I'll admit it.

Before our first camping trip, I made approximately 47 different lists.

One on my phone.

One in a notebook.

One scribbled on the back of an envelope.

Despite all that preparation, we still managed to forget something.

(I'm convinced forgetting one item is an unwritten camping tradition.)

If you're planning your first camping trip, it can feel like you need to buy half of your local camping shop. Social media certainly doesn't help as everyone seems to have an endless collection of gadgets that apparently transform your holiday.

The good news?

You really don't need all of it.

After a couple of years of camping, we've learnt what's genuinely essential, what's nice to have, and what can definitely wait until you've caught the camping bug.

So here's our realistic camping checklist for beginners.

The Absolute Essentials

Let's start with the things you genuinely can't do without.

Shelter

• Tent

• Footprint or groundsheet

• Tent pegs

• Mallet

• Spare guy ropes

Top tip: Count your tent pegs before you leave. Future You will thank Present You.

Sleeping

• Air bed or camping mattress

• Sleeping bags or Duvet

• Pillows

• Pump for inflatable mattresses

• Extra blanket (trust me)

  
  

Camping evenings can get chilly, even in the middle of summer.

Camp Furniture

You don't need luxury furniture.

You do need somewhere to sit.

Our essentials are:

• Camping chairs

• Camping table

• Lantern

• Head torches

  
  

You'll wonder how you ever lived without a head torch the first time you need the toilet at 2am.

Cooking Equipment

Unless you're planning to eat out every meal (which, to be fair, is tempting), you'll need a few basics.

We always pack:

• Camping stove

• Gas

• Lighter

• Kettle

• Frying pan

• Saucepan

• Plates

• Bowls

• Mugs

• Cutlery

• Sharp knife

• Chopping board

• Washing-up bowl

• Sponge

• Washing-up liquid

• Tea towel

• Tin opener

Please don't forget the tin opener. Speaking from... absolutely no personal experience...

Food Essentials

Before every trip I write a meal plan.

Do I always stick to it?

Not exactly.

But it definitely stops us buying six bags of crisps and forgetting breakfast.

Don't forget:

• Tea and coffee

• Milk

• Water

• Cooking oil

• Salt and pepper

• Snacks

Camping snacks are in their own food group.

I'm fairly sure that's scientifically proven.

Clothing

The British weather likes to keep us humble.

Pack for every season, even if you're travelling in July.

I'd include:

• Waterproof coat

• Warm jumper

• T-shirts

• Shorts

• Trousers

• Plenty of socks

• Comfortable shoes

• Flip-flops for shower blocks

• Hat

• Sunglasses

  
  

Toiletries

This one's easy to overlook (just ask my husband!).

Remember:

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Shower gel

• Shampoo

• Deodorant

• Sun cream

• After sun

• Toilet roll

• Towels

Don't rely on campsite shops having exactly what you need.

Things We Didn't Realise We'd Need

These have become camping staples for us.

• Bin bags

• Baby wipes

• Microfibre cloths

• Power bank

• Extension lead (if you're using electric hook-up)

• Clothes pegs

• Washing line

• Extra carrier bags

• Kitchen roll

None of them are exciting.

Every single one is useful.

Things You Can Probably Wait Before Buying

When we first started camping, I thought we needed every clever gadget I'd seen online.

Turns out, you really don't.

I'd wait before buying things like:

• Fancy camping cupboards

• Expensive outdoor rugs

• Pizza ovens

• Coffee machines

• Decorative lights

• Every storage gadget under the sun

Go on a couple of trips first.

You'll quickly figure out what would genuinely improve your camping experience rather than just taking up space in the car.

Our Biggest Piece of Advice

Don't worry about having the perfect setup.

Honestly, nobody starts there.

Every camping trip teaches you something.

You'll discover a better way to organise the car.

You'll realise you need another blanket.

You'll buy one or two things that make life easier.

That's all part of the fun.

Our camping setup now looks completely different to our first trip and I suspect it'll keep evolving for years to come.

Final Thoughts

If you're about to head off on your first camping adventure, keep things simple.

Take the essentials.

Don't stress if you forget something.

Almost every camper has forgotten something important at least once, and most campsites have a shop or a friendly neighbour willing to help.

The perfect camping setup isn't built before your first trip.

It's built one adventure at a time.

What's one item you now refuse to camp without?

Or, if you're planning your first camping trip, what are you most worried about forgetting?

Let me know in the comments, I always love hearing other campers' tips (and it reassures me that I'm not the only one who's ever forgotten something obvious!).

Molly

Right, I’m officially in that stage where a holiday is close enough to feel exciting, but still far enough away that I’m pretending I don’t need to start properly organising anything yet.

Meanwhile, I’ve already mentally packed at least three times.

You know the feeling. I’ve opened my suitcase “just to check something”, started a Notes list titled HOLIDAY THINGS, and convinced myself I absolutely need new outfits for scenarios that do not and will not exist.

So consider this your get ready with me for a holiday abroad moment.

And yes, you’re coming with me through the whole thing.

The pre-holiday chaos phase

Before I get organised, there is always a slightly chaotic stage where everything suddenly feels urgent.

I start thinking I need:

• A completely new skincare routine for “the sun”

• Around twelve outfits for a five-day trip

• At least three books, even though I’ll only read one

• Travel minis of everything I’ve ever seen in Boots

• Shoes for walking, dinners, beach days, and vague emergency situations I cannot define

  
  

And despite all of that preparation, I will still nearly forget my phone charger.

Every time.

So this time, I’m doing it differently. Or at least, trying to.

A weekly mini series so we don’t spiral

Instead of turning everything into one overwhelming checklist, I’ve broken it down into a weekly mini series.

Each week we’ll focus on one part of holiday prep so it actually feels manageable instead of chaotic.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll go through:

• Beauty prep before a holiday so you feel ready rather than rushed

• The beauty products I actually pack versus what I leave at home

• My real holiday packing list (not the fantasy version where I wear heels every evening)

• Travel essentials I never board a plane without

• Outfit ideas that stop me overpacking ten versions of the same dress

• How I research my destination so I don’t miss the best spots

  
  

Think of it as getting ready for a holiday together, step by step.

No stress. No last-minute panic packing. Just a more realistic way of doing things.

My actual approach to holiday prep now

I’ve learned the hard way that doing everything the night before a flight is not the move.

Now I spread it out.

A bit of beauty prep a week or two in advance.

A packing list that builds gradually instead of all at once.

Outfits laid out and edited down instead of thrown in “just in case”.

And a slightly excessive amount of time spent saving cafés, beaches and restaurants on Google Maps.

It’s not perfect. But it works.

More importantly, it means the run-up to a holiday actually feels exciting instead of stressful.

Let’s get ready properly

Holidays should feel like something you look forward to from the moment you book them, not something you survive in the days before you leave.

So this is your official invitation to get ready with me.

We are doing this properly, but not perfectly.

And each week, we’ll work through another part of the process together.

Next week we start with beauty prep before a holiday abroad, including the timeline I actually follow so I feel put together before I even get on the plane.

Molly

If you've spent any amount of time lurking around BookTok or bookstagram, you've probably seen people talking about Kindle Unlimited.

Usually accompanied by someone dramatically announcing that they "saved £300 this month."

Which immediately makes you wonder...

Am I missing out?

As someone who reads well over 100 books a year (yes, I know... I also wonder where the time goes), I've been using Kindle Unlimited for years, and I get asked all the time whether it's actually worth paying for.

The short answer?

For me, absolutely.

But it isn't the right choice for everyone.

Here's my honest review, including what Kindle Unlimited is, who it's best for, and whether it could actually save you money.

What Is Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited is Amazon's monthly ebook subscription service.

Instead of buying individual books, you pay one monthly fee and can borrow from a catalogue of millions of ebooks, along with thousands of audiobooks and magazines.

Think of it as Netflix... but for books.

You don't own the books permanently, but you can borrow up to 20 titles at a time and return them whenever you like to borrow something new.

If you're someone who tears through books as quickly as I do, that's a dangerous amount of temptation.

How Much Does Kindle Unlimited Cost?

At the time of writing, Kindle Unlimited costs around the price of one paperback each month.

That means if you read just two or three eligible books every month, you've probably already got your money's worth.

If you regularly buy new releases, the maths becomes even more convincing. GIRL MATHS.

What Books Are Available?

This is probably the biggest misconception.

Not every Kindle book is included.

Popular traditionally published books come and go, while many independent authors have their books available all the time.

The catalogue is especially strong if you enjoy:

• Romance

• Fantasy

• Thrillers

• Psychological thrillers

• Cozy mysteries

• Contemporary fiction

• Young Adult

• Romantasy

I've discovered some absolute favourites that I'd never have picked up if they'd required me to spend £5 or £10 on a whim.

That's one of my favourite things about Kindle Unlimited, it encourages you to take chances.

The Pros of Kindle Unlimited

I've Saved a Small Fortune

Let's be honest.

Books aren't cheap.

If you're reading five, ten or even twenty books a month, buying every single one quickly becomes an expensive hobby.

Kindle Unlimited has easily saved me hundreds of pounds over the years.

Probably more.

Although I'd rather not calculate it because I'd only end up using the savings as an excuse to buy more books.

It Helps Me Escape Reading Slumps

One of the biggest reasons I love Kindle Unlimited is that I never feel guilty abandoning a book.

If I'm 15% into a novel and it's just not clicking?

Back it goes.

No buyer's remorse.

No stubborn determination to finish because "I paid for it."

That freedom has genuinely helped me avoid some very long reading slumps.

It Encourages Me to Try New Authors

Some of my favourite authors were complete unknowns to me until I found them on Kindle Unlimited.

Without the subscription, I'd probably never have taken the risk.

Now they're automatic pre-orders.

The Downsides

It's not perfect.

Not Every Bestseller Is Included

If you're subscribing because you expect every viral BookTok title to be available, you'll probably be disappointed.

Some are included.

Many aren't.

The catalogue changes regularly, so availability can vary.

You Don't Own the Books

Once you cancel your subscription, you lose access to any books you've borrowed.

If it's a book you'll want to reread every year, you might still decide to buy a copy.

It Can Be Overwhelming

There are so many books.

Sometimes choosing what to read becomes harder than actually reading.

My TBR certainly hasn't got any smaller.

Who Should Get Kindle Unlimited?

I'd recommend it if you:

• Read at least two books a month.

• Love discovering new authors.

• Enjoy romance, fantasy or thrillers.

• Prefer reading on a Kindle or Kindle app.

• Often finish books in just a few days.

If you're only reading a handful of books each year, it probably isn't worth paying for every month.

You could always subscribe for a few months, binge-read everything on your list, then cancel until you're ready to do it again.

My Favourite Thing About Kindle Unlimited

This might sound strange, but my favourite part isn't actually saving money.

It's removing the pressure.

Because I haven't individually paid for each book, I'm much more willing to experiment.

Some books become unexpected favourites.

Some get returned after three chapters.

Either way, I don't feel like I've wasted money.

Reading becomes fun again instead of feeling like a financial commitment.

Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?

For me?

Without question.

As someone who reads over 100 books every year, it pays for itself many times over.

I've discovered brilliant authors, escaped countless reading slumps and saved far more money than I'd care to admit.

That said, it really comes down to how much you read.

If you only finish a few books each year, buying them individually probably makes more sense.

But if you're constantly adding books to your wish list and wondering where your book budget disappeared...

Kindle Unlimited is definitely worth considering.

Final Thoughts

Reading is one of my favourite hobbies, and anything that makes it easier, cheaper and more enjoyable gets a big thumbs up from me.

Will Kindle Unlimited magically stop you buying physical books?

Absolutely not.

Trust me.

You'll still somehow convince yourself you need that gorgeous sprayed-edge special edition.

But it might just stop your bank account crying quite so often.

And that's a win in my book.

Molly

If you only ever looked at Instagram, you'd think camping consisted of fairy lights, perfectly toasted marshmallows and people waking up looking like they'd just stepped out of a shampoo advert.

The reality?

Well... someone always forgets the milk.

We've been camping for a couple of years now, and while we're certainly not experts, we've learnt a lot through trial and error (mostly error). Every trip teaches us something new, whether it's a packing hack, a piece of kit we can't believe we ever lived without, or a reminder that checking the weather forecast means absolutely nothing in Britain.

Looking back, there are quite a few things I wish someone had told us before we bought our first tent and enthusiastically declared ourselves "campers".

So, if you're thinking about giving camping a go, or you've just started your camping journey, here are eight honest things nobody tells you about starting camping.

1. You Don't Need Every Camping Gadget on the Internet

When we first started, I was convinced we needed absolutely everything.

Portable washing machines.

Collapsible everything.

A gadget that peeled potatoes while simultaneously making tea.

Camping shops are dangerous places because suddenly you're stood there thinking, "Well... I suppose we do need a rechargeable citronella lantern with Bluetooth."

Spoiler: you probably don't.

Start with the basics. After every trip you'll naturally discover what would make life easier. That's a much cheaper way of building your camping setup than panic-buying half the camping aisle before you've even pitched a tent.

2. Packing Takes Longer Than the Holiday

Nobody prepares you for this.

The holiday might be three nights.

Packing somehow takes two days.

Then you come home, unpack everything, realise the tent has to dry before you can put it away and suddenly you're still dealing with camping nearly a week later.

It's worth it, but don't expect to throw everything in the car ten minutes before leaving.

Future You will appreciate Present You making a checklist, or in my case, a full spreadsheet.

3. Bigger Tents Are Worth It (If You Have the Space)

We started out wondering whether a smaller tent would do.

Now? We'd struggle to go back.

Being able to stand up properly, have somewhere comfortable to relax if it rains, and not have to climb over each other every time someone wants a snack makes such a difference.

Yes, bigger tents take longer to put up.

Yes, they take up more room in the garage.

But after spending an evening listening to the rain while sitting comfortably inside with a hot drink, you'll quickly forget about the extra twenty minutes it took to pitch.

4. The Great British Weather Has Absolutely No Respect for Your Plans

You'll leave home in glorious sunshine.

By lunchtime it'll be raining sideways.

By dinner you'll need sunglasses again.

Learning to embrace the unpredictability is part of camping in England. Pack layers. Pack waterproofs. Accept that weather apps are making educated guesses at best.

Some of our favourite camping memories have actually come from the days that definitely weren't perfect.

5. Campsite Showers Become Weirdly Exciting

I never thought I'd have strong opinions about shower blocks.

Now?

"Oh, this one's got underfloor heating."

"Fantastic water pressure."

"Hairdryer included? Five stars."

It's a slippery slope.

6. Everything Somehow Tastes Better Outside

Breakfast.

Pasta.

A bacon sandwich.

Even the slightly squashed biscuits that have spent three hours rolling around in the car somehow taste incredible when you're sitting outside the tent.

I don't know the science behind it.

I just know camping calories don't count. (Please don't correct me.)

7. Camping Is Much Slower Than Normal Life And That's the Best Part

At home I'm always thinking about the next job.

The washing.

The emails.

The shopping.

When we're camping, everything naturally slows down.

Morning coffee lasts longer.

Evenings stretch out over a game of cards.

Reading a book suddenly feels like a perfectly productive way to spend an afternoon.

It's one of the biggest reasons we've fallen in love with camping.

8. You'll Never Stop Tweaking Your Setup

You don't "finish" buying camping equipment.

You simply reach a point where you're temporarily satisfied.

Then someone walks past your pitch with an ingenious storage solution, a brilliant bit of kit or a setup that makes you think, "Ooh... that's clever."

Before you know it, you've got another item on your wish list before you've even packed up to go home.

Camping is basically one long process of making tiny improvements every trip.

And honestly? I think that's part of the fun.

Final Thoughts

If you're new to camping, don't worry about getting everything perfect.

Honestly, nobody does.

You'll forget things.

You'll overpack.

You'll underpack.

You'll spend twenty minutes looking for the tent pegs that were "definitely in this bag."

And then you'll sit outside as the sun starts to set with a cold drink in your hand and remember exactly why you booked the trip in the first place.

Camping isn't about perfection.

It's about making memories, laughing at the little mishaps, and slowly creating a setup that works for you. Even after a couple of years, we're still tweaking ours, discovering little ways to make each trip even better and, inevitably, finding another camping gadget to add to the wish list.

Now I'd love to hear from you!

What's one thing you wish someone had told you before your first camping trip? Let me know in the comments. I love hearing other campers' stories, tips and the lessons they've learnt. There's always something new to discover, no matter how long you've been camping!

Molly

I'm prepared to be in the minority here.

In fact, I know I am.

But can someone explain when we collectively decided that every savoury meal needed to taste like dessert?

Everywhere I look, there's hot honey.

Hot honey pizza. Hot honey halloumi. Hot honey chicken. Hot honey burgers. If I blink, I'm convinced someone's going to drizzle it over a full English breakfast and call it "elevated."

And every menu seems to treat it as though it's the greatest culinary invention since sliced bread.

Apparently, I'm supposed to be excited.

I'm not.

Now, before the hot honey fan club arrives with pitchforks, let me clarify: I don't dislike honey.

I just don't want it anywhere near my dinner.

For me, savoury food should be... well... savoury. If I'm biting into a crispy chicken burger, I want crunch, seasoning and maybe a bit of spice. I don't want an unexpected hit of sweetness making me question whether I've accidentally wandered into the dessert menu.

The whole "sweet and savoury" combination has never really been my thing.

Pineapple on pizza? No thanks.

Jam with cheese? I'll pass.

Maple syrup on bacon? We don't need to involve breakfast in this discussion.

And hot honey has somehow become the latest addition to the list.

I appreciate that the sweet-and-spicy combination clearly has a huge following. Every restaurant seems determined to put it on at least one dish, and social media makes it look like the answer to all of life's problems.

Meanwhile, I'm sitting there asking if I can have it without the honey.

Again.

I think what frustrates me most is that it has become almost unavoidable. You spot something on the menu that sounds incredible, only to reach the final line and read, "...finished with hot honey."

Why?

Who asked for this?

Can we not just let spicy food be spicy?

Of course, food would be incredibly boring if we all liked the same things, and I'm genuinely pleased people have found a condiment they love.

But I'll happily remain the person requesting the plain version while everyone else is photographing their glistening, honey-drizzled pizza.

You can keep your hot honey.

I'll stick with garlic mayo, thanks.

Molly

We've all been there.

You pick up a book you've been desperate to read, make it three pages in, stare blankly at the same paragraph four times and somehow end up scrolling TikTok instead.

Or perhaps you've reached the truly tragic stage of a reading slump: buying books has become your hobby instead of actually reading them.

No judgement here. My Kindle and bookshelves are living proof.

As someone who reads over 100 books a year, people are often surprised to hear that I still get reading slumps. Surely someone who always has a book on the go doesn't lose motivation?

Oh, absolutely I do.

The difference isn't that I never get into a slump, it's that I've learnt how to get myself back out of one before it lasts months.

If you've found yourself wondering why you can't finish a book anymore, or you've lost the excitement you used to feel about reading, here are the tips that genuinely work for me.

What Is a Reading Slump?

A reading slump is exactly what it sounds like: a period where reading feels like a chore instead of something you look forward to.

You might find yourself:

• Starting lots of books but finishing none.

• Reading the same page repeatedly.

• Choosing Netflix every evening instead.

• Buying books without opening them.

• Feeling guilty every time you look at your ever-growing TBR.

The important thing to remember is that reading slumps are completely normal. They happen to everyone, from occasional readers to people who accidentally read 120 books in a year because they said, "Just one more chapter" far too many times.

Why Do Reading Slumps Happen?

There isn't usually one single reason.

Sometimes life is just busy. Your brain is tired, work is stressful and concentrating on words feels impossible.

Other times, you've simply picked the wrong book.

I've learnt the hard way that just because a book has thousands of five-star reviews doesn't mean it's the right book for me right now.

Sometimes it's not the book, it's the timing.

1. Give Yourself Permission to DNF

This was probably the biggest game changer for me.

I used to stubbornly finish every single book I started because I'd already invested time into it.

Life is too short.

If you're 30%, 50% or even 80% through a book and you're not enjoying it, put it down.

Reading should be enjoyable, not a test of endurance.

Every page you force yourself through is time you could have spent reading something you'll absolutely love.

2. Pick Up Something Easy

When you're in a slump, now isn't the time to tackle that intimidating 900-page fantasy novel that's been glaring at you from your shelf.

Choose something fun.

A thriller.

A romance.

A cosy mystery.

A short contemporary novel.

The goal isn't to impress anyone, it's simply to remember why you enjoy reading in the first place.

3. Stop Reading What You Think You Should Read

BookTok has a lot to answer for.

One minute you're happily reading your comfort genre, the next you've somehow convinced yourself you need to read the latest literary masterpiece that everyone else seems to adore.

Here's your reminder:

You don't get bonus points for reading books you hate.

Read the cheesy romance.

Read the dragon book.

Read the murder mystery.

Read whatever makes you excited to pick up your Kindle (or book!).

4. Re-read an Old Favourite

Sometimes the best cure for a reading slump isn't something new.

It's returning to a book that already feels like home.

There's something incredibly comforting about revisiting characters you already love.

No pressure.

No surprises.

Just pure reading enjoyment.

5. Read Less

I know.

It sounds completely backwards.

But if you're forcing yourself to hit a daily reading goal because you feel guilty, you're turning your hobby into homework.

Instead of aiming for 100 pages, read one chapter.

Or even five pages.

Often that's enough to remind yourself you actually wanted to read more anyway.

6. Change How You Read

If you've been reading physical books for months, try your Kindle.

If you've only been using your Kindle, pick up a paperback.

You could even try an audiobook while walking the dog, driving or doing the washing up.

Sometimes a tiny change is enough to make reading feel exciting again.

7. Create a Cosy Reading Environment

I'm convinced reading is at least 30% atmosphere.

Blanket?

Beverage of Choice?

Candles?

Dog asleep next to you?

Perfect.

Creating a little reading ritual gives your brain a cue that it's time to slow down.

8. Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Readers

This one is huge.

Social media makes it very easy to believe everyone else is reading 25 books a week while annotating every page in perfect handwriting.

They're not.

Or if they are, they're probably neglecting their laundry.

Reading isn't a competition.

Whether you read five books a year or 150, you're still a reader.

9. Visit a Bookshop or Library

Sometimes simply being surrounded by books reminds you why you fell in love with reading.

You don't even have to buy anything.

(Although if you're anything like me, that's easier said than done.)

Browse.

Read blurbs.

Sit with a coffee.

The excitement usually comes back naturally.

10. Remember That Reading Should Be Fun

This is the biggest lesson I've learnt.

Reading isn't homework.

You don't have to read classics.

You don't have to finish books you hate.

You don't have to keep up with BookTok.

Read because you enjoy it.

That's enough.

Final Thoughts

If you're in a reading slump right now, don't panic.

It doesn't mean you've fallen out of love with reading forever.

It probably just means your brain needs something different.

Some of my favourite books of all time came immediately after a reading slump because I'd finally stopped forcing myself to read what I thought I should and started reading what genuinely sounded fun.

So close the book you're pretending to enjoy.

Pick up something that actually makes you excited.

And if all else fails?

There's absolutely no shame in spending an evening curled up on the sofa with your Kindle, a glass of wine and a ridiculously addictive romance.

That's usually what gets me every time.

Molly