Let it all go
#01 The Happiness Issue
Swedish Fika Food for Mood Paris and Madrid Plants for Emotions
Psst, come take a peak...
The world is moving so quickly around us. While we work and work and work there seems to be very little time to take a break and Release. What’s more, even when we do find some available time to settle down and relax, it can be hard to switch off and allow our brains to do so. Release is here to be your comforter and friend as you let all your stresses go and take time out just for you, offering affordable and inspiring options for the everyday creative, helping to make you feel good, both in your skin and in your head.
The Summer Issue
Summer is a time for stepping out into the sunshine and surrounding yourself with colour and freshness, but even more than that, summer is a time for happiness. Here at Release, we like to grab the latest issue and set off towards our favourite cafés or parks, where we can soak in all
the vibrancy of summer whilst settling down with all new artists, writers, ideas, inspiration and aesthetics ready and waiting inside. In this issue, we’ve been exploring what makes you feel good, what perks you up when you might need it most, and perhaps finding new ways to let go, with articles accompanied by the beautiful paintings and illustrations by artist Nora Roe.
Food for Mood
“You are what you eat”
may not be entirely true, but it is true that if you feed your body with all the good stuff, you’ll feel good both physically and mentally. Eating healthy on a budget, however, can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when you’re short on time too. These simple tricks can keep your fridge packed, your body nourished and your belly and tastebuds satisfied. Take a little time at the weekend to plan your meals. That way you only need to go food shopping once, and you won’t be tempted to buy any extra bits and bobs that you don’t need. Try not to rely on ready meals as although they may seem cheap when you’re standing in the aisle, they add up to be more expensive than making fresh meals. Make big portions of your favourite meals, such as curries, pasta sauces, chilli, soup etc. to keep in your fridge and freezer. Don’t be afraid to get loyalty cards. You never know what offers, discounts and coupons might pop up.
Stock up on dried foods such as pasta, rice, canned beans and pulses, as well as frozen vegetables. They’re so cheap and easy! (Plus, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables still count towards your 5-a-day.) Don’t keep things in your cupboard that you know you shouldn’t eat, such as chocolate and crisps and ice cream. But remember... …Don’t be too strict and don’t punish yourself. You want to nourish your body, but you don’t want to limit yourself when you’re spending time with friends and family. Text by Lucy Fleming
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Spicy Peanut Noodle Stirfry
Serves 4
This is a great cheap and easy Pad Thai style recipe that can be tweaked in a number of ways to suit you. You can use practically any vegetable that you’ve got in your fridge, such as carrot, mange tout, baby corn or courgette.
Ingredients Noodles 250g soba noodles or noodles of choice 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil 200g tenderstem broccoli 250g chestnut mushrooms 1 red pepper 2 spring onions A handful of fresh coriander (optional) A handful of toasted peanuts (optional) Peanut sauce 5-6 tbsp soy sauce 8 tbsp peanut butter 1 ½ tbsp siracha or other hot sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Method 1. 2.
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Cook the noodles according to the packet instructions. Heat the sesame oil in a large frying pan or wok over a high heat and cook the vegetables for 6-8 minutes until aldente. Stir all of the sauce ingredients together. If it’s too thick, stir in some hot water until it becomes smooth. Mix the noodles, vegetables and sauce together, then serve and sprinkle chopped coriander and peanuts on top.
Credit: Hello Fesh, https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/
Tweak It Substitute the peanut butter for almond butter or tahini if you have an allergy or simply want to mix it up. To make the recipe gluten free use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that the noodles that you are using are certified gluten free.
Peace-Giving Plants
It is a well known fact that flowers and plants bring happiness into the home, but they can do so much more than that. They can make you more productive, encourage creativity and provide you with a sense of purpose as well as help to ease your anxieties. They are known to restore some short-term calm to your life. Rose Essence of rose can help to relieve stress and depression especially, as well as helping with both insomnia and restlessness. You can either buy the flowers themselves or use rosewater or essence, whichever is more convenient for you.
Gerbera Daisy The bright colours of the Gerbera Daisy promote happiness and a calming ambience wherever they are placed as well as a restful nights sleep. They can also remove the toxins associated with inks from pens and therefore are great for your bedroom or workspace.
Rosemary This specific herb can help to improve your memory and powers of recall, so it’s perfect for a busy exam season. Due to Rosemary being able to improve the air quality in your home it also reduces both stress and anxiety.
Aloe Vera Ideal for the ‘lazy gardener’ amongst us and known for purifying air, Aloe Vera also emits oxygen leading to a more restful sleep. It is also known for attracting positive energy and is used a lot for skin care. If ingested Aloe Vera can even boost your immune system
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Succulents Like Aloe Vera, Succulents release oxygen throughout the night, helping you to sleep. They do such a good job at purifying the air that it makes it easier to study as well as helping you to recover quicker from illnesses such as the flu or a cough.
Chamomile This little flower is well known for easing anxiety, especially when made into essential oils and teas. Chamomile dispels stress as well as negative energies and emotions. If you’re feeling jittery it is especially useful as it has a calming and soothing effect.
Snake Plant These plants have been studied by NASA because of the huge effects they can have on air purity levels. Having one of these in your home can improve concentration, sleep and reaction times whilst lowering levels of anxiety. Snake Plants also improve energy levels and are useful if your prone to headaches, eye irritation and breathing problems.
Lavender Lavender is commonly renowned for its power to induce sleep because of its calming fragrance. Not only can it calm you, it can also lower stress and anxiety levels as well as your blood pressure. It’s beneficial to both your mental and physical health. Lavender is also known for attracting positive energy wherever it is situated.
Next time you go to treat yourself to a bunch of flowers or a new house plant consider doing a little more research into the different effects they can have on your emotions. Think about whether you need cheering up, calming down or help sleeping and buy a plant that is both beautiful and functional. Text by Rebekah Crook. Illustrations by Nora Roe. 6
Tear Out Poster
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The Charity Shop Challenge
While fashion is endlessly wonderful, it’s expensive too - not everyone has thousands to splash on cute dresses and badass boots. Introducing, the charity shop challenge. I challenged myself to run round Bath and see how far thirty pounds could stretch, the only rules were that I could only purchase things I would actually wear (this was a success, I’m wearing outfit one as I write to you), they had to work alongside things I already owned and I could not exceed the budget of thirty pounds. So, armed with a cactus print canvas bag full of hope, I let loose on the cobbled streets of Bath.
Outfit One: Without a doubt, this outfit was not only my favourite, but the best bargain too. Hidden in a corner of Shaw’s Trust, I found this beautiful cream, floral print Ralph Lauren smock dress. I absolutely adore this dress, everything from the delicate floral print to the raw edges sang summer. For the current chilly spring weather, I’ve paired it with tights and a striped turtleneck, but in the sun this dress would be perfect with sandals and a delicate bralette.
Outfit Two: The second I saw this dress, I knew it had to come home with me. The mix of black graphic floral with bright red makes it perfect for all seasons. For a more spring vibe, I’ve paired it with these killer office studded boots and my trusty oversized denim jacket, but in colder weather layering up with a black long sleeve top, thick tights and a leather jacket would make a winter outfit ready to brighten everyone’s day. 9
Outfit Three: For the third outfit, this striped long sleeve top makes for a comfy casual outfit, with the red stripes adding a pop of colour. I’ve paired this with black button down jean skirt and vans, but for a more work approriate look, you could style this top with a pencil skirt and black smart shoes.
Outfit Four: This polka dot jumper speaks a language that is comfy but still cute. For this outfit, I wanted to show how you can stay warm in cold weather without looking frumpy. Throw on some thick tights, a black button down jean skirt, a vest under the jumper and a black leather jacket: you’ll be warm and incredibly stylish.
Outfit Five: For my last outfit, I wanted to take this cute daisy print dress and make it a little more edgy. So, I paired it with fishnet tights, the ever classic doc martens and, just to keep everyone on their toes, a metallic pink leather jacket.
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Fika
Fika [2fi:ka] is the twice daily ritual in Sweden of enjoying coffee with a pastry or cake. It promotes socialising with friends, family and co workers. It is a contrast to the fast paced coffee that we are used to here in the UK. We could all do with a little reminder to slow down and enjoy the coffee now and then. Fika is a part of daily life in Sweden. More than just a coffee break, it is a pivotal part of the work and social environment. Although the literal translation is as straightforward as ‘to have coffee’, the process and intention of fika is what makes it unique. In the age of Starbucks and Costa, fast coffee on the run, fika slows us down. Its purpose is to bring back the social, enjoyable side of having coffee. Twice a day, morning and afternoon, the Swedish stop whatever they are doing to have a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. Even offices stop at 11am and 3pm so their staff can fika, some offer a free hot drink with your cake. Even the global Swedish furniture shop, Ikea, promote the benefits of the tradition. They write on their website “More than a coffee break, fika is a time to share, connect and relax with colleagues. Some of the best ideas and decisions happen at fika.” At home, at a cafe, at work, it does not matter as long as you are with someone to enjoy it with. The belief is that slowing down and appreciating these breaks refreshes the brain, boosts productivity and strengthens relationships. Although by definition you cannot fika alone, incorporating it into your daily life as a ritual can be beneficial anyway. Taking the time to make yourself some cinnamon buns
or similar as a treat with your coffee can be relaxing and enjoyable. Even in the busiest of days, a fifteen minute break when you stop looking at a screen, stop rushing and stop panicking over time will not harm your deadlines. It is like a short meditation where you can refresh your tired brain. Sit by a window or outside, have a change of scene. Maybe engage in a pleasant chat with a friend or house mate. Whatever you do, really enjoy it, let yourself have this moment and remind yourself to breath. Reading this magazine may be your break today, so stick on your kettle, grab a pastry or cake (or, follow the recipe on the following page and make some traditional Swedish Kanelbullar) before you carry on reading. Text by Victoria Roe
Illustration by Nora Roe 11
Kanelbullar Swedish Cinnamon Rolls
Sweet rolls, commonly from Northern Europe, served with simple icing or just a glaze. Delicious with coffee or tea in the afternoon, share with friends as you fika!
Ingredients; For 25 buns 50g fresh yeast 500ml whole milk, luke warm 150g very soft butter 85g caster sugar 1â „2 tsp salt 2 tsp ground cardamom 1000 g plain bread flour Filling; 150g soft butter 4-5tsp ground cinnamon 120g sugar Icing (optional); 250g icing sugar water
Method; 1.Start by heating the milk, careful not to boil it, then add it to a large bowl or mixer with the yeast. Stir until the yeast is dissolved. 2.Add the rest of the ingredients and add a little flour at a time. Work the dough until it is glossy and smooth and no longer sticks to the bottom. 4. Leave to rise until it has doubled in size. Make a mixture of sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle a clean surface with flour ready for rolling. 5. Roll out the dough into a rectuangle about 2cm thick. Spread the butter across the dough, sprinkle the sugar mixture on top and roll up the dough from the longest edge. Cut the roll into about 25 slices. Place them on a greased baking tray leaving plenty of room for rising. 5. Bake at 220°c for 20 minutes. When they come out, cover them with a damp, clean dish cloth to prevent them from going dry. 6.To make the icing, simply combine the icing with a little water then continue adding a tablespoon at a time until you have the desired consistency.
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Paris
A three-day getaway in Paris may sound ludicrously over-priced to many, however, with a bit of planning and some research it is actually quite easy to achieve. Here’s our short guide to the best of Paris at a low and reasonable price.
The Eiffel Tower Although it may be tempting and the ‘done thing’ to splurge a whopping £60 to go up into the famous landmark, Montmartre is seriously the better option. Take a stroll along this gorgeous arrondissment, watch the sunset and marvel- you will not be disappointed. The view is glorious and here you will witness the Eiffel Tower glistening in all its glory.
literally patisseries and cafés lurking around every street corner, it’s tricky to keep in tow with your budget. But have no fear because we’ve masterfully pinned down some of the tips and tricks to avoid burning a hole in your pocket!
Lunch over dinner You can eat at some of the best restaurants in the city for a fraction of the cost of their dinner service, not to mention it’s also a lot easier to get a reservation.
The Louvre It’s sufficed to say that the Louvre is a must. Queues into the building are long, no matter the time of your arrival however, if you are under 27 and an EU citizen (with evidence) you’re able to skip the tiresome lines and head straight into the exhibitions. Glance upon the museum’s most famous inhabitant: the Mona Lisa whom shares her space with the awe-inspiring Venus Di Milo however, don’t expect to get up close and personal with these marvels, everyone is trying to catch a glimpse of these modern day celebs, luckily there is a tonne more to offer to keep you entertained. The food in Paris is undeniably heavenly- no arguments about it- however, when there are
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Illustration by Nora Roe
‘Une formule’
wine. Instead go for ‘une carafe d’eau’- a carafe of
Save yourself some euros and opt for the ‘une formule’- the set menu. Most restaurants set their fixed menus between 30 to 40 euros, an extremely reasonable price for three courses and a glass of wine!
high quality French tap water.
Wine by the glass Don’t drink your budget if you want to save money dining in Paris. Surprisingly, French wine is, not only very delicious but also extremely affordable when ordering by the glass.
Avoid sodas and sparkling water When dining out try to avoid drinks such as Coke or Perrier as they often cost more than a glass of wine. Instead go for ‘une carafe d’eau’- a carafe of high quality French tap water.
Wine by the glass Don’t drink your budget if you want to save money dining in Paris. Surprisingly, French wine is, not only very delicious but also extremely affordable when ordering by the glass.
The inside bar Go to the inside bar inside the cafe to enjoy your coffee. It is more costly to drink at the table, whether it be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
Avoid le brunch Brunch is extremely popular due to it being Anglo, but it is extremely expensive for example, expect to pay between twenty to thirty Euros for the French equivalent of a fry up.
Eat like a Parisian Enjoy a baguette, French beurre and jam for breakfast. A baguette at your local cafe will cost no more than three euros for their speciality baguette, or ‘tradition.’ Eat simple, filling foods.
Avoid sodas and sparkling water
Paris, the City of Lights, is by far one of our favourite destinations. Hopefully, with this short guide to sensible spending you too will be able to indulge yourselves with the local delicasies and inhale all that the city has to offer in a cheap and affordable way.
When dining out try to avoid drinks such as Coke or Perrier as they often cost more than a glass of
Text by Olvia Jackson
Illustration by Hector Esquinca
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