Who do you spend the most time with?
I spend the most time with my other half Lance, in fact we are together 24/7 .. along with our gorgeous cats !
We work together, live together, laugh together and on occasions cry together . We embrace our individuality and our love of our cats.
We laugh at the absurdity of the world and don’t take anything too seriously . We always wake and go to bed with a kiss and lots of hand holding! We try to live in the moment and embrace life. Live laugh love ❤️
If you’ve ever walked into a bookstore and picked up a novel based on a stunning, inviting cover, only to find the contents were not at all what you expected, you’ve probably experienced the same whiplash I did with Liane Moriarty’s Nine Perfect Strangers.
I recently finished the book, and while I have some strong feelings about where it went off the rails, it ultimately earned a solid 4 out of 5 stars from me. Here is my take on this wild, wellness-retreat-gone-wrong.
The Hook: A Strong Start
The premise is undeniably gripping. We follow nine individuals as they arrive at Tranquillum House, an ultra-exclusive, remote health resort in Australia. Each character is beautifully drawn, detailed, and incredibly engaging. Whether it’s a struggling romance novelist or a family grappling with deep, collective grief, Moriarty does a masterful job of setting the stage. For the first act, the book is a masterclass in character-driven drama. The tensions are subtle, the personalities are sharp, and I was completely hooked on the group dynamics.
The Turning Point: When It Goes Off the Rails
However, about midway through, the story hits a major speed bump. The retreat is run by Masha, an enigmatic director with a vision for “transformation” that is, to put it mildly, radical.
The story began to go downhill for me the moment the guests started being dosed with psychedelics.
While I understand the author was aiming for a high-stakes psychological shift, it felt like the narrative lost its drift here. The grounded, relatable human drama was suddenly replaced by chaotic, forced scenarios. The pacing slowed to a crawl, and the plot became increasingly confusing as Masha’s own grip on reality slipped. What started as a fascinating study of human vulnerability turned into something much more erratic and, at times, difficult to follow.
A Deceptive Cover
It’s also worth mentioning the presentation. I couldn’t help but feel that the book’s cover art slightly misrepresents the tone of the story inside. The aesthetic promises one kind of experience, but once the story veers into that psychedelic, chaotic middle section, it’s a total shift that might catch new readers off guard.
The Redemption
Despite the “strange” middle section and the pacing issues that followed, I’m glad I stuck with it. Moriarty managed to pull everything back together for a very strong, satisfying finish. The ending redeems the slower stretches, providing the resolution the reader is craving and bringing the characters’ arcs to a meaningful close.
Final Verdict
Nine Perfect Strangers is a bit of a rollercoaster. It’s a book of two halves: a brilliant, character-focused setup and a confusing, erratic middle that eventually finds its way home. If you can push through the chaos of the retreat’s “experimental” phase, the payoff is well worth the effort.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Have you read Nine Perfect Strangers? Did you enjoy the shift in tone, or did you find the second half as confusing as I did? Let me know in the comments!
You can buy from Amazon
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If you had to change your name, what would your new name be?
I don’t think I’d want to change my name to be honest . It’s a little different Carolyn .. with a yn not Caroline !
I was in fact named after the pirate radio station radio Caroline which was very big in the UK when I was born almost 60 years ago but mum decided Caroline was “too common” so I became Carolyn . It’s a nice name elegant and there aren’t too many of us around !
I chose my daughter Evies name from a television programme I used to watch as a child “the house of Elliot” and my other daughter is Hope .. who was the other daughter I always “Hope” that I would have had . They both suit them perfectly.
My other name is Mummy and that’s actually the best one 🙂 Mummy to two gorgeous girls on earth and one in heaven and cat mummy to two beautiful babies Moon and Millie .. and the iconic much missed Ruby who is up in heaven with my baby girl xx
Let’s be honest: most “healthy” snack bars on the market leave a lot to be desired. But what if you could bite into a rich, fudgy, chocolate-coated treat that satisfies your deep chocolate cravings and fuels your body with genuine nutrients?
Enter these No-Bake Tea-Infused Date & Nut Chocolate Bites.
Whether you set them in a traditional loaf tin to slice into bars or use round muffin moulds to create gourmet, “Rocher-style” chocolate discs (as pictured below!), this recipe completely redefines healthy snacking. By using a clever tea-infusion trick, these bites get an incredible depth of flavor that elevates them from a basic fruit-and-nut mix to a luxurious, candy-bar-level experience.
It is truly a dessert with benefits!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a guilt-free treat to keep on hand for busy weeks, this recipe ticks every single box. It is:
No-Bake & Effortless: No oven required. Just a food processor, a couple of bowls, and a little freezer time.
Dietary-Friendly: Naturally Vegan, Dairy-Free, and Gluten-Free.
Nutrient-Dense: A fantastic, natural source of plant-based protein and gut-healthy fiber.
Minimal Ingredients: Made with just a handful of wholesome, clean staples.
Easy to Adapt: Swap the nuts, change the tea blend, or use your favorite percentage of dark chocolate.
The Secret Ingredient: The Tea Soak ☕
Most date-based recipes tell you to soak dry dates in plain warm water. We’re throwing that rulebook out the window.
By soaking the dates in freshly brewed tea, the fruit acts like a sponge, absorbing subtle herbal, floral, or earthy notes. This simple step cuts through the intense sweetness of the dates and adds a complex, gourmet undertone to the final treat.
💡 Pro-Tip: Earl Grey adds a beautiful citrusy note, Chai tea gives it a cozy spice, and Mint tea pairs incredibly well with the dark chocolate coating!
How to Make Clean-Eating Date & Nut Bites
Equipment Needed:
Measuring jug
Food processor
Silicone muffin moulds (for round discs) or a loaf tin lined with parchment paper
Heat-proof bowl
Ingredients:
Tea bags or loose-leaf tea of your choice
500ml boiling water
Plump, pitted dates (Medjool work beautifully, but Deglet Noor work too!)
Nuts of choice (Hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
Dark chocolate (Ensure it’s dairy-free/vegan to keep the recipe plant-based)
Optional: Extra finely chopped nuts to mix into the chocolate coating for that crunchy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 The Tea Infusion: Add your chosen tea to a measuring jug and pour 500ml of boiling water over it. Allow it to brew for 5 minutes, then strain out the leaves or tea bags.
2 Soak the Dates: Place your pitted dates into a heat-proof dish and pour the hot, brewed tea directly over them. Let them soak and plump up for 15–20 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
3 Blend the Base: Throw your nuts into a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped. Add the drained, soft dates and blend again. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture forms a sticky dough that holds its shape perfectly when pressed between your fingers.
4 Shape & Freeze: Press the mixture firmly into your round silicone moulds to create thick discs (or press into a lined loaf tin if you prefer classic bars). Pop the mould into the freezer until the mixture is firmly set.
5 The Chocolate Melt: Break up your dark chocolate into a heat-proof bowl. Microwave it in short, 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until completely smooth and glossy. If you want that gorgeous, textured look, fold your extra chopped nuts right into the melted chocolate.
6 The Final Dip: Remove the set nut bases from their moulds. Dip each disc into the melted textured dark chocolate to coat it completely.
7 Chill to Perfection: Arrange the coated bites on a baking tray or chopping board lined with parchment paper. Place them into the refrigerator until the chocolate shell sets completely hard.
Easy Variations to Try
Because this recipe is so customizable, you can reinvent it every single week depending on what’s in your pantry:
The “Snickers” Swap: Use peanuts for the base, a robust black tea for the soak, and add a generous pinch of sea salt to the food processor.
The Coffee Break: Soak your dates in a long shot of espresso mixed with hot water instead of tea for a rich mocha vibe.
The Superfood Boost: Toss a tablespoon of chia seeds, hemp hearts, or flaxseeds into the food processor for an extra fiber and omega-3 kick.
How to Store Your Bites
Keep these stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. They are absolutely perfect straight out of the fridge to conquer an afternoon energy slump or serve as a elegant evening dessert!
We’ve all been there. It’s 9 PM on a rainy Tuesday, the work emails won’t stop pinging, and your brain is screaming for something sweet, warm, and comforting. When life gets a bit too chaotic, some people meditate, others go for a brisk run, and a few light scented candles.
Me? I put on my comfiest trackies, head straight to the kitchen, and grab a jar of hazelnut spread.
What started as a viral TikTok meme—the ultimate “what do we do when we’re stressed?” joke—has officially become my holy grail baking recipe. Let’s be honest: standing over a warm oven and eating gooey chocolate straight from the baking tin might actually be the cheapest form of self-care available.
If you have a jar of Nutella, a couple of eggs, and a scoop of flour in your cupboard, you are exactly 20 minutes away from chocolate heaven. Here is why this recipe works, the science behind it, and how to nail it on your very first try.
The Secret Science: Why 3 Ingredients Actually Work
Usually, baking is a strict science experiment. If you forget the baking powder, mess up the sugar ratio, or use the wrong type of fat, your bake is ruined. You’re usually left hunting through the cupboards for golden syrup, cocoa powder, and blocks of expensive baking chocolate.
This recipe completely throws the traditional rulebook out the window. Why? Because the clever scientists at Ferrero have already done the hard work for you.
• The Nutella: Think of Nutella not just as a topping, but as your primary baking base. It is already packed with cocoa for flavour, sugar for sweetness, and palm oil/hazelnut fats for moisture. It replaces the butter, sugar, and cocoa powder of a traditional brownie in one single scoop.
• The Eggs: Eggs are the magicians of this recipe. They provide the structure, the rise, and—most importantly—that highly coveted, shiny, papery crinkle-top that separates a mediocre brownie from an elite one.
• The Plain Flour: A tiny amount of plain flour binds everything together. Because we aren’t using raising agents (like self-raising flour or baking powder), the dense properties of plain flour keep the texture beautifully fudgy rather than cake-like.
No fancy equipment, no waiting for butter to soften on the counter for hours, and practically zero washing up. It is pure kitchen efficiency.
The Recipe: Fudgy Nutella Brownies
Ingredients
• Nutella: 280g (Roughly one standard small jar. Ensure it’s at room temperature so it mixes easily.)
• Eggs: 2 Large (Use free-range, room-temperature eggs for the best rise.)
• Plain Flour: 65g (Standard plain white flour – do not use self-raising!)
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prep Your Station
Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Line a small square baking tin (around 8×8 inches or 20×20 cm) with baking parchment.
Top Tip: Leave a bit of parchment overhang on the sides. This creates “handles” so you can easily lift the brownie block out of the tin later without it breaking apart.
2. Whisk the Base
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, crack in your two large eggs and add the 280g of Nutella. Grab a whisk and go to town. At first, it might look a bit split, lumpy, or strange as the cold eggs hit the thick spread. Keep whisking for about a minute! Suddenly, it will transform into a beautifully smooth, glossy, and thick chocolate batter.
3. Fold, Don’t Stir
Sift your 65g of plain flour into the bowl. Put the whisk away and grab a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon. Gently fold the flour into the chocolate mixture using a figure-of-eight motion just until the white streaks disappear.
The Golden Rule: Stop mixing the second the flour is incorporated! If you overmix the batter, you will develop the gluten in the flour. This turns your dense, fudgy brownies into a tough, bready cake—and nobody wants a bready brownie.
4. Into the Oven
Pour the batter into your lined tin. It will be quite thick and sticky, so use your spatula to smooth it out into the corners. Pop it into the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
The Ultimate Brownie Test: Fudgy vs. Overbaked
How do you know when they are perfectly done?
You want the edges to look set and matte, and the top should have that gorgeous, paper-like crinkle. However, if you gently shake the tin, the very centre should still have a tiny bit of a wobble.
If you insert a toothpick or skewer into the centre, it should not come out completely clean. It should have a few moist, sticky crumbs attached to it. If the skewer comes out completely dry, you’ve overbaked them into a cake. Pull them out early—they will continue to firm up as they cool down in the hot tin!
Variations to Try (If You’re Feeling Fancy)
While the 3-ingredient version is perfect on its own, it also acts as a brilliant blank canvas. If you want to level up your bake next time, try folding in these extras right before baking:
• The Sweet & Salty: Add a generous pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) over the top right before it goes in the oven.
• The Crunch: Fold in 50g of chopped, toasted hazelnuts to mimic the inside of a Ferrero Rocher.
• The Ultimate Chocolate Fix: Toss in a handful of white or milk chocolate chips for a bit of texture.
How to Serve
If you possess an incredible amount of self-control, let the brownies cool completely in the tin for about 20–30 minutes, slice them into neat squares, and serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a hot cup of tea.
If you’re having one of those weeks? Forget the knife. Grab a spoon, sit yourself down on the kitchen floor, and eat them warm and gooey straight out of the tin. We completely support your journey.
Have you tried the 3-ingredient Nutella brownie trend yet, or are you skeptical that a recipe this simple can actually taste good? Let me know in the comments below if you’re team fudgy or team cakey!
I will never know what it’s like to be famous, but I will know what it’s like to go outside with a little black-and-white tuxedo cat in a pram, upon whose shoulders sits a little snuggly blue cape.
One day a lady came up to me, and she simply could not take her eyes off Ruby. Ruby had that effect. He possessed a rare, magnetic quality—a pure vibration of peace. She politely asked if she could take a photograph of him, a request that happened often on our walks. And then, she did what so many others did: she reached back into her heart and recited what having once owned a cat meant to her. This was the profound effect that being with Ruby had.
I believe ordinary people would reveal themselves and lower their inhibitions because they automatically assumed, as Ruby proudly stood so well-behaved in his pram, that purbouting with him was a profound, humility-driven mission of love. They sensed intuitively that we were tapped into something sacred.
The lady in the shop talked to me for at least ten minutes, completely anchored in the moment. She spoke about how many years ago she had lived in a house with her young son, and in the house they regrettably had a rat infestation. On evenings, in the comfort of their home whilst settling down, suddenly a rat would appear. It was disconcerting, confusing, and apprehensive. In her worry, she borrowed her mother’s cat, Herbert, and brought him home.
She spoke with great delight about how Herbert would surreptitiously go through each room like a lion on the Serengeti, and how her young son walked beside Herbert as if he was his prize possession, his prize fighter. She told me in great detail about how much she loved Herbert. You could positively feel the energy and fascination radiating from this lady—a beautiful, warm vibration in the space between us.
I remember thinking, as my partner walked around the shop, I’m being rude not going around like I normally do. But this lady was so enamored by Ruby, who all the while stood there patiently in his pram, listening and just taking it in. He wasn’t doing anything spectacular; he was just being, a tiny, saintly presence absorbing her words without judgment.
Now, a month or so later, I feel that people like this lady can relate to stories like ours. Carolyn and I are essentially busy, relatively private people who gain a large degree of satisfaction from doing simple things, like finding things in charity shops that are unusual. But I can relate to everything this lady said, and I am incredibly thankful. I found it all such an interesting, profoundly touching thing that warms me internally—the fact that being with Ruby allowed a seeming non-stop outpouring of affection, support, and warmth from total strangers.
Me and Carolyn agree. People who love animals, and particularly cats, we appreciate more. We share a deeper, more sensitive attunement to the heartbeat of the world.
If you google the word legacy, the literal dictionary definition usually speaks of “property or money left to someone in a will,” or “something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor.” That is a definition born of the ego.
But when you look deeper, you quickly find the more human, spiritual definition: a legacy is the footprint you leave on the world, the impact you have on others, and the way you are remembered by the stories left behind.
Ruby never sought fame or a grand inheritance, yet by simply wearing his blue cape and sitting patiently in his pram, he became a mirror for the divine. His legacy was the permission he gave to strangers to be completely human, lowering their social armor to let their love pour out. He left every stranger he met a little bit softer and more open than he found them. That is the only legacy that truly matters.
Here is a little combo of images and text with estracts from “Brave For The Other“. Available on Gumroad priced at £4.49
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“One day, while weeping in the car after Ruby had passed, I told Carolyn, ‘I feel so utterly ridiculous. How could I call it Brave For The Other? I have let you down.’ She stated categorically that I hadn’t. We realized we were living out the book’s message: one small step, one kind thing, being brave for the other, running parallel with true bravery.”
A Call to Action
“Never, ever forget the absolute luxury of touch. The Buddhists say we think we have time, but our lives live on the precipice of fate. We sincerely hope you take one small step and do one kind thing today. Be brave. As you get older, you realize what people ‘say’ is like shouting into a void, but it’s what people take the time to do that matters. I’m so incredibly proud of what we did.
There’s another thing. I dedicate this to my beautiful partner, Carolyn Jane Broadbent, who, wracked with sorrow on a bench in Stockton Heath, made sure I spent six weeks walking with two icons around the roads of Warrington.”
I’d happily give The Whole Truth by Cara Hunter a solid 4.5 out of 5 – one of those crime novels you fly through without even noticing the time. It’s easy to read, engaging from the first chapter, and, most importantly, it feels believable all the way through.
What it’s about
The Whole Truth is a twisty, fast‑paced crime novel set in Oxford, following DI Adam Fawley and his team as they investigate a sexual assault allegation between a student and a professor. The usual dynamic is flipped: the professor is a female academic, and the student is a male rugby player, which instantly makes the story feel fresh and slightly uncomfortable in all the right ways.
At the same time, Fawley is dealing with the fallout from an old case, where a convicted rapist he helped put away has been released and may be out for revenge. That threat brings Fawley’s personal life crashing into his professional world and keeps the tension simmering in the background.
Why it’s so engaging
This is an incredibly easy book to read. The chapters are short, the pacing is snappy, and it has that “just one more chapter” feel that keeps you turning pages long past when you meant to stop. The mix of traditional narrative with things like messages, media snippets and other modern touches keeps it feeling current and lively.
The plot is full of red herrings and “wait, what?” moments, but it never slips into the unbelievable. It stays grounded enough that you can actually imagine a case like this unfolding in real life, which makes it even more compelling.
Characters and believability
The characters feel nicely rounded rather than just “police procedural cardboard cut‑outs”. Fawley and his team have real‑life worries, messy home situations and proper personalities, which makes you care about more than just solving the case. The investigation itself – the interviews, evidence, and internal politics – feels realistic while still delivering plenty of drama.
Even when the story throws in a twist, it fits the clues you’ve already been given. By the end, the pieces slot together in a satisfying way, so you don’t feel cheated by a random reveal.
The book it never lost me and it never dragged. Overall, The Whole Truth is an addictive, highly readable crime novel that kept me guessing almost until the final pages.
Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?
When I was younger I absolutely loved the My naughty My naughty little sister series , quite ironic really because I didn’t have a sister and I was never naughty – I left that to my elder brother ! Maybe it was my inner rebel trying to get out !
As I got a little older progressed to the famous five adventure books by Enid Blyton – they were just fabulous – I was a shy child (now a shy adult!) and I think the idea of having fabulous adventures with friends and the dog of course was my ideal of nirvana as a 10 year old.
I feel that the kids of today have so last out by not reading this sort of book , it was clean healthy fun and a chance to use one’s imagination. I tried with both my girls but they just weren’t having it !! Not exciting enough !
There is comfort food, and then there is comfort food. If you’re tired of the same old standard weeknight casseroles, it’s time to give your dinner routine a serious upgrade
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Enter the Smoked Salmon Pasta Bake.
Imagine tender farfalle pasta coated in a velvety, nutmeg-infused béchamel sauce, layered with rich strips of smoked salmon, and blanketed under a bubbling, golden crust of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. It’s decadent, incredibly savory, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own kitchen.
Let’s dive into how to make this ultimate cozy dinner.
Here is everything you need to grab from the shop. Ingredient Amount (Metric) Amount (Imperial) Full-fat milk 750ml 1¼ pints Unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing) 120g 4½oz Plain flour 50g 1¾oz Dried pasta (Farfalle works best!) 300g 10½oz Smoked salmon (cut into strips) 250g 9oz Gruyère cheese (grated) 250g 9oz Parmesan cheese (grated) 75g 2½oz Dried breadcrumbs 3 tbsp 3 tbsp Freshly grated nutmeg, salt, & pepper To taste To taste
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 180°C Fan / Gas 6. Grease a large gratin dish with a little bit of butter. In a small saucepan, slowly bring your milk to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
Over very low heat, melt half of your butter (60g) in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir in the flour with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns just golden but not brown.
Remove the pan from the heat. Add the warm milk just a few tablespoonfuls at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until completely smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a generous pinch of fresh nutmeg. Return to the heat and slowly bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened.
Boil your pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the packet instructions (aim for al dente, as it will cook more in the oven). Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with half of the remaining butter pieces so it doesn’t stick.
Now for the fun part. Grab your greased baking dish and layer everything like a lasagna:
Pop it in the oven for 20–30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and a gorgeous, crispy, golden crust on top.
Chef’s Tip: Let the dish rest for 2–3 minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This allows the sauce to settle so you get clean, beautiful scoops when serving!
If you made this Cheesy Smoked Salmon Pasta Bake, let me know how it turned out! Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to tag me in your food photos on Instagram
B.A. Paris has built a reputation for delivering high-octane psychological thrillers, so expectations were understandably high for The Prisoner. The novel kicks off with an absolute killer of a premise: a young woman named Amelie wakes up in pitch-black darkness, kidnapped and held captive in a room she cannot see. It is a classic, claustrophobic hook that promises a tense game of survival.
Unfortunately, while the book starts on a high note, it burns through its goodwill at a rapid pace, quickly devolving into a deeply frustrating and utterly unbelievable narrative.
The Turning Point: A Character Contradiction
The most glaring flaw in The Prisoner lies in the jarring disconnect within its protagonist, Amelie. In the initial chapters, Paris goes to great lengths to establish Amelie as a fiercely independent, street-smart survivor. Having been orphaned young, she is depicted as someone who relies solely on her own wits and caution to navigate a harsh world.
Yet, this careful characterization is entirely thrown out the window when she crosses paths with the wealthy Ned Hawthorne.
The decision Amelie makes to enter into a sudden, highly suspect marriage of convenience with Ned completely contradicts everything we were just taught to believe about her. It is a massive narrative leap that feels forced by the plot rather than earned by the character.
Instead of the savvy survivor we were promised, Amelie suddenly acts with a level of naivety that strains all credibility. It is incredibly difficult to root for a heroine whose core personality traits are rewritten just to get her into the plot’s central predicament.
From Compelling Hook to Unbelievable Spiral
Once the initial mystery of the kidnapping is established, the book goes downhill fast. A good thriller requires a thread of logic to hold the tension together, but The Prisoner trades suspense for increasingly absurd plot twists.
The mechanics of the marriage, the motivations of the captors, and the ultimate reveals require a massive suspension of disbelief. Rather than feeling like a clever web of deceit, the story feels contrived, relying on characters making baffling decisions simply to keep the plot moving forward.
The Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
The Prisoner had all the ingredients for a top-tier thriller: a strong concept, a vulnerable yet capable lead, and a terrifying situation. Instead, it serves as a textbook example of a great idea getting lost in poor execution. Because the central character relationships and choices are so unbelievable, the tension completely evaporates by the halfway mark.
For readers looking for the tight, psychological realism of Paris’s earlier work like Behind Closed Doors, this one unfortunately misses the mark.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5) — A decent concept ruined by glaring character inconsistencies and an unbelievable plot.
You can buy on Amazon
LCChaosandhome 