Hayley Howells

I love a good deep dive into the business side of things, and the influencer industry has fascinated me for years, so these are all books I've read (a couple of them I keep going back to, bookmarks and all). Industry exposés, histories and practical how-tos, plus a few time capsules from the early fashion blogging days. My thoughts on a handful of them are over on ceriselle.org.

Where to find real tea, decent sausages and a Sunday roast that would pass muster back home, all around Seattle. It's built from nearly a decade of homesick shopping trips (and a fair few disappointments in the “international” aisle).

For the Brit who's lived abroad long enough to say “awesome” unironically, but still won't make tea in a microwave. Mostly proper tea and chocolate, plus a kettle (I'm not explaining that one again).

Christmas presents for the person who plans their whole winter around the Kraken and Torrent schedules. Plenty of stocking fillers under $40, plus somewhere to display the puck they definitely didn't fight a child for.

The alcohol-free drinks I'd happily turn up to a party with (or hand to whoever's driving). Every one has been tried and reviewed over on @atoastwithout, so you won't find any vinegary apéritifs or banana-flavoured gin here. Most are easy to find around Seattle, and a couple can be delivered.

Race day merch for the girlies. Cropped, cute and nowhere near a boxy replica shirt, with picks from across the grid (plus a few that don't make you pick a team at all).

Seattle Torrent merch I'd actually wear on a non-game day (cosy crewnecks and hoodies, no jerseys required). Go Torrent! 🏒

My edit for Seattle's wet season, which runs from October until roughly June. Everything here goes past a size L or 14, because waterproofing shouldn't stop at a medium. Umbrellas optional (and frankly a bit suspicious round here).

Kit for dogs who have never once walked past a puddle (springers, obviously). Mostly for mud, with a couple of things sturdy enough for serious chewers, plus a few presents for the humans, because we suffer too.

A few makeup bags and cases that are cute, clever, and fit way more than you'd expect. Perfect for at home or on the go.

Most laptop and camera bags look like they're off to a sales conference (no shade to the sales conference). These all fit a laptop or a camera but look like normal, pretty bags you'd want to carry anyway, from a $70 TJ Maxx find to a proper treat. Just check the listing before you buy, as laptop sizes vary from 13" to 16" and camera bags fit different bodies and lenses.

Apple Watch straps that look more like jewellery than gym kit, for anyone who wants the step count without the sporty look. There's a silky scarf band, a few bracelet styles and some smart leather, all very good for a bit of outfit matching. Which one would you go for?