So it begins. This is what we all came for. We are ready and eager. We spent the evening of the 16th September packing for these 4 days. This was something to behold. Our limit was 5kg. Could you do it? Everyone’s room looked the same, clothes and items strewn across the furniture and floor. Simon finished his and watched from bed as I struggled … those who know me will understand how tough this was. It’s normal 20kg for 4 days 😂. But I did it!

So at 5.30am on the 17th September we were ready to leave. Our 5 kg (hmm) bag plus our small day rucksack 🎒. This is also the start of the “bladder training” from Simon. The sort you have in your bag for easy water access.

We had breakfast en route before we entered the national park.

This is the point where I should introduce Nico who would be our guide to Macchu Picchu. His assistant was a 24year old named Elisben .The qualities Nico showed are many and the patience he needed was plentiful. He was also super cool 😎.

The first walk up was supposedly quite easy but a lot started feeling the impact of the altitude . Fatima and Sati in particular needed support.

We arrived at the first lodge where we were to share! The toilets and showers (cold obviously) were at one end of the site.

The cook team were there already and after lunch we all had decisions to make. You could rest , do a shorter walk near the lodge or go and tackle Humantay! ofcourse I hadn’t learnt to say no by this point.

So a smaller group that contained Nitasha , Chie. Nico , Vishal. Kamal, Simon and myself set out to get to Humantay Lake which is 4200m above sea level.

I would say about two thirds of the way up I started to struggle and remember I hadn’t really suffered badly with altitude sickness to this point. Kamal also was struggling a little. I thought was going to pass out. I was struggling to move forward. With the encouragement from Nico, Vishal (and some drugs) and Simon who kept me upright I eventually made it. I played my favourite Bollywood tunes to power me. If you were wondering where Nitasha and Chie were … already there. They were like mountain goats !! Oh and I did have a little cry.

We walked back as it was starting to get dark. I felt much better by now.

Because Simon and I politely declined to share with Mr & Mrs Vaingankar we ended up in another lodge a few minutes down the hill.Not as cute but the facilities were nearer !!!

On the 18th we started our ascent to Salkantay (4600 above sea level). Don’t worry we were on horseback apart from Nitasha, Vishal, Simon. Chie and Nico. These horses were so calm and so familiar with the rocky paths that we were literally given a horse and off we went. Even Susan who had never ridden before.

After a lovely ride up which was pretty uneventful apart from hearing later that Fatima had fallen. Thankfully nothing broken and she didn’t make a fuss although was obviously in pain.

We waited only for a while when the first of the walkers arrived. It was Simon!

After all this we embarked on the walk that we all remember. It turned into the night walk ….

Doesn’t the photo below look like something from the National Geographic!

The walk to our next lodge was long and dark in the end . We were on narrow unsteady paths. Most of us had our night lights, some didn’t as it wasn’t supposed to be this long! We all supported each other and sang and chatted our way back. I have no photographs of this period as spent most of my time shouting ,”tuck in” “stay left” , being Roz’s light or playing music. Rekha had been carried down like a baby in a papoose. It was sight to behold and it all happened so fast! She got back at 7.30pm. We got back at 10pm!😥

We were in a lovely lodge overnight and there was talk of another walk early morning of the 19th. Nope I hadn’t learnt my lesson. Had proper FOMO so rushed and got ready to join this bunch.

This is the small group that went for walk.  

It was a beautiful walk. We came across different terrains and had to change routes due to landslides. I won’t lie there were some inclines that slowed me down but overall fabulous. We also passed some farms – Avocados and papayas.

We picked some Inca berries along the way and painted our faces and pretended we were tough Inca warriors. Ofcourse we are!

We had lunch with the rest of the gang and then went to a small coffee plantation.

That night we were overnight in pods. Let’s just say they are not warm or sound proof. Not easy for a tall man to get in and out without a few bumps.

On the 20th we woke up and needed to exit the area as traffic was controlled. This meant we had to stop at a small place to have drinks and play games until we got the green light.

We then went up to the Hidroelecttica station point which was the last stage of the trek to Macchu Picchu. Here you can also get the train which is what Rekha did. We had lunch and then walked along the rail track to Aguas Calientes.

The walk was flat and easy.

We were overnight in Aguas Calientes. Night time here was like Ibiza in the hills. Buzzy , loud with music and dancing. They must have been young. We just wanted to buy some water and go to bed. Only one minor drama today, we lost Rekha. She’d got off the train but at the wrong stop in town. We should have realised something was wrong when Nitasha, Vishal, Nico and Elisben were all missing and running around Aguas Calientes! They did eventually find her in time for dinner.

So on the 21st morning we had breakfast at our hotel and headed down to face the long queue for the bus upto to Macchu Picchu.

The Japanese girls (Chie, Chika and Kiki) had an earlier timed ticket so they had already left with Nico. We queued and queued but the organisation was faultless. They’ve obviously done this before. It’s about a 30mins journey to the entrance. We were met by Nico who guided us around the site. This blog isn’t long enough to really go into much detail but needless to say the Incas were a very special people. Macchu Picchu is referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”. The site was apparently a summer palace built for the Emperor Pachacuti. Sharing some images but it’s impossible to pass on the feeling of wonderment at how these people lived and survived at such an altitude. I suppose each civilisation leaves behind a unique impression and the Incas seem to have touched many.

After descending back to Aguas Calientes we just about managed to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo . To maximise the tourist experience the train has a glass ceiling.

So that was very long. And we haven’t finished our adventure in Peru yet !! Please stay with me 🙏🏽. I can’t promise that the next part will be any shorter. 😂

(I took most photos but you’ll recognise the really good ones as Roz’s work.)

 

It’s September 15th and Nitasha’s retreat and adventure starts today. We must be in Cusco by lunchtime to acclimatise to the altitude. We must !! So we say bye to our luxury hotel in Lima with a 4.45am get up, 5.30am taxi and a breakfast box. Like corporates in the old days the senior team would never travel together and it was the same here. The chosen six (I’ll let you work out who that could be) were on the 8.05am flight and the others just a little later. Welcome to Latam airlines.

And as we land at the small airport at Cusco the Scottish one (Susan) has a moment. No one connected this with altitude sickness at the time but unfortunately that’s what it was. We wait patiently for the others in our minibus.

Cusco is considered the traditional capital of Peru – it was for the Inca Empire. It is 3400m above sea level and a start point for most who are venturing to Macchu Picchu. I thought it was a beautiful place with crazy narrow streets, some foundation stones still in place.I don’t suppose the Incas were planning for tourist mini buses that buzzed around at all hours. And drivers with no patience. Good luck to them waiting for a group 16!!

We were staying at Hotel Marqueses which is a 17th Century colonial house. It was a home from home. Sharing some pics and no I’m not on a commission.The location was perfect, within walking distance from the main city square, shops and eateries.

This is where we first were subjected (sorry introduced) to cocatea! I believe Mr G is holding a cup below. If he wasn’t drinking the stuff he was chewing it – must have helped as he wasn’t poorly. I was popping pills to help. They made your fingers and toes tingle; a minor side effect.

The weather would be fabulous in the day but the temperature would drop considerably as the evening hit. And this got everyone thinking that they needed more layers for the trekking! Fleeces, leggings, hats, gloves and scarves were being purchased by all. I believe a certain photographer even bought a coat. It wasn’t that we didn’t have the gear – we all felt we had bought “not quite the right” gear! And of course shopping felt justified for this very reason. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Nitasha had organised for us to meet a Qero Shaman and be part of a ceremony that allowed us to be blessed. We had a warm welcome and even saw some llamas/alpacas. We were also treated to a traditional dance.

After our visit we went for a meal and a little shop. Of course we did! We became very efficient at maximising any spare time to shop.

On 16th September we did various parts of the Sacred Valley. I’ll illustrate through photos as we will never get onto the next phase otherwise.

Moray is an archeological site of great importance from the Inca world. Circular terraces illustrate the complex site which is still somewhat of a mystery. Scientists believe it was used for agricultural purposes.

I believe the below is on the outskirts of Chinchero. There is church in the background built in 1607 on top of an Inca site.

We then headed to the Maras salt mines where salt has a lot of iron /pink salt and has been producing salt for over 500 years. They still mine in the traditional method.

Our last stop after lunch was the beautiful town of Ollantaytambo , again a very popular place for visitors to Peru. It is an Inca archeological site but also has the rail network so a good travel hub and a start point for the Inca Trail.

We then headed home (all that was one day!) to our hotel for the frantic packing of a 5kg bag for our 5 day trek. Seriously 5kg! But we did it. I even managed to squeeze in a tiny amount of makeup and a shewee (never used it)Must go to bed early!! We have a 5.30am start. That’s for the next part but I leave you with this blue sky….

Seema 3.11.24 (I may get it all out by Christmas 😳)

So on my 59th birthday I started a wonderful holiday/adventure with this bunch. How exciting to celebrate across three countries and two continents. Forget for a while how old I actually am!

So what were we planning. We had all agreed to join Nitasha Buldeo and IYogaa on an adventure to Macchu Picchu and the Amazon jungle. We topped and tailed this with a stay in Lima at the start and a trip to Lake Titicaca at the end. I was happy that Simon was coming with me to this retreat- he was going to protect me from any animals we would encounter; this was agreed at our planning meeting back in August !

As you can see we were jolly excited for the trip. It seemed like a good idea at the time to cram in as much as possible as we were going all the way to Peru 🇵🇪!!

This part one is the Lima bit before the real adventure kicks in. It is also an opportunity to introduce everyone . You will get to know their names and personalities as you follow our journey ! You will also wonder at the number of photos taken😳! Apart from. Kamal we all live in Bedford and know each other. Asifa, Sati, Rekha, Kamal. Susan and Roz are retired. Simon and is semi retired and the rest of us work. Fatima, Vishal (the official medical support) and Nitin are doctors. We can all relax!

It started at Heathrow at some ridiculous time on Wednesday 11th September but don’t we all look happy to be here ! Asifa and Fatima were travelling separately and met us in Lima. Nitin & Swarupa were travelling in from a wedding in Lisbon. 😳

I did try and get some shopping in but unfortunately some of the shops were still shut and I’m not sure they would sell walking poles !!

I really should start with a little bit about Peru 🇵🇪.

Capital: Lima

Population: Over 32million

Language: Spanish (We got to see Roz practicing her skills! It was a lot of “senor..senor..”

Currency : Peruvian sol (equates to around 20p)

Economy: based primarily on tourism, potatoes (we heard anything from 3k to 4k varieties available!) coffee and mining.

My Impressions: it felt like a poor country away from Lima/Cusco. Many unfinished builds everywhere we went. However the quality of roads was excellent and hardly a pothole in sight and it has the 47th largest GDP in the world (source: wiki!). The people were friendly and I’m sure the ladies won’t mind me saying that they were short (I became a little obsessed by this and the tall hats they wore to overcome this).

We finally get to Lima after a transfer earlier in the day in Madrid. Trying not to think about how long we’ve travelled for.

The drama starts as soon as we land in Lima. Sati’s luggage doesn’t arrive! Grrrrr…. We all offer words of comfort and console her by saying we have enough between us! And there are shops. Thank goodness she was wearing her walking 🥾. What a pain it is to report lost luggage…you know it’s not going to turn up! Right? But it did many days later but in Bedford. 🤦🏽‍♀️

We enjoyed the lovely hotel (Iberostar Miraflores if you need a recommendation) that has amazing breakfasts, a rooftop bar & pool and a small spa. What’s not to love !! Asifa had landed a few hours earlier and instantly became our Miraflores guide.

Three days in Lima were just enough to do some exploring and enjoy good food and fit in some spa time!

On our first day we did a long walk along the coast … the other side of the world.

The following day Susan and Roz went on their trip to see the Nazca lines. Fatima had finally arrived after her chaotic journey where flights were delayed and connections missed. But she arrived in good spirits having obviously made friends with her fellow travellers.

The rest of us went on a local bus to another part of town which is known as a melting pot for the bohemian bunch and artistes , Barranco. The bus ride was an experience! Let’s just say it was fast and furious cheap. We decided to walk back later along the town coastal path.The whole area is covered in amazing graffiti and has a charming path down to the ocean. Just an explosion of colour and fantastic art.

On the Friday evening (13th) Swarupa and Nitin managed to get to Lima after their own drama! Apparently the system didn’t have them coming to Lima🤦🏽‍♀️😳😯🤷🏽‍♀️😂🧐. Let’s just say they were calmer than I would have been. As soon as they arrived they joined us at an Indian restaurant we had found – Mantra.

Our final day in Lima was super busy with a walking tour of the old town and a birthday party (yes the celebrations continued!!). We fell upon a procession on our tour. Not totally confident on what was going on but it was loud and colourful.

Sensible Simon books a lovely restaurant with Asifa’s help for my birthday “do”. The models and Fatima went off to have a blow dry ( you weren’t expecting that – it’s ok we aren’t on the trek yet!). Everyone made an effort and they even organised a surprise cake (😉) which was in the Uber with us to the fabulous restaurant. And it came back with us to the hotel. “We don’t allow that sort of thing here 😂”! No matter we were determined to cut this bloody cake and that we did within the large conference room reception area. No stopping Sati when there’s an event to be executed.

And we of course had a boogie that evening amongst the young people who were too cool to dance. We were still unaware of what was to come …

Part Two : On the way to Macchu Picchu to follow.

#seemaontheedge #housewares #sda

So I completed 25 years in this wonderful industry last month.😳 Do feel free to say “surely not” or “you look too young ”. But the truth is I am that old.

I thought I’d take a little look back (some of the words are from an old blog called The alternative CV). No I’m not looking for a job!! And yes this is a little indulgent.

All companies mentioned exist and are real as are the people I’ve met along the way. Some haven’t been able to lose me!! I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone – blame the menopause!!

Cole & Mason(Farnborough)

I joined when my daughter was 6 months old . She’ll be 26 this year! The building is right by the dump- especially yummy on hot summer days. Only the planes from the air show made the location worthwhile. I met my sister from another life here @Debbie Acquaye . It’s not a salt and pepper pot I learnt- it’s a mill. Not any old mill but a Cole & Mason mill. We hustled and beavered away to make it a success. Long awaited rounders tournament every summer that created heated competition and memories. This is where I learnt the art of detail, process and knowing your numbers thanks to @Nick Cornwall. This is also where I entered the world of Ambiente, Elite (Exclusive Housewares) and The Progressive Housewares Dinner. They all definitely deserve their own entries another time. Hard work but what fun! All that air kissing …@Ashley Rogers @Rebecca Wilson @Liz Saunders @Nadia Swinney @Freda Cronk @Andrew Thornton.

Tefal to Groupe SEB (Langley)

This is the brand that gave me my second husband. Not sure if it’s part of their ongoing ranges. I also picked up some other WOTEs (women on the edge) along the way @Louise Hickling @Laura Starkie and @Meeta Patel. Those that transition from being colleagues , to work friends to friends for life. Working for the French was a pleasure and gave me exposure to non veg veg food! They just didn’t get it in those days.Nearly 10 years of my life. Surely deserves its own private hearing. The non stick years with a few plugs thrown in. It gave me confidence and taught me the phrase “soft launch” thanks to @Ian Mackey and “more champagne “ thanks to @Glenn Meek. I fell in love with Jamie Oliver and had Conference overload and laughs with @Steve Punter @Jeremy Taylor and @Paul Neiss Too many shenanigans to publish. I perfected the art of air kissing, juggling and showing how it’s done with an all female team and learning to work with Marketing muppets as a sales tosser (@Ian Watkison) or box shifter!🤦🏽‍♀️ And they were the best Marketing Muppets around @Chris Gee and @Dominic Worsley being two of the best. This is also where I began my OU career which has led to me currently trying to finish a Masters in Classics after completing a History Degree – don’t let anyone say you’re not capable or outside pursuits will impact your work!

DKB (Cole & Mason all grown up)

I continued my love of Jamie Oliver here but may have shifted my loyalties to a certain guy called Ken Hom. I accumulated a kitchen full of tools and gadget that could chop/peel/prep any fruit or veg you care to throw at me. I learnt the value of TK Maxx -“It’s not just clearance”, whilst being a John Lewis junkie and a Lakeland luvvie. And I perfected my art for schmoozing and building the wonderful Housewares network of colleagues,friends and acquaintances. I learnt a new word “cardrobe” that depicts my mobile life. @Mark Avery @Lindsey Hoyle @Jo Adger @Louise Ayres.

GreenPan(Woking)

The Belgian chocolate makers. No no – not unhealthy chocolate but healthy ceramic non stick. Ready to conquer the world with high energy, gusto and fabulously designed products. This business gave me my first Directorship and allowed me to spread my wings thanks to @Zouhair Yahia. It also allowed me to travel to China and HK, alas on economy. Not a good look when your buyers are ahead of you in business 😂. I learnt how to be independent, build a great team (Angela Hodgkinson Sharon Murphy Matt Sampson Guy Furby) and be even more determined.

BHETA (Birmingham)

Now at BHETA and Exclusively Shows it’s a pleasure to work on behalf of the industry with @Will Jones . Not only allowing me to stay in touch with old industry peers such as @Tony Dorgan, @Geoff Gorst @Sam Bagga @Veronica Davison. But also Strong females like @Kate O’Neill who I gave know for this entire period and @Jane Mason since she had her first son!

As you will see for me it’s always about the people and challenging and stretching myself. Work is always there. Things change and will change again. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some standout people on the retail side-@Anna Berry, @Phillipa Simons, @Kathryn Farrel, @Caroline Rowell, @Amanda Reed @Amanda Ranson @Kate Carrick . Oh look an all female cast. But I can’t leave out @Ben Phillips who was always a great sounding board. And how could I forget @Jo Howard, @Warren Lomax and @Jakki Brown who always seem to have been around keeping us informed.

How the retail landscape has changed though. Woolies used to be my biggest account. And how silly was I to keep passing up on the Amazon opportunity . Could have been running my own digital start up by now 😂🤦🏽‍♀️. Working on the promo calendar for Debenhams used to keep me busy all year and gave me the skills to duck and dive between them, Allders and HOF. The gorgeous shops that were Steamer Trading. But we now have what the consumer has created and wants (for now at least). I love the fact that there are so many Independents still going strong – adapting and working with suppliers to be just what we want on our doorstep.

On a personal level too much has happened and I keep getting told LinkedIn is not the place. But I disagree; work is a part of you and it is the full 24hours that make you not just a 45minute zoom call. And I know no one is asking for any advice but here goes …work with passion, enthusiasm, have fun and be kind. Here’s to a few more years.

🙏🏽

Seema

So she said come to a well woman retreat – no boys allowed (not even you Vishal). We went looking for answers and direction and came away full, and not just our bellies. The Castel embraced us in its old walls that had seen so much pain but stands proud,alone defying the gods of the sun and wind. In view of the mountains and forests we lived like queens for a week. Even the church bell rang out to welcome us and wishes us well.

A strong woman needs sustenance. Who says you can’t eat well in the ways of the vegan? The team shopped long and far (UK & Spain 😂) to fill those kitchen cupboards. How would we do justice to all these wonderful ingredients… enter stage right Angie and stage left Nitasha and then the magic pot that kept giving.

Each meal tastier than the last (can’t decide my favourite 🤦🏽‍♀️) and all quizzing the chefs .. “what’s in that, how did you do that , what does that do for me, what herbs did you use, can you share the recipe and can I have seconds “!! Eating as a family at each meal stories and secrets were shared along with much laughter. The table was laid and cleared as if by the magic fairies. If food is love and this was then a true romance.

I suppose I should really have done this at the start but how could I put us before the Castel and the food 😂. We were just passing guests in this 10th century idyll.No ghosts, well not any those who wanted to share our food! In no particular let me introduce you to the Spanish family. We were a motley but beautiful bunch (no bias here) of varying ages but after the needles we all looked around 30 somethings!

The Players

Gujarati Ninja: Rita: she may be small but don’t be fooled !! Super glam and willing to learn everything thrown at her.

The strongest: Rekha: she may have been the oldest but again with wisdom comes strength.

The giant : Marc: the gentle giant who oozed love for his world and made the Castel a place fit for women.

Wonder Woman: Nitasha: do I really need to say anything ? Not sure if actually sleeps 😂. Gives so much of herself to us all that we do think of her as the mother.

The Creative One: Nadine: or she could be the dog whisperer. Filled with curiosity for the world.

The Silver Fox: Urmila: So beautiful inside and out. Stronger than she thinks.

The Sporty One: Asifa: Just got on with it. Nothing phased her. She is safe to share a bed with 🥰

The Adventurer: Poonam: Adventurers fall and get up and climb higher and further 💪🏽.

The Giver: Angie. I could have said feeder but that would not have been enough. Warm being.

The Observer: Seema: that’s me. Rude to talk about oneself so I won’t and will snooze.

It wasn’t a holiday you signed upto . It’s not an army camp either. It is a well woman retreat. And if you weren’t well before you certainly were on departure (well most of us 🙆🏽‍♀️).

Sharing with Asifa in the honeymoon suite simply meant we did more steps than anyone else but the prize was the awesome view! To sleep with no curtains or blinds was liberating and if I propped myself up slightly I could savour the Pyrenees.

Morning call was 6am (5.30 get up!) and Asifa and I perfected the art of getting ready for morning yoga to approximately 12 mins 😂 We started at 30!

A short walk across the main building we would enter the church – atmospheric and haunting with lit candles with a red glow.
Sun salutations completed by 6.30 we would then start kicking and punching whilst squatting. Not each other of-course. We were strong queens able to protect ourselves.

And before you could throw another ten punches it was time for the big breakfast created by Nitasha and made by Angie. You would occasionally find recycled peels and other useful veg and fruit bits somewhere. But she made us drink our coloured juices my lord! Yes 2 glasses and if you’re really unlucky. Yes of-course I will carry on. I just need a few months to grow my beetroot.

Ok girls get ready for the walking (minimum 15k steps) or an adventure. Every day we walked and talked. We climbed, we slipped, we straddled, we clambered and then we sat and rested. Refreshed with water, oranges and those little snack bars. Depending on how hard we’d worked we sometimes got two and on the last walk we were trusted to carry our own. I’m sure Nitasha didn’t trust me not to eat it straight away 🤪.

Who’d have thought we would be able to collect mint, oregano, dill, thyme and rosemary. Who needs a Waitrose !

One day we were taken to what can only be described as a fairly tale glade. With a green aura matched only by Asifa’s swimming costume. We swam (briefly) in the cold water and warmed up on the rocks with the blazing sun which made it through the trees. I felt like a Famous Five member – we had found our secret hideaway.

Our resident model on all walks was Rekha. How could you say no 😂. She would just sit or stand and we would follow. She does make a good model though and has left “the three holes” embedded in our minds.

We managed to elude the rain but some got to experience the rainbow of a lifetime.

The takeouts or the bits I just forgot to mention to date
⁃ The pulley that took everything to and from the castle ! I mean everything – you know what I am referring to.
⁃ The dogs – Truffalo and Dora . Who doesn’t have an item that hasn’t been in Truffo’s mouth. Wise old Dora was just rolling her eyes … conserve your energy little one. But there is no telling these youngsters .
⁃ The juices 😂. What colour are you today ?! No please don’t make me have a third glass. It’s good for you – ok give me 4!
⁃ The pistachio squares – I’d have been svelte if it wasn’t for these dastardly treats.
⁃ The endless teas. Even the interesting ones 😉
⁃ The lack of makeup 💄. But don’t take away my earrings.
⁃ No hairdryer , straighteners or iron – how very novel.
⁃ Black salt : it’s a love hate relationship.

Can’t believe I have to wait until September 2024 for the next retreat with this teacher. Peru I will be ready for that journey.

Thanks for the ride ladies .🥰

Photos are from a number of people.

I ventured into the big smoke and to the London Coffee festival on Friday.

Some tips if you plan to come next time!

– the venue is trendy (Old Truman Brewery at Spitafields)

⁃ Not suitable for heels

⁃ It gets really hot.

⁃ It gets really busy.

⁃ Flats boots – comfort

⁃ Elbows ready, crowd control

The place was dripping with young trendy types, mostly with tight black t-shirts, tattoos, and just generally looking cool. I may have felt a little old.

Anyway I should tell you a little more about The Coffee Festival. For coffee lovers and connoisseurs this is a must do event. Every variety, combination and permutation of beans, coffee machines, method of roasting and added flavours all under one roof. A great demo area where super cool baristas were showing their skills – unfortunately wasted on me! When I say machines I mean everything from what a newbie to coffee may have (the ones that deliver the same quality of coffee through pods every morning) to those machines in trendy cafes that splutter, gurgle and require an engineering degree even to approach them. Plus all the accessories you could imagine; think coffee art.

Walking around you need to just go with the flow and not expect a normal trade show (because it is a consumer show too) with straight rows of stands. This adds to the quirkinesses of the event. I came across clothing , bags, green travel cups, healthy energy bars, cake , alternative milk and so much more. My favourite were the tea companies being brazen amongst the coffee ☕️.

It’s all about the experience and increasing engagement. I should know. A box arrives for hubby every month with beans, details of origin, how to make the perfect grind and tasting notes. I’ve seen “hints of honey” and “overtones of dates”. It’s like fine wine apparently. 🙄

There was Turmeric Latte, organic lemonade and ice-creams but it was far too early to be indulging in cocktails or dancing to the music that filled the air.

I have it on good authority that there are over 600 independent Coffee shops inside the M25 corridor with about 3 opening every day. These will be the ones alongside the vegan delis.

And do you know yours truly doesn’t actually drink coffee!! I feel bit of a fraud writing about this and hence why it’s a little lacking in coffee detail. I can see why it enthuses people;it is more than just about coffee. It’s about fashion,lifestyle, being green and being part of the buzz. And from a commercial viewpoint it’s great to see entrepreneurs and established brands sharing the same space. I visited some of our members (Dualit, Aerolatte, Jura and DeLonghi), connected with some prospects and even bumped into the John Lewis team.

“The can do”attitude was palpable. It’s the perfect place for new brands to showcase their products and meet the right audience in this sector – both trade and consumer.

So if you’re a buyer for this category, starting your own place, a coffee buff or just “hip” get yourself down to a Coffee Festival soon.

You never know who you will meet.

Me, well I am off for a nice cup of PG tips.

Cheers.

Seema 🙏🏽

This used to be my sugar intake (roughly for my tea in a week)…

1.5 spoons per cup

3/4 cups a day ( let’s say 3 🤔)

31.5 teaspoons per week

There is so much coverage about the evils of sugar and that’s not my bag here. Some of you know that a few months ago that I was told I was pre diabetic. For someone whose life revolves around not just eating but constantly taking about food this was a real blow. I get that in the overall scheme of life it’s not up there . However having been told that I was osteopenic earlier this year and had severely low b12 (a preoccupation for most vegetarians) I was feeling a bit sorry for myself.

Happy to report that I’m not pre diabetic anymore. I’ve made or tried to make a few changes . My relationship with food is in flux.I always valued and appreciated it but almost took for granted what I could eat and when ! And know so many people who can’t and aren’t able to do that. A friend put it simply and said, “you just need a new relationship with food”.

My obsession with mangoes , sugar in my tea, having something “a little sweet” after every meal , anything fried, snacking and not forgetting the unhealthy intake of bread (thinking it wasn’t bad because I was having sourdough or seeded or anything away from a sliced white loaf!!).

I always blamed papa for my “sweet tooth” and the fact that I’m Indian ( we also have type 2 diabetes in the family) and my intake of carbs on the fact that I’m vegetarian… I need them to bulk out my meals. You guys have fish or meat!!

Please don’t think I’ve had some sort of awakening. Not at all. But I’ve just made a few minor changes and hoping to continue.

⁃ intermittent fasting occasionally

⁃ Rarely drink tea and when I do it’s with sweetener/zylatol

⁃ Less fruit ( no more dried mangoes my travelling buddies 😂)

⁃ trying to keep with the walking

⁃ Still having treats but just a teeny weeny bit less.

⁃ Rarely bake

When I had the diagnosis I thought I was one of the few – not so it turns out as so many people would say they had been or were the same !! So not so special after all.😂. I became obsessed with hearing everyone’s advice and got myself into a pickle. I know my indian friends will just roll their eyes and say it comes with the territory of being Indian.

We all have our “thing” we need to deal with and these are mine (atm) along wit those pesky ankles. I also have to change my mantra …”there is always room for chips, pudding or mangoes”!

We can do HRT another day 😂🙈🤦🏽‍♀️!

#stayhealthy #keepactive #keepmoving #lovelife

Why do we have to do this every year. Ok so no one is holding you down and forcing you to set up new year’s resolutions. Do you feel you should… I suppose that may come from something you’ve already been thinking about changing or improving or simply continuing in the coming year.

I will share a few of mine. What’s the harm I say. It’s just a little mental checklist with myself . In the past I’ve had varied success. There was the time I decided I would walk away from any negative conversation at work … I think I made it to week three. I was constant excusing myself. Note negative does not mean harmful. Then there was the time I said I would not buy any new shoes ….I did quite well but the following January I was a woman possessed !! Oh and the year that I said I would not buy any accessories – that was a total fail! I’m not painting a very positive picture of myself so to balance this out I will say that I have had lots of positive results over the years too. I love and thrive on lists so a focused target for the whole year works for me.

So perhaps I will start after the bank holiday tomorrow. These are my chosen few.

⁃ I will give more time for my Classics Masters . Did I tell you that I had started ? I was worried that I would drop out by now. Need to get reading and stop binging on Netflix recommendations – stop it you lot!!

⁃ I will shop for fresh foods more regularly so I stop the waste. I’m much better at freezing and creating random meals. After this December I also need to cook my own food 🤔😜.

⁃ I will strengthen my ankles so I can get back my fitness and dance more 💃🏾.

⁃ I will only eat samosas once a month! Hmmmm….

⁃ I will try to be a good member of my family & community.

Whatever you decide to do or not do or try to do … do it with gusto, belief and love.

We got you 2022!! You just wait and see.

Stay safe, stay healthy ans be kind.

Seema 🙏🏽

NB:: I’m avoiding any more food related resolutions as I know that I can’t be trusted !! 😋

I have been coming to the Exclusively Housewares (now just Exclusively) show for many years. First with Tefal, then DKB and lastly with GreenPan. You may think I like being in the industry, but I have yet to decide !

2019 was the first time I attended the show as part of the BHETA team (two weeks into the job), but still not fully aware of the organization behind the show. 2020 came and went without the show happening because of the dreaded COVID.

Then as 2020 came to an end, plans were beginning to form for the 2021 show. Then we moved to the August dates. Yes, it wasn’t perfect for all….but when is anything ever perfect?! And who has the luxury of choice this year?!!

So here we were with plans done, marketing done, invites sent, trends forecasted, influencers informed, magazines scheduled. Had we forgotten anything?

I got on the train from Bedford on Monday the 23rd, both excited and nervous. Numerous dresses and “flat pumps” packed. Days of the heels are long gone.

London was back to its normal busy self and as the taxi pulled up in front of the Business Design Centre I felt happy. I couldn’t wait to get inside.

Even before I got through the doors I was met by familiar faces; do we smile, elbow tap, fist pump, shake hands or, god forbid, hug? We all laughed and smiled and did whatever we were all comfortable with at that moment.

Inside there was the normal organised chaos of unbuilt stands, boxes of products strewn in the aisles and casually dressed sales & marketing people. People missing cups, hooks, products and other bits in that last few hours of preparation. Oh, then there were too many tables and chairs/stools, not enough lighting, too much lighting, no passes, need more passes, when does the show open and close.

However, I know from experience that first thing on Tuesday morning it will be as if the trade show fairy has come and fixed everything for everyone. Didn’t you know about her?

The BHETA stand was expertly put together by the team.

The Trend Hub was beautifully created by team Scarlet Opus – how cool were those displays!

My lounge may be going into a Neo Luxe transformation – well I have the green sofa, just need the black wall and perhaps a gold bowl!? Richard ensured that all the suppliers taking part in the Brand-showcase were ready for the press, influencers, bloggers and anyone who can help with the sales and PR of their products.

Day one of the show was busy, buzzy, bustling and business focused. Buyers turned out in force to support the industry. The BHETA team were welcoming our visitors.

I even managed to capture Helen Miller on the Le Creuset stand and Sarah Wood at the Launchpad.

I got star struck by Lynsey Crombie, The Queen of Clean; her hacks are great!

No party this year but we were able to have a drinks reception; just drinks. Not even any peanuts for safety reasons. I did wonder if we could have handed out individual packets as per flights??

Day two I was lucky enough to meet Juliet Sears; bakes amazing cakes on This Morning.

Oh and I issued the contracts for Exclusively 2022. First one back with their contract – Ijaz. Just fabulous!

The show was full of beautiful, functional, eco, well designed, branded, unbranded and varied products from a number of categories. I intentionally didn’t take too many product photos as I would probably have killed my phone. But here are a few of people with some products .

The show was full of established businesses and newcomers.

The show welcomed more tableware suppliers.

The show saw buyers from independent cook shops, major grocers specialist stores to online.

And at the end of two days when it all finishes, the chaos reappears for the contractors to clear up.

I can report that I did 28,282 steps and climbed 38 flights over the two days. My poor ankles. Perhaps that will have worked of the yummy lunch and pudding served up by Liam and his team.

So, there you have it . We will see you next year. I can’t actually put into words how great it was to be with so many friends from the industry. Because we are friends now, aren’t we?

And fabulous to make new contacts and meet away from a screen.

Thanks for exhibiting and visiting and making this a great industry.

However you got home, I hope it was an easy journey. My uber ride back to St Pancras was rather painful, but it was a comfortable, familiar pain. Oh London… I’ve missed you.

Note to self – go straight home and don’t be lulled into a dinner date, even if it is your daughter. Exclusively Exhausted vegetarian at the German Gymnasium… all very wrong.

🙏🏽

Seema

#staysafe

#don’tjudge

#bekind

#selllots

#buylots

#keepinnovating

#teamwork

Well, I don’t know why I hadn’t written this before. Credit where it’s due, it was prompted by Manasi Desphpande, sending a photo of her masala dabba .

Then I remembered a sketch by Michael McIntyre about the spice cupboard and thinking what a boring bunch of unloved spices. It was shown to us by a marketing bod when I worked for Cole & Mason to get us all excited about spice . C&M are purveyors of excellent Salt & Pepper mills (please don’t offend by calling them pots, they are mills!) and spice racks. Other brands are available (I have to stay impartial now). However, I am sure an Indian spice cupboard would be a little more colourful, interesting and entertaining. Note – this is not a cookery lesson, just a little stroll through my cupboard.

So let’s start with what is a spice and what is a herb? Ok, so you don’t know and don’t really care, you just use and cook. But knowledge is power and great to impress dinner guests.

Good old Wiki says, ‘spice is a seed, fruit, root, bark or other plant substance primarily used for flavouring or colouring food. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for favouring or as a garnish’.

Storing spices has become a mission in my house. These big ones are for my tried and tested regular.

They are out when I’m planning lots of cooking on a day. Perhaps I should label the Lids. I thought I should just talk about the key ones I use again and again, otherwise this could end up being a long read (which I understand isn’t the done thing on these blogs).

The salt, excuse the heart disease but I can’t live without it. And perhaps I eat just a bit too much. Just remember you can’t take away but you can always add. And for those who want to push the boat out go for the additional varieties available – we have pink Himalayan and rock salt. Good old Saxa table salt never gets to go to the party.

I can imagine the haldi (turmeric) all dolled up saying “move out of the way, boys, I’m now the star of this show. I’m so much in demand I’ve had to franchise myself out into different forms 😂 All the Indians roll their eyes at inflated prices of turmeric infused milk/drinks/shots. Just find a an Indian grocer and treat yourself. Watch those posh white worktops though. When she finds you, she will stay with you!

And chilli powder. Shades of red, fiery and hot. I’m sure it would be a she. Don’t mess with her because too much will overpower and she will take control of the dish. The paprika is the gentler quieter cousin with a slightly sweet personality.

Garam masala is like the don of the spice cupboard. Don’t mess with him. A combo of many other spices. He is the answer to everything. Everyone has their own recipe for the perfect punchy masala.

Dhaniya (ground coriander) is the right hand man to the turmeric, I reckon. You can’t do without it. Again, coriander is such a show off! You can’t cook an Indian meal without the herb and then it ensures you have the seeds for certain dishes (!!!!) and powder as a staple.

Cumin seeds (jeera). They start the party going and once it starts sizzling you know it’s time to add Heeng or Astofoetida. Partners in crime.

Mustard seeds (rai) are a little like tiny shots of heat and, like cumin seeds, are used at the start. When they start popping, you can add the other spices.

Kasthuri methi or fenugreek Is a powerful beast. The fragrance lingers and also emirates from your pores – trust me. But I love it.Methi leaves fresh can be used for so many dishes and the dried version just add depth to a curry. Fenugreek seeds are a must for aubergine dishes. Also let me introduce you to Amchoor powder (dried mango powder). For any dishes that need a little tang..)

But basically, I have Indian, Italian, baking, Mexican, Middle Eastern ie Ottolenghi and randoms (One off recipes/used once eg …. marjoram? Mace?)

My spice cupboards need attention. Yes, they really do. I’ve tried to divide them into the following groups and now I’m in the new house it’s gone to pot!

Perhaps I should go back to the dabbas and create one for the following as a start
⁃ North Indian
⁃ Rest of India
⁃ Italian
⁃ Rest of world
⁃ Baking
⁃ Random
⁃ Didn’t look before we bought it again tray

Happy cooking and buying! You never know when that is going to come in use. Hopefully, this will prompt you to have a little explore in your spice cupboard.

Remember Spice is for life 😂.

🙏🏽
Seema

So a simple recipe shared with me by Simantee. It’s for a spicy tomato chutney. No measurements given .. just trial and error.

Ingredients : Mix equal quantities of fenugreek /cumin/mustard/nigella seeds in jar. This mix is called Panch Puran. Freshly chopped tomatoes (10 medium sized) chillies (I used fresh but you can use powder). Sugar – half a cup. A little salt

Method: Heat a little oil in a heavy based pot. Drop in a heaped teaspoon of mix and when they start popping add in the chopped tomatoes and sugar/chillies/salt. And just leave to cook away until the tomato juice evaporates . The longer you leave it, the better. Keep tasting and you will probably need to add more sugar. Eat with anything 😉