Lush, overgrown and green. We love our veggie garden. At Lemonwood we are all about going green. Clean eating, recycling, solar heating and life in the natural beauty.
All posts tagged lifestyle
Our Veggie Garden
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on March 9, 2017
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2017/03/09/our-veggie-garden/
Every day time management skills
The beginning of the year is the best time to get your time management skills in check. We have new deadlines, new opportunities and new business habits to form. One of these habits should include every day time management skills.
Here are a few time management tips from our friend Pippa Rowney.
Tip 1: Write it all down in your diary
Every Monday I start my work day of with my diary. I put every appointment (day or night) into the diary. This way I get a hold on the week and feel far more relaxed about how much is going on.
Tip 2: Schedule
I’ve learnt this skill from the line of work I’m in (social media marketing) and it really does make the world of difference. What I mean by scheduling is that I have assigned different days to different tasks. On a Monday and Tuesday I do all my online scheduling and planning. Wednesdays are research days and Thursdays I blog away all day. This way I know that I probably shouldn’t accept or plan any morning meetings on a Monday/Tuesday and I can manage my weeks much better. To do lists overwhelm me so that is why I find spreading your agenda across your diary makes the week seem WAY more manageable.
Tip 3: Allow for spontaneity
I sought therapy after my dad passed away and during our sessions my psychologist focused on this ‘oh so important’ element of spontaneity. She encouraged me to allow space for spontaneity and I have adopted that idea into my business. I don’t fill up my diary, I leave space for life to happen. Even when my diary does get a bit full, I carve out time for spontaneous coffee shop trips, or 30 minutes of focused meditation. I have found that this space gives me greater clarity and actually I become way more productive. The more I try to control everything the less in control I feel. The irony!
Tip 4: Rest
Be real with yourself about what’s important and what’s not. Allow yourself moments and days of rest. A tea break can clear your thoughts and give you inspiration. It’s true! If you are feeling overwhelmed, stop, breathe, rest for a moment and allow peace to fill you before you continue. Rest is necessary to avoid burnout. In this day and age the idea is that the busier you are the better, but there is a big difference between being busy and being hurried. Being busy when you’re managing your time is healthy, being busy when you haven’t managed your time well leads to hurry. Hurry is not a good place to be in, as most of the time you are so busy rushing to the next thing you actually don’t pay enough attention to the present task at hand.
We hope that these tips help you in your every day life. May you manage your time well in 2016 and may this year be one of great productivity and many happy memories.
Need to take a weekend out to rest? Email us to book some time in our cottages. You can contact us on booking@lemonwood.co.za or take a look at our website here.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on January 28, 2016
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2016/01/28/every-day-time-management-skills/
3 ways to fight that winter weight
We all know that winter can be a time where we comfort eat when we’re cold. Often what happens is because we can throw on a baggy hoodie and long pants we aren’t even aware of the weight we may be putting on. Never mind the extra glasses of wine we sip on during the chilly months.
Spring is upon us and as we start to lose the layers of clothing here are some ways to get your body back into shape.
Drink water
We are told it over and over again. Drink water if you want to lose weight. Well we’re saying it again. Water cleanses the body of toxins that inhibit weight loss and drinking 2 litres a day can have a great impact on losing those unwanted calories. It will also give you that feeling of being full and prevent you fro over eating when unnecessary. Add a slice of lemon for a bit of flavour if that will make it easier to drink. Hot water and lemon is also a great morning drink to kick start your metabolism.
Self love
Us humans can be way too hard on ourselves. Give yourself a break. You will lose the weight, there is no need to put pressure on yourself. You can do this! The way you think about yourself has a direct impact on how you look after yourself. Your thoughts can be the driving factor of weight loss. So be kind to yourself, think loving and patient thoughts of yourself, and you will notice a difference in your health and well being.
Daily movement
It doesn’t take a lot to get your blood pumping and a walk around the garden can do wonders for your body. Feeling uncomfortable in your clothes after winter? Try walking to start, maybe even add in some housework, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how good you’ll feel in a few months. If you live to far from a gym or don’t want to pay the fees there is a great app called 7 Minute Workout that motivates you to do 7 minutes of exercise a day. Start there and build on that momentum.
So before the Spring dresses come out, these are some things to think about should you be feeling the toll of winter. If not, hey, these are great ways to keep healthy and happy anyway.
Posted by Midlands Photographers - Photography for any reason! on August 27, 2015
https://lemonwood.wordpress.com/2015/08/27/3-ways-to-fight-that-winter-weight/