Health and Wellbeing

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity' This is exactly what I'd like to help you achieve with these blogs.

  • Exercise,  Having fun on a budget,  Travel

    Why short guided tours or activities are a great idea -home or away!

    August 16, 2021 / 2 Comments

    With Lockdown relaxing in the UK, many of us will be wanting to plan our next vacation- I certainly am!

    If you do not yet feel comfortable travelling abroad or if money if an issue, you could look at planning a short staycation, or even a few day trips, in your home country.

    Unless you just like to spend the whole of your vacation lying on the beach, or by a pool, you might enjoy the benefits of a guided tour or activity. Don’t get me wrong, I love to spend some time chilling by the sea or pool, with a nice book, but I also love to spend some time exploring the area I’m in, socialising with other tourists or locals and trying some new experiences whilst I’m there.

    Whether you’re into history & culture, food & drink, nature & adventure , sporting activities, film & music or sightseeing, a guided tour is a great option. You will be shown around by an expert who will give you an idea of the history of the place you’re visiting. They may also be able to recommend some hidden gems for you to visit!

    Even though I’ve lived in the UK for most of my life, there is so much it that I haven’t seen and that I would be fascinated to learn more about! They’re are quite a few places here and all over the world, that are now on my bucket list!

    In 2019, I had a four day break in Valencia, the home of paella, with my friend, Martine. As it was our first time there, we decided to take a guided walking tour of the city so that we could become familiar with it and make the most of the time we were there. The company we used was Free Tour Valencia and you are free to decide how much you would like to donate. It was definitely worth it! We learned so much abut the history & culture of Valencia. We also discovered some great beaches and some hidden gems for food & drink. Our lovely guide also introduced us to Agua de Valencia, a delicious local cocktail!

    After our tour, we actually felt like locals as we could find our way round and make plans for the rest of our time after there! I’d highly recommend this type of tour on your first day of your vacation. Local hotels often offer tours or you book before you go, to guarantee a place and also, to skip the queues!

    Whatever your interests are, or wherever you are planning on going, you can find a guided tour or activity to suit you:

    Historical, Cultural & Art Tours

    Belfast: The Titanic Experience with SS NomadicVisit

    Learn the story of the legendary ocean liner and her fateful journey across the Atlantic, at the Belfast Titanic Experience, the world’s largest exhibit dedicated to the Titanic. Journey through 9 galleries at the site of the ship’s construction. Learn the story of the world’s most famous ocean liner, from her conception to tragic sinking. Admire the ornate furnishings, and learn about life on board for passengers and crew. Relive the drama of her tragic end, and see the wreck at her resting place on the ocean floor. Voyage to the bottom of the North Atlantic in the Ocean Exploration Centre, with live links to contemporary undersea explorations Cost: From £19.50

    Rome: St Peter’s Basilica Dome to Underground Grottoes Tour

    Meet your guide in St. Peter’s Square then start the tour by climbing your way to the top of the Basilica’s Dome. Enjoy an exclusive look at the Dome’s impressive mosaics then head further up to the top balcony. From here, marvel at panoramic views across the city, spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and other iconic landmarks. Descend directly into the Basilica and avoid the long entry queue. Inside, admire its impressive interior and discover why it took 150 years to build. Gaze at the colorful marble, golden ceilings, and intricate mosaics that surround you. Learn about the renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassic artists that are housed here. Choose between a small group or private tour. Cost: From £37.35pp

    Milan: Leonardo’s Vineyard Ticket with Guided Tour Option

    I visited this lovely place in 2019, with my friend, Jane. It absolutely was stunning. As you explore the Vineyard, immerse yourself in the lifestyle of Leonardo da Vinci, iconic for many artworks including the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Leonardo’s Vineyard was gifted to him in 1498 by Ludovico Sforza, a former Duke of Milan, who assigned him with the task of creating The Last Supper. The Vineyard soon became one of Leonardo’s most admired possessions. With a long list of winemakers in his family, he enjoyed growing his own grapes and creating his own wines for many years to follow. You can rediscover this hidden gem either on an Italian or English guided tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide. If you prefer to explore at your leisure, you can opt for an entry ticket and audio guide Cost: From £10.16pp

    Acropolis: Guided Walking Tour with Entrance Ticket

    Visit the Athens Acropolis and explore the fascinating world of Ancient Greece on a 1.5-hour walking tour. Discover the UNESCO-listed archaeological site with a licensed guide. Visit the Theatre of Dionysus, a 5th-century amphitheater that is often cited as the birthplace of the performing arts. Hear about its history and imagine it filled with the theatergoers of Ancient Greece. Stop at the Dionysus Sanctuary, dedicated to the Greek god of wine and fertility. Pause to take photos of these fascinating ruins, and learn their history from your guide. Cost: From £38.23 pp

    Film & TV Location Tours

    Seville: Alcázar Guided Tour with Priority Entrance (Lawrence of Arabia & Games of Thrones film locations)

    Explore Seville’s Alcázar on a guided tour of one of the oldest functioning palaces in Europe. See why this palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, how it blends different architectural types, and why it became the setting for Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones. Choose from either a small-group or private tour to suit the experience you’re looking for. Choose from a small-group or private guided experience Cost: From £29.67pp

    Harry Potter Warner Brother Studio Tour & Transfers

    Take the bus from central London for this magical full-day tour of the Warner Brothers Studio. Go behind the scenes of the Harry Potter film sets to explore the enchanting props and costumes, and walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters. After arriving at the Studios, you’ll have about 4 hours to explore all the sets, props, and studio gift shop. Get your photo taken at your favorite filming locations such as the impressive Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, and the Gryffindor common room. Walk down the cobble-stoned Diagon Alley and picture the local witches and wizards as you pass Ollivander’s, Flourish and Blotts, and Eeylops Owl Emporium.Visitors can now visit Platform 9 ¾ and ride the Hogwarts Express! Explore a perfect recreation of the platform and the train itself.Cost: From £89.10 pp

    Notting Hill Rom-Com Walking Tour

    Explore London via the location sites of some of its most famous rom-com movies on a 2-hour guided walking tour. Feast your eyes on the settings of romantic comedies such as “Notting Hill,” “Love Actually,” and more. A film expert will take you to the neighborhood where some of the most iconic cinematic moments were shot, providing behind-the-scenes information on Hugh Grant’s “Notting Hill” and many other memorable movie scenes. Cost: From £15pp

    From Cornwall: Private Poldark Tour with Pickup

    Private group day tour of filming locations featured in the BBC drama Poldark. Step into the world of Ross Poldark and visit some of the breath-taking places featured on the show in this Poldark tour of Cornwall, with your local expert driver/guide. Visit over 5 key locations from the series and take the opportunity to get out and explore each of these locations on foot. If you loved Poldark, you’ll love this! Cost: From £590 per group of 4 people

    Warner Bros. Studios Hollywood Tour

    Get ready to touch, tour, and explore the iconic 110-acre back lot that brought “Argo” and “Batman” to the big screen! From “Gravity” to “Friends,” the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood takes you behind the camera for a revealing look at your favorite TV shows and movies. Re-enact a scene from “Friends” on the iconic “Central Perk” set. Design your own Batmobile and movie costumes. Climb aboard Harry Potter’s broomstick for a photo opportunity using the same green screen technology used in movie productions. Become Hobbit-sized at the forced perspective special effect table and see the actual sets from The Big Bang Theory. Sit in Sheldon’s spot in apartment 4A, recreate his iconic knock in the infamous broken elevator lobby and see the CalTech cafeteria. Cost: From £49.86pp

    Tours for Music Lovers

    London: Rock Music Sightseeing Tour with Abbey Road Visit

    Walk in the footsteps of iconic rock legends on this afternoon tour through London. Led by a passionate guide, visit the Vault, pose for photos on the world-famous Abbey Road crossing, see the former home of musical icons including Freddie Mercury, learn about the fateful 27 Club, of which icons including Amy Winehouse and Kurt Cobain are members and admire one-of-a-kind musical memorabilia at the Hard Rock Cafe. Cost: From £39pp

    New York: Radio City Stage Door Tour Ticket

    On this guided tour you will explore Radio City Music Hall, nicknamed the Showplace of the Nation, to discover the home of the Grammys and MTV Music Awards. Radio City Music Hall is an iconic part of American pop culture, and this tour pays tribute to the legends that have appeared on its stage. Explore the venue’s extravagant Art Deco interior, and view the celebrity guest book to see the signatures of all the greats that have walked through Radio City’s doors. Follow in the footsteps of A-listers such as Bon Jovi, Steve Harvey & Janet Jackson and go behind the scenes, through the Stage Door.  On this 75-minute tour you will learn all the secrets of the Great Stage and you will also have the chance to meet a world-famous Rockette dancer! Cost: From £22.36 pp

    David Bowie in Berlin: 3-hour Tour with Historian

    Head back to the days of the Cold War on a tour of the Berlin of the 1970s that inspired David Bowie’s classic albums Low, Heroes, and Lodger. See where the artist shared an apartment with Iggy Pop, the clubs the frequented, and the legendary Hansa studios where Bowie recorded his music. Your tour takes in a variety of sites, including Bahnhof Zoo, the former Dschungel Club, KaDeWe, Potsdamer Platz, Hansa Studios, the Berlin Wall, Topographie of Terror, Bowie’s former home, and the Neues Ufer Café. Cost: From £61.31 pp

    Tours for Food & Drink Lovers

    San Sebastian: Gourmet Pintxo Tour

    Immerse yourself in the charming and wonderful Parte Vieja (Old Town) of San Sebastián and taste the best pintxos in town selected by culinary experts. Enjoy 4 pintxos chosen by experts. Eat each pintxo paired with a different wine and benefit from a local expert as your pintxo guide Choose between a private or a shared tour. The activity starts at the Alameda del Boulevard. You can choose to take part at around lunchtime (12:00 PM) or dinner time 7:00 PM). Enjoy a flexible 2-hour tour (or however long you prefer) and visit traditional places to try delicious pintxos. Cost: From £57.59pp

    Borough Market and Gin Distillery Small Group Tour

    On this fantastic walking tour, discover London’s thriving artisan food and drink market and taste some of London’s finest gin. Gain insight into the local culture on this alternative tour as you visit the historic Borough Market, the oldest and largest food market in London dating back to 1014. Enjoy the sights and smells of the market as you walk around; its maze of passageways hide a sprawling cornucopia of everything from traditional British produce to international culinary delights. Go behind the scenes and discover how the Beefeater distillery produces gin, examine the difference between styles of gin, and hear how the various herbs used in the distilling process impact the overall flavour. Includes personal audio headset to hear the professional tour guide’s commentary Cost: From£49pp

    London: 2 Hour Historic Pub Tour

    Discover London’s oldest drinking establishments on a 2-hour guided walk along the winding streets and back alleys of the historic city center. Visit the site where Dylan Thomas drunkenly misplaced his manuscripts. Learn how Victorians fed their gin cravings. Stand in the secret alleyway where one of England’s most notorious poets faced a duel! This tour promises drama, intrigue, and a good dose of history before you relax in one of Charles Dickens’ regular watering holes, enjoying a complimentary half pint. Cost: From £25 pp

    Tours for Sports Lovers

    London Kia Oval Cricket Ground Tour


    Take a tour of the world-famous Kia Oval, home to Surrey Cricket Club since 1845 and an England test match home since 1880. A wonderful day out for any sports fan, you will experience a 90-minute guided tour of this iconic ground, recognized worldwide for its sporting history and unique ownership by the Duchy of Cornwall, HRH Prince Charles. This tour allows guests a peek behind the scenes of the inner workings of the impressive Ground and a deeper insight into how players train and prepare for each match. Followed up with tea or coffee in the Members Pavilion overlooking the pitch, this is a great sport-centric day out to share. Cost: From£15pp

    Camp Nou Experience: FC Barcelona Museum and Tour

    Retrace the footsteps of FC Barcelona’s legendary players, including Kubala, Cruyff, Maradona, Guardiola, and Ronaldinho. Experience the Barça passion on this 1.5 hour tour that’s perfect for football fans! I’m not a big football fan but I must admit, I loved this place! We came here when my kids were little and we all became big Barcelona fans- still have the football shirts! Visit the FC Barcelona Museum with its large-format interactive walls, new showcases, and a wide collection of objects that reveal the history of FC Barcelona. Then take a tour of the stadium itself, followed by a visit to the television studio. Cost: From £22.01 pp

    Activities & Sightseeing

    Miami 60 minute Airplane Flight Tour

    Cross the skies in an exclusive and exciting flight for you and your loved ones. Fly over the beautiful city of Miami and its wonderful touristic places from a bird’s eye view. Embark on an incredible journey over Miami and Miami Beach. During your 60-minute flight tour, with commentary by the pilot, you’ll see many of the area’s top attractions. Marvel at the spectacular islands of celebrity homes. Cost: From £136.88 pp

    From Long Beach or San Pedro: Hollywood and Los Angeles Tour

    Enjoy a full-day small-group sightseeing tour of some of the most iconic sights in Hollywood and Los Angeles. During the tour, you’ll visit Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles Colosseum, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park Observatory, Sunset Plaza, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica Beach, and Venice Beach. There will be free time at each of the stops and you’ll be able to get out of the tour van to take pictures, shop, and explore. For lunch, there will be an hour-long stop at Mel’s Diner on Sunset Boulevard, a popular 1950s-style diner. Benefit from convenient hotel pickup and drop-off Cost: From £88.35pp

    Tenerife: Snorkeling Trip in the Turtle Area

    Marvel at the marine life of the Canary Islands, on a snorkeling adventure, off the south coast of Tenerife. Treat the family to an adventure suitable for adults and children.Enjoy a speedboat ride along the coast of Tenerife and snorkel with turtles in clear blue ocean water. Benefit from the services of a guide who will give you advice on where you can see marine species, including colorful fish, dolphins, whales, turtles, rays and an octopus or two! Cost: From £29.73 pp

    Day Trips

    Welcome to Paris Day Trip from London via Train

    Embark on a day trip to Paris, from London, by high-speed train. Once in Paris your expert guide will take you on a panoramic tour of the city visiting major sites including the Opera House, Champs-Elysees, and the Arc de Triomphe. This is followed by a 1-hour river cruise on the Seine that boasts wonderful sights of famous landmarks such as Notre Dame cathedral. Finish the guided part of your tour at the Eiffel Tower, then enjoy free time to visit your favorite sights on your own, or grab a delicious bite to eat at a local café. Your knowledgeable guide is more than happy to give you tips on what to see and do as you venture out solo. In the early evening you will re-join the group, and head back to Gard du Nord for your return journey to London. Cost: From £217 pp

    Private Taj Mahal and Agra Local Heritage Day Tour

    Take a day to visit the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Explore the Old Agra city by rickshaw and explore its local heritage through food, music, and markets. Wake up early for a 6:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Delhi, Gurugram, or Noida, and drive the 3 hours to Agra city by, air-conditioned car. On arrival, you’ll meet your private tour guide and head to the Taj Mahal, a magnificent mausoleum built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Spend around 2 hours exploring this 42-acre complex before visiting Agra Fort. After lunch, you’ll take a 1.5-hour city tour of Old Agra by rickshaw, during which you’ll see the Jama Masjid (one of the largest mosques in India) and the local markets. Stop to watch a traditional live music show played on various traditional instruments, like the table, sitar, and harmonium. Cost: From £55.96 pp

    Lake Como with Bellagio and Lugano Day Trip from Milan

    Eliminate the need to choose between Lake Como, Lake Lugano and Bellagio. Enjoy a pleasant cruise around Lake Como, surrounded by the magnificent Italian Alps, rich gardens, and fabulous villas. Visit the beautiful town of Bellagio, known as “The Pearl of Lake Como.” Shop for chocolate and other specialty items in the charming lakeside town of Lugano. Lake Como is a famous holiday destination for stars and celebrities, and during the cruise your guide will point out George Clooney’s villa, plus villas that once hosted Star Wars and James Bond movie sets. After that, the bus will take you back to Milan’s city center in time for dinner. Cost: From £92.74 pp

    Immersive Tours & Experiences

    Melbourne Immersive Art Gallery Experience

    I visited ArtVo with my cousin, Michelle, when I was in Melbourne, in February 2020. It was great fun! Discover over 80 3D, reality-defying artworks all featuring you. Grab your camera or smart phone and bring your family or friends along to become a work of art. Experience the works for yourself as you are photographed within them. Each individual artwork has been hand painted by talented artists. Follow the prompts on the ground directing you where to stand and which orientation to have your phone, and check out an example photo to ensure you get the best shot of the larger-than-life murals. ArtVo Melbourne is open seven days a week and always has a trick up its sleeve! Cost: From £14.87pp

    New Orleans: Houmas House Plantation Tour


    A guided mansion tour, led by costumed guides, walks you through it’s 250-year history. Visiting the Houmas House Estate is more than just a house tour. It’s a fully immersive experience educating guests on the architecture, the culture, and the agriculture of this Louisiana Plantation and how the Mississippi River shaped the southern United States. Here you will get a glimpse into the life on a sugarcane plantation in the 1800s. For movie lovers, Houmas House was the location for the 1964 psychological thriller “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte” starring Betty Davis and Olivia de Havilland. It was deemed the scariest movie of its time! It was also the setting for a few scenes in the 2019 award-winning movie “The Green Book”. Those are just a few of the many movies and TV shows filmed at Houmas House. Cost: From £18.89pp

    London: Jack The Ripper Interactive Guided Walking Tour

    Hit the streets of East End London on an interactive Jack the Ripper walking tour. Head back to 1888 with your expert Ripperologist guide as you try to solve the still unsolved murders on this immersive small-group experience. Find out about the victims, suspects, and life in Whitechapel, an impoverished neighborhood at the time. Your guide will even share gems about Victorian London, including the cultural context for enduring figures such as Sherlock Holmes.  Assess photographic evidence and hear true stories about the investigation to suss out the suspects. Even use your own suspect cards to ‘investigate’ the alleged perpetrators. Was Jack the Ripper ever close to being caught? Why did he choose Whitechapel? Where was any evidence discovered? Find all this out and more with your Ripperologist guide. Cost: From £14 pp

    You could spend a lot of time searching for tours on-line but I love using Get your Guide, a platform that gathers the best activities across the globe, all in one place. Don’t waste a moment. Memories aren’t made while standing in line. Book ahead and skip the queues at the world’s biggest attractions!

    For more Walking tours of London, check out Wonders of London. Apart from a small admin fee of around £1.99, the tour is free but donations for tour guides are welcome.

    I hope you found this post useful. Please feel free to share your thoughts, or any tour tips you may have, in the comments section below. If you’d like to have updates on all upcoming blog posts, you can sign up for my newsletter here

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  • Health and Wellbeing,  Travel

    How to have a Staycation at home

    September 4, 2020 / 1 Comment
    food and entertainment. Since the average visit abroad lasts around 10 nights, the all-in average holiday cost amounted to £380 per day, or £95 per person per day” Not having to pay for flights & accommodation, would equate to a big saving! I also like the idea of a “mini” staycations at home i.e. on several weekends, throughout the year.

    Here are some tips on how to feel like you are having a lovely holiday, in your own home- some of which are good for any season:

    1. Get your house “Staycation ready”!

    Clean & tidy the house and get it ready for your staycation, the day before it starts. Think about your favourite hotel rooms and get the bedrooms to mirror these. Make the beds and, perhaps, fold down the sheets and scatter some chocolates, or rose petals, over them, before bedtime! You can check out some more ideas on Swoonworthy Styling website. If you like having coffee/tea in your hotel room, you could set up a kettle, some cups and coffee/tea, on a table in your room. I have this in my own bedroom, all year round, as I love my coffee first thing in the morning! You can store some milk, water and perhaps, some breakfast croissants, in a portable mini fridge, which would also be handy for day trips and picnics, during your staycation @ home. Add some lovely fragrances to the house, that remind you of your favourite holidays. These could be tropical, mediterranean, beachside or woodland scents. You can find a great range on Amazon. If you have kids at home, a few seaside decorations would be a good idea.

    2. Set up your garden to look, and feel, like a resort

    You can easily create a holiday vibe, in your garden by adding a few items, that remind you of places you have visited. Firstly, lay out some sunbeds so you can chill outside with a book and/or a cocktail from your outdoor bar. The Tiki bar, pictured above, has a lovey, tropical vibe. You can add a few matching cushions, drinking glasses and a cocktail making set, to complete the look. You can also create a bar area, on an outdoor table, if you’d rather not buy one. You can find a great range of cocktail recipe books on Amazon Now light some scented candles and add a few outdoor lights to enjoy when the sun sets. If it’s a little chilly outside, you can use an outdoor heater, chiminea or fire pit to warm up!

    3. Hire a Pool or Hot Tub

    If you are not lucky enough to have your own pool or hot tub, you can always hire one (or both) for your staycation @ home. This particular company, Hydro Hot Tubs, is based in South East England and will deliver to homes in Surrey, Sussex & Kent. They supply a range hot tubs for 4-7 people and 13.25 x 6.5 ft Steel Rectangular or 18 x 9 ft Steel Oval Frame Pools. Hot tubs are available for a minimum of 4 days from £140 and pools for a minimum of 7 days from £249.97. They will be delivered, set up and collected by the company, at the end of your hire period. They will also explain exactly how to use the tubs/pools. For more information about all their products, check out their website: Hydro Hot Tubs. If you don’t live in this area, or country, just google search Hot Tub & Pool hire companies which deliver to your area.

    4. Film nights, inside or outside

    My family loves watching movies together so we often, grab some snacks/drinks or create a, movie/TV themed meal. Then, chill out, in front of the TV. There are so many choices available on your standard TV channels or on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video My kids bought me a projector, last Christmas, and it is truly amazing! You can watch films, or TV shows, projected onto a white wall or screen, It really feels like you have your own private cinema. We are also going to try it out in the garden soon! Amazon has a great range of projectors & screens, at very reasonable prices or, if you’d prefer, you can have a company like Moonlit Events, to set up the “outdoor cinema experience” for you. They will deliver all the required equipment, set everything up and collect when it’s over. They are based in Surrey but will deliver across the UK ( For bookings outside a 12 mile radius, different rates do apply) Check out their website for more information. You can also check out Ideal Home for some more great ideas for your outdoor cinema experience or Good Housekeeping for some more ways to make have a fun “movie night” at home, with the family

    5. Enjoy World Food in, and out, of your home:

    Eating the local food, of my favourite travel destinations, always brings back lovely memories and makes me feel like I am being transported back to those places! I also like to try food from places I have not yet visited but are on on my travel bucket list. There are so many amazing world food recipe books available, so whether you feel like some Mediterranean, Eastern European, Middle Eastern, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Antipodean, American, Caribbean or even traditional British food, you will find something to suit your taste. There are even Disney themed cookery books -I’m sure the kid would love these! Eat around the table (in or outside) and play some music that reminds you of the holiday location. Don’t forget to pair some appropriate drinks with your food. I love combining, either red or white, Sangria with Spanish meals. Loved those days when you could share your Sangria, before Covid hit! For more great food and drink pairing ideas, check out The Flavour Principle guide book

    When you are away on holiday, you can also enjoy a meal out, to a local restaurant, so why not treat yourself, whilst you’re on your staycation at home? Another option is to order a take-away or have a meal served for you, at home, by a local catering company.

    6. Take Day Trips

    Plan some days out during your staycation. There are lots of options – here are just a few suggestions for places to visit. click on the links for more info:

    7. Glamping in the Garden

    Whether it’s to celebrate a special occasion or just to chill out with nature, Glamping is a great idea. It’s just like camping with a but of added luxury! If you don’t already have a tent, you can hire, or buy, some luxury ones, for your garden glamping experience. There is something special about being this close to nature- hearing the birds in the morning and smelling the flowers is so calming. Added bonus- you don’t have to share your loos/bathrooms/kitchen with strangers! Add some candles, solar lights and a fire-pit for so you can enjoy relaxing outside at night.

    8. Take Virtual world tours

    Even though you may not be able to travel the world, at the moment, you can still take virtual tours to some amazing places, from the comfort of your own home! Whether you’d like to explore New York, Cape Town, Niagra Falls, Istanbul, London, Sydney, Barcelona, Hawaiian Islands, The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Athens, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, Las Vagas or anywhere else in the world, you can find guided tours on YouTube. You can even chose more specific tours of places such as art galleries, museums, scuba diving, railway journeys, helicopter rides, skiing, exploring the Titanic, zoos, safari and theme parks. The kids will really love the Disneyland & Disney World virtual tours & rides – actually, I did too! Some of these may bring back some great memories for you or could actually inspire you to visit places you’ve never been to, in the future!

    9. Have a Spa day at Home

    Whether you’re on your own, with a friend or with your partner, Spa days are a great way to feel pampered. So, dim the lights, light some candle candles, add some fairy lights & scented oil diffusers , play some relaxing music and have some lemon & cucumber water and/or a few cocktails ready! Now put on your dressing gown/robe and you’re ready to go! Here are some ideas for creating the perfect spa experience at home:

    • Facial Treatments – Start by cleansing and or/exfoliating your skin, then begin your treatment with a facial steam. It’s great first step as it improves cell vitality and oxygen absorption through skin, for a healthier, younger looking complexion and opens and unclogs pores to allow better penetration of products. You can buy a professional style facial steamer for a very reasonable price or you can try a bit of D.I.Y. by boiling some water, pouring it into a large bowl and adding a squeeze of lemon or some essential oils, covering your head with a towel and placing your face over the steam, for up to 10 minutes (take several 1 minute breaks if your skins feels too hot) Next, apply a face mask. You could try ones for oily, dry, sensitive or for anti-aging, depending on your skin type. Relax on a bed, sofa, in a bath or hot tub, while your masks get to work. Next, remove mask before apply a moisturiser to suit your skin. Check out some more ideas Wiki tips on how to Exfoliate, Steam and Use Face Masks
    • Treat your feet: This Misiki foot spa massager relaxes your feet, promotes blood circulation with it’s oxygen bubbles, relieve stress and fatigue, improve your sleeping quality, with massage rollers and exfoliates to help remove calluses, corns and dead skin with it’s footstone. For a more frugal option, add some foot soak salts to a large bowl, or a bucket of warm water and soak your feet for 20 to 30 mins then exfoliate any callouses or dry skin with a foot exfoliator . Next, dry your feel, apply foot cream and slip on a pair of moisture retaining socks (which can be worn overnight)
    • Have a Massage: If your friend or partner is not a qualified masseur, The Shiatsu massager (see photo in gallery above) would be a great option as it provides deep tissue massages on your neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, waist, foot, tights, calves, legs, feet and arms – helping your full body parts to release stress, relieve sore muscles, and help you relax.
    • Relax in your bath : Now it’s time to chill out in your bath with a bath pillow and some bath bombs, essential oils , body wash or bath salts. or you can relax in your Hot Tub, if you have one.
    • Moisturise your body: Use your favourite body moisturiser then put on your dressing gown and relax with some herbal water, some bubbly or a nice cocktail/mocktail and a lovely meal!

    10. Take lots of photos and keep a journal of your Staycation @ home!

    Make it feel like a vacation/holiday by creating memories in photos and/or videos. As so many photos taken on your phone are lost or forgotten, I thought it would be a good idea to create a journal of photos, with written descriptions, so that you and your loved ones, look back, in years to come, and be reminded of all the fun you had, even in these difficult times! Amazon has a great range of photo journals, some of which also have a storage pocket for DVDs/CDs. There is also a great range of photo journal kits, which include marker pens and other accessories, to create your personal memory book. I use my phone to take all my photos so I use either Snapfish app, and get 50 free prints a month (you only pay for the postage) or the Freeprints app, which gives you 45 free prints a month or a free canvas 8 x 8 photo tile, using any of the photos on your phone. Both apps are free to download and also offer a range of photo gifts, at very reasonable prices. Here is an example of a lovely journal, created by my sister, Sophie, for her husband, Mark’s 50th birthday:

    If you’d rather keep your photos virtual, the Amazon Photo app enables you to organise and see your photos on your Fire TV . You’ll be able to sit back on your living room sofa, and flip through your personal photos and videos on the biggest screen in your home. To see your photos via with the Fire TV Amazon Photos app, first add the Amazon Photos app to your phone, tablet or computer, and then upload your photos to the app on those devices. In minutes, you’ll see them appear in your Fire TV Amazon Photos app. You can also set a Fire TV screensaver or play a slideshow of your photos. The app is free to download

    Amazon Photo App

    I hope you enjoy your Staycation at home. I’m definitely going to have at least 2 of these a year from now on – 1 in summer & 1 in winter!

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  • Health and Wellbeing

    What is a healthy gut and why is it so important to your health?

    July 13, 2020 / 7 Comments

    Gut health is a popular topic right now, not surprising as recent research has shown how important it is to our overall health.

    Gut health refers to the balance of microorganisms that live in your digestive tract. This is also known as your gut microbiome. According to BMI Healthcare,  

    “An imbalance in gut bacteria has been found to contribute to chronic diseases such as IBS, diabetes and carcinoma. Studies have also suggested links to mental health and depression, cholesterol levels, and obesity. While we still don’t know everything there is to know about the gut microbiome, we do know that the health of our gut has a huge impact on our overall health. So, boosting your gut health can only be a good thing”

    It’s a topic that is of great interest to me as I have had IBS for a number of years.  I know that certain foods, too much caffeine. high stress levels and lack of sleep, can exacerbate my symptoms! 

    So how do you maintain a healthy gut?

    1. Eating more healthy, whole, foods such as organic, low fat meats or proteins, high Fibre foods e.g. wholegrains, nuts and pulses and getting your “5 a day” from fruits and vegetables.
    2. Avoiding processed foods as they are often high is sugar, fat and additives
    3. Drinking enough water
    4. Prebiotics and Probiotics for healthy gut bacteria -Probiotics are healthy bacteria and include food such as live yogurt, kafir, miso and pickles. Prebiotics feed healthy bacteria and include food such as onions, garlic, asparagus, whole wheat, spinach and oats. You should be able to get enough of both of these from a healthy diet.
    5. Lowering stress levels – meditation, exercise, feel good movies or music can help with this
    6. Eating regularly and slowly
    7. Drinking less alcohol and caffeine
    8. Eating good Fats such as those found in avocados, olive oil, coconut oil salmon and other oily fish
    9. Eating good carbs such as those found in sweet potatoes, whole grains, nuts, Chia seeds, pumkin seeds, lentils, kidney beans and whole fruits
    10. Sleeping well – apps such as Calm or Breathe can help with this

    I try to stick to these guidelines but, as we all know, it’s not always easy!  I have noticed that my IBS had flared up during Lockdown, as it’s obviously been a stressful time for everyone.  Then a friend introduced me to the Arbonne 30 days to Healthy Living plan.

    She had tried it herself as she wanted to lose a bit of weight and reduce her stress levels and she said it changed her life!  It’s not your classic de-tox or diet. It’s all about re-setting your body and mindset to establish healthy eating habits. 

    I was keen to try this but didn’t fancy committing to the full 30 days.  There is also a 14 day plan available so I tried this.  I was a bit concerned that I would have horrible detox symptoms, during the first couple of days, such as feeling faint and not being able to continue with my regular workout exercises, but this couldn’t have been further from the truth.  In fact I felt more engergised and my IBS symptoms virtually disappeared after the first few days!  Love that my skin looks and feels really smooth and soft (it’s quite sensitive) after drinking the Skin Elixir supplement and using my RE9 Advanced Prepwork Overnight face jelly which I qualified to receive free with my purchase!

    The plan is easy to follow as there are so many delicious food choices, tasty protein/smoothie shakes and lots of yummy (but healthy) snacks allowed between meals!  The hardest thing for me to give up was coffee but I managed to and it got easier after a few days of using the Energy Fizz Sticks!

    Energy Fizz Sticks

    I hadn’t planned on losing any weight, but by the end of my 14 days, I had lost 4lbs and felt amazing, without feeling hungry at all! I have had no IBS flare ups and I am feeling much more energised and relaxed and my skin feels really soft and plumped!  I never felt that compromised during the plan as I have discovered so many delicious, healthy alternatives to bad food and drink!

    Basically, I am still following the plan although I allow myself 1 cup of coffee in the morning and 1 alcoholic drink, if I am out with friends!

    I would honestly recommend this plan to anyone who would like to improve their gut health, energise their bodies, lose weight, improve their skin or maintain a healthy lifestyle. The plan caters for vegans and non vegans so there is something here for everyone!

    Arbonne sums the plan up perfectly, in their guidelines:

    “ 30 Days to Healthy Living is designed to help each person identify how they can choose to use food as fuel for their bodies to optimise how they look and feel, inside and out. It will help you to identify any foods that you are eating that might not be serving your body well. Our goal is to help you tune in to the messages that your body is sending so that you can eat and drink more intuitively, giving your body the nutrients that it needs to function optimally. The programme will also help support a balanced gut. So much of the body’s overall wellbeing is controlled by our gut, so supporting this area of our body will help optimise how we feel as well as how we look. The programme is also designed to help us feel more confident in ourselves. When we are rested and working to reduce feelings of stress, then we are better able to care for ourselves. A positive mindset can also impact our confidence because when you feel good physically and mentally, you look good too!”

    I love the fact that all their products are sustainably sourced.

    For more details on the plan check out their website:

    https://www.arbonne.com/discoveruk/products/30-days-to-healthy-living-and-beyond.shtml

    Plus:

    There are discounts & offers available if you would like to become a preferred customer!

    When you’ve completed your Healthy Living Plan, I recommend using A list fitness trainer, James Duigan’s Clean and Lean Cookbook to maintain your healthy eating with delicious recipes

    Clean and Lean Cookbook
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  • Health and Wellbeing

    How I’m surviving Lockdown!

    June 11, 2020 / 3 Comments

    Whether you are on your own, with your partner or your family during Lockdown, this is a challenging time for all of us.

    I returned from a wonderful holiday in Melbourne, Australia, mid March and, fortunately, I got to see my kids, (who are now both working and living in London)  for Mother’s Day, which was really lovely!  Lockdown followed shortly after and, as I am a single mum,  it was quite a shock to the system, going from constant socialising with friends and family in Aus, to suddenly being unable to meet up with my family or friends here.  I’m sure a lot of you can relate to this if you are on your own at the moment.  Even if you are currently with your partner/family or housemates, you are also likely to be facing challenges  – after all, it’s not that easy being stuck at home 24/7, without the odd fallout!

    I realised that I must let go of what I couldn’t control and recognise what was within my control so I made a plan of action that was ideal for me. I was determined not to let the situation get me down so I have taken these steps to cope with Lockdown- I hope these could help you too, so give them a try

    1. Counting my blessings:

    • I am very lucky to have my  wonderful family and friends and I look forward to catching up with them, in real life, soon!
    • My dad was tested positive for Covid19 but had not symptoms, apart from a high temperature.  After 3 weeks in hospital, he tested negative and is now free of the virus and can now be at home with my mum!
    • I very fortunate to still have both of my parents
    • I have a garden that I can use to sit and relax in
    • I have more time to relax and to catch up with household jobs that I’ve been meaning to do for ages!
    • I’m saving money by staying at home
    • Every day,  you should think about 1 thing that you should be grateful for!

    2. Staying in touch,virtually, with family and friends :

    • Video calls with family, friends  colleagues and clients via WhatsApp or, for larger groups,  using apps such as  Zoom or  House Party.  We often play games such as Heads Up, Quick Draw & Trivia-General Knowledge or Finish the Song Lyric – all great fun! My parents aren’t tech savvy anymore but we still keep in touch with phone calls!
    • If you are at home with your partner, family or housemates, try having some fun times together such as playing games such as Heads Up, Pictionary, Board games for Trivial Pursuit in the house or games such as Swing Ball Tennis, Swing Football, Lawn Twister & Giant Beer Pong in the garden.  I found some great ideas here: 27 Fun Outdoor Games You’ll Want To Play All Summer Long

    3. Daily Exercise Routines:  

    • Dancing is great for you as it releases endorphins in the brain, which alleviates stress and worry and makes the workout fun.  It’s also great for burning calories, core stability, flexibility and muscle strength.  I particularly love my  virtual Zumba dance workouts with my instructor, Clare, as my gym is currently closed!  You can check out all her classes on her Facebook page here: Live Stream Classes with Clare
    • I also enjoy HIIT workouts (High intensity interval training) which are great for improving cardiorespiratory function and for general fitness. As it’s very effective for improving fitness levels, you can get away with shorter workouts, which is always a bonus! 
    • I love Joe Wicks, The Body Coach HIIT workouts   You can either find his DVD workouts & recipe books on Amazon or try his  90day workout programme

    • I alternate these workouts with  Core strength and weight training. Core strength building is important for preventing and treating back pain, stabilising the spine, improving posture and reducing risk of injuries from sport.  Weight training great for building muscle and bone strength, lower your blood pressure and for boosting your metabolism.
    • I also love Hollywood trainer, Gunnar Peterson’s  Core Secrets workouts– you’ll need some dumbells and a Swiss ball for these!

    • If you’d prefer something less highly intense, you can also try Pilates and Yoga workouts.  These are great for stretching tense muscles and for mindfulness.
    • You can access many great workout DVDs and workout equipment on Amazon  I particularly enjoy, Joe Wicks, Denise Austin & Gunnar Petersen    I also love Fitness Blender workouts – you can some of these for FREE on their website or on YouTube!  Definitely worth giving these a try!
    • If you’d prefer to get out of the house, you can walk, run or bike ride outdoors!

    4. Organising and De-cluttering:

    • The house and the Wardrobe – I love using Pinterest for ideas and have saved some great tips to my Organising & De-cluttering Board 
    • Making a weekly/daily plan – ticking off completed tasks makes you feel great!
    • Storecupboard & Batch cooking – I use what’s in your storecupboard so that I can save money, wherever possible.  If you are on your own, you can freeze in batches to eat on another day!  Check out some recipes ideas from great British Chefs
    • Garden-  I love a beautiful garden but I’ve never really been into gardening and all the hard work that’s involved!  With some tips from my neighbours, I have managed to complete a few task which have really helped make my decking, balcony and garden look so much nicer.  It is still a work in progress thought!  Solar lighting is lovely and I’ve actually put on my gardening gloves and have added some lovely, easy care, plants to my, very hot, South facing garden. It is still a work in progress though!   I have saved some great ideas to my gardening Pinterest board. You can check them out here: Gorgeous Gardens

    5. Rest and Relaxation:

    • Listening to Feelgood music – here is Elle Magazine’s list of songs to help you chill out: Best Feel-Good songs 
    • Watching Feelgood films – I am loving watching Feelgood films right now! They’re great to watch on your own, with your partner, housemates or with your kids.  Here’s Empire magazine’s list of 30 Feelgood movies to distract you from the horror of 2020
    • Meditation –  It’s good for you as makes you feel more relaxed, happier, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and helps you focus.  I use the Calm app to help me chill out – you can download from your mobile app store.  The Breathe app is another good one from the app store – you can have a free trial of both of these
    • Getting a good night’s sleep- This is essential for your physical and mental health as improves your immune funtion,  it can improve concentration and productivity,  it boosts your metabolism and it can improve you athletic performance, I use the Calm app to listen to, very relaxing, sleep stories.  You can find some on the Breathe app too.

    6. Making Plans for our, Coronaviris Free Future!

    1. Create a Vision board  –   Having a vision board will help you to focus on all the things you want to achieve and will inspire you  to to make them happen.  The board is a collage of images and words representing a person’s wishes or goals, intended to serve as inspiration or motivation.  How to make a vision board  I really love this Vision Board Kit  It’s a really easy way to get started 
    2. Creating a Bucket list- This is a list of  things you want to do in your lifetime i.e. before you “kick the bucket”!  -This can include places you want to visit, and things you want to see and do.  Here are some great ideas that I have saved to my Pinterest Bucket List board
    3. Start a new course or find a new hobby – Fancy learning a new language, arts & crafts, creative writing, playing an instument, gardening or photography?  Now would be the ideal time to start! I am currently learning French, Spanish and Italian and I’m also doing some on-line business courses.  Checkout some that you can try here:  10 hobbies to take up during lockdown to keep yourself busy

    I hope this has inspired you to stay positive during these difficult times!  Please feel free to leave to comment below.

    You can find out more about my Life Coaching services here

    I will  be sharing some new blog posts soon.  Take care and stay safe!

    Cindy xx

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