Pants are one of those things I always seemingly need. I have pants that are years old, but simultaneously never have any pants to wear. Where do they all go every month? Probably the depths of my washing basket to be honest, but nonetheless, it got me thinking I do need to invest in some new ones. Proper knickers that are sustainably made, rather than pieces of lace that resemble cheesewire and cut into my bottom - I am no longer the size I was when I was 20, that's for sure.

My requirements are; pants that actually fit me - no tight waistbands or ones that cut into my bumcheeks, styles that aren't frumpy and undies that are also made from soft, sustainable fibres. So, I got to work, and here's my list of sustainable underwear brands for you.

Pantee

Designed by women, for women and the planet is Pantee's slogan. As soon as I saw them pop up on insta, I knew I'd be a fan. Their underwear is made using recycled t-shirts, extending the lifecycle of those materials and keeping them out of landfill by repurposing them into comfortable, yet cute underwear. "All Pantee bras are pull-on, underwire free and made from soft, double-layered cotton with a small amount of elastic for comfort and support". Count me in. 

Pre-order on Kickstarter

Parade

Brightly coloured, mesh underwear of dreams. Currently only available in the US, but hopefully appearing in the UK soon! I can't wait much longer. Available in size XS - 3XL, Parade have built their whole business around inclusivity. Their social feeds are a haven of photos of real, unedited bodies in all shapes and sizes. 

Their pants are made from Oeko-Tex certified fabrics, while their first collection used recycled materials. They admit they still have some way to go when it comes to full sustainability, but they pledge to do their 'best to send your order in as little packaging as possible', alongside using non-harmful fabrics.

Shop Parade

Urban Poetry

Urban Poetry Intimates put sustainability, quality and social responsibility at the core of their business. Made from TENCEL, their pieces are incredibly soft against the skin. The fibres are made from eucalyptus trees which makes the underwear great for people with sensitive skin too. We love how transparent they are about their production, materials and processes, which they go into detail about on their site. Available in XS-XL in beautiful neutrals, they're perfect for people who want something form-fitting and simple, yet sexy. 

Shop Urban Poetry

Organic Basics

As somebody that owns a set of Organic Basics underwear, I can vouch for how silky soft they are. Their organic cotton sets are made from cotton grown without harmful insecticides and pesticides. They also guarantee their factory staff are paid a living wage, while being transparent about the impact of their underwear on the planet with the 'impact index' featured on each product page.

Shop Organic Basics

Brighton Lace

If you want something a little more feminine, Brighton Lace offer handmade lace pieces that are ethically made in the UK. There are so many colours, so there's truly something for everyone. Their full range includes lace, organic cotton and cashmere underwear - all ethically sourced, designed and produced by their small team. I love the shape of the bralettes too, the wide, lacy ribcage band makes it look like a vintage set!

Shop Brighton Lace

Let me know if you grab any sets from the brands I've listed here. I own both Urban Poetry and Organic Basics and for full disclosure I have worked with them both on a gifted basis through Instagram, but would 100% buy them again because of the quality and ethics both brands commit to.

Click the links below to shop:

If you know me you'll know I'm a big advocate of Facebook for buying/selling, especially Facebook Marketplace. But, it's not just Marketplace that you can buy and sell on, Facebook groups can connect you to others in your local area or across the country to buy from. Such is the power of social media.

One thing to know about Facebook is that people will try to flog the tattiest of tat. I'm constantly amazed at the type of things people try to sell, but that kind of makes me love it even more. A small porcelain teddybear? Don't tempt me. Oh, you're selling a bowl of dusty potpourri? Count me in. 

Facebook Marketplace

Once you wade through the crap - and, trust me, this is something you have to have patience for.... you can find some true gems. A large portion of the furniture in our house came from Facebook Marketplace, and people are often amazed when I tell them how cheap it was, or in some cases, that it was free. 

Sofa - £80 FB Marketplace, originally Ikea.

I mostly use Marketplace to find furniture for our house or, even to source things for friends. Recently, my best friend moved to London and she's obsessed with antique dark-wood desks, so my current challenge - in the middle of a global pandemic nonetheless, is to try and source her one for her new home. I love a challenge, and that's part of the fun of thrifting!

I like to challenge myself to find unique, quirky pieces at a fraction of the price of what they would be brand new. If you have expensive taste, like I tend to, thrifting allows you find pieces for less money and with less of an environmental impact, as you're simply extending the lifespan of an existing piece of clothing or furniture, rather than driving businesses to create more. 

TV Unit - £0 FB Marketplace, 1960's piece.

If you're into mid-century furniture, Facebook Marketplace has some really great finds. Search for keywords such as 'Danish' 'Mid-century' 'Vintage' 'Retro' to find what you're looking for. The TV unit we have in our living room is a 1960's midcentury piece and it was completely free as somebody was moving house and getting rid. We initially had a chunky white TV unit here which was also free from the side of the road. I've found some good free things on the side of the road before - some of the things people get rid of are wild. 

Dining table & chairs - £80 FB Marketplace, originally Dunelm.

Candlestick holders - £4 FB Marketplace.

One of the best things about Facebook Marketplace is that is does work like an actual market. Once you find something you like, you can contact the seller to barter or haggle on price. Most things are incredibly reasonable anyway, but if there's something that's a little out of budget, you can make an offer! Perfect for those who are doing their home up on a budget. Some things may need a lick of paint, a new handle or sanding, but if you're getting something for a steal it makes it totally worth it. 

Coffee table - £0 FB Marketplace, vintage piece.

Sofa - £80 FB Marketplace, originally Ikea.

White cube unit - £0 FB Marketplace. 

Something to bear in mind when you're browsing or buying on Facebook is that just because something is cheap, it doesn't mean you actually need it. I nearly bought 3 dining pink chairs the other day, because they were £15 - now I already own dining chairs, so I didn't need them, but they were gorgeous. I really had to hold myself back. Overconsumption can be easy when things are cheap, so you still have to stay true to the same set of values you would when you shop for anything else. Do you really need it? Are you going to use it? If so, go for it. If you're only buying it because it's cheap - avoid. 

Facebook Groups 

I use groups regularly to buy, sell and swap clothes. My two favourites are 'Swap Family' and 'The Swop Shop'. They're great for picking up secondhand bits, with both branded and vintage pieces available to buy.

Pyjamas - £5 Swap family FB Group, vintage.

As charity shops are closed during lockdown, Facebook Groups can provide an affordable, alternative source of secondhand clothing. This ultimately, makes fashion more accessible for those who are otherwise driven to shop fast fashion for reasons beyond their control - time, money, sizing issues. Secondhand shopping and swapping through Facebook means a diverse range of sizes and styles, with items that can be posted from the seller directly to your door. 

Swap Family, the group mentioned above - has a £5 maximum pricing structure for all items. If you want to sell something on that group, it has to be affordable, which helps make secondhand shopping more appealing and accessible to those on a budget. For people that usually charity shop, you know how time-consuming charity shopping can be. It's something you have to dedicate time to, and you might not always find something when you go in. For people that need clothes in their size that are affordable and require them with urgency, charity shops are not always the answer.

Dress - £5 Swap family FB Group, originally Topshop.

Swap/shop groups, however, allow you to search for brands and sizing on your phone using the search function of the group. Scrolling social media is something most people spend time doing in the evenings anyway, so it's easy to start checking groups regularly to see if something you like is listed.

With 1000s of users, there's bound to be things you like listed, so my advice is just to check it every now and then to see what's available in your size/style. Postage is usually additional, and it may not arrive the very next day like fast fashion can, but if it's something you truly love - it's worth the wait. 

My top thrifting tips for Facebook

Marketplace

• Search using keywords on Marketplace to narrow down search results
• Set yourself alerts on certain keywords, e.g. Ikea drawers or vintage mirror using the small bell icon that sits to the top right under the search bar. 
• Make sure you have your distance radius set for as far as you're willing to drive for furniture. If you'd drive 100 miles for the perfect sofa - set it as that! 
• Check Marketplace regularly, as things do go quick.
• Sort items by the date listed to ensure you're on top of all new listings and don't miss anything. 
• Filter by category. Sometimes people can list something as a household good when it's actually a piece of furniture - check all the categories to ensure you're not missing your perfect piece. 

Groups

• Post 'looking for' posts if you know what you're after as a discussion post on the page. That way, sellers can come directly to you and post photos of their item that suit your request.
• Be quick! Items can go quite quickly, especially if they're worth more than they're being sold for or are a popular brand.
• Search by brand using the search function of the group. If you know you love stuff from Urban Outfitters, search for that.
• If you're not sure about an item, don't be afraid to ask for more photos of it on from the seller via comment or DM. They want to sell the item so this shouldn't be too much hassle for them.
• Definitely swap where you can! Once you've listed your own items, people may respond to your post asking you to swap with them. Take a look through their items and if there's something you like the look of, feel free to swap! Just DM them to exchange addresses, post off your item and wait for yours in return. This does require a bit of trust, but I haven't had a bad experience to date, and swapping is the name of the game - so report any fraudulent behaviour to the group admins and they will help you resolve it I'm sure. 

Hope these tips have been helpful! Let me know if there's anything else thrifty you'd like to know in the comments below, and if you've enjoyed this - feel free to share on social and tag me. It makes my heart glow when you guys read my stuff.

Ah, the festive season. Though things feel a little different this year, the desire to buy your loved ones the 'perfect gift' still remains. This year has been a struggle for a lot of people and I think special, unique gifts are a nice way of telling somebody they matter to you and that you love them.

This Christmas, it's not about fancy gifts, it's about thoughtful gifts. Thoughtful gifts from small or sustainable businesses that help fund real people's dreams and don't go towards making Jeff Bezos even richer... Ok, politics aside, but seriously, if you've seen that infographic doing the rounds on Instagram; "When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a happy dance", it's true. Your custom truly matters to independent businesses, so why not give them support right back by trying to shop small this Christmas.

God, I've been so excited to write this piece. It's gonna be hard to narrow it down, but here are my sustainable/small business gift suggestions for 2020.

For Your Bestie

Gemini Accessories Jewellery @geminiaccessories_

Dainty beaded jewellery complete with smiley faces, tiny pearls and little hearts. Such precious pieces and all handmade by Gemini owner, Hannah. They're fun and they're the perfect gift for your number 1 gal pal.

All Jewellery

Alyx by Alyx Print @alyxbyalyx

Alyx is an artist who studied in my hometown of Norwich. She offers beautiful hand-drawn illustrations and art, from painted plates and lampshades through to prints. She also does commissions, so if there's a piece in mind that you want to see come to life - just ask! 

All Prints

Ellis Home Studio Candle @ellis.home.studios

So, I actually own some of these candles and the smell is divine. I've got a shell candle and one of the bubble candles in my living room and the scent hits you in the face as soon as you enter the room. Can 100% vouch for these being bloody lush. They also arrive in such cute packaging! 

Bubble Candle

Kinfolks Clothing Collar @kinfolksclothing

Collars are everywhere at the moment and so they should be! Detachable ones can be added to any sweater or jumper you already own to make the outfit even cuter. Or, pop them on top of a long sleeve dress for a Christmas day look. They're a great present to help your bestie elevate any look. 

White Floral Collar

Tacky Poncho Print @tackyponcho

I love giving people art as a gift and Tacky Poncho do some really unique prints. Self-described as "sustainable, funky, ethical art", artist Grace creates pieces around astrology, the female figure and florals. Giving somebody a print for their star sign always feels super personal too! 

Star Sign Prints

For Your Mum

Self Made Candle Co. @selfmadecandleco

Mums love candles. So do I, to be honest, they just make everything feel so cosy. Self made candle co offer vegan, cruelty-free hand-poured candles. They're made of soy wax and essential oils which gives them a really powerful, yet natural scent. No synthetic smells here. Oh, and the packaging is truly amazing - complete with a plantable seed label, which I think is so nice. If you don't fancy giving a candle, they also offer candle making kits, so you can encourage your mama to get crafty! 

Soy Candles

You're So Cursed Blouse @youresocursed

Handmade by Siobhan and her mum in Suffolk, these blouses are to die for. You'll need to order asap if you want one in time for Christmas, as each one is lovingly made to order. I can't promise you won't want to steal it off your mum, but I can promise it'll be one of the most special presents she receives this Christmas.

Blouse & Collars

Jenny Hopps Pottery  @jhopps.pottery

There's something really special about giving handmade gifts for Christmas, and Jenny's nesting bowls are no exception. I love their delicate appearance - each bowl is hand pinched to give a shell-like shape and has a slightly different glaze, making them completely unique. These dainty bowls could be used for storing trinkets or serving food. They're also dishwasher safe - so mums rejoice, you don't have to handwash them. 

Nesting Bowls

Artevinna Interior Homeware @atervinnainterior

A carefully curated selection of vintage homewares, sister-owned business Artevinna offers sustainable pottery, ceramics and interior pieces. The perfect accessory for your mum's dining table, sideboard or even in her bedroom - these pieces are neutral in colour, but eye-catching in design. Their Instagram is also so #aesthetic. 

Shop All Pieces

Curious Yak Scarf @thecuriousyak

Snuggly, cosy scarves are always a winner for presents. The Curious Yak works closely with artisan makers in Nepal to create ethically-made, unique scarves, gloves, blankets and more. They're a small, independent family run business and their pieces are so reasonably priced for the amount of love and attention to detail that goes into them. 

Nepalese Scarves

For Your Sister

Dainty Daisy Shop Blouse @daintydaisy.shop

You can't go wrong with gingham, especially when it comes in so many colourways. Handmade gingham blouses get a massive YES from me. If I had a sister, I'd force her to wear matching ones of these with me on Christmas day. Courtney makes each piece in her shop to order, so there's no wastage and you know each piece is made with love. 

The Maisie Blouse

Delores Daywear Tracksuit @deloresdaywear

Nothing beats a matching tracksuit. Wear to work from home, wear to lounge about on Christmas day, and wear for that weird in-between period between Christmas and New Year when we're all in need of elasticated waists and comfort. Embroidered in either pastel pink or cherry red with empowering phrases or rap lyrics, Delores pieces are the ultimate gift for your sis. 

Delores Tracksuit

Vintage Store Voucher

This one is hard to choose, so I thought I'd list a few of my fave vintage shops and let you pick from the list! Vouchers are a great choice if you want to let your sister pick something herself, while still keeping it special (and sustainable). My top picks:

• Jubilique
• Soul and Flare
• Margot and Lux
• Palm Bay
• Yesterday's Babe
• Dreamers Rebels

Camilla Ashley Hat @camillaashleyuk

Winter means rain, so hats are a really cute and practical present idea. Save hair from getting messed up and look great while doing it. If they're waterproof like Camilla Ashley's are - even better! I really love the PVC hats and the autumnal colours they come in. They're handmade too, so you know you're doing your bit for the planet by shopping small. 

Shop Hats

Sophie Evans Bags @sophievansbags

Bring a little sparkle to Christmas day by gifting a Sophie Evans bag. Her 'Reworked' collection uses vintage clothing and repurposes it to make it into a brand new bag. 10% of all sales from every bag in the Reworked collection will go to a charity or organisation that is working towards reducing the enormous impact fast fashion has upon the environment. Literally, what. an. icon. 

Shop All Bags

Stocking Fillers

The Morgan Mill Socks @themorganmill

Ah yes, the stocking filler that never gets old. Give it a 2020 reboot by ensuring it has cute fruits on and you're good to go. These ones are also from a sustainable gift company that stock lots of other lovely gift ideas, so make sure to check those out too.

Blueberry Socks

Poppy Almond Bracelet @poppyalmonddesign

My best friend and I have one of these each, and they're such a cute little personalised present. Reminiscent of the kind of friendship jewellery you make as a kid, these bracelets are the ideal stocking filler for you or a pal!

Customised Bracelet

Bloom by Grace Makeup Bag @bloombygraceuk

Perfect for holding your makeup, jewellery and other little bits in your bathroom or for trips! Not that any of us are going away any time soon, but they are really very cute so you kinda need one. Currently out of stock but Grace will be updating stock soon so keep an eye out!

Makeup Bags

Insecure Girls Club x Sigh Studio Stickers @theinsecuregirlsclub x @sighh.studio

Everybody loves feel good stickers. Pop them on your mirror, your phone case or your laptop and remind yourself every day why you're a brilliant, strong and powerful female. This collab is sure to make you feel all of those while reminding you we're all human and doubt ourselves sometimes. 

Shop Full Collection

Selon Shop Clip @selon.shop

I use my Selon clip literally every day. They're really handy for popping your hair up in a rush and always look great. They also help you avoid that truly dreadful *hairband wrist* situation us girls always find ourselves in. My fave is the Vienna in creme, which is the one I own!

Vienna Clip

For Yourself

Apres Sunday Tracksuit @apresssunday

Tracksuits are a necessity with the amount of time we're spending at home right now. Apres Sunday take tracksuits one step further, ensuring all their designs are sustainably made.  Made from 100% organic cotton or recycled materials, it's not often you find a small business specialising in loungewear that's also not detrimental to the environment. Also - the colours, wow. I am living for the lilac set. This is a subtle hint family and friends - I want this for xmas please and thanks. 

Tracksuit Set

Chain of Jewels Cherry Signet @chainofjewels

I love things that are kinda kitsch, and this is no exception. Give me all the cherry jewellery, cherry print and cherry red stuff. This little gold signet is affordable and unique. Jewellery that has a bit of personality is the perfect present from you, to you.

Cherry Ring

Oh Lydia Underwear Set @ohlydia_intimates

Made in London, OhLydia combines sustainability, style and comfort. The underwear sets comprise of a tank top style bralette, and comfy undies. Available in pink, white, green, blue, black and purple there's a colour for everyone. Not only that, but the sizing goes up to XL, making it more inclusive than most independent lingerie businesses.

Underwear Set

Gus Gus Studio Bag @gusgus_studio

Gus Gus bags are calling out to attend every Christmas get together with you. Whether it's just a small family affair, or a night out with the girls, these silky, pearly pouches of heaven are the perfect accessories to sass up your look. A must-buy this festive season. 

Gus Gus Bags

Shop Jolie Jewellery @shopjolieuk

Even if you don't want to splurge on yourself this Christmas, you deserve a little something. A piece of beaded jewellery from Shop Jolie is the perfect not-too-indulgent treat. The Fleur hoops are subtle but playful and feminine and will add a pop of colour to your ears! 

Fleur Hoops

Hope you enjoyed that round-up of gifts and suggested prezzies from small businesses! Let me know if you end up getting anything from this list for your loved ones. I've rebooted this blog up solely for this (peep the 2014 posts... cringe). Hopefully, it's been insightful and shows you some new brands you haven't seen before. Happy conscious Christmas shopping!

This article was originally published in Sunday.Onl

After *that* green Ganni dress last year, it should come as no surprise that green has grown in popularity. A colour that used to be only for the brave (or 8-year-olds) to pull off, green can now be seen everywhere, with people pushing their colour boundaries far and wide.

Sage green knits, lime green tracksuits, and silky olive scrunchies have been scattered on our Instagram feed for the past months. Now, I'm going to make it easy for you to jump in on this trend, and let you know our top 10 green pieces out there right now. 

1. Hoda London Two-Piece

Perfect for summer, this two-piece is easy to throw on, cute and effortless. With a low back style on the top, it’s light, airy and ideal for hot summer days. You can also purchase a matching scrunchie, which we love.

2. Les girls, Les boys Trackpants

Working from home means loungewear is an essential purchase right now, and we love the luminous shade of these tracksuit bottoms. We’d love to pair these with Chanel sandals and a frilly top for our one walk of the day.

3. Ganni Scrunchie

It might not be the dress, but this Ganni scrunchie is perfect for people who want to inject a pop of colour into their wardrobe. If you fear too much green clothing will turn you into a Mike Wasowski halloween costume, this is the green item for you.

4. Jonesy High Cut Undies

If you’re afraid to commit to a more statement piece, green underwear could be the perfect choice. These Jonesy ‘Celery’ high cut undies are a lush bright green that reminds us of ripe limes. Treat your behind to a pair.

5. Onyvadk Gingham Trousers

These trousers remind us of summer picnics and drinking in the park. They’re like a trendy take on chef trousers, but in a beautiful lime green shade. All the Danish girls are wearing these trousers right now, which means that you should be too.

6. Stolen Studios Blouse

The silky look of this blouse is to die for. We can imagine sipping a glass of wine in the South of France in it. As we can’t do that now, however, this blouse is the next best thing.

7. Suiava Clip

Quarantine means our hair is likely being neglected. But, that’s ok – because that’s where Suiava clips come in. They’ll take your hair from flat and lifeless to I just left my husband chic in 2 seconds flat.

8. Peachy Den Jumpsuit

This jumpsuit is made of a soft velvet fabric, so is perfect for some luxe lounging. The top detailing is reminiscent of bowling shirts, but sexy. Dress down with some trainers, or dress up with some 70’s style platform boots for your Saturday night Zoom drinks with the girls.

9. Paloma Wool Camu Jumper

Inspired by the colour of fresh Kiwi fruit, this jumper is made for throwing on over your swimwear with a pair of denim shorts and hot pink mules on cooler evenings. A summer jumper staple, we love the colour block detailing.

10. Hvisk Bag

Brighten up an all-black outfit with this lime green nylon bag. I love the asymmetrical resin buckle on the front. The size/shape is very 90's, but will also fit in all your essentials - phone, glossier balm.com and your purse. Perfect! 

This article was originally published in Sunday.Onl

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. It’s all that anybody is talking about right now, and for good reason. For likely the second time in our adult lives, life has seemingly been put on pause.

The conversation around coronavirus is overwhelmingly negative. Tales of fear and death haunt our tv screens and social media feeds, but it doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t have to live your life in a state of flux, waiting for things to return to normal. You can simultaneously mourn for the futures many have lost or had to put on hold while taking control of your situation and using this precious time as a chance to reset.

One of the benefits of isolation are the moments of stillness it brings. Once the sadness and the shock have faded away, we’re presented with the stark reality of facing our priorities head-on. What tops your list of priorities? Are there things you used to hold close that you would be embarrassed to admit now that there’s something bigger at play?

Things we once took for granted immediately present themselves as something we should now always cherish. Plans that we would have once turned down are moments we’re mulling over in our minds. It’s easy to see what you want and yearn for now that they are a memory, but things will return to normal at some point, be it slowly, and achingly so.

The speed and force that some move through life with means that the time many people now have on their hands will probably feel alien. So many individuals fill their silences and spaces with the laughter and chatter of others – uncomfortable with their own company perhaps, or feeling like they have to say yes to things they may not necessarily want to.

The necessity to say yes has now been removed. Another notch towards knocking down that impending fear of missing out that so many young people feel. Now it’s just you. Maybe a couple of housemates, or a partner, but it’s primarily you.

You and your thoughts now have to become the best of friends, you’re with each other much more than usual and this is your chance to align on goals, ideas and priorities. Think about the things you miss most. It could be family, freedom, and connection. It could be intimacy, friendship, or the outdoors. Those things that now stand out to each of us as essentials. Things we crave as humans, and things that make us, us.

Spend some time, aligning your thoughts, and shed light on things that are not bringing you joy; things you’d like to leave in times gone by. Not bringing the negativity of those things or people into the days we’re all looking forward to.

Think of things you want to get rid of. Here are some of our suggestions. Negativity we’re shedding like a skin, and not letting anywhere near our futures.

FOMO

Fear of missing out is one thing that should truly be left behind. It serves no purpose but to bring about feelings of guilt when you say no to something. Saying no is healthy. Saying no means you have boundaries. They may be in place to protect your mental health, you might be trying to kick a bad habit – like alcohol, or you might simply want to spend time with your family or other friends.

It’s ok to say no, and moving forward you should try not to feel guilty for it. You should enjoy your nights in, or your nights with your nan, or your nights on Sims. You’re not boring for having boundaries or enjoying your own company, you’re just growing.

Consumerism

It’s hard not to want what other people have. In the age of social media, if you see an ‘influencer’ with something you like, you’re going to want to buy it. But, with coronavirus comes a moral shift. The fast-fashion brands you might be drawn to due to low prices are the ones putting the health and wellness of their workers on the line. By shopping for fast fashion brands during this crisis, you’re directly contributing to and continuing the cycle of consumerism, and putting lives at risk. Is that worth it for a pair of jeans? No. Try to shop sustainable or local, or don’t shop at all. When this is over, if you really want to spend on clothes, you can – but please hold out.

Toxic Friendships

This time will have allowed you to see who cares for you, who values your friendship and who does not. If somebody has popped into your head while reading this, it’s likely they’re toxic, and you need to get rid. You do not need toxic friendships moving forward. You don’t deserve friends who don’t love, respect and value you the way you value them. If they’ve been adding too much pressure to you over this period, or haven’t been there when you needed them, take a step back to re-evaluate whether you need them at all.

Replace the above with more positive past-times and reap the benefits. Your mental wellbeing and emotional connections with family and friends will be strengthened, as well as your ability to enjoy your own company, space and time.

This time will hopefully provide you with the opportunity to assess what is truly important to you. The things that fill your heart with happiness, the people you’re currently desperate to see and squeeze tight. Hold on to the feelings of joy, and be patient. We’re fortunate to be safe and well right now, and that is all that matters.