With restaurants and pubs opening around the UK this weekend and lockdown measures lifting across the world, there is a sense that life pre-corona is slowly returning.
For most of us the past few months will have been an emotional rollercoaster, adapting to new rules and ways of living, then just as we get used to the ‘new norm’ things change again, leaving us in a constant state of stress and anxiety. As shops re-open, children return to school and businesses welcome staff back to the office, a new kind of anxiety comes with it.
‘Re-entry anxiety’, is a type of stress and anxiety related to the fear or worry of returning to normal life and leaving lockdown. This type of anxiety can come from worry about catching the virus, fear of leaving the house or being in busy public spaces where you might feel vulnerable.
We are all dealing with this crisis differently, your experience will be different on any given day and will be influenced by where you are physically in the world, government guidelines around what you can and cannot do but also your mental energy and mindset will play a huge role in how you respond to the challenges you are facing daily. Here are my top five strategies to help you adjust to life after lockdown and manage re-entry anxiety.
Take things one day at a time
Don’t rush back to normal if there are some things you feel apprehensive about. If the office re-opens and you are anxious about returning, then speak to your boss about going back gradually and build it up slowly. It is important to do things at your own pace.
Stay in your own lane
Don’t compare other people’s actions with your own, if your friend is happy to go to the pub and meet groups in the park but you still don’t feel comfortable, then don’t do it. It is important to recognise that we all cope with things differently and are at different stages of this pandemic, mentally and emotionally.
Recognise what you can and cannot control
Accepting that you cannot control some situations but can control how you react to them is a key coping strategy. Always direct the lion’s share of your attention, energy, and effort to what you can control, not what you cannot.
Start by asking yourself what parts of this process are within my control? Write down all the things that are in your control, then proactively put in place those actions to regain that control. Also try listing out where you have no control of, recognise its out of your hands and draw a line under it. Then try to reframe it to put yourself in control and back in the driver’s seat.
Check your internal dialogue
Recognise when you are having negative thoughts or chats with yourself. Because of all the change and uncertainty, it is easy to get caught in a negative thought loop. It’s not our fault, the human brain is wired to pay more attention to the negative. It is called negative bias and is a natural evolutionary response designed to keep us alive. While this is super useful, if we don’t close down the negative thoughts they will take over and this can have a huge impact on our mental health and mindset. Learn to recognise when your thoughts are helpful and when they are not.
Create your own emotional first aid kit
Just like you would reach for a plaster if you cut your finger, you need to have an emotional equivalent for when you feel anxious. Exercise, breathing techniques, gardening, journaling, and baking are all great ways of quietening an anxious mind. You might also want to use supplements like CBD or kava kava, as both have been found to be effective as a way of managing and reducing the symptoms of anxiety. You just have to find the coping strategy that works for you and practise it regularly.
If you are struggling with re-entry anxiety, try not to put too much pressure on yourself to adjust, talk to a friend and work out strategies that feel comfortable and achievable. You can also contact Samaritans who offer a confidential listening service, 24/7 on 116 123.
With summer finally here, al fresco dining is in full swing and what better way to start your day than breakfast in the garden. While we can’t jet off to far flung destinations right now, we can create our own little taste of sunshine in a jar. Chosan, offers an exotic new option for spreading on your brioche or croissant.
This delicious collection of artisan jams and spreads is made with Baobab, known for its health properties, including antioxidants which boost the immune system. You can enjoy this superfood in four exciting new flavours, Baobab Chocolate Spread, Orange and Baobab Jam, Baobab Jam with Ginger and Banana and Baobab Jam. They are all tasty and are bursting with flavour, but the Baobab Jam with Ginger is to die for. The chocolate spread was a big hit in my house too, it tastes like your favourite luxury chocolate bar in a jar.
Inspired by the fruits and flavours of Africa, Chosan supports women farmers in Gambia. Jones, who used to live in Gambia working with women’s projects, was struck by how much fruit and vegetables went to waste.
“I noticed that the hard work producing food crops was undermined because of seasonal gluts, with virtually no processing of surplus, meaning they don’t get much to show for it.” said Jones.
“Later on, working internationally for a development agency, I was inspired by products I saw in Asia and Latin America, such as mango bars, guava cheese and sapodilla ice cream – all made from fruits that also grow in The Gambia.”
Chosan now creates its own fruit-based range as well as supporting women food producers in The Gambia with equipment and supplies, such as lids for recycled jam jars. This will enable them to develop products that make use of seasonal food crops.
Baobab is wild harvested, so is naturally organic and Chosan’s jams and spreads use far less sugar than most jams, sweetened with unrefined cane sugar and no artificial sweeteners.
The range also includes sorbets and drinks all made with delicious, tropical flavours with nutritional benefits.
All four of Chosan’s new jams and spreads are available in 190g glass jars. They include no allergens, are gluten free and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
The coronavirus pandemic has left families globally, unable to see their loved ones. This period of self-isolation has been a time to reflect and has left family members seeking out deeper connections with one another while spending more time sharing and exploring their family history.
Coronavirus has highlighted that connection is essential to our emotional and mental health with research from Ancestry®, revealing 57% of British adults feel that being connected to their family is a key factor in improving wellbeing. The research comes as lockdown rules loosen and meeting up with loved ones in our support bubble is top of our minds, particularly after such a long time of being unable to be physically together.
The study of more than 2,000 British adults also found that 41% of people seek more meaningful connections in our day-to-day lives with this rising to 59% amongst those aged between 18-34. Meanwhile, a further 61% said that they are interested in digging into the roots of their family tree in hope of forming closer bonds with their relatives.
Along with helping ourselves feel closer to our families, discussing family history and stories from the past can also help navigate this period of uncertainty. Discovering your family history can give you a real sense of security and a better understanding of who you are. Exploring your family origins, listening to tales from relatives and sharing early memories creates a sense of togetherness and strengthens family bonds.
Learning more about your family can you take you on your own travel journey as you uncover where your ancestors were born and raised, as well as how their heritage and culture has shaped your family and you as a person.
Discovering the road your great grandparents and their great grandparents have travelled and the challenges they may have encountered in life, is a good leveller. Knowing their origins and perhaps even the hard times they faced and overcame can put life’s current struggles and worries into perspective too.
It’s really simple to get started, using tools like ancestry.co.uk, you can enter your family’s names and dates of birth, or as much information as you can. Once you start adding detail, you’ll get hints for other records and other family members, that help show you where to look next and lead you to even more discoveries.
Sleep is always on the agenda. Luxury hotels around the world compete for the most opulent turndown services for guests to have the perfect dreamy slumber. We have rounded up the top five services from historic castles to London hideaways and cruises on the world’s most famous waterways…
Castell Son Claret, Mallorca
Castell Son Claret is an ultra-luxury hotel, on the beautiful Island of Mallorca in the Balearics. The hotel merges pure nature, relaxing luxury and culinary delights. It is no wonder that it is a member of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World.’ The former 19th century castle, meticulously renovated in 2013 by the Kühne family welcomes guests to a unique experience. Surrounded by lavish gardens, the 41 rooms and suites are of contemporary design, many featuring terraces and their own garden or a private pool.
On arrival, guests are met with homemade ‘tostas’ of butter bread with dates and dried apricots, all washed down with homemade lemon and orange marmalade made fresh from produce in the gardens. Whilst at dinner, (the hotel is home to the only two Michelin Star restaurant in the Balearic Islands, named Zaranda) the hotel will turn down the beds in the sumptuous suites and leave different homemade pastries that change on a daily basis. Guests can snuggle down with a traditional Mallorcan Ensaimada by chef, Fernando P. Arellano, made with Mallorcan Black pork lard ‘Saïm de porc negre’, a chocolate and praline cupcake, a Castell lemon and Mallorcan olive oil cupcake or a crispy Castell butter cookie. Sweet dreams!
The Strand Cruise operates luxury river cruises between Bagan and Mandalay on the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar. Airy and plush, the famed Strand Suites feature a king bed, floor-to-ceiling windows with a separate private balcony from which to sit gaze at the river and landscapes during the journey. Guests can relax in total intimacy at the sitting area complete with sofa, armchair and low table or sit at the desk and journal about the once in a lifetime journey. Each evening, a different turn down gift appears in each of the ship’s 25 cabins that reflects the experiences passengers have had during the day. The service allows guests to reflect on what they have seen and to dream of what they will encounter the following day. Turn down gifts placed on the beds include a Strand Lacquer box – produced in the ancient lacquer workshops in Bagan, handmade wicker Slippers, a sand or water painting and a traditional Longyi worn by Myanmar people, which passengers will have learnt how to tie during a demonstration that day.
The five-star Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese offers guests an exclusive sleep menu for the ultimate rest and relaxation while staying at the new, chic hotel in the heart of the romantic city. Guests can choose a range of pillows to suit the way they sleep and even the positions they sleep in. This includes the Reverie Douceur; a natural square pillow, with its fluffy, cosy comfort which is ideal for those who sleep on their stomach, or the Reverie Contact; a natural but firmer pillow which is advised for those who sleep on their back.
The hotel also offers a Room Mist which is signature scented product; an elegant French blend of citrus and white sandalwood for a sense of warmth, to enhance the fresh, crisp design of the bedrooms and suites. The scent can be requested before bed, for the ultimate slumber. For that extra element of TLC, Sofitel Rome has a selection of indulgent baths to choose from, ranging from therapeutic bath salts, soothing fragrances and bath bombs, to natural sea sponges and scented candles. Guests can also order from the hotel’s reading selection, to fully wind down between calming baths and a dreamy night’s sleep, whilst lying beneath the subtly lit Baroque-inspired ceiling frescoes which create the illusion of an open sky. A sleep service like no other.
The Corinthia Hotel London is right in the bustling and busy heart of the capital, on the corner of Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall Place. The hotel is home to 283 bedrooms, 52 of which are suites and seven that are extravagant penthouses. Contrary to its central location, the hotel creates an oasis of calm and tranquility. The opulent Garden Suites overlooking the beautifully manicured courtyard are testament to this and are a true botanical haven in which to unwind in the city. All beds at the hotel are turned down each night and each guest is given a lavender bag for a soothing night’s sleep as well as a William Curley chocolate for those midnight feast cravings!
At this sumptuous Thai resort on Phuket’s western coast, guests can laze the days away at the beach, then return to the dreamiest sleep. The ‘Slumber Guru’ service at Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa is a calming ritual that begins with a candlelit milk bath, where guests can sip herbal tea or Italian hot chocolate in the tub. Post-soak, there’s a soothing massage with lavender or ylang-ylang essential oil. Sleep awaits in a bed made with the guests’ personal pillow selection, misted with a relaxing spray. A lavender silk eye mask is left by the bed by staff as well as ear plugs to drown out any unwanted noise, for the perfect night’s sleep and sensational dreams.
Here are tips from various lovely members of #TeamCoco on how to make this time the most productive, enjoyable and relaxing experience of your working life.
1. Get a Varidesk.
I was getting serious backache as lockdown began. Long hours at an unsuitable living room chair and table aren’t good for anyone.
But then, I welcomed the Varidesk into my life. It arrived fully assembled with nine different height settings – and is super easy and safe to use. I move it from the top of my wardrobe, to my table, to my window sill, depending on my mood and the light.
Standing desks are proven to reduce stress, increase productivity by 48% and burn extra calories.
www.vari.com
2. Get that work-life balance
Rachel McAlley splits the day up. She spends her morning on housework, laundry, shopping and homeschooling and then the afternoon is for work.
Anna Willatt starts the day with 15 minutes of quiet downtime, screen-free and with a coffee in hand.
Her top tip is: “Be clear when you are clocking off to colleagues or clients and then STOP WORKING.”
3. Make ‘achievement lists’ rather than ‘to-do’ lists
Founder of House of Coco Laura Bartlett says: “Some days I wake up and do what I feel like doing and THEN write it down – so it’s like I have a to do list of things I already achieved and it makes me feel a real sense of accomplishment”.
4. Find your own groove
Bronwyn Townsend spends the morning relaxing, walking and catching up on the news. Then works during the afternoon and evening. She says: “I’m a night owl and the 9-5 schedule was always a nightmare for my productivity.”
For Amira Arasteh, it is all about waking up naturally: “I love to leave my curtains open so the sun wakes me up and I’m not in a groggy mood for the day.”
Deb Donns says: “The opportunity to loosen the boundaries has enabled me to discover what times of day I’m more focused and creative, resulting in a new schedule that I’ll carry on beyond lock down”.
5. Surround yourself with scents
Anyone who has had a mild form of coronavirus and lost their sense of smell will appreciate how important scents can be for wellbeing.
Alexandra Harrison-Chinn recommends: “burning different candles, spraying relaxing scents before bed, using pulse roll ons and shower oils to revive or relax”.
For a new sort of scent, we recommend RAWE Sugar Co’s natural soya wax melts. These are handmade and created with therapeutic grade essential oils – yum!
If you are a travel junkie looking for inspiration or simply dreaming of leaving your house, let your imagination run wild by reading about your dream destination from home. Recommended by travel insiders such as hoteliers and destination specialists, these books have the power to transport you to beautiful locations beyond your front door.
Greece
Corfu: Recommended by Vassilis Dracopoulos, Owner of MarBella Collection
Transport yourself to Corfu with ‘My Family and Other Animals’ by Gerald Durrell
This wonderfully uplifting book will help you fight away the isolation blues and transport you to the Greek island of Corfu. Durrell’s exceptional book paints a vivid picture of the Greek landscape, so detailed you will feel as if you are experiencing them yourself. With thoughtfully portrayed characters and fascinating descriptions of the locals, nature and wildlife, this book will have every reader ready to visit Corfu.
Dive deep into Greece with Vassilis Dracopoulos’ additional book recommendations including ‘From the Holy Mountain’ by William Dalrymple, ‘Prospero’s Cell’ by Lawrence Durrell, ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ by Louis de Bernier, ‘Graves Mythology’ by Robert Graves, ‘The Peloponnesian War’ by Donal Kagan, ‘Pyrrhus of Epirus’ by Jeff Champion, ‘Memoirs of Hadrian by Margueritte Yourcenar and ‘Roumeli – Travels in Northern Greece’ by Patrick Leigh Fermor.
Crete: Recommended by Natasha Martsekis, Founder and CEO of Bright Blue Villas
Take a Virtual Trip to Crete with ‘The Island’ by Victoria Hislop
Set on the island of Spinalonga, off the coast of Crete where lepers were banished, this award-winning novel is filled with love, drama and secrets. Whilst the story may have you gripped, the author’s research into Cretan culture is evident, creating an inspiring vision of this popular Greek island. Readers will be taken on a fantastic adventure, whilst learning from an inspiring account of Cretan history.
Zagori: Recommended by Vasilis Iosifidis, Owner of Aristi Mountain Resort & Villas
Fantasy Travel to the Greek Mountains with ‘Walking and Trekking in the Zagori: Walking routes in Greece’s wild and beautiful northern Pindos mountains’by Aris-Dimitrios Leontaritis
In North West Greece, Zagori is a beautiful mountainous region that still remains relatively unknown amongst visitors. This detailed and visual guide showcases the best of its unspoilt trekking routes, from dramatic gorges to mystical forests, clear blue rivers and rugged alpine peaks. Whether you are an amateur hiker or an adrenaline junkie this is a destination worth dreaming about. Filled with pictures of the stunning Zagori landscape, this book will truly transport you into the Greek mountains.
Italy
Tuscany: Recommended by Jasmine Boni-Ball, Tuscany Now & More
Escape to the Italian Countryside with ‘Under the Tuscan Sun’ by Frances Mayes
This enchanting memoir perfectly portrays the sights, smells and sounds of Tuscany. Much like many properties in Tuscany, Frances Mayes finds herself in an abandoned villa which she carefully restores. Readers join Frances on her incredible journey through Tuscany’s vibrant local markets, beautiful landscapes and historic and cultural sites. Her recipes, cooked in her traditional kitchen will set you taste buds on fire whilst her story transports you to Italy’s magical destination. By the end of the book, we guarantee you’ll be as in love with Tuscany as we are.
To truly give you a sense of Tuscany, Jasmin Boni-Ball also recommends reading; ‘Every Day in Tuscany’ by Frances Mayes, ‘Vanilla Beans and Brodo’ by Isabella Dusi and ‘The Agony and The Ecstasy’ by Irving Stone.
Courmayeur: Recommended by Alessandra Borre, Courmayeur Monte Blanc
Keep Cool and Dream of the Slopes with ‘Courmayeur : A Mad Dog Ski Guide’ by Gaby De Pace
Already prepping for the 2021 ski season? Plan the perfect trip to impress your friends and family with this expert guide to Courmayeur. With clear maps and detailed descriptions of slopes, bars and restaurants, this guide will help you plan the ultimate ski trip for next year.
Want an extra opinion? Alessandra Borre also recommends ‘Courmayeur – Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges – a Guide for Skiers’ by Anselme Baud
Venice: Recommended by Chiara Zambianchi, General Manager at Grand Hotel dei Dogi, The Dedica Anthology
Live the glitz and glamour Venetian lifestyle with ‘Venetian Chic’ by Francesca Bortolotto Possati
This stunning coffee table book written by art connoisseur, interior designer, and hotelier Francesca Bortolotto Possati is filled with incredible photography by Robyn Lea. It will lead you on a magical journey through Venice. Perfect for armchair travellers, Francesca Bortolotto Possati guides readers through the city and its best kept secrets. Showcasing Venice’s premium artisan studios, iconic palazzos, markets and restaurants, the book is both beautiful and informative.
Rome: Recommended By Piero Magrino, General Manager at Palazzo Naiadi, The Dedica Anthology
Immerse yourself in the ancient city of Rome with ‘Angel and Demons’ by Dan Brown
The famous thriller is gripping and inspiring, taking the reader on a mysterious journey through the ancient city of Rome. Dan Brown imaginatively describes the city through the story of Robert Langdon who travels through Rome’s sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals and the most secret vault in the world on his quest to defeat the Illuminati. Reading Angels and Demons, you feel as if you have visited the eternal city and once travel resumes you can retrace Langdon’s steps in person.
Turkey
Istanbul: Recommended by Sedat Nemli, General Manager at AJWA Hotel Sultanahmet
Explore Turkey’s most populous city with ‘Strolling Through Istanbul: The Classic Guide to the City’ by Hilary Summer-Boyd and John Freely
There is no better way to experience a city than by foot and this classic guide will take you on a fantasy stroll around Istanbul. Planning a trip to Istanbul? This book is perfect for an in-depth look into this captivating city. Written by true experts, the book provides vivid anecdotes, secret histories, hidden gems and details on all the best attractions to visit. Whilst guidebooks can be hard to follow whilst you are on the ground, this book will help you plan the future trip of a lifetime, ensuring you won’t miss a thing in the city.
To further inspire your virtual trip to Istanbul, Sedat Nemli also recommends; ‘Istanbul: Memories and the City’ by Orhan Pamuk, ‘The Ottoman Centuries’ by Lord Kinross and ‘The Fall of Constantinople, 1453’ by Steven Runciman
Hungary
Budapest: Recommended by Tamas Fazekas, General Manager of New York Palace, The Dedica Anthology
Experience Budapest through the beautiful imagery in Luxury Budapest 2020
This incredible coffee table book offers readers a perfect guide to the Hungarian capital. Filled with alluring pictures and well written articles, the reader is guided through the luxury Budapest lifestyle. This stylish book will help readers discover the elegance, beauty, history and culture of the city, taking you on a trip around Budapest’s finest restaurants and visiting the city’s most luxurious elements.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia: Recommended by Angela Torille, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
‘Sent Lisi: Poems and Art of Saint Lucia’ by Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, Sir Dunstand St. Omer, Roderick Walcott, Harry Simmons, John Robert Lee and others
It was described at the launch as “an iconic collection”, which features the work of Nobel laureate Derek Walcott (his poems and art), Sir Dunstan St. Omer, the late Roderick Walcott and deceased icon Harry Simmons alongside the poems and art of younger St. Lucian writers and artists. Eighteen writers and seventeen artists are featured. Amongst them is John Robert Lee, a writer from St Lucia whose short stories and poems have appeared in international anthologies. This is a wonderful book which encompasses older and younger St. Lucians, all who have nurtured their artists, writers, musicians, dancers and actors.
Further recommendations include Growing Up in St. Lucia by Loverly Sheridan
UK
Northern Ireland: Recommended by Julie Hastings, Hastings Hotels
Snuggle up with a classic and dream of the Mourne Mountains with’ ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ from C.S.Lewis
C.S Lewis, author of `The Chronicles of Narnia’ that began with `The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, was inspired by the Mourne landscape in County Down, Northern Ireland. He wrote of the scenery here “it made me feel that at any moment a giant might raise its head over the next ridge”. Lewis holidayed in the Mourne Mountains, near the village of Rostrevor. He loved the Celtic myths told to him in childhood, also inspiration for his Narnia stories.
Getting the motivation to work out at home is tough, especially when group workouts aren’t an option and the sofa is looking extremely attractive. However several incredible fitness companies have come to the rescue and created amazing interactive content you can access from home. So step away from that Netflix series, hop off the sofa and I guarantee doing even a few minutes a day will be worth it!
BLITZ it with MANOR
Already known for their approach to the mental as well as the physical, MANOR has a strong history of offering straightforward, results-led fitness & training that emphasises commitment, technique and camaraderie. Their work with London charities and especially men’s mental health charities has inspired them to create BLITZ to act as inspiration and support during this time. BLITZ has been designed to keep your immune system strong, your body active, your mind focused and your spirit positive.
You can expect online training from ex-professional athletes, accountability and motivation through the social media community, food and nutrition tips and daily access to supportive and inspiring content. mymanor.london
Stream Live Classes with Peloton
Described as game changing live fitness, Peloton Membership is a pass to classes that range in length and intensity and boasts millions of members worldwide.
You may be surprised to know that you don’t need a Peloton branded bike or equipment to access all of their online classes streamed right to you. They have also just extended the membership trial to the Peloton app so it’s free for 90 days. You can use it for not just accessing live and on-demand cycling classes, but also guided workouts for yoga, meditation, HIIT, walking, running, and weight training. onepeloton.co.uk
Try Stress Less Yoga
Anything focused on stress relief at the moment has to be a positive and London based Annie Clarke is bringing her stress busting yoga flows, meditation and breathwork practices to help you manage your stress. Available for free on Youtube use these full length sessions to make your home more zen over the coming weeks.
Try sequences including stress-less flow, grounding meditation and even less scroll and more soul mindfulness practices. So put your phone down, take a breath and a moment of calm. annieclarke.com
Work Up a Sweat with Third Space
One of London’s most exclusive gyms Third Space is opening its doors to the world via Instagram. Offering a range of classes each day from the ‘Extreme’ workout, which is as its name suggests, one to get the heart rate going, to a selection of core and yoga classes. Class schedules go live the day before, so decide on your favourite elite trainer and schedule in that workout. All workouts are available for 24 hours afterwards so no excuses! Allowing you to train for life, right from your living room. Instagram @thirdspacelondon
Feel The Burn with Barry’s Bootcamp
Known by some via their slogan ‘The Best Workout in the World’ Barry’s Bootcamp is synonymous with The Red Room and Hell Week. You can now create your very own Red Room and join in a virtual Hell Week from home with free 30 minute daily sessions available on the Barry’s UK instagram. With an emphasis on community spirit, they are focusing on the mental as well as the physical toll isolation is taking, especially on those who are home alone. With a new initiative called Barry’s Cares they can help with nutrition, offer a friendly ear through some of their team who are mental health First Aiders and even put together virtual family workouts. Instagram @barrysuk
I need comfort food to get through this lockdown. Before I went vegan, I would be running to the nutella jar, spoon in hand.
The last few weeks have given me an excuse to explore vegan alternatives to Nutella. My mission: to discover spreads which are just as delicious without any of the cruelty.
Some little-known facts about Nutella: Ferrero faced a lawsuit a few years back for claiming, falsely, that Nutella was nutricious and the first two ingredients are sugar and palm oil, NOT hazelnuts.
After a lengthy search, let me give you my top three delicious, slightly more healthy, and vegan Nutella alternatives.
1 – Grecious Tahini with Cocoa
If you like nuts then this one is for you. It is delicious creamy yet totally dairy-free.
Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, without preservatives or additives. Only 13% of a nutella jar is hazelnuts while a whopping 62% of this Grecious spread is ground sesame seeds.
I love this one on porridge or in a cake – it is a bit too thick and overpowering on toast. A bonus: all the products from Grecious are ethically and sustainably sourced.
Get it delivered from www.harveynichols.com
2 – Vego Chocolate Spread
Vegan, organic and palm-oil free, the Vego spread is the closest thing to nutella I have tasted.
22% hazelnuts, plenty of raw cane sugar and shea butter, this is not necessarily the healthiest option. But it sure is yummy.
Get it delivered from www.hollandandbarrett.com.
3 – Raw Cacao Brazilnut Bliss
Just four superfood ingredients: 78% Brazil nuts with agave nectar, cacao powder and hemp oil. This one has a hell of a lot more protein per g than Nutella and raw Brazil nuts come with tons of good-for-you nutrients like selenium and copper.
As well as scoring top marks on the health front, this spread is flavourful and delicious on toast, in puddings or even in homemade ice cream. Only one downside: the oil tends to separate so stir it before you dig in.
Get it delivered from your local stockist – all the details at www.rawvibrantliving.co.uk.
Elevate your vegan journey with expert advice on essential supplements. Check out House of Coco for invaluable insights into maximizing your nutrition.
Life can be trying right now. So we are here to recommend three luxurious things to give you that little lift. Self-care is vital so let’s take the things we can do and make them as wonderful as possible.
Tea by La Duree
If you are anything like me then you have been consuming more tea than usual. While you are stuck indoors, it is high time to try the most luxurious tea out there: La Duree.
While Ladurée is primarily known for its macarons and sweet treats, it has launched a delicious range of black and herbal teas which are available from delivery at Harvey Nichols.
Our favourite is the most decadent tea of all: the Marie-Antoinette with a dash of jasmine, citrus and rose petals. You will never think of a tea break in the same way again.
I light a scented candle every evening as it gets dark while I sink into a good book and a glass of something chilled – bliss!
Most scented candles are bad for our health as they release unwanted chemicals. But you get none of those nasties with Holistic because each candle is made from soy wax, meaning they are completely vegan.
And they smell divine, perfect for a bedroom or bathroom. We tried the neroli + camomile scents as well as the bergamot + wildflower. Close your eyes and you are whisked to a summer garden or an aroma-filled spa.
Visit: thisisholisticlondon.com.
Hendricks Lunar Gin
A G&T from your balcony? A virtual happy hour over houseparty? We are right with you.
To take your gin game to luxury levels, try the Hendrick’s Lunar Gin. Divine with ginger ale and a twist of lemon or your very best tonic and a slice of cucumber, this gin will make your evenings in all the merrier.
A slightly floral, mysterious gin, this one is limited edition so get it delivered to your house ASAP.
GET TO GRIPS WITH THE LOCAL LINGO FOR A HOLIDAY TO PUERTO RICO
This year sees the 500th year anniversary of Old San Juan, the island’s capital. World Heritage listed Old San Juan as one of the oldest cities in the USA and encapsulates the rich cultural identity of Puerto Rico, interweaving Taino, African and Spanish traditions. This distinctive mix makes San Juan a vibrant city, passionate about music and dance and sensational food.
The city’s must-visit neighbourhoods include the charming Old Town with its pastel-coloured colonial Spanish buildings and blue cobblestone streets, cosmopolitan Condado which is home to fashionable boutiques and high-end restaurants; and cool Santurce, a hipster hangout with its speakeasy cocktail bars and street food markets. Puerto Rico is on everyone’s must visit list. To truly feel like a local and to make the most of your future trip, work on mastering the lingo from the comfort of your own home. Spanish is the most common language spoken on the beautiful island and Duolingo is a great way for beginners to learn from scratch or for intermediates to brush up on their skills. Not only is Duolingo useful when learning a new language, it’s fun and addictive. It takes a game-like approach to learning and offers apps for iOS, Windows Phone, and Android. What’s even better is that Duolingo is completely free for users. Alternatively, if you prefer a more dedicated approach in terms of learning a new language, consider taking private Spanish lessons with Preply.
MASTER THE FRENCH LANGUAGE FOR A WINTER TRIP TO QUÉBEC, CANADA
We can think of nothing better than self-isolating in a cosy, snowy cabin right about now. Hibernation is the order of the day. With so much time on our hands, it’s time start dreaming up a winter escape later in the year to beautiful Québec. With just a seven hour flight time from the UK, an Atlantic crossing has never been closer. From poutine in Montréal, wine and cider tasting in Québec’s southern regions, winter carnivals and snug cottages in snowy landscapes, there is so much to start planning. To get ahead of the game, the BBC are offering online courses to study French, the official language of the Canadian province. Voila!
2020 marks the 250 anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s birth – and today, Vienna still sets the tone as the European capital of classical music. Although travel is halted at the moment, we can still sit back, wine in hand and listen to all the amazing music created by the world-famous composer on Spotify. The tunes are also the perfect background music for a calming work space, alongside a strong coffee.
Vienna is not a city in a hurry and will be waiting with open arms, just a short plane journey away for culture vultures. The city is the perfect spot to read books, go to the opera, eat endless plates of sacher torte and linger over a hot chocolate. A whole culture has evolved around the coffee houses to encourage a more relaxed way of life. For the price of a cup of coffee visitors can buy entrance to a club where they can spend the day reading newspapers (still hung on wooden rods), people watching, discussing noels or thinking. To get you’re Viennese coffee order perfected or to converse correctly over scrumptious strudel, it’s time to brush up on the German language, the most widely spoken tongue in Austria. Babbel offers an easy and fun way to learn German with some online language learning platforms focusing primarily on just speaking. Here at House of Coco, we are itching to get back to exploring the world. While we wait we are busy planning and prepping for our next adventure.
