Welcome to your Monday moment of pause...

I love the merry month of May.  Even before I met George, who gets to celebrate his birthday this month, it was my favourite month.  Maybe the two bank holiday Mondays had something to do with that back in the days of working full time.  Now I just love it for being light and bright and full of beautiful blooms (without being too hot for someone who sprouts new freckles at even a glimpse of sun).   

Wishing you a bank holiday Monday that brings you all that you need it to (whether active or super slow).  I'm heading for the sofa with Luca who has a cold to watch the Pele documentary.

Much love, Nic 

This is Ben West.  He ran the London Marathon last week carrying this flag which contained the names of 5,431 people who are being grieved by loved ones after taking their own life.  Ben has been campaigning to raise awareness of suicide prevention since his brother Sam took his own life in 2018 aged 15. 

In January Ben launched ''Reasons to Stay'', a webpage to provide connection and warmth in desperate moments through letters of support from strangers.  In just the few months since it's launch  millions of letters have been shared and 81% of visitors to the site report feeling better after reading a letter.  Ben explains 

''Reasons to stay exists as a reminder that we are not alone, even when it feels that way. There is someone, somewhere who wrote you a letter because they care.  If you’d like to, you can write your own letter to a stranger, offering warmth, hope and connection to someone when they need it most''.

The beautiful thing about Ben's movement is that it provides a loving arm around your shoulder if you're feeling alone, isolated and contemplating hard and heavy thoughts.  If you are someone who has known that feeling of despair or have lost a loved one to suicide it offers a space to share kind words and love to a stranger with the writing of a letter. 

75% (roughly 3 in 4) of deaths by suicide are male.  As a mum of boys this really hits home.  It's so important to talk about how we feel and connect with others and historically men have found this harder than women when dealing with work pressures, financial worries and relationships difficulties.  We are all human and need love and care when we are at our lowest.   Help is available if leaning into the people closest to you feels too hard. 

This weeks heart smile ... getting back in the saddle for the first time in 2026 (and the first time for well over a year).  We love the route from our house to Maisemore Bridge through Alney Island and along the riverbank.  Luca has so much more strength and stamina with each year of growth.  I was pleased to find I managed well too.  I keep chastising myself for not doing more exercise in response to my complaints about peri-menopausal weight gain.  I am resolved to get out on my bike more, even if that's just a 30 minute pootle as I really do love it.  If you'd like a morning ride too just let me know and I'd be glad of your company!

Bank Holiday exclusive from Weleda - 3 marvellous mystery boxes

I don't think we've had a mystery box offer for a several years.  This weekend Weleda have 3 varieties to enjoy.  Obviously it will be a surprise what is in them but loveliness and savings are guaranteed. 

Hair Care mystery box - £15 for hydra shine oil + 2 other items (value over £38)

Body care mystery box - £30 for Skin Food body butter + 4 other items (value over £65)

Face care mystery box - £50 for Blue Gentian contouring serum + 4 items (value over £112)

There are 100 sets of each box and they will be available to buy until midnight on Tuesday 5th May (or until they run out).  If you have any questions please ask x

Amazingly even with the mega discount on the mystery boxes if you spend over £50 you will still receive a free Skin Food lip stick.  And when you spend over £75 a free Skin Food body wash will also be added to your basket.  Happy days for vibrant nourished skin.