June 2020

Things I’m loving

Life

Inaturalist – Starting at the beginning of lockdown, the 1 walk allowance a day was something to treasure. I noticed my surroundings more and with a smart little app from Inaturalist I was able to record and research the everyday natural world I would usually walk right by. Like Pokemon for grown – ups, what a pleasure. https://www.inaturalist.org

Grow Your Own – This has been a god send gift from my better half for my mental health. A few packets of seeds and some compost and I’ve nutured life and focused my energy on something that is so rewarding. I highly recommend you giving it a go!

Beauty

Sunday Rileys – C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Tumeric Face Oil – Using this every morning, I have grown more confidence in my skin. The effects are almost immediate with a next day pay off. Glowing skin at 39 and even skin tone. It’s now in my can’t live without products.https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/sunday-riley-ceo-glow.html

Lumene Nordic Hydra Intense Hydration 24 H Moisturizer – When I buy skin care, I do put a lot of thought and research in before I purchase anything. With a sensitive skin type and watching the pennies (most of the time), it takes me a lot to buy into a new brand. This moisturizer from Lumene was a pleasant suprise. With a slight but fresh scent it really does feel like a drink to your skin. It’s simple and effective and has made me want to trial more products from Lumene. A great start.https://www.lookfantastic.com/lumene-nordic-hydra-lahde-intense-hydration-24h-moisturizer-50ml/11697303.html

Oskia Restoration Oil – Big fan of the Oskia brand and the renaissance cleanser. Yes I purchased a 5.5ml bottle at a cost of £17…….. but it smells like a spa in a jar!!! I swear its’ an instant deep breath at the end of my nightime skin care routine. It is hydrating, soothing and all good things. It’s been a pleasure Oskia but would I purchase again? Maybe as a treat but for £72 for 30mls I must have to have done something really special to deserve it. https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/oskia-restoration-oil.html

TV/Film

Springwatch – Was back with a vengence in June but with a little social distancing difference. Many shouted and I was there with them that I absolutley loved the set up. It was slick, heartfelt and meaningful in many layers, from our connection with nature when we’re feeling lost, to thought provoking moments of mindfulness. Love it! miss it already…. Please when is Autumn watch starting???https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007qgm3

The Marvellous Mrs Maisel – Available on Amazon Prime. I’m late to the series 3 launch having binged 1 and 2 and I forgot how much I enjoyed this show. It’s fast, intelligent and quipy and I dont find myself reaching for my phone for a cheerky scroll. A feel good with extra feels.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08762P21S/ref=dvm_uk_sl_tit|m_95087914025526613917368c_c419824417146

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Mindful Living + Stress Management

Life / column_admin

Time and time again, when life gets tough, even just a bit, I have gradually trained my mind to appreciate the positives over the negatives. This is a very personal excercise to everyone, and the answers will be different for all, but it’s that moment when you need to trust in yourself and choices you make that will bring you back to that sense of calm.

Whether it be lost love, lost loveones , lost jobs or the daily work grind, it’s important now more than ever to stop…. take stock….. and disect the situation. I wanted to share a few tips that have helped me with just such issues.

Dont be hard on yourself! When life gets you down, you’re feeling like this because you care and that aint bad!
Lists – They help me a lot to get worries out of my head and shared on paper. Just writing them down makes them tagible and you can work with this. List what is bothering you, then next to each issue think… can I control this situation? What can I do to improve it? Anything? Can I be pro-active to alleviate the anxiety? If not then think… what am I worrying about really?
Talking – sharing, ranting, it’s all communication and all a positive step to getting things clear in your own head.
Take your time – Look at life as a whole, don’t forget the big picture.
Do something for you that you love – Where you find yourself unable to think about all the worries and escape. For me it works with cooking and gardening when I have to concentrate on something particular. I love reading but it doesn’t work when your mind is running fifty to the dozen.
Finally, excercise………. Walking, running, whatever. Get outside get some fresh air and get your blood flowing. It does wonders.