Favourites in 2025: Books, Outfits, TV

 And #TuesdayTwirl

Dear friends. One of the advantages of writing a review of each month is that it's easy to recall the highs and lows of the year. Seeing what we enjoyed and achieved is a good way of evaluating our lives.

My Book Challenges for 2026

 

Dear friends. I'm taking on four book challenges in 2026. This is a step up because I've only ever taken one reading goal, for Goodreads, in the past. 

In 2025 my Goodreads goal was 110 books, up by ten, and I managed to finally achieve it in the third week of December.  I'll stick to the same target, 110, for 2026. I don't have any additional reading time so it would be pointless to set a tougher goal.

December Delights: Books {2025}

 

Dear friends. Welcome to my round-up of books read in December. The two 5-star reads are both a little harrowing and have a theme in common - religion - but they are exceptional reads. If you'd prefer a lighter and more traditional read for this time of year, you will enjoy Christmas in Flanders Fields, although it doesn't shy away from the realities of war.

Why Time Seems to Fly When We're Older

 And ##TuesdayTwirl 

Dear friends. Have you ever remarked how days seem to race by? That when we were young, summer seemed to go on forever? 

Part of it, as we get older, is becoming aware that we have less time ahead of us. But it's also the brain's way of telling us it needs more stimulation. 

More Manchester than Mongolia by Jacqueline Lambert

Dear friends. Today we're exploring the UK in a head turning vehicle known as The Beast. At the wheel is either Jacqueline Lambert or her husband Mark. 

It wasn't quite what they had in mind, a road trip to Mongolia, but their original plans were derailed by Covid 19.  

As this charming and entertaining book recalls, they had plenty of adventures closer to home.

One by One by Sam Frances

 

Dear friends. Join me on the blog tour today for a fun, twisty and engaging crime thriller centred on a reunited girl band.

One by One is by crime writer Sam Frances who has a background in policing. 

Wear Bright Colours in Winter over 60

 And #TuesdayTwirl

Dear friends.  Yellow was all the rage in summer but it's less common now, both in the shops and in the wild. 

It's such a cheerful colour, perfect for the dark and gloomy days of Winter. 

Bodacious Brown

 And #TuesdayTwirl 

Dear friends. I'm very pleased that the colour Brown is trending. It's the perfect alternative to black for warm toned types.

I've acquired a new suede skirt and pair of cords, plus a hat, in the coveted shade, my favourite neutral.