Ben Elton's autobiography, What Have I Done?, is the kind of book you pick up expecting a breezy celebrity memoir and end up with a 470-page, deep-dive history lesson on the last four decades of British comedy and culture. It's an absolute must-read, a firework display of wit, insight, and just the right amount of glorious self-justification that makes it feel utterly authentic.
What’s instantly clear is that Ben Elton, the author, is every bit as acerbic, brilliant, and politically charged as the stand-up comic and writer we’ve watched for years. He’s a multi-award-winning machine—a novelist, playwright, lyricist, director, and the guy who essentially birthed the 'alternative comedy' revolution with Saturday Live.
This isn't a meek, retrospective look back; it's a frank, forthright, and energetic recounting of a massive career. He's clearly a writer who lives and breathes his work, and that passion leaps off every page. You get the sense of a mind that's constantly fizzing with ideas, occasionally missing the mark, but always, always committed to making people laugh, think, and, yes, getting on a few wicks in the process.
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I and my partner have been saving this drink and wanting to have it when we could really enjoy it together...and then we had a road trip! We packed it and had it at sunset, that beautiful, golden hour light, right in Drumpellier Country Park. We sat, opened it, relaxed, and shared a couple of glasses. It was the perfect moment.
We had actually had a glass earlier that week, too, and we both absolutely loved it. And here is exactly why I'm now completely obsessed with Mother Root Ginger Switchel.
When the brand reached out and sent me a box to try, I was immediately drawn in. The aesthetic alone is gorgeous—I love the sunny yellow branding against the dark brown bottle. It looks like a heritage tonic, and the logo is really cool, too! But the contents? That’s the real magic.
We had actually had a glass earlier that week, too, and we both absolutely loved it. And here is exactly why I'm now completely obsessed with Mother Root Ginger Switchel.
When the brand reached out and sent me a box to try, I was immediately drawn in. The aesthetic alone is gorgeous—I love the sunny yellow branding against the dark brown bottle. It looks like a heritage tonic, and the logo is really cool, too! But the contents? That’s the real magic.
What is Mother Root?
Before I get into the taste, let's talk about what this is. Mother Root is essentially a modern, premium take on a traditional tonic called a Switchel.
It’s an invigorating, non-alcoholic drink that is packed with potent, natural ingredients. Think of it as a delicious, fiery dose of goodness that’s great for your gut and an amazing alternative to sugary sodas or complicated cocktails.
The founder's goal was simple and brilliant: to create a drink that offers the satisfying, complex flavors of a cocktail but is non-alcoholic (0.1% ABV Alcohol-Free) and genuinely beneficial for your health. They wanted to deliver 'good feelings without compromise,' and honestly, they nailed it.
Before I get into the taste, let's talk about what this is. Mother Root is essentially a modern, premium take on a traditional tonic called a Switchel.
It’s an invigorating, non-alcoholic drink that is packed with potent, natural ingredients. Think of it as a delicious, fiery dose of goodness that’s great for your gut and an amazing alternative to sugary sodas or complicated cocktails.
The founder's goal was simple and brilliant: to create a drink that offers the satisfying, complex flavors of a cocktail but is non-alcoholic (0.1% ABV Alcohol-Free) and genuinely beneficial for your health. They wanted to deliver 'good feelings without compromise,' and honestly, they nailed it.
If you follow my Instagram, you might’ve seen the post where I shared my excitement about finally getting my copy of Hope in Action. But as always, I like to save my full reflections for the blog — and this book deserves it.
I still remember when the videos of Sanna Marin dancing broke out online. Headlines everywhere called her “the partying prime minister.” Politicians accused her of being unprofessional; others questioned her ability to lead. Watching that unfold felt cruel — a young woman leader being punished for simply being human. That noise made me curious about the person behind the headlines. So when I learned that Marin had written a memoir, I knew I had to read it.
The book, just over 250 pages, opens with her own words: “Hope is not naïve. It is a choice, and it requires action.” That line set the tone for everything that followed. Marin takes us through her early years growing up in a working-class Finnish family, raised by two women who struggled to make ends meet, yet instilled in her a fierce sense of fairness. By page 42, she writes about being the first in her family to attend university — and the quiet pressure that came with carrying other people’s hopes.
The most challenging section for me came midway through, when she describes those long nights during the first COVID-19 lockdowns. On page 118, she recalls sitting alone in her office at 2 a.m., drafting emergency decrees and wondering if the decisions she was making would cost lives. “Leadership,” she writes, “isn’t about certainty; it’s about carrying uncertainty with grace.” That line stayed with me. It reminded me that true courage often feels like doubt, not confidence.
Why Firmoo Is the Only Place I Buy My Clear Glasses
There are some things in life that you just stick with. For me, they are things like eating by the riverside on a hot afternoon, enjoying my food really hot, and, most importantly, where I get my clear glasses. I have written about Firmoo on my blog several times and I consistently recommend it to absolutely everyone.
I’m talking about a brand I’ve personally trusted for more than six pairs now. I’ve even roped my dad into the fan club, he loves the frames I got him. Firmoo isn't just a place to buy glasses; it's a place that gets it right every single time, from the moment you click "order" to the moment they land on your face.
For a brand to earn this level of loyalty from me, they have to deliver on more than just looks. I’m a loyal influencer for this brand, and I know many of you are, too, so let's dig into why Firmoo is genuinely a leader in the online eyewear space.
Firmoo has always been a champion for making stylish, high-quality eyewear accessible to everyone. They understand that getting a prescription shouldn't break the bank. This focus on affordability without compromising quality is a huge achievement in the industry. It allows people to own multiple pairs for different looks, something that used to be an expensive luxury.
Their range of frames is unbelievable. Whether you're looking for a bold geometric look, a classic aviator, or something completely timeless, they have options for every face shape, style, and age. This dedication to diverse design shows they are constantly innovating and paying attention to current trends while also respecting classic style.
My Latest Firmoo Haul: Two New Everyday Essentials
My current rotation consists of two new pairs, and honestly, they perfectly illustrate why I’m such a massive fan. I needed two clear, everyday-friendly frames, and Firmoo delivered exactly what I asked for:
1. The Classic Look: Black Frames with Clear Lenses
This is my go-to "serious business" or "any outfit" pair. The black frame is crisp and modern, but the best part about this particular pair isn't how it looks, it's how it feels.
When I got a house in the Ukrainian countryside, it was pure magic. The peace was so profound, a quiet that seeped into my bones. I wasn't there for the people, not at first. I was there for the profound quiet and the space to just be. I had a mate and his wife nearby, and my life in the city was just a 40-minute ride away, but in the dead of winter, everything changes. The world outside becomes a beautiful, silent snow globe, and I find myself living in a different kind of time.
I was stuck. And alone. Just me, endless cups of tea, and movie marathons. Adding wood to the fireplace. And it was in that solitude, in that beautiful calmness, that I discovered I loved the countryside and enjoyed the calmness that came with it, along with other things I didn’t know existed.
When I picked up Hannah Kent's memoir, Always Home, Always Homesick, I felt an instant, deep connection. I could see myself in her words, in her story.
The book starts with Hannah Kent's trip to Iceland when she was a teenager. A place that looks cold and lonely on the outside, but for her, it became a close, life-changing place. She takes you along on her 17-year-old self’s emotional and physical journey as she navigates a new culture, language, and the profound sense of otherness that comes with living far from home. She doesn't just describe a place; she makes you feel it. You can almost feel the wind on your face and see the desolate, beautiful terrain through her eyes. This isn’t a story of a quick vacation; it's a story of becoming a part of a place and letting it become a part of you.
Reading Rebel Rising felt like an absolute heart-to-heart with someone who really gets it—you know, the dizzying highs, the frustrating lows, and all that messy middle-ground of life. I’ve always loved Rebel Wilson on screen, of course, but this book completely showed me a side of her I genuinely didn’t expect: so vulnerable, incredibly real, and relentlessly determined.
What Really Hit Home for Me
That question she constantly wrestles with—“Am I good enough?”—seriously resonated with me. It instantly brought back those moments in my own life when self-doubt tried to creep in, and how easy it is to let fear be the thing that holds you back. Seeing the way she faced constant rejection, harsh criticism, and her own personal struggles made me really reflect on my own challenges, but in a totally different light.
Her openness about both her health journey and her career hurdles was so inspiring. It was such a great reminder that setbacks are never failures—they’re just a part of the long journey, and true resilience is quietly built, step by patient step.
You guys know me – I'm always on the hunt for something that sparks my curiosity, something that's a little bit unique, and definitely something that lets me learn without feeling like I'm "learning." So, when I stumbled upon The Royal Mint Puzzle Book, my inner history buff and puzzle enthusiast did a happy dance. Let me tell you why you need this book in your life.
First off, let’s just appreciate the concept here. This isn't just any puzzle book. This is from The Royal Mint, the official folks who make all of Britain's coins. I mean, how cool is that? Immediately, I knew this wasn't going to be some generic collection of crosswords. Oh no, this was going to be steeped in history, rich with facts, and probably a lot more clever than I was ready for. And I was right.
From the moment I opened the book, I was hooked. The book boasts 125 puzzles, but they're not just random brain teasers. Every single one is woven into over a thousand years of British currency and coinage history. Can you believe it? It's like a mental scavenger hunt through time, and honestly, that's what gives it such a special, personal feel for me. I’m not just solving a riddle; I’m uncovering a piece of history.
I’m talking about everything from cryptic codes that make you feel like a secret agent decoding ancient messages, to logic problems that really make your brain hum. And trust me, some of them are properly challenging. There are even sections dedicated to historical figures like Sir Isaac Newton (who, fun fact, was Master of the Mint!) and Oliver Cromwell. It’s like getting a mini-biography paired with a mental workout. I found myself googling things to learn more after solving a puzzle, which is the sign of a truly engaging book, right?
What I truly adore about this book is its ability to make history feel alive and incredibly relevant. I've always been fascinated by how societies function, and money is such a fundamental part of that. To see the evolution of coins, the stories behind their designs, and the figures who shaped their creation, all while trying to decipher a tricky puzzle—it’s just brilliant. It feels like a secret club for history lovers and puzzle addicts.
If you're anything like me – someone who loves to challenge their mind, enjoys a good historical tidbit, or just appreciates the beauty and significance of currency – then The Royal Mint Puzzle Book is an absolute must-have. It’s perfect for a cozy evening in, a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, or even a gift for that notoriously hard-to-buy-for friend. Trust me, it's a rewarding experience that’s way more than just a puzzle book. It’s a journey.
Have any of you tried it? Or do you have other historical puzzle books you love? Let me know in the comments below. I’m always looking for my next brain-teaser.
The design is just dramatic and so unique. It starts with a super sleek, high-neck black sleeveless bodice that is perfectly fitted. Then, from the waist down, the skirt flares out in this gorgeous, voluminous way. The real showstopper is the hem: it’s completely covered in these bold, textured red ruffle rosettes that are so vibrant against the black. It gives the whole look this amazing, playful-yet-sophisticated silhouette.
A Quick Styling Secret
Okay, so real talk for a second: I ran into one little issue. I'm wearing a size small, and while the fit everywhere else was great, the seam where all those gathers and ruffles meet at the waist was surprisingly itchy against my skin. I honestly don't know what they did with the stitching there.
To fix it, I just slipped on a singlet underneath, and problem solved. Sometimes you have to improvise to make fashion work, right? But seriously, if you order it, just keep a little cami or singlet handy.
I was so lucky to catch that incredible golden hour light for the photos on our way back from Elgin. The warm glow on the paved path and the lush greenery in the background made the red and black pop even more.
I paired the dress with my sparkly high heels (a beautiful birthday gift) and kept my accessories simple with classic pearl studs. Of course, I had to match the energy of those red ruffles with a bold red lipstick—it just ties the whole look together.
I felt so confident and joyful in this outfit. It truly combines elegance with dramatic style. What do you all think of the color combo? Let me know your favorite part of the look.
I'm sure you've all been there. That one week where your head is just pounding from stress. It's one thing after another: a work task, a doctor's appointment, a commitment you can't get out of... It's just so much. And all you can do is wait for the weekend to get here, but it's just crawling by. It's Tuesday and you're already thinking, "Okay, I need to breathe. I need to relax. Friday, where are you?!"
For those of us with a 9-to-5 or more, it feels like we're just running on a treadmill all week, telling ourselves, "Friday is coming." When you get home from work, all you want to do is sleep. You can't even get through your favorite show or reply to blog comments. All you want is to eat, shower, brush your teeth, and crash. Then you wake up the next morning and do it all over again, just silently wishing for the weekend to arrive.
That was me all last week. Seriously, I could not wait for the weekend to come. It was just too much. But I found something that has helped me ease the stress, and the psychology behind it is actually pretty amazing. Mangatopia, illustrated by Liv Wan. It made me wonder: Why do children love coloring so much, and why do adults need it?
For the longest time, I was convinced that blush and I just weren't meant to be. I tried so many different types and shades, but nothing seemed to work. I even found a cream blush I liked, but it was a whole ordeal to apply without it clashing with my foundation. I just didn't have the patience for it, so I gave up and stuck to what I knew.
If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know my makeup routine is pretty simple. I'm a MAC Powder Foundation girl—NW45, to be exact. I've got an Oriflame liquid foundation, but I don't use it often. My go-to look is just my MAC powder, some brow pencil, and mascara. Lipsticks are tricky for me, so I usually just go for a light stain and some gloss. I'm not into heavy makeup that feels caked on. I'm confident in my own skin, and I don't feel the need to cover anything up. My makeup is meant to enhance, not conceal.
But then, something changed. I got my hands on some blushes from Collections Cosmetics UK. They also sent me some of their High Color Glosses, but the colors weren't for me. I tried everything, but they just didn't suit my skin tone. I'll find a way to make them work eventually, but the blushes? Oh, my gosh. They're exactly what I've been looking for.
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