NEWEST
So today we pass another milestone. One that, for weeks, filled me with dread and a little self-denial. Forty.
Shouldn’t I have achieved more by now? Shouldn’t I have ticked off the goals, the big dreams, the things people I look up to already have? Cue: comparison, doom spiral, self-loathing. Lovely birthday vibes.
We’ve all been there: you sit down for a “quick scroll” and suddenly it’s 2 hours later, your tea is cold, and your thumb is begging for a union rep. TikTok has taken you from sourdough starters to celebrity divorces to an oddly compelling sheep-shearing account - and you’re wondering how on earth you got here.
Do you ever find yourself picking up your phone without even realising it? One minute you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, the next you’re knee-deep in someone else’s holiday snaps, wondering why your life suddenly looks a bit . . . beige.
We’ve been obsessing over the wrong KPIs.
Quarterly profit, sales targets, productivity dashboards are the usual suspects. And yet, tucked quietly in the shadows, there’s a metric that could transform your bottom line faster than any of them.
It’s called joy. And yes, it’s measurable.
ALL THINGS PICNIC
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, autumn offers the perfect backdrop for slowing down and creating new family traditions. There’s something undeniably magical about this season, the vibrant colours, the cool breeze, and the sense of peace that comes with it.
Autumn is all about embracing the heartier, warming flavours of the season, and this Warm Roasted Vegetable Salad is the perfect dish for those crisp, breezy days when you’re out enjoying nature.
There’s nothing quite like an autumn picnic in Somerset. As the days grow cooler and the leaves turn to shades of gold, amber, and red, the countryside transforms into the perfect setting for outdoor gatherings. The crisp air, the rustling of leaves underfoot, and the peace that comes with autumn’s slower pace make it one of my favourite times of the year for picnics.
THE DUCHESS DIARIES
So today we pass another milestone. One that, for weeks, filled me with dread and a little self-denial. Forty.
Shouldn’t I have achieved more by now? Shouldn’t I have ticked off the goals, the big dreams, the things people I look up to already have? Cue: comparison, doom spiral, self-loathing. Lovely birthday vibes.
Somewhere between the WhatsApp pings, the empty snack wrappers, and the relentless chase for “balance’ . . . I lost my spark.
Not in a dramatic, scream-into-a-pillow kind of way. Just slowly. Quietly. Little by little.
Between keeping the plates spinning, the lunch boxes full, and the inbox from exploding, something in me dimmed.
Ever wish you could freeze those beautiful, everyday moments? As a mum of four, I know that life can feel like a whirlwind, but it’s filled with countless moments of beauty. Whether it’s the soft morning light streaming through the windows or my kids playing in the garden, these fleeting moments are the ones we cherish the most.
Inspired by Maya Angelou’s legacy, "In the Moment" is my personal letter sharing the joyous simplicities that form our lives. It's a reflection of my journey towards living more in the present, a testament to the beauty that surrounds us if only we take the time to look and truly see. From the laughter-filled play of children to the serene dance of nature, every moment holds a treasure trove of serenity and joy, if only we're present to uncover it.
THE JOYFUL ALMANAC
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, autumn offers the perfect backdrop for slowing down and creating new family traditions. There’s something undeniably magical about this season, the vibrant colours, the cool breeze, and the sense of peace that comes with it.
As the vibrant energy of summer fades and the crispness of autumn settles in, we’re reminded to take a step back, breathe deeply, and savour the slower pace that comes with the season. The shorter days and cooler air invite us to pause, reflect, and enjoy the simple pleasures that surround us. Honestly, I was always a summer girl and never really understood the love affair so many have with autumn.
There’s nothing quite like an autumn picnic in Somerset. As the days grow cooler and the leaves turn to shades of gold, amber, and red, the countryside transforms into the perfect setting for outdoor gatherings. The crisp air, the rustling of leaves underfoot, and the peace that comes with autumn’s slower pace make it one of my favourite times of the year for picnics.
There’s something truly magical about autumn picnics, the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, the earthy smell of freshly fallen rain, and the crispness in the air that calls for cosy blankets and warm drinks. Every year, as the season changes and Somerset is awash in rich reds, golds, and browns, my family and I love heading out for an autumnal picnic.
THE JOY EDIT
We’ve all been there: you sit down for a “quick scroll” and suddenly it’s 2 hours later, your tea is cold, and your thumb is begging for a union rep. TikTok has taken you from sourdough starters to celebrity divorces to an oddly compelling sheep-shearing account - and you’re wondering how on earth you got here.
Do you ever find yourself picking up your phone without even realising it? One minute you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, the next you’re knee-deep in someone else’s holiday snaps, wondering why your life suddenly looks a bit . . . beige.
Why Workplace Joy Is Everyone’s Business, Especially in Visitor Experience
I’ve been quietly noticing something.
Something that started as a flicker . . . and has now become a full-on ache every time I visit one of my favourite places; a historic house, a beautiful estate, a charming garden, or a family-friendly attraction.
The buildings are beautiful. The experiences are meant to delight.
But the people?
Somewhere between the WhatsApp pings, the empty snack wrappers, and the relentless chase for “balance’ . . . I lost my spark.
Not in a dramatic, scream-into-a-pillow kind of way. Just slowly. Quietly. Little by little.
Between keeping the plates spinning, the lunch boxes full, and the inbox from exploding, something in me dimmed.
Picnics are a charmingly simple pleasure, yet they come with their own unwritten rulebook, one that ensures everyone enjoys the occasion, rather than dashing back to the car as soon as the ants arrive.