The November Issue 2020
Winter is coming and as things are tightening up all over the country we are trying to think of positive things to do this month get us through this next challenge, wherever it might take us. A focus on wellbeing, cosying up and simple pleasures is back on the agenda. Read on for some ideas from the G&S team...
Start Your Christmas Shopping
This year, maybe more than ever, we want to show our loved ones just how much we care even if we can't be with them. Carefully chosen, sustainable and ethical gifts are the perfect treat for you family and friends and we are delighted that our Gift of Goodness gift edit is now back with an amazing selection of thoughtful ideas from cosy pyjamas and beautiful lingerie to fair trade jewellery and organic beauty products. Getting it sorted early will help give you more time to rest, relax and contemplate at the end of what has been an exhausting year.
Re-live the Classics
With the nights drawing in, now is the time to get your winter reading list sorted. We love nothing more than cosying up on the sofa and getting lost in a good book. This winter we are looking back to the classics and revisiting some of our favourites. Something about this time of year has us craving a historical novel Bronte, Dickens, Austen - here we come.
Garden Tidy Up & Spring Bulbs
November can be a bit grey and dank but no matter what the weather taking a bit of time outside will do wonders for your mood. If you have a garden or balcony now is the time to ready it for winter- clearing leaves, putting away your garden furniture. It's also time to get planting spring bulbs - which we think is a lovely hopeful activity... just think in a few months we'll be starting to see the fruits of our labour with some beautiful spring crocuses and daffodils. Definitely worth getting your hands dirty for!
Donate to Your Local Food Bank
Times are tough, and for those in need this year the new lockdown measures are going to be even tougher. Food banks across the country are in great need of donations so why not put together a parcel. The Trussel Trust provide information on how and where to donate near you.
Home Spa
It looks like spas and beauty treatments are going to be off the menu for the next month at least so why not treat yourself at home. Put aside an evening, run the bath, get your candles on and indulge in some natural treatments. Some favourites of ours are a long soak in Soap n Skin's Epsom Bath Salts, followed by an indulging facial massage with Olofson's restorative facial oil. Pure bliss! Plus beautiful oils and candles by Amanda+Jayne!
Get Moving (At Home)
We spoke a lot about how online yoga and pilates sessions helped us during the first lockdown and we will be going back to them this week. Help support your yoga teacher by signing up and you'll thank them for how much better you feel after. We recently tried morning sessions which was a revelation - it leaves you feeling energised and balanced for the rest of the day. And don't forget your home practise essentials - Nature Hommage yoga gear and we love the non slip mats from Roots Wellbeing.
Comfort Food
If ever there was time for comfort food this must be it. I love a stew, to the extent that has become an ongoing joke with friends that is all I can cook! There are so many delicious veg in season right now you can through pretty much anything in. Another go-to is a good risotto - butternut squash is a favourite - simply roast it in some paprika and then tumble it into a basic risotto and top with some chilli flakes and piles of parmesan. Utterly delicious. And don't forget the sweet treats - definitely time for warm puddings! We are lusting after treacle tart and sponge puddings - the naughtier the better with lots of custard!
What to Wear
Comfort and warmth. Now is the time for knitwear - Achiy, Francis Stories and Chaleca all offer supremely soft and cosy sustainably made knits to cosy up in. We also love The Endery's colourful pieces for a little pick me up. Amazing what a bit of colour can do for your mood. As we are all at home more loungewear and sleepwear is key - Luna & Noon's organic cotton pyjamas are smart enough to wear all day while new brand Olly Lingerie is comfortable but also feminine and pretty with recycled lace details. Even if you aren't going out, wearing decent underwear will make you feel good!!
