The new year is finally here and after the year we’ve had, now is the perfect time to make some positive changes in our lives. New Year’s Resolutions have been around for centuries and whilst only a small percentage of them make it through the year, they are a great time to wipe the slate clean and set out a plan for a happier and healthier new you.

Winter is well and truly on its way. The sun is rarely out, it’s freezing cold, the days are short and spring seems like a lifetime away. While this may fill many of us with dread, there are lots of things to love about winter and plenty of ways to help you feel more like yourself throughout the colder months.

There is a word in Japanese which describes my most favourite light. ‘Komorebi’ (komo-ray-bee) means light which filters through the leaves and trees. Anyone who has spent any time walking in nature will have experienced this light and will know the wonderful atmosphere it creates. For me, this light is naturally calming and its beauty fills me with a great deal of joy. There is another endearing term in Japanese which signifies a healing effect of the forest. ‘Shinrin-yoku’...

This fantastic miracle of nature means our bodies and earth stay in sync with one another, our land is properly utilised and our immune system stays perky and obedient. So, whilst nature takes cares of what we need to eat in winter, our mental health and our gut health, still needs that little bit of extra TLC. Here are 6 things you can do to help support your immune system this winter:

I think it’s safe to say that 2020 has had its fair share of downs and very few ups. From the start of the year, we have been plagued with the Coronavirus pandemic which has caused thousands of people all of the world to lose their lives and millions more to become hospitalised. The inevitable lockdown of the country forced our economy to crash and our smallest and most vulnerable businesses to close. It caused thousands of people to lose their jobs and homes, our children lost out on proper edu

We woke to the rain lashing down outside. Not exactly what we hoped for the day as we knew we’d be outside for most of it. Undeterred, we packed our waterproofs and headed off nice and early. Today we were heading to Glenfinnan Viaduct to catch a glimpse of the “Hogwarts Express.” In case you didn’t know, the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct was featured in some of the Harry Potter films and has since been a popular tourist destination. Film lovers from all over the world have come here to see the well

If this year has taught me anything, it’s that it’s the little things that mean the most. I believe we must embrace every moment and every good thing happening just now. Those little moments of silence, the warmth of the sun on our faces, fully stocked shelves in the supermarket, our children's laughter, a cuddle from someone special, a good book or even just a smile from a stranger. Anything to help remind us that we are OK and we will get through this.

Raising money for Befriend a Child, Rachael Hunter decided to take on the challenge after turning 30 last year and wanting to challenge her mind and body while raising money for a good cause. Rachael covered 45 miles in total, most of which was up mountainous terrain and through valleys.

On May 20, groups and businesses all over the UK will be wearing their wigs to support the charity. Funds raised from Wig Wednesday will go towards the work the charity provides to young cancer patients as well as their families. Three businesses at Milton of Crathes will be taking part including Milton Brasserie, Atholl Country Wear and The Milton Art Gallery. The staff are looking forward to swapping their usual work attire for some wacky wigs.

Friday is one of our busiest days at Inchgarth but one activity not to miss is Ultimate Judo with coach Gordon McCathie. If you are looking for something to help your little ones gain valuable skills while burning off some energy, then Judo is the sport for them. Starting in 2010, Ultimate Judo now has over 300 members across Aberdeen. The award-winning classes not only help children learn physical skills but also provide mental and moral education too. Judo has been known to help boost confidence as well as teaching children respect, honesty, self- control and self-discipline.