Tag: take a break

May 2020 – Parcel Contents

Hello Lovelies!

Eek! This post is slightly (very!) late and I have no excuse, other than in the ongoing situation, I, well, forgot to show you the contents of last months parcel, Oops!

So, our May theme was “Cuppa Break” and they contained everything you need to take a short break from the current chaos surrounding us (something I obviously could do with now!).

May Contents:

“Mind Your Own Biscuits” Mug –

This month your parcel is all about those times when we need to give ourselves a break – and even better, a cuppa break! We loved these mugs as soon as we spotted them, the lookalike enamel style looks great and the quote is fabulous too – and if you’re on a cuppa break, everyone else should definitely mind their own biscuits!!

Pukka Tea Bags –

Obviously, we couldn’t give you a mug without including tea bags. We would usually recommend you share these and use them as an excuse to meet up with a friend, and have a natter and catch-up…but sadly, at the moment, that just isn’t possible. But, it will be, we will all be back together again soon, so you can either keep these tea bags until you can share them, or, just as importantly, give yourself a break (or two!) – we’re all going through a tough time at the moment, so don’t forget you deserve a break too.

The cute tea bag envelope was created just for our parcels by Crafty Little Fox.

Biscuit Tub & Coaster –

This cute biscuit tub is perfect for popping in the car, or in a handbag, just to have a sweet treat ready at hand, just when you need a little pick-me-up. The coaster “Doughnut Worry Be Happy” is from Old English Company.

Puzzles! –

Now, I don’t mind admitting that I had a little help creating this puzzle sheet – it was all created in-house at The Smile Parcel, as we wanted to give you a little something “to-do” while you’re enjoying your cuppa break. So, sit down, put your feet up and take your mind of everything else for a few minutes, and get puzzling!

 “Stronger Than You Think” –

I think there have been times over the last few weeks when all of us have wondered how we’re going to get through this difficult time. It’s definitely been (and continues to be) very challenging, in lots of ways, including, of course, our mental health. So, this postcard has been included in this parcel, to remind you that you are stronger than you think, I promise. Sometimes, we all need a moment, just to breathe and be reminded that, whatever is happening in our lives, we are strong, and we will get through this.

Smile Cards –

As always, there should be a couple of these little cards in your parcel, I’ve written one for you, and the blank one, is for you to write a short inspirational or positive message, and give to someone you know, or leave somewhere for a complete stranger to find – but this is of course optional, there’s absolutely no pressure to do this if you don’t want to.

Parcel Assistant –

Your Pom-Pom Parcel Assistant who helped us to pack your parcel this time was, Oliver!

 

Karen x

August 2019 – Parcel Contents

Hello… I can’t believe it’s almost the end of August already!

It’s time for our parcel reveal this month, and quite appropriately, our theme for August was “Hello Holiday”.

The contents were all about celebrating the holiday season and allowing ourselves to have a break, and take some time off to refocus.

August Contents:

Beach Hut Bunting –

This month, your parcel theme is “Hello Holiday”. We’re well into August now, and the summer holidays are in full swing, but I don’t think we need summertime as an excuse to make use of the first item included this month. Personally, I don’t need a lot of persuasion to hang up some bunting – no matter the season, time of year, or day of the week, bunting always fits the occasion! This has been handmade by Maria over at Oscars Craft Store – you can find Maria’s lovely shop on Etsy.

Passport Holder –

It would be amazing if all of us could travel abroad for the holidays, but sadly that’s just not possible for everyone, and having somewhere safe to keep our passport is important, whether it is sitting at home, or in our travel bag on its way to somewhere exotic.

We loved the tropical design on this cute pink holder, and a top tip, if you don’t have a passport, it also makes a great home for travel tickets and holiday memorabilia…

A Big Book… –

Whether we are big travelers and holiday goers, or more of a day trip person, this “big book for little ideas” is a perfect place to write down those plans and dreams. A psychology professor in California even found that those who write down their goals and dreams, were 42% more likely to achieve them – sounds like it’s worth a go to me!

Ice Cream Bracelets –

When we were planning the contents for this parcel, our thoughts quickly wondered off to the seaside, and all the lovely things that brings to mind, and close to the top of that list was, ice cream. We think these corded charm bracelets are compulsory beach attire!

 Change Your Frequency –

We mentioned above that it’s just not possible for all of us to get away for the holidays, but that isn’t really what the holiday season is all about. It’s more important to make time to simply have a break, and refocus. You’re always in control of you, regardless of what is happening around you. We all want to feel happier, but even the smallest of changes in our thinking, can make a huge difference to how we view life. Postcard from Katie Abey Design.

Smile Cards –

As always, there should be a couple of these little cards in your parcel, I’ve written one for you, and the blank one, is for you to write a short inspirational or positive message, and give to someone you know, or leave somewhere for a complete stranger to find – but this is of course optional, there’s absolutely no pressure to do this if you don’t want to.

Parcel Assistant –

Your *Parcel Assistant this month is Winston. I think you’ll find Winston to be a dream to live with – he’s calm, quiet, and enjoys making time for peaceful meditation.

Karen x

*Parcel Assistants are cheeky little pompom chaps who help (or hinder!) us with packing your monthly parcels!

 

May 2019 – Parcel Contents

The last day of May is almost upon us, and soon Summertime will be in full swing!

Our parcels for May were all about the importance of taking a well-deserved break, making time for a cuppa with a friend, and having an overdue catch-up and natter!

The theme this month was “Cuppa Break”.

May Contents:

“I Can’t Adult Today” Travel Mug –

This month’s parcel is all about those times when we need to give ourselves a break – and even better, a cuppa break! We chose a travel mug, so you can, well, take it with you, so there’s no excuse to not have a well-deserved cuppa break, wherever you are. We loved the quote on this mug…in fact, I’m not sure that I will be able to “adult” tomorrow either!!

Pukka Tea Bags –

Obviously, we couldn’t give you a mug without including a couple of tea bags. Having a cuppa is a great excuse to meet up with a friend, and have a good old catch-up! We’ve included 2 different tea bags from Pukka – Vanilla Chai and Night Time, so whether you’re looking for a warming lift or to relax before sleep…we’ve got you covered.

The little “Tea Time” packet has been made by Mel over at The Kraft Package, you can find Mel over on Etsy here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheKraftPackage

Biscuit Tub & Coaster –

This cute biscuit tub is perfect for popping in the car, or in a handbag, just to have a sweet treat ready at hand, just when you need a little pick-me-up. Asking “How are you?” may seem simple, but it’s easy to forget how important it is. Life is busy, we’re always on-the-go, and sometimes we just need someone to ask “Are you Okay?” without feeling like we should reply with “I’m fine”.

Heart Plaque –

We love the rustic style of these heart plaques, and their unusual design, as the text has been laser engraved – “There’s always time for tea and cake” …so true!

They have been made by Scorching Designs (great name!), who you can also find over in their Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ScorchingDesigns

 “Breathe” –

Our theme this month is all about encouraging you to take a break, and if possible, meet up with a friend. Sometimes, we all need a moment, just to breathe, and be reminded that, whatever is happening in our lives, we are strong, and we will get through this. We don’t always need someone to tell us the answers to our problems, we just want someone to listen. Postcard from ‘Katie Abey Design’.

Smile Cards

As always, there should be a couple of these little cards in your parcel, I’ve written one for you, and the blank one, is for you to write a short inspirational or positive message, and give to someone you know, or leave somewhere for a complete stranger to find – but this is of course optional, there’s absolutely no pressure to do this if you don’t want to.

Parcel Assistant

Your *Parcel Assistant for May is, Bobby. Bobby doesn’t really get on with our other Parcel Assistants, so if you still have some living with you, from previous parcels, I recommend keeping them apart!

Karen x

*Parcel Assistants are cheeky little pompom chaps who help (or hinder!) us with packing your monthly parcels!

 

Are You Okay?

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, and at The Smile Parcel, we want to focus on the importance of meeting up with friends, having a break and a catch up – along with a cuppa, of course!

We all have busy lives and so much going on all the time, we’ve always got a big ‘to-do’ list, and our main target is just to get as much done as possible and be sat on the sofa at the end of the day.

Our conversations are taking place more and more often on technology, which is great for keeping in touch with friends and family who are far away, or even abroad, but there’s nothing quite like face to face, without a screen in-between, if it is possible to do so.

Talking can be a very difficult thing to do, especially if you’re experiencing a mental health condition, so arranging a meet up with a friend, or even someone you haven’t spoken to for a while, is a great opportunity for a catch up and find out what is happening in each other’s lives. Talking and opening up about our feelings is something we should all do, and arranging a cuppa is a great excuse to do it!

The good thing is that meeting with a friend could happen anywhere, if for example you’re uncomfortable in crowded spaces, or being inside a house you’re unfamiliar with, maybe a quiet local park, or a trip to the countryside would be better (and take a travel mug with you!).

If you need some help or advice regarding your own mental health, or are looking for information and guidance, we have a ‘Get Help’ page on this website, with lots of useful telephone numbers and contact details for organisations who can offer support.

Last week was Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, which is all about giving women an opportunity to open up about motherhood and all the challenges that brings, and to show that no one is ever going through it alone.

So, there isn’t a better time to remind ourselves how important it is to take a little time out and ask a friend ‘Are you Okay?’.

Karen x