolling for the ultimate in going ‘out’ out inspo, featuring the best of the best of new-in. Think staple pieces in the form of leather trousers, basic yet chic black tops and straight leg jeans, as well as trend led items including corset tops and colourful prints that scream dopamine dressing in all its glory. Meet you at Spoons!
15 Books that Blew Up on TikTok and Are Actually Worth The Hype!
Make way for books so good, they’ll actually get you to put your phone down. No mean feat when you’ve got Wordles and Heardles to do.
If you’re looking for a sign to break your book ban, here it is.
Make way for books so good, they’ll actually get you to put your phone down. No mean feat when you’ve got Wordles and Heardles to do. From the romance reads you’ll need a week to recover from (because you’re vibing with your new boyfriend: Atlas) to the books that will cause emotional damage in the best possible way, here are the trending tomes that have the internet in a chokehold.
*Please always check trigger warnings before reading*
1. It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover
The hold that pink cover has on us! It Ends With Us is CoHo at her finest and if you’ve yet to experience her exquisite writing, this one’s sure to suck you right into the Hooververse and break your heart from the very first rooftop encounter. Check the blurb:
Sometimes the one who loves you is the one who hurts you the most.
Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up – she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.
Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.
As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan – her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.
Stand-out quote: “In the future . . . if by some miracle you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love again . . . fall in love with me.”
2. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous – Ocean Vuong
Written in epistolary form, OEWBG is a letter to a mother who cannot read. It follows a narrator known as Little Dog, a young Vietnamese immigrant in America, as he unearths his family history and tries to find a place in his country.
Lusciously written with lyrical prose and stirring imagery that’ll stop you in your tracks, this shattering portrait of family and the relationship between mother and son will move you to your core. Visceral, raw and as achingly gorgeous as its title would suggest, it’s one of those books that’ll remind you exactly why you read.
Stand-out quote: You once told me that the human eye is god’s loneliest creation. How so much of the world passes through the pupil and still it holds nothing. The eye, alone in its socket, doesn’t even know there’s another one, just like it, an inch away, just as hungry, as empty.
3. Where the Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
For fans of a character-driven story, Crawdads will make your soul levitate.
A reclusive girl who raises herself on the marshes of the deep South becomes the suspect in the murder of a man she was once involved with. Part-murder mystery, part-coming-of-age narrative and an ode to the natural world, it’s got a little bit of everything, allowing you to get lost in the atmosphere of its pages. Hauntingly beautiful, poignant and ethereal, it’s a fine example of storytelling.
It hits the big screens in July, so crack that spine and get to it!
Stand-out quote: “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.”
4. Stolen – Lucy Christopher
This prize-winning psychological thriller will pull you in and flip you over in one creepy unputdownable sitting.
Sixteen-year-old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back?
The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don’t exist—almost.
Stand-out quote: “And it’s hard to hate someone once you understand them.”
5. Anna and the French Kiss – Stephanie Perkins
A sweet cheesy romance set in Paris? Take all our money *Le sigh*
Anna is happy in Atlanta. She has a loyal best friend and a crush on her co-worker at the movie theatre, who is just starting to return her attention. So, she’s less than thrilled when her father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year. But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna meets some cool new people, including the handsome Étienne St. Clair, who quickly becomes her best friend. Unfortunately, he’s taken—and Anna might be, too. Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she’s been waiting for?
Stand-out quote: “I wish friends held hands more often, like the children I see on the streets sometimes. I’m not sure why we have to grow up and get embarrassed about it.”
6. The Invisible Life of Addie Larue – V.E. Schwab
For fans of The Time Traveller’s Wife and Life After Life, V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie Larue is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of book you won’t forget in a hurry. With phenomenal world building, complex character dynamics and lyrical writing, you needn’t be a fantasy lover to appreciate why this book is a veritable TikTok phenomenon.
When Addie LaRue makes a deal with the devil, she trades her soul for immortality. But the devil takes away her place in the world, cursing her to be forgotten by everyone.
Addie flees her tiny hometown in 18th-Century France, beginning a journey that takes her across the world, learning to live a life where no one remembers her and everything she owns is lost and broken. Existing only as a muse for artists throughout history, she learns to fall in love anew every single day.
Her only companion on this journey is her dark devil with hypnotic green eyes, who visits her each year on the anniversary of their deal. Alone in the world, Addie has no choice but to confront him, to understand him, maybe to beat him.
Until one day, in a second-hand bookshop in Manhattan, Addie meets someone who remembers her. Suddenly thrust back into a real, normal life, Addie realises she can’t escape her fate forever.
Stand-out quote: “I remember you.”
7. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Gorgeous, gorgeous girls buy new books even though they’ve got a living library at home. But for what it’s worth, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a *need* not a want.
From the author of Daisy Jones & The Six – a fast-paced intoxicating read full of Hollywood glamour, in which an iconic film actress reflects on her relentless rise to the top and the risks she took, the loves she lost, and the long-held secrets the public could never imagine.
Ageing and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jump start her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ’80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
Stand-out quote: “I’m under absolutely no obligation to make sense to you.”
8. Shatter Me – Tahereh Mafi
Stranger Things meets Shadow and Bone, the first instalment of this YA dystopian thriller fantasy series (or a romance with a dystopian sub-plot, if you will) follows a fragile young teenage girl held captive. Locked in a cell by The Reestablishment – a harsh dictatorship in charge of a crumbling world. This is no ordinary teenager. Juliette is a threat to The Reestablishment’s power. A touch from her can kill – one touch is all it takes. But not only is she a threat, she is potentially the most powerful weapon they could have. Juliette has never fought for herself before but when she’s reunited with the one person who ever cared about her, the depth of the emotion and the power within her become explosive …
Stand-out quote: Warner. That’s it, that’s the quote.
9. Love and other Words – Christina Lauren
Second chance love and friends to lovers – need we say more? The tropes speak for themselves.
Macy Sorensen is settling into an ambitious if emotionally tepid routine: work hard as a new paediatrics resident, plan her wedding to an older, financially secure man, keep her head down and heart tucked away.
But when she runs into Elliot Petropoulos—the first and only love of her life—the careful bubble she’s constructed begins to dissolve. Once upon a time, Elliot was Macy’s entire world—growing from her gangly bookish friend into the man who coaxed her heart open again after the loss of her mother…only to break it on the very night he declared his love for her.
Told in alternating timelines between Then and Now, teenage Elliot and Macy grow from friends to much more—spending weekends and lazy summers together in a house outside of San Francisco devouring books, sharing favourite words, and talking through their growing pains and triumphs. As adults, they have become strangers to one another until their chance reunion. Although their memories are obscured by the agony of what happened that night so many years ago, Elliot will come to understand the truth behind Macy’s decade-long silence, and will have to overcome the past and himself to revive her faith in the possibility of an all-consuming love.
Prepare for Elliot to jump straight into your top 5 fictional boyfriends of all time list.
Stand-out quote: “Favorite word?” he whispers. I don’t even hesitate: “You.”
10. The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
The amount of people who claim they would sell their soul to read this for the first time suggests it’s a big bookish deal. Released in 2011 but revived by TikTok, it’s a captivating retelling of the siege of Troy and the life of Achilles, told from the perspective of his lover, best friend and brother in arms, Patroclus. It took ten years to write and revolutionised the YA genre, proving that books beyond the cisnormative heterosexual realm of boy meets girl are indeed very capable of winning awards and topping bestseller charts.
Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles.
Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms into something deeper – despite the displeasure of Achilles’s mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess.
But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfil his destiny.
Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him, little knowing that the years that follow will test everything they hold dear.
Stand-out quote: “We were like gods at the dawning of the world. And our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other.”
11. The Love Hypothesis – Ali Hazelwood
We pray that the world lets you read your smut in peace because chapter 16 will leave you too stunned to deal with people. It’s the ‘please’ for us.
When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.
As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive on her way to a happily ever after was always going to be tough, scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting woman, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.
That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when he agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire and Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support (and his unyielding abs), their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion.
Olive soon discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.
Stand-out quote: “You can take it.”
12. All the Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr
Consider your book slump era well and truly over.
For Marie-Laure, blind since the age of six, the world is full of mazes. The miniature of a Paris neighbourhood, made by her father to teach her the way home. The microscopic layers within the invaluable diamond that her father guards in the Museum of Natural History. The walled city by the sea, where father and daughter take refuge when the Nazis invade Paris. And a future which draws her ever closer to Werner, a German orphan, destined to labour in the mines until a broken radio fills his life with possibility and brings him to the notice of the Hitler Youth.
Stand-out quote: “open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever.”
13 Legendborn – Tracy Deonn
A bad opinion about Legendborn is simply an invalid one. Black girl magic, a King Arthur retelling, bomb worldbuilding and everyone is queer – Tracy Deonn is here to threaten you with a good time.
After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC–Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape – until Bree witnesses a magical attack, her very first night on campus.
A flying demon feeding on human energies.
A secret society of so called “Legendborn” students that hunt the creatures down.
And a mysterious teenage mage who calls himself a “Merlin” and who attempts—and fails—to wipe Bree’s memory of everything she saw.
The mage’s failure unlocks Bree’s own unique magic and a buried memory with a hidden connection: the night her mother died, another Merlin was at the hospital. Now that Bree knows there’s more to her mother’s death than what’s on the police report, she’ll do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if that means infiltrating the Legendborn as one of their initiates.
She recruits Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn with his own grudge against the group, and their reluctant partnership pulls them deeper into the society’s secrets—and closer to each other. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur’s knights and explain that a magical war is coming, Bree has to decide how far she’ll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down—or join the fight.
Stand-out quote: “Don’t make your life about the loss. Make it about the love.”
14. Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
SOC will be the catalyst for your reading addiction. Once you’re past the first information heavy 100 pages. With diversity baked into the narrative and extraordinary writing, there’s only one way this can end: Savage. Book. Hangover.
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price – and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone…
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.
Stand-out quote: “Better terrible truths than kind lies.”
15. Legend – Marie Lu
Category is: books that’ll make you forget you’re reading.
Slow burn – check. Enemies to lovers – check. BIPOC and LGBT representation – check. An opening line that will steal your breath – check.
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbours. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’ death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.
Stand-out quote: “You’re brilliant,”he says.”But you’re a fool to stay with someone like me.” I close my eyes at the touch of his hand.” Then we are both fools.”
Come rain or shine, the risk of sun damage is a year-round concern, meaning SPF really is a wear-every-day kinda skincare staple and your best defence against sun damage and premature ageing.
When it comes to looking after our skin, sun protection is non-negotiable but as we well know, not all SPF is created equal – especially when it comes to your face – and finding one that offers both UVA and UVB protection, hydrates and doesn’t cause breakouts or leave a chalky residue on the skin is no mean feat.
Whilst the glorious mini heatwave might have been and gone already (in a bit, pub garden!), the need for SPF endures, no matter the weather, season or temp as UV rays can still pass through cloud cover and windows. Even more reason to slather on the SPF when you’re working from home or heading into the office.
Come rain or shine, the risk of sun damage is a year-round concern, meaning SPF really is a wear-every-day kinda skincare staple and your best defence against sun damage and premature ageing.
We’ve tried and tested our fair share of pore-cloggers and eye-stingers in our time, so if you’re looking for nothing less than 5* formulas that slot seamlessly into your skincare routine, allow Team Zoella to help you narrow down the search and serve you in your quest to finding the one that ticks all the boxes.
From sunscreen for acne-prone skin to lightweight barely-there formulas and ocean-safe ingredients, here’s a look at the SPFs we’d snog, marry and avoid.
Psst don’t do a Gwyneth and apply it to the high points of your face. You need at least two fingers worth all over your chops. Nothing less.
Maddie’s Picks
Snog: VICHY Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF50 200ml
Remember the days of stripy white patches all over your body from a poor uneven application of your basic sun lotion? That was me until i found this product. You can literally spritz your whole body in a matter of minutes leaving behind nothing more than a lovely sheen. This product ticks so many boxes, it’s so easy to apply because of its water like texture which makes it totally mess free and on top of that it leaves your skin hydrated and highly protected, what more could you want?
This is such a fail safe product that everyone needs in their life. If you’re looking for a light weight, barely there feel with maximum protection that won’t break the bank, this is the product for you. I’ve purchased this time and time again and it’s never let me down. All the things that put me off about suncream, especially for your face, this product does the opposite. It’s not cakey, it doesn’t leave a white residue, it doesn’t clog your pores and it’s not heavy or greasy in any way. The new formula also boasts anti pollution protection and offers 24 hour moisture. Marry me now.
My beef isn’t specifically with just this product, i’m sure the product itself works fine, my issue is with the metal can/ mist spray concept. Whenever i’ve used them in the past the spray goes everywhere and comes out so fast which is great for the first few applications but it means you get so much wastage and within a few uses you’re out. I also have doubts over how much protection it provides with such a fine mist layer of product, it certainly doesn’t cut it for my sensitive skin.
Doubling up as both a soothing moisturiser and an SPF, it’s creamier and heavier than cult favourite La Roche Posay but for those who value hydration and radiance as much as protection, Caudalie ticks all the boxes. Formulated with organic grape water, it’s got a gentle floral fragrance and gives a glowy finish which I appreciate on the days when my skin looks a bit lifeless! It’s also free from harmful chemicals making it environmentally friendly for the marine ecosystems, so you can enjoy a guilt-free ocean dip. At £20 a pop, it’s not the cheapest option but when you consider the quality ingredients, anti-ageing properties and all-round protection (for both your skin and the planet), it’s worth the investment.
Marry: Anthelios La Roche Posay UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
With tear ducts as weak as mine, finding an SPF that doesn’t make me weep is a real challenge but La Roche Posay seems to do the trick. The formula is quite thin and watery meaning it feels delightfully lightweight on the skin and absorbs in seconds. It’s also fragrance-free – a big selling point for ol’ cry baby over here. If you’ve got sensitive skin or feel disenchanted with other SPFs on the market because of stickiness or white cast, this one makes for an easy, fuss-free option to slot into your skincare routine every day. It’s available in other factors but for the face, the higher the better I say. It’s usually on offer too so I stock up when it’s in the sale. Since using it, I’ve never gone elsewhere. It’s my go-to through the seasons!
Avoid: Vichy Ideal Soleil Mattifying Face Dry Touch Sun Cream
I’m here for barely-there texture but this was slightly too mattifying for my liking. I’m a dewy finish kinda girl so this missed the mark for me. No matter how long I waited for it to absorb it still left white cast so it’s not ideal for wearing under makeup. I also found it gathered in my brows and hairline a bit. Not a look. That said, if you’ve got oily skin it might be the shine-free SPF you’ve been looking for, it just wasn’t well-suited to my combo/dry skin type.
You absolutely do not need to spend a small fortune on SPF, actually if you check a lot of the expensive branded SPF’s their UVA rating (which is what helps fight skin ageing in the sun) is usually about 3 stars (with 5 stars being the best). I love this Superdrug Face Fluid Sun Cream, it’s best used on holidays when you will be using a lot more because it’s only £3.99! It’s only downside is it only goes up to SPF30, which I’m sure some people would argue isn’t high enough, but its UVA rating is 5 Stars.
Marry: Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti Dark Spots & Anti Pollution Face Fluid SPF50+
I loooove this SPF! Now I contradict myself a bit here, but hear me out. So this SPF is factor 50+, however its UVA rating is 3 stars, but I only really use this in the UK on a day-to-day basis (we have pretty low UV levels here). I love this SPF though because 1) it’s £8!, 2) it’s super lightweight and a La Roche-Posay dupe and 3) it doesn’t break me out at all. I find a lot of SPF breaks me out and then I get dark spots, which is equally frustrating, but this SPF is also anti dark spots and I genuinely have seen a difference in my skin since using it!
Avoid: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Now I know this one is going to be VERY controversial… But this product just didn’t work for me. I love the texture of this SPF, which is why I said the Ambre Solaire SPF was a good dupe, because it’s super lightweight and has a high SPF. I believe it’s UVA is between 3 and 4, but for some reason they don’t state it on their packaging, but I think the ‘UVMUNE 400’ part of the name is the UV rating, but I’m not an expert so definitely could be wrong!! I just found this SPF really broke me out, my skin just didn’t like it at all and It’s also prettyyyy expensive if you ask me at £18 a bottle. I know so many people love it and I totally get why, but just wasn’t the SPF for me!
Charlotte’s Picks
Snog: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF30
I recently picked this up in Boots as it is was on offer and worked out about £8 cheaper than my favourite ‘marry’ product, and have been pleasantly surprised by how much I rate it! Don’t get me wrong, La Roche Posay is very well loved in the world of facial SPFs, but having been loyal to one product for so long I was reluctant to switch things up. I love how thin the formula of this SPF is and how easily it glides on to the skin- it feels quite watery in texture but almost instantly sinks in and dries down. One of the main ‘musts’ for me in an SPF is how it wears under make-up, and I have to say this one gets a big thumbs up from me! I would say it gathers a tiny bit on dry patches around my nose, but aside from that my foundation looks as good as normal and doesn’t appear oily or shiny throughout the day which I’ve found to be the case with some heavier sun screens.
Marry: The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50+
Ahh, my holy grail! I can’t remember who recommended The Body Shop skincare and SPF range but I haven’t looked back since! This SPF formula is definitely more reminiscent of a moisturiser than La Roche Posay’s thinner formula, feeling thicker in texture, but absorbs similarly quickly and doesn’t leave my skin feeling oily or weighed down. I always powder my skin after foundation anyway, but as this formula is quite hydrating it is one that I feel does benefit from setting in place, which could be worth bearing in mind for those who don’t normally powder their face- especially in the heat of the summer! I find the slight tackiness when first applied makes a great base for make-up, and most importantly it doesn’t break me out, which can be common with SPF! My skin always feels fully protected when using this sunscreen and I never have to worry about burning with it on- I rave about it all the time!
Avoid: Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist SPF30 PA++
Now this mist may be branded as the same Body Shop SPF as above in spray form, but in my opinion there are some big differences that mean it’s currently gathering dust at the back of my skincare collection. I bought this mist as a means of keeping my SPF topped up when wearing make-up, and had really high hopes for how it would allow me to carry on rocking my Nars Sheer Glow in the summer months whilst safely protecting my skin. Unfortunately it’s near impossible to use, as the stinging that happens around your eyes (even when shut) and lips when you mist it over your face is simply too much for me to ever reach for it. The scent of the spray is also super strong and chemical-y in my opinion, and gets right up in your nostrils from the first spritz. I find it sits as an oily layer on top of my make-up and doesn’t sink in properly, but more than anything the issue remains that my eyes will be burning on and off for the rest of the day. In its defence I do think it does a good job of keeping my skin protected in the sun, and if you can get past the sensations mentioned above it may be one for you, but personally I don’t find the experience of applying it a pleasant one and won’t be repurchasing.
I’m one of those people who do not use SPF as much as I know I should, rarely putting it on under make-up and only using it when it’s actively hot and sunny outside so take my reviews with a pinch of salt! For my ‘snog’ I’m hooking up with this Ren SPF 30, Ren skincare is absolutely lovely and their sunscreen follows suit. As this one is mattifying, it’s perfect for throwing on after moisturiser when I’m out in the garden or during the day on holiday as it combats my oily areas when I’m not applying powder. I wouldn’t marry this one only because I don’t like wearing it under foundation and let’s face it, I’m wearing foundation most of the time!
Supergoop, will you do me the honour of spending the rest of your life with me? I’ll sing this brand’s praises until the cows come home to be quite frank. Gloriously smooth, no stingy eyes, and the dewiest glowy base before putting make-up on. If you do one thing this summer invest in this bad boy.
Avoid: The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 15 With Antioxidants
Look you get what you pay for when it comes to most things and I’m afraid this sunscreen fits into that category. I love The Ordinary and the hyaluronic acid is a constant staple in my skincare wardrobe, but I’ve never been a big fan of their moisturisers. I bought this on a whim but it just didn’t do what it needs to do, it’s only 15 SPF which I’ve realised in my old age just isn’t enough for your face if you actually want to protect it. So now I like my SPF like I like my men – between 30 and 50 HA.
10 Foodie Easter Events To Enjoy This Bank Holiday Weekend
Hooray, we’ve reached the first Bank Holiday weekend since the New Year and feeling grateful for some time off doesn’t even cut it.
Hooray, we’ve reached the first Bank Holiday weekend since the New Year and feeling grateful for some time off doesn’t even cut it. With blossom on the trees, daffodils springing up here, there and everywhere and a sense of optimism in the air, the Easter Bank Holiday is often the first opportunity of the year when grabbing every picnic option insight in Tesco feels like a viable long weekend activity. Whether your calendar is looking more like bottomless brunch and Prosecco on ice at all times, a wander around a local food market with your parents, an Easter egg hunt with the kids, or a mixture of all of the above, keep scrolling for 10 long weekend events around the U.K to add something different to the first normal Easter we’ve seen in two years. Thank fudge for that!
Any excuse for a day dedicated to enjoying delicious artisanal food and drinks certainly has our ears pricking up, and what better location than the deliciously beautiful setting of Holkham Hall, Norfolk. From homemade jams, chutneys and cheeses to fresh bread, beers, ciders and spirits as well as gifts and crafts from some of the region’s most talented makers, you’ll be spoilt for choice in where to drop your £££ first. Including businesses like Truckle Cheese (drool worthy bloomer cheese toasties), Sin Bin (indulgent milkshakes and waffles), Duck Truck (Aromatic crispy duck wraps) and Phat Khao for Thai street food- arrive hungry, and prepare to be rolled back to the car. Running across the entire Bank Holiday weekend- Fri 15th- Sun 17th April 2022- entry for adults is £2 and £1 for children making it perfect for the whole family to attend without breaking the bank.
A normal Easter for the first time in two years- what better time to pack every activity possible into one weekend?! Wine tasting, cheese sampling, pottery, live music, street food, an Easter egg hunt for the little ones, a designated charcuterie board area (say no more) and optional weekend camping- we’re sold! The Great Missenden Food Festival is a one-stop-shop for both couples, friends and families alike, whether you fancy taking part in a plant based cooking workshop, a wander around the stalls of local sellers or even a unique murder mystery afternoon tea with celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager, there’s nothing short of something for everyone here. Purchase tickets in advance for a reduced price, with adults gaining entry for £7, seniors for £6, and children under 16 for free. For more information about admission and purchasing on the day, head to the official festival homepage.
Sussex Downs Wine Pairing and Meal: Ridgeview Vineyard
Seeking a more adult exclusive experience? Celebrate Easter with a tour of the beautiful Ridgeview Vineyard in the Sussex South Downs followed by a guided tasting with the vineyard’s top wine experts- anyone else drooling at the thought? Ridgeview is one of the only vineyards in England to focus solely on producing sparkling wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grape varieties, and have been doing so for over 25 years! Discover the beauty of the vineyard with Spring fully in swing and enjoy the luxury of a guided food and wine tasting with canapes carefully selected to match the three wines. Ninety minutes of pure bliss if you ask us! Venture home with another bottle under your arm and consider your Easter weekend complete.
Easter ‘House Your Weekend’ DJ Event, Chelsea, London
Seeking a more upbeat bank holiday? Get yourself down to The Chelsea Lodge for their House Your Weekend event, featuring two floors of house music with over 300 other party lovers. Hangover and time of your life both guaranteed. The event also has the option to book a pre-drinks ticket, giving you 90 minutes of free flowing prosecco and cocktails, plus sharing platters of food to help soak it up if you have one too many of the aforementioned cocktails. With a mix of tropical, disco, deep and techno house, there’s something for everyone feeling in the mood to finally celebrate an Easter out of lockdown. Set against flower walls, and with perfect photo opportunities in the dreamy neon-lit pink bathroom, grab an early bird ticket for as little as £11 and shimmy the night away.
Easter Monday Yoga and Vegan Supper Club, Manchester
Anddd let’s slow things down. A long weekend can be the ultimate excuse to purposefully slow down, taking time for some intentional breaths and offering a reset to your nervous system. If taking a dip out of normal life for a full three hours sounds like exactly what your mind and body are calling for this Easter, why not try out Sophie-Rae Martyn’s yoga masterclass, followed by an Ayurvedic inspired supper club. Find yourself in a state of deep peace following the asana practice and meditation, ready to enjoy an Ayurvedic (a healing lifestyle focused on the promotion of positive health through the balance of mind, body, and environment) inspired plant-based thali meal, made by vegan chef Aaron Reilly. Think big flavours and comfort in a bowl.
Finish the session with a warming cup of chai and some Easter chocolate and consider yourself reset.
What is a Bank Holiday without brunch, and this eggstravagant affair at Bristol’s Cloak and Dagger is one you won’t forget in a hurry. With a lineup of some of the city’s best performers, along with a complimentary glass of bubbly, games and activities galore, and of course a delicious brunch to enjoy with your besties, consider your Saturday plans secured.
Located on Gloucester Road- known locally as Bristol’s Indie Shopping District- the Cloak and Dagger makes the perfect spot to then continue your bank holiday browsing the local independent shops, or lap up the excuse to let your hair down and continue popping a Prosecco or two with your ride or die pals. The event is pay-what-you-can, making it a more accessible option for your Easter weekend, with the venue also raising funds for Outspace- a new queer hub in the heart of Old Market- which you can opt to donate to when purchasing your tickets. Get ready to let your hair down!
Kew Gardens and a Perfectly Springtime Picnic, Richmond
One for all the family and a celebration of the joy that is the U.K in spring, Kew Gardens makes for the perfect picnic and sharing board spot with something for all ages to enjoy. From the Rose Garden in which you can lap up views of the Palm House amongst beds of hundreds of roses, to the Mediterranean Garden in which you can spread out a picnic blanket amongst fragrant shrubs of lavender and rosemary, Kew offers the very best of the outdoors in one beautiful location.
If you’re lucky you’ll catch sight of some of the beautiful blossoms in bloom around the grounds, as well as seasonal superstars like daffodils, and crocuses which have exploded in colourful bursts as the sun begins to shine that bit brighter. If preparing your own picnic isn’t your thing, there are plenty of options for food and drinks to purchase from spots including The Botanical Brasserie, Orangery restaurant and new Family Kitchen offering everything from stone baked pizza to an ice cream servery. Sign us up!
If a long weekend wouldn’t be complete without a stately home and opportunity to breathe in some fresh, country air then consider a trip to Iford Manor a rite of passage this bank holiday. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, their Grade 1 registered garden is a beautiful mix of architecture and the rural valley views, described as ‘food for the soul’ and comparable to ‘stepping into another world’- anyone else itching to visit ASAP? Today’s owners, the Cartwright-Hignett family, have lovingly restored the garden (once thought ‘lost’ after WW2) continuing to develop it, and finish off the beautiful Oriental Garden area. If you fancy stretching your legs, there are three miles of footpaths across the estate that can be enjoyed all year round, allowing you to get back to nature and soak in the natural, unspoilt beauty.
The Iford Manor cafe is normally closed on Mondays, however will be open from 11am-4pm this Bank Holiday Monday to offer a welcome bite to eat after enjoying all that the estate has to offer. Now all that’s left to decide is which order to spread your jam and cream onto your scone…
Another outdoorsy affair, this time for adults and children alike, Farnham Community Farm is running an Easter Extravaganza event welcoming members of the community to experience the ins and outs of the veg growing world. With activities including an easter egg hunt, beehive tours, honey tasting, cookie decorating and education about the farm and seasonal growing, it makes for the perfect day out for those seeking a way to keep little ones entertained over a long weekend. Food is available in the form of home cooked lunches, including cakes and pizza cooked in the farm’s very own pizza oven!
Entry is donate-what-you-feel starting at £1, however after being hit hard by the impact of Storm Eunice, the farm are hoping to raise funds to offset the costs they have faced after an already difficult two years. Head down from 11am-3pm on Bank Holiday Monday to support this wonderful cause.
Beaulieu River Canoeing and Easter Egg Hunt, Hampshire
Based in the beautiful New Forest? 1) we are jealous and 2) your Easter Bank Holiday just got seriously more fun. Enjoy a guided paddle along the Beaulieu River in Canadian style canoes, taking in the beautiful scenery before disembarking with kids in tow for an Easter egg hunt in seriously scenic surroundings. This two hour affair is suitable for all ages and with no experience required, you can rest assured that there’s nothing to prepare for this escape into nature. Out of office mode, 100% activated.
March ’22 Zoella Book Club: Breathless by Amy McCulloch
Still catching your breath? Us too. This March Team Zoella dove headfirst into Amy McCulloch's first adult thriller release, and boy oh boy are we still thinking about it now.
Cecily Wong, adventure journalist with a slightly questionable mountaineering success rate, is taking on a near-impossible challenge in order to secure a once-in-a-lifetime story that could see her writing career skyrocket. Enter, Mount Manaslu. The eighth highest mountain in the world, measuring over 8,000 metres above sea level, it’s an intense challenge for the mind and body of even the most capable climbers, so how will Cecily fair amongst her new team when things start to go wrong before they’ve even made it to base camp?
There’s a theft. Then an accident. Then a mysterious note, pinned to her tent: there’s a murderer on the mountain. The higher they get, the more dangerous the climb becomes, and the more they need to trust one another. And that’s when Cecily finds the first body…
Still catching your breath? Us too. This March Team Zoella dove headfirst into Amy McCulloch’s first adult thriller release, and boy oh boy are we still thinking about it now. Known around these parts as co-author of our very own Zoe Sugg’s Magpie Society Duology, Amy is the queen of evocative, tension building writing, and if you’re seeking a book you won’t be able to put down, let it be Breathless.
Despite its cool, snowy setting, Breathless makes for perfect summer getaway reading when pure escapism is the aim, although we can’t promise you won’t have finished it before the plane even lands. Keep reading to see what Team Zoella thought, and spoiler: we’re obsessed…
Charlotte’s Review
I need to know if there’s a part 2 to Breathless IMMEDIATELY. This book was everything I hoped it would be and more upon reading the blurb, and I’m so glad it lived up to my expectations of Amy as an incredible writer who loves an unsuspecting twist and strong characters you feel deeply invested in. Had we not been reading for book club I probably wouldn’t have been drawn to a book based around mountaineering as it’s not something I felt was especially relatable to me, but not only am I now inspired to get climbing (genuinely went to mountaineering TikTok after finishing the book) but also really enjoyed this unique setting for a thriller that as we find out, does in fact make the perfect place for a murder.
I struggled at the start of the book to remember exactly which character was which as a lot of Cecily’s climbing team were introduced at once, however the further I got into the book the more I was able to differentiate and felt a definitive connection to them, especially Elise and Zak! I sped through Breathless super quickly which is rare for me as a chronically slow reader, but I honestly couldn’t put it down as each chapter revealed another twist in the tale and deeper level to the mystery.
I found myself rooting for (almost) the whole mountaineering team throughout, and Amy did an incredible job of conveying the trust and teamwork integral to climbing with a group, making the threat of a member with ulterior motives even more terrifying! I have to say I don’t love a book that ends on a cliffhanger and wished there had been a tiny teaser about what was to come (if there will be a sequel that is!) but I absolutely raced through the last couple of chapters before bed one night and struggled to sleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about it!
I’ll definitely be running straight to Waterstones next time Amy publishes something new as I find her writing style super digestible and her characters really well built out.
Rating: 5/5 Would you recommend it? Yes!
Lareese’s Review
Admittedly, I’m not an avid reader of the murder mystery/thriller genre but I’ve got to hand it to Amy, Breathless sucked me in and spat me out just like the very mountain it was based upon, serving as a reminder that good things can come from stepping out of your reading comfort zone once in a while. It features a fantastic cast of fully realised characters that get under your skin and cloud your judgement throughout. As the protagonist, Cecily Wong, continually questions who can be trusted and who can’t, the reader makes a similarly precarious summit alongside her.
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The setting is the perfect killing ground for a thriller novel, with the mountain playing just as much of a role in this story as the rest of the characters. One minute it’s a stunning Instagram-worthy setting, the next it’s the ideal place for a murderer to hide. Amy’s mountaineering knowledge and personal experience absolutely shines through, giving the story a terrifying dose of realism and authenticity without getting in the way of the story. I knew nothing about mountaineering life before Breathless and really enjoyed learning about how they push their bodies to their limits in the acclimatisation processes and how much they have to prepare themselves for danger.
In true McCulloch style, Breathless ends on a cliff-hanger which I only hope means she is clipping into the safety lines as we speak and making her next adult fiction move… here’s hoping!
Rating: 4/5 Would you recommend it? Yes – ‘Be Bothered’ by Breathless.
Darcey’s Review
Thrillers are right up my street so I was excited to get stuck into Amy’s newest book! Having read The Magpie Society, I was aware of Amy’s writing techniques and a fan of them too, but this being her first novel out of the YA realm, I was intrigued to see what that would be like!
Amy did a great job at describing mountaineering techniques, especially for someone like me who has not a clue about that world, it really benefited the read having some level of understanding of what they were facing. The setting of the book is really quite breathtaking, you can imagine the incredible views whilst climbing, but it sets a scary and ominous scene too which gave me literal goosebumps at times.
It’s a thriller and ‘whodunnit’ read, I was engrossed throughout, with strange deaths which seemed unexplained, you knew something much darker was happening! The characters really make this book, there are a lot of crew members in this climb so you might find it takes some time to remember all their names, but it really does play such an integral part.
That cliffhanger too!! I felt breathless knowing I couldn’t find out more …
Rating: 4/5 Would you recommend it?: Yes!
Danielle’s Review
SO, I actually really enjoy the extreme sport/climbing space, I adored the documentary Free Solo ( Alex Honnold on his quest to perform a free solo climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park) and as soon as 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible came on Netflix I sat down to watch it. The docu follows Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja and his team as they attempt to climb all 14 eight-thousander peaks within a record time of under 7 months. Not 3 days later I was watching Amy’s IG story and realised she had actually ascended one of the mountains with him and had also written a new fiction inspired by mountain climbing so it was definitely one of those “when two of my worlds collide” moments and I couldn’t wait to tuck into breathless.
The novel itself DID not disappoint and is the absolute epitome of the phrase page-turner. Journalist Cecily Wong made such a great character to follow through this thrilling pursuit with climber Charles, and Amy’s descriptions of the icy crevices and situations the climbers find themselves in we’re so emotive, my hands were sweating just reading them! This survival story was so gripping, I kept switching between characters I thought were suspects or guilty and I couldn’t wait to find out more. For anyone who thinks the subject matter might not intrigue them the murder mystery definitely will!
Rating: 5/5 Would you recommend it? I’ve already given it to my sister to read!
Pregnancy with a Stoma: What to Expect When You’re Expecting!
Known for speaking openly about taboo topics and having honest conversations about sex and relationships on her podcast Doing It, Hannah’s willingness to talk candidly about the condition and using a stoma bag in her day to day life has helped hundreds of ostomates feel seen, understood and empowered.
YouTuber, Podcast Host and Author, Hannah Wittonhas been living with ulcerative colitis (UC), a form of inflammatory bowel disease, since she was seven years old. In 2018, after a particularly severe flare up, she had emergency ileostomy surgery to remove her colon and divert the small intestine through an opening in the stomach. She now lives with a stoma she affectionately calls Mona.
It is estimated that one in 500 people in the UK are living with stomas (Colostomy UK) yet despite how many people are affected by colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, there’s not a great deal of information available unless you really go digging for it and that lack of education, coupled with the stigma and shame around talking about it, means many of us don’t know the first thing about this hidden disability.
Known for speaking openly about taboo topics and having honest conversations about sex and relationships on her podcast Doing It, Hannah’s willingness to talk candidly about the condition and using a stoma bag in her day to day life has helped hundreds of ostomates feel seen, understood and empowered.
Now expecting her first baby, Hannah chats to us about her pregnancy so far, from birth plans to new bags and monitoring Mona…
P.S To all those with stomas, IBD, scars and stories to tell, your body is beautiful. Long may you celebrate it and talk about it with openness, acceptance and pride.
First up, so many congratulations Hannah! How are you feeling?
Thank you so much! I’m currently feeling pretty good which I am very grateful for. I’m just very tired and hungry all the time but I can handle that.
There is little information around pregnancy with a stoma, how has the experience been for you so far?
Oh boy has it been an experience. Things are much calmer now (although that could change again…) but for a few weeks my stoma must have gone through some kind of growth spurt and I was trying to navigate that with getting bigger bags and different kinds of bags to fit my new stoma. Luckily the stoma nurse at my hospital has been so helpful but I just wasn’t expecting it to grow so fast and there can be a lot of trial and error with finding the right bag. There was a short period where I was in a lot of pain with my stoma and also just feeling like the bags weren’t very securely attached to my body, which just makes being able to relax and get on with your life really difficult.
Did you have any reservations or concerns going into the pregnancy? What were your expectations?
I honestly went into pregnancy with so few expectations. I knew that people’s experiences varied so vastly that there was really no way to predict how my pregnancy would go. I’ve very much been taking each day and everything as it comes.
Whilst it’s definitely not been the easiest time, at least I haven’t had to deal with feeling disappointed that it wasn’t what I expected on top of that.
Is there anything you have to be particularly mindful of / do differently to pregnancy with a stoma?
When we first saw the midwife, I was immediately referred to the obstetrics team at my hospital so the doctors could keep an eye on me too. The stoma itself isn’t really an issue for the pregnancy (the pregnancy is more of an issue for the stoma!) but I’d say the main thing is that because I don’t have a large colon the medical team want to make sure I’m absorbing enough nutrients to grow the baby. I’ve had to take a much higher dose of folic acid to make sure I’m absorbing enough, I’m also on iron and I’m having serial scans so they can check the growth of the baby more accurately than a tape measure around the tummy. And I’m not mad about any of those things at all! I feel very looked after and very grateful for more scans!
What’s your birthing plan and what sort of delivery do you plan on having? Are there any dos and don’ts/limitations for childbirth/pregnancy when you have a stoma?
At first the doctors were considering recommending I have an elective C-section (scheduled) because of my previous surgeries and the risks of potentially finding scar tissue on my womb if I have to have an emergency C-section – there is much more control of the situation if the C-section is planned.
However, since then, they’ve seen me more and also spoken to my gastro consultant (who was very chilled about the whole thing and didn’t see any reason why I couldn’t have a vaginal birth) the obstetricians have said they’re happy to recommend a vaginal birth.
But it is still completely up to me. The current plan is to give birth at the birth centre, which is the midwife led unit at my hospital. However my birth plan may change with more information we receive from the serial scans that I am having. And I am open to all options.
The only thing that could add an extra layer to the birth when you have a stoma is if I have an epidural. I would then need someone else, whether the midwives or my partner Dan, to empty my stoma bag for me when it gets full, as I will be unable to do this.
All births and bodies are different but in terms of postpartum recovery, does having a stoma affect the recovery period at all?
That’s all a bit of an unknown for me and the best thing to do is play it by ear really. What I imagine will happen is that after birth before I’m discharged the stoma nurse at the hospital will come to see me and take a look at my belly and stoma and see if they need to give me any different bags to go home with. And then it’s just a case monitoring my stoma for changes again (if it does) making adjustments as we go.
How do you deal with people asking you about pregnancy with a stoma if you’re not comfortable talking about it?
To be honest the only questions I get about it are from close friends and family who know I have a stoma and so I’m not bothered by them asking at all. Of course, I get comments from people online about it which is fine too as I talk openly about my stoma and my pregnancy and I just tell them I’m planning on doing a whole video about it.
When strangers notice I’m pregnant and maybe ask questions about that, they’ve no idea I have a stoma and so obviously don’t ask!
What’s something reassuring you’d like anyone going through pregnancy with a stoma to know?
Whilst obviously every pregnancy is different I found it reassuring when my gastro doctors said to me that having a stoma doesn’t automatically mean I can’t have a “normal” pregnancy and birth. What even is “normal” anyway?
And for any mums who might need a temporary/permanent colostomy after childbirth, what’s something you’d like them to know?
It can be a lot to adjust to, especially if it was an emergency surgery like mine was, but ultimately having a stoma doesn’t stop you from living your life. There’s loads of support out there (online and in hospitals – all the stoma nurses I’ve met have been incredible) and you’d be surprised how resilient you are.
Zoella Book Club TBR Stack: What We’re Reading for April, May and June
Here’s what books we’re excited to read for Zoella book club in April, May and June.
From sad girl lit with razor-sharp observations on love and loss to the ultimate feel-good fiction from the serotonin queen, Beth O’Leary (she basically invented book joy) and a lovesong to black art and thought from a powerful new voice, here’s what books we’re excited to read for Zoella book club in April, May and June.
April – What A Shame by Abigail Bergstrom
Perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton and Fleabag, What A Shame is the impeccable debut from an exciting new voice in contemporary women’s fiction. In this dark, poignant but ultimately hopeful novel, we follow 20-something protagonist Mathilda Mannings as she navigates sudden heartbreak, parental loss, trauma and above all, self-acceptance. Tipped to be the book of 2022, What A Shame marks Abigail’s switch from agent to author, and a certified powerhouse we’re only too glad to see on our bookshelves.
The Blurb:
She doesn’t want to admit it, but there’s something wrong with Mathilda Manning. It’s not just that she’s been wearing the same pair of black dungarees for three months straight, or that she can’t seem to stop running, or that she’s once again sleeping with the deeply inappropriate Freddie.
Cast into the grief of a brutal break up and the death of her father, she’s not moving on. Her friends are adamant she needs a helping hand, flinging her towards various spiritual practices in a quest for healing. But buried memories won’t stay that way forever, and it’s time Mathilda faces up to her past.
Through darkly glittering satire, the novel rattles a hornets’ nest of inherited trauma and the prickly heat of female pain in our modern world.
From the best-selling author of The Switch and The Flatshare comes a new uplifting page turner, perfect for those balmy spring-summer days. Fresh, brilliantly funny, heart-breaking and joyful in equal measure, The No Show is about dating (and waiting) and the ways love can find us…
A superbly plotted tearjerker with that trademark O’Leary warmth we stan in a major fan girl way – we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, Beth O’Leary’s novels *need* to be prescribed.
The Blurb:
Three women. Three dates. One missing man…
8.52 a.m. Siobhan’s been looking forward to her breakfast date with Joseph. She was surprised when he suggested it – she normally sees him late at night in her hotel room. Breakfast with Joseph on Valentine’s Day surely means something… so where is he?
2.43 p.m. Miranda’s hoping that a Valentine’s Day lunch with Carter will be the perfect way to celebrate her new job. It’s a fresh start and a sign that her grown-up life is finally falling into place: she’s been dating Carter for five months now and things are getting serious. But why hasn’t he shown up?
6.30 p.m. Joseph Carter agreed to be Jane’s fake boyfriend at a colleague’s engagement party. They’ve not known each other long but their friendship is fast becoming the brightest part of her new life in Winchester. Joseph promised to save Jane tonight. But he’s not here…
“It’s one thing to be looked at and another to be seen.”
An ode to black expression, Open Water is a short debut novel of rare artistic and emotional scope.
A modern love story set in South East London about two young black British artists who meet perchance in a bar and have an instant and immediate connection. Both are trying to make their mark in a city that both celebrates and rejects them – a world where they’re so often afraid to live let alone dare to fall in love.
Expect elegant refrains, poetic prose interspersed with Kendrick Lamar lyrics and a powerful meditation on art, love and blackness. Caleb Azumah Nelson is a new voice but sure to be an enduring one.
The blurb:
Two young people meet at a pub in South East London. Both are Black British, both won scholarships to private schools where they struggled to belong, both are now artists – he a photographer, she a dancer – trying to make their mark in a city that by turns celebrates and rejects them. Tentatively, tenderly, they fall in love. But two people who seem destined to be together can still be torn apart by fear and violence.
At once an achingly beautiful love story and a potent insight into race and masculinity, Open Water asks what it means to be a person in a world that sees you only as a Black body, to be vulnerable when you are only respected for strength, to find safety in love, only to lose it. With gorgeous, soulful intensity, Caleb Azumah Nelson has written the most essential British debut of recent years.
The Crème de la Crème Of Shapewear To Help You Feel Good as Hell this Summer
FYI: shapewear shouldn't be painful or contort our bodies in a way that encourages us to believe there's something about us that needs to change. We're here for style, comfort, confidence and support only!
Gone are the days of uncomfortable and unsightly shapewear that you’d be forgiven for hiding at the back of your underwear drawer, since the likes of Kim Kardashian entered the space with her groundbreaking brand Skims, shapewear and sculpting underwear has had a serious makeover.
Whether it be bodysuits that sculpt your figure under a skintight dress or high rise briefs that provide extra support on the occasions when feeling your best is top of the agenda, there are endless high-street to high-end offerings that appear virtually undetectable under your favourite ‘fits. The best outcomes come from strong foundations, and here we consider our trusty shapewear to be the ultimate underpinning. More where that came from please! And FYI: shapewear shouldn’t be painful or contort our bodies in a way that encourages us to believe there’s something about us that needs to change. We’re here for style, comfort, confidence and support only!
Bodysuits
For full-on support and confidence with every look, a full piece bodysuit is your ultimate base layer. If you’ve ever struggled with high-rise knickers and a separate bra creating a roll of skin in between, a bodysuit will smugly eliminate this problem and leave you wondering why you ever overcomplicated your base layer with more than one item. Whether you opt for short sleeve or long, corseted or more comfortable, a bodysuit is perfect for underneath tight evening wear and full length looks, and can even be found with backless options to match the silhouette of any outfit.
Shapewear Briefs and Thongs
VPL? We don’t know her. The best pants in the biz- whether they be low, medium or high-rise- are sculpting yet breathable, providing core control and a figure-defining fit that don’t cut off blood circulation- always ideal! Oftentimes made from super soft, seamless materials, shapewear underwear can come in the form of briefs, thongs or Brazilian styles, and are designed to hug your tummy and contour your core area. Look no further than brands such as Skims, Spanx, Heist Studios and Conturve.
Shorts
A pair of seamless shorts might be all you need to obtain a snatched and sculptured finish to your look, with their stretchy compression fabric smoothing over skin to give a supportive feeling that could be the difference between feeling top or bottom of the confidence scale. As usual Skims have a plentiful offering of shorts in a variety of lengths and skin tones, even offering some designs with a cutout leg on one side making them perfect for occasion dresses with high slits- ooh la la! Alternatively, keep your eyes peeled for another celebrity shapewear launch coming this year: Yitty by Lizzo! We have a feeling this size inclusive brand could change the game when it launches in April, but be quick as it’s likely to sell out ASAP!
Backless and Adhesive Bras
So your bottom half is good to go, but sometimes a tricky outfit with backless details or a low plunge front needs all the help it can get when nailing your base layer. Say hello to the best of the best in adhesive bras, strapless designs and sheer finishes to ensure your outfit is the least of your worries when a big occasion comes around. The bigger debate? White or rosé.
Spring Mood Activated: Here’s 20 Ways to Make It Through the Month of Windups & Warmer Weather
Go forth and claim those posi vibes! Here’s 20 things to do in the month of pisstakes, pranks and soaring temps - manifesting it!
Spring is waiting in the wings, people. The birds are a’chirping, the daffs are blooming and the skies have finally got a bit more colour in their cheeks. What a difference two long years makes.
Go forth and claim those posi vibes! Here’s 20 things to do in the month of pisstakes, pranks and soaring temps (manifesting it) and not one of them requires watching Episode 4 of Brand New Cherry Flavour. It’s a hard pass on Tadpole Smoothie thanks.
1. Spend 3-5 working days recovering from April Fool’s Day.
2. Find yourself talking like Anna Delvey. I do not have time for this. I do not have time for YOU.
3. Fall down a rabbit hole of asking yourself why Maltesers out the box are superior in taste and experience vs the bag.
4. Eat a hot cross bun out of principal. The marmite ones = God-tier. We won’t hear otherwise.
5. Realise that you can only ever be expected to be a nice person if it’s sunny.
6. Read What A Shame by Abigail Bergstrom. The debut of all time and our Zoella book club pick for April dontchaknow.
7. Feel violently ill when you don’t get time to do Wordle before work.
8. Thank past you for booking a week off before the BH weekend. You will be the envy of all your colleagues. Big whoop.
9. Begrudge past you for forgetting to book that week off. Countdown to the jubilee weekend is on.
10. Form a love/hate relationship with Heardle. The lyrical version of Wordle. You’ll see.
11. Marvel at the hold Cadbury’s have on you at this time of year. They have you in a Creme Egg chokehold.
12. Declare yourself your own Uncuh Jaahmz muse.
13. Eat your lunch outside because it’s just about warm enough to do that now. Bare arms season has arrived. What a novelty.
14. Get your first pedicure of the season…
15. See how long you can last before apologising for the state of your feet.
16. Wonder when your mum and dad decided you’d hit an age when buying you Easter eggs was no longer part of their parental requirements. Family drama ensues.
17. Realise you spent the last 5 years cultivating an Instagram following before TikTok destroyed that dream and now you have to learn how to make videos. Social media is so fun.
18. Try not to get overwhelmed at the sheer cost of breathing in 2022.
19. Fail (obviously) because the very act of existing is exorbitant.
20. Expect a visit from: The Fear. We need a hard factory reset after that Bank Holiday hangover.
We Tried the World’s First Pineapple Shaped Sex Toy
The office was abuzz with a chorus of who, what, hows but never ones to shy away from uncomfortable topics, self-pleasure and new-fangled ways of securing an orgasm, we knew we were the women for the job.
If ever there was an ideal way to get your five a day, then this has got to be it. We have officially peaked at pineapple dildos, folks. 2022, you’re a real grafter, you are.
For years, the magical mysteries of this fragrant fruit have fascinated humans all over the globe. From supercharging semen and changing the flavour profile of our vagina juice, it’s a tropical temptress with sweet talents aplenty, including turning oral sex into a goddam bodily banquet. Anyone for rice pudding?
It was only a matter of time before someone took the nation’s pineapple obsession and ran with it. And here we are, after eight years in the making, at the precipice of greatness – or a guaranteed trip to A+E – fondling a prototype of the world’s first pineapple-shaped sex toy.
Naturally, logistics were top of our mind.
The office was abuzz with a chorus of who, what, hows but never ones to shy away from uncomfortable topics, self-pleasure and new-fangled ways of securing an orgasm, we knew we were the women for the job. The weirder the better, if you ask us. Hey, if a spinning wheel of fake tongues already exists, then a pineapple dildo isn’t all that wild. Right?
Here’s what happened when we tried the world’s first pineapple-shaped sex toy…
Lareese says…
The fear of missing out was too heavy a burden to bear. I’m more than prepared to roll up my sleeves, get stuck in and be a g spot guinea pig patron if needs must.Lareese
I take no shame in admitting that when it comes to sex toys and sex in general, I’m as vanilla as they cum. I’m not all that bothered about branching out and trying the next best thing because in my eyes, a clitoral vibrator is the Lamborghini of sex toys. The end. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But… the perks of this job will not be wasted on me. I was not about to hard pass on the opportunity to try on the world’s first pineapple shaped sex toy for size, was I? The fear of missing out was too heavy a burden to bear. I’m more than prepared to roll up my sleeves, get stuck in and be a g spot guinea pig patron if needs must.
Now, going into this ‘We Tried’, I had my doubts. A pineapple doesn’t exactly scream compatible-with-vagina after all but hey, maybe I need to be more open minded. Perhaps most people look at them when they’re doing their food shop and think, now there’s a fruit I’d like to tap. I’ve never once looked at a pineapple, with all its barbed armour, and thought yep, that would make a good vibrator but maybe I’m the villain?
As sex toy aesthetics go, you could proudly display this on your bedside table or bar cart and house guests wouldn’t suspect a thing whilst they’re pouring themselves a porn star martini. Evidently, everything comes in a pineapple shape these days, so you wouldn’t have to worry about anyone sussing out your yoni décor. Major plus.
In the end, it proved to be a two-man job, which sort of sucked all the fun out of the self-pleasure thing for me. If I need to call my boyfriend to help plug me in.Lareese
Onto logistics. I’m new to the world of fanny fruit and it shows. Like one of the ugly sisters trying to fit in Cinderella’s glass slipper, there’s no way it’s going in. No amount of stuffing or twisting will do. In the end, it proved to be a two-man job, which sort of sucked all the fun out of the self-pleasure thing for me. If I need to call my boyfriend to help plug me in. I’m out, dragons. Don’t get me wrong, it could have made for sexy partnered fun but he was just as overwhelmed by the shape of it as I was. Like a Venus flytrap, I clamped down, he clammed up and there was no hope for lubrication after that…
I’ve decided to park it for another time. When I’m not so in my head about it. Possibly a bit drunk. And it’s not April Fool’s Day.
