Category Archives: Featured

Coronavirus Is Tough On All of Us But Together We Will Pull Through

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Hey, how are you doing? Not great? I do not blame you. These are scary times. Every day is seems unbelievable that our lives have changed so much, and that so many have lost their lives. The NHS workers, delivery drivers, bin men and grocery workers are our new heroes. It is a new world and frivolous things do not mean much in a world like this.

I am seeing a lot of stuff on social media and in the press about how staying at home is easy so I just want to write this, not for any idiots who are going out and not listening to the Government guidelines, but for the rest of us: none of this is easy. It is okay to not be okay.

What is going on at the moment is horrendous and there is so much we do not know. If you are struggling then do not feel bad. I read a story about a 43-year-old woman who had what she thought was a cold and a fever for two days. Her husband called an ambulance when she collapsed. She died before the paramedics even arrived and her husband was in shock. They had a 13-year-old son.

A lot of people are dying every day and there are mass graves in New York. Pregnant women are having a tough time and some women who wanted to get pregnant say they have lost their last chance. This is all scary and unknown.

So many people have lost jobs and money. Millions of people have gone hungry. People are worried about the roof over their heads and the future. There is so much suffering at the moment. It is impossible to not be affected by this. So we must all go forward together because never before have we been more in this together. This is not easy but we have each other and we can all do whatever we can to put goodness and positivity into the world.

Get in touch with us if you want to talk or share your story. If you want to learn more about the Pandemic, or Pandemics in general, then I recommend Pandemic, the documentary series on Netflix, Pandemic: Covid-19 on NowTv.com and the movie Contagion which is also on Netflix.com.

 

The Folio Society’s Top 10 Books for Social Distancing

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As the UK continues in this unprecedented period of social distancing, more and more people are looking for productive ways to spend their time at home. On the top of many people’s lists, no doubt, is reading new books that they may not have gotten around to. Reading has many benefits and has been proven to help reduce stress and boost wellbeing.

 

To help book-loving Brits find their next read, Tom Walker, Publishing Director at The Folio Society, who, for over 70 years, has been publishing beautifully illustrated editions of the world’s greatest fiction books as well as thoroughly picture-researched non-fiction books, has pulled together his top 10 picks of books to read whilst in self-isolation.

 

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Being stuck at home and only allowed out to go to the shops seems a good time to read about feminism, and this is arguably the first feminist novel. Wildly surprising in its modern sensibility, Brontë rages against a society that held women shackled to men and the home.

 

The Little Prince

I can’t help thinking of how the Little prince would respond to our world right now. An enigmatic, compassionate but sad creature of the stars, I sometimes imagine the weight of his judgement on us all for the job we’re doing of keeping our little planet safe.

 

The World Turned Upside Down

The English Civil War of the 1640s shook the nation to its core, and in the process out scattered a legion of radical ideas and philosophies which have formed the national identity ever since. One wonders how our current upheaval will reshape us.

 

Dr Zhivago

What better time to re-engage with this great Russian epic? The recent translation by Boris Pasternak’s nephew returns the lyricism and colour to this beautiful novel of love, war and the Russian soul.

 

Moby-Dick

What an opportunity, if you never have, to read this bulking leviathan of a novel. From the first pages in Nantucket, where Ishmael befriends trusty Queequeg, Melville loops his crazed tale of ambition and revenge, culminating in scenes of terror on the high seas.

 

His Dark Materials

Pullman might be the purest storyteller of our times, and His Dark Materials is his masterpiece: a truly addictive adventure story which leads us into other worlds.
Handmaid’s Tale

Turning to Margaret Atwood in times of trouble is always a good decision. Prophetic or not she is wise and compassionate, and laces those qualities with a killer wit.

 

Maigret

If all else fails, pick up a Maigret. With plots as light as a feather and a stripped-down style, Simenon’s thrillers are beautifully evocative of the underground tensions of a mid-century Paris.

 

Persuasion

It’s always a good time to re-read Austen, to get lost in that luscious prose and arch wit. Persuasion is her last-completed, and perhaps her most mature novel, and a joy to revisit.

 

I am Legend

In the current circumstances this is not a book for the faint-hearted: Matheson’s vision of a post pandemic future doesn’t contain many people, and even fewer who are not zombie-vampires, but there is a glimmer of hope at its end…

 

Mirror & The Light

My eleventh choice is not yet available as a Folio Society edition, but I do hope that it will be one day. This is my current quarantine reading. A nine-hundred-page masterwork of astonishing delicacy and intelligence which draws one back through the eyes of Cromwell to a Tudor London infested with plague and political instability.

 

 

Great Tasting Water On The Go: ZeroWater Portable

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I love the ZeroWater filter so I was excited to see they now do a water bottle. The portable bottle has the all-powerful filter that filters out 95% of nasties. It is a good-looking bottle and is great for the environment. Highly recommended.

Research suggests 7.7 billion plastic water bottles are used each year, that’s on average 150 plastic bottles every year per person according to Water UK. Help cut down your own personal plastic footprint by making a small yet active change to the way you keep hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle at all times, not only reducing your own use of plastic but also saving you money in the long run too.

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Enjoy pure-tasting water anywhere you go! Offering 0.8L capacity the ZeroWater Portable combines all the top-performing filtration technology of the standard ZeroWater filtration jug but in a stylish, convenient cup complete with textured easy grip lid. So you can enjoy great tasting water out of your tap whether you’re at home, work or the gym, a resounding success for you and the environment.

The ZeroWater Portable uses the iconic patented ZeroWater filtration system, which combines FIVE sophisticated technologies that work together to remove virtually all dissolved solids from your water.  The only pour-through filter pitcher on the market that’s certified by the NSF to reduce lead.

What Does The ZeroWater Remove?

According to government figures 8.5 billion plastic straws are used each year. Which is why reusable straws are a great alternative and the ZeroWater Portable comes with just that, offering durability and a hard wearing design that seamlessly reflects the aesthetic of the portable cup. Another fantastic example of how the ZeroWater Portable is such a great alternative to single use plastic bottles.

How Long Will The Filter Last?

On an average water reading of 200 ppm you get 19 litres of filtered water from each ZeroWater Portable filter but please note it is dependent on the initial quality of your unfiltered tap water and daily consumption as the amount of dissolved solids in tap water varies across the UK. Each of the ZeroWater Portable filters employ a next-generation filter replacement technology. A “Colour Change” window which indicates when you need to replace your filter for added convenience. Once the replacement filter has then been fitted the other can be recycled at most Household Waste & Recycling Centres in the UK.

The ZeroWater Portable is available to buy online for £14.99 from ZeroWater, replacement filters (2 Pack), £14.99 from ZeroWater.

The Dilemma By B. A. Paris Book Review

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B. A. Paris

The Dilemma is a book that stays with you. The characters are so rich and the premise of the novel is so breathtaking. I would label The Dilemma is a psychological thriller albeit one in the domestic setting of family. After all, is that not where the most complex things are? I dare you to put this novel down. I raced through it, my heart in my mouth. It is beautiful, sad and vivid. Perfect.

It’s Livia’s 40th birthday and she’s having the party of a lifetime to make up for the wedding she never had. Everyone she loves will be there except her daughter Marnie, who’s studying abroad. But although Livia loves Marnie, she’s secretly glad she won’t be at the party. She needs to tell Adam something about their daughter but she’s waiting until the party is over so they can have this last happy time together.

Adam wants everything to be perfect for Livia so he’s secretly arranged for Marnie to come home and surprise her on her birthday. During the day, he hears some terrible news. He needs to tell Livia, because how can the party go on? But she’s so happy, so excited – and the guests are about to arrive.

The Dilemma – how far would you go to give someone you love a last few hours of happiness?

One day that will change a family forever, The Dilemma is the breath-taking, heart-breaking new novel from the million-copy-selling, Sunday Times bestseller, B A Paris

The Dilemma is available here.

4 Reasons Your Skin Is Looking Dull – and What You Can Do About It

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There are many reasons why your skin might be looking dull, but there are just as many solutions. Dull and unhealthy skin can lead to a tired and wrinkled appearance, and no one wants that! The good news is that simple changes can make a big difference when it comes to combatting a lackluster complexion. Here are some common reasons why your skin might be looking dull – and what you can do about it.

The Environment

The air both inside and out contains many pollutants and small dirt particles, all of which are bad for your skin as well as your body. When dirt clings to your skin and clogs the pores, it gives it an uneven texture, which also diffuses light. This can make you look even more tired, and as though you have more wrinkles! The only way you can remedy this is to make sure you cleanse your face thoroughly at night before you go to sleep. If you don’t, all that dirt will start to cause untold damage to your skin. So, remove all traces of makeup with a gentle makeup remover, followed by a splash with warm soapy water.

Your Diet

What you drink and eat can be contributing factors to your dull complexion. Of course, drinking plenty of water should be common sense, as it helps to hydrate the skin and increase blood flow to your face. Additionally, any wrinkles you do have will appear deeper in dehydrated skin, so water is a great way to help reduce them. However, while drinking enough water is important, you should not neglect your diet, assuming that your water consumption will offset any negative effects. If you continue to eat foods high in sugar, salt and fat, you will reduce your skin’s ability to retain any moisture. So, try to eat plenty of green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs.

Stress

Stress is also a major reason why you may be suffering from dull-looking skin. And when you are worried about your appearance, it can lead to more feelings of stress, leaving you in a never-ending cycle. If you aren’t looking your best for an important presentation at work, a first date, or another special occasion, your confidence levels will suffer, and your fight or flight response will kick in. This means all your blood flow will be concentrated on your vital organs and not your skin. It’s easy enough to suggest avoiding stressful situations, but this is not always impossible. In these cases, you can try giving yourself a facial massage to help get the blood flowing. You should be left with plump looking skin and a more glowing complexion, which in turn will boost your self-esteem.

Not Using the Right Products

You might already have a skincare routine and still suffer from dull skin. In this case, it may that you are using the wrong type of product. For example, if you usually have dry skin, you should avoid oil-absorbing products, as this will simply exacerbate the problem. Also, products that contain PEG (polyethylene glycol) should be avoided, as it is said to reduce or alter the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture. It’s best to look for products that contain natural ingredients; for example, here’s a facial serum with vitamin C that helps to brighten and even skin tone and reduces inflammation, with additional ingredients such as green tea and aloe.

By taking the tips listed on board, dull skin can be a thing of the past!

 

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Don’t Let Lockdown Stop You Getting Quality Meals

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I have had to use my initiative to get food during the COVID-19 pandemic. March saw shelf stripping and even now online food delivery is (for me at least) impossible.

So the people at Love Yourself sent us some food to try. They make gourmet food which is delivered to you daily. They have different diets so you will find the right one for you. We tried the Keto diet.

The food arrives in trays and has the calorie count and nutritional value on it. You can heat things up in the microwave or some things can be eaten cold. So far so easy, but how does it taste?

Amazing. My husband is notoriously hard to please and even he said he had never eaten so well. I have reviewed hundreds of restaurants and this food is restaurant-quality. It is expensive with a starting price of £21 but I would recommend it if you have the money.

The sight of bare shelves in your local supermarkets is something we are all becoming familiar with, we want to avoid these busy shops and overcrowded public transport at all costs. So while your continuing to find your feet with home-work life and new ways to get some exercise into your day it can be a challenge to think of nutritional balanced meals daily. Take the weight off your shoulder and allow your meals to come right to your door with Love Yourself. Dedicated to the health, happiness and well-being of their customers all the hard work is done for you. No cooking is required simply place in the microwave to heat up following the instructions provided then your free to reap the rewards of these delicious yet nutritious meals. To help strengthen those motivation levels and achieve those daily goals rather than giving in to the temptation to sit on the sofa and binge watch a box set.

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As restrictions mean we are spending much more time at home, with such uncertainty it is so important to maintain the attitude ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ that way you can face the day well-nourished with a sense of positivity and motivation whatever comes our way. LoveYourself provide the most immune boosting meals safely, straight to your door. Calorie-controlled premium diets freshly prepared, using an exciting array of seasonal ingredients containing no processed meats, additives or preservatives. If you’re wondering what is beef jerky and whether it fits into a healthy lifestyle, LoveYourself focuses on meals that offer nourishing, whole food options instead of processed snacks.

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While day to day live may become monotonous for the creators at Love Yourself it continues to be of paramount importance to keep things exciting in the kitchen, changing diet menus on a weekly basis so you’ll never get bored, which encourages weight loss and an improvement to your overall health.

No time to go to the shops?  Shops run out of stock? Love Yourself has you covered catering to your dietary requirements whether that be vegetarian, gluten free, keto or pescatarian. All food is prepared in a clean, sanitized facility with strict hygiene procedures in place. All food is packaged in sterile, food-grade containers, with an airtight seal to ensure its freshness and uncompromised hygiene until it is opened and enjoyed in your own home.

Looking for recommendations to help boost your immune system, read in full at; https://www.loveyourself.co.uk/blogs/news/immune-boosting-foods-that-ll-help-fight-off-the-coronavirus-and-more

The Love Yourself Meal Box, is available to buy online from £21.00 (daily) at LoveYourself.

Ways to recover after partying all night

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sweet potato, salad, health, diet, weight loss,The morning after the night before can sometimes be a bit of a painful one depending on how hard you push it. Like so many other party animals, you can get a bit carried away, then you’ll be pleased to know there are certain things you can do to speed up the recovery process. 

While the obvious advice is to take it easy in the first place, that might not be right for you mainly if there’s a big celebration afoot. Take a look at some cheats for life when you hit 20 and few suggestions below, and hopefully, you’ll be able to conduct damage limitation and feel human again sooner rather than later!

  1. H2Oh-yes

Yes, it is that simple. One of the main issues with a hangover is dehydration so this time when you are drinking, make sure it’s water-based rather than vodka-based! Some sugar can give you an energy boost too so you could choose one non-carbonated sugary drink too and get that down you. You might also want to try some rehydration sachets. They are a rapid way to replenish lost salts that will make you feel lousy.

  1. Eat up

Alcohol depletes our inner resources, so your instinct is to crave high fat, high salt, high badness foods. These can make us feel better in the very short-term, but the likelihood is you will feel worse afterwards. Try to choose foods that will help including 

  • Complex carbs – such as wholemeal bread to give you some energy
  • Eggs – these contain cysteine, which is an amino acid that helps breakdown acetaldehyde, the root cause of hangovers 
  • Bananas. These are full of potassium and magnesium, which you lose when you are boozing. Potassium will combat nausea plaguing you as well as that awful feeling of fatigue
  1. Pop the pills

While a headache may well be caused by dehydration, it can also be compounded by tiredness, tension and maybe a bit too much load music. And that’s why painkillers were invented! If the feelings of sickness are chaining you to your bathroom floor too then consider trying some anti-sickness tablets. Moreover, if you become somewhat more frivolous with your attitude towards contraception, then you might also want to treat yourself to a morning after pill to be on the safe side. The symptoms of unprotected sex last much longer than those of a hangover if you aren’t careful! 

  1. Love yourself

You may have been loving someone special last night or even everyone on the dancefloor but do not forget to save a bit for yourself for the next day. A hangover is always exacerbated by the beer fear and feelings of guilt and shame that frankly, torture yourself with isn’t needed. Most of us have been there, so try not to be too tough on yourself.

In the moment, the next day can feel torturous but remember – it only lasts a day. The memories you recreate from having a great time with friends and family will last forever, long after the hangover has passed. Follow our tips to feel better and enjoy yourself. Just ensure that you are safe while you are doing it!

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Easy cocktails to mix at home

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Cotswolds Garden  
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,
Ingredients: 50ml Cotswolds Dry Gin, 25ml elderflower liqueur, 12.5ml fresh lime juice, 75ml pressed apple juice
Method: Place all ingredients into an ice-filled shaker, shake and strain into an ice-filled Copa glass. Garnish with fresh cucumber and mint
From £34.95 for 70cl (46% ABV). Available from Cotswoldsdistillery.com, Waitrose, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Fortnum and Mason.
Cotswolds Whisky Sour 
Ingredients: 60ml Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, 25ml fresh lemon juice, 20ml sugar syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters, ½ egg white
Method: Dry shake all ingredients, add ice to shaker, shake, fine-strain & serve into a chilled Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with a fresh lemon wheel & cherry
From £44.95 for 70cl (46% ABV). Available from cotswoldsdistillery.com, Waitrose, Majestic, The Whisky Exchange, Harrods and Laithwaites.
Kokoro Dragon Ball  
 

Ingredients: 50ml Kokoro Gin, 20ml Lemon Juice, 5ml Kokoro Cherry Blossom Liqueur, 10ml Honey Syrup (3:1), 10ml Aperol, 2 Dashes of Orange Flower Water, Champagne (optional), Orange Peel
Method: Shake all ingredients apart from the Champagne with ice. Double strain and top with Champagne. Garnish with a twist of orange peel
From £29 for 70cl (42% ABV). Available from kokorogin.com, Master of Malt, John Lewis, 31Dover, Amazon and other good retailers. Also in the Kokoro Gin range are their delicious Japanese-inspired liqueurs, including Blueberry & Lemongrass, Yuzu and Ginger and Cherry Blossom.
From £12.50 for 20cl (20% ABV). Available from kokorogin.com and John Lewis
Barentsz Mandarin and Jasmine Martini 
 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

Ingredients: 55ml Barentsz Mandarin and Jasmine Gin, 15ml triple sec (Grand Marnier) , 15ml dry vermouth, dash of orange bitters
Method: Pour ingredients into a shaker half filled with cracked ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
From £38.00 for 70cl (40% ABV). Available from Barentszgin.com and from 31Dover.com in a luxury gift carton.
Lowlander Sobeer Citrus Mocktail
 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

Ingredients: 150ml Lowlander 0.00% Wit Beer, 30ml Seedlip Grove, 10ml Ginger syrup, 10ml Lime juice, Garnish with a juiced orange peel
Method: Fill a highball glass with ice. Stir all ingredients and strain into the glass over ice. Garnish with a swirl of juiced orange peel.
Lowlander 0.00% Wit Beer is available to purchase online:  As a single bottle from LightDrinks.co.uk for £1.99. As a single bottle from 31Dover.com for £2.02. As a case of 12 from Amazon for £36.95
Pinkster Gin & Jam  
 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

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Ingredients: 50ml Pinkster Gin, 15ml lemon juice, 15ml sugar syrup, 1tsp raspberry jam, a handful of blackberries
Method: Shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a Rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with fresh blackberries
From £36 for 70cl (37.5% ABV). Available from Marks & Spencer, Fenwick, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Majestic Wine, Ocado, 31Dover.com, Master of Malt and Pinkster Gin.com.
Union Spirited Maverick 
Ingredients: 50ml Spirited Union Lemon & Leaf, 20ml Passion Fruit Puree, 30ml Fresh Lemon Juice, 15ml Vanilla Syrup, fresh passionfruit
Method: Pour ingredients in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into pre-chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a passion fruit wheel float.
From £29.95 for 70cl (38% ABV). Available from Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange and Spirited Union.com.
Jaisalmer Golden Fort 
 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

 Ingredients: 50ml Jaisalmer Gin, 15ml fresh lime juice, 10ml Cinnamon Syrup, 50ml Cloudy Apple Juice
Method: Pour ingredients in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with an apple fan of 3 slices and add grated nutmeg (optional)
From £34.95 for 70cl (43% ABV). Available from The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt and DrinksSupermarket.com. 
The Queen Mary Edition G&T 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

Ingredients: 50ml Gin 1689 – The Queen Mary Edition, fresh raspberries and strawberries
Method:Fill a Copa glass with plenty of ice. Add Gin 1689 – The Queen Mary Edition.
Top with tonic and garnish with raspberries and sliced strawberries.
From £37.95 for 70cl (ABV: 38.5%). Available from Master of Malt and Amathus Drinks
J&B Rare Whisky Gimlet 
cocktails, cocktail recipes, cocktail , alcohol, ideas,

Ingredients: 50ml J&B Rare, 25ml home-made lime cordial* (or bought Lime cordial),fresh lime peel
Method: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the ingredients and shake until the surface of the shaker feels chilled. Strain into a Coupe glass. Garnish with a twist of lime peel
From £22.50 for 70cl (40% ABV). Available from Waitrose, masterofmalt.com, thewhiskyexchange.com, drinksupermarket.com, 31dover.com and Justerini & Brooks.