Guinea's Monthly Lifestyle Blog
January
The new year always seems to rush in, and we are carried away on a tide of good intentions and resolutions for the days, weeks and months ahead. However, we seem to forget that winter should be a time of hibernation and self care, strengthening and building ourselves ready to burst forth into Spring when it arrives.
So if your resolutions are already wavering, or broken, why not change your mindset to one of being kinder and less critical and start by taking some time for yourself to read this month's Guinea Confidential, which will hopefully give you some inspiration and reinvigorate your will power.
Rest, Read, Relax
This month's book recommendation comes from Lottie, our marketing assistant who saw this book was a BBC Between the Cover Book Club pick and many of the Guinea Confidential team have now added it to their TBR pile!
The Kellerby Code by Jonny Sweet sounds like a cross between 'Saltburn' and 'The Talented Mr Ripley' and seems an intriguing crime thriller about the lengths you will go to to get what you want. Here's hoping for a good-old country house crime!
Seasonally Scrummy
Did you know January is also Veganuary? What is that you may ask? Well, as January is seen as the month of trying new things, people who are thinking about their health and what they consume, are encouraged to try going vegan to see how they like it.
Several of our Guinea team are already vegetarian and want to give this a go. And in the spirit of that, this month's recipe recommendation is from Sara on our order fulfilment team, who is keen to use up the chestnuts left over from Christmas, as well as some of the wine!
And I must say this Chestnut Mushroom & Red Wine Pithivier from the Vegan Recipe Club looks delicious!
Guinea's Must See, Must Do
Something a little different this month, rather than recommending something specifically, here at Guinea Confidential we would encourage you to try finding something which appeals to your creative, academic or sporty side to add some fun to your routine!
Why not find a local course, whether that be a day course making bread or pasta, or committing to a term in a choir, we are certain you will find something and rekindle an inner passion which has been forgotten about.
Of course you don't even need to leave the comfort of your own home, how about an online course, such as one run by the Bonny Snowdon Academy where all the equipment you need is some coloured pencils.
Or for something more long term, why not try the Jane Austen Reading Challenge by Canterbury Classics. You read a Austen book every other month and the alternate months you do a Regency inspired task/craft.
So why not see if you can find a subject or a lapsed hobby challenge that inspires you?
Popcorn Picks
A film with a lot of Oscars buzz around it is Maria starring Angelia Jolie.
Not yet available to stream, but in cinemas from Friday 10th January 2025, this production is a biopic of the opera singer Maria Callas and her poignant decline from Diva extraordinaire "as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye, reimagining the legendary diva in her final days as she reckons with her identity and life."
This looks beautifully shot, with high production values and undoubtedly wonderful music, this could be well worth a Guinea Confidential team outing and an award or two.
#Guineaglam
Who doesn't love a classic Houndstooth check? Or a fabulous raspberry colour with sumptuous velvet details?
Our Wilton coat is absolutely divine!
It has a wonderfully soft, velvet, Mandarin collar, which makes this style perfect for winter weather as a chunky roll neck - as styled here - a cowl neck jumper or scarf will be framed beautifully, rather than feeling and looking bulky.
You can team it simply with jeans and trainers for a cosy everyday look, but it can also be elevated for a winter wedding or event, with a velvet fascinator.
