Laura Bell • 27 November 2025

Stuff. Glorious Stuff.

Fresh thoughts for Christmas

Christmas can so easily become all about the stuff. The things we buy, the pressure to make everything bigger, better, more impressive. We’ve been led to believe that the more you buy, the more you love, that the bigger the pile of presents under the tree, the more our children will feel adored. But the other day, I had the loveliest conversation with my nine-year-old son that reminded me how untrue that really is.


We were talking about the love languages, something I didn’t discover until well into my thirties and honestly, the discovery was an emotional game-changer for me. It helped me understand not just how I give love, but how I receive it… and how different that can be from the people closest to us.


There are five love languages, five ways we feel and show love:

Acts of Service – doing things to help or support someone.

Words of Affirmation – expressing love through kind words, praise, encouragement.

Quality Time – giving someone your full attention, sharing moments, being fully present.

Physical Touch – showing affection through hugs, closeness, holding hands.

Receiving Gifts – feeling loved through thoughtful gestures or presents, big or small.


You basically learn your love language from your parents. You might be all-in on one, or a blend of a few. It reminds me of that Alanis Morissette lyric: “I want ten thousand spoons when all I need is a knife.” You can give everything you have to someone, but if you’re not speaking their language, they might not feel loved at all.


There are quizzes that can help you figure out your love language, but honestly, it’s simple: go through the list and ask yourself, What can’t I live without? That’s your clue.


And now, as a mum, talking about love languages with my own children, I’m reminded that love isn’t measured in the number of things we give, but in how well we understand each other. Back to Freddie — he’s all about hugs and quality time. Of course, time is every child’s love language; they just want to be with you, every minute if they could.


Many years ago, a relationship therapist asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks: “How often do you ask your partner, ‘What do you need from me to feel loved?’” At the time, I wasn’t asking. I was assuming. I kept giving love in the way I understood it  but it wasn’t the way he could receive it. And he was doing the same. We were both trying (well, I was!), both missing.


I’m tactile by nature and I love a hug. To me, physical touch is comfort and connection. But often when I went to hug him, he’d say, “Stop leaning on me!” Our love languages were completely mismatched. We were speaking different emotional dialects. Needless to say, that relationship was never going to work but the lesson stayed with me. Knowing your love language and being able to express it is key to a loving relationship where you feel understood.


Fast forward ten years, and I now have a wonderful husband who speaks the same language. You cannot wrap that gift. We are without the children this Christmas, so we’ve decided to take ourselves away to a lovely hotel for a couple of nights. No manic panic-buying. No buying things we could easily buy for ourselves. Just quality time together, our love language.


Maybe this Christmas, instead of buying do something for someone, pop round and bake a cake, fix a gate, help with a job they’ve been putting off. Or write a good old-fashioned letter, something heartfelt and honest, especially for older family members who need nothing but might love to hear kind, meaningful words. Or take someone out for the day. Give them your time. Those things often mean far more than something wrapped in paper.


As a family, we’ve never done presents for the elders or adults and honestly, it’s such a relief. No pressure. No forced buying. Just simplicity. It can feel strange at first, but honestly, who actually needs an American-commercialised day to tell them to buy a gift for a loved one?


So this year, I wonder…

Could you step off the buying-loads-of-stuff train?

Or maybe move into a different carriage, the one where you buy less, or buy thoughtfully, or buy sustainably?

Or quite simply… step off the train altogether. Stand on the platform, watch that manic Christmas express roar past, and instead tell someone you love them with a hug, a handwritten letter, a quiet moment together. Because at the end of the day, the stuff doesn’t matter. What matters is who you loved, and how deeply you loved them.

Roasted Winter Squash with Miso Tahini

by Kristen Lackajis • 3 December 2025
Brimming with flavour, this sweet and savoury miso roasted butternut squash is the ideal dish for a delicious winter feast.

Why Taking Time for Yourself is the Foundation of Wellbeing

19 November 2025
In the relentless pace of modern life, we often wear busy-ness as a badge of honour. Our calendars are packed, our inboxes are full, and our minds are constantly whirring with to-do lists and responsibilities. We pour our energy into work, family, and social commitments, often leaving one crucial person overlooked: ourselves. The journey toward good wellbeing - a holistic state of physical, mental, and emotional health - can seem complex and intimidating. We read about intricate diets, intense exercise routines, and advanced meditation techniques. But the truth is, the most powerful and fundamental step is the simplest one: taking time for yourself. This isn't a luxury or an indulgence; it is the absolute foundation upon which all other forms of self-care and personal growth must be built. Why "Me-Time" is Non-Negotiable Thinking of "me-time" as selfish is a common misconception. In reality, it is a necessary act of self-preservation and rejuvenation. Imagine your energy and emotional reserve as a well. If you are constantly drawing water out for others without ever allowing it time to refill, the well will eventually run dry. When you are depleted, your ability to be a patient partner, an effective employee, or a supportive friend is severely diminished. Taking time for yourself is the conscious act of pausing the demands of the outside world and dedicating that space solely to your own needs. It is about shifting your focus inward, even if just for a few minutes. The Ripple Effect of Self-Connection When you prioritise this dedicated time, the benefits ripple out into every facet of your life: Stress Reduction: Stepping away from the constant noise allows your prefrontal cortex - the decision-making part of your brain - to rest. This pause can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a calmer nervous system and clearer thinking. Problems that seemed insurmountable often become manageable after a period of quiet reflection. Emotional Regulation: When we are rushed and stressed, our emotions tend to be erratic and reactive. Time alone offers a chance to check in with yourself: How am I really feeling? What do I need right now? This awareness is the key to managing your feelings rather than letting them manage you. Increased Productivity: It may seem counterintuitive, but a short break can dramatically improve your performance. Taking time off allows for "diffuse thinking," where your brain makes connections and solves problems in the background. You come back to your tasks with renewed focus and fresh ideas. A Stronger Sense of Self: Constant interaction with others means we are often adjusting our behaviour to fit a social context. Solitude allows you to reconnect with your authentic self - your values, your dreams, and your genuine interests - free from external judgments or expectations.

Zesty Lemon Energy Balls - NUT FREE

by Laura Bell • 7 June 2025
A New Chapter: Yoga, Food & Connection This week marked a beautiful milestone for us. We hosted our very first Yoga & Seasonal Supper Evening and Day Retreat. What a joy it was! Both events were filled with warmth, laughter, movement, and the most wonderful mix of local students, retreat guests, and dear friends. These gatherings felt like more than just events, they were a chance to reconnect, recharge, and simply be. Sharing yoga and nourishing food in a mindful, welcoming space reminded us just how powerful these small moments of togetherness can be. The evening was very mellow, with a relaxed yoga flow with myself followed by a 3 course seasonal meal, where conversation and laughter flowed. Our Day Retreat at The Barn gave our guests time to really settle in. it was an opportunity to show off our wonderful North Wales venue and for us to try out our new business idea. We began with a strong yoga practise to help ground and relax the guests. We walked into the hills, breathed deeply in the fresh air, and even dipped toes into the newly renovated woodland pond, complete with a jetty! It felt like stepping into a secret sanctuary. We also had the pleasure of welcoming chef Kelly Mason, who generously shared some of her favourite cooking tips and seasonal inspiration with us all. And of course, what’s a retreat without something delicious to nibble on? I had the fun job of making energy balls for our guests, and I wanted to share this quick, zesty recipe with you. It’s perfect for busy weekends or a midweek pick-me-up. They're easy, bright, and full of goodness, just like the events themselves. Both events were a great success, and we’ll be offering them every quarter going forward. They’re a beautiful way to honour the changing seasons and to reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with each other.