Join me on my invitation to view the new Summer Collection, lunch and share a behind the scenes tour of Nkuku Lifestyle Store. Nkuku, based near Totnes in Devon, has been newly refurbished in recent months. After several postponements, I was delighted to finally meet with the team again and see all their hard work. The Store looked fabulous, especially the newly refurbished and extended cafe. More about the cafe later.
Nkuku is based in two refurbished barns, displaying the Collections in stunning styles you can replicate in your own home. There is free parking and wifi, I might have to make this my new place to sit and write, it’s so lovely.
I’ve created 3 mood boards with my favourite pieces from the new summer collection. The new pieces are of a variety of price ranges and easily adapted to your style. The light, tactile and natural materials are easily adaptable in any living space, regardless of the size or location of your home. I hope the boards inspire you!
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 (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 (centre) are a fabulous way to add green and a refresh to your garden or garden room.
Sia Lantern (top right and bottom centre ) are elegant and striking, these lanterns are enhanced with an antique black metal finish. This frame holds the tall glass panels and provides the perfect silhouette for a church candle or t-light. Easily transported from home to the garden, creating a beautiful setting wherever they are.
Halali Fire Pit Kadai with Surround (bottom right) is the perfect fire pit to make a focal point in your outdoor living space. This statement piece is generously proportioned and crafted from solid iron. The traditional fire bowl shape is surrounded by a striking and practical table edge, perfect for warming those plates!
Alwar Outdoor Wall Light (bottom left) adds a sense of grace to any outdoor setting or garden room. The antique brass patina of the stylish swan neck and lamp head pares elegantly with the clear glass shade. This iconic design works well with traditional and contemporary homes alike and produces a soft warm glow.
Halali Fire Pit
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 I love this combination of warm antique brass and elegant clear glass. The striking mix of materials makes this a standout piece in any home. A classic design that works well with neutrals and bold colour scapes alike.
The Deni Collection (middle centre and bottom left) is generously proportion with deep, sumptuous seat cushions. 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. The Grand is designed as a luxurious and generous two-seater sofa, perfect for those who like to spread out, but it can accommodate three if and when required. Available in six muted shades, of which you can order a free swatch pack giving you the chance to feel the fabric and see the colour choices.
Kajala Cotton Cushion Cover (left and top centre) These cushion covers are beautiful soft and tactile. The simple, monochrome colour palette is calming and versatile, with the geometric design crafted from black thread, running through the fabric in a softly broken line.
Chara Hammered Bottles (middle centre) I love these for simple yet elegant styling around your home. The bottles are decorated with a hammered glass finish and etched detail. The bottle is skilfully created by blowing glass through the brass ring in this stylish design. Perfectly styled with with with simple stem, alone. One of mine is styled with fairy lights
Braided Hemp Rug (bottom right of the above mood board) A timeless rug, beautifully hand braided from hemp in this eye-catching traditional pattern. The warm gold hues of the hemp give the rugs a tactile, neutral appearance and understated style, perfect for any living space, conservatory or family room.
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 (centre) 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.
Charal Storage Jars The simple clear glass body and mango wood top of this Charai storage jar makes it the perfect everyday organisational accessory. Finished with a silicon seal to ensure that its contents remain fresh, the Charai is the perfect jar in which to keep a variety of ingredients from pulses and grains to herbs and spices.
The Dura white marble wine cooler (above left) will enhance any party. The striking variegated tones and smooth tactile finish of the luxury marble makes it the perfect accessory for entertaining and would look stunning on any kitchen island.
Recycled Glass Dome Cake Stand (left and top left) These elegant recycled glass cake domes provide a stylish way to display and store culinary delights from cakes to cheeses. The dome slots neatly into the mango wood base.
Full range of delicious homemade treats available in the new Lifestyle Cafe
Visit Nkuku Life Style Store
If you are coming to Devon this spring or summer, do pop Nkuku Lifestyle Store on your list of places to visit. Plan your trip around a light snack or lunch. You’ll love it.
The cafe has been full refurbished and extended, leading out onto the courtyard, so you can enjoy the warmer weather. There is plenty of space both inside and outside for dining or simply sipping a coffee or iced tea.
The new food menu celebrates the very best of local and seasonal produce working with artisan bakers, farmers and cheesemakers throughout the south west of England.
Nkuku’s suppliers are handpicked to ensure they are supporting local, independent producers who share their passion for sustainability.
The menu caters for vegan and vegetarian diets too. With soups to homemade warm tartlets served with dressed salad leaves and a specials.
Their sharing boards look absolutely delicious with currently four choices from a selection of cheeses, charcuterie, cheese and charcuterie and a plant based board.
You really will be spoilt for choice, let’s not even talk about the full range of homemade tasty treats!
I can confirm lunch was indeed delicious! I did manage to refrain from the scrumptious looking bakes though!
Whether you are local or visitor to our county, you’ll certainly be greeted with a warm welcome.
Thank you Helen and all the team at Nkuku for a wonderful visit. It was, as always, a delight to see you.
Chara Hammered bottle in my Laundry Room.
I could truly sit here all day!
I hope the blog has given you an insight into this stunning Lifestyle Store which I’m delighted to say is on my doorstep and that the mood boards have inspired you.
You CAN find joy within your workout, as long as you find the right workout for you.
Getting fitter and staying fit has many positive benefits, it’s the starting that can be the tricky thing if you’ve had a break for a while.
The key thing for me is that I have to do something I love and feel a real connection with the people I’m training with.
After all, life is short and if you don’t enjoy a workout maybe, you’ve just not found the right one yet??
Having qualified as a PT, founded and ran my own fitness and lifestyle business for almost a decade, I know just how much benefit you can get from a good workout, mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s also magical to see your clients feel the same.
The winter often has a negative impact on people’s schedules for keeping fit. The cold weather and dark nights can demoralise the best of us and have us snuggled up on the couch next to the fire indoors, however I’m going to share some tips on springing back into action and getting back into your exercise routine.
Whether you are starting again or continuing on with your activities, now is a great time to increase your fitness activities. If you are training outdoors the fresh air will do you good and re-energise your winter lull.
It is fantastic now the mornings are brighter and the evenings are longer, it certainly makes a huge difference being outside in the open air. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I love my early morning stomp in the Devon Lanes.
The Digme Studio Experience – Anytime. Anywhere.
March 2020 and as if you need reminding, Lockdown happened. We were all working and working out from home and became spoilt for choice with instructors taking their business online. Digme On Demand has kept me going since then, with over 100 Live classes & On Demand workouts each week, including Cycle, HIIT, Strength, Run, Yoga, Breathwork, Walk classes with their world class instructors.
I found Digme Fitness with huge thanks to Mr Ben Shepherd and his instagram live workouts he was doing with Ben Davies. Ben is the head coach at Digme and I loved joining in with their Challenges each week during that crazy Spring / Summer of 2020. Thank you Mr Shephard! So much fun and banter – I miss it!
I discovered that within 48 hours of the UK going into National Lockdown, the Digme crew and their incredible instructors turned their business entirely online. Hurrah! Living in Devon, it’s not possible to travel to their London Studios but it IS possible to feel apart of the Digme Family.
There are fabulous motivational challenges with that extra power boost that only the Digme community can bring, so whatever your schedule and whatever your health and fitness goals, you’ll certainly be catered for. These challenges are certainly helping me on my Mission 50 for DKMS; my Mission to raise £50,000 for the blood cancer charity DKMS. during my 50th year.
At Digme there really is something for everyone..
From the studio to online so there are no excuses you really can do something for your kind and body at any time of day.
Workouts I love:
Ride (Spin)
Meta HiTT
Yoga
Breath Work
Run Club
If you’re thinking, right enough is enough, it’s time to start moving more, then I totally recommend Digme Fitness.
How to get the spring back into your step, so you find the joy in your workout..
Start with easy short-term goals, but keep it fun, otherwise you risk quick burnout. Ease into your training if it has been a while because your body and mind need some time to adjust.
It doesn’t matter what you are into whether it’s running, yoga, spin, boxing or just a walk around the block or a bike ride with the children – the most important thing is getting back out there and enjoying the lighter nights.
Start with small bursts and increase your training every week. Choose challenging activities that will give you a buzz and as you progress each week you will soon start looking and feeling better.
Whatever you choose in order to move more, your mind and body really will thank you for it. I hope these tips help you find the joy in your workout and that I’ll see you in a Digme class soon!
Welcome to the first of 12 months of Missions for DKMS! Februarys’ Mission 50 starts with a bang with a month long Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, with the draw happening on 1st March. I have a small matter of a 5km race to do too.. As you may have seen from my Instagram posts and Strava, this is no mean feat for me, but that’s the point I guess!
There have been over £1650 of incredible prizes donated to the Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, I’m so very thankful to everyone who’s supported.
As a proud Ambassador for DKMS_UK and former Oncology nurse, I feel very privileged to be celebrating my 50th birthday in February 2022 – that got me thinking! What if I could do something to raise awareness for DKMS around the number 50??
What if I made it my Mission in the year 2022 to raise as much awareness and as many funds as possible? I started playing around with ideas and Mission 50 was born!
My aim is to complete some challenges and events linking the number 5 during my 50th year and whilst doing so, raise as close to £50K as I can..
Let’s be honest – 50K is A LOT OF MONEY…
Over 12 months that’s raising an average of £4,166.66 a month.
Which equates to raising a £961.53 a week ….. with my Mission to do this by Feb 1st 2023… We can do that – can we???
Now I know this is a little crazy, but my motto has always been to #dreamitliveit!!
Even if I raise £500 and increase the numbers of conversations there are about Blood cancer and Stem Cell Transplant – then that’s a Mission accomplished..
I’ve always said if we set the thermostat in our homes, to 18 degrees, then the temperature reaches 18 degrees.. So I’m aiming high and reach for the stars or in this case £50K!!
Let’s see what we collectively can do!
Please donate what you can. Each ticket is £5.
If you donate £10, that’s 2 tickets, £20 = 4 tickets etc, etc
I am a huge fan of paying it forward and random acts of kindness and now, more than ever, I think we all need a little something to brighten our day and week.
I am beyond excited to share with you that behind the scenes I have been working on my very own Random Act of Kindness Mission in order to raise much needed awareness and funds for @DKMS_UK
I’ve called upon some of my favourite brands and friends to help me with my Mission, which in turn gives YOU a little something back too! Not only that – it might help solve a Birthday present or Mothers Day dilemma you have or maybe you’d just love a treat for you, all whilst supporting this wonderful charity..
Either way, thank you for joining me and supporting.
When considering how much you donate and therefore how many times you enter this fabulous raffle, please consider this:
❣️Every 20 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma or melanoma.
❣️Someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer every 27 seconds.
❣️30% of people diagnosed find a donor match within their family, that’s why kits to find donors are so important.
I am incredibly grateful for the incredible friends and brands who have so very kindly supported me with my Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, without whom, it really wouldn’t have been possible.
The prizes include:
A Magical Experience from Blank Canvas Hire
The Winner of this incredible prize is given the option to choose ONE of the following amazing experiences:
3 day hot tub hire
Bell tent sleepover for 4 guests
Bell tent picnic experience for up to 4 guests
A 3 night stay in one of their bell tents at Hook Farm Campsite, Lyme Regis.
The hire of any of the above must take place within 30 miles of our base at EX2 9UA or at Hook Farm Campsite if this option is chosen. The hire location may be extended to cover any of Devon, Cornwall or Somerset however travel will be chargeable.
The hire can take place at any time before May 2023, all bookings are subject to availability.
The wonderful team at the Chalk Pink Linen Company, who were voted Best Linen Bedding 2020 by The Independent, have kindly gifted a duvet set in any size and colour. Aren’t they stunning?
Natural Linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world, although soft and relaxed it is 30% stronger than cotton and is incredibly durable, enhancing its resilience to wear and abrasion, making it the quintessential choice for homewares. Along with being exceptionally eco-friendly during its production, linen really is quite a unique fabric.
Linen Bedding can enhance any style of interior, it boasts an open weave structure allowing the flow of air to cool you in the summer yet keeping you warm in the cooler months.
All Linen Duvet Sets are packaged in a bespoke linen bag and include pillowcases, Single Duvet Sets contain 1 pillowcase, Double, King and Super King Duvet Sets include 2 pillowcases.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
India & Albert is an artisan hand crafted jewellery brand led by English/Italian jewellery designer, Penny Albertella. Inspired by nature, heritage and beautiful Italian styling, based in Devon.
Penny says, “In these days of fast fashion, India & Albert is all about ‘slow, sustainable fashion’. I love the idea that my pieces may be dug up in a hundred years or they may still be being worn by generations that came after those who bought or were given them. I love to think of the stories they will have gathered from generation to generation. The stories of what they have meant to those who have worn them.”
Citrine Ring – ‘FIAMETTA Value £135.oo
Fiametta is a stunning ring with a 8mm citrine gemstone texture set in a recycled sterling silver collet on a textured, halo ring shank.
The ring shank is (band) is made from 2.5 mm round silver. The shank and setting are textured to give a rustic, and very contemporary, raw finish.
She will come to you beautifully packaged in a black gift box with gold wax seal. Fiametta is a size N but Penny will make another to your preferred size.
Click on the video left to get a gorgeous view of the Fi Amelia. Find India and Albert on Instagram and their website.
About Citrine Gemstones.
They are known as the “Light Maker,” this crystal varies in colour from a bright yellow to orange; colours which reflect its equally vibrant energy.
Like Vitamin C for the soul, the Citrine crystal properties emanate positivity and joy. By connecting with Citrine, you can harness the energy of light and the energy of the sun embodied within this stone, which acts as a source of positive energy in all aspects of your life.
From your attitude and outlook to your projects and pursuits, the Citrine crystal healing properties are perfectly suited to raise your vibration and help you embrace positivity and optimism as you move through life.
Citrine is a good stone for aligning all the chakras. It focuses on balancing the solar plexus chakra, which in turn integrates the lower and higher chakras.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Huge thank you to my favourite Basket Company who have kindly donated a £100 voucher to spend with them. You’ll be spoilt for choice with this fabulous prize. It will solve your storage solutions and will either start or fuel your basket obsession! Find The Basket Company on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Huge thank you to Bella Jane Jewellery who have very kindly donated a fabulous £50 voucher to spend with them. You’ll be spoilt for choice with this fabulous prize. I love my stacks and know you will too! Find Bella Jane Jewellery on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Bam Clothing has been very generous and have gifted the Raffle a £50 voucher and a £100 bundle of their gorgeous socks!
Their bamboo clothing isn’t just about softness. Bamboo is a performance fabric absorbing moisture and helping regulate your temperature. From running, yoga, walking and everyday cosy wear, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice!
Bamboo socks are a real treat for your feet! Once you’ve tried their super soft and incredibly comfy socks, with reinforced toe and heel, you won’t want to wear any other type of sock. (If you’ve seen my walks and workouts, you’ll know I can vouch for that!)
Add to this the fact that BAM socks wicks moisture away from your feet and don’t get smelly, and they keep your feet warm in winter and yet cool in summer, you’re bound to become a BAM addict.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Catherine makes and sell the moist stunning, unique, statement pieces designed to fit any outfit. She has very kindly donated theses stunning good hoop earrings worth £25. They are from the brand new collection; Amour Toujours. They come with beautifully handcrafted leather heart charms and red enamelled ones which you can wear together or on their own depending on your look and mood. Find Catherine on Instagram and her website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Rory and Ruby have very kindly donated a Luxury Pamper Hamper brimming with relaxing organic goodies. (Value £195. Free UK delivery) It’s an extra special treat with 9 gorgeous gifts including a traditional wicker hamper or basket. Natural, sustainable, ethically made and beautifully wrapped without plastic.
Cosy Reversible Organic Cotton Throw
Organic Cotton Hammam Towel
Organic Body & Bath Oil
Organic Himalayan Bath Salts
Natural Soy Candle infused organic essential oils
Natural Organic Atmosphere Mist
Organic Glycerine & Lavender Soap Block
Organic Terry Towel Body Cloth
Handmade in Scotland, Wildheart Organics luxury products only contain essential oils to maximise the therapeutic relaxing benefits and have no artificial fragrances. The brown glass containers are inspired by traditional apothecary bottles. Available in Escape signature aroma blend of geranium, orange & rosemary essential oils. Find Rory and Ruby on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
All On The Wall personalised graphic wall art will make a unique and fascinating statement in your home. Printed onto matt laminated aluminium, the eye-catching designs are one of a kind and an incredible talking point!
From the place of where you first met to the date of your wedding, all your special moments in words, captured in one stunning piece of art.
“For Claire’s amazing Mission 50 for DKMS, we are gifting a 60 x 60cm (or 60 x 90cm depending on the shape of your wall!)
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
The fabulous team at Neptune Weybridge have very kindly
The Social Syndicate
Esther from The Social Syndicate has kindly gifted a 60 minute coaching session (via zoom) to help you create a social media strategy and build your brand the right way on Instagram! Worth £150.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
The lovely team at the Hypnotherapy and Relaxation Clinic have very kindly donated a wonderful 60 minute 1:1 relaxation hypnotherapy session to be tailored to your needs that will leave you feeling incredible, calm and stress free! Worth £90, can be carried out on zoom or face to face if in or near Newcastle upon Tyne.
“We use a variety of client centred bespoke techniques in our clinic, as we believe one size does not fit all! Everyone’s mind map is different, therefore our techniques are focussed around our clients specific needs and will enable them to achieve their best results. After all… all hypnosis is self hypnosis.
Our treatment programmes are tailored to each client and most commonly start with an in depth initial consultation. This is where we assess your personal requirements and create a unique treatment plan for you, as well as giving you the experience of relaxation and confidence boosting hypnosis.
After this, we develop a programme with you, that is specific to you and your needs. We have a range of sessions and techniques available, where we guide you to achieving your goals and reframe any unwanted behaviours you may have.”
Find The Hypnotherapy and Relaxation Clinic on Instagram and on their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Antonia and her fabulous team at Tailor Made Living Store has very kindly donated the Elizabeth Scarlett Zebra Day Bag. (Value £47)
The fun and luxurious zebra day bag design was inspired by Elizabeth’s trip to Kenya for her honeymoon. Elizabeth who has been illustrating since she was little, drew the design based on the dazzles of zebras she encountered on her trip
Featuring embroidered zebra’s on a rich indigo velvet base, this day bag is the perfect companion for an escapist, ideally sized to hold all of your essentials for a day out in town.
Dimensions: 38x22cm
Material: 100% cotton velvet with cotton lining
Machine washable at 30 degrees
Embroidered with hand-illustrated Zebra Indigo
Gold zip closure
You can find Tailor Made Living Store on Instagram and their website.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
Donated by Naomi @LifeofaCountryLady who says “This is a beautiful easy to use cookbook from Jamie Oliver. I moved to the countryside this time 2 years ago and got into growing my own veggies and this book goes through the seasons with lovely hints and tips and foodie inspiration from over a 100 recipes.
Jamie’s words ‘being at home, feeling relaxed and open…working with Mother Nature in my garden and seeing all the beautiful veggies coming out of the ground’ really resonates. Friends have joked we live like the characters in The Good Life 70s TV show!
You’ve always been such a big supporter of mine Claire and my country life journey. I’m thrilled to be able to support your random acts of kindness raffle and for such a wonderful cause and your mission 50 goal. I hope someone lucky wins this prize and enjoys it and has fun with it!”
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle”
I am incredibly grateful for the incredible friends and brands who have so very kindly supported me with my Random Acts of Kindness Raffle, without whom, it really wouldn’t have been possible.
Make a minimum donation of £5 you can enter as many times as you wish, please leave your social media handle and quote “RandOM acts OF KINDNESS raffle“
Like anything in life, feeling prepared, with the right mindset is half the battle
Exam season is looming, especially for those taking A level and GCSE mock exams. A stressful time for students and parents alike, especially during a pandemic when school life over the last 20 months has been so disjointed.. It really hasn’t been easy for parents and teachers as we try to help them navigate this time in their lives,
Many students feel the pressure really is on to hit those grades. In this blog, I’m sharing a guide to help you make a plan, ensuring the students in your home feel prepared and balanced as much as they can be.
Enjoy the big outdoors, have a break from the book and get some fresh air, even if it’s only for 20 minutes.
Did you know that your diet and lifestyle can affect exam performance?
I believe the right nutrition and exercise plan can energise your mind and body to get you through revision time and sharpen your memory, improve concentration and boost confidence. However, the wrong dietary and lifestyle choices can potentially put you at a disadvantage.
Time to relax with a good novel is always a good idea.
Diet will have a huge effect on your body and mind, choose the wrong meals and you can become sluggish and tired, but if you give your brain the right fuel, you will be able to think quicker, have a better memory and have improved concentration.
The key to boosting your energy and keeping your concentration levels up are nutritious foods, water and oxygen.
Here are my top tips for success during exam season:
Stay Away From Caffeine
Drinking energy drinks like Red Bull or high amounts of tea and coffee will give you a short burst of energy but will burn out and give you a sugar crash.
Try not to rely on the caffeine fix to get you through the regions and exams. Switch to a warming hot chocolate instead!
Keep Your Body Hydrated
Herbal drinks and water hydrate your brain and encourages it to function at an optimum level, delivering nutrients to the brain and eliminating toxins.
Being hydrating is essential for concentration, clarity of thinking and mental alertness.
Avoid Snacking On Junk Food and Ordering Takeaways
A lot of students can fall prey to this mistake because they are so busy revising they run out of time to buy and prepare food in advance, unlersas of course they are living at home!
Many students tend to study in their rooms, however if you are able to separate the study zone and the relaxing and sleep zone, the quality of the nights sleep is vastly improved.
Exercise
Often when we feel stressed or overwhelmed, we feel we just don’t have the time to exercise. Having worked with clients, who felt the same for almost a decade, they all felt a huge benefit for taking some time out of their busy lives to get some training in. What’s more, they felt more productive too with improved memory! Win!
Exercise can help boost energy levels, clear the mind and relieve stress. Just 20 minutes of fresh air and exercise a day will boost your mood and concentration too.
A walk around the block can really make the world of difference – to all of us; parents and students alike. A walk and talk is always a good idea!
Breathe..
I can totally appreciate that this time of our Teens lives can feel like it’s THE most stressful time for them. The last 20 months of extremely disturbed schooling due to the pandeamic, has been stressful for everyone..
Go easy…
That’s both parents and students!
Exam stress can be shown in many different emotions and behaviours.
Take time to talk; share how you are feeling… talking, tears and sharing emotions, nerves, worry, make all the difference. Please don’t keep the worry to yourself students!
Good luck and try not to stress too much. It will be OK…
I really hope this guide helps you and your students alike to navigate the exam season.
Christmas is a special time of year for many. With 10 weeks to go, let me help you create a special, yet stressfree Christmas.
Every year we are determined not to become overwhelmed with the stress and worry. In this weeks blog; I’m sharing some of the things I do to try and keep Christmas stressfree and to a minimum when it come to preparation. Using these thoughts and ideas will mean that come Christmas, you’ll feel calm and ready to enjoy the celebrations.
What can you do now to limit the overwhelm that undoubtedly comes with the festivities?
Let’s be honest, most guest rooms can double up as a dumping ground especially when you are not expecting guests! Since an emabrrassing episode several years ago, we had a dinner party one year and one couple couldn’t get a taxi home.
“Stay!” we said, “no problem “we said! Then I remembered that the guest room was “almost guest room ready” except the bed was covered in clothes ready for the charity shop! I still cringe when I think about it now! Let’s but that episode to bed so to speak! I’ll add it wasn’t Christmas but it’s always good to be prepared!
Love this idea for a special touch instead of flowers for your guest room Christmas Table Top Tree
A guest room is a relaxing place for your guests not just to sleep but to enjoy space away from the household to relax and chill.
For the ultimate stressfree Christmas for your guests; include a basket of goodies that you know they’ll enjoy. I love to add something from Hotel Chocolate, a candle and a magazine or two.
A throw on the bed is always a good idea. How beautiful is this Dusty Pink Linen Bed Throw from Chalk Pink Linen Company?
In the bathroom include some toiletries, fluffy towels
Fresh flowers are always a nice touch so put a note in your diary to organise these for a few days before they arrive. Alternatively cut some from your garden and add a little festive sparkle.
I don’t mean get the decorations out right now but packing them away earlier this year seems like a life time ago. Can you remember what you have? How many broken items were there that you thought “I’ll fix” but never got there! It really is worth taking the trip to the store cupboard or attic to double check.
How do you fancy Christmas in a Box?? Take the stress away by having your table decorations delivered to you wherever you may be.
Perhaps you’re going planning a trip away this year?
Maybe you’re visiting relatives and would like to help remove the stress for them..?
Wherever you plan to spend Christmas – The Table Stylist have all your answers!
Christmas in a box, comes in two different styles; the Winter Wonderland and The Nutcracker. Both collections are the perfect gift idea for yourself or anyone who enjoys hosting dinner parties and special occasions.
The Winter Wonderland is my personal favourite. Picture the scene:
Transform your table top into a Christmas winter wonderland with a forest of snow dappled trees set against a white cotton runner & glittering fallen stars & faux snow.
Transform your table top into a Christmas winter wonderland with a forest of snow dappled trees set against a white cotton runner & glittering fallen stars & faux snow.
The glow of candle light creates a soft warming atmosphere. White frill cotton napkins are tied with dark green velvet bows, sprigs of fir and white berries while seagrass placemats provide a simple and elegant backdrop for your china.
Finally, for an extra special touch The Table Stylist have included fully recyclable crackers which come with jokes and hats and can be assembled with your own custom treats. You can rent or buy the whole collection or add to your collection each year. What a wonderful tradition to pass fown to your family?
Make it a special, stylish Christmas to remember. The Table Stylist have given me a special 15% discount for you on any of their items on their website; Simple add “CLAIRE15” at the checkout
Nothing says stressfree Christmas like Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection It combines time-honoured festive favourites with a variey of exciting dishes to spice up the season. By taking the traditional Christmas fare and giving it a twist, Mary adds sparkle to every celebration.
Simple yet reliable recipes and Mary’s handy hints will take the pressure off entertaining, whether it’s for the big day itself, a Boxing Day crowd or an intimate New Year family gathering.
With an invaluable Christmas Day countdown, sample menus, shopping lists and ever-popular tips on preparing ahead and freezing, this is the must-have companion to the festive season.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Mary Berry and her Christmas book is THE book I have always gone to. I’ve even gift it as birthday gift!
Consider also your freezer space.. I’ll be covering that more in a future blog, I’m just giving you a little hint!
A stressfree Christmas is all about preparation. 10 weeks is actually quite a lot of time. Bit by bit, taking stock of what you can do now and over the coming weeks, rather than tackling everything in the very last week, really does help.
Let me know which top tip you like best and remember to take a look at The Table Stylist with your 15% discount. before you know it, you will have already ticked one thing off your stress free Christmas list!
Start with easy short-term goals, but keep it fun, otherwise you risk quick burnout. Ease into your training if it has been a while because your body and mind need some time to adjust. 
