Manner | Issue 19

MANNER

THE ULTIMATE BEAUTY SLEEP

A WEST MEETS EAST APPROACH

WHAT TO WEAR NOW BLACK&WHITE HOT PINK LUXE LEATHER COSY KNITS

AUTUMN'S MUST-HAVE COAT

VIEWING THE MIND AND BODY AS ONE

VIEWING THE MIND AND BODY AS ONE

CARLENE TODD CARLENE TODD

ON BEATING CANCER AND THE SUCCESS OF MALVA

ON BEATING CANCER AND THE SUCCESS OF MALVA

CONTENTS

Fashion

11. EDITOR'S PICKS

12. TRENDS: BLACK AND WHITE

14. TRENDS: LUXE LEATHER

16. TRENDS: HOT PINK

19. THE COSY KNIT

20. ARM CANDY

21. LUG SOLES

23. THE PUFFER

24. EDITORIAL: THE ART OF LAYERING

32. EDITORIAL: A WILD NIGHT

Cover shot by Mark Stephenson Carlene wears dress from All Saints Makeup: Sky at Mac

Wellness

40. COVER: CARLENE TODD ON BEATING CANCER AND THE SUCCESS OF MALVA

46. THE ULTIMATE BEAUTY SLEEP

48. SKIN DEEP

51. A WEST MEETS EAST APPROACH BY GEMMA DAWKINS

52. MENOPAUSE: A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND SOLUTIONS BY TRUDI ROSCOUET

55. THE DIARY OF A SOBER SISTER: JUST KEEP SWIMMING BY

MICHELLE O'CONNELL

56. RUNNING FOR MYSELF BY HARRIET ROSE

Lifestyle

61. TRENDS: SHADES OF GREEN

63. TRENDS: POP OF COLOUR

64. RECIPES: HEALTH KICK BY CHRISTIAN

GOTT

CONTRIBUTORS

Gemma Dawkins is a Mind-Body Therapist & Kinesiologist and the founder of GLD Space which aims to create awareness, provide support and build a community.

Mark Stephenson is originally from Liverpool, but moved to Jersey in 2008. He is a passionate semi-professional photographer. He specialises in lifestyle, fashion and portraiture.

Michelle O'Connell is the owner of Amélie Gift shop. She is passionate about wellness, and has recently hit the one year sobriety mark.

Christian Gott is a full-time chef here on his fourth and favourite island and a father of two. Any spare time is spent writing about food.

Jessica Shelley has been in the beauty industry for 13 years, freelancing as a hair and makeup artist for the last 4 years in Jersey.

EDITOR: Sophie Wilkinson 07829 828033

sophie@mannermagazine.co.uk

SOCIAL:

MannerJersey

@Mannerjsy

Trudi Roscouet is a qualified adult teacher and health and wellbeing coach. She specialises in the menopause, specifically in corporate training and awareness.

Editor's letter

For this magazine, I wanted to focus on wellness. We’re coming out of the summer and into the autumn, a time where many struggle with mental health as the darker nights and colder days creep in.

Kicking off the wellness feature is Gemma Dawkins. Gemma is a Mind-Body therapist who takes a holistic approach when it comes to health. Turn to page 51 to read about eastern vs western medicine. Trudi Roscouet continues the conversation on the Menopause this issue, discussing the signs, symptoms and solutions (page 52). The diary of a sober sister continues, but with a look at wellness in general - Michelle O’Connell shares her thoughts on sea swimming (page 55). Turning to page 56, Harriet Rouse talks about her running experience, explaining that once she let go of her school-related exercise trauma, she started to run, not to compete but for herself. Following the wellness theme, Christian Gott shares three healthy recipes that are nutritious and easy to make (page 64).

For the cover, I spoke to Carlene Todd. Carlene was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2018 after having symptoms for over 18 months. After six months of chemotherapy, she was declared cancer-free, but she was miserable when she looked in the mirror due to hair loss. After researching natural remedies, Carlene started to use a homemade treatment that helped her hair grow back thicker and stronger than before. With the encouragement of friends and family, Carlene launched Malva. To date, she has sold over 15000 bottles. You can read the full interview on page 40.

In the fashion section, you will find all you need for the season ahead, including cosy knits and the must-have coat. Trends include black and white, hot pink and luxe leather. Mark Stephenson photographed Rosie Moore for our layering editorial, whilst Steph Goncalves shows us how to do animal print in our Wild Night Out editorial, shot at Ce Soir.

As always, I hope you enjoy reading this issue.

Sophie Wilkinson @sophlwilko

FASHION

EDITOR'S PICKS

CARDIGAN £35, MARKS AND SPENCER

ROLL NECK BODYSUIT £9.99, H&M

JACKET £69.99, CHICHI

EAU DE PARFUM £200, TOM FORD

DRESS £189, MICHAEL KORS AT VOISINS

SKIRT £139, & OTHER STORIES

BAG £450, COACH

BOOTS £155, KURT GEIGER AT VOISINS

BLACK&WHITE

A classic combination that suits every ocassion.

SHIRT £50, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

JEANS £265, PAIGE AT NAUTILUS

GILET £110, AFFINITY

HEELS £126.36, KURT GEIGER AT VOISINS

DRESS £110, AFFINITY

SLEEVELESS CARDIGAN £49.99, CHICHI

DENIM JACKET £49.50, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

SHIRT £57, CHICHI

POLO NECK TOP £29, NAUTILUS

LUXE LEATHER

Soft buttery leathers in earthy tones will rein supreme this season.

SKIRT £45, CHICHI

DRESS £319, CHICHI

BAG £110, AFFINITY

SHIRT £59, MARKS AND SPENCER

COAT £157, RINO AND PELLE AT VOISINS

DRESS £261, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

DRESS £201, ALIGNE AT VOISINS

TROUSERS £230, PAIGE AT NAUTILUS

HOT PINK

Elle Woods approved, hot pink takes over as the season's hottest colour.

HEELS £139, KURT GEIGER AT VOISINS

CARDIGAN £48, CHICHI

BAG £18.99, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

DRESS £198, SCOTCH&SODA AT VOISINS

TROUSERS £39.50, MARKS AND SPENCER

JUMPER £113.75, TOMMY HILFIGER BAG £50, DUNE LONDON

JUMPER £50, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

BLAZER £46, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

THE COSY KNIT

Wrap up warm with layers of knitwear - be it a chunky pullover or a stylish cardigan.

CARDIGAN £135, SCOTCH&SODA AT VOISINS

PULLOVER £234, SAMSOE AT VOISINS

CARDIGAN £69.99, CHICHI

CARDIGAN £59.99, CHICHI

JUMPER £65, FRENCH CONNECTION

PULLOVER £247, JUMPER 1234 AT NAUTILUS

JUMPER £29.50, MARKS AND SPENCER

CARDIGAN £231, BASH PARIS AT VOISINS

ARM CANDY

From structured and practical to fun and fluffy, these are the season's hottest new bags.

BAG £120, DUNE LONDON

BAG £175, FURLA

BAG £750, MULBERRY

BAG £75, DUNE LONDON

BAG £230, MARC JACOBS AT VOISINS

BAG £315, KATE SPADE AT VOISINS

BAG £80, HVISK AT VOISINS

BAG £230, MARC JACOBS AT VOISINS

BAG £178, MOSCHINO AT NAUTILUS

BAG £81, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

BAG £395, COACH

LUG SOLES

Whether you prefer hiking, combat or Chelsea, toughen up any look with the perfect pair of lug boots.

BOOTS £POA, STUART WEITZMAN AT VOISINS

BOOTS £231, BASH PARIS AT VOISINS

BOOTS £131, SELECTED FEMME AT VOISINS

BOOTS £110, ALDO AT VOISINS

BOOTS £189, CARL SCARPA

BOOTS £149, KURT GEIGER AT VOISINS

BOOTS £150, STEVE MADDEN AT VOISINS

BOOTS £160, DUNE LONDON

BOOTS £160, DUNE LONDON

PUFFER

Supersized and super snug, puffers are set to be the go-to coat of the season.

PUFFER £135, AFFINITY

PUFFER £275, MICHAEL KORS AT VOISINS

PUFFER £309, MARELLA AT NAUTILUS

PUFFER £239, ARMANI EXCHANGE AT NAUTILUS

PUFFER £399, LK BENNETT

PUFFER £257, SCOTCH&SODA AT VOISINS

PUFFER £330, CALVIN KLEIN

PUFFER £160, FRENCH CONNECTION

MARK STEPHENSON

PHOTOGRAPHS ROSIE MOORE

STYLING: SOPHIE WILKINSON

ASSISTANT: TILLY AMY

HAIR: BRIDGET AT MADE HAIR

MAKEUP: CARMEL AT MAC

THE ART OF LAYERING

Keep the colour palette simple and add depth by focusing on different textures

CARDIGAN £44.50, GILET £68, TROUSERS £49.50, TRAINERS £39.50, COAT £98, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

SHIRT £99, REISS DRESS £342, SELF-PORTRAIT COAT £233, ALL SAINTS BOOTS £110, ALDO ALL AT VOISINS

SHIRT £49.99, HALTER NECK TOP £84, BLAZER £54, EARRINGS £24, CHICHI

POLO TOP £45, BLAZER £269, COAT £296, TROUSERS £125, ALL REISS SCARF £63, SELECTED FEMME BAG £414, MARC JACOBS TRAINERS £120, STEVE MADDEN ALL AT VOISINS

COAT £99.99, CAPE £45, CHICHI

DRESS £135

COAT £200

TROUSERS £80

DUNGAREES £98, JACKET £49.50, SCARF £18, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

JEANS £262, PAIGE BLOUSE £226, THE ABITO JUMPER £260, NOT SHY SCARF £40 NAUTILUS

A WILD NIGHT

Bring out your wild side with the latest collections of animal print.

MARK STEPHENSON PHOTOGRAPHS STEPHANIE GONCALVES IN CE SOIR STYLING: SOPHIE WILKINSON / ASSISTANT: TILLY AMY HAIR AND MAKEUP: JESSICA SHELLEY

DRESS £142, FREE PEOPLE

HEELS £110, KURT

GEIGER AT VOISINS EARRINGS £34, CHICHI

TOP £44.99, CHICHI BOOTS £233.10, KURT GEIGER AT VOISINS

BRALETTE £29, FREE PEOPLE AT VOISINS

TROUSERS £36.50, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

CARLENE TODD

When Carlene was 29, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After completing chemo and now free from cancer, she went on a quest to regrow her hair stronger and healthier than before. Carlene shares her story.

Carlene Todd is your average 33-yearold. She's bright, bubbly and oozes confidence. She has a great job, a closeknit family and a loyal circle of friends. Rewind four years, and things looked very different.

In May 2018, Carlene was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. Carlene

recalls being unwell for around 18 months. She had all the symptoms associated with lymphoma (persistent fatigue, fever, cough, itching skin, night sweats, unexplained weight loss) but was misdiagnosed repeatedly. She was told she was too young to have anything seriously wrong, she had a bad cold, and one doctor even proclaimed her pillow was to blame for the neck pain.

"I felt like I had the flu for weeks at a time, and then I would be fine for a few days before it started all over again. I saw six different doctors, but nobody was taking me seriously. It wasn't until I noticed a lump in my chest that I finally got diagnosed. I saw a new doctor who examined me, looked through my notes and referred me to see a specialist as she knew something wasn't right. Initially, I was told I had an asymmetrical skeleton, and that's what the lump was! After pushing for it to be taken seriously, I was sent for a scan."

DIAGNOSIS

A couple of days after Carlene's appointment with the

specialist, she received a call from Matthew Stephenson's receptionist. Unaware that she had been referred to the breast surgeon, she was sceptical about taking the appointment (assuming it was being taken care of), but luckily saw him anyway.

"Matt did an ultrasound and immediately informed me that it was a tumour. Within a week, I was in the hospital for blood tests and a biopsy, which confirmed I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

"My first thought was, 'I have cancer, OK, I'm going to die.' My second thought was, 'Oh no, my sister, mum and dad', and I remember feeling really sad for them."

"My first thought was, I have cancer, OK, I'm going to die."

Clockwise from right: Carlene's last round of chemo Hair loss about 4 months in The day Carlene got her wig

CHEMOTHERAPY

After a PET scan, Carlene learned the cancer hadn't spread and would be easily treated with chemotherapy. On 8th June 2018, she started treatment and would continue to have chemotherapy every other Friday for six months. "Straight after chemo, I'd have a week where I felt like shit, and then a week where I felt OK - I would go out and feel as normal as possible, and then do it all over again. The oncology ward was much nicer than I imagined, and the nurses were lovely, making it easier."

SUPPORT GROUP

Having a large group of friends and a close family helped Carlene. "After researching plant-based diets, I decided to go vegan and look after my body as best I could. My friends and family tried to go vegan too; some lasted longer than others!" Carlene laughs about the memory of finding sausage roll packets in her mum's car, "she claims she has

no idea how they got there, but the thought was there, and I really appreciate everyone for everything they did."

"My final chemo was scheduled for a week before my 30th birthday, so I decided to throw myself a party to celebrate. It also gave me something to concentrate on; every week, I would think about my party and how everyone would have to dress up as ABBA; after all, how could they say no to me!"

" It was growing thick, soft and curly, but I still wasn't happy when I looked in the mirror."

Halfway through, Carlene's 3-month scan revealed good news - the tumour had shrunk even more than the doctors had anticipated. At six months, the cancer was gone.

HAIR JOURNEY

Three months into chemotherapy, Carlene had noticed her hair had thinned considerably. By four months, she had lost most of her hair. "Looking back, I should have just shaved it. My head was mostly bald, with patches of regrowth and the odd long strands." She laughs. "I used to clip the longer bits back. It felt like such a big part of me that I refused to get rid of it! I would wear wigs when I was going out, though.

"In November, when I had finished chemo, I was adamant I would look after my hair. It was growing thick, soft and curly, but I still wasn't happy when I looked in the mirror. Having been used to bleached blonde hair, I longed for my old locks back to feel like myself again."

After everything she has been through, Carlene is aware of what she puts in her body, only wanting to use natural products. "I was offered paracetamol for a stomach ache at work, but not wanting to use anything unnatural, a colleague offered to make me a rub from essential oils, which to my amazement, actually helped with my stomach. This got me thinking, could the essential oils help with my hair?

"After much research, I added a blend of essential oils to my regular coconut and castor oil mask. I apply the mixture twice a week, and I cannot believe the difference in my hair – it's so healthy, strong and thick. I still use the product religiously."

MALVA

"I used to get stopped all the time, and people would ask what products I used. I tried to explain the formula to people and eventually started giving out bottles to friends and family. I soon realised it was costing me a small fortune!

"I returned from travelling at the beginning of lockdown, and with nothing else to do, I ran a poll on Instagram asking if anybody would be interested in purchasing the product - I was overwhelmed with messages.

"I went away and thought about what I would call the product. Malva is the Latin word for mauve. In colour psychology, mauve is described as bringing to mind springtime, blossom and growth. Malva was born. I sold out of the first 80 bottles within an hour. I then processed another 100 orders, and it progressed from there." To date, Carlene has sold over 1500 bottles of Malva.

Having only had her own results to go off, Carlene says it's been amazing to see how Malva has helped others. "I've had people with alopecia who have praised Malva for their hair regrowth, and it's helped men with hair thinning and women post-partum. It's incredible to see the results from so many different situations. I've had customers who use Malva for dry scalp conditions too, so it really has multiple benefits, even for those who aren't suffering from hair loss." 

You can purchase Malva via www.malvabycarlene.com or on Instagram @malva_jsy

"I've had people with alopecia who have praised Malva for their hair regrowth..."

FACE YOGA

Face yoga involves massage and exercises that stimulate the muscles, skin, and lymphatic system. This technique is designed to soften and relax your face muscles to help alleviate tension, stress, and worry. Touted as a natural facelift that enhances your overall well-being as well, practitioners say the benefits of face yoga are immense. Hundreds of tutorials are available online that will teach you everything you need to know about face yoga.

MOVEMENT

The latest news, trends and products

THE SUNDAY CLUB

The Sunday Club, all welcome, always. This mantra is at the core of the Sunday Club. The club meets every Sunday morning at 8am with the locations changing from week to week around the island.

We all know that we need to move our bodies, but often we aim for distances, times, calories etc. At the Sunday Club we encourage everyone to move in a way that is more about connecting to your body and nourishing your body, rather than pushing it to its limits. People can choose to run, jog, walk, push the pram, or walk the dog.

At the conclusion of 20-ish mins of movement we hold a short, guided meditation. The purpose is to take some time out for yourself, connect to your body and mind and to create awareness of how you’re feeling.

Check out The Sunday Club’s Instagram and follow along for the latest news and locations. (@_the_sunday_club)

FROM £9.99, AVAILABLE AT HARRIET & ROSE

THE ULTIMATE BEAUTY SLEEP

Getting a productive beauty sleep takes more than just climbing into bed and waiting to doze off. You need to perfect the bedtime routine. From mists and sprays to oils and creams, here's our round-up of products sure to help you achieve the ultimate beauty sleep.

THIS WORKS DEEP SLEEP BODY COCOON

A restorative beauty sleep solution for an ultimate body treat. £18.55

JO MALONE LONDON PILLOW MIST

Embrace the evening with a soft, serene scent. Mist over bedding and soft fabrics to enhance your night-time ritual. £32

OSKIA RETINOID SLEEP SERUM

Non-greasy and deeply penetrating, use this supercharged serum as part of your evening routine. £61.25

SPACEMASKS EYE MASK

Self-heating eye masks will transport you to another dimension - relieving tiredness, eye strain and many other Earthly tensions. £14.45 FOR 5

SLIP PURE SILK PILLOWCASE

Silk allows your skin and hair to retain moisture throughout the night and helps to reduce friction on hair and delicate facial skin. £74.40

NEOM PERFECT NIGHT'S SLEEP SCENTED CANDLE

This therapeutic scent of 19 pure essential oils has been blended to help give you the perfect night's sleep. £42

SKIN DEEP

With the summer now finished, your skin is probably crying out for some much needed attention. These products pack a punch of moisture and help repair and soothe your skin.

BOBBI BROWN Vitamin Enriched Face Base 50ml £48.50

AUGUSTINUS BADER The Rich cream 50ml £215

PAULA'S CHOICE Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment 30ml £55

LANCOME Absolue Soft cream 30ml £107

ESTEE LAUDER Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme moisturiser 30ml £53

A WEST MEETS EAST APPROACH

Have you ever thought about whether what is going on psychologically might directly impact what is going on physically? Words by

Gemma Dawkins

Have you got tight Achilles, calves, or hamstrings? If so, is being in control an important aspect for you or are you someone who often holds back emotions and bottles things up?

Maybe you experience digestive issues? If so, is your work causing you to put other people's needs before your own, meaning you're constantly overthinking? Or are you someone who finds it hard to receive and easier to give, resulting in a lot of people-pleasing behaviour?

Our physical body, thoughts and emotions all interact and play a role in our health and wellbeing. According to MindBody Medicine, the mind and body are one. The mind does not end in the head; it transcends throughout the body, and they are both interrelated.

In Western medicine, the two are seen as separate from one another. Often when a physical symptom arises in the body, one will focus solely on the physical misalignment and target what needs to be fixed or treated. For example, if someone has a sore knee, we seek support that targets the knee area. However, in MindBody Medicine, treating the knee would go far beyond just the knee and the physical side of the injury. A much more holistic approach is taken, which considers what is going on for the individual with regards to their emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing to get to the root of the issue rather than just treat the symptom, i.e. the sore knee.

Mind-Body Medicine is a bridge between Western and Eastern approaches. It uses current science and research in psychology, polyvagal (nervous system) theory and chronic health conditions alongside traditional healing systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, five-element theory and the meridian system to offer an integrated approach.

The foundations of this approach are built on the premise that the body can heal itself, and any misalignment (physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual) results from a blockage or an imbalance that needs to be resolved. From here, one must get to the symptomology's root cause to bring balance and harmony to all aspects of being rather than focus on one particular level, i.e. physical.

When one takes this approach to health and wellbeing, you start to see that the body is always in direct communication with you. The body's messages in the way of pain, illness or symptomology tell one when things aren't quite right or when one needs to acknowledge that an aspect of wellbeing is out of balance and requires conscious awareness.

This approach means that we play a much more active part in the healing process, which is an empowering position to be in rather than feeling helpless in the unknown of how to fix or cure symptoms or issues we may be experiencing. This also means that one cannot work with the mind if we do not work with the body and vice versa.

For some, this is a real out-of-the-box way of thinking. However, when one dares to delve a little deeper and approach the mind and body this way, you start to see just how little credit society gives the body for its knowledge and wisdom and the information it holds about our experiences. 

Interested in this approach or want to explore it further?

Gemma is now offering 1-to-1 in person sessions at Kalimukti Studios. To find out more information, follow Gemma on Instagram and Facebook @gld.space or get in contact via email hello@gldspace.com

"When one takes this approach, you start to see that the body is always in direct communication with you."

MENOPAUSE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SIGNS, SYMPTOMS & SOLUTIONS

Trudi Roscouet discusses the common and uncommon signs and symptoms of menopause

As we move from summer and the seasons change, so does our body when we start the Menopause journey. Although the national average age is 51, you may begin as early as 40. How many of you have conversed with your mum or elder sibling to discover what age they were when they started the Menopause? The reason being is that there appears to be a genetic link. This issue is significant for our younger generation, who leave having children until their early 30s. Hormones start declining at 35, and if your mum hit Menopause at 42, that doesn't leave room for error.

Ladies often ask me about the validity of a blood test in defining Menopause. Unfortunately, this is not effective. Our hormones fluctuate for many years: some days good, some days low. Nothing is more frustrating than being told your bloods are "normal" when you may have myriad symptoms. The only true way of knowing where you are on this journey is to keep a symptom tracker.

So let's talk about symptoms; I mentioned 34 in the last edition. Actually, I would say there are over 50 if you break everything down. The main issue is that oestrogen has a massive role in our body; it is not only a sex hormone but has a significant effect on calcium absorption, cholesterol levels, memory function and our metabolism.

Saying that you might start to see a picture of symptoms. Many of us will think of irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia as the primary symptoms. But, there are other more general symptoms like muscle and joint pain

(especially in fingers and toes), headaches or migraines, anxiety, heartburn and other digestive issues.

The psychological factors are probably more complex for a woman to understand or deal with as feeling like she can't cope or overwhelmed with life takes over. This is when difficulties arise for the GP, as in those 10 minutes, they only hear what is being said. These symptoms are often treated with anti-depressants, and many women feel disillusioned because they are uncertain why they need to take this medication.

Here are some psychological symptoms that are often associated with the Menopause:

• Brain fog (forgetting words, not thinking clearly)

• Confusion

• Forgetfulness

• Lack of motivation and confidence

• Sadness and depression

• Anxiety

Then we move through the body to physical symptoms. The list can seem endless, but let's look at some more "serious" issues:

• Heart palpitations and high cholesterol

• Digestive issues – heartburn, bloating, weight gain, constipation, excessive wind

• Sexual problems – loss of libido, vaginal atrophy (dryness), urinary tract infections, excessive urination

It seems quite a depressing time. But not all women will suffer from these symptoms, and some may come and go. I have created "THE BOOKMARK" – a self-help guide to assist the doctor in having an overview of all the symptoms you might be experiencing – rather than just focusing on the primary ones that may be prevalent at the time. This can be found on my website and will, hopefully, make its way in printed form into doctors and pharmacies.

"The psychological factors are probably more complex for a woman to understand or deal with..."

Trudi Roscouet is the founder of Vitality40Plus, and is a health and wellbeing coach. She has specialised in the Menopause and travels various jurisdictions coaching women and corporates. She has also set up the Menopause Forum in Jersey.

So what now? It's time to start taking care of ourselves (well, we should have been doing that for years before!). Still, it's essential now that we consider our lifestyle and look to make some changes to help the array of symptoms that may appear. We are starting to see the holistic picture of symptoms – but now we need to look at ourselves.

I would first suggest going onto the NHS site and attaining your BMI (Body Mass Index). This will guide you as to your healthy weight. If you have a BMI over 30, I suggest you take action. This is not for "beauty" purposes but to help your body cope with the changes it's going through. FACT; You are nine times more likely to contract breast cancer with a BMI over 30 than taking HRT.

Start to move more – increase your step count by 2000 steps a day/week. Try to add more exercise to your daily routine. Rather than meet a friend for coffee, go for a walk. You will be amazed at how many steps you take! My luxury purchase has been a simple electric bike, but wow, has it made a difference to my daily movement level. I love being

in the fresh air as I push along the cycle path to town, and best of all no parking fees! Try yoga or Pilates. Both help the body become more flexible and increase joint strength. Are you getting a good night's sleep? Try to wind down with no blue light before bedtime (i.e. no mobiles/pads etc.) and try not to eat 2 hours before bedtime. Let the body have time to digest.

And finally, look after your state of mind. Get outside every day. It's a beautiful time of year; walk through the woods and look up at the trees. Ramble along the cliff paths. Try to reframe your thoughts. We have over 60,000 thoughts a day – if we gave air space to all of them, we would never get anything done. Focus on now.

There are many supplements and vitamins on the shelves – be aware that not all the sponsored adverts on social media help! Find a registered naturopath or function health coach who can look at your life and help you to balance the various areas. Keep looking forward and live in the moment. The only thing that matters is now. 

THE DIARY OF A SOBER SISTER

Just keep swimming

Michelle O'Connell shares snippets of her sober adventure

SEPTEMBER 2021

I love the sound of the sea, I love its changing colours and its power, but I have never been that interested in swimming in it. So no one was more surprised than me when, on 19th September, I decided to give it a go. I waded in, and it felt ok. This wasn’t too bad at all - why hadn’t I tried this before? I went down to Bouley Bay most days in the balmy September weather, and as I bobbed about, I started to understand why so many people do this. Still, the Autumn was fast approaching, and the days were getting shorter, and I knew if I was to continue, I needed to connect.

OCTOBER

The swimming community is magnificent. Each time I toddled down that slip, I started to see the same faces. We nod and smile. Sometimes we chat. I find it bizarre that I am having a conversation about the merits of Dry Robes whilst I shiver on the slip, and it feels wonderful. People are nice. Swimming, I have started to realise, makes me happy. I continued to swim on through, but it’s getting colder, and I can‘t rely on hoping to see others to keep me company.

NOVEMBER

Cue my Swimmy Swampy Sisters. Then, there was Sarah. I haven’t seen her since 1984, but here she was, a ray of sunshine whose swimming story had started at the same time as mine. After that first swim together, we were soon joined by Jo, Cezza and Alex. We meet. We swim. We laugh. I have found my tribe.

SEPTEMBER 2022

We have swum throughout the whole year, and it’s not going to stop. We meet each morning and motivate each other through the darkest and bleakest weather and the most glorious sunrises alike; it’s all a joy. Thank you, girls.

Quitting the booze has given me swimming. Stopping has given me the space for something much, much more rewarding. It’s given me time. The buzz that being out in nature gives me far outweighs the hit that a glass of wine used to. On that first sunny Sunday morning, as I walked into the sea, I knew I had found my thing. I knew in that instant that I would do this. Always. 

You can read more of Michelle's diary in the next issue of Manner.

RUNNING FOR MYSELF

When Harriet Rouse let go of her school-related exercise trauma, she realised she could enjoy running - at her own pace and with her own playlist.

My name is Harriet, and I hate exercise. Well, that’s what I would have said six months ago, but six months ago, I started doing something very strange: I started training because I wanted to. Not because it was a social thing or because I had to, but from actual choice. And since I’ve been seeing…. Let’s call her Sarah twice a week (in fact, her name is indeed Sarah), I can feel something starting to shift. It’s not weight. That would involve changes in the kitchen and gym (one thing at a time, eh?). It’s my issues. Exercise-related issues have kept me fundamentally a bit weak for all these years.

I didn’t go for the lockdown trend of HIITS with the family; I opted for the others… getting a dog, putting on a stone, drinking each night to toast another day of homeschooling survived! My focus went away, and I let the fitness rot set in. I’ve never been a fan of exercise. I am not fast, accurate or good at team-related sports (pub quizzes, yes, but there isn’t an option for that on my Garmin). Years of school-related exercise trauma (the athletics knickers! Not even making a house B-team!) ingrained a wrong message that exercising HAD is a competitive thing. It’s taken me way too long to realise that you can do it for yourself.

My Grannie turned 102 this summer. The thought that with a whole side of luck, judgement, and perhaps diet, I have the gene pool to take me to 100+ is a little intimidating. And with the realisation that for twenty years at least, my Grannie has been reliant on a walker to get her around her flat, this year, I realised something had to change, and I needed to get stronger. See, I want to be like my late Dad, who eschewed the use of a stick (even when he needed one), holding it parallel to the ground and saying he wouldn’t use one as that’s what old people did (he was 85). Aside from being stubborn (I fear, a family trait), my Dad was, until he hit eighty incredibly fit. County-level for squash, running twice weekly. And so I decided it was time to get stronger and fitter, and not care how fast or strong I got because it was all about me.

Alongside the strength work, which is ongoing, progressive, and always has somewhere to go, I’ve started (with guidance) running again -plodding out along the lanes twice weekly and finding what I can only really describe as some sort of mojo again.

I have run sporadically over the years in an all-or-nothing sort of way, always training for something specific and then stopping. There has been a marathon (a very slow one 20+ years ago) and a few 10Ks. But this time, it’s different. I think I might be in it for the long term.

Having grown up and spent the first thirty-five years of my life in greater London, headphones were never an option. Too many dangers lurking, and I ran with my thoughts, and my keys clutched in my fist as a very predictable and frankly rubbish weapon should I need it (I never did). In Jersey, I run with my headphones. It’s been a revelation. Nothing is better than compiling a playlist to accompany a run that no one else will hear! It matters not that I choose late ‘90s and early ‘00s tracks that get me running faster and even singing along. It’s just me, the road, and my ‘90s memories plodding along. No teens to judge my music taste – perfect.

The truth is, the last time that I plodded this regularly was in 2007. It was essentially my escape from a six-monthold. Bath done, I’d hand her to my husband as he literally got through the door and wave as I said, ‘byeeeeeee, I’m off to run for training….’. I don’t think it was for fitness then, but it was for the thirty to forty minutes of solitude and ‘me’ time. It’s something we are quick to dismiss, but half an hour or more, just not having anything to do except jog (or walk) and be, is quite important. And until recently, I’d forgotten the joy of it.

I’m all for doing whatever works for you in terms of

exercise. Whether that’s a class, a run, a gym session or a swim. But there is something about being alone, with no expectation of speed, and allocating time that has been a game changer for my sense of self and general well-being.

I do not pretend to be coming up with radical insight. Mindfulness and running, well, duh! Everyone knows about that! But knowing about it and partaking are pretty different things. And I find myself showing up for no reason other than to show up and take that time for me and my physical and mental health.

I think all I’m saying is that whilst doing things with people is great, never underestimate the power and importance of making time just for yourself. It isn’t selfish; it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you go or whether a run is more of a walk. Being alone, with your thoughts, and with nothing more to do than taking one more step and one more breath is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself. It needn’t be long, and there needn’t be a distance to cover, but just going and putting that time in for yourself with (optional) guilty pleasure playlists that make you smile is something to relish. I’m just annoyed it’s taken me so long to make it a habit rather than a snatched moment once a year. And having signed up for a half marathon in April, this habit will have to stay the distance. Now, where’s that playlist... 

"It’s just me, the road, and my ‘90s memories plodding along."

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Fiona Weston Skin Health 3 Charing Cross, 2nd Floor, St Helier Tel: 07700 875777 contact@fionawestonskinhealth.co.uk

SHADES OF GREEN

AUTUMN UPDATE

Small changes have a big impact. swap out your summer decor for an autumn update.

ARTIFICIAL CHEESE PLANT £94, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

ARTIFICIAL HEBE BOWL £24, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

ARTIFICIAL HEBE BOWL £24, THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

PRINTS FROM £20, HARRIET&ROSE

THROW £28, DUNELM

CUSHION £22, NEXT

SAND TIMER £8, DUNELM

ORTIGIA CANDLES £POA, AMELIE

POP OF COLOUR

CUSHION COVER £12, DUNELM

GLASS CANDLE HOLDER £17, HARRIET & ROSE

GLASS CANDLE HOLDER £20, HARRIET & ROSE DOOR STOP £15, NEXT

SINGLE CANDLE STICKS £6.50, HARRIET&ROSE

BOOK £10, HARRIET&ROSE

ORTIGIA SOAPS £POA, AMELIE

HEALTH KICK

This month I’ve gone meat free and healthy, with some great tasting gluten-free, easy to cook dishes, that are packed full of nutrition.

Recipes by Christian Gott

PEA SOUP

Garden peas and are a great source of both protein and fibre, which help you feel satisfied after eating and help balance your blood-sugar levels.

INGREDIENTS

• 200g frozen peas

• 2 large leeks, washed, trimmed, and thinly cut

• 2 medium baking potatoes, washed, peeled, and chopped

• 1 bag of baby spinach leaves, washed and drained

• 500ml vegetable stock

• 200g block of creamed coconut

• Juice of 1 lime

• A handful of fresh basil

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Greek yoghurt and mint to serve

METHOD

1. In a large pan bring the leeks, potato, and stock to the boil, then allow to gently simmer for twenty minutes.

2. Add the peas and bring back to a simmer for five more minutes.

3. Remove from the heat and add the coconut and blitz with a hand blender or in a food processor until smooth.

4. Add the spinach, basil, salt and pepper, and lime juice and blitz again.

5. Pass through a fine sieve and return to the heat, check the seasoning, and serve, topped with yogurt and mint.

HOMEMADE FALAFEL

These falafels can be made in advance and stored in the fridge and are the perfect addition to mezze plates, picnics, served in wraps, or added to salads.

INGREDIENTS

• 400g tin of chickpeas, drained

• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped

• 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped

• A small handful of parsley

• A small handful of fresh coriander

• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

• 1 heaped tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• ½ tsp baking powder

• A generous pinch cayenne pepper

• A generous pinch sea salt

• Oil to fry

METHOD

1. Blitz the drained chickpeas, herbs, onion, garlic, spices, and salt in a food processor.

2. Carefully place into a bowl, cover with clingfilm, and refrigerate overnight.

3. Remove from fridge and using your hands mix through the baking powder and sesame seeds then measure out two tablespoons full and roll into a ball. Do this for all of the mix.

4. Pour a little oil into a heavy-bottomed frying pan and cook for around five minutes, turning so they are evenly cooked and coloured golden brown.

WATERMELON & FETA SALAD

Low in calories and carbohydrates this salad is full of flavour from the added herbs and chilli.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ watermelon, peeled and cubed

• 2 large cucumbers, chopped

• 150g aged feta cheese, cubed

• 50g pumpkin seeds

• 50g radish, washed and sliced

• 2 tsp fresh mint, chopped

• 1 large red chilli, finely sliced

• Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lime

• 2tsp quality extra virgin olive oil

METHOD

Prepare all the ingredients and toss them together in a large salad bowl. Add a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

DIRECTORY

AFFINITY

21 La Colomberie, St Helier 01534 626880

AMELIE

22 Halkett Street St Helier 01534 610375

CHICHI BOUTIQUE St Aubin 01534 490021

DE GRUCHY

50-52 King Street, St Helier

HARRIET & ROSE

71 King Street, St Helier 01534 744066

NAUTILUS

39 Don Street, St Helier 01534 617976

STOTT & WILLGRASS

6 York Street, St Helier 01534 735950

THE GOOSEBERRY BUSH

Rondel's Farm Shop 01534 726224

VOISINS

26-32 King Street, St Helier 01534 837100

WABI-SABI

wabisabi.je

WILLOW

willowjersey.com

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