Summer is here, with its long, warm sunny days, blue skies, lush verdant growth and a bounty of flowers. The seasonal cycle has worked its magic and, once again, a landscape that only a few months ago looked grey, bare, almost lifeless, is now a vibrant riot of colours, scents and sounds. Waist-high ferns, cow …
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 …
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. …
The phrase ‘networking event’ is enough to put the frighteners on many people. It conjures up images of polyester suits, fake smiles and hovering by the pastries table, feeling both horribly self-conscious and totally invisible. Let’s face it, talking to strangers at the best of times can be hard. Networking, as a definition, means not …
Maya Angelou, the great American poet and author, famously wrote: ‘Nothing can dim the light that shines within.’ However, when the sky is grey and the night draws in at about 4pm, it’s easy to start feeling lethargic and perhaps a little low in mood, too, especially if you’re nursing yet another winter sniffle. The …
Maybe the scent of cranberries, oranges and cinnamon filling the room makes coming home feel like a warm hug. Or it could be the aroma of apple slices and vanilla extract, reminding you of baking a cake with the help of a favourite relative, that brightens up your day. Whatever the associations, there’s something about …
The streets of Addis Ababa pulse with energy. Blue and white Lada taxis weave their way through the traffic, the call to prayer rings out every few hours and sellers bustle around, proudly displaying their wares. Meanwhile, traditional music booms out from shops and street corners. Yet, if you step inside homes, offices and meeting …
Is there someone you always talk to at the end of a gym class, a neighbour you enjoy nattering with when you bump into each other on the street, or a colleague you chat to while waiting for the kettle to boil in the staff kitchen? Perhaps that someone makes you smile, and you feel …
Hands up who loves nettles. These hardy plants, which grow profusely in the wild, are far from the most favoured species. They’ve caused many a child’s tears and ruined country walks, not to mention being unpopular with gardeners. Yet there are numerous benefits hidden within their jagged leaves and prickly stems. Before modern medicine, nature’s …
For many, a holiday brings joy – whether it’s a city sightseeing break, a few days’ walking in the countryside or a fortnight on an idyllic beach. But there’s also excitement to be found in the weeks leading up to a trip, especially one that’s long in the planning or a childhood dream. ‘Anticipating a …
