Who got there first - The Devil Wears Prada 2 or little old me?

 Lake Como - from my mind to reality

My daughter and I sat in the local cinema watching the anticipated ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2.’

Some way further into the film, I leaned forward in my chair to check the screen in front of me. Lush green lawns and perfectly manicured shrubbery were the scene in front of me, where the main character, Andy, was making a comeback.

I was sure I recognised the place. Squinting, I tried to remember a vision I had in my creative head last Christmas when I was writing my next book, “She Smells Like Strawberries”. Could it be the same place?

I set my scene at Christmas time, and it is a significant part of the book I wrote.

I can’t tell you too much more about the setting without giving a massive spoiler away for the Metronome series I am writing. But I can distinctly remember scrolling through many online videos, blog posts, websites, and Pinterest images to find the perfect location for my main character, Liesa Ulman.

A 16^th-century villa called Villa Balbiano caught my eye as I began writing my scenes in Lake Como. It’s a place that can accommodate several guests, which was perfect for hosting my fictitious band, Chasing Echoes, and their team. The Villa is the largest private residence on the lake, with lush gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a private pier. Perfect for my stars.

Pinterest housed my ideas, as it always does, and I created a mood board for the book (you can have a look here). I find this is an excellent way to help me connect to my characters, too. I simply open up the mood board for the book, select the images I need to see on my phone, and prop it next to my laptop while I write. Works like a dream.

The film was incredible. It was easy to watch, entertaining, and both my daughter and I had a keen eye for spotting some dreamy, creative shots. The story stayed with me as we left the flicks and headed home. I noticed the vision of the writer as they had slightly softened Miranda’s character (played expertly by Meryl Streep) as she was somewhat older. Appearing reflective about life, I could tell she was listening to an inner voice which whispered to her about times gone by, hoping it wasn’t too late for her to continue achieving.

This is how I sometimes feel.

She even used the words, “I really like working, don’t you?” which I could have plucked directly from my voice box.

The following day, I dared to let my mind wander back to the scenes on Lake Como as I said out loud to my daughter, “I’m pretty sure that place is in ‘Strawberries’.” She knows what I mean by ‘Strawberries’, as she is my expert cover designer.

“Oh, really?” She acknowledged me casually. My face looked thoughtful as I reached for my phone and tapped the screen.

Searching in the browser, typing the words ‘Film locations for Devil Wears Prada 2’ gave me an instant reply. I cupped my open mouth and sat up in my seat instantly as my daughter smiled. She knew I’d just witnessed a top film scene on the big screen as if it were already my book.

Excerpt: She Smells Like Strawberries:

Outside, the lush green mountains surrounded Lake Como. The air refreshed my skin with a slight sting of its chill. The water on top of the lake was still, silver, and moody. It flowed more slowly because of the cold. White dustings sat on top of the mountains as I looked high into the air, with my hands in my pockets. Passing close by was a water taxi. Walnut wood gleamed from every surface on the boat as if it had been lovingly polished. The air smelled of wet stone and gentle hints of iris.

Without doubt, this was a sign for me to keep going on my path. I’ve since asked the Villa if I can come for a visit. I’ll keep you posted on this story

Royal Kenz Hotel in Tunsia - latest deal at £530

 Looking for great deals? I just had a little search to find a week for £530 all inclusive.

https://tui-uk.7cnq.net/MKbNWY

The Tui website says it's 48% off. Not sure how long that will last.

The hotel is called the

TUI SUNEO Royal Kenz

In Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia 

When I visited there as a solo traveller, I didn't think too much about what I would expect. I was literally looking for hotels to go to so I could film and take photos for this blog and my YouTube.

No more, no less.

But since I returned home and looked back over time, I completely realise what a wonderful hotel this was. It's got an unusual vibe I couldn't quite put my finger on. There were soft green carpets and a window view I could stare at all day. The room was meant to be a single room. I ended up with a twin. The bed was comfy.

The staff were welcoming and made sure everyone felt included.

My most memorable experience was in the spa - You'll need to watch this to understand how awesome it was. Anyway, for £530 you can go there soon by clicking here.

While you are travelling, do you read? Let me know:

Do you read while you are sitting on the beach or by the pool?

If so, this latest book might be for you. It’s getting a massive buzz, has been labelled a page turner, and is up for some awards! Have a look at the blurb and let me know what you think:

The Note I Wrote for You https://amzn.to/46fKqZB

Liesa Ulman never expected her quiet life to collide with the chaotic world of a rising music band. 

As a successful writer living in Bali, a chance meeting with Simon, the frontman of Chasing Echoes sees her travel the world.  

Amid the backstage drama, sold-out concerts, and breathtaking locales, sparks fly with a man who challenges her at every turn. From subtle tension to undeniable attraction, their enemies-to-lovers connection threatens to derail everything she thought she knew about love.

A slow burn contemporary romance, The Note I Wrote For You blends steamy passion, emotional depth, and the thrill of life on tour. 

Fans of music band (rockstar) romance, passionate slow burn love stories, enemies-to-lovers tension, and globetrotting adventures will be swept off their feet.

•affiliate link

Latest Holiday Discount codes and deals - where do you want to go?

 It’s that time of year again when you may be considering having a browse online for a holiday.

If that’s you, I would love to help you save money with the latest deals available by adding a code.

Before you click, these are affiliate links, which means if you book, the company shares a small commission with the affiliate partner. They always cost you the same, or less, never ever more 

You are under no pressure to use my links to book, but if you do, it helps pay some way towards the costs of running the sites.

Tui Deals: https://tui-uk.7cnq.net/rn5NXB 

Last minute: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=4329&awinaffid=504875

Travel Supermarket: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=8734&awinaffid=504875

Holiday Extras (Parking and Lounges etc) https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=3496&awinaffid=504875 

And while you are listening to an audiobook: https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=8095&awinaffid=504875

Or if you want a paperback, I recommend this author :) https://amzn.to/4b8rMFI 

Feel free to ignore this post and move on if this is not of interest. For those who use these links, I truly appreciate your support and I hope it saves you some money. 

Writing about travel journeys

 

Why I include travel in my books.

For many years, I have worked with food, nutrition and hotels. This is not new news; not a secret.

Alongside all of those years, I have written. 

Is there a purpose in our lives? I don’t know. But I am sure we can sense a passion by the fizzing feeling in our bellies. And I would like to think my passion and purpose is writing.

To be honest, I am happy writing pretty much anything. Words just flow, and I would sit and jot things as a child, and ever since. But feeling as though the hotel world, events, food and nutrition are my area of expertise, I decided to throw such things into my stories.

When I write about things I am not knowledgeable about, I do extensive research. So, travel, hotels and stadiums/events make their way into my stories with ease. 

This Christmas, I have just published my latest book, which sees scenes set in:

Iceland

Dubai

Bali

Koh Samui

Thailand

One of these places is still on my ‘to be visited’ list and I’m sure it will make me head there just to gather some more content to drive forward more stories. Revisiting places in my videos and on my blog is a fun part of the process and telling those stories with fiction injected allows me a beautiful, creative flow with a couple of outstanding people called Liesa and Blake. They are the main characters who are busy travelling around the world in a private jet called Dominus with a band called Chasing Echoes. 

This book series is starting to create a buzz among the readers. They started to say they can feel some sort of magic in the book as they are reading it. This makes me happy, because I felt the magic while writing it.

Now, the Christmas edition of the latest book: ‘She Smells Like Strawberries', out now, until the end of January. It’s a very limited edition.

Of course, you can read these books alone, but you will be so in love with the characters, and you’ll want to see their entire journey, so you will want to read The Note I Wrote for You, too.

Let me know if you have read them, or intend to get them as Christmas presents!!! - Grab a copy here

Travel: on the 32nd day of Christmas, my true love sent me to…

Are you wishing for tickets in your Christmas stocking this year? 

You want to board a plane, visit the theatre, or sail away into the sunset and feel as if you are living life again after surviving the most commercial time of the year.

It is one of the busiest times of the year for booking trips; the 32nd day of Christmas (New Year) and what a way to head into 2026 with an excited bump. 

Where will you choose? Will it be affordable? 

Let me help you with some insider tips and show you how to make the best of the bargains. 

My preferred tour operator tends to be Tui, for all things all-inclusive, or, of course, for their cruises. I have learned the hard way, so you don’t have to:

1. There may be places which seem cheaper, but possibly don’t include a transfer
2. Locations tend to be better with Tui (in-resort places which are near everywhere else)
3. Beware of extra baggage charges

When you consider adding the above charges on, do a quick bit of maths to check if it is actually cheaper at all.

Saying that, there is also some beauty in researching booking flights, transfers and accommodation yourself. The links in that sentence will take you to the platforms I use (they do contain affiliate links, which never cost you any more, but the company will share a small commission with me, which goes towards the costs of running this website). I hope you find the links helpful. 

I tell you why this might be my new way of doing things: I have travelled to Asia in the past two years and that has a very different feel in the travel experience than using a package, and sitting relaxing for a week or two at an all-inclusive resort. 

There are a lot of things to jot down as you are navigating your agenda. 

Recently, I tried to book one of these super-cheap Wowcher deals, and sorry to call you out Wowcher, but it was a shambles. 

£160 for two nights in the alps was too good to be true. I paid for the vouchers, and the travel company called me within 48 hours to firm up plans. I was told by them, “This offer is no longer available, but you can pay another £133 each, and then we can find an alternative,” and after a lot of to and fro, we decided to go for the extra money and still go. Until the final moment, when I double confirmed the hotel was going to be the amazing Motel One, and I was told, “no, it’s the Ibis.” And it just wasn’t cutting it.

There is no option for a refund. 

There is only one alternative trip.

Most of them would need a half-hour taxi ride in Spain to the accommodation (likely €40-50) and didn’t include any baggage or meals. So, that was a no from me. We have settled to go somewhere which isn’t ideal at all, but hey, it is what it is, and you have to choose your battles. 

How you can save money:

This is not a myth or an old wives’ tale, but it is usually a fact. Despite the TikTok clan disagreeing 10% of the time, everyone else felt it helped. (this video had over 350k people looking at it!) 

Book on the 5th or 6th January 2026 - or a Tuesday evening if it’s another time. These are the days when people are least likely to be looking and booking. 

The more people demand holidays (imagine an auction room), the higher the price pushes up. Yep, it is a fact. 

Another thing you will want to do is put your browser into incognito mode, or use a VPN, so your searches are not push up the prices. 

Paying for it is easier than it was before due to using options like Klarna etc - but be mindful that this will put a soft search on your credit history. I’m not a finance person at all, but just ensure you are only booking trips you can afford (feels like a responsible thing to say).

I would love to hear your dream destination in 2026. I would like to know what the year ahead holds for us all, and where we may be by this time next year. Think back to last Christmas. What were you hoping for? Did it happen? You know by now, I am a firm believer in the Law of Attraction, and what you believe, you can achieve. 

My travel plans have been on hold for quite some time now, and I have no idea what the coming year may hold for me, but I still have ‘luminescent plankton’ on my bucket list…..