Nothing better than a fresh start to a new year… am I right? It’s like a clean slate that you can adorn with new goals, new opportunities and exciting plans for the year ahead. As I’m writing this I can see the foliage of the spring bulbs I planted in November last year sprouting out of the ground and that’s providing me with lots of hope and anticipation for Spring. I’m basically trying to block out any negative energy that January is the darkest, gloomiest month of all and instead, focus on self-care and positivity. In this column, each month I share what to buy, DIY and try in the world of wellness right now and here’s what I’ve been loving recently.
This has been a total game-changer for my hair. Very late to the Olaplex bandwagon, I know, and after trying (and really not rating) their No.3 Hair Perfector Mask, I was recommended the bonding oil by my BFF and wow my hair has never been so transformed by a single product. I won’t go into the science of Olaplex here (I’m not sure I entirely understand it myself) but a few drops of this on damp hair and the blow dried, my locks look shiny, glossy, smooth and feel so much more healthy. I have fine, highlighted hair that dries out and gets tangled easily and for me, this is now a must-have. I’ve got so many more compliments on my hair, particularly asking if I’ve recently had highlights done (which I haven’t recently) and I think it’s enhancing my colour too!
Bramley Plastic-Free Compostable Refill Pouches
One little pleasure I treat myself to is lovely hand soap for our kitchen sink area. I always like to spend a little more and get something that feels luxurious and nourishing. One of my favourites is Bramley’s Lavender, Geranium & Petitgrain hand wash and to my delight, they now offer plastic-free, compostable refill pouches which removes the need to buy a new bottle each time. I love this eco-innovation because it means you can get your favourite products in a much more sustainable way. They also offer their Digby Dog Wash in the eco refills so I will definitely be giving that a go on my spaniel Rosie!
Lululemon Leggings “Heatless Curl” Hack
If you’re on Tik Tok, you may have seen this trend floating around whereby you use your lululemon leggings as a way to curl your hair overnight. It sounds a bit bonkers but if you’re looking for a way to add volume and curl to your hair without heat then give this a go! You essentially split your hair into two sections and wrap each side on one leg of your leggings. Roll the waistband over your head and voila! Many heatless curl devices are often so uncomfortable to sleep in but this is by far the most comfortable option and you wake up the next morning with gentle waves in your hair like you’ve just spent an hour blow-drying!
Self Love & Rose Quartz Bracelet Making Workshop
I’m naturally a creative person and I love finding ways to nurture that side of myself. If you’re looking for a fun workshop to do with your best girlies ahead of valentine’s day (or should I say gal-entine’s!) then why not book yourself onto a Self Love & Rose Quartz Bracelet Making Workshop? Hosted by Georgia Devon-Spick, you’ll be given some background behind the rose quartz stone and the corresponding heart chakra. You’ll then discuss how to help balance or open the heart chakra, cultivate feelings of self-love and bring certain small habits and affirmations into our daily routine. You’ll then proceed to make your own bespoke Seven Collective rose quartz bracelet, where each bracelet can be customised with words and charms. At the end of the workshop, you’ll have your very own rose quartz bracelet and a goody bag including special self-care gifts.
Instagram made CRÉME famous for their gooey, mouth-watering cookies and they’ve recently launched a variety of vegan cookies and a “Cookies on Demand” home delivery service which is just too good not to share! Are they “healthy”? No. But if you’re plant-based or doing Veganuary and you want to treat yourself (because we’re all about balance here) then here’s your ticket! There’s not much more to say other than their vegan double chocolate cookie is what dreams are made of!
Fun fact about me… I’m mad about Formula 1 so when I heard about this new fitness program I was very excited! Baur au Lac in Zurich, Switzerland has teamed up with world-renowned British Formula 1 performance coach, Mark Arnall, who channels 25 years of health and fitness knowledge and experience into an exclusive and carefully curated ‘TRAVEL FIT’ programme, designed to help guests maintain peak wellbeing during their travels. Mark began his career in Formula 1 in 1997 as the performance coach of Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard. In 2002, Mark started working with Kimi Räikkönen and up until recently, Mark has been working with Sebastian Vettel. In line with the British trainer’s holistic mindset, Baur au Lac’s ‘TRAVEL FIT’ concept extends from pre-arrival travel-related recommendations via video and Mark Arnall’s e-book travel guide to training and recovery programmes at the hotel. The hotel’s incredible top-floor state-of-the-art fitness centre, with breathtaking views across Lake Zurich, provides a perfect environment for this balanced programme. Guests who prefer to train in the comfort of their own room will find all the equipment they need ready and waiting for them, with training and recovery videos instructed by Mark Arnall accessible on all guest TVs and in-room tablets. Mark has also worked closely with leading sports nutritionists and Baur au Lac’s award-winning chefs to specially develop exclusive nutritious dishes to complement the programme.
words by Molly Jennings