• days out,  travel

    Visiting Matlock Bath – The Inland Seaside

    I love a day at the seaside. The sounds of fun and music from the amusement arcades. The smells of the food, fresh donuts, ice creams and, of course, fish and chips. The shops selling souvenirs, key-rings and the ubiquitous fridge magnets. You get all this, and so much more, in lovely Matlock Bath. The only thing you don’t get is the sea, as Matlock Bath is not on the coast, but on the river Derwent in Derbyshire. We spent a glorious day there a few weekends ago, in glorious scorching temperatures and can honestly say, it is just as good as a day at the seaside. Visiting Matlock Matlock…

  • food

    Reviewed: Smokin’ Hot Buffet And Grill

    I’ve found a new favourite place to eat, and it’s right in the heart of Coventry. Smokin’ Hot Buffet And Grill takes the traditional buffet style restaurant and elevates it to whole new level, one which combines fine dining, personal chefs, and creating your own sundaes.  It makes eating out interesting and fun, and is perfect for the whole family.  I can’t wait to go again! The Choices Smokin’ Hot launched a new, expanded menu in Coventry at the beginningof June, which is already garnering great word of mouth. The updated menu caters to meat eaters, halal diners, and vegetarians, with over six food stations featuring global cuisines like World…

  • food

    How to Make Your Own Crystal Candy (Kohakutou)

    Have you seen the viral crystal candy on social media at the moment? What could be more fun than edible crystals? Inspired by the viral creations of Silky Gem, who has perfected the art of these beautiful confections, we’re diving into the simple magic of making your own Kohakutou. Kohakutou is a traditional Japanese candy. With a shimmering, crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, jelly-like interior, it’s like biting into a sweet, flavorful geode. It’s surprisingly easy to make and the perfect project for adding a unique, artisanal touch to your kitchen or for a charming homemade gift. Let’s show you how to make your very own at…

  • beauty

    Rooted In Nature: The Rise Of Botanical Skincare And Herbal Heritage

    In a world increasingly driven by clean beauty, sustainability, and wellness-first lifestyles, natural botanical skincare has emerged not just as a trend but as a transformation. Consumers are moving away from synthetic ingredients and toward formulations inspired by the rhythms of nature, ancient herbal traditions, and conscious living. But what does botanical skincare truly mean—and why is it resonating so deeply right now? What Is Botanical Skincare? Botanical skincare refers to products formulated with plant-derived ingredients, such as roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, and essential oils. These botanicals often carry a long legacy in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Western Herbalism. Key ingredients include calming calendula, antioxidant-rich…

  • music,  theatre

    An Evening Without Kate Bush – Review

    She’s not there – but you are. By there I mean the Birmingham Rep theatre, and by she, I mean the inimitable Kate Bush, my heroine. But, and here is the crux, she might not be there, but the batshit brilliant Sarah-Louise Young is, and this is probably the nearest you will get to being in the company of the great Kate Bush today. Sarah-Louise’s one woman show, ‘An Evening Without Kate Bush‘ is one of the most uniquely entertaining shows you can watch in theatre today. It is funny, it is poignant, and as Kate, and herself presenting Kate, Sarah-Louise Young is just mesmerising. This is a show that…