Sorry this post is a bit late - I am in freezing Norfolk and have been exploring and walking in the bracing Spring air and sleeping when I went inside. I can't believe that it is almost the end of April and the temperature is 4 degrees centigrade. It's colder than December.

This morning it  has sleeted and hail stoned, so it's been a morning when I have stayed inside with the heating on and caught up.

I had almost finished this post, but it needed  tidying up. I managed to achieve this - so the inclement spring weather has had it's advantages.

So what's been impressing me?

1.  Apparently I am on trend - with this article on how staying in is the new going out.

2. Walking the dog makes you live longer and makes you look less creepy.

3. Something uplifting for you. I particularly like no 33.

4. This company makes booking a holiday cottage easy.
 
5. I so admire this guy's determination.

6. Reducetarian - something I had not heard of before reading this article.

7. I am definitely making this for supper.

8. Thank you New Yorker for a great article on Prince. I particularly like the last paragraph.

9. After following the Norfolk Deli on Twitter for the last 6 months actually visiting the shop and making some purchases.

10. Even though it is freezing outside it's bluebell time - don't miss them. With this guide you can find one near you.

Flaxseeds are tiny seeds that are bursting with nutritional health benefits. You can eat them whole (like the ones pictured) or milled and finely ground.

Personally, I prefer them finely ground. The milled flaxseed is perfect for adding to smoothies and porridge. I sprinkle them on my porridge every morning. The seeds have a slightly nutty, earthy taste. Most UK supermarkets now sell them as well as all good health stores.  You can even buy them on Amazon.



So, what’s so great about them?

Flaxseeds are the richest vegetarian source of Omega 3 fatty acids. I have written about  Omega 3's in an earlier post. in simple terms, the Omega 3 fatty acid group is known for the prevention of heart disease and has anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit diabetes and arthritis. 

Flaxseeds help your digestive system, help to reduce bloating, improve digestion and prevent constipation. They increase the water & bulk content helps to shift things along nicely - if you know what I mean!

Flaxseeds are a high source of gluten and wheat free fibre. They are a great way of hitting your daily recommended fibre intake, which the average person struggles to hit. Start off with a teaspoon a day & build up to 1-2 tablespoons. Starting with too much too soon can lead to a bit of discomfort, so be patient and start small.

Because of the high fibre content in flaxseeds, you need to make sure you increase your water intake. This just ensures everything flows correctly so is pretty important!

A good way to get the best from the nutrients of flaxseeds is to activate them. To do this, simply soak the seeds in a glass of water overnight, then drain the water away the next day and eat the seeds.

Try flaxseeds - for a little seed they can add a lot to your diet.

1. No it can't be 33 years since this classic album was released - where has time gone? Let's dance!?

2. How do you sign off your texts, emails and letters? This is insightful - who knew?

3.Being too hard on yourself is draining and it keeps you from moving forward and succeeding. So read this interesting article.

​4. It's all about the angle -  these photos play with your mind.

5. This is the easiest soup in the world!  

6.Harnessing the power of the immune system to fight cancer is one of the most exciting fields in medicine. Want a quick easy explanation - try this.

7. So how do you keep your brain young? This is good advice. 

8.Spring is here according to Nigel Slater.

9. This was delicious for lunch.

10. Strangely an enjoyable change from coffee or tea.

All the best x
( see 2 for an explanation)

This is what I am liking this week.
​
 1. I liked this brave advice for  being more efficient and getting things done especially the idea of deleting all your emails! A brave step indeed.

 2. Sonima is my latest go to yoga website - give a video class a go - and such a selection even for inflexible me.

 3. 13 days until I am back at  The Thornham Deli - my favourite deli - the vegetarian breakfast is one of the best that I have ever tasted.


​4. I am liking this Instagramer - my new roots - easy vegan recipes.

5.  My monthly accupuncture sessions have contributed to my well being - my accupuncturist has updated his web site.

6. Liking this quote - we all have this choice every day.

7. Went to a book launch at The Redfern Gallery  - I have never had the courage to go inside a Mayfair art gallery. This was it.

8. I got to meet the amazing Rebecca Thornton who has written "The Exclusives" that was launched this week at The Redfern Gallery.

9.  Watch this  How To Stay Young-Episode 1. An investigation on how much of the way we age is down to genetics and how much of it is down to the way we live our lives. 

10. Another bowl recipe - this was simple and delicious.

Have a great weekend and hope you enjoy this week's links.

   It's only a first impression

I read a lot of  blogs, websites and articles on the internet.  I had an idea that I would share 10  things I’ve seen that has made an impression on me this week. I'm hoping that this will be a regular feature.

1. "How to know if you're happy or just settling in" - a Lifehack article - which sure hit a note with me as there have been times when I have coasted through life until I realise that I was settlng and needed to make a change.

2. How to throw a dinner party in an hour - as long as you have some food in the cupboard and fridge and some friends!

3. Dreaming of Palm Springs. Can't wait for my next visit.

4. I 'm making these herby avocado and egg sandwiches this weekend.

5. I am enjoying the comedy of "words people say" in Alison Hitchcock's blog. I am the friend that she  gave herself the challenge of writing a letter a week to with the sole purpose of cheering him up, when I was diagnosed with cancer. Those letters really cheered me up. And I am the lucky recipient of over 100 letters from Alison. One day they will be in print for all to share.

6. The Medicinal Chef (Dale Pinnock)'s delicious Butternut Lentil and White Bean Winter Warmer for a chilly March supper.

7. Liking this Instagram account and he's local to me - https://www.instagram.com/seanchap/

8. Bowls seem to be the new plates - it's a trend that is catching on.

9.Looking for some inspirational quotes - then try this - this is particularly apt for me this week

10. Liking the amazing photography of Jon Clifton. Might have to save up for one of his canvases.

Hope you enjoy exploring some of these links...... let me know what you think by way of comments.