It was my 40th this month, which I find rather peculiar. I’m still 24 at heart, just with a little more wisdom… ish! I’m utterly embracing this milestone. We celebrated with a small gathering at my house, where the fancy-dress theme was 'eccentric' (pic 1). It was an absolute sight to behold and exactly my kind of chaos!

My husband and some brilliant buddies also organised a secret weekend away to Bournemouth. Not having to plan a thing felt like pure luxury - I felt like a queen! Very loved, very grateful. We went to a comedy show, dined out, explored the town, and finished with a full-blown pyjama party at the incredible house we’d hired. One restaurant even surprised me with a birthday cake (pic 2) - not your typical sponge either - pure genius.

Mum then whisked me off to Brighton for a girly shopping weekend. The wind was doing its wild coastal thing (pic 3), but armed with our old-lady shopping trollies (both named Nelly, naturally), we embraced the blustery adventure! I’m sorry to report that the only things I bought were a new set of pants and a toe ring - utter fail! Still, Brighton never disappoints. It’s a wondrous place, bursting with colour, character and quirk, and it charmed me completely.

I had the most incredible birthday celebrations with very special people. Cheers to another year filled with awesomeness!

The Witcher season 4. There’s a new main character this season, Liam Hemsworth - and to be fair, he did a brilliant job stepping into the very big boots of Henry Cavill. However, while the performances were strong (not just the muscular type), I found the actual storyline a little… meh. It didn’t quite grip me in the way previous seasons have. I give it a 6/10, but eagerly awaiting season 5!

Most people have heard of the wonderful Liz Earle Skincare, but I recently found Liz Earle Wellbeing on Instagram here, where the fabulous Liz talks about all things heath and wellness.

The account is aimed at all ages, but has lots of helpful tips and tricks for the women who are around the 'fabulous and forty+' age! The older I become... no, the wiser I become, the more I realise that exercise and movement is paramount for a better mental flow, and when I stuff my face (I love food, so much!) I am more considerate with what I consume, and how it will effect my health.

Don't get me wrong, I do love to indulge and am rather partial to a cocktail or two on the weekends, but this body needs to be nourished and looked after. But not so much on the weekends...

JOYS OF BANANA SKINS!

This may sound random, but banana skins are fantastic for two things (many things actually, but two for now):

1. Get the inside of the banana skin and rub it on your face in the morning. Leave it for 10-odd minutes, then wash off with water. Tiktok introduced me to this magic. It's good for moisturising the skin, and the enzymes act as a 'nature's botox', which helps reduce fine lines. Who knew! To be really savvy, add a couple of thiny sliced cucumber halves under your eyes to help with puffiness. You're welcome.
2. Once you've finished with your banana skins, pop them in a large pot and fill it with boiling water (top up with cold if you need to). Leave it a day or two to infuse. The water will turn brown-ish and look gross, but trust the process. Take your banana liquid and water your plants with it. I have always struggled to keep plants thriving, however this is a game changer!