Hello and good morning!

I've recently found myself getting back to some basics and generally feeling (and thinking) better for it. I hope you find something new here, or at least be reminded of something worthwhile.

It starts in the kitchen…

1. The best garlic press in the world

I love a new toy. Especially for the kitchen. Some reviews have this down as the best garlic press in the world - a big claim and a hard one to check, but I've gifted this many times and use mine almost daily for garlic, ginger and anything else I can wedge in there. It just works. Always.

Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Stainless Steel Garlic Press (Tip: to wash, soak the hinged end in a glass of water for a few minutes before wiping off the remaining bits.)

2. Possibly the best can opener on the planet

I know, most cans now come with a little ring thing that you have to break a nail to bend back and pull off the top of a can like a superhero - but, not being a superhero, I seem to manage to break the thing (and nail), leaving the can's contents safely hidden from my prying best efforts. Thankfully, the clever folk at Kuhn Rikon also have me covered with this snazzy 5-in-1 number that will restore your faith in your ability to extract any can's secrets.

Kuhn Rikon 5-in-1 Auto Safety Master Opener

Then comes the training…

3. Possibly the best workout app

You're special. You're unique. You have your own goals and challenges. You're a snowflake… well, maybe not the last one, but Greatness is trained, and we are all different. Nike's training app consistently ranks super high in the fitness category and for good reason. Set your goal, pick your style of training and check in with the pros’ tips for nutrition, mindset and recovery. It’s also a good place to start for the beginners out there.

Nike Training Club App

Then the resting…

4. Maybe the best form of meditation

Woah, which app you ask? Nope, no app. I've tried them 'all' and have had varying success at different times with each. They're all 'good' but, well, just… I got bored. So I went back to some of my strengths…Breathing. I've been doing this for quite a while and would consider myself pretty much an expert. Counting. I'm a strong counter, can easily make it to 10. Sitting. How good is sitting!? God, I love sitting. Right, combine them and you get a wonderful meditation practice.

Sit. Close your eyes. Breathe in - that's "one". Breathe out - that's "two". Breathe in - that's "three"… Count in your head. When/if your mind wanders, refocus on the breath and start back at "one". When you reach "ten" (eventually), start again. Bliss.

Then comes the gratitude…

5. Journal

Take five minutes to jot down your thoughts, hopes, frustrations, worries, concerns, jokes or smiles. Use a special pen and a bright coloured Moleskin or Evernote if you’re more techie. Record what's happening for you. No one else sees things exactly like you do and you're special.

Moleskin

Pen

Evernote

As always, thank you for reading and do check out our other lifestyle blogs here for many things health- and spine-related.

Peace,

Luke x