I love to be organised and find lots of inspiration from Instagram and books. This blog shares with you my top 5 books for home organisation.
During the Pandemic, sales online in garden centres, DIY stores, supermarkets ( including wine!) have soared as many of us have used the Lockdown Year to redecorate and use the space in our homes more effectively. Dining rooms have turned into classrooms, kitchen tables have turned into offices, gardens (and parks when we were allowed) turned into mini holiday venues, if only for an hour or two!
Lockdown 1.0
One of the first things I did during Lockdown 1.0 was declutter every cupboard in my kitchen – rock and roll, I know!! It sounds crazy, but actually having a little headspace and time to think “that really doesn’t work there and I have a solution” as opposed to “that doesn’t work there but I don’t have the time or the inclination now to figure it out” I hope I’m not alone!
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen the progress I made – a year on and thanks to a busy household, a new declutter and reorganisation was required as we evolved as a family. More on that next week!
Remove the packaging and using jars to store your products. These jars are from The White Company
Clear the clutter so you have room to see the potential in front of you.
Syd and Shea McGee
The Pandemic increased our need for Netflix and neat homes!
I wonder what you’ll remember most about the Covid years as we look back in 3 or maybe even in 10 years’ time?
During the summer months, my decluttering turned to makeover projects, and we also discovered Netflix – please don’t judge, hehe! Pre-COVID, I spent every evening driving to and from Swim training with my children – if you are a swimmer or swim parent, you’ll totally understand that watching any television is an absolute luxury! Netflix pre-COVID was something that sounded great, but again, no headspace to think about organising or when we would watch it – oh how times have changed – for now!
Lots of DIY projects, general faffing and giving the rooms a little refresh each season certainly helped over the summer during Lockdown!
With Netflix and more time on our hands came the discovery of programmes that were just up my street – organisation and decluttering your home. Wow, has this craze really taken off! I’m always having a little faff at home with my husband asking, “OK, I give up, where have you hidden….?”
Or, “That’s nice, is it new?” No, I’ve simply moved said item from another room!
My top 5 books you’ll need for creating a beautifully organised home.
Instagram and Pinterest have been invaluable for inspiration and clever storage ideas, as have the following 5 books, that have inspired me to make our space more effective and, as Marie Kondo would say, “Spark Joy!”
“To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose. To throw away what you no longer need is neither wasteful nor shameful.”
Spark Joy was the first book about tidying I’d ever bought, years ago. It seemed a little odd, we all know how to tidy, yet the cover first drew my attention, then flicking through the pages. I knew it would be useful.
Marie has introduced us to her now world renown KonMari tidying method, which is to focus on what you want to keep, not what you want to get rid of.
This book covers every room in the house as well as a wide range of items, including photographs, cutlery and valuables. The book is one of a kind. It inspired a family game we lovingly call “yes, no, go!” when I was helping the children declutter their rooms when they were much younger.
Ask yourself if something ‘sparks joy’ and suddenly it becomes so much easier to understand if you really need it in your home and your life. When you surround yourself with things you love, you will find that your whole life begins to change.
I bought this book literally two weeks before we went into Lockdown last March, not only does it look beautiful on the coffee table, but Nikki has shares her wealth of experience and best advice for how to create an organised, beautiful and welcoming home. Nikki developed and honed her five essential steps to an organised home through her experience working as a professional organiser. In her book, Nikki teaches you to: assess your home to transform the spaces within to enhance your lifestyle; declutter and curate your possessions to keep what is useful and meaningful; clean with efficiency, adding an element of pleasure to everyday tasks; organise so you can find what you need, when you need it; and beautify and decorate to create a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends. (Imagine when we can finally welcome family and friends to our homes again!)
If there is anyone that I would love to come and spend a few days at my home to help me style and, yes, OK adopt as a friend, it would be Shea. Her style and flair for knowing what looks amazing where and how to turn an interior vision into a reality is second to none. Having watched the Dream Home Makeover series on Netflix, practically back to back, whilst decluttering my home office, I can honestly say that I loved every single makeover and home Shea and her team created for their clients.
Make Life Beautiful is a real behind the scenes account of how this powerhouse of a couple first met and turned their dreams into a reality.
Sharing golden nuggets of how they prioritised their values, defined their goals and put their dreams into action, going from not having a penny to their name to becoming interior design superstars, all while following their motto to “make life beautiful.”
I love this book, the backstory of how the McGees met and how they built such a successful company but also be inspired to build an authentic life by applying design principles such as embracing the process and finding the balance.
If you have a love of Interior Design and loved the Dream Makeover, I think you’ll love this too!
Regardless of where you are in your journey, it’s not about having all the answers – it’s about seeing the potential.
Clea and Joanna are literally girls after my own heart! I only found out about The Home Edit within the last 6 months care of Netflix, and I’m kind of obsessed! Yes, I’m the one who, when I’ve completed a project, even if it’s a cupboard and no one can actually see it, I feel the need to share with the family, oh and maybe Instagram!! The Home Edit certainly Sparks Joy!
Again, like all the books I’m sharing with you, it’s a beautifully photographed book. The Home Edit divided into three simple sections:
The Edit, The Assembly and the Upkeep.
They are quoted as saying “if we can do it, so can you” and with this very handy guide, it’s certainly true. No, you don’t need to go and buy zillions of jars, labels etc (and yes of course they have their own products, which are stunning!) but they key is having a system in place, bringing everything together, keeping things simply that can help you “conquer the clutter with style.” This book actually has a starter set of labels to help you create the look below in your fridge. Fabulous!
This book is basically part two to The Home Edit. Now you have the basic systems in place, Clea and Joanna talk you through how to harness these systems to all aspects of your life, not just your fridge and pantry!
Having used these systems for a number of months now (and I thought I was organised!) I can safely say that The Home Edit has made life simpler, less cluttered, and it’s a joy to open any cupboard now. Well, mostly, I still have a few to go, but I’m certainly in a more systemised place than this time last year. It’s the little things that make the big things come together!
Scandi Rustic – creating a cosy and happy home – Rebecca Lawson and Reena Simon
I first discovered Becca and Reena, who you may know as Malmo and Moss and Hygge for Home, through Instagram and their beautifully curated feed of images of their cosy, Scandinavian style homes. Scandi Rustic is their first book, and they reveal how to create a home that takes elements of Scandinavian design and introduces rustic natural materials and textures to create a Scandi-inspired interior that is cosy, relaxed and inviting.
Becca and Reena showcase the very best in Scandi Rustic homes, so whether you live in an urban apartment, a country cottage or a blank canvas new-build, this relaxed, sustainable, modern rustic style will work perfectly for your home. if you love this style, you’ll love this book!
Scandi Rustic – creating a cosy and happy home – Rebecca Lawson and Reena Simon
“Now imagine yourself living in a space that contains only things that spark joy. Isn’t this the lifestyle you dream of?”
I really hope you enjoy these books as much as I have. It really does make a huge difference having an organised home, whether it be your linen cupboard, kitchen, or the drawer in your console table in your hallway, not just because everything is in it’s place and easily found but I find having a clear decluttered space, I can work more effectively too, my brain is a little less muddled too! I have loved reading all the tips from each book and have adapted them to fit my home and lifestyle. Each book would make a fantastic present, without breaking the bank, for you or someone you know who loves feeling organised and having a practical yet stylish home.
Let me know which of these books is your favourite or perhaps you can recommend a book I haven’t yet discovered?
What’s next on the blog?
Over the next couple of weeks on the Blog, I’ll be sharing with you my kitchen pantry makeover, together with ideas to spring clean your home and garden ready to welcome your special guests back into your home post lockdown (fingers crossed!) I also have a couple of exciting giveaways to help you and am so excited to share with you on my instagram so do head over and join in the conversation! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a Blog post – it’ll arrive straight to your inbox and I promise, no spam!
Welcome back to the Blog. In this edit, I’m sharing with you 5 reasons it’s vital to have a healthy breakfast which will help you maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. I’ll be sharing my top tips and recipes so grab a cuppa and get comfy!
First things first..
What is your breakfast routine ..?
Do you wake up too bleary eyed in the morning to think about having a healthy breakfast? Or even an easy breakfast?
With lockdown here in the UK beginning to ease and the children heading back to school tomorrow, I wonder how you are feeling…?
I know for my two, a positive has certainly been enjoying a little more snooze in the mornings and wearing comfy clothes for the school day. It’ll be a little strange I’m sure putting a tie on again! I think it might be a little hectic but I have a plan!
“Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dine like a pauper!”
Old Proverb
The truth is however that most people don’t eat a substantial breakfast, or even have breakfast at all, never mind eating “like a king!”
Breakfast literally means “breaking the fast,” and it helps us to ‘restock’ or ‘refuel’ our energy stores, which have been depleting during the overnight fast, giving us energy for the day’s activities.
We live in a very hectic world today where many are focused on building a successful career, raising a happy family and often place our health on the backburner, thinking that we can exercise and eat right later on, when the “to do” list is done.
Add a global pandemic in, job stress and everything that has happened in the last year, it’s easy to procrastinate, waiting until you’re successful or have time to spare, opting instead for quick, unhealthy meals because you have no time to prepare well-balanced meals.
Does this sound familiar?
You might’ve heard the saying:
“If you don’t make time for your health, you must make time for illness.”
Making small changes to your health, drinking more water, less caffeine, adding more greens can make a huge difference to not only your long term health but how you feel..
I promise I’m not teaching you to suck eggs here, pardon the pun, but you know when you’re stuck in a rut, sometimes fresh ideas or even reminders of what you used to love, I hope, are a little helpful.
We’re told to eat when we are hungry, however this may not be when you first wake up or at traditional “breakfast” time! That’s totally OK, planning in advance a few things you might fancy so if eggs are your ” go to” breakfast – you have some ready to go!
So, what should a healthy breakfast consist of?
In an ideal world, for optimal health, you are aiming for a breakfast of eggs, meat or fish… I know it sounds crazy but it’ll fill you up more than toast ands cereals any day..
When most people think of breakfast, a small handful of choices (often the same day after day) come to mind, but it really doesn’t have to be boring at all. Mix it up!
There are heaps of easy breakfast ideas that don’t take up half your morning preparing them, but it’s really important that you have something nutritious, for a number of reasons…
5 REASONS IT’S VITAL TO HAVE A HEALTHY BREAKFAST…
To kick start your metabolism – speeding it up, and therefore burning calories rather than storing them.
It boosts our nutrient intake – breakfast eaters have a lower fat intake, a higher fibre intake, and significantly higher intakes of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, iron and magnesium.
A healthy breakfast helps prevent binge eating – hunger will be better regulated and therefore less calories are consumed from unhealthy foods.
It improves our memory and concentration – people who eat a healthy breakfast concentrate better, are more efficient and have improved mood, in comparison to those who skip breakfast.
Weight maintenance – those who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight.
I know some of you have been struggling to come up with meal ideas especially for breakfast and lunch, so I thought I would give you a few ideas. I’ve shared some healthy lunch “on the go” ideas on a previous blog here.
Scrambled eggs and Smoked Salmon – I know it sounds extravagant, especially regarding your time, but scrambled eggs take seconds to make and the salmon is ready to go! (For omelette and scrambled egg recipes – use 3 or 4 eggs!)
Banana and berry Pancakes Ingredients: 1tbsp coconut oil 1 handful of fresh (or frozen berries) I love raspberries on their own but anything will do 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ cup ground almonds ½ banana 1 egg Natural yogurt
Method Melt the coconut oil on a low heat in a flat pan. Beat your egg together with the ground almonds and banana.
Add the a spoonful of egg mixture to the pan in and allow to set, flipping once. They will look a little like scotch pancakes.
Once cooked, serve with berries, natural yogurt and a dash of cinnamon – (great to settle any cravings) Be ready to make plenty more!
Omelettes – so many variations: mushroom, cheese and tomato, tomato and feta cheese – the list is endless! Quick to make and super filling and delicious.
Mashed Avocado with poached eggs on rye bread or sour dough. Simply delicious. Add chilli flakes and freshly ground black pepper for extra zing!
Reasons not to love mashed avocado and poached eggs on sour dough?
Smoothies and juices – so super easy and quick to make and they can be prepared in advance and drunk on the move! Chop the vegetables and fruit in advance and store in there fridge or freezer.
Green smoothies are a massive shortcut to excellent health & vitality. This is why I’ve written my latest book: Green Smoothie Lifestyle; my favourite collection of green smoothies. It’s a simple to use, together with a shopping list – it’s design to take away overwhelm, rather than adding to it, should you need inspiration with recipes!
Green Smoothie Lifestyle
Poached eggs with undyed, smoked haddock (bake the smoked haddock in advance or pop in the oven in tin foil whilst you shower, by the time you’re done, so will your fish!
Healthy Full English! – poached eggs, grilled tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, grilled fish (same idea as above, bake or grill the ingredients whilst you’re in the shower and poach the eggs when you’re ready..
Kedgeree (serves 2)
Ingredients
large portions or 3 smaller ones!) 450g /1lb smoked haddock fillets 3 hard boiled eggs.
75ml rice milk
2tbsp fr. Parsley 150g/5oz (raw) brown rice
2oz butter
Place fish in a large frying pan, cover with water and allow to simmer for 10-12 minutes until fish is tender. Meanwhile cooked the rice in a separate saucepan.
Drain fish, remove and discard skin and bones. Flake the flesh. Chop 2 eggs. Reserve the third to garnish. Mix together the fish, rice, chopped eggs, parsley and rice milk in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring, until heated through. Serve garnished with parsley and slices of egg.
Fruit Kebabs
A combination of anything mango, peaches, apples,”grapes, pears, strawberries, banana, literally any fruit, preferably in season. Cut up into squares and feed onto kebab sticks. Prepare the night before and keep in a container in the fridge for breakfast, mid afternoon snack or anytime!
“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?”
“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?”
“I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.
Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said.”
A.A. Milne
Imagine having breakfast here in the warm Australian sunshine! Threebirdsrenovations
I love the renovations Threebirdrenovations, three best friends based in Australia, who are focused on inspiring and empowering women, anywhere in the world, to turn THEIR renovating dreams into REALITY. I’m hooked! I’m sure breakfast here would be a dream, don’t you think?!
I’m hoping these recipes and ideas to inspire you at breakfast time this week and beyond! Let me know which is your favourite breakfast.
As always, I love to hear your thoughts and comments, I promise I read everyone.
Have a wonderful Sunday. Hope your week ahead is happy and healthy,
I’m not sure how it is in your house, but our Dining Room has become a real focal point each evening. It’s when we all gather and sit down to enjoy a family meal, we chat about the day, the good, the bad and everything in-between!
It might sound very Waltons Family (google that if you’re a little stuck, I’m showing my age!) Like breakfast times, supper time can be a stressful part of the day.. Lockdown has made us focus more on looking forward to this part of the day.
In normal life, we don’t normally all get to eat together much of the time. Having two teenage swimmers in the family means that we are usually driving to and from training and food is eaten en-route! Oh the glamour! Chilly Food Tubs have been my lifesaver during the swim runs!!
“Some of the most important conversations I’ve ever had, have occurred at my family’s dinner table.”
Bob Ehrlich.
I love to cook during the day when I’m taking a break from the desk or when the children are having their lunch break from home schooling – it makes such a difference! “Cook Now, Eat later” a motto I’ve taken on wholeheartedly from Mary Berry.
There is now no crazy supper time as I’ve cooked ahead and simply reheated or defrosted from the freezer.. What a difference it makes! I thought I’d share a few of the favourites we’ve been enjoying of the last few weeks.
Thai Pork Curry.
This is my sons current favourite, adapted from a Mary Berry recipe. I’ve added red pepper and switched in button mushrooms from chestnut mushrooms and added French fine beans.
Ingredients: 700g pork fillet, cut into fine strips 2-3 tablespoons red Thai curry paste 2 tbs oil 2 large onions thinly diced. 1 tablespoon plain flour 1 x 400ml can coconut milk 2 tabs fish sauce 200g chopped mushrooms 200g fresh fine beans 1 red pepper cut into strips juice and finely grated zest of 1/2 lime chopped fresh parsley or coriander salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method:
? Marinate the pork in 1 tbs of the curry paste for 30 mins.
? Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onions and cook gently for approx 10 minutes until they are tender. Lift the options out onto a plate.
? Increase the heat, brown the pork (this might have to be done in 2 batches) Remove the pork from the pan and return the onions with 1-2 tbs red Thai curry paste and the flour. Stirring well, add the coconut milk, fish sauce, mushrooms, pepper and beans.
? Bring to the boil, cover and cook gently for about 5 minutes, until the pork and sauce are just boiling and the beans are cooked but still crunchy.
Just before serving, add the lime juice and zest, plus lots of parsley or coriander. taste for seasoning and serve with rice.
Scampi Provencal
This recipe has been in the family for years and adapted along the way.. here’s the current adaptation.
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 clove of garlic
1 onion
1 tablespoon tomato puree
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tin chopped tomatoes
350g Prawns (I tend to use giant cooked prawns)
Method:
? Chop peppers, onion garlic and soften in a pan.
? Sprinkle in dried oregano, chopped basil and season with salt and pepper.
? Add the tin of tomatoes and prawns, mixing well, before adding the tomato puree.
? Pop the lid on and simmer for 10 or so minutes, until piping hot.
? Serve with rice and salad or Ciabatta bread.
The best bit – prepare ahead.
This recipe works really well hot or cold, so can be cooked ahead of time, simply reheating if required before serving. It also freezes well, so freeze once cooled and allow to defrost overnight.
Prawn Linguine – Jamie Oliver
This is a super easy supper recipe, it’s best prepared and served immediately.
350g Dried Linguine 1 Fresh red chilli (4 Anchovy Fillets – we don’t add these) 1 Good pinch of ground cinnamon 1 pinch of saffron 360 g raw peeled prawns 2 cloves of garlic 500g passata 1 Lemon 30g Parmesan Cheese A couple of sprigs of fresh basil
? Put the water for the pasta in a sauce pan on to boil.
? Finely chop the chilli and put in a deep frying pan with the anchovy (if using and some of it’s oil. Turn up the heat.
?Add the cinnamon, saffron and prawns.
? Squash in the unpeeled garlic with a garlic crusher, add the passata and bring to the boil.
? Strain the pasta when it is ready and add it to the sauce. Transfer to hot dishes to serve and add seasoning, lemon juice, grated parmesan and chopped basil leaves.
Serves it with a side salad and crusty bread. not open for the freezer but it’s super quick to make and tastes delicious..
Jools Chicken Curry – Jools Oliver
A super simple, yet delicious meal from Jools Oliver. We have cooked this again and again and has now been christened Mums Chicken Curry, sorry Jools!
Ingredients
1 onion
4cm piece of ginger
2 cloves of garlic
olive oil
2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
3 tablespoons natural yoghurt
2 tablespoons tomato purée
8 skinless free-range chicken thighs
1 x 400 g tin of chopped tomatoes
1 x 400 g tin of green lentils
1 x 400 g tin of light coconut milk
2 handfuls of baby spinach , optional
2 tablespoons quality mango chutney
Method
? Peel and slice the onion. Peel the ginger and garlic, then finely chop or grate them on a microplane.
? Heat a lug of oil in a large pan over a medium heat, add the onions and cook for around 8 minutes, or until softened and slightly golden, stirring regularly. Add the ginger and garlic cook for a further 2 minutes.
? Meanwhile, mix the tikka masala paste, yoghurt and tomato purée together in a bowl. Halve and add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Stir everything together and get all the chicken covered in the paste mixture.
? Scrape everything into the pan, making sure you get all the paste mixture in there. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes or so, or until you see it start to colour.
?Add the tinned tomatoes, drained lentils and coconut milk. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add splashes of water to loosen, if needed.
? When the time’s up, stir in the spinach (if using) and allow it to wilt. Next add the mango chutney and taste for seasoning.
? Pull the chicken apart with forks and stir it through. Serve with wholemeal basmati rice and yoghurt on the side, if you like.
Tips
For babies and toddlers, leave out the seasoning. Allow to cool, then chop and/or mash to the desired consistency.
Italian Chicken – Mary Berry
A super simple, supper dish and yes.. it’s an adapted Mary Berry recipe and yes you can make in advance and freeze too!!
Ingredients:
123 chicken thighs, skin removed, bone in.
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, roughly chopped
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons plain flour
300ml (1/2 pint) chicken stock
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
190g olive and tomato sauce (such as Scala Olive & Tomato.
Freshly chopped parsley, lots!
Method:
? Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
? Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onions and garlic for a few minutes. cover with a lid and cook gently for about 20 minutes until the onions are tender.
? Sprinkle in the flour and mix well. Draw to one side and add the stock, stirring. Return to the heat and bring to the boil. Allow to thicken, adding the white wine vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
? Add the chicken to the pan and bring back to the boil. Cover the pan and cook over a gentle heat for 20-30 minutes (turning the chicken once) until the chicken is tender. Cut into a thigh with a sharp knife to ensure juices run clear. If still bloody, continue to cook until juices run clear.
? Stir in the whole jar of the olive and tomato sauce and heat until piping hot. Check the seasoning. If the sauce is a little thick, add a little more stock or water.
? Scatter with fresh parsley and serve with basmati and wild rice or tagliatelle and a green salad.
The best bit – to Prepare ahead: Complete to the end of step 5,24 hours ahead. Cool quickly, cover and refrigerate. Reheat carefully, gently stirring, in a pan on the hob until piping hot. Or reheat in the oven preheated to 200C/ 400F / gasn6 for about 30 minutes. Add a little stock or water if the sauce is thick.
To freeze: Freezes well. Cool the cooked chicken quickly and freeze in a freezer container for up to 3 months. Thaw for about 6 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
To cook in the Aga: Cook the onions, covered, in the Simmering Oven for about 20-30 mins until tender. Use the boiling plate for stage 3. For stage 4, use the roasting oven for about 10 minutes, and then to the simmering oven for a further 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.
“If you have a family that loves you, a few good friends, food on your table and a roof over your head – you’re richer than you think.”
Mary Berry Cook Now, Eat Later – one of the first books I bought as a new Mum, closely followed by Real Food – Fast! I know we’ve only just packed away the Christmas Decorations, but in our house Christmas isn’t Christmas until Mary’s Christmas Collection makes an appearance! There are also some fabulous meals for that little extra special occasion too.
All these meals have all been big hit in our house and I really hope they’ll be a big success in your home too. Let me know which ones you try and which you”l be adding to your regular menu…
The hours blur into days, and the to-do list somehow grows longer. The truth is, we don’t always need a full day to make progress. Sometimes, an hour is all it takes to shift your mood, clear your space, or move something important forward.
I call this The Power of an Hour, a simple mindset shift to help you focus, reduce overwhelm, and create meaningful change in small, steady steps.
Charlie Mackesy has captured the nations hearts during the Pandemic, putting into words and images what many of us have felt..
Why An Hour Matters
When life feels busy or you’re stuck in that “all or nothing” mindset, it’s easy to put things off until you have more time. But waiting for perfect conditions often means doing nothing at all.
One focused hour can transform how you feel — mentally, physically, emotionally. It creates movement, momentum, and a little spark of calm in the chaos.
“Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest.”
Beatrix Potter
How to Use Your Hour Wisely
You don’t need to plan it perfectly. Simply choose one small area of life that could benefit from your attention.
Here are a few gentle ideas to get started:
Tidy one space — a kitchen drawer, your desk, or the corner that’s been quietly bothering you.
Move your body — a walk by the sea, yoga in the living room, or a home workout that lifts your energy.
Prepare for the week ahead — plan meals, sort laundry, or lay out tomorrow’s clothes.
Connect — call someone you’ve been meaning to catch up with.
Reflect — journal, read a chapter of something inspiring, or simply sit with a cup of tea and breathe.
An hour spent intentionally can bring more peace than a whole day of rushing.
Make It A Habit
Try scheduling a “Power Hour” once or twice a week. Protect it like an appointment. Use it to do something that will make life feel lighter or more aligned.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress, clarity, and calm.
A Little Inspiration
If you’d like to explore this idea further, I highly recommend The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle — a beautiful reminder to slow down and live more consciously in the present moment. you’re thinking about which positive actions to do, break it down into little areas and ask;
Mark Twain that said, “Dance like nobody’s watching; love like you’ve never been hurt. Sing like nobody’s listening; live like it’s heaven on earth.
Mark Twain
Some Simple Ideas to Try
Turn up your favourite song and have a kitchen dance. Instant mood-lifter!
Plant some bulbs or herbs on your windowsill — nurturing growth reminds us of hope.
Go for a walk somewhere new — fresh air and change of scenery do wonders.
Try a #powerofanhour to tackle something you’ve been avoiding. You’ll be amazed what an hour of focus can do. (Read more about it here)
Move your body gently — yoga, stretching, or even a short walk can lift your spirits.
Write down three things you’re grateful for — it’s a proven way to shift perspective.
Remember: it’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing something.
There are hundreds of apps out there that can help you too including Headspace, Mind Detox and Gaia are all favourites of mine.
“Your now is not your forever”
I love this quote, it’s a gentle reminder that while we may feel overwhelmed at times, it won’t last forever. Simple, steady steps can help us find our calm again.
Continue Your Mission.
If you enjoyed exploring The Power of an Hour, you might also love these reads from the Woman on a Mission archive — each one designed to inspire calm, focus and a little everyday joy:
An hour might not sound like much, but used with intention, it can be truly powerful. You don’t need to overhaul your life, just start with one calm, focused hour.
Because one hour can change your day. And enough of those days can change your life.
I’d love to know, what’s one small positive action you’ll take today? Share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram — I always love hearing how you bring these ideas to life. Let’s inspire each other, one simple step at a time. 🌿
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought I’d share some thoughts and ideas about sharing the love – not just to those you love but to YOU too!
Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine and is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Western Christian Feast Day, honouring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and is recognised as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.
What do you traditionally do on Valentines Day? Go all out, with chocolates, flowers and a meal? Or ignore the whole event?
As a couple (seeing as my Birthday is the day before Valentines Day) we don’t usually have a big celebration on the 14th February! The teasing he got whenever we went out for a meal on the 13th “Getting the brownie points in early Sir??” or “Don’t blame you, going out the night before, much cheaper!!” were usual questions! Not annoying in the slightest!
We often think that Valentines Day is for the young lovers and some possibly would think this day is even a commercial gimmick but this year, I believe we could all do with a little more love and a little less worry, judgement, no huge gestures required – the pandaemic has changed so much of our lives and we appreciated the little things so much more, don’t you think?
Valentine’s Day in Finland, called ystävänpäivä which translates into “Friend’s Day”. As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering friends, not significant others.
So with this in mind, here are some thoughts that you could treat yourself, your partner or even your best friend, to let them know you are thinking of them and that you care x x
You know I’m an absolute lover of sending Happy Post, I adore finding new brands and I’ve found The Toasted Crumpet and more recently Hip hip Hooray and am so pleased I have. Why not use this opportunity to send a card to someone you’ve not seen for a while or pop a card in the post to arrive in your home? I love the idea and traditions from Finland and might introduce that this year and beyond. What do you think?
The simpler things in life are MUCH more appreciated.
Home Spa Day
Bubble Baths or Spa Days aren’t for everyone – sometimes I struggle to sit still too! A relaxing bath, add candles, a good book, maybe even a glass of something lovely…! Lock the door and enjoy a few moments peace! Remember to leave your phone outside!
I currently loving the idea of a creating home spa. A gorgeous bath, comfy clothes, maybe even a DIY manicure, body scrub or mini facial! They won’t break the bank, leaving you feel a million dollars!
“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt”
Charles M Schulz
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Fancy packing up a flask of hot chocolate and head out into the great outdoors for a romantic walk..? We are blessed with the coast and Dartmoor on our doorstep admittedly,
I love The Outdoor Guide, a free inspirational portal connecting all things outdoors.
The Outdoor Guide is “a place for people who love getting outdoors, lacing up a pair of muddy boots and discovering new walking routes in the great outdoors. We’re building a collection of the very best hill walks, mountain walks, woodland walks, lake walks, river walks, coastal walks, village walks, city walks and pub walks, taking take you right to the heart of the finest scenery in Britain.”
It’s a fabulous site to explore and plan your walks. I’m sure you’ll find some fabulous new ones you didn’t know were there!
If in doubt, treat yourself to a little Sparkle!
I’ve been a huge fan of Catherine D’Crovecoeur for quite some time and adore her new collection “Amour Toujours” (Love Always) launched just yesterday. £1 from each pair of earrings sold from the “Amour Toujours” collection will go to the Women’s Aid Charity, helping to keep women and children safe from domestic abuse.
A little message each day..
Esty have some fabulous gifts, supporting small business. Love this Mug I bought my husband last year, a funny little reminder each day!
I also love the idea of a Jar of Dates.. Scribble some ideas of dates where you and your nearest and dearest love to go and pop them in a jar.. WHEN Lockdown is finally over and we can head back into a little normality, take it it turns to pick a date from the jar and enjoy! A fun thing to do with the family too!
It goes without saying that may favourite gift of all time to give any day, let alone Valentine’s Day, would be the Gift of Life. As an Ambassador for the Blood Cancer Charity, DKMS, I’d love you to take a look at the various different ways you can get involved in supporting this fabulous Charity.
Registering as a Donor A blood cancer diagnosis is a shock and often marks the start of a race against time. For many patients, their only chance of survival is to find a matching blood stem cell donor, as fast as possible. That is why donor profiles with all the relevant information, along with the best possible processes, are so important. It costs DKMS £40 to register each new potential blood stem celldonor, but costs YOU nothing. Read more:
With Valentines Day in mind, how about ending a hand in the fight against blood cancer by hosting a virtual #LetsNailBloodCancer party!
The money you raise at your party will help DKMS register more donors who could be a match for a blood cancer patient in need. Host a virtual mani-pedicure party for family, friends and colleagues. Taking part is easy and fun! #LetsNailBloodcancer together.
I’m sure if we asked any parent who’s been home schooling, working at home or a key worker – (in fact anyone!) these last few months what they’d love most, I’m sure a lie-in, time to read their favourite book or watch their favourite episode without interruption would feature quite readily on the list! I know it’s on mine!
The Gift of Time is precious and cost nothing! The world doesn’t always have to turn at a million miles an hour, agreed it is hard to get off the treadmill of life at times! Use this day to treat yourself or those in your household, the 14th February is a Sunday after all!
So many ideas about how you might do things a little differently this year.. I’d love to know what little things you might do to show your loved ones you care this Valentines and especially the little things to love YOU?
Wishing you a Happy forthcoming Valentines Day or as they say in Finland ystävänpäivä (Friends Day)
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
Spark Joy – Marie Kondo 
