THE BRANCH BLOG 

Sometimes, finding your way back to yourself starts with something as simple as a little bounce. I will be completely honest: after going through a difficult time, fitness wasn’t something I felt like prioritising. What once felt like a positive part of my routine had started to feel like another thing to think about, another thing I should be doing. And when life has been a little heavy, the last thing you need is to turn looking after yourself into a chore. I knew I needed

Humankind. Be both. I thought about this quote whilst sitting at my desk whilst at work. It was one of those quiet moments where your body is doing one thing, but your mind has wandered somewhere else entirely. I first heard the quote a few years ago while listening to Archetypes, one of my favourite podcasts, and for some reason it found its way back to me that afternoon. I always find it so peculiar how certain words have a way of resurfacing exactly when you need them. Thi

Thalidomide Voices There are moments in history that somehow manage to become distant, neatly tucked away in textbooks. That is, however, until you realise their ripple effect is still very much alive to this day. The story of Thalidomide is one of those moments. Prescribed in the late 1950s and early 1960s as a seemingly harmless remedy for morning sickness, the thalidomide drug carried a ruinous secret. Thousands of babies were born with severe congenital disabilities, incl

There was a time, not so long ago, when I genuinely believed that anyone who could run a 5K had to have been engineered in a lab, with perfect lung capacity and an unwavering sense of discipline. It certainly didn’t feel like something meant for me. I would constantly try on the treadmill and feel so disheartened when I could merely last five minutes.

Some recipes are more than just food. They're memories. For me, Ratatouille was one of those childhood movies that stayed with me long after the credits rolled, and that was admittedly due to my deep love of Paris. The idea that food could tell a story, spark such emotion, and bring people together completely captivated me. I remember watching Remy carefully layer vegetables with such care, thinking that cooking must be something truly special, and you know what good ol’ Gust

There’s something so wonderful about a Victoria sponge. It is that classic, no-fuss beauty of a cake that feels like a warm hug from an English afternoon. Two soft golden layers, a hint of jam, a cloud of whipped cream, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar on top. To call it perfect would simply be an understatement. I remember the first time I baked one. It was a Friday morning, and that evening I was meeting my mans’ family for the first time, and I wanted to make a goo

There’s something about Dubai that feels like stepping into a postcard, only the postcard comes alive around you. The moment I arrived, I felt wrapped in a warmth that went way beyond the desert sun. It was the warmth of the people, the vibrancy, of the energy. It is a country that’s both beautifully modern and deeply rooted in tradition. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how alive the city feels. It’s a city that celebrates contrast… bold yet graceful, fast yet gr

As soon as we landed in Hong Kong, we were greeted with the skyline wrapped in mist, the air heavy with the promise of rain. My gal pal / cousin Helena and I had planned a last-minute spontaneous trip, blissfully unaware that the cyclone season was waiting to make its grand entrance just as we arrived. All the main attractions were closed, the wind was wild, and yet… There was something so majestic about it all. So instead of letting the stormy weather warnings get us down, w

A Traveller's Guide to Paris

Matcha matcha matcha…. Everyone is talking about it. We all know where to go to buy one from the high street, but how can we make this...

My gal pal Eve's new soap brand! Xx

a quick, simple recipe for a Ginger cake - With Love Anaiá Xx

I love having a routine. As much as I enjoy a spontaneous, unplanned day, having a structured routine can rest assuredly make me feel at...

What you will need: Tenderstem Broccoli Carrots Garlic cloves Egg noodles British beef mince Soy sauce Honey Sesame seeds ...

I am a firm believer that there’s something special about reaching significant milestones in life —whether it’s a new job, a fresh start...

This recipe is sure to keep you entertained... have fun! xx

Recently, there have been appalling scenes in our city and around the country. Today, I am reaching out to you as a fellow human being,...

As the first year of university finally approaches its end, it is important to acknowledge how far you've come. No matter what course you...

The Branch Blog's Taste of Jamaica: A Review of RayRayz As a lover of all things delicious and authentic, let me tell you guys about my...