What to do in Leamington Spa for a day

Leamington Spa conjures up images of genteel ladies taking the waters before devouring a cup of Earl Grey and a crustless cucumber sandwich.  While much has changed since it’s thriving spa town days, it’s immaculate gardens and regency streets still retain an air of grandeur.  In need of a break over Easter, we set off to explore this Midlands gem.

ornamental structure in Jephson gardens, Leamington Spa
ornament in jephson gardens, leamington spa
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Kew Gardens Orchid Festival: a blissful winter escape  

Kew Gardens Orchids Festival offers a much-needed blast of flamboyant colour to drab February days. Bringing the warmth of Africa to our shores this year, the Prince of Wales Conservatory is once again the host for this year’s floral extravaganza. Feeling in desperate need of some colour and warmth, I took a Friday off work to escape to another world.

close up of pink and purple orchids at kew gardens orchid festival
pinks and purple orchids at Kew gardens orchid display
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Bentley Priory Museum: exploring Battle of Britain history

Bentley Priory Museum is undoubtedly one of greater London’s hidden gems.  Located near Bentley Priory nature reserve, this grade II* listed mansion was the Headquarters for Fighter Command during World War 11.  Acting as an intelligence filter on incoming air raids, RAF Bentley Priory helped us win the Battle of Britain and maintain the free world. Intrigued, I took an afternoon off to find out more. 

statue of fighter pilot at Bentley Priory Museum
close up of fighter pilot at Bentley Priory
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How to fit 10,000 steps a day into your work day

Do you take 10,000 steps a day?  I recently attended a wellbeing webinar at work which highlighted the important of reaching this lofty goal.  We all know the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle but how easy is it to fit five miles into the average working day?  And do we really need to reach 10,000 steps a day to reap health benefits? Read on to find out more.

girl walking up stairs
Woman walking 10000 steps up stairs
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A day of foodie indulgence at Eataly London

Making up for the lack in weekday suit trade, the Eataly London opening has generated throngs of weekend visitors to the City. Attracting 7 million visitors a year in New York, the Italian food emporium injects fresh inspiration into the Square Mile’s retail offer. Deprived of a trip to Florence or Rome, I decided to grab a slice of la dolce vita right here in London.

tomatoes on display at Eataly London
display of tomatoes at Eataly London
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The surprising new skills I’ve gained during this crazy 2020

As 2020 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the crazy year when everyone left the office. While this year has certainly had its challenges, it has given the precious gift of time to be able to engage in creative pursuits.  From paper printing to fermented vegetables, I’m amazed at the range of new skills I’ve learnt this year. 

planting at horatio's garden at the royal national orthopaedic hospital in Stanmore
Planting Horatio’s garden at the spinal injuries unit in Stanmore
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JOMO: celebrating the joy of missing out in lockdown 2

So here we are again in lockdown 2 but this time we’re old hands at incarceration. As we adapt, it is easier to see the silver linings to our new way of living. JOMO is the new FOMO. While nobody would have wished for another lockdown, there are undeniably some benefits in winter.  Here are my own personal reasons to celebrate the joy of missing out on office life during lockdown 2.

woman using laptop and photo on a wooden table
aerial photo of woman using laptop and smart phone on a wooden table
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14 things I miss about office life

What are you missing most about office life? After four months of incarceration at home, I’m dying to get back to the office.  Ennui has set in and I’m completely over working from home.  Pining for the stimulation of my former life, I have compiled my top 14 things that I miss most about office life. Here’s hoping for a vaccine soon!

modern office reception area
modern office reception
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How to stay safe on the tube if you must return to the office

The government has announced that office workers can go back to work at the discretion of their employer from the 1 August.  But official government advice is still urging office workers to work from home if we can.  While many of us will continue to do so – what happens if your home circumstances suddenly change? As I’ll be facing this very predicament shortly, here are my top tips for staying safe during Coronavirus while riding the tube to work. 

tube train leaving station
Tube commuter train

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Outdoor cinema makes a splash at Paris Plages

Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it’s cinema via socially-distanced boats. As creative ideas go, the Parisians have certainly pushed the boat out in 2020.  This outdoor cinema extravaganza marks the inauguration of the Paris Plages 2020 celebrations. As part of this annual summer festival, artificial beaches pop up along the Seine transforming the City into a trendy beach resort. 

paris plages outdoor cinema on water
Paris Plages outdoor cinema event
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