Category Archives: Gifts

Being kind can reduce chronic inflammation. Who knew?

On 10 January, in Dr Michael Mosley’s series, Just one Thing, there’s an episode called Be Kind. In it, Mosley talks to Dr Tristen Inagaki, PhD of San Diego University whose studies show that being kind improves our immune systems and … Continue reading

Posted in Baking, Gifts, Goodness, Health, Kindness, Love, Mental Health, Mind, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Ukraine: & how we can help #StandWithUkraine

Ukraine flag. Credit: Ayhan Altun/Getty Images click on the images below for links about where and how to donate money or supplies and how to support people directly. from the Guardian: from the BBC: from the UK government page: and … Continue reading

Posted in Allyship, Democracy, Gifts, History, Human Rights, Love, Refugees, Ukraine | Leave a comment

Valentine’s Day Traditions

There are at least three different saints who answer to the name Valentine or Valentinus. One legend of St Valentine tells how, when in prison, he sent a letter to a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter. He signed it: ‘From … Continue reading

Posted in Flowers/Blossom, Food, Gifts, Jewellery, Love, Presents, Traditions, Valentine's Day | Leave a comment

Worldwide Ways of Welcoming New Year

Different peoples in different countries do different things to welcome a new year. In SIBERIA, in Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world, and in the River Lena nearby, a Christmas Tree is taken to the bottom on … Continue reading

Posted in Allyship, Antiracism, Creativity, Flowers/Blossom, Food, Gifts, Human Rights, New Year Celebrations, Places, Racism | Leave a comment

Buy Black for Christmas (and beyond)

If you’re white, like me, perhaps you haven’t consciously thought about seeking out Black-owned businesses and shops to buy from. My own seeking-out was prompted by the marvellous Nova Reid (whose antiracism course has taught me so much about my … Continue reading

Posted in Allyship, Antiracism, Books, Christmas, Creativity, Gifts, Presents | Leave a comment

Valentine’s presents; and Pen Heaven

If you haven’t yet bought a present for your Valentine who might, of course, be yourself,  you could indulge in this for your toast. You’ll find it here. Or this, for your wine: from here. But if neither of these appeal, … Continue reading

Posted in Gifts, Pens and refills, Presents | Leave a comment