Happy New Year!

You are beautiful hanging heart decoration with quote – Home of Juniper

2018. New Year. Time to take stock. Remember to congratulate yourself for the good you did in 2017 (you did good, you know you did). And start considering what you want to achieve in the year to come. Whether it is a new job, a new hobby, a healthier diet or making sure you have more ‘me time’. There can be a lot of pressure this time of year. Most New Year’s Resolutions don’t make it to the end of January. So this year make sure your goals are something you look forward too, something achievable that will add something positive to your life. Something that you want to do, not just something you think you should do. And remember, if it scares and excites you in equal measure, it is probably worth looking into.

Incase you haven’t thought of any resolutions for the new year, here are a few ideas on what you can do to help improve your life. And we will be doing blog posts on them all over the next few weeks:

Exercise. Kizomba is making its mark on the UK. Known as the ‘sexiest dance’ this movement originates from Angola. There are an increasing number of classes in the UK. However, if like us, something slower is your preference yoga and pilates are still two of the most popular forms of exercise in the UK.

Food and drink. Food and drink is something we have everyday, it can become a little ‘ordinary’. We want to concentrate on the joy of food. Food has an affect on our body and mind. There are many diets you can follow, but we believe in good quality, but not too much. (We have to confess this may not have held up over Christmas).We are introducing a new tea company to the La Juniper brand in 2018. Avantea Tea. Their focus tea is perfect for this time of year. It will be available from us individually and in some gorgeous gift sets. And we will be sharing some of our favourite recipes on our blog this year… hoping to bring a little fun back into cooking.

Me-Time. Log-off, switch-off. Not everyday but once a week or a month log off and shut down your appliances. Can you remember a time when the only way people could get through to you was letter or landline phone? (If you don’t, you are making us feel really old!). We managed it then. And most studies are now suggesting that being ‘switched-on’ all the time is bad for our health. So whether you use your ‘Off-Day’ as a day with friends and family, practising cooking, kizomba or yoga, or if you just have a day painting your nails and having a bubble bath with a glass of prosecco (we can but dream!) Take a day back from technology.

Positivity through helping others. charity, volunteering, checking in on stressed friends. Time is limited and so is money, but there are always ways to spread a little positivity. Not only will helping others help you (it is known to have a positive effect on an individuals health and happiness).

The main thing we are trying to say is – ‘Look after yourself’. Whether it is exercise, eating a certain way, making sure your hair is how you want it.. spread positivity and start from the inside. Our New Years resolution is to increase the positivity. In how we work and how we spend our spare time. What is your resolution? How do you want to spend your 2018? Whatever you wish to do, be kind to yourself and others.