Your Most Popular Reads in 2023

What better way to end 2023 than to take a quick look back at all of the things that you have enjoyed reading over the past 12 months. We dove into our analytics for 10 of the most popular posts. A list of The List if you will. And from what we can tell, you all enjoy living life well as much as we do, with a mix of local tips, fitness and eating out topping the list, not to mention insights into local lives with our Listed series.

There’s also a bonus list of the top 10 most popular books of the year from our friends at the library. So whether you’re looking to browse a feature or delve into a good read during the holidays, we’ve got you covered. 

 

 

13 Places To Have Brunch in Guernsey.

Sometimes you just want to take it easy, and there's nothing more relaxing than spending a morning catching up with friends over brunch. Or maybe you want to combine a meeting with a spot of brunch on a work day... but where to go? We're spoiled for choice here in Guernsey, from casual to classy and everything in between, so let us guide you through some of our favourite kiosks, cafes, restaurants and hotels. You'll find them all here.

 

 

 

10 of Our Favourite Episodes from Fearne Cotton's Happy Place.

Some of you may be new to podcasts, others may be podcast superfans, but there’s one thing you will all have in common - overwhelm. With so many podcasts out there, it can be a real challenge finding something that ticks all the right boxes. Let us help by introducing - or reuniting you with - Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place. It’s the ideal podcast to turn to in the world of wellbeing if you’re looking for an inspiring and relatable listen. Fearne talks about ‘life, love, loss and everything in-between’ encouraging us all to find our own happy place. The guest list is impressive with something for everyone. Here are some of our faves.

 

 

 

The Best Sea Swimming Spots Around The Bailiwick.

We're spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful places to swim around the islands. So much so, that it can be difficult to know which spot to choose, especially for those who are new to wild swimming in Guernsey. Some bays are great for a high tide swim, whilst some work better at low tide. Some places are stunning at dawn and others are ideal to take in the setting sun. Maybe you're looking for a secluded spot, or a family friendly beach? Find out more.

 

 

 

Listed: Ellie Jones from Liberate Talks Life, Love and Equality For All.

Liberate CEO Ellie Jones moved to Guernsey when she was 18 years old, intending to come visit her dad just for the summer. But island life drew her in and in recent years she has made an incredible impact as an activist for the LGBTQ+ community. She shared her story with us in an open and honest interview, talking about her personal life, her work and the passion that drives her to speak up for equality and acceptance for all. She also opened up about the challenges that she - and many others - face living in Guernsey, and the reasons why she is reluctantly considering leaving the island. Ellie is Listed.

 

 

 

5 Home Organisation Shows To Watch For Decluttering Inspiration.

Looking for some streaming inspo to sort your house out? Look no further than the list below. You’ll be full of ideas of where to start - just don’t forget that you need to. Find out more here.

 

 

Why You Need To Try Pilates (& 5 Places To Try It!)

This time of year is a time of new beginnings for many of us, as we settle back into routines and re-engage with activities that may have taken a back seat over the holidays. It’s also a good time to take stock and refocus on our health and wellbeing... but that doesn't necessarily mean taking up where you left off. If you are feeling like you want to try something new with your fitness, we've done a bit of research for you. Pilates ticks a lot of boxes, for both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts. Here’s a quick guide to pilates, with a roundup of the different types of classes you can find on the island. Find out more.

 

Image: Hannah Olivia Art

We Found All The Etsy Guernsey Shops So You Don’t Have To.

Etsy is a haven for artisans and small businesses. And Guernsey has more than its fair share of talented creatives, so we decided to do a deep dive to find out which local makers are showcasing their creations on the platform. We were not surprised to find lots of artists and designers with Guernsey connections. From jewellery and prints to textiles and home decor, there are lots of handcrafted and vintage treasures on offer, and many of the items have a local theme. For many of the sellers, their Etsy outlet is a passion project they pursue alongside work and family commitments. For some, it’s become a fulltime business. For all, your support means the world! Take a look at the list.

 

 

 

10 Ways To Restore Your Energy & Inner Balance.

If you’re feeling busy at the moment, you’re not the only one. We are all juggling work and life and family and social commitments and it can be hard to prioritise when you're trying to maintain a work-life balance. If you’re feeling tired, drained or just in need of a break, then it’s time to recognise that and make a few subtle changes that allow you to restore your energy and find a little inner balance. It’s time to prioritise you. Let’s do this with these 10 tips to help you to get back to you.

 

 

 

7 Early Signs Of Burnout and How To Deal With It

Regardless of who you are and what your job is, the physical and emotional exhaustion that we identify as burnout can hit any one of us. In fact, burnout has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as an ‘occupational phenomenon’ with a recent survey revealing that 88% of UK employees have experienced at least some form of burnout over the past two years. But with bills to pay and mouths to feed, for most of us resigning is simply not an option. So we have to learn to recognise the signs and avoid burnout before it happens. Read more here.

 

 

 

The Most Popular Books 

And here's a bonus list of the top 10 most borrowed books of the year from the Library. It's a great list - with some old favourites and some new releases there's something for everyone. Click the links below to reserve or buy* your copy today.

 

1. The Bullet That Missed - Richard Osman (Borrow or Buy the book)

2. The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman (Borrow or Buy the book) 

3. And Away - Bob Mortimer (Borrow or Buy the book)

4. Victory City - Salman Rushdie (Borrow or Buy the book)

5. The Midnight Library - Matt Haig (Borrow or Buy the book)

6. It Ends with Us - Colleen Hoover (Borrow or Buy the book)

7. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin (Borrow or Buy the book)

8. The School For Good Mothers - Jessamine Chan (Borrow or Buy the book)

9. The Ink Black Heart - Robert Galbraith (Borrow or Buy the book)

10. The Summer Seekers - Sarah Morgan (Borrow or Buy the book)

*contains affiliate links.

Thank you for all of your support this year. We can't wait to bring you more great reads in the new year!