Transitioning through Winter...
Some inspiration to help you pause and find joy
Join me for monthly inspiration in my heart-felt newsletter. Plus weekly simple, short, effective practices to do anywhere, anytime that help you weave real no BS self-care into your life.
Welcome
Here we go. The kids have broken up for the holidays, we’ve moved passed the winter solstice, Strictly is done for the year (and and I am SO happy Kaz Carney won - a beautiful, inspirational woman). I have candles lit as I type this, and Quality Street wrappers all over my desk - it’s my last afternoon of work of the year, and I’ve been trying to pull together lots of things that I think will help get you though until the new year.
So here’s my little round up of some things that I have found inspiring recently, some things I want to see and do and read over the holidays, and some ways to join me as we move into 2026.
I hope, as always, that this newsletter will provide you with some things to help you take a little pocket of time for yourself - to be inspired, to bring some joy and to help you support yourself with simple self-care. Something we all need more of!
Scroll down for a delicious festive recipe(ish), a whole load of ‘restmas’ self-care practices, a poem and a whole heap of inspiration - book, podcast, music, nature, art & things to ponder.
Susan x
A simple recipe…
Christmas citrus & bitters fizz
So this super simple recipe is a drink. It’s kinda a cocktail, but barely. But it is SO little effort for SO much deliciousness!. This has been my Christmas go-to for many years. Still a winner
Citrus, bitters and fizz - delicious. You could make a big batch for a party by multiplying up into a jug, then pour into glasses and top up with ice.
Serves 4-6
200ml Campari
200ml good quality orange juice (blood orange or clementine juice is extra festive, but any OJ is totally fine)
400ml prosecco, cava, crémant or champagne
6 orange/satsuma/clementine slices (ones from the bottom of a Christmas stocking perhaps?)
Mix the Campari and blood orange juice in a jug. Fill each glass a quarter of the way up with the blood orange mix, add ice, then top up with the fizz and finish with a slice of orange. Voila!
For those not drinking…
I’ve only heard good things (from a number of people) about this fiery ginger switchel and it’s a good and festive flavour in my book too.
2 minute self-care…
Restmas Bingo
It’s a beautiful time of year, but Christmas can also mean that you feel your stress levels rise. So if extra responsibilities and commitments are already filling the weeks ahead, then grab a hot drink and wander through these ideas to help you create a calmer Christmas with some built in self-care and rest for you. It’s called ‘Restmas’!
Find out more, get access to some guided breathing practices and relaxations I’ve recorded, try some journalling prompts, and print your own Restmas bingo card here
Words to ponder
It took 3.8 billion years
of triumphant evolution,
remarkable collision,
an unbelievable confluence
made by sheer will and influence
of this infinite universe
and all of the stars
to get you here.
I hope you never doubt again
that even when you are in pain,
that you are a miracle,
that every part of you is incredible.
Miracle by Nikita Gill (from Wild Embers. HIGHLY recommended)
Inspiration…
Some things I’m loving right now & you might like too
This month my inspiration to click on, I hope you enjoy them too.
Some wonderful things to see in Wakefield
A book for this season (and for my new bookclub)
Songs to get you feeling festive by a legendary welsh woman
Music and musicians raising money and awareness
A last minute gift idea - because who doesn’t love a penguin?
A great podcast for all the Beautiful Misfits
The Turner Prize is in Yorkshire this year! Visit by 22nd February
If you’re in That London, here’s a very comprehensive round up of a seasonal treat
Some guided relaxations and meditations to see you through into 2026
Fascinating! if walls had ears…
This got me reminiscing, a really great concert by K&D
The next chapter on the story of us A great podcast series (all hers are fab btw)
If you’ve not watched, then what are you waiting for? Fascinating Start a series one.
Lets Come Together…
Here’s some ways we can come together in person!
Come and find some time and space for yourself. Slowing down, taking some real me-time is so very important for your health and wellbeing.
My Slow SATURDAY Mini Retreats are time and space for you to press the pause button on the stress and busyness of modern life.
They are simple yet deeply effective way of calming your nervous system, helping your body release deeply held tension, and giving your mind a break from that frazzled feeling that’s so common right now. We need this deep reset.
Come and join me on Saturday 17th January (only a few places left) and Saturday 28th February at 2.30pm for a gorgeous afternoon of rest, relaxation and self-care. Further dates include 28th March & 16th May 2026.
More info & booking for my Slow Yoga Mini Retreats here.
N E W - Yoga & Book Club
A brand new monthly yoga and book club, helping you carve out time for yourself both to read more, and to meet & connect.
Each monthly we’ll read a book (not yoga related), or indeed listen to it as an audiobook if you prefer. Then come along to a chilled out evening, where we’ll do a little gentle yoga, have a chat about the book, and then finish with a guided relaxation to end the evening.
Plus there will be tea and chocolate/treats.
These yoga & book club evenings are be relaxed and low pressure - part book club, part easing your body, part relaxation, part easy-going social event.
Limited places available
First one is Sunday 18th January 7pm
More info & booking here I hope you can make it.
Creative Workshops
I’ve got loads and load of ideas in the pipeline for some wonderful creative workshops. Ones open to everyone, ones for pregnant folk, and ones for mums and babies too.
So watch out for details in the new year once I’ve got dates all worked out. It’s going to be really lovely.
That’s all for this newsletter. Do drop me an email back and let me know how you found it. It’s always lovely to hear from you.
I wanted to wish you a very lovely festive break, with lots of good food Christmas, moments of joy to savour, and the opportunity to escape with a book and a giant box of Ferrero Rocher if that’s your bag. (100% mine.)
Now I am off to make an Anna Jones almond and sour cherry christmas pud. Huge thanks for a wonderful year’s company. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas.
See you in 2026
Susan x
