NOVEMBER 2023 EDITION

It’s only six weeks until Christmas! Whilst sparkly and exciting, I think we can perhaps all agree that the lead up to the big day can also be a whirlwind of shopping, wrapping, tidying, entertaining, and all manner of other ‘extras’ to fit into an already busy schedule. I think that this week’s National Spa Week has come at a good time for us all. Highlighting the importance of making time to prioritise self-care and relaxation, I am fully on board with the idea of soothing mind and body – especially at busy times! For me, this means carving some time out of my day to create a spa-like environment at home. Before indulging in my chosen treatments, I always start with ensuring that the lighting, sound and scent are just right.

Here’s how I go about this:

1. Adding a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser to fill the space with a gorgeous aroma. Whilst I love creating my own blends, lavender, geranium, or orange essential oils are also soothing.

2. Candles are a must when it comes to recreating a spa-like feel. The flickering glow of candlelight is one of my simple pleasures, especially at this time of year. Did you know that candles are thought to relax the nervous system and lower stress levels?

3. Whilst I find the feeling of sunshine on my skin deeply relaxing, total darkness can also be soothing. I love Spacemasks because they smell divine and self-heat whilst also blocking out the outside world. The original jasmine scent is heavenly, and I can't wait to try their new orange and grapefruit range.

4. Music helps to calm my senses. I either use Spotify to access 'Meditation Music', or The Calm app (iOS version, Android version), which also has many good options. Try using an app called 'Free Relaxing Nature Sounds and Spa Music' to create your own 'soundscape' of nature melodies.

5. It won't surprise you to know that I like to indulge in a little beauty pampering. I sometimes make my own face packs using a fine white kaolin clay mixed with frankincense or rose hydrosol (Mystic Moments sells these at a reasonable price). The mask is great for cleansing, tightening pores and toning the skin; if you’d like to try making your own, here’s what you’ll need:

2 tablespoons of fine white clay (kaolin)

3 tablespoons of frankincense/rose hydrolat/hydrosol

Method

• Combine all ingredients together, adding more frankincense/rose hydrolat/hydrosol if needed, until you have a smooth paste

• Apply to the face evenly and relax for 20 minutes

• Rinse off with warm water and apply our Collagen Boost Face Oil

Christmas is coming...

As it’s never too early for a little Christmas planning, I thought I’d share some of the gift ideas that I’ve already come across.

This month

I’ve been listening to: Chris van Tulleken (author of Ultra-Processed People) on The Diary of a CEO podcast series with Steven Bartlett – The Junk Food Doctor: "This Food Is Worse Than Smoking!" & "This Diet Prevents 60% Of Disease!"

During this fascinating glimpse into our industrialised food system, Chris van Tulleken explains that around 80% of the average diet is not real food – it’s what he calls ‘an industrially produced edible substance’. Rather alarmingly, if our eating habits continue as they are, he believes that a staggering 50% of the world’s population may become obese in twelve years’ time. I hope that his work in this field could end up fundamentally changing our attitude to what we put into our body, and ultimately prompt far-reaching changes within the food industry.

I’ve been cooking:

Over the half term holiday, whilst visiting my husband’s family in India, I was treated to some delicious vegetarian food. Some of these dishes included vegetables that I was unfamiliar with, such as bitter gourd and pointed gourd, which are now real favourites of mine; my mother-in-law has assured me that they can be found in most Indian supermarkets in the UK, so they will definitely be making an appearance in my cooking from now on.

I also learnt how to make a delicious cauliflower curry which I thought I’d share with you this month. To inspire you, I’ve included some photos taken in the markets we visited, alongside one of Madhabi, the wonderful family friend who taught me how to cook this dish.

Ingredients

1 medium cauliflower (cut into florets), 2 medium potatoes (chopped), 2 medium tomatoes (chopped), 4 whole cardamom, 4 whole cloves, a piece of cinnamon bark, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 2 whole green chillies, 2 tsp grated ginger, salt (to taste).

Method

1. Fry the potatoes in 2 tbsp oil (we used mustard oil) for 5-7 mins until they begin to brown. Add cauliflower and fry for another 5-7 minutes until fully browned. Set aside in a bowl.

2. Add another tbsp of oil and fry the clove, cardamom, and cinnamon for several minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes and ginger and cook for a few more minutes.

3. Add the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala) and 2 whole green chillies and 1x tsp of salt (to taste). Add half a cup of water and cook for 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the potato back in and cook for 4-5 mins. Cover with boiling water.

5. Add the cauliflower and cook on a low heat for 15-20 mins.

Dates for the diary

Christmas markets

I hope you liked my Christmas gift ideas, but if you’re on the lookout for more unique and gorgeous artisan-made gifts, then you might like to come along to one of these Christmas fairs.

In addition to our Cotswold Remedies products, shoppers will be able to source everything from jewellery, glass, and ceramics, to hand-knits, crocheted pieces and locally produced food.

18-19th November, 10-5pm at Bedruthan Christmas Fayre, Cornwall

3rd December, 12-6pm at DEYA Brewing Company, Cheltenham

9th December, 10-4pm, Dunkertons Cider, Cheltenham