Sheila LemonSheila Lemon

Helping People Create A Better Life

Email: sheila@sheilalemon.com

My Journal

How to Stay Cool & Carry on This Summer

It might have come later than expected but at last the British summer has arrived bringing with it those scorching 30-degree days and balmy evenings we’ve craved for the most part of this rainy year.

And while we’re grateful for the warm rays and the blue skies, us Brits are still not accustomed to dealing with the high heat of summer and carrying on with our usual daily activities. So, this month, I wanted to share with you my 5 top tips for coping in warm weather and how to keep cool and carry on this August.

  1. Cool off & stay hydrated

Top of the list and most important is to stay hydrated! We naturally sweat more in the heat which means we need to drink more to keep our bodies hydrated. Hydration can aid concentration, energy levels, more accurate hunger signals as well as keeping our body functioning the way it should!

Need a bit more of an energy boost? Try the FAB energy drinks – FAB stands for Forever Active Boost. FABX is the one with no Calories, Carbs or Sugars. These delicious drinks give you a natural boost in energy as well as containing vitamins B6 and B12 which contribute to the reduction in tiredness and fatigue. After exertion, FAB would be better as it contains the glucose needed for recovery. Pop these in the fridge for a refreshing energy boost that you can grab and go!

  • Take regular breaks

When it’s hot, we’d all rather be lounging by the pool or taking a dip in the sea but realistically a lot of us still have to carry on with our day-to-day lives, and for some of us that means working.

Heat can make us lose focus more easily (especially if you can hear your neighbours splashing around in a paddling pool), or can even make tensions rise, so the best thing I can recommend is to take regular breaks and introduce a bit of mindfulness into your day. I find it makes life a little more manageable and stops you getting all hot and bothered by the daily frustrations.

My favourite way to practice mindfulness is through breathing exercises like Square Breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4, repeat), when you clear your mind of those constant thoughts. Believe me, if you are doing it correctly your mind has to concentrate on the counting. I recommend Mindful Movement for assisting these quiet mindful moments, or with some peaceful melodic music; my favourite is Living with Harmony. Meta and Alistair have created some beautiful videos accompanied by the harp and guitar mostly. They provide music therapy for Homes, and my husband David will listen while doing his creative colouring. Not only does this help you stay more productive throughout the day, it also helps to keep a cool head – in more ways than one!

  • Switch up your exercise routine

I love to stay active but I’m not a fan of sweating profusely under the beating heat of the midday sun, so my solution is to get my daily exercise in either early in the morning or later in the evening. It’s great to make use of the longer daylight hours and means I can still stay active over summer and keep my body as strong as possible.

Another thing you could do is switch up the type of exercise you’re doing to make it less strenuous. I’ve had my eye on an e-Bike from Cycle Sphere in Bordon for some time now and it would make a great alternative to overheating whilst pedaling up a hill. Or why not combine the two and go for a leisurely e-cycle in the evening for a nice gentle way to stay active this summer! This is also my preferred exercise as I recover from the very imminent hip replacement.

  • Nourish your body with tasty treats

Nothing beats a sweet icy treat on a hot summer’s day – except for one that is as nutritionally beneficial as it is delicious! Why not try this recipe for a Chocolate Banana Nice Cream that’s packed with protein and tastes amazing?

Simply blend:

1 frozen banana

1 scoop of Forever Lite Ultra in Chocolate

2-3 tbsp of milk of your choice

You can pop it back in the freezer to harden up and enjoy a naturally dairy free Nice Cream that’s packed full of vitamins and protein and tastes great!! Increase the chocolateyness (is that actually a word?!) with a generous spoonful of Nutella or something similar.

Fancy something fruity? Switch out the Chocolate Forever Lite Ultra for the Vanilla flavour and add any additional fruit, like strawberries for a Strawberries & Cream flavour, or add pineapple and coconut milk for a Pina Colada nice cream! YUM!

Be creative and please let me know your recipes.

  • Stay sun safe

I personally prefer the shade to the sun but if you are looking to pick up a healthy glow this summer, make sure you stay sun safe by protecting your skin with a sun cream. Forever Living’s sunscreen is formulated to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays while hydrating your skin with Aloe extract.

Enjoyed the sun too much? Check out the soothing Aloe Vera Gelly from Forever – using the highest quality of aloe, the gelly sinks into your skin offering a cooling hydration to hot frazzled skin.

If you want to learn more about any of the products I’ve mentioned above, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch to have a chat or shop the Forever products here! Happy summer!

Stay healthy for whatever life throws at you!

As one of life’s adventurers, my approach to health has always been; the better I feel, the more I can do!

And if the last year has taught us anything, it’s that life can be unexpected – very unexpected!

During the lockdown, many of us battled with our health to some degree; some of us physically, some of us mentally, and some of us emotionally, so as we ease back towards normality, we all seem to have developed a new appreciation for what it means to be healthy.

In my last blog, I spoke about how I believe health is more about how I feel than how I look – and that remains true. And to the same point, maintaining my health is about keeping myself feeling great for whatever comes my way.

A few years ago, I had my first hip operation – the recovery was quicker than most because I diligently followed the exercises that the hospital recommended. I did it to the letter, never failed so I was back to normal activities in fewer weeks than the hospital expected. I was told to continue daily activities like walking, a dream for me because I love walking, especially around here where I live. They also suggested cycling or swimming or both. Now I have an issue with swimming – I hate the getting changed, getting wet, getting dry and getting changed again! What a bore! I chose cycling because I enjoy it and I have friends who enjoy it too. A lovely therapeutic and social time, even though I was challenged with the steep incline going home. One of the drawbacks from living on a high point in Hampshire. I bought a bike with 18 gears! That was challenging, even though I’m good with numbers, I never knew which one I’d chosen! It was always a topic of conversation when I told people I had bought a Land Rover! Yes, the bike had the very recognisable Land Rover logo stamped on the frame.

 I’ve been using a vast range of Forever Living products for quite some time now and would happily attribute my good health and general wellbeing as a direct result. Along with following the hospital’s exercise regime some of these fabulous products also aided my speedy recovery and now I’m looking to beat my recovery record with my second hip operation, when it happens! I’m part of the shocking NHS statistic of over 5 million routine procedures still pending!

Maintaining good health pre-op gives you a head start on your recovery post-op, so as my second hip operation looms somewhere in the future, I’m ramping up my health practices so I can feel my best heading into the operation, fast-track my recovery and get out exploring again ASAP.

To help me on my way, I’ll be using a range of Forever Living products that I use daily and truly love so, I thought I’d show you my top 5 so you can join in and feel your best for whatever life brings your way. Please bear in mind, I’m sharing the ones that are specific to my current health which is poor mobility. There are so many you would be overwhelmed. More about those another time.

Forever Aloe Vera Gel

As one of nature’s natural healers, Aloe Vera is a foundational ingredient for Forever Living – and with good reason! The Forever Aloe Vera Gel provides numerous health benefits like aiding digestion and supporting gastro-intestinal health. It is made of 99.7% pure inner leaf gel and now contains vitamin C which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to a normal energy-yielding metabolism. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to boost your health – this daily drink is one of my favourites!

Forever Freedom

This drinking gel combines all the benefits of the pure Aloe Vera drinking gel with added glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane), those lovely elements that assist in keeping your joints flexible, hence it’s popular with those leading an active lifestyle.

Forever Arctic Sea

This is a perfectly balanced blend of omega-3 fatty acids. It supports heart and brain function. The human body cannot naturally make the omega-3 fatty acids which are commonly found in fish. Forever’s Arctic Sea is a blend of natural fish, calamari and oleic olive oil giving the perfect balance of these essential fatty acids. It’s a pure source of EPA for normal function and DHA which contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function.

Where would I be without my daily Arctic Sea? I hate to think!

Forever Move

As the description says “Keep moving towards your next adventure with Forever Move”!

It combines two powerful and patented ingredients: natural eggshell membrane (NEM) and curcumin turmeric (Biocurc), a prized Asian root popular with people who lead active lives. These are perfect for people who lead busy and active lifestyles, sport and fitness enthusiasts, maturing adults (that’s me!) and those who work at strenuous jobs.

Forever Lite Ultra

This plant-powered protein powder comes in two flavours, Vanilla or Chocolate and is the perfect thing to add to your morning smoothies to boost your muscle repair and protein intake. It contains 24g of protein per serving when mixed with 300mls of skimmed milk and is chock-full of vitamins and minerals to support your body through exercise. I love adding a scoop of vanilla to my morning porridge – absolutely delicious! We call this a kitchen cupboard product because of its versatility. You can make smoothies of your choice and it makes really healthy pancakes or banana bread too. A great way to take on board your nutritional requirements as an alternative to a meal when you are pressed for time.

Fancy giving your body a boost and staying healthy for whatever life throws your way? Shop Forever Living products here or get in touch to learn more and find the perfect ones to suit you!

So, what’s next?

As I give my body everything it needs to stay fighting fit, there’s one other thing I’ll be acquiring to keep me exploring – an e-Bike! I’ve had my eye on one these since I gave up my previous two-wheeler, the Land Rover, as the hills where I live are too challenging for me now. I’ve visited the newly opened Cycle Sphere at the hub of Bordon town centre – The Shed, to see what they had to offer. What charming people and so many to choose from. I think I’ve made my choice. I can highly recommend you pay them a visit, they have so much to offer for all abilities and requirements.

I’m looking forward to getting back to my adventures and whizzing up hills with ease – stay tuned to hear where my new bike takes me!

Shop Forever HERE

Press Reset & Feel Your Best This Summer

We’ve finally escaped the downpours of May and are at long last heading into the warmer months of summer, and all the joys that the sunny season brings; long hot days, balmy evenings, and maybe even a trip to the English seaside!

But for some, the threat of ‘bikini season’ this year is looming. Over the past year many of us have fallen out of healthy habits and into home comforts, but now that the world is gradually returning to normal, many of us are feeling in need of a little health refresh.

For me, health is much more about how we feel than how we look. I personally feel my healthiest when I’m happy, mobile and eating foods that agree with me and bring me joy. But it’s not always as easy as that, is it?

The first step is always the hardest! Creating a plan of action, changing your diet, being committed to exercise – it’s no easy feat! Mindset plays a huge part in helping you create and maintain healthy habits, and self-motivation can easily dwindle without support – I know, I’ve been there. But Forever Living have developed a program that takes all the hard work out of it…

C9 is a 9-day plan that helps you reform your healthy habits and kickstart your journey to a healthier and happier you this summer. This balanced program allows your body and mind to press the reset button and provides you with new ways to feel great again.

They say it takes 30 days to create a new habit that you stick with, this is just the first 9 days. In this short period, you can feel so good and proud of your efforts, it makes the next 21 more achievable.

The full Forever programme is split into three stages that are designed to help cleanse the body and start afresh with a renewed sense of energy and motivation. C9 is the first stage, providing you with a range of products to help you stick to the whole program if you so wish. You may discover that the C9 is all you need to get these healthy habits in place. The programme is called F.I.T. which stands for Foundation – Inspiration – Transformation and the aim is to get you where you want to be on your “Look Good – Feel Good” journey. As you might expect, it includes Forever Living’s hero product; The Aloe Vera Gel. Rich in nutrients, the powerful gel supports gastro-intestinal health, immune function and is a natural cleanser, making it the perfect central product in the programme.

Life and convenience food can often get in the way of us making sustainable changes to our diet, which is why staying accountable for just 9 days can really kick you off to such a brilliant start!

The C9 Booklet is an essential part of the programme, not only does it help you stay accountable with your nutritional consumption, but it is also chock-full of fun exercise ideas and great recipe ideas as well to help you transform your approach to fitness. We don’t all have time to create our own fitness plans, sometimes we just want people to tell us what to do and when to do it – which is exactly what C9 does!

I’ve had customers who have had truly incredible results from trying C9 – here’s what they’ve told me:

“I have used Forever Living’s C9 programme a couple of times now and have always felt refreshed and energised at the end of the 9 days. It is a great way to prepare your body and mind towards having better eating habits, and I can honestly say I never felt hungry. The Aloe drinking gel has always been part of my daily health routine and coupled with the specially chosen supplements, allows you to continue your working day without the fear of loosing your energy. The shakes are amazing, especially with added fresh fruit blended in turning it into a delicious smoothie. It also helps if you have had either training or are supported by a Forever Living Business Owner, to really understand and get the best out of this health programme. This is an informative and well put together programme, making it easy for anyone to try and I highly recommend it.” – Nina

“C9 is a way of moving towards a healthier lifestyle. It’s 9 days to change your habits and these are great products to aid the process. I felt lighter and full of energy at the end of the 9 days.” – Isabell

“Hi Sheila, I am so pleased with my C9 results and I am only on Day 5! My energy levels are great and my appetite is under control. Feeling Fab! Can I order the supplements to continue with?” – Cathy

Fancy giving C9 a go and feeling like the best version of you this summer? Get in touch! If you have any questions or concerns about C9, I’d be more than happy to have a chat.

Disclaimer: Before embarking on any exercise programme or use of dietary supplements please consult your GP for advice. C9 is not suitable for those with Diabetes, Kidney Disease, Epilepsy, Heart Disease or Dementia and is not to be used during pregnancy or breast feeding.

Why not start your journey and shop Forever now.

Flexibility, freedom & fun: What do you want after lockdown?

The next few months are going to be transformative for UK residents as we inch closer to the end of Coronavirus restrictions. For many of us, this means a delightful and well-needed reunion with our loved ones, family members and friends, as we move from limited outdoor activities to bigger affairs like the return of weddings and other fun-filled events!

So, as we tip toe closer to normality, I thought it would be a good opportunity to reflect on all the things we’re looking forward to after lockdown. As an adventure-seeker myself, I’m thrilled at the chance to start embracing my intrepid nature again, venturing out to discover new opportunities that give me flexibility, freedom and fun like my work with Forever Living.

In this blog, I’ll be affectionately borrowing these three ‘F’s from the Forever Living website to talk about all of the things I’m most looking forward to in the warmer months of 2021 and beyond!

Flexibility

If there’s one thing I’ve missed while being in lockdown it’s the flexibility to do what I want, when I want. It might sound silly, but something as simple as going to the shops more than once every three days (which is what we’ve been doing to keep myself and my partner safe), would be a great improvement! Allowing David access to shopping centres so he can watch people. I may not have mentioned this before, but as a shepherd in his former life he was used to watching over these woolly beasts on a daily basis. People now make a very good substitute for sheep!

As I’ve got older, it’s become more and more important for me to have a flexible lifestyle. With my adventurous spirit, I’ve never settled with the idea of a relaxed retirement so finding a flexible way to work was a dream-come-true! Unlike many others who have only had recent experiences of flexible working, my work with Forever Living has always given me the ability to be truly flexible so I can’t wait for other areas of my life to start reflecting that again too!

Freedom

Ah sweet freedom – the antithesis of restriction! I think it’s safe to say that we are all eagerly anticipating the return of freedom. For some this might look like regularly seeing friends, going to the pub, or even travelling the world – whatever it means to you, it will be back soon!

For me, it’s the freedom to connect with people. I’ve truly missed seeing the un-masked faces of my loved ones as we chat away or smile at each other. Connection is a huge part of my work with Forever Living, so being able to re-connect with my customers and those in my team face-to-face will be a true joy!

Fun

Where would we be without fun? For me, the need for fun didn’t end with my childhood, I’m still as eager to explore, laugh, and make life my own personal adventure, as I was when I was growing up! Working with Forever Living has giving me the opportunity to carry my sense of adventure into my work – no day is the same and that’s my idea of fun!

We all need a bit more fun in our lives, especially after the last year – what will you do?

While many of us are thrilled at the chance to hug and hold our loved ones close again, it’s important to still remain as vigilant as possible with upholding the government advice; Hands, Face, Space.

Over the course of the lockdown periods, I’ve been helping my customers feel safer with my ultimate Hand Care Bundle containing three exceptional products from Forever – The Aloe Vera Company. This trio of products will keep your hands safe, sanitised and moisturised in the coming months and beyond! Explore Forever – The Aloe Vera Company products here!

So, if you’re feeling apprehensive about the easing of lockdown measures, my Hand Care Bundle contains; the Forever Aloe Liquid Soap to wash hands at home, the Instant Hand Sanitizer for when you’re on the go and the Aloe Propolis Crème for rehydrating your hands. Please note, this bundle is of my making and not one put together by the Company.

It’s the ultimate kit to keep hands clean and moisturised, and keep your loved ones safe! I’ve always maintained there is a love affair between Aloe Vera and your skin.  Browse here!

10 Unexpected Uses for Lip Balm

This understated pocket-sized product has been a staple cosmetic for generations, but lip balm might actually have more uses that you were aware of – especially when it is formulated with aloe vera.

Small but mighty, lip balms are known to moisturize and nourish dry or chapped lips that have fared harsh weather, nervous lip-nibbling or even sunburn, but what makes this product so versatile?

Having worked with Forever – The Aloe Vera Company for some time, I’ve become well-acquainted with the healing ingredients in their product range. One of my personal favourites is their nourishing lip balm, Aloe Lips. This product uses a unique combination of aloe, jojoba and three types of wax to smooth and soothe dry lips all year round.

Aloe vera is known as one of the world’s most effective natural healers, meaning this pocket-sized product could offer you more than soft supple lips!

Over the years I’ve heard of some incredibly inventive and resourceful uses for Aloe Lips, so I thought I’d compile ten of my absolute favourites to inspire you to get creative with this mini miracle balm.

Please note, Aloe Lips is intended for the specific use of treating and nourishing dry lips, these are simply other uses I have heard from my customers.

  1. Adds a shimmer to your favourite lip colour

Not a fan of the sticky sensation of lip gloss? Aloe Lips can give you that same shine without the tackiness of gloss. Either wear on its own or layer over the top of your favourite lip stick or lip pencil to add a subtle shimmer and complete your everyday to evening make up look.

2. Creates a dewy complexion

Highlighter has sky-rocketed in recent years as the on-trend make up product, but the same shimmery look can be achieved with a light dab of Aloe Lips. Try rubbing a small amount onto your fingers and dabbing it on the high points of your face like your cheekbones or beneath your eyebrows to create a dewy, radiant complexion.

3. Defines brows

Some eyebrow gels fix the hairs so fiercely that it forms a solid, dare I say crispy brow – no one wants that! With Aloe Lips you can smooth brows into place for a sleek, defined look while also hydrating your brows and the skin beneath.

4. Soothes small paper cuts or shaving cuts

The balmy consistency of Aloe Lips also means it comes in handy for treating small cuts or grazes. The balm helps to staunch any blood and the healing aloe helps to soothe any irritation.

Need something more substantial to soothe the skin? Aloe First uses a unique blend of their stabilised aloe vera gel plus bee propolis to enhance the natural soothing and cleansing power of aloe. I’ve personally seen Aloe First do some incredible things to treats skin irritation and even burns when applied quickly – shop Aloe First here.

5. Treats stings

This mini first-aid kit in a stick has also been known to soothe bites or stings for those overgrown nature walks or summertime picnics.

6. Calms the sizzle of sunburn

SPF has always been essential summer skincare product but it’s not as common to think about protecting your lips from the harsh rays. After a long day at the beach, Aloe Lips can be used to soothe sunburn and hydrate the sore skin. And not just in the heat of the sun, it protects your lips when the temperature plummets too.

7. Makes perfume last longer

Applying a small amount of balm to the areas where you typically spray your skin with perfume has been shown to make your favourite scent last longer. Dab a touch of Aloe Lips to your wrists or neck before spritzing with your perfume or aftershave for a longer-lasting scent.

8. Soothes sore skin

It’s a horrible feeling when you’ve had a cold and your nose has been rubbed raw with tissues. A smooth balm like Aloe Lips can help to build a barrier for your skin and provide that all important hydration. It can also be used to treat dry, sore or rough patches on hands or other parts of the body – although the Aloe Propolis Crème is a fantastic moisturiser for larger areas.

Combined with vitamins A, E, and C, Aloe Propolis Crème nourishes the skin and creates a natural barrier to lock in moisture and rejuvenate skin – there’s a reason why it’s one of our best sellers!

9. Makes a great workout buddy

Thinking about getting in shape for summer? Hydrating your lips is probably the last thing you think of while doing burpees but applying a touch of Aloe Lips above your brow before an intense workout can stop sweat from getting in your eyes – meaning you can jump around as much as you please!

10. It is a trusty companion – wherever you find yourself!

This powerful pocket-sized lip product is as versatile as it is transportable. In my opinion, no pocket or purse should be without one.

A huge thank you to all of my lovely customers who have brought these creative and innovative uses for Aloe Lips to my attention.

Explore Aloe Lips for yourself and discover why my customers love it so much! Tried it and found a new unexpected use? I want to hear it!

Head over to my Facebook page and drop a comment in one of my recent posts, or if you would like to hear more about their range of products, simply get in touch – I’d love to talk you though everything Forever – The Aloe Vera Company has to offer!

How are you feeling about these easing of lockdown measures in the UK? Are you excited for the return to ‘normal’ or apprehensive? Next month, we’ll be talking about exactly this and how I’m making my customers feel safer with my handcare bundle containing three exceptional products from Forever – The Aloe Vera Company that will keep you safe, santised and moisturised in the coming months and beyond! Stay tuned!