As a child, I was lucky enough to grow up around people who love stories and plants. From the Flower Fairies to Brighid, The Bluebird to The Secret Garden, I was shaped by nature stories. So many flowers have fantastic associated folklore. Here are some of the stories behind one of the flowers I encountered […]
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For a quick and easy nature fix, just look up. Even if you’re stuck indoors, admiring the clouds through a window can help you feel that bit more relaxed. Hone your knowledge by trying some cloud ID, or just let your imagination carry you away and enjoy the stories told by the sky. Sometimes, it’s […]
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The recycling bin is a rich source of crafting materials, but all too many people empty it, then go out and spend a fortune on cardboard, fabric and many other things they could be getting for free. I’ve long believed that there are two ways to improve your income: earn more, or spend less. By […]
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If the thought of the week ahead is stressing you out, try adding some mindfulness to your life. There’s an ever growing amount of research that shows the health benefits of mindfulness (and it can help your work performance too.) Adding mindfulness to your life can be as simple as downloading an app. I’m a […]
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It’s the perfect time of year for taking photographs for Rainbowblooms. Flowers are blooming in almost every colour of the rainbow (though blue seems elusive, while violet is everywhere – along with indigo in the hedgerows.) However, the reds, oranges and yellows are abundant too – and only likely to get more so as […]
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As the school holidays reach their end, many parents are finding their wallets stretched thin. Here are some free ways to have fun this weekend (whether you have kids or not). They could even save you money… Go Foraging I’ve picked all the above in the last few weeks (in a town, not the depths […]
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I have long been a fan of afternoon tea. One of the best I’ve ever had was at the Old Thatch on Shanklin (pictured). However, when times are tight, even a reasonably priced afternoon tea is out of budget. Luckily, it’s easy to create your own. As it’s Afternoon Tea Week this week, and the […]
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