Innehållsförteckning för February - March 2024 från The Green Parent

Hello and a big warm welcome to our first edition of 2024. I’m so excited to share this issue with you. There’s plenty of juicy reads to get stuck into and ideas to take forward into the new year. Every year on the last day of December I like to spend some time reflecting on the year gone. Too often I rush through life without taking stock, without stopping to stand and stare. To stand beneath the boughs, in the words of William Henry Davies. So this is a good chance to revisit all that came before. I also spend time looking ahead feeling into what I’d like to be, create and do for myself and my family in the months to come. The word that I chose to reflect…

thegreenparent.co.uk facebook.com/greenparentmag twitter.com/greenparentmag instagram.com/thegreenparentmag DOWNLOAD THE APP Read digital editions of The Green Parent and search all our back issues online. Type 'The Green Parent' on the Apple App Store. WHAT TO DO DURING THE WINTER Sign up for our free (and jam packed) weekly newsletter and you'll be the first to discover the very best of what's happening for families across the UK. There's everything inside from exhibitions to events, recipes to craft projects. Get on the list and make sure you don't miss this regular hit of Green Parent magic at link.thegreenparent.co.uk/newsletter CHAT WITH US Come and Let us know what you're up to this spring on Instagram. Find out about how to celebrate ImboLc with your family plus home education inspiration for spring. Find us @thegreenparentmag…

ASH Numbers of this common tree are suffering with ash dieback. Fraxinus excelsior is easy to spot in winter with distinctive black buds and flattened twigs. HORSE CHESTNUT Mature Aesculus hippocastanum trees can live up to 300 years. Identified in winter by its twigs, which have large, sticky red buds. ELDER Look for green, unpleasant-smelling twigs which are hollow or have a white pith (spongy tissue) inside. Buds have a ragged appearance. OAK King of the woods, Quercus robur is identified in the winter by its rounded buds in clusters. Each bud has more than three scales. BEECH Known as the Queen of British trees, the buds of Fagus sylvatica are long and thin and each bud has many overlapping scales. BIRCH Betula pendula has white bark year-round, which sheds…

JOY AND JOE This husband and wife owned brand began in 2007 when their daughter Joy was born with Downs syndrome and faced some medical challenges, leading her parents to turn to kangaroo care to support her. For spring, we love the maxi roses multi sparkle for £135 at joyandjoebaby.com OSCHA SLINGS Founded in 2010, Oscha Slings are ethically handcrafted in Scotland. We love the new Sekai Fiesta Baby Wrap, which is woven with 100% BCI cotton which gives it a lovely soft feel. A gentle cush on the shoulders along with the grippy texture provides extra comfort. £134 at oschaslings.com. FIRESPIRAL This small family business is run by friends Jem and Tam. Started in 2012 the aim is to make beautiful products with sound ethics. We love the Luna…

In every culture, in every corner of the globe, since time began, breastfeeding mothers have been worried about the challenges of milk supply. At the end of the day, human milk is 90% water, so if you are able to eat a balanced diet and keep up your liquid intake to ensure you are never thirsty, you will be doing well. You will know that your fluid intake is enough. Nevertheless, nursing mums have been advised to drink and eat all manner of things to increase milk supply, when in fact, breastmilk is very robust and you can pretty much eat whatever you like. Below are some of the best myths, gathered during our Global Breastfeeding Survey for A Celebration of Breastfeeding - a book that celebrates the beauty and…

The Handbook of Forgotten Skills Elaine Batiste, Natalie Crowley, £17.99 Magic Cat Mum and I got really excited about this book. I love the pictures because they are really good and all the great ideas. We made lemonade and we’re going to make a bird feeder too. I think this is a good book for home educated children because it’s got everything in it! Storyland Amy Jeffs £14.99 Wren and Rook I wasn’t sure what this book was about at first but we started reading the stories at bedtime and then couldn’t stop because they’re really good. I liked reading about the 30 sisters and King Arthur’s best friend. I think this is a good book for people aged from eight but some stories are a bit scary. Feel the…

Q "This weekend, I asked my 13 year old son (who does not like to shower) to shower on Sunday morning. He whinged and finally committed (after I expressed my frustration) to do so before bed. Then in the evening, he claimed he did not recall making a commitment and would not shower the same evening, but would do so Monday am (which he ultimately did). Besides this going against basic hygiene needs, it broke what I consider a promise and his obstinacy and lack of respect for me really got me worked up. This looks to be a deep laziness and unwillingness to put effort in to doing anything he doesn't care to do/ contribute to. I'm at my wits end and don't feel inclined to engage with him…

Shuna Balnaves, Cacao Practitioner and Wellness Coach, shares the science behind the experience (reconnectwithshuna.com) "Being a mum can be hectic, stressful and overwhelming, but I have found from mothers who attend my Cacao Ceremonies that cacao is the perfect antidote. I often describe drinking a cup of cacao as like getting a hug from the inside! Amongst the many things cacao can do, it releases some wonderful hormones into your body that just make you feel great, such as serotonin, dopamine, anandamide (the ‘bliss molecule’) and PEA (the ‘love chemical’), all of which just help you feel uplifted and energised. Cacao also increases blood flow to the body and in particular the brain so is great for helping with focus and getting rid of brain-fog. Cacao is also a superfood…

TickiT® - home of educational play Give the gift of open-ended play this Christmas with innovative and educational toys from TickiT. Let your children create, explore, play and learn in a world powered by their imagination. Wooden Architect range starts from £22, Wooden Enchanted Figures £30. tickit.co.uk/tgp Voxblock Voxblock is the screen-free audiobook player for children 3-12. With no need for Wi-Fi, apps or downloads, kids can listen without distraction. 130+ audiobooks available. 4.8 stars on Trustpilot. 100% plastic free packaging. Starter Pack includes a Voxblock player, three audiobooks and a protective bumper for £59.99. voxblock.co.uk Oscha Slings The Oscha Cairis carrier is a unique and beautiful Mei Dai sling with no compromises. It’s ergonomic, comfortable & easy to use. Made from the finest ethically sourced yarns & crafted in…

Q What happens to the clothes I textile recycle? A According to clothesaid.co.uk we send 700,000 tonnes of clothing to recycling centres, textile banks, clothes collections and to charity every year in the UK. That’s enough to fill 459 Olympic sized swimming pools. After collection, textiles are taken to a recycling centre. Clothes are classified into three groups: reuse, rags and fibre. This process is generally done by hand. Conveyor belts and bins might also be used to help separate the different materials. Clothes that can be reused could be sent to charity shops or to markets abroad for resale. Natural textiles are sorted by colour and material, reducing the need for re-dying. Textiles are then pulled into fibres or shredded. Then yarn is cleaned and spun. Not all fibres…

It's time to kick the additiveladen industrial loaf habit and support YOUR neighbourhood's indie bakery! Small, independent, locally-owned bakeries help to support more jobs for people in your local community and keep more money circulating in your local economy, helping to keep your high street alive. Sustain, the organisers of Real Bread Campaign (17-25 Feb) are looking for independent bakeries who are making real bread available to all. sustainweb.org In Norfolk, Bread Source launched a National Loaf scheme during the 2020 lockdown, making a stoneground, wholemeal sourdough loaf available for £1 ‘to anyone in need.’ The costs were covered by a pay-it-forward scheme. bread-source.co.uk Hart's Bakery in Bristol are developing an affordable loaf scheme with local charitable organisation Heart of BS13. Hart subsidises their loaves so they can be sold…

explore Our first date was spent in a cosy pub in Brighton’s Kemptown talking about how we’d both love to move to France one day. Happy memories of childhood holidays and trips around Europe in our twenties fuelled our desires. We fantasied about speaking two languages, indulging in French food, even owning our own vineyard. Years later, in the midst of a pandemic and with Brexit looming, my partner Sam made a decision to leave his business and together we made our dash for France before the doors closed to Britons. We packed up life in our little cottage and then with our 1-year-old son, Felix, and cat, Ted in tow crossed the Channel to our ‘Promise Land’. Sam got a job in a biodynamic vineyard in the rolling hills…

WELCOME Hello! I am so excited to bring you our new Family Travel Guide 2024. There’s everything inside to help you plan the best luxurious eco adventures for you and your family this year. And now’s a great time to do it! Inside you’ll find our favourite eco accommodation - each listing includes extra information about their family friendly facilities and green credentials. So look no further to find the best break for you and your little ones in the coming year. From cosy off-grid glamping spots to spacious self-catering barns for the last word in eco luxury, there’s something here for everyone. This year marks the launch of our Green Parent Family Travel Awards - we asked you for your favourite places to stay, best travel products and more.…

Middlewick is an award winning resort set at the base of Glastonbury Tor in Somerset. Set on a 16 acre 17th Century farm there is a selection of self catering properties including luxury cottages, cabins and glamping sleeping from 1 to 60 people. Also on the resort you will find a family friendly café serving a menu that is locally sourced, many ingredients coming from the Middlewick kitchen gardens or from the neighbouring farms. Attached to the café is a farm shop selling local produce and organic food. Within the grounds there is a Spa with indoor swimming pool, steam room, yoga space as well as 3 Converted shepherds huts that are now treatment rooms. On the farm you will find a selection of pet sheep, goats and horses. The…

Comfortable, stylish and full of character, the Rural Retreats portfolio represents over 800 of the finest self-catering luxury holiday properties throughout the UK and Ireland. For three consecutive years, Rural Retreats have come top of the table of UK Holiday Cottage Companies compiled by Which?. From quintessential cottages and country houses to quirky windmills and lighthouses; from big and beautiful homes to romantic getaways and dog friendly stays, you’re sure to find the perfect holiday home with Rural Retreats. FAMILY FACILITIES Games rooms, hot tubs, spa facilities, tennis courts, walking/cycling nearby (some properties) GREEN CREDENTIALS Some properties across the portfolio feature solar panels, air source heating pumps, ground source heating pumps, biomass heating, walking/cycling trails, wildlife areas, natural settings LOCATION Across the UK and Ireland WEB ruralretreats.co.uk TEL 01386 897 959…

DEVON WINNER North Haynes Farm Cottages, northhaynefarmcottages.co.uk Self catering farm holidays that support nature (with nature trails around the farm and tree planting) and the local community (using local suppliers in their welcome packs). They are Plastic Free Champions and provide beach clean bags for guests to borrow. North Haynes are also accredited members of the International Exmoor Dark Skies Reserve programme and have a star gazing pack complete with telescope available for young astronomers. They also offer bat walks and talks, a forest school club, sensory activities and more. The cottages are heated using a bio mass heater and air source heat pump. They are North Devon Biosphere Partnership members and last year were announced as Gold Tourism Award winners. HIGHLY COMMENDED Pickwell Manor, pickwellmanor.co.uk The heating system and…

PLAYING OUTSIDE I've downloaded the tracker from 1000hoursoutside.com and the little one and I have committed to spending plenty of time outside this year! WALKING My goal is to walk 2024 kilometres in the next twelve months - it's an excuse for some glorious walks around Sussex - rolling frost covered downs? Sigh! PLANNING A day out at Brighton’s TEDx in April with my sister - I'm so excited! MAKING All sorts! A favourite at the moment is a really simple marmalade recipe, packed with 3 types of citrus fruit.…

Book Lovers Check out these five key books you need to read to help you create and maintain intimacy in your relationships improve your relationship Create a Strong Union Maintaining a supportive, uplifting, loving, nurturing and fun partnership - is no easy task. Here are some ideas to keep your union a strong one. marriage work Six Powerful Ways to Heal Even three minutes of heartfelt connection can make a universe of a difference to how you feel about each other says Jewels Wingfield six powerful ways…

“I had a premature birth and now make clothes for the tiniest babies” “Before having children I studied fashion design and became head of womenswear for a big fashion brand. However, the big factory collapse in Bangladesh at Rana Plaza that killed and injured thousands of workers was a big turning point for me. Although we didn’t use that factory, we could have. I didn’t want to be part of that problem. I switched careers and went into the charity sector, then I became pregnant and, at seven months, we moved house. My waters broke the night we moved in and we had to go to hospital in the removal van. As soon as we got to hospital they were amazing, and I was bluelighted to Coventry, where they could…

I had always been terrified at the prospect of giving birth. The narrative from my mother was that it was a painful process, and I had heard similar stories from other women throughout my life. So, when my husband and I decided to have a child, we were extremely fortunate that friends introduced us to a midwife trained in natal hypnotherapy. This 3-day course was worth every penny. From our first session, my birth anxiety completely dissipated. Women were designed to give birth. "Have you ever seen a sheep or cow birth their young?" the midwife leading the sessions asked. I had seen it on TV. A cow placidly grazing as a calf emerged. A sheep birthing, lying on hay, taking deep breaths. It made sense then. The primary difference…

Did you know that all watermelons have an even number of stripes? And that every odd number contains the letter E? Amazing, Weird, Mind-blowing Facts for Curious Minds is a collection of over 300 facts on different areas of stem including chemistry, biology, technology, mathematics, engineering and more and includes activities parents and children can do together. Sergei Urban aka The DadLab (thedadlab.com) has created a popular resource for STEM and art activities. This Londoner is neither a teacher, nor a scientist but says that fatherhood made him into both! His sons, aged five and seven are keen experimenters.…

child Ghost Orchid Fiona Lumbers £7.99 Andersen Press This is a wonderful book full of incredibly beautiful illustrations which spark a nostalgic feeling of childlike adventure and wonder. We loved the message woven into the beautiful story of learning the value of slowing down and stopping to smell the roses (or Ghost Orchids) and seeing the world in the wonder filled lens of a child's view. The story has made us inspired to compile a list of places we want to adventure to as a family and take a mindful nature walk. A truly lovely story book. Suitable for ages three upwards. Chloe H Feeling Hungry Andrea Pinnington and Caz Buckingham £6.99 Fine Feather Press This is a tactile and beautiful touch and feel book which Rowan loved! With the…

Sunny and the Birds Wendy Maddour and Nabila Adani £7.99 Oxford University Press We love a nature story! And this book does not disappoint. Beautifully illustrated with colourful watercolour paintings, this is a heartwarming story about family, safety and belonging. A big hit with my four year old. Leina and the Lord of the Toadstools Myriam Dahman, Nicolas Digard and Júlia Sardá £8.99 Hachette One of our favourite illustrators created this stunning book – every page is a treat to behold. I thought that it might be a little scary for my four year old but she loves the sense of danger and witchiness! The Wild Yuval Zommer £12.99 Oxford University Press I love Yuval’s books – this is a pure delight and a wonderful addition to any bookshelf. The…

A new report from the group Common Sense Media sheds light on how much teens are actually using their phones (and it's a lot). Teens generally get more than 200 alerts on their phones each day, with some getting more than 4,000. Sometimes those messages are upsetting; sometimes they're welcome; a lot of the time they're ignored, but still distracting. Parents are often in the dark about how, and how much, their teens are using their phones. Common Sense Media, an advocacy organization that reviews and researches media's effect on kids, studied real-life phone use of 200 teens for its report. Median phone use in the study was about four and a half hours per day. Wait Until 8th (@waituntil8th) have some guidelines: • Delay smartphones until at least 14…

Since going from one child to two, I’ve felt almost-perpetually overwhelmed. Meeting the needs of two littles ones, plus trying to care for myself and my home, has seemed like an impossible task. A few months ago, I discovered ceremonial cacao - and in Mama Cacao’s heart-opening medicine I have found a beautiful ally in my mothering journey. Discovering my spiritual toolkit Since working with a spiritual mentor during my second pregnancy, and learning how to support my holistic health - mind, body and spirit - I have been joyfully uncovering the spiritual, divinely-andearthly-connected woman I’ve always been inside. Since childhood I felt very drawn to ‘hippy’ things; magic and witchcraft, but without any wise women or spiritual people in my life, I was never given the ‘vocabulary’ with which…

Cacao was once considered sacred and used in ritual and ceremony, but over time, it has been diluted into chocolate with added fats and sugars, which don’t retain the magical properties. Just like matcha tea, cacao has its own ‘ceremonial’ grade that comes from an heirloom bean which is sourced directly from a single place or a small part of a country - and harvested by Indigenous Communities from their own ancient 'gardens,' where it grows wild and has done so for centuries. The cacao is allowed to grow naturally in balance with other rainforest plants, sharing a symbiotic relationship between the plants and people. The cacao beans are minimallyprocessed to produce pure cacao so all the original fats and goodness are retained. Ceremonial cacao is prepared as a solid…

RAVE This Cotswolds coffee brand is signed up to 1% for the planet, donating a percentage of all sales to environmental causes. They also work with One Tree Planted and to date have planted over 8000 trees. And they roast delicious coffee! Find out about their affordable subscription service at ravecoffee.co.uk UNION COFFEE Founded in 2001 by two scientists who wanted to bring the San Francisco coffee scene back to London. Having learned more about coffee sourcing and the devastation faced by coffee farmers as the world coffee price dropped, they decided to start a roastery with a new sourcing approach. unionroasted.com BIRD AND WILD The UK's leading shade grown and bird friendly certified coffee. As well as being Fairtrade and organic, the company donates 6% of sales to the…

Aquarius JAN 20 - FEB 17 February is an empowering month for you as Pluto has recently entered your sign, initiating a long period of transformation. Decide what needs to change and begin the process. The new moon on the 9th adds extra potency, making this a key month in your life and one in which you can welcome new beginnings and start afresh. Money enters the picture in March, making this a good month to improve your finances. Taurus APR 20 - MAY 20 It’s all to play for as the planets align favourably for you, particularly where your direction is concerned. Now is the time to begin a project, pursue an ambition, take on a more empowered role or make a change where your future is concerned. It…

Set in beautiful North Devon, our 8 family friendly award winning cottages sleep 2-10 each with their own private hot tub to relax in at the end of a busy day. Come and help feed the animals twice a day, collect the eggs, bottle feed the Spring lambs, groom the goats, hold the chicks and enjoy daily donkey rides each morning. Enjoy outdoor freedom with our farm trails and Free Rangers Club. EYFS curriculum-based activity packs also available, an indoor Games Room and Under 7’s Play barn, locally prepared meals to order as well as Holistic therapy treatments. FAMILY FACILITIES Hot tubs, Animals, Autism Friendly, Holistic Therapies, Activity clubs, Donkey rides. GREEN CREDENTIALS Plastic free champions, Local Suppliers, Bat walks, Nature trails, energy management, waste management. LOCATION North Hayne Farm,…

Two off-grid campsites in beautiful Sussex woodlands. Family focused and perfect for breaks into nature, with group areas available for larger family gatherings. Surrounded by acres of wild woodland which is yours to explore, watch wildlife, build dens, bug hunt, or hike to the local pubs for lunch. Bell tents for those without their own tents - just bring your bedding and everything else is provided. Tent pitches for those with their own equipment, tucked away in woodland glades and each with its own campfire. Get back to basics and reconnect with nature and your loved ones. FAMILY FACILITIES Campfire Cooking, Woodland exploration, Den Building, Wildlife, Stargazing, FireTV, Walks GREEN CREDENTIALS Off-Grid, Bucket Showers, Campfire Cooking, Enhanced Wildlife Habitats, Renewable Energy LOCATION Beech Estate Campsite, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9QU;…

SIU O'REILLY Living in Edinburgh with her husband and son, Siu finds joy in her yoga practise and meditation. “When I have free time, I am always learning something new and seeking out new challenges whether it's arts and crafts or computer programming, I'll always be enrolled on a course somewhere! I am excited to discover new pursuits in 2024. My hypnobirthing journey inspired my interest in meditation and all things relating to the workings of the mind so I am looking forward to more personal growth in this area." Read more about how Siu used the power of hypnotherapy during labour on page 21. ANJA FFRENCH The founding director of Mud & Bloom, Anja spends her days helping connect children with nature. She lives in Bristol with her partner…

February - It's a time for visioning; the days are growing longer and you can start to consider what you'll plant in the year ahead DID YOU KNOW? In other countries, Shrove Tuesday (13 Feb) has different names. In Germany, for example, it’s called Fastnacht (meaning Eve of the Fast) and in Iceland it's called Sprengidagur (meaning Bursting Day). In France and some other parts of the world, the festival is called Mardi Gras - time for carnival! ECO ABUNDANCE A healthy wetland is one of the most ecologically abundant places on earth. Wetlands are a natural habitat of Britain but we’ve altered many of them almost beyond recognition, and forgotten where others used to be. This World Wetland Day on 2 Feb, find your nearest at wwt.org.uk BE KIND…

“My kids are growing up in Botswana” “In 2010 my husband and I decided to go travelling. We were 28 at the time. He got a job in Botswana and I applied for an internship. 13 years later, we’re still here. We have three children, three dogs, a cat somewhere around! Obviously there are a lot of people living rurally and in abject poverty here, but it’s also a thriving, beautiful international community. It’s very disparate, but in general, the capital is a thriving hub, a safe place to raise children. It’s an outdoor living kind of place. My kids have never been to a zoo but have done so many safaris. Ten minutes down the road we can see zebras and wildebeest, a little further are elephants, lions and…

For many generations, weaving has been a traditional skill of the people in Bolgatanga, Upper East Ghana. The baskets are made from kinkahe or elephant grass which grows in swamps and along rivers across Ghana, and is favoured by elephants, hence the name. The Kind Label brings these beautiful handcrafted baskets to the UK. Founder Prischa Kwaning explains “The idea behind the Kind formed when I was pregnant with my daughter five years ago. I’m half Ghanaian and I began to think about what I would be able to pass on to her. My aim is to create a dialogue between the different cultures, while making natural and unique products that are here to last.” Find more, including sustainable beeding at thekindlabel.com.…

Pregnancy, birth and the postpartum constitute a profound rite of passage. Expectant families are often guided to seek holistic approaches to enhance their birth experience. One such approach, which is gaining recognition, is the ancient practice of drumming. Almost every culture around the world has (or had) drumming traditions to support life transitions. Layne Redmond writes about the use of drumming to support birth in her book When the Drummers Were Women. “Priestesses of the Goddess were skilled technicians in its (the frame drum’s) uses,” she says. “They knew which rhythms quickened the life in freshly planted seeds; which facilitated childbirth; and which induced the ecstatic trance of spiritual transcendence.” Jane Hardwicke-Collings, women’s mysteries teacher and former midwife expands on this. “Drumming for women during pregnancy and labour is a…

Conversations based around questions and answers tend to soothe parents but cause stress to children. “A simple shift from Q & A to observing and responding to a child’s nonverbal communication can help both kids and adults relax,” says mental health illustrator, Lindsay Braman. “It also creates an atmosphere in which kids who are verbal processers can share more. Stating observations lets kids know that we are present and listening. It’s a way to help our children feel loved and connected without having to engage in adult conversation.” Get handy artwork to help you remember the best way to connect at lindsaybraman.com.…

WHEN I'M GONE A picture book to help bereaved children grieve when someone close to them dies. Written by a parent living with a terminal illness, this book also comes with guidance on supporting grieving children from Child Bereavement UK. ladybirdeducation.co.uk MUDDLES, PUDDLES AND SUNSHINE Offering practical and sensitive support for bereaved children, this book suggests a helpful series of activities and exercises accompanied by the friendly characters of Bee and Bear. hawthornpress.com THE MEMORY TREE After Fox’ death as his friends share their memories, a tree begins to grow, becoming bigger and stronger with each memory, sheltering and protecting all the animals in the forest, just as Fox did when he was alive. hachettechildrens.co.uk…

Mr B's Emporium 14-15 John St, Bath BA1 2JL Mr B’s was set up in 2006 by Nic and Juliette Bottomley, who wanted their shop to be “a spiritual home for book lovers right in the heart of Bath.” It’s a magical space, with a large children’s area built and painted by Bristol based artist Alex Lucas and her husband (you can find her murals all over the city). Interactive fun includes a book worm hidden behind a little door in a giant tree, eyes that you can move in the wall and a lovely park bench on which all are welcome to sit and read and a perfectly kids' sized chair. The store has been known to up sticks and sell at festivals, including an “insane, surreal, invaluable experience”…

Can you tell us about your background? I was brought up in Newcastle upon Tyne and now live in Brighton. I’m mixed race (Sri Lankan and Swedish) which has definitely influenced my views and values. In 2008 I also became Jewish. I'm now lucky enough to be able to call myself both a psychologist and a writer. Your father’s work sparked your interest in clinical psychology… My dad, P.O. Svanberg, became interested in attachment theory when I was hitting my teens, and started a groundbreaking project called the Sunderland Infant Program. It supported families to build more secure bonds with their young babies. I did some work experience there, and was really privileged to take part in a Strange Situation experiment (one of the 'gold standard' assessments of attachment) and…

A groundbreaking and must-read young adult fiction anthology, When We Become Ours, is written by adoptees of all backgrounds, for adoptees. There is no universal adoption experience, and many of the stories in this recently published collection shine a spotlight on the transracial adoptee experience. Through literary, contemporary, sci-fi, speculative, fantasy, and graphic fiction stories, the contributors of this brilliant book reclaim their own narrative and showcase the complexity and breadth of adoptee experiences. This collection explores what it’s like growing up as an adoptee. It’s a powerful, emotional read.…

Glow For It Lip Oil Specially designed using a non-stick formula to deeply hydrate and nourish the lips, leaving them looking smooth and silky. £12.99 glowforitshop.com CBD Calm Balm This gloriously rich and long-lasting formula helps ease inflammation and extra dry chapped skin, quenching thirsty skin anywhere almost immediately. £10.99 drlipp.com Cocoa and Hempseed Lipbalm Full of goodness, packed with antioxidants, omega fatty acids, antiageing, moisturising and rejuvenating oils and butters. $18.99 yesorganics.nz…

I decided to squeeze in some extra regular plant magic (and nutrition) into my life by adding boosters to my daily ceremonial cacao - but this is just my personal blend and no extras are required! I have found my nails have stopped breaking and are much stronger since I have been having cacao and these extras, which I am taking as a beautiful sign that I am beginning to fill myself up after feeling depleted from pregnancy and birth. Here's how I make my 'hug in a mug': • Set an intention to slow down and be present while I prepare my cacao • Heat up plant milk (it’s thought dairy can interfere with some of the healing properties). I think hazelnut works best. • Add 25g (ish) of…

ORGANIC SOAP WITH TRAVEL BAG Crafted and hand-printed ethically in Sicily, this eco-friendly, water resistant cotton bag holds a deliciously scented vegan soap made with pure olive oil. (£16.50 notjustashop.arts.ac.uk) CHAMOMILE AND BERGAMOT FACIAL SERUM A luxurious facial serum made with natural plant oils enriched with pure essential oils to nourish, tone and moisturise your skin. (£12.95 shaloahskincare.co.uk) AMBER BATH ESSENCE Pour a small amount of this beautifully fragranced oil into a warm bath. On contact with water the oil disperses to create a slightly milky, highly moisturising elixir and a truly luxurious bathing experience. (£16 britlocker.com) FAIS LUXURY VEGAN SKINCARE PAMPERING SET Products include Cleanse It Oil to Lather Face Cleanser, Antioxidant Facial Oil and a Kiss It Lip and Skin Balm, as well as a natural stone facial…

Rowan is the philosophical sign of the Celtic zodiac. People born under this sign tend to be keenminded visionaries, with creative thoughts and high ideals. The red berries with their pentagram symbol are said to have magical properties. You too are considered a magical being with insight and understanding that can help you to protect others. You may be seen as unusual or unpredictable by others. A distortion of this is aloofness and a sense that other people don’t understand you. However, you’re full of energy and devotion and are passionate when it comes to persuasion! Animal Correspondences Blackbird, Cow Keywords Protection and inspiration Your Rune Luis is the second of the Ogham letters and symbolises insight, protection and blessings.…

HOME CLEANING BUNDLE Completely non-toxic and made using 100% naturally derived ingredients, the ethical essentials from Emma Bunton’s company Kit and Kin are gentle on your family while also being kinder to the planet. Available for £24.49 from kitandkin.com. PLASTIC FREE Check out the plastic free range of cleaning products available from Bio D – dishwashing soap, dishwasher tablets and furniture polish in a cute tin with prices starting at £2.93 and available from biod.co.uk/shop/plastic-free. REFILLS AVAILABLE Unleash the effectiveness of plantbased, biodegradable and other consciously chosen ingredients at Ecover. These products are free from overpowering chemical odours and are made in a certified zero-waste factory. Shop the range at ecover.com.…

5 Ingredient Breakfast Helen Ridgeway wanted to share her beautifully shot, nutritious vegan bakes so she set up @helens_vegan_kitchen. Here she shows us how to make a nourishing breakfast from 5 ingredients. “Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan) or 350F. Put 12 large, soft Medjool dates and ½ cup smooth peanut/almond butter into a food processor and blend until it forms a sticky ball. It should be a very smooth paste so if not add 1-2 tbsp water and blend again. Add the date mixture to a bowl with 1 ¼ cup oats, 1 cup lightly chopped almonds, 1/3 cup sesame seeds and a pinch of salt then mix thoroughly (I use my hands to get it mixed well). Divide into 10 equal pieces and press down into a…

1 GALLOWAY FOREST PARK Did you know, seven out of the ten largest forests in the UK are in Scotland? The largest is Galloway Forest Park, which covers 200,000 acres of countryside in a gorgeous green blanket. It’s an ideal location to visit for a family cycle along the trails, spotting local wildlife, or relaxing in the visitor centre tea room. forestryandland.gov.scot 2 GLENARIFF FOREST PARK, NORTHERN IRELAND Covering over 1,000 hectares with woodland, lakes and conservation areas some of the best things to see here include the incredible views out over the Antrim countryside as it stretches towards the Irish Sea and the breathtaking waterfalls hidden among the forest trails. discovernorthernireland.com 3 GRIZEDALE FOREST, CUMBRIA This 6,000 acre forest in Northern England has breath-taking views, stunning artwork and endless…

A DAY OUT IN THE CITY explore CULTURE HOUNDS Factory International/ Aviva Studios This incredible new cultural space in the heart of Manchester opened in late 2023 and is expected to attract 850,000 visitors a year. It’s huge, with a 5000-capacity warehouse, and a massive concert hall, but there are smaller, cosier spaces and an outside area that hosts markets, workshops and shows, many of them free. Enjoy daily dance performances, kids shows, exhibitions, digital projects and workshops. factoryinternational.org The Whitworth This gallery is for University of Manchester students and the people of the city to meet, learn and relax together. Its exhibitions are often off-beam, and always fascinating, bringing together, say, artists and footballers or delving into the history of wallpapers. They also run insightful and valuable events; Still Parents…

FAMILY FACILITIES Nature trails, farm animals, outdoor activities, onsite shop, hot tub GREEN CREDENTIALS Recycling, natural/organic products, sustainably sourced wood, local produce food hampers LOCATION Nr Woodbridge, Suffolk SLEEPS 4-8 WEB secretmeadows.co.uk TEL 01394 337337 EMAIL holidays@secretmeadows.co.uk PRICES FROM Weekly: £1012 Short Stay: £332 Set at a beautiful nature reserve, close to the Suffolk Coast AONB, Secret Meadows takes glamping to new heights with award winning accommodation, activities such as Meet the Animals, and special packages including food hampers. Luxury Lodge Tents, a Two Storey Safari Tent, Gypsy’s Rest and Horsebox Hideaway are set in individual woodland glades overlooking wildflower meadows. Each accommodation option includes organic towels, ready-made beds, complimentary extras, luxury furnishings and private facilities. An onsite pantry shop is full of locally-sourced quality produce. Guided by an environmental ethos…