Live Simply

A recent World Values Survey found that the happiest people live in Nigeria because they have nothing and expect nothing. Their daily life is boosted by small achievements like having enough food on the table.

To have less, to expect less, is infinitely more satisfying than wanting everything. Living simply is the best antidote to stress. Just because the Joneses have a new convertible BMW, doesn’t mean you need one too.

Try buying only what you need when you need it. Find happiness in life and people, not spending. When you’re shopping, before checking out, ask yourself if it’s something you need or want. There’s a difference.

Be self sufficient. Here’s a book to get you started.

Freelance Editorial Assistant

Mothers Who Work is a website for working mums, covering everything from maternity rights to celebrity babies and diets. The editor is looking for a freelance editorial assistant to work from home. You must be familiar with Facebook, imaginitive, organised, and able to keep members entertained with weekly newsletters.

In return, you’ll get to attend exciting press launches and be paid according to your experience. You don’t need to be a journalist or a mum, just reliable and enthusiastic. Email two samples of your best work, or two feature ideas, to editor@motherswhowork.co.uk. 

Do You Like Magic?

Objective Productions (producers of Derren Brown, The Real Hustle & Peep Show) are making a new family entertainment show for prime time BBC One.

If you, your family and friends would like to be on TV this summer, the team are filming in various places across London and the Home Counties in July. They will be holding informal auditions at Objective Productions, South Bank, near Waterloo and Westminster, on Thursday 10th July at 6pm. To apply, email your details to summer@objectiveproductions.com.

Write For Soul & Spirit

Soul & Spirit is accepting articles aimed at women aged 20 to 60 years. Content includes meditation and mantras, celebrity interviews, book and product reviews and articles that help readers gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Email editor Katy Evans at katy.evans@aceville.co.uk. Website here.

Love Letters Are Lush

No one can deny the power of the written word when it comes to undying love. If you’re happy for your words of adoration to be used by thousands of other romantics around the globe, write the object of your passion a letter of adoration, be accosted by the love bug, and share your passion with the world here. If you haven’t already guessed, I’m feeling romantic today.

 

Love Letters And Holidays

Today I spent the afternoon walking around a nearby park in the sunshine. There was a gentle breeze and the air was fresh. There was nobody about, so I walked and walked, and thought about stuff, like holidays (the lack of them).

I came to the conclusion that I need a holiday; a foreign holiday, and a long one at that. I was thinking the last time I had a proper break, that didn’t involve work, was Toronto in 2004. I’ve flitted about other places since, but not a decent holiday that involved relaxation, good food, lots of outdoorsy stuff, sunshine and addictive company. My next jaunt will be worth it, no doubt about that. I’m on the case. 

Oh, and today I received an email from a couple that write love letters to each other every day. Isn’t that amazing? I’m in serious need of a love letter and a holiday. Excuse me while I go and weep into a glass of wine.