The start of a new year is often a time for starting fresh, when we look ahead to the future and focus on new projects and personal growth.

It seems only fitting that the New Year arrives during the heart of winter, at least where we’re from, so that by the time spring rolls around and the earth is coming to life we too feel refreshed, energized, and ready to bloom into our new and improved selves.

Our personal growth so far this year has involved learning how to brew the perfect pot of tea and making strides towards learning a new language.  We’ve also reconnected with our youthful energy and given gymnastics a try, and now we want to take things a step further and nurture ourselves from the inside out by following the advice of gardening expert Emily Murphy to find joy in the simple things and grow something fresh and delicious.

Emily’s philosophy for gardening — and for life — is simple: when you cultivate joy and growing in all parts of your life, wonderful things will happen. In other words: grow what you love.

Hot drink season is firmly upon us, and with National Hot Chocolate Day coming up on January 31^st we thought we’d share our favourite recipe for gourmet hot chocolate.

Courtesy of Simple Things Magazine, our resident experts on the finer things in life, this delicious recipe with warming flavours of cardamom and cinnamon will keep you feeling cozy for the rest of the winter.

Cheers!

A Guest Blog by Elfi Schlegel

New year, new goals, new dreams… New Year’s resolutions almost always involve getting fit. What’s stopping you?

It’s likely fear. Or a little voice in your brain saying it’s too much of a bother.

Well, I’m here to suggest an alternative to jogging or going to the gym or yet another fitness class. Here’s a shocker: I’m going to pitch gymnastics.