As a mental health nurse, I’ve spent over a decade supporting people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. I have great insight into what strength and resilience looked like – how to hold hope, how to cope when life doesn’t go to plan. But nothing could have prepared me for the moment, at 28 weeks pregnant with my second child, that my own world came crashing down. 

We’d gone for a routine scan to check if the placenta had moved from over my cervix, which had been of some concern. The scan confirmed placenta had moved, but the sonographer explained that he had other concerns about how small our baby was. The next day, we made our way up to the Fetal Medicine Unit at Guy’s Hospital, London, to be re-scanned. The words we heard that day would change everything: our baby had Achondroplasia, the most common form of Dwarfism – a random 1 in 30,000 genetic mutation. I sat in that hospital room with my partner, both of us numb, dizzy and in total disbelief. 

My mind started racing through everything I thought I knew. I began to grieve the journey I thought we were meant to have- the one I’d imagined ever since becoming a Mum during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I went into my own world, frightened and in despair, trying to picture what life would now look like for our little boy, and for us as a family. 

When Care Fails the Carers 

As a clinician, I’ve always believed that empathy and communication were the backbone of good care. But being on the other side of the table opened my eyes in a way I could never have imagined. Aside from my amazing Midwife, our care from the point of diagnosis was so poor- fragmented, inconsistent, and painfully lacking in compassion. 

Being someone who needs to see things in writing, we waited for around 2 weeks for the formal results from the amniocentesis that was done in London. I then received a call to tell me that the amniocentesis results had come back negative. Relief flooded through us; however, this was to be short lived as we were called back the next day to be informed there had been a mistake and that the result was, in fact positive. 

That moment, being catapulted from total relief to complete devastation, is one I’ll never forget. I remember thinking: how could this happen? I was exhausted, terrified, and losing faith in a system I’d once been proud to work within. Comments like “Was it just bad luck then?” from a consultant still echo in my mind. Nobody seemed to know much about Achondroplasia locally, and I found myself repeating our story again and again to new faces, new departments, each time reopening this fresh wound. This carries on to this day. 

Despite all the staggering love and support around us from family and friends, I’ve never felt so alone and overwhelmed in my life. No one called to ask how we were and we continued our extra appointments day by day, putting all our energy into keeping things as normal as possible for Alba, our 2-year-old little girl. 

Losing My Role, and Finding Myself 

By the time my beautiful son, Arlo, was born, I was on maternity leave from a senior leadership position in the NHS. I’d been in leadership since 2015 and had always been career-driven alongside my passion for a high standard of patient care and experience, managing services, leading teams, and supporting others. Halfway through my maternity leave I was told that my role was being removed as a result of a consultation. This was a huge piece of news to digest at an already difficult time – I was quite numb by this point. 

After time to process, I opted to take voluntary redundancy. It was the most unsettling yet strangely freeing decision I’d ever made. It bought me time to try to relax and enjoy the rest of my maternity leave and rethink my next steps. This chapter was closing, but in the space that followed, something new began to grow. 

The Birth of Postnatal Minds 

In the quiet, messy, beautiful chaos of those early months with Arlo, I started reflecting on everything that had happened. The system I’d worked within for so long had failed us, not out of malice, but out of a lack of understanding and true connection. Parents deserve better than that. They deserve to be heard and seen. I knew I had the skills and experience to make a dent in this gap. 

That’s when Postnatal Minds was born. 

I trained as a Health & Wellbeing Coach and combined this with my experience as a mental health nurse, leader and mother. My mission was simple: to give parents the emotional support we never had.  

I started offering mental health coaching, support sessions, and wellbeing workshops. Creating safe spaces where parents could be honest about how they were really feeling, without judgement. 

As Postnatal Minds has grown, so have I. I began to rediscover the passion that had drawn me to nursing in the first place- helping people to heal, not just clinically, but emotionally and mentally. I launched affirmation cards for mums and children to encourage positive self-talk and even developed emotional wellbeing workshops for pre-schoolers which I deliver in Nursery settings. 

Turning Pain into Purpose 

In its first year, Postnatal Minds has become more than I could have ever imagined. We’ve delivered online and in-person support to many parents across the UK, rolled out workshops for pre-school children around emotion in nurseries and raised money for Little People UK and the Dwarf Sports Association– organisations that mean the world to our family. We were honoured as a family to work with ITV and Ellie Simmonds this year on her latest documentary which explored disability diagnoses and the experiences of families like ours. And through my podcast, I’ve been able to open conversations about postnatal mental health topics that so often go unspoken. 

There are still hard days, of course. Moments of worry about Arlo’s future, illness, the practical challenges and the never-ending appointments. But Arlo has taught me more about perspective, love, and resilience than any textbook or leadership course ever could. Things that I thought were important before no longer are, and I take so much from the everyday little things. 

Redefining Success 

If you’d told me five years ago that I’d be self-employed, running my own business from home, hosting a podcast, and finding joy in the everyday, I’d have laughed. My old idea of success was built around career progression, status, and the next leadership opportunity. Now, success looks like flexibility. It’s walking my children to school, having time to rest (sometimes!), and feeling deeply fulfilled in the work I do. 

I’ve never felt so aligned in my career and it all came from a moment that, at the time, felt like my world had ended. 

Finding Light in the Darkness 

When life throws you something huge – something that changes everything you thought you knew upside down – it’s easy to feel like you’ll never recover. But I want other mothers, parents, and women to know this: you will. What feels unfair and unbelievable, will make sense soon. 

You might not go back to who you were before, but maybe that’s the point? Because sometimes, the most painful moments carve out space for something more beautiful to take root. For me, that’s been perspective, awareness, community, and love. 

Strength and love really can get you through. 

Arlo’s diagnosis flipped our worlds as we knew it upside down, but in doing so, it also turned it the right way up. I may have partially lost the planned career I thought defined me, but I’ve gained a life that truly aligns with who I am: a nurse, a mother, and a woman who knows that even in the darkest chapters, there’s always light waiting to be found. 

The post When Life Shifts in an Instant: A Mother’s Story of Diagnosis, Resilience and New Purpose appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Earlyrider, Seeker Bike £549
From balance bikes to pedal bikes this is the perfect brand to get your kid outside having fun. There’s something exciting about that moment when your child moves from balance bikes to their first real set of pedals. It’s independence, adventure and honestly, it’s been a game changer for our family walks on weekends. I love the look of the Seeker’s chunky tyres, sleek aluminium frame, and a sturdy build. For my son it screams “dirt biking!” At just 16 inches, it’s the perfect size for a first pedal bike. What sets the Seeker apart from so many kids’ bikes is its all-terrain confidence. We’ve tested it everywhere: gravel paths, forest tracks, bumpy parks, even through big puddles. Those big, knobbly tyres dig in and give traction where slimmer tyres would slip and as a family who loves long muddy walks, it means our son can always take his bike, no matter the weather.

Polarn O. Pyret Kids Outerwear 
When it comes to kids and the outdoors, few brands get it as right as Polarn O. Pyret. Their outerwear is famous for being incredibly durable, weatherproof, and cleverly designed for real-life adventures. Whether it’s a a padded coat for frosty mornings or shell trousers for muddy woodland walks, every piece is built to keep little explorers warm, dry, and comfortable. I love that the quality means it can be handed down from generation to generation (and still looks and works great).

Puddleproofs
Puddleproofs are the ultimate piece of kit for kids that love to spend time outside. They are thoughtfully designed waterproof waders built to handle whatever weather the winter throws at us. The company is co-founded by two mums who have six children between them, who knew that there must be a better way when it comes to kids exploring the graet outdoors. Completely waterproof and designed with clever features such as adjustable buckles and toggles to make sure each child gets a perfect fit – we think that these are the ideal way to entice your kids outside.

Sorel, Explorer III Lace Waterproof Snow Boots £100
These boots are ready for slush, snow, mud, or puddles. Tough rubber soles, waterproof uppers, and insulation make them a winter workhorse. Pair them with warm socks and your child is set for woodland walks or schoolyard puddle-splashes, plus they are totally adorable. 

Patagonia, Kids Fleece from £60
Patagonia feels like a must for the whole family. Soft, warm, and brilliantly lightweight, it keeps kids cosy without weighing them down. They can still climb, jump, and run free without feeling restricted, which is key when your mission is outdoor adventures come rain or shine. I love that it’s practical enough to survive muddy puddles, puddle-jumping, and park scrambles, yet responsibly made with eco-conscious materials that feel as good as they look. For me, it’s more than a fleece, it’s permission to let go of the weather excuses and embrace the outdoors, together. 

Toastie, Kids Weatherproof Changing Robe £75
Post-outdoor rescue on chilly days just got a whole lot easier. This clever robe is perfect for those moments when the little ones come back from the park, beach, or garden absolutely soaked and shivering. It lets them strip off wet layers quickly, without dragging puddles and mud through the house, which, let’s be honest, is a small miracle in itself.

I love that it’s not just practical, but also warm and cosy, so kids can snuggle in straight away and start drying off without grumbling. The weatherproof outer layer keeps the damp out, while the soft lining keeps them toasty, making it ideal for autumn leaves, rainy playground sessions, or even post-swim chills. It’s like a warm hug you can pull over a coat of chaos. 

Hunter, Original Wellington Boots £55
A timeless essential. These classic wellies are waterproof, easy to clean, and perfect for rainy days. Hunter Originals are our go-to for puddle-jumping, muddy adventures, and the inevitable rainy days that seem to last from October through March. They’re tough enough to withstand playground puddles, garden mud, and forest trails, but flexible and comfortable enough that little feet can run, jump, and explore without complaints, the ultimate companion for encouraging outdoor adventures, no matter what the UK weather decides to throw at you.

words by Louise Af Petersens

The post Let’s Get Kids Outside Come Rain, Shine, or Snow appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Discovering Pilates Made Me Want To Bring It To Others
I was at a crossroads, contemplating a return to TV producing, which had been my career for 12 years. At the time, I had three children under three and lockdown had just hit. Pilates became my lifeline, both physically and mentally. The lightbulb moment came when I realised that if it could transform me so profoundly, I wanted to dedicate myself to helping other women find that same strength and empowerment.

I’m Stronger & Fitter Now In My 40s
Pilates has changed everything for me. My body feels stronger and fitter now, in my forties, than it ever did in my twenties. But more than that, Pilates has completely shifted my mindset. I stopped trying to get back to who I was pre-kids and instead embraced becoming my 2.0 self – stronger, more resilient, more confident. It filters into daily life too: I move with more awareness, my posture is better, and I’ve built the kind of strength that makes everyday tasks feel effortless.

My Kind of Pilates Isn’t Gentle – Its A Proper Workout
Recovering from diastasis recti was one of my biggest challenges, and it made me passionate about teaching from a place of empathy and understanding. It showed me how powerful intelligent movement can be when done consistently. A big lightbulb moment was realising that Pilates doesn’t have to be “gentle”. It can be fiery, sweaty, and strength-building while still rooted in control and precision. That’s what shaped my whole method. The endless possibilities and its power to transform. Pilates is a system, but it’s also so adaptable. I love layering in resistance, tempo changes, and sequencing that makes it feel fresh every single time. And the excitement really comes from my clients and the feedback I get from members; seeing them progress, get stronger, and surprise themselves never gets old.

I Teach What “Pilates 2.0”
It’s strength-based, dynamic, and progressive. I take the foundations of classical Pilates and layer in heavier weights, resistance bands, tempo shifts, and modern training principles. It’s about building real strength and resilience while keeping all the precision and control that makes Pilates so effective. I like to think of it as Pilates, supercharged. There is a big misconception that Pilates is either “easy” or just about flexibility. Another is that all Pilates is the same, when in reality every instructor has a different style. You might try one class and think it’s not for you, then find another and absolutely love it. Done well, it’s one of the most challenging and effective forms of training out there. And it’s not just for women, men benefit hugely from it too.

If Your Transitioning Through Life – Try Pilates
I love working with people at transitional stages – postnatal clients, those training for an event (like a marathon or a big sporting challenge), or anyone who feels a bit “lost” in their fitness journey. Probably because I’ve been there myself. Helping someone rebuild from the ground up and then watching them flourish is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

Pilates Should Be A Go To For Those Experiencing Back Pain
Pilates is exceptional for posture and back health because it targets the deep stabilising muscles that most workouts overlook. When you strengthen those muscles, particularly through the core, you create a solid foundation for the whole body. That’s why Pilates is so transformative: when the core is strong, every movement becomes stronger, safer, and more efficient. It’s not just about standing taller; it’s about building balance, alignment, and resilience so your body can move well and stay injury- and pain-free in daily life.

I’m Excited For The Future
On 17th November, I’m launching a brand-new postnatal series that I’ve been working on for some time. I cannot wait to offer mums a safe, effective way to rebuild themselves – just as I did. Looking further ahead into the new year, I’m developing a comprehensive diastasis recti series designed to guide women step by step through their rehab journey. This is a true passion project for me, born out of my own recovery, and I’m determined to make sure more women feel supported, informed, and empowered no matter how long it’s been since they had children.

You can find more about Sam and her Pilates here: https://wimbledon.samdevillepilates.com/

The post This Pilates Instructor Fixed Her Own Diastasis Recti, Now She Can Teach You How To Aswell… appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

It seems that midlife gap years are on the rise, Pippa Williscroft, independent travel agent and founder of Williscroft Travel is seeing a rise in enquiries for exactly this type of thing and more discussion around the topic in general.  She says “For many of my clients, it’s about a fresh start and reinvention, whether that’s post-divorce or bereavement, career change or kids leaving home. Travel becomes a way to reset, try new things and just enjoy some freedom. There’s often a wellness angle involved and something to balance indulgence with staying active”. 

It all depends on the individual situations, many mid-lifers who are looking to book extended trips to make the most of their older teens before they head off to University, a last family hurrah as it were, and Pippa says Asia is proving a very popular destination as people seek to really go outside of their everyday in a bid to share new experiences and make lasting memories with those we love. The empty nesters among us are looking at longer trips that will combine several weeks of adventure, followed by a wellness stay to recover and reset.  

Sometimes, the ‘gap’ isn’t a choice; Catherine was made redundant and decided to turn the situation to her advantage and put the money she received as part of her settlement to book a trip with no return date, she travelled through Bali, Western Australia and New Zealand, meeting new people and relishing new experiences before heading off to Mexico for yoga and relaxation. She slowly made her way back home to London through Italy, Spain and France but the mindset stayed with her for months afterwards and she is now looking forward to her next adventure, which she says must be near a beach – her happy place.

Midlife is a stage of life when we look to invest in ourselves, we have spent our lives climbing the career ladder, raising a family, building businesses and very often, looking after elderly relatives at the same time and we view this as “our time”. It can also be a time for reflection: am I living the life I want? Am I spending time on what really matters? Taking a gap year can allow us to explore these questions away from daily obligations, and maybe even chart a new course for the years ahead.

It’s also a moment to reconnect with our passions that may have been on the back burner for many years – painting, hiking or writing, a midlife gap year is a chance to bring those passions back into your life.

It doesn’t have to be about seeing the world, it can also be about expanding horizons in a different way, taking that course you wished you had done all those years ago but it didn’t exist or your parents wanted you to be an accountant …  Hedvig from Sweden decided to enrol on a brand new course at her local university in Stockholm after a very stressful work period to study design, food and sustainability and loved the diverse group she found herself amongst not just in age, but in cultures.  She says “it changed my way of thinking, making me more creative, more open, and able to see things from new perspectives. It was wonderfully freeing to reconnect with my younger self: studying and being part of a group”.  She loved it so much, she has got the study bug  as she starts a course on gemmology (the study of gemstones) next week!

I realise that gap years aren’t for everyone, and planning is most definitely needed. Priya Williams is a financial planner with various midlife clients, she says ‘Financial Planning is all about knowing, or at least understanding, what you want your life to look like in 5 to 10+ years’ time. In the UK, we can access our pensions at the age of 55 in various ways, and I am seeing many of my clients looking to access the tax free element to travel or even start a second career”. 

If you are not 100% sure about taking the plunge on a big trip, Pippa recommends starting with a long weekend or even a week to find out what you enjoy before venturing further afield. Short hops to Europe for food, wine or yoga are proving very popular and there has been a lot of  growth in companies offering such trips, which is great news for those of us wanting to experiment with our travel!   

I checked in with my campervanning friends this week for this piece – and you will be delighted to know that so far, they have been through France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Croatia again and Albania!  They are now beginning the big drive down to Greece. They say, “With children grown and flown either at university or in jobs, this was the perfect time to step away from a career in teaching and take a year out to spend time together and make the most of life”.  

I realise that a campervan isn’t for everyone, but you can’t beat the freedom it brings in terms of getting off the beaten track, into the countryside and under the skin of a country away from the tourist trail.  So where will you go next?

Words by Nicola de Burlet

The post Why Everyone Is Taking a Mid-Life Gap Year appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Child’s Farm SPF 50+ Roll-On Sun Lotion

Beloved by parents for its fuss-free roll-on format, this Child’s Farm SPF is as playful as it is practical. With a high protection factor of 50+, it is designed for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, making it ideal for even the littlest sunseekers. The compact size is perfect for school bags, while the formula is water-resistant and dermatologist-approved.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ Baby Lotion

A trusted name in skincare, La Roche-Posay delivers a fragrance-free, ultra-gentle sun lotion that is specially formulated for babies over six months. Rich in thermal spring water, it soothes while it shields, and the non-greasy texture sinks in effortlessly without any white cast. Ideal for use on both face and body.

Avène Kids Sun Protection Spray SPF50+

Lightweight yet powerful, Avène’s kid-friendly spray offers broad-spectrum SPF50+ in an easy mist format that parents love. The formula is infused with the brand’s signature thermal spring water, known for its calming properties, making it a reliable choice for children with easily irritated skin.

Heliocare 360° Pediatrics Stick SPF50+

This clever sunscreen stick is a travel essential. Formulated with Fernblock® technology for advanced environmental protection, it glides over delicate areas like the nose, ears and cheeks without dragging or mess. A handbag hero for on-the-go top-ups with zero fuss.

Organic Children Lavender Sun Cream SPF50

With a calming scent of organic lavender and no hidden nasties, this natural sun cream is a hit with parents looking for green credentials. It is reef-safe, cruelty-free and made with over 80% certified organic ingredients, offering high UVA and UVB protection for sensitive young skin.

Spots & Stripes Sun Squad Sensitive Skin SPF30 For Face

Designed for tweens and teens, this chic SPF blends grown-up style with serious skincare smarts. Lightweight, non-comedogenic and formulated especially for sensitive, breakout-prone skin, it is perfect for older kids who want to take ownership of their sun care in style.

The post Best Kids SPF: Sun Care That’s Gentle & Seriously Protective appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Calcot Manor & Spa, Near Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Set in 220 acres of meadowland, Calcot Manor is a countryside haven that has truly mastered the art of keeping both parents and children content. The Calcot Kids’ Playzone offers childcare for tots to tweens, including a crèche, games room, and even movie nights. Outside, there’s a pirate ship playground, mini football pitch, and plenty of space to run free. For parents, there’s an award-winning spa and incredible dining options. It’s the ultimate family-meets-luxury retreat.  www.calcot.co

Soho Farmhouse, Great Tew, Oxfordshire

Part members’ club, part rustic dreamland, Soho Farmhouse has an off-the-grid charm with all the bells and whistles. Families can stay in one of the spacious cabins or farmhouse cottages, and little ones are treated like VIPs with kid-sized bikes, a horse & cart shuttle, and the Little House – a kids’ club with activities from crafts to cookery. There’s also a heated outdoor pool, indoor cinema, boating lake, pony rides and tennis lessons available. Heaven, basically. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the epic sushi restaurant, Pen Yen. www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse 

The Wild Rabbit, Daylesford, Kingham

If you’re looking for an eco-luxury bolthole that’s surprisingly family-friendly, The Wild Rabbit is a stylish inn with sustainability at its heart. While its tranquil vibe may seem tailored to adults, families are well-catered for in the beautifully appointed cottages nearby, part of the Daylesford Estate – think tasteful bunkbeds and cosy nooks. Children can explore the Daylesford Organic Farm with animal feeding, gardening workshops, and seasonal events. It’s an ideal choice for foodie families who also love a little farm-life education. www.thewildrabbit.co.uk

Lakes by Yoo, Lechlade, Gloucestershire

Lakes by Yoo is a luxury private estate that redefines family holidays. Think modern lodges and lakehouses with open-plan living, set beside serene freshwater lakes and ancient woodland. The Yoo Kids Club offers forest school activities, wild swimming, paddleboarding, and more. Families can rent bikes, go boating, or just enjoy nature on their doorstep. It’s an incredible mix of adventure and relaxation, ideal for unplugging and reconnecting. The spa is a treat for the senses and not to be missed.  www.thelakesbyyoo.com

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Chippenham, Wiltshire (Cotswolds fringe)

A grand country house hotel with a seriously welcoming attitude toward families, Lucknam Park is a five-star gem. Their Hideaway Kids’ Club includes craft corners, games, and sensory play for younger children. There’s also an equestrian centre offering riding lessons, as well as tennis courts, a swimming pool, and woodland trails. Family suites are spacious and luxurious, and the estate’s sheer beauty adds to its storybook appeal. www.lucknampark.co.uk

Estelle Manor, Near Witney, Oxfordshire

New to the scene but already making waves, Estelle Manor is a magnificent country estate with a boutique edge. While the adults are pampered at the Roman-inspired Eynsham Baths spa or dine at the opulent Brasserie, kids are looked after in The Nook – a beautifully curated play space with active, creative and quiet areas. The grounds are expansive, making for exciting family walks and picnics. www.estellemanor.com

The Pig in the Cotswolds, Near Stratford-upon-Avon 

One to watch, the recently launched Pig in the Cotswolds offers the same blend of relaxed luxury and garden-to-plate dining the brand is famous for. Family-friendly touches include garden trails, kitchen gardens for kids to explore, and welcoming rural vibes plus a small but perfectly formed spa and the hotel chain’s first ever pub. Expect rustic chic, impeccable food, and plenty of green space for kids to roam. www.thepighotel.com

Woolley Grange Hotel, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

Designed with families at the heart of its ethos, Woolley Grange is the gold standard for family-friendly stays. The Woolley Bears Den offers free childcare with everything from messy play to nature walks. There’s also a heated indoor pool, gardens with chickens and bees, and family spa treatments. Rooms are geared up for all ages – think bottle warmers, bed guards, and baby monitors on hand. This is stress-free parenting in countryside luxury. www.woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

The post The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in The Cotswolds appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

The Hip & Healthy team had the privilege of being amongst the first to try the three perfectly pared-back flavours: Apple (clean and crisp), Cherry (subtly fruity), or Lemon (zesty with just the right edge). At only 6 calories per can, and with credentials that tick all the right boxes — vegan, keto-friendly, and sustainably packaged — CANS is officially the soft drink for people who don’t do soft drinks. So what was our verdict? A sparkling, smart, and tasty drink that will quench your thirst without harming your body – plus we love the stylishly chic cans. Your fridge just got a glow-up.

Sadie Reid, Founder + Editor, Hip & Healthy
Favourite Flavour: Cherry
What I Love About It: I am delighted to have discovered CANS – as someone who recently stopped drinking it has become a very important tool for me in still enjoying that wind down moment at the end of a busy day but with something non-alcoholic. I had replaced booze with sugary fizzy drinks – or worse – diet fizzy drinks, and I knew that I wasn’t helping my body by doing so. CANS has come into my life and now I don’t worry at all about saying no to alcohol as I still get to have a delightful end of day ‘me’ moment but without any guilt at all – it’s natural, healthy and delicious. I also love its sustainability credentials; Sustainability is at the heart of the entire CANS philosophy; the cans themselves are fully recyclable. The cherry flavour reminds me of being a kid as I used to love eating glacé cherries! It’s hard to describe but the cherry flavour comes through really strongly but with none of the sweetness – it’s perfect. 

Saskia Gregson-Williams, Social Editor, Hip & Healthy
Favourite Flavour: Apple
What I Love About It: Since discovering CANS, I have the apple flavour stocked up in my fridge at all times. As well as working at Hip & Healthy I am also a professionally trained ballerina that runs a ballerina fitness business, plus I also run my own personal training business too. CANS have become my go to rehydration in between running from pillar to post as they are just more interesting than drinking water and yet have none of the added nasties and extra sugar that other fizzy drinks on the market have so they offer a perfect balance. I also love that the brand has started because the three co-founders couldn’t satisfy their own thirst because they didn’t accept that fizzy drinks had to be bad for you. In that way – they’ve kind of started a revolution! One I am very happy to support!

Louise Af Petersens, Partnerships Director, Hip & Healthy
Favourite Flavour: Lemon
What I Love About It: I recently hosted a birthday party for my young son and wanted to provide some drinks for the parents who were coming too – It was a gloriously sunny day and I put out bottles of Rosé, Champagne and some well known sugary fizzy drinks too, I had also just been sent a box of CANS so I thought that it would be great to put a few of those out in the ice bucket as well for friends to try. I really love the Lemon flavor; it is delicious and refreshing with just a hint of lemon and no sweetness, so I thought it would make a great alternative to the booze or sugary drinks. But although I really enjoy drinking CANS, what happened next really surprised me; barely anyone touched the booze or the other well-known sugary drinks, instead I seemed to be endlessly restocking up on CANS drinks and raving about how delicious and refreshing they were, even the kids wanted to try and loving it. It seems like the world is very ready for this new movement in drink – I know I am!

To find out more and try the range head over to cans.co.uk now

Follow the journey  instagram.com/cans.co.uk/

The post Rethink Your Drink: H&H Tries CANS, The Cool-Girl Soft Drink That’s Anything But Sweet appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

Embrace a Different Education

Chrissy is a seasoned traveller. Her ballet has taken her all over the world – South East Asia, Bulgaria, Australia – you name it! However, Chrissy had never been to Bali. It was actually Chrissy’s husband who had been to Bali previously and fallen in love with a forward thinking school out there called The Green School. So when he needed a break after a recent, very stressful, stint as CEO of a large company, he suggested that he wanted to send their 6 year-old daughter, Sunniva, there. Since Chrissy can work from anywhere, she loved the idea and jumped at the chance to embrace a new format when it comes to education for their daughter. “The Green School is unlike any other school I know. It is amazing at onboarding, madly welcoming, and gets parents really involved. There are no buildings, just bamboo sculptures where kids learn. All the other families have a story too – there are 52 different countries in the school community. What they are really good at is integrating life skills like asking questions, being kind, mindfulness – they have mindful eating at lunch everyday and she ends her day with a gratitude circle. These are all things that my daughter will have with her for life.” 

If You Get Bali Belly – Drink Jamu

“Drink lots and lots of young coconut water and Jamu”. Chrissy goes on to explain that Jamu is a strong concoction of ginger, turmeric, and lemon but that each Balinese family seems to have their own generational recipe for it. Jamu is believed to have been around as a health tonic for more than 1,300 years ago. Since then, it remains as a natural remedy against ailments and is thought to be an immune system booster. “After a few days of drinking the Jamu and the coconut water you start to come back to life!”

When it Comes To Change: Children Are Much More Resilient Than We Think

“My daughter is quite a homebody, she has only ever known one house and one school” said Chrissy. Normally quite a quiet and shy member of the classroom Chrissy was amazed at her daughter’s confidence from the moment she got to The Green School – “she sailed in” Chrissy commented. Much down to her amazing kind and English speaking teacher. Sunniva misses her family, like her granny and her cousins. “My daughter made friends instantly and within three weeks she was already fully integrated into her new life here – but I do think that it helped that she is still young. I’ve seen from some of my friends out here that it is harder with older children but not impossible, and it’s the most amazing experience for them.”

Look For Signs From The Universe to Guide You On Decision Making

Chrissy totally believes in signs and so when she was viewing lots of different properties to pick her home it was when she was sent the details for a place called Villa LaLa Land that her interest piqued because of the connection to performing and musicals. She then went to view the house and, as she was walking in, the owner of the house was walking out and low and behold it was an old client of hers who she used to teach Barre Classes to during her Barrecore days in London. That was it, she thought, she had to live there. It overlooks a paddy field, has an inside-outside kitchen and even has an inbuilt studio for her to continue her filming for Silver Linings Wellbeing. 

Embrace a Slower Pace Of Life 

“The heat and tropical climate is challenging at times – it makes you move slower. When the weather is so hot and humid it does not allow you to rush around moving at a million miles per hour. You have to hydrate and you have to take your time and you have to look after yourself in a different way than you do when you live in England.” 

Move to a Place Where Your Interest Lie

If it’s skiing, move to the mountains, if it’s swimming, move to the beach, if you’re into wellness – there are few places better than Bali. “It’s almost overload – there is wellness everywhere. I could go to a different studio every single day if I wanted to and sometimes I do explore three or four different studios in a week. The standard is very high and people are obsessed with it. Ubud is great for yoga and Cangu is great for Pilates. I am often seeing people walk around with cupping marks on their backs”. 

Moving Abroad Has Brought Us Closer as A Family

“Not only is it a circuit breaker, that makes us address what we would do differently but my husband and I find time for date night and we have had to overcome challenges together as a family that has undoubtedly brought us all closer together. It has made us think about what we would do differently in our lives moving forward.” Chrissy cites that missing her friends and family allows her to appreciate them so much more, and she also misses the winter wardrobe sometimes, but has learned that dressing more casually is freeing “even though being smart is lovely and has its place, I’ve really enjoyed having to rethink my wardrobe out here. There is a freedom to being casual. It’s so hot you just aren’t able to wear many clothes!”

Live Like A Local: Chrissy’s Bali Wellness Hotspots

Where to Stay

Amandari, Ubud

“This Aman sanctuary in Ubud is so beautiful. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Balinese culture and cuisine in five-star luxury.”

Bvlgari Resorts, Uluwatu

“Grown-up glamour that’s perfect for a romantic getaway.”

Cap Karoso, Sumba

“This is a 40 minute flight from Bali but worth the journey. Beautiful design, fab kids club,  incredible food, a brand new Yoga shala and shamanic wellness experience!”

Where to Eat

“There are so many great new restaurants popping up all the time in Bali…it’s hard to keep up.”

Zest, Ubud 

“This is where all the yogis hang out. The food is amazing as is the people watching.”

Skool, Batu Belong, Canngu 

“The best cocktails and sunset balcony with Italian chef Paulo heading up the kitchen. Their beach club, Lawn, downstairs is also a great beachside spot where you can spend the day.”

Bokashi, Berawa

“Japanese tea room and health food store that’s just so pleasing! I’m addicted to their chilli pesto avo on toast!”

Dome at Potato Head, Seminyak

“Farm-to-table concept restaurant with a DJ playing old school vinyl. Such a treat!”

Where to Move

Alchemy, Ubud

Internationally renowned teachers who are steeped in their practice. The Yoga shalas are beautiful and the schedule is shaped by the elements so you get everything from a fiery Vinyasa flow to serene ‘Ether’ meditation. Hop over the road afterwards to Alchemy cafe for an almond milk matcha.

Pilates Project, Pereranan

“This is contemporary Pilates in a contemporary space. Three floors of brutalist spaces full of reformers, mat classes and the brilliant ‘Peach Club’ which defiantly makes the derrière peachier”.

Nirvana Life & Rejuvo, Canngu

“This is my local! They offer everything, classes with great teachers in a huge variety of disciplines. There are saunas, cold plunge pools, cafes and more. The sister brand, Rejuvo, is all about biohacking and I’m a regular for IV drip and some red light….especially after a filming Silver Linings Wellbeing session.

Where the Families Hang

“Bali is super child and parent-friendly. The locals just love kids!”

Cheeky Monkey Cafe, Ubud

“There’s a huge climbing frame and scooter track with a lovely cafe where parents can hang out and kids can swoop past for some crudités before whizzing off again!”

WaterBom, Seminyak

“This enormous water park is a ‘must’. The kids will love it. Health warning: the Green Viper is terrifying!”

Milk & Madu: Berawa & Batu Belong

“The Best pizza in Bali and they have a climbing frame, slides and a lady doing face painting whilst you enjoy a glass of wine and the live band.”

Where to Shop

Divine Goddess, Canngu

“This Aussie activewear company is my new go to. Beautiful colours and sets that really work in the heat.”

Kimono & Cacao

“Sip on ceremonial grade cacao whilst you select a beautiful new kimono for the beach and some sexy lingerie.”

Magalie Pascale

“The Bali equivalent of Isabel Marant. My go-to for French Island style.”

The post This Wellness Expert Moved Her Family to Bali: What She Learned (+ Her Fave Bali Spots) appeared first on Hip & Healthy.

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