The second part of my mini-tour of Cambodia was to Siem Riep. We did a minibus transfer that took the best part of the day, with several comfort stops and lunch at a community-run silk farm – fascinating. We arrived at our hotel at around 5pm – a really lovely hotel, with a fabulous pool, … More Cambodia – part 2
Last year, when I blogged about what turned out to be an amazing trip to Thailand, I decided to set an intention to escape from the misery of the UK winter to visit this part of the world again. And next on my list to visit was Cambodia and Vietnam… So, last Sunday, I boarded … More Cambodia part 1
Reader, I can hardly believe it myself, but 50ShadesofBrave hits its 10 year anniversary in a matter of weeks! The blog itself was conceived as a record of my commitment to mark my 50th year with a series of challenges – you can read about the inspiration (and to be honest the ‘necessity’) of that … More Can you help me?
You may remember my post last year about my scheme to motivate myself during 2024 via a bingo board of goals and challenges (https://50shadesofbrave.blog/2024/11/19/my-2024-bingo-challenge/). It was an activity that led to plenty of action and a degree of reflection, so I decided to repeat it for 2025. If you’re looking for a TL:DR for this … More Bingo board 2025 – successes and failures
Over the last few years, a couple of my girlfriends and I have marked the run up to Christmas with a craft workshop and lunch / dinner out. We’ve made several pieces of Christmas pottery, and last year a bauble wreath. When we talked about what to do this year, and considered the cost of … More Sofia
Today is National Poetry Day 2025. As a fervent poetry-lover, it seems remiss to me that poetry should be celebrated in this way on only one day of the year. I’d definitely be up for National Poetry Week, or even Month, if we have to limit it at all. I’ve loved poetry since I was … More Poetry
This is something of a misleading title for my post, as will become clear. For it would seem that *every* day is ‘the day’ of something… Let me explain. This post, and others that may follow, has been inspired by the findings of my dear friend Helena Holrick (www.helpingyoushine.com), who has recently shared her discovery … More Today’s the day
Over the past year I have worked hard to shed weight and improve my fitness, a by product of which has been finding that upon unpacking my summer clothes from their storage bags, many (most?) were now too big. It’s not a bad problem to have… but it does necessitate some action. My choices as … More On being kinder to oneself…
Sometimes things happen for a reason. Sometimes an accident can be fortuitous. Sometimes the universe aligns in funny ways… Like when your son smashes a pasta bowl from your favourite set. And that makes you sad… And then you see an advert for a Kintsugi workshop. And ‘try a new craft’ is also on your … More Perfectly imperfect
Way back in January, when I was approaching 2025 with a fresh face and a fresh set of motivational challenges and goals for the year, I allowed myself to be suggestible. My wonderful PT, Michelle, was the culprit… suggesting to me that maybe by April I might be up for a charity 5k ‘fun run’.* … More A first! (Or a 1075th)
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