Multi-generation family using a laptop, tablet and phone at home

We’ve become particularly dependent on internet and electronic devices this last year. Before lockdown many of us thought Zoom was a camera setting, yet now we’re all joining Zoom yoga classes, work meetings and family chats without a second thought.

In fact, a study of over 2,000 UK adults by broadband provider Zen Internet concluded that, even after Covid our Zoom habits are here to stay. Zen found that 71% of the UK spent more time with family online during the pandemic, and distant grandparents are playing a more active part in their grandchildren’s lives, by reading them Zoom bedtime stories and even impressing them by turning into a cat, or Pingu, using filters like Snap Camera.

But it’s easy for our devices to become cluttered with apps we don’t even use, consequently we don’t get the best out of expensive technology.

With this in mind, Zen Internet has some tips for digital decluttering:

Step one – Switch Things Off

Tablets and smartphones often work in the background even when not being used. So switch off the WiFi option on anything you’re not using and completely shut down every day.

Turn off specific streaming settings – for example HD streaming. Netflix allows you to change the data usage setting in ‘playback settings’, which can prevent dreaded buffering mid-stream.

Step two – Remove ‘Shadow’ Devices From Your Network

Use your router’s admin interface to delete unrecognised devices on your network and prioritise the most important devices via your broadband provider’s router settings page and wireless settings.

Step three – Create Device-Free Zones

Devices like Alexa and automated WiFi plugs may cause excessive strain on the router. Make certain rooms internet-free zones, especially the bedroom. This will bring ‘zen’ and health benefits too.

Step four – Show Your Router Love

Place your router as close as possible to the centre of your home for a consistent connection. If your router is downstairs, keep it as high as possible, and, if it’s upstairs, as low as possible. You can also try a ‘mesh’ product like Zen EveryRoom for guaranteed WiFi connectivity throughout the house. Keep the router as far away as possible from domestic appliances. Even the microwave can reduce WiFi signal – as can baby monitors, stereos, speakers, TVs and halogen lamps.

Step five – Consider Plugging In

If close by, plugging your laptop into a router can help high speed connectivity and keep latency low whilst reducing congestion on your network for other devices too.

For more advice visit www.zen.co.uk

Zen Internet is one of only two Which? recommended broadband providers and offers ultrafast ‘full fibre’ and G.fast broadband, plus enterprise networking, cloud and phone. Founded in 1995, their ethos is ‘happy staff, happy customers, happy suppliers.’ Worth taking a look if you are considering switching.

Concept of chaos in the office with flying objects and furnishings

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Flapjacks and Feudalism: Social Mobility and Class in the Archers. Edited by Cara Courage and Nicola Headlam. Published 16^th March 2021. £16.99

I have been an ardent fan and loyal listener for 38 years, and together with fans around the world, we tune in our radios or download onto other electronic device, to hear 12 minutes of the happenings of group of families who live in the village of Ambridge, in the county of Borsetshire, courtesy of BBC Radio 4.

Like all such programmes, we listen to the banal occurrences, punctuated with points of high drama, from Coercive Control to modern day slavery, and we listen to both with equal attention.  A radio programme that has run for 70 years has no need to rush story lines, so we have become an audience appreciative of the slow burn, and even slower reveal. We have grown up with the Archers, and listened, as characters have been born, got married and had children of their own.

We are invested, but not uncritical, and character traits that seem out of character or storylines that do not begin or end satisfactorily, will cause much debate on social media and beyond.  As an audience we have a thirst for knowledge, we are not content to simply listen and move on with our lives.

The Academic Archers formed by Cara Courage and Nicola Headlam, recognised this need, and pulled together academics to discuss The Archers from a variety of viewpoints before an audience of experts, the latter, us, the listeners. Following each conference, those that delivered papers submit chapters for a book. Expect thoughtful, lively, and totally immersive chapters, that dig that bit deeper and make the reader think,or rethink the storylines.

Flapjacks and Feudalism is the fourth and latest book edited by Cara Courage and Nicola Headlam and plunges headlong into the issue of Social Mobility from a variety of standpoints.

Despite the book having sound academic credentials this is no dry tome, rather it, is a thoroughly entertaining read, as I can attest. I began reading my review copy, intending to read just a few pages to get a feel of the book. When I next looked up, I was three chapters, in and was considering ‘just one more chapter.’

The book avoids cliches, but I am afraid that I cannot, so I will say quite brazenly, this book has something for everyone, regardless of your life or career experience and yet it loses nothing of the warmth and affection that we all feel for the Archers.

The seventeen academic contributors are to be congratulated for presenting us with such a thought provoking, finely nuanced book, that is nothing short of a page turner. The Fall of the House of Aldridge is sure to delight those of us that root for the underdog, whilst the Modern Slavery hidden in plain sight, will give many a pause for thought.

Dysfunctional families are the meat and drink of any soap opera, but here they are dissected and put on trial for all to see. Another Chapter refers to the Ambridge Fairy, who listeners have long since realised is the scriptwriter’s way out of any storyline problem. Need a job, an extra bedroom or just a windfall? The Ambridge Fairy provides for all, to get us out of a tricky plot point or to move the story on. We smile with benign incredulity, whenever she is deployed, but forgive, because after 70 years there are bound to be some things that can only be resolved with magic.

A fascinating book that should appear on the shelf of any self- respecting Archers’s Fan, the ideal birthday or Christmas stocking filler, or in these times when we are restricted in our movements, the perfect way to while away a few hours, in an imagined countryside, whilst keeping the brain cells ticking over.

Flapjacks and Feudalism : Social Mobility and Class in the Archers. Edited by Cara Courage and Nicola Headlam. Published 16^th March 2021. £16.99

I am not sure if it is my age, or the effects of Lockdown, but either way these days that I find myself craving more variety at breakfast.

Please don’t misunderstand me, I am a keen advocate of the ‘Full English’ and I am equally partial to a ‘Continental Breakfast’ but surely there must be more? Which is why I was so delighted to learn that the multi award winning Romulo Café & Restaurant, has launched a nationwide delivery service of their Breakfast Boxes (£25.00).

Romulo opened in 2016 in West London and was the first in the capital, to introduce the capital to fine Filipino dining and now has launched a breakfast box complete with bakery items. The latter spearheaded by Romulo’s iconic Pandesal – the last word in fluffy freshly baked bread rolls, although this description barely does them justice. The collection has recently been expanded to include the melt in the mouth Ensaymada, soft and sweet dough pastry covered with butter and sugar and topped with oodles of grated cheese, Dulchende Leche Pan and Mamon, a light and airy orange – flavoured chiffon cake, each as delicious as they sound.

Equally moreish, is Lola Virginia’s Pandesal Loaf, perfect with lashings of Romulo’s Ube Mousse Jam – a classic Fillipino delicacy made with purple yams that is also part of the home delivery offering and so putting the yum into yam.

Filipinos love to start the day on a full belly and the team is now sating early morning appetites with a box filled with authentic breakfast essentials- one dozen pandesal, ube mousse jam, choriza de Cebu, and what is quite possibly the most delicious butter spread that I have ever tasted, with tuyo (salted dried fish).

The Breakfast Box arrives carefully packed, so that the contents are as perfect when you take them out of the box as when they were packed back at the restaurant suitably chilled with ice packs. Ideal for that surprise breakfast or a breakfast in bed treat. The helpings are quite generous, so it is good that much of it can be frozen, though given how delicious this is you may not have the need.

Orders are dispatched Mondays and Thursdays for next day delivery and can be placed by emailing delivery@romulocafe.co.uk please note that 48 hours’ notice is required. Romulo Café & Restaurant, 343 , Kensington High Street, Kensington, London W8 6NW www.romulocafe.com

Finally, the good news is that Romulo have launched a ‘Finish at home’ kit, now that Mother’s Day has been and gone. Details can be found on their website.

https://www.romulocafe.co.uk/menus/#delivery-takeaway-menu

 www.romulocafe.com

If I buy four tyres, an engine, lots of bodywork and some electric wires, then connect it all together with some other parts, do I end up with a car? And, if so, is it a good car that matches up to the high expectations I aimed for at the start of the process? Here lies my problem.

[Sarah Richmond as The Boy]

The Musician: A Horror Opera for Children has 16 musicians, a conductor, original music and lyrics, four singers, one dancer and an imaginative design with a backdrop for projections, plus a story as old as the hills – does it make an opera? And, if so, is it a good opera that matches up to the high expectations it aimed for at the start of the process? I am not so sure. All the components are there but the whole entity somehow lacks, in my view, cohesion and flair.

[Paul Carey Jones as The Musician]

There is much to like in this production – but would I let a child watch it? Probably not a child that is new to opera. Its slow start, ominous tones, dark characters and brash score would make a difficult introduction to the genre. The whole tone was surprisingly ‘adult’ considering, at its heart, it is simply a modern re-telling of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. All this even though the musicians were wonderful, the performers were brilliant and the design was vibrant.

[Matthew Cavan as The Traveller and Rebecca Murphy as The Vile Little Girl]

Or, maybe, it’s just me. But I wasn’t gripped and I am renowned for my childlike approach to the world…

[Maeve McGreevy as The Mouse]

Filmed in Belfast’s Lyric Theatre and closing this year’s Belfast Children’s Festival, this was just one show in a packed programme of theatre, music, dance and workshops for children of all ages – this year, of course, all events were online.

Photography Neil Harrison

Producers The Belfast Ensemble and Young at Art as part of the Belfast

Children’s Festival

Supported by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Culture Island and Belfast City

Council

Performers Paul Carey Jones, Matthew Cavan, Rebecca Murphy, Sarah

Richmond and Maeve McGreevy

Director/designer Conor Mitchell

Conductor Tom Brady

Running Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ages 6+

Twitter @belfastensemble, @Young_at_Art

When we think of skin we think of a pretty face or perhaps a bronzed leg – but skin is so much more than that. It’s the largest organ in our bodies and it’s extremely clever – it keeps bad things out and good things in. It also produces vitamin D from sunlight, helps regulate temperature through sweating, and of course allows us to touch and feel.

So we really need to take care of our skin and protect it from inflammatory conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, because not only are these miserable and painful, but they can stop our skin doing it’s job properly.

We put creams and potions on our skin, but sometimes we forget that what we wash our clothes and bedding in can remain in the fabric and end up in close contact with our body all day, and night too. The wrong product could cause an unpleasant and persistent dermatitis, or aggravate pre-existing eczema.

But surely laundry cleansers and fabric conditioners don’t contain irritants and allergens? Well, yes they can – enzymes, acids, dyes and, perhaps surprisingly, the fragrance.

That’s why I love Surcare products – their philosophy is not to put anything unnecessary into their products and that means they’re gentle for everyone, and particularly for people with sensitive skin or eczema – the complete range has the Allergy UK Seal of Approval.

But, without these additives, how well do they clean, you may ask? Fear not – I have road tested the Non-Bio Laundry Capsules and Fabric Softener, using my dance top and leggings, after a strenuous two-hour jive class (trust me, this is the ultimate challenge for any laundry product). And the verdict – I was genuinely stunned – my togs were soft and smelt of … fresh nothing. No pungent non-specific floral fragrance, and no sweaty smells either. Surcare had done its job perfectly.

So I’m a big fan. Surcare laundry cleaner comes as liquid, capsules or powder, which all clean thoroughly, even on a cool or quick wash.

Besides the Fabric Conditioner, there’s a Washing Up Liquid too. This is a really lovely quality product – it felt rich and luxurious on my fingers, and again no strong artificial smell. In fact it felt so nice I was seriously tempted to start hand-washing my supper dishes. Thankfully I managed to resist the urge and popped them in the dishwasher, but I will definitely be using Surcare for those odd coffee cups, confident that my hands will not suffer as a result.

With Coronavirus still lingering, frequent clothes washing is important, particularly kids back at school who need clean clothes every day, and choosing a kind laundry product like Surcare may prevent harm to their young skins.

The range is available throughout the UK, sold in Sainsburys, Tesco, Morrisons, Waitrose and Coop – give it a try, and for more information checkout the Surcare website.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning 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

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

So far we have explored what Mindfulness is: the moment to moment awareness & acceptance of our thoughts, feelings, emotions & behaviours; the attitudes that accompany mindfulness: non-judgment, kindful acceptance, forgiveness & compassion, playful curiosity & the beginner’s mind, non-striving, gratitude & heartfulness; and the distinction between mindfulness & meditation: meditation being the formal way to practice mindfulness, mindfulness being a way of living.

Today we are going to talk about how we practice mindfulness by using the breath to anchor ourselves in the present moment & why we do this but first I want to share a story from Jay Shetty’s book, Think Like a Monk. Jay spent 3 years training to be a monk in an ashram in India & has since taken the world by storm bringing these beautiful monk values to modern day. If you haven’t already read it, I urge you to do so.

In the book he recalls seeing a young monk teaching other monks how to breathe & when he asked why this was the response he got: ‘Because the only thing that stays with you from the moment you’re born to the moment you die is your breath.’ The young monk went on to add, ‘When you get stressed – what changes? Your breath. When you get angry – what changes? Your breath. We experience every emotion with the change of breath. When you learn to navigate & manage your breath, you can navigate any situation in life.’

Did you know that we breathe about 20,000 times a day?    Were you aware that many of us take such shallow breaths, that we only just obtain enough oxygen to function? This can put our bodies & minds into almost perpetual flight or fright mode.

Our breath: without it we are quite literally nothing; with it, we more than exist, we are powerful.

Many meditation or mindful practices focus attention on the breath, using it as a tool to gently guide us back from our thoughts to the present, just being. After all, any breath you take, can only ever happen in the present moment: it can’t happen in the past, or in the future, only right here, right now. That’s why it is such a powerful anchor to the present moment.

Our breath is both a guide & a tool. By becoming aware of our breath, noticing when we are breathing shallowly in our chest rather than more slowly & deeply into our belly, it can be a sign of stress. Many of us are so used to the habitual background endless stress levels that we are not even aware that we are stressed. When we bring our attention to our breath & notice our breathing is shallow we can take some longer smoother breathes into our belly which calms the mind & thus the breath becomes a tool to calm the mind.

Try it now: place a hand on your chest & a hand on your belly & when you breathe in notice which hand rises. If I’s the hand on your belly, continue to breathe slowly & deeply into your belly & notice how you feel after a few rounds. If it is the hand on your chest, then you simply redirect the breath into your belly. Take several belly breaths & notice how you feel. Our breath is 1 of only 2 automatic responses we can consciously control (the other is blinking). Of course you aren’t actually directing the breath into your belly, it is the movement of the diaphragm that moves your belly. Belly breathing is also known as diaphragmatic breathing.

We are beginning to understand that for each emotion, we have a different rate in our breath, just like the monk mentioned at the beginning. By slowing the breath, taking longer smoother breaths, this sends a powerful message to the brain.

Our exhalation stimulates the vegas nerve, which activates the relaxation response, calming the nervous system. When we are breathing quickly & shallowly the sympathetic nervous system, the fight or flight system is activated, we are literally getting ready to run away or fight. When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, we are activating the rest & digest system. Our breath helps to bring these systems into balance, which is important as they work best in conjunction with & complimenting each other.

This week’s meditation is a mindfulness of breath meditation. To obtain your copy, simply email Alex to the email address below quoting Frost mindfulness breath. Next time we will be exploring why & how we can use the body to anchor ourselves into the present moment & cultivate a more mindful approach to living & being.

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for the last 8 years, not just in the UK but also around the world. Her mission is to help everyone discover a sense of peace & calm within & to encourage them to embrace regular self-care practices.

If you would like more information on how to practice mindfulness, meditation & yoga message her at alex@myananda.co.uk.

For free resources check out her Facebook group: Mindfulness & Yoga for Self-Care, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulnessYoga4Relationships

Alternatively please check out her website: www.myananda.co.uk

Have you been spending your time in lockdown working on a novel, short story, picture book or children’s book? The Virtual Writers’ Weekend, online from 24-27 June, 2021, is a place where writers working in all genres and at all levels can find writing support, editorial feedback and meet one-to-one with literary agents to pitch their manuscript.

Founded by the former director of the long-running Winchester Writers’ Festival, Sara Gangai, the Writers’ Weekend had its inaugural event in July, 2020 and drew an international audience.

After finding that a virtual event can be as interactive and effective as an in-person event, Sara decided to hold it virtually again in 2021. ‘Now, more than ever, there is a need for writers to have a chance to meet and share with other writers and rub virtual elbows with literary agents and published authors.’ The highlight for many is the one-to-one appointments and every year, a number of writers attain publication as a result of the event. New this year: small-group genre-specific Writers’ Circles for peer feedback, starting in May and ending with a one-to-one with an agent or author mentor.

The 2021 event features acclaimed keynote speakers: Diana Gabaldon, best-selling author of the ‘Outlander’ series that has an avid following, and award-winning children’s author/illustrator Chris Riddell, who’s rich illustrations for a new edition of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass will come out in June. A slate of best-selling authors and top literary agents will give talks and answer audience questions on the craft of writing, including Kate Mosse, Robert Fabbri, Helen Fields, Derek Miller, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Lissa Evans, Tracey Corderoy, MG Leonard, and illustrator Ness Wood, to name a few.

For the full programme and details on scholarships, bursaries and their six writing competitions, please visit www.writersweekend.uk.