Rebecca Rossi's Blog, page 2
October 6, 2025
HIM – New Release Horror Movie Review!
Hi all!
Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: Him. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. Cameron Cade is a rising quarterback, who suffers a potentially career-ending injury, after being attacked by an unhinged fan. Just when all seems lost, Cam receives a lifeline when his hero, Isaiah White, offers to train him at an isolated compound. However, as the training accelerates, Isaiah’s charisma turns into something darker, sending Cam down a disorienting rabbit hole, that may cost him more than he ever bargained for. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!
WHAT WORKED:This film is beautifully shot and put together. It almost felt like a feature length music video. The soundtrack and high intensity beats really drew me into the setting. I could see it as a marketing campaign for a top sports brand. The only reason I would encourage seeing it on the big screen, is for the cinematic quality. Furthermore, the performances from Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers were outstanding. They gave their roles all their blood, sweat and tears – literally! I truly have to commend their chemistry and dedication to the craft. I genuinely believed they would sacrifice everything for the game.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK:Where this film falls short is the plot. I’ve seen other reviewers say it has zero story. That is not true. It absolutely does. The issue is, the narrative is poorly executed. Without spoiling anything, I was hoping this would be the Whiplash of football; a mentor pushing a protege beyond their psychological limits, breaking their psyche, to make them better. Instead, it takes quite a different turn. It borders on the ridiculous, almost American Horror Story, over-the-top dramatics. In short, HIM struggles to land the plane successfully. The final act had me laughing and not in a good way. I honestly believe if the motivation had been based more in reality, it would’ve received a higher rating from me.
OVERALL STAR RATING:I gave it 3.5/5 stars. A visual masterpiece, with a subpar plot. Personally, I would wait for streaming.
Have you seen HIM? What did you think of it?
Peace & Love xoxo
October 5, 2025
I Read & Ranked All Of Riley Sager’s Books!
Hi all!
I had two major reading goals this year. 1.) read and rank all of Emily Henry’s works (click here) and 2.) read and rank all of Riley Sager’s works. Mission accomplished! Today – from favourite to least favourite – I’m going to discuss his entire bibliography of horror/thrillers. Riley is known for his epic twists, suspenseful plots and suspicious characters. He is an instant-buy author for me. However, some of his novels are better than others. It’s about to get controversial! Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Spoilers Ahead!
1.) The Only One LeftSet in 1983, Kit McDeere, is hired to care for Lenora Hope, the sole survivor of a family massacre in 1929, at her crumbling mansion, Hope’s End. Lenora, mute and paralysed, uses a typewriter to communicate. As Kit helps her write about the past, she uncovers secrets about the massacre and a missing nurse. The story unfolds as Kit begins to suspect Lenora may not be the harmless woman she seems, and the truth of the Hope family’s gruesome history, is far more complex.
In first place, we have The Only One Left. I have never read a thriller quite like it before. If you want a moody, atmospheric setting, pick this one up! The gothic mansion, shady characters and Lenora’s mysterious past, had me utterly enthralled. I could not put it down. Not to mention, the multiple shocking twists, left me with a bit of whiplash – in a good way. It was a perfectly told story, with layers upon layers to unearth. For this reason, it deserves re-reading, because once you know the truth, your entire perspective will change. Prepare to be hit right between the eyes, with a reveal you never could have predicted. I highly recommend it!
2.) Home Before DarkMaggie Holt inherits Baneberry Hall, a house her family fled twenty-five years prior, after a terrifying alleged haunting, which her father documented in his best-selling memoir. Maggie, a rational adult, who believes her father fabricated the story, returns to the gothic estate to renovate and sell it. However, once she arrives, it’s clear there is a dark hidden truth about the house’s past, her family’s complicated history and her own fragmented memories of the event.
In second place, we have Home Before Dark. This is Riley’s most popular novel, bordering more on horror, than thriller. The chapters are divided into past and present day – blurring the lines between what is real and what isn’t. The format makes it such an intriguing and entertaining read. I found Maggie’s childhood just as fascinating as her adult life. I also have no doubt the twist will shock readers (as it did me). I truly believe this is one of his better works. Riley always writes from the perspective of a female lead (bar one) and in my opinion, Maggie is his best protagonist yet.
3.) Survive The NightFilm-obsessed college student, Charlie Jordan, accepts a ride from stranger, Josh Baxter, to escape the grief and guilt of her best friend’s murders, by a serial murderer, known as the Campus Killer. However, she quickly suspects Josh himself might be the culprit, during a tense, claustrophobic drive home. Charlie must determine if her fear is justified or a product of her imagination, as they travel through a dangerous, isolated landscape, turning the journey into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
In third place, we have Survive The Night. Here is where my ranking gets controversial, because from what I’ve seen online, this is one of Riley’s most despised books. I, for the life of me, cannot understand why. I absolutely loved every second of it. I felt every single moment of tension from start to finish. I genuinely felt afraid at times. Yes, I wanted to scream at the protagonist to get out of the car, but I also sympathised with her. The main criticism of this novel, is that she makes stupid decisions. To that I say a.) if she didn’t, there would be no plot, but more importantly b.) she is extremely traumatised. This is a very troubled, mentally disturbed person. Can we truly expect her to think crystal clearly in this situation? I will say, I saw the twist coming about halfway through the novel. Once you start to understand Riley’s formula, it’s easier to grasp what is happening. Nevertheless, it was still shocking when he confirmed the reveal. I also loved Charlie’s passion for horror-movie filmmaking. She made me feel seen.
4.) With A VengeanceIn 1954, Anna Matheson lures six people responsible for her family’s downfall onto a luxury train, intending to expose their crimes and deliver them to the authorities. However, a passenger is murdered before dawn, revealing a killer is among them. Anna is forced to protect the people she hates, before the train reaches its destination, turning her quest for injustice into a fight for survival.
In fourth place, we have Riley’s latest release, With A Vengeance. I love a good revenge tale, especially if it takes place in a single location. It also gave me Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie vibes. Anna was a great protagonist. She was fiesty and fierce, yet also fair. The issue with a story like this is, there are only so many suspects it could be. Through the process of elimination, it was quite easy to figure out what was going on. It was also highly unrealistic. You could really pick this one apart if you wanted to, but for the reasons mentioned above, I enjoyed my reading experience.
5.) The Last Time I LiedEmma Davis returns to her childhood summer camp, Camp Nightingale, fifteen years after her three bunkmates disappeared one night. As an adult and rising artist, she accepts a position as an art instructor, seeking answers to the unsolved mystery. However, the only way to reach the truth, is to stop lying, because her innocence may be the biggest deception of all.
Next is The Last Time I Lied. I had so much fun with this book. It was really solid. I will admit, the lead-up to the reveal was much more exciting than the answers themselves, hence why it’s in fifth place. There were some major red herrings in this story, I wished were part of the twists. Having said that, the summer camp setting was immaculate. I loved the way the chapters switched between past and present day. I also liked that Emma was such an unreliable narrator. It’s definitely worth picking up.
6.) The House Across The LakeActress, Casey Fletcher, retreats to her family’s lake house, after tragedy strikes her personal life. From there, she becomes obsessed with watching her glamourous neighbours, the Royces. After saving Katherine Royce from drowning, a friendship blossoms, but Katherine soon vanishes, leading Casey to suspect her husband, Tom. However, Casey has secrets of her own, that the lake hasn’t forgotten.
The House Across The Lake is bonkers! It’s absolutely wacky. I issued a spoiler-warning at the top of this post, so heed that reminder now. Riley does something in this story that he has never done before – introducing a paranormal twist. As of writing this, all the ‘hauntings’ in his novels, have always been man-made. Not this book! He took a huge risk, especially as that isn’t his typical M.O. Did I like it? I’m in two minds. It was definitely shocking, I’ll give it that. What I didn’t enjoy however, was how out of place it felt. If any story was going to feature a bonafide human killer, this one made the most sense. Having said that, I loved the setting, I thought Casey was interesting (despite her extreme alcoholism) and I appreciated the Rear Window style influences. That twist though, was insanely bizarre. I understand why it won’t resonate with most readers.
7.) Lock Every DoorJules, down on her luck, takes a lucrative house-sitting job at a prestigious Manhattan building, the Bartholomew. However, when fellow sitter, Ingrid, disappears, Jules investigates the building’s sordid past, discovering a plethora of horrors beyond imagination.
In third last place, we have Lock Every Door. This is actually the first Riley Sager novel I read. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it at the time. Since then, my appreciation of it has risen slightly, but not by much. When a building is your favourite part of the story, something is wrong. The characters were so insufferable in this one. Not to mention, it had the most predictable twist out of them all. I saw it coming a mile way! Having said that, I’m a big fan of the setting and neo-gothic vibes. It’s very Rosemary’s Baby. I just wish it hadn’t gone in the direction it did. It had a lot of potential.
8.) Middle Of The NightThirty years after his childhood best friend, Billy, vanished from a tent in their backyard, Ethan returns to his hometown on Hemlock Circle. Plagued by insomnia, he begins experiencing strange occurrences, including sightings of Billy, leading him to believe his friend is trying to communicate. As Ethan investigates, he uncovers dark secrets surrounding the idyllic neighbourhood and the mysterious Hawthorne Institute. It soon becomes impossible to ignore, the glaringly obvious truth.
In second last place, we have Middle of the Night. Remember how I mentioned Riley always writes from the perspective of a female, except for one book? This is the one book. There was nothing wrong with Ethan per se, but entire novel was one gigantic missed opportunity. It had the most anticlimactic ending in history. What could’ve been an epic story and twist reveal, was so mundane, I was infuriated. The more I think about, the less I like it. I’m mad that Riley didn’t take advantage of the creepy settings. It was all there, laid out for him. It’s hard to find anything positive to say, because the ending ruined all of it for me.
9.) Final GirlsQuincy Carpenter, one of the three known “Final Girls” and the sole survivor of a massacre ten years prior, finds her carefully constructed life shattered, when another Final Girl, Lisa, dies mysteriously. When the third “F.G”, Sam, appears on her doorstep, Quincy begins to spiral, exhibiting strange behaviour. As she starts to grapple with suppressed memories of the massacre, she uncovers a revelation about that fateful night, that will change everything.
In last place, we have Final Girls. This is Riley’s debut novel. I wish I had better things to say about it, but I don’t. Never in my life, have I hated a bunch of characters more. They were all so unlikable. I found the entire plot, from start to finish, highly unrealistic. Quincy put up with the absolute worst behaviour from Sam. There is no way in hell a regular person would do the same. Not to mention, the amount of criminal activity she engaged in. I would’ve enjoyed it a bit more had the plot been somewhat interesting, but it lagged. Absolutely nothing happened, until the very end. Even then, the twist was extremely predictable. He hadn’t honed his craft in that department yet.
Thank you so much for reading! How would you rank Riley‘s works?
Peace & Love xoxo
September 28, 2025
Tamborine Mountain Getaway – Photo Diary
Hi all!
Today I am sharing a special photo diary of the long weekend away with my husband. As he is turning 40 at the end of the year, I wanted to surprise him with a mini vacation (just us two), that isn’t during rainy season. Thanks to my wonderful mother, who looked after our daughter for two nights, we were able to celebrate. I took him to Tamborine Mountain – south east of Queensland, high up in the stunning Hinterlands. We had an amazing time. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend visiting such a beautiful location. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
MONTVILLEOn the way to Tamborine Mountain, we stopped for lunch in the charming town of Montville. We ate at The Edge cafe, marvelling at the magnificent views. I highly recommend spending the day here. There is a lot to see and explore.
Delicious vegan mint chocolate frog from Chocolate Country.
TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN – DAY ONE
Late afternoon, we arrived at the gorgeous Songbirds Rainforest Retreat, where we checked into our private villa for the next two nights. I highly recommend staying here. The views are incredible and the rooms, super comfortable. In the evening, we went to watch the sunset at Hang Glider’s Lookout. People from all over, gather there to enjoy the closing of the day.
TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN – DAY TWOOn our second day, we were provided with a complimentary breakfast, that we ate on our balcony, overlooking the rainforest. At 10am, we went on a very informative and interesting tour of the Glow Worm caves (including Frog Hollow) and then spent the late morning, exploring all the shops along Gallery Walk. Each store was so aesthetically pleasing to look at. For lunch, we ate at Fox and Hounds, a delightful English pub, with delicious food. In the afternoon, we spent a relaxing 90 minutes at the Sol Elements Bathhouse, which consisted of multiple hot springs, a campfire overlooking the lake, a steam room, a sauna, a ‘make your own’ body scrub station, cold plunge pool and infrared Himalayan Salt room. In the evening, we ate dinner at the St. Bernard’s Hotel, which had two actual giant St. Bernard’s inside! The views were stunning.
TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN – DAY THREEOn our last day, we checked out, eating breakfast at a cafe on Gallery Walk. I had the most incredible homemade cinnamon bun and chai latte. We then went on a hike to Curtis Falls. The view of the waterfall at the end was so worth it. Finally, before making the long drive home, we went on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. This is an absolute must-see if you visit the area. My photographs do not do it justice!
We had the most memorable time away! I cannot wait to return someday.
Thank you so much for reading. Have you ever been to Tamborine Mountain?
Peace & Love xoxo
September 25, 2025
The Strangers: Chapter 2 – New Release Horror Movie Review!
Hi all!
Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: The Strangers: Chapter 2. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. After learning that one of their victims, Maya, is still alive, three masked maniacs return to finish the job. With nowhere to run and no one to trust, Maya soon finds herself in a brutal fight for survival, against psychopaths willing to kill anyone who stands in their way. If you wish to read my review for Chapter 1, please click here. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!
WHAT WORKED:I can recognise both Chapter 1 and 2 are not good movies. And yet, I am still entertained by them. They are not unbearable to watch. I was intrigued; watching our Final Girl evade the masked killers – over and over. In fact, our lead, Maya (played by Madelaine Petsch), was exceptional. I felt her fear, pain and despair. She gave it everything she had. Controversially, I am one of the rare few interested in the lore behind The Strangers. I want to learn who they are. I certainly want clarification on who Tamara is. This sequel provided breadcrumbs to my questions – just enough to hold my attention until Chapter 3 is released. It’s very hard for me to criticise something when a.) I don’t have all the answers and b.) I don’t know how this trilogy is going to end. I need to reserve my judgement. In my opinion, the first and third acts were the strongest. I enjoyed the chase scene in the hospital (reminiscent of Halloween II) and the paranoia Maya experiences throughout the film. When every single person is suspicious, who do you trust? I also want to commend the gore. There were some effectively bloody moments. If you go into this instalment not expecting much, you will have a decent time.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK:To put it bluntly, this sequel is a 90 minute chase sequence. It really doesn’t have any sort of plot or direction. It is a filler movie, bridging the gap between Chapter 1 and 3. Do not expect depth or major story development. You won’t find it here. For those uninterested in The Strangers lore, you will not enjoy the flashback sequences. Despite my curiousity, they felt very out of place and strange. There was something almost cringy about them. Furthermore, there was a scene in the middle of the film, that was bizarre. I could not believe what I was seeing. In that moment, I felt like I was watching something completely different. I can absolutely see the vision for this trilogy, but the execution is poor. It just isn’t landing. I need to understand the point and at this stage, it’s not computing. Having said that, as mentioned above, maybe it will all click into place when Chapter 3 hits cinemas. I hope the payoff is worth it.
OVERALL STAR RATING:I gave it 3.5/5 stars. It’s better than Chapter 1, but I would wait to stream it.
Have you seen The Strangers: Chapter 2? What did you think of it?
Peace & Love xoxo
September 21, 2025
Dexter Resurrection: Season 1 Review
Hi all!
Today I am reviewing/recapping Dexter Resurrection – Season 1. In the past, I have reviewed Original Sin (click here) and ranked the original series, including New Blood (click here). Needless to say, a spoiler-warning is in full effect. I have a lot to discuss, so without further ado, let’s get into it!
DEXTER RESURRECTION – PLOTFollowing the events of New Blood, Dexter Morgan awakens from a coma, after being shot by his son, Harrison. Lucky to be alive, he soon learns his child has moved to New York City, to start fresh. Upon realising that Harrison has committed a murder, Dexter escapes the hospital, with Miami Metro’s, Angel Batista, hot on his heels. Still physically weakened, our protagonist journeys to NYC, to make things right. However, it isn’t long before Dexter finds himself entangled in a group of serial killers, who are just like him and nothing like him at all. How far will he go to keep Harrison safe, whilst still satisfying his Dark Passenger?
DEXTER RESURRECTION – SEASON 1 REVIEWDexter fans rejoice, because Resurrection is a highly successful, return to form. It received a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many a viewer marking its place amongst the greats (Season 1 – 4). Once the New Blood transition is dealt with, the show really takes off, thrusting Dexter into the gritty, dark streets of New York, encountering new friends, rivals and extreme threats. At the heart of the season, are four core storylines. 1.) Dexter’s renewed relationship with Harrison. 2.) Leon Prater’s (played by Peter Dinklage) society of serial killers. 3.) Batista’s determination to prove Dexter is the Bay Harbor Butcher, once and for all; bringing him to justice and 4.) the reincarnation of Dexter Morgan. In just ten episodes, these storylines begin to overlap, ramping up the tension like never before.
HARRISON MORGANThe Harrison we meet in Resurrection, is completely different to the version from New Blood. This Harrison is less angsty and destructive. He is haunted by his actions, but in a more mature and refined manner. Instead of rejecting Dexter’s presence, he welcomes it. Father and son grow together; understanding and respecting the others differences – no longer on opposing sides. This was a big part of why Resurrection was so successful. One of the main critiques of New Blood, was how insufferable Harrison was. Fans couldn’t root for him, because he lacked any sort of charisma or conviction. This time around, he was instantly beloved, due to his softened persona and willingness to meet his father halfway. We learn very quickly that despite taking a life (deservedly) out of anger, Harrison does not share Dexter’s urges. Instead, he is inspired by him to enter the field of law enforcement; taking the ‘bad guys’ down via legal protocol. However, Harrison spends the majority of the first season evading Detective Claudette Wallace, who is convinced (rightly so) that he was responsible for the murder of Ryan Foster. In between the high-stakes game of cat and mouse, Harrison finds love, contemplates his career and reconnects with his father, content by the end that Dexter survived his bullet.
LEON PRATERIt doesn’t take our protagonist long to cement himself within the concrete jungle of New York City. When he becomes aware of a car service killer, toting the same name: The Dark Passenger, Dexter seeks to take him out. At the kill site, he discovers an invitation from Leon Prater, promising wealth and a space to be amongst others, just like him. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Dexter impersonates serial killer, Red, in order to gain access to Prater’s illustrious and exclusive group of murderers. There, he discovers a sense of freedom; being able to speak candidly about his dark urges. Fans were wary about this premise pre-season. It had the potential to fall flat in its execution (pardon the pun), due to its extravagance. It could’ve bordered on the edge of silly, however, it worked perfectly. With a cast of high-profile names (e.g. Peter Dinklage, Uma Thurman, Eric Stonestreet, Neil Patrick Harris, Kristen Ritter and David Dastmalchian), a vault full of serial-killer memorabilia and power-plays left, right and centre, this storyline succeeded in exciting viewers the most. All of a sudden, everything that Dexter stands for, is displayed in front of him, on a silver platter. He has a smorgasbord of undesirables to pick off, one by one. At the centre of it all, is Prater, a wealthy entrepreneur, with a sick hobby. He may not have blood on his hands, but he enables his members ‘hobbies’ to thrive; even asking them to present their trophies/stories to the group. By the end, Prater realises he was endorsing the most dangerous killer of all – the one whose blood slides he proudly owned, as a collector’s item. Dinklage’s performance as Leon is truly remarkable. He is intimidating, tortured and calculating. Charlie, Prater’s assistant (played by Uma) is also a very interesting, multi-layered character. It isn’t entirely clear what her motivations are in the beginning. Not to mention, where her loyalties truly lie. At the end, viewers witness that money and influence isn’t everything. If you play stupid games, you will win stupid prizes.
ANGEL BATISTAOn top of juggling his persona as Red and assisting Harrison with the aftermath of murder, Dexter also has to contend with his oldest friend and mentor, Angel Batista, hellbent on bringing him to justice. With Batista now retired, he has one last loose end to tie up, in order to put the demons of his past behind him. There are many close-calls between the pair, including one scene in a car that rivals Walter White vs. Hank Schrader’s in Breaking Bad. Plotlines overlap as Batista involves Detective Claudette Wallace (who is investigating Harrison) to focus all her efforts on her suspect’s father. With every attempt thwarted, Angel begins to grow desperate, hinging all his bets on Leon Prater, in the hopes that someone will finally him take him seriously. Unfortunately, this leads to the most heartbreaking and divisive moment of Dexter Resurrection: Batista’s death. Once again, Dexter is faced with the fallout of his Dark Passenger; the innocent lives that are lost, as a result of who Dexter is and what he does. Unable to save him from Prater’s gunshots, Dexter witnesses his greatest friend and adversary, perish before his eyes. Some fans have not been able to accept this outcome. Others view it as a necessary evil. In order for Dexter to be what we want him to be, he cannot be held back by anyone. Having said all that, it was truly devastating to lose such a legacy character in this way. He now joins the ranks of Doakes, Debra, LaGuerta and Rita.
DEXTER MORGANLast, but certainly not least, we have Dexter himself. Despite what some have said, our protagonist undergoes serious character development in this reboot. For one, we witness him truly embracing what it means to be the Bay Harbor Butcher. He is proud of his moniker; recognising that he is up there as one of the greats (i.e. the New York Ripper, The Gemini Killer etc.). Secondly, contrary to New Blood, Dexter accepts by the end that he can have it all. He can be a good father, friend and man, whilst still feeding his urges. He no longer has to isolate himself from the world, choosing one path over the other. What fans truly enjoyed about Resurrection was the return of Harry (played by James Remar). Their familiar dynamic took no time to reignite, but it also carried a darker undertone, with Dexter arguing back; showing signs of occasional aggression toward his father/subconscious. Michael C. Hall carries his performance as Dexter Morgan; reintroducing us to his sarcastic inner monologue, depth of humanity and ability to think on his feet. We also see Dexter make a genuine friendship in Resurrection, with his landlord, Blessing. At first, Blessing came across as a bit of a red herring; a potential suspect as the New York Ripper. However, in the season finale, Dexter reflects on what he can learn from his friend, as he navigates this new life of having it all. What is undeniable is the ‘we are so back‘ feeling, that permeates the entirety of Season 1. Age and injuries be damned, Dexter Morgan is still going strong and we love to see it!
Who knows what Season 2 will hold. Will the New York Ripper be the new ‘big bad?’ Or will it be someone else? Will Quinn and Masuka take Batista’s place; avenging his death? I guess we will have to watch and find out.
Thank you so much for reading. Please let me know if you watched Dexter Resurrection. What were your thoughts on it? At this stage, it has not officially been renewed for a second season, however, it seems unlikely that it won’t be.
Peace & Love xoxo
A Postmortem of Dexter Resurrection: Season 1
Hi all!
Today I am reviewing/recapping Dexter Resurrection – Season 1. In the past, I have reviewed Original Sin (click here) and ranked the original series, including New Blood (click here). Needless to say, a spoiler-warning is in full effect. I have a lot to discuss, so without further ado, let’s get into it!
DEXTER RESURRECTION – PLOTFollowing the events of New Blood, Dexter Morgan awakens from a coma, after being shot by his son, Harrison. Lucky to be alive, he soon learns his child has moved to New York City, to start fresh. Upon realising that Harrison has committed a murder, Dexter escapes the hospital, with Miami Metro’s, Angel Batista, hot on his heels. Still physically weakened, our protagonist journeys to NYC, to make things right. However, it isn’t long before Dexter finds himself entangled in a group of serial killers, who are just like him and nothing like him at all. How far will he go to keep Harrison safe, whilst still satisfying his Dark Passenger?
DEXTER RESURRECTION – SEASON 1 REVIEWDexter fans rejoice, because Resurrection is a highly successful, return to form. It received a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many a viewer marking its place amongst the greats (Season 1 – 4). Once the New Blood transition is dealt with, the show really takes off, thrusting Dexter into the gritty, dark streets of New York, encountering new friends, rivals and extreme threats. At the heart of the season, are four core storylines. 1.) Dexter’s renewed relationship with Harrison. 2.) Leon Prater’s (played by Peter Dinklage) society of serial killers. 3.) Batista’s determination to prove Dexter is the Bay Harbor Butcher, once and for all; bringing him to justice and 4.) the reincarnation of Dexter Morgan. In just ten episodes, these storylines begin to overlap, ramping up the tension like never before.
HARRISON MORGANThe Harrison we meet in Resurrection, is completely different to the version from New Blood. This Harrison is less angsty and destructive. He is haunted by his actions, but in a more mature and refined manner. Instead of rejecting Dexter’s presence, he welcomes it. Father and son grow together; understanding and respecting the others differences – no longer on opposing sides. This was a big part of why Resurrection was so successful. One of the main critiques of New Blood, was how insufferable Harrison was. Fans couldn’t root for him, because he lacked any sort of charisma or conviction. This time around, he was instantly beloved, due to his softened persona and willingness to meet his father halfway. We learn very quickly that despite taking a life (deservedly) out of anger, Harrison does not share Dexter’s urges. Instead, he is inspired by him to enter the field of law enforcement; taking the ‘bad guys’ down via legal protocol. However, Harrison spends the majority of the first season evading Detective Claudette Wallace, who is convinced (rightly so) that he was responsible for the murder of Ryan Foster. In between the high-stakes game of cat and mouse, Harrison finds love, contemplates his career and reconnects with his father, content by the end that Dexter survived his bullet.
LEON PRATERIt doesn’t take our protagonist long to cement himself within the concrete jungle of New York City. When he becomes aware of a car service killer, toting the same name: The Dark Passenger, Dexter seeks to take him out. At the kill site, he discovers an invitation from Leon Prater, promising wealth and a space to be amongst others, just like him. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Dexter impersonates serial killer, Red, in order to gain access to Prater’s illustrious and exclusive group of murderers. There, he discovers a sense of freedom; being able to speak candidly about his dark urges. Fans were wary about this premise pre-season. It had the potential to fall flat in its execution (pardon the pun), due to its extravagance. It could’ve bordered on the edge of silly, however, it worked perfectly. With a cast of high-profile names (e.g. Peter Dinklage, Uma Thurman, Eric Stonestreet, Neil Patrick Harris, Kristen Ritter and David Dastmalchian), a vault full of serial-killer memorabilia and power-plays left, right and centre, this storyline succeeded in exciting viewers the most. All of a sudden, everything that Dexter stands for, is displayed in front of him, on a silver platter. He has a smorgasbord of undesirables to pick off, one by one. At the centre of it all, is Prater, a wealthy entrepreneur, with a sick hobby. He may not have blood on his hands, but he enables his members ‘hobbies’ to thrive; even asking them to present their trophies/stories to the group. By the end, Prater realises he was endorsing the most dangerous killer of all – the one whose blood slides he proudly owned, as a collector’s item. Dinklage’s performance as Leon is truly remarkable. He is intimidating, tortured and calculating. Charlie, Prater’s assistant (played by Uma) is also a very interesting, multi-layered character. It isn’t entirely clear what her motivations are in the beginning. Not to mention, where her loyalties truly lie. At the end, viewers witness that money and influence isn’t everything. If you play stupid games, you will win stupid prizes.
ANGEL BATISTAOn top of juggling his persona as Red and assisting Harrison with the aftermath of murder, Dexter also has to contend with his oldest friend and mentor, Angel Batista, hellbent on bringing him to justice. With Batista now retired, he has one last loose end to tie up, in order to put the demons of his past behind him. There are many close-calls between the pair, including one scene in a car that rivals Walter White vs. Hank Schrader’s in Breaking Bad. Plotlines overlap as Batista involves Detective Claudette Wallace (who is investigating Harrison) to focus all her efforts on her suspect’s father. With every attempt thwarted, Angel begins to grow desperate, hinging all his bets on Leon Prater, in the hopes that someone will finally him take him seriously. Unfortunately, this leads to the most heartbreaking and divisive moment of Dexter Resurrection: Batista’s death. Once again, Dexter is faced with the fallout of his Dark Passenger; the innocent lives that are lost, as a result of who Dexter is and what he does. Unable to save him from Prater’s gunshots, Dexter witnesses his greatest friend and adversary, perish before his eyes. Some fans have not been able to accept this outcome. Others view it as a necessary evil. In order for Dexter to be what we want him to be, he cannot be held back by anyone. Having said all that, it was truly devastating to lose such a legacy character in this way. He now joins the ranks of Doakes, Debra, LaGuerta and Rita.
DEXTER MORGANLast, but certainly not least, we have Dexter himself. Despite what some have said, our protagonist undergoes serious character development in this reboot. For one, we witness him truly embracing what it means to be the Bay Harbor Butcher. He is proud of his moniker; recognising that he is up there as one of the greats (i.e. the New York Ripper, The Gemini Killer etc.). Secondly, contrary to New Blood, Dexter accepts by the end that he can have it all. He can be a good father, friend and man, whilst still feeding his urges. He no longer has to isolate himself from the world, choosing one path over the other. What fans truly enjoyed about Resurrection was the return of Harry (played by James Remar). Their familiar dynamic took no time to reignite, but it also carried a darker undertone, with Dexter arguing back; showing signs of occasional aggression toward his father/subconscious. Michael C. Hall carries his performance as Dexter Morgan; reintroducing us to his sarcastic inner monologue, depth of humanity and ability to think on his feet. We also see Dexter make a genuine friendship in Resurrection, with his landlord, Blessing. At first, Blessing came across as a bit of a red herring; a potential suspect as the New York Ripper. However, in the season finale, Dexter reflects on what he can learn from his friend, as he navigates this new life of having it all. What is undeniable is the ‘we are so back‘ feeling, that permeates the entirety of Season 1. Age and injuries be damned, Dexter Morgan is still going strong and we love to see it!
Who knows what Season 2 will hold. Will the New York Ripper be the new ‘big bad?’ Or will it be someone else? Will Quinn and Masuka take Batista’s place; avenging his death? I guess we will have to watch and find out.
Thank you so much for reading. Please let me know if you watched Dexter Resurrection. What were your thoughts on it? At this stage, it has not officially been renewed for a second season, however, it seems unlikely that it won’t be.
Peace & Love xoxo
September 14, 2025
The Long Walk – Book Vs. Movie
Hi all!
Today I am going to compare The Long Walk by Stephen King, to the recently released film adaptation. Before anyone tries to claim that Stephen King capitalised off the success of The Hunger Games, The Long Walk was published in 1979, under his psuedonym: Richard Bachman. He gave us a game of death of story, long before anyone else did. I finally read it for the first time this year, right before the movie came out. As usual, I have a lot to discuss, so without further ado, let’s get into it!
SPOILER WARNING AHEAD!
100 teenage boys compete in a deadly annual event, in a dystopian future America. They must walk continuously along a route, maintaining a minimum speed, until only one survivor remains. If a boy falls below the required pace, after receiving three warnings, he is shot and killed by soldiers, with the ultimate prize for the sole survivor, being the ability to have “whatever he wants”. The story follows protagonist, Ray Garraty, as he navigates this brutal contest, forming bonds and witnessing the unforgiving deaths of his fellow walkers.
THE LONG WALK – THE BOOKThe Long Walk is a surprisingly short book. Despite the page count, it packs a real punch. From the very beginning, we are introduced to a charismatic group of boys, we know we’re going to have to eventually say goodbye to, one by one. However, that doesn’t make their deaths any easier. To build and maintain tension, there are many close calls in this novel, particulary where Garraty is concerned. He borders on getting his ‘ticket‘ many times, leaving you with your heart in your throat. After all, we are following his perspective and therefore anticipate, he will be the sole victor by the end. The predictability in no way ruins the suspense. It’s still a brutal, ugly competition that doesn’t shy away from the realities of its structure. I felt nauseated, scared and downright disturbed by what befell many of the boys. Having said that, I do think the story becomes reptitive. That is why it’s so short. There were only so many ways King could describe the paths taken, the hunger, the pain, the thirst, the sickness and the fear. He did it brilliantly, don’t get me wrong, but as a book, the pacing (for want of a better term) felt slow. I kept thinking whilst I was reading it, ‘this would make a much better film.’ I also did not like the ending. It was far too ambiguous for me. There was no concrete answer. Sure, Garraty was the last man standing, but when he ran toward the beckoning dark figure, did that mean he died? Furthermore, I truly couldn’t understand why 100 boys would volunteer to be part of The Long Walk. It’s not like the Reaping, where the children have no choice. They know they will die. They know only one can win. I needed a stronger motivation, aside from the promise of getting whatever one desires most. But what King does well in every single book he writes, is character development. These boys have deep, thought-provoking conversations with another. They form short-lived bonds and make light of the situation, when there’s no light to be found. In particular, McVries, my personal favourite, shows Garraty that beauty exists everywhere you look. I really enjoyed my reading experience and the uncomfortable reactions it evoked from me. Job well done.
I gave it 3.5/5 stars
50 teens participate in a grueling high-stakes contest, where they must continuously walk or be shot by a member of their military escort.
THE LONG WALK – THE MOVIEAs predicted above, The Long Walk made a much better film (in my opinion). There were some creative decisions I really appreciated. For one, it was directed by the perfect man. Francis Lawrence has directed all The Hunger Games films (aside from the first one), including Sunrise on the Reaping, which is coming out in 2026. What better person to tackle a game of death story? He really brought Stephen King’s vision to life. He also didn’t cut corners with the brutality. This movie is rated R for good reason. We, as viewers, witness gore, bodilly fluids, splatter and more. This was honestly the best decision the production team could’ve made. Why shy away from the realities of a competition like this? It was disgusting and hard to watch at times, which was the point. Secondly, they reduced the number of participants from 100 to 50. I thought this was a great choice. I always thought 100 was too much. 50 not only gave the boys more motivation to compete (after all, this ups their odds of winning) but it quickens the pace, which was an issue I had whilst reading the book. It was also easier to keep track of everybody. Thirdly, the movitation behind Garraty‘s participation made a lot more sense to me. In the novel, we learn that Garrarty’s father was taken away by the squad. In the movie, we actually see him get shot in front of his son. It’s much more personal. I was able to buy into Ray’s rationale. Finally, what I appreciated the most, out of all the changes that were made, was the ending. Instead of Garraty being the last man standing, it was my beloved McVries. Francis Lawrence really fathomed how superior McVries is – played brilliantly by David Jonsson. By the end, McVries shifts his peaceful mentality, to one of revenge. When Garraty sacrificed himself for McVries, he could not accept his friend’s death being for nothing. And so, he chose vengeance over growth. I love this interpretation. It was a lot less ambiguous, proving that the nature of the game will eventually try to stamp out whatever hope someone has left. It was such a shock watching McVries walk away. Did he end up getting shot for killing The Major? That part is unclear, but either way, I truly respected the decision to alter the ending. It is my preferred conclusion. My one negative was The Major himself. I actually found him more intimidating in the book. Mark Hamill’s portrayal was less believable for me. I do wonder if that was a casting choice or the way the character was written. I’m guessing the former. Overall, the film adaptation retained the heart and soul of the book. I loved the deep conversations in between the horror. I was more invested in the boys, seeing them in person. Some of their deaths cut deep (Olson) and the tension ramped up at the perfect times (i.e. the hill scene, the first death and the ending). It is, without a doubt, going to make my top 10 favourite horror movies of 2025.
I gave it 4.5/5 stars
IN CONCLUSIONAs expected, I preferred the film over the book. That rarely happens. The book is typically the winner every single time. However, in this case, it just worked so much better on screen. Not to mention, all the issues I struggled with whilst reading, were corrected/changed in the movie. I highly recommend checking out both and making up your own mind.
Please let me know your thoughts. Do you prefer the movie or the book? Why/why not? Thanks for reading!
Peace & Love xoxo
September 7, 2025
‘Who’s The Clown?’ by Audrey Hobert – Debut Album Breakdown/Ranking!
Hi all!
Today I want to gush about my new favourite artist and her debut album: Audrey Hobert. I have not been this excited and obsessed with a singer, since declaring myself a full-blown Swiftie. Aside from Mayhem by Lady Gaga and The Life Of A Showgirl (released next month), Who’s The Clown? is my favourite record of 2025. I listen to it on repeat, every single chance I get. Today I’m going to break down the tracks, rank them and tell anyone reading, why they should be listening to Audrey. Trust me when I say, she’s one to watch!
WHO IS AUDREY HOBERT?Audrey is an American singer/songwriter, who has co-written several songs with fellow artist/best friend, Gracie Abrams. I discovered her a couple of months ago, whilst listening to one of my favourite pop-culture journalists review her work. What I didn’t realise was, I have actually loved her for a while. To be honest, I’m not a huge Gracie fan but I absolutely adore That’s So True. Turns out, Audrey not only co-wrote the song, she provided backing vocals on the track. The part of Gracie I was drawn to, was entirely Audrey’s influence! Her rambling, yet intelligent lyrics and breathy cadence, send me to another planet. There is something truly unique about her, that is equal parts endearing and jarring. She’s a self-professed ‘ugly girl.’ Her hair is messy, she wears minimal makeup, dresses like she raided a thrift store and dances free, without abandon, in her music videos. She’s not trying to sell you an image. She’s selling her talent, humour and inner monologue, through catchy hooks and addictive production. It’s like listening to one continuous stream of consciousness, but done to perfection. Once you’ve caught the bug, you won’t want the cure.
WHO’S THE CLOWN?Audrey’s debut record was released last month and I’m not lying when I say, it’s front-to-back perfection. There isn’t a single middling track to be found. She has so much to say, without saying anything at all. I love clowns, especially scary ones, so it’s a bonus that they are a recurring motif throughout the album’s visuals. She confessed to naming the album (Who’s The Clown?) after writing Sex and the City – realising that she is, indeed, the clown. This album has had four release singles: Sue Me (her smash hit), Bowling Alley, Wet Hair and Thirst Trap. I remember thinking if those songs were any indication of what was to come, I would be in very safe hands. I’m happy to report, I was 100% correct. Let’s get into the track ranking/breakdown!
TRACK RANKING/BREAKDOWN1.) Chateau
Chateau is a perfect song. In this track, Audrey sings about how tiring it is to spend time with pretentious A-listers. She even remarks that high school was a better experience. She doesn’t want to be at the Chateau. She longs to leave this group of stuffy socialites, stating in the bridge that she doesn’t care who they are or who they know. I’m a sucker for the electric guitar riff halfway through. Not to mention, how cathartic it is to yell along with her. I really relate to Audrey’s social awkwardness and introversion. It’s a running theme on this album, making me feel seen. This song is a masterpiece.
Favourite lyric: “Are we, legally bound, to stand in a circle, looking around?”
2.) Thirst Trap
Thirst Trap is a banger to end all bangers. It’s no surprise she released it as a single, along with a very fun music video (watch below). As suggested by the title, Audrey sings about taking thirst traps (hot photos) of herself in the mirror, in her room. You may think that a vapid, shallow concept for a song, but remember, Audrey considers herself to be unattractive. With humour, she laments about needing to change the lighting or taking at least 100 pictures, before being satisfied with just one. At one point, we get a saxophone solo that is heavenly. It works so well with the fast-paced production. It’s about having a crush that fills you with butterflies. All you want to do is send them an image that will get their heart racing, but that’s hard to do when you don’t love your own reflection.
Favourite lyric: “Can’t read or write or do what I like to do. I spend my days, 4/20 blazed, just thinkin ‘what’s he going to do?'”
3.) Sue Me
Sue Me is Audrey’s breakout hit. It’s what put her on the map, launching her into the stratosphere of mainstream pop. It’s a highly addictive song, full of punchy writing. I absolutely love the way she dances in this one, with the clown in the background (see music video below). This track is all about wanting to be wanted, after a relationship has ended. I find that Audrey’s songs have many layers, despite being quite short in duration. There are bridges, refrains, post-choruses, pre-choruses and more to look forward to – each one unique in their own way. Sue Me has that in spades. You can’t help but want to dance when this one come on.
Favourite lyric: “And I’m sorry that your dog died. I’m sorry that I’m like your dream bride. You’ll go to heaven and I’ll go to hell in the meantime.”
4.) Wet Hair
Audrey is the QUEEN of niche concepts! How she managed to come up with a song about Wet Hair, is beyond me. Her mind! In this track, she reflects upon meeting up with an ex – one that she hasn’t seen in some time. She arrives to the bar with wet hair, proving that this meeting does not matter to her. However, when she sees him, she is astounded by how good he looks, realising she should’ve made more of an effort on her physical appearance. It’s witty, clever and fun. It also has one of the best hooks on the album (see music video below).
Favourite lyric: “Sad old me showed up with wet hair, like it didn’t matter and I didn’t care.”
5.) Bowling Alley
Speaking of niche concepts, this might be her best one yet. In this track, Audrey is at home, ready to settle in for the night, when she gets invited to a bowling alley with her friends. She feels like nobody would care if she showed up, but decides to go anyway. When she’s there, she wishes she was back home, in her nightgown. However, she ends up winning a trophy, proving she’s a lucky beginner. As she stares at the prize in her bedroom, she confesses she’s glad she went. It’s hard to believe she tells that entire story in such a short song, but she does. It’s insanely clever and relatable. We all wish to be out when we’re in and wish to be home, when we’re out. The music video has some really fun choreography (see below).
Favourite lyric: “Sometimes I get on my knees, pray to God, the birds and the bees. I do it in a crisis. It’s a crisis nightly now.”
6.) Phoebe
This song has completely grown on me! I didn’t connect to it right away but I do now. Phoebe is a reference to the character from Friends. Audrey sings about how she finally started watching the show in her mid-20’s, shocked that it took her so long. She categorises herself as the Phoebe of the group. She’s the quirky one. The one that isn’t lusted after, quite like Rachel and Monica but still charming in her own way. She admits that she used to feel ugly but has since embraced her looks. Being Phoebe, in her opinion, is a huge compliment.
Favourite lyric: “But now I’m never lonely, not since I met Joey. But when I turn the lights out, Joey doesn’t hold me.”
7.) Shooting Star
Next up is Shooting Star. This song is less about storytelling and more about vibes. It’s a fun, upbeat pop number, that will make you want to dance. It’s about being at a club – noticing a cute guy from across the way. You make up a story arc about him to your friends but realise fairly quickly, he’s not a ‘shooting star.’ He’s a dud. It’s hard to tell if someone is a diamond in the rough or just another loser. Audrey articulates that feeling well.
Favourite lyric: “Here’s what I do, when he’s showing his cards. I get all my friends, and sit ’em all down, and set him apart.”
8.) Silver Jubilee
I had to look up what a Silver Jubilee is. According to Google, it’s the celebration of a 25-year anniversary. As Audrey is currently 26, I would guess this was written to honour 25th birthday. That would make the most sense, as it is a very uplifting/celebratory song. She’s living her life, taking shots and preparing herself for a long, winding road ahead. Maybe toward fame/success or a relationship. Maybe both? It’s a great album closer, that requires turning the volume all the way up!
Favourite lyric: “I’ma put my drinks up. It’s drinks up now. I’ma tell my sister she’s perfect.”
9.) Sex and the City
Just because Sex and the City is this far down on my list, doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic song. It’s here purely because it’s the slowest song on the record. It’s more of a ballad. Similar to Phoebe (see above) Audrey is making a pop-culture reference to the television show of the same name. She wants to believe her life is glamorous (like the series) but in actuality, confesses that nobody sees her write in her room. Nobody calls her with big declarations of love or takes her back to their place for a fun, memorable night of passion. The reality is much bleaker and bland. It’s honest, confessional songwriting. She wants to be a Carrie or a Samantha but instead, is deeply lonely.
Favourite lyric: “What’s it like to be admired? Hot and desired?”
10.) I Like to Touch People
I Like to Touch People is the album opener and a song Audrey has been playing in venues for years. The title is blunt and funny, indicating something deviant. However, Audrey’s explanation is much more simple. She just likes to connect to fans through her art; making them feel something. It’s less lyrically dense than her other tracks but it still has a good vibe. She intimates that strangers are typically drawn to her. Even if she’s bored by them, she listens intently, because she grew up with a people-pleasing mother. Relatable!
Favourite lyric: “I like the look in their eye. Like when they double over. I like when they nod, wide-eyed, screaming, so right.”
11.) Drive
In second-last place, we have Drive. This song is about a date gone wrong. Another disappointing night, Audrey sings, after being bored to tears by a potential love-interest. She hops in the car and puts it in drive, because sometimes, as she croons, that’s all you can do. I like this song but it doesn’t have a whole lot of substance to it. It’s more of a chill track to play in the background.
Favourite lyric: “I don’t know when it happened, must’ve happened overnight. I woke up from a nightmare, where I loved a socialite.”
12.) Don’t Go Back to His Ass
Last but not least, we have Don’t Go Back to His Ass. Even though I’ve placed it 12th, I still like it. As I said, this album is front-to-back. In this track, Audrey is begging her friend not to go back to their ex, but she’s also giving herself the same advice. She declares it’s a trap – his good behaviour will never last. She details just how frightful this man is, from complaining about his exes to not being present in the relationship. It’s perfectly fine, just the one I listen to the least.
Favourite lyric: “The city sounds like gin and tonic and old friends from college. And sunsets, and honest opinions and olives.”
Thank you so much for reading! Do you like Audrey Hobert? Which of her songs are your favourite? If you haven’t listened to her yet, I HIGHLY recommend you do!
Peace & Love xoxo
September 4, 2025
The Conjuring: Last Rites – New Release Horror Movie Review!
Hi all!
Today I am reviewing new-release, horror movie: The Conjuring: Last Rites. It hit cinemas this month, allowing me the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen. Paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren, try to vanquish a demon from a family’s home. If you wish to see my ranking of the franchise, click here. Without further ado, here are my honest thoughts!
WHAT WORKED:This is my second favourite Conjuring film in the franchise. No joke. I don’t think anything could top the original, but this one came pretty close. It was by far, the scariest of the four. I was terrified. There were some scenes that will haunt my nightmares for days to come. I was so pleasantly surprised by its itensity. Yes, it has a similar formula, but it works. What really tipped it over the edge for me however, was the presence of Annabelle. I did not expect her to be featured so often. If you didn’t know, Annabelle is in my top 10 favourite horror movies of all time. I love the haunted doll sub-genre. Seeing her work her antics in a story that wasn’t even about her, automatically bumped up my rating. I also want to commend the makers on how they closed out the chapter of Ed and Lorraine’s life. It was a beautiful conclusion to their story. There were plenty of familiar faces throughout and an abundance of heart. I was crying within the first five minutes. It was brilliantly acted and purposefully shot. We needed this closure and it was worth the wait.
WHAT DIDN’T WORK:I believe what doesn’t work will come down to personal taste. If you aren’t as interested in the Warrens, you won’t enjoy it. This is their story. This is their legacy. I love Ed, Lorraine and Judy, so it suited me just fine. Something to keep in mind is, it’s an extremely long film. You might feel it dragged, but I didn’t think a second was wasted. I was strapped in from start to finish.
OVERALL STAR RATING:I gave it 5/5 stars. It was exactly what I wanted for a final Conjuring film.
Have you seen The Conjuring: Last Rites? What did you think of it?
Peace & Love xoxo
August 31, 2025
Seasonal Splendour Part 4: Winter
Hi all!
Welcome back to my new four-part series, titled: Seasonal Splendour. My daughter and I started a tradition of making bucket lists per season, ticking off the prompts as we met them. It’s been such a fun bonding experience but it has also allowed us to romanticise different times of year. Click the title above to see our experiences in Spring, Summer and Autumn. It’s only fitting that we ended on Winter. Below is the bucket list we made and a photo diary of our adventures. The only one we didn’t get to was ‘Go Ice-Skating.’ Without further ado, here is how we spent the last three months of chilly Winter.
Seasonal Splendour Part 4: Winter 1.) Try Assorted Vegan Hot ChocolateI posted an entire ranking of Nomad’s Hot Chocolate range, which you can read here. I highly recommend checking this brand out!
2.) Invest In Fuzzy Socks
Winter is all about fuzzy socks! I bought my pack from Amazon. They come in a nice array of neutral colours, that fit well and are super warm.
3.) Try A Unique Bath ProductI’ve tried Bubble Bars before but never a Bubble Wand. I bought this pretty, snowflake-shaped product from LUSH. Simply hold under running water and watch the foam rise. I felt like I was in a Winter Wonderland, surrounded by white frosty, glittery soap suds that smelled of peppermint. If you dry it off, you can store it away for multiple uses.
4.) Visit A New Indoor ExperienceIn July, for our daughter’s 7th birthday, we went to the Gold Coast for a week, stopping at Bluey’s World along the way. It was such a wonderful experience, that we all enjoyed. You get a guided tour of Bluey’s home, with plenty of interactive features to engage in. At the end, you are given the opportunity to get a photo with Bluey and Bingo. Abigail was overjoyed! It’s on the pricier side, but I do recommend it.
5.) Get PamperedI wrote an entire post about my ASMR Massage experience (click here) so please check it out. Needless to say, it was the perfect way to get pampered in Winter.
6.) Bake CookiesWhat’s Winter without baking? In June, I made these delicious chocolate-chip cookies for myself and my daughter. The rest came with to me work and were devoured by the end of the day. I don’t have an exact recipe for them. They were from a packet mix.
7.) Watch The Fog Original/RemakeTis the season for atmospheric, chilling horror movies. I wrote an entire post comparing The Fog to its remake. Click here to find out which version was better!
8.) Replace Old Towels With Fluffy OnesThis is something we should all be doing at least once a year. You’re never going to want a fluffier towel than during the colder months of the year. I bought this lovely set of magenta towels from Spotlight. They are so soft and warm.
9.) Go For A Rainy Day WalkI know it doesn’t sound nice but a rainy day walk can actually be quite lovely. Put on your raincoat and boots, grab your umbrella and get some fresh air! I walk to work every single day, so this was one of those days.
10.) Decorate With Winter StickersI bought an assorted back of Winter stickers from Temu and spent the afternoon scrapbooking. There’s nothing better than sitting in your bed, whilst it rains outside, getting creative. It allows you to embrace the season in a way you wouldn’t normally.
11.) Master A New Colouring PatternI also wrote an entire post outlining my colouring book journey, which you can check out here. Once again, colouring is the perfect rainy day activity. You can light a candle, put some music on, rug up with a blanket and create your own little masterpiece. During the months of June, July and August, I worked on light colouring (pictured below), blanket patterns and brickwork.
12.) Make Snow GlobesFull transparency – I was planning on making a snow globe with Abigail, but then she was given one for her birthday and I said ‘good enough!’ This one is from Movie World. It’s very special.
13.) Add Twinkling Lights To Your SpaceWhen it’s gloomy outside, you feel the need for brightness and warmth. I found these pretty twinkling lights on Amazon. They look so nice against my headboard. Abigail loves them too. It’s such a simple, yet effective way to transform your space.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed Part 4. I’ll be back soon with a different seasonal idea! Stay tuned!
Peace & Love xoxo


