This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
We may not be able to sit chatting with our friends over a piping hot Americano at the moment, but we can still have a virtual catch up on the phone or a.n.other digital device. So that’s how I got the lowdown on a few more best buys and free things that we, here at Annabel and Grace magazine, think you might also like/find useful…
Hand sanitiser with a difference
As we’ve all discovered by now, antibacterial hand sanitisers vary enormously – everything from watery liquid to sticky gunk. and often with unpleasant fragrances! Well, here’s one that not only smells good, it smells gorgeous! It really moisturises your hands too. Designed to combat 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, Saltee’s multi-award winning sanitising hand gel is infused with 70% alcohol for essential protection, and a special blend of natural essential oils that provide intense moisture and nourishment. The ideal gift for yourself or a friend. £12 from Saltee. BUY NOW
Frozen, fabulous and French!
30 Mini Cheese Gougeres 
Goat’s Cheese Honey Walnut Pizza 
Marinated Beef Steaks with Shallot 
Apple Tart A La Normande
I’m a huge fan of the freezer. Most mornings I take something out to defrost for lunch or supper – whether it’s spare portions of something I have made myself or a tried & tested ready made meal (ie chicken Kiev – just add freshly steamed green veg!). Marvellous-Mother-In-Law recently introduced me to Picard – France’s most famous gourmet frozen food brand – a range which includes iconic French meals, sides, canapés, desserts and bakery treats. I’m working my way through the entire range of these dishes because they taste soooooo good. You won’t believe they are not homemade. Picard, which has been going since the 1970s, is the crème de la crème of frozen food, and I couldn’t be more delighted that they are now stocked by M&S and Ocado.
Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster
My latest acquisition – well, I fancied a little treat and this Vichy Mineral 89 serum gets very good reviews. Two pumps on a clean face is the perfect amount. I am enjoying using this as it is easy to apply and a lovely texture. It’s got a hard battle on its hands with my wrinkles but my skin feels really soft and moisturised. £22.50 Look Fantastic MORE INFO
Recycled Wool Throws
Perfect to keep you snug while watching TV. Did you see The Serpent? One of the few dramas that had a brilliant last episode (so often they are disappointing aren’t they). Anyhow, back to the throws. These stylish recycled wool throws are available in five muted colours, one of which is bound to tone in with your decor. £46 Not On The High Street MORE INFO
Sometimes the best things in life are free…
Check out the NHS Fitness Studio. You’ll find a wealth of online videos ranging from 10 – 45 minutes in length – Wake Up Workout and Pyjama Pilates to Couch to 5k and Beginner Belly Dancing. The latter about which my sister told me is “Such good fun and brilliant exercise – and not at all how you imagine it will be.”
Our Parks is another great website for free online workouts which include Rise & Shine Yoga and Stretch And Flex.
You could also read an online free weekly magazine called Happiful which is devoted to guiding you to good mental health, with contributions from people such as Bryony Gordon, the writer and founder of Mental Health Mates.
Now something flagged up by my friend Amanda. It’s a digital community for the over 50s. Whether you are interested in learning a new skill, finding a job, or if you’d like to find a new partner, the Rest Less website will direct you to the right place. Worth having a browse around if you are suffering from lockdown ‘cabin fever’ or even ’empty nest syndrome’.
Plus, of course, there’s all the brilliant activities from The Joy Club – A&G readers get three months’ free membership. Read more here.
Last, but not least, here are some uplifting words from Ginny Vere Nicholls, the author of Feel Good Tales who is a guest writer on Annabel and Grace magazine:
Above all else hope is our guiding light through dark times. Hope for the best and against all odds, never give up on hope!
“Hello there!”
Nutmeg approached cautiously not wishing to frighten anybody.
“This looks like a haven of peace and tranquillity.”
“Yes, here we are far from fear, where nature is at her best,” answered the gentle hare. “We have optimism and are full of uplifting thoughts for the future. Behind me stands the King of the Forest who always keeps us safe.”
“Hope Haven?” Nutmeg suggested, looking around in awe.
“Yes, you are very welcome here with us” said the shy animal.
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