Today, I am going ask you to set a reminder to yourself to take one positive action a day and give yourself permission to check in on yourself each day – take just a few moments maybe whilst the kettle is boiling or whilst you clean your teeth…
There’s no doubt these last few months have been very strange, stressful, heartbreaking, unsettling and so much more.. I was delighted to have been asked by Nicky at InsideOut recently to share some thoughts about bringing a little positivity your way as part of her blog series, and so I thought I would share them with you too.
Firstly, how are you? Really?
We ask this question all the time but do we listen, truly and wholeheartedly to the answer? Both when we ask ourselves and when we ask others?
Do you ask yourself how you are and have regular checkins with yourself?
Charlie Mackesy has captured the nations hearts during the Pandemic, putting into words and images what many of us have felt..
I can almost hear you say, “I barely have time to catch my breath, let alone ask myself how I am and act on it!” It’s only natural to feel overwhelm, anxiety and utter distress, when we are faced with difficult situations; illness, job loss, financial difficulties – it’s exhausting, becomes your every thought and it’s possible to feel like you’re going to be stuck feeling like this forever..
What you are feeling, it WILL get better.
With some self nurturing and support from others, we can gradually change our thought patterns and in turn, slowly but surely, start to feel a little better..
“Believe there is a great power silently working all things for good, behave yourself and never mind the rest.”
Beatrix Potter
How can we start to shift that mindset? Lockdown, working from home, home schooling (or emergency schooling as I heard someone call it last week!) isn’t easy – we all know that – it’s busy! So I’m going to suggest focusing on achieving just ONE positive action a day.. just one.
Why?
By doing this, in turn, you’ll feel brighter, have more energy, sleep better and more importantly, feel better about yourself and the situation we are all in.. I’m not promising that by tomorrow morning, you’ll feel on top of the world, but day by day, step by step, small but intentional, positive actions will shift those patterns of thinking and overwhelm.
When you’re thinking about which positive actions to do, break it down into little areas and ask;
What one positive action can I take for my health today?
What one positive action can I take for my family, partner, children, work colleague or neighbour today?
What one positive action can I do for my garden today?
What one positive action can I do for my home today?
What one positive action can do I for ME today?
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 ideas:
Put on your favourite track and turn it up loud! Sounds crazy I know, but music, can lift the mood and make us feel uplifted.
Plant some bulbs in a pot and enjoy watching them grow on your window sill. My snowdrops started peaking through a week or so ago and it really does make me feel that spring and lighter, warmer days are on the horizon.
Find a new walk where you live that you haven’t done before and commit to doing it at least once a week, rain or shine.
Do you have a room in your house that needs attention and despite Lockdown, you close the door and put off doing anything about it? (or is that just me!) Why not try a #powerofanhour or half an hour and get started? It’s not always fun to start, but often getting started is the hardest right? Read more about how beneficial the #powerofanhour is here.
When our bodies are stressed, the last thing it needs sometimes is additional stress, yet exercise can really help those feel good endorphins rise and that “YES! I did it!” factor of a workout (afterwards!) is great.. However, it’s not all about getting a “sweat on”, yoga, pilates or simply stretching for 10 minutes can also have great benefits too.
Journal – there are days that are fabulous and there are days that aren’t so, but try documenting down three things each day that you are grateful for. No matter how bad things are, there will always be something within your day that you can be grateful for (I don’t mean that patronisingly at all) Trust me I’ve had some pretty low days in my time and sometimes it’s only too easy to get stuck in a rut of negativity. Try this for a week, you’ll shift your state of mind and refocus your purpose.
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, its a reminder that the rubbish times and also the good times won’t last forever and that the way you are feeling right now shall also pass too.
I really hope these tips for bringing a little positivity to the situation we find ourselves in help you.
I’ve created some planners which I find really useful in keeping me focused and organised which you can find right here.
I hope they will give you a little inspiration so that you can create a feeling of being more in control and less overwhelmed so that you can concentrate on the things that are most important to you. I’d love to know which one is your favourite and which ones you’ll be trying out.
Feel free to share in the comments your thoughts and also what has helped you during the last 12 months.
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)
When did you last have a proper Digital Detox..? I don’t mean time away from your phone, although it is good to reduce screen time, but I mean in the sense of decluttering the ‘stuff`’ that builds up on our laptops, phone, address books and so on..
During this difficult time of lockdown there is inevitably a lot of people feeling anxious, overwhelmed and ultimately perhaps even unhappy. In this series of blogs this month, I’m sharing my thoughts with you on how to remove the things in life that aren’t serving us, in order to move forwards and (In case you missed a previous blog asking what you’re letting go of in 2021, you’ll find it here.)
During Lockdown, many of us had a good old declutter of our homes and this week I’m sharing that it’s very therapeutic to do the same with our digital lives too. By doing so, we will spend less time searching for photos to use on our blogs or social media, less time looking for that password, and everything will work more efficiently.. even you!
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… even you”
Anne Lamott
I’m an old fashioned girl and those that know me will know that I’m a huge fan of stationary, planners and sending cards or happy post as I like to call it! It’s always so lovely to receive a card in the post rather than that ominous white envelope right?
When did you last update your address book?
Do you go to it like I did leading up to Christmas and find that several addresses have been changed, maybe not once, but two or three times! Or maybe even (also like me) several pieces of paper or an old Christmas card fell out with a new change of address notice… yes? Then time, to declutter that address book and renew.. everything will be fresh and clear, saving you time! A lovely thing to do on a Sunday afternoon.
When did you last do a health check on your computer or lap top?
It’s open of those jobs that used to terrify me as I’d think I’ll lose everything but it really is essential so that it works much more efficiently. If there is a problem with the health of your computer, it can be diagnosed and addressed it before a parts failure or more serious fault occurs. This includes checks for viruses or spyware, which can lead to data corruption, identity fraud, and theft. Scary huh??
I have started using Clean My Mac recently and love it.. It’s fast, super efficient and has freed up lots of space that was slowing things down. It also removes apps that you no longer use and so much more!
When was the last time you decluttered your Notes on your phone?
I love my the notes app on my phone, especially during the days we were allowed to leave the house! If a moment of inspiration hit me, out came my notes and I’d pop it down for when I got home or when I was next writing.
However, they can quickly mount up and spending just a few moments, whilst the kettle boils or your bath runs, to edit and delete the ones that are no longer required or serve you, will free up so much space both on your phone and head space too!
Use this time to create new folders so that the speed in which you find your wise words is quicker rather than endless scrolling.. One of those jobs that you think, “yep, I’ll do that” but it does make so much difference and guess what your screen time will be reduced too! Winning!
Decluttering your Digital life will allow you more time for things you really enjoy.
These are a few ideas to get you started on your Digital Detox. Here are a couple of others that I have planned through the coming months..
Messages; both on my phone, WhatsApp and various other platforms that I receive messages. I have several that I mean to delete that’s taking up space, how about you? now I’ve shared that little gem with you, I’m going to be popping that little task to do over the next week rather than scrolling. Will you be joining me?
Photographs.. hands up if you have zillions on your phone? I’m not even going to share how many I have! Many are duplicates I’m sure. Some need deleting, some need printing and for certain, there are many that need fitting in albums so they are easy to reach and at my finger tips should I need to find them.
One app that we have loved using this year is Photobooks and it’s sister FreePrints. The phonebooks make fabulous gifts and are really easy to organise (even easier when you know exactly which photos are where!) We’ve organised a few this year and not only is it lots of fun deciding which to choose but so lovely to have them in a book also. It’s like the modern day photo album!
The Freeprints are also fantastic, again very quick and easy to use. My daughter and I had lots of fun creating a photocell of all her favourite images during her room makeover in Lockdown 1.
If all this seems overwhelming, it’s okay. Bit by bit, little by little, day by day just attempt ONE thing.. You don’t have to do it all now! Pick one this week and see how you get on. You might be inspired to do more, you might even be inspired to schedule a Digital Detox in each month.
“Go for a walk outdoors.
Reconnect with the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair.
Listen to the birds that live in a tree in your yard.
Watch the sunset.
Take time to smell the flowers that bloom in the park during the summer.
The natural world is just as natural as it ever was, except there’s less of it than there was twenty-five years ago – and most of us don’t make a point of enjoying it often enough.”
Skye Alexander, Award-winning author
I really hope these tips for bringing a little positivity to the situation we find ourselves in help you.
I’ve created some planners which I find really useful in keeping me focused and organised which you can find on the Organisation page.
Weekly Planner Daily Planner Meal and Shopping Planner
I hope they will give you a little inspiration so that you can create a feeling of being more in control and less overwhelmed so that you can concentrate on the things that are most important to you. I’d love to know which one is your favourite and which ones you’ll be trying out.
Feel free to share in the comments your thoughts and also what has helped you during the last 12 months.
2020 has been crazy as we know.. Lockdown saw many videos all over social media about how we spent our time, from making TikTok videos to DIY projects and how to cut each others hair. Sales of hair clippers went through the roof!
Lockdown has also reminded us that we love our hairdressers more than we ever knew! Hairdressers, stylists, and barbers are invaluable aren’t they? They help us feel good about ourselves.
Despite the stress and chaos of this year, we have had wonderful weather during Spring and Summer meaning we’ve been able to spend much more time outside. Heaven! However, as we officially move into Autumn and Winter, with the clocks going back, the darker evenings and ongoing restrictions in place; we will be spending a lot more time inside at home and away from essential trips out and yes, that includes the hair salon.
I always feel SO much better for a trip to see my hairdresser, there’s a real truth in the mantra “look good, feel good” For me, it’s always such a treat, a bit of time out, a pamper, a good old natter and leaving with the perfect blow dry; you can’t put a price on that!
There’s no doubt that the combination of cooler weather and central heating can have a negative effect on our hair and skin, so how to we keep our locks looking luscious for longer, especially when we aren’t able to visit the hair salon? I’ve teamed up with my gorgeous hairdresser Dawn Atiba to bring you some top tips to help.
“Hairdressers are a wonderful breed. You work one on one with another human being, and the object is to make them feel so much better, and to look at themselves with a twinkle in their eye.”
Vidal Sassoon
What can you do right now?
You don’t have to wait until your next trip to the hair salon or spend a fortune, you can start to tend to those locks right now..
Diet and Hydration I know, it’s not rocket science, but it’s true, you really are what you eat!. Good hair comes from a good balanced diet and being well hydrated. If you wish to do something right now for your hair, makes sure you’re drinking plenty of water and eating healthy nutritious foods.
Reduce Heat damage: We know that heat causes damage to our hair but what can we do without having a wild “au natural” style? Choosing to let your hair dry naturally or using only ONE styling item; (hairdryer, straighteners, heated brush) with have an obvious benefit of damage limitation. I don’t know about you but I have significantly reduced using my straighteners over the last few months.
We all love a lovely hot shower, however reducing the temperature whilst you wash and condition your hair will also have beneficial effect. Try it over the next few weeks and see if you notice a difference.
Watch out for those elements! This time of year sees us having to deal with cooler and often quite horrid weather conditions, then we go straight into the warmth of the house or work thanks to central heating.
Being caught out in the rain whilst on the school run, dashing to the supermarket or whilst outside for a workout or run can also have a negative effect on the hair and can really dry those strands out. I remember by days with running my outdoor fitness camps, Dawn would always ask if I wore a hat..!
Protect your hair as much as possible from the cold wind and rain. I always keep a hat or two in my car. One to wear when I’m running and a good old woolly hat for those coastal walks!
“Invest in your hair, it’s the only crown you don’t take off”
Unknown
Invest in good hair products. Find the right products for you and your hair, much as you would for your skin type. They say you get what you pay for and tempting sit is to grab the cheapest hair products from the supermarket, by using the products in the right way, it’ll be worth every penny and they will last too!
“The Olaplex Shampoo no.4 and Conditioner no.5 conditioner are also favourites of mine. A little really goes a long way, you only need a drop the size of a 5 pence piece and I calculated that a bottle will last on average a year when washing your hair twice a week. Even at £28 a bottle that’s a really reasonable amount for a years worth of shampoo.”
Dawn goes on to say” “I like to use Redken “all soft” range in place of Olaplex if my hair is feeling a little dry.
They are Infused with a rich blends of rejuvenating oils, including avocado to add luminous shine and argan to prevent dryness. you can expect sleek, salon-style results with every use.”
All Change! Autumn also sees lots of us going for a colour change, adding in slightly darker, richer and warmer tones. When you spend those all important pounds on hair colour, it’s equally important that you look after your hair with a shampoo and conditioner range that’s not going to strip those beautiful tones back out.
“Redken have an amazing colour extend range specially formulated to keep coloured hair looking fresh and vibrant” says Dawn. “Both the Magnetic Shampoo and Conditioner will work to help extend the life of your colour, as well as helping to keep your hair tangle free, nourishing your colour and leaving hair feeling softer and smoother, so that you look and feel like your hair has been washed at the salon.”
Pamper Evenings. Remember that aged old excuse “sorry, I’m washing my hair..?” Well, why not do just that? Give you and your hair a good pamper! Take some time out to look after yourself and book some pamper sessions in place of those nights out (remember those!?)
Treat yourself to a long bubble bath, light some candles, play some relaxing music. Face masks are gorgeous but why not give your hair a mask too?
It’s no secret that I love Olaplex no.3, which is a pre shampoo treatment which that is scientifically designed to repair bonds in the hair, that are broken down by chemicals such as colouring and heat such as straighteners.
I apply before I shampoo (they recommend at least 20 minutes before) although I often apply it, tie my hair up and leave in whilst carrying on with every day chores before heading of to full pamper, it’s a great time saver and leaves my hair feeling lovely and feeling soft.
The Matrix Biolage Hair Masks are a firm favourite and highly recommended by Dawn, especially the Hydrasource and Repair masks. They only need to stay on for 3-5 minutes so perfect for a quick fix. They are “perfect for dry, dull hair that appears worse for wear. It’s also 100% vegan and packed with plant-based emollients. the hair mask contains Aloe, known for its ability to restore elasticity, and Spirulina, an ingredient favoured for its strengthening properties.” comments Dawn.
“Straight, wavy or curly, if it’s healthy, it’s beautiful”
Unknown
I really hope that these little top tips from my gorgeous hairdresser Dawn and I have given you a few ideas and reminders on hoe to keep your hair looking gorgeous over the next few months.
As always, do let me know your thoughts in the comments.
My Dining Room Makeover was a little up cycling mission during Lockdown. My plan was to transform the room, bringing it up to date whilst making the best of what we had.
A Mission that I might just be able to tackle, despite nerves. I don’t know about you, but I’m always the same with a DIY project!) Being being stuck at home during Lockdown, was the perfect excuse not to put it off any longer.
In my last blog, I shared with you the little things that bought the little things, “the finishing touches” if you like, to a Mission that I was working on during Lockdown. I’m sharing how I tackled the somewhat daunting Mission of revamping our dining room furniture..
You asked for details on the products used and how I went about it – so here it is!!
The Dining Room at the beginning of Lockdown.
The Dining Room is mostly used for entertaining our family and friends (those were the days!) not to mention homework and family meals in the Autumn / Winter months. The room needed to be light, practical and on a budget. We had purchased dining furniture years before and it was still in really good condition, so couldn’t justify replacing it. However the solid oak wood had an effect on the brightness of the room, it felt out of date..
You’re never too old to start learning, and you’re never too young to aim high and achieve great things.
Asa Hutchinson
First things first.
The reason this project was so daunting was that the task seemed so big, that and that we had invested in the furniture years before – what if I ruined it..?? Replacing it simply, wasn’t an option…
The only way of knowing was to get to work!
I sought the advice of The Cotswold Company having bought one of their sideboards at around the time we bought the table and chairs. I have to say, their customer service is second to none – nothing is too much trouble. We have several items from the Cotswold Company and they have really stood the test of time..
Did you know they helpfully offer a colour match suggestion of their pieces on their website, together with other helpful information. Unfortunately, the piece in question was no longer available, although I have linked a similar sideboard in the caption below.
Sideboard The Cotswold Company, Selection of Corinium Earthenware Trio from £9, faux white gypsophila and stems from £12 all from Neptune, Chiafron plant pot £3 Ikea.
Colour matching
I took one of the drawers from the sideboard to the Valspar paint service at B and Q where they coloured matched the paint perfectly.. Admittedly, the staff did look at me a little strangely, holding a drawer and wearing a mask, but they were fabulous and the paint matches to perfection.
Back home and the Dining Room Makeover Mission commenced..
Preparing the table and chairs
All 8 chairs were washed and prepped.. using the Valspar paint meant that I didn’t require any primer, hurrah! However, each chair did need three coats of paint, thankfully the weather was amazing and they dried quickly!
The table was another story.. After much debate, I decided to sand the tabletop, then treat it with lime wax and a neutral varnish to co-ordinate with the sideboard which I had completed earlier that month.. It was a mammoth task and despite knowing that it would look so much better, it was certainly a Mission in itself!
I used an electricsander which was fantastic and made light work of the sanding, not only did it work hard, but collected the dust too, a sure win!
Sanding the table top was more time consuming than I imagined but worth it!
Lime Wax
Once the sanding had been completed (admittedly it took a few days as I was fitting this project around the family, home schooling, Lockdown life – you get the idea!) I let the dust settle for a few days, literally and lime waxed the table top. I used Liberon Lime Wax, although there are many on the market, a very little goes a long way and it has made all the difference. Two coats were applied, using a soft cotton cloth as per the instructions. I then “sealed” the table and chairs with a coat of varnish which is specially designed for wood and painted surfaces and protects them with a highly durable, water and heat resistant film. A must on a heavy duty area such as a dining room furniture don’t you think!
Corinium candlesticks from Neptune, Boxwoord Urns from Charles Ted
The final part of my up-cycle Mission was to paint the legs and the sides of the table to match the chairs and sideboard. I had thought maybe the whole table would be painted the same colour but having decided to go ahead with the lime wax look, I’m really delighted with the end result.
If you read my blog last week, you’ll know what I used to complete the look of the room, bringing it all together with the help of home stylist Natalie from Neptune Weybridge.
Mission almost complete!
Almost there! Just the radiator cover, the glass pendant lighting and a larger rug to source and my Mission will be complete.. Truly thankful to my friend Helen for her daily check-ins, she was an absolute star..
I’m thrilled with how this Dining Room Makeover Mission has turned out, the whole feel of the room has changed. It feels lighter, brighter and more spacious. Now we just need to wait until we can have our favourite people over for a Dinner Party! Little did I know just how long we’d have to wait..
Please do let me know any questions you may have and any thoughts you’d like to share in the comments. Of course, feel free to share with any friends who would love this Mission.
Put on your favourite track and turn it up loud! Sounds crazy I know, but music, can lift the mood and make us feel uplifted.
