So it’s my BIG 60th birthday year, with lots of celebrations & still some more planned with family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues …..some I’ve grown up with & known for over 50 years, very special!

I’ve always loved to cook & bake, I am happy in the kitchen trying new recipes, cooking for family & friends. 

It started on Thursdays baking after school with my Mum, she baked everything from scratch, puddings, cakes, pies & I would help her at the kitchen table. 

So it’s a love of nurturing that has been passed down to me. 

I used to run children’s cooking clubs at school & sessions for home educated children, but after lockdown with all the changes & new regulations, this came to an end.

I have a small home baking business now with regular Pop Up events ~ which lots of you already know about & support. I’m very grateful to all my loyal customers who keep returning for my bakes & fundraising events. 

As part of connecting with the local community, I have an annual Macmillan fundraiser, a charity close to my heart! 

I also bake in the mornings for a local community cafe “Old School Cafe”. Here every Monday we run “Nourish” a food project for homeless  & those in need. I volunteer, proving a meal for those vulnerable in our community which they all enjoy & leave with “ happy tummies”! 

At home we are real foodies & sped lots of time in the kitchen & around the table!

We plan day trips to London or the coast around cafes, pubs or restaurants that we have read about or been recommended. 

This includes our holidays, often researching local food & markets first! 

My very first connection with yoga ~ we were camping / travelling in California & an Australian friend would clean her teeth whilst in the “ tree” pose. She said it was part of her daily routine & how important it was for balance. This obviously made an impression as I recall it over 30 years later! 

Several years on I started my own yoga journey,pregnant with Ben,  at an anti natal yoga class in North London .Lots of slow poses & breath work which really helped in labour! 

I used these techniques for Lucy & her home birth too. 

A few years ago I realised I needed to slow down, have some time for me & find a little headspace…..

Up popped Jordanna’s yoga class on FB at the Hunter Club, so I thought I’d give it a try, several locations & 4 years later , I’m still returning to the mat each week! 

Which in itself is surprising …. I’ve wanted to maintain the regular practise, with Jordanna’s support & encouragement & being part of the yogi community. 

Everyone is friendly, it’s not at all competitive, no one is looking at you & it doesn’t matter what you show up in , it’s being there that matters! 

Some days the practice is more energetic other times it’s slow , I enjoy the mix! 

I like the flows chaturanga into cobra & side planks , but I’m not good at remembering all the names, so I do prefer an in person practice , as I can watch Jordanna to make sure I’ve got the right pose! 

Headstands are my least favourite pose ! 

I even surprised myself when I managed the crab pose after weeks of practice!

Favourite location has to be outside ~ I’ve joined Jordanna in the Abbey Gardens, Gainsborough Gardens & West Stow in the summer. Being in the fresh air, in the sun, close to nature , watching the clouds overhead …..

Yoga has progressed from more than just “exercise” to more understanding of me , my body, acceptance & gratitude for my health & well being. Definitely helps with sleep & I’m probably now less self-critical. 

Other hobbies / interests ~ I have a cycling group of friends & enjoying bike rides in the local countryside , being outside & active. 

In lockdown, I started Joe Wicks daily & although I have to say I often “mute” him , I do return to YouTube for his free sessions! 

Advice~ just to do it, keeping returning to the mat & not to worry about others , do what you feel comfortable with , no one else is as critical of yourself as you! 

My motivation is to stay moving & stay flexible for as long as I can! 

One of my favourite places ~ on the Norfolk Broads aboard Lady Patience (my Aunt’s boat), the sound of the water, birds, close to nature in the sunshine just beautiful