Book review: The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean

 Well hello to you my reader chums! As many of you know thrillers, especially crime thrillers are my thing and when I was recommended this book on my trip to Bath, I couldn't wait to read it. I actually ended up reading it in only a few sittings as I couldn't get enough of the hard-hitting plot.

If you enjoy a crime thriller and an honest, first-person perspective, here's my full review of The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean.

Book review: The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean

Plotline

Set on an isolated farm in the UK, a woman is trapped by the monster who kidnapped her over seven years ago. The everyday motions she goes through and the punishment he gives her if she doesn't obey his every order. He films her every single move meaning that when he's away from the house, he knows what she's up to. When she discovers she's pregnant, she strives to protect her child no matter the cost and begins planning an escape away from him. In the meantime, another woman is kidnapped into the farm and it's down to her to escape with the woman and her child - but will she save them all?

Characters and relationships

Told from the perspective of 'Jane', the name her kidnapper gives her, I really came to grips with her raw feelings, the everyday emotions and what she has been through. The rules of the land she has to live, the pain she feels, the abuse she tolerates and the punishment she endures. It's an honest and heartbreaking account to hear the trials she deals with every day by this monster. 

'Jane's' relationship with her monster is honestly hard to describe or write as at times I could feel her pain and desperation for how he treated her. It made me so angry to see a human treat another human being in that way like they were absolutely nothing. 

'Jane's' relationship with her child, however, is the most beautiful thing to read. It really does show the power a mother's love will have to protect their child and sacrifice everything to do just that. The love she shows for her daughter broke my heart in every way as I wanted to leap onto the page and help her out. 

Overall thoughts

Overall this book is an intense page-turner and one which is impossible to put down. I could have easily read the entire book in one sitting as I desperately wanted to know she gets out and ends up okay. It's a gripping book, a psychological thriller showing the rawness of humanity and the desperate things people will do when they're truly suffering. 

It's a book highlighting the awful truth of what happens to victims of human trafficking and the abuse they endure every single day. Even though this story is fiction, I know it's based on many of the real stories of people who are kidnapped, trafficked and abused. If you read it, expect that sense of desperation in the words of 'Jane', the fear factor on every page and feeling every kind of awful emotion as you make your way through the story.

Ending

Like always, I won't give away the ending and honestly, with this book, I wasn't sure which way it was going to go. I sat in hope throughout the entire book as I wished for a happy and content ending. Luckily, the ending is positive and hopeful, everything this novel needs.

I hope you've enjoyed this post. What's next on your TBR?

Thank you for reading <3

Exploring the wonders of Bath: 3-day guide

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Travelling around England and the rest of the UK and seeing more of what's on my doorstep has become a goal of mine, as I'm usually travelling abroad. Bath is a city that has been on my must-see list for a while and my partner and I decided to book a long weekend there so I could see what it was all about.

If you fancy a trip to Bath and want some personal insight, here's my 3-guide to Bath and everything I got up to.

Exploring the wonders of Bath: 3 day guide

Day one - Getting to know the city

Brunch at The Courtyard Café

When I arrived in Bath, the first thing on my list was grabbing something to eat (after a long drive) and through recommendation, I went to The Courtyard Café, tucked away down a quaint road. This café was cute, the best way to describe it with a tiny, homely feel and reflective ceiling. They also had an outdoor dining space but it was too cold. I loved it here because of their cheesy crumpets - such a moreish and wholesome dish to set us up for the day.

Visit The Roman Baths

The biggest and renowned tourist site in Bath is undoubtedly the Roman Baths and you can't go to the city without a visit here. Tickets cost around £20 each for adults (depending on the day you go) and I'd advise booking in advance. It wasn't too busy when we went all things considering but for a Friday in January, busier than I would expect. Seeing the Baths in person was such a fascinating and insightful experience and I love roaming around, listening to the history on the free audio guide. You could easily spend one to two hours here, depending on how much detail you'd like to learn.

Afternoon snack at Mrs Potts Chocolate House

I'm chocolate obsessed and when I saw the Mrs Potts Chocolate House on TikTok, I made sure to give it a visit (twice) during my time in the city. On the first occasion, I tried their delicious and rich 'Matilda' chocolate cake and it tasted like heaven (giving me a sugar high for sure). I absolutely loved it and because of that made sure on day two, I tried their hot chocolate to take around in the city.

Mooch in Toppings and Company Booksellers

I'm a bookworm and one of the things I adored about Bath was their gorgeous bookshop scene. The most famous that I saw wherever I researched was the Toppings and Company Booksellers. This place was like a maze for books and there were too many to look at but I loved the variety and how busy it was - it makes my heart happy to see many people invested in the book world.

Get your city bearings

As Bath is such a beautiful city with typical traditional architecture, it's wonderful to take a walk around and gain your bearings around the city. Whether you love boutique shopping or admiring the architecture, taking a walk around allows you to get your city bearings and know your way around.

Visit Pulteney Bridge

When mooching, you'll probably come across Pulteney Bridge and I would take some time to admire it in all its glory and take a wander along the river and across the bridge itself. 

Dinner at The Hope and Anchor

Bath boasts a diverse range of restaurants, from classic British pub grub to pizzerias or Thai restaurants that it can seem impossible to know where to dine. We were staying slightly out of the city in a nearby village and had dinner at The Hope and Anchor. This pub is slightly upmarket with a delicious menu and cosy vibe.

Day two - Exploring the sights

Visit Bath Abbey

On the second day in Bath, you'll have more of an idea of where everything is and delve more into other gorgeous sights, such as the Bath Abbey. I walked past the Abbey plenty of times on the first day but only went inside it on the second day. I'm obsessed with churches and Bath Abbey was certainly unique and glorious to admire. Tickets cost £7.50 each for adults and you can buy in there but if you're visiting during a busy time, I'd suggest buying them in advance.

Wander in Mrs B's Emporium

This bookshop has to be one of my favourites ever and I came home with a stack of books from it. Like Toppings and Company booksellers, it was a maze of endless book varieties with a quirky interior. But the best part was the staff were all trained to give personal recommendations based on genres and authors you like. I told them how I adore thrillers, murder mysteries and a list of authors I read a lot of and they recommended so many apt books I've not heard of but were right up my street.

Visit The Circus and The Royal Crescent

You can channel your inner Bridgeton with a visit to The Circus and The Royal Crescent. Both are quite near each other and are free to roam around and get that much-needed photo. I loved walking around these sights because they made me feel a little royal and fancy. I'm pretty sure you can also go on a Bridgeton tour and they'll show you the houses/streets used in the series.

Go to Bath Artisan Market

I'm a market girlie and love roaming around markets wherever I am, including Bath. The Bath Artisan Market was a local paradise with fresh produce, crafts and second-hand books. You can easily spend a while here walking around and finding some gems to take home as souvenirs.

Try the classic buns at Sally Lunn's 

Bath is known for the 'Bath Buns' and at Sally Lunn's, you'll have the complete traditional experience, trying a bun (sweet or savoury), in a quintessentially British café. I loved Sally Lunn's as not only are you enjoying a delicious treat but knowing there is a lot of history in the building makes the experience even more authentic. 

Eat gelato at Swoon Gelato

When I'm on holiday, ice cream is a must and I couldn't resist trying the gelato on offer here, even if it was January! Swoon Gelato had an authentic feel to it with an array of delicious flavours to offer - I had the hazelnut and adored every bite.

Play games at Thirsty Meeples

My partner loves board games and he found a board game café right in the centre of the city. We decided to book and spend a few hours playing games and honestly, I loved the energy here. Everyone was enjoying their games, the staff were fab at recommendations and the café offered various foods from cakes to cool alternatives of fizzy drinks.

Dinner at The Circus Restaurant

I wanted to try out one of the higher-end restaurants in Bath as the weekend we went was also our anniversary and we wanted to celebrate with a lovely dinner. The Circus Restaurant blew my taste buds away. Their menu was small but well-thought-out with a variety of dishes for the different palates. I'm still salivating over the starter, main and dessert.

Day three: Visit sights nearby

Go to Prior Park Landscape Garden

You can easily spend more time in the city on the last day, soaking up more of the shops, endless museums and cafes, or head out of the centre to one of the nearest National Trust sights, Prior Park Landscape Garden. Tickets are around £8 and there is no parking onsite, yet you can easily get a bus from the centre or park on one of the local streets nearby. Prior Park is a breath of fresh air from city life. The endless greenery makes for an impressive nature walk around. Plus, the main bridge and buildings are superb to admire as you soak up the open space.

Head over to Castle Coombe

Bath is near the Cotswolds, around half an hour (depending on which part you visit). With such close distance, I'd recommend spending your last afternoon heading over to the Cotswolds. We went to Castle Coombe, a small village in the Cotswolds which is stunning but exceptionally small and we only ended up needing 2 hours here. I would say come and see Castle Coombe as it is charming and what I'd picture the Cotswolds to be but there are also many other spots in the Cotswolds you can venture to.

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning your trip?

Thank you for reading <3

How to maintain a long-distance friendship

 Well hello to you my reader chums! As an adult maintaining friendships can be challenging as many people can be busy with other commitments. Adding long distance to that can make maintaining friendships even more difficult. One of my closest friends has lived in another country across the world for nearly six years now and at times, it has been hard, yet, our friendship is still strong and I'm grateful to have our connection.

If your friend has moved away or you're struggling with distance in a friendship, here are my tips on how to maintain a long-distance friendship

How to maintain a long distance friendship

Schedule call and face time dates

The most practical way to stay in touch with someone, not in the same country or time zone is to schedule time in to spend and chat with each other. Whether it's a phone call, Face Time or Zoom call, having that regular time with them in the diary will guarantee a catch-up. In the same way, you have catch-ups with your friends who live in the town at coffee shops, do the same virtually. Grab a drink and get comfy as you have a good old chinwag.

Text or voice note them as much as possible

Texting and voice notes are the quickest way to communicate with someone, especially a friend in a different location. If they aren't available to answer your call there and then, a text or voice note will give you the chance to share your thoughts with them and wait for them to respond when they get a spare moment. I find when I don't have time in a week for a call, I can still stay connected by sending a quick text or voice note here and there.

Show them love on social media

Being your friend's hype person can be challenging when you are miles apart, but this is where the power of social media can come in. Whether they post something they're doing or have a business venture, give all the support through likes, comments and messaging. It can remind them you're still there for them even miles apart.

Include them in group chats

I feel like as an adult, the best way to communicate with multiple people is through group chats. Ensure your long-distance pal is included in the relevant chats as it can help them stay in the loop with the everyday things going on, and gives them another level of connection.

Organise to meet up when they're in the same country as you

It may be once a year or twice a year but whenever they're in the same country as you, organise a meetup. This could be a coffee, a simple walk, dinner out or an activity you enjoy together. Whatever the occasion, any form of quality time will help keep that connection alive.

Send out cards on birthdays and special occasions

Special occasions are a wonderful reminder of the important people you have in your life. If someone's in a different country, it can be expensive to send a physical gift or organise to do something for their birthday. Due to this, a card is a happy medium as it shows you've remembered and thought of them, a simple gesture of love.

Arrange to go see each other

Again, this is down to your personal circumstances. But when you're able to, see if you can organise a trip to see each other, whether it's once a year or every few months. Flying out (or driving) to see them can mean the world and give you dedicated time to spend with one another.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Where in the world does your friend live?

Thank you for reading <3

3-week itinerary to Indonesia

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Indonesia is a country that was full of surprises and I adored every minute of travelling around the country for three weeks. With its level of diversity from the countryside, islands, and cities to religious significance, there's plenty to see and learn. I'd happily jet off to Indonesia again and explore more of the island scene, its history and sights.

If you're planning a long trip to Indonesia and want to explore a diverse range of locations, here's my 3-week itinerary to Indonesia.

3 week itinerary to Indonesia

1/2 nights in Bali/ Nusa Lembongan

Any trip to Indonesia begins with Bali and this itinerary is no different. I flew into Bali and wanted to explore the other islands around it as well as the island itself. If you're coming from the UK it can be a long flight, whereas I was coming from the Philippines as part of my backpacking trip. I landed in Bali, late in the night and stayed in a hotel close by to the main airport. The next morning, I took a boat to one of the tiny islands Nusa Lembongan and spent the night there. 

Nusa Lembongan is a tiny island, yet the perfect place to soak up a taste of chilled island life, eat smoothie bowls, cycle around and see famous landmarks such as the Devil's Tears. It's a great base to start your time out in Indonesia as you can relax and ease yourself in for three weeks around the gorgeous country. Nusa Lembongan is also a popular day trip from eastern Bali as it's only a half-hour boat ride away.

3/4 nights in Ubud, Bali

Get the boat back from Nusa Lembongan to Bali, hire a taxi, and head up to Ubud. Ubud has to be my favourite part of Bali because it has that hipster, quirky appeal with DELICIOUS food places and endless things to see and do. 3-4 days is a good amount of time to see the main sights, slowly travel around, soak up the vibe and hit up the many restaurants. Like any place, you're more than welcome to spend longer in Ubud if you fall in love with it - I could have happily done so.

Ubud features the Monkey Forest, rice terraces, plenty of nature walks, markets and many historic temples you'll fall in love with. It's a place that just keeps on giving and has that familiar sense to it you'll fall in love with.

2/3 days in the Gili Islands OR stay in Bali

My plan altered when I was travelling due to Silent Day in Bali where everything shuts down on the island and I decided to visit the Gili Islands first before roaming around the rest of Bali. I have to admit I wasn't the biggest fan of the Gili Islands because it was overcrowded and overhyped and the damage to the reefs was pretty apparent. Despite that, I only properly saw Gili T and don't want to make assumptions about Gili Meno and Gili Air as people rave about those two islands more.

If you choose to visit the islands, 2-3 days is a great amount of time to lap up the beaches, go on a snorkelling tour, eat delicious brunches and spend as much time possible in the water. It's up to you which of the three islands you stay on and which you visit, depending on what you want to do.

Alternatively, if you want to spend longer in Bali, it's an opportunity to choose one of the other areas to visit, such as Seminyak, Canggu or Kuta, depending on what you're looking to see during your time here.

3 nights in Uluwatu, Bali

Whether you're heading back from the Gili Islands or continuing time in Bali, I'd recommend the area of Uluwatu for 3 days. I loved this area of Bali as it had a gorgeous beach scene, the surfer appeal and restaurant heaven. 3 nights in Uluwatu allows you to enjoy the wonders of Bali's beaches, visit the Uluwatu temple and soak up the sunshine.

2 nights in Labuan Bajo/Komodo Island

Saying goodbye to Bali is always a sad moment as I could easily spend more time on the island, however, it's your chance to see more of Indonesia. From Bali, fly to Labuan Bajo in preparation to do the Komodo Island tour. Komodo Island has to be one of my favourite experiences in Indonesia and a must-visit. You can do tours that span from a day to several nights long, depending on your budget and what you'd like to see. I flew into Labuan Bajo because many of the day tours begin there and 2 nights gave us a chance to rest up before the long tour, enjoy the tour and rest up that night before you explore more of Indonesia. 

2 nights in Malang

The next stop is heading over to Malang and whatever way you can go about it can be long. In hindsight, I wish I had done an internal flight rather than flying back to Bali and getting an 11-hour car ride to Malang (which ended up being 18 hours long). Like Labuan Bajo, I headed to Malang for a tour of the incredible Mount Bromo. I'm happy I booked 2 nights here because it gave me a chance to rest up before the midnight start of the tour and revel in the beauty of it. There's not loads else to Malang, however, you can visit the Jodipan village and embrace the local life of the city. I found Malang to be one of the cheapest places to eat in all of Indonesia.

4 nights in Yogykarta

Yogyakarta is the last stop on the trip before jetting home and a city I absolutely adored in many ways. As your last stop, 4 days is a solid amount of time to make yourself at home, see the sights, travel here and eat all the delicious food. The train journey from Malang to Yogyakarta is around 6 hours long and an easy route.

Yogyakarta is renowned for the Prambanan temple, Malioboro Street, the art scene, and markets and has a cool vibe to it. I could have easily spent more time here because it's such an easy city to exist in and slowly travel around, and enjoy the best sights. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning to go to Indonesia?

Thank you for reading <3

How to look after your mental health as a business owner

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Running a business is hard work and can be constant so it's a challenging thing to switch off. Whether thinking about your workload, money, networking or how to grow, being a business owner is constantly on my mind. Mental health is a priority to me as taking care of my mind, helps me feel more fulfilled, work productively and appreciate the business growth. 

If you're a business owner and need advice about your mental health, here are my tips on caring for your mental health as a business owner.

How to look after you mental health as a business owner

Set a schedule

I love organisation as it keeps my anxiety at bay and helps me understand my expectations for the day and week. Setting a schedule is vital in planning out your workload, whether you're a freelance marketing specialist like me or a photographer. I find it helps to book slots across the week and month for my retainers and block out time for projects, networking, admin and my own marketing. Then, I know what free time I have to take breaks, run errands and book in social plans. 

Book in regular breaks 

If you work all the time, you'll be burnt out and you won't work as productively. Booking in breaks allows your mind and body to rest, refresh and take care of you. When you've taken a break, you can start the day with fresh eyes, with a new perspective and motivation to work. Breaks can mean an hour in your day, an afternoon off every week, a week off here and there or even a sabbatical. Whatever break you need, make sure it's regular enough to help your mind.

Keep social personally and professionally 

Socialising can really help your mental health, especially when you're feeling low. Whether it's a friend, family or your partner, booking time with those who love you can boost you up, help you relax and enjoy your favourite things about life. It's also important to stay social professionally because it helps you connect with people on the same path as you and can also help build more opportunities.

Get out and about every day

You've probably heard it a million times but fresh air and exercise really are the key to a boost in your day. Whether it's only for ten minutes or for an hour, getting out and about will help you step away from the screen or focus on work. I love to take a stroll along the beach, through the town or any open spaces.

Create a nurturing lifestyle

Health is the most important thing to care for your mind and a nurturing life will help with that. Choosing the food and exercise which makes you feel good can shape a fulfilling and content every day. I love to start the day with pilates and a breakfast of delicious and filling foods that my body feels good after eating.

Don't overfill your workload

It's easy as a business owner to be constantly working or thinking about work and it makes it tempting to overfill your schedule. However, I'd always recommend not completely booking your schedule, leaving gaps for breaks and socialising. If you fill up your schedule too much, you'll likely burn out or resent your work.

Focus on the positives

I don't know about you but I struggle with the highs and lows as a freelancer because if it's a low period of work, the self-doubt comes in. I think about all the things I haven't done or achieved, rather than focus on everything I've achieved and my journey as a business owner. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. What else would you add?

Thank you for reading <3

Everything to know before travelling to Indonesia

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Indonesia is one of the best countries I've visited and surprised me in exceptional ways. I fell in love with its nature scene, the beaches, the temples, the food and how every day, the sense of adventure, roaming around. I'm in awe of all the incredible experiences I had and cherish all my memories from 3 weeks in the country.

If you're planning a trip to Indonesia, whether it's long or short, here's everything to know before travelling to Indonesia. 

Everything to know before travelling to Indonesia

The weather is different across the country 

When it comes to any trip to Southeast Asia, you need to consider other tropical climates. There's no doubt, it'll always be warm in Indonesia, however, the country does have a dry and wet season. Generally, the dry season is from April to October and the monsoon season, November to March. Although Indonesia is such a large country, the seasons can be different, depending on what part of the country you're in, such as the west is different to the east.

Sort your visa 

Depending on where you're from in the world, check what your visa requirements are. As I'm from the UK, I was able to buy my visa to Indonesia on arrival for around £35 which gave me a 30-day entry into the country. 

Respect the diverse religions

Indonesia is pretty diverse in terms of religion, however, the majority of the country is Muslim. The country also recognises other religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. With that in mind, you need to be respectful of the religions, dress modestly in more residential destinations and be wary of how you act.

There's more to Indonesia than Bali 

Bali is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers and a large reason why many go to Indonesia. However, I had the pleasure of travelling to Indonesia for 3 weeks, visiting more than just Bali. I fell in love with what was beyond the ultra-tourist path, such as Yogyakarta, Malang, Komodo Island, Nusa Lembongan and the Gili Islands, plus many other places to discover. There's no doubt I still adore every inch of Bali and the surfer, hipster vibe it has with the markets, rice fields, beaches, food and serene atmosphere.

Use Indonesian rupees

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupee. You can order the currency before you jet off to the country or buy it when you land at the airport. I would say, it's always best to have cash across the country, especially when you're outside of Bali. In Bali and the more popular destinations, you can use your card - but it's always best to have cash with you.

Indonesia is rather cheap (outside of Bali)

I was surprised about how cheap Indonesia was for food, transport and activities when I left Bali. Bali is still cheap but a lot pricier than other destinations in Indonesia, due to the tourist appeal. Some meals I could get for £1 or £2 and they'd be delicious. 

Indonesia is massive

I think many travellers go to Indonesia and think of Bali but the country has so much more than meets the eye. As I touched on in my other point, when jetting into Indonesia, ensure you plan more for your trip than island life in Bali. Whether you fancy a taste of the city, visit more off-the-beaten-path locations, learn more about the cuisine or see the quieter beach scene, there are plenty of destinations to choose from.

Travel with an open mind

The best thing about Indonesia is witnessing the natural wonders of its countryside, beaches and meeting the locals and tasting the Indonesian cuisine. The greatest memories come from discovering quaint streets, off-the-path restaurants and new people.

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning to go?

Thank you for reading <3

Book review: Magpie by Elizabeth Day

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I love a thriller as there's something about a quick-paced plot with suspense that I adore. I heard many people rave about the book Magpie and honestly, I didn't actually realise what it was about until I bought it - and I'm glad I did.

If you love psychological thrillers or a book which will constantly surprise you, here's my book review of Magpie by Elizabeth Day.

Book review: Magpie by Elizabeth Day

Plot

Magpie follows the life of Marissa when she meets Jake and everything falls into place. However, when their new lodger Kae arrives, everything changes. Marissa thinks something isn't right about her because of the way she acts, what she says or that she's constantly asking questions about the baby they're trying for. But maybe it's all in Marissa's head? That's what Jake thinks and she thinks she trusts him. Marissa is determined to discover what is wrong even if it costs her everything.

Characters and relationships

Marissa is the protagonist and the book starts out with her, honestly, I love her as a character at the start as she's painted like a regular woman with insecurities and problems. She talks about her traumatic experiences and past relationships, friends and how she meets Jake. Their relationship in my opinion seems rushed from the beginning and a bit suspicious as if they fell into it all a little quickly and she doesn't really know him or trust him in fact.

Jake seems like a nice and caring guy but as it's told from Marissa's perspective I can't really get a full grasp of him as a character. With Kate, Marissa doesn't seem to like her but in all honesty, it sounds like she's jealous of her and everything she stands for.

It's hard to talk about Jake and Kate in more detail as characters without giving away the plot, however, the more I learnt about the characters, the more who they are shaped up and I started to really dive into the plot.

Overall thoughts

Overall, despite being a little uncertain when the book began, once I got a grasp of what the plot was about, I gained a full perspective of the characters' personalities and how they played a role in the story. I would describe this plot as a psychological thriller, even though at first it sounded more like a dramatic story where Marissa is making out Jake is cheating on her with Kate.

The book covers many themes, such as infertility, pregnancy, mental illness, troubling family dynamics and traumatic experiences. With plenty of problematic issues woven throughout the plot, it adds plenty of depth and suspense - and made me gain another level of appreciation. 

The book overall was certainly a page-turner as I was keen to see which way the story turns and the next layer is uncovered. I'd highly recommend it if psychological plots intrigue you. 

Ending

I can't give away the ending, however, despite the tragic element of the plot, this book has a content and happy ending, leaving my mind at bay and wrapping everything up in a beautiful way. It also shares how the power of caring for people is the most amazing thing.

I hope you enjoyed this review. Which book is on your TBR pile?

Thank you for reading <3