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Books for food lovers
It was high time I delved into the delectable world of two of my favourite things: books and food. In my humble-pie-based opinion, some of the best books are set around food (the puns get worse). These books may seduce us with delectable recipes, immerse us in the aromatic ambience of foodie havens, or celebrate those authors who pour their hearts into their culinary musings. These books have carved a particular niche in my heart, sparking excitement as I turn each page, never knowing when I’ll stumble upon an unexpected recipe or witness two characters forging a soulful connection over a steaming bowl of ramen. If you, like me, savour…
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My favourite translated fiction reads
It’s absolutely no secret some of my favourite reads are translated fiction. Earlier today, as I stood before my bookshelves, contemplating which carefully curated list of books to write about next, I found myself listening to the rain cascade heavily against the window whilst a gentle mist enveloped the distant hills, and the air was infused with the delicate aroma of a pumpkin-spiced latte candle I purchased earlier. In that moment of let’s be honest – perfection, I pondered what would be the ideal companion to curl up with. My gaze landed upon a literary gem: “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, translated by Geoffrey Trousselot. In that…
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Cosy books that’ll make you feel autumnal
If you’re like me, then September is a sign that autumn is officially coming. I love autumn. From woodland walks with crunchy leaves underfoot to homemade hot chocolate by an outdoor fire to sitting beside the window with your favourite book and the pitter-patter of the rain. Autumn feels like coming home. Round about now, I pick out my Autumn TBR (to be read) pile and start reading cosy books that’ll get me in the autumn mood – alongside some episodes of Gilmore Girls, of course. I am posting about some of my favourite autumnal books. So here they are! 1. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame “Here…
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A trip to Nottingham Castle
I’ve visited Nottingham Castle many-a-times since being a child. I have fond memories of dressing up as Robin Hood and charging through the castle grounds with a bow and arrow, ready to fight the rich and feed the poor. I have a slightly foggy memory of my dad also feeding a squirrel some of our packed lunch sandwiches from his hand, perhaps in his own way he too was playing at being Robin Hood. Knowing my dad it would have been coronation chicken flavoured, lucky squirrel. I decided to visit again recently as an adult with my younger brother, Frankie, after their recent refurbishment. The refurbishment includes the newly reinvigorated…
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A Southwell birthday adventure
This year to celebrate my birthday, I decided to spend it in and around the minster and market town of Southwell. There is quite a lot to do in the historic town of Southwell, often referred to as the jewel in Nottinghamshire’s crown. From cobbled stoned streets full of independent shops, to the twin pepperpot towers of Southwell Minister, and half pints of cider in atmospheric pubs, it’s truly worth a visit. Read on to see how I spent a day celebrating my birthday in Southwell and surrounding places. 1. Picking sunflowers and completing a maze. After a scrumptious breakfast of cinnamon swirl pancakes at home, I headed off to…
