Community Contact Magazine - January / February Edition

Editor’s Note

Happy New Year! Welcome to the January / February 2023 issue of Community Contact Magazine, your local life-style magazine.

This is our 8th anniversary edition! I actually can’t believe we have been publishing for so many years. We are extremely passionate about supporting local businesses and we want to bring to you a magazine that is not only useful, but also a magazine that you keep and enjoy to read.

We have some exciting news! We are launching a new monthly newsletter. Expect a monthly dose of local news, adventures, competitions, places to eat, discounts and so much more straight into your inbox every single month. We hope it will help you shop local even more than you already do!

Sign up by scanning the QR code above, or visit communitycontact.co.uk/sign-up

You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook, so take a look and like our pages to be kept up to date with local news, events and life in our lovely little market towns and villages.

This issue is very much concentrated on health and wellness. We have some lovely mindfulness from Sonia at Restore U on

page 30, we catch up with the ladies from Kaleidoscope, a brand-new menopause group in Buckingham on page 24 , and more wellness updates from Place Eight Wellness on page 18.

We catch up with Emma (our front cover), who is the owner of Sculpted Rose Aesthetics, whose goal is delivering excellence and natural enhancements to ensure her customers feel confident and beautiful in their skin. To find out more, go to page 6.

We also have our regular recipes from the Twyford Pantry to tickle your taste buds, and we have some great gardening advice from Hartwell Nurseries.

If you want to share any exciting news you have with the local community we will do our best to include it in our magazine or on our social media – simply email me laura@communitycontact.co.uk and follow Community Contact Magazine on Instagram and Facebook!

Happy New Year! We hope you all have a great start to 2023!!!

x

Laura

Louise Lambert-Day @placeeightwellness

Tina Hodges Twyford Pantry

Laura Massey Editor

Hartwell Nurseries Stone, Aylesbury

Recently launched, we are proud to introduce Sculpted Rose Aesthetics. Emma, the owner, has a goal of delivering excellence and natural enhancements to ensure customers feel confident and beautiful in their skin. Emma is fully Qualified, insured and trained within Complications and First Aid, this ensures every client that steps foot into the clinic is in safe hands at all times. Whether you are looking for safe and effective injectable cosmetic treatments or the very best in skincare, Sculpted Rose Aesthetics will take care of you and help you achieve your goals.

Emma has trained in a wide range of treatments and can offer non-surgical enhancements, specialising in body sculpting treatments. The newly built clinic in Gawcott, Buckingham provides the highest quality anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and the most effective fat-dissolving injections.

Sculpted Rose Aesthetics delivers the most current treatments and provide skin boosters, both Profhilo and Seventy Hyal, which give deep hydration to your skin, giving you the best glow and radiance. If you’d prefer non-invasive treatments then Sculpted Rose Aesthetics can also help you there, facial treatments are available and also 4d Lipo, Cellulite reduction, Skin tightening and Nonsurgical bum lift.

There is an exclusive Community Contact magazine discount code of CC2023 when booking online, only valid until the end of February, availability is limited so book in today!

Also check out the competition to win a huge £50 gift voucher to use on any treatment, Scan the QR code to enter the competition.

Get in touch with any questions or a free consultation, we cannot wait to welcome you. scan me

You’ve been with them a while. You thought you looked good together but now you’re not so sure. Then you see other people in their pairs and feel jealous. And you say, ‘They’re nice, where’d you find them?’ and they say, ‘Specsavers’. That’s why…

If you don’t fancy the frames at your opticians, we’re available Thought you should know

Bring in your prescription for 2 for 1 from £69 with single-vision lenses to the same prescription. Buckingham 11 Market Square Tel 0128 073 3081

Cannot be used with any other offers. Both pairs include standard 1.5 single-vision lenses (or 1.6 for £169 Rimless ranges). Varifocal/bifocal: pay for lenses in first pair only. Excludes SuperDrive, Super Digital varifocals, SuperReaders 1-2-3 occupational lenses and safety eyewear. Additional charge – Extra Options.

Home visits available & clinics at MK18 Private Medical Practice, Stowe Castle Rd, Buckingham, MK18 5AB; The Swan Practice, Verney Close, MK18 1JP and Place Eight Wellness Centre, MK17 0SR. Amberly is your local experienced microsuctionist and fully qualified BSc (Hons) PGCert Audiologist with over 15 years extensive experience with adults, children, hearing aids, rehabilitation, ear protection, rehabilitation and tinnitus.

Hayley Vine Reflexology is based in Steeple Claydon

Offering foot & facial reflexology to the community surrounding Steeple Claydon. I specialise in clinical, lymphatic drainage and hormone support. My tailored onehour treatments are natural and mindful. You will feel a sense of relaxation and improved wellbeing Mobile: 07414 837945 hello@hayleyvinereflexology.com www.hayleyvinereflexology.com

Teeth Whitening Dental Hygiene Denplan Schemes

Providing high quality, affordable dental care General Dentistry Invisalign Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Implants

Lion House Dental Practice 50 Nelson Street Buckingham, MK18 1BT Call: 01280 813868 Visit: www.lionhousedentalpractice.com Email: Buckingham@lionhousedentalpractice.com

“There is so much more to Hayley’s treatments than just a foot massage. She has the most relaxing aura about her and techniques that put you at ease and work.”

Book Online! www.hayleyvinereflexology.com/book

LOOK AFTER YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM THIS WINTER

Are you or your children catching every cold or flu bug going? Although it may seem like it’s just bad luck whether or not you succumb to a bacterial or viral infection, in truth it’s all about your immune system and how effectively it’s able to protect you.

W hy is Your Immune System so Important?

Your immune system is your internal protection against invaders. It works tirelessly to prevent bacteria and viruses from getting into your body, and if they breach those defences, it will hunt them down and destroy them.

Your immune system is an army of white blood cells patrolling your body ready to identify any threats and react accordingly. They do this 24/7, usually without you being aware of their work.

H ow your immune system is functioning will affect whether you suffer from colds and flu in the first place, how severe your symptoms are, and how long the infections hang around.

W here is Your Immune System?

W hite cells patrolling your body in search of invaders travel your bloodstream to wherever needed, but the majority of your immune system is found in your gut. The beneficial bacteria naturally resident in your digestive system, teach immune cells what is dangerous and what isn’t, ensuring this internal army reacts appropriately to harmful substances and doesn’t attack harmless substances.

I f your immune system mistakes innocuous

particles like pollen for invaders, allergies will be the result, a common issue over the summer for many people. Sometimes, immune cells attack parts of the body (autoimmunity), such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Type 1 diabetes.

T he bacteria in your gut also control the production and development of white blood cells, so they’re responsible for the ongoing effectiveness of your immune system, too.

T ips for a Healthy Immune System

• E at plenty of fibre from a range of unprocessed, plant-based foods to provide fuel for your gut bacteria to carry out their beneficial work. Fermented foods like kombucha, kefir, natural yoghurt, miso and sauerkraut naturally contain healthy bacteria, helping your microbiome to thrive.

• I mmune cells need food too, such as vitamin C, D, zinc and Omega 3. We can’t store vitamin C so you need a constant supply. It’s present in plant foods like kiwi, yellow peppers, broccoli, kale and citrus fruits. The demand for vitamin C from your immune cells can be high at this time of the year because they’re working hard, so you may benefit from a supplement.

Your immune system is your invisible defence against bacteria and viruses, so given a little support it can work harder for you.

• A void sugar which doesn’t do your gut bacteria any favours at all. Studies have found sugar can depress your immune system by reducing the activity of specific immune cells tasked with gobbling up bacteria and other foreign particles.

• F east on garlic – not only will it keep vampires away, but it’s been found to support the activity of your immune cells, it’s antiviral and can reduce the duration of cold and flu symptoms.

• M anage your stress. Ongoing stress impacts the functioning of your immune system by suppressing the activity of infection-fighting cells.

• M oderate exercise supports your immune system by boosting levels of infection-fighting white blood cells. Try to exercise outside if you can, because

sunlight stimulates the production of vitamin D, in short supply over the winter.

• E stablish a healthy sleep routine. This means turning in at roughly the same time each evening and getting up at around the same time each morning, weekends included. If you have trouble dropping off, relax in an Epsom salts bath and bin the caffeine.

• E chinacea extract has been used for many years to support the immune system and some research has found it can boost the production of certain immune cells.

• E xtract of black elderberry has been found to reduce the duration of cold and flu symptoms.

NEW YEAR, NEW MUST-SEE SHOWS AT AYLESBURY WATERSIDE THEATRE!

First up, a feel-good hit to kick away the January blues; smash-hit musical The Commitments. Starring Coronation Street’s Nigel Pivaro, perhaps best known as lovable rogue Terry Duckworth, the production features an impressive catalogue of more than 20 soul classics including Night Train, Try A Little Tenderness, River Deep, Mountain High, In The Midnight Hour, Mustang Sally, Knock On Wood and many more! (Mon 30 – Sat 4 Feb).

Love a bit of drama? Look no further than JB Priestley’s classic thriller – An Inspector Calls. Winner of a total of 19 major awards, the production is directed by world-renowned theatre and film director Stephen Daldry. Catch the gripping tale for one week only Tue 14 – Sat 18 Feb. There’s also a chance to see one of the nation’s favourite movies live on stage when Shawshank Redemption arrives Mon 3 – Sat 8 Apr. The play examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximumsecurity facility.

The Waterside regularly treats us to award-winning musicals and good news –the New Year is no exception! From the black comedy rock musical Heathers Tue 30 May – Sat 3 June, to the show that will have you time-warping the night away - the Rocky Horror Show, musical lovers are spoilt for choice! Strictly Ballroom starring Kevin Clifton also promises an unforgettable evening under the glitter ball in the summer.

Remember you can check out the Waterside’s full spring/summer programme online at atgtickets.com/ Aylesbury

To book: Atgtickets.com/Aylesbury* Box Office: 0844 871 7615* For all the latest behind-the-scenes gossip follow: Facebook: @aylesburywatersidetheatre Instagram: @aylesburywaterside.theatre | Twitter: @thewaterside1 *Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Menopausing – there’s been a lot of media and celebrity talk about it over the last year or two, and rightly so. Women all over the world go through this phase of life, some at the “expected” time, others early, those that get there all too quickly through essential surgery, and the ladies who glide through seamlessly. Why should we go through it quietly and not really understanding what’s going on? Why should those we live with wonder why we cry/scream/laugh all in the space of 5 minutes, or less? If we don’t understand, how will they? To HRT or to not HRT, is that the question? The reality is that there are so many more questions, so many.

How are we going to do this?

From January, once a month, at The Grand Junction in Buckingham, there is a day dedicated to sharing expertise from knowledgeable and experienced local professionals, an opportunity to spend time in the morning, at a lunch or supper gathering. An opportunity to ask those questions, openly and anonymously, “What is this brain fog?”, “Why am I so tired but sleep isn’t coming?”, “Why do I hate my family/ partner all of a sudden?, “Who am I turning into?”, “What can I do to take care of myself?”. Our January expert is Lucy Childerley, a specialist in women’s health, hormonal balance, and how to recognise and manage symptoms. Lucy will be at all three meetings so do book on at a time that suits your diary, we’re covering the whole day! We have amazing local experts lined up for the months ahead too.

The Kaleidoscopes was formed to create a safe space for supporting women who are at any stage of their lives to come and be part of a growing community, we are working toward understanding what’s going on with our bodies and our minds, whether we’re 25, 55 or somewhere in-between. And we have experts to help navigate us through it.

Why are we setting this group up? It’s not all about it being ok to talk openly about menopause now, though we’re glad it is becoming so, it’s because we are on our journeys too,

and we passionately believe that more support and education is needed. It’s because we’re all different, Cerus and Ruth started working on their “how to support menopausing” quite separately, then got talking and realised that they could merge their ideas, two friends, and they have two very different stories. Cerus is in her peri-menopause, this means that she still menstruates, there are hot flushes, brain fog, maniacal thoughts, and it’s a process. Ruth has technically “menopaused” through medical urgency – potential cancer, she was strongly advised to have a hysterectomy – everything out except her left ovary (aka Lefty) who was not strong. Cerus found massive inspiration and learned a huge amount through Davina McCall’s work last year. Ruth was told “you might want to up your oestrogen” – what did that mean?

Now it is our mission, our passion, to bring expertise to you, not just to the women experiencing this very normal part of life now, but to their mothers, like our own, who didn’t get answers 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago, to the daughters who will get there eventually. We want to educate the partners, fathers and sons too,

that is our next step. We want the Buckingham community to lead the way in being the most menopause supportive town in the country. Speakers will be covering all aspects of self-care and where women can access effective one to one support.

We have female hormone specialists, nutritionists, menopausal hair care, body image boosting, skin care, mental health and then a celebration evening in July with professional entertainment.

There will be more dates to come for later in the year, including some enlightening evening events for men.

To join us at any of these amazing events, follow the QR code or go to www.thekaleidoscopes.co.uk

To get in touch with us, just email ruth@thekaleidoscopes.co.uk or cerus@thekaleidoscopes.co.uk or call Ruth on 07897 482316 or Cerus’ is 07794 146506

See you there!

With love, from Cerus & Ruth x

A Peaceful Escape at Horwood House

Back in November Neil and I got to experience a delightful spa day at Horwood House.

Set in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside in Little Horwood, the brand new H Spa is an idyllic little spot to enjoy some ‘me time.’ They have a wonderful selection of treatments and indulgent pamper retreats available, Neil and I opted for the Peaceful Escape.

Our spa day started at 9am and when you arrive you are given your robe and slippers to dress into and given a tour around the spa and it’s facilities. Afterwards you are shown to the spa lounge and given a delicious continental brunch which includes yogurt and granola, avocado on toast, a selection of pastries, fresh fruit, juices and coffees of your choice.

The peaceful escape means you have full use of the modern spa facilities for the day including the use of the 15m indoor pool, sauna, steam room, poolside stone loungers, spa lounge areas, spa courtyard and fully equipped gym (should you so wish!).

You also get to select from a choice of 50 minute treatments which are all listed on their website. From a soothing massage or facial to a reinvigorating body wrap there is something for everyone. I opted for a relaxing back massage and express facial which works on taking away all the tension and stress, leaving you feeling relaxed and energised. You have to reserve your treatments in advance with the spa. Afterwards, I enjoyed some quiet time by the pool reading my book. It was bliss!

You can choose between lunch or afternoon tea which is served in the spa lounge whilst dinner is served in Harry’s Bar & Kitchen. We opted for an afternoon tea which was packed full of amazing treats including the most delicious scones and clotted cream!

Whether you’re looking for a dose of me-time or a chance to unwind with friends or family, the boutique spa at Horwood House offers the perfect escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Happy New Year and welcome to

2023!

I hope you all enjoyed the festive period in whatever way you spent it. With all the thought-provoking tear-jerking alternative Christmas TV adverts that were on our screens hopefully they helped to focus more on the “who you’re with” rather than the “what you’ve got”.

Keeping with the thought-provoking theme there will be more of a push on us all to be more mindful of sustainability and making a positive impact towards the country’s target to be Net Zero on greenhouse gases by 2050. This means our country will take as much of the greenhouse gases (caused by burning wood, coal, and oil) out of the atmosphere as we put in. These greenhouse gases trap the sun heats and cause the soaring temperatures which we all experienced last year.

A positive change can only happen with input every one of us in all aspects of our life. This includes food – what we eat, where we get it from and how it is produced. Small changes by many will have a greater long-term effect than large changes by few.

Eating less meat and dairy and increasing our fruit, vegetable and plantbased protein is a good start whilst still ensuring you maintain a balanced healthy diet depending on your nutritional needs.

I have therefore selected a few recipes that enable us to be more climate friendly and uses some new ingredients you may have not used before but all are available in your main supermarkets.

Swap out as you wish but the more you stick to the recipe the more goodness you’ll be doing for the planet….and hopefully your health! Enjoy Tina x

the Twyford Pantry

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings (serves

4-6 as starter)

Ingredients

1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika

1⁄2 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

100g spelt or plain flour

200ml buttermilk or kefir (non-dairy fermented drink)

1 head of cauliflower (500g), broken into florets

80g hot sauce

1½ tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp plant-based butter

celery sticks, to serve

For the ranch dip:

100g thick coconut yogurt (or Greek)

3 tbsp plant-based mayonnaise

2 tbsp chopped chives

1-2 tbsp non-dairy milk of choice (or semi-skimmed)

‚

Method

Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7 and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Mix the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, flour and ½ tsp salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and whisk in the buttermilk. Tip in the cauliflower and toss to coat. Spread out the cauliflower on the baking tray and cook for 20-25 mins, turning halfway through, until crisp at the edges. Warm the hot sauce, maple syrup and butter in a small pan set over low heat, for 2-3 mins. Liberally brush over the cauliflower and put back in the oven for 8-10 mins. For the ranch dip, whisk together the yogurt, mayo, chives, milk and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

Serve the with the cauliflower alongside some celery sticks for dipping.

source: www.goodfood.com

Broccoli and Potato Soup (serves 8)

‚

1.5 lbs white potatoes peeled and cut into ½ inch cubed

1.4 litre vegetable stock, water, or gluten free alternative

‚

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Method

In a large pot, water sauté the onion until soft. Add in the garlic, celery, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, water, salt and pepper. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce everything to a simmer. Allow the vegetables to cook until almost tender, about 1015 minutes. Using a stick blender or in a smoothie blender, blend all the ingredients until smooth.

Reheat and serve warm garnished with any topping of your choice…olive oil, coconut cream, toasted seeds, chilli flakes, chopped walnuts….be creative (and mindful at same time!).

(Equally if you’re lucky enough to have a soup maker, chuck it all in switch it on and go read a magazine for half hour)

source: www.goodfood.com

We have the perfect private dining space, The Green Room.

Comfortably seating up to 22 people, the Green Room is ideal for parties, lunches or any occasion that requires great food and excellent service.

We’ve been serving up great food with friendly service for almost 20 years now.

You’re always welcome at Prego!

Great Value Lunch Menu

2 courses for £15

Available everyday between 12pm - 3pm. Includes any classic pizza from the main menu amongst other delicious Italian favourites.

Wedding & Event Venue

t h Fin d i n

Situated in the grounds of a 17th Century Farmhouse, Winters Tale Country Barn can seat up to 120 guests for your wedding breakfast and accommodate an additional 80 guests in the evening.

Licensed for Civil Ceremonies with a choice of locations in the main hall or in the quiet country gardens. The barn has many features including twinkling fairy lights, a high vaulted and heavily beamed ceiling, a well stocked bar on the ground floor and a cocktail bar on the gallery above. Adjacent to the barn is a large silk-lined marquee with chandeliers and festoon lighting. New for 2021/2022 is a Secret Garden for photo shoots with a water feature, bridal swing and more...

ng venue set high in the North Buckinghamshire style of a modern wedding venue it has retained the rs ago. A Cocktail and Gin Bar on the Minstrel’s ,

Also included on the night of your wedding is on-site accommodation just across the courtyard in Harvest Moon Barn and Ember Eve Barn.

up to 6 people. r call us today for further information

Please call or email for further details & availability

Ever since my boys were babies we have swam with Water Babies. Its our routine, and one of our favourite activities of the week. We look forward to each lesson and thoroughly enjoy every moment. When they are so little, it is so nice to go and do something that brings you both together for that bonding time. George is now 3 and we still love going to the Best Western in Buckingham to have our lessons with Katy.

When Archie and I first booked onto the course, I really didn’t know what to expect when swimming with a small baby! I couldn’t quite believe when our teacher said that Archie would be swimming underwater on his first lesson! He was absolutely fine, as was George. Some babies aren’t too keen, but it really helps to develop their confidence in the water early on.

When you get started, one of the main things every Water Babies lesson will feature is doing ‘name, ready, go’ with your little one. This is where you hold your baby in your arms and after the word ‘go’ scoop up a handful of water and pour it over their head three times. This is an essential part of getting them used to the water and ready to swim underwater and something we practiced a lot at home too.

Equipment-wise, all you’ll need to buy is a packet of swim nappies and a ‘Happy Nappy‘ which is like a little neoprene pair of shorts to cover the nappy and make sure no accidents happen in the pool! Pack your own swimming costume and two towels and you are ready to go!

Water Babies really focus on the safety aspect when being in the water, which is something I always wanted my boys to learn from an early age, that and being confident in the water.

One of the things we love about Water Babies is that everything is progressive – so everything you learn in each lesson builds upon previous sessions. The foundation of the lesson is the same, with the same songs to keep things familiar for your little one but each week new skills are introduced gradually, building upon these all the way. This means both baby and parent feel comfortable with what they’re doing, learning all the way.

Water Babies lessons are also great fun! Due to George’s love of tractors, Katy even makes up songs that involves tractors to keep George entertained! We are not quite swimming yet (I blame the break during the pandemic to be honest) as I think we would be swimming if it wasn’t for that huge break where swimming pools weren’t open! But he is certainly on his way to being a confident swimmer.

To enquire about lessons call 01295 709221 or email chasetheball@waterbabies.co.uk.

Lessons days in the Best Western Pool are:

Monday: 9.30am – 11.00pm

Tuesday: 9.30am – 11.00pm

Thursday: 10.30am – 12.00pm

Giving back when times are tough

The UK has faced plenty of difficulties in the last few months: increased energy bills for the average household, the cost of living crisis, not to mention changes in government causing fluctuation in interest, mortgage and inflation rates, and resulting in recession. All of this upheaval has had huge social implications across the nation, causing stress and worry for the average UK resident. There’s no doubt about it: times are tough.

Working in the property industry, we know first-hand just how difficult things are at the moment, which is why we’ve decided to donate £40,000 to the local Foodbanks in our areas, to try and do our bit to help alleviate some of the strains on those living locally to us.

As a business, Alexander & Co and their partners in Cheltenham Peter Ball & Co - alongside our parent company & Co Group - has a vested interest in the local communities we work within, and given how difficult things have become in recent months, we wanted to take this opportunity to give something back to those who are struggling in our areas. The Foodbanks in Aylesbury, Berkhamsted, Buckingham, Bicester and Dunstable have all received £5,000 each from their local Alexander & Co branches, whilst the Foodbanks in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury received £10,000 and £5,000 respectively from Peter Ball & Co, which we hope will go some way to helping individuals and families who are struggling to afford food this festive season.

STUNNING SHUTTERS FOR ANY SHAPE WINDOW!

Odd shaped windows can present a real problem when deciding on the right way to cover them. Light, privacy and attractiveness are all essential to make sure your shaped windows look amazing, but there are also a number of problems that arise from this window style. Pointed, arched or curved windows can mean many blind and curtain options are virtually impossible to fit leaving you with limited choices. Plantation shutters offer an excellent solution to almost all designs of window and can be manufactured in a huge range of colours to suit any taste.

Shutters are often the perfect solution for angled, curved or shaped windows, gable ends and loft conversions. They are made to measure, versatile and can be designed to suit almost any window design. Shaped shutters or indeed any shutters are striking to look at and make a real design statement for your home, so you will really stand out from the crowd! Not to mention an investment in shutters will add considerable value to your home and help hugely with insulation.

Please contact Emma or Mark to have a chat about your needs or to arrange a free quote, we will be delighted to help you!

Just call 01280 453059

Prestigious Blinds & Shutters

BEAT THE JANUARY BLUES

Now that the highs of the festive season have come to an end, we find ourselves in the dreary throes of January. We’re back to the old routine and the days are cold, wet and miserable, which leaves many of us feeling down.

Thankfully there are natural ways to beat the January blues and get the happy hormones flowing.

GET OUTSIDE AND GET MOVING

Being in the great outdoors and around nature is an instant mood booster and stress reliever.

By taking things up a notch and exercising in the fresh air can improve self-esteem and energy and heighten serotonin levels.

Why not give your garden a quick spruce up or even start planning your spring and summer beds?

Or go for a long walk in the countryside, a brisk stroll into town or take a cycle through our beautiful towns and villages.

Just getting outside in the natural light will make you feel great.

BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME WITH FRESH FLOWERS

Not only do fresh flowers brighten your home, but they also lift your mood and ignite creativity.

Having fresh flowers in your home has been linked to a reduction in anxiety and blood pressure and an increase in positivity.

Multiple studies prove that the colour, smell and act of giving flowers have a healing effect on recipients as they have an immediate impact on happiness.

Make someone’s day and give them a bunch of fresh flowers!

HERBS TO HELP YOU RELAX

Mint has been used as a medicinal herb for hundreds of years to aid digestion and also alleviate headaches. Just one sniff of its powerful scent is enough to invigorate and relax you.

Lavender helps eliminate nervous tension and is great for getting a more restful night sleep. Bring a few cuttings into the house to get that fresh, natural fragrance. Add it to cakes or biscuit recipes or why not try making homemade lavender scented candles or soaps?

Get outside and get energised!

Rosemary has a host of benefits, including stress and anxiety relief, improved focus and memory, appetite stimulation, plus it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Try it in your cooking or create a new flavoured tipple by adding it to water along with lemons.

The January blues might be upon us, but by getting out into your garden and being at one with nature can really help boost our happy hormones and get us feeling energised!

While you are here, visit the Tea Rooms for a nice cup of tea, a slice of homemade cake and a chat with our friendly staff.

However you choose to beat the January blues, you can find what you need at Hartwell Nurseries.

Want to give your outdoor space a spruce up or starting to plan your spring garden? Hartwell Nurseries have all the tools and inspiration you need.

Happy gardening and Happy New Year!

Happy gardening and Happy New Year, from all at Hartwell Nurseries.

Hartwell Nurseries, Stone, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8RZ info@hartwellnurseries.co.uk | 01296 747961 hartwellnurseries.co.uk

Across

1. Drops from on high? (9) 8. Surface frost (5) 9. Website activity (7) 10. New Zealand’s biggest port city (8) 11. Scottish youngster (4) 13. Second winning point in tennis (6) 14. Pass on (6) 16. (The) height of fashion (4) 17. Screwball (8) 19. Copious (7) 20. Complain sheepishly? (5) 21. Joking apart! (9)

Down

1. Oversee (8) 2. Determined (6) 3. Swollen area of skin (4) 4. Peel paste off (anag) — sugared fruit (6,6) 5. Add liquid to dried food (12) 6. They don’t love the human race (12) 7. High court win (anag) — midnight (8,4) 12. With good will (8) 15. Documents setting out a client’s case (6) 18. Roman goddess, protector of marriage (4)

SUDOKU

NONAGRAM

Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may only be used once per word. One word will use all 9 letters... Can you find it? There are a total of 64 possible words....

Pinch of Nom: Enjoy by Kate & Kay Allinson

Format: Hardback 1st Edition

Price: £20.00

Hand Signed by Kate & Kay Allinson to a Signature Page Buy online at coles-books.co.uk

Enjoy more of the food you love. Never feel like you’re missing out. One hundred truly tasty recipes from Pinch of Nom.

Number-one bestselling authors Kate and Kay are back with an irresistible collection of recipes that everyone will enjoy. From all-day breakfasts to cheeky fakeaways and onepan meals to scrumptious desserts, these crowd-pleasers are so satisfying and delicious that you’d never guess they are also slimming-friendly.

Featuring Pinch of Nom’s trademark bold flavours, easy-to-find ingredients and simple, flexible cooking methods, Enjoy is packed with food that you’ll want to savour and share with loved ones, over and over again.

About the Authors: Kate and Kay Allinson owned a restaurant together on the Wirral, where Kate was head chef. Together they created the Pinch of Nom blog with the aim of teaching people how to cook. They began sharing healthy, slimming-friendly recipes and today Pinch of Nom is the UK’s most visited food blog with an active and engaged online community of over 1.5 million followers. They are the authors of Pinch of Nom, Pinch of Nom: Quick and Easy, Pinch of Nom: Comfort Food and more.