What Sophie Said

I cannot describe how much good my week in Kent did me. For seven days the only aim was to relax. I have relaxing days at home, some weekends for example, but when you're at home there are always little jobs or plans popping up, and I don't think you truly switch off in the same way as when you're somewhere else. The cottage was roomy and bright, decorated beautifully and so homely and comfortable. The garden was huge and alongside it ran the cutest coastal path. On  the other side of this path were rolling green hills leading down to the long pebble beach. The weather was beautiful, with blue skies and warm air and only a couple of hours of rain in the whole week. There was nothing to do but relax. There weren't shops everywhere, or tasks to be done. There weren't people around you rushing and stressing and gossiping. People were quiet. People were calm. People were strolling. People were walking their dogs. People were friendly. The pace of life w...

I've had a bit of a blog break over the last couple of weeks for a number of reasons, but the main one is that I've just spent a week at the seaside! I spent Friday to Friday at a cottage by the beach in Herne Bay, Kent, where the itinerary was nothing but relaxation. I've walked, I've mini golfed, I've napped, I've watched films and most importantly I've relaxed. It's so easy to get swept away in the pace of work and life, especially in the mad rush that is London. I'm someone that gets stressed very easily, yet sometimes don't admit to myself when I need a break. The week away was great timing for a lot of reasons, and I thought today I'd just share some pictures of the beautiful place I've been spending my days...

Where do you get your inspiration for which books to pick up next? I’m in need of new ideas! Here's the latest round-up of things I've been reading:- Cutting for Stone, Abraham Verghese Twins Marion and Shiva are born in 1950s Ethiopia to an Indian nun and a British doctor, and grow up in a country on the brink of revolution. This is a family epic, set against an interesting, complex history. When their father is in surgery, there are some stunning descriptions of the physicality and mortality of the human body, and using the biology of the body as metaphors for life. You can feel Marion’s pain sharply throughout, and there were some heart-breaking moments. Worth a read. Burial Rites, Hannah Kent In Iceland, in 1829, a woman is condemned to death for murdering her husband. A family take the woman in, and a priest is tasked with absolving her. This was a good story, but I didn’t enjoy the tone and voice at all. I couldn’t connect to any of the ce...

Last weekend I headed off on a little escape from London, to Ashford in Kent. The Ashford International Hotel was my home for the weekend, and what a beautiful home it was. Part of the Q Hotels group, it's situated just off the motorway and a perfect hub for business or for relaxation. Everything looks brand new and clean, and the reception area is huge and nicely furnished, complete with a warm welcome from the staff. The room was hidden down a maze of corridors, but although the hotel is pretty huge you certainly don't feel like it's busy. It's not often you bump into anyone in the corridors, and the shared areas such as all the seating in the lobby were always comfortable and quiet. The room was far more spacious than I had expected, and the red and pink decor felt plush and luxurious. Everything was spotlessly clean and the bed was unbelievably comfortable. The bedding was also really soft, and didn't have that starchy feel you get at some hotels. ...