the blog: our thoughts

Cold? Hungry? Try these seasonal recipes

While writing this, I've switched the heating on for the first time in a good few months. This cooler turn makes now a great time to test out some new, warming recipes. It's also Organic September,...

Make it: DIY Bird Feeder

This is brilliantly easy and will bring lots more birds to the smallest of gardens. I only have a balcony - but could easily hang one of these and watch the birds (and most likely, squirrels!) come...

Soothing, homemade lavender remedies

Lavender is something of a natural wonder – it relieves tension, soothes the skin (and scalp) and in tea, can even aid digestion. Of course, it smells wonderful too! Here are a few of my favourite...

Made with thought: Cushion Cover Tutorial

Our #Bthoughtful contributor Victoria of Found & Sewn recently shared with us how to capture the essence of summer with her pressed flower project. This week Victoria shows us another creative...

Sweet treats: Two recipes from Aimee

Say hello to Aimee, one of our brand new #BTHOUGHTFUL contributors and the brains behind Wallflower Girl. In her first post for us, she shares two mouth-watering recipes made using in-season, rich-...

Refresh your workout: Online Yoga

Getting stuck in a workout rut - whether it's yoga, running, or at the gym - is all too easy to do. Our bodies quickly learn to adjust to a regular routine, so it's always good to push ourselves a ...

Make your own: Summer Ice lollies

When the sun starts shining it’s only instinct to delve into your nearest corner shop for a cooling ice lolly. But before you do, why not consider making your own frozen treats? They’re a great way...

Made with thought: DIY Summer Face Masks

With the British summer in full swing I look for any chance to head out and soak up the sun. However, too much sunshine can often cause skin to redden and leave it feeling dry and dull. To help co...

Great Greens: Nutritious Recipes You'll Love

We're big fans of eating in-season veggies at Braintree, so we always look out for healthy recipes that are easy to make and naturally delicious. Kale and spinach are great for us, but there are a...

See & Do Summer: 5 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors

While summer is in full swing (British weather and all!) there's an abundance of outdoor events taking place around the UK. And it isn't just festivals, how does fossil hunting, a family orchard tr...