Year: 2018

Living more thoughtfully: let’s bring back soap

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I still remember the soaps of my childhood – bars of creamy Imperial Leather, the spicy scent of Pear’s and the nostalgic fragrance of Yardley’s Lavender.  But after I grew up, soaps lost their popularity – being replaced by liquid soaps in plastic bottles and shower gels. And you can see why. Plastic bottles are neat, convenient and hygienic. That was enough to let them win for a while. I’ve been feeling guilty on a personal level about this plastic consumption for a while – especially all the pieces that go into making a pump bottle of liquid soap. And now it seems to be on the nation’s collective mind too. We’re all thinking about how to use less plastic. In an ideal world they’d be a weigh and pay shop on every high street – the kind of place you could take your empty bottles to have them refilled. That doesn’t exist yet for any of us. So this year, take matters into your own hands and make one simple but effective change: start using …

Let’s Celebrate February

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Ever since the start of February I’ve been feeling a bit meh. And that’s because it’s a bit of a drab month, isn’t it? Not so long ago, frost and snow thrilled us – now we just want to be done with it. We’re all on permanent spring-watch. The seasons, however, can’t keep up with our impatience. It’s tempting to wish February away. The shop shelves – and our hearts – may be full of spring blooms and floaty dresses but we have to accept that it’s still winter. No amount of wishful thinking is going to change that. And by focusing all out attention on spring, we’re forgetting to notice the little things that make February a great month. Let’s celebrate February for what it is Chase the sparking frost. February is the end of winter – and there’s no denying it can be bleak at times. There’s mud everywhere and it’s still freezing most of the time. But why not stop and appreciate the beauty of winter for a little longer? When we get the first …

Gloomy January

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Ah, January. This month has felt like one of many gloomy days, feeling under par and those back-to-work blues. Let’s face it, we all need a boost right now. And what better way to do it than with fashion? Ideally, you want something that’ll give you a spring in your step, without spending too much. Here are three sweet little ways I’ve tried to inject a bit of fun and happiness back into my wardrobe this January… The classic beret: for jaunty days and rainy days  The humble beret is back and just as cute as ever. Right now, all the best people are wearing them. It’s more sophisticated than the bobble hat – and it has just the right amount of jaunty oo la la. I bet you have one lurking somewhere, don’t you? I treated myself to this one! Rust wool beret, £9.99, New Look As the temperatures plunge, you need to protect your hands against the worst of winter Leather gloves do the job of woolly ones but just look so much chicer. They’re an investment …

A gentle start to January

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Hello 2018! I hope it’s been good for you so far. I’m emerging from my hibernation and beginning to make my way into the new year. I love the festive season and I’m always sad to see it end. A fresh year is inspiring, but also a little scary. I’m never one to exactly leap into it. Early January is a funny time – some people are raring to go, others are quietly melancholic as they pack away the baubles. I’m a bit of both – but my ideas and inspiration are beginning to reawaken after losing a week with a dose of being ill. Here’s what I’m enjoying thinking about, doing and making right now. Things that are minimal, but also nourishing and gentle.  Wrapping up in ginger…I’ve always been a lover of ginger since I was a little girl, it’s soothing for tummies with its warm and spicy aroma. It’s also said to stimulate the body…that must be why I feel a craving for it when unwell. I’ve been loving Origins Ginger Soufflé Whipped Body Cream this week. And …