Bath-time reading...

We made it to Cornwall and it was beautiful! Not as hot as Kent, where we live, but stunning and so windy! I'm embarrassed to say I got wind burn.  I read this book ... The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer.    It's intriguing and thought provoking.  I found it quite slow to start with, but was really fascinated as it continued.  The premise is the authors decision just to 'surrender' to the forces and requests of the people around him. Or as the saying goes ... when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!  It is in opposition to the thought that we can control our own destiny and make distinct decisions to change the outcomes of our lives.  I don't think that it would be 100% for me, but it surely is a mindset that could be helpful at certain times. 

Thinking...

I was thinking about travel last month. This month is throwing up even more issues about travel in general.  As you know, we love a bit of luxury at No Secrets, and my only thoughts on British beaches are ... can we have some sun loungers please!  Must be a business opportunity for someone here!  

It's surely time to embrace all things British (including our wonderful boutique British Brand!)  Our products are stocked by a fabulous gift shop called Blightys in Cranbrook, Kent. It's always a huge benefit for people to see and - more importantly - smell our range!   We'd love to find other stockists across the country but our normal avenues - trade fairs - have all been put on hold due to Covid-19. If you know of a gift shop near you where you think No Secrets would fit in, do please let me know through our contact page!   

Loving ...

This month we've teamed up with a wonderful Aromatherapy Jewellery brand, Oyl'e London, to offer our readers a chance to Win both of our Essential Oil Blends and a Rose Gold Bracelet!  You dab your chosen essential oil onto a wool bead which fits into the bracelet.  It's a way of wearing the fragrant oils as perfume. The added bonus is that you will also benefit from the supportive properties that the oils offer!  I have been wearing one all summer, interchanging our Oil Blends according to mood, and am loving the concept.  

To enter, pop over to our social media channels!

Cooking...

Plum Crumble

A bowl of plums from the garden ... I put them in a pan with 3-4 tbsp of water and simmer very gently until soft  (you can then squeeze the stones out) with 2 sliced, sweet apples.  

No sugar  - perhaps add a dash of orange juice to sweeten - I like it quite tart and the children are used to it too. 

Crumble topping - we use 100g porridge oats, 100g ground almonds, 100g of plain flour and diary free spread (butter of course would work, but I'm dairy intolerant).  Again very little sugar .. perhaps a couple of table spoons.

Rub the flour and fat together, until it resembles breadcrumbs, and then add in the oats and ground almonds; or combine all in a food processor or similar. 

Spoon the fruit into an oven proof dish and pour the crumble topping over the top. Bake at 180C for 20-30mins or until browning on top. 

Yum Yum!

Have a great August!