How about this New Year you stay away from the usual resolutions which, let’s be honest, often fall by the wayside by the end of January. Instead look at ways to have a great year ahead which are achievable and more importantly, you can enjoy! I visited Upside Down Design on Bootham for some ‘New Year: New You’ inspiration and I was not disappointed! 

Be Kind to Yourself

Upside Down Design stock a range of skincare and lifestyle products by a brand called Meraki, that are organic and smell divine! We loved this Diffuser (£13.95), made with natural ingredients which will create a beautiful scent to your home: whether you use it in the bedroom, bathroom or living room. Also available in the same range is the Body Lotion (£14.95). Winter is tough on our skin, but this organic body lotion containing aloe vera and jojoba oil, will help keep your skin soft and moisturised. 

Get Cosy

Christmas might have been and gone, but Winter is far from over. These velvet eiderdowns which come in a range of sumptuous colours are perfect for getting cosy (from £179). We also love the colours of these ‘Birdie’ velvet cushions (£35.95) that would look great on a sofa or bed. 

Eat Well

We all know that eating well, makes us feel good, but the new year could be a time to try eating differently too. I spotted a variety of cookbooks and other interesting reading at Upside Down Design, these include ‘How to go Vegan’ (£12.99) and ‘How to go Plastic Free’ (£9.99). Both have simple tips on making the change towards a healthier, happier and more ethical lifestyle. Even if going vegan isn’t for you, it includes recipes, tips and tricks to try. 

A variety of books available with simple tips and ideas.

Get Outdoors

The benefits of being outdoors has been scientifically proven to boost your energy and immune system, is good for your vision and enhances creativity. I spotted these books: Epic Hikes of the World (£24.99), Mindful Thoughts for Walkers (£6.99) and The Great Outdoors ‘A User’s Guide’ (£18.99).

Getting outdoors inspiration.

Relax more

Easier said than done sometimes with family, work and relationships to manage; but in 2020 a simple resolution to try is to make more time for yourself. That could be in the form of reading a couple of times a week (something for you, not a bedtime story), or a bubble bath with candles and a glass of wine, a yoga class or a 20-minute run/walk. Whatever it is that you help you relax – make more time for it! 

Upside Down Design have a range of candles in all shapes, sizes and colours with votives too. I love this Merkai Sandcastles & Sunsets Scented Candle, reminiscent of a day at the beach available in two sizes (£6.95 and £11.95). Made from soya bean oil it’s 100% natural, resulting in a clean burning flame that gives off less soot than regular candles, plus a rainbow of colours you can buy from only 99p each. 

Get Organised

Being organised can reduce stress and make us happier; it can improve sleep and boost energy. This ‘Eternity’ Calendar (£24.95) is a great addition for either office or somewhere in the home that children can update and see what the day and date is. Plus, it will last forever! I really like this Yearly Planner 2020 (£12.95) with a page for each day to write down the ‘to do’s’ of your day and when they need to be done and even reflect upon your goals. 

Eternity Calendar £24.95 and Yearly Planner £12.95

Try Something New

It doesn’t matter what it is: take a painting class, write a poem, go rock climbing, try Ethiopian food, go to a ballet. Trying new things is an opportunity to learn about yourself, meet new people, to grow as a person and increase overall life satisfaction. ‘Do One Thing Every Day That Inspires You’ (£11.99), Acrylic Paint set (£8.95), Large Sketchbook (£9.95).

Try something new ideas!

Whatever resolutions or challenges you set yourself in 2020, I hope you make this year your best year yet! 

For all the products mentioned, you can visit Upside Down Design on 27 Bootham, York, Y030 7BW or visit their website https://www.upsidedowndesign.co.uk/