hcross2015

Cultish

I recently finished reading a book called Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell. The book focuses on different types of cults – from the infamous ones down to MLMs and Crossfit – and how language is used to recruit and keep people in these cults. It got me thinking about how a womanContinue reading “Cultish”

Book Review: Before You Go Extinct

Going into reading this manga, I knew it was going to be dark and emotional – not too different from other manga I’ve read before. What I was not expecting was to be left with an existential crisis on the philosophy of why we are here and why we were born! The illustrations of the animalsContinue reading “Book Review: Before You Go Extinct”

2025 Reading Challenge: Thoughts So Far

Today marks World Book Lovers Day and I thought it was fitting to share my reading progress and some of my favourite books I have enjoyed so far this year. Since 2023, I have tried to challenge myself to read more books each year. In 2023, my goal was to read 52 and I readContinue reading “2025 Reading Challenge: Thoughts So Far”

Zooniverse

In January, I started volunteering as a citizen scientist on a platform called Zooniverse. Zooniverse is a platform where researchers can “recruit” the help from volunteers around the world to help with classifications in their projects. This could be anything from identifying animals in a picture to helping transcribe civil war registries. Since starting, IContinue reading “Zooniverse”

Friday Foods #27

Another easy-to-make dish that can be served alongside other meals, as an appetiser, or maybe just a light lunch! This salad brings a lot of flavour and not a whole lot of prep work. Grilled corn & edamame salad (adapted from Easy Cook) Serves 2-4 2-3 corn cobs 1 tbsp olive oil 200g shelled edamameContinue reading “Friday Foods #27”

Book Review: A Fire in Their Hearts

Here is my review for the novel, A Fire in Their Hearts by Philip Paris, publishing later next month: Historical fiction is my favourite genre, so I was captivated by the description. The prologue really drew me into this story, but unfortunately it is a slow read until the book catches up to where weContinue reading “Book Review: A Fire in Their Hearts”

Friday Foods #26

This Friday Foods could be your chance to try something a little different to add into your recipe book! It combines savoury and fruity flavours to make a delicious light dish for these summer days. Grilled lamb with fruity rice salad (derived from Easy Cook) Serves 4 2 red onions 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tbspContinue reading “Friday Foods #26”

Postcrossing

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Postcrossing: the site where you can send and receive postcards from all over the world! For each postcard you send, you’ll receive one in return – all randomly! The more cards you send, the more you’ll get in return! I joined Postcrossing almost three years ago after learning aboutContinue reading “Postcrossing”

Hellfire Caves

If you’re looking for a unique, interesting and slightly spooky stop on your next adventure, I recommend visiting Hellfire Caves in West Wycombe. I visited on a rainy weekday, so it was fairly quiet and we were able to park up the hill right outside the caves. Before going in the caves, stop in theContinue reading “Hellfire Caves”

Friday Foods #25

Here is another easy pasta dish for you to try! I couldn’t believe how easy this was to make – really perfect for a midweek meal when you don’t want to think about dinner. Creamy One-Tin Meatball Pasta (adapted from Good Housekeeping UK) Serves 2 100g mascarpone or full-fat cream cheese (I used lactose-free creamContinue reading “Friday Foods #25”