Housekeeping: with Coronavirus, all of us have been a bit more aware of cleaning and sanitising both our hands and homes.
Did you do Veganuary (going vegan for January)? Or perhaps you tried Dry January (going alcohol free for the month)? Taking drastic action on the diet, drink or health front in short bursts has been growing in popularity. With many being able to make their will-power last the duration, knowing the fixed period will come to an end.
Well, Dr Rangan Chatterjee, has a new book out called Feel Better In 5 (Penguin Life). That just might be the answer…
You might know Dr Chatterjee from the BBC programme Doctor In The House and podcast Feel Better Live More. He recognises that making positive health, mind and body changes is incredibly difficult and that sticking with it, and maintaining the required will-power and motivation can be tough.
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One Pot Wonders – The Hairy Bikers
Even cooks that like to be in the kitchen want an easy meal to get on the table every now and again. This book provides plenty of inspiration, but with the added bonus of less prep/washing up – as all can be cooked in one pot!
VEG – Jamie Oliver
This book is not just for vegetarians, but will certainly help them and vegans make interesting meals. But also, for those looking for ways of boosting their 5-a day habit.
A Wedding in December – Sarah Morgan
With an Aspen setting, and wedding day looming – is all well in the world, or does it seem that everyone is hiding a secret? Maybe it’s time to get everything out in the open…
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It is easy to fall into the mind-set that ‘there is nothing good about getting old’, but in reality, ageing doesn’t have to be a horrible experience. It can be liberating!
Ageing, brings with it wisdom and life-experience. Hopefully you no longer fret about the things you used too, and now have a sense of confidence in who you are, and what you want to get out of life…
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Many home moves will take place in August, probably because spring is still one of the most popular times to place a house onto the market, and by the time all of the legal wrangling is done, it is summer before the actual move happens.
So, come September, people are really starting to think about how to make their property a real home. For some, that might also include taking into account Superstitions!
Superstitions abound when it comes to Hearth & Home! Whether you are renting or buying, live in an apartment or house – it all means the same thing. Safety and security, on a practical level it provides shelter, on an emotional level it means so much more…
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Take expensive items with you. In this day and age with baggage allowances getting smaller, and airlines charging extras for every piece of luggage it can feel easier to travel light and leave many holiday essentials at home. However, once in a resort, you may find that many items are much more expensive abroad, for example sun tan lotion, insect repellent, first-aid medications, baby items etc.
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Many people will have already booked their summer holiday, but having poured over reviews to select the best accommodation, we often leave the finer details to the last minute. Brexit – whether we leave the EU or end up with a no-deal situation, may add further complications to your holiday planning.
(more…)The summer solstice is upon us, arriving on Friday 21st June. Why not use this date as a jumping off point to embrace all that the summer months have to offer?
If you are guilty of a bit too much social media and screen time generally, then now may be the perfect time to switch off devices and notifications and really connect with your family, loved ones and friends on a face-to-face basis. You might be really surprised by how much more you feel ‘connected’ for stepping into the real world once more, and not spending so much time virtually.
There is something very spiritual about witnessing a sunrise and sunset. Try to find time to experience both, and feel reenergised by the magic.
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We’ve got three good books to explore, a thriller, an inspiring year-long journey and possibly the last self-help book you’ll ever need!
You probably recognise Liane Moriarty’s name, as she is the best-selling author behind the hit HBO TV series – Big Little Lies.
Her latest book is set at Tranquillum House, a health & wellness retreat that sells itself on the basis of total transformation.
So, nine city folk that want to escape for a while from their stressful lives, dropping their mental and physical baggage as they go, via meditation, massage and more, go to the house. They are without cars, phones and all the entrapments of a modern existence that would allow them access to the outside world.
It should be a time of just getting to know each other, and getting more in touch with themselves.
The retreat is watched over by the Resort’s director, a woman who can be described as ‘on a mission’, but perhaps her mission is at odds with what the guests are imagining or expecting…
Maybe, just maybe behind the glamorous facade – a dark agenda lies! (more…)
Film franchises, perhaps especially horror franchises are not necessarily known for their quality, often they just become a commercial enterprise, full of a lot of cliché’s and in the case of slasher movies, just a fresh approach on characters to kill off!
But the latest ‘Halloween’ film, is trying to sidestep that issue, by becoming a direct sequel to the original John Carpenter film of 1978. In doing so they are not chained by continuity issues of the franchise series of films that came after. This has given them the leeway to create a narrative that actually has a story, with an underlying theme of looking at the consequences that are far-reaching and long-lasting for the victims of trauma and violence.
Whilst a serious theme is addressed, don’t be mistaken for thinking that this horror movie moves away from its ‘slasher’ origins, because it doesn’t. There is plenty of violence and scenes of gore, but at the same time there is much humour, and a clever nod here and there to the previous films. (more…)