Surgery Was The Easy Bit

Have you ever had surgery? What for? I have. The surgery bit was fine. The recovery? Not so much. Let’s just say it involved a car, a questionable gadget from Amazon, and a moment that still haunts me whenever I see an empty bottle. I’ll tell the full story soon. It deserves its own spotlight […]

A Cautionary Tale Featuring Coffee and Chaos

What are your daily habits? My alarm rudely goes off at 6am. It’s in my ear. There’s a floor fan blasting arctic air into my face. I don’t know if I’m waking up or being exorcised. My first thought: Do I actually need to work for a living? Decide to press snooze while negotiating mentally […]

Trying, Not Preaching: My Kind of Sustainable

Are there things you try to practice daily to live a more sustainable lifestyle? I’m not perfect, but I do my bit. I reuse carrier bags (unless they’ve vanished into the black hole that lives under the kitchen sink) I recycle, I don’t buy overpriced coffees in plastic cups, and we don’t use the big […]

It’s Not All Candles and Calm, Is It?

How do you practice self-care? Well, that depends. Are we talking about the version that looks good on Instagram or the kind that actually helps? Because if it’s the polished kind, I whack on a face mask, light a candle that smells like lavender and false hope, and pretend a bubble bath has ever fixed […]

How Emotional Neglect Fuels a Lifetime of Overthinking

Earlier today, I answered the daily prompt question about “what I waste the most time on” (spoiler: it’s overthinking — and you can read that little brain spiral here), and I realised something bigger was brewing underneath it all. I don’t just overthink because I’m dramatic, anxious, or can’t make a bloody decision. I overthink because […]

Overthinking Like a Pro: My Daily Time Thief Exposed

How do you waste the most time every day? Overthinking. Not just the usual spirals, though trust me, I’ve done my fair share of “what did that text really mean?” and “did I sound weird in that voice note?” But it goes far deeper than that. I waste time on all the could have beens […]

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No Structure, No Filters, No Clue

Welcome to “Thirty Something (Plus VAT)“ Before we dive in, let’s get one thing straight — this blog isn’t here to give you the secret formula to healing, 10 steps to a better life, or any other neatly packaged nonsense. I’m not your guru, there’s no life coach certificate framed on the wall, I’m just […]

The Secret Ingredient Is Always the Memories

Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood? Fairy cakes. That first warm bite, still slightly soft in the middle, takes me straight back to my Nan’s kitchen during the summer holidays. I’d be up on a chair, sleeves rolled up, helping her measure flour and sugar like we were creating something […]

Was Bunking Off History Class a Historical Act?

Who is your favorite historical figure? If you’re here for a thoughtful tribute to a powerful historical figure… I’m afraid I’ve let the team down. Again. Just like I did every Thursday morning in Year 9 when I ‘accidentally’ forgot my history book and spent the lesson trying to fashion a pillow out of my […]

Why Did Nobody Warn Me About Chin Hairs

You know what they don’t tell you when you’re growing up? That one day you’ll wake up and find a rogue chin hair thick enough to tow a small car. They prepare you for puberty, sure — although in my case, I have school to thank for that. My family didn’t talk about things like […]