Guinea's Monthly Lifestyle Blog
September
September is a time of change, as autumn creeps ever closer - long leisurely evenings in the garden are replaced by cosy suppers indoors, as the nights draw in.
It's also a time, that the carefree, family fun time of the summer holidays, are replaced by new routines; as children embark on a new stage of learning, after school clubs recommence, or older children are flying the nest, leaving you with more time on your hands.
All of this can mean, that September heralds a time of new challenges, new routines and forming new habits. So if you are feeling overwhelmed and just a little bit daunted, make some time for yourself and take five minutes to sit and unwind with this month's Guinea Confidential.
Rest, Read, Relax
September's book recommendations are inspired by Burghley Horse Trials; a much loved and anticipated event here at Guinea HQ - which is over all too quickly for our liking! Which means the theme this month is horses and the east coast of Britain.
The following two book recommendations, are set in Lincolnshire's neighbouring stunning county of Norfolk. Both perfect reads for when you want to call it an early night after an exhausting day.
Darling by India Knight is a ‘A razor-sharp, gloriously funny retelling of Nancy Mitford’s The Pursuit of Love’
A extremely easy read and very much in the spirit of the original novel. Cleverly modernised, even though the story may be known to you already, it still feels fresh.
Another cosy novel to curl up with is The Last Party at Silverton Hall by Rachel Burton. Set on the Norfolk coast, this is a time split novel whose chapters alternate between 2019 and the 1950s, telling the story of Isobel, who is hoping to make a fresh start, and her grandmother. This novel has family intrigue and a dash of romance, and it is highly recommended by Emma, our Guinea Team blogger.
Finally, a non-fiction recommendation which ties into a most beloved childhood favourite, Black Beauty. When the office heard the Radio 4 Women's Hour segment of Dr Celia Brayfield discussing her book, Writing Black Beauty: Anna Sewell and the story of Animal Rights, we were engrossed and I must admit very little got done in the office until the interview was over.
This book is about the life of Anna Sewell, the author of Black Beauty, and how her one and only book became a best seller, not in her lifetime, but after to was taken up by an American activist. An educational and absorbing read.
Seasonally Scrummy
It's that time of year again, when salads are slowly giving way to stews, and fresh fruit is being cooked and smothered in custard. Yes, crumble season is finally upon us once again!
And what is a more perfect filling this time of year, and for our recipe of the month, than blackberries. Who doesn't love a good forage in a hedgerow hoping to pick some black jewels of fruit which stain your fingers purple. There is something so glorious nostalgic about it.
Jo, one of our fulfilment team recommended this Apple and Blackberry Crumble recipe. Highly achievable for even a novice of the kitchen, a life saver for those pinched for time, or a fantastic opportunity for quality time with children and grandchildren, who can help make the topping - as while as an almighty mess!
Popcorn Picks
September Saturday night TV has now become synonymous with BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
For many here at Guinea HQ it is a must watch, and for many of us, it is also the topic of conversation on a Monday morning; who we liked, who went wrong, and if we agreed with who got sent home.
And much anticipated by Emma, who you can probably guess is an avid reader from her book recommendations, is highly excited about the September cinema release of A Haunting in Venice, which is based on the Agatha Christie novel Hallowe’en Party.
Sara, from our order fulfilment team, is also an Agatha Christie fan, and Charlotte our marketing assistant, is a fan of Venice itself - I sense an unofficial work outing…
Guinea's Lifesaver Lifehacks
This the cooler weather and darker nights comes the most ruthless clothes destroyer of all - no not the crumble and custard mentioned earlier: destroyer of waistlines and hips - but moths!
Be prepared with natural moth repellents such as lavender and cedar. Who wants their favourite cashmere jumper munched on by a moth? No one!
Tip, Tap, Get That App
Colour Analysis is having a renaissance. You may remember as having your colours done or Colour Me Beautiful, but if you are anything like me, you won't remember if you are a cool summer or light spring.
There are numerous apps or filters out there, but this is a fun little app, Show My Colors takes five minutes, and will help you determine what colours will suit you best.
All of us at the the office have had fun trying this out and discovering what season we are.
