Janey Lee Grace

Janey Lee Grace says 'Choose Happiness'

2012-01-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Well its official - 2012 is the year I will find my authentic truth and you yours I hope, amongst the usual collection of resolutions and goals (yes I do need to get back on track with upping my raw food and moving my body) but I have one big project for the year. - Choose happiness, sounds way too simple or daft or perhaps as Steve Wright suggested on Radio 2 when I mentioned it - a bit wacky and new age but in fact I think its pretty relevant and down to earth. Even the government are doing something similar, in 2010 they commissioned a huge survey on the happiness of the nation and spent copious amounts of money researching our discontent. In case you're thinking what I mean its I intend to simply grin like a cheshire cat most of the time, its not only the Pollyanna approach, I do believe happiness is a choice.

I've been inspired by Grechen Rubin and the happiness project, Dr Robert Holden and most recently by an interview I heard with author John Robbins, he was born into the Baskin Robbins family (yes as in US ice cream !) but instead of staying to inherit the family business he walked away to follow his path, he literally chose to go from riches to rags. living with his wife in a self built wooden lodge and growing 90 per cent of his own food, he got lucky again when his first book became an international bestseller.

Of course your basic needs need to be met, but so long as they are its amazing how the buiness of happiness can become a learned skill just like any other, you can choose to make it a priority, choose to make it a goal, a habit, a way of life.
Anyways thats what the happiness authors tell me, I'm starting from now and in the words of the 'medicine man' in Eat Pray Love' I'm off to practice the 'smile meditation' I'm going to simply smile, even from my liver...(which fortunately will not be burdened with alcohol as thats another resoltuon...)
I wish you a truly HAPPY new year

Janey Lee Grace Photo session -Tabitha James Kraan and Chris Stevens

2011-09-12T05:47:00.000-07:00

Janey loves - Chris Stevens Photography !
Lets face it, I sure needed some new publicity pics but its a tricky business getting the right photographer with the right venue and the right hair and make-up. So imagine how overjoyed I was to find that my favourite organic hairdresser Tabitha James Kraan is not only also a make-up artist, but that she works as a team with a hot new photographer on the scene Chris Stevens. Add to that the great opportunity to use Tabithas light and airy hair salon in Stow on the Wold as the venue for our photo shoot.

We only had the morning but these guys work quicky and efficiently, after doing my hair (always looks fab when Tabithas been at it, and applying my make-up, Tabitha uses a few different ranges including Dr Hauschka, Green People and the amazing new mineral make-up shes just brought over from New York (more on that to follow) and somehow made me look - well ok - I mean I'm never delighted with my face, I seriously feel at least 20 years younger than I look so its always a shock to see myself in the mirror but Tab did a pretty fine job !

I'm quite used to strutting different pose but Chris work quickly, somehow gets the lighting absolutely right and encourages some interesting and really different shots. We did a few outdoor ones also. The end result ? A set of great pics that I can use everywhere, let me know your faves and if you need a set of publicity pics for your business or just fancy half a day treating yourself to great hair and make-up and some excellent shots this combo of Tabitha and Chris take some beating !! Check out the wonderful hair model shots he did for Tabithas website. - Oh so retro.
http://www.tabithajameskraan.com/ Email tabitha@tabithajameskraan.co.uk
http://www.chrisstevensphotographer.com/ Email: info@chrisstevensphotographer.com

Are colonics really bad for you?

2011-08-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

After the recent negative press around colonic irrigation, I'd like to point you to an article by Dr Enid Taylor on the many benefits of this therapy, as you know I wrote about my first experience of colonics in Look Great Naturally - without ditching the lipstick (Hay House) but recently theres been lots of controversy around the subject, you may have heard the Jeremy Vine on radio 2 where there were conflicting views on its efficacy. One thing is for certain you need to be recommended to a 'holistic' therapist who offers more than just a 'pipe' !! That was a horror story from the guy whose practitioner simply went out of the room, good practitioners are usually trained in nutrition and can help with the emotional issues that can arise from colonics. Dr Enid Taylor is a naturopathic doctor and really knows her stuff, she also runs accredited training courses for therapists.
http://www.imperfectlynatural.com/_webapp_1152838/Colonic_Hydrotherapy

See http://www.taymount.com/ for special offers on treatments

Shamanic healing in the Daily Mail

2011-04-13T00:51:00.000-07:00

Did you see the piece in the Daily Mail about how its de rigeur now to have ones own personal guru ? They didn't quote her fully or use her pic but they did give a mention to Dawn Paul the amazing Shamanic Healer who wrote a section for my latest book Look Great Naturally - without ditching the lipstick.
Dawn works both one to one and remotely and can really change lives. Frustratingly the Mail spent hours interviewing her and another 3 taking pics but the piece included only one small quote - but hey ho, a decent shift in conciousness must be on the way for shamanic healing to be in a mainstream paper !
Read Dawns take on it.....
Could a Personal Guru Change Your Life? – The Daily Mail thinks I have the “Guru Effect!”

The Daily Mail (Tuesday April 12th) article by Sadie Nicholas reported on the “guru boom” – the rise of professional women seeking the assistance of personal gurus who specialise in the emotional, mental and physical healing realms. Now it seems, instead of employing personal fitness trainers, women (and of course men), are seeking assistance with their inner growth and personal healing work. Which is of course, excellent, as the happier and healthier we are on the inside, the better our lives are on the outside!

My client Ivana Lounova was quoted in the Daily Mail as saying that I “not only helped her ease her chronic ME, but also enabled her to launch her dream business.” Ivana went on to explain, “ Whereas a doctor works on treating an ailment using physical means like surgery or drugs, a shaman is concerned with the emotional or spiritual root of the problems.”

Ivana came to see me after years of suffering exhaustion caused by ME. Although there were many physical aspects of her illness, I quickly diagnosed that the root of her problems went back to her childhood, and even as far back as her past lives! Ivana worked hard on her issues and now, far from being exhausted, she now enjoys running her lovely bridal jewellery shop, what’s more, she makes all the jewellery and beautiful tiaras herself! (www.tiarasbyivana.com). The Daily Mail stated that Ivana’s new-found happiness is down to the “guru effect” – I would suggest that it’s down to her hard work and commitment to healing her past. It takes courage to seek help with our “stuff.” While of course our personal healing journey is our own and we have to take responsibility for ourselves, receiving assistance on our journey helps us come on in leaps and bounds towards having the inner - and outer life we love.

What I find fantastic is that the importance of personal healing and of course, shamanic healing, is now being recognised by the mainstream. I’m so delighted to have been quoted by the national press and of course I feel blessed to have been able to assist so many people on their own personal healing journeys over the years. Shamanic healing helped Ivana create her dream life and come back to full health and it’s marvellous for me to see her behind the counter of her lovely shop. Of course in my healing practice I assist people with all kinds of issues, from physical illness to traumatic childhood experiences or simply in helping people achieve the lives and the relationships that they dream of. For more details on how you can transform your life, please feel free to contact me via my website www.liberate-online.co.uk

Could a Personal Guru Change Your Life? – The Daily Mail thinks I have the “Guru Effect!”

The Daily Mail (Tuesday April 12th) article by Sadie Nicholas reported on the “guru boom” – the rise of professional women seeking the assistance of personal gurus who specialise in the emotional, mental and physical healing realms. Now it seems, instead of employing personal fitness trainers, women (and of course men), are seeking assistance with their inner growth and personal healing work. Which is of course, excellent, as the happier and healthier we are on the inside, the better our lives are on the outside!

My client Ivana Lounova was quoted in the Daily Mail as saying that I “not only helped her ease her chronic ME, but also enabled her to launch her dream business.” Ivana went on to explain, “ Whereas a doctor works on treating an ailment using physical means like surgery or drugs, a shaman is concerned with the emotional or spiritual root of the problems.”

Ivana came to see me after years of suffering exhaustion caused by ME. Although there were many physical aspects of her illness, I quickly diagnosed that the root of her problems went back to her childhood, and even as far back as her past lives! Ivana worked hard on her issues and now, far from being exhausted, she now enjoys running her lovely bridal jewellery shop, what’s more, she makes all the jewellery and beautiful tiaras herself! (www.tiarasbyivana.com). The Daily Mail stated that Ivana’s new-found happiness is down to the “guru effect” – I would suggest that it’s down to her hard work and commitment to healing her past. It takes courage to seek help with our “stuff.” While of course our personal healing journey is our own and we have to take responsibility for ourselves, receiving assistance on our journey helps us come on in leaps and bounds towards having the inner - and outer life we love.

What I find fantastic is that the importance of personal healing and of course, shamanic healing, is now being recognised by the mainstream. I’m so delighted to have been quoted by the national press and of course I feel blessed to have been able to assist so many people on their own personal healing journeys over the years. Shamanic healing helped Ivana create her dream life and come back to full health and it’s marvellous for me to see her behind the counter of her lovely shop. Of course in my healing practice I assist people with all kinds of issues, from physical illness to traumatic childhood experiences or simply in helping people achieve the lives and the relationships that they dream of. For more details on how you can transform your life, please feel free to contact me via my website
Dawn Paul
www.liberate-online.co.uk

Janey Lee Grace and Lee Mead at Tommys awards

2011-03-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

What a fab event ! delighted to have been asked to host the Tommys Lets Get Baby Freindly Awards (some video footage to follow courtesy of imama.tv) and also to present the new Green Award sponsored by Environmental Busines Products (won by The Organic Baby Company)

Got to meet some lovely celebs including Lee Mead who tells me hes gonna be starring in Legally Blonde (brilliant musical) and Patsy Palmer (she is SO lovely and just had another baby, also presenting awards were Nancy Sorrell, Terri Dwyer, Tana Ramsey to name a few.

Tommys Lets get Baby Friendly Awards is such a worthwhile charity and when you hear some of the work they do including innovative new research into stillbirths (still astonishingly the same rate as 50 years ago !) and supporting neonatal units it makes you feel very blessed to have healthy children and very determined to assist them in their cause.

Energise and Revitalise - a day with Janey

2011-03-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

Only a few places ! Energise and Revitalise with me...

Energise and Revitalise with me on an intimate one day 'retreat' Friday April 8th 10.00 - 4.30pm
Don't miss this amazing day, I've been planning a workshop day with Nia dance (suitable for all) - as you know I'm a trained Nia whitebelt - if you haven't expereinced Nia you're in for a treat, its a blend of jazz dance, tai chi, yoga, alexander technique all set to amazingly funky and inspirational music.. There'll be a Yoga session, perhaps Tai Chi, relaxation and of course some inspirational talks, but what was going round my head for ages was...how could I offer a Gong bath? ....I then discovered that an old mate of mine who used to be a fabulous rock drummer and percussionist Gordon Coxon (not pictured in this image) has become a Gong Master and offers this amazingly therapuetic 'sound healing' sessions with gongs.

Anyways isn't it fab when it all comes together ? The most incredible yoga teacher I have ever met is on board too so its gonna be an unmissable day. its all happening at Buddha Grove a wonderful place in rural Herts, only 25 mins by train from London but totally peaceful. After a day here you really will feel energised and revitalised. I'll be offering talks and because theres a maximum of 15 people there will be lots of time for personal questions and discussion.

Get in quick - only a few places and if you book before March 15th you catch the early bird price. Book HERE. Look forward to meeting you !

Watch Janey on TV making DIY skincare

2011-02-19T08:39:00.000-08:00

Check out Vanessa Feltz show monday 21st Feb. I'm the 'kitchen guest' but no cooking no sir...in fact not even any raw food...(although I think the lovely Vanessa will be digging into the choccy) I'm gonna introduce her to the whole concept of skincare and beauty without chemicals and indeed rustling up easy peasy DIY skincare, raw choccy face masks et al !
See you there
Vanessa Feltz show Channel 5 11am

Want natural alternatives ? The re-birth of Janeyleegrace.com

2011-02-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

Hurrah ! Our new look re-freshed website is up and rocking ! Hope you recieved the latest ezine flagging up our wondrous new competitions, you could win a pampering day out for two at Champneys, a full organic hair make over with Tabitha James Kraan, Karen Knowlers latest raw food book and lots more.

Come on down and check out the brilliant articles on everything from Natural Tips for Avoiding Cancer, Easy Breastfeeding, Anti-ageing Naturally, Toxic Dentistry, Juicing, Raw Food, yummy vegetarian recipes, Choosing supplements, Natural Sun Protection, How to protect yourself from radiation from mobile phones and much much more. Check out the Janey Loves section where I direct you straight to the companies whose products and services I love. We've got a new look store too, hopefully much easier to navigate your way around and special offers on the mobile phone protective 'sock', and various other goodies, also a discount on some yummy raw biscuits.

In addition to my facebook 'fan' page we also have a very succesful free forum with some wonderful like-minded people who really know their stuff so if you're not already a member it would be great to have you there.

I'm already inundated with requests for my 'free report' - bear with me while I wade through the backlog of stuff that went on hold while the site went live !

By the way it looks like my first Feel Good Friday event will be near Berkhamsted Herts, April 15th - reserve the date and more info coming soon...

Only a few days till we relaunch....

2011-02-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

Bear with us - is it me or is technology unbelievably frustrating ! Our new look refreshed janeyleegrace.com website is in the wings but with technical problems, in fairness I don't even know what questions to ask, but save to say they tell me it will be ok ! Twill be worth it, we have a spanking new branding, a new Janey Loves directory and a couple of wonderful competitions to launch including a chance to win a pampering day at a spa and a total organic hair makeover.....
coming soon....honest !

Trying out the new Trion Z magnetic wristbands

2011-01-26T08:12:00.000-08:00

I do get sent some wonderful products to review, when the new re-freshed site launches next week I'll have a dedicated 'Janey Loves' blog where I'll award special 'seals of approval' to products I love. Without further ado though I must tell you about my latest 'gadget'

If you've read Imperfectly Natural Woman you'll know I'm a big fan of magnetic therapy, its thought that it can help with lots of health conditions, including pain relief, the way its said to work is that it helps to improve the flow of blood and oxygen to facilitate healing, thats why its good to wear them on your wrist where the skin is fairly thin. My cohort on Steve Wright in the afternoon Tim Smith has always been sceptical but along with cherry juice I'm gonna try and convince him to try a magnetic wristband or even a support band to help with a pain in his wrist (from an old injury we think) Anyways as you know I've always bigged up the Ecoflow bracelets which look great but can be expensive and can only be sourced through distributers.

I'm delighted to have stumbled upon the TrionZ its part of an award winning of magnetic ionic gear designed to balance the bodies magnetic and magnetic fields. For the technically minded Trion Z uses 1000 Gauss magnets in a unique patented alternating north south polarity orientation which maximies the magnetic flow. Rather brilliantly Trion Z bands are made with ion releasing capsules so they generate the beneficial levels of negative ions.

There's a whole range of really funky 'jewellery' from charity bands to waist bands and stylish titanium bracelets, theres even a diamond encrusted 'special edition'

I've been wearing a funky purple sporty 'lite' wristband and it does look great with anything, now I'll be honest and say I haven't felt any earth shattering difference to my health or wellbeing but I have felt increased energy levels. Thats never a bad thing !!!!...watch this space !
check em out www.trionz.co.uk

The Natural alternative to new years resolutions

2011-01-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

Transferring stuff into my new diary I came across my new years resolutions list from a couple of years back.

• Resolve to join a gym.... (I’d ticked that one off but actually going to the gym proved slightly more difficult to do)

• Give up coffee.... (That one lasted a day or so till I remembered that my gym did really good cappuccinos with organic milk)

• Decorate the whole house with eco paints... .(Incredibly moving into a new house gave me the opportunity to do that, but sadly the felt pen the kids have written across the walls with certainly isn’t organic.)

• Plan menus and set up online shopping.... (that lasted exactly 4 days, I ran out of most essential ingredients for the planned meals and the online shop proved disastrous.)

The start of a new year brings a new chapter, a time to reflect and plan ahead but somehow our new year’s resolutions lists are often just another way of setting ourselves up for failure and beating ourselves up for all the stuff we haven’t done that we feel we should have. Thank goodness I work under the brand-name ‘imperfectly natural’ If I’d left out that all important ‘im’ I’d be lynched by yoghurt knitting earth mothers who spot me having that quick glass of non organic wine, or eco warriors sifting through my bin bags to make sure I’ve re-cycled properly.

It’s the small steps that count though isn’t it, ‘small change big difference and all that’

So this year I’ve decided to ditch the list of resolutions, it’s great to set goals but to ‘resolve’ to do, or worse still to NOT do something is usually fraught with problems, The chances are you’re feeling frazzled and your resolutions will be something you feel to OUGHT to do rather than really want to. There’s also no real motivation or commitment to do what you simply feel you ought and so you fall at the first hurdle, look how many people resolve to diet, or give up drinking or smoking then come down with a bang as soon as the stresses of the new year kick on back to work day.

Telling ourselves determinedly that we’re going to ‘change our ways’ or do something differently can only work if our subconscious minds (our inner self) also believes it.

In an enlightened moment one cold wintry day, between Winnie the Pooh DVD's and bathing down my kids itchy skin with porridge oats (they got an inconvenient bout of chicken pox) I was feeling ridiculously stressed that I ought be working, cleaning the house, earning money - but suddenly I realised that the richest and most content people of all are those who accept themselves just as they are. Yes they strive to reach their goals but life is not a struggle for them and they’re capable of enjoying the moment, I remembered that line from a poem…..’I’m cuddling my baby and babies don’t keep’…..and realised there’s nothing more precious than being ‘present’, spending time with your loved ones in sickness and in health, somehow life does go on whatever the current stresses and no one is indispensable. I vowed then that my only new years resolution for the following year would be to lower my expectations and stop chasing my tail.
That’s not to say I don’t want to be happy though, deliriously so, indeed I think that’s the most important resolve but it’s the definition of happiness thats all important.

The kingdom of Bhutan has recently been hailed as a role model for legislating that happiness had to be considered when making policies. Politicians are being encouraged to consider Gross National Happiness (GNH) as well as Gross Domestic Product – (GDP) President Sarkozy of France praised this view and commissioned a report to examine how France measures indicators such as health family and leisure time.
Lisa Grainger in The Times newspaper 2.1.2010 said - ‘Starting to rationalise our world in terms of smiles not pounds seem well overdue’ I agree wholeheartedly, happiness, laughter and wellbeing are indeed more important than pounds and dollars.

I’m reminded of a wonderful yoga teacher who reminds himself to smile a lot in order to ‘practice contentment,’

But aside from forcing a Cheshire cat grin onto my rather harassed face what can I do? Well I kicked off the new year with a Nia class – Nia is a dynamic mix of yoga, martial arts, and different styles of dance. You work barefoot to music and work at your own level of intensity. It’s exhilarating and fun!
After our warm-up our inspirational teacher suggested we step sideways and leave behind all that we want to let go of from the last year and at the end of the class we step forward into whatever we want to embrace for the new year ahead.

I have so many hopes and goals and wishes that I wanted to try and simplify my long list. Finally I decided to focus on releasing stress – I’ve had far too much of it during the last year and allowed it to affect my health and wellbeing but in the process of writing my new book and interviewing all manner of experts on conscious living, I’ve come to realise that we aren’t born with stress, its a learned concept and as such it can be ‘unlearned’ So I stepped sideways and let go of the years debilitating stress.
I wondered what I could choose to embrace for the coming year and again my list went on for ever, I decided simply to step forward into Joy – I figure if I focus on joy everything else will fall into place.
It seems like a good plan, so I’ll be the one grinning wildly even in the face of adversity – smiling uses a different set of muscles and increases happy hormones, talking of using my muscles I intend to dig out the rebounder from under the pile of kids toys, I’ve been telling everyone about the benefits of rebounding but forgotten to practice myself ! I do remember however, that its the best full body workout aside from swimming and best of all its fun, its impossible not to smile while you’re bouncing – just ask Tigger from Winnie the Pooh !

Gratitude is pretty important too, I’m going to count my blessings and remember how lucky I am. I‘ve read the books that suggest I keep a ‘gratitude journal’ well basically any old notebook, but its important to keep it by your bedside and before you go to sleep jot down at least three things that you’re thankful for, its a lovely exercise for children too. I also intend to set up a Vision Board, - a noticeboard or even a piece of card with ideas, pics, and photos stuck to it, I’m going to find some images that represent what I want for the coming year and manifest them ! Bring on the recipes for raw chocolate truffles!

Its not all about me though, studies show that true happiness comes from giving rather than taking. As Wayne Dyer says in The Power of Intention ‘Purpose is not about vocation – its about service’ Giving to others, whether it be a random act of kindness to a stranger, a smile, a gift, or time spent with a lonely relative, helping or giving to others is said to increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing quicker than any materialistic retail therapy might. For most of us even if we gave away ten per cent of our wealth we’d still be amongst the richest 5 per cent of the world.

So that’s sorted then, if you should come across me frowning and bemoaning my lot I hereby give you full permission to reprimand me and remind me of my intent.

Hopefully (albeit imperfectly) I might succeed.
I wish for us all a happy stress-free joyful 2011

Janey loves...The Enchanted Christmas House

2010-12-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

One bit of me wants to run screaming for the hills but I do have four kids and the little ones are still enchanted and so bring on The Enchanted Christmas House. We've already done the Lapland UK experience (and its wonderful, totally magical, snowy and properly freezing with some fab ice skating thrown in and real husky dogs to pat) so hubby was not looking forward to another afternoon of elves and small children. He suggested he took a newspaper and sit in a nearby cafe while I endured 'the hell'. He needn't have worried, within seconds of arriving at The London Art House in Islington we were greeted with mulled wine, mince pies and decent coffee while the kids ran agog into the winter wonderland, a veritable treasure trove of activities. The 7 year old quickly dressed up as buzz Lightyear while the 5 year old girl had a quick turn at karaoke before doing a quick drum session, then we all watched a show with the very professional theatrical elves before being sectioned into two groups for our next activities - where kids decorate ginger bread men or christmas baubles, various characters appear for amusement ( we particularly liked the person dressed as a christmas cracker) and the refreshments are available throughout. We had our own short and sweet audience with santa who had a very shiny beard and gave the kids a decent gift. (won't tell !)
After some more theatrical entertainment by the elves at al it was time for the kids dinner, fairly basic pasta with tomato sauce but lots of yummy cakes for after.

All in all a fantastic few hours, get in quick, there are 3 slots a day and its worth it just to experience the incredible venue, (you will need a small child as an excuse though and I recommend no kids over 8/9 - its really aimed at the younger ones) but I guarantee you'll be planning your next birthday, anniversary whatever in that gorgeous space, if so please invite me I want to go back !
www.theenchantedhouse.net

Janey Lee Grace hosts Green Awards

2010-12-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

The 5th annual Green Awards was a spectacular occasion held at the Natural History museum and I was thrilled to be asked to co-host with Wayne Hemingway MBE (yes of top designer Red or Dead and much more - fame).

There were shortlisted entries from companies from all over the world including china and the highlight was the lifetime acheivement award which was given to Sir David Attenborough CBE - what an inspiring speech ! We also heard from Chris Huhne MP and Sir Paul Judge, not a judge (even of the Green Awards) but the president of the chartered institute of marketing.

Twas a fab dinner with organic wine and chocs and at the end I was presented with not your usual bouquet, indeedy this was a wondrous art statement, a bunch of 'fake' flowers fashioned from newspaper and card - sounds awful - looks gorgeous !

Check out the 'dinosaur in the room' he was very well behaved over dinner !

2010-11-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

Ragdale Hall health hydro and thermal Spa

Feeling stressed and exhausted I'd slogged up the M1 so when I arrived at Ragdale Hall and Spa a shadow of my former self, I was relieved to find the staff at this family run business are incredibly freindly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble from parking my car after unloading to carrying my bags to the room, most of the staff have a midlands accent which is music to the ears of a Nottinghamshire gal !. My girlfreind Dawn was equally shattered and trust me it was gonna take one fantastic place to revitalise us !

Fortunately Ragdale Hall and Spa offers the most innovative and up to date menu of treatments and classes anywhere and even though this was a one night Reviver Break only, we managed to squeeze in a fair bit in a 24 hour period.

The decor is beautiful and they're in the process of refurbishing all the bedrooms, ours was already done and its a lovely mix of chintzy comfortable bedroom and lounge and high tech pristine white bathroom with two washbasins. I had a 50 minute body massage which was wonderful, my therapist Carla really seemed to tune into my stressed out body and know exactly how much pressure to apply, it was totally relaxing in a treatment room decorated like a morrocan bodoir, I was covered with thick dark blankets and the low light was softened by the orange glow of a himalayan salt lamp. Dawn had the rare treat of a 'Lomi Lomi' massage and was impressed with the holistic energy work of the practitioner.

The classes were great, I managed an introduction to Hula hooping (where for the first time the technique was fully explained) and a Jazzercise class where I was transported back to the 1980's dancing a routine to Fame !

The real deal at Ragdale Hall is the Spa, if the word spa makes you think of a jacuzzi and a noisy echo-ing swimming pool, think again, this is a little oasis in the midlands, centreparks it is not ! There is a functional swimming pool for aqua aerobics and water based activities but walk through the glass doors to the side you leave your shoes behind, grab a fluffy towel and enter what feels like another world, the pool is huge with a massive rock waterfall and just the perfect temperature but when you're done swimming, head into the Thermal Spa for a real treat, you can swim outside into a heated (yes imagine the bills !) mineral pool, just press a button discreetly hidden in the rock and water cascades over you. Back inside theres a series of mini spas saunas and steam rooms - but no ordinary ones, these are a whole collection of sensory experiences, the sauna is Rose infused and another is a Scented room, one steam room offers a Vocanic Rock salt treatment and when you're feeling totally refreshed theres a Thought room, gently heated where you can simply rest and reflect on the water feature in the centre

My favourite though, by far was the Candlelit Pool, this is a beautiful tunnel like pool where the carved alcoves in the rock hold candles and coloured lights, soft music is piped and there are individual 'seats' where you can lie back and relax. Pure unadulterated luxury.

Talking relaxation when you're all dried off and just fancy some silence to read or think, theres a beautiful sunny room called The Retreat, the decor is Laura Ashley meets New England beach house and there are hammocks, chez lounge and even a wooden bed to relax on.

With approx 170 guests at any one time you'd expect the food to be simple fayre but not so, the menus are quite fancy with my evening dinner choice being leek mushroom and tomato Quinoa bake and Dawn's being slow cooked english lamb with fruit nut and citrus couscous, my only criticism is the portion sizes, Dawn's portion was enough to feed a family of four, while the breakfast which is room service only, the portions were tiny, I must confess when I ordered Atholl Broth - toasted oats yoghurt, raspberries and honey I was expecting slightly more than a small ramekin dish.

There are packages and breaks to suit everyone here and I highly recommend it, treat yourself - you won't be dissapointed and your stressed tired body will reward you with more energy
www.ragdalehall.co.uk

Janey Lee Grace - sunday love songs !

2010-11-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

I'm delighted to be presenting Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2 at the end of the week when the world has gone lurve-tastic with the announcement of Wills and Kate's wedding next Spring. However cynical you feel (and I keep getting through those scary emails about what the EU are going to do to our alternative medicine - do you ?) its actually quite refreshing to have a romantic heart-warming story to cheer up the november days.

I tried to explain to my five year old girl about the forthcoming Royal Wedding, and she got it completely - having heard countless renditions of my all time favourite story 'The Princess and the Pea' she exclaimed - I know about it mummy..... 'They went in love and lived happy ever laughter !'

Sweet ! ...and spot on actually...wouldn't happy ever laughter be just perfect !

Janey Lee Grace loves......being lucky lucky lucky !

2010-11-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

Janey Loves.......................................

...getting gorgeous new organic natural alternative products in for review ! How lucky am I ! Just recieved some fab samples from Essential Care, a beautiful recycled glass bead necklace from Ecoproductsuk and ...wait for it I'm expecting some ethical boots in the mail...watch this space ! Of course my ultimate aim is to share it all with you so expect some great comps and offers on the next ezine (you are signed up to get the free ezine I hope ?) Just go to www.janeyleegrace.com and click on sign up for janeys tips. I'm also planning a huge relaunch of the site early next year and we'll be announcing details of our special awards, its high time we really 'tested, rated and congratulated the many fabulous companies and products I endorse, we'll need your help for that too, we'll need lots of testers to recieve free sample products and give independent reviews so email me if you'd like to be included in the list. Off to try the new Green People organic make-up ...I should be so lucky lucky lucky lucky.....

2010-11-04T02:55:00.000-07:00

Just heard the news that my old pal from Cola Boy, Andrew Midgely died this week. It was sudden and unexpected. We had a lot of fun together when '7 Ways to Love' became a big overnight hit for us in the UK. Many a long day we spent up and down the UK in vans for club shows and PA's. We fell out of touch after Cola Boy, but I'll always have fond memories of him. Bless you Andrew.

Your natural alternative to fat laden chocolate

2010-10-27T02:15:00.000-07:00

Tell Me Shes a (raw) Chocolate Girl ..!

Went on a fantastic 1 day course making Raw Chocolate, gonna give those boys on Radio 2 today a taste of my efforts! Have a look here for the tasty write up.

Your Natural Alternative to Aqueous Cream

2010-10-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well its finally official even though I've been saying it for years, on my natural anti-ageing seminars and in my latest book 'Look Great Naturally - without ditching the lipstick' - cheap emollient creams used by doctors are likely to make eczema and skin irritations worse. For years I've been recommending natural solutions to eczema like the de-chlorination ball. According to the press reports today the study published by the British Journal of Dermatology is blaming Sodium laurel sulphate as the culprit but of course you know I'd say the liquid paraffin won't be helping either ! So is there a natural alternative ? You bet !

Of course Aqueous cream is cheap but the great news is there will be lots of stuff already in your kitchen cupboards that you can use for your own quick and easy natural skincare and if you want natural eczema solutions look no further than www.janeysnaturalstore.com for a wide range of 100 per cent natural skincare - including Inlight, sensitive skincare company, purenuffstuff, green people you can get them all in one place.

Don't forget though in addition to what you apply to your skin, the water you wash in will also have an effect, its easy to forget that Chlorine is very drying, the most amazing answer to this is the Dechlorination ball or shower filter which removes 100 per cent of the chlorine. Check this out !

2010-10-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's here ! Would you like to get your message out into the media, promote yourself or your company and increase your clients, awareness of your business in the media and PR yourself as an expert in your field ?

Years ago I was Queen of media training and communication skills, offering presentation courses and interview training, I worked at the BBC in Elstree, and at the Church of England media training centre, it was great fun encouraging and inspiring people to get their message heard in the media. We helped communications officers, parish priests et al to communicate effectively and several went on to be successful interviewees and experts in their field, I decided its time to bring it on again as I love helping other people succeed in their work.
One to one media interview coaching sessions for print, TV and radio are held in Herts (or at your venue by negotiation)

I can also offer training for small groups or companies and we offer a 20 per cent discount for charities and non profit making organisations.

http://mediainterviewtraining.moonfruit.com/

Niajaneyleegrace ! Yes I'm a white belt !

2010-08-10T04:55:00.001-07:00

See my post below all about Nia - and yes I'm a whitebelt ! If Steve Wright lets me I'll tell ya all about it on BBC Radio 2. Come on down and join in the health and wellbeing retreat at Champneys which will include some intro to Nia classes. All levels of fitness !

Dancing my way to health....

2010-07-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

I'm hooked - line and sinker...I've mentioned Nia before and everyone says oh is it like five rythms ? do I need to have some co-ordination ? Is it just free dance ?
No to all of the above, but it is an inspirational joyful form of movement that I can only say has transformed me, Interestingly I did a degree in performance arts majoring in dance, I did ballet, jazz, the lot but it was always rather like hard work and I remember constantly looking at the clock (the fact that I wasn't that great at it didn't help!) Nia is about the whole person and no prerequisites are needed - I guarantee if you try it you'll love it.
So...am I on commission no I am not but I am going to consolidate all those years of dance training by completing my White belt in Nia which means I will be qualified to teach ! Oh laudy watch out ! I so want to combine my holistic stchick (is it a word ? sp ?) with Nia - they fit together so well !

To that end first up is my very first retreat weekend at Champneys in Henlow Beds.
25th / 26th Sept - there will the opportunity to do all the usual stuff, nordic walking, yoga, pilates, hulahooping (yes its fab) aerobics etal plus we will throw in 2 free thalassotherapy sessions (wonderfully therapeutic) and of course my talks and lots of time for individual consultations PLUS 2 complimentary Nia classes -I defy you not to love it !!!

Champneys is a little pricey but this is a chock full weekend - go on you deserve it,bring a freind !

Look Great Naturally - out now !

2010-06-02T03:31:00.000-07:00

Hurrah, my new book Look Great Naturally - without ditching the lipstick is officially launched and got to number 1 in 3 categories on Amazon yesterday, health, spiriuality and interestingly 'occult' ! It also got to 14 in the main chart which considering Bill Bryson and Stieg Larsson are in the top slots isn't terrible. I went out to dinner with Steve Wright and the crew last night to celebrate our brilliant rajar figures but we raised a little toast to the book too.

If you're trying to decide whether to buy heres a bit of gentle persuasion, buy it now and whizz over your Amazon receipt and you'll get free downloads (my Get Set for Summer podcast series, a track from my new forthcoming album) and you'll be entered into the draw to win a 7 day full board yoga retreat holiday in Turkey. Thats not all.....if you then register at www.janeyleegrace.hayhouse.co.uk and quote your order number you'll get more freebies, a free audio extract from The Dream whisperer by Davina Mackail, a free makeup webcast by yours truly and some discount offers too. You'll also be entered into a prize draw to win a telephone consultation with moi and a chance to win a place on my retreat at Champneys in Sept - phew !

A huge thanks to everyone who has already bought the book, and thanks for the glowing comments already flying in, please post a review on Amazon for me. Thanks also to the many people who have contributed to the book and done mail-outs to tell their clients about it too, especially juicy Jason Vale who sent out a mail shot saying....I can honestly say this is Janeys best book to date ! wow praise indeed from the juicemaster (have you seen our little vid by the way talking wheatgrass on the front page of the site ?)

Anyway the books out so enough already (it is a bit like giving birth though, truly does feel as tho you're the only one who ever has !) Time to get back into gear and get the new online store rolling..come browse at www.janeysnaturalstore.com

So I get to interview the stars - Sex & the city 2

2010-05-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

yep....possibly the first and only female journo who wasn't exactly apoplectic with excitement when asked if I'd go along and watch a screening of Sex and the city 2 and follow up with a 'junket' at Claridges hotel in London. (thats where the worlds media descend and the stars have to do one interview after another) its not that I din't used to enjoy the series just that I've changed so much in twelve years and I wondered if the glitzy gals had.

The movie is long, oh so long but fun. Aside from a rather superflous sub plot involving a trip to Abu dabi (actually Morocco) which bordered on being trashy and could possibly even be construed as offensive...it was fairly innoucous and fun and actually had some reflective bittersweet moments that many a 40 something woman will identify with. In fact the movie could have been called 'marriage and the city' cos this one is more about marriage, babies, fidelity and of course...the sisterhood, theres a few timeless messages in there, not exactly earth shattering in their uniqueness but nice to be reminded such as ..... being a mother is a hard job and its ok to admit you need time-out, a break occasionally and that real freinds will always be there for you. One of the best lines in the movie ?
Carrie declares, when hubby asks whats for dinner....'come on darling you knew I was more coco chanel than coq au vin !' Crikey though theres a whole lot of women who'd don their apron for Mr Big any day.

I gotta tell you the gals all looked better in real life than on the screen, Kristen Davies is stunning and of course Chris Noth (mr big - divine) Actually my recording equipment went awol and I ended up having to do Mr Big's interview twice - oh what a shame - my colleague reckoned my 'angels' were sorting it for me to drool twice !
We also bumped into the lovely Gok Wan

You can hear the interview clips on Steve Wright in the afternoon fri 28th and tues 1st

Meanwhile back to the grind, I identified with Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie in the movie) when the first copy of her new book arrives in the post, I have mine in my hot sticky hands...'Look Great Naturally - without ditching the lipstick' is out Tues 1st - do not miss - in fact the 1st 100 people to buy on Amazon and whizz their reciept to me at janey@imperfectlynatural.com get a whole bunch of natural freebies....

Brighton rocks ! Nia and amazing raw food

2010-04-11T00:20:00.000-07:00

So the hottest day of the year so far saw me in Brighton, I love that place. I spent the day at a Nia dance fiesta (more about Nia to come in Look great naturally - without ditching the lipstick - my new book out in June) but still got my fix of walking by the sea. We found a great coffee place on the beach and did some celeb spotting in the form of Patsy Palmer (and no we didn't shout Bianca!)

After a day of totally joyful energising movement I hotfooted it over to Aloka, the absolute best restaurant in Brighton - well my new best freind anyway. Thats an incredible accolade cos tha town is awash with great restaurants, at least two fabulous veggie places. Pretty much opposite one of the best Terre a Terre is Aloka at 14 East street. Now at first glance it looks like a spa or beauty salon and indeed it is a 'quality of life' centre, with 5 floors of 'soil to soul' nourishment, theres yoga on offer, an art gallery, they offer the Aura-soma colour therapy and best of all on the ground floor theres a veggie cafe and level one has a full blown raw food restaurant. Man alive its good ! I had a beetroot gaspachio with parsley oil and cashew cream. A fabulous Spanokapita (lousy spelling but you know what I mean the raw version of filo pastry with spinach etc and of course in a raw food restaurant you have to try the desserts. I had the most divine citrus 'cheesecake' with lime sorbet. Don't forget these terms describe the look of the food but its one hundred per cent raw and vegan. Unreal. They don't publish the prices on the menu which for me was very stressful - but I needen't have worried it was £20 for 3 course, brilliant value.

They also do some great organic and biodynamic wines.

Can't wait to go back, I see Jessica Fenton (raw food expert) is hostng some raw food dinner parties there, including a raw chocoholics party...ooh could be making it for that one !

check them out - www.aloka.auro-soma.net 01273 823178
Tell them I recommended you !

Janey at Vitality show

2010-03-21T02:56:00.000-07:00

What a rocking show, sadly I was there only for my talk and then a fleeting look around but great to see more natural companies represented, had a chat with the lovely Sue from Mooncup, Phoneshield were there and they gave me a smashing little world cup protective thingy for the kids computer. Jason cosmetics were there and some amazing foodie treat companies, also Thermomix were demonstrating so I grabbed some fab home-made broccoli soup before my talk, odd at 10.30 but hey ho. Anyways if you missed me I gave some fab diy skincare tips and suggested everyone carries a little bottle of olive oil, its great as a cleanser, you can remove eye make-up too, its good for moisturising, great for wounds and even zits, no idea why I still get those since I'm over 21 (moi ?) but there you go, I also recommended coconut oil of course, see my chapter on Coconut oil in Imperfectly Natural Woman. it was nice that there were lots of Steve Wright in the afternoon listeners in the audience too. Of course my new publishers Hay House were at the show and I squeezed in a little plug for my new book out in June, Look great naturally - without ditching the lipstick, someone asked in one sentence what is it about - thats easy - You can be 100 per cent natural, yet still glam and gorgeous - oh and you are already beautiful. Most of us need a bit of reminding on that fact, a recent survey revealed that only 2 per cent of women think of themselves as beautiful, shame on us ! I'm reading a lovely Hay House book at the moment, The art of extreme self care by Cheryl Richardson, she reminds us that Louise Hay says we must look in the mirror and say I love you....(insert your name) Crikey off to try it now, if you hear the sound of glass cracking......

Happy birthday me !.....and Bowen rocks !!!

2010-03-04T00:36:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to me, I was asked to write the foreword for a new book by Lyndsey Agnes called 25 inside...I only need to write two words - Thats me ! actually some days more like 18 (give or take the odd day when I feel like The Old Woman on Steve Wrights show (and no we are not one and the same person - wish I had a quid for everytime someone asked if she is 'real' or if its me !)

Anyways a fantastic happy birthday email arrived from a woman I met when I did the Tortue rouge organic perfume making course in France (which reminds me gonna go and spritz some of my 'signiature' scent.....anyway she has horrendous back pain. Bossy old me nagged her the whole weekend about having a Bowen treatment, I sent her details of Fiona Meekes in Richmond and Jo Lunn in London (who also offer training) but of course she was sceptical....today got this email.....

Hi Janey,

Without wanting to sound totally melodramatic, I really don't know how
to ever thank you enough for introducing me to Bowen. I have to admit I was initially a bit sceptical but I can honestly say that the treatment has completely changed my life.

I've been waiting to write to you but I wanted to wait until I'd had
my 3 treatments to make sure it wasn't a false alarm. Now I've had
them and the almost total eradication of my back pain and sciatica has
been so remarkable I simply can't believe that the technique is not
more widely known and applied. Within 48 hrs of the first treatment I felt like a totally different person - bolt upright and aligned for the first time in 20 years!! I have never experienced such a marked difference in the way I feel
internally, structurally, with any other type of therapy. It's simply
mind-boggling how something that seems so gentle can have such a
dramatic effect on the body.

My therapist, Sarah Yearsley, said she met you and chatted to you once
at a conference and that you are a real advocate for the cause! I feel
the same now and have been telling anyone who'll listen - I even went
up to a complete stranger on the bus the other day who was clutching
his back and walking just like I was 6 weeks ago and told him all
about it!
I just wanted to write and tell you how grateful I am because this time 2 mths ago I was seriously low and thought that I would just have to accept having back pain forever. To think that I may have found a way to be free of it is just amazing.
Thank you so much

Isn't that great !!!!!
Over the years I've had hundreds of these kinds of letters, its nowt to do with me
Bowen rocks ! See my article from my first book Imperfectly Natural Woman - http://bit.ly/bowenbyjaney

I'll be at the bowen conference too so any therapists come and say hi.
If anyone is reading this straight after the last blog about eft you probably think I'm 'miraculous therapy mad' - just so happens that some things really do seem miraculous. Off to spray my birthday perfume.....

Tapping away EFT styley...a convert

2010-02-14T06:50:00.000-08:00

Janey does level one EFT ....'a sceptic is converted'

I'll come out and admit that although I am queen of reccomendations on alternative therapies and holistic treatments I don't personally 'buy' them all, thats not to say that I don't beleive they can work but I suppose I figure some just don't suit me. When it comes to EFT emotional freedom technique I've known about it for years, I expereinced it a few times but only in conjunction with another treatment so my assumption was that it was the Shamanic healing that was working (I saw the incredible Dawn Paul www.liberate-online.co.uk ) and I have worked the excellent Linda Thursby of Bodytalk but again assumed it was her intuitive knowledge and massage etc that did the trick. Peter Donn of www.london-eft.co.uk is an eft consultant and trainer and uses only eft (well I say only!) but has amazing results with his clients.

This was a one day AAMET accredited workshop level 1 and we started by understanding the background of eft and how its works. Basically it was developed by a counsellor Gary Craig who was looking for a way to help people in emotional distress to process their feelings, he had trained in Thought Field Therapy but EFT simplifies that process. It works (if I've got the drift !) because energy flows through our bodies along meridians that connect to each other and to our organs resembling an electrical circuit, when we're under stress of any sort, physical or emotional then that energy meridian can become blocked or even shut down, Peter used then analogy of a battery being inserted the wrong way, the radio simply doesn't get power ! Its thought that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the bodys energy system, and if we can clear the blockage, energy can flow once more. EFT has amazing results with trauma, allergies, fears, anxieties, anger, healing relationships, addictions and can be used to help you achieve your goals.

Sound a bit to good t be true ? Well yes, I thought it was all a bit far fetched until I was randomly selected to be the 'demo client' I picked an old 'trauma' an incident from my childhood, but didn't want to reveal it as it was too personal, we simply called it 'Being five' he tapped away on my forehead, under my eye, above my lip etc and repeated 'being five' after each series of tappings he asked me to rate the intensity of the emotion or sensation and rate it 1 to 5 (I'd given it a 10 to start with) bizarrely after each series of tappings the intensity came down and I gave it lower numbers but figured hey ho thats just him 'calming me down' but here's the interesting bit, what I hadn't said is that the incident was only one in a chain of incidents which all make up a pretty serious phobia - sorry to be so secretive - but interestingly it didn't seem to matter that i wouldn't share the story, Peter asked what other emotion I might be feeling and within a few minutes he'd uncovered other emotions that he 'tapped on' When he asked me to rate the intensity of feeling about the initial incident it had gone down to 0, he asked me to rate the bigger issue - phobia -that had gone down to about 2 ! Now 2 days on - I'm still feeling quite calm about this issue which usually I can't even think about for one second - a confusing testimonial but powerful nevertheless.

Even more revealing for me was when working with a partner on her issue, she had an eating disorder which she'd had from childhood, after only a few minutes her panic about food changed and she suddenly admitted she'd felt loneliness as a child, so perhaps unconsiously she'd chosen to be 'left out' of mealtimes and social situations around food. After only 10 minutes we had 'tapped this out' and she was shocked and amazed to find that she felt hungry and felt she could eat in a social situation - something she hadn't done for 20 years !

EFT is powerful, I left the one day course feeling totally inspired and motivated with a whole host of skills and tools to use in everyday life, come on down to my fan page on facebook by the way, http://bit.ly/janeyfans some lovely posts there on eft, including one from Barry who intends to tap away his hatred for DIY - he later said its OK its stands for Don't involve yourself ! On a serious note though this works on children and you even tap on behal of someone else - surrogate tapping.
For goodness sake don't tell Wrighty - he'll be accusing me of secretive tapping !
Theres loads of free info at www.emofree.com
and if you fancy doing the course I can't recommend this highly enough, Peter offers consultations in Herts and London.
www.london-eft.co.uk
email peter@donn.biz
To find someone close to you go to www.aamet.org

A finger in the ear..Janey Lee Grace at the folk awards

2010-02-02T03:35:00.000-08:00

...but folk music is seriously hip now, and there really is none of that cliched finger in the ear thing, even the traditional folkies are in the loop. It was a great event, celebs poppng up to present awards included Kevin Whateley, Zoe Wannamaker and Greg Wise. it was also fanastic to meet Nanci Griffith who played and also graciously accepted a Lifetime achievment award.
folk singer of the year was Jon Boden and the best group was Lau. Best live act winner was Bellowhead and man alive are they good ! Its the perfect event for me, I've got such a low boredom threshold that one or two numbers from each band works great !

its broadcast on Radio 2 on wed eve so enjoy.

Thats it for burning the candle at both ends for a while, I'm still editing my next book, quite frustrating that its not out till June but in the meantime my diary is clocking up some events so check out the website and I'm writing for Get fresh magazine and lots of others, also desperately trying to get to grips with facebook in my old age so please join my fan page http://bit.ly/janeyleegrace

later...
x

Happy new year

2010-01-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

Its been a very relaxing couple of weeks, well by my standards - as relaxing as Christmas at home with 4 kids can be ! I've been for long walks wearing wellies, we have some gorgeous fields nearby which looked so beautiful in deep snow.

The kids went sledging about 3 days in a row and the little ones built a huge snowman who incredibly is still just about there, his frozen scarf and hat protected him from the big thaw !

As for my wellbeing, I've let everything slip in truth, eaten far too much nonsense and drank coffee and alcohol so once again I'm very grateful that I chose my 'imperfectly natural' moniker otherwise I could never justify my naughty behaviour.

Determined to get back on track though, I do find it hard to eat high percentage raw food in winter but if you plan ahead theres really no excuse for not eating healthy nutritious stuff, I've just whizzed up a raw soup in the blender and it took literally minutes so I can't keep kidding myself I don't have time either.

Of course the new regime will have to start from next week cos I'm off to eat far too much gorgeous food in St Ives, I've been kicking off the new year with a trip to my beloved Cornwall for as long as I can remember, if I don't make it there something doesn't feel quite right. I have high hopes for bright sunny days ! If you're by the beach I'll be the imperfect one in the surfers cafe near the Tate gallery huddled over a cappucino...I'll be reading Get Fresh or Lifescape magazine, preparing for all the raw recipes I'm going to make.

By the way I'm thrilled to be featured in the official Visit Cornwall magazine, talking about my passion for the place and listing some of my recommendations, they've only included a tiny sample sadly, I had given a nice plug to Purenuffstuff, and several other small cornish co's but at least they left in my plug for Inlight and Trevarno for skincare, Frugi and Seasalt for clothing and the excellent New Yard restaurant at Trelowarren. They included a pic of me on the beach at Kynance on the Lizard, looking rather windswept with Lulu in a sling, she must have been about 6 months old, shes now 4 which really reminds me I must take some new pics !

Happy new year and may it bring you all you wish for !

A magical snowy outing

2009-12-14T03:06:00.000-08:00

Our second family visit to Lapland UK - what a magical gorgeous day. Just like being in Lapland with husky dogs, reindeer, father Christmas in his log cabin, but without the carbon footprint. Even though I'm quite grown up enough to know that I hadn't actually taken a flight to Lapland I did feel really estactic see-ing the snowy glades and skating with my kids.

Rocky and Lulu aged 6 and 4 were off the scale excited, we were met by Eco Elf (very pc !) who taught us a song about looking after our world and then led by some very talented elves to help make toys in the workshop, after that the kids decorated their own gingerbread men and had a story from Mother Christmas - question from 9 year old by the way, is that Santa's mother or wife ????

We posted a postcard to grandma from the north pole' post office and had fantastic hot food in the log cabin restaurant, We were really lucky cos the rain held off (the older boys were concerned as to what might happen to the 'snow' if it really did rain ) and we went ice skating with profressional skating elves. Of course the big moment was being led down the snowy glade to visit the great man himself. Magically he seemed to know all about the kids, their freinds, interests and their pressie list and he gave them each a special gift.

We bought a copy of our family photo with Santa and a few trinkets and went and heard a story from one of the Sami people (they dress up in gorgeous blue kit with furry hats and boots) and made our way home as darkness started to fall and the lights started to twinkle. I can't recommend it highly enough if you've got young kids, a great bonus too is that you don't need to do another ice skating trip or a town centre Father Christmas - they've seen the real one after all.

All change for the evening, kids firmly installed in bed and we went to a Burlesque and Feathers party courtesty of Jason Vale at his new Juicy towers juicemaster pad, never seen so many basques outside a sex shop, and yes I did don the kit but no I have no pics, you'll have to settle for the Lapland pics where I was fully clothed.

Miracles

2009-12-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Its been a tricky week, my book deadline came upon me all of a sudden, I knew if was December but hadn't quite computed that the publisher meant 1st Dec ! Its been a hideous time of working all hours and everything else being put on hold. Something wonderful happened though, my sons freind has been in a coma for four days, very seriously ill and someone suggested that we all send healing thoughts and prayers at 7.15. I put a message on my forum at imperfectlynatural.com and also on facebook (I'm not much cop at social networking but for this kind of thing its wonderful) and got back lots of promises of people willing to send love. light, and healing to this boy at 7.15pm

I've only just heard that at 7.30 pm he woke briefly -I've just heard today that he is home !
Talk about people power moving mountains, I'm touched at so many strangers caring enough to give a moment and encouraged that the stuff I write about is - well real. Its bizarre, I was writing my chapter on abundance and manifesting, the power of 'cosmic ordering' and the random acts of kindness by strangers and look at the incredible example I was shown.

The 'Shazzie's' of this world are brilliant at this stuff, I love her sign-off - bliss u ! I'm a much more realistic Nottinghamshire lass who finds it hard sometimes to remember that we're all Amazing. that its all within us, before I get too cosmic even for myself let me tell you I had the best raw ice cream dessert ever - almonds, agave, a bit of beetroot powder for colouring and a few drops of Rose oil, it tasted like rose petals, oh and with a few raw chocolate nibs on top - courtesy of the lovely Dr Enid at Taymount clinic.

If you're into raw and in London I hope you'll see my info on the site about the Fresh network xmas party at Saf this sunday, look forward to seeing some of you there.
by the way talking Shazzie if you click into the latest Passion mag I'm there on video making some raw sweetie treats, filmed by the lovely fresh and raw mama Victoria Leith. If you're veggie you must check out Off the hoof mag, online at offthehoof.co.uk or in bookshops, theres a 4 page spread on me where they go bonkers about my Cola Boy days - very funny reminscing about Paul Oakenfold, St Ettiene et al.
They also ask me an important question about politics and I swear I don't remember giving this quote but they've printed ......'all politicians scare me - Jason Vale for top dog I say' ! Must have just had a ginger shot ! I'm convinced thats the reason I'm still standing while all around me have colds and coughs....don't get me started on swine flu......

A luxurious pampering inexpensive retreat (with raw food!)

2009-11-18T07:04:00.000-08:00

I'm head down in meeting my new book deadline this week so off work. I'd wanted to go somewhere just for 24 hours to write (cos quite frankly with 4 kids and constant distractions its impossible, every time I sit down to wax lyrical about non toxic shampoos et al I remember that I simply must ...load the washing machine....prepare some raw snacks for the kids....hoover the ...you get the drift...Then an important email comes in that simply MUST be answered and so it goes on, however I didn't have the luxury of travelling far or spending much cash. SO - what did I do ? Stayed in my own patch and did a B and B in Hertfordshire, but let me tell you this is a holistic 'hotel' with a difference.

I've been to veggie b and b's of course and they're very nice but you still end up eating way too much scrambed egg and toast and still need to get out of your room by 11am. Big hotels I find a bit anonymous, so anyways let me tell you where I went - The Taymount clinic - don't be put off by the name - theres nowt 'clinical' about this - the rooms are beautiful and theres pampering on hand - literally. I had a wonderful healing massage by the lovely Debs when I arrived (she also offers angelic reiki) and if you want it you can book a colonic, an organic chocolate wrap or any of the other treaments they offer (by the way theres a ten per cent discount off all their treatments if you mention janeys tips this month - their prices are rediculously reasonable anyway) You can stay without having any treatments of course too.

The huge en - suite rooms are gorgeous, towelling robes and slippers all there for your use and best of all the refreshments - omg - I had a tray of vanilla tea brought to me at my agreed wake up time with a some Chai honey sticks on the side and forget the usual hotel brekkie, I had a fantastic Green smoothie followed by fresh fruit and organic yoghurt. I was also plied all day with hand made raw chocolate snacks and offered a fantastic bean soup for lunch with raw almond breads and Enids very own recipe raw almond 'cheese' Honestly its so long since anyone has looked after me I felt like crying - us mums do lots of everyone else but forget to look after ourselves.

So I can't recommend it highly enough, also as I sat typing away there was the most amazing sun-set - apparantly that wasn't only for me - they get it all the time !

This is a perfect retreat if you want to hole up and have a few treatments, or just use it as a base for a little trip to Herts (we do have some nice places to go you know !) Theres nothing of the usual impersonal thing of hotels and its very different to any b and b or even independent hotel I've ever been to, totally holistic but very 'normal' too, I daresay if green smoothies and raw food aren't your thing, they'd be delighted to rustle up something else.

Contact them at Taymount clinic and say I recommended you, don't worry I'm not on commission !
http://www.taymount.com
Theres a chance to win their organic chocolate body wrap on my latest ezine too, well couldn't go there and not persuade them to offer my lovely readers a treat !

Off now to present The Green Awards, looking forward to meeting Jo Wood, the lovely Lynne Franks and unsure if he'll show up but we can dream ....(I'm talking Colin Firth of course)
http://www.imperfectlynatural.com/celebs-support-green-awards

meeting Robbie Williams

2009-11-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Robbie Williams with us on Steve Wright in the afternoon yesterday was SO nice, and vulnerable...I like that in a guy, admitted that he wasn't in a good place for a few years but now hes feeling ay Ok, I reckon he could stick with his girlfirend Adia ...american actress right ? he acknowleged he's a committment phobe but hey at least hes honest.!

I invited him to the Green Awards (greenawards.co.uk) - well I am hosting the event and of course he can't come but he was polite enough to say he'd have loved to !

I didn't remind him of the tour that he supported me on though - yes read that again - Robbie Williams - well Take That supported my band Cola Boy (pic above) on a UK club tour back in 1990 when we were number 8 in the charts and they were a brand new boy band doing the rounds trying to get a deal - theres a claim to fame !! but of course I can't claim the subsequent success !!!!

I'm coming out of retirement by the way for one night singing BV's with The Ronnies (a fantastic Rolling Stones trbute band with the most amazing Mick lookalike) this sat at their gig in Herts, See the newscreen on imperfectlynatural.com for more info, I'm doing the Mariane Faithful tribute bit, just gotta learn the song and find a pointy bra to wear under something sixties and demure.....

Meeting Micheal Buble ....,..and

2009-10-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how some people are just so different in real life to how they appear on photos / TV etc ? We interviewed Micheal Buble today (you know crooning jazzy boy) and he is just divine. Such a nice guy and not at all lost in showbiz, great voice too, such a shame I'm not a jazz fan but then he does mix it all up kind of styley.

I told you we interviewed Cheryl Cole too ? or maybe that was on one of the rare occasions I remember to twitter or facebook or whatever the hell techy thing I can never find time to do...anyways the boys got the eye candy there, she is gorgeous, in truth I thought I was going to have to send Tim Smith and Steve Wright off for a cold shower before we could continue...might have been a good opportunity to offer up some natural shower gel....I've got some nice masculine Flint Edge and some Green People for men they might like...

Deadline beckons for my new book and I'm desperate for contributions, anyone got any natural beauty secrets....and aspirational dreams ? if you'd like to contribute send me an email and how you'd like to be credited of course, can't promise, editors decision is final and all that but hey ho....I'd love your input dear blog readers....
email janey at imperfectlynatural.com

back on my head then....

Settling in...

2009-10-12T02:54:00.000-07:00

Still climbing over boxes but settling in. I love this community - yoga on my doorstep and happy kids.

I'm de-stressed at last thanks to my latest Turkey Juicemaster retreat, pics to follow, I had an amazing time yet again, wonderful yoga with Ken Ryan, rebounding at sunset, kundalini yoga (barking mad but fun) long mountain walks and of course the best juices and smoothies made for me ! Its hard to beat Jasons infectious energy too, he so inspirational . I am oh so lucky I know, its a life changing experience. Steve Wright takes the mickey of course but I think perhaps hes just slightly jealous that I lost a few pounds in weight without trying and have a certain 'glow' !!!

Back at my local deli I'm trying to persuade them to offer fresh juices, its a bit of a battle, but I'm nagging them to do just one to start, apple, carrot, lemon and ginger, talking of which my 9 year old has a barking cough and his treament ? fresh ginger shots, its doing the trick I think.

Off to try out the local dance class tonight, not just any old class I'll have you know, this is Nia - see the website
niamichelle I think - a bizarre rather joyous mix of dance, tai chi, and eurythmy....worth a shot !

Hubby meanwhile has toddled off to a certain swedish furniture store for all things clips and hooks, very glad I got out of that one....

Movin on up !

2009-09-16T05:14:00.000-07:00

I've been hideously incommincado, missing in action, I do apologise but moving house they do say is second only to divorce in the Stress stakes. man alive has it been a nightmare, I'm not organised at the best of times but this has flawed me. Anyways we're installed and surrounded by inordinate amounts of boxes that we'll probably never open and may not miss.

In Imperfectly Natural Woman I have a chapter on decluttering but have never really done it properly before now (told you I'm imperfect) for my book I'll be able to speak with some authority. I have however managed to complete a wonderfull space clearing session in my new home and I swear I can feel the difference, its good anyway, the walls are treated with Tachyon paint and now under the guidance of the fabulous Davina Mackail (feng shui / shamanic healing consultant) I've given it another boost of great energy.
I've also had a brand new decorating job using natural eco paint, we chose the natural paint company Nutshell paint (nutshellpaint.co.uk) who are on my directory on imperfectlynatural.com and it looks great, the deocrators were amazing too, I can highly recommend RMB decoraters if you're in the midlands or south east area, not all painters are happy to work with natural paints, it can take a few more coats as its thinner but the results really are worth and with no scary chemicals its inert and theres no awful whiff to give you a headache for days.

Back to the 'grind' now, my Wright stuff date has been changed to this Friday 18th approx 10.30 on the couch with Matthew Wright so gotta search through those boxes for some interesting eco / natural stuff to talk about....gotta find something to wear too, the most things are missing, had to borrow a pair of hubbys socks today, not the best look!

Hanging out with Bono - U2 360 tour

2009-08-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

You can't say I don't have an exciting life, Bono and Adam Clayton from U2 came in to Wright's show - great interview, Bono has definitely mellowed ! anyways we got chatting afterwards cos I am mates with U2's incredible lighting designer (well hes much much more than that) Willy and its his 'big' birthday around now so Bono personally invited me to the gig in Sheffield last night, travelling with the band and all - crikey a girl can't turn down an offer like that !

So off I went and man alive what a show, if you haven't seen this tour you've got Sat only to get to Cardiff (no idea if its sold out) but it was SENSATIONAL, can't even begin to describe how cool The Claw is - almost like 4 seperate shows depending on where you stand in the arena, I had the luxury of standing on the platform in front of the mixer desk but the view from immediately in front of the stage is very different and very exciting as the guys rush acorss bridges next to you, as is the view from really high up in the stands where you kind of look down on this incredible light show.

As for the music - what can I say, they did so many of my favourites including Still haven't found what I'm looking for, Sunday Bloody Sunday, One, Vertigo...the list goes on as well as the great new ones.

I was well and truly looked after, had the fab backstage catering, and backstage hospitality, saw some old mates and then was taken right back to my days backing singing with Wham and George Michael as I was bundled into a big car and we sped off in a long convoy of about 8 cars behind flashing police escorts and overhead choppers - very exciting !

When I've come up for air (still reeling from it all to be truthful) I'll tell you more including how bizarre that Adam Clayton and I were wearing matching rings - mine is a beautiful blue heart from WDlondon - Thora Walton collection, never quite sussed whether Adam's sapphire was real.....somehow I'm guessing it probably was.

Back to reality, gotta jack up some fabulous comps for the next ezine, and Imperfectlynatural.com, get sorted out for Greenbelt festival next weekend , oh and did I mention I'm moving house......back on my head then....

Glamping...and raw choccy truffles...

2009-08-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

You may have heard me waxing lyrical on Radio 2 but this was a fantastic family holiday, camping without the hassle, no cold baked beans or horrible nylon sleeping bags, no trekking down the motorway with a trailor or roof rack only to find you've forgotten the tent poles, no you just show up at Jollydays in Yorkshire and open a bottle of wine, yes we're talking glamourous camping or 'glamping' Our huge lodge tent had a four poster bed, proper beds for the kids and chandeliers (yep) rather like being at boutique hotel in the woods.

Jollydays is about 20 mins from York - set in huge woodland, the kids were free range and came back only for food whcih we cooked on the barbie, in the evenings we sat around the communal firepit or lay in the hammock and looked at the stars, if it all sounds a bit idyllic its cos it was.

Total luxury - proper flushing loos and in our lodge tent a proper vitorian freestanding bath but all by candlelight - SO romantic.

Cos of the wood burning stoves in the tents they're toasty warm so I'm planning another trip for the autumn, if you're into Kath Kidson prints, pretty fabrics and vintage furniture you'll love Jollydays

Crikey I should be on commission !!!

http://www.jollydaysluxurycamping.co.uk/

On an entirely different note have I told you about the wondrous Geidre from Lithuania ? I introduced her to the concept of raw foods and she has overtaken me in leaps and bounds - her latest offering is spectaculer - Raw choccy truffles - basically cacao butter, powder, some advocado and some sesame seeds, you get the drift, email me if you want the recipe, I may put them in my next book....won't be out till next Spring...

Juicy break at Champneys

2009-07-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to attend the very first Juicy break at Champneys earlier this week, as you well know I bang on about Jason Vale the juicemaster and go to his retreats in Turkey at least once a year, so its fair to say I'm well and truly juiced but the idea of a 3 day detox in the Uk is very inspiring not least because of the carbon footprint and the hassle of getting away for a full 7 days. I like Champneys, you may have read my review on my site and in Lifescape magazine but I like the fact that its not only for the pampered rich, I find it very holistic in its approach, they don't get everything right (who does ? asks the queen of being imperfect) their skincare products still contain some nonsense (unsure why these days) but they offer Reiki, Bowen, indian head massage, hypnotherapy, crystal healing and all kinds of wonderful treatments alongside the usual facials and body wraps. The juicy break package includes a couple of thalassotherapy sessions which felt amazingly therapeutic.

Theres also an array of great classes, me and my mate Mary had a huge laugh trying Salsa dancing and Nordic Walking - you do wonder how hard it can be - walking with a couple of long sticks but its suprisingly difficult to co-ordinate ! and of course I did yoga, power walking,tai chi and various 'abs and backs' classes. All this exercise was fuelled on juice alone and in some ways this break is more extreme than Turkey where you have 4 juices or smoothies a day usually containing banana, advocado etc, this is slightly more harsh cos Jason wants you to feel benefits in only 3 days so the juices are smaller and mostly based around beetroot for detoxification (no probs for me I LOVE beetroot) but you were feeling a bit woozy there was also pieces of fruit to be munched and of course Jasons award winning 'Juice in a bar' juicy bar.

I lost a pound or two in weight though that wasn't my motivation for going, mostly I wanted another dose of juicy inspiration and momentum and Jason always does that for me, God love him.

On a very exciting note the idea was mooted that I may indeed have my own 'imperfectly natural' break so watch this space, we've been talking of finding the perfect venue for a meeting of like minds where we can share our natural tips etc but pop off and do some yoga too so this could be the perfect answer. Champneys juicy breaks are currently only offered at Forest Mere, if you book tell them I recommended you and enjoy !

Bliss at Alternatives Piccadilly and my new album

2009-07-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

No one blogs as infrequently as me do they ? We had this discussion on Steve Wrights show and my excuse is that I'm running a forum too but in truth I just can't get my head around daily blogging, all hallows to those who do. anyways so much has happened since I got my smashing organic hair do, not necessarily because of but in spite of....the kids have started at Steiner school, I know, I know, I know I'm a spokesperson for the home education community and believe me I still believe HE is awesome but for a million reasons we needed to let the kids try something new and its going well, to that end we're also gonna be moving house...huge life changes, and...wait for it, need to declutter and get rid of about 60 per cent of our possessions, scary, Now if you've read Imperfectly Natural Woman or Imperfectly Natural Home (what do you MEAN you haven't begged stolen or borrowed a copy >) you'll know I talk a lot about feng shui, space clearing and decluttering but have I ever really done it ? No. Serves me right then.

I went to a fab concert on mon at Alternatives at St James church Piccadilly, it was Lucinda Drayton of Bliss fame, (see hpnosisaudio.com - you know as in the song 'A hundred thousand angels' ...its a haunting melodic song thats literally gone around the world and put Bliss on the map, Shes incredilby talented and rather fragile and beautiful too, and her voice is seriously angelic though she is wonderfully real and down to earth, In truth it was a rather uncomfortable experience for me cos I'm usually her side of the mic, seeing her with her two excellent musicians relaying her own personal stories and then singing both self penned songs and well chosen covers such as Fields of Gold by Sting and Clouds by Joni Mitchell made me yearn to book up a few more gigs in churches, something I was doing a lot of a few years back, don't get me wrong I'm not blowing my own trumpet and saying I'm as talented (or gorgeous) as Lucinda, I wish, ! but as she spoke of being who you are and living life to the full I realised thats a whole side of my life that I've forgotten about. I have an album (Lulu-land)ready for release needing only a cover - why haven't I gotten it together ? crikey might a radio show, 4 kids, a new book deal, a range of pregnancy CDS and now a house move have summat to do with it ?

Time to go set goals.....I've borrowed an ipod - I'm so goddam un-hightech - which type should I buy ? and am listening to Anthony Robbins RPM time planning stuff, blimey that whips your butt into shape...(anyone use his software ?)

Organic and mineral hairdressing

2009-06-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

After an ardous two weeks when as you'll notice I haven't had a second to write anything I was delighted on tuesday to be thoroughly pampered. I headed out to the Cotswolds for a haircut, colour and the works with the lovely Tabitha at Spiritorganic. Now two hours is a hell of a long drive for a hair-do but this felt more like relaxation at a luxury hotel. There are two salons, one in Broadway and one in Stow and the latter is in a lovley courtyard, the huge picture windows look down on the hanging baskets and cobbles and no detail has veen forgotten.

There is even a state of the art reclining chair which gives you a shiatsu massage while your hair is washed and your head is massaged ! Tabitha and her team of skilled sylists use organic and mineral colours and a fab rnage of John Masters organics shampoos and treatments. Tabitha encourages her clients to wash their hair less but use gentle chemical free products when they do. As you'll know if you've read my books I'm a big fan of Daniel Field who is probably the pioneer of organic hairdressing but not everyone lives in Barnet ! Tabitha has managed to seemingly effortlessly combine luxury with natural and eco, no mean feat.

Today I'm proud to say my hair is really silky and soft, if you're coming to the college of naturopathic medicine tonight in W! (thurs 18th) you can check it out (visions of bizarre hair feeling session taking place!)
Talk starts at 6.30 - title - is your skincare making you sick, but as always I'll talk about all sorts of stuff.
www.naturopathy-uk.com

We'll get a proper link and feature on the website but for now go to - www.spiritorganic.com or call 01386 848535 Tell them I sent you !

Yusef live at the BBC

2009-06-03T23:52:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky, I got a hot ticket to Yusef (Cat Stevens of course) at the Radio theatre and it was magical. Really great acoustic band (fab piano player) who started with a short instrumental then out he came, the gentle lovely bearded one and banged straight in with 'oh very young.....' I was breathless - took me straight back to olden days, listening to Teaser and the Firecat.

He was excellent, its a been a great week for burning the candle at both ends, I saw Sister Act on monday that was excellent too, serious liturgical dance moves !

Did I tell you I presented Vanessa Feltz show on BBC London last week, such fun and the subject got around to Bowen so I managed to plug my favourite therapy, theres now a comp on my latest ezine (hope you're signed up to recieve) to win a treatment - go for it.

We interviewed Selina Scott the other day shes so gorgeous and gave me a pair of her very own branded Angora wool socks..waiting for a cold day now, they'll be toasty warm.

Organic perfume course in France

2009-05-22T01:56:00.000-07:00

What an amazing experience ! Make your own natural beauty products or perfume in the south of France. (Discount available for readers for courses coming up, see site front page.)

I'm Just back from a weekend course with Tortue Rouge in the Langeudoc region of France (I flew to Beziers aiport but its also an hour away from Montpelier. Petre Sefton is the inspirational woman behind this set-up, she truly is an alchemist and really understand the importance of fragrance. The course I did was making your own natural skincare products and an introduction to the organic perfume making course. I thought I knew a fair bit about 'diy skincare' but man alive I learnt a lot, I had no idea that lavendar grown at high altitude (1800) could smell so different to lavendar grown at only 1200. I made a gorgeous cream with aloe vera and essential oils and concocted my own personalised facial serum, oil and toner. I also had a bash at a simple organic perfume - my blend which I'll only let on including Mandarin and Spearmint amongst other fragrances is aledgedly a great aphrodisiac ! I didn't dare wear it to work, Steve Wright made several gags about it !.

The 'chateux' hotel is gorgeous, simple but beautifully furnished, plenty of organic wine flowing and wholesome french food (do warn them if you're vegatarian though !) Best of all theres no wi-fi to 'frazzle your brain and I slept better than I have in years. The hotel is by a fresh stream and the water tastes great (Petre has bottling rights) and we did long walks into the tiny french village and stopped at the 'Fontaine des yeus' where pilgrims have been going for years to heal their eyes - there is a rather bizarre ritual of then hanging up your used handkerchief on a tree !

See features for the full article but get in quick if you want a discount.
www.organic-courses.com www.tortuerouge.co.uk
details of how to get a discount on the full week on news screen on front page.

If you aren’t able to take the time out to attend the amazing full week Make Your Own Beauty Products (MYOB) course, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the wonderful Tortue Rouge and consider a shorter weekend course instead. Weekend courses can be booked with www.GoLearnTo.com and, for a limited time only, www.GoLearnTo.com are offering a 10% discount* on all weekend Make Your Own Beauty Products courses. Read about our weekend courses here...http://www.golearnto.com/course/overview/1759/Make+Your+Own+Organic+Cosmetics+Course

To book your weekend course, contact www.GoLearnTo.com on 08445 020445 or email hello@golearnto.com Quote PROMO code: JLG to claim your 10% discount*

*Terms and Conditions:
- 10% discount applicable on all weekend courses if booked through www.GoLearnTo.com.
- Bookings must be made before the end of June 2009 for travel any weekend in 2009.
- Weekend courses are priced from £379 per person.- Discount codes (JLG) must be given at the time of booking and cannot be applied retrospectively

Juicy detox !

2009-05-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my week long juice retreat in Turkey refreshed and revigorated and about 51bs lighter, most importantly though I feel lighter 'emotionally'

Its my third Juicemaster detox retreat in Turkey and my enthusiasm for Jason Vale and his team does not wane, this is a wonderful way to lose weight but more importantly feel fantastic, and have some 'head space' to see what you want to do with your life. I went with two freinds who both had amazing epiphanys (literally) and even though its the third time I've done this I still benefited hugely.

The yoga is out of this world, Ken Ryan is the most incredible yoga teacher and he gently introduces chanting, meditation as well as yoga nidre and even kundalini yoga (I've not had so much fun since I was in Cola Boy doing raves in the 90's)

Of course rebounding is huge fun and no one can bounce like Jason Vale, I described him in Lifescape mag as a smile on the end of an elastic band ! The yoga platform looks out over the mountain so its amazing doing yoga and rebounding looking at the sun setting.

I popped into Gojec to see Mr Yurdan carpets of course, if you read my blog last year you'll know I actually went to Turkey and bought a carpet - still loving it too.

I'm back and real life is kicking in again but sticking to my juicy lifestyle and determined not to get back into what Jason would call the 'food trap'

...oh and the raw food project continues...I who have never baked a cake or biscuit in my life made the most divine raw organic chocolate cookies without going near an egg, sugar or an oven...all revealed soon.

The Raw food Chefs training day.

2009-04-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

What an amazing day, I did a full day course with Russell James the Raw food Chef and man alive I have dined like a king ! Full review to follow on the website for now let me just whet your appetite with delights such as the Cucumber canapes with macadamia puree and balsamic soaked fig, Toasted and caramalized onion tart on a balsamic curst with tahini sauce, oh and not to mention the 'pi-ece de resistance' (I know incorrect spelling but hey ho) the incredible Vanilla chocolate torte with ginger cream and berry sauce, - without doubt the best dessert I have EVER had, you would never know it was wheat free or vegan let alone raw. I leant so many basics I just wish I had more time but now hallelujah I feel I can manage more than just dried apples in the dehydrator, its made going raw more real for me. Oh and was it Shirley conran who said Life is too short to stuff a mushroom ? I don't think so, not if you do it the 'raw' way. Lots more on this to follow. Till then check out his site

Susan Boyle interview....

2009-04-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes working with Steve Wright in the afternoon is the best fun not least cos we get all the big time celebs on. Right now theres no-one hitting the headlines more than Susan Boyle - Britains Got Talent winner and I was gutted that we didn't get to meet her but we did interview her over the phone, it was a pre-recording so I think you get to hear it this Friday.

I loved her performance, in fact it moved me to tears, I agree its the 'suprise factor' but you know what, I think its real testiment to how conditioned we are to think that everyone needs to look 'glamorous' to be succesful or have a talent.

After interviewing her though I must confess I feel concerned that she may end up being the recipient of some hard knocks along the 'media celeb highway' which in her absolutely wonderful naivity I doubt if shes prepared for. She has no idea what Youtube even is so she won't realise the significance of 100 million hits !

Lets hope shes got some genuinely caring friends and family who will support her throughout all the madness and heres hoping she achieves her dream, whatever that really is for her. On that note lets hope we all do !

As you know if you've read my chapter on wishes, and goals in Imperfectly Natural Woman I'm a big believer in writing down (and saying out loud if its not too daft for you !) exactly what you hope for in detail, if you want a partner, describe him or her - not just...'please can I have someone tall and goodlooking....but the details, his personality, his interests etc. They do say be careful of what you wish for because your dreams just may come true, be as creative as you like but steep it in reality, clearly if you ask to marry Brad Pitt its unlikely - hes spoken for - but within reason - dream a little, dream a lot - but careful that it what you really want. !

Pants !

2009-04-20T02:40:00.000-07:00

Parkinsons Disease Society, Alzheimers Disease Society Namibia Trust for school.

I was thrilled to be the MC at the Pants ball last Saturday, heres a shot of me with the lovely Alison Meadows who organised it all, along with 3 freinds shes raised a staggering 13K so far towards this challenge which will raise money for Parkinsons and Alzheimers charities. A good wedge of their money was raised with their coconut shy, and Pants auction which they tell me involved the sale of Celeb knickers, the mind boggles as to which celebs actually wear any but presumerably less if they've given them to this worthwhile cause !

The four girls are going out to Africa in October to assist in the renovation of schools which are not maintained and have fallen in total disrepair. It was a great evening with an excellent African band and people had the most innovative ideas for the hint of Africa theme, everything from tiger skin bow ties to a guy wearing a pretend snake around his neck !

Read more about it all here http://charitypants.blogspot.com/

worms, gardening and vinegar...

2009-04-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

I wonder if anyone heard the show I did with Diarmuid Gavin on BBC London on Saturday ? Though I say so myself it was very entertaining, he is lovely and many a female caller felt quite jealous I think, his blue eyes really twinkle when he talks all things seedlings and planting. I finally got an explanation as to how you take a cutting and how to successfully re-pot a plant - basic stuff for you green fingered types but as you well know I cheat and get my organic veg plants already established from Rocketgardens.co.uk We had Richard from Wigglywigglers on the phone and he did a fantastic job of explaining everything to do with composting including confirming that getting small boys to wee on it every now and then really does help the 'balance' - well not if you're teetering on top of the bin.....Julie from Living Clean was great giving tips for natural cleaning and there was much discussion about bi-carb and vinegar plus a few discussions about soapnuts - my turn to have a twinkle in the eye. In truth I'd forgotten how much I love doing my own radio show, I was a presenter on BBC London when it was GLR for 5 years, then Virgin for 6 years then my own Sat show on Radio 2 for 4 years so its only been the last couple of years that I've been co-hosting only and I really miss it, they do say radio is very addictive.

There was also a fun reminder of my Wham! days cos Gary Crowley's show was at midday and we were reminiscing about the first tour when I was a backing singer and Gary was the warm up act. All in all great memories then back for copious amounts of chocolate with the kids. My current fave is the Raw choccy from Shazzie (detox your world) and the Raw chocolate company. (with the odd chunk of Divine to be imperfect of course)

sproutman, juicemaster, so many natural peeps..

2009-04-07T09:15:00.001-07:00

The natural and organic products show was fab ! I opened the show with my talk on sunday morning and it was a fantastic two days of meeting people. All my fave men were there which is all important, see Jason Vale's plug for my book on the front page (bless him) and his new Juice bars won best new food product so he told me many times hes now flogging an award winning bar !

I did a fab little interview with The Sproutman, what Jason is to Juicing Steve Meyerwitz is to wheatgrass and sprouts, actually I think it was his wheatgrass shots that kept me going for two days !

Amazing how the industry has developed in just three years since I wrote the first book, so many great new companies and new products. I'm reinspired to increase my raw food again after a few tips from Live Native and a few other enlightened souls. Quite a few people stoppd me and asked why I hadn't dragged Steve Wright along but he was on the air after all !

I now have a huge goody bag of new stuff to trial so sign up to what really works and I'll forward on some freebies, all you gotta do is promise to send me a quick review

Bed of nails !..and being imperfect

2009-04-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

No its not some weird religious trip, I've just taken possession of the most amazing thing called a Shakti mat, it was recommended to me by Glenn and Aly (I co-author my pregnancy range of CD's with hypnotherapist Glenn Harrold) and it truly is quite bizarre. (the matt not Glenn's hypnosis) and in case you're wondering its not compulsory to eat croissants before lying on it, this is a snap taken to illustrate that I truly am imperfectly natural. !

The Shakti mat is pioneered and sold in the UK by Rose-Marie Sorokin, who I havent had the pleasure of meeting yet but I've got my eye on one of her yoga retreats. Anyway what is it ? well its a bed of nails but a softer version than Indian Yogis would use many years ago to achieve inner peace. Theirs was literally a wooden construction with metal nails, crikey the only peace was getting off it surely. This one is a soft mat but the 'nails' are plastic 'buttons' with in total 6000 points of contact with your skin. In truth the first time you lie on it you shout ouch ! it hurts like hell, but almost within seconds as you settle down it feels strangely peaceful, its said to inncrease circulation and help with insomnia, back ache, depression and a whole host of other ills. Look at http://www.shaktimat.co.uk/

Off to grab some inner peace then before I hit the Natural and Organics products show in London tomorrow, my talk is at 10am so gotta get up with the sparrows. I had hoped to get some 'outer peace' today by going to see The boat that rocked but the kids won and got to see Monsters v. aliens instead (not on at the same time, too complex to go twice) I know its had shocking reviews but then Radio is my industry and having heard Johnny Walker wax lyrical about the pirate stations I think it will be harmless fun if not exactly brain taxing. In any case Richard Curtis is officially the nicest man in the world - so there !

Electronic homeopathy..The Old Woman and the best flapjacks

2009-03-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

I may have mentioned having a session with Martin Hall of Marlay practice fame (thats sounds terrible but you know what I mean) He has this fab machine (The Asyra if you're technical) that diagnoses absolutely everything and so it makes working out what you need to supplement so much easier. It shows up inolerances and allergies and the red, yellow, green indicators show any weakened organs etc, it also shows mental and emotional issues and in my case it won't suprise you to know I am highly stressed ! I had the results confirmed by Enid (natropath from Taymount clinic) and found it all matched up with her suggestions too. Basically I'm now rattling with vitamins a gogo and desperatley seeking some form of 'mediation' that will work for me....active mind and all that, you know how it is. I've had a smashing week at work with The Old Woman on the show too, its not often we're on together so its finally put to rest the idea that I am her - indeed ! Heading that way fast I know!

Flapjacks ? I've been trialling the fantastic healthy apple and ginger flapjacks from Nutrichef, their meals are fantastic too. On the site its frantic, the April ezine is nearlt complete and its gonna be a great one, if you're a chocolate fan (both raw and regular) you're in for a treat !

The Ladies Circle and toilets !

2009-03-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

As you may know I've been patron of The Ladies Circle for a few years now and they're still a relatively well kept secret, even though there are thousands of circles worldwide and the money they raise for various different charities is astonishing. They do like a laugh though and at the area luncheon yesterday it was great fun, theres something inspirational about this bunch of gals who all like to dress up and wear hats at lunchtime (why not ?) and certainly the majority can 'hold their beer !' The main speaker was Rani Singh who you know from Eastenders amongst other shows. They all wanted to know what it was like meeting Lionel Richie, cos he was a guest on Steve Wrights show and he is possibly the worlds nicest man, (well - nicest artist, the nicest man is undoubtedly Richard Curtis) but amidst the name dropping and revelling a huge amount of money was raised for a brilliant charity called SARIs stands for sanitation at rural indian schools. Chris who I'm pictured with here started it all when she realised that as girls reach puberty they simply stop going to school because their are no toilet facilities, this of course has a huge impact on not just their education but their nutrition too, as food is provided there. Chris has so far raised enough money to build around 60 toilets blocks at rural indian schools and a paid for contract to ensure their maintenance for twenty years - incredible. I'm going to get her to write an article for the website.

Meanwhile I had a couple of glasses of red wine to be sociable and feel like death today ! Come back 'alcoholfree' all is forgiven, when you stop being unkind to your body it reacts badly if you revert back to old habits. I sat flicking between Notting Hill and Gosford Park last night on the telly (bet loads of people did that !) and felt totally bloated and headachey, Hey ho made up for it today with a great - as Enid (Taymount clinic) calls it - Shrek juice, - green basically.

Pet shop boys and a swanky new gym

2009-03-19T02:18:00.000-07:00

Fab to meet the Pet Shop Boys again on Steve Wrights show, we've interviewed them a few times and in the eighties I'm sure we must have been on the same bill at various european gigs (when I was touring with Nik Kershaw I think) but back in those days they were oh so sulky, didn't Wrighty used to have a slot on Radio 1 called the Pet Shop Boys at home where Neil was very efusive and OTT and Chris just grunted occasionally ! Now they're both lovely and great fun, such a distinctive sound and such a mix, they've written a ballet now too which should be excellent. Popped in briefly to the opening of a new Gym called Lifesmart near Regents Park, swanky to the enth degree ! Its Carole Caplins new venture and trust me we're not just talking a few treadmills and a treatment room, this is luxurious, (hope she knows theres a credit crunch) but wonderful to see the holistic approach filtering right through even to the products in the changing areas (which were opulent by the way) Lovely to see Cheryl from Viridian, Marie from Solgar, Charlotte from Green People and Alex from Kinetic4health who told that the Jason products are 50 this year ! How scary - natural skincare products as old as Madonna and yet still the majority of people don't use them, but thats why we have imperfectlynatural.com - right !

New comps popping up by the way and if you bought the new book the money off vouchers are valid to end of this month (I guess while designated stock lasts)

Live blood analysis ! woo hoo

2009-03-13T14:58:00.001-07:00

Did I mention how astonishing this is ? I went to see Enid Taylor again today at the Taymount clinic (see her fab article on colonic hydrotherapy in the features section) and they also offer live blood analysis, now wer'e not talking sample, send off to lab, lab works on 'dead' cells...no this is the real deal and you can see your own blood cells on the screen all kind of globulus ! (is that a word ?) Its a great way to warn you if theres something amiss and shows up how much fat you'rte eating ! Anyways I have a raging sore throat and immediately without me saying anything (and I wasn't snivelling yet either) Glenn said 'oh look at the increased number of white blood cells...you must have an infection...do you feel as if you're coming down with something ?'...incredible, these white blood cells look like fizzing blobs but thank God they're active, shows my immune system is working. Blood aside on Steve Wright in the afternoon we interviewed Ronan Keating and man alive - is he looking good! I tell you 6 days up a mountain and copious amounts of exercise and water did wonders for that crew, Chris Moyles lost a stone ! Good on them. Its the end of a busy week and I hear my new book got to 23 on Amazon last Wed, I've been short-changing myself and telling everyone 34, 23 ain't bad, quite impressive considering I've done The Wright stuff but not much other TV. BBC 3 counties radio was fun today, I'm slowly convincing Lorna Milton the presenter to try all things natural, I've got her on soapnuts, shes just a bit reluctant in the natural deodorant dept. I'll keep working on it.
x

Partying till late..

2009-03-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

...but don't panic I'm not going all girl about town on you, only a bash at my place partly as a belated birthday and partly to raise a toast to the new book, its 'sold out' on amazon by the way and they're gong straight for a reprint, good news I suppose but frustrating for everyone who ordered it. We had a great response to the Weleda offer and the free Frugi stuff, money off vouchers, and the book went to number 23 on Amazon - yippee.

Last night was great and though I say so myself we have so many interesting freinds, as the host I was busy busy busy but caught snatches of all kinds of animated conversations from indepth discussions on colonic hydroptherapy, through raw food, (I found some amazing healthy nibbles from a co called conscious food) right through to shamanism, hypnotherapy and a heated debate about immunisations ! All that and Phil played the piano brilliantly and various people did an impromtu turn, oh and we raised some cash for Yestolife, we're trying to get enough to buy another chi machine.

Horace has settled in you'll be please to know and is now producing lovely creamy yoghurt - if a bit 'beery' thats the fermented bit of him I guess, if you add a dash of agave or sweet freedom hes just fine, terrified one of the kids is going to wash him up in a fit of guilt over how little they help around the house !
Oh you may have heard me on 5 live yesterday morning, I popped up for a debate on home education, I 'won' - I hope its fair to say !

Happy birthday to me !

2009-03-04T04:28:00.000-08:00

A very sweet start to the day as the kids had made a happy birthday banner and each individual letter represented something, ...The B was a bee....a was an alien etc...I know you're thinking crikey thats inventive...some were just patterns but anyways its cheers up my kitchen, no end, the five year old also gave me the best present, a necklace and braclet made from painted past shells, how sustainable is that and so funky, he'll go far that boy.

Yesterday was fun on the Wright stuff and the new book went up to number 55 on Amazon best sellers which isn't bad for Channel 5, just need to get onto BBC brekkie now.

Lovely show with Steve today too with Lionel Richie who is one of the nicest guys in showbiz without doubt.

If I'm very lucky I might get to go out tonight to a restaurant but as I'm not drinking I really need to find a BYO type ressie so that I can take my lovely new best freind my 'Pearl Blanc from Alcohol free wine, either that or I'll have to convince my fave restaurants to stock it.

By the way if you're following the Horace (my live kefir culture 'pet') story, I managed a few teaspoonfuls of yoghurty milk but not a great consistency in all truth.

I'm being real good in the cappucino dept, just need to get onto detoxyourworld and stock up on the maca and raw choccy powder, oh and on that note, DH and my own old mum by the way bought me huge boxes of chocolates....mmm.....wonder who'll be eating those, don't quite fit with my new raw regime I'm thinking....hey once again thank the LOrd that I have never claimed to be anything other than imperfect.

The best alcohol free wine

2009-02-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

For starters I can tell you I'm not doing well caring for Horace, first few days I left him in the fridge and assumed he was too cold cos there was nowt yoghurt like about it, then I left him out on the work surface overnight and now hes all curdled, trial and error I suppose.

Its been a great week for cleaning up my act, you know I chose my 'imperfectly natural' title cos I can't get it all right and in truth I have a completly addictive personality, even while I've been trying out raw food recipes and getting to grips with dehydrating and booking myself onto a raw food course with Russell James I've been sabotaging myself with the 'need' for a cappucino and the odd glass of wine or two or three. Bonkers isn't it but I bet I'm not the only one.

Anyway I've re-read Jason Vales fab book Slim for Life and dusted myself off again, it helps too to get some moral support and I've been lucky enough to have a few 'coaching' sessions with Enid (of ?aymount clinic fame who gave me Horace) and also met up with Jess from Raw food coach, she suggested a great coffee alternative in maca, raw chocolate powder, a drizzle of diet freedom or agave and hot water. I also cheat and add some Oatley cream, YUM ! its done the trick. On the wino front I sometimes forget my own schtick ! (sp ??) I recommended at xmas for everyone to get the fab 'wine' from Alcohol Free Wine Shop- its just the best - proper beautiful bottles (so naff having a plastic bottle of grape juice instead) I've trialled the white sparkling Pearl Blanc so far and I'm off to a dinner party tongiht with my sparkling alcohol free rose. Get down ! Theres 10 per cent off orders by the way if you buy befiore 3rd march, get in quick - click on alcohol free in my directory.
www.alcoholfree.co.uk

I'm off the Bournemouth tomorrow for the healthy living show and the tips go out first thing so for goodness sake if you're not signed up do it NOW ! the best offers ever and if you buy the new book between 1st and 8th march some amazing freebies and money off vouchers
Enjoy !!!!

The power of Maybe….

2009-02-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

So much to tell I have to ‘eek’ it out, its not good is it when blog entries ramble about a million subjects so I won’t……Save to say please remind me that I must tell you about my new ‘pet’ – don’t worry I haven’t taken on a feline friend, dog, rabbit or even chickens – trust me 4 kids is enough, but I do have a responsibility by the name of Horace, he’s actually a ‘blob’ of kefir culture and as it was a precious gift from Dr Enid Taylor who I met the other day (lots more on that meeting to follow) I intend to cherish him and devour his offerings, if you’ve read Imperfectly Natural Woman you’ll know I was once the proud owner of a live yoghurt culture, and I did pretty well keeping that alive tamegotche (sp?) styley for a few years. I’ll update you – promise.

For now I’ve had one of those ‘aha’ moments, You know what its like, you read something (usually in a self help book) and it strikes such a chord with you it takes your breath away, of course when you relay to friends they seem nonplussed at your ignorance prior to see-ing this light so I apologise in advance if you all already know this.

You know the inspirational author Susan Jeffers (whose book ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’ is life changing and an absolute\must) well I came across another book of hers today ‘Embracing Uncertainty’

Must say I was uncertain about reading it (no pun intended) I kinda knew it would challenge my ‘control freak’ ideas, I’m queen of cosmic ordering, and manifesting desires so not achieving your goals is ‘not a variable’. Yet it has been levelled at me that while my mantra is ‘imperfectly natural’ I often don’t allow myself the ‘luxury’ of not getting it all right and can sometimes try and control too much.

Anyways this book is about working towards peace of mind and living in a ‘maybe world’ Susan Jeffers suggests we should state the affirmation ‘I have no control over my life’ – ooh scary stuff, goes against the grain huh ?

Onto the next chapter….after I’ve given Horace his organic milk.
More later…….

Tues 17th Feb

2009-02-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

I really should update this more regularly cos I have so much to tell you now. lets start with my amazing session last Friday with a Shamanic healer, now before you write me off as totally barking I don't know much about is either but it seems truly fascinating and my experience was - well - amazing. Check out Liberate Online
www.liberate-online.co.uk The lovely Dawn is the most fascinating woman who was literally 'called' by someone high up in the 'inca' tribe to learn 'energy medicine'

Its said to clear your emotional, mental, spiritual and energetic blocks in a very gentle, yet deep way through shamanic healing. it felt rather like a cross between hypnotherapy, reiki, bodywork, eft, life coaching and a bit of space clearing thrown in for good measure. I'll write my full review in more detail and Dawn is going to write something for our features, shes alos agreed to offer a prize of a full session to one lucky winner on the site or ezine so watch this space, check the front page and make sure you're signed up for the ezines.

After that experience we headed off to augill castle again, read about my trip there, its so fab and if its possible I enjoyed it even more this time around. The current ezine has a chance to win 2 places on the kids cookery courses and I show wish I'd done it myself, the kids made mexican chilli and divine toffee fudge. Yum !

Mon 9th Feb

2009-02-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Another week flown by then - but what a good one, apart from the obvious hassles, the book (imperfectly natural woman) shot up on Amazon after being on The Wright stuff and sometimes my job (Radio 2) is just too good, imagine getting to interview Chris Martin (Coldplay) and being paid ! I have to tell you he is gorgeous, I'm a sucker for a talented muso anyway but he really is such a charmer - and wearing the most fab funky jacket made from recycled bits of fabrics and motifs. I know I know I know hes spoken for (Gywneth Paltrow if I'm not mistaken) but a girl can look.

Health wise I could do with a few vibes, I've finally stopped breastfeeding (well Lulu is three - don't want to be recreating Little Britain 'bitty' sketches) which I thought would give me masses of new energy but the opposite is true, in truth I think perhaps my poor hormones are so confused what with 4 pregnancies in 10 years and long term breastfeeding its all gotten tricky. anyways my usual limitless energy is - well - limited.

Won't stop me for long though, I had a wonderful chat today with the lovely Petra from Tortuerouge.co.uk (sensational aromatherapy oils and so much more) and shes invited me on one of her aspirational courses to learn more about 'diy' skincare using her organic flowers and plants grown on her farm near Montpelier in France - does that sound fab or what ? don't worry I've persuaded her to offer a free 'holiday' to a lucky winner on the website too so make you check the comp and the ezine.

Mon 2nd Feb

2009-02-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

What a day ! The Wright stuff was great and as the snow was so bad I think everyone was at home watching TV ! the book shot up on amazon even though its not out yet and the first book did well too. Amazing eh the power of TV

The poor cab driver who dropped me back had to get assistance to turn his car on the icey road and with great regret I'm now marooned and can't go to the Radio 2 folk awards which I was really looking forward to. Last year was great at the Brewery in London.

Incredible how all of life stops for snow isn't it but the kids are having a ball, we're about 6 snowmen down and counting and I'm stepping over soggy socks and wellies in every corner...hey ho.

Brings a whole new meaning to my usual plea in reponse the emails begging me for a response....I'm snowed under...

Wed 28th Jan

2009-01-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

What an extraordinary day. I've been 'He-mu' - ed Now before you send in the Ghostbusters to help me out, He Mu is a form of treament meaning harmony given by the enigmatic John Tsagaris. He invited me to try his facial acupuncture but I bottled out fearing my sensitive little face couldn't cope but little did I know the full on harmony treatment involves acupuncture anyway !

This is one knowledgable inspirational guy. He uses shiatsu and bodywork and his own intuition in great quantities to diagnose and balance energies and without revealing all my personal details let just say he seems to know exactly whats going on and seems very up on female problems. Interesting with all the talk right now of acupuncture being all in the mind that I should experience my first time today ! Even Dr Hilary Jones when hes been in on Steve Wrights show says its incredibly benefical and certainly I felt great afterwards. I'll report back when I've put into place John's other suggestions, he offers advice on diet and lifestyle as part of the holistic picture.
Check him out at www.energybodies.co.uk

Tues 27th Jan

2009-01-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

January is weird isn't it, lulls you into a false sense of security that there's lots of time and then suddenly boom - tis march. My new book - well the adapted / updated / extracted pocketbook version of Imperfectly Natural Woman is out march 3rd and I'm totally undecided as to whether to have a proper launch party. For the last book we held a bash at the BBC club and it was great, all sort of BBC types popped in from 6 music, Radio 4 and the Asian network and jostled alongside journalists and celebs (my old mate Mari Wilson was there for our mini Wilsations reunion) and of course the really important people - the lovely companies who help support the website with ads and promotions etc.

Trouble is theres a credit crunch and finances are tight. Add to that the problem that parties are a ton of work to organise and trust me if I do it I like to do it well with amazing goody bags full of eco /natural stuff, all that takes time and energy....one bit of me says is it actually 'greener' to do nowt ? save the cash and put the time to better use and put the effort into marketing to sell more books....mmm....its also my birthday though march 4th so I'll be feeling decidedly mis if I do literally nowt.

Maybe a virtual party ? what do you think ?

Wed 21st Jan

2009-01-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to Fiona who is my right hand gal (21 again) and on the day I hand over a pressie to her she is sorting out for me the very thing I need to crack on with this raw food lark, a mini food processor, seems so obvious now I think about it, I've been trying to puree up and make humous and the like in a whopping great big smoothie maker and its tricky. if only I could have a new kitchen with a bit more work surface space too, no pressure there then ! clesrly I really am haing a mid life crisis if I'm lusting after dream kitchens. (from eco kitchens online of course)

Its fab getting feedback from this blogging lark, I had a wonderfully informative email from someone explaining all the details of my twinkly star spotted the other night (a planet I'll have you know) and also I've ahd some wondeffully inventive recipes to try out on my dehydrator which I gotta tell you I am starting to love, still no manual but hey how difficult can it be ? cut up fruit and veg, lay on waxy heets and turn to 105 - wait for 24 hrs - thats the bit I can't quite get my head around, surely its eating energy, the makers say not, it uses v. little power but I will need to see that for myself, I'm giving away an efergy - energy meter on imperfectlynatural.com, heck of a shame I can't win it for myself !

Completely forgot to tell ya'll about my wonderful time at Champneys, Tring, as you know theres a competition to win a luxury weekend away there and I was feeling so jealous of my own comp I decided to go and treat myself. Very fleeting trip but I fitted in a Thalassotherapy session, rather like being in a massive jacuzzi but with water containing thousands of therapeutic minerals, wonderfully relaxing. The food is to die for too, I msut be the only person who goes to Champneys and puts on weight, I can't leave alone the massive choice of salads and nuts and seeds.

If you want to enter the comp by the way to win the weekend get in quick, competition moniter tells me its time we announced a winner, one things for sure, if you don't enter it can't be you. Lots of luck

welcome to my new blog...

2009-01-19T05:24:00.000-08:00

Hiya

Welcome to my new blog, .well trying out a new template..more to follow..see ya'll over at

http://www.imperfectlynatural.com/

Friday 16th Jan….drying tomatoes

2009-01-16T15:41:00.000-08:00

Yep I'm geting there, thanks to the many responses to my plea for raw food recipes, can't say I've tried many yet but I intend to do tahine kale crisps tomorrow. I've had all sorts of replies and have been pointed to raw food chefs et al In true home educating stye I'm getting the kids experimenting, so far we've had some rather brown crispy banana pieces but the dried mango was to die for.

Its been a good week at the beeb, well on our happy ship anyways, we interviewed that gorgeous Michael Sheen you know the actor in who played the Pm in The Queen and of course the lovely juicemaster Jason Vale was promoting Slim for Life on thursday.

Appropo to nowt on Wednesday night there was the most amazing twinkly star I have ever seen, I don't know if this was simply a clear sky in Herts phonomenon but it was incredible, I htought I wa see-ing things...well seeing stars...but don't worry I got it confirmed by waking up the kids (honestly it was that unusual)...perhaps its cos I've upped my quota of raw foods, I'm being rewarded from above...

Sat 10th Jan …..going raw…well drying out

2009-01-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

...no I'm not off the booze (well I am sort off but thats not the problem) I've just bought an Excalibur dehydrator in an attempt to create more tasty and exciting raw food cuisine. Only problem is that being a cheapskate (and trying to be eco) I bought it from a colleague who'd only used it once (crikey hope that won't be me) but had lost the manual. Oh dear, should be so simple but no idea how long stuff takes, I've been making apple crisps for the best part of a day, surely thats not very green even if its healthy...must find out how much power thr goddam thing uses.

Any tips gratefully recieved, I know when I went to Saf the amazing raw food restaurant in London it was one of the best meals I've ever had but is it gonna be too fiddly for me...

mmm...off to check the crispiness of my crisps

Sun Jan 4th…St Ives..sunshine and sprouts

2009-01-04T04:28:00.000-08:00

I'm in sunny St Ives, yippee, the weather couldn't be more perfect, sunny and crispy cold and if you read my lat blog when I was in Cornwall you'll remember this is the only time I feel really alive. I MUST have lived here in a former life and however often I come back the feeling is just as intense. I'm holed up at The Garrack hotel (check out the beat a retreat feature for details) writing ....can't tell you what, its a speculative very exciting project, will reveal all soon.

I popped into Living Sprouts of st ives (see directory for their details) and stokced up on sprotus, hemp salad dressing and the best ever raw chocolate pie - can't even begin to describe that, you have to taste it and later I'm meeting up with Jason Vale, yes the juicemaster himself ...for a coffee...well he'll order juice but I'm imperfect.

The boys are staying locally with Liz (of Team Lollipop fame - see directory if you're still at the nappy stage, her selection is awesome) and yesterday we all did the muddy walk , yes even I purchaased birght pink wellies for the squelchy occasion to the Gurnards head, its a highly commended hotel and gastro pub, I even gave them a mention on Steve Wrights show cos we did a factoid about gurnards.

I'm off for a long walk around the Island to lift my spirits further, in truth if I get much higher I'll flota off like Mary Poppins, one day I'll live here....she says hopefully...

Christmas Eve…7 ways to Love

2008-12-24T18:17:00.000-08:00

Just back from a lovely midnight mass service on Christmas night to find the house is quiet, no one is stirring not even a mouse...but I missed my own performance on Top of the Pops 2 and apparantly Wrighty made some comment or other !

If I were technical I'd know how to run the iplayer thingy but hey ho...if you did see it (I'm talking about my number 8 hit from 1991 with Cola boy) you'll have noticed that I was barely moving, let alone shaking my booty, that will be because my retro silver mini dress was so short and tight it would have been indecent. Seems so wierd now remembering those days, we were famous for exactly five minutes and it flew by, at the time I felt quite indignant that I'd got my 'dream' to be a pop star and yet only sang 4 words but its gotta be said the record still sounds great after all these years and its still played at clubs - depressingly I didn't write it, but the boys from St Ettiene still get fat PRS cheques I'm thinking, good on ya Pete and Bob.

Monday 22nd Dec…lapland revisited..

2008-12-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

Well its a skating rink of sorts..the 5 year old is still re-enacting our wonderful trip to lapland UK, first all visitors are asked if they'd like to visit Father Christmas, then having laid out all my greenery (gathered from the garden to decorate the house) peppered with bits of paper shreddings across the floor, he leads us 'through the enchanted forest' (once round the dining room table) and back to the porch where Father Christmas greets us. Now when it was my turn it was the three year olds to be FC and boy did she look the part with a long red dressing gown, a red hat and a huge fluffy white cushion for a beard - it reached nicely down to her knees kinda ZZ top styley

After our visit the 5 yr old guides us to his next installation, a shoe rack where hes neatly laid out some shoes, hes asks us our size shops our shoes for some others (no concern for style that boy, I got handed hubbys tennis shoes) then we're led out by a skaing elf (he quickly stops to change hats ) onto the ice rink - a thin white piece of fabric. We all had a turn of course including Grandma and then he decided to tout for business for passers by, a freind popped in and had a quick 'tour' and we just stopped short of accosting the post lady.

Beware Terry from Riverford Organics, if you're delivering in the morning, allow extra time, oh and wrap up warm for skating.

Fri 19th Dec…’sustainable’ wrapping..

2008-12-19T05:03:00.000-08:00

xmas madness round here, the 5 year old is wrapping up everything in sight and giving it to us in leui of Santas arrival, I'm proud of him acually, clearly hes seen my feature on the site front page talking eco Christmas cos hes wrapping everything in tea towels or scraps of fabric and tying with reclaimed string...thats my boy...shame I don't have any tea towels left.

I've been frantically trying to get my Imperfectly Natural Starter packs sorted, I've had a rush of sales before Christmas and I'm also selling them via my mates new website - take a look if you get chance, she is queen of eco building and sustainable stuff but the website has a few carefuly chosen products, lots that I recommend here on the site
www.ecohut.biz

Finally off to get some christmas shopping, yes - last minute dash, ho ho ho I do hate the absurd notion that xmas is only good depending on how much you spend but the charity shops don't quite cut it for the older boys....still we'll go easy.

a gorgeous candlelit carol service..

2008-12-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad I got off my butt and made the effort to go the the carols by candlelight service at my church...well not only mine but the one I love to go...only prob is its a 50 min drive and beleive me thats nigh on impossible with 4 kids to get dressed and sorted by 10am Anyway tonight I went with a freind and it was magical. The choir were fab, the church looked beautiful and we had mulled wine and mince pies after.....As always Dave tomlinson the vic was on form and gave a great talk which I won't try to prassie - (ooh how the hell do you spell that word ?) but save to say you go away thinking slightly more meaningful thoughts than when you went in.

Occasionally in all the stress and madness I forget that I love Christmas and certianly not for the absurd idea that if you spend money on it you'll be happy...more a sense of 'wonder' that I get if I stop and reflect which of course is something I rarely do all year..

best go to bed before I get all poetic or maudlin on you..

tues 9th Dec..return from Lapland

2008-12-09T04:03:00.000-08:00

...don't worry I'm not flying half way round the world I've been to Lapland Uk - no not the naff ones that have ahd all the shocking publicity this was is in kent and I can't tell you how fab it is, I'm not on commission and it wouldn't matter anyway cos its fully booked I think up to xmas but it was totally MAGICAL....all the kids are exhausted but elated after making toys with the elves, making gingerbread men, reak reindeers, see-ing Father Christmas and skating on the fab real ice rink. I ache all over from trying to skate whilst supporting 2 smalls who were a-slipping and sliding but having fantastic fun.

The 'fake' snow was gorgeous, all the staff incredibly kind and helpful and all in all it was an amazing memmorable trip, pics to follow once downloaded and a full review

Isn't it nice to hear some good reports occasionally ?

...off to help the 5 yr old compose his letter to Santa to say thanks for his special gift...

Sun 7th

2008-12-07T02:59:00.000-08:00

Day 7 on the 70 per cent cocoa choccy advent calendar and the kids are demanding milk choccy.

Its the most amazing crispy cold day, just been for walk and felt as though I'd stepped into a christmas card, back home and Lulu is ful of cold and bleary eyed and wants to breastfeed all the time for comfort, its tricky enough trying to fit in everything that I have to do today without a small velcro-ed to me ! Hey ho it doesn't last long this phase.

I had hoped to get a xmas tree and do the green thing (holly and ivy up) around tbe house but it will have wait now.

Did I mention the yestolife event ? They held a little drinks do to says for raising the cash for the hyperthermia sauna but it was very much a collaborative affair and if I haven't already said it, thanks to ya'll for donating, we're now raising cash for a chi machine, I'm sure I've said all of this before - crikey I'm having senior moments I'm sure of it....just too many details for any one brain to contain.

Wed 3rd Dec…the new site is here

2008-12-03T00:21:00.000-08:00

For once not being able to blog isn't my fault ! with any new buikding comes teething problems and we've sure had our fair share but we're up and running - hurah !
We had a fab time in rye, well aside from the stress of wondering if the site would ever appear again, I met the lovely Nicola from Organ-nics, its a little shop selling natural skincare, baby kit, fairtrade stuff, well everything I recommend in Imperfectly Natural Woman which is also displayed proudly of course.

We stayed at the fab Organic sustainable and eco ba and b in Rye called Haydens, mire on that later and a full review to follow save to say it was fab.

Bear with us while the new site kicks in and thanks for the many wishes of support, honestly I think its worth than the release of a new book at least you know where you are with print !

Sunday 30th

2008-11-30T02:36:00.000-08:00

Anyway counting exactly how many emails I've written saying the new site is going live ????? It FINALLY is.

Yippee, hallelujah. thanks to Pitor and Simon for all their tremendous hard work, welcome on board Elaine to the madness !

Its not 100 per cent there yet but looks fab don't ya think ?

My e-zine goes out tomorrow so if you ain't signed up, get in quick, some gorgeous comps and offers for Christmas.

On an entirely different note my 3 mates to see Circus of Horrors on fri - they couldn't beleive I know Haze the main man, if you've never seen the show get down, its wild (if you like girls in bottles kind of idea) its humour, burlesque, circus and a good dash of horror ! They didn't believe me that Haze used to kip in a coffin......lots more tales where that one came from...depends how much he wants to bribe me to keep quiet.

check them out.. google circus of horrors.....new tour kicking off..

Monday 24th Nov….and the new website cometh..

2008-11-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

A frantic day...but the new site is nearly there.....crikey its been a journey but I finally feel it could be this week ....hallelujah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (sp?)

I have yet another cold which is interesting as I am hitting the vit C and echinacea and chilling under my FIR machine (by the way did I tell you WE DID IT !...we raised £1400 for Yestolife to buy a hyperthermia sauna machine AND haven't even announced that the lovely Carl Munson of Health Champion fame has donated a chi machine and a FIR machine to my fave charity in association with our website..oh what joy...

We're off to Rye in Sussex to an organic B and B and I hope to drop into Organ-ics a new shop where then owner claims to be inspired by me...blimey no pressure there then.

Sat 15th

2008-11-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

Wed was fantastic, what a great event to host and I met some wonderful people, a big hi to the lovley crew from Green TV and freinds of the earth, Nokia walked off with the 'grand priz' award - well I hope that they got the right gong cos I got them all out of order ! Hey ho.

its been a great week actually in the meeting department, with loads of celebs passing by the big show.
Catch up time now and back to reality cleaning the bathroom, fortunately I am wielding my Enjo cleaning mitt, Natural house bathroom spa and neem bathroom cleaner -an no I'm not on commission - daft aren't I ???

Wed 12th…and bring on the green

2008-11-12T05:16:00.000-08:00

Its today, I'm stil searching for the elusive perfect frock for tonight (presenting the green awards) also need a bag ...oh crikey charity shops shut at 5pm

Voice back thankfully, feeling much calmer too, I may also have found the perfect mary poppins to help with the kids...no mean feat round my gaff...

Will report back on the winners of the Green Awards, should be great event.

x

tues 11th….as the day gets better

2008-11-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah - its not good to get holy about emails but I am oh so blessed that they are now working again, a full 24 hours worth are in the ether but hey ho.

Boy did the day get better as we interviewed David Cassidy and all my freinds came out of the woodwork to say they still had pillowcases adorned with his face, Jules even has flares with his face on both legs, thats dedication, he looks pretty good for his age I gotta tell ya.

Sometimes I love this work

Tues 11th…green kit ? …still majorly frustrated..

2008-11-11T03:34:00.000-08:00

Well the site is back after afashion but know I have no emails, hysterical with frustration, scary isn't it how in a mere ten years emails have changed our lives and I'm rendered completely incommunicado without them.

On a hppier note - much happier I have my voice back - well a low sexy kind of version and I still can't raise my voice which is fab news for dh and the kids.

the mention of 'green kit; is unrelated but urgent, I am presenting the Green Awards tomorrow and the invitation says wear a 'hint of green' so I dragged my evening dress with a hint of green out of the closet only to find that as I've lost weight (thank you Juicemaster Jason) it is now much too big and looks sad.

I now have 24 hours to find the perfect green outfit, charity shops here I come...

Mon 10th…when I frustrated beyond measure

2008-11-10T06:09:00.000-08:00

Frustration is the word, I've been 5 days without a website now, I think its back (you reading this ?) but meanwhile my emails have gone down completely so god knows what deadlines I've missed and we're now way behind with the new website....I feel rather like my arm has been cut off and none of the attending surgeons have a clue how to sew it back on or if it will work when they do - stress.

If I were more the cosmic meditating type I would of course go and do that very thing cos this is kinda weird, not only has my website and emails gone but my voice has gone !!! ...ergo...whole identity has come crashing too....crikey a psychologist will have a field day with this...

off to steam my head...

Green award this wed and I'm presenting...send voice vibes please

Tues 4th Nov

2008-11-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

Oh for goodness sake, why can't I get my act together to blog regularly ! hopeless. No idea what I've mentioned and what I haven't but my evening at the Hospice event in Berkhamsted was amazing, what an inspirational bunch of people. Info and an article to come about it all - for now see here - http://www.stfrancis.org.uk/press_office/news.htm

Alis mum Diana is incredible, her son Ali spent a few months at the hospice before he died earlier this year and his blog has completely captured the imagination of thousands around the world, his parents have kept it up - see here -
http://greymatterstousall.blogspot.com

Pics etc to come...

I need to tell you all about augill castle too.

x

Wed 22nd

2008-10-22T03:40:00.000-07:00

How fab was it to interview Roger Moore yesterday - what a charming man and man alive would I like to be that sharp when I'm 81 - piss taker of the highest order, hilarious.

sometimes the radio 2 gig is the best job in the world
..back home...frantic could be the word...on The Wright stuff this friday so researching credit crunch natural kit....gotta jack up some comps for the next newsletter and then theres this weekend to think about, off to the Bowen coneference and then next week taking the kids to a cookery course in Scotland - the lengths I'll go to to get meals made for me....

Friday 17th…pumpkins aglow

2008-10-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

I was meant to be headed to Cumbria today but the events cancelled, relatively relieved cos I'm knackered after organising the 5 yr olds birthday party, it was a simple affair, who would have thought that 15 children carving pumpkins could be so stressful (don't worry fans of the continiuum concept - adults used the sharp knives) but anyways it went off well. I did a photo shoot today for the express, they're running a feature on charity shop shoppers and as you well know that offcially me. Sadly they don't offer styling and make up which is a drag, I may have ended up looking like I was in drag....or certainy mutton, these days I just cannot do a decent job on my own make-up...

Don't ask about the website, I'm waiting and hoping and hoping and wishing...should be soon I hope.

Janey

Mon 13th Oct…the day after my finances are splashed over the sunday Telegraph

2008-10-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

...did I really say that ? mmm.....guess all press is good press but theres a few corrections needed...its odd when you read an article about yourself you realise how innacurate most of the stuff you read about other people must be.....

I remember when I was singing with Wham! and there was shed-loads of press, one article showed a girl with Andrew showing off her engagement ring and he'd never set eyes on her - the pic was super-imposed.

hey ho..

Janey

Sat 11th Oct…in the style of Spinal tap…kick my ass..

2008-10-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

Oh in the style of that wonderful manager from Spinal Tap when he gets the Stonehnege stage set dimensions wrong...kick my ass... I VOWED to keep up my blog and look at me !! I consider myself dutifully reprimanded. its been an eventful few weeks, did I tell you about my life changing Turkey juice retreat ? must have done, it seems ages ago but the effects linger. Granted I am imperfect so food and drink other than fresh juices and smoothies have passed my lips, indeed the odd vertiably toxic beverage has indeed gone down my gullet but its not on a daily basis anymore and the good news is I'm feeling fantastic and have lost a stone - yip yip yippee ! the bad news is I have no clothes that fit me whatsover, I feel a massive rummage round the charity shops coming on.

I've also been to Barcelona which was wondeful, what a groovy (if thats not too old style a word) city. Where else do you get the combination of history, fab shopping and nightmlife combined with a wonderful beach ? well San Francisco maybe but thats a hell of a schlap...

With the credit crunch hitting badly I was asked about my 'money' for an article in tomorrows Telegraph money section. I think they've quoted me as saying I don't trust the FSA...not sure I said it quite like that but you know what I mean....anyways I narrowly escaped having my hard earned savings go down the Icesave shute...how about you ?

Pics coming I promise...my facebook page will be updated...promise...more great comps on the site....honest....agggghhhh !!!!
anyone want an admin job ? ....childcare position ?

mon 22nd sept

2008-09-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

well I promised I'd blog while I was away but thats some schedule I was on in Turkey, I am well and truly juiced !
It was a fantastic week and I'm hanging on to all the positivity as best I cam amidst - well total chaos, we had a joyous day yesterday, nit arriving home till 5am and being woken by 4 kids eager to see their mum at 7.00 Catching up on emails is like trying to catch up with Paula Radcliffe after a late start - ain't gona happen BUT I'm in new found I can do ANYTHING mode. all fired up on juicy living for a week

I'll reveal all the details and post as feature so watch this space...well the features space,

Fri 12th…a day spent re-arranging flights..

2008-09-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

its not the best wake-up to hear that the airline you're flying with the very next day has gone bust. We spent the whole morning (punctuated with driving kids to various activities) desperately trying to book more flights for my juicy retreat. Sadly so did about 30.000 other people - they were rearranging flights - not all going juicing but you get the drift.

Anyway 6 hours and another £500 later I'm still going, horrible invonvenient flight times but at least its booked.

I'm the worlds worst at packing, oh how I wish I could do that grown up 'capsule wardrobe' thing.

Impossible, I take heaps of clothes - all unsuitable and wear usually just one sloppy shirt.

I will still blog if I can get online

Promise
x

Tues 9th Sept. Happy birthday to my baby girl…

2008-09-09T04:36:00.000-07:00

..except shes not a baby anymore, I can't believe shes is 3 today. She got a huge baby doll in a pink babygrow as a gift and she strapped it into her buggy, I came downstairs and my heart missed a beat, it really does seem like only yesterday when she was that size and age !

The two little ones are enthralled and captivated by Peter pan and are still building pirate ships in every corner of the hourse with all manner of furniture as props, I mentioned this to Steve and Tim and they helpfully suggested I offer him the ironing board to 'walk the plank' ...God no, its the only bit of household paraphanalia he hasn't made use of yet...not that anyone makes use of an ironing board in our house.

Think of me later. I shall be rustling up fairy cakes and blancmange and praying for sunshine for Lulus tea party. I'm then flying off to do a piece on Home education for BBC London TV

Sun 6th Sept

2008-09-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

After an arduous journey to Bristol in the rain, it was all worth it - we stayed at the Ibis hotel and walked literally round the corner to a fab restaurant that doubles as an organic cookery school called Bordeaux Quay - highly recommended. the festival was great despite the rain and I saw lots of old freinds, well people who are featured on the site but they're kind of freinds now, hi to Sue from Green people, Sue from Natracare, Graham from Alma Win (Lavera) all the guys from Ecover, Carol from natural-house, Sam from Tatty Bumpkin and of course all at Neals Yard remedies who hosted my talk.

Today was good too, took the kids to the open air Heartbreak productions performance of Peter Pan. Sadly the open air theatre moved indoors as they couldn't predict the weather which ironically turned out fine but Rocky loved it, he insisted on wearing his own Captain hook cloak and 'hook hand' which didn't go unnoticed by the real captain hook, who hauled him out much to the delight of his little sister. He took it all in his stride of course, as if its every day hes standing calm and composed in the limelight in front of an audience...that boy must take after his mother...

Fri 5th Sept

2008-09-05T02:49:00.000-07:00

Well the good news is last night I went to Saf - the trendy new vegan raw food restaurant in Londons east end, it was sensational, amazing food and locally sourced - yes Kent - vegan wine ! watch for my review on the site and in Lifescape magazine. The bad news is we came out to find our car gone. We assumed it had been stolen so flagged down a passing police van who were really helpful, they traced it and it had been towed, we were nonplussed as we had paked on a single yellow line in a side street at 7,30pm. We got a cab to the pound miles away which cost us £25 and then coughed up - wait for it - take a deep breath - £260 !

I am so hacked off with Hackney council - it seems there was indeed no signs on the road at all but at the road entrance there was a high up 'controlled parking' sign which unusually had times on it - and they deem it that no-one can park till after midnight (?????????????)

Outraged and furious and broke of Herts.

Thurs 4th

2008-09-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm off the scale excited cos I've just got tickets for an outdoor production of Peter Pan. Boy 3 is bonkers about Captain Hook and dresses up in full regalia at all times, he bought yet another sword to add to his swashbuckling collection just today His wig is fullon full lengh and full of curls by the way, his dad borrows it sometimes to scare passers by awa from parking spaces near our house !

if you have a child with a similar bent this company look wonderful www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk
looks like they do lots of open air theatre through the summer, now all I need is decent weather - ha ha

Before that I'm off to the Soil Association Organic food festival and speaking with Neals Yard Remedies
Busy busy busy then...whats new

Sat 30th

2008-08-30T04:25:00.000-07:00

Well the firstborn was 10 last thursday and the sun came out, we had a lovely celebration and I went for an early morning walk and reflected on how my life has changed since having kids, bizarre when I remember that I was a career girl who wasn't going to have kids and here I am a mum of 4

It starts a run of balloons, jelly and ice cream (organic of course) as the baby girl is 3 next week and boy 3 is 5 in October, crikey how do we fit all that in.

Anyway on my early morning walk I saw a red envelope lying on the grass verge, in exactly my 8 year olds big scrawly handwriting it said 'mummy' Now its not like there are no other mummys in the world, but isn't it funny how we all think we're the only one ! I had to stifle the urge to pick up the card - and left it for its owner probably by now tearfully realising it had been lost as his mum opened her birthday gifts.

I did a talk at Champneys last night what a fab holistic place thats become, I'm jacking up a competition to win a holiday there and on this months tips going out monday 1st Sept there an offer code so if you need a pampering break check it out.

x

Wed 27th

2008-08-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Ah..back to my old ..hardly ever blogging ways then....We got back from cornwall and then went straight to the Greenbelt festival, what a mad weekend ! I LOVE Greenbelt, I've been going since the late 70's - (yes I'm scarily old) and it gets better every year - if different, in the old days.....there were top bands headlining - now its more of a christian arts festival, with a big family emphasis but its always inspirational and uplifting.

The boys did a breakdancing workshop and we saw lots of great new bands. I loved the tribute to Larry Norman, he was the godfather of Christian rock, sounds naff but truly he was a genius and he died earlier this year. Lots of bands did covers of his songs including Martyn Joseph and my mate Pete Banks from After the fire.

The weather was awful but who cares... we trudged around a muddy field, drank lots of cappucino (me) hot chocolate (boys 1 and 2) and spent a fortune on smoothies and hippy type kit.

We sat in the Sacred space area for a while, I lit a candle for a freind battling illness and just sat drinking in the silence and the icon art. The boys decided to write a prayer, I was all overcome with a feeling of pride till I noticed they'd changed their mind and decided to writie a review of the books they're currrently reading...well thats admirable too I hear you say...mmm...anyone looking over their shoulder would have seen the headings...Yucks Fart club and Horrid Henrys nits...oh well down from my holy moment and back to reality.

Fri 22nd

2008-08-22T03:41:00.000-07:00

It took me three times to write todays date, thats when you know you're chilled when you've lots track of the days.

Yesterday we were proper tourists and went to Lands End. Not my favourite kind of deal, queing up for ages to get nto the packed car park and milling around waiting for events that didn't happen (there was an air ambulance day but becasue of weather conditions etc etc)

I had an attacj of meanness and refused to pay the forty quid or whatever it would have been for us to do the various exhibitions and fortunateley the boys were happy to play on the adventure playground

Last night we went to the Gurnards head for a meal to mark the end of our hols

Bye bye cornwall, love you, see you very soon I hope

thurs 21st aug..St Ives

2008-08-21T04:28:00.000-07:00

Well I had to go back to meet Juicemaster Kate, showed her the Lifescape mag, that that one where the ttle for my juicy retreat article is 'the uicy way to lose weight' yet I am pictured in a puc from last Feb loking like an elephant.
Anyway we met at the surfers cafe and just about held onto our organic carrot cake while the screaming gulls whirled overhead.

I walked back up my favouirte hotel The Garrack to say hello and tell the owner that hes featured in the latest book, not in the travel section there isn't one but in the chapter on recycling cos he has such an nteresting take on it all as a small business owner.

I have zero energy today - I've 'stopped' for a while so my body is thinking...ooh whats that interesting feeling, lets get some rest in.
x

Tues 19th Aug …forgot to mention the sea

2008-08-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

How could I forget ? and how bizarre that I after years of managing to blog only once or twice a month have felt the need to write twice in one day, must be the sea air.

I ventured out this monring as the sun weakly appeared, oh there are loads of easy walks around here the organic farmer told me, but he hadn't reckoned on the fact that 'easy' to me means a stroll around St Johns wood rahter than finding the correct stile and footpath in the wilds of cornwall. anyhow I made it down to the sea and wild and wonderful it was too, Without sounding like a sixth former I never tire of watching the waves roll in and the more ferocious the better. I feel so alive as soon as I arrive here, particular if I'm close to St Ives - its quite weird. I sat and looked at the sea for ages and then made my way back up the hill, crikey I thought I was fit ! 'if you turn right at the stile' they said 'you can walk over the field to the pub,' Ah, more than one way at the stile, but I made it, wandered past a few cows who looked at me as if to say'you're not from thses parts' and finally past a farmers house, well through his back yard to be precise - funny these properties with footpaths through their gardens...and finally ontio the road, around one bend stood the pub, but not just any pub, the 'Tatler' renowned Gurnards head Gastro pub. I had a fabulous cappucino at London prices and then walked back

The gales died down, the tents going up and the sun is out.
Get down
x

Tues 19th aug wet and windy cornwall

2008-08-19T02:29:00.000-07:00

We're in wet and windy Cornwall, unbelievable that its high season. I don't care though, the train ride went on for hours, we were losing the will to live. the only respite was the heart lurching view when we got to the brdige and corssed into Cornwall

We're so remote here, it really is a different world, its such a problem being addicted to Cornwall - its just too far away - or maybe the real issue is that I don't live here and its me thats too far away.

We were meant to be campng on a freinds farm but there were warnings of a force 8 gale last nigth so we snuggled in sleeping bags in the main house.

The boys ate cereals this morning with milk fresh from the goat.

Fab

Janey