Egypt - House Of Coco Magazine

Dog-friendly August 5, 2021

British charm and the best of modern British cooking at The Pheasant Inn Lambourn

Hannah Tan-Gillies and our intrepid doggy reporter #TeamCocopup Charlie have checked into The Pheasant Inn for two nights of elevated pub food, impeccable service and to explore all the rustic delights of nearby Hungerford and Marlborough.

On an exceedingly scenic corner of Berkshire, sits The Pheasant Inn Lambourn, a wonderfully charming pub/inn that will outdo every one of your staycation expectations.

A well-loved local landmark, the Pheasant Inn welcomed hotelier/restauranteur Jack Greenall as its new landlord in 2016 and has since undergone a top-to-bottom refurbishment. While I have not seen the Pheasant Inn pre-refurb, it is clear from staff and regulars alike that the renovation respected the inn’s rich heritage, which can be traced back to 1750.

Check-in is at the pub, which offers a familiar and relaxing atmosphere, amidst a rich canvas of warm colours, textures, and plenty of quirky art to look at. The pub comprises a main dining area, a more relaxed (and dogfriendly) pub dining area, and a cosy snug – which comes with its own eclectic collection of prints, and books. This isn’t your ordinary local, because the food at the Pheasant Inn is certainly the best-of-the-best in terms of modern British fare, with each dish offering a fresh new take on timeless pub classics.

Before we ‘dig in’ to the menu, we fist check into our gorgeous bedroom. The Pheasant Inn has 14, individually-designed en-suite bedrooms which are as cosy as they are stylish. All bedrooms were designed by London-based interior designer Flora Soames, each offering its own unique take on contemporary yet quintessential British charm. Our bedroom had outdoor access, which is ideal for those travelling with pooches.

Bathed in light and oozing with charm, our room featured an eclectic red and yellow floral headboard, which anchored the space and informed our room’s rich colour palette. It also featured a shabby chic wardrobe, a fluted blush armchair, delightful nature-inspired prints, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a vintage Robert DAB radio. The bathroom also offered indulgent Bamford toiletries – which to my delight, the inn also sells individually.

Breakfast is served in the main dining room and includes all the British classics, done exceedingly well and produced with only the best locally-sourced ingredients. In typical millennial fashion, I had the smashed avocado on toasted sourdough, with chili, lime and coriander, while my husband had the hearty English breakfast. Both dishes were served to absolute perfection, and complemented with fresh juices, breads, jams, and coffees.

There is plenty to explore in this special little corner of the Berkshires. The Pheasant Inn borders the nearby village of Shefford Woodlands which home to the famed Valley of the Racehorse. Meanwhile, the market town of Marlborough is just a 12 mile driver away across the Wiltshire County border. Here you can gawk at half-timbered cottages, ornate red brick mansions, and shop at the bustling local market from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

There is plenty to see in nearby Hungerford too. This historic town is antique-lovers paradise and it is easy to lose hours in one of the many antique arcades looking for lost treasures. A walk along the picturesque Kennet and Avon canals is also recommended for well-behaved pooches, before taking a break in one of the many quaint cafés on the high street. Our favourite was the hearty, healthy and dog friendly Eliane Café.

Further out in Reading, there is Basildon Park, whose main house exterior you may remember from films like ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and more recently ‘The Gentleman’ or as the handsome London estate of ‘Downton Abbey’s’ The Crawleys. The gardens are filled with beautiful blooms and are dog friendly too – perfect for a day out exploring.

It’s almost impossible to choose just one standout feature for The Pheasant Inn, which so far has certainly impressed in every way, but if we had to choose just one, it would be the incredible food at the pub. The Pheasant Inn’s food philosophy is to ‘simply and deliciously’ bring together only the best ingredients, and this certainly reflects in the quality of the food on offer.

The menu is rooted in classic British cooking and regularly changes to showcase the best of the locally-sourced fish, meats, and artisanal products from the UK. The sausages and wild meat are from the neighbouring Walter Rose & Sons, while the charcuterie comes from Gloucestershire’s Kelmscott Country Pork. The artisanal cheese is from Harvey & Brockless, while the fish is from Cornwall’s Flying Fish and Seafoods. An impressive roster, made up of the best of the best British suppliers with each one showcasing the wealth of produce that we have on offer in the UK.

For dairy/egg intolerance sufferers like myself, there is also a vegan/gluten free menu available – a sign of the times and of The Pheasant Inn’s commitment to catering for all.

We started with the Calamari and Tempura prawns, both perfectly cooked and accompanied by garlic aioli and lemon. For the mains, we recommend the Wiltshire Lamb Rump, which replaces the usual gravy or red wine jus with a surprising yet delightful black olive tapenade.

On our first evening, I sampled the vegan menu and had the roast Jerusalem artichokes, accompanied by sautéed wild mushrooms, charred broccoli, and toasted almonds. This totally vegan dish was bursting with flavours without being overpowering. Both meals at The Pheasant Inn proved that no matter what dietary challenges you may give the kitchen staff, they will not fail to blow you away.

No meal would be complete without the perfect glass of wine and The Pheasant Inn has 70 wines to choose from, with 28 available by the glass. There is also a wide selection of hand-pulled local cask ales and spirits. The Pheasant Inn also made sure that Charlie enjoyed his dining experience too, providing him with his own dog bed and a generous smattering of treats.

After months of lockdown, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from The Pheasant Inn, but after our truly wonderful stay, this place and the wonderful people that run it has certainly carved out a special place in my memory. From the warm and welcoming staff, the truly excellent breakfast, dinner, and everything else in between, The Pheasant Inn is a true gem in the Berkshires and has gone above and beyond every single one of my expectations.

For more information visit www.thepheasant-inn.co.uk

City breaks June 24, 2021

A Summer Staycation At The Mitre Hotel Hampton Court

The Mitre Hampton Court pulls you in with its charm and sophistication before you’ve even walked through the door. Sitting snug on the banks of the River Thames, you can almost taste the crisp glass of Whispering Angel rosé on the sun-drenched terrace before you’ve parked your car. Experience the allure of The Mitre Hotel Hampton Court. The delightful Grade II listed property is grand and boasts a great deal of character, both on the outside and inside.

Steeped in history, The Mitre pays homage to King Henry VIII through its design and the rooms are aptly named with playful nods to the late ruler – including the Catherine Parr suite. For a stay away from the bustle of the city, or something luxurious and relaxing post-lockdown, The Mitre is, undeniably, the idyllic bolthole you’ve been searching for, positioned a stroll away from boutique and antique shops, pretty cafes and independent restaurants. There’s also the ability to rent a boat and meander up the river, or explore the nearby Hampton Court Palace.

Experience Timeless Elegance and Modern Comfort

The hotel, part of the luxurious Signet Collection, opened in 2020 but it was built in 1665, and you can feel the grandeur and history perfectly mixed with the modern. You’re immediately at ease due to the friendliness of the staff, who were quick to hydrate us with summery drinks, and you can sink into a plush sofa as you get checked in while taking in the design skills of Nicola Harding who has opted for an environment “rich in soulness and atmosphere.” The walls of the airy and beautiful hotel are lined with historic nods to the surrounding area, or quirky pieces of artwork including a lion splashed against a yellow background with ‘I won’t eat you’ playfully scrawled above – a delightful piece by Kate Boxer.

No two rooms are alike, with standout spots including the ethereal lounge with floral-patterned wallpaper and the Baz Luhrmann-esque Minstrel library, which bursts with books and boasts an honesty bar and jukebox – two post-dinner must-haves. I had the pleasure of visiting the striking hotel in early summer and even took my dog along to this incredibly pooch-friendly hotel. Following a stroll around the area on a delightfully sunny day, I checked into my beautiful room for the night, named the Music Room. Swinging from a little drawstring bag were freshly baked cookies, and a ginger liqueur with two glasses beneath it was the tipple that whet my palate before dinner. It’s little intricacies such as these which really show attention to detail. For my dog, Luna, who, might I add, was just as elated about our stay as I was, there was a snug bed, a lion toy, treats and even poo bags, the latter of which are always handy when you’re a dog owner.

Indulge in Luxury and Culinary Delights

The Mitre has 36 rooms in total, of which no two are the same. Some have delightful internal courtyards, while others boast views of the Thames and Hampton Court Palace and have fire pits and jacuzzis. For special occasions, why not opt to stay in one of their two signature suites, including King Henry VIII and Catherine Parr rooms, with a VIP car valet service, personalised turndown and gin decanter being just a smattering of the inclusions? Our stunning room was booming with character and it ticked the box of being both spacious and snug at the same time. In one section of the room sat a grand, pink sofa perfect for sprawling across with magazine and G&T in hand. The large beds are soft to the touch with only the finest Egyptian cotton used, and the warm and smart bathroom with classic styling housed a sensational shower which set me up for my day. As the doting dog mum that I am, one of the aspects of the room I found charming was the dog bed which sat in its area. We sank into our beds after dinner and found them very comfy indeed – so much so that even the summer heat didn’t disturb the slumber. In the morning, should you wish, you can ring and one of the staff members will bring you fresh milk for your coffee or tea. It’s the little things.

Dining at The Mitre was such a delight. It was a warm evening, life felt back to normal after the hardships of lockdown, and you could feel the building buzzing with laughter and excitement. We dined al-fresco on the 1665 terrace, which I’d highly recommend. The restaurant is named after the year The Mitre was built, and you can take in beautiful views of the river while feasting at the all-day brasserie. We were wined and dined by the wonderful waiting staff, who never failed to wear smiles on their faces and each course delivered was accompanied by fun conversations and laughter, courtesy of the person placing it on our table. It’s an idyllic spot for a romantic meal, or to house a birthday party with pals, at which a good dose of Whispering Angel rose wine is a must. The Mitre has the world’s first stand-alone Whispering Angel hut, and this crisp and moreish rose is the perfect sundowner on the terrace tipple. As well as the enticing wine hut, there’s also a centrepiece bar inside the stunning restaurant and an open kitchen.

The food was simply scrumptious, much to the dismay of my dog Luna who sat patiently at the table while we dined. It is wonderful to be able to bring your pooch along to the restaurant, again playing into just how dog-friendly the venue is. We began with crispy cauliflower popcorn with teriyaki and soy, which burst with flavour and set the tone for the rest of the meal. The English asparagus was a standout starter, as was Devon squid with rocket and chilli salad. It’s a real treat for the taste buds to be able to savour food from different parts of the UK and to find an appreciation for where we live through fare, especially in a time when people, unable to go abroad, are finding the beauty in our home soil. Every dish was so flavourful, and each was presented beautifully. We went from turf to surf for our main courses and opted for fish dishes. I delved into the pan-roasted sea bass, which was utterly delicious, and the broccoli, petit pois and lemongrass lent perfectly to the feast.

Culinary Delights and Exceptional Service

Did we do dessert? Silly question. Seeing strawberry Eton mess cruise past us to be positioned on different tables in the surrounding area was envy-inducing enough for me to order one. It billowed out of the glass, with strawberries, chantilly cream, elderflower and mint swirling around in the glass to create the perfect palette ender. I chased it with an espresso martini and my guest enjoyed a decaf coffee and, with bellies full, we headed to bed. The exquisite, quintessentially British food and drink at The Mitre is helmed by Culinary and Operations Director, Ronnie Kimbugwe, whose infectious personality makes your stay even more memorable. Ronnie’s background includes over six years with the Gordon Ramsey group at Claridge’s and the Bel and Dragon Country Inns, so we were in good hands with his knowledge and choices during our stay. Like food, drink and a cosy room are musts during a hotel stay, so too are front-facing personalities as wonderful as Ronnie’s and his staff. As well as the 1665 terrace, you also have the option of the vibrant and stylish CopperNose restaurant, which takes its name from Henry VIII who was nicknamed “CopperNose” after he issued cheap currency. At this all-day dining spot, you’ll take in views of the Thames and some delicious food to boot, with sample dishes including Atlantic lobster and flamed English asparagus. Breakfast is just as brilliant as dinner, with friendly waiting staff quick to get you seated so that you can get your tea and coffee fix. Offerings include hearty full English breakfasts, mango smoothie bowls, sweet corn fritters, pastries and more, to get you set for your day.

The Mitre does its part in being environmentally friendly and grows food onsite, including herbs on the orangery roof. It houses beehives on the main roof and they even smoke their salmon. The Mitre also brews its draft beer called ‘The Six Wives,’ – apt! We were informed that they hope to eliminate all single-use plastic products and I am sure they will be passionate to do so. We were invited to learn about The Mitre’s near plans for its Pamper Spa Suite, which launched in June 2021. The Pamper Spa Suite comes in collaboration with Lola’s Apothecary, and it allows guests to sink into the hands of therapists for massages and facials, in luxurious trappings created by Nicola Harding. Guests can sip on Lola’s Apothercary’s wellness tea range supercharged with adaptogenic herbs most-treatment, before retiring to their rooms to get ready for a sumptuous dining experience.

Van Gogh was a tourist at Hampton Court and sang its praises when he wrote letters to his brother Theo after his visit, and he was right to do so. The beautiful setting of The Mitre is unrivalled and the hotel captivates you with its history and luxury as soon as you walk through the doors. Whether you’re after a relaxing staycation, a trip with your pooch or perhaps you’d like to hit up the Orangery for an idyllic Thameside wedding, this hotel ticks all the boxes and it’s a British bolthole you won’t want to miss off your list. Thank you to The Mitre for a memorable and beautiful stay.

Fancy staying? Visit mitrehamptoncourt.com

Beauty February 20, 2021

Give Your Hands A Little Love

You take great care of the skin on and around your face, so why not take some proper care of your hands too? It’s time to give yourself a facial for your hands, believe me they will thank you for it in the long run.

We have put together a 6-step process for caring for your hands and nails, and we have included some great brands for you to use.

Cleanse

Cleansing is an integral part of giving your hands some love; in fact this is the thing that you do the most every single day. So, we are including a beautiful gentle soap that doesn’t strip your hands of moisture. Use this for every wash, as it will keep your hands soft and fresh.

Little Soap Company, Mediterranean Pure Olive Oil Soap Bar, £2.95 (100g), Boots

Exfoliate

The next step of the process is to exfoliate. This removes impurities from your hands without using any harsh chemicals. The Himalayan, Egyptian, and French essential oils along with the salts give a luxurious and gentle exfoliation, eliminating dead skin.

Katherine Daniels, Gentle Oil and Salt Exfoliator, £30 (200ml), Katherine Daniels Cosmetics

Hand Mask

Once the exfoliation has taken place, it’s time to relax your hands in a beautiful hand mask. This is the most therapeutic part of the 6-step process as it gives your hands time to recover from daily wear and tear. By using a thermotherapy mask, this visibly rejuvenates dry skin, and reduces the appearance of dark spots and freckles.

Skin Republic, 24K Gold Hand Mask, £6.99, Skin Republic

Cuticles

The only time we ever focus on our cuticles is when we are at the salon, but this shouldn’t be the case. Our cuticles have an important role to play in the overall health of our nails. Therefore, by using cuticle oil it will give both strength and nourishment to the nail. This oil contains Sweet Almond Oil to help restore healthy looking nails.

Cienna Rose, The Elixir Nourishing Cuticle Oil, £9.50, Cienna Rose

Moisturise

Another part of the 6-step process is to moisturise. Hand cream is one of those amazing products that can turn your hands from cracked hard skin to soft healthy skin in a matter of seconds.

Leighton Denny, Best Defence Winter Berries Hand Cream, £9 (75ml), LD Boutique

Varnish

Once all the other stages are done and dusted its time to finish with a little pizzazz, by adding a pop of colour to your nails with your favourite varnish. Don’t forget to shape your nails with a nail file before coating your nails with the varnish! We are living for L’Atelier Green colours.

L’Atelier Green, Stormy Heart Nail Varnish, £15.99 (10ml), L’Atelier Green

Ecuador February 3, 2021

Girlbosses of Great Britain : The One with the Chief Elf Emily Beckloff

Emily Beckloff is the Founder & Chief Elf at International Elf Service, a brand that is passionate about creating a small window of make-believe time, which young children are able to believe in. Formed in 2010 when Emily used to write Elf notes to her children, the company has gone on to spread copious amounts of joy and magic ever since.

The international Elf Service is the kind of positivity we all need in our lives right now and so we spent some time with Emily to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that led you to launching the International Elf Service…

I first started writing the International Elf Service letters when our eldest child was 3, back in 2009. In 2014, after enjoying the letters as a family ourselves, I launched International Elf Service online for other families and children – anyone really aged 3 to 99! – to enjoy. I love seeing so many families enjoy our Christmas Elf Letters year on year and seeing the children’s’ names on their personalised letters each year, brings a smile to my face every time. It’s a real honour to be a part of their growing-up.

I was curled up in front of our fire reading ‘Letters from Father Christmas’ by JR Tolkein, where he wrote notes to his children from the North Pole. I suddenly thought … I could leave our two very young children a note each day from the North Pole in their wooden Advent House. It would be such a lovely, experience-rich and chocolate-free Advent Calendar idea. They were teeny tiny notes at first: things like, ‘Father Christmas lost one of the buttons off his jacket! He ate nine helpings of Cherry Pie, and it pinged off and flew somewhere behind the Giant Lollipops in the Elves’ Workshop!’.

Then as the children grew, the letters got more substantial … until they turned into one long Christmas story with a new ‘bit’ being published each day, just like the pages of a book. And there, International Elf Service was born!

I grew up in the countryside, and would spend all my time submerged in books, crafts, music and nature. I’ve always been so Christmas-mad that I drove my parents potty! I constantly wanted to be making or doing something ‘Christmassy’, and I wanted more than anything, to know what life up in the North Pole was really like! I’ve never really warmed to the big brother concept that ‘Father Christmas and the Elves are watching you’, because to me Christmas magic is for everyone, no matter what. It isn’t related to behaviour in any way, and it’s there to be enjoyed and experienced by all. I’ve always been an avid reader, devouring piles and piles of books as a child – often reading several at once! I loved being inside the different worlds and the riches that reading can give. I’ve always wanted to pass that love on to others, and write stories that children really want to read and immerse themselves in.

You’re passionate about Children’s’ wellbeing, why is this important to you?

Children’s mental health and them having a sense of wellbeing and ‘belonging’ is so important and something I am deeply passionate about. Sometimes children find their ‘big’ feelings can be a little difficult to understand or manage, which in turn can affect their relationships with others. This is where we hope our magical personalised Fairy letters and Tooth Fairy letters can help. I’m a firm believer in talking things through as a really helpful way to process thoughts. Talking with and listening to our children does all sorts of wonderful things. It improves our bond with them, which ultimately helps them to form relationships and to build self-esteem. Our Fairy & Tooth Fairy personalised letters are designed to support children’s emotional health & development, and to make brilliant conversation starters between parent and child. We have a range of letters addressing a variety of normal childhood worries and feelings, where our Fairies do their best to help reassure and teach children a little bit about them. Big messages in little letters.

As a mother of three, how do you juggle being present for the children and also building a brand?

Having three school-aged children, I’ve found I need to be very organised with my time, both for work and family time. I’m so lucky to be able to work from home, which means I get more time with my children than I would otherwise. I make sure I protect the blocks of time before and after school to spend time with them, and we all eat together as a family too … which I think is so important to do if you can. This is the one part of the day we’re 100% focused on the kids and they love it. It’s such a precious time, which I’ll miss so much when they’ve grown up and left home.

I start work in the morning as soon as our children have gone to school. I go for a run three mornings a week and then I answer emails and do any urgent ‘task based’ jobs first. Once I’m on top of things for the day, I put my creative hat on and get creating!

I’m always frantically finishing off emails as I walk up to collect my youngest from school. I also work every evening, often until 1am on the run up to Christmas … replying to customers, sorting out orders and making sure I have enough materials and stock. It’s very busy!

Christmas is most likely your busiest time, how do keep the business flowing throughout the rest of the year?

It’s Christmas all year-round at International Elf Service! We make personalised Birthday, Fairy & Tooth Fairy letters all year round, but I start writing the new Christmas letters each year from January to March, working closely with my fabulous Editor who lives in Italy. Then my amazing illustrator, who lives in France, works away at creating the bespoke designs and illustrations for each individual letter – so each one is different every year. We then ‘tweak and perfect’ and then the boring tech-side kicks in; stitching everything together and putting it all into the backend of the website, ready to have the children’s individual names added to every personalised letter and envelope. We make fun and magical new videos and take new photos each year – one featuring our adorable, obliging and much-loved Christmas mouse! Then it’s time to source our recyclable, eco-friendly materials, wood spirals and twines, making sure we have enough materials for the orders. The orders usually start coming in from around June/July when the new annual Edition becomes available. Then it ramps up to dizzying heights in November ready for International Elf Service Elfie’s Christmas Advent Letters Ultimate Story Bundle Advent Calendar to make it into people’s houses on time for the first letter to arrive on 1st December!

Do you plan on expanding the brand in the future, if so, how?

International Elf Service is all about taking children on unforgettable, magical literary journeys to both the North Pole and Fairyland – all through handcrafted, personalised letters. We offer a range of magical letters for all children including giggle-inducing Birthday letters; themed fairy letters covering a range of big feelings or experiences that help support children’s emotional wellbeing and development; and enchanting letter bundles from the Tooth Fairy. We’ve already launched our new International Elf Service Personalised Christmas Memory Box Tradition and International Elf Service Personalised Baby’s First Christmas Memory Box Tradition boxes. They enable you to preserve 20 years of special Christmas Day family memories, by recording key events on 20 beautiful personalised pages.

We have a lot more to come too – our Elves and Fairies are very busy right now!

We have some very exciting 2021 plans, but unfortunately Mother Christmas made Elfie, Father Christmas, me and the team swallow a bright-yellow-fizzy-not-giving-secrets-away-drop (so delicious I wanted another!)

But I can tell you that our product range is expanding (much like Father Christmas’ waistline during lockdown!) and we have some really exciting new literary options coming for older children and newborns.

We are constantly evolving our products and listening to our consumers, asking our Elves and Fairies what they think too! We’ve had huge demand for more family keepsake traditions, which is why last year we launched our Personalised Christmas Memory Box Tradition and Personalised Baby’s First Christmas Memory Box Tradition boxes for families.

There’s so much more to come and all designed to encourage children’s literacy and support their overall wellbeing and development through reading. Mother Christmas also suggested that lots of elderly people (much like herself) also love to read the news from the North Pole. So, we are working closely with her to help spread Christmas magic and cheer … not just to our younger audience, but to everyone who loves to transport themselves to magical worlds and immerse themselves in the magic of literary journeys.

Looking back since launching, is there anything you would do differently?

Starting your own business is both exciting and utterly terrifying. In hindsight, after the enormous interest shown and the natural growth of the business, I would have scaled faster. I would also have totally ignored any signs of Imposter Syndrome (the feeling that you’re totally inadequate compared to everyone else) and just got on with it. It really is the most unhelpful feeling and doesn’t actually change anything, except make a nuisance of itself and make you more cautious.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

I really love travelling and have been lucky enough to go to all sorts of places, including the Ice Hotel in Swedish Lapland, which is north of the Arctic Circle (mind blowing), Egypt, Peru, Ecuador, The Galapagos, Africa, Asia … but I’d really love to go to Northern Greenland. It looks and sounds so incredible and there’s something so very special about being in the arctic – the air, the light and the sheer enormity and beauty of all that nature around you. It’s an indescribable feeling.

For any aspiring entrepreneurs, what advice would you offer?

Be passionate about your business and be you. You are your brand, and no-one can be you as well as you can. Keep moving forward, taking one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice and feedback. If there’s a problem, there will be always be a solution … it’s just a case of finding it.

What has been your proudest moment since launching the brand?

My proudest moment came the first year I launched. A mum wrote to me to tell me that her eldest daughter (who has autism) never really engaged with her siblings, but since receiving Elfie’s Christmas Advent Calendar Letters, she’d been reading them out to her siblings each day through December and it was really helping them to connect. I hadn’t anticipated that my letters could have such a positive impact on family life in this way and I found it incredibly heartwarming.

When lacking motivation, what quote do you like to read?

It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done – by Nelson Mandela.

This quote is so, so true! Just keep at it and suddenly everything will slot into place and you’ll feel really happy with what you’ve done.

Where can people find out more?

Grab a hot chocolate, get cosy and join us at https://internationalelfservice.com/ (or @internationalelfservice on insta) to escape with us into a world of magic, adventure and the perfect literary gift for any occasion!

Photos by Petra Gatek @petras_gatto

Egypt December 3, 2020

11 Herbs and Spices to Reduce Inflammation Overnight

When you experience an infection or injury, your body will naturally react with inflammation, usually causing localized redness, pain, heat, or swelling. What is more, the involved tissues may lose their proper functioning. Nevertheless, it is a protective reaction aimed at healing the body and helping the tissues to get back to normal again. Sometimes inflammation lasts for a longer period, and it becomes chronic due to allergies or autoimmune reactions, like those present in rheumatoid arthritis.

Fortunately, there are natural ways to fight such chronic inflammation. You may not know it, but many herbs and spices have outstanding anti-inflammatory effects, and they may help you to feel better every day. Some of them are commonly used while others are less popular but still worth trying out and adding to your diet. Let’s explore them together!

Turmeric (Curcumin)

One of the most efficient anti-inflammatory foods is definitely turmeric, with its yellow pigment called curcumin. There is historical documentation showing that Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines have been using this spice not only to treat inflammation but also, for example, wounds and digestive problems.

Apart from that, curcumin can also fight free radicals and help to prevent cancer. What is more, it can provide your soups, curries, or other dishes with great taste! Also, you can add them to your smoothies or take supplements, such as Primal Turmeric Complex.

Basil

We usually don’t think about basil as a medicinal plant – most people treat it as a great addition to Italian dishes. The truth is, this herb contains a compound called (E)-beta-caryophyllene (BCP) that has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and is often used to improve the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. Its most efficient species is called Ocimum sanctum L., or holy basil. You can, for instance, combine it with thyme and vinaigrette to make your food healthier and tastier!

Chili Peppers (Capsaicin)

Nowadays, there are numerous varieties of hot peppers, but they all originate from one small shrub called Capsicum annum, originally growing in the tropical areas of the Americas. The chemical compound responsible for making pepper hot is capsaicin, and the same element is very helpful in reducing inflammation! Many varities of peppers are now known to the world, some come in the category of hottest peppers. One of them is ghost pepper.

Capsaicin can be found in chili pepper, including very popular ones such as cayenne or jalapeño. In your cooking, you can use fresh or powdered peppers in many different foods (even desserts!). Apart from that, it is also possible to find supplements containing not only capsaicin but also other herbs with anti-inflammatory properties.

Black Pepper

If chili peppers are too hot for you, we have great news for you – the milder black pepper helps to reduce inflammation as well! It’s actually often referred to as the “King of Spices,” as it has not only anti-inflammatory but also antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It is recommended to combine it with turmeric, as it makes it easier for your body to absorb curcumin.

Ginger

Interestingly enough, ginger is more effective in treating inflammation and pain than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. On top of that, it stops a few genes involved in an inflammatory response from activating. It is also worth knowing that ginger is often applied to minimize osteoarthritic pain and treat heart disease. Apart from that, it has been used for centuries in traditional and alternative forms of medicine to reduce nausea, help fight the flu and common cold, or improve digestion, to mention but a few. This spice is very versatile and tastes excellent in savory dishes and juices, teas, and desserts.

Garlic

Garlic contains a really powerful compound called allicin that can even reduce the probability of getting heart disease. Apart from that, if you eat garlic on a regular basis, it can be helpful in regulating your high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels. It has also been scientifically confirmed that it proves great in treating chronic inflammation, such as arthritis. However, you need to keep in mind that to get all the health benefits, you should chop or crush the clove because only in this way allicin can be formed in the garlic cells.

Cinnamon

You probably know cinnamon as a popular addition to muffins, pastries, and desserts in general. Apart from tasting delicious, it also provides you with great anti-inflammatory benefits and helps you to fight infections, treat headache and pain, and recover from tissue damage. It is worth including cinnamon in your daily diet, as it can weaken systemic inflammation and reduce the risk of various diseases to a large extent.

However, take into consideration that only Ceylon cinnamon is the true one. Most other variants do not have such a positive effect on health and can even do some harm if they are used in huge amounts. To add Ceylon cinnamon to your daily diet easily, you can sprinkle it in your tea or coffee. It will not only add outstanding flavor but also ease the swelling.

Rosemary

Rosemary is also one of the anti-inflammatory herbs and spices that can help you boost your health. Its most significant property is the ability to enhance the activity of superoxide dismutase, which is an enzyme responsible for removing superoxide, the potent free radical that appears along with chronic inflammation. It works most efficiently when the herb is cooked, so it is recommended to add it to roasted meat, vegetables, or other cooked dishes. It will not only work great for your body but also improve the taste of your meal significantly!

Nonetheless, uncooked rosemary also has some benefits due to its flavonoids, including apigenin, which is a very important compound that helps to stop the development of pancreatic cancer cells, and diosmin, preventing hemorrhoids.

It is a fantastic idea to add some rosemary to the oil when you are going to cook something in it. In this way, the antioxidants can help preserve it from oxidation.

White Willow Bark

Even in ancient Egypt and Rome, white willow tree bark was used to treat inflammation and pain. Nowadays, it is often considered to be a great alternative for aspirin, as it has a similar impact but with fewer side effects. Usually, white willow bark should be dosed in 240 mg per day for ongoing inflammatory problems. What is more, you can find blends of it with other herbs that prove excellent for a headache or another acute event.

10.Clove

Cloves are famous for their expectorant properties, and they can help with nausea, upset stomach, and throat or mouth inflammation. Sometimes clove oil is used directly on the gums to ease toothache or the pain associated with dental work. Thanks to this herb, you can also get rid of the problems with bad breath.

You can easily include powdered or whole dried flower buds in savory dishes, like stews and soups, or in pastry. Moreover, you can apply whole cloves to enhance both nutrition and flavor in hot drinks, like cider, tea, coffee, or mulled wine.

11.Sage

Sage contains carnosol and carnosic acid – potent anti-inflammatory molecules making this herb so full of health benefits and amazing flavor and aroma. It is worth mentioning that sage is studied for its potential properties to improve the treatment of inflammation-based neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s. Moreover, it also shows promise for enhancing concentration and memory, as well as reducing anxiety. Additionally, it has antioxidant properties, so having it regularly may help to avoid cancer.

Summary

All in all, there are many herbs and spices that help prevent various diseases and fight arthritis or another form of inflammation, with the eleven mentioned above being just chosen examples. Thanks to the chemical compounds that can be found in turmeric, black pepper, ginger, white willow bark, rosemary, or other spices and herbs, you can naturally stimulate your organism and improve its struggle with an unpleasant condition. In most cases, you can easily use it in various foods or find excellent supplement blends, helping you to get the right dose regularly.

However, keep in mind that such a herbal treatment should be just an addition to your diet, and when you are dealing with chronic inflammation, you should reach for medical advice. You can consult your doctor on what herbs and spices would be the best complementation of the treatment in your case.

Egypt October 20, 2020

Top 5 Best Museums in the World

If your travel also consists in museum hop across the globe, then check for vacation inspiration as we present you a quick and precise list of the top museums worldwide according to different news sources. This comprehensive list includes museums from New York to Paris. Whether you’re interested in the ancient gems of Egypt or the post-impressionist works of Van Gogh, these incredible collections are well worth the trip on their own. However, you should definitely consider checking some quick tourist advices, since it’s a horse race of tourists to book a place into one of these cultural sites.

1 – Musée d’Orsay – Paris, France

This Parisian art gallery is housed in the former Orsay railway station, on the Left Bank of the Seine, which was built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. It’s well-known for its collection of impressionist art and Old Masters, housing the largest collection in the world in regard to those categories, by painters including Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin, and Van Gogh.

It is one of the largest art museums in Europe, with 3.177 million visitors in 2017, according to Paris Digest. We would definitely recommend a visit, even more if you are short on time while visiting the city of love.

2 – Louvre Museum – Paris, France

If you have a little more time to spend in Paris and although it would take years to see everything in the Louvre, Paris’ most well-known art museum, the exterior architecture is at least worth a photograph. Its most famous painting is probably Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, although there’s an impressive selection of Italian Renaissance art too.

Interestingly enough, if you ever have 100 days to spare, you could probably check every piece of art, but you could only spend 30 seconds on each piece – and that’s if you were there all day, every day. The museum offers 380,000 pieces in total and is, as you might have guessed, the largest museum in the world. In 2018, the Louvre was the world’s most visited art museum, receiving 10.2 million visitors. We would recommend predetermining what art-style or artists you want to observe in advance and get there early in the morning, no matter when during the year.

3 – The National 9/11 Museum and Memorial – New York City, USA

A museum in downtown New York that remembers the people who died in the 9/11 terror attacks. The museum, on the site of the former World Trade Center, tells the story of the attacks through displays, archives and artifacts. The memorial pool outside, inscribed with the names of everybody who died in the attack, is free; but the museum itself requires a ticket and likely advance booking is advised as there are long queues every day. For what it represents worldwide, the museum is very well built, and the design was the winner of the LMDC’s design competition.

4 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York City, USA

This landmark art gallery on New York’s Museum Mile has more than 5,000 years of art from across the world in its location on Fifth Avenue. The Met is the largest art museum in the United States. In addition, the permanent collection consists of works of art from classical antiquity and ancient Egypt, paintings, and sculptures from nearly all the European masters, and an extensive collection of American and modern art. The Met Museum of Art also has a hidden rooftop that looks across Central Park, a fantastic panoramic view you should consider while in New York.

5 – The British Museum – London, United Kingdom

Founded in 1753, the first public museum in the world houses a number of antiquities, books, manuscripts and ethnographic material, including some high-profile pieces like the Rosetta Stone, a granodiorite stele, found in 1799, inscribed with three versions of a decree issued at Memphis, Egypt, in 196 BC. It documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present and, today, it reaches more than six million visitors per year.

Written by: João Santos

Belgium August 28, 2020

Luxury Gift Hampers Ideas

There is nothing better than receiving a gift that is well thought out and that makes you smile. And when you receive something that gives you the chance to open many things, it feels extra special.

This is one of the reasons hampers make such great gifts. They can be aimed directly at the person and be filled with things they love. At the same time because there are a variety of items in it, the person gets to open one big present that has several others.

Hampers come in all different price points and if you are looking for hamper delivery Sydney has a top hamper company.

Today we will focus on luxury hamper ideas. So if you are looking to give a high end luxury hamper to someone here are some suggestions for you.

Luxury Wine and Cheese Hamper

There is hardly any better combination of great foods than wine and cheese. These two have been taste mates for nearly all of recorded history, and it is well known how loved they are together. In other words you can hardly go wrong with these two at the center of your hamper. You should purchase a hamper with a high end bottle of red or white wine and order a cheese that goes with your selection. For white wines select a Brie, Gorgonzola, Gouda or Goat cheese. These will not overpower the lighter taste of a white wine.

If you select a Pinot, Cabernet, Merlot or Chiraz, consider pairing it with a Gruyère, Chevres, Asiago or other aged cheese. In terms of other items in the hamper you should also have some crackers or bread to go with the duet. Add a few small French baguettes, some focaccia, or even an olive bread with your red wine and cheese. As for crackers, it is up to you to decide on hard and crispy or soft. Whichever texture you choose keep the flavors neutral so as to not ruin your wine and cheese combination.

Luxury Chocolate Hamper

Because everyone loves chocolate, receiving a luxury chocolate hamper can brighten up the most disappointing day. With this in mind you should consider giving a hamper that contains the best chocolates. Your goal should be to provide a variety of different types of chocolates to tickle anyone’s fancy. Give a great selection of finest milk, white and dark chocolates, marshmallow, popcorn truffles and chocolate pastels. And make sure that the chocolate incomes in many different styles.

There should be chocolate bars, sticks, individual candies and perhaps even a dip. Have the person who receives the hamper think that they have died and gone to chocolate heaven. Chocolate is often paired with a nice red wine so you should also add one as an accompaniment. In the end your luxury chocolate hamper will be very well received.

Gourmet Food Hamper

A gourmet food hamper might be the perfect luxury gift to indulge someone you know is special. Create a mix of sweet and savoury treats for them to enjoy. Start off with a bottle of champagne. Select one for Moet and you cannot go wrong here. Add some Belgian chocolates to excite the palate. Fill it with jars or tins of duck pâté, Alexandria olives and spicy harissa meze dip, and don’t forget the Norweigian Salmon. Rosemary crackers will make a nice place to spread the goodies and as snack finishers how about Sicilian butter cookies, or fiery Cajun spiced nuts. A total meal with a variety of delicious tastes.

Choose one or all to give as gifts and you will never have a disappointed recipient. Of course whichever hamper style you select make sure that the presentation is up to the amazing ingredients inside.

Beauty August 26, 2020

Goddesses of the Movie and Fashion World Reveal Their Beauty Secrets

Some of the most beautiful women in the entertainment and fashion flaunt their goddess-like beauty as if they were just born that way. Of course, none of them are. While they may effortlessly glide over the red carpet in all their seemingly flawless splendor, they did actually work a lot to have that face, hair, and body that fans the world over admire.

Each star on film and on the catwalk has her own secrets to beauty. Some use the very best acne products to keep their skin blemish-free. Others swear by their vegan diet as the source of their lovely aura and energetic vibe. Many of them say that good sleep is really the absolute beauty secret, given its internal body cleansing and restorative effects.

For these seemingly celestial beings of the screen and fashion world, making themselves charming and extremely attractive appealing is not a matter of vanity or vice.It is a very real business and professional requirement in a very critical and, at times, unfairly judgmental industry where even the slightest hint of imperfection is noticed. It is also a line of work that is very public where almost everything about the celebrity is seen, heard, and talked about. While one cannot be excessively self-conscious, the life of a celebrity is inherently about being aware of how one physically appears to a wide range of audiences. Having a beauty regimen is, therefore, just part and parcel of this line of work.

In this article, let’s find out what some of the most stunning celebrities do to remain close to perfection. You will be surprised by their unconventional but effective methods. Be inspired at how they use very ordinary items and very simple techniques to be icons of style and aesthetics.

Kate Hudson and an Ice Bucket

Golden Globe winner Kate Hudson, best known for her movie Almost Famous, has a simple technique to revive her skin. Using a small bucket of ice-cold water, she dips her face for a few seconds. This helps reduce facial swelling and causes the skin pores to close, revealing a smoother and refreshed-looking face.;

Cindy Crawford Craves for Milk

Supermodel Cindy Crawford has a different take on skincare by using water mixed with milk as a facial hydration solution. The 54-year-old model still looks youthful, no doubt, due to the rejuvenating properties of dairy milk. Milk contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)which promotes elasticity, exfoliates old skin cells, and promotes the production of new skin cells. Another famous personality who is known to use milk as part of her beauty regimen is the legendary Cleopatra, Queen of Ancient Egypt.

Cameron DiazGets Zit-free with Eye Drops

Charlie’s Angel Cameron Diaz also has a secret ingredient that helps keep her skin look good. Whenever she has a breakout, she uses eye dropsto lessen the redness and inflammation of a pimple or acne. The way it reduces the redness in the eyes makes it a good hack for making a red spot on the face much less noticeable.

Doing It Upside Down with Bella Hadid

This one is definitely weird but it apparently works wonders for supermodel Bella Hadid. Whenever she has a modeling gig, has a magazine photoshoot, or needs to appear on the show, Hadid actually lies down and lets her head dangle from a chair.According to the 23-year old and 5’9″ tallModel of the Year awardee, doing this helps the facial muscles relax while helping the make-up artist apply powder and color more evenly across the face. Looking at her magazine covers and billboards, this unusual make-up position really does work.

Spooning with Miranda Kerr

Victoria’s Secret Angel Miranda Kerr has graced countless magazine covers and other fashion publications. Her face and figure have adorned advertisement boards across the world. Any product she has endorsed has become a sure best-seller. She is one of the catwalk’s most alluring personalities, her eyes never failing to mesmerize audiences wherever and whenever she walks by. Well, she is letting everybody in on a secret. Those bright, seductive Aussie eyes have long curled lashes, but not because of some powered roller or lash curler. All that Miranda needed was a typical spoon found in every home kitchen. Using the curved shape of a spoon, the gorgeous model is able to make her lashes make an upturned curve, making her blue eyes even more attractive.

What is truly amazing about their beauty tips is that anyone can do it. Yes, sure, these women have genetic advantages when it comes to height, weight, bone structure, skin health, hair quality, and a host of other characteristics. This does not mean, however, that their techniques will not work on other people. In fact, these beauty hacks are so easy and simple that doing them requires no extra skill, not a lot of time, and certainly, almost no money involved. So, go ahead and become a celebrity in your own right.

Egypt July 28, 2020

Girlbosses of Great Britain : Stopping to smell the roses with Ali Langlay-Smith

Free flowing and artistic is the vibe that you can expect when you buy flowers from Sissinghurst Flowers, a brand created by the creative genius Ali Langley-Smith.

Ali remincises about picking flowers when she was a kid and it’s those early memories that lead her to the path she is on today. Here, we spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Sissinghurst Flowers.

Sissinghurst Flowers has gradually evolved over many years. As a child I loved picking flowers from the garden and arranging them and making rose petal perfume – I even used to dig up wild ferns and put them in pots in my bedroom. Ferns are so very now, I obviously was before my time ?. I studied interior design and the two professions are very similar in many ways. When my children were at school, I found myself organizing the floral aspects to school functions and events. The events gradually were getting bigger and more schools were coming to me for advice, so I decided that it would be good to do professional qualifications. From there the business started growing, doing the odd wedding, funeral or bouquet, until now where we have been very busy doing lots of events and also many teaching courses throughout the year which are very popular.

You have a really distinct style, how did you hone in on this and what sets you apart from other florists?

I really like my flowers to look natural together. I love combining textures, shapes and colours and a feeling of whatever I am creating to be completely full and overflowing. I do use greenery of course depending on what the client would like, but generally not very much as I really like the flowers to stand out. Many florists put lots of greenery in their designs so that they don’t have to use too many flowers and cut costs.

How have you pivoted during Covid19?

I have found it almost impossible to source flowers as the wholesalers have remained shut. New Covent Garden Flower Market has only re-opened today (15 June). We have been shielding our daughter during this time and I haven’t felt safe – even if I could have bought some flowers to do deliveries, and obviously events are not happening. The situation is now opening up a bit, so I am sure we will start doing socially distanced deliveries very soon. We have been thinking about how to do our courses, as in my studio I have a maximum of 8 students and it really isn’t large enough with the two metre socially distancing rule, so we will probably have far fewer people, or we will send out the “ingredients” for the course and then have a zoom meeting which would mean a lot more people could attend safely.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

As a family we have done a lot of travelling around the world, but I have always been absolutely fascinated by ancient Egypt and have never been there. I would love to travel down the Nile in a felluca visiting all the amazing archaeological sites.

What do you do when you lack creativitiy?

We have an amazing cockapoo dog called Lily and we do live in a beautiful part of the British Isles, so if I take her out for a long walk, the beauty of nature and her wonderful character will generally restore my thoughts.

What does self care mean to you?

Looking after yourself, physically, mentally and emotionally is so important for everyone, particularly at the moment during this pandemic. It is so good to go out into the fresh air – regardless of the weather and do some exercise, bike ride, walk in the beautiful countryside or a picnic on the beach. I do love a yoga class – which sadly hasn’t happened apart from on-line – a face mask, lovely bath and scented candles all help along with lots of talking to friends and family.

Looking back over your career, which moment stands out as a highlight?

I don’t have any particular moment that stands out, but every time I deliver bridal flowers and the bride is speechless and cries with joy is a wonderful moment. Also, when I have created sympathy flowers and the client sends a note or phones to say thank you they were wonderful, it is all worth the effort.

For any aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to launch a brand in your niche, what advice would you offer them in order to build a successful and profitable business?

The floral industry is very hard work physically, so you must be fit – there is so much lifting, carrying and moving heavy buckets full of water and flowers as well as all the mechanics of how you make everything. You also need to be able to think outside the box as things do go wrong and you have to be able to fix the situation before the event. It is difficult to run a floristry business by yourself, so if you can find a helpful, “can-do” assistant (which I did), that will really help.

How much does social media play a role in your company?

Social media is a hugely important part of the business as it enables people to see exactly what we are doing day to day. Whatever medium you choose, people will find and follow you.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?

I love seeing family and friends, (my nephew has just had a baby boy and I can’t wait to meet him), taking our dog Lily for a walk, playing tennis, and going for bicycle rides. During the lockdown we have become obsessed with playing croquet on the lawn!

How has Covid19 affected your day to day business?

It has completely changed the entire business as there are currently no big weddings, parties or events and I can’t run courses. People are still booking online for courses later in the year, although we will have to see how things look nearer the time. We will also need to wait and see how many people are allowed to be together for weddings and events for things to start moving towards the normal we are used to.

Where can people find out more….

We can always be found at www.sissinghurstflowers.co.uk

Egypt June 12, 2020

Women Worldwide : Architect turned Jewellery designer with MINTON

MINTON has been seven years in the making and finally Emily Minton Ratzlaff brought it to life.

At MINTON, they stand for modernity, minimalism, and the unexpected. MINTON is a premium architectural jewellery label that uses 3D modelling software and a digital fabrication process to tailor and create each design. Emily is a real girl boss, she knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go out and get it, which is evident in the amount of success she has had with MINTON so far.

We spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Minton…

I am an Architect turned jewellery designer, and starting at a young age, I knew I wanted to be an architect and pursued it 100%. However, I always had an underlying love for fashion that grew while I was in architecture school. While attending graduate school at the University of South Florida in Tampa, I decided to create jewellery as my architectural thesis project. I made jewellery out of concrete and resin beginning with a digital fabrication process. To me, every piece I designed was always first a piece of architecture, and that is still how I approach jewellery design. I developed another layer to who I am as a designer, not just an architect. I see each piece that I have made as an architectural idea or gesture – it is jewellery, but it is also a possibility of what architecture can be. My thesis year I felt as though I was uncovering something within myself and I knew without a doubt that this would be my destiny and I would turn it into a business. Five years later, while living in Baltimore and practicing architecture full-time, I launched MINTON.

You use 3D modelling software, can you talk us through the process?

I design each piece of jewellery within a computer program called Rhino. I rarely ever sketch and prefer to go straight from my mind into the computer. Once I have a prototype that I would like to test out, I take the digital file and 3D print the piece. I utilise a Formlabs 3D printer which uses a laser to harden liquid resin. These prototypes are essential to my design process because I can test the size and scale of each piece, and go back into the computer and 3D print again as many times as needed until I feel I have the final piece. Once complete, I then send my digital file to my manufacturer in NYC, and they utilise their own 3D printer to print the initial piece and then transition into typical casting methods to produce the finished product.

What item has been you best seller?

MINTON’s most popular ring is the Spiral Stair Ring, which is a small homage to architecture. MINTON’s most popular necklace is the Custom Signature Pendant, which allows for custom text or numbers on all four sides of the pendant. I love seeing the different baby names and birth dates and knowing that the necklace will have personal meaning to my customer. I first designed that piece as a gift for a friend of mine that was pregnant with her second child.

How often do you add new pieces to your collection?

I typically release a new collection every 6 months. My mind is always thinking of new pieces, and I envision releasing more individual pieces or mini collections throughout the year in the near future. I want to always keep bringing new energy and new ideas to life within the brand. I am currently working on the release of some jewellery pieces in 3D printed plastic which will come in at a lower price point and engage my customers with pieces that also showcase my 3D printing design process.

How do you want people to feel when they wear your designs?

Unique, special, and empowered. MINTON pieces aren’t like typical jewellery, and I want people to know and feel the difference. I always get the comment that my pieces look like weapons, and I want them to evoke a sense of power.

What would an average day (pre Covid19) look like for you?

Pre-Covid19, I was practicing architecture during the day, while running MINTON during my nights and weekends. My day always started within meditation first-thing in the morning and then knocking out a few jewellery to-do items before transitioning to architecture during the day. The majority of the day would consist of meetings, and plenty of phone calls and emails coordinating with clients and consultants. In the evening, I would start catching up on jewellery emails while making my vegan dinner and drinking some good Pinot Noir and ending the night processing orders. My weekends were always dedicated to photography and creating new pieces or imagery.

Outside of work, what are your passions?

I’m passionate about meditation and continually learning about the supernatural abilities of human potential. Self-evolution and self-improvement drive me. I believe that we have the ability to create our own lives, and my passion for that mentality stemmed from feeling powerless at certain points in my life. It pushed me to dig deeper and feel determined change that belief and to approach life knowing that I can create the life that I desire. I want my customers to feel empowered wearing my jewellery, therefore I need to feel empowered creating it.

For anyone wanting to launch a jewellery business, what advice would you offer?

Don’t wait. Don’t wait for answers, don’t wait to have enough money, and don’t wait to be happy. Start right now with what you have and do what you can. I had to develop a belief that we always have whatever it is we need. Forget about having the perfect circumstances and simply put your energy into what you love, and the rest will sort itself out. I was just reminding myself of this lesson earlier this week!

What’s your favourite quote to read when you are lacking motivation?

I am inspired by the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza and am always left feeling mind-blown by his overarching message that we are powerful, and anything is possible. When I am in a negative headspace or lacking motivation, I will pick up one of his books, or watch an interview of his, or just jump to his Instagram. It instantly helps me shift my mindset and my energy. I also like to go into meditation and sit with myself long enough to understand what belief I have about myself or life that might be causing that lack of motivation or negative perspective, and then I focus on how I do want to feel and what I do want to think and put my energy into those thoughts and emotions.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of you bucket list?

Oh gosh this is easy – Egypt! I would love to see the pyramids of Egypt in person. I have a fascination with them visually, but I feel that they also have an element of mystery. I am completely obsessed with the colour scheme of the desert. The combination of the forms of the pyramids, the minimalist desert setting, and the colour scheme is just everything to me.

Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

I would have stopped waiting at certain points along the way and pushed forward when I felt that my conditions should have been different, which ties into my lesson for another else starting a business. Just do it!

Where can people find out more?

People can follow MINTON on Instagram @shopminton or check out shopminton.com and shop online!