Welcome to July’s issue (if you can call a digital column that) of my wellness Must-Haves. Hopefully most of you will be planning on a proper get-away or some much needed R&R at this time of year. We’re half way through the year and I think it is the PERFECT time to take stock and reflect on all that has happened so far. In fact, I think it is so important to take some time that for the first time in my whole career I am taking an entire month off in August. I’m keen to spend time with the family (having never taken a proper mat leave or anything longer than a couple of weeks at a time) but I also want to use the time to think about how I want the next 6 months to go and set some goals and intentions for the rest of the year. Enjoy the summer – and I’ll see you in September!

Anti-Aging Skincare Launch in the UK

Element Eight products were developed by a world renowned team of scientists and surgeons who have spent over a decade developing the proprietary oxygen delivery systems that make them so unique and effective. Did you know that 60% of the skin’s oxygen levels are lost by the age of 40 (I’m 39 so I am paying close attention to this stat!). And that oxygen depletion is the leading cause of the signs of aging and leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin and the development of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. Element Eight exists to combat that. Go check them out now.

My Pool-Side Reading – The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

I realise I am late to the game here – my sister has been reading Foley’s books for years, but by god is this book good. I was gripped all holiday and could not put it down. I haven’t read fiction for years, but I loved this book so much that I just bought her next one. Also – so good is Lucy Foley’s writing that Hulu have just snapped up the rights to turn one of her other bestsellers, The Guest List, into a series.

The Power of Scent

We all know how powerful a scent can be at evoking a memory or even a feeling. The smell of suncream instantly takes me to sunnier times and sunnier thoughts. Essential oils brand, anatomé has launched their first ever Wellbeing Parfums and they are divine. To experience the scents at their best, apply each fragrance to sensory points on the wrists, neck, and chest.

Things to do This Summer Holidays:

For Festival Goers – CarFest / SpaFest / KidsFest

CarFest in Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire is one of the best wellness and family-friendly festivals to book this summer, taking place over the bank holiday weekend in August. The brain-child of Chris Evans, despite its “car” focussed name, visitors can indulge in yoga sessions, cooking workshops, meditation, therapeutic massages, and beauty treatments in the Spafest area. Plus, there is a ton on offer for kids too including art workshops, sports matches where they can burn some energy having a go at rugby, cricket and football and a CBBC entertainment stage. Tickets can be booked through the official CarFest website, where options for weekend passes, single-day tickets, and family packages are available.

For Nature Lovers – Borde Hill

Borde Hill is a botanically rich, family-run estate that is set within 383 acres of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in West Sussex. Kids will love the Dinosaurs and Dragons summer trails perfect for kids age 3+ and with a special booklet created for older children so that they too can enjoy the trail. If your little one is into craft then Borde Hill also offers incredible workshops such as clay modeling, film animation and sculpture building. Plus their adventure playground is a child’s dream complete with zip wire and balance bars.