27 November 2017

Spread A Little Love This Winter

Among the seasonal cheer and chilly temperatures, winter is one of the busiest times of year for many of us. Whether it’s gift shopping or making time for friends, family and loved ones, there are plenty of things to keep us busy during the coldest months of the year. However, as we become increasingly pre-occupied and wrapped up in our own lives, finding time for one another can be a particularly difficult task.

Instead of focusing on the material aspect of winter and the festive season, we should do our best to get back in touch with the people who surround us each and every day. Care, kindness, compassion and generosity should all be integral at this time of year, which is why it is so important that you do what you can to welcome a little love back into both your life and the lives of others around you.

So, with that in mind, how can you go about welcoming some positivity and a greater level of care into your thoughts and actions? Here are some top tips which will hopefully provide the inspiration to get you started!



Kindness
It costs nothing to be kind to someone, and this is a trait that can easily be applied to many situations throughout life. Whether it’s a simple smile and a compliment or taking some time out of your day to be there for someone in their hour of need, once you begin to takea conscious effort to be kinder to people, it’s something that will then continue to grow on its own. Plus, even if you don’t believe in fate, once you begin to act nicer and consider how you treat people, it won’t be long before you too begin to reap the rewards of your own actions.

Charity
We all know that Christmas is a time for giving, but how many of us actually spare a thought for the many people who are in need around the world at this time of year? With plummeting temperatures and bad weather, winter brings a whole new host of difficult challenges for people to face, be it the homeless in our own cities or refugee families and orphans across the globe. 

Even if it’s just a handful of loose change in a charity collection box, an hour spent volunteering at your local food bank or donating what you can to an appeal for the Rohingya, even the smallest acts can go a long way towards helping someone in need.



Love
Of course, we all have people who are close to us and those we appreciate and care for no matter what. Whether it’s your family or a good friend, it’s always nice to show an additional degree of love, care and attention to your loved ones at this time of year. From clearing your schedule and organising meet-ups with friends and big family gatherings to simply picking out the perfect Christmas gift, sharing these simple yet meaningful annual moments is the perfect way to strengthen your ties and commit to spending more time together throughout the year to come. 

After all, the feeling of being loved and appreciated is one of the best there is – wouldn’t you want to share it at this time of year?


At the end of the day, we should all do what we can to help our fellow human beings. We all share this planet and when we work together, we are far more likely to succeed and reach greater levels of success. For that reason, even if it’s just a small act of kindness, try to commit to making a change for good this winter. 



*Collaborative piece

21 November 2017

Christmas Gift Guide For Women In Their 30s


Hello everyone!  I won't say happy Christmas, as it isn't December yet but Christmas is now all around us; with trees in shop windows, cards in the stores and the list of presents that we need to buy our loved ones, which seems to increase every year.

Today I thought that I would do a Christmas Gift Guide for women who are in their 30s.  My demographic (just about, don't say 40s, I have another 2 years to go yet!).  These are some of the things that I would love to receive in my stocking this year.

Everything I have chosen could be bought by a family member, close friend or even an acquaintance or work associate for their Secret Santa.



2.  Microwavable Slippers £13.99

3.  Folklore Hand Cream £6.00

4.  The Book of Everyone £32.90 (hardcover version)

My favourites from this section are the Little Book of Cocktails (find me a woman in her thirties who doesn't like cocktails, an impossible feat) and the Book of Everyone.  This book is a great gift to give to a family member or close friend as it is completely personalised to them and the day they were born.


 1.  Mermaid Makeup Bag £9.00


3.  Leather Goals Journal £36.99

4.  Compact Mirror £14.99

5.  Crazy Cat Lady Mug £12.50


My favourites from this section are the Mermaid make up bag, perfectly sized and a great design; and the goals journal.  Whether you are writing your future goals or planning times ahead with family and friends, this is a beautiful notebook to have on your desk.

I hope you like my gift guide and find something for the person in your life this Christmas!