With two young children at home, starting Silk Flowers Singapore and having my own bedroom taken over as an office by my husband, my own space, sanctuary of escape has vanished! So I ask myself, how do people unwind at the end of the day without reaching for a much needed drink?! I decide to turn to my sister who having launched her nightware brand Iona Debarge a few years ago now, has spent a lot of time researching on how to unwind and relax at the end of the day.
Here are a few of Iona’s top 5 tips on helping us unwind and ending the day in a less stressful manner and helping us wake up feeling more refreshed.
1- When dusk starts to settle and you have finished your work and are about to make that transition into the evening and start cooking – I recommend sitting quietly for 5 to 10 minutes and meditate just as the light begins to change and there’s a shift from afternoon into evening. It’s important to process your day and acknowledge the end of it and let go of your day’s stresses before your evening begins.
2- I also love a bath with epsom salts or a warm shower this helps relax the muscles in your body and in turn will calm the mind.
3- Changing into something you love, something fresh and breathable like my white Hardy pima cotton pyjamas always makes me feel good and ready to settle into the evening. It’s important to create a transition ritual to sleep and changing into sleep clothes for bedtime is key as it sends the right signals to our brain.
4-It’s amazing how what you eat before bed effects how you wake up in the mornning so eat something light, delicious and healthy- lots of greens and fresh food. It will give you far more energy in the morning and you’ll wake up thinking clearly and feeling great.
5- I’d recommend not looking at your phone after 9pm- I think it’s a time for you; either to relish a book, talk to your partner and really cherish your evening and what surrounds you without interruption.
And to end these relaxing tips, we want to ask you a few quick questions ourselves:
For more tips on how to unwind and bedtime clothing take a look at:
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My mother has been flower arranging most of her life, from small to large events, I have always grown up with flowers all around the house. I have fond memories of even making my own bouquets with left over flowers as a little girl. In this article, I have gathered the best tips my mother has taught me over the years about arranging flowers in a vase.
We can take your arrangement from this:
To this:
Here are a few tips:
Step 1 - Picking your stems
Step 2 - Preparing your arrangement
Step 3 - Styling your arrangement
If you still need some help, then please get in touch with us regarding our At Home service – we can come to your home and help you style the flowers in situ. We love a challenge in creating a bespoke arrangement!
]]>Clearly we are not going to be trying out a new restaurant or relaxing in a spa. But with a bit of creativity we can find our little moment of calm today. A chance to draw breath and just be still for a moment - even if it is just five minutes peace!
Breakfast in bed
There is something a little bit naughty and carefree about eating breakfast in bed. A croissant, some coffee, granola, a bowl of fruit and of course some flowers is enough to make any Mother happy. Especially if your family have actually woken up early enough to prepare it for you (just don't think about the state of the kitchen). It is a chance to take your time over savouring your cup of tea and maybe even reading the sunday papers - pure luxury.
Long bath
Taking a long bath feels so wonderful and is so good for the soul. Turn on your favourite podcast (I have been enjoying the guilty feminist), light a candle, dim the lights, and breathe. Just do not forget to lock the door before the rest of the family shatter the illusion of calm.
Reading a book
One of the New Year resolutions I set this year was to read a new book every month. After reading five books in as many weeks at the start of the year I have slowed down a bit. I will be using this weekend to start my book for May - Topics of Conversation by Miranda Popkey is top of my list.
Relaxing with a cocktail
In our house, my husband is brilliant at fixing a drink in the evening which has been happening a bit more than normal recently. Last night he created a new twist on the standard Gin & Tonic with an extra shot of campari and zest of grapefruit peel. Really delicious and would recommend giving it a go if you're running out of ideas for a new drink. If not, this is the perfect time to get creative!
So lots of ideas on how to make today special. It is not an easy time for anyone, but we are safe at home and in this together.
Happy Mother's Day!
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Dopamine (a ‘happy brain chemical’) is triggered by the expectation of a reward. In the world when our ancestors brains were evolving, flowers were a huge reward signal as bright colours signalled valuable nutrition for our hunter-gather ancestors especially after long winters. Today we have enough to eat all year round so we don’t always consciously link flowers with food. But the blossoming of a flower still triggers the sense that something special is coming as it will still trigger dopamine. In addition, flowers apparently also help stimulate Oxytocin, often called the ‘bonding hormone’ & serotonin, by stimulating a sense of pride that our mammal brains are looking for.
During this uncertain time and the prospect of being locked up at home until this virus is under control, we at Silk Flowers Singapore have been searching for positive symbols as much as possible! Which of our flowers should you been looking at in this uncertain time to provide you with the signs of hope we all need right now?
Hydrangeas
In China, the hydrangea is associated with enlightenment. It is said that when observing the plant, someone can get lost in its abundance of beautiful petals very easily. Our gorgeous arrangement of hydrangeas and eucalyptus might just be what your looking for.
Lilacs
The delicate flowers of lilacs are associated with the beginning of love, spirituality and importantly for those homeschooling or working from home - tranquility. Try adding our Laura arrangement onto your desk to channel that inner peace.
Birds of Paradise
Probably one of the most vibrant coloured flowers in the world, these flowers symbolize joyfulness. Where there is much uncertainty, these flowers also represent wonderful anticipation. Pair these stunning Birds of Paradise with some of our realistic palm leaves and brighten up your space during this current circuit break and increase your dopamines!
Orchid
Whilst more commonly known as a symbol for exotic beauty, they also symbolise thoughtfulness and mature charm. These realistic orchids look great anywhere in the home and help create a calm space.
Rose
Our new champion rose is a delicate yellow. The yellow rose is symbolic for friendship, new beginnings and unrestrained joy. If you know anyone who might need cheering up then send one of these sweet roses in a glass vase to show you care.
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