Sarah Xenos
Stories (16)
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A Playful, Punchy Review of “A History of Britain in Ten Enemies” by Terry Deary
If you’ve ever cackled your way through Terry Deary’s “Horrible Histories”, you’re in for another treat with A History of Britain in Ten Enemies. Deary’s latest romp through history is anything but boring—imagine the “Horrible Histories” spirit dialled up, with each chapter zooming in on a notorious “enemy” who helped shape the UK. I picked it up one rainy arvo, expecting a bit of fun, and ended up snorting with laughter on the tram—Deary’s knack for the absurd is on full display.
By Sarah Xenos27 days ago in BookClub
The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb: A Captivating Tale of Hope and Healing
Wally Lamb’s novel, The River Is Waiting, offers readers an evocative journey through the complexities of grief, resilience, and transformation. With his trademark blend of heart and honesty, Lamb crafts a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. In this review, I will explore how Lamb’s use of character development, vivid imagery, and powerful themes makes this novel so effective, while also considering areas where the book could be even stronger.
By Sarah Xenosabout a month ago in BookClub
Reflections on Buy Now, Pay Later Services and Financial Wellbeing . AI-Generated.
Like many Australians, I’ve watched buy now, pay later (BNPL) services become a familiar part of everyday spending. My own journey began with opening an Afterpay account, drawn in by the flexibility it offered for managing my purchases. Initially, I used BNPL as a way to spread the cost of occasional extras, helping me avoid large upfront payments. I set clear personal rules: I limit how many purchases I make at once, use BNPL sparingly, and always keep an eye on my monthly expenses. This cautious approach has helped me stay out of unnecessary debt and maintain control over my finances.
By Sarah Xenosabout a month ago in Trader
The joy of Christmas movies
When Christmas rolls around, there’s nothing I look forward to more than sinking into the lounge for a good holiday movie. These festive films hold a special spot in my heart, and every year I feel a tingle of anticipation, eager to choose which new Christmas flick will kick off the season. The latest Netflix releases always catch my eye—even though, let’s be honest, most of them follow the same tried-and-true recipe as a classic Hallmark movie.
By Sarah Xenos2 months ago in Viva
The Protein Craze:
Everywhere you look these days—whether you’re scrolling through Instagram or weaving your way through Woolies or Coles—protein is stealing the spotlight. From breakfast cereals to snack bars, there’s hardly a shelf untouched by bold promises of “extra protein.” It’s become such a talking point that even a casual chat at the gym or a weekend barbie can quickly turn into a discussion about the latest high-protein find.
By Sarah Xenos2 months ago in Longevity
Christmas has become just another day.
Each year, retailers appear to introduce Christmas merchandise earlier than in previous years. It has become common to find both Christmas and Halloween decorations displayed simultaneously, sometimes as early as August. This increased availability of Christmas items outside the traditional holiday period may influence perceptions regarding the uniqueness of the season.
By Sarah Xenos2 months ago in Journal
I found my off screen activity.
Like many millennials these days, I found myself yearning for something to do that didn’t involve staring at a screen. Every arvo, my social feeds brimmed with posts about crafts, puzzles and all sorts of hands-on kits, promising to replace endless scrolling with something more meaningful. The sheer number of choices was overwhelming—I often hesitated, not wanting to spend money on hobbies that might just gather dust in the cupboard. It seemed like every day I wanted to dive into a new activity, but couldn’t settle on one.
By Sarah Xenos2 months ago in Motivation
Midnight Restlessness
As midnight approached, Rowan experienced persistent unease without an identifiable source. His recent difficulties with sleep coincided with a period of unemployment and disrupted daily patterns. The apartment once considered a sanctuary, no longer provided comfort, and he increasingly perceived it as confining.
By Sarah Xenos3 months ago in Fiction
When Dopamine turns into anxiety
Yesterday, I made a decision that brought me far more relief than I’d expected—I deleted several gaming apps from my phone. These weren’t just random apps; they were mostly games I’d played to kill time, and a few even promised I could earn extra cash.
By Sarah Xenos3 months ago in Motivation
The Knock
The mover had just left, and the kettle had finished boiling. She was ready to enjoy a nice cup of tea, hoping the warmth would settle her nerves in this new, unfamiliar house. Her hands cradled the mug, seeking comfort, but just as she sat down, a sharp, unexpected tap echoed from the front door. A sigh of irritation escaped her lips; her tea would have to wait. She left it steaming on the kitchen bench, recalling—perhaps with a touch of sarcasm—how people had assured her that this neighbourhood was friendly.
By Sarah Xenos3 months ago in Fiction
The Elusive Quest for a Perfect Self-Care Routine: A Reflection. AI-Generated.
There is a quiet myth that drifts through conversations about wellbeing: the notion that somewhere out there, a perfect self-care routine awaits discovery. Any scroll across most social media feeds will be fulfilled with people saying that one thing can reduce the stress and anxiety in your life. There are thousands products to designed to introduced self-care from lotions and potion to products and apps. That you spend a small fortune one.
By Sarah Xenos4 months ago in Longevity
Is Buying Social Media Followers a Moral Grey Area? . AI-Generated.
In the digital age, social media has become a powerful force—reshaping how we communicate, create, and even perceive ourselves. Success on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok is often measured by follower counts, likes, and shares, which can open doors to opportunities, influence, and, sometimes, financial gain. Within this context, an entire industry has emerged offering users the chance to buy followers. The question arises: is purchasing social media followers an unethical practice, or does it occupy a murky moral middle ground—a so-called “grey area”?
By Sarah Xenos4 months ago in Styled