TV Shows You Need To Watch #4

It's been absolutely ages since I last did a TV recommendations post like this. I've had a few Netflix suggestions posts go up which I've loved writing but as I'm sure you can guess, that's just the films and shows on Netflix so I thought it was about time I wrote another post like this about the shows I've been loving on TV over the last few months. Autumn always seems to bring out the binge worthy shows on channels like ITV and BBC but I really do think we've been spoilt throughout the whole year so far.

A Very English Scandal - I'm a really big fan of Hugh Grant so when I first heard about this show, I knew it would be one to watch. He stars alongside Ben Whishaw who you might know as the voice of Paddington and together they were just brilliant. This show tells the story of Jeremy Thorpe, a member of parliament who was tried and acquitted of conspiring to murder his ex lover Norman Scott. At a time when homosexuality was still illegal, Jeremy felt he had no choice but to get rid of Norman but whether he's successful or not, you'll have to watch to find out. This kept me interested from the beginning and even though it's a true story, I genuinely had no idea how it was going to end. Each episode was fantastic.

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The Split - When I first saw this advertised on TV, I actually didn't think I would be too fussed about it but when we were in Paris in May, there were very limited channels in the hotel and we ended up watching an episode whilst it was on. Once we were back we decided to start it from the beginning and I ended up absolutely loving it! In this six part series, we meet the Defoes, a family of female divorce lawyers. You might think from the outside they have it together and they live seemingly perfect lives but that's actually not the case at all. From their relationships and careers to the return of their estranged father, they all have issues and ultimately are 4 very different women trying to get through life as best as they can. This show really surprised me and whilst at first it did seem to get quite a lot of criticism, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I also liked how it was left on a cliff hanger at the end so hopefully they'll be series 2 in the future. 

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Age Before Beauty - I actually don't know where to start with this show. It's another show that's actually received a lot of criticism and at first I wasn't sure whether to even give it a chance but I'm really glad I did. It's definitely not the best show ever made, a little weird at time but it was a good drama to look forward to each week. This series follows The Regans who are a pretty dysfunctional family, running a beauty salon. Bel and Wesley are the main couple but there is also Bel's sister Leanne and her husband Teddy. What we find out though is that Teddy is actually in love with Bel and he'll stop at nothing to get her. I really wasn't sure how this was going to end and I actually ended up rooting for Bel and Teddy to be together, but I never expected the final episode to be as it was. There is no way of explaining but things are seriously messed up. It's definitely worth a watch and I'm hoping they'll do more in future.

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Bodyguard - This show. Everyone has been talking about it and I've been part of that too. I mean, it looked good from the BBC trailer but I never ever expected it to end up being so outstanding. During the first 20 minutes of the first episode I couldn't breathe, straight away they throw you in and from then on, I was hooked. It was torture waiting each week for another episode! This follows Richard Madden as a David, a heroic but volatile war veteran who is assigned to protect the home secretary, Julia who is played by Keeley Hawes. From the beginning we're left guessing how bad the home secretary really is and what David's real motive is behind taking this role but I don't think you could have predicted at all the things that happened throughout. It's one of the best TV shows I've watched in a long, long time. There's been rumours of series 2 but I kind of want it to be left where it was. I think it was wrapped up really well but who knows.

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Killing Eve - This is probably my favourite TV show of the year and I'm really not sure what will beat it in the future to be honest. It seemed to come out of nowhere and all of a sudden it was something everyone was talking about but now I totally get why. It's been playing on a Saturday night on the BBC but we couldn't wait so we watched it all on iPlayer and I think within 24 hours we had got through it all. You know when you just get so lost in a show, you have to just keep going? This was one of those for me but ever since I've been thinking about going back and re-watching it all again. I probably won't do the show justice but this is about 2 very different women who end up in this weird game of cat and mouse. Eve, a bored MI5 officer and Villanelle, a talented killer always able to get her own way. They actually end up being weirdly obsessed with each other but because of that you really can't predict where each episode will go next. I just can't get over how incredible this was and I'm so excited for series 2. Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh are fabulous in this.

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Have you watched any of these too? Let me know if you have any other recommendations!

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The Bedtime Tag

I love a tag post, and I've felt a bit low on ideas recently so when I saw The Bedtime Tag whilst having a blog reading session, I thought it would be perfect! Feel free to copy the questions if you want to take part too.

1. Describe your usual bedtime routine
My routine kind of starts after we've eaten tea as I like to get everything nice and tidy so I can properly relax for the rest of the night. Making sure any dishes are done and having a wipe round really clears my head and if that's not done I just get stressed! I'll then do a bit of a skincare routine, if I've got any makeup on I'll use a micellar water and sometimes I'll indulge in a face mask too. Fresh PJ's on and then usually George and I will settle down to watch something together, either a few episodes of whatever box-set we're on at the time or a film.

2. What are your favourite pyjamas?

I have a pair of black pyjama bottoms which are still so soft after wearing them so many times and I always feel so comfortable in those. I have a few different loose vests too which are just so nice for sleeping in but I don't really have a proper set or anything like that.

3. What is your current bedtime reading?

I'm yet to start something new! I've literally just finished The Wife Between Us and also One Day In December so I need to decide what's next.

4. What would I find on your bedside table?
Not much actually yet to me it always looks messy! I have a photo on there of George and I, a lamp and a coaster, pretty boring to be honest! I always keep a bottle of water too overnight and my phone.

5. What scent makes you sleepy?

Whilst lavender isn't my favourite scent, it definitely helps me sleep. I find that's in a lot of products that are there to help you get a good nights sleep like the Feather and Down pillow spray and it's just really comforting. It definitely helps me relax.

6. What is your usual bedtime and wake up time?

Well my sleep pattern is all over the place so I never really have a set time or anything. If I'm having a good month with my sleep I tend to be asleep by midnight or just after and I'll be up around 9am. If I'm struggling with insomnia which has happened several times over the last few years, I can be up til about 4am so at times like that I just sleep as and when I can and any sort of routine goes out of the window.

7. What are your top 3 bedtime products?
The Feather and Down Pillow Spray is amazing, the Garnier Micellar Water is fab for when I'm lazy and just want to quickly remove my makeup and also a face mask is a nice way to try and chill out a little before bed.

8. What is your most common sleeping position?

I usually like to sleep on my side, I do wake up quite a few times in the night though so I end up changing all the time to try and get back to sleep.

9. Do you have anything you like to take to bed with you?
Always a bottle of water and my phone, I think that's it.

10. What's your worst bedtime habit?

Probably how much time I spend on my phone even in bed when I know it's going to make it harder for me to sleep! I find when I've been on my phone I'll be laid awake for so much longer whereas if I've been reading, it makes my eyes so tired and really helps me relax. I definitely need to get better with the amount I go on my phone.

Do you have any products that help you sleep? or any bad habits like me that really don't help?

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London Travel Guide - Where To Stay, What To See, Christmas & More

I've loved posting travel guides throughout the year from York to Manchester and even Paris so I thought it was about time I shared my tips for my favourite place in the world, London! I'm sure most people who read my blog know by now just how much I adore the city - I feel totally at home whenever we return so I've documented all of our trips over the last few years. As we've been so much I feel I've got quite a lot of tips to share so hopefully if you love London like me or if you're planning a visit, this will be useful and give you some inspiration.

Where To Stay

As always, I'm starting with my advice on where to stay but really London is full to the brim of brilliant hotels so you'll never struggle. There are two hotels we've stayed at various times that are both great in terms of price and location, those being County Hall Premier Inn and Mercure London Bridge. County Hall is where we stay most often and I couldn't recommend it enough - it's just down the road from Waterloo station, literally next to the London Eye and just across from Westminster so you are right in the heart of everything. As it's such a brilliant location, this is obviously reflected in the price but the earlier you book, the better the deal you'll find. We only tend to stay in the Mercure if we're visiting for a work trip but everytime we've been impressed. It's a 5 minute walk to Southwark station and about 10 minutes to London Bridge station or you can walk straight down to the Southbank so for location it's pretty great. It's also got a beautiful view of The Shard and The Tate. You can find a plethora of affordable chain hotels in London but if you want something a little higher end, of course it's full of gorgeous boutique hotels. Air B&B is also great for a short stay in London.

What To See

Piccadilly Circus & Leicester Square - One of the first places we always head to in London is Piccadilly. It just epitomises the city for me and there is so much to see. If you visit make sure you pop to Whole Foods for the best doughnuts ever! Just down from Piccadilly Circus is Leicester Square where you'll find some of the best shops like M&M world and it's also where lots of film premiers are held.

Notting Hill - I only got round to visiting on our last trip but I already can't wait to go back with George in the future. Full of pastel coloured houses, beautiful bakeries and even famous film locations, it's a bloggers dream.

The London Eye - Whilst I haven't actually been on the London Eye yet it's definitely near the top of my list for the future, it's a perfect way to take in some of the sights. As we stay literally next to it most visits, I'm always just in awe of it, it looks absolutely incredible up close and it's the thing that always makes me so excited to be back in London.

Westminster - Just across from the London Eye you'll find Westminster and the whole area is actually really lovely to walk around, especially when the sun is setting. Here you'll find Big Ben and Westminster Abbey which looks incredible in the evening. 

Covent Garden - Probably my favourite area of London. Of course like anywhere you go it's busy but there's just something about it that I always find relaxing. You'll find loads of quirky shops here aswell as Laduree for divine macarons, Shake Shack for the best burgers ever and there are street performers on all day which is always fun to sit and watch.

Borough Market - I am so glad George and I were told about Borough Market as until a few years ago it was a place we had no idea about. Now it's one place I recommend to anyone planning a trip to London. If you're a bit of a foodie, you'll be spoilt for choice. Stall after stall of the most delicious food and drink - fresh juices, the best Indian food, homemade fudge, huge doughnuts, it's just heaven.

Buckingham Palace - I think a trip to Buckingham Palace is a must when you're in London. It took us a while to actually get round to it and when we did, I can't say it was as special as I expected it to be but I am glad we did it. It's such a major part of London and if you're a fan of the royals then I imagine it's amazing to see up close.

See a show - For me a trip to London wouldn't be complete now without seeing a show. We've been lucky enough to see 3 so far and I'm so excited to see more in the future. London's West End is just fabulous - the range of shows available is insane so no matter what you like whether it's something a bit cheeky like Kinky Boots or a classic like Phantom Of The Opera, you'll always have plenty to choose from.

Oxford Street - For all your shopping needs, Oxford Street is the place to go. It's full to the brim of high street stores mixed in with high end and you can find pretty much everything. It's brilliant at Christmas time and the lights all along the street are stunning.

Christmas In London

You can't beat Christmas in London. It makes me feel so festive each year, everywhere you look is decorated so beautifully and it's impossible to not get excited.

There's Winter Wonderland which takes place in Hyde Park and it's absolutely huge! I think we walked around the whole of it twice last year so by the end we were knackered but wow it was worth it. Stalls upon stalls of the most delicious food (halloumi fries HELLO), hot chocolate, ice skating, rides, an ice bar and so much more. If you want something a bit more chilled out though the Christmas Market along the Southbank is much more relaxed. You'll find an array of stalls offering the best in street food, craft beers, gifts, activities and more. Leicester Square is also another option for the markets.

If you're a fan of ice skating and want to do something a little different whilst in London, Somerset House and the Natural History Museum are both worth a visit and it makes for such a fun afternoon.

For Christmas lights, Carnaby Street currently looks absolutely incredible. This years lights are lyrics from Queen and lit up in neon they look stunning. Another place is Kew Gardens where you'll find a chorus of singing trees, giant light up piano keys, laser beams over water and more. Apparently they change the lights each year so if you've been before expect something new for 2018.

Travel & Getting Around

London is absolutely massive and there really is so much to do it's unreal but luckily it's really easy to get from one place to another. I've found public transport to be excellent every time. The tube whilst at first might seem like a minefield, soon becomes easy to navigate, it's affordable and it's the quickest way of getting to where you want to go. Buses are constantly running aswell though if you'd prefer to do that and there are also several bus tour companies which are great if you want to be able to hop on and off. Companies like Big Bus Tours go past all the main attractions so are really useful if you have a short trip planned and want to see as much as possible. 

I absolutely loved putting this travel guide together and I hope it's helpful for you if you're planning a trip to London in the future. I've tried to include as much as possible without this going on all day!

What do you like to do in London?

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5 Tips For Getting Your Car Prepared For Winter*

With Autumn well and truly under way, it won't be too long before Winter's here and as much I'm here for it, they are my two favourite seasons after all, there can be a lot to think about. One thing we need to consider is making sure our cars are prepared for any bad weather we could come across. Driving in bad weather conditions can not only be uncomfortable but also extremely dangerous at times so here are 5 tips to ensure you're covered this Winter.

Get Your Car Serviced

Winter is when your car requires the most care so making sure you book it in for a service at regular intervals is incredibly important. Breakdowns become more common and potentially more dangerous during the colder months so trained technicians can check over several things for you such as overall condition of tyres, exhaust, battery, oil and more.

Tyres

With Winter, comes rain and sometimes even snow if we're lucky but that does make driving tricky, therefore it's vital your tyres are fit and compatible to drive on dewy roads. One thing you should be checking is that your tyres are properly inflated. If they are, this can have lots of benefits aswell as helping ensure you're safe. It means lower fuel consumption and also less wear and tear which therefore means replacing your tyres less often. You should also check they have sufficient tread. Tyre treads are the grooves on your tyres and they enable your car to better grip the road surface. You can check your tyre tread with a simple 20p coin too! 

Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment might not be the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to preparing your car for Winter but making sure your wheels are set to the optimum position can make sure for a safer and smoother drive. If you're wheels aren't aligned properly which can easily happen because of simple things such as hitting the kerb or driving over a pothole, it can result in rapid tyre wear.

Air Conditioning 

This is another thing that may not seem like a priority at first when it comes to Winter but it's actually extremely important. There is a misconception that air conditioning refers to cooling only but it's also used for heating. Modern air conditioning systems do much more though than just blow warm and cool air, they're actually increasingly used to keep the environment within our cars clean and fresh and it's recommended that every two years it has a service. You can recharge your car's air conditioning system with fresh gas and lubricant and this will ensure that it's working to it's optimum performance meaning when you're driving you'll be more comfortable, alert and safer.

Brakes

Your car's braking system is one of the most vital aspects when it comes to safety, not just for you but also for other road users and pedestrians. Safety must come first so to secure your cars with reliable brakes, look no further than Calmac Autocentre in Northampton. Calmac Tyres are a family owned, and family run garage who were established in 2007. With many years of experience, they are the place to go if you're in Northampton or the surrounding areas. A periodic check of brakes and shock absorbers is recommended to maintain their safety aswell as handling of the vehicle and reducing wear and tear. There are usually many signs if there is an issue with your brakes and if you're worried make sure you get them checked over. Things to look out for are - a grinding noise when braking, brakes making a high-pitched squealing noise, the brake pedal having to be pushed harder and finally the car pulling to one side or another when braking.

Safety when driving is important all year round but the weather conditions we can sometimes be faced with in Winter really can cause problems. These tips are all to ensure your car is prepared in the best way possible for whatever could arrive in the next few months.

Do you have any other tips?

*This post is in collaboration with Calmac Tyres

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