Search Results for: Lifestyle

Follow the hilarious misadventures of Ian Moore and his family as their search for serenity in rural France leads them on a journey of chaos, commotion and comedy

Comedian, mod and professional grump Ian Moore has had enough. Tired of being unable to park anywhere near his cramped house in a noisy town he doesn’t like, he hatches a plan to move his wife and young son to a remote corner of the Loire Valley in search of serenity and space.

Several years later, Ian finds himself up to his neck in bilingual offspring, feral cats, promiscuous horses, dysfunctional spaniels and needy hens; he’s wrestling with electric fences, a foreign language, a mountain of animal waste and a wife who collects livestock like there’s a biblical flood on the horizon, all while trying not to dirty his pristine loafers.

But despite the ups, downs and increasing demands of Ian’s showbiz career, the Moore family persevere in true Brit style to create a unique, colourful and ultimately rewarding life in their new home – à la campagne!

There are eight billion people on the planet, but there’s only one you

You’re already pretty great. But what if you could feel like the best possible version of yourself every single day? This inspiring little book is full of big ideas to empower you to make positive changes in your life, and to bring more joy, success and kindness into your world.

Want to develop healthier habits? We’ve got you covered. Perhaps you’d like to find purpose and contentment? Yup, that’s here too. Do you need a hand reaching for your dreams? Jump on board. Would you like to learn to love and accept yourself for the magnificent person you are? Then this book is your cheerleader.

Through thought-provoking prompts, notes-to-self and ideas to help you grow, Be Your Best Self will show you how to flourish as the kindest, happiest, most positive and motivated version of the wonder that is you.

Howdy partner! Give yourself a boot-scootin’ boost with this little book of country positivity

There’s plenty of joy, inspiration and wisdom to be found in the land of country and western. Whether from country music legends like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash, historical figures of the Wild West, iconic gunslingers from Western movies or American cowboys, their advice will have you kicking up your heels and hollering “Yeehaw!”

Country’s all about attitude and heart, and this compilation contains all the life lessons you need to lead every day with positivity. Filled with quotes, sayings and cowboy slang, this playful book promises that with every turn of the page you’ll be having a honky-tonk time!

Inside you will find:

– Advice on love, life and loss from country music legends, popular country artists and the next generation of country singers
– Wild West wisdom to help you live life the country way
– Memorable sayings to make you smile
– Cowboy slang for life’s feel-good moments

Put on your cowboy boots, saddle up and get ready to ride off into the sunset with this essential country compilation.

Do you struggle to get the little ones in your family to eat anything of nutritional value or even so much as sniff at a green vegetable? Mealtimes can often feel like a battle of wills when there are fussy eaters to cater for. This handy cookbook, packed with mouth-watering, quick and easy-to-execute, nutritious recipes is your one-stop guide to introducing new flavours to a developing palate. With tips on how to encourage your child to try different things and helpful advice on how to turn fussy eaters into food lovers, happy mealtimes and satisfied smiles are guaranteed!
Recipes include simple soups and quick snacks, as well as hearty meals for all the family, including old favourites and exciting new dishes to tickle the taste buds.

Take a break and refresh your mind by dipping into this soothing activity book, packed with calming puzzles, breathing exercises and colouring pages

There’s nothing like a bit of “me-time” to help you feel like yourself again. This comforting collection of activities, colouring pages, mantras and breathing exercises is designed to help you unwind and nurture your sense of well-being.

Guiding you through therapeutic activities and light-hearted games, this book will help you to relax, shift your focus and free your mind of worry. Within these pages, you will discover over 170 puzzles, including:
– Soothing colouring pages and dot-to-dots
– Puzzles with calming themes, such as word searches and crosswords
– Gentle brainteasers such as sudoku, word ladders and word wheels
– Breathing exercises to help you focus on the present moment

If you’re looking to find a moment of quiet for both body and mind, try your hand at these satisfying, low-stress activities, revel in the simple joy of putting pen to paper, and feel your sense of well-being flourish.

Discover a diet as delicious as it is healthy with this informative, bite-sized introduction

There is a host of health benefits to a high-protein diet. It can support you on your weight-loss journey, facilitate growth and strength, and leave you feeling fuller for longer. Whatever your protein goal, this book will be your go-to-guide to understanding how the diet works, what it can do for you and, of course, how to bridge the gap between nutritious and delicious.

As well as a variety of mouth-watering recipes that will keep you nourished morning, noon and night, this little book will answer all the essential questions, explaining:

– Why protein is important and how it can improve your well-being
– The respective benefits of meat and plant protein
– The dos and don’ts of a high-protein diet
– How to track your protein intake

And much more!

Whether you’re a health and fitness enthusiast or just looking to explore your choices, you too can reap the rewards of a high-protein diet.

No matter your age, your mum will always be in your heart. Show her just how much she means to you with this beautiful collection of heart-warming quotes and sayings.

This book is for the mum who’s the bee’s knees, the fox’s socks, the cat’s meow, its whiskers and its pyjamas. Simply put, it’s a book for a mum in a million!

Within these pages you will find a host of heartfelt quotes about the joys and quirks of motherhood, and a selection of thoughtful sayings to help you to express your love and appreciation, such as:
– You taught me what love really is
– Your strength inspires me every day
– First my mother, forever my friend
– Mum: a title just above queen

With 160 handsomely designed pages of wit and affection, it’s the ideal gift to make her smile and show her she’s the best mum ever!

There’s nobody quite like your dad, so show him just how much he means to you with this beautiful collection of heart-warming quotes and sayings

This book is for the dad who gives the best hugs, who tells amazing stories, who knows just what to say – and who’s always there to lend a helping hand. Simply put, it’s a book for a dad in a million!

Within these pages you will find a raft of heartfelt quotes about the joys and quirks of fatherhood, and a host of thoughtful sayings to help you to express your love and appreciation.

Dip into these pages to enjoy classic quotes such as:

What do I owe my father? Everything.
Henry van Dyke

Are we not like two volumes of one book?
Marceline Desbordes-Valmore

With 160 handsomely designed pages of wit and affection, it’s the ideal small gift to make him smile and show him he’s the best dad ever!

Show your awesome dad just how much he means to you with this heartfelt collection of quotes and timeless wisdom

Is your dad one in a million? Whether he’s the best hug-giver, the ultimate bad-joke-teller or simply your biggest fan, say a massive thank you with the help of this little book.

These pages offer a curated collection of witty thoughts and wise quotations about the joys and quirks of fatherhood. Whatever you want your message to be – moving, kind or just plain funny – pay tribute to your number-one guy with this perfect keepsake.

This is for the dads who:
– Build the coolest dens from a load of old junk
– Love embarrassing you whenever there’s a dancefloor involved
– Tell the most groan-worthy gags
– Provide a first-rate taxi service and never charge a penny

There’s nobody quite like your dad. Show him how much you care with a meaningful gift celebrating everything that makes him the best dad ever.

This friendly and supportive little book contains everything you need to know to prepare for the perimenopause and take charge of your experience

The years leading up to the menopause can be a daunting time, and one which is widely misunderstood. Fear not! This book is here to break the stigma and share the knowledge, answering the questions you’ve been too afraid to ask and demystifying the perimenopause once and for all.

Filled to the brim with essential information, this book will take you through all the stages and symptoms of the perimenopause right up to the menopause, so you can face this new stage of life with confidence.
Inside you will find:
– Guidance on understanding and preparing for the perimenopause and how to recognize the symptoms
– Practical advice for managing the mental, physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flushes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, changing libido, mood swings and much more
– Advice on the best treatments and medications for you, including how to approach it holistically, when to seek professional guidance and how HRT can help

Discover daily peace and wisdom with this pocket-sized collection of quotes from Buddhist teachers, writers and philosophers

For many people around the world, the Buddha remains a timeless symbol of compassion, humility and mindfulness. His journey – which saw him leave his life as a prince to begin a spiritual quest for enlightenment – has inspired many to seek inner peace for themselves. Whether Buddhist or not, there is so much the ancient philosophy of Buddhism can teach us about living a more mindful existence.

With the help of this little book, you can start each day with a dose of Buddhist wisdom. Inside you will find 365 quotes from some of the greatest Buddhist thinkers of all time, including Thích Nhất Hạnh, Pema Chödrön, Alan Watts and, of course, the Buddha himself.

The insights contained within will enhance your daily life by teaching you to cherish the present moment, live in harmony with nature, and treat all living things with love and kindness. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and begin your own spiritual journey.

This easy-to-use guide is filled with bite-sized tips, techniques and inspiration for helping you to manifest the shit out of life

Everyone’s definition of happiness looks different; whether you base your contentment on success, love or financial security, this book will help you to identify and clarify your goals, and provide you with everything you need to start manifesting the life of your dreams.

Manifestation is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal, and the good news is that anyone can try it – the universe is ready and waiting to help you achieve your goals, realize your dreams and live your best life. By harnessing your positive energy through techniques such as visualization and scripting, you can communicate your desires to the universe and start working towards attaining them.

It’s time to start changing your life through the power of your mind! Inside you’ll find:
– A range of manifesting techniques to maximize success
– Easy-to-follow visualization methods
– Top tips on how to get the most out of your manifesting
– Uplifting quotes and affirmations to inspire your journey

Trust in the universe and it will deliver.

‘… there I was in the middle of Bogotá, coked up to my eyeballs, in a hallway holding two machetes, while some drunk Colombians argued about whether or not to blow up a bar with a live hand grenade…’

Asia has the hippie trail. South America has the gringo trail. Mark Mann and his girlfriend Melissa set off to explore the ancient monuments, mountains and rainforests of South America. But for their friend Mark, South America meant only one thing: drugs.
Sad, funny and shocking, The Gringo Trail is an On the Road for the Lonely Planet generation – a darkly comic road-trip and a revealing journey through South America’s turbulent history. Drama and discovery. Culture and cocaine.
Fact is stranger than fiction.

Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2021

Running away from your problems doesn’t solve anything – but sometimes it’s more fun than dealing with them

Elise was spending a lot of time crying on buses. She had just graduated from university; she had a shiny new flat, her first proper job and a budding relationship – and they were all making her utterly miserable. Sitting at work one day, she hit upon the obvious solution:

Run 5,000 miles around the coast of Britain, carrying her kit on her back.

Six months later Elise set off, with absolutely no ultra-running experience, unable to read a map and having never pitched a tent alone before. Over the 301 days that followed she developed a debilitating fear of farmyard animals, cried on a lot of beaches and saw Britain at its most wild and wonderful.

Coasting is about putting one foot in front of the other, even when it feels impossible, and trying to enjoy it too. With heart and humour, Elise explores the thrill of taking risks and putting your trust in total strangers, and learns some home truths along the way.


‘A true Great British Adventure, with humour and heart.’

Sir Ranulph Fiennes


‘Elise Downing has achieved the impossible – leaving you in awe at her superhuman achievements, but also convincing you that you could probably do the same.’

Emily Chappell


‘A hugely enjoyable jaunt around Britain, that proves that you can find adventure right on your doorstep.’

Alastair Humphreys


‘Elise Downing has reminded us all of the most crucial aspects of adventure: 1) You don’t have to be an expert. 2) It’s all about the people. 3) However hard, tough, excruciating and doubt-driven a challenge might be, at heart it’s a funny, funny story.’

Dave Cornthwaite


‘Reading Coasting is like listening to a friend tell a tale down the pub that you can’t quite believe. Elise’s storytelling is hilarious, warm-hearted and wonderfully down-to-earth. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to lace up your trainers and start running towards that mad idea you once had. There’s no doubt that Elise’s gung-ho attitude is her superpower. Her kryptonite? Cows.’

Anna McNuff, author and adventurer


‘Elise’s irresistibly readable adventures are both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. She’s an inspiration.’

Damian Hall, author and ultrarunner


‘Funny and engaging and inspiring… an absolute gem.’


Vassos Alexander, presenter, author and runner


‘A beautifully observed and blisteringly truthful account of what happens when you decide to combine adventure and endurance. Absolutely brilliant.’

Jake Tyler, author of A Walk from the Wild Edge


‘An honest and exciting tale of how a dream became an awesome reality. Definitely worth a read!’

Ben Smith, founder of The 401 Challenge


‘I was already laughing at the Dedication and this continued all the way to the very last page. Elise Downing is a comedy genius and has a heart of gold!’

Danny Bent, author, runner and founder of Project Awesome


‘Elise tells her story with such good-humoured light-heartedness that you could be forgiven for forgetting that what she is describing is a feat of real endurance. Running 5,000 miles is a truly remarkable achievement, and the fact that Elise emerged from it with a smile on her face and a total lack of ego speaks wonders to her character. This is an incredible tale told with total humility. Running around the coast of Great Britain was a mad thing to do, but not buying this book would be madder still.’

Tim Moss, author, adventurer and founder of The Next Challenge


‘Like any epic journey worth sharing, Elise encountered the same doubts, setbacks and fears that leave many dreams stuck on the drawing board. One foot after the other, Elise set out to achieve the extraordinary many miles over. Coasting shares the literal highs and lows as she finds her rite of passage to the world of ultra-running, with an endearing vulnerability and hilarious flair that brings places to life. In the same way that countless strangers felt compelled to join her around the UK, Coasting carries the reader along and inspires us all to ask ‘why not?’ in pursuit of our own home-grown adventures.’

Alex Staniforth, adventurer and author


‘A wonderfully honest tale of courage, perseverance and self-discovery.’


Dr Juliet McGrattan, author and runner


‘Elise brings so much fun and energy, as well as raw honesty, to the world of adventure books, and her incredible journey is an inspiration to young (and old!) adventurers.’

Jenny Tough, author, adventurer and editor of Tough Women Adventure Stories


‘Thoughtful, funny and beautifully written. Just goes to show that there’s a ram-spinning, swashbuckling adventure right there on your doorstep.’

Huw Jack Brassington, writer, presenter and adventurer

Long have humans looked to the stars for guidance in their lives, but what about the destiny of their cats?

On the surface, cats may seem to care about very little other than finding the sunniest spots to nap or the best boxes to hide in, but they have higher paths, greater purposes and truer callings in life. Providing insight into the signs, the stars and the elements and how they affect every aspect of a cat’s life, with horoscopes, tarot and paw readings for mystic moggies, this book is the perfect guide to the secrets of the cat zodiac.

If yoga and doodling had a baby, this book would be it!

GOLD Winner – Living Now Book Awards 2020
Best book for Meditation, Relaxation & Anxiety Relief

SILVER Winner – Nautilus Book Awards 2020
Books for Creativity & Innovation

BOOK OF THE WEEK – Women’s Own


Explore the naturally calming sensations of your own breath like never before with the simple, fast, and instantly relaxing exercises inside Draw Breath. Meditative and gorgeously illustrated, this award-winning book is like nothing else in the world of well-being. Draw Breath comes recommended by some of the world’s leading authors and clinical researchers in meditation.

Draw Breath is not just ideal for beginners but also for experts seeking to regain their “beginner’s mind” by looking at meditation techniques in a fresh way. You don’t need to be good at drawing; you don’t need to be a yogi, or have any experience with meditation… all you need is a pencil, and your breath.

Combining the philosophies of breathwork, mindfulness and psychology, along with adult creativity, well-being and colouring books in a totally unique and accessible way, this book will help you make “breath-taking” changes in your life.

“Just pencil and breath… a new way to nourish the soul! Playful and wise, Draw Breath is a visual delight” – Patricia Gerbarg MD, author of The Healing Power of the Breath

Connect to your inner self and the world around you and enjoy a new sense of peace and happiness. This stunning book will help you along your own spiritual journey, by introducing you to traditions, philosophies and practices which have the power to open your heart and broaden your mind. Along with tips on how to practise spirituality in your everyday life, this book provides the stepping stones to a more fulfilling life.

‘Don’t let ageing get you down. It’s too hard to get back up.’
John Wagner

Like a valuable antique, maybe your smooth finish has become a little lined and your legs creak from time to time. But don’t worry: even if you no longer have all your original parts and nobody can find your instruction manual, it’s great to be vintage!

This joyful collection of quotations celebrates the lighter side of ageing, and shows that it really is the life in your years that counts.

‘He was a wise man who invented beer.’  Anonymous
Ale, lager, stout, bitter… There are so many different types of beer that you’d need a lifetime to try them all. Whatever your favourite hop-based delight, draft or bottled, indulge your inner brewmaster and raise a glass to the perfection of the pint with this collection of quips from the world’s wisest and wittiest drinkers. 

Magic, to a sailor, is harnessing the wind – getting something for nothing – the surprise of a gust, the boon of a side-wind and the trial of a headwind and best of all, the moment when a change in direction means turning away from the head seas and wind and spray in silence and warmth. In 1969, man flew to the moon and sailed around the world solo. In 2009, sailor and Londoner Steffan Meyric Hughes thought he’d try something a little closer to home, becoming the first to sail and row around London in a small boat. Along the way, he discovers the history of the great city and great secrets of the mysterious Thames: wrecks, bombs and intrigue. Circle Line is the story of a unique journey on the forgotten waterways of one of the world’s greatest capitals; an investigation into the way we live today; and a humorous, moving trip down memory lane.

Have you ever wondered…


• How fast a Spitfire could travel?
• Which pilot won Fighter Command’s only Victoria Cross?
• What a ‘Stuka Party’ was?



Telling the stories of the commanders, the air raids, the pilots, the aircraft and the vital use of the world’s first radar air defence system, this comprehensive miscellany is a compelling guide to this most crucial of Second World War battles – the first to be fought solely in the air.

‘I value my garden more for being full of blackbirds than of cherries, and very frankly give them fruit for their songs.’
Joseph Addison
This pocket-sized miscellany, packed with fascinating facts, handy hints and captivating stories and quotes from the world of birds, is perfect for anyone who knows the incomparable joy of birdwatching.

Ever accidentally used your thumb as a hammer cushion while putting up a picture hook?

Do you become enraged at the uncontrollable bobbing of the straw in your drinks can?

Are you yearning to find a way to make your toilet roll tube enhance your music listening experience?

These and dozens of other everyday dilemmas are solved with Life Hacks, your handy guide to solving little annoyances before they turn into big problems. This fully illustrated manual covers everything from nifty electric cable management to ingenious cooking methods and much, much more.

Remember: if life throws you a curveball – HACK IT!

Did you know?
Nessie is not the only monster supposedly living in a Scottish loch. Loch Morar has its own: Morag. The first Open golf Championship was played in Scotland, at Prestwick in 1860. As well as television, insulin, chloroform and the telephone, Scotland has given the world kaleidoscopes, contour lines, tinned salmon and Andy Murray. This miscellany of all things Scottish will have you quoting Burns, reeling off famous battles and fizzing with fascinating trivia in no time. As well as getting the low-down on the who, what, when and where of Scottish history – including profiles of William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie – you’ll gain plenty of insight into the food, drink, landscape, culture and everything else that makes Scotland exceptional.