Winter in London

It's not all grey skies and miserable cold in London in the Winter. Throw on a gorgeous scarf and hat. Don't forget super warm socks. Stop and explore all the beauty and wonder that London has to offer.

Amazing Peru - Go Back in Time to the Magic of the Incas

 

Peru is  one of the world's most amazing holiday destinations. Memorable, magical and an absolute must.

Explore the natural beauty and history of Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The journey itself will blow you away and the altitude, well that's another high that you will not be able to imagine! You'll walk, you'll climb, you'll sit and wonder why you are doing it, but at the end of each day, you'll be so glad that you have had the experience of a life time.



Cusco, Sacred Valley & Lake Titicaca

Nothing can prepare you for the experience-

the camaraderie of fellow travellers, the enthusiasm of the locals, the endurance, perseverance and character you will discover within yourself.

So much to see, so much unexpected pleasure and surprises. One traveller had gone for days crawling through blizzards to see Machu Picchu. Many endured hours of rain and fog whilst exploring the site and were rewarded by afternoon sunshine.

See the amazing crafts - alpaca and wood carvings inspired by the culture and history.

 

Check out the flowers - so many varieties and from all over the world. And there is corn galore and cooked so well. Cancha - omg! Lima was gastronomical, the beach and sunset simply stunning.

I love London - even in the winter (see Winter in London), but Peru was a wonderful adventure which I want to hold on to. I've even started trying to create the flavours of Peru (Peruvian inspired Corn Pancake with Guacamole and Chili Chocolate). Peru, it's a journey for young and old. Machu Picchu is truly one of the greatest wonders of the world, and Peru has so much to offer.

 

A Gourmet Christmas

 

Create your own Gourmet Christmas with fine fruit, flowers and chocolate. Mini trees, Christmas tree branches for vases with small baubles bring that atmosphere of Christmas spirit. Tinsel adds charm. Make your own hampers for friends and family with a few of your favourite things - all you need is cellophane, ribbon for curling, tape and a basket or piece of cardboard.

And we can't forget a cocktail to brighten things up - I made a simple one from oranges, passion fruit, cranberries and lemon. A dash of champagne, vodka or whatever you fancy if you want a little zip.

There's lots on offer, with plenty of 3 for 3 deals or savings from smart online shopping. Make this a special Christmas with just a few small touches. Wishing you a very Gourmet Christmas and New Year!

Relax and feed the ducks

Most of the swans have now left London and the waters are full of squabbling and waddling ducks.

I've read that watching animals is incredibly relaxing and have started wandering down to check out the ducks and swans, feeding them and taking a few minutes out in my day to wonder at nature's marvels.

London has a multitude of zoos, parks and wonderful animals. Even though it's dark early,  rainy and grey, there is still much to smile about, relaxing doesn't just have to be a pint of beer or a glass of wine or lying comatose in front of the tv, you just have to do a little searching and make the effort.

Dealing with mental illness

They say it's very common. It's just not talked about much. In many ways, it's still very taboo.
Mental illness is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, takes a long time to treat with a great deal of trialing different anti-depressants and psychiatrists poking around in your head, exploring your past.
It's a long hard road to recovery, with more downs than ups, as well as alot of fear - what if you don't get better, what if you get worse, what if, what if, what if?

And for family and friends, it presents many challenges and can be a burden and take its toll.
So why is it getting worse? Is it the pressures of today's time conscious society, the need for perfection, unsympathetic employers who demand too much, the bullies, the state of the world, the government, the doctors, inadequate health care, the dreadful economy? Does it matter the cause - should we just look for a cure?

There's a lot of books, cds, self-help websites, support groups, doctors, shrinks and it's overwhelming and daunting trying to figure out the best course of action.

I wish I had the answers. I only know that we all have to take one step at a time, try to move in the right direction and be patient. 

I'd love to hear you views and experiences. It's only if we share and help each other that we can find a way forward.