I have once again reached that point in the year where I have somehow accumulated more books than I could realistically read in the remaining months, and yet I'm still adding more to the list.

The slightly concerning part is that I've set myself a goal of reading 100 books this year and I'm currently sitting at 72.

Which means I have 28 books to read before the end of December.

Twenty eight.

At this point, I should probably stop adding books to my TBR and start actually reading the ones already on it.

Naturally, I've done neither.

Instead, I've put together a list of the books I want to read before Christmas. Some are continuations of series I'm already invested in, one is a prequel to a series I absolutely loved, and one follows a novella I've recently read and immediately decided I needed more of.

So, with autumn creeping in, darker evenings on the horizon and a fairly substantial reading target still to hit, here's what I'm hoping to get through before the festive season arrives.

Lion in the Library - Amy Award

First up is Lion in the Library by Amy Award, which I'm particularly excited about because it's a prequel to the Cocky Kingsman series - a series I absolutely loved.

I've already got a soft spot for the Cocky Kingsman men, so getting to go back and read the story that came before the series feels like exactly the sort of thing I'm going to enjoy.

It's also always a little dangerous reading a prequel after you've already fallen for a series, because I already know I'm going to be looking for all the little connections and trying to spot anything that links back to the books I've already read.

Basically, I loved the Cocky Kingsman series, so obviously my solution was to go backwards and read more of it.

Makes perfect sense to me.

The Reunion - Meghan Quinn

This one is here because I recently read The One Night, the short novella that comes before The Reunion, and apparently that was enough to make me impatient for the full story.

I love it when a novella does exactly what it's supposed to do: gives you just enough of a story to get invested, whilst simultaneously making you want considerably more.

So now I'm very much ready for the extended story.

I already know I'm invested in these characters, which means I'm expecting this to be one of those books that I absolutely fly through once I finally pick it up.

The only question is whether I can resist immediately disappearing down another Meghan Quinn rabbit hole afterwards.

The Rest of the Wells Ranch Series - Bailey Hannah

After reading Alive and Wells, the first book in the Wells Ranch series by Bailey Hannah, I knew I wasn't going to stop there.

There's always a slight danger with starting a series that you end up enjoying the first book enough to immediately commit yourself to however many books come afterwards.

And here we are.

I'm planning to work my way through the rest of the Wells Ranch series before Christmas, because apparently I have decided that adding several books to an already ambitious TBR is a sensible thing to do.

I enjoyed Alive and Wells enough to want to carry on with the series, so I'm looking forward to seeing where the rest of the characters and stories take me.

Although, technically, saying I have five books on my Christmas TBR is slightly misleading when one of those entries is actually an entire chunk of a series.

We'll gloss over that.

None of Your Business - Laura Ashley Gallagher

Next is None of Your Business by Laura Ashley Gallagher, which continues the Apparently It's Love series.

I've already started investing in this series, so naturally I'm now at the point where I need to know what happens next.

There's something I really enjoy about reading interconnected series because once you've already spent time with the characters and their world, picking up the next book feels a little like going back somewhere you already know.

I'm hoping this one gives me the same feeling and makes me want to immediately carry on with the series afterwards.

Because apparently I haven't learned my lesson from Wells Ranch.

Lowering His Guard - D.E. Haggerty

And finally, Lowering His Guard by D.E. Haggerty, which is another continuation of a series I'm already invested in.

At this point, I'm clearly incapable of starting a book series casually. I read one book, get invested in the characters, and suddenly my TBR has gained another three or four books.

But that's exactly why this one has made the list. I already know the world and characters, so I'm looking forward to getting back into the series and seeing what happens next.

There's something particularly satisfying about working through a series when you're already invested in it - although it does make the TBR grow at a slightly alarming rate.

Can I Get From 72 to 100?

This is the real question.

I've got 28 books left to read to hit my 100-book target for the year, which sounded like a perfectly reasonable goal when I set it.

It sounds slightly more ambitious when I'm sitting here in September with 72 ticked off.

So, whilst these are the books I'm particularly keen to read before Christmas, I'm making no promises that this will be the complete list. There are almost certainly going to be a few impulse Kindle purchases, books from my existing TBR that suddenly look more appealing and at least one book that completely derails whatever reading order I've convinced myself I'm following.

But that's half the fun.

For now, I'm embracing the darker evenings, getting my Kindle charged and attempting to get my read on.

28 books.

Wish me luck.

Molly

Once upon a time, blogging was a whole little world of its own. We had our websites, our Instagram feeds, our Twitter accounts and a community of people who genuinely seemed interested in what everyone else was writing about. 

And I absolutely loved it.

I started blogging in 2017, stepped away in 2022 and returned in 2026 to discover that the internet I'd left behind had changed beyond recognition.

So, what happened to the blogosphere? And is there still a place for blogging in 2026?

I Miss the Blogging Community

Remember when people actually read blogs? Not just clicked a link, but sat down, read a post and left a thoughtful comment?

There was something lovely about discovering new bloggers, recognising familiar names and supporting each other's little corners of the internet.

Blogging felt like a community rather than a competition. You'd spend evenings catching up on everyone's latest posts, sharing recommendations and finding people with similar interests.

I'm sure those communities still exist, but they feel much harder to find these days.

Oh, Twitter. What Happened?

I LOVED Twitter.

The blogging chats, the random conversations, the friendships and the ability to share something without needing a perfectly curated photograph or trending audio.

Twitter was genuinely the heart of the blogging community. You could spend an entire evening chatting with people you'd never met about absolutely nothing.

And those scheduled blogging chats? Brilliant. Everyone gathering at the same time to answer questions, share experiences and discover new blogs.

Then came X.

I'm sorry, but no. It'll always be Twitter to me.

When Did Everything Become Content?

In 2017, you could write a blog post, take some photographs and share them online.

In 2026, apparently we're supposed to be bloggers, videographers, editors, social media managers and marketing experts simultaneously.

Instagram wants Reels. TikTok wants videos. Everyone wants engagement.

Even brand collaborations feel different. Where a detailed blog review was once a perfectly reasonable deliverable, there's now so much emphasis on short-form videos and immediate reach.

And somewhere in all that, we're supposed to find time to actually enjoy the things we're documenting.

Sometimes I just want to eat my dinner while it's hot, thank you very much.

The Algorithm Can Get in the Bin

What happened to simply sharing something because you enjoyed it?

Now it's all about posting times, engagement, reach and whatever the algorithm has decided it likes this week.

And while I understand that social media has evolved, I miss when the internet felt a little less calculated and a lot more personal.

Not everything needs to go viral. Sometimes a nice photograph and a few words are enough.

Why Blogging Still Matters in 2026

Despite everything, I came back because I missed writing.

And while the blogging world has changed, there's still so much to love about it.

Blogs offer something that a fifteen-second Reel or disappearing Instagram Story simply can't. Space to tell a story, share an honest opinion or give a recommendation that someone might stumble across years later.

Whether it's a detailed restaurant review, a camping guide or a book recommendation, blog posts have a much longer shelf life than most social media content.

There's also something lovely about having your own little corner of the internet. Somewhere that isn't entirely dictated by algorithms, trends or whatever Instagram has decided we should all be doing this week.

And let's not forget that people still search for genuine experiences and recommendations. I'd much rather read someone's honest account of a holiday than watch another suspiciously perfect promotional video.

Blogging might not be the shiny new thing anymore, but that doesn't make it any less valuable.

I'm Still a Blogger, Not an Influencer

I'm not trying to become an influencer. I just want to be a blogger.

I want to write about things I genuinely enjoy without turning every experience into a content opportunity.

I want to share restaurant recommendations, talk about books I've loved, document holidays and occasionally write about something completely random that's been on my mind.

And if people enjoy reading it, wonderful.

Maybe the blogosphere will never feel quite like it did in 2017, but that doesn't mean blogging is dead. It's simply evolved, and there's still room for those of us who love writing.

Still here, still writing, and still calling it Twitter.

Molly

There is something about the start of October that makes me want to cancel all plans, put my pyjamas on at an entirely unreasonable hour and watch television until bedtime.

The evenings are getting darker, the temperature has dropped from “I need SPF” to “where is my cardigan?” and I am officially ready for cosy nights in.

So naturally, I've started putting together my autumn watch list.

There are old favourites I want to rewatch, new seasons I'm excited about and, because apparently I'm capable of thinking ahead, a few things I'm already looking forward to watching when December rolls around.

The rewatches

Gilmore Girls

Obviously.

I don't think an autumn watch list can exist without Gilmore Girls. Give me Stars Hollow, changing leaves, ridiculous amounts of coffee and Lorelai and Rory talking at approximately 400 words a minute and I'm happy.

I've watched it before, but it is one of those shows I can come back to again and again, and autumn feels like the perfect excuse to start from the beginning.

It's cosy, nostalgic and has approximately the right amount of drama for an evening on the sofa.

New Girl

I'm also thinking about another New Girl rewatch.

It's one of those shows that is just so easy to have on in the background, but I'll inevitably end up paying attention and watching far more episodes than I intended.

Basically, exactly what I want when the weather is rubbish and I've decided that being productive is overrated.

Gossip Girl

It's been long enough since I've watched Gossip Girl that I think I'm due a trip back to the Upper East Side.

The outfits, the drama, the questionable decisions and the fact that nobody appears to have a normal school day make it excellent sofa television.

Dark evenings were made for a bit of Upper East Side chaos.

Emily in Paris

This one is partly a rewatch and partly preparation because Season 6 arrives on Christmas Eve, 24 December.

That gives me plenty of time to work my way through the previous five seasons before the final season arrives.

Paris, ridiculous outfits and Emily making questionable romantic decisions while somehow remaining extremely well dressed? Yes please.

I'm actually quite looking forward to settling back into it.

New & returning favourites

NCIS - Season 24

My long-term television commitment continues, but this season has given me an extra reason to be excited because Michael Weatherly is returning as the one and only Tony DiNozzo.

I absolutely loved the NCIS: Tony & Ziva spin-off, so I was genuinely gutted when it wasn't renewed. Having Tony back in NCIS is therefore a very welcome surprise, and I can't wait to see how they bring him back into the story and, more importantly, how it's all going to play out.

Tony DiNozzo back on my screen? Yes please.

Nobody Wants This - Season 3

I'm really looking forward to this one.

I loved the first two seasons and it's exactly the sort of thing I want to watch when the evenings are getting darker - funny, romantic and easy enough to watch without needing to concentrate on every single second.

I'm fully expecting at least a few “shall we just watch one more?” evenings.

The Love Hypothesis

I'm also giving The Love Hypothesis a go.

I've heard so much about the book, so I'm intrigued to see how the adaptation translates to screen.

Romance, academia and a fake dating storyline feels like a pretty good combination for an autumn evening on the sofa.

Only Murders in the Building - Season 6 (aka Only Murders in London)

And then there's Only Murders in the Building.

Cosy crime, New York, ridiculous characters and enough murder to keep things interesting without actually terrifying me.

It's basically autumn viewing in television form, and I'm very much looking forward to getting back into it.

Saving these for Christmas

I know it's only September, but there are already a few things I'm mentally putting aside for December.

I'm trying not to get too carried away with the Christmas films just yet, but these are definitely on the list.

Emily in Paris - Season 6

24 December. Christmas Eve.

I'm very much looking forward to this one.

I'll hopefully have made my way through the previous five seasons by then, ready for the final season and one last dose of Emily's Parisian adventures, questionable decisions and fabulous outfits.

Honestly, I can't think of a better way to spend Christmas Eve than settling down with Emily in Paris.

The Holiday

There are some films that simply belong to December, and The Holiday is firmly one of them.

Snow, cosy houses, Christmas lights, Jude Law in a doorway... it's basically the cinematic equivalent of putting the heating on, getting under a blanket and deciding you're not leaving the sofa again.

This will be getting its annual outing once we're properly into the festive season.

Love Actually

Obviously, Love Actually is joining it.

I'm not interested in hearing that it's technically set around Christmas rather than being a Christmas film. If there are Christmas trees, festive music and Hugh Grant being Prime Minister, it counts.

It'll be staying firmly in the December watch pile - alongside approximately 700 other films I will inevitably insist are essential Christmas viewing.

So that's my autumn viewing sorted...

Between Stars Hollow, New York, Paris, murder mysteries, romantic comedies and a suspicious amount of fictional people making terrible decisions, I think I'm pretty well covered.

My ideal autumn evening is pretty simple: a nice dinner, pyjamas on, blanket out and something good on the television. Absolutely no plans whatsoever.

Honestly, I'm very happy with that.

Now I just need the weather to cooperate.

Molly

There is something about autumn that makes me wildly overestimate how much free time I have.

One minute I'm enjoying the last bits of summer and the next I'm mentally planning woodland walks, cosy pub lunches, pumpkin picking, craft workshops, entire days dedicated to reading and approximately seventeen different autumnal baking projects.

Do I have the time to do all of these things?

Absolutely not.

Am I going to attempt it anyway?

Obviously.

So, with that in mind, I've put together my slightly unrealistic autumn bucket list - a collection of things I'd love to do this autumn, ranging from genuinely achievable to I'm not entirely sure when I'm supposed to fit this in, but let's not worry about that right now.

Go on a Proper Autumn Walk

Not just walking around the block in a coat and calling it an autumn walk.

I'm talking crunchy leaves, ridiculously pretty trees, a woodland path, a slight chill in the air and the sort of scenery that makes you want to stop every five minutes to take another photograph.

I want one of those proper autumn walks where you come home with leaves stuck to your shoes and feel like you've actually made the most of the season.

Go Pumpkin Picking

I have reached the point in adulthood where buying a pumpkin from the supermarket no longer feels sufficient.

I want the full experience.

A pumpkin patch. Wellies. A slightly ridiculous number of photographs. Me carefully selecting the perfect pumpkin as though I'm choosing a new family member.

Will I then take it home and spend far too long deciding where to put it?

Almost certainly.

Find a Proper Cosy Pub

Autumn is essentially just an excuse to find pubs with fires.

I want somewhere with low ceilings, cosy corners, a roaring fire and a menu full of things that involve gravy, pastry or both.

Ideally somewhere that feels like the sort of place you could happily lose an entire afternoon.

Have a Full Reading Day

A whole day where the only real objective is to read.

No errands. No jobs around the house. No feeling guilty about sitting down.

Just a good book, snacks and somewhere comfortable enough that getting up becomes increasingly unnecessary.

This is probably the most realistic item on this entire list.

Do an Autumn Craft Workshop

I would quite like to emerge from autumn with something I have made myself.

A wreath. A candle. A piece of pottery. Something vaguely seasonal that I can proudly display at home while conveniently ignoring all evidence of how much assistance I probably received.

I'm particularly drawn to anything involving candles, pottery painting or making something that makes the house look like I've got my life together.

Channel My Inner Mary Berry

This one feels particularly appropriate after someone at work recently managed to spell my name Molly Berry instead of Bury (buh-ree).

Honestly, I couldn't even be offended.

If anything, it felt like fate.

So this autumn I think I need to fully embrace my inner OG MB and do some proper baking.

I'm talking something warm and autumnal that makes the entire house smell incredible. Apple crumble, cinnamon rolls, a loaf cake, something involving caramel - I'm not fussy.

I don't necessarily need to become the next Mary Berry.

I would, however, like to reach the stage where someone takes one bite of whatever I've made and says something along the lines of, “Molly, that's absolutely lovely.”

Ideally while I stand there pretending I haven't been waiting for them to say it.

Have a Proper Autumn Film Night

Not simply putting something on television while scrolling on our phones.

I'm talking full commitment.

Pyjamas. Snacks. Lights off. Phones abandoned.

And preferably something that feels appropriately autumnal.

The kind of evening where you realise you've been sitting in exactly the same position for four hours and decide that moving would be unnecessary.

Go to a Bonfire Night

I want the bonfire, the fireworks, the inevitable smell of smoke on my clothes afterwards and something warming to eat while standing around pretending I'm not freezing.

Preferably with a good view of the fireworks and enough layers on that I don't spend the entire evening questioning my life choices.

It's one of those very English autumn traditions that I always think I should make more effort to actually go to.

So this year, I'm adding it to the list.

Make the House Feel Like Autumn

This is less about completely redecorating the house and more about leaning into the season.

A few autumnal bits.

Cosy blankets.

Candles.

Warm lighting.

Maybe some little seasonal touches around the kitchen and living room.

Basically, I want to walk through the front door and immediately think:

Yep. Autumn lives here now.

And Finally… Start Getting Excited for Christmas

I'm not saying I'm going full Christmas in October.

I'm simply saying that by the end of autumn, I would like to be emotionally prepared.

Maybe a little Christmas shopping.

Maybe a festive workshop.

Maybe a few ideas for decorations.

Maybe quietly listening to one Christmas song when nobody is around to judge me.

Autumn is allowed to have its moment first, obviously.

But we all know where we're heading.

And that's that...

So that's my slightly unrealistic autumn bucket list.

Some of these will absolutely happen.

Some will probably get postponed because it's raining.

Some will be replaced by sitting on the sofa in pyjamas watching television.

And at least one will remain on this list until next autumn.

But honestly, that's half the fun.

I don't think a bucket list has to be a list of things you must accomplish. Sometimes it's just a list of things you want to make time for - little things that make an ordinary season feel a bit more special.

And if I manage even half of these before winter arrives, I'll consider it a success.

Now, if you'll excuse me, Molly "Berry" has some baking to do.

Molly

If there’s one restaurant we can guarantee we’ll eat at when we’re in Mojácar, it’s Balti Towers 2. We’ve been coming here for years, we always order far too much food, and somehow those onion bhajis still manage to be one of the highlights every single time. This holiday alone, we went three times.

We do actually try plenty of other restaurants while we’re here, but Balti Towers 2 has become a bit of a holiday tradition for us. We have a fairly standard order by now, starting with the onion bhajis, which are genuinely in my top three bhajis I’ve ever eaten. They’re crispy, full of onion and just bloody delicious.

We also always get the poppadoms, mainly because the onion pickle and mint raita that come with them are SO good. The onion pickle in particular is one of those things where I could quite happily eat far more of it than is socially acceptable.

For the main event, we usually share the vegetable passanda, garlic rice and garlic naan. The naan is slightly different to your usual fluffy UK naan - it’s somewhere between a naan and a roti, which I actually really like. It’s thinner, a little chewier and perfect for scooping up the passanda.

The vegetable passanda is creamy and mild, with plenty of flavour without being particularly spicy. We did switch things up this time and went for onion rice instead of our usual garlic rice, and it was a very good decision.

It’s not the fanciest restaurant in Mojácar, nor does it need to be. It’s good, unfussy Indian food, the portions are generous and there’s something very satisfying about sitting down with a table full of poppadoms, bhajis, naan and curry when you’re on holiday.

And if you’re going to order one thing, make it the onion bhajis. I’m clearly very passionate about them.

Molly

There’s something about starting an MC romance series that makes you think “I’ll just see what the first book is like” and then suddenly you’re several books deep and completely invested in a fictional motorcycle club.

The Kings Reapers MC series by Nicola Jane was exactly that for me. It’s gritty, dramatic, spicy and, at times, had me questioning the life choices of pretty much every character involved.

But apparently that is exactly what I wanted to read.

So, what’s it about?

The series follows the Kings Reapers, a London based motorcycle club, with each book focusing on different members and their relationships.

There’s plenty going on alongside the romances, with the books bringing in storylines around the club, family, revenge, violence, trauma and some fairly questionable decisions along the way.

I really liked that the books are all connected, too. Characters from previous books continue to appear throughout the series, so you get to know the wider club rather than simply moving on to a completely new cast every time.

And there’s definitely an overarching storyline running through the series, so it’s worth reading them in order rather than jumping around.

Tropes & spice

We’ve got:

• Motorcycle club romance

• Possessive/protective men

• Found family

• Alpha males

• Forced proximity

• Enemies and complicated relationships

• Plenty of drama

• A LOT of spice

The spice definitely gets a thumbs up from me, but I also liked that there was plenty happening outside of the relationships. There’s enough of an actual storyline to keep you reading for more than just the romance.

Chains’ book was definitely my favourite of the series. I found myself much more invested in his story and relationship, and he was probably the character I connected with the most.

Riggs, on the other hand...

I know there’s an underlying story there, and I completely understood that there was more to his character than what initially meets the eye, but I just didn’t really like him. From Chains' book onwards, he came across as a bit trash to me, and unfortunately knowing there was more going on underneath didn't completely change my opinion.

Sometimes a character can have a reason for behaving the way they do and you can still think they're a bit of a dick!

Would I recommend?

Yes!

If you enjoy MC romances, this series has pretty much everything you’d expect. There’s drama, danger, plenty of chemistry, questionable men, strong women and the whole found family aspect that makes these types of series so addictive.

I also really enjoyed getting to know the different members of the Kings Reapers as the series went on. Some characters definitely grabbed my attention more than others, but I think that’s part of the fun of reading a longer interconnected series.

There are some darker storylines throughout, including violence and trauma, so definitely check the content warnings if those are things you prefer to avoid.

Final thoughts

The Kings Reapers MC series was a really easy series to binge, and definitely one that kept me reaching for the next book.

Was every character my cup of tea? Absolutely not.

Did I occasionally want to scream at my Kindle because of the decisions being made? Also yes.

But I was invested, and that's ultimately what I want from a series like this.

Overall, if you like your romances with a healthy dose of drama, dangerous men, found family and plenty of spice, I think you’ll probably enjoy the Kings Reapers.

How to read

The Kings Reapers MC series by Nicola Jane is available to read on Kindle and in paperback.

Molly

Well, that's us done with camping for another year.

Four trips, countless bags crammed into the car, a tent that somehow takes up an entire postcode and enough outdoor meals to make me question why I ever eat indoors.

2026 has been a pretty good year for camping. We didn't manage loads of trips, but the four we did have gave us plenty of sunshine, questionable weather, good food, new places and the usual camping admin that makes you wonder whether it's actually a relaxing hobby.

We also upgraded the tent this year, swapping our old setup for the Vango Savannah 600XL, which gave us considerably more space to spread out. Although, somehow, we still managed to fill every available inch of it.

There have been sunny days, questionable weather, campsite breakfasts, evening drinks, walks, plenty of food and the inevitable moments of wondering why we willingly sleep on an air mattress when there's a perfectly good bed waiting for us at home.

But that's the thing I love about camping. Even with the faff of packing the car, putting the tent up and remembering approximately 47 different things you apparently need to take with you, there's something about getting away for a few days and spending so much time outside that makes it completely worth it.

So after four trips and one final summer of muddy shoes, campsite showers and trying to remember where we put the mallet, I think it's time to call it.

Camping content is officially taking a little winter break.

I'll be back with more camping trips, campsite finds, tent adventures and probably a few more things I absolutely don't need but will convince myself I do in spring 2027.

Until then, the tent is going into hibernation, the camping boxes are going back into storage and I'll inevitably be thinking about where we should go next.

See you in spring, campers. 

Molly

If you're looking for somewhere a little bit different from the usual restaurants along Mojácar Playa, Torre Bahia Lounge is definitely one to add to your list. We actually went twice during our holiday, which probably tells you everything you need to know!

Torre Bahia has a lovely setting and feels a little more polished than some of the restaurants along the main strip, without being overly formal or feeling like you're trying too hard. It's somewhere you can make a bit more of an occasion of dinner, whilst still being very much in holiday mode.

On our first visit, we started with the Thai Beef Salad and Focaccia, followed by the Pea and Asparagus Risotto for me and the TBL Steak and Red Wine Pie for Matt.

The Thai Beef Salad was packed with flavour, with marinated fillet steak, mixed leaves, fresh herbs, chillies, spring onions and Thai dressing. It was a great start to the meal, whilst the focaccia was perfect for sharing.

The Pea and Asparagus Risotto was my favourite main of the two visits. With Parmesan shavings, lemon zest and mint oil, it was full of flavour without being overly heavy, and the fresh flavours worked really well together.

Matt went for the TBL Steak and Red Wine Pie, served with rosemary, seasonal vegetables and his choice of buttered mash or triple-cooked chips. At €18, it was also one of the better-value mains on the menu and was a proper comfort-food choice. Unsurprisingly, it was Matt's favourite main of the two visits.

  

Clearly, we enjoyed ourselves because we went back for a second visit.

This time we started with the Garlic and Chilli Prawns on toast with chorizo, baby spinach, spring onions and herb oil, alongside the Burrata with heritage tomatoes, tomato gel, dressed leaves, rocket and basil pesto.

The Garlic and Chilli Prawns were our favourite starter. The combination of the prawns, chorizo, garlic and chilli was so good, and the toast was perfect for soaking up all the flavours. The burrata was a lovely contrast - fresh, light and beautifully presented.

For mains, I went for the 28 Day Aged Fillet Steak, with Parma ham, black garlic emulsion, vegetables and triple-cooked chips, whilst Matt chose the Moroccan Lamb Shank Tagine, served with tabbouleh and a chickpea and Mediterranean vegetable casserole.

The steak was beautifully cooked and a really good dish, although the risotto from our first visit remained my favourite. Matt enjoyed the lamb shank, but his vote for favourite main still went to the pie.

  

Matt also managed to fit in dessert on one of our visits, ordering the Biscoff and Caramel Cheesecake. It's cheesecake mousse with an intense Lotus Biscoff flavour, a crunchy Biscoff and butter cookie base and salted toffee caramel. He was very happy with his decision.

One thing worth mentioning if you're planning a visit is the Menu del Día, which is available on weekdays. We didn't actually have it ourselves, but at the price and with the quality of the food on offer, it looks like particularly good value if you want to experience Torre Bahia without spending as much as you might on the à la carte menu.

Torre Bahia is definitely on the pricier side for Mojácar, but honestly, I didn't think either of our meals were expensive for what we got. They were more than we'd paid at some of the cheaper restaurants we'd visited, but both were absolutely worth the money. And when you compare the quality and portions to what you'd pay for a similar restaurant in the UK, they actually felt very reasonable.

The service was friendly and attentive on both visits, and we never felt rushed. The whole atmosphere was relaxed and made it easy to sit and enjoy dinner rather than feeling like we'd been squeezed in and needed to clear the table.

Would I recommend? Absolutely. We clearly enjoyed it enough to go twice, and I think that says more than anything else I could write.

If you're staying in Mojácar and fancy somewhere that feels a little more special than your average holiday restaurant, Torre Bahia Lounge is definitely worth adding to your list. The food is good, the portions are generous, the prices are reasonable for the standard, and there was nothing we ate that left us disappointed.

Would we go back? Clearly. We already did twice.

Molly

Researching a holiday destination used to be where I either did absolutely nothing and arrived completely unprepared, or went the opposite direction and ended up with a spreadsheet of restaurants, beach clubs and day trips that made the holiday feel like a schedule I had to follow rather than something I was meant to enjoy.

Now I’ve found a middle ground.

I still do research, but it’s loose, flexible and focused on giving me options rather than a strict itinerary I feel guilty for not sticking to.

Think of it as building a map of ideas, not a timetable.

The mindset shift: I stopped trying to plan the perfect holiday

The biggest change in how I research holidays is accepting that I don’t need to know everything in advance.

I used to think I needed:

• A fully planned itinerary

• Every meal booked

• Every activity scheduled

• Every day mapped out

  
  

But the truth is, the best parts of holidays are usually the things you didn’t plan.

Now I aim for something much simpler: I just want to arrive with a shortlist of places I might like to visit.

That’s it.

Step one: I start with Google Maps, not blogs

The first thing I do is open Google Maps and drop pins everywhere that looks interesting.

I look for:

• Beaches

• Restaurants

• Cafés

• Beach clubs

• Bars

• Pretty streets or viewpoints

This is the least stressful part because it’s purely visual and instinctive. If something looks good, I save it.

I don’t worry about order or planning at this stage. It’s just collecting options.

Step two: I check a few trusted sources (not everything)

I used to go down a deep internet rabbit hole reading every blog, review and travel forum possible.

Now I keep it limited.

I’ll usually check:

• A few recent blog posts

• Instagram location tags

• TikTok searches for the destination

• A couple of honest reviews on key places

That’s it.

If I overconsume information, I end up second-guessing everything. So I deliberately stop before I reach that point.

Step three: I build a loose “must-visit” list

Once I’ve saved enough places, I narrow it down into a simple list.

I usually split it into:

Restaurants I really want to try

Not ten options. Usually three or four that stand out.

One or two beaches

I don’t try to visit every beach in the area. I pick the ones that look the most appealing and leave room to discover others once I’m there.

A few activities or day trips

Anything that feels interesting, but not essential.

This becomes my loose plan, not my strict schedule.

Step four: I accept I will discover things while I’m there

This is the part I used to forget.

No matter how much research you do, you will still:

• Walk past places you didn’t see online

• Get recommendations from locals

• Find cafés and restaurants by accident

• Change your plans because of weather or mood

  
  

So now I intentionally leave space in my planning for spontaneity.

If something looks good in the moment, I go there. Simple as that.

What I no longer do (and it changed everything)

I don’t over-plan daily itineraries

I don’t assign activities to specific days anymore. It removes pressure and makes everything feel more relaxed.

I don’t save hundreds of places

Too many options becomes overwhelming. I now focus on a small curated list.

I don’t try to “do everything”

Holidays are not competitions. I don’t need to see every attraction or eat at every recommended restaurant.

My simple research system now

If I had to sum it up, it’s this:

1. Save places that genuinely appeal to me

2. Keep the list short and flexible

3. Focus on food, beaches and a few key experiences

4. Leave space for spontaneity

That’s it.

It’s not complicated, but it works.

Why this approach actually makes holidays better

The biggest difference I’ve noticed is that I enjoy my holidays more when I’m not trying to stick to a plan.

Instead of thinking:
“I need to fit everything in,”

I now think:
“We’ll see what we feel like doing today.”

And somehow, I still end up doing all the best things, just without the pressure.

Final thoughts

Researching a holiday destination should make you excited, not overwhelmed.

A bit of preparation is useful. It helps you avoid missing out on things you genuinely want to do.

But overplanning takes away the spontaneity that makes travel feel like a break in the first place.

Now I go in with ideas, not obligations.

And honestly, that balance has made travelling a lot more enjoyable.

That’s the end of this mini series on holiday preparation. I’m now just a few weeks away from flying off on holiday, and the planning is officially shifting from preparation mode into anticipation mode.

When I am back, I’ll be sharing all the  restaurants, beaches, cafés and little hidden places that I would recommend!

Molly

Packing holiday outfits used to be where everything went wrong for me.

I would stand in front of my wardrobe and suddenly forget how holidays work. I’d start planning outfits for completely imaginary scenarios like “romantic beach dinner in a breeze” or “casual daytime yacht situation” despite the fact I was going somewhere where I would realistically wear shorts and a loose dress for 90% of the trip.

Now I keep it simple. Not boring, not minimal for the sake of it, just realistic.

These are the holiday outfit ideas I actually wear, broken down by what I genuinely live in while I’m away.

The mindset shift: I stopped packing outfits for a fantasy version of myself

The biggest change in my approach to holiday outfits was accepting this:

I am not going to suddenly become someone who changes outfits three times a day or wears things that require effort in 30-degree heat.

On holiday, I want:

• Comfort

• Easy outfits

• Things I can repeat without overthinking

  
  

Once I accepted that, packing became much easier.

Now I build outfits around what I will actually reach for, not what looks good on a packing list.

Travel day outfit: comfort first, always

I now treat travel day as its own category.

My go-to is:

• Leggings

• Oversized t-shirt or light top

• Trainers

• Light cardigan or hoodie

  
  

The goal is simple: be comfortable for sitting, walking through airports, and dealing with unpredictable temperatures.

If I feel even slightly restricted, I won’t wear it.

Beach and pool outfits: repeat on rotation

This is where most of my holiday time is spent, so I keep it very straightforward.

Swimwear

I pack a few swimsuits or bikinis and rotate them throughout the trip. I don’t overthink it anymore.

Cover-ups

• Loose shirt dresses

• Lightweight kaftan-style cover-ups

• Oversized shirts that double as outfits

  
  

These are the real MVPs of holiday dressing because they work for beach, pool bar, and walking back to the room without needing a full outfit change.

Daytime outfits: easy, breathable, repeatable

For daytime exploring, I stick to simple combinations.

My go-to combinations:

• Shorts and a loose top

• Light sundress

• Co-ord set that doesn’t need styling

• Linen trousers with a basic vest or t-shirt

  
  

The key here is fabrics that don’t make you feel like you’re melting five minutes into walking.

I also make sure everything mixes and matches so I’m not creating “outfits” as much as I am rotating pieces.

Sightseeing outfits: practical but still put together

Sightseeing outfits need to work a bit harder, but not too hard.

I usually go for:

• Trainers (non-negotiable for walking)

• Comfortable shorts or trousers

• Lightweight top

• Crossbody bag

  
  

This is where I remind myself that no one cares what I’m wearing, and I care more about not sweating through something complicated.

Evening outfits: simple “dinner and drinks” rotation

Evenings are where I used to overpack the most.

Now I limit myself to a few easy options:

• 2–3 relaxed dresses

• A nice co-ord

• One slightly dressier outfit “just in case”

  
  

In reality, I usually end up rotating between two outfits depending on how hot it is and how much effort I feel like putting in.

I’ve stopped packing outfits for “what if we go somewhere fancy” unless I actually know we are.

What I don’t pack anymore (but used to overpack constantly)

This is where I’ve really simplified things.

Statement outfits I never wear

The “just in case I feel like going all out” outfits always stay in the suitcase untouched.

Too many evening options

Two weeks does not require ten different dinner outfits.

Uncomfortable shoes

If it needs breaking in, it is not going on holiday.

Extra outfits for every possible mood

I used to pack like I had multiple personalities. Now I don’t.

My packing system now: outfits built around repetition

Instead of packing full outfits, I now pack pieces that work in rotation.

For example:

• Two or three tops that work with multiple bottoms

• One or two bottoms that go with everything

• Dresses that don’t need styling

• Shoes that match multiple outfits

This means I’m not packing “days”, I’m packing options.

And somehow, I still end up wearing the same favourites most of the time.

The real truth: no one remembers your outfits

This was a big mindset shift for me.

On holiday, I used to think every outfit needed to feel “different enough”.

Now I realise:

• No one is tracking what I wore yesterday

• Repeating outfits is normal

• Comfort always wins

  
  

And honestly, it makes the whole experience so much easier.

Final thoughts

Holiday outfit planning used to feel like a styling challenge I needed to win.

Now it’s just about packing things I actually enjoy wearing.

A few easy outfits for the day, a few relaxed options for the evening, and a focus on comfort over perfection.

It’s not about packing less for the sake of it. It’s about packing better so you actually wear what you bring.

Next up: how I research my holiday before I go so I don’t miss the best restaurants, beaches and hidden spots once I arrive.

Molly

When you think of Thailand, your mind probably goes straight to turquoise waters, tropical beaches, bustling markets and bowls of food packed with flavour. What you probably don’t immediately picture is a sunny weekend in the middle of Guildford however, a couple of weeks ago, the Magic of Thailand Festival at Stoke Park managed to bring a little slice of Thai culture to Surrey.

As someone who loves travel, food and finding little pockets of something different closer to home, this was exactly the kind of local event that caught my attention. A festival promising Thai food, performances, culture and cocktails? Obviously, I had to go and investigate.

First impressions

Held at Stoke Park in Guildford, the festival had a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere from the moment we arrived. Unlike some larger festivals where you spend half your day just navigating crowds, this felt much more manageable - big enough to feel like there was plenty going on, but small enough that you could actually wander, browse and enjoy yourself.

There was a lovely community feel, with colourful market stalls, food vendors, entertainment throughout the day and plenty of opportunities to experience different elements of Thai culture.

The whole thing felt like a little escape from Surrey life,  a few hours where you could pretend you’d swapped the Surrey streets for a Thai street market.

   

The food: the highlight of the day

Let’s be honest, when you visit a Thai festival, the food is always going to be one of the biggest attractions.

Walking around the food stalls was probably one of my favourite parts of the day. The smells alone were enough to transport you somewhere warmer: fragrant herbs, spices, curries and sizzling street food filling the air.

After much deliberation (because choosing from a festival full of amazing food is genuinely difficult), I opted for a veggie Thai green curry and it did not disappoint. Creamy, fragrant and packed with flavour, it was exactly the kind of comforting dish you want when you’re looking for a proper taste of Thailand rather than just a quick festival snack.

Of course, no festival day is complete without a drink to match, and we also enjoyed cocktails from the Full Moon Cocktail Bar. With tropical flavours and holiday vibes, it was the perfect addition to the afternoon and definitely helped create that feeling of being somewhere much further away than Guildford.

Entertainment and atmosphere

The Magic of Thailand Festival wasn’t just about eating (although that alone would have been a pretty good reason to visit). Throughout the day there were traditional performances, music, demonstrations and cultural activities that helped showcase different aspects of Thailand.

One of the standout performances was the ladyboy show, which was an incredibly high-energy addition to the day. Full of colour, music, dancing and plenty of personality, it was certainly an interesting watch and brought a completely different atmosphere to the festival. It was a fun and lively performance that captured the entertainment side of Thai culture and had the crowd engaged throughout.

From traditional dancing to martial arts displays, there was plenty to watch while wandering between stalls. It felt like a celebration of Thai culture rather than simply a food market with a theme.

The relaxed atmosphere also made it an enjoyable day out for all ages, whether you were there to try new foods, browse the stalls, enjoy the performances or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely - especially if you’re looking for something a little different to do without having to travel abroad.

The great thing about the Magic of Thailand Festival is that it tours around the country, bringing Thai food, entertainment and culture to different locations throughout the year. So, even if you missed the Stoke Park event, it’s worth keeping an eye out to see if it’s coming somewhere near you.

It’s a brilliant option for a relaxed day out as a couple, with friends or as a family. Whether you’re a huge fan of Thai food or simply curious to experience something new, it’s a fun way to spend a few hours.

It’s also a lovely reminder that you don’t always need to book a flight to experience a different culture. Sometimes you just need to follow the smell of Thai street food, find a cocktail bar and let yourself be transported somewhere else for the afternoon.

Final thoughts

The Magic of Thailand Festival at Stoke Park was a colourful, tasty and enjoyable celebration of Thai culture right here in Surrey. While it obviously can’t replace the experience of actually visiting Thailand (sadly, no festival can recreate those beaches), it did offer a fun little escape and a very good excuse to eat your way through some incredible food.

Would I go again? Definitely. Although next time I might need a better strategy for choosing what to eat, because picking just one dish when surrounded by Thai street food is genuinely the hardest part.

Molly

I used to think travel essentials were obvious.

Passport. Phone. Wallet. Done.

And then I had one too many flights where I was either freezing, dehydrated, bored, or quietly regretting every life choice that led me to a 7-hour journey with nothing useful in my hand luggage.

Now I’ve got a proper system. Not overly complicated, not influencer level overpacked, just a realistic set of travel essentials that make flying a lot more comfortable.

Whether it’s a short European flight or a longer haul journey, these are the things I genuinely never fly without anymore.

The mindset shift: comfort beats overpacking

The biggest change I made with travel packing was realising I don’t need more things, I need better choices.

I used to pack for every possible scenario:

• “What if I get cold?”

• “What if I get bored?”

• “What if I suddenly become a person who journals on planes?”

  
  

Now I pack for one goal: making travel day as comfortable and low-stress as possible.

The travel documents I double-check obsessively

Let’s start with the obvious but still somehow stressful part.

• Passport

• Boarding pass (digital and sometimes printed, because I don’t trust myself)

• Travel insurance details

• Accommodation details

• Any transport confirmations

I now check these about five times before I leave the house, even though I know I’ve already checked them.

My in-flight comfort essentials

This is where the real difference to travel day happens.

Headphones or AirPods

Non-negotiable. Whether I’m watching something, listening to music or trying to ignore turbulence-induced overthinking, these are essential.

Kindle

My absolute travel must-have. I will always, without fail, finish more books on holiday travel days than I do at any other point in my life.

Neck pillow (if it’s a longer flight)

I resisted this for years thinking I didn’t need one. I was wrong. It makes a huge difference on anything longer than a few hours.

Eye mask

Especially for longer flights or if I’m trying to trick my body into a nap at 10am local time.

Light layer

A jumper or cardigan always goes in my hand luggage because planes are either freezing or aggressively unpredictable.

The small things that quietly save the day

These are the items that don’t seem important until suddenly they are.

Lip balm

Cabin air is brutal. I always have one within reach.

Suncream (small size)

Especially if I’m heading somewhere warm straight after landing. It saves me from immediately forgetting skincare logic after a flight.

Hand sanitiser

Airports are a reality check.

Wet wipes or tissues

Always useful. Always forgotten if I don’t specifically pack them.

Reusable water bottle

I take it empty through security and fill it up after. It sounds small, but it makes a long flight noticeably better.

Snacks (because airplane food is unpredictable)

I now always pack something to eat, even if I think I won’t need it.

Usually:

• Something salty - popcorn or crisps

• Something sweet for a morale boost

• Chewing gum

  
  

There is something psychologically comforting about knowing you are not fully reliant on airline snack timing.

Tech I always bring

This is the category that saves me from boredom and mild panic.

• Phone and charger

• Portable charger

• Charging cable

• Plug adapter (if I’m connecting or arriving tired and need to charge immediately)

  
  

The portable charger is especially important. I’ve learned this the hard way more than once.

Airport bag essentials

I now think of my hand luggage as a separate category from my suitcase. It needs its own logic.

My airport bag always includes:

• Passport

• Phone

• Wallet

• Kindle

• Headphones

• Lip balm

• Hand sanitiser

• Snacks

• Water bottle (empty until after security)

• Light jumper or scarf

If this bag is organised, the rest of the journey feels manageable.

Things I used to overthink (and now don’t pack)

There are a few things I’ve stopped bringing entirely.

Too many entertainment options

I used to pack books, magazines, downloaded shows, and still end up scrolling on my phone anyway. Now I just bring my Kindle and one downloaded show.

Overly bulky travel pillows

Some are just not worth the space. I’ve learned to keep it simple.

Full beauty routine in hand luggage

Now it’s just basics. No full skincare setup on the plane.

My travel rule now

If I wouldn’t miss it within the first two hours of a flight, it doesn’t go in my hand luggage.

It keeps everything focused and stops me from overpacking “comfort items” I never actually use.

Final thoughts

Travel used to feel slightly chaotic for me. Not because I was unprepared, but because I was overprepared in all the wrong ways.

Now I focus on the small things that actually make a difference: comfort, hydration, entertainment, and not forgetting the basics.

It doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to work.

And honestly, a calm airport experience starts long before you get there — it starts with what you decide to put in your bag.

Next up: holiday outfit ideas, including what I actually wear on beach days, evenings and everything in between, without packing my entire wardrobe “just in case”.

Molly

I can’t quite believe we’re already halfway through 2026. This year has somehow managed to feel like it’s flying by, while also feeling like so much has happened.

Looking back over the last six months, I think the biggest thing I’ve noticed is how much I’ve been enjoying the little joys - the everyday moments that make life feel exciting. Not necessarily huge, life-changing events, but all the things that add up to creating a life you genuinely love.

A big part of that has been settling into married life. After all the excitement of our two weddings last year - our registry office ceremony surrounded by our immediate family and my bridesmaids (who are basically family anyway), followed by our bigger celebration with our wider family and friends - it’s been really lovely moving into the next chapter and just enjoying being husband and wife.

There’s something really special about the everyday side of marriage; making plans together, working on our home, going on adventures and creating memories along the way. The wedding celebrations were amazing, but it’s the ordinary moments afterwards that make up the life you’ve been so excited to start.

One of the things I’m most proud of this year is bringing my blog back properly. After taking a step back, returning to blogging and creating content has reminded me just how much I’ve missed it. I’ve loved writing again, sharing our adventures and having a creative outlet that feels like me.

We’ve already packed plenty into the year too. We’ve had two camping trips and a staycation, and I’m hoping to squeeze in another camping trip or two before the year is over. Camping has become one of my favourite ways to escape the everyday, even if it does involve a questionable amount of arguing with tent poles and trying to remember where everything is packed.

At home, we finally had our kitchen redone, which has been one of those projects that completely changes how you feel about your space. Seeing it all come together and making our home feel more “us” has been such a good feeling.

I’ve also unexpectedly become someone who knits. I’m still not entirely sure how this happened, but I’ve embraced it. There’s something really satisfying about learning a new skill and having something creative to do away from a screen (even if my first attempts are very much a work in progress).

Work has also been a big focus this year. Continuing my apprenticeship alongside my role has meant balancing studying, assignments and my usual workload, which has definitely been a challenge at times. But I’m really proud of myself for sticking with it, continuing to learn and finding a way to make it work alongside everything else going on.

One of my favourite parts of this year has been celebrating the people around me too. I’ve loved watching my friends and family have their own exciting moments - one of my sisters buying her first house and conquering her fear of driving one approved route at a time, my other sister winning Employee of the Month, my best friend getting engaged and another friend absolutely smashing it at work.

Their achievements have genuinely made me so happy, and I feel really lucky to have so many amazing people around me to cheer on. Sometimes the best moments aren’t just your own milestones, but getting to watch the people you love achieve theirs.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, there’s still plenty to be excited about. I’m hoping to fit in another camping trip or two, hit my goal of reading 100 books this year, enjoy our Spain holiday and embrace all the cosy Christmas plans when the time comes (yes, I know it’s July, but I can’t be the only one already thinking about it).

If this year has taught me anything, it’s that the best parts of life are often found in the things you choose to make time for - hobbies, adventures, home projects, books, friends, family and the moments that make you smile.

Here’s to the second half of 2026 and plenty more little joys.

Molly