Innholdsfortegnelse for June - July 2024 i The Green Parent

Welcome to our new edition of The Green Parent packed with articles with a focus on love and joy. Brought to you with the support of the hawthorn tree this issue has been so uplifting and fun to put together! I'm always saying how much I love my job, how I feel excited to get behind my desk and now more than ever. We're in the process of launching a new website for The Green Parent, where you can get loads of juicy, inspiring respectful parenting content and get the chance to become part of our community. For the last couple of months alongside making this magazine I've been writing and editing articles for the new site to make sure it's as rich a resource as possible spanning everything from…

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 SPRING 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 over to Instagram and let us know how you're celebrating the season. Find the best picnic recipes, our favourite foraging tips and ideas for outdoor home ed. Find us @thegreenparentmag…

inspire INTERVIEW PETER WOHLLEBEN “I was the green sheep of the family; from a very early age I knew I wanted to become a conservationist. I was born in Bonn in Germany, but when I was four, we moved into a little village nearby. I spent my childhood outside, watching frogs and birds. After school I got an internship as a ranger at the German forest administration, where I thought I'd act as a tree keeper. However, it turned out they wanted someone to be more of a tree butcher. For years, my wife told me I should write books about my love of trees, using my guided tours as a basis. One day, I gave up resisting, tried writing, and look what happened! I simply wrote down what I was telling…

Four and a half years ago I became a mother. After more than two days of labour, I gave birth to my son. Postnatally, I was elated and blown wide open by the earth-shattering enormity of giving birth. I was overflowing with emotion and wondered if it was normal to feel such contrasting adoration for my new baby and grief for all that had changed. Weeks passed, I saw women walking in the street, with their little ones - I wondered did they all feel how I did? Connecting with other mothers, I realised I was far from alone. I learned this emotional journey even has a name – matrescence, the process of becoming a mother. Some liken it to the process of adolescence. One of the thoughts that crossed…

POSITIVE + NUMBERS 1.27 The extra height in centimetres that a toddler can grow while they sleep according to research by Emory University Grab a Bargain Ana, founder of The Octopus Club and mother to Max embarked on her journey when faced with an abundance of barely used baby items. Ana questioned the notion that “new” equalled “best” and sought a more sustainable and thoughtful approach. Ana's top four tips for striking a quality bargain 1. When searching for that product you have in mind, it's more cost-effective to purchase second-hand items from reputable, household brands who build products to last. 2. If you've got your eye on a listing, be sure to examine the images before purchasing, if you are unsure about anything, ask! 3. Communication is the key to a…

Dr. Laura Markham answers your questions Q Dr. Laura, Can you recommend an approach for kids to ensure they eat their 5 servings of fruits and veggies every day? When do you offer them? What if they spit them out, do we insist they eat? How do we respect their wishes and yet ensure they don't become kids who pick out veggies from their foods and become picky eaters? We have a two year old and a four year old. Thanks! Worried mum. A Dear worried mum, I'm not a nutritionist, I'm a psychologist, but I have found that psychology plays a part in helping children learn to eat healthily. The reason kids resist new foods is that new foods could be dangerous. In other words, kids who just ate…

POSITIVE + NUMBERS 1978 The year when the iconic rainbow flag was designed – the symbol of LGBTQ+ communities around the world WE LOVE Return of the Wild Colouring Book by Helen Scales (Laurence King Publishing) Learn about (and colour in) the extraordinary ways nature has come back from the brink in this collection of stories from around the world. From the recovery of endangered kiwi populations in New Zealand and the setting up of tiger reserves in India, to rescuing the blue butterflies in the English countryside and replanting the seagrass meadows in North America, there's a world of hope to colour in and explore. Each story of environmental recovery is accompanied by a huge, detailed page to keep you colouring for hours! Created by marine biologist and writer…

MEET THE AUTHOR child What's your background? “I've been illustrating and writing for children for 20 years. I also teach kids illustration. Finding what makes children laugh and tackling bigger issues are my passions.” How was your son diagnosed? “It was quite a stressful time, we were meeting with different professionals and psychiatrists. At the same time, my partner, who was fifty, was also being diagnosed with ADHD. They had both ticked a lot of boxes! I was worried that he would feel that he had been labelled, but actually, it only got better after the diagnosis. Once you know, you can start to understand what ADHD is and how you can support your child and help them.” Did you try to find books to help you both understand the diagnosis?…

Here's what you'll need: • wildflowers • clear waxed paper (I used the brown natural kind too, gives the bookmark a vintage look! • plain paper (we love using coloured paper so everyone can personalize their own) • washable glue • kid-safe scissors 1 Have each child arrange their flowers on a piece of paper. You can draw outlines on the paper first, but I prefer to let them just have at it! We end up with very interestingly shaped bookmarks, and that is part of the fun! 2 Drizzle glue* over the flowers on the paper and then place waxed paper under each piece of flower-covered paper. Place another piece on top, (right on top of the glued flowers) and then set the entire thing on an iron safe…

teen Off the Beaten Track Pete Catterall is Head of Instruction at Plas y Brenin, which was set up in 1955, after the first ascent of Everest as a place to train people in mountaineering. It's now the UK's National Outdoor Centre running courses in mountaineering, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking. “I've been involved in outdoor adventure sports since the age of nine. The outdoors can offer so much to young people from personal challenge and overcoming fears to building resilience and a love for adventure and the environment. Our summer camps are so much fun to work on. Our coaches tailor each course to the individual to make sure they get the most out of their time with us, it's a full residential experience where kids get…

Yoga Pose of the Month This lunging posture strengthens and stretches the thighs, hips and opens the chest 1 Start in downward facing dog. Step the right foot through and place it between the hands. Draw the chest forward. Drop the back knee to the ground (can be a good idea to place a folded blanket under the back knee). 2 Ensure your right knee is stacked over your right ankle. 3 You can reach both arms overhead, and lift up with a slight backbend (keep your core muscles engaged). Hold for 3–5 breaths. 4 Practice on the other side.…

BALANCING BODY MIST Balancing aromatic body mist with an authentic fusion of pure essential oils blended to balance the crown chakra, the centre of connecting. (£30 aveda.co.uk) MORTICIA CHAMELEON EYESHADOW This little pot has a super reflective multichrome finish; apply a light layer for a subtle glow or build up layers for vibrant effect! (£8.99 magicalmakeup.co.uk) CHAKRA CRYSTAL CHARM LEATHER JOURNAL Each journal comes filled with a combination of lined and blank paper, offering the perfect canvas for your daily affirmations and reflections. (£18 bohobeth.com) CLOTH WIPES These 12 pack cloth wipes are made of one hundred percent cotton flannel in a combination of super bold colours. (£19.25 liveinthelight.co.uk) RAINBOW FUN Bring this technicolour dream bar into your bathroom for mouldable multi-purpose cleansing. Cheery lime and grapefruit oils with Fair…

Elephant Box Everything we make is useful, durable & stylish. A whole range of things for a sustainable home. From lunchboxes to drinkware, plus our bestselling washing up bowl. The best thing? Everything is built to last. www.elephantbox.co.uk The Greener Camping Club Camping and Glamping Holidays that don't cost the earth - Over 160 exclusive sites, from tranquil countryside to dramatic coastal locations. Family-fun, family-run campsites spread across England and Wales. Create your everlasting memories and help contribute positively to the environment at the same time. www.greenercamping.org 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…

Woodstone birdbox Constructed from a mix of concrete and wood fibres, these resilient nestboxes create insulation and safeguard against attacks from predators including woodpeckers, cats and squirrels. Also come with a 10 year guarentee. £24.99 birdfood.co.uk Bee Seedball Grow beautiful wildflowers in a pot or garden bed. Each ball contains approximately 30 UK wildflower seeds from a mix of Purple Loosestrife, Forget-me-not, Musk mallow, Red campion, Yarrow and Cornflower. £3.50 peacewiththewild.co.uk Bee Barn The Bee Barn is designed to attract, not only solitary bees but also many other pollinators to take shelter and create their homes in the various sections. Pop some nesting material into the lower compartment to attract more species. £19.99 lovegardenbirds.co.uk…

A blend of plants and herbs, which uses ingredients such as lavender and peppermint to help deter fleas, flies, mites and ticks. Infused with natural herbal tincture blend, this is specifically formulated to repel fleas and ticks from dogs, for up to 8 months. Seven ‘Shrooms by Four Leaf Rover is a veterinary formulated blend of 7 whole mushrooms, which enhance immune, liver and kidney function. Natural and vegan friendly paw and nose balm by Puddle & Stick with added vitamin E for nourishing properties. Also formulated with shea butter which acts as an anti-inflammatory. Gift bag with two products including wild mint shampoo, enriched with a deodorising blend of Mint and Eucalyptus essential oil, leaving fur oh-so soft! Containing cold-pressed natural oils, beeswax, aloe vera, shea butter and absolutely…

POSITIVE + NUMBERS 3 The number of times the average person picnics a year! WE LOVE Lune + Wild organic food delivery service was started by cousins, Nadia Simonds and Lara Rodgers (pictured). Lara is a trained chef who, inspired by her travels, brings delights such as mini moussaka to slow simmered daal to the menu for your child to explore. When Nadia became a mum she realised the challenges of weaning and Lara came to the rescue with her frozen cubes of delicious goodness! They rolled out the concept to a wider audience and luneandwild.co.uk was born! We love the rainbow baby weaning boxes, which start at £26. SAVE THE DATE: From 17-25 June National Picnic Week is a chance to grab a blanket, pack a basket with a…

Museum of London Docklands Kids can learn the history of the river Thames as they venture through the 19th-century Sailortown, run loose in the Mudlarks soft play area, or join the fun at the free family events during the weekend. museumoflondon.org.uk Museum of the Home, Hackney How have homes changed over the past 400 years? Discover people and places through creative activities and see how we live differently today. Free to visit plus free explorer packs. museumofthehome.org.uk Crossrail Roof Garden, Canary Wharf Free to visit and open daily until sunset in summer, this garden is one of London's largest. Wander through and admire the exotic plants and relax on one of the many benches nestled in hidden pathways.…

MAKING The delish 5 ingredient fudgy brownies at Rainbow Nourishments, which are both gluten and dairy free! Perfect for my eldest READING Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tullekan – this book has revolutionised the way I think about food, and especially the food that I make/buy for my family PLANTING Sunflowers and summer salads as inspired by our siblings Mud and Bloom box. Big thanks to my sister for getting us this! LOVING Dawn walks in my little patch of wild between the downs and the sea…

The Trouble with Rewards If we use trust, patience, and gentle explanations instead of rewards or punishments, children are then free to “own” their learning and personal growth. rewards Ideas for Creating a Birth Cave Our instinct is to seek out the smallest, most intimate spaces to give birth in. Read more about how to create the ideal conditions for labour. ideal space The Toddler Game Plan Follow these 10 steps to a more fun household with little ones. When toddlers make a developmental leap, family life can shift. Here's how to make it plain sailing! game…

inspire READERS' STORIES “We have a simple dream that is financially out of reach while renting a house and paying bills. We want to buy land, build a homestead, and become as self-sufficient as we can. Last year, we were living in a van. Ry was playing a lot of festivals and I was running workshops in the children's areas with my business Blossom and Stardust; I make and sell nature-based educational printables. It was a really fun experience, but we had a few costly repairs to the van and we were getting low on funds. We decided to sell the van and begin house-sitting. We had travelled a lot together, and were used to having very limited belongings. We sold as much as we could, gave things away and rented…

Baby and Nipple Balm with Calendula & Rosehip Oil Melts instantly on contact with your skin. Soothing and rich balm made to maximize the skin protecting properties. £9.50 valleymist.co.uk Organic Muslin and Bamboo Cloth These cloths are made by Tabitha Eve from bamboo and organic cotton. Perfect for a baby as they are so soft, would make a lovely silky soft facecloth too. £4 plasticfree.baby Revoluntiuonary Reusbale Nappy This award-winning, best-performing nappy truly fits from birth to potty thanks to the adjustable poppers and front tabs. £19.99 bambinomio.co.uk…

1 Have regular meals and sit-down snacks so your child can be hungry but not starved at mealtime. 2 Don't ask the child what she wants to eat, but do be considerate without catering with meal planning. Include 1 or 2 side-dish foods she usually eats. Don't make special food for her. 3 Tell her, “you don't have to eat,” and show her you mean it. Let her eat what she wants to eat from the meal and ignore the rest. 4 Don't pressure her in any way to eat. Don't bribe, encourage, cheer-lead, reward, force, glare, punish, deprive, deceive, make a big deal of loving the food, talk about her food likes and dislikes. 5 Make meals a pleasure and a privilege. Tell her, “you do have to behave at mealtime. Say ‘yes…

No Matter What: The Anniversary Edition By Debi Gliori £7.99 Bloomsbury Children's Books This was an emotional one! The story centres around Small, a fox whose grumpy mood leads him to question whether he would still be loved in various different guises. Reiterating the unconditional love of a parent, I found the last few pages a little on the dark side for a children's book, but the message remains reassuring and comforting. Kate S The Magic of Me! Ben Cort £7.99 Hodder Children's Books A fabulous, big book full of bright illustrations and funny adjectives to describe how we can all be different versions of ourselves each day. I loved the concept of children embracing aspects of their personality according to how they feel - adventurous, quiet, noisy! Freddie loved…

child World schooling - the practice of educating children through real-life experiences and cultural immersion - is fast growing in popularity thanks to the combination of exploration, fun and the opportunity to learn away from a traditional classroom setting. It offers unparalleled advantages for the intellectual, emotional, and social development of young minds as well as providing long-lasting memories. While not every family is in a position to up sticks and commit to this lifestyle, summer is a great opportunity to hit the road and embrace a world schooling experience, giving kids that welcome break from the traditional curriculum whilst allowing them to have wonderful, first-hand experiences in nature. Our guide to the benefits of a world schooling inspired road trip: 1 Real world learning - World schooling allows children…

In the teenage years, young people often spend much more time with friends and less time with parents say experts at raisingchildren.net.au. But your child still needs you and the secure base you provide. Being interested and available lets your child know that they can turn to you when they need to. As your child gets older and more mature, you might also notice that your child gives you some support too. Teenagers do share a lot with and copy a great deal from their friends. For example, teenagers might change their behaviour, appearance or interests to show that they belong to a certain group of friends. As long as your child isn't doing anything destructive or dangerous, this kind of behaviour often shows that your child feels supported and…

Up Clothing Sustainable activewear brand Universal Performance's newest collection, Active 24/7 is mindfully made and perfect for yoga. Clever technology in every garment means you can wear for longer and don't have to wash them as often. up.clothing Yogamasti This brand provide a full range of yoga goodies from clothing to jewellery. We love the striking blue ‘Shanti Om’ seamless leggings in mermaid scale jacquard. Made with GOTS Certified Organic cotton-rich fabric with great stretch. yogamasti.co.uk Jilla Active This organic cotton yoga bra is easy to wear and knitted in a supportive ribbed fabric with a double layered fit. The soft under band ensures you stay comfortable all day long. Check out their leggings and tops too. jillaactive.com SAVE THE DATE: World Wellbeing Week from 24-30 June is now in…

wellbeing Sometimes I forget that the way I look is unusual - and that other people might think I'm ‘overdressed’ for the supermarket and the swings - because the practice of choosing my colours has become such an integral part of caring for myself. On my trauma healing journey deeper progress came when I found my rainbow. It turned out I wasn't dark or light - bad or good - but a colourful, flower-crowned, wafty, hippie, tie-dyed spectrum all along! The darkness of my youth Looking back now, I feel I grew up in a shroud of darkness. I almost-exclusively wore black clothes, dyed my hair black, listened to dark music, read dark books. I wanted to look as dark on the outside as I felt on the inside. I…

POSITIVE + NUMBERS 3000 The number of insects a pipistrelle bat can eat in one night! See bats.org.uk for more fun facts feed the insects It's important to make sure there is enough food available for wildlife in your garden, year round. You can do this by planting wild flowers or by making a feeding station. To help attract and feed a good supply of insects from spring through to autumn you can plant shrubs and plants that flower at different times of the year. We love the chart at Wildlife Watch, which shows you which plants to put in when, and which insects they attract. link.thegreenparent.co.uk/chart SAVE THE DATE: From 31 May to 6 June it's Garden Wildlife Week. Find out more and get involved at seedball.co.uk…

home There are so many brilliant reasons why you might be considering a new addition to your home in the form of a furry, four-legged family member. It's true that a cherished pet can truly complete a family. But as well as offering the animal in question a loving home for life, your pet will undoubtedly offer you and your children a host of money-can't-buy benefits in return. Families with pets may be more likely to be fitter and healthier! One 2023 study, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, found pet owners showed a higher frequency of physical activity than non-owners. OK, this might apply more if you own a dog as opposed to a goldfish, but a four-legged family member is certainly a great way to ensure…

Tin of Treats, £6.95 wzis.dog Natural, grain-free, plant-based treats with a deliberately firm texture and angular profile to prolong the eating time and promote teeth cleaning. Calm and Relaxed Dog Treats, £2.99 poochandmutt.co.uk Natural, hand-baked treats, which contain chamomile to aid relaxation. Ideal for use before stressful situations or as a treat before bed. Dog Teepee, £153 poochandpaws.com Handmade in the UK, this teepee is made with super durable, fully waterproof canvas. Lightweight and foldable for easy transportation. Fair Trade Felt Dog Basket, £54.99 onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk Lovingly handmade by skilled artisans in Nepal. A stylish way to keep your pet friends comfortable and warm.…

Hannah Hossack-Lodge is founder of domesticgothess.com and creator of very fine vegan snacks! Here she shares her easy vegan oaty flapjacks filled with dried fruits, nuts and seeds, which are perfect for lunchboxes. 1. Preheat the oven to 160ºC. Grease a 23cm square cake tin and line with baking parchment. 2. Mix together 350g oats, 80g flour, 100g roughly chopped, mixed nuts, 200g dried fruit and 50g seeds in a large bowl. 3. Place 200g vegan butter, 175g golden syrup and 200g brown sugar in a pan over a low heat. Heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. 4. Pour the syrup into the oats and stir until thoroughly combined, there should be no dry patches at all. 5. Tip the mixture into the prepared tin, spread it out and press down firmly. 6. Bake for 25-35…

POSITIVE + NUMBERS 45 The number of long distance trails in the UK DON'T WAIT FOR ADVENTURES! Zenovia Stephens is a wife, mother, and Founder of Black Kids Adventures (blackadventurecrew.com), a non-profit organization. “I'm married to my college sweetheart, and we're raising our three sons to be bold and courageous and feel empowered to take on whatever life throws their way. From SAHM to a WFHM, I have always set out to do things and parent in a way that reflects my and my husband's personalities and beliefs. Pulling from lessons and traditions we experienced in our upbringing, we create a foundation for our family centred on creativity, exploration, exposure, and family adventures. Our goal is to ensure Black families feel seen and represented in outdoor adventures and adventure travel.…

The Great Yarmouth Marina Centre It's been refurbished and it now hosts a new swimming pool with big water flumes and a good water play area for younger children. There is also a climbing wall in the centre. A run around on the beach is a must after your swim! You could also check out the fantastic Hippodrome circus while in Yarmouth. Sea Palling A vast sandy beach with water which is easily accessible for children to swim. If you're lucky you may get to swim with a seal! You can get fish and chips or donuts and icecreams behind the beach. Alternatively West Runton is a fantastic beach for rock pooling and fossil hunting. Eaton Park. It has a playground, a skate park, a boating lake, crazy golf and…

SOPHIE JENNA Artist and mother, Sophie lives with her family in Cornwall. “I've actually been reading Green Parent since my teenage years, as I am the eldest of six home educated children - my mum had the magazine at home, so naturally I was reading it and forming ideas for my own future family! For me summer is all about vitamin D and bare feet on the ground in nature (for little one too)! We have long, damp, grey winters here but the summers are a dream as we have world famous beaches on our doorstep!” See Sophie's work on page 20. SALLY HALL Founder of education project, Bamble, in Norfolk, Sally is mother to a free-range toddler and volunteer at a permaculture inspired farming co-op. She believes in the…

JUNE is a month of summer sun, the longest day, flowers and fairies. Enjoy the sense of magic in the air! MEET YOUR NEIGHBOURS The Big Lunch is a big old yearly gathering for neighbours and communities throughout the UK. Every year millions of people come together for a few hours of food, friendship, and fun. It connects people and encourages friendlier, safer communities where people start to share more – conversations, ideas, skills, resources and friendship. We love the sound of the first open day at Honey Hope Farm in Duffield for example, where you can meet the animals and have a big lunch! Or in Walney, Cumbria participants can play games, listen to live music, feast on a fully catered buffet and take part in stories and crafts…

“We decided to home-educate Jasper to spend more time with him. Childhood is so short, and we want to enjoy him, learn with him and truly know the unique individual he is. Our village school is highly competitive and academically driven which didn't sit well with us. We also have a few friends who were teachers and so knew about the system, the impossible pressures teachers are under, the lack of time and connection, the competition and comparisons, the ‘one size fits all’ approach which so often doesn't work. We didn't want a part of any of it. I have been childminding for over 13 years. Before I became a parent! I worked alone for a number of years, then towards the end of 2022 Georgia wasn't enjoying her job…

the Green Parent LOVES 2024 Emma Armstrong, mother, birth coach and illustrator founded The Naked Doula several years ago. In 2019, while pregnant with her first child, Emma lost her mother to cancer. It was during this time that she realized the need for more support, simplification, and empowerment surrounding birth, choices, and informed consent. Driven by her passion to make a difference, Emma trained as a Doula with Nurturing Birth. Emma believes that every parent deserves access to visual evidence-based, bite-size tips, and information for every stage of their journey, from pregnancy to birth and postpartum. It's all about helping you feel confident, informed, and ready to embrace the transformative experience of birth. Emma's book - The Fearless Birth Book is out now. thenakeddoula.com SAVE THE DATE: It's Reef…

Last night while working nights I delivered a woman in the front of a Ford Corsa in the car park. Lovely normal delivery, physiological third stage. Absolutely beautiful. When it was all over I read her notes as there was no time before. She was a previous C-section. Had she come in earlier she would have had a drip put up, bloods taken and actively managed. Just goes to show, doesn't it? I love this job. This has happened a few times, not in the car park, but women with previous C-sections wanting a ‘normal’ delivery and being told what will happen to them when they go into labour. Some of them decide to stay at home rather than have a drip put up, almost compulsory epidural and CEFM (Continuous…

Kitpas Coloured Crayons Explore colour and texture with these buttery crayons, on almost any surface – paper, glass, mirrors and whiteboards. £19.90 babipur.co.uk My First Paintbrush Set The ergonomically designed handle helps little ones have better brush control for a great painting experience. £12.99 honeysticks.co.uk Finger Paint Set Made with food safe, non gmo ingredients (including potatoes, rice and beans) to provide a colourful adventure for the very young artist. £18.99 consciouscraft.uk SAVE THE DATE: 29 June to 19 July Children's Art Week brings colour to libraries, country parks, museums and galleries across the UK – check your local area for events. childrensartweek.org.uk…

Who's Your Real Mum? by Bernadette Green, illustrated by Anna Zobel (Scribble UK) This warm, imaginative picture book has a clear message that, with same sex parents, both mums or dads are childrens’ “real” parents, and in fact parenting is about so much more than biology. The Girl with Two Dads by Meg Elliott (Farshore) A funny and heart-warming tale featuring a same-sex parent family. This light-hearted story is all about celebrating what makes us different and similar to one another and is perfect for sharing with children aged 3 years and up. The Best Mum by Penny Harrison and Sharon Davey (New Frontier Publishing) Funny and silly with lots of brilliant detail in the illustrations, a celebration of all different kinds of mums – many of whom may seem…

Olu went on an expedition with the British Exploring Society (britishexploring.org) last year. “During my expedition I learned to understand the importance of sustainability, managing my emotions, and communicating more about how I feel. The thought of being surrounded by people 24/7 and not having my own space worried me at first but in reality, I was given so much freedom and it wasn't an issue. I recall the first 3 days into the expedition, as we hiked up Ben Frack I remember thinking how would I survive 2 more weeks of this. That thought, however, changed very quickly. Post-expedition, I feel more resilient because of what I accomplished. I will always remember this experience.” SAVE THE DATE: 30 July is International Day of Friendship. Read the UN's tips on…

POSITIVE + NUMBERS 108 The number of sun salutations that many yogis practice on 21 June, the International Day of Yoga, or Summer Solstice Heat help Sebastian Pole (pukkaherbs.com) shares his top tips for boosting your wellbeing as the weather heats up COOL YOUR EMOTIONS As the weather hots up, the emotions can take a similar route. You might find yourself becoming more ‘hot under the collar’ than usual. A good trick is to take a mouthful of cool water and hold it in your mouth for 10 seconds before you speak. INDULGE For a bit of extra indulgence, wash your face in rosewater and fill your room with the scent of relaxing cooling scents such as rose and jasmine. GET BETTER SLEEP Before bed, try rubbing the soles of…

“I created my online shop in honour of Lucia, my free-spirited rainbow baby, so I could leave my teaching job and care for her full time. I wanted to offer women something different than they'll find on the high street handmade, colourful and unique clothes that are affordable. The fabrics I use are end of roll or reused sari fabrics which would otherwise have been thrown away - so my clothes are good for the earth too. When I see the joy my little one gets from dressing up in sparkles, rainbows and tie-dye - it really does inspire me to give my inner child some of that fun and colour too. I used to dress quite plainly but my children have helped me to have more fun and flair…

Your inner life is incredibly passionate and creative. You are mature and adapt well to most life situations and are always ready to give a helping hand. Your natural curiosity makes you an excellent listener. People tend to turn to you in confidence to reveal their deepest secrets. You have a healthy sense of humour and have a clear understanding of irony. You tend to see the big picture and have amazing insight although you typically will not give yourself enough credit for your observations. Animal Correspondences Seahorse, Blackbird, Owl Keywords Secretive, Fun, Passionate Your Rune: Huathe or Uath represents the energy of cleansing and preparation. It clears the mind of negative thoughts and mental confusion, offering clarity. It gives patience and offers stillness.…

Finley, now 13, has autism and sensory processing disorder, so everyday life can be overwhelming. Coping with social anxiety, stress and isolation was a daily challenge and Finley was struggling to leave the family home. Desperate to help, Finley's parents thought a cat might bring some comfort, so they brought rescue cat, Chi, into their son's life. The effect was remarkable – the pair bonded instantly, and Finley got the unconditional love and non-judgemental friendship he needed to thrive. The mutual bond between Finley and Chi has been truly transformative. “Chi really is an ambassador for cats and helping more people understand what wonderful therapy they can be for children with autism spectrum disorder,” says Finley's mum, Jo. Finley was a finalist in Cats Protection's National Cat Awards in 2019.…

PIP ORGANIC The Rainbow Lolly is bursting with organic fruit & a little bit of cheeky veg! Designed to bring colour and nutrition to your day. Available both in handy multipacks of 6 and as single lollies. £4 for 6 waitrose.com LICKALIX These all-natural ice lollies use high quality organic ingredients and are gluten free, lactose free, dairy free and nut free. Packaging is 100% plastic free (certified by A Plastic Planet) and compostable. Available at festivals and ocado.com. COCOS ORGANIC Creamy coconut yoghurt tubes, naturally free from dairy, gluten, refined sugar and containing billions of live vegan cultures, which can be popped in the freezer for a cool snack. The perfect gut friendly snack. Available from abelandcole.co.uk.…

Gemini MAY 21 – JUNE 21 June is a month ripe with possibility and lucky new beginnings. This is the time when you get the chance to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. This may mean that you begin to experience a positive new beginning or a door opening that leads to new adventures. Either way, summer is the time to embrace a new future and move towards the possibilities that offer you the chance to grow, learn and create a more meaningful existence. Cancer JUN 22 – JUL 22 June is a month in which you'll benefit from a quieter more introspective pace. A cluster of planets in your zone of endings makes this a suitable time to pause for thought; to look back at the previous 12…