This week, Mattel announced the launch of its first autistic Barbie, created in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. The move has been widely praised as an important step forward for representation, inclusivity and understanding of neuro-diversity – particularly for young people on the autism spectrum, who still too often feel unseen or misunderstood.
And at first…
Sometimes the best stories begin over a glass of wine at a Christmas party. At the last festive gathering at Handel Hendrix House, its director Simon Daniels casually mentioned something that instantly caught my attention: he had recently given a speech at a conference in Bologna about music house museums.
Bologna. My hometown.
Simon went on to say how much he had enjoyed visiting some of…
Creating a bedroom that will grow with your child can be a challenge. As your little one’s needs change, so too should their space. It’s not always straightforward, but with a few thoughtful decisions early on, you can make it happen.
Here’s how to create a space that works for both their present and future, while also reflecting their personality.
Furniture that grows with…
Creating salon-worthy hairstyles at home while keeping your hair healthy isn’t just a dream – it’s an achievable skill that comes down to understanding the fundamentals of heat styling and choosing the right approach. Modern equipment has revolutionized home styling, with innovative tools like a hair styler offering both curling and smoothing capabilities in a single device…
Developmental differences are often talked about in the context of childhood, but they don’t simply disappear once someone reaches adulthood. In reality, differences in communication, learning styles, emotional regulation, and sensory processing can shape experiences across an entire lifetime. Understanding these differences at any age can bring clarity, self-compassion, and practical ways to…
On an intensely foggy late-December morning – the kind so typical of the Romagna stretch of the Po Valley, when all you really want is to stay under the duvet with a warm mug in your hands – I instead accepted a rather special invitation. One that turned out to be a small Christmas gift: a visit to the Civic Museum of Russi (near Ravenna, Italy), where the Ocarina Museum –…
For many London mums, the idea of reinvention is not theoretical – it is lived daily. Careers pause, shift, restart, or evolve alongside family life, changing priorities, and unexpected challenges. It is within this space that Success and Self-Discovery: An Entrepreneur’s Memoir of Growth and Transformation by Steven M. Stroum finds its relevance.
Entrepreneur and author Steven…
As millions of Brits embrace Dry January, many are motivated by better sleep, clearer heads and healthier habits. Yet one of the most surprising – and motivating – benefits often appears right in the mirror.
When people stop drinking, their skin frequently responds faster than expected. Within days, sometimes weeks, faces look calmer, brighter and more rested. This isn’t wishful…
I’ll be honest: menopause crept up on me quietly. No dramatic announcement, no official “now you’ve arrived” moment. Just small changes at first – sleep that felt lighter, energy that dipped unexpectedly, moods that seemed to arrive before I’d invited them. Like many women, I initially brushed it off as stress, busy life, or simply “getting older”.
But menopause isn’t a…
January has a funny reputation. We’re expected to emerge from Christmas glowing with discipline, armed with grand resolutions and an entirely new personality by the second week of the year. Gym adverts shout. Social feeds scream productivity. And yet, most of us are simply tired.
This year, I’m choosing a quieter approach.
As the late Rob Reiner once said, “Everybody talks…