I am a yoga teacher & a mindfulness coach, a single mum to 2 beautiful kids, I run my own business and I am navigating myself through the menopause. Believe me, there have been times when I would have preferred to walk Hadrian’s Wall in bare feet. 

But it is a journey which might help others as they navigate their own, so, let us begin at  the beginning: 10 year’s ago, I was diagnosed with severe agitated depression, a diagnosis arrived at, or so I believe, because my youngest daughter was just a baby, we were living in Germany and around the same time, to top it all off, I underwent major lung surgery. Knowing what I know now, I believe this may have been the peri-menopause.

Although I had practiced yoga only intermittently at this stressful time it is actually when my passion for yoga & mindfulness grew deep and solid. Yoga helped me heal from the surgery while Mindfulness helped to get things on an even keel. I was so impressed with the help they gave me I was inspired to qualify to teach them to others & have been doing that ever since.

Fast forward through a couple of international relocations & divorce to the beginning of the pandemic, and I found I was not myself – again (but worse). I was flying off the handle at the drop of a hat, struggled with terrible brain fog & couldn’t remember anything. I felt anxious all the time & had panic attacks on the dog walk. My thoughts were dark, unhelpful, sometimes suicidal. I was utterly miserable.

It was only  when I thought of my age  that I began to wonder if these symptoms could be menopause related. As the light dawned my training & daily practice started to come into their own. 

I used mindfulness to stop my panic attacks & chose not to believe the unhelpful thoughts. I was unapologetic about carving out some time daily to practice meditation, yoga & gratitude, and spend time in nature.

Over time things improved.

I did lots of research, I invested time, money & energy on my own self-development, studying the science behind what I teach, completing further training & courses & much more to improve my knowledge, understanding & deepen my own spiritual journey.

At first the shifts were subtle, but on reflection I look back at some quite profound transformations. In less than 2 years I can honestly say I have never felt better. I feel like I am in love with life again & thriving & there was a time when I never thought that would be possible.

And this has inspired me to support more women in this life-changing transition. After all, I believe that I broke into pieces to let the light in – as Rumi sums up perfectly.

I am grateful for the journey, everything I have learnt, how I have changed & where we are as a family now.

Now, had you asked me 18 months ago I doubt I would have said that, the response might have been unprintable! But if I can do it, anyone can.

I hope you’ll join me over the next few weeks as I share some of my meno journey with you & I hope it inspires you to embrace some of these simple practices so you can create your best life for the rest of your life.

If you would like to find out more about creating your own self-care practices check out Alex’s FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

Incorporate short yoga sequences & meditations as part of your self-care toolkit with guided practices on Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

For more info check out www.alexbannard.com

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for almost a decade, not just in the UK but also around the world. Having used her training & knowledge to navigate her own menopausal journey & create a life in which she is thriving, Alex is devoted in supporting other’s in this life changing transition.

Joffe’s  book of the week is WEST COUNTRY MURDER, the gripping and atmospheric new mystery from bestselling author Derek Thompson — out now for just 99p | 99c.

A literary festival. A dead body. No fingerprints . . .

A man is found dead in his car. The only clue is a book signed by local author Juliette Kimani, who is in town for the Wiltshire Literary Festival. If only the writer wasn’t denying ever having met the man . . .

Detective Craig Wild discovers that the victim was using a fake name. What did he have to hide?

If he can find the man’s real identity he might just crack this case.  But first he must deal with some very dangerous people.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WEST COUNTRY MURDER BY DEREK THOMPSON FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

You can watch a teaser trailer for the book HERE, and listen to a fascinating five-minute interview with Derek Thompson HERE

OUT NOW — ONLY 99P | 99C

GET THREE ADDICTIVE CRIME THRILLERS IN ONE INCREDIBLE-VALUE BOX SET. Detective Helen Carter Books 1 – 3  by Jodie Lawrance

“A genuine page turner.” Bestselling author Alex Gray

Another great setting:  An Antique Murder by Norman Russell

TThe Irving retirement home for actors in their twilight years is never short of drama.  Not least when legendary thespian Sir Frank Taylor is discovered dead in his bloodstained bed. A Nazi dagger plunged deep in his chest. The residents at the Irving are now living in perpetual fear. Who will be next?

OUT NOW — 99P | 99C

Last Resort by Dan Latus

‘You’re the best man for it, Jake.’

How often has Jake Ord heard that line? This time it’s his old boss Sir Giles Henderson asking him to babysit a Russian fugitive, of all things. But the Russians are always one step ahead.

And they’re closing in . . .

For more books on offer from Joffe: here

All corners of the world? Yep, from Mexico to Zambia to Australia

NEW Two Bees is a range of  pure honeys from all corners of the globe. The Two Bees honey experts go to the ends of the earth (quite literally) to track down top-notch local farmers and beekeepers and work with them to deliver delicious, and varied, 100% pure single-source, luscious, natural honey. No blends. No additives. No residues. No nonsense.  And they even go to the love of my life, Western Australia, so I had to try this particular honey. But more of that later. Let’s here more about Two Bees. 

Two Bees support smaller businesses, local farmers and the countries the honey comes from, by only transporting when in season, and by sustainable, eco-friendly methods.  The range includes:

Mexican Yucatan Pure Honey

A smooth, amber honey straight from the Mayan beekeepers of the Yucatan Peninsula. Here, the bees enjoy a gloriously lush habitat, foraging on the blossoms of Dzidzilche, Tzalam, Kanchunub and other exotic flowers.  I tried it. It is smooth, with a lingering taste as I looked down at the crumbs of my honey drenched scones. 

Mexican Orange Blossom Pure Honey

These bees have been feeding on the aromatic blossoms of Mexican orange tree plantations. This fragrant honey has an intoxicating, deep and satisfying soft, citrus aroma followed by a rich orange flavour and long-lasting floral accents. Believe me, it tastes as good as the scent. 

Western Australian Pure Honey

In this fertile habitat, bees forage on the native plants of Jarrah, Marri, and Banksia. The result is a unique, complex honey with a full-bodied earthiness, a subtle touch of malt, and a warm caramel sweetness. Oh my word, it took me back, right back to my favourite area, the big tree country around the best place in the world, after Yorkshire,  Margaret River. It is truly wonderful wonderful honey. 

Eastern Australian Pure Honey

The flowering eucalyptus trees of Eastern Australia are a true bee paradise. The resulting honey has a soft, rich sweetness of the blossoms, an elusive hint of menthol and an earthy depth.  It does indeed. 

Zambian Lowlands Pure Honey

Here, in this remote and diverse habitat, the bees forage all day long on tropical blossoms. The result is a rich, complex, dark honey with a strong, robust taste. A taste that lingered, and with it, somehow, echoes of its habitat. 

Zambian Mountain Pure Honey

Sourced in a unique habitat high up in the remote mountain forests of Zambia, this exceptional honey has huge notes of mountain blossoms. Silky-smooth in the mouth, it has a rich amber colour and intense floral accents. It is smooth, as smooth as Mexican Yucatan Honey. 

Frost Magazine is a supporter of ethical ‘anything’, so we were enormously relieved that we loved  Two Bees Honey as  this is a company which is  serious about honey and ethical, planet-friendly bee welfare. The Frost Magazine team also nurture bees in their own gardens  and have bee friendly areas with thistles and wild flowers,. Sadly we don’t have hives. This, however,  is  clearly no longer a problem, because we know where we can buy superior ethical honey – such great news. 

But talking about hives. Two Bees tell us they always source direct from the beekeeper, helping the economy and environment at the same time. They also take responsibility for the brand’s impact; Two Bees honey arrives by sea and is jarred in the UK. Production is seasonally led and new varieties will be added when the Two Bees honey experts – with over 40 years of experience – set out on their honey-sourcing adventures.

Two Bees Honey, RRP £5.99 for 250g, is available from twobees.buzz

A 6 pack assortment box is also available from twobees.buzz and amazon.co.uk, RRP £35.94

@twobeesbuzz #twobeesbuzz

The rail entry to Auschwitz taken by editor Margaret Graham in 2015

Today , 27th January, marks Holocaust Memorial Day, on which we  remember the horror that was the Holocaust. On this day I would like to tell you all about a man call Frank Foley.

Major Francis (Frank) Edward Foley was born on 24 November 1884 in my hometown of Highbridge, Somerset.

But who was he and why is he a hero ? Well he was a British Secret Intelligence Service officer. And as a passport control officer for the British embassy in Berlin, Foley helped over ten thousand Jewish individuals flee from Nazi Germany. 

At the 1961 trial of former ranking Nazi Adolf Eichmann, Frank Foley was described as a “Scarlet Pimpernel” for the way he risked his own life to save Jews threatened with death by the Nazis. This courage was sustained day after day despite the fact he had no diplomatic immunity and could be discovered and arrested at any time, Foley would bend the rules when stamping passports and issuing visas, to allow Jews to escape to Britain or Palestine, which at the time was controlled by the British.

Occasionally he went even further and went to internment camps himself in order to get Jews out, hiding them in his home, and helping them obtain forged passports. One Jewish aid worker estimated that he saved “tens of thousands” of people from the ravages of the Holocaust.

I can not imagine the amount of courage it must have taken him to do this time and time again under the Nazis noses.

Frank Foley is a national treasure, his story is taught at the school that my children attend and they are blown away with how many people he saved, as am I. He is a inspiration to us all. Highbridge remembers him and this is evident by a main road in the town called Frank Foley Parkway and having a beautiful statue of Foley stamping a passport whilst being embraced by a child.

We will never forget the Holocaust and may we never forget heroes like Frank Foley November 1884 – May 1958. May he rest in peace. 

Joffe Books have launched some wonderful new books this week. In addition to some great book bargains, Joffe also have a competition where you could be in with the chance of winning a Kindle and some  new Joffe Books.

This week’s book of the week is THE LIST —the brand-new, totally gripping crime mystery from bestselling author Michael Leese.

It was just an ordinary Wednesday lunchtime when Detective Martha Munro’s life changed forever. 
Her sergeant is speaking, but she barely hears what he’s telling her.  Your mother has been shot dead. Your four-year-old daughter has been taken… 

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE LIST FOR JUST 99P | 99C.    You can also enter this week’s competition to win a Kindle E-ink reader and Joffe book bundle.  To enter, simply REPLY TO THIS FACEBOOK POST by 10  a.m. GMT on Monday 24 January 2022, and let Joffe know  what you’re most looking forward to reading this week.

*Entrants must be aged 18 or over.
*This competition is available worldwide.
*This competition is in no way affiliated with Facebook.
*Competition closes at 10.00 a.m. GMT on Monday 24 January 2022.
*The winner will be contacted via Facebook message or email on Monday 24 January 2022.
*Winners have five working days to claim their prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be selected and contacted via email or Facebook message.
*Competition prize includes standard e-ink Kindle with built-in light, and eBook editions of all books published by Joffe Books on the week beginning 17 January 2022.
*EBook editions of Joffe titles will be provided in the form of an Amazon voucher

And now for a taste of just a couple of Joffe’s books out this week.

Crime in Oxford by Catherine Moloney    OUT NOW — ONLY 99P | 99C

This twisted killer wants to make an exhibition of himself.

Detective Markham visits the Reynolds Museum, Oxford, where he finds a grisly crime scene. A body posed in a glass case for all to see. Can DI Markham find the killer before anyone else pays the ultimate price?

Lambs to the Slaughter by Sally Spencer   OUT NOW — 99P | 99C

A brutal murder. A sinister conspiracy. A race against time to uncover the truth.

Len and Tommy used to be mates. Until one dark evening, they come to blows in the pub. The next morning, Len is found bludgeoned to death. But Detective Monika’s instincts tell her there’s more to this case than meets the eye. . .

And… And…  The brilliant Beth Elliott, author of In All Honour and The Wild Card, is hosting Lady Catherine’s Salon on Facebook this week. It’s a closed Facebook group but everyone is welcome to join. Pop along and get involved here. 📚

See more on offer at Joffe Books here

In these cold and dreary days it is so refreshing to see a rainbow which brightens your mood as well as your day. Jolly Holly is just that, a lovely, cheerful, beautiful rainbow which shines brightest against the darkest of skies. Based right here in my beloved West Country I knew that I simply had to talk to her, so here are a few questions I had for her. Her PO Box, Amazon wishlist and Tik Tok handle can be found at the bottom of this article.

1. What is a box of joy and how do people get their hands on one ?

A box of joy is a box full of goodies aimed to help someone who is really struggling with their mental health. Full of things like sweet treats, hot chocolate, bath items, sleep aid, self help books and gifts with positive affirmations. I make them randomly and post to my tiktok and simply ask all who wish to enter to comment the chosen word, which is normally something like family, kindness, joy, etc. After one week I pick a person at random and send them their box completely free of charge.

2. When did you start making up the boxes and why ?

I believe I started around a year ago. I’ve wanted to make them for years. Suffering with many mental illness myself I wanted to try to make a tiny difference. I make them simply to make a struggling stranger smile. I know that it won’t take any of their struggles away but even if it just lifts their spirits for a moment then that make me so happy.

3. Can people donate towards a box? If so how ?

I have had so many donations through an Amazon wishlist and I also have a po box which some kind people have sent bits here and there which really help.

4. How can people support boxes of joy ?

The best support is the people who help, the people who send donations and the people who help me by answering people’s questions in the comments.

5. What does 2022 have in store of you and your boxes of joy ?

I hope that 2022 means that many more people can receive one, I will keep doing this as long as I can because it means so much to me to help others. I aim to donate a box every week if I’m feeling well enough.

6. What are the biggest obstacles you face doing the boxes of joy and how do you overcome them ?

My biggest obstacle is that people always ask for me to start selling them, unfortunately that’s something I will never be able to do, having so many issues myself, I would find keeping up with orders incredibly difficult and I don’t like dealing with other people’s money and I feel turning it into a business would take the fun away, also as not everyone could possible afford one so they will always be free. I also struggle a tiny amount with some of the comments. My rules are to comment using one word, I say one word because many people write very guilt tripping comments to try and influence me, and I’m a very emotional person who is easily influenced so I feel it’s unfair on others who play by the rules. That being said, so many amazing followers ask people not to do this when I’m absent which really helps. I’ve only had a handful of hate comments, but they are mostly just people calling me ugly or saying I do this to get free things for myself which hurts a little but it’s ok.

7. What do you enjoy most when making up a box ?

I enjoy every single part! Sometimes I make themes, like colours, Christmas, flowers, etc. So I love hand picking each item, I also love my hand-made help sheets. Each box contains a jolly help sheet with a small activity to help the individual feel grounded, safe and write down things they are grateful for. And I also add a list of helpful numbers to offer in times of crisis. But I must say my ultimate favourite thing is my profile photo sticker on top, as my 10 year old sister drew it for me and I love adding something that means so much to me as I love my little sister so much

And there you have it, I have been one of Jolly Holly’s  followers on Tik Tok for a couple of months now and she never fails to bring a smile to my face with her content. She is so selfless and kind and I can not wait to see what this year has in store for Jolly Holly.

Here is where you can find her wishlist :

https://linktr.ee/Jollyhollysworld

PO box 5487

Radstock

BA3 9DF

@jollyhollysworld

Once upon a time …a fascinating book plonked through my letter box. The Fairy Tellers, a journey into the secret history of fairy-tales by award winning travel writerNicholas Jubber.I have a difficult relationship with fairy tales – they horrify me but at the same time delight. As a child they used to keep me awake at night – the magic, the ghoulishness, and then the sheer happiness. This fascinating history explains so much.

It appears that fairy-tales are records of historical phenomena and through them we can understand how Western Civilisation was formed. So  off I traipsed with Jubber wondering if I should peek at everything through my fingers. But no, he explores with verve the people who told the stories,  the landscapes that forged them, and the cultures that formed them.

Heavens, how Jubber and I travelled together through Southern Italy across the Medsiterranean, and then choked on the dusty Maghreb alleys, on into the Black Forest, peering around beneath its canopy, then on with the thermals into the depths of Siberia, and let’s not forget Lapland.

As I journied  with Nichola Jubber I came to understand the complicated relationshp between Western civilsation and the Eastern cultures which are perhaps our bedrock. Not just the cultures but  so too the lives of those who told these stories long before they arrived in our Christmas stockings, nicely packaged, and in some cases, sanitsed. (But they still scared the living daylights out of me)

Read it. I loved it. A monumental work, I felt. Bravo Nicholas Jubber. Another level of understanding attained and in the most accessible style.

It’s been a tough couple of years and we’re all hoping 2022 will be a wonderful new start. So maybe time to freshen our image – new dress style, makeup revamp, and how about a completely new perfume? I recommend you check out Happy Soul by ChloBo.

But, I hear you say, ‘Isn’t ChloBo that British company that make those fabulous bracelets and necklaces? Has Dr Kathleen Thompson lost the last of her few remaining marbles?’ Well yes … and maybe, but trust me, ChloBo now have a great perfume which complements their stunning handmade jewellery.

I love the name – Happy Soul – and couldn’t wait to try. The perfume is described as ‘flirty, fig-infused scent will have you drifting from day to night’. I would categorise the fragrance as Woody, with an Oriental undertone. Packed with layers, the fragrance lasts and evolves over hours. I personally would use it in the evening – I’m thinking summer evening, dining al fresco by the sea. Happy image? You’re welcome.

At £30 from the ChloBo website this is a good price for a quality perfume. Give it a try.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk