Search Results for: Lifestyle

‘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.

Felix, the resourceful feline that survived an epic journey trapped in a shipping container from the Middle East to Britain
Scarlett, the brave mother that went into a burning building five times to rescue her kittens
Oscar, the care-home cat that predicts when residents are about to pass on and comforts them in their final hours.
How much do you really know about the abilities of domestic cats? Whether they’re using up one of their nine lives to make a lucky escape or demonstrating unusual talents, cats are full of surprises. From loyal moggies to courageous life-saving kitty heroes and extraordinary survivors, Wonder Cats contains heart-warming and moving tales that demonstrate the astonishing powers of remarkable felines.

Step into the fascinating world of art history with this inspiring collection of artists and their most famous works, ready and waiting for you to bring to life with colour

Awaken your creativity and produce your own artistic masterpieces with this stunning selection of art icons. From painters and engravers to sculptors and quiltmakers, this book features illustrations of 23 artists from across the world and throughout time. Including figures as varied as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt, Evelyn de Morgan and Harriet Powers, each illustration is accompanied by a concise biography and insight into the artist’s unique style.

Embark on this journey of colour and creativity to practise mindfulness and ease everyday stresses. These intricate, original designs are perfect for developing fine motor skills, improving focus, reducing tension and relieving anxiety. So, relax, quieten your mind and let your imagination soar as you create your own renditions of the world’s most iconic works of art.

Learn how to use the power of your breath to gain clarity, peace and better health with this beginner’s guide to the ancient practice of breathwork

If you’re looking for ways to boost your overall health and well-being, and tools that can bring you instant calm, then breathwork is the answer. Breathwork combines meditation and mindfulness with the ancient traditions of yoga and qigong, with simple exercises that anyone can try.

Once you’ve started learning the art of breathwork, you’ll have the knowledge at your disposal to help you:
– Relieve stress and anxiety and create a deeper sense of calm
– Enhance your mental clarity and increase your focus
– Improve your overall physical health and well-being
– Harness your natural energy and boost athletic and motivational performance
– Cultivate a deeper connection with your mind, body and soul

With an overview of the history of breathwork around the world, and step-by-step instructions for carrying out different techniques safely in your own home, The Little Book of Breathwork provides everything you need to embark on your journey to feeling great every day.

Just like a valuable antique, your smooth finish may have become a little lined and your legs may 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!

Whether you’re a silver surfer or a golden oldie, you’ve still got what it takes (it just takes a little longer than it used to). Yes, there’s the memory loss, wrinkles and the receding hairline but you’re worldly-wise and have a lifetime of anecdotes to show for it all. And besides, we’ll all be old-timers one day – but today it’s your turn!

Full of senior sagacity and elderly erudition, this spirited and joyful collection of quotes and musings about our latter years celebrates the lighter side of ageing. Encouraging you to laugh, embrace and love the ride, this book will show you that it really is the life in your years that counts.

Written by an airline pilot and a clinical psychologist, this combination of practical explanation and self-help techniques is the definitive guide to help anyone overcome their fear of flying.
Sometimes unnecessary anxiety is caused by events which airline crews may take for granted, including aspects of flights that are mystifying and even alarming to less frequent flyers. This new edition incorporates the recent advances in technology within the aviation industry, as well as the increased security checks as a result of 9/11.

Replace good vibes only with I’m allowed to feel sad

Replace delete negativity with I can reach out for support

Replace I’m no good at anything with Would I say this to a friend?

A break in the clouds, a hug at the right moment, the small voice in the back of our heads that says, “I can do this.” Those moments are the rich soil in which we grow our self-esteem, our resilience and our relish for life. This book is filled with dozens of these little moments, ready to be dipped into whenever your mood dips, and to be opened up when you’re shutting down.

From ways to identify burnout and strategies for combating negative self-talk, to simple scripts for tricky situations and soothing self-care rituals, this is a book that will take you by the hand and tell what you need to hear. Even if what you need to hear is “it’s okay to wrap yourself in a duvet burrito for the day”.

Even at your most flawed, you’re perfectly you. Even when you feel broken, you’re whole. You’re brilliant, unique and worthy. It’s time to leave the blue moods behind and experience the full rainbow.

Make the keto diet easy with this introduction to everything you need to know. Packed with FAQs and recipes, this book will be your guide to losing weight and discovering a host of potential health benefits within weeks.

Everyone’s heard about the low-carb keto diet but, like all diets, it can be difficult to know whether it’s for you and what you need to do. This book is simple to use and will answer all your essential questions about keto, including what the science of ketosis is, and what the health benefits and potential drawbacks are. You’ll also learn what to eat, what to avoid and how to stick to and even enjoy the diet.

Once you’re ready to start, you can delve into the many recipes specifically designed for keto dieters. From sugar-free blueberry muffins to mouth-watering butter chicken salad, the dishes in this book will leave you feeling nourished morning, noon and night.

Diets don’t have to be hard as long as you’re armed with the right tools and a positive mindset.

A mum deserves to find calm every day and this gorgeous box of illustrated cards is the perfect way to help her unwind

Throughout motherhood, finding time for self-care is a challenge and all too often sacrificed for the day’s to-do list and the needs of others. But all it takes is as little as five minutes – and the gentle advice on these cards – to instil peace. From learning the basics of deep breathing to small reminders that you are enough, these calm cards are the perfect antidote to times of strife, stress and everything in between.

Within the box is a selection of inspirational cards, each with an affirmation on one side and a self-care tip on the other. The cards come with a handy wooden stand so they can be placed anywhere, helping to brighten the room and quieten any mind.

Mothers are an ever-flowing source of inspiration, love and kindness, but they deserve to be cared for too, and there’s no better way to show your appreciation for your mum than with this beautiful deck of cards.

Take control of your destiny and unlock the hidden meaning behind the numbers in your life with this captivating beginner’s guide to numerology

From the moment we’re born, numbers play a significant role in all our lives. Whether you have always had a “lucky number”, find yourself drawn to specific dates in your calendar or hold superstitions about certain digits, this fun and informative guide will show you how to read and interpret the numerological patterns in your life.
Numerology offers the chance to establish a deeper connection with yourself and others, to fine-tune your intuition and to make the most of life’s endless possibilities. It can also be used as a tool for healing, reflection and self-care.

Enrich your life with the power of numerology and find out how to:
– Calculate your Life Path Number to reveal more about your personality and potential
– Harness numerological energy to help guide important decisions
– Apply your knowledge to improve relationships with family and friends
– Identify new opportunities and unlock greater confidence to pursue them

This little book provides all you need to know about this ancient art, helping you tap into the underlying patterns of the universe and reveal new truths about yourself.

Dive into this beautiful ABC of tips to discover the art of living well every day

A is for attitude.
B is for balance.
C is for connection.

The things that add up to a happier life don’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose to dance and sing, give yoga a go or tap into the power of quietude and kindness, this charming A-Z guide will help you find your perfect path towards a greater sense of well-being.

Within these pages, you will find:
– An A-Z of simple tips to help you boost your well-being
– A raft of calming affirmations and wise words to inspire you
– Activity ideas and fill-in sections to start you on your journey
– Inspiration for bringing more happiness into every day

With ideas to nourish your mind, body and spirit, let this little book help you work your way to a wonderful sense of well-being.

You’ve created a human alarm clock without a snooze button!

Welcome to the life-upending, sleep-thieving, crazy old business known as parenthood. The hours are long and the pay is non-existent, but the rewards are priceless. They better be.

You’re in for quite a ride, but this hilarious gift book is here to tell it like it is, respect the struggle and help you see the funny side. A blend of real talk, hard-won wisdom and relatable observations, this is the perfect antidote to all those well-meaning myths about the unbelievable journey that you and your little one have just begun.

The realizations that are going to dawn on you pretty fast include:

– Just think, in a couple of years that little angel will be calling you a poo-head.
– Despite all the boundaries you set, sometimes you are going to have to let the baby win.
– Your biggest daily achievement is now getting another human to burp.
This is the perfect gift for anyone with a new baby and a sense of humour.

No matter how much of a sexpert you may be, things in the bedroom can always benefit from a little extra spice. This collection of titillating treats, from frisky foreplay teasers to downright dirty duvet dalliances, has something for every sexual occasion, and should get you hot under the collar and ready for some stripped-down bedroom action. So get your sexiest underwear on and prepare to take it off not long after, ’cause it’s time to play!

When Mimi first started jogging on a treadmill as an unfit 36-year-old mother-of-three, she never imagined she would go on to become a World-Record-breaking ultrarunner.

After coming to terms with the anorexia that had impacted her life from a young age, Mimi begins to reassess her relationship with food and finds a new resolve in running. With a renewed sense of purpose, she decides to take the sport that saved her life to the next level, training hard and throwing herself in at the deep end by entering the epic Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert, despite still being a novice runner. One startling success leads to another, as she finds herself taking on ever-more-challenging races – from the Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, USA, to the 6633 Arctic Ultra – all building up to her biggest challenge yet: attempting to gain the Guinness World Record time for a female running 840 miles from John o’Groats to Land’s End.

This incredible story of how an ordinary mum ran her way into the record books will inspire beginner runners and die-hard marathon devotees alike, proving that, no matter where life takes you, it’s never too late to achieve your dreams and do the impossible.

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.

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.

Travel writing matters

Explore the world through this beautiful collection of the finest travel writing published in British media in the 21st century – as judged by some of the most respected travel writers in the world: Levison Wood, Monisha Rajesh, Jessica Vincent and Simon Willmore

The world has changed, but our desire to explore new places remains as strong as ever. The Best British Travel Writing of the 21st Century includes 30 outstanding travel stories published in British media over the last two decades, as chosen by some of the top names in travel writing today. Through travel’s most talented storytellers, you’ll face adversity along the Congo’s raging River Lulua, make new friends aboard Iraq’s night train, and embark on life-changing pilgrimages from India to Saudi Arabia.

This book is an ode to travel and all that it offers, but it’s also a celebration of a genre that brings the world closer to us. At its best, travel writing encourages empathy and inspires change. Join our award-winning writers in marvelling at the power and beauty of travel, and let them inspire you to fall in love with the world all over again.

Tackle imposter syndrome with this practical and supportive guide: it’s time to ditch self-doubt and realize your true worth!

Do you constantly doubt your abilities?
Do you often feel like you don’t belong?
Are you convinced you’re a fraud and will eventually be found out?

If the answer to these questions is yes, yes, and most definitely yes, you’re not alone – a recent study revealed that 70 per cent of people will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their life. Constantly doubting yourself and feeling like you don’t deserve success, whether it’s in your professional or personal life, can take its toll on your well-being, so it’s important to confront your feelings and take steps to rid yourself of your doubts and fears.

Find out exactly what imposter syndrome is, how to identify it, and – most important of all – how to overcome it, with this helpful and supportive guide. Inside you’ll find:
– Practical tips on how to cope when your inner imposter takes over
– Fascinating information on the five types of imposters; from the perfectionist to the superhero, imposter syndrome manifests in different ways
– Inspiring quotes to build self-belief
– Simple tricks to boost your confidence
– Empowering affirmations to keep negative thinking at bay

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

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!

Read on to discover…
• The truth about upside-down rainbows.
• The pioneers of meteorology – their instruments and inventions.
• How to win a balloon race.
• The largest raindrops ever recorded.
• ‘Watermelon snow’, ‘thundersnow’ and ‘weather bombs’.
• The ten main types of cloud and the different features of lightning.
The weather is a subject that the British simply cannot leave alone, and for good reason – it’s likely that for more than half the year they will experience at least three seasons in one day, so there’s always plenty to talk about.
This charming miscellany, as wide-ranging and unpredictable as the weather itself, is filled with curious historical facts, amazing statistics and fascinating anecdotes that will keep you entertained come rain or shine!

‘… 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.

Turn your dreams into reality with the help of this guided manifestation journal

What if everything your heart desired was just a flick of a pen away? Whether you dream of securing the perfect job, having better health or finding love, writing down your manifestations may be the key to turning your aspirations into reality.

Whether you’re a beginner or a more seasoned manifester, this book is the perfect space to write out your thoughts, goals and desires. The beautiful journal pages provide everything you need to start creating the life of your dreams, or help you take the next step on your journey. You can also find a brief history of manifestation, step-by-step techniques and positive mantras to inspire you while you practise your art.

Align yourself with the rhythm of the universe and achieve your goals by discovering these insights:
– What manifestation is, its main principles and the power it holds
– The history of manifestation, its origins and its popularity in present day
– How to manifest and the positive impact it can have on your life
– A step-by-step approach to help you start and make progress on your manifestation journey