TRN Blockbusters: The Devil Wears Prada 2

A TRN Blockbusters review by Elke Koessling.


Last night I finally got the chance to watch The Devil Wears Prada 2.

I didn’t quite know what to expect – sequels after 20 years could be weird, right?

Without giving away too much of the plot in case you haven’t watched it yet: the actors shine, the story works, the fashion is stunning, and a lot is still the same. Apart from – it isn’t.

The world has caught up with the world of glossy magazines and the media in general.
Journalists are made redundant.
Depth of content has given way to clickbait.
Investors are planning to replace humans with AI.

Unfortunately this is the real world we’re looking at now.

When I started working with the media, it was all so much different. Journalists were not forced to cover several magazines at the same time. They were able to go out and meet people to discuss stories over coffee (or the odd pint). 
Newspapers and magazines had their own photographers who’d cover local events.

We have lost so much.

And this is where we look back at Miranda & Co: they fight back against the way so many magazines have gone these days. And, as it’s Hollywood, it comes with a happy ending.
But the important message is STAY HUMAN.

This is also a message for all of us: In a world where it’s harder and harder to distinguish between what’s real and what’s fake, the human factor is becoming more and more important. Be you. Be real. Use that B-roll. Let humans see you for who you really are.

And even AI-powered search engines are looking for ‘human proof’: Google reviews, media and third-party platforms quoting or featuring you – these are all far more important than the perfect reel. Because even Instagram doesn’t really care about your colour scheme, aesthetics or whether you have the perfect body. 

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is also a story about resilience: Sometimes we don’t have to accept that “this is how the world is these days”. We can fight back against what seems set in stone. 
We all have a choice. We can go with the flow and follow the trends, be washed away by torrents of AI slop and what people with far more money than sense tell us to be the new norm. Or we don’t.

We might not be able to pull off the same stunts as Miranda, Andy, Nigel and Emily, but there are ways for all of us to be resilient and resist what seems inevitable.

Staying human, and humane, is the very first step.

Education Matters – the value of expertise

Why qualified, subject specific, tutors matter in
today’s crowded education marketplace.

By Alison Nicole Blair-Bullett MSW, BSc (Hons), DipSW, PGCE

Education matters.
It is one of the key drivers of social mobility, offering students the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence regardless of their background. Or, at least, this is what it should be.

A high-quality education can open doors to further study, meaningful employment and greater economic security, while also equipping people to think critically, engage with society and make informed decisions. For many families, education represents hope – the chance for the next generation to enjoy opportunities that may not have been available to them. At its best, education is one of the great levellers, helping to reduce inequality by ensuring that ability, hard work and potential, rather than circumstance, determine future success. This is precisely why the quality of education matters so profoundly. When teaching is trusted to knowledgeable and skilled professionals, students are more likely to receive the standard of education they deserve.

I initially qualified as a social worker and later as a teacher in post compulsory education. A year after our son was born, I gave up formal employment to home educate him for eighteen years. There were a number of reasons which influenced this decision, but one was my growing concern that the quality of educational provision was becoming increasingly variable, with subject expertise and high standards not always being prioritised. There was a clear disconnect between what students needed and what some were receiving in the classroom. As soon as our son started his university life, I decided to establish a micro tutoring and marking business, alongside a home education consultancy (for those families following an academic pathway) and academic mentoring service.

I had assumed that my qualifications, teaching and social work experience, and proven track record, would be among my greatest strengths. Instead, I quickly discovered that one of the biggest challenges was operating in a market where price often appears to outweigh expertise. The tutoring sector has grown enormously in recent years, and while there are many excellent tutors from a variety of backgrounds, there has also been a significant increase in individuals offering tuition with little or no formal teaching experience or recognised qualifications. As a result, parents are frequently presented with an overwhelming range of options, many of them at prices which fully qualified teachers simply cannot match. From the outset, I was determined to keep my charges as reasonable as possible because I wanted my tutoring to remain accessible to – at least to some extent – students from a range of backgrounds and including those from lower income families.
Given my qualifications, teaching experience and professional expertise, I believe that I offer exceptional value for money. Ask any of my tutees and they will say that I consistently go above and beyond what is expected. What I provide extends far beyond the time spent in the actual lesson and, in reality, most students receive the equivalent of two or three hours’ worth of work, guidance, and feedback for the cost of a single hour of tuition. 

But even with a commitment to accessibility, it is still not possible to provide high-quality, specialist tuition for the price of a few pounds an hour.

Effective teaching is not just about knowing the subject well, but requires an understanding of how individuals learn, how to identify misconceptions, how to adapt explanations to different learners and how, crucially, to build confidence alongside academic progress. Operating a business in this environment has therefore been challenging. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, the temptation to choose the lowest price is understandable, particularly when families are managing rising living costs, but it does not always deliver value. 

My experience has taught me that building a successful tutoring business depends not only on being an effective educator, but also on educating parents about what they are investing in. Tutoring is not simply an extra lesson; it is a professional educational service that has the potential to shape a child’s confidence, academic attainment and future opportunities. One of my challenges, therefore, is to promote this conversation within education and specifically within tutoring.

Another challenge facing both parents and professional tutors is that the tutoring industry is largely unregulated. Unlike schools, where teachers are expected to meet professional standards, anyone can advertise themselves as a tutor, regardless of their qualifications, teaching experience or subject knowledge. This has contributed to the increasingly saturated marketplace, in which parents are often left trying to distinguish between tutors with substantial qualifications and experience and those who may have limited formal training or understanding of effective teaching practice. While there are undoubtedly talented tutors who have not taken traditional routes into education, the absence of minimum standards means that parents often rely on online reviews – which are fine if they can be verified – persuasive marketing or low prices rather than objective measures of expertise. 

Equally important is the value of subject expertise. We would rarely expect someone without legal qualifications to advise on the law, or someone without medical training to diagnose an illness. Yet in education, it is becoming increasingly common for people to be taught by non-subject specialists. This is true for both schools and within the private tutoring sector. Subject knowledge matters. A student studying GCSE or A-level sociology deserves to learn from someone with a deep understanding of sociology, just as a student preparing for a maths exam needs to be taught by a specialist in that discipline. Subject specialists are not only more knowledgeable; they are better equipped to explain difficult concepts, anticipate common misconceptions and inspire a genuine appreciation of their subject. When expertise is overlooked in favour of convenience or cost, it is very often the learner who ultimately pays the price.

Another challenge within the tutoring sector is the rise of marketing gimmicks which can sometimes oversimplify or over promise what tuition can achieve. There are claims which suggest that a tutor can guarantee a particular grade or outcome. This may seem attractive, but they do not reflect reality. While experienced tutors can undoubtedly have a significantly positive impact on a student’s progress, no tutor can guarantee a specific result. Outcomes will depend on many factors, including a student’s starting point, effort, engagement, consistency and the wider the support which may be available to them. Professional tutors must be honest about the contribution they can make in providing expert guidance, identifying gaps in understanding, building confidence and maximising a student’s potential, rather than promising results that are ultimately beyond their control. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the temptation to rely on eye-catching claims can sometimes overshadow the importance of genuine expertise and professional integrity.

The test for me, going forward, is how I clearly communicate the value of my service – affordable tuition, marking and mentoring, delivered by a qualified, knowledgeable and experienced tutor. In an increasingly saturated marketplace, where price can often be the deciding factor, I am still navigating how best to ensure that professional expertise, subject knowledge and proven teaching experience are recognised and valued. And above all, I need to continue promoting the message that quality tuition can be a worthwhile investment in a child’s education and future.

Alison Nicole Blair-Bullett


ABOUT ME:  I hold both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and I also qualified as a social worker and as a teacher in post compulsory education. I left formal employment when our son was a year old to home educate him for eighteen years. When he started at university, I set up my own micro tutoring and marking business, alongside a home education consultancy (for those families pursuing academic pathways for their children) and an academic mentoring service. My business link is www.socialsciencetutor.com
Alison Nicole Blair-Bullett MSW, BSc (Hons), DipSW, PGCE

Book Review: From Classroom to the Climb

From the Classroom to the Climb: Lessons in Resilience and Growth. By Derek Thomas.

Reviewed by Rebecca Miskin.

I’ve read a lot of books, did English Literature for A level, love the classics, admittedly not a great one for poetry – but this book is something else! 

I started my journey into network marketing for lots of reasons, about 11 years ago. I was at the top of my game in healthcare, remaining clinical while being in charge of a few hospital sites and all their staff, services and departments. A bit like Derek as headmaster of a school.

I needed to leave healthcare, ironically mainly for health reasons, and against my better judgement as I had spent decades putting my heart and soul into nursing and helping others feel better. Yet leave I must, and as I expected and received, contended with lots of downward glances, snide comments, opinions about deserting the ship and so on. A bit like Derek had.

For the first time I was reading that someone had been where I had been, and put the whole experience into words through reflection and insight so eloquently yet clearly and simply, that I finally understood what I had been unable to grasp in my own mind.  All from Derek. You know the kind of sentence that leaps from a page and makes you stop, and think, and deliberate? Like this one, ‘The only person present at every mistake in my life was me’. Hmm. True, but not one I’d wanted to think about too much! 

I have known Derek for nearly a decade, aspired to be the leader he is, quietly yet confidently guiding people to fulfil their dreams. I did not realise, and it certainly didn’t click, that we are so similar in background and experiences, that I am already like him, but a few paces behind. Now don’t go getting ideas, I’m not going to be climbing mountains! Well not in the physical sense. But, possibly like you, I am climbing mountains every day in my business, and with the help of Derek via his book, I can see the summit closer than I had thought. 

This book is different, with a different style and with useful pointers for inward questioning that I haven’t seen used before, to guide you to wherever point you wish to be.  If you are after a manual, it’s here. If you’re wanting adventure, it’s here. If you’re after openness and honesty, well that’s here too. 

The other lovely thing I love about Derek is his generosity, all the proceeds from this book are going towards his nominated charity. You’ll have to read it, to find out which, and why!

Click here to find out more about Rebecca Miskin

From Invisible to Recognised: How BrandPhotography Reflects Your Values


How would you feel to be known and trusted so widely because of what you do?
In this article, I’ll share thoughts and tips that may inspire you to take action in your business.

I’m Rachel Eglinton, of Be Seen Be Green Brand Photography. I help small business owners, including wellness practitioners, show up with confidence through meaningful virtual brand photography.


As a brand photographer, I support clients with their visibility.
But what does that really mean?

Visibility is more than just being seen. It’s about how well your brand is recognised and represented in the marketplace. Through your visual content, it’s how you convey your values, message, and
personality. Visibility is what appeals to your audience and helps them relate to you as a person.
Ultimately, visibility leads to trust and business growth.


Let’s explore what’s possible through the story of one of my clients.

KT runs a wellness business. She’d had a brand shoot some time ago and had come to the end of her
portfolio. She was eager for images that reflected her confidence and expertise. We began with an
indoor shoot where she wore her professional uniform, showing her at work and highlighting her
expertise. Some months later, we met again in the park to capture her personality in a relaxed, natural setting. She smiled, laughed, and let her approachable side shine, the same warmth her clients experience in person.
The combination of professionalism and playfulness gave KT’s brand more depth and relatability.


“Thank you Rachel for a calming photo shoot. You captured everything I wanted and more. Just real
natural images. Your organisation and calming nature really made everything feel so effortless.
Highly recommend”

This can be you.

When you show up authentically in your photos, you make it easier for people to trust you, connect with you, and remember your name. That’s the real power of visibility.
It’s not always easy to step in front of the camera, and most of my clients feel that way at first. But with consistency and practice, it becomes more comfortable. Each time you show up, you build confidence and familiarity and that’s when your true personality begins to shine through.


Takeaway tip: List your top three business values. Then look at the photos below of wellness
practitioners and notice how those values appear. Perhaps in the props, the space, or the overall vibe.
When you can identify what appeals to you in a photo, you’re on your way to creating selfies that
connect deeply with your audience.

I’m Rachel, a roving brand photographer supporting busy introverted solopreneurs to feel seen with ease. I specialise in virtual brand photography, so clients can stay in the comfort of their home or take me on holiday depending on their vibe!


If you’d like further support, I have a free guide to uplevel your selfies to help you grow your business.

I’d love to connect and hear more about your business journey!
Be Seen Be Green Brand Photography
Let’s connect: Facebook Instagram or LinkedIn

Let the world fall quiet: Colouring for Mindfulness

As we edge towards December, life seems to speed up, doesn’t it? The to-do lists grow, the pressure creeps in, and even the fun bits can start to feel a little overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve found one thing that consistently brings me back to myself: colouring.

There’s something beautifully simple about sitting down with a page and letting the world fall quiet for a moment. Colouring encourages us to slow our breathing, soften our shoulders, and focus on the present. It gives our busy minds something soothing to hold onto, which is why it’s often linked with mindfulness. You’re not trying to analyse or produce anything perfect, you’re simply choosing colours, making gentle strokes, and giving your brain a break from the noise.

That mindful pause becomes even more powerful during the festive season. December can bring joy, but it can also bring social expectations, sensory overwhelm, and a whole lot of emotional weight. Finding small moments of calm can make all the difference, and that’s what inspired me to create my Advent Calendar Colouring Book.

Instead of chocolate or trinkets, each page for the 25 days of December leading up to Christmas, reveals a fresh colouring page, a tiny creative escape waiting just for you. With extra bonus pages. It’s designed to be a daily ritual you can look forward to: a few quiet minutes to reset, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Even five minutes of colouring can lower your stress response, support emotional regulation, and give you a sense of gentle accomplishment. In a season where we often take care of everyone else first, this is a gift you can give yourself every single day.

If you’re craving a calmer, more grounded December, I’d love for you to join me in making colouring part of your daily wellbeing routine. A little moment of peace can go a very long way. 

X💛📖

By Stacey Brown.

I’m Stacey, an author, book designer, and colouring book creator with a deep love for all things cosy, creative, and mindful. As someone living with multiple chronic illnesses, I’ve learnt first-hand how powerful simple, calming practices can be and colouring has become one of my favourite tools for creating ease in everyday life. Through my books, journals, and online content, I help busy women slow down, breathe, and reconnect with themselves through gentle creativity. When I’m not designing, you’ll usually find me with a cup of tea, a stack of pens, and a story waiting to be told.

Get your “Countdown to Christmas – Advent Calendar Colouring Book”

Amazon Author Link
Follow Stacey on Facebook

PromiseWorks

PROMISEworks is an inspirational Somerset charity that has been supporting vulnerable children and young people across the county since 2017, through volunteer mentoring. Facilitating life enhancing relationships across generations. 

In November 2023, Sue Bill joined the team as the Somerset Coast Area Co-Ordinator, covering West Somerset.

“I am genuinely excited to be working with such a vibrant and creative community in Minehead and the surrounding area, and I look forward to recruiting new volunteer mentors. Since I joined, I have successfully matched 8 new volunteer Mentors in the West Somerset area, however we still need many more,” said Sue. “The initiative mechanisms of PROMISEworks is that although we work collaboratively across the community in the health, social and educational sectors, giving our young people a voice, the volunteer mentors are kept separate from this, allowing them to develop trusted relationships with their young person which can flourish.”

The latest impact report from PROMISEworks, echoes this. After 7.5 months of mentoring, 100% of mentees feel that their mentor is ‘good for them’ and ‘on their side’.  At the end of last year, PROMISEworks’ 4 day in house training, delivered to all potential mentors, became endorsed via the OCN.

“This has been a huge step forward for us,” said Sue. “As it has allowed us to extend our demographic, enticing working age people to join us and expand their CPD profile, growing our volunteer mentors across multi generations.” 

“Anyone can volunteer if you can give 2 hours weekly or fortnightly for a 2-year period. As an Area Co-Ordinator, part of our role is to support each mentor on their mentoring journey through regular support meetings. We also hold activities throughout the year across the county to bring our mentoring community together.”

A PROMISEworks volunteer mentor summed up their experience of mentoring. “It is an honour to be able to offer such a vibrant young person the very simple gifts of appreciation, communication, attention, and consistency! I couldn’t recommend enough.” 

If you would like to find out more about volunteer mentoring, please contact Sue directly at sue.bill@promiseworks.org.uk or visit the website www.promiseworks.org.uk for further information.

Saving You More – Still!

Rebecca’s been out and about again, mainly entering people into the free to enter the Utility Warehouse £20K Annual Draw, but also showing them how to raise funds for the charities and good causes close to their hearts, as well as add value to their own lives.

Please don’t worry – you have another few weeks to enter the Draw, and the winner for 2025 will be announced on 6th September. If you haven’t entered yet, contact Rebecca on 07929040772 without delay!

Here she is recently at The WRSA Steam Rally in Somerset, UK.

Rebecca Miskin – Roger Tuckwell – Wend Rockey – Kim Elliot

More opportunities are coming up to meet Rebecca and the team at:

  • St. Giles Summer Dog Show and Fete, 10th August
  • Quedam Street Markets, Yeovil

plus more, and online.

All photos courtesy of the The WRSA Steam Rally in Somerset, UK.

Utility Warehouse at the Mid Devon Show

“We are really excited to be showing more lovely people what we do on Saturday at The popular Mid Devon Show.
Come along and say Hello 👋”

— Rebecca Miskin

We’ll be providing information on our new Connector fundraiser for small businesses and charities.

We’ll be submitting free entries into the £20K prize draw.

We’ll be explaining how we keep things easy and simple by utilising our Bundles.

We’ll be introducing happy smiley people to the concept of doing less for more, ultimately creating more time for the things that matter most to them.

It’s going to be a great family day out 🌞

To find out more, get in touch with Rebecca.