Ellie Pilcher
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Articles by Ellie Pilcher
A Little Life | Theatre Review
I decided to spend £90 – a bargain by West End standards – on front-row seats to A Little Life. I had a brilliant view, which in this play is both an honour and an absolute horror. Going to see A Little Life on stage was a decision I made without question of price, trigger warnings or time. But I wouldn’t recommend others do the same if there are any tickets left. It is a 3-hour, 40 minutes play – which feels like 2 hours – of pure trauma.
30 Days of Happiness Challenge 2023 | Year of 30 Day Challenges
30 Days of Happiness Challenge 2023 | Year of 30 Day Challenges For my sixth 30 day challenge of 2023, I’m attempting a 30 Days of Happiness Challenge. This is a new type of challenge for me. I’ve never tried a ‘happiness’ challenge, but it sounds like a lot of fun. As June is my birthday month it seemed like the perfect month to attempt it. What is a Happiness Challenge? So, what does a 30 Days of Happiness Challenge involve?
Best Summer Reads 2023
As Summer fast approaches I thought I would share a list of the best summer reads 2023. From romantic beach reads to heart-racing summer classics. Best Summer Reads 2023 Beach Read by Emily Henry For the romantics in the world, you should pick up a copy of Beach Read by Emily Henry for your summer holidays. This novel is full of some of the best romantic tropes, including a fan favourite enemies-to-lovers.
100 Female Writers to Read | Part Two
A couple of years ago I took a list created by Jean at BookishThoughts, of 100 female writers. I’m making my way through that list, but I thought in addition to her suggestions I would create an additional list of 100 female writers to read. The below list is a mix of female writers who were alive across the last five centuries, some of whom I’ve read but most I’ve not.
My Holiday in York
In May 2023 I took myself off on another solo trip – the second of many in 2023! – this time I visited York. This was the first time I had visited this stunning medieval city. I stayed for two nights, and really one would have been enough for what I wanted to do. But I had the chance to take lots of photos and get video content for TikTok. Day 1: Arriving in the city I left Kings Cross Station at 11 am and arrived at 1:30 pm.
New Book Releases in 2023
As we’re almost halfway through 2023 I thought I would update my most anticipated reads of 2023 post with a new book releases in 2023 as several more books have been announced. New Book Releases Summer 2023 Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons – 3rd August First up is a novel that I’m completely biased about as I’m part of the team publishing it, but I love it! This is an untelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Books to Read in Spring 2023
As the weather turns and it feels like we’re well and truly entering Spring, I thought I would share a list of books to read in Spring 2023. Books to read in Spring 2023 Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery If you’ve never read Anne of Green Gables, you should. The story follows a talkative orphan, adopted by the Cuthberts on Prince Edward Island and lives at Green Gables farm. Anne often gets into trouble for her fiery temper and her beautiful imagination.
23 Things I'd Like to Do in 2023
As we’re almost halfway through the year I thought I would do a 6 month check-in, into my list of 23 things I’d like to do in 2023. First though, a reminder of the 23 things I’d like to do in 2023.
Spring Book Haul 2023
As we properly enter Spring – is that sunshine I see? – I thought I would share some of my latest book purchases in the form of a spring book haul 2023. Spring Book Haul 2023 Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid I started the year, like many, by buying Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid in a Kindle Daily Deal. At only 99p this was a bargain buy and one I look forward to reading once I’ve finally read Malibu Rising.
The Quarter Year Crisis Book Tag 2023
We’re technically more than a quarter way through the year, but this is the Quarter Year Crisis Book Tag. The Quarter Year Crisis Book Tag 2023 How many books have you read this year? To date, I’ve read 25 books. I’m about 6 books behind schedule to meet my goal of reading 100 books a year. Have you already found a book you think might be a 2023 favourite? If not, what was your favourite book you read that wasn’t quite five stars?
30 Books in 30 Days 2023 Edition | Year of 30 Day Challenges
It’s the start of a new month and that means it’s time for a new 30 Day Challenge as part of my Year of 30 Day Challenges. This month challenge is one of my favourites. My 30 Books in 30 Days 2023 edition. The most I’ve ever read in one month is 18 books, so I’m still a long way off my 30 books in 30 days target. But let’s see how many of the following books I’ll manage to read in May 2023.
My Holiday in Stratford-Upon-Avon
In late March I went on a solo trip to Straford-Upon-Avon for three days. I had originally planned to go in November 2022 but I postponed my trip due to work, so this holiday was very anticipated. A trip down memory lane I previously went to Straford-Upon-Avon twice, once when I was 16 and again when I was 17 years old, with school. As part of a partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company, I performed at the Swan Theatre which was incredible.
20 Classics Under 200 Pages
Today I wanted to share a post recommending 20 classics under 200 pages. I’m in the middle of a reading slump so short reads are my favourite right now. And as anyone who knows me or has read my previous posts will know, I love classics! 20 Classics Under 200 Pages Animal Farm by George Orwell This 122 page novella is an allegory of the Russian Revolution, specifically the impact of communism. It’s a political criticism, but it’s also an engrossing read.
30 Days of Spring Challenge | The Year of 30 Day Challenges
It’s a new month which means a new 30 Day Challenge. This month in my Year of 30 Day Challenges I will be completing a 30 Days of Spring Challenge. This challenge is tailored to getting the most out of Spring as the seasons change from Winter to Spring. You can update this challenge with your preferences with regard to shopping. For example, I prefer reading in Spring so I will aim to go to more bookshops.
How I Changed Literary Agents
Recently I shared the very exciting announcement that I have a new literary agent. I am now represented by the incredibly talented Hannah Schofield at LBA, and I couldn’t be more excited. Of course, by changing literary agents and sharing the news online I’ve had a few personal queries about why I made the move. Why did I change literary agents? The answer is simple, my original agent – also another brilliantly talented Hannah – left the agency I was with and moved into a different publishing role.
Revisiting my 30 Before 30 List
Back in 2021, when I was 25, I wrote a 30 before 30 list. Today, whilst I’m 27, I thought it was time I revise that list and make it more realistic. When I was 25, I was focused on everyday life experiences and escape, as we were still stuck in lockdown. Now I want to focus on actually being in a solid position for my 30s. To date, I have achieved 10 of my 30 goals.
Where I've Been and Where I'm Going
I haven’t done a general update on EllesBellesNotebook plans for a while. After really honing in on what was working and what wasn’t in 2022, in 2023 I’m typically falling back on my plans for EllesBellesNotebook. So today I thought I would share an update on where I’ve been and where I’m going. How’s 2023 going so far? I’ve been ill for a significant portion of 2023. I started the year with walking pneumonia and then got COVID.
Latest Monthly Favourites – March 2023 - EllesBellesNotebook
So March 2032 has come and gone, and I was very busy this month. But I still found time to enjoy some TV, music and drink. Some of which are now favourites. As such, here are my latest monthly favourites. Latest Monthly Favourites Daisy Jones & The Six (Amazon Prime) No surprise the limited series of Daisy Jones & The Six is on the list. The first three episodes aired in early March and I dropped everything to watch them.
No Spend February 2023 Results
It’s now March which means it’s time to recap the results of my last 30 Day Challenge. In February 2023 I attempted the No Spend February 2023 Challenge, a 30 Day Challenge, and I totally failed. Did I succeed in my No Spend Challenge? I was supposed to have restricted myself financially to only buying the essentials in February. But illness, stress and some retail therapy affected that. I didn’t over-spend but I certainly didn’t keep to my no-spend. What did I spend money on?
Best Films About Writers
As a writer, I do love to watch films about writers. I find them inspiring when I’m struggling to find my mojo when writing my own work. Many of them are period dramas as there aren’t many contemporary films about modern-day writers, as yet. Here is a list of some of the best films about writers available to watch now. Best Films About Writers Miss Potter First up is my favourite film about a writer, Miss Potter.
Books I Read in February 2023
This month I managed to read seven books. Not bad, seeing as my reading slump continues. Most of the books I read this month were part of a series so this post is likely to be short but I really enjoyed everything I read in February 2023. Books I Read in February 2023 Lockwood & Co: The Screaming Staircase After watching Lockwood & Co on Netflix in early February I became interested in reading the young adult series.
Monthly Favourites – February 2023 - EllesBellesNotebook
It’s time to recount what I’ve been loving in February. These are my monthly favourites for February 2023, including some new TV shows, clothing brands and cosmetics. Monthly Favourites – February 2023 Lockwood & Co – Netflix This is not my usual cup of tea, however, I saw a 1-minute preview and I was hooked. It’s the right level of scary but with believable lore, melodrama and solid storylines you can get behind. I’m now slightly desperate for a season 2.
The Beauty of a Capsule Wardrobe
Recently I shared a review of some Bamboo Socks I was lucky enough to be sent from Thought Clothing. Today I’m sharing an interview with the founder of the company, Rachel about the beauty of a capsule wardrobe. Interview with Rachel, founder of Thought Clothing 1) How would you describe a capsule wardrobe to someone who doesn’t know what it is?
10 Tips To Make Your Space Feel Bigger
Does your house or flat feel too small? Do you feel like your space is cluttered? Today I’m sharing a post with 10 tips to make your space feel bigger. Rising rent prices, shrinking property sizes and increased demand for shared accommodation means we’re now living in smaller spaces more than ever.
Best Books Beginning with I
It’s been a while since my last ‘Best Books Beginning With’ post, but today I’m sharing a list of the best books beginning with I that I’ve read. Best Books Beginning With I I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou I read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings a while back, by listening to the audiobook narrated by Maya Angelou. Maya was an incredible woman and such an inspiration. Her writing is intelligent and exceptionally moving. It should be compulsory reading, especially her first memoir.
The Good Zest Company | Sponsored Post
I’ve recently been trying a lot of bath and beauty products, trying to find my new favourites. Today I’m sharing a review of The Good Zest Company products. The Good Zest Company is a British citrus organic skincare and hair care brand that began operating in 2020. It’s waste-free and the products are organic. The founder, Rose Sergeant, is a clinical aromatherapist and has found a way to eliminate harmful chemicals from everyday beauty and hair products like body washes, shampoo and hair oil.
Dear Reader, Here Are 9 Books Like Bridgerton
Bridgerton Season 3 is in the works and will be arriving soon – I hope. But, if you need a Bridgerton fix in the meantime, here are 9 books like Bridgerton I recommend reading. 9 Books Like Bridgerton The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas Technically, this is the third in the Wallflowers series but my favourite of the series. A sultry and much darker story than Bridgerton, and if I’m honest extremely problematic. But for fantasy, smut, and a bit of hot under-the-collar romance, you can’t go wrong.
Thoughts Bamboo Socks Review
If you’re one of those people that has a ton of odd socks, or socks with holes in that you still wear, go to Thought and buy some Bamboo socks. Not only are these sustainably produced, they’re also soft, and cute and you won’t want to lose them. I was recently approached to share a review of socks from Thought, a sustainable clothing store that produces gorgeous products with the responsibility to the planet always in mind. I was lucky enough to be sent a box of Bamboo Socks to try.
Books I Read in January 2023
It’s time for my first reading wrap-up of 2023. These are the books I read in January 2023 with my short review of each. It was a slow reading month for me as I was ill for the first two weeks of the New Year, but I enjoyed the books that I managed to finish and I’m not putting pressure on myself to read more until I’m feeling 100%. Books I read in January 2023 Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus First up, I finally finished Lessons in Chemistry that I began in November 2022.
No Spend February | The Year of 30 Day Challenges
It’s time for my second 30 Day Challenge of 2023 as part of my Year of 30 Day Challenges. This month is officially No Spend February. Apart from the necessities of life such as bills, food and travel, I should not be spending money. No Spend February Challenge I put should as I live in London and I socialise a fair bit.
Short Books To Read When You’re Feeling Stressed
The first few months of the New Year can be stressful, what with going back to work after a break, the cold nights, and the short days. To help, here is a list of short books to read when feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Short Books To Read When You’re Feeling Stressed Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling First up, is a beloved children’s classic. Yes, the author is problematic, but the characters are bigger than the author.
How to Manage Money in Your 20s
I’ve been reading a lot of books on finance over the last few months, and I thought I would share some of the advice I’ve learnt in a how to manage money in your 20s post. How to manage money in your 20s If you’re looking to save some money, pay your bills without panicking or simply learn how to better manage your finances, these are my top tips. Put your pensions in one pot A bit of a ‘that’s a bit early’ advice, but put all your pensions in one pot.
Upcoming Greek Myth Retellings 2023
I am so excited to share my latest post on upcoming Greek Myth retellings 2023. I try to do at least one of these posts each year, and there are so many new books to share in 2023. From retellings about Persephone and Atalanta to Medusa, Psyche and Clytemnestra. So many strong amazing women. Upcoming Greek Myth Retellings 2023 Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara – 25th May 2023 First up, is a retelling I’m super excited for.
Best Books on Finance for Beginners
If you’re like me and are money conscious then are some of the best books on finance for beginners. From books about investing and credit cards to books with handy tips on saving and getting cashback on large purchases. These are my top recommendations for books on finance for beginners. Best Books on Finance for Beginners Money by Laura Whately My go-to recommendation is Money by Laura Whately.
12 Things I’m Leaving in 2022
For the first few weeks of 2023 I’ve been unwell, but I’m finally coming through to the other side. That means I can officially start the New Year. But first, here are 12 things I’m leaving in 2022. 12 Things I’m Leaving in 2022 Skillshare I bought a year-long subscription on a discount offer and I watch x3 classes and that was it. I love the idea of Skillshare but unfortunately, most of the videos are US based, they’re not tailored to my needs and they’re also quite difficult to find.
Books to Hunker Down With This Winter
In the cold months of January and February, it’s the perfect time to start a long read. Today I thought I’d share a list of books to hunker down with this winter. Grab a blanket, cup of hot chocolate – or your beverage of choice – and pick up one of these tomes to pass the cold winter nights with. Books to Bunker Down With This Winter A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara First up, is the classic tome. The book that everyone I have spoken to who has read it tells me it has made them cry.
Book Unhaul of 2022
As the New Year begins, it’s out with the old and in with the new. In my case, it’s time for the book unhaul of 2022. The list below includes the books I will be unhauling, either by donating to charity, selling via Ziffit or gifting to other readers. Book Unhaul of 2022 We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu I read We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu and it was great. He seems like a lovely bloke and has definitely faced a lot of hardship in is life.
My Reading Year Analysis: 2022
We’re in 2023, and I’ve already read a few books. But before I start sharing my monthly wrap-ups I thought I would share my reading year analysis for 2022. Find out how many books I read. How many pages I read.
How to Make 2023 the Year you Write a Book
It’s a New Year and many people have set ‘Write a Book’ as their New Year’s Resolution. So, today I’m going to share some tips on how to make 2023 the year you write a book. How to write a book in 2023 You don’t need to write constantly First up, you don’t need to finish writing a book in 2023, you just need to start writing a book in 2023. Some people take weeks to write a full novel, others take years. It depends on your style of writing, your editing style and your time.
Reviewing EllesBellesNotebook in 2022 | Blog Analytics
As we enter 2023, I’m looking back and reviewing the performance of my blog EllesBellesNotebook in 2022. Reviewing EllesBellesNotebook in 2022 Here are some of the quick-fire results of the last 12 months.
30 Days of Decluttering | The Year of 30 Day Challenges
To kick off my Year of 30 Day Challenges, I’m starting with 30 Days of Decluttering. To start the New Year right, I’m going to spend the next 30 days decluttering various areas of my life to get myself organised, earn a bit of cash and clean up the flat. I’ve made a few changes to my shareable list, as there are some specific elements of my life I want to declutter which may not be applicable to others who attempt this challenge. I will also not necessarily be completing these tasks in order.
New Year’s Resolutions 2023
It’s the beginning of the New Year. Goodbye 2022, it’s time for 2023. And time to set my New Year’s Resolutions 2023. In 2022 I set myself five New Year’s Resolutions and I think I’m going to do the same in 2023. Some you will recognise – mostly because they seem to be the same every year – others are slightly newer. New Year’s Resolutions 2023 Read 100 Books As ever, first up is my resolution to read 100 books. I love setting myself this goal each year because it encourages me to read a lot more.
New Year’s Resolution Update 2022
2023 is almost here! But before we look forwards it’s time to look backwards with my New Year’s Resolution Update 2022. This is a chance for me to see how I did with my New Year’s Resolutions 2022. I sent myself five New Year’s Resolutions for 2022 and I think I did pretty well. I stupidly stopped tracking more of these resolutions around April 2022 though, so some of them are slightly redundant, but nevertheless, I did achieve some elements of my New Year’s Resolutions for this year.
Bookish Resolutions for 2023
Each year, in addition to my New Year’s Resolutions, I also sent my Bookish Resolutions. Today I’m setting my Bookish Resolutions for 2023. First, let’s recap on my Bookish Resolutions for 2022 and how I did. Bookish Resolutions 2022 Read 100 Books In 2022 I managed to read XXX books. Not bad, considering I was in a reading slump from July 2022 until October 2022. Read 3 new genres I completely failed at this.
Highlights of 2022 | Blogmas 2022
As we bid goodbye to 2022 and welcome to 2023, it’s my favourite time of year. A chance to look back at the highlights of the year and remember the good times. 2022 was a difficult year, on top of an already difficult 2021. This year we lost a few loved ones, and had the stress of health, weddings, feuds and careers, on top of the cost of living crisis and the shocking political climate of the UK and the world. However, enough of the bad, this post is a chance to celebrate the good.
What I Read in 2022
As it’s the end of the year, it’s time to share my annual post of what I read in 2022. In 2022, I read 88 books but didn’t hit my Goodreads Reading Goal of 100, mostly due to a prolonged reading slump throughout the Spring and Summer. I’m still happy with the number of books I’ve read, as it’s well above average, it’s just a bit less than what I had intended. Here is what I read in 2022.
The Year of 30 Day Challenges
For me, 2023 will be the year of 30 Day Challenges. Anyone who has been reading my blog for any length of time will know that I love a 30 Day Challenge. I find them refreshing, inspiring and helpful in keeping me focused and productive. The Year of 30 Day Challenges 30 Day Challenges are not for everybody, and I’m quite relaxed at doing them. But in 2023 I want to focus on myself and my happiness, and for me, that involves completing a monthly 30 Day Challenge. What 30 Day Challenges will I attempt?
What I Read in December 2022
I’m sharing my reading wrap-up for December 2022 a little early, as I’ll be sharing my yearly wrap-up next week. This is what I read in December 2022. What I Read in December 2022 Frightful First World War by Terry Deary First up, is a classic Horrible Histories. I was on holiday and not very well, so I wanted something I didn’t have to think too hard about. This was a re-read as I read the Horrible Histories books a lot as a child.
Favourite Books of 2022
I love writing this post each year. It’s my chance to look back and share my Favourite Books of 2022. These are my favourite reads from the last 12 months, across all formats and all genres. Favourite Books of 2022 Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton All fans of Harry Potter should read this book. It’s a love letter to the movies and Tom’s experiences on set.
New Year, New You | Best Self-Help Books for the New Year
As the New Year approaches, I thought I would share a list of the best self-help books for the New Year, that I would recommend. These books can help with your finances, mental well-being, productivity, and more. Self-help is not a derogatory term. If you prefer, you can use terms like personal development, non-fiction books, books to start fresh, etc. I don’t mind any, these are just decent books that offer comfort and advice. If it works great, and if it’s not for you, try another.
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