I wrote a novel, years ago, when I was doing my Master's Degree, and I thought that it was about time I finished it off. Because what sort of madman writes a novel and then does nothing with it? We're talking over 160,000 words here; admittedly it's not War and...
I had to go for an MRI scan this week - nothing serious, hopefully, just a pain in my hand I've had for a while. A small fracture according to one person, but could be something else entirely according to another. I'll find out next week. So I was booked in to have my...
I've gone blonder for the summer, thanks to Nicola Clarke at John Frieda* who took me at my word when I flippantly said "I want to be loads blonder!" I had almost forgotten I'd even said it when the towel came off for my blow-dry and I saw my new, bright blonde locks....
Here it is, better late than never: a video of my pets. Dexter and the Bear. It should be Mr Bear, really, but that doesn't have quite the same ring to it! What a rigmarole it was, trying to get them both behave for the camera - when the dog wasn't licking the cat,...
After last week's Sleeplessness post I tried to make some serious changes to my bedtime routine. Thank you, by the way, for all of your amazing comments - I was really rather touched that so many of you took the time to share your experiences and give advice. And as...
I seem to have developed an (admittedly rather mild) case of insomnia. In fact, I don't want to annoy people who do have insomnia, so perhaps I'll simply call it "a bit of sleeplessness". It's not serious, but definitely annoying enough to be the topic for this week's...
I had the privilege of attending an evening reception at 10 Downing Street this week. It was held by Samantha Cameron for the Mariposa Trust, a charity that helps parents and families who have lost a baby, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth or death in early...
Two very long videos for you, perfect viewing for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I feel honoured to be part of Sali Hughes' In The Bathroom series, where she pokes about in people's cupboards and drawers and manages to conduct rather in-depth interviews all at the same...
I was well and truly pranked this April Fools' Day, and by a completely unexpected source. The monthly Parish News magazine that gets delivered through my letterbox. Now this little village newsletter has such a kind and friendly tone that you would never in a million...
I'm on holiday. Last week we went to Cornwall for four nights and stayed in a lovely house in Polzeath with Perfect Stays (post coming up) and then by the time we got back (to a broken boiler and a freezing cold house) it was the double-bank-holiday and so I decided...
I have a new series of beauty videos running at The Telegraph; the Beauty Basics. They take some of the makeup tasks we tend to take for granted - applying mascara, grooming brows - and very simply describe how to do them. Great if you're totally new to beauty and...
This rather funky gift card from Mr & Mrs Smith came through my letterbox the other week - a "dummy" version, sadly, but it did whet my appetite for a spot of overseas travel. I've been a member of the Mr & Mrs Smith hotel website for years now - I book nearly...