My forties are fast approaching and, as they do, focusing on the health of my body is becoming more important than ever before. Considering what I do in terms of physical activity, how much sleep I get, and what I fuel my body with is vital to support a sense of healthy balance. It’s also important to think about some … Read More
Unforgotten women
International Women’s Day makes me think not only about the incredible women around the world, and huge achievements made often in the face of adversity, but also about those closer to home. Specifically, the women that I am related to. I find myself wondering about some of the stories that might have gone before me, the sacrifices, the dreams, and … Read More
Stepping Your Garden Into Spring
The garden is, by and large, pretty dormant through the winter months. Many flowers have long since died away, fruit trees stand still, and shrubs create a calm spot for mini beasts to overwinter (we’ve found ladybirds hibernating in some of ours). That doesn’t mean that the gardening ceases altogether though. In fact, at this time of year, we can … Read More
Mindful Makers in Trying Times
“The Mindful Makers Box is a monthly box of mindfulness designed to facilitate you in making connections to Nature, Art & Crafts and more importantly to yourself!” During lockdown, who doesn’t need a little self-care and a reminder to take some time out? I came across Nature Makers and their Mindful Makers Box courtesy of a friend, and they reached out … Read More
Under The Night Owl Duvet
During lockdown, like so many others, we have been spending much more time in our house. It is very much a work in progress, and we have become acutely aware of what still needs to be done to really throw it down the transitional path of house to home. One particular point of focus at the moment is our bedroom, … Read More
The Bird Box in your Garden
In times of urban development, creating an outdoor space that encourages wildlife and garden birds is a lovely way to give something back to the natural world. Gardening on a big or small scale can also help to reduce your own feelings of stress and anxiety and increase wellbeing. An easy addition to make is to add a bird box … Read More
2020 – My Year In Review
Sitting down to write this feels so familiar. My surroundings are unchanged save from a lick of paint that took its place on the walls at the beginning of lockdown in March 2020. My laptop was updated around the same time to increase availability of devices for home-schooling, but there is a definite sense of stability. When I take a … Read More
Christmas Traditions Around The World
I love learning about traditions and tales through the ages. So when better a time to share some beautiful ideas from around the globe than on this Christmas Eve, especially during a year when we perhaps aren’t able to experience them first-hand. Iceland I love the idea of this. Jolabokaflod (roughly translated means “Christmas Book Flood”) is the exchanging of … Read More
Christmas Shopping In 2020 Times
Christmas shopping this year will feel different. No doubt about it. So, I am doing things a little differently too. In previous years I have crafted Christmas gift guides that almost exclusively showcase the products of small, independent businesses throughout the UK. You can find them, if that’s what you’re looking for, here and here. There are some truly brilliant … Read More
Have A Merry Mindful Christmas
Christmas always brings stresses and strains, but perhaps never more so than this year. According to the Office for National Statistics, around a whopping 70% of adults in the UK have noted that they have been worried, stressed or feeling low as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Hardly surprising when the unemployment rate is rising, businesses are struggling to … Read More