It’s 8am in Querétaro, Central Mexico, and I’m following a miniature schnauzer as she charts a course through the city with her nose. We’ve chased pigeons in the plaza, disrupted the line of nuns filing into the Convento de la Santa Cruz and trekked as far as the mirador with its view of the aqueduct …
A leisurely browse of the sunglasses, a spritz of Jo Malone’s latest scent, I even consider buying a giant Toblerone, just for the fun of it. Breezing around London Gatwick’s north terminal on a quiet Monday afternoon, I’m in my element. It’s the most relaxed I’ve been in months. Far from being bored or lonely, …
When you think of home décor, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s selecting the perfect colour palette, creating a mood board or finding the right lighting to set the ambience? Maybe, as a final touch, you add a few potted plants or arrange a terrarium on a side table. It’s no secret that nature is …
Some say that wellness is a journey, not a destination – an ongoing process where personal health is incorporated into every aspect of your life. And few would disagree that looking after and maintaining personal wellbeing is a positive aim. Occasionally, however, it can go awry, particularly if the pursuit of optimum health involves following …
Living sustainably to reduce the impact on the environment is something many households strive for. But when it comes to buying flowers to brighten up your home or a floral arrangement for a wedding or celebration, being a conscious consumer can be challenging. In the UK, for example, only 14 per cent of all flowers …
Can you remember what happened the last time you managed to get to ‘inbox zero’, reached the bottom of the washing basket or ticked off every task on your daily to-do list? How did it feel? And how long did that sense of accomplishment last? Chances are, you soon noticed the emails arriving again, the …
If you see a friend or loved one on the brink of a big life decision that you’re confident isn’t right for them, it’s hard to know what to do with your feelings. Whether it’s a relocation, new partner, career change, business venture, relationship break-up or something else, your knowledge of their preferences, values and …
Have you ever woken from a dream and found yourself puzzling over an encounter with an animal? The details might be vivid and strong, or you might recall only hazy fragments, but you’re certain that during your slumber you were visited by a beloved pet or perhaps a more mysterious creature whose presence felt unclear. …
Canals are an often overlooked – yet deeply significant – part of the cultural landscape. They pass through urban sprawl and peaceful countryside, providing an opportunity to pause, reflect and embrace the unhurried rhythms of life. Once bustling arteries that connected industrial towns and cities during their commercial peak, canals worldwide have undergone a remarkable …
Poetry. Perhaps you’ve thought about writing it but were too shy to try. Or you tried but were put off by the idea of rules or rhyming. If so, you’re not alone. The prospect of composing a poem can strike fear into the heart of anyone who thought they’d left the subject behind at the …
