I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with flapjacks…find a good one and you’re in heaven, a bad one and you might as well be eating a bowl of sand. For that reason I rarely bake them, and certainly never buy them. However, I recently came across a new recipe from Becky (AKA English Mum) and I had no option but to sing about it. If you’re looking for a sweet treat to make and not sure where to turn, then look no further. The yummiest peanut, coconut and chocolate flapjack recipe you’ll ever find, guaranteed! A bold claim you might say, but I’m confident you’ll agree! If you’re not familiar ..read more

Starting out in 1965 with a humble ship cruising between LA and Mexico, Princess Cruises has grown to become one of the most popular cruise lines in the world. Originally owned by P&O Cruises, the line now operates under Carnival’s umbrella when they acquired P&O Cruises in 2003. Today, its fleet carries more than a million passengers across the globe each year to more destinations than any other major line. Princess Cruises: come back… From relaxing pursuits and enriching activities to world-class entertainment and gourmet cuisine, when you step aboard, you are setting a course for a ..read more

Previously, I wrote openly about my own mental health and used the opportunity to dive into what exactly anxiety is. The positive response I received filled me with gratitude and I was overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown to me – thank you. As we head towards the end of July 2020, I am now deep into my therapy sessions and am being armed with the tools to move forward in a positive direction. I have also had my assessment with the NHS Dorset HealthCare Trust Community Mental Health Team and for the first time have received formal diagnoses. Although I’d hoped I would receive more advi ..read more

I love all things ginger…ginger cake, ginger biscuits, even ginger tea! Not only does it taste delicious and warm the soul, but it can also do wonders for your health and digestion. Indeed, this is perhaps not the case where gingerbread cake is concerned…but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! I find something very satisfying about eating a freshly baked slice or two of gingerbread traybake with a nice hot brew. Pure comfort, and even better when the weather’s gloomy! With that in mind, I present my Gingerbread Traybake! A little tricker than your traditional sponge, there a ..read more

Cruising is synonymous with luxury. Certainly, whether it be exquisite food, attentive service, or sumptuous accommodation, most cruises have an air of luxury about them. However, while some cruise lines offer mega-ships and competitive pricing to lure passengers in, others choose to take the concept of luxury cruising to a whole new level, instead promising a unique and intimate experience that raises the bar on cruising. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular luxury cruise lines and what they have to offer. But first, let’s see why you might want to consider upgrading your next cruise ..read more

If you love cake and you love chocolate, then this is the place to be! Perfect for any occasion, big or small, this scrumptious chocolate fudge cake recipe will add a bit of indulgence into your day. Sometimes when the weather’s rubbish or you’re feeling a touch down in the dumps, a proper cup of tea and a slice of cake is the perfect remedy to brighten things up. Add a touch of celebration to your day with this delicious chocolate fudge cake recipe! This recipe for chocolate fudge cake is one of the most popular things I bake. It rarely makes the end of the day! It’s also perfect warmed up wi ..read more

Britains most popular cruise destinations! When sailing directly from the UK, the length of your cruise will play a large role in determining your itinerary. However, do not despair if you don’t fancy a fly-cruise. Although shorter cruises may not be able to travel as far, there are still several options you may wish to pursue. Those who can spare endless days onboard can sail away to their heart’s desire. But whether travelling north to visit the stunning Norwegian Fjords or embarking on a world circumnavigation taking you to Singapore, Sydney and beyond, choice is something you certainl ..read more

Let’s talk mental health. I’d like to introduce you to Duff The Psych, AKA Dr Robert Duff, and his online course ‘Kick Anxiety’s Ass’. Plus, links to some great organisations that are really making a difference.  Many of you will know that I am an avid supporter of raising awareness for mental health and increasing your wellbeing. I’m privileged to have been featured on Time to Change on numerous occasions and I am passionate about breaking down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental health. I have recently added a section on my website dedicated to mental health and wellbeing, which ..read more

Growing up, there was a local independent bakery who made the best cakes and bread. One of my childhood favourites, of course, was their lemon iced buns. I remember my weekend trip across the road to have a hot sausage roll, freshly baked iced bun and an original slush puppy! Take me back..those were the days! It was the highlight of my week. Therefore, even as an adult, I am just a little bit obsessed with iced buns. I love baking bread. Full stop. I love it so much that I devoted my whole GCSE food tech project to baking it! There is just something about the process that I find very sat ..read more

Trying to choose the best cabin can be a daunting task. Often presented with 15 to 20 different cabin categories per ship, you can quickly become lost in a sea of cabin numbers! However, there are essentially only five major cruise cabin types to choose from. Below I take a look at these choices in detail and provide some food for thought that you may want to consider when choosing your cabin. Cruise cabins: The fantastic five Using P&O Cruises as an example, the five cruise cabin types that you will find on most cruise ships are: Inside Cruise Cabins As the name suggests, these are situat ..read more