10 things to put you in a good mood this month
We’re heading into April – the sun is finally showing signs of making an appearance – something that makes us happy. Spring is also the time to take stock in the things that really matter to us. So, on that note, here are some items that are currently boosting our mood here at BALANCE.
1. Bach RESCUE Remedy – from £7.79
We’ve all had THAT kind of week. You know the one where nothing seems to be going right and our emotions seem to run wild and we feel overwhelmed. Enter a little extra support with Bach Original Flower Remedies! A range of 38 essences for however you feel or alternatively, try RESCUE Remedy to find support and comfort in times of emotional demand. Its clever little yellow bottle contains a combination of 5 iconic Bach Flower Essences. Simply add 4 drops of RESCUE or 2 drops of Bach Original Flower Remedies to a drink of your choice. I mean, Bach flower essences have been around since 1930 – so they must be doing something right. SHOP NOW
2. Lengbox Monthly K-Beauty Subscription – £30
There’s something soothing about performing a skincare routine – with the occasional Sunday night facemask. But for those of us who aren’t dermatologists, it can be tricky knowing what products to buy. Step forward Lengbox. Its monthly K-beauty subscription boxes are jam-packed with Korean skincare goodies, like sheet masks, serums, eye creams, toners, and SPFs. Each month (or however often you choose) you’ll get a box containing 5-7 different cosmetics products picked out and tested by the wonderful Ting, the founder of Lengbox. SHOP NOW
3. How to Grow Through What You Go Through by Jodie Cariss and Chance Marshall – £16.99
You may or may not be familiar with Self Space – an on-demand therapy service that you can access like a highstreet shop. Its aim is to make access to mental health support much easier. Well, fresh from opening up two more sites in Shoreditch and Borough, Self Space founders Jodie Cariss and Chance Marshall have published a brand new book. How to Grow Through What You Go Through aims to provide mental maintenance alongside the practices their clients do in their therapy sessions at Self Space. What we love about this is Jodie and Chance are realists. Their book doesn’t try to make life perfect but rather aims to equip you with everything you need to deal with the ebbs and flows. SHOP NOW
4. Pokita Gym Wear – £11-£80
Leave the bland gym wear in the wardrobe and browse Pokita’s latest range of gym wear. Not only does it have an amazing array of patterns (we’re loving the mint leopard) but it’s actually sustainable. Products are made from regenerated yarns from leftover material and waste garments, as well as recycled plastic bottles. Packaging is also made from recycled plastics, and other recyclable materials. Skorts (£50), shorts (£45), leggings (£55), and skeggings (£80) come with pockets big enough to fit your phone (always a plus). We also like that the crop top has side holes to take out the padding when you wash them – so no fumbling around trying to flatten out a lump of wet padding. But our absolute favourite is the very flattening black leopard skort – let’s just say we’ll be wearing that all summer. SHOP NOW
5. DIRTEA – from £29.99
There’s a lot to be said for the healing power of mushrooms. For centuries, they’ve been used in medicine to create healthier lifestyles, increase focus, and re-energise. So, when Andrew and Simon, founders of DIRTEA, experienced this first-hand they decided to put mushrooms at the heart of their brand. DIRTEA provides tea and coffee blends which incorporate mushroom extract powders sourced from family farms in Fujian – known as ‘The World Capital of Mushrooms’. For coffee addicts wanting a natural energy boost without the caffeine crash, there are two super blends in the range to try out. DIRTEA mushroom coffee (100% Arabica coffee with 1000mg of Maca and Ashwagandha) gives you a natural energy boost without the caffeine crash. High in antioxidants and good for gut health and immunity, it has beautifully smooth taste. And for hot chocolate lovers, the mushroom cacao is a blend of organic raw cacao and 725mg of Reishi and Ashwagandha – great for detoxing your liver and improving the quality of your sleep. SHOP NOW.
6. Flowers from Scent + Remedy – £60
Nothing quite says spring like a bouquet in a glass vase planted on the dining room table. Luckily Scent + Remedy – a new flower delivery company – has sprung up just in time. Each bouquet focuses on providing a sensory experience tailored to a specific mindset, by incorporating certain colours, scent combinations, and floral textures. Scent + Remedy currently has bouquets designed to calm, nurture, balance (we’re all about this one), inspire, uplift, and revive. This is the perfect treat to brighten up your dreary home office when work is stressful or to perhaps send to a friend who’s having a tough time. SHOP NOW
7. Punch Needle Kits from Whole Punching – from £32.50
There’s a certain satisfaction to be gained in creating something that can sit in your home without looking like a botched DIY project. Whole Punching has some ideal punch needling kits for anyone, from total beginners to experts. You’ll be able to make coasters (£45), cushion covers (£65), and hoops (£32.50-£40) in contemporary designs. Whole Punching has also recently launched its spring-inspired daisy design. However, our absolute favourite is the scallop cushion cover (£65). One of these kits is ideal for anyone looking to pick up a new hobby and find a creative outlet. SHOP NOW.
8. EASE Collection from Script Wellness – from £15
Nothing can throw you off-kilter more than debilitating period and menopause pains. Script Wellness has released its new EASE range specifically aimed at those suffering from menstrual pain, who are trying to avoid chowing down a whole packet of paracetamol across the course of their cycle. The EASE topical oil for menstruation which has a black peppery scent, contains essential oils and a very small extract of CBD. Rub this onto your abdomen to target the pain directly. The double-wicked vegan EASE candle is designed to create a sense of calm when battling dramatic hormonal changes. While our favourite, the tropically scented silent night pillow spray, is to help you sleep through the pain. SHOP NOW.
LISTEN: Check out our podcast with menopause coach Stefanie Daniels on how to manage menopause pain.
9. Meditation Cards and Gratitude Journals from Mål Paper – £14-£24
Mål Paper seems to have us covered when it comes to meditation, manifestation, and mindfulness. The Day of Gratitude Journal (£24) provides a daily page to jot down thoughts and focus on positivity – something Francesca Specter says she finds essential to keeping herself grounded. Meanwhile, the Meditation Card Deck issues the card taker with short mindfulness exercises, such as adopting the Pomodoro study technique for the day. We particularly like this one because it’s ideal for those that struggle to commit to mindfulness routines – just simply pick a card when time allows. Also, Mål Paper pledges to plant a tree for every order it receives. SHOP NOW
10. Squeaky Bean Plant-Based Kebabs – £3
Invite all your plant-based friends round for an evening of Turkish cuisine. Squeaky Bean has just launched a new range vegan kebab meat, including doner spiced beef and shawarma chicken style. Both are made with wheat and pea protein (which makes them high in protein) and seasoned with a variety spices. We think these would go well with some toasted flatbread and a side salad. You can pick Squeaky Bean’s new range up from Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado, and Asda. SHOP NOW