A Book Lover's Guide to Literary Edinburgh

I can't believe it's been four months since I was in Edinburgh, I really don't know where my time has gone! One of the things I have been planning since I arrived back, is a comprehensive guide to literary Edinburgh, combining all the places I visited that have a connection to an author, novel or reading in general. It's a pretty extensive list, but I managed to do all of the below (and then some) during my long weekend in this beautiful Scottish city – and I definitely recommend checking it all out if you can for a proper geekfest of the bookish variety.

Annie the Musical at Piccadilly Theatre

When I went on holiday to New York City a few years ago, my friend and I ended up seeing more shows during our stay than days we were actually in the city – and one of them was Annie the Musical. It's a film I always loved growing up and I was excited to see it on stage. A few years down the line, however, that was probably the least memorable musical we saw that holiday and so when it made a comeback in London I was keen to check it out, hoping the UK production would dazzle me more than the US one had done.

Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva

It may only 'just' be October but the festive season is less than two months away, so it's no longer too early to talk about Christmas, right? I mean, I've started buying my gifts for friends and family, and I may just throw in a cheeky listen of Josh Groban's Noel this weekend (the weather is definitely getting cold enough to warrant it). Amid the browsing of Christmas decorations and wish lists online it was inevitable I'd pick up a seasonal read this month as well, which very suitably was Dickens-themed.

How to Spend an Autumnal Day in London

Last October I was in Vancouver and the bright autumnal shades were out in full force. Spending this season in London isn't quite basked in the same kind of colourful scenery, however there are plenty of autumnal things you can see and do in the English capital as well as I have discovered in recent weeks. If you're also looking to make the most of the autumn time in London, here are my top tips for the best seasonal outings in the city!

Autumn Afternoon Tea at Emmeline's Lounge, Conrad London St. James

I have mentioned many a times before that autumn is my favourite season, and with the leaves turning beautifully bright again my friend Laura and I planned a proper autumnal day in London last weekend. I'm posting a blog on all things autumn you can enjoy in the city soon, but one of the things we did was so cool (and photogenic) that it deserves its own post: Autumn Afternoon Tea at Emmeline's Lounge in the Conrad London St. James.

Ink at The Duke of York's Theatre

Despite having a degree in print journalism, with digital having taken the world by storm this century I am painfully ignorant when it comes to the history of the print press, especially the British one as I grew up in the Netherlands. However, I am fascinated by the origins of Fleet Street and so Ink, detailing the history of one of the UK's biggest and most popular newspapers, was the perfect opportunity to learn more. What I didn't expect though, was quite how gripped I'd be by this fast-paced drama, which was as brilliant in its writing as it was in its execution.

Eye Test at David Clulow Opticians and New Glasses!

I have a confession to make. I have been living in the UK for over seven years (where has the time gone?!) but I still go to my opticians back in the Netherlands for eye checks and new glasses every time I am back home. I always find it a reassuring feeling to visit someone who has known my glasses history for many years and who I know provides quality service and products – and here in the UK the cheaper brands you see pop up on every high street never appealed to me. However, I recently discovered David Clulow opticians, which while having multiple stores across the country, felt as personal as my family-owned opticians back home.

My May – September 2017 favourites

In my last favourites post I said I would return to monthly round-ups didn't I? Well, I absolutely failed at that one... It's not that there weren't any things to enjoy, but with work and life still being crazy busy I haven't had as much time on the weekends for blogging and taking photos as I would've liked so this is one series that has suffered as a result. I will try to do better the rest of the year (try being the operative word here), but for now here are some things I've thoroughly enjoyed recently, from an autumnal hand soap and a cosy scented candle to charcoal toothpaste tabs and my old Nintendo DS, which I've rediscovered.

Flashdance at New Wimbledon Theatre [UK tour]

As a young teen I was obsessed with 80s musicals, especially the TV adaptation of Fame which received steady reruns throughout the 90s and early 2000s in the Netherlands. However, despite watching all of the classics, one movie that I somehow never saw was Flashdance. It was a story I thought at the time wasn't very interesting and so I never made the effort to seek it out. Fast-forward a few decades and a musical adaptation has come to London. On a whim I decided to check it out and I fell head over heels in love with the stunning choreography, catchy soundtrack and cheesy but totally captivating love story at the heart of the show. 'Oh what a feeling' to discover a new musical love!

What I Read in September 2017 – Wrap Up & Mini Reviews

I'm not sure if I have just been incredibly lucky or if I've become more selective with the novels I choose to read, but whatever the reason September was a stellar bookish month in which I only read novels that I absolutely loved (seriously, 4 and 5 stars  across the board!). It's hard to pick favourites from such an excellent bunch but if I must narrow it down, I have to shout-out meta-fictional murder mystery The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz, gaming sci-fi Otherworld by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller, wondrous children's fantasy Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend, and the inspiring The Little Book of Lykke by Meik Wiking. 

Monday Inspiration From the Founder of kikki-K

Swedish stationery brand kiki-K is a blogger's dream. Adorned with gold accents, polka dot detailing and pastel colours, the ranges are not only right up this stationery lover's street, but they also make a gorgeous addition to any Instagram or blog photo. What I love most about the brand though are the empowering messages on their products and the thought that goes into helping people dream, do, enjoy and share. And these principles come straight from kiki-K founder Kristina Karlsson, who at an event in London last week shared her inspiring story to making kiki-K the success it is today.