A Gift From The Gods has asked me to share some of my tips on being a new (very busy!) mum for Mother’s Day.
What was it like to be pregnant and give birth during covid?
Being pregnant throughout a worldwide pandemic has been something which no new mum plans for and has been a tough and busy challenge within itself. I spent the whole of my pregnancy shielding at home through fear of safety for my unborn baby. It was scary at times and also a little heart-breaking as no-one even got to see my bump in real life!
Hospital visits were also a little daunting without having Cobey’s dad there with me to support me through all those vital appointments. It was bittersweet watching Cobey wriggle round on the screen knowing his dad wouldn’t be able to see this. But we’re grateful to all the staff who reassured us and worked so hard to keep us safe during those visits.
There was one massive benefit to being pregnant during lockdown and that was being able to work from home. During those first nervous twelve weeks this was a bonus! The extra hour in bed and avoiding the commute and being able to live in pyjamas was a real treat.
Being a mum on the go, do you always make lists and plan?
I’m a big list lover! I make lists for cleaning, to do lists, shopping lists and even meal prep lists. My love of stationery definitely comes in handy here as I refuse to start the day without at least one list being made.
I love a weekly planner for planning out our meals. It helps keep me focused, helps with our budget planning and also ensures we’re not eating the same things over and over again. I love the girly design of this weekly planner https://agiftfromthegods.com/collections/stationery/products/a-gift-from-the-gods-calligraphy-hearts-pink-weekly-planner and it looks super cute in my kitchen where I can see it every day to ensure we stick to our meal plans.
I refuse to leave the house without a mini notebook. I carry one in Cobey’s changing bag, I have one in the car and I always have to have one on the bedside table - I find all my ideas come to me right before bed so I have to note them down before I forget. For me a pack of 3 notebooks is the easiest option https://agiftfromthegods.com/collections/stationery/products/a-gift-from-the-gods-polka-dots-white-set-of-3-mini-notebooks I am never without one and I can keep one in each of my favourite spots. The white design also goes with my white pram and changing bag - another thing I LOVE to match!
The biggest thing I can suggest to new mums is buy yourself some gorgeous new stationery. Taking that gorgeous new pen out of your hospital bag to jot down those first feelings when you see your precious bundle of joy or even to write your needs down you feel so much more organised. I couldn’t have my changing bag without a pen and I love that this one matches ours https://agiftfromthegods.com/collections/stationery/products/a-gift-from-the-gods-geo-white-pen
If you have a new mummy friend in your circle, buying the gift of stationery is something not many think of but it’s one thing I couldn’t live without - smart phones are great but does anything actually beat writing things down? We still write out our bottle amounts and nappy changes - and great for night feeds as we can leave each other messages without waking each other up - the little things hey! This set is super cute to gift https://agiftfromthegods.com/collections/stationery/products/a5-journal-pen-set-pink-hope
What are your tips for relaxing in style and comfort with baby?
I find that with such a long lockdown comfort is key. Especially with a new-born it’s so important to be comfy. I love satin pjs for this. They look like you’ve made an effort but they are so easy to relax in. A button-down front jacket is amazing for those skin to skin moments that your baby needs and the satin feels like a real luxury on both mine and Cobey’s skin.
I love these satin pjs - https://agiftfromthegods.com/collections/sleepwear/products/a-gift-from-the-gods-purple-shorts-satin-pjs. If there’s one thing to treat yourself to as a new mum, I suggest invest in some nice pjs. Especially for after birth. You want to make yourself feel amazing and for me some new pjs always make me feel a million dollars! The button detailing is also great for feeding.
It’s definitely true you can never have too many pyjamas, especially with a new baby! I’ve needed to invest in so many more and I keep blaming Cobey but one more set won’t hurt - right?
What are your recommendations for keeping your family inspired and motivated during lockdown restrictions and your hopes for the future?
I would be lost without my pram. Every day I plan for an hour’s walk. To feel the fresh air and to have a reason to get up and leave the house. This helps us build a healthy daily routine and to get us out and about in a safe manner. A walk around the local park helps keep me focused for when brighter days are coming. And they are nearly here.
I’m most looking forward to being able to explore the world with Cobey and my family. To take him out to the zoo, to a little farm nearby and to go to baby classes and meet other mums and babies. We have hopes to travel at some point but it’s made us realise, as a family we’re much more grateful to be able to do the smaller and simpler things in life right now.
What do you wish for on Mother’s Day?
It will be my first Mother’s Day as a new mummy and I’m most looking forward to being with my boys. To spend the day in our pjs soaking up all the new-born snuggles. I really have learnt during Covid that it’s so important to treasure those smaller special moments. I feel super lucky to have my little family and I couldn’t wish for anything more - although a hot cup of tea in bed wouldn’t go a miss ;)
@katiemariephillips
]]>
2020 has undoubtably been a very stressful year for everyone. In addition to the usual 21st century stresses of deadlines, information overload, endless emails, demanding jobs etc., we’ve all had the additional worries related to Covid-19: job insecurity, health concerns, missing loved ones, cancelled holidays and plans - the list goes on….
Much of the reason we feel stressed and anxious is because we tend to ‘hold on’ to thoughts, worries and problems, instead of letting them go. The good news is that there are many easy ways to help de-stress and find more inner peace and stillness in our day to day life thanks to yoga and other simple techniques. They don’t cost a thing, and you can practice them anytime you need. So why not try some of these at home and see how you feel.
Conscious Breathing
As simple as it sounds, conscious breathing really is just breathing and being conscious and aware of it. The way we breathe sends messages to the brain and body, telling us how we should be feeling in that moment. A short, shallow breath indicates there’s something to be stressed about. A slow and long breath lets the whole nervous system know there’s nothing to fear. Conscious breathing slows our heart rate, relaxes muscles and reduces anxiety.
How to:
Shaking
When animals have been in danger from a predator or an enemy, they naturally "shake it off” when the danger has passed. We humans, however, tend to store these stressful experiences in our minds and bodies. Simply shaking your whole body each day can do wonders and really allows you to release deeply-held tension from both the body and mind.
How to:
Begin by stamping your feet, then gradually move up the body, shaking more and more of it. Eventually let your whole body shake, releasing anything you’ve been holding on to today. Continue for as long as feels comfortable, and then come back to stillness, place both hands on the abdomen, close your eyes for a few breaths and notice how you feel.
Reconnecting With Nature
Now more than ever, spending time outside is so important and so beneficial for both our bodies and minds. Even if you can’t make it to the countryside, a walk in your local park is a great remedy for reducing stress and anxiety.
The combination of fresh air, natural colours (especially the beautiful colours of autumn), daylight, sounds and outdoor movement combine to help elicit the relaxation response, bringing the body and mind back to a state of balance and rest, allowing us to gain a sense of clarity and calm.
So step outside and observe the colours, scents, sights, sounds and textures around you. Go for a walk somewhere you can be amongst trees and plants. Try to be present with what is around you as you walk and allow other distractions in your mind to fade away.
Slow and gentle yoga
During stressful times, what our bodies and minds really need is to be able to slow down, take deep rest, move gently and to connect to our breath. Stronger and more dynamic yoga practices are fantastic, but to really soothe our nervous system we need slower and more mindful practices. Restorative and yin yoga can be great practices when we need to replenish and deeply rest, and slower ‘somatic’ movements can also be really beneficial. Here are a couple of simple practices to try at home:
Neck, shoulder and upper back release
Many of us hold a lot of stress and tension in our neck (and as a result also in our jaw) so this can be a great movement to do regularly.
Taking time to rest - Legs Up on the Chair
Raising the legs above the head and hips is highly soothing for our nervous system and allows our whole body to calm down.
Practising at least one of these techniques each day can help shift the body and mind into a new state where we’re less pulled and pushed by the world, less stressed and reactive, and more calm, clear, present and positive. Give it a try and notice the difference in how you feel…..
Sarah Burgess is a London-based yoga teacher, who teaches classes primarily in East London, as well as in a number of corporate gyms in the City of London. During lockdown all of her classes and workshops are being live-streamed via Zoom.
She also offers individual and small group private classes to help people achieve their own specific goals, focus on their individual needs, and address particular health concerns and injuries.
She has been practising yoga since 2001, teaching for over 12 years and is registered as a Senior Teacher with Yoga Alliance. She enjoys practising and teaching the full breadth of yoga styles, from dynamic ashtanga and vinyasa through to quieter and more healing practices of restorative and yin yoga as well as being an experienced pre and post-natal yoga teacher.
To find out more about Sarah and her upcoming workshops and courses, visit: https://www.sarahburgessyoga.com/schedule/ or follow her on Instagram @yogini.sarah
If you’re feeling in need of some self-care and soothing, you can join Sarah for her forthcoming online workshops:
Yoga for Better Sleep - Sunday 29th November - 19h00-21h00 - live online
A Mid-Winter Retreat: Yin Yoga, Meditation and Deep Relaxation - 15h30-18h00 - live online
]]>We’d like to introduce you to one of our brand photographers, Ariana and her story of working with us.
Hi, I'm Ariana and it's a pleasure to meet you. Here you will discover a little about me and my profession as a photographer.
]]>Hi, I'm Ariana and it's a pleasure to meet you. Here you will discover a little about me and my profession as a photographer.
Well, I am a Brazilian photographer and my hometown is Campo Grande. It is a big city with a small town feel where many tourists visit the Pantanal, a natural region that encompasses the world's largest tropical wetland area and flooded pastures in the world. What I like most about Campo Grande is that we can easily see macaws flying and singing around the city.
Today I live in Cambridge in the UK for at least one and a half years. I moved to England with my husband after he received a proposal to work in London and of course, he asked me if I would like to have the experience of living in another country. As a photographer, I couldn't say no! So, since we arrived at Gatwick Airport, I am still in love with England.
I am a freelance photographer and I really love what I do. I started my photography business in 2016 and taking photos has always been something I have enjoyed but never even considered it as a career as it was my hobby. In 2016 when I finished university I decided to make a business of it and I haven’t looked back since!
We wanted to know what she likes about the UK and how she has promoted herself and her business.
When I say this the British are shocked by me, but what I like most about UK is the weather. Perhaps because it is so different from my city; here the seasons are well marked, so we can differentiate between summer, spring, autumn and winter. In my region in Brazil it is usually 38 degrees almost the whole year… OK, I can say we have 2 weeks of winter with between 17 to 22 degrees.
Also, here there are other things that I love, and sorry, I don't know how to choose between one of them so I will try to be quick: I love to know about the history of the world and to me the UK tells a lot about it. Not to mention that London is a cosmopolitan capital and very organized compared to others in the world and here also there are a lot of job opportunities and amazing places to photograph.
How would you like to develop your career in the UK?
In Brazil, I shoot a lot of family and weddings, but ever since I moved here, I've been developing myself in the commercial photography sector and I am loving to do it. One of my career plans is to focus more with professional photography for social media and web sites: lifestyle and branding.
What have you done to promote yourself?
When I moved to England I didn't know anyone, so I started to contact some London influencers via Instagram. Soon after they talked about me on social media, several people came to me for rehearsals and weddings and I started to become known with more people starting to see my work and become interested in it.
The same thing happened when I started on A Gift From The Gods. I was interested in learning more about commercial photography and how to work with it, so I requested the opportunity for freelance work experience and to spend time in the studio. From then I became a photographer of the brand based in Cambridge and I am very happy since that.
What did you achieve?
I managed to learn to think about the research and planning of a photographic project. I learned that looking for references does not mean doing the same work as another photographer, but it is an inspiration and a way to organize your line of thought for your own session. I researched, planned and managed a lifestyle and branding photoshoot in Cambridge.
What advice would you give to someone to build their portfolio and develop their skills?
My advice is: never stop yourself, go for opportunities and create trusting relationships with your clients. If you find a project that can help you a lot, go to talk with them and offer your service as a volunteer. These can help you to showcase your skills and willingness to work. Make the effort to learn and adapt.
]]>This week’s LFW was a whirlwind of high fashion and street style, celeb spotting, and some full on paparazzi posing. There was the big, the bold, and the utterly bonkers on the catwalks to explore as designers embraced a more is more approach to new-season dressing. And with London packed with the cream of fashion royalty, there was an amazing buzz across the city. Here at AGFG HQ, we loved every minute!
Heading into the Bora Aksu show, we bumped into friends and all round Today’s Goddesses Patricia and Emma from @the.style.sessions for a proper fashionista style-out.
A Statement Tote Makes The Right Fashion Note
A beautiful autumn day bathed the fashion crowds in balmy sunshine and an upbeat atmosphere. The buzz gave everyone a smile was the perfect opportunity to show off fabulous dresses and outfits, topped off with a pretty but practical tote bag. These came in very handy for all the generous freebies and giveaways by the London Fashion Week sponsors – a real treat #todaysgoddess
Taking Style Notes
The catwalk itself is such a thrill to watch as the invited guests finally settle down and the music gears up and then you get that first glimpse of all those fabulous trends. Everyone takes photos but you do need to scribble down notes and doodles. The girls were all prepared with their A Gift From The Gods A6 Spiral Notebook and A Gift From The Gods A6 Hot Pink Notebook. They had plenty of #pouchappeal too with the A Gift From The Gods Pouch.
]]>
Hi Elisha. Thanks for sitting down with A Gift From The Gods! What inspired you to get into blogging?
I started my blog back in 2013 when I was at drama school, as I missed writing. I realised that I hadn’t done any writing for years, despite it being my big passion all the way through my life. So, I started a blog to use as my little outlet for that passion. It began as a personal online diary of-sort. Then I began writing theatre reviews for West End productions as I was living in London. Once I moved back up North, I started to write about local businesses around me and was a big advocate for how you can live the London lifestyle up north.
What do you enjoy most about being a lifestyle blogger?
I am passionate about promoting businesses, especially small independents. All businesses started as one person’s dream and I think that it is wonderful to support that and help them achieve the dream they once had and the bravery to get up and go for!
If you dream of starting your own blog, why not write down your first big ideas in one of our stylish A Gift From The Gods notebooks? For Elisha, it has to be the gorgeous Get Your Goddess On A5 Notebook in head-turning navy and gold.
I have big plans for my Get Your Goddess On A5 Notebook. I’m going to take it on my solo travelling trip this August and use it as a journal, business planner, and maybe even use it to jot down blog ideas. I might even finally start writing that novel I’ve been meaning to write for 6 months…
Elisha is based closed to the iconic Yorkshire town of Harrogate. We asked her to share her favourite places to visit as well as the most Instagram-worthy places to grab a picture or two.
Harrogate seems like an amazing place to live. How long have you lived there and where are your favourite hidden gems?
I was born at Harrogate Hospital and grew up in nearby Knaresborough. I moved away for drama school in Guildford, Surrey, and lived in London for a brief while before working on a Disney cruise ship as a performer. After that, I returned home between cruise ship contracts and I’ve never returned to London. I love my home. Now I’m back living in Knaresborough and working between Harrogate and Leeds.
For hidden gems, All Bar One (17-23 Parliament St, Harrogate HG1 2QU) in Harrogate has a surprisingly nice beer garden out back! Also, you need a brownie from Little Breads (160 King's Rd, Harrogate HG1 5JG). There are a few restaurants that look amazing but I am still yet to go to as I forget they’re there, because they’re slightly out of the main roads in town - they are called Saranda (7 Station Bridge, Harrogate HG1 1SS), The Tannin Level (5 Raglan St, Harrogate HG1 1LE), and Three’s A Crowd (11 W Park, Harrogate HG1 1BL).
Where are some of your favourite restaurants and bars?
I love the little strip of bars where Banyan and Pitcher & Piano (5-6 John St, Harrogate HG1 1JZ) are for after-work drinks. Lucia’s (3 Ripon Rd, Harrogate HG1 2SX) has a lovely balcony to sit and eat at, but my ultimate spot for cocktails in the sun is on the terrace at The Ivy. Mama Doreen’s Cake Emporium has the cutest afternoon tea around (31-33 Cold Bath Rd, Harrogate HG2 0NL)!
Where are the top landmarks to visit if you’re visiting Harrogate for the weekend?
Of course, you should visit Betty’s, the iconic Yorkshire tearooms serving traditional afternoon tea. It’s also Betty’s centenary year, and they are doing lots of special celebratory events and limited edition treats – it’s a great time to visit! Take a picnic to The Stray, head out for a walk in Valley Gardens, and if you fancy a spa day, there’s the gorgeous Royal Baths.
Can you share the best or secret Instagrammable spots in Harrogate?
Definitely the terrace at The Ivy - the walls are coated with hundreds of flowers by Helen James Flowers (63 Station Parade, Harrogate HG1 1ST), so it is perfect for instagrammable shots. Gino’s has amazing cocktails on their prosecco bar terrace and All Bar One has a surisingly cute beer garden out back. It feels like you are on holiday and is great for photos!
If you’re planning a weekend away in beautiful Harrogate, you are going to need beautiful sleepwear. Why not be silky-in-pink like Elisha in our #AGiftFromtheGods Pink Satin PJ Shorts Set?
I love the Pink Satin PJ Shorts Set. I’ve never worn pyjamas so luxurious before and I feel so fancy in them!
It sounds like life is pretty hectic for Elisha, between working, blogging, and travelling! We asked her for her tips on making the most of her downtime and what inspires her to write her fabulous blog posts.
How do you like to wind down?
I’m actually really bad at ‘winding down’. When I have spare time, I love going out for dinner and drinks with my friends and loved ones. I often take myself out for lunch and read a book while I wait or go for a long walk with my dogs. I truly believe that walking in the outdoors is good for the soul!
What inspires your blog post topics?
All sorts of things inspire me. Usually, I write about what my friends and I have been discussing within our lives. We are influenced by the things we see and experience every day, so my life in North Yorkshire, growing up in my twenties and the whole ‘figuring out who you are’ thing are big influences on my blog right now. Not to mention my love for travelling!
If your hectic lifestyle means you struggle to slow down, it’s probably time to sit back and sip something refreshing. Elisha loves to relax with a drink in one of our statement mugs.
The A Gift From The Gods Calligraphy Slogan Print Mug is such a cute addition to my ever-growing mug collection. It is the perfect size for a morning cup of tea, and it gives you positive, affirming vibes for your day.
What A Gift From The Gods Accessories do you use?
The Calligraphy Slogan Pink Clear Pouch is another great addition to my travelling luggage. I can put all of my makeup in the pouch and easily pass it through airport security without having to put it in one of their plastic bags and be on my way quickly and easily. I also love the White Leather Rope Bracelet. The white bracelet is simple yet trendy and goes with everything I wear.
It has been lovely getting to know you Elisha. We can’t wait to see where your blogging adventures take you next!
Has Elisha has inspired you to #GetYourGoddessOn? Why not visit the AGFG online store today? There you’ll find all the accessories, stationery, and sleepwear you need.
]]>Hi Klementina. Thanks for joining us for a fashion day in London! Tell us about your studies, your course and where you study?
Hi A Gift From The gods. Thank you very much for the invitation to such an exciting event.
I am currently doing my Masters Degree in Communication and Media Sciences as an academic exchange student in Antwerp, Belgium where I study mostly business, international sales management, google search advertising, product development, marketing and other things related to business.
How was your day at London Fashion Week?
London is one of my favourite cities, it’s always a pleasure for me to visit, especially this time when I could attend this beautiful fashion show. It was so much fun I could not wish for a better day! We started the morning at this beautiful place called Dalloway Terrace where we had brunch. I really liked the decoration with this cozy winter vibe and the cappuccino was very good. It was much needed on a cold day. Then we went to the fashion show which was held in a Church in the heart of London. The location was perfect for the show, telling whole story with the models, clothes, music and the venue. After the fashion show I had a bit of time to look around and enjoy London for two hours before my flight. I wish I could stay longer…
How can you incorporate your day into your studies and what did you learn?
You know, it’s always good to attend these kind of events. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, talk with them, network and understand their business. To learn how they market their collections and use social media. It’s an exciting industry and all this practical experience helps me to build my knowledge. You never know what the future brings to you.
What inspires you to create content for your Instagram profile?
I like to share photos from my travels because I travel quite a lot and I think I am very lucky that I had chances to visit lots of amazing places in this beautiful Earth. When I travel, I do share a lot in my Insta stories because I like to document everything, it’s a marketing exercise. Also, I love fashion and I like to post fashion related images. I just hope people who follow me on Instagram they get something back for example inspiration, travel ideas or just where to go for a good coffee.
What are your favourite A Gift From The Gods accessories?
Ohh..this is a hard question. Honestly, I can’t pick just one. I would say my top three is:
A Gift From the Gods pink clear pouch because it looks very cool and when I travel and I use it for my jewelries. It makes my life easier because I see what is there and I don’t have to look for example for my earrings. The other one is A Gift From the Gods pink square cosmetic bag. It has the perfect size for my makeup things, everything fits there and super easy to clean it. And the last but not least the pocket notebooks. I start my day every morning to write down my to do list and my goals for that day so it is very useful for me. This notebook looks very cute and I love it because it doesn’t matter the size of my bag I can take with me everywhere I go thanks to the perfect size.
]]>