Ever feel like the day slips away before you’ve even had a chance to catch up? You’re not alone. Life can feel like a constant race, and sometimes it seems there just aren’t enough hours to get it all done.
But what if the key isn’t doing more, but doing what matters most — in a way that actually fits your life?
In this post, I’m sharing practical ways to reclaim your time and find focus, even when hours are scarce. You’ll see how small, intentional actions can make a huge difference.
Focus On What Truly Matters.
When your to-do list feels endless, the trick is not to tackle everything at once. Instead, identify your top priorities.
Ask yourself:
What absolutely needs to get done today?
Which task, if completed, would make everything else feel lighter?
This helps you stop spinning your wheels on low-impact tasks and instead channel your energy where it counts.
Top Tip:
I love to write my list the night before so I have a clear Mission of what I need to prioritise first in the mornings. Itclears my brain ready for a good nights sleep.
Don’t worry, take a breathe. Let’s remove the overwhelm.
Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs”
Henry Ford
I’m a firm believer that if we look after the small things, then bigger things, which might seem impossible, take care of themselves…
Mini Power Hours: When You Don’t Have An Hour
Sometimes a full hour isn’t possible. That’s okay! Even 20–30 minutes of focused effort can move mountains.
Set a timer for a mini session.
Eliminate distractions — no phone, no notifications.
Focus on just one small but meaningful task.
You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in short, intentional bursts.
Turn Mundane Missions Into LittleWins:
Even chores or routine tasks can become productive “Power Moments”:
Fold laundry while listening to a favourite podcast.
Prep ingredients for meals while catching up on news or messages.
Tidy one zone of your home at a time instead of the whole house.
Breaking larger tasks into bite-sized pieces keeps overwhelm at bay and gives a sense of progress.
Prioritise Yourself Too
Your Power of an Hour isn’t just for productivity — it can also be for self-care.
Enjoy a quiet coffee and a few pages of a book.
Go for a brisk 20-minute walk outside.
Try a short meditation to reset your mind.
Even small breaks refresh your focus and make the rest of your day more manageable.
Your Next Step.
Start small. Pick one task, block 20–60 minutes, and see what you can achieve.
The Power of an Hour isn’t magic. it’s simply making the most of the time you have, with focus, intention, and a little planning.
I’d love to know how it works for you! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook with your #powerofanhour stories, and let’s celebrate the small wins together.
A walk along the coast in the fresh can be super powerful.
What You Can Achieve In An Hour
Even a single hour can make a big difference when it’s focused with intention. Whether it’s boosting your wellbeing, shifting your mindset, or tackling a small but meaningful task, an hour is more powerful than it seems.
Below are five ideas and posts to inspire how you can make the most of just 60 minutes, simple, practical, and life-changing ways to use your time wisely.
The Power of an Hour is a great way to inject intention into your day or evening. I’ve shared free daily planner (and more) in the Organisation tools.
It really helps keep me focused and find it invaluable for my Power of an Hour.
What will you do with your next Power of an Hour? I’d love to know, join in the conversation on my Instagram or comment below. Feel free to tag me into your #powerofanhour and use the hashtag!
Here’s to feeling more in control and less overwhelmed!
I was first invited to Nkuku Totnes Totnes in 2022 to explore their newly extended barn and refurbished café, a space that perfectly reflects the brand’s ethos of thoughtful craftsmanship, calm design, and conscious living. Visiting Nkuku Totnes again, I was struck by the seamless blend of sustainability and style, from the hand-thrown ceramics to the seasonal dishes served with quiet elegance.
Since that visit, Nkuku has continued to grow, most recently opening a beautiful new venue in Redbrick, Leeds. Revisiting this inspiring destination feels like the perfect way to celebrate timeless design, sustainable style, and the spaces that make us feel truly at home.
From the Totnes barn to the new Leeds venue, Nkuku’s journey reflects a beautiful balance of evolution and ethos , staying true to its roots while expanding its reach.
Nkuku based just outside Totnes in the glorious South Hams countryside in Devon. Originally a farmyard of barns housing cattle and was derelict for over 20 years before Nkuku discovered them and worked their magic. There is free parking, wifi and well behaved dogs are very welcome. There’s even a little treat waiting for them by the door. I might have to make this my new place to sit and write, it’s so lovely.
The barns are filled with collections styled so beautifully, it’s impossible not to imagine these serene, curated corners in your own home
Inspired Collections From Nkuku Totnes For Every Home
I’ve created three mood boards showcasing my favourite pieces from Nkuku’s latest collection. The designs span a variety of styles and price points, making them easy to adapt to your own home. With their light, tactile and natural materials, each piece adds effortless warmth, texture, and character to any living space, whatever its size or location. I hope these boards spark ideas to bring a touch of Nkuku’s timeless style into your own home!
The Garden Room
Inspired by nature and natural surroundings, the garden room or conservatory is a perfect place for relaxing, reading and entertaining. I love candles and the braided hemp designs to bring the outside in and all the pieces together.
The Ondal Round Braided Hemp Side Table
Adds a sturdy, neutral layer to living rooms or garden rooms. (top left)
The appealing braided pattern is expertly crafted by hand using the warm, golden fibres of hemp. This attractive side table feels solid and sturdy and works well as a neutral layer in a living room, garden room or snug area.. This table would also work well as a footstool or an occasional seat.
Planters
Bring greenery indoors for a refreshing touch.
Planters (centre) are a fabulous way to add green and a refresh to your garden or garden room, complementing other textured, tactile pieces.
Sia Lantern
Elegant lanterns to create a warm and striking ambience.
These lanterns are enhanced with an antique black metal finish, holding tall glass panels for the perfect silhouette for a church candle or tealight. Easily transported from home to the garden, creating a beautiful setting wherever they are. (top right and bottom centre )
Halali Fire Pit
Halali Fire Pit Kadai with Surround
A statement piece to anchor your outdoor living space.
Generously proportioned and crafted from solid iron, this traditional fire bowl is surrounded by a practical table edge, perfect for warming plates or drinks. (bottom right)
Alwar Outdoor Wall Light
Adds grace and a soft warm glow to any outdoor setting.
The antique brass patina of the stylish swan neck and lamp head pairs elegantly with the clear glass shade. This iconic design works well in traditional and contemporary homes alike. (bottom left of the mood board)
The Sitting Room
Inspired by shades of white, neutrals, wood, touches of greenery and of course, living by the Devon coast a touch of blue. Cosy, comfortable and light is the feel of our room; perfect for cosying up in front of the fire and a good book in the winter and light and airy in the summer months too.
Muturi Glass Floor Lamp – Antique Brass
Adds warmth and elegance to neutral or bold interiors.
I love the combination of warm antique brass and elegant clear glass. The striking mix of materials makes this a standout piece in any home.
The Deni Collection
Generous, comfortable seating in timeless design.
The Grand combines soft contours, luxurious comfort, and timeless design, in a stylish UK-crafted solid wood framework with pure Brera Linen upholstery and solid wood legs. Available in six muted shades, you can order a free swatch pack to see the fabric choices. (middle centre and bottom left)
Braided Hemp Rug
Adds tactile, understated style to any room.
Hand-braided from hemp in a traditional pattern, the warm gold hues make it perfect for any living space, conservatory, or family room. (bottom right of the above mood board)
Chara Hammered Bottles
Simple yet elegant styling for your home.
These bottles are decorated with a hammered glass finish and etched detail, skilfully created by blowing glass through a brass ring. Perfect styled alone or with fairy lights. (above right)
Kajala Cotton Cushion Cover
Soft, versatile cushions with subtle geometric design.
Crafted in monochrome with black thread running through the fabric in a softly broken line, these covers are calming and adaptable to a variety of interiors. (above left and top centre of the mood board)
The Kitchen
The heart of the home. The busiest space of the house. With two teens, this room needs to be practical, effective and with Nkuku’s styling storage jars and accessories, the new collection ticks many boxes. A place for everything and everything in it’s place! See my pantry makeover for more inspiration.
Kamtha Water Hyacinth Tray
Adds texture and warmth to side tables or kitchen counters.
These round trays are woven from water hyacinth, a plant that grows in abundance in the waterways of Vietnam. The warm, golden tones and attractive braiding work make them a great accessory to add texture and a natural touch to your interior. I keep mine on a side table in the garden room/conservatory. (Above centre)
Recycled Glass Dome Cake Stand
Stylish display for cakes, cheeses, and other treats.
These elegant recycled glass domes slot neatly into a mango wood base, providing a polished yet practical way to store culinary delights.
Charal Storage Jars
Keep ingredients fresh while adding natural elegance to your kitchen.
The simple clear glass body and mango wood top of this Charai storage jar makes it the perfect everyday organisational accessory. Finished with a silicone seal to ensure that its contents remain fresh. Perfect for pulses, grains, herbs, and spices.
The Dura White Marble Wine Cooler
A tactile, luxury accessory for entertaining.
With striking variegated tones and a smooth finish, this marble cooler looks stunning on any kitchen island or table. (above left)
The Nkuku Café, Totnes was fully refurbished and extended in 2022 and is a haven of calm, perfectly complementing the curated collections. Opening out onto the courtyard, there’s a serene space to enjoy a coffee, iced tea, or a light meal.
There is plenty of room both inside and outside for dining, relaxing, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
The menu celebrates the very best of local and seasonal produce, working closely with artisan bakers, farmers, and cheesemakers throughout the South West of England. Nkuku’s suppliers are carefully handpicked to ensure they share the brand’s commitment to sustainability and supporting independent producers.
I can confirm lunch was indeed delicious! I did manage to refrain from the scrumptious looking bakes though!Full range of delicious homemade treats available in the new Lifestyle CafeChara Hammered bottle in my Laundry Room.
Whether you’re local or visiting Devon, you’ll be greeted with a truly warm welcome. A heartfelt thank you to Helen and the entire Nkuku team for a wonderful visit, it’s always such a delight to see you and experience your beautiful spaces. I could happily spend the entire day here!
I hope this post has given you a glimpse into the beauty and charm of Nkuku Totnes, a truly inspiring lifestyle store right on my doorstep, and that the mood boards have sparked ideas to bring a touch of its timeless style into your own home.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and any inspiration you’ve taken from it in the comments below.
Love
* This post was originally published in 2022 and has been updated in 2025 to include the latest collection and insights.
Welcome to this blog, based on my experiences that I hope you’ll find useful if you are preparing for your child to leave home for University for the first time. I’ve compiled a list of what we did to prepare and what we packed in the hope it helps you support your fresher and family.
Firstly, congratulations! I really think we as parents need to stop, breathe and give ourselves a pat on the back of getting this far in parenthood. Yay! I hope that by sharing my experiences of navigating this emotional rollercoaster of a time, it”ll help you feel that you’re not only not on your own but it will help you save more and spend less.
It’s hard to believe that this time last year we were through with exams, both our teens had completed GCSE’s and A levels earlier in the summer, and we were in limbo waiting for results…
Our eldest had applied to University and is the first to leave home. In all honesty, I wasn’t ready.. I’m not sure if it’s because of lockdown and all the usual landmarks of school prom, leavers assemblies and more, hadn’t happened. It seemed the lead up to this time arrived so darn quickly..
This time reminds me very much of how it was when we were expecting our girl to arrive into the world – no idea what to expect as new parents, what we would really need, (the list appeared endless for such a teeny human!) and also how we would feel as a couple becoming a family.
Except this time was so very different, we were getting ready for our 18 year old to fly out into the big wide world and my heart was breaking. Of course I wouldn’t dampen her excited spirits but we’re close and it was so very odd, knowing our lives would be changed..
“Slipping through my fingers all the time I try to capture every minute The feeling in it Slipping through my fingers all the time”
Lyrics from Slipping Through My Fingers, Abba
There seemed SO much and yet so little information out there about our young adults leaving home. This period of time reminded me of when we were expecting our second child. I was keen each of our little family equally involved in the new arrival. Except this time we were preparing for a sibling to leave home, not arrive for the first time. We are extremely lucky, our children are very close. I knew my sons life would also change, they aren’t just as siblings, they are friends. Life would be different for all of us in our little household.
What did I do? I got list writing and preparing of course! It’s what I do!
I’ve compiled a list of what we packed and what we did to prepare in the hope it helps you support your fresher and family.
Kitchen Items
The temptation is to go overboard and get one of everything you own in your home kitchen. The truth is, you really don’t need to.
Here’s what we bought and has proved very useful – our girl used everything!
Tin opener
Sharp knife
Wooden spoon
Spatula
Kitchen Tongs
Kitchen Scissors
Cheese grater
Vegetable peeler
Saucepan (1 large, 1 small)
Frying pan
2 plates, 2 bowls 2 mugs
Resealable freezer bags
Sealing clips of different sizes for bags of pasta etc.
Bedroom Items
Similar to the kitchen items, I’d advise to pack what you know you will need and anything else you can order via Amazon or use as an excuse to visit! Remember even though they have gone off to University, shops exist and they will be fine!
Prepare with an aim to make the room as homely as possible. My girl and I went to buy the dovet and covers together, it was fun deciding on a new colour scheme from her room at home. I added a couple of items which I’ll share in my next blog Little Mission ~ Helping Your Fresher Settle Into their new Life
Cushions, throws, rugs, plants and photographs all add an instant homely feel. Check University halls individual guidelines as most won’t allow items such as kettles and candles.
Storage solutions are key for Uni rooms and this is where your trusty home furnishing stores such as Ikea, Homebase, Dunelm etc come in. Baskets and under bed storage bags are invaluable.
We packed smart as much as we could.
The dovet, pillows, pillow cases, towels etc we vacum packed into storage bag which saved a huge amount of space in the car. When in the room, these bags
A top tip we were given was to simply lift the clothes out of the wardrobe on their hangers put a dustbin bag over the hangers to form a temporary cover. When you arrive, you can simply hook them straight into the hanging space!
By planning ahead and spreading the costs, over what is an extremely expensive time, I hope you will have saved a little money too. Remember facebook marketplace and many of the homestores I mentioned earlier will have offers on for Univeristy students so keep a look out.
On that note, we found that shopping earlier, especially in Ikea, was key. (not an ad at all!) The store proves very popular at this time of year so don’t leave everything to the last minute.
I really hope this has helped take away a little of the overwhelm for you and your new University student in the preparation for them flying the nest. It’s an emotional roller coaster of a time but ride the wave in the knowledge you’ve supported your little one to this stage and you aren’t alone.
Stay in touch for more in this series including helping your fresher settling into their new life and how to manage moving in day!
Let me know in the comments if this helped and how you’re feeling.
The first Wednesday of April is National Walking Day in the UK and I’d love you to join me on a walk to celebrate. Read on to find out more about why we celebrate this special day.
I love to walk and put on my walking boots almost daily to stomp in the Devon lanes. So that probably makes me a little biased about this wonderful day! I found myself on this years National Walking Day in one of the many parks in Sheffield. Did you know it’s a 15 minute city?
“Everyone living in a city should have access to essential urban services within a 15 minute walk or bike. The 15-Minute City Project is designed to help access-focused urban transformations be what we need them to be: ambitious, inclusive, measurable and effectively implemented.”
Why Walk?
There are so many benefits to getting outside in the fresh air, rain or shine.
Getting outside is an important element to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Walking is a great way to get out doors and get your daily dose of vitamin D (did you know a deficit of this important vitamin can mimic signs of depression?)
It improves our health. Walking for 20-30 minutes or maintaining 10,000 steps per day is an effective way to improve your own health, physical and mental well-being
It’s easy to do – No weights necessary. No special skills or talents. Just get out there and walk!
Walking increases blood flow to the brain and does wonders our mood.
Regular walks can help to prevent cardiovascular diseases, lower your blood sugar and boost immune function. Walking for 30 minutes can also help maintain a healthy weight
Walking can help improve your sleep, all that fresh air!
On top of that, it is free and easy to fit into our daily routines.
I love to walk first thing in the morning before everyone wakes up. The best time of day for getting some vitamin D and daylight on to our faces.
A mini Mission for you – to embrace today and get outside, rain or shine and go for a walk.
As Hippocrates says “Walking is man’s best medicine.”
Will you join me on a walk today? Or better still, add a walk to your daily or weekly #powerofanhour Share with a friend you’d love to walk with!
I’m going to show you how you can save a life by doing three things today. Saving a life sounds pretty dramatic doesn’t it? However, in this Blog, I’ll be sharing simple tools that’ll help in less than 2 minutes.
” Knowing that little bag of goodness is potentially going to save someone’s life who you’ve never met is incredibly hard to describe until you do it!
It’s the most surreal feeling, so to anyone thinking about it – do it!”
Jade, stem cell donor
2. Talk!!
Yes, so simple but SO effective. Only 3% of the populations are on the Stem Cell register. Many don’t know about the incredible work that DKMS do…
We can change that..
Please help me spread the word.. Tell your friends, share this link and together we can help so many more people by raising awareness and funds for this super important cause, close to my heart.
Every 27 seconds, someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer.
Whenever you shop, the “donation reminder” will flash up reminding you the company you are shopping with will donate a percentage of your order to the Mission 50.
It sounds too good to be true but it really isn’t! There are hundreds of brands involved so whether you’re completing your online food shopping or renewing your pet insurance, you can add valuable pennies to DKMS without doing anything at all!
You can turn your weekly grocery shopping into big donations for DKMS_UK when you use easyfundraising. They’ve even put together all the latest donations and offers from your favourite supermarkets in one place!
Not only that…
You can WIN daily prizes worth £100 for yourself by entering the #easyfundraising Summer of Fun giveaway until 31st July!
For an entry, visit their competition page and shop with any of the listed brands. The FREE donations you raise will also make a BIG difference to us, so please take a moment to get involved! Visit here and find out more…
Finally;
Follow me on instagram for more regular updates on what crazy things I’m up to and how you can support.
Here’s what’s coming up!
July 2024
Virtual 5km Fun Run or walk.
For the third year running, I’m hosting I have fab news that if you missed the virtual 5km run / walk on 7th July, you can still join in! 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 5𝐤𝐦? Anytime before the end of 31st July 2022 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥? Take a selfie, share on your social media, using the hashtag #mission50fordkms and I’ve just run 5km for @dkms_uk and @Claire_womanonamission We will then send you a medal as a thank you for taking part!
Virtual Ride from SWDevon to DKMS HQ in Chiswick
You may remember in March I cycled from DKMS HQ, London to DKMS HQ in Germany, totalling over 330 miles? Well, I’m at it again!
This time from West to East!
A total of 220.8 miles on the Keiser bike! Huge thanks to Digme Fitness for their ongoing support.
August 2022
Turns out I’m a little bonkers! Shh, don’t answer that! My two teenagers and I are throwing ourselves out of a plane at 17,000ft, free falling for 60 seconds and skydiving to the ground. All for @dkms_uk
This alternative triathlon involves a 17km cycle across Snowdonia National Park, a 14km trek up Snowdon and 4km paddle round the stunning Llyn Padarn. Take in the sights of the UK’s wildest adventure playground, challenge yourself, and raise money to help delete blood cancer!
Join the Team This will be a 100% DKMS event, so a great way to meet fellow supporters and feel part of Team DKMS.
I was really hoping to be able to run my 5th London Marathon in London, but it was not meant to be. Instead, I have a virtual place and will be trekking along the South West Coastal Path whilst the masses run the streets of London.
There’s a lot more planned so keep posted..
If there’s one thing you do today is to remember there are three ways you can help save a life:
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
Tin opener
